[OVERVIEW]
Gloom holds a unique place with its valuable typing, being one of only two Pokemon that can handle all of Hidden Power Electric Octillery, Primeape, and Chinchou. Gloom also has an extensive movepool consisting of boosting moves like Swords Dance and Curse, status moves like Stun Spore and Sleep Powder, and the consistent healing of Moonlight. Compared to the only other available option for the role, Exeggcute, Gloom has significantly better longevity and offensive capability, as Exegggcute cannot use both Explosion and Moonlight. Gloom is a staple on defensive teams anchored by Fire-types like Ninetales and Flareon, providing a valuable defensive role and potentially being a dangerous setup threat in the right situation. However, Gloom itself has issues with several common Pokemon like Weezing, Xatu, Pineco, Ninetales, Rapidash, and Dewgong, making it heavily reliant on team support and unable to fit well on many teams. Gloom is also extremely slow, being outsped by Octillery, meaning it usually has to take a hit first before moving and is forced out often. Octillery itself even runs Ice Beam occasionally, which beats Gloom and severely diminishes its value.
[SET]
name: Bulky Setup Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance / Curse
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Stun Spore / Razor Leaf / Hidden Power Ground / Sleep Powder
move 4: Moonlight
item: Leftovers
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
A setup move is vital to making Gloom a real threat in games. Swords Dance is a strong option, allowing Gloom to 2HKO Pokemon like Octillery and Stantler after only one boost. Curse is a decent alternative, as it makes Gloom much sturdier against Stantler, Fearow, and non-Fire Blast Weezing, but it boosts slower, as Gloom is notably unable to 2HKO a paralyzed Xatu at +1 and can't break through Wigglytuff. Sludge Bomb is Gloom's main attacking option, dealing decent damage and having a solid chance to poison foes, which can even ruin Pokemon like Porygon or Thief Xatu. Stun Spore is a valuable tool, as Gloom is able to force paralysis on Pokemon like Xatu, Weezing, Rapidash, and Pineco. Additionally, Gloom can paralyze Xatu as it switches in with Stun Spore and switch out, and the next time Gloom enters the battlefield, it can use Swords Dance as Xatu switches in and eliminate Xatu if it fully paralyzes. Razor Leaf allows Gloom to act as a backup switch-in to Ground-types like Pupitar and Graveler, and it 3HKOes Sudowoodo, 2HKOes Dugtrio, and does decent chip damage to Dewgong. Hidden Power Ground trashes Magnemite and can chip away at Weezing over time, though its DV requirements decreases Gloom's bulk. Alternatively, Gloom can use Sleep Powder, which temporarily shuts down Weezing, Pineco, and Porygon. However, if not used carefully, Sleep Powder can thud into a RestTalk user like Xatu or a Fire-type and activate Sleep Clause, becoming useless.
Team Options
========
Octillery and Dewgong are best friends of Gloom, as Gloom handles Primeape and Chinchou and is a more reliable switch-in to opposing Hidden Power Electric Octillery. In return, Octillery with Hidden Power Electric and Dewgong are able to switch into Ice Beam Octillery and Fire-types, which Gloom struggles with, though Dewgong cannot deal with Ninetales if it has Sunny Day. Fire-types like Ninetales, Rapidash, and Flareon are effective stops to Xatu, Weezing, and Magnemite, and the latter two Fires also wall opposing Ninetales. Fire-types also appreciate Gloom handling Octillery for them and in tandem can form a strong defensive core. Graveler walls Fearow and can use Rapid Spin to clear opposing Pineco's Spikes, two Pokemon that otherwise take advantage of Gloom. Graveler also helps against Weezing, Magnemite, and Fire-types and can use Explosion to remove an annoyance like Dewgong, Wigglytuff, or Pineco. Other Rock-types like Pupitar and Sudowoodo also help against Normal-types, but they lack Rapid Spin. Tentacool can also Rapid Spin and importantly is not susceptible to Pineco using Toxic or Giga Drain, but it doesn't help against Normal-types and is significantly more passive than Graveler. Primeape can switch into and take advantage of Dewgong, and it can wear down Weezing for Gloom. Primeape is also additional support against Curse Normal-types like Wigglytuff, which Gloom struggles with if using Curse or if it didn't use Swords Dance prior to their entry. Normal-types themselves like Porygon and Stantler enjoy partnering up with Gloom for its ability to check Primeape. Gloom is also a decent option on Pineco Spikes teams with Rapidash since it shuts down Hidden Power Electric Octillery.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Gloom can use a few other more niche options in its free slot. Hidden Power Grass does more damage than Razor Leaf, notably 2HKOing Sudowoodo and OHKOing Pupitar, whereas Razor Leaf barely misses out on both without a critical hit. However, Hidden Power Grass's DV requirements are extremely poor and reduce Gloom's bulk significantly. Gloom can use Hidden Power Fire to 2HKO Pineco and Magnemite, additionally useful since the option to harass Pineco stays available throughout a game, unlike Sleep Powder which may thud and activate Sleep Clause. However, its DV requirements are similarly poor to Hidden Power Grass. Hidden Power Psychic deals significant chip damage to Weezing, letting Gloom heavily wear down and beat Weezing, helping to enable itself and a teammate that struggles with Weezing like Primeape or Hitmonlee. Hidden Power Psychic has no other useful targets though and as such is highly specific. Gloom can also use Return instead of Sludge Bomb on stall teams for additional attacking PP. It is useless otherwise though, as Sludge Bomb deals more damage and can poison foes.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Xatu easily switches into Gloom and 2HKOes it with Psychic. Xatu is also faster and often runs Rest and Sleep Talk, which protects against chip damage and status. Xatu is especially safe against non-Stun Spore Gloom since the best Gloom can do is use Sludge Bomb or switch out. However, if Xatu is paralyzed, Gloom can use Swords Dance as it switches in and can eliminate Xatu if it fully paralyzes. Fearow also switches into Gloom easily and can 2HKO with Drill Peck or nearly 2HKO with Double-Edge, and it also runs Rest and Sleep Talk. However, it's susceptible to this same line that Xatu is, and Fearow may be unable to break Gloom if it has Curse to boost its Defense. Pidgeot cannot break Curse Gloom or 2HKO an unboosted Gloom, but it has Reflect to mitigate the effect of boosts and its Double-Edge threatens an easy 3HKO against Swords Dance Gloom, which can rapidly run Gloom out of Moonlight PP.
**Fire-types**: Ninetales, Rapidash, and Flareon outspeed Gloom, often have RestTalk, and threaten a 2HKO or an OHKO. However, Gloom can also cheese through them with Stun Spore and Swords Dance, though it risks significant damage or an OHKO in return. Magmar almost always OHKOes Gloom with Fire Blast, but it does not typically run RestTalk and is physically frail, meaning it can only switch in safely if Gloom uses Moonlight or a setup move.
**Weezing**: Weezing takes minimal damage from Gloom's attacks, with even Hidden Power Ground doing less than 25%, and threatens Gloom with Fire Blast or Explosion. However, Gloom can annoy Weezing with status, and Hidden Power Ground, Hidden Power Psychic, or one of Gloom's teammates like Primeape can still chip away at Weezing over time. Weezing with Curse or Haze also completely blocks Gloom without a coverage move. However, Curse Gloom can potentially break through Explosion Weezing if it lacks Fire Blast and fails to use Explosion before Gloom has accumulated enough Defense boosts.
**Spikes Users**: Pineco can switch into Gloom and use it to set Spikes and use Explosion or Rapid Spin. However, Gloom can disable it with Sleep Powder or 2HKO it with Hidden Power Fire or, if it has used Swords Dance already, +2 Sludge Bomb. Delibird meanwhile is faster than Gloom and can use it to set Spikes, hit it hard with Ice Beam, or steal Leftovers from Gloom or one of its teammates with Thief.
**Dewgong**: Dewgong outspeeds Gloom and can 2HKO it with Ice Beam. Dewgong also almost always runs RestTalk and isn't 2HKOed by +2 Sludge Bomb. However, Gloom can deal solid chip damage with Razor Leaf or Hidden Power Grass, especially since Razor Leaf has a heightened critical hit rate, and Dewgong can be easily exploited by teammates like Primeape.
**Magnemite**: Magnemite completely walls many variations of Gloom and hits it hard with Hidden Power Ice. However, if Gloom has Hidden Power Ground or Fire, it easily beats Magnemite. Magnemite is also annoyed by Stun Spore, as paralysis makes attempting to land Thunder more difficult.
**Wigglytuff**: Wigglytuff is bulky and packs Curse, RestTalk, and often Body Slam to boost in the face of Gloom, ignore status, and threaten paralysis on Gloom itself. If Gloom used Swords Dance prior though, and especially if Wigglytuff is asleep, it may be able to break through Wigglytuff.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/beeorsomething.583728/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/estarossa.461329/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/juoean.486979/
Grammar checked by:
Gloom holds a unique place with its valuable typing, being one of only two Pokemon that can handle all of Hidden Power Electric Octillery, Primeape, and Chinchou. Gloom also has an extensive movepool consisting of boosting moves like Swords Dance and Curse, status moves like Stun Spore and Sleep Powder, and the consistent healing of Moonlight. Compared to the only other available option for the role, Exeggcute, Gloom has significantly better longevity and offensive capability, as Exegggcute cannot use both Explosion and Moonlight. Gloom is a staple on defensive teams anchored by Fire-types like Ninetales and Flareon, providing a valuable defensive role and potentially being a dangerous setup threat in the right situation. However, Gloom itself has issues with several common Pokemon like Weezing, Xatu, Pineco, Ninetales, Rapidash, and Dewgong, making it heavily reliant on team support and unable to fit well on many teams. Gloom is also extremely slow, being outsped by Octillery, meaning it usually has to take a hit first before moving and is forced out often. Octillery itself even runs Ice Beam occasionally, which beats Gloom and severely diminishes its value.
[SET]
name: Bulky Setup Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance / Curse
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Stun Spore / Razor Leaf / Hidden Power Ground / Sleep Powder
move 4: Moonlight
item: Leftovers
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
A setup move is vital to making Gloom a real threat in games. Swords Dance is a strong option, allowing Gloom to 2HKO Pokemon like Octillery and Stantler after only one boost. Curse is a decent alternative, as it makes Gloom much sturdier against Stantler, Fearow, and non-Fire Blast Weezing, but it boosts slower, as Gloom is notably unable to 2HKO a paralyzed Xatu at +1 and can't break through Wigglytuff. Sludge Bomb is Gloom's main attacking option, dealing decent damage and having a solid chance to poison foes, which can even ruin Pokemon like Porygon or Thief Xatu. Stun Spore is a valuable tool, as Gloom is able to force paralysis on Pokemon like Xatu, Weezing, Rapidash, and Pineco. Additionally, Gloom can paralyze Xatu as it switches in with Stun Spore and switch out, and the next time Gloom enters the battlefield, it can use Swords Dance as Xatu switches in and eliminate Xatu if it fully paralyzes. Razor Leaf allows Gloom to act as a backup switch-in to Ground-types like Pupitar and Graveler, and it 3HKOes Sudowoodo, 2HKOes Dugtrio, and does decent chip damage to Dewgong. Hidden Power Ground trashes Magnemite and can chip away at Weezing over time, though its DV requirements decreases Gloom's bulk. Alternatively, Gloom can use Sleep Powder, which temporarily shuts down Weezing, Pineco, and Porygon. However, if not used carefully, Sleep Powder can thud into a RestTalk user like Xatu or a Fire-type and activate Sleep Clause, becoming useless.
Team Options
========
Octillery and Dewgong are best friends of Gloom, as Gloom handles Primeape and Chinchou and is a more reliable switch-in to opposing Hidden Power Electric Octillery. In return, Octillery with Hidden Power Electric and Dewgong are able to switch into Ice Beam Octillery and Fire-types, which Gloom struggles with, though Dewgong cannot deal with Ninetales if it has Sunny Day. Fire-types like Ninetales, Rapidash, and Flareon are effective stops to Xatu, Weezing, and Magnemite, and the latter two Fires also wall opposing Ninetales. Fire-types also appreciate Gloom handling Octillery for them and in tandem can form a strong defensive core. Graveler walls Fearow and can use Rapid Spin to clear opposing Pineco's Spikes, two Pokemon that otherwise take advantage of Gloom. Graveler also helps against Weezing, Magnemite, and Fire-types and can use Explosion to remove an annoyance like Dewgong, Wigglytuff, or Pineco. Other Rock-types like Pupitar and Sudowoodo also help against Normal-types, but they lack Rapid Spin. Tentacool can also Rapid Spin and importantly is not susceptible to Pineco using Toxic or Giga Drain, but it doesn't help against Normal-types and is significantly more passive than Graveler. Primeape can switch into and take advantage of Dewgong, and it can wear down Weezing for Gloom. Primeape is also additional support against Curse Normal-types like Wigglytuff, which Gloom struggles with if using Curse or if it didn't use Swords Dance prior to their entry. Normal-types themselves like Porygon and Stantler enjoy partnering up with Gloom for its ability to check Primeape. Gloom is also a decent option on Pineco Spikes teams with Rapidash since it shuts down Hidden Power Electric Octillery.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Gloom can use a few other more niche options in its free slot. Hidden Power Grass does more damage than Razor Leaf, notably 2HKOing Sudowoodo and OHKOing Pupitar, whereas Razor Leaf barely misses out on both without a critical hit. However, Hidden Power Grass's DV requirements are extremely poor and reduce Gloom's bulk significantly. Gloom can use Hidden Power Fire to 2HKO Pineco and Magnemite, additionally useful since the option to harass Pineco stays available throughout a game, unlike Sleep Powder which may thud and activate Sleep Clause. However, its DV requirements are similarly poor to Hidden Power Grass. Hidden Power Psychic deals significant chip damage to Weezing, letting Gloom heavily wear down and beat Weezing, helping to enable itself and a teammate that struggles with Weezing like Primeape or Hitmonlee. Hidden Power Psychic has no other useful targets though and as such is highly specific. Gloom can also use Return instead of Sludge Bomb on stall teams for additional attacking PP. It is useless otherwise though, as Sludge Bomb deals more damage and can poison foes.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Xatu easily switches into Gloom and 2HKOes it with Psychic. Xatu is also faster and often runs Rest and Sleep Talk, which protects against chip damage and status. Xatu is especially safe against non-Stun Spore Gloom since the best Gloom can do is use Sludge Bomb or switch out. However, if Xatu is paralyzed, Gloom can use Swords Dance as it switches in and can eliminate Xatu if it fully paralyzes. Fearow also switches into Gloom easily and can 2HKO with Drill Peck or nearly 2HKO with Double-Edge, and it also runs Rest and Sleep Talk. However, it's susceptible to this same line that Xatu is, and Fearow may be unable to break Gloom if it has Curse to boost its Defense. Pidgeot cannot break Curse Gloom or 2HKO an unboosted Gloom, but it has Reflect to mitigate the effect of boosts and its Double-Edge threatens an easy 3HKO against Swords Dance Gloom, which can rapidly run Gloom out of Moonlight PP.
**Fire-types**: Ninetales, Rapidash, and Flareon outspeed Gloom, often have RestTalk, and threaten a 2HKO or an OHKO. However, Gloom can also cheese through them with Stun Spore and Swords Dance, though it risks significant damage or an OHKO in return. Magmar almost always OHKOes Gloom with Fire Blast, but it does not typically run RestTalk and is physically frail, meaning it can only switch in safely if Gloom uses Moonlight or a setup move.
**Weezing**: Weezing takes minimal damage from Gloom's attacks, with even Hidden Power Ground doing less than 25%, and threatens Gloom with Fire Blast or Explosion. However, Gloom can annoy Weezing with status, and Hidden Power Ground, Hidden Power Psychic, or one of Gloom's teammates like Primeape can still chip away at Weezing over time. Weezing with Curse or Haze also completely blocks Gloom without a coverage move. However, Curse Gloom can potentially break through Explosion Weezing if it lacks Fire Blast and fails to use Explosion before Gloom has accumulated enough Defense boosts.
**Spikes Users**: Pineco can switch into Gloom and use it to set Spikes and use Explosion or Rapid Spin. However, Gloom can disable it with Sleep Powder or 2HKO it with Hidden Power Fire or, if it has used Swords Dance already, +2 Sludge Bomb. Delibird meanwhile is faster than Gloom and can use it to set Spikes, hit it hard with Ice Beam, or steal Leftovers from Gloom or one of its teammates with Thief.
**Dewgong**: Dewgong outspeeds Gloom and can 2HKO it with Ice Beam. Dewgong also almost always runs RestTalk and isn't 2HKOed by +2 Sludge Bomb. However, Gloom can deal solid chip damage with Razor Leaf or Hidden Power Grass, especially since Razor Leaf has a heightened critical hit rate, and Dewgong can be easily exploited by teammates like Primeape.
**Magnemite**: Magnemite completely walls many variations of Gloom and hits it hard with Hidden Power Ice. However, if Gloom has Hidden Power Ground or Fire, it easily beats Magnemite. Magnemite is also annoyed by Stun Spore, as paralysis makes attempting to land Thunder more difficult.
**Wigglytuff**: Wigglytuff is bulky and packs Curse, RestTalk, and often Body Slam to boost in the face of Gloom, ignore status, and threaten paralysis on Gloom itself. If Gloom used Swords Dance prior though, and especially if Wigglytuff is asleep, it may be able to break through Wigglytuff.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/beeorsomething.583728/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/estarossa.461329/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/juoean.486979/
Grammar checked by:
Last edited:
