Komodo
Huff
http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/cofagrigus
[Overview]
<p>Cofagrigus is one of the most defensively oriented Pokemon in the RU tier, as sturdy as the ancient pyramids themselves. With its base 145 physical and base 105 special defenses, Cofagrigus has no shortage of staying power. However, when you look closely, you'll be disappointed to see its base 58 HP, which holds it back from being one of the ultimate walls in the game. What makes Cofagrigus unique is its ability, Mummy. Mummy negates any ability when Cofagrigus is hit by a contact move, and it can be crippling for Pokemon who rely heavily on their ability, such as Medicham, Krookodile, and Kabutops.</p>
<p>Cofagrigus's Ghost typing makes it one of the best spinblockers in the tier; in addition, an immunity to Fighting-types in a tier filled with Pokemon such as Gallade, Medicham, and Hariyama is invaluable. Cofagrigus's Speed is very poor, but don't look away in disgust, as this makes it an ideal candidate for a Trick Room set. Under Trick Room, Cofagrigus can abuse boosted STAB moves, while its extreme bulk ensures it won't go down without a fight. With the addition of Eviolite in BW, Cofagrigus is often overlooked in favor of NFE Pokemon such as Dusclops. Despite Dusclops's superior defenses, Cofagrigus has the benefit of higher HP, higher Special Attack, and access to Haze, which cripples any opponent who attempts to set up. Finally, Cofagrigus lacks a reliable recovery move, so Rest is the only option available. Unfortunately, Cofagrigus doesn't have access to Sleep Talk, so it's essentially a sitting duck for two turns unless it's holding a Chesto Berry or has a cleric for a teammate. Don't take this Ghost lightly, or else it'll leave you screaming for your mummy.</p>
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Rest
move 4: Haze
item: Leftovers
ability: Mummy
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 228 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Cofagrigus has amazing walling capabilities, and this set emphasizes that. Will-O-Wisp is a staple on any defensive Ghost-type; it not only cripples physical attackers, but it also gives Cofagrigus a move to damage Normal-types, who are immune to Shadow Ball. Shadow Ball acts as reliable STAB and it gives Cofagrigus something to do should it get Taunted. Rest is Cofagrigus's only form of recovery and provides insurance against status moves. Rest can also turn Cofagrigus into a status absorber for your team; just be sure to pack a cleric to wake it up. Haze may seem like filler, but it's there for a reason. Haze allows Cofagrigus to take on stat boosters such as Bulk Up Gallade, Baton Pass Gligar, and Quiver Dance Lilligant, ensuring they won't sweep through your team. However, be careful when using Cofagrigus, as it's weak to common Dark- and Ghost-type moves, and your opponent will try to exploit that as much as possible.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The main goal of the EV spread is to balance Cofagrigus's defenses as much as possible. Maximum HP EVs are essential to its survival, as without them, Cofagrigus is pretty much useless. The EVs are biased towards Special Defense because of its superior physical Defense, and Will-O-Wisp will soften physical blows already. If you're put off by Rest and its two turns of sleep, a Chesto Berry may be considered to wake it up instantly, though keep in mind that it's only single use and Leftovers is generally more reliable. Hex can be used in conjunction with Toxic Spikes and Will-O-Wisp, but it's unreliable and there isn't a major power drop if you use Shadow Ball anyway.</p>
<p>Because Rest leaves Cofagrigus asleep for two turns, a cleric is recommended to wake it up. Lanturn and Clefable both have access to Heal Bell, while Cofagrigus provides some much-needed physical Defense to complete the defensive core. As Cofagrigus is weak to Dark- and Ghost-type moves, Pokemon who can switch into these attacks make great teammates. Mandibuzz is one such option; just make sure you have a Rapid Spinner on your team, because repeated switching shortens Mandibuzz's lifespan. Aggron is another decent choice; it resists both Ghost- and Dark-type moves, and acts as a perfect lure for Fighting-type attacks that Cofagrigus can switch into. As Cofagrigus makes an excellent spinblocker, Pokemon who can set up entry hazards are welcome additions to your team. Drapion can set up Toxic Spikes, and it also enjoys good type synergy with Cofagrigus. Claydol is another excellent choice, as it can both set up Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin to remove any hazards on the field. The downside to using Claydol is that it shares both of Cofagrigus's weaknesses.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Rest
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Cofagrigus has all the ingredients to pull off the perfect Calm Mind set. It has an insane Defense stat, usable HP, good defensive typing, and access to Rest. While Cofagrigus's Special Attack stat is already a nice base 95, Calm Mind raises it to sky-high levels. Moreover, Calm Mind boosts Cofagrigus's Special Defense, turning it into a tank which is near-impossible to OHKO. Shadow Ball gives Cofagrigus a reliable STAB option, while Hidden Power Fighting complements it perfectly, providing neutral coverage on all Pokemon in the tier. Rest allows it to shrug off Toxic, which is often used in an attempt to cripple Cofagrigus. This set is better left for late-game sweeping, after you've had time to scout and weaken the opponent's team. Pokemon who carry Taunt or Haze bring this set to a standstill; therefore, you should only bring Cofagrigus in after you've determined whether or not the opponent carries these moves.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As Calm Mind will be raising Cofagrigus's Special Defense, the EVs are focused on its already high Defense stat. Maximum HP ensures that Cofagrigus survives for as long as possible, and the remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense for an extra point. A more offensive spread can be used with a Modest nature along with 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD, though Cofagrigus prefers the extra bulk as it buys it more time to set up.</p>
<p>Again, a Chesto Berry can be used alongside Rest for it to wake up instantly, but after a single use, Cofagrigus will be left without an item. Hex is more powerful if it's used along with Toxic Spikes, but bear in mind that some Pokemon are immune to Toxic Spikes. Will-O-Wisp can be used over Hidden Power Fighting, but this will leave Cofagrigus largely walled by Normal-types. Finally, Energy Ball is an option to hit Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types super effectively, but it doesn't provide a lot of extra coverage. If you prefer a more offensive set, another attacking move may be used over Rest for coverage.</p>
<p>Pokemon who can switch into Cofagrigus's weaknesses are ideal teammates. Clefable is immune to Ghost-type moves, and can also utilize Heal Bell and Wish to keep Cofagrigus in tip-top condition. Krookodile is another great choice as it can switch into Ghost- and Dark-types with little trouble, and its STAB Crunch will deal a lot of damage to opposing Ghost-types. Steelix makes a fine choice, as it can switch into Dark- and Ghost-types, act as a lure for Fighting-type attacks, and has access to Stealth Rock and Roar to set up and scout the opponent's team, respectively. A cleric would also be of immense help by waking Cofagrigus after Resting or removing harmful status such as poison. Heal Bell Lanturn is an ideal partner as it has a massive HP stat, decent defenses, and a multitude of handy support options such as Rain Dance, Thunder Wave, and Scald.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Nasty Plot
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
nature: Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
ivs: 2 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set plays more offensively compared to the others. The merit to using this set is the surprise value; most opponents expect Cofagrigus to be more defensively oriented and use support moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Haze, but this set will be firing off powerful attacks such as Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting right off the bat. What makes Cofagrigus an excellent Nasty Plot user is its significant bulk. With its enormous defenses and great typing, Cofagrigus can take a multitude of hits before going down, and with Trick Room in play, it'll be very difficult to stop. Not only does Trick Room provide Cofagrigus with enough Speed to pull off a sweep, it helps its teammates succeed in battle. Cofagrigus has access to Memento, which will be useful to bring in a teammate unscathed. Nasty Plot boosts Cofagrigus's Special Attack to sky-high levels, enabling it to punch holes in the opposing team. Shadow Ball provides Cofagrigus with reliable STAB and Hidden Power Fighting rounds off the set, giving perfect neutral coverage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As this set wants to be dishing out massively powerful hits, the focus is on Special Attack. Maximum Special Attack and HP ensure Cofagrigus maintains a decent level of bulk while dealing as much damage as possible. A more defensive set can be used with Will-O-Wisp, and the EVs can be focused as such. When using a defensive set, a Relaxed or Sassy nature is recommended. 2 Speed IVs ensure a 70 Base Power Hidden Power Fighting, which, along with a Quiet nature, makes Cofagrigus as slow as possible. If you desire more power, a Life Orb can be used over Leftovers; however, the recoil damage adds up, and Cofagrigus loses a significant amount of bulk.</p>
<p>This set appreciates a cleric more than the others, mostly because it lacks any way of removing status. Clefable and Lanturn are great choices, while Leafeon is a more obscure Pokemon to use in a supporting role. Leafeon also has access to Wish, which is very handy considering Cofagrigus has no other way to recover. Steel- and Dark-types who can switch into Cofagrigus's weaknesses are helpful. Mandibuzz can switch into the two types of attacks Cofagrigus is weak to, Taunt foes who attempt to set up, and scout the opponent's team with Whirlwind.</p>
<p>Pokemon who can take advantage of Trick Room should also be considered, as it might still be active after Cofagrigus has fainted. Aggron is an excellent choice thanks to its massive Attack stat, access to powerful STAB Head Smash, and its Rock Head ability. Bouffalant is another great Trick Room abuser thanks to its pitiful Speed, great coverage, and lone weakness. Finally, Beheeyem can abuse Trick Room and fire off powerful special attacks while Marowak can tear up the metagame with its Thick Club-boosted physical assaults.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Cofagrigus doesn't have a very wide movepool, and its options are limited; however, there are a few usable options which deserve a mention. Curse and Mean Look can be used side by side, but Curse is a risky strategy as it means Cofagrigus has to sacrifice half its health. Like most Ghost-types, Cofagrigus has access to Destiny Bond. Unfortunately for Cofagrigus, its Speed is very low, and it is unlikely to pull it off without Trick Room support. Grass Knot is an option on a special attacking set to hit heavier opponents, but it doesn't have much use outside of that. Fake Tears is a gimmicky move to lower the opponent's Special Defense, though most of the time they'll just switch out, unless trapped by Mean Look. Heal Block can stop an opponent using recovery moves, but it's fairly useless on Cofagrigus because it's slow and the gained damage output isn't exceedingly high. If you're looking to deal consistent damage, Night Shade should be considered, but it's inferior to Shadow Ball in every way since Cofagrigus has a super nice Special Attack stat unlike its competition. Cofagrigus is bulky enough to pull off a Rain Dance set and support its teammates; just be sure to give it a Damp Rock and consider Hidden Power Water in one of its moveslots. Finally, Cofagrigus may use Memento to aid a teammate in setting up, and it's bulky enough to take a hit before sacrificing itself.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Dark-types are the bane of any Cofagrigus set; they resist its STAB, and Cofagrigus takes a lot of damage from their STAB moves. Mandibuzz can switch into any of Cofagrigus's attacks, shut it down with Taunt, cripple it with Toxic, and proceed with Whirlwind to send it on its way. Drapion can also easily switch into Cofagrigus, and it can also use Taunt to cripple Cofagrigus. Drapion has access to Swords Dance and Toxic Spikes as well, should it wish to set up. Aggron can switch into Shadow Ball, set up a Substitute before Cofagrigus can burn it, grab a Rock Polish boost, and Head Smash to its heart's content. In addition to being immune to Shadow Ball, Clefable isn't fazed by Will-O-Wisp thanks to Magic Guard. Furthermore, it has reliable recovery in Softboiled and Wish, and it can cripple Cofagrigus with Toxic. Just be wary of boosted Hidden Power Fighting, because Clefable won't last forever. Munchlax can switch into any of Cofagrigus's attacks, but it can't do very much in return. If Munchlax attempts to set up with Curse, Cofagrigus can just erase its boosts with Haze, and Will-O-Wisp will render any physical attack harmless.</p>
<p>Most Fire-types can be considered checks to Cofagrigus; they are immune to Will-O-Wisp, and Shadow Ball won't deal enough damage to KO them most of the time. Entei, Charizard, and Typhlosion are all good examples of useful Fire-type Pokemon. Porygon-Z can switch into anything bar Nasty Plot-boosted Hidden Power Fighting, and can pummel Cofagrigus with its powerful Dark Pulse. With Sleep Powder and Quiver Dance, Lilligant can set up on Cofagrigus, gaining enough power to flatten the Cofagrigus user's entire team in the process. Choice Scarf Rotom can switch into Hidden Power Fighting or a support move, and deal a lot of damage with STAB Shadow Ball. Alternatively, Taunt will usually render Cofagrigus useless; just watch out for offensive sets. Finally, Cofagrigus's lack of reliable recovery means that repeated switching into entry hazards will result in an early mummification.</p>