mustache man
[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to its ability Magnet Pull, Probopass functions as an effective trapper for Steel-type foes like Mawile, allowing teammates like Muk and Silvally-Dragon to more effectively break the opponent's team. Access to Smack Down and Earth Power also means Probopass can notably trap and KO Bronzor, which is the most common Steel-type. In addition, its solid bulk, low Speed, and access to Volt Switch allow Probopass to function as a decent specially defensive pivot and be one of the better Stealth Rock setters in the tier. However, Probopass's defensive typing is awful, leaving it 4x weak to Fighting and Ground as well as weak to Water, making it easily revenge killed by a wide variety of threats, such as Silvally-Fighting, Floatzel, Komala, and Abomasnow. Due to its mediocre offensive stats, Probopass has to rely on a Z-Move to consistently trap Bronzor, meaning it takes up that slot for its team. This also means Probopass cannot hold Leftovers if it wants to trap effectively, meaning it gets worn down easily, especially when combined with its lack of recovery. Lastly, it faces competition from Alolan Golem as a trapper, which is much more offensively inclined and thus more threatening, though Probopass is more consistent in general and can more easily fit utility moves like Stealth Rock onto its set.
[SET]
name: Offensive Trapper
move 1: Smack Down
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Groundium Z
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Modest
evs: 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Smack Down allows Probopass to bypass Bronzor's Levitate, allowing it to be hit by Earth Power. Earth Power hits every Steel-type in the metagame, including Mawile and Bronzor. It is especially powerful when boosted by Groundium Z, as Tectonic Rage OHKOes Mawile and does over half to Bronzor. Volt Switch allows Probopass to pivot around, allowing it to bring in its teammates safely thanks to its low Speed.
Set Details
========
The combination of Magnet Pull, Groundium Z, and maximum Special Attack investment allows Probopass to consistently trap and KO Steel-types like Bronzor and Mawile. 84 Speed EVs allow Probopass to outspeed Pokemon like Muk and Metang, notably letting it consistently beat non-specially defensive versions of the latter one-on-one.
Usage Tips
========
Probopass should focus on trapping opposing Steel-types and taking them out for its allies. In most situations, Probopass can be switched directly into weakened Bronzor, as it will always beat it outside of really bad Psywave rolls. Other Steel-types like Mawile, Metang, and opposing Probopass must be more carefully played around due to their access to Fighting- or Ground-type moves. However, Probopass will beat the former one-on-one if brought in safely and is also able to trap weakened Metang consistently. If opposing Steel-types have been removed, Probopass should be used as a pivot, safely bringing in teammates with its slow Volt Switch and providing utility in Stealth Rock. It can also function as a switch-in for Pokemon like Silvally-Dragon and Choice Scarf Mr. Mime, but due to its lack of recovery it will get worn down easily.
Team Options
========
Probopass's best teammates are those that appreciate its ability to remove Steel-types, such as Choice Specs Abomasnow, Chatot, Mr. Mime, Beheeyem, and Silvally-Dragon. Oftentimes, after Probopass removes their main switch-in, these Pokemon can easily break apart or sweep the opponent's team by simply spamming their STAB moves. Most of these Pokemon also appreciate Probopass bringing them in safely with its slow Volt Switch. Checks to Fighting-types like Gourgeist-XL, Altaria, and Mareanie are necessary, as Probopass allows opposing Fighting-types to come in for free and they immediately force it out. Similarly, checks to Ground-types are required as well, so Gourgeist-XL and Tangela work well with it, as well as Pokemon like Electivire and Silvally-Water to check the Water-types Probopass fears.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Flash Cannon / Earth Power
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Toxic / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy / Magnet Pull
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 172 SpD / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flash Cannon is Probopass's best STAB move, doing considerable damage to Pokemon like Golem as they switch in, and has decent neutral coverage. Earth Power is mandatory if running Magnet Pull to beat Pokemon like Mawile, and Sturdy sets can use it in place of Flash Cannon to hit Steel- and Poison-types harder than Flash Cannon can, though it does less damage to neutral targets. Toxic can be used to cripple Pokemon like Silvally formes by wearing them down over time. Taunt is another option in the last slot to cripple Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and prevent opposing entry hazards from going up, but it leaves Probopass unable to dent bulkier Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Leftovers is Probopass's only form of recovery on this set, giving it some much-needed longevity. Sturdy is generally the preferred ability, ensuring Probopass always gets up Stealth Rock if it is at full HP and protecting it from certain lures. Magnet Pull can be used, but due to a lack of Smack Down and offensive investment, this set does not beat the most common Steel-type in Bronzor, meaning it is not nearly as effective. 84 Speed EVs allow Probopass to outspeed Pokemon like Metang and Muk. The rest of the EVs are placed in special bulk to allow it to take as many hits from special attackers like Beheeyem as possible.
Usage Tips
========
This Probopass variant should be used as a check to a variety of special attackers, like Chatot, Beheeyem, non-Focus Blast Mr. Mime, and Silvally-Dragon. It has an easy time setting up Stealth Rock in the face of these Pokemon and should thus attempt to do so as soon as possible, as it offers crucial support for its team. Whichever offensive move is chosen, the lack of Special Attack investment means it generally won't be very strong. As such, crippling a foe with Toxic or pivoting out with Volt Switch is generally a better option to go for. If running Magnet Pull, Probopass can consistently trap and KO Mawile and weakened Metang. However, Probopass loses one-on-one against Bronzor and full health Metang, so it should not attempt to trap those. If Taunt is run, it can be used to prevent Pokemon like Mawile and Bronzor from setting up Stealth Rock, allowing Probopass to easily beat them in the entry hazard war.
Team Options
========
To form a core with Probopass, physically defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Tangela work well. The former especially checks Ground- and Fighting-types for Probopass, while Probopass in return answers Pokemon like Chatot and non-Focus Blast Mr. Mime. Other checks to Ground- and Fighting-types, like Altaria and Silvally-Water aid Probopass with those weaknesses. The latter two also appreciate its slow Volt Switch to get in safely. Other Pokemon that appreciate being brought in safely, like Pinsir and Floatzel, also enjoy Probopass's support. Many Silvally formes can form an entry hazard control and VoltTurn core with Probopass. Since Probopass functions as a check to Psychic-types, Pokemon like Silvally-Fighting and Combusken pair well with it; both of these also appreciate its slow Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Probopass can use utility moves like Thunder Wave and Magic Coat to support its team in different ways from its main sets, but neither tends to have much room for it, as they cannot easily give up any of their moves. Similarly, Pain Split would function as a form of recovery, but neither set has a moveslot to spare. Magnet Rise is a solid option to allow Probopass to more easily beat Metang, but it is generally not worth giving up Smack Down, Stealth Rock, or Volt Switch for. If your team already has a Z-Move user, Probopass can opt to run Soft Sand instead of Groundium Z, but it does result in Probopass beating only weakened Bronzor consistently. Probopass can function as a weather setter for sand teams, but the playstyle isn't very effective. It also competes with Hippopotas as a setter, which has access to Sand Stream.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: The likes of Silvally-Fighting can easily switch into Probopass and immediately force it out while it doesn't fear much in return. Monferno and Combusken also come in for free on non-Earth Power Probopass and can set up on it.
**Water-types**: Pokemon like Silvally-Water and Floatzel can switch into and force out Probopass with ease, as they fear very little from it, although they do not like being taken advantage of via Volt Switch.
**Ground-types**: While many Ground-types, like Golem, Camerupt, and Alolan Dugtrio, don't like taking Earth Power and can thus not switch in very easily, they heavily threaten Probopass with their STAB moves and thus force it out.
**Komala**: Komala does not fear any of Probopass's moves due to its solid special bulk, can remove its Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin, and forces it out with Earthquake. However, it is prone to being worn down on sets without Wish, and sets that do have it struggle to fit Earthquake on the set.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Xayah, 167012]]
- Quality checked by: [[BloodAce0107, 435539], [5gen, 296755], [LightPinkYoshi, 244693]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to its ability Magnet Pull, Probopass functions as an effective trapper for Steel-type foes like Mawile, allowing teammates like Muk and Silvally-Dragon to more effectively break the opponent's team. Access to Smack Down and Earth Power also means Probopass can notably trap and KO Bronzor, which is the most common Steel-type. In addition, its solid bulk, low Speed, and access to Volt Switch allow Probopass to function as a decent specially defensive pivot and be one of the better Stealth Rock setters in the tier. However, Probopass's defensive typing is awful, leaving it 4x weak to Fighting and Ground as well as weak to Water, making it easily revenge killed by a wide variety of threats, such as Silvally-Fighting, Floatzel, Komala, and Abomasnow. Due to its mediocre offensive stats, Probopass has to rely on a Z-Move to consistently trap Bronzor, meaning it takes up that slot for its team. This also means Probopass cannot hold Leftovers if it wants to trap effectively, meaning it gets worn down easily, especially when combined with its lack of recovery. Lastly, it faces competition from Alolan Golem as a trapper, which is much more offensively inclined and thus more threatening, though Probopass is more consistent in general and can more easily fit utility moves like Stealth Rock onto its set.
[SET]
name: Offensive Trapper
move 1: Smack Down
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Groundium Z
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Modest
evs: 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Smack Down allows Probopass to bypass Bronzor's Levitate, allowing it to be hit by Earth Power. Earth Power hits every Steel-type in the metagame, including Mawile and Bronzor. It is especially powerful when boosted by Groundium Z, as Tectonic Rage OHKOes Mawile and does over half to Bronzor. Volt Switch allows Probopass to pivot around, allowing it to bring in its teammates safely thanks to its low Speed.
Set Details
========
The combination of Magnet Pull, Groundium Z, and maximum Special Attack investment allows Probopass to consistently trap and KO Steel-types like Bronzor and Mawile. 84 Speed EVs allow Probopass to outspeed Pokemon like Muk and Metang, notably letting it consistently beat non-specially defensive versions of the latter one-on-one.
Usage Tips
========
Probopass should focus on trapping opposing Steel-types and taking them out for its allies. In most situations, Probopass can be switched directly into weakened Bronzor, as it will always beat it outside of really bad Psywave rolls. Other Steel-types like Mawile, Metang, and opposing Probopass must be more carefully played around due to their access to Fighting- or Ground-type moves. However, Probopass will beat the former one-on-one if brought in safely and is also able to trap weakened Metang consistently. If opposing Steel-types have been removed, Probopass should be used as a pivot, safely bringing in teammates with its slow Volt Switch and providing utility in Stealth Rock. It can also function as a switch-in for Pokemon like Silvally-Dragon and Choice Scarf Mr. Mime, but due to its lack of recovery it will get worn down easily.
Team Options
========
Probopass's best teammates are those that appreciate its ability to remove Steel-types, such as Choice Specs Abomasnow, Chatot, Mr. Mime, Beheeyem, and Silvally-Dragon. Oftentimes, after Probopass removes their main switch-in, these Pokemon can easily break apart or sweep the opponent's team by simply spamming their STAB moves. Most of these Pokemon also appreciate Probopass bringing them in safely with its slow Volt Switch. Checks to Fighting-types like Gourgeist-XL, Altaria, and Mareanie are necessary, as Probopass allows opposing Fighting-types to come in for free and they immediately force it out. Similarly, checks to Ground-types are required as well, so Gourgeist-XL and Tangela work well with it, as well as Pokemon like Electivire and Silvally-Water to check the Water-types Probopass fears.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Flash Cannon / Earth Power
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Toxic / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy / Magnet Pull
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 172 SpD / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flash Cannon is Probopass's best STAB move, doing considerable damage to Pokemon like Golem as they switch in, and has decent neutral coverage. Earth Power is mandatory if running Magnet Pull to beat Pokemon like Mawile, and Sturdy sets can use it in place of Flash Cannon to hit Steel- and Poison-types harder than Flash Cannon can, though it does less damage to neutral targets. Toxic can be used to cripple Pokemon like Silvally formes by wearing them down over time. Taunt is another option in the last slot to cripple Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and prevent opposing entry hazards from going up, but it leaves Probopass unable to dent bulkier Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Leftovers is Probopass's only form of recovery on this set, giving it some much-needed longevity. Sturdy is generally the preferred ability, ensuring Probopass always gets up Stealth Rock if it is at full HP and protecting it from certain lures. Magnet Pull can be used, but due to a lack of Smack Down and offensive investment, this set does not beat the most common Steel-type in Bronzor, meaning it is not nearly as effective. 84 Speed EVs allow Probopass to outspeed Pokemon like Metang and Muk. The rest of the EVs are placed in special bulk to allow it to take as many hits from special attackers like Beheeyem as possible.
Usage Tips
========
This Probopass variant should be used as a check to a variety of special attackers, like Chatot, Beheeyem, non-Focus Blast Mr. Mime, and Silvally-Dragon. It has an easy time setting up Stealth Rock in the face of these Pokemon and should thus attempt to do so as soon as possible, as it offers crucial support for its team. Whichever offensive move is chosen, the lack of Special Attack investment means it generally won't be very strong. As such, crippling a foe with Toxic or pivoting out with Volt Switch is generally a better option to go for. If running Magnet Pull, Probopass can consistently trap and KO Mawile and weakened Metang. However, Probopass loses one-on-one against Bronzor and full health Metang, so it should not attempt to trap those. If Taunt is run, it can be used to prevent Pokemon like Mawile and Bronzor from setting up Stealth Rock, allowing Probopass to easily beat them in the entry hazard war.
Team Options
========
To form a core with Probopass, physically defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Tangela work well. The former especially checks Ground- and Fighting-types for Probopass, while Probopass in return answers Pokemon like Chatot and non-Focus Blast Mr. Mime. Other checks to Ground- and Fighting-types, like Altaria and Silvally-Water aid Probopass with those weaknesses. The latter two also appreciate its slow Volt Switch to get in safely. Other Pokemon that appreciate being brought in safely, like Pinsir and Floatzel, also enjoy Probopass's support. Many Silvally formes can form an entry hazard control and VoltTurn core with Probopass. Since Probopass functions as a check to Psychic-types, Pokemon like Silvally-Fighting and Combusken pair well with it; both of these also appreciate its slow Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Probopass can use utility moves like Thunder Wave and Magic Coat to support its team in different ways from its main sets, but neither tends to have much room for it, as they cannot easily give up any of their moves. Similarly, Pain Split would function as a form of recovery, but neither set has a moveslot to spare. Magnet Rise is a solid option to allow Probopass to more easily beat Metang, but it is generally not worth giving up Smack Down, Stealth Rock, or Volt Switch for. If your team already has a Z-Move user, Probopass can opt to run Soft Sand instead of Groundium Z, but it does result in Probopass beating only weakened Bronzor consistently. Probopass can function as a weather setter for sand teams, but the playstyle isn't very effective. It also competes with Hippopotas as a setter, which has access to Sand Stream.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: The likes of Silvally-Fighting can easily switch into Probopass and immediately force it out while it doesn't fear much in return. Monferno and Combusken also come in for free on non-Earth Power Probopass and can set up on it.
**Water-types**: Pokemon like Silvally-Water and Floatzel can switch into and force out Probopass with ease, as they fear very little from it, although they do not like being taken advantage of via Volt Switch.
**Ground-types**: While many Ground-types, like Golem, Camerupt, and Alolan Dugtrio, don't like taking Earth Power and can thus not switch in very easily, they heavily threaten Probopass with their STAB moves and thus force it out.
**Komala**: Komala does not fear any of Probopass's moves due to its solid special bulk, can remove its Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin, and forces it out with Earthquake. However, it is prone to being worn down on sets without Wish, and sets that do have it struggle to fit Earthquake on the set.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Xayah, 167012]]
- Quality checked by: [[BloodAce0107, 435539], [5gen, 296755], [LightPinkYoshi, 244693]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
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