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Moves Shadow Ball is Drifblim's primary offensive asset, being able to 2HKO less bulky Tapu Lele and Kartana while having a slight chance for the Special Defense drop. Tailwind defines Drifblim's viability in VGC 2017, and it is used to provide speed control for your team. Combined with the Unburden speed boost, Drifblim can almost always set up Tailwind easily. Will-O-Wisp is used to weaken opposing physical attackers like Kartana and Garchomp and is usually run when using Psychic Seed. Swagger can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if Drifblim is holding Misty Seed to Swagger your own physical attackers like Garchomp and Snorlax, greatly increasing their offensive capabilities, as Misty Terrain prevents Confusion. There are a lot of support options for the last slot, and Sunny Day is often used to reset the weather in your favor to ease up the rain matchup or to stop an opponent's Alolan Ninetales from setting up Aurora Veil. Disable can be used in this slot as well, which can come in handy when disrupting the foe. Set Details Psychic Seed is used as the primary item, as it boosts Drifblim's Special Defense when in Psychic Terrain and activates Unburden, increasing Drifblim's Speed greatly. Misty Seed if often used as well, and similar to Psychic Seed, it boosts Drifblim's Special Defense, hence activating Unburden. Unburden is the ability of choice, since it has extremely good synergy with Terrain Seeds, greatly powering up Drifblim the moment it hits the Terrain. The EVs are primarily invested in bulk to ensure that Drifblim stays alive long enough to potentially set up a second Tailwind. 12 HP EVs and 236 Special Defense EVs allow Drifblim to survive Tapu Lele's Shattered Psyche in Psychic Terrain, as well as surviving Tapu Koko's Gigavolt Havoc outside of in Electric Terrain. 12 HP EVs and 236 Defense EVs help Drifblim survive a 140-Base Power Continental Crush from burned Gigalith, as well as turning a burned Kartana Smart Strike into a 4HKO 99.3% of the time. 12 EVs are invested in Speed, as they enable Drifblim to outspeed Timid Pheromosa after Unburden's Speed boost. The remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack to increase Drifblim's damage output. Usage Tips Drifblim is often chosen as a potential lead along with the Terrain setter respective to its Terrain Seed, as this is an offensive lead that can easily set up and pick up KOs easily. It is also possible to set up Tailwind at the final turn of Trick Room, as it ensures that your team doesn't lose momentum. While Drifblim is extremely bulky, it is not unbeatable, and powerful Z-Moves like Gigalith's Tectonic Rage can OHKO it unless it's burned first. Hence, it is advisable to burn it first before attempting to set up Tailwind. One should be careful not to use Will-O-Wisp in Misty Terrain, when facing Tapu Fini, and should be aware of potential Tapu Fini switch-ins. Sunny Day can be used to reset sand that is set by Gigalith. After which, powerful special attackers like Tapu Lele can OHKO it with Psychic Terrain-boosted Psychic. This move also comes in handy against Tapu Fini, greatly weakening their offensive powers while boosting Drifblim's teammate's Fire-type attacks. Just like Will-O-Wisp, one should be careful about potential Terrain switch-ins when using Swagger on ally Pokemon, as it that can negate Misty Terrain, which would make Swagger confuse an ally. It is not advisable to set up Tailwind against Nihilego and Porygon-Z, as they can use Trick Room to instantly gain enormous momentum. Team Options Since the primary strategy to using Drifblim is Psychic Seed and Misty Seed, Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini, respectively, are essential to activate them. Powerful attackers that can take advantage of Tailwind's Speed boost like Buzzwole and Nihilego are recommended to swiftly deal with threats. As Drifblim mostly gets walled by Celesteela, Pokemon like Arcanine and Xurkitree work well with it. Physical attackers that can take advantage of fast Swaggers are recommended, such as Garchomp, Buzzwole and Snorlax. As Tailwind is easily countered by Trick Room, slow Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Snorlax are encouraged, as they work well inside Trick Room. Additionally, Taunt users can prevent any set up and can potentially shut down most Trick Room teams quite easily. Intimidate users like Arcanine and Gyarados can further weaken physical attackers that can threaten Drifblim like Gigalith and Alolan Marowak.

Moves Acrobatics is Drifblim's strongest STAB move, reaching 110 Base Power after Drifblim loses its item. Substitute allows Drifblim to easily activate its item while blocking status and weaker hits, and Knock Off is Drifblim's best attack versus Steel- and Electric-types such as Metang and Zebstrika. Will-O-Wisp allows Drifblim to cripple switchins such as Golem, although Sucker Punch is an option to beat opposing priority users such as Huntail and can allow Drifblim to 2HKO Rotom-F without Stealth Rock in conjunction with Knock Off. Destiny Bond can be used to remove foes that otherwise wall Drifblim. Set Details 176 Speed EVs let Drifblim outrun Choice Scarf Leafeon and everything slower after Unburden, as well as outspeeding threats such as Pawniard before its Speed boost. Maximum Attack EV investment and an Adamant nature are required in order to give Drifblim the capability to sweep. The leftover EVs are used to increase Drifblim's defensive stats, with the current spread being the most effective and allowing Drifblim to consume its Liechi Berry after three Substitutes. Liechi Berry activates Unburden, which lets Drifblim outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, and provides a power boost. Usage Tips Drifblim should be used as a late-game sweeper when Pokemon that resist Flying-type moves and Choice Scarf and priority users have been removed, but it can also be used before that just to spread burns or cripple foes with Knock Off. Drifblim should not be switched in but rather should enter after a teammate is KOed or brought in from a pivot against Pokemon that Drifblim can force out such as Monferno and Roselia. When in and ready to sweep, Drifblim should either try to Substitute until it is in range of the activation of one of its Berries or use Will-O-Wisp to prevent the foe from dealing too much damage. Once it Drifblim has its Unburden boost with Liechi Berry, attacking will often be the best play, as Drifblim might be too weak to take even an attack from a burned Pokemon; however, when running Sitrus Berry, Drifblim will have enough health to more comfortably take a hit. Drifblim should try to not reveal Destiny Bond, as it is more effective if the opponent does not expect it. Similarly, Sucker Punch can be used to surprise weakened foes expecting to be able to outspeed and KO Drifblim before its Unburden boost. Team Options Due to its limited coverage, Drifblim should be paired with a teammate that can check Pokemon that resist Flying. This includes Water-type Pokemon, such as Floatzel and Simipour, which beat Rock- and Ice-types; Grass-types, such as Simisage and Tangela, which resist Electric-types and check Rock-types; and Ground-types, such as Gabite and Golem, which beat Steel-, Rock-, and Electric-types. Due to its weakness to Stealth Rock, Drifblim appreciates entry hazard removal support from Pokemon such as Prinplup. Dark- and Normal-types such as Pawniard and Stoutland beat opposing Ghost-types while Drifblim checks Fighting-types. Fighting- and Steel-types such as Monferno and Probopass beat Ice-types; the former can also beat Dark- and Steel-types, and the latter checks Rock-types. Other Flying-types such as Jumpluff can form Flying-type spam cores, as they weaken each other's checks and counters. Wallbreakers, such as Leafeon and Mawile, and entry hazards from Pokemon such as Stunfisk and Smeargle wear the opposing team down, providing Drifblim with a better chance to sweep. Drifblim fits better on offensive teams, which provide enough offensive pressure to wear down the opponent's team and remove possible threats.

Moves Calm Mind makes Drifblim significantly stronger and provides setup opportunities against special attackers. Shadow Ball is Drifblim's main STAB move, and Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect coverage by hitting Normal- and Dark-types, as well as Probopass. Rest recovers lost health and, in combination with Chesto Berry, activates Drifblim's Unburden. Thunderbolt can be used as a secondary coverage move to hit Water- and Flying-types harder, especially Vullaby, while also hitting Pokemon that resist Ghost, but for less damage than Hidden Power Fighting. Set Details 176 Speed EVs allow Drifblim to outrun base 70 Speed Pokemon such as Mightyena before Unburden, and maximum Special Attack EV investment and a Modest nature boost Drifblim's power, allowing it to sweep more easily. The remaining EVs go into Drifblim's HP and defenses, with the given spread being the most efficient. Chesto Berry allows Drifblim to immediately wake up from Rest while activating Unburden, which lets Drifblim outspeed the entire unboosted metagame. Usage Tips Drifblim is best used as a late-game sweeper after the opposing team has been worn down; however, it can still be used as a mid-game wallbreaker. It should only try to sweep if faster Choice Scarf and priority users have been removed, as it can only set up once in a game. Drifblim should try to set up against a Pokemon it walls, such as Vibrava, or a Pokemon that it forces out, such as Duosion or Tangela. It prefers to be switched in after a teammate is KOed or from a pivot, due to its average bulk. When in, using Calm Mind is often the best play. Drifblim should only attack if it will not be able to sweep at the time but possibly later. Rest should be used when Drifblim is either low on health or when it needs to outspeed certain Pokemon. Team Options Drifblim should be used on offensive teams which can weaken the foe to allow Drifblim to sweep. Due to its weakness to Stealth Rock, Drifblim appreciates Rapid Spin or Defog users such as Armaldo as teammates. Drifblim greatly appreciates wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Mr. Mime in order to weaken the opposing team to the point where Drifblim can sweep. Entry hazard setters such as Venipede and Golem are also appreciated in wearing the opposing team down and allowing Drifblim to get KOs on Pokemon such as Stoutland. Ground- and Grass-types such as Gabite and Roselia beat Electric- and Rock-types that threaten Drifblim. Dark-types such as Zweilous and Mightyena beat opposing Ghost-types, and Steel-types such as Probopass and Pawniard beat Ice- and Rock-types and can set up entry hazards.

Because of the deficit of spinners in RU, Spikes-stacking teams have become popular, so a spinblocker will likely be necessary. Drifblim can fill that role fairly well, as it is able to beat the most common Rapid Spin users in RU. The combination of Flying Gem, Acrobatics, and Unburden allows Drifblim to hit hard and become extremely fast. Acrobatics will OHKO Hitmonchan, Hitmonlee, and Cryogonal, while Will-O-Wisp cripples other Rapid Spin users, such as Kabutops and Sandslash. After Unburden activates, Drifblim reaches 510 Speed, which allows it to outspeed all Choice Scarf Pokemon with base 105 Speed or less. This enables Drifblim to use Destiny Bond to secure one more KO before it goes down. Finally, Shadow Ball allows Drifblim to hit physical walls and opposing Ghost-types, but Substitute can be used in order to avoid status. Drifblim's EVs give it as much Attack as possible, as well as enough Speed to outspeed Choice Scarf Manectric after the boost from Unburden; 168 Speed EVs are an option to outrun Choice Scarf Primeape after Unburden if Manectric is not a problem. The remaining EVs are put into HP to make Drifblim a bit bulkier overall. An Attack boosting nature lets Acrobatics hit as hard as possible; however, if Drifblim is using Shadow Ball, use a Naughty nature. Flying Gem is mandatory, as its use increases the power of Acrobatics and activates Unburden. Drifblim greatly appreciates hazard support, as it can both spinblock and gain a few more OHKOs and 2HKOs on Pokemon such as Moltres, Tangrowth, and Mandibuzz. Roselia and Rhydon are thus ideal partners, as not only can they set up all the hazards between them, but they also resist Electric-type attacks commonly aimed at Drifblim, as well as Rock-type attacks in Rhydon's case. A Pursuit user works well with Drifblim too by eliminating troublesome Ghost-types, such as Rotom. Rapid Spin support should also be considered, as the damage from Stealth Rock limits Drifblim's survivability. Hitmonchan is a great partner; it can not only remove Stealth Rock, but also take out Rock- and Steel-types that give this set problems. Aerodactyl, Aggron, and Klinklang can wall Drifblim but must be careful of Will-O-Wisp and Destiny Bond. Choice Scarf Galvantula outspeeds Drifblim even after the Unburden boost and can OHKO with a STAB Electric-type attack. Other special attackers are also dangerous; bulky Ghost-types, such as Rotom and Calm Mind Spiritomb, can take a hit and KO Drifblim with a super effective hit of their own.

Calm Mind is Drifblim's best setup option, and Drifblim can hit surprisingly hard after one boost due to its decent base 90 Special Attack. Shadow Ball is Drifblim's most powerful attack here, and only a few Pokemon, mainly Dark-types, resist it. Thunderbolt hits Mandibuzz, which would otherwise wall this set and phaze Drifblim with Whirlwind. However, Hidden Power Fighting lets Drifblim dent troublesome Steel-type Pokemon, such as Steelix and Klinklang. Rest is a surprisingly good recovery move for this set, as its Chesto Berry not only wakes Drifblim instantly but also activates Unburden. Substitute is an alternative over Rest to block status and possibly obtain a free Calm Mind boost. With a Sitrus Berry, Drifblim will recover the HP lost from Substitute while activating Unburden to become a fast special sweeper. The Speed EVs allow Drifblim to outspeed Choice Scarf Manectric after Unburden, but note that if Drifblim is using Hidden Power Fighting, it needs 240 Speed EVs. Drifblim's Special Attack is maximized so that it hits as hard as possible, and the remaining EVs are put into HP to make it a bit bulkier. As previously mentioned, Rest should be used with a Chesto Berry and Substitute with a Sitrus Berry. Another viable item is a Ghost Gem, which will both boost Shadow Ball's power on the first use and activate Unburden. Drifblim can use Hidden Power Fighting in the fourth moveslot for additional coverage. It will still work well with a Sitrus Berry, as Drifblim can survive a surprising amount of attacks after a Calm Mind, including Life Orb Moltres's Fire Blast. A bulky EV spread of 252 Def / 16 SpA / 240 Spe with a Modest nature lets Drifblim set up more easily and possibly even Baton Pass its boosts, but note that this EV spread leaves Drifblim extremely weak and unable to KO many threats. The likes of Magneton and Tangrowth are good recipients of the Calm Mind boosts, though. Magneton can remove troublesome Steel-types and offensive Tangrowth can eliminate Absol and Drapion. Drapion and Mandibuzz are Calm Mind Drifblim's worst enemies because they can shrug off Drifblim's attacks with ease and phaze it with Whirlwind, which removes all acquired boosts and Unburden's effect. Pokemon that can dispose of these two are good partners; Sandslash in particular can also set up Stealth Rock and spin for Drifblim. Another counter to this set is Cryogonal, as it boasts massive Special Defense stats and can Haze Drifblim. Dark-type Pokemon, such as Spiritomb and Absol, can take advantage of Drifblim's horrible Defense stat and use either Sucker Punch or Pursuit to take it down. Finally, Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Steelix will wall this set if Drifblim lacks Hidden Power Fighting. Magneton is therefore a great teammate as it removes these Steel-types while resisting all moves super effective against Drifblim.

This Drifblim can support itself as well as its teammates. Rain Dance lets it support its Swift Swim teammates, gives it a good coverage move in Weather Ball, and boosts Thunder's accuracy to 100%. Weather Ball and Thunder both hit reasonably hard due to Drifblim's base 90 Special Attack, so they should not be underestimated; Thunder also hits the Water-type Pokemon that resist Weather Ball. Finally, Acrobatics rounds out Drifblim's already great coverage. A Flying Gem-boosted STAB Acrobatics will annihilate any Grass-types that stand in this set's way and will also double Drifblim's Speed by activating Unburden. With good coverage to complement its high Speed, Drifblim will surely KO at least one Pokemon and can even pull off one more Rain Dance before it goes down. 236 Speed EVs let Drifblim outrun Choice Scarf Manectric after Unburden activates. While standard, this is especially useful on a rain team, as Manectric is a huge threat to Water-types. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize the power of Drifblim's main attacking options, and the rest are put in Attack to boost the power of Acrobatics. A Naughty nature can be used instead of a Rash one to boost the power of Acrobatics, but Drifblim should generally capitalize on its higher Special Attack and powerful special moves. Sunny Day lets Drifblim support a sun team, but Thunder cannot be used. Drifblim can run Thunderbolt instead, but its significantly lower Base Power will hinder its ability to sweep. Shadow Ball is another alternative, but it is generally less useful as it does not provide good coverage. In the sun, Weather Ball becomes a Fire-type move, which can be useful in eliminating Steel-types. Good teammates in the sun include Charizard, Sawsbuck, and Victreebel, but note that Rapid Spin support will be almost mandatory. Naturally, Swift Swim Pokemon are ideal partners for Drifblim. Kabutops is particularly notable for its ability to Rapid Spin; it can even set up Stealth Rock, which will help Drifblim gain some KOs. Drifblim can also aid its Swift Swim friends by eliminating the Grass-types that stand in their way. However, note that most Swift Swim Pokemon are Water-types and therefore compound the team's weakness to Electric-type moves, so either Lanturn or a Ground-type teammate will be appreciated.

As the popularity of Spikes-stacking in UU continues to increase, the need for spinblockers rises accordingly. Drifblim serves a unique purpose among its Ghost-type counterparts: preventing Foresight Hitmontop from using Rapid Spin. Most opponents attempt to remove entry hazards as quickly as possible--a tendency you can use to your advantage. After your Roserade sets up Spikes or Toxic Spikes, the opponent will likely send in Hitmontop to use Rapid Spin. Drifblim can switch into Rapid Spin directly, nullifying the opponent's attempt to remove Stealth Rock and Spikes from the field, or it can switch into Foresight. Desperate to use Rapid Spin and unaware of Drifblim's offensive capabilities, many opponents will use Rapid Spin the turn after using Foresight, expecting it to be successful due to Foresight's effect; to their dismay, Drifblim outspeeds and OHKOes their defensive Hitmontop with Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics. Drifblim performs similarly well against other spinners such as Claydol and Foresight-less Blastoise; however, Drifblim cannot spinblock against a healthy Foresight Blastoise due to its inability to OHKO with Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics. Surprisingly, Drifblim functions equally well as an offensive Pokemon. Acrobatics is deceptively strong--it OHKOes frailer foes such as Houndoom and 2HKOes bulkier offensive Pokemon such as Flygon and Kingdra. Because Acrobatics is Drifblim's only attack, Steel-types pose a significant threat to this set's effectiveness; however, Drifblim can take many of them down through proper use of Substitute and Will-O-Wisp. After burn's Attack cut, Drifblim's Substitutes withstand Bronzong's Gyro Ball and Registeel's Ice Punch; accompanied by burn damage, Acrobatics KOes Bronzong and Registeel before they can KO in return. Be especially wary of Empoleon and Magneton: Empoleon forces Drifblim out of play with Roar and Magneton forces Drifblim to switch or use Destiny Bond. In addition to maiming Steel-types, Will-O-Wisp slices through offensive Pokemon and increases the likelihood of Drifblim surviving an attack with a Substitute intact. Outside of providing protection against Steel-types, stalling for burn damage, and dodging Sucker Punch, Substitute blocks Toxic from defensive Gligar, Sleep Powder from defensive Roserade, and Night Shade from Dusclops. After using Substitute against one of these Pokemon, Drifblim can either burn them with Will-O-Wisp or KO them with Acrobatics, activating Unburden. With Unburden's Speed boost, Drifblim can deal significant damage to subsequent Pokemon with Acrobatics or Destiny Bond. Destiny Bond takes out slower revenge killers as well as Pokemon that wall this set such as Zapdos and Empoleon. With the designated Attack EVs, Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics deals a minimum of 100% damage to defensive Hitmontop. Coincidentally, the Attack EVs guarantee 2HKOs against offensive Flygon and offensive Kingdra after Stealth Rock. The given Speed EVs allow Drifblim to outspeed Jolly Choice Scarf Flygon and Jolly Choice Scarf Victini, two common revenge killers, after Unburden's Speed boost. The remaining 104 EVs go into Defense, giving Drifblim's Substitutes a better chance of surviving a burned RestTalk Snorlax's Crunch. The Defense EVs are also helpful for switching into U-turn, taking Heracross's Megahorn, and surviving weak priority attacks. There is only one other viable alternatives for the last moveslot: Hypnosis. Hypnosis nets Drifblim one or two free turns in which it can set up a Substitute or KO the opposing Pokemon; however its accuracy prevents it from being a primary option. As this set's purpose is to prevent the opponent from using Rapid Spin, you should pair Drifblim with a Stealth Rock user or Spikes Roserade. Offensive teams and defensive teams benefit equally from Drifblim's ability to spinblock; offensive teams appreciate the extra kick afforded to their attacks by Spikes and Stealth Rock, and defensive teams appreciate the passive damage caused by the opponent's constant switching. Drifblim does not require specific defensive partners; simply pair Drifblim with Pokemon, such as Cobalion and Registeel, that resist its weaknesses.

The idea here is to stack up as many Calm Mind boosts as possible and use Rest once Drifblim takes a considerable amount of damage. This will cause Drifblim to use up its Chesto Berry and activate Unburden, doubling its Speed and giving it a very good shot at sweeping. Shadow Ball is Drifblim's most reliable STAB attack and is fairly easy to complement in coverage due to it having only two resistances and one immunity. In regards to coverage, Thunderbolt is the best option in the last slot, as it lets Drifblim hit bulky Water-types such as Empoleon and Suicune (which can Calm Mind alongside Drifblim) for heavy damage and Dark-, Steel-, and Normal-types for at least neutral damage. This set is best left to sweeping later in the game, but running a support option in the fourth slot is also viable. With the given EV spread, Drifblim will outpace +1 Speed Yanmega and Sharpedo once Unburden is activated. This is very important, as it significantly reduces the chance that either Pokemon will be able to revenge kill Drifblim if they carry Protect. Unfortunately, Drifblim with Hidden Power Fighting will never outpace Choice Scarf Krookodile as said Hidden Power requires an imperfect Speed IV. Drifblim's high base HP makes investment into said stat almost unnoticeable, so more focus is placed on Drifblim's Defense. Because Drifblim is running Calm Mind, its Defense stat is maxed out to complement the Special Defense boosts. The remaining EVs are delegated to Drifblim's Special Attack for much needed power; with 267 Special Attack and a Modest nature, Drifblim can 3HKO Suicune with an unboosted Thunderbolt and OHKO Victini with Shadow Ball after a single boost. Drifblim has a plethora of options to choose from, but only a few are usable on this set. Hidden Power Fighting partners up with Shadow Ball well in terms of coverage, making it a solid option. However, keep in mind that Porygon2 and Snorlax can still wall Drifblim. Will-O-Wisp is also usable because it works in tandem with Calm Mind, allowing Drifblim to tank hits from both physical and special attackers; however, keep in mind that Will-O-Wisp will not help with threats such as Snorlax, which can Rest away the burn and Whirlwind Drifblim; Houndoom, which is immune to burn; and most importantly, Heracross, which receives a deadly Attack boost from the burn due to Guts. Drifblim's movepool is without a doubt large, but because of how this set functions, there aren't many extremely helpful moves to choose from, so keep this in mind if one is considering any alterations. Like any dedicated special attacker not running Psyshock, this set has problems with special walls, sponges, and tanks such as Porygon2, Snorlax, and Registeel. Drifblim's typing is a double-edged sword, granting it an immunity to Ground-, Normal-, and Fighting-type attacks but leaving him with a Stealth Rock weakness. To remedy this problem, Hitmontop can be used as Drifblim's partner. While there isn't much type synergy between the two, Hitmontop complements Drifblim well by spinning away entry hazards and scaring away most of the Pokemon that can outright wall Drifblim. Nidoqueen is also a fairly good choice for a teammate because it has access to Toxic Spikes and decent synergy with Drifblim. Similarly, Cobalion can switch into Porygon2, Snorlax, and Registeel, fearing only the occasional status attack or Earthquake from the last two (which is unlikely to be used on Drifblim); it can then proceed to set up a Swords Dance, and break down walls that would otherwise give Drifblim problems. In return, Drifblim can set up on the Pokemon that give Cobalion troubles, namely Dusclops and Slowbro. This set should be played defensively early in the game and more aggressively as the game progresses; keep this in mind at all times. There are many Pokemon that don't mind switching into Drifblim and scaring it away. Drifblim certainly isn't the strongest Pokemon either, so one should be more focused on weakening its threats, giving it a much better shot at sweeping. Pokemon with super effective moves such as Weavile and Raikou can be worn down with entry hazards and unboosted attacks, respectively; bulkier threats such as Snorlax and Eviolite Ferroseed must be slowly worn down over time or lured into an unexpected KO. Regardless of how bulky a threat to Drifblim is, it must be weakened over the course of the game so Drifblim has enough breathing room to stack up a few Calm Minds and sweep.

This set uses Choice items to turn Drifblim into a revenge killer, along with Trick to cripple an opponent's wall or any Pokemon that tries to set up on Drifblim. Shadow Ball is used for a reliable STAB move, while Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect type coverage alongside it, hitting Steel-, Dark-, and Normal-type opponents. In the last slot, Thunderbolt hits Water-types such as Milotic, and Flying-types like Moltres and Scyther. Baton Pass is also listed as an option for the fourth slot, as it turns Drifblim into a scout and allows it to escape Pursuit users unharmed. If you're playing hardball, Explosion could be used in the last slot. If you decide to do this, then a Mild or Hasty nature is recommended; taking out a special wall such as Chansey is very welcome. Specially defensive Pokemon like Chansey, Clefable, Spiritomb, and Milotic can be a pain in the backside, meaning you'll have to take some precautions against the aforementioned foes. Entry hazards such as Spikes and Toxic Spikes are helpful for damaging such Pokemon upon switching in, and crippling walls with Toxic, respectively. Drapion, Qwilfish, and Cloyster are all excellent options to set them up for the team. Chansey, Clefable, and Registeel can be beaten by physical sweepers, such as Blaziken, Hariyama, and Hitmontop, or Dugtrio can trap them with its ability. Pursuit users, such as Drapion and Houndoom, are troublesome if they switch into Shadow Ball. To get past these foes, Dugtrio may be used to trap them with its ability, or Hitmontop may use its priority moves and Earthquake to KO them. Hariyama is a decent alternative due to Thick Fat and its huge HP stat, which makes it more difficult for Houndoom and Drapion to get past it. Hariyama also has Close Combat and Earthquake to beat common Dark- and Fire-types. Pursuit Swellow is rare, but a dangerous threat if Drifblim is locked into Shadow Ball. Registeel and Steelix are both excellent partners as they wall Swellow, and have access to powerful STAB moves such as Iron Head and Gyro Ball to knock it out.

Drifblim's mammoth base 150 HP stat allows it to pass huge Substitutes to its teammates, along with boosts from Calm Mind or Stockpile. Shadow Ball is listed so Drifblim isn't completely crippled by Taunt users, though Normal-types such as Ambipom may cause problems, making Explosion an option in the last slot. Drifblim has good typing compared to most Baton Pass users, having an immunity to common moves like Earthquake and Close Combat, and having many more useful resistances. Aftermath is the ability of choice, as this set doesn't carry a single use item, and it also deals damage to the opposing Pokemon that KOed Drifblim if they used a move that makes contact with it. The EVs on this set make Drifblim as fast as possible, allowing it to tie with other base 80 Pokemon such as Venusaur and Blaziken. Maximum Special Defense is used, making Drifblim more difficult to take out, and the remaining 4 are placed into Defense, ensuring Drifblim has an odd HP stat, enabling it to switch into Stealth Rock 4 times. If you wish to use Explosion in the last slot, a Jolly nature is recommended, as it doesn't lower any of Drifblim's defensive stats. As Drifblim is going to be passing Substitutes and stat boosts, a Pokemon to receive them is a necessary teammate. Frail sweepers such as Alakazam and Toxicroak appreciate the easier switch-in, while bulkier Pokemon like Hariyama or Rhyperior may use it to set up Focus Punch or Rock Polish. If Drifblim is running Calm Mind, a special sweeper such as Moltres or Milotic make good choices to pair with this set; mixed sweepers like Blaziken are good too. Exploud is another excellent option, as Soundproof makes it harder to erase stat boosts and Substitutes thanks to making Exploud immune to Roar, while Exploud can plow through the opponent's team with its great movepool.

This set takes advantage of Drifblim's arguably better ability, Unburden. The idea behind this set is to boost Drifblim's stats with Calm Mind, and when it is at low health, Rest is used to restore its HP. After activating Drifblim's Chesto Berry, it'll be at full health, maintaining all Calm Mind boosts, and having its Speed doubled by Unburden. From there, Drifblim should attempt to sweep the opponent. Shadow Ball is used for STAB, Hidden Power Fighting provides coverage against Normal-, Steel-, and Dark-types, and Thunderbolt is used to hit Milotic who carry Haze. Baton Pass is another good choice, as it allows Drifblim to support teammates with Calm Mind boosts as well. This set is better left for late-game when the opponent's powerful sweepers are removed, and you are able to set up against weaker Pokemon such as Chansey, Venusaur, or Clefable. 148 Speed EVs and a Modest nature ensures that Drifblim outspeeds Choice Scarf Rotom after the Unburden boost. Maximum Defense gives Drifblim more physical bulk to work with, as it will be boosting its Special Defense with Calm Mind. The remaining EVs are placed into Special Attack, turning Drifblim into an offensive threat. Alternatively, you may use a Timid nature along with 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe EVs and using Substitute or Thunderbolt over Rest, and Leftovers as its item; such a set makes Drifblim more offensive. Petaya Berry may also be used with Substitute and Unburden. A Pokemon with Aromatherapy or Heal Bell is helpful in case Drifblim is unable to wake up due to switching, or using its item already. Chansey, Clefable, Uxie, and Venusaur are all reliable options due to their great defensive stats and support options. If you use Baton Pass on this set, a Pokemon to receive the boosts is essential; Milotic and Moltres are great options due to their wide offensive movepools and high Special Attack stats.

Surprisingly, Drifblim makes an excellent Rain Dance user due to its high Speed and access to Explosion, Thunder, and Weather Ball. Drifblim also beats common threats to Rain Dance teams with Explosion, especially Tangrowth, as Drifblim resists every attack it commonly carries barring Hidden Power Ice. Thunder is an excellent option, it has 100% accuracy in the rain as well as a high paralysis rate. Weather Ball is another good choice, giving Drifblim a 150 Base Power Water attack to play with. Damp Rock is the item of choice as it prolongs the rain, and Aftermath is good to weaken opponents who dare KO Drifblim. Baton Pass is an option in the last slot if you don't want to witness the Hindenburg disaster, allowing Drifblim to escape the battlefield. The EVs focus on turning Drifblim into a powerful special sweeper; the remaining EVs are placed into Attack to boost Explosion's power. A Hasty nature is better than Timid or Naive, as it doesn't lower Drifblim's Attack, while keeping its higher Special Defense intact. If you decide to use Baton Pass over Explosion in the last slot, a Timid nature is the better choice, and the Attack EVs can be shifted to Defense. Pokemon who can take advantage of the rain make great partners for this set. Swift Swimmers such as Ludicolo, Omastar, and Gorebyss are effective choices on the special side, while Kabutops and Qwilfish are excellent choices on the physical. Electric-types also appreciate the rain, as they gain a 100% accurate STAB Thunder. Magneton, Manectric, and Rotom are good examples of Pokemon who can abuse Thunder. Lanturn is an interesting option as it can abuse 100% accurate Thunder, boosted Water-type attacks, and its Volt Absorb ability to protect its fellow Water-types from Electric-type attacks. Additional Rain Dancers are recommended to use alongside Drifblim, as it's used as a suicide lead in most cases. Uxie, Registeel, and Lanturn are all excellent due to their great defensive stats, good support moves, and decent typing. Toxicroak, Chansey, and Registeel are troublesome for Rain Dance teams, and there are a few simple solutions to this. Dugtrio can trap these Pokemon with its ability and hit them with STAB Earthquake. Fighting-types, such as Hariyama and Hitmontop, are also good options as they can hit the opponents with STAB Close Combat and powerful Earthquakes. The aforementioned examples are also bulky enough to set up Rain Dance for the team.

Drifblim makes a great lead: its objective is to take two of the opponent's Pokemon out of the match (provided Hypnosis hits) and scout the opponent's team by forcing switches. The strategy behind this set is to play aggressively and attack or put a Pokemon to sleep while surviving a normally fatal hit. Losing Focus Sash activates Unburden, letting Drifblim reach a Speed stat of 464, outpacing Timid Choice Scarf Rotom, who is almost certainly the fastest Pokemon you will face in UU. Many common leads can unwittingly activate Drifblim's Focus Sash by dealing 100% damage, at which point Drifblim can attack freely, put an opposing Pokemon to sleep, and Explode when it's in danger of being KOed. This set has the surprise factor on its side, as most people expect Drifblim to create bulky Substitutes and Baton Pass them. Drifblim fares very well against many common leads in the UU metagame, although Hypnosis is a high-risk, high-reward move. However, Drifblim will often get two chances to use Hypnosis if it needs to, thanks to Focus Sash and its ability, Unburden. Drifblim's defensive IVs are as low as possible to increase the chance of Focus Sash being broken, while still allowing it to retain a 70 Base Power Hidden Power Fighting. Below are examples of common leads that will activate Unburden. 252 Atk Adamant Arcanine Flare Blitz vs. Drifblim: 128.9% - 151.7% 252 SpA Timid Life Orb Moltres Fire Blast vs. Drifblim: 123.3% - 145.1% Any Rhyperior Stone Edge vs. Drifblim: 100+% 48 SpA Hasty Electrode Thunder vs. Drifblim: 113.6% - 134% 252 SpA Modest Mesprit Ice Beam vs. Drifblim: 97.6% - 115%% 252 Atk Brave Life Orb Cloyster Rock Blast vs. Drifblim: 213.6% - 252.4% 252 Atk Adamant Kabutops Stone Edge vs. Drifblim: 221.4% - 260.7% 252 Atk Adamant Pinsir Stone Edge vs. Drifblim: 156.8% - 184.5% As far as team options go, they are relatively non-specific for this set. However, there are a few key situations in which Drifblim will need some assistance. Leads such as Ambipom, Kabutops, and Cloyster are threatening due to their ability to either 2HKO Drifblim without activating Unburden, or finish Drifblim off with a priority attack after activating Unburden. This leaves Drifblim with a mere 60% chance to beat these leads (factoring in Hypnosis's accuracy), or 0% if Ambipom Taunts while Drifblim uses Hypnosis. Although 60% might not sound bad, bear in mind that Drifblim will have accomplished absolutely nothing if Hypnosis misses, effectively making the match six-on-five from the beginning. Therefore, it is wise to have the appropriate Pokemon backing Drifblim up in order to take care of such threats. Rock- and Steel-types, though they need to be wary of Low Kick, handle Ambipom well, as does Pursuit Spiritomb. Toxicroak, Milotic, and Hitmontop can all take on Cloyster and Kabutops, but switching back to Drifblim may be necessary to avoid Cloyster's Explosion. Rapid Spin also makes for great support, as should a particular lead, such as Kabutops, force Drifblim to switch out, Drifblim will be able to switch back in later without losing its Focus Sash in the process. Should this strategy work properly, the opponent will probably attempt to finish off Drifblim with a priority attack. Pokemon that can abuse switch-ins such as Azumarill, Spiritomb, and Donphan make nice partners for Drifblim. Venusaur is a great example of a teammate that can scare off the aforementioned Pokemon while possibly sneaking in a Swords Dance or putting a Pokemon to sleep in the process. Sweepers like Leafeon, Feraligatr, and Toxicroak can also use this opportunity to set up if they can avoid Spiritomb's Will-O-Wisp.

Although this set also uses Baton Pass, it's played in a completely different way than the above set. This Drifblim variant utilizes a pinch Berry alongside Unburden to raise its Speed. Shadow Ball is used as a reliable STAB move, while Hypnosis cripples the opposing Pokemon and aids setting up. Recycle may also be used in the last slot, allowing Drifblim to reuse its pinch Berry. To begin the setup, you should switch Drifblim into a Fighting-, Ground-, or Normal-type move, then proceed to use Substitute. If you predict the opponent will switch, you may Baton Pass the Substitute or hit the switch-in with Hypnosis or Shadow Ball. If you think the opponent will stay in and attack, Drifblim should Substitute again until its Berry activates, in turn activating Unburden. Be warned, after using Baton Pass, the receiving Pokemon doesn't get its Speed doubled; only Drifblim does due to its ability. 60 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature give Drifblim 232 Speed, which allows it to outrun Choice Scarf Rotom after an Unburden boost. Max Special Defense is used for bulk, while the remaining EVs are placed into Defense. There is a bias towards Special Defense as it's Drifblim's higher defense stat. The defensive EVs make Drifblim's Substitutes difficult to break, surviving Registeel's Iron Head, Leafeon's Leaf Blade, and Power Whip from Leftovers Venusaur. Teammates to receive the stat boosts are important; special sweepers like Rotom and Moltres are good choices to receive Petaya Boosts, as neither of them have reliable stat boosting moves (Rotom's Charge Beam isn't 100% guaranteed to boost its Special Attack). On the other hand, physical sweepers such as Swellow and Arcanine appreciate the boost from Liechi Berry. Mixed Octillery is interesting, as it receives either boost with equally good attacking stats, and has Suction Cups to block Roar and Whirlwind users, such as Donphan and Hariyama.