[OVERVIEW]
Primeape stands out in the NeverUsed tier because of its great offensive typing coupled with a powerful STAB move in Close Combat and a formidable Attack stat. It further distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Hariyama with its access to U-turn and high Speed stat. When equipped with a Choice Band, Primeape's wallbreaking prowess reaches frightening levels, capable of 2HKOing all but the bulkiest Pokemon. Additionally, Primeape is one of the few viable Choice Scarf users in the tier, outspeeding the entire unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature, as well as being able to revenge kill Lilligant and Vivillon at +1 and Omastar and Barbaracle at +2. Defiant is a useful ability that complements Primeape's role as a wallbreaker and pivot, letting Primeape punish the use of Defog from Pokemon such as Pelipper and Mantine, although it risks getting OHKOed if they choose to attack instead. Furthermore, Primeape's typing grants it a useful resistance to Sucker Punch, making it a decent offensive check to Kangaskhan, Shiftry, and Skuntank and also penalizing the latter two if they use Defog. Unfortunately, Primeape has mediocre bulk, meaning it can be difficult to justify using it over other Fighting-types that provide defensive utility, similar power, and priority moves, such as Hariyama and Hitmonchan. Primeape is also reliant on using a Choice Scarf, which makes it unable to wallbreak as effectively as it can with a Choice Band, to outspeed faster offensive Pokemon such as Archeops, Tauros, and Charizard. Finally, Primeape struggles to break through common Ghost- and Poison-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Golurk, Rotom, Weezing, Garbodor, and Vileplume as they resist or are immune to its main STAB move.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Defiant
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat obliterates Normal-, Rock-, Steel-, Dark-, and Ice-types, as well as dealing huge amounts of damage to neutral targets. For example, it OHKOes Assault Vest Lanturn, Hitmonchan, Magmortar, Lilligant and Ludicolo from full HP. U-turn is one of Primeape's biggest niches over other Fighting-types, allowing it to maintain momentum while also hitting Psychic-types such as Musharna, Mesprit, Malamar, and Claydol super effectively. Stone Edge lets Primeape hit Flying-types such as Scyther, Rotom-S, and Xatu extremely hard if they switch in. Earthquake primarily hits Garbodor, which is otherwise very problematic, as it can wear down Primeape with Rocky Helmet. Earthquake also KOes Skuntank without triggering Aftermath. Alternatively, Ice Punch gives Primeape a way to hit Vileplume, Gourgeist-XL, and Torterra hard while providing coverage against Flying-types at the cost of being unable to OHKO Scyther. Gunk Shot is an option to 2HKO defensive Mega Audino and OHKO mixed defenses Clefairy.
Set Details
========
Primeape sports a standard offensive spread with maximum Attack and Speed investment to hit as hard and be as fast as possible. Jolly is the preferred nature, as an Adamant nature doesn't help it score any extra notable OHKOs and leaves it vulnerable to base 90 Speed threats such as Lilligant and Mr. Mime. With a Jolly nature, Primeape outspeeds postive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon and below, such as Lilligant, Vivillon, Kangaskhan, Mr. Mime, and Zangoose, and Speed ties with base 95 Speed Pokemon, including Jynx, Haunter, and offensive Xatu. With a Choice Band, Primeape's Attack stat rises to extremely threatening levels, giving it significant wallbreaking power. Defiant allows Primeape to pivot into and punish Defoggers such as Pelipper and Mantine with a +2 Stone Edge. Alternatively, Vital Spirit lets Primeape absorb Sleep Powder from Lilligant and Vivillon and Spore or Dark Void from Smeargle.
Usage Tips
========
Primeape thrives in VoltTurn cores, which enable it to switch out of its counters and come into battle unscathed, as it does not have the bulk to switch into even neutral hits. After coming in, Primeape should be played as a wallbreaker that can punch holes in the opponent's team and make way for a teammate to sweep. Close Combat is Primeape's most spammable move, but if the opponent has a Fighting-type switch-in such as Vileplume or Gourgeist, it's best to simply use U-turn to gain momentum. Sometimes clicking the appropriate coverage move, such as Stone Edge on a predicted Scyther switch-in, can gain a huge amount of momentum, but it is important to weigh the risk versus the reward, as Primeape does not have the bulk to stomach hits if a prediction is wrong. Finally, Primeape's presence alone can be enough to deter the use of Defog due to the threat of Defiant, but if it seems likely that the opponent will use it, pivot Primeape in and punish them for doing so.
Team Options
========
Primeape fits best on VoltTurn offense; Volt Switch, U-turn, and Baton Pass users such as Rotom, Floatzel, Lanturn, Scyther, Xatu, and Manectric are all spectacular partners that can keep up momentum and help wear down one another's checks. Spikes-stacking support from Garbodor and Ferroseed pairs extremely well with Primeape, as Primeape can wear down its checks through pivoting with U-turn more effectively and, as a bonus, act as a Defog deterrent to keep hazards up. Pursuit trappers such as Skuntank and Liepard are amazing partners, trapping the bothersome Psychic- and Ghost-types that prevent Primeape from spamming Close Combat. Furthermore, speedy late-game sweepers such as Floatzel, Swellow, Archeops, and Choice Scarf Jynx work well in conjunction with Primeape's wallbreaking capabilities and can take on faster threats such as Charizard, Tauros, Pyroar, and Scyther in return. Additionally, Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar can pivot into Will-O-Wisp from Weezing and Mismagius and appreciate Primeape's ability to break down their checks such as Assault Vest Hariyama, Regirock, Rhydon, and Lanturn.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Defiant / Vital Spirit
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat is a strong STAB move capable of revenge killing fast threats such as Tauros, Swellow, Pyroar, Jynx, and +2 Omastar. U-turn lets Primeape gain momentum throughout the match, pivot out and wear down the opponent's side, and OHKO Shiftry and Malamar after Stealth Rock. Earthquake targets grounded Poison-types such as Garbodor and Skuntank, as well as Fire-types such as Magmortar and Combusken. Finally, Stone Edge lets Primeape revenge kill Flying-types such as Rotom-S, Scyther, Vivillon, and Archeops.
Set Details
========
Primeape runs a standard offensive spread of maximum Attack and Speed investment in order to hit as hard as possible and outspeed the entire unboosted metagame with a Choice Scarf. A Jolly nature is pivotal for Primeape, as it grants it the ability to revenge kill Pokemon such as Omastar and Barbaracle at +2 and Lilligant and Vivillon at +1, as well as Speed tie with common base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Haunter, and opposing Primeape. Furthermore, an Adamant nature does not grant any extra relevant OHKOs and 2HKOs that Jolly Primeape misses out on. Defiant gives Primeape the opportunity to boost its Attack by two stages if it switches into a correctly predicted Defog, and it also punishes Intimidate Mawile. However, Vital Spirit is a viable alternative, allowing Primeape to pivot into Sleep Powder from Lilligant and Vivillon, as well as Spore or Dark Void from Smeargle.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Primeape functions much differently from Choice Band Primeape, as it is a revenge killer rather than a wallbreaker. In order to preserve momentum, it is usually best to U-turn out early-game if the opponent has a healthy switch-in to Primeape's Close Combat. In this scenario, it would be wiser to avoid bringing in Primeape too often, as it can quickly drain momentum for your team if it is forced to click U-turn frequently. When using Defiant, Primeape should attempt to pressure Defoggers. Switch Primeape in when you predict that the opponent will use Defog, but be wary, as bulkier Defoggers such as Pelipper and Prinplup will not be OHKOed even at +2.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Primeape should be used on teams that appreciate a revenge killer that can maintain momentum with U-turn and OHKO fast threats such as Tauros, Pyroar, Jynx, and Archeops. Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Samurott, Nasty Plot Jynx, Shell Smash Omastar, and Swords Dance Pinsir appreciate Primeape's ability to revenge kill Pokemon that outspeed them and clean up after their sweep has been ended. In addition, Pursuit trappers are fantastic partners for Primeape, as they can easily be brought in against Psychic- and Ghost-types through U-turn and proceed to dispatch them. Pokemon such as Rotom, Scyther, Floatzel, and Lanturn are great partners for Primeape, forming a VoltTurn core with it and keeping up momentum while wearing down one another's checks. Hazard users such as Omastar, Garbodor, Ferroseed, and Steelix are good partners, as Primeape can take advantage of the passive damage they provide and, in return, can dissuade the use of Defog through the threat of Defiant.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Encore and a Fist Plate can be used to prevent Pokemon from attempting to set up or heal against Primeape. However, it lacks both the power that Choice Band offers and the Speed that Choice Scarf provides. Thunder Punch hits Mantine and Pelipper harder than Stone Edge, but it is much weaker against Scyther and lacks coverage versus other Bug-types such as Pinsir. Finally, Punishment is a coverage option against Ghost- and Psychic-types, especially if the latter have set up with Calm Mind.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Poison-types**: Bulky Poison-types such as Weezing, Vileplume, and Garbodor can switch into Close Combat with ease, and the former two are immune and neutral to Earthquake, respectively. Vileplume and Garbodor can even punish U-turn with Effect Spore and Rocky Helmet, respectively, while Vileplume can also heal off any damage Primeape inflicts upon it with Moonlight.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Mismagius, Rotom, and Haunter are completely immune to Close Combat and Earthquake and take hardly any damage from U-turn. Golurk in particular takes minimal damage from everything in Primeape's arsenal besides the rare Ice Punch. Rotom, Mismagius, and Gourgeist-XL can also cripple Primeape with status, effectively making it useless for the rest of the match.
**Flying-types**: Common Flying-types such as Scyther, Xatu, and Rotom-S are able to switch in on Primeape and OHKO it with their super effective STAB moves. Scyther also outspeeds and OHKOes Choice Band Primeape before it can attack. However, all Fying-types must be wary of switching into Stone Edge, especially Scyther, as a Stone Edge from even Choice Scarf Primeape with OHKO it.
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Musharna, Mesprit, and Claydol can comfortably take a Close Combat and threaten to OHKO Primeape with Psychic. However, Primeape can pivot out with U-turn and slowly wear them down. Musharna in particular is a huge threat to Primeape, as it can heal off any damage from U-turn with Moonlight.
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Primeape's mediocre bulk, any powerful attacker that outspeeds it will be able to OHKO it. Examples include Archeops, Scyther, Tauros, Floatzel, Swellow, Choice Scarf Jynx, and Pyroar. However, all of these Pokemon must be wary of Primeape's Choice Scarf set, which is capable of revenge killing them with either Close Combat or Stone Edge.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon with high physical bulk in general can put a halt to Choice Scarf Primeape, as it does not have the power to break through them. Some of these Pokemon include Torterra, Poliwrath, Mega Audino, Weezing, and Musharna.
Primeape stands out in the NeverUsed tier because of its great offensive typing coupled with a powerful STAB move in Close Combat and a formidable Attack stat. It further distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Hariyama with its access to U-turn and high Speed stat. When equipped with a Choice Band, Primeape's wallbreaking prowess reaches frightening levels, capable of 2HKOing all but the bulkiest Pokemon. Additionally, Primeape is one of the few viable Choice Scarf users in the tier, outspeeding the entire unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature, as well as being able to revenge kill Lilligant and Vivillon at +1 and Omastar and Barbaracle at +2. Defiant is a useful ability that complements Primeape's role as a wallbreaker and pivot, letting Primeape punish the use of Defog from Pokemon such as Pelipper and Mantine, although it risks getting OHKOed if they choose to attack instead. Furthermore, Primeape's typing grants it a useful resistance to Sucker Punch, making it a decent offensive check to Kangaskhan, Shiftry, and Skuntank and also penalizing the latter two if they use Defog. Unfortunately, Primeape has mediocre bulk, meaning it can be difficult to justify using it over other Fighting-types that provide defensive utility, similar power, and priority moves, such as Hariyama and Hitmonchan. Primeape is also reliant on using a Choice Scarf, which makes it unable to wallbreak as effectively as it can with a Choice Band, to outspeed faster offensive Pokemon such as Archeops, Tauros, and Charizard. Finally, Primeape struggles to break through common Ghost- and Poison-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Golurk, Rotom, Weezing, Garbodor, and Vileplume as they resist or are immune to its main STAB move.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Defiant
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat obliterates Normal-, Rock-, Steel-, Dark-, and Ice-types, as well as dealing huge amounts of damage to neutral targets. For example, it OHKOes Assault Vest Lanturn, Hitmonchan, Magmortar, Lilligant and Ludicolo from full HP. U-turn is one of Primeape's biggest niches over other Fighting-types, allowing it to maintain momentum while also hitting Psychic-types such as Musharna, Mesprit, Malamar, and Claydol super effectively. Stone Edge lets Primeape hit Flying-types such as Scyther, Rotom-S, and Xatu extremely hard if they switch in. Earthquake primarily hits Garbodor, which is otherwise very problematic, as it can wear down Primeape with Rocky Helmet. Earthquake also KOes Skuntank without triggering Aftermath. Alternatively, Ice Punch gives Primeape a way to hit Vileplume, Gourgeist-XL, and Torterra hard while providing coverage against Flying-types at the cost of being unable to OHKO Scyther. Gunk Shot is an option to 2HKO defensive Mega Audino and OHKO mixed defenses Clefairy.
Set Details
========
Primeape sports a standard offensive spread with maximum Attack and Speed investment to hit as hard and be as fast as possible. Jolly is the preferred nature, as an Adamant nature doesn't help it score any extra notable OHKOs and leaves it vulnerable to base 90 Speed threats such as Lilligant and Mr. Mime. With a Jolly nature, Primeape outspeeds postive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon and below, such as Lilligant, Vivillon, Kangaskhan, Mr. Mime, and Zangoose, and Speed ties with base 95 Speed Pokemon, including Jynx, Haunter, and offensive Xatu. With a Choice Band, Primeape's Attack stat rises to extremely threatening levels, giving it significant wallbreaking power. Defiant allows Primeape to pivot into and punish Defoggers such as Pelipper and Mantine with a +2 Stone Edge. Alternatively, Vital Spirit lets Primeape absorb Sleep Powder from Lilligant and Vivillon and Spore or Dark Void from Smeargle.
Usage Tips
========
Primeape thrives in VoltTurn cores, which enable it to switch out of its counters and come into battle unscathed, as it does not have the bulk to switch into even neutral hits. After coming in, Primeape should be played as a wallbreaker that can punch holes in the opponent's team and make way for a teammate to sweep. Close Combat is Primeape's most spammable move, but if the opponent has a Fighting-type switch-in such as Vileplume or Gourgeist, it's best to simply use U-turn to gain momentum. Sometimes clicking the appropriate coverage move, such as Stone Edge on a predicted Scyther switch-in, can gain a huge amount of momentum, but it is important to weigh the risk versus the reward, as Primeape does not have the bulk to stomach hits if a prediction is wrong. Finally, Primeape's presence alone can be enough to deter the use of Defog due to the threat of Defiant, but if it seems likely that the opponent will use it, pivot Primeape in and punish them for doing so.
Team Options
========
Primeape fits best on VoltTurn offense; Volt Switch, U-turn, and Baton Pass users such as Rotom, Floatzel, Lanturn, Scyther, Xatu, and Manectric are all spectacular partners that can keep up momentum and help wear down one another's checks. Spikes-stacking support from Garbodor and Ferroseed pairs extremely well with Primeape, as Primeape can wear down its checks through pivoting with U-turn more effectively and, as a bonus, act as a Defog deterrent to keep hazards up. Pursuit trappers such as Skuntank and Liepard are amazing partners, trapping the bothersome Psychic- and Ghost-types that prevent Primeape from spamming Close Combat. Furthermore, speedy late-game sweepers such as Floatzel, Swellow, Archeops, and Choice Scarf Jynx work well in conjunction with Primeape's wallbreaking capabilities and can take on faster threats such as Charizard, Tauros, Pyroar, and Scyther in return. Additionally, Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar can pivot into Will-O-Wisp from Weezing and Mismagius and appreciate Primeape's ability to break down their checks such as Assault Vest Hariyama, Regirock, Rhydon, and Lanturn.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Defiant / Vital Spirit
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat is a strong STAB move capable of revenge killing fast threats such as Tauros, Swellow, Pyroar, Jynx, and +2 Omastar. U-turn lets Primeape gain momentum throughout the match, pivot out and wear down the opponent's side, and OHKO Shiftry and Malamar after Stealth Rock. Earthquake targets grounded Poison-types such as Garbodor and Skuntank, as well as Fire-types such as Magmortar and Combusken. Finally, Stone Edge lets Primeape revenge kill Flying-types such as Rotom-S, Scyther, Vivillon, and Archeops.
Set Details
========
Primeape runs a standard offensive spread of maximum Attack and Speed investment in order to hit as hard as possible and outspeed the entire unboosted metagame with a Choice Scarf. A Jolly nature is pivotal for Primeape, as it grants it the ability to revenge kill Pokemon such as Omastar and Barbaracle at +2 and Lilligant and Vivillon at +1, as well as Speed tie with common base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Haunter, and opposing Primeape. Furthermore, an Adamant nature does not grant any extra relevant OHKOs and 2HKOs that Jolly Primeape misses out on. Defiant gives Primeape the opportunity to boost its Attack by two stages if it switches into a correctly predicted Defog, and it also punishes Intimidate Mawile. However, Vital Spirit is a viable alternative, allowing Primeape to pivot into Sleep Powder from Lilligant and Vivillon, as well as Spore or Dark Void from Smeargle.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Primeape functions much differently from Choice Band Primeape, as it is a revenge killer rather than a wallbreaker. In order to preserve momentum, it is usually best to U-turn out early-game if the opponent has a healthy switch-in to Primeape's Close Combat. In this scenario, it would be wiser to avoid bringing in Primeape too often, as it can quickly drain momentum for your team if it is forced to click U-turn frequently. When using Defiant, Primeape should attempt to pressure Defoggers. Switch Primeape in when you predict that the opponent will use Defog, but be wary, as bulkier Defoggers such as Pelipper and Prinplup will not be OHKOed even at +2.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Primeape should be used on teams that appreciate a revenge killer that can maintain momentum with U-turn and OHKO fast threats such as Tauros, Pyroar, Jynx, and Archeops. Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Samurott, Nasty Plot Jynx, Shell Smash Omastar, and Swords Dance Pinsir appreciate Primeape's ability to revenge kill Pokemon that outspeed them and clean up after their sweep has been ended. In addition, Pursuit trappers are fantastic partners for Primeape, as they can easily be brought in against Psychic- and Ghost-types through U-turn and proceed to dispatch them. Pokemon such as Rotom, Scyther, Floatzel, and Lanturn are great partners for Primeape, forming a VoltTurn core with it and keeping up momentum while wearing down one another's checks. Hazard users such as Omastar, Garbodor, Ferroseed, and Steelix are good partners, as Primeape can take advantage of the passive damage they provide and, in return, can dissuade the use of Defog through the threat of Defiant.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Encore and a Fist Plate can be used to prevent Pokemon from attempting to set up or heal against Primeape. However, it lacks both the power that Choice Band offers and the Speed that Choice Scarf provides. Thunder Punch hits Mantine and Pelipper harder than Stone Edge, but it is much weaker against Scyther and lacks coverage versus other Bug-types such as Pinsir. Finally, Punishment is a coverage option against Ghost- and Psychic-types, especially if the latter have set up with Calm Mind.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Poison-types**: Bulky Poison-types such as Weezing, Vileplume, and Garbodor can switch into Close Combat with ease, and the former two are immune and neutral to Earthquake, respectively. Vileplume and Garbodor can even punish U-turn with Effect Spore and Rocky Helmet, respectively, while Vileplume can also heal off any damage Primeape inflicts upon it with Moonlight.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Mismagius, Rotom, and Haunter are completely immune to Close Combat and Earthquake and take hardly any damage from U-turn. Golurk in particular takes minimal damage from everything in Primeape's arsenal besides the rare Ice Punch. Rotom, Mismagius, and Gourgeist-XL can also cripple Primeape with status, effectively making it useless for the rest of the match.
**Flying-types**: Common Flying-types such as Scyther, Xatu, and Rotom-S are able to switch in on Primeape and OHKO it with their super effective STAB moves. Scyther also outspeeds and OHKOes Choice Band Primeape before it can attack. However, all Fying-types must be wary of switching into Stone Edge, especially Scyther, as a Stone Edge from even Choice Scarf Primeape with OHKO it.
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Musharna, Mesprit, and Claydol can comfortably take a Close Combat and threaten to OHKO Primeape with Psychic. However, Primeape can pivot out with U-turn and slowly wear them down. Musharna in particular is a huge threat to Primeape, as it can heal off any damage from U-turn with Moonlight.
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Primeape's mediocre bulk, any powerful attacker that outspeeds it will be able to OHKO it. Examples include Archeops, Scyther, Tauros, Floatzel, Swellow, Choice Scarf Jynx, and Pyroar. However, all of these Pokemon must be wary of Primeape's Choice Scarf set, which is capable of revenge killing them with either Close Combat or Stone Edge.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon with high physical bulk in general can put a halt to Choice Scarf Primeape, as it does not have the power to break through them. Some of these Pokemon include Torterra, Poliwrath, Mega Audino, Weezing, and Musharna.
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