Written by Reddit user u/Samurott1
As a relatively bulky Grass-type Pokémon available before fighting Misty, Oddish makes an excellent immediate addition to any team that lacks an Ivysaur. Besides soloing the second gym, Oddish’s plethora of status moves, skillful use of the SunnyBeam strategy, and STAB attacks that can deal with the region’s numerous Water-types allow it to shine throughout the entire campaign. Oddish can also be fully evolved as soon as you reach Celadon City unless you want to wait for Moonlight. Despite that, the Oddish line still suffers from its weakness to two of the region’s gyms and two others have a significant advantage over this Grass-type Pokémon. Regardless, Oddish is an admirable Pokémon that typically excels in the Kanto region.
Locations
Oddish: [FireRed only] Route 5 (common), Route 6 (common), Route 7 (uncommon), Route 12 (common), Route 13 (common), Route 14 (common), Route 15 (common), Route 24 (common), Route 25 (common), Berry Forest (uncommon), Bond Bridge (uncommon), Cape Brink (common).
Gloom: [FireRed only] Route 12 (rare), Route 13 (rare), Route 14 (rare), Route 15 (rare), Berry Forest (uncommon), Bond Bridge (uncommon), Cape Brink (uncommon).
Oddish’s Match-ups in Important Battles
Oddish/Gloom versus Misty in Cerulean City Gym: Honestly, you’ll be much better off going into this battle after Oddish evolves. Either way, teach it Bullet Seed from the TM in Mt. Moon. It’ll be dealing more damage than Absorb even when it hits the minimum number of times. Staryu can be defeated rather easily by either Oddish or Gloom; just spam Bullet Seed or Absorb. Starmie, on the other hand, is much tougher. Its Swift is a 4HKO on an Oddish at full health. Three hits of Bullet Seed will deal more damage, so, with some luck, you’ll be okay. It’s fairly risky though; bring a solid back-up plan and healing items if possible. Gloom, however, has little to fear from Starmie, who will fall to about six hits of Bullet Seed and can only 5HKO in return. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 21; Absorb/Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed.
Gloom versus Rival on the S.S. Anne: How well Gloom performs in this battle is mostly dependent on what starter you chose. Gloom is best in this battle if you chose Charmander since, in that case, your Rival will be carrying a Squirtle. Your Rival will lead with Pidgeotto, a Pokémon that Gloom should avoid. Its Gust is only a possible 4HKO though, so you can try to powder it before switching to a more appropriate counter. Rattata has Guts, so don’t use Poison Powder or Stun Spore on it. Sleep Powder is okay though, and five hits of Bullet Seed will take it out. (If you’re lucky, you may get all five hits on one attempt and OHKO.) Note that Rattata is faster and Hyper Fang, which is just a 5HKO, can cause flinching. Gloom should be fine even without healing items. Furthermore, the Weed Pokémon can handle Abra with ease. The Psi Pokémon’s only move is Teleport, so anything with an attacking move can handle it. If your Rival has Charmander, the best Gloom can do is use a powder move and run, and this is rather risky, especially if Gloom is at half health or lower. However, Gloom can handle Squirtle with ease thanks to Bullet Seed. Bulbasaur and Gloom can’t hurt each other, but you should win a stall battle if you have healing items and a little luck with status moves. A Flying-type is better for dealing with Bulbasaur though. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 22; Absorb/Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed.
Gloom versus Lt. Surge in Vermilion City Gym: While a Ground-type with a usable STAB attack is a better choice for this gym, Gloom can be useful here if need be thanks to its resistance to Electric-type moves. However, Raichu’s Double Team is potentially problematic as it could prevent you from landing a status move. Lt. Surge leads with Voltorb, whose Sonic Boom is potentially threatening. Leading with a status move is best here. Gloom can finish Voltorb with about eight to ten hits of Bullet Seed and will take little from Shock Wave. Additionally, the Weed Pokémon will KO Pikachu after about five or six hits of Bullet Seed. Pikachu will go straight for Double Team, but its attacks are so pitiful that Gloom can win rather easily. The Weed Pokémon will hit Pikachu eventually, so all that this match-up requires is patience. Similarly, Raichu loves to spam Double Team. Gloom may win eventually, but it will require some healing. Raichu’s Quick Attack (its best move) is a 6HKO on the Weed Pokémon. It will take about a dozen hits of Bullet Seed to KO Raichu, so you’ll either need a back-up plan, incredible luck with status moves, healing items, or some combination of the three. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 23; Absorb/Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed.
Gloom/Vileplume versus Rival in Pokémon Tower: You should only have a Gloom at this point if you’re waiting for Moonlight at level 35, which is only recommended for runs with limited or no healing items. A Leaf Stone can be bought in Celadon City, and there are only two moves Gloom can learn beyond level 24: Moonlight and Petal Dance. The former, again, is best in runs with limited or no healing items whereas the latter is also learned by Vileplume. Pidgeotto’s Gust is a 3HKO on Gloom and a 4HKO on Vileplume. Whichever Grass-type you have at this point, it’s best to keep it away from Pidgeotto. You could always use a powder move and run. Your Rival’s Exeggcute has Confusion, but Vileplume can handle it pretty easily nonetheless. The Flower Pokémon can 2-3HKO with Acid whereas Exeggcute’s Confusion is a 4HKO in return. (Still, you may want to lead with Sleep Powder.) Using Gloom is much riskier; the Weed Pokémon’s Acid is a 3HKO while Exeggcute’s Confusion does only slightly less damage and is also a 3HKO. (Note that both Gloom and Vileplume have to be wary of Hypnosis.) If you’re waiting for Moonlight, use a more appropriate counter for Exeggcute. Gyarados is tough for both Gloom and Vileplume; its Thrash deals about as much damage as Exeggcute’s Confusion and, unlike Exeggcute, it can’t be hit super-effectively. It also has Intimidate to discourage the use of Acid. Using a powder move and fleeing is the best strategy for either Gloom or Vileplume here. (However, keep an eye on its health to ensure Gyarados can’t KO.) Growlithe’s Ember isn’t too powerful (it’s a 3HKO on Gloom and a 4HKO on Vileplume), but its Intimidate makes Gloom’s/Vileplume’s Acid much weaker. As such, the powder-and-run strategy is your best option here. Both Gloom and Vileplume should steer clear of Kadabra, who is packing Confusion. This super-effective move will take a huge chunk of Vileplume’s health, let alone Gloom’s. Charmeleon is even more dangerous than Growlithe, so you should stay away from it. Wartortle, on the other hand, is easily defeated by either Gloom or Vileplume. Just spam Bullet Seed, which will KO Wartortle with about six or seven hits. Similarly, either Gloom or Vileplume wall Ivysaur and beat it with Acid. Ivysaur can’t use its Poison Powder or Leech Seed (Gloom and Vileplume are immune), and its Razor Leaf is pitiful. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 25; Stun Spore/Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed, Acid.
Gloom/Vileplume versus Giovanni in the Celadon Game Corner: Giovanni’s first two Pokémon are Onix and Rhyhorn. Either Gloom or Vileplume will defeat them with ease. Kangaskhan, on the other hand, will 3HKO with Mega Punch and can tank about two dozen hits of Bullet Seed. It also has Early Bird, so Sleep Powder won’t be helping you out. Gloom or Vileplume should use Stun Spore or Poison Powder then run for the hills. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 27; Stun Spore/Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed, Acid.
Gloom/Vileplume versus Erika in Celadon City Gym: On the one hand, Vileplume won’t take much damage from anything in this gym and utterly walls Tangela. On the other hand, Vileplume isn’t doing much in return. Gloom is almost completely hopeless. It’s best to use a Fire- or Flying-type Pokémon in this gym. Vileplume may win a stall battle with Victreebel if you get lucky with Sleep Powder. Vileplume can lead off with a Sleep Powder and chip away at Victreebel’s health with Acid. You’ll probably need healing items or a back-up plan though; Victreebel also has Acid. Gloom, however, probably won’t be winning a stall battle against Victreebel without a significant amount of luck. Erika’s next Pokémon is (likely) Tangela, who is utterly invalidated by the existence of Vileplume. The Flower Pokémon is immune to Poison Powder, will take little from Giga Drain, isn’t bothered by Ingrain, and Tangela’s last move, Constrict, is worthless. Just spam Acid. (This also applies to Gloom.) A mirror match with Erika’s Vileplume isn’t recommended, but your Vileplume may be able to win with a similar strategy that was employed against Victreebel. (Gloom should sit out though.) On the whole, it’s better to use a Fire- or Flying-type. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 29; Stun Spore/Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed, Acid.
Vileplume versus Koga in Fuchsia City Gym: Vileplume should sit on the bench this time around, as Koga has four Poison-types that the Flower Pokémon can’t hit neutrally. Vileplume is immune to Toxic, but that’s all it has going for it. It can’t even fight either of the Koffing as they both carry Selfdestruct. Both Muk and Weezing can rip through Vileplume with Sludge, and they also carry accuracy modifiers to make status moves much less likely to hit. Let a more appropriate counter handle this. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 38; Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed, Acid, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City: The Flower Pokémon’s Poison-typing will come in handy here. It can tank High Jump Kick from Hitmonlee rather easily and 4HKO with either Acid or Giga Drain (or a combination of the two). Hitmonchan’s Sky Uppercut is even weaker than Hitmonlee’s High Jump Kick; Vileplume can 4HKO it with Giga Drain. You could very easily run out of Giga Drain PP in this battle, which is why you want to keep Bullet Seed as a back-up. However, those that have beaten Koga already may get Solar Beam from Cinnabar Island to have an easier time here. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 38; Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed/Solar Beam, Acid/Sunny Day, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus Rival in Silph Co.: If it wasn’t already obvious, Vileplume should stay far from Pidgeot, who can 3HKO with Wing Attack. Vileplume could attempt to land a status move and run, but it will still take a lot of damage from Wing Attack. Exeggcute has Confusion, which is a likely 4HKO on Vileplume, who can 3HKO with Acid or possibly 2HKO with Solar Beam if the sun is up. The Flower Pokémon will probably best Exeggcute, but use a more appropriate counter if possible. Gyarados is another tricky match-up, as its Dragon Rage will 3HKO Vileplume. The Flower Pokémon’s Solar Beam is a possible 2HKO, but this requires having used Sunny Day already. If you have a better counter for Gyarados, use it. Using Sleep Powder may make the battle with Gyarados or Exeggcute easier, but there is always the possibility of missing. On the other hand, Growlithe, who can 3HKO Vileplume with Flame Wheel, should be avoided by the Flower Pokémon. Growlithe becomes even more dangerous if you have used Sunny Day recently. Your Rival’s Alakazam is an incredibly powerful Psychic-type, which may deter you from using Vileplume against it. Be that as it may, Pokémon such as Alakazam will only be threatening if they have moves to attack with. The Psi Pokémon’s only method of attack is Future Sight, which is only a possible 4HKO and takes a few turns to land. If your Rival’s Fire-type has fainted, set up Sunny Day and 2HKO Alakazam with Solar Beam. Note that Alakazam can use Calm Mind to make this more difficult, so use a physical attacker if possible. Vileplume, however, can still be useful against the Psi Pokémon. When it comes to your Rival’s starter, run for the hills if that Pokémon is named Charizard. If Vileplume only has Grass-type moves at this point, it should avoid Venusaur. All that you have to watch out for is Sleep Powder, which is easily fixed thanks to the Poké Flute. Fighting Blastoise is a cinch for Vileplume since it can’t stand up to the latter’s Grass-type STAB moves. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 39; Sleep Powder, Bullet Seed/Solar Beam, Acid/Sunny Day, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus Giovanni in Silph Co.: For this battle, it’s best to have Sunny Day and Solar Beam already, which gives Vileplume a much easier time here. You can set up and probably 2HKO Nidorino with Solar Beam, whereas Giga Drain will only net a 4HKO at best. (Fortunately, Nidorino’s Horn Attack is a pitiful 7HKO.) Furthermore, Solar Beam nets you the 2HKO on Kangaskhan, who can only 4HKO in return with Mega Punch. Without SunnyBeam, Kangaskhan is faster and has a stronger attack. Nidoqueen is trickier as it may be able to tank one more Solar Beam than Kangaskhan. Also, note that its Body Slam is a 4HKO and may paralyze Vileplume. Reset the sun and heal with either a potion or Moonlight when necessary. When Rhyhorn comes out, simply hit it with a Grass-type STAB move to OHKO. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 39; Sleep Powder, Solar Beam/Bullet Seed, Sunny Day/Acid, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus Sabrina in Saffron City Gym: Using a Poison-type against Sabrina is not exactly the best idea, and this is made worse by Vileplume’s status as a special attacker. Three of Sabrina’s four Pokémon have Calm Mind, so the Flower Pokémon will gradually do less damage as the opposition’s Psychic-type moves become more threatening. Vileplume can’t even spread status reliably; the only Pokémon that fails to OHKO the Flower Pokémon with a critical hit is Venomoth. A bulky physical attacker, such as Snorlax or Flareon, is a better counter to Sabrina’s team. It’s in your best interest to keep Vileplume out of this battle unless you want this plant’s blood on your hands. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 41; Sleep Powder, Solar Beam/Bullet Seed, Sunny Day/Acid, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus Blaine in Cinnabar Island Gym: Keep Vileplume away from Blaine at all costs. Even little Ponyta can OHKO Vileplume with a critical hit Fire Blast, which makes it incredibly risky to use Sleep Powder and switch out. Vileplume’s most viable strategy, SunnyBeam, is worthless against Blaine as Sunny Day increases the power of Fire-type moves. Due to these factors, the Flower Pokémon is dead weight in this battle unless horrendously overleveled. Bring a Water-type to this battle for best results. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 45; Sleep Powder, Solar Beam, Sunny Day, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus Giovanni in Viridian City Gym: Thanks to SunnyBeam, Vileplume is a great choice for this battle, especially if you’re packing Giga Drain as well. Set up Sunny Day on Rhyhorn, who isn’t too threatening, and follow it up with Giga Drain (this is preferable as it will heal the damage Vileplume took while setting up Sunny Day) or Solar Beam. Rhyhorn does have Scary Face to kill the Chlorophyll Speed boost, but this likely won’t be too much of a problem. (Rhyhorn is probably going to attack anyway.) Additionally, Dugtrio is a pushover. Its best trait is its Speed, yet Vileplume is faster under the sun. The Flower Pokémon will OHKO with Solar Beam (or Giga Drain to mitigate the damage from Dugtrio’s Earthquake if Rhyhorn lowered your Speed). Nidoqueen and Nidoking, on the other hand, aren’t weak to Grass-type moves thanks to their Poison-typing. Vileplume can still 2HKO both of them with Solar Beam, so you’ll be fine. The sun will likely fade around this time though, and you’ll likely need to heal chip damage as well. You should either have a back-up plan, healing items, or Giga Drain. Alternatively, those who like to take risks may want to try to land a Sleep Powder when the sun is about to fade. Lastly, the second Rhyhorn is just as much of a pushover as the first one was. However, if you only have Solar Beam for Grass-type STAB and have low health, then it may be best to let another Pokémon handle Rhyhorn. As always, watch out for critical hits. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 47; Sleep Powder, Solar Beam, Sunny Day, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus Rival in Route 22: First and foremost, Vileplume should not fight Pidgeot, whose Wing Attack will do a lot of damage. You could attempt to use Sleep Powder and switch out, but this strategy is fairly risky. Of course, a single blade of grass will destroy Rhyhorn, but you shouldn’t use it as set up bait as you should’ve against Giovanni’s Rhyhorn. This Rhyhorn has Horn Drill, and there may be a Fire-type left in your Rival’s arsenal at this point. (Obviously, you shouldn’t use Sunny Day if your Rival’s Fire-type is still standing.) Unless your only Grass-type move is Solar Beam, you should have Vileplume outspeed and OHKO in one turn. If the Flower Pokémon doesn’t have Giga Drain, then it’s best to let another Pokémon handle Rhyhorn if possible. Exeggcute’s only Grass-type move is Solar Beam, which is simply sad compared to Vileplume’s Solar Beam. (Again, don’t use Sunny Day unless your Rival’s Fire-type has already been defeated.) Alternatively, the Flower Pokémon can 4HKO with Giga Drain. Exeggcute does have two annoying status moves (Stun Spore and Sleep Powder), so be wary of that. (It also has Poison Powder, but Vileplume is immune to it anyway.) Furthermore, Vileplume can 2HKO Gyarados with a pair of Solar Beams, but Gyarados has a weather move of its own. Fortunately, its Hydro Pump is pitiful, so Vileplume should defeat Gyarados without too much trouble. It’s best to avoid Growlithe, but a Vileplume at high health could try to land a Sleep Powder. Note that Vileplume can 2HKO with Solar Beam, but Flame Wheel is much too threatening under the sun. Similarly, Alakazam and Charizard should be avoided as they can use Psychic and Flamethrower, respectively. However, Blastoise isn’t threatening, so set up Sunny Day in its face and 2HKO with Solar Beam. As Vileplume probably lacks Acid at this point, it should avoid Venusaur. The Flower Pokémon will do a pitiful amount of damage to its opponent, who can set up with Growth and stall with Synthesis. (Venusaur is especially threatening if the sun is active.) Using Sleep Powder and fleeing is a viable strategy though. Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 48; Sleep Powder, Solar Beam, Sunny Day, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus the Elite 4: Recommended Level and Moveset: Level 59; Sleep Powder, Solar Beam, Sunny Day, Giga Drain/Stun Spore/Moonlight.
Vileplume versus Lorelei: Despite Vileplume’s weakness to Ice-type attacks, it can be fairly useful against Lorelei, who has quite a few Water-types. Lorelei leads with Dewgong, who is pretty tough for Vileplume. Dewgong’s Ice Beam is a 2HKO, which means it will OHKO with a critical hit. Vileplume should OHKO with Solar Beam, but it’s a risky endeavor. Honestly, it’s best to hold off on using Vileplume until Cloyster comes out. Cloyster can be annoying if it wastes sun turns with Dive or Protect, and it has Hail to replace Sunny Day. Fortunately, it has no Ice-type moves and even Giga Drain is an OHKO. Try to set up the sun first, then OHKO. Solar Beam will also OHKO Slowbro. It’s not a great idea to set up Sunny Day on Slowbro, though; Ice Beam hurts and Yawn is annoying. Conversely, the Flower Pokémon needs to stay away from Jynx, even if the sun is up. Its Ice Punch is a 2HKO on Vileplume, so a critical hit is the end of the Flower Pokémon. Jynx also has two annoying status moves in Lovely Kiss and Attract. Furthermore, Lapras is in that same boat; its Ice Beam is a 2HKO, whereas Vileplume won’t net the OHKO with Solar Beam.
Vileplume versus Bruno: Thanks to Vileplume’s Poison-typing and solid bulk, it can take Fighting-type attacks. This makes it great for fighting Bruno. First, set up Sunny Day on Onix, who is set up bait despite its access to Roar. If it happens to force you out, simply switch back in; Vileplume can tank Earthquakes all day. As you’ll likely sustain some damage from Onix, it’s best to use Giga Drain (if you have it) on the first sun turn. Furthermore, Vileplume can 2HKO both Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee thanks to Solar Beam. The second Onix is great for restoring Sunny Day if you need to, and it even lacks Roar. Additionally, Vileplume will 2HKO Machamp with Solar Beam. Heal with Moonlight or items when necessary, preferably when Onix is on the field.
Vileplume versus Agatha: Vileplume, unfortunately, hits a brick wall in the fight against Agatha. Unless you’re setting up Sunny Day for a Fire-type teammate or using Sleep Powder, Vileplume shouldn’t be involved in this battle. Agatha is technically a Ghost-type user, but all of her Pokémon are Poison-types, all of which will cause a problem for Vileplume. Agatha’s first Gengar will spam Double Team and use Confuse Ray, Golbat has Air Cutter, and the second Gengar will spam Hypnosis/Nightmare and hits pretty hard with Shadow Ball. Haunter will also spam Hypnosis, and it uses Dream Eater instead. Use the Poké Flute if Vileplume falls asleep (although, again, it should probably sit out anyway). Haunter is also frail and may kill itself with Curse, so Vileplume is capable of fighting as long as it avoids Dream Eater. Arbok may also be manageable with SunnyBeam, but a Sludge Bomb after a Screech will do a lot of damage to Vileplume. Tread lightly.
Vileplume versus Lance: Vileplume can’t do much here, either. Aerodactyl is much faster and will use Wing Attack, making it very dangerous. Vileplume can 2HKO in return with Solar Beam, but it will fall to Wing Attack before it gets to do anything. Dragonite has Safeguard and Wing Attack, so it’s the same story as Aerodactyl cranked up to eleven. Both Lance’s first and second Dragonair have Safeguard, making status moves superfluous. Of course, they resist Solar Beam, but Vileplume can still 3HKO them. It would be much more efficient, and probably safer, to use a more appropriate counter. Furthermore, Vileplume may 2HKO Lance’s lead, Gyarados, with SunnyBeam. On the other hand, a critical hit Hyper Beam may be the end of the Flower Pokémon. Continue to tread lightly.
Vileplume versus the Champion: As always, Vileplume should avoid Pidgeot. Alakazam, Charizard, and Arcanine are also squarely inside the “to be avoided” group; they all have super-effective STAB moves for Vileplume. Furthermore, the mere existence of Charizard and Arcanine means that SunnyBeam is difficult to pull off. On the other hand, any Grass-type move will KO Rhydon quickly, but those who rely on Solar Beam must be wary of Earthquake, which should 2HKO Vileplume and, therefore, OHKO with a critical hit. Be careful. Exeggutor is also threatening to Vileplume. Not only does the Coconut Pokémon have Egg Bomb to deal more damage than Vileplume’s Solar Beam, but it also has Sleep Powder and Light Screen to annoy the Flower Pokémon and suppress special moves. As such, you should use a more appropriate counter. On the other hand, Gyarados doesn’t have Rain Dance anymore, but it does have Thrash now, which is a 3HKO on Vileplume. The Flower Pokémon can only 3HKO in return, and this requires a turn setting up with Sunny Day. You’ll need Moonlight or potions to defeat Gyarados one-on-one. Your Rival finally discovered that Blastoise can learn more than Water Gun, but this won’t save the Shellfish Pokémon from being slaughtered by a pair of Solar Beams. However, Venusaur is an even better sun sweeper this time around, so Vileplume must continue to avoid it.
Everything in Between
Caves and Mountains: Both Gloom and Vileplume are great for fighting the Rock- and Ground-types the plague caves. However, neither the Weed Pokémon nor the Flower Pokémon wants to risk switching into a Selfdestruct. They are also in the unfortunate position of being walled by Zubat and Golbat, so steer clear of them. On the other hand, Fighting-types are pretty easy to deal with; Gloom/Vileplume’s Poison-typing gives it a useful resistance to Fighting-type moves.
Vermilion City Area: Gloom is pretty solid on the S.S. Anne, where there are a plethora of Water-type trainers, but don’t use Absorb on Tentacool, who may have Liquid Ooze. However, you must be wary of the birds and Fire-types on the first floor. Gloom may seem like a good idea for Diglett’s Cave due to its access to super-effective STAB for Ground-types, but a stray Dugtrio may prove to be too powerful. That’s why it’s best to lead with a Flying-type in this cave.
Mid- to Late-Game: The Pokémon Tower is full of Ghost-types with a secondary Poison-typing, so keep Gloom/Vileplume away. The Marowak at the end is dangerous, but Vileplume should be able to handle it easily. (Gloom needs to be careful, though.) Additionally, water routes should be easy to handle. However, if you’re relying on a draining move, such as Giga Drain, stay away from Tentacool. Liquid Ooze isn’t fun to deal with. Use a more appropriate counter for the bird trainers of the region, though. Vileplume is pretty hit-and-miss on Cycling Road. On the one hand, Koffing is everywhere and Selfdestruct is a constant threat. On the other hand, Vileplume can tank hits from the Fighting-types in the area and pay them back in kind. The Pokémon Mansion also contains Koffing, so be wary of that. The three islands’ bikers will also have Pokémon from the Koffing line. Those islands are also full of birds, Grass-types, and Hypno, so be careful.
Checks and Counters
Fire-types: Vileplume’s best strategy consists of using Sunny Day and Solar Beam. As a result, Fire-types pose a significant threat to Vileplume, more so than they do to other Grass-types. These threats, such as your Rival’s Charizard and Blaine’s Arcanine, are best countered with Water-type Pokémon, such as Tentacruel or Vaporeon. In return, Vileplume can tank hits from the Grass- and Electric-types that threaten these Pokémon in addition to using status moves.
Flying-types: As a Grass-type, Vileplume is heavily threatened by the Flying-types of the region. The Flower Pokémon tends to rely on Grass-type moves, which Flying-types have no problem tanking. An Electric-type, such as Jolteon, or Rock-type, such as Golem, will make an excellent counter to these threats. In return, Vileplume can pressure the Ground-types that give these Pokémon troubles.
Status-absorbers: Anything that can avoid status moves (or worse, take advantage of them) limits Vileplume’s utility. Pokémon with Insomnia or Guts come to mind. However, these are reasonably rare, and Vileplume usually relies on its offenses more than its utility anyway. Those that benefit from Sunny Day can fall under this category though, and that includes the aforementioned Fire-types and Chlorophyll users. It’s good to carry a strong offensive Pokémon that doesn’t require set up, such as Alakazam, to help out with these status-absorbers.
Poison-types: Common and capable of walling Vileplume, Poison-types Pokémon are a threat to the Flower Pokémon’s existence. Koga and Agatha are the two main Poison-type users in the region (although Agatha is technically a Ghost-type user). A Psychic-type, such as Alakazam or Jynx, will make an excellent counter to these threats. In return, Vileplume can soften up difficult opponents with Sleep Powder or Stun Spore.
Overall Grade: A
Oddish is highly useful when you first acquire it, especially if your starter is Charmander, and its status moves and late-game SunnyBeam strategy give it incredible staying power, not to mention that its access to Moonlight makes it a huge boon to those playing without healing items. While it has trouble standing up to Fire-, Flying-, and Poison-types, its usefulness against common types in the region can make up for this. Arguably its worst trait, its low Speed, can even be mitigated thanks to Chlorophyll and Sunny Day. All in all, Oddish is a skillful Pokémon who makes a fantastic addition to any team in need of a Grass-type.
Resources to Utilize
Vileplume’s Learnset:https://pokemondb.net/pokedex/vileplume/moves/3
Written by Reddit user u/Samurott1. For questions about this guide or for specific advice for your playthrough, send them a message on Reddit.
Nuzlocke University 