[OVERVIEW]
A rather versatile Pokemon with viable offensive and defensive sets, Misdreavus has many qualities that make it a threat in PU. With its unique typing and good bulk with Eviolite, Misdreavus can check a variety of common threats, including Vigoroth, Exeggutor, and Arbok. Its access to a fast Taunt and Will-O-Wisp in addition to Nasty Plot gives it great potential to break apart balanced cores, and its additional utility in moves such as Thunder Wave and Perish Song makes it still more versatile. Misdreavus's useful immunities to Spikes and Toxic Spikes allow it to stay healthy without too much difficulty, and its typing also discourages the use of Rapid Spin. However, Misdreavus suffers from having a low damage output with a mediocre Special Attack and rather weak moves in its arsenal, although it does boast excellent coverage with moves such as Dazzling Gleam and Thunderbolt. Moreover, its inability to hold Leftovers combined with its only form of recovery being Pain Split makes it susceptible to being worn down throughout a match, and its weakness to Knock Off makes it difficult for Misdreavus to check threats like Dodrio and Machoke.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Foul Play / Shadow Ball
move 4: Pain Split / Memento
item: Eviolite
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp cripples most physical attackers and lets Misdreavus accumulate damage on many of its switch-ins. Foul Play does huge damage to Pokemon like Guts Ursaring and Rapidash that think they can switch in for free and reliably beats Substitute variants of Bouffalant. Shadow Ball can also be used, but it is much weaker on average and leaves Misdreavus walled by many Normal-types that have ways of playing around Will-O-Wisp. Taunt prevents Pokemon like Roselia, Vigoroth, and Gorebyss from recovering health or setting up, greatly aiding in wearing them down. Pain Split, though somewhat unreliable, does a decent job of keeping Misdreavus healthy. Alternatively, Memento can be used on faster variants to support teammates such as Dragon Dance Fraxure. Thunder Wave can also be used to cripple faster switch-ins such as Floatzel and support slower teammates such as Exeggutor.
Set Details
========
16 EVs in Speed with a Timid nature enable Misdreavus to outspeed Adamant Pawniard as well as positive-natured Gorebyss, Exeggutor, and Relicanth. Misdreavus's physical defense is maximized with the remaining EVs to help it take on physical attackers such as Sawsbuck as consistently as possible. Eviolite boosts Misdreavus's longevity and lets it take hits from weak foes easily. More Speed can be invested; 52 EVs with a Timid nature allow Misdreavus to outspeed Adamant Mightyena, for example, while 124 EVs with a Timid nature allow Misdreavus to outspeed Adamant Stoutland and Arbok. A specially defensive EV spread can also be used in order to better handle certain attackers such as Kadabra.
Usage Tips
========
Misdreavus fits well on balanced teams as a check to many physical attackers such as Klang and Bouffalant. Taunt and Will-O-Wisp can usually be spammed to break down bulky cores consisting of Pokemon such as Stunfisk, Roselia, and Probopass. However, Misdreavus should be careful of using Taunt against some offensive threats that can take advantage of a free turn, such as Stunfisk getting off a Discharge and Probopass pivoting out with Volt Switch for free. Misdreavus also needs to be careful of using Will-O-Wisp on incoming Guts and Facade users, such as Machoke and Stoutland. Switching out of Knock Off is almost always a must in order to retain Misdreavus's excellent bulk. In addition, Misdreavus should avoid taking hits from powerful special attackers such as Choice Specs Floatzel and Life Orb Raichu. Misdreavus's presence can deter Rapid Spin, and its fast Taunt can prevent Defog from slower Pokemon such as Pelipper and Vullaby. It should use Memento only when Misdreavus has little use left in the game or if a teammate absolutely needs the support to set up.
Team Options
========
Specially defensive Pokemon, such as Roselia, Lickilicky, and Politoed, are needed as teammates to take on the powerful special attackers that threaten Misdreavus. Roselia can additionally provide Spikes support, Lickilicky can heal Misdreavus of status and support it with Wish if necessary, and Politoed can help with the powerful Fire- and Water-types that threaten Misdreavus. All three of these Pokemon appreciate Misdreavus's physically defensive presence to handle many of their checks. Stunfisk and Probopass can provide Misdreavus with Stealth Rock support and absorb Knock Off from Pokemon such as Dodrio and Pawniard decently. Setup sweepers, such as Gorebyss and Sunny Day Exeggutor, can take advantage of potential Memento support, while Vigoroth greatly appreciates the burn on attackers such as Pawniard and Relicanth.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting / Dazzling Gleam / Thunderbolt
move 4: Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
item: Eviolite
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Nasty Plot, Misdreavus can boost its Special Attack and threaten to open up holes in both offensive and balanced teams. Shadow Ball is a reliable STAB move with good all-around coverage. Misdreavus can generally afford to run only one coverage move: Hidden Power Fighting lets Misdreavus hit Normal- and Dark-types, such as Stoutland and especially Pawniard, super effectively, while Dazzling Gleam hits Machoke, Vullaby, and particularly Zweilous hard. Thunderbolt is another option to give Misdreavus a super effective hit on threats such as Dodrio and Simipour and provides it with the strongest hit on Vullaby. Taunt lets Misdreavus set up more easily without fearing moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave and also prevents Vigoroth from stalling Misdreavus out with its own Taunt. Will-O-Wisp can also be used to wear down Misdreavus's checks early in the game and check physical attackers even when not attempting to sweep
Set Details
========
The given spread maximizes Special Attack and Speed to let Misdreavus sweep the most efficiently. A Modest nature maximizes Misdreavus's damage output, notably guaranteeing a 2HKO on Roselia after a Nasty Plot. A Timid nature, while not hugely beneficial, at least guarantees that Misdreavus will outspeed a few uncommon foes such as Jolly Monferno, Gabite, Stoutland, and Arbok. Eviolite lets Misdreavus set up comfortably on weak attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Misdreavus can take weaker hits from the likes of Roselia and Politoed, but it is worn down quickly with Stealth Rock and repeated attacks. Nasty Plot Misdreavus should be used to soften up or eliminate the likes of Vigoroth, Roselia, and Probopass to support a teammate's sweep; for example, Choice Scarf Chatot appreciates the weakening of specially defensive Pokemon like these. Misdreavus should spam Shadow Ball to wear down the likes of Eviolite Monferno before attempting to boost with Nasty Plot. With its typing, Misdreavus can also deter Rapid Spin from Armaldo and Avalugg, though it fears Knock Off from the former and Toxic on the switch in from the latter. It should also try to avoid taking Knock Off, as this will make it significantly easier to revenge kill.
Team Options
========
Fast teammates such as Zebstrika, Kadabra, and Choice Scarf Chatot that appreciate special walls being weakened make for good partners; these Pokemon can also revenge kill the powerful attackers that can take Misdreavus down. Stealth Rock support is crucial to help in wearing down checks like Vullaby, while Spikes support from Roselia makes it even easier to weaken bulkier foes, especially given that Misdreavus can potentially prevent both Rapid Spin and Defog. Strong physical attackers such as Machoke and Dodrio can apply additional pressure to bulky teams; Machoke in particular has excellent synergy with Misdreavus.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Perish Song allows Misdreavus to beat bulky sweepers such as Vigoroth and Duosion and can also be used to force switches on sweepers that Misdreavus can't handle by itself, but Taunt generally gets the job done. Heal Bell lets Midreavus act as a cleric for its team. Destiny Bond is a niche option that can remove a foe reliably in combination with Taunt. Substitute can be used to avoid crippling status and make it more difficult for burned targets to weaken Misdreavus, but Misdreavus's lack of recovery hurts it. A Calm Mind set is an option, though Misdreavus's weakness to status and powerful wallbreakers renders this set ineffective.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Knock Off**: Loss of Eviolite will greatly reduce Misdreavus's ability to perform its role, and Knock Off from strong attackers such as Raichu, Simipour, and Armaldo can 2HKO Misdreavus. Pawniard greatly threatens even defensive variants of Misdreavus with its powerful STAB Knock Offs.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types can switch into Will-O-Wisp with impunity, and, in the case of Rapidash and Ninetales, can even activate Flash Fire. They also don't take much damage from Misdreavus's relatively weak Shadow Balls.
**Wallbreakers**: Powerful attacks from the likes of Simipour and Rotom-F can weaken Misdreavus easily, especially as Pain Split is an unreliable form of recovery.
**Status**: Poison and burn both make it easy for Misdreavus to get worn down and render it unable to check the Pokemon it should. Paralysis can also prevent Misdreavus from burning, attacking, or using Taunt on foes it normally outspeeds.
**Guts Machoke**: With Guts to take advantage of Will-O-Wisp as well as access to Knock Off, Machoke forces Misdreavus out.
**Normal-types**: Guts Ursaring and Facade Stoutland can benefit from switching into Will-O-Wisp and threaten to KO Misdreavus after Stealth Rock damage. Due to Oblivious, specially defensive Lickilicky can heal itself freely against Misdreavus and take it out with Knock Off.
A rather versatile Pokemon with viable offensive and defensive sets, Misdreavus has many qualities that make it a threat in PU. With its unique typing and good bulk with Eviolite, Misdreavus can check a variety of common threats, including Vigoroth, Exeggutor, and Arbok. Its access to a fast Taunt and Will-O-Wisp in addition to Nasty Plot gives it great potential to break apart balanced cores, and its additional utility in moves such as Thunder Wave and Perish Song makes it still more versatile. Misdreavus's useful immunities to Spikes and Toxic Spikes allow it to stay healthy without too much difficulty, and its typing also discourages the use of Rapid Spin. However, Misdreavus suffers from having a low damage output with a mediocre Special Attack and rather weak moves in its arsenal, although it does boast excellent coverage with moves such as Dazzling Gleam and Thunderbolt. Moreover, its inability to hold Leftovers combined with its only form of recovery being Pain Split makes it susceptible to being worn down throughout a match, and its weakness to Knock Off makes it difficult for Misdreavus to check threats like Dodrio and Machoke.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Foul Play / Shadow Ball
move 4: Pain Split / Memento
item: Eviolite
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp cripples most physical attackers and lets Misdreavus accumulate damage on many of its switch-ins. Foul Play does huge damage to Pokemon like Guts Ursaring and Rapidash that think they can switch in for free and reliably beats Substitute variants of Bouffalant. Shadow Ball can also be used, but it is much weaker on average and leaves Misdreavus walled by many Normal-types that have ways of playing around Will-O-Wisp. Taunt prevents Pokemon like Roselia, Vigoroth, and Gorebyss from recovering health or setting up, greatly aiding in wearing them down. Pain Split, though somewhat unreliable, does a decent job of keeping Misdreavus healthy. Alternatively, Memento can be used on faster variants to support teammates such as Dragon Dance Fraxure. Thunder Wave can also be used to cripple faster switch-ins such as Floatzel and support slower teammates such as Exeggutor.
Set Details
========
16 EVs in Speed with a Timid nature enable Misdreavus to outspeed Adamant Pawniard as well as positive-natured Gorebyss, Exeggutor, and Relicanth. Misdreavus's physical defense is maximized with the remaining EVs to help it take on physical attackers such as Sawsbuck as consistently as possible. Eviolite boosts Misdreavus's longevity and lets it take hits from weak foes easily. More Speed can be invested; 52 EVs with a Timid nature allow Misdreavus to outspeed Adamant Mightyena, for example, while 124 EVs with a Timid nature allow Misdreavus to outspeed Adamant Stoutland and Arbok. A specially defensive EV spread can also be used in order to better handle certain attackers such as Kadabra.
Usage Tips
========
Misdreavus fits well on balanced teams as a check to many physical attackers such as Klang and Bouffalant. Taunt and Will-O-Wisp can usually be spammed to break down bulky cores consisting of Pokemon such as Stunfisk, Roselia, and Probopass. However, Misdreavus should be careful of using Taunt against some offensive threats that can take advantage of a free turn, such as Stunfisk getting off a Discharge and Probopass pivoting out with Volt Switch for free. Misdreavus also needs to be careful of using Will-O-Wisp on incoming Guts and Facade users, such as Machoke and Stoutland. Switching out of Knock Off is almost always a must in order to retain Misdreavus's excellent bulk. In addition, Misdreavus should avoid taking hits from powerful special attackers such as Choice Specs Floatzel and Life Orb Raichu. Misdreavus's presence can deter Rapid Spin, and its fast Taunt can prevent Defog from slower Pokemon such as Pelipper and Vullaby. It should use Memento only when Misdreavus has little use left in the game or if a teammate absolutely needs the support to set up.
Team Options
========
Specially defensive Pokemon, such as Roselia, Lickilicky, and Politoed, are needed as teammates to take on the powerful special attackers that threaten Misdreavus. Roselia can additionally provide Spikes support, Lickilicky can heal Misdreavus of status and support it with Wish if necessary, and Politoed can help with the powerful Fire- and Water-types that threaten Misdreavus. All three of these Pokemon appreciate Misdreavus's physically defensive presence to handle many of their checks. Stunfisk and Probopass can provide Misdreavus with Stealth Rock support and absorb Knock Off from Pokemon such as Dodrio and Pawniard decently. Setup sweepers, such as Gorebyss and Sunny Day Exeggutor, can take advantage of potential Memento support, while Vigoroth greatly appreciates the burn on attackers such as Pawniard and Relicanth.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting / Dazzling Gleam / Thunderbolt
move 4: Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
item: Eviolite
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Nasty Plot, Misdreavus can boost its Special Attack and threaten to open up holes in both offensive and balanced teams. Shadow Ball is a reliable STAB move with good all-around coverage. Misdreavus can generally afford to run only one coverage move: Hidden Power Fighting lets Misdreavus hit Normal- and Dark-types, such as Stoutland and especially Pawniard, super effectively, while Dazzling Gleam hits Machoke, Vullaby, and particularly Zweilous hard. Thunderbolt is another option to give Misdreavus a super effective hit on threats such as Dodrio and Simipour and provides it with the strongest hit on Vullaby. Taunt lets Misdreavus set up more easily without fearing moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave and also prevents Vigoroth from stalling Misdreavus out with its own Taunt. Will-O-Wisp can also be used to wear down Misdreavus's checks early in the game and check physical attackers even when not attempting to sweep
Set Details
========
The given spread maximizes Special Attack and Speed to let Misdreavus sweep the most efficiently. A Modest nature maximizes Misdreavus's damage output, notably guaranteeing a 2HKO on Roselia after a Nasty Plot. A Timid nature, while not hugely beneficial, at least guarantees that Misdreavus will outspeed a few uncommon foes such as Jolly Monferno, Gabite, Stoutland, and Arbok. Eviolite lets Misdreavus set up comfortably on weak attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Misdreavus can take weaker hits from the likes of Roselia and Politoed, but it is worn down quickly with Stealth Rock and repeated attacks. Nasty Plot Misdreavus should be used to soften up or eliminate the likes of Vigoroth, Roselia, and Probopass to support a teammate's sweep; for example, Choice Scarf Chatot appreciates the weakening of specially defensive Pokemon like these. Misdreavus should spam Shadow Ball to wear down the likes of Eviolite Monferno before attempting to boost with Nasty Plot. With its typing, Misdreavus can also deter Rapid Spin from Armaldo and Avalugg, though it fears Knock Off from the former and Toxic on the switch in from the latter. It should also try to avoid taking Knock Off, as this will make it significantly easier to revenge kill.
Team Options
========
Fast teammates such as Zebstrika, Kadabra, and Choice Scarf Chatot that appreciate special walls being weakened make for good partners; these Pokemon can also revenge kill the powerful attackers that can take Misdreavus down. Stealth Rock support is crucial to help in wearing down checks like Vullaby, while Spikes support from Roselia makes it even easier to weaken bulkier foes, especially given that Misdreavus can potentially prevent both Rapid Spin and Defog. Strong physical attackers such as Machoke and Dodrio can apply additional pressure to bulky teams; Machoke in particular has excellent synergy with Misdreavus.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Perish Song allows Misdreavus to beat bulky sweepers such as Vigoroth and Duosion and can also be used to force switches on sweepers that Misdreavus can't handle by itself, but Taunt generally gets the job done. Heal Bell lets Midreavus act as a cleric for its team. Destiny Bond is a niche option that can remove a foe reliably in combination with Taunt. Substitute can be used to avoid crippling status and make it more difficult for burned targets to weaken Misdreavus, but Misdreavus's lack of recovery hurts it. A Calm Mind set is an option, though Misdreavus's weakness to status and powerful wallbreakers renders this set ineffective.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Knock Off**: Loss of Eviolite will greatly reduce Misdreavus's ability to perform its role, and Knock Off from strong attackers such as Raichu, Simipour, and Armaldo can 2HKO Misdreavus. Pawniard greatly threatens even defensive variants of Misdreavus with its powerful STAB Knock Offs.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types can switch into Will-O-Wisp with impunity, and, in the case of Rapidash and Ninetales, can even activate Flash Fire. They also don't take much damage from Misdreavus's relatively weak Shadow Balls.
**Wallbreakers**: Powerful attacks from the likes of Simipour and Rotom-F can weaken Misdreavus easily, especially as Pain Split is an unreliable form of recovery.
**Status**: Poison and burn both make it easy for Misdreavus to get worn down and render it unable to check the Pokemon it should. Paralysis can also prevent Misdreavus from burning, attacking, or using Taunt on foes it normally outspeeds.
**Guts Machoke**: With Guts to take advantage of Will-O-Wisp as well as access to Knock Off, Machoke forces Misdreavus out.
**Normal-types**: Guts Ursaring and Facade Stoutland can benefit from switching into Will-O-Wisp and threaten to KO Misdreavus after Stealth Rock damage. Due to Oblivious, specially defensive Lickilicky can heal itself freely against Misdreavus and take it out with Knock Off.
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