Probopass Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Smack Down allows Probopass to bypass Bronzor's Levitate, allowing it to be hit by Earth Power. Earth Power hits every Steel-type in the metagame, including Mawile and Bronzor. It is especially powerful when boosted by Groundium Z, as Tectonic Rage OHKOes Mawile and does over half to Bronzor. Volt Switch allows Probopass to pivot around, allowing it to bring in its teammates safely thanks to its low Speed. Set Details The combination of Magnet Pull, Groundium Z, and maximum Special Attack investment allows Probopass to consistently trap and KO Steel-types like Bronzor and Mawile. 84 Speed EVs allow Probopass to outspeed Pokemon like Muk and Metang, notably letting it consistently beat non-specially defensive versions of the latter one-on-one. Usage Tips Probopass should focus on trapping opposing Steel-types and taking them out for its allies. In most situations, Probopass can be switched directly into weakened Bronzor, as it will always beat it outside of really bad Psywave rolls. Other Steel-types like Mawile, Metang, and opposing Probopass must be more carefully played around due to their access to Fighting- or Ground-type moves. However, Probopass will beat the former one-on-one if brought in safely and is also able to trap weakened Metang consistently. If opposing Steel-types have been removed, Probopass should be used as a pivot, safely bringing in teammates with its slow Volt Switch and providing utility in Stealth Rock. It can also function as a switch-in for Pokemon like Silvally-Dragon and Choice Scarf Mr. Mime, but due to its lack of recovery it will get worn down easily. Team Options Probopass's best teammates are those that appreciate its ability to remove Steel-types, such as Chatot, Mr. Mime, Beheeyem, and Silvally-Dragon. Oftentimes, after Probopass removes their main switch-in, these Pokemon can easily break apart or sweep the opponent's team by simply spamming their STAB moves. Most of these Pokemon also appreciate Probopass bringing them in safely with its slow Volt Switch. Checks to Fighting-types like Gourgeist-XL, Altaria, and Mareanie are necessary, as Probopass allows opposing Fighting-types to come in for free and they immediately force it out. Similarly, checks to Ground-types are required as well, so Gourgeist-XL and Leafeon work well with it, as well as Pokemon like Electivire and Silvally-Water to check the Water-types Probopass fears.

Moves Flash Cannon is Probopass's best STAB move, doing considerable damage to Pokemon like Golem as they switch in, and has decent neutral coverage. Earth Power is mandatory if running Magnet Pull to beat Pokemon like Mawile, and Sturdy sets can use it in place of Flash Cannon to hit Steel- and Poison-types harder than Flash Cannon can, though it does less damage to neutral targets. Toxic can be used to cripple Pokemon like Silvally formes by wearing them down over time. Taunt is another option in the last slot to cripple Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and prevent opposing entry hazards from going up, but it leaves Probopass unable to dent bulkier Pokemon. Set Details Leftovers is Probopass's only form of recovery on this set, giving it some much-needed longevity. Sturdy is generally the preferred ability, ensuring Probopass always gets up Stealth Rock if it is at full HP and protecting it from certain lures. Magnet Pull can be used, but due to a lack of Smack Down and offensive investment, this set does not beat the most common Steel-type in Bronzor, meaning it is not nearly as effective. 84 Speed EVs allow Probopass to outspeed Pokemon like Metang and Muk. The rest of the EVs are placed in special bulk to allow it to take as many hits from special attackers like Beheeyem as possible. Usage Tips This Probopass variant should be used as a check to a variety of special attackers, like Chatot, Beheeyem, non-Focus Blast Mr. Mime, and Silvally-Dragon. It has an easy time setting up Stealth Rock in the face of these Pokemon and should thus attempt to do so as soon as possible, as it offers crucial support for its team. Whichever offensive move is chosen, the lack of Special Attack investment means it generally won't be very strong. As such, crippling a foe with Toxic or pivoting out with Volt Switch is generally a better option to go for. If running Magnet Pull, Probopass can consistently trap and KO Mawile and weakened Metang. However, Probopass loses one-on-one against Bronzor and full health Metang, so it should not attempt to trap those. If Taunt is run, it can be used to prevent Pokemon like Mawile and Bronzor from setting up Stealth Rock, allowing Probopass to easily beat them in the entry hazard war. Team Options To form a core with Probopass, physically defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and defensive Silvally-Water work well. The former especially checks Ground- and Fighting-types for Probopass, while Probopass in return answers Pokemon like Chatot and non-Focus Blast Mr. Mime. Other checks to Ground- and Fighting-types, like Altaria and Silvally-Water aid Probopass with those weaknesses. The latter two also appreciate its slow Volt Switch to get in safely. Other Pokemon that appreciate being brought in safely, like Pinsir and Floatzel, also enjoy Probopass's support. Many Silvally formes can form an entry hazard control and VoltTurn core with Probopass. Since Probopass functions as a check to Psychic-types, Pokemon like Silvally-Fighting and Combusken pair well with it; both of these also appreciate its slow Volt Switch.

Moves Volt Switch is what makes Probopass act as a pivot, allowing it to gain free turns and bring teammates in safely. Flash Cannon is Probopass's main STAB move and is used to hit the majority of the tier really hard, especially Fairy- and Rock-types such as Mr. Mime and Golem, respectively. Earth Power is used mainly to KO Steel-types once Probopass has trapped them with Magnet Pull; it can also be used to damage Fire-types if Probopass isn't running Power Gem. Stealth Rock deals chip damage to the foes every time they switch in, and it works well with the momentum the team gains with Volt Switch. Thunder Wave cripples and limits the potential of fast enemy Pokemon such as Kadabra and Jumpluff, which tear offensive teams apart. Power Gem is Probopass's alternate STAB move, which hits Flying-types such as Jumpluff and Fire-types such as Ninetales harder than Earth Power. Toxic is an option to rack up residual damage against bulky Ground-type Pokemon such as Stunfisk and specially defensive walls in general, as Flash Cannon won't do that much to a lot of them. Set Details 172 HP EVs make Probopass a bit bulkier so it can tank a few neutral hits while running an offensive set. Maximum Special Attack investment paired with a Modest nature gives Probopass as much firepower as possible and allow it to deal significant damage and open holes in the enemy team. 84 Speed EVs make Probopass outspeed common Stealth Rock leads and pivot out from common Pokemon with 50 or less base Speed, especially special walls such as Audino. Magnet Pull is a game-changing ability, as it puts massive pressure on the Steel-type foes that can get trapped and KOed easily. Leftovers keeps Probopass healthy even as it takes Stealth Rock damage. Air Balloon is an option to have a temporary immunity to a Ground-type move, allowing Probopass to check a lot of Pokemon. Usage Tips This set should be used as a pivot because Probopass is one of the best pivots, checking special attackers such as Kadabra, Ninetales, and Misdreavus while having the ability to Volt Switch out into a more favorable matchup. Probopass should Volt Switch most of the time to gain momentum for the team, especially after it switches in on Pokemon it walls, such as Zebstrika and Chatot, as they will probably switch out. Volt Switch should not be used when the opponent carries Pokemon immune to Electric-type moves, especially Ground-types such as Stunfisk, Golem, and Gabite. Be careful when checking offensive Pokemon with this variant of Probopass, especially ones with good coverage, because its typing makes it really vulnerable to Ground- and Fighting-type coverage moves from Pokemon such as Raichu, Rapidash, and Stoutland. If the opponent has troublesome special attacking threats, such as Ninetales and Rotom-F, or Steel-type Pokemon, such as Pawniard and Klang, on their team, keep Probopass healthy to make sure it can trap them and win in 1v1 situations. Team Options Pokemon that appreciate the removal of Steel-types, such as Jumpluff, Leafeon, Tangela, and Gourgeist-XL, are good teammates for Probopass, as many can also easily check or stall out Water- and Ground-types that trouble Probopass, such as Simipour and Stunfisk. Spikes support is good when paired with Volt Switch pressure and the decent firepower of Probopass, causing foes to take high damage when they switch out and sometimes forcing them to stay in, giving Probopass a chance to cripple them with Thunder Wave. Offensive spinblockers, such as Misdreavus and Gourgeist, prevent entry hazards from being removed and also appreciate having Steel-types worn down, giving them the opportunity to run other coverage moves, as Hidden Power Fighting will be less needed. Chatot highly appreciates trapping of Steel-types, such as Probopass and Pawniard, as they can easily handle it. Slow Pokemon with an offensive presence that can make use of enemies slowed by Thunder Wave, such as Marowak and Pawniard, are also decent alongside Probopass.

Moves Stealth Rock pressures the enemy team, as it deals damage to foes every time they switch in and breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy. Volt Switch makes Probopass an excellent pivot, letting it safely switch out and gain momentum and free turns for the team. Thunder Wave cripples opposing offensive Pokemon, slowing them and making them more easy to kill with a slow-paced team. Toxic puts a timer on opposing walls, forcing them to switch and take damage from Stealth Rock if they switch in again. Earth Power allows Probopass to hit Steel-type Pokemon really hard, especially other Probopass and Pawniard, but also makes Probopass setup fodder, as Earth Power is weaker than Probopass's main STAB moves. Power Gem is a STAB move that can be useful most of the time to hit Flying- and Fire-types. Flash Cannon is also a STAB move that is used to hit Fairy- and Ice-types, and it has a decent chance to lower a foe's Special Defense, usually causing them to switch out. Set Details Maximum HP investment and 168 Special Defense EVs allow Probopass to stay alive as long as possible, though it lacks any form of reliable recovery aside from Leftovers. The EVs also allow it to tank any hits from special attackers such as Ninetales with ease, checking and crippling them thanks to Thunder Wave or Toxic. 84 Speed EVs let Probopass outspeed slow uninvested Stealth Rock setters such as Golem and Armaldo. Sturdy lets Probopass set up Stealth Rock safely and tank at least one hit most of the time. Leftovers provides Probopass with passive recovery, which helps it to make up for residual damage and keep Sturdy intact. Usage Tips Probopass works best as a pivot, so try to use it to wall dangerous threats such as Zebstrika, Ninetales, and Chatot, and set up Stealth Rock or a status move to cripple the enemy team or just Volt Switch away immediately. Probopass's main priority when running a defensive set is to get Stealth Rock up as soon as possible to pressure foes, especially against Pokemon it walls, such as Ninetales and Rotom-F, and rack up more residual damage against the enemy team. Even though Probopass is known for being an excellent wall against special attackers, be wary about switching into Pokemon such as Kadabra, which might carry Hidden Power Fighting and other coverage against it. Because Probopass gives a lot of utility to a team, try to not lose it early in the battle, especially if it has to check a specific threat on the enemy team, such as Pawniard or Jumpluff, as it lacks recovery. Don't be overconfident with Sturdy if the foe can KO Probopass easily; it's nice to have guaranteed Stealth Rock or cripple a foe early, but Probopass will probably be needed throughout the game, with Sturdy also being important as a last-ditch play to cripple a setup sweeper such as Leafeon or Misdreavus. Team Options On hazard-stacking teams, Spikes setters such as Roselia and Cacturne are good with Probopass to stack up residual damage along with spinblockers such as Misdreavus and Gourgeist, which keep entry hazards safe from Rapid Spin. Sweepers and cleaners that appreciate Stealth Rock and Toxic residual damage, foes crippled by Thunder Wave, and being brought into the field safely thanks to Volt Switch, such as Kadabra, Regice, and Ursaring, are good teammates. Defensive teams love the support given by defensive Probopass, as it gives them a bulky Stealth Rock setter and a Pokemon that can set momentum, work as a pivot thanks to Volt Switch, and has a possibility to cripple or wear down foes with Thunder Wave and Toxic. Slow teams benefit from Thunder Wave to revenge kill threats, and Toxic fits stalling strategies well. Bulky Grass-type Pokemon such as Tangela and Gourgeist-XL check Ground- and Water-types Pokemon for Probopass and also appreciate Volt Switch in addition to Thunder Wave and Toxic support.

With his Ground-type weakness eliminated, Probopass is surprisingly difficult to KO, especially when Steel-types such as Magneton and Steelix cannot escape, and Probopass stops their attempts to phaze him with Taunt. Substitute is an alternative to Taunt, as it protects Probopass from status while giving him a turn to set up Magnet Rise or hit the opposing Pokemon with an attack. Earth Power deals great damage to Steel-, Fire-, and Electric-types, Power Gem hits Flying-types such as Moltres and Altaria, and Hidden Power Grass is used to 2HKO Ground-types such as Dugtrio and Donphan. Thunderbolt is mainly used for bulky Water-types such as Milotic, though support from Toxic Spikes is usually more effective in dealing with such foes; Thunderbolt also scores a super effective hit against most Flying-types. Using a Modest nature along with 84 Speed EVs ensures that Probopass outruns most Steel-types in UU, most notably minimum Speed Registeel. Alternatively, you could run a more defensive spread without Speed or Special Attack, while using Toxic to stall bulkier opponents such as Donphan or Milotic. Ground- and Fighting-type moves are a problem for Probopass, so a teammate who can switch into them is recommended. Claydol can switch into both Ground- and Fighting-type moves with an immunity and resistance, respectively; Claydol also has access to Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin to support teammates. If you wish to go down a more offensive route, Moltres is a viable choice, as it can switch in quite easily and threaten opponents with STAB Fire-type moves; however, if you use Moltres, make sure you have Rapid Spin support, as it loses half of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. As the main goal of this set is to trap and get rid of Steel-types, Pokemon who benefit from their removal are great teammates. Venusaur and Espeon can take advantage of a team which lacks Registeel, while Scyther, Absol, and Swellow can power through an opponent who lacks Steelix. Below are some damage calculations to give you an idea of the damage Probopass will be dealing to common UU Steel-types: 252 SpA Modest Probopass Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Steelix: 40.1% - 47.5% 252 SpA Modest Probopass Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magneton: 185.9% - 219.1% 252 SpA Modest Probopass Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Aggron: 160.9% - 190.7% 252 SpA Modest Probopass Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Registeel: 22.5% - 26.9% Although the calculation against Registeel is unimpressive, it is easily defeated with Taunt; Iron Head deals a maximum of 20% to Probopass, while Magnet Rise makes Earthquake useless. If Registeel is proving to be a problem, Spikes support from Qwilfish or Cloyster may be helpful.

This set takes advantage of Probopass's great Special Defense and usable HP stats, turning him into a legitimate special tank. The heavy focus on Special Defense gives Probopass the ability to take on special attackers such as Rotom, Houndoom, and Spiritomb much easier, and the moveset is designed to make the best of the support options given to him. Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, and Toxic are all helpful moves, and with Probopass's immense bulk, he can abuse said moves numerous times if need be. Power Gem is for STAB, while Earth Power and Thunderbolt are used for better type coverage, hitting Steel-types and bulky Water-types, respectively. Toxic should only be used alongside Earth Power, as Steel-types are immune to Toxic and take less damage from Thunderbolt, while Thunder Wave can be used to overcome Probopass's low Speed. As for other move options, Probopass can utilize Explosion, enabling him to deal huge damage and take out a possible threat to your team; when using Explosion, a Sassy nature is recommended since it doesn't lower Probopass's Attack. Explosion also turns Probopass into a lure for Ground-, Fighting-, and Water-types, letting him easily take them out and pave the way for a teammate to potentially sweep. Alternatively, Gravity can be used to support Probopass's teammates and boost the accuracy of more shaky moves. Other benefits of Gravity include an Earthquake which cannot be evaded, and the ability to use moves such as Zap Cannon. Chople, Shuca, or Passho Berry can be used to weaken super effective Fighting-, Ground-, or Water-type attacks. Rest and Sleep Talk overcome Probopass's lack of recovery, and they turn Probopass into a great sleep absorber and wall. Below are some damage calculations demonstrating Probopass's walling ability: Timid 252 SpA Venusaur Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Probopass: 41.7% - 49.1% Timid 252 SpA Houndoom +2 Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Probopass: 57.4% - 68.5% Modest 252 SpA Moltres Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Probopass: 45.7% - 53.7% Timid 252 SpA Rotom Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Probopass: 27.2% - 32.4% Unfortunately, due to Probopass's typing, he carries a nasty 4x weakness to Ground- and Fighting-type attacks, so a teammate who can switch into such moves is extremely helpful. Flying-types such as Altaria and Moltres are effective, as they are immune to Ground-type attacks and resist Fighting-type moves. Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Rotom are also great, as they pack immunities to both Fighting- and Ground-type attacks, while their Ghost typing gives them an immunity to Rapid Spin, preventing the Stealth Rock Probopass sets up from being removed. Bulky Water-types can be troublesome; however, such foes are easily defeated by the likes of Venusaur and Ludicolo, while Chansey and Clefable can stall them with Seismic Toss and Soft-Boiled. Toxic and Toxic Spikes are also helpful, as they cause worsening damage each turn, making it much harder to recover the damage. Dragon Dance Feraligatr can set up on most bulky Water-types who lack Hidden Power Grass, while Altaria can set up against those who lack Ice Beam. Finally, Hippopotas can be used alongside Probopass, as the sandstorm Hippopotas provides boosts Probopass's Special Defense by 50%. This allows Probopass to tank special hits much more effectively, and it ensures that Probopass will never be 2HKOed by +2 Houndoom's Fire Blast. Just be sure that the sandstorm doesn't hinder the rest of your team.