Community POTW #029

[KillerDraco]

I'd watch out for Infiltrator Chandelure.

Insane Special Attack + fire move + Infiltrator = bye bye Whimsicott.

It doesn't like being paralyzed though, so it does have to be wary in that respect. It's part of what makes Whimsicott so annoying to counter. A lot of things can dispatch it pretty easily, such as Noivern (outspeeds, Infiltrator, Flamethrower/Hurricane) or Chandelure (as already mentioned), but Whimsicott can easily screw them for the rest of the match by slapping Stun Spore on them, especially if lacking a cleric. Heck, it can even stop a sweep from certain Pokemon in that respect, given its priority Stun Spore can be your "panic button" on a setup sweeper.

Although it's somewhat moot point if you're playing in RU since both Noivern and Chandelure are UU.

Really, Whimsicott's worst enemies are the myriad of Grass/Poison Pokemon, such as Amoongus, Vileplume, Virteebel, and Roselia. Not only are they immune to Leech Seed and Stun Spore, but their Poison STAB obliterates Whimsicott if it chooses to stay in. The worst Whimsicott can really do is Taunt or Encore them, or U-Turn into a counter. Xatu is also an annoyance to Whimsicott as it can bounce back most of Whimsicott's arsenal, although fortunately it is immune to its own Leech Seed and Stun Spore. And above all else, Whimsicott hates Substitute, since it really lacks the ability to break through them, and much of its movepool is stifled by a Sub.

 

[pika250]

Terracotta-triples anyone? Same Whimsy, same Terra, but Weavile is the third lead-off. Another Beat Up user (albeit with higher Attack and Dark type) as well as a Fake Out user.

 

[AreaManEXE]

It doesn't like being paralyzed though, so it does have to be wary in that respect. It's part of what makes Whimsicott so annoying to counter. A lot of things can dispatch it pretty easily, such as Noivern (outspeeds, Infiltrator, Flamethrower/Hurricane) or Chandelure (as already mentioned), but Whimsicott can easily screw them for the rest of the match by slapping Stun Spore on them, especially if lacking a cleric. Heck, it can even stop a sweep from certain Pokemon in that respect, given its priority Stun Spore can be your "panic button" on a setup sweeper.

Although it's somewhat moot point if you're playing in RU since both Noivern and Chandelure are UU.

Really, Whimsicott's worst enemies are the myriad of Grass/Poison Pokemon, such as Amoongus, Vileplume, Virteebel, and Roselia. Not only are they immune to Leech Seed and Stun Spore, but their Poison STAB obliterates Whimsicott if it chooses to stay in. The worst Whimsicott can really do is Taunt or Encore them, or U-Turn into a counter. Xatu is also an annoyance to Whimsicott as it can bounce back most of Whimsicott's arsenal, although fortunately it is immune to its own Leech Seed and Stun Spore. And above all else, Whimsicott hates Substitute, since it really lacks the ability to break through them, and much of its movepool is stifled by a Sub.

Assuming your opponent has Stun Spore on their Whimsicott. I guess there is no further point in standing by Chandelure (or Noivern... hadn't even thought of him) since they're in different tiers. It would've been interesting if Game Freak had opted to make Infiltrator Pokémon get priority over those with Prankster. That would've been a cool balance.

Also, what about a Choice Banded Ice Shard from something that outspeeds Whimsicott? Since Prankster and Ice Shard have +1 priority, the faster Pokemon would go first, so is there a chance for an OHKO on Whimsicott? Weavile comes to mind but of course he has to be wary of Fairy moves (maybe slap a Focus Sash on him?)

 

[Razor Shiftry]

Really, Whimsicott's worst enemies are the myriad of Grass/Poison Pokemon, such as Amoongus, Vileplume, Virteebel, and Roselia. Not only are they immune to Leech Seed and Stun Spore, but their Poison STAB obliterates Whimsicott if it chooses to stay in. The worst Whimsicott can really do is Taunt or Encore them, or U-Turn into a counter. Xatu is also an annoyance to Whimsicott as it can bounce back most of Whimsicott's arsenal, although fortunately it is immune to its own Leech Seed and Stun Spore. And above all else, Whimsicott hates Substitute, since it really lacks the ability to break through them, and much of its movepool is stifled by a Sub.

And thus there is actual potential for Whimsicott to actually use its infiltrator ability. It DOES have base 116 speed after all, most people would assume it has prankster anyway and will probably not notice unless they happened to use priority themselves/ scarfed or are part of the rare group of RU pokes faster.

More cases than not though, Prankster is more useful I'll admit. But like I said, there is a case for infiltrator use now. Additionally, it breaks through safeguard as well which is on the odd occasion used in doubles/triples.

 

[Clone™]

And thus there is actual potential for Whimsicott to actually use its infiltrator ability. It DOES have base 116 speed after all, most people would assume it has prankster anyway and will probably not notice unless they happened to use priority themselves/ scarfed or are part of the rare group of RU pokes faster.

More cases than not though, Prankster is more useful I'll admit. But like I said, there is a case for infiltrator use now. Additionally, it breaks through safeguard as well which is on the odd occasion used in doubles/triples.

But how would a base 77 SpAtk hurt anything? Anything below base 100 is laughable. Even Dugtrio last gen had trouble hurting things with his measly base 80 Atk.

 

[The Imposter]

But how would a base 77 SpAtk hurt anything? Anything below base 100 is laughable. Even Dugtrio last gen had trouble hurting things with his measly base 80 Atk.

cm clefable begs to differ, as does the almighty dd altaria

But yeah, offensive Whimsicott is bad. Don't use it; it has a pathetic Special Attack and a very stale movepool.

 

[Clone™]

cm clefable begs to differ, as does the almighty dd altaria

But yeah, offensive Whimsicott is bad. Don't use it; it has a pathetic Special Attack and a very stale movepool.

The thing is that Clefable is at base 95, and you only see her used offensively on a Calm Mind set. Clefable is really the only exception for an offensive Pokemon, not counting the Nidos. Dont even mention Altaria. pls.

Back to Whimsicott:

Whimsicott @ Choice Scarf
Bold Nature
Prankster
EVs: 252 HP 252 Sef 4 SpDef
-Substitute
-Switcheroo
-Leech Seed
-Moonblast

This set is a bit different than the other Prankster sets, in that it can completely cripple an opposing Pokemon with Switcheroo and a Scarf. Once youve done that, proceed to Subseed like you would against most Pokemon. Moonblast is there so youre not 100% Taunt Bait. Just dont expect any KOs on targets that have full health.

 

[What does the Dephox say?]

But how would a base 77 SpAtk hurt anything? Anything below base 100 is laughable. Even Dugtrio last gen had trouble hurting things with his measly base 80 Atk.

Talonflame

 

[jesusfreak94]

Also LO Deoxys-S.

That said, offensive Whimsicott really is terrible. It relies too much on Hidden Power to cover important threats that resist its STABs, such as Heatran and Charizard Y, and the rest of its coverage is pretty shallow. Base 77 SpA is also really low, and the only offensive perk that Whimsicott has to make up for that is Infiltrator's ability to hit past screens and Substitute, which isn't that big of a deal. Running one of its STABs to cover a specific threat is okay, but offensive Whimsicott is a definite no-no.

 

[The Imposter]

Also LO Deoxys-S.

That said, offensive Whimsicott really is terrible. It relies too much on Hidden Power to cover important threats that resist its STABs, such as Heatran and Charizard Y, and the rest of its coverage is pretty shallow. Base 77 SpA is also really low, and the only offensive perk that Whimsicott has to make up for that is Infiltrator's ability to hit past screens and Substitute, which isn't that big of a deal. Running one of its STABs to cover a specific threat is okay, but offensive Whimsicott is a definite no-no.

I can't stop laughing whenever I see your sig, man

Adding onto this with the fact that even in RU, don't expect offensive Whimsicott to see much use. Fire types are just as dominant here with monsters like Delphox and Moltres, Escavalier is one of the best Pokemon in the tier, Trick Room neuters its main asset, and popular walls like Bronzong, Drapion, and Golbat abound that can take it on. Offensive Whimsicott really won't be doing much wherever you use it.

 

[Clone™]

Talonflame

Also LO Deoxys-S.

I may or may not have overlooked a few Pokemon.

 

[jesusfreak94]

I can't stop laughing whenever I see your sig, man

Adding onto this with the fact that even in RU, don't expect offensive Whimsicott to see much use. Fire types are just as dominant here with monsters like Delphox and Moltres, Escavalier is one of the best Pokemon in the tier, Trick Room neuters its main asset, and popular walls like Bronzong, Drapion, and Golbat abound that can take it on. Offensive Whimsicott really won't be doing much wherever you use it.

Lol yeah not sure why I mentioned OU stuff seeing as how this POTW is probably going to be tailored more to RU anyway.

 

[Silvershark]

But how would a base 77 SpAtk hurt anything? Anything below base 100 is laughable. Even Dugtrio last gen had trouble hurting things with his measly base 80 Atk.

I think they meant to use Infiltrator Whimsicott to keep spreading status moves through Safeguard and subs, there was no mention whatsoever of offensive Whimsi so I don't know where you got that from.

 

[Mestorn]

Countering the fluff

Taunt stops Whimsicott cold, no questions asked. Unfortunately, pulling off a successful Taunt on Whimsicott BEFORE it subs or Taunts you is near impossible (fastest Prankster in the game ftw). As an annoyer and by virtue of its pitiful defenses, Whimsicott is stopped cold by Offense. SubSeed can't be used if its subs are broken as fast as it can make them. Infiltrator, Multi-hit moves and Sound-based attacks by-pass Substitute and can quickly KO the fluff ball. Shame most users are severely hindered by Stun Spore. Viable Infiltrator users include Chandelure, Noivern and Crobat. Multi-hit users include Cloyster, Cinccino, Mega-Heracross, and anything that can viably use Rock-Blast, Icicle Spears or Pin Missle. Boomburst users such as Exploud, and Noivern also lay some serious hurt on subbing fluff balls. Extremespeed, due to its unique priority, outspeeds Prankster substitute and can strike an unprotected Whimsicott. Weavile's Ice shard can pull of the same feat due to Weavile having a higher base speed.

Attack Whimsicott, just not recklessly; otherwise you will find your attacks to be worthless and momentum going over to the other team.

 

[Mye]

The thing is that Clefable is at base 95, and you only see her used offensively on a Calm Mind set. Clefable is really the only exception for an offensive Pokemon, not counting the Nidos. Dont even mention Altaria. pls.

Back to Whimsicott:

Whimsicott @ Choice Scarf
Bold Nature
Prankster
EVs: 252 HP 252 Sef 4 SpDef
-Substitute
-Switcheroo
-Leech Seed
-Moonblast

This set is a bit different than the other Prankster sets, in that it can completely cripple an opposing Pokemon with Switcheroo and a Scarf. Once youve done that, proceed to Subseed like you would against most Pokemon. Moonblast is there so youre not 100% Taunt Bait. Just dont expect any KOs on targets that have full health.

See, for me a set with toxic/knock off instead of moonblast could work as if I remember correctly substitute blocks taunt making an attack option semi-useless.

 

[Clone™]

See, for me a set with toxic/knock off instead of moonblast could work as if I remember correctly substitute blocks taunt making an attack option semi-useless.

Taunt hits through Substitute, and Knock Off is 110% pointless on a Trick set.

 

[KillerDraco]

I think they meant to use Infiltrator Whimsicott to keep spreading status moves through Safeguard and subs, there was no mention whatsoever of offensive Whimsi so I don't know where you got that from.

Which is still equally gimmicky, since without Prankster Whimsicott runs into problems with setup sweepers. Not only that, but it forces it to run max speed investment, which in turn compromises its bulk, since Prankster Whimsicott is able to forgo some speed in order to focus on bulk.

Whimsicott kind of lives and dies by Prankster. Not being stifled by Sub isn't worth giving Prankster up, especially since in most cases, Prankster will allow your Stun Spore or whatever to hit before the Sub goes up anyway. Whimsicott's problem is with opponents that already have a Sub up, in which case, you probably shouldn't be sending out Whimsicott anyway.

 

[Nightmare42]

I apologize if this is not the right place for this comment, but as I have been reading this I have been wondering would fast flying types like Straptor work as a good counter?

 

[KillerDraco]

I apologize if this is not the right place for this comment, but as I have been reading this I have been wondering would fast flying types like Straptor work as a good counter?

Yes and no. It can obliterate Whimsicott pretty easily, but if Whimsicott leaves it with a parting gift in the form of Stun Spore, it can end up crippled for the rest of the match. It's one of those things that makes Whimsicott so annoying, since Prankster's priority can let it have one last annoying hindrance before it kicks the bucket.

 

[Kraleck]

Whimsicott's reliance on Status and Support Moves may be Taunt bait, but it also makes you realize something new about Electric and Grass Types and Overcoat Ability they introduced in Gen VI - Electric Types are immune to Paralysis and Grass Types and Overcoat Ability Pokémon are immune to spore-based Moves. Plus, Gen VI gave us a new Hold Item that gives the holder the benefits of Overcoat Ability: Safety Goggles. Stun Spore, Cotton Spore, and useless-when-compared-to-Toxic Poison Powder just got screwed over.