Whimsicott - Best Moveset & Build | Pokemon Sword Shield

Build #1 - Leech Seed

Strong Prankster Lead

By using a priority Leech Seed, Encore, or Substitute, Whimsicott can set up the stage for another Pokemon to follow up behind it. Because it's good at whittling opponents down, it can be combined with Pokemon that are normally not as offensively strong.

Status Moves Don't Work On Dark Types

Remember that Dark types are no longer affected by Status moves given priority by Prankster. This means that Leech Seed won't work on Grass OR Dark types. When coming up against a Dark type, use your STAB Moonblast instead.

Pick Either Substitute Or Protect

At least one of these two moves should be considered a must, as they go extremely well with Leech Seed. Substitute might be preferable, as it allows you to buy time during your opponent's Dynamax. Choose at your own discretion.

Max Hp/Defense Is Recommended

Sticking around on the field long enough to benefit from Leftovers/Leech Seed is the most important aspect of this build, so we recommend adjusting EVs in accordance with this.

Adjust EVs To Outspeed Hydreigon

Although it might be unlikely, an alternate EV spread includes putting in at least 236 EVs in Speed. This will allow you to get the first hit on a 252 Speed Timid Hydreigon (without Scarf) and 1 shot it. You also have the option of changing your nature to Timid instead of putting in 236 EVs in Speed.

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Leech Seed	Saps your opponent's HP and gives it to you every turn. Great sustain, very frustrating move.
Moonblast	Great STAB move for dealing with Dark types.
Substitute	Sacrifices 25% HP to create a Substitute. Given priority by Prankster, allows you to waste an opponent's Dynamax entirely.
Protect	Protects you from damage for a turn. Works well with Leech Seed/Leftovers.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Encore	Forces your opponent to use the same move it just used for 3 turns.
Taunt	Forces your opponent to use attacking moves. Prevents setups.
Tailwind	Boosts your team's speed for 4 turns.
Cotton Guard	Raises defense massively. Could be useful for setting up if you anticipate your opponent doesn't have any special attackers.

Build #2 - Trick Room

Trick Room And Memento Synergy

After setting up your Trick Room, you can lower your opponent's offensive stats massively using Memento. Of course, this also causes you to faint, but this can be a good opportunity to let your Trick Room teammates take over and sweep. It's also possible to combine this with Leech Seed, if you see fit.

Trick Room Doesn't Get Priority

Even though Whimsicott has Prankster, Trick Room will not gain priority when you use it! On the other hand, Memento does get priority, so keep both of these things in mind!

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Trick Room	Inverts the speed stats of all Pokemon for 5 turns. Slow Pokemon go first.
Moonblast	Great STAB move for dealing with Dark types.
Taunt	Forces your opponent to use attacking moves. Prevents setups.
Memento	The user faints, but lowers the opponent's Atk and Sp.Atk massively. Can cripple the opponent or force a swap.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Substitute	Sacrifices 25% HP to create a Substitute. Given priority by Prankster, allows you to waste an opponent's Dynamax entirely.
Protect	Protects you from damage for a turn. Works well with Leech Seed/Leftovers.
Leech Seed	Saps your opponent's HP and gives it to you every turn. Great sustain, very frustrating move.
Encore	Forces your opponent to use the same move it just used for 3 turns.
Cotton Guard	Raises defense massively. Could be useful for setting up if you anticipate your opponent doesn't have any special attackers.

Build #3 - Light Screen

Set Up Light Screen With Prankster

Since Prankster gives priority to status moves, you can easily get off a Light Screen to boost your teams Special Defense. This can make you even bulkier when combined with Leftovers and Leech Seed. However, one thing to note is that Whimsicott cannot learn Reflect! This might leave your team vulnerable to physical attacks.

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Light Screen	Reduces the damage of Sp. Atk moves against your party for 5 turns. Gains priority from Prankster.
Leech Seed	Saps your opponent's HP and gives it to you every turn. Great sustain, very frustrating move.
Moonblast	Great STAB move for dealing with Dark types.
Substitute	Sacrifices 25% HP to create a Substitute. Given priority by Prankster, allows you to waste an opponent's Dynamax entirely.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Encore	Forces your opponent to use the same move it just used for 3 turns.
Taunt	Forces your opponent to use attacking moves. Prevents setups.
Tailwind	Boosts your team's speed for 4 turns.
Protect	Protects you from damage for a turn. Works well with Leech Seed/Leftovers.
Cotton Guard	Raises defense massively. Could be useful for setting up if you anticipate your opponent doesn't have any special attackers.