Ray Jay
"Jump first, ask questions later, oui oui!"
Research Week attempts to investigate Pokemon who have potential, be it in stats, movepool, or supporting their team, to serve as an innovative choice in today's metagame. These are Pokemon that, for the most part, remain relatively untested. Elevator Music and I have selected 3 Pokemon we feel, with help from everyone else, could see use as they fill a particular niche. Perhaps the title is a bit of a misnomer; in fact, this installment (and perhaps future ones) of Research Week will continue as long as the discussion does, and that's where you all come in.
Please don't hesitate to post if you have insight into any of the Pokemon here. On the flip side of that coin, post intelligently.
A few things to keep in mind:
Please don't hesitate to post if you have insight into any of the Pokemon here. On the flip side of that coin, post intelligently.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Be open minded.
- Test, test, test!
- Think of how these Pokemon work well, what movesets to use, what teams to use them on, important teammates, and good EV spreads.
- If you have a Pokemon to suggest for Research Week, don't post here; PM Elevator Music and myself.
Despite its seemingly mediocre stats on paper, Chingling is not a defensive slouch. Chingling appears to have the ability to shut down nearly all Drilbur today within a combination of Levitate and Disable (considering most Drilbur run only Earthquake and Rock Slide). It also has access to Wish, something most teams do not use but could benefit from. Chingling has a plethora of other support moves, such as Hypnosis, Taunt, and Recover. With investment, it also doesn't mind taking even U-turns from Mienfoo. Can this Pokemon serve its team well?
Sponging nearly everything the ubiquitous Mienfoo can throw at it, Golett appears to have potential in this metagame both offensively and defensively. Can Golett serve as a defensive pivot capable of taking hits from Mienfoo while simultaneously blasting powerful moves back at the opponent? Please note when testing Golett that Shadow Punch (along with all of its level-up moves) is illegal with Iron Fist.
Deerling has notable stats across the board as well as a fine support movepool. Unfortunately, these may not always be enough to back up its simply awful typing. Nonetheless, Deerling appears to have the ability to greatly hinder its counters due to the number of sets it could run. For example, Deerling will often lure in Mienfoo, who will not be happy to be on the receiving end of a Thunder Wave. Its vast array of moves includes the rare Aromatherapy and reliable recovery in Synthesis. And of course, its offensive stats provide just enough to make STAB Return blow through more frail Pokemon.