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Swords Dance
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name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Ice Shard
move 3: Wood Hammer
move 4: Earthquake
ability: Soundproof
item: Abomasite
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
Nature: Adamant
Moves
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Swords Dance boosts Abomasnow's Attack stat to gigantic levels. Ice Shard makes up for Abomasnow's low Speed stat, and with a Swords Dance boost under its belt, Abomasnow can use it to OHKO Pokemon such as Moltres, Jolteon, and Druddigon after Stealth Rock damage. Wood Hammer, despite quickly chipping away at Abomasnow's longevity, allows it to break through some of RU's bulkiest Pokemon, such as Cresselia, scoring a clean 2HKO on it after a Swords Dance. Earthquake complements Abomasnow's STAB moves nicely, covering common threats that resist them such as Doublade, Cobalion, and Registeel. Seed Bomb is an alternative to Wood Hammer for a Grass-type STAB move. However, it misses out on OHKOs on some crucial targets, such as Aromatisse, Reuniclus, and Spiritomb, which would usually crumble to a Swords Dance-boosted Wood Hammer.
Set Details
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Maximizing Abomasnow's Attack is the natural choice, giving it enough power to hit hard right off the bat. The Speed EVs allow Abomasnow to outrun defensive variants of Rhyperior. However, if desired, one can opt for more Speed investment so that Abomasnow can outrun the likes of Druddigon and Tangrowth, though it's usually unnecessary to do so. The remaining EVs are dumped into HP. Soundproof lets Abomasnow serve as a decent Exploud check before Mega Evolving.
Usage Tips
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In spite of having a below-average defensive typing, Abomasnow can be brought in on weaker Water- and Electric-types under most circumstances. However, it benefits the most from switching in unscathed, either through double switching or by the use of U-turn or Volt Switch. In order to fulfill its role, Abomasnow doesn't always need to get a Swords Dance boost, so it's recommended to carefully judge the situation before using it. It's also important to keep in mind that Abomasnow is quite versatile regarding its role. Against more defensive-leaning teams, it can break through bulkier targets with ease, whereas against offense, it is easily able to pick off weaker targets with Ice Shard.
Team Options
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Abomasnow heavily benefits from entry hazard control, mostly due to its Stealth Rock weakness, but also because having Stealth Rock on the opposing side allows Abomasnow to score some OHKOs that usually wouldn't be possible, such as on Jolteon and Druddigon with a Swords Dance-boosted Ice Shard. Because of that, Defog users such as Gligar, as well as Stealth Rock setters such as Cobalion, are naturally good partners for Abomasnow. Pokemon that can bring Abomasnow in safely through the use of U-turn or Volt Switch, such as Eelektross, the aforementioned Gligar, and Lanturn, are nice teammates for Abomasnow, although it's possible for it to function well without those Pokemon. Pokemon that benefit from Abomasnow's ability to break through walls in order to clean later in the game, such as Fletchinder and Sharpedo, pair well with it too. Abomasnow also really enjoys paralysis support from the likes of Druddigon. Abomasnow can also be used under Trick Room, due to its low Speed and good defensive synergy with the common Trick Room setters, such as Cresselia and Bronzong.
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