The Royal Snake: Serperior in NU

[ryan]

Serperior

75/75/95/75/95/113​

Serperior is a really cool Pokemon, and it has the potential to run a lot of different really good sets. Thanks to its high speed, good mixed defenses, and access to a few different great boosting moves, Serperior is an unpredictable threat in the current metagame.

And yet, it has really disappointing usage.

| 47 | Serperior | 4.29052% | 6502 |

Serperior is an under-appreciated threat in the current Neverused metagame. You have all kinds of different options to your disposal! Some of its more notable moves follow.

Aromatherapy
Calm Mind
Coil
Dragon Pulse
Dragon Tail
Giga Drain
Glare
Hidden Power
Knock Off
Leaf Blade
Leech Seed
Light Screen
Pursuit
Reflect
Swords Dance
Synthesis
Taunt

As you can see, it's got all kind of different options it can play around with! I'm currently using a Calm Mind Taunt set to great effect. What kinds of sets have you guys used?

 

[vyomov]

To be honest, I'm waiting for Contrary to release before making a new set.
Before this, I used a Growth/Solarbeam/Dragon Pulse/Sunny Day

 

[watashi]

life orb sub cm is by far my favorite set and i explained a lot about why its so good in some of my other posts

This is one of the most underrated sweepers in the tier and is capable of sweeping through entire teams once it gets going. It's really easy to set up on something like Alomomola or Seismitoad or force Golurk and friends out with the threat of Giga Drain. Serperior's high speed makes it hard to revenge kill without a choice Scarf user and it usually has enough bulk to survive a hit or two from those Pokemon. The greatest thing about this set is that if I can't do enough damage to the opponent, I can simply Substitute down into Overgrow range, which allows me to land a huge hit on the opponent and regain back a lot of HP. Hidden Power Rock is the best possible coverage move for Serperior since it hits Scolipede, Jynx, and Flying-types.

apparently sub coil with leaf blade and return is also good according to nu champion cbb but i have yet to test that out. cm dragon tail is another interesting set since it can phaze around its normal counters which can be devistating with hazards support and also beat opposing calm minders that try to setup alongside it (mostly musharna)

all in all a much better grass-type than treecko37

 

[dcae]

I love Dual Screens support because rarely do non Psychic types get both. It has excellent Speed and pretty nice defenses to set the screens up well and consistently. It also has access to Synthesis, allowing it to heal off damage and be a consistent setter, or just put Taunt instead for a more offensive team as to prevent things to set up on it. High speed once again allows it to put pressure down quickly.

 

[LivingRhino]

I have to agree with FLCL. I'm currently using a Serperior set that uses Life Orb together with CM. Treecko37 gave me the idea, and I'm very pleased with how it works out.

Serperior @ Life Orb
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def
Jolly Nature
- Giga Drain
- Calm Mind
- Hidden Power [Rock]
- Taunt

It's awesome in doing it's job, and I'm pretty happy that I have it now. Before I used the Coil set, which pleased me way less... It's just a very powerful mon, and it can destroy Alomomola, which is why I even love it more! Stupid Alo...

 

[Punchshroom]

I think we can all agree that Serperior is bar none the best non weather-reliant Grass type in NU because of its awesome speed and boosting moves. Serperior has, imo, become like the Raikou of NU: acceptable two move coverage, high speed, good bulk, and spells great trouble if you let it get that boost.

 

[ryan]

all in all a much better grass-type than treecko37

I will fight you.

I love Dual Screens support because rarely do non Psychic types get both. It has excellent Speed and pretty nice defenses to set the screens up well and consistently. It also has access to Synthesis, allowing it to heal off damage and be a consistent setter, or just put Taunt instead for a more offensive team as to prevent things to set up on it. High speed once again allows it to put pressure down quickly.

I agree with this. I was pretty interested in its Dual Screens set myself, though I have yet to use it.

I also though about running an anti-lead set with Taunt/Glare/Giga Drain/Leech Seed|Knock Off.

Could be cool! o:

 

[Cherub Agent]

I'd add hidden power to its notable moves n_n
Rhino i hope you didnt take that Serperior from your team import because it looks like youve replaced the physical sets moves with the special ones lol. Evs and nature...

So yeah ive been using subcm with life orb and its insane. As flcl stated being able to just sub into overgrow rabge to unleash a devastating leaf storm is a really nasty little strategy. Taunt is however as good since you do take less residual damage and can prevent stealth rock early game, and generally avoid opposing setup. Ive not used serperior all that much but i can confirm that its an amazing pokemon in this metagame. It ohkos and outspeeds scolipede after SR n_n

Has anyone used dragon pulse effectively? And what are your favourite hidden powers to use on serperior?

 

[ryan]

I run HP Rock, and Dragon Pulse was mainly there because of its awesome neutral coverage. The issue with Dragon-type coverage in NU without STAB is obvious; its super-effective coverage is disappointing.

I usually run HP Rock, mainly because it hits Scolipede and Birds super-effectively. HP Fire does hit Bug and Steel-types, but because Steel-types are pretty uncommon in the tier, I feel that HP Rock is better.

 

[Punchshroom]

Hidden Power Rock is pretty much the go-to for Serperior, hitting Fires, Bugs, Flyings and Jynx all in one. HP Fire is also an option if you've covered for Fire- and Flying-types to hit Grasses, Steels and Jynx (Dry Skin) harder.

Edit: Dammit Treecko37 :P.

 

[LivingRhino]

I'd add hidden power to its notable moves n_n
Rhino i hope you didnt take that Serperior from your team import because it looks like youve replaced the physical sets moves with the special ones lol. Evs and nature...

So yeah ive been using subcm with life orb and its insane. As flcl stated being able to just sub into overgrow rabge to unleash a devastating leaf storm is a really nasty little strategy. Taunt is however as good since you do take less residual damage and can prevent stealth rock early game, and generally avoid opposing setup. Ive not used serperior all that much but i can confirm that its an amazing pokemon in this metagame. It ohkos and outspeeds scolipede after SR n_n

Has anyone used dragon pulse effectively? And what are your favourite hidden powers to use on serperior?

Yeah, it's the wrong one, I didn't notice it when typing it, my bad.

 

[Majestic Electric]

Serperior @Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 74 Def / 182 Spe
Timid Nature
-Substitute
-Glare
-Giga Drain
-Dragon Tail

I remember using this set a lot back in the BW1 era. I decided to test it out and it's a pretty good set in the current meta. Unlike the popular SubCM set, this set takes advantage of Serpeior's excellent support options. Sub + Glare is obviously the crux of the set. Once your opponent's mon is paralyzed, your slower sweepers will have a much easier time sweeping. Giga Drain is a must on this set , replenshing Serperior's HP and therefore letting him setup more subs. Giga Drain also works well in conjunction with Leftovers. Dragon Tail prevents Serperior from being setup on and stacks up damage taken from Stealth Rock. I forgot who originally posted the set, but all credit should be given to that person.

 

[NfskMjmMal]

To be honest, I'm waiting for Contrary to release before making a new set.

The only reason why I don't think this is a very good idea is because there is probably a very small chance that Serperior will remain in NU after Contrary is released. If you're talking about higher tiers though, then great lol.

 

[ebeast]

I agree with LivingRhino that Taunt + CM is also a very good set.

Serperior (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Taunt
- Calm Mind
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Rock]

This is by far my favorite set to run on this. Serperior has awesome Speed, great bulk, and the perfect offensive typing to make a good anti-lead to a lot of popular Stealth Rock users such as Golem, Regirock, Golurk, Probopass. It can easily Taunt them or threaten with its STAB Giga Drain to prevent set-up early game. Serperior can still function mid to late game thanks to Calm Mind, and Taunt can work there to always win 1v1 Calm Mind wars against opposing Serperiors, Gardevoir, or Musharna. While Serperior can't freely access Overgrow anymore as it can with Substitute, it gains a lot more utility with Taunt and it comes in handy for many situations.

I also agree that Hidden Power Rock is the best coverage move to have on Serp since it hits everything Serp wants to hit. I've used Hidden Power Fire before, but I think I'll go back to Rock since Serp already beats most of the Grass-type Pokemon in the tier by setting up some Calm Minds on them and even with HP Fire you shouldn't be messing with an SpD Roselia or Vileplume. HP Fire does have the ability to hit Metang, but Metang's Meteor Mash 2HKOes so Serp doesn't really want to stay in on it either. Serperior is really good in this metagame and was honestly hella good last one as well, but was overlooked a lot.

 

[sickweare]

In celebration of the 15th annivesary of thé Pokémon Centres across Japan, several new event Pokémon have been announced. For Sapporo, Empoleon will be given from May 15th to 21st and holds an Air Balloon, for Tohoku, Serperior will be given from May 22nd to May 28th and holds Leftovers,

Could it be the coveted Contrary Serperior being released? This would certainly become huge for Serperior's viability if so. Would it completely overtake the CM seta posted here previously though?

I love Serperior in and out of competitive play, but I think this would be quite an awesome jump for Serperior if it turns out to be Contrary Serperior. According to Serebii's event database it is unconfirmed what ability it will have.

 

[mertyville]

Could it be the coveted Contrary Serperior being released? This would certainly become huge for Serperior's viability if so. Would it completely overtake the CM seta posted here previously though?

I love Serperior in and out of competitive play, but I think this would be quite an awesome jump for Serperior if it turns out to be Contrary Serperior. According to Serebii's event database it is unconfirmed what ability it will have.

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/w...kémon_distributions_in_Generation_V#Serperior
It seems thats not the case.

I am starting to think, that some DW-Abilities aren't going to be released in Gen 5 but Gen 6.

 

[Explorer]

I like this thread...hopefully Contrary Serperior comes soon..I've been waiting a long time for it! Anyway, I'm going to post a set I've been using to some success, but not a whole lot:

Serperior (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 252 Atk/4 SpD/252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
-Coil
-Leaf Blade
-Aqua Tail
-Iron Tail/Aerial Ace

Yes, with Coil, Iron Tail is actually viable! Besides Dragon Tail, these are Serperior's only real coverage options (I was surprised and upset that Serperior did not get Rock Slide), all strengthened by Coil. Iron Tail can also cut the defense of the target after it hits, which is a welcome bonus since Serperior's attacks aren't too powerful even after a boost.

 

[ryan]

The only issue I really have with Iron Tail on Serperior is that it doesn't really add anything to it coverage-wise. Aerial Ace can be pretty cool, but even if it is hitting something for super effective damage, it is outdamaged by a neutral STAB Leaf Blade. The only thing I can think that would hate to take an Aerial Ace over anything else is Leavanny which is not exactly a top-tier threat in NU. Honestly, Leaf Blade and Aqua Tail have pretty good coverage, so I would probably use either Substitute or Taunt in that last slot. But if you are truly concerned about coverage, Return provides the best coverage alongside Leaf Blade and Aqua Tail.

Overall, I just feel like Coil is kind of mediocre. Tangela can stomach anything on its set and hit back with HP Ice/Fire. Misdreavus can Taunt it and take a couple of hits. Hell, if it's Taunted, it can even be burned. Mainly, I just feel like a physical set should probably be running Swords Dance over Coil.

 

[InsaneDragoniteHD]

I have been using the subseeding set to great effect on Serperior. Giga Drain hits those common rockers in the tier, bar the Probopass because it resists Giga Drain. Leech Seed is to get that HP back on lots of pokemon in the tier, minus those Sap Sipper pokemon like Miltank and or Zebstrika. You pretty much force a switch when you use Leech Seed, because they are forced to switch out into something else to preserve it. Also, Substitute allows you to avoid that status, because Status, especially poison or paralysis are the things that shut serperior down. Lastly, you have HP Rock to hit Bugs, Fires,Steels,Flyings and Ice types alright,dealing at least a small chunk to them. Or you can run HP Fire to surprise those pokemon that think they can switch into Serperior, like Dry Skin Jynx. Serperior also has the speed to be an efficient subseeder in the tier, outspeeding even Carracosta after a +2. It is a great check to Carracosta because of that high speed and precede to KO Carracosta, even with the defensive variant.

Biggest problem for this set is actually pokemon that have status, like Alomomola, Lickylicky or basically any pokemon with a super effective move against Serperior. Jynx can survive an HP Fire and go for the Ice Beam,either Koing Serperior or causing a switch which can reduce Serperior's effectiveness if there are hazards up. Toxic Spikes are a huge problem for Serperior, because they inflict a status automatically on switch in and then Serperior has a problem doing its job.

 

[Shuckleking87]

Taunt can be used to mitigate status onto serperior, which that and giga drain are the 2 moves I use on all my serperior sets. I also like using life orbed leaf storm, as it will hit so much harder than giga drain or even a super effective hp.

 

[Nochman.EXE]

p

To be honest, I'm waiting for Contrary to release before making a new set.
Before this, I used a Growth/Solarbeam/Dragon Pulse/Sunny Day

When Contrary Serperior is released, it won't be NU anymore... Unless you meant that you would like to try it out in the Upper Tiers.

On the subjec of Contrary Serperior, when it's released it will more than likely become UU or maybe even OU with that awesome Base 113 Speed. However, don't let the automatic +2 Boost of SPAtk coming off of a powerful STAB fool you... Keep in mind the Ability Sap Sipper, which could actually rise in Usage in the Upper Tiers because of it. A Contrary Serperior lacking a way to deal with fast, Scarfed U-turn Users or Speed Boosters (Yanmega) stop it in its tracks. Thus, Substitute becomes essential on every Set. Here's a successful Set I've used in the old Smogon Monotype Tier:

Serperior @ Life Orb / Leftovers
Trait: Contrary
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Leaf Storm
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Rock]
- Substitute

Pretty straightforward, needs no additional information I haven't mentioned already.

EDIT: Huge Thanks to Punchshroom for catching the Salac Berry's uneffectiveness, as beeen replaced with Life Orb.


But this isn't a Contrary Serperior Thread, so let's discuss another Set possible with it's Overgrow Ability. Bit there's so many... Several of you have mentioned many of them, such as the Dual Screen, ParaShuffler, Calm Mind, and Taunt Sets, which are all viable. Another one can include a Set similar to the Contrary one I shared above:a simple SubBoosting Set involving Calm Mind > Leaf Storm.

Serperior @ Leftovers / Salac Berry
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 200 HP / 48 Def / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd | 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) | Timid Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Rock]
- Calm Mind
- Substitute

As said before, this Set (or these Sets) may look familiar. Sharing the Contrary Set's problem with Speedy U-turn Users and an additional one in fast Flying Types such as Swellow, Substitute re-emerges as an essential part of these Sets.as well (in my opinion). The rest is up to you: do you want a Bulky Sweeper, or a pure one? If you opt to go with the first option, which is the superior one to me (NO PUN INTENDED), then use the 252 HP / 48 Def / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd Spread @ Leftovers. If you want something of a Late Game Sweeper or Wallbreaker, go with with the 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd @ Salac Berry. Nothing is stopping you from using the Leftovers on both though.

 

[Punchshroom]

For your Contrary set, you do realize Salac Berry is counterproductive right? :/

 

[Nochman.EXE]

No I didn't, otherwise I wouldn't suggest it at all. Any alternative suggestions then? I'm open for constructive criticism.

 

[NfskMjmMal]

For a Contrary set, I'm not even sure that you'd really need Giga Drain because Serperior is fast and powerful enough such that it needs coverage more than recovery. So, I think

Serperior @ Leftovers
Trait: Contrary
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Substitute

would be a good set. Unfortunately, Dragon Pulse is one of Serperior's only coverage moves, but at least you can hit everything for at least neutral. Also, most of the things that can even survive a +6 Leaf Storm are (quad) weak to Fire. Especially given Dragon Pulse, I think Fire would be better in this case.