[OVERVIEW]
Diggersby might not be especially fast, have impressive attack stats, or even possess fantastic bulk, but it has Huge Power. In combination with a good movepool, including two very strong STAB moves, Diggersby can be an efficient wallbreaker. As a Ground / Normal type, it can come in on to moves like Volt Switch from Zapdos or Thunder Wave from Pokemon like Clefable. This gives it the chance to set up or attack with its powerful moves. Even though Diggersby basically mainly uses its STAB moves, having access to Swords Dance and Quick Attack or using Fire/ Punch or Ice Punch allows it to be a fearsome threat as a setup sweeper or a Choice Band Wallbreaker. Furthermore, it can carry an Assault Vest to utilize this coverage. However, weaknesses to common Grass-, Ice-, and Fighting-type moves make it somewhat hard for Diggersby to effectively sweep. Lackluster Speed and bad bulk also hold Diggersby back, as it is easily revenge killed by anything that can survive a Quick Attack; fast Pokemon such as Mega Metagross make this flaw noticeable. Diggersby's weaknesses to priority moves such as Ice Shard, Aqua Jet, and Mach Punch are also annoying for it.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Return
move 3: Fire Punch / U-turn
move 4: Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake hits Pokemon that resist the Normal-type attacks like Steel-types Heatran and Excadrill or Rock-types Tyranitar or Mega Diancie. It also has the advantage of being a non-contact move, allowing Diggersby to deal damage against Pokemon like Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Rocky Helmet Slowbro without receiving contact damage. Return gives good overall coverage and hits Ground-immune Pokemon like Zapdos, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T. Fire Punch hits Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory, which gives Diggersby great overall coverage against all sorts of defensive cores. U-turn can be used as an alternative, allowing Diggersby to become a powerful pivot and deal big chunks of damage to switch-ins. Quick Attack compensates for Diggersby's lack of Speed and lets it function as a late-game sweeper, picking off weakened Pokemon. Knock Off allows Diggersby to remove Leftovers and Rocky Helmet from targets like Slowbro and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack combined with an Adamant nature allows Diggersby to fulfill its role as a physical wallbreaker. Huge Power and Choice Band provides power for Diggersby to at least 2HKO almost any Pokemon, especially crucial targets like Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Zapdos. 252 Speed EVs allow Diggersby to outspeed Bisharp, Zapdos, and non-Timid Heatran. A Jolly nature can be used to counter Timid Heatran and Adamant Excadrill outside of sand.
Usage Tips
========
Diggersby works best as a wallbreaker. It is advantageous to bring it in as early as possible to weaken defensive cores. Utilizing both of its immunities, it can come in on Electric-types from Zapdos or on Choice-locked Rotom-W or Gengar, but this requires careful consideration, since both Pokemon can potentially OHKO Diggersby with Hydro Pump and Focus Blast. Passive Pokemon like Chansey are easier targets, especially sets running Thunder Wave. When running U-turn, Diggersby should try to avoid using it against foes that punish contact moves like Garchomp and Ferrothorn.
Team Options
========
Diggersby fits well on balance, offensive, and VoltTurn teams. It appreciates pivots like Landorus-T, Rotom-W, and Mega Scizor, which allow it to enter the field safely. Pokemon that deal with Water-type threats like Keldeo and Azumarill are appreciated. Therefore, Amoonguss, Volcanion, and Serperior pair well with Diggersby. Garchomp makes a good partner as well, as it switches into priority moves like Mach Punch and takes on fast threats like Talonflame and Mega Pinsir. Weavile has good Synergy with Diggersby, as it is able pressure its defensive checks like Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Slowbro.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Return
move 2: Earthquake / Fire Punch
move 3: Quick Attack
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Silk Scarf / Focus Sash
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Return deals massive neutral damage to most targets, especially after a Swords Dance boost. Silk Scarf helps it push through bulky foes like Zapdos, Slowbro, and Gliscor. Earthquake supplements Return, forming great coverage by targeting Steel- and Rock-types, such as Heatran, Excadrill, and Tyranitar. Fire Punch can be used over Earthquake to allow Diggersby to 2HKO Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor or OHKO them after a Swords Dance. Quick Attack gives Diggersby reliable priority, allowing it to pick off faster weakened foes or revenge kill frail threats like Mega Lopunny and Mega Alakazam. Swords Dance is the centerpiece of the set, turning Diggersby into a wallbreaking menace capable of 2HKOing nearly the entire metagame.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Diggersby's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outspeed and threaten slower offensive Pokemon. An Adamant nature is chosen to push its offensive power even further, which is vital to secure KOs after a Swords Dance. Huge Power increases this set's effectiveness even more. Silk Scarf is the preferred item to boost Return and Quick Attack without locking Diggersby into one move like Choice Band would. However, Focus Sash can be used instead to ensure Diggersby survives at least one hit, giving it a relatively safe opportunity to set up with Swords Dance.
Usage Tips
========
Diggersby is best used as a mid- or late-game wallbreaker once faster threats and physical walls have been weakened or removed. It should not be sent in recklessly, as its low Speed and poor defenses make it vulnerable to faster attackers and priority moves. One should seek for opportunities to bring Diggersby in safely to give it a setup opportunity. Against offensive teams, Focus Sash can allow it to trade favorably by surviving a hit and retaliating with a boosted attack. Swords Dance should be used cautiously; burns can hinder any setup opportunities, and fast Pokemon like Mega Metagross and Choice Scarf Tyranitar or Pokemon with strong priority like Talonflame and Scizor can cut a sweep short.
Team Options
========
Diggersby appreciates teammates that can handle physical walls like Skarmory and Landorus-T. Special attackers like Magnezone, Keldeo, and Thundurus can help wear these threats down. Entry hazard support from Ferrothorn, Garchomp, or Heatran increases Diggersby's KO potential after a boost and makes Quick Attack more lethal. In return, Diggersby can pressure Defoggers and spinners with its powerful attacks. VoltTurn support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Landorus-T can help pivot Diggersby into favorable positions. Additionally, Diggersby pairs well with wallbreakers like Mega Medicham and Bisharp, which can overwhelm common defensive cores and clear the way for a Diggersby sweep.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Return
move 3: Quick Attack
move 4: Fire Punch / Knock Off / U-turn
item: Assault Vest
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 136 HP / 248 Atk / 92 SpD / 32 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake and Return provide good overall coverage. Earthquake can especially threaten Steel-types like Heatran and Excadrill and avoids contact with foes like Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Rocky Helmet Slowbro, while Return provides great neutral coverage and hits Ground-immune Pokemon. Quick Attack allows Diggersby to provide chip damage against faster foes or pick them off when they are weakened. Fire Punch helps against Steel-types like Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Knock Off can be used to remove Leftovers and Rocky Helmets from targets like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Slowbro. Alternatively, U-turn enables Diggersby to act as a pivot, preserving momentum and taking advantage of its ability to pressure switches.
Set Details
========
This set capitalizes on Assault Vest to patch up Diggersby's poor Special Defense, allowing it to take hits from special attackers like Mega Diancie, Thundurus, and Mega Alakazam. The EV spread is optimized for bulk and power: 136 HP and 92 Special Defense EVs provide extra resilience on the special side and enough overall bulk to withstand attacks from physical attackers like Excadrill and Mega Scizor, while 248 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature ensure Diggersby hits hard as hard as possible. 32 Speed EVs let it outspeed slower foes like Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and non-Timid Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
Assault Vest Diggersby functions best as a tanky pivot or mid-game offensive presence. It can be brought in on predicted special moves or against passive Pokemon that can't threaten it immediately. The Assault Vest lets Diggersby survive attacks that it usually would not like a Scald from Keldeo and any move from Mega Charizard Y, which can result in a surprise kill against the likes of Mega Alakazam and Mega Diancie. Furthermore, it can switch into resisted attacks and pivot out using U-turn, providing momentum for the team.
Team Options
========
This set is best used on offensive teams that want to keep up pressure. Diggersby can switch into certain attacks and threaten the foe back or even function as a wallbreaker while being a specially defensive pivot. Pokemon that can benefit from the holes Diggersby creates, like Bisharp, Keldeo, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, hyper offensive teams that are in need of an Electric-immune teammate are potential fits, and Diggersby can fulfil its role there as a pivot-wallbreaker hybrid.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Other options include Life Orb Diggersby, which has the benefits of hitting extra hard while not being Choice-locked and being able to take advantage of Swords Dance. Due to its low Speed, this option is more difficult to properly make work. Choice Scarf Diggersby can be an option to surprise opponents with the high Speed, catching them off Guard. It also can function as a late-game sweeper, but is it limited by Diggersby's weakness against priority moves and because it gets outspeed by Mega Alakazam and Mega Aerodactyl.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ghost-types:** Gengar, Cofagrigus, and Jellicent resist all or most of Diggersby's moves and can threaten it with strong attacks or by burning it, leaving it severely crippled.
**Faster Pokemon:** Strong attackers that outspeed Diggersby such as Keldeo, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gallade can easily OHKO it.
**Strong Priority Attacks:** Azumarill and Crawdaunt's Aqua Jet; Breloom, Infernape, and Conkeldurr's Mach Punch; Talonflame's Brave Bird; and Weavile's Ice Shard all threaten to OHKO Diggersby. Against the slower ones like Azumarill, Crawdaunt, and Conkeldurr, Diggersby can threaten a Quick Attack, but the others outspeed it.
**Physical Walls:** When Diggersby is not running Fire Punch, Skarmory walls it while dealing Rocky Helmet damage. Slowbro, Mega Slowbro, Alomomola, Tank Garchomp, and Landorus-T all survive any of Diggersby's attacks and can either burn it with Scald or damage it heavily.
**Grass-types:** Serperior outspeeds Diggersby and threatens it with Leaf Storm. Tangrowth and Ferrothorn both can OHKO it too and while not being OHKOed themselves by non-Fire Punch Diggersby.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ruffles.193716/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Diggersby might not be especially fast, have impressive attack stats, or even possess fantastic bulk, but it has Huge Power. In combination with a good movepool, including two very strong STAB moves, Diggersby can be an efficient wallbreaker. As a Ground / Normal type, it can come in on to moves like Volt Switch from Zapdos or Thunder Wave from Pokemon like Clefable. This gives it the chance to set up or attack with its powerful moves. Even though Diggersby basically mainly uses its STAB moves, having access to Swords Dance and Quick Attack or using Fire/ Punch or Ice Punch allows it to be a fearsome threat as a setup sweeper or a Choice Band Wallbreaker. Furthermore, it can carry an Assault Vest to utilize this coverage. However, weaknesses to common Grass-, Ice-, and Fighting-type moves make it somewhat hard for Diggersby to effectively sweep. Lackluster Speed and bad bulk also hold Diggersby back, as it is easily revenge killed by anything that can survive a Quick Attack; fast Pokemon such as Mega Metagross make this flaw noticeable. Diggersby's weaknesses to priority moves such as Ice Shard, Aqua Jet, and Mach Punch are also annoying for it.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Return
move 3: Fire Punch / U-turn
move 4: Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake hits Pokemon that resist the Normal-type attacks like Steel-types Heatran and Excadrill or Rock-types Tyranitar or Mega Diancie. It also has the advantage of being a non-contact move, allowing Diggersby to deal damage against Pokemon like Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Rocky Helmet Slowbro without receiving contact damage. Return gives good overall coverage and hits Ground-immune Pokemon like Zapdos, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T. Fire Punch hits Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory, which gives Diggersby great overall coverage against all sorts of defensive cores. U-turn can be used as an alternative, allowing Diggersby to become a powerful pivot and deal big chunks of damage to switch-ins. Quick Attack compensates for Diggersby's lack of Speed and lets it function as a late-game sweeper, picking off weakened Pokemon. Knock Off allows Diggersby to remove Leftovers and Rocky Helmet from targets like Slowbro and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack combined with an Adamant nature allows Diggersby to fulfill its role as a physical wallbreaker. Huge Power and Choice Band provides power for Diggersby to at least 2HKO almost any Pokemon, especially crucial targets like Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Zapdos. 252 Speed EVs allow Diggersby to outspeed Bisharp, Zapdos, and non-Timid Heatran. A Jolly nature can be used to counter Timid Heatran and Adamant Excadrill outside of sand.
Usage Tips
========
Diggersby works best as a wallbreaker. It is advantageous to bring it in as early as possible to weaken defensive cores. Utilizing both of its immunities, it can come in on Electric-types from Zapdos or on Choice-locked Rotom-W or Gengar, but this requires careful consideration, since both Pokemon can potentially OHKO Diggersby with Hydro Pump and Focus Blast. Passive Pokemon like Chansey are easier targets, especially sets running Thunder Wave. When running U-turn, Diggersby should try to avoid using it against foes that punish contact moves like Garchomp and Ferrothorn.
Team Options
========
Diggersby fits well on balance, offensive, and VoltTurn teams. It appreciates pivots like Landorus-T, Rotom-W, and Mega Scizor, which allow it to enter the field safely. Pokemon that deal with Water-type threats like Keldeo and Azumarill are appreciated. Therefore, Amoonguss, Volcanion, and Serperior pair well with Diggersby. Garchomp makes a good partner as well, as it switches into priority moves like Mach Punch and takes on fast threats like Talonflame and Mega Pinsir. Weavile has good Synergy with Diggersby, as it is able pressure its defensive checks like Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Slowbro.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Return
move 2: Earthquake / Fire Punch
move 3: Quick Attack
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Silk Scarf / Focus Sash
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Return deals massive neutral damage to most targets, especially after a Swords Dance boost. Silk Scarf helps it push through bulky foes like Zapdos, Slowbro, and Gliscor. Earthquake supplements Return, forming great coverage by targeting Steel- and Rock-types, such as Heatran, Excadrill, and Tyranitar. Fire Punch can be used over Earthquake to allow Diggersby to 2HKO Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor or OHKO them after a Swords Dance. Quick Attack gives Diggersby reliable priority, allowing it to pick off faster weakened foes or revenge kill frail threats like Mega Lopunny and Mega Alakazam. Swords Dance is the centerpiece of the set, turning Diggersby into a wallbreaking menace capable of 2HKOing nearly the entire metagame.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Diggersby's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outspeed and threaten slower offensive Pokemon. An Adamant nature is chosen to push its offensive power even further, which is vital to secure KOs after a Swords Dance. Huge Power increases this set's effectiveness even more. Silk Scarf is the preferred item to boost Return and Quick Attack without locking Diggersby into one move like Choice Band would. However, Focus Sash can be used instead to ensure Diggersby survives at least one hit, giving it a relatively safe opportunity to set up with Swords Dance.
Usage Tips
========
Diggersby is best used as a mid- or late-game wallbreaker once faster threats and physical walls have been weakened or removed. It should not be sent in recklessly, as its low Speed and poor defenses make it vulnerable to faster attackers and priority moves. One should seek for opportunities to bring Diggersby in safely to give it a setup opportunity. Against offensive teams, Focus Sash can allow it to trade favorably by surviving a hit and retaliating with a boosted attack. Swords Dance should be used cautiously; burns can hinder any setup opportunities, and fast Pokemon like Mega Metagross and Choice Scarf Tyranitar or Pokemon with strong priority like Talonflame and Scizor can cut a sweep short.
Team Options
========
Diggersby appreciates teammates that can handle physical walls like Skarmory and Landorus-T. Special attackers like Magnezone, Keldeo, and Thundurus can help wear these threats down. Entry hazard support from Ferrothorn, Garchomp, or Heatran increases Diggersby's KO potential after a boost and makes Quick Attack more lethal. In return, Diggersby can pressure Defoggers and spinners with its powerful attacks. VoltTurn support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Landorus-T can help pivot Diggersby into favorable positions. Additionally, Diggersby pairs well with wallbreakers like Mega Medicham and Bisharp, which can overwhelm common defensive cores and clear the way for a Diggersby sweep.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Return
move 3: Quick Attack
move 4: Fire Punch / Knock Off / U-turn
item: Assault Vest
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 136 HP / 248 Atk / 92 SpD / 32 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake and Return provide good overall coverage. Earthquake can especially threaten Steel-types like Heatran and Excadrill and avoids contact with foes like Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Rocky Helmet Slowbro, while Return provides great neutral coverage and hits Ground-immune Pokemon. Quick Attack allows Diggersby to provide chip damage against faster foes or pick them off when they are weakened. Fire Punch helps against Steel-types like Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Knock Off can be used to remove Leftovers and Rocky Helmets from targets like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Slowbro. Alternatively, U-turn enables Diggersby to act as a pivot, preserving momentum and taking advantage of its ability to pressure switches.
Set Details
========
This set capitalizes on Assault Vest to patch up Diggersby's poor Special Defense, allowing it to take hits from special attackers like Mega Diancie, Thundurus, and Mega Alakazam. The EV spread is optimized for bulk and power: 136 HP and 92 Special Defense EVs provide extra resilience on the special side and enough overall bulk to withstand attacks from physical attackers like Excadrill and Mega Scizor, while 248 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature ensure Diggersby hits hard as hard as possible. 32 Speed EVs let it outspeed slower foes like Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and non-Timid Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
Assault Vest Diggersby functions best as a tanky pivot or mid-game offensive presence. It can be brought in on predicted special moves or against passive Pokemon that can't threaten it immediately. The Assault Vest lets Diggersby survive attacks that it usually would not like a Scald from Keldeo and any move from Mega Charizard Y, which can result in a surprise kill against the likes of Mega Alakazam and Mega Diancie. Furthermore, it can switch into resisted attacks and pivot out using U-turn, providing momentum for the team.
Team Options
========
This set is best used on offensive teams that want to keep up pressure. Diggersby can switch into certain attacks and threaten the foe back or even function as a wallbreaker while being a specially defensive pivot. Pokemon that can benefit from the holes Diggersby creates, like Bisharp, Keldeo, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, hyper offensive teams that are in need of an Electric-immune teammate are potential fits, and Diggersby can fulfil its role there as a pivot-wallbreaker hybrid.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Other options include Life Orb Diggersby, which has the benefits of hitting extra hard while not being Choice-locked and being able to take advantage of Swords Dance. Due to its low Speed, this option is more difficult to properly make work. Choice Scarf Diggersby can be an option to surprise opponents with the high Speed, catching them off Guard. It also can function as a late-game sweeper, but is it limited by Diggersby's weakness against priority moves and because it gets outspeed by Mega Alakazam and Mega Aerodactyl.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ghost-types:** Gengar, Cofagrigus, and Jellicent resist all or most of Diggersby's moves and can threaten it with strong attacks or by burning it, leaving it severely crippled.
**Faster Pokemon:** Strong attackers that outspeed Diggersby such as Keldeo, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gallade can easily OHKO it.
**Strong Priority Attacks:** Azumarill and Crawdaunt's Aqua Jet; Breloom, Infernape, and Conkeldurr's Mach Punch; Talonflame's Brave Bird; and Weavile's Ice Shard all threaten to OHKO Diggersby. Against the slower ones like Azumarill, Crawdaunt, and Conkeldurr, Diggersby can threaten a Quick Attack, but the others outspeed it.
**Physical Walls:** When Diggersby is not running Fire Punch, Skarmory walls it while dealing Rocky Helmet damage. Slowbro, Mega Slowbro, Alomomola, Tank Garchomp, and Landorus-T all survive any of Diggersby's attacks and can either burn it with Scald or damage it heavily.
**Grass-types:** Serperior outspeeds Diggersby and threatens it with Leaf Storm. Tangrowth and Ferrothorn both can OHKO it too and while not being OHKOed themselves by non-Fire Punch Diggersby.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ruffles.193716/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Last edited:
