[OVERVIEW]
Minun is the best Pokemon in PU, sporting fantastic set variety and role flexibility, and should be considered on nearly any team. Base 95 Speed grants Minun the highest speed among relevant Pokemon in the metagame, making it a formidable revenge killer as it keeps offensive threats such as Furret, Seadra and Kingler in check. Minun's high speed also enables it to spread paralysis with Thunder Wave very quickly. On the defensive side, its bulk is no slouch, allowing Minun to pivot into many weaker attacks, and allows Minun to excel as a wall with reliable recovery in Wish. Baton Pass is a coveted and valuable tool in Minun's arsenal, giving Minun the ability to not only escape trapping from Trapinch's Arena Trap, but also to pivot into an attack, threaten a potential switch, and gain momentum. Minun has many other support options as well, with Encore being a solid choice to disrupt other support Pokemon, and Substitute being a good option when paired with Baton Pass to support an offensive teammate. Finally, Minun is a great choice in the lead slot, as it puts on offensive pressure immediately and can pivot out of bad matchups.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Thunder Wave / Encore / Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Ice]
item: Leftovers
ability: Minus
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpAtk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Thunderbolt is Minun's main form of damage output and can usually be freely clicked to scout out the opposing team's Electric answers in the early game. Alternatively, if Minun has a favorable matchup and forces a switch, Minun can choose to click Thunder Wave to spread paralysis. If Minun is unable to make progress through damage or paralysis or if it opts to predict a switch, Baton Pass is a solid option to give free opportunities for teammates to enter. Notably, teams based around Trapinch and paralysis spam heavily appreciate Minun's ability to force Pokemon like specially bulky walls like Swalot and Lickitung in, giving Trapinch an opportunity to eliminate them, especially when they are slowed down by paralysis. Baton Pass is also crucial for allowing Minun to escape opposing Trapinch's Arena Trap. Hidden Power Grass targets Marshtomp and Graveler, while Hidden Power Ice targets Dragonair, Tangela and Ivysaur. Since Marshtomp is a central offensive threat in the metagame, Hidden Power Grass is usually preferred, but teams that have sufficient counterplay to Marshtomp can elect to go with Hidden Power Ice if needed. Encore is an alternative support option to Thunder Wave, and fits on teams that don't necessitate paralysis support, and is an effective option to disrupt the opponent. For example, Minun can aggressively switch into Pokemon such as Marshtomp, Arbok, Seadra or Combusken and lock them into a predicted Substitute. Or, Minun can switch into support Pokemon such as Lickitung, Duskull, Dragonair or Ivysaur and lock them into a status move. Lastly, Substitute is an option that pairs well with Baton Pass, and can be a boon to offensive teammates that are looking for a free turn or free switch-in. Pokemon such as Kingler, Seviper, Marshtomp, and even more niche options like Clamperl, benefit greatly from an opportunity to set up or simply attack.
The key to getting the most out of Minun is not just through its attacks and support options, but also by leveraging its high speed, decent bulk and ability to force switches. Switching Minun in on weak coverage moves like Hidden Power Grass from Sealeo or Seadra and using Baton Pass as the opponent switches out is a great way to gain momentum in a match. Minun's high speed tier means that it not only has the ability to clean a weakened team late game but is also the best revenge killer in the tier, so it is important to prioritize not losing Minun early; it can make it difficult to deal with fast offensive threats like Furret otherwise. Similarly, unless you have a cleric, avoid taking paralysis on Minun if possible - especially in a Minun vs Minun lead mirror match. Another common interaction to keep in mind is bluffing Hidden Power coverage. In the early game, when an opponent switches in a check such as Marshtomp or Dragonair, you may elect to Baton Pass instead of attacking with super effective coverage. This prevents the opponent from scouting your coverage immediately and may allow you to nab a KO later on in the match if the opponent does not think you have the appropriate coverage. Finally, if you have a bulky wall in play that might be susceptible to opposing Trapinch, double switching to Minun is a safe option in most cases, as Minun has good enough bulk to take many special attacks, and can pivot out of Trapinch if it does switch in.
[SET]
name: Wish Support
move 1: Wish
move 2: Thunder Wave / Protect / Baton Pass
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Ice] / Seismic Toss
item: Leftovers
ability: Minus
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
The primary function of Minun's defensive set is to be a longer term switch-in to Pokemon like Sealeo, and support teammates who don't have reliable recovery, such as Swalot or Mawile. Wish is Minun's key niche on this set, allowing Minun to heal itself or pass to teammates. Thanks to Minun's high speed and ability to force switches, Wish is generally a risk-free click and does not lose too much momentum. The next support option depends on what the team prioritizes: if you do not fear Trapinch, you can elect to drop Baton Pass. Thunder Wave gives Minun the option to spread paralysis, while Protect guarantees Minun the recovery from Wish. However, if you do wish to ensure you are not trapped by Trapinch, Baton Pass is a must. Thunderbolt is Minun's primary straightforward STAB attack, but do note that it does not hit hard as it has no offensive investment. Lastly, for coverage, Minun can run Hidden Power Grass for Marshtomp and Graveler, or Hidden Power Ice for Dragonair, Tangela and Ivysaur. Alternatively, If Minun wants to be able to hit all of its checks equally, Seismic Toss is a niche but usable option that simultaneously eliminates the issue of low damage output. Finally, it should be mentioned that this set can be tweaked to a spread of 252 HP / 40 SpDef / 216 Spe with a Timid nature, which allows Minun to still outpace Pokemon with base 90 like Furret while giving it a little more bulk.
Because this set does not have as much offensive investment as its offensive set, be mindful that Hidden Power coverage may not KO a Pokemon that a full investment set would. For example, Hidden Power Grass does maximum 91% to an uninvested Marshtomp. Minun can and should still be used as a revenge killer despite its low offenses; it simply means that opposing Pokemon need to be more weakened in order for Minun to threaten a KO. It is advised to avoid status, especially paralysis and Toxic, as it limits Minun's longevity and ability to outspeed key threats. However, note if the opposing team does not have the sufficient tools to break through Minun, then it is OK to accept a paralysis on Minun. For example, Minun can typically hold its own vs defensive Pokemon such as Togetic, Tangela or Dragonair, even when paralyzed.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Light Screen can be used to provide support for teammates such as Kingler who can benefit on having more bulk on the special side as it sets up. Rain Dance is an option on Rain based teams to set up rain early. Toxic is an unexpected yet effective support option which can cripple opposing Minun.
Checks and Counters
===================
Walls like Swalot, Dragonair, Lickitung and Ivysaur are some of the sturdiest checks to Minun, and most have reliable recovery options for longevity. However, many of these walls have to be wary of Baton Pass, as they can be trapped and KOed if Trapinch is given a free switch in after Baton Pass. Additionally, Dragonair and Lickitung stalemate with the Wish set, as they can struggle to beat a Minun 1v1 outside of a PP stall war or fishing for freeze in Dragonair's case. Other Grass-types such as Tangela and Sunflora are also capable of switching into most Minun sets, but Tangela especially must be wary of Hidden Power Ice, as it 2HKOs Tangela. Minun is able to check opposing Minun, but again, defensive sets will stalemate with each other; offensive sets will eventually converge to a KO on one side, however. Shuckle is also a decent check, as it can use Toxic to wear down Minun and use Rest to heal off any damage, but Shuckle is generally hard to fit on teams.
Ground types such as Marshtomp, Trapinch or Vibrava can check Minun if Minun does not have the appropriate Hidden Power coverage to hit them with, or, in Trapinch's case, if Minun does not carry Baton Pass. Note that unless Minun is not carrying Hidden Power coverage, Graveler is not an effective check to Minun, as Hidden Power Ice is a 2HKO and Hidden Power Grass is an OHKO. Graveler can offensively check Minun if it is paralyzed, however. Offensive Pokemon with good enough bulk to tank a Thunderbolt from full and have a strong attack to OHKO back are also serviceable, such as Seviper, Arbok and Furret.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/slowbroth.310340/
Quality checked by:
Grammar checked by:
Minun is the best Pokemon in PU, sporting fantastic set variety and role flexibility, and should be considered on nearly any team. Base 95 Speed grants Minun the highest speed among relevant Pokemon in the metagame, making it a formidable revenge killer as it keeps offensive threats such as Furret, Seadra and Kingler in check. Minun's high speed also enables it to spread paralysis with Thunder Wave very quickly. On the defensive side, its bulk is no slouch, allowing Minun to pivot into many weaker attacks, and allows Minun to excel as a wall with reliable recovery in Wish. Baton Pass is a coveted and valuable tool in Minun's arsenal, giving Minun the ability to not only escape trapping from Trapinch's Arena Trap, but also to pivot into an attack, threaten a potential switch, and gain momentum. Minun has many other support options as well, with Encore being a solid choice to disrupt other support Pokemon, and Substitute being a good option when paired with Baton Pass to support an offensive teammate. Finally, Minun is a great choice in the lead slot, as it puts on offensive pressure immediately and can pivot out of bad matchups.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Thunder Wave / Encore / Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Ice]
item: Leftovers
ability: Minus
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpAtk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Thunderbolt is Minun's main form of damage output and can usually be freely clicked to scout out the opposing team's Electric answers in the early game. Alternatively, if Minun has a favorable matchup and forces a switch, Minun can choose to click Thunder Wave to spread paralysis. If Minun is unable to make progress through damage or paralysis or if it opts to predict a switch, Baton Pass is a solid option to give free opportunities for teammates to enter. Notably, teams based around Trapinch and paralysis spam heavily appreciate Minun's ability to force Pokemon like specially bulky walls like Swalot and Lickitung in, giving Trapinch an opportunity to eliminate them, especially when they are slowed down by paralysis. Baton Pass is also crucial for allowing Minun to escape opposing Trapinch's Arena Trap. Hidden Power Grass targets Marshtomp and Graveler, while Hidden Power Ice targets Dragonair, Tangela and Ivysaur. Since Marshtomp is a central offensive threat in the metagame, Hidden Power Grass is usually preferred, but teams that have sufficient counterplay to Marshtomp can elect to go with Hidden Power Ice if needed. Encore is an alternative support option to Thunder Wave, and fits on teams that don't necessitate paralysis support, and is an effective option to disrupt the opponent. For example, Minun can aggressively switch into Pokemon such as Marshtomp, Arbok, Seadra or Combusken and lock them into a predicted Substitute. Or, Minun can switch into support Pokemon such as Lickitung, Duskull, Dragonair or Ivysaur and lock them into a status move. Lastly, Substitute is an option that pairs well with Baton Pass, and can be a boon to offensive teammates that are looking for a free turn or free switch-in. Pokemon such as Kingler, Seviper, Marshtomp, and even more niche options like Clamperl, benefit greatly from an opportunity to set up or simply attack.
The key to getting the most out of Minun is not just through its attacks and support options, but also by leveraging its high speed, decent bulk and ability to force switches. Switching Minun in on weak coverage moves like Hidden Power Grass from Sealeo or Seadra and using Baton Pass as the opponent switches out is a great way to gain momentum in a match. Minun's high speed tier means that it not only has the ability to clean a weakened team late game but is also the best revenge killer in the tier, so it is important to prioritize not losing Minun early; it can make it difficult to deal with fast offensive threats like Furret otherwise. Similarly, unless you have a cleric, avoid taking paralysis on Minun if possible - especially in a Minun vs Minun lead mirror match. Another common interaction to keep in mind is bluffing Hidden Power coverage. In the early game, when an opponent switches in a check such as Marshtomp or Dragonair, you may elect to Baton Pass instead of attacking with super effective coverage. This prevents the opponent from scouting your coverage immediately and may allow you to nab a KO later on in the match if the opponent does not think you have the appropriate coverage. Finally, if you have a bulky wall in play that might be susceptible to opposing Trapinch, double switching to Minun is a safe option in most cases, as Minun has good enough bulk to take many special attacks, and can pivot out of Trapinch if it does switch in.
[SET]
name: Wish Support
move 1: Wish
move 2: Thunder Wave / Protect / Baton Pass
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Ice] / Seismic Toss
item: Leftovers
ability: Minus
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
The primary function of Minun's defensive set is to be a longer term switch-in to Pokemon like Sealeo, and support teammates who don't have reliable recovery, such as Swalot or Mawile. Wish is Minun's key niche on this set, allowing Minun to heal itself or pass to teammates. Thanks to Minun's high speed and ability to force switches, Wish is generally a risk-free click and does not lose too much momentum. The next support option depends on what the team prioritizes: if you do not fear Trapinch, you can elect to drop Baton Pass. Thunder Wave gives Minun the option to spread paralysis, while Protect guarantees Minun the recovery from Wish. However, if you do wish to ensure you are not trapped by Trapinch, Baton Pass is a must. Thunderbolt is Minun's primary straightforward STAB attack, but do note that it does not hit hard as it has no offensive investment. Lastly, for coverage, Minun can run Hidden Power Grass for Marshtomp and Graveler, or Hidden Power Ice for Dragonair, Tangela and Ivysaur. Alternatively, If Minun wants to be able to hit all of its checks equally, Seismic Toss is a niche but usable option that simultaneously eliminates the issue of low damage output. Finally, it should be mentioned that this set can be tweaked to a spread of 252 HP / 40 SpDef / 216 Spe with a Timid nature, which allows Minun to still outpace Pokemon with base 90 like Furret while giving it a little more bulk.
Because this set does not have as much offensive investment as its offensive set, be mindful that Hidden Power coverage may not KO a Pokemon that a full investment set would. For example, Hidden Power Grass does maximum 91% to an uninvested Marshtomp. Minun can and should still be used as a revenge killer despite its low offenses; it simply means that opposing Pokemon need to be more weakened in order for Minun to threaten a KO. It is advised to avoid status, especially paralysis and Toxic, as it limits Minun's longevity and ability to outspeed key threats. However, note if the opposing team does not have the sufficient tools to break through Minun, then it is OK to accept a paralysis on Minun. For example, Minun can typically hold its own vs defensive Pokemon such as Togetic, Tangela or Dragonair, even when paralyzed.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Light Screen can be used to provide support for teammates such as Kingler who can benefit on having more bulk on the special side as it sets up. Rain Dance is an option on Rain based teams to set up rain early. Toxic is an unexpected yet effective support option which can cripple opposing Minun.
Checks and Counters
===================
Walls like Swalot, Dragonair, Lickitung and Ivysaur are some of the sturdiest checks to Minun, and most have reliable recovery options for longevity. However, many of these walls have to be wary of Baton Pass, as they can be trapped and KOed if Trapinch is given a free switch in after Baton Pass. Additionally, Dragonair and Lickitung stalemate with the Wish set, as they can struggle to beat a Minun 1v1 outside of a PP stall war or fishing for freeze in Dragonair's case. Other Grass-types such as Tangela and Sunflora are also capable of switching into most Minun sets, but Tangela especially must be wary of Hidden Power Ice, as it 2HKOs Tangela. Minun is able to check opposing Minun, but again, defensive sets will stalemate with each other; offensive sets will eventually converge to a KO on one side, however. Shuckle is also a decent check, as it can use Toxic to wear down Minun and use Rest to heal off any damage, but Shuckle is generally hard to fit on teams.
Ground types such as Marshtomp, Trapinch or Vibrava can check Minun if Minun does not have the appropriate Hidden Power coverage to hit them with, or, in Trapinch's case, if Minun does not carry Baton Pass. Note that unless Minun is not carrying Hidden Power coverage, Graveler is not an effective check to Minun, as Hidden Power Ice is a 2HKO and Hidden Power Grass is an OHKO. Graveler can offensively check Minun if it is paralyzed, however. Offensive Pokemon with good enough bulk to tank a Thunderbolt from full and have a strong attack to OHKO back are also serviceable, such as Seviper, Arbok and Furret.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/slowbroth.310340/
Quality checked by:
Grammar checked by:
Last edited: