Zoroark (GP 2/2)

R Inanimate

It's Lunatic Time
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Jellicent used SUCKER PUNCH? It's more likely than you may think.



[Overview]

<p>With a respectable 105 Atk and 120 SpA, and enough of a movepool to utilize them, Zoroark can do some serious damage if left alone. However, with its poor base 60 / 60 / 60 defenses, Zoroark can be OHKOed by powerful STAB moves. Fortunately for Zoroark, its unique ability, Illusion, helps it out both offensively and defensively. Illusion lets Zoroark masquerade as the last Pokemon selected in a team of four. However, since Team Preview is on, the opponent will still be alerted of Zoroark's existence. While some may say that Team Preview ruins Zoroark's surprise factor provided by Illusion, simply knowing that Zoroark can show up does not say anything about when it will actually reveal itself or if it is even in the battle at all. With the right timing and the right Illusion, this master of disguise will leave the opponent wondering what just hit them.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Sucker Punch
move 2: Dark Pulse / Night Daze
move 3: Flamethrower / Focus Blast
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
nature: Lonely
ability: Illusion
evs: 252 Atk / 180 SpA / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Zoroark tends to get one good surprise attack on the opponent before the opponent becomes aware of Zoroark's presence on the field. Sucker Punch is extremely effective, surprising opponents with an unexpected STAB priority attack. Dark Pulse is used in tandem with Sucker Punch, acting as a secondary STAB move. It is also useful for striking down Trick Room users, as many are weak to Dark-type moves. Night Daze may be used over Dark Pulse, trading a bit of accuracy for a bit more power; the choice between these moves is personal preference. Flamethrower allows Zoroark to catch Steel-types like Ferrothorn or Scizor off guard and deal heavy damage. Focus Blast can be used over Flamethrower, as it still hits Steel-types hard while allowing Zoroark to take on Pokemon like Heatran or Tyranitar. However, Focus Blast's lackluster accuracy is a major issue. The last move for Zoroark is Protect, which is especially useful as it blocks incoming attacks while keeping Illusion intact. Using Protect will not give away Zoroark, as it is a common move on many Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>76 Speed EVs give Zoroark 135 Speed, allowing it to outrun neutral natured base 80 Speed Pokemon, and positive natured base 70 Speed Pokemon. The rest of the EVs are invested into Zoroark's offense, maxing out Attack and placing the rest into Special Attack. If outrunning the aforementioned Pokemon is of no concern, the Speed EVs can instead go into Special Attack. Holding a Focus Sash allows Zoroark to get away with not investing anything into its defenses. An alternate Effort Value spread along the lines of 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpA can be used for this Zoroark. The added survivability opens up the choice of holding a Life Orb without worrying as much about being OHKO'd by strong STAB moves like Zapdos's Thunderbolt or Rain-boosted Surfs. Life Orb balances out the loss of Special Attack, while boosting the power of Sucker Punch. Night Slash can be used over Dark Pulse or Night Daze as it will do more damage to most Trick Room users. However, the two Special attacks are slightly more powerful against Pokemon with equal Defense and Special Defense stats and have more useful secondary effects. Night Slash is recommended if running Life Orb though, since the Special Attack EVs are removed.</p>

<p>Illusion makes running Zoroark reliant on its team members in order to bring out its full potential. Its role can change drastically depending on what it is masquerading as and whether it leads in the battle or not. Pretending to be a Trick Room user, or pretending to be Gastrodon against a Rain Team can draw attention away from Zoroark's partner to give it a more supportive role on a team. Hiding as a Fighting-type can draw Psychic-type moves towards Zoroark, wasting the opponent's turn, while hiding as a Ghost-type improves Zoroark's survivability and stops people from using Fake Out against it; both of these situations allow Zoroark to take on an offensive role. A word of caution when choosing a Pokemon for Illusion: Pokemon that have Ability activation messages upon entry, like Zapdos or Porygon2, make poor choices for Illusion, as Zoroark will not display these messages when it enters the battle, thus giving itself away before it gets to do anything. Zoroark partners well with Pokemon that have strong priority moves. Double targeting an opponent with priority moves can grab quick KOs against many speedy Pokemon. Bulky Pokemon can use the diversion that Zoroark can create to soften the opponent up for surprise Sucker Punches. Lastly, it is usually not a good idea to pair Zoroark with a Fake Out user, as it increases the risk of running into a protect and being discovered.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse / Night Daze
move 2: Flamethrower / Sucker Punch
move 3: Focus Blast / Sucker Punch
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
nature: Timid / Hasty
ability: Illusion
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set focuses on putting Zoroark's Base 105 Speed to use. Dark Pulse serves as Zoroark's main attack and is interchangeable with Night Daze, trading a bit of accuracy for extra power. Flamethrower and Focus Blast provide good coverage, allowing Zoroark to hit hard against many Pokemon, such as Tyranitar, Metagross, and Abomasnow, that are common in VGC 2012. Sucker Punch can be used instead of one of these moves, as it can still do some respectable damage, and priority moves are always welcome on any moveset. However, it will leave some gaps in Zoroark's offensive coverage. Lastly, Protect allows Zoroark to block incoming attacks and maintain Illusion.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Zoroark to hit as hard and fast as possible. Zoroark's high Speed makes it less dependent on making a big entry with Illusion, although it still appreciates the offensive openings that are created by its ability. Focus Sash allows Zoroark to take a hit without the worry of being OHKOed. A Dark Gem or Life Orb can be used over a Focus Sash to provide some extra firepower behind Zoroark's moves, but leaves it at the mercy of the many Pokemon that can outpace and and OHKO it like Latios. This will mean that Zoroark will have to rely heavily on Illusion in order to avoid being OHKOed. If Sucker Punch is used, a Hasty nature should be used instead of a Timid nature. 44 EVs invested into Attack while holding a Life Orb guarantees an OHKO against 4 HP Latios with Sucker Punch.</p>

<p>Zoroark is at its best when outrunning and KOing a Pokemon, while hiding as a Pokemon that would normally have no business doing much in the given situation. Having a lead setup that makes those weak to Dark- or Fire-type moves drop their guard, or using Zoroark as a revenge killer, are excellent ways to get this done. For example, hiding as a Fighting-type can lead to Psychic-type enemies wasting an attack using Psychic on Zoroark, while it strikes at them with a Dark Pulse. Alternatively, Zoroark can use Illusion to act as a diversion, such as hiding as a Trick Room user. Keep in mind when choosing a Pokemon for an Illusion that Zoroark does not display ability activation messages upon entry. Thus, hiding Zoroark as Pokemon like Dusclops or Zapdos will immediately alert the opponent that Zoroark is on the field. Fast Pokemon like Latios can work well with Zoroark, as both can cover each other's weaknesses, while maintaining decent speed control over the opponent. Bulky Pokemon can also be used alongside Zoroark by having Zoroark try to act as a diversion. Lastly, Fake Out users tend to not work well with Zoroark as it is counterproductive with Zoroark trying to get the opponent to let down their guard.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Grass Knot can be useful against Water-types to hit them super effectively. Hidden Power Ice can be useful as Zoroark can outrun Pokemon like Salamence, Garchomp, and Landorus and hit them hard. Substitute is an interesting option for Zoroark, as damage dealt to a Substitute does not break Zoroark's Illusion. Using Substitute can also make Fake Out users valid partners for Zoroark. However, a few issues would be that Zoroark's frailty means that just about anything will be able to break a Substitute, and the opponent may get suspicious if the Pokemon Zoroark is hiding as suddenly outruns something it should not be able to. Taunt can be used by Zoroark to disrupt support moves like Trick Room or Tailwind, and from behind an Illusion, can catch opponents off guard. Lastly, Counter can be used on Zoroark, which can allow it to deal the ultimate surprise attack against physical attackers, but comes with extremely high risk.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>It can be a bit difficult to try to handle Zoroark without knowing if it is even present on the field. About all that can be done is to wait for it to show itself, or show that it's not around. A bit of caution can go a long way.</p>

<p>Once Zoroark has shown itself, Fighting types tend to be best in confronting it. Hitmontop, Conkeldurr, and Terrakion in particular can easily take Zoroark's attacks and OHKO it with Fighting-type moves. Tyranitar and Heatran can also wall Zoroark as long as Zoroark doesn't run Focus Blast.</p>
 

Eraddd

One Pixel
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus


After seeing Zoroark in action, definitely do not have doubts about the viability of it.

Not sure if hitting a Zoroark Substitute reveals it; if not, Substitute might work?

Perhaps a fast Taunt would work against those trying to set up Trick Room or Tailwind?
 

R Inanimate

It's Lunatic Time
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
After seeing Zoroark in action, definitely do not have doubts about the viability of it.

Not sure if hitting a Zoroark Substitute reveals it; if not, Substitute might work?

Perhaps a fast Taunt would work against those trying to set up Trick Room or Tailwind?
Taunt was already mentioned in Other Options.

As for Substitute... hitting a Substitute does not break the Illusion.

Since Substitute can be learned by just about everything I think it can work. However, they may get a bit suspicious if you suddenly outrun something you aren't supposed to, or use Sub while posing as something that normally would be silly to have Substitute on. I think I can add it in for OO though.
 

Darkmalice

Level 3
is a Tiering Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Mixed attacker set should have Night Slash instead of Dark Pulse / Night Daze due to Zoroark's higher attack (with the given EVs and nature) and most TR users investing primarily in their special defense (usually 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Def Sassy).
 

R Inanimate

It's Lunatic Time
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Mixed attacker set should have Night Slash instead of Dark Pulse / Night Daze due to Zoroark's higher attack (with the given EVs and nature) and most TR users investing primarily in their special defense (usually 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Def Sassy).
With the given EV spread, Zoroark has higher Attack than Special Attack (172Atk vs 163SpA) but not high enough for Night Slash to overcome the Base Power difference between it and Dark Pulse/Night Daze (70BP vs. 80/85BP). Thus Dark Pulse/Night Daze are better than Night Slash, given that the opponent's Defense and Special Defense are roughly equal.

But it is true that Trick Room users tend to have higher Special Defense than Defense, and that Night Slash is better to use for the alternate EV spreads where SpA EVs are shifted towards HP.

As such, I will add Night Slash into Additional Comments for that set.
 

R Inanimate

It's Lunatic Time
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
I'm totally using this on my team with no intention of using it in battle, just make the opponent sweat a little :P
From experience, a lot of people simply ignore the threat of Zoroark until it hits them. As such, trying to use one only as a bluff on Team Preview will often get you nowhere.
 

muffinhead

b202 wifi vgc
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
counter is in no way gimmicky, its too easy to turn it into a zapdos or chandelure and counter all the physical attacks aimed at it. xD

anyways qc 2 / 2, write up soon please
 

Eraddd

One Pixel
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Jellicent used SUCKER PUNCH? It's more likely than you may think.



[Overview]

<p>With a respectable 105 Atk and 120 SpA, and enough of a movepool to utilize them, Zoroark can do some serious damage if left alone. However, with its poor base 60 / 60 / 60 HP and defenses, Zoroark can be KOed by even powerful STAB moves. Fortunately for Zoroark, its unique ability, Illusion, helps it out both offensively and defensively. Illusion lets Zoroark masquerade as the last Pokemon selected in a team of four. However, since Team Preview is active, the opponent will still be alerted of Zoroark's existence. While some may say that Team Preview ruins Zoroark's surprise factor provided by Illusion, simply knowing that Zoroark can show up does not say anything about when it will actually reveal itself or if it is even in the battle at all. With the right timing and the right Illusion, this master of disguise will leave the opponent wondering what just hit them.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Sucker Punch
move 2: Dark Pulse / Night Daze
move 3: Flamethrower / Focus Blast
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
nature: Lonely
ability: Illusion
evs: 252 Atk / 180 SpA / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Zoroark tends to get one good surprise attack on the opponent before the opponent becomes aware of Zoroark's presence on the field. Sucker Punch is extremely effective, surprising opponents with an unexpected STAB priority attack. Dark Pulse is used in tandem with Sucker Punch, acting as a secondary STAB move. It is also useful for striking down Trick Room users, as many are weak to Dark-type moves. Night Daze may be used over Dark Pulse, trading a bit of accuracy for a bit more power; the choice between these moves is only determined by preference. Flamethrower allows Zoroark to catch Steel-types like Ferrothorn or Scizor off guard and deal heavy damage. Focus Blast can be used over Flamethrower, as it still hits Steel-types hard, while allowing Zoroark to take on Pokemon like Heatran or Tyranitar. However, Focus Blast's lackluster accuracy is a major issue. The last move for Zoroark is Protect, which is especially useful as it blocks incoming attacks while keeping the Illusion alive. It is difficult to suspect Zoroark from using Protect due to it being such a common move.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>76 Speed EVs give Zoroark 135 Speed, allowing it to outrun Neutral Base 80 Speed Pokemon, and +Nature Base 70 Speed Pokemon. The rest of the EVs are invested into Zoroark's offense, maxing out Attack and placing the rest into Special Attack. If outrunning the aforementioned Pokemon is of no concern, the Speed EVs can instead go into Special Attack. Holding a Focus Sash allows Zoroark to get away with not investing anything into its defenses.</p>

<p>An alternate Effort Value spread along the lines of 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpA can be used for this Zoroark. The added survivability opens up the choice of holding a Life Orb without worrying as much about being OHKO'd by strong STAB moves like Zapdos' Thunderbolt or Rain-boosted Surfs. Life Orb balances out the loss of Special Attack, while boosting the power of Sucker Punch.</p>

<p>Night Slash can be used over Dark Pulse or Night Daze as it will do more damage to most Trick Room users. However, the two Special Attacks are slightly more powerful against Pokemon with equal Defense and Special Defense stats and have more useful secondary effects. Night Slash is recommended if running the Life Orb variation though, since the Special Attack EVs are removed.</p>

<p>The Illusion ability makes running Zoroark reliant on its team members in order to bring out its full potential. Its role can change drastically depending on what it is masquerading as and whether it leads in the battle or not. Pretending to be a Trick Room user, or pretending to be a Gastrodon against a Rain Team can draw attention away from Zoroark's partner to give it a more supportive role on a team. Hiding as a Fighting-type can draw Psychic-type attacks towards Zoroark, wasting the opponent's turn, while hiding as a Ghost-type improves Zoroark's survivability and stops people from using Fake Out against it; both situations allow Zoroark to take on an offensive role. A word of caution when choosing a Pokemon for Illusion: Pokemon that have Ability activation messages upon entry, like Zapdos or Porygon2, make poor choices for Illusion. Zoroark will not display these messages when it enters the battle, thus giving itself away before it gets to do anything.</p>

<p>Zoroark partners well with Pokemon that have strong priority moves. Double targeting an opponent with priority attacks can grab quick KOs against many speedy Pokemon. Bulky Pokemon can use the diversion that Zoroark can create to soften the opponent up for surprise Sucker Punches. Lastly, it is usually not a good idea to pair Zoroark with a Fake Out user, as it increases the risk of running into a protect and being discovered.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse / Night Daze
move 2: Flamethrower / Sucker Punch
move 3: Focus Blast / Sucker Punch
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
nature: Timid / Hasty
ability: Illusion
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set focuses on putting Zoroark's Base 105 Speed to use. Dark Pulse serves as Zoroark's main attack and is interchangeable with Night Daze, trading a bit of accuracy for extra power. Flamethrower and Focus Blast provide good coverage, allowing Zoroark to hit hard against many Pokemon, like Tyranitar, Metagross, and Abomasnow, that are common in VGC 2012. Sucker Punch can be used instead of one of these moves as it can still do some respectable damage, and priority moves are always welcome on any moveset. However, it will leave some gaps in Zoroark's offensive coverage. Lastly, Protect allows Zoroark to block incoming attacks and maintain its Illusion.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Zoroark to hit as hard and fast as possible. Zoroark's high Speed makes it less dependent on making a big entry with Illusion, although it still appreciates the offensive openings that are created by its ability. Focus Sash allows Zoroark to take a hit without the worry of death. A Dark Gem or Life Orb can be used over a Focus Sash to provide some extra firepower behind Zoroark's moves, but leaves it at the mercy of the many Pokemon that can outpace and OHKO it like Latios. This will mean that Zoroark will have to rely heavily on its Illusion in order to avoid being OHKO'd.</p>

<p>If Sucker Punch is used, a Hasty nature should be used instead of a Timid nature. 44 EVs into Attack while holding a Life Orb guarantees an OHKO against 4 HP Latios with Sucker Punch.</p>

<p>Zoroark is at its best when outrunning and KOing a Pokemon while hiding as something that would normally have no business winning or doing much in the given situation. Having a lead set up that makes those weak to Dark- or Fire-type moves drop their guard, or using Zoroark as a revenge killer, are excellent ways to get this done. For example, hiding as a Fighting-type can lead to Psychic-type enemies wasting an attack using Psychic on Zoroark, while it strikes at them with a Dark Pulse. Alternatively, Zoroark can use an Illusion to act as a diversion, like hiding as a Trick Room user. Keep in mind when choosing a Pokemon for an Illusion that Zoroark does not display ability activation messages upon entry. Thus, hiding Zoroark as Pokemon like Dusclops or Zapdos will immediately alert the opponent that Zoroark is on the field.</p>

<p>Fast Pokemon like Latios can work well with Zoroark, as both can cover each other's weaknesses, while maintaining decent speed control over the opponent. Bulky Pokemon can also be used alongside Zoroark by having Zoroark try to act as a diversion. Lastly, Fake Out users tend to not work well with Zoroark as it is counterproductive with Zoroark trying to get the opponent to let down their guard.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Grass Knot can be useful against Water-types. Hidden Power Ice can be useful as Zoroark can outrun Pokemon like Salamence, Garchomp, and Landorus and hit them hard. Substitute is an interesting option for Zoroark, as damage dealt to a Substitute does not break Zoroark's Illusion. Using Substitute can also make Fake Out users valid partners for Zoroark. However, a few issues would be that Zoroark's frailty means that just about anything will be able to break a Substitute, and the opponent may get suspicious if the Pokemon Zoroark is hiding as suddenly outruns something it should not be able to. Taunt can be used by Zoroark to disrupt support moves like Trick Room or Tailwind, and from behind an Illusion, can catch opponents off guard. Lastly, Counter can be used on Zoroark, which can allow it to deal the ultimate surprise attack against physical attackers, but comes with extremely high risks.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>It can be a bit difficult to try to handle Zoroark without knowing if it is even present on the field. About all that can be done is to wait for it to show itself, or show that it's not around. A bit of caution can go a long way.</p>

<p>Once Zoroark has shown itself, Fighting-types tend to be best in confronting it. Hitmontop, Conkeldurr, and Terrakion in particular can easily take Zoroark's attacks and OHKO it with Fighting-type moves. Tyranitar and Heatran can also wall Zoroark as long as Zoroark doesn't run Focus Blast.</p>


GP 1 / 2
 

iss

let's play bw lc!
is a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Unofficial check

additions
deletions

[Overview]

<p>With a respectable 105 Atk and 120 SpA, and enough of a movepool to utilize them, Zoroark can do some serious damage if left alone. However, with its poor base 60 / 60 / 60 HP and defenses, Zoroark can be OHKOed by even powerful weak STAB moves. Fortunately for Zoroark, its unique ability, Illusion, helps it out both offensively and defensively. Illusion lets Zoroark masquerade as the last Pokemon selected in a team of four. However, since Team Preview is active on, the opponent will still be alerted of Zoroark's existence. While some may say that Team Preview ruins Zoroark's surprise factor provided by Illusion, simply knowing that Zoroark can show up does not say anything about when it will actually reveal itself or if it is even in the battle at all. With the right timing and the right Illusion, this master of disguise will leave the opponent wondering what just hit them.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Sucker Punch
move 2: Dark Pulse / Night Daze
move 3: Flamethrower / Focus Blast
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
nature: Lonely
ability: Illusion
evs: 252 Atk / 180 SpA / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Zoroark tends to get one good surprise attack on the opponent before the opponent becomes aware of Zoroark's presence on the field. Sucker Punch is extremely effective, surprising opponents with an unexpected STAB priority attack. Dark Pulse is used in tandem with Sucker Punch, acting as a secondary STAB move. It is also useful for striking down Trick Room users, as many are weak to Dark-type moves. Night Daze may be used over Dark Pulse, trading a bit of accuracy for a bit more power; the choice between these moves is only determined by personal preference. Flamethrower allows Zoroark to catch Steel-types like Ferrothorn or Scizor off guard and deal heavy damage. Focus Blast can be used over Flamethrower, as it still hits Steel-types hard while allowing Zoroark to take on Pokemon like Heatran or Tyranitar. However, Focus Blast's lackluster accuracy is a major issue. The last move for Zoroark is Protect, which is especially useful as it blocks incoming attacks while keeping the Illusion alive intact. It is difficult to suspect Zoroark from using Protect due to it being such a common move. Using Protect will not give away Zoroark, as it is a common move on many Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>76 Speed EVs give Zoroark 135 Speed, allowing it to outrun neutral natured Base 80 Speed Pokemon, and +N positive natured base 70 Speed Pokemon. The rest of the EVs are invested into Zoroark's offenses, maxing out Attack and placing the rest into Special Attack. If outrunning the aforementioned Pokemon is of no concern, the Speed EVs can instead go into Special Attack. Holding a Focus Sash allows Zoroark to get away with not investing anything into its defenses.</p>

<p>
An alternate Effort Value spread along the lines of 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpA can be used for this Zoroark. The added survivability opens up the choice of holding a Life Orb without worrying as much about being OHKO'd by strong STAB moves like Zapdos's Thunderbolt or Rain-boosted Surfs. Life Orb balances out the loss of Special Attack, while boosting the power of Sucker Punch.</p>

<p>
Night Slash can be used over Dark Pulse or Night Daze as it will do more damage to most Trick Room users. However, the two Special attacks are slightly more powerful against Pokemon with equal Defense and Special Defense stats and have more useful secondary effects. Night Slash is recommended if running the Life Orb though, since the Special Attack EVs are removed.</p>

<p>The Illusion ability makes running Zoroark reliant on its team members in order to bring out its full potential. Its role can change drastically depending on what it is masquerading as and whether it leads in the battle or not. Pretending to be a Trick Room user, or pretending to be a Gastrodon against a Rain team can draw attention away from Zoroark's partner to give it a more supportive role on a team. Hiding as a Fighting-type can draw Psychic-type moves towards Zoroark, wasting the opponent's turn, while hiding as a Ghost-type improves Zoroark's survivability and stops people from using Fake Out against it; both of these situations allow Zoroark to take on an offensive role. A word of caution when choosing a Pokemon for Illusion: Pokemon that have Ability activation messages upon entry, like Zapdos or Porygon2, make poor choices for Illusion, as Zoroark will not display these messages when it enters the battle, thus giving itself away before it gets to do anything.</p>

<p>
Zoroark partners well with Pokemon that have strong priority moves. Double targeting an opponent with priority moves can grab quick KOs against many speedy Pokemon. Bulky Pokemon can use the diversion that Zoroark can create to soften the opponent up for surprise Sucker Punches. Lastly, it is usually not a good idea to pair Zoroark with a Fake Out user, as it increases the risk of running into a protect and being discovered.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse / Night Daze
move 2: Flamethrower / Sucker Punch
move 3: Focus Blast / Sucker Punch
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
nature: Timid / Hasty
ability: Illusion
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set focuses on putting Zoroark's Base 105 Speed to use. Dark Pulse serves as Zoroark's main attack and is interchangeable with Night Daze, trading a bit of accuracy for extra power. Flamethrower and Focus Blast provide good coverage, allowing Zoroark to hit hard against many Pokemon, like such as Tyranitar, Metagross, and Abomasnow, that are common in VGC 2012. Sucker Punch can be used instead of one of these moves, as it can still do some respectable damage, and priority moves are always welcome on any moveset. However, it will leave some gaps in Zoroark's offensive coverage. Lastly, Protect allows Zoroark to block incoming attacks and maintain its Illusion.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Zoroark to hit as hard and fast as possible. Zoroark's high Speed makes it less dependent on making a big entry with Illusion, although it still appreciates the offensive openings that are created by its ability. Focus Sash allows Zoroark to take a hit without the worry of death being OHKOed. A Dark Gem or Life Orb can be used over a Focus Sash to provide some extra firepower behind Zoroark's moves, but leaves it at the mercy of the many Pokemon that can outpace and and OHKO it like Latios. This will mean that Zoroark will have to rely heavily on its Illusion in order to avoid being OHKOed.</p>

<p>
If Sucker Punch is used, a Hasty nature should be used instead of a Timid nature. 44 EVs invested into Attack while holding a Life Orb guarantees an OHKO against 4 HP Latios with Sucker Punch.</p>

<p>Zoroark is at its best when outrunning and KOing a Pokemon, while hiding as something a Pokemon that would normally have no business winning or doing much in the given situation. Having a lead setup that makes those weak to Dark- or Fire-type moves drop their guard, or using Zoroark as a revenge killer, are excellent ways to get this done. For example, hiding as a Fighting-type can lead to Psychic-type enemies wasting an attack using Psychic on Zoroark, while it strikes at them with a Dark Pulse. Alternatively, Zoroark can use an Illusion to act as a diversion, like such as hiding as a Trick Room user. Keep in mind when choosing a Pokemon for an Illusion that Zoroark does not display ability activation messages upon entry. Thus, hiding Zoroark as Pokemon like Dusclops or Zapdos will immediately alert the opponent that Zoroark is on the field.</p>

<p>
Fast Pokemon like Latios can work well with Zoroark, as both can cover each other's weaknesses, while maintaining decent speed control over the opponent. Bulky Pokemon can also be used alongside Zoroark by having Zoroark try to act as a diversion. Lastly, Fake Out users tend to not work well with Zoroark, as it is counterproductive with Zoroark trying to get the opponent to let down their guard.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Grass Knot can be useful against Water-types to hit them super effectively. Hidden Power Ice can be useful as Zoroark can outrun Pokemon like Salamence, Garchomp, and Landorus and hit them hard. Substitute is an interesting option for Zoroark, as damage dealt to a Substitute does not break Zoroark's Illusion. Using Substitute can also make Fake Out users valid partners for Zoroark. However, a few issues would be that Zoroark's frailty means that just about anything will be able to break a Substitute, and the opponent may get suspicious if the Pokemon Zoroark is hiding as suddenly outruns something it should not be able to. Taunt can be used by Zoroark to disrupt support moves like Trick Room or Tailwind, and from behind an Illusion, can catch opponents off guard. Lastly, Counter can be used on Zoroark, which can allow it to deal the ultimate surprise attack against physical attackers, but comes with extremely high risks.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>It can be a bit difficult to try to handle Zoroark without knowing if it is even present on the field. About all that can be done is to wait for it to show itself, or show that it's not around. A bit of caution can go a long way.</p>

<p>Once Zoroark has shown itself, Fighting types tend to be best in confronting it. Hitmontop, Conkeldurr, and Terrakion in particular can easily take Zoroark's attacks and OHKO it with Fighting-type moves. Tyranitar and Heatran can also wall Zoroark as long as Zoroark doesn't run Focus Blast.</p>


Good job!
 

R Inanimate

It's Lunatic Time
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Went ahead and added iss's changes.

Well, aside from saying that Zoroark gets OHKO'd by weak STAB moves at the beginning. It takes something around the level of a Modest Zapdos's Thunderbolt or stronger to OHKO a 4 HP EV Zoroark reliably. So unless Zapdos's Thunderbolt is considered a weak STAB move, I'll leave it as saying that Zoroark's lower defense bases cause it to get OHKOed by powerful STAB moves.
 

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