Let's say I have a 3000 CP Rhydon, and I want to fight it at around 1500 CP with a water type. Assuming perfect IVs, I can do this with either a level 16.5 Vaporeon, or a level 23 Golduck.
In the community's experience, which would be preferable? I'm assuming Vaporeon, as it would have almost 33% more health. I don't know if the increased level of the Golduck means more damage dealt, though. (Assume perfect dodging.) Part of me would rather the Golduck, just so I have a reason to use some less-common mon sometimes.
Would love your thoughts, thanks!
The additional health of the Vaporeon only helps in that you might be able to fight multiple rounds before "spending time to use healing potions"
However, you loose time, as Golduck hits harder. I would assume that the effective defense of golduck might also be marginally higher, so the total amount of potions should be similar, and maybe even in favour of Golduck.
I'd say use Golduck!
It depends on a number of factors, including the moveset,how well you dodge, and whether you optimize for least % HP lost per prestige (chance of win) or least absolute HP lost per prestige (fewest potions to recover).
I have a spreadsheet that works out the calculations for the pokemon I own. For the 3000 CP Rhydon situation desribed above, my Vine Whip + Solar Beam Tangela does much better than both a lower level Water Gun + HP Vaporeon and Golduck. If Golduck and Vaporeon are the only 2 options, I get a slight edge for Golduck, but it's close enough to be a matter of preference.
