Choice Specs Ribombee MOTW

Pokémon Moveset Of The Week

"Lookin' Fly"
Pokémon: Ribombee
Nature: Timid
Ability: Shield Dust / Sweet Veil
Item: Choice Specs
EV Spread: 4 Def, 252 SpA, 252 Spe

- Pollen Puff
- Hidden Power Fire / Ground / Rock
- Moonblast
- Energy Ball / Giga Drain

Guten Tag, everyone! MG here with a more off-meta Moveset of the Week, starring our cute little fly/bee friend, Ribombee! Ribombee is an interesting Pokémon in that it's incredibly versatile; it can be a Quiver Dance user, Sticky Web setter, or a fast Aromatherapy user. However, my somewhat unorthodox set uses Ribombee's incredible 124 Speed stat (that outspeeds Greninja) and decent 95 Special Attack.

As mentioned prior, Ribombee has an amazing base Speed stat of 124. This allows it to outspeed many of OU's threats, even while unboosted. Most sets capitalize on this and its aforementioned 95 Special Attack to abuse Quiver Dance. This set uses Choice Specs and both Ribombee's unique STAB combination and access to Energy Ball.

This set's EVs are meant to maximize its offensive capabilities and allow Ribombee to take full advantage of both its Speed and the Choice Specs it uses. The Ability choice is up to you; Shield Dust makes it so extra effects of moves (like Flamethrower's burn) don't happen, and Sweet Veil prevents opponents from putting you (and your allies in Double Battles) to sleep. I personally recommend Sweet Veil, because Ribombee won't be surviving many hits and, as such, cannot use Shield Dust to its full potential. This also allows you to use the Totem-sized Ribombee if you so desire!

For its moves, Pollen Puff and Moonblast are your best STAB options. Pollen Puff has the same base power as Bug Buzz, but has more PP, and Moonblast is Ribombee's strongest Fairy STAB (it's also an egg move, so watch out for that). Energy Ball is used for Grass-type coverage and helps to hit Ground- and Water-type walls. Giga Drain can be used in this slot for a bit of recovery, but do note it has 15 less base power and cannot lower the opponent's Special Defense. The last slot uses Hidden Power. Fire is used to hit the ever-present Steel-type switch-ins like Skarmory, Scizor, and Ferrothorn; Rock is used to hit Flying-type switch-ins, but is not recommended as a STAB Moonblast outdamages Hidden Power Rock in all cases except when Moonblast is resisted; Ground is used if your team cannot handle Heatran, as Ribombee is pretty good at causing Heatran to switch in. In most cases, however, Moonblast is the go-to attack. Choice Specs Moonblast is capable of 2HKOing Landorus-Therian, defensive Zapdos, etc., so your opponent will have a fun time switching in on the unexpected damage.

Do note that this Ribombee does utilize the element of surprise to some extent. It's still plenty effective when the opponent knows it's coming, but it catches them off-guard when they're expecting a Quiver Dance.

As for teammates, this Ribombee set benefits greatly from both Choice Scarf users and Ground-type users in their ability to dispatch of Heatran, Celesteela, and other hard counters to this set. It also appreciates being able to come in safely, so slow U-turns or Volt Switches often help it switch in. Finally, removing both Choice Scarf-using and naturally faster opponents helps Ribombee out a lot, as its bulk leaves much to be desired. Zygarde works exceptionally well by its side. Ribombee also greatly enjoys Defog/Rapid Spin support, as it's weak to all forms of hazards.

Well, that's my Ribombee set. Have fun messing with this adorable little bug, and I'll catch you all later!

Written By: Mega Grievous