Overview

Saipat offers unique threat due to Shuine's Horn powering up Toxic Ink, and Amphibian giving it boosts from other Tems. Despite its middling speed, Nicho Sai allows it to hit incredibly hard at high priority. Whilst its other moves don't hit as hard or have priority, they provide essential coverage. Saipat has reasonable bulk, but its typing leaves it weak to a large amount of opponents, often making it difficult for Saipat to feel comfortable on a given boardstate.

(1.3 DUKE'S NOTES - SOMEBODY CHECK ON THE SAI SQUAD BECAUSE THEIR MEMBERSHIP HAS PROBABLY QUINTUPLED THIS PATCH, THIS THING IS NOW THICKER THAN A DOUBLE BIG MAC NO MEAT EXTRA BREAD. JUST BREAD ALL THE WAY DOWN. HORN NOXIOUS BOMB WHIPS ASS TOO)

As of 0.9.3, Saipat's Amphibian trait became a much more impressive option to boost the attack stat of our favourite duck. Combined with Shuine's Fluid Barrer and a Rage, Saipat's Atk stat can be boosted by +6, as well as a boost to speed and two boosts to special defense. While this is still a very inconsistent opener, it can be pulled off mid-game to destructive effect, and Saipat is still a very scary swap-in to water attacks.

Saipat generally struggles to utilize its STAB typings on turn 1, and this can slow down its gameplan considerably. Shuine's Horn is a useful gear to remedy this, Giving Saipat STAB on a NOXIOUS BOMB that deals increase damage due to the Horn. If you prefer to play Saipat as a pivot, instead, consider removing Rage for Waterjet or Iced Stalactite, and drop the Shuine's Horn for Nutrition Bar or Mom's Lunch.

Saipat and Shuine have near-notorious synergy together, due to Fluid Barrier activating Amphibian. Kinu also makes a good partner, as Rage can be offset by Protector, Stone Wall, and Revitalize. Tems that are weak to Crystal, Earth, and Fire also find some solace next to the duck, as Nicho Sai and SH NOXIOUS BOMB can pressure out those types.