Many trainers see Swoobat as Crobat’s slower, less versatile cousin from Generation V. Don’t let popular opinion fool you though! If Swoobat is implemented in the right way it can be a monstrous powerhouse, capable of eliminating almost any opponent single-handed (or winged).
At first glance, Swoobat is nothing special. It’s pretty darn fast, but its offensive and defensive stats are mediocre at best. Its Psychic/Flying typing isn’t particularly helpful either with five weaknesses and three resistances. So, why am I harping on Swoobat’s viability? Its Hidden Ability is Simple.
Simple doubles the effects of any stat changes made to the Pokémon with this ability. If Swoobat uses Amnesia its Special Defense is raised four stages instead of two. If Swoobat uses Calm Mind both its Special Attack and Special Defense are raised two stages instead of one.
This opens the playing field to a long list of creative strategies for Swoobat because items that cause stat changes have the same doubling effect. If Swoobat eats a Kee Berry its Defense is raised two stages instead of one. If Swoobat holds a Weakness Policy both its Attack and Special Attack are raised four stages instead of two!
If that wasn’t enough Swoobat can learn Stored Power as an Egg Move. Stored Power is a base 20 Psychic move that gains power in increments of 20 per stat increase. Once Weakness Policy is activated, Swoobat is packing a 180 base STAB attack. Your enemies had better hope they’re wearing a Focus Sash!
Speechless? Frozen at the prospect of this much power?? Here is a sample moveset to help you start wrecking shop.
Swoobat @ Weakness Policy
Simple, Bold
252 HP, 252 Def, 4 SpA
Stored Power
Air Cutter
Protect
Amnesia
This set’s Defense is fully invested. Use Amnesia to super boost Swoobat’s Special Defense. The key to the success of this set though is its teammate. Teach this Pokémon Fling and give it a Salac Berry to hold. Have it use Fling on Swoobat. Swoobat will eat the berry to boost its speed AND Fling will activate Swoobat’s Weakness Policy! Berries make Fling a base 20 move, so it will inflict minimal damage to Swoobat. Take things a step further and choose a partner for Swoobat with the Unburden ability. This Pokémon’s speed will be boosted once it looses its held berry.
Swoobat isn’t a bad support Pokémon either. Here are a couple sample sets that allows Swoobat to help out its friends.
Swoobat @ Lum Berry
Simple, Timid, 0 Att IVs
252 HP, 4 Def, 252 Sp
Super Fang
Skill Swap
Protect
Taunt
Swoobat @ Focus Sash
Simple, Timid, 0 Att IVs
4 HP, 252 SpA, 252 Sp
Psychic
Skill Swap
Helping Hand
Tailwind
Swoobat has access to Skill Swap, which is proving to be very useful in VGC 2016. With Primal Weather wars rampant, Swoobat can use Skill Swap to reset the weather in your favor and give your Primal Groudon or Kyogre the Simple ability for their own stat boosts. You can even give Simple to Xerneas for the ultimate Geomancy.
Before you get carried away with visions of sweeping entire teams, you should know that strategies with Simple are not perfect. Trainers rarely take the time to boost their stats in VGC for a reason. The possibility of getting knocked out or flinched while trying to setup is pretty big. Not to mention, Simple doubles the effects of stat deductions as well.
Swoobat’s Hidden Ability offers it a unique role to play in VGC. With the right support and a smart trainer, Swoobat can rival the the most powerful legendary Pokémon in the game. Train on, everybody!
Señor Sableye
