UU Hippowdon GP 2/2

[Monky25]

[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon is a potent mixed wall in UU thanks to its amazing bulk, solid typing, and reliable recovery. Its naturally high Defense allows it to invest in Special Defense to check Salamence and Thundurus-T while still answering physical attackers like Excadrill, Zygarde-10%, and Cobalion. Hippowdon is a great Stealth Rock setter due to matching up well against common entry hazard removers like Salamence, Mandibuzz, Excadrill, and Tentacruel and easily setting Stealth Rock against Pokemon it walls like Excadrill, Cobalion, and Nihilego without Grass Knot. Utility options, like Toxic to cripple Tangrowth and Rotom-W and Whirlwind to keep setup sweepers like Scizor from setting up on it, limit Hippowdon's passivity. However, Hippowdon is still quite passive, relying on Toxic to cripple the common Grass- and Water-types that beat it; even then, threats like Zarude and RestTalk Primarina don't mind it. Certain setup sweepers like Bulky Swords Dance Scizor and Autotomize Celesteela can use Hippowdon as a free entry point, as well as setup fodder if it forgoes Whirlwind, which usually happens due to Toxic being very difficult to drop. Even Pokemon Hippowdon should check, like Nihilego, Thundurus-T, Rotom-H, and Moltres, can get around it by using coverage moves like Grass Knot or crippling it with Toxic.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 32 Def / 216 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Earthquake hits threats like Nihilego, Nidoqueen, Raikou, and Excadrill hard. Hippowdon's naturally high Attack also prevents Amoonguss from switching in for free, especially with additional sand damage and Stealth Rock, wearing it down despite Regenerator. Toxic cripples switch-ins like Slowking, Rotom-W, and Tangrowth. It also makes Hippowdon less passive against wallbreakers like Thundurus-T and Hydreigon and lets it beat Defoggers like Salamence and Rotom-W. Whirlwind is an option to phaze setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Autotomize Celesteela, but Toxic crippling so many answers to Hippowdon makes it too good to pass up most of the time. However, Whirlwind and Toxic can be run together if Hippowdon is used alongside another Stealth Rock setter like Nihilego. Slack Off gives Hippowdon reliable recovery to consistently handle threats like Salamence, Thundurus-T, and Zygarde-10%. Sand Stream helps chip down threats like Chansey and Thundurus-T, though Sand Force can be used if sand damage is detrimental to Hippowdon's team. Leftovers gives Hippowdon passive recovery and lets it spend fewer turns using Slack Off, while Rocky Helmet chips down threats like Cobalion, Scizor, and Diggersby. Rocky Helmet also lets Hippowdon counter lead Excadrill by preventing it from using Rapid Spin, allowing itself to set Stealth Rock. The given EV spread alongside an Impish nature lets Hippowdon OHKO Excadrill with Earthquake, avoid the 2HKO from Zygarde-10%'s Outrage if it has Leftovers, and better check special attackers like Salamence and Thundurus-T. If running Rocky Helmet, 112 Defense EVs are needed to avoid the 2HKO from Outrage.

Hippowdon best fits on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate a reliable Stealth Rock setter that is also a sustainable wall. Skarmory forms a great entry hazard-stacking core with Hippowdon, providing Spikes to complement its Stealth Rock while also beating Zarude, Mamoswine, and Scizor; in return, it appreciates Hippowdon beating Defoggers it loses to like Salamence. Nihilego makes a solid partner due to it beating Autotomize Celesteela and serving as a potent Stealth Rock setter, allowing Hippowdon to run both Toxic and Whirlwind. Grass-types like Tangrowth and Amoonguss check Water-types like Keldeo, Primarina, and Azumarill for Hippowdon, with the latter also handling opposing Tangrowth. Zarude can counter Rotom-W and Slowking and switch into a predicted Grass Knot from Thundurus-T. Entry hazard removers like Mandibuzz and Tentacruel remove Spikes, which wear down Hippowdon. Mandibuzz also acts as a secondary check to Zygarde-10% and can discourage Swords Dance Scizor from boosting with the threat of Foul Play. Moltres and Salamence like Hippowdon's entry hazards and sand chip damage wearing down Slowking, and they remove Scizor, Skarmory, and Zarude for it in return. On stall teams, Umbreon can be used to increase Hippowdon's longevity with Wish and answer Mamoswine and Gyarados, while Articuno can remove status with Heal Bell.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hippowdon can run a Curse set, but the presence of common Water- and Grass-types keeps this set from succeeding. Ice Fang can hit Salamence and Thundurus-T without Hippowdon relying on Toxic, while Fire Fang threatens Scizor. However, these moves fail to provide the utility Toxic provides. Heavy-Duty Boots can be used on teams without entry hazard removal to stop Spikes from wearing down Hippowdon, but it typically gets hit by Knock Off from switching into threats like Nihilego and Thundurus-T.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types and Grass-type Coverage**: Zarude completely walls Hippowdon, ignoring Toxic thanks to Jungle Healing and threatening to KO it. Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu hate Toxic but can threaten Hippowdon with heavy damage. Grass-type coverage on Nihilego, Thundurus-T, and Azelf means Hippowdon must scout their movesets before switching in.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-types like Keldeo, Azumarill, and Starmie deal massive damage to Hippowdon with their attacks. Rotom-W, Slowking, and RestTalk Primarina can switch into Hippowdon well, though the former two hate Toxic.

**Status Moves**: Hippowdon gets worn down more easily if crippled by Toxic, with many common threats like Chansey and Swampert carrying this move. Even Pokemon Hippowdon is supposed to check like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Zygarde-10% can fit Toxic to cripple it.

**Toxic-immune Setup Sweepers**: Sweepers like Autotomize Celesteela, Calm Mind Reuniclus, Iron Defense Skarmory, and Swords Dance Scizor use Hippowdon as setup fodder unless it fits Whirlwind, exploiting its low damage output and their immunities to Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monky25, 515132]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mystras, Leoxses, 530118], [Lily, 481709], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990], [Finland, 517429]]

 

[Mystras]

QC 1/3
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Monky25, post: 9220557, member: 515132

[OVERVIEW]

-Hippowdon is a potent mixed wall in UU thanks to its amazing bulk, solid typing, and reliable recovery. Its naturally high Defense stat allows it to invest in Special Defense to check Salamence and Thundurus-T while still being able to answer physical attackers like Excadrill, Zygarde-10%, and Swords Dance Aegislash.
-Hippowdon is a great Stealth Rock setter due to matching up well against common entry hazard removers like Salamence, Mandibuzz, Excadrill, and Tentacruel, easily setting Stealth Rock against Pokemon it walls like Excadrill, Cobalion, and Nihilego without Grass Knot.
-Utility options like Toxic to cripple answers like Tangrowth and Rotom-W and Whirlwind to keep setup sweepers like Scizor from setting up on it limit Hippowdon's passivity.
-However, Hippowdon is still quite passive, relying on Toxic to cripple the common Grass- and Water-types that beat it; and even then threats like Zarude and RestTalk Primarina don't mind it.
-Certain setup sweepers like Bulky lower case Swords Dance Scizor and Iron Defense Skarmory can use Hippowdon as setup bait, meaning it gives them free entry if it forgoes Whirlwind, creating slight 4MSS.
you might also include here that without Toxic, it is very vulnerable to Pokemon like Azumarill and Keldeo.
-Even Pokemon it should check like Nihilego, Thundurus-T, Rotom-H, and Excadrill can get around it by using coverage like Grass Knot to hurt it or cripple it with Toxic.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Toxic / Whirlwind
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 32 Def / 216 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1
-Earthquake allows Hippowdon to hit threats like Aegislash, Raikou, and Excadrill hard.
-Toxic lets Hippowdon cripple switch-ins like Slowking, Rotom-W, and Tangrowth. add that this also keeps less passive against breakers like Thundurus and Hydreigon. Could also mention that this keeps Rotom-W and Mence from being able to Defog as freely
-Whirlwind is an option to phaze out setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Iron Defense Skarmory to keep itself from being set up on.
-Slack Off gives Hippowdon a method of reliable recovery to consistently handle threats like Salamence, Thundurus-T, and Zygarde-10% throughout a game.
-Sand Stream helps chip down threats like Chansey and Thundurus-T, though Sand Force can be used if the Sand chip is hindersome to Hippowdon's team.
-Leftovers gives Hippowdon passive recovery to use slack off Capitalize less throughout a game, while Rocky Helmet can be used to chip threats like Zygarde-10%, Scizor, and Diggersby.
-The given EV spread alongside Impish Nature lets Hippowdon OHKO Excadrill with Earthquake and avoid the 2HKO from Zygarde-10%'s Outrage if it has Leftovers while investing in Special Defense to better check Salamence and Thundurus-T. If running Rocky Helmet, 112 Defense EVs are needed to avoid the 2HKO from Outrage.

Paragraph 2
-Hippowdon best fits on bulky offense and balance teams that can cover its weaknesses. this is kind of vague, explain that these teams enjoy a reliable hazard setter that can act as a sustainable wall. Mention stall here as well.
-Skarmory makes a great entry hazard stacking core alongside Hippowdon, providing Spikes to compliment its Stealth Rock. It also beats Zarude, Mamoswine, and certain Scizor variants for Hippowdon.
-Grass-types like Tangrowth and Amoonguss check threats like Keldeo, Primarina, and Azumarill for Hippowdon, with the latter also blanking opposing Tangrowth. Zarude can absorb status from Aegislash and Swampert and counter Rotom-W and Slowking.
-Entry hazard removers like Dhelmise, Mandibuzz, and Tentacruel can remove Spikes that wear down Hippowdon. Mandibuzz also acts as a secondary check to Zygarde-10% and can discourage Swords Dance Scizor from boosting with the threat of Foul Play.
-Moltres and Salamence like the entry hazard support and sand chip wearing down Slowking, removing Scizor, Skarmory, and the Grass-types for Hippowdon in return.
-Umbreon can increase Hippowdon's longevity with Wish, while Articuno can remove status with Heal bell. should also mention that umbreon helps deal with Gyarados and Mamoswine.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
-Hippowdon can run a Curse set to boost its Attack and Defense while healing itself with Roost Slack Off, but the presence of Water- and Grass-types keeps this set from succeeding. if this set is really held back so much by water and grass types is it worth keeping? we can talk in qc about this more
-Ice Fang can be used to hit Salamence and Thundurus-T without relying on Toxic, while Fire Fang can be used to threaten Scizor. However, these moves fail to provide the utility Toxic provides.
-Heavy-Duty Boots can be used on teams without removal to avoid Spikes that wear Hippowdon down.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types and Grass-type Coverage**: Zarude completely blanks Hippowdon, ignoring Toxic thanks to Jungle Healing and threatening to KO it. Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu hate Toxic but can threaten Hippowdon with heavy damage. Grass-type coverage on the likes of Nihilego, Thundurus-T, and Azelf means Hippowdon must scout their movesets to see if it can handle them.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-types like Keldeo, Azumarill, and Starmie deal massive damage to Hippowdon with their attacks. Rotom-W, Slowking, and RestTalk Primarina all can switch into Hippowdon well, though the former two hate Toxic.

**Status**: Hippowdon gets worn down a lot easier if crippled by Toxic, and many common threats like Chansey and Aegislash carry this move. Even Pokemon Hippowdon is supposed to check like Excadrill, Rotom-H, and Zygarde-10% can all fit Toxic to cripple Hippowdon.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Bulky sweepers like Calm Mind Reuniclus, Iron Defense Skarmory, and Swords Dance Scizor all exploit Hippowdon's low damage output and their immunity to Toxic with its average powered Earthquakes and Toxic not effecting them at all, giving them free setup.
mention hatterene too since it bounces back toxic and stealth rock
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monky25, 515132]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mystras Leoxses, 530118], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[Lily]

-Leftovers gives Hippowdon passive recovery to use Slack Off less throughout a game, while Rocky Helmet can be used to chip threats like Zygarde-10%, Scizor, and Diggersby.

there's almost surely a better example than zydog since its almost always spamming tarrows i.e. non-contact. also, mention that helmet lets hippowdon counterlead lead excadrill and keep rocks against it (eq -> sr means it can't spin on you), which is super vital in a lot of ho matchups.

-Umbreon increases Hippowdon's longevity with Wish and answers Mamoswine and Gyarados, while Articuno can removes status with Heal bell

i'd mention that these are almost exclusively stall/extremely fat balance specific bc this currently implies they're standard good pokemon which they are not

Hatterene not only does this, but also deters Stealth Rock and Toxic from being used with Magic Bounce.

(sand stream) hippo beats hat pretty well, esp if helmet, so idk about this mention

looks good otherwise, qc 2/3!

 

[Estarossa]

[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon is a potent mixed wall in UU thanks to its amazing bulk, solid typing, and reliable recovery. Its naturally high Defense stat allows it to invest in Special Defense to check Salamence and Thundurus-T while still answering physical attackers like Excadrill, Zygarde-10%, and Cobalion. Hippowdon is a great Stealth Rock setter due to matching up well against common entry hazard removers like Salamence, Mandibuzz, Excadrill, and Tentacruel, easily setting Stealth Rock against Pokemon it walls like Excadrill, Cobalion, and Nihilego without Grass Knot. Utility options like Toxic to cripple Tangrowth and Rotom-W and Whirlwind to keep setup sweepers like Scizor from setting up on it limit Hippowdon's passivity. However, Hippowdon is still quite passive, relying on Toxic to cripple the common Grass- and Water-types that beat it; and even then threats like Zarude and RestTalk Primarina don't mind it. Certain setup sweepers like Bulky Swords Dance Scizor and Iron Defense Skarmory can use Hippowdon as setup bait, giving them free entry if it forgoes Whirlwind. no idea if i'd rly call id skarm a set up sweeper, view it more as just a defensive option in its war against stuff like sciz, skarm's still using u as bait anyway with like toxic / spikes stuff even if its not id too. Auto steela is probably the big one i'd bring up because hippo teams are naturally horrendously weak to this thing. This creates slight 4MSS, as dropping Toxic makes Hippowdon very vulnerable to threats like Keldeo. Even Pokemon it should check like Nihilego, Thundurus-T, Rotom-H, and Moltres can get around it by using coverage like Grass Knot or cripple it with Toxic.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 32 Def / 216 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Earthquake hits threats like Nihilego, Nidoqueen, Raikou, and Excadrill hard. Its naturally high Attack also prevents Amoonguss from switching in for free, especially with additional sand damage and Stealth Rock wearing it down. Toxic cripples switch-ins like Slowking, Rotom-W, and Tangrowth. It also makes Hippowdon less passive against wallbreakers like Thundurus-T and Hydreigon and lets it beat Defoggers like Salamence and Rotom-W in the long term. Whirlwind is an option to phaze out setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Iron Defense Skarmory to keep itself from being set up on, but Toxic’s ability to cripple so many answers to Hippowdon makes it too good to pass up most of the time. Would mention the option to run both WW and Toxic when using a Nihilego alongside it, combo thats seen some use throughout UULT and stuff because it removes the crippling wakness to auto steela that hippo teams would traditionally have among other things. Slack Off gives Hippowdon a method of reliable recovery to consistently handle threats like Salamence, Thundurus-T, and Zygarde-10% throughout a game. Sand Stream helps chip down threats like Chansey and Thundurus-T, though Sand Force can be used if the sand chip is hindersome to Hippowdon's team. Leftovers gives Hippowdon passive recovery to use Slack Off less throughout a game, while Rocky Helmet can be used to chip threats like Cobalion, Scizor, and Diggersby. Rocky Helmet also lets Hippowdon counter lead Excadrill by preventing it from using Rapid Spin, allowing it to set Stealth Rock. The given EV spread alongside an Impish nature lets Hippowdon OHKO Excadrill with Earthquake and avoid the 2HKO from Zygarde-10%'s Outrage if it has Leftovers while investing in Special Defense to better check Salamence and Thundurus-T. If running Rocky Helmet, 112 Defense EVs are needed to avoid the 2HKO from Outrage.

Hippowdon best fits on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate a reliable Stealth Rock setter that also acts as a sustainable wall. Skarmory makes a great entry hazard stacking core alongside Hippowdon, providing Spikes to compliment its Stealth Rock. It also beats Zarude, Mamoswine, and certain Scizor variants for Hippowdon. can mention that it appreciates hippo's ability to beat most removers too. Grass-types like Tangrowth and Amoonguss check threats like Keldeo, Primarina, and Azumarill for Hippowdon, with the latter also blanking opposing Tangrowth. Zarude can counter Rotom-W and Slowking and switch into a predicted Grass Knot against Thundurus-T. from instead of against maybe? reads like the grass knot is being used against thundy-t if you read it in a certain way Entry hazard removers like Mandibuzz and Tentacruel remove Spikes that wear down Hippowdon. Mandibuzz also acts as a secondary check to Zygarde-10% and can discourage Swords Dance Scizor from boosting with the threat of Foul Play. Moltres and Salamence like the entry hazard support and sand chip wearing down Slowking, removing Scizor, Skarmory, and the Grass-types for Hippowdon in return. On stall teams, Umbreon can be used increase Hippowdon's longevity with Wish and answer Mamoswine and Gyarados, while Articuno can remove status with Heal Bell. wondering if its worth discussing sand force vs sand streeam for stall but i think it's beyond the scope of the analysis unless you can find a way to very briefly summarise it. my viewpoint on it is that i generally prefer sand stream even though it interferes with these mons because its helping to reduce the hp slowly on boots pivoting annoyances like azelf / thundy, but sand force obviously has merit for stuff like chansey. (mayb this could be brought up when you originally mention sand force potentially as a counterpoint to why you might still like sand stream in these situations)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hippowdon can run a Curse set to boost its Attack and Defense while healing itself with Slack Off, but the presence of common Water- and Grass-types keeps this set from succeeding. Ice Fang can hit Salamence and Thundurus-T without Hippowdon relying on Toxic, while Fire Fang can be used to threaten Scizor. However, these moves fail to provide the utility Toxic provides. Heavy-Duty Boots can be used on teams without removal to avoid damage from Spikes that would wear Hippowdon down. can probably mention that its typically prone to being knocked off fairly quick by stuff like thundy / nihi / sciz etc anyway, so this protection doesn't last long necessarily.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types and Grass-type Coverage**: Zarude completely blanks Hippowdon, ignoring Toxic thanks to Jungle Healing and threatening to KO it. Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu hate Toxic but can threaten Hippowdon with heavy damage. Grass-type coverage on the likes of Nihilego, Thundurus-T, and Azelf means Hippowdon must scout their movesets to see if it can handle them before switching in.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-types like Keldeo, Azumarill, and Starmie deal massive damage to Hippowdon with their attacks. Rotom-W, Slowking, and RestTalk Primarina all can switch into Hippowdon well, though the former two hate Toxic.

**Status**: Hippowdon gets worn down a lot easier if crippled by Toxic, with many common threats like Chansey and Swampert carrying this move. Even Pokemon Hippowdon is supposed to check like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Zygarde-10% can fit Toxic to cripple Hippowdon.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Bulky sweepers like Calm Mind Reuniclus, Iron Defense Skarmory, and Swords Dance Scizor all exploit Hippowdon's low damage output and their immunity to Toxic by using it as setup bait.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monky25, 515132]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mystras, Leoxses, 530118], [Lily, 481709], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

looks good, 3/3.

 

[DC]

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Hippo

[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon is a potent mixed wall in UU thanks to its amazing bulk, solid typing, and reliable recovery. Its naturally high Defense allows it to invest in Special Defense to check Salamence and Thundurus-T while still answering physical attackers like Excadrill, Zygarde-10%, and Cobalion. Hippowdon is a great Stealth Rock setter due to matching up well against common entry hazard removers like Salamence, Mandibuzz, Excadrill, and Tentacruel,(RC) and easily setting Stealth Rock against Pokemon it walls like Excadrill, Cobalion, and Nihilego without Grass Knot. Utility options like Toxic to cripple Tangrowth and Rotom-W and Whirlwind to keep setup sweepers like Scizor from setting up on it limit Hippowdon's passivity. However, Hippowdon is still quite passive, relying on Toxic to cripple the common Grass- and Water-types that beat it; and even then,(AC) threats like Zarude and RestTalk Primarina don't mind it. Certain setup sweepers like Bulky Swords Dance Scizor and Autotomize Celesteela can use Hippowdon as setup bait fodder, giving and it gives them free entry if it forgoes Whirlwind,(AC) which usually happens due to Toxic being very difficult to drop. This creates slight 4MSS, as dropping Toxic makes Hippowdon very vulnerable to threats like Keldeo. Even Pokemon Hippowdon should check,(AC) like Nihilego, Thundurus-T, Rotom-H, and Moltres,(AC) can get around it by using coverage like Grass Knot or crippling it with Toxic.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 32 Def / 216 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Earthquake hits threats like Nihilego, Nidoqueen, Raikou, and Excadrill hard. Its naturally high Attack also prevents Amoonguss from switching in for free, especially with additional sand damage and Stealth Rock wearing it down and nullifying Regenerator.(STAB) Toxic cripples switch-ins like Slowking, Rotom-W, and Tangrowth. It also makes Hippowdon less passive against wallbreakers like Thundurus-T and Hydreigon and lets it beat Defoggers like Salamence and Rotom-W in the long term. Whirlwind is an option to phaze out setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Autotomize Celesteela, but Toxic’s ability to cripple so many answers to Hippowdon makes it too good to pass up most of the time. However, Whirlwind and Toxic can be run together if Hippowdon is used alongside another entry hazard setter like Nihilego to cover Stealth Rock. Slack Off gives Hippowdon a method of reliable recovery to consistently handle threats like Salamence, Thundurus-T, and Zygarde-10% throughout a game. Sand Stream helps chip down threats like Chansey and Thundurus-T, though Sand Force can be used if the sand chip is hindersome sand damage is detrimental to Hippowdon's team. Leftovers gives Hippowdon passive recovery to use Slack Off less throughout a game and lets it spend less turns using Slack Off, while Rocky Helmet can be used to chips down threats like Cobalion, Scizor, and Diggersby. Rocky Helmet also lets Hippowdon counter lead Excadrill by preventing it from using Rapid Spin, allowing it to set Stealth Rock. The given EV spread alongside an Impish nature lets Hippowdon OHKO Excadrill with Earthquake,(AC) and avoid the 2HKO from Zygarde-10%'s Outrage if it Hippowdon has Leftovers,(AC) while investing and invest in Special Defense to better check Salamence and Thundurus-T. If running Rocky Helmet, 112 Defense EVs are needed to avoid the 2HKO from Outrage.

Hippowdon best fits on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate a reliable Stealth Rock setter that also acts as a sustainable and reliable wall.(i think you mean reliable?) Skarmory makes a great entry hazard stacking core alongside Hippowdon, providing Spikes to compliment its Stealth Rock. It also beats Zarude, Mamoswine, and certain Scizor variants for Hippowdon and appreciates Hippowdon beating Defoggers it loses to like Salamence in return. Skarmory forms a great entry hazard-stacking core with Hippowdon, providing Spikes, while also beating Zarude, Mamoswine, and certain Scizor variants; in return, it appreciates Hippowdon beating Defoggers like Salamence. Nihilego makes a solid partner that can free up both Toxic and Whirlwind on Hippowdon due to it being a potent Stealth Rock setter that also beats Autotomize Celesteela for it due to it beating Autotomize Celesteela, serving as a potent Stealth Rock setter, and allowing Hippowdon to run both Toxic and Whirlwind. Grass-types like Tangrowth and Amoonguss check threats like Keldeo, Primarina, and Azumarill for Hippowdon, with the latter also blanking handling opposing Tangrowth. Zarude can counter Rotom-W and Slowking and switch into a predicted Grass Knot from Thundurus-T. Entry hazard removers like Mandibuzz and Tentacruel remove Spikes that wear down Hippowdon. Mandibuzz also acts as a secondary check to Zygarde-10% and can discourage Swords Dance Scizor from boosting with the threat of Foul Play. Moltres and Salamence like the entry hazard support and sand chip wearing down Slowking, removing and they remove Scizor, Skarmory, and Zarude for Hippowdon in return. On stall teams, Umbreon can be used to increase Hippowdon's longevity with Wish and answer Mamoswine and Gyarados, while Articuno can remove status with Heal Bell.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hippowdon can run a Curse set to boost its Attack and Defense while healing itself with Slack Off, but the presence of common Water- and Grass-types keeps this set from succeeding. Ice Fang can hit Salamence and Thundurus-T without Hippowdon relying on Toxic, while Fire Fang can be used to threatens Scizor. However, these moves fail to provide match the utility that Toxic provides. Heavy-Duty Boots can be used on teams without entry hazard removal to avoid damage from Spikes that would wear Hippowdon down being worn down by Spikes, but Hippowdon typically gets hit from by Knock Off from threats it switches into switching into threats like Nihilego and Thundurus-T.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types and Grass-type Coverage**: Zarude completely blanks walls Hippowdon, ignoring Toxic thanks to Jungle Healing and threatening to KO it. Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu hate Toxic but can threaten Hippowdon with heavy damage. Grass-type coverage on the likes of Nihilego, Thundurus-T, and Azelf means Hippowdon must scout their movesets to see if it can handle them before switching in.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-types like Keldeo, Azumarill, and Starmie deal massive damage to Hippowdon with their attacks. Rotom-W, Slowking, and RestTalk Primarina all can switch into Hippowdon well, though the former two hate Toxic.

**Status Moves**: Hippowdon gets worn down a lot easier if crippled by Toxic, with many common threats like Chansey and Swampert carrying this move. Even Pokemon Hippowdon is supposed to check like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Zygarde-10% can fit Toxic to cripple Hippowdon it.

**Toxic Immune Toxic-immune Setup Sweepers**: Sweepers like Autotomize Celesteela, Calm Mind Reuniclus, Iron Defense Skarmory, and Swords Dance Scizor all exploit Hippowdon's low damage output and their immunity to Toxic by using it as setup bait use Hippowdon as setup fodder by exploiting its low damage output and their immunity to Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monky25, 515132]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mystras, Leoxses, 530118], [Lily, 481709], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

GP 1/2. [DC, 449990]

 

[Adeleine]

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[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon is a potent mixed wall in UU thanks to its amazing bulk, solid typing, and reliable recovery. Its naturally high Defense allows it to invest in Special Defense to check Salamence and Thundurus-T while still answering physical attackers like Excadrill, Zygarde-10%, and Cobalion. Hippowdon is a great Stealth Rock setter due to matching up well against common entry hazard removers like Salamence, Mandibuzz, Excadrill, and Tentacruel and easily setting Stealth Rock against Pokemon it walls like Excadrill, Cobalion, and Nihilego without Grass Knot. Utility options, (AC) like Toxic to cripple Tangrowth and Rotom-W and Whirlwind to keep setup sweepers like Scizor from setting up on it, (AC) limit Hippowdon's passivity. However, Hippowdon is still quite passive, relying on Toxic to cripple the common Grass- and Water-types that beat it; and even then, (AC) threats like Zarude and RestTalk Primarina don't mind it. Certain setup sweepers like Bulky Swords Dance Scizor and Autotomize Celesteela can use Hippowdon as a free entry point, as well as (I assume this makes sense?) setup fodder and it gives them free entry if it forgoes Whirlwind, which usually happens due to Toxic being very difficult to drop, creating issues with fitting all the moves it likes. Even Pokemon Hippowdon should check, like Nihilego, Thundurus-T, Rotom-H, and Moltres, can get around it by using coverage moves like Grass Knot or crippling it with Toxic.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 32 Def / 216 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Earthquake hits threats like Nihilego, Nidoqueen, Raikou, and Excadrill hard. Its Hippowdon's naturally high Attack also prevents Amoonguss from switching in for free, especially with additional sand damage and Stealth Rock, (AC) wearing it down and nullifying despite Regenerator. Toxic cripples switch-ins like Slowking, Rotom-W, and Tangrowth. It also makes Hippowdon less passive against wallbreakers like Thundurus-T and Hydreigon and lets it beat Defoggers like Salamence and Rotom-W. Whirlwind is an option to phaze out setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Autotomize Celesteela, but Toxic’s ability to cripple Toxic crippling so many answers to Hippowdon makes it too good to pass up most of the time. However, Whirlwind and Toxic can be run together if Hippowdon is used alongside another Stealth Rock setter like Nihilego. Slack Off gives Hippowdon reliable recovery to consistently handle threats like Salamence, Thundurus-T, and Zygarde-10%. Sand Stream helps chip down threats like Chansey and Thundurus-T, though Sand Force can be used if sand damage is detrimental to Hippowdon's team. Leftovers gives Hippowdon passive recovery and lets it spend less fewer turns using Slack Off, while Rocky Helmet chips down threats like Cobalion, Scizor, and Diggersby. Rocky Helmet also lets Hippowdon counter lead Excadrill by preventing it from repeatedly using Rapid Spin, allowing itself to set Stealth Rock. The given EV spread alongside an Impish nature lets Hippowdon OHKO Excadrill with Earthquake, avoid the 2HKO from Zygarde-10%'s Outrage if it has Leftover, Leftovers, and invest in Special Defense to better check special attackers in (or "like" etc) Salamence and Thundurus-T. If running Rocky Helmet, 112 Defense EVs are needed to avoid the 2HKO from Outrage.

Hippowdon best fits on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate a reliable Stealth Rock setter that also acts as is also a sustainable wall. Skarmory forms a great entry hazard-stacking (added hyphen) core with Hippowdon, providing Spikes to compliment complement its Stealth Rock (RC) while also beating Zarude, Mamoswine, and Scizor; in return, it appreciates Hippowdon beating Defoggers it loses to like Salamence. Nihilego makes a solid partner due to it beating Autotomize Celesteela and serving as a potent Stealth Rock setter, (AC) allowing Hippowdon to run both Toxic and Whirlwind. Grass-types like Tangrowth and Amoonguss check Water-type (if its not just water types, id add a non-Water example somehow) threats like Keldeo, Primarina, and Azumarill for Hippowdon, with the latter also handling opposing Tangrowth. Zarude can counter Rotom-W and Slowking and switch into a predicted Grass Knot from Thundurus-T. Entry hazard removers like Mandibuzz and Tentacruel remove Spikes, (AC) that which wear down Hippowdon. Mandibuzz also acts as a secondary check to Zygarde-10% and can discourage Swords Dance Scizor from boosting with the threat of Foul Play. Moltres and Salamence like the Hippowdon's entry hazard support and sand chip damage wearing down Slowking, (AC) and they remove Scizor, Skarmory, and Zarude for Hippowdon it in return. On stall teams, Umbreon can be used to increase Hippowdon's longevity with Wish and answer Mamoswine and Gyarados, while Articuno can remove status with Heal Bell.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Hippowdon can run a Curse set, but the presence of common Water- and Grass-types keeps this set from succeeding. Ice Fang can hit Salamence and Thundurus-T without Hippowdon relying on Toxic, while Fire Fang threatens Scizor. However, these moves fail to provide the utility Toxic provides. Heavy-Duty Boots can be used on teams without entry hazard removal to being worn down by Spikes, but Hippowdon stop Spikes from wearing down Hippowdon, but it typically gets hit by Knock Off from switching into threats like Nihilego and Thundurus-T.

Checks and Counters
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**Grass-types and Grass-type Coverage**: Zarude completely walls Hippowdon, ignoring Toxic thanks to Jungle Healing and threatening to KO it. Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu hate Toxic but can threaten Hippowdon with heavy damage. Grass-type coverage on Nihilego, Thundurus-T, and Azelf means Hippowdon must scout their movesets before switching in.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-types like Keldeo, Azumarill, and Starmie deal massive damage to Hippowdon with their attacks. Rotom-W, Slowking, and RestTalk Primarina can switch into Hippowdon well, though the former two hate Toxic.

**Status Moves**: Hippowdon gets worn down a lot easier more easily if crippled by Toxic, with many common threats like Chansey and Swampert carrying this move. Even Pokemon Hippowdon is supposed to check like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Zygarde-10% can fit Toxic to cripple it.

**Toxic-immune Setup Sweepers**: Sweepers like Autotomize Celesteela, Calm Mind Reuniclus, Iron Defense Skarmory, and Swords Dance Scizor use Hippowdon as setup fodder by unless it fits Whirlwind, exploiting its low damage output and their immunity immunities to Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monky25, 515132]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mystras, Leoxses, 530118], [Lily, 481709], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990], [Finland, 517429]]

2/2
GP Team done