Meowth
QC 2/2 [Skynet, Macle]
GP 1/2 [Aeron Ee1, RayJay]
[Overview]
<p>Meowth is a Pokemon that has remained both an effective and reliable Pokemon, even in BW since it is one of the favorite offensive leads for many teams thanks to its Speed, easily stopping other leads from setting up entry hazards, or rain and sun with Taunt. However, Meowth now faces stiff competition from Mienfoo and Meditite, who both perform roles similar to Meowth's, but are slightly bulkier. In order for Meowth to conserve his spot as the Fake Out and Taunt abuser of choice, it will have to turn to its superior Speed and STAB attacks. Do not let this discourage you from using Meowth though, as it is by no means a bad Pokemon, and still retains its effectiveness from Generation IV.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: U-Turn
move 3: Bite / Taunt
move 4: Return
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
EVs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
IVs: HP 0
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is what Meowth does best, the one set that has remained a reliable standard over time as other Pokemon are tried and all wanting to match Meowth's efficacy. Fake Out is the crux of this set, providing a good hit on anything that doesn't resist it, or packing major bulk through boosts attained from Technician, STAB, and Life Orb if it is chosen as the item. U-turn, coming from Meowth's high Speed allows a quick change to another of Meowth's teammates, giving it great tactical value early in the battle. Taunt is a move that separates Meowth from other popular fast attackers, allowing Meowth to stop fellow the setup of entry hazards such as Stealth Rocks and Spikes, as well as Rain Dance from Pokemon such as Bronzor, Mantyke, or Chinchou. The final move is a free choice between various options. Return grants Meowth a powerful and reliable STAB attack to abuse with its excellent Speed to score hits on slower Pokemon before Meowth falls, whereas Bite allows Meowth to take on the various Ghost Pokemon seen throughout the metagame, like Gastly, who resist or are immune to Meowth's other attacks. A 0 HP IV allows Meowth to hit a 19 in its HP stat, meaning it only loses 1 HP per Life Orb recoil.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>It is worth noting that while Meowth's Fake Out is powerful, it is still vulnerable to Pokemon who posses the ability Inner Focus, such as Pawniard. The item choice must be considered carefully; Focus Sash allows Meowth another turn to perform a late Taunt, or U-Turn, whereas Life Orb adds even more sting to Meowth's moves, particularly its signature Fake Out, at the cost of health. However, Meowth is fragile, and won't be taking hits well, so the health cost might be something worth paying in exchange for a higher damage output. The EV spread recommended allows Meowth to maximize both its Speed and increase its damage output, reaching 19 Speed and 14 Attack. Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon are the greatest threats to Meowth, but with U-turn and a reliable Fighting- or Water-type partner, they can be easily dealt with.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Meowth does not have too many options aside from those mentioned. Hypnosis provides sleep, however, it lacks accuracy, which may prove fatal given Meowth's frailty. Meowth can also use Fury Swipes to take advantage of Technician, however, the damage output is often outweighed by Return's sheer power. Meowth can also run Silk Scarf over Life Orb should one find the health toll a large price to pay, as it provides a boost to Fake Out and Return; however, U-Turn and Bite would miss the extra power. Meowth can also find itself running a Nasty Plot sweeper set with Swift, Shock Wave, Hidden Power with 60 BP, Water Pulse, Icy Wind, or Shadow Ball, and a spread of 76 Def / 196 SpA / 36 SpD / 196 Spe. This set, which runs on a blistering 19 Speed by running Timid, achieves several Technician boosts, yet, it is easily stopped by Pokemon such as Munchlax, Bronzor, or Fighting-type Pokemon. Given the abundance of Fighting-Type priority, and Meowth's frailty, this set could be considered a gimmick at best. Still, given adequate support, this set could easily achieve a sweep against unprepared teams. Feint is also a gimmicky option, but it gets STAB and can pierce through Protect. Hone Claws and Work Up are also quite viable. Hypnosis can receive an accuracy boost from Hone Claws as well.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Given its nature, Meowth has few true counters, but it has many enemies. Counters to Meowth are Pokemon who posses the ability Inner Focus to negate Fake Out's advantage, such as Mienfoo, and can retaliate right away. In fact, Mienfoo is a great Meowth counter, as it possesses Inner Focus and can OHKO back with High Jump Kick, or use U-Turn to break Meowth's Focus Sash and allow a priority user to come in unscathed. Pokemon such as Timburr, who take little damage from Meowth's attacks, and possesses super effective priority could also be considered counters to Meowth, as they can hit it before it can U-turn to safety. Still, a smart opponent could switch, rather than U-Turn, taking advantage of the telegraphed Mach Punch. Other Pokemon, such as Croagunk and Chimchar who pack super effective priority in Vacuum Wave can efficiently deal with Meowth, but they'll still suffer from Meowth's Fake Out. As said before, Meowth has few true counters, yet, priority appears as the one foil to Meowth, almost always forcing a switch or a U-Turn on the Scratch Cat Pokemon's side.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Meowth gets the ability Unnerve, which forbids Pokemon from being able to consume their berries. Unfortunately, Technician will almost always prevail as the the superior ability.</p>
