#0225

Delibird Movesets & Competitive Sets

Delibird デリバード

Delibird movesets cover 7 generations and 9 formats with 10 sets in total. Each set lists moves, ability, item, nature, EVs and Tera type picks with analysis, and can be copied with one click.

Ice Flying Generation II

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Generation: 7
Format: 9
set: 10

Delibird Competitive Movesets & Sets

Generation 8 Sets （Format 1 · 1 set）

Suicide Lead

ZU Generation 8

Item: Focus Sash
Nature: Timid
EVs: HP 252 / Sp. Atk 4 / Speed 252

Moves

Spikes Ground Status

Accuracy — PP 20

Hurts foes when they switch out.
Rapid Spin Normal Physical

Power 50 Accuracy 100 PP 40

A high-speed spinning attack.

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Analysis

Delibird attemps to work as a dedicated lead for hyper offensive teams, setting up Spikes, keeping entry hazards off with Rapid Spin, and preventing removal with Memento. However, Accelgor, Froslass, and Kabutops are much more effective at this role thanks to their much better stats, letting them outspeed a huge part of the tier and threaten opposing foes with their powerful attacks.

Generation 7 Sets （Format 1 · 1 set）

Lead

PU Generation 7

Item: Focus Sash
Nature: Timid
EVs: Sp. Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4 / Speed 252

Moves

Spikes Ground Status

Accuracy — PP 20

Hurts foes when they switch out.
Rapid Spin Normal Physical

Power 50 Accuracy 100 PP 40

A high-speed spinning attack.

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Analysis

In theory, Spikes and Rapid Spin let Delibird function as a suicide lead, keeping on top of opposing Stealth Rock users such as Torterra and Clefairy by removing their entry hazards. However, Delibird is quite susceptible to Taunt users like Qwilfish and Alolan Persian, while Jellicent spinblocks effectively versus Delibird due to its resistance to Ice-type moves, great special bulk, and access to Recover.

Generation 6 Sets （Format 1 · 1 set）

Spikes Lead

PU Generation 6

Item: Focus Sash
Nature: Timid
EVs: Defense 4 / Sp. Atk 252 / Speed 252

Moves

Spikes Ground Status

Accuracy — PP 20

Hurts foes when they switch out.
Rapid Spin Normal Physical

Power 50 Accuracy 100 PP 40

A high-speed spinning attack.

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Analysis

Moves Spikes is essential on Delibird, as its purpose is to set as many as possible. Rapid Spin allows it to remove entry hazards set by opposing entry hazard leads and is Delibird's main niche over other entry hazard setters. Icy Wind is used to slow down faster threats so that Delibird is able to get up a layer of Spikes and can cause them to play more carefully around the now faster Destiny Bond, although Freeze-Dry is a solid option to super effectively hit the Defoggers, such as Prinplup, attempting to remove Delibird's Spikes. Destiny Bond is its only hope of KOing foes and can force opponents to play around Delibird more carefully. Set Details Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allow Delibird to outspeed every dedicated lead other than Glalie and Leavanny and helps it set more Spikes versus slower foes. Maximum Special Attack investment gives it slightly more offensive presence and is more effective than investing into its mediocre defenses. The last 4 EVs are put into Defense to keep Delibird's HP at an odd number, allowing it to potentially switch into Stealth Rock twice without being KOed. Vital Spirit gives Delibird an immunity to sleep, allowing it to set Spikes on or KO Jumpluff without being put to sleep and 2HKOed. Focus Sash allows it to set at least one layer of Spikes without being outsped and KOed by common Pokemon such as Rapidash. Usage Tips Delibird should always be used to set entry hazards as early as possible, as it won't be useful late-game. When leading, setting up Spikes is more important than getting damage with Icy Wind, as Delibird does little damage unless it's super effective. Use Icy Wind in conjunction with Destiny Bond to force opponents to play around KOing Delibird and to more easily get up Spikes when they're not attacking. If facing a faster foe with Taunt, avoid using status moves, as Delibird's reliance on its support movepool can make it rather predictable. Delibird should also be careful of freely going for Spikes versus setup sweepers, as they can use its weak offenses as a setup opportunity. Icy Wind can be used to stop sweepers such as Gorebyss by slowing them down for a teammate to revenge kill. Use Rapid Spin if the opponent spends time getting up entry hazards to keep your team free of chip damage. Be aware that lead Crustle and Golem will be able to KO Delibird regardless of its Focus Sash due to Rock Blast being a multi-hit move. However, they are slower, and Delibird can get up a layer of Spikes or use Destiny Bond versus them. Team Options Delibird fits best on offensive teams, especially hyper offense, as its Spikes are useful for teams that force plenty of switches with strong offensive presence. Spinblockers such as Dusknoir and Misdreavus can prevent Delibird's Spikes from being removed with Rapid Spin by Pokemon such as Armaldo. Defiant Pokemon such as Pawniard and Purugly can also help keep entry hazards up by pressuring Defoggers. Strong wallbreakers such as Stoutland can use Delibird's Spikes support to more quickly wear down opposing teams by weakening their few switch-ins such as Relicanth. Setup sweepers such as Huntail can also use Delibird's Spikes to more easily net KOs on bulkier foes. Stealth Rock users such as Golem and Metang can set up their entry hazards in conjunction with Delibird to wear down opposing teams quickly with chip damage. Teammates that need entry hazards off their side of the field to be effective such as Ninjask appreciate having Delibird as a lead, as it can reliably keep Stealth Rock away with Rapid Spin. Pokemon with Volt Switch or U-turn such as Zebstrika and Purugly can use the entry hazards to rack up damage on opposing Pokemon, as they can force counters to switch into entry hazards and take an attack before needing to switch out again.

Generation 5 Sets （Format 1 · 1 set）

Band It Like Beckham

NU Generation 5

Item: Choice Band
Ability: Hustle
Nature: Jolly
EVs: Attack 252 / Sp. Def 4 / Speed 252

Moves

Aerial Ace Flying Physical

Power 60 Accuracy — PP 20

An extremely speedy and unavoidable attack.
Ice Shard Ice Physical

Power 40 Accuracy 100 PP 30

The user flash freezes chunks of ice and hurls them. This move always goes first.

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Analysis

Every day Delibird is hustlin', and this set is no exception. The combination of Choice Band and Hustle allows Delibird's Attack to approach barely usable levels, and then the fun begins. Hustle makes Delibird miss its target more than fellow frosty bird Sarah Palin misses the point, so the never-miss Aerial Ace will be its best friend. Ice Shard bypasses Delibird's mediocre Speed, but if you're feeling particularly foolhardy and confident that Delibird will survive the turn, why not let it fire off an Ice Punch, the stronger STAB option on this set. Focus Punch and Brick Break are there to irritate the Rock- and Steel-types that are the bane of Delibird's existence, but it's just delaying the inevitable conclusion of Delibird being pulverized into a pile of red snow. Much like the average New York gigolo, this Delibird will be coming and going a lot, and unfortunately its typing means that it gets a whopping 50% of its health clipped away by Stealth Rock every time it switches in, so Rapid Spin support is essential. Wartortle is probably the most adequate choice, as it doesn't double up on any weaknesses with Delibird. Spinda also learns Rapid Spin, and could be partnered with Delibird in an effort to psyche out your opponent. If the team looks this bad, then the strategy must be immaculate, right? Seed Bomb could be used in the last slot to bring discomfiture to Water-types that switch in hoping to wall Delibird's icy assaults; keep in mind, however, that Delibird will bomb harder than any seeds ever could. Adamant could be used over Jolly for an additional boost in power, but the idea of running anything but Jolly on this wintertime courier just seems blasphemous.

Generation 4 Sets （Format 1 · 2 set）

Choice Band

UU Generation 4

Item: Choice Band
Ability: Hustle
Nature: Jolly
EVs: Attack 252 / Sp. Def 4 / Speed 252

Moves

Aerial Ace Flying Physical

Power 60 Accuracy — PP 20

An extremely speedy and unavoidable attack.
Focus Punch Fighting Physical

Power 150 Accuracy 100 PP 20

A powerful loyalty attack. The user flinches if hit.

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Analysis

Delibird has terrible stats, and its Attack is no exception. However, the Santa bird has a little trick in its bag in the form of Hustle. With this ability, the power of its physical attacks are boosted at the cost of their accuracy. By using Aerial Ace, you get to enjoy the Attack boost while still retaining the ability to always hit your opponent. Focus Punch hits the Rocks and Steels that are resistant to Flying attacks. Ice Shard is useful against faster opponents as it makes up for Delibird's average Speed, especially those that try to use Flail, Reversal, or Endeavor sets. Ice Punch provides a stronger STAB than Ice Shard, but Seed Bomb will allow Delibird to hit bulky Water-types such as Quagsire, Gastrodon, and Blastoise. Sleep Talk is an interesting option that can also be used in the last slot to absorb sleep attacks from foes like Venomoth. If you prefer the power that an Adamant nature provides, you may use that as an option. However, be aware that Delibird will lose the ability to outspeed positive-natured base 70s such as Luxray and Poliwrath and tie with other positive-natured base 75s such as Absol and Kingler.

Choice Specs

UU Generation 4

Item: Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
EVs: Sp. Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4 / Speed 252
IVs: Sp. Atk 30

Moves

Pick one

Ice Beam Ice Special

Power 90 Accuracy 100 PP 10

Blizzard Ice Special

Power 110 Accuracy 70 PP 5
Signal Beam Bug Special

Power 75 Accuracy 100 PP 15

A strange beam attack that may confuse the foe.

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Analysis

Its special movepool is even worse than its physical, but Delibird does have higher Special Attack than Attack without Hustle, and Vital Spirit is a very useful ability. Ice-type moves will obviously be your main mode of attacking. Ice Beam is the more consistent choice, but when using Delibird you may find you need the extra power that Blizzard brings to the table. Signal Beam will allow Delibird to hit Grumpig and Hypno harder, who will otherwise wall this set. Water Pulse hits Ninetales and Flareon who can switch in freely on any other move. Hidden Power Grass is effective against Water-types except for Mantine, which will shrug it off easily, so if you are intent on hitting Mantine hard, use Hidden Power Electric. The EVs given maximize Delibird's Special Attack and Speed stats, as these are really the only stats in which Delibird benefits from investment.

Generation 3 Sets （Format 2 · 2 set）

Choice Band

NU Generation 3

Item: Choice Band
Ability: Hustle
Nature: Naughty
EVs: Attack 136 / Sp. Atk 136 / Speed 236

Moves

Pick one

Ice Beam Ice Special

Power 90 Accuracy 100 PP 10

Hidden Power（Ground） Normal Special

Power 60 Accuracy 100 PP 15
Pick one

Quick Attack Normal Physical

Power 40 Accuracy 100 PP 30

Hidden Power（Ground） Normal Special

Power 60 Accuracy 100 PP 15

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Analysis

Okay, Choice Band Delibird. With near-max Attack, Choice Band, and Hustle, he can do some damage. Your main attack will be Aerial Ace, as it negates the accuracy you lose from Hustle. Ice Beam is there because it gets STAB and runs off of Delibird's above average Special Attack. Focus Punch if you manage to predict a switch (though I don't know why anyone would switch out against Delibird), Quick Attack for injured pokes/SubRevvers or EndRevvers (though watch out for its 80% accuracy), and HP Ground for Rock- and Steel-types that you can't get with Focus Punch. Purely hit and run, this thing isn't staying in vs. ANYTHING.

Substitute + 3 Attacks

ZU Generation 3

Item: Leftovers
Ability: Hustle
Nature: Hasty
EVs: Attack 188 / Sp. Atk 68 / Speed 252

Moves

Substitute Normal Status

Accuracy — PP 10

Makes a decoy with 1/4 user's max HP.
Aerial Ace Flying Physical

Power 60 Accuracy — PP 20

An extremely speedy and unavoidable attack.

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Analysis

Hustle, an above-average Speed, and a good offensive typing make Delibird a niche mixed wallbreaker. Delibird uses Substitute to capitalize on the switches it forces against slower foes like Gloom, Tropius, and Meditite, protecting it from revenge killers like Ponyta, Quilava, and Aipom and decreasing the need to predict correctly. Aerial Ace is Delibird's most reliable strong attack by circumventing the accuracy nerf of Hustle, and it threatens Bug-types such as Ariados, Beedrill, and Dustox. Ice Beam best complements Aerial Ace by threatening physically bulky Pokemon like Onix, Koffing, and Rhyhorn. Hidden Power Ground covers Electric-types like Chinchou, Magnemite, and Flaaffy, and it's Delibird's strongest attack against Corsola. 68 Special Attack EVs let Delibird 2HKO Koffing and Lileep. Delibird hardly has the bulk to make its choice of defense-lowering nature matter, but a Hasty nature at least gives Delibird an 88.3% chance to avoid a 2HKO from physically defensive Mightyena's Crunch. A Naive nature keeps it out of range of Doduo's Quick Attack slightly better, which is helpful when Delibird risks putting itself into range of Quick Attack when using Substitute. Offense teams benefit from Delibird's presence as an especially threatening wallbreaker, but balance teams can make up for Delibird's lack of defensive value by relying on bulkier Pokemon to get it into good positions. Bulky Water-types like Wartortle and Seaking can intercept fast Fire-types for Delibird, while Delibird threatens Grass-types for them. Bulky Normal-types like Castform and Porygon can similarly check Ponyta and Quilava, and they also have good matchups against the fast Electric-types, Elekid and Voltorb. Delcatty is an especially good bulky Normal-type to pair with Delibird, as it can pivot it in safely with Baton Pass. Electric-types like Flaaffy and Chinchou threaten bulky Water-types that would check Delibird, while Delibird pressures bulky Grass-types like Gloom and Tropius that would wall its Electric-type partners. Bulky Normal-types, Electric-types, and Gloom can all support Delibird by spreading paralysis, enabling Delibird to outrun and dispose of fast, frail offensive threats. Delibird's unable to break through Corsola and other bulky Water-types like Seaking and Wartortle on its own, so it depends on support against them, which can include Gloom, Flaaffy, Chinchou, and Thunderbolt variants of Porygon.

Generation 2 Sets （Format 2 · 2 set）

Spikes

NU Generation 2

Moves

Ice Beam Ice Special

Power 90 Accuracy 100 PP 10

An attack that may freeze the foe.
Toxic Poison Status

Accuracy 90 PP 10

A poison move with increasing damage.

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Spikes

PU Generation 2

Moves

Spikes Ground Status

Accuracy — PP 20

Hurts foes when they switch out.
Ice Beam Ice Special

Power 90 Accuracy 100 PP 10

An attack that may freeze the foe.

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