QC: Nineage / Hilomilo / Coconut
GP: Fireflame479 / CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to access to Spikes and Taunt as well as having a great Speed stat, Wimpod can function as a decent suicide lead on offensive teams, as it is the fastest user of Spikes. Thanks to its 18 Speed, it can notably outspeed every common lead in the metagame, including Onix and Dwebble. Its ability Wimp Out allows it to usually get up one layer of Spikes and immediately give a teammate a safe switch. This can give your team a lot of momentum, and in combination with Spikes can put your opponent on the backfoot from the start of the game. However, Wimpod's stats other than its Speed are bad, meaning it will be knocked out easily and unable to do much damage in return. In addition, its movepool is very lacking, making it struggle to hit Pokemon that aren't weak to its STAB moves. This makes it incredibly passive. Wimpod's typing leaves it weak to Rock, not only meaning it is weak to Stealth Rock but also that it loses to common leads like Dwebble and Onix. At the same time, Wimpod faces a lot of competition from these Pokemon, as they have greater bulk and can set up entry hazards more consistently thanks to their less situational abilities, though Wimp Out does give Wimpod a small niche. However, Wimp Out can also be a curse, as a faster Pokemon can easily knock it below half HP, thus forcing it to switch out, meaning Wimpod cannot get up a layer of Spikes. Since it is unable to do much other than set up Spikes, Wimpod is very predictable, and opponents will thus easily be able to see its lead coming. Lastly, after it has been forced out because of Wimp Out, it struggles to get back in due to its weakness to Stealth Rock and general frailty.
[SET]
name: Spikes Setter
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Scald
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Focus Sash
ability: Wimp Out
nature: Naive
evs: 76 Atk / 196 Def / 36 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is a good entry hazard that can significantly dent foes when they switch in, especially if multiple layers are set up. Taunt can prevent an opposing lead such as Onix or Dwebble from setting up their own hazards or a setup sweeper such as Shellder and Omanyte from setting up. Scald is Wimpod's main STAB move; it is used despite coming off of Wimpod's weaker Special Attack stat for its good chance to burn while still OHKOing Weak Armor Onix and 2HKOing Dwebble. However, it misses out on the 2HKO on Ponyta. Aqua Jet's priority is very useful for picking off very significantly weakened threats if Wimpod comes back into play later in the game.
Set Details
========
Wimp Out is the main reason to use Wimpod, as it can give a teammate a safe switch in without forcing Wimpod to go down after it has done its job. Focus Sash allows Wimpod to nearly always survive at least one attack if it is at full HP, meaning it will usually be able to outspeed the foe, get up layer of Spikes, and then immediately activate Wimp Out. With maximum Speed investment and a Naive nature, Wimpod hits 18 Speed, allowing it to outspeed the majority of the metagame and, notably, other leads like Onix and Dwebble as well as other Taunt users like Mienfoo. With the Defense invesment, Wimpod nearly always takes one Rock Blast from Onix and Dwebble if they only get two hits. In addition, it allows Wimpod to nearly always take any two hits from Timburr. 76 Attack EVs raise Attack by one point in order to increase Aqua Jet's damage on specific targets, most notably Eviolite Onix. The leftover EVs are put into Special Attack to raise it by one point. Even though these EVs could be moved to HP easily, as the Special Attack EVs don't change any notable damage rolls, this isn't done in order to make sure Wimpod can switch into Stealth Rock four times without going down. A Naive nature is used instead of a Jolly nature in order to secure the OHKO on Eviolite Onix with Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Wimpod should almost always be used as a lead. However, if you predict your opponent to lead with a Pokemon that is faster than Wimpod, such as Abra or Aipom, it is often advised to lead with something else so that Wimpod can be used to grab momentum later in the game. When it is in, setting up Spikes should be the main priority. However, when Wimpod is in on an opposing hazard setter, like Onix or Dwebble, or a setup sweeper, like Shellder or Zigzagoon, going for Taunt is usually worth it, as it can greatly aid your team by preventing these Pokemon from doing what they do best. Always be careful of multi-hit moves like Rock Blast, as they can KO Wimpod even through its Focus Sash. Once Wimpod has taken a hit and thus given a teammate a safe switch thanks to Wimp Out, it can come back in to give another safe switch by going down, use its good Speed to use Taunt on a setup sweeper, or set up another layer of Spikes. If Wimpod hasn't activated Wimp Out yet and is not on the field, it can be used to take a hit from Pokemon such as Timburr and grab momentum using Wimp Out. If Wimpod's Focus Sash hasn't been broken yet, it can do the same against any Pokemon. Since Wimpod is so weak, it's usually not worth it to go for an offensive move instead of Spikes or Taunt. You should only use an offensive move if you are either certain that it will knock out the foe or if you already have three layers of Spikes up and using Taunt is not worth it, such as when Wimpod's foe is an all-out attacker or it is already afflicted with Taunt.
Team Options
========
Wimpod should only ever be used on hyper offense teams, as these teams do not mind losing one Pokemon early on in the game. Other teams struggle to win when they only have 5 Pokemon, and since Wimpod will generally be significantly weakened or even KOed at the very start of the game, these situations are common on teams that utilize it. In addition, the powerful wallbreakers that are often found on these sorts of teams like Abra and Doduo appreciate a safe switch and thus pair very well with Wimpod, as they can not only take advantage of Wimp Out but also force a lot of switches, meaning they take full advantage of Wimpod's Spikes. Similarly, Sturdy users like Onix and Dwebble appreciate the free switches Wimpod can give them thanks to Wimp Out. Both can also set up Stealth Rock, which synergizes nicely with Wimpod's Spikes, and they appreciate that Wimpod usually prevents hazards from going up on its side of the field thanks to its very fast Taunt. Other offensive Stealth Rock setters like Pawniard can also stack hazards with Wimpod while not draining too much momentum for the hyper offense teams Wimpod finds itself on. Setup sweepers like Shellder and Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciate Wimpod providing them with a safe switch in thanks to Wimp Out. Spinblockers like Pumpkaboo-XL and Defog deterrents like Pawniard work well with Wimpod, as they prevent or scare foes out of removing Wimpod's Spikes. Rapid Spin users like Staryu and Drilbur can remove Stealth Rock, allowing Wimpod to come back into play much more easily. Defog users can also be used to accomplish this, but they are not recommended, as they also remove Wimpod's Spikes.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Wimpod's movepool is incredibly limited, so it has very few other options. Leech Life and Waterfall can be used as slightly more powerful moves, but since Wimpod's offensive stats are so weak, the utility from Scald and Aqua Jet is generally preferred. Struggle Bug is an option to lower a foe's Special Attack and hit certain Grass-types like Snivy and Snover super effectively, but it is very weak and will actually raise Snivy's Special Attack due to its Contrary ability. Toxic can be used to cripple bulky switch-ins like Pumpkaboo-XL, but Wimpod usually prefers to set up Spikes and use Taunt against them. Berry Juice can be used to give Wimpod a chance to set up multiple layers of Spikes before being forced out by Wimp Out, though it leaves Wimpod open to OHKOs from many offensive threats such as Vullaby, Thunderbolt Staryu, and Abra.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon like Abra, Staryu, and Choice Scarf users can easily knock Wimpod below half HP, thus forcing it out due to Wimp Out, which means it is unable to set up a layer of Spikes.
**Hazard Removal**: Defog and Rapid Spin users like Vullaby and Staryu can easily undo all of Wimpod's work by removing its Spikes. Natu's ability Magic Bounce can also prevent Wimpod's Spikes from going up.
GP: Fireflame479 / CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to access to Spikes and Taunt as well as having a great Speed stat, Wimpod can function as a decent suicide lead on offensive teams, as it is the fastest user of Spikes. Thanks to its 18 Speed, it can notably outspeed every common lead in the metagame, including Onix and Dwebble. Its ability Wimp Out allows it to usually get up one layer of Spikes and immediately give a teammate a safe switch. This can give your team a lot of momentum, and in combination with Spikes can put your opponent on the backfoot from the start of the game. However, Wimpod's stats other than its Speed are bad, meaning it will be knocked out easily and unable to do much damage in return. In addition, its movepool is very lacking, making it struggle to hit Pokemon that aren't weak to its STAB moves. This makes it incredibly passive. Wimpod's typing leaves it weak to Rock, not only meaning it is weak to Stealth Rock but also that it loses to common leads like Dwebble and Onix. At the same time, Wimpod faces a lot of competition from these Pokemon, as they have greater bulk and can set up entry hazards more consistently thanks to their less situational abilities, though Wimp Out does give Wimpod a small niche. However, Wimp Out can also be a curse, as a faster Pokemon can easily knock it below half HP, thus forcing it to switch out, meaning Wimpod cannot get up a layer of Spikes. Since it is unable to do much other than set up Spikes, Wimpod is very predictable, and opponents will thus easily be able to see its lead coming. Lastly, after it has been forced out because of Wimp Out, it struggles to get back in due to its weakness to Stealth Rock and general frailty.
[SET]
name: Spikes Setter
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Scald
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Focus Sash
ability: Wimp Out
nature: Naive
evs: 76 Atk / 196 Def / 36 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is a good entry hazard that can significantly dent foes when they switch in, especially if multiple layers are set up. Taunt can prevent an opposing lead such as Onix or Dwebble from setting up their own hazards or a setup sweeper such as Shellder and Omanyte from setting up. Scald is Wimpod's main STAB move; it is used despite coming off of Wimpod's weaker Special Attack stat for its good chance to burn while still OHKOing Weak Armor Onix and 2HKOing Dwebble. However, it misses out on the 2HKO on Ponyta. Aqua Jet's priority is very useful for picking off very significantly weakened threats if Wimpod comes back into play later in the game.
Set Details
========
Wimp Out is the main reason to use Wimpod, as it can give a teammate a safe switch in without forcing Wimpod to go down after it has done its job. Focus Sash allows Wimpod to nearly always survive at least one attack if it is at full HP, meaning it will usually be able to outspeed the foe, get up layer of Spikes, and then immediately activate Wimp Out. With maximum Speed investment and a Naive nature, Wimpod hits 18 Speed, allowing it to outspeed the majority of the metagame and, notably, other leads like Onix and Dwebble as well as other Taunt users like Mienfoo. With the Defense invesment, Wimpod nearly always takes one Rock Blast from Onix and Dwebble if they only get two hits. In addition, it allows Wimpod to nearly always take any two hits from Timburr. 76 Attack EVs raise Attack by one point in order to increase Aqua Jet's damage on specific targets, most notably Eviolite Onix. The leftover EVs are put into Special Attack to raise it by one point. Even though these EVs could be moved to HP easily, as the Special Attack EVs don't change any notable damage rolls, this isn't done in order to make sure Wimpod can switch into Stealth Rock four times without going down. A Naive nature is used instead of a Jolly nature in order to secure the OHKO on Eviolite Onix with Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Wimpod should almost always be used as a lead. However, if you predict your opponent to lead with a Pokemon that is faster than Wimpod, such as Abra or Aipom, it is often advised to lead with something else so that Wimpod can be used to grab momentum later in the game. When it is in, setting up Spikes should be the main priority. However, when Wimpod is in on an opposing hazard setter, like Onix or Dwebble, or a setup sweeper, like Shellder or Zigzagoon, going for Taunt is usually worth it, as it can greatly aid your team by preventing these Pokemon from doing what they do best. Always be careful of multi-hit moves like Rock Blast, as they can KO Wimpod even through its Focus Sash. Once Wimpod has taken a hit and thus given a teammate a safe switch thanks to Wimp Out, it can come back in to give another safe switch by going down, use its good Speed to use Taunt on a setup sweeper, or set up another layer of Spikes. If Wimpod hasn't activated Wimp Out yet and is not on the field, it can be used to take a hit from Pokemon such as Timburr and grab momentum using Wimp Out. If Wimpod's Focus Sash hasn't been broken yet, it can do the same against any Pokemon. Since Wimpod is so weak, it's usually not worth it to go for an offensive move instead of Spikes or Taunt. You should only use an offensive move if you are either certain that it will knock out the foe or if you already have three layers of Spikes up and using Taunt is not worth it, such as when Wimpod's foe is an all-out attacker or it is already afflicted with Taunt.
Team Options
========
Wimpod should only ever be used on hyper offense teams, as these teams do not mind losing one Pokemon early on in the game. Other teams struggle to win when they only have 5 Pokemon, and since Wimpod will generally be significantly weakened or even KOed at the very start of the game, these situations are common on teams that utilize it. In addition, the powerful wallbreakers that are often found on these sorts of teams like Abra and Doduo appreciate a safe switch and thus pair very well with Wimpod, as they can not only take advantage of Wimp Out but also force a lot of switches, meaning they take full advantage of Wimpod's Spikes. Similarly, Sturdy users like Onix and Dwebble appreciate the free switches Wimpod can give them thanks to Wimp Out. Both can also set up Stealth Rock, which synergizes nicely with Wimpod's Spikes, and they appreciate that Wimpod usually prevents hazards from going up on its side of the field thanks to its very fast Taunt. Other offensive Stealth Rock setters like Pawniard can also stack hazards with Wimpod while not draining too much momentum for the hyper offense teams Wimpod finds itself on. Setup sweepers like Shellder and Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciate Wimpod providing them with a safe switch in thanks to Wimp Out. Spinblockers like Pumpkaboo-XL and Defog deterrents like Pawniard work well with Wimpod, as they prevent or scare foes out of removing Wimpod's Spikes. Rapid Spin users like Staryu and Drilbur can remove Stealth Rock, allowing Wimpod to come back into play much more easily. Defog users can also be used to accomplish this, but they are not recommended, as they also remove Wimpod's Spikes.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Wimpod's movepool is incredibly limited, so it has very few other options. Leech Life and Waterfall can be used as slightly more powerful moves, but since Wimpod's offensive stats are so weak, the utility from Scald and Aqua Jet is generally preferred. Struggle Bug is an option to lower a foe's Special Attack and hit certain Grass-types like Snivy and Snover super effectively, but it is very weak and will actually raise Snivy's Special Attack due to its Contrary ability. Toxic can be used to cripple bulky switch-ins like Pumpkaboo-XL, but Wimpod usually prefers to set up Spikes and use Taunt against them. Berry Juice can be used to give Wimpod a chance to set up multiple layers of Spikes before being forced out by Wimp Out, though it leaves Wimpod open to OHKOs from many offensive threats such as Vullaby, Thunderbolt Staryu, and Abra.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon like Abra, Staryu, and Choice Scarf users can easily knock Wimpod below half HP, thus forcing it out due to Wimp Out, which means it is unable to set up a layer of Spikes.
**Hazard Removal**: Defog and Rapid Spin users like Vullaby and Staryu can easily undo all of Wimpod's work by removing its Spikes. Natu's ability Magic Bounce can also prevent Wimpod's Spikes from going up.
Last edited:
