[SET]
name: Life Orb Pivot
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Sleep Powder
move 4: Synthesis
item: Life Orb
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Modest
evs: 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although Vileplume may appear to be completely outclassed by Amoonguss, this is not the case, as Vileplume is much faster and hits much harder. This set is capable of outspeeding minimum Speed Golurk and OHKOing it with Giga Drain, a feat Amoonguss would not be able to accomplish. Sludge Bomb is Vileplume's strongest STAB move, doing massive damage to anything that doesn't resist it and OHKOing Tangela with ease. Giga Drain gives Vileplume a form of recovery, and easily disposes of Pokemon that are weak to it such as Samurott, Carracosta, Golurk, and Golem. Sleep Powder is a safe move to use when you are in a tight situation, as the sleep status is among the most deadly status ailments in the game, effectively incapacitating the sleeping Pokemon for the rest of the match. Synthesis is the best option in the last moveslot; it gives Vileplume the reliable recovery it desperately needs, as even with Giga Drain, it can be worn down quickly between entry hazard and Life Orb damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is designed to outspeed minimum Speed Tangela as well as other base 60 Speed Pokemon, along with maximized Special Attack and the rest placed into HP to give Vileplume a bit of extra bulk. Fighting-types such as Sawk and Emboar make for good teammates because they are able to defeat many of this set's counters, such as Lickilicky and Regice, with ease. Golurk is also an amazing teammate, as it can OHKO many Pokemon that resist both of Vileplume's STAB moves such as Garbodor, Arbok, Skuntank, and Klang. Charizard and Samurott are also good teammates because together they form a nearly impenetrable Fire / Water / Grass core that can wreak havoc in the NU metagame. Hidden Power Ground and Aromatherapy are both viable options in the last moveslot. Hidden Power Ground gives Vileplume a way to hit the aforementioned Poison- and Steel-types that resist its STAB moves, while Aromatherapy enables Vileplume to act as a cleric. This particular Vileplume set should solely be used on offensive teams, as they often require a pivot that can maintain offensive presence, and Vileplume fills that role effectively. Vileplume's ability, Effect Spore, is very handy; in a pinch it can turn the tides of a battle in your favor. Victreebel may appear to pull off this set better than Vileplume due to its superior offensive stats; however, Vileplume is not outclassed by Victreebel or other Grass / Poison type Pokemon thanks to its superior bulk. Vileplume can run more Speed EVs, although this is not recommended because Vileplume needs to be bulky in order to maintain its niche over Victreebel.</p>