Diggersby Movesets & Competitive Sets

Due to its ability in Huge Power, great offensive typing in Normal / Ground, and access to priority, Diggersby is Normal's premier physical wallbreaker. Body Slam and Earthquake are Diggersby's STAB moves and should be used most of the time, given most non-resistant or immune targets are outright OHKOed or severely hurt by them. Fire Punch covers Steel-types not weak to Earthquake, notably Corviknight and Ferrothorn, while Quick Attack is useful to revenge kill faster threats like Barraskewda if they're weakened. An Adamant nature is optimal to hit as hard as possible; however, Jolly can be ran alongside Mega Kick to outspeed Adamant Excadrill outside of Sand and retain the 2HKOs on Mandibuzz and Hippowdon. Snorlax appreciates the wallbreaking potential of Diggersby to sweep opposing teams with its Curse set. Similarly, Braviary can clean late-game once Diggersby removes walls such as Toxapex and Aegislash. Choice Scarf Ditto deals with the offensive threats Diggersby struggles against, like Dragapult and Galarian Darmanitan, and it can also deter opponents from attempting a setup sweep. As Diggersby appreciates spamming its powerful STAB moves, Indeedee is a good partner to remove Pokemon immune to them, such as Corviknight and Sableye. Indeedee's Psychic Terrain support also prevents priority moves from revenge killing Diggersby. Finally, Heliolisk helps Diggersby a lot by checking Water-types and bringing Diggersby safely into the field, respectively.

Moves Giga Impact is Diggersby's go-to STAB option, able to one-shot threats like Kommo-o, Mega Altaria, Meloetta and Primarina. Earthquake hits Pokemon like Zeraora, Mega Metagross, and Magearna. Superpower is run in order to KO Heatran, Type: Null, and Umbreon. Fire Punch can be run in order to OHKO Mega Scizor and physically defensive Ferrothorn. Ice Punch is an option to beat Occa Berry Whimsicott and non-maximum Defense Zygarde-C and fish for potential freezes in unwinnable matchups. Foul Play can be run in order to lure in and OHKO Magnet Rise Mega Metagross. Set Details 120 HP and 4 Special Defense EVs are run in order to always survive an Ice Punch from Mega Metagross and an Overheat from Heatran and to give Choice Scarf Genesect an Attack boost instead of Special Attack from Download. 196 Speed EVs enable Diggersby to always outspeed Magnezone, which could potentially 2HKO with Flash Cannon, as well as neutral-natured Volcanion and uninvested base 100 Speed Pokemon like Manaphy. 188 Attack EVs are run in order to maximize Diggersby's Attack as much as possible, granting it absurd matchups against some of the physically bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame, like Mega Altaria, Primarina, and Meloetta. Huge Power is run in order to double Diggersby's Attack, aided by Choice Band as well. Alternatively, a simple 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe set with an Adamant nature allows Diggersby to OHKO Waterium Z Tapu Fini and outspeed and OHKO niche threats like neutral-natured speedy Tapu Bulu. Usage Tips If one of Diggersby's coverage moves can OHKO the foe, use it over Giga Impact, as this will circumvent any chance of losing due to a miss. It is relevant to know that Choice Band Diggersby, as one of the most physically powerful attackers in 1v1, can win against foes that would normally be able to tank a neutral or even super effective hit from almost anything else, including bulky Mega Charizard X, Meloetta, Kommo-o, Primarina, Tapu Fini, Mega Altaria, Clefable, maximum Defense Hoopa-U, and almost always Mega Swampert. Physically defensive Tapunium Z Tapu Fini is not consistently OHKOed by Giga Impact, so instead use Earthquake to 2HKO. Team Options Diggersby is deathly weak to basically any faster offensive threat, like Dragonite, Mega Gyarados, Mega Charizard X and Y, Greninja, and Porygon-Z, as well as Pokemon like Smeargle and Jumpluff, whose strategies rely on putting an opponent to sleep first, then stalling with Leech Seed. Therefore, stall users that can set up against their defenses and mitigate sleep strategies, like Type: Null, Mega Slowbro, Mega Sableye, Mega Audino, and Deoxys-S, act as reasonable support for Diggersby. They in return appreciate Diggersby's ability to annihilate common Taunt attackers, like Kommo-o, Mega Mawile, and Tapu Fini, as well as Pokemon like Incineroar, Meloetta, and Aegislash, which all have strategies that can ignore stat boosts. Outside of Magnezone, Sturdy Pokemon like Donphan, Golem, and Carracosta will threaten Diggersby, as it will be unable to break them fast enough due to their innate ability. To threaten these Pokemon, bulky Water-types like Mega Gyarados, Primarina, and Tapu Fini can be run, alongside some other faster threats like Mega Charizard X and Y, Greninja, Dragonite, and Mega Lopunny. In return, they appreciate Diggersby's positive matchup against Electric- and Grass-types like Zeraora, Magnezone, Ferrothorn, and bulky Tapu Bulu, as well as opposing Primarina and Tapu Fini, and certain bulky Pokemon like Meloetta and defensive Hoopa-U.

Moves Giga Impact is Diggersby's go-to STAB option, able to one-shot threats like Mega Gardevoir, Mega Charizard Y, Greninja, and potentially Pokemon like Serperior, depending on rolls. Earthquake is Diggersby's Ground-type STAB attack of choice, hitting Pokemon like Zeraora, Aegislash, and Grassium Z Heatran. Fire Punch can break down Steel-types that are hit neutrally by Earthquake, like Genesect, Kartana, Durant, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Gunk Shot can also be run in order to give Diggersby much better odds against Serperior and Tapu Fini. Ice Punch serves as a more reliable answer for Pokemon like Garchomp. Set Details The EVs are designed to maximize Attack and Speed, giving Diggersby the highest odds at beating Pokemon like bulky Mega Charizard X and Garchomp. Huge Power is run for this purpose as well, making Diggersby viable. The remaining 4 EVs are put into Special Defense in order to not lose to Download users like Choice Scarf Genesect. A Choice Scarf is run in order to outspeed Greninja, Naganadel, and Jumpluff. An Adamant nature should be run in order to consistently beat threats like Tapu Lele, Magearna, and Ferrothorn. However, Jolly is an option to catch speedier Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gengar, and Modest Choice Scarf Porygon-Z off guard. Usage Tips The matchup against bulky Mega Charizard X is a coinflip, depending on whether or not you predict it to Mega Evolve or not. If you predict it to stay in its regular forme, use Giga Impact, and if you expect it to Mega Evolve to tank Giga Impact, use Earthquake. If one of Diggersby's more accurate coverage moves can also OHKO the opposing Pokemon, use it over Giga Impact, as this will circumvent any chance of losing due to a miss. Against Pokemon that threaten to beat Diggersby, use Ice Punch if that hits neutrally or super effectively, in order to fish for freezes. This is less than ideal, but it is the only way to win against Pokemon like Crustle, Meloetta, Aron, Kommo-o, and Mega Altaria. Despite it having access to Ice Punch, do not use Diggersby against Landorus-T and Zygarde-C, as Landorus-T will either tank an Ice Punch or outspeed it with its own Choice Scarf and OHKO back, and Zygarde will be able to KO Diggersby with Tectonic Rage followed by Extreme Speed or after using Coil. For the same reason, Mega Mawile and Incineroar should be avoided, as they can easily take an Earthquake after Intimidate and OHKO back with Metal Burst or Play Rough or Fake Out followed by Malicious Moonsault. Some other bulkier Pokemon will be able to shrug off damage dealt by Giga Impact or super effective damage, like Primarina, Celesteela, and Mega Aggron, and retaliate with their respective offensive options. Team Options Grass- and Electric-type Pokemon like Serperior, Tapu Bulu, Magnezone, and Zeraora are especially helpful partners of Diggersby, as they can deal with Diggersby's ineptitude against several common bulky Water-types, like Mega Gyarados, Primarina, and Mega Slowbro. In return, Diggersby deals with dangerous Fire-types like Mega Charizard X and Y, Victini, and Volcarona and dangerous Ground- and Steel-types like Garchomp and non-Counter Registeel. Diggersby will appreciate bulky Taunt users like Kommo-o, stall Deoxys-S, and Tapu Fini, which can break past stall or setup Pokemon that can take a few of Diggersby's hits, like Umbreon, Necrozma, Zygarde-C, Landorus-T, and Meloetta. Diggersby can aid these Pokemon by beating back faster and more offensive opposing Taunt users, like Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, and Zeraora.

Moves Swords Dance turns Diggersby into a threatening wallbreaker and lets it pick up important KOs such as a guaranteed OHKO on Mandibuzz and Mega Venusaur with +2 Breakneck Blitz. Return is Diggersby's main STAB attack and its most reliable attack. Earthquake allows Diggersby to hit Steel-, Poison-, and Rock-type Pokemon such as Heatran, Toxapex, and Tyranitar for super effective damage while also preventing Diggersby from being walled by Ghost-types such as Mega Sableye. Quick Attack provides Diggersby with a form of priority, allowing it to revenge kill faster threats such as Greninja once they are weakened. Set Details 252 Attack and 252 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature let Diggersby hit as hard as possible, notably outspeeding threats such as Heatran and Mega Heracross. Huge Power doubles Diggersby's attack, making it a phenomenal physical wallbreaker. Normalium Z turns Diggersby's Return into Breakneck Blitz, which allows it to take on Pokemon such as Mandibuzz after a Swords Dance boost. Usage Tips Diggersby should find appropriate times to set up Swords Dance, since its bulk is rather limited, optimally against a forced switch or defensive Pokemon that can't do much in return such as Chansey. It is important to time when to use Breakneck Blitz, as it should be used when it is guaranteed to pick up a KO or take out walls Diggersby would otherwise not be able to overcome such as Mega Venusaur. Diggersby can also act as a fantastic revenge killer thanks to Quick Attack. Once its checks, such as Greninja, have been weakened into Quick Attack range, it should set up a Swords Dance and proceed to sweep through the opposing team. This Diggersby set can bluff Choice Band as a means to force Pokemon out or make them scout Diggersby's move with Protect, giving it a free turn to set up. This is invaluable in matchups such as Poison, where Baneful Bunker Toxapex is forced to scout Diggersby, giving it time to set up and then wreak havoc on the team. It should save its boosted Breakneck Blitz for Mega Venusaur in Poison matchups, which can't be taken out by any other +2 attack. Like every other setup sweeper, Diggersby does not appreciate status and should try to avoid it at all costs. Team Options Mega Lopunny appreciates Diggersby's ability to take on Poison-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur that it has trouble breaking past and in return can lock walls such as Mandibuzz into their recovery moves with Encore, giving Diggersby a free switch in. Chansey is a great special wall that can take on threats to Diggersby such as Latios and Greninja while being able to cripple foes with Thunder Wave or Toxic or set up Stealth Rock, chipping Diggersby's checks. Porygon2 is a great physical wall that Diggersby can rely on to beat powerful attackers such as Choice Band Excadrill. Porygon2 also can take on troublesome Flying-type Pokemon such as Celesteela with Discharge and Gliscor with Ice Beam. Staraptor clears entry hazards for Diggersby, allowing it to avoid hazards such as Toxic Spikes, which severely hinder its ability to act as a setup sweeper. It also acts as a Fighting-type check with Intimidate and Brave Bird, taking on Pokemon such as Mega Gallade. Ditto is a fantastic revenge killer, being able to take on any threat that threatens Diggersby such as Mega Lopunny or Zeraora. Mega Pidgeot is another option for a Mega Pokemon, albeit not as good as Mega Lopunny, that can check Fighting- and Steel-type Pokemon for Diggersby such as Keldeo and Celesteela with Hurricane and Heat Wave respectively. It can also bring in Diggersby with U-turn. Smeargle is also an option for hyper offensive Normal teams and provides Sticky Web support, allowing Diggersby to outspeed threats such as Keldeo.

Moves Return is Diggersby's most powerful and reliable attack, as it is able to hit the majority of Pokemon neutrally. Earthquake is a great Ground-type STAB attack, allowing Diggersby to hit Steel-, Rock-, and Ghost-types, which are not covered by Return. Fire Punch is necessary for Diggersby to be able to hit Steel-types that are immune to Ground such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Quick Attack is a great priority attack that makes up for Diggersby's mediocre Speed, allowing it to revenge kill weakened foes such as Victini and Thundurus-T. Set Details Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature and a Choice Band allows Diggersby to be as powerful as possible and act as a great wallbreaker. Maximum Speed investment allows Diggersby to outspeed threatening Pokemon such as Jolly Scizor and Adamant Bisharp as well as most defensively oriented Pokemon. A Jolly nature can be utilized instead of Adamant to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Mega Scizor, easing the matchup against Steel. 4 Special Defense EVs give Diggersby a higher Special Defense stat than Defense, which prevents Download Pokemon such as Porygon2 from receiving a Special Attack boost. Huge Power doubles Diggersby's Attack, which causes it to be a fearsome wallbreaker that can 2HKO even the toughest physical walls. Life Orb could be utilized over Choice Band to grant Diggersby the ability to switch moves, easing the need for accurate predictions and allowing it to blast through types such as Poison, Steel, and Flying. However, it loses out on the overwhelming power that Choice Band provides and quickly wears Diggersby down. Usage Tips Diggersby should primarily be used early-game to break walls such as Clefable and Chansey to pave the way for teammates such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Pidgeot. Due to Diggersby's heavy reliance on prediction, be wary of Pokemon such as Protect Mega Sableye, Protect Ferrothorn, and Baneful Bunker Toxapex, as they're able to scout which attack Diggersby is locked into and then switch to a teammate that can deal with whichever move is chosen. Utilize Quick Attack to revenge weakened but faster foes such as Victini and Keldeo; however, be wary of locking Diggersby into Quick Attack, as it opens up opportunities for your opponent to safely bring in threatening setup Pokemon such as Azumarill. Due to Diggersby's mediocre bulk, avoid switching it in on attacks and entry hazards if possible in order to preserve its HP throughout the battle. Avoid common Will-O-Wisp and Scald users such as Mega Sableye and Gastrodon unless they're weakened to the point that Diggersby can KO them, as Diggersby's wallbreaking ability is ruined if it gets burned. Take advantage of Diggersby's Ground typing to block Electric-type attacks, most notably to prevent opposing Pokemon such as Zapdos from gaining momentum through Volt Switch. Team Options Porygon2 and Chansey form an amazing defensive core that can deal with threats to Diggersby such as Greninja and Kyurem-B. They are also able to spread status such as paralysis to nullify faster attackers such as Keldeo and Greninja and poison to whittle down defensive Pokemon such as Mandibuzz for Diggersby, allowing it to further act as a wallbreaker and cleaner. Chansey notably sets Stealth Rock, which whittles down foes to ease Diggersby's wallbreaking attempts. Staraptor is a great defensive Pokemon that can absorb Fighting-type attacks and remove entry hazards for Diggersby. It can also act as a pivot with U-turn to safely bring Diggersby into the field. Mega Lopunny forms a physically offensive core with Diggersby that can break past most defensive cores. It is also able to deal with physical walls such as Toxapex thanks to Encore and Power-Up Punch. Mega Pidgeot acts as a powerful special attacker that is able to deal with physically defensive Pokemon that Diggersby has trouble with such as Skarmory as well as offensive Pokemon that outspeed Diggersby such as Keldeo and Mega Gallade. It can also utilize U-turn to bring Diggersby in to break special walls. Porygon-Z is a powerful special setup sweeper that can clean through teams after its common specially defensive checks such as Chansey and Alolan Muk have been eliminated by Diggersby. Ditto is one of the best Choice Scarf users on Normal; it is able to eliminate faster threats to Diggersby such as Terrakion and Garchomp and dissuade sweepers such as Volcarona and Mega Gallade from setting up. Smeargle provides both Sticky Web and Stealth Rock support for Diggersby on hyper offense, allowing it to outspeed Pokemon that otherwise are faster than it such as Kyurem-B and Choice Band Victini. It is also able to put foes to sleep with Spore and paralyze foes with Nuzzle, giving Diggersby more opportunities to break past opposing Pokemon.

Moves Return is Diggersby's strongest STAB move. Earthquake is its secondary STAB move that hits Steel- and Rock-type Pokemon, like Magnezone, Heatran, and Tyranitar, that resist Return. Quick Attack is a priority STAB move that can revenge kill weakened Pokemon. Fire Punch is coverage to hit Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, which would otherwise survive an Earthquake, while also 2HKOing Skarmory. Set Details Maximum Attack EVs with an Adamant nature are used to maximize Diggersby's damage output. Maximum Speed EVs are used to outspeed most defensive Pokemon like slow Mew and slow Zapdos and other threats such as Adamant Bisharp and Adamant Mega Scizor. 4 EVs in Special Defense prevent Download users like Porygon2 from getting the Special Attack boost. Huge Power allows Diggersby's Attack stat to be boosted to high levels. Choice Band is the item of choice that, coupled with Huge Power, makes Diggersby one of the best wallbreakers in the Monotype metagame. Usage Tips Diggersby can be sent in early to wallbreak for its team. It should be sent in on a slower wall, like Zapdos, that can't hurt it. Entry hazards, such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, bring some Pokemon that would normally be 2HKOed by Diggersby into OHKO range, such as Mega Swampert after one layer of Spikes. Diggersby can be sent in when a teammate has fallen for a free switch in, as it is very frail, and possibly revenge kill with Quick Attack. Diggersby should be kept away from status, as a burn can cut its Attack stat and a poison will reduce its longevity. Diggersby should be careful when using one of its STAB moves against teams that have immunities, as both Return and Earthquake have Pokemon that are immune to them, such as Gengar and Rotom-W. Team Options Chansey sponges most special attacks and has access to Stealth Rock, which can help exert more pressure on the opposing side. Chansey can also cripple fast threats with Thunder Wave or whittle down walls that Diggersby cannot break through such as Porygon2 with Toxic. Porygon2 can switch into most physical attacks that threaten Diggersby. It can also cripple faster threats with Thunder Wave and Discharge, whittle Diggersby's checks down with Toxic, and punish setup sweepers with Foul Play. Defensive Staraptor covers most Fighting-type attacks that Diggersby cannot stay into as well as removes entry hazards with Defog for Diggersby to switch in more easily. It also has access to U-turn, which can be used to bring in Diggersby more. Ditto is a great check to setup sweepers that threaten Diggersby such as Cloyster. Choice Specs Meloetta is also a good offensive partner to Diggersby, as they can break each other's checks down. Meloetta can deal with the Ghost-types that wall Diggersby with Shadow Ball, while Diggersby can break through the walls that Meloetta has a tough time with such as Zapdos and Chansey. Mega Lopunny appreciates having Diggersby break its checks so that it can clean up much more easily. In return, Mega Lopunny can check some Ghost-types with its ability Scrappy, as well as certain Pokemon with Fake Out + Return.