OU Hippowdon

[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon's phenomenal bulk coupled with a solid typing and access to some good support moves in Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, and Slack Off allow it to act as a really good blanket check to some common threats such as Mega Pinsir, Zygarde, Mega Mawile, and Bisharp. Its decent ability Sand Stream makes it a good Pokemon to use in sand-based archetypes, as it allows Hippowdon to support its offensive teammates by weakening opposing Pokemon and breaking Focus Sashes with the chip damage. Sand Stream can also help to reduce the effectiveness of rain teams and Mega Charizard Y. Unfortunately, Hippowdon's Ground typing makes it weak to Grass-, Water-, and Ice-type attacks, which are used by very common Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Greninja, and Weavile. Hippowdon is also very passive; it's easily shut down by Taunt and can become setup fodder if it doesn't pack Whirlwind.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is one of the best options on Hippowdon because of its staying power and ability to switch in on plenty of threats. Earthquake is Hippowdon's most reliable attack, as it offers good power and can hit Tapu Koko, Mega Mawile, and Nihilego hard. Slack Off provides reliable recovery for Hippowdon that, combined with its bulk, makes it hard to wear down. Whirlwind phazes foes and prevents Hippowdon from becoming setup fodder, and it works well in tandem with Stealth Rock. Stone Edge is an alternative to Whirlwind that hits the common Flying-types that would wall Hippowdon otherwise, such as Zapdos, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Charizard Y. Toxic can be used over Whirlwind to cripple Pokemon that Hippowdon can't touch and wear down opposing defensive Pokemon, such as Landorus-T, Tangrowth, Rotom-W, and Zapdos. Ice Fang is an option to deal with the likes of Salamence, Garchomp, Dragonite, Landorus-T, and Zygarde, but it comes with the drawback of having to drop either Whirlwind or Stealth Rock, which makes Hippowdon not able to perform as well as it should.

Set Details
========

An EV spread of 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD ensures Hippowdon will avoid getting 2HKOed by Life Orb Thundurus's Hidden Power Ice, Moonblast from Choice Scarf or stallbreaker Tapu Lele, Modest Magnezone's Flash Cannon, and Giga Drain from Autotomize Celesteela while having enough physical bulk to tank a Earthquake from +2 Adamant Landorus-T, Close Combat from +2 Terrakion, and Return from +2 Mega Pinsir. This spread also allows Hippowdon to avoid being OHKOed by +1 Volcarona's Fire Blast. Hippowdon can phaze Celesteela and Landorus-T or deal huge damage to other foes with Earthquake and Stone Edge. Leftovers provides Hippowdon with a source of passive recovery, which allows it to avoid being 2HKOed in some situations. Smooth Rock can also be used to maximize the duration of sand and support Excadrill more effectively. Run Sand Force if Mega Venusaur is one of Hippowdon's teammates, as Synthesis recover less when sand is present. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD is an option to handle physical attackers more easily while still being able to check Life Orb Tapu Koko and Life Orb Latios.

Usage Tips
========

Hippowdon can function as a catch-all check for physical attackers that don't have super effective move for it, such as Tyranitar, all-out attacker Mega Mawile, Salamence, Zygarde, and Mega Charizard X. It can also check some special attackers such as unboosted Shift Gear Magearna, Tapu Koko, and Zapdos. Due to its low Speed stat, Hippowdon will often move last, so be sure to keep it healthy with Slack Off to check opposing Pokemon. Hippowdon can switch into Mega Charizard Y to disrupt its Solar Beam and into Mega Venusaur to cripple it and reduce Synthesis recovery only if its needed. Hippowdon can set up Stealth Rock many times throughout the match, so it doesn't need to worry about opposing entry hazard removers unless Stealth Rock being set up is necessary to win. Don't let Hippowdon be burned or poisoned, as it will interfere with its ability to check threats.

Team Options
========

Excadrill is a good teammate due to Hippowdon activating its ability; Excadrill can also remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin and outspeed Pokemon that threaten Hippowdon such as Tapu Lele, Keldeo, and Kyurem-B with sand and beat them. Mega Garchomp also benefits from the sand, which boosts its Ground- and Rock-type moves. Grounded Poison-types such as Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Gengar can remove Toxic Spikes for Hippowdon, as well as being able to check Grass-type decently. Teammates that can take Ice-, Water-, and Grass-types are appreciated. Pokemon such as Toxapex, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn can decently check threats such as Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B, and Tangrowth and set up Toxic Spikes and Spikes. Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Tangrowth can handle almost any Water-type in the tier without trouble. Heatran is an effective lure for Water-types, as it can trap them with Magma Storm and beat them with Bloom Doom. It can also threaten most Grass- and Ice-types with its Fire-type STAB moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Rock Slide can be used instead of Stone Edge for more accuracy, but it doesn't ensure an OHKO on Mega Pinsir. Rocky Helmet can be used over Leftovers to punishes physical attackers, but the passive recovery is generally preferred. A specially defensive spread and a Careful nature can be used to handle special attackers such Magnezone, Gengar, Autotomize Celesteela, Latios, Magearna, and Mega Charizard Y, but Hippowdon won't be able to check physical threats well, and it's outclassed in this role by Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Chansey and Toxapex.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Special Wallbreakers**: While Hippowdon has great physical bulk, its average Special Defense makes it vulnerable against special attackers such as Mega Charizard Y, Tapu Lele, Gengar, Keldeo, and Mega Alakazam despite it not being weak to their STAB moves.

**Z-Moves Users**: Strong Z-Move users such as Supersonic Skystrike Landorus-T, Devastating Drake Garchomp, and Inferno Overdrive Volcarona are the best ways to break through Hippowdon.

**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Tangrowth, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur can wall Hippowdon and force it out, as they tank Earthquake easily and can shrug off its common coverage moves. They can also cripple Hippowdon with a super effective STAB move.

**Water-types**: Water-types threaten Hippowdon with their super effective STAB attacks. Offensive Pokemon such as Manaphy, Greninja, and Keldeo can easily OKHO it but don't like taking a Earthquake, while more bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Rotom-W don't fear Earthquake and still threaten Hippowdon.

**Ice-type Attacks**: Ice-types such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Kyurem-B are able to either do considerable damage to Hippowdon or OHKO it with their STAB attacks, although they cannot switch safely on Earthquake and don't like switching while Stealth Rock is set up. Other Pokemon that carry Ice-type include Protean Greninja and Magearna.

**Offensive Pressure**: Excessive offensive pressure such as having it switch into U-turn repeatedly when entry hazards are present can easily wear down Hippowdon and put it in range of offensive threats such as Earth Plate Landorus-T and Swords Dance Garchomp.

**Residual Damage**: Hippowdon is easily worn down by status ailments such as burn and poison, as well as entry hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, which makes it unable check some threats effectively.
 
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DennisEG

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[OVERVIEW]

* Hippowdon has a phenomenal bulk coupled to a solid typing, and has access to some good support moves in Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, and Slack Off, allowing it to act as a really good blanket check and handle some common threats such as Mega Pinsir, Rockium Z Landorus-T, Zygarde, Mega Scizor, Swords Dance Garchomp, Tapu Koko, Mega Mawile and Mega Metagross.
* Sand Stream makes it a good Pokemon to use in Sand based archetypes, and can support its offensive teammates as the chip damage can break opponent's Focus Sashes and weaken them. Sand Stream can also help to check Rain teams and Mega Charizard-Y.
* Its Ground typing makes it weak to Grass-, Water-, and Ice-types, which are very present in the tier.
* Hippowdon is very passive, it's easily shut down by Taunt and can become a setup fodder if it doesn't pack Whirlwind.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Stealth Rock damages foes every time they switch in, and is a must-have on Hippowdon.
* Earthquake is Hippowdon's most reliable attack and offers good power.
* Slack Off provides reliable recovery for Hippowdon that, combined with its bulk, makes it hard to wear down.
* Whirlwind phazes foes and prevents Hippowdon from becoming setup fodder, and it works well in tandem with Stealth Rock.
* Stone Edge is an alternative, which hits the common Flying-types that'd wall Hippowdon otherwise, such as Zapdos, Mega-Pinsir, and Mega Charizard-Y. Rock Slide can be used instead for more accuracy, but it doesn't unsure a OKHO on Mega Pinsir. [Move this to OO]
* Toxic can be used over Whirlwind to cripple Pokemon that Hippowdon can't touch and wear down opposing defensive Pokemons, such as Landorus-T, Tangrowth, Rotom-W, and Zapdos.

Set Details
========

* An EV spread of 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD ensures avoid getting 2HKOed by Life Orb Thundurus's Hidden Power Ice, Moonblast from Choice Scarf or Stallbreaker Tapu Lele, Modest Magnezone's Flash Cannon, Mega Metagross' Ice Punch and Giga Drain from Autotomize Celesteela while having enough physical bulk to tank a Earthquake from +2 Adamant Landorus-T, Close Combat from +2 Terrakion, and Return from +2 Mega-Pinsir. It also avoid the OKHO from Volcarona's Fire Blast at +1. mention here what hippo can do in return as well, like for example in celesteela's sentences you can add "and whirlwind it away"
* Leftovers provides Hippowdon with a source of passive recovery, which it greatly appreciates, as it allows it to avoid some 2HKOs.
* Smooth Rock can also be used to maximize the duration of sand and allows Hippowdon to support Excadrill more effectively.
* Run Sand Force if Mega Venusaur is one of your teammate, as under sand, Synthesis recover less. [move to OO]
* An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD is an option to handle physical attackers more easily while still being able to check Life Orb Tapu Koko and Life Orb Latios.

Usage Tips
========

* Hippowdon can function as a catch-all check for physical attackers that don't have super effective move for it, such as Mega Metagross, All-out-Attacker Mega Mawile, Salamence, Zygarde, and Mega Charizard-X. It can also check some Special Attackers such as unboosted Shift Gear Magearna, Tapu Koko, and Zapdos.
* Due to its low Speed stat, Hippowdon will often move last, so be sure to keep it healthy with Slack Off to check opposing Pokemon.
* Hippowdon can switch into Mega Charizard-Y to disrupt its Solar Beam and into Mega Venusaur to cripple it and reduce Synthesis recovery. mention that this kinda plays are risky and only should be made if necessary
* Hippowdon hates taking burns and Toxic poison and should avoid them at all cost to keep it able to check threats.
* Hippowdon can set Stealth Rock many times throughout the match, don't need to care about opposing Hazard Control unless Stealth Rock is decisive to win. can you please reformulate this sentence, i dont get it tbh.

Team Options
========

* Excadrill is a good teammate due to Hippowdon activating its ability, as well as being able to remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin and outspeed under sand Pokemon that threaten Hippowdon such as Greninja,[it has water shuriken] Tapu Lele, Keldeo, and Kyurem-B and beat them.
* Other Defog users such as Mega Scizor, Skarmory, Tapu Fini, and Zapdos are appreciated, as Skarmory can set Spikes and profits from Hippowdon's Electric-type immunity, Mega Scizor can pivot with U-Turn and check Tapu Bulu and Ice-types such as Weavile and Kyurem-B, Tapu Fini can prevent status with Misty Terrain and Zapdos can beat most Water-types and use Volt Switch.
* Teammates that can take Ice-, Water-, and Grass-types are appreciated. Pokemon such as Toxapex and Ferrothorn can check decently threats such as Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B and Tangrowth, as well as being able to stack Toxic Spikes and Spikes.
* Heatran can trap Water-types with Magma Storm and beat them with Bloom Doom, and can threaten most of Grass-types with its Fire-type STAB.
mention hazard control, as hippo is often to switch in and out, also mention a cleric for a more defensive team oriented.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Ice Fang is an option to deal with the likes of Salamence, Garchomp, Dragonite, Landorus-T and Zygarde. mention the downside of running this, like you must drop ww or rocks.
* Rocky Helmet can be used over Leftovers to punishes physical attackers, but the passive recovery that the Leftovers give is generally prefered.
* A Specially Defensive spread and a Careful nature can be used to handle Special Attackers such Magnezone, Gengar, Autotomize Celesteela, Latios, Magearna and Mega Charizard, but Hippowdon won't be able to check well the physical threats. However, it's outclassed by Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Chansey and Toxapex, which can fulfill this role in a better way.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Special Wallbreakers**: While Hippowdon has great physical bulk, its average Special Defense makes it vulnerable against Mega Charizard Y, Tapu Lele, Autotomize Celesteela, and Hoopa despite it's not weak to their STAB moves.

**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur can wall Hippowdon and force it out, as they resist Earthquake and and can shrug off its common coverage moves and can cripple Hippowdon with a super effective STAB move.

**Water-types**: Water-types threaten Hippowdon with their super effective STAB attacks. Offensive alike such as Manaphy, Greninja, and Keldeo can easily OKHO it but don't like taking a Earthquake, while more bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Rotom-W don't fear Earthquake and still threaten Hippowdon.

**Ice-types Attacks**: Ice-types such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Kyurem-B are able to either do considerable damage to Hippowdon or OKHO it with their STAB attacks although they cannot switch safely on Earthquake and don't like switching while Stealth Rock is setted. Ice-type attacks are also common, Protean Greninja and Magearna often run Ice Beam.
Make a section call "Residual Damage" as hippo is easily worn down by toxic/wow and hazards.
QC 1/3
 
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p2

Banned deucer.
[OVERVIEW]

* Hippowdon has a phenomenal bulk coupled to a solid typing, and has access to some good support moves in Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, and Slack Off, allowing it to act as a really good blanket check and handle some common threats such as Mega Pinsir, Rockium Z Landorus-T, Zygarde, Mega Scizor, Swords Dance Garchomp, Tapu Koko, Mega Mawile and Mega Metagross.
* Sand Stream makes it a good Pokemon to use in Sand based archetypes, and can support its offensive teammates as the chip damage can break opponent's Focus Sashes and weaken them. Sand Stream can also help to check Rain teams and Mega Charizard-Y.
* Its Ground typing makes it weak to Grass-, Water-, and Ice-types, which are very present in the tier. give examples of some common mons
* Hippowdon is very passive, it's easily shut down by Taunt and can become a setup fodder if it doesn't pack Whirlwind.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Stealth Rock damages foes every time they switch in, and is a must-have on Hippowdon. i disagree with this, it's one of its better options but it definitely works without rocks esp if you have on a teammate like tran or whatever
* Earthquake is Hippowdon's most reliable attack and offers good power.
* Slack Off provides reliable recovery for Hippowdon that, combined with its bulk, makes it hard to wear down.
* Whirlwind phazes foes and prevents Hippowdon from becoming setup fodder, and it works well in tandem with Stealth Rock.
* Stone Edge is an alternative, which hits the common Flying-types that'd wall Hippowdon otherwise, such as Zapdos, Mega-Pinsir, and Mega Charizard-Y.
* Toxic can be used over Whirlwind to cripple Pokemon that Hippowdon can't touch and wear down opposing defensive Pokemons, such as Landorus-T, Tangrowth, Rotom-W, and Zapdos.
ice fang should be mentioned here

Set Details
========

* An EV spread of 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD ensures avoid getting 2HKOed by Life Orb Thundurus's Hidden Power Ice, Moonblast from Choice Scarf or Stallbreaker Tapu Lele, Modest Magnezone's Flash Cannon, Mega Metagross' Ice Punch and Giga Drain from Autotomize Celesteela while having enough physical bulk to tank a Earthquake from +2 Adamant Landorus-T, Close Combat from +2 Terrakion, and Return from +2 Mega-Pinsir. It also avoid the OKHO from Volcarona's Fire Blast at +1. Hippowdon can phaze Celesteela and Landorus-T or retaliate with Earthquake and Stone Edge to deal huge damage.
* Leftovers provides Hippowdon with a source of passive recovery, which it greatly appreciates, as it allows it to avoid some 2HKOs.
* Smooth Rock can also be used to maximize the duration of sand and allows Hippowdon to support Excadrill more effectively.
* Run Sand Force if Mega Venusaur is one of your teammate, as under sand, Synthesis recover less.
* An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD is an option to handle physical attackers more easily while still being able to check Life Orb Tapu Koko and Life Orb Latios.

Usage Tips
========

* Hippowdon can function as a catch-all check for physical attackers that don't have super effective move for it, such as Mega Metagross, All-out-Attacker Mega Mawile, Salamence, Zygarde, and Mega Charizard-X. It can also check some Special Attackers such as unboosted Shift Gear Magearna, Tapu Koko, and Zapdos.
* Due to its low Speed stat, Hippowdon will often move last, so be sure to keep it healthy with Slack Off to check opposing Pokemon.
* Hippowdon can switch into Mega Charizard-Y to disrupt its Solar Beam and into Mega Venusaur to cripple it and reduce Synthesis recovery only if its needed.
* Hippowdon hates taking burns and Toxic poison and should avoid them at all cost to keep it able to check threats.
* Hippowdon can set Stealth Rock many times throughout the match, don't need to care about opposing Hazard Control unless Stealth Rock is decisive to win.

Team Options
========

* Excadrill is a good teammate due to Hippowdon activating its ability, as well as being able to remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin and outspeed under sand Pokemon that threaten Hippowdon such as Tapu Lele, Keldeo, and Kyurem-B and beat them.mention mega garchomp too
* Other Defog users such as Mega Scizor, Skarmory, Tapu Fini, and Zapdos are appreciated, as Skarmory can set Spikes and profits from Hippowdon's Electric-type immunity, Mega Scizor can pivot with U-Turn and check Tapu Bulu and Ice-types such as Weavile and Kyurem-B, Tapu Fini can prevent status with Misty Terrain and Zapdos can beat most Water-types and use Volt Switch. i don't get this, why is removal needed with hippowdon, i would rather you just mention stuff that actually appreciates it checking all this stuff. this definitely doesn't deserve a whole point to itself and really isnt that important, the only removal hippo really needs is tspike removal
* Teammates that can take Ice-, Water-, and Grass-types are appreciated. Pokemon such as Toxapex and Ferrothorn can check decently threats such as Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B and Tangrowth, as well as being able to stack Toxic Spikes and Spikes. mention skarm for spike stacking too
* Heatran can trap Water-types with Magma Storm and beat them with Bloom Doom, and can threaten most of Grass-types with its Fire-type STAB. why is there no section for more stuff like grasses for beating waters, why is heatran literally the only thing here for covering waters???? id advise reworking this TO a little more because a lot of it feels really off to me and some just doesn't make sense to me

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Rock Slide can be used instead of Stone Edge for more accuracy, but it doesn't unsure a OKHO on Mega Pinsir.
* Ice Fang is an option to deal with the likes of Salamence, Garchomp, Dragonite, Landorus-T and Zygarde, but it comes with the withdraw of dropping either Whirlwind or Stealth Rock, which makes Hippowdon not able to perform as well as it should do. remove this from here since i mentioned it in moves
* Rocky Helmet can be used over Leftovers to punishes physical attackers, but the passive recovery that the Leftovers give is generally prefered.
* A Specially Defensive spread and a Careful nature can be used to handle Special Attackers such Magnezone, Gengar, Autotomize Celesteela, Latios, Magearna and Mega Charizard, but Hippowdon won't be able to check well the physical threats. However, it's outclassed by Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Chansey and Toxapex, which can fulfill this role in a better way.
* Run Sand Force if Mega Venusaur is one of your teammate, as under sand, Synthesis recover less. you mentioned this in set details remove it from here

Checks and Counters
===================

**Special Wallbreakers**: While Hippowdon has great physical bulk, its average Special Defense makes it vulnerable against Mega Charizard Y, Tapu Lele, Autotomize Celesteela, and Hoopa despite it's not weak to their STAB moves.mention more things like mzam gengar and less lesser used things like hoopa/celes.

**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur can wall Hippowdon and force it out, as they resist Earthquake and and can shrug off its common coverage moves and can cripple Hippowdon with a super effective STAB move. NO TANG OR AMOONGUSS??

**Water-types**: Water-types threaten Hippowdon with their super effective STAB attacks. Offensive alike such as Manaphy, Greninja, and Keldeo can easily OKHO it but don't like taking a Earthquake, while more bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Rotom-W don't fear Earthquake and still threaten Hippowdon.

**Ice-types Attacks**: Ice-types such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Kyurem-B are able to either do considerable damage to Hippowdon or OKHO it with their STAB attacks although they cannot switch safely on Earthquake and don't like switching while Stealth Rock is setted. Ice-type attacks are also common, Protean Greninja and Magearna often run Ice Beam.

**Residual Damage**: Hippowdon is easily worn down by Status ailments such as burn and poison and entry hazard, which makes it enable to check some threats effectively.

where is excessive offensive pressure, wheres lure zmoves why is one of the most common ways of breaking down hippowdon not here?? a lot of shit like chomp or landot are capable of ripping through with zmoves/eplate, there's nothing like repeated uturn switches from koko with hazards up why??
2/3

incase i didnt cover them all, remove metagross mentions!!
 

Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon has a phenomenal bulk coupled to a solid typing, and has access to some good support moves in Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, and Slack Off, allowing it to act as a really good blanket check and handle some common threats such as Mega Pinsir, Rockium Z Landorus-T, Zygarde, Mega Scizor, Swords Dance Garchomp, Tapu Koko, Mega Mawile, and Bisharp. (cut down on a few of these please, try not to mention more than 4) Adding to that its decent ability, Sand Stream, which makes it a good Pokemon to use in Sand based archetypes, and can support its offensive teammates as the chip damage can break opponent's Focus Sashes and weaken them. Sand Stream can also help to check Rain teams (you aren't really checking rain teams more than just limiting its overall effectiveness, so just reword this please) and Mega Charizard-Y. Unfortunaly, its Ground typing makes it weak to Grass-, Water-, and Ice-types, which are very present in the tier, such as Tapu Bulu, Greninja, and Weavile. Hippowdon is very passive, it's easily shut down by Taunt and can become a setup fodder if it doesn't pack Whirlwind.
Stealth Rock damages foes every time they switch in, and is one of the best options on Hippowdon. (because why?) Earthquake is Hippowdon's most reliable attack and offers good power. (mention Pokemon it's useful for hitting, preferably ones that it checks)
Mention T-Spikes in the residual damage section of C&C.

QC 3/3
 

Winry

Super Graduate-Level Napper
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
add/fix spelling or capitalization [letter will be underlined] remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon has a phenomenal bulk coupled with to a solid typing, and has access to some good support moves in Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, and Slack Off, allowing it to act as a really good blanket check and handle some common threats such as Mega Pinsir, Zygarde, [add space] Mega Mawile, and Bisharp. Adding to that Its decent ability, Sand Stream, which makes it a good Pokemon to use in Sand-based [hyphenate] archetypes, as it allows Hippowdon to and can support its offensive teammates, [ac] as the chip damage can break opponent's Focus Sashes on opposing Pokemon [opponent = the other player] and weaken them. Sand Stream can also help to reduce the effectiveness of Rain teams and Mega Charizard- [remove hyphen] Y. Unfortunately, its Ground typing makes it weak to Grass-, Water-, and Ice-type attacks, which are used by very common Pokemon present in the tier, such as Tapu Bulu, Greninja, and Weavile. Hippowdon is also very passive; [semicolon instead of comma] it's easily shut down by Taunt and can become a setup fodder if it doesn't pack Whirlwind.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock damages foes every time they switch in, [rc] and is one of the best options on Hippowdon because of its staying power [no need to capitalize] and ability to switch in on of switch-in into a plenty of threats. Earthquake is Hippowdon's most reliable attack, as it offers good power and can, [rc] and hit hard Tapu Koko, Mega Mawile, and Nihilego hard. Slack Off provides reliable recovery for Hippowdon that, combined with its bulk, makes it hard to wear down. Whirlwind phazes foes and prevents Hippowdon from becoming setup fodder, and it works well in tandem with Stealth Rock. Stone Edge is an alternative to Whirlwind [I assume?], [rc] which that hits the common Flying-types that'd would wall Hippowdon otherwise, such as Zapdos, Mega-Pinsir, and Mega Charizard-Y. Toxic can be used over Whirlwind to cripple Pokemon that Hippowdon can't touch and wear down opposing defensive Pokemons, such as Landorus-T, Tangrowth, Rotom-W, and Zapdos. Ice Fang is an option to deal with the likes of Salamence, Garchomp, Dragonite, Landorus-T, [ac] and Zygarde, but it comes with the drawback withdraw of having to drop dropping either Whirlwind or Stealth Rock, which makes Hippowdon not able to perform as well as it should do.

Set Details
========

An EV spread of 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD ensures Hippowdon will avoid getting 2HKOed by Life Orb Thundurus's Hidden Power Ice, Moonblast from Choice Scarf or Stallbreaker Tapu Lele, Modest Magnezone's Flash Cannon, and Giga Drain from Autotomize Celesteela while having enough physical bulk to tank a Earthquake from +2 Adamant Landorus-T, Close Combat from +2 Terrakion, and Return from +2 Mega-Pinsir. This spread also allows Hippowdon to avoid being OHKOed by It also avoid the OKHO from +1 Volcarona's Fire Blast at +1. Hippowdon can phaze Celesteela and Landorus-T or retaliate with Earthquake and Stone Edge to deal huge damage. Leftovers provides Hippowdon with a source of passive recovery, which it greatly appreciates, as it allows it to avoid being 2HKOed in some situations some 2HKOs. Smooth Rock can also be used to maximize the duration of sand and it allows Hippowdon to support Excadrill more effectively. Run Sand Force if Mega Venusaur is one of your teammates, as under sand, [rc] Synthesis recover less when sand is present. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD is an option to handle physical attackers more easily while still being able to check Life Orb Tapu Koko and Life Orb Latios.

Usage Tips
========

Hippowdon can function as a catch-all check for physical attackers that don't have super effective move for it, such as Tyranitar, All-out-Attacker Mega Mawile, Salamence, Zygarde, and Mega Charizard-X. It can also check some Special Attackers such as unboosted Shift Gear Magearna, Tapu Koko, and Zapdos. Due to its low Speed stat, Hippowdon will often move last, so be sure to keep it healthy with Slack Off to check opposing Pokemon. Hippowdon can switch into Mega Charizard-Y to disrupt its Solar Beam and into Mega Venusaur to cripple it and reduce Synthesis recovery only if its needed.
Hippowdon can set up Stealth Rock many times throughout the match, so it doesn't need to worry about opposing entry hazard removers unless Stealth Rock being set up is necessary to win don't need to care about opposing Hazard Control unless Stealth Rock is decisive to win. Don't let Hippowdon be burned or poisoned, as it will interfere with its ability to check threats. Avoid taking burns and Toxic poison with Hippowdon to keep it able to check threats.

Team Options
========

Excadrill is a good teammate due to Hippowdon activating its ability; [semicolon] Excadrill can also as well as being able to remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin and outspeed under sand Pokemon that threaten Hippowdon such as Tapu Lele, Keldeo, and Kyurem-B with sand and beat them. Mega Garchomp also profits benefits from the sand, which boosts its Ground- and Rock-type moves. Grounded Poison-types such as Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Gengar can remove Toxic Spikes for Hippowdon, as well as being able to check Grass-type decently. Teammates that can take Ice-, Water-, and Grass-types are appreciated. Pokemon such as Toxapex, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn can decently check decently threats such as Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B, and Tangrowth and set up, as well as being able to stack Toxic Spikes and Spikes. Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Tangrowth can handle almost any Water-type in the tier without big troubles. Heatran is an effective lure to for Water-types, as it which can trap them with Magma Storm and beat them with Bloom Doom. [period] It and can also threaten most of Grass- and Ice-types with its Fire-type STAB moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Rock Slide can be used instead of Stone Edge for more accuracy, but it doesn't unsure an OKHO on Mega Pinsir. Rocky Helmet can be used over Leftovers to punishes physical attackers, but the passive recovery that the Leftovers give is generally preferred. A specially defensive spread and a Careful nature can be used to handle special attackers such Magnezone, Gengar, Autotomize Celesteela, Latios, Magearna and Mega Charizard Y [I assume], but Hippowdon won't be able to check physical threats well, [ac] and the physical threats. However, it's outclassed by Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Chansey and Toxapex, which can fulfill this role in a better way.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Special Wallbreakers**: While Hippowdon has great physical bulk, its average Special Defense makes it vulnerable against special attackers such as Mega Charizard Y, Tapu Lele, Gengar, Keldeo, and Mega Alakazam despite it's not being weak to their STAB moves.

**Z-Moves Users**: Strong Z-moves users such as Supersonic Skystrike Landorus-T, Devastating Drake Garchomp, and Inferno Overdrive Volcarona are the best way to break through Hippowdon.

**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Tangrowth, Amoonguss, [remove extra space] and Mega Venusaur can wall Hippowdon and force it out, as they tank Earthquake easily and can shrug off its common coverage moves. [period] They can also and can cripple Hippowdon with a super effective STAB move.

**Water-types**: Water-types threaten Hippowdon with their super effective STAB attacks. Offensive Pokemon alike such as Manaphy, Greninja, and Keldeo can easily OKHO it but don't like taking a Earthquake, while more bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Rotom-W don't fear Earthquake and still threaten Hippowdon.

**Ice-types Attacks**: Ice-types such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Kyurem-B are able to either do considerable damage to Hippowdon or OKHO it with their STAB attacks, [ac] although they cannot switch safely on Earthquake and don't like switching while Stealth Rock is setted set up. Other Pokemon that carry Ice-type include attacks are also common, [rc] Protean Greninja and Magearna often run Ice Beam.

**Offensive Pressure**: Excessive offensive pressure such as repeated switch-ins with on U-turn when entry hazards are present and hazard stack can easily wear down Hippowdon and put it in range of offensive threats such as Earth Plate Landorus-T and Swords Dance Garchomp.

**Residual Damage**: Hippowdon is easily worn down by status ailments such as burn and poison, [ac] as well as and entry hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, which makes it enable it to check some threats effectively.

1/2
As a note, I didn't think fix it every time because I could just say it here: Mega Pokemon shouldn't be hyphenated. So it should be Mega Charizard X, not Mega-Charizard X or Mega Charizard-X, and Mega Pinsir, not Mega-Pinsir, for example. I highlighted them all in green!
 

Lumari

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is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Hippowdon's has a phenomenal bulk coupled with a solid typing (RC) and has access to some good support moves in Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, and Slack Off (RC) allowing allow it to act as a really good blanket check and handle to some common threats such as Mega Pinsir, Zygarde, Mega Mawile, and Bisharp. Its decent ability (RC) Sand Stream (RC) makes it a good Pokemon to use in sand-based archetypes, as it allows Hippowdon to support its offensive teammates (RC) by weakening opposing Pokemon and breaking Focus Sashes with as the chip damage can break Focus Sashes on opposing Pokemon and weaken them. Sand Stream can also help to reduce the effectiveness of Rain rain teams and Mega Charizard Y. Unfortunately, its Hippowdon's Ground typing makes it weak to Grass-, Water-, and Ice-type attacks, which are used by very common Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Greninja, and Weavile. Hippowdon is also very passive; it's easily shut down by Taunt and can become a setup fodder if it doesn't pack Whirlwind.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock damages foes every time they switch in and is one of the best options on Hippowdon (what does this mean? Hippowdon is one of the best setters, or it's one of the best moves Hippowdon can run? if former change it to that plz, if latter just remove it because fluff and possibly work Hippowdon's positive traits into the sentence in a different way) because of its staying power and ability to switch in on plenty of threats. Earthquake is Hippowdon's most reliable attack, as it offers good power and can hit Tapu Koko, Mega Mawile, and Nihilego hard. Slack Off provides reliable recovery for Hippowdon that, combined with its bulk, makes it hard to wear down. Whirlwind phazes foes and prevents Hippowdon from becoming setup fodder, and it works well in tandem with Stealth Rock. Stone Edge is an alternative to Whirlwind that hits the common Flying-types that would wall Hippowdon otherwise, such as Zapdos, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Charizard Y. Toxic can be used over Whirlwind to cripple Pokemon that Hippowdon can't touch and wear down opposing defensive Pokemon, such as Landorus-T, Tangrowth, Rotom-W, and Zapdos. Ice Fang is an option to deal with the likes of Salamence, Garchomp, Dragonite, Landorus-T, and Zygarde, but it comes with the drawback of having to drop either Whirlwind or Stealth Rock, which makes Hippowdon not able to perform as well as it should.

Set Details
========

An EV spread of 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD ensures Hippowdon will avoid getting 2HKOed by Life Orb Thundurus's Hidden Power Ice, Moonblast from Choice Scarf or stallbreaker Tapu Lele, Modest Magnezone's Flash Cannon, and Giga Drain from Autotomize Celesteela while having enough physical bulk to tank a Earthquake from +2 Adamant Landorus-T, Close Combat from +2 Terrakion, and Return from +2 Mega Pinsir. This spread also allows Hippowdon to avoid being OHKOed by +1 Volcarona's Fire Blast. Hippowdon can phaze Celesteela and Landorus-T or retaliate with Earthquake and Stone Edge to deal huge damage. ("deal huge damage to other foes with EQ and SE"? seems to make more sense bc Cele + Lando don't take a lot from those moves) Leftovers provides Hippowdon with a source of passive recovery, which it greatly appreciates, as it allows it to avoid being 2HKOed in some situations. Smooth Rock can also be used to maximize the duration of sand and it allows Hippowdon to support Excadrill more effectively. Run Sand Force if Mega Venusaur is one of your Hippowdon's teammates, as Synthesis recover less when sand is present. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD is an option to handle physical attackers more easily while still being able to check Life Orb Tapu Koko and Life Orb Latios.

Usage Tips
========

Hippowdon can function as a catch-all check for physical attackers that don't have super effective move for it, such as Tyranitar, All-out-Attacker all-out attacker Mega Mawile, Salamence, Zygarde, and Mega Charizard X. It can also check some Special Attackers special attackers such as unboosted Shift Gear Magearna, Tapu Koko, and Zapdos. Due to its low Speed stat, Hippowdon will often move last, so be sure to keep it healthy with Slack Off to check opposing Pokemon. Hippowdon can switch into Mega Charizard Y to disrupt its Solar Beam and into Mega Venusaur to cripple it and reduce Synthesis recovery only if its needed. Hippowdon can set up Stealth Rock many times throughout the match, so it doesn't need to worry about opposing entry hazard removers unless Stealth Rock being set up is necessary to win. Don't let Hippowdon be burned or poisoned, as it will interfere with its ability to check threats.

Team Options
========

Excadrill is a good teammate due to Hippowdon activating its ability; Excadrill can also remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin and outspeed Pokemon that threaten Hippowdon such as Tapu Lele, Keldeo, and Kyurem-B with sand and beat them. Mega Garchomp also benefits from the sand, which boosts its Ground- and Rock-type moves. Grounded Poison-types such as Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Gengar can remove Toxic Spikes for Hippowdon, as well as being able to check Grass-type decently. Teammates that can take Ice-, Water-, and Grass-types are appreciated. Pokemon such as Toxapex, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn can decently check threats such as Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B, and Tangrowth and set up Toxic Spikes and Spikes. Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Tangrowth can handle almost any Water-type in the tier without trouble. Heatran is an effective lure for Water-types, as itcan it can trap them with Magma Storm and beat them with Bloom Doom. It can also threaten most Grass- and Ice-types with its Fire-type STAB moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Rock Slide can be used instead of Stone Edge for more accuracy, but it doesn't unsure an OKHO ensure an OHKO on Mega Pinsir. Rocky Helmet can be used over Leftovers to punishes physical attackers, but the passive recovery that the Leftovers give is generally preferred. A specially defensive spread and a Careful nature can be used to handle special attackers such Magnezone, Gengar, Autotomize Celesteela, Latios, Magearna, (AC) and Mega Charizard Y, but Hippowdon won't be able to check physical threats well, and it's outclassed in this role by Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Chansey and Toxapex, which can fulfill this role in a better way.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Special Wallbreakers**: While Hippowdon has great physical bulk, its average Special Defense makes it vulnerable against special attackers such as Mega Charizard Y, Tapu Lele, Gengar, Keldeo, and Mega Alakazam despite it not being weak to their STAB moves.

**Z-Moves Users**: Strong Z-Move users such as Supersonic Skystrike Landorus-T, Devastating Drake Garchomp, and Inferno Overdrive Volcarona are the best way ways to break through Hippowdon.

**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Tangrowth, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur can wall Hippowdon and force it out, as they tank Earthquake easily and can shrug off its common coverage moves. They can also cripple Hippowdon with a super effective STAB move.

**Water-types**: Water-types threaten Hippowdon with their super effective STAB attacks. Offensive Pokemon such as Manaphy, Greninja, and Keldeo can easily OKHO it but don't like taking a Earthquake, while more bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Rotom-W don't fear Earthquake and still threaten Hippowdon.

**Ice-type Attacks**: Ice-types such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Kyurem-B are able to either do considerable damage to Hippowdon or OKHO OHKO it with their STAB attacks, although they cannot switch safely on Earthquake and don't like switching while Stealth Rock is set up. Other Pokemon that carry Ice-type include Protean Greninja and Magearna.

**Offensive Pressure**: Excessive offensive pressure such as repeated switch-ins with having it switch into U-turn repeatedly when entry hazards are present can easily wear down Hippowdon and put it in range of offensive threats such as Earth Plate Landorus-T and Swords Dance Garchomp.

**Residual Damage**: Hippowdon is easily worn down by status ailments such as burn and poison, as well as entry hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, which enable it to check some threats effectively. (not sure what the relevancy of this is? Hippo is the one being checked here)
 
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