Serperior (GP 2/2)

Endorfins

Your Worst Nightmare
is a Contributor Alumnus
[Overview]

<p>At first, Serperior appears to have little to differentiate itself from the hordes of Grass-types vying for a spot on your team; poor stats, except for its strange base 113 Speed, and a shallow movepool shared by similar Pokemon doesn't help Serperior's case. Thankfully, Serperior has some unique options, and just enough raw power and bulk to run a multitude of effective sets. Serperior's base 75 Attack and Special Attack stats mean that Serperior hits like a wet towel without any boosts; however, Serperior has access to three dangerous boosting moves that can quickly transform it into an offensive threat that belies its stats. Serperior's defensive stats are also mediocre at best, but once again, Serperior can remedy this deficiency with boosting moves such as Calm Mind and Coil, which boost Special Defense and Defense, respectively. Serperior's precise movepool also gives it access to a reliable paralysis inducing move in Glare, a phazing move in Dragon Tail, and dual screens. This makes Serperior a valuable team supporter. Unfortunately, Serperior's offensive movepool is fairly barren, meaning its coverage is lacking when attempting to sweep. While Serperior might not be the best at anything, its unpredictability means it can fit onto almost any team.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Aqua Tail
move 4: Return / Substitute
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior is one of the few Pokemon gifted with the boosting move Coil. With a viable move to boost its Attack, and a physical movepool that covers most of the metagame, Serperior is one of the few Grass-types that can run a decent physical set in RU. When Serperior coils its serpentine body, it will be able to easily boost up in the face of physical attackers, such as Kabutops, before unleashing its powerful attacks. The Defense boost also means that Serperior is much harder to revenge kill with priority attacks such as ExtremeSpeed, Mach Punch, and Sucker Punch. Coil also boosts Serperior's accuracy, which elevates Aqua Tail and Dragon Tail's accuracy to 100% after a boost, as well as dealing with rare accuracy-lowering moves. Leaf Blade is a poorly distributed move that has excellent Base Power and perfect accuracy; it also has twice the chance to score a critical hit relative to a normal move, which can be useful in some situations. Aqua Tail is a coverage move that many other Grass-types lack. It provides superb coverage, destroying Fire- and Steel-types while having excellent neutral coverage with Leaf Blade on most of the metagame. Return rounds out the set, hitting the Grass-types that resist Aqua tail and Leaf Blade. However, Substitute can be used instead to shield Serperior from status. Serperior's Substitute become increasingly difficult for physical attackers to break as it accumulates more Coil boosts.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature let Serperior outspeed dangerous threats that reside at base 110 Speed such as Archeops and Tauros. The Attack EVs boost Serperior's mediocre Attack stat to acceptable levels. An alternative EV spread that places emphasis on bulk instead of Attack can be used to turn Serperior into a bulky booster that can take hits and retaliate. If you choose to use a bulkier EV spread, Dragon Tail is a viable option in the last slot to shuffle the opposing team and rack up entry hazard damage, dealing minor damage in the process. Leftovers is the main item for this set, as the passive regeneration synergizes well with the Defense boost from Coil, letting Serperior easily set up on weaker physical attackers. However, Life Orb is another viable option as Serperior sometimes needs the extra power. Substitute is also a viable move on this set; with it, Serperior can avoid status and easily set up on Scald—without risking a burn—and other weak moves. After a few Coils, Serperior's Substitute will be extremely hard to break with weaker or resisted physical moves such as Earthquake.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, Serperior cannot boost its Speed with Coil, which means that it can easily be revenge killed by Choice Scarf holders such as Typhlosion, Emboar, and Manectric. As many revenge killers that beat Serperior are hit super effectively by Rock-type attacks, keeping Stealth Rock on your opponent's side of the field is extremely beneficial. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can comfortably set up Stealth Rock for your team. If Serperior is running Dragon Tail, Spikes support is also beneficial as Serperior can easily rack up entry hazard damage on your opponent by phazing them out repeatedly. Common dedicated physical walls, such as Tangrowth, can comfortably wall Serperior, meaning powerful wallbreakers, such as Escavalier, are good teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Hidden Power Rock / Hidden Power Fire / Dragon Pulse
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>At first glance, this set appears to be horribly outclassed by Lilligant, who boasts a better boosting move in Quiver Dance, as well as Sleep Powder to incapacitate its counters. However, Serperior has far superior bulk, better base Speed, access to Dragon Pulse, and an extremely useful ability in Overgrow. Substitute and Calm Mind is a time-honored technique that allows Serperior to evade status and set up with ease against certain walls and weaker special attackers—which will struggle to break Serperior's Substitutes after a few boosts. Giga Drain is Serperior's main STAB attack; it replenishes health lost from Life Orb and Substitute, making Serperior harder to wear down. With room for only one coverage move, Serperior cannot hope to hit the entire metagame for neutral damage. However, Hidden Power Rock hits common switch-ins, such as Moltres, Braviary, and Typhlosion, hard. Hidden Power Fire, on the other hand, hits Bug- and Steel-types, such as Escavalier, Magneton, and Accelgor, which would wall Serperior otherwise. Lastly, Dragon Pulse has the best neutral coverage with Giga Drain, only missing out on Steel-type Pokemon. It also hits Dragon-types such as Altaria and Druddigon super effectively, both of whom would otherwise wall Serperior with ease—although Altaria is hit super effectively by Hidden Power Rock. The combination of Substitute and Overgrow is deadly, as Serperior can use its naturally high Speed to safely Substitute down to Overgrow range where it can then unleash a powerful boosted Giga Drain restoring its HP in the process.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As Serperior hits such a great Speed tier, its Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is chosen. With its base 113 Speed, Serperior can outrun dangerous threats such as Typhlosion and Tauros. Special Attack is also maximized, 75 Special Attack needs to be fully invested in to pose an offensive threat. Leftovers is the standard item for SubCM users, allowing for more Substitutes, and thus easing set up; Leftovers, Giga Drain, and great defenses make Serperior's survivability far superior to its closest competitor: Lilligant. However, Life Orb is still viable on this set, as Serperior greatly appreciates the extra power, and can restore health lost from Life Orb with Giga Drain. Life Orb also has great synergy with Overgrow, which allows Serperior to hit extremely hard once its health drops below one third.</p>

<p>While Serperior isn't weak, it still struggles against dedicated special walls such as Clefable, who can easily tank boosted Giga Drains and beat Serperior with Seismic Toss. Powerful physical attackers, such as Gallade, can easily switch in on said special walls—though they must be wary of paralysis—and destroy them with their attacks. If Serperior chooses to use Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse, it will be walled by Steel-types such as Magneton and Klinklang. They can switch in without fear and stop Serperior in its tracks. However, in the case of Magneton, if Serperior has obtained enough Calm Mind boosts, not even a Life Orb-boosted Hidden Power Fire will be able to defeat it. If Serperior chooses Hidden Power Fire to hit Steel-types, it loses coverage against Fire- and Dragon-types that resist Serperior's attacks; threatening Pokemon which resist Fire-type moves, such as Druddigon and Moltres, will be able to switch in with impunity.</p>

[SET]
name: ParaShuffler
move 1: Glare
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With both a reliable paralysis and a phazing move in its movepool, Serperior can play the role of a parashuffler very well. By continuously paralyzing members of your opponent's team, Serperior makes it easier for slow, yet powerful Pokemon on your team to sweep. Unlike most paralysis inducers, Serperior's paralysis move, Glare, is not blocked by Ground-types and Electric-type immunities; however, Glare does not affect Ghost-types. Dragon Tail, in conjunction with entry hazards, deals far more damage than directly attacking. The presence of entry hazards on the field also dissuades opponents from switching, meaning Serperior can paralyze more of their team. Keep in mind, however, that Dragon Tail is pitifully weak and cannot break most Substitutes. Giga Drain is Serperior's reliable STAB attack which it can use to threaten Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types, letting Serperior start a parashuffling cycle. It also gets an Overgrow boost, hitting fairly hard despite this set's lack of Special Attack investment. Lastly, Serperior has a fairly fast Taunt, another quality which separates it from other paralysis inducers. Taunt prevents Pokemon from setting up on Serperior, as well as blocking status inducing attempts, such as the deadly Toxic. Taunt also shuts down most walls that commonly switch into Serperior, as they fear paralysis less than their faster teammates. Taunt can also prevent the opponent from setting up a Substitute, allowing Serperior to phaze them freely.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior's EV spread for this set takes advantage of its reasonable mixed defenses, letting it paralyze and shuffle while taking hits from the opposition. Serperior's EVs are geared towards Defense, along with a Bold nature, because Serperior struggles to beat common special attackers, such as Nidoqueen and Moltres, even with Special Defense investment. Leftovers is the advised item, as it helps Serperior maintain the health that it needs to keep up a paralysis cycle. Synthesis is a viable option that can be used over Taunt; it reliably restores Serperior's health, making it harder for Serperior to be worn down. However, it does leave Serperior susceptible to Substitute and status users. Entry hazard users are the best partners for this set. Serperior can shuffle the opponent's team with Dragon Tail, which in conjunction with entry hazards, will quickly wear down the opposing team. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can set up Stealth Rock whereas Pokemon such as Qwilfish, Crustle, and Smeargle can lay down Spikes. Keep in mind, however, that Toxic Spikes should not be used with parashuffler Serperior, as the poison status prevents paralysis. As Serperior provides reliable paralysis, slow but powerful sweepers, such as Nidoqueen and Escavalier, are great teammates that can clean up teams after Serperior has paralyzed their revenge killers.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Light Clay
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The strategy of hyper offense often relies on dual screens, letting frail but powerful sweepers set up on attacks they would not be able to stomach otherwise. Serperior is a prime candidate for setting up both Reflect and Light Screen because of its high Speed, unique typing for a dual screens user, and access to Taunt. Light Screen and Reflect are a given on this set. Together, they halve the incoming damage from opposing Pokemon, giving yours ample time to set up or attack. Giga Drain is Serperior's only attack, and although it doesn't hit very hard, it is useful in weakening Pokemon such as Slowking and Lanturn, as they wall certain sweepers. Serperior also benefits greatly from its typing; Grass typing separates it from other popular dual screen users that are mostly Psychic-type. Taunt is Serperior's trump card; it differentiates it from the many other dual screen users vying for a place on your team. With Taunt, Serperior can stop phazers, stop attempts to ruin sweepers with Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp, and prevent other disruptive support moves, such as Trick Room, weather, and entry hazards, from being set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is used, allowing Serperior to set up Reflect and Light Screen as soon as possible. Any investment in bulk is easily offset by the cushioning Serperior can obtain from quickly setting the appropriate screen. Serperior's naturally high base Speed lets it use Taunt before most Pokemon can move, forcing the opponent to attack Serperior and its team. HP is maximized, as it provides Serperior with the best overall bulk; after dual screen protection, Serperior is very difficult to take down. Light Clay is the mandatory item for this set as it boosts the duration of Reflect and Light Screen by a crucial three turns, allowing Serperior's teammates to set up or tank hits.</p>

<p>Every Pokemon on Serperior's team benefits from dual screens; however, the best teammates are sweepers that can use the turns to set up and subsequently decimate the opponent. Good candidates include Omastar, Zangoose, and Linoone, who only need one turn of set up to sweep. Bulkier set up sweepers, such as Uxie and Gallade, become almost impenetrable behind screens and with their respective boosting moves. Serperior's Taunt prevents Whirlwind and Roar from removing their boosts. Powerful wallbreakers, such as Magmortar, can also take advantage of the protection Serperior provides by opening gaping holes in the opponent's team with its powerful attacks. Dual screens Serperior should always be used on offensive teams, especially hyper offense, to make the most of the few turns of protection.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like most Grass-types, Serperior's movepool is small; however, that isn't to say Serperior doesn't have decent options. Swords Dance is another boosting move Serperior can use; it doubles Serperior's Attack stat, boosting Serperior's offensive presence twice as fast as Coil. Unfortunately, it makes Serperior play more like a weaker Sawsbuck. As Serperior has excellent bulk, it is better off with Coil most of the time. SubSeed is also popular, and Serperior can pull it off well thanks to its high Speed; however, it is largely outclassed by Whimsicott, which boasts priority on Substitute, Leech Seed, and any other support moves it might be running. Serperior can also run a support set with moves such as Aromatherapy, Glare, and Synthesis. Keep in mind, however, that Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Clefable are far bulkier than Serperior and have similar support options. An all-out special attacker with Leaf Storm, Dragon Pulse, and a Hidden Power of choice is viable, but Serperior just doesn't have enough power to make it a consistent option.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As Serperior is largely reliant on its STAB attacks, Pokemon with the ability Sap Sipper, such as Miltank and Bouffalant, are great counters. They take little from Serperior's coverage attacks and have little to fear from paralysis. In return, they can smack Serperior with powerful STAB Normal-type attacks. However, if Serperior has accumulated numerous Coil boosts, then even they will be unable to defeat it. Sawsbuck is also immune to Serperior's Grass-type attacks, and resists Aqua Tail to boot. However, its frailty and weakness to Hidden Power Fire hold it back as a check. Bulky Grass-types, such as Tangrowth and Roselia, have little to fear from physical sets; Tangrowth can put Serperior to sleep and hit it hard with a super effective Hidden Power. Roselia can hit Serperior super effectively with Sludge Bomb and can set up numerous entry hazards. Specially based Serperior is also walled comfortably by Roselia even if it runs Hidden Power Fire. As the specially based sets only have two attacking moves, Serperior can never have perfect coverage. If Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse are the coverage move of choice, Steel-types, such as Magneton, Escavalier, and Klinklang, will wall Serperior. If Hidden Power Fire is used, Fire-types, such as Moltres and Entei, will be able to wall, and eventually beat, Serperior. Bug- and Flying-types, such as Pinsir and Braviary, can all hit Serperior super effectively with their STABs and can outspeed Serperior with a Choice Scarf. However, they have to be wary of Hidden Power Rock when switching in.</p>

[Unreleased]

<p>As soon as Contrary comes out, Serperior will likely move up a few tiers and this analysis will no longer exist.</p>
 
Slash taunt with substitute on CM and simply call it offensive CM. This prevents phasing and stuff. Also the CM set should not run HP ice, put the last slot as HP fire/HP rock. Dragon pulse doesn't do much for coverage. HP fire is good for escavalier and grass types, but HP rock hits fire types
 

Endorfins

Your Worst Nightmare
is a Contributor Alumnus
I don't think Taunt is an especially good idea as although it prevents phazing, Substitute shields Serperior from revenge killers and acts as a buffer against things like Scald burns. I guess Hidden Power Rock does have more merit than Hidden Power Ice as it hits Moltres and other Fire-types hard.
 

august

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kk so long as you made the changes i gave you on irc, this is stamped

qc 1/3
 

Molk

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yeah, this seems good, just make sure to stress serperior's unique qualities that prevent it from being outclassed by say whimsicott, sceptile, or lilligant in the writeup. To someone who is reading about serp for the first time it may seem outclassed at some of the roles it can play, despite being a perfectly viable option in reality.

QC Approved 2/3

free contrary
 

Oglemi

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I really hope you add Fire- and Bug-types to the Checks and Counters section, particularly Entei, Moltres, Galvantula, Accelgor, etc.

Also add a straight up Life Orb set to OO, with Leaf Storm, Hidden Power, Dragon Pulse, filler.

Otherwise

[qc]3/3[/qc]
 

SilentVerse

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Sorry for the late response, but there's a few things that I'd like to see changed before this is written:

- Deslash Leech Seed from the Dual Screens set and put it in AC. Serperior's niche as a Dual Screens user is that it is the second fastest Dual Screen user in RU that has access to Taunt (the fastest is Swoobat who just sucks).
- Deslash Knock Off from the Parashuffler and put it in AC. Removing a Pokemon's item isn't exactly the most helpful thing in the world, and Taunt is much more useful to stop Substitute users from taking advantage of Serperior.
- AC Synthesis on that set as well, since it lets Serperior stick around much longer to keep spreading paralysis.

Just make sure to make these changes before writing this up please!
 

His Eminence Lord Poppington II

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Serperior


[Overview]

<p>At first, Serperior appears to have little to differentiate itself from the hordes of Grass-types vying for a spot on your team; poor stats, except for its strange base 113 Speed, and a shallow movepool shared by similar Pokemon doesn't help Serperior's case. However, Serperior has some unique options in its movepool, and just enough raw power and bulk to run a multitude of effective sets. Serperior's base 75 Attack and Special Attack stats mean that Serperior hits like a wet towel without any boosts,; however, itSerperior has access to three boosting moves that quickly raise Serperior'sits attack powerdamage output to dangerous levels. Serperior's defensive stats are also mediocre at best, but once again, Serperior can remedy this deficiency with boosting moves, such as Calm Mind and Coil, which boost Special Defense and Defense, respectively. Serperior's precise movepool also gives it access to a reliable paralysis inducing move in Glare, a phazing move in Dragon Tail, and Dual Screens. This makes Serperior a valuable team supporter. Unfortunately, Serperior's movepool isn't so bigas well-endowed in terms of attacks, meaning that it is easily walled when attempting to sweeping. While Serperior mayight not be the best at anything, its unpredictability and ability to fit on almost every team archetype means that it is a viable option on most RU teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Aqua Tail
move 4: Return / Substitute
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior is one of the few Pokemon gifted with the boosting move Coil. With a viable move to boost its Attack, and a physical movepool that covers most of the metagame, Serperior is one of the few Grass-types that can run a decent physical set in RU. When Serperior coils its serpentine body, its Attack and Defense stats are both boosted, meaning that Serperior will be able to easily boost up in the face of physical attackers, such as Kabutops and Steelix, before unleashing its powerful attacks. The Defense boost also means that Serperior is much harder to revenge kill with priority attacks, such as Extremespeed, Mach Punch, and Sucker Punch. However, Coil also boosts Serperior's accuracy stat, which elevates Aqua Tail and Dragon Tail's accuracy to 100% after a boost, as well as dealing with the rare accuracy lowering moves of the opponent. Leaf Blade is a rare movemove with low distribution that has excellent Base Power and perfect accuracy, it also has a slightly higher critical hit chance, which can be useful in some situations. Aqua Tail is a coverage move that many other Grass-types lack. It provides superb coverage, destroying Fire- and Steel-types while having excellent neutral coverage with Leaf Blade on most of the metagame. Lastly, Return provides perfect neutral coverage for Serperiorunds out the set, hitting the Grass-types that resist Aqua tail and Leaf Blade. However, Substitute can be used instead, to shield Serperior from status. Serperior's Substitute become increasingly hard for physical attackers to break as the grass snake accumulates more Coil boosts.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>252 EVs in Attack and Speed, along with a Jolly nature let Serperior reach its Speed tier, letting it, let Serperior outspeed dangerous threats that reside at base 110 Speed, such as Archeops and Tauros. The EVs also boost Serperior's mediocre Attack stat, meaning Serperior can hit fairly hard. An alternative EV spread, that places emphasis on bulk instead of Attack, can be used to turn Serperior into a bulky booster, being able to both take hits and retaliatabsorb and deal damage. If you choose to use a bulkier EV spread, Dragon Tail is a viable option in the last slot to directly damage the opposing Pokemon, while also increasing the damage entry hazards will have on our opponent. Leftovers is the main item for this set, as the passive regeneration synergizes well with the Defense boost from Coil, letting Serperior easily set up on weaker physical attackers. However, Life Orb is a viable option, as Serperior sometimes needs the extra power. Overgrow is a useful ability that boosts the power of Serperior's STAB moves when it is below a third of HP. This can potentially let Serperior get more KOsits HP. Substitute is also a viable move on this set; with it, Serperior can avoid status and easily set up on weak moves such as Scald without risking a burnScald&mdash;without risking a burn&mdash;and other weak moves. After a few Coils, Serperior's Substitute will be extremely hard to break with weaker or resisted physical moves, such as Earthquake.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, Serperior cannot boost its Speed with Coil, meaning it can easily be revenge killed by Choice Scarf holders, such as Typhlosion, Moltres, and Galvantula. As many revenge killers that beat Serperior are hit super effectively by Rock-type attacks, keeping Stealth Rock on your opponents side is extremely beneficial. Support Pokemon, such as Uxie and Steelix, can comfortably set up Stealth Rock for your team. If Serperior is running Dragon Tail, Spikes support is also beneficial, as Serperior can easily rack up entry hazard damage on your opponent by phazing them out repeatedly. Common dedicated physical walls, such as Tangrowth, can comfortably wall Serperior, meaning powerful wall breakers, such as Escavalier, are good teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: SubCM
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Hidden Power Rock / HP Fire / Dragon Pulse
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>At first glance, this set appears to be horribly outclassed by Lilligant, whoich boasts a better boosting move in Quiver Dance, as well as Sleep Powder to incapacitate its counters. However, Serperior can easily make up for this with advantages such as far superior bulk, better initial Speed,has far superior bulk, better base Speed, access to Dragon Pulse, and thean extremely useful ability, Overgrow. Substitute and Calm Mind is a time-honored technique that allows Serperior to evade status and set up with ease against certain walls and weaker special attackers that&mdash;which will be unable to do much to Serperior after it has used Calm Mind a few times. Giga Drain is Serperior's main STAB attack which, it replenishes health lost from Life Orb and Substitute, meanaking Serperior will be harder to wear down. With room for only one coverage move, Serperior cannot cover all of the metagame for neutral damage. However, Hidden Power Rock hits common switch-ins, such as Moltres, Braviary, and Typhlosion, hard. Hidden Power Fire, on the other hand, hits Bug- and Steel-types, such as Escavalier, Magneton, and Accelgor, who can otherwiseich would wall Serperior otherwise. Lastly, Dragon Pulse has the best neutral coverage with Giga Drain, only missing out on Steel-types, such as Magneton and Escavalier. It also hits Dragon-types, such as ALltaria and Druddigon, super effectively, both who cof which would otherwise wall Serperior with ease. The combination of Substitute and Overgrow is deadly, as Serperior can use its naturally high Speed to quickly set up Substitutes and, if one so chooses, eventually Substitute down to Overgrow range, where it can then unleash a powerful boosted Giga Drain that will hopefullmay restore a large amount of health in the process.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As Serperior hits such a great speed tier, its Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is chosen. With its base 113 Speed, Serperior can outrun dangerous threats, such as Typhlosion and Tauros. Special Attack is also maximized, as Serperior needs as much attacking power as possible to be a viable threat as it has a low base Special Attack75 base Special Attack needs to be fully invested in to pose an offensive threat. Leftovers is the standard item for Substitute + Calm Mind users, as it lets the user create more Substitutes, and have an easier time setting up; with Leftovers, Giga Drain, and great defenses all boosting Serperior's survivablility, Serperior can often last much longer than Pokemon such as Lilligant. However, Life Orb is definitelyalso viable, as Serperior greatly appreciates the extra power, and can restore health lost from Life Orb with its main STAB move, Giga DrainGiga Drain’s recovery offsets the recoil somewhat. Life Orb also has great synergy with Serperior's ability, Overgrow, which allows Serperior to hit extremely hard once its health drops below one third.</p>

<p>While Serperior isn't weak, it still struggles against dedicated special walls, such as Munchlax and Clefable, whoich can easily tank boosted Giga Drains and beat Serperior with Body Slam and Seismic Toss, respectively. A pPowerful physical attackers, such as Gallade, can easily switch in on the aforementioned wallssuch Pokemon, and destroy them with Close Combat. If Serperior chooses to use Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse, it will be walled by Steel-types, such as Magneton and Klinklang, whoich can switch in without fear and hit Serperior hard. However, in the case of Magneton, if Serperior has obtained enough Calm Mind boosts, not even a Life Orb Hidden Power Fire will be able to defeat Serperior. If Serperior chooses Hidden Power Fire to hit Steel-types, it loses coverage against Fire- and Dragon-types whoich resist Serperior's attacks. Pokemon; Threatening Pokemon which resist Fire-type moves, such as Druddigon and Moltres, will be able to switch in with impunity and annihilate Serperior or its teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: ParaShuffler
move 1: Glare
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With both a reliable paralysis and a phazing move in its movepool, Serperior can play the role of a parashuffler very well. By continuously paralyzing members of your opponent's team, Serperior makes it easier for slow, yet powerful Pokemon on your team to sweep. Unlike othermost paralysis inducers, Serperior has a paralysis spreading move in Glare that’s paralysis move, Glare, is not blocked by Ground-types and Electric-type immunities. However, &mdash;Glare does not affect Ghost-types who cannot be paralyzed by Serperio, however. Dragon Tail shuffles the opponents team; in conjunction with entry hazards, Serperior can do far more damage thean by just attacking. The presence of entry hazards on the field also dissuades opponents from switching, meaning you can paralyze more of their team. Keep in mind though, however, that Dragon Tail is pitifully weak and cannot break most Pokemon's Substitutes. Giga Drain is Serperior's reliable STAB attack which it can use to threaten Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types, letting Serperior start aits parashuffling cycle. It also gets an Overgrow boost, meaning that Serperior can sometimes hit quite hard despite its poor attacking statsGiga Drain can also potentially benefit from an Overgrow boost, thusly restoring more HP. Lastly, Serperior has a fairly fast Taunt, another feature which separates it from other paralysis inducers. Taunt prevents Pokemon from setting up on Serperior as well blocking status inducing attempts, such as the deadly Toxic. Taunt also shuts down most walls that commonly switch into Serperior, as they fear Paralysis less than their faster teammates. Taunt can also prevent the opponent from setting up a Substitute, allowing Serperior to phaze them without hindrance.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior's stat spread for this set takes advantage of its reasonable mixed defenses, letting it paralyze and shuffle while taking hits from the opposition. Serperior's EVs are geared towards Defense, along with a Bold nature, this is because Serperior struggles to beat common special attackers, such as Nidoqueen and Moltres, even with Special Defense investment. Leftovers is the advised item, as it givehelps Serperior maintain the health that it needs to keep up a paralysis cycle. Instead of Taunt, Synthesis is a viable option that can be used over Taunt, it reliably restores Serperior's health, making it harder for Serperior to be worn down. However, it does leave Serperior susceptible to Substitute and status users who can shut down Serperior that do not carry Taunt. Entry hazard users are the best partners for Serperiorthis set. Serperior can shuffle the opponents team with Dragon Tail, which, in conjunction with entry hazards, will quickly wear down the opposing team. Much like the last set, support Pokemon, such as Uxie and Steelix, can set up Stealth Rock, while Qwilfish, Crustle, and Smeargle can lay down Spikes. Keep in mind though,, however, that Toxic Spikes should not be used with Parashuffler Serperior, as the Ppoison status prevents paralysis. As Serperior provides reliable paralysis, slow but powerful sweepers, such as Nidoqueen and Escavalier, are great teammates whoich can clean up teams after Serperior has slowed downparalyzed their revenge killers.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Light Clay
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The strategy of hyper offense often relies on dual screens. Reflect and Light Screen halve the damage your team takes from attacks, letting frail but powerful sweepers set up without fearon attacks they would not be able to stomach otherwise. Serperior is a prime candidate for setting up both Reflect and Light Screen, because of its high Speed, unique typing, and moves for a Dual Screens user, and access to Taunt. Light Screen and Reflect are a given. T on this set. When used together, they make your opponents attacks much weaker, letting your team do what they want without much harassmentavoid being heavily damaged. Giga Drain is Serperior's only attack, and although it doesn't hit very hard, it is useful in weakening Pokemon weak to it, such as Slowking and Lanturn, whoich can wall some dangerous sweepers that you might be using. Serperior also benefits greatly from its Grass typing, which separates it from other popular Dual Screens users, whoich are mostly Psychic-type. Taunt is Serperior's trump card andother sepearates it from the manying factor from other dual screens users vying for a place on your team. With Taunt, Serperior can stop phazers and Haze users,; stop attempts to ruin sweepers with Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp, as well as preventing other assorted nastidisruptive support moves, such as Trick Room, Wweather, and entry hazards, from being set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is used, so Serperior can set up Reflect and Light Screen as soon as possible. Any investment in bulk is easily offset by the cushioning Serperior can obtain from quickly setting the appropriate screen. The high natural speed of SerperiorSerperior’s naturally high base speed also lets it use Taunt before most Pokemon can move, forcing the opponent to attack Serperior and its team. HP is also maximized, as it provides Serperior with the best overall bulk; after dual screen protection, Serperior is very difficult to take down. Light Clay is the compulsory item, as it boosts the duration of Reflect and Light Screen by a crucial three moreextra turns. These turns letis gives a larger window for Serperior's teammates to set up or tank hits.</p>

<p>Every Pokemon on Serperior's team benefits from Dual Screens, however, the best teammates are frailer Pokemon whosweepers, which can use the turns to set up and subsequently decimate the opponent. Good candidates include: Omastar, Zangoose, and Linoone, whoich only need one turn of set up to sweep. Bulkier set up sweepers, such as Uxie and Gallade, become almost impenetrable behind screens and with boosting moves. Serperior's Taunt prevents Whirlwind and Roar from removing their boostmoves that boost their defenses. Powerful wallbreakers, such as Magmortar, can also take advantage of the protection Serperior provides by opening gaping holes in the opponents team. Dual Sscreens Serperior should always be used on offensive teams, especially Hyper Offense, to make the most of the few turns of protection.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like most Grass-types, Serperior's movepool is small; however, that isn't to say Serperior doesn't have decent options. Swords Dance is another boosting move Serperior can use which doubles its attack stat, making Serperior stronger more quickly than Coil. Unfortunately, it makes Serperior play more like a weaker Sawsbuck. As Serperior has excellent bulk, it is most of the time better off with Coil most of the time. The strategy of Substitute and Leech Seed is also popular, and Serperior can pull it off well with its high Speed,; however, it is largely outclassed by Prankster Whimsicott, who boasts Pranksterich has priority on all of Substitute, Leech Seed, and any other support moves it might be running. Serperior can also run a support set, with lesser-distributed support moves, such as Aromatherapy, Glare, and Synthesis. Keep in mind though,, however, that other Pokemon, such as Tangrowth and Clefable, are far bulkier than Serperior and have similar support moveoptions. An all-out special attacker with Leaf Storm, Dragon Pulse, and a Hidden Power is viable, but Serperior just doesn't have enough power to make it a consistent option.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As Serperior is largely reliant on its STAB attacks, a Pokemon with the ability Sap Sipper, such as Miltank and Bouffalent, are great counters. They take little from Serperior's coverage moves and have little to fear from paralysis. in return, they can smack Serperior with powerful Normal-type attacks. However, if Serperior has accumulated numerous Coil boosts, then even they will be unable to defeat Serperiorit. Sawsbuck is also immune to Serperior's Grass-type attacks, and alsoon top of that, resists Aqua Tail. However, it is hit super effectively by Hidden Power Fire, and is quite frail. Bulky Grass-types, such as Tangrowth and Roselia, have little to fear from physical sets; Tangrowth can put Serperior to sleep and hit it hard with a super effective Hidden Power. Roselia can hit Serperior super effectively with Sludge Bomb, and can set up numerous entry hazards on Serperior's side of the field. Specially based Serperior is also walled comfortably by Roselia, even if it runs Hidden Power Fire. As the specially based sets only have two attacking moves, Serperior can never have perfect coverage; i. If Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse are the coverage move of choice, Steel-types, such as Magneton, Escavalier, and Klinklang, will wall Serperior. I; if Hidden Power Fire is used, fFire-types, such as Moltres, will be able towall, and eventually beat, Serperior. Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-types, such as Entei, Galvantula, and Braviary respectively, can all hit Serperior super effectively with their STABs, and can outspeed it withif using a Choice Scarf. However, they have to be wary of Aqua Tail and Hidden Power Rock when switching in.</p>

[Unreleased]

As soon as Contrary comes out, Serperior will likely move up a few tiers and this analysis will no longer exist.



might be a bit sloppy, it was too long for me to proofread my own check :)

persistent problems - who to which, if you are referring to (a) pokemon as it then it's which (i am of the opinion that all pokemon should be referred to as it, but that's besides the point)

a lot of commas needed to be put in, especially with sentences using 'such as' e.g., Support Pokemon, such as Uxie and Steelix, can set up Stealth Rock for Serperior.
 

Yonko7

Guns make you stupid. Duct tape makes you smart.
is a Contributor Alumnus
[Overview]

<p>At first, Serperior appears to have little to differentiate itself from the hordes of Grass-types vying for a spot on your team; poor stats except for its strange base 113 Speed and a shallow movepool shared by similar Pokemon doesn't help Serperior's case. However, Serperior has some unique options in its movepool and just enough raw power and bulk to run a multitude of effective sets. Serperior's base 75 Attack and Special Attack stats mean that Serperior hits like a wet towel without any boosts, however, it has access to three boosting moves that quickly raise Serperior's attack power to dangerous levels. Serperior's defensive stats are also mediocre at best, but once again, Serperior can remedy this deficiency with boosting moves such as Calm Mind and Coil, which boost Special Defense and Defense, respectively. Serperior's precise movepool also gives it access to a reliable paralysis inducing move in Glare, a phazing move in Dragon Tail, and Dual Screens. This makes Serperior a valuable team supporter. Unfortunately, Serperior's movepool isn't so biglarge in terms of attacks, which meanings that it is easily walled when sweeping. While Serperior mayight not be the best at anything, its unpredictability and ability to fit on almost everany team archetype means that it is a viable option on most RU teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Aqua Tail
move 4: Return / Substitute
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior is one of the few Pokemon gifted with the boosting move Coil. With a viable move to boost its Attack, and a physical movepool that covers most of the metagame, Serperior is one of the few Grass-types that can run a decent physical set in RU. When Serperior coils its serpentine body, its Attack and Defense stats are both boosted, meaning that Serperior will be able to easily boost up in the face of physical attackers such as Kabutops and Steelix before unleashing its powerful attacks. The Defense boost also means that Serperior is much harder to revenge kill with priority attacks such as Extremespeed, Mach Punch, and Sucker Punch. However, Coil also boosts Serperior's accuracy stat, which elevates Aqua Tail and Dragon Tail's accuracy to 100% after a boost, as well as dealing with the rare accuracy lowering moves of the opponent. Leaf Blade is a rare move that has excellent Base Power and perfect accuracy, it also has a slightly higher critical hit chance, which can be useful in some situations. Aqua Tail is a coverage move that many other Grass-types lack. It provides superb coverage, destroying Fire- and Steel-types while having excellent neutral coverage on most of the metagame. Lastly, Return provides perfect neutral coverage for Serperior, hitting the Grass-types that resist Aqua tail and Leaf Blade. However, Substitute can be used to shield Serperior from status. Serperior's Substitute become increasingly hardifficult for physical attackers to break as the grass snake accumulates more Coil boosts.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>252 EVs in Attack and Speed along with a Jolly nature let Serperior reach its Speed tier, letting itwhich outspeeds dangerous threats that reside at base 110 Speed, such as Archeops and Tauros. The EVs also boost Serperior's mediocre Attack stat, meaning Serperior can hit fairly hard. An alternative EV spread that places emphasis on bulk instead of Attack can be used to turn Serperior into a bulky booster, being able to both that can take hits and retaliate. If you choose to use a bulkier EV spread, Dragon Tail is a viable option in the last slot to directly damage the opposing Pokemon while also increasing the damage entry hazards will have on our opponent damage. Leftovers is the main item as the passive regeneration synergizes well with the Defense boost from Coil, letting Serperior easily set up on weaker physical attackers. However, Life Orb is a viable option as Serperior sometimes needs the extra power. Overgrow is a useful ability that boosts the power of Serperior's STAB moves when it is below a third of HP. This can potentially let Serperior get more KOs. Substitute is also a viable move on this set; with it, Serperior can avoid status and easily set up on weak moves such as Scald without risking a burn. After a few Coils, Serperior's Substitute will be extremely hard to break with weaker physical moves such as Earthquake.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, Serperior cannot boost its Speed with Coil, which meanings that it can easily be revenge killed by Choice Scarf holders such as Typhlosion, Moltres, and Galvantula Choice Scarf Moltres and Galvantula aren't too popular, replace instead with Emboar and Manectric instead please. As many revenge killers that beat Serperior are hit super effectively by Rock-type attacks, keeping Stealth Rock on your opponents side is extremely beneficial. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can comfortably set up Stealth Rock for your team. If Serperior is running Dragon Tail, Spikes support is also beneficial as Serperior can easily rack up entry hazard damage on your opponent by phazing them out. Common dedicated physical walls such as Tangrowth can comfortably wall Serperior, meaning powerful wall breakers such as Escavalier are good teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: SubCM
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Hidden Power Rock / HP Fire / Dragon Pulse
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>At first glance, this set appears to be horribly outclassed by Lilligant whothat boasts a better boosting move in Quiver Dance, as well as Sleep Powder to incapacitate counters. However, Serperior can easily make up for this with advantages such as far superior bulk, better initial Speed, Dragon Pulse, and the extremely useful ability Overgrow. Substitute and Calm Mind is a time-honored technique that allows Serperior to evade status and set up with ease against walls and weaker special attackers that will be unable to do much to Serperior after it has used Calm Mind a few times. Giga Drain is Serperior's main STAB attack whichthat replenishes health lost from Life Orb and Substitute, meaning Serperior will be hard to wear down. With room for only one coverage move, Serperior cannot cover all of the metagame for neutral damage. However, Hidden Power Rock hits common switch-ins such as Moltres, Braviary, and Typhlosion hard. Hidden Power Fire, on the other hand, hits Bug- and Steel-types such as Escavalier, Magneton, and Accelgor who canthat would otherwise wall Serperior. Lastly, Dragon Pulse has the best neutral coverage with Giga Drain, only missing out on Steel-types such as Magneton and Escavalier. It also hits Dragon-types such as ALtaria and Druddigon super effectively, botwhich who could otherwise wall Serperior with ease. The combination of Substitute and Overgrow is deadly as Serperior can use its naturally high Speed to quickly set up Substitutes and eventually Substitute down to Overgrow range where it can then unleash a powerful boosted Giga Drain that will hopefully restore a large amount of health in the process.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As Serperior hits such a great speed tier, its Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is chosen. With its base 113 Speed, Serperior can outrun dangerous threats such as Typhlosion and Tauros. Special Attack is also maximized as Serperior needs as much attacking power as possible to be a viable threat as it has a low base Special Attack. Leftovers is the standard item for Substitute + Calm Mind users as it letsthen the user can create more Substitute and have an easier time setting up; with Leftovers, Giga Drain, and great defenses all boosting Serperior's survivablility, Serperior can often last much longer than Pokemon such as Lilligant. However, Life Orb is definitely viable as Serperior greatly appreciates the power and can restore health lost from Life Orb with its main STAB move, Giga Drain. Life Orb also has great synergy with Serperior's ability Overgrow, which allows Serperior to hit extremely hard once its health drops.</p>

<p>While Serperior isn't weak, it still struggles against dedicated special walls such as Munchlax and Clefable whothat can easily tank boosted Giga Drains and beat Serperior with Body Slam and Seismic Toss, respectively. A powerful physical attackers such as Gallade can easily switch in on the aforementioned walls and destroy them with Close Combat. If Serperior chooses to use Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse, it will be walled by Steel-types such as Magneton and Klinklang whothat can switch in without fear and hit Serperior hard. However, in the case of Magneton, if Serperior has obtained enough boosts, not even a Life Orb Hidden Power Fire will be able to defeat Serperior. If Serperior chooses Hidden Power Fire to hit Steel-types, it loses coverage against Fire- and Dragon-types whothat resist Serperior's attacks. Pokemon such as Druddigon and Moltres will be able to switch in with impunity and annihilate Serperior or its teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: ParaShuffler
move 1: Glare
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a reliable paralysis and phazing move in its movepool, Serperior can play the role of a parashuffler very well. By continuously paralyzing members of your opponent's team, Serperior makes it easier for slow yet powerful Pokemon on your team to sweep. Unlike other paralysis inducers, Serperior has a paralysis spreading move in Glare that is not blocked by Ground-types and Electric-type immunities. H; however, Glare does not affect Ghost-types who cannot be paralyzed by Serperior. Dragon Tail shuffles the opponents team; in conjunction with entry hazards, Serperior can do far more damage then by just attacking. The presence of entry hazards on the field also dissuades opponents from switching, meaning you can paralyze more of their team. Keep in mind though that Dragon Tail is pitifully weak and cannot break most Pokemon's Substitutes. Giga Drain is Serperior's reliable STAB attack which it can use to threaten Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types, letting Serperior start a parashuffling cycle. It also gets an Overgrow boost, meaning that Serperior can sometimes hit quite hard despite its poor attacking stats. Lastly, Serperior has a fairly fast Taunt which separates it from other paralysis inducers. Taunt prevents Pokemon from setting up on Serperior as well blocking status inducing attempts such as the deadly Toxic. Taunt also shuts down most walls that commonly switch into Serperior as they fear Paralysis less than their faster teammates.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior's stat spread for this set takes advantage of its reasonable mixed defenses, letting it paralyze and shuffle while taking hits from the opposition. Serperior's EVs are geared towards Defense, along with a Bold nature, this is because Serperior struggles to beat common special attackers such as Nidoqueen and Moltres even with Special Defense investment. Leftovers is the advised item as it gives Serperior health that it needs to keep up a paralysis cycle. Instead of Taunt, Synthesis is a viable option that reliably restores Serperior's health, making it harder for Serperior to be worn down. However, it does leave Serperior susceptible to Substitute and status users who can shut down Serperior that do not carry Taunt. Entry hazard users are the best partners for Serperior. Serperior can shuffle the opponents team with Dragon Tail, which in conjunction with entry hazards, will quickly wear down the opposing team. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can set up Stealth Rock, while Qwilfish, Crustle, and Smeargle can lay down Spikes. Keep in mind though, Toxic Spikes should not be used with Parashuffler Serperior as the Poison status prevents paralysis. As Serperior provides reliable paralysis, slow but powerful sweepers such as Nidoqueen and Escavalier are great teammates whothat can clean up teams after Serperior has slowed down revenge killers.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Light Clay
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The strategy of hyper offense often relies on dual screens. Reflect and Light Screen halve the damage your team takes from attacks, letting frail but powerful sweepers set up without fear. Serperior is a prime candidate for setting up both Reflect and Light Screen because of its Speed, unique typing, and moves. Light Screen and Reflect are a given. Together, they make your opponent's attacks much weaker, letting your team do what they want without much harassment. Giga Drain is Serperior's only attack, although it doesn't hit very hard, it is useful into weakening Pokemon such as Slowking and Lanturn whothat can wall some dangerous sweepers. Serperior also benefits greatly from its typing which separates it from other popular Dual Screen users whothat are mostly Psychic-type. Taunt is Serperior's trump card and sepearates it from the many other dual screen users vying for a place on your team. With Taunt, Serperior can stop phazers and Haze users, stop attempts to ruin sweepers with Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp, as well as preventing other assorted nasties such as Trick Room, Weather, and entry hazards from being set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is used so Serperior can set up Reflect and Light Screen as soon as possible. Any investment in bulk is easily offset by the cushioning Serperior can obtain from quickly setting the appropriate screen. The high natural sSpeed of Serperior also lets it use Taunt before most Pokemon can move, forcing the opponent to attack Serperior and its team. HP is also maximized as it provides Serperior with the best overall bulk; after dual screen protection, Serperior is very difficult to take down. Light Clay is compulsory item as it boosts the duration of Reflect and Light Screen by a crucial three more turns. These turns let Serperior's teammates set up or tank hits.</p>

<p>Every Pokemon on Serperior's team benefits from Dual Screens, however, the best teammates are frailer Pokemon whothat can use the turns to set up and decimate the opponent. Good candidates include Omastar, Zangoose, and Linoone, whoich only need one turn of set up to sweep. Bulkier set up sweepers such as Uxie and Gallade become almost impenetrable behind screens and with boosting moves. Serperior's Taunt prevents Whirlwind and Roar from removing their boosts. Powerful wallbreakers such as Magmortar can also take advantage of the protection Serperior provides by opening gaping holes in the opponents team. Dual Screens Serperior should always be used on offensive teams, especially Hyper Offense, to make the most of the few turns of protection.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like most Grass-types, Serperior's movepool is small; however, that isn't to say Serperior doesn't have decent options. Swords Dance is another boosting move Serperior can use which doubles its attack stat, making Serperior stronger more quickly than Coil. Unfortunately, it makes Serperior play more like a weaker Sawsbuck. As Serperior has excellent bulk, it is most of the time better off with Coil. The strategy of Substitute and Leech Seed is also popular, and Serperior can pull it off well withanks to its high Speed, however, it is largely outclassed by Whimsicott, whoich boasts Prankster. Serperior can also run a support set with moves such as Aromatherapy, Glare, and Synthesis. Keep in mind though, Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Clefable are far bulkier than Serperior and have similar support moves. An all-out special attacker with Leaf Storm, Dragon Pulse, and Hidden Power is viable, but Serperior just doesn't have enough power to make it a consistent option.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As Serperior is largely reliant on its STAB attacks, a Pokemon with the ability Sap Sipper such as Miltank and Bouffalent are great counters. They take little from Serperior's coverage moveattacks and have little to fear from paralysis. iIn return, they can smack Serperior with powerful Normal-type attacks. However, if Serperior has accumulated numerous Coil boosts then even they will be unable to defeat Serperior. Sawsbuck is also immune to Serperior's Grass-type attacks and also resists Aqua Tail. However, it is hit super effectively by Hidden Power Fire and is quite frail. Bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Roselia have little to fear from physical sets; Tangrowth can put Serperior to sleep and hit it hard with a super effective Hidden Power. Roselia can hit Serperior super effectively with Sludge Bomb and can set up numerous entry hazards on Serperior's side of the field. Specially based Serperior is also walled comfortably by Roselia even if it runs Hidden Power Fire. As the specially based sets only have two attacking moves, Serperior can never have perfect coverage; if Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse are the coverage move of choice, Steel-types such as Magneton, Escavalier, and Klinklang will wall Serperior. If Hidden Power Fire is used, fFire-types such as Moltres and Entei will be able to beat Serperior. Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-types such as Entei, Galvantula, Pinsir and Braviary, respectively, can all hit Serperior super effectively and can by outspeeding it with a Choice Scarf. However, they have to be wary of Aqua Tail and Hidden Power Rock when switching in.</p>

[Unreleased]

As soon as Contrary comes out, Serperior will likely move up a few tiers and this analysis will no longer exist.


[Overview]

<p>At first, Serperior appears to have little to differentiate itself from the hordes of Grass-types vying for a spot on your team; poor stats except for its strange base 113 Speed and a shallow movepool shared by similar Pokemon doesn't help Serperior's case. However, Serperior has some unique options in its movepool and just enough raw power and bulk to run a multitude of effective sets. Serperior's base 75 Attack and Special Attack stats mean that Serperior hits like a wet towel without any boosts, however, it has access to three boosting moves that quickly raise Serperior's attack power to dangerous levels. Serperior's defensive stats are also mediocre at best, but once again, Serperior can remedy this deficiency with boosting moves such as Calm Mind and Coil, which boost Special Defense and Defense, respectively. Serperior's precise movepool also gives it access to a reliable paralysis inducing move in Glare, a phazing move in Dragon Tail, and Dual Screens. This makes Serperior a valuable team supporter. Unfortunately, Serperior's movepool isn't so large in terms of attacks, which means that it is easily walled when sweeping. While Serperior might not be the best at anything, its unpredictability and ability to fit on almost any archetype means that it is a viable option on most RU teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Aqua Tail
move 4: Return / Substitute
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior is one of the few Pokemon gifted with the boosting move Coil. With a viable move to boost its Attack, and a physical movepool that covers most of the metagame, Serperior is one of the few Grass-types that can run a decent physical set in RU. When Serperior coils its serpentine body, it will be able to easily boost up in the face of physical attackers such as Kabutops and Steelix before unleashing its powerful attacks. The Defense boost also means that Serperior is much harder to revenge kill with priority attacks such as Extremespeed, Mach Punch, and Sucker Punch. However, Coil also boosts Serperior's accuracy, which elevates Aqua Tail and Dragon Tail's accuracy to 100% after a boost, as well as dealing with the rare accuracy lowering moves. Leaf Blade is a rare move that has excellent Base Power and perfect accuracy, it also has a slightly higher critical hit chance, which can be useful in some situations. Aqua Tail is a coverage move that many other Grass-types lack. It provides superb coverage, destroying Fire- and Steel-types while having excellent neutral coverage on most of the metagame. Lastly, Return provides perfect neutral coverage for Serperior, hitting the Grass-types that resist Aqua tail and Leaf Blade. However, Substitute can shield Serperior from status. Serperior's Substitute become increasingly difficult for physical attackers to break as the grass snake accumulates more Coil boosts.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>252 EVs in Attack and Speed along with a Jolly nature let Serperior reach its Speed tier, which outspeeds dangerous threats that reside at base 110 Speed, such as Archeops and Tauros. The EVs also boost Serperior's mediocre Attack stat, meaning Serperior can hit fairly hard. An alternative EV spread that places emphasis on bulk instead of Attack can be used to turn Serperior into a bulky booster that can take hits and retaliate. If you choose to use a bulkier EV spread, Dragon Tail is a viable option in the last slot to directly damage the opposing Pokemon while also increasing entry hazard damage. Leftovers is the main item as the passive regeneration synergizes well with the Defense boost from Coil, letting Serperior easily set up on weaker physical attackers. However, Life Orb is a viable option as Serperior sometimes needs the extra power. Overgrow is a useful ability that boosts the power of Serperior's STAB moves when it is below a third of HP. This can potentially let Serperior get more KOs. Substitute is also a viable move on this set; with it, Serperior can avoid status and easily set up on weak moves such as Scald without risking a burn. After a few Coils, Serperior's Substitute will be extremely hard to break with weaker physical moves such as Earthquake.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, Serperior cannot boost its Speed with Coil, which means that it can easily be revenge killed by Choice Scarf holders such as Typhlosion, Moltres, and Galvantula Don't C/P this, look above. As many revenge killers that beat Serperior are hit super effectively by Rock-type attacks, keeping Stealth Rock on your opponents side is extremely beneficial. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can comfortably set up Stealth Rock for your team. If Serperior is running Dragon Tail, Spikes support is also beneficial as Serperior can easily rack up entry hazard damage on your opponent by phazing them out. Common dedicated physical walls such as Tangrowth can comfortably wall Serperior, meaning powerful wall breakers such as Escavalier are good teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: SubCM
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Hidden Power Rock / HP Fire / Dragon Pulse
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>At first glance, this set appears to be horribly outclassed by Lilligant that boasts a better boosting move in Quiver Dance, as well as Sleep Powder to incapacitate counters. However, Serperior can easily make up for this with advantages such as far superior bulk, better initial Speed, Dragon Pulse, and the extremely useful ability Overgrow. Substitute and Calm Mind is a time-honored technique that allows Serperior to evade status and set up with ease against walls and weaker special attackers that will be unable to do much to Serperior after it has used Calm Mind a few times. Giga Drain is Serperior's main STAB attack that replenishes health lost from Life Orb and Substitute, meaning Serperior will be hard to wear down. With room for only one coverage move, Serperior cannot cover all of the metagame for neutral damage. However, Hidden Power Rock hits common switch-ins such as Moltres, Braviary, and Typhlosion hard. Hidden Power Fire, on the other hand, hits Bug- and Steel-types such as Escavalier, Magneton, and Accelgor that would otherwise wall Serperior. Lastly, Dragon Pulse has the best neutral coverage with Giga Drain, only missing out on Steel-types such as Magneton and Escavalier. It also hits Dragon-types such as ALtaria and Druddigon super effectively, which would otherwise wall Serperior with ease. The combination of Substitute and Overgrow is deadly as Serperior can use its naturally high Speed to quickly set up Substitutes and eventually Substitute down to Overgrow range where it can then unleash a powerful boosted Giga Drain that will hopefully restore a large amount of health in the process.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As Serperior hits such a great speed tier, its Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is chosen. With its base 113 Speed, Serperior can outrun dangerous threats such as Typhlosion and Tauros. Special Attack is also maximized as Serperior needs as much attacking power as possible to be a viable threat as it has a low base Special Attack. Leftovers is the standard item for Substitute + Calm Mind users as then the user can create more Substitute and have an easier time setting up; with Leftovers, Giga Drain, and great defenses all boosting Serperior's survivablility, Serperior can often last much longer than Pokemon such as Lilligant. However, Life Orb is definitely viable as Serperior greatly appreciates the power and can restore health lost from Life Orb with its main STAB move, Giga Drain. Life Orb also has great synergy with Serperior's ability Overgrow, which allows Serperior to hit extremely hard once its health drops.</p>

<p>While Serperior isn't weak, it still struggles against dedicated special walls such as Munchlax and Clefable that can easily tank boosted Giga Drains and beat Serperior with Body Slam and Seismic Toss, respectively. A powerful physical attackers such as Gallade can easily switch in on the aforementioned walls and destroy them with Close Combat. If Serperior chooses to use Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse, it will be walled by Steel-types such as Magneton and Klinklang that can switch in without fear and hit Serperior hard. However, in the case of Magneton, if Serperior has obtained enough boosts, not even a Life Orb Hidden Power Fire will be able to defeat Serperior. If Serperior chooses Hidden Power Fire to hit Steel-types, it loses coverage against Fire- and Dragon-types that resist Serperior's attacks. Pokemon such as Druddigon and Moltres will be able to switch in with impunity and annihilate Serperior or its teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: ParaShuffler
move 1: Glare
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a reliable paralysis and phazing move in its movepool, Serperior can play the role of a parashuffler very well. By continuously paralyzing members of your opponent's team, Serperior makes it easier for slow yet powerful Pokemon on your team to sweep. Unlike other paralysis inducers, Serperior has a paralysis spreading move in Glare that is not blocked by Ground-types and Electric-type immunities; however, Glare does not affect Ghost-types. Dragon Tail shuffles the opponents team; in conjunction with entry hazards, Serperior can do far more damage then by just attacking. The presence of entry hazards on the field also dissuades opponents from switching, meaning you can paralyze more of their team. Keep in mind though that Dragon Tail is pitifully weak and cannot break most Substitutes. Giga Drain is Serperior's reliable STAB attack which it can use to threaten Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types, letting Serperior start a parashuffling cycle. It also gets an Overgrow boost, meaning that Serperior can sometimes hit quite hard despite its poor attacking stats. Lastly, Serperior has a fairly fast Taunt which separates it from other paralysis inducers. Taunt prevents Pokemon from setting up on Serperior as well blocking status inducing attempts such as the deadly Toxic. Taunt also shuts down most walls that commonly switch into Serperior as they fear Paralysis less than their faster teammates.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior's stat spread for this set takes advantage of its reasonable mixed defenses, letting it paralyze and shuffle while taking hits from the opposition. Serperior's EVs are geared towards Defense, along with a Bold nature, because Serperior struggles to beat common special attackers such as Nidoqueen and Moltres even with Special Defense investment. Leftovers is the advised item as it gives Serperior health that it needs to keep up a paralysis cycle. Instead of Taunt, Synthesis is a viable option that reliably restores Serperior's health, making it harder for Serperior to be worn down. However, it does leave Serperior susceptible to Substitute and status users who can shut down Serperior that do not carry Taunt. Entry hazard users are the best partners for Serperior. Serperior can shuffle the opponents team with Dragon Tail, which in conjunction with entry hazards, will quickly wear down the opposing team. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can set up Stealth Rock, while Qwilfish, Crustle, and Smeargle can lay down Spikes. Keep in mind though, Toxic Spikes should not be used with Parashuffler Serperior as the Poison status prevents paralysis. As Serperior provides reliable paralysis, slow but powerful sweepers such as Nidoqueen and Escavalier are great teammates that can clean up teams after Serperior has slowed down revenge killers.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Light Clay
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The strategy of hyper offense often relies on dual screens, letting frail but powerful sweepers set up without fear. Serperior is a prime candidate for setting up both Reflect and Light Screen because of its Speed, unique typing, and moves. Light Screen and Reflect are a given. Together, they make your opponent's attacks much weaker, letting your team do what they want without much harassment. Giga Drain is Serperior's only attack, although it doesn't hit very hard, it is useful to weakening Pokemon such as Slowking and Lanturn that can wall some dangerous sweepers. Serperior also benefits greatly from its typing which separates it from other popular Dual Screen users that are mostly Psychic-type. Taunt is Serperior's trump card and separates it from the many other dual screen users vying for a place on your team. With Taunt, Serperior can stop phazers and Haze users, stop attempts to ruin sweepers with Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp, as well as preventing other assorted nasties such as Trick Room, Weather, and entry hazards from being set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is used so Serperior can set up Reflect and Light Screen as soon as possible. Any investment in bulk is easily offset by the cushioning Serperior can obtain from quickly setting the appropriate screen. The high natural Speed of Serperior also lets it use Taunt before most Pokemon can move, forcing the opponent to attack Serperior and its team. HP is also maximized as it provides Serperior with the best overall bulk; after dual screen protection, Serperior is very difficult to take down. Light Clay is compulsory item as it boosts the duration of Reflect and Light Screen by a crucial three more turns. These turns let Serperior's teammates set up or tank hits.</p>

<p>Every Pokemon on Serperior's team benefits from Dual Screens, however, the best teammates are frailer Pokemon that can use the turns to set up and decimate the opponent. Good candidates include Omastar, Zangoose, and Linoone, which only need one turn of set up to sweep. Bulkier set up sweepers such as Uxie and Gallade become almost impenetrable behind screens and with boosting moves. Serperior's Taunt prevents Whirlwind and Roar from removing their boosts. Powerful wallbreakers such as Magmortar can also take advantage of the protection Serperior provides by opening gaping holes in the opponents team. Dual Screens Serperior should always be used on offensive teams, especially Hyper Offense, to make the most of the few turns of protection.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like most Grass-types, Serperior's movepool is small; however, that isn't to say Serperior doesn't have decent options. Swords Dance is another boosting move Serperior can use which doubles its attack stat, making Serperior stronger more quickly than Coil. Unfortunately, it makes Serperior play more like a weaker Sawsbuck. As Serperior has excellent bulk, it is better off with Coil. The strategy of Substitute and Leech Seed is also popular, and Serperior can pull it off well thanks to its high Speed, however, it is largely outclassed by Whimsicott, which boasts Prankster. Serperior can also run a support set with moves such as Aromatherapy, Glare, and Synthesis. Keep in mind though, Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Clefable are far bulkier than Serperior and have similar support moves. An all-out special attacker with Leaf Storm, Dragon Pulse, and Hidden Power is viable, but Serperior just doesn't have enough power to make it a consistent option.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As Serperior is largely reliant on its STAB attacks, Pokemon with the ability Sap Sipper such as Miltank and Bouffalent are great counters. They take little from Serperior's coverage attacks and have little to fear from paralysis. In return, they can smack Serperior with powerful Normal-type attacks. However, if Serperior has accumulated numerous Coil boosts then even they will be unable to defeat Serperior. Sawsbuck is also immune to Serperior's Grass-type attacks and also resists Aqua Tail. However, it is hit super effectively by Hidden Power Fire and is quite frail. Bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Roselia have little to fear from physical sets; Tangrowth can put Serperior to sleep and hit it hard with a super effective Hidden Power. Roselia can hit Serperior super effectively with Sludge Bomb and can set up numerous entry hazards. Specially based Serperior is also walled comfortably by Roselia even if it runs Hidden Power Fire. As the specially based sets only have two attacking moves, Serperior can never have perfect coverage; if Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse are the coverage move of choice, Steel-types such as Magneton, Escavalier, and Klinklang will wall Serperior. If Hidden Power Fire is used, Fire-types such as Moltres and Entei will be able to beat Serperior. Bug- and Flying-types such as Pinsir and Braviary, respectively, can all hit Serperior super effectively by outspeeding it with a Choice Scarf. However, they have to be wary of Hidden Power Rock when switching in.</p>

[Unreleased]

As soon as Contrary comes out, Serperior will likely move up a few tiers and this analysis will no longer exist.


Great job, nice read!

Just tiny nitpicks ^.^

[gp]1/2[/gp]
 

Endorfins

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Thanks Yonko!
Had to re-read my analysis since it's been so long since I've read it :)
One more Gp check!
 

His Eminence Lord Poppington II

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very annoyed


[Overview]

<p>At first, Serperior appears to have little to differentiate itself from the hordes of Grass-types vying for a spot on your team; poor stats, except for its strange base 113 Speed, and a shallow movepool shared by similar Pokemon doesn't help Serperior's case. However, Serperior has some unique options in its movepool, and just enough raw power and bulk to run a multitude of effective sets. Serperior's base 75 Attack and Special Attack stats mean that Serperior hits like a wet towel without any boosts,; however, itSerperior has access to three dangerous boosting moves that can quickly traise Serperior's attack power to dangerous levelnsform it into an offensive threat that belies its stats. Serperior's defensive stats are also mediocre at best, but once again, Serperior can remedy this deficiency with boosting moves, such as Calm Mind and Coil, which boost Special Defense and Defense, respectively. Serperior's precise movepool also gives it access to a reliable paralysis inducing move in Glare, a phazing move in Dragon Tail, and Dual Screens. This makes Serperior a valuable team supporter. Unfortunately, Serperior's offensive movepool isn't so large fairly barren, meaning its covermage is of attten lacks,ing which means that it is easily walled whentempting to sweeping. While Serperior might not be the best at anything, its unpredictability meand ability tos its can fit onto almost any archetype means that it is a viable option on most RU teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Aqua Tail
move 4: Return / Substitute
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior is one of the few Pokemon gifted with the boosting move Coil. With a viable move to boost its Attack, and a physical movepool that covers most of the metagame, Serperior is one of the few Grass-types that can run a decent physical set in RU. When Serperior coils its serpentine body, it will be able to easily boost up in the face of physical attackers, such as Kabutops and Steelix, before unleashing its powerful attacks. The Defense boost also means that Serperior is much harder to revenge kill with priority attacks, such as Extremespeed, Mach Punch, and Sucker Punch. However, Coil also boosts Serperior's accuracy, which elevates Aqua Tail and Dragon Tail's accuracy to 100% after a boost, as well as dealing with the rare accuracy lowering moves. Leaf Blade is a rare move that has excellent Base Power and perfect accuracy,; it also has a slightly highertwice the chance to score a critical hit chancrelative to a normal move, which can be useful in some situations. Aqua Tail is a coverage move that many other Grass-types lack. It provides superb coverage, destroying Fire- and Steel-types while having excellent neutral coverage with Leaf Blade on most of the metagame. Lastly, Return provides perfect neutral coverage for Serperiorunds out the set, hitting the Grass-types that resist Aqua tail and Leaf Blade. However, Substitute can be used instead, to shield Serperior from status. Serperior's Substitute become increasingly difficult for physical attackers to break as ithe grass snake accumulates more Coil boosts.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>252 EVs in Attack and Speed along withEVs and a Jolly nature let Serperior reach its Speed tier, which outspeeds dangerous threats that reside at base 110 Speed, such as Archeops and Tauros. The252 Attack EVs also boost Serperior's mediocre Attack stat, meaning Serperior can hit fairly hard to acceptable levels. An alternative EV spread that places emphasis on bulk instead of Attack can be used to turn Serperior into a bulky booster that can take hits and retaliate. If you choose to use a bulkier EV spread, Dragon Tail is a viable option in the last slot to directly damagshuffle the opposing Pokemon while also increasingteam and rack up entry hazard damage, dealing minor direct damage in the process. Leftovers is the main item for this set, as the passive regeneration synergizes well with the Defense boost from Coil, letting Serperior easily set up on weaker physical attackers. However, Life Orb is another viable option, as Serperior sometimes needs the extra power. Overgrow is a useful ability that boosts the power of Serperior's STAB moves when it is below a third of HP. This can potentially let Serperior get more KOs. Substitute is also a viable move on this set; with it, Serperior can avoid status and easily set up on weak moves such as Scald &mdash;without risking a burn&mdash;and other weak moves. After a few Coils, Serperior's Substitute will be extremely hard to break with weaker or resisted physical moves, such as Earthquake.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, Serperior cannot boost its Speed with Coil, which means that it can easily be revenge killed by Choice Scarf holders, such as Typhlosion, MoltresEmboar, and Galvantula Don't C/P this, look aboveManectric. As many revenge killers that beat Serperior are hit super effectively by Rock-type attacks, keeping Stealth Rock on your opponents side is extremely beneficial. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can comfortably set up Stealth Rock for your team. If Serperior is running Dragon Tail, Spikes support is also beneficial, as Serperior can easily rack up entry hazard damage on your opponent by phazing them out repeatedly. Common dedicated physical walls, such as Tangrowth, can comfortably wall Serperior, meaning powerful wall breakers, such as Escavalier, are good teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: SubCM
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Hidden Power Rock / HP Fire / Dragon Pulse
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>At first glance, this set appears to be horribly outclassed by Lilligant that, which boasts a better boosting move in Quiver Dance, as well as Sleep Powder to incapacitate counters. However, Serperior can easily make up for this with advantages such as far superior bulk, better initial Speed, Dragon Pulse, and thean extremely useful ability in Overgrow. Substitute and Calm Mind is a time-honored technique that allows Serperior to evade status and set up with ease against certain walls and weaker special attackers that&mdash;which will be unableoften fail to do much tobreak Serperior after it has used Calm Mind's Substitutes after a few boostimes. Giga Drain is Serperior's main STAB attack tha; it replenishes health lost from Life Orb and Substitute, meanaking Serperior will be harder to wear down. With room for only one coverage move, Serperior cannot cover all ofhope to hit the entire metagame for neutral damage. However, Hidden Power Rock hits common switch-ins, such as Moltres, Braviary, and Typhlosion, hard. Hidden Power Fire, on the other hand, hits Bug- and Steel-types, such as Escavalier, Magneton, and Accelgor, that would otherwise wall Serperior. Lastly, Dragon Pulse has the best neutral coverage with Giga Drain, only missing out on Steel-types such as Magnet Pokemon and Escavalier. It also hits Dragon-types, such as ALltaria and Druddigon, super effectively, which would otherwise wall Serperior with ease&mdash;althoug Altaria is hit super effectively by Hidden Power Rock. The combination of Substitute and Overgrow is deadly, as Serperior can use its naturally high Speed to quickly set up Substitutes and eventualsafely Substitute down to Overgrow range, where it can then unleash a powerful boosted Giga Drain that will hopefully, restore a large amount of healthing its HP in the process.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As Serperior hits such a great speed tier, its Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is chosen. With its base 113 Speed, Serperior can outrun dangerous threats, such as Typhlosion and Tauros. Special Attack is also maximized as, 75 Serperior needs as much acial Attacking power a needs possible to be a viable threat as it has a low base Special Attackfully invested in to pose an offensive threat. Leftovers is the standard item for Substitute + Calm Mind users, as then the usellowing for can create more Substitutes and have anthus easier timeng setting up; with Leftovers, Giga Drain, and great defenses all boostingmake Serperior's survivablility, Ser far superior can often last much longer than Pokemon such asto its closest competitor: Lilligant. However, Life Orb is definitelystill viable on this set, as Serperior greatly appreciates the extra power, and can restore health lost from Life Orb with its main STAB move, Giga Drain. Life Orb also has great synergy with Serperior's ability Overgrow, which allows Serperior to hit extremely hard once its health drops below one third.</p>

<p>While Serperior isn't weak, it still struggles against dedicated special walls, such as Munchlax and Clefable, that can easily tank boosted Giga Drains and beat Serperior with Body Slam and Seismic Toss, respectively. A pPowerful physical attackers, such as Gallade, can easily switch in on the aforementioned walls&mdash;though they must be wary of paralysis&mdash;and destroy them with Close Combtheir attacks. If Serperior chooses to use Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse, it will be walled by Steel-types, such as Magneton and Klinklang that. They can switch in without fear and hitstop Serperior hardin its tracks. However, in the case of Magneton, if Serperior has obtained enough Calm Mind boosts, not even a Life Orb-boosted Hidden Power Fire will be able to defeat Serperiorit. If Serperior chooses Hidden Power Fire to hit Steel-types, it loses coverage against Fire- and Dragon-types that resist Serperior's attacks.; Threatening Pokemon which resist Fire-type moves, such as Druddigon and Moltres, will be able to switch in with impunity and annihilate Serperior or its teammates.</p>

[SET]
name: ParaShuffler
move 1: Glare
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With both a reliable paralysis and a phazing move in its movepool, Serperior can play the role of a parashuffler very well. By continuously paralyzing members of your opponent's team, Serperior makes it easier for slow yet powerful Pokemon on your team to sweep. Unlike mosther paralysis inducers, Serperior has a's paralysis spreading move in, Glare that, is not blocked by Ground-types and Electric-type immunities; however, Glare does not affect Ghost-types. Dragon Tail shuffles the opponents team; Dragon Tail in conjunction with entry hazards, Serperior can do deals far more damage then by justan directly attacking. The presence of entry hazards on the field also dissuades opponents from switching, meaning youSerperior can paralyze more of their team. Keep in mind, thoughwever, that Dragon Tail is pitifully weak and cannot break most Substitutes. Giga Drain is Serperior's reliable STAB attack which it can use to threaten Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types, letting Serperior start a parashuffling cycle. It also gets an Overgrow boost, meanhitting that Serperior can sometimes hit quitefairly hard, despite this set's poor alack of Special Attack ing statsvestment. Lastly, Serperior has a fairly fast Taunt, another quality which separates it from other paralysis inducers. Taunt prevents Pokemon from setting up on Serperior, as well blocking status inducing attempts, such as the deadly Toxic. Taunt also shuts down most walls that commonly switch into Serperior, as they fear Pparalysis less than their faster teammates. Taunt can also prevent the opponent from setting up a Substitute, allowing Serperior to phaze them freely.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Serperior's stat spread for this set takes advantage of its reasonable mixed defenses, letting it paralyze and shuffle while taking hits from the opposition. Serperior's EVs are geared towards Defense, along with a Bold nature, because Serperior struggles to beat common special attackers, such as Nidoqueen and Moltres, even with Special Defense investment. Leftovers is the advised item, as it giveshelp Serperior maintain the health that it needs to keep up a paralysis cycle. Instead of Taunt, Synthesis is a viable option that can be used over Taunt, it reliably restores Serperior's health, making it harder for Serperior to be worn down. However, it does leave Serperior susceptible to Substitute and status users who can shut down Serperior that do not carry Taunt. Entry hazard users are the best partners for Serperiorthis set. Serperior can shuffle the opponents team with Dragon Tail, which, in conjunction with entry hazards, will quickly wear down the opposing team. Pokemon such as Uxie and Steelix can set up Stealth Rock,; whileereas Pokemon such as Qwilfish, Crustle, and Smeargle can lay down Spikes. Keep in mind, though,wever, that Toxic Spikes should not be used with Parashuffler Serperior, as the Ppoison status prevents paralysis. As Serperior provides reliable paralysis, slow but powerful sweepers, such as Nidoqueen and Escavalier, are great teammates that can clean up teams after Serperior has slowparalyzed downtheir revenge killers.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Taunt
item: Light Clay
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The strategy of hyper offense often relies on dual screens, letting frail but powerful sweepers set up wion attacks they would not fearbe able to stomach otherwise. Serperior is a prime candidate for setting up both Reflect and Light Screen because of its high Speed, unique typing for a Dual Screens user, and movaccess to Taunt. Light Screen and Reflect are a given on this set. Together, they halve the incoming damake yourge from opponent's attacks much weaker, lettsing Pokemon, giving yours team do what they want without much harassmentple time to set up or attack. Giga Drain is Serperior's only attack, and although it doesn't hit very hard, it is useful toin weakening Pokemon such as Slowking and Lanturn, as that caney wall some dangerouscertain sweepers. Serperior also benefits greatly from its typing which; Grass-typing separates it from other popular Ddual Sscreen users that are mostly Psychic-type. Taunt is Serperior's trump card and separ; it differentiates it from the many other dual screen users vying for a place on your team. With Taunt, Serperior can stop phazers and Haze users,; stop attempts to ruin sweepers with Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp, as well as; and preventing other assorted nastidisruptive support moves, such as Trick Room, Wweather, and entry hazards, from being set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Speed is maximized and a Timid nature is used so, allowing Serperior can set up Reflect and Light Screen as soon as possible. Any investment in bulk is easily offset by the cushioning Serperior can obtain from quickly setting the appropriate screen. The highSerperior's naturally high base Speed of Serperior also lets it use Taunt before most Pokemon can move, forcing the opponent to attack Serperior and its team. HP is also maximized, as it provides Serperior with the best overall bulk; after dual screen protection, Serperior is very difficult to take down. Light Clay is compulsmandatory item, as it boosts the duration of Reflect and Light Screen by a crucial three more turns. These turns let, allowing Serperior's teammates to set up or tank hits.</p>

<p>Every Pokemon on Serperior's team benefits from Dual Screens,; however, the best teammates are frailer Pokemonsweepers that can use the turns to set up and subsequently decimate the opponent. Good candidates include: Omastar, Zangoose, and Linoone, which only need one turn of set up to sweep. Bulkier set up sweepers, such as Uxie and Gallade, become almost impenetrable behind screens and witheir respective boosting moves. Serperior's Taunt prevents Whirlwind and Roar from removing their boosts. Powerful wallbreakers, such as Magmortar, can also take advantage of the protection Serperior provides by opening gaping holes in the opponents team with its powerful attacks. Dual Screens Serperior should always be used on offensive teams, especially Hyper Offense, to make the most of the few turns of protection.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like most Grass-types, Serperior's movepool is small; however, that isn't to say Serperior doesn't have decent options. Swords Dance is another boosting move Serperior can use which; it doubles itSerperior's attack stat, makboosting Serperior stronger more quickly than's offensive presence twice as fast as Coil. Unfortunately, it makes Serperior play more like a weaker Sawsbuck. As Serperior has excellent bulk, it is better off with Coil most of the time. The strategy of Substitute and Leech Seed is also popular, and Serperior can pull it off well thanks to its high Speed,; however, it is largely outclassed by Prankster Whimsicott, which boasts Pranksterpriority on Substitute, Leech Seed, and any other support moves it might be running. Serperior can also run a support set with moves such as Aromatherapy, Glare, and Synthesis. Keep in mind, though,wever, that Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Clefable are far bulkier than Serperior, and have similar support moveoptions. An all-out special attacker with Leaf Storm, Dragon Pulse, and a Hidden Power of choice is viable, but Serperior just doesn't have enough power to make it a consistent option.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As Serperior is largely reliant on its STAB attacks, Pokemon with the ability Sap Sipper, such as Miltank and Bouffalent, are great counters. They take little from Serperior's coverage attacks and have little to fear from paralysis. In return, they can smack Serperior with powerful STAB Normal-type attacks. However, if Serperior has accumulated numerous Coil boosts, then even they will be unable to defeat Serperiorit. Sawsbuck is also immune to Serperior's Grass-type attacks, and also resists Aqua Tail to boot. However, it is hit super effectively byfrailty and weakness to Hidden Power Fire anhold is quite frail back as a check. Bulky Grass-types, such as Tangrowth and Roselia, have little to fear from physical sets; Tangrowth can put Serperior to sleep and hit it hard with a super effective Hidden Power. Roselia can hit Serperior super effectively with Sludge Bomb and can set up numerous entry hazards. Specially based Serperior is also walled comfortably by Roselia even if it runs Hidden Power Fire. As the specially based sets only have two attacking moves, Serperior can never have perfect coverage; i. If Hidden Power Rock or Dragon Pulse are the coverage move of choice, Steel-types, such as Magneton, Escavalier, and Klinklang, will wall Serperior. If Hidden Power Fire is used, Fire-types, such as Moltres, and Entei, will be able to wall, and eventually beat, Serperior. Bug- and Flying-types, such as Pinsir and Braviary, respectively, can all hit Serperior super effectively bywith their STABS, and can outspeeding it Serperior with a Choice Scarf. However, they have to be wary of Hidden Power Rock when switching in.</p>

[Unreleased]

As soon as Contrary comes out, Serperior will likely move up a few tiers and this analysis will no longer exist.

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Oglemi

Borf
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man there were some weird commas in this

also endorphins be a little more careful when implementing gp checks, there were quite a few c/p mistakes

anyway, uploaded
 

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