Psyduck Movesets & Competitive Sets

Item

Choice Scarf

Ability

Cloud Nine

Nature

Timid

EVs

Sp. Atk 240 / Speed 240

Moves

Analysis

Psyduck should come in on weakened opponents and score KOs with its variety of coverage moves. However, Psyduck's coverage does not have enough power to outright KO opponents, nor is it bulky enough to take a hit before dealing damage. Because of this, Staryu is a better Water-type for many reasons; it is faster, carries Rapid Spin, and has better coverage options.

Item

Choice Scarf

Ability

Cloud Nine

Nature

Modest

EVs

Sp. Atk 240 / Speed 240

Moves

Analysis

Psyduck is a good Choice Scarf user, reaching 22 Speed while negating weather when on the field by using its ability. Hydro Pump is the preferred STAB move due to its power, but Surf is viable for its accuracy. Ice Beam hits Dragon- and Grass-types. In the third slot, Hidden Power Fire is preferred, as it deals with the important Ferroseed and Snover. Hidden Power Grass is an option, however, if the team has problems with Water-types. In the last slot, Signal Beam is used for extra coverage, hitting Slowpoke, which is useful if using Hidden Power Fire, and also hitting Snover, which is important if using Hidden Power Grass. Psyduck could use a Timid nature for the extra Speed, but the power drop is unwelcome. Mud Bomb could be used if running Hidden Power Fire for hitting Chinchou, but Psyduck loses a bit of coverage by doing so. If not using Mud Bomb or Hidden Power Grass, Chinchou can come in on any of Psyduck's moves and force it out. Ferroseed is a good teammate for Psyduck to beat Chinchou that lack Hidden Power Fire, while Dratini works against versions lacking Ice Beam. Mantyke also easily takes anything that Psyduck dishes out, meaning that a Chinchou of your own works well alongside Psyduck. Houndour and Ponyta are good options as well, having excellent synergy with Psyduck, especially when used with a Grass-type such as Ferroseed or Lileep, forming a Fire / Water / Grass core.

Item

Choice Scarf

Ability

Cloud Nine

Nature

Naive

EVs

Attack 24 / Sp. Atk 240 / Speed 236

Moves

Analysis

Psyduck's best chance of success in the Little Cup metagame is obtained by using a Choice Scarf. With a Choice Scarf and a Naive nature, Psyduck reaches a very good 24 Speed, which outspeeds all non-Choice Scarf users in addition to threats such as Dratini and Bagon after a Dragon Dance. Psyduck's deep movepool gives it superior type coverage and makes it a good Choice Scarf user. Additionally, Choice Scarf gives Psyduck great utility outside of the unique niche of being an end-all counter to weather-based teams. Hydro Pump is Psyduck's most powerful STAB move and allows Psyduck to hit as hard as possible. Surf can be used if you're afraid of Hydro Pump's shaky accuracy, but then Psyduck loses the ability to 2HKO Lileep. Ice Beam OHKOes Gligar, Cacnea, and Gible, all of whom lose their Sand Veil evasion boost because of Cloud Nine. Cross Chop will 2HKO Snover through its Oran Berry while providing general utility against Aron and Munchlax late game. Hidden Power Grass is the first option on this set since it gives Psyduck the ability to OHKO Kabuto and Omanyte, as well as hitting Chinchou for good damage. On the other hand, Hidden Power Electric OHKOes Mantyke 100% of the time with Stealth Rock up. Psychic is a decent option for Psyduck, as it allows it to OHKO Croagunk, a staple on Rain Dance teams, easily. Naive is the nature of choice because it allows Psyduck to be as fast as possible while also not lowering either of its attacking stats. The EVs are fairly straightforward. Psyduck needs its Special Attack maximized to score many of the OHKOs and 2HKOs that it needs to be effective, and running maximum Speed on Psyduck allows it to tie with threats such as Aron after a Rock Polish and Choice Scarf Mankey. The remaining EVs give Psyduck an extra point in Attack that boosts the power of Cross Chop. Obviously, Pokemon that benefit from the removal of weather starters work well alongside Psyduck. Gligar fears rain abusers and hail abusers alike, and it can switch in easily on Electric-type attacks aimed at Psyduck. Gligar is a magnet for Water- and Ice-type attacks as well, which Psyduck can switch in on easily. Dratini appreciates Psyduck's presence as well, since it likes to start attacking after a single Dragon Dance. Psyduck helps to remove any Chlorophyll and Swift Swim sweepers that trouble Dratini, such as Bellsprout or Mantyke. Generally, if a Pokemon hates any common weather-starters, they will appreciate Psyduck's help. Psyduck can also plug a hole on teams that lack a reliable revenge killer, as it has a respectable 24 Speed with its Choice Scarf and a variety of attacks to cover most types of Pokemon.

Moves