[OVERVIEW]
Due to its access to Shadow Tag, Wobbuffet stands as one of the main trappers in ADV Ubers, along with Magneton, Dugtrio, and Umbreon. Wobbuffet separates itself from the other trappers with its superior bulk and the ability to immediately trap any foe. Shadow Tag has no limitation on what can be trapped, which allows Wobbuffet to remove at least one opposing Pokemon in most games. In addition, Wobbuffet's access to Encore prevents it from becoming setup fodder. Encore in conjunction with Shadow Tag can provide teammates with valuable setup opportunities as well.
However, Wobbuffet's utility in ADV Ubers is limited due to the overall lack of Choice Band users, as Pokemon that can utilize Choice Band often prefer other items. In addition, most Pokemon carry at least one non-damaging move, which forces Wobbuffet into mind games with Encore. Its passive nature is also exploited by some setup sweepers, meaning that one incorrect read can prove devastating. While Wobbuffet's bulk may ease predictions, its inability to hold Leftovers limits the number of hits it can take: Wobbuffet is banned from holding Leftovers, as Wobbuffet vs. Wobbuffet will always result in an unending battle due to ADV's Struggle mechanics.
[SET]
name: Oh, no! It's Wobbuffet!
move 1: Counter
move 2: Mirror Coat
move 3: Encore
move 4: Safeguard / Destiny Bond
item: Lum Berry
ability: Shadow Tag
nature: Careful / Impish
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Using Wobbuffet is simple. Lead with it or switch it in for a revenge KO. Given its good bulk, it can also directly switch into some attacks. Thereafter, Encore is usually the move of choice. If the opposing Pokemon is locked into a damaging move, use Counter or Mirror Coat accordingly. If the foe is locked into a status move, take the opportunity to freely switch into a setup sweeper. Safeguard is usually the preferred final move to protect Wobbuffet and other team members from status. This is especially useful for providing setup sweepers with a safe switch. Alternatively, Destiny Bond can be used to better deal with Pokemon that lack status moves. Against a foe that can 2HKO or 3HKO Wobbuffet, Destiny Bond can at least either punish further setup or force a trade.
Wobbuffet is best at removing Choice item users. These include Deoxys-A, Ho-Oh, Rayquaza, Metagross, and, less frequently, Groudon, Snorlax, and Lugia. No single attack from these Pokemon can OHKO a full-health Wobbuffet without a critical hit, and Counter will easily KO back. Choice Band Heracross not locked into Megahorn can also be removed. Lum Berry is the preferred item to cure Wobbuffet of status once.
Team Options
========
Wobbuffet is a generalist when it comes to trapping. Unless an opposing Pokemon can outpace Wobbuffet and afflict it with poison or burn, it is a target for removal. In theory, Wobbuffet can support any Pokemon.
Since most priority users hold Choice Band, Wobbuffet can give Salac Berry users like Groudon, Heracross, and Kyogre an opportunity to sweep. Removing the likes of Choice Band Deoxys-A and Ho-Oh can also increase the sweeping potential of Pokemon such as Mewtwo, Latios, and Latias.
The combination of Encore and Shadow Tag also makes strong yet frail setup Pokemon good partners. Pokemon that usually have a difficult time finding setup opportunities can take advantage of Wobbuffet's ability to provide a safe setup turn. This makes Pokemon such as Belly Drum + Baton Pass Smeargle, Substitute Deoxys-A, and Dragon Dance Rayquaza good teammates. Choice Band Swellow can also be an interesting partner; simply lock a foe into a status move, switch Swellow in, and freely spam boosted Facade. A teammate with Roar and Whirlwind such as Kyogre, Groudon, and Ho-Oh can also be used as insurance to prevent foes locked into a setup move from becoming an issue.
[SET]
name: Blob-Removing Blob
move 1: Counter / Mirror Coat
move 2: Safeguard
move 3: Encore
move 4: Destiny Bond
item: Lum Berry
ability: Shadow Tag
nature: Timid
evs: 252 Def / 44 SpD / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
This set aims to remove most special walls besides Deoxys-D. Slower special walls are all susceptible to being trapped by this set. This includes common special walls such as Blissey and Snorlax. While Dugtrio can also fulfill this role, Wobbuffet's superior bulk gives it the ability to directly switch into these Pokemon. Lum Berry is the preferred item, as it cures Wobbuffet of status once. The given Speed EVs allow Wobbuffet to outpace most special walls, while the given Defense EVs allow Wobbuffet to take a +6 Body Slam from an uninvested Snorlax.
Once in play, Wobbuffet can proceed to either use Safeguard against predicted status moves or use Encore to lock opposing Pokemon into both damaging and setup moves. Counter is preferred over Mirror Coat, as it allows Wobbuffett to damage Snorlax locked into a physical move. Destiny Bond ensures that Wobbuffet can secure trades, even against special attacking walls.
Against Seismic Toss users, it is advisable to not use Encore until Wobbuffet is within 3HKO range. If a trapped Pokemon lacks any damaging moves, Wobbuffet will likely PP stall it due to Counter and Safeguard’s high PP. Wobbuffet can also defeat faster special walls, such as Jirachi, Ho-Oh, and Latias, if it manages to Encore a damaging move.
Team Options
========
Strong special attackers such as Latios, Latias, Mewtwo, and Kyogre make fine partners for this set, as Wobbuffet can pave the way for them to sweep with its ability to remove special walls from play. Any additional Pokemon that support this cause are desirable teammates. For example, Metagross can be used to remove offensive checks to Wobbuffet, such as Deoxys-A and Latios, as well as secondary special walls on stall teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
With only eight available moves, Wobbuffet's other options are rather limited. Either Tickle or Charm can be used to prevent physical attackers from successfully setting up.
Other than alterations to Speed investment, no other EV modification will prove very effective. Spreads with 252 HP EVs and either 252 Defense or 252 Special Defense EVs do not change any crucial 2HKOs into 3HKOs. Most boosted attacks from strong setup sweepers will 2HKO Wobbuffet regardless of its HP investment.
Checks and Counters
===================
A key definition of a counter is having the ability to switch in and remove or force out a target Pokemon. By virtue of its ability in Shadow Tag, it may be said that Wobbuffet does not have any true counters. The best way to defeat it is by exploiting its passive moveset and low Speed.
**Faster Pokemon**: The easiest way to stop Wobbuffet is by utilizing a fast Taunt user. Taunt Mew and Mewtwo can bypass Encore and proceed to set up on Wobbuffet. Skarmory and Deoxys-D can similarly stop Encore and Safeguard to set up Spikes or use Toxic. Additionally, any faster Pokemon with the ability to poison or burn Wobbuffet will quickly neutralize it. However, be wary of becoming locked into a status move, as Wobbuffet can set up Safeguard and switch out into a dangerous setup sweeper.
**Counter-trappers**: Dugtrio and Umbreon can counter-trap Wobbuffet. However, Dugtrio must get around Counter to defeat it. Umbreon can trap Wobbuffet with Mean Look and use Baton Pass to bring in a setup sweeper, leaving Wobbuffet helpless as the foe sets up safely behind a Substitute.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-type Pokemon with physical moves such as Gengar and Dusclops can attack Wobbuffet without the fear of retaliation from Counter due to their Fighting immunity. However, they must be wary of Destiny Bond.
**Strong Setup Sweepers**: Strong setup sweepers that can 2HKO Wobbuffet can force awkward predictions. Kyogre deserves a special mention due to its ability to 2HKO Wobbuffet with its rain-boosted attacks prior to any setup. Therefore, Wobbuffet must win a 50/50 with either Encore or Mirror Coat to get around Kyogre. The same holds true for any setup sweepers that boost as Wobbuffet switches in, given that they can 2HKO Wobbuffet after setting up.
**Self-Destruct and Explosion users**: Self-Destruct and Explosion from the likes of Metagross, Forretress, and Snorlax will OHKO Wobbuffet, or at least weaken it to the point that it is essentially out of the game.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Noitu, 382514]]
- Quality checked by: [[SuperEpicAmpharos, 306959], [Inspirited, 127823]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Aurora, 109385], [dex, 277988]]
Due to its access to Shadow Tag, Wobbuffet stands as one of the main trappers in ADV Ubers, along with Magneton, Dugtrio, and Umbreon. Wobbuffet separates itself from the other trappers with its superior bulk and the ability to immediately trap any foe. Shadow Tag has no limitation on what can be trapped, which allows Wobbuffet to remove at least one opposing Pokemon in most games. In addition, Wobbuffet's access to Encore prevents it from becoming setup fodder. Encore in conjunction with Shadow Tag can provide teammates with valuable setup opportunities as well.
However, Wobbuffet's utility in ADV Ubers is limited due to the overall lack of Choice Band users, as Pokemon that can utilize Choice Band often prefer other items. In addition, most Pokemon carry at least one non-damaging move, which forces Wobbuffet into mind games with Encore. Its passive nature is also exploited by some setup sweepers, meaning that one incorrect read can prove devastating. While Wobbuffet's bulk may ease predictions, its inability to hold Leftovers limits the number of hits it can take: Wobbuffet is banned from holding Leftovers, as Wobbuffet vs. Wobbuffet will always result in an unending battle due to ADV's Struggle mechanics.
[SET]
name: Oh, no! It's Wobbuffet!
move 1: Counter
move 2: Mirror Coat
move 3: Encore
move 4: Safeguard / Destiny Bond
item: Lum Berry
ability: Shadow Tag
nature: Careful / Impish
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Using Wobbuffet is simple. Lead with it or switch it in for a revenge KO. Given its good bulk, it can also directly switch into some attacks. Thereafter, Encore is usually the move of choice. If the opposing Pokemon is locked into a damaging move, use Counter or Mirror Coat accordingly. If the foe is locked into a status move, take the opportunity to freely switch into a setup sweeper. Safeguard is usually the preferred final move to protect Wobbuffet and other team members from status. This is especially useful for providing setup sweepers with a safe switch. Alternatively, Destiny Bond can be used to better deal with Pokemon that lack status moves. Against a foe that can 2HKO or 3HKO Wobbuffet, Destiny Bond can at least either punish further setup or force a trade.
Wobbuffet is best at removing Choice item users. These include Deoxys-A, Ho-Oh, Rayquaza, Metagross, and, less frequently, Groudon, Snorlax, and Lugia. No single attack from these Pokemon can OHKO a full-health Wobbuffet without a critical hit, and Counter will easily KO back. Choice Band Heracross not locked into Megahorn can also be removed. Lum Berry is the preferred item to cure Wobbuffet of status once.
Team Options
========
Wobbuffet is a generalist when it comes to trapping. Unless an opposing Pokemon can outpace Wobbuffet and afflict it with poison or burn, it is a target for removal. In theory, Wobbuffet can support any Pokemon.
Since most priority users hold Choice Band, Wobbuffet can give Salac Berry users like Groudon, Heracross, and Kyogre an opportunity to sweep. Removing the likes of Choice Band Deoxys-A and Ho-Oh can also increase the sweeping potential of Pokemon such as Mewtwo, Latios, and Latias.
The combination of Encore and Shadow Tag also makes strong yet frail setup Pokemon good partners. Pokemon that usually have a difficult time finding setup opportunities can take advantage of Wobbuffet's ability to provide a safe setup turn. This makes Pokemon such as Belly Drum + Baton Pass Smeargle, Substitute Deoxys-A, and Dragon Dance Rayquaza good teammates. Choice Band Swellow can also be an interesting partner; simply lock a foe into a status move, switch Swellow in, and freely spam boosted Facade. A teammate with Roar and Whirlwind such as Kyogre, Groudon, and Ho-Oh can also be used as insurance to prevent foes locked into a setup move from becoming an issue.
[SET]
name: Blob-Removing Blob
move 1: Counter / Mirror Coat
move 2: Safeguard
move 3: Encore
move 4: Destiny Bond
item: Lum Berry
ability: Shadow Tag
nature: Timid
evs: 252 Def / 44 SpD / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
This set aims to remove most special walls besides Deoxys-D. Slower special walls are all susceptible to being trapped by this set. This includes common special walls such as Blissey and Snorlax. While Dugtrio can also fulfill this role, Wobbuffet's superior bulk gives it the ability to directly switch into these Pokemon. Lum Berry is the preferred item, as it cures Wobbuffet of status once. The given Speed EVs allow Wobbuffet to outpace most special walls, while the given Defense EVs allow Wobbuffet to take a +6 Body Slam from an uninvested Snorlax.
Once in play, Wobbuffet can proceed to either use Safeguard against predicted status moves or use Encore to lock opposing Pokemon into both damaging and setup moves. Counter is preferred over Mirror Coat, as it allows Wobbuffett to damage Snorlax locked into a physical move. Destiny Bond ensures that Wobbuffet can secure trades, even against special attacking walls.
Against Seismic Toss users, it is advisable to not use Encore until Wobbuffet is within 3HKO range. If a trapped Pokemon lacks any damaging moves, Wobbuffet will likely PP stall it due to Counter and Safeguard’s high PP. Wobbuffet can also defeat faster special walls, such as Jirachi, Ho-Oh, and Latias, if it manages to Encore a damaging move.
Team Options
========
Strong special attackers such as Latios, Latias, Mewtwo, and Kyogre make fine partners for this set, as Wobbuffet can pave the way for them to sweep with its ability to remove special walls from play. Any additional Pokemon that support this cause are desirable teammates. For example, Metagross can be used to remove offensive checks to Wobbuffet, such as Deoxys-A and Latios, as well as secondary special walls on stall teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
With only eight available moves, Wobbuffet's other options are rather limited. Either Tickle or Charm can be used to prevent physical attackers from successfully setting up.
Other than alterations to Speed investment, no other EV modification will prove very effective. Spreads with 252 HP EVs and either 252 Defense or 252 Special Defense EVs do not change any crucial 2HKOs into 3HKOs. Most boosted attacks from strong setup sweepers will 2HKO Wobbuffet regardless of its HP investment.
Checks and Counters
===================
A key definition of a counter is having the ability to switch in and remove or force out a target Pokemon. By virtue of its ability in Shadow Tag, it may be said that Wobbuffet does not have any true counters. The best way to defeat it is by exploiting its passive moveset and low Speed.
**Faster Pokemon**: The easiest way to stop Wobbuffet is by utilizing a fast Taunt user. Taunt Mew and Mewtwo can bypass Encore and proceed to set up on Wobbuffet. Skarmory and Deoxys-D can similarly stop Encore and Safeguard to set up Spikes or use Toxic. Additionally, any faster Pokemon with the ability to poison or burn Wobbuffet will quickly neutralize it. However, be wary of becoming locked into a status move, as Wobbuffet can set up Safeguard and switch out into a dangerous setup sweeper.
**Counter-trappers**: Dugtrio and Umbreon can counter-trap Wobbuffet. However, Dugtrio must get around Counter to defeat it. Umbreon can trap Wobbuffet with Mean Look and use Baton Pass to bring in a setup sweeper, leaving Wobbuffet helpless as the foe sets up safely behind a Substitute.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-type Pokemon with physical moves such as Gengar and Dusclops can attack Wobbuffet without the fear of retaliation from Counter due to their Fighting immunity. However, they must be wary of Destiny Bond.
**Strong Setup Sweepers**: Strong setup sweepers that can 2HKO Wobbuffet can force awkward predictions. Kyogre deserves a special mention due to its ability to 2HKO Wobbuffet with its rain-boosted attacks prior to any setup. Therefore, Wobbuffet must win a 50/50 with either Encore or Mirror Coat to get around Kyogre. The same holds true for any setup sweepers that boost as Wobbuffet switches in, given that they can 2HKO Wobbuffet after setting up.
**Self-Destruct and Explosion users**: Self-Destruct and Explosion from the likes of Metagross, Forretress, and Snorlax will OHKO Wobbuffet, or at least weaken it to the point that it is essentially out of the game.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Noitu, 382514]]
- Quality checked by: [[SuperEpicAmpharos, 306959], [Inspirited, 127823]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Aurora, 109385], [dex, 277988]]
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