Overview
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Gifted with the new Fairy typing, it can be said that Whimsicott somewhat overcame its many previous misfortunes. Now it can switch into a miscellany of threatening Pokemon in OU, including Dragonite, Garchomp, and Keldeo, while it is still able to provide the various forms of support it could previously. It incorporates its effective typing, amazing ability in Prankster, and great supportive movepool into an interesting design: a supportive Pokemon with an array of options. With options to hinder the opponent such as Stun Spore and Encore, team support in U-turn and Tailwind, and even a bit of both with Memento, Whimsicott always pulls its weight as a facet of an offensive team. Like all Pokemon though, it is not without flaws, as its low Attack and Special Attack relegate it to a supportive role, and even then, none of its stats are beyond mediocre aside from its Speed, which isn't especially relevant as Whimsicott has Prankster to prioritize the moves it will be most commonly using. It also suffers from a crippling weakness to the Poison-typing, as well as a weakness to the common Steel-, Ice-, and Fire-typed moves, which are often present as coverage in offensive Pokemon.
Support
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name: Support
move 1: Encore
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Memento
move 4: Stun Spore / Tailwind
ability: Prankster
item: Leftovers
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Moves
========
This set takes advantage of Whimsicott's uniquely support-oriented movepool to benefit its teammates, either through the disruption of the opponents strategy or the bolstering of its own. Priority Encore is excellent, as it allows Whimsicott to lock the opponent into one move, often preventing it from successfully executing a strategy such as a sweep. For example, if you switch in on a Manaphy as it uses Tail Glow, and you paralyze it with Stun Spore, it could OHKO you with Ice Beam. If you instead use Encore to lock it into Tail Glow, you can then paralyze it safely, U-turn into a Pokemon that can revenge kill it, and then force it out, crippled and likely unable to set up again. U-turn is a generally helpful move; it keeps momentum intact by bringing in a Pokemon while inflicting chip damage on the opponent. Whimsicott has access to the sparsely distributed Memento, which generates helpful setup opportunities for teammates, and also given priority by Prankster. In the final slot, Stun Spore is immensely helpful, as it allows Whimsicott to spread paralysis throughout the opponents team, crippling sweepers while also making it easier for slower teammates to sweep. Fulfilling a similar purpose in a different way, Tailwind allows slower teammates to sweep with more ease, but it isn't as permanent as paralysis, nor does it rely as much on team matchup. It is more helpful in clutch situations though, so keep this in mind when considering this moveslot. There are a few alternative options that Whimsicott can make use of, such as Taunt, which is actually quite helpful against hazard setters and defensive Pokemon in general. It also has a pair of STAB moves available so it isn't complete Taunt bait: Giga Drain and Moonblast. Giga Drain is admittedly weak, but it provides a little bit of recovery and is useful to wear down bulky Water-types. Moonblast is more powerful, and it hits Dragon-types harder than Giga Drain, often Pokemon which Whimsicott would switch in to.
Set Details
========
The given EVs are as simple as they appear; they maximize Whimsicott's physically defensive capabilities so it can switch in on physical attackers easier, such as Garchomp, Dragonite, and Mega Tyranitar. An Impish nature is chosen for similar purposes. The item of choice is Leftovers, as it provides nice passive recovery to increase Whimsicott's longevity. A specially defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD is an interesting option to try, as it allows Whimsicott to check special attackers such as Keldeo, Manaphy, and Thundurus with more ease.
Usage Tips
========
As is Whimsicott's main role, it should be used to switch into setup sweepers and then utilize its supportive movepool. With Encore, a lot of Pokemon with super-effective coverage can't even use it, which is immensely beneficial for Whimsicott, as it can easily be worn down. Whimsicott can switch into many sweepers and utility Pokemon, including Garchomp, Dragonite, Mega Tyranitar, Landorus-T, Keldeo, Manaphy, Latias, and Rotom-W. Because of the large amount of options in Whimsicott's supportive movepool, it can be hard to decide what to use in particular situations. Early in the game, using U-turn is the best option to keep up momentum, and it should also be used after you have crippled a Pokemon with Stun Spore and you have nothing left that you need to do. Encore should be used if the opponent has previously used a move Whimsicott, or a teammate can easily take, or if the opponent has used a setup or other status move. Stun Spore should be used excessively, to greatly disturb the opponent's offensive Pokemon, but if you opt for Tailwind, it should be used as a last-ditch attempt for a slow Pokemon to sweep, very handy in clutch situations. Memento should be used when there is no more need for Whimsicott, to create a setup opportunity for a sweeper, but only if there are no checks to said sweeper For example, don't use Memento to bring in a Manaphy so it can set up a Tail Glow if there is a Manaphy counter on the opposing team, such as Unaware Clefable or Ferrothorn.
Team Options
========
Other Options
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The combination of Switcheroo and Lagging Tail can be tried to completely cripple any fast Pokemon, but the option to inflict paralysis is generally preferred, as it can be used more than once. Leech Seed is also a nice option to recover health each turn, increasing Whimsicott's longevity. A possible choice is the move Sunny Day on a possible sun team, but sun isn't a very effective playstyle in the metagame, and the presence of Whimsicott means that the sun team has even less Pokemon to deal with all of the problematice threats to it. Priority Substitute is an option, as it allows Whimsicott to have a temporary barrier to protect itself from attacks, allowing it to pull of more than one of the moves in its supportive arsenal, but it takes up a valuable moveslot for something that is rarely effective. Finally, another status move Whimsicott can use is Grasswhistle. It is horrible inaccurate, but it can render an essential Pokemon on the opponents team completely useless.
Checks & Counters
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**Offensive pressure**: Whimsicott in general has very little offensive presence, and lacks a way to recover from attacks reliably, which somewhat nullifies its invested defenses. Without Leech Seed, Toxic, or STAB attacks, it lacks a way to significantly damage opposing Pokemon. This is further amplified by the fact that the set listed above does not recommend the use of these moves at all. When combining these factors together, it can be concluded that the simplest way to get rid of Whimsicott is simply to wear it down without attempting to set up (as Whimsicott will take advantage of this). Some offensive Pokemon, such as Scizor, Landorus-T, and Sylveon, are better suited to doing this than most attackers as they don't mind the possible risk of Taunt or Stun Spore paralysis. In several situations, however, they must watch out for Memento. Bisharp and Thundurus are notable for not being affected by Memento due to their ability, Defiant.
**Defensive Pokemon with powerful attacks**: As stated before, some Pokemon are more adept at fighting against Whimsicott than others due to an indifference to Taunt, paralysis, and/or Memento. Defensive Pokemon, especially those with a powerful move and perhaps access to Whirlwind or Roar, are definitely best at doing so in order to maintain momentum. Skarmory and Hippowdon fulfill this, limiting Whimsicott's actions by threatening with Brave Bird or Ice Fang, respectively, while having a phazing move to foil attempts at setting up. Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Ferrothorn don't care about Stun Spore at all, and can simply spam Sludge Bomb or Gyro Ball on Whimsicott until it submits. Mega Mawile, despite being vulnerable to Stun Spore, doesn't mind it at all and can do huge damage to Whimsicott or its switch-in.
**Faster priority users**: Due to its reliance on Pranster, Whimsicott does not run significant Speed investment, if any at all. When uninvested, it is naturally outsped by Jolly Mamoswine, as well as common variants of Mega Pinsir, Weavile, Thundurus, Tornadus, and Talonflame, all of which can “outrun” Whimsicott's priority with priority moves of their own. Extreme Speed is also guaranteed to hit Whimsicott before it can do anything; Entei, Dragonite, Lucario, and Zygarde are common users of it. Mega Pinsir and Talonflame are especially notable for their powerful Flying-type OHKO, as both have a chance to OHKO Whimsicott.
**Magic Bounce**: Mega Absol, Espeon, and Xatu all bounce back all of Whimsicott's support move thanks to their ability Magic Guard. Xatu, however, is virtually irrelevant in the metagame, while Espeon and Mega Absol have a significant amount of health taken by a well-timed U-turn.
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Gifted with the new Fairy typing, it can be said that Whimsicott somewhat overcame its many previous misfortunes. Now it can switch into a miscellany of threatening Pokemon in OU, including Dragonite, Garchomp, and Keldeo, while it is still able to provide the various forms of support it could previously. It incorporates its effective typing, amazing ability in Prankster, and great supportive movepool into an interesting design: a supportive Pokemon with an array of options. With options to hinder the opponent such as Stun Spore and Encore, team support in U-turn and Tailwind, and even a bit of both with Memento, Whimsicott always pulls its weight as a facet of an offensive team. Like all Pokemon though, it is not without flaws, as its low Attack and Special Attack relegate it to a supportive role, and even then, none of its stats are beyond mediocre aside from its Speed, which isn't especially relevant as Whimsicott has Prankster to prioritize the moves it will be most commonly using. It also suffers from a crippling weakness to the Poison-typing, as well as a weakness to the common Steel-, Ice-, and Fire-typed moves, which are often present as coverage in offensive Pokemon.
Support
########
name: Support
move 1: Encore
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Memento
move 4: Stun Spore / Tailwind
ability: Prankster
item: Leftovers
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Moves
========
This set takes advantage of Whimsicott's uniquely support-oriented movepool to benefit its teammates, either through the disruption of the opponents strategy or the bolstering of its own. Priority Encore is excellent, as it allows Whimsicott to lock the opponent into one move, often preventing it from successfully executing a strategy such as a sweep. For example, if you switch in on a Manaphy as it uses Tail Glow, and you paralyze it with Stun Spore, it could OHKO you with Ice Beam. If you instead use Encore to lock it into Tail Glow, you can then paralyze it safely, U-turn into a Pokemon that can revenge kill it, and then force it out, crippled and likely unable to set up again. U-turn is a generally helpful move; it keeps momentum intact by bringing in a Pokemon while inflicting chip damage on the opponent. Whimsicott has access to the sparsely distributed Memento, which generates helpful setup opportunities for teammates, and also given priority by Prankster. In the final slot, Stun Spore is immensely helpful, as it allows Whimsicott to spread paralysis throughout the opponents team, crippling sweepers while also making it easier for slower teammates to sweep. Fulfilling a similar purpose in a different way, Tailwind allows slower teammates to sweep with more ease, but it isn't as permanent as paralysis, nor does it rely as much on team matchup. It is more helpful in clutch situations though, so keep this in mind when considering this moveslot. There are a few alternative options that Whimsicott can make use of, such as Taunt, which is actually quite helpful against hazard setters and defensive Pokemon in general. It also has a pair of STAB moves available so it isn't complete Taunt bait: Giga Drain and Moonblast. Giga Drain is admittedly weak, but it provides a little bit of recovery and is useful to wear down bulky Water-types. Moonblast is more powerful, and it hits Dragon-types harder than Giga Drain, often Pokemon which Whimsicott would switch in to.
Set Details
========
The given EVs are as simple as they appear; they maximize Whimsicott's physically defensive capabilities so it can switch in on physical attackers easier, such as Garchomp, Dragonite, and Mega Tyranitar. An Impish nature is chosen for similar purposes. The item of choice is Leftovers, as it provides nice passive recovery to increase Whimsicott's longevity. A specially defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD is an interesting option to try, as it allows Whimsicott to check special attackers such as Keldeo, Manaphy, and Thundurus with more ease.
Usage Tips
========
As is Whimsicott's main role, it should be used to switch into setup sweepers and then utilize its supportive movepool. With Encore, a lot of Pokemon with super-effective coverage can't even use it, which is immensely beneficial for Whimsicott, as it can easily be worn down. Whimsicott can switch into many sweepers and utility Pokemon, including Garchomp, Dragonite, Mega Tyranitar, Landorus-T, Keldeo, Manaphy, Latias, and Rotom-W. Because of the large amount of options in Whimsicott's supportive movepool, it can be hard to decide what to use in particular situations. Early in the game, using U-turn is the best option to keep up momentum, and it should also be used after you have crippled a Pokemon with Stun Spore and you have nothing left that you need to do. Encore should be used if the opponent has previously used a move Whimsicott, or a teammate can easily take, or if the opponent has used a setup or other status move. Stun Spore should be used excessively, to greatly disturb the opponent's offensive Pokemon, but if you opt for Tailwind, it should be used as a last-ditch attempt for a slow Pokemon to sweep, very handy in clutch situations. Memento should be used when there is no more need for Whimsicott, to create a setup opportunity for a sweeper, but only if there are no checks to said sweeper For example, don't use Memento to bring in a Manaphy so it can set up a Tail Glow if there is a Manaphy counter on the opposing team, such as Unaware Clefable or Ferrothorn.
Team Options
========
- Setup sweepers! Whimsicott is one of the best partners for setup sweepers on offensive teams. This includes but is not limited to: Swords Dance Lucario, Nasty Plot Thundurus, Belly Drum Azumarill, Dragon Dance Mega Charizard X, Dragon Dance Mega Tyranitar, Swords Dance Scizor, and Tail Glow Manaphy.
- Heatran has good defensive synergy with Whimsicott; they form a good core for a balanced team.
- Gothitelle can trap and likely KO Pokemon that have Whimsicott U-turns out of, especially if they are paralyzed, so Gothitelle can likely outspeed them.
- Whimsicott forces a lot of switches, so entry hazards users are great partners, especially ones that generate a lot of offensive momentum. Landorus-T is great here, as it can set up Stealth Rock and keep momentum going with U-turn. Excadrill can also set up Stealth Rock, while maintaining offensive momentum with its powerful STAB attacks.
Other Options
########
The combination of Switcheroo and Lagging Tail can be tried to completely cripple any fast Pokemon, but the option to inflict paralysis is generally preferred, as it can be used more than once. Leech Seed is also a nice option to recover health each turn, increasing Whimsicott's longevity. A possible choice is the move Sunny Day on a possible sun team, but sun isn't a very effective playstyle in the metagame, and the presence of Whimsicott means that the sun team has even less Pokemon to deal with all of the problematice threats to it. Priority Substitute is an option, as it allows Whimsicott to have a temporary barrier to protect itself from attacks, allowing it to pull of more than one of the moves in its supportive arsenal, but it takes up a valuable moveslot for something that is rarely effective. Finally, another status move Whimsicott can use is Grasswhistle. It is horrible inaccurate, but it can render an essential Pokemon on the opponents team completely useless.
Checks & Counters
########
**Offensive pressure**: Whimsicott in general has very little offensive presence, and lacks a way to recover from attacks reliably, which somewhat nullifies its invested defenses. Without Leech Seed, Toxic, or STAB attacks, it lacks a way to significantly damage opposing Pokemon. This is further amplified by the fact that the set listed above does not recommend the use of these moves at all. When combining these factors together, it can be concluded that the simplest way to get rid of Whimsicott is simply to wear it down without attempting to set up (as Whimsicott will take advantage of this). Some offensive Pokemon, such as Scizor, Landorus-T, and Sylveon, are better suited to doing this than most attackers as they don't mind the possible risk of Taunt or Stun Spore paralysis. In several situations, however, they must watch out for Memento. Bisharp and Thundurus are notable for not being affected by Memento due to their ability, Defiant.
**Defensive Pokemon with powerful attacks**: As stated before, some Pokemon are more adept at fighting against Whimsicott than others due to an indifference to Taunt, paralysis, and/or Memento. Defensive Pokemon, especially those with a powerful move and perhaps access to Whirlwind or Roar, are definitely best at doing so in order to maintain momentum. Skarmory and Hippowdon fulfill this, limiting Whimsicott's actions by threatening with Brave Bird or Ice Fang, respectively, while having a phazing move to foil attempts at setting up. Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Ferrothorn don't care about Stun Spore at all, and can simply spam Sludge Bomb or Gyro Ball on Whimsicott until it submits. Mega Mawile, despite being vulnerable to Stun Spore, doesn't mind it at all and can do huge damage to Whimsicott or its switch-in.
**Faster priority users**: Due to its reliance on Pranster, Whimsicott does not run significant Speed investment, if any at all. When uninvested, it is naturally outsped by Jolly Mamoswine, as well as common variants of Mega Pinsir, Weavile, Thundurus, Tornadus, and Talonflame, all of which can “outrun” Whimsicott's priority with priority moves of their own. Extreme Speed is also guaranteed to hit Whimsicott before it can do anything; Entei, Dragonite, Lucario, and Zygarde are common users of it. Mega Pinsir and Talonflame are especially notable for their powerful Flying-type OHKO, as both have a chance to OHKO Whimsicott.
**Magic Bounce**: Mega Absol, Espeon, and Xatu all bounce back all of Whimsicott's support move thanks to their ability Magic Guard. Xatu, however, is virtually irrelevant in the metagame, while Espeon and Mega Absol have a significant amount of health taken by a well-timed U-turn.
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