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Noivern
- Thread starter trc
- Start date
I realise that you mention this in the set details, but I think it would be good to specifically refer to Infiltrator in the overview. Being able to hit through subs is pretty damn good and should be at least identified as a pro
additions
subtractions
comments
feel free to pm me regarding questions about this check
a lot of stuff was clarity issues, spelling and grammar standards stuff, and random typos; please try to minimize these. you should join #grammar and #xyqc; people will be glad to help you regarding this
anyway
gp 1/2
subtractions
comments
Overview
########
When looking at Noivern, the first thing one notices is its incredible Speed stat, which separates it from other, slower Dragon-types. In addition, it has access to two powerful STAB moves,(RC) in Draco Meteor and Hurricane, as well as access to Switcheroo and U-turn, which gives it a small niche over other Dragon-types. Unfortunately, Noivern's Speed is its only great stat; everything else is mediocre, all of its other stats are mediocre. with i Its highest offensive stat, Special Attack, being is an average base 97. Noivern also has a poor defensive typing, being weak to Stealth Rock and the common Ice-typing Ice attacks. This combined with Noivern's bad bulk means it is prone to being worn down very quickly, and its coverage moves in general have shaky accuracy which initially . This seemingly gives little reason to use it over other Dragon-types, such as Latios, who which boasts much higher Special Attack, more expansive coverage, and better all-around bulk around. However, Noivern is still a viable choice as it has several advantages which benefit its give it a niche, the main one being Noivern's its insane Speed. This allows Noivern to be a potent revenge killer without needing a Choice Scarf, giving Noivern the opportunity to run a power-boosting item instead. While Noivern has flaws though, it can still do its job incredibly well, and should always be considered for a team in need of its virtues.
Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Switcheroo / U-turn / Hurricane
ability: Infiltrator / Frisk
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Noivern's main STAB move and does a large amount of damage with a Choice Specs boost. Focus Blast and Flamethrower are Noivern's ways of dealing with the Steel-types that resist its Dragon STAB. Focus Blast is Noivern's best option against Heatran, Terrakion, and Aggron, while Flamethrower is more reliable and deals much better with Scizor, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Lucario, and Mega Mawile. Switcheroo allows Noivern to cripple the defensive checks to Noivern such a as Chansey, Blissey, and the increasingly common Assault Vest users, while a fast U-turn provides momentum for the team. Hurricane, while inaccurate, can also be used in the last slot as a powerful secondary STAB move, but should really only be used on a rain team due to its unreliability.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is the ideal item on Noivern,(AC) as it makes up for its Noivern's mediocre Special Attack stat, while the Timid nature takes advantage of Noivern's most defining quality;(no semi) :(colon) its Speed. The EVs maximize Special Attack and Speed, which benefit Noivern's hit-and-run nature, while 4 Defense EVs give mean that Genesect obtains a Special Attack boost from Download boost to minimize if it switches in on Noivern; this reduces the switch-in's damage taken from U-turn by the switch-in. Infiltrator is Noivern's preferred ability, as it allows Noivern to hit through Substitutes, hence giving Noivern valuable utility, but Frisk can be used to scout the opponent's set item(?_?). Air Slash can be used over Hurricane as a more reliable Flying-type STAB move, but it has a low BP Base Power, which limits its effectiveness. Noivern can also use the powerful Boomburst, but it often has trouble fitting it into a set, as it does not provide super-(RH)(space)effective coverage against anything, and the ability to hit through Substitutes isn't as valuable when using Infiltrator as an ability.
Usage Tips
========
This set shows Noivern primarily being used as a revenge killer. Bring Noivern in to revenge a Pokemon, and use the appropriate coverage move. Try not to use Draco Meteor immediately, as the Special Attack drop can be debilitating early in the game when you don't fully know the opponent's team. Instead, either use an appropriate coverage move for who who you expect will switch in, or U-turn to scout what the opponent'(apostrophe)s check to Noivern is. In general, using U-turn throughout the game is helpful to scout your opponent's sets, which works great with when using Frisk. Late-game, Noivern can also be a threat to clean up with strong, Specs boosted Choice Specs-boosted moves. Finally, Noivern is viable on a rain team, as it boosts the accuracy of Hurricane, give giving Noivern freedom to run it over Flamethrower.
Team Options
========
Scizor is an excellent teammate,(AC) as it forms a U-turn core and can eliminate some of Noivern's main counters such as Assault Vest Tyranitar and Chansey, with Bullet Punch and Superpower respectively ,(RC) while also being It is also able to Pursuit trap things that Noivern has weakned weakened, and providing provides good defensive synergy, being able to ; it can take the Dragon- and Ice-(AH)type attacks aimed at Noivern. Excadrill can Rapid Spin away the Stealth Rocks Rock, which are is detrimental to Noivern, especially as Noivern will be switching a lot, while also providing ; Excadrill also provides good offensive synergy due Excadrill's to its STAB Earthquake and Iron Head being able to take out Steel- and Fairy-types, respectively. Magnezone completes forms a VoltTurn core with Noivern, and can trap and eliminate Steel-types with Magnet Pull. Noivern also appreciates the support of teammates that can counter Fairy-types that like to switch in on Noivern, such as Heatran, Mega Aggron, Genesect or , and Venusaur.
Life Orb
########
name: Life Orb
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: U-turn / Roost / Dragon Pulse
ability: Frisk / Infiltrator
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid / Naive
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is a STAB move and is Noivern's most powerful neutral option, while Focus Blast and Flamethrower provide coverage against the variety of Steel-type Pokemon that resist Draco Meteor. Roost allows Noivern to heal itself, as a and provides a way of mitigating Life Orb and Stealth Rock damage. U-turn obtains momentum for the team,(AC) while also dealing decent damage to Psychic- and Dark-types if using a Naive nature. Dragon Pulse is a consistent, reliable way of cleaning late-game, but it is not really necessary most of the time,(AC) as Noivern is primarily a revenge killer and a wallbreaker.
Set Details
========
By using Life Orb, Noivern sacrifices power for the ability to change moves, which allows NOivern it to use its coverage much more effectively. The EVs simply give Noivern the most Special Attack and Speed possible, while also giving With the given EVs, Genesect gains a Download boost if it switches in on Noivern. A Naive nature can be helpful in order to make U-turn do more damage, as Noivern will die a lot quicker with Life Orb so the Special Defense drop isn't as significant, , making the Special Defense drop insignificant; but Timid is still an option,(AC) as U-turn is mainly used for momentum, not coverage. Timid is always the best option if you choose to not run U-turn. As Noivern will be switching and U-turning a lot, Firsk Frisk is the more useful ability in the long run,(AC) as it lets Noivern learn about the opponent'(apostrophe)s sets, especially most importantly their Choice Scarf user and their Mega Evolution. However, Infiltrator is still uselful useful, as being able to hit through Substitutes is always handy.
Usage Tips
========
The Life Orb This Noivern set is also a very useful revenge killer(in addition to what), but with the freedom of switching moves, Noivern can U-turn more after every hit, which provides useful momentum for the team. Once things have been weakened and Noivern's counters have been eliminated, Noivern can clean late-game with its coverage moves, as well as Dragon Pulse. It is particularly good to use Draco Meteor often to dent things, and then U-turn or switch out afterwards. Also, if you choose to run Roost, take advantages of the switches you force Noivern forces and Roost to heal whenever it is necessary.
Team Options
========
Once again, Scizor makes an excellent teammate due to its offensive synergy with Noivern and also that they create due to them creating a U-turn core. Rapid Spinners are also mandatory partners, with Excadrill being the best at that role,(RC) due to its excellent defensive synergy and ability to beat spinblockers effectively with Shadow Claw. Genesect also forms a U-turn core and between the two of them, they have great offensive coverage, Genesect in particular being able to eliminate problematic Fairy-types such as Azumarill and Togekiss with Thunderbolt, and Sylveon and Florges with Iron Head. Bulky steel types Steel-types in particular are good because they resist the Dragon-, Fairy- and Ice-(remove space)type attacks aimed at Noivern, while also being able to wall Tyranitar reasonable reasonably well, This includes ;(semi) Skarmory, Ferrothorn,(AC) and Forretress are examples of such. Conkeldurr can hit Tyranitar, Chansey, and Blissey hard with Drain Punch, and ;(semi) most bulky Fighting-types make for good teammates for the same reason.
Other Options
########
Noivern has access to Taunt to prevent Chansey and Blissey from using Toxic or Thunder Wave, but Switcheroo is usually a superior option. Additionally, Noivern has Super Fang,(AC) which can help with very bulky walls, but Noivern shouldn't stay be staying in on them anyway. Tailwind is an option for if Noivern is close to dying, to allow a sweep for slower Pokemon such as Dragonite and Haxorus, but,(RC) like Super Fang, takes up a valuable moveslot. Finally, Noivern has access to Dark Pulse, Psychic,(AC) and Shadow Ball as coverage options against some Pokemon, but Draco Meteor is usually the best option in these cases.
Checks & Counters
########
**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey, being the insane special walls that they are, can tank any hit from Noivern, even a super-effective Focus Blast, and ; even a super effective Focus Blast. They can then proceed to either cripple Noivern with status or simply recover with Softboiled or Wish + Protect by using one of Softboiled and Wish + Protect. If Choice Specs Noivern is running Switcheroo,(AC) though, it can cripple Chansey and Blissey by giving them an unwanted Choice Specs, so this must be kept in mind.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types, such as Sylveon and Florges, are excellent checks because the are immune to Noivern's main STAB, resist Focus Blast,(AC) and take very little damage from Noivern's other moves,(AC) while being able to OHKO back with Moonblast,(RC) ;(semi) but Switcheroo can cripple them as well. Azumarill can take most of the moves that Noivern can offer and KO with Play Rough, but isn't as crippled as much by Switcheroo as Sylveon and Florges.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar,(RC) —specifically Assault Vest and Mega variants,(RC) —can take even a Focus Blast and KO back with Stone Edge due to their insane special bulk in Sandstorm under sand; it can then OHKO with Stone Edge.
**Offensive Threats**: Any Pokemon that can either outspeed Noivern or tank a hit from it and KO back, is an effective revenge killer can effectively revenge kill it. This includes Choice Band Talonflame, who which can OHKO Noivern with Brave Bird after Stealth Rocks Rock, and Weavile, who can use any of its Ice-type STAB moves to severely dent Noivern.
**Ice Shard**: Due to Noivern's 4x weakness to the Ice-type Ice, Ice Shard users of Ice Shard make excellent revenge killers. This includes Mamoswine, Weavile,(AC) and Cloyster.
**Stealth Rock**: Noivern's part Flying-type typing gives it a nasty weakness to Stealth Rock, which can be easily taken advantage of at the beginning of the game. This seriously damages Noivern's role on the team durability(for lack of a better word) as it likes to switch out very often.
########
When looking at Noivern, the first thing one notices is its incredible Speed stat, which separates it from other, slower Dragon-types. In addition, it has access to two powerful STAB moves,(RC) in Draco Meteor and Hurricane, as well as access to Switcheroo and U-turn, which gives it a small niche over other Dragon-types. Unfortunately, Noivern's Speed is its only great stat; everything else is mediocre, all of its other stats are mediocre. with i Its highest offensive stat, Special Attack, being is an average base 97. Noivern also has a poor defensive typing, being weak to Stealth Rock and the common Ice-typing Ice attacks. This combined with Noivern's bad bulk means it is prone to being worn down very quickly, and its coverage moves in general have shaky accuracy which initially . This seemingly gives little reason to use it over other Dragon-types, such as Latios, who which boasts much higher Special Attack, more expansive coverage, and better all-around bulk around. However, Noivern is still a viable choice as it has several advantages which benefit its give it a niche, the main one being Noivern's its insane Speed. This allows Noivern to be a potent revenge killer without needing a Choice Scarf, giving Noivern the opportunity to run a power-boosting item instead. While Noivern has flaws though, it can still do its job incredibly well, and should always be considered for a team in need of its virtues.
Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Switcheroo / U-turn / Hurricane
ability: Infiltrator / Frisk
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Noivern's main STAB move and does a large amount of damage with a Choice Specs boost. Focus Blast and Flamethrower are Noivern's ways of dealing with the Steel-types that resist its Dragon STAB. Focus Blast is Noivern's best option against Heatran, Terrakion, and Aggron, while Flamethrower is more reliable and deals much better with Scizor, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Lucario, and Mega Mawile. Switcheroo allows Noivern to cripple the defensive checks to Noivern such a as Chansey, Blissey, and the increasingly common Assault Vest users, while a fast U-turn provides momentum for the team. Hurricane, while inaccurate, can also be used in the last slot as a powerful secondary STAB move, but should really only be used on a rain team due to its unreliability.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is the ideal item on Noivern,(AC) as it makes up for its Noivern's mediocre Special Attack stat, while the Timid nature takes advantage of Noivern's most defining quality;(no semi) :(colon) its Speed. The EVs maximize Special Attack and Speed, which benefit Noivern's hit-and-run nature, while 4 Defense EVs give mean that Genesect obtains a Special Attack boost from Download boost to minimize if it switches in on Noivern; this reduces the switch-in's damage taken from U-turn by the switch-in. Infiltrator is Noivern's preferred ability, as it allows Noivern to hit through Substitutes, hence giving Noivern valuable utility, but Frisk can be used to scout the opponent's set item(?_?). Air Slash can be used over Hurricane as a more reliable Flying-type STAB move, but it has a low BP Base Power, which limits its effectiveness. Noivern can also use the powerful Boomburst, but it often has trouble fitting it into a set, as it does not provide super-(RH)(space)effective coverage against anything, and the ability to hit through Substitutes isn't as valuable when using Infiltrator as an ability.
Usage Tips
========
This set shows Noivern primarily being used as a revenge killer. Bring Noivern in to revenge a Pokemon, and use the appropriate coverage move. Try not to use Draco Meteor immediately, as the Special Attack drop can be debilitating early in the game when you don't fully know the opponent's team. Instead, either use an appropriate coverage move for who who you expect will switch in, or U-turn to scout what the opponent'(apostrophe)s check to Noivern is. In general, using U-turn throughout the game is helpful to scout your opponent's sets, which works great with when using Frisk. Late-game, Noivern can also be a threat to clean up with strong, Specs boosted Choice Specs-boosted moves. Finally, Noivern is viable on a rain team, as it boosts the accuracy of Hurricane, give giving Noivern freedom to run it over Flamethrower.
Team Options
========
Scizor is an excellent teammate,(AC) as it forms a U-turn core and can eliminate some of Noivern's main counters such as Assault Vest Tyranitar and Chansey, with Bullet Punch and Superpower respectively ,(RC) while also being It is also able to Pursuit trap things that Noivern has weakned weakened, and providing provides good defensive synergy, being able to ; it can take the Dragon- and Ice-(AH)type attacks aimed at Noivern. Excadrill can Rapid Spin away the Stealth Rocks Rock, which are is detrimental to Noivern, especially as Noivern will be switching a lot, while also providing ; Excadrill also provides good offensive synergy due Excadrill's to its STAB Earthquake and Iron Head being able to take out Steel- and Fairy-types, respectively. Magnezone completes forms a VoltTurn core with Noivern, and can trap and eliminate Steel-types with Magnet Pull. Noivern also appreciates the support of teammates that can counter Fairy-types that like to switch in on Noivern, such as Heatran, Mega Aggron, Genesect or , and Venusaur.
Life Orb
########
name: Life Orb
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: U-turn / Roost / Dragon Pulse
ability: Frisk / Infiltrator
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid / Naive
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is a STAB move and is Noivern's most powerful neutral option, while Focus Blast and Flamethrower provide coverage against the variety of Steel-type Pokemon that resist Draco Meteor. Roost allows Noivern to heal itself, as a and provides a way of mitigating Life Orb and Stealth Rock damage. U-turn obtains momentum for the team,(AC) while also dealing decent damage to Psychic- and Dark-types if using a Naive nature. Dragon Pulse is a consistent, reliable way of cleaning late-game, but it is not really necessary most of the time,(AC) as Noivern is primarily a revenge killer and a wallbreaker.
Set Details
========
By using Life Orb, Noivern sacrifices power for the ability to change moves, which allows NOivern it to use its coverage much more effectively. The EVs simply give Noivern the most Special Attack and Speed possible, while also giving With the given EVs, Genesect gains a Download boost if it switches in on Noivern. A Naive nature can be helpful in order to make U-turn do more damage, as Noivern will die a lot quicker with Life Orb so the Special Defense drop isn't as significant, , making the Special Defense drop insignificant; but Timid is still an option,(AC) as U-turn is mainly used for momentum, not coverage. Timid is always the best option if you choose to not run U-turn. As Noivern will be switching and U-turning a lot, Firsk Frisk is the more useful ability in the long run,(AC) as it lets Noivern learn about the opponent'(apostrophe)s sets, especially most importantly their Choice Scarf user and their Mega Evolution. However, Infiltrator is still uselful useful, as being able to hit through Substitutes is always handy.
Usage Tips
========
The Life Orb This Noivern set is also a very useful revenge killer(in addition to what), but with the freedom of switching moves, Noivern can U-turn more after every hit, which provides useful momentum for the team. Once things have been weakened and Noivern's counters have been eliminated, Noivern can clean late-game with its coverage moves, as well as Dragon Pulse. It is particularly good to use Draco Meteor often to dent things, and then U-turn or switch out afterwards. Also, if you choose to run Roost, take advantages of the switches you force Noivern forces and Roost to heal whenever it is necessary.
Team Options
========
Once again, Scizor makes an excellent teammate due to its offensive synergy with Noivern and also that they create due to them creating a U-turn core. Rapid Spinners are also mandatory partners, with Excadrill being the best at that role,(RC) due to its excellent defensive synergy and ability to beat spinblockers effectively with Shadow Claw. Genesect also forms a U-turn core and between the two of them, they have great offensive coverage, Genesect in particular being able to eliminate problematic Fairy-types such as Azumarill and Togekiss with Thunderbolt, and Sylveon and Florges with Iron Head. Bulky steel types Steel-types in particular are good because they resist the Dragon-, Fairy- and Ice-(remove space)type attacks aimed at Noivern, while also being able to wall Tyranitar reasonable reasonably well, This includes ;(semi) Skarmory, Ferrothorn,(AC) and Forretress are examples of such. Conkeldurr can hit Tyranitar, Chansey, and Blissey hard with Drain Punch, and ;(semi) most bulky Fighting-types make for good teammates for the same reason.
Other Options
########
Noivern has access to Taunt to prevent Chansey and Blissey from using Toxic or Thunder Wave, but Switcheroo is usually a superior option. Additionally, Noivern has Super Fang,(AC) which can help with very bulky walls, but Noivern shouldn't stay be staying in on them anyway. Tailwind is an option for if Noivern is close to dying, to allow a sweep for slower Pokemon such as Dragonite and Haxorus, but,(RC) like Super Fang, takes up a valuable moveslot. Finally, Noivern has access to Dark Pulse, Psychic,(AC) and Shadow Ball as coverage options against some Pokemon, but Draco Meteor is usually the best option in these cases.
Checks & Counters
########
**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey, being the insane special walls that they are, can tank any hit from Noivern, even a super-effective Focus Blast, and ; even a super effective Focus Blast. They can then proceed to either cripple Noivern with status or simply recover with Softboiled or Wish + Protect by using one of Softboiled and Wish + Protect. If Choice Specs Noivern is running Switcheroo,(AC) though, it can cripple Chansey and Blissey by giving them an unwanted Choice Specs, so this must be kept in mind.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types, such as Sylveon and Florges, are excellent checks because the are immune to Noivern's main STAB, resist Focus Blast,(AC) and take very little damage from Noivern's other moves,(AC) while being able to OHKO back with Moonblast,(RC) ;(semi) but Switcheroo can cripple them as well. Azumarill can take most of the moves that Noivern can offer and KO with Play Rough, but isn't as crippled as much by Switcheroo as Sylveon and Florges.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar,(RC) —specifically Assault Vest and Mega variants,(RC) —can take even a Focus Blast and KO back with Stone Edge due to their insane special bulk in Sandstorm under sand; it can then OHKO with Stone Edge.
**Offensive Threats**: Any Pokemon that can either outspeed Noivern or tank a hit from it and KO back, is an effective revenge killer can effectively revenge kill it. This includes Choice Band Talonflame, who which can OHKO Noivern with Brave Bird after Stealth Rocks Rock, and Weavile, who can use any of its Ice-type STAB moves to severely dent Noivern.
**Ice Shard**: Due to Noivern's 4x weakness to the Ice-type Ice, Ice Shard users of Ice Shard make excellent revenge killers. This includes Mamoswine, Weavile,(AC) and Cloyster.
**Stealth Rock**: Noivern's part Flying-type typing gives it a nasty weakness to Stealth Rock, which can be easily taken advantage of at the beginning of the game. This seriously damages Noivern's role on the team durability(for lack of a better word) as it likes to switch out very often.
feel free to pm me regarding questions about this check
a lot of stuff was clarity issues, spelling and grammar standards stuff, and random typos; please try to minimize these. you should join #grammar and #xyqc; people will be glad to help you regarding this
anyway
gp 1/2
Last edited:
Implemented, ready for 2nd GP check.
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pretend i have a cute gp stamp
2/2
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Overview
########
When looking at Noivern, the first thing one notices is its incredible Speed stat, which separates it from other, slower Dragon-types. In addition, it has access to two powerful STAB moves in Draco Meteor and Hurricane, as well as access to Switcheroo and U-turn, which gives it a small niche over other Dragon-types. Unfortunately, Noivern's Speed is its only great stat; all of its other stats are mediocre. Its highest offensive stat, Special Attack, is only an average base 97. Noivern also has a poor defensive typing, being weak to Stealth Rock and common Ice-type attacks. This,(AC) combined with Noivern's bad poor bulk,(AC) means it is prone to being worn down very quickly, and its coverage moves in general have shaky accuracy. This seemingly gives little reason to use it over other Dragon-types, such as Latios, which boasts much higher Special Attack, more expansive coverage (honestly Latios's coverage isn't great, and I would argue that Noivern's is far superior, though feel free to leave it in if you disagree), and better all-around bulk around. However, Noivern is still a viable choice as it has several advantages which give it a niche, the main one being its insane Speed. This allows Noivern to be a potent revenge killer without needing a Choice Scarf, giving Noivern the opportunity to run a power-boosting item instead. While Noivern has flaws, it can still do its job incredibly well, and should always be considered for a team in need of its virtues.
Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Switcheroo / U-turn / Hurricane
ability: Infiltrator / Frisk
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Noivern's main STAB move and does a large amount of damage with a Choice Specs boost. Focus Blast and Flamethrower are Noivern's ways of dealing with the Steel-types that resist its Dragon STAB. Focus Blast is Noivern's best option against Heatran, Terrakion, and Aggron, while Flamethrower is more reliable and deals much better with Scizor, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Lucario, and Mega Mawile better. Switcheroo allows Noivern to cripple the defensive checks to Noivern such as Chansey, Blissey, and the increasingly common Assault Vest users, while a fast U-turn provides momentum for the team. Hurricane, while inaccurate, can also be used in the last slot as a powerful secondary STAB move, but should really only be used on a rain team due to its unreliability.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is the ideal item on Noivern, as it makes up for Noivern's mediocre Special Attack stat, while the Timid nature takes advantage of Noivern's most defining quality: its Speed. The EVs maximize Special Attack and Speed, which benefit Noivern's hit-and-run nature, while the 4 Defense EVs mean that Genesect obtains a Special Attack boost from Download if it switches in on Noivern; this reduces the damage taken from U-turn by the switch-in. Infiltrator is Noivern's preferred ability, as it allows Noivern to hit through Substitutes, hence giving Noivern valuable utility, but Frisk can be used to scout the opponent's item. Air Slash can be used over Hurricane as a more reliable Flying-type STAB move, but it has a its low Base Power which limits its effectiveness. Noivern can also use the powerful Boomburst, but it often has trouble fitting it into a set, as it does not provide super effective coverage against anything, and the ability to hit through Substitutes isn't as valuable when using Infiltrator as an ability.
Usage Tips
========
This set shows Noivern primarily being used as a revenge killer. Bring Noivern in to revenge a Pokemon, and use the appropriate coverage move. Try not to use Draco Meteor immediately, as the Special Attack drop can be debilitating early in the game when you don't fully know the opponent's team. Instead, either use an appropriate coverage move for who you expect will switch in, or U-turn to scout what the opponent's check to Noivern is. In general, using U-turn throughout the game is helpful to scout your opponent's sets, which works great when using Frisk. Late-game, Noivern can also clean up with strong, Choice Specs-boosted moves. Finally, Noivern is viable on a rain team, as it boosts the accuracy of Hurricane, giving Noivern freedom to run it over Flamethrower.
Team Options
========
Scizor is an excellent teammate, as it forms a U-turn core and can eliminate some of Noivern's main counters such as Assault Vest Tyranitar and Chansey,(RC) with Bullet Punch and Superpower respectively (the phrasing is awkward here. you can't really say "respectively" since you're only mentioning 2 examples of "some of Noivern's main counters," which is what "respectively" would refer to. I would recommend taking out the mentions of its moves, and just changing it to "Scizor is an excellent teammate, as it forms a U-turn core and can eliminate some of Noivern's main counters such as Assault Vest Tyranitar and Chansey," although it's your choice on how to change it),.(period) It is also able to Pursuit trap things that Noivern has weakened, and provides good defensive synergy; it can take the Dragon- and Ice-type attacks aimed at Noivern. Excadrill can Rapid Spin away Stealth Rock,(AC) which is detrimental to Noivern, especially as Noivern will be switching a lot; Excadrill also provides good offensive synergy due to its STAB Earthquake and Iron Head being able to take out Steel- and Fairy-types, respectively. Magnezone forms a VoltTurn core with Noivern, and can trap and eliminate Steel-types with Magnet Pull. Noivern also appreciates the support of teammates such as Heatran, Mega Aggron, Genesect, and Venusaur that can counter the Fairy-types that like to switch in on Noivern, such as Heatran, Mega Aggron, Genesect, and Venusaur (it sounds like the mentioned pokemon are the fairy-types that like to switch in, which obviously isn't the case.).
Life Orb
########
name: Life Orb
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: U-turn / Roost / Dragon Pulse
ability: Frisk / Infiltrator
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid / Naive
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is a STAB move and is Noivern's most powerful neutral option, while Focus Blast and Flamethrower provide coverage against the variety of Steel-type Pokemon that resist Draco Meteor. Roost allows Noivern to heal itself,(RC) and provides a way of mitigating Life Orb and Stealth Rock damage. U-turn obtains momentum for the team, while also dealing decent damage to Psychic- and Dark-types if using a Naive nature. Dragon Pulse is a consistent, reliable way of cleaning late-game, but it is not really necessary most of the time, as Noivern is primarily a revenge killer and a wallbreaker. (what walls are being broken by noivern e.e)
Set Details
========
By using Life Orb, Noivern sacrifices power for the ability to change moves, which allows it to use its coverage much more effectively. With the given EVs, Genesect gains a Download boost an Attack boost from Download if it switches in on Noivern. A Naive nature can be helpful in order to make U-turn do more damage, as Noivern will die a lot quicker with Life Orb, making the Special Defense drop insignificant;,(AC) but Timid is still an option, as U-turn is mainly used for momentum, not coverage. Timid is always the best option if you choose to not run U-turn. As Noivern will be switching and U-turning a lot, Frisk is the more useful ability in the long run, as it lets Noivern learn about the opponent's sets, most importantly their Choice Scarf user and their Mega Evolution. However, Infiltrator is still useful, as being able to hit through Substitutes is always handy.
Usage Tips
========
This Noivern set is also a very useful revenge killer, but with the freedom of switching moves, Noivern can U-turn more after every hit, which provides useful momentum for the team. Once things have been weakened and Noivern's counters have been eliminated, Noivern can clean late-game with its coverage moves, as well as Dragon Pulse. It is particularly good to use Draco Meteor often to dent things, and then U-turn or switch out afterwards. Also, if you choose to run Roost, take advantages of the switches Noivern forces and Roost to heal whenever it is necessary.
Team Options
========
Once again, Scizor makes an excellent teammate due to its offensive synergy with Noivern and also due to them creating a U-turn core. Spinners are also mandatory partners, with Excadrill being the best at that role due to its excellent defensive synergy and ability to beat spinblockers effectively with Shadow Claw (what does it beat with shadow claw that it doesnt beat with earthquake). Genesect also forms a U-turn core and between the two of them, they have great offensive coverage, Genesect in particular being able to eliminate problematic Fairy-types such as Azumarill and Togekiss with Thunderbolt,(RC) and Sylveon and Florges with Iron Head. Bulky Steel-types in particular are good because they resist the Dragon-, Fairy-,(AC) and Ice-type attacks aimed at Noivern, while also being able to wall Tyranitar reasonably well; Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress are examples of such. Conkeldurr can hit Tyranitar, Chansey, and Blissey hard with Drain Punch; most bulky Fighting-types make for good teammates for the same reason.
Other Options
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Noivern has access to Taunt to prevent Chansey and Blissey from using Toxic or Thunder Wave, but Switcheroo is usually a superior option. Additionally, Noivern has Super Fang, which can help with very bulky walls, but Noivern shouldn't be staying in on them anyway. Tailwind is an option for if Noivern is close to dying,(RC) to allow a sweep for slower Pokemon such as Dragonite and Haxorus, but like Super Fang, takes up a valuable moveslot. Finally, Noivern has access to Dark Pulse, Psychic, and Shadow Ball as coverage options against some Pokemon, but Draco Meteor is usually the best option in these does more damage than these moves in most cases.
Checks & Counters
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**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey, being the insane special walls that they are, can tank any hit from Noivern;,(AC) even a super effective Focus Blast. They can then proceed to either cripple Noivern with status or simply recover by using one of Softboiled and or Wish + Protect. If Choice Specs Noivern is running Switcheroo,(AC) though, it can cripple Chansey and Blissey by giving them an unwanted Choice Specs, so this must be kept in mind.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types, such as Sylveon and Florges, are excellent checks because the they are immune to Noivern's main STAB, resist Focus Blast, and take very little damage from Noivern's other moves, while being able to OHKO back with Moonblast; but ,(AC) although Switcheroo can cripple them. Azumarill can take most of the moves that Noivern can offer and KO with Play Rough, but and isn't crippled as much by Switcheroo as Sylveon and Florges.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar;,(AC) specifically Assault Vest and Mega variants;,(AC) can take even a Focus Blast due to their its insane special bulk in under sand; it can then OHKO with Stone Edge.
**Offensive Threats**: Any Pokemon that can either outspeed Noivern or tank a hit from it and KO back can effectively revenge kill it. This includes Choice Band Talonflame, which can OHKO Noivern with Brave Bird after Stealth Rock, and Weavile, who can use any of its Ice-type STAB moves to severely dent Noivern.
**Ice Shard**: Due to Noivern's 4x weakness to Ice, users of Ice Shard make excellent revenge killers. This includes Mamoswine, Weavile, and Cloyster.
**Stealth Rock**: Noivern's typing gives it a nasty weakness to Stealth Rock, which can be easily taken advantage of at the beginning of the game. This seriously damages Noivern's durability as it likes to switch out very often.
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When looking at Noivern, the first thing one notices is its incredible Speed stat, which separates it from other, slower Dragon-types. In addition, it has access to two powerful STAB moves in Draco Meteor and Hurricane, as well as access to Switcheroo and U-turn, which gives it a small niche over other Dragon-types. Unfortunately, Noivern's Speed is its only great stat; all of its other stats are mediocre. Its highest offensive stat, Special Attack, is only an average base 97. Noivern also has a poor defensive typing, being weak to Stealth Rock and common Ice-type attacks. This,(AC) combined with Noivern's bad poor bulk,(AC) means it is prone to being worn down very quickly, and its coverage moves in general have shaky accuracy. This seemingly gives little reason to use it over other Dragon-types, such as Latios, which boasts much higher Special Attack, more expansive coverage (honestly Latios's coverage isn't great, and I would argue that Noivern's is far superior, though feel free to leave it in if you disagree), and better all-around bulk around. However, Noivern is still a viable choice as it has several advantages which give it a niche, the main one being its insane Speed. This allows Noivern to be a potent revenge killer without needing a Choice Scarf, giving Noivern the opportunity to run a power-boosting item instead. While Noivern has flaws, it can still do its job incredibly well, and should always be considered for a team in need of its virtues.
Choice Specs
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name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Switcheroo / U-turn / Hurricane
ability: Infiltrator / Frisk
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Noivern's main STAB move and does a large amount of damage with a Choice Specs boost. Focus Blast and Flamethrower are Noivern's ways of dealing with the Steel-types that resist its Dragon STAB. Focus Blast is Noivern's best option against Heatran, Terrakion, and Aggron, while Flamethrower is more reliable and deals much better with Scizor, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Lucario, and Mega Mawile better. Switcheroo allows Noivern to cripple the defensive checks to Noivern such as Chansey, Blissey, and the increasingly common Assault Vest users, while a fast U-turn provides momentum for the team. Hurricane, while inaccurate, can also be used in the last slot as a powerful secondary STAB move, but should really only be used on a rain team due to its unreliability.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is the ideal item on Noivern, as it makes up for Noivern's mediocre Special Attack stat, while the Timid nature takes advantage of Noivern's most defining quality: its Speed. The EVs maximize Special Attack and Speed, which benefit Noivern's hit-and-run nature, while the 4 Defense EVs mean that Genesect obtains a Special Attack boost from Download if it switches in on Noivern; this reduces the damage taken from U-turn by the switch-in. Infiltrator is Noivern's preferred ability, as it allows Noivern to hit through Substitutes, hence giving Noivern valuable utility, but Frisk can be used to scout the opponent's item. Air Slash can be used over Hurricane as a more reliable Flying-type STAB move, but it has a its low Base Power which limits its effectiveness. Noivern can also use the powerful Boomburst, but it often has trouble fitting it into a set, as it does not provide super effective coverage against anything, and the ability to hit through Substitutes isn't as valuable when using Infiltrator as an ability.
Usage Tips
========
This set shows Noivern primarily being used as a revenge killer. Bring Noivern in to revenge a Pokemon, and use the appropriate coverage move. Try not to use Draco Meteor immediately, as the Special Attack drop can be debilitating early in the game when you don't fully know the opponent's team. Instead, either use an appropriate coverage move for who you expect will switch in, or U-turn to scout what the opponent's check to Noivern is. In general, using U-turn throughout the game is helpful to scout your opponent's sets, which works great when using Frisk. Late-game, Noivern can also clean up with strong, Choice Specs-boosted moves. Finally, Noivern is viable on a rain team, as it boosts the accuracy of Hurricane, giving Noivern freedom to run it over Flamethrower.
Team Options
========
Scizor is an excellent teammate, as it forms a U-turn core and can eliminate some of Noivern's main counters such as Assault Vest Tyranitar and Chansey,(RC) with Bullet Punch and Superpower respectively (the phrasing is awkward here. you can't really say "respectively" since you're only mentioning 2 examples of "some of Noivern's main counters," which is what "respectively" would refer to. I would recommend taking out the mentions of its moves, and just changing it to "Scizor is an excellent teammate, as it forms a U-turn core and can eliminate some of Noivern's main counters such as Assault Vest Tyranitar and Chansey," although it's your choice on how to change it),.(period) It is also able to Pursuit trap things that Noivern has weakened, and provides good defensive synergy; it can take the Dragon- and Ice-type attacks aimed at Noivern. Excadrill can Rapid Spin away Stealth Rock,(AC) which is detrimental to Noivern, especially as Noivern will be switching a lot; Excadrill also provides good offensive synergy due to its STAB Earthquake and Iron Head being able to take out Steel- and Fairy-types, respectively. Magnezone forms a VoltTurn core with Noivern, and can trap and eliminate Steel-types with Magnet Pull. Noivern also appreciates the support of teammates such as Heatran, Mega Aggron, Genesect, and Venusaur that can counter the Fairy-types that like to switch in on Noivern, such as Heatran, Mega Aggron, Genesect, and Venusaur (it sounds like the mentioned pokemon are the fairy-types that like to switch in, which obviously isn't the case.).
Life Orb
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name: Life Orb
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: U-turn / Roost / Dragon Pulse
ability: Frisk / Infiltrator
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid / Naive
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is a STAB move and is Noivern's most powerful neutral option, while Focus Blast and Flamethrower provide coverage against the variety of Steel-type Pokemon that resist Draco Meteor. Roost allows Noivern to heal itself,(RC) and provides a way of mitigating Life Orb and Stealth Rock damage. U-turn obtains momentum for the team, while also dealing decent damage to Psychic- and Dark-types if using a Naive nature. Dragon Pulse is a consistent, reliable way of cleaning late-game, but it is not really necessary most of the time, as Noivern is primarily a revenge killer and a wallbreaker. (what walls are being broken by noivern e.e)
Set Details
========
By using Life Orb, Noivern sacrifices power for the ability to change moves, which allows it to use its coverage much more effectively. With the given EVs, Genesect gains a Download boost an Attack boost from Download if it switches in on Noivern. A Naive nature can be helpful in order to make U-turn do more damage, as Noivern will die a lot quicker with Life Orb, making the Special Defense drop insignificant;,(AC) but Timid is still an option, as U-turn is mainly used for momentum, not coverage. Timid is always the best option if you choose to not run U-turn. As Noivern will be switching and U-turning a lot, Frisk is the more useful ability in the long run, as it lets Noivern learn about the opponent's sets, most importantly their Choice Scarf user and their Mega Evolution. However, Infiltrator is still useful, as being able to hit through Substitutes is always handy.
Usage Tips
========
This Noivern set is also a very useful revenge killer, but with the freedom of switching moves, Noivern can U-turn more after every hit, which provides useful momentum for the team. Once things have been weakened and Noivern's counters have been eliminated, Noivern can clean late-game with its coverage moves, as well as Dragon Pulse. It is particularly good to use Draco Meteor often to dent things, and then U-turn or switch out afterwards. Also, if you choose to run Roost, take advantages of the switches Noivern forces and Roost to heal whenever it is necessary.
Team Options
========
Once again, Scizor makes an excellent teammate due to its offensive synergy with Noivern and also due to them creating a U-turn core. Spinners are also mandatory partners, with Excadrill being the best at that role due to its excellent defensive synergy and ability to beat spinblockers effectively with Shadow Claw (what does it beat with shadow claw that it doesnt beat with earthquake). Genesect also forms a U-turn core and between the two of them, they have great offensive coverage, Genesect in particular being able to eliminate problematic Fairy-types such as Azumarill and Togekiss with Thunderbolt,(RC) and Sylveon and Florges with Iron Head. Bulky Steel-types in particular are good because they resist the Dragon-, Fairy-,(AC) and Ice-type attacks aimed at Noivern, while also being able to wall Tyranitar reasonably well; Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress are examples of such. Conkeldurr can hit Tyranitar, Chansey, and Blissey hard with Drain Punch; most bulky Fighting-types make for good teammates for the same reason.
Other Options
########
Noivern has access to Taunt to prevent Chansey and Blissey from using Toxic or Thunder Wave, but Switcheroo is usually a superior option. Additionally, Noivern has Super Fang, which can help with very bulky walls, but Noivern shouldn't be staying in on them anyway. Tailwind is an option for if Noivern is close to dying,(RC) to allow a sweep for slower Pokemon such as Dragonite and Haxorus, but like Super Fang, takes up a valuable moveslot. Finally, Noivern has access to Dark Pulse, Psychic, and Shadow Ball as coverage options against some Pokemon, but Draco Meteor is usually the best option in these does more damage than these moves in most cases.
Checks & Counters
########
**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey, being the insane special walls that they are, can tank any hit from Noivern;,(AC) even a super effective Focus Blast. They can then proceed to either cripple Noivern with status or simply recover by using one of Softboiled and or Wish + Protect. If Choice Specs Noivern is running Switcheroo,(AC) though, it can cripple Chansey and Blissey by giving them an unwanted Choice Specs, so this must be kept in mind.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types, such as Sylveon and Florges, are excellent checks because the they are immune to Noivern's main STAB, resist Focus Blast, and take very little damage from Noivern's other moves, while being able to OHKO back with Moonblast; but ,(AC) although Switcheroo can cripple them. Azumarill can take most of the moves that Noivern can offer and KO with Play Rough, but and isn't crippled as much by Switcheroo as Sylveon and Florges.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar;,(AC) specifically Assault Vest and Mega variants;,(AC) can take even a Focus Blast due to their its insane special bulk in under sand; it can then OHKO with Stone Edge.
**Offensive Threats**: Any Pokemon that can either outspeed Noivern or tank a hit from it and KO back can effectively revenge kill it. This includes Choice Band Talonflame, which can OHKO Noivern with Brave Bird after Stealth Rock, and Weavile, who can use any of its Ice-type STAB moves to severely dent Noivern.
**Ice Shard**: Due to Noivern's 4x weakness to Ice, users of Ice Shard make excellent revenge killers. This includes Mamoswine, Weavile, and Cloyster.
**Stealth Rock**: Noivern's typing gives it a nasty weakness to Stealth Rock, which can be easily taken advantage of at the beginning of the game. This seriously damages Noivern's durability as it likes to switch out very often.
watch the semicolon use
pretend i have a cute gp stamp
2/2
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Implemented, thanks. This is complete.
I hate to nitpick since this is done, but there is discrepancy between the description of the EVs for both sets. Both have 4 Def, but the Specs set (correctly) states that because of this, Genesect will get a SpA boost. In the LO set, though, it says Genesect will get an Attack boost. Which is superior anyway when facing down a Genesect? Either has its merits; a SpA boost means a weaker U-turn if it predicts you switching out, but an Attack boost means a weaker Ice Beam is hitting whatever you might have switched in, while also halting other users of Download who are purely Special. Myself, I would lean towards putting them in SpD, as a U-turn from a specially oriented Genesect --ie, the most common one-- is easier to absorb than a +1 252 EV Ice Beam or something. That's just me though, and this is already done and QC'd so it may be late for that. But there is that disagreement to resolve between the sets.
Considering it's the fastest dragon type around and only 22 other pokemon outspeed it under normal circumstances, why are only +speed natures mentioned?
Those normal circumstances you mention include other Pokemon in similar speed tiers also running +Speed natures. Timid Latios outspeeds Modest Noivern by 5 points; not cool.
It's not like you'd be brutally switching Noivern into assaults either way. The increase in power is more useful, as it can potentially weaken something far enough to be finished off by Noivern later or something else on your team. Chip damage is chip damage, you might as well make the most of it.
Noivern has access to both Hurricane and Moonlight, which, despite the weather debuff, can be used on weather teams, and anti-weather teams. And I prefer Moonlight over Roost because Roost removes Noivern's flying typing for recovery and with his low defenses, can possibly be OHKO'ed by a STAB Earthquake. While with Moonlight, Noivern can restore the same amount of health as Roost with no sun and Noivern keeps his flying typing. And Moonlight can restore more with the sun out.
Moonlight is not only unreliable due to its nerf in weather (bar Sun), but it also has extremely low PP. I mean when is there a time a Pokemon can only hit you with Earthquake? Roost is definitely the superior option.
TRC. Sorry to bother you on a finished analysis, but there's a few glaring things we gotta address.
Tyranitar should not receive a mention in C&C, as Assault Vest and Specially Defensive sets are currently not standard, and all 252 HP variants of Tyranitar that are not specially defensive are all OHKOed by Specs or Life Orb Focus Blast, with or without Stealth Rock support.
Florges is also irrelevant in OU, so you can replace it with (Mega) Gardevoir, since it can tank coverage attacks (except for Specs Hurricane) and KO back with Hyper Voice, and doesn't care particularly about Switcheroo at all.
Also lol no Moonlight.
Tyranitar should not receive a mention in C&C, as Assault Vest and Specially Defensive sets are currently not standard, and all 252 HP variants of Tyranitar that are not specially defensive are all OHKOed by Specs or Life Orb Focus Blast, with or without Stealth Rock support.
Florges is also irrelevant in OU, so you can replace it with (Mega) Gardevoir, since it can tank coverage attacks (except for Specs Hurricane) and KO back with Hyper Voice, and doesn't care particularly about Switcheroo at all.
Also lol no Moonlight.
I'm going to go ahead and Reject Noivern. This thing serves little to no purpose in OU. It's outclassed by every single dragon in the tier and is considerably weak. It's only real niche is Inflitrator but I dont find it enough to warrant an analysis. Honestly, when was the last time anyone seriously considered Noivern for a teamslot.
QC Reject 1/3
QC Reject 1/3
