QC: erisia / eternally / Blast
GP: P Squared / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Smeargle's ability to learn every move in the game makes it an excellent suicide lead on offensive teams, as it's the only Pokemon that is able to learn all of Spore, Stealth Rock, and Sticky Web. Its decent Speed tier allows it to effectively get up multiple hazards versus slower Pokemon, and it is one of the few viable Sticky Web users in the tier. However, Smeargle can be played around fairly easily and is shut down by Taunt, Lum Berry Pokemon, and Xatu for the most part. Smeargle also becomes setup fodder for any Pokemon that doesn't care about Nuzzle, such as Rhydon, Torterra, or Golurk, after Sleep Clause is activated. It is also pressured by Rapid Spin and Defog users like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Claydol, as they can get rid of all hazards Smeargle sets up; Rapid Spin users do this most effectively due to their ability to KO Smeargle with Rapid Spin once it's brought down to its Focus Sash. Furthermore, when running Dark Void, Smeargle may fail to do its job of setting up hazards if Dark Void misses.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Spore / Dark Void
move 4: Skill Swap / Nuzzle
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Timid
evs: 80 HP / 96 Def / 80 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=======
Sticky Web lowers the Speed of all opposing grounded Pokemon so your team gains the Speed advantage over the opponent's. Stealth Rock allows Smeargle to wear down Pokemon on the switch in, as well as breaking Sturdy and Focus Sash. Smeargle running Stealth Rock also frees up an extra slot for teammates like Mesprit and Rhydon. Spore and Dark Void provide Smeargle free turns to set up hazards, which it struggles to do otherwise due to its low bulk. Spore is generally more useful, as it has perfect accuracy, but Dark Void allows Smeargle to put Grass-types to sleep at the cost of having a chance to miss. Skill Swap is used to take away Xatu's Magic Bounce ability so that Smeargle can set up hazards on it instead of them getting bounced back to your side of the field. It can also be utilized as an emergency check to Malamar and a way to prevent Lanturn from using Volt Switch on Smeargle while regaining health. Nuzzle allows Smeargle to paralyze faster Taunt Pokemon such as Floatzel and Archeops, which normally completely shut it down. It also makes Smeargle able to paralyze Xatu through Magic Bounce, which is why it's preferred over Thunder Wave. Smeargle can also run Explosion in the last slot with maximum Attack investment, as it prevents foes from using Defog or Rapid Spin, as well as being a decently strong move in general.
Set Details
=======
Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature make Smeargle outpace Xatu, Samurott, Adamant Shiftry, and Adamant Hitmonchan, allowing it to either Spore them or put up multiple layers of hazards. The Speed also makes it so Smeargle can Skill Swap Xatu and lay up hazards on the next turn so it can get up at least one layer of hazards in a one-on-one situation. Smeargle doesn't get any useful abilities for its supposed role, and Own Tempo is the only ability that may come in handy sometimes, as it can help versus random Hurricane confusions or Confuse Ray users. An EV spread of 80 HP / 96 Def / 80 SpD maximizes Smeargle's bulk while maintaining maximum Speed. This is useful for taking weaker hits like multiple Rock Blasts from Rhydon, as well as avoiding the 2HKO from common defensive Pokemon such as Lanturn, Mantine, and Mega Audino.
Usage Tips
=======
Smeargle should always be used as a suicide lead on offensive teams and is almost never worth preserving for later in the match. Against most teams, going for Spore / Dark Void, Sticky Web, and Stealth Rock in that specific order is the best series of plays. Sticky Web should always be prioritized when facing more offensive teams, and Stealth Rock versus more defensive ones. Exceptions for this are if the opposing team has multiple Stealth Rock-weak Pokemon like Scyther and Charizard and doesn't care much about Sticky Web. This is especially important if the opponent has poor or no hazard removal. Be wary when setting up Sticky Web versus teams with Pokemon that can take advantage of it such as Malamar and Pawniard, as it boosts their Speed and Attack, respectively. Faster Taunt users like Archeops and Floatzel completely shut down Smeargle aside from Nuzzle, which is something to keep in mind. Setup Pokemon that don't mind Nuzzle from Smeargle such as Rhydon, Torterra, and Golurk can set up for free after Sleep Clause is activated. Lastly, opposing Rapid Spin and Defog users should be kept under high pressure throughout the entire game, and as few opportunities for Defog should be given as possible. Hazard removal can be prevented with Taunt users and spinblockers, such as Mismagius, Rotom, and Skuntank.
Team Options
=======
Spinblockers like Rotom and Mismagius are great partners for Smeargle, as they prevents foes from using Rapid Spin to get rid of any entry hazards Smeargle has managed to put up on the field. Slower setup sweepers that benefit from Sticky Web, such as Samurott and Shiftry, are good partners for Smeargle because they are far more threatening when they get the Speed advantage on their offensive checks. Slower wallbreakers like Aurorus, Aggron, and Magmortar heavily appreciate the Sticky Web support that Smeargle provides, as it allows them to outpace a majority of offensive checks that would normally be able to outspeed and KO them. Lastly, Pokemon that either can prevent Defog via Taunt or are able to pressure common Defog users like Shiftry, Mantine, and Skuntank are great partners for Smeargle, as they allow the hazards that it has set up to be on the opposing side of the field for as long as possible, if not for the entirety of the match. Good examples include Tauros and Archeops.
Other Options
=======
U-turn can be used over either Skill Swap or Nuzzle to gain momentum and safely switch out versus Taunt users like Floatzel and Mismagius and into a teammate that can handle said Pokemon. Magic Coat can be used to ensure at least one layer of hazards versus Taunt users. Memento can be picked over Skill Swap or Nuzzle, as it prevents the foe from using Rapid Spin or Defog on the same turn, as well as providing a free switch to something that can threaten the Pokemon currently on the field. It also allows for easier setup opportunities for Pokemon like Shell Smash Barbaracle and Swords Dance Samurott.
Smeargle can also pull off a level 1 Trick Room + Endeavor set with decent success, but it is stopped easily by any priority attack and is pretty easy to deal with, especially considering there are much better Trick Room users than Smeargle.
Checks and Counters
=======
**Fast Taunt Users**: Faster Taunt users like Archeops, Mismagius, and Floatzel usually prevent Smeargle from getting up any entry hazards, although they have to be wary of getting crippled by Nuzzle.
**Xatu**: Xatu's ability Magic Bounce allows it to bounce back any hazards Smeargle tries to set up, as well as Spore and Dark Void, completely ruining Smeargle's chances to do anything. While Skill Swap is exclusively used for Xatu, not all Smeargle run it, and the Smeargle user still has to predict correctly in order to be able to get up hazards.
**Kangaskhan**: Kangaskhan can outspeed Smeargle and KO it with the combination of Fake Out and Return, breaking through its Focus Sash.
**Sleep Absorbers**: Sleep absorbers such as Magmortar, Sliggoo, and Malamar, Grass-type Pokemon, and Lum Berry Pokemon can all avoid getting hit by Spore and prevent Smeargle from setting up multiple layers of hazards.
**Sleep Inducers**: Sleep inducers such as Lilligant, Jynx, and Vivillon can put Smeargle to sleep, limiting the number of hazards it can set up depending on the number of sleep turns.
GP: P Squared / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Smeargle's ability to learn every move in the game makes it an excellent suicide lead on offensive teams, as it's the only Pokemon that is able to learn all of Spore, Stealth Rock, and Sticky Web. Its decent Speed tier allows it to effectively get up multiple hazards versus slower Pokemon, and it is one of the few viable Sticky Web users in the tier. However, Smeargle can be played around fairly easily and is shut down by Taunt, Lum Berry Pokemon, and Xatu for the most part. Smeargle also becomes setup fodder for any Pokemon that doesn't care about Nuzzle, such as Rhydon, Torterra, or Golurk, after Sleep Clause is activated. It is also pressured by Rapid Spin and Defog users like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Claydol, as they can get rid of all hazards Smeargle sets up; Rapid Spin users do this most effectively due to their ability to KO Smeargle with Rapid Spin once it's brought down to its Focus Sash. Furthermore, when running Dark Void, Smeargle may fail to do its job of setting up hazards if Dark Void misses.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Spore / Dark Void
move 4: Skill Swap / Nuzzle
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Timid
evs: 80 HP / 96 Def / 80 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=======
Sticky Web lowers the Speed of all opposing grounded Pokemon so your team gains the Speed advantage over the opponent's. Stealth Rock allows Smeargle to wear down Pokemon on the switch in, as well as breaking Sturdy and Focus Sash. Smeargle running Stealth Rock also frees up an extra slot for teammates like Mesprit and Rhydon. Spore and Dark Void provide Smeargle free turns to set up hazards, which it struggles to do otherwise due to its low bulk. Spore is generally more useful, as it has perfect accuracy, but Dark Void allows Smeargle to put Grass-types to sleep at the cost of having a chance to miss. Skill Swap is used to take away Xatu's Magic Bounce ability so that Smeargle can set up hazards on it instead of them getting bounced back to your side of the field. It can also be utilized as an emergency check to Malamar and a way to prevent Lanturn from using Volt Switch on Smeargle while regaining health. Nuzzle allows Smeargle to paralyze faster Taunt Pokemon such as Floatzel and Archeops, which normally completely shut it down. It also makes Smeargle able to paralyze Xatu through Magic Bounce, which is why it's preferred over Thunder Wave. Smeargle can also run Explosion in the last slot with maximum Attack investment, as it prevents foes from using Defog or Rapid Spin, as well as being a decently strong move in general.
Set Details
=======
Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature make Smeargle outpace Xatu, Samurott, Adamant Shiftry, and Adamant Hitmonchan, allowing it to either Spore them or put up multiple layers of hazards. The Speed also makes it so Smeargle can Skill Swap Xatu and lay up hazards on the next turn so it can get up at least one layer of hazards in a one-on-one situation. Smeargle doesn't get any useful abilities for its supposed role, and Own Tempo is the only ability that may come in handy sometimes, as it can help versus random Hurricane confusions or Confuse Ray users. An EV spread of 80 HP / 96 Def / 80 SpD maximizes Smeargle's bulk while maintaining maximum Speed. This is useful for taking weaker hits like multiple Rock Blasts from Rhydon, as well as avoiding the 2HKO from common defensive Pokemon such as Lanturn, Mantine, and Mega Audino.
Usage Tips
=======
Smeargle should always be used as a suicide lead on offensive teams and is almost never worth preserving for later in the match. Against most teams, going for Spore / Dark Void, Sticky Web, and Stealth Rock in that specific order is the best series of plays. Sticky Web should always be prioritized when facing more offensive teams, and Stealth Rock versus more defensive ones. Exceptions for this are if the opposing team has multiple Stealth Rock-weak Pokemon like Scyther and Charizard and doesn't care much about Sticky Web. This is especially important if the opponent has poor or no hazard removal. Be wary when setting up Sticky Web versus teams with Pokemon that can take advantage of it such as Malamar and Pawniard, as it boosts their Speed and Attack, respectively. Faster Taunt users like Archeops and Floatzel completely shut down Smeargle aside from Nuzzle, which is something to keep in mind. Setup Pokemon that don't mind Nuzzle from Smeargle such as Rhydon, Torterra, and Golurk can set up for free after Sleep Clause is activated. Lastly, opposing Rapid Spin and Defog users should be kept under high pressure throughout the entire game, and as few opportunities for Defog should be given as possible. Hazard removal can be prevented with Taunt users and spinblockers, such as Mismagius, Rotom, and Skuntank.
Team Options
=======
Spinblockers like Rotom and Mismagius are great partners for Smeargle, as they prevents foes from using Rapid Spin to get rid of any entry hazards Smeargle has managed to put up on the field. Slower setup sweepers that benefit from Sticky Web, such as Samurott and Shiftry, are good partners for Smeargle because they are far more threatening when they get the Speed advantage on their offensive checks. Slower wallbreakers like Aurorus, Aggron, and Magmortar heavily appreciate the Sticky Web support that Smeargle provides, as it allows them to outpace a majority of offensive checks that would normally be able to outspeed and KO them. Lastly, Pokemon that either can prevent Defog via Taunt or are able to pressure common Defog users like Shiftry, Mantine, and Skuntank are great partners for Smeargle, as they allow the hazards that it has set up to be on the opposing side of the field for as long as possible, if not for the entirety of the match. Good examples include Tauros and Archeops.
Other Options
=======
U-turn can be used over either Skill Swap or Nuzzle to gain momentum and safely switch out versus Taunt users like Floatzel and Mismagius and into a teammate that can handle said Pokemon. Magic Coat can be used to ensure at least one layer of hazards versus Taunt users. Memento can be picked over Skill Swap or Nuzzle, as it prevents the foe from using Rapid Spin or Defog on the same turn, as well as providing a free switch to something that can threaten the Pokemon currently on the field. It also allows for easier setup opportunities for Pokemon like Shell Smash Barbaracle and Swords Dance Samurott.
Smeargle can also pull off a level 1 Trick Room + Endeavor set with decent success, but it is stopped easily by any priority attack and is pretty easy to deal with, especially considering there are much better Trick Room users than Smeargle.
Checks and Counters
=======
**Fast Taunt Users**: Faster Taunt users like Archeops, Mismagius, and Floatzel usually prevent Smeargle from getting up any entry hazards, although they have to be wary of getting crippled by Nuzzle.
**Xatu**: Xatu's ability Magic Bounce allows it to bounce back any hazards Smeargle tries to set up, as well as Spore and Dark Void, completely ruining Smeargle's chances to do anything. While Skill Swap is exclusively used for Xatu, not all Smeargle run it, and the Smeargle user still has to predict correctly in order to be able to get up hazards.
**Kangaskhan**: Kangaskhan can outspeed Smeargle and KO it with the combination of Fake Out and Return, breaking through its Focus Sash.
**Sleep Absorbers**: Sleep absorbers such as Magmortar, Sliggoo, and Malamar, Grass-type Pokemon, and Lum Berry Pokemon can all avoid getting hit by Spore and prevent Smeargle from setting up multiple layers of hazards.
**Sleep Inducers**: Sleep inducers such as Lilligant, Jynx, and Vivillon can put Smeargle to sleep, limiting the number of hazards it can set up depending on the number of sleep turns.
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