RU Hoopa

teachable

Banned deucer.

[OVERVIEW]

Hoopa is a powerful wallbreaker, possessing the highest Special Attack stat of any Pokemon in the RU tier with a movepool well-suited to taking advantage of it. Thanks to useful coverage moves such as Shadow Ball, Psyshock, and Focus Blast, it is able to 2HKO the majority of the tier. Base 130 Special Defense combined with a decent HP stat gives Hoopa considerable special bulk, allowing Hoopa to be an effective offensive pivot against neutral special hits. Its Ghost typing further solidifies its niche as an offensive spinblocker for hazard stacking teams. While Hoopa's typing provides it with a great STAB combination, it unfortunately plagues it with 4x weaknesses to Ghost and Dark. This means that moves such as Pursuit and Sucker Punch make its job much harder, with the former OHKOing it most of the time even when it stays in. Hoopa is severely lacking in physical bulk and Speed, meaning it will have a tough time doing its job against teams with fast or physical threats. Furthermore, Hoopa faces tough competition for a team slot with other Ghost-types; Dhelmise is capable of fulfilling a similar wallbreaking role, while Mismagius is able to run a similar Nasty Plot set but possesses a superior Speed stat.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Timid
evs: 248 SpA / 8 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Shadow Ball is a powerful STAB move that also allows Hoopa to hit Psychic- and Ghost-types hard. Focus Blast is primarily for Dark-types such as Umbreon, which resist Hoopa's STAB moves, but allows it to heavily damage Steel-types like Registeel as well. Nasty Plot allows Hoopa to boost its Special Attack to absurd levels, letting it muscle past walls such as Florges or potentially sweep when behind a Substitute. Substitute eases prediction and allows Hoopa to circumvent its low Speed. Substitute can also be used to avoid status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave from walls such as Florges, Bronzong, and Registeel. Psyshock is an alternative option over Nasty Plot for Hoopa that'll allow it to still hurt special walls such as Florges, Mantine, and Snorlax while preventing Bulletproof Pokemon such as Chesnaught and Kommo-o from walling non-Z-Move Hoopa.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread of 248 SpA / 252 Spe / 8 SpD allows Hoopa to fully capitalize on its offensive prowess while being as fast as possible to maximize the chance it can move first. 8 EVs are placed in Special Defence to ensure +2 Salazzle will never be able to OHKO Hoopa. Ghostium Z is the primary item choice, as Never-Ending Nightmare enables Hoopa to both muscle through defensive walls with or without a boost and prevent itself from being walled by Pokemon with the ability Bulletproof. Life Orb is an alternative if Z-Moves are already being used by your team, as it further enhances Hoopa's damage output while still allowing it the freedom to make use of its coverage moves. A Timid nature is chosen to outspeed neutral-natured Honchkrow, Venusaur, Stoutland, and other base 80 Speed Pokemon; Modest can be chosen if outspeeding these threats is not important and you want Hoopa to hit harder. Notably, a Modest nature allows +2 Hoopa to double its chances of OHKOing Umbreon. Fightinium Z is an option that will allow Hoopa to hit very hard and avoid risking a miss with Focus Blast. In addition to OHKOing Umbreon 100% of the time at +2, it notably allows +2 Hoopa to score a KO on Meloetta, which would otherwise check Hoopa.

Usage Tips
========

Thanks to Hoopa's special bulk, it can be utilized as a switch-in for specially offensive threats such as Venusaur, Rotom, Gardevoir, and more. However, due to its lack of recovery, Hoopa should not be recklessly switched in; repeated special attacks or unexpected Choice Specs attackers could leave Hoopa with large damage it cannot heal off. With the ability to use Substitute to avoid status conditions, Hoopa also functions amazingly versus walls such as Florges, Registeel, Bronzong, Mantine, and Pyukumuku. Care must be taken with switching straight into these Pokemon, however, as Hoopa does not appreciate the status conditions it can receive when predicted. When the opposing team contains potential Pursuit trappers such as Escavalier, Snorlax, Zoroark, Aerodactyl, and Stoutland, Hoopa should ideally not be brought in until they are eliminated. Substitute should be prioritized before attacking. This is both to prevent getting Pursuit trapped and to ease prediction, as Hoopa tends to force switches. While spinblocking, it is important to scout for or predict moves such as Donphan's Knock Off and Dhelmise's Shadow Claw, as these moves will OHKO Hoopa and allow them to use Rapid Spin freely. If utilizing any Z-Move, it is important to remember that it can only be used once, so care should be taken that the foe it is used on does not have Protect or a partner that is immune to it. Due to its poor Defense, Hoopa should avoid staying in against strong physical attackers.

Team Options
========

Bulkier teams utilizing Spikes stackers such as Roserade and Chesnaught appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Hoopa greatly benefits from having the support of Fighting-types like Bewear, Kommo-o and Toxicroak to both tank Dark-type attacks aimed at Hoopa and eliminate Dark- and Normal-types that prevent it from being able to utilize its STAB moves. Teammates that can sponge strong physical hits such as Gligar, Diancie, Doublade, and Rhyperior are appreciated. Shuckle and Galvantula are able to aid Hoopa in circumventing its mediocre Speed with their usage of Sticky Web. Hoopa in turn is able to protect the Sticky Web its teammates place from opposing Rapid Spin users. Due to lack of recovery and low physical bulk, Hoopa enjoys having teammates such as Flygon, Gligar, Whimsicott, and Rotom bring it in via Volt Switch or U-turn.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magician
nature: Timid
evs: 248 SpA / 8 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Shadow Ball is Hoopa's primary STAB option, as only Normal- and Dark-types switch into it easily. Psyshock is another strong STAB move that allows Hoopa to hurt specially defensive Pokemon such as Florges and Normal-types such as Snorlax. Focus Blast allows Hoopa to threaten Dark-types such as Umbreon, which would otherwise wall Hoopa. Trick allows Hoopa to severely disadvantage walls by passing them a Choice Specs.

Set Details
========

The EV spread along with a Timid nature maximizes Hoopa's offensive potential and allows it to outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon such as neutral natured Venusaur and Honchkrow. Choice Specs further boosts Hoopa's monstrous Special Attack stat, allowing it to blast through walls with the correct move choice.

Usage Tips
========

Hoopa's special bulk means it can be utilized as a switch-in for specially offensive threats such as Venusaur, Rotom, Gardevoir, and more. However, due to its lack of recovery, Hoopa should not be recklessly switched in; repeated special attacks or unexpected Choice Specs attackers could leave Hoopa with large damage it cannot heal off. Hoopa's primary STAB option is dependent on what immunities the opposing team has. If the opposing team has both a Dark-type and a Normal-type, predict carefully when choosing what move to utilize; it should otherwise primarily use whichever STAB move hits every foe. Try to preserve Hoopa until Pursuit trappers such as Zoroark, Snorlax, and Stoutland are removed, as this will both remove a lot of pressure from Hoopa and allow it to have more freedom with move selection.

Team Options
========

Bulkier teams utilizing Spikes stackers such as Roserade and Chesnaught appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Hoopa greatly appreciates having the support of Fighting-types like Bewear, Kommo-o and Toxicroak to both tank Dark-type attacks aimed at Hoopa and eliminate Dark- and Normal-types that prevent it from being able to utilize its STAB moves. Fairy-types such as Florges, Gardevoir, Diancie, and Comfey can make swift work of Dark-types as well. Gligar, Diancie, Doublade, and Rhyperior can sponge strong physical hits commonly sent towards Hoopa. Shuckle and Galvantula are able to aid Hoopa in circumventing its mediocre Speed with their usage of Sticky Web. Hoopa in turn is able to protect the Sticky Web its teammates place from opposing Rapid Spin users. Pokemon that can use the holes created by Hoopa to clean up, such as Sharpedo and Choice Specs Espeon, make good teammates.

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

Due to its mediocre Speed stat, Hoopa is capable of utilizing Trick Room to turn the tides on faster offensive teams. It also functions well as a Trick Room setter and attacker on a dedicated Trick Room team. Hyperspace Hole is a unique Psychic-type STAB option for Hoopa, allowing it to punish Wish + Protect strategies. A Choice Scarf set with the same moveset as the Choice Specs set is an option, as it can still hit very hard thanks to its massive Special Attack. Hoopa learns many alternate filler moves, notably including Toxic and Taunt, which can be used against stall or setup sweepers, and Knock Off and Destiny Bond for general utility.

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

**Pursuit**: A 4x Dark-type weakness means any use of Pursuit will most likely result in an OHKOed Hoopa. Notably, Assault Vest Escavalier is is able to switch into any unboosted hit and trap Hoopa with Pursuit. Other Pokemon to watch out for that may carry Pursuit include Zoroark, Honchkrow, Snorlax, Aerodactyl, Stoutland, and Sneasel.

**Sucker Punch**: Similar to Pursuit, even non-STAB users of Sucker Punch like Emboar will most likely OHKO Hoopa. Pokemon that may have Sucker Punch include Honchkrow, Emboar, Toxicroak, and Zoroark.

**Physical Attacks**: Lackluster Defense means Hoopa will not be able to take strong physical hits, even if they are not super effective.

**Ghost-types**: Any Ghost-type carrying a STAB move can make quick work of Hoopa thanks to its 4x weakness to Ghost. Notable mention goes to Doublade, which can revenge kill Hoopa with Shadow Sneak and switch into any non-Ghost-type move from Hoopa.

**Dark-types**: Any Dark-type move user, such as any Pokemon running Knock Off or Foul Play, can make quick work of Hoopa.

**Paralysis**: Hoopa relies on its Speed to do its job well, so try to avoid staying in on or switching into Pokemon that are likely to induce paralysis.
 
Last edited:

MrAldo

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- On the overview mention competition with other ghost-types. Mention stuff like Dhelmise on the wallbreaker department, and mismagius with the whole nasty plot thing and the extra speed which is important.

- I think it is better to exchange places with Ghostium and Fightium-Z. Put Ghostium-Z on the slash with life orb and then mention fightium-Z on set details.

- On Usage Tips for both sets it should mention that while it can pivot into many special attackers, the user needs to be aware to not be so reckless about that since it lacks recovery, many special attackers can at worst 3hko so one has to scout if the special attacker is running specs or something.

- Some phrases on team options for the substitute attacker set are really vague. "Hoopa fits onto bulkier or balanced teams that are seeking a potential spinblocker for hazard stacking or a solid wallbreaker" Team options should be more specific. Why would bulkier and balanced teams look for a potential spinblocker? Spikes. If so, you mention good spike setters that pair well with it. Chesnaught, Roserade, etc. Can take chesnaught from the next paragraph to give it an important mention here.

- Same deal with the sticky web bit. Mention the sticky web setters themselves. Shuckle and Galvantula should be mentioned there.

- Remove that calm mind bit between the team options and checks and counters section.

QC 1/3 once implemented.
 

ManOfMany

I can make anything real
is a Tiering Contributor
Is there any reason why the first set isn't just Nasty Plot? Hoopa's whole reason for existing is for busting through defensive teams, and Nasty Plot allows you to do exactly that without unecessary mindgames, predicts, or hax. Once you Nasty Plot, you reliably break through Umbreon, Mantine, Milotic, Florges, Snorlax, or whatever else is trying to take you on. And it's not like you lose any coverage by adding it to your set.

The set would look something like this:

Nasty Plot
Shadow Ball
Focus Blast
Psychic / Substitute

with Psyshock in moves (it isn't an absolute necessity when you can already hit special walls very hard and Psychic hits much harder in general).
 

MrAldo

Hey
is a Social Media Contributoris a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Is there any reason why the first set isn't just Nasty Plot? Hoopa's whole reason for existing is for busting through defensive teams, and Nasty Plot allows you to do exactly that without unecessary mindgames, predicts, or hax. Once you Nasty Plot, you reliably break through Umbreon, Mantine, Milotic, Florges, Snorlax, or whatever else is trying to take you on. And it's not like you lose any coverage by adding it to your set.

The set would look something like this:

Nasty Plot
Shadow Ball
Focus Blast
Psychic / Substitute

with Psyshock in moves (it isn't an absolute necessity when you can already hit special walls very hard and Psychic hits much harder in general).
Because on a "discovering your niche" standpoint, substitute is the move that actually defines hoopa niche over something like mismagius. Despite Hoopa gargantuous SpA stat, mismagius speed tier makes the difference when you compare both as nasty plot users. However, when you add substitute to the equation it becomes a more appealing choice thanks to its notable bulk and perfect neutral coverage.

And the way you formatted the set would imply that nasty plot + 3 attacks hoopa is a thing and that honestly isnt the case.
 

ManOfMany

I can make anything real
is a Tiering Contributor
Because on a "discovering your niche" standpoint, substitute is the move that actually defines hoopa niche over something like mismagius. Despite Hoopa gargantuous SpA stat, mismagius speed tier makes the difference when you compare both as nasty plot users. However, when you add substitute to the equation it becomes a more appealing choice thanks to its notable bulk and perfect neutral coverage.

And the way you formatted the set would imply that nasty plot + 3 attacks hoopa is a thing and that honestly isnt the case.
I'm gonna have to disagree strongly on this one, MrAldo. Hoopa already has a niche over Mismagius, and that has nothing to do with whether or not it is running Nasty Plot. That logic doesn't make sense to me at all. It would be like saying that Calm Mind Florges should not be run because Calm Mind Reuniclus was a superior pokemon. The niche is being strong as shit, whereas Mismagius is fast but can struggle with power at times. If you wanted Hoopa on a team, it would be because of the immediate power it provides, because the rest of the team most likely lacks a hard-hitting mon to punch holes. Nasty Plot is just an additional bonus, but it's extremely helpful and there is no reason not to run it. Without Nasty Plot, you are unable to reliably break through Umbreon, Milotic, Mantine, Florges, and Porygon 2. That is a big deal. Are you telling me you really want the wallbreaker/powerhitter that you put on your team to be unable to break through these pokemon. If so, what is the point of even putting Hoopa on your team if you cannot maximize its capabilities?

252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Umbreon: 229-270 (58.1 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Hoopa Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Umbreon: 176-208 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- 82.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Hoopa Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 120 Def Milotic: 153-181 (38.8 - 45.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 120 Def Milotic: 199-235 (50.5 - 59.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 248+ Def Mantine: 172-203 (46.3 - 54.7%) -- 6.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Mantine: 142-168 (38.2 - 45.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Florges: 173-204 (48 - 56.6%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Florges: 130-153 (36.1 - 42.5%) -- 94.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Hoopa Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 136+ SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 160-190 (42.7 - 50.8%) -- 3.9% chance to 2HKO


Substitute is a good move for sure, but one of the main reasons for using Substitute anyway is so that you can easily setup Nasty Plot behind a sub. There is little point in setting up a Substitute on Milotic or Mantine, for example, if you cannot break through them anyway without a SpD drop. Besides a moveset of Nasty Plot / Shadow Ball / Focus Blast / Substitute actually has perfect coverage. So running Psychic isn't an absolute need actually.

I fail to see what is wrong with Nasty Plot + 3 attacks either. Psychic/Psyshock can be useful for hitting pokemon like Nidoqueen, Heracross, and Kommo-O as hard as possible. Your idea was that by forgoing Substitute it suddenly lacks a niche, which is not the case. I have used this set a few times and it is very solid, and straightforward.
 

MrAldo

Hey
is a Social Media Contributoris a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
I'm gonna have to disagree strongly on this one, MrAldo. Hoopa already has a niche over Mismagius, and that has nothing to do with whether or not it is running Nasty Plot. That logic doesn't make sense to me at all. It would be like saying that Calm Mind Florges should not be run because Calm Mind Reuniclus was a superior pokemon. The niche is being strong as shit, whereas Mismagius is fast but can struggle with power at times. If you wanted Hoopa on a team, it would be because of the immediate power it provides, because the rest of the team most likely lacks a hard-hitting mon to punch holes. Nasty Plot is just an additional bonus, but it's extremely helpful and there is no reason not to run it. Without Nasty Plot, you are unable to reliably break through Umbreon, Milotic, Mantine, Florges, and Porygon 2. That is a big deal. Are you telling me you really want the wallbreaker/powerhitter that you put on your team to be unable to break through these pokemon. If so, what is the point of even putting Hoopa on your team if you cannot maximize its capabilities?

252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Umbreon: 229-270 (58.1 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Hoopa Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Umbreon: 176-208 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- 82.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Hoopa Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 120 Def Milotic: 153-181 (38.8 - 45.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 120 Def Milotic: 199-235 (50.5 - 59.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 248+ Def Mantine: 172-203 (46.3 - 54.7%) -- 6.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Mantine: 142-168 (38.2 - 45.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Florges: 173-204 (48 - 56.6%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Hoopa Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Florges: 130-153 (36.1 - 42.5%) -- 94.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Hoopa Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 136+ SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 160-190 (42.7 - 50.8%) -- 3.9% chance to 2HKO


Substitute is a good move for sure, but one of the main reasons for using Substitute anyway is so that you can easily setup Nasty Plot behind a sub. There is little point in setting up a Substitute on Milotic or Mantine, for example, if you cannot break through them anyway without a SpD drop. Besides a moveset of Nasty Plot / Shadow Ball / Focus Blast / Substitute actually has perfect coverage. So running Psychic isn't an absolute need actually.

I fail to see what is wrong with Nasty Plot + 3 attacks either. Psychic/Psyshock can be useful for hitting pokemon like Nidoqueen, Heracross, and Kommo-O as hard as possible. Your idea was that by forgoing Substitute it suddenly lacks a niche, which is not the case. I have used this set a few times and it is very solid, and straightforward.
Being strong as shit isnt a niche alone, lol. By that logic Slaking would have a niche in RU, and that clearly isnt the case. The florges vs reuniclus comparison doesnt work sense cause in the end the typing, the way they both function and moveset means they work way differently despite both being calm mind users. Florges functions mainly as a cleric that can double as a good win condition and Reuniclus is just a straight up win condition that has status immunity, similar functions but way different in execution and both deal with different stuff defensively so you never say they compete directly for a spot.

Of course you would pick up Hoopa if you want a stronger ghost type, thats like the one of the reasons, but at first on the way you presented it, as said, it gave the idea that nasty plot + 3 attacks is a thing and on something as vulnerable as pursuit like Hoopa is... you know the rest. Also, are you implying that psyshock is useless? what? Being able to hit Kommo-o without using the z-move and forcing a hera to die and lose 1v1 to you behind isnt good? Definitely worth a secondary over the, arguably, less important move in Hoopa that has a niche with. If it is because of the order of the slashes then nasty plot can be moved to the first...

Idk what are those calcs are trying to me? you can just spam shadow ball and fix for the spdef drops against many of the targets. Besides, the combination of Psyshock + Focus Blast pressures shadow ball immunities/resistances so. Last, with the introduction of z-moves, being naturally stronger holds even less ground, so now that Mismagius has the combination of taunt + never ending nightmare + nasty plot it is straight competition, especially with the speed tier making such a difference.

teachable make Nasty Plot the first slash instead of psyshock.

Lets not continue derailing the thread, there is the Discord and an analysis discussion thread for that.
 

teachable

Banned deucer.
- On the overview mention competition with other ghost-types. Mention stuff like Dhelmise on the wallbreaker department, and mismagius with the whole nasty plot thing and the extra speed which is important.

- I think it is better to exchange places with Ghostium and Fightium-Z. Put Ghostium-Z on the slash with life orb and then mention fightium-Z on set details.

- On Usage Tips for both sets it should mention that while it can pivot into many special attackers, the user needs to be aware to not be so reckless about that since it lacks recovery, many special attackers can at worst 3hko so one has to scout if the special attacker is running specs or something.

- Some phrases on team options for the substitute attacker set are really vague. "Hoopa fits onto bulkier or balanced teams that are seeking a potential spinblocker for hazard stacking or a solid wallbreaker" Team options should be more specific. Why would bulkier and balanced teams look for a potential spinblocker? Spikes. If so, you mention good spike setters that pair well with it. Chesnaught, Roserade, etc. Can take chesnaught from the next paragraph to give it an important mention here.

- Same deal with the sticky web bit. Mention the sticky web setters themselves. Shuckle and Galvantula should be mentioned there.

- Remove that calm mind bit between the team options and checks and counters section.

QC 1/3 once implemented.
Done, lmk if anything needs better wording.

teachable make Nasty Plot the first slash instead of psyshock.
Done.
 

phantom

Banned deucer.
i'd slash sub with psyshock and make np a main move. sub hoopa without nasty plot was never good last gen and the tier is even bulkier now with half the pursuit users being slower than hoopa, so i don't understand what the set tries to accomplish without nasty plot. you're not breaking defensive teams without boosting your stats, either, unless you're sub + lo but that makes it way too susceptible to residual. at that point it's even easier to play around. not to mention umbreon/mantine/florges have the potential to stall out even lo sets. nasty plot is its main niche for sure otherwise it's too inefficient at breaking defensive teams, which is the reason you use hoopa in the first place..
 

teachable

Banned deucer.
i agree with many

i'd slash sub with psyshock and make np a main move. sub hoopa without nasty plot was never good last gen and the tier is even bulkier now with half the pursuit users being slower than hoopa, so i don't understand what the set tries to accomplish without nasty plot. you're not breaking defensive teams without boosting your stats, either, unless you're sub + lo but that makes it way too susceptible to residual. at that point it's even easier to play around. not to mention umbreon/mantine/florges have the potential to stall out even lo sets. nasty plot is its main niche for sure otherwise it's too inefficient at breaking defensive teams, which is the reason you use hoopa in the first place..
Nasty Plot + 3 attacks doesn't really work with Hoopa, given its speed tier and how amazingly it appreciates a Sub (for acquiring both free boosts and avoiding getting pursuit trapped), so I'm not sure if Sub is where Psyshock should be slashed. I'd be for moving it to Set Details or something, since you're definitely right that it does need Nasty Plot to really break some of the bulkier mons like Mantine/Florges/Umbreon more consistently (primarily the Life Orb set; Shadow Ball + Never-Ending Nightmare breaks Mantine/Florges the large majority of the time, Umbreon dies to 2 Life Orb Focus Blasts assuming they connect).
Maybe slashing it with Shadow Ball if it'd be better for it to remain in the main set, although I (haven't tested Psychic/Fighting Stab but) can't see it working out too great given Hoopa's need to then land a lot of Focus Blasts to deal with stuff like Escavlier.
 

phantom

Banned deucer.
i'd be fine with just sub np and psychic stab somewhere in moves then (not a slash). that's the only version of the set that's really effective anyway.

don't slash shadow ball or focus blast though cuz those are just as important as np.
 

phantom

Banned deucer.
forgot to mention earlier, but deslash life orb. the combination of life orb + sub doesn't mesh well for obvious reasons. remove the following line: "Additionally, Pokemon it would otherwise handle well such as Espeon, Delphox, or Meloetta, are able to instead OHKO Hoopa with Shadow Ball." Delphox isn't viable and this sentence doesn't really say much of value in the first place. remove fire punch, energy ball, toxic, and thunder wave from other options.

qc 3/3 on the condition that everything above is implemented
 

teachable

Banned deucer.
forgot to mention earlier, but deslash life orb. the combination of life orb + sub doesn't mesh well for obvious reasons. remove the following line: "Additionally, Pokemon it would otherwise handle well such as Espeon, Delphox, or Meloetta, are able to instead OHKO Hoopa with Shadow Ball." Delphox isn't viable and this sentence doesn't really say much of value in the first place. remove fire punch, energy ball, toxic, and thunder wave from other options.

qc 3/3 on the condition that everything above is implemented
Done.
 
Hey, so the reason this hasn't been checked yet is likely because it could use a bit of cleaning up on your part. Fixing these simple errors saves us a lot of time:
  • Stats are capitalized
  • Dark-types, not Dark types; Ghost-types, not Ghost types; etc
  • Z-Move, not Z-move
  • Ghostium Z, not Ghostium-Z; etc
  • Kommo-o, not Kommo-O
  • Plenty of other stuff you can catch if you have a look at the first section of the standards
 

teachable

Banned deucer.
Hey, so the reason this hasn't been checked yet is likely because it could use a bit of cleaning up on your part. Fixing these simple errors saves us a lot of time:
  • Stats are capitalized
  • Dark-types, not Dark types; Ghost-types, not Ghost types; etc
  • Z-Move, not Z-move
  • Ghostium Z, not Ghostium-Z; etc
  • Kommo-o, not Kommo-O
  • Plenty of other stuff you can catch if you have a look at the first section of the standards
Hey, I went through and should have fixed everything listed here + some stuff I caught while going over the standards. Hopefully its a bit better than before, if not I can give it another run down.
 

GP 1/2
remove add comments

[OVERVIEW]

Hoopa is a powerful wallbreaker, possessing a Special Attack stat of 150: the highest Special Attack stat of any Pokemon in the RU tier with a movepool well-(hyphen)suited to take taking advantage of it. Possessing Thanks to useful coverage moves such as Shadow Ball, Psyshock, and Focus Blast, it is able to 2HKO the majority of the tier. Base 130 Special Defense combined with a decent HP stat gives Hoopa considerable special bulk, allowing Hoopa to be an effective offensive pivot against neutral special hits. Its Ghost typing further solidifies its niche as an offensive spinblocker for hazard stacking teams. While Hoopa's typing provides it with a great dual STABs STAB combination, it unfortunately plagues it with 4x weaknesses to Ghost and Dark. This unfortunately means that moves such as Pursuit and Sucker Punch make its life job much harder, with the former even KOing it most of the time even when Hoopa it stays in. While specially bulky, Hoopa is severely lacks lacking in physical bulk and Speed, (comma) meaning it will have a tough time doing its job against teams with either fast or physical threats. Furthermore, Hoopa faces tough competition for a team slot with other Ghost-types; Dhelmise is capable of fulfilling a similar wallbreaking role, (comma) while Mismagius is able to run a similar Nasty Plot set but possesses a superior Speed stat.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 SpD

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

Shadow Ball is a powerful STAB move that also allows Hoopa to hit Psychic-types and Ghost-types hard. Focus Blast is primarily for Dark-types such as Umbreon, which resist Hoopa's STAB moves, but allows it to chunk heavily damage Steel-types like Registeel as well. Nasty Plot allows Hoopa to boost its Special Attack to absurd levels, letting it muscle past walls such as Florges or potentially sweep when behind a Substitute. Substitute eases prediction and allows Hoopa to circumvent its slower speed low Speed. Hoopa additionally can find opportunities to use Substitute can also be used to avoid status moves such as Toxic and Thunderwave Thunder Wave from walls such as Florges, Bronzong, and Registeel. Psyshock is an alternative option (over what move?) for Hoopa that'll allow it to still chunk hurt special walls such as Florges, Mantine, and Snorlax while preventing Bulletproof Pokemon such as Chesnaught or and Kommo-o from walling non-(hyphen)Z-Move Hoopa.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread of 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 SpD allows Hoopa to fully capitalize on its offensive prowess while being as fast as possible to maximize the chance it can move first. Ghostium Z is the primary item choice, as with the 160 Base Power nuke Hoopa is able Never-Ending Nightmare enables Hoopa to both muscle through defensive walls pre or post with or without a boost and prevent itself from being walled by Pokemon with the ability Bulletproof. Life Orb is an alternative if no Z-Move is available on Z-Moves are already being used by your team, as it further enhance Hoopa's damage output while still allowing it the freedom to make use of its coverage moves. A Timid nature is chosen to outspeed neutral-(hyphen)natured Honchkrow, Venusaur, Stoutland, and other base 80s Speed Pokemon; Modest can be chosen if outspeeding these threats is not an issue important and you want Hoopa to hit harder prior to or after a Nasty Plot boost. Notably, a Modest nature allows +2 Hoopa to double its chances of OHKOing Umbreon after a Nasty Plot boost. Fightnium Z is an option which that will allow Hoopa to hit very hard while also having the benefit of not being able to miss with its Fighting coverage move and avoid risking a miss with Focus Blast. In addition to securing the KO on OHKOing Umbreon 100% of the time at +2, it notably allows +2 Hoopa to scores a KO on Meloetta, (comma) at +2 which would otherwise check Hoopa.

Usage Tips
========

With Thanks to Hoopa's special bulk, it can be utilized as a switch-in for specially offensive threats such as Venusaur, Rotom, Gardevoir, and more. However, due to its lack of recovery, Hoopa can should not be recklessly switched in; repeated special attacks or unexpected Choice Specs attackers could leave Hoopa with large dents damage it can(space)not heal off. With the ability to use Substitute to avoid status conditions, Hoopa also functions amazingly versus walls such as Florges, Registeel, Bronzong, Mantine, and Pyukumuku. Care must be taken with switching straight into these Pokemon, however, as Hoopa does not appreciate the status conditions it can receive on a when predicted switch in. When the opposing team contains Pokemon capable of Pursuit trapping Hoopa, potential Pursuit trappers such as Escavalier, Snorlax, Zoroark, Aerodactly Aerodactyl, or and Stoutland, Hoopa should idealistically not be brought in until they are eliminated. Substitute should be prioritized before attacking. This is both to prevent getting Pursuit trapped and to ease prediction, (comma) as Hoopa tends to force switches. While spinblocking, (comma) it is important to scout for or predict that your opponent will not possess or use moves such as Donphan's Knock Off or and Dhelmise's Shadow Claw, as these moves will OHKO Hoopa and allow them to use Rapid Spin for free freely. If utilizing any Z-Move, it is important to remember that it can only be used once, (comma) so care should be taken that the foe it is used on does not have Protect or a partner which that is immune to your Z-Move it. Due to its poor Defense, Hoopa should avoid staying in against stronger physical attackers.

Team Options
========

Bulkier teams utilizing Spikes stackers such as Roserade and Chesnaught appreciate Hoopa's for its Ghost typing which allows it to fulfill the role of spinblocking. Hoopa greatly appreciates benefits from having the support of Fighting-types like Bewear, Kommo-o, (comma) and or Toxicroak, (comma) to both tank Dark-type attacks aimed at Hoopa and eliminate Dark-types and Normal-types that prevent it from being able to utilize its STAB moves. Teammates such as Gligar, Diancie, Doublade, or Rhyperior that can sponge strong physical hits such as Gligar, Diancie, Doublade, and Rhyperior are appreciated. Shuckle and Galvantula are able to aid Hoopa and in circumventing its mediocre Speed with their usage of Sticky Webs. Hoopa in turn is able to protect the Sticky Webs its teammates place from opposing Rapid Spin users. Due to its lack of recovery and low physical bulk, it Hoopa enjoys having teammates such as Flygon, Gligar, Whimsicott, or and Rotom that are able to pivot for bringing it in via Volt Switch and or U-turn.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magician
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 SpD

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

Shadow Ball is Hoopa's primary STAB option, as Hoopa only need worry about Normal-types or and Dark-types switching into it unscathed easily. Psyshock is another strong STAB move that allows Hoopa to chunk hurt specially defensive Pokemon such as Florges and Normal-types such as Snorlax. Focus Blast allows Hoopa to chunk threaten Dark-types such as Umbreon, (comma) which would otherwise wall Hoopa. Trick allows Hoopa to severely disadvantage walls by passing them a choice item Choice Specs.

Set Details
========

The EV spread along with a Timid nature maximizes Hoopa's offensive potential and allows it to outspeed base 80s Speed Pokemon such as neutral-(hyphen)natured Venusaur or and Honchkrow. Choice Specs further boosts (all items are considered singular) Hoopa's monstrous Special Attack stat, allowing it to blast through walls with the correct move choice.

Usage Tips
========

With Hoopa's special bulk, (comma) means it can be utilized as a switch-in for specially offensive threats such as Venusaur, Rotom, Gardevoir, and more. However, due to its lack of recovery, Hoopa can should not be recklessly switched in; repeated special attacks or unexpected Choice Specs attackers could leave Hoopa with large dents damage it can(space)not heal off. Hoopa's primary STAB option is dependent on what immunities the opposing team has. If the opposing team has both a Dark-type and a Normal-type, predict carefully when choosing what move to utilize; otherwise it should otherwise primarily use whichever STAB move does not have an immunity hits every foe. Try to preserve Hoopa until Pursuit trappers such as Zoroark, Snorlax, or and Stoutland are removed, as this will both remove a lot of pressure from Hoopa and allow it to have more freedom with move selection.

Team Options
========

Bulkier teams utilizing Spikes stackers such as Roserade and Chesnaught appreciate Hoopa's for its Ghost typing which allows it to fulfill the role of spinblocking. Hoopa greatly appreciates having the support of fighting Fighting-types like Bewear, Kommo-o, or and Toxicroak, (comma) to both tank Dark-type attacks aimed at Hoopa and eliminate Dark-types and Normal-types that prevent it from being able to utilize its STAB moves. Fairy-types such as Florges, Gardevoir, Diancie, and Comfey can make swift work of Dark-types as well. Gligar, Diancie, Doublade, or and Rhyperior can sponge strong physical hits which are commonly sent towards Hoopa. Shuckle and Galvantula are able to aid Hoopa and in circumventing its mediocre Speed with their usage of Sticky Webs. Hoopa in turn is able to protect the Sticky Webs its teammates place from opposing Rapid Spin users. Pokemon that can take advantage of use the holes and dents created by Hoopa to clean(space)up, such as Sharpedo or and Choice Specs Espeon, (comma) make good teammates.

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

Due to its mediocre Speed stat, Hoopa is capable of utilizing Trick Room to turn the tides on faster offensive teams. It also functions well as a Trick Room setter and abuser attacker on a dedicated Trick Room team. Hyperspace Hole is a unique Psychic-type STAB option for Hoopa, allowing it to punish Wish-Protect Wish + Protect strategies. A Choice Scarf set with the same moveset as the Choice Specs set is an option as well, as it can still hit very hard thanks to its base 150 massive Special Attack. Modest nature is a possibility on Hoopa, as it provides Hoopa a far greater chance at OHKOing Umbreon after a nasty plot boost resulting in more reliably wallbreak it; however, it already hits very hard and does not appreciate being slower than neutral natured Honchkrow. (already gone over in set details) Hoopa learns tons of other many alternative filler moves, notably including Toxic and Taunt, (comma) which can be used against stall or setup sweepers, (comma) and Knock Off and Destiny Bond for general utility.
=============

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

**Pursuit**: A 4x Dark-type weakness means even a Non-STAB and Non-Switch any use of Pursuit will most likely result in an OHKOed of Hoopa. You should keep in mind potential for your opponent to have Pursuit when bringing in Hoopa, and ideally aim to eliminate potential Pursuit trappers before bringing it in. Notably, AV Assault Vest Escavalier is is able to switch into any unboosted hit and trap Hoopa with Pursuit. Other Pokemon to watch out for that may carry Pursuit include Zoroark, Honchkrow, Snorlax, Aerodactly, Stoutland, and Sneasel.

**Sucker Punch**: Similar to above Pursuit, even non-STAB users of Sucker Punch like Emboar will most likely result in an OHKO against Hoopa. Pokemon to watch out for that may have Sucker Punch include:(colon) Honchkrow, Emboar, Toxicroak, or and Zoroark.

**Physical Attacks**: Lackluster Defense means Hoopa will not be able to take strong physical hits, (comma) even if they are not super effective.

**Ghost-types**: Any Ghost-type carrying a STAB move can make quick work of Hoopa thanks to its 4x weakness to Ghost. Notable mention goes to Doublade, (comma) which can revenge kill Hoopa with Shadow Sneak and also switch into any non-Ghost-type move from Hoopa.

**Dark-types**: Any Dark-type move can make quick work of Hoopa user, such as any Pokemon running Knock Off or Foul Play, (comma) can make quick work of Hoopa.

**Paralysis**: Hoopa relies on its Speed to do its job well, so try to avoid staying in on or switching into Pokemon that are going to paralyze you likely to induce paralysis.
 
Last edited:

P Squared

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GP 2/2

[OVERVIEW]

Hoopa is a powerful wallbreaker, possessing the highest Special Attack stat of any Pokemon in the RU tier with a movepool well-suited to taking advantage of it. Thanks to useful coverage moves such as Shadow Ball, Psyshock, and Focus Blast, it is able to 2HKO the majority of the tier. Base 130 Special Defense combined with a decent HP stat gives Hoopa considerable special bulk, allowing Hoopa to be an effective offensive pivot against neutral special hits. Its Ghost typing further solidifies its niche as an offensive spinblocker for hazard stacking teams. While Hoopa's typing provides it with a great STAB combination, it unfortunately plagues it with 4x weaknesses to Ghost and Dark. This means that moves such as Pursuit and Sucker Punch make its job much harder, with the former (OH?)KOing it most of the time even when it stays in. Hoopa is severely lacking in physical bulk and Speed, meaning it will have a tough time doing its job against teams with fast or physical threats. Furthermore, Hoopa faces tough competition for a team slot with other Ghost-types; Dhelmise is capable of fulfilling a similar wallbreaking role, while Mismagius is able to run a similar Nasty Plot set but possesses a superior Speed stat.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Timid
evs: 248 SpA / 8 SpD / 252 Spe / 8 SpD

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

Shadow Ball is a powerful STAB move that also allows Hoopa to hit Psychic- and Ghost-types hard. Focus Blast is primarily for Dark-types such as Umbreon, which resist Hoopa's STAB moves, but allows it to heavily damage Steel-types like Registeel as well. Nasty Plot allows Hoopa to boost its Special Attack to absurd levels, letting it muscle past walls such as Florges or potentially sweep when behind a Substitute. Substitute eases prediction and allows Hoopa to circumvent its low Speed. Substitute can also be used to avoid status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave from walls such as Florges, Bronzong, and Registeel. Psyshock is an alternative option over Nasty Plot for Hoopa that'll allow it to still hurt special walls such as Florges, Mantine, and Snorlax while preventing Bulletproof Pokemon such as Chesnaught and Kommo-o from walling non-Z-Move Hoopa.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread of 248 SpA / 252 Spe / 8 SpD allows Hoopa to fully capitalize on its offensive prowess while being as fast as possible to maximize the chance it can move first. 8 EVs are placed in Special Defence to ensure +2 Salazzle will never be able to OHKO Hoopa. Ghostium Z is the primary item choice, as Never-Ending Nightmare enables Hoopa to both muscle through defensive walls with or without a boost and prevent itself from being walled by Pokemon with the ability Bulletproof. Life Orb is an alternative if Z-Moves are already being used by your team, as it further enhances Hoopa's damage output while still allowing it the freedom to make use of its coverage moves. A Timid nature is chosen to outspeed neutral-natured Honchkrow, Venusaur, Stoutland, and other base 80 Speed Pokemon; Modest can be chosen if outspeeding these threats is not important and you want Hoopa to hit harder. Notably, a Modest nature allows +2 Hoopa to double its chances of OHKOing Umbreon. Fightinium Z is an option that will allow Hoopa to hit very hard and avoid risking a miss with Focus Blast. In addition to OHKOing Umbreon 100% of the time at +2, it notably allows +2 Hoopa to score a KO on Meloetta, which would otherwise check Hoopa.

Usage Tips
========

Thanks to Hoopa's special bulk, it can be utilized as a switch-in for specially offensive threats such as Venusaur, Rotom, Gardevoir, and more. However, due to its lack of recovery, Hoopa should not be recklessly switched in; repeated special attacks or unexpected Choice Specs attackers could leave Hoopa with large damage it cannot heal off. With the ability to use Substitute to avoid status conditions, Hoopa also functions amazingly versus walls such as Florges, Registeel, Bronzong, Mantine, and Pyukumuku. Care must be taken with switching straight into these Pokemon, however, as Hoopa does not appreciate the status conditions it can receive when predicted. When the opposing team contains potential Pursuit trappers such as Escavalier, Snorlax, Zoroark, Aerodactyl, and Stoutland, Hoopa should idealistically not be brought in until they are eliminated. Substitute should be prioritized before attacking. This is both to prevent getting Pursuit trapped and to ease prediction, as Hoopa tends to force switches. While spinblocking, it is important to scout for or predict moves such as Donphan's Knock Off and Dhelmise's Shadow Claw, as these moves will OHKO Hoopa and allow them to use Rapid Spin freely. If utilizing any Z-Move, it is important to remember that it can only be used once, so care should be taken that the foe it is used on does not have Protect or a partner that is immune to it. Due to its poor Defense, Hoopa should avoid staying in against strong physical attackers.

Team Options
========

Bulkier teams utilizing Spikes stackers such as Roserade and Chesnaught appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Hoopa greatly benefits from having the support of Fighting-types like Bewear, Kommo-o, (comma) and Toxicroak to both tank Dark-type attacks aimed at Hoopa and eliminate Dark- and Normal-types that prevent it from being able to utilize its STAB moves. Teammates that can sponge strong physical hits such as Gligar, Diancie, Doublade, and Rhyperior are appreciated. Shuckle and Galvantula are able to aid Hoopa in circumventing its mediocre Speed with their usage of Sticky Web. Hoopa in turn is able to protect the Sticky Web its teammates place from opposing Rapid Spin users. Due to lack of recovery and low physical bulk, Hoopa enjoys having teammates such as Flygon, Gligar, Whimsicott, and Rotom for bringing it in via Volt Switch or U-turn.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magician
nature: Timid
evs: 248 SpA / 8 SpD / 252 Spe / 8 SpD

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

Shadow Ball is Hoopa's primary STAB option, as only Normal- and Dark-types switch into it easily. Psyshock is another strong STAB move that allows Hoopa to hurt specially defensive Pokemon such as Florges and Normal-types such as Snorlax. Focus Blast allows Hoopa to threaten Dark-types such as Umbreon, which would otherwise wall Hoopa. Trick allows Hoopa to severely disadvantage walls by passing them a Choice Specs.

Set Details
========

The EV spread along with a Timid nature maximizes Hoopa's offensive potential and allows it to outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon such as neutral-(hyphen)natured Venusaur and Honchkrow. Choice Specs further boosts Hoopa's monstrous Special Attack stat, allowing it to blast through walls with the correct move choice.

Usage Tips
========

Hoopa's special bulk means it can be utilized as a switch-in for specially offensive threats such as Venusaur, Rotom, Gardevoir, and more. However, due to its lack of recovery, Hoopa should not be recklessly switched in; repeated special attacks or unexpected Choice Specs attackers could leave Hoopa with large damage it cannot heal off. Hoopa's primary STAB option is dependent on what immunities the opposing team has. If the opposing team has both a Dark-type and a Normal-type, predict carefully when choosing what move to utilize; it should otherwise primarily use whichever STAB move hits every foe. Try to preserve Hoopa until Pursuit trappers such as Zoroark, Snorlax, and Stoutland are removed, as this will both remove a lot of pressure from Hoopa and allow it to have more freedom with move selection.

Team Options
========

Bulkier teams utilizing Spikes stackers such as Roserade and Chesnaught appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Hoopa greatly appreciates having the support of Fighting-types like Bewear, Kommo-o, and Toxicroak to both tank Dark-type attacks aimed at Hoopa and eliminate Dark- and Normal-types that prevent it from being able to utilize its STAB moves. Fairy-types such as Florges, Gardevoir, Diancie, and Comfey can make swift work of Dark-types as well. Gligar, Diancie, Doublade, and Rhyperior can sponge strong physical hits commonly sent towards Hoopa. Shuckle and Galvantula are able to aid Hoopa in circumventing its mediocre Speed with their usage of Sticky Web. Hoopa in turn is able to protect the Sticky Web its teammates place from opposing Rapid Spin users. Pokemon that can use the holes created by Hoopa to clean up, such as Sharpedo and Choice Specs Espeon, make good teammates.

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

Due to its mediocre Speed stat, Hoopa is capable of utilizing Trick Room to turn the tides on faster offensive teams. It also functions well as a Trick Room setter and attacker on a dedicated Trick Room team. Hyperspace Hole is a unique Psychic-type STAB option for Hoopa, allowing it to punish Wish + Protect strategies. A Choice Scarf set with the same moveset as the Choice Specs set is an option, as it can still hit very hard thanks to its massive Special Attack. Hoopa learns many alternate filler moves, notably including Toxic and Taunt, which can be used against stall or setup sweepers, and Knock Off and Destiny Bond for general utility.

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

**Pursuit**: A 4x Dark-type weakness means any use of Pursuit will most likely result in an OHKOed Hoopa. Notably, Assault Vest Escavalier is is able to switch into any unboosted hit and trap Hoopa with Pursuit. Other Pokemon to watch out for that may carry Pursuit include Zoroark, Honchkrow, Snorlax, Aerodactyl, Stoutland, and Sneasel.

**Sucker Punch**: Similar to Pursuit, even non-STAB users of Sucker Punch like Emboar will most likely OHKO Hoopa. Pokemon that may have Sucker Punch include Honchkrow, Emboar, Toxicroak, and Zoroark.

**Physical Attacks**: Lackluster Defense means Hoopa will not be able to take strong physical hits, even if they are not super effective.

**Ghost-types**: Any Ghost-type carrying a STAB move can make quick work of Hoopa thanks to its 4x weakness to Ghost. Notable mention goes to Doublade, which can revenge kill Hoopa with Shadow Sneak and switch into any non-Ghost-type move from Hoopa.

**Dark-types**: Any Dark-type move user, such as any Pokemon running Knock Off or Foul Play, can make quick work of Hoopa.

**Paralysis**: Hoopa relies on its Speed to do its job well, so try to avoid staying in on or switching into Pokemon that are likely to induce paralysis.
 

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