[OVERVIEW]
Cofagrigus's access to Nasty Plot and Trick Room makes it a potent sweeper in the UU metagame, particularly against offensively inclined teams, where it generally outspeeds every Pokemon while Trick Room is up. Its Ghost typing is good offensively, especially when paired with Ghostium Z, with STAB Shadow Ball only being resisted by Dark- and Normal-types like Hydreigon and Mega Pidgeot. Cofagrigus also possesses great natural bulk, especially physically, granting it a solid number of setup opportunities and allowing it to act as a blanket check to certain physical threats such as Scizor and Mega Altaria. Ghost is rather mediocre defensively, though it does give Cofagrigus setup opportunities against Pokemon like Cobalion and Choice Scarf Infernape. Cofagrigus's ability Mummy helps it set up in the face of Pokemon such as Scizor and physical Mega Altaria that rely on their abilities to do meaningful damage. However, Cofagrigus is not particularly threatening without both Nasty Plot and Trick Room set up, often being either too weak to execute a sweep without Nasty Plot boosts or revenge killed by a faster Pokemon outside of Trick Room. It also struggles to break past any formidable special wall that is not hit at least neutrally by its Ghost STAB moves; examples include Blissey and Alolan Muk. While in theory Hidden Power Fighting offers fantastic coverage alongside Cofagrigus's STAB Shadow Ball, its low Base Power leads Cofagrigus to struggles against Pokemon such as Mandibuzz and Mega Pidgeot that resist Ghost and are neutral to Fighting.
[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Hidden Power Fighting
move 3: Trick Room
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Mummy
nature: Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shadow Ball is Cofagrigus's main STAB move, with few strong Pokemon resisting it in the UU tier. Never-Ending Nightmare deals huge damage after a Nasty Plot boost to even the bulkiest of targets, provided that they do not resist Ghost. Hidden Power Fighting deals super effective damage to Dark- and Normal-types like Krookodile and Bewear that resist or are immune to Shadow Ball. Nasty Plot raises Cofagrigus's Special Attack by two stages, letting it do huge amounts of damage to foes. For four turns, Trick Room often makes Cofagrigus the fastest Pokemon on the field, which is perfect for a late-game sweep after a Nasty Plot boost or two.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in HP improves Cofagrigus's overall bulk as much as possible. 252 Special Attack EVs along with a Quiet nature let it hit as hard as possible in its attempt to sweep late-game. The Quiet nature also couples with its 0 Speed IVs in hopes of making Cofagrigus the fastest Pokemon under Trick Room at all times. Ghostium Z allows Cofagrigus to break past bulkier targets like Primarina, Amoonguss, and Togekiss that may get in the way of its sweep, as well as reducing the Base Power of opposing Knock Off. Mummy lets Cofagrigus check Scizor, Flame Orb Heracross, and Dragon Dance Mega Altaria more effectively, as they largely rely on their abilities to deal damage.
Usage Tips
========
It is preferable to bring Cofagrigus in to clean up late-game after opposing dedicated special walls and Dark-types have been weakened to the point that they can no longer stand in the way of a sweep. Set up Nasty Plot and Trick Room against Pokemon such as Infernape, Cobalion, and Mienshao that deal minimal amounts of damage to Cofagrigus. Always keep an eye out for other setup opportunities such as a Latias or Choice Scarf Hydreigon using Draco Meteor and dropping its Special Attack by two stages. It is ideal to keep Cofagrigus healthy if aiming to sweep with it late-game. Cofagrigus can be used to check Pokemon like Scizor and Mega Aerodactyl in a pinch, but this should really only be done if sweeping later on is out of the question.
Team Options
========
Cofagrigus fits best on bulky offense teams that appreciate its ability to clean late-game and act as a blanket check to physical attackers if need be. Fighting-types like Cobalion and Infernape are great partners, as they can threaten special walls like Blissey and Alolan Muk that halt any attempt at a Cofagrigus sweep while also checking Dark-types. Physical wallbreakers such as Heracross and Crawdaunt can break through special walls to aid Cofagrigus in cleaning later on. Klefki can check Dark-types and set up Spikes to whittle down the opposing team; in return, Cofagrigus can block Rapid Spin attempts and pivot out. Blissey lures like Superpower Nidoking and Swords Dance Mega Sceptile are much appreciated, as they can potentially eliminate one of Cofagrigus's most sturdy counters. Choice Scarf Hydreigon lures in the special walls that Cofagrigus hates so that the team's physical attackers can break past them; Hydreigon also lures opposing Draco Meteors, often presenting Cofagrigus with setup opportunities. Other U-turn users such as Gliscor and Scizor can provide Cofagrigus with free switches into favorable positions, potentially leading to a sweep. Stealth Rock setters like Empoleon and Swampert help ensure Cofagrigus OHKOs on Hydreigon and Krookodile with +2 Hidden Power Fighting, often providing the small amount of chip damage necessary to do so. Entry hazards can hinder Cofagrigus's ability to set up by whittling it down over time, so hazard removal options such as Tentacruel and Mandibuzz pair nicely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Cofagrigus possesses a decent array of utility moves that could be utilized on a more defensive set such as Will-O-Wisp, Toxic Spikes, Pain Split, Hex, and Haze. However, its mediocre defensive typing and poor HP stat prevent any combination of these from being too effective in comparison to its extremely threatening offensive Trick Room set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Special Walls**: Blissey, Alolan Muk, Mandibuzz, and Haze Mantine completely wall Cofagrigus and can proceed to take advantage of it, though Mantine must be wary of Never-Ending Nightmare if it has taken prior damage.
**Offensive Dark-types**: Hydreigon, Mega Sharpedo, and Crawdaunt deal huge damage with their Dark STAB moves and prevent Cofagrigus from setting up. Mega Absol in particular is threatening, as it can bypass Trick Room with its priority Sucker Punch and pick off a weakened Cofagrigus.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Mega Pidgeot, Primarina, Chandelure, and Volcanion take advantage of Cofagrigus's mediocre special bulk and prevent any setup attempt. Mega Pidgeot in particular presents a huge stop to any sweep attempt due to its immunity to Ghost and neutrality to Cofagrigus's weak Fighting coverage.
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