RU Defensive Utility Milotic

[Bice]

[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to disrupt setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and it can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon; the former has Regenerator and a wider movepool, and the latter can support its teammates with Wish. Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Volcanion, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, Galarian Zapdos, and Gengar.

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Dragon Tail lets Milotic phaze setup sweepers without being blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot by soaking up a hit for a teammate and safely bringing it in. Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Milotic uses Heavy-Duty Boots to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. By removing its Electric weakness, Tera Poison also allows Milotic to take on Raikou and non-Taunt Oricorio-E.

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Because Milotic tends to pivot out against Water-resistant Pokemon like Empoleon, Hisuian Goodra, and Slowbro, Pokemon that can pressure them, such as Slither Wing, Mamoswine, and Magnezone, appreciate being brought in safely against them. The former two also appreciate Milotic's ability to punish burns with Marvel Scale. Volcanion is a big issue for Milotic due to its immunity to Water-type moves and ability to wear Milotic down with its powerful attacks and Taunt; as such, checks to these Pokemon, like Noivern and Raikou, make for essential teammates. Specially defensive pivots like Assault Vest Cyclizar and Jirachi can help Milotic wear down the opposing team by removing items with Knock Off and causing foes to flinch with Iron Head, respectively, while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively. Jirachi can also keep Milotic healthy with Wish and absorb poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti itself is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can disrupt opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia and absorb paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's Scald as well as how it brings in and pivots on Electric-types, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E. Physically defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Galarian Weezing help Milotic fortify its team against strong physical wallbreakers like Galarian Zapdos and Maushold, especially if Milotic burns them with Scald.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. Covert Cloak protects Milotic from Psychic Noise and lets it check Jirachi and Fezandipiti without worrying about Iron Head or Toxic Chain. Leftovers grants Milotic passive recovery, which is especially useful if it happens to get burned. However, the lack of Heavy-Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into entry hazard stacking teams. Milotic can utilize a physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature to outspeed Golurk, though this leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers like Basculegion-F. On hazard stacking teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Pokemon like Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. Mirror Coat lets Milotic lure in and take out special attackers like Raikou and Hisuian Zoroark.

Checks and Counters
====

**Taunt Users**: Volcanion is public enemy number one for Milotic due to its ability to stop Recover with Taunt while being completely immune to Scald. It can then proceed to wear down Milotic with its coverage moves, particularly Sludge Bomb. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, set up on it without caring about Dragon Tail, and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. Cyclizar can also Taunt Milotic before pivoting out into a teammate that can offensively pressure it, but Cyclizar dislikes being burned by Scald if not running Draco Meteor.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten Milotic out with its Electric-type moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but they must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Water-resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald.

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/feen.231398/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-cake-wearing-a-hat.388157/

 

[Bice]

ready for qc

 

[PowerOfMemes]

amqc
add remove comment highlight

Copyedit

View attachment 723938
[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to deny setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon, thanks to its the former's Regenerator as well as wider movepool and the latter's ability to support its teammates with Wish, (rc) respectively. (this was a bit confusing, so i clarified it + added regen mention) Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Gastrodon, (ac) (has seen more usage & can capitalize on milotic by setting hazards) Gardevoir, (ac) and specially offensive Salamence. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, (ac) Galarian Zapdos, (ac) and Gengar. (the best scarfer dealing 40% minimum to max defense milotic definitely deserves a mention as a pokemon that overwhelms it)

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Scald is a reliable STAB move that lets Milotic punish physical attackers that try and take advantage of it, such as Gyarados and Slither Wing. (it’s a basic STAB moves and not slashed with anything. also, i’m unsure if this is adding a milotic-specific enough benefit of scald for this to be worth keeping in. for example, slowbro’s analysis says that scald lets it punish dark-type switch-ins, but any scald user benefits from a random burn on a physical attacker) Dragon Tail lets Milotic stop set up sweepers while being unable to be blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot, allowing it to soak up a hit for a teammate before safely bringing it in. Recover keeps Milotic healthy, letting it continue to wall throughout the course of a game. (not necessary) Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Milotic to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKO'd by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu, respectively, while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. Tera Poison also removes Mienshao's weaknesses, letting it take on Chesnaught as well as non-Taunt Oricorio-E.

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Physical attackers like Slither Wing and Mamoswine appreciate Milotic absorbing burns from Pokemon like Galarian Weezing and Entei, muscling through the likes of Cyclizar and Hisuian Goodra in return. Similarly, Milotic pairs well with fast attackers like Hisuian Zoroark and Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos due to its ability to punish paralysis. Specially defensive pivots, like Assault Vest Cyclizar and Jirachi, can help Milotic wear down the opposing team while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. (this is a nice sentiment, but it feels a bit vague. maybe clarifying in exactly what ways they appreciate milotic would be hepful, like [spamming knock off to remove items, i assume you meant, or] using scald burns + iron head to chip foes down) In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively; additionally, the latter can keep Milotic healthy with Wish while absorbing poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can stop opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia while also absorbing paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's (add apostrophe) Scald as well as pivoting how it brings in and pivots on provides and the burns spread by Scald while being able to check Electric-types that check it, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E, (ac) which Hisuian Goodra can easily beat.(combined the pivoting & elec foes part + reworded last part due to “check” repetition)

(more often than not, milotic is using flip turn against a water-resistant pokemon switching in like slowbro, h-goodra, or empoleon, so offensive checks to these threats like magnezone, mamoswine, and slither wing are appreciated. additionally, these threats appreciate a reliable switch-in to water- and fire-type foes)

(you added special walls, which was a good idea. and, you should probably add physical walls like g-weezing, gligar, and talonflame as well, since milotic is vulnerable to being overwhelmed by strong neutral hits on both sides of the spectrum due to it being a blanket check to everything)

(volcanion is a big issue for milotic: milotic cant flip turn or scald, and volcanion can whittle it down with taunt, which stops recovery, and sludge bomb to fish for poison chip or earth power. because of this, a check to volcanion [defensive or offensive] like noivern, cyclizar, krookodile, or raikou is necessary)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Mirror Coat allows Milotic to lure in and take out powerful special attackers like Hisuian Zoroark and Oricorio-E; however, using it forces Milotic to give up on either phazing opponents or pivoting. (doesn’t seem like it would be worth the loss of Flip Turn, a phazing move, or Haze) Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. (leftovers deserves a mention, especially if covert cloak is being talked about) Covert Cloak lets Milotic check Jirachi and Fezandipiti by making it immune to flinching and Toxic Chain, respectively, while also protecting it from Psychic Noise. However, the lack of Heavy Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into hazard stack teams. On hazard stack teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. (i’d add an EV spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature, here, as a mention, since it lets Milotic outpace Golurk)

Checks and Counters
====

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten it Milotic out with its Electric moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Disruption**: Trick users, such as Gardevoir and Hisuian Zoroark, can cripple Milotic by giving it a Choice Scarf, while Encore from the likes of Jirachi can force it out. Volcanion is completely immune to Scald and can prevent Recover with Taunt while wearing it down. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, can set up on it thanks to being immune to Dragon Tail and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. (all of these things are very true, but is this that specific to milotic? many if not all walls suffer these exact issues [barring Volcanion being immune to stab], so i’m unsure if this is too worthy of a mention)

**Water-Resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types, like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern, don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald. (you should add on volcanion here, especially if you trash that disruption section, as well as maybe gastrodon & then change the title to “Water-resistant and -immune Pokemon” so that it stays accurate)

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:

Grammar checked by:

 

[Bice]

amqc
add remove comment highlight

Copyedit

View attachment 723938
[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to deny setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon, thanks to its the former's Regenerator as well as wider movepool and the latter's ability to support its teammates with Wish, (rc) respectively. (this was a bit confusing, so i clarified it + added regen mention) Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Gastrodon, (ac) (has seen more usage & can capitalize on milotic by setting hazards) Gardevoir, (ac) and specially offensive Salamence. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, (ac) Galarian Zapdos, (ac) and Gengar. (the best scarfer dealing 40% minimum to max defense milotic definitely deserves a mention as a pokemon that overwhelms it)

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Scald is a reliable STAB move that lets Milotic punish physical attackers that try and take advantage of it, such as Gyarados and Slither Wing. (it’s a basic STAB moves and not slashed with anything. also, i’m unsure if this is adding a milotic-specific enough benefit of scald for this to be worth keeping in. for example, slowbro’s analysis says that scald lets it punish dark-type switch-ins, but any scald user benefits from a random burn on a physical attacker) Dragon Tail lets Milotic stop set up sweepers while being unable to be blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot, allowing it to soak up a hit for a teammate before safely bringing it in. Recover keeps Milotic healthy, letting it continue to wall throughout the course of a game. (not necessary) Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Milotic to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKO'd by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu, respectively, while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. Tera Poison also removes Mienshao's weaknesses, letting it take on Chesnaught as well as non-Taunt Oricorio-E.

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Physical attackers like Slither Wing and Mamoswine appreciate Milotic absorbing burns from Pokemon like Galarian Weezing and Entei, muscling through the likes of Cyclizar and Hisuian Goodra in return. Similarly, Milotic pairs well with fast attackers like Hisuian Zoroark and Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos due to its ability to punish paralysis. Specially defensive pivots, like Assault Vest Cyclizar and Jirachi, can help Milotic wear down the opposing team while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. (this is a nice sentiment, but it feels a bit vague. maybe clarifying in exactly what ways they appreciate milotic would be hepful, like [spamming knock off to remove items, i assume you meant, or] using scald burns + iron head to chip foes down) In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively; additionally, the latter can keep Milotic healthy with Wish while absorbing poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can stop opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia while also absorbing paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's (add apostrophe) Scald as well as pivoting how it brings in and pivots on provides and the burns spread by Scald while being able to check Electric-types that check it, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E, (ac) which Hisuian Goodra can easily beat.(combined the pivoting & elec foes part + reworded last part due to “check” repetition)

(more often than not, milotic is using flip turn against a water-resistant pokemon switching in like slowbro, h-goodra, or empoleon, so offensive checks to these threats like magnezone, mamoswine, and slither wing are appreciated. additionally, these threats appreciate a reliable switch-in to water- and fire-type foes)

(you added special walls, which was a good idea. and, you should probably add physical walls like g-weezing, gligar, and talonflame as well, since milotic is vulnerable to being overwhelmed by strong neutral hits on both sides of the spectrum due to it being a blanket check to everything)

(volcanion is a big issue for milotic: milotic cant flip turn or scald, and volcanion can whittle it down with taunt, which stops recovery, and sludge bomb to fish for poison chip or earth power. because of this, a check to volcanion [defensive or offensive] like noivern, cyclizar, krookodile, or raikou is necessary)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Mirror Coat allows Milotic to lure in and take out powerful special attackers like Hisuian Zoroark and Oricorio-E; however, using it forces Milotic to give up on either phazing opponents or pivoting. (doesn’t seem like it would be worth the loss of Flip Turn, a phazing move, or Haze) Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. (leftovers deserves a mention, especially if covert cloak is being talked about) Covert Cloak lets Milotic check Jirachi and Fezandipiti by making it immune to flinching and Toxic Chain, respectively, while also protecting it from Psychic Noise. However, the lack of Heavy Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into hazard stack teams. On hazard stack teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. (i’d add an EV spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature, here, as a mention, since it lets Milotic outpace Golurk)

Checks and Counters
====

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten it Milotic out with its Electric moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Disruption**: Trick users, such as Gardevoir and Hisuian Zoroark, can cripple Milotic by giving it a Choice Scarf, while Encore from the likes of Jirachi can force it out. Volcanion is completely immune to Scald and can prevent Recover with Taunt while wearing it down. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, can set up on it thanks to being immune to Dragon Tail and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. (all of these things are very true, but is this that specific to milotic? many if not all walls suffer these exact issues [barring Volcanion being immune to stab], so i’m unsure if this is too worthy of a mention)

**Water-Resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types, like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern, don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald. (you should add on volcanion here, especially if you trash that disruption section, as well as maybe gastrodon & then change the title to “Water-resistant and -immune Pokemon” so that it stays accurate)

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:

Grammar checked by:

Implemented most of this! I changed disruption to Taunt users because I felt Fezandipiti deserved a mention because w/o Haze and Tera Milotic's complete fodder for it, and even then burning a tera kinda sucks. Since Volcanion was already listed under Taunt users and Storm Drain Gastrodon seems to be more niche than Sticky Hold variants I kept the Water-Resistant section the same; if QC wants it mentioned lmk.
I also forgot how to credit amqcs; do they go under quality check credits?

 

[FlamPoke]

add comment remove

QC 1/2

[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to deny disrupt setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon, thanks to the former's Regenerator as well as wider movepool and the latter's ability to support its teammates with Wish. Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Gastrodon, Gardevoir, and specially offensive Salamence. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, Galarian Zapdos, and Gengar.

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Dragon Tail lets Milotic stop phaze important to distinguish between phaze and stop since it doesn't stop last mon Suicune, for instance set up sweepers while being unable to be blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot, allowing it to soak up a hit for a teammate before safely bringing it in. Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Milotic to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKO'd by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu, respectively, while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. Tera Poison also removes Mienshao's weaknesses, letting it take on Chesnaught as well as non-Taunt Oricorio-E. This last sentence doesn't read well at all, rewrite this please

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Because Milotic tends to pivot out against Water-resistant Pokemon like Empoleon, Hisuian Goodra, and Slowbro, Pokemon that can pressure them, such as Slither Wing, Mamoswine, and Magnezone, appreciate being brought in safely against them. The former two also appreciate Milotic's ability to punish burns with Marvel Scale. Volcanion is a big issue for Milotic due to its immunity to Water-type moves and ability to wear Milotic down with its powerful attacks and Taunt; as such, checks to these Pokemon, like Noivern and Raikou, make for essential teammates. Specially defensive pivots, like Assault Vest Cyclizar and Jirachi, can help Milotic wear down the opposing team by removing items with Knock Off and flinching with Iron Head, respectively, while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively; additionally, the latter can keep Milotic healthy with Wish while absorbing poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can stop disrupt opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia while also absorbing paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's Scald as well as how it brings in and pivots on Electric-types, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E. Physically defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Galarian Weezing help Milotic fortify its team against strong physical breakers like Galarian Zapdos and Maushold, especially if Milotic burns them with Scald.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. Covert Cloak lets Milotic check Jirachi and Fezandipiti by making it immune to flinching and Toxic Chain, respectively, while also protecting it from Psychic Noise. Leftovers also grants Milotic passive recovery, which is especially useful if it happens to get burned. However, the lack of Heavy Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into hazard stacking teams. Milotic can utilize a physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature to outspeed Golurk, though this leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers like Basculegion-F. On hazard stacking teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. Mirror Coat is worth a mention, as you can sponge a hit from something like Raikou (as seen in RU tournament play enough to mention, to me)

Checks and Counters
====

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten Milotic out with its Electric moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Taunt Users**: Volcanion is public enemy number one for Milotic due to its ability to stop Recover with Taunt while wearing it down with burn damage from Steam Eruption as well as its coverage moves. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, can set up on it thanks to being immune to Dragon Tail and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. Cyclizar can also Taunt Milotic before pivoting out into a teammate that can offensively pressure it, but dislikes being burned by Scald if not running Draco Meteor.

**Water-Resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types, like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern, don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald.

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
Grammar checked by:

Good work, implement and onto QC2

 

[Bice]

add comment remove

QC 1/2

[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to deny disrupt setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon, thanks to the former's Regenerator as well as wider movepool and the latter's ability to support its teammates with Wish. Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Gastrodon, Gardevoir, and specially offensive Salamence. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, Galarian Zapdos, and Gengar.

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Dragon Tail lets Milotic stop phaze important to distinguish between phaze and stop since it doesn't stop last mon Suicune, for instance set up sweepers while being unable to be blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot, allowing it to soak up a hit for a teammate before safely bringing it in. Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Milotic to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKO'd by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu, respectively, while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. Tera Poison also removes Mienshao's weaknesses, letting it take on Chesnaught as well as non-Taunt Oricorio-E. This last sentence doesn't read well at all, rewrite this please

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Because Milotic tends to pivot out against Water-resistant Pokemon like Empoleon, Hisuian Goodra, and Slowbro, Pokemon that can pressure them, such as Slither Wing, Mamoswine, and Magnezone, appreciate being brought in safely against them. The former two also appreciate Milotic's ability to punish burns with Marvel Scale. Volcanion is a big issue for Milotic due to its immunity to Water-type moves and ability to wear Milotic down with its powerful attacks and Taunt; as such, checks to these Pokemon, like Noivern and Raikou, make for essential teammates. Specially defensive pivots, like Assault Vest Cyclizar and Jirachi, can help Milotic wear down the opposing team by removing items with Knock Off and flinching with Iron Head, respectively, while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively; additionally, the latter can keep Milotic healthy with Wish while absorbing poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can stop disrupt opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia while also absorbing paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's Scald as well as how it brings in and pivots on Electric-types, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E. Physically defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Galarian Weezing help Milotic fortify its team against strong physical breakers like Galarian Zapdos and Maushold, especially if Milotic burns them with Scald.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. Covert Cloak lets Milotic check Jirachi and Fezandipiti by making it immune to flinching and Toxic Chain, respectively, while also protecting it from Psychic Noise. Leftovers also grants Milotic passive recovery, which is especially useful if it happens to get burned. However, the lack of Heavy Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into hazard stacking teams. Milotic can utilize a physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature to outspeed Golurk, though this leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers like Basculegion-F. On hazard stacking teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. Mirror Coat is worth a mention, as you can sponge a hit from something like Raikou (as seen in RU tournament play enough to mention, to me)

Checks and Counters
====

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten Milotic out with its Electric moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Taunt Users**: Volcanion is public enemy number one for Milotic due to its ability to stop Recover with Taunt while wearing it down with burn damage from Steam Eruption as well as its coverage moves. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, can set up on it thanks to being immune to Dragon Tail and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. Cyclizar can also Taunt Milotic before pivoting out into a teammate that can offensively pressure it, but dislikes being burned by Scald if not running Draco Meteor.

**Water-Resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types, like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern, don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald.

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
Grammar checked by:

Good work, implement and onto QC2

implemented!

 

[feen]

Copyedit

Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Gastrodon, Gardevoir, and specially offensive Salamence

Garde does get annoyed by Scald burn, Volcanion seems like the perfect fit here. SpA Mence also isnt the best example bc Milos can run ice beam and SpA Mence isnt OHKOing Milo with draco.

Other than that this looks good, qc 2/2

 

[Bice]

Copyedit

Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Gastrodon, Gardevoir, and specially offensive Salamence

Garde does get annoyed by Scald burn, Volcanion seems like the perfect fit here. SpA Mence also isnt the best example bc Milos can run ice beam and SpA Mence isnt OHKOing Milo with draco.

Other than that this looks good, qc 2/2

implemented and ready for gp
GP Team

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

add remove comments
Pre-implemented copyable version included for your convenience.

marked version

[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to disrupt setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and it can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon, thanks to the former's Regenerator as well as Vaporeon; the former has Regenerator and a wider movepool, (AC) and the latter's ability to latter can support its teammates with Wish. Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Volcanion, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, Galarian Zapdos, and Gengar.

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Dragon Tail lets Milotic phaze set up setup sweepers while being unable to be without being blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot, allowing it to soak pivot by soaking up a hit for a teammate before and safely bringing it in. Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Milotic uses Heavy-Duty Boots (To make the paragraph less repetitive) to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKO'd 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu, respectively, while Mimikyu while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. By removing its Electric weakness, Tera Poison also allows Milotic to take on Raikou and non-Taunt Oricorio-E.

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Because Milotic tends to pivot out against Water-resistant Pokemon like Empoleon, Hisuian Goodra, and Slowbro, Pokemon that can pressure them, such as Slither Wing, Mamoswine, and Magnezone, appreciate being brought in safely against them. The former two also appreciate Milotic's ability to punish burns with Marvel Scale. Volcanion is a big issue for Milotic due to its immunity to Water-type moves and ability to wear Milotic down with its powerful attacks and Taunt; as such, checks to these Pokemon, like Noivern and Raikou, make for essential teammates. Specially defensive pivots, (RC) like Jirachi and Assault Vest Cyclizar and Jirachi, (RC) can help Milotic wear down the opposing team by removing items with Knock Off and flinching causing foes to flinch with Iron Head, respectively, while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively; additionally, the latter respectively. Jirachi can also keep Milotic healthy with Wish while absorbing and absorb poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can disrupt opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia while also absorbing and absorb paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's Scald as well as how it brings in and pivots on Electric-types, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E. Physically defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Galarian Weezing help Milotic fortify its team against strong physical breakers wallbreakers like Galarian Zapdos and Maushold, especially if Milotic burns them with Scald.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. Covert Cloak lets Milotic protects Milotic from Psychic Noise and lets it check Jirachi and Fezandipiti by making it immune to flinching and Toxic Chain, respectively, while also protecting it from Psychic Noise without worrying about Iron Head or Toxic Chain. Leftovers grants Milotic passive recovery, which is especially useful if it happens to get burned. However, the lack of Heavy Duty Heavy-Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into entry hazard stacking teams. Milotic can utilize a physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature to outspeed Golurk, though this leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers like Basculegion-F. On hazard stacking teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Pokemon like Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; (just looking at analyses there's at least one other defogger in the tier) however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. Mirror Coat is an option that lets Milotic lure in and take out special attackers like Raikou and Hisuian Zoroark.

Checks and Counters
====

**Taunt Users**: Volcanion is public enemy number one for Milotic due to its ability to stop Recover with Taunt while being completely immune to Scald. It can then proceed to wear down Milotic with its coverage moves, particularly Sludge Bomb. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, can set up on it thanks to being immune to Dragon Tail and, without caring about Dragon Tail, and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. Cyclizar can also Taunt Milotic before pivoting out into a teammate that can offensively pressure it, but Cyclizar dislikes being burned by Scald if not running Draco Meteor.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten Milotic out with its Electric Electric-type moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but they must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Water-Resistant Water-resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types, (RC) like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern, (RC) don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald.

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/feen.231398/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-cake-wearing-a-hat.388157/

copyable version

[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to disrupt setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and it can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon; the former has Regenerator and a wider movepool, and the latter can support its teammates with Wish. Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Volcanion, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, Galarian Zapdos, and Gengar.

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Dragon Tail lets Milotic phaze setup sweepers without being blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot by soaking up a hit for a teammate and safely bringing it in. Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Milotic uses Heavy-Duty Boots to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. By removing its Electric weakness, Tera Poison also allows Milotic to take on Raikou and non-Taunt Oricorio-E.

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Because Milotic tends to pivot out against Water-resistant Pokemon like Empoleon, Hisuian Goodra, and Slowbro, Pokemon that can pressure them, such as Slither Wing, Mamoswine, and Magnezone, appreciate being brought in safely against them. The former two also appreciate Milotic's ability to punish burns with Marvel Scale. Volcanion is a big issue for Milotic due to its immunity to Water-type moves and ability to wear Milotic down with its powerful attacks and Taunt; as such, checks to these Pokemon, like Noivern and Raikou, make for essential teammates. Specially defensive pivots like Jirachi and Assault Vest Cyclizar can help Milotic wear down the opposing team by removing items with Knock Off and causing foes to flinch with Iron Head, respectively, while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively. Jirachi can also keep Milotic healthy with Wish and absorb poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can disrupt opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia and absorb paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's Scald as well as how it brings in and pivots on Electric-types, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E. Physically defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Galarian Weezing help Milotic fortify its team against strong physical wallbreakers like Galarian Zapdos and Maushold, especially if Milotic burns them with Scald.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. Covert Cloak protects Milotic from Psychic Noise and lets it check Jirachi and Fezandipiti without worrying about Iron Head or Toxic Chain. Leftovers grants Milotic passive recovery, which is especially useful if it happens to get burned. However, the lack of Heavy-Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into entry hazard stacking teams. Milotic can utilize a physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature to outspeed Golurk, though this leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers like Basculegion-F. On hazard stacking teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Pokemon like Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. Mirror Coat lets Milotic lure in and take out special attackers like Raikou and Hisuian Zoroark.

Checks and Counters
====

**Taunt Users**: Volcanion is public enemy number one for Milotic due to its ability to stop Recover with Taunt while being completely immune to Scald. It can then proceed to wear down Milotic with its coverage moves, particularly Sludge Bomb. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, set up on it without caring about Dragon Tail, and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. Cyclizar can also Taunt Milotic before pivoting out into a teammate that can offensively pressure it, but Cyclizar dislikes being burned by Scald if not running Draco Meteor.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten Milotic out with its Electric-type moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but they must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Water-resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald.

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/feen.231398/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-cake-wearing-a-hat.388157/

GP 1/1 GP Team done

 

[Bice]

add remove comments
Pre-implemented copyable version included for your convenience.

marked version

[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to disrupt setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and it can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon, thanks to the former's Regenerator as well as Vaporeon; the former has Regenerator and a wider movepool, (AC) and the latter's ability to latter can support its teammates with Wish. Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Volcanion, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, Galarian Zapdos, and Gengar.

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Dragon Tail lets Milotic phaze set up setup sweepers while being unable to be without being blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot, allowing it to soak pivot by soaking up a hit for a teammate before and safely bringing it in. Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Milotic uses Heavy-Duty Boots (To make the paragraph less repetitive) to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKO'd 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu, respectively, while Mimikyu while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. By removing its Electric weakness, Tera Poison also allows Milotic to take on Raikou and non-Taunt Oricorio-E.

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Because Milotic tends to pivot out against Water-resistant Pokemon like Empoleon, Hisuian Goodra, and Slowbro, Pokemon that can pressure them, such as Slither Wing, Mamoswine, and Magnezone, appreciate being brought in safely against them. The former two also appreciate Milotic's ability to punish burns with Marvel Scale. Volcanion is a big issue for Milotic due to its immunity to Water-type moves and ability to wear Milotic down with its powerful attacks and Taunt; as such, checks to these Pokemon, like Noivern and Raikou, make for essential teammates. Specially defensive pivots, (RC) like Jirachi and Assault Vest Cyclizar and Jirachi, (RC) can help Milotic wear down the opposing team by removing items with Knock Off and flinching causing foes to flinch with Iron Head, respectively, while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively; additionally, the latter respectively. Jirachi can also keep Milotic healthy with Wish while absorbing and absorb poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can disrupt opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia while also absorbing and absorb paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's Scald as well as how it brings in and pivots on Electric-types, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E. Physically defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Galarian Weezing help Milotic fortify its team against strong physical breakers wallbreakers like Galarian Zapdos and Maushold, especially if Milotic burns them with Scald.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. Covert Cloak lets Milotic protects Milotic from Psychic Noise and lets it check Jirachi and Fezandipiti by making it immune to flinching and Toxic Chain, respectively, while also protecting it from Psychic Noise without worrying about Iron Head or Toxic Chain. Leftovers grants Milotic passive recovery, which is especially useful if it happens to get burned. However, the lack of Heavy Duty Heavy-Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into entry hazard stacking teams. Milotic can utilize a physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature to outspeed Golurk, though this leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers like Basculegion-F. On hazard stacking teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Pokemon like Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; (just looking at analyses there's at least one other defogger in the tier) however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. Mirror Coat is an option that lets Milotic lure in and take out special attackers like Raikou and Hisuian Zoroark.

Checks and Counters
====

**Taunt Users**: Volcanion is public enemy number one for Milotic due to its ability to stop Recover with Taunt while being completely immune to Scald. It can then proceed to wear down Milotic with its coverage moves, particularly Sludge Bomb. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, can set up on it thanks to being immune to Dragon Tail and, without caring about Dragon Tail, and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. Cyclizar can also Taunt Milotic before pivoting out into a teammate that can offensively pressure it, but Cyclizar dislikes being burned by Scald if not running Draco Meteor.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten Milotic out with its Electric Electric-type moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but they must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Water-Resistant Water-resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types, (RC) like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern, (RC) don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald.

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/feen.231398/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-cake-wearing-a-hat.388157/

copyable version

[OVERVIEW]

Milotic is a niche option for a bulky Water-type thanks to its solid mixed bulk, ability to disrupt setup sweepers with Dragon Tail or Haze, and access to a pivoting move in Flip Turn as well as reliable recovery. It can serve as a blanket check to a variety of threats, such as Krookodile, Entei, and Jirachi, and it can punish the latter two's status spreading with Marvel Scale. However, Milotic faces intense competition from the tier's many bulky Water-types, particularly Slowbro and Vaporeon; the former has Regenerator and a wider movepool, and the latter can support its teammates with Wish. Additionally, Milotic is rather passive, meaning that it can be exploited by Pokemon that don't mind taking Scald, like Volcanion, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus. Even with its mixed bulk, Milotic can find itself overwhelmed by particularly strong attackers, such as Maushold, Galarian Zapdos, and Gengar.

[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Dragon Tail / Haze
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Recover
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
tera type: Poison

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Dragon Tail lets Milotic phaze setup sweepers without being blocked by Taunt, while Haze bypasses Substitute and can clear boosts from Fairy-types like Fezandipiti. Flip Turn lets Milotic act as a slow pivot by soaking up a hit for a teammate and safely bringing it in. Marvel Scale lets Milotic absorb burns and paralysis for its teammates while boosting its Defense. Milotic uses Heavy-Duty Boots to continue to pivot reliably, even against Spikes-stacking teams. A Calm nature prevents Milotic from being 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculegion-F's Shadow Ball, while max Defense allows it to take on physical attackers like Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Tera Poison grants Milotic a resistance to Fighting- and Fairy-type attacks, letting it better check Pokemon like Mienshao and Mimikyu while also granting it an immunity to Toxic from the likes of Umbreon and Fezandipiti. By removing its Electric weakness, Tera Poison also allows Milotic to take on Raikou and non-Taunt Oricorio-E.

Milotic's access to reliable recovery and ability to punish status with Marvel Scale makes it a good fit for bulky offense and balance teams. Because Milotic tends to pivot out against Water-resistant Pokemon like Empoleon, Hisuian Goodra, and Slowbro, Pokemon that can pressure them, such as Slither Wing, Mamoswine, and Magnezone, appreciate being brought in safely against them. The former two also appreciate Milotic's ability to punish burns with Marvel Scale. Volcanion is a big issue for Milotic due to its immunity to Water-type moves and ability to wear Milotic down with its powerful attacks and Taunt; as such, checks to these Pokemon, like Noivern and Raikou, make for essential teammates. Specially defensive pivots like Jirachi and Assault Vest Cyclizar can help Milotic wear down the opposing team by removing items with Knock Off and causing foes to flinch with Iron Head, respectively, while also appreciating its ability to spread burns with Scald. In return, they can more reliably check powerful special wallbreakers like Basculegion-F and Gardevoir, respectively. Jirachi can also keep Milotic healthy with Wish and absorb poison from the likes of Fezandipiti. Fezandipiti is another pivot that pairs nicely with Milotic due to its ability to wear down foes with Toxic Chain; in exchange, Fezandipiti is free to use Taunt, since Milotic can disrupt opposing Calm Mind users like Suicune and Cresselia and absorb paralysis from the likes of Jirachi and Slowbro. Hisuian Goodra enjoys the burns spread by Milotic's Scald as well as how it brings in and pivots on Electric-types, such as Magnezone and Oricorio-E. Physically defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Galarian Weezing help Milotic fortify its team against strong physical wallbreakers like Galarian Zapdos and Maushold, especially if Milotic burns them with Scald.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Ice Beam can be used to target Dragon- and Flying-types such as Cyclizar and Salamence. Covert Cloak protects Milotic from Psychic Noise and lets it check Jirachi and Fezandipiti without worrying about Iron Head or Toxic Chain. Leftovers grants Milotic passive recovery, which is especially useful if it happens to get burned. However, the lack of Heavy-Duty Boots worsens Milotic's matchup into entry hazard stacking teams. Milotic can utilize a physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe with a Bold nature to outspeed Golurk, though this leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers like Basculegion-F. On hazard stacking teams, a more offensive set can be used with Competitive to deter Defog from Pokemon like Galarian Weezing and Talonflame; however, it is largely outclassed by Empoleon as a Water-type Competitive user. Mirror Coat lets Milotic lure in and take out special attackers like Raikou and Hisuian Zoroark.

Checks and Counters
====

**Taunt Users**: Volcanion is public enemy number one for Milotic due to its ability to stop Recover with Taunt while being completely immune to Scald. It can then proceed to wear down Milotic with its coverage moves, particularly Sludge Bomb. Fezandipiti is also able to neuter Milotic with Taunt, set up on it without caring about Dragon Tail, and, if Milotic hasn't Terastallized, whittle it down with Toxic Chain and Moonblast. Cyclizar can also Taunt Milotic before pivoting out into a teammate that can offensively pressure it, but Cyclizar dislikes being burned by Scald if not running Draco Meteor.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone doesn't mind Scald and can threaten Milotic out with its Electric-type moves, potentially getting a free pivot with Volt Switch. Oricorio-E and Raikou can also dent it with their STAB attacks, but they must be careful when setting up due to Dragon Tail and Haze.

**Water-resistant Pokemon**: Specially offensive Dragon-types like Hisuian Goodra and Noivern don't mind being burned by Scald and can wear Milotic down over the course of a battle, though the latter doesn't like taking Dragon Tail. Wo-Chien takes practically nothing from Milotic's attacks while draining it with Leech Seed and Ruination; however, it dislikes being burned by Scald.

**Wallbreakers**: Milotic struggles to stop sweepers that have already set up, such as Maushold and Nasty Plot Gengar. Additionally, Choice Band users, such as Crawdaunt and Galarian Zapdos, can heavily damage it with their STAB attacks.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/feen.231398/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-cake-wearing-a-hat.388157/

GP 1/1

implemented and ready for upload!