QC: 49 / AM
[OVERVIEW]
Despite Manaphy's adorable facade, it is one of the most capable Pokemon in the entire OU tier, being one of the most prominent wallbreakers and stallbreakers. Tail Glow is Manaphy's trump card, a move that makes it immediately threatening, boosting Manaphy's Special Attack three whole stages in the space of only one turn. With this tool, Manaphy can easily set up on and destroy many common defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Sableye, Mega Scizor, Mandibuzz, Alomomola, Tentacruel, Chansey, Skarmory, Starmie, Heatran, Hippowdon, and Slowbro. Manaphy also has decent all-around bulk allowing it to take on the likes of Mega Metagross, Gliscor, and Keldeo when utilizing a defensive EV spread, and hold its own against defensive Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Chansey and take a hit from more offensive Pokemon when utilizing a more offensive-inclined EV spread. Manaphy's prowess at breaking down defensive teams and cores is further aided by its wide movepool consisting of many coverage options, including Ice Beam for the likes of Mega Altaria, Latios, and Celebi, Energy Ball for Slowbro, Keldeo, and Azumarill, and Psychic for Toxicroak, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur, thus greatly limiting Manaphy's number of viable checks. Hydration is the cream of the crop, working great with Rain Dance, as it gives Manaphy an immunity to status ailments in the rain, and in tandem with Rest, gives Manaphy great longevity. Rain Dance also powers up Manaphy's Water-type STAB attacks, making it capable of feats such as 2HKOing Chansey and Unaware Clefable.
Manaphy, however, possesses quite an average Speed stat, leaving it easily revenge killed by offensive Pokemon such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, Thundurus, Mega Lopunny, Serperior, and Mega Sceptile. Manaphy's Special Attack, when unboosted, also pales in comparison to other offensive behemoths in the tier such as Latios and Gengar. Lastly, despite Manaphy's good coverage, it can't cover the entire tier with two or three coverage moves, meaning Manaphy will always be walled by something no matter what.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + 3 Attacks
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Scald
move 3: Ice Beam / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Energy Ball / Psychic
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow makes Manaphy immediately threatening, and is the tool that lets Manaphy break past defensive teams with ease. Scald has a nifty 30% chance to burn the foe, which is extremely useful to cripple the likes of Chansey, Unaware Clefable, and Ferrothorn. In particular, Ferrothorn's defensive capabilities get hit hard when burned as its health will get slowly whittled away, particularly with no means of recovery outside of Leech Seed and Leftovers, and its offensive moves will not do as much damage too. Scald also nets a neutral hit on many defensive Pokemon such as Mega Sableye. Ice Beam deals with Grass- and Dragon-types such as Celebi, Amoonguss, Mega Altaria, and Latios. Energy Ball handles bulky Water-types such as Slowbro, Starmie, Rotom-W, and Azumarill looking to resist Manaphy's Scald and Ice Beam. Hidden Power Fire lets Manaphy circumvent Ferrothorn, which normally checks Manaphy. On bulky offensive teams, Hidden Power Fire has additional utility in being able to pressure Mega Scizor, which threatens balance built around Hippowdon. Psychic OHKOes Mega Venusaur when at +3, hits Poison-types and Fighting-types such as Toxicroak and Amoonguss, Keldeo and Conkeldurr, for super effective damage, as well as Water-types such as Suicune, Slowbro, and Azumarill for neutral damage. Shadow Ball can be used as a catch-all move to hit Psychic-types such as Slowbro, Latios, Celebi, Jirachi, and Starmie in only one moveslot, as well as hitting the likes of Rotom-W and Mega Venusaur for neutral damage. In particular, it works well alongside Hidden Power Fire as Shadow Ball sort of compresses the roles of Ice Beam and Energy Ball into one, but is more so team dependent.
Set Details
========
Manaphy is most effective when utilizing maximum Speed EVs and a Timid nature, as with such it Speed ties with opposing Manaphy, Mega Medicham, Mega Gardevoir, both Mega Charizard formes, as well as outspeed Adamant Terrakion, Volcarona running a Modest nature with 252 Speed EVs or a Timid nature with 184 Speed EVs, Jolly Landorus-T, Naive Kyurem-B, and Jolly Excadrill. If you value bulk over Speed, a spread of 96 HP / 252 SpA / 160 Spe is perfectly viable to just outpace Excadrill and anything below, while retaining a bit of bulk to take on the likes of Mega Lopunny more easily, or 164 Speed EVs if using Hidden Power Fire to make up for the lost IV. Leftovers provides much-needed longevity for Manaphy, meaning it can switch into resisted moves such as Scald or the likes of Heatran more easily. Other viable items include Wacan Berry to let Manaphy take on an Electric-type such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, or Thundurus once, Salac Berry to patch up Manaphy's mediocre Speed stat against offensive teams, Lum Berry to allow Manaphy to shrug off status ailments such as Clefable's or Klefki's Thunder Wave, especially against teams lacking a definite answer to Manaphy, and Sitrus Berry to let Manaphy recover a quarter of its health after its health has been halved, which greatly benefits certain offensive teams that play Manaphy more aggressively.
Usage Tips
========
Manaphy fares great against defensive or balanced teams, as the extra coverage options helps it in breaking down its checks, making Manaphy even harder for defensive teams to beat. Against defensive teams, set up on the likes of Mandibuzz, Mega Sableye, and Tentacruel that pose no threat to Manaphy. However keep in mind that without Rain Dance Manaphy can only beat Unaware Clefable and Chansey if they are weakened beforehand. It is obvious that you should eliminate Clefable and weaken Chansey first so that Manaphy can sweep. Manaphy can also hit Clefable or Chansey with Scald on the switch so as to potentially cripple them via a burn. Manaphy can also set up on the likes of Mega Sableye, Mega Slowbro, and Magic Guard Clefable, as Tail Glow allows Manaphy to boost faster than their Calm Mind and then KO them with the appropriate coverage move. Manaphy can be easily revenge killed by offensive Grass- or Electric-type Pokemon such as Serperior and Thundurus, so try not attempt to pull of a sweep with Tail Glow against offensive teams unless the coast is clear. At the start of a match, using Scald is more often than not beneficial to cripple potential checks to Manaphy. If Manaphy is not using Leftovers, try not to reveal what item it has too early - for example if the opponent knows Manaphy is carrying a Wacan Berry, they may play more carefully around it and not using their Electric-type to revenge kill.
Team Options
========
Pursuit support greatly aids Manaphy as it might struggle with Psychic-types such as Celebi, Latios, Latias, Cresselia, and Slowking, making the likes of Bisharp, Mega Metagross, Weavile, and Tyranitar ideal partners. Bisharp has priority Sucker Punch for offensive playstyles, and in return, Manaphy deals with bulky Pokemon such as Mega Scizor, Hippowdon, and Keldeo that Bisharp struggle against. Mega Metagross beats many of Manaphy's checks, such as Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, Mega Altaria, and Amoonguss, while in turn Manaphy destroys defensive threats walling Mega Metagross such as Mega Scizor, Slowbro, and Hippowdon. Gothitelle traps and eliminates Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, and in a similar vein, Magnezone traps and eliminates Ferrothorn too, as well as checking the likes of Latios.
In terms of defensive synergy, Manaphy needs an answer to Electric- and Grass-types. Answers to Electric-types such as Mega Altaria, Raikou, and Hippowdon are good teammates provided Manaphy lacks Wacan Berry, while answers to Grass-types, mainly Serperior, Mega Venusaur, and Celebi, are appreciated. These include Talonflame, Mega Charizard X, Tornadus-T, Weavile, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mamoswine. In particular, Talonflame and Mega Charizard X appreciate Manaphy's ability to beat Water- and Ground-types. If Energy Ball isn't run, Grass-types such as Celebi and Serperior are good partners thanks to their ability to check Water-types that resist Manaphy's Scald and Ice Beam, and potentially complete Fire-Water-Grass cores. Depending on the coverage Manaphy runs, lures to the various Pokemon not covered are good partners. For example, if Manaphy lacks Psychic, Psychic or Hidden Power Flying Thundurus makes for a good teammate thanks to its ability to beat Mega Venusaur, and if Manaphy lacks Hidden Power Fire, Hidden Power Fire Kyurem-B or Latios are good partners thanks to their ability to beat Ferrothorn. Clefable deals with Assault Vest Tornadus-T, and certain Grass- and Electric-types such as Celebi and Mega Manectric capable of checking Manaphy, as well as providing paralysis support to slow down offensive threats such as Mega Metagross and Mega Lopunny. In turn, Manaphy, if running Hidden Power Fire, can lure in and KO Ferrothorn, and if running Psychic, Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss too.
Mega Lopunny deals with faster offensive Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, Raikou, and Starmie which are a pain for Manaphy to deal with, while Manaphy easily breaks defensive playstyles due to Tail Glow, removing bulky defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Hippowdon for Mega Lopunny. Their combined power to defeat the three most common playstyles makes them a top offensive combination. Similarly, Mega Alakazam fares great against fast teams, capable of checking fast Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric troubling Manaphy, as well as weather sweepers such as Excadrill and Kingdra. Manaphy then takes down bulky Pokemon, thanks to Tail Glow, such as Clefable and Mega Sableye. Mega Scizor beats Ferrothorn as well as Psychic-types such as Celebi, Latios, Latias, and Cresselia. It also deals with Kyurem-B, Chansey, and Mega Lopunny. Defensive Garchomp sets up Stealth Rock to whittle down switch-ins, as well as checking Electric-types such as Mega Manectric and Raikou and fast offensive threats such as Mega Metagross, Mega Lopunny, Hawlucha, and Gengar. With Multiscale, Dragonite also deals with Electric- and Grass-types such as Mega Manectric and Serperior, and bulky Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, and Chansey. After a Dragon Dance it can also eliminate many common Dragon-types such as Kyurem-B, Latios, and Garchomp, while appreciating Manaphy's ability to beat Mega Altaria, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Mega Gallade has Close Combat or Drain Punch to break past Chansey, Ferrothorn, and Kyurem-B, Zen Headbutt for Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Toxicroak, and Knock Off for bulky Psychic-types such as Celebi, Latios, and Jirachi. In turn, it appreciates Manaphy's ability to break Mega Sableye, Magic Guard Clefable, and Mega Slowbro, as well as deter Talonflame from switching in. Chansey is a problem for non-Rain Dance Manaphy, so Knock Off users, Chansey lures, or strong wallbreakers are good teammates. Examples of lures include Knock Off Clefable and Knock Off Tornadus-T. Due to Scald, Manaphy is capable of potentially crippling the likes of Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur on the switch. This makes the likes of Mega Altaria, Clefable, and Raikou good partners as they appreciate having their checks weakened.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + Rain Dance
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Rain Dance
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psychic / Energy Ball
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow boosts Manaphy's Special Attack by three stages, making it capable of cutting through defensive teams like a hot knife through butter. Rain Dance further boosts Manaphy's power, allowing it to break past Clefable and Chansey more easily and become immune to status ailments in the rain. Scald has a nifty 30% chance to burn and is Manaphy's strongest STAB move, and its power is augmented even further via Tail Glow and Rain Dance. Psychic allows Manaphy to circumvent Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, Conkeldurr, Dragalge, Toxicroak, and Keldeo. Using Psychic means Manaphy has an easier time against stall utilizing Mega Sableye + Amoonguss or Mega Venusaur + Heatran cores. Energy Ball hits Water-types such as Slowbro, Suicune, and Rotom-W for super effective damage. It also lets Manaphy beat Calm Mind Slowbro and Suicune one-on-one due to Tail Glow boosting faster than its Calm Mind. Ice Beam deals with Grass- and Dragon-types such as Celebi and Mega Altaria.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment in tandem with a Timid nature allows Manaphy to Speed tie with Jolly Mega Medicham, opposing Manaphy, Mega Gardevoir, Jolly Mega Charizard X, Timid Mega Charizard Y, and Timid Volcarona, and outspeed Adamant Mega Charizard X, Modest Mega Charizard Y, Modest Volcarona or ones running Timid and 184 Speed, Adamant Terrakion, Naive Kyurem-B, and Jolly Landorus-T. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack for power. Leftovers is for passive recovery, allowing Manaphy to have an easier time against defensive and balance teams. A bulkier spread with Rest to outpace Bisharp, beat Clefable, and handle Mega Altaria and Mega Metagross better is perfectly viable. An example would be something along the lines of 248 HP / 108 Def / 136 SpA / 16 Spe. The combination of Hydration and Rain Dance means Manaphy is immune to status inside the rain. Modest is an option if you prefer wallbreaking potential over Speed, and when outspeeding Jolly Excadrill and Speed tying with Base 100s isn't necessary. In particular, the combination of a Modest nature, Splash Plate, Rain Dance, and Surf is a viable option to 2HKO Unaware Clefable unboosted.
Usage Tips
========
As this Manaphy variant only has two coverage moves, it lacks the ability to break past a wider realm of defensive Pokemon, so identify any Pokemon that Manaphy cannot beat using its two coverage moves and either weaken it or remove it first prior to attempting a sweep with Manaphy. Use Scald at the start of the game to potentially cripple Manaphy's checks. How you set up Manaphy depends on what the opposing team consists of, as if a Chansey is present, the use of Rain Dance as well as two Tail Glows is necessary to beat it with Scald. Don't reveal what coverage move Manaphy has, as it may come in handy to surprise would-be answers such as Mega Venusaur if running Psychic. If Unaware Clefable is the opposing team's answer to Manaphy don't reveal Rain Dance too early as well. Set up on defensive Pokemon lacking a way to deal a lot of damage to Manaphy such as Mega Sableye, Mega Slowbro, Mandibuzz, and Alomomola. Manaphy is revenge killed easily by offensive threats such as Thundurus, Serperior, and Mega Lopunny. However Manaphy's bulk means in times of need it can take a hit from the above and retaliate, but don't play too aggressively. Weaken Manaphy's checks first so that it can potentially break through them with Scald, depending on what coverage move Manaphy opts for.
Team Options
========
Fast, offensive Pokemon are ideal partners for Manaphy due to their ability to handle offensive teams. These include Mega Alakazam, Mega Lopunny, Tornadus-T, Talonflame, Thundurus, and Mega Sceptile.
Depending on the coverage that Manaphy runs, teammates to cover the weaknesses left are good partners. For example, Energy Ball Manaphy struggles with Grass- and Dragon-types, so Ice-types such as Weavile and Mamoswine are good partners to deal with these. Answers to Grass-types, such as Mega Charizard X, Tornadus-T, and Mega Scizor, are good partners as Manaphy struggles against the likes of Celebi, Mega Venusaur, and Amoonguss if lacking Ice Beam. Answers to Electric-types, such as Mega Charizard X, Mamoswine, Raikou, and Serperior are good teammates as well due to Manaphy's knack for being revenge killed by the likes of Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus. Pursuit trappers such as Mega Metagross, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Weavile are good Pokemon to pair up with Manaphy as they can get rid of Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, Gothitelle, and Celebi. Mega Metagross is a notable partner as it also deals with the Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Keldeo, which without the right coverage Manaphy fails to beat. Magnezone and Gothitelle traps and eliminates Ferrothorn. However, their Hidden Power Fire gets weakened in the rain, so be wary of activating the rain when about to trap Ferrothorn. Jirachi deals with Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, and Celebi and Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur and Serperior. Thanks to the rain, Mega Venusaur and Serperior's Hidden Power Fire is weakened. Rain abusers and Swift Swim users such as Tornadus-T, Mega Manectric, Raikou, Kabutops, Kingdra, and Mega Swampert appreciate Manaphy's ability to set rain to power up their own attacks. Mega Scizor also deserves a mention for functioning nicely in rain and checking Ferrothorn and numerous Psychic-types such as Latios, Celebi, and Cresselia.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rain Dance
move 4: Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind takes an alternate route from Tail Glow, boosting Manaphy's Special Attack and Special Defense slowly to not only make it more powerful but also impervious to special attacks. Scald is Manaphy's main STAB move, chosen for its nifty 30% chance to burn the foe. On a set utilizing mono-Water coverage this is particularly important as the burn means Manaphy can potentially cripple and stall out would-be answers such as Ferrothorn. Rain Dance summons rain, activating Hydration to provide Manaphy with an effective immunity to status ailments. It also powers up Scald. Rest functions very effectively alongside Rain Dance, recovering all of Manaphy's health under rain without needing to put Manaphy to sleep, meaning it is a good check to the likes of Mega Metagross, Keldeo, and Bisharp.
Set Details
========
16 Speed EVs allow Manaphy to outpace Adamant Bisharp, allowing Manaphy to potentially burn it first before taking a Knock Off. The remaining investment are placed into HP and Defense, alongside a Bold nature, to check physical threats such as Mega Lopunny better. Though both 240 HP / 252 Def and 252 HP / 240 Def arrive at the same defensive benchmark, maximum HP investment is chosen to deal with special attackers such as Slowbro and Keldeo slightly better. Leftovers is the chosen item to provide Manaphy with passive recovery, and to make sure it sticks around for longer. It is to be highlighted that Calm Mind Manaphy does have a few advantages over CroCune, such as a better Speed stat, better damage output in general, especially considering Rain Dance, and reliable recovery without having to be rendered useless for two turns (bar Sleep Talk but that's unreliable).
Usage Tips
========
Manaphy can function as a check to the likes of non-Swords Dance Talonflame, Mega Metagross, Mega Aerodactyl, Keldeo, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Hippowdon, due to the Defense investment. It can switch into and set up Rain Dance and Calm Mind against the above, then use Rest to be able to continuously set up and sweep when low at health. Don't let Manaphy be forced into a position where the opponent can KO it easily, so don't wait until the last minute to use Rest. Manaphy also functions great against defensive teams, being capable of finding opportunities to set up on many common defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro, Alomomola, Mandibuzz, Mega Sableye, Chansey, Clefable, Quagsire, Tyranitar, Hippowdon, Manaphy, as well as specific defensive win-conditions such as Mega Scizor, Keldeo, and Gliscor. Manaphy can also use Calm Mind against offensive teams to tank hits from special attackers such as Latios, Clefable, and Starmie. Try not to use Rest when Rain Dance isn't up, and on the last turn of rain, as Hydration won't activate and will leave Manaphy vulnerable for two whole turns. Remove Grass-, Electric-, and Dragon-types that Manaphy cannot remove by itself. In terms of Dragon-types these particularly include strong physical attackers such as Mega Altaria, Dragonite, and Garchomp.
Team Options
========
Amoonguss is a good defensive partner for Manaphy that appreciates Manaphy's ability to stallbreak, and provides an answer to the majority of Electric- and Grass-types such as Mega Manectric and Celebi walling Manaphy via its typing. The rain Manaphy summons also further increases the defensive synergy between the duo, making Amoonguss less susceptible to Fire-type attacks. Lastly, Amoonguss is also capable of beating Ferrothorn due to having Hidden Power Fire usually. Magnezone and Gothitelle trap and eliminate Ferrothorn via Hidden Power Fire. As an added bonus they can also take down Water-types such as Slowking, Gyarados, and Azumarill resisting Manaphy's mono-Water coverage. Gothitelle can also deal with most Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss. Generic answers to Electric-types such as Dragon-, Grass-, and Ground-types are ideal partners as well. These include Latios, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon. Rain setters such as Klefki and Politoed can set up rain in a pinch, activating Hydration and letting Manaphy use Rest without any repercussions. Grass-types such as Serperior, Mega Venusaur, and Celebi check Water- and Electric-types, and in Mega Venusaur's case, opposing Grass-types as well. Manaphy is very susceptible to these super effective attacks as it is running mono-Water coverage.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Specially defensive Manaphy with Scald, Rain Dance, U-turn, and Rest is very effective at beating special attackers such as Heatran, Clefable, Gengar, as well as avoid being trapped by Gothitelle and preserve momentum via U-turn. For sets utilizing Tail Glow, Sitrus Berry and Salac Berry are viable options, with the former recovering a quarter of Manaphy's health in a pinch, meaning it can take a hit from an offensive Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny more easily, and the latter letting Manaphy patch up its average Speed, especially against offensive teams. Knock Off cripples Chansey, Ferrothorn, and Clefable on the switch, and combined with a defensive spread Manaphy can perform the role of a good defensive utility Pokemon. Heart Swap can allow Manaphy to steal boosts from the likes of Calm Mind Mega Sableye, Calm Mind Clefable, and Agility Mega Metagross, but is extremely dependent on the foe. Heal Bell provides good clerical support especially when paired up with offensive Pokemon such as Bisharp and Mega Lopunny that hate status. Rindo Berry negates Manaphy's weakness to Grass-type moves, albeit for only one turn, allowing it to turn the tables on the likes of Serperior and Mega Sceptile. Substitute allows Manaphy to ease setup and prediction, particularly against offensive teams. Manaphy can also use it to cripple the likes of Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn with Scald while behind the Substitute. Lastly, Dazzling Gleam hits Kyurem-B and Kingdra, but other than that does not have many notable targets, and losing a coverage option such as Energy Ball or Ice Beam is usually not worth it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fast Offensive Pokemon**: Due to Manaphy's average Speed, fast offensive Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny, Hawlucha, Gengar, Tornadus-T, Alakazam, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Medicham can easily revenge kill Manaphy.
**Grass-types**: Mega Sceptile, Celebi, Serperior, Shaymin, and Tangrowth check non-Ice Beam Manaphy very well as they all resist Manaphy's main STAB move, Scald. Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur check non-Ice Beam and non-Psychic variants of Manaphy, while Ferrothorn beats non-Hidden Power Fire Manaphy. In return they can all retaliate with their own Grass-type STAB move.
**Electric-types**: Though they cannot directly switch in, Electric-types such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, Thundurus, and Rotom-W can safely revenge kill Manaphy as they are all faster than Manaphy, save for Rotom-W. Rotom-W loses to Energy Ball Manaphy, however.
**Dragon-types**: Being resistant to Scald, and being able to counter non-Ice Beam variants of Manaphy, various Dragon-types such as Latios, Mega Altaria, Latias, Kyurem-B, Dragalge, Dragonite, and Kingdra are great answers to Manaphy. Among them, Pokemon neutral to Ice Beam, such as Kingdra and Kyurem-B, are even better answers. However, none of these Pokemon enjoy switching into Scald as the burns cripple them and whittle their health slowly.
**Unaware Clefable**: Unaware Clefable counters Manaphy as Scald fails to 2HKO even after Stealth Rock and burn damage. With Special Defense investment and a Calm nature it can even avoid the 2HKO from rain-boosted Scald. Clefable can then use Manaphy as setup fodder for Calm Mind, cripple Manaphy with Thunder Wave, or pass Wishes. However, it can be overwhelmed by Splash Plate Manaphy.
[OVERVIEW]
Despite Manaphy's adorable facade, it is one of the most capable Pokemon in the entire OU tier, being one of the most prominent wallbreakers and stallbreakers. Tail Glow is Manaphy's trump card, a move that makes it immediately threatening, boosting Manaphy's Special Attack three whole stages in the space of only one turn. With this tool, Manaphy can easily set up on and destroy many common defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Sableye, Mega Scizor, Mandibuzz, Alomomola, Tentacruel, Chansey, Skarmory, Starmie, Heatran, Hippowdon, and Slowbro. Manaphy also has decent all-around bulk allowing it to take on the likes of Mega Metagross, Gliscor, and Keldeo when utilizing a defensive EV spread, and hold its own against defensive Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Chansey and take a hit from more offensive Pokemon when utilizing a more offensive-inclined EV spread. Manaphy's prowess at breaking down defensive teams and cores is further aided by its wide movepool consisting of many coverage options, including Ice Beam for the likes of Mega Altaria, Latios, and Celebi, Energy Ball for Slowbro, Keldeo, and Azumarill, and Psychic for Toxicroak, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur, thus greatly limiting Manaphy's number of viable checks. Hydration is the cream of the crop, working great with Rain Dance, as it gives Manaphy an immunity to status ailments in the rain, and in tandem with Rest, gives Manaphy great longevity. Rain Dance also powers up Manaphy's Water-type STAB attacks, making it capable of feats such as 2HKOing Chansey and Unaware Clefable.
Manaphy, however, possesses quite an average Speed stat, leaving it easily revenge killed by offensive Pokemon such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, Thundurus, Mega Lopunny, Serperior, and Mega Sceptile. Manaphy's Special Attack, when unboosted, also pales in comparison to other offensive behemoths in the tier such as Latios and Gengar. Lastly, despite Manaphy's good coverage, it can't cover the entire tier with two or three coverage moves, meaning Manaphy will always be walled by something no matter what.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + 3 Attacks
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Scald
move 3: Ice Beam / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Energy Ball / Psychic
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow makes Manaphy immediately threatening, and is the tool that lets Manaphy break past defensive teams with ease. Scald has a nifty 30% chance to burn the foe, which is extremely useful to cripple the likes of Chansey, Unaware Clefable, and Ferrothorn. In particular, Ferrothorn's defensive capabilities get hit hard when burned as its health will get slowly whittled away, particularly with no means of recovery outside of Leech Seed and Leftovers, and its offensive moves will not do as much damage too. Scald also nets a neutral hit on many defensive Pokemon such as Mega Sableye. Ice Beam deals with Grass- and Dragon-types such as Celebi, Amoonguss, Mega Altaria, and Latios. Energy Ball handles bulky Water-types such as Slowbro, Starmie, Rotom-W, and Azumarill looking to resist Manaphy's Scald and Ice Beam. Hidden Power Fire lets Manaphy circumvent Ferrothorn, which normally checks Manaphy. On bulky offensive teams, Hidden Power Fire has additional utility in being able to pressure Mega Scizor, which threatens balance built around Hippowdon. Psychic OHKOes Mega Venusaur when at +3, hits Poison-types and Fighting-types such as Toxicroak and Amoonguss, Keldeo and Conkeldurr, for super effective damage, as well as Water-types such as Suicune, Slowbro, and Azumarill for neutral damage. Shadow Ball can be used as a catch-all move to hit Psychic-types such as Slowbro, Latios, Celebi, Jirachi, and Starmie in only one moveslot, as well as hitting the likes of Rotom-W and Mega Venusaur for neutral damage. In particular, it works well alongside Hidden Power Fire as Shadow Ball sort of compresses the roles of Ice Beam and Energy Ball into one, but is more so team dependent.
Set Details
========
Manaphy is most effective when utilizing maximum Speed EVs and a Timid nature, as with such it Speed ties with opposing Manaphy, Mega Medicham, Mega Gardevoir, both Mega Charizard formes, as well as outspeed Adamant Terrakion, Volcarona running a Modest nature with 252 Speed EVs or a Timid nature with 184 Speed EVs, Jolly Landorus-T, Naive Kyurem-B, and Jolly Excadrill. If you value bulk over Speed, a spread of 96 HP / 252 SpA / 160 Spe is perfectly viable to just outpace Excadrill and anything below, while retaining a bit of bulk to take on the likes of Mega Lopunny more easily, or 164 Speed EVs if using Hidden Power Fire to make up for the lost IV. Leftovers provides much-needed longevity for Manaphy, meaning it can switch into resisted moves such as Scald or the likes of Heatran more easily. Other viable items include Wacan Berry to let Manaphy take on an Electric-type such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, or Thundurus once, Salac Berry to patch up Manaphy's mediocre Speed stat against offensive teams, Lum Berry to allow Manaphy to shrug off status ailments such as Clefable's or Klefki's Thunder Wave, especially against teams lacking a definite answer to Manaphy, and Sitrus Berry to let Manaphy recover a quarter of its health after its health has been halved, which greatly benefits certain offensive teams that play Manaphy more aggressively.
Usage Tips
========
Manaphy fares great against defensive or balanced teams, as the extra coverage options helps it in breaking down its checks, making Manaphy even harder for defensive teams to beat. Against defensive teams, set up on the likes of Mandibuzz, Mega Sableye, and Tentacruel that pose no threat to Manaphy. However keep in mind that without Rain Dance Manaphy can only beat Unaware Clefable and Chansey if they are weakened beforehand. It is obvious that you should eliminate Clefable and weaken Chansey first so that Manaphy can sweep. Manaphy can also hit Clefable or Chansey with Scald on the switch so as to potentially cripple them via a burn. Manaphy can also set up on the likes of Mega Sableye, Mega Slowbro, and Magic Guard Clefable, as Tail Glow allows Manaphy to boost faster than their Calm Mind and then KO them with the appropriate coverage move. Manaphy can be easily revenge killed by offensive Grass- or Electric-type Pokemon such as Serperior and Thundurus, so try not attempt to pull of a sweep with Tail Glow against offensive teams unless the coast is clear. At the start of a match, using Scald is more often than not beneficial to cripple potential checks to Manaphy. If Manaphy is not using Leftovers, try not to reveal what item it has too early - for example if the opponent knows Manaphy is carrying a Wacan Berry, they may play more carefully around it and not using their Electric-type to revenge kill.
Team Options
========
Pursuit support greatly aids Manaphy as it might struggle with Psychic-types such as Celebi, Latios, Latias, Cresselia, and Slowking, making the likes of Bisharp, Mega Metagross, Weavile, and Tyranitar ideal partners. Bisharp has priority Sucker Punch for offensive playstyles, and in return, Manaphy deals with bulky Pokemon such as Mega Scizor, Hippowdon, and Keldeo that Bisharp struggle against. Mega Metagross beats many of Manaphy's checks, such as Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, Mega Altaria, and Amoonguss, while in turn Manaphy destroys defensive threats walling Mega Metagross such as Mega Scizor, Slowbro, and Hippowdon. Gothitelle traps and eliminates Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, and in a similar vein, Magnezone traps and eliminates Ferrothorn too, as well as checking the likes of Latios.
In terms of defensive synergy, Manaphy needs an answer to Electric- and Grass-types. Answers to Electric-types such as Mega Altaria, Raikou, and Hippowdon are good teammates provided Manaphy lacks Wacan Berry, while answers to Grass-types, mainly Serperior, Mega Venusaur, and Celebi, are appreciated. These include Talonflame, Mega Charizard X, Tornadus-T, Weavile, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mamoswine. In particular, Talonflame and Mega Charizard X appreciate Manaphy's ability to beat Water- and Ground-types. If Energy Ball isn't run, Grass-types such as Celebi and Serperior are good partners thanks to their ability to check Water-types that resist Manaphy's Scald and Ice Beam, and potentially complete Fire-Water-Grass cores. Depending on the coverage Manaphy runs, lures to the various Pokemon not covered are good partners. For example, if Manaphy lacks Psychic, Psychic or Hidden Power Flying Thundurus makes for a good teammate thanks to its ability to beat Mega Venusaur, and if Manaphy lacks Hidden Power Fire, Hidden Power Fire Kyurem-B or Latios are good partners thanks to their ability to beat Ferrothorn. Clefable deals with Assault Vest Tornadus-T, and certain Grass- and Electric-types such as Celebi and Mega Manectric capable of checking Manaphy, as well as providing paralysis support to slow down offensive threats such as Mega Metagross and Mega Lopunny. In turn, Manaphy, if running Hidden Power Fire, can lure in and KO Ferrothorn, and if running Psychic, Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss too.
Mega Lopunny deals with faster offensive Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, Raikou, and Starmie which are a pain for Manaphy to deal with, while Manaphy easily breaks defensive playstyles due to Tail Glow, removing bulky defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Hippowdon for Mega Lopunny. Their combined power to defeat the three most common playstyles makes them a top offensive combination. Similarly, Mega Alakazam fares great against fast teams, capable of checking fast Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric troubling Manaphy, as well as weather sweepers such as Excadrill and Kingdra. Manaphy then takes down bulky Pokemon, thanks to Tail Glow, such as Clefable and Mega Sableye. Mega Scizor beats Ferrothorn as well as Psychic-types such as Celebi, Latios, Latias, and Cresselia. It also deals with Kyurem-B, Chansey, and Mega Lopunny. Defensive Garchomp sets up Stealth Rock to whittle down switch-ins, as well as checking Electric-types such as Mega Manectric and Raikou and fast offensive threats such as Mega Metagross, Mega Lopunny, Hawlucha, and Gengar. With Multiscale, Dragonite also deals with Electric- and Grass-types such as Mega Manectric and Serperior, and bulky Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, and Chansey. After a Dragon Dance it can also eliminate many common Dragon-types such as Kyurem-B, Latios, and Garchomp, while appreciating Manaphy's ability to beat Mega Altaria, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Mega Gallade has Close Combat or Drain Punch to break past Chansey, Ferrothorn, and Kyurem-B, Zen Headbutt for Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Toxicroak, and Knock Off for bulky Psychic-types such as Celebi, Latios, and Jirachi. In turn, it appreciates Manaphy's ability to break Mega Sableye, Magic Guard Clefable, and Mega Slowbro, as well as deter Talonflame from switching in. Chansey is a problem for non-Rain Dance Manaphy, so Knock Off users, Chansey lures, or strong wallbreakers are good teammates. Examples of lures include Knock Off Clefable and Knock Off Tornadus-T. Due to Scald, Manaphy is capable of potentially crippling the likes of Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur on the switch. This makes the likes of Mega Altaria, Clefable, and Raikou good partners as they appreciate having their checks weakened.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + Rain Dance
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Rain Dance
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psychic / Energy Ball
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow boosts Manaphy's Special Attack by three stages, making it capable of cutting through defensive teams like a hot knife through butter. Rain Dance further boosts Manaphy's power, allowing it to break past Clefable and Chansey more easily and become immune to status ailments in the rain. Scald has a nifty 30% chance to burn and is Manaphy's strongest STAB move, and its power is augmented even further via Tail Glow and Rain Dance. Psychic allows Manaphy to circumvent Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, Conkeldurr, Dragalge, Toxicroak, and Keldeo. Using Psychic means Manaphy has an easier time against stall utilizing Mega Sableye + Amoonguss or Mega Venusaur + Heatran cores. Energy Ball hits Water-types such as Slowbro, Suicune, and Rotom-W for super effective damage. It also lets Manaphy beat Calm Mind Slowbro and Suicune one-on-one due to Tail Glow boosting faster than its Calm Mind. Ice Beam deals with Grass- and Dragon-types such as Celebi and Mega Altaria.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment in tandem with a Timid nature allows Manaphy to Speed tie with Jolly Mega Medicham, opposing Manaphy, Mega Gardevoir, Jolly Mega Charizard X, Timid Mega Charizard Y, and Timid Volcarona, and outspeed Adamant Mega Charizard X, Modest Mega Charizard Y, Modest Volcarona or ones running Timid and 184 Speed, Adamant Terrakion, Naive Kyurem-B, and Jolly Landorus-T. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack for power. Leftovers is for passive recovery, allowing Manaphy to have an easier time against defensive and balance teams. A bulkier spread with Rest to outpace Bisharp, beat Clefable, and handle Mega Altaria and Mega Metagross better is perfectly viable. An example would be something along the lines of 248 HP / 108 Def / 136 SpA / 16 Spe. The combination of Hydration and Rain Dance means Manaphy is immune to status inside the rain. Modest is an option if you prefer wallbreaking potential over Speed, and when outspeeding Jolly Excadrill and Speed tying with Base 100s isn't necessary. In particular, the combination of a Modest nature, Splash Plate, Rain Dance, and Surf is a viable option to 2HKO Unaware Clefable unboosted.
Usage Tips
========
As this Manaphy variant only has two coverage moves, it lacks the ability to break past a wider realm of defensive Pokemon, so identify any Pokemon that Manaphy cannot beat using its two coverage moves and either weaken it or remove it first prior to attempting a sweep with Manaphy. Use Scald at the start of the game to potentially cripple Manaphy's checks. How you set up Manaphy depends on what the opposing team consists of, as if a Chansey is present, the use of Rain Dance as well as two Tail Glows is necessary to beat it with Scald. Don't reveal what coverage move Manaphy has, as it may come in handy to surprise would-be answers such as Mega Venusaur if running Psychic. If Unaware Clefable is the opposing team's answer to Manaphy don't reveal Rain Dance too early as well. Set up on defensive Pokemon lacking a way to deal a lot of damage to Manaphy such as Mega Sableye, Mega Slowbro, Mandibuzz, and Alomomola. Manaphy is revenge killed easily by offensive threats such as Thundurus, Serperior, and Mega Lopunny. However Manaphy's bulk means in times of need it can take a hit from the above and retaliate, but don't play too aggressively. Weaken Manaphy's checks first so that it can potentially break through them with Scald, depending on what coverage move Manaphy opts for.
Team Options
========
Fast, offensive Pokemon are ideal partners for Manaphy due to their ability to handle offensive teams. These include Mega Alakazam, Mega Lopunny, Tornadus-T, Talonflame, Thundurus, and Mega Sceptile.
Depending on the coverage that Manaphy runs, teammates to cover the weaknesses left are good partners. For example, Energy Ball Manaphy struggles with Grass- and Dragon-types, so Ice-types such as Weavile and Mamoswine are good partners to deal with these. Answers to Grass-types, such as Mega Charizard X, Tornadus-T, and Mega Scizor, are good partners as Manaphy struggles against the likes of Celebi, Mega Venusaur, and Amoonguss if lacking Ice Beam. Answers to Electric-types, such as Mega Charizard X, Mamoswine, Raikou, and Serperior are good teammates as well due to Manaphy's knack for being revenge killed by the likes of Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus. Pursuit trappers such as Mega Metagross, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Weavile are good Pokemon to pair up with Manaphy as they can get rid of Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, Gothitelle, and Celebi. Mega Metagross is a notable partner as it also deals with the Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Keldeo, which without the right coverage Manaphy fails to beat. Magnezone and Gothitelle traps and eliminates Ferrothorn. However, their Hidden Power Fire gets weakened in the rain, so be wary of activating the rain when about to trap Ferrothorn. Jirachi deals with Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, and Celebi and Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur and Serperior. Thanks to the rain, Mega Venusaur and Serperior's Hidden Power Fire is weakened. Rain abusers and Swift Swim users such as Tornadus-T, Mega Manectric, Raikou, Kabutops, Kingdra, and Mega Swampert appreciate Manaphy's ability to set rain to power up their own attacks. Mega Scizor also deserves a mention for functioning nicely in rain and checking Ferrothorn and numerous Psychic-types such as Latios, Celebi, and Cresselia.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rain Dance
move 4: Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind takes an alternate route from Tail Glow, boosting Manaphy's Special Attack and Special Defense slowly to not only make it more powerful but also impervious to special attacks. Scald is Manaphy's main STAB move, chosen for its nifty 30% chance to burn the foe. On a set utilizing mono-Water coverage this is particularly important as the burn means Manaphy can potentially cripple and stall out would-be answers such as Ferrothorn. Rain Dance summons rain, activating Hydration to provide Manaphy with an effective immunity to status ailments. It also powers up Scald. Rest functions very effectively alongside Rain Dance, recovering all of Manaphy's health under rain without needing to put Manaphy to sleep, meaning it is a good check to the likes of Mega Metagross, Keldeo, and Bisharp.
Set Details
========
16 Speed EVs allow Manaphy to outpace Adamant Bisharp, allowing Manaphy to potentially burn it first before taking a Knock Off. The remaining investment are placed into HP and Defense, alongside a Bold nature, to check physical threats such as Mega Lopunny better. Though both 240 HP / 252 Def and 252 HP / 240 Def arrive at the same defensive benchmark, maximum HP investment is chosen to deal with special attackers such as Slowbro and Keldeo slightly better. Leftovers is the chosen item to provide Manaphy with passive recovery, and to make sure it sticks around for longer. It is to be highlighted that Calm Mind Manaphy does have a few advantages over CroCune, such as a better Speed stat, better damage output in general, especially considering Rain Dance, and reliable recovery without having to be rendered useless for two turns (bar Sleep Talk but that's unreliable).
Usage Tips
========
Manaphy can function as a check to the likes of non-Swords Dance Talonflame, Mega Metagross, Mega Aerodactyl, Keldeo, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Hippowdon, due to the Defense investment. It can switch into and set up Rain Dance and Calm Mind against the above, then use Rest to be able to continuously set up and sweep when low at health. Don't let Manaphy be forced into a position where the opponent can KO it easily, so don't wait until the last minute to use Rest. Manaphy also functions great against defensive teams, being capable of finding opportunities to set up on many common defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro, Alomomola, Mandibuzz, Mega Sableye, Chansey, Clefable, Quagsire, Tyranitar, Hippowdon, Manaphy, as well as specific defensive win-conditions such as Mega Scizor, Keldeo, and Gliscor. Manaphy can also use Calm Mind against offensive teams to tank hits from special attackers such as Latios, Clefable, and Starmie. Try not to use Rest when Rain Dance isn't up, and on the last turn of rain, as Hydration won't activate and will leave Manaphy vulnerable for two whole turns. Remove Grass-, Electric-, and Dragon-types that Manaphy cannot remove by itself. In terms of Dragon-types these particularly include strong physical attackers such as Mega Altaria, Dragonite, and Garchomp.
Team Options
========
Amoonguss is a good defensive partner for Manaphy that appreciates Manaphy's ability to stallbreak, and provides an answer to the majority of Electric- and Grass-types such as Mega Manectric and Celebi walling Manaphy via its typing. The rain Manaphy summons also further increases the defensive synergy between the duo, making Amoonguss less susceptible to Fire-type attacks. Lastly, Amoonguss is also capable of beating Ferrothorn due to having Hidden Power Fire usually. Magnezone and Gothitelle trap and eliminate Ferrothorn via Hidden Power Fire. As an added bonus they can also take down Water-types such as Slowking, Gyarados, and Azumarill resisting Manaphy's mono-Water coverage. Gothitelle can also deal with most Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss. Generic answers to Electric-types such as Dragon-, Grass-, and Ground-types are ideal partners as well. These include Latios, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon. Rain setters such as Klefki and Politoed can set up rain in a pinch, activating Hydration and letting Manaphy use Rest without any repercussions. Grass-types such as Serperior, Mega Venusaur, and Celebi check Water- and Electric-types, and in Mega Venusaur's case, opposing Grass-types as well. Manaphy is very susceptible to these super effective attacks as it is running mono-Water coverage.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Specially defensive Manaphy with Scald, Rain Dance, U-turn, and Rest is very effective at beating special attackers such as Heatran, Clefable, Gengar, as well as avoid being trapped by Gothitelle and preserve momentum via U-turn. For sets utilizing Tail Glow, Sitrus Berry and Salac Berry are viable options, with the former recovering a quarter of Manaphy's health in a pinch, meaning it can take a hit from an offensive Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny more easily, and the latter letting Manaphy patch up its average Speed, especially against offensive teams. Knock Off cripples Chansey, Ferrothorn, and Clefable on the switch, and combined with a defensive spread Manaphy can perform the role of a good defensive utility Pokemon. Heart Swap can allow Manaphy to steal boosts from the likes of Calm Mind Mega Sableye, Calm Mind Clefable, and Agility Mega Metagross, but is extremely dependent on the foe. Heal Bell provides good clerical support especially when paired up with offensive Pokemon such as Bisharp and Mega Lopunny that hate status. Rindo Berry negates Manaphy's weakness to Grass-type moves, albeit for only one turn, allowing it to turn the tables on the likes of Serperior and Mega Sceptile. Substitute allows Manaphy to ease setup and prediction, particularly against offensive teams. Manaphy can also use it to cripple the likes of Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn with Scald while behind the Substitute. Lastly, Dazzling Gleam hits Kyurem-B and Kingdra, but other than that does not have many notable targets, and losing a coverage option such as Energy Ball or Ice Beam is usually not worth it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fast Offensive Pokemon**: Due to Manaphy's average Speed, fast offensive Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny, Hawlucha, Gengar, Tornadus-T, Alakazam, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Medicham can easily revenge kill Manaphy.
**Grass-types**: Mega Sceptile, Celebi, Serperior, Shaymin, and Tangrowth check non-Ice Beam Manaphy very well as they all resist Manaphy's main STAB move, Scald. Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur check non-Ice Beam and non-Psychic variants of Manaphy, while Ferrothorn beats non-Hidden Power Fire Manaphy. In return they can all retaliate with their own Grass-type STAB move.
**Electric-types**: Though they cannot directly switch in, Electric-types such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, Thundurus, and Rotom-W can safely revenge kill Manaphy as they are all faster than Manaphy, save for Rotom-W. Rotom-W loses to Energy Ball Manaphy, however.
**Dragon-types**: Being resistant to Scald, and being able to counter non-Ice Beam variants of Manaphy, various Dragon-types such as Latios, Mega Altaria, Latias, Kyurem-B, Dragalge, Dragonite, and Kingdra are great answers to Manaphy. Among them, Pokemon neutral to Ice Beam, such as Kingdra and Kyurem-B, are even better answers. However, none of these Pokemon enjoy switching into Scald as the burns cripple them and whittle their health slowly.
**Unaware Clefable**: Unaware Clefable counters Manaphy as Scald fails to 2HKO even after Stealth Rock and burn damage. With Special Defense investment and a Calm nature it can even avoid the 2HKO from rain-boosted Scald. Clefable can then use Manaphy as setup fodder for Calm Mind, cripple Manaphy with Thunder Wave, or pass Wishes. However, it can be overwhelmed by Splash Plate Manaphy.
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