Notes:
-I got permission from Delta2777 to do the write-up.
-Thanks for for the Choice Specs set Lee
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3013410&postcount=77
-Initial draft is finished
-First 3 sets are finished
-All of the sets are finished
-Implemented first GP Check
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[Overview]
<p>Zoroark is blessed with awesome attacking stats, a great Speed stat, and a plethora of move options, making it an offensive threat to watch out for. Access to both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance makes it an unpredictable and effective sweeper, which allows it to pose as a major threat to both offensive and stall teams. However, the main draw to using Zoroark is its unique ability Illusion, which allows it to take on the appearance of the last Pokemon on your team. When properly used, Illusion can temporarily trick the opponent into thinking Zoroark is a different Pokemon altogether, which may allow it to get a surprise kill or even set up. Specifically, Illusion works well with Zoroark's incredible coverage which, when paired with Sucker Punch, allows it to take out the vast majority of the metagame. Its not all good news for Zoroark, however, as its miserable defenses mean that almost any strong STAB or super effective priority move will OHKO it. Zoroark also lacks an auspicious typing like Gengar or Lucario, and has a hard time switching in. As a result of this, Zoroark is a difficult Pokemon to use and unforgiving if you make a mistake. However, despite these flaws, Zoroark is still a solid Pokemon and is capable of being used on almost any team. A successfully executed feint from Zoroark can instantly turn the tide of the match.</p>
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse / Night Daze
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 32 Atk / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While ordinarily seen as a special sweeper, Zoroark can make great use of Sucker Punch on an otherwise pure Special Attacking moveset. Zoroark already hits quite hard and is difficult to wall due to its incredible coverage moves; Sucker Punch takes it a step further by turning Zoroark into an excellent late-game sweeper, allowing it to finish of faster Pokemon that have been weakened. Dark Pulse is Zoroark's main STAB move and carries tremendous power behind it, despite relatively low Base Power. Focus Blast is used to hit bulky Steel- and Dark-types that resist Dark Pulse and gives Zoroark access to unresisted coverage. Flamethrower rounds off Zoroark's coverage and, while it may seem redundant when used alongside Focus Blast, allows you to take out Steel-types without relying on Focus Blast's shaky accuracy. Furthermore, Steel-types that are neutral to Fighting, such as Jirachi, are covered by Flamethrower.</p>
<p>Sucker Punch is Zoroark's calling card, providing it with insurance against some of the faster Pokemon and hits hard, even without Attack investment. This set is effective mainly due to Zoroark's exclusive ability Illusion, working in combination with Sucker Punch, which OHKOs unsuspecting Pokemon when used properly. For example, if Zoroark disguises as a Pokemon that invites ordinarily faster Pokemon such as Latios or a Thundurus and they manage to survive any of Zoroark's attacks, you can finish them off with Sucker Punch without hesitation. This also applies to common Choice Scarf users such as Landorus, who may switch in if your disguise invites him. Despite all of this sets glamor, it's important to consider just how frail Zoroark is. It simply can't afford to take any hits, especially when taking Life Orb's recoil, entry hazards, and sandstorm into account. When using Zoroark, you need to make sure it can OHKO its target, because its lights out for Zoroark if the target survives.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>While the EVs may seem arbitrary at first, they have several specific purposes. 32 Attack EVs guarantee the OHKO on standard Latios with Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock damage. 224 Speed EVs allow Zoroark to outspeed all Pokemon with base 101 Speed, such as Landorus, and the rest is dropped into Special Attack to boost Zoroark's special attacks. Alternatively, 72 Atk EVs can be used (which may be taken from either Speed or Special Attack) to guarantee the OHKO on minimum Defense Latias after Stealth Rock damage. If you plan on using a Rash nature, 72 Atk / 212 SpA / 224 Spe should be used, which provides Zoroark with a moderate boost in power at the cost of some speed, although keep in mind that some of that extra Speed is usually made irrelevant because of Sucker Punch.</p>
<p>Night Daze, Zoroark's signature move, is slightly more powerful than Dark Pulse and has a 40% chance of dropping the foe's accuracy. While Night Daze's accuracy is lower than Dark Pulse, the chance for an accuracy drop can prove to be incredibly useful. Hidden Power Ice may seem like an unorthodox move addition, but it lets Zoroark to take out common Ice weak threats. Specifically, Hidden Power Ice OHKOs Gliscor, allowing Pokemon that are checked by Gliscor, such as Excadrill and Conkeldurr, to flourish. Hidden Power Ice also OHKOs Landorus, so Zoroark can disguise as an unsuspecting defensive Pokemon that typically lures Landorus and OHKO it. At first glance, Grass Knot seems like a niche option because the the most common bulky Water-types are either unaffected by it or hit harder by Dark Pulse. However it scores an OHKO against strong Water- / Ground-types such as Gastrodon and Quagsire, which are occasionally seen.</p>
<p>While there are a ton of Pokemon who can pair up with Zoroark, as a rule of thumb, good Zoroark partners are neutral to Stealth Rock and lack abilities that give notification. Heracross and Zoroark share incredible offensive and defensive synergy together and are easily capable of taking out each others' counters. Heracross is also neutral to Stealth Rock and its main ability lacks a visual cue, making Heracross the ideal disguise for Zoroark. Zoroark can lure Heracross checks like Gliscor and Skarmory and destroy them with Hidden Power Ice or Flamethrower respectively. In return, Heracross can switch into bulky Fighting-types and sponge their attacks. Scizor functions similarly as a partner to Zoroark, greatly benefiting from the removal of prominent physical walls such as Skarmory and Gliscor, and is a better Pokemon than Heracross in general. However, its defensive synergy with Zoroark is inferior to Heracross and it cannot switch into strong Fighting-type attacks. Infernape is also neutral to Stealth Rock and both of its common abilities don't give visual notification. Zoroark can lure out and KO most of Infernape's checks such as Latias and Jellicent, which gives Infernape a noticeably easier time at sweeping. Zoroark has a hard time dealing with Fighting-types, and is hard countered by bulky Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr and Hitmontop, both of which can shrug off its attacks with ease, and carry strong priority in the form of Mach Punch. Terrakion has no problem switching into any of Zoroark's moves barring Focus Blast, and it gains a +1 boost in Attack if it manages to switch into a Dark-type move. Mew is a solid partner to Zoroark, because it can easily switch into the aforementioned Pokemon and it also shares decent synergy with Zoroark. Zoroark gains the ability to deter Fighting-types from switching in when disguised as Mew.</p>
[SET]
name: Illusion Sweeper (Special)
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Flamethrower
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A high Speed and Special Attack stat along with a superb array of coverage moves make Zoroark into an excellent special sweeper. Nasty Plot boosts Zoroark's Special Attack to an incredible 678, which gives Zoroark's enough killing power to OHKO most of the metagame and even muscle its way through the sturdiest walls. The above traits allow Zoroark to serve as very nasty (no pun intended) stall breaker. Zoroark is capable of 1-2HKOing most of the common walls and it can easily set up with the proper use of Illusion. Nasty Plot bypasses Dark Pulse's low Base Power and gives it real killing power, enough to OHKO practically any offensive Pokemon. Focus Blast gives you coverage and will guarantee the OHKO on specially defensive Tyranitar after a Nasty Plot boost. Flamethrower targets Steel-types that are neutral to Fighting, such as Jirachi and Scizor, and burns them to a cinder after a Nasty Plot boost.</p>
<p>The key to using Nasty Plot Zoroark is to avoid getting hit at all costs and to make good use out of Illusion, which separates it from your run of the mill frail boosting sweeper. Illusion, when utilized correctly, can grant Zoroark a free turn in which it is capable of setting up outright or attacking an unaware opponent. Good teammates that strengthen Zoroark's disguises are recommended. Illusion is Zoroark's trump card and usually only tricks your opponent once, so make sure you get the best use out of it. Don't become too dependent on Illusion, however; Zoroark isn't dead-weight if its disguise has been discovered, as it's still a serviceable sweeper due to its impressive coverage and high Speed. When it comes to stallbreaking, Zoroark is among the best, because after a Nasty Plot boost, Zoroark is capable demolishing most stall teams, as they'll be hard pressed to stop his powerful coverage moves, especially if entry hazards are in play.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
The following damage calculations illustrate Zoroark's wall breaking skill
<ul class="damage_calculations">
<li>+2 LO Dark Pulse vs 248 HP / 216 Def Bold Jellicent: 148.51% - 174.5%%</li>
<li>+2 LO Dark Pulsevs 252 HP / 0 Impish Gliscor: 114.69% - 135.03%</li>
<li>+2 LO Dark Pulse vs 252 HP / Bold 0 Rotom-W: 100% - 117.76%</li>
<li>+0 LO Flamethrower vs 252 HP / 216 SpD Sassy Ferrothorn: 97.73% - 114.77%</li>
<li>+2 LO Flamethrower vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Jirachi: 90.59% - 106.44%</li>
<li>+2 LO Dark Pulse vs 252 HP/0 Bold Tentacruel: 75.8% - 89.3%
<li>+2 LO Focus Blast vs 252 HP / 252 Def Bold Blissey: 69.5% - 81.8%</li>
<li>+2 LO Focus Blast vs 252 HP / 252 Def Bold Chansey: 58.5% - 69%%</li>
<li>+2 LO Focus Blast vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Sassy Tyranitar: 152.5% - 180.2%</li>
<li>+2 LO Focus Blast vs 252HP / 252 SpD Calm Heatran: 114.5% - 135.2%</li>
</ul>
<p>The listed EVs are pretty straightforward; Special Attack and Speed are maximized because investing in Zoroark's bulk is worthless. A Modest nature may be used for more power, but Zoroark's ability to outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon and Landorus is very useful. Grass Knot can be used to target bulky Water-types that are capable of taking a Nasty Plot boosted Dark Pulse, specifically Gastrodon and Quagsire. Grass Knot also lets you deal heavy damage against Tyranitar without relying on Focus Blast and its shaky accuracy. Hidden Power Ice is useful for the same outlined in the previous set. Its ability to take out prominent Pokemon with a major weakness to Ice such as Dragonite and Gliscor, and it helps out other Pokemon who are hard-countered by said Pokemon.</p>
<p>Nasty Plot Zoroark likes having entry hazards on the field because they allow him to achieve several OHKOs against sturdy walls. Blissey, for example has a chance of being OHKOed by a +2 Focus Blast with a layer of Spikes and Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn, Deoxys-S, and Forretress are all great entry hazard users, but Deoxys-S in particular can also set up Dual Screens, which will greatly aid Zoroark by patching up its horrible defenses. While Nasty Plot Zoroark is incredibly powerful after a boost, it still has a few issues that hold it back from being a superstar. Bulky Fighting-types with priority are the bane of Zoroark. Conkeldurr and Hitmontop can switch into Zoroark and threaten it with Mach Punch. Excadrill, Latios, Terrakion, and other faster Pokemon with powerful attacks can instantly end Zoroark sweep with their powerful STAB moves.</p>
<p>Scizor has decent defensive synergy with Zoroark, and can check a few of the faster Pokemon that give Zoroark trouble such as Latios, Terrakion, and Tornadus. Zoroark can also help out Scizor in return by eliminating its biggest counter, Skarmory, with a well-timed Flamethrower. While there are a ton of Pokemon who pair up with Nasty Plot Zoroark, Nasty Plot Mew is best possible offensive partner to Zoroark. Mew can counter the Fighting-types that trouble Zoroark, and the Illusion isn't necessarily broken if Zoroark uses Nasty Plot, because it's not uncommon for Mew to use Nasty Plot itself.</p>
[SET]
name: Illusion Sweeper (Physical)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch / Night Slash
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Low Sweep
item: Life Orb
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 40 SpA / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Despite having a limited physical movepool, Zoroark can still function as a decent physical sweeper. Access to ever-useful Swords Dance and Sucker Punch are all it needs to be a devastating physical sweeper. STAB Sucker Punch is always useful, and Zoroark is capable of sweeping through offensive teams if left unchecked because the majority of revenge killers fall to boosted a Sucker Punch. While Night Slash may seem like an unnecessary move slash, it has a key use in dealing with stall teams, especially against Pokemon that resist Zoroark's coverage moves and can bypass Sucker Punch with non-attacking moves like Jellicent and Gastrodon. Access to Flamethrower sets it apart from your typical Swords Dancer, because it lets Zoroark incinerate the ever common Steel-type wall like Skarmory, Ferrothorn and Forretress. Low Sweep gets excellent coverage with Sucker Punch, and crushes Tyranitar who would otherwise wall Zoroark. It also lets Zoroark take out Blissey, who easily avoids Sucker Punch by using a status or recovery move.</p>
<p>Just like in the previous set, you want use Illusion to its maximum potential to get the best use out of Zoroark. Bluffing as another Pokemon is recommended to setup with Zoroark due to its awful defenses, and you want to make it count because you only get one chance at setting up via Illusion. It isn't completely crucial though, and Zoroark can still serve as a decent physical sweeper if his disguise is blown. Unlike the previous set, this set is geared towards tackling frailer offensive teams, because the majority of stall teams have a way of bypassing Sucker Punch. Low Sweep and Flamethrower are not enough to deal with stall and thus Zoroark needs a teammate that can deal with stall based teams.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An Attack boosting nature with maximum Attack is used because Sucker Punch ignores the need for a Speed-boosting naure. 216 Speed EVs allow Zoroark to outspeed neutral natured Pokemon with a 100 base Speed, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to boost Flamethrower. You can forego Sucker Punch for Night Slash, a reliable STAB move. Unlike Sucker Punch, Night Slash cannot be outmaneuvered and is more useful on against defensive and support Pokemon. However, this comes at the cost of power against offensive teams who rely on faster and frailer Pokemon to deal with Zoroark. Alternatively, Zoroark can use both Sucker Punch and Night Slash to get a handle against both offensive and stall teams. However, without Low Sweep, Zoroark loses the ability to hurt Tyranitar and deal heavy to Blissey after a Swords Dance boost. While U-turn is limited offensively, it can be used to scout ahead. Taunt can stop defensive Pokemon in their tracks, especially those that carry status moves. Unfortunately, Zoroark's extreme frailty means that it can be 2HKOed from just about any Pokemon, making Taunt a gimmicky option at best.</p>
<p>Zoroark's teammates should cover its weaknesses or grant it various opportunities to set up with their disguises. Mew, as usual, is a stellar partner, because on top of providing Zoroark with a defense against Fighting-types, it lures out both Latios and Latias, both of which are destroyed by Sucker Punch. It also lures out Trick Room Reuniclus, a huge threat that is also taken out by Sucker Punch. Haxorus is an interesting partner for Zoroark. The two Pokemon share no defensive synergy whatsover, but Zoroark is capable of luring out and taking out Skarmory when disguised as Haxorus, giving it a significantly easier time at sweeping. Furthermore, Zoroark's disguise isn't instantly ruined when using Swords Dance because Haxorus sometimes uses Swords Dance as well. Unfortunately Haxorus is forced to use Rivalry because Mold Breaker gives a visual cue and thus can ruin Zoroark's disguise if the opponent is observant.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Grass Knot / U-turn
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Choice Specs, Zoroark can inflict major damage right off the bat, without the need to set up a Nasty Plot. Each of Zoroark's moves receives a fairly large boost in power that allows it to OHKO and 2HKO Pokemon it couldn't otherwise. A Choice Specs boosted Dark Pulse, for example, is capable of flat out OHKOing standard Calm Mind Reuniclus, and easily 2HKOing it if it has a Calm Mind boost. Focus Blast provides Zoroark with obligatory coverage and will allow it to OHKO all variant Tyranitar and cripple or outright OHKO most Pokemon who are weak to Fighting. Flamethrower will annihilate all Steel-types, specifically those who are neutral to Focus Blast, like Jirachi, Metagross and Bronzong. Grass Knot deals with Gastrodon, who is capable of sponging Zoroark's other attacks with its high Special Defense. As mentioned previously, Grass Knot adds to Zoroark's already stellar coverage, allowing it to hit 11 out of the 17 types for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>If U-turn is used, A Naive nature with 34 Atk / 252 SpA / 224 Spe will give U-turn slightly more of a punch, and you still retain the ability the ability to outspeed Pokemon with base 101 speed like Landorus. Hidden Power Ice is useful for targeting the plethora Pokemon are have a quadruple weakness to Ice. Pokemon like Dragonite, Gliscor and Landorus take heavy damage from Hidden Power Ice. Also, the ability to remove Gliscor in a single blow benefits the plethora of physical Pokemon who are walled by Gliscor. Extrasensory is an option for those who want to get some damage on Fighting-types, but it doesn't provide Zoroark with any noteworthy coverage otherwise and locking yourself into a non STAB boosted 80 base power move is a terrible idea.</p>
<p>Bulky Fighting-type Pokemon such Conkeldurr and Hitmntop will have little to no trouble switching into Zoroark, even with a Choice Specs boost, and can pick Zoroark off with priority. Taking extra precaution to insure that Zoroark is disguised as a Pokemon who doesn't invite Fighting-type is recommended. Unlike the other sets, this variant of Zoroark is powerful enough to OHKO just about any Pokemon with the right coverage move. This makes it even more ideal as a partner to Pokemon who are stopped by common walls. For example, the flat out removal of Skarmory mean that Pokemon such as Haxorus, Excadrill, and other physical Pokemon have a much easier time. As a result of this, this set depends on the use of Illusion the most, so good Illusion partners are welcome. That said, all is not lost if Zoroark's Illusion is broken however; its still an effective Choice Specs user due to its naturally high speed and amazing coverage.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Grass Knot / U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Scarf, Zoroark turns into a speedy revenge killer that can sometimes make good use of its ability to net surprise KOs. Dark Pulse is your main STAB move and has enough power to cripple most Dark weak Pokemon such Latios and Reuniclus. Focus Blast works extremely well with Dark Pulse, taking out the majority of Pokemon such as Tyranitar who resist it and providing Zoroark with perfect coverage. Flamethrower allows Zoroark to burn Steel-types are neutral Focus Blast such as Jirachi and Scizor, to a crisp, while Grass Knot provides Zoroark with additional coverage and takes care of Gastrodon, who will have no trouble walling Zoroark with its impressive Special Defense. Additionally, Grass Knot increases Zoroark coverage, giving it the ability to strike 11 out of 17 types for super effective damage. U-turn is a choiced Pokemon's best friend, as it lets you scout your opponent's moves and counter accordingly.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Again, if U-turn is used, A Naive nature with 34 Atk / 252 SpA / 224 Spe will give U-turn slightly more of a punch and you still retain the ability to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf Landorus. Hidden Power Ice is useful for taking those pesky Pokemon that take quadruple damage from Ice moves. More specifically it's useful for revenge killing powerful Dragon Dancers like Dragonite and Salamence, as well as taking out Choice Scarf Landorus.</p>
<p>Fighting-types have always been Zoroark's bane, and this set is no exception. Conkeldurr and Hitmontop can switch into any of Zoroark's moves and force it out with their STAB fighting moves or use it as setup fodder. Psychic types are great partners as usual, and Pokemon who can check Scrafty such Conkeldurr are appreciated. Zoroark can use its ability to net a surprise KO by disguising as a Pokemon that is normally too slow to use a Choice Scarf, or is typically defensive. There is no need for you to center your entire strategy around Illusion however; Zoroark is a revenge killer first and doesn't need to worry about being predictable.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Zoroark has a bunch of cool and interesting moves to choose from, but they often end up being inferior choices. Zoroark can use Pursuit in a couple of its sets, but Zoroark neither has the bulk or the Speed to make good use of Pursuit like other more specialized Pursuit users like Tyranitar and Weavile can. A Choice Band set could be used, but Zoroark's pitiful physical movepool makes it a subpar option at best. A Calm Mind set is an option if you want Zoroark to reinforce his Special Defense alongside his Special Attack. However, its terrible bulk makes a pointless endeavor and Nasty Plot is superior in nearly all cases. An Agility + 3 attacks set could be used, and truth be told Zoroark has the coverage to pull if off. However, it isn't strong enough to sweep entire teams. Zoroark also has access to the semi-exclusive Memento, but Zoroark is outclassed by other Memento users such as Latios and Uxie, who have superior support moves. A Torment set is an option, but Zoroark neither has the bulk or the typing to pull it off.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Outright countering Zoroark is a difficult prospect due to its Illusion ability. Zoroark users can mix and match their teams before the battle starts, so its impossible to tell when exactly Zoroark comes out. That Scizor that just switched in might be secretly a Zoroark in disguise, thats just waiting to roast your Skarmory with Flamethrower, or your Heatran might not be enough to stop that Jirachi if it happens to carry Focus Blast. Zoroark can also play a huge role in lead matchups, because it can potentially strike unaware Pokemon and OHKO them with the right coverage, which can immediately shift the tide of battle. Fortunately, there are several ways to uncover Zoroark's disguise. First and foremost, Illusion does not copy visual ability cues, so if a Zoroark disguises as a Levitate user, it's a dead give away. Second, Zoroark is neutral to Stealth Rock, so if Zoroark disguises as a Pokemon who is weak to Stealth Rock or resistant to it, you can tell right away. Zoroark and its partner obviously share different health bars and status, so you can also use that information to uncover its identity. It's a little harder to deal with Zoroark if its Illusion partners are neutral to Stealth Rock and their abilities lack an visual cue, especially if its early into the battle. Remember, as the battle drags on, it becomes harder for a Zoroark user to hide its disguise, especially when hazards are up and Pokemon are more weakened in general.</p>
<p>Countering Zoroark when its disguise has been revealed is significantly easier. Zoroark can't stand Fighting-types, so bulky Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr and Hitmontop have no problem switching into any set and OHKOing with their STAB Fighting-type moves. If that weren't enough, they both have access to priority. Faster Fighting-types such as Terrakion, Virizion and Mienshao will have no trouble switching into most of Zoroark's moves and OHKOing it with their STAB Fignting-type moves. In fact, both Terrakion and Virizion have the Justified ability, making Zoroark a liability in certain circumstances. Just about any Pokemon that is faster than Zoroark can be considered a check, because its extreme frailty means it is OHKOed by just about any STAB move. Scizor is a good check due to its strong priority move and resistance to Dark Pulse, but it still needs to avoid Flamethrower. Blissey is a check to most sets, but it needs to watch out for boosted Focus Blast or Low Sweep, which may OHKO with hazards in play. Zoroark isn't completely helpless once it has been uncovered, though, as its incredible coverage and access to Sucker Punch allows it to get the best of most Pokemon, so underestimate it at your own peril. The phrase, "There is nothing more dangerous than a wounded fox" comes to mind.</p>
