Wobbuffet Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Trapped foes afflicted by Encore will be easily taken advantage of by Wobbuffet's teammates. Using Encore when Wobbuffet is no longer needed also prevents it from being set up on. Counter and Mirror Coat prevent Wobbuffet from being completely passive, returning doubled damage if Wobbuffet made a correct prediction. An attacking foe locked into Encore can be taken out by Wobbuffet itself if the attack isn't strong enough to take out Wobbuffet in a few hits. Note that Counter will not affect Ghost-types nor will Mirror Coat hit Dark-types. Though Wobbuffet is very slow, it can effectively utilize Destiny Bond to take down a threat after getting weakened. Due to Destiny Bond lasting until Wobbufet’s next turn, an opponent will likely have to spend two turns deciding between trading KOs or setting up and risking getting locked by Encore. While Safeguard may not seem like the most sensible utility move due to Wobbuffet's slow Speed leaving it vulnerable to most status ailment users, it can be used to prevent a foe locked into status moves like Toxic or Thunder Wave from statusing incoming teammates. Set Details Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm nature allows Wobbuffet to survive any attack from +2 Xerneas and minimize the chance it falls to +2 Moonblast after taking Stealth Rock damage. Specially defensive investment also helps with Wobbuffet's ability to stomach Judgment from support Arceus formes that it typically attempts to take advantage of. Custap Berry gives +1 priority to Wobbuffet's move when its health is 1/4 or below, allowing Wobbuffet to use effectively Destiny Bond and take down a foe. Sitrus Berry heals a quarter of Wobbuffet's HP when its HP decreases below 50%, enabling it to take another hit against support Primal Groudon after Precipice Blades or Overheat and avoid other potential 2HKOs. Sitrus Berry also enables Wobbuffet to check mixed Rock Polish Primal Groudon from full health, as it can avoid a 2HKO from Fire Blast or Precipice Blades with Sitrus Berry recovery, lock Primal Groudon into a move, and KO back the next turn using Counter or Mirror Coat. Usage Tips Wobbuffet aims to punish bulky Pokemon that its team struggles to bypass. While it does not necessarily cripple trapped foes by weakening them with Counter and Mirror Coat, it can benefit its team more by giving free switches with Encore. This means Wobbuffet can switch into or, if possible, double switch into support Arceus formes or relatively passive Pokemon like defensive Necrozma-DM to easily survive a hit and lock them with Encore. This will either force them to keep attacking Wobbuffet with the same move or lock them into status moves like Stealth Rock, Defog, Recover, and Toxic. Attacks can be handled with Counter or Mirror Coat, and status moves make them fodder for Wobbuffet's teammates. Double switching into passive Pokemon can preserve Wobbuffet's health so that it may have another chance to trap and temporarily neutralize a foe later in the game. Wobbuffet is likely going to be hit by status moves like Toxic while locking a foe into Encore, so Safeguard should be used afterwards to prevent its teammate from getting crippled. A healthy Wobbuffet can also take more aggressive approach to lock stronger foes into Encore. However, it is quite dangerous to recklessly create a confrontation with powerful and unpredictable foes like Primal Groudon that have varying ways to 2HKO Wobbuffet. Xerneas, which Wobbuffet avoids a 2HKO from, should be faced with caution as well. If Geomancy Xerneas hits Wobbuffet with Moonblast on switch, it can force a risky mind game between using Mirror Coat on the next Moonblast or punishing Geomancy with Encore. Get a safe switch in against these Pokemon if possible. A lead Pokemon will likely be taken down by a Pokemon that Wobbuffet will proceed to trap next, and this means there will be an opportunity to acquire some information about opposing lead Pokemon depending on the moves they carry or the damage they do to the lead Pokemon. Against offensive teams, Wobbuffet will struggle to be able to trap multiple foes. Identify which offensive Pokemon will be threatening to Wobbuffet's team. Wobbuffet may have to be left healthy if the team is not able to adequately deal with Geomancy Xerneas and Rock Polish Primal Groudon, but if its team has enough ways to pressure the opposing team, it can be used to allow its team to immediately become threatening after it cripples a foe with Encore and either cause serious damage early-game or secure a win against weakened teams that attempt a comeback by using setup moves or removing entry hazards. Do not worry much about Wobbuffet's longevity. While excessive layers of entry hazards can mess with Wobbuffet's ability to effectively trap foes, Wobbuffet will typically trade itself for the momentum or ideal setup conditions it generates for the team. Use Wobbuffet as sacrifice fodder if it is no longer needed, and if it is one-on-one situation against a foe after getting weakened, use Encore before going down so that a foe it is facing won't get to set up on Wobbuffet without getting punished. Team Options There are multiple ways for Wobbuffet's team to draw in Pokemon like support Arceus formes, which Wobbuffet can turn into setup fodder for teammates. Offensive teams that typically employ Wobbuffet can have a dedicated lead like Cloyster or Deoxys-S to set entry hazards or powerful yet commonly prepared-for threats like Primal Groudon and Xerneas to draw in passive foes. Note that letting foes remove entry hazards in exchange of Wobbuffet turning them into setup fodders is not an ideal decision in cases where there are bulkier foes that need entry hazards to be effectively taken out. A number of setup sweepers can run rampant with Wobbuffet giving them a free turn to set up unharmed. Pokemon like Rayquaza, Mega Blaziken, and Naganadel, which can be devastating after a turn of setup but are typically too frail to successfully set up and remain healthy enough to survive a priority move, can have the perfect setup condition they desire. Rayquaza is also helpful for being one of the very few Pokemon that can take advantage of Primal Groudon locked into one its STAB moves and providing its team with extra security against sweepers with Extreme Speed. Lunala can check out some out-of-control sweepers in a pinch with Shadow Shield intact, and it can potentially set up Calm Mind while keeping its Shadow Shield with the free turn Wobbuffet generates for it. Marshadow should be strongly considered in Wobbuffet's team. It can offensively threaten any Ghost- and Dark-types apart from Mega Sableye and defensive Yveltal and check certain Z-Move users like Ultra Necrozma and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, which can still use their Z-Moves after getting locked into Encore. In addition, there are very few setup sweepers that are powerful enough to OHKO Wobbuffet and outspeed Marshadow at the same time with exceptions like Double Dance Primal Groudon, meaning Marshadow can threaten setup sweepers that Wobbuffet cannot defensively check with Spectral Thief, while some faster threats can be dealt by a healthy Wobbuffet in an emergency. Other setup sweepers like Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Geomancy Xerneas, and Extreme Killer Arceus are viable partners that can provide some defensive utility to the team, lessening the number of instances where Wobbuffet has to confront and attempt to cripple an offensive threat itself. Extreme Killer Arceus serves as a strong countermeasure against many offensive teams that Wobbuffet can have a harder time functioning against and checks Marshadow with a Chople Berry intact. Magearna can be considered, as it can generate momentum against certain foes to allow Wobbuffet to switch into the field unharmed, check Dark-types, and function as a more reliable check to Xerneas. Wobbuffet can hinder Primal Groudon and lock Arceus-Ground into an unfavorable move and potentially remove them if they are confirmed to be support variants.

Moves Encore is fundamental, allowing Wobbuffet to lock a Pokemon into a desired move, which either eases prediction with Counter and Mirror Coat, or opens up an opportunity for a setup sweeper to set up safely. Counter and Mirror Coat are the sources of Wobbuffet's damage output, the former being for physical attacks and the latter for special attacks. They work really well in tandem with Wobbuffet's massive HP stat. Destiny Bond lets Wobbuffet remove a Pokemon when it's going to faint the next turn anyway, and it can also be really clutch with Custap Berry. Alternatively, Safeguard is a good option to further ease a teammate's setup, as preventing status for five turns leaves foes like Thunder Wave Klefki and Will-O-Wisp users unable to cripple your team. Set Details The given EV spread allows Wobbuffet to survive a +2 Moonblast from Xerneas, so that Wobbuffet can hit back with Mirror Coat for the OHKO or Encore it into Geomancy if it tries to get cheeky. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Defense for better all-around bulk. Wobbuffet's HP stat is already huge, so there isn't significant need to invest in it. A Calm nature minimizes Foul Play and confusion damage. Finally, Custap Berry is generally the best item option, due to how clutch a last-ditch Encore or Destiny Bond can be. Usage Tips Wobbuffet best fits on hyper offensive teams, as that is where its niche is most useful. It is advised to play conservatively with Wobbuffet. Don't just send it in at every chance it gets to put in work, as Wobbuffet will then be quickly worn down. Instead, identify the prime target Wobbuffet can remove in order to maximize your chances to win. Generally, this comes from realizing the biggest threat to your opponent's team, so Wobbuffet's prime target will be the Pokemon stopping your biggest threat. Removing a Xerneas, for example, will allow your Yveltal to have a field day, and Encoring Primal Groudon into a Ground-type move will allow Mega Salamence to set up freely and likely go on to sweep without fear of being revenge killed by priority moves. Also, stay away from Ghost-types such as Mega Gengar and Aegislash. Not only can they escape Shadow Tag, but the former hits Wobbuffet for massive damage with super effective STAB moves, and the latter can use Toxic which Wobbuffet can't do anything about. Wobbuffet should stay away from Taunt and status users in general. Taunt and status can simply be spammed against Wobbuffet, as it can only do damage if its opponent attacks. Poison or burn will quickly wear down Wobbuffet and it has no ways around it. In these situations Wobbuffet is forced to switch out. An important thing to note is that the moves Counter and Mirror Coat are affected by type immunities; thus, Ghost-types can safely hit Wobbuffet with physical moves and Dark-types can hit it with special moves. Team Options Generally, deadly setup sweepers are optimal partners for Wobbuffet. The ability to abuse free setup is simply too good. Notable examples are Mega Salamence, Double Dance Primal Groudon, Geomancy Xerneas, Extreme Killer Arceus, Arceus-Ghost, and even Swords Dance Blaziken. A Fairy-type such as Xerneas can also be good, as it takes care of Dark-types such as Yveltal, which threaten Wobbuffet. Yveltal itself can be a good partner, as it takes care of Arceus-Ghost, which also threatens Wobbuffet. Note that offensive Pokemon are usually the teammates you want to go for, as Wobbuffet fits best on offense. Therefore, defensive partners such as Klefki, which can deal with Darkrai, are underwhelming, as they sap momentum. Wobbuffet lacks reliable recovery and is forced to take a lot of strong hits, so a form of offensive support such as Healing Wish can work well with it. This gives Wobbuffet a second round at removing Pokemon or opening up win conditions. One notable Healing Wish user is Shaymin-S, which can also revenge kill Darkrai. Latias is another good Healing Wish user but is a subpar option, as it stacks weaknesses to Dark- and Ghost-types.

Moves Encore is Wobbuffet's big selling point, locking the foe into a move for three turns with no chance of switching out thanks to Shadow Tag! Counter allows Wobbuffet to deal massive damage when hit by a physical attack, while Mirror Coat shatters foes using special attacks. Destiny Bond rounds out the set, allowing Wobbuffet to ease prediction by putting setup sweepers in a "get KOed or set up on" situation. Safeguard is usually a poor option, but it can be considered if your team is especially weak to status moves. Set Details Maximum investment in Defense and Special Defense is recommended for the most bulk, because Wobbuffet's HP stat is so massive that investing in it won't do as much good. The extra 4 Speed EVs give Wobbuffet a chance to Speed tie with Slowbro, while a Bold nature lets Wobbuffet take physical hits better, suiting the physical dominance of Battle Spot Singles. Sitrus Berry gives Wobbuffet a longer presence on the battlefield due to the 25% recovery it offers, which can be especially useful against more defensive teams. Custap Berry, on the other hand, is a more high-risk, high reward option. Custap Berry lets Wobbuffet move first when it's at 25% of its health (which, in this case, is 66 HP). When combined with Destiny Bond, this gives Wobbuffet the potential to take down two Pokemon in a match! However, this also makes Wobbuffet more vulnerable to extremely powerful attacks that don't quite get it into Custap Berry's activation range, as Sitrus Berry won't be there to cushion the blow for it. Usage Tips Wobbuffet might have good bulk, but switching it in recklessly trying to trap foes isn't usually a wise decision. Wobbuffet's lack of recovery means that it's usually only guaranteed one KO per match, so keeping Wobbuffet healthy earlier in the game is a good idea until you can decide what Pokemon you want Wobbuffet to take out. This isn't to say that Wobbuffet needs to be saved for the late-game, though; if you find a good opportunity to get Wobbuffet in safely, such as after a KO or against a defensive Pokemon, don't hesitate to bring it in. Just remember: when using Wobbuffet early in the game, setting up sweeps is riskier due to potential checks, so it's sometimes best to simply launch off powerful attacks with your setup sweeper instead. Wobbuffet's safest option is to switch into defensive targets that can't do much to it beyond giving it a status ailment. Use Encore to make them setup fodder for another switch-in or use Counter or Mirror Coat to eventually KO them if they attack. Good targets for Wobbuffet include defensive Porygon2, Cresselia, Hippowdon, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Suicune. The next best targets for Wobbuffet are Choice Scarf Pokemon, with two of the most common targets being Landorus-T and Rotom-W. Wobbuffet usually shouldn't directly switch into these Pokemon until you know they are carrying a Choice Scarf, and be aware that Rotom-W and Rotom-H often carry Trick, which can cripple Wobbuffet. Once Choice Scarf Pokemon are locked into a move, they become easy targets for Wobbuffet to defeat with Counter or Mirror Coat! Choice Band and Choice Specs Pokemon are also vulnerable to Wobbuffet, but because they are occasionally able to 2HKO Wobbuffet, it's usually best for Wobbuffet to revenge kill them instead. When Wobbuffet is forced to face powerful setup sweepers such as Blaziken and Life Orb Garchomp, using Encore is risky, as their attacks can already 2HKO Wobbuffet. Instead, using Destiny Bond is the safer choice. Because Wobbuffet is so slow, Destiny Bond will remain activated when the foe moves again. This puts the foe in a tough situation: either KO Wobbuffet and get taken down with Destiny Bond or avoid a KO and become setup fodder thanks to Encore! Using Destiny Bond against potential mixed attackers such as Mega Salamence is also wise because predicting the wrong move with Counter or Mirror Coat can be devastating for Wobbuffet. Team Options Mega Gengar should almost always be used with Wobbuffet. When paired together, Wobbuffet and Mega Gengar form a dastardly duo that severely punishes defensive Pokemon and foes locked into support moves from Encore. Perish Song Mega Gengar is usually the best variant to run. The first method of unleashing their madness is for Wobbuffet to use Encore on a support move or a Normal- or Fighting-type move for Mega Gengar to switch in on so it can start the Perish Song cycle. The second method is for Mega Gengar to use Perish Song on a defensive Pokemon and then switch to Wobbuffet to absorb their attacks, as Wobbuffet has much higher bulk than Mega Gengar. Also, note that Wobbuffet and Mega Gengar don't always have to be used in the same match: using one or the other can be useful against offensive teams, which are not as vulnerable to Perish Song. Wobbuffet tends to do better against fast, offensive threats and Choice Scarf users, while Mega Gengar tends to deal with slower threats more efficiently. If your team can't afford the loss in coverage, other Mega Gengar variants are still good teammates, though they aren't as effective against defensive Pokemon. Almost any setup sweeper in Battle Spot Singles will benefit from Wobbuffet's support, but sweepers that are especially valuable to focus on are Pokemon that offer immunities and resistances that can take advantage of Wobbuffet's Encore. Great examples include Garchomp (for its Electric immunity), Azumarill (for its Dragon-type immunity and Dark-type resistance), Thundurus (for its Ground and paralysis immunity), Talonflame (for its Ground and burn immunity), and Blaziken (for its Dark-type resistance and burn immunity). Also, as using both Wobbuffet and Mega Gengar isn't the best choice against every opponent, having a backup Mega Pokemon that enjoys Wobbuffet's support is a reasonable option. Strong offensive Mega Pokemon that benefit from Wobbuffet's support include Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Salamence.

This is Wobbuffet's most famous and only set. This set is all Wobbuffet can really do because of its shallow movepool. Once the foe sees Wobbuffet in your team, you can be sure he is going to play very carefully, as only minimal prediction is required for Wobbuffet to take at least one member of his team down. Mirror Coat and Counter are staples on Wobbuffet: if you predict the foe to use a special attack, if he is Choice-locked, or if Wobbuffet has used Encore to lock him into a special move, obviously go for Mirror Coat. Otherwise, Counter is the obvious choice. Both Safeguard and Tickle are great support moves. Safeguard is the main option, as it protects Wobbuffet and the rest of the team from status and can also allow setup sweepers to nab a free turn if Wobbuffet Encores a status move. Tickle, however, requires a teammate that can use Pursuit, and while that strategy does not always fit in every team, it's still as solid as before. 252 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature give Wobbuffet a much-needed Special Defense boost so it can better take hits from special attackers, which are more common than physical attackers in Ubers. 28 HP EVs grant Wobbuffet a Leftovers number, and with the 252 EVs invested in Special Defense, a healthy Wobbuffet can take Kyogre's full-health rain-boosted STAB Water Spout, the hardest hitting attack in Ubers. The leftover EVs are dumped into Defense so Wobbuffet will take physical attacks better. Because Wobbuffet's support allows many Pokemon to switch in safely, setup sweepers make fantastic partners. Not only does Wobbuffet let them switch in safely, it also lets them set up freely. Extreme Killer Arceus really appreciates the opportunity to come in safely, set up, and wreak havoc. It also appreciates Wobbuffet's ability to remove Choice Scarf users; Terrakion in particular is a huge threat for the Killer. Arceus-Ghost and Arceus-Ground fall in the same boat. Perhaps the Arceus forme that most needs Wobbuffet's support is Arceus-Dragon, as the huge amount of Choice Scarf Dragon-types in the tier, such as Palkia and Zekrom, can OHKO Arceus-Dragon with their STAB Dragon-type moves, and therefore ruin His sweep. Salamence, Garchomp, and Rayquaza also fall in the category of sweepers who appreciate Wobbuffet support because Wobbuffet can Encore Earthquake or Thunder to let the respective teammate switch in and set up safely. Darkrai and Mewtwo are two Pokemon that strike fear into the hearts of any team, as with a single boost from Nasty Plot or Calm Mind, they can completely tear most teams apart. Most teams rely on Choice Scarf users to beat them, and if they play wrongly they will fall to Wobbuffet, and allow Darkrai or Mewtwo to sweep with ease. The two can also use Substitute to scout the opponent's team, and take advantage of it to either set up or hit with the appropriate move and run. Cloyster is one of the most fearsome setup sweepers in the entire game, especially in Ubers. After a Shell Smash boost, Cloyster can OHKO the three main physical walls in Ubers--Groudon, Lugia, and Giratina--with Icicle Spear. However, Cloyster's terrible Special Defense makes it almost impossible to switch in. Thus, Wobbuffet's support is almost mandatory for Cloyster to work. Blaziken and Excadrill are similarly not bulky enough to switch in, but the latter also needs sandstorm support in order to sweep effectively. Double Dance Groudon and Terrakion can also make use of Wobbuffet's capabilities. If Wobbuffet Encores a move that Groudon or Terrakion resist, they can put a lot of pressure on the opponent. If the opponent's team is slow, they can boost their Attack to a sky-high level and rip the opposing team apart. However, if the opponent's team is frail and offensive, both can simply boost their Speed by a single Rock Polish and wreak havoc. Though it cannot boost its already respectable Speed, Manaphy falls in the same category. The bonuses it gets over Groudon and Terrakion are immediate +3 Special Attack by using a single Tail Glow and immunity to status and instant recovery in rain by using Rest. Wobbuffet can also trap and eliminate Ferrothorn: it switches in on any move not named Spikes, Encores it, and if Ferrothorn uses Power Whip or Gyro Ball, it will become dead weight. Palkia, Manaphy, Arceus-Water, and Kyogre will appreciate this support, as Ferrothorn puts a cold stop to their stay on the battleground due to its STAB and amazing typing. If using Tickle, be sure to carry a Pursuit user such as Tyranitar, Scizor, or Metagross on your team, as these Pokemon can OHKO the foe as it attempts to switch out after a few Tickles. For example, after 3 Tickles, 56 Attack Choice Band Scizor has a 74.36% chance to OHKO standard Chansey as she switches out, and after 4 Tickles it's an OHKO. 252 Attack Scizor will always OHKO -3 Chansey after Stealth Rock as she attempts to switch out, while 64 Attack Choice Band Tyranitar can OHKO a -2 fleeing Chansey. Lugia is at more risk, as 252 Attack Choice Band Scizor will always OHKO -3 Lugia switching out, while Tyranitar only needs Lugia to be Tickled twice to always OHKO with Pursuit.

As mentioned before, Wobbuffet lacks options for moves. Counter and Mirror Coat are used to score a KO or two with some prediction. Encore is used to lock an opponent into a single move, while Charm is used to reduce an opponent's Attack. Because Wobbuffet's ability prevents the opponent from switching, both Encore and Charm are more potent than they would be otherwise. Wobbuffet's EV spread provides a balanced amount of physical and special bulk. Even without HP investment, most strong attacks will still do more than enough damage to allow a lethal blow with Counter or Mirror Coat. Wobbuffet should run 0 IV in Speed and either a Relaxed or Sassy nature if it is on a Trick Room team. An alternate spread of 124 Def / 132 SpD / 252 Spe with a Timid nature can be used, allowing Wobbuffet to outrun uninvested base 70s and disrupt them with Encore. Wobbuffet holds a Sitrus Berry for extra longevity, but holding Leftovers or a type-resist Berry can work as well. The most interesting strategy for Wobbuffet in VGC is Perish Trapping. If attempting this, Perish Song users, such as Politoed, Azumarill, and Jigglypuff, along with bulky Pokemon, such as Chansey, Bronzong, and Cresselia, make effective partners to Wobbuffet by setting up Perish Song allowing Wobbuffet to buy time until the perish count reduces to zero. Another interesting—although harder to pull off—strategy is to use Skill Swap on Wobbuffet. By using Pokemon, such as Chansey and Cresselia, to Skill Swap for Shadow Tag, it can make it much more difficult for the opponent to remove the ability from play to allow themselves to switch out. Other strategies for Shadow Tag include partnering Wobbuffet with Pokemon with Intimidate, such as Salamence and Hitmontop, to shred the Attack of any physical attackers present, or with Pokemon with Disable, such as Kingdra, Alakazam, and Jigglypuff, to shut down a Pokemon completely after they have been hit with Encore from Wobbuffet.