Applin can use its Grass type and general bulkiness early game to help the player get through enemies it has type advantage against such as Brock or Super Nerd Miguel in Mt. Moon, though it is not a game-changing option against either. At this level, you should not expect to EV train Applin but should favor HP and Def if necessary to boost its best utility. Applin’s moveset mostly consists of what is given to it automatically but use of Dexnav to provide egg moves grants it Sucker Punch which may score a KO against a faster foe. Otherwise, Applin’s main gimmick is to paralyze its opponent with Dragon Breath then attack with Astonish to score lucky Paraflinches before the enemy is in KO range. Applin’s ability Ripen serves to boost the early game Oran Berry to heal up to 50% of its total HP. Applin’s other option may allow it to substitute Sucker Punch with its Recycle egg move to stall its opponent, ideally when fishing for a paralysis stun.
