Pokemon of the Week 1/30/12 Lilligant

Graceful and subtle, this Special Sweeper strikes consecutively. It’s gorgeous blooming flower is the symbol of a Veteran Trainer’s skill. Don’t let your guard down due to its sweet smelling aura, because this Pokemon packs a prime plant pounding.

Ability: Own Tempo or Chlorophyll
Type: Grass
Nature: Modest
Weakness: Flying/ Poison/ Bug/ Fire/ Ice
Item: Heat Rock
Classification: Special Sweeper

Base Stats:
Hp-70
Atk-60
Def-75
Sp.Atk-110
Sp.Def-75
Spd-90

Ev Spread:
Hp-14
Atk-0
Def-0
Sp.Atk-248
Sp.Def-0
Spd-248

Moveset Suggestion:
-Petal Dance
-Grasswhistle
-Dream Eater
-Round
Additional Valuable Moves: Synthesis/ Solarbeam/ Quiver Dance

Moveset Side-Notes:
Lilligant has large Special Attack Stats. Sadly, despite possessing prime power, it lacks a versatile move pool to surprise foes. Regardless, there are two main methods of mastering a Lilligant. Dependent on ability, you’ll choose from main mascaraing moves like “Petal Dance” or “Solarbeam.” “Own Tempo” offers a shield from the frustrating confusion status, while “Chlorophyll” assists your Pokemon’s speed during sunny matches. The “Petal Dance” set is more independent and requires less ground work to get your Lilligant going. Smashing with a shocking 120 Base power, “Petal Dance” puts opponents in their place. Normally this move is short lived due to confusion inflicting your Pokemon after several strikes. “Own Tempo” owns those not prepared to face grandiose grass types.

Activating “Sunny Day” with a previous team member, before Lilligant takes the stage, is a sound idea. Harboring average Hp, this Poke can be pwned easily with one well aimed Fire raid. Considering this factor makes Synthesis sensible, since its healing ability increases during times of high sun. In order to preserve your insta-solarbeam ability, I recommend attaching a “Heat Rock” to Lilligant before your match. This handy hot rock keeps “Sunny Day” active for eight turns as opposed to five. Whilst the sun shines high, “Solarbeam” doesn’t require charge time to compile its power. Without “Sunny Day,” “Solarbeam” might as well be a backwards “Hyper Beam,” leaving you vulnerable immediately.

Aside from these two massive mugging maneuvers, Lilligant lacks much more than some throw away supporting moves. The combination of “Grasswhistle” and “Dream Eater” works, but limitedly. With a low accuracy of 55, “Grasswhistle” becomes “Gamble-whistle” as you desperately attempt to send foes into slumber. Round is a reasonable move to have, especially when other members of your team possess it as well. It upgrades the base power of 60 when used by multiple Pokemon on your team. The best defense for Lilligant is ginormous offense. That’s why “Quiver Dance” is highly recommendable, increasing Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. In combination with “Chlorophyll,” Lilligant can become a great galloping special sweeper.

Conclusion:
Through abilities, Lilligant boasts terrifying tactics. Depending on your style, you may opt to have the more readily attacking Poke, and choose the “Own Tempo” set to assure victory regardless of sunshine conditions. Planners and strategists may lean towards the stat boosting “Sunny Day” to sear victory into opponent’s minds. Working around Lilligant’s limited move selections is a matter of switching when it proves sensible. Plan ahead and build your team to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Flareon offers “Flash Absorb,” which aids your team when struck with a Fire move, as well as provides Lilligant with “Sunny Day” options for strong solar shock-waves. Becoming the best always hinges on balance.