Dodrio Movesets & Competitive Sets

Set Information Swords Dance boosts Dodrio's Attack to frightening levels, enabling its sweep. Drill Peck is a strong STAB attack that allows Dodrio to break through many physically bulky Pokemon, like Mega Venusaur, Poliwrath, and Mega Charizard X. Quick Attack is a useful tool that prevents Dodrio from being revenge killed by the likes of Mega Beedrill and Mega Alakazam. Jump Kick provides great coverage with Dodrio's STAB attacks, hitting Pokemon like Melmetal, Rhydon, and Alolan Sandslash for massive damage. Usage Tips Dodrio is a straightforward Pokemon. Finding setup opportunities for Dodrio can be difficult, but it can be done on Pokemon that cannot OHKO it like Alolan Exeggutor, Poliwrath, and Snorlax; it should be wary of Toxic, though. Dodrio also forces switches against the likes of Mega Venusaur and Victreebel, giving it chances to boost up with Swords Dance. Try to weaken Dodrio's most common checks in Melmetal, Mew, and Zapdos before setting it up, as Dodrio cannot break these Pokemon alone and will usually faint when trying to. If needed, Dodrio can be used early-game to weaken these Pokemon for teammates like Dragonite, giving them opportunities to sweep later on. Team Options Ground-types that can help with Melmetal and Zapdos like Sandslash and Nidoqueen are excellent partners for Dodrio, as it cannot break these threats without support. These Pokemon can also land a Toxic on Mew, making it much more difficult for Mew to reliably check Dodrio. Nidoqueen in particular is a very helpful partner, weakening opposing Pokemon with Super Fang and putting them in range of Dodrio's attacks. Dragonite can be used alongside Dodrio, as they share many checks like Rhydon and Sandslash and can often break through them when paired together. Dodrio can be used on teams that feature dual screens support from Electrode. The added bulk allows Dodrio to set up on many more Pokemon, like Mega Gyarados, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Beedrill. Electrode can also prevent Stealth Rock from going up with Taunt, with its blistering Speed ensuring it outspeeds all Stealth Rock setters other than Mega Aerodactyl, which it Speed ties with. Mew is a great teammate that can switch into and deal with Pokemon that frustrate Dodrio, like Zapdos, and ensure they remain weakened with Taunt preventing their recovery moves. It can also check Melmetal, burning it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald or just weakening it with Flamethrower. Thunder Wave support is extremely useful for Dodrio, preventing revenge killing from the likes of Starmie and Mega Alakazam. Common users like Melmetal, Starmie, and Mega Gyarados all pair well with Dodrio for this reason.

Moves Brave Bird is Dodrio's primary STAB move because of its incredible power. However, when the extra power is not needed or the recoil is not desired, Return is a good STAB option. Knock Off cripples Pokemon that depend on their items as well as Rock- and Steel-types that may try to switch in to Dodrio's STAB moves, such as Misdreavus and Probopass, respectively. Quick Attack is a priority STAB move that allows Dodrio to finish off weakened Pokemon that are faster than it such as Simisear, Raichu, and Zebstrika. Alternatively, Pursuit can be used instead to trap and KO weakened Pokemon or to heavily damage Pokemon that usually switch out of Dodrio such as Roselia. Set Details Maximum Speed and Attack EVs are used to maximize Dodrio's Speed and damage output. A Jolly nature lets it outspeed Pokemon such as Basculin and Leafeon and Speed tie with Pokemon such as Ninetales. Early Bird makes dealing with Jumpluff and other Sleep Powder users such as Roselia a little easier. Choice Band gives Dodrio more power to wallbreak, while Life Orb lets Dodrio switch moves but wears it down even more quickly than usual and provides a smaller power boost. Usage Tips Dodrio works best as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker. To avoid getting KOed, Dodrio should only be switched in with a slow U-turn or Volt Switch or after a teammate has been KOed. Knock Off should only be used to cripple defensive switch-ins that Dodrio has a hard time KOing, such as Metang and Klang. Otherwise, Brave Bird and Return should be used most frequently. Team Options Checks and counters to Steel-types, such as Monferno and Stunfisk, allow Dodrio to freely use its STAB moves to wallbreak. Slow Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Probopass and Vibrava can help Dodrio switch in safely, as can defoggers such as Swanna and Vullaby. Probopass can trap and KO Steel-types for Dodrio; Probopass also provides a slow Volt Switch. Sweepers and cleaners such as Huntail and Choice Scarf Rotom-F appreciate Dodrio weakening the opponent's team, allowing them to do their jobs more easily. Water- and Grass-types such as Simipour and Simisage can get rid of Rock-types, while Dodrio can get rid of Grass-types for them in return. Similarly, Fighting-types such as Monferno deal with Steel-, Ice-, and Rock-types, while Ground-types can deal with Steel-, Rock- and Electric-types.

Moves Return is a powerful STAB move that does not inflict recoil damage. Brave Bird is Dodrio's strongest STAB move on this set, but it comes with the price of recoil damage. Knock Off cripples Pokemon that are dependent on their items such as Misdreavus and Clefairy while also crippling Rock- and Steel-type switch-ins. Pursuit can be used to KO a weakened foe that tries to switch out of Dodrio or to weaken Pokemon that Dodrio forces out, such as Roselia. Quick Attack can be used to KO faster, weakened Choice Scarf or priority users. Set Details Maximum Speed and Attack EVs with a Jolly nature give Dodrio a good amount of power and let it outspeed the whole unboosted tier as well as common Choice Scarf users such as Mr. Mime, Rotom-F, and Leafeon. An Adamant nature is an option for a decent boost in power in exchange for being outspeed by those Choice Scarf users. Early Bird makes dealing with Sleep Powder users easier. Usage Tips Dodrio will mostly be used as a revenge killer throughout the game, so it should only be switched in after a teammate has been KOed. Late-game, Dodrio can clean up weakened teams. Because of its low bulk, weakness to Stealth Rock, and heavy recoil damage from Brave Bird, Dodrio should not switch in unless it can OHKO the foe. Keeping Dodrio healthy is crucial throughout the game to make sure that it can safely revenge kill and clean late-game when the foe is weakened. Brave Bird or Return should always be used to revenge kill, but Knock Off or Pursuit can be used on predicted switches. Team Options Fighting- and Ground-types, such as Combusken and Stunfisk, have good synergy with Dodrio, with the former dealing with Rock-, Steel-, and Ice-types and the latter dealing with Rock-, Steel-, and Electric-types. Probopass can trap Steel-types for Dodrio so that it doesn't have to worry about them switching in when revenge killing. Water-types, such as Simipour and Floatzel, and Grass-types, such as Jumpluff and Tangela, can also deal with Rock-types for Dodrio; in return, Dodrio can take care of the Grass-types that resist their STAB moves. Also, entry hazard control is very important to ensure that Dodrio can revenge kill foes without having to take residual damage.

The added power of Choice Band pushes the power of Brave Bird and Return high enough to now OHKO Pokemon like defensive Torterra and most Gabite sets, as well as getting a 2HKO on defensive Pokemon like Pelipper. Quick Attack is preferred on Choice Band Dodrio for its ability to pick off weakened threats with much more reliability. Pursuit is extremely useful to damage opposing Pokemon that would normally be threatened by Dodrio, while Drill Peck can be used as a STAB move without recoil. Choice Band Dodrio works very well as an early-game wallbreaker, as its high-powered moves can severely weaken even some of its sturdier checks and a strong, well-timed Pursuit can help weaken Pokemon for Dodrio's teammates such as Jumpluff and Zebstrika. Many of the same Pokemon that work well with Choice Scarf Dodrio also work well with its Choice Band set such as Natu, Tentacool, and momentum users. However, Choice Band Dodrio also appreciates some extra support to handle Zebstrika and Sneasel, since it has no chance of outspeeding them normally. Ground-types like Gabite and Torterra work well to help against Zebstrika, with special mention to Stunfisk, as it doesn't have a 4x weakness to Hidden Power Ice. Ice-type checks such as Monferno and defensive Mawile help to keep Sneasel under control. Pokemon like Stunfisk, Dwebble, or Maractus can set up Stealth Rock or Spikes, which can help make Dodrio's attacks guarantee OHKOs on Pokemon like defensive Beheeyem and Audino. Pokemon like Torterra and Scraggy greatly fear Choice Band Dodrio, so Pokemon that can take advantage of them being knocked out like one's own Torterra, Gabite, and Beheeyem make great partners.

Brave Bird and Return are Dodrio's main STAB moves, helping to check Monferno and Torterra while still being able to hit Zebstrika neutrally. Quick Attack is a decently strong priority move to pick off faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Rapidash, weather sweepers like Golduck and Shiftry, and other priority users like Monferno. Pursuit is an option to take advantage of the switches that Dodrio forces against Pokemon like Natu, Jumpluff, and Zebstrika that don't appreciate taking strong Brave Birds. Drill Peck is used as a significantly weaker Flying-type STAB move that can still pick off weakened Pokemon without the recoil of Brave Bird. Steel Wing is Dodrio's only real coverage option and has the niche of hitting Rock-types harder, but is hard to justify using over the utility of the other moves. Tangled Feet is the most useable of Dodrio's abilities, giving it an evasion boost if it gets confused. An Adamant nature is preferred for much-needed power, but a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf users such as Golduck and Mr. Mime. Choice Scarf Dodrio functions well as a late-game cleaner, after bulkier Pokemon such as Beheeyem, Mantine, and Frillish have been worn down in range of its attacks. Due to its lack of coverage, Dodrio needs partners that can help deal with the likes of Mawile, Klang, and Stunfisk. Ground-types like Gabite and Torterra fill this role quite nicely while also helping Dodrio against Electric-types such as Zebstrika, and they can also set up Stealth Rock to wear down Dodrio's checks. Dodrio's own susceptibility to Stealth Rock also makes Tentacool and Natu good partners for being able to keep entry hazards off the field, giving Dodrio the ability to switch in more times over longer games. Dodrio also appreciates momentum support from Pokemon like Monferno, Natu, and Zebstrika so that it can more easily switch into the threats that it would like to check.

This set's goal is to hit as hard as possible with two of Dodrio's strongest STAB attacking moves, Brave Bird and Return. Brave Bird KOes Hitmontop, Toxicroak, Abomasnow, and Ludicolo without rain before they are able to hit Dodrio. Return gives Dodrio more coverage, allowing it to hit Electric-types harder and not take any recoil damage. Quick Attack is excellent, finishing off Focus Sash users along with Pokemon that are close to fainting. It also allows Dodrio to deal some quick damage before getting KOed. However, Taunt can also be used to stop the likes of Cresselia and Amoonguss as Dodrio outspeeds them. Protect is necessary to increase Dodrio's longevity while its partner takes out common threats. Dodrio's EV spread is straightforward, but effective. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, it outspeeds anything with less than base 100 Speed. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Attack, allowing Dodrio to dish out as much damage as possible. Although Focus Sash is an excellent item, ensuring Dodrio can get at least one attack off before fainting, Brave Bird will KO Dodrio after it uses it. With a Flying Gem, Dodrio is able to get an incredibly powerful Brave Bird off, sending all Fighting-type Pokemon to oblivion. Because Dodrio's Speed is only decent, it appreciates being partnered with Pokemon that can slow down the opposing team with moves such as Thunder Wave and Icy Wind. Cresselia is an excellent example, disrupting the opponent's team while assisting Dodrio's offensive abilities. Dodrio also partners well with Fake Out users such as Hitmontop, Infernape, and Mienshao, all of which can use Fake Out to flinch faster Pokemon while Dodrio finishes the job with Brave Bird. As Dodrio is completely walled by Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon, it works great alongside Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon. Terrakion has access to Rock Slide and Close Combat, taking out Pokemon that otherwise render Dodrio useless. Garchomp has access to Earthquake and Rock Slide and takes advantage of Dodrio's Flying-type to spam Earthquake. Tyranitar is slightly slower than both Terrakion and Garchomp but has more bulk, as well as access to Rock Slide and Low Kick.

Choice Band Dodrio is one of the most fearsome physical sweepers in UU. With just a STAB Brave Bird or Return, he can 2HKO the entire tier, bar bulky Steel- or Rock-types. Powerful physical walls like Slowbro and Weezing don't even stand a chance against Dodrio's STAB attacks. Even Pokemon that resist Flying, like Rotom and Kabutops, are unable to switch in lest they be 2HKOed. Brave Bird and Return are Dodrio's STAB attacks, and are used to punch holes into teams. Common cores like Fire-Water-Grass or Weezing + Milotic are unable to handle Dodrio effectively. Pursuit is useful to catch Psychic- and Ghost-types on the switch, and works excellently on Mismagius that utilize Hidden Power Fighting; however, Payback can be used to hit Rotom and bulky Psychics on the switch without suffering recoil, and is Dodrio's strongest attack against Rhyperior and Regirock. The last slot gives Dodrio a useful priority move in Quick Attack. However, one can choose to run Toxic to cripple bulky Rock-type switch-ins and limit the amount of times they can counter Dodrio. Dodrio's high Speed is a blessing in that it allows him to outspeed a majority of the tier and land the KO before being KOed himself. Dodrio should have a Jolly nature with 252 Speed EVs to ensure he outspeeds the base 95 Speed group and at worst ties with other maximum Speed base 100s. Although an Adamant nature provides even greater power, it's not recommended since Jolly already obtains the same amount of KOs. Dodrio's high Speed allows him to function as a decent revenge killer, while Early Bird allows Dodrio to act as a 'sleep absorber' if the need arises. Dodrio can run the exact same set with a Choice Scarf equipped to further increase his Speed, but other Pokemon like Primeape and Blaziken do this much better because of their greater coverage and lack of a Stealth Rock weakness. Because Dodrio has a weakness to Stealth Rock, using a Rapid Spinner is highly recommended. Hitmontop and Claydol are the best choices for this role because they also provide a handy resistance to Rock-type attacks. Hitmontop's access to Foresight and Claydol's access to Trick allow them to spin more efficiently. Rhyperior and Torterra are great offensive partners because of their ability to set up on Pokemon like Steelix, Regirock, and Registeel, while Dodrio eliminates problematic Pokemon like Milotic, Donphan, and Weezing. Since Dodrio is rather frail, a Pokemon that can take priority attacks comes in handy; Milotic and Slowbro are great options.

This set has nearly the same wallbreaking capabilities of the Choice Bander, but mixes in utility options like Taunt and Roost to support the team and help Dodrio stick around a bit longer. Brave Bird is Dodrio's main STAB attack and still obtains the 2HKOs on Milotic and Donphan, two common Pokemon that 'glue' many teams together. The second slot is for Dodrio's alternative STAB attack. Return has a good amount of power and can hit Pokemon that resist Flying hard, but Quick Attack allows Dodrio to hit faster Pokemon. Although it may seem odd to use Roost on a Pokemon as frail as Dodrio, he can use it on weaker attacks like Pursuit and on predicted Sucker Punches, giving him a bit more longevity. Taunt allows Dodrio to defeat walls that hope to stall him out, such as Slowbro, and prevents Pokemon like Regirock and Omastar from setting up entry hazards on him. Taunt also prevents Registeel and Uxie from throwing around status attacks, allowing your counters to switch in without being crippled. Toxic is an option to weaken pesky Rock-types like Rhyperior, while Payback can be used to eliminate Rotom without having to take a good amount of recoil; it is also Dodrio's strongest attack against Rock-types. With Sharp Beak and a Jolly nature, Dodrio has a very high chance to 2HKO Donphan and Milotic. Sharp Beak is the main option to prevent Dodrio from suffering more recoil than he has to, although Life Orb guarantees the 2HKOs on the aforementioned Pokemon and allows Dodrio to hit harder in general. With both Taunt and Roost, Dodrio makes an excellent stallbreaker because many stall teams don't have a Flying resist, and he can Roost off the damage from their weak attacks. Dodrio appreciates Rapid Spin support to help patch up his Stealth Rock weakness. Again, Hitmontop and Claydol are excellent options. Fire-types like Houndoom and Blaziken eliminate pesky Steel- and Rock-types while enjoying Dodrio's ability to take down Milotic. This particular Dodrio works well in a 'double Flying' strategy with either Moltres or Swellow. Moltres works great in particular because of its ability to eliminate Steel-types with a STAB Fire Blast and OHKO Rhyperior with Hidden Power Grass, while Dodrio is capable of removing Moltres's number one counter, Milotic, from the game.

Other Options: Substitute