Similar to the new standards, roles in Diamond and Pearl have been changed significantly as well. This guide is meant to be a sort of remake of the adv gen one by sN0wBaLL. Also like the new standards, this has been made to for mainly in-game purposes. Taken from that guide: “‘In-game’ refers to Wi-Fi matches at best. This is mainly because the general population does not have easy access to perfect Hidden Powers and DVs. This has been reflected in the guide by giving extra options with every Common Hidden Power and by the use of simple EV spreads. (252/252/6 or 252/129/129) Obviously, getting the perfect Hidden Powers and DVs would make a set much better, and I have not limited the movesets very much. At best, this guide could also serve as a basis for competitive gameplay movesets.”
Roles list:
Physical Sweepers
Special Sweepers
Mixed Sweepers
Physical Sponges
Special Sponges
Tanks
Toxic-users
Annoyers
Healers
Baton-Passers
Pseudo-Passers
Drainers
Hazers
Spikers
Spinners
Haxers
PP-Drainers
Perish-Trappers
Utility
And again, a thanks to pokemonelite2000 for their sprites.
1. Physical Sweepers
Overview: Physical Sweepers are basically Pokemon that attack with physical moves to deal damage. Generally, the more damage dealt, the more effective the sweeper. Sweepers can also be very diverse in how they are used. For example, there are many useful items and moves that support the role and in various ways. Other than the addition of numerous previously special moves, not much has changed on the physical side.
Common offensive moves: Return, Flail, Quick Attack, Fire Punch, Blaze Kick, Flare Drive, Waterfall, Aqua Tail, Crabhammer, Thunderpunch, Leaf Blade, Seed Bomb, Power Whip, Ice Punch, Ice Shard, Avalanche, Brick Break, Hi Jump Kick, Cross Chop, Reversal, Mach Punch, Focus Punch, Poison Jab, Earthquake, Aerial Ace, Drill Peck, Zen Headbutt, X-scissor, Megahorn, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Shadow Claw, Shadow Sneak, Dragon Claw, Meteor Mash, Bullet Punch, Night Slash, Crunch
Common support moves: Swords Dance, Dragon Dance, Bulk Up, Belly Drum, Curse, Agility, Rest, Substitute, Endure, Trick Room
Common afflicting moves: None
Common items: Leftovers, Shell Bell, Choice Band, Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Salac, Liechi, Chesto
Key stats: Attack, Speed (usually)
Common natures: Adamant, Jolly
Common EV spreads: 252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP; 252 Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:
Dugtrio @ Choice Band
Jolly | Arena Trap
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Earthquake
~Rock Slide
~Shadow Claw
~U-turn
Band set.
Snorlax @ Leftovers
Careful | Thick Fat
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Curse
~Return
~Crunch
~Rest
Curse set.
Lucario @ Salac
Adamant | Inner Focus
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Swords Dance/Crunch
~Endure
~Reversal
~Earthquake/Stone Edge
An Endure-Reversal combo. Earthquake with Crunch.
2. Special Sweepers
Overview: Take out the obvious change from physical to special, and these are pretty much the same as Physical Sweepers. Similar things apply, especially the part about diversity among them. Special Sweepers have gained a significant amount of things in DP to match Physical Sweepers even more, like the addition of the Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, and Nasty Plot.
Common offensive moves: Tri Attack, Flamethrower, Surf, Thunderbolt, Energy Ball, Ice Beam, Aura Sphere, Sludge Bomb, Earth Power, Air Slash, Psychic, Bug Buzz, Ancientpower, Power Gem, Shadow Ball, Dragon Pulse, Flash Cannon, Dark Pulse, Hidden Power
Common support moves: Nasty Plot, Calm Mind, Agility, Rest, Substitute, Endure, Trick Room
Common afflicting moves: None
Common items: Leftovers, Shell Bell, Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Salac, Petaya, Chesto
Key stats: Special Attack, Speed (usually)
Common natures: Modest, Timid
Common EV spreads: 252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP; 252 Sp Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:
Starmie @ Choice Specs
Timid | Natural Cure
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt
~Psychic
Specs set.
Togekiss @ Leftovers
Timid | Serene Grace
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Nasty Plot
~Air Slash
~Aura Sphere
~Shadow Ball
Nasty Plot set.
Charizard @ Choice Scarf
Modest | Blaze
252 Sp Atk, 129 Spd, 129 HP
~Flamethrower
~Dragon Pulse
~Air Slash
~Ancientpower/HP Grass/HP Ground
Scarf set.
3. Mixed Sweepers
Overview: Mixed Sweepers are also pretty much what they sound like: mixed. They combine the physical and special aspects of sweeping into one moveset. This is not very common as it usually requires good stats and usable moves on both parts. The use of a Mixed Sweeper has declined a little in DP because so many Pokemon now have access more significant moves of either the physical or special side. This doesn’t mean that Pokemon can’t still do it however.
Common offensive moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sweepers’ common moves.
Common support moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sweepers’ common moves.
Common afflicting moves: None
Common items: Leftovers, Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Salac, Chesto
Key stats: Attack, Special Attack, Speed (usually)
Common natures: Neutral, Naive, Hasty
Common EV spreads: 252 Spd, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Atk
Example movesets:
Exploud @ Choice Scarf
Naive | Soundproof
252 Spd, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Atk
~Hyper Voice
~Brick Break
~Flamethrower
~Crunch
Scarf set.
Electivire @ Life Orb
Naughty | Motor Drive
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Thunderbolt
~Cross Chop
~Flamethrower
~Earthquake/Ice Punch
Life Orb set.
Kingdra @ Leftovers
Neutral | Swift Swim
252 Sp Atk, 129 Atk, 129 Spd
~Rain Dance
~Surf
~Dragon Pulse
~Waterfall
Emphasized special.
4. Physical Sponges
Overview: Pokemon that can continuously take hits from Physical Sweepers fit here. Taking these hits generally suggests a big HP and/or Defense stat, and you can’t really do this without one. The worst change to them in DP is that there are now more physical and special moves of different types. This means there are more weaknesses out there, and these new weaknesses can hurt badly.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Curse, Iron Defense, Barrier, Cosmic Power, Rest, Recover, Roost, Substitute
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic, Confuse Ray
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def; 252 Def, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:
Skarmory @ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Impish | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Stealth Rock
~Drill Peck
~Whirlwind
~Roost
Commonly used.
Weezing @ Black Sludge
Bold | Levitate
252 HP, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Pain Split
~Sludge Bomb
~Will-O-Wisp
~Flamethrower/Shadow Ball
Another common one.
Donphan @ Leftovers
Adamant | Sturdy
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Earthquake
~Rock Slide/Stone Edge
~Ice Shard
~Rapid Spin
Mainly a Sweeper and Spinner.
5. Special Sponges
Overview: Just like Physical Sponges but on the other side. Special Sponges suffer from the same changes in DP.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Calm Mind, Amnesia, Cosmic Power, Rest, Recover, Roost, Substitute
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic, Confuse Ray
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Special Defense
Common natures: Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def; 252 Sp Def, 129 Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:
Blissey @ Leftovers
Bold | Natural Cure
252 Def, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
~Softboiled
~Aromatherapy
~Seismic Toss
~Thunder Wave/Counter
Very common; also a Healer.
Regice @ Leftovers
Calm | Clear Body
252 Sp Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Amnesia/Psych Up/Counter
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt/Charge Beam
~Rest
Also common.
Lanturn @ Leftovers
Modest | Volt Absorb
252 Sp Def, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Aqua Ring
~Thunder Wave
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt/Charge Beam
Sponge and Annoyer.
6. Tanks
Overview: Like Mixed Sweepers, these incorporate both physical and special aspects of defense. However, seeing as a Mixed Sponge would sound weird, Tanks are a bit more appropriate. Not many changes in DP except for the obvious “more weaknesses” part with the sponges.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sponges’ common moves
Common afflicting moves: Refer to the Physical and Special Sponges’ common moves
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Dusknoir @ Leftovers
Impish | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Shadow Punch
~Earthquake/Ice Punch
~Will-O-Wisp
~Rest/Pain Split
Some offense, too.
Clefable @ Leftovers
Bold | Magic Guard
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Cosmic Power
~Softboiled
~Flamethrower/HP Fighting/Counter
~Psychic/Shadow Ball
Basic.
Lunatone @ Leftovers
Modest | Ability
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic/Hypnosis
~Cosmic Power
~Rest/Ice Beam/Stealth Rock
~Psychic
Possible Toxi-Tank as well.
7. Toxic-users
Overview: Put simply: Pokemon that use Toxic. This doesn’t mean just slapping Toxic on any moveset however. This is the group of Pokemon known as Toxi-Tanks, Toxi-Shufflers, Toxi-Stallers and Toxi-Trappers. Nothing too significant has changed to affect these Pokemon in DP.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Amnesia, Iron Defense, Cosmic Power, Double Team, Mean Look, Protect, Substitute, Roar, Whirlwind, Rest, Recover
Common afflicting moves: Toxic, Confuse Ray
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Umbreon @ Leftovers
Bold | Synchronize
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic
~Mean Look
~Double Team/Protect/Confuse Ray
~Rest/Moonlight
Trapper and Staller.
Swalot @ Black Sludge
Bold | Liquid Ooze
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Toxic
~Amnesia/Stockpile
~Acid Armor/Protect/Sludge Bomb
~Pain Split/Rest
Toxi-Tank.
Milotic @ Leftovers
Calm | Marvel Scale
252 HP, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Def
~Toxic
~Protect
~Rest/Recover/Aqua Ring
~Surf
Toxi-Tank/Staller.
8. Annoyers
Overview: Typically, Annoyers annoy your opponent. This is because of the numerous methods they have of causing status afflictions or making themselves more difficult to hit. Not many new additions in DP.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Double Team, Rest, Recover, Substitute, Aqua Ring, Destiny Bond, Trick, Switcheroo
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic, Confuse Ray, Leech Seed, Perish Song, Attract, Encore
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: Speed, HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Timid, Jolly, Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 Spd, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP; 252 HP, 129 Def/Spd, 129 Sp Def/Spd
Example movesets:
Raichu @ Leftovers
Modest | Static
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Thunder Wave
~Sweet Kiss
~Attract
~Thunderbolt
Classic Raichu set.
Lopunny @ Iron Ball
Timid | Klutz
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Switcheroo
~Thunder Wave/Encore
~Substitute/Agility
~Baton Pass
Give Iron Ball to the opponent. Also a BPer.
Jumpluff @ Leftovers
Jolly | Chlorophyll
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Sleep Powder
~Encore/Substitute
~Leech Seed
~Aromatherapy/Substitute/Aerial Ace
Also a Drainer and possible Healer.
9. Healers
Overview: In general, Pokemon that use Aromatherapy or Heal Bell fit here. Used loosely, the term could also include Wish and Healing Wish. Healing Wish would be the only significant change in DP.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Heal Bell, Aromatherapy, Wish, Healing Wish
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Blissey @ Leftovers
Bold | Natural Cure
252 Def, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
~Aromatherapy
~Softboiled
~Counter/Thunder Wave
~Seismic Toss
Basic Healer.
Miltank @ Leftovers
Adamant | Scrappy
252 Sp Def, 129 Atk, 129 HP
~Curse
~Heal Bell
~Return
~Hammer Arm
Mainly a Physical Sweeper.
Shaymin @ Leftovers
Timid | Natural Cure
252 Spd, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def
~Leech Seed
~Aromatherapy
~Seed Flare/Energy Ball
~Grasswhistle
Also a Drainer.
10. Baton-Passers
Overview: Something that uses Baton Pass to give something else its stat boosts. No specific changes in DP with the exception of a few more possible moves to pass like Nasty Plot.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Baton Pass, Substitute, Swords Dance, Bulk Up, Belly Drum, Dragon Dance, Curse, Calm Mind, Nasty Plot, Agility, Amnesia, Iron Defense, Cosmic Power, Mean Look, Ingrain, Double Team
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave, Hypnosis
Common items: Leftovers, Liechi, Petaya, Salac
Key stats: Speed, HP
Common natures: Timid, Jolly
Common EV spreads: 252 Spd, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP
Example movesets:
Ninjask @ Leftovers
Jolly | Speed Boost
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Baton Pass
~Protect
~Substitute
~Swords Dance
A common one.
Jolteon @ Leftovers/Liechi/Petaya
Timid | Volt Absorb
252 Spd, 252/129 Sp Atk, 6/129 HP
~Baton Pass
~Substitute
~Thunder Wave
~Thunderbolt
Another common one.
Smeargle @ Leftovers/Salac
Jolly | Own Tempo
252 Spd, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Baton Pass
~Spore
~Substitute/etc
~Cosmic Power/Dragon Dance/Belly Drum/etc
Diverse.
11. Pseudo-Passers
Overview: Pseudo-Passers set up certain conditions for your team like Reflect and switch out to give the incoming Pokemon the boost. New things like Tailwind and Trick Room have come in DP. Also, Light Clay is a hold item that extends Reflect’s and Light Screen’s turn count by two.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Wish, Reflect, Light Screen, Safeguard, Tailwind, Trick Room, Healing Wish
Common afflicting moves: None
Common items: Leftovers, Light Clay
Key stats: Generally HP
Common natures: None
Common EV spreads: None
Example movesets:
Clefable @ Leftovers/Light Clay
Modest | Magic Guard
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Reflect
~Wish
~Flamethrower
~Psychic
Reflect and Wish.
Girafarig @ Leftovers/Light Clay
Modest | Inner Focus
252 Sp Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Light Screen
~Trick Room
~Psychic
~Thunderbolt
Light Screen and Trick Room.
Suicune @ Leftovers
Bold | Pressure
252 Spd, 129 Sp Atk, 129 HP
~Calm Mind
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Tail Wind
Tail Wind (which it can also use for itself).
12. Drainers
Overview: Leech Seed is the main move here. In DP, there’s now a more powerful and common special Grass move than Giga Drain (Energy Ball), so Giga Drain might not be used on as many Drainer sets. There is also a new Big Root item that increases the amount gained by Giga Drain, Dream Eater, Drain Punch, and Ingrain by 15%. It does not boost Leech Seed. Dream Eater is still not recommended because it still only works while the opponent is asleep and is entirely useless otherwise.
Common offensive moves: Giga Drain
Common support moves: Substitute, Protect, Synthesis
Common afflicting moves: Leech Seed
Common items: Leftovers, Big Root
Key stats: Defense, Special Defense, HP (although usually not boosted as much to give Leech Seed and Giga Drain a higher percentage gain)
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 Def/Sp Def, 129 Def/Sp Def, 129 HP/other
Example movesets:
Ludicolo @ Leftovers
Calm | Rain Dish
252 Def, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Sp Def/HP
~Rain Dance
~Leech Seed
~Substitute
~Giga Drain/Surf
Leftovers, Rain Dish and Leech Seed added together.
Sceptile @ Leftovers
Jolly | Overgrow
252 Spd, 252 Atk, 6 HP
~Leech Seed
~Substitute
~Leaf Blade
~X-scissor
Physical addition.
Abomasnow @ Leftovers
Adamant | Snow Warning
252 Def, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Leech Seed
~Substitute
~Avalanche
~Protect/Grasswhistle
Extra stalling with Protect/Grasswhistle.
13. Hazers
Overview: Pokemon with the strategy to nullify the opponent’s stat raising moves. Other than merely using Haze, this is basically done by forcing a switch. Roar and Whirlwind are easy alternatives, Pseudo-Hazing moves. Psych Up and Perish Song are other, yet more difficult ways (Psycho- and Perish-Hazing respectively). These are not very complex strategies usually and only require the use of one move at best. Thus, most Pokemon will usually have this as a type of filler strategy. No notable DP changes, however.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Haze, Roar, Whirlwind, Psych Up
Common afflicting moves: Perish Song
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Blastoise @ Leftovers
Calm | Torrent
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Haze
~Aqua Ring/Rest
~Toxic/Yawn
~Surf
Basic with Haze.
Skarmory @ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Impish | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Def/Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Spikes/Drill Peck
~Stealth Rock/Drill Peck
~Whirlwind
~Roost
Pseudo-Hazer with a more specific Physical Sponge and Spiker strategy.
Regice @ Leftovers
Calm | Clear Body
252 Sp Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Psych Up
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt
~Rest/Explosion/Thunder Wave
Psych Up example.
14. Spikers
Overview: Spikes is the general move here. In DP however, two new Spike-like moves have been added. The more significant, Stealth Rock, requires only one layer of setup and can deal damage based on Rock’s offensive type effectiveness. Toxic Spikes can cause the Toxic condition based on raising percentages per layer added.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: None
Common afflicting moves: Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Skarmory @ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Impish | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Def/Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Spikes/Drill Peck
~Stealth Rock/Drill Peck
~Whirlwind
~Roost
Spikes and/or Stealth Rock.
Forretress @ Leftovers
Relaxed | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Spikes/Rapid Spin
~Stealth Rock/Rapid Spin
~Gyro Ball
~Explosion
Spikes and/or Stealth Rock again.
Froslass @ Leftovers
Timid | Snow Cloak
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Ice Beam
~Shadow Ball
~Thunderbolt
~Spikes
More of a sweeper.
15. Spinners
Overview: Named after the move it uses: Rapid Spin. Spinners are generally used to take care of all Spikes problems. Other conditions that can be “spun” away include Leech Seed, which can be switched out of, and trapping moves that simply wear off. Spinners are usually sweepers or utility Pokemon that can just spare an extra slot for this move. Changes in DP mainly include the need to get rid of Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes.
Common offensive moves: Rapid Spin (unless you’d call it a support move)
Common support moves: None
Common afflicting moves: None
Common items: None
Key stats: None
Common natures: None
Common EV spreads: None
Example movesets:
Donphan @ Leftovers/Choice Band
Adamant | Sturdy
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Rapid Spin
~Earthquake
~Rock Slide/Stone Edge
~Ice Shard
Also a Physical Sweeper and Sponge.
Starmie @ Leftovers
Timid | Natural Cure
252 Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Rapid Spin
~Thunderbolt
~Ice Beam
~Surf
Special Sweeper mainly.
Forretress @ Leftovers
Relaxed | Sturdy
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Rapid Spin
~Stealth Rock/Spikes
~Gyro Ball
~Explosion
Slight change to the Spiker variant above.
16. Haxers
Overview: “Hax” is basically luck. Critical hits, flinches, and secondary effects on moves like Ice Beam are all luck. And in Pokemon, there’s a lot of it. This role is made of Pokemon that can really abuse this luck. Not any specific new tools added in DP however.
Common offensive moves: Body Slam, Ancientpower, Silver Wind, Ominous Wind, Blaze Kick, Shadow Claw, Stone Edge, Slash, Night Slash, Bite, Rock Slide, Headbutt
Common support moves: Focus Energy
Common afflicting moves: Thunder Wave
Common items: Leftovers, Scope Lens, King’s Rock
Key stats: Attack or Special Attack, Speed
Common natures: Adamant, Modest, Timid, Jolly
Common EV spreads: 252 Atk/Sp Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
Example movesets:
Dunsparce @ Leftovers/King’s Rock
Adamant | Serene Grace
252 Atk, 129 Def, 129 HP
~Thunder Wave/Glare
~Headbutt
~Bite/Rock Slide
~Substitute/Roost
Paralyze and force flinches.
Blaziken @ Scope Lens
Jolly | Ability
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP
~Focus Energy
~Blaze Kick
~Stone Edge
~Shadow Claw
Critical hits.
Octillery @ Scope Lens
Modest | Sniper
252 Sp Atk, 129 Sp Def, 129 HP
~Focus Energy
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Energy Ball
Critical hits again.
17. PP-Drainers
Overview: Just what it sounds like: draining PP. These Pokemon are meant to take numerous hits to waste your opponent’s PP. However, since actual ways to help this take effect are rare, usually only Pokemon with the ability Pressure do the job. There’s a great new incentive for PP-Draining in DP, too: Struggle’s recoil has been changed so that it takes away 1/4 max HP from the user.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Protect, Substitute, Rest, Recover, Spite
Common afflicting moves: Will-O-Wisp
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Dusknoir @ Leftovers
Impish | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Sp Def
~Will-O-Wisp
~Protect/Substitute
~Shadow Punch/Focus Punch
~Pain Split/Rest
Basic.
Vespiquen @ Leftovers
Adamant | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Atk, 129 Def/Sp Def
~Defend Order
~Rest
~Protect/Substitute
~Attack Order
Requires some set up to work best.
Spiritomb @ Leftovers
Bold/Calm | Pressure
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Protect/Substitute
~Pain Split/Rest
~Dark Pulse/Calm Mind
~Spite/Calm Mind
Can use Spite.
18. Perish-Trappers
Overview: If you trap your opponent, add Perish Song, stay alive a few more turns, and switch on the last turn, you pretty much earned a knock out here. And that’s what Perish-Trappers do. Nothing changes in DP.
Common offensive moves: None
Common support moves: Mean Look, Protect, Substitute, Rest, Recover
Common afflicting moves: Perish Song, Thunder Wave, Hypnosis, Confuse Ray
Common items: Leftovers, Chesto
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Mismagius @ Leftovers
Timid | Levitate
252 Def/HP, 129 Def/HP, 129 Sp Def
~Mean Look
~Perish Song
~Protect/Substitute
~Shadow Ball/Protect/Substitute
Basic.
Jynx @ Chesto
Calm | Forewarn
252 Def, 252 HP, 6 Sp Def
~Mean Look
~Perish Song
~Protect
~Rest
Rest and Chesto.
Gengar @ Leftovers
Timid | Levitate
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Mean Look
~Perish Song
~Hypnosis
~Protect
Relies on Hypnosis.
19. Utility
Overview: Utility Pokemon are useful in multiple areas and are used for multiple roles, usually taking the spot of a Hazer, Spiker, Spinner, Pseudo-Passer or Healer. All the changes in DP are reflected in the multiple roles the Pokemon takes on.
Common offensive moves: Rapid Spin, Explosion
Common support moves: Haze, Roar, Whirlwind, Psych Up, Aromatherapy, Heal Bell, Reflect, Light Screen, Safeguard Wish, Tailwind, Trick Room, Mean Look, Rest, Recover, Substitute
Common afflicting moves: Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, Perish Song, Toxic, Hypnosis, Thunder Wave, Yawn
Common items: Leftovers
Key stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense
Common natures: Bold, Impish, Calm, Careful
Common EV spreads: 252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
Example movesets:
Claydol @ Leftovers
Sassy | Levitate
252 HP, 129 Sp Atk, 129 Def
~Rapid Spin
~Stealth Rock
~Rest/Explosion
~Ice Beam/Earth Power
SR-Spiker and Spinner.
Blastoise @ Leftovers
Calm | Torrent
252 HP, 129 Def, 129 Sp Def
~Rapid Spin
~Haze
~Surf
~Aqua Ring/Rest
Spinner and Hazer.
Cloyster @ Leftovers
Relaxed/Sassy | Shell Armor
252 Sp Def, 252 HP, 6 Sp Atk
~Rapid Spin
~Spikes
~Surf/Ice Beam
~Explosion
Physical Sponge, Spinner and Spiker.
Great guide.