passed from s_aman for merging sets (this is my first analysis involvement, forgive me if I've made any horrible mistakes)
Original Thread
Overview
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Hippowdon is one of the best mixed walls in the game, checking some of the metagame's most prominent threats such as Aegislash, Talonflame, and Garchomp. It has everything a wall could want; good typing, great bulk, and reliable recovery. It also has good supporting options in Stealth Rock and Whirlwind, and is useful on sand teams due to its ability, Sand Stream. Its attacks also pack quite a punch for a defensive Pokemon. However, it is painfully slow and has common weaknesses to Water- and Ice-type moves. It also has to rely on Whirlwind to stop setup sweepers, making it somewhat easy to wear down Hippowdon.
Specially Defensive
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name: Mixed Wall
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Whirlwind / Toxic / Stone Edge
ability: Sand Stream / Sand force
item: Leftovers
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 184 SpD
Moves
========
Earthquake is a strong STAB attack that deters frail sweepers from setting up on Hippowdon. Stealth Rock is a great support move and Hippowdon is very good at setting it up due to its great bulk. Slack Off provides reliable recovery making it more difficult to wear it down. The last slot depends on what your team needs, as all can benefit you depending on your build. Whirlwind gets rid of your opponent's stat boosts while racking up entry hazard damage and it is Hippowdon's best chance against bulkier set-up sweepers like Mega Scizor. Toxic is a great move on Hippowdon that cripples opposing walls and defoggers who want to switch in such as Mandibuzz, Rotom-W, Zapdos, Mew, and Latios, while also making it easier for teammates to sweep. Stone Edge is excellent on bulky offense teams for an offensive approach and should be used with the alternate EV Spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD if you need to OHKO Mega Pinsir, Char Y, and Talonflame, while also doing hefty damage to Thundurus. Rock Slide can be used in place of Stone Edge for reliable chip damage as it breaks Air Balloon and also damages Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Pinsir, although it does not ensure OHKO's.
Set Details
========
This spread gives Hippowdon enough special bulk to reliably deal with Aegislash, Mega Manectric and avoids the 2HKO from LO Thundurus-I, while simultaneously surviving a LO Terrakion Close Combat. It can also function as a catch all check for attackers from both sides of the spectrum such as Talonflame, Garchomp, non CB Dragonite, Bisharp, and Gengar. He can come in on Char Y to disrupt Solarbeam, but does not avoid the 2HKO from Fire Blast in or out of sun. Leftovers is used to provide passive recovery which could mean the difference between an OHKO or 2HKO. Sand Stream is the preferred ability as it lets Hippowdown disrupt opposing weather and double Excadrill's speed, although Sand Force can be used if Sand Stream is detrimental to rest of your team. Smooth Rock with Sand Stream, which extends the number of Sand turns to 8, can be used to provide a sweeping opportunity for Sand Rush Excadrill who absolutely loves the sand Hippowdon provides, or to give a boost to Mega Garchomp's Earthquake and Stone Edge.
A spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD allows Hippowdon to still take 2 shadow balls from max spA Aegislash, while avoiding the 2HKO from unboosted M-Pinsir Returns, or one at +2, while OHKO'ing with Stone Edge. A spread of 252 HP / 252+ Def gives Hippowdon the bulk to take on Mega Pinsir and Charizard X, while also being more impenetrable to physical attackers such as Garchomp, Excadrill and Terrakion.
Usage Tips
========
Try to keep Hippowdon as healthy as possible if there is a Pokemon on the opposing team that can be checked by Hippowdon, as its low Speed often forces it to take 2 hits before it can fire off an attack. Keep in mind that Hippowdon can set up Stealth Rock several times, so you don't have to worry too much about Defog or Rapid Spin. Thanks to its naturally high Defense stat, it can take weaker physical attacks easily. If you see a Pokemon that is badly affected by sandstorm on the opposing team, such as Chansey or Mega Venusaur, always try to take advantage of it.
Team Options
========
Hippowdon appreciates teammates that can take on special attackers easily, such as Chansey and Latias, as he is primarialy a physical check. The former can also rid Hippowdon of any status effect that it might have been inflicted with, while the latter can use Defog to support the team.
A way of controlling entry hazards on your side, such as Defog, is appreciated as Hippowdon can potentially be 2HKOed by taking entry hazard damage followed by two hits from the opponent. Latias and Mega Scizor are good candidates, having solid synergy with Hippowdon. Hippowdon also appreciates teammates that can switch into Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type attacks aimed at it, such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur. Hippowdon in return can check Talonflame and Mega Pinsir who threaten Mega Venusaur. If you are using Mega Venusaur, be sure to use Sand Force as Hippowdon's ability as Sand Stream reduces Synthesis recovery. Ferrothorn can also lay Spikes, which can quickly wear down the opponent in conjunction with Stealth Rock, sand, and Whirlwind. Rotom-W also makes a great defensive teammate, as it can take Water- and Ice-type attacks for Hippowdon. The sand Hippowdon brings is excellent on more defensive teams for powering up Excadrill, who becomes a fearsome sweeper and wallbreaker with his ability Sand Rush, as well as providing an extra speedy rapid spin. Mega Aerodactyl is a good partner as the sand bolsters his Special Defense, allowing him to either sweep more effectively or become tanky on both sides with his bulky build. Mega Garchomp also appreciates the boost as his Earthquakes and Stone Edges become even stronger.
Other Options
########
A spread of 252 HP / 252+ SpD can be used to deal with Charizard Y, as Hippowdon can take 2 Fire Blasts from full health in Sand, or disrupt a predicted Solar Beam with Sand Stream, which is the only ability that should be used with this spread. It can also handle LO/Spooky Plate Aegislash, LO Lati@s, and LO Thundurus. Ice Fang can be used on either set to hit Garchomp and other pokemon weak to Ice for heavy damage, but it is very weak otherwise and it is generally better to use Toxic or Whirlwind. Stone Edge is an option if you are not running Sand Stream and your team struggles against Mega Pinsir. An offensive set can be used due to its good offensive movepool but compromising with Hippowdon's bulk is not a good option.
Checks & Counters
########
**Water-types** Almost all common Water-types, such as Azumarill, Gyarados, Mega Gyarados, Keldeo, and Rotom-W force Hippowdon out with their respective STAB moves, while Hippowdon can't do much to them in return.
**Grass-types** Grass-types such as Breloom, Mega Venusaur, and Ferrothorn can easily switch into Hippowdon and hit back hard with their respective STAB moves. Breloom can Spore and proceed to set up with Swords Dance, while Mega Venusaur can use Leech Seed or deal heavy damage with Giga Drain, and Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards.
**Powerful Special Attackers** Strong special attackers such as Choice Specs Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y can break through Hippowdon with strong special attacks.
**Ice-types** Common Ice-types like Kyurem-B can easily KO Hippowdon with their respective STAB moves, although most of them have to be wary of switching into Rock Slide.
**Opposing Hazard Setters** Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Deoxys-D can setup hazards, while Hippowdon can't do anything to them in return besides phazing them out.
**Status and Taunt** Toxic and Will-O-Wisp are very detrimental to Hippowdon, slowly wearing it down so that a strong attacker can overwhelm it. Since most taunt users, such as Prankster Thundurus and Mandibuzz, are faster than Hippowdown, they can stop him from setting up rocks, healing, or spreading status.
**Trick and Switcheroo** Trick and Switcheroo users can cripple Hippowdon for the rest of the match as it can't wall opposing threats if it is locked into one move.
Original Thread
Overview
########
Hippowdon is one of the best mixed walls in the game, checking some of the metagame's most prominent threats such as Aegislash, Talonflame, and Garchomp. It has everything a wall could want; good typing, great bulk, and reliable recovery. It also has good supporting options in Stealth Rock and Whirlwind, and is useful on sand teams due to its ability, Sand Stream. Its attacks also pack quite a punch for a defensive Pokemon. However, it is painfully slow and has common weaknesses to Water- and Ice-type moves. It also has to rely on Whirlwind to stop setup sweepers, making it somewhat easy to wear down Hippowdon.
Specially Defensive
########
name: Mixed Wall
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Whirlwind / Toxic / Stone Edge
ability: Sand Stream / Sand force
item: Leftovers
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 184 SpD
Moves
========
Earthquake is a strong STAB attack that deters frail sweepers from setting up on Hippowdon. Stealth Rock is a great support move and Hippowdon is very good at setting it up due to its great bulk. Slack Off provides reliable recovery making it more difficult to wear it down. The last slot depends on what your team needs, as all can benefit you depending on your build. Whirlwind gets rid of your opponent's stat boosts while racking up entry hazard damage and it is Hippowdon's best chance against bulkier set-up sweepers like Mega Scizor. Toxic is a great move on Hippowdon that cripples opposing walls and defoggers who want to switch in such as Mandibuzz, Rotom-W, Zapdos, Mew, and Latios, while also making it easier for teammates to sweep. Stone Edge is excellent on bulky offense teams for an offensive approach and should be used with the alternate EV Spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD if you need to OHKO Mega Pinsir, Char Y, and Talonflame, while also doing hefty damage to Thundurus. Rock Slide can be used in place of Stone Edge for reliable chip damage as it breaks Air Balloon and also damages Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Pinsir, although it does not ensure OHKO's.
Set Details
========
This spread gives Hippowdon enough special bulk to reliably deal with Aegislash, Mega Manectric and avoids the 2HKO from LO Thundurus-I, while simultaneously surviving a LO Terrakion Close Combat. It can also function as a catch all check for attackers from both sides of the spectrum such as Talonflame, Garchomp, non CB Dragonite, Bisharp, and Gengar. He can come in on Char Y to disrupt Solarbeam, but does not avoid the 2HKO from Fire Blast in or out of sun. Leftovers is used to provide passive recovery which could mean the difference between an OHKO or 2HKO. Sand Stream is the preferred ability as it lets Hippowdown disrupt opposing weather and double Excadrill's speed, although Sand Force can be used if Sand Stream is detrimental to rest of your team. Smooth Rock with Sand Stream, which extends the number of Sand turns to 8, can be used to provide a sweeping opportunity for Sand Rush Excadrill who absolutely loves the sand Hippowdon provides, or to give a boost to Mega Garchomp's Earthquake and Stone Edge.
A spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD allows Hippowdon to still take 2 shadow balls from max spA Aegislash, while avoiding the 2HKO from unboosted M-Pinsir Returns, or one at +2, while OHKO'ing with Stone Edge. A spread of 252 HP / 252+ Def gives Hippowdon the bulk to take on Mega Pinsir and Charizard X, while also being more impenetrable to physical attackers such as Garchomp, Excadrill and Terrakion.
Usage Tips
========
Try to keep Hippowdon as healthy as possible if there is a Pokemon on the opposing team that can be checked by Hippowdon, as its low Speed often forces it to take 2 hits before it can fire off an attack. Keep in mind that Hippowdon can set up Stealth Rock several times, so you don't have to worry too much about Defog or Rapid Spin. Thanks to its naturally high Defense stat, it can take weaker physical attacks easily. If you see a Pokemon that is badly affected by sandstorm on the opposing team, such as Chansey or Mega Venusaur, always try to take advantage of it.
Team Options
========
Hippowdon appreciates teammates that can take on special attackers easily, such as Chansey and Latias, as he is primarialy a physical check. The former can also rid Hippowdon of any status effect that it might have been inflicted with, while the latter can use Defog to support the team.
A way of controlling entry hazards on your side, such as Defog, is appreciated as Hippowdon can potentially be 2HKOed by taking entry hazard damage followed by two hits from the opponent. Latias and Mega Scizor are good candidates, having solid synergy with Hippowdon. Hippowdon also appreciates teammates that can switch into Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type attacks aimed at it, such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur. Hippowdon in return can check Talonflame and Mega Pinsir who threaten Mega Venusaur. If you are using Mega Venusaur, be sure to use Sand Force as Hippowdon's ability as Sand Stream reduces Synthesis recovery. Ferrothorn can also lay Spikes, which can quickly wear down the opponent in conjunction with Stealth Rock, sand, and Whirlwind. Rotom-W also makes a great defensive teammate, as it can take Water- and Ice-type attacks for Hippowdon. The sand Hippowdon brings is excellent on more defensive teams for powering up Excadrill, who becomes a fearsome sweeper and wallbreaker with his ability Sand Rush, as well as providing an extra speedy rapid spin. Mega Aerodactyl is a good partner as the sand bolsters his Special Defense, allowing him to either sweep more effectively or become tanky on both sides with his bulky build. Mega Garchomp also appreciates the boost as his Earthquakes and Stone Edges become even stronger.
Other Options
########
A spread of 252 HP / 252+ SpD can be used to deal with Charizard Y, as Hippowdon can take 2 Fire Blasts from full health in Sand, or disrupt a predicted Solar Beam with Sand Stream, which is the only ability that should be used with this spread. It can also handle LO/Spooky Plate Aegislash, LO Lati@s, and LO Thundurus. Ice Fang can be used on either set to hit Garchomp and other pokemon weak to Ice for heavy damage, but it is very weak otherwise and it is generally better to use Toxic or Whirlwind. Stone Edge is an option if you are not running Sand Stream and your team struggles against Mega Pinsir. An offensive set can be used due to its good offensive movepool but compromising with Hippowdon's bulk is not a good option.
Checks & Counters
########
**Water-types** Almost all common Water-types, such as Azumarill, Gyarados, Mega Gyarados, Keldeo, and Rotom-W force Hippowdon out with their respective STAB moves, while Hippowdon can't do much to them in return.
**Grass-types** Grass-types such as Breloom, Mega Venusaur, and Ferrothorn can easily switch into Hippowdon and hit back hard with their respective STAB moves. Breloom can Spore and proceed to set up with Swords Dance, while Mega Venusaur can use Leech Seed or deal heavy damage with Giga Drain, and Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards.
**Powerful Special Attackers** Strong special attackers such as Choice Specs Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y can break through Hippowdon with strong special attacks.
**Ice-types** Common Ice-types like Kyurem-B can easily KO Hippowdon with their respective STAB moves, although most of them have to be wary of switching into Rock Slide.
**Opposing Hazard Setters** Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Deoxys-D can setup hazards, while Hippowdon can't do anything to them in return besides phazing them out.
**Status and Taunt** Toxic and Will-O-Wisp are very detrimental to Hippowdon, slowly wearing it down so that a strong attacker can overwhelm it. Since most taunt users, such as Prankster Thundurus and Mandibuzz, are faster than Hippowdown, they can stop him from setting up rocks, healing, or spreading status.
**Trick and Switcheroo** Trick and Switcheroo users can cripple Hippowdon for the rest of the match as it can't wall opposing threats if it is locked into one move.
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