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Hypno (Update)

- Late-Night Wall set: I am very unsure if Hypno should be running physically-defensive. Imo one of Hypno's best niches is the ability to switch into Special LO Venusaur without worrying about Sleep Powder and it takes pittance from most of its attacks, and it loses this ability for the most part with no investment. I would strongly recommend that you orient this set more around special defense, although you should still keep some physical defense. I'll try to work out a more efficient EV spread sometime later. Also, fuck Hypnosis. Move to AC please.

- Nasty Passer: What do the EVs do? They currently straddle an awkward line between offense and defense. If they're not doing anything special, there are two better spreads, one for offensive and one for defensive variants:

252 Hp/80 Def/176 SpD. I don't see what the point in running SpA is when Hypno is still really fucking weak (barely 2hkoing Houndoom with Signal Beam at +2? Really?) so this focuses on maximizing its defenses. With the given EVs Hypno is about as bulky on the special side as your given spread, and noticeably bulkier on the physical side ( 80.2% - 94.7% from physical LO Arcanine's Life Orb versus your 94.1% - 111%, very significant). This lets it pull off passes a lot easier.

168 Hp/220 SpA/120 Spe Modest. With this spread, you outrun Haze Milotic and 2hko with Psychic, meaning it will eventually lose to you (you'll crit it). You'll also have an easier time passing against Rhyperior and Azumarill and things.

Defensive variant should run NP/Psychic/Baton Pass/Substitute or Wish. Offensive variant should run NP/Psychic/Baton Pass/[coverage option].

As you can tell...Baton Pass should not be slashed in with anything. Too important. Also, does Hypno get Grass Knot? Everything and its mother did...if it does, that should be coverage option number 1.

I'll get rid of Hypnosis on the first set, and replace it with Reflect. I'm not too good with EVs, so I'll let you guys help me out with them on both sets. However, one thing about your Defensive variant, FlareBlitz: Wish and Baton Pass are unfortunately illegal. I'll change some stuff up with the Nasty Plot set, but I'll need a little help with it, though.
 
Bump. Venomoth got uploaded, so I can focus on Hypno now. Unfortunately, I do need help on the EVs of both sets, and the Nasty Plot set in general...
 
name: Bulky Psychic (would appreciate a more creative name)

Name this set 'Support', it's simple and describes what this set accomplishes.

nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD (need help here)

I disagree on using this spread. The whole purpose of this set is to come in on bulky walls/ special attackers and set up screen or heal a fellow team member. You cannot accomplish this with a mediocre 266 Special defense stat. Heck even LO tank Milotic nails a 2HKO without the need of entry hazards to be on the field (54% - 63.6%). Also ask yourself this, why are you investing so much EVs in it's defense stat? The majority of common Physical sweepers can 2HKO Hypno even with the investment anyhow. It is also not Hypno's job to switch into/ take hits from Physical behemoths such as Rhyperior and Aggron.

252 HP / 252 SP.DEF/ 4 DEF
Calm

You aren't 2HKO'd by LO Tmid Moltres or LO Milotic after leftovers recovery (assuming it does maximum damage both times). You still have decent Defense stat and with Reflect up you can take physical attacks pretty well.
 
You may want to mention Rhyperior in the counter section. It doesn't care if you seismic toss it because it has 101 hp subs. thunder wave doesn't affect it. It doesn't care about Reflect because it can still deal massive damage to you. It can sub to prevent toxic.

Also, you should remove
- A more specially-defensive EV spread can be used, but Hypno has high Special Defense already
because you have a spread of 252 HP / 252 SpD
 
Ok, I have made some calcs, tested some stuff, and think this should be Hypno's main set:

name: Support
move 1: Seismic Toss / Psychic
move 2: Thunder Wave / Psychic
move 3: Wish
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Insomnia
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SDef

IMO Hypno's best niche is one: countering Venusaur, but still being able to reliably take on other threats (mainly Fighting-types), which is exactly what sets him apart from other gimmicky options (fuck you Wormadam). With that new spread you are never 2HKOed by consecutive Leaf Storms from Venusaur, even after SR; also you're able to take 2 Close Combats from Adamant CB Hitmonlee and a LO Flare Blitz from Blaziken, again, with SR factored in, which are pretty much the strongest physical attacks you should be switching into. That new spread also rectifies some problems Hypno has when taking Venusaur's Power Whip due to some eventual misprediction and so on; while the added SDef EVs don't allow you to beat much (you still lose to stuff like Moltres and Magmortar).

Regarding the new moveset, I found Psychic and Thunder Wave to be extremely important when testing Hypno. The former was pretty much the only way I could deal with Venusaur and Fighting-types (hell, I lost to a Hitmonlee because I just couldn't OHKO it); while Thunder Wave gives you some way to actually fuck up with common Absol / Scyther switch-ins instead of hitting them for pity damage and being fodder. Leave screens for AC.

I'll talk about NP sets later, but I'm leaning towards rejecting the all-out offensive one.
 
Ok, let's get this guy the hell out of QC. On the defensive Baton Pass set, you should slash Calm Mind with Nasty Plot. Even though CM is way less effective when you're going for a straightforward sweep, it gives Hypno a higher chance of passing Substitutes without having them broken as it tries to do so. Added to that, depending on who's recieving it, there are Pokemon that can make good use of the SDef boosts like Lanturn and Mismagius. I also think the set should be named "Baton Pass".

On the Offensive Nasty Plot set everything looks good (don't slash CM here btw). I'm not a gigantic fan of it but I gotta admit it has its uses. Just mention on AC Hidden Power Fighting can be used over either Grass Knot or Baton Pass, but that it isn't too effective. Finally:

stamp3.png
 
Added changes. Good timing, too. I just need one more QC Approval!
(If I'm wrong about the image, which I'm sure that I'm not, the computer I am using right now isn't displaying the image. Just saying.)
 
I'll approve this after you mention in the AC of Baton Pass a spread with enough Speed to outspeed max Speed Jolly Rhyperior. It's useful before it Megahorns you to death; aim for 197 Speed.
 
I added a spread at Thund91's request: 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe. I'm bad at EV spreads, but this outspeeds the Rhyperior he requested, so I hope it works...
 
Excellent, that's all I wanted. I'm sure people who like Speed like me will enjoy getting the boosts instead of dying.

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Got it! I'm writing up the whole update now. I'll probably be done by tomorrow, though...

EDIT: My computer is acting funny again, so I'm changing my due date for this for Tuesday.
 
I'm changing it to copyediting when I finish typing up the full update, so GP Checkers don't get mad at me when they can't find anything to GP Check. I'm about halfway done so far, and I would have it done faster if it weren't for other work...
 
removals in red
additions in bold

[Overview]
<p>No matter how hard Hypno tries to distinguish itself, it will always be compared to its fellow Psychic-types, such as Alakazam, Uxie, and Mesprit. The former has high base Special Attack and Speed stats, making it a superior attacker; additionally, while the pixies have Stealth Rock and U-Turn in their arsenal, distinguishing themselves as the better supporters lead choices. However, Hypno has some qualities that advantages over its competition lacks: Wish, Baton Pass, and Insomnia. Wish allows Hypno to be a great team supporter, while Baton Pass makes Hypno a deadly boost passer. Insomnia rounds out Hypno's advantages, by allowing Hypno to switch into sleep-inducing moves for free be a sleep absorber. Combine these features with an excellent movepool and great defensive stats, and you'll find that Hypno is a good support Pokemon that’s able to keep a team together.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Wish
move 2: Seismic Toss / Psychic
move 3: Thunder Wave / Psychic
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Insomnia
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SDef

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With access to a its great support movepool, it is almost impossible to not use Hypno in run a supporting role set for Hypno. Hypno's great defensive stats, resistances to Psychic- and Fighting-type moves, and immunity to sleep allow it to switch in rather easily ease Hypno’s entry into the battlefield. Wish is Hypno’s main way of supporting the team, allowing it to restoring the HP of Hypno's teammates or Hypno itself if necessary. Seismic Toss inflicts reliable damage, while Thunder Wave paralyzes any non-Ground-type sweeper that attempts to set up in front of on Hypno. Finally, Protect allows Hypno to scout out the opponent, as well as providing Hypno the opportunity to safely recover HP with Wish. Psychic can be used over Seismic Toss or Thunder Wave to deal with Fighting- and Poison-types, although it won’t hit too hard due to the lack of EV investment and Hypno’s low base Special Attack. </p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs and nature give Hypno enough bulk to deal with threats from both ends of the offensive spectrum, while Leftovers adds to Hypno's longevity to survive longer. Clefable makes a great partner for this set, as it can absorb incoming status thanks to Magic Guard and remove status with Heal Bell. Additionally, Clefable is immune to Ghost-type attacks, while also luring in Fighting-types for Hypno to switch in on. However, Taunters like Ambipom wreck render this set useless, leaving Hypno no choice but to switch out. Mismagius is the most dangerous Taunter, because it is immune to Seismic Toss, and can set up with Nasty Plot or Calm Mind on Hypno’s a predicted switch. Also, Rhyperior can switch into Thunder Wave, easily set up a Substitute, if Hypno lacks Psychic easily, and proceed to severely damage your team set up and sweep.</p>



[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Nasty Plot/Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Baton Pass
move 4: Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Insomnia
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
(only one line of space here)

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With access to boosting moves and Baton Pass, Hypno can successfully try to set up a teammate for a sweep. The first slot is up to you, as some Pokemon do better with Nasty Plot boosts than Calm Mind boosts, and vice versa. Psychic is the obligatory attacking move, and it can dent opposing Pokemon when Hypno has with enough boosts. Baton Pass allows Hypno to accomplish its main goal of giving its boosts to a teammate. Substitute gives Hypno time to boost up and use Baton Pass, and can even be Baton Passed which is even more helpful if the Sub is still intact. You might believe that Wish would work as an option over Substitute; sadly, Wish and Baton Pass are illegal together.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Hypno’s EV spread gives it enough bulk to successfully pass its boosts without getting easily KOed. A good partner for this Hypno is Houndoom, which can easily defeat Ghost-types that threaten Hypno. As an added bonus, Houndoom also appreciates being passed Nasty Plot or Calm Mind boosts. Additionally, Lanturn and Mismagius also love Calm Mind boosts, and, if given enough boosts and the opportunity to do so, can sweep a team without much effort. However, this Hypno also has its fair share of counters. Spiritomb is immune to Psychic, threatens to KO Hypno with STAB Dark Pulse and Pursuit, and can use Will-o-Wisp on the switch-in. Absol also threatens Hypno with STAB Pursuit and Night Slash, while also being able to set up with Swords Dance on the switch.</p>



[SET]
name: Offensive Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest
evs: 168 HP / 220 SpA / 120 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Hypno’s good defensive stats allow it to pass boosts effectively, it would be a shame to not can also use keep them for itself. With the right investment, Hypno can surprise many opponents that believe the boosts are destined for another Pokemon. Nasty Plot doubles allows Hypno's Special Attack, allowing it to quickly gear up gain boosts, preparing Hypno for a sweep. Psychic is Hypno’s main attacking move, gaining STAB on a top of its decent Base Power. Grass Knot provides nicecoverage alongside Psychic, hitting as many of the Pokemon that switch into Psychic for heavy damage are heavy, and therefore get damaged more by Grass Knot. Baton Pass allows Hypno to escape quickly, while also giving its boosts to another teammate to sweep.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Hypno loves Houndoom makes a great partner for Hypno, as it has the ability to deal with Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Rotom, while also luring in Fighting-types for Hypno to switch into. In return, Houndoom appreciates Hypno can pass Nasty Plot boosts to Houndoom and , as well as Hypno’s ability to 2HKO Milotic with a +2 Grass Knot. Donphan is another good partner, thanks to its high Defense stat, access to Stealth Rock, and ability to defeat Registeel. Also, Stealth Rock lures in enemy spinners, most of which are easily handled by Hypno after a Nasty Plot. Unfortunately, Spiritomb is still an issue, although it does not like switching into a +2 Grass Knot. Registeel resists both of Hypno’s attacks, while being able to cripple Hypno with Thunder Wave or wear it down with Seismic Toss targeting Hypno’s lower Defense stat.</p>

(one line of space here)

[Team Options]
<p>Houndoom makes a good partner to Hypno, as it can deal with opposing Ghost-types, abuses Nasty Plot boosts passed to it by Hypno, and lures in Fighting-types for Hypno to switch in on. Clefable makes a good status absorber, and Heal Bell can remove any status that Hypno receives with Heal Bell. Donphan can remove can reliably deal with Registeel and Rhyperior from the match, while also setting up Stealth Rock and spinning away entry hazards. Hitmontop can also use Rapid Spin effectively, and it can defeat the Dark-types that Hypno loathes. Hitmontop also lures in Psychic-type moves for Hypno to switch into.</p>

[Optional Changes]
<p>Hypno has a myriad of options thanks to its large movepool. A Hypno can run a dual screen set is possible, despite Hypno being outclassed by Uxie and Mesprit. Hypno also has access to Belly Drum, allowing it to possibly threaten opposing teams on the physical side; however, Belly Drum is illegal with both Wish and Baton Pass, and Hypno’s physical movepool is a bit lacking. A safer alternative to Belly Drum is Meditate, but Hypno needs a couple boosts to get some decent damage with its physical movepool. Also, on the Offensive Nasty Plot set, Hidden Power Fighting is an option over Psychic or Baton Pass. With access to Trick, and equal base Attack and Special Attack attacking stats, Hypno would appear to be able to can seemingly run a Choice set, but its low base offensive stats make it hard for Hypno to sweep. A status platform set is possible, as Hypno can learn Thunder Wave, Toxic, and Hypnosis, all the while possessing enough bulk to pull it off. Trick Room is yet another option, with Hypno’s low speed and bulk,. and it Hypno can also act as a supporter on a weather-based team, as it has access to both Sunny Day and Rain Dance as weather options. Counter can screw up opponents that target Hypno’s lower Defense stat, while Taunt can prevent slower opponents from setting up. Barrier can fix Hypno’s low Defense problems, Magic Coat can prevent status, and Skill Swap, alongside Insomnia, can ruin RestTalkers.</p>

[Counters]
<p>Spiritomb is one of the best counters to Hypno, thanks to its immunity to Psychic and Seismic Toss, as well as its access to base 92 attacking stats, and access to STAB Pursuit and Dark Pulse. Registeel also takes little damage from all of Hypno’s attacking moves, sets up Stealth Rock without trouble, and targets Hypno’s lower Defense stat. Clefable can switch into the Support set easily thanks to Magic Guard, and the possible Trick can ruin Hypno’s fun by Tricking it a Toxic Orb. Mismagius can Taunt Hypno and proceed to set up, while Absol threatens with STAB Pursuit and Night Slash. Finally, Rhyperior can switch into the Support set’s Thunder Wave, set up Substitute, and proceed to sweep. However, Rhyperior does not like switching into the Offensive Nasty Plot set, as even an unboosted Grass Knot OHKOes it.</p>

good work on this.

GP CHECK 1/2
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