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Earthquake hits threats like Nihilego, Nidoqueen, Raikou, and Excadrill hard. Hippowdon's naturally high Attack also prevents Amoonguss from switching in for free, especially with additional sand damage and Stealth Rock, wearing it down despite Regenerator. Toxic cripples switch-ins like Slowking, Rotom-W, and Tangrowth. It also makes Hippowdon less passive against wallbreakers like Thundurus-T and Hydreigon and lets it beat Defoggers like Salamence and Rotom-W. Whirlwind is an option to phaze setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Autotomize Celesteela, but Toxic crippling so many answers to Hippowdon makes it too good to pass up most of the time. However, Whirlwind and Toxic can be run together if Hippowdon is used alongside another Stealth Rock setter like Nihilego. Slack Off gives Hippowdon reliable recovery to consistently handle threats like Salamence, Thundurus-T, and Zygarde-10%. Sand Stream helps chip down threats like Chansey and Thundurus-T, though Sand Force can be used if sand damage is detrimental to Hippowdon's team. Leftovers gives Hippowdon passive recovery and lets it spend fewer turns using Slack Off, while Rocky Helmet chips down threats like Cobalion, Scizor, and Diggersby. Rocky Helmet also lets Hippowdon counter lead Excadrill by preventing it from using Rapid Spin, allowing itself to set Stealth Rock. The given EV spread alongside an Impish nature lets Hippowdon OHKO Excadrill with Earthquake, avoid the 2HKO from Zygarde-10%'s Outrage if it has Leftovers, and better check special attackers like Salamence and Thundurus-T. If running Rocky Helmet, 112 Defense EVs are needed to avoid the 2HKO from Outrage. Hippowdon best fits on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate a reliable Stealth Rock setter that is also a sustainable wall. Skarmory forms a great entry hazard-stacking core with Hippowdon, providing Spikes to complement its Stealth Rock while also beating Zarude, Mamoswine, and Scizor; in return, it appreciates Hippowdon beating Defoggers it loses to like Salamence. Nihilego makes a solid partner due to it beating Autotomize Celesteela and serving as a potent Stealth Rock setter, allowing Hippowdon to run both Toxic and Whirlwind. Grass-types like Tangrowth and Amoonguss check Water-types like Keldeo, Primarina, and Azumarill for Hippowdon, with the latter also handling opposing Tangrowth. Zarude can counter Rotom-W and Slowking and switch into a predicted Grass Knot from Thundurus-T. Entry hazard removers like Mandibuzz and Tentacruel remove Spikes, which wear down Hippowdon. Mandibuzz also acts as a secondary check to Zygarde-10% and can discourage Swords Dance Scizor from boosting with the threat of Foul Play. Moltres and Salamence like Hippowdon's entry hazards and sand chip damage wearing down Slowking, and they remove Scizor, Skarmory, and Zarude for it in return. On stall teams, Umbreon can be used to increase Hippowdon's longevity with Wish and answer Mamoswine and Gyarados, while Articuno can remove status with Heal Bell.

Earthquake prevents Hippowdon from being completely passive, wearing down physical attackers such as Garchomp, Scizor, and Dragon Dance Dragapult. Slack Off allows it to wall threats like Cinderace more consistently and set sand more times throughout a match. Whirlwind phazes threatening setup sweepers such as Dragonite, Garchomp, and Mimikyu while being able to wear down foes in conjunction with sand and Stealth Rock damage. Forgoing Leftovers will slightly reduce Hippowdon's longevity, but Eject Button can be used over it to safely pivot out into a teammate like Excadrill once sand has been set up, allowing it to sweep more easily. Maximum HP investment with an Impish nature allows Hippowdon to take on threats like Bisharp, Excadrill, and Dragon Dance Dragapult more easily. 128 Special Defense EVs let it survive Choice Specs Latios's Draco Meteor and Tapu Koko's Grass Knot at full health. Hippowdon should be preserved in matchups like Fairy and Ice to set sand so that a teammate like Excadrill can sweep. Excadrill is a mandatory teammate for Hippowdon, as it greatly benefits from the sand that it sets thanks to Sand Rush. It can outspeed threats like Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan, Choice Scarf Weavile, and Tapu Lele under sand, remove troublesome entry hazards with Rapid Spin, and deal with threatening Ice-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types such as Kyurem, Latias, and Tapu Bulu. Gastrodon and Seismitoad both provide a Water immunity; Gastrodon's Recover lets it consistently check threats like Weavile and Barraskewda, while Seismitoad is useful to specifically check Azumarill. Nidoking can deal with troublesome Grass- and Flying-types for Hippowdon such as Ferrothorn, Tapu Bulu, Celesteela, and Mantine, as well as Steel teams, thanks to its amazing coverage. Additionally, it absorbs Toxic Spikes due to its part-Poison typing. Mamoswine is a fearsome wallbreaker that is especially useful in the Flying and Dragon matchups, as it deals with threats like Mandibuzz, Hydreigon, and Latias thanks to its Ice Shard. Choice Scarf Krookodile is used to revenge kill Ghost- and Psychic-types that threaten Hippowdon such as Spectrier, Tapu Lele, and Choice Specs Dragapult.

Hippowdon is a special wall able to check common offensive Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Mega Diancie, and Magnezone. It does, however, face severe competition as a Ground-type from Gliscor, Gastrodon, and Landorus-T, which bring more defensive utility and offensive presence, making Hippowdon difficult to justify despite its better raw bulk. It's also quite a subpar Stealth Rock setter, as it loses to the most common removal options in the tier, notably Tapu Fini and Corviknight. Toxic lets it limit its passivity, punishing switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Slowbro, and Zapdos. Whirlwind is just as good to phaze Pokemon such as Gliscor, Landorus-T, Calm Mind Clefable, and Mega Scizor that try to take advantage of it. Whirlwind also racks up chip damage on the opposing team thanks to the Stealth Rock and sand Hippowdon provides. However, since both moves compete for one moveslot, Hippowdon will always be passive against a substantial number of Pokemon. Leftovers is the preferred item to help it check Tapu Koko and Magnezone. However, Heavy-Duty Boots can also be run to bypass Hippowdon's overbearing weakness to Toxic Spikes and Spikes. The Attack investment lets Hippowdon's Earthquake always OHKO Excadrill. Pokemon that appreciate Hippowdon checking Electric-types, such as Corviknight, Skarmory, and Toxapex, make stellar defensive cores alongside it; in return, they can help cover its weakness to Grass- and Water-types such as Tangrowth, Rillaboom, Ash-Greninja, and Manaphy. Status severely cripples Hippowdon, as Toxic severely worsens its longevity, while burn makes it unable to threaten the likes of Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Therefore, clerics like Chansey and Clefable make for good teammates; Chansey also appreciates Hippowdon freeing up its Stealth Rock moveslot. Corviknight, Mega Scizor, and Gliscor totally wall Hippowdon and remove its Stealth Rock or set up on it, so teammates that can handle these threats such as Heatran, Tapu Koko, Weavile, and Mega Latias are key to having Hippowdon function.

Hippowdon is a sturdy physical wall that can check some of the metagame's premier physical attackers like Terrakion, Zygarde-10%, and Garchomp. Its bulk and Dauntless Shield allow it to tank powerful attacks, like Terrakion's Close Combat and Garchomp's Earthquake, while Slack Off allows it to stay healthy throughout the match to repeatedly check these dangerous attackers. It can also deter setup thanks to Whirlwind and Toxic, which can force out an opposing setup sweeper or put them on a timer. Earthquake is often Hippowdon's only attacking move and notably allows it to beat Tapu Koko. Body Press is another attacking option that provides solid coverage alongside Earthquake, notably hitting Zarude and Ferrothorn, which may try and switch in, but it usually comes at the expense of Toxic. For another option, Hippowdon is a serviceable Stealth Rock setter, but it does not threaten any of the common Defoggers and generally prefers its other utility moves. Leftovers is the preferred item to provide passive recovery and help reduce the chances of a 2HKO from Terrakion and Tapu Koko, but Rocky Helmet is an option to punish opposing attackers, especially U-turn pivots. The given EV spread allows Hippowdon to avoid the 2HKO from both Terrakion's Close Combat and Tapu Koko's Dazzling Gleam after Stealth Rock. Hippowdon fits well on balance and bulky teams that want solid answers to Terrakion, Zygarde-10%, and Calm Mind Tapu Koko; it pairs well with teammates that are forced out by these threats, like Tapu Lele, Zapdos, and Heatran. It pairs well a special wall like Blissey or Assault Vest Jirachi, as each can cover for the other's lower defensive stat; Blissey and Jirachi especially appreciate Hippowdon's ability to shut down Calm Mind Tapu Koko for them, as it is able to set up on both of them. Hippowdon is unable to check Grass-type attackers, namely Zarude, Tapu Bulu, and Dhelmise, so Corviknight and Mandibuzz make excellent teammates. Hippowdon also struggles with Water-type attackers, most commonly Barraskewda, so a Desolate Land teammate like Heatran or bulky switch-in like Tapu Fini makes a great partner. Hippowdon is often unable to damage Talonflame, requiring a reliable switch-in such as Primordial Sea Zapdos. While Hippowdon does not particularly fear Stealth Rock, Spikes or Toxic Spikes can turn several key 3HKOs into 2HKOs, so a reliable Defogger like Corviknight is advised.

Summoning sand on switch-in and having an amazing Defense stat, in conjunction with access to utility moves such as Stealth Rock, Slack Off, and Whirlwind, make Hippowdon a great wall for any sand-based Ground-type team. Stealth Rock most notably helps against Flying- and Bug-types and breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy for Hippowdon's teammates to break through their users more easily. Earthquake deals solid damage and prevents Hippowdon from being completely useless against Taunt users such as Kommo-o. Slack Off in tandem with Leftovers provides reliable recovery for Hippowdon, increasing its longevity throughout the game. Whirlwind phazes setup sweepers such as Mega Scizor and Mega Altaria that try to take advantage of Hippowdon while also forcefully chipping down foes when combined with Stealth Rock. Maximum HP and Defense EVs along with a Impish nature allow Hippowdon to be as physically bulky as possible to deal with physical attackers such as Bisharp, Mega Lopunny, and Excadrill. Excadrill is Hippowdon's best teammate, greatly benefits from Hippowdon's sand doubling its speed thanks to Sand Rush. Excadrill can also deal with threats like Kyurem, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Bulu for Hippowdon under sand and get rid of Spikes and Toxic Spikes for it with Rapid Spin. Seismitoad and Gastrodon can freely switch in against any Water-type move directed at Hippowdon, and Seismitoad can deal with Azumarill, while Gastrodon can use Clear Smog to deal with setup sweepers such as Kommo-o that Hippowdon falls short against. Mega Garchomp also appreciates sand set up by Hippowdon which further increases the damage done by its Rock- and Ground-type attacks. Landorus can break through Grass-type teams, deal with Grass-type threats like Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu and also provide the team with a solid special wallbreaker. It can also set up Gravity, helping against Flying-types like Celesteela and Skarmory. Mega Steelix is a great teammate, as it can switch in against physical attackers that Hippowdon is threatened by, like Tapu Bulu, while also aiding greatly in matchups such as Dragon, Normal, and Fairy. Much like Landorus, Nidoking can act a great special attacker, breaking through Flying-, Water-, and Steel-type teams through its great Sheer Force-boosted coverage options in Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, and Ice Beam. Nidoking can also provide Toxic Spikes support, which helps greatly in matchups like Psychic and Fairy. Mamoswine is a great teammate that can improve the Flying-, Grass-, and Dragon-type matchups while also providing a semi-reliable switch-in against Ice-type attacks directed at Hippowdon thanks to Thick Fat. Gliscor is a great stallbreaker and absorber of status moves directed at Hippowdon, and it can opt to run Defog if necessary, providing a means of hazard control.

Hippowdon is one of the most reliable defensive Stealth Rock setters in the metagame. Compound this with Yawn, and Hippowdon can force a lot of chip damage by switching foes into Stealth Rock. Whirlwind not only takes advantage of Stealth Rock being set, but it can also force out irritating Substitute users such as Celesteela. Slack Off allows Hippowdon to truly become a wall, sticking around far longer than usual at the cost of some extra utility otherwise. Ice Fang allows Hippowdon to deal good damage to several Flying-types, such as Landorus-T and Salamence. Rock Tomb gives Hippowdon Speed control support. Items Sitrus Berry is the most reliable way for Hippowdon to get a quick burst of health back. Figy Berry gives back more health than Sitrus Berry, but it activating at lower health can be awkward in certain match-ups. If using Slack Off, consider a Kee Berry, as this makes Hippowdon less vulnerable to Cinderace sweeps. EV Spreads 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with Impish: This spread maximizes Hippowdon's physically defensive capabilities. 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD with Careful: Specially defensive Hippowdon can be used to survive unexpected moves, potentially gaining an edge early in the game.

Moves Stealth Rock is a great support move, and Hippowdon is reliable at setting it up due to its great natural bulk. Earthquake gives Hippowdon a reliable STAB move in order to not be completely passive. Slack Off is important for keeping Hippowdon from getting worn down throughout the course of the match. Toxic is used to wear down foes, especially those that Hippowdon can't do much damage to with Earthquake, such as opposing Hippowdon and Latias. Whirlwind is an option to phaze opposing setup sweepers, such as Scizor, as well as racking up residual damage in conjunction with Stealth Rock and Sand Stream. However, running Whirlwind over Toxic leaves Hippowdon unable to do anything against most entry hazard removers like Latias and Hydreigon. Set Details Leftovers provides passive recovery, which is really handy for a defensive Pokemon like Hippowdon. Rocky Helmet is an option to wear down physical attackers such as Cobalion and Bisharp. The given EV spread with an Impish nature allows Hippowdon to avoid getting OHKOed by +2 Cobalion's All-Out Pummeling at full health while still giving Hippowdon some special bulk. A fully physically defensive spread is also an option to better take on threats like Terrakion and Bewear; for example, it enables Hippowdon to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat after Leftovers recovery and Choice Band Bewear's Return. Sand Stream is the preferred ability on Hippowdon to wear the opponent's team down. However, use Sand Force if the sand cripples your team in ways like hindering certain recovery moves, such as Synthesis on Florges, or teammates being particularly troubled by the residual damage. Usage Tips Hippowdon mainly focuses on support in setting up Stealth Rock to chip away at the opponent's team when combined with Sand Stream and either Toxic or Whirlwind. Whirlwind should be used to phaze setup sweepers such as Scizor and Latias that may use Hippowdon as setup fodder as well as to prevent Pokemon such as Sylveon from healing themselves or weakened teammates with Wish. Hippowdon is able to check most physical attackers that can't hit it super effectively such as Cobalion, Mimikyu, and Bisharp, so it can reliably pivot into them and use them as an opportunity to potentially set up Stealth Rock. Slack Off should be used often throughout the match to keep Hippowdon healthy, especially due to Hippowdon's low Speed forcing it to usually take a hit or two before being able to fire off a move of its own. Finally, understanding Hippowdon's limits is essential; while it is a good mixed wall, it does not enjoy switching into and taking hits from strong wallbreakers such as Hydreigon and Gengar. Team Options Hippowdon gets easily worn down by Spikes, so Pokemon that can provide entry hazard removal for it such as Tentacruel, Starmie, Mega Blastoise, and Hydreigon are appreciated as partners. Grounded Poison-types such as Nihilego and the aforementioned Tentacruel are also useful for absorbing Toxic Spikes, as Hippowdon does not like getting poisoned. Nihilego also benefits from sand's Special Defense boost, allowing it to check Flying-types such as Moltres better. Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Celebi are able to switch into the Water- and Grass-type attacks that Hippowdon is weak to with ease. Celebi is particularly good, as with Natural Cure, it takes on status moves that Hippowdon typically doesn't like taking like Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. Water-types can take on the Ice- and Water-type attacks that target Hippowdon, with examples being Suicune, Mega Slowbro, Volcanion, and Starmie, the latter two of which also are able to keep entry hazards off the field for it. In return, Hippowdon can switch into any Electric-type attacks that threaten them. However, it's worth noting that the latter two Water-types are just as susceptible to status as Hippowdon is. Clerics such as Sylveon and Togekiss support Hippowdon very well, being able to remove status, which helps a lot with its longevity. Mega Aerodactyl and Hippowdon have really good synergy, with Sand Stream giving the former a boost in Special Defense, which allows it to reliably Pursuit trap threats such as Gengar, Celebi, and Latias that Hippowdon struggles to deal with. Hippowdon also takes on the Electric- and Rock-type moves that trouble Mega Aerodactyl. Doublade makes a great partner alongside Hippowdon, as it is able to check Cobalion and Terrakion, which Hippowdon can struggle to consistently check.

Moves Stealth Rock helps against Fire, Flying and Bug teams, breaks Focus Sashes, and deals chip damage. Hippowdon can easily set it up thanks to its great bulk. Earthquake is Hippowdon's main way to deal damage, wearing down frail sweepers and ensuring that Hippowdon won't be complete Taunt fodder. Slack Off helps keep Hippowdon healthy, making it able to pivot throughout the battle. Whirlwind is nice for phazing setup sweepers such as Landorus-T and Mimikyu and works very well in tandem with Stealth Rock and Sand Stream to wear the opposing team down. Set Details Maximum Defense and HP EVs are used to maximize Hippowdon's physical bulk, allowing it to take on strong physical attackers such as Bisharp, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Scizor. A Relaxed nature makes Hippowdon slower than both Pelipper and Politoed, allowing it to always get its own weather up in a lead situation. Leftovers is the preferred item choice on Hippowdon if you want passive recovery. However, Eject Button can be used on more offensive teams to keep momentum. Rocky Helmet is also an option to deal chip damage to contact attack users, but using Leftovers or Eject Button is often preferred. A mixed EV spread such as 252 HP / 140 Def / 116 SpD can be used to more easily tank special attacks; 116 Special Defense EVs let Hippowdon take a Fire Blast or Solar Beam from Mega Charizard Y, a Draco Meteor from Latios, and one Grass Knot or two uses of Hidden Power Ice from Choice Specs Tapu Koko. Sand Stream is mandatory, as it allows Excadrill to sweep with Sand Rush, boosts Mega Garchomp's attacks, and deals chip damage to break Focus Sashes and Multiscale. Usage Tips Hippowdon's main feature is Stealth Rock, so set it up early and try to keep it up throughout the battle to pressure the opponent. Hippowdon has to avoid special attackers such as Latios and Xurkitree as much as possible; it should be used only to check physical attackers such as Dragonite, Terrakion, and Staraptor. Sand Stream is helpful when it comes to checking other weather teams; for example, Hippowdon can set up sand against rain teams to ensure that Kingdra won't sweep your team. Hippowdon makes a good lead because it has the advantage in some matchups such as Electric, Fairy, and Bug, breaks Focus Sashes with sand, and has enough bulk to tank hits and set Stealth Rock, but don't lead with it against anti-leads, Taunt users such as Mew and Air Balloon Heatran, or lead Jirachi, which often runs Toxic. Don't lead against Torkoal or Mega Charizard Y, which have lower Speed or Mega Evolve to set up weather after Hippowdon. Hippowdon should be kept healthy throughout the match with Slack Off and used often to pivot and set up sand for Excadrill or wall threats. To maintain its staying power, avoid Toxic and Will-O-Wisp whenever possible. If using Eject Button, bring it in on an attack to switch out to the appropriate teammate to keep up momentum; don't bring Hippowdon if sand is still up unless you need the aforementioned momentum. Don't keep Hippowdon in on a hit; it will waste the Eject Button and a turn if it gets hit. When switching Hippowdon into physical setup sweepers, immediately phaze them with Whirlwind; despite its great bulk, Hippowdon can't take strong boosted attacks. Team Options Excadrill benefits immensely from the sand that Hippowdon sets, doubling its Speed to easily sweep; Excadrill can also come on Toxic for Hippowdon. Gastrodon and Seismitoad have an immunity to Water thanks to their abilities and can easily come on most special attackers if running EVs in Special Defense or holding Assault Vest. Mega Garchomp also profits from sand, which boosts its Ground- and Rock-type attacks, making it more threatening to the opposing team. Dugtrio is a good teammate that can trap some threats such as Xurkitree and Victini as well as set up Stealth Rock to free up a moveslot on Hippowdon. Hippowdon sets up Stealth Rock and can create setup opportunities for Landorus-T, which threatens Flying, Grass, and offensive teams with its Rockium Z Double Dance set. Landorus-T's Intimidate can help Hippowdon take physical hits more easily. Landorus can easily beat Grass-type teams thanks to its Life Orb- and Sheer Force-boosted Earth Power and Sludge Wave, and it can also set up Gravity, which allows it to easily threaten and wear down Flying teams. Nidoking is an option over Landorus for its ability to threaten Grass-, Flying-, and Water-type teams as well as set up Toxic Spikes to pressure the opponent's team. Choice Band Mamoswine is a nice teammate that can help against Grass- and Flying-type teams and switch in on Ice-type attacks thanks to its typing and Thick Fat. Gliscor is a stallbreaker that can absorb status and take on most of the walls that force Hippowdon out.

Moves Yawn in combination with Stealth Rock applies a lot of pressure, earning free turns by forcing an opposing Pokemon to fall asleep unless the opponent has a way to absorb sleep using a Pokemon like Tapu Fini, Tapu Koko, or Gliscor. Stealth Rock breaks Focus Sash to facilitate sweepers. Earthquake is an obligatory STAB move required to threaten Pokemon neutral to Ground-type moves, particularly Greninja and Tapu Fini. Whirlwind is the safest option to deny any potential setup with Substitute. It is possible to use Slack Off instead of Whirlwind for longevity. However, this will leave Hippowdon prone to certain setup Pokemon such as Substitute Salamence and Landorus-T that it should be able to handle. Slack Off works better when Hippowdon has more Defense investment because specially defensive Hippowdon has a harder time finding targets to comfortably use Slack Off against. Set Details An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature and Sitrus Berry allows Hippowdon to avoid a 2HKO from the biggest range of damage. Because its ideal scenario is to go for Stealth Rock and Yawn, two turns is all it needs to achieve its goal. Figy Berry allows Hippowdon to take strong Z-Moves and heal back up to high HP, giving Hippowdon a chance to Yawn. An EV spread of 228 HP / 140 + Def / 140 SpD allows Hippowdon to survive physical attacks like +2 Let's Snuggle Forever from Adamant Mimikyu while still having a good chance to survive a Devastating Drake from Naganadel, a big threat to the classic Hippowdon + Salamence core. As this spread aims to avoid OHKOs from Z-Moves, this and other mixed bulk spreads gain significantly more from Figy Berry as opposed to Sitrus Berry. Sand Stream deals chip damage and disrupts opposing weather. Usage Tips This type of Hippowdon is highly threatening if it gets a good lead matchup. Even if your opponent switches in a Pokemon that can 2HKO Hippowdon, it will have already set up Stealth Rock and started using Yawn. However, be aware that most opponents will lead with a Pokemon with a good matchup against Hippowdon because it is so threatening to give it a free turn. If Hippowdon does end up getting an advantageous lead, it is possible for it to use Stealth Rock and Yawn repeatedly until something has to be put to sleep to KO it, which is a great time to switch into your setup sweeper. Punish Tapu Fini switching in by using Earthquake. If your opponent is unable to threaten Hippowdon, set up Stealth Rock first and then Yawn to guarantee that a foe falls asleep. However, using Yawn first is advisable if the opponent is able to take advantage of the first free turn given as Hippowdon sets up. Yawn will force the opposing Pokemon to fall asleep or switch out, giving Hippowdon a safe opportunity to set up Stealth Rock. Consider leaving Hippowdon on the bench for matchups where it will have difficulties putting an opposing Pokemon to sleep. Team Options Pair Hippowdon with strong setup Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Lucario, as they can take advantage of free turns gained by Hippowdon. Have multiple Pokemon that are able to threaten the Water-types that counter Hippowdon, such as Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Kartana.

Moves Earthquake is an obligatory STAB move required to hurt switch-ins. Slack Off is necessary to keep Hippowdon as healthy as possible to switch into attacks. This is particularly important, as Hippowdon will usually move second and needs the HP to avoid being 2HKOed. Ice Fang is a solid coverage option that allows Hippowdon to break Substitute from Mega Salamence, Landorus-T, and other Pokemon immune to Earthquake. Yawn allows Hippowdon to apply pressure and often forces switches. Stealth Rock is used for overall support, breaking Focus Sash and dealing great chip damage in general, especially to Pokemon weak to Rock. Set Details If using Stealth Rock, use Whirlwind with it. The use of either Ice Fang or Whirlwind is obligatory for this set to actually check the likes of Substitute Mega Salamence and Landorus-T. Rocky Helmet is the ideal item, dealing chip damage to physical attackers that make contact. It is particularly important because it actually allows Hippowdon to beat strong physical attackers like Mega Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan that could otherwise boost past Hippowdon. Figy Berry can be a viable alternative if you are willing to give up these advantages for a quick health gain. The given EV spread and nature are ideal for a physically defensive wall, making Hippowdon able to sponge as many physical hits as possible. Sand Stream deals chip damage and disrupts opposing weather. Usage Tips Hippowdon should stay in the back, only switching into physical attackers that cannot break through its massive bulk. Use Slack Off to keep Hippowdon healthy enough to take two hits on the switch. Hippowdon will nearly always move last, and it is important to stay healthy enough to take hits. However, be careful of using Slack Off too predictably against setup sweepers or when strong attackers like Greninja can come in freely. Yawn forces switches and can deny momentum to otherwise safe switch-ins such as Gyarados. Use Earthquake to limit Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Greninja from switching in. Watch out for lures such as Metagross with Grass Knot designed to circumvent Hippowdon's massive Defense. Team Options Hippowdon can concede free turns to Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Greninja. Use a partner such as Snorlax and Ferrothorn in order to absorb special attacks. Frail hit-and-run attackers like Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Lele appreciate Hippowdon's ability to sponge hits from strong attackers. Mega Charizard Y also appreciates the weather reset from Hippowdon. Yawn synergizes well with setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence and Mega Charizard X.

Moves Stealth Rock is necessary on every team, and Hippowdon is one of the best users on Ground teams due to its amazing defenses. Earthquake is Hippowdon's strongest attack and deals respectable damage off its base 112 Attack, preventing Hippowdon from being complete Taunt fodder. Slack Off is used for improving Hippowdon's longevity, allowing it to serve as a wall throughout a battle. Whirlwind serves to phaze sweepers that might try to set up on Hippowdon and can allow it to shuffle the opposing team into the Stealth Rock it sets. Set Details Maximum EV investment in HP and Defense and an Impish nature make Hippowdon as physically defensive as possible, allowing it to switch into physical attackers with great ease. The Sand Stream ability is used to activate Excadrill's Sand Rush while also giving Ground teams a way of trying to combat other weather. Leftovers is the preferred item to give Hippowdon extra recovery alongside Slack Off. Offensively, Eject Button is another good option to allow Hippowdon to jump straight to a teammate such as Mega Garchomp or Excadrill after setting sand, but it can only be used once and can even sometimes be detrimental. Rocky Helmet is a defensive item that deals chip damage to contact attackers, but it and Eject Button are generally not as useful as the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Usage Tips Hippowdon should try to set up and keep Stealth Rock on the opposing side of the field to support the team with its damage. Hippowdon's use of Sand Stream and Stealth Rock puts a lot of pressure on Pokemon that use Focus Sash, and it should try to take advantage of this fact, as the likes of Breloom and suicide leads such as Deoxys-S can be difficult to play around otherwise. Throughout the match, Hippowdon should pivot in and out to set sand for Excadrill as often as possible. It's especially good at pivoting into physical attackers and forcing them out, allowing it to have free turns to set Stealth Rock or double switch into Excadrill or another teammate safely. On the other hand, Hippowdon should generally avoid special attackers, as it has a hard time taking their hits. Specifically, try to avoid ending up facing against opposing weather setters, as both Mega Charizard Y and Politoed beat it heads up. Instead, double switch to an appropriate answer to force them out and allow Hippowdon to reset sand later. If using Eject Button, try to bring Hippowdon in on an attack, as both it and the turn can be wasted if it's is hit while already in play. Slack Off should be used liberally, as keeping Hippowdon's health high is important for allowing it to switch in often to set sand. Because of how important its health is for walling and safely using its utility, Hippowdon hates taking burns and Toxic poison and should avoid them at all costs. Hippowdon should try to switch into setup sweepers as they are attempting to boost in order to phaze them, as, while it does have good bulk, it cannot take many boosted attacks. Team Options Hippowdon provides mandatory support to Excadrill, as its Sand Rush ability requires sand to be active. While Hippowdon doesn't particularly need Excadrill's support, Excadrill can easily break through the walls that it cannot touch and can Rapid Spin away entry hazards that make it harder for Hippowdon to wall foes. Gastrodon is a fantastic teammate due to its Storm Drain ability, making it capable of switching into Water-type attacks that threaten Hippowdon. Specially defensive Gastrodon is also a great teammate for soaking up the special attacks that Hippowdon cannot take. Seismitoad is an alternative Water-immune teammate with a more offensive focus, capable of using a Choice Specs-boosted Sludge Wave to take out many of the Grass-types that threaten Hippowdon, but it lacks recovery options and is easily worn down. As an offensive option, Mamoswine can help take out Grass-type Pokemon, although it cannot switch into them, and also greatly appreciates the Stealth Rock support that Hippowdon provides, allowing it to net KOs on targets such as Breloom with Ice Shard after minimal chip damage. Mega Garchomp's Sand Force allows it to also take advantage of the sand that Hippowdon sets; notably, it puts Chansey into 2HKO range of Earthquake. Landorus is another powerful wallbreaker that is a great teammate for Hippowdon because its damage with Earth Power allows it to break through slow and bulky Water teams that Hippowdon is fearful of, and its access to Sludge Wave makes it a very good check to many Grass-types. It can also use Gravity, which can allow it to take out airborne Pokemon such as Skarmory and Zapdos that try to Defog away Hippowdon's Stealth Rock.

Moves Slack Off is what makes Hippowdon great at what it does; Hippowdon can use Slack Off to keep itself as healthy as possible while being attacked. Thanks to sand and Rocky Helmet, the foe will still be taking a good amount of damage while Hippowdon recovers. Yawn and Stealth Rock go hand in hand; Yawn's two turn mechanic gives the foe a chance to switch out and avoid being put to sleep, and when Stealth Rock is up Hippowdon can safely continuously use Yawn, forcing the opponent to either let something sleep or take too much damage from Stealth Rock and sand. If you choose to run Stealth Rock on another Pokemon, Whirlwind can be used instead, as it really messes with the opponent's switches and racks up even more residual damage. It's also nice for phazing sweepers and Minimize users, as Whirlwind will always work even against foes with evasion boosts. Earthquake is Hippowdon's main form of offense, a strong STAB move coming off a respectable Attack for a defensive Pokemon. It hits many Pokemon Hippowdon would like to check super effectively, such as Blaziken, Mawile, and Aegislash. Rock Tomb is a good alternative to hit Talonflame and lower the foe's Speed, but it doesn't hit nearly as hard in most situations. Set Details Maximum Defense and HP EVs are used because Hippowdon is meant to check the strongest of physical attackers. Rocky Helmet is the essential item that ensures Hippowdon can check Mega Kangaskhan, being able to do extra damage thanks to the latter's Parental Bond ability. Minimum Speed is desired to underspeed all Aegislash so Hippowdon can hit them with Earthquake in their frailer Blade forme. Additionally, it can be helpful against Trick Room teams, most notably underspeeding Brave Mega Mawile. Usage Tips Hippowdon can take hits from threatening attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan, Talonflame, and Blaziken, protecting teammates from being revenge killed by them. It can also serve nicely as a lead by immediately setting up Stealth Rock and spreading sleep with Yawn. Setting Stealth Rock up fast allows Focus Sashes to be broken early and provides some chip damage that could be very helpful to put a foe in KO range for your other Pokemon, but Hippowdon works just as well mid-game or whenever it is needed most. You should be cautious leading with Hippowdon, as you often won't want to lose it too quickly in the match. Slack Off should be used wisely and not neglected. Keeping Hippowdon healthy can be important; losing it too early could make you susceptible late-game to a foe that Hippowdon could have checked. The power of foes such as Kangaskhan, Blaziken, and Aegislash should not be underestimated, and Hippowdon still has to be careful not to fall early to them. Whenever you decide to set up Stealth Rock or use Yawn, make sure Hippowdon is healthy enough to do so. Try to keep sand up as long as you still need it, as the chip damage can be great and softens foes up for Hippowdon's teammates. You should keep in mind that continuously using Yawn is a viable option, as it prevents the opponent from bringing in a counter to Hippowdon without getting punished. Team Options Hippowdon fits very well on balance teams. Fast and frail sweepers such as Charizard, Mega Lucario, Greninja, and Blaziken appreciate Hippowdon's ability to deal with opposing Blaziken and Talonflame; with the priority and Speed Boost revenge killers out of the way, they can have an easier time cleaning up teams late-game. Although it does not have particularly good type synergy with Hippowdon, Excadrill becomes very threatening with Hippowdon's sand up thanks to Sand Rush. Especially after Hippowdon has helped weaken teams, Excadrill can have an easy time picking off the rest of a team with its boosted Speed and naturally high Attack. Once Hippowdon has weakened foes with its numerous ways of inflicting chip damage, they become closer to KO range for heavy hitters such as Aegislash and Mega Kangaskhan.

Moves Slack Off allows Hippowdon to stay healthy; it can tank a hit, dish one out itself, and proceed to recover. Yawn spreads sleep around and forces switches thanks to its two turn mechanic, working well with Stealth Rock to create extra chip damage. Should you choose to use Stealth Rock on another Pokemon, Whirlwind is an option to mess with the opponent's switches and rack up even more damage from Stealth Rock. Earthquake is Hippowdon's strongest STAB move and is necessary to deal with Pokemon that Hippowdon threatens most. It can do a great amount of damage to Aegislash and Heatran, among others. Set Details Maximum Special Defense investment is used to let Hippowdon take hits from powerful special attackers. It can survive strong hits and proceed to use Yawn on them. Minimum Speed is used to have the best matchup against Aegislash as possible. With Special Defense investment, Hippowdon becomes a fantastic counter to Aegislash; it is able to take any hit and knock Aegislash out in return, as it will always be attacking after Aegislash and hitting its frailer Blade forme. Rocky Helmet is the item of choice to get some chip damage, and it allows Hippowdon to scare physical attackers even without Defense investment. Sitrus Berry can be used for recovery on turns you use Yawn or Earthquake instead of Slack Off. Smooth Rock allows sand to be up longer and can be helpful for more turns of chip damage or to support other Pokemon on your team, such as Excadrill or Garchomp. Usage Tips Hippowdon can be an annoyance to special attackers and should be coming in and trying to put them to sleep or weakening them with Earthquake. This set lacks physical investment, so it should not be brought directly in on certain physical powerhouses such as Blaziken and Mega Kangaskhan, but it can still serve as a check to them with Rocky Helmet. Team Options Hippowdon fits well on balance teams. Pokemon that only need a bit of chip damage on certain foes to manage to KO them, such as Blaziken and Mega Lucario, appreciate Stealth Rock and Hippowdon's other forms of chip damage. Pokemon that appreciate the removal of Aegislash work well with Hippowdon as their partner. Mega Kangaskhan and Salamence appreciate the removal of Aegislash, as they can more freely use their STAB attacks. Talonflame also likes having Aegislash removed so that it doesn't need to play King's Shield mind games and can spam Brave Bird without it switching in. It also likes the residual damage that Hippowdon provides. Bulky Talonflame can be a good partner by spreading Will-O-Wisp, putting less pressure on Hippowdon's uninvested Defense. Excadrill becomes a threatening Pokemon capable of cleaning up teams with Hippowdon's sand up thanks to the speed boost from Sand Rush. Porygon2 can be used as an extra defensive Pokemon to work with Hippowdon; together, they can be hard to break without a dedicated wallbreaker.

Hippowdon's good physical bulk and access to instant recovery make it an excellent physical wall. It can easily take hits from physical attackers such as Ho-Oh, Choice Scarf Zekrom (watch out for mixed sets), Groudon, Arceus, and Excadrill. It is also a reliable Sand Stream user that can come in repeatedly to set up sandstorm, something that a stall team can use without having to run Groudon, if sunny weather is not to your fancy. Slack Off is obviously the main attraction of this set, allowing Hippowdon to take hits repeatedly and heal off the damage. Earthquake is Hippowdon's reliable STAB move, and Whirlwind allows it to force out dangerous enemies such as Ho-Oh and Arceus. Toxic is preferred in the last spot to defeat last-Pokemon Arceus, which would otherwise set up Swords Dance without fear of being forced out. Stealth Rock is a solid support option due to Hippowdon's good physical bulk, while Ice Fang can be used to score surprise KOs on Garchomp and Rayquaza. Hippowdon receives Sand Force from the Dream World. While it might seem like a useless ability on Hippowdon unless you run Tyranitar along with it, the ability to run something that's not Sand Stream is precious. With a relatively "inert" ability, Hippowdon can see use on teams based on other types of weather--apart from sun, where it faces huge competition from Groudon. In particular, it can replace Arceus-Ground on rain teams, freeing up a slot for another Arceus variant. Note that Stealth Rock is illegal with Sand Force. The EVs used maximize physical bulk and allow Hippowdon to avoid being 2HKOed by Ho-Oh's Life Orb-boosted Brave Bird; it can then simply recover off the damage. A specially defensive spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature gives Hippowdon mixed defenses rivaling those of 252/0 Arceus-Ground while further enjoying Leftovers recovery; this allows Hippowdon to take hits such as Draco Meteor from Giratina-O. However, the loss of physical bulk would mean that Hippowdon can no longer wall strong physical attacks from Ho-Oh and friends as easily. Hippowdon can also run Stone Edge in the last slot to deal huge damage to Ho-Oh, but between Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, and Slack Off, Ho-Oh is not getting past Hippowdon easily anyway. Hippowdon's main weakness is its lackluster Special Defense. Powerful attacks such as Draco Meteor from most Uber Dragon-types, and in particular Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type attacks will send Hippowdon blasting off like Team Rocket. Blissey is an excellent teammate for soaking up special attacks, as is Latias for Water- and Grass-type attacks. Gastrodon pairs well with Hippowdon too, as it is one of the best Kyogre counters out there. Arceus-Rock can take advantage of the sandstorm's boost to its Special Defense to better sponge attacks such as Draco Meteor and set up Calm Mind. Ferrothorn resists most of Hippowdon's weaknesses and set up entry hazards as well. Lugia is also a great defensive partner that can wall mixed Dialga and synergizes very well with Hippowdon overall. Offensive partners to Hippowdon are essentially those that benefit from sandstorm. Excadrill, Garchomp, Landorus, and Arceus-Rock all appreciate Sand Stream support, and Hippowdon can easily switch into and wall Groudon, which gives them trouble. Ho-Oh is also a fantastic offensive partner to use alongside Hippowdon, as it can lure in Kyogre and severely damage it with Brave Bird, while also easily defeating Pokemon such as Arceus-Grass.

This set utilizes Hippowdon's slow speed and strong attack to function as a bulky physical sweeper. Earthquake is Hippowdon's strongest STAB spread move, as well as its most reliable way of dealing damage. Ice Fang complements Earthquake nicely, hitting the Flying-types that are immune to Earthquake, as well as Latios. In addition, Ice Fang decimates Garchomp, which has high bulk to take Earthquake and has Sand Veil to abuse sandstorm. Crunch hits bulky Psychic-types for super effective damage and Levitate Bronzong for neutral damage. Protect is a staple for doubles, but Slack Off can be used to provide Hippowdon with recovery. Leftovers is recommended in conjunction with Slack Off in order to assist in stalling. Sitrus Berry is the recommended item for Hippowdon due to the instant recovery it provides. However, if you already have Sitrus Berry on another Pokemon, Passho Berry is a useful alternative, allowing Hippowdon to take common Water-type attacks. However, a 252 HP / 0 SpD Hippowdon can survive even relatively strong STAB Scalds, such as from Politoed, Ludicolo, and Suicune without relying on Passho Berry. 252 HP EVs and 4 Def EVs give Hippowdon more bulk, buffering it against the likes of a Dragon Claw from Garchomp and a Close Combat from Terrakion. 252 Attack EVs along with a Brave nature allow Hippowdon to hit as hard as possible. An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def can be used with a Relaxed nature, to increase Hippowdon's physical bulk, although its damage is decreased significantly. Another alternative spread is 252 HP / 36 Def / 220 SpD with a Relaxed nature; this enables Hippowdon to easily survive a max Special Attack Abomasnow's Grass Knot and Blizzard, allowing Hippowdon to survive and switch out, living to start the Sandstorm for another day. In addition, when armed with a Passho Berry, this Hippowdon can survive a rain boosted Hydro Pump from Kingdra. Hippowdon appreciates Trick Room support due to its low base Speed. Therefore, partners such as Bronzong, Cresselia, and Musharna are great teammates because they not only can set up Trick Room, but are also immune to Earthquake thanks to their abilities. Furthermore, they have high bulk and access to Light Screen, which allows Hippowdon to take more special attacks. Cresselia and Musharna both have Helping Hand, increasing Hippowdon's damage output. Zapdos can help Hippowdon by striking Water-types with its strong Electric-type moves and by OHKOing Abomasnow with a super effective Heat Wave. Conversely, Hippowdon can support Zapdos by threatening Rock-type Pokemon such as Tyranitar with Earthquake. Furthermore, Hippowdon and Zapdos can utilize the Discharge and Earthquake combo due to immunity to each other's STAB moves.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.