Combusken

[nv]

Fire Chicken

[OVERVIEW]

Combusken has an outstanding STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for at least neutral damage, as well as an amazing offensive ability in Speed Boost. Its decent typing allows it to check the plethora of Grass-types in NU such as Lilligant and Shiftry as well as Dark-types such as Liepard and Pawniard; however, its typing also leaves it weak to common Pokemon such as Rhydon, Lanturn, and Mesprit. Combusken also has a hard time choosing its item, as it has little bulk without Eviolite and little immediate power without a boosting item such as Life Orb. Additionally, Combusken's below average base 55 Speed means that, even at +1, it is outsped by common Choice Scarf users as well as unboosted Pokemon with a neutral nature, such as Jynx and Pyroar. Combusken also lacks a solid movepool with nothing outside of a few support moves and not great attacking moves outside its STAB moves, even though it doesn't need much outside of its STAB moves to be effective.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Protect allows scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost. Baton Pass allows Combusken to pass its Speed to teammates as well as pivot out early- and mid-game. Fire Blast hits Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also nailing Grass-, Bug-, and Ice-types. Focus Blast is another good STAB move, nailing Rock-types, such as Regirock and Rhydon, as well as Water-types, such as Lanturn and Samurott, that resist Fire. Substitute can provide Combusken with a way to avoid status as well as safely pass Speed better than it would with Protect.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack EVs and Speed EVs are used to allow Combusken to hit as hard as possible. A Timid nature allows Combusken to outspeed up to base 106 Speed Pokemon such as Pyroar and Liepard after one Speed boost as well as outspeeding Jynx. However, a Modest nature is good as well, as it allows Combusken to hit a common Fire-resistant Pokemon, Lanturn, even harder. Life Orb boosts Combusken's power; it is used over Eviolite because Combusken has little bulk to begin with and wants as much power as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Combusken acts as a great pivot thanks to Baton Pass and Protect, as Baton Pass allows Combusken to get out of a bad situation while also passing Speed boosts to a Pokemon that may fare better. For example, if Combusken is in on Torterra, rather than using Fire Blast, it might be more beneficial to Baton Pass if the opponent has Magmortar and you have a Floatzel so as to keep momentum. Protect also allows Combusken to scout for the opponent's move, most notably what move Choice item users such as Sawk lock themselves into, and to gain an easy +1. Combusken must be careful about setting up when the opponent has super effective priority from the likes of Kabutops and Samurott, as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped and OHKOed.

Team Options
========

Grass-types, such as Lilligant and Shiftry, make for great partners, as they can threaten the Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help Combusken wear down switch-ins such as Lanturn. Wallbreakers, such as Choice Band Sawk and Zangoose, appreciate getting Speed boosts and can help soften some of Combusken's checks, allowing Combusken to sweep or pass Speed boosts more easily. Moderately bulky Psychic-types such as Xatu and Malamar appreciate being passed Speed boosts, as they are able to take advantage of them through Magic Bounce in Xatu's case and RestTalk in Malamar's case. Skuntank is a really good partner, as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu. Combusken also breaks down Rock- and Steel-types, such as Rhydon and Klinklang, for Skuntank.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Combusken to set up and, at +2, hit hard with its decent STAB moves. Flare Blitz allows Combusken to break walls such as Mega Audino and Weezing, but it comes at the cost of recoil. Fire Punch is a reliable, recoil-less Fire-type STAB move that hits Grass-, Steel-, and Ice-types such as Ferroseed, Cryogonal, and Jynx. Low Kick allows a boosted Combusken to hit heavy Pokemon such as Kangaskhan and Carracosta hard while also hitting heavy Fire-resistant foes, such as Rock Polish Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, for more damage. Brick Break, however, provides a more consistent Fighting-type STAB move that is specifically used for picking off the lightweights, should they be a greater concern than bulky heavyweights to your team. Low Kick is actually consistently stronger (albeit slightly) than Brick Break against a large majority of Fighting-weak or Fire-resistant targets. Brick Break, however, still needs a Swords Dance boost to nab the OHKO on lightweights such as Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken. Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost and allows it to pivot out of unfavorable matchups early-game. It also allows Combusken to scout Choice-locked Pokemon such as Sawk to see what move they are going for.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Combusken to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Eviolite allows Combusken to survive weak, resisted hits and gives it an easier time setting up. A Jolly nature lets Combusken outrun base 106 Speed Pokemon such as Pyroar and Liepard after a Speed boost. An Adamant nature, however, allows Combusken to hit even harder after a Swords Dance boost.

Usage Tips
========

Combusken has better bulk with Eviolite, which allows it to set up on resisted hits such as Shiftry's and Skuntank's Sucker Punch. Combusken must be careful about setting up if the opponent has Pokemon with super effective priority, such as Kabutops and Samurott, as priority moves ignore Combusken's Speed boosts. Thanks to Eviolite, however, Combusken can survive a hit from Kabutops and Samurott if it's healthy. Combusken likes to set up on passive Pokemon that it can force out, such as Ferroseed and Audino. It also shouldn't be setting up until late-game and should generally pivot out early- and mid-game to gain momentum when it forces something out so that it can bring in a teammate that beats the switch-in.

Team Options
========

Grass-types, such as Lilligant, Shiftry, and Vileplume, make for great partners, as they can threaten the Rock- and Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help soften up a lot Combusken's checks, giving Combusken an easier time setting up. Pokemon such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Mesprit can help weaken walls for Combusken, allowing Combusken to set up more easily. Skuntank is a really good partner, as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu. Combusken also breaks down Rock- and Steel-types, such as Rhydon and Klinklang, for Skuntank. Healing Wish Pokemon such as Mesprit and Lilligant can give Combusken a second chance at sweeping after it gets worn down by entry hazards and Flare Blitz recoil.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A defensive set with Will-O-Wisp and Substitute + Protect allows Combusken to work as an excellent pivot while spreading status. It allows threats such as Stored Power Xatu to take a ton of hits while setting up. However, Combusken is better off using its great STAB combination to hit hard and pivot out with Baton Pass, passing any Speed boosts it gains. Bulk Up allows Combusken to set up on physical attackers more easily; however, Swords Dance Combusken can boost faster and hit harder initially. Thunder Punch allows Combusken to hit Pelipper and Mantine, which resist Combusken's STAB combination.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Mantine and Pelipper are the only two Pokemon in the tier that resist Combusken's STAB type combination. Lanturn can be 2HKOed by Focus Blast after some prior damage; however, it is still a good check. Samurott and Kabutops have Aqua Jet to revenge kill Combusken, and they can both switch into a predicted Fire Blast. Floatzel also outspeeds +1 Combusken, allowing it to switch in on an obvious Protect and KO Combusken. Prinplup can easily shake off Combusken's STAB moves and proceed to fire back with a super effective Scald.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Mesprit, Sawk, and Rotom-S can force +1 Combusken out, but +2 Combusken with a positive nature can outspeed them.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hariyama, specially defensive Mega Audino, Musharna, Assault Vest Muk, and Assault Vest Magmortar can tank Combusken's hits while wearing it down with priority, status, and neutral coverage. This only pertains to Life Orb Combusken sets, though, as Swords Dance sets can get around these checks.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Quagsire can ignore Combusken's Swords Dance boosts and proceed to threaten Combusken with its super effective STAB moves. However, Quagsire loses to Life Orb sets.

 

[boltsandbombers]

NV How is this going?

 

[nv]

NV How is this going?

I am doing it. Just been doing a lot of testing with it to make sure I give it merit and irl has been really hectic. I will try to get it out of WIP soon I promise. :/

 

[Punchshroom]

There is this Will-O-Wisp + SubTect BP Combusken that's pretty much the closest thing to Bulk Up Pass Chicken we have (aka FUCKING CANCER alongside Stored Power Xatu) that could be added here as well.

 

[boltsandbombers]

NV finish this in the next 48 hours or I'm reassigning, its been a really long time and Combusken is an important mon

 

[nv]

Ok this is finally out of WIP. Sorry it took so long, but I wanted to do my best as I am a bit rusty since it has been quite some time since I have done a "new" analysis and wanted to do it right. I feel like I have a bit lacking in the Usage Tips / Team Options and if so, lemme know. I may have missed a couple things because it is 5:30 am my time so I am supremely tired, but other than that, rip it to shreds QC!!!

 

[Punchshroom]

Low Kick can be slashed before Brick Break on the SD set. I find that a large majority of Brick Break targets, such as Kangaskhan, Pyroar, Tauros, Barbaracle, Samurott, Magmortar, Cacturne, Carracosta, Poliwrath, Bouffalant, Miltank, etc... take 80 BP from Low Kick so you do not lose power against them, so it is still a good alternate STAB to fall back on. Against Kabutops it's only 60 BP but both Fighting moves don't 1HKO Tops at +0 and OHKO at +2 so it doesn't even matter. Of course the main draw of Low Kick is to hit heavier Fire resists, such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, for more damage. Low Kick does miss out on lightweight Water-types such as Lanturn, Gorebyss, and Prinplup, plus +2 Low Kick is unable to OHKO mons like Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken.

Basically slash Low Kick before Brick Break; list advantages of Low Kick as well as its disadvantages to justify Brick Break.

 

[nv]

Low Kick can be slashed before Brick Break on the SD set. I find that a large majority of Brick Break targets, such as Kangaskhan, Pyroar, Tauros, Barbaracle, Samurott, Magmortar, Cacturne, Carracosta, Poliwrath, Bouffalant, Miltank, etc... take 80 BP from Low Kick so you do not lose power against them, so it is still a good alternate STAB to fall back on. Against Kabutops it's only 60 BP but both Fighting moves don't 1HKO Tops at +0 and OHKO at +2 so it doesn't even matter. Of course the main draw of Low Kick is to hit heavier Fire resists, such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, for more damage. Low Kick does miss out on lightweight Water-types such as Lanturn, Gorebyss, and Prinplup, plus +2 Low Kick is unable to OHKO mons like Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken.

Basically slash Low Kick before Brick Break; list advantages of Low Kick as well as its disadvantages to justify Brick Break.

Implemented this and explained the dis/advantages of both.

 

[Punchshroom]

Low Kick allows Combusken to hit heavy Pokemon such as Kangaskhan and Carracosta, while also hitting heavy Fire resists, such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, for more damage while missing out on OHKOs on lightweight Pokemon such as Lanturn, Archeops, and non-Eviolite Combusken. Brick Break, however, allows for a more consistent Fighting STAB move that can OHKO the Pokemon that Low Kick misses out on at the cost of missing OHKOs on heavy Pokemon such as Rhydon and Regirock.

Mmm this could be phrased better. It needs to be specified that Low Kick is reliable enough to be used as a secondary STAB despite its seemingly fluctuating power because Low Kick is actually consistently stronger (albeit slightly) than Brick Break against a large majority of Fighting-weak / Fire-resistant targets (the bolded part can be slotted in later after you mention both Low Kick and Brick Break's uses). Which means that Brick Break is more or less specifically for picking off the lightweights, should they be a greater concern than bulky heavyweights, like Rhydon, Regirock, and Yama, to your team. Also specify that Brick Break needs +2 to nab the OHKO on Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken (and not Lanturn >.>). +2 Low Kick does not OHKO tank Rhydon; specify that as Rock Polish Rhydon (and specify the +2 boost as well, which you didn't).

 

[Deej Dy]

I would slash a Timid/ Jolly nature to the 1st and second sets as the speed increase can make a big different in outspeeding things such as standard garbodor, pawniard, not speed tying cacturne; basically anything between 209 and 229, so id give a mention.
you may also consider giving a / for substitute on the first set next to protect, its a bit more agressive, but sub +speed pass is very very good cased used it on his team.
I would also suggest malamar and xatu as some of the best teammates to receive a speed boost.

I'll look in greater depth later, and then I'll give a QC if the changes are made. Nicely done so far NV ;)

 

[Punchshroom]

I would slash a Timid/ Jolly nature to the 1st and second sets as the speed increase can make a big different in outspeeding things such as standard garbodor, pawniard, not speed tying cacturne; basically anything between 209 and 229, so id give a mention.
you may also consider giving a / for substitute on the first set next to protect, its a bit more agressive, but sub +speed pass is very very good cased used it on his team.
I would also suggest malamar and xatu as some of the best teammates to receive a speed boost.

These are not good reasons for Combusken to go +Spe, as these two do not pose a threat to Combusken whatsoever (Chicken can simply Protect anyway). A good reason for Chicken to run +Spe would be for Chicken to outspeed up to base 95s and 106s like Jynx and Pyroar after +1, if one intends for Combusken to revenge kill them; otherwise Chicken can easily close the gap in Speed in a couple of turns and whizz past them anyway.

 

[boltsandbombers]

Fire Chicken

[OVERVIEW]

• Amazing offensive typing, with its Fire STAB roasting gp will drop you on your neck for using roasting lmao Grass- and Bug-types while its Fighting STAB hitting Fire resists, such as Rock-types. and water types
• Amazing ability in Speed Boost
• Decent defensive typing, resisting Dark, Bug, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Steel, but also weak to common attacking types, such as Ground, Flying, and Water. please dont tell me the type chart, explain why its relevant, ie its typing allows it to offensively check threats suck as x, y, and z
• Little bulk without Eviolite; little power without Life Orb / unboosted
• A below average base 55 Speed stat

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

slash timid please

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost.
• Baton Pass allows Combusken to pass its Speed to teammates. and pivot out early to mid game
• Fire Blast is an amazing STAB move, hitting Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also nailing Grass-, Bug-, and Ice-types.
• Focus Blast is another good STAB move, nailing Rock-types, such as Rhydon, that resist its Fire-type STAB. also hits water types, add regirock to the list of rocks

Set Details
========

• Maximum Special Attack EVs and Speed EVs are used to allow Combusken to hit as hard as possible.
• Modest nature is best as it allows Combusken to hit even harder and Speed Boost negates any need for a speed boosting nature. add description for timid here, what punch said
• Life Orb allows Combusken to hit harder as it has little bulk to begin with and it wants as much power as possible.

Usage Tips
========

• Combusken acts as a great pivot thanks to Baton Pass and Protect as Baton Pass allows Combusken to get out of a bad situation while also passing speed boosts to a Pokemon that may fare better. Protect also allows Combusken to scout for the opponent's move, allowing Combusken to gain an easy +1.
• Combusken can end up overpowering a lot of faster threats with its decent STAB combo thanks to Speed Boost. this is rly weird, you're just stating a fact its not telling me how to use it
• Combusken must watch out for supereffective priority from the likes of Fletchinder, Kabutops, and Samurott as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped and OHKO'd.

Team Options
========

• Grass-types, such as Exeggutor and Cacturne, make great partners as they can threaten the Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken.
• Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help soften up a lot Combusken's checks such as Flying- and Rock-types. this is super arbitrary and unless you can provide specific ohkos or 2hkos entry hazards help with remove this or change the description
• Wallbreakers, such as Assault Vest Magmortar and Choice Band Sawk, appreciate getting Speed boosts and can help soften some of Combusken's checks, allowing Combusken to sweep / pass Speed easier. I get that firespam is cool and whatnot but mag and combusken have awful synergy and I dislike it listed as a teammate

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Fire Punch / Flare Blitz
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Swords Dance allows Combusken to set up and, at +2, hit hard with its decent STAB moves.
• Fire Punch is a reliable Fire-type STAB move that hits Grass-, Steel-, and Ice-types such as Ferroseed, Cryogonal, and Jynx. Flare Blitz allows Combusken to break walls that are able to tank a +2 Fire Punch such as Mega Audino, but it comes at the cost of recoil. slash flare blitz first, the raw power is so much more useful
• Low Kick allows Combusken to hit heavy Pokemon such as Kangaskhan and Carracosta, while also hitting heavy Fire resists, such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, for more damage while missing out on OHKOs on lightweight Pokemon such as Lanturn, Archeops, and non-Eviolite Combusken. Brick Break, however, allows for a more consistent Fighting STAB move that can OHKO the Pokemon that Low Kick misses out on at the cost of missing OHKOs on heavy Pokemon such as Rhydon and Regirock.
• Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost.

Set Details
========

• Max Attack and Speed allows Combusken to hit as hard and as fast as possible.
• Eviolite allows Combusken to live weak, resisted hits while also giving it an easier time setting up.
• An Adamant nature allows Combusken to hit even harder after a Swords Dance boost while a Jolly nature isn't necessary as Speed Boost negates any reason for a speed boosting nature.

Usage Tips
========

• Combusken has better bulk with Eviolite, allowing it to set up on weak resisted hits and even some strong neutral hits, allowing it to overwhelm the opponent with both Speed boosts and Swords Dance boosts.
• Combusken must watch out for supereffective priority from the likes of Fletchinder, Kabutops, and Samurott as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped. Thanks to Eviolite, however, Combusken can live a hit from Kabutops and Samurott if healthy while Fletchinder can still OHKO through Eviolite.

add more to this, its kinda lacking in description
Team Options
========

• Grass-types, such as Lilligant and Vileplume, make great partners as they can threaten the Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. They both, however, must watch out for Fletchinder, who has Flying-type STAB priority in Acrobatics.
• Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help soften up a lot Combusken's checks, giving Combusken an easier time setting up.
• Pokemon such as Choice Band Sawk and Choice Specs Mesprit why in the world are you mentioning specs mesprit ._., can help weaken walls for Combusken, allowing Combusken to have an easier time setting up.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Will-O-Wisp + SubTect (i.e. Defensive?)
• Bulk Up

thunderpunch here

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Lanturn and Mantine can easily shake off Combusken's STAB moves and proceed to fire back with a supereffective Water-type STAB move. lanturn isnt really shaking off focus blasts or +2 brick breaks

**Fletchinder**: Fletchinder has a supereffective STAB move in Acrobatics that also has priority thanks to Gale Wings, negating any Speed Boosts Combusken has gathered. Fletchinder also resists both of Combusken's STABs.

**Status**: While immune to burn thanks to being part Fire-type, Combusken still hates getting Toxic'd or paralyzed as it cannot continually stay healthy throughout the match and be able to pass Speed.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Mesprit, Sawk, and Rotom-Fan all outspeed Combusken naturally meaning Combusken needs +2 to outpace them and Combusken is not usually lucky enough to force a switch and get a "free" Speed boost thanks to Protect. In turn, most Choice Scarf users can stop Combusken from overpowering the opponent.

Remove Fletchinder mentions and add mentions of Shiftry and Skunktank where appropriate.
This needs a bit of work, beef up and the sections and test it in the new meta since it is much different with Shiftry here and Fletch gone. Tag me when you've implemented my changes and I'll give it another look.

 

[nv]

I would slash a Timid/ Jolly nature to the 1st and second sets as the speed increase can make a big different in outspeeding things such as standard garbodor, pawniard, not speed tying cacturne; basically anything between 209 and 229, so id give a mention.
you may also consider giving a / for substitute on the first set next to protect, its a bit more agressive, but sub +speed pass is very very good cased used it on his team.
I would also suggest malamar and xatu as some of the best teammates to receive a speed boost.

I'll look in greater depth later, and then I'll give a QC if the changes are made. Nicely done so far NV ;)

These are not good reasons for Combusken to go +Spe, as these two do not pose a threat to Combusken whatsoever (Chicken can simply Protect anyway). A good reason for Chicken to run +Spe would be for Chicken to outspeed up to base 95s and 106s like Jynx and Pyroar after +1, if one intends for Combusken to revenge kill them; otherwise Chicken can easily close the gap in Speed in a couple of turns and whizz past them anyway.

Implemented what Deej Dy said with Punchshroom's reasoning.

Tag me when you've implemented my changes and I'll give it another look.

Hi.

 

[boltsandbombers]

[OVERVIEW]

• Amazing offensive typing, with its Fire STAB hitting Grass- and Bug-types super effectively while its Fighting STAB hitting Fire resists, such as Rock- and Water-types. I get what you're saying here but explicitly say that it has an outstanding stab combination that hits almost the entire tier for at least neutral damage
• Amazing ability in Speed Boost
• Decent typing, allowing to check the plethora of Grass-types in NU such as Lilligant and Shiftry; however, its typing leaves it weak to common Pokemon such as Rhydon, Lanturn, and Mesprit. change this to grass and dark types, since it is a good check to the likes of pawniard and liepard as well
• Little bulk without Eviolite; little power without Life Orb / unboosted
• A below average base 55 Speed stat

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Protect / Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost.
• Baton Pass allows Combusken to pass its Speed to teammates as well as pivot out early- to mid-game.
• Fire Blast is an amazing STAB move, hitting Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also nailing Grass-, Bug-, and Ice-types.
• Focus Blast is another good STAB move, nailing Rock-types, such as Regirock and Rhydon, as well as Water-types, such as Lanturn and Samurott, that resist its Fire-type STAB.

this is a gp thing but "is a good/amazing stab move" is really just filler and should be removed

you didnt talk about substitute here, add a line for it - on that note dont give it a slash, leave it to a moves mention

Set Details
========

• Maximum Special Attack EVs and Speed EVs are used to allow Combusken to hit as hard as possible.
• Modest nature is best as it allows Combusken to hit even harder and Speed Boost negates any need for a speed boosting nature. A Timid nature, however, allows Combusken to outspeed base 95s such as Jynx and base 106s such as Pyroar and Liepard.
• Life Orb allows Combusken to hit harder as it has little bulk to begin with and it wants as much power as possible.

slash timid nature first, the extra speed is much more important

Usage Tips
========

• Combusken acts as a great pivot thanks to Baton Pass and Protect as Baton Pass allows Combusken to get out of a bad situation while also passing speed boosts to a Pokemon that may fare better. Protect also allows Combusken to scout for the opponent's move, allowing Combusken to gain an easy +1.
• Combusken must watch out for supereffective priority from the likes of Kabutops and Samurott as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped and OHKO'd. "watching out" is kinda unclear, just say that it shouldnt set up if your opponent has one of these pokemon

expand more pls

Team Options
========

• Grass-types, such as Exeggutor and Cacturne, make great partners as they can threaten the Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. shiftry and lilligant are much better examples as cacturne and exeggutor just really arent that great in this meta
• Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit is always nice as Combusken can force switches fairly easily. dont mention hazard support arbitrarily, be sure to add some ohkos or 2hkos that rocks and/or spikes help it achieve
• Wallbreakers, such as Choice Band Sawk and Zangoose, appreciate getting Speed boosts and can help soften some of Combusken's checks, allowing Combusken to sweep / pass Speed easier.
• "Bulky" Psychic-types such as Xatu and Malamar appreciate being passed Speed boosts as they have ways of being able to take advantage of said boosts through Magic Bounce in Xatu's case and RestTalk in Malamar's case.
• Skuntank is a really good partner as it can Pursuit trap most Psychic-types such as Mesprit and Xatu, allowing Combusken to have an easier time passing Speed. huh? I mean yeah trapping psychics is a good thing but how do psychic types stop it from passing speed? by definition nothing actually stops combusken from baton passing apart from taunt users.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz / Fire Punch
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Swords Dance allows Combusken to set up and, at +2, hit hard with its decent STAB moves.
• Flare Blitz allows Combusken to break walls such as Mega Audino, but it comes at the cost of recoil. add more examples than just maudino Fire Punch is a reliable, recoil-less Fire-type STAB move that hits Grass-, Steel-, and Ice-types such as Ferroseed, Cryogonal, and Jynx. deslash fire punch, combusken really needs the high power from flare blitz to patch up its average attack stat
• Low Kick allows Combusken at +2 to hit heavy Pokemon such as Kangaskhan and Carracosta, hard while also hitting heavy Fire resists, such as Rock Polish Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, for more damage. Brick Break, however, allows for a more consistent Fighting STAB move that is specifically used for picking off the lightweights, should they be a greater concern than bulky heavyweights, like Rhydon, Regirock, and Hariyama, to your team. Brick Break needs +2 to nab the OHKO on lightweights such as Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken. Low Kick is actually consistently stronger (albeit slightly) than Brick Break against a large majority of Fighting-weak / Fire-resistant targets.
• Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost. and allows it to pivot out of unfavorable matchups early game

Set Details
========

• Max Attack and Speed allows Combusken to hit as hard and as fast as possible.
• Eviolite allows Combusken to live weak, resisted hits while also giving it an easier time setting up.
• An Adamant nature allows Combusken to hit even harder after a Swords Dance boost while a Jolly nature isn't necessary as Speed Boost negates any reason for a speed boosting nature. +spe combusken is still good in general, saying it negates any reason for a boosting nature is far from true. its just that sd combusken wants a +atk nature as it cant/shouldnt run life orb.

Usage Tips
========

• Combusken has better bulk with Eviolite, allowing it to set up on weak resisted hits and even some strong neutral hits, allowing it to overwhelm the opponent with both Speed boosts and Swords Dance boosts. this really isnt a usage tip, its more of a fact. rephrase to talk about the context of a battle.
• Combusken must watch out for supereffective priority from the likes of Kabutops and Samurott as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped. Thanks to Eviolite, however, Combusken can live a hit from Kabutops and Samurott if it's healthy. "watching out" is kinda unclear, just say that it shouldnt set up if your opponent has one of these pokemon
• Combusken likes to set up on passive Pokemon that it can force out such as Ferroseed and Audino.

add how it shouldnt set up until late game and should generally baton pass out early to mid game when it forces something out

Team Options
========

• Grass-types, such as Lilligant, Shiftry, and Vileplume, make great partners as they can threaten the Rock- and Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken.
• Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help soften up a lot Combusken's checks, giving Combusken an easier time setting up.
• Pokemon such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Mesprit can help weaken walls for Combusken, allowing Combusken to have an easier time setting up.
• Skuntank is a really good partner as it can Pursuit trap most Psychic-types such as Mesprit and Xatu, allowing Combusken to have an easier time setting up and sweeping. same as above

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Will-O-Wisp + SubTect (i.e. Defensive?)
• Bulk Up
• ThunderPunch note what pokemon this hits

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Prinplup and Mantine can easily shake off Combusken's STAB moves and proceed to fire back with a supereffective Water-type STAB move.

change this to water types, and add a ton more description. first of all, it needs to be stated that mantine and pelipper are the only two pokemon in the tier that resist combusken's dual stab combination. while lanturn can be 2hkoed by focus blast after some prior damage, it is still a good check. samurott and kabutops have aqua jet to revenge kill combusken, and they can both switch into a predicted fire blast. floatzel outspeeds +1 combusken, note this as well.

**Status**: While immune to burn thanks to being part Fire-type, Combusken still hates getting Toxic'd or paralyzed as it cannot continually stay healthy throughout the match and be able to pass Speed.

I really dislike putting status in c&c, but if you are going to keep it be much more specific with it.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Mesprit, Sawk, and Rotom-Fan all outspeed Combusken naturally meaning Combusken needs +2 to outpace them and Combusken is not usually lucky enough to force a switch and get a "free" Speed boost thanks to Protect. In turn, most Choice Scarf users can stop Combusken from overpowering the opponent.

timid +2 combusken outspeeds all of those choice scarf users so either reword this to say that they only specifically outspeed nuetral natured +2 and below combusken or get rid of it

add a section for specially bulky pokemon, which would include the likes of av hariyama, mega audino, musharna, av muk, and av magmortar.

Still needs some work, but after the changes in bold are implemented this is good for the first check.

QC 1/3

 

[nv]

Still needs some work, but after the changes in bold are implemented this is good for the first check.

QC 1/3

Implemented and thanks again B&B, as well as everyone else, for all the help.

 

[shiloh]

Fire Chicken

[OVERVIEW]

• Combusken has an outstanding STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for at least neutral damage
• Amazing ability in Speed Boost
• Decent typing, allowing to check the plethora of Grass-types in NU such as Lilligant and Shiftry as well as Dark-types such as Liepard and Pawniard; however, its typing leaves it weak to common Pokemon such as Rhydon, Lanturn, and Mesprit.
• Little bulk without Eviolite; little power without Life Orb / unboosted
• A below average base 55 Speed stat

Mention a lacking movepool, with little to no support movepool and an /ok/ attacking one

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost. Substitute provides Combusken with a way to avoid status as well as safely pass Speed better than Protect.
• Baton Pass allows Combusken to pass its Speed to teammates as well as pivot out early- to mid-game.
• Fire Blast hits Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also nailing Grass-, Bug-, and Ice-types.
• Focus Blast is another good STAB move, nailing Rock-types, such as Regirock and Rhydon, as well as Water-types, such as Lanturn and Samurott, that resist its Fire-type STAB.

Set Details
========

• Maximum Special Attack EVs and Speed EVs are used to allow Combusken to hit as hard as possible.
• A Timid nature, however, allows Combusken to outspeed base 95s such as Jynx and base 106s such as Pyroar and Liepard. However, a Modest nature is best as it allows Combusken to hit even harder and Speed Boost negates any need for a speed boosting nature. Don't say it negates any need for a speed boosting nature, as it is very important to have Timid in certain situations and you even have it as the first slash
• Life Orb allows Combusken to hit harder as it has little bulk to begin with and it wants as much power as possible.

Usage Tips
========

• Combusken acts as a great pivot thanks to Baton Pass and Protect as Baton Pass allows Combusken to get out of a bad situation while also passing speed boosts to a Pokemon that may fare better. Protect also allows Combusken to scout for the opponent's move, allowing Combusken to gain an easy +1. Mention how it allows it to scout choice locked mons like Sawk to see what move they are going for
• Combusken must be careful about setting up when the opponent has supereffective priority from the likes of Kabutops and Samurott as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped and OHKO'd.

Team Options
========

• Grass-types, such as Lilligant and Shiftry, make great partners as they can threaten the Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken.
• Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help Combusken wear down switchins such as Lanturn.
• Wallbreakers, such as Choice Band Sawk and Zangoose, appreciate getting Speed boosts and can help soften some of Combusken's checks , allowing Combusken to sweep / pass Speed easier.
• "Bulky" Psychic-types such as Xatu and Malamar appreciate being passed Speed boosts as they have ways of being able to take advantage of said boosts through Magic Bounce in Xatu's case and RestTalk in Malamar's case.
• Skuntank is a really good partner as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu. Mention how Combusken breaks down rock / steel types for skuntank

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Swords Dance allows Combusken to set up and, at +2, hit hard with its decent STAB moves.
• Flare Blitz allows Combusken to break walls such as Mega Audino and Weezing, but it comes at the cost of recoil. Fire Punch is a reliable, recoil-less Fire-type STAB move that hits Grass-, Steel-, and Ice-types such as Ferroseed, Cryogonal, and Jynx.
• Low Kick allows Combusken at +2 to hit heavy Pokemon such as Kangaskhan and Carracosta, hard while also hitting heavy Fire resists, such as Rock Polish Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, for more damage. Brick Break, however, allows for a more consistent Fighting STAB move that is specifically used for picking off the lightweights, should they be a greater concern than bulky heavyweights, like Rhydon, Regirock, and Hariyama, to your team. Brick Break needs +2 to nab the OHKO on lightweights such as Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken. Low Kick is actually consistently stronger (albeit slightly) than Brick Break against a large majority of Fighting-weak / Fire-resistant targets.
• Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost and allows it to pivot out of unfavorable matchups early-game. Mention how it allows it to scout choice locked mons like Sawk to see what move they are going for

Set Details
========

• Max Attack and Speed allows Combusken to hit as hard and as fast as possible.
• Eviolite allows Combusken to live weak, resisted hits while also giving it an easier time setting up.
• An Adamant nature allows Combusken to hit even harder after a Swords Dance boost while a Jolly nature isn't as necessary since Combusken would much rather want the power from Adamant as it shouldn't be running Life Orb. I mean after a swords dance does it really need an adamant nature? Jolly comes in useful a lot so I would do some calcs before writing Jolly off.

Usage Tips
========

• Combusken has better bulk with Eviolite allowing it to set up on resisted hits such as Shiftry and Skuntank's Sucker Punch.
• Combusken must be careful about setting up against the opponent if they have Pokemon with supereffective priority, such as Kabutops and Samurott, as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped. Thanks to Eviolite, however, Combusken can live a hit from Kabutops and Samurott if it's healthy.
• Combusken likes to set up on passive Pokemon that it can force out such as Ferroseed and Audino.
• It also shouldn't be setting up until late-game and should generally pivot out early- to mid-game when it forces something out.

Team Options
========

• Grass-types, such as Lilligant, Shiftry, and Vileplume, make great partners as they can threaten the Rock- and Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken.
• Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help soften up a lot Combusken's checks, giving Combusken an easier time setting up.
• Pokemon such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Mesprit can help weaken walls for Combusken, allowing Combusken to have an easier time setting up.
• Skuntank is a really good partner as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu.

Mention Healing Wish mons as good partners since it is worn down really quickly with Hazards + Flare Blitz Recoil

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Will-O-Wisp + SubTect (i.e. Defensive?) Maybe reword this to include Baton Pass in the set, as someone I know got destroyed by solely Speed Passing Combusken so it should be worth a mention. The set was Protect / Sub / Wisp / Baton Pass iirc.
• Bulk Up
• ThunderPunch hits Pelipper and Mantine, which resists Combusken's STABs

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Mantine and Pelipper are the only two Pokemon in the tier that resist Combusken's dual STAB combination. Lanturn can be 2HKOed by Focus Blast after some prior damage, however, it is still a good check. Samurott and Kabutops have Aqua Jet to revenge kill Combusken, and they can both switch into a predicted Fire Blast. Floatzel also outspeeds +1 Combusken, allowing it to switch in on an obvious Protect and revenge kill. Prinplup can easily shake off Combusken's STAB moves and proceed to fire back with a supereffective Scald.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Mesprit, Sawk, and Rotom-Fan all outspeed Combusken naturally meaning Combusken needs +2 as well as a positive nature to outpace them and Combusken is not usually lucky enough to force a switch and get a "free" Speed boost thanks to Protect. In turn, most Choice Scarf users can stop Combusken from overpowering the opponent. Wait I don't get this part, if Combusken comes in and kills something it gets +1, then the next turn it protects and gets +2 and then it can kill them. Unless I am dumb and not seeing something you should probably edit this part.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as AV Hariyama, SpD Mega Audino, Musharna, AV Muk, and AV Magmortar can tank Combusken's hits while proceeding to wear it down with priority, status, and neutral coverage.

Good work NV n_n
Once you implement everything QC 2/3

 

[nv]

Good work NV n_n
Once you implement everything QC 2/3

Thank you meta. Writing this up soon!

 

[boltsandbombers]

NV Please write this up asap, there aren't any usable Combusken sets on site so I'd really like if this could get done quickly.

 

[nv]

NV Please write this up asap, there aren't any usable Combusken sets on site so I'd really like if this could get done quickly.

Will do it tonight. Got busy last night otherwise it would've been done then lol.

 

[nv]

Sorry for the double post, but this is written up guys and ready for its last check. :)

 

[Kiyo]

Overview

• i think you're underselling how good combusken's stabs are in the overview. you mention it doesnt get much outside of them, but i'd probably add a line in there saying that it doesnt need much more to be effective.

Moves

• #1 if subs not slashed on the main set anymore i think generally it should be talked about after the main moves mentions, i know it flows better next to protect but you don't want a reader to get the impression sub is better than fire blast.
• #2 make sure the mentioning of moves matches the order on the set, right now low kick comes after bb and it almost makes it feel like your implying bb is superior when in general its not

Set Details

• #1 in set details make sure you say timid lets you outspeed those things after a speed boost, also its kinda redundant to say it outpaces 95s and 106s, just say up to 106s and mention jynx as an important mon. for what its worth i think modest is in general better as a big selling point of combusken is hitting the tiers most popular fire resist (lanturn) for a ton of damage with LO focus blast.
• #2 ada is slashed ahead of jolly on second set, either identify a reason why it should be in SD or switch it imo (i mean to say it doesnt make sense for special to reccomend timid and physical to reccomend adamant without a reasoning)
• #2 same thing with wording the speed tier as #1

Usage Tips

• #1 you kind of hint at busken using baton pass to gain a better match up defensively, but it can also be used offensively make sure you mention this. (i.e. you have busken in on torterra, rather than fire blast, it might be more beneficial to baton pass if they have like an av mortar and you ahve a floatzel)
• #2 with this set especially i'd mention using bp to gain momentum, threaten an ohko on something busken matches up well against and bp to beat the switch in

Checks and Counters

• make sure the mention of specially bulky pokemon is restricted to the life orb set, make a seperate one for phys def mons too imo (i.e. quag)

also take a second look at the write-up so gp has an easier time, little things here and there like super effective being one word (its meant to be 2), thunder punch is changed to a two word phrase in ORAS, Will-O-Wisp is all captitalized, etc.

nice job. 3/3 let me know if you have questions.

 

[boltsandbombers]

NV please implement kiyos check and move this to gp

 

[nv]

Ok this is ready for GP! Thanks guys :D

 

[P Squared]

GP 1/2
add remove comment

NV your writing has improved a lot! this was pretty easy to check im just slow and sucky lol

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Combusken has an outstanding STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for at least neutral damage. Combusken also has, as well as an amazing offensive ability in Speed Boost. Its decent typing allows it to check the plethora of Grass-types in NU such as Lilligant and Shiftry as well as Dark-types such as Liepard and Pawniard; however, its typing also leaves it weak to common Pokemon such as Rhydon, Lanturn, and Mesprit. Combusken also has a hard time choosing its item, (AC) as it has little bulk without Eviolite and little power without Life Orb or unboosted. Additionally, (or some transition, I think one would be nice here) Combusken's below average base 55 Speed stat means that, even at +1, it is also outsped by common Choice Scarf users as well as unboosted Pokemon with a neutral nature, (AC) at +1 such as Jynx and Pyroar. Combusken also lacks a solid movepool with nothing outside of a few support moves and not great attacking moves outside its STAB moves, even though it doesn't need much outside of its STAB moves to be effective.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost. Baton Pass allows Combusken to pass its Speed to teammates as well as pivot out early- to and mid-game. Fire Blast hits Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also nailing Grass-, Bug-, and Ice-types. Focus Blast is another good STAB move, nailing Rock-types, such as Regirock and Rhydon, as well as Water-types, such as Lanturn and Samurott, that resist its Fire-type STAB. Substitute can provide Combusken with a way to avoid status as well as safely pass Speed better than it would with Protect.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack EVs and Speed EVs are used to allow Combusken to hit as hard as possible. A Timid nature allows Combusken to outspeed up to base 106s Speed Pokemon such as Pyroar and Liepard after one Speed boost as well as outspeeding Jynx. However, a Modest nature is good as well, (AC) as it allows Combusken to hit a common Fire-resisant Pokemon Fire-type resist (or "switch-in to Fire-type moves" if that's more what you were going for?), Lanturn, even harder. Life Orb allows Combusken to hit harder; it is used over [Eviolite/Leftovers?], as Combusken as it (mm iffy about this change so you can ignore it but it's a little odd to mention the little bulk without any context, so if there's another way around that, try that instead) has little bulk to begin with and it wants as much power as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Combusken acts as a great pivot thanks to Baton Pass and Protect, (AC) as Baton Pass allows Combusken to get out of a bad situation while also passing Speed boosts to a Pokemon that may fare better. For example, if Combusken is in on Torterra, rather than using Fire Blast, it might be more beneficial to Baton Pass if the opponent has Magmortar and you have a Floatzel so as to keep momentum. (that is really specific haha) Protect also allows Combusken to scout for the opponent's move, allowing Combusken to gain an easy +1. It also allows Combusken to scout Choice-locked Pokemon such as like Sawk to see what move they are going for. Combusken must be careful about setting up when the opponent has super effective priority from the likes of Kabutops and Samurott, (AC) as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped and OHKOed.

Team Options
========

Grass-types, such as Lilligant and Shiftry, make for great partners, (AC) as they can threaten the Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help Combusken wear down switch-ins such as Lanturn. Wallbreakers, such as Choice Band Sawk and Zangoose, appreciate getting Speed boosts and can help soften some of Combusken's checks, allowing Combusken to sweep / or pass Speed boosts more easily easier. "Bulky" Psychic-types such as Xatu and Malamar appreciate being passed Speed boosts, (AC) as they are able to take advantage of them have ways of being able to take advantage of said boosts through Magic Bounce in Xatu's case and RestTalk in Malamar's case. Skuntank is a really good partner, (AC) as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu. Combusken also breaks down the Rock- and Steel-types, such as Rhydon and Klinklang, for Skuntank.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Combusken to set up and, at +2, hit hard with its decent STAB moves. Flare Blitz allows Combusken to break walls such as Mega Audino and Weezing, but it comes at the cost of recoil. Fire Punch is a reliable, recoil-less Fire-type STAB move that hits Grass-, Steel-, and Ice-types such as Ferroseed, Cryogonal, and Jynx. Low Kick allows a boosted Combusken at +2 to hit heavy Pokemon such as Kangaskhan and Carracosta, (RC) hard while also hitting heavy Fire-resistant foes resists, such as Rock Polish Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, (RC) for more damage. Brick Break, however, allows for a more consistent Fighting-type STAB move that is specifically used for picking off the lightweights, should they be a greater concern than bulky heavyweights, like Rhydon, Regirock, and Hariyama, (mentioned above so I think it's okay to leave em out here) to your team. Low Kick is actually consistently stronger (albeit slightly) than Brick Break against a large majority of Fighting-weak / or Fire-resistant targets. Brick Break, however, still needs a Swords Dance boost +2 to nab the OHKO on lightweights such as Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken. Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost and allows it to pivot out of unfavorable matchups early-game. It also allows Combusken to scout Choice-locked Pokemons like such as Sawk to see what move they are going for.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Combusken to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Eviolite allows Combusken to live survive weak, resisted hits and gives while also giving it an easier time setting up. A Jolly nature is decent (it's slashed first, so I would hope so haha) since lets Combusken can outrun base 106 Speed Pokemon such as Pyroar and Liepard after a Speed boost. An Adamant nature, however, allows Combusken to hit even harder after a Swords Dance boost.

Usage Tips
========

Combusken has better bulk with Eviolite, which allows allowing it to set up on resisted hits such as Shiftry's and Skuntank's Sucker Punch. Combusken must be careful about setting up against the opponent if they have opponent has Pokemon with super effective priority, such as Kabutops and Samurott, as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped priority moves ignore Combusken's Speed boosts. Thanks to Eviolite, however, Combusken can live survive a hit from Kabutops and Samurott if it's healthy. Combusken likes to set up on passive Pokemon that it can force out, (AC) such as Ferroseed and Audino. It also shouldn't be setting up until late-game and should generally pivot out early- to and mid-game with when it forces something out, using Baton Pass to gain momentum when it forces by forcing something out so that it can bring that Combusken beats and bringing in something a teammate that beats the switch-in.

Team Options
========

Grass-types, such as Lilligant, Shiftry, and Vileplume, make for great partners, (AC) as they can threaten the Rock- and Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help soften up a lot Combusken's checks, giving Combusken an easier time setting up. Pokemon such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Mesprit can help weaken walls for Combusken, allowing Combusken to have an easier time setting up. Skuntank is a really good partner, (AC) as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu. Combusken also breaks down the Rock- and Steel-types, such as Rhydon and Klinklang, for Skuntank. Healing Wish Pokemon such as Mesprit and Lilligant can help give Combusken have a second chance at sweeping (or whatever it does) after as it gets worn down by entry hazards and Flare Blitz recoil.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A defensive set consisting of with Will-O-Wisp and Substitute + Protect allows Combusken to work as an excellent pivot while spreading status. It allows threats such as Stored Power Xatu to take on a ton of hits while setting up. However, Combusken is better off using its great STAB combination to hit hard and pivot out with Baton Pass, passing any Speed boosts it gains. Bulk Up Combusken allows Combusken to set up on physical attackers more easily easier; however, Swords Dance Combusken can boost faster and hit harder initially. Thunder Punch allows Combusken to hit Pelipper and Mantine, which resists Combusken's STAB combination.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Mantine and Pelipper are the only two Pokemon in the tier that resist Combusken's dual STAB combination. Lanturn can be 2HKOed by Focus Blast after some prior damage,; (ASC) however, it is still a good check. Samurott and Kabutops have Aqua Jet to revenge kill Combusken, and they can both switch into a predicted Fire Blast. Floatzel also outspeeds +1 Combusken, allowing it to switch in on an obvious Protect and revenge kill Combusken. Prinplup can easily shake off Combusken's STAB moves and proceed to fire back with a super effective Scald.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Mesprit, Sawk, and Rotom-FanS can force +1 Combusken out at +1, but +2 yet Combusken at +2 with a positive nature can outspeed them.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hariyama, specially defensive Mega Audino, Musharna, Assault Vest Muk, and Assault Vest Magmortar can tank Combusken's hits while wearing proceeding to wear it down with priority, status, and neutral coverage. This only pertains to the Life Orb Combusken sets, though, as the Swords Dance sets can get around these checks.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Quagsire can ignore Combusken's Swords Dance boosts and proceed to threaten Combusken with its dual, super effective STAB moves. However, Quagsire loses to the Life Orb sets.

 

[nv]

GP 1/2
add remove comment

NV your writing has improved a lot! this was pretty easy to check im just slow and sucky lol

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Combusken has an outstanding STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for at least neutral damage. Combusken also has, as well as an amazing offensive ability in Speed Boost. Its decent typing allows it to check the plethora of Grass-types in NU such as Lilligant and Shiftry as well as Dark-types such as Liepard and Pawniard; however, its typing also leaves it weak to common Pokemon such as Rhydon, Lanturn, and Mesprit. Combusken also has a hard time choosing its item, (AC) as it has little bulk without Eviolite and little power without Life Orb or unboosted. Additionally, (or some transition, I think one would be nice here) Combusken's below average base 55 Speed stat means that, even at +1, it is also outsped by common Choice Scarf users as well as unboosted Pokemon with a neutral nature, (AC) at +1 such as Jynx and Pyroar. Combusken also lacks a solid movepool with nothing outside of a few support moves and not great attacking moves outside its STAB moves, even though it doesn't need much outside of its STAB moves to be effective.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost. Baton Pass allows Combusken to pass its Speed to teammates as well as pivot out early- to and mid-game. Fire Blast hits Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also nailing Grass-, Bug-, and Ice-types. Focus Blast is another good STAB move, nailing Rock-types, such as Regirock and Rhydon, as well as Water-types, such as Lanturn and Samurott, that resist its Fire-type STAB. Substitute can provide Combusken with a way to avoid status as well as safely pass Speed better than it would with Protect.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack EVs and Speed EVs are used to allow Combusken to hit as hard as possible. A Timid nature allows Combusken to outspeed up to base 106s Speed Pokemon such as Pyroar and Liepard after one Speed boost as well as outspeeding Jynx. However, a Modest nature is good as well, (AC) as it allows Combusken to hit a common Fire-resisant Pokemon Fire-type resist (or "switch-in to Fire-type moves" if that's more what you were going for?), Lanturn, even harder. Life Orb allows Combusken to hit harder; it is used over [Eviolite/Leftovers?], as Combusken as it (mm iffy about this change so you can ignore it but it's a little odd to mention the little bulk without any context, so if there's another way around that, try that instead) has little bulk to begin with and it wants as much power as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Combusken acts as a great pivot thanks to Baton Pass and Protect, (AC) as Baton Pass allows Combusken to get out of a bad situation while also passing Speed boosts to a Pokemon that may fare better. For example, if Combusken is in on Torterra, rather than using Fire Blast, it might be more beneficial to Baton Pass if the opponent has Magmortar and you have a Floatzel so as to keep momentum. (that is really specific haha) Protect also allows Combusken to scout for the opponent's move, allowing Combusken to gain an easy +1. It also allows Combusken to scout Choice-locked Pokemon such as like Sawk to see what move they are going for. Combusken must be careful about setting up when the opponent has super effective priority from the likes of Kabutops and Samurott, (AC) as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped and OHKOed.

Team Options
========

Grass-types, such as Lilligant and Shiftry, make for great partners, (AC) as they can threaten the Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help Combusken wear down switch-ins such as Lanturn. Wallbreakers, such as Choice Band Sawk and Zangoose, appreciate getting Speed boosts and can help soften some of Combusken's checks, allowing Combusken to sweep / or pass Speed boosts more easily easier. "Bulky" Psychic-types such as Xatu and Malamar appreciate being passed Speed boosts, (AC) as they are able to take advantage of them have ways of being able to take advantage of said boosts through Magic Bounce in Xatu's case and RestTalk in Malamar's case. Skuntank is a really good partner, (AC) as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu. Combusken also breaks down the Rock- and Steel-types, such as Rhydon and Klinklang, for Skuntank.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Combusken to set up and, at +2, hit hard with its decent STAB moves. Flare Blitz allows Combusken to break walls such as Mega Audino and Weezing, but it comes at the cost of recoil. Fire Punch is a reliable, recoil-less Fire-type STAB move that hits Grass-, Steel-, and Ice-types such as Ferroseed, Cryogonal, and Jynx. Low Kick allows a boosted Combusken at +2 to hit heavy Pokemon such as Kangaskhan and Carracosta, (RC) hard while also hitting heavy Fire-resistant foes resists, such as Rock Polish Rhydon, Regirock, and Thick Fat Hariyama, (RC) for more damage. Brick Break, however, allows for a more consistent Fighting-type STAB move that is specifically used for picking off the lightweights, should they be a greater concern than bulky heavyweights, like Rhydon, Regirock, and Hariyama, (mentioned above so I think it's okay to leave em out here) to your team. Low Kick is actually consistently stronger (albeit slightly) than Brick Break against a large majority of Fighting-weak / or Fire-resistant targets. Brick Break, however, still needs a Swords Dance boost +2 to nab the OHKO on lightweights such as Archeops and non-Eviolite Combusken. Protect allows for scouting and gives Combusken a free turn to gain a +1 Speed thanks to Speed Boost and allows it to pivot out of unfavorable matchups early-game. It also allows Combusken to scout Choice-locked Pokemons like such as Sawk to see what move they are going for.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Combusken to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Eviolite allows Combusken to live survive weak, resisted hits and gives while also giving it an easier time setting up. A Jolly nature is decent (it's slashed first, so I would hope so haha) since lets Combusken can outrun base 106 Speed Pokemon such as Pyroar and Liepard after a Speed boost. An Adamant nature, however, allows Combusken to hit even harder after a Swords Dance boost.

Usage Tips
========

Combusken has better bulk with Eviolite, which allows allowing it to set up on resisted hits such as Shiftry's and Skuntank's Sucker Punch. Combusken must be careful about setting up against the opponent if they have opponent has Pokemon with super effective priority, such as Kabutops and Samurott, as even with Speed boosts, Combusken can still be outsped priority moves ignore Combusken's Speed boosts. Thanks to Eviolite, however, Combusken can live survive a hit from Kabutops and Samurott if it's healthy. Combusken likes to set up on passive Pokemon that it can force out, (AC) such as Ferroseed and Audino. It also shouldn't be setting up until late-game and should generally pivot out early- to and mid-game with when it forces something out, using Baton Pass to gain momentum when it forces by forcing something out so that it can bring that Combusken beats and bringing in something a teammate that beats the switch-in.

Team Options
========

Grass-types, such as Lilligant, Shiftry, and Vileplume, make for great partners, (AC) as they can threaten the Rock- and Water-types that tend to switch into Combusken. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Mesprit can help soften up a lot Combusken's checks, giving Combusken an easier time setting up. Pokemon such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Mesprit can help weaken walls for Combusken, allowing Combusken to have an easier time setting up. Skuntank is a really good partner, (AC) as it can Pursuit trap most bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Xatu. Combusken also breaks down the Rock- and Steel-types, such as Rhydon and Klinklang, for Skuntank. Healing Wish Pokemon such as Mesprit and Lilligant can help give Combusken have a second chance at sweeping (or whatever it does) after as it gets worn down by entry hazards and Flare Blitz recoil.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A defensive set consisting of with Will-O-Wisp and Substitute + Protect allows Combusken to work as an excellent pivot while spreading status. It allows threats such as Stored Power Xatu to take on a ton of hits while setting up. However, Combusken is better off using its great STAB combination to hit hard and pivot out with Baton Pass, passing any Speed boosts it gains. Bulk Up Combusken allows Combusken to set up on physical attackers more easily easier; however, Swords Dance Combusken can boost faster and hit harder initially. Thunder Punch allows Combusken to hit Pelipper and Mantine, which resists Combusken's STAB combination.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Mantine and Pelipper are the only two Pokemon in the tier that resist Combusken's dual STAB combination. Lanturn can be 2HKOed by Focus Blast after some prior damage,; (ASC) however, it is still a good check. Samurott and Kabutops have Aqua Jet to revenge kill Combusken, and they can both switch into a predicted Fire Blast. Floatzel also outspeeds +1 Combusken, allowing it to switch in on an obvious Protect and revenge kill Combusken. Prinplup can easily shake off Combusken's STAB moves and proceed to fire back with a super effective Scald.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Mesprit, Sawk, and Rotom-FanS can force +1 Combusken out at +1, but +2 yet Combusken at +2 with a positive nature can outspeed them.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hariyama, specially defensive Mega Audino, Musharna, Assault Vest Muk, and Assault Vest Magmortar can tank Combusken's hits while wearing proceeding to wear it down with priority, status, and neutral coverage. This only pertains to the Life Orb Combusken sets, though, as the Swords Dance sets can get around these checks.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Quagsire can ignore Combusken's Swords Dance boosts and proceed to threaten Combusken with its dual, super effective STAB moves. However, Quagsire loses to the Life Orb sets.

Thanks fren. Been a long time since you have GP'd one of my analyses it seems like lol. Anyways, ready for last GP check! :)