[VGC 2017] Drifblim Support / Offensive Movesets
Some might thing this is a joke, but no...Drifblim has a niche role in the VGC scene as a dedicated fast support Pokemon who can setup speed control such as Tailwind for its allies. Despite the lackluster stat distribution, the base 150 HP is usable enough to allow Drifblim to withstand some hits, especially thanks to the new Terrain Seeds introduced in SuMo to activate Unburden and double its speed. With its Ghost/Flying-typing, Drifblim is immune to three types in Fighting-, Normal-, and Ground-type hits which can prove advantageous against facing foes such as Garchomp, Pheromosa, and even potentially walling some Snorlax sets. While its offensive capabilities are disappointing, Drifblim niche comes from assisting the team with its vast support coverage such as Tailwind, Will-O-Wisp, Swagger, Disable, Haze, Clear Smog, Rain Dance, etc. Keep in mind, Drifblim is still a heavy target to some of the most common offensive types such as Ice-, Electric-, Rock-, Ghost-, and Dark-type, three of which are proficient used. Despite Drifblim's rather lackluster stats and offensive capabilities, it can still some unconventional support options which might spook the opponent.
Drifblim
Type: :ghost: :flying:
Base Stats: 150 HP / 80 Attack / 44 Defense / 90 Special Attack / 54 Special Defense / 80 Speed
Weaknesses: :dark: [x2] , :electric: [x2] , :rock: [x2] , :ice: [x2], :ghost: [x2]
Resistances: :bug: [x0.25], :grass: [x0.5], :poison: [x0.5]
Immune To: :fighting: [x0] :ground: [x0] :normal:[x0]
Ability 1 : Aftermath - Inflicts 25% back to the Pokemon who KOed the user with a contact move.
Ability 2: Flare Boost - Raises Special Attack by 50% when burn.
Hidden Ability - Unburden - Doubles the speed of the Pokemon when it consumes an item.
Balloon Support
Drifblim @ Misty Seed / Psychic Seed
Ability: Unburden
Level: 50
EVs: 12 HP / 4 Atk / 164 Def / 252 SpD / 76 Spe (Acrobatics)
EVs: 12 HP / 164 Def / 4 SpA / 252 SpD / 76 Spe (Shadow Ball)
Jolly / Timid Nature
- Acrobatics / Shadow Ball
- Tailwind
- Disable
- Swagger / Will-O-Wisp
Milestones:
- Withstands LO Modest Tapu Koko STAB Thunderbolt outside of Electric Terrain with the +1 Special Defense.
- Rock Slide from neutral 252 Garchomp is a guaranteed 3HKO.
- Can take two Psychic Terrain-boosted Psychics from Tapu Lele.
- Withstands one LO Flare Blitz from Arcanine.
- Withstand Golduck's Z-Hydro Pump in Rain.
-Outspeed Positive Scarf Tapu Lele.
Drifblim @ Misty Seed / Psychic Seed
Ability: Unburden
Level: 50
EVs: 12 HP / 4 Atk / 164 Def / 252 SpD / 76 Spe (Acrobatics)
EVs: 12 HP / 164 Def / 4 SpA / 252 SpD / 76 Spe (Shadow Ball)
Jolly / Timid Nature
- Acrobatics / Shadow Ball
- Tailwind
- Disable
- Swagger / Will-O-Wisp
Milestones:
- Withstands LO Modest Tapu Koko STAB Thunderbolt outside of Electric Terrain with the +1 Special Defense.
- Rock Slide from neutral 252 Garchomp is a guaranteed 3HKO.
- Can take two Psychic Terrain-boosted Psychics from Tapu Lele.
- Withstands one LO Flare Blitz from Arcanine.
- Withstand Golduck's Z-Hydro Pump in Rain.
-Outspeed Positive Scarf Tapu Lele.
Here's a brief rundown what people are running in their support Drifblim sets such as the one showcased here. The goal is to have Drifblim lead with its respective Terrain Seed partner in Tapu Lele (Psychic Seed) or Tapu Fini (Misty Seed), consume the item to activate its Unburden ability, and thus doubling its Speed stat. With that, Drifblim can enter the battlefield with a +1 boosted Special Defense stat and double the speed stat, allowing it to not only outspeed the vast majority of the format like Tapu Koko, Garchomp, or Pheromosa, but also withstand some powerful special attacks before it goes down. For Drifblim's main attacking option, there's not much to scavenge, though anyone can select between the Flying-type physical full-power Acrobatics or the special Ghost-type special STAB Shadow Ball. Honestly Drifblim will likely support the team effort through other means, but at least having an attacking options is good enough to pick off weaken foes, especially with the boosted speed.
As funny as this sounds, Tailwind is the crux of this set as it allows Drifblim to further double the speed of itself and its allies, which makes it one of the fastest Pokemon in the format. The reason for Tailwind on this set is by practicality. With the Unburden speed boost, very few Pokemon can "stop" Drifblim from setuping up speed control in Tailwind for its partners. The only few ways that can prevent the Tailwind is having a fast "Scarf" mon with Taunt, or using Trick Room to punish the speed control option, though it might seem obvious for the Drifblim user to avoid this scenario. Disable allows Drifblim to prevent the foes from using one of their previous moves from the last turn in battle, which can prove advantagous with its high speed and disrupting the opponent's offense.
For the last slot, it can depend on the what "Terrain" user or Tapu Drifblim is paired with. If Drifblim is paired with Tapu Fini, then it can self Swagger its allies freely with the Misty Terrain up to prevent the confusion status. Given that Drifblim is already "boosted" speed with the Unburden, this can be devastating to pair with a physical attacker such as Garchomp, Metagross, or Arcanine with respectable high attack stats for immediate use, especially with the Tailwind up. For Drifblims paired with Tapu Lele, Will-O-Wisp from a fast support Pokemon can help cut the attack power of physical attackers by half. It important to note Will-O-Wisp will likely fail against any targets in Misty Terrain, but things like Self-Swagger. Be sure to note what Tapu Drifblim is paired to make use of either Swagger or Will-O-Wisp so it doesn't conflict.
As funny as this sounds, Tailwind is the crux of this set as it allows Drifblim to further double the speed of itself and its allies, which makes it one of the fastest Pokemon in the format. The reason for Tailwind on this set is by practicality. With the Unburden speed boost, very few Pokemon can "stop" Drifblim from setuping up speed control in Tailwind for its partners. The only few ways that can prevent the Tailwind is having a fast "Scarf" mon with Taunt, or using Trick Room to punish the speed control option, though it might seem obvious for the Drifblim user to avoid this scenario. Disable allows Drifblim to prevent the foes from using one of their previous moves from the last turn in battle, which can prove advantagous with its high speed and disrupting the opponent's offense.
For the last slot, it can depend on the what "Terrain" user or Tapu Drifblim is paired with. If Drifblim is paired with Tapu Fini, then it can self Swagger its allies freely with the Misty Terrain up to prevent the confusion status. Given that Drifblim is already "boosted" speed with the Unburden, this can be devastating to pair with a physical attacker such as Garchomp, Metagross, or Arcanine with respectable high attack stats for immediate use, especially with the Tailwind up. For Drifblims paired with Tapu Lele, Will-O-Wisp from a fast support Pokemon can help cut the attack power of physical attackers by half. It important to note Will-O-Wisp will likely fail against any targets in Misty Terrain, but things like Self-Swagger. Be sure to note what Tapu Drifblim is paired to make use of either Swagger or Will-O-Wisp so it doesn't conflict.
Offensive Calcs:
[spoiler]
Acrobatics (110 Power)
4 Atk Drifblim Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pheromosa: 436-520 (298.6 - 356.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 Atk Drifblim Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Buzzwole: 160-192 (74.7 - 89.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 Atk Drifblim Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 28 HP / 108 Def Hariyama: 134-162 (60 - 72.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage
4 Atk Drifblim Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Lele: 67-79 (46.2 - 54.4%) -- 56.3% chance to 2HKO
Shadow Ball
4 SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Lele: 74-90 (51 - 62%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 220 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Metagross: 62-74 (33.8 - 40.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4 SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kartana: 99-117 (73.3 - 86.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gengar: 104-126 (77 - 93.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
[/spoiler]
Defensive Calcs:
[spoiler]
Physical Defense
252+ Atk Life Orb Arcanine Flare Blitz vs. 12 HP / 164 Def Drifblim: 185-218 (81.4 - 96%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 12 HP / 164 Def Drifblim: 90-108 (39.6 - 47.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
180 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 12 HP / 164 Def Drifblim: 115-136 (50.6 - 59.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Mimikyu Shadow Claw vs. 12 HP / 164 Def Drifblim: 190-226 (83.7 - 99.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off vs. 12 HP / 164 Def Drifblim: 150-176 (66 - 77.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Special Defense (with +1 Special Defense)
252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim in Electric Terrain: 187-221 (82.3 - 97.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Tapu Koko Gigavolt Havoc (175 BP) vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim: 186-218 (81.9 - 96%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Tapu Lele Psychic vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim in Psychic Terrain: 96-114 (42.2 - 50.2%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Tapu Lele Shattered Psyche (175 BP) vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim in Psychic Terrain: 186-220 (81.9 - 96.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
164+ SpA Choice Specs Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim: 76-90 (33.4 - 39.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Golduck Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim in Rain: 160-189 (70.4 - 83.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Charcoal Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim in Sun: 108-127 (47.5 - 55.9%) -- 79.3% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Nihilego Power Gem vs. +1 12 HP / 252 SpD Drifblim: 133-159 (58.5 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
[/spoiler]
Offensive Support Blimp
Drifblim @ Psychic Seed / Misty Seed
Ability: Unburden
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 124 Def / 204 SpA / 12 SpD / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Tailwind
- Will-O-Wisp / Swagger
- Disable / Rain Dance / Sunny Day
Milestones:
- Takes a Modest Life Orb Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko (without in Electric Terrain).
- Has a minimal 6.3% chance of being OHKOed by neutral Garchomp's Rock Slide
- Outspeed positive speed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele
- Withstands one Life Orb Power Gem from Nihilego.
- Has a 98% chance to 2HKO 4 HP Tapu Koko
Ability: Unburden
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 124 Def / 204 SpA / 12 SpD / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Tailwind
- Will-O-Wisp / Swagger
- Disable / Rain Dance / Sunny Day
Milestones:
- Takes a Modest Life Orb Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko (without in Electric Terrain).
- Has a minimal 6.3% chance of being OHKOed by neutral Garchomp's Rock Slide
- Outspeed positive speed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele
- Withstands one Life Orb Power Gem from Nihilego.
- Has a 98% chance to 2HKO 4 HP Tapu Koko
This Drifblim set is mostly taken from the one Shoma Honami used to win the Geico Invitational. The slight boost into special attack with the Modest nature, Drifblim can now start to deal "some" decent damage against the opposing Pokemon. For instance, STAB Shadow Ball has a good chance to 2HKO Tapu Koko most of the time, provided if they aren't invested. Though it might seem weird to say this is a "benchmark" keep in mind Drifblim "outspeeds" Tapu Koko with the Unburden boost and can often have either Tapu Lele or Tapu Fini prevent Electric Terrain from being setup, meanwhile the Ghost/Flying-type gets a special defense raise. Now Drifblim has the option to threaten or pick off opposing Tapu Koko, and even Tapu Lele as it can withstand at least one hit from either Tapu.
For support options, Tailwind is necessary to allow Drifblim's teammates to outspeed the opposing team with ease while provide additional fast support. Once again Swagger is exclusive for Drifblim paired with Tapu Fini to raise the attack stats of its allies while its prevents the confusion. Drifblim paired with Tapu Lele can utilize Will-O-Wisp to burn physical attackers, which is quite useful given Drifblim boosted speed stat. The last moveslot is up to the player's to decide, though here are some options. Disable is a good disruption move to prevent the foes from using a certain attack for 4 turns. Both Rain Dance and Sunny Day are listed here since....given Drifblim is "fast" (though not fast enough to outspeed weather sweepers) can change the weather to slow down the momentum of weather-based teams.
The following are some offensive and defensive damage calculation based on Driblim's bulk and Shadow Ball damage.
Offensive Calcs:
[spoiler]
Shadow Ball
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko: 72-85 (49.3 - 58.2%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 236 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Lele: 102-120 (58.2 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 220 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Metagross: 84-98 (45.9 - 53.5%) -- 30.9% chance to 2HKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gengar: 140-168 (103.7 - 124.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mimikyu: 108-128 (66.6 - 79%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kartana: 132-156 (97.7 - 115.5%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Pelipper: 76-90 (45.5 - 53.8%) -- 37.9% chance to 2HKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Marowak-Alola: 134-162 (80.2 - 97%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ SpA Drifblim Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Raichu-Alola: 128-152 (94.1 - 111.7%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
[/spoiler]
Defensive Calcs:
[spoiler]
Physical Defense
252 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 124 Def Drifblim: 98-116 (43.3 - 51.3%) -- 6.3% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Arcanine Flare Blitz vs. 4 HP / 124 Def Drifblim: 196-231 (86.7 - 102.2%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off vs. 4 HP / 124 Def Drifblim: 158-188 (69.9 - 83.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
180 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 124 Def Drifblim: 123-145 (54.4 - 64.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Mimikyu Shadow Claw vs. 4 HP / 124 Def Drifblim: 182-218 (80.5 - 96.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Special Defense (with +1 Special Defense)
252+ SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. +1 4 HP / 12 SpD Drifblim: 187-221 (82.7 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Tapu Lele Psychic vs. +1 4 HP / 12 SpD Drifblim: 90-106 (39.8 - 46.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
164+ SpA Choice Specs Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. +1 4 HP / 12 SpD Drifblim: 105-124 (46.4 - 54.8%) -- 65.2% chance to 2HKO
164+ SpA Choice Specs Tapu Fini Muddy Water vs. +1 4 HP / 12 SpD Drifblim: 75-88 (33.1 - 38.9%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Charcoal Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. +1 4 HP / 12 SpD Drifblim in Sun: 150-177 (66.3 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Nihilego Power Gem vs. +1 4 HP / 12 SpD Drifblim: 187-221 (82.7 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
[/spoiler]
Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to:
- Tapu Lele / Tapu Fini - Two of Drifblims best partners are Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini given both Tapus activate Drifblim's respective Terrain Seed item (Misty/Psychic) to raise its special defense stat. Most Drifblim sets paired with Tapu Fini are usually paired with Swagger or a support-oriented set meanwhile those paired with Lele are offensive varients.
- Ground-types - Like all Flying-type Pokemon, Drifblim appreciates Ground-types who are able to deal with opposing Electric- and Rock type Pokemon who threaten it. In return, Ground-types can freely spam Earthquake without Drifblim taking damage. ( Ex. Garchomp, Mudsdale, Krookodile, Gastrodon, etc)
- "Offensive" Pokemon - Any Pokemon with strong offensive presence but slow sleep appeciate the Tailwind, Wisp, or Swagger support from Drifblim.
- Intimidate Support - Due to Drifblim's abysmal base 44 defense, Intimidate support is always appreciates. ( Ex. Arcanine, Krookodile, Gyarados, Salamence, etc).
Threats include, but aren't limited to:
- Electric-tyes - Tapu Koko, Magnezone, Xurkitree, Alolan Raichu, etc
- Rock-types - Nihilego, Gigalith, Aerodactyl, etc
- Ice-types - Lapras, Alolan Ninetales, Weavile, Alolan Sandslash, etc.
- Dark-types - Alolan Muk, Krookodile, Incineroar, Weavile, etc
- Defensive Pokemon - Celesteela, Porygon2, Gastrodon, Milotic, etc
- Taunt users
Other Notable Options
- Electric / Grassy Seed are opposites to the Psychic / Misty Seeds in that both raises Drifblim's Defense stat by one stage when either Tapu Koko or Tapu Bulu have been sent to activate their respective terrains.
- Driflim has access to Haze and Clear Smog to remove any potential stat modifications from the opponent.
- Toxic can be useful to wear down opposing defensive Pokemon, though Drifblim must likely forgo one of its support options.
- Destiny Bond is a good tech option to get a 1-for-1 trade if Drifblim is likely to be OHKOed.
- Calm Mind is a decent option to boost Drifblim's Special Attack and Special Defense.
- Finally if you want to be that guy.... Minimize is listed to raise Drifblim evasion by 2 stage.
- F it why not just add Stockpile and Baton Pass while we are at it.
See everyone, Drifblim is OP I'm sure it's gonna win WORLDS. Or Maybe Not
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