ChampionsGuide
#174

Igglybuff

NormalFairy
Tier CRegulation M-A

It has a very soft body. If it starts to roll, it will bounce all over and be impossible to stop.

Base Stats

HP90
Attack30
Defense15
Sp.Atk40
Sp.Def20
Speed15
Total: 210

Best Moveset

Hyper Beam
Moonblast
Body Slam
Quick Attack

Move Breakdown

Move 1Hyper Beam

Hyper Beam is Igglybuff's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Normal-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Igglybuff's Special Attack stat of 40, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.

Move 2Moonblast

Moonblast serves as Igglybuff's main Fairy-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Igglybuff's Special Attack of 40, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Fairy.

Move 3Body Slam

Body Slam is Igglybuff's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Normal-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Igglybuff's Special Attack stat of 40, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.

Move 4Quick Attack

As Igglybuff's trusted Normal STAB option, Quick Attack benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Normal types.

Strengths

  • Having Normal/Fairy typing allows Igglybuff to run Hyper Beam and Moonblast with a 1.5x damage multiplier, creating consistent offensive pressure
  • Igglybuff's Normal/Fairy typing naturally reduces incoming Bug, Dark, Fighting damage, extending its survivability on the field
  • The ability to completely avoid Dragon, Ghost damage gives Igglybuff a unique defensive edge in battles

Weaknesses

  • Igglybuff takes 2x super-effective damage from Poison, Steel type attacks, requiring careful positioning
  • Igglybuff's defense stat of 15 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
  • Below-average Speed (15) means Igglybuff will often move second, taking damage before it can act
  • A base stat total of 210 puts Igglybuff at a statistical disadvantage against most competitive Pokemon

Pro Tips

Channel VP into Special Attack and Speed to make Igglybuff a potent special sweeper. Sitrus Berry or Recovery items help Igglybuff sustain through extended battles. Use Igglybuff's resistances to Bug, Dark to find safe entry points. Pair Igglybuff with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.

Competitive Role

Igglybuff fills the balanced utility Pokemon role within the competitive landscape. With a 210 base stat total led by its hp of 90, Igglybuff relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. Its Normal/Fairy typing creates vulnerabilities to Poison, Steel types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Dark, Fighting provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Igglybuff can surprise opponents in specific matchups.

Detailed Strategy Analysis

At 210 BST, Igglybuff sits below the competitive average. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Hyper Beam, Moonblast, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Poison, Steel mean Igglybuff must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Dark, Fighting provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Dragon, Ghost gives Igglybuff a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Igglybuff is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Igglybuff, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.

Key Matchup Notes

Against Poison-type opponents: Igglybuff is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Igglybuff in against Poison types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Poison. If forced to fight, use Hyper Beam and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Igglybuff has the advantage here. Its Normal typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Igglybuff to tank hits and retaliate with Hyper Beam. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Dragon-type moves: Igglybuff is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Dragon attacks and bring Igglybuff in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Igglybuff's 15 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 Poison-type opponents: Igglybuff has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Normal moves deal super-effective damage to Poison types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Igglybuff when you expect Poison types on the opponent's team.

Battle Strategy Guide

In the opening turns, Use Igglybuff when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Igglybuff can threaten with its Normal/Fairy STAB moves.

With a hp stat of 90, Igglybuff functions best as a supportive role player.

The key is to identify matchups where Igglybuff can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.

Avoid leading with it against Poison types, as they can punish Igglybuff heavily.

Mid-game is where Igglybuff needs to make its biggest impact.

With moves like Moonblast and Body Slam, Igglybuff can adapt to different threats.

If the opponent brings out a Poison type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.

Remember that Igglybuff's hp of 90 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.

In the final stages of battle, Igglybuff can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.

Don't expect Igglybuff to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.

Use resistances to Bug, Dark to tank a hit, then strike with Hyper Beam before switching out.

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Team Synergy

  • Pair Igglybuff with a Poison-type partner to absorb Poison attacks that Igglybuff is weak to
  • Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Igglybuff's potential weaknesses
  • Pair Igglybuff with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances

How to Counter

  • Any Poison-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Igglybuff due to the typing disadvantage
  • Faster attackers can freely hit Igglybuff before it gets a chance to act
  • Strong physical attackers can exploit Igglybuff's low Defense (15) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
  • Special attackers target Igglybuff's weak Special Defense (20) for guaranteed damage

Team Composition Ideas

Build 1

Balance Core: Pair Igglybuff with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Poison attacks. This defensive core covers Igglybuff's primary weakness while Igglybuff handles the matchups its partner struggles with.

Build 2

Support Core: Use Igglybuff alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Igglybuff's defensive typing. Switch Igglybuff in to absorb hits with its Bug, Dark resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.

Build 3

Weather Team: If building a weather team, Igglybuff's Normal/Fairy typing provides neutral coverage regardless of weather. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is Igglybuff good in Pokemon Champions?

A:Igglybuff is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 210 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Igglybuff can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.

Q:What's the best item for Igglybuff?

A:For Igglybuff, Leftovers is the top item choice, providing passive recovery that synergizes with its high HP of 90. Alternative options include Assault Vest (if Igglybuff needs special bulk) or Sitrus Berry for emergency healing. The item choice should complement Igglybuff's role as a tank.

Q:What nature should I use for Igglybuff?

A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Igglybuff, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 40 vs Attack at 30, special builds are clearly superior for Igglybuff.

Q:How do I counter Igglybuff?

A:Igglybuff's biggest counters are Poison-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Igglybuff before it acts, especially given its 15 Speed. To beat Igglybuff, use Poison STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.