Mantine

Mantine

Hi all, today we’ve got another overlooked buff video and we’ll be looking at the Kite Pokemon, Mantine.

IF you like blah blah

First let’s look at how it was before SuMo so that we can consider the buffs it received this generation

Water Flying typing – big weakness to electric, and also rock is important because SR, but those are its only weaknesses which is good. Offensively, not many things resist both water & flying which is great!

Considering stats, the only standout stat it has is SpD, everything else is middling or low! So, the only role it could potentially perform is a special wall with some decent utility in Scald, Haze and Defog, but its low HP stat does hold it back. Coupled with SR weakness and no recovery, Mantine was very rarely used previously. Worth noting it also has Swift Swim, but not the strongest Swift Swimmer.

Now for the buffs:

1.	Stat buff

Mantine gained a generous 20 points in its base HP stat which is really great! Base 85 HP paired with base 140 SpD means Mantine can tank any special hits other than electric for days! This significant HP boost also means it is not so frail on the physical side either which makes it a lot less risky to switch in on resisted fighting moves or moves like U-Turn. This buff alone greatly increases Mantine’s viability.

2.	Roost

Mantine gained access to an amazing recovery move in Roost! Previously it had no reliable recovery moves, so this is insane, especially considering its new-found bulk. It is a flying type with big wings, so it does kinda make sense too. Paired up, this gives Mantine incredible longevity, able to comfortably and consistently check many special attackers in the game. Paired with its access to Defog, Mantine can also provide reliable Defog support for the team also, rather than being weak to rocks with no recovery as previous. The best sets for Mantine generally combine these moves with Haze or Toxic to prevent it from being passive set up fodder, and Scald or Air Slash for a STAB move with a useful 2ndary effect.

3.	Physical Mantine

So Mantine has an abysmal attack stat. And this is a real shame because it has a surprisingly good physical movepool, with attacks like Acrobatics, EQ, Gunk Shot, Seed Bomb and Iron Head. Added to that roster this generation is Liquidation, a neat and powerful physical water type attack. But is this a buff at all? Can Mantine do any damage with this?
Well, if you’re looking for a gimmick set, can I offer you a Z-Splash Mantine? Works best with rain support, at +3 attack in the rain, Liquidation can do decent damage and Swift Swim will ensure Mantine has enough speed to be a threat. (although you’d still be lucky to get a KO… special sets are still more viable)

IF you want to consider other Z-Moves that Mantine could use, Z-Haze has the effect of haze removing all stat changes and gives Mantine a full heal, meaning you don’t have to choose between Roost or Haze in tricky situations. Alternatively, a Hydro Vortex based off Hydro Pump in the rain could be used of a Swift Swim set…

But really these gimmick sets are just a side thought, because the substantial buffs to mantine’s bulk and recovery are huge and allow it to be viable as a special wall in many formats. This generation has been a real game changer which is so great to see!