Smeargle (Update)

undisputed said:

Why are a bunch of EVs in defense on the Spikes lead? I doubt they will help you live a Bullet Punch from Scizor (Which is like the only reason I would think about running that much def), so why are we forgoing overall bulk? Minds as well be able to take one non-stab special along with physical attacks if Sandstorm breaks your sash or something.

Maybe on the anti lead, you could slash T-wave with Encore/Uturn. That really fucks over opposing teams when something is asleep and paralyzed, and if it works, you get up rocks too. Down side is it can't attack, but then again, Smeargle isn't going to be doing any real damage anyway. Otherwise, good job.

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Scizor's Bullet Punch does 90% - 106.4% to 252 Defense Smeargle, so that's a chance to survive after one bout of Sandstorm. 252 Defense also has some other merits such as always taking a Rock Slide from Aerodactyl and being able to come back in after Stealth Rock damage, and surviving a Fake Out + Night Slash from Weavile. If you think that 252 HP is better than 252 Defense overall in the case of standard Smeargle lead, get some examples of their usefulness over 252 Defense.

With Thunder Wave, I can definitely see how it can be useful. At worst, it'll go into AC. Thanks.

I don't have any real situations off the top of my head that merit 252 hp over 252 def, but I think overall it just has more utility. I don't know why Aero is Rock Sliding Smeargle unless its sash is broken, and Weavile is garbage. I just feel like being able to switch into 1 Special attack is better than having about a 60% chance to live Scizor's BP. Lead Azelf's Psychic does 85.4% - 100.6% with 252 Hp. Not that it really matters if Azelf Psychics you because of Sash, but that's just an example of the kind of hit it can take with the HP evs. And, it doesn't really matter much since Smeargle is usually saved by Sash anyway. It's probably just a preference thing for me.

252 Atk and Explosion should be used on the Choice Scarf set. STAB Explosion still hits hard, even if its Smeargle. (do the calcs and you will be surprised.)

Hey I am going to bump this because I'd really like to see it worked on and taken to the copyediting stage of the process. What is QC's take on this?

My feelings are that 252 Def are always better than 252 HP EVs on the Spikes Lead set. Most of the things that Smeargle is going to be actually getting hit from are physical priority moves, U-turn to break Sash, or physical hits in general. Smeargle does not adequately check any special attacker really, and in a few modest conditions the Defense EVs can help Smeargle survive stray Metagross or Machamp Bullet Punches later in the match to get Spore down or another layer of Spikes.

However, I do agree with HP EVs on the Choice Scarf Lead set. With a Scarf attached, you can actually check a lot of special attackers setting up Calm Minds with Encore. Being able to take both the stray physical and special hits helps a lot there. I agree with RL that Explosion deserves a slash and an alternate EV spread in AC for 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe. You can OHKO bulky Gyarados with it as a testament to how useful it can be.

The obscure EV spread on Baton Pass sets is silly. I know it's what the defense optimizer spits out for "optimal" if you want 50/50 split in defensive effectiveness, but you still would prefer physical bulk over special bulk in that case. The biggest threat to that pass setup is if something like Metagross, Lucario, or Machamp comes in with sleep clause active, especially if you're not running Substitute. You need to be able to take that priority hit as well as possible, and the difference between the two spreads is on the order of ~10% damage. I definitely recommend 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 Spe for those sets. (4 HP EVs allow the same Sub/Drum/Salac activation as 244 EVs)

Lastly, for Ingrain Baton Pass, Spider Web is really a terrible option in the third slot. You're always going to want either Substitute or Taunt, in that order. Without either, you're pretty much screwed in this metagame. I suggest to remove Spider Web from the set and mention it strictly in AC. The slashes should also be the same for both Ingrain Pass and Trap Pass. Mention additional boosts or things to pass in OC of the whole analysis. Those sets should look like this:

~ Spore
~ Baton Pass
~ Ingrain
~ Substitute / Taunt

...and...

~ Spore
~ Baton Pass
~ Spider Web
~ Substitute / Taunt

The only reason the sets are different at all is because they play very differently in terms of recipients and teammates. Ingrain's for the long haul, Spider Web is for shallow passing.

Otherwise, looks good.

Just informing everyone that I've decided to drop this analysis. I haven't had the motivation to work on it, so it wouldn't be very convenient for anyone if I hold onto this. Sorry for any problems.

Whoever who feels like taking over this, PM me. I would certainly prefer this analysis be taken by someone with some type of experience with Smeargle, so that quality is ensured.