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DP-Flavored Battle Roles Guide
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Author:  tiger10x [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  DP-Flavored Battle Roles Guide

Similar to the new standards, roles in Diamond and Pearl have been changed significantly as well. This guide is meant to be a sort of remake of the adv gen one by sN0wBaLL. Also like the new standards, this has been made to for mainly in-game purposes. Taken from that guide: “‘In-game’ refers to Wi-Fi matches at best. This is mainly because the general population does not have easy access to perfect Hidden Powers and DVs. This has been reflected in the guide by giving extra options with every Common Hidden Power and by the use of simple EV spreads. (252/252/6 or 252/129/129) Obviously, getting the perfect Hidden Powers and DVs would make a set much better, and I have not limited the movesets very much. At best, this guide could also serve as a basis for competitive gameplay movesets.”

Roles list:

Physical Sweepers
Special Sweepers
Mixed Sweepers
Physical Sponges
Special Sponges
Tanks
Toxic-users
Annoyers
Healers
Baton-Passers
Pseudo-Passers
Drainers
Hazers
Spikers
Spinners
Haxers
PP-Drainers
Perish-Trappers
Utility

And again, a thanks to pokemonelite2000 for their sprites.


1. Physical Sweepers

Overview: Physical Sweepers are basically Pokemon that attack with physical moves to deal damage. Generally, the more damage dealt, the more effective the sweeper. Sweepers can also be very diverse in how they are used. For example, there are many useful items and moves that support the role and in various ways. Other than the addition of numerous previously special moves, not much has changed on the physical side.

Common offensive moves: Return, Flail, Quick Attack, Fire Punch, Blaze Kick, Flare Drive, Waterfall, Aqua Tail, Crabhammer, Thunderpunch, Leaf Blade, Seed Bomb, Power Whip, Ice Punch, Ice Shard, Avalanche, Brick Break, Hi Jump Kick, Cross Chop, Reversal, Mach Punch, Focus Punch, Poison Jab, Earthquake, Aerial Ace, Drill Peck, Zen Headbutt, X-scissor, Megahorn, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Shadow Claw, Shadow Sneak, Dragon Claw, Meteor Mash, Bullet Punch, Night Slash, Crunch
Common support moves: Swords Dance, Dragon Dance, Bulk Up, Belly Drum, Curse, Agility, Rest, Substitute, Endure, Trick Room
Common afflicting moves: None

Common items: Leftovers, Shell Bell, Choice Band, Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Salac, Liechi, Chesto
Key stats: Attack, Speed (usually)
Common natures: Adamant, Jolly
Common EV spreads: 252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP; 252 Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:

Image Dugtrio @ Choice Band
Jolly | Arena Trap
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Earthquake
~Rock Slide
~Shadow Claw
~U-turn

Band set.

Image Snorlax @ Leftovers
Careful | Thick Fat
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Curse
~Return
~Crunch
~Rest

Curse set.

Image Lucario @ Salac
Adamant | Inner Focus
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Swords Dance/Crunch
~Endure
~Reversal
~Earthquake/Stone Edge

An Endure-Reversal combo. Earthquake with Crunch.


2. Special Sweepers

Overview: Take out the obvious change from physical to special, and these are pretty much the same as Physical Sweepers. Similar things apply, especially the part about diversity among them. Special Sweepers have gained a significant amount of things in DP to match Physical Sweepers even more, like the addition of the Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, and Nasty Plot.

Common offensive moves: Tri Attack, Flamethrower, Surf, Thunderbolt, Energy Ball, Ice Beam, Aura Sphere, Sludge Bomb, Earth Power, Air Slash, Psychic, Bug Buzz, Ancientpower, Power Gem, Shadow Ball, Dragon Pulse, Flash Cannon, Dark Pulse, Hidden Power
Common support moves: Nasty Plot, Calm Mind, Agility, Rest, Substitute, Endure, Trick Room
Common afflicting moves: None

Common items: Leftovers, Shell Bell, Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Salac, Petaya, Chesto
Key stats: Special Attack, Speed (usually)
Common natures: Modest, Timid
Common EV spreads: 252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP; 252 Sp Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:

Image Starmie @ Choice Specs
Timid | Natural Cure
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt
~Psychic

Specs set.

Image Togekiss @ Leftovers
Timid | Serene Grace
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Nasty Plot
~Air Slash
~Aura Sphere
~Shadow Ball

Nasty Plot set.

Image Charizard @ Choice Scarf
Modest | Blaze
252 Sp Atk, 129 Spd, 129 HP
~Flamethrower
~Dragon Pulse
~Air Slash
~Ancientpower/HP Grass/HP Ground

Scarf set.


3. Mixed Sweepers

Overview: Mixed Sweepers are also pretty much what they sound like: mixed. They combine the physical and special aspects of sweeping into one moveset. This is not very common as it usually requires good stats and usable moves on both parts. The use of a Mixed Sweeper has declined a little in DP because so many Pokemon now have access more significant moves of either the physical or special side. This doesn’t mean that Pokemon can’t still do it however.

Common offensive moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sweepers’ common moves.
Common support moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sweepers’ common moves.
Common afflicting moves: None

Common items: Leftovers, Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Salac, Chesto
Key stats: Attack, Special Attack, Speed (usually)
Common natures: Neutral, Naive, Hasty
Common EV spreads: 252 Spd, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Atk
Example movesets:

Image Exploud @ Choice Scarf
Naive | Soundproof
252 Spd, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Atk
~Hyper Voice
~Brick Break
~Flamethrower
~Crunch

Scarf set.

Image Electivire @ Life Orb
Naughty | Motor Drive
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Thunderbolt
~Cross Chop
~Flamethrower
~Earthquake/Ice Punch

Life Orb set.

Image Kingdra @ Leftovers
Neutral | Swift Swim
252 Sp Atk, 129 Atk, 129 Spd
~Rain Dance
~Surf
~Dragon Pulse
~Waterfall

Emphasized special.


4. Physical Sponges

Overview: Pokemon that can continuously take hits from Physical Sweepers fit here. Taking these hits generally suggests a big HP and/or Defense stat, and you can’t really do this without one. The worst change to them in DP is that there are now more physical and special moves of different types. This means there are more weaknesses out there, and these new weaknesses can hurt badly.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Curse, Iron Defense, Barrier, Cosmic Power, Rest, Recover, Roost, Substitute
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic, Confuse Ray

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def; 252 Def, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:

Image Skarmory @ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Impish | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Stealth Rock
~Drill Peck
~Whirlwind
~Roost

Commonly used.

Image Weezing @ Black Sludge
Bold | Levitate
252 HP, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Pain Split
~Sludge Bomb
~Will-O-Wisp
~Flamethrower/Shadow Ball

Another common one.

Image Donphan @ Leftovers
Adamant | Sturdy
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Earthquake
~Rock Slide/Stone Edge
~Ice Shard
~Rapid Spin

Mainly a Sweeper and Spinner.


5. Special Sponges

Overview: Just like Physical Sponges but on the other side. Special Sponges suffer from the same changes in DP.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Calm Mind, Amnesia, Cosmic Power, Rest, Recover, Roost, Substitute
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic, Confuse Ray

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Special Defense
Common natures: Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def; 252 Sp Def, 129 Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:

Image Blissey @ Leftovers
Bold | Natural Cure
252 Def, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
~Softboiled
~Aromatherapy
~Seismic Toss
~Thunder Wave/Counter

Very common; also a Healer.

Image Regice @ Leftovers
Calm | Clear Body
252 Sp Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Amnesia/Psych Up/Counter
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt/Charge Beam
~Rest

Also common.

Image Lanturn @ Leftovers
Modest | Volt Absorb
252 Sp Def, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Aqua Ring
~Thunder Wave
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt/Charge Beam

Sponge and Annoyer.


6. Tanks

Overview: Like Mixed Sweepers, these incorporate both physical and special aspects of defense. However, seeing as a Mixed Sponge would sound weird, Tanks are a bit more appropriate. Not many changes in DP except for the obvious “more weaknesses” part with the sponges.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sponges’ common moves
Common afflicting moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sponges’ common moves

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Dusknoir @ Leftovers
Impish | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Shadow Punch
~Earthquake/Ice Punch
~Will-O-Wisp
~Rest/Pain Split

Some offense, too.

Image Clefable @ Leftovers
Bold | Magic Guard
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Cosmic Power
~Softboiled
~Flamethrower/HP Fighting/Counter
~Psychic/Shadow Ball

Basic.

Image Lunatone @ Leftovers
Modest | Ability
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic/Hypnosis
~Cosmic Power
~Rest/Ice Beam/Stealth Rock
~Psychic

Possible Toxi-Tank as well.


7. Toxic-users

Overview: Put simply: Pokemon that use Toxic. This doesn’t mean just slapping Toxic on any moveset however. This is the group of Pokemon known as Toxi-Tanks, Toxi-Shufflers, Toxi-Stallers and Toxi-Trappers. Nothing too significant has changed to affect these Pokemon in DP.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Amnesia, Iron Defense, Cosmic Power, Double Team, Mean Look, Protect, Substitute, Roar, Whirlwind, Rest, Recover
Common afflicting moves: Toxic, Confuse Ray

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Umbreon @ Leftovers
Bold | Synchronize
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic
~Mean Look
~Double Team/Protect/Confuse Ray
~Rest/Moonlight

Trapper and Staller.

Image Swalot @ Black Sludge
Bold | Liquid Ooze
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic
~Amnesia/Stockpile
~Acid Armor/Protect/Sludge Bomb
~Pain Split/Rest

Toxi-Tank.

Image Milotic @ Leftovers
Calm | Marvel Scale
252 HP, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Def
~Toxic
~Protect
~Rest/Recover/Aqua Ring
~Surf

Toxi-Tank/Staller.


8. Annoyers

Overview: Typically, Annoyers annoy your opponent. This is because of the numerous methods they have of causing status afflictions or making themselves more difficult to hit. Not many new additions in DP.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Double Team, Rest, Recover, Substitute, Aqua Ring, Destiny Bond, Trick, Switcheroo
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic, Confuse Ray, Leech Seed, Perish Song, Attract, Encore

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: Speed, HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Timid, Jolly, Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 Spd, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP; 252 HP, 129 Def/Spd, 129 Sp Def/Spd
Example movesets:

Image Raichu @ Leftovers
Modest | Static
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Thunder Wave
~Sweet Kiss
~Attract
~Thunderbolt

Classic Raichu set.

Image Lopunny @ Iron Ball
Timid | Klutz
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Switcheroo
~Thunder Wave/Encore
~Substitute/Agility
~Baton Pass

Give Iron Ball to the opponent. Also a BPer.

Image Jumpluff @ Leftovers
Jolly | Chlorophyll
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Sleep Powder
~Encore/Substitute
~Leech Seed
~Aromatherapy/Substitute/Aerial Ace

Also a Drainer and possible Healer.


9. Healers

Overview: In general, Pokemon that use Aromatherapy or Heal Bell fit here. Used loosely, the term could also include Wish and Healing Wish. Healing Wish would be the only significant change in DP.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Heal Bell, Aromatherapy, Wish, Healing Wish
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Blissey @ Leftovers
Bold | Natural Cure
252 Def, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
~Aromatherapy
~Softboiled
~Counter/Thunder Wave
~Seismic Toss

Basic Healer.

Image Miltank @ Leftovers
Adamant | Scrappy
252 Sp Def, 129 Atk, 129 HP
~Curse
~Heal Bell
~Return
~Hammer Arm

Mainly a Physical Sweeper.

Image Shaymin @ Leftovers
Timid | Natural Cure
252 Spd, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def
~Leech Seed
~Aromatherapy
~Seed Flare/Energy Ball
~Grasswhistle

Also a Drainer.


10. Baton-Passers

Overview: Something that uses Baton Pass to give something else its stat boosts. No specific changes in DP with the exception of a few more possible moves to pass like Nasty Plot.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Baton Pass, Substitute, Swords Dance, Bulk Up, Belly Drum, Dragon Dance, Curse, Calm Mind, Nasty Plot, Agility, Amnesia, Iron Defense, Cosmic Power, Mean Look, Ingrain, Double Team
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis

Common items: Leftovers, Liechi, Petaya, Salac
Key stats: Speed, HP
Common natures: Timid, Jolly
Common EV spreads: 252 Spd, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:

Image Ninjask @ Leftovers
Jolly | Speed Boost
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Baton Pass
~Protect
~Substitute
~Swords Dance

A common one.

Image Jolteon @ Leftovers/Liechi/Petaya
Timid | Volt Absorb
252 Spd, 252/129 Sp Atk, 6/129 HP
~Baton Pass
~Substitute
~Thunder Wave
~Thunderbolt

Another common one.

Image Smeargle @ Leftovers/Salac
Jolly | Own Tempo
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Baton Pass
~Spore
~Substitute/etc
~Cosmic Power/Dragon Dance/Belly Drum/etc

Diverse.


11. Pseudo-Passers

Overview: Pseudo-Passers set up certain conditions for your team like Reflect and switch out to give the incoming Pokemon the boost. New things like Tailwind and Trick Room have come in DP. Also, Light Clay is a hold item that extends Reflect’s and Light Screen’s turn count by two.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Wish, Reflect, Light Screen, Safeguard, Tailwind, Trick Room, Healing Wish
Common afflicting moves: None

Common items: Leftovers, Light Clay
Key stats: Generally HP
Common natures: None
Common EV spreads: None
Example movesets:

Image Clefable @ Leftovers/Light Clay
Modest | Magic Guard
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Reflect
~Wish
~Flamethrower
~Psychic

Reflect and Wish.

Image Girafarig @ Leftovers/Light Clay
Modest | Inner Focus
252 Sp Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Light Screen
~Trick Room
~Psychic
~Thunderbolt

Light Screen and Trick Room.

Image Suicune @ Leftovers
Bold | Pressure
252 Spd, 129 Sp Atk, 129 HP
~Calm Mind
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Tail Wind

Tail Wind (which it can also use for itself).


12. Drainers

Overview: Leech Seed is the main move here. In DP, there’s now a more powerful and common special Grass move than Giga Drain (Energy Ball), so Giga Drain might not be used on as many Drainer sets. There is also a new Big Root item that increases the amount gained by Giga Drain, Dream Eater, Drain Punch, and Ingrain by 15%. It does not boost Leech Seed. Dream Eater is still not recommended because it still only works while the opponent is asleep and is entirely useless otherwise.

Common offensive moves: Giga Drain
Common support moves: Substitute, Protect, Synthesis
Common afflicting moves: Leech Seed

Common items: Leftovers, Big Root
Key stats: Defense, Special Defense, HP (although usually not boosted as much to give Leech Seed and Giga Drain a higher percentage gain)
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 Def/Sp Def, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP/other
Example movesets:

Image Ludicolo @ Leftovers
Calm | Rain Dish
252 Def, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Sp Def/HP
~Rain Dance
~Leech Seed
~Substitute
~Giga Drain/Surf

Leftovers, Rain Dish and Leech Seed added together.

Image Sceptile @ Leftovers
Jolly | Overgrow
252 Spd, 252 Atk, 6 HP
~Leech Seed
~Substitute
~Leaf Blade
~X-scissor

Physical addition.

Image Abomasnow @ Leftovers
Adamant | Snow Warning
252 Def, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Leech Seed
~Substitute
~Avalanche
~Protect/Grasswhistle

Extra stalling with Protect/Grasswhistle.


13. Hazers

Overview: Pokemon with the strategy to nullify the opponent’s stat raising moves. Other than merely using Haze, this is basically done by forcing a switch. Roar and Whirlwind are easy alternatives, Pseudo-Hazing moves. Psych Up and Perish Song are other, yet more difficult ways (Psycho- and Perish-Hazing respectively). These are not very complex strategies usually and only require the use of one move at best. Thus, most Pokemon will usually have this as a type of filler strategy. No notable DP changes, however.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Haze, Roar, Whirlwind, Psych Up
Common afflicting moves: Perish Song

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Blastoise @ Leftovers
Calm | Torrent
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Haze
~Aqua Ring/Rest
~Toxic/Yawn
~Surf

Basic with Haze.

Image Skarmory @ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Impish | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Def/Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Spikes/Drill Peck
~Stealth Rock/Drill Peck
~Whirlwind
~Roost

Pseudo-Hazer with a more specific Physical Sponge and Spiker strategy.

Image Regice @ Leftovers
Calm | Clear Body
252 Sp Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Psych Up
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt
~Rest/Explosion/Thunder Wave

Psych Up example.


14. Spikers

Overview: Spikes is the general move here. In DP however, two new Spike-like moves have been added. The more significant, Stealth Rock, requires only one layer of setup and can deal damage based on Rock’s offensive type effectiveness. Toxic Spikes can cause the Toxic condition based on raising percentages per layer added.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: None
Common afflicting moves: Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Skarmory @ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Impish | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Def/Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Spikes/Drill Peck
~Stealth Rock/Drill Peck
~Whirlwind
~Roost

Spikes and/or Stealth Rock.

Image Forretress @ Leftovers
Relaxed | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Spikes/Rapid Spin
~Stealth Rock/Rapid Spin
~Gyro Ball
~Explosion

Spikes and/or Stealth Rock again.

Image Froslass @ Leftovers
Timid | Snow Cloak
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Ice Beam
~Shadow Ball
~Thunderbolt
~Spikes

More of a sweeper.


15. Spinners

Overview: Named after the move it uses: Rapid Spin. Spinners are generally used to take care of all Spikes problems. Other conditions that can be “spun” away include Leech Seed, which can be switched out of, and trapping moves that simply wear off. Spinners are usually sweepers or utility Pokemon that can just spare an extra slot for this move. Changes in DP mainly include the need to get rid of Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes.

Common offensive moves: Rapid Spin (unless you’d call it a support move)
Common support moves: None
Common afflicting moves: None

Common items: None
Key stats: None
Common natures: None
Common EV spreads: None
Example movesets:

Image Donphan @ Leftovers/Choice Band
Adamant | Sturdy
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Rapid Spin
~Earthquake
~Rock Slide/Stone Edge
~Ice Shard

Also a Physical Sweeper and Sponge.

Image Starmie @ Leftovers
Timid | Natural Cure
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Rapid Spin
~Thunderbolt
~Ice Beam
~Surf

Special Sweeper mainly.

Image Forretress @ Leftovers
Relaxed | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Rapid Spin
~Stealth Rock/Spikes
~Gyro Ball
~Explosion

Slight change to the Spiker variant above.


16. Haxers

Overview: “Hax” is basically luck. Critical hits, flinches, and secondary effects on moves like Ice Beam are all luck. And in Pokemon, there’s a lot of it. This role is made of Pokemon that can really abuse this luck. Not any specific new tools added in DP however.

Common offensive moves: Body Slam, Ancientpower, Silver Wind, Ominous Wind, Blaze Kick, Shadow Claw, Stone Edge, Slash, Night Slash, Bite, Rock Slide, Headbutt
Common support moves: Focus Energy
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave

Common items: Leftovers, Scope Lens, King’s Rock
Key stats: Attack or Special Attack, Speed
Common natures: Adamant, Modest, Timid, Jolly
Common EV spreads: 252 Atk/Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
Example movesets:

Image Dunsparce @ Leftovers/King’s Rock
Adamant | Serene Grace
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Thunder Wave/Glare
~Headbutt
~Bite/Rock Slide
~Substitute/Roost

Paralyze and force flinches.

Image Blaziken @ Scope Lens
Jolly | Ability
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Focus Energy
~Blaze Kick
~Stone Edge
~Shadow Claw

Critical hits.

Image Octillery @ Scope Lens
Modest | Sniper
252 Sp Atk, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
~Focus Energy
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Energy Ball

Critical hits again.


17. PP-Drainers

Overview: Just what it sounds like: draining PP. These Pokemon are meant to take numerous hits to waste your opponent’s PP. However, since actual ways to help this take effect are rare, usually only Pokemon with the ability Pressure do the job. There’s a great new incentive for PP-Draining in DP, too: Struggle’s recoil has been changed so that it takes away 1/4 max HP from the user.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Protect, Substitute, Rest, Recover, Spite
Common afflicting moves: Will-O-Wisp

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Dusknoir @ Leftovers
Impish | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Will-O-Wisp
~Protect/Substitute
~Shadow Punch/Focus Punch
~Pain Split/Rest

Basic.

Image Vespiquen @ Leftovers
Adamant | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def
~Defend Order
~Rest
~Protect/Substitute
~Attack Order

Requires some set up to work best.

Image Spiritomb @ Leftovers
Bold/Calm | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Protect/Substitute
~Pain Split/Rest
~Dark Pulse/Calm Mind
~Spite/Calm Mind

Can use Spite.


18. Perish-Trappers

Overview: If you trap your opponent, add Perish Song, stay alive a few more turns, and switch on the last turn, you pretty much earned a knock out here. And that’s what Perish-Trappers do. Nothing changes in DP.

Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Mean Look, Protect, Substitute, Rest, Recover
Common afflicting moves: Perish Song, Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Confuse Ray

Common items: Leftovers, Chesto
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Mismagius @ Leftovers
Timid | Levitate
252 Def/HP, 129 Def/HP, 129 Sp Def
~Mean Look
~Perish Song
~Protect/Substitute
~Shadow Ball/Protect/Substitute

Basic.

Image Jynx @ Chesto
Calm | Forewarn
252 Def, 252 HP, 6 Sp Def
~Mean Look
~Perish Song
~Protect
~Rest

Rest and Chesto.

Image Gengar @ Leftovers
Timid | Levitate
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Mean Look
~Perish Song
~Hypnosis
~Protect

Relies on Hypnosis.


19. Utility

Overview: Utility Pokemon are useful in multiple areas and are used for multiple roles, usually taking the spot of a Hazer, Spiker, Spinner, Pseudo-Passer or Healer. All the changes in DP are reflected in the multiple roles the Pokemon takes on.

Common offensive moves: Rapid Spin, Explosion
Common support moves: Haze, Roar, Whirlwind, Psych Up, Aromatherapy, Heal Bell, Reflect, Light Screen, Safeguard Wish, Tailwind, Trick Room, Mean Look, Rest, Recover, Substitute
Common afflicting moves: Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, Perish Song, Toxic, Hypnosis, Thunder Wave, Yawn

Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:

Image Claydol @ Leftovers
Sassy | Levitate
252 HP, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Def
~Rapid Spin
~Stealth Rock
~Rest/Explosion
~Ice Beam/Earth Power

SR-Spiker and Spinner.

Image Blastoise @ Leftovers
Calm | Torrent
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Rapid Spin
~Haze
~Surf
~Aqua Ring/Rest

Spinner and Hazer.

Image Cloyster @ Leftovers
Relaxed/Sassy | Shell Armor
252 Sp Def, 252 HP, 6 Sp Atk
~Rapid Spin
~Spikes
~Surf/Ice Beam
~Explosion

Physical Sponge, Spinner and Spiker.

Author:  garabato [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 5:24 pm ]
Post subject: 

Congrats :D Great guide.

Another example of haxer would be togekiss, since it has a lot of special moves to take advantage of serene grace. Like air slash (60% flinching, more if you add kings rock); ancient power + batton pass (20% super stat raise and pass it); flamethrower, ice beam, etc.

Author:  daveshan [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:26 pm ]
Post subject: 

Going off of personal experience, gengars aren't the best perish-trappers. Even with hypnosis. The only way to make that plan work is to mean look on the switch and hypnotize the next turn. However, at that point, you're better off using dream eater and another special move.

Author:  tiger10x [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 4:40 pm ]
Post subject: 

To be honest, there are really only a few Pokemon capable of Perish-trapping. Gengar obviously wouldn't be the best one, but its speed works well in there with Hypnosis. About the actual strategy you mentioned, that is what Perish-Trappers usually do.

Author:  goldenquagsire [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: DP-Flavored Battle Roles Guide

Great guide! There's just one error I've spotted:

tiger10x wrote:
Image Swalot @ Black Sludge
Bold | Liquid Ooze
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic
~Amnesia/Stockpile
~Acid Armor/Protect/Sludge Bomb
~Pain Split/Rest

Why would you give it Stockpile and not Swallow or Spit Up? I know that in RSE it raised Defence and Special Defence each time you used it, but according to the Techdex it doesn't in PD.

Author:  Saanaito [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 5:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: DP-Flavored Battle Roles Guide

goldenquagsire wrote:
Great guide! There's just one error I've spotted:

tiger10x wrote:
Image Swalot @ Black Sludge
Bold | Liquid Ooze
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic
~Amnesia/Stockpile
~Acid Armor/Protect/Sludge Bomb
~Pain Split/Rest

Why would you give it Stockpile and not Swallow or Spit Up? I know that in RSE it raised Defence and Special Defence each time you used it, but according to the Techdex it doesn't in PD.


Incorrect; In RSE, it didn't raise the defenses, but it does in PD.

Author:  goldenquagsire [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 9:17 am ]
Post subject: 

Your source for that? The Techdex seems to agree with me.

Author:  R-cubed [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 9:40 am ]
Post subject: 

For physical sweeper why don't you add Garchomp. In my opinion it's the best physical sweeper. It was 11 levels under the champ's Milotic and it nearly OHKOed it. Try this moveset.

Swords Dance
Dragon Claw
EQ
Rock slide/Fire fang/Crunch

Author:  tiger10x [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

goldenquagsire: It's a mistake in the TechDex. The stat-raising effect is in DP. (I've seen this happen on a Diamond game, too.)

R-cubed: The current three examples should be fine as is. I don't see any reason to add more than that.

Author:  StevensNightmare [ Thu May 31, 2007 1:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

What about 2-2 battle strategies? Like, a small side addition of how each type would work in a 2-2 battle, and what pokemon would be better or worse for their role there? For example, in 2-2, Wobbuffet can be used with a Perish-Trapper to seal two opponents with Shadow Tag, then switch out.

Author:  tiger10x [ Thu May 31, 2007 2:17 pm ]
Post subject: 

This is only a single battle thing. I don't know if or when a new 2v2 guide will be adapted for DP, but there is an Adv gen guide until then.

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