Cheers to another edition of Pokemon Bootcamp!
During the time I type the first entry for Pokemon Bootcamp, I mentioned a particular Pokemon that can also utilize U-turning against opposing Pokemon. That's right, it's Mienshao. Mienshao is a pseudo-Lucario that not just a particular copy of mentioned Pokemon, but it has a distinct strategy that also makes it a different Pokemon as well. It has speed, strength, and grace which Lucario can only dream to have (but at least it has a Mega Evolution and Adaptability).
So without further ado...
WELCOME TO POKEMON BOOTCAMP!
Subject No.2
Name: Mienshao
Species: The Martial Arts Pokemon
Height: 4'7"
Weight: 78.3 lbs.
Type: Fighting
Possible Abilities: Inner Focus, Regenerator, Reckless
Smogon Tier: UnderUsed
Insights: This particular Lucario rip-off (not really) is a powerful contender by any means. Like Ambipom, Mienshao is simply one of those Pokemons that can strike an opponent and escape in harm's way at the same time; making it a very tough customer to deal with. It also has a potential to annihilate enemies that doesn't resist Mienshao's powerful blows. From its fearsome Fake Outs to its devastating High Jump Kicks, the strength of Mienshao is definitely legit that it can even go par with its competitive rival, Lucario, and that means business.
Recommended Abilities: Regenerator or Reckless
Both of these abilities benefit Mienshao very well. Regenerator can help Mienshao regain lost health from Life Orb damage and entry hazards, while Reckless helps its High Jump Kicks hit like a burning mallet. Well, Inner Focus also has a certain niche against fellow Fake Out users, but you won't be encountering much of them; making this ability very situational. Just stick to the two abilities here and all will go smoothly.
Recommended Moves:
1. Fake Out - never, ever go without it. Despite not having additional damage due to its Normal typing, Mienshao already has enough firepower to chip away much Health to make things easier for this Pokemon. Plus, the sure-flinch rate is always a good thing.
2. High Jump Kick - Mienshao's most reliable STAB move and for a good reason. At 130 Power, along with STAB and Life Orb, Mienshao has the potential to faint an opponent outright that doesn't resists this powerful attack. This move can greatly benefit from Reckless, but keep in mind that it has a very massive recoil once it misses, so be careful on when to initiate a daring move.
3. U-Turn - this is basically a Fighting-Type Ambipom; it is VERY annoying. To make matters worse, U-Turn synergizes well with Regenerator; allowing Mienshao to restore health while dealing hefty amounts of damage in the process. How can it be as more annoying as it already is?
4. Stone Edge - to be honest, this move can be extremely situational due to its terrible accuracy. Although it has a promising 100 Power, the accuracy of this move blows so hard it ruins the purpose of using Stone Edge completely. Regardless, its a good way to get rid of Flying types that is NOT Gale Wings Talonflame.
5. Knock Off - it hits hard while removing your foe's held item. No other inquiries needed for this. It's just that strong!
Other recommended moves:
1. Drain Punch - Fighting-Type version of Giga Drain that absorbs HP equal to a certain amount of the damage dealt. A cool move to have when you run a Reckless set since you'll be breaking some walls most of the time while getting hurt doing it.
2. Jump Kick - A more accurate version of High Jump Kick... but a weaker version of it as well. Nice alternative to have, though.
3. Rock Slide - another accurate Rock move that is significantly weaker than Stone Edge but a more accurate one at that. It can also flinch foes so its not really all that bad.
4. Aura Sphere - this move is very helpful if you run a Mixed set or if you decided to utilize its 95 base Special Attack to good use (which is very decent). Also, it doesn't miss.
5. Hidden Power - another useful move for a Special set if you are not running Stone Edge. Get Ice, Rock, or Electric to beat the crap out of Flying Pokemons that may come in your way.
6. Poison Jab - doesn't benefit from STAB, but picks off Fairies with ease.
7. Aerial Ace - a physical version of Aura Sphere, but it has no STAB. Thus, making it a very situational move to have in the first place, but it can be useful regardless.
8. Acrobatics - another Flying move that doubles its power once the item Mienshao holds is gone. Perfect with Flying Gem in your arsenal.
Recommended Items:
1. Life Orb - this item pumps up Mienshao's already exceptional fighting style. The 30% boost in all of its offenses is a very big help for Mienshao while the 10% recoil is not an issue, thanks to Regenerator.
2. Flying/Fighting/Normal Gem - these items are used to power-up Acrobatics and High Jump Kick, respectively. Other than that, its pretty much nothing else. Normal Gem can be used for Fake Out, too.
3. Choice Band/Scarf - Mienshao both has good Speed and Attack power so it can benefit from these items. The only drawback is that it will be forced to switch out every once in a while; reducing its offensive momentum but helping it restoring lost health due to Regenerator
Recommended Nature: Jolly or Naive
Speed is all that matters for Mienshao, although you can run an Adamant build if you dare to maximize your damage output. However, due to the prevalence of faster threats like Greninja, Garchomp, and Manectric, Mienshao will be needing possible speed options to survive odds. Naive is the perfect nature if you want to run both physical and special attacks.
Overall: Mienshao, with both elegance and power in mind, has a lot of potential coming from it. Whether it is physical or special attacks that it composes of, Mienshao can definitely pack a punch!
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