Frillish

erisia

Innovative new design!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
frillish.gif
frillish-female.gif


[OVERVIEW]

Frillish's excellent defensive typing and access to Recover differentiate it from the otherwise superior Misdreavus and make it a decent spinblocker for stall teams and bulky balanced teams. Unlike Gourgeist-XL, Frillish lacks weaknesses to common coverage moves from the likes of Samurott, Hitmonchan, and Tauros, making it more reliable at dealing with these threats alongside others including Barbaracle and Klinklang. Water Absorb is particularly nice, as it lets Frillish switch into Scald with impunity and makes it a good response to physical Water-types even if they have already accrued several boosts. Meanwhile, access to Will-O-Wisp differentiates it from other Water-types, letting it more reliably cripple physical attackers, while Night Shade and Taunt prevent Frillish from being too passive despite its poor Special Attack. However, its reliance on Eviolite and weakness to Knock Off is crippling, making it vulnerable to Pokemon such as Shiftry, Hariyama, and even Sandslash, which all either beat Frillish or make it easier for a teammate to take down later. Furthermore, Frillish's low Speed stops Taunt from preventing one-turn setup sweepers such as Ludicolo and Vivillon from taking advantage of it, and faster Toxic users such as Mantine can also exploit this flaw. Finally, despite good special bulk, Frillish struggles with strong Electric- and Grass-types, such as Manectric, Abomasnow, and Shiftry, as well as other Ghost-types such as Haunter and Mismagius.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Night Shade / Scald
move 3: Recover
move 4: Taunt
item: Eviolite
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Will-O-Wisp cripples a large section of the metagame, particularly physical attackers such as Tauros and Hitmonchan that Frillish likes to switch into, but also Dark-types such as Liepard and Malamar that might try to come in and remove Frillish's Eviolite with Knock Off. Night Shade provides consistent damage against non-Normal-types and makes up for Frillish's low offensive potential, being strong enough to break most Substitutes. Scald is weaker in general, but it provides a better matchup against specific targets like Rhydon and Pyroar. It also lets Frillish potentially burn targets while Taunted, so it's not completely redundant in combination with Will-O-Wisp. Recover lets Frillish wall threats such as Archeops, Kangaskhan, Swellow, and Rhydon indefinitely and keep itself healthy throughout the match as it forces switches, and it is much more useful than Pain Split, the recovery option that rival Ghost-types such as Rotom and Mismagius are forced to use. Taunt can stop switch-ins that might try to set up or inflict status on Frillish, and also cripples slow targets such as Steelix, Gastrodon, Ferroseed, and Musharna, preventing them from doing anything threatening to Frillish or its team.

Set Details
========

Maximum physical bulk makes the most of Frillish's defensive typing and access to Will-O-Wisp, allowing it to take on powerful attackers such as Samurott and Tauros without many issues. Frillish's good special bulk doesn't require any investment to be useful, as most special attackers either are walled regardless (such as Pyroar and Combusken) or do too much damage to Frillish in the first place (such as Rotom and Lilligant), and the extra physical bulk is much preferred. Eviolite gives Frillish the overall bulk it needs to wall threats and be effective compared to fully evolved Ghost-types such as Rotom and Gourgeist-XL. Water Absorb is highly useful for letting Frillish switch into Scald for free and dealing with powerful Water-types such as Samurott and Barbaracle more effectively.

Usage Tips
========

Frillish is generally best suited to stall teams, where its somewhat passive nature is less detrimental and it can receive consistent anti-status support from its teammates. However, it can also work on certain balanced builds that require a spinblocker with extreme longevity. Frillish can switch into common Rapid Spin users such as Hitmonchan and Kabutops with few issues, and use Recover after it forces them to switch out, conserving its health for later much more consistently than rivals such as Rotom, Mismagius, and Misdreavus. Will-O-Wisp can be used if Frillish is healthy to cripple switch-ins such as Abomasnow and Shiftry or just to wear down bulky targets such as Miltank and Mega Audino, as well as other Normal-types such as Tauros and Kangaskhan if they choose to stay in. Night Shade can deal chip damage against foes that stay in after being burned, making it easier to stall them out in combination with Recover. Frillish makes a good switch-in to most Water-types due to its immunity to Scald, but it should watch out for moves such as Volt Switch from Lanturn and Toxic from Mantine and Gastrodon. Frillish can use Taunt freely against slower foes such as Steelix, Gastrodon, and defensive Rhydon, and it can also hit faster threats with the move if they attempt to switch in. This can prevent a situation like Weezing laying Toxic Spikes after Frillish is forced out.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard stackers greatly appreciate Frillish's ability to consistently block Rapid Spin. Garbodor and Roselia can set Spikes or Toxic Spikes while also absorbing the opposing team's Toxic Spikes to prevent Frillish from being poisoned. Steel- and Rock-types such as Steelix, Ferroseed, and Rhydon can set Stealth Rock consistently and greatly appreciate Frillish's immunities and resistances to Fighting-, Fire-, and Water-type attacks. Frillish is very vulnerable to status and greatly appreciates Heal Bell support. Miltank and Mega Audino are great options due to their immunity to Ghost-type attacks, general ability to handle Knock Off, and other valuable attributes; Mega Audino's immunity to Trick is particularly valuable. Skuntank can absorb Toxic Spikes while also Pursuit trapping Xatu, which is a large threat to stall teams that can wall Frillish effortlessly between Magic Bounce and Roost. Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Hitmonchan can deal with Dark-types such as Liepard and Shiftry that threaten Frillish with Knock Off, being able to switch into the move if required and dealing heavy damage back. Throh is particularly bulky and doesn't mind losing its item while shuffling teams with Circle Throw to spread damage from the entry hazards that Frillish spinblocks for.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Toxic is a good option for letting Frillish stall out bulky targets such as Mega Audino and Musharna more reliably, especially in combination with Taunt and Recover. Hex does decent damage against statused targets, but Night Shade is usually more consistent in other situations, although Hex can work particularly well on teams that use Toxic Spikes. Frillish has an expansive offensive movepool including options such as Water Spout, Ice Beam, Energy Ball, and Dazzling Gleam, but it can't afford to invest in Special Attack, making these moves too weak in general to justify moveslots for. This coverage also isn't generally useful for stall teams in the first place. Magic Coat can be used over Taunt to better deal with other Taunt users, but it's generally less useful than being able to restrict the foe's options with a Taunt of your own. It also bounces back status and entry hazards, which can be useful.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Knock Off and Trick**: Frillish is easily dealt with once its Eviolite has been removed by Knock Off, Trick, and other similar moves. This allows Pokemon such as Hariyama, Zangoose, and Sandslash that would normally struggle with it to either break through it or make it much easier for teammates to take down. More passive Pokemon such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Mega Audino can also cripple Frillish with Knock Off at little risk. Meanwhile, Choice Scarf Jynx can cripple Frillish with Trick, and Choice Scarf Barbaracle can lure it and neuter it effectively with Switcheroo.

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Liepard, Malamar, and Shiftry obviously hit Frillish very hard with Knock Off, but Skuntank can also threaten it, using Taunt and a Lum Berry to prevent any chance of being burned (unless Frillish runs Scald) and either dealing heavy damage with Sucker Punch or Crunch if it tries to go for an attack or crippling it with Pursuit if it tries to switch.

**Taunt**: Faster Taunt users such as Mismagius, Weezing, and Skuntank can prevent Frillish from using Recover or its other non-attacking moves, neutralizing it as a threat. While Night Shade can still deal moderate damage to these Pokemon, a Normal-type such as Zangoose can easily switch into it and proceed to set up or take Frillish down with a coverage move or pound a switch-in with a STAB attack. However, most of these Pokemon fear a potential burn as they switch in.

**Super Effective STAB Attacks**: While Frillish has impressive uninvested special bulk, it still takes heavy damage from the likes of Manectric, Lilligant, and Shiftry, with the latter also being able to threaten it with Knock Off. However, Frillish can generally use Recover to shrug off Volt Switches from the likes of defensive Lanturn and Choice Scarf Rotom, although it must watch out for Trick from the latter. Furthermore, as Frillish is slow and usually runs Night Shade over a STAB attack, it can't deal with other Ghost-types very effectively. Haunter and Mismagius can force Frillish out with their main attacking moves, while Rotom can threaten Frillish with its STAB Electric- or Ghost-type attacks.
 
Last edited:
The second to last bullet in the overview should also mention that Frillish cannot stop faster Toxic users from crippling it.

I don't think it's worth mentioning Cursed Body in oo because it's just way to inconsistent and not very useful. I wouldn't use this Pokemon without Water Absorb, otherwise, it's much easier to pressure.

In the first section of checks and counters, it's also worthwhile to mention some more passive Pokemon that carry Knock Off such as Clefairy and Mega Audino.

For the Taunt section, remove the bit about Tauros being able to switch in to Nightshade, as it cannot 2HKO and risks getting burned. It also doesn't have Taunt so it seems odd to mention it there. You should mention that all of those Pokemon can still be crippled by Scald burns as well.

Remove the Toxic Spikes section; it's just too general of a thing to mention because any grounded Pokemon that's not a Poison type is hindered by it, even moreso when they don't have reliable recovery or passive recovery to offset it and Frillish at the very least has the former.

1/3
 
**Ghost-types**: As Frillish is slow and usually runs Night Shade over a STAB attack, it can't deal with other Ghost-types very effectively. Rotom, Haunter, and Mismagius can all force Frillish out with powerful STAB attacks, with Rotom also being able to secure momentum via Volt Switch if Frillish tries to switch out.

**Electric- and Grass-types**: While Frillish has impressive uninvested special bulk, it still takes heavy damage from the likes of Manectric, Lilligant, and Shiftry, with the latter also being able to threaten it with Knock Off. However, Frillish can generally use Recover to shrug off weak Volt Switches from the likes of defensive Lanturn.
The way this section is arranged puzzles me a bit. Why are Electric- and Grass-types paired together in the same category? Why are Ghost-types listed separately? Why aren't, for example, Dark-types mentioned here (perhaps you can give them a stronger mention in the Knock Off section)? There's a bit of overlap going on between the categories as well, and I believe each category should be listed based on how differently / similiarly these Pokemon deal with Frillish, such as shrugging off burns (unlike Dark-types), resisting Frillish's attacks (like Grass-types), have recovery (also Grass-types) or something.
 
I agree that there's some overlap in checks and counters, not quite sure what the best solution is atm. Implemented the things.
 
Overview
I think something that's really important to mention is the competition Frillish faces from Misdreavus, which has better stats in literally every way - it's bulkier, faster, and hits harder, making it a much more potent stallbreaker. It also has some really cool niche/surprise options like PSong and Heal Bell (really underrated mon!). So all that to say I love Missy and I think a nod to it is warranted. You could just slap "and differentiate it from other bulky spinblockers such as Misdreavus" on the end of the first point after removing the part about 'decent base stats', since i dont think its honestly subpar stats minus Eviolite are very pivotal in letting it do what it does anyway ("Excellent defensive typing and access to Recover make Frillish a decent spinblocker for stall teams and differentiate it..." etc.)

Moves

Scald is weak and mostly outdone by Will-O-Wisp
somewhat nitpicky, but i think directly comparing the two is kinda weird, since the potential to burn when taunted (which you mention) is more a neat side effect than anything; if you're using scald, it's primarily to avoid giving free turns to the mons you mentioned. so basically, drop the 'mostly outdone by WoW' part

Set Details

Frillish has very low Defense if uninvested so it generally isn't worth investing in other stats.
this is pretty meh reasoning for me, i'd rather you delete this and continue the previous sentence with "allowing it to handle strong physical attackers such as Tauros and Samurott as well as possible" or something along those lines. the way you put it makes it sound like part of the point is to balance out its stats (obviously not relevant at all)

Team Options

and ability to deal with Grass-types using Sap Sipper and potentially Fire Blast respectively.
this is kinda misleading since you dont really see fire blast and heal bell on the same set; idt it's particularly necessary to mention either of these in the first place, you nailed the most important things (cleric + knock absorber)

OO

Some examples of Frillish's expansive movepool (dazzling gleam and e-ball) would be nice

Magic Coat also helps for bouncing back status and hazards fwiw. still bad tho as we all know

C&C

primeape doesn't get knock

i wouldn't call rotom's volt switch weak per se, so i think you can remove that qualifier

QC 2/3
 
Moves:

  • Recover lets Frillish wall certain threats and keep itself healthy throughout the match.
    "Certain threats" is pretty vague especially to a newer user. Make this more specific.
Set Details:
  • Water Absorb is handy for letting Frillish switch into Scald for free and dealing with powerful Water-types such as Samurott and Kabutops more effectively.
    Would rather see a different water-type as an example besides kabu, considering some variants 2hko's with stone edge. Maybe consider barb here.
Usage Tips:
  • Remove the mention of Electivire and replace it with like, any other switch into frillish that doesn't appreciate burn.
  • Frillish makes a good switch-in to most Water-types due to its immunity to Scald, but it should watch out for moves such as Volt Switch from Lanturn and Toxic from Mantine.
    Toxic from gastrodon too.
Team Options:
  • I'd like to see Fighting-types like Chan and Yama mentioned alongside mega-audino because of their ability to sponge knock and in general take on dark types that annoy frillish.
Good work like always, after this is written this will be QC 3/3
 
Implemented all this feedback and wrote it up. I tweaked a few other things so maybe give it a quick look over before I put it up for GP.
 
Probably worth mentioning the increasingly popular crunch alongside pursuit and sucker when discussing skuntank in C&C. besides that looks good send this along to gp *_*
 
Last edited:
GP 1/2

add/change; remove; (comment); (AC) = add comma; (RC) = remove comma
[OVERVIEW]

Frillish's excellent defensive typing and access to the excellent Recover differentiate it from the otherwise superior Misdreavus and make it a decent spinblocker for stall teams and bulky balanced teams. Unlike Gourgeist-XL, Frillish lacks weaknesses to common coverage moves from the likes of Samurott, Hitmonchan, and Tauros, making it more reliable at dealing with these threats alongside others including Barbaracle and Klinklang. Water Absorb is particularly nice, (AC) as it lets Frillish switch into Scald with impunity and makes it a good response to physical Water-types even if they have already accrued several boosts. Meanwhile, access to Will-O-Wisp differentiates it from other Water-types, letting it more reliably cripple physical attackers, while Night Shade and Taunt prevent Frillish from being too passive despite its poor Special Attack. However, its reliance on Eviolite and weakness to Knock Off is crippling, making it vulnerable to Pokemon such as Shiftry, Hariyama, and even Sandslash, which all either beat Frillish or make it easier for a teammate to take down later. Furthermore, low Speed stops Taunt from preventing one-turn (hyp.) setup sweepers such as Ludicolo and Vivillon from taking advantage of it Frillish, and faster Toxic users such as Mantine can also exploit this flaw. Finally, despite good special bulk, Frillish struggles with strong Electric- and Grass-types, (AC) such as Manectric, Abomasnow, and Shiftry, as well as other Ghost-types such as Haunter and Mismagius.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Night Shade / Scald
move 3: Recover
move 4: Taunt
item: Eviolite
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Will-O-Wisp cripples a large section of the metagame with a burn, particularly physical attackers such as Tauros and Hitmonchan that Frillish likes to switch into, (RC) but also Dark-types such as Liepard and Malamar that might try to come in and remove Frillish's Eviolite with Knock Off. Night Shade provides consistent damage against non-Normal-types (hyp.) and makes up for Frillish's low offensive potential, being strong enough to break most Substitutes. Scald is weaker in general, (AC) but it provides a better matchup against specific targets like Rhydon and Pyroar. It also lets Frillish potentially burn targets while Taunted, so it's not completely redundant in combination with Will-O-Wisp. Recover lets Frillish wall threats such as Archeops, Kangaskhan, Swellow, and Rhydon indefinitely and keep itself healthy throughout the match as it forces switches, and it is much more useful than Pain Split, the recovery option that rival Ghost-types such as Rotom and Mismagius are forced to use. Taunt can stop switch-ins that might try to set up or inflict status on Frillish, (RC) and also cripples slow targets such as Steelix, Gastrodon, Ferroseed, and Musharna, preventing them from doing anything threatening to Frillish or its team.

Set Details
========

Maximum physical bulk makes the most of Frillish's defensive typing and access to Will-O-Wisp, allowing Frillish to take on powerful attackers such as Samurott and Tauros without many issues. Frillish's good special bulk doesn't require any investment to be useful, as most special attackers are either walled regardless (such as Pyroar and Combusken) or do too much damage to Frillish in the first place (such as Rotom or Lilligant), and the extra physical bulk is much prefered preferred. Eviolite gives Frillish the overall bulk it needs to wall threats and be effective compared to fully evolved Ghost-types such as Rotom and Gourgeist-XL. Water Absorb is highly useful for letting Frillish switch into Scald for free and dealing with powerful Water-types such as Samurott and Barbaracle more effectively.

Usage Tips
========

Frillish is generally best suited to stall teams, where its somewhat passive nature is less detrimental, (AC) and it can receive consistent anti-status support from its teammates. However, it can also work on certain balanced builds that require a spinblocker with extreme longevity. Frillish can switch into common Rapid Spin users such as Hitmonchan and Kabutops with few issues, (RC) and can use Recover after it forces them to switch out, conserving its health for later much more consistently than rivals such as Rotom, Mismagius, or Misdreavus. Will-O-Wisp can be used if Frillish is healthy to cripple switch-ins such as Abomasnow and Shiftry, or just to wear down bulky targets such as Miltank and Mega Audino, as well as other Normal-types such as Tauros and Kangaskhan if they choose to stay in. Night Shade can deal chip damage against foes that stay in after being burned, making it easier to stall them out in combination with Recover. Frillish makes a good switch-in to most Water-types due to its immunity to Scald, but it should watch out for moves such as Volt Switch from Lanturn and Toxic from Mantine and Gastrodon. Frillish can use Taunt freely against slower foes such as Steelix, Gastrodon, and defensive Rhydon, and it can also hit faster threats with the move if they attempt to switch in. This can prevent a situation like Weezing laying Toxic Spikes after Frillish is forced out.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard stackers greatly appreciate Frillish's ability to consistently block Rapid Spin. Garbodor and Roselia can set Spikes or Toxic Spikes while also absorbing the opposing team's Toxic Spikes to prevent Frillish from being poisoned. Steel- and Rock-types such as Steelix, Ferroseed, and Rhydon can set Stealth Rock consistently and highly greatly appreciate Frillish's immunities and resistances to Fighting-, Fire-, and Water-type attacks. Frillish is very vulnerable to status and highly greatly appreciates Heal Bell support. Miltank and Mega Audino are great partners due to their immunity to Ghost-type attacks, general ability to handle Knock Off, and other valuable attributes. (remove period) ; (semicolon) Mega Audino's immunity to Trick is particularly valuable. Skuntank can absorb Toxic Spikes while also Pursuit trapping Xatu, which is a large threat to stall teams that can wall Frillish effortlessly between Magic Bounce and Roost. Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Hitmonchan can deal with Dark-types such as Liepard and Shiftry that threaten Frillish with Knock Off, being able to switch into the move if required and dealing heavy damage back. Throh is particularly bulky and doesn't mind losing its item, (RC) while shuffling teams with Circle Throw to spread damage from the entry hazards that Frillish spinblocks for.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Toxic is a good option for letting Frillish stall out bulky targets such as Mega Audino and Musharna more reliably, especially in combination with Taunt and Recover. Hex does decent damage against statused targets, (AC) but Night Shade is usually more consistent in other situations, although Hex can work particularly well on teams that use Toxic Spikes. Frillish has an expansive offensive movepool including options such as Water Spout, Ice Beam, Energy Ball, and Dazzling Gleam, but it can't afford to invest in Special Attack, making these moves too weak in general to justify moveslots for. This coverage also isn't generally useful for stall teams in the first place. Magic Coat can be used over Taunt to better deal with other Taunt users, but it's generally less useful than being able to restrict the foe's options with a Taunt of your own. It also bounces back status and entry hazards, (AC) which can be useful.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Knock Off and Trick**: Frillish is easily dealt with once its Eviolite has been removed by Knock Off, Trick, and other similar moves. This allows Pokemon such as Hariyama, Zangoose, and Sandslash that would normally struggle with it to either break through it or make it much easier for teammates to take down. More passive Pokemon such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Mega Audino can also cripple Frillish with Knock Off at little risk. Meanwhile, Choice Scarf Jynx can cripple Frillish with Trick and Choice Scarf Barbaracle can lure it effectively with Switcheroo.

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Liepard, Malamar, and Shiftry obviously hit Frillish very hard with Knock Off, but Skuntank can also threaten it, using Taunt and a Lum Berry to prevent any chance of being burned (unless Frillish runs Scald) and either dealing heavy damage with Sucker Punch or Crunch if it tries to go for an attack or crippling it with Pursuit if it tries to switch.

**Taunt**: Faster Taunt users such as Mismagius, Weezing, and Skuntank can prevent Frillish from using Recover or its other non-attacking moves, neutralising neutralizing it as a threat. While Night Shade can still deal moderate damage to these Pokemon, a Normal-type such as Zangoose can easily switch into it and proceed to set up or take Frillish down with a coverage move or pound a switch-in with a STAB attack. However, most of these Pokemon fear a potential burn as they switch in.

**Super Effective Attacks**: While Frillish has impressive uninvested special bulk, it still takes heavy damage from the likes of Manectric, Lilligant, and Shiftry, with the latter also being able to threaten it with Knock Off. However, Frillish can generally use Recover to shrug off Volt Switches from the likes of defensive Lanturn and Choice Scarf Rotom, although Frillish it must watch out for Trick from the latter. Furthermore, as Frillish is slow and usually runs Night Shade over a STAB attack, it can't deal with other Ghost-types very effectively. Haunter and Mismagius both can both force Frillish out with powerful STAB attacks, while Rotom can threaten Frillish with either of its STAB attacks.

well done :)
 
Last edited:
kVLLx3K.gif


remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Frillish's excellent defensive typing and access to Recover differentiate it from the otherwise superior Misdreavus and make it a decent spinblocker for stall teams and bulky balanced teams. Unlike Gourgeist-XL, Frillish lacks weaknesses to common coverage moves from the likes of Samurott, Hitmonchan, and Tauros, making it more reliable at dealing with these threats alongside others including Barbaracle and Klinklang. Water Absorb is particularly nice, as it lets Frillish switch into Scald with impunity and makes it a good response to physical Water-types even if they have already accrued several boosts. Meanwhile, access to Will-O-Wisp differentiates it from other Water-types, letting it more reliably cripple physical attackers, while Night Shade and Taunt prevent Frillish from being too passive despite its poor Special Attack. However, its reliance on Eviolite and weakness to Knock Off is crippling, making it vulnerable to Pokemon such as Shiftry, Hariyama, and even Sandslash, which all either beat Frillish or make it easier for a teammate to take down later. Furthermore, Frillish's low Speed stops Taunt from preventing one-turn setup sweepers such as Ludicolo and Vivillon from taking advantage of Frillish it, and faster Toxic users such as Mantine can also exploit this flaw. Finally, despite good special bulk, Frillish struggles with strong Electric- and Grass-types, such as Manectric, Abomasnow, and Shiftry, as well as other Ghost-types such as Haunter and Mismagius.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Night Shade / Scald
move 3: Recover
move 4: Taunt
item: Eviolite
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Will-O-Wisp cripples a large section of the metagame, particularly physical attackers such as Tauros and Hitmonchan that Frillish likes to switch into, but also Dark-types such as Liepard and Malamar that might try to come in and remove Frillish's Eviolite with Knock Off. Night Shade provides consistent damage against non-Normal-types and makes up for Frillish's low offensive potential, being strong enough to break most Substitutes. Scald is weaker in general, but it provides a better matchup against specific targets like Rhydon and Pyroar. It also lets Frillish potentially burn targets while Taunted, so it's not completely redundant in combination with Will-O-Wisp. Recover lets Frillish wall threats such as Archeops, Kangaskhan, Swellow, and Rhydon indefinitely and keep itself healthy throughout the match as it forces switches, and it is much more useful than Pain Split, the recovery option that rival Ghost-types such as Rotom and Mismagius are forced to use. Taunt can stop switch-ins that might try to set up or inflict status on Frillish, and also cripples slow targets such as Steelix, Gastrodon, Ferroseed, and Musharna, preventing them from doing anything threatening to Frillish or its team.

Set Details
========

Maximum physical bulk makes the most of Frillish's defensive typing and access to Will-O-Wisp, allowing Frillish it to take on powerful attackers such as Samurott and Tauros without many issues. Frillish's good special bulk doesn't require any investment to be useful, as most special attackers either are either walled regardless (such as Pyroar and Combusken) or do too much damage to Frillish in the first place (such as Rotom or and Lilligant), and the extra physical bulk is much preferred. Eviolite gives Frillish the overall bulk it needs to wall threats and be effective compared to fully evolved Ghost-types such as Rotom and Gourgeist-XL. Water Absorb is highly useful for letting Frillish switch into Scald for free and dealing with powerful Water-types such as Samurott and Barbaracle more effectively.

Usage Tips
========

Frillish is generally best suited to stall teams, where its somewhat passive nature is less detrimental (RC) and it can receive consistent anti-status support from its teammates. However, it can also work on certain balanced builds that require a spinblocker with extreme longevity. Frillish can switch into common Rapid Spin users such as Hitmonchan and Kabutops with few issues, and use Recover after it forces them to switch out, conserving its health for later much more consistently than rivals such as Rotom, Mismagius, or and Misdreavus. Will-O-Wisp can be used if Frillish is healthy to cripple switch-ins such as Abomasnow and Shiftry (RC) or just to wear down bulky targets such as Miltank and Mega Audino, as well as other Normal-types such as Tauros and Kangaskhan if they choose to stay in. Night Shade can deal chip damage against foes that stay in after being burned, making it easier to stall them out in combination with Recover. Frillish makes a good switch-in to most Water-types due to its immunity to Scald, but it should watch out for moves such as Volt Switch from Lanturn and Toxic from Mantine and Gastrodon. Frillish can use Taunt freely against slower foes such as Steelix, Gastrodon, and defensive Rhydon, and it can also hit faster threats with the move if they attempt to switch in. This can prevent a situation like Weezing laying Toxic Spikes after Frillish is forced out.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard stackers greatly appreciate Frillish's ability to consistently block Rapid Spin. Garbodor and Roselia can set Spikes or Toxic Spikes while also absorbing the opposing team's Toxic Spikes to prevent Frillish from being poisoned. Steel- and Rock-types such as Steelix, Ferroseed, and Rhydon can set Stealth Rock consistently and greatly appreciate Frillish's immunities and resistances to Fighting-, Fire-, and Water-type attacks. Frillish is very vulnerable to status and greatly appreciates Heal Bell support. Miltank and Mega Audino are great partners options (clearer link to previous sentence) due to their immunity to Ghost-type attacks, general ability to handle Knock Off, and other valuable attributes; Mega Audino's immunity to Trick is particularly valuable. Skuntank can absorb Toxic Spikes while also Pursuit trapping Xatu, which is a large threat to stall teams that can wall Frillish effortlessly between Magic Bounce and Roost. Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Hitmonchan can deal with Dark-types such as Liepard and Shiftry that threaten Frillish with Knock Off, being able to switch into the move if required and dealing heavy damage back. Throh is particularly bulky and doesn't mind losing its item while shuffling teams with Circle Throw to spread damage from the entry hazards that Frillish spinblocks for.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Toxic is a good option for letting Frillish stall out bulky targets such as Mega Audino and Musharna more reliably, especially in combination with Taunt and Recover. Hex does decent damage against statused targets, but Night Shade is usually more consistent in other situations, although Hex can work particularly well on teams that use Toxic Spikes. Frillish has an expansive offensive movepool including options such as Water Spout, Ice Beam, Energy Ball, and Dazzling Gleam, but it can't afford to invest in Special Attack, making these moves too weak in general to justify moveslots for. This coverage also isn't generally useful for stall teams in the first place. Magic Coat can be used over Taunt to better deal with other Taunt users, but it's generally less useful than being able to restrict the foe's options with a Taunt of your own. It also bounces back status and entry hazards, which can be useful.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Knock Off and Trick**: Frillish is easily dealt with once its Eviolite has been removed by Knock Off, Trick, and other similar moves. This allows Pokemon such as Hariyama, Zangoose, and Sandslash that would normally struggle with it to either break through it or make it much easier for teammates to take down. More passive Pokemon such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Mega Audino can also cripple Frillish with Knock Off at little risk. Meanwhile, Choice Scarf Jynx can cripple Frillish with Trick, (AC) and Choice Scarf Barbaracle can lure it and neuter it effectively with Switcheroo.

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Liepard, Malamar, and Shiftry obviously hit Frillish very hard with Knock Off, but Skuntank can also threaten it, using Taunt and a Lum Berry to prevent any chance of being burned (unless Frillish runs Scald) and either dealing heavy damage with Sucker Punch or Crunch if it tries to go for an attack or crippling it with Pursuit if it tries to switch.

**Taunt**: Faster Taunt users such as Mismagius, Weezing, and Skuntank can prevent Frillish from using Recover or its other non-attacking moves, neutralizing it as a threat. While Night Shade can still deal moderate damage to these Pokemon, a Normal-type such as Zangoose can easily switch into it and proceed to set up or take Frillish down with a coverage move or pound a switch-in with a STAB attack. However, most of these Pokemon fear a potential burn as they switch in.

**Super Effective Attacks**: While Frillish has impressive uninvested special bulk, it still takes heavy damage from the likes of Manectric, Lilligant, and Shiftry, with the latter also being able to threaten it with Knock Off. However, Frillish can generally use Recover to shrug off Volt Switches from the likes of defensive Lanturn and Choice Scarf Rotom, although it must watch out for Trick from the latter. Furthermore, as Frillish is slow and usually runs Night Shade over a STAB attack, it can't deal with other Ghost-types very effectively. Haunter and Mismagius can force Frillish out with their main attacking moves, while Rotom can threaten Frillish with either its STAB Electric- or Ghost-type attacks.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top