Bisharp

alexwolf

lurks in the shadows
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Shroomisaur said:
Zapdos falls to a boosted Sucker Punch, so it only wins if it predicts the switch (which is true of most Defoggers). If Bisharp packs Pursuit as well, it's stuck in the classic stay/switch prediction war.
- +2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zapdos: 290-343 (75.5 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 4 SpA Zapdos Heat Wave vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 224-264 (80.2 - 94.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

So Zapdos can counter Bisharp with a bit of SpA investment, and no sane Bisharp would want to switch into Zapdos.
 
Amateur check.

Add
Remove
Comments
Overview
########
Although firmly planted in UU last generation, Bisharp has benefited from many of the changes in XY and is now a prominent threat. Bisharp possesses incredibly powerful priority in Sucker Punch, and both power and utility in Knock Off. The new Fairy-type, which resists Bisharp's signature Dark-type moves, happens to be crushed by his its(Consistency with the rest of the analysis.) secondary Steel-type STAB. Bisharp also possesses an ability in Defiant that allows Bisharp it to laugh at stat-lowering moves and Abilities such as Defog, Sticky Web, King's Shield, and Intimidate. Unfortunately, Bisharp still suffers offensively from its low base Speed. Defensively, poor Special Defense and a nasty 4x Fighting weakness prevents it from making the most of its unique Dark / Steel typing. However, Bisharp's ability to threaten Defog users and apply huge offensive pressure gives it a new niche in OU.

Defiant Attacker
########
name: Defiant Attacker
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Substitute
ability: Defiant
item: Life Orb / Dread Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Moves
========
Bisharp's primary move is the newly buffed Knock Off, which provides a powerful, reliable STAB move. It also weakens nearly any target by removing items. Sucker Punch is a staple on Bisharp and one of the most powerful priority moves in the tier. Bisharp can eliminate many faster threats with Sucker Punch, and nearly anything that doesn't resist it when boosted as well. Iron Head is Bisharp's reliable Steel-type STAB that deals with targets that resist Dark, most notably Fairy-types. Swords Dance allows Bisharp to boost its high 125 base Attack even higher and attempt a sweep. Substitute can be used instead to ease prediction with Sucker Punch and block status aimed at Bisharp. Bisharp can also use Pursuit in the last slot to trap many popular opponents, most notably Aegislash thanks to Defiant negating King's Shield's Attack drop. Bisharp can also eliminate Defog users such as Latias or Latios with Pursuit, which ensures that your hazards will be safe for the rest of the match.

Set Details
========
An Adamant nature with 252 EVs maximizes Bisharp's Attack, and maximum speed is used to outrun as many threats as possible, including defensive Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Mega Venusaur. Bisharp greatly appreciates an item that boosts its damage output. Life Orb is generally the superior item choice as it provides a needed boost in power to all of Bisharp's moves. For example, Life Orb guarantees the 2HKO on Azumarill with Iron Head. However, Dread Plate can be used to avoid recoil while still boosting Bisharp's commonly used Dark-type moves. Low Kick can be used to OHKO Tyranitar and opposing Bisharp, is the best option against Mega Aggron, and can KO Mega Lucario on the switch. Assault Vest with an EV spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 SpD is an interesting option that allows Bisharp to survive powerful special attacks, and is most notable for reliably trapping Defog Latios with Pursuit.

Usage Tips
========
Bisharp is best used to apply heavy offensive pressure to your opponent. Switch in using Bisharp's resistances or on a predicted switch, and use Knock Off to weaken any switch-in early in the match. Defiant forces your opponent to play carefully with Intimidate Pokemon such as Landorus-T, or Defog users such as Latias, because you can gain a free boost with clever switching. Later in the match, use Swords Dance against something you can force out to sweep once Bisharp's counters have been removed. Once it gains a boost, Bisharp is incredibly difficult to stop. However, Sucker Punch must be used carefully, as it is predictable and very easy to exploit.

Team Options
========
Great offensive teammates for Bisharp include Pokemon that can defeat bulky physical walls. Water-types including Starmie and Rotom-W pair well with Bisharp and can defeat Hippowdon and Gliscor. Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y can defeat bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Mega Aggron. Defensively, Pokemon including Landorus-T, Slowbro, Gyarados, Trevenant, and Gourgeist cover Bisharp's Fighting weakness very well. Hazard setters, most notably Deoxys-D, are also great teammates. Deoxys-D can support Bisharp with hazards and bait a Defog for Bisharp to switch in on. In return, Bisharp's offensive presence discourages the opponent from using Defog to remove your hazards.

Other Options
########
Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock are excellent support moves, but Bisharp is generally best used to apply offensive pressure. There are a few other item choices that work with Bisharp as well. If Bisharp is carrying Swords Dance, Lum Berry can protect Bisharp from status and continue a sweep. If carrying Substitute, Leftovers can offset the residual damage and offers Bisharp better survivability. However, Bisharp will greatly miss the boost in power from an offensive item in both cases.

Checks & Counters
########
**Physical walls**: Bisharp can't break through extremely bulky physical walls. (You have an extra space here, so you might want to fix that) Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, Donphan, and Unaware(I'm not really sure whether Quagsire's ability needs to be specified, as Unaware is its only truly viable option, but I'll leave it up to you on whether or not to change this) Quagsire are especially good counters as they can hit Bisharp hard with STAB Earthquake. Mega Aggron can easily take boosted hits, doesn't fear Knock Off, and can strike back with Earthquake or phaze Bisharp out. Physically defensive Mega Venusaur can do the same, although it takes hefty damage from Iron Head. Skarmory can take a boosted hit and phaze Bisharp, but can't threaten it directly.

**Fighting-types**: Bisharp has a crippling 4x Fighting weakness, and Fighting-types also resist Bisharp's Sucker Punch. Infernape, Keldeo, and Lucario are great choices as they resist both of Bisharp's STABs. Terrakion and Heracross work well if they avoid Iron Head on the switch. Fighting-type priority from Breloom, Conkeldurr, or Mega Lucario can also dispose of Bisharp.

**Fast Substitute, Will-O-Wisp, or Encore**: Faster Substitute or Will-O-Wisp users can abuse Bisharp's reliance on Sucker Punch to set up a Substitute or cripple Bisharp. Encore users can force Bisharp to switch out if it uses Sucker Punch, Swords Dance, or Substitute.

**Dark-Resistant Attackers**: Dark-resistant sweepers, such as Mega Gyarados or Hydreigon, can take a +2 Sucker Punch and KO in return with powerful attacks.
 

blitzlefan

shake it off!
Amateur check. Hope this helps!

Additions
Removals

Overview
########
Although it was firmly planted in UU last generation, Bisharp benefited from many of the changes that XY brought and is now a prominent threat. Bisharp possesses incredibly powerful priority in Sucker Punch as well as both power and utility in Knock Off. The new Fairy-type, which resists Bisharp's signature Dark-type moves, happens to be crushed by his secondary Steel-type STAB. Bisharp's ability, Defiant, allows it to laugh at stat-lowering moves and abilities such as Defog, Sticky Web, King's Shield, and Intimidate. Unfortunately, Bisharp still suffers offensively from its low base Speed. Defensively, its poor Special Defense and nasty 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves prevent it from making the most of its unique Dark / Steel typing. However, Bisharp's ability to threaten Defog users and apply huge offensive pressure gives it a new niche in OU.

Defiant Attacker
########
name: Defiant Attacker
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Substitute
ability: Defiant
item: Life Orb / Dread Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Moves
========
Bisharp's primary move is the newly buffed Knock Off, a powerful and reliable STAB move that weakens nearly any target by removing its item. Sucker Punch is a staple on Bisharp and one of the most powerful priority moves in the tier. After a boost, Bisharp can use Sucker Punch to eliminate many faster threats and nearly anything without a resistance to Dark-type moves. Iron Head is Bisharp's reliable Steel-type STAB that deals with targets that resist Dark, most notably Fairy-types. Swords Dance allows Bisharp to boost its solid base 125 Attack even higher and attempt a sweep. Substitute can be used instead to ease prediction with Sucker Punch and block status moves aimed at Bisharp. Bisharp can also use Pursuit in the last slot to trap many popular opponents, most notably Aegislash as Defiant negates the Attack drop from King's Shield. Bisharp can also eliminate Defog users such as Latias or Latios with Pursuit, ensuring that your hazards will be safe for the rest of the match.

Set Details
========
An Adamant nature and 252 Attack EVs maximizes Bisharp's Attack, while maximum Speed is used to outrun as many threats as possible, including defensive Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Mega Venusaur. Bisharp greatly appreciates an item that boosts its damage output, and Life Orb is generally the superior item as it provides a needed boost in power to all of Bisharp's moves. For example, Life Orb guarantees the 2HKO on Azumarill with Iron Head. However, Dread Plate can be used to avoid recoil while still boosting Bisharp's commonly used Dark-type moves. Low Kick can be used to OHKO Tyranitar and opposing Bisharp, is the best option against Mega Aggron, and can KO Mega Lucario on the switch. An Assault Vest with an EV spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 SpD is an interesting option for Bisharp that allows it to survive powerful special attacks and reliably trap Defog Latios with Pursuit.

Usage Tips
========
Bisharp is best used to apply heavy offensive pressure to your opponent. Switch in using Bisharp's resistances or on a predicted switch, and use Knock Off to weaken any switch-in early in the match. Defiant forces your opponent to play carefully with Intimidate Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Defog users such as Latias, because Bisharp can gain a free boost with clever switching. Later in the match when Bisharp's counters have been removed, use Swords Dance against something Bisharp can force out to sweep. Once it gains a boost, Bisharp is incredibly difficult to stop. However, Sucker Punch must be used carefully, as it is predictable and very easy to exploit.

Team Options
========
Great offensive teammates for Bisharp include Pokemon that can defeat bulky physical walls. Water-types such as Starmie and Rotom-W pair well with Bisharp and can defeat Hippowdon and Gliscor. Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y can defeat bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Mega Aggron. Defensively, Pokemon including Landorus-T, Slowbro, Gyarados, Trevenant, and Gourgeist cover Bisharp's Fighting-type weakness very well. Hazard setters, most notably Deoxys-D, are also great teammates. Deoxys-D can support Bisharp with hazards and bait a Defog for Bisharp to switch in on. In return, Bisharp's offensive presence discourages the opponent from using Defog to remove your hazards.


Other Options
########
Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock are excellent support moves, but Bisharp is generally best used to apply offensive pressure. There are a few other items that Bisharp can utilize as well. If Bisharp is carrying Swords Dance, Lum Berry can protect Bisharp from status and allow it to continue its onslaught. If it is carrying Substitute, Leftovers can offset the residual damage and offers Bisharp better survivability. However, in both cases, Bisharp will greatly miss the boost in power granted by an offensive item.


Checks & Counters
########
**Physical walls**: Bisharp can't break through extremely bulky physical walls. Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, Donphan, and Unaware Quagsire are especially good counters, as they can hit Bisharp hard with STAB Earthquake. Mega Aggron can easily take boosted hits, doesn't fear Knock Off, and can strike back with Earthquake or phaze Bisharp out. Physically defensive Mega Venusaur can do the same, although it takes hefty damage from Iron Head. Skarmory can take a boosted hit and phaze Bisharp, but can't threaten it directly.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types resist Bisharp's Sucker Punch and can exploit Bisharp's crippling 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Infernape, Keldeo, and Lucario are great choices as they resist both of Bisharp's STABs. Terrakion and Heracross work well if they avoid Iron Head on the switch. Fighting-type priority moves from Breloom, Conkeldurr, and Mega Lucario can also dispose of Bisharp.

**Fast Substitute, Will-O-Wisp, or Encore**: Faster Substitute or Will-O-Wisp users can abuse Bisharp's reliance on Sucker Punch to set up a Substitute or cripple Bisharp. Encore users can force Bisharp to switch out if it uses Sucker Punch, Swords Dance, or Substitute.

**Dark-Resistant Attackers**: Sweepers that resist Dark-type moves, such as Mega Gyarados and Hydreigon, can take a +2 Sucker Punch and KO in return with powerful attacks.


Overview
########
Although it was firmly planted in UU last generation, Bisharp has benefited from many of the changes inthat XY brought and is now a prominent threat. Bisharp possesses incredibly powerful priority in Sucker Punch, ands well as both power and utility in Knock Off. The new Fairy-type, which resists Bisharp's signature Dark-type moves, happens to be crushed by his secondary Steel-type STAB. Bisharp's also possesses an ability in, Defiant that, allows Bisharpit to laugh at stat-lowering moves and Aabilities such as Defog, Sticky Web, King's Shield, and Intimidate. Unfortunately, Bisharp still suffers offensively from its low base Speed. Defensively, its poor Special Defense and a nasty 4x weakness to Fighting weakn-type movess prevents it from making the most of its unique Dark / Steel typing. However, Bisharp's ability to threaten Defog users and apply huge offensive pressure gives it a new niche in OU.

Defiant Attacker
########
name: Defiant Attacker
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Substitute
ability: Defiant
item: Life Orb / Dread Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Moves
========
Bisharp's primary move is the newly buffed Knock Off, which provides a powerful, and reliable STAB move. It also that weakens nearly any target by removing its items. Sucker Punch is a staple on Bisharp and one of the most powerful priority moves in the tier. After a boost, Bisharp can use Sucker Punch to eliminate many faster threats with Sucker Punch, and nearly anything withat doesn'out a resist it when boostedance to Dark-type moves. Iron Head is Bisharp's reliable Steel-type STAB that deals with targets that resist Dark, most notably Fairy-types. Swords Dance allows Bisharp to boost its high 125solid base 125 Attack even higher and attempt a sweep. Substitute can be used instead to ease prediction with Sucker Punch and block status moves aimed at Bisharp. Bisharp can also use Pursuit in the last slot to trap many popular opponents, most notably Aegislash thanks to Defiant negating King's Shield'ses the Attack drop from King's Shield. Bisharp can also eliminate Defog users such as Latias or Latios with Pursuit, which ensuresing that your hazards will be safe for the rest of the match.

Set Details
========
An Adamant nature withand 252 Attack EVs maximizes Bisharp's Attack, andwhile maximum sSpeed is used to outrun as many threats as possible, including defensive Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Mega Venusaur. Bisharp greatly appreciates an item that boosts its damage output., and Life Orb is generally the superior item choice as it provides a needed boost in power to all of Bisharp's moves. For example, Life Orb guarantees the 2HKO on Azumarill with Iron Head. However, Dread Plate can be used to avoid recoil while still boosting Bisharp's commonly used Dark-type moves. Low Kick can be used to OHKO Tyranitar and opposing Bisharp, is the best option against Mega Aggron, and can KO Mega Lucario on the switch. An Assault Vest with an EV spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 SpD is an interesting option for Bisharp that allows Bisharpit to survive powerful special attacks, and is most notable for reliably trapping Defog Latios with Pursuit.

Usage Tips
========
Bisharp is best used to apply heavy offensive pressure to your opponent. Switch in using Bisharp's resistances or on a predicted switch, and use Knock Off to weaken any switch-in early in the match. Defiant forces your opponent to play carefully with Intimidate Pokemon such as Landorus-T, or and Defog users such as Latias, because youBisharp can gain a free boost with clever switching. Later in the match when Bisharp's counters have been removed, use Swords Dance against something youBisharp can force out to sweep once Bisharp's counters have been removed. Once it gains a boost, Bisharp is incredibly difficult to stop. However, Sucker Punch must be used carefully, as it is predictable and very easy to exploit.

Team Options
========
Great offensive teammates for Bisharp include Pokemon that can defeat bulky physical walls. Water-types includingsuch as Starmie and Rotom-W pair well with Bisharp and can defeat Hippowdon and Gliscor. Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y can defeat bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Mega Aggron. Defensively, Pokemon including Landorus-T, Slowbro, Gyarados, Trevenant, and Gourgeist cover Bisharp's Fighting-type weakness very well. Hazard setters, most notably Deoxys-D, are also great teammates. Deoxys-D can support Bisharp with hazards and bait a Defog for Bisharp to switch in on. In return, Bisharp's offensive presence discourages the opponent from using Defog to remove your hazards.


Other Options
########
Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock are excellent support moves, but Bisharp is generally best used to apply offensive pressure. There are a few other item choices that work with Bisharp can utilize as well. If Bisharp is carrying Swords Dance, Lum Berry can protect Bisharp from status and allow it to continue a sweepits onslaught. If it is carrying Substitute, Leftovers can offset the residual damage and offers Bisharp better survivability. However, in both cases, Bisharp will greatly miss the boost in power fromgranted by an offensive item in both cases.


Checks & Counters
########
**Physical walls**: Bisharp can't break through extremely bulky physical walls. Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, Donphan, and Unaware Quagsire are especially good counters, as they can hit Bisharp hard with STAB Earthquake. Mega Aggron can easily take boosted hits, doesn't fear Knock Off, and can strike back with Earthquake or phaze Bisharp out. Physically defensive Mega Venusaur can do the same, although it takes hefty damage from Iron Head. Skarmory can take a boosted hit and phaze Bisharp, but can't threaten it directly.

**Fighting-types**: Bisharp has a crippling 4x Fighting weakness, and Fighting-types also resist Bisharp's Sucker Punch and can exploit Bisharp's crippling 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Infernape, Keldeo, and Lucario are great choices as they resist both of Bisharp's STABs. Terrakion and Heracross work well if they avoid Iron Head on the switch. Fighting-type priority moves from Breloom, Conkeldurr, orand Mega Lucario can also dispose of Bisharp.

**Fast Substitute, Will-O-Wisp, or Encore**: Faster Substitute or Will-O-Wisp users can abuse Bisharp's reliance on Sucker Punch to set up a Substitute or cripple Bisharp. Encore users can force Bisharp to switch out if it uses Sucker Punch, Swords Dance, or Substitute.

**Dark-Resistant Attackers**: Dark-Sweepers that resistant sweeper Dark-type moves, such as Mega Gyarados orand Hydreigon, can take a +2 Sucker Punch and KO in return with powerful attacks.
 
Last edited:

Legitimate Username

mad tales of a bloodthirsty corviknight
is a Top Artist Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Additions
Removals
(Comments)
Overview
########
Although it was firmly planted in UU last generation, Bisharp benefited from many of the changes that XY brought and is now a prominent threat. Bisharp possesses incredibly powerful priority in Sucker Punch as well as both power and utility in Knock Off. The new Fairy-type, which resists Bisharp's signature Dark-type moves, happens to be is crushed by his its secondary Steel-type STAB attacks. Bisharp's ability, Defiant, allows it to laugh at stat-lowering moves and abilities such as Defog, Sticky Web, King's Shield, and Intimidate. Unfortunately, Bisharp still suffers offensively from its low base Speed. Defensively, its poor Special Defense and nasty 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves prevent it from making the most of its unique Dark / Steel typing. However, Bisharp's ability to threaten Defog users and apply huge offensive pressure gives it a new niche in OU.

Defiant Attacker
########
name: Defiant Attacker
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Substitute
ability: Defiant
item: Life Orb / Dread Plate Black Glasses
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Moves
========
Bisharp's primary move is the newly buffed Knock Off, a powerful and reliable STAB move that weakens nearly any target by removing its item through both damage and item removal. Sucker Punch is a staple on Bisharp and one of the most powerful priority moves in the tier. After a boost, Bisharp can use Sucker Punch to eliminate many faster threats and nearly anything without a resistance to Dark-type moves. Iron Head is Bisharp's a reliable Steel-type STAB move that deals with targets that resist Dark Dark-type attacks, most notably Fairy-types. Swords Dance allows Bisharp to boost its solid base 125 Attack even higher and attempt a sweep. Substitute can be used instead to ease prediction with Sucker Punch and block status moves aimed at Bisharp it. Bisharp can also use Pursuit in the last slot to trap many popular opponents threats, most notably Aegislash, as Defiant negates the Attack drop from King's Shield. Bisharp can also use Pursuit to eliminate Defog users such as Latias or Latios with Pursuit, ensuring that your hazards will be safe for the rest of the match.

Set Details
========
An Adamant nature and 252 Attack EVs maximizes Bisharp's Attack, while maximum Speed is used to outrun as many threats as possible, including defensive Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Mega Venusaur. Bisharp greatly appreciates an item that boosts its damage output, and Life Orb is generally the superior item choice as it provides a needed necessary boost in power to all of Bisharp's moves. For example, Life Orb guarantees the 2HKO on Azumarill with Iron Head. However, Dread Plate Black Glasses (sorry, I just have an unexplainable dislike towards plates) can be used to avoid recoil while still boosting Bisharp's more commonly used Dark-type moves. Low Kick can be used to OHKO Tyranitar, Mega Lucario, and opposing Bisharp, and is also the best option against Mega Aggron, and can KO Mega Lucario on the switch. An Assault Vest with an EV spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 SpD is an interesting option for Bisharp that allows it to survive powerful special attacks and reliably trap Defog Latios with by using Pursuit (seemed like Latios was the one with Pursuit).

Usage Tips
========
Bisharp is best used to apply heavy offensive pressure to your opponent. Switch in using Bisharp's resistances or on a predicted switch, and use Knock Off to weaken any switch-in early in the match. Defiant forces your opponent to play carefully with Intimidate Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Defog users such as Latias, because Bisharp can gain a free boost with clever switching. Later in the match, when Bisharp's counters have been removed, use Swords Dance against something Bisharp can force out in order to sweep. Once it gains a boost, Bisharp is incredibly difficult to stop. However, Sucker Punch must be used carefully, as it is predictable and very easy to exploit.

Team Options
========
Great offensive teammates for Bisharp include Pokemon that can defeat bulky physical walls. Water-types such as Starmie and Rotom-W pair well with Bisharp and can defeat Hippowdon and Gliscor. Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y can defeat bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Mega Aggron. Defensively, Pokemon including such as Landorus-T, Slowbro, Gyarados, Trevenant, and Gourgeist cover Bisharp's Fighting-type weakness very well. Hazard setters, most notably Deoxys-D, are also great teammates., as they Deoxys-D can support Bisharp with hazards and bait a Defog for Bisharp to switch in on. In return, Bisharp's offensive presence discourages the opponent from using Defog to remove your hazards.


Other Options
########
Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock are excellent support moves, but Bisharp is generally best used to apply for applying offensive pressure. There are a few other items that Bisharp can utilize as well. If Bisharp is carrying Swords Dance, a Lum Berry can protect Bisharp from status and allow it to continue its onslaught. If it is carrying Substitute, Leftovers can offset the residual damage and offers Bisharp better survivability. However, in both cases, Bisharp will greatly miss the boost in power granted by an offensive item.


Checks & Counters
########
**Physical walls Walls**: Bisharp can't break through extremely bulky physical walls. Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, Donphan, and Unaware Quagsire are especially good counters, as they can hit Bisharp hard with STAB Earthquake. Mega Aggron can easily take boosted hits, doesn't fear Knock Off, and can strike back with Earthquake or phaze Bisharp out. Physically defensive Mega Venusaur can do the same, although it takes hefty damage from Iron Head. Skarmory can take a boosted hit and phaze Bisharp, but can't threaten it directly.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types resist Bisharp's Sucker Punch and can exploit Bisharp's crippling 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Infernape, Keldeo, and Lucario are great choices as they resist both of Bisharp's STABs. Terrakion and Heracross work well if they can avoid switching into Iron Head on the switch. Fighting-type priority moves from Breloom, Conkeldurr, and Mega Lucario can also dispose of Bisharp.

**Fast Substitute, Will-O-Wisp, or Encore Users**: Faster Substitute or Will-O-Wisp users can abuse Bisharp's reliance on Sucker Punch to set up a Substitute or cripple Bisharp. Encore users can force Bisharp to switch out if it uses Sucker Punch, Swords Dance, or Substitute.

**Dark-type Resistant Attackers**: Sweepers that resist Dark-type moves, such as Mega Gyarados and Hydreigon, can take a +2 Sucker Punch and KO in return with their powerful attacks.
Overview
########
Although it was firmly planted in UU last generation, Bisharp benefited from many of the changes that XY brought and is now a prominent threat. Bisharp possesses incredibly powerful priority in Sucker Punch as well as both power and utility in Knock Off. The new Fairy-type, which resists Bisharp's signature Dark-type moves, is crushed by its Steel-type STAB attacks. Bisharp's ability, Defiant, allows it to laugh at stat-lowering moves and abilities such as Defog, Sticky Web, King's Shield, and Intimidate. Unfortunately, Bisharp still suffers offensively from its low base Speed. Defensively, its poor Special Defense and nasty 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves prevent it from making the most of its unique Dark / Steel typing. However, Bisharp's ability to threaten Defog users and apply huge offensive pressure gives it a new niche in OU.

Defiant Attacker
########
name: Defiant Attacker
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Substitute
ability: Defiant
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Moves
========
Bisharp's primary move is the newly buffed Knock Off, a powerful and reliable STAB move that weakens nearly any target through both damage and item removal. Sucker Punch is a staple on Bisharp and one of the most powerful priority moves in the tier. After a boost, Bisharp can use Sucker Punch to eliminate many faster threats and nearly anything without a resistance to Dark-type moves. Iron Head is a reliable Steel-type STAB move that deals with targets that resist Dark-type attacks, most notably Fairy-types. Swords Dance allows Bisharp to boost its solid base 125 Attack even higher and attempt a sweep. Substitute can be used instead to ease prediction with Sucker Punch and block status moves aimed at it. Bisharp can also use Pursuit in the last slot to trap many popular threats, most notably Aegislash, as Defiant negates the Attack drop from King's Shield. Bisharp can also use Pursuit to eliminate Defog users such as Latias or Latios , ensuring that your hazards will be safe for the rest of the match.

Set Details
========
An Adamant nature and 252 Attack EVs maximizes Bisharp's Attack, while maximum Speed is used to outrun as many threats as possible, including defensive Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Mega Venusaur. Bisharp greatly appreciates an item that boosts its damage output, and Life Orb is generally the superior choice as it provides a necessary boost in power to all of Bisharp's moves. For example, Life Orb guarantees the 2HKO on Azumarill with Iron Head. However, Black Glasses can be used to avoid recoil while still boosting Bisharp's more commonly used Dark-type moves. Low Kick can be used to OHKO Tyranitar, Mega Lucario, and opposing Bisharp, and is also the best option against Mega Aggron. An Assault Vest with an EV spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 SpD is an interesting option for Bisharp that allows it to survive powerful special attacks and reliably trap Defog Latios by using Pursuit.

Usage Tips
========
Bisharp is best used to apply heavy offensive pressure to your opponent. Switch in using Bisharp's resistances or a predicted switch, and use Knock Off to weaken any switch-in early in the match. Defiant forces your opponent to play carefully with Intimidate Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Defog users such as Latias, because Bisharp can gain a free boost with clever switching. Later in the match, when Bisharp's counters have been removed, use Swords Dance against something Bisharp can force out in order to sweep. Once it gains a boost, Bisharp is incredibly difficult to stop. However, Sucker Punch must be used carefully, as it is predictable and very easy to exploit.

Team Options
========
Great offensive teammates for Bisharp include Pokemon that can defeat bulky physical walls. Water-types such as Starmie and Rotom-W pair well with Bisharp and can defeat Hippowdon and Gliscor. Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y can defeat bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Mega Aggron. Defensively, Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Slowbro, Gyarados, Trevenant, and Gourgeist cover Bisharp's Fighting-type weakness very well. Hazard setters, most notably Deoxys-D, are also great teammates., as they can support Bisharp with hazards and bait a Defog for Bisharp to switch in on. In return, Bisharp's offensive presence discourages the opponent from using Defog to remove your hazards.


Other Options
########
Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock are excellent support moves, but Bisharp is generally best for applying offensive pressure. There are a few other items that Bisharp can utilize as well. If Bisharp is carrying Swords Dance, a Lum Berry can protect Bisharp from status and allow it to continue its onslaught. If it is carrying Substitute, Leftovers can offset the residual damage and offers Bisharp better survivability. However, in both cases, Bisharp will greatly miss the boost in power granted by an offensive item.


Checks & Counters
########
**Physical Walls**: Bisharp can't break through extremely bulky physical walls. Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, Donphan, and Unaware Quagsire are especially good counters, as they can hit Bisharp hard with STAB Earthquake. Mega Aggron can easily take boosted hits, doesn't fear Knock Off, and can strike back with Earthquake or phaze Bisharp out. Physically defensive Mega Venusaur can do the same, although it takes hefty damage from Iron Head. Skarmory can take a boosted hit and phaze Bisharp, but can't threaten it directly.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types resist Bisharp's Sucker Punch and can exploit Bisharp's crippling 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Infernape, Keldeo, and Lucario are great choices as they resist both of Bisharp's STABs. Terrakion and Heracross work well if they can avoid switching into Iron Head. Fighting-type priority moves from Breloom, Conkeldurr, and Mega Lucario can also dispose of Bisharp.

**Fast Substitute, Will-O-Wisp, or Encore Users**: Faster Substitute or Will-O-Wisp users can abuse Bisharp's reliance on Sucker Punch to set up a Substitute or cripple Bisharp. Encore users can force Bisharp to switch out if it uses Sucker Punch, Swords Dance, or Substitute.

**Dark-type Resistant Attackers**: Sweepers that resist Dark-type moves, such as Mega Gyarados and Hydreigon, can take a +2 Sucker Punch and KO in return with their powerful attacks.

GP approved 2/2
 

Shroomisaur

Smogon's fantastical fun-guy.
Thank you all for the GP checks! I've looked everything over and all changes have been implemented. I'm fine with the BlackGlasses change too, Bisharp can never have too much cool factor.

This is now complete!
 
Wouldn't Gengar be a good Offensive partner for Bisharp? They cover each other's weaknesses fairly well. Ground and Fighting for Bisharp, Psychic, Dark, and Ghost for Gengar. I remember them being good together last Gen but I haven't had time to test them yet this Gen.
 
Although I feel Pursuit is nice, I'm beginning to believe specifically for Aegislash if he does take the bluff decides not to King Shield he can still retaliate and ohko with Sacred Sword although this would pretty much waste Aegislash. Shame Night Slash given its unboosted also doesn't ohko it without prior damage.
 

Shroomisaur

Smogon's fantastical fun-guy.
Although I feel Pursuit is nice, I'm beginning to believe specifically for Aegislash if he does take the bluff decides not to King Shield he can still retaliate and ohko with Sacred Sword although this would pretty much waste Aegislash. Shame Night Slash given its unboosted also doesn't ohko it without prior damage.
Pursuit isn't "specifically" for Aegislash (Lati@s, Gothitelle and others are also great targets). Bisharp is just noteworthy for being able to trap Aegislash thanks to Defiant. Other Pursuit users will suffer -2 Attack, but any Aegis below 42% HP is guaranteed to fall to LO Bisharp's Pursuit, even if it stays in and uses King's Shield. Against a healthy Aegislash you're generally better off using Knock Off, which will hit any switch-in hard and remove items, rather than risking Pursuit. Speaking of Knock Off, Night Slash is totally outclassed by Knock Off, which has a 68.8% chance to OHKO 252/0 Aegis and is guaranteed after SR.
 
Wouldn't Gengar be a good Offensive partner for Bisharp? They cover each other's weaknesses fairly well. Ground and Fighting for Bisharp, Psychic, Dark, and Ghost for Gengar. I remember them being good together last Gen but I haven't had time to test them yet this Gen.
The only problem with Gengar now is that we have so much priority running around, Bisharp himself aside, we have Aegislash (who OHKOes you after SR or after you've subbed once), Gengar's old enemy Scizor (who now has a Mega Evolution to be even more dangerous), Mega Mawile, and Bullet Punch (Mega-)Lucario (who can also outspeed you if Jolly and Mega).
Other less relevant problems include the rare-yet-notable Infliltrator pokes like Noivern and Crobat (who can outspeed and OHKO you after you sub) along with the even rarer Spiritomb (who packs decent priority and Trick-Band).

However, Gengar is not that bad if you can deal with them, and also run sludge wave>sludge bomb if you want poison STAB (Chesnaught is a thing people!)
 
Pursuit isn't "specifically" for Aegislash (Lati@s, Gothitelle and others are also great targets). Bisharp is just noteworthy for being able to trap Aegislash thanks to Defiant. Other Pursuit users will suffer -2 Attack, but any Aegis below 42% HP is guaranteed to fall to LO Bisharp's Pursuit, even if it stays in and uses King's Shield. Against a healthy Aegislash you're generally better off using Knock Off, which will hit any switch-in hard and remove items, rather than risking Pursuit. Speaking of Knock Off, Night Slash is totally outclassed by Knock Off, which has a 68.8% chance to OHKO 252/0 Aegis and is guaranteed after SR.
Unfortunately that doesn't apply to WiFi until Pokebank is up D: but I can see the uses of Pursuit and I agree with you that Knock Off was made for Bisharp and is a good reason to run Bisharp on a team in general.
 
Just throwing an idea out, but couldn't an Assault Vest Set be considered? You can trap things like the Lati twins and mixed Aegislash (if it is low enough) while still packing Iron Head for Fairies (who are normally special anyway) along with Sucker Punch for Priority and Knock Off for utility and power. It could work like Triple STAB Absol did last gen but bulkier and with a much better ability.
 
Just throwing an idea out, but couldn't an Assault Vest Set be considered? You can trap things like the Lati twins and mixed Aegislash (if it is low enough) while still packing Iron Head for Fairies (who are normally special anyway) along with Sucker Punch for Priority and Knock Off for utility and power. It could work like Triple STAB Absol did last gen but bulkier and with a much better ability.
alexwolf already proposed that in the last page. It's in OO, I think.
 

Ash Borer

I've heard they're short of room in hell
IMO stone edge and Psycho Cut deserve OO mentions. Psyho Cut is really good at hitting Keldeo, and Conkeldurr switch ins, and most stall teams use Venusaur as their knock off tank.

Stone edge is important for one target, and that is Mega Charizard X. The Bulky roost set is becoming a bit of a trend, and it is able to comfortably take knock off after knock off and roost off damage making it a pretty big annoyance. It's also solid at putting mandibuzz out of commision, who CAN come out on top in a foul play war should Bisharp intend to block defog. Also, I thought about it and it lets you pretty safely defeat the most common Zapdos set, specially defensive. SpD Zapdos is pretty great, and a great defogger, it threatens sharp with heat wave, however it can not cleanly OHKO bisharp. Usually, if you switch Bisharp in on Zapdos, and it predicts this, it will Heat Wave, then finish you off as +0 Knock Off can not KO Zapdos. However, in the case of Stone Edge you can switch in, take the Heat Wave, and KO with Stone Edge including Leftovers recovery and STealth Rock damage. Of course SR must be up, but the only time you would ever switch Bisharp into Zapdos is if SR was in play anyways!

Bisharp has room for these attacks too if it wants, I mean Iron head / Sucker / Knock Off are mandatory, and the right coverage can be stuffed in the last slot.

252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Psycho Cut vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Conkeldurr: 221-263 (53.3 - 63.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Psycho Cut vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Keldeo: 234-276 (72.4 - 85.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery <--- KO'd by sucker punch as a follow up

252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Psycho Cut vs. 252 HP / 180 Def Mega Venusaur: 153-182 (42 - 50%) -- 89.8% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Stone Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Charizard X: 278-328 (93.2 - 110%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock <--- your main X-Zard target will be bulkier but this is just to show you an idea of what kind of damage you do.

+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mandibuzz: 421-497 (99.2 - 117.2%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 348-411 (90.6 - 107%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

not bad at all, Bisharp

Also, about Black glasses vs. Dread plate. tbh I am completely torn as to which is cooler. I mean, for one Black Glasses are obviously cool af, they're sunglasses, and Bisharp is like a metal Samurai, can you think of anything cooler than that? At the same time, the dread plate is cool too. I mean, the word dread itself is aesthetically cool, and the fact that the item is associated with god himself further inflates its coolness. Any opinions?
 
Last edited:
alexwolf already proposed that in the last page. It's in OO, I think.
Didn't know that, sweet. It is basically the be-all end-all of ways to handle latios that lack trick or HP fire, especially since they do not run HP fire often nowadays (prolly cuz of the power nerf and all the Heatrans running around, IMO).
 

Jukain

!_!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
mention for sub that it's typically better on teams already stacked with 2-3 setup sweepers. like, pinsir + manaphy or smth (NOT an absolute; general thing). mention how sd makes it literally 6-0 offensive teams without smth to take +2 sucker or has like sub to circumvent it, or some other method.

mention lk/power-up punch for other bisharp. lk also ohkoing tar. pup is to get +1 atk on other bisharps whilst beating them. lk in moves, pup in oo. pup is generally inferior to sd but it's an ok move.
 
So I just noticed, the EV spread changed from the 132/124 to 252 into Spe, what does this allow Bisharp to outspeed though out of curiosity?
 

AccidentalGreed

Sweet and bitter as chocolate.
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
So I just noticed, the EV spread changed from the 132/124 to 252 into Spe, what does this allow Bisharp to outspeed though out of curiosity?
Without Speed investment, Bisharp is outsped by very many random Knock Off and Iron Head targets such as Togekiss and Heatran. 132 Spe itself is also relatively arbitrary, and if you want to invest in bulk, 192 Spe should be a benchmark.
 

Shroomisaur

Smogon's fantastical fun-guy.
I've updated the analysis removing all Gene/MegaLuke mentions.

mention for sub that it's typically better on teams already stacked with 2-3 setup sweepers. like, pinsir + manaphy or smth (NOT an absolute; general thing). mention how sd makes it literally 6-0 offensive teams without smth to take +2 sucker or has like sub to circumvent it, or some other method.

mention lk/power-up punch for other bisharp. lk also ohkoing tar. pup is to get +1 atk on other bisharps whilst beating them. lk in moves, pup in oo. pup is generally inferior to sd but it's an ok move.
Low Kick is already mentioned. PuP seems too gimmicky for my tastes, only being useful against one thing (gaining +1 off opposing Bisharp) when Low Kick can do quite a bit more. I will add the comment about Sub being best for teams that already have plenty of boosting sweepers however!

EDIT: Added PuP in OO.
 
Last edited:

Mowtom

I'm truly still meta, enjoy this acronym!
is a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributor
Is there any situation in which Brick Break is worth considering over Low Kick?
 

Super Mario Bro

All we ever look for
I think Pursuit is good enough to warrant a main slash, since its ability to trap Aegislash is unique and valuable. How does placing it in between Substitute and Swords Dance in slot four sound?
 

Shroomisaur

Smogon's fantastical fun-guy.
I think Pursuit is good enough to warrant a main slash, since its ability to trap Aegislash is unique and valuable. How does placing it in between Substitute and Swords Dance in slot four sound?
I had already suggested that exact change with alex, so if you support it as well, I'm going to go ahead and add it in. I've always been a big fan of Pursuit Bisharp and it's one of the best users!
 

Jukain

!_!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Swords Dance / Pursuit / Substitute

e: oh i'm dumb it looked like you hadn't implemented it bc i didn't look at the op
 
Last edited:

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
As of late I really think Pursuit should be before Swords Dance. Any QC members could weigh in?

Edit: Oh jukain wants SD first...

I think the utility of Pursuit is great with Zard Y and Keldeo. Currently alex and looks like jukain and SMB think SD first.
 
Last edited:

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top