[OVERVIEW]
* Hippowdon is an amazing physical wall as well as a great setup supporter. With fantastic natural bulk and Slack Off, Hippowdon has no problem sponging hits from the strongest physical attackers in the metagame such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Salamence and spreading chip damage with Sand Stream and Rocky Helmet.
* In addition, Hippowdon can use Stealth Rock and Yawn to earn a free turn for its teammates and break Focus Sash to enable sweeps.
* On top of that, Hippowdon is rarely setup bait thanks to its access to Whirlwind and a strong STAB Earthquake coming from a respectable Attack.
* However, Hippowdon's Speed tier is very low and its poor Special Defense stat combined with weaknesses to common attacking types makes it susceptible to common special attackers such as Greninja and Tapu Fini.
* However, it remains one of the best Stealth Rock setters and support Pokemon and establishes itself as a metagame-defining threat.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Ice Fang / Whirlwind
move 4: Yawn / Stealth Rock
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Earthquake is an obligatory STAB move required to hurt switch-ins.
* Slack Off is necessary to keep Hippowdon as healthy as possible to switch into attacks. This is particularly important, as Hippowdon will usually move second and needs the HP to avoid being 2HKOed.
* Ice Fang is a solid coverage option that allows Hippowdon to break Substitute from Mega Salamence, Landorus-T, and other Pokemon immune to Earthquake.
* Yawn allows Hippowdon to apply pressure and often forces switches. Stealth Rock is used for overall support, breaking Focus Sash and dealing great chip damage in general, especially to Pokemon weak to Rock.
Set Details
========
* If using Stealth Rock, use Whirlwind with it. The use of either Ice Fang or Whirlwind is obligatory for this set to actually check the likes of Substitute Mega Salamence and Landorus-T.
* Rocky Helmet is the ideal item, dealing chip damage to physical attackers that make contact. It is particularly important because it actually allows Hippowdon to beat strong physical attackers like Mega Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan that could otherwise boost past Hippowdon.
* Figy Berry can be a viable alternative if you are willing to give up these advantages for a quick health gain.
* The given EV spread and nature are ideal for a physically defensive wall, making Hippowdon able to sponge as many physical hits as possible.
* Sand Stream deals chip damage and disrupts opposing weather.
Usage Tips
========
* Hippowdon should stay in the back, only switching into physical attackers that cannot break through its massive bulk.
* Use Slack Off to keep Hippowdon healthy enough to take two hits on the switch. Hippowdon will nearly always move last, and it is important to stay healthy enough to take hits.
* However, be careful of using Slack Off too predictably against setup sweepers or when strong attackers like Greninja can come in freely.
* Yawn forces switches and can deny momentum to otherwise safe switch-ins such as Gyarados.
* Use Earthquake to limit Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Greninja from switching in.
* Watch out for lures such as Metagross with Grass Knot designed to circumvent Hippowdon's massive Defense.
Team Options
========
* Hippowdon can concede free turns to Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Greninja. Use a partner such as Snorlax and Ferrothorn in order to absorb special attacks.
* Frail hit-and-run attackers like Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Lele appreciate Hippowdon's ability to sponge hits from strong attackers. Mega Charizard Y also appreciates the weather reset from Hippowdon.
* Yawn synergizes well with setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence and Mega Charizard X.
[SET]
name: Yawn + Stealth Rock
move 1: Yawn
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Figy Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Yawn in combination with Stealth Rock applies a lot of pressure, earning free turns by forcing an opposing Pokemon to fall asleep unless the opponent has a way to absorb sleep using a Pokemon like Tapu Fini, Tapu Koko, or Gliscor.
* Stealth Rock breaks Focus Sash to facilitate sweepers.
* Earthquake is an obligatory STAB move required to threaten Pokemon neutral to Ground-type moves, particularly Greninja and Tapu Fini.
* Whirlwind is the safest option to deny any potential setup with Substitute.
* It is possible to use Slack Off instead of Whirlwind for longevity. However, this will leave Hippowdon prone to certain setup Pokemon such as Substitute Salamence and Landorus-T that it should be able to handle. Slack Off works better when Hippowdon has more Defense investment because specially defensive Hippowdon has a harder time finding targets to comfortably use Slack Off against.
Set Details
========
* An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature and Sitrus Berry allows Hippowdon to avoid a 2HKO from the biggest range of damage. Because its ideal scenario is to go for Stealth Rock and Yawn, two turns is all it needs to achieve its goal.
* Figy Berry allows Hippowdon to take strong Z-Moves and heal back up to high HP, giving Hippowdon a chance to Yawn.
* An EV spread of 228 HP / 140 + Def / 140 SpD allows Hippowdon to survive physical attacks like +2 Let's Snuggle Forever from Adamant Mimikyu while still having a good chance to survive a Devastating Drake from Naganadel, a big threat to the classic Hippowdon + Salamence core. As this spread aims to avoid OHKOs from Z-Moves, this and other mixed bulk spreads gain significantly more from Figy Berry as opposed to Sitrus Berry.
* Sand Stream deals chip damage and disrupts opposing weather.
Usage Tips
========
* This type of Hippowdon is highly threatening if it gets a good lead matchup. Even if your opponent switches in a Pokemon that can 2HKO Hippowdon, it will have already set up Stealth Rock and started using Yawn. However, be aware that most opponents will lead with a Pokemon with a good matchup against Hippowdon because it is so threatening to give it a free turn.
* If Hippowdon does end up getting an advantageous lead, it is possible for it to use Stealth Rock and Yawn repeatedly until something has to be put to sleep to KO it, which is a great time to switch into your setup sweeper.
* Punish Tapu Fini switching in by using Earthquake.
* If your opponent is unable to threaten Hippowdon, set up Stealth Rock first and then Yawn to guarantee that a foe falls asleep. However, using Yawn first is advisable if the opponent is able to take advantage of the first free turn given as Hippowdon sets up. Yawn will force the opposing Pokemon to fall asleep or switch out, giving Hippowdon a safe opportunity to set up Stealth Rock.
* Consider leaving Hippowdon on the bench for matchups where it will have difficulties putting an opposing Pokemon to sleep.
Team Options
========
* Pair Hippowdon with strong setup Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Lucario, as they can take advantage of free turns gained by Hippowdon.
* Have multiple Pokemon that are able to threaten the Water-types that counter Hippowdon, such as Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Kartana.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Due to its compact movepool, Hippowdon rarely deviates from its top moves due to its lack of effective alternatives and its lack of need for them. If anything, Hippowdon's versatility mainly comes from its EV spreads and its flexible move choice from both sets to suit its needs.
* Thus, it is important to note that Hippowdon can rarely afford a moveslot for other options.
* Rock Tomb can be used for the rare occasion that Hippowdon needs to hit Charizard and Gyarados and to slow down the foe as well.
* Toxic can be effective to rack up passive damage. However, it has adverse synergy with Yawn and is ineffective against popular switch-ins such as Tapu Fini and Gliscor.
* Protect can safely put the opponent to sleep in combination with Yawn. However, it can be played around, costs a moveslot, and does not force foes to fall asleep as effectively as repeatedly using Yawn.
* Curse can make Hippowdon a wincon against strong physical attackers, but Hippowdon will have to give up its supportive tools in Stealth Rock and Yawn.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-type Pokemon**: Any Pokemon with a powerful Water-type move will typically make short work of Hippowdon. Greninja in particular threatens a quick OHKO with Hydro Vortex or Life Orb Protean Grass Knot, while Tapu Fini nullifies its Yawn and Gyarados can use Taunt on Hippowdon and proceed to set up on it. Slowbro also has Regenerator to nullify any progress Stealth Rock and Yawn can make.
**Grass-type Moves**: As mentioned, Hippowdon needs to be threatened by a 2HKO to stop it from making your team fall asleep. Pokemon such as Kartana, Breloom, Serperior, and Mega Venusaur will outspeed Hippowdon and threaten it with a 2HKO. Breloom can also safely use Spore on it or the switch-ins as Hippowdon switches out. Grass Knot from likes of Tapu Koko, Thundurus, and Mega Metagross, while rare, will also generally 2HKO Hippowdon unless it is specially defensive with Sitrus Berry.
**Ice-type Moves**: Ice-type moves coming from Greninja and Download Porygon2 are also effective ways to take down Hippowdon before it starts becoming a nuisance. However, physical non-STAB Ice-type moves such as Ice Punch from Mega Metagross will not do enough damage against physically defensive Hippowdon.
**Strong Special Wallbreakers**: Pokemon such as Naganadel, Tapu Lele, and Mega Charizard Y threaten a lot of damage even to specially defensive Hippowdon. After some chip damage, these attackers can threaten an OHKO on Hippowdon.
**Sleep Absorbers**: Tapu Koko's and Tapu Fini's terrains are effective tools to combat Hippowdon's Yawn, though Tapu Koko must be afraid of switching into its Earthquake and will generally switch out immediately unless it has Reflect or Shuca Berry and Grass Knot. Pokemon such as Gliscor can also switch into Yawn with impunity and activate its Toxic Orb. Chansey can also chip down Hippowdon and wake up from Yawn thanks to Natural Cure. Substitute users like Porygon2 and Greninja can also put a damper on Hippowdon's Yawn antics. Finally, Lum Berry, while rare, allows sweepers to set up in front of Hippowdon.
**Taunt**: Hippowdon struggles to do much once afflicted with Taunt by likes of Gyarados, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Fini. However, very few Taunt users can afford to take multiple Earthquakes from Hippowdon. Gyarados, Serperior, and Thundurus-T stand out as strong Taunt users that resist or are immune to Earthquake.
**Residual Damage**: Residual damage from likes of Toxic seriously dampen physically defensive Hippowdon's ability to last the whole game to check physical sweepers. On the other hand, if Hippowdon is afflicted with Leech Seed, its main strategy of repeatedly using Yawn is neutered, as it is unable to spread meaningful chip damage due to Leech Seed recovery and loses valuable HP, preventing it from continuing to use Yawn.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[marilli, 70760]]
- Quality checked by: [[Psynergy, 248085]], [[Theorymon, 29010]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148071]][[fireflame479, 231476]]
* Hippowdon is an amazing physical wall as well as a great setup supporter. With fantastic natural bulk and Slack Off, Hippowdon has no problem sponging hits from the strongest physical attackers in the metagame such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Salamence and spreading chip damage with Sand Stream and Rocky Helmet.
* In addition, Hippowdon can use Stealth Rock and Yawn to earn a free turn for its teammates and break Focus Sash to enable sweeps.
* On top of that, Hippowdon is rarely setup bait thanks to its access to Whirlwind and a strong STAB Earthquake coming from a respectable Attack.
* However, Hippowdon's Speed tier is very low and its poor Special Defense stat combined with weaknesses to common attacking types makes it susceptible to common special attackers such as Greninja and Tapu Fini.
* However, it remains one of the best Stealth Rock setters and support Pokemon and establishes itself as a metagame-defining threat.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Ice Fang / Whirlwind
move 4: Yawn / Stealth Rock
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Earthquake is an obligatory STAB move required to hurt switch-ins.
* Slack Off is necessary to keep Hippowdon as healthy as possible to switch into attacks. This is particularly important, as Hippowdon will usually move second and needs the HP to avoid being 2HKOed.
* Ice Fang is a solid coverage option that allows Hippowdon to break Substitute from Mega Salamence, Landorus-T, and other Pokemon immune to Earthquake.
* Yawn allows Hippowdon to apply pressure and often forces switches. Stealth Rock is used for overall support, breaking Focus Sash and dealing great chip damage in general, especially to Pokemon weak to Rock.
Set Details
========
* If using Stealth Rock, use Whirlwind with it. The use of either Ice Fang or Whirlwind is obligatory for this set to actually check the likes of Substitute Mega Salamence and Landorus-T.
* Rocky Helmet is the ideal item, dealing chip damage to physical attackers that make contact. It is particularly important because it actually allows Hippowdon to beat strong physical attackers like Mega Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan that could otherwise boost past Hippowdon.
* Figy Berry can be a viable alternative if you are willing to give up these advantages for a quick health gain.
* The given EV spread and nature are ideal for a physically defensive wall, making Hippowdon able to sponge as many physical hits as possible.
* Sand Stream deals chip damage and disrupts opposing weather.
Usage Tips
========
* Hippowdon should stay in the back, only switching into physical attackers that cannot break through its massive bulk.
* Use Slack Off to keep Hippowdon healthy enough to take two hits on the switch. Hippowdon will nearly always move last, and it is important to stay healthy enough to take hits.
* However, be careful of using Slack Off too predictably against setup sweepers or when strong attackers like Greninja can come in freely.
* Yawn forces switches and can deny momentum to otherwise safe switch-ins such as Gyarados.
* Use Earthquake to limit Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Greninja from switching in.
* Watch out for lures such as Metagross with Grass Knot designed to circumvent Hippowdon's massive Defense.
Team Options
========
* Hippowdon can concede free turns to Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Greninja. Use a partner such as Snorlax and Ferrothorn in order to absorb special attacks.
* Frail hit-and-run attackers like Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Lele appreciate Hippowdon's ability to sponge hits from strong attackers. Mega Charizard Y also appreciates the weather reset from Hippowdon.
* Yawn synergizes well with setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence and Mega Charizard X.
[SET]
name: Yawn + Stealth Rock
move 1: Yawn
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Figy Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Yawn in combination with Stealth Rock applies a lot of pressure, earning free turns by forcing an opposing Pokemon to fall asleep unless the opponent has a way to absorb sleep using a Pokemon like Tapu Fini, Tapu Koko, or Gliscor.
* Stealth Rock breaks Focus Sash to facilitate sweepers.
* Earthquake is an obligatory STAB move required to threaten Pokemon neutral to Ground-type moves, particularly Greninja and Tapu Fini.
* Whirlwind is the safest option to deny any potential setup with Substitute.
* It is possible to use Slack Off instead of Whirlwind for longevity. However, this will leave Hippowdon prone to certain setup Pokemon such as Substitute Salamence and Landorus-T that it should be able to handle. Slack Off works better when Hippowdon has more Defense investment because specially defensive Hippowdon has a harder time finding targets to comfortably use Slack Off against.
Set Details
========
* An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature and Sitrus Berry allows Hippowdon to avoid a 2HKO from the biggest range of damage. Because its ideal scenario is to go for Stealth Rock and Yawn, two turns is all it needs to achieve its goal.
* Figy Berry allows Hippowdon to take strong Z-Moves and heal back up to high HP, giving Hippowdon a chance to Yawn.
* An EV spread of 228 HP / 140 + Def / 140 SpD allows Hippowdon to survive physical attacks like +2 Let's Snuggle Forever from Adamant Mimikyu while still having a good chance to survive a Devastating Drake from Naganadel, a big threat to the classic Hippowdon + Salamence core. As this spread aims to avoid OHKOs from Z-Moves, this and other mixed bulk spreads gain significantly more from Figy Berry as opposed to Sitrus Berry.
* Sand Stream deals chip damage and disrupts opposing weather.
Usage Tips
========
* This type of Hippowdon is highly threatening if it gets a good lead matchup. Even if your opponent switches in a Pokemon that can 2HKO Hippowdon, it will have already set up Stealth Rock and started using Yawn. However, be aware that most opponents will lead with a Pokemon with a good matchup against Hippowdon because it is so threatening to give it a free turn.
* If Hippowdon does end up getting an advantageous lead, it is possible for it to use Stealth Rock and Yawn repeatedly until something has to be put to sleep to KO it, which is a great time to switch into your setup sweeper.
* Punish Tapu Fini switching in by using Earthquake.
* If your opponent is unable to threaten Hippowdon, set up Stealth Rock first and then Yawn to guarantee that a foe falls asleep. However, using Yawn first is advisable if the opponent is able to take advantage of the first free turn given as Hippowdon sets up. Yawn will force the opposing Pokemon to fall asleep or switch out, giving Hippowdon a safe opportunity to set up Stealth Rock.
* Consider leaving Hippowdon on the bench for matchups where it will have difficulties putting an opposing Pokemon to sleep.
Team Options
========
* Pair Hippowdon with strong setup Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Lucario, as they can take advantage of free turns gained by Hippowdon.
* Have multiple Pokemon that are able to threaten the Water-types that counter Hippowdon, such as Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Kartana.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Due to its compact movepool, Hippowdon rarely deviates from its top moves due to its lack of effective alternatives and its lack of need for them. If anything, Hippowdon's versatility mainly comes from its EV spreads and its flexible move choice from both sets to suit its needs.
* Thus, it is important to note that Hippowdon can rarely afford a moveslot for other options.
* Rock Tomb can be used for the rare occasion that Hippowdon needs to hit Charizard and Gyarados and to slow down the foe as well.
* Toxic can be effective to rack up passive damage. However, it has adverse synergy with Yawn and is ineffective against popular switch-ins such as Tapu Fini and Gliscor.
* Protect can safely put the opponent to sleep in combination with Yawn. However, it can be played around, costs a moveslot, and does not force foes to fall asleep as effectively as repeatedly using Yawn.
* Curse can make Hippowdon a wincon against strong physical attackers, but Hippowdon will have to give up its supportive tools in Stealth Rock and Yawn.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-type Pokemon**: Any Pokemon with a powerful Water-type move will typically make short work of Hippowdon. Greninja in particular threatens a quick OHKO with Hydro Vortex or Life Orb Protean Grass Knot, while Tapu Fini nullifies its Yawn and Gyarados can use Taunt on Hippowdon and proceed to set up on it. Slowbro also has Regenerator to nullify any progress Stealth Rock and Yawn can make.
**Grass-type Moves**: As mentioned, Hippowdon needs to be threatened by a 2HKO to stop it from making your team fall asleep. Pokemon such as Kartana, Breloom, Serperior, and Mega Venusaur will outspeed Hippowdon and threaten it with a 2HKO. Breloom can also safely use Spore on it or the switch-ins as Hippowdon switches out. Grass Knot from likes of Tapu Koko, Thundurus, and Mega Metagross, while rare, will also generally 2HKO Hippowdon unless it is specially defensive with Sitrus Berry.
**Ice-type Moves**: Ice-type moves coming from Greninja and Download Porygon2 are also effective ways to take down Hippowdon before it starts becoming a nuisance. However, physical non-STAB Ice-type moves such as Ice Punch from Mega Metagross will not do enough damage against physically defensive Hippowdon.
**Strong Special Wallbreakers**: Pokemon such as Naganadel, Tapu Lele, and Mega Charizard Y threaten a lot of damage even to specially defensive Hippowdon. After some chip damage, these attackers can threaten an OHKO on Hippowdon.
**Sleep Absorbers**: Tapu Koko's and Tapu Fini's terrains are effective tools to combat Hippowdon's Yawn, though Tapu Koko must be afraid of switching into its Earthquake and will generally switch out immediately unless it has Reflect or Shuca Berry and Grass Knot. Pokemon such as Gliscor can also switch into Yawn with impunity and activate its Toxic Orb. Chansey can also chip down Hippowdon and wake up from Yawn thanks to Natural Cure. Substitute users like Porygon2 and Greninja can also put a damper on Hippowdon's Yawn antics. Finally, Lum Berry, while rare, allows sweepers to set up in front of Hippowdon.
**Taunt**: Hippowdon struggles to do much once afflicted with Taunt by likes of Gyarados, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Fini. However, very few Taunt users can afford to take multiple Earthquakes from Hippowdon. Gyarados, Serperior, and Thundurus-T stand out as strong Taunt users that resist or are immune to Earthquake.
**Residual Damage**: Residual damage from likes of Toxic seriously dampen physically defensive Hippowdon's ability to last the whole game to check physical sweepers. On the other hand, if Hippowdon is afflicted with Leech Seed, its main strategy of repeatedly using Yawn is neutered, as it is unable to spread meaningful chip damage due to Leech Seed recovery and loses valuable HP, preventing it from continuing to use Yawn.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[marilli, 70760]]
- Quality checked by: [[Psynergy, 248085]], [[Theorymon, 29010]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148071]][[fireflame479, 231476]]
Last edited:
