Togekiss, The Jubilee Pokémon. As everyone knows, it visits peaceful regions, bringing them gifts of kindness and sweet blessings. It shares many blessings with people who respect one another's rights and avoid needless strife.
Overview
Being one of the new evolutions added in Generation 4, this really helped out Togetic who was overall subpar before. Togekiss turns what was a defensive Pokémon into a Special Attacking powerhouse, packing 120 base Special Attack and access to Nasty Plot to further boost that. All this makes Togekiss a strong threat in Underused being one of a few usable Fairy types in the tier to answer the new Dragons that have dropped down for OU and Borderline.
Positives
+Abilities - Togekiss has a really strong ability in Serene Grace allowing it to be a pain for almost any Pokémon to deal with if RNG is on your side. Even without it, Serene Grace can make your life a lot easier with the high flinch chance as well as applying to other abilities such as Flamethrowers burn chance and Thunder Waves paralysis chance
+Movepool - Togekiss has a strong movepool, most of which is Special based. On top of good STAB moves, Togekiss has other strong moves such as Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Grass Knot, Extrasensory, and Aura Sphere. Togekiss also carries a strong support movepool with moves like Thunder Wave, Heal Bell, Trick, and Wish.
Negatives
-Speed - Togekiss has the moves and stats to sweep except its Speed. This is a major drawback and makes it one of the easiest ways to deal with Togekiss as almost all relevant types that it's weak to are able to outpace it except Scizor who has priority. This and Togekiss` average defense makes it easy to revenge kill.
-Typing - Despite how strong Fairy typing is Togekiss has a lot of trouble with its typing. Togekiss` Flying type makes it weak to Stealth Rocks as well as the powerhouse Rock types in tier such as Mega Aerodactyl and Terrakion. Togekiss` Fairy typing also makes it harder for it with the new Steels that dropped down from OU, namely Scizor. Lastly a lot of powerful Electrics and Poison types are in UU such as Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Raikou, and Nihilego
Abilities
Hustle - Physical moves have their power increased by 50% but accuracy is dropped by 20% - - Overall a subpar ability as Togekiss has terrible Attack, especially compared to its Special Attack.
Serene Grace - Secondary effect chances on moves are doubled - - Overall the best ability for Togekiss as it allows Togekiss to go for the Para flinch lock where you hit something with Thunder Wave then spam Air Slash, each having a 60% chance to proc making it hard to deal with.
Super Luck - Increase Critical Hit rate by one stage - - A strong ability but is overall inferior to Serene Grace due to it being overall more reliable but can be used for fun.
Movesets
Nasty Plot
-Air Slash
-Nasty Plot
-Roost
-Heal Bell/Thunder Wave
Item Attached: Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs and Nature:
252HP/4SpAtk/252Spd
Timid Nature
The general set for Togekiss, this aims to use Nasty Plot and Togekiss` decent bulk to flinch threats into submission. Air Slash is key for this having strong base damage as well as Serene Grace giving it a very high flinch chance. Roost is needed as well to heal off damage Togekiss will take as well as help give Togekiss some staying power after a Nasty Plot. Heal Beal is an option for the last move to heal of Togekiss` and its teammates status conditions or Thunder Wave to hit faster threats coming in with paralysis to allow Togekiss to deal with them or set up teammates.
Defensive Support
-Air Slash
-Defog/Thunder Wave
-Roost
-Heal Bell/Thunder Wave
Item Attached: Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs and Nature:
252HP/160Def/96Spd
Bold Nature
Aiming to use Togekiss as a more defensive support, this runs very similar to the main set Togekiss uses. Air Slash is still the main STAB move and makes use of Serene Grace. Roost is the next set move, giving Togekiss a recovery move to tank more. The last slots are open to Thunder Wave for paralysis, boosted by Serene Grace, to help slower Pokémon on your team. Heal Bell is nice to heal off status for itself and your other Pokémon. Lastly, Defog can be used to remove entry hazards, but Togekiss is weak to Stealth Rocks itself so keep that in mind.
Choice Specs
-Air Slash
-Dazzling Gleam
-Flamethrower/Fire Blast
-Trick/Aura Sphere
Item Attached: Choice Specs
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs and Nature:
4Def/252SpAtk/252Spd
Timid Nature
Aiming to abuse Togekiss` 120 base Special Attack, this makes use of Choice Specs to allow Togekiss to punish some of its would be switch ins. Air Slash is still the main STAB move, making use of Serene Grace while Dazzling Gleam allows Togekiss to hurt Terrakion as well as hit Electric threats for neutral. A fire move earns the next slot to roast Steel switch ins that are normally safe but the options vary. Flamethrower has nice accuracy while Fire Blast has the raw power. Last spot is open to Trick to cripple boosting sweepers/tanky targets or Aura Sphere to hit Rock threats for at least neutral damage.
Other Options and Partners
-Life Orb - Foregoing so power, this give Togekiss a more flexible option making it slight edge on some slower threats that attempt to check it such as Magneton.
Dragon types - Most Dragon types work well with Togekiss as its Choice Spec set can bait Steels or cripple threats with Thunder Wave making it easier for boosting sweepers such as Haxorus to go for a sweep. Hydreigon and Latias also work well checking Electric threats like Rotom Wash and Mega Manectric but Hydreigon has to be wary of Aura Sphere Raikou. However Hydreigon beats most Steels in a one on one, struggling with Cobalion.
Magneton - With how Togekiss struggles with Steel types, Magneton is a solid partner being able to trap and KO things like Scizor, other Magneton, and Forretress. Magneton can also check Raikou if it lacks Aura Sphere as well as pivot into Mega Manectric but Flamethrower roasts it so be careful.
Swampert - With Swampert strong defensive presences and Ground typing, it's capable of checking or countering a lot of major threats to Togekiss such as Mega Aerodactyl, Raikou, and Mega Manectric. Swampert also brings Stealth Rocks to the team, being a reliable setter as well as either Toxic or offensive pressure with an attacking set or its mega form.
VGC, Double, & Triple Battle Options
Togekiss is an interesting support Pokemon in VGC that I am surprised we do not see more often. With the rare combination of Tailwind and Follow Me, Togekiss can pull off multiple support roles in one set. Additionally, backed by its good stats and typing, Togekiss can typically take multiple hits, and the flinches from Serene Grace-boosted Air Slashes can drastically throw off an opponent (and possibly make them angry…). Part of the reason we may not see Togekiss very often is due to newer threats like Tapu Koko and the two poison-type Ultra Beast that can outspeed and OHKO it, but Togekiss still has a lot of potential in VGC 2018 and other doubles formats.
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Flinch
-Air Slash
-Follow Me
-Tailwind
-Protect
Item Attached: Mago Berry
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs and Nature:
252 HP / 140 Def / 4 SpA / 28 SpD / 84 Spe
Bold Nature
Togekiss has great bulk with the ability to survive a variety of attacks. 252 EVs in HP with 140 in defense and a Bold nature ensures Togekiss can live a Tough Claws-boosted Iron Head from Jolly Mega Metagross, while the 28 special defense EVs help it survive a non-Electric Terrain-boosted Thunderbolt from a Modest Life Orb Tapu Koko. Naganadel and Nihilego need a Life Orb to have a 25% chance to OHKO this set. 84 speed EVs lets Togekiss outspeed Modest Choice Scarf Tapu Lele after using Tailwind. Serene Grace is the best ability for Togekiss, as it doubles Air Slash’s flinch rate (as well as the secondary effects of any other move you may run, such as Flamethrower’s burn chance). Mago Berry (or any other pinch berry that will not cause confusion) greatly increases Togekiss’ longevity to allow it to use Follow Me more, or to set up a second Tailwind.
Other Options & Team Ideas
-Super Luck can be used in a very gimmicky set with Tailwind and the flying z-crystal. Z-Tailwind will increase Togekiss’ critical hit ratio so that, when combined with Super Luck, your attacks will always result in a critical hit. Although inferior to Serene Grace, but can be worth a shot if you want to feature Togekiss in a more offensive role.
-Terrain Seeds have been effective on support Pokemon like Drifblim and Mandibuzz in VGC 2017, and can still be useful in 2018 on support Pokemon like Togekiss. Misty and Psychic Seed likely deserve more consideration as they can allow Togekiss to take electric attacks from Tapu Koko even better.
-Togekiss is not the best choice for a z moves since its best STAB moves have a base power of 80 or lower, but an offensive Togekiss is not bad with the high special attack. Tailwind could still be on this set, with 2-3 attacks with it.
-Flamethrower, Fire Blast, or Heat Wave (depending on whether you want accuracy, power, or a spread move) are often in the last moveslot over Protect to provide coverage against steel types like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Kartana. Dazzling Gleam provides a STAB spread attack, but Aura Sphere is another strong option and can take out Pokemon like Stakataka.
-Extreme Speed is surprisingly high on Battle Spot right now, but is really only for picking off severely weakened opponents or something brought down to a Focus Sash. Hidden Power Ice can threaten good damage on Mega Salamence or Landorus-T, while Grass Knot (or Solarbeam, if the sun is up) can hurt Mega Swampert and Gastrodon. Psyshock (especially good for Nihilego), Psychic, Shadow Ball, Signal Beam, and Ancient Power (really only useful as a surprise to Mega Charizard-Y or to hope for the 20% chance of getting the boosts) all provide additional coverage, but are rarely seen compared to a fire-type attack, Dazzling Gleam, or Aura Sphere.
-Roost can keep Togekiss alive to set up an additional Tailwind, which is especially helpful should your opponent double-Protect to stall out your last turn of Tailwind.
-Sunny Day and Rain Dance check other weather teams, while Encore can lock an opponent into an undesired move. Thunder Wave and Toxic can be tough to use with Tapu Fini everywhere, but can slow down a target (especially useful with Air Slash) or slowly wear down Pokemon like Cresselia, respectively. Togekiss can also weaken the opponents’ power with moves like Charm, Reflect, or Light Screen.
-Psych Up can copy the Calm Mind, Quiver Dance or z-move boosts from either your opponent or a teammate, and Nasty Plot can boost Togekiss’ special attack on its own for offensive sets.
-Incinerate and Pluck are not VGC 2018-legal, but can mess with your opponents’ berries in other doubles’ formats.
-Earthquake users do not have to worry about hitting Togekiss, and Choice Scarf users can take out Tapu Koko for Togekiss.
-Auto-terrain users, especially Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini, activate the terrain seeds and can take advantage of Togekiss’ support. Togekiss also appreciates other terrains overriding electric terrain.
-Lightningrod Pokemon like Raichu or Manectric direct electric attacks away from Togekiss.
-Intimidate support increases Togekiss’ bulk to stay on the field longer.
-Sweepers like Mega Charizard-Y appreciate the Tailwind and Follow Me support.
-Similarly, setup sweepers with moves like Calm Mind, Belly Drum, or a boosting z move (like Eevee or Kommo-o) also appreciate Togekiss’ support moves.
Countering Togekiss
Electric types - With Air Slash being the main move Togekiss uses, Electric types get a free switch in most of the time. This weakness is further capitalized on with most Electric types having higher base Speed than Togekiss, making it easy to revenge kill for Raikou and Mega Manectric while Rotom Wash and Magneton and status Togekiss and just harass it.
Rock types - Togekiss struggles to handle the Rock threats in tier. Mega Aerodactyl and Nihilego are the two biggest threats, though Mega Aerodactyl is softer, as both force Togekiss away with their high Speed but have to be wary of a Thunder Wave. Terrakion is a bit easier due to its Fighting typing but does almost the same thing as Mega Aerodactyl.
Steel types - With both of Togekiss STAB moves being walled by Steel types, sets that lack Flamethrower or Fire Blast can't break through them. Threats like Scizor and Metagross also can pound Togekiss with strong priority in the form of Bullet Punch while Cobalion can harass Togekiss with Stealth Rocks and start building momentum for the team with Volt Switch.
Pre-Evolution Corner - Togetic
Eviolite Togetic is actually bulkier than Togekiss, making it able to sponge more hits than its evolution. While it has little offensive presence due to the loss of Air Slash and lower special attack, Togetic’s low speed can actually make it a nice counter to some Trick Room teams. Although Togetic may be most famous for its role on some Mega Rayquaza teams in VGC 2016, it should not be overlooked in this year’s format as a supporting ‘mon.
Sunny-Side Up
-Dazzling Gleam
-Follow Me
-Tailwind
-After You / Encore / Protect
Item Attached: Eviolite
Ability: Super Luck
EVs and Nature:
252 HP / 84 Def / 172 SpD
Sassy Nature
Togetic plays very similarly to Togekiss, but does have a couple more things going for it. Togetic has even better bulk, as 252 HP EVs with 84 in defense still survives a Jolly Mega Metagross’ Tough Claws-boosted Iron Head. Perhaps more importantly, 172 EVs in special defense with a Sassy nature (or Calm, if you are not worried about Trick Room) can live a Life Orb Thunderbolt from Timid Tapu Koko even in electric terrain (Modest Koko only has a slim chance to OHKO). A Modest Tapu Koko’s Gigavolt Havoc cannot even OHKO Togetic without the electric terrain boost. Super Luck is the preferred ability here, unless you put an attack with a secondary effect on the set. Without Air Slash, Serene Grace is not as valuable, but at least Super Luck can pick up critical hits more often to get additional chip damage off. Eviolite is the only item you should use, as it makes Togetic incredibly bulky and able to take hits better than Togekiss.
Without Air Slash, Dazzling Gleam is Togetic’s best move. While not particularly strong, you can get a bit of spread-chip damage to assist its teammate in sweeping. Follow Me and Tailwind can be used just like the Togekiss set, with the only downside being that Togetic is slower and potentially more vulnerable to Taunt. The last moveslot has a few possibilities. Protect is still great, but does not take advantage of Togetic’s low speed. Instead, After You or Encore can be used to help counter many Trick Room teams. After You will allow Togetic’s teammate to attack in place of Togetic, and before many Trick Room users. Alternatively, Encore can lock a Pokemon like Cresselia into Trick Room after it just set it up, essentially reversing their own Trick Room.
Other Options & Team Ideas
-Heat Wave, Flamethrower, and Fire Blast can again be used to threaten Kartana or get a little more chip damage on other steel types. Togetic has many of the same coverage moves as Togekiss, but with lower special attack and the option to use After You or Encore for Trick Room, they generally are not worth consideration.
-Sunny Day, Rain Dance, Charm, Reflect, and Light Screen all give various supporting options.
-Incinerate can burn up berries to ruin an opponent’s strategy, but again is not VGC18-legal.
-Many of the same teammates for Togekiss apply for Togetic, especially Earthquake users.
-Lightningrod again keeps Togetic safe from threatening attacks from Tapu Koko.
-Intimidate further increases Togetic’s incredible bulk.
-Sweepers like Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Lele enjoy the Tailwind and Follow Me support, as do set up sweepers.
-Fast teams who do not appreciate Trick Room enjoy After You support from a slow Pokemon like Togetic.
Locations in Games
Red/Blue/Yellow:
Not in game
Gold/Silver/Crystal:
Not in game
Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Not in game
FireRed/LeafGreen:
Not in game
Colosseum/XD:
Not in game
Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Evolve Togetic
HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Evolve Togetic
Black/White:
Evolve Togetic (White)
Trade from White/Black 2/White 2 (Black)
Black 2/White 2:
Evolve Togetic
X/Y:
Evolve Togetic
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Evolve Togetic
Sun/Moon:
Poni Gauntlet
Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon:
Trade from Sun & Moon
Animé Appearences
