Smogon Community - View Single Post

SilentVerse · Oct 3rd, 2011, 7:09:41 PM

Mesprit

This is really just a small update to rewrite some stuff, but there were two big changes that were made as well:

- Removed Choice sets. I really doubt that Mesprit is a particularly good user of Specs or Band besides Trick and U-turn.
- Removed Support and dumped it into AC of Lead. A pure support is outclassed by Uxie and it's very similar to the lead set (the only difference is a different coverage move and T-wave > U-turn). Simply saying that the lead set can be used outside of that position with a few tweaks would probably suffice, unless it's actually that much different from the lead set.

Of course, QC can add those sets back in if they feel that they should be included however.

[Overview]

- While Mesprit initially looks outclassed by Uxie, her significantly better offensive stats allows her to be much more of a threat, whereas Uxie is basically just limited to supporting roles.
- Mesprit also has a wider movepool, with useful moves like Ice Beam and Healing Wish that Uxie misses out on.
- Unfortunately, because Mesprit is so middling as a Psychic-type, it's uses are arguably more restricted. If a supporting Psychic-type is desired, Uxie is usually the better choice, and if a Psychic-type sweeper is needed, then Alakazam and even Espeon are better choices.
- All in all, Mesprit is a Pokemon who is not particularly biased in offense or defense, and she strikes a great balance between the two. Her great defensive and offensive capabilities give her amazing versatility, easily making her a threat which UU teams must look out for.

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam / Grass Knot
move 4: Thunderbolt / U-turn
item: Expert Belt / Leftovers
nature: Modest
ability: Levitate
evs: 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Even though Uxie's higher Speed and significantly better bulk may make it seem as if Uxie outclasses Mesprit when it comes to setting up Stealth Rock, it would be a mistake to simply discount Mesprit's ability to set up Stealth Rock. Uxie may possess better defenses and Speed, but it also lacks any form of offensive presence due to its pitiful base 75 Special Attack stat. Mesprit, on the other hand, boasts a very respectable base 105 Special Attack stat, which, in tandem with Mesprit's arguably better offensive movepool, allow it to immediately pressure most of the Pokemon commonly used in the lead position, such as Omastar, Qwilfish, Rhyperior, Hippopotas, Cloyster, Kabutops, and other such Pokemon who are weak to Mesprit's incredible coverage. Important to note is that most of these Pokemon are capable of setting up Stealth Rock or other hazards; thus, Mesprit can, thanks its offensive presence, double as a sort of anti-lead that is capable of preventing the opponent's Stealth Rock or Spikes from being set up, while also setting up those valuable rocks for its own team.

Thanks to its respectable bulk and decent Speed, in addition to the fact that Mesprit's offensive presence can often force the opponent to switch plenty of times, Mesprit makes a perfectly viable user of Stealth Rock, and is able to capitalize on the opponent's switches by setting it up. The rest of Mesprit's movepool is designed to hit as many Pokemon in the lead position as hard as possible. Psychic is Mesprit strongest STAB move, and is great for doing solid damage to Pokemon who are neutral or resistant to Ice Beam and Thunderbolt. Ice Beam and Thunderbolt form the fabled BoltBeam coverage, and in tandem, hit most of UU for super effective damage. Alternatively, you may use Grass Knot and U-turn over Ice Beam and Thunderbolt if you want Mesprit to act as more of a scout; after all, Grass Knot still hits most of those hazard-setting leads for heavy damage, and has the added bonus of cleanly OHKOing Rhyperior and Omastar, which Ice Beam and Thunderbolt cannot do. However, Grass Knot does not have the incredible combined coverage of Ice Beam and Thunderbolt, and its overall coverage is rather poor, which means that outside of the lead position, should you opt to use Grass Knot, Mesprit will not have as much mid-game or late-game use. For example, with Ice Beam, Mesprit is able to make a handy check to Rock Polish Torterra, as it is able to take a Life Orb-boosted Wood Hammer after Stealth Rock, and can retaliate with Ice Beam for an OHKO, which Grass Knot cannot do. Furthermore, with Grass Knot, Mesprit is completely helpless against Drapion and Houndoom, who can easily use the free opportunity to set up.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

With the given Speed EVs, Mesprit outspeeds the increasingly popular max Speed Omastar, who would otherwise be able to set up both Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes if Mesprit were to be slower. The remaining EVs are first used to maximize Mesprit's Special Attack stat to make it a real offensive terror, before being dumped into HP to help buff Mesprit's respectable bulk. Expert Belt is also the item of choice, as it provides the best compromise between power and bulk, and, due to Mesprit's exemplary coverage, it will boost Mesprit's attacks much of the time. However, Leftovers are certainly an option over Expert Belt should you want Mesprit to have increased longevity, but without Expert Belt, Mesprit often misses out on crucial KOs, which generally makes Leftovers the inferior option.

Should you consider putting Mesprit on your team, it's imperative that you take into account Mesprit's unique advantages over Uxie. Mesprit's key advantages over its fellow pixie is naturally its significantly higher offenses, which in particular, allow it to prevent entry hazard-laying leads such as Omastar and Cloyster from setting up their cumbersome hazards. Uxie, on the other hand, is significantly higher defenses and better Speed, making it the better choice if you need a reliable user of Stealth Rock throughout the match. Thus, Mesprit generally should be used on more offensively minded teams, as its ability to prevent entry hazards from setting up ensures that offensive teams will not have to worry about Spikes, and its ability to set up Stealth Rock is also generally appreciated by most teams.

Therefore, as Mesprit should generally be used on offensive teams, Mesprit appreciates offensive partners to take advantage of the immediate offensive that Mesprit inflicts upon the opponent right from the get-go. Mesprit also needs teammates to make the leads that it loses to, such as Ambipom, Spiritomb, and Registeel, as well as Dark- and Steel-types in general, as well as bulky Psychic-types effectively non-issues. Because of this, Fighting-types like Blaziken and Hariyama make good partners, as their powerful Fighting-type STAB moves OHKO the likes of Ambipom and Registeel, and these two Fighting-types do not care about Will-O-Wisp from Spiritomb, due to Blaziken's Fire typing and Hariyama's Guts ability. Dark-types are also great partners, as they form a fantastic Fighting-Psychic-Dark core with Mesprit and its Fighting-type partner, and these Dark-types are able to beat the bulky Psychic-types who are able to wall Mesprit with startling ease.

[SET]
name: Weather Support
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Psychic / Zen Headbutt
move 3: Stealth Rock / Grass Knot / U-turn
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
nature: Timid / Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

- Same as on-site set.
- Mixture of bulk, power, and reasonable speed make this different from Uxie, who while bulkier, can't attack worth anything. Also, Healing Wish is very cool.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Trick
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

- Same set as the one on-site.
- Mention of using this outside of the lead position, replacing Stealth Rock with an extra coverage move to attempt a sweep.

[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Psychic / U-turn
item: Expert Belt / Leftovers
nature: Quiet
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA

- Same as on-site set.
- Good user of Trick Room due to her great overall offenses and defenses. Can also potentially sweep under Trick Room as well.
- Healing Wish is an option to restore one sweeper, but it forces Mesprit to lose a coverage move, which isn't ideal as it limits her sweeping capabilities.

[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Ice Beam / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Timid
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

- Same as on-site set.
- Mesprit gets good coverage between Psychic and Ice Beam. Hidden Power Ground is useful to hit Registeel, but Substitute protects against status.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Trick / U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
ability: Levitate
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

- Cool revenge killer; outspeeds RP Torterra, DD Gatr, Alakazam.
- Good coverage + decent Speed, bulk, and power separate this from the likes of Espeon, Alakazam, and such.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Trick
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

- Not amazing for the most part, but can be an okay way to cripple stuff like Registeel.
- CB U-turn + Trick is kinda cool
- Ok at scouting.

[Other Options]

- Charm is cool to weaken physical attacks.
- Dual Screens is an option but Uxie is better, unless you really, really want to abuse Healing Wish.
- A RestTalk set is viable to patch up Mesprit's lack of recovery, but Uxie is usually better as it is way bulkier.
- Knock Off is an interesting support option, but it usually isn't worth sacrificing a coverage move or support move.
- Charge Beam to boost Mesprit's offenses while attacking, but Calm Mind is better.
- Mention a bunch of physical and special moves here (Elemental Punches, Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, Signal Beam)

[Checks and Counters]

- Because Mesprit is so diverse, it is somewhat difficult to counter her.
- For the most part though, walls like Registeel, Chansey, Clefable, Milotic, Spiritomb, and Slowbro work well, though they must fear Trick and perhaps the occasional super effective coverage move.
- Dark-types also do decently. Houndoom resists the common Psychic + Ice Beam combo, while Specially Defensive Drapion makes can switch into them as well and threaten with Crunch.

Oct 3rd, 2011, 7:09:41 PM	#1
SilentVerse Into the New World Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 649	Mesprit (UU Update) Mesprit This is really just a small update to rewrite some stuff, but there were two big changes that were made as well: - Removed Choice sets. I really doubt that Mesprit is a particularly good user of Specs or Band besides Trick and U-turn. - Removed Support and dumped it into AC of Lead. A pure support is outclassed by Uxie and it's very similar to the lead set (the only difference is a different coverage move and T-wave > U-turn). Simply saying that the lead set can be used outside of that position with a few tweaks would probably suffice, unless it's actually that much different from the lead set. Of course, QC can add those sets back in if they feel that they should be included however. [Overview] - While Mesprit initially looks outclassed by Uxie, her significantly better offensive stats allows her to be much more of a threat, whereas Uxie is basically just limited to supporting roles. - Mesprit also has a wider movepool, with useful moves like Ice Beam and Healing Wish that Uxie misses out on. - Unfortunately, because Mesprit is so middling as a Psychic-type, it's uses are arguably more restricted. If a supporting Psychic-type is desired, Uxie is usually the better choice, and if a Psychic-type sweeper is needed, then Alakazam and even Espeon are better choices. - All in all, Mesprit is a Pokemon who is not particularly biased in offense or defense, and she strikes a great balance between the two. Her great defensive and offensive capabilities give her amazing versatility, easily making her a threat which UU teams must look out for. [SET] name: Lead move 1: Stealth Rock move 2: Psychic move 3: Ice Beam / Grass Knot move 4: Thunderbolt / U-turn item: Expert Belt / Leftovers nature: Modest ability: Levitate evs: 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe [SET COMMENTS] <p>Even though Uxie's higher Speed and significantly better bulk may make it seem as if Uxie outclasses Mesprit when it comes to setting up Stealth Rock, it would be a mistake to simply discount Mesprit's ability to set up Stealth Rock. Uxie may possess better defenses and Speed, but it also lacks any form of offensive presence due to its pitiful base 75 Special Attack stat. Mesprit, on the other hand, boasts a very respectable base 105 Special Attack stat, which, in tandem with Mesprit's arguably better offensive movepool, allow it to immediately pressure most of the Pokemon commonly used in the lead position, such as Omastar, Qwilfish, Rhyperior, Hippopotas, Cloyster, Kabutops, and other such Pokemon who are weak to Mesprit's incredible coverage. Important to note is that most of these Pokemon are capable of setting up Stealth Rock or other hazards; thus, Mesprit can, thanks its offensive presence, double as a sort of anti-lead that is capable of preventing the opponent's Stealth Rock or Spikes from being set up, while also setting up those valuable rocks for its own team.</p> <p>Thanks to its respectable bulk and decent Speed, in addition to the fact that Mesprit's offensive presence can often force the opponent to switch plenty of times, Mesprit makes a perfectly viable user of Stealth Rock, and is able to capitalize on the opponent's switches by setting it up. The rest of Mesprit's movepool is designed to hit as many Pokemon in the lead position as hard as possible. Psychic is Mesprit strongest STAB move, and is great for doing solid damage to Pokemon who are neutral or resistant to Ice Beam and Thunderbolt. Ice Beam and Thunderbolt form the fabled BoltBeam coverage, and in tandem, hit most of UU for super effective damage. Alternatively, you may use Grass Knot and U-turn over Ice Beam and Thunderbolt if you want Mesprit to act as more of a scout; after all, Grass Knot still hits most of those hazard-setting leads for heavy damage, and has the added bonus of cleanly OHKOing Rhyperior and Omastar, which Ice Beam and Thunderbolt cannot do. However, Grass Knot does not have the incredible combined coverage of Ice Beam and Thunderbolt, and its overall coverage is rather poor, which means that outside of the lead position, should you opt to use Grass Knot, Mesprit will not have as much mid-game or late-game use. For example, with Ice Beam, Mesprit is able to make a handy check to Rock Polish Torterra, as it is able to take a Life Orb-boosted Wood Hammer after Stealth Rock, and can retaliate with Ice Beam for an OHKO, which Grass Knot cannot do. Furthermore, with Grass Knot, Mesprit is completely helpless against Drapion and Houndoom, who can easily use the free opportunity to set up.</p> [ADDITIONAL COMMENTS] <p>With the given Speed EVs, Mesprit outspeeds the increasingly popular max Speed Omastar, who would otherwise be able to set up both Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes if Mesprit were to be slower. The remaining EVs are first used to maximize Mesprit's Special Attack stat to make it a real offensive terror, before being dumped into HP to help buff Mesprit's respectable bulk. Expert Belt is also the item of choice, as it provides the best compromise between power and bulk, and, due to Mesprit's exemplary coverage, it will boost Mesprit's attacks much of the time. However, Leftovers are certainly an option over Expert Belt should you want Mesprit to have increased longevity, but without Expert Belt, Mesprit often misses out on crucial KOs, which generally makes Leftovers the inferior option.</p> <p>Should you consider putting Mesprit on your team, it's imperative that you take into account Mesprit's unique advantages over Uxie. Mesprit's key advantages over its fellow pixie is naturally its significantly higher offenses, which in particular, allow it to prevent entry hazard-laying leads such as Omastar and Cloyster from setting up their cumbersome hazards. Uxie, on the other hand, is significantly higher defenses and better Speed, making it the better choice if you need a reliable user of Stealth Rock throughout the match. Thus, Mesprit generally should be used on more offensively minded teams, as its ability to prevent entry hazards from setting up ensures that offensive teams will not have to worry about Spikes, and its ability to set up Stealth Rock is also generally appreciated by most teams.</p> <p>Therefore, as Mesprit should generally be used on offensive teams, Mesprit appreciates offensive partners to take advantage of the immediate offensive that Mesprit inflicts upon the opponent right from the get-go. Mesprit also needs teammates to make the leads that it loses to, such as Ambipom, Spiritomb, and Registeel, as well as Dark- and Steel-types in general, as well as bulky Psychic-types effectively non-issues. Because of this, Fighting-types like Blaziken and Hariyama make good partners, as their powerful Fighting-type STAB moves OHKO the likes of Ambipom and Registeel, and these two Fighting-types do not care about Will-O-Wisp from Spiritomb, due to Blaziken's Fire typing and Hariyama's Guts ability. Dark-types are also great partners, as they form a fantastic Fighting-Psychic-Dark core with Mesprit and its Fighting-type partner, and these Dark-types are able to beat the bulky Psychic-types who are able to wall Mesprit with startling ease.</p> [SET] name: Weather Support move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day move 2: Psychic / Zen Headbutt move 3: Stealth Rock / Grass Knot / U-turn move 4: Healing Wish item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock nature: Timid / Jolly ability: Levitate evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe - Same as on-site set. - Mixture of bulk, power, and reasonable speed make this different from Uxie, who while bulkier, can't attack worth anything. Also, Healing Wish is very cool. [SET] name: Choice Scarf Lead move 1: Stealth Rock move 2: Trick move 3: U-turn move 4: Zen Headbutt item: Choice Scarf nature: Jolly ability: Levitate evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe - Same set as the one on-site. - Mention of using this outside of the lead position, replacing Stealth Rock with an extra coverage move to attempt a sweep. [SET] name: Trick Room move 1: Trick Room move 2: Thunderbolt move 3: Ice Beam move 4: Psychic / U-turn item: Expert Belt / Leftovers nature: Quiet ability: Levitate evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA - Same as on-site set. - Good user of Trick Room due to her great overall offenses and defenses. Can also potentially sweep under Trick Room as well. - Healing Wish is an option to restore one sweeper, but it forces Mesprit to lose a coverage move, which isn't ideal as it limits her sweeping capabilities. [SET] name: Offensive Calm Mind move 1: Calm Mind move 2: Psychic move 3: Thunderbolt move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Ice Beam / Substitute item: Life Orb / Leftovers nature: Timid ability: Levitate evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe - Same as on-site set. - Mesprit gets good coverage between Psychic and Ice Beam. Hidden Power Ground is useful to hit Registeel, but Substitute protects against status. [SET] name: Choice Scarf move 1: Psychic move 2: Ice Beam move 3: Thunderbolt move 4: Trick / U-turn item: Choice Scarf nature: Timid ability: Levitate evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe - Cool revenge killer; outspeeds RP Torterra, DD Gatr, Alakazam. - Good coverage + decent Speed, bulk, and power separate this from the likes of Espeon, Alakazam, and such. [SET] name: Choice Band move 1: Zen Headbutt move 2: U-turn move 3: Trick move 4: Fire Punch item: Choice Band nature: Jolly ability: Levitate evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe - Not amazing for the most part, but can be an okay way to cripple stuff like Registeel. - CB U-turn + Trick is kinda cool - Ok at scouting. [Other Options] - Charm is cool to weaken physical attacks. - Dual Screens is an option but Uxie is better, unless you really, really want to abuse Healing Wish. - A RestTalk set is viable to patch up Mesprit's lack of recovery, but Uxie is usually better as it is way bulkier. - Knock Off is an interesting support option, but it usually isn't worth sacrificing a coverage move or support move. - Charge Beam to boost Mesprit's offenses while attacking, but Calm Mind is better. - Mention a bunch of physical and special moves here (Elemental Punches, Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, Signal Beam) [Checks and Counters] - Because Mesprit is so diverse, it is somewhat difficult to counter her. - For the most part though, walls like Registeel, Chansey, Clefable, Milotic, Spiritomb, and Slowbro work well, though they must fear Trick and perhaps the occasional super effective coverage move. - Dark-types also do decently. Houndoom resists the common Psychic + Ice Beam combo, while Specially Defensive Drapion makes can switch into them as well and threaten with Crunch. Last edited by SilentVerse; Apr 19th, 2013 at 12:32:20 AM.