Gloom
The fluid that oozes from its mouth isn't drool. It is a nectar that is used to attract prey.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Gloom's trusted Grass STAB option, Solar Beam benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Grass types.
Sludge Bomb is Gloom's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Poison-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Gloom's Special Attack stat of 85, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Razor Leaf is the STAB anchor of this set. The Grass-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Gloom's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Grass weaknesses.
As Gloom's trusted Grass STAB option, Vine Whip benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Grass types.
Strengths
- ▸With Grass/Poison as its typing, Gloom uses Solar Beam and Sludge Bomb as reliable damage dealers that benefit from the 50% same-type attack bonus
- ▸The Grass/Poison typing grants resistances to Electric, Fairy, Fighting, meaning Gloom can absorb hits from these sources
- ▸Gloom can fulfill multiple roles depending on how it's built and what team supports it
Weaknesses
- ▸The Grass/Poison typing leaves Gloom exposed to Fire, Flying, Ice moves, which opponents will target
- ▸Gloom's speed stat of 40 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
- ▸The 40 Speed stat leaves Gloom outsped by most offensive threats, limiting its offensive potential
- ▸With only 395 total stats, Gloom is outclassed by higher-tier alternatives in most roles
Pro Tips
Special Attack should be Gloom's primary VP investment given its higher special stat. Equip Gloom with Life Orb for a damage boost, or Focus Sash for survivability. Predict Fire moves and double-switch to preserve Gloom for later. Gloom works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Gloom functions primarily as a balanced utility Pokemon. The 395 BST distribution, highlighted by 85 spAtk, defines how Gloom should be built and deployed. Its Grass/Poison typing creates vulnerabilities to Fire, Flying, Ice types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Electric, Fairy, Fighting provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Gloom can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 395 BST, Gloom sits below the competitive average. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Solar Beam, Sludge Bomb, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fire, Flying, Ice mean Gloom must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Electric, Fairy, Fighting provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Gloom is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Gloom, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fire-type opponents: Gloom is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Gloom in against Fire types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fire. If forced to fight, use Solar Beam and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Electric-type opponents: Gloom has the advantage here. Its Grass typing reduces incoming Electric damage, allowing Gloom to tank hits and retaliate with Solar Beam. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Gloom's 40 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Fire-type opponents: Gloom has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Grass moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Gloom when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Gloom, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 395 total base stats, Gloom should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Fire coverage, save Gloom for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Solar Beam and Sludge Bomb while assessing the opponent's team composition.
During the mid-game, Gloom's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Gloom out when facing its weakness to Fire, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Gloom can handle.
Use Razor Leaf as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Gloom is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
In the final stages of battle, Gloom can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Gloom to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Electric, Fairy to tank a hit, then strike with Solar Beam before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Gloom with a Fire-type partner to absorb Fire attacks that Gloom is weak to
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Gloom's potential weaknesses
- ▸Pair Gloom with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Fire-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Gloom due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 50 will outspeed and KO Gloom before it can respond
- ▸Paralysis halves Gloom's Speed and may cause it to lose turns, neutralizing its offensive threat
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Gloom with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Fire attacks. This defensive core covers Gloom's primary weakness while Gloom handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Gloom alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Gloom's defensive typing. Switch Gloom in to absorb hits with its Electric, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Stall Core: Gloom can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Electric, Fairy to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Gloom good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Gloom is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 395 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Gloom can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Gloom?
A:Gloom benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Gloom has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Gloom?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Gloom, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 85 vs Attack at 65, special builds are clearly superior for Gloom.
Q:How do I counter Gloom?
A:Gloom's biggest counters are Fire-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Gloom before it acts, especially given its 40 Speed. To beat Gloom, use Fire STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.