[OVERVIEW]
Mienfoo is one of LC's defining presences and the tier's most versatile Fighting-type, capable of serving as a reliable defensive pivot or a devastating offensive threat. Regenerator lets it take hits, force Pokemon out, and generate momentum with U-turn. Its other great ability, Reckless, boosts High Jump Kick's power to extreme levels and makes it one of the best wallbreakers in the tier. It provides great utility through moves like Knock Off, U-turn, and Fake Out, which can wear down defensive cores, generate momentum, and revenge kill sweepers. Mienfoo's Fighting typing is indispensable in Little Cup, as almost every team requires a reliable switch-in to Onix and Pawniard and a way to break through Ferroseed. While Mienfoo has many great qualities, it can be exploited. Mienfoo's prevalence means that almost every team will carry a dedicated check for Fighting-types like Koffing, Foongus, or Mareanie. High Jump Kick is somewhat unreliable, leading to Mienfoo often taking major recoil damage, and Protect on unexpected foes can spell its demise. Mienfoo's propensity for taking chip damage and switching into Knock Off can lead to it being trapped by Diglett, and Mienfoo is generally not that bulky after having its Eviolite removed. Its lack of reliable priority can be exploited by fast threats like Abra and Galarian Ponyta.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: High Jump Kick
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Fake Out / Taunt
item: Eviolite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Jolly
evs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
High Jump Kick is an extremely powerful STAB move, even without Attack investment, although its misses can be costly and it can be punished with Protect. Knock Off lets Mienfoo make progress against its switch-ins like Mareanie, Foongus, and Koffing. U-turn works in excellent tandem with Regenerator, allowing Mienfoo to pivot away while healing itself. Fake Out wears down faster offensive threats such as Speed-boosted Nasty Plot Vullaby and Choice Scarf users, and it can stall out turns of sun, dual screens, and Grassy Terrain. Beware that some fast threats, especially Abra, run Protect to avoid Fake Out. Taunt is a niche option that helps against Foongus, especially when you do not have your own Foongus or Ferroseed to absorb Spore, and prevents Foongus and Mareanie from recovering HP, letting Mienfoo break through them sometimes. Taunt can also prevent slower sweepers like Nasty Plot Vullaby from setting up.
Set Details
========
Pivot Mienfoo's versatility is defined by its ability to run multiple EV spreads to fit different roles. The given EV spread balances Mienfoo's ability to threaten much of the tier with its Speed while also providing ample physical bulk. Hitting 17 Speed Speed ties with Onix, Natu, and opposing Mienfoo and lets it always outspeed Pawniard and non-Choice Scarf Vullaby. The given EV investment also hits 14 Defense and provides Mienfoo with enough bulk to comfortably switch into Pawniard, Onix, and other Fighting-types. An alternate spread of 76 HP / 196 Def / 196 SpD with an Impish nature gives Mienfoo impressive bulk at the expense of Speed, letting it always survive Download Porygon's Psychic and almost always survive non-Life Orb Abra's Psychic from full HP. This spread also lets Mienfoo defeat Weak Armor Vullaby with Fake Out. You can forgo defensive investment almost entirely and run a spread of 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe to surprise opponents with its offensive presence, almost always OHKOing standard Vullaby after Stealth Rock. Eviolite provides Mienfoo the bulk to survive most attacks from full health. Regenerator keeps Mienfoo healthy and enables it to continually pivot into threats.
Usage Tips
========
Mienfoo is one of the most consistent lead options in the tier thanks to Fake Out, Knock Off, and U-turn. This set is a great sponge for chip damage thanks to its bulk and ability to heal when switching out. Mienfoo should use its bulk and resistances to come in on Pokemon like Ferroseed, Pawniard, and Onix and make progress with Knock Off and U-turn. U-turn should be used aggressively, and Mienfoo generally should be preserved often, as multiple switches can restore its HP. Mienfoo can often force Fighting-resistant foes to switch in and pivot into frail offensive threats like Diglett and Abra to exploit them. While its chip damage and priority can be valuable, Fake Out should be used strategically, as it can also allow free switches from Weak Armor Vullaby and checks to Mienfoo.
Team Options
========
Mienfoo pairs excellently with Diglett, as it can weaken foes with Knock Off and get Diglett free switches with U-turn; in return, Diglett can trap and KO Mareanie and Abra. Mienfoo supports Vullaby well by switching into Pawniard and Onix and forcing them out or KOing them, and the two can pivot between each other with U-turn and create offensive pressure. Vullaby can also deter Abra from using Psychic. Pawniard supports Mienfoo by switching into dangerous special attackers like Abra and Galarian Ponyta as well as Vullaby's Brave Bird, but it can easily be worn down in this role. Ferroseed is an even more reliable answer to Abra, and Mienfoo's U-turn gets it free turns against Foongus.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: High Jump Kick
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Close Combat / Brick Break
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Reckless
nature: Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Reckless High Jump Kick does major damage to a majority of the tier. U-turn takes advantage of High Jump Kick forcing switches and lets Mienfoo pivot. Knock Off lets Mienfoo punish Fighting-resistant foes and especially Ghost-types like Frillish. The last move slot goes to a 100% accurate STAB move; Close Combat is generally the best option thanks to its power, while Brick Break provides an emergency check to dual screens offense.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature ensure that Choice Scarf Mienfoo hits as hard as possible while outspeeding most of the tier, including common Choice Scarf users like Porygon and Vullaby. Choice Scarf allows Mienfoo to force out or KO potent threats like Abra, Galarian Ponyta, and Staryu.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Mienfoo wants to use High Jump Kick as frequently as possible and will impose immense pressure every time it does; thus, generating free switches through tools like Vullaby's U-turn should be your priority. Mienfoo can strategically use Knock Off early-game to soften Fighting-resistant switch-ins, as High Jump Kick severely threatens most of them without Eviolite. This set relies on the gradual chipping down of these Fighting-resistant foes to serve as a wincon late-game.
Team Options
========
Timburr supports this set well, as it can function as a defensive Fighting-type and overwhelm Fighting-resistant foes, especially Foongus and Koffing, with Knock Off and Ice Punch. Knock Off support from other users like Vullaby, Pawniard, and Mareanie is also invaluable for whittling down bulky foes that might otherwise survive High Jump Kick. Ferroseed switches well into Fighting-resistant foes that force out Mienfoo and can set Spikes to facillitate a sweep. Diglett can capitalize on U-turn to trap and KO Mareanie and Focus Sash Abra.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band is an option over Choice Scarf to make Mienfoo absurdly powerful and unexpectedly OHKO opposing Vullaby and Mienfoo, although the set's relative slowness and frailty necessitate more cautious use and team support. Mienfoo can run a Swords Dance set with Berry Juice and Acrobatics on Sticky Web offense teams to serve as a powerful sweeper, but Scraggy generally outclasses it. Acrobatics is an option on non-Berry Juice sets to hit Foongus, but it will typically be useless unless Mienfoo takes Knock Off. Feint is an option to help beat Focus Sash Abra but lacks Fake Out's benefit of free damage against other foes. Swords Dance is an option on pivot sets to boost and OHKO Vullaby that attempt to switch in. Regenerator can be run on Choice Scarf sets to give Mienfoo added durability against priority moves, but the major decrease in power makes this inadvisable.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Koffing**: Koffing's hefty physical bulk and Poison typing allow it to reliably pivot into Mienfoo and threaten it out with a burn or its powerful Sludge Bomb. Koffing's Neutralizing Gas also can harm Mienfoo's staying power by preventing recovery from Regenerator. However, Koffing lacks reliable recovery and is vulnerable to entry hazards, meaning it can only switch into Mienfoo a few times.
**Mareanie**: Thanks to its resistance to Fighting and Regenerator, Mareanie is the one of the sturdiest Mienfoo checks in the tier. Mareanie must be wary of switching into U-turn, though, as Mienfoo may pivot to Diglett or a powerful special attacker. Mareanie also takes significant damage from Choice Band High Jump Kick without its Eviolite.
**Foongus**: Foongus resists High Jump Kick, can stay healthy with Regenerator and reliable recovery, and punish Mienfoo with Spore. Foongus struggles mightily when Mienfoo is paired with Ferroseed, as Ferroseed fears none of Foongus's options and U-turn prevents Foongus from double switching to punish Ferroseed. Foongus without its Eviolite also cannot reliably switch into Reckless Mienfoo, as it is 2HKOed by High Jump Kick after Stealth Rock.
**Spritzee**: Spritzee fears Mienfoo little and cannot reliably be trapped by Diglett, and it threatens back with Moonblast. Spritzee can take advantage of Mienfoo to pass Wish and heal teammates like Ferroseed. Protect prevents Mienfoo from powering through with High Jump Kick. However, Spritzee often struggles to make progress against Mienfoo thanks to Mienfoo pivoting with U-turn to bulky Pokemon like Mareanie and Ferroseed.
**Fast Special Attackers**: Mienfoo without Choice Scarf can be threatened by speedy threats like Abra and Galarian Ponyta. Abra often runs Protect to preserve its Focus Sash against Fake Out and can punish Mienfoo with Psychic. However, Mienfoo can survive non-Life Orb Abra's Psychic with maximum Special Defense investment and Eviolite.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KSG, 32350]]
- Quality checked by: [[Stoward, 420389], [DC, 449990], [LilyAC, 423793]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
Mienfoo is one of LC's defining presences and the tier's most versatile Fighting-type, capable of serving as a reliable defensive pivot or a devastating offensive threat. Regenerator lets it take hits, force Pokemon out, and generate momentum with U-turn. Its other great ability, Reckless, boosts High Jump Kick's power to extreme levels and makes it one of the best wallbreakers in the tier. It provides great utility through moves like Knock Off, U-turn, and Fake Out, which can wear down defensive cores, generate momentum, and revenge kill sweepers. Mienfoo's Fighting typing is indispensable in Little Cup, as almost every team requires a reliable switch-in to Onix and Pawniard and a way to break through Ferroseed. While Mienfoo has many great qualities, it can be exploited. Mienfoo's prevalence means that almost every team will carry a dedicated check for Fighting-types like Koffing, Foongus, or Mareanie. High Jump Kick is somewhat unreliable, leading to Mienfoo often taking major recoil damage, and Protect on unexpected foes can spell its demise. Mienfoo's propensity for taking chip damage and switching into Knock Off can lead to it being trapped by Diglett, and Mienfoo is generally not that bulky after having its Eviolite removed. Its lack of reliable priority can be exploited by fast threats like Abra and Galarian Ponyta.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: High Jump Kick
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Fake Out / Taunt
item: Eviolite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Jolly
evs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
High Jump Kick is an extremely powerful STAB move, even without Attack investment, although its misses can be costly and it can be punished with Protect. Knock Off lets Mienfoo make progress against its switch-ins like Mareanie, Foongus, and Koffing. U-turn works in excellent tandem with Regenerator, allowing Mienfoo to pivot away while healing itself. Fake Out wears down faster offensive threats such as Speed-boosted Nasty Plot Vullaby and Choice Scarf users, and it can stall out turns of sun, dual screens, and Grassy Terrain. Beware that some fast threats, especially Abra, run Protect to avoid Fake Out. Taunt is a niche option that helps against Foongus, especially when you do not have your own Foongus or Ferroseed to absorb Spore, and prevents Foongus and Mareanie from recovering HP, letting Mienfoo break through them sometimes. Taunt can also prevent slower sweepers like Nasty Plot Vullaby from setting up.
Set Details
========
Pivot Mienfoo's versatility is defined by its ability to run multiple EV spreads to fit different roles. The given EV spread balances Mienfoo's ability to threaten much of the tier with its Speed while also providing ample physical bulk. Hitting 17 Speed Speed ties with Onix, Natu, and opposing Mienfoo and lets it always outspeed Pawniard and non-Choice Scarf Vullaby. The given EV investment also hits 14 Defense and provides Mienfoo with enough bulk to comfortably switch into Pawniard, Onix, and other Fighting-types. An alternate spread of 76 HP / 196 Def / 196 SpD with an Impish nature gives Mienfoo impressive bulk at the expense of Speed, letting it always survive Download Porygon's Psychic and almost always survive non-Life Orb Abra's Psychic from full HP. This spread also lets Mienfoo defeat Weak Armor Vullaby with Fake Out. You can forgo defensive investment almost entirely and run a spread of 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe to surprise opponents with its offensive presence, almost always OHKOing standard Vullaby after Stealth Rock. Eviolite provides Mienfoo the bulk to survive most attacks from full health. Regenerator keeps Mienfoo healthy and enables it to continually pivot into threats.
Usage Tips
========
Mienfoo is one of the most consistent lead options in the tier thanks to Fake Out, Knock Off, and U-turn. This set is a great sponge for chip damage thanks to its bulk and ability to heal when switching out. Mienfoo should use its bulk and resistances to come in on Pokemon like Ferroseed, Pawniard, and Onix and make progress with Knock Off and U-turn. U-turn should be used aggressively, and Mienfoo generally should be preserved often, as multiple switches can restore its HP. Mienfoo can often force Fighting-resistant foes to switch in and pivot into frail offensive threats like Diglett and Abra to exploit them. While its chip damage and priority can be valuable, Fake Out should be used strategically, as it can also allow free switches from Weak Armor Vullaby and checks to Mienfoo.
Team Options
========
Mienfoo pairs excellently with Diglett, as it can weaken foes with Knock Off and get Diglett free switches with U-turn; in return, Diglett can trap and KO Mareanie and Abra. Mienfoo supports Vullaby well by switching into Pawniard and Onix and forcing them out or KOing them, and the two can pivot between each other with U-turn and create offensive pressure. Vullaby can also deter Abra from using Psychic. Pawniard supports Mienfoo by switching into dangerous special attackers like Abra and Galarian Ponyta as well as Vullaby's Brave Bird, but it can easily be worn down in this role. Ferroseed is an even more reliable answer to Abra, and Mienfoo's U-turn gets it free turns against Foongus.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: High Jump Kick
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Close Combat / Brick Break
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Reckless
nature: Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Reckless High Jump Kick does major damage to a majority of the tier. U-turn takes advantage of High Jump Kick forcing switches and lets Mienfoo pivot. Knock Off lets Mienfoo punish Fighting-resistant foes and especially Ghost-types like Frillish. The last move slot goes to a 100% accurate STAB move; Close Combat is generally the best option thanks to its power, while Brick Break provides an emergency check to dual screens offense.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature ensure that Choice Scarf Mienfoo hits as hard as possible while outspeeding most of the tier, including common Choice Scarf users like Porygon and Vullaby. Choice Scarf allows Mienfoo to force out or KO potent threats like Abra, Galarian Ponyta, and Staryu.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Mienfoo wants to use High Jump Kick as frequently as possible and will impose immense pressure every time it does; thus, generating free switches through tools like Vullaby's U-turn should be your priority. Mienfoo can strategically use Knock Off early-game to soften Fighting-resistant switch-ins, as High Jump Kick severely threatens most of them without Eviolite. This set relies on the gradual chipping down of these Fighting-resistant foes to serve as a wincon late-game.
Team Options
========
Timburr supports this set well, as it can function as a defensive Fighting-type and overwhelm Fighting-resistant foes, especially Foongus and Koffing, with Knock Off and Ice Punch. Knock Off support from other users like Vullaby, Pawniard, and Mareanie is also invaluable for whittling down bulky foes that might otherwise survive High Jump Kick. Ferroseed switches well into Fighting-resistant foes that force out Mienfoo and can set Spikes to facillitate a sweep. Diglett can capitalize on U-turn to trap and KO Mareanie and Focus Sash Abra.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band is an option over Choice Scarf to make Mienfoo absurdly powerful and unexpectedly OHKO opposing Vullaby and Mienfoo, although the set's relative slowness and frailty necessitate more cautious use and team support. Mienfoo can run a Swords Dance set with Berry Juice and Acrobatics on Sticky Web offense teams to serve as a powerful sweeper, but Scraggy generally outclasses it. Acrobatics is an option on non-Berry Juice sets to hit Foongus, but it will typically be useless unless Mienfoo takes Knock Off. Feint is an option to help beat Focus Sash Abra but lacks Fake Out's benefit of free damage against other foes. Swords Dance is an option on pivot sets to boost and OHKO Vullaby that attempt to switch in. Regenerator can be run on Choice Scarf sets to give Mienfoo added durability against priority moves, but the major decrease in power makes this inadvisable.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Koffing**: Koffing's hefty physical bulk and Poison typing allow it to reliably pivot into Mienfoo and threaten it out with a burn or its powerful Sludge Bomb. Koffing's Neutralizing Gas also can harm Mienfoo's staying power by preventing recovery from Regenerator. However, Koffing lacks reliable recovery and is vulnerable to entry hazards, meaning it can only switch into Mienfoo a few times.
**Mareanie**: Thanks to its resistance to Fighting and Regenerator, Mareanie is the one of the sturdiest Mienfoo checks in the tier. Mareanie must be wary of switching into U-turn, though, as Mienfoo may pivot to Diglett or a powerful special attacker. Mareanie also takes significant damage from Choice Band High Jump Kick without its Eviolite.
**Foongus**: Foongus resists High Jump Kick, can stay healthy with Regenerator and reliable recovery, and punish Mienfoo with Spore. Foongus struggles mightily when Mienfoo is paired with Ferroseed, as Ferroseed fears none of Foongus's options and U-turn prevents Foongus from double switching to punish Ferroseed. Foongus without its Eviolite also cannot reliably switch into Reckless Mienfoo, as it is 2HKOed by High Jump Kick after Stealth Rock.
**Spritzee**: Spritzee fears Mienfoo little and cannot reliably be trapped by Diglett, and it threatens back with Moonblast. Spritzee can take advantage of Mienfoo to pass Wish and heal teammates like Ferroseed. Protect prevents Mienfoo from powering through with High Jump Kick. However, Spritzee often struggles to make progress against Mienfoo thanks to Mienfoo pivoting with U-turn to bulky Pokemon like Mareanie and Ferroseed.
**Fast Special Attackers**: Mienfoo without Choice Scarf can be threatened by speedy threats like Abra and Galarian Ponyta. Abra often runs Protect to preserve its Focus Sash against Fake Out and can punish Mienfoo with Psychic. However, Mienfoo can survive non-Life Orb Abra's Psychic with maximum Special Defense investment and Eviolite.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KSG, 32350]]
- Quality checked by: [[Stoward, 420389], [DC, 449990], [LilyAC, 423793]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
Last edited: