NFE Mienfood (PhysDef Pivot) (Mienfoo) @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- High Jump Kick
- U-turn
- Poison Jab
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Optional Move(s):
- Bounce
- Bulk Up
- Fake Out
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
Optional Item(s):
- Choice Band
- Flyinium Z
Optional Ability:
- Reckless
Optional EV/IV(s):
- N/A
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Overview: Mienfoo finds its niche as a unique pivot, thanks to its ability Regenerator and great utility moves such as U-turn and Knock Off. Regenerator provides Mienfoo with instant recovery when switching out. Mienfoo is blessed with good coverage that allows it to hit the metagame unresisted. However, due to its poor defensive stats, bad defensive typing, and heavy competition from the likes of Machoke, Mienfoo is relegated to a niche pick on most teams.
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Choice Scarf: Choice Scarf Mienfoo outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame and can cripple many of its counters with Knock Off or can provide momentum via U-turn. High Jump Kick is Mienfoo's best STAB attack which hits Dark- and Steel-types such as Pawniard, Klang, Krokorok, and Ferroseed for super effective damage and even hits neutral targets hard. U-turn can gain momentum from Mienfoo's common switch-ins such as Clefairy, Mareanie, Togetic, and Tangela. Knock Off helps to cripple the aforementioned switch-ins and adds further utility to Mienfoo. It also hits frailer Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Kadabra, Haunter, and Misdreavus. Drain Punch allows Mienfoo to damage the opposing Pokemon whilst also gaining immediate recovery. This increases Mienfoo’s longevity, allowing it to more reliably pivot throughout a battle.
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PhysDef Pivot: Physically defensive Mienfoo is able to outspeed the likes of Machoke and Metang whilst also maintaining a defensive presence as a pivot. The main focus of this set is to pivot in and out of a battle and cripple switch-ins with Knock Off and High Jump Kick for teammates to break through. This set is able to check common physical threats such as Pawniard, Marshtomp, and Krokorok.
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Checks and Counters: Physical walls like Clefairy, Staravia, Togetic, Quilladin, and Tangela can reliably switch into Mienfoo’s attacks, although they dislike having their Eviolite removed. Ghost-types, such as Misdreavus and Dusclops, are immune to its STAB High Jump Kick and can make Mienfoo take recoil damage. They can also cripple Mienfoo with a burn, although they have to be wary of Knock Off. Faster Choice Scarf users such as Haunter and Torracat can easily revenge kill Choice Scarf Mienfoo with their powerful STAB moves. Entry hazards also severely limit Mienfoo’s ability to reliably pivot. Faster offensive threats such as Focus Sash Kadabra can also revenge kill both sets. The bulky Mienfoo set is fairly weak and can be chipped down by bulky Pokemon which can tank hits from it.
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