Cryogonal Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Defog may be used in place of Rapid Spin as an unblockable means of entry hazard removal if keeping your own hazards up is of lesser concern. Frost Breath is Cryogonal's STAB move of choice, as the guaranteed critical hits help it break through Calm Mind and Quiver Dance users such as Oricorio-E, Oricorio-G, and Bellossom as well as other targets that are weak to Ice like Victreebel and Golurk. Freeze-Dry is an alternative STAB move that sacrifices power and setup pressure to OHKO Water-types like Swanna and Ludicolo and pressure others like Qwilfish, Jellicent, and Lanturn. Hidden Power Fire allows Cryogonal to 2HKO Ferroseed, as it takes virtually nothing from Cryogonal's other attacks, as well as Alolan Sandslash. Hidden Power Fighting can be used to target Aurorus and Aggron while still hitting Alolan Sandslash but misses out on Ferroseed. Toxic can be used over Hidden Power to cripple switch-ins such as Eelektross as well as walls like Regirock and Jellicent. Set Details 200 Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Cryogonal to remove entry hazards quickly, often before it takes any hit, and outspeed Swanna, Oricorio-E, and Oricorio-G. 8 Special Attack investment guarantees Cryogonal can 2HKO specially defensive Alolan Sandslash with Hidden Power Fire after Stealth Rock. The remainder of EVs are invested into HP and Special Defense to further improve Cryogonal's special bulk. Usage Tips Cryogonal should preferably target Pokemon that don't threaten it with physical attacks or Toxic, such as Aurorus and Oricorio-E, so it can remove entry hazards safely. Its high Special Defense can be utilized to counter special attackers that don't pose a threat to it, such as Victreebel and Oricorio-G, as well as hazard setters like Qwilfish and Omastar. Although Cryogonal's offensive prowess isn't great without investment in Special Attack, its nearly unresisted Ice + Fire or Fighting coverage can be a nuisance for many teams and thus should be used to chip predicted switch-ins. Toxic should be used against setters such as Regirock, which can otherwise easily set Stealth Rock repeatedly against Cryogonal. Team Options Cryogonal fits well on entry hazard stacking teams that appreciate its fast Rapid Spin, thus making it a natural partner to Spikes and Toxic Spikes setters such as Qwilfish, Ferroseed, and Roselia as well as spinblockers such as Golurk and Jellicent. Thanks to its excellent special bulk, it can act as a backbone for specially frail team members like Dodrio, Victreebel, and Haunter. Due to its physical frailty, and in particular its weakness to common Fighting-type Pokemon, Fighting-type checks like Tangela, Oricorio-E, and Mudsdale as well as Normal-type checks like Gurdurr and Regirock make good partners. Gurdurr in particular stands out as an excellent partner to Cryogonal, checking most Fighting- and Rock-types that threaten Cryogonal and absorbing incoming Toxic from walls, while in return Cryogonal can deal with Gurdurr's biggest threats in the form of Victreebel and Oricorio-E. Lanturn is also a great option, as aside from checking many similar targets, Cryogonal can check Ground-types like Mudsdale that threaten Lanturn, while in return Lanturn can check Fire-types and cure Cryogonal of any status condition with Heal Bell. Lastly, stallbreakers like Kangaskhan and Stoutland can greatly help non-Toxic Cryogonal against stall while also greatly benefitting from hazard stacking thanks to the multitude of switches they can force from the opposing team.

Moves Defog can be used over Rapid Spin on non-entry hazard stacking teams, as it gives Cryogonal more opportunities to remove entry hazards. Freeze-Dry takes precedence over Frost Breath as Cryogonal's STAB move of choice, as it allows Cryogonal to deal with Water-types like Jellicent, Lanturn, and Ludicolo while retaining enough power to pressure Calm Mind variants of Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G. Hidden Power Fire lets Cryogonal threaten Ferroseed, which otherwise walls it, as well as Alolan Sandslash and Rotom-F. Hidden Power Fighting is an option that lets Cryogonal deal better damage to Aurorus and Aggron while still hitting Alolan Sandslash, but it leaves Cryogonal walled by Ferroseed and Bronzor. Set Details Icium Z lets Cryogonal OHKO Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G after a Calm Mind boost, as well as take out targets like Mudsdale, Lurantis, and Absol from full health and Skuntank and Stoutland after slight chip damage. If the team already has a Z-Move user, Metronome can be used to further increase Cryogonal's cleaning potential, given that very few Pokemon can take a boosted Freeze-Dry comfortably, as well as its ability to pressure Pokemon that might attempt to switch in and wall it, such as Musharna and Bronzor. Alternatively, Icicle Plate's consistent power boost to Freeze-Dry can be used to check targets like Lanturn and Jellicent more reliably. Usage Tips Cryogonal works well early-game, when it can utilize its good offensive prowess to threaten entry hazard setters such as Torterra, Mudsdale, and Qwilfish and find entry hazard removal opportunities against foes that it forces out such as Jellicent and Oricorio-G. Cryogonal's special bulk is respectable even when uninvested, allowing it to switch into threats like Oricorio-E, Jellicent, and Lanturn and giving it more opportunities to wallbreak. However, pivoting into these threats shouldn't be its main purpose, and it also shouldn't be brought in against stronger special attackers like Drampa or foes with physical coverage moves that can lure it in and KO it, such as Victreebel and Abomasnow. Cryogonal can also attempt to conceal the fact that it's offensive and preserve its Z-Move to take out Pursuit trappers such as Skuntank, Absol, and Stoutland that usually force it out. It should do so when its health is full, however, as the lack of Leftovers recovery can give away the set. Icium Z can similarly be used to take out or heavily damage predicted switch-ins that would normally counter Cryogonal, such as Gurdurr, Eelektross, and Regirock. Metronome's surprise factor can be utilized against foes that normally wall Cryogonal such as Bronzor, which will likely attempt to set up Stealth Rock once it sees Hidden Power Fire's low initial damage output. Team Options Entry hazard setters such as Qwilfish, Ferroseed, Mudsdale, and Regirock assist Cryogonal by pressuring Pokemon that it struggles with such as Kangaskhan and Lycanroc, with Qwilfish also being able to switch into Gurdurr and Regirock alleviating Cryogonal's pressure of checking Oricorio-E. In return, all of them appreciate Cryogonal dealing with Jellicent and Lanturn and revenge killing Torterra, Lurantis, and Victreebel. Kangaskhan and Combusken can offensively check Simisear, weaken Eelektross and Metang, and pressure mutual targets like Victreebel and Alolan Sandslash. Both appreciate Cryogonal supporting them with entry hazard removal and eliminating targets that they struggle to break through, such as Mudsdale, Jellicent, Lanturn, and Altaria. Jellicent and Victreebel can provide Cryogonal with a solid defensive backbone, as they are able to handle Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Primeape as well as cripple Rock-types that Cryogonal struggles to break through such as Regirock and Carbink. Jellicent is also capable of switching into Combusken and Alolan Sandslash and can even function as a spinblocker on entry hazard stacking teams. In return, Cryogonal can check Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G for them. Lanturn and Primeape can create opportunities for Cryogonal to wallbreak or remove entry hazards by bringing it in on Pokemon like Jellicent, Mudsdale, and Eelektross, with the former also checking Fire-types like Combusken and non-Grassium Z Simisear and curing Cryogonal of status with Heal Bell and the latter revenge killing Absol and Alolan Raichu. Swords Dance Silvally-Fairy is also notable for being able to pressure Musharna, Gurdurr, and Hitmonchan and benefiting from entry hazard removal provided by Cryogonal. Skuntank greatly assists Cryogonal by threatening and Pursuit trapping bulky Psychic-types such as Musharna, Metang, and Bronzor and weakening other targets such as Stoutland, Silvally-Fairy, and opposing Cryogonal.

Moves Rapid Spin clears entry hazards from your side of the field, allowing hazard-weak teammates to switch into battle throughout the match. This is the main reason to use Cryogonal over other Ice-types, such as Jynx, Vanilluxe, and Aurorus, that sorely outclass it otherwise due to its relative lack of offensive coverage and power. Ice Beam is Cryogonal's strongest STAB move and hits most spinblockers for good damage, especially Gourgeist-XL, which most other spinners struggle to break through. Frost Breath is an alternative that, while only 90% accurate, deals the same damage overall and always lands a critical hit, letting Cryogonal wear down or break through setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Audino if needed. Freeze-Dry hits Water-types super effectively, allowing Cryogonal to do well against threats such as Lanturn, Ludicolo, and Mantine, though it has notable decrease in power. Recover restores health and makes Cryogonal a decent special tank for offensive teams, letting it spin multiple times in a match if necessary and preventing defensive Pokemon such as Vileplume from wearing it down. Set Details Maximum offensive investment with a Timid nature lets Cryogonal outspeed as many offensive threats as possible and hit them hard, reinforcing its main offensive niche over Claydol. A Modest nature can also be used, allowing Cryogonal to Speed tie with Timid Rotom while hitting slightly harder. Levitate is Cryogonal's only ability and is useful for avoiding Spikes damage, avoiding poison from Toxic Spikes, and switching into Earth Power without taking damage. Never-Melt Ice boosts all of Cryogonal's attacks without inflicting recoil, making it a better option for taking on special attackers than Life Orb. Leftovers is a good alternative if you'd prefer to have more staying power on your spinner, mitigating Cryogonal's weakness to Stealth Rock. Usage Tips Cryogonal can make use of its high Speed and Rapid Spin to sacrifice itself to clear entry hazards for a sweeper if necessary, being able to spin against fast attackers such as Choice Band Primeape and allow a response such as Scyther or Vivillon to switch in without taking hazard damage, securing the endgame. Cryogonal is walled by Ice-, Fire-, and Steel-type Pokemon as well as Thick Fat Hariyama, so if these threats are still in play, it should only be brought out to use Rapid Spin. Cryogonal can use its good special bulk to switch into many defensive threats that can cause offensive teams problems, such as Vileplume, Lanturn, and Gourgeist-XL, and either hit them with STAB Ice-type attacks or spin away hazards. Switch into predicted Earthquakes at your own risk, and only if the opponent would be a fool to use any other move with their physical attacker in that context. Recover should be used against defensive Pokemon such as these that provide Cryogonal with free turns to heal or against special attackers that pose little threat, such as Aurorus locked into an Ice-type attack. Team Options Pokemon that appreciate the absence of Stealth Rock, such as Vivillon and Scyther, benefit from the Rapid Spin support that Cryogonal provides. Offensive Water-types, such as Swords Dance Samurott and Kabutops, appreciate Cryogonal's ability to threaten the Fire-type Pokemon that can beat Cryogonal and pressure defensive Grass-types, such as Gourgeist-XL and Vileplume. Teammates that can switch into physical attacks are absolutely mandatory due to Cryogonal's abysmal Defense. On balance teams, Rotom-S and Weezing are great partners that can switch into many threats and burn the opponent's physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Teammates that can deal with Pursuit trappers in advance are also highly appreciated, such as Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Primeape, which also boast good offensive synergy with Cryogonal's Ice-type attacks. Thick Fat Hariyama is another good option in this regard, as it can also take on Fire-types. While tempting, Cryogonal should not be used as a spinner on Hail teams due to stacking considerable defensive weaknesses to Fighting-, Steel-, Fire-, and Rock-type attacks, particularly with Aurorus.

Cryogonal boasts a high base 105 Speed, allowing it to outspeed a majority of the unboosted tier. Its Special Attack isn't too shabby either, as Cryogonal can hit hard with a STAB Ice Beam, even 2HKOing offensive Spiritomb with the help of its Icicle Plate. As this Cryogonal will most likely be used on an offensive team, a fast Rapid Spin is great for maintaining momentum and keeping your sweepers healthy. Hidden Power Fire is recommended in order to eliminate Steel-types, especially Escavalier. However, Cryogonal must use a Life Orb in order to have a chance to OHKO Escavalier. This is risky, though, as Cryogonal will most likely have trouble dealing with the residual damage. For this reason, Recover is the number one choice for the last slot, curing damage and allowing Cryogonal to continue its job. Icicle Plate boosts the power of Cryogonal's most used move, and as stated above, prevents it from taking any residual damage through Life Orb. The Speed EVs allow Cryogonal to outspeed max Speed Timid Sigilyph and everything below, which is extremely useful in dealing with other threats such as Drapion and Moltres; note that 252 Speed EVs can be used in order to Speed tie with Scyther and non-Choice Scarf Manectric. 64 HP EVs bring Cryogonal's HP to a number indivisible by 4, allowing it to minimize Stealth Rock damage, while Special Attack is maximized. A Modest nature can be used for more power, but Cryogonal will be slower than Drapion and Sigilyph which is very unfavorable. Hidden Power Ground can be used instead of Hidden Power Fire, as it still maintains super effective damage on Steel-types, but also hits Fire-types, Kabutops, Qwilfish, and Lanturn. Offensive Cryogonal makes for a solid pivot on offensive teams, as these types of teams greatly appreciate the removal of entry hazards. As a bonus, Cryogonal can keep the offensive pressure by hitting reasonably hard. Moltres and Entei appreciate this support the most, but they would normally be paired with Rapid Spin Kabutops due to the superior synergy; however, Cryogonal comes with the benefit of reliable recovery and additional bulk, allowing it to compete with Kabutops. Note that this set is much less bulky than the Rapid Spin set, and should be played to its strengths. Thus, teammates that can set up on the offensive switch-ins that plague Cryogonal can be very beneficial to the team. Pokemon that can set up on Spiritomb, such as Absol, or other threats like Feraligatr, such as Sceptile and Lilligant, make for great partners.

This set is dedicated to Cryogonal's rare ability to Rapid Spin. Its good Speed and Special Attack allow it to outspeed and wear down opposing Ghost-types, such as Spiritomb and Misdreavus, while it is still bulky enough to take on Rotom. Recover provides Cryogonal with longevity, allowing it to switch in multiple times and spin away entry hazards. Quick recovery is also necessary when dealing with offensive Spiritomb and Escavalier, as their Pursuits will leave Cryogonal weakened, but not completely useless if it gets the chance to use Recover. The last moveslot is generally based on your team's needs. Haze is useful for putting a stop to setup sweepers like Lilligant, Sigilyph, and Jynx; it can also force a Pokemon such as Swords Dance Kabutops to KO Cryogonal instead of getting boosts so a teammate can come in freely on a much less powerful Kabutops. Toxic is useful in that it can wear down Pokemon that might wall or set up on Cryogonal, including Slowking, Uxie, and Entei. Finally, Reflect is extremely useful when dealing with physical attackers. Using it to predict when a physical attacker, such as Escavalier, will switch in can save Cryogonal's--or even a teammate's--life. Cryogonal's EV spread is very useful and quite necessary if it wants to Rapid Spin with ease. 248 HP EVs allow it to take less damage from Stealth Rock upon each switch in. The Defense EVs let Cryogonal survive a Choice Band Spiritomb's Sucker Punch, as well as not be 2HKOed by the same Spiritomb's Shadow Sneak or Pursuit; this also applies to Escavalier's Pursuit. 0 Attack IVs are used in order to minimize the damage that Cryogonal takes from Spiritomb's Foul Play. Bumping the Speed EVs up to 56 is an option, as it allows Cryogonal to outspeed neutral nature base 80 Speed Pokemon such as Gallade. The remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense to absorb hits from the likes of Rotom, Tangrowth, and other special attackers. Cryogonal is not limited to this EV spread, though. If you are not concerned about Spiritomb and other Pursuit trappers, a spread of 248 HP / 136 SpD / 124 Spe allows Cryogonal to outspeed max Speed Smeargle and maintain a good amount of Special Defense. Cryogonal's EV spread can easily be manipulated to fit its team's needs. Cryogonal can also use a Hidden Power of choice in the last slot. Hidden Power Fire 2HKOes Escavalier and damages other Steel-types such as Steelix and Klinklang. Hidden Power Ground also hits Steel-types, particularly Aggron, as well as Fire-types like Entei and Typhlosion. Teammates that can deal with these types of Pokemon are much appreciated. Poliwrath and Slowking have excellent synergy with Cryogonal, and form a solid defensive core. Because Cryogonal has a low Defense stat, Psyshock users such as Sigilyph and Mesprit threaten it; thus, Spiritomb or Drapion are good teammates. Partners that can take out hazard users are also welcomed, so Cryogonal can spin just once and not have to worry about hazards for the rest of the game. Spiritomb and Escavalier come to mind, as they can trap Uxie and Roselia. Of course, Pokemon that are weak to entry hazards love Cryogonal's support, so pairing it with something like Moltres is always helpful.