Post by Crimsonpranksta on Nov 12, 2015 7:10:10 GMT
Hippowdon is an amazing mixed wall, one of the best available to the game. It's amazing Defense can allow it to take on the power houses of the tier, such as Blaziken, Infernape, and Zebstrika.
Base stats
HP: 108
Attack: 112
Defense: 118
Special Attack: 68
Special Defense: 78
Speed: 42
Mixed Wall
| Hippowdon Item: Ability: Sand Stream Nature: Impish/Relaxed EVs: 252 HP 144 Def 112 SpDef Move 1: Earthquake Move 2: Yawn Move 3: Crunch Move 4: Rest |
Without the reliable recovery of Slack Off, Hippowdon is forced to run Rest to keep it's longevity in the battlefield. Crunch is to handle the likes of Gengar, who without it, would completely wall this set up. Yawn can be used to force out a switch, while Earthquake provides a strong, STAB attack from Hippowdon's base 110 Attack. You can also use a Relaxed nature if your concern isn't speed. If Gengar is still your issue, check this damage calculation. When running Sand Stream, it becomes a reliable damage over time, but it can still damage your own Pokemon.
252 SpA Gengar Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 224-264 (53.3 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO from a Timid Gengar
252+ SpA Gengar Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 246-290 (58.5 - 69%) -- guaranteed 2HKO from a Modest Gengar
0 Atk Hippowdon Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 192-228 (74.1 - 88%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage
Another example, this time showing Hippowdon's ability to damage after tanking a physical move
252 Atk Blaziken Blaze Kick vs. 252 HP / 144+ Def Hippowdon: 93-109 (22.1 - 25.9%) -- 4% chance to 4HKO
0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blaziken: 320-378 (106.3 - 125.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Checks and Counters
Water and Grass types: As of Act II Water and Grass types are the only Pokemon that can check Hippowdon offensively. The likes of Sceptile, with its STAB Giga Drain and Azumarill's STAB Aqua Tail are just two examples of heavy hitting Pokemon of the mentioned types.
Other walls: Other bulky tanks and walls are a great counter for Hippowdon. They make it hard for it to function and can easily force a switch.
Taunt/Whirlwind/Roar: Whirlwind and roar can force Hippowdon out of the battle, and taunt can completely shut it down as a whole, leaving it only able to attack.