Shiftry (QC 3/3) [GP 2/2]

sickweare · Feb 27, 2014

[Overview]
· Good mixed offenses 100/90 with some good moves to compliment
· Excellent Grass/Dark STAB combo shared only by Cacturne
· Very versatile, comes with a lot of options in its arsenal which pressures the opponent (especially defensive minded teams)
· Very frail with a lot of common weaknesses, notably bug and fire
· Competes with Absol as an offensive Dark type (monster set)
· Base 80 speed is often too slow allowing easy revenge kills, and also makes it play mind games with faster opponents, putting it in a 50-50 situation often
· Gets handled pretty easily by common things like Entei and Amoonguss

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Nature Power
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Early Bird / Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

· Swords Dance Shiftry works as a late-game sweeper
· Accumulated boosts allow it to take on the majority of the metagame
· Sucker Punch is priority and the strongest physical STAB Shiftry receives
· Seed Bomb is a useful secondary STAB that helps it stand out from SD Absol as itis able to take on Poliwrath and Alomomola which Absol generally can't.
· Nature Power always turns into Earthquake, and handles Aggron and Qwilfish, as well as many fire types well

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

· Early Bird is the more useful of Shiftry's abilities, allowing it to deal with sleep inducers such as HP Rock Lilligant without too much of a hassle.
· Life Orb is standard for Swords Dance, giving the damage output and flexibility of moves.
· Adamant gives it as much power as it can, Jolly lets it avoid speed ties with base 80s and outspeeds Timid Magneton and Smeargle.
· Max Attack and Speed for best sweeping potential
· Another option for the last move slot is Low Kick, which would be used mainly for getting past Steelix, however Nature Power EQ provides it with better coverage, and you’re better off not fighting Steelix
· Faint Attack is a solid STAB option to ease pressure when dealing with grass resists and faster Substitute users, like Rotom-N.
· Substitute could also be used to avoid status from Rotom-C and Spritiomb, but you lose the coverage and you get worn down easily between Sub damage and Life Orb recoil
· Rock Slide is another alternative, allowing it to take on Physically Defensive Moltres, but Nature Power generally deals with the multitude of fire types better, and Offensive Moltres (the more popular one) is KO'd by +2 Sucker Punch after SR
· Fire types like Moltres and Emboar help lure in Bulky waters like Slowking whom Shiftry can set up on. They also deal well with Steelix and Ferroseed, who can wall this set.
· Some Fighting types can come in on this set and wreck Shiftry. Mesprit, Uxie, and Rotom are good at threatening them, crippling them, and taking them out, which will aid in Shiftry's sweeping. However, many of them are frail and may fold to +2 Sucker Punches, and they cannot switch in on any attack
· Hazard support is always welcome, especially with late game cleaners like Shiftry. Spikes can wear down Steel types that Swords Dance Shiftry often can't break through, as well as Fire types that may check it. Qwilfish lays spikes down, and also takes on many opposing fire types like Entei and Emboar. Smeargle is always a great hazard setter, and pairs well with Shiftry's offensive style of play. Shiftry is great at pressuring opposing Kabutops and Cryogonals, so keeping spikes on the field isn't too hard for it.
· Pokemon that can lure in and beat commpn Regerator grass types, such as Tauros with Fire Blast and Expert belt electrics, give Shiftry an easier time.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Dark Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast / Nature Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Early Bird
nature: Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

· Shiftry is a unique mixed attacker with powerful dual STABs and offensive stats
· Lead Storm drives this set with 140 BP and STAB, capable of crippling walls
· Sucker Punch is for priority and physical STAB, and, in conjunction with Leaf Storm, is what makes Shiftry stand out in the tier as a mixed attacker
· Dark Pulse is a solid secondary STAB
· HP Fire provides Shiftry with a way of dealing w/ Esca and Ferro who try to take on Shiftry
· Nature Power is for the Fire types within the tier that attempt to come in on Shiftry
· Focus Blast lets it get past Clefable and bulky monsters like Steelix

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

· Life Orb gives it good damage output
· Rash lets it capitalize on its ability to use its physical and special movepool
· 252 SpA lets its Leaf Storm have amazing power, and uses its specal movepool to put pressure on Celfable and Amoonguss
· 252 Spe lets it tie Gallade, Kabutops, and Mesprit
· An alternative spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe with a Naughty nature lets it 2HKO Roselia after SR, and OHKO Emboar, but somehwat reduces the significance of Leaf Storm
· Teammates include Kabutops who threatens Moltres and has the added benefit of keeping hazards off the field, but must be wary of Roselias with the appropriate amount of HP to tank a hit
· Shiftry's wall-breaking ability is used to help its teammates cripple opposing cores, either making way for a sweep, or aiding offensive Pokemon who can pick off the opposition
· Offensive mons such as LO Aerodactyl and Guts Swellow appreciate Shiftry's ability to break down common cores
· Rock setters like Druddigon or Smeargle are helpful for wearing down the opposition
· Spikes support is even more relevant on this set as the extra damage secures KOs, and it also wears down opposing teams who switch out when they are threatened by Shiftry's wallbreaking abilities
· Entei and Scarf Emboar are good for taking down Escavaliers and Durants that trouble Shiftry, and they also appreciate Shiftry's ability to see Lanturns, Slowkings, and Uxies disappear.
· Shiftry's ability to break down walls is helpful for set-up sweepers, especially water types like Shell Smash Omastar and Swords Dance Feraligatr, to secure a sweep
· Shiftry also supports Pokemon, like Rotom-N and Scarf Haunter, who have trouble wearing down walls like Clefable.

[Other Options]

• Sub Seed
• Choice Specs
• Sunny Day + Growth
• Nasty Plot
• Choice Scarf
• Tailwind
• Rest + Early Bird
• Whirlwind
• Toxic + Knock Off

[Checks and Counters]
• Amoonguss
• Mandibuzz
• Tangrowth (for SD set)
• Fast or bulky bug types (Scolipede, Escavalier, Durant), though they must watch out for HP fire
• Druddigon
• Steelix (SD)
• Fire types (Moltres, Entei, Emboar)
• Drapion (for sets lacking Nature Power)
• Substitute users like Rotom, Sceptile, and Bouffalant (shaky, but they play around Sucker Punch well)

[Overview]

In a tier with plenty of viable Grass-types available, one might wonder how a Pokemon like Shiftry might stand out with its modest base stats. However, Shiftry has plenty of things going for it in the current metagame. Blessed with an outstanding offensive typing, shared only by Cacturne, and good physical and special prowess, Shiftry proves to be a versatile Pokemon. Shiftry is capable of pressuring the opponents to try and play around it, not knowing what set it might be running. Common defensive Pokemon such as Slowking and Clefable are smashed by Shiftry, making it a formidable wallbreaker. Its ability to bypass bulky opponents that its competition cannot effectively do makes it stand out from the pack.

However, this nutcracker isn't exactly the toughest to crack. It has terrible bulk, meaning any strong attack will bring Shiftry down quickly. Its great offensive typing also curses it with weaknesses to the common Bug-, Fire-, and Fighting-type moves found in the tier. The few Pokemon that can defeat Shiftry are common and they handle it extremely well, meaning it usually will not be able to function without proper team support. Finally, Shiftry Speed ties with common Pokemon such as Kabutops, Gallade, and Mesprit, causing it to run into many 50-50 situations where luck will determine whether Shiftry wins or loses. However, if you want something that can reliably do its part for your team, whether it be cleanup late-game or cripple opposing walls, you should definitely consider Shiftry.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Nature Power
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Early Bird
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Swords Dance Shiftry is an effective late-game sweeper, as its typing allows it to take on a wide array of Pokemon in the tier after a Swords Dance boost. It is one of the few viable Pokemon that gets STAB Sucker Punch, meaning it has strong priority that allows it to pick off the remaining members of your opponent's team. Seed Bomb is a reliable Grass-type STAB move that hits many Pokemon that other Swords Dance sweepers such as Absol can't take on such as Poliwrath and Alomomola. Nature Power always turns into Earthquake, and is Shiftry's best option in taking down Fire-types like Entei while also dealing solid damage to Steel-types such as Steelix and Klinklang.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Early Bird is the most useful of Shiftry's abilities, giving it less hassle with sleep inducers like Lilligant carrying Hidden Power Rock. Chlorophyll is a decent option if Shiftry is being used on a sun team, but that is a harder archetype to play with in the current metagame. Life Orb is given to Shiftry to allow it to deal heavy damage and use its powerful moves interchangeably. Lum Berry is another useful option, as it gives Shiftry an advantage against status inducers and Scald users that flock throughout RU. An Adamant nature gives Shiftry the most attacking power needed to burst through the opponent at the expense of Speed tying with Swords Dance Gallade and Kabutops. Jolly is useful for avoiding these Speed ties altogether. There are a couple of other viable moves that can fit into Shiftry's final moveslot. Substitute is a good move to avoid status without taking up an item slot like Lum Berry does, but Shiftry gets worn down easily enough as it is. Rock Slide might seem like a good option on paper to defeat Moltres, but the only advantage Rock Slide has is that it defeats defensive SubRoost Moltres; the more common offensive Moltres is OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock damage anyway. Low Kick deals more damage to Steelix than Nature Power does, but it has limited use otherwise, not to mention that Steelix is not an opponent Shiftry will want to face alone.

When it comes to finding good teammates for Shiftry, Emboar and Moltres offer the ability to lure in bulky Water-types like Lanturn and Slowking that Shiftry can set up on easily. They also have the added utility of taking on some of Shiftry's enemies such as Escavalier and Ferroseed. Shiftry will sometimes find it hard to work around faster Fighting-types like Primeape, so Pokemon that can threaten them or cripple them, including Mesprit and Rotom, will be appreciated. Entry hazard support is very welcome to ease Shiftry's sweep. The common entry hazard setters, Smeargle and Qwilfish, are two good options. Smeargle pairs well with Shiftry's offensive playstyle and Qwilfish sets entry hazards up reliably while also being able to take on Fire-types that threaten Shiftry like Emboar and Entei. Shiftry also threatens the tier's best spinner, Kabutops, so entry hazards are not hard to keep on the field. As Shiftry can't break through bulky Pokemon with Regenerator such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss, any Fire-type that can lure these Pokemon in and take them out are huge assets.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Dark Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast / Nature Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Early Bird
nature: Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Thanks to Shiftry's great typing and diverse movepool, it makes a great mixed attacker that also functions as a wallbreaker. Shiftry has access to Leaf Storm, a 140 Base Power STAB move that has the ability to tear up any non-resistant switch-in. Combine this with its access to Sucker Punch, which allows it to pick off Pokemon that survive Leaf Storm, and Shiftry already has most of the tools it needs to succeed. Hidden Power Fire is mainly used to defeat Escavalier and Ferroseed which would otherwise wall this set. Dark Pulse, on the other hand, is a STAB move with great neutral coverage and eases the pressure against Substitute users. Focus Blast offers the best coverage alongside Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves, with no Pokemon that resist both Focus Blast and Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves in the tier, and also deals with Clefable without lowering Shiftry's Special Attack. Nature Power, on the other hand, deals a large amount of damage to Entei and Emboar, preventing them from taking Shiftry on easily.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Life Orb is the item of choice on this set, as it gives the Shiftry needed power to break through walls and allows it to switch moves to accommodate for different threats. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Rash nature gives Shiftry the greatest damage output for Leaf Storm, allowing it to OHKO Slowking a majority of the time and always OHKO Qwilfish. 252 Speed EVs allows Shiftry to Speed tie with other base 80s, including Kabutops and Gallade, and allows it to outspeed some of the most common walls. Although this set capitalizes on Shiftry's ability to use its massively powerful Leaf Storms, an alternate spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe with a Naughty nature can be used to allow Shiftry to 2HKO Roselia and OHKO Emboar after Stealth Rock with Nature Power, assuming these two Pokemon threaten your team.

Mixed attacking Shiftry is more of an asset to its team and doesn't rely on other teammates to help it as much as it helps its teammates. Kabutops is a good teammate for removing entry hazards, as Shiftry is easily worn down by them, as well as threaten Moltres. Entry hazard setters are even more notable partners for this set, as hazards help weaken defensive Pokemon to the point where Shiftry can break through them without much trouble. Qwilfish is once again a great partner in this role, as it can set up entry hazards and take on many of Shiftry's common checks and counters. Shiftry's wallbreaking ability is useful for other offensive teammates that struggle with common walls. Life Orb Aerodactyl and Guts Swellow both appreciate Shiftry's wallbreaking support. Entei is a good teammate to defeat Escavalier that often force out Shiftry not carrying Hidden Power Fire and appreciates Shiftry's ability to remove Alomomola, Slowking, and Uxie from the field. Shiftry also supports Rotom, which has trouble wearing down the troublesome Clefable, Amoonguss, and Escavalier.

[Other Options]

Shiftry has a wide array of other options in its arsenal, but the problem is it generally doesn't excel at any of them. An offensive SubSeed set seems interesting on Shiftry, but it is easy to play around with due to Shiftry's terrible defensive capabilities. A Choice item, such as Choice Scarf or Choice Specs, would help improve Shiftry's middling Speed and average Special Attack, respectively. However, Shiftry does not appreciate being locked into one move and the best use for it is within its dual Grass / Dark STAB and the ability to switch around its moves. Nasty Plot is an interesting move on Shiftry but is overall less effective than Swords Dance. A set utilizing Growth is usable for mixed variants, but it is rather useless outside of sun and it takes away from Shiftry's valuable moveslots. Shiftry has access to Tailwind and Whirlwind, which are both good options for either aiding Shiftry's team further or forcing setup sweepers out. However, Tailwind is better used on a teammate with higher defenses, and Whirlwind is useless given the fact that few Pokemon will want to set up on Shiftry anyway. Toxic and Knock Off would be good for further crippling walls, but Shiftry prefers all-out offense and they are hard to fit on its set due Shiftry's limited number of moveslots. Finally, thanks to Early Bird, Shiftry can use Rest to replenish damage taken from Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, but this strategy is too unreliable due to Shiftry's terrible defenses.

[Checks and Counters]

If you want to stop Shiftry in its tracks, the first thing to do is evaluate what set it's running. Amoonguss is possibly Shiftry's biggest counter, capable of coming in on practically any move and forcing Shiftry out while regaining any HP lost with Regenerator. Mandibuzz also has the bulk to shrug off any of Shiftry's moves and can either Whirlwind Shiftry out to remove its boosts or deal a large amount of damage to Shiftry with Brave Bird. Escavalier, Scolipede, and Durant are able to threaten Shiftry out with their powerful Bug-type STAB moves, but they must be wary of Hidden Power Fire. Druddigon generally takes little damage from most of Shiftry's attacks and can threaten Shiftry with its high Attack stat or crippling moves like Glare. Steelix and Tangrowth are great for taking on the Swords Dance set, as they both take little damage from any of Shiftry's moves. Steelix can Roar Shiftry out to remove its boosts, while Tangrowth will outright beat Shiftry and switch out to regain lost HP. Fire-types also ruin Shiftry's day when they can switch in. Moltres, Entei, and Choice Scarf Emboar are all faster than Shiftry and easily get rid of it, while defensive Emboar takes little from Shiftry's attacks and threatens back with either of its STAB moves. Drapion is also a good all-purpose check for Shiftry lacking Nature Power as it resists Shiftry's STAB moves and threatens it with its own STAB Poison-type moves. Finally, Substitute users like Rotom, Sceptile, and Bouffalant are shaky checks, but they can easily play around Shiftry's Sucker Punch and can either cripple or outright KO it.

sickweare · Feb 27, 2014

ok so here's the dealio.

-Swords Dance is actually good without sun. It has the benefit of having grass STAB that takes care of things like Poliwrath and Alomomola that Absol can't
-I'm not sold on the Mixed Set's EVs, but they seem optimum because the damage output of Leaf Storm makes a difference whereas Nature Power (EQ) + Sucker Punch will always ko Entei after SR. The stronger the Leaf Storm, the better chance it has to take out Steelix and Slowking
-~~Nasty Plot is built for sun b/c no priority and as a stand alone special attacker, it's pretty much outclassed by Lilligant~~
-I left Specs in OO mainly because, as I've tried it a few times before X and Y, Rotom-C outclasses it completely with a stronger Leaf Storm and access to Trick
-I have not tried Sunny Day+Growth but Shiftry generally isn't capable of doing that by itself due to its poor bulk.

I really would like some feedback from QC on what I've written, I'm hoping everything is up to snuff. I'd also like to look more into teammate options, because I know that it's a little bit lacking right now.

Swamp-Rocket · Feb 27, 2014

Nasty Plot should be removed. Nasty Plot is too slow and frail to do anything most of the time and it doesn't have any particularly strong moves or any priority moves to compensate for this issue. At least Swords Dance has Sucker Punch, but 90 base special attack relying on 80 base power moves is a problem when you only have 80 base speed and cannot set up on much of anything - Sucker Punch also makes it so Shiftry isn't insanely easy to revenge kill. OO material imo

I have no idea about the Mixed Attacker set at the moment, although there is most likely a better spread available than what you have as you mentioned.

Once you do this I'll look at this again, as the checks and counters section needs a rework with this in consideration.

col49 · Feb 27, 2014

yyyyyyooooooooooooooo, i'm so not dead right now, lookit.

Ok, so I've got a few things to say, sorta ranging in nit-pickiness, so I'll just go down the line (even semi-formally!):

Overview

I'd mention a little more specifically the positives on Shiftry's typing here; its STAB combination is really nice right now, especially given that it can run specially and physically oriented sets well, since it can really keep a lot of common defensive cores on their toes most times This also spills into the "very versatile" bit, somewhat comparable to 'zard pre-mega evo in xy, in that each individual set has a moderate sum of checks / counters, but very few counter both, making it somewhat of a guessing game until it starts throwing attacks (and even then one can tech to bait certain stuff).
De-emphasize Chlorophyll imo, since it shouldn't honestly be relying heavily on sun support in most cases. Early Bird is also meh, but not necessarily terrible, since it can occasionally push damage on Grass-types and actually have a chance to wake up w/out cleric support (which you probably won't be running on a Shiftry-toting team) with it.
SD doesn't face competition w/Absol due to its access to Pursuit and Megahorn, since neither see common use on an SD set (SD / Sucker Punch / Superpower / Night Slash is the standard), it competes with Absol's monster Attack stat
Mention that getting stuffed by common 'mons such as Amoonguss, Druddigon, and Entei, as well as being forced to play 50-50's with common Substitute users like Sceptile and Moltres (less so w/the latter, since it's not that common, but just very threatening), is a big issue for most Shiftry.

Swords Dance

Slash Lum Berry, it reinforces Shiftry's ability to set up on the bulky Ghost- and Water-types it typically finds its opportunities to do so. Obviously the lack in damage output is off-putting, but so is constantly getting burned when the opponent decides to burn you on the switch, or even just getting ballsy and staying in on the SD x-x
Definitely not a fan of Rock Slide on this set; without a bulk investment, Moltres is getting OHKOed by a +2 LO Sucker Punch from Adamant Shiftry unconditionally (75% chance w/Jolly), so the only use for the third attacking move in this scenario is to play the 50-50 with a potential Substitute, which you don't need a quad-effective move to do. If you want a secondary attacking move for that slot, it should probably be Faint Attack (weird as that sounds x-x), since it allows Shiftry to play around Grass-resistant / immune Substitute users, Wisp Ghost-types, and so forth better.
Again, I dislike Chloro mentions here, since the Speed boost isn't even that crucial to what is essentially a priority-based sweeper, but I won't press the issue.
Don't mention Jolly allows it to outspeed Adamant Gallade; they're both Base 80's, so Adamant Shiftry has a 50% chance to outspeed even then, and the situation favours it regardless, since Offensive SD Gallade (the only commonplace variant that runs Adamant max Speed) will either be healthy enough to sponge a STAB attack and KO, or it won't and be forced to win several consecutive Speed ties and predict around Sucker Punch by alternating between Shadow Sneak and Close Combat, making it an excessively odd example. Just mention it allows Shiftry to outright avoid the speed tie w/such Base 80's (also mentions Kabutops here!), as well as outpace Timid Magneton and Smeargle.
Investing the remaining 4 EVs in SpDef doesn't reduce Life Orb recoil, it is only reduced when the HP stat is put one below a # divisible by 10 (ex: 360->359).
As you mention, partners are a little sparse, especially in justification. No @ Lanturn, as it kills momentum w/out benefitting what type of offensive 'mon Shiftry is, spin-blockers don't really make sense as they're more off an extension of another partner suggestion than good partners to Shiftry itself, and the rest just need some buffing out.
If you want to mention Spikes support, mention that A.it wears down most Steel-types well and limits many Fire-types to checking Shiftry once at best, and B.Shiftry has the capacity to pressure Kabutops and Cryogonal, the most commonplace of RU spinners, quite nicely, allowing it to reduce the necessity to relinquish momentum to preserve your hazards. Qwilfish is cool b/c it can Spike up on Entei / Esca / Ferro switch-ins, Smeargle is the quintessential Spiker for offensive teams (not necessarily the "best"), and Drudd just seems out of place here.
I dislike a stress on Fire-types as a means to "take out" the Grass-types that trouble Shiftry, especially given the two prime threats (Amoonguss+Tangrowth) are Regenerator 'mons, making them less bothered by having to switch into hazards multiple times if need be. Basically, this means that the writer is assuming these Pokemon will assuredly stay in on Moltres, which will realistically never happen, while it in turn doesn't really offer too much utility value in return (though obviously a free switch-in for Moltres is usually good, it's a little high-maintenance to just mention offhand like that). You could perhaps mention that these Fire-types can switch into Esca decently (along with more defensively-oriented Steel-types, such as Ferroseed) and force them to switch out and take hazard damage, typically absorb Sleep decently in the short-term, and even apply offensive pressure on Drudd and other blanket fatmons, but KOing Regen Grass-types definitely shouldn't be the key selling point here =(
If you do want to mention 'mons for Tangrowth / Amoonguss, lures / baits, such as Fire Blast Tauros (a little less of a surprise now, but still good as an example :>), Expert Belt Electric-types, etc. make solid examples, since simply repeatedly scaring them out with hazards up doesn't do it for Regen 'mons under most circumstances.

Mixed

Honestly, debating whether this or SD should be first; especially with hazards down, Mixed Shiftry can really break down teams lacking Amoonguss or a healthy Drudd, especially with hazards down, and it's generally much more self-serving from my experiences (though breakers typically are)
Slash Hidden Power Fire with Dark Pulse (probably before, Fighting coverage really helps reduce the need for un-situational Dark STAB), better damage against Escavalier and Amoonguss is huge considering they're major targets of a breaker Shiftry. Of course, Pulse is still solid, and maintaining perfect Speed IVs is definitely nice if you can afford it, but HP Fire is too nice for AC imo.
I'm very much leaning towards pushing Nature Power behind Focus Blast, since personally I feel as though Shiftry should be primarily geared towards breaking down defensive cores and significantly wearing down more offensively-oriented switch-ins, rather than the other way around. Basically, Leaf Storm is getting the Entei's and the Emboar down around 30-40% after SR, with Sucker Punch pushing that damage further still, making the most notable Fire-type to hit Moltres, which Nature Power can only accomplish on the predicted Roost. On the other hand, Focus Blast donks the less accommodating Bouffalant, and can assure that Shiftry can break through a Clefable switch-in (since Focus Blast+Leaf Storm KOs SpDef Clefable accounting for 1 turn of Lefties recovery). This also makes investing more heftily in SpA less of a compromise.
I'm fine with the given EV spread assuming for those other changes I mentioned. It might be worth mentioning that if the player decides to run Nature Power in the final slot, a spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe w/a Lonely nature is worth considering; this allows it to 2HKO standard Roselia w/Nature Power after SR, OHKO Emboar with the same, and generally play around Moltres a lot better; Sucker Punch hits for ~45% min, so it can 2HKO from full+1 round of LO recoil or OHKO after SR+1 round of recoil, and Nature Power deals ~75% min on a Roosting Moltres, meaning that it if it can force a 50-50 if it really needs to.
Drop the mention(s) of HP Fire in AC, obviously, and HP Ice as well, since Drudd is hit well enough by Dark Pulse, Sucker Punch, and Focus Blast for the most part
When mentioning 'Tops ability to spin, it might be worth noting that Roselia can comfortably Spike up on it as long as its careful to micro-manage its HP. Aerodactyl is also probably worth mentioning, since it can really appreciate Shiftry's ability to tear up defensive cores, particularly the LO set
This is probably a 'mon I'd actively encourage mentioning Spikes support to, since it takes advantage of them quite nicely in how many switches it can force, the KO's it can procure with them, and ability it has to pressure spinners on its own merit.
Rather than mentioning 'mons that help Shiftry handle threats x and y here, I'd mention Pokemon that benefit from Shiftry's wall-breaking abilities in regards to offensive partners a bit more; boosting Water-types, such as Shell Smash Omastar and SD Samurott, are solid examples of this, as well as Pokemon such as Rotom-N, who can take advantage of Shiftry's ability to wear down or KO Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Clefable, Escavalier, and so forth. Emboar and Entei are fine as long as you're a little more specific in what else they offer, but this analysis should be encouraging players to use Shiftry to set up a sweep for another 'mon, rather than to sweep itself (though obviously it's cool when it can manage that :x)

Nasty Plot

Not sure about other people, but I rather dislike this set; without sun support, it seems rather clunky, sort of a mediocre hybridization of Sceptile and Lilligant really. It's interesting in that in can push damage on things like SpDef Normal-types, Amoonguss, etc., but I feel as though that is accomplished just as well by the Mixed set, which if anything just means losing the utility of Sucker Punch. Outside of really obscure situations, I don't think this set is worth using, which merits OO status to me, but I'll give it a test for the sake of experimentation.

Other Options

I'd specify 'offensive' SubSeed, since it actually has a little merit, as opposed to some weird defensive variant '~' Similarly, mention Growth as an option for the Mixed set (since it has both SD and NP, there wouldn't be any reason to use the less consistent growth on an exclusively special or physical set), with Sun support being more of a secondary thing.
Scarf is probably worth mentioning here, since it isn't wholly awful, just somewhat unnecessary / mediocre in this meta
Knock Off / Toxic are worth throwing out there as specialized options for crippling or annoying a handful of Shiftry's common switch-ins, though that specialization makes them not worth heavier mention (plus hard to fit into a set)

Checks & Counters

Amoonguss. Very significant, very large issue for it. Roselia too, but less so, as it can't handle SD or a particularly aggressively played Mixed set
I'd lump Fire-types into a similar segment, then just outlining that Moltres is particularly threatening for reasons previously stated. SpDef Emboar also doesn't exist to my knowledge, but Scarf sets switch in decently and check, and physically defensive variants have the bulk to decently combat any set lacking Nature Power (and even then, Rash Mixed variants can't 2HKO w/out prior damage of some kind)
SpDef Drapion handles non-Nature Power Mixed Shiftry fine, and offensive variants of Drapion can outspeed, stomach Sucker Punch nicely, and KO with Poison Jab, so be sure to make that distinction. Speaking of, Mandibuzz will hard counter all Shiftry, so that should be somewhere
When mentioning Bug-types, mention they have to be wary of HP Fire, and Scolipede lacking Substitute can very easily be picked off by Sucker Punch if they aren't careful.
Rotom-C what ?_? To my knowledge, HP Fire isn't necessarily a staple on it, so specifics on that might help. It can play around the SD set nicely with Wisp or Trick (especially if it lacks Faint Attack), and it can occasionally threaten with the appropriate Hidden Power, but it doesn't like switching into coverage moves from the Mixed set, even if slapping a Scarf on it does neuter it pretty nicely
Druddigon's also a solid enough 1-time check that's more-or-less everywhere, so I'd throw that in somewhere
Substitute users that can effectively play around Sucker Punch: fairly common, not stellar responses (since most either can't switch directly in most of the time, or get popped by the wrong coverage move in trying), but definite grievances for Shiftry. Sceptile, Bouffalant, and Sawsbuck are some good examples.

So yeah, kinda a lot of stuff there, and I'm sorry for that, but that's how it is I guess :> Implement all that, then I'll get back about the NP set 'n prolly stamp n_n

edit: ok, cool, kinda assumed some kinda ninja ish given how fluffy this ended up getting x-x so yeah, given that, definitely leaning further towards Nasty Plot in OO.

sickweare · Feb 27, 2014

Swamp-Rocket Consider it done.

col49 Woah! I'll get right on that!
A few comments on what you said:

-I will put more emphasis on its ability to pressure the opponent, because it is hard to play around until you find out what it's planning to do
-I had tried to de-emphasize Chlorophyll while still offering it as a viable option, but I'll try to lessen the attention on it considering the sets I posted have Early Bird slashed first. Early Bird, from my experience, is more useful in RU anyway and I had hoped to change that from the previous analysis.
-The tie with Gallade and Kabutops will get removed. I'll add that Shiftry fights Kabutops and Cryogonal off well.
-I'm working on finding good teammates, it's hard to work around Shiftry's playstyle sometimes, because it gets worn down quickly, so I want something to keep it healthy. But I'm finding that Shiftry's working to either sweep with Swords Dance or break some cores down, meaning it has few opportunities to switch out then switch back in. I'll remove mentions of Lanturn (though I might add it does help with status and offers a slow volt switch back into Shiftry), and I think Alomomola will probably go.
-Why Faint Attack? I'm not sure I understand the reasoning behind this one, so please help me out there.
-I've been thinking of putting enough EVs to OHKO Cham with Sucker Punch, but I'm not sure if that threat is enough by itself to take away from Leaf Storm's strength.
-For OO, I'm guessing you want me to separate the Sunny Day + Growth thing and just add Growth on its own (or possibly with Sunny Day help from teammates)?
-Also, I just added Amoonguss. I can't believe I forgot that tbh
-Rotom-C was a mistake, I'm not sure why I put it there (I think I was thinking of Rotom N who can play around Shiftry and burn them)
-Everything else looks good and I'll get working on it ASAP!

Thanks again guys.

col49 · Mar 4, 2014

ok, cool, this looks a lot nicer now imo.

honestly, probably not worth mentioning Early Bird specifically in the overview, since it isn't a very big selling point on it tbh; all it does is allow it to occasionally absorb a sleep move with the possibility of waking w/out cleric support, and even then most Grass-types are holding coverage to hit it. basically it can only absorb sleep and try to wake v.hp rock lilligant, and that isn't too great anywho since it's still playing around it w/sleep powder (sd only hits w/sucker punch, mixed doesn't do substantial enough damage after a qd), so yeah. you can probably group the middling speed thing w/the 50-50 point, since the former is what really establishes the latter as an issue, having to rely on Sucker Punch to accommodate for its low speed and therefore having to predict around sub / certain status 'mons. also i sorta dislike the "requires support to blah blah", since it's just a very generalized and fluffy con, if you can call it that, so that might be worth omitting outright.

didn't ever get around to mentioning it, but i used faint attack as an example b/c it offers shiftry an unconditional dark-type stab, which allows it to perform the combined duties of allowing it to play 50-50's with grass-resistant sub users and more effectively breaking through wisp ghost-types (more rotom-n and the occasional missy, since 'tomb is hit neutrally by it regardless). substitute accomplishes a somewhat similar effect, so i'm ok with it being omitted from ac, but it should be noted that this not only increases the opportunity cost to play these 50-50's, and should the sub users in question have one or both of leftovers / reliable recovery, they will beat sub+sd shiftry 1v1 (ex: sub bouffalant can only be be hit by sucker punch on such a shiftry set, so it can easily go into sub+attack cycles and beat shiftry on the merit of sub recovery via leftovers). mention how stab seed bomb means it can better break through 'mons like alomomola, poliwrath, and rhydon, since it's a major draw to it over absol as an sd sweeper. rock slide shouldn't have a bullet now lol. there's no need to get so specific on what sets hitmonlee and primeape are using, since both are checking shiftry with any of their viable sets x-x just mention fighting-type can stuff it, and for that reason x, y, and z are useful. might be worth noting that most of the common fighting-types of the tier, barring poliwrath (who doesn't take seed bomb well anywho), are moderately frail physically, meaning they'll fold to a +2 sucker punch fairly quickly (ape takes 85% min from lo+adamant variants, 'lee outright dies, so it needs mach punch to prioritize, etc.), but eh.

i trust you'll expand on the details of move usage on the mixed set in writing this, so do try to get that covered :> no need to explain the trivial bits of the ev spread as you do (readers don't need to know why it has the remaining 4 evs in atk unless it's doing something very significant lol), the most you need is
- max speed: speed tying other base 80's
- max spa+rash: primarily specially-oriented set, allows it to more effectively pressure 'mons like clefable / amoonguss

i'd drop haunter from the partners section, or at least specify scarf variants, since most other haunter variants (sub+disable / pain split, taunt, etc.) typically beat standard spdef clefable 1v1 anyway, with it having to run some coverage move to take it on in some stretch of the word.

you mention scarf emboar twice in c&c, so yeah. also, do mention defensive emboar if you could; it's an official set, and honestly a pretty decent one, so i see no reason to leave it out here.

otherwise, seems ayte. might wanna double-check it after write-up, but that's for another day i s'pose. gl hf

qc 1/3

sickweare · Mar 5, 2014

Made the above changes. I added Faint Attack and Rock Slide to AC of the Swords Dance set. Also, I expanded a bit in the Set Details of the mixed attacker. Instead of adding Defensive Emboar along with Scarf, I just added Emboar as a general threat. When I write this up, I'll expand on it and mention how Emboar takes care of Shiftry. Thanks for the check!

Oglemi · Mar 5, 2014

QC Approved 2/3

sickweare · Mar 5, 2014

Thanks for the check. I'll have this written up by this weekend

sickweare · Mar 10, 2014

Alright this is written up and ready for the final QC check!

Swamp-Rocket · Apr 19, 2014

Expert Belt Eelektross and Fire Blast Tauros aren't exactly lures since they always use Fire moves nowadays. Just mentioning Fire types as a whole for partners instead is probably a better idea. The bit with Rotom and Scarf Haunter in the second set is missing some of the Pokemon col49 mentioned like Escavalier so include those please!

Sorry about leaving this alone for so long sickweare! I will admit the that first time I looked at this I overanalyzed it based off the wording and not the content :/

QC Approved 3/3

sickweare · Apr 21, 2014

Thanks for the stamp! I made the changes as you suggested, switched fire type in for eb eel and fire blast tauros without rewording the whole thing so I hope it looks okay.

Ready for GP checks now

Magcargo · Apr 27, 2014

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[Overview]

 In a tier with plenty of viable gGrass -types available, ~~you~~one may be wonder~~ing~~ howhy a Pokemon like Shiftry might stand out with ~~only~~its modest looking base stats. However, Shiftry has plenty of things going for it in thise current metagame. Blessed with an outstanding offensive typing, shared only by Cacturne, and good physical and special prowess, Shiftry proves to be a versatile Pokemon. Shiftry is capable of pressuring the opponents~~ition~~ to try and play around it, not knowing what set it might be running. Common defensive Pokemon ~~like~~such as Slowking and Clefable are smashed by Shiftry, making it a formidable wallbreaker. Its ability to bypass ~~the~~ bulky opponents that its competition cannot do effectively lets it stand out on its own. 

 However, this nutcracker is not the toughest nut to crack itself(This sentence could be changed, as it sounds rather odd). It has ~~measly defensive stats~~terrible bulk, meaning any strong attack will bring Shiftry down quickly. Its great offensive typing also curses it with weaknesses to the ~~very~~ common bBug-, fFire-, and fFighting-type moves found in the tier. The few Pokemon that can ~~han~~dlefeat Shiftry are common and they handle it extremely well, meaning it usually will not be able to function without proper team support. Finally, ~~having a base s~~Siftry Speed ~~of 80~~ ties it with ~~the~~ common Pokemon such as Kabutops, Gallade, and Mesprit, ~~which, in-turn,~~ causesing it to run into many 50-50 situations where chances will determine whether Shiftry wins or loses. However, if you want something that can reliably do its part for your team, whether it be clean up late -game or cripple opposing walls, you should definitely consider Shiftry. 

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Nature Power
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Early Bird
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

 Swords Dance Shiftry is an effective late -game sweeper, as its typing allows it to take on a wide array of Pokemon in the tier after a Swords Dance boost. At +2, Shiftry can prove to be one of the most threatening sweepers in the metagame. It is one of the few viable Pokemon that gets a STAB Sucker Punch, meaning it has strong priority that allows it to pick off remaining members of your opponent’s team. Seed Bomb is a reliable Grass-type STAB move that hits many Pokemon that other Swords Dance sweepers ~~like~~such as Absol can't take on, such as Poliwrath and Alomomola. Nature Power always turns into Earthquake, and is Shiftry's best option in taking down ~~the many~~ Fire-type s~~witch-ins,~~ like Entei, while also dealing solid damage to Steel-types such a~~gain~~st Steelix and Klinklang. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

 Early Bird is the most useful of Shiftry's abilities, hagiving it a lesser hassle with sleep inducers like Lilligant with Hidden Power Rock. Chlorophyll is a decent option ~~for~~if Shiftry is being used on a sun teams, but that is a harder archetype to play with in the current metagame. Life Orb is given to Shiftry to allow it to deal ~~strong~~heavy damage and use its ~~strong~~powerful moves interchangeably. Lum Berry is another useful option for Shiftry's item slot, as it gives it ~~the~~an advantage ~~over~~against status inducers and Scald users that flock through R~~arelyused~~U. An Adamant nature gives Shiftry the most attacking power needed to bust through the oppo~~sition~~nent at the expense of Speed tying with Swords Dance Gallade and Kabutops. Jolly is a useful ~~nature~~ for avoiding these sSpeed ties all together. There are a couple of other viable moves that can fit into Shiftry's final~~ast~~ moveslot. Substitute is a good ~~for~~move to avoid~~ing~~ status without taking up ~~the~~an item slot like Lum Berry ~~requir~~does, but be warned ~~that~~, as Shiftry ~~does~~ gets worn down easily enough as it is. Rock Slide may seems like a good option on paper ~~for taking down~~to defeat Moltres, but the only advantage Rock Slide has is that it defeats ~~the~~ physically defensive ~~version~~Moltres, ands the more common offensive mMoltres is OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock damage anyway. Low Kick deals more damage to Steelix than Nature Power does, but it has limited use otherwise, ~~and~~not to mention that Steelix is not an opponent Shiftry will ~~generally~~ want to face alone. 

 When it comes to finding good teammates for Shiftry, Emboar and Moltres offer the ability to lure in bulky wWater-types like Lanturn and Slowking that Shiftry can set up on easily. They also have the added utility of taking on some of Shiftry's enemies, ~~like~~such as Escavalier and Ferroseed. Shiftry will sometimes find it hard to work around faster Fighting -types, like Primeape, so Pokemon that can threaten them or cripple them, including Mesprit and Rotom ~~for example~~, will be appreciated. HEntry hazard support is very welcome in easing Shiftry's sweep. The common entry hazard setters, Smeargle and Qwilfish, are two good options. Smeargle pairs well with Shiftry's offensive playstyle and Qwilfish sets entry hazards up reliably, while also being able to take on ~~Emboar and Entei who~~Fire-types that threaten Shiftry, such as Emboar and Entei. Shiftry also threatens the tier's best spinners, so entry hazards are not hard to keep on the field. As Shiftry can't break through bulky Pokemon with Regenerator ~~Pokemon lke~~such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss, any Fire-type that can lure in these Pokemon and take them out are huge assets. 

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Dark Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast / Nature Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Early Bird
nature: Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

 Thanks to Shiftry's great typing and diverse movepool, it makes a great mixed attacker that also functions as a wallbreaker. Shiftry has access to Leaf Storm, a 140 BP STAB move that has the ability to tear up any non-resistant switch -in. Combine this with its access to Sucker Punch, ~~mean~~allowing it ~~can~~to pick off ~~the things~~Pokemon that survive Leaf Storm, and Shiftry already has most of the tools it needs to succeed. Hidden Power Fire is mainly ~~there~~used to ~~get pas~~defeat Escavalier and Ferroseed, wh~~o commonly~~ich would otherwise wall this set. Dark Pulse, on the other hand, is a STAB move with great neutral coverage, and eases the pressure ~~of taking on~~against Substitute users. Focus Blast ~~in the last slot~~ offers the best coverage alongside Shiftry's Dark-types STAB moves, with no Pokemon that resist both Focus Blast and Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves in the tier, and also deals with Clefable ~~better~~ without lowering Shiftry's special attack. Nature Power, on the other hand, ~~keep~~deals a large amount of damage to Entei and Emboar, preventing them from taking Shiftry on easily. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

 Life Orb is the item of choice on this set, ~~bec~~ause it gives the Shiftry needed power, to break through walls and allows it to switch moves to accommodate for different threats. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Rash nature give it the greatest damage output for Leaf Storm, allowing it to OHKO Slowking a m~~ost~~ajority of the time and always OHKO Qwilfish. ~~The~~ 252 Speed EVs allows it to Speed tie with other base 80s, including Kabutops and Gallade, and allows it to outspeed some of the most common walls. Although this set capitalizes on Shiftry's ability to ~~fire off~~use its massively powerful Leaf Storms, an alternate spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe with a Naughty nature can be used to allows Shiftry to 2HKO Roselia and OHKO Emboar after Stealth Rock with Nature Power, ifassuming these two Pokemon threaten your team more. 

 Mixed Attacking Shiftry is more of an asset to its team, and ~~thus~~ doesn't rely on other teammates to help it as much as it helps its teammates. Kabutops is a good teammate for removing entry hazard ~~control~~s, as Shiftry is easily worn down~~, while~~ by them. Kabutops can also threaten~~ing any~~ Moltres ~~that appear on your opponent's side. H~~. Entry hazard setters are even more notable onpartners for this set, as it helps weaken defensive Pokemon to the point where Shiftry can break through them without much trouble. Qwilfish is once again a great partner ~~who~~in this role, as it can set up entry hazards and take on many of Shiftry's common checks and counters. Shiftry's wallbreaking ability is useful for other offensive teammates ~~who~~that struggle with common walls. Life Orb Aerodactyl and Guts Swellow both appreciate ~~the help from~~ Shiftry's wallbreaking support. Entei is a good team ~~option~~mate to ~~take on the~~defeat Escavalier that ~~scar~~often force Shiftry out, and ~~it also~~ appreciates Shiftry's ability to remove Alomomola, Slowking, and Uxie from the field. Shiftry clears the way for set-up sweepers~~, like~~ such as Swords Dance Feraligatr and Shell Smash Omastar, ~~and~~ so pairing them up together makes an effective combination. Shiftry also supports Rotom and Choice Scarf Haunter, both of whoich hav~~e som~~e trouble ~~with~~ wearing down the troublesome Clefable, Amoonguss, and Escavalier (You previously mention Shiftry had trouble defeating Escavalier, so this sounds rather contradicting). 

[Other Options]

 Shiftry has a wide array of other options in its arsenal, but the problem is it generally doesn't excel at any of them. An offensive Sub Seed set may seems ~~pretty cool~~interesting on Shiftry, but it is easily to played around with~~anks~~ due to Shiftry's ~~low~~terrible defensive capabilities. A Choice item, ~~lik~~such as Choice Scarf or Choice Specs, would help improve Shiftry's middling Speed and average Special Attack respectively. However, Shiftry hdoes not appreciates being locked into one move, and the best use for it is within its dual Grass / Dark STAB and the ability to switch around it moves. Nasty Plot is a ~~cool~~n interesting move ~~for~~on Shiftry, but its sSpeed is too low without a Chlorophyll boost, and its Special Attack isn't winning any prizes by itself. A set utilizing Growth ~~would be cool~~is usable for mixed variants, but it is rather useless ~~with~~outside of sun, and it takes away from Shiftry's valuable moveslots. Shiftry has access to Tailwind and Whirlwind, which are both good options for either aiding Shiftry's team further, or forcing ~~boosting~~setup sweepers out. However, Tailwind is better used on a teammate with higher defenses, and Whirlwind is useless given the fact that few ~~things~~Pokemon will want to set up on Shiftry anyway. Toxic and Knock Off would be good for further crippling walls, but Shiftry prefers all-out offense, and they are hard to fit in its set ~~with~~due Shiftry's limited ~~room for~~number of mo~~re option~~veslots. Finally, thanks to Early Bird, Shiftry c~~ould run a~~an use Res~~t se~~t to replenish ~~its health that is easily worn down~~damage taken from Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, but this strategy is too unreliable ~~on a Pokemon with low~~due to Shiftry's terrible defenses ~~like Shiftry~~. 

[Checks and Counters]

 If you want to stop Shiftry in its track, the first thing to do is evaluate what set it is running. Shiftry is a formidable threat, but that doesn't mean it can’t be stopped. Amoonguss is possibly Shiftry's biggest counter, capable of coming in on practically any move, and forcing Shiftry out, while ~~switch~~regaining ~~out to regain its health back~~any HP lost with Regenerator. Mandibuzz also has the bulk to shrug off any ~~attack,~~of Shiftry's moves and wcan either Whirlwind Shiftry out to remove its boosts, or ~~even just fire~~deal a large amount off ~~a Brave Bird which will send~~damage to Shiftry ~~packing~~with Brave Bird. Escavalier, Scolipede, and Durant are able to threaten Shiftry out with their powerful Bug-type STAB moves, but they must be wary of HP Fire. Druddigon generally takes little damage from most of Shiftry's attacks, and can threaten Shiftry with its high aAttack stat or useful crippling moves like Glare. Steelix and Tangrowth are great for taking on the Swords Dance set, as they both take little damage from any of Shiftry's move~~, while~~s. Steelix can Roar Shiftry out to remove its boosts, while Tangrowth will outright beat ~~it,~~Shiftry and switch out to regain lost HP. Fire T-types also ruin Shiftry's day when they can switch in. Moltres, Entei and Scarf Emboar are all faster than Shiftry and easily get rid of it, while Ddefensive Emboar takes little from Shiftry's attacks ~~while~~and threatening Shiftry with ~~any~~either of its STAB moves. Drapion is also a good all-purpose check for Shiftry lacking Nature Power, as it resists Shifty's ~~dual~~ STAB moves and threatens it with its own STAB Poison-type moves. Finally, Substitute users, like Rotom, Sceptile, and Bouffalant, are shaky checks, but they can easily play around Shiftry's Sucker Punch and can either cripple or outright KO it.

[Overview]

In a tier with plenty of viable Grass-types available, one may wonder how a Pokemon like Shiftry might stand out with its modest looking base stats. However, Shiftry has plenty of things going for it in the current metagame. Blessed with an outstanding offensive typing, shared only by Cacturne, and good physical and special prowess, Shiftry proves to be a versatile Pokemon. Shiftry is capable of pressuring the opponents to try and play around it, not knowing what set it might be running. Common defensive Pokemon such as Slowking and Clefable are smashed by Shiftry, making it a formidable wallbreaker. Its ability to bypass bulky opponents that its competition cannot do effectively lets it stand out on its own. 

However, this nutcracker is not the toughest nut to crack itself. It has terrible bulk, meaning any strong attack will bring Shiftry down quickly. Its great offensive typing also curses it with weaknesses to the common Bug-, Fire-, and Fighting-type moves found in the tier. The few Pokemon that can defeat Shiftry are common and they handle it extremely well, meaning it usually will not be able to function without proper team support. Finally, Siftry Speed ties with common Pokemon such as Kabutops, Gallade, and Mesprit, causing it to run into many 50-50 situations where chances will determine whether Shiftry wins or loses. However, if you want something that can reliably do its part for your team, whether it be cleanup late-game or cripple opposing walls, you should definitely consider Shiftry. 

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Nature Power
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Early Bird
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Swords Dance Shiftry is an effective late-game sweeper, as its typing allows it to take on a wide array of Pokemon in the tier after a Swords Dance boost. At +2, Shiftry can prove to be one of the most threatening sweepers in the metagame. It is one of the few viable Pokemon that gets a STAB Sucker Punch, meaning it has strong priority that allows it to pick off remaining members of your opponent’s team. Seed Bomb is a reliable Grass-type STAB move that hits many Pokemon that other Swords Dance sweepers such as Absol can't take on, such as Poliwrath and Alomomola. Nature Power always turns into Earthquake, and is Shiftry's best option in taking down Fire-types like Entei, while also dealing solid damage to Steel-types such as Steelix and Klinklang. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Early Bird is the most useful of Shiftry's abilities, giving it a lesser hassle with sleep inducers like Lilligant with Hidden Power Rock. Chlorophyll is a decent option if Shiftry is being used on a sun team, but that is a harder archetype to play with in the current metagame. Life Orb is given to Shiftry to allow it to deal heavy damage and use its powerful moves interchangeably. Lum Berry is another useful option for Shiftry's item slot, as it gives it an advantage against status inducers and Scald users that flock through RU. An Adamant nature gives Shiftry the most attacking power needed to bust through the opponent at the expense of Speed tying with Swords Dance Gallade and Kabutops. Jolly is useful for avoiding these Speed ties all together. There are a couple of other viable moves that can fit into Shiftry's final moveslot. Substitute is a good move to avoid status without taking up an item slot like Lum Berry does, but be warned, as Shiftry gets worn down easily enough as it is. Rock Slide may seem like a good option on paper to defeat Moltres, but the only advantage Rock Slide has is that it defeats physically defensive Moltres, as the more common offensive Moltres is OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock damage anyway. Low Kick deals more damage to Steelix than Nature Power does, but it has limited use otherwise, not to mention that Steelix is not an opponent Shiftry will want to face alone. 

When it comes to finding good teammates for Shiftry, Emboar and Moltres offer the ability to lure in bulky Water-types like Lanturn and Slowking that Shiftry can set up on easily. They also have the added utility of taking on some of Shiftry's enemies, such as Escavalier and Ferroseed. Shiftry will sometimes find it hard to work around faster Fighting-types like Primeape, so Pokemon that can threaten them or cripple them, including Mesprit and Rotom, will be appreciated. Entry hazard support is very welcome in easing Shiftry's sweep. The common entry hazard setters, Smeargle and Qwilfish, are two good options. Smeargle pairs well with Shiftry's offensive playstyle and Qwilfish sets entry hazards up reliably, while also being able to take on Fire-types that threaten Shiftry, such as Emboar and Entei. Shiftry also threatens the tier's best spinner, so entry hazards are not hard to keep on the field. As Shiftry can't break through bulky Pokemon with Regenerator such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss, any Fire-type that can lure these Pokemon and take them out are huge assets. 

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Dark Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast / Nature Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Early Bird
nature: Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Thanks to Shiftry's great typing and diverse movepool, it makes a great mixed attacker that also functions as a wallbreaker. Shiftry has access to Leaf Storm, a 140 BP STAB move that has the ability to tear up any non-resistant switch-in. Combine this with its access to Sucker Punch, allowing it to pick off Pokemon that survive Leaf Storm, and Shiftry already has most of the tools it needs to succeed. Hidden Power Fire is mainly used to defeat Escavalier and Ferroseed, which would otherwise wall this set. Dark Pulse, on the other hand, is a STAB move with great neutral coverage and eases the pressure against Substitute users. Focus Blast offers the best coverage alongside Shiftry's Dark-types STAB moves, with no Pokemon that resist both Focus Blast and Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves in the tier, and also deals with Clefable without lowering Shiftry's special attack. Nature Power, on the other hand, deals a large amount of damage to Entei and Emboar, preventing them from taking Shiftry on easily. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Life Orb is the item of choice on this set, as it gives the Shiftry needed power to break through walls and allows it to switch moves to accommodate for different threats. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Rash nature give it the greatest damage output for Leaf Storm, allowing it to OHKO Slowking a majority of the time and always OHKO Qwilfish. 252 Speed EVs allows it to Speed tie with other base 80s, including Kabutops and Gallade, and allows it to outspeed some of the most common walls. Although this set capitalizes on Shiftry's ability to use its massively powerful Leaf Storms, an alternate spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe with a Naughty nature can be used to allow Shiftry to 2HKO Roselia and OHKO Emboar after Stealth Rock with Nature Power, assuming these two Pokemon threaten your team more. 

Mixed Attacking Shiftry is more of an asset to its team and doesn't rely on other teammates to help it as much as it helps its teammates. Kabutops is a good teammate for removing entry hazards, as Shiftry is easily worn down by them. Kabutops can also threaten Moltres. Entry hazard setters are even more notable partners for this set, as it helps weaken defensive Pokemon to the point where Shiftry can break through them without much trouble. Qwilfish is once again a great partner in this role, as it can set up entry hazards and take on many of Shiftry's common checks and counters. Shiftry's wallbreaking ability is useful for other offensive teammates that struggle with common walls. Life Orb Aerodactyl and Guts Swellow both appreciate Shiftry's wallbreaking support. Entei is a good teammate to defeat Escavalier that often force Shiftry out and appreciates Shiftry's ability to remove Alomomola, Slowking, and Uxie from the field. Shiftry clears the way for setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Feraligatr and Shell Smash Omastar, so pairing them up together makes an effective combination. Shiftry also supports Rotom and Choice Scarf Haunter, both of which have trouble wearing down the troublesome Clefable, Amoonguss, and Escavalier. 

[Other Options]

Shiftry has a wide array of other options in its arsenal, but the problem is it generally doesn't excel at any of them. An offensive SubSeed set may seems interesting on Shiftry, but it is easy to play around with due to Shiftry's terrible defensive capabilities. A Choice item, such as Choice Scarf or Choice Specs, would help improve Shiftry's middling Speed and average Special Attack respectively. However, Shiftry does not appreciate being locked into one move and the best use for it is within its dual Grass / Dark STAB and the ability to switch around it moves. Nasty Plot is an interesting move on Shiftry, but its Speed is too low without a Chlorophyll boost, and its Special Attack isn't winning any prizes by itself. A set utilizing Growth is usable for mixed variants, but it is rather useless outside of sun, and it takes away from Shiftry's valuable moveslots. Shiftry has access to Tailwind and Whirlwind, which are both good options for either aiding Shiftry's team further or forcing setup sweepers out. However, Tailwind is better used on a teammate with higher defenses, and Whirlwind is useless given the fact that few Pokemon will want to set up on Shiftry anyway. Toxic and Knock Off would be good for further crippling walls, but Shiftry prefers all-out offense and they are hard to fit in its set due Shiftry's limited number of moveslots. Finally, thanks to Early Bird, Shiftry can use Rest to replenish damage taken from Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, but this strategy is too unreliable due to Shiftry's terrible defenses. 

[Checks and Counters]

 If you want to stop Shiftry in its track, the first thing to do is evaluate what set it is running. Shiftry is a formidable threat, but that doesn't mean it can’t be stopped. Amoonguss is possibly Shiftry's biggest counter, capable of coming in on practically any move and forcing Shiftry out, while regaining any HP lost with Regenerator. Mandibuzz also has the bulk to shrug off any of Shiftry's moves and can either Whirlwind Shiftry out to remove its boosts or deal a large amount of damage to Shiftry with Brave Bird. Escavalier, Scolipede, and Durant are able to threaten Shiftry out with their powerful Bug-type STAB moves, but they must be wary of HP Fire. Druddigon generally takes little damage from most of Shiftry's attacks and can threaten Shiftry with its high Attack stat or useful crippling moves like Glare. Steelix and Tangrowth are great for taking on the Swords Dance set, as they both take little damage from any of Shiftry's moves. Steelix can Roar Shiftry out to remove its boosts, while Tangrowth will outright beat Shiftry and switch out to regain lost HP. Fire-types also ruin Shiftry's day when they can switch in. Moltres, Entei and Scarf Emboar are all faster than Shiftry and easily get rid of it, while Defensive Emboar takes little from Shiftry's attacks and threatening Shiftry with either of its STAB moves. Drapion is also a good all-purpose check for Shiftry lacking Nature Power, as it resists Shifty's STAB moves and threatens it with its own STAB Poison-type moves. Finally, Substitute users like Rotom, Sceptile, and Bouffalant are shaky checks, but they can easily play around Shiftry's Sucker Punch and can either cripple or outright KO it.

sickweare · Apr 29, 2014

Magcargo 2 said:
sickweare AM Check
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[Overview]

 In a tier with plenty of viable gGrass -types available, ~~you~~one may be wonder~~ing~~ howhy a Pokemon like Shiftry might stand out with ~~only~~its modest looking base stats. However, Shiftry has plenty of things going for it in thise current metagame. Blessed with an outstanding offensive typing, shared only by Cacturne, and good physical and special prowess, Shiftry proves to be a versatile Pokemon. Shiftry is capable of pressuring the opponents~~ition~~ to try and play around it, not knowing what set it might be running. Common defensive Pokemon ~~like~~such as Slowking and Clefable are smashed by Shiftry, making it a formidable wallbreaker. Its ability to bypass ~~the~~ bulky opponents that its competition cannot do effectively lets it stand out on its own. 

 However, this nutcracker is not the toughest nut to crack itself(This sentence could be changed, as it sounds rather odd). It has ~~measly defensive stats~~terrible bulk, meaning any strong attack will bring Shiftry down quickly. Its great offensive typing also curses it with weaknesses to the ~~very~~ common bBug-, fFire-, and fFighting-type moves found in the tier. The few Pokemon that can ~~han~~dlefeat Shiftry are common and they handle it extremely well, meaning it usually will not be able to function without proper team support. Finally, ~~having a base s~~Siftry Speed ~~of 80~~ ties it with ~~the~~ common Pokemon such as Kabutops, Gallade, and Mesprit, ~~which, in-turn,~~ causesing it to run into many 50-50 situations where chances will determine whether Shiftry wins or loses. However, if you want something that can reliably do its part for your team, whether it be clean up late -game or cripple opposing walls, you should definitely consider Shiftry. 

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Nature Power
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Early Bird
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

 Swords Dance Shiftry is an effective late -game sweeper, as its typing allows it to take on a wide array of Pokemon in the tier after a Swords Dance boost. At +2, Shiftry can prove to be one of the most threatening sweepers in the metagame. It is one of the few viable Pokemon that gets a STAB Sucker Punch, meaning it has strong priority that allows it to pick off remaining members of your opponent’s team. Seed Bomb is a reliable Grass-type STAB move that hits many Pokemon that other Swords Dance sweepers ~~like~~such as Absol can't take on, such as Poliwrath and Alomomola. Nature Power always turns into Earthquake, and is Shiftry's best option in taking down ~~the many~~ Fire-type s~~witch-ins,~~ like Entei, while also dealing solid damage to Steel-types such a~~gain~~st Steelix and Klinklang. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

 Early Bird is the most useful of Shiftry's abilities, hagiving it a lesser hassle with sleep inducers like Lilligant with Hidden Power Rock. Chlorophyll is a decent option ~~for~~if Shiftry is being used on a sun teams, but that is a harder archetype to play with in the current metagame. Life Orb is given to Shiftry to allow it to deal ~~strong~~heavy damage and use its ~~strong~~powerful moves interchangeably. Lum Berry is another useful option for Shiftry's item slot, as it gives it ~~the~~an advantage ~~over~~against status inducers and Scald users that flock through R~~arelyused~~U. An Adamant nature gives Shiftry the most attacking power needed to bust through the oppo~~sition~~nent at the expense of Speed tying with Swords Dance Gallade and Kabutops. Jolly is a useful ~~nature~~ for avoiding these sSpeed ties all together. There are a couple of other viable moves that can fit into Shiftry's final~~ast~~ moveslot. Substitute is a good ~~for~~move to avoid~~ing~~ status without taking up ~~the~~an item slot like Lum Berry ~~requir~~does, but be warned ~~that~~, as Shiftry ~~does~~ gets worn down easily enough as it is. Rock Slide may seems like a good option on paper ~~for taking down~~to defeat Moltres, but the only advantage Rock Slide has is that it defeats ~~the~~ physically defensive ~~version~~Moltres, ands the more common offensive mMoltres is OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock damage anyway. Low Kick deals more damage to Steelix than Nature Power does, but it has limited use otherwise, ~~and~~not to mention that Steelix is not an opponent Shiftry will ~~generally~~ want to face alone. 

 When it comes to finding good teammates for Shiftry, Emboar and Moltres offer the ability to lure in bulky wWater-types like Lanturn and Slowking that Shiftry can set up on easily. They also have the added utility of taking on some of Shiftry's enemies, ~~like~~such as Escavalier and Ferroseed. Shiftry will sometimes find it hard to work around faster Fighting -types, like Primeape, so Pokemon that can threaten them or cripple them, including Mesprit and Rotom ~~for example~~, will be appreciated. HEntry hazard support is very welcome in easing Shiftry's sweep. The common entry hazard setters, Smeargle and Qwilfish, are two good options. Smeargle pairs well with Shiftry's offensive playstyle and Qwilfish sets entry hazards up reliably, while also being able to take on ~~Emboar and Entei who~~Fire-types that threaten Shiftry, such as Emboar and Entei. Shiftry also threatens the tier's best spinners, so entry hazards are not hard to keep on the field. As Shiftry can't break through bulky Pokemon with Regenerator ~~Pokemon lke~~such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss, any Fire-type that can lure in these Pokemon and take them out are huge assets. 

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Dark Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast / Nature Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Early Bird
nature: Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

 Thanks to Shiftry's great typing and diverse movepool, it makes a great mixed attacker that also functions as a wallbreaker. Shiftry has access to Leaf Storm, a 140 BP STAB move that has the ability to tear up any non-resistant switch -in. Combine this with its access to Sucker Punch, ~~mean~~allowing it ~~can~~to pick off ~~the things~~Pokemon that survive Leaf Storm, and Shiftry already has most of the tools it needs to succeed. Hidden Power Fire is mainly ~~there~~used to ~~get pas~~defeat Escavalier and Ferroseed, wh~~o commonly~~ich would otherwise wall this set. Dark Pulse, on the other hand, is a STAB move with great neutral coverage, and eases the pressure ~~of taking on~~against Substitute users. Focus Blast ~~in the last slot~~ offers the best coverage alongside Shiftry's Dark-types STAB moves, with no Pokemon that resist both Focus Blast and Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves in the tier, and also deals with Clefable ~~better~~ without lowering Shiftry's special attack. Nature Power, on the other hand, ~~keep~~deals a large amount of damage to Entei and Emboar, preventing them from taking Shiftry on easily. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

 Life Orb is the item of choice on this set, ~~bec~~ause it gives the Shiftry needed power, to break through walls and allows it to switch moves to accommodate for different threats. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Rash nature give it the greatest damage output for Leaf Storm, allowing it to OHKO Slowking a m~~ost~~ajority of the time and always OHKO Qwilfish. ~~The~~ 252 Speed EVs allows it to Speed tie with other base 80s, including Kabutops and Gallade, and allows it to outspeed some of the most common walls. Although this set capitalizes on Shiftry's ability to ~~fire off~~use its massively powerful Leaf Storms, an alternate spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe with a Naughty nature can be used to allows Shiftry to 2HKO Roselia and OHKO Emboar after Stealth Rock with Nature Power, ifassuming these two Pokemon threaten your team more. 

 Mixed Attacking Shiftry is more of an asset to its team, and ~~thus~~ doesn't rely on other teammates to help it as much as it helps its teammates. Kabutops is a good teammate for removing entry hazard ~~control~~s, as Shiftry is easily worn down~~, while~~ by them. Kabutops can also threaten~~ing any~~ Moltres ~~that appear on your opponent's side. H~~. Entry hazard setters are even more notable onpartners for this set, as it helps weaken defensive Pokemon to the point where Shiftry can break through them without much trouble. Qwilfish is once again a great partner ~~who~~in this role, as it can set up entry hazards and take on many of Shiftry's common checks and counters. Shiftry's wallbreaking ability is useful for other offensive teammates ~~who~~that struggle with common walls. Life Orb Aerodactyl and Guts Swellow both appreciate ~~the help from~~ Shiftry's wallbreaking support. Entei is a good team ~~option~~mate to ~~take on the~~defeat Escavalier that ~~scar~~often force Shiftry out, and ~~it also~~ appreciates Shiftry's ability to remove Alomomola, Slowking, and Uxie from the field. Shiftry clears the way for set-up sweepers~~, like~~ such as Swords Dance Feraligatr and Shell Smash Omastar, ~~and~~ so pairing them up together makes an effective combination. Shiftry also supports Rotom and Choice Scarf Haunter, both of whoich hav~~e som~~e trouble ~~with~~ wearing down the troublesome Clefable, Amoonguss, and Escavalier (You previously mention Shiftry had trouble defeating Escavalier, so this sounds rather contradicting). 

[Other Options]

 Shiftry has a wide array of other options in its arsenal, but the problem is it generally doesn't excel at any of them. An offensive Sub Seed set may seems ~~pretty cool~~interesting on Shiftry, but it is easily to played around with~~anks~~ due to Shiftry's ~~low~~terrible defensive capabilities. A Choice item, ~~lik~~such as Choice Scarf or Choice Specs, would help improve Shiftry's middling Speed and average Special Attack respectively. However, Shiftry hdoes not appreciates being locked into one move, and the best use for it is within its dual Grass / Dark STAB and the ability to switch around it moves. Nasty Plot is a ~~cool~~n interesting move ~~for~~on Shiftry, but its sSpeed is too low without a Chlorophyll boost, and its Special Attack isn't winning any prizes by itself. A set utilizing Growth ~~would be cool~~is usable for mixed variants, but it is rather useless ~~with~~outside of sun, and it takes away from Shiftry's valuable moveslots. Shiftry has access to Tailwind and Whirlwind, which are both good options for either aiding Shiftry's team further, or forcing ~~boosting~~setup sweepers out. However, Tailwind is better used on a teammate with higher defenses, and Whirlwind is useless given the fact that few ~~things~~Pokemon will want to set up on Shiftry anyway. Toxic and Knock Off would be good for further crippling walls, but Shiftry prefers all-out offense, and they are hard to fit in its set ~~with~~due Shiftry's limited ~~room for~~number of mo~~re option~~veslots. Finally, thanks to Early Bird, Shiftry c~~ould run a~~an use Res~~t se~~t to replenish ~~its health that is easily worn down~~damage taken from Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, but this strategy is too unreliable ~~on a Pokemon with low~~due to Shiftry's terrible defenses ~~like Shiftry~~. 

[Checks and Counters]

 If you want to stop Shiftry in its track, the first thing to do is evaluate what set it is running. Shiftry is a formidable threat, but that doesn't mean it can’t be stopped. Amoonguss is possibly Shiftry's biggest counter, capable of coming in on practically any move, and forcing Shiftry out, while ~~switch~~regaining ~~out to regain its health back~~any HP lost with Regenerator. Mandibuzz also has the bulk to shrug off any ~~attack,~~of Shiftry's moves and wcan either Whirlwind Shiftry out to remove its boosts, or ~~even just fire~~deal a large amount off ~~a Brave Bird which will send~~damage to Shiftry ~~packing~~with Brave Bird. Escavalier, Scolipede, and Durant are able to threaten Shiftry out with their powerful Bug-type STAB moves, but they must be wary of HP Fire. Druddigon generally takes little damage from most of Shiftry's attacks, and can threaten Shiftry with its high aAttack stat or useful crippling moves like Glare. Steelix and Tangrowth are great for taking on the Swords Dance set, as they both take little damage from any of Shiftry's move~~, while~~s. Steelix can Roar Shiftry out to remove its boosts, while Tangrowth will outright beat ~~it,~~Shiftry and switch out to regain lost HP. Fire T-types also ruin Shiftry's day when they can switch in. Moltres, Entei and Scarf Emboar are all faster than Shiftry and easily get rid of it, while Ddefensive Emboar takes little from Shiftry's attacks ~~while~~and threatening Shiftry with ~~any~~either of its STAB moves. Drapion is also a good all-purpose check for Shiftry lacking Nature Power, as it resists Shifty's ~~dual~~ STAB moves and threatens it with its own STAB Poison-type moves. Finally, Substitute users, like Rotom, Sceptile, and Bouffalant, are shaky checks, but they can easily play around Shiftry's Sucker Punch and can either cripple or outright KO it. 

[Overview]

In a tier with plenty of viable Grass-types available, one may wonder how a Pokemon like Shiftry might stand out with its modest looking base stats. However, Shiftry has plenty of things going for it in the current metagame. Blessed with an outstanding offensive typing, shared only by Cacturne, and good physical and special prowess, Shiftry proves to be a versatile Pokemon. Shiftry is capable of pressuring the opponents to try and play around it, not knowing what set it might be running. Common defensive Pokemon such as Slowking and Clefable are smashed by Shiftry, making it a formidable wallbreaker. Its ability to bypass bulky opponents that its competition cannot do effectively lets it stand out on its own. 

However, this nutcracker is not the toughest nut to crack itself. It has terrible bulk, meaning any strong attack will bring Shiftry down quickly. Its great offensive typing also curses it with weaknesses to the common Bug-, Fire-, and Fighting-type moves found in the tier. The few Pokemon that can defeat Shiftry are common and they handle it extremely well, meaning it usually will not be able to function without proper team support. Finally, Siftry Speed ties with common Pokemon such as Kabutops, Gallade, and Mesprit, causing it to run into many 50-50 situations where chances will determine whether Shiftry wins or loses. However, if you want something that can reliably do its part for your team, whether it be cleanup late-game or cripple opposing walls, you should definitely consider Shiftry. 

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Nature Power
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Early Bird
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Swords Dance Shiftry is an effective late-game sweeper, as its typing allows it to take on a wide array of Pokemon in the tier after a Swords Dance boost. At +2, Shiftry can prove to be one of the most threatening sweepers in the metagame. It is one of the few viable Pokemon that gets a STAB Sucker Punch, meaning it has strong priority that allows it to pick off remaining members of your opponent’s team. Seed Bomb is a reliable Grass-type STAB move that hits many Pokemon that other Swords Dance sweepers such as Absol can't take on, such as Poliwrath and Alomomola. Nature Power always turns into Earthquake, and is Shiftry's best option in taking down Fire-types like Entei, while also dealing solid damage to Steel-types such as Steelix and Klinklang. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Early Bird is the most useful of Shiftry's abilities, giving it a lesser hassle with sleep inducers like Lilligant with Hidden Power Rock. Chlorophyll is a decent option if Shiftry is being used on a sun team, but that is a harder archetype to play with in the current metagame. Life Orb is given to Shiftry to allow it to deal heavy damage and use its powerful moves interchangeably. Lum Berry is another useful option for Shiftry's item slot, as it gives it an advantage against status inducers and Scald users that flock through RU. An Adamant nature gives Shiftry the most attacking power needed to bust through the opponent at the expense of Speed tying with Swords Dance Gallade and Kabutops. Jolly is useful for avoiding these Speed ties all together. There are a couple of other viable moves that can fit into Shiftry's final moveslot. Substitute is a good move to avoid status without taking up an item slot like Lum Berry does, but be warned, as Shiftry gets worn down easily enough as it is. Rock Slide may seem like a good option on paper to defeat Moltres, but the only advantage Rock Slide has is that it defeats physically defensive Moltres, as the more common offensive Moltres is OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock damage anyway. Low Kick deals more damage to Steelix than Nature Power does, but it has limited use otherwise, not to mention that Steelix is not an opponent Shiftry will want to face alone. 

When it comes to finding good teammates for Shiftry, Emboar and Moltres offer the ability to lure in bulky Water-types like Lanturn and Slowking that Shiftry can set up on easily. They also have the added utility of taking on some of Shiftry's enemies, such as Escavalier and Ferroseed. Shiftry will sometimes find it hard to work around faster Fighting-types like Primeape, so Pokemon that can threaten them or cripple them, including Mesprit and Rotom, will be appreciated. Entry hazard support is very welcome in easing Shiftry's sweep. The common entry hazard setters, Smeargle and Qwilfish, are two good options. Smeargle pairs well with Shiftry's offensive playstyle and Qwilfish sets entry hazards up reliably, while also being able to take on Fire-types that threaten Shiftry, such as Emboar and Entei. Shiftry also threatens the tier's best spinner, so entry hazards are not hard to keep on the field. As Shiftry can't break through bulky Pokemon with Regenerator such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss, any Fire-type that can lure these Pokemon and take them out are huge assets. 

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Dark Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast / Nature Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Early Bird
nature: Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Thanks to Shiftry's great typing and diverse movepool, it makes a great mixed attacker that also functions as a wallbreaker. Shiftry has access to Leaf Storm, a 140 BP STAB move that has the ability to tear up any non-resistant switch-in. Combine this with its access to Sucker Punch, allowing it to pick off Pokemon that survive Leaf Storm, and Shiftry already has most of the tools it needs to succeed. Hidden Power Fire is mainly used to defeat Escavalier and Ferroseed, which would otherwise wall this set. Dark Pulse, on the other hand, is a STAB move with great neutral coverage and eases the pressure against Substitute users. Focus Blast offers the best coverage alongside Shiftry's Dark-types STAB moves, with no Pokemon that resist both Focus Blast and Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves in the tier, and also deals with Clefable without lowering Shiftry's special attack. Nature Power, on the other hand, deals a large amount of damage to Entei and Emboar, preventing them from taking Shiftry on easily. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Life Orb is the item of choice on this set, as it gives the Shiftry needed power to break through walls and allows it to switch moves to accommodate for different threats. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Rash nature give it the greatest damage output for Leaf Storm, allowing it to OHKO Slowking a majority of the time and always OHKO Qwilfish. 252 Speed EVs allows it to Speed tie with other base 80s, including Kabutops and Gallade, and allows it to outspeed some of the most common walls. Although this set capitalizes on Shiftry's ability to use its massively powerful Leaf Storms, an alternate spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe with a Naughty nature can be used to allow Shiftry to 2HKO Roselia and OHKO Emboar after Stealth Rock with Nature Power, assuming these two Pokemon threaten your team more. 

Mixed Attacking Shiftry is more of an asset to its team and doesn't rely on other teammates to help it as much as it helps its teammates. Kabutops is a good teammate for removing entry hazards, as Shiftry is easily worn down by them. Kabutops can also threaten Moltres. Entry hazard setters are even more notable partners for this set, as it helps weaken defensive Pokemon to the point where Shiftry can break through them without much trouble. Qwilfish is once again a great partner in this role, as it can set up entry hazards and take on many of Shiftry's common checks and counters. Shiftry's wallbreaking ability is useful for other offensive teammates that struggle with common walls. Life Orb Aerodactyl and Guts Swellow both appreciate Shiftry's wallbreaking support. Entei is a good teammate to defeat Escavalier that often force Shiftry out and appreciates Shiftry's ability to remove Alomomola, Slowking, and Uxie from the field. Shiftry clears the way for setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Feraligatr and Shell Smash Omastar, so pairing them up together makes an effective combination. Shiftry also supports Rotom and Choice Scarf Haunter, both of which have trouble wearing down the troublesome Clefable, Amoonguss, and Escavalier. 

[Other Options]

Shiftry has a wide array of other options in its arsenal, but the problem is it generally doesn't excel at any of them. An offensive SubSeed set may seems interesting on Shiftry, but it is easy to play around with due to Shiftry's terrible defensive capabilities. A Choice item, such as Choice Scarf or Choice Specs, would help improve Shiftry's middling Speed and average Special Attack respectively. However, Shiftry does not appreciate being locked into one move and the best use for it is within its dual Grass / Dark STAB and the ability to switch around it moves. Nasty Plot is an interesting move on Shiftry, but its Speed is too low without a Chlorophyll boost, and its Special Attack isn't winning any prizes by itself. A set utilizing Growth is usable for mixed variants, but it is rather useless outside of sun, and it takes away from Shiftry's valuable moveslots. Shiftry has access to Tailwind and Whirlwind, which are both good options for either aiding Shiftry's team further or forcing setup sweepers out. However, Tailwind is better used on a teammate with higher defenses, and Whirlwind is useless given the fact that few Pokemon will want to set up on Shiftry anyway. Toxic and Knock Off would be good for further crippling walls, but Shiftry prefers all-out offense and they are hard to fit in its set due Shiftry's limited number of moveslots. Finally, thanks to Early Bird, Shiftry can use Rest to replenish damage taken from Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, but this strategy is too unreliable due to Shiftry's terrible defenses. 

[Checks and Counters]

 If you want to stop Shiftry in its track, the first thing to do is evaluate what set it is running. Shiftry is a formidable threat, but that doesn't mean it can’t be stopped. Amoonguss is possibly Shiftry's biggest counter, capable of coming in on practically any move and forcing Shiftry out, while regaining any HP lost with Regenerator. Mandibuzz also has the bulk to shrug off any of Shiftry's moves and can either Whirlwind Shiftry out to remove its boosts or deal a large amount of damage to Shiftry with Brave Bird. Escavalier, Scolipede, and Durant are able to threaten Shiftry out with their powerful Bug-type STAB moves, but they must be wary of HP Fire. Druddigon generally takes little damage from most of Shiftry's attacks and can threaten Shiftry with its high Attack stat or useful crippling moves like Glare. Steelix and Tangrowth are great for taking on the Swords Dance set, as they both take little damage from any of Shiftry's moves. Steelix can Roar Shiftry out to remove its boosts, while Tangrowth will outright beat Shiftry and switch out to regain lost HP. Fire-types also ruin Shiftry's day when they can switch in. Moltres, Entei and Scarf Emboar are all faster than Shiftry and easily get rid of it, while Defensive Emboar takes little from Shiftry's attacks and threatening Shiftry with either of its STAB moves. Drapion is also a good all-purpose check for Shiftry lacking Nature Power, as it resists Shifty's STAB moves and threatens it with its own STAB Poison-type moves. Finally, Substitute users like Rotom, Sceptile, and Bouffalant are shaky checks, but they can easily play around Shiftry's Sucker Punch and can either cripple or outright KO it.

~~Damn the nutcracker comment was just me trying to put a little flair in my personality brb crying~~

Thanks for that! Changes have been implemented, and I clarified the Escavalier part in Additional Comments

GatoDelFuego · May 23, 2014

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[Overview]

In a tier with plenty of viable Grass-types available, one may might wonder how a Pokemon like Shiftry might stand out with its modest looking base stats. However, Shiftry has plenty of things going for it in the current metagame. Blessed with an outstanding offensive typing, shared only by Cacturne, and good physical and special prowess, Shiftry proves to be a versatile Pokemon. Shiftry is capable of pressuring the opponents to try and play around it, not knowing what set it might be running. Common defensive Pokemon such as Slowking and Clefable are smashed by Shiftry, making it a formidable wallbreaker. Its ability to bypass bulky opponents that its competition cannot do effectively lets it stand out on its own. 

However, this wallbreaker nutcracker isn't exactly the toughest to crack. It has terrible bulk, meaning any strong attack will bring Shiftry down quickly. Its great offensive typing also curses it with weaknesses to the common Bug-, Fire-, and Fighting-type moves found in the tier. The few Pokemon that can defeat Shiftry are common and they handle it extremely well, meaning it usually will not be able to function without proper team support. Finally, Siftry Speed ties with common Pokemon such as Kabutops, Gallade, and Mesprit, causing it to run into many 50-50 situations where chances will determine whether Shiftry wins or loses. However, if you want something that can reliably do its part for your team, whether it be cleanup late-game or cripple opposing walls, you should definitely consider Shiftry. 

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Nature Power
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Early Bird
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Swords Dance Shiftry is an effective late-game sweeper, as its typing allows it to take on a wide array of Pokemon in the tier after a Swords Dance boost. At +2, Shiftry can prove to be one of the most threatening sweepers in the metagame. It is one of the few viable Pokemon that gets a STAB Sucker Punch, meaning it has strong priority that allows it to pick off remaining members of your opponent's straight > curled team. Seed Bomb is a reliable Grass-type STAB move that hits many Pokemon that other Swords Dance sweepers such as Absol can't take on, such as Poliwrath and Alomomola. Nature Power always turns into Earthquake, and is Shiftry's best option in taking down Fire-types like Entei, (RC) while also dealing solid damage to Steel-types such as Steelix and Klinklang. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Early Bird is the most useful of Shiftry's abilities, giving it a lesser hassle with sleep inducers like Lilligant with Hidden Power Rock. Chlorophyll is a decent option if Shiftry is being used on a sun team, but that is a harder archetype to play with in the current metagame. Life Orb is given to Shiftry to allow it to deal heavy damage and use its powerful moves interchangeably. Lum Berry is another useful option for Shiftry's item slot, as it gives it Shiftry an advantage against status inducers and Scald users that flock through RU. An Adamant nature gives Shiftry the most attacking power needed to bust through the opponent at the expense of Speed tying with Swords Dance Gallade and Kabutops. Jolly is useful for avoiding these Speed ties altogether. There are a couple of other viable moves that can fit into Shiftry's final moveslot. Substitute is a good move to avoid status without taking up an item slot like Lum Berry does, but be warned, as Shiftry gets worn down easily enough as it is. Rock Slide may might seem like a good option on paper to defeat Moltres, but the only advantage Rock Slide has is that it defeats physically defensive Moltres, as the more common offensive Moltres is OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock damage anyway. Low Kick deals more damage to Steelix than Nature Power does, but it has limited use otherwise, not to mention that Steelix is not an opponent Shiftry will want to face alone. 

When it comes to finding good teammates for Shiftry, Emboar and Moltres offer the ability to lure in bulky Water-types like Lanturn and Slowking that Shiftry can set up on easily. They also have the added utility of taking on some of Shiftry's enemies, such as Escavalier and Ferroseed. Shiftry will sometimes find it hard to work around faster Fighting-types like Primeape, so Pokemon that can threaten them or cripple them, including Mesprit and Rotom, will be appreciated. Entry hazard support is very welcome in easing Shiftry's sweep. The common entry hazard setters, Smeargle and Qwilfish, are two good options. Smeargle pairs well with Shiftry's offensive playstyle and Qwilfish sets entry hazards up reliably, (RC) while also being able to take on Fire-types that threaten Shiftry, such as Emboar and Entei. Shiftry also threatens the tier's best spinner, Kabutops, so entry hazards are not hard to keep on the field. As Shiftry can't break through bulky Pokemon with Regenerator such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss, any Fire-type that can lure these Pokemon in and take them out are huge assets. 

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Dark Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast / Nature Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Early Bird
nature: Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Thanks to Shiftry's great typing and diverse movepool, it makes a great mixed attacker that also functions as a wallbreaker. Shiftry has access to Leaf Storm, a 140 Base Power STAB move that has the ability to tear up any non-resistant switch-in. Combine this with its access to Sucker Punch, allowing it to pick off Pokemon that survive Leaf Storm, and Shiftry already has most of the tools it needs to succeed. Hidden Power Fire is mainly used to defeat Escavalier and Ferroseed, which would otherwise wall this set. Dark Pulse, on the other hand, is a STAB move with great neutral coverage and eases the pressure against Substitute users. Focus Blast offers the best coverage alongside Shiftry's Dark-types STAB moves, with no Pokemon that resist both Focus Blast and Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves in the tier, and also deals with Clefable without lowering Shiftry's Special Attack. Nature Power, on the other hand, deals a large amount of damage to Entei and Emboar, preventing them from taking Shiftry on easily. 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Life Orb is the item of choice on this set, as it gives the Shiftry needed power to break through walls and allows it to switch moves to accommodate for different threats. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Rash nature give it Shiftry the greatest damage output for Leaf Storm, allowing it to OHKO Slowking a majority of the time and always OHKO Qwilfish. 252 Speed EVs allows it Shiftry to Speed tie with other base 80s, including Kabutops and Gallade, and allows it to outspeed some of the most common walls. Although this set capitalizes on Shiftry's ability to use its massively powerful Leaf Storms, an alternate spread of 80 Atk / 176 SpA / 252 Spe with a Naughty nature can be used to allow Shiftry to 2HKO Roselia and OHKO Emboar after Stealth Rock with Nature Power, assuming these two Pokemon threaten your team more. 

Mixed attacking Shiftry is more of an asset to its team and doesn't rely on other teammates to help it as much as it helps its teammates. Kabutops is a good teammate for removing entry hazards, as Shiftry is easily worn down by them. Kabutops can also threaten Moltres. Entry hazard setters are even more notable partners for this set, as it hazards helps weaken defensive Pokemon to the point where Shiftry can break through them without much trouble. Qwilfish is once again a great partner in this role, as it can set up entry hazards and take on many of Shiftry's common checks and counters. Shiftry's wallbreaking ability is useful for other offensive teammates that struggle with common walls. Life Orb Aerodactyl and Guts Swellow both appreciate Shiftry's wallbreaking support. Entei is a good teammate to defeat Escavalier that often force Shiftry not carrying Hidden Power Fire out and appreciates Shiftry's ability to remove Alomomola, Slowking, and Uxie from the field. Shiftry clears the way for setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Feraligatr and Shell Smash Omastar, so pairing them up together makes an effective combination. Shiftry also supports Rotom and Choice Scarf Haunter, both of which have trouble wearing down the troublesome Clefable, Amoonguss, and Escavalier. 

[Other Options]

Shiftry has a wide array of other options in its arsenal, but the problem is it generally doesn't excel at any of them. An offensive SubSeed set may seems interesting on Shiftry, but it is easy to play around with due to Shiftry's terrible defensive capabilities. A Choice item, such as Choice Scarf or Choice Specs, would help improve Shiftry's middling Speed and average Special Attack, (AC) respectively. However, Shiftry does not appreciate being locked into one move and the best use for it is within its dual Grass / Dark STAB and the ability to switch around its moves. Nasty Plot is an interesting move on Shiftry, but its Speed is too low without a Chlorophyll boost, and its Special Attack isn't winning any prizes by itself. A set utilizing Growth is usable for mixed variants, but it is rather useless outside of sun, (RC) and it takes away from Shiftry's valuable moveslots. Shiftry has access to Tailwind and Whirlwind, which are both good options for either aiding Shiftry's team further or forcing setup sweepers out. However, Tailwind is better used on a teammate with higher defenses, and Whirlwind is useless given the fact that few Pokemon will want to set up on Shiftry anyway. Toxic and Knock Off would be good for further crippling walls, but Shiftry prefers all-out offense and they are hard to fit in its set due Shiftry's limited number of moveslots. Finally, thanks to Early Bird, Shiftry can use Rest to replenish damage taken from Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, but this strategy is too unreliable due to Shiftry's terrible defenses. 

[Checks and Counters]

 If you want to stop Shiftry in its tracks, the first thing to do is evaluate what set it is running. Shiftry is a formidable threat, but that doesn't mean it can't be stopped. Amoonguss is possibly Shiftry's biggest counter, capable of coming in on practically any move and forcing Shiftry out, (RC) while regaining any HP lost with Regenerator. Mandibuzz also has the bulk to shrug off any of Shiftry's moves and can either Whirlwind Shiftry out to remove its boosts or deal a large amount of damage to Shiftry with Brave Bird. Escavalier, Scolipede, and Durant are able to threaten Shiftry out with their powerful Bug-type STAB moves, but they must be wary of Hidden Power Fire. Druddigon generally takes little damage from most of Shiftry's attacks and can threaten Shiftry with its high Attack stat or useful crippling moves like Glare. Steelix and Tangrowth are great for taking on the Swords Dance set, as they both take little damage from any of Shiftry's moves. Steelix can Roar Shiftry out to remove its boosts, while Tangrowth will outright beat Shiftry and switch out to regain lost HP. Fire-types also ruin Shiftry's day when they can switch in. Moltres, Entei and Choice Scarf Emboar are all faster than Shiftry and easily get rid of it, while Defensive Emboar takes little from Shiftry's attacks and threatening Shiftry with either of its STAB moves. Drapion is also a good all-purpose check for Shiftry lacking Nature Power, as it resists Shifty's STAB moves and threatens it with its own STAB Poison-type moves. Finally, Substitute users like Rotom, Sceptile, and Bouffalant are shaky checks, but they can easily play around Shiftry's Sucker Punch and can either cripple or outright KO it.

1/2

Oglemi · Jul 24, 2014

implemented the above GP and gave my own, uploaded

Shiftry (QC 3/3) [GP 2/2]

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