Hypno
When it locks eyes with an enemy, it will use a mix of PSI moves such as HYPNOSIS and CONFUSION.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Psychic serves as Hypno's main Psychic-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Hypno's Attack of 73, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Psychic.
Psybeam is the STAB anchor of this set. The Psychic-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Hypno's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Psychic weaknesses.
Confusion serves as Hypno's main Psychic-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Hypno's Attack of 73, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Psychic.
Dream Eater provides essential Normal-type coverage, neutral coverage. This move fills gaps in Hypno's otherwise Psychic-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Strengths
- ▸With Psychic as its typing, Hypno uses Psychic and Psybeam as reliable damage dealers that benefit from the 50% same-type attack bonus
- ▸Type resistances to Fighting, Psychic allow Hypno to switch in safely against these attack types
- ▸The 115 spDef stat gives Hypno a clear advantage in sustaining hits
- ▸The 483 base stat total means Hypno won't win raw stat wars but can succeed with the right strategy
Weaknesses
- ▸Opponents with Bug, Dark, Ghost coverage moves can punish Hypno heavily if it stays in
- ▸Hypno's low speed of 67 means it needs Trick Room or priority support to function offensively
- ▸Hypno faces competition from other Psychic types with better stats or movepools
Pro Tips
Consider a mixed VP build for Hypno since both offensive stats are comparable. Assault Vest boosts Special Defense if Hypno needs to tank special hits. Keep Hypno away from Bug-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Build teams that cover Hypno's weaknesses while it handles the matchups it's strong against.
Competitive Role
Hypno occupies the balanced utility Pokemon niche in the Pokemon Champions metagame. The 483 BST distribution, highlighted by 115 spDef, defines how Hypno should be built and deployed. Its Psychic typing creates vulnerabilities to Bug, Dark, Ghost types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Fighting, Psychic provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Hypno is a viable option that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Hypno brings a 483 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a spDef-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Psychic, Psybeam) with coverage moves (Dream Eater), giving Hypno answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Bug, Dark, Ghost mean Hypno must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fighting, Psychic provide safe switch-in opportunities. The Tier B rating indicates Hypno is a viable mid-tier pick that needs the right team to shine. Hypno's balanced offenses allow for flexible VP investment—choose based on your team's needs.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Bug-type opponents: Hypno is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Hypno in against Bug types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Bug. If forced to fight, use Psychic and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fighting-type opponents: Hypno has the advantage here. Its Psychic typing reduces incoming Fighting damage, allowing Hypno to tank hits and retaliate with Psychic. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Hypno's 67 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 Bug-type opponents: Hypno has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Psychic moves deal super-effective damage to Bug types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Hypno when you expect Bug types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Hypno, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 483 total base stats, Hypno should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Bug coverage, save Hypno for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Psychic and Psybeam while assessing the opponent's team composition.
As the battle progresses, Hypno should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Psychic typing means Hypno has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Bug types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Psychic, stay in and attack.
Psychic should be your primary attack, with Psybeam for coverage when needed.
By the endgame, Hypno should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 483 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Psychic to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier B rating indicates Hypno needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Fire typing to your team to switch in when Hypno faces Bug-type threats
- ▸Hypno pairs well with frail sweepers that need a safe switch-in partner—use Hypno to absorb hits they can't
- ▸Pair Hypno with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Bug-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Hypno due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Hypno before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Burn cuts Hypno's Attack in half, significantly reducing its physical damage output
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Hypno with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Bug attacks. This defensive core covers Hypno's primary weakness while Hypno handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Hypno alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Hypno's defensive typing. Switch Hypno in to absorb hits with its Fighting, Psychic resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Trick Room Team: Hypno's Speed of 67 makes it an excellent Trick Room abuser. Pair with a Trick Room setter and other slow attackers to dominate the speed tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Hypno good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Hypno is a mid-tier option in Pokemon Champions (Tier B). Its 483 base stat total and Psychic typing give it a niche, but it requires careful team building to succeed. Consider Hypno if you need its specific typing coverage or if you enjoy using unconventional picks.
Q:What's the best item for Hypno?
A:Hypno benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Hypno has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Hypno?
A:Since Hypno has nearly equal Attack (73) and Special Attack (73), the nature choice depends on your build. For physical sets, use Adamant; for special sets, use Modest. A Hasty or Naive nature works for mixed sets that use both offensive stats.
Q:How do I counter Hypno?
A:Hypno's biggest counters are Bug-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Hypno before it acts, especially given its 67 Speed. To beat Hypno, use Bug STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.