Using Knock Off Effectively in Cobblemon

In Cobblemon, Knock Off is one of the most versatile and powerful moves available. Its ability to remove opponents' held items not only deals consistent damage but also disrupts key strategies and weakens opposing Cobblemon. This guide explores how to maximize the effectiveness of Knock Off, from choosing the best users to incorporating it into your battle strategies.

Why Knock Off is Essential

1. Removes Key Items: Knock Off renders items like Leftovers, Choice Bands, and Heavy-Duty Boots ineffective.
2. Deals Increased Damage: It gains a 50% power boost when removing an item, making it a hard-hitting move.
3. Utility and Damage in One Move: Unlike other utility moves, Knock Off combines disruption with reliable damage output.
4. Versatility Across Playstyles: Effective in hyper-offense, balanced, and stall teams alike.

Best Users of Knock Off in Cobblemon

The effectiveness of Knock Off depends on the Cobblemon using it. Look for Cobblemon with high Attack stats, good Speed, or defensive utility to get the most out of this move.

1. Weavile

• Type: Dark/Ice
• Why It’s Great: With incredible Speed and high Attack, Weavile can use Knock Off to deal significant damage and disrupt opponents quickly.
• Synergy: Weavile pairs well with entry hazards like Stealth Rock, ensuring its Knock Off targets take chip damage before switching in.

2. Scizor

• Type: Bug/Steel
• Why It’s Great: Scizor’s bulk allows it to safely switch into many threats and use Knock Off to remove critical items. Technician-boosted moves like Bullet Punch provide additional utility.
• Synergy: Combine with U-turn to maintain momentum.

3. Toxapex

• Type: Water/Poison
• Why It’s Great: Toxapex is a defensive powerhouse, and Knock Off disrupts opponents while complementing its walling capabilities.
• Synergy: Use alongside Toxic Spikes to pressure switch-ins.

4. Mandibuzz

• Type: Dark/Flying
• Why It’s Great: With excellent bulk and access to Defog, Mandibuzz can use Knock Off to support its team while clearing hazards.
• Synergy: Its defensive presence makes it ideal for removing items from setup sweepers.

5. Conkeldurr

• Type: Fighting
• Why It’s Great: Conkeldurr’s Guts ability allows it to hit incredibly hard with Knock Off, especially when inflicted with a status.
• Synergy: Pair with Flame Orb to maximize offensive power.

Key Items to Target with Knock Off

Removing specific items can significantly weaken your opponent’s strategy:

1. Leftovers

• Why It’s Important: Removing Leftovers disrupts walls like Ferrothorn, Blissey, and Toxapex by limiting their recovery options.
• Strategy: Prioritize using Knock Off early against defensive teams to eliminate their sustain.

2. Heavy-Duty Boots

• Why It’s Important: Removing Heavy-Duty Boots forces Cobblemon like Charizard and Mandibuzz to take entry hazard damage.
• Strategy: Use Knock Off after setting hazards to maximize chip damage.

3. Choice Items

• Why It’s Important: Without Choice Scarf, Band, or Specs, offensive Cobblemon lose their speed or power advantage.
• Strategy: Target fast or powerful attackers like Dragapult, Infernape, or Togekiss.

4. Berries

• Why It’s Important: Berries like Sitrus or Lum Berry can mitigate status or restore health at critical moments.
• Strategy: Use Knock Off preemptively to prevent their activation during crucial turns.

5. Eviolite

• Why It’s Important: Eviolite boosts the bulk of unevolved Cobblemon, such as Dusclops or Chansey. Removing it significantly reduces their defenses.
• Strategy: Focus Knock Off users on key defensive threats relying on Eviolite.

Strategic Applications of Knock Off

1. Early Game Disruption

Using Knock Off early in a match can weaken the opponent’s long-term sustainability:

• Remove recovery items like Leftovers or Black Sludge.
• Eliminate hazard-immune items like Heavy-Duty Boots.

2. Forcing Switches

Knock Off discourages opponents from staying in with item-reliant Cobblemon. Predict switches to capitalize with hazards or a strong follow-up attack.

3. Pairing with Hazards

Hazards like Stealth Rock, Spikes, or Toxic Spikes become much more effective once Heavy-Duty Boots are removed.

4. Breaking Stall

Knock Off shines against stall teams, where items like Leftovers and Eviolite are crucial for survival. Consistently removing items across the opponent’s team breaks their core strategy.

5. Neutralizing Setup Sweepers

Removing items like Life Orb or Weakness Policy from sweepers prevents them from reaching their full potential.

Defensive Applications of Knock Off

Knock Off isn’t just for offensive play; it can also support defensive strategies by weakening threats:

• Against Physical Attackers: Removing Choice Band or Muscle Band reduces their damage output.
• Against Special Sweepers: Eliminating Choice Specs or Wise Glasses curtails their power.
• Against Status-Dependent Cobblemon: Removing Flame or Toxic Orbs can cripple Guts or Poison Heal users like Conkeldurr and Gliscor.

Combining Knock Off with Other Moves

1. Taunt

Prevent recovery or setup while removing items.

• Example: Mandibuzz uses Taunt to stop status moves, then follows up with Knock Off.

2. Toxic

Combine Knock Off with Toxic to pressure opponents into switching.

• Example: Toxapex spreads Toxic while knocking off key items.

3. U-turn/Volt Switch

Pairing Knock Off with pivot moves helps maintain momentum.

• Example: Scizor removes an item with Knock Off and pivots with U-turn to bring in a sweeper.

4. Entry Hazards

Knock Off and hazards work together to punish switches.

• Example: Ferrothorn sets Stealth Rock, and Toxapex uses Knock Off to remove Heavy-Duty Boots.

Potential Pitfalls of Knock Off

1. Reduced Power After Item Removal:
   • Knock Off’s boosted power only applies when removing an item. Plan carefully to maximize its impact.
2. Immunity to Item Removal:
   • Cobblemon with the ability Sticky Hold (e.g., Gastrodon) or the item Z-Crystal cannot lose their items. Avoid wasting Knock Off in these cases.
3. Overusing Knock Off:
   • While versatile, Knock Off should not replace coverage moves. Ensure your team has balanced offensive options.

Example Team Featuring Knock Off

1. Toxapex (Defensive Utility)

• Moves: Knock Off, Scald, Toxic, Recover
• Role: Spread status, disrupt opponents, and remove items.

2. Weavile (Offensive Disruption)

• Moves: Knock Off, Ice Shard, Icicle Crash, Swords Dance
• Role: Apply offensive pressure and remove critical items.

3. Ferrothorn (Hazard Setter)

• Moves: Stealth Rock, Leech Seed, Gyro Ball, Knock Off
• Role: Set hazards and weaken opponents with Knock Off.

4. Mandibuzz (Defog Support)

• Moves: Knock Off, Defog, Roost, Foul Play
• Role: Remove hazards and disrupt opponents.

Conclusion

Knock Off is an essential tool for Cobblemon battles, combining damage and utility in one move. Whether you’re disrupting stall teams, countering offensive threats, or breaking down defensive cores, mastering Knock Off will elevate your gameplay. Experiment with different users and strategies to find the best fit for your team.