Hidden Moves That Provide Unexpected Advantages

In competitive Cobblemon battles, certain moves fly under the radar, often overlooked for flashier or more common options. However, these hidden moves can provide game-changing advantages, catching opponents off guard and creating opportunities to shift the tide of a match. This guide explores underrated moves that offer surprising utility, strategic depth, and unexpected power.

What Makes a Move "Hidden"?

Hidden moves in Cobblemon battles are those that:

1. Are rarely used in the current meta.
2. Have niche applications that require creative strategy.
3. Excel in specific scenarios, giving you an edge when utilized effectively.

These moves often require the right setup or timing to shine, making them perfect for players who enjoy outthinking their opponents.

Top Hidden Moves to Consider

1. Magic Coat

• What It Does: Reflects status moves and entry hazards back at the opponent.
• Why It’s Hidden: Many players rely on Taunt or hazard removal, overlooking this proactive counter.
• Best Users:
  • Espeon: Doubles as a Magic Bounce user to deflect hazards.
  • Gliscor: Combines with its bulk and Poison Heal ability to frustrate opponents.
• Pro Tip: Use Magic Coat against predicted Stealth Rock or Toxic setups to flip the script.

2. Trick

• What It Does: Swaps held items with the opponent, often locking them into a single move or forcing a disadvantageous item.
• Why It’s Hidden: Trick is often overshadowed by direct offensive or defensive options.
• Best Users:
  • Rotom-Wash: Uses Trick to cripple walls with a Choice Scarf.
  • Gardevoir: Swaps items like Choice Specs for defensive tools.
• Pro Tip: Time Trick to target slow, bulky Cobblemon that rely on Leftovers or setup strategies.

3. Haze

• What It Does: Removes all stat changes from both sides of the field, resetting boosted sweepers to their base stats.
• Why It’s Hidden: Many teams rely on phazing moves like Roar or Whirlwind instead.
• Best Users:
  • Toxapex: A stall staple that nullifies opposing setup sweepers.
  • Crobat: Combines Speed with Haze to shut down threats mid-turn.
• Pro Tip: Use Haze after your opponent invests multiple turns into boosting to immediately neutralize them.

4. Encore

• What It Does: Locks the target into its last used move for several turns, disrupting their strategy.
• Why It’s Hidden: Requires precise timing and prediction, making it harder to use effectively.
• Best Users:
  • Whimsicott: Its Prankster ability gives priority to Encore.
  • Clefable: Bulky enough to set Encore on setup sweepers.
• Pro Tip: Force opponents into non-damaging moves like Protect or status setups, then switch into an advantageous Cobblemon.

5. Pain Split

• What It Does: Averages the user’s and target’s HP, healing the user while damaging the opponent if they have higher HP.
• Why It’s Hidden: Requires careful health management to maximize its effectiveness.
• Best Users:
  • Rotom-Wash: A bulky pivot that can recover HP while chipping opponents.
  • Mimikyu: Takes advantage of its Disguise ability to safely set up Pain Split.
• Pro Tip: Use Pain Split against bulky walls with high HP to regain momentum.

Niche Moves with Surprising Utility

1. Heal Bell

• What It Does: Cures status effects for all team members.
• Best Users:
  • Togekiss: Combines team support with offensive potential.
  • Umbreon: Provides longevity in stall teams.
• Key Advantage: Allows your team to recover from status-heavy strategies like Toxic Spikes.

2. Frost Breath

• What It Does: Always results in a critical hit, bypassing defensive boosts.
• Best Users:
  • Glaceon: Provides unexpected damage against bulky Cobblemon.
  • Kingdra: Pairs with its Sniper ability for extra damage.
• Key Advantage: Breaks through Curse or Calm Mind setups.

3. Taunt

• What It Does: Prevents the target from using non-damaging moves.
• Best Users:
  • Crobat: Combines Speed and Taunt to disrupt defensive strategies.
  • Grimmsnarl: Uses Prankster for priority Taunt.
• Key Advantage: Shuts down hazard setters, stallers, and status spreaders.

When and How to Use Hidden Moves

1. Predict Opponent Strategies

• Analyze your opponent’s team composition to anticipate setup sweepers, hazard setters, or walls.
• Example: Use Encore on a predicted Swords Dance or Stealth Rock.

2. Complement Your Team’s Core Strategy

• Incorporate hidden moves that address your team’s weaknesses or enhance your strengths.
• Example: Add Heal Bell to a team prone to status ailments.

3. Save for Critical Moments

• Hidden moves are most effective when used at pivotal moments to disrupt your opponent’s plan.
• Example: Use Haze when your opponent has invested multiple turns boosting a sweeper.

Building Teams Around Hidden Moves

Offensive Teams

• Use Trick or Encore to force switches and maintain momentum.
• Add status spreaders like Thunder Wave to complement disruptive moves.

Defensive Teams

• Combine Haze or Heal Bell with bulky Cobblemon to counteract sweepers and stall opponents.
• Pair with entry hazards like Stealth Rock for long-term pressure.

Conclusion

Hidden moves bring creativity and strategic depth to Cobblemon battles, allowing you to outplay opponents and adapt to unexpected situations. By incorporating these moves into your team, you’ll gain a powerful edge, keeping opponents guessing and your gameplay dynamic. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.