[OVERVIEW]
Firstly, Milotic's pure Water typing lets it resist popular Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type attacks. Secondly, it is the only bulky Water-type with access to an instant recovery move, thus potentially being a solid answer to Pokemon such as Swampert. Thirdly, with all-round defensive stats, its defensive set checks mixed attackers such as Tyranitar and Flygon. Fourthly, its Special Attack stat is on par with Starmie, a typical offensive Water-type Pokemon, thus unlocking the potential of an offensive set. Fifthly, its access to Water-type STAB moves combined with Ice Beam and Hidden Power Electric helps it hit a variety of foes. In short, it can be an excellent pivot for many threats such as Heatran and Gyarados.
However, some Pokemon that Milotic checks such as Flygon and Bronzong can run status moves like Toxic that hamper its longevity. In addition, other bulky Water-types such as Swampert and Suicune have their merits: both of them have greater physical bulk, and the former resists Stealth Rock damage and Rock-type attacks, is immune to sand and Electric-type attacks, and has access to STAB Ground-type attacks, while the latter can learn Calm Mind so that it can set up on a vast portion of the metagame. Anyway, Milotic is still a solid bulky Water-type Pokemon that has Recover, the main reason why it should still be used over Swampert or Suicune.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Surf
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Haze
item: Leftovers
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Bold / Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thanks to Milotic's Recover, pure Water typing, and all-round bulk, this set acts as a defensive pivot for threats such as Heatran, Swampert, and Gyarados. With full accuracy and many PPs, Surf is its reliable STAB move to hit Pokemon such as Gengar, Metagross, Nidoqueen, and Scizor for decent damage. Ice Beam enables Milotic to guarantee OHKO on Flygon, Gliscor, and Dragonite after Stealth Rock. In addition, it allows Milotic to hit Grass-type switch-ins such as Breloom and Roserade for super effective damage. Moreover, 10% chances of freezing can be useful in the long run. Hidden Power Electric 2HKOes Gyarados, thus letting Milotic be one of the best counters to this top-tier sweeper. In addition, it 2HKOes offensive Starmie after Stealth Rock. Haze stops setup sweepers such as Curse Swampert, Dragon Dance Kingdra, Calm Mind Clefable, and Calm Mind Cresselia.
Set Details
========
This set maximizes Milotic's physical bulk, letting it easily take most moves from physical attackers such as Dragonite. Alternatively, with a Calm nature and some Special Defense EVs, Milotic can deal with other Water-types such as Choice Specs Kingdra and mixed attackers such as Dragonite more comfortably. However, some Defense EVs are still recommended to take physical attacks such as Tyranitar's Stone Edge, +1 Dragonite's Outrage, and +2 Gliscor's Earthquake. For example, a Calm nature and 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpD let Milotic take Flygon's Outrage, Expert Belt Infernape's Grass Knot, and Gyarados' Earthquake comfortably. Leftovers grants passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Defensive Milotic should be acted as a wall for attacks that can't 2HKO it. In addition, Milotic is usually used to pivot Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves that it resists. Otherwise, when Recover is used, momentum and even PP are lost, though Recover should be often used to keep healthy. Use Surf on the predicted Roost when facing Pokemon such as Zapdos and Ice Beam on the predicted Grass-type switch-in. Efforts should be taken to preserve Milotic, unless Pokemon that it generally walls such as Heatran, Gyarados, and Infernape have fainted.
Team Options
========
Defensive Milotic works on stall or balanced teams, where its defensive abilities shine.
On stall teams, Tyranitar is an awesome choice thanks to its ability to punish prominent threats that appreciate capitalizing on Milotic such as Rotom-A and Celebi with STAB Dark-type moves. In addition, Heatran and Skarmory takes on Grass-type Pokemon such as Celebi and Roserade: the former can set up Substitute and chip an opposing team, but it must be wary of Earth Power or Hidden Power Ground; while the latter lays entry hazards that help Milotic rack up residual damage because Milotic forces switches, but it must be wary of Hidden Power Fire. Moreover, Ground-types such as Gliscor and Nidoqueen can pivot Electric-type moves such as Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt. In particular, Nidoqueen absorbs Toxic Spikes, which Milotic dislikes.
On balanced teams, Celebi is a solid teammate because it can act as a status pivot and take Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which Milotic appreciates. Additionally, Steel-type Pokemon such as Jirachi can be used to make up for its weakness to opposing Celebi for Milotic, though they must watch out for its coverage moves such as Hidden Power Fire or Earth Power. Moreover, Pokemon such as Gengar can help Milotic against stall teams because defensive Milotic does not hit hard enough to actually threaten Pokemon like Skamory and Clefable, which can set up entry hazards, lay status on it, or remove its Leftovers with Knock Off. Gengar can also switch into Grass-type attacks and take advantage of Milotic's counters such as Clefable, Roserade, and Celebi by setting up a Substitute, which eases prediction and prevents it from being revenge killed, though it has to be wary of not switching in to a status move. Last but not least, Magnezone traps Skarmory and Forretress because of Magnezone's ability, Magnet Pull, thus limiting the number of entry hazards so that Milotic won't be chipped too much.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Haze / Hypnosis
item: Leftovers
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thanks to Recover and STAB Hydro Pump, offensive Milotic can pivot numerous prominent threats such as Heatran. Hydro Pump guarantees 2HKO on physically defensive Skarmory, which stops the armored bird from laying entry hazards comfortably. It also deals decent damage to Bronzong, a typical threat for offensive teams. Ice Beam can catch Celebi on the switch and force it to use Recover, which gives a teammate a free turn to switch in without fear of Thunder Wave. In addition, Dragonite and Flygon are OHKOed by it, and threats such as Latias are hit for a decent amount of damage. Hidden Power Electric guarantees OHKO on Gyarados after Stealth Rock. With Recover and Haze, Milotic stops offensive Scizor from setting up by Swords Dance. Thanks to Recover and all-round defensive stats, Milotic has multiple chances to use Hypnosis. There are also offensive options to handle Taunt users that can stop Hypnosis such as Ice Beam for Gliscor and STAB Hydrp Pump for Gengar, Heatran, and Aerodactyl.
Set Details
========
This set maximizes Milotic's Speed to be faster than Adamant Lucario and nonspeed natured Flygon that has 192 or fewer Speed EVs. 252 Special Attack EVs allow Milotic to guarantee OHKO on Dragonite with Ice Beam and most variants of Heatran with STAB Hydro Pump. 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe gives Milotic some bulk to take attacks such as Dragonite's Draco Meteor and +2 Gliscor's Earthquake, but it fails to guarantee OHKO Gyarados with Hidden Power Electric after Stealth Rock and 2HKO physically defensive Skarmory with Hydro Pump. Leftovers grants passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Milotic is excellent at forcing switches that give it many opportunities to attack and with Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Hidden Power Electric, which means it can hit every Pokemon in DPP OU at least for neutral damage. It is recommended to scout with Hydro Pump early-game unless an opposing Pokemon that resists Water-type attacks has been revealed. Defensively, remember that it can't take strong STAB attacks from Pokemon such as Tyranitar. If Hypnosis is used, it can be chosen as a lead due to its ability to shut down many foes such as Swampert, Empoleon, Heatran, and Skarmory.
Team Options
========
As a Water-type, Milotic works on a Fire / Water / Grass core. Breloom acts as a status pivot after Toxic Orb is activated and deals with Tyranitar that offensive Milotic fears. Roserade pivots status moves with Natural Cure, absorbs Toxic Spikes, and sets up its own entry hazards to weaken Milotic's foes. Heatran takes on Grass-type Pokemon such as Celebi and Roserade, lays Stealth Rock, and wear down opposing Water-types or special walls with Explosion, but it must be wary of Earth Power or Hidden Power Ground.
Tyranitar can handle Latias, Celebi, and Rotom-A, which give Milotic trouble. When it comes to the All Purpose set, it can lay Stealth Rock, use Fire Blast to lure Breloom, and check Water-type threats with Passho Berry; when it comes to the Choice Band set, it can threaten stall teams with STAB Stone Edge. Ground-types such as Flygon and Gliscor can pivot Electric-type moves such as Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt. Pokemon such as Gengar can help Milotic against stall teams because Milotic does not hit hard enough to actually threaten Pokemon like Clefable, which can set up entry hazards, lay status on it, or remove its Leftovers with Knock Off. Sleep Talk Latias is a decent answer to opposing sleepers that Milotic hates. Jirachi can be used to make up for its weakness to opposing Celebi for Milotic, though it must watch out for its coverage moves such as Hidden Power Fire or Earth Power. Rotom-A can address physical Jirachi, and with Will-O-Wisp, it lures Tyranitar.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf lets Milotic outspeed Pokemon such as Gliscor, Infernape, +1 Kingdra, +1 Heatran, +1 Dragonite, and +1 Gyarados, thus revenge killing them with Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, Hidden Power Electric, or Dragon Pulse, but Pokemon that resist a Choice-locked move can easily set up. Choice Specs provides maximum amount of power, but other users such as Vaporeon are generally better. Mirror Coat can score a surprising KO on an opposing special attacker, but it requires both prediction and heavy investment in special bulk if Milotic is hoping to survive Grass- and Electric-type assaults. Refresh is an option because without it, Milotic is often crippled by status. Toxic can hit Pokemon such as Suicune, Latias, Cresselia, Uxie, and opposing Milotic. Compared to Hidden Power Electric, Hidden Power Grass can lure down opposing Swampert, though it can't cover Gyarados and Empoleon. Without a stat-boosting move, Milotic can't keep up with Suicune in general, but if you want to take full advantage of Marvel Scale, try a combination of Rest and Sleep Talk. In addition, Rest can heal itself from status. Light Screen can be used to improve your team's ability to take special hits. Flame Orb is marginally viable because it provides a 50% increase in Defense and immunity to Toxic, sleeping, and paralysis, but the loss of 18% HP per turn, namely the loss of Leftovers recovery plus burn damage makes it a significantly worse item choice.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Clefable and Blissey check Milotic and lay entry hazards or status. Tyranitar must watch out for STAB Water-type moves, but it usually forces offensive Milotic out with Stone Edge or Crunch offensively and Passho Berry defensively. With Choice Band, it OHKOes offensive Milotic with Stone Edge and 2HKOes defensive Milotic with Crunch in sand or with Stone Edge. Specially defensive Jirachi can use Body Slam or Thunder Wave to inflict paralysis, Iron Head to score flinch, and Wish or Protect to gain recovery. The rare Snorlax has great special bulk and threatens to paralyze Milotic with Body Slam or remove it with Self-Destruct.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types resist Milotic's STAB moves and threaten Milotic teams with Leech Seed. Breloom and Roserade can use Spore or Sleep Powder to put Milotic into sleep. Celebi and Roserade can use Leaf Storm, Grass Knot, or Energy Ball against Milotic, forces Milotic out, and spread paralysis, lay entry hazards, or use U-turn to gain momentum. However, defensive Celebi's Leaf Storm doesn't OHKO Milotic and drops Celebi's Special Attack, thus letting Milotic use Recover to shrug off its damage. Shaymin and Abomasnow can hit Milotic with Seed Flare or Wood Hammer. Anyway, all of these Pokemon except Abomasnow must be wary of Ice Beam.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Magnezone, Rotom-A, and Zapdos can force Milotic out with STAB Thunderbolt and set up a Substitute. In addition, Zapdos can use U-turn to remain momentum or Agility to sweep. However, they don't like STAB Water-type attacks from Milotic.
**Other Water-types**: Suicune can use Milotic as a setup fodder or phaze it out. Even if it has Haze, thanks to Pressure and Rest, Suicune can outstall it in the long run. Offensive Empoleon can 2HKO Milotic with Grass Knot, while defensive Empleon can use Knock Off to remove Milotic's Leftovers or phaze it out. Kingdra can capitalize on Milotic with Dragon Dance, but Haze stops it.
**Stat-boosting attackers**: Calm Mind users such as Latias, Jirachi, Clefable, Cresselia, and Raikou can utilize Milotic. In addition, Clefable can lay status on Milotic with its attacks. Swampert can boost its Attack with Curse and avoid being 3HKOed even by offensive Milotic's Hydro Pump. However, Swampert, Latias, and Cresselia can be stopped by Haze. Scizor and Lucario can boost their Attack with Swords Dance: Lucario even has some chances to OHKO offensive Milotic with Close Combat; bulky Scizor has Roost to shrug off Milotic's attacks and U-turn to gain momentum; offensive Scizor can OHKO defensive Milotic with +2 Bug Bite after Stealth Rock, but it can't break through offensive Milotic with Haze.
**Trick Users**: Milotic is prone to Trick from Choice item users such as Jirachi, Latias, and Uxie. However, one must be wary of swapping Choice Specs onto Milotic, as it may benefit from the Special Attack boost.
**Status**: Toxic users such as Bronzong can put Milotic on a timer and even use Protect to rack up damage from Toxic and possible sand. Toxic Spikes, especially a second layer from Pokemon such as aforementioned Roserade cripples Milotic's longevity. Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Clefable, Blissey, and Uxie can let Milotic be paralyzed on the turn when it tries to use Recover. In addition, Uxie has Yawn to force Milotic out. Finally, Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Gengar burns Milotic, but it doesn't like Milotic's STAB Water-type attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[, ]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Firstly, Milotic's pure Water typing lets it resist popular Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type attacks. Secondly, it is the only bulky Water-type with access to an instant recovery move, thus potentially being a solid answer to Pokemon such as Swampert. Thirdly, with all-round defensive stats, its defensive set checks mixed attackers such as Tyranitar and Flygon. Fourthly, its Special Attack stat is on par with Starmie, a typical offensive Water-type Pokemon, thus unlocking the potential of an offensive set. Fifthly, its access to Water-type STAB moves combined with Ice Beam and Hidden Power Electric helps it hit a variety of foes. In short, it can be an excellent pivot for many threats such as Heatran and Gyarados.
However, some Pokemon that Milotic checks such as Flygon and Bronzong can run status moves like Toxic that hamper its longevity. In addition, other bulky Water-types such as Swampert and Suicune have their merits: both of them have greater physical bulk, and the former resists Stealth Rock damage and Rock-type attacks, is immune to sand and Electric-type attacks, and has access to STAB Ground-type attacks, while the latter can learn Calm Mind so that it can set up on a vast portion of the metagame. Anyway, Milotic is still a solid bulky Water-type Pokemon that has Recover, the main reason why it should still be used over Swampert or Suicune.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Surf
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Haze
item: Leftovers
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Bold / Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thanks to Milotic's Recover, pure Water typing, and all-round bulk, this set acts as a defensive pivot for threats such as Heatran, Swampert, and Gyarados. With full accuracy and many PPs, Surf is its reliable STAB move to hit Pokemon such as Gengar, Metagross, Nidoqueen, and Scizor for decent damage. Ice Beam enables Milotic to guarantee OHKO on Flygon, Gliscor, and Dragonite after Stealth Rock. In addition, it allows Milotic to hit Grass-type switch-ins such as Breloom and Roserade for super effective damage. Moreover, 10% chances of freezing can be useful in the long run. Hidden Power Electric 2HKOes Gyarados, thus letting Milotic be one of the best counters to this top-tier sweeper. In addition, it 2HKOes offensive Starmie after Stealth Rock. Haze stops setup sweepers such as Curse Swampert, Dragon Dance Kingdra, Calm Mind Clefable, and Calm Mind Cresselia.
Set Details
========
This set maximizes Milotic's physical bulk, letting it easily take most moves from physical attackers such as Dragonite. Alternatively, with a Calm nature and some Special Defense EVs, Milotic can deal with other Water-types such as Choice Specs Kingdra and mixed attackers such as Dragonite more comfortably. However, some Defense EVs are still recommended to take physical attacks such as Tyranitar's Stone Edge, +1 Dragonite's Outrage, and +2 Gliscor's Earthquake. For example, a Calm nature and 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpD let Milotic take Flygon's Outrage, Expert Belt Infernape's Grass Knot, and Gyarados' Earthquake comfortably. Leftovers grants passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Defensive Milotic should be acted as a wall for attacks that can't 2HKO it. In addition, Milotic is usually used to pivot Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves that it resists. Otherwise, when Recover is used, momentum and even PP are lost, though Recover should be often used to keep healthy. Use Surf on the predicted Roost when facing Pokemon such as Zapdos and Ice Beam on the predicted Grass-type switch-in. Efforts should be taken to preserve Milotic, unless Pokemon that it generally walls such as Heatran, Gyarados, and Infernape have fainted.
Team Options
========
Defensive Milotic works on stall or balanced teams, where its defensive abilities shine.
On stall teams, Tyranitar is an awesome choice thanks to its ability to punish prominent threats that appreciate capitalizing on Milotic such as Rotom-A and Celebi with STAB Dark-type moves. In addition, Heatran and Skarmory takes on Grass-type Pokemon such as Celebi and Roserade: the former can set up Substitute and chip an opposing team, but it must be wary of Earth Power or Hidden Power Ground; while the latter lays entry hazards that help Milotic rack up residual damage because Milotic forces switches, but it must be wary of Hidden Power Fire. Moreover, Ground-types such as Gliscor and Nidoqueen can pivot Electric-type moves such as Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt. In particular, Nidoqueen absorbs Toxic Spikes, which Milotic dislikes.
On balanced teams, Celebi is a solid teammate because it can act as a status pivot and take Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which Milotic appreciates. Additionally, Steel-type Pokemon such as Jirachi can be used to make up for its weakness to opposing Celebi for Milotic, though they must watch out for its coverage moves such as Hidden Power Fire or Earth Power. Moreover, Pokemon such as Gengar can help Milotic against stall teams because defensive Milotic does not hit hard enough to actually threaten Pokemon like Skamory and Clefable, which can set up entry hazards, lay status on it, or remove its Leftovers with Knock Off. Gengar can also switch into Grass-type attacks and take advantage of Milotic's counters such as Clefable, Roserade, and Celebi by setting up a Substitute, which eases prediction and prevents it from being revenge killed, though it has to be wary of not switching in to a status move. Last but not least, Magnezone traps Skarmory and Forretress because of Magnezone's ability, Magnet Pull, thus limiting the number of entry hazards so that Milotic won't be chipped too much.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Haze / Hypnosis
item: Leftovers
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thanks to Recover and STAB Hydro Pump, offensive Milotic can pivot numerous prominent threats such as Heatran. Hydro Pump guarantees 2HKO on physically defensive Skarmory, which stops the armored bird from laying entry hazards comfortably. It also deals decent damage to Bronzong, a typical threat for offensive teams. Ice Beam can catch Celebi on the switch and force it to use Recover, which gives a teammate a free turn to switch in without fear of Thunder Wave. In addition, Dragonite and Flygon are OHKOed by it, and threats such as Latias are hit for a decent amount of damage. Hidden Power Electric guarantees OHKO on Gyarados after Stealth Rock. With Recover and Haze, Milotic stops offensive Scizor from setting up by Swords Dance. Thanks to Recover and all-round defensive stats, Milotic has multiple chances to use Hypnosis. There are also offensive options to handle Taunt users that can stop Hypnosis such as Ice Beam for Gliscor and STAB Hydrp Pump for Gengar, Heatran, and Aerodactyl.
Set Details
========
This set maximizes Milotic's Speed to be faster than Adamant Lucario and nonspeed natured Flygon that has 192 or fewer Speed EVs. 252 Special Attack EVs allow Milotic to guarantee OHKO on Dragonite with Ice Beam and most variants of Heatran with STAB Hydro Pump. 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe gives Milotic some bulk to take attacks such as Dragonite's Draco Meteor and +2 Gliscor's Earthquake, but it fails to guarantee OHKO Gyarados with Hidden Power Electric after Stealth Rock and 2HKO physically defensive Skarmory with Hydro Pump. Leftovers grants passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Milotic is excellent at forcing switches that give it many opportunities to attack and with Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Hidden Power Electric, which means it can hit every Pokemon in DPP OU at least for neutral damage. It is recommended to scout with Hydro Pump early-game unless an opposing Pokemon that resists Water-type attacks has been revealed. Defensively, remember that it can't take strong STAB attacks from Pokemon such as Tyranitar. If Hypnosis is used, it can be chosen as a lead due to its ability to shut down many foes such as Swampert, Empoleon, Heatran, and Skarmory.
Team Options
========
As a Water-type, Milotic works on a Fire / Water / Grass core. Breloom acts as a status pivot after Toxic Orb is activated and deals with Tyranitar that offensive Milotic fears. Roserade pivots status moves with Natural Cure, absorbs Toxic Spikes, and sets up its own entry hazards to weaken Milotic's foes. Heatran takes on Grass-type Pokemon such as Celebi and Roserade, lays Stealth Rock, and wear down opposing Water-types or special walls with Explosion, but it must be wary of Earth Power or Hidden Power Ground.
Tyranitar can handle Latias, Celebi, and Rotom-A, which give Milotic trouble. When it comes to the All Purpose set, it can lay Stealth Rock, use Fire Blast to lure Breloom, and check Water-type threats with Passho Berry; when it comes to the Choice Band set, it can threaten stall teams with STAB Stone Edge. Ground-types such as Flygon and Gliscor can pivot Electric-type moves such as Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt. Pokemon such as Gengar can help Milotic against stall teams because Milotic does not hit hard enough to actually threaten Pokemon like Clefable, which can set up entry hazards, lay status on it, or remove its Leftovers with Knock Off. Sleep Talk Latias is a decent answer to opposing sleepers that Milotic hates. Jirachi can be used to make up for its weakness to opposing Celebi for Milotic, though it must watch out for its coverage moves such as Hidden Power Fire or Earth Power. Rotom-A can address physical Jirachi, and with Will-O-Wisp, it lures Tyranitar.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf lets Milotic outspeed Pokemon such as Gliscor, Infernape, +1 Kingdra, +1 Heatran, +1 Dragonite, and +1 Gyarados, thus revenge killing them with Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, Hidden Power Electric, or Dragon Pulse, but Pokemon that resist a Choice-locked move can easily set up. Choice Specs provides maximum amount of power, but other users such as Vaporeon are generally better. Mirror Coat can score a surprising KO on an opposing special attacker, but it requires both prediction and heavy investment in special bulk if Milotic is hoping to survive Grass- and Electric-type assaults. Refresh is an option because without it, Milotic is often crippled by status. Toxic can hit Pokemon such as Suicune, Latias, Cresselia, Uxie, and opposing Milotic. Compared to Hidden Power Electric, Hidden Power Grass can lure down opposing Swampert, though it can't cover Gyarados and Empoleon. Without a stat-boosting move, Milotic can't keep up with Suicune in general, but if you want to take full advantage of Marvel Scale, try a combination of Rest and Sleep Talk. In addition, Rest can heal itself from status. Light Screen can be used to improve your team's ability to take special hits. Flame Orb is marginally viable because it provides a 50% increase in Defense and immunity to Toxic, sleeping, and paralysis, but the loss of 18% HP per turn, namely the loss of Leftovers recovery plus burn damage makes it a significantly worse item choice.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Clefable and Blissey check Milotic and lay entry hazards or status. Tyranitar must watch out for STAB Water-type moves, but it usually forces offensive Milotic out with Stone Edge or Crunch offensively and Passho Berry defensively. With Choice Band, it OHKOes offensive Milotic with Stone Edge and 2HKOes defensive Milotic with Crunch in sand or with Stone Edge. Specially defensive Jirachi can use Body Slam or Thunder Wave to inflict paralysis, Iron Head to score flinch, and Wish or Protect to gain recovery. The rare Snorlax has great special bulk and threatens to paralyze Milotic with Body Slam or remove it with Self-Destruct.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types resist Milotic's STAB moves and threaten Milotic teams with Leech Seed. Breloom and Roserade can use Spore or Sleep Powder to put Milotic into sleep. Celebi and Roserade can use Leaf Storm, Grass Knot, or Energy Ball against Milotic, forces Milotic out, and spread paralysis, lay entry hazards, or use U-turn to gain momentum. However, defensive Celebi's Leaf Storm doesn't OHKO Milotic and drops Celebi's Special Attack, thus letting Milotic use Recover to shrug off its damage. Shaymin and Abomasnow can hit Milotic with Seed Flare or Wood Hammer. Anyway, all of these Pokemon except Abomasnow must be wary of Ice Beam.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Magnezone, Rotom-A, and Zapdos can force Milotic out with STAB Thunderbolt and set up a Substitute. In addition, Zapdos can use U-turn to remain momentum or Agility to sweep. However, they don't like STAB Water-type attacks from Milotic.
**Other Water-types**: Suicune can use Milotic as a setup fodder or phaze it out. Even if it has Haze, thanks to Pressure and Rest, Suicune can outstall it in the long run. Offensive Empoleon can 2HKO Milotic with Grass Knot, while defensive Empleon can use Knock Off to remove Milotic's Leftovers or phaze it out. Kingdra can capitalize on Milotic with Dragon Dance, but Haze stops it.
**Stat-boosting attackers**: Calm Mind users such as Latias, Jirachi, Clefable, Cresselia, and Raikou can utilize Milotic. In addition, Clefable can lay status on Milotic with its attacks. Swampert can boost its Attack with Curse and avoid being 3HKOed even by offensive Milotic's Hydro Pump. However, Swampert, Latias, and Cresselia can be stopped by Haze. Scizor and Lucario can boost their Attack with Swords Dance: Lucario even has some chances to OHKO offensive Milotic with Close Combat; bulky Scizor has Roost to shrug off Milotic's attacks and U-turn to gain momentum; offensive Scizor can OHKO defensive Milotic with +2 Bug Bite after Stealth Rock, but it can't break through offensive Milotic with Haze.
**Trick Users**: Milotic is prone to Trick from Choice item users such as Jirachi, Latias, and Uxie. However, one must be wary of swapping Choice Specs onto Milotic, as it may benefit from the Special Attack boost.
**Status**: Toxic users such as Bronzong can put Milotic on a timer and even use Protect to rack up damage from Toxic and possible sand. Toxic Spikes, especially a second layer from Pokemon such as aforementioned Roserade cripples Milotic's longevity. Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Clefable, Blissey, and Uxie can let Milotic be paralyzed on the turn when it tries to use Recover. In addition, Uxie has Yawn to force Milotic out. Finally, Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Gengar burns Milotic, but it doesn't like Milotic's STAB Water-type attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[, ]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Last edited:
