Poll: What the heck should I do with Probopass?

[Howmander]

I am genuinely having the hardest time figuring out what to do with Probopass and I really want peoples opinions as I am breeding one today. (well, nosepass first, obviously!) It's one of those pokemon that has all good abilities and more good moves that moveslots, so I could really use some perspectives. (and if people suggest movesets or anything, don't say "the standard is __________" I much prefer advice based on why YOU have this that or the other moveset or ability on your pokemon. Sand Force I was considering because it has a steel and rock type move for sure and may have a ground move too, and even though it itself doesn't have sand storm, it will likely be paired up with or at least come after another pokemon that does set up sandstorm. And while Sturdy genuinely always seems to be an ability everyone goes for, both it's Def and Sp Def are so high that a lot of things would take 2 hits to KO it anyway so that would negate Sturdy if it's not at full HP when it gets KOed.

ANYWAY, the poll is to determine which ability people think would be best, and my question is in regards to what moves I should consider having on it. First off, obviously Power Gem and Flash Cannon for STAB definitely, but then I come across the trouble: Earth Power, Thunderbolt and Dazzling Gleam. Which two should I pick? While I haven't seen any movesets online that even consider Dazzling Gleam, it does take care of fighting types which probopass has a 4x weakness to, and while I like Earth Power (especially if it has Magnet Pull to really stick it to steel types) I really like having an electric move on Probopass and it just really seems fitting for it to have an electric move, so out of the three moves:

Earth Power
Thunderbolt (or whatever electric move you want to insert)
Dazzling Gleam

which two should I use? OR, what two moves would you suggest? (as I said, it's getting Power Gem and Flash Cannon for sure, so that only leaves two slots)

 

[Nah]

I suppose I'd go with Magnet Pull. Sturdy's generally nice too, but lots of pokes/teams really like it when they don't have to deal with enemy Steel types, so Magnet Pull lets you eliminate what could be a big threat and open up opportunities for teammates. Sand Force isn't worth it imo cuz Probopass's offenses aren't outstanding so the Sand Force boost ain't gonna help much and it requires that Sandstorm be up (which has its own problems).

As for moves, Earth Power is a must in order for Probo to do its role as a Steel trapper. If you're gonna go with an Electric attack, I'd use Discharge over Thunderbolt; while it's a little weaker it's not gonna make much difference on something like Probopass but the increased paralysis chance might. Volt Switch is another option to consider. While you can't really use it to smack Water types with, if you predict that the opponent is going to switch in a non-Ground type that Probo finds threatening you can escape and keep the momentum in your favor.

I wouldn't bother with Dazzling Gleam tbh. It's likely that it won't KO the Fighting type and then Probo will die. You also have to watch out for non-Fighting and non-Ground types that carry Fighting or Ground moves. Better to let teammates handle the Fighting and Ground types for it instead of having Probopass try to cover all it's weaknesses. And I think that's the key thing here: if you're going to use Probopass, make sure you have teammates that can cover its weaknesses and ones that appreciate the Steel trapping it provides. Like Fairies or something.

Also idk if you're one of those people that are willing to breed for Hidden Power types, but if you are, Hidden Power Fire works great alongside Earth Power to wreck Steels that are neutral to Earth Power like Scizor and Ferrothorn.

Did you have an item in mind for it btw?

 

[Howmander]

I suppose I'd go with Magnet Pull. Sturdy's generally nice too, but lots of pokes/teams really like it when they don't have to deal with enemy Steel types, so Magnet Pull lets you eliminate what could be a big threat and open up opportunities for teammates. Sand Force isn't worth it imo cuz Probopass's offenses aren't outstanding so the Sand Force boost ain't gonna help much and it requires that Sandstorm be up (which has its own problems).

As for moves, Earth Power is a must in order for Probo to do its role as a Steel trapper. If you're gonna go with an Electric attack, I'd use Discharge over Thunderbolt; while it's a little weaker it's not gonna make much difference on something like Probopass but the increased paralysis chance might. Volt Switch is another option to consider. While you can't really use it to smack Water types with, if you predict that the opponent is going to switch in a non-Ground type that Probo finds threatening you can escape and keep the momentum in your favor.

I wouldn't bother with Dazzling Gleam tbh. It's likely that it won't KO the Fighting type and then Probo will die. You also have to watch out for non-Fighting and non-Ground types that carry Fighting or Ground moves. Better to let teammates handle the Fighting and Ground types for it instead of having Probopass try to cover all it's weaknesses. And I think that's the key thing here: if you're going to use Probopass, make sure you have teammates that can cover its weaknesses and ones that appreciate the Steel trapping it provides. Like Fairies or something.

Also idk if you're one of those people that are willing to breed for Hidden Power types, but if you are, Hidden Power Fire works great alongside Earth Power to wreck Steels that are neutral to Earth Power like Scizor and Ferrothorn.

Did you have an item in mind for it btw?

Thank you so much, that is exactly the kind of explanation I was looking for, I really appreciate it! It's definitely given me a lot to think about. So if I did go with discharge, is that one of those moves that also affect my team mates in doubles/triples or does it only affect the target/targets on opposing side? And you're right about the fighting thing. I was thinking more that fighting types get that 50% STAB boost over just other pokemon with fighting moves would be a bigger threat, but Volt Switch is also definitely something to look at too, cause I do like that option very much.

And as for item, nope, not yet. I was briefly considering the Air Balloon to cover it's ground weakness but if ANY damage happens to probopass it pops so it's probably not a worthwhile item so to answer your question, no, I don't really have a hold item decided on yet :D

 

[Nah]

Discharge does also hit your teammates in doubles/triples, so in those formats you might wanna have Pokemon out that aren't gonna mind getting zapped, or go with Thunderbolt/Volt Switch instead for those formats.

I was thinking about Air Balloon for an item too, but I'm not sure about it either. Dunno what else could be a good item for it though.....

 

[Howmander]

Discharge does also hit your teammates in doubles/triples, so in those formats you might wanna have Pokemon out that aren't gonna mind getting zapped, or go with Thunderbolt/Volt Switch instead for those formats.

I was thinking about Air Balloon for an item too, but I'm not sure about it either. Dunno what else could be a good item for it though.....

I suppose leftovers might be good, or if I have all attacks maybe even the Assault Vest to really tank up his special defenses

 

[Zeffy]

If you need help with how to use one Pokemon then please use the Moveset Help & Other Questions thread. Asking for help in the main forum should only be about building and/or fixing a team, not about how you should breed your Probopass. Thanks!