Manectric
Credit to Darkhuaza217 for getting this through QC, and also to Thatsjustpeachy for the original analysis.
[Overview]
<p>Manectric is often referred to as the best revenge killer in RU thanks to its popular Choice Scarf set. Its unique base 105 Speed allows it to revenge kill even threats at +2 such as Omastar, Crawdaunt, and Rhydon. Of course, this is backed by a great base 105 Special Attack stat, as well as a relatively wide movepool for an Electric-type. Overheat, Flamethrower, and Switcheroo help to distinguish it from other Electric-types in the tier, most notably Galvantula. The former two moves give Manectric incredible coverage on Tangrowth and Steelix; this, in addition to its ability to hit Slowking, lets it tear apart common defensive cores. Switcheroo makes Manectric an even better Choice item user by letting it cripple walls, especially Eviolite holders such as Roselia and Munchlax, and perhaps allow a teammate to sweep. To top it all off is a buffed Lightningrod, which now raises Manectric's Special Attack whenever it is hit by an Electric-type move. This means that Manectric can switch into stray Thunderbolts and Thunder Waves with impunity, and avoid paralysis to boot.</p>
<p>However, not all is well for Manectric in RU. First of all, its frailty leaves it easily beaten by priority users such as Feraligatr and Absol. It also faces major competition from Galvantula, who can wield the stronger Thunder thanks to Compoundeyes, has an additional Bug-type STAB to muscle its way through the likes of Uxie, Slowking, and Tangrowth, and has access to Energy Ball. When using Manectric, be sure to capitalize on its strengths over Galvantula: in addition to a higher Special Attack stat, Manectric's neutrality to Stealth Rock and access to Switcheroo also make it a better Choice item user. While Galvantula has more power in Compoundeyes Thunder, Manectric is known for its superior coverage. Make full use of Manectric's talents, and you surely won't be disappointed.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Overheat
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Thunderbolt
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>As said before, Manectric is arguably the best Choice Scarf user in RU. Its power, coverage, Speed, and access to Switcheroo are all great assets that allow it to revenge kill nearly the entire tier even after a Speed boost. Manectric is also an effective scout as it can Volt Switch out to a counter without getting hurt in the process. A stalwart on offensive teams, Choice Scarf Manectric can best be described as a "panic button"; even if you let an opposing sweeper gain a Speed boost, Manectric can ride in to save the day. However, Manectric can only revenge kill, as its frailty means it shouldn't directly switch into any attacks. As such, there is a slight need for prediction when using this set; you can't let the opponent become too fast for Manectric to handle, but you can't lose Manectric by switching it into a powerful attack. Nevertheless, whenever you need to preserve Manectric due to a misprediction, Volt Switch is your friend once again. Repeated uses of Volt Switch can slowly wear down even bulkier opponents such as Clefable and Roselia, and constantly keeps your team's momentum. Your opponent will be forced to predict eventually or risk slowly losing their wall, and even then they have one of Manectric's powerful coverage moves to fear.</p>
<p>Overheat is preferred over Flamethrower on Manectric's Choice sets as the former is stronger even over two turns, and Manectric will rarely be staying in for more than that. It quite literally burns Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Ferroseed, as well as Steelix, that might try to come in on Volt Switch. Hidden Power Grass is generally preferred over Thunderbolt for its ability to hit Ground-types such as Sandslash and Rhydon; the latter poses a particularly large threat because it also resists Overheat. Hidden Power Grass is useful for Lanturn and Quagsire as well; it slowly wears the former down and immediately destroys the latter. Nevertheless, Thunderbolt is a viable option as its additional power secures certain KOs, specifically on Moltres and Feraligatr, the latter after Stealth Rock. Lastly, Switcheroo is what makes Manectric such a deadly Choice item user; common switch-ins to Manectric, such as Cryogonal, Roselia, and Clefable, will be made near-useless with a Choice Scarf. Switcheroo is also useful for when Manectric receives a Lightningrod boost, because it can take better advantage of the boost with the freedom to switch attacks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allow Manectric to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Timid is the preferred nature because Manectric needs all the Speed it can get to function more effectively, and Modest Choice Scarf Manectric risks being outsped by fellow Choice Scarf users such as Rotom, Primeape, and Typhlosion. Similarly, after it has gotten rid of its Choice Scarf, the Speed boost from a Timid nature lets Manectric outrun Entei, Drapion, and Uxie. You could optionally elect to run Flamethrower over Overheat; while Overheat is stronger over two turns, Flamethrower can be useful for the rare occasions that Manectric stays in for longer, such as when Lightningrod is activated, it has used Switcheroo, or it is attempting a sweep. You could also opt to drop Volt Switch to run both Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Grass to cover as many threats as possible, but the utility of Volt Switch will be sorely missed.</p>
<p>Manectric doesn't require team support to be effective, as it supports the team rather than itself. However, it does appreciate Rapid Spin support because it will be frequently switching in and out a lot, and Stealth Rock and Spikes damage can add up quickly. Cryogonal is a prime choice for this role because it is immune to Ground-type attacks; it can also deal with Grass-types such as Roselia, who give Manectric a hard time. Poliwrath is another great partner for Manectric as it can switch into most users of Earthquake, such as Rhydon, Drapion, and Aerodactyl, and forces out Normal-type special walls, such as Clefable and Munchlax, all of which give Manectric a hard time. Additionally, its ability to bait Electric-type attacks can help Manectric gain a Lightningrod boost. In return, Manectric has the potential to dismantle the Slowking and Tangrowth core—which gives Poliwrath serious trouble—almost singlehandedly. Mesprit and Uxie are good partners as well, as they can switch in on Ground-type attacks, lure in and remove Cryogonal and Munchlax with Psyshock, and hence allow Manectric to set up and sweep. Finally, Manectric functions very well on a VoltTurn-based team aimed to keep up momentum. Pokemon such as Rotom, Scyther, and Primeape can all help in this regard, and hopefully maintain enough offensive pressure for one of them to sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Manectric isn't limited to using Choice items, and when given the freedom to switch attacks, it doesn't disappoint. Rather than support the team, this set aims to set up and sweep for itself; with a sizable boost in power and the ability to fully make use of its good coverage, it can do so effectively. While this set can still function on an offensive team, it is a good wallbreaker on balanced teams as well. It can function more as a primary form of offense, leaving the rest of your team to focus on defensive aspects. If it gets a Lightningrod boost, the power of this set is truly terrifying. The combination of Thunderbolt and Flamethrower alone provides stellar coverage, and when Hidden Power Grass is added to the mix, there are very few safe switch-ins to this set. Additionally, Manectric can't be forced into using Overheat to lower its Special Attack. As such, this set is much more threatening to defensive teams that would prefer that it be locked into one attack. However, in exchange, it is less effective against offensive teams, which typically carry speedier Pokemon such as Sceptile.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt is Manectric's most powerful STAB move; it is a great asset in RU, as it not only hits two of the best special walls—Slowking and Mandibuzz—for super effective damage, but also has neutral coverage on most of the rest of the tier. Flamethrower is preferred over Overheat on this set mainly for the fact that it doesn't lower Manectric's Special Attack; it can smack a foe hard with Thunderbolt after it has used Flamethrower. Flamethrower is useful for the Grass-types that look to switch in easily on Thunderbolt, such as Tangrowth, Roselia, and Ferroseed. It also hits Steelix and Cryogonal, which can otherwise hit back with Earthquake and stall with Recover, respectively. Hidden Power Grass rounds out Manectric's coverage by allowing it to hit the many Ground-types that try to come in for free on Thunderbolt, such as Sandslash. It is especially useful for Pokemon that are immune to Thunderbolt and also resist Flamethrower, specifically Rhydon, Lanturn, and Quagsire. Volt Switch also finds a place on this set as a great utility move that helps scout and keep momentum, as Manectric doesn't need—nor does it have—any additional coverage options.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed, Manectric becomes as fast and powerful as possible, and is primed for a role as a frail sweeper. A Timid nature is even more important on this set than on the Choice Scarf one; Drapion, Uxie, Typhlosion, and Sigilyph are all threats that Modest Manectric can't outspeed. Life Orb is the preferred item because it powers up all Manectric's attacks, but Expert Belt is also a viable choice as Manectric gets super effective coverage on over half of RU. Expert Belt also doesn't cause recoil damage, and enables Manectric to bluff a Choice set. However, the extra power from Life Orb is necessary against the likes of Rotom, Clefable, and Cofagrigus. Switcheroo is an option over Volt Switch if your team really needs a way of beating Munchlax; walls in general don't appreciate having their Leftovers replaced by a Life Orb. However, it doesn't have many uses in practice, and you're better off just switching to a counter anyway.</p>
<p>Like the Choice Scarf set, Rapid Spin support is highly recommended because entry hazards and Life Orb recoil will wear Manectric down quickly. Cryogonal is the best candidate for the job as it is immune to Ground-type moves, but Sandslash is also a worthy choice thanks to its ability to check Aerodactyl and Archeops, two Pokemon that can outspeed Manectric and OHKO it with Earthquake. Poliwrath and Feraligatr are great partners for this set as well, as they can deal with the aforementioned Aerodactyl and Archeops, and also put added offensive pressure on the opponent. Furthermore, they can lure in Electric-type moves fairly effectively, and hopefully activate Manectric's Lightningrod. They both appreciate the removal of the Slowking and Tangrowth Regenerator core as well, which Manectric can do easily thanks to its coverage. Uxie and Mesprit are fine teammates that can lure and take down Munchlax with effective SubCM + Psyshock sets.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Overheat / Flamethrower
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Volt Switch / Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Manectric has been established as one of the best Choice item users in RU; this applies as much to the Choice Specs set as it does to the Choice Scarf one. While this set isn't as good of a revenge killer, it can still outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. Where it truly shines, however, is as a wallbreaker; its sheer power, great STAB, and good coverage eventually forces walls to their knees. This set has a lot more longevity than both the Choice Scarf and special attacker sets as it neither switches nearly as much nor takes Life Orb recoil. As such, it can break down stall more effectively as it will be harder to bring down, and overall harder to deal with. This set can function both on offensive and balanced teams, as it can provide added pressure to break through walls, and has enough offensive prowess in its own right that it can compensate for its more defensive team members. Using this set leaves you free to dedicate another team member to entry hazards and other support, which can increase Manectric's effectiveness.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt is Manectric's most powerful STAB move; it can be fired off with little worry. Specially based Electric-type attacks are wonderful in RU as they dent the most common special walls, Slowking and Mandibuzz. Overheat is the preferred Fire-type coverage move if you find that Manectric only tends to stay in for two turns or less, as it does more damage than Flamethrower in those circumstances. However, Flamethrower can come in handy when Manectric stays in for three or more turns, and is also better than Overheat if Manectric is using Switcheroo to get rid of its Choice Specs. Hidden Power Grass hits the Ground-types that are immune to Thunderbolt, which includes several Pokemon that also resist Fire, such as Rhydon, Sandslash, Quagsire, and Lanturn. Volt Switch is the preferred choice to round off the set as it is powerful and also keeps momentum. However, Switcheroo is also a good option to cripple walls such as Munchlax and Roselia; it enables Manectric to take advantage of a Lightningrod boost more effectively as well.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As with any Manectric set, maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed let it hit as hard and be as fast as possible. A Timid nature is also necessary to outspeed Drapion, Rotom, and Typhlosion. Lightningrod is an excellent option on this set, as it allows Manectric to switch in on a stray Thunder Wave, get rid of its Choice Specs, and start sweeping with the equivalent of a Choice Specs boost. This set is very versatile with regard to move combinations: Manectric can use both Volt Switch and Switcheroo to be more of a team player and to cripple opposing walls for a teammate to sweep. Alternatively, both options in the fourth moveslot can be dropped for Overheat or Flamethrower to play mind games with your opponent, as it's a common strategy to force a Choice-locked Manectric into using Overheat and making its damage quickly decrease. However, this isn't recommended as both Volt Switch and Switcheroo have more utility than an alternative Fire-type attack ever will.</p>
<p>Unlike other Manectric sets, this variant appreciates entry hazards even more than it does Rapid Spin support. Both Stealth Rock and Spikes are massively appreciated, and Pokemon such as Aerodactyl and Accelgor are good choices to set up the respective hazards. In addition, Aerodactyl can hit Clefable on its lower Defense stat, while Accelgor appreciates Manectric's ability to break through Mandibuzz, and can smack Munchlax with Focus Blast. Medicham and Gallade make good partners as well, as the former complements Manectric by breaking through physical walls with its brutally powerful Hi Jump Kick, while the latter not only forces out both Clefable and Munchlax easily, but can also clean up after Manectric with a Bulk Up set. Trick users can aid Manectric as well by freeing up the fourth moveslot for Volt Switch, and by crippling walls that Manectric can now take down more easily. Spiritomb, Rotom-C, and Uxie can all use Trick effectively, and each have something to add to the team. Spiritomb appreciates the removal of Mandibuzz, Rotom-C can help break through it and Manectric's common counters due to its similar coverage, and Uxie can function as a lead that sets up Stealth Rock and dual screens effectively.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Unfortunately, Manectric doesn't have a ton of other options at its disposal. Discharge and Charge Beam are both alternative Electric-type moves with cool effects, but Manectric doesn't have the time to set up due to its frailty. However, Manectric forces a lot of switches, so either of the two moves could work in the fourth slot of a non-Choice set. Manectric doesn't need a fourth coverage move, and Charge Beam can prove particularly devastating to stall teams. Overall, though, Thunderbolt is almost always the better option. Manectric has a decent physical movepool with Hone Claws to boost the power of Wild Charge, Ice Fang, and Crunch. This isn't saying much though, as Manectric's base 75 Attack stat is poor, and physical sets are better done by Electivire. Thanks to its high Speed, Manectric can make use of its many support options somewhat effectively. Light Screen, Thunder Wave, and Roar all have their uses, but once again, there are other Pokemon, such as Uxie and Musharna, that can use these moves more effectively.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Despite Manectric's wonderful power and coverage, there are a few Pokemon that can take its hits. Druddigon is the only Pokemon in RU—outside of other rare Dragon-types such as Fraxure and Zweilous—that can claim to resist every move that Manectric would typically carry; it can then hit back with Outrage for the sure OHKO or use Sucker Punch to pick off weakened ones. Aside from that, Normal-type special walls are usually your best bet for countering Manectric. Munchlax is the best Manectric counter you will find as, even without its Eviolite, it can still avoid the 2HKO from Thunderbolt and deal significant damage in return with Body Slam. Otherwise, Munchlax can heal itself indefinitely with Rest and phaze out Manectric's Lightningrod boosts with Whirlwind, which possibly forces it to take more entry hazard damage when it tries to come in later in the match. Clefable is another top-notch counter to Manectric as it can avoid the 2HKO from even Choice Specs Manectric, has access to reliable healing in Wish, and can effectively stall out Manectric with Toxic and Protect.</p>
<p>Pokemon that aren't hit super effectively by its coverage moves and have a good amount of bulk are usually good checks to Manectric. Bouffalant, Drapion, and Dusknoir can all come in after Manectric has fired off an attack and KO with Earthquake. However, they must all be wary of switching in as, with either a boosting item or entry hazards, they will be 2HKOed by the appropriate move. Hariyama and Entei make great Manectric checks as they can take a hit and KO with Close Combat and Flare Blitz respectively; the latter can also deal significant damage with ExtremeSpeed. Both Spiritomb and Absol can put a dent in Manectric with Sucker Punch, while Hitmonchan has a high Special Defense stat and can shave off some of Manectric's health with Mach Punch. Gallade also boasts high Special Defense and can regain lost health with Drain Punch before finishing Manectric off with Shadow Sneak. Cofagrigus can take a hit and set up Trick Room to cripple Manectric, or simply bring it down with Shadow Ball. Hitmonlee is a good check that can use Fake Out to activate Unburden, then outspeed even Choice Scarf Manectric and KO with Close Combat. Of course, there are a number of foes that can outspeed non-Choice Scarf variants, namely Aerodactyl, Archeops, and Scolipede, who can outspeed and KO with Earthquake, as well as Accelgor, Sceptile, and Galvantula, who can hit it hard with their STAB moves.</p>
<p>On the whole, Choice Scarf Manectric is by far the easiest variant for defensive teams to deal with. Cryogonal is a counter if Manectric doesn't hold a boosting item, as it is not 2HKOed by Overheat without Stealth Rock. Slowking and Mandibuzz are good checks to Manectric that lack Thunderbolt as they can easily recover the damage taken from Volt Switch, and take Manectric's other attacks quite comfortably; they can proceed to either cripple it with Toxic or KO it outright. Golurk is never OHKOed by Hidden Power Grass, and if Manectric is holding a Choice Scarf, Golurk can sometimes survive even two hits; it can then OHKO with Earthquake or set up with Substitute. Similarly, Lanturn is not 2HKOed by Choice Scarf Hidden Power Grass, and RestTalk variants particularly hamper Manectric. Lastly, Manectric must be careful when using its STAB moves if the opposing team carries Electivire or Manectric so as not to give an opponent a free boost, especially as Electivire commonly carries Earthquake.</p>
