Empoleon @ Leftovers
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Protect
- Scald / Knock Off
- Aqua Jet
- Hidden Power [Electric]
Empoleon is useful as one of the most reliable Magikarp counters in the game, thanks to its unique typing resisting Flail, Bounce, and Hydro Pump, Magikarp's primary attacking moves.
8 Special Defense EVs allow Empoleon to avoid a 2HKO from Modest Specs Magikarp's Hydro Pump. The rest of the EVs are put into HP and Defense to maximize Empoleon's physical bulk to better withstand physical Magikarp variants. For example, Adamant Choice Band Magikarp cannot 2HKO Empoleon at 1 HP even boosted. A Relaxed nature increases Empoleon's defenses, without weakening its Aqua Jet.
Protect is an extremely useful move, allowing Empoleon to simultaneously scout which Magikarp set the opponent is using, stall for Leftovers recovery, and completely thwart an enemy Bounce attempt. Scald is an extremely spammable move that can cripple Magikarp with a burn, effectively stopping it from sweeping. If rain is up, Scald can even OHKO most offensive variants of Magikarp. However, Knock Off can be run instead to severely weaken Magikarp sweepers which rely on items. Aqua Jet is a useful form of priority, allowing Empoleon to pick off the Magikarp which have weakened themselves to maximize Flail damage. Finally, HP Electric allows Empoleon to outright OHKO offensive Magikarp variants, and even score a vital 2HKO on Assault Vest Magikarp.
Using this set requires caution and prediction. When possible, use Protect when facing an unknown Magikarp to scout out its set. Try not to switch Empoleon in too much, because it can't reliably wall Magikarp at low health, thanks to its lack of recovery, and it can become easy prey to a boosted Flail, allowing Magikarp to sweep the rest of your team.
