Drapion (Analysis)

Komodo

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I have little to no experience with Gen 5 so any input is helpful. This passed QC here, though if you think it needs a second check, feel free to ask for one ^^

Thanks to Scorpio for the Skeleton, I've used it and improved the writing quality.


http://veekun.com/dex/pokemon/drapion

[Overview]

<p>Although Drapion hasn't gained anything significant in Gen 5, it already possesses everything it needs to succeed in OU. It's one of only three Toxic Spikes users capable of phazing (the others being Nidoqueen and Nidoking), also being the fastest of the three with 95 base Speed, and the only one that can effectively wall Reuniclus. Its 110 base Defense provides good bulk, while its less-than-stellar Special Defense is covered by its Poison / Dark typing, which gives it an immunity to the common Psychic attacks and a resistance to Ghost attacks, two largely special-attacking types. Drapion can also dent several Pokemon with its 90 base Attack and decent STAB moves. All in all, Drapion is an excellent niche Pokemon that shouldn't be underestimated.</p>

[SET]
name: Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Taunt / Whirlwind
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is Drapion's best attempt at competing in the OU environment. Due to its bulk and Speed, it can easily set up two layers of Toxic Spikes and utilize Whirlwind to phaze the opponent. Taunt prevents other Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory, from setting up, and also prevents Reuniclus from beating Drapion one-on-one. Crunch gives Drapion a reliable STAB move for beating Ghost- and Psychic-types, and Earthquake is the best option to hit Steel- and Poison-types super effectively, two common enemies of Toxic Spikes users.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As for other options, Drapion can hold a Balloon to remove its only weakness, though it is lost after one hit. Alternatively, you can pair Drapion with a Flying-type, such as Skarmory, or a Pokemon with Levitate, such as Bronzong. Knock Off can be used instead of Taunt or Whirlwind, which can be helpful when it comes to removing Choice items and Leftovers from opposing Pokemon. Wish support is recommended when using Drapion, as it has no form of reliable recovery; Pokemon such as Vaporeon and Jirachi are great options due to their good defensive stats.</p>

<p>Partners who can take advantage of Toxic Spikes are helpful, especially those who have access to Substitute to stall the opponent and worsen poison damage. Pokemon such as SubCM Jirachi and Torment Heatran are great options due to their excellent typing and decent defensive stats. Another partner to consider is a Pokemon who can block Rapid Spin; Ghost- types, such as Jellicent, Golurk, and Dusknoir, are great options thanks to their decent stats and unique support moves. This set also appreciates support from entry hazards due to Drapion's phazing prowess; good teammates to set up hazards include Skarmory, Metagross, and Forretress.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>A Choice Band set could be used with its decent movepool, but Drapion will have trouble sweeping in the Gen 5 OU environment due to an array of faster, more deadly sweepers. Swords Dance is available, though Drapion is vulnerable to faster Earthquake users and is generally outclassed. Pursuit can be used to hit Ghost- or Psychic-types as they switch out, and is a nice STAB move. Drapion also has access to the elemental fangs; they aren't the most powerful moves around, but they help provide type coverage. A gimmick set with Sniper, Scope Lens, and attacks with a high critical hit rate could be used for laughs, though it's purely luck based and very unreliable. Acupressure can be used to raise Drapion's stats randomly, though this is very unreliable, requires a ridiculous amount of support, and will usually result in a disaster.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Taunt users with Prankster, such Whimsicott and Thundurus, can prevent Drapion from using Toxic Spikes and Whirlwind, effectively crippling it. Nidoking can absorb Toxic Spikes, as well as hit Drapion with STAB Sheer Force-boosted Ground-type moves, though Drapion is faster and has access to Earthquake to hit Nidoking super effectively. Skarmory is not only immune to Toxic Spikes, but is also immune to Earthquake and has access to Whirlwind to phaze Drapion. Breloom is also problematic; not only does it have Poison Heal, but Spore gives Breloom a much easier time setting up, though it will have hard time KOing Drapion due to its bulk. Forretress can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin, while taking little damage from any of Drapion's attacks and having access to Earthquake to hit it super effectively.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Drapion gains Keen Eye as its Dream World ability, though it's pretty useless because there are no common moves which lower accuracy.</p>
 

jc104

Humblest person ever
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
[Overview]

<p>Although Drapion hasn't gained anything significant in Gen 5, it already possesses everything it needs to succeed in OU. It's one of only three phazing Toxic Spikers (the others being Nidoqueen and Nidoking), also being the fastest of the three with 95 base Speed, and the only one that can effectively wall Reuniclus. Its 110 base Defense provides good bulk, while its less-than-stellar Special Defense is covered by its Poison / Dark typing, which gives it an immunity to the common Psychic attacks and a resistance to Ghost attacks, two largely special-attacking types. Drapion can also dent several Pokemon with its 90 base Attack and decent STAB moves. All in all, Drapion is an excellent niche Pokemon that shouldn't be underestimated.</p>

[SET]
name: Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Taunt / Whirlwind
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is Drapion's best attempt at competing in the OU environment. Due to its bulk and Speed, it can easily set up two layers of Toxic Spikes and utilize Whirlwind to phaze the opponent. Taunt prevents other Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory from setting up, and
it also prevents Reuniclus from beating you one-on-one. Crunch gives Drapion a reliable STAB move for beating Ghost- and Psychic-types, and Earthquake is the best option to hit Steel- and Poison-types super effectively, two common enemies of Toxic Spikers.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As for other options, Drapion can hold a Balloon to remove its only weakness, though it is lost after one hit. Alternatively, you can pair Drapion with a Flying-type such as Skarmory or a Pokemon with Levitate such as Bronzong. Knock Off can be used instead of Taunt or Whirlwind, which can be helpful when it comes to removing Choice items and Leftovers. Wish support is recommended when using Drapion as
as it has no form of reliable recovery; Pokemon such as Vaporeon and Jirachi are great options due to their good defensive stats.</p>

<p>Partners who can take advantage of Toxic Spikes are helpful, especially those who have access to Substitute to stall the opponent and worsen poison damage. Pokemon such as SubCM Jirachi and Torment Heatran are great options due to their excellent typing and decent defensive stats. Another partner to consider is a Pokemon who can block Rapid Spin; Ghost-types such as Jellicent, Golurk, and Dusknoir are great options ,
and each of them having decent stats and unique support moves. This set also appreciates support from entry hazards as Drapion is such a good phazer, examples including Skarmory, Metagross, and Forretress.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>A Choice Band set could be used with its decent movepool, but Drapion will have trouble sweeping in the Gen 5 OU environment due to an array of faster, more deadly sweepers. Swords Dance is available, though Drapion is too vulnerable to faster Earthquakes and is generally outclassed. Pursuit can be used to hit Ghost- or Psychic-types as they switch out, and is a nice STAB move. Drapion also has access to the elemental fangs; (semicolon) they aren't the most powerful moves around, but they help provide type coverage. A gimmick set with Sniper, Scope Lens, and attacks with a high critical hit rate could be used for laughs, though it's purely luck based and very unreliable. Acupressure can be used to raise Drapion's stats randomly, though this is very unreliable, requires a ridiculous amount of support, and will usually end in a disaster.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Taunters with Mischevious Heart such Whimsicott and Thunderus can prevent Drapion from using Toxic Spikes and Whirlwind, effectively crippling the set. Nidoking can absorb Toxic Spikes as well as hit Drapion with STAB Sheer Force-boosted Ground-type moves, though Drapion is faster and has access to Earthquake to hit Nidoking super effectively. Skarmory is not only immune to Toxic Spikes,
even when grounded (lol gravity), but it is also immune to Earthquake and has access to Whirlwind to phaze Drapion. Breloom is also problematic; not only does it have Poison Heal, but Spore gives Breloom a much easier time setting up, though it will have hard time KOing Drapion. Forretress can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin, while taking little damage from any of Drapion's attacks and having access to Earthquake to hit it super effectively.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Drapion gains Keen Eye as its Dream World ability, though it's pretty useless because there are no common moves which lower accuracy.</p>
GP check 1/2
 

Snorlaxe

2 kawaii 4 u
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
GP CHECK 2/2

additions
removals

[Overview]

<p>Although Drapion hasn't gained anything significant in Gen 5, it already possesses everything it needs to succeed in OU. It's one of only three phazing Toxic Spikers Spikes users capable of phazing (the others being Nidoqueen and Nidoking), also being the fastest of the three with 95 base Speed, and the only one that can effectively wall Reuniclus. Its 110 base Defense provides good bulk, while its less-than-stellar Special Defense is covered by its Poison / Dark typing, which gives it an immunity to the common Psychic attacks and a resistance to Ghost attacks, two largely special-attacking types. Drapion can also dent several Pokemon with its 90 base Attack and decent STAB moves. All in all, Drapion is an excellent niche Pokemon that shouldn't be underestimated.</p>

[SET]
name: Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Taunt / Whirlwind
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is Drapion's best attempt at competing in the OU environment. Due to its bulk and Speed, it can easily set up two layers of Toxic Spikes and utilize Whirlwind to phaze the opponent. Taunt prevents other Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory, from setting up, and also prevents Reuniclus from beating you Drapion one-on-one. Crunch gives Drapion a reliable STAB move for beating Ghost- and Psychic-types, and Earthquake is the best option to hit Steel- and Poison-types super effectively, two common enemies of Toxic Spikers Spikes users.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As for other options, Drapion can hold a Balloon to remove its only weakness, though it is lost after one hit. Alternatively, you can pair Drapion with a Flying-type, such as Skarmory, or a Pokemon with Levitate, such as Bronzong. Knock Off can be used instead of Taunt or Whirlwind, which can be helpful when it comes to removing Choice items and Leftovers from opposing Pokemon. Wish support is recommended when using Drapion, as it has no form of reliable recovery; Pokemon such as Vaporeon and Jirachi are great options due to their good defensive stats.</p>

<p>Partners who can take advantage of Toxic Spikes are helpful, especially those who have access to Substitute to stall the opponent and worsen poison damage. Pokemon such as SubCM Jirachi and Torment Heatran are great options due to their excellent typing and decent defensive stats. Another partner to consider is a Pokemon who can block Rapid Spin; Ghost-types, such as Jellicent, Golurk, and Dusknoir, are great options, options thanks to their each of them having decent stats and unique support moves. This set also appreciates support from entry hazards due to Drapion's phazing prowess; good teammates to set up hazards include as Drapion is such a good phazer, examples including Skarmory, Metagross, and Forretress.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>A Choice Band set could be used with its decent movepool, but Drapion will have trouble sweeping in the Gen 5 OU environment due to an array of faster, more deadly sweepers. Swords Dance is available, though Drapion is too vulnerable to faster Earthquakes Earthquake users and is generally outclassed. Pursuit can be used to hit Ghost- or Psychic-types as they switch out, and is a nice STAB move. Drapion also has access to the elemental fangs; they aren't the most powerful moves around, but they help provide type coverage. A gimmick set with Sniper, Scope Lens, and attacks with a high critical hit rate could be used for laughs, though it's purely luck based and very unreliable. Acupressure can be used to raise Drapion's stats randomly, though this is very unreliable, requires a ridiculous amount of support, and will usually end result in a disaster.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Taunters Taunt users with Mischevious Heart, such Whimsicott and Thunderus, can prevent Drapion from using Toxic Spikes and Whirlwind, effectively crippling the set it. Nidoking can absorb Toxic Spikes, as well as hit Drapion with STAB Sheer Force-boosted Ground-type moves, though Drapion is faster and has access to Earthquake to hit Nidoking super effectively. Skarmory is not only immune to Toxic Spikes, but is also immune to Earthquake and has access to Whirlwind to phaze Drapion. Breloom is also problematic; not only does it have Poison Heal, but Spore gives Breloom a much easier time setting up, though it will have hard time KOing Drapion due to its bulk. Forretress can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin, while taking little damage from any of Drapion's attacks and having access to Earthquake to hit it super effectively.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Drapion gains Keen Eye as its Dream World ability, though it's pretty useless because there are no common moves which lower accuracy.</p>


great work as always, komodo ^_^

 

Snorlaxe

2 kawaii 4 u
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
O_O

That was fast.
Lol, you did that fast.
I would add more sets tbh.
guys, posts such as these aren't really helpful at all. while it's okay to have an opinion about an analysis on such matters, you don't need to share your opinion if it's regarding a trivial aspect of an analysis, such as how quickly it was completed. however, we would love to see you contribute to analyses by suggesting quality changes or grammar checking! ;)
 

Birkal

We have the technology.
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Personally, I'd slash Crunch / Knock Off on the set you have there. While it doesn't hit as hard as Crunch, Knock Off can put an end to Choice users, increase your team's stall by ditching their leftovers, and force a switch for Eviolite users. All of these circumstances are likely going to net you a switch on your opponent's side, which you can use to set up more Toxic Spikes or fire off another Taunt to screw with them.

Also, you could potentially consider a "Sniper" set! With lots of moves that have a high critical hit ratio, anything coming 3x out of Drapion's plausible attack will hit hard, even if it is only neutral. It's certainly a gambit, but I can work miracles if you're willing to take the risk.
 
Wow great job on analysis!

Sniper is a bit gimmicky as you shouldn't depend on crit hits. Drapion is a toxicspiker/\absorber and phazer. It has speed to even outspeed.

I know this is done, but just a question. Is it needed to make it a mix-wall type? Wouldn't it be okay to make it pure physical to take more of the physical orientated attack and to nullify that 1 weakness which is usually physical.

Great set. Convinced me to use this as my toxic spiker because it can counter cm reuni. Thanks=D
 

Komodo

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Hi, I just followed the guidelines set by the QC members in the previous thread. I'd like input from a QC member please :)

Personally, I don't see anything wrong. Knock Off is mentioned in Additional Comments and Sniper is very luck based and unreliable.
 
[Other Options]

<p>A Choice Band set could be used with its decent movepool, but Drapion will have trouble sweeping in the Gen 5 OU environment due to an array of faster, more deadly sweepers. Swords Dance is available, though Drapion is vulnerable to faster Earthquake users and is generally outclassed. Pursuit can be used to hit Ghost- or Psychic-types as they switch out, and is a nice STAB move. Drapion also has access to the elemental fangs; they aren't the most powerful moves around, but they help provide type coverage. A gimmick set with Sniper, Scope Lens, and attacks with a high critical hit rate could be used for laughs, though it's purely luck based and very unreliable. Acupressure can be used to raise Drapion's stats randomly, though this is very unreliable, requires a ridiculous amount of support, and will usually result in a disaster.</p>
Was reading it over for training purposes and noticed 1 little typo. Sorry for the bump but oh well.
 

Fatecrashers

acta est fabula
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it's fully written and gped, but since drapion was approved a while ago, the author would like to hear opinions on whether drapion is still viable in the current metagame
 

prem

failed abortion
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What about cross poison and sniper ability instead of crunch?
poison is a terrible attacking type, and drapion is more used for its defensive abilities in ouo, making sniper and cross poison a less efficent optioon
 
shudnt drapion....be capable of more than a support for TSpikes???

wel...actually, Draipon seems like an Atk version of Cofagrigus, both high Def, below average HP, and SpD decent...
 
[Other Options]

<p>A Choice Band set could be used with its decent movepool, but Drapion will have trouble sweeping in the Gen 5 OU environment due to an array of faster, more deadly sweepers. Swords Dance is available, though Drapion is vulnerable to faster Earthquake users and is generally outclassed. Pursuit can be used to hit Ghost- or Psychic-types as they switch out, and is a nice STAB move. Drapion also has access to the elemental fangs; they aren't the most powerful moves around, but they help provide type coverage. A gimmick set with Sniper, Scope Lens, and attacks with a high critical hit rate could be used for laughs, though it's purely luck based and very unreliable. Acupressure can be used to raise Drapion's stats randomly, though this is very unreliable, requires a ridiculous amount of support, and will usuallyresult in a disaster.</p>
Insert space.
 
What about cross poison and sniper ability instead of crunch?
poison is a terrible attacking type, and drapion is more used for its defensive abilities in ouo, making sniper and cross poison a less efficent optioon
Well, how about the best of both worlds? Drapion is capable of learning Night Slash through egg moves. Granted, it takes some clever Yanma breeding to learn Night Slash as well as Whirlwind, but can't the higher chance of a 3x critical, in exchange for a small loss in base power, be considered a viable option?
 
@candellum: I think that a crit abuse set would be an interesting thing to put in the analysis. Even if it won't be as effective as it is on, say, Honchkrow or Absol, it's still worth using.
 

AccidentalGreed

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Think about it. Instead of using Swords Dance you're relying on Critical hits off an average attack to deal any kind of reliable damage at all. That's not viable on Drapion, considering the chances of netting a Critical hit is still very low. Don't even argue using Scope Lens.
 

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