(VGC 2017) Mimikyu - (Physical Attacker / Utility / Trick Room) - Movesets
(VGC 2017) Mimikyu - (Physical Attacker / Utility / Trick Room) - Movesets
![[Image: mimikyur_by_xishka-daqrukq.png]](http://pre08.deviantart.net/9be6/th/pre/f/2016/340/c/9/mimikyur_by_xishka-daqrukq.png)
Mimikyu might look like a disposable Pikachu doll, don't lets its cute and innocent disguise get to you as its a rather underrated Trick Room setter with enough tricks up its sleeves to make itself standout. As a Ghost/Fairy-type, Mimikyu nets only one double resistance in Bug-type, and whopping three type immunities in Dragon-, Fighting-, and Normal-type, thus making it a strong pivot against these types. In terms of base stat total, Mimikyu's stats are not as interesting to say the least, but has a salvageable base 90 Attack, moderate high base 106 Special Defense (though HP is a letdown), and a trollish Speed tier of 95 to let it outpace common threats like Tapu Lele and Arcanine. In terms of coverage options, Mimikyu has a peculiar movepool ranging from offensive STABs like Play Rough, Shadow Claw, Shadow Sneak, etc to strong support-based status moves like Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, Thunder Wave, Sword Dance, Charm, and of course, Trick Room. Even considering its strong offensive typing and niche support options, what else justifies Mimiyku's usage in the VGC scene?
Well to answer that question, we have to uncover its disguise, or we don't otherwise Mimikyu would kill us all. What makes Mimikyu unique among its competition is the ability Disguise, which allows the bearer to take no damage from the first direct attack it takes, similar to Substitute though once per battle. Essentially, every time Mimikyu is sent out on the field, it has a pseudo-substitute which buys the Ghost/Fairy-type enough time to either setup Trick Room / Sword Dance, use one of its support coverage, or attack with it STAB Ghost / Fairy moves. Even for its above average base 96 speed, Mimikyu is a surprising strong Trick Room setter given the opponents must double target Mimikyu to deny the field condition, which is still risky choice. Keep in mind, Mimikyu can still setup Sword Dances to knock out most of the common threats with its STABs, or Z-attacks.
After considering its crafty Disguise ability, Mimikyu isn't foolproof choice in the format given some notable weakness. Due to its low HP and Defense stats, Steel-type Pokemon such as Celesteela, and even lurking Ghost-types such as Gengar can overwhelm the ghost plush doll with their STAB coverage. Speaking of its HP base 55 HP stat, it practically holds back Mimikyu rather above average defensive stats as the Ghost/Fairy's lack of resistance make it fall to even strong STAB and Z-Move options once the Disguise is broken. For Mimiyku to be a threat on the field, is needs to conserve its Z-Move attack for a key target, or really on Sword Dance boosts its mediocre 90 Attack to net some OHKOs. Even its Disguise ability isn't complete foolproof as Mimikyu is vulnerable to rogue status or stat drops.
Despite some tears into its Disguise, Mimikyu is an astoundingly interesting Pokemon with its ability, offensive potential, and Trick Room options. Sure Mimikyu cannot net some immediate OHKOs like compared to other Fairy- or Ghost-types, though its support options and strong offensive typing makes up for this. Despite the lack of strong defensive stats due to its low HP, Mimikyu is a viable Trick Room setter as opponents need to double target or have a Taunt/Roar user to even stop the field condition. Make no mistake, do not underestimate Mimikyu, afterall you were the one who abandon it for your stuffed up Pikachu doll.
![[Image: mimikyu.png]](http://pokemonforever.com/images/pokeimages/gen7/mimikyu.png)
Mimikyu
Type: Ghost / Fairy
Base Stats: 55 HP / 90 Attack / 80 Defense / 50 Special Attack / 106 Special Defense / 96 Speed
Weaknesses: Ghost [x2] , Steel [x2]
Resistances: Bug [x0.25]
Immunities: Normal [x0], Fighting [x0], Dragon [x0]
Ability: Disguise - Allows the user to take no damage for at least one attack, almost like Substitute. The user can still be status regardless if Disguise is broken or not.
Offensive Fast Trick Room Support
Mimikyu @ Ghostium Z / Fairium Z / Mental Herb / Focus Sash
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Play Rough
- Taunt / Sword Dance / Destiny Bond
- Trick Room
Milestones:
- Outspeeds base 95 speed Pokemon like Arcanine and Tapu Lele
- Z-Shadow Claw is a guaranteed OHKO on nearly all Tapu Lele that aren't physically defensive.
- Z-Play Rough OHKOs most Garchomp and 4 HP Tapu Lele.
Mimikyu @ Ghostium Z / Fairium Z / Mental Herb / Focus Sash
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Play Rough
- Taunt / Sword Dance / Destiny Bond
- Trick Room
Milestones:
- Outspeeds base 95 speed Pokemon like Arcanine and Tapu Lele
- Z-Shadow Claw is a guaranteed OHKO on nearly all Tapu Lele that aren't physically defensive.
- Z-Play Rough OHKOs most Garchomp and 4 HP Tapu Lele.
Thanks to Mimikyu's Disguise ability, the Ghost/Fairy-type has at least an opportunity to make use of its one time Substitute-like condition to attack the opponent, disrupt any support options, or even setup Trick Room for speed control. Despite the average base 90 attack, thankfully Mimikyu has perfect coverage in both physical attacks in base 70 Shadow Claw and base 90 Play Rough to hits the entire format for at least neutral damage. Shadow Claw is reserved for mainly Ghost-, and Psychic-type Pokemon as well as those resisted to Fairy-types like Poison-, Steel-, and Fire-types. Play Rough is Mimikyu's main Fairy-STAB and strongest attack in general for opposing Dark-, Fighting-, and Dragon-type Pokemon. Ghostium Z Shadow Claw is enough to OHKO most Tapu Lele sets that aren't moderately bulky, though Z-Play Rough is far stronger than its Ghost-type variant and net other potential OHKOs.
For support options, Taunt is listed to here to prevent any status conditions like Will-O-Wisp, setup options like Sword Dance/Tailwind, recovery options, etc. Sword Dance allows Mimikyu to increase is mediocre attack stat and make itself into a far threatening Pokemon with OHKO potential. Destiny Bond is kind of straight-forward 1-for-1 trade where is the users faints as Destiny Bond is active by the opponent, the subsequent attacker is fainted automatically. Interesting enough, Ghostium-Z activates Z-Destiny Bond, which is an even more "sufficient" version as Mimikyu redirects any attacks and if it cause them to faint, well the attacker joins Mimikyu in the graveyard.
Last, but certainly not least, Trick Room reverses the speed order of Pokemon and is one of the strongest speed control options in the VGC format. With the Disguise ability, attackers must double target Mimikyu to first break the disguise, and then attempt to knock out Mimikyu before Trick Room is setup. If the opposing team doesn't commit to double targeting or attempt to block Mimikyu with Taunt / Roar / other disruption moves, chances are likely Mimikyu can setup Trick Room. Mental Herb can be used to prevent opposing Taunt users from blocking one of Mimiyku's status moves, meanwhile Focus Sash can allow Mimikyu to survive the double target and attack or setup Sword Dance/Trick Room from an knock out.
Here are some damage calculations concerning the use of both Z-Shadow Claw and Z-Play Rough:
Offensive Calcs
Last, but certainly not least, Trick Room reverses the speed order of Pokemon and is one of the strongest speed control options in the VGC format. With the Disguise ability, attackers must double target Mimikyu to first break the disguise, and then attempt to knock out Mimikyu before Trick Room is setup. If the opposing team doesn't commit to double targeting or attempt to block Mimikyu with Taunt / Roar / other disruption moves, chances are likely Mimikyu can setup Trick Room. Mental Herb can be used to prevent opposing Taunt users from blocking one of Mimiyku's status moves, meanwhile Focus Sash can allow Mimikyu to survive the double target and attack or setup Sword Dance/Trick Room from an knock out.
Here are some damage calculations concerning the use of both Z-Shadow Claw and Z-Play Rough:
Offensive Calcs
Trick Room Utility
Mimikyu @ Ghostium Z / Mental Herb
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 212 Def / 52 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Shadow Claw / Play Rough
- Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
- Trick Room
- Destiny Bond / Taunt / Curse
Milestones:
- Takes 252 Kartana's STAB Smart Strike bar critical hit.
- Takes Z-Earthquake from 252 neutral Garchomp 100% of the time bar crit.
Takes a Z-Waterfall from Gyarados 100% of the time bar crit.
- Z-Flare Blitz from max attack Arcanine has a 6.3% chance to OHKO.
- Takes one STAB Shadow Ball fron neutral Gengar.
- OHKOs up to 252 HP / 68 Def Tapu Lele with Z-Shadow Claw.
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 212 Def / 52 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Shadow Claw / Play Rough
- Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
- Trick Room
- Destiny Bond / Taunt / Curse
Milestones:
- Takes 252 Kartana's STAB Smart Strike bar critical hit.
- Takes Z-Earthquake from 252 neutral Garchomp 100% of the time bar crit.
Takes a Z-Waterfall from Gyarados 100% of the time bar crit.
- Z-Flare Blitz from max attack Arcanine has a 6.3% chance to OHKO.
- Takes one STAB Shadow Ball fron neutral Gengar.
- OHKOs up to 252 HP / 68 Def Tapu Lele with Z-Shadow Claw.
Here we have a support Mimikyu specialized in aiding the team effort via its interesting coverage and Trick Room option. For this set, either Shadow Claw or Play Rough can be used as the designated STAB option. Keep in mind Shadow Claw is substantially weaker, while the other Play rough stronger, but can miss. For status conditions, Mimikyu can use Will-O-Wisp to halven the attack stats of the opposing Pokemon, or Thunder Wave that does the same, but for cripple their speed stat. As the main support move of this set, Trick Room reverses the order of speed, effectively allowing Mimikyu and its allies to outspeed any previously faster foes. Main difference with this Trick Room Mimikyu compared to others is its large defense investment and Relaxed nature to take advantage of the field condition, and additional survival benchmarks. With the defense investment, Mimiyku can withstand some strong Z-Attacks from the likes of Arcanine, Gyarados, Garchomp, and even take one STAB Smart Strike from Kartana.
The last three options including Mimiyku's item choice deserve a look. With the Ghostium-Z, Mimikyu can activate either Z-Shadow Claw to deal significant damage to or against Psychic- and/or Ghost-type Pokemon, and Z-Destiny Bond, which is essentially the after-mentioned move itself, except now with a deadly built-in Follow Me redirection. Taunt allow Mimikyu to disrupt opposing status move like opposing status infliction, stat boosts setups, recovery options, or any form of support options for the opponent. Though this might seem gimmicky, Curse is a viable option for Mimikyu to completely screw over setup-based or defensive Pokemon by inflicting 25% residual damage every turn, though at half the cost of Mimikyu's HP. If you want to guarantee the Trick Room options in certain situations, Mental Herb can help block any users from Taunting the ragged doll.
Here are some Defensive Calculations for Relaxed Mimikyu, as it can withstand even some strong super effective hits and Z-Attacks:
Defensive Calcs:
Sword Dance
Mimikyu @ Life Orb / Ghostium Z / Fairium Z
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP (If Life Orb)
- Shadow Claw
- Play Rough
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Sneak / Protect
Milestones:
- With Jolly Nature, outspeed base 95 Pokemon.
- At +2 Sword Dance can OHKO good portion of the format with Life Orb.
- +2 Z-Play Rough has a chance to OHKO thru standard Alolan Muk, Tapu Fini, Tapu Bulu, and Snorlax
- +2 Z-Shadow Claw can OHKO thru most Kartana, Metagross, and Alolan Marowak
- With Jolly Nature, outspeed base 95 Pokemon.
- At +2 Sword Dance can OHKO good portion of the format with Life Orb.
- +2 Z-Play Rough has a chance to OHKO thru standard Alolan Muk, Tapu Fini, Tapu Bulu, and Snorlax
- +2 Z-Shadow Claw can OHKO thru most Kartana, Metagross, and Alolan Marowak
Thanks to the Disguise ability, Mimikyu makes for a strong recipient as a Sword Dance user to augment its attacks to frightening levels to threaten its opponents. For those who want a faster Mimikyu capable of outspeeding Arcanine / Tapu Lele, Jolly is the right nature, though Adamant can be utilized to increase its damage potential. As the crux of the set, Sword Dance boosts Mimikyu attack power by two stages, which can often mitigate the opposing Intimidate drops or potential burn status. The moveset selection is self explanatory as Mimikyu has the choice of three attacks: Play Rough, Shadow Claw, and/or Shadow Sneak. As its strongest STAB, Play Rough hits the hardest with base 90 especially against Dark-, Fighting-, and Dragon-types as well has the most OHKO potential. Shadow Claw is exclusively for Psychic- and Ghost-types who usually have rather frail defenses. Shadow Sneak can be used over Protect in case the player wants Ghost-type priority with Mimikyu.
What really comes down to Sword Dance set is Mimikyu's item choice: Life Orb, Fairium Z, or Ghostium Z. The Life Orb Mimikyu hits harder on average than non-Life Orb variants, though Fairum and Ghostium Z allow Mimikyu to have practically a nuke option. With a +2 attack boost, Z-Play Rough is an incredibly powerful boosted Z-attack which can straight out OHKO or deal heavy damage against most Pokemon in the format that's not resisted to Fairy-type. Ghostium-Z is still listed despite being the weaker option, but it can net the OHKOs against most Psychic / Ghost-types and deal some considerable damage to Steel-types.
To see how strong both Sword Dance Mimimkyu and its Life Orb / Z-Move variants, here are some Damage Calculations using just a neutral nature.
Trick Room Attacker
Mimikyu @ Life Orb / Fairium Z / Ghostium Z
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 252 Atk / 20 Def / 4 SpD / 4 Spe (Adamant)
EVs: 228 HP / 252 Atk / 28 Def (Brave)
Adamant / Brave Nature
- Play Rough
- Shadow Claw
- Shadow Sneak / Sword Dance / Taunt / Protect
- Trick Room
Milestones:
- The same set as above with Sword Dance, though Emphasis on Positive attack nature.
- Takes a Smart Strike from Jolly Kartana after Intimidate.
- Withstands a Flare Blitz and Liquidation from Adamant Arcanine and Araquanid respectively.
- HP Value to reduce Life Orb damage.
- Underspeed Base 75 or above under Trick Room.
Mimikyu @ Life Orb / Fairium Z / Ghostium Z
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 252 Atk / 20 Def / 4 SpD / 4 Spe (Adamant)
EVs: 228 HP / 252 Atk / 28 Def (Brave)
Adamant / Brave Nature
- Play Rough
- Shadow Claw
- Shadow Sneak / Sword Dance / Taunt / Protect
- Trick Room
Milestones:
- The same set as above with Sword Dance, though Emphasis on Positive attack nature.
- Takes a Smart Strike from Jolly Kartana after Intimidate.
- Withstands a Flare Blitz and Liquidation from Adamant Arcanine and Araquanid respectively.
- HP Value to reduce Life Orb damage.
- Underspeed Base 75 or above under Trick Room.
Here we have a offensive Trick Room Mimikyu set with its dedicated STAB options and the move Trick Room itself for speed control. This build attempts to have the same offensive pressure from the Sword Dance, and some defensive benchmarks in its HP investment to withstand at least some strong hits to setup the Trick Room field condition. Play Rough and Shadow Claw make perfect type coverage against the entire format, with now a positive attack nature in Adamant/Brave, and the item choice of Life Orb, Fairum-Z for Z-Play Rough, and Ghostium Z for Z-Shadow Claw. The last option is up for grabs depending on whether Mimiyku needs priority in Shadow Sneak, offensive pressure with Sword Dance, Taunt to block any potential setup options, or simple Protect to scout / position purposes. The follow damage calcs feature some offensive benchmarks with Mimimkyu's Z Play Rough/Shadow Claw, as well as some defensive milestones.
Offensive Calcs:
Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to:
- Normal-types - Mimikyu synergies extremely well with most of the common Normal-type Pokemon in the format due to its dual Ghost/Fairy-typing to check nearly all of them while receive no damage from Fighting-STAB. In return, Normal-types are immune to opposing Ghost-type coverage, one of Mimikyu's weaknesses. (Ex. Porygon2, Porygon-Z, Drampa, Snorlax, Silvally, etc).
- Fire-Types - One of the hardest counters to Mimikyu are usually Steel-type Pokemon, which are no matchup for opposing Fire-tye Pokemon. Not only can allied Fire-types can check most Steel-types fairly easily, but can check Grass- and Ice-types as well. (Ex. Arcanine, Talonflame, Alolan Marowak, Incineroar, Salazzle, etc ).
- Steel-Types - When in doubt to about facing Steel-type, use other Steel-types? At least some Steel-type Pokemon can gladly switch in for Mimikyu to take the STAB hit and retaliate with some coverage option. Not to mention, Steel-types are useful when facing the opposing Tapus. ( Ex. Celesteela, Magnezone, Kartana, Metagross, etc).
- Water-Types - Most Water-types have great natural bulk and can take a resisted Steel-type hit for Mimikyu. ( Ex. Gyarados, Araquanid, Pelipper, Politoed, Gastrodon, etc ).
- Intimidate Support - Due to Mimiyku's lackluster defense stat, Intimidate support is appreciate to ensure it can withstand several more physical attacks over the course of the match. ( Ex. Arcanine, Krookodile, Gyarados, Salamence, etc).
- Trick Room Sweepers- Pokemon who appreciate the Trick Room support appreciate Mimikyu's ability to setup the field condition and attempt to sweep thru the opposing team. (Ex. Snorlax, Araquanid, Hariyama, Gigalith, Torkoal, Magnezone, etc).
- Fake Out Support [b]- [/b]With Mimikyu's Disguise ability, Fake Out support can actually prevent double targeting onto the Ghost/Fairy-type Pokemon was and buys time to setup Sword Dance or Trick Room[b] ( Ex[b]. Hariyama, Salazzle, Weavile, Alolan Persian, Alolan Raichu, etc).[/b][/b]
Threats include, but aren't limited to:[/b]
- Note: In order to "check/counter" Mimikyu, its "Disguise" ability needs to be broken first before following suit with a super effective or any strong attack.
- Steel-types Pokemon - Celesteela, Kartana, Metagross, Magnezone, Alolan Sandslash, Scizor, etc
- Ghost-types Pokemon - Gengar, Dhelmise, Alolan Marowak, etc.
- Strong Defensive Pokemon - Celesteela, Porygon2, Gigalith, Arcanine, Snorlax, Milotic, Gastrodon etc.
- Intimidate Spam - Arcanine, Gyarados, Krookodile, etc
- Powerful STABs / Z-Move Attacks
- Roar / Taunt to Prevent Trick Room or setup.
- Burn Status
Other Notable Options
- Wood Hammer is an rather strong coverage option against Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type Pokemon, especially when paired with Sword Dance.
- Some Mimikyu sets carry Psych Up to take advantage of Belly Drum users like Snorlax's Attack boosts.
- Toxic and Thunder Wave are other status moves Mimikyu can run to cripple the opponent's longevity or speed.
- Light Screen and Charm can be used to reduce the damage output of the opposing team.
- Substitute can be used to allow Mimikyu to setup, and can be useful with its Disguise ability.
- Though outclassed by Sword Dance (and possible item choice), Z-Splash can net Mimikyu to +3 Attack in one turn.
Vote! Should we replace Pikachu as the mascot with Mimikyu? You decide to make Pokemon great again!
