QC 3/3
GP 2/2
Smeargle has access to virtually every move, which makes it the only viable Smash Pass Pokemon in Ubers due to its access to both Spore and Shell Smash. It is important to note that Mega Diancie, which looks like a full stop to succesfully passing due to its immunity to Spore and ability to OHKO most recipients, falls to a +2 Iron Head. Smeargle's poor bulk makes it especially susceptible to priority attacks. It also struggles versus common Pokemon such as Darkrai, Mega Sableye, Substitute Perish Song Mega Gengar, and Pokemon with Lum Berry, especially Lum Berry Tyranitar. Finally, using Smeargle requires experience and usually involves a risky game of predictions, and it can only be used once each game.
[SET]
name: Smash Pass
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Spore
move 4: Iron Head
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash is used for the boosts, and Baton Pass is used to pass the boosts to the recipient. Spore induces sleep, which makes it easier to boost and use Baton Pass. Iron Head is used to OHKO Mega Diancie, a big threat to Smeargle and intended Shell Smash recipients.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature is essential to outspeed many Pokemon in the tier and put them to sleep, such as Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Giratina-O, and some Xerneas and Dialga sets. Maximum Attack EVs are needed to OHKO Mega Diancie after the Shell Smash boosts. Focus Sash ideally gives Smeargle two turns to set up Shell Smash and use Baton Pass. Finally, Own Tempo is nice to avoid confusion.
Usage Tips
========
Never lead with Smeargle unless you are 100% sure you can pull a fast win, which in most cases isn't possible. One should use Shell Smash, then use Spore, and finally use Baton Pass. It's important to pay attention when using Spore if there are Magic Bounce users on the opponent's team. Even if it's tempting to Shell Smash in a one-on-one scenario against an unsuspecting Diancie and OHKO it with Iron Head on the following turn, it is highly recommended not to do this unless you are absolutely sure there are no Pokemon with priority moves on the opposing team.
It is important to keep Stealth Rock off the field and play according to your opponent's Stealth Rock user. It's also strongly advised to come in safely after one of your Pokemon has been KOed because Smeargle needs to have all of its HP to do its job. Finally, choose the best recipient according to the opponent's team; you will only be able to pass a boost once. If the opponent has an Arceus, it's preferable to scout to see what their Arceus forme is before setting up. For example, if you pass to Diancie only to find the opponent is using Water Arceus or Ground Arceus, that would be a waste.
Team Options
========
Pair Smeargle with a Pokemon that removes entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock. Primal Groudon is a mandatory recipient because it has monstrous offenses, great typing, and good bulk. Using Diancie is also mandatory. It has great mixed offensive stats and moves and it handles status, can reflect phazing moves with Magic Bounce, and resists Extreme Speed priority. Giratina-O is a highly recommended Pokemon too because it can check the most popular physically offensive Pokemons and can clear entry hazards with Defog. Otherwise, Ghost Arceus is a great answer to Ditto and can use Defog too. Finally, it's very important to have a Darkrai check on the team because it's a very common threat to Smeargle.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
A Sticky Web set with Nuzzle, Spore, Rapid Spin, and Sticky Web can be used. However, it is difficult to use Sticky Web teams in this metagame because Latias is very common, quick, and immune to Sticky Web and can remove them with Defog. Entry hazard setting is an option too, but other Pokemon are better at that. Substitute can be used on the Smash Pass set to benefit a frail recipient such as Mega Diancie. Dark Void can be used instead of Spore in order to put Grass-types to sleep, but the drop in accuracy is not worth it, and Grass-types are uncommon in this tier. Geomancy can be used instead of Shell Smash to avoid bulk drops, but then Smeargle has to run Power Herb instead of Focus Sash, which makes it even more difficult to use Baton Pass.
Checks and Counters
==============
**Residual Damage**: Entry hazards and sand can break Smeargle's Focus Sash and make it difficult to boost and pass effectively.
**Walls**: On defensive teams, Pokemon such as Water Arceus and Lugia can wall and phaze recipients without Magic Bounce if entry hazards are kept off the field.
**Darkrai**: Darkrai is faster and can put Smeargle to sleep with Dark Void, allowing it to either set up or KO Smeargle.
**Mega Kangaskhan**: Mega Kangaskhan can easily OHKO Smeargle because its Parental Bond ability allows it to hit twice, hence breaking Smeargle's Focus Sash.
**Lum Berry Arceus**: Lum Berry Arceus can absorb Spore and KO Smeargle with priority.
**Klefki**: Klefki can paralyze Smeargle with Thunder Wave, giving it a 43.75% of stopping Smeargle from using Baton Pass. Klefki can then proceed to 2HKO Smeargle.
**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye can bounce back Spore and deal massive damage with Foul Play.
**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S is faster, is unaffected by Spore, and can flinch and KO Smeargle.
**Ho-oh**: Ho-Oh can absorb Spore with Sleep Talk and can deal a lot of damage to the Shell Smash receiver.
**Lum Berry Tyranitar**: Lum Berry Tyranitar can take a Spore and knock Smeargle down to its Focus Sash afterwards. Sand damage then KOes Smeargle at the end of the turn.
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