With an excellent ability and an impeccable design aesthetic, Zoroark should be considered one of the most unique Pokemon ever to have graced the RU tier. While unique doesn't necessarily correspond to good, in this particular case, Zoroark's ability Illusion is what makes it so powerful. Illusion allows Zoroark to disguise itself as the last Pokemon in the party, facilitating sneaky plays and luring out checks and counters to help out other teammates. Great mixed offensive stats and access to both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, an excellent physical and special movepool, and powerful STAB priority in the form of Sucker Punch make Zoroark a premier threat in the current RU metagame.
Zoroark @ Choice Specs
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Sludge Bomb
- Focus Blast / Flamethrower
- U-turn
Choice Specs allows Zoroark to hit extremely hard off the bat, as it is more efficient to do so than trying to find setup opportunities. Dark Pulse has great neutral coverage and hits a lot of bulky Pokemon in the tier such as Cresselia, Reuniclus, Slowbro, and Slowking for super effective damage. Sludge Bomb hits the many Fairy-types littering the RU tier with the exception of Diancie, which takes neutral damage. Focus Blast is the preferred option in the third moveslot in order to hit opposing Dark-types such as Umbreon, while Flamethrower hits Chesnaught (Bulletproof blocks Sludge Bomb and Focus Blast), Heracross, and Escavalier, although the latter two take massive damage from Sludge Bomb and Dark Pulse, respectively. U-turn is a great move to pivot and scout for certain switch-ins and keeps momentum in your favor. It also allows Zoroak to maintain its facade should any of its teammates pack U-turn as well.
Zoroark @ Dread Plate / Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- Low Kick
Although Zoroark's Attack stat is lower than its Special Attack, access to moves like Swords Dance, Knock Off, and STAB Sucker Punch makes this set viable. Knock Off is an incredibly powerful move after a boost and cripples many defensive Pokemon relying on Leftovers for passive recovery or offensive Pokemon that need their item to succeed, such as Life Orb users or Berry holders. Sucker Punch is a powerful priority move that allows Zoroark to get the jump on faster foes. Low Kick demolishes Registeel as well as any other bulky and heavy Pokemon. Although Dark + Fighting coverage provides a neutral hit on most types, this set struggles with Fairy-types; however, most Fairy-types don't like having their item removed by Knock Off unless they carry a Z-Crystal. Although Zoroark's frailty means it is hard to find an opportunity to set up, it can do so more easily thanks to its ability, unlike many other setup sweepers.
Zoroark is quite possibly one of the best Pokemon in the RU tier at the moment thanks to its uncanny ability to cast an illusion on the opposing team and either be a catalyst for a teammate to sweep by luring out and eliminating their checks and counters or even sweep itself by seizing the opportunity to set up as soon as it presents itself. Don't hesitate to toss Zoroark on your team, as it provides invaluable support with its unparalleled ability to deceive and break down the enemy.
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