Redirect Support Guide

Amoonguss
VGC Guide

Amoonguss is one of VGC’s most important support Pokémon, consistently appearing in top usage statistics. Rage Powder redirects attacks to protect key partners, Spore forces 100% sleep to create numerical advantages, and Regenerator provides switch-in sustain — three core mechanics that make it a support anchor for virtually any team.

Three Core Mechanics Breakdown

1. Rage Powder — Move Redirection

Rage Powder forces all single-target moves (damaging and some status moves) to hit Amoonguss for that turn. This effectively gives your partner complete protection for one turn — paired with Spore or a pivot, it creates decisive field advantages. Note: Bug-type moves, Pokémon with abilities like Stalwart or Propeller Tail bypass redirection.

Rage Powder + Spore Combo Tactic
T1: Amoonguss uses Rage Powder; opponent attacks hit Amoonguss
T1: Partner uses Spore to sleep an opponent (opponent can’t redirect back to Amoonguss with targeting)
Result: 1 action puts 1 opponent out of battle — numerical advantage established
2. Spore — 100% Sleep Move

Spore is the only 100% accuracy sleep move in the game. Sleep in doubles is extremely powerful — a sleeping Pokémon typically loses 2-3 turns, effectively creating a 2v1 numerical advantage. Note: Grass-types are immune to Spore; Pokémon holding Lum Berry or Chesto Berry can instantly cure sleep — top-level opponents often carry these.

3. Regenerator — Recover 1/3 HP on Switch

Regenerator recovers 1/3 of Amoonguss’s max HP each time it switches out. In VGC’s pivot-heavy meta, Amoonguss can repeatedly enter and exit to support teammates — each switch-out restores bulk, allowing it to continuously provide Rage Powder and Spore utility throughout the entire battle.

EV Spreads

Physical Defense
Bold
252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpDef
Max physical bulk to absorb redirected physical hits; Black Sludge reduces damage from special moves when redirected
Item: Black Sludge
Special Defense
Calm
252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpDef
Tank special attacks; Calm nature maximizes SpDef; Assault Vest grants extra 50% SpDef
Item: Assault Vest
Trick Room Variant
Relaxed
252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpDef
0 Speed IV with Relaxed nature for maximum slowness under Trick Room; Spore as a last-resort TR support
Item: Black Sludge

Team Partners

Calyrex-Shadow
Redirect to Protect Special Core

Calyrex-Shadow draws targeting as a primary threat; Rage Powder absorbs those attacks, allowing Calyrex to safely fire Astral Barrage.

Kyogre
Rain Core Protection

Kyogre as a restricted legendary is a priority target; Amoonguss redirection allows Origin Pulse to fire uninterrupted.

Trick Room Setters
Setup Shield

Cresselia and Porygon2 use Trick Room while Amoonguss uses Rage Powder — protecting the setter from interruption. Standard TR team configuration.

Incineroar
Dual Support Core

Fake Out enables Amoonguss safe entry; Amoonguss provides Rage Powder redirect; together they form VGC’s most comprehensive support double.

How to Counter Amoonguss

Good as Gold (Gholdengo)

Gholdengo’s Good as Gold makes it immune to all status moves — Spore completely fails. Meanwhile, Make It Rain deals enormous damage to Amoonguss through Rage Powder.

Stalwart / Propeller Tail

Pokémon with Stalwart (Duraludon) or Propeller Tail abilities bypass Rage Powder redirection entirely, targeting the intended Pokémon regardless.

Grass-types (Spore Immune)

Grass-type Pokémon are naturally immune to Spore. Rillaboom negates Spore entirely and Grassy Glide hits Amoonguss super-effectively.

Fire / Flying / Ice / Psychic (2×)

Amoonguss is Grass/Poison with 4 super-effective types: Fire (×2), Flying (×2), Ice (×2), Psychic (×2). Despite its bulk, super-effective moves punish it hard.

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