Mareep Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Light Screen and Reflect double your team's Special Defense and Defense, respectively, and allow teammates to set up relatively unscathed. Thunder Wave paralyzes other Pokemon, slowing down potential threats which can let other Pokemon sweep. Heal Bell allows Mareep to reliably cure teammates of status behind the extra bulk of Light Screen and Reflect. Toxic allows Mareep to whittle down bulky Pokemon that take little damage from or are immune to Mareep's Electric STAB move, such as Porygon and Hippopotas. For offensive options, Thunderbolt is a powerful STAB attack, while Discharge is slightly weaker but comes with a 30% chance to paralyze the foe. Both prevent Mareep from being total Taunt bait. Set Details Eviolite is the preferred item because it maximizes Mareep's bulk, while Berry Juice gives Mareep a solid option of recovery; however, this makes setting up on Knock Off users such as Pawniard and Mienfoo much harder. The EVs and nature maximize Mareep's overall bulk. Mareep, backed by an Eviolite, is quite bulky. This allows it to pivot in and out of neutral attacks to set up. Static can paralyze physical attackers, allowing Mareep to set up screens later in the game. Usage Tips Mareep should be used before you want a setup sweeper to come in. Use Reflect or Light Screen based on what attacker is in front of you to receive immediate benefits, and then set up the second screen. Mareep has trouble getting past common leads, such as Onix, Dwebble, and Drilbur, and shouldn't be used in the lead position. Mareep should instead be used to support a setup sweeper later in the game. Try to reserve Mareep to come in on Pokemon that cannot deal large damage to it, such as Fletchling and Foongus. Team Options Wish support from Spritzee can greatly improve Mareep's longevity, allowing it to set up screens multiple times in the battle. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Scraggy, Belly Drum Zigzagoon, Bulk Up Timburr, and Swords Dance Fletchling as well as Baton Pass recipients such as Munna and Natu appreciate the added defenses Mareep's screens supply. Slower Pokemon, such as Corphish, Karrablast, and bulky Pawniard, enjoy the paralysis chances that Mareep offers between Thunder Wave and Static.

Mareep has 25 HP, 14 Defense, and 12 Special Defense, which, when paired with a lack of a weakness to Dark-type moves, allow it to make for an effective dual screener that isn't afraid of Pursuit users such as Pawniard. Reflect and Light Screen are Mareep's way of supporting its team, allowing a frail teammate to set up safely. Thunderbolt is Mareep's reliable STAB move, and while Discharge could be used for the extra paralysis chance, its lower base power causes it to be an inferior option. Thunder Wave is preferred in the last slot, as it can reliably spread paralysis which could help a teammate sweep. Light Clay is the preferred item on this set, granting three extra turns on Mareep's screens. However, Baton Passers and some Pokemon that set up themselves don't need the extra turns. Therefore, Eviolite is a solid choice for the extra bulk it provides. Any Pokemon with Brick Break can ruin Mareep's screens, but the move is rarely used, so it's not a major problem. Mareep pairs well with Baton Passers and Pokemon that can set up. Gastly is deadly when behind screens and is also immune to Ground-type moves aimed at Mareep. Timburr lacks the Ground immunity, but is incredibly bulky with screens up and can get many Bulk Up boosts in before attempting a sweep.

Mareep isn't the bulkiest thing alive, but it can take a hit or two. Using this set isn't hard, and can be pretty helpful to any team. All you do is switch in, set up Reflect and Light Screen, and switch to a setup sweeper. However, Mareep does have an extra trick up its...wool. Mareep can use Thunder Wave to stop sweepers in their tracks as long as they aren't named Glameow or have Ground-typing. This also helps compensate for Mareep's bad Speed. The problem is this set is countered by Ground-types, unless you are running Hidden Power Grass or Ice. That means Mareep is going to be luring in Ground-types like ants to honey, which hampers its ability to spread paralysis. Hidden Power Grass is great since it keeps Mareep from being walled by Ground-types and Chinchou. With Reflect and Hidden Power Ice, Mareep can lure in Gligar and take it out. Hidden Power Ice also gets excellent coverage with Discharge. Thunderbolt is the Mareep's main attacking option, although Mareep won't being doing much damage with its 13 Special Attack. Discharge works well with Hidden Power Grass due to the higher chance of paralyzing the opponent. Oran Berry is the item of choice. It gives Mareep much more survivability, especially with the screens up. However, Light Clay is an option if you want the screens to last much longer; which can help with some sweepers that need two or three boosts to sweep effectively. Both Bold and Calm nature are effective, and can be changed to fit your needs. If you fear Pokemon like Dratini and other physical sweepers, use Bold. If Mantyke and other special attackers give you the chills, then run Calm. The EVs are pretty straight forward. Max HP gives Mareep a decent 25 HP, the same HP stat as Bronzor. The EVs in the defenses mean Mareep will have 14 Defense and 12 Special Defense with Bold nature, or 13 in each stat with a Calm nature. Mareep has only one weakness: Ground. This means that Flying-types or Levitators are great teammates for Mareep. Setup sweepers are the best, since they can benefit the most from Reflect and Light Screen. Gligar, Drifloon, Mantyke, and Gastly are all great examples of Pokemon who can take advantage of Mareep's weakness. Rapid Spinners are also great teammates with Mareep, since it will be switching in a lot to set up screens. Squirtle is a great option, since Mareep can easily switch in on Electric-type attacks being used to take out the tiny turtle.