Cobalion (Analysis)

Solace. said:

Cobalion

[Overview]

<p>Cobalion's movepool falls a little short in comparison to its stronger counterparts, Terrakion and Virizion. However, this is no reason to be fooled into thinking that it is useless. Cobalion's resistance to Rock Slide also makes it somewhat worth while, since it is a common move running around in VGC. (Moved here from AC since it fits in better here) When played right correctly, Cobalion provides a strong offense and some decent support.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Close Combat / Sacred Sword
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Protect
item: Fighting Gem
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Speed Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
(add space)
<p>Cobalion's best uses are use is for its attacking power. It has great coverage against common threats, but it can sometimes fall short if not given the right support. In the fast-paced VGC 2011 metagame, where each every move counts, it may not always be in your best interest to run it, . (remove comma, add period) However, (add comma) if you're feeling bold, Cobalion is a nice high risk, high reward Pokemon.</p>

<p>Cobalion has a fairly decent movepool to beat that beats a lot of VGC Pokemon. Stone Edge makes both Thundurus and Tornadus worry, but its accuracy can be a pain at times. Close Combat is for those who like (to avoid redundancy) prefer power, and is the preferred move because hitting hard is important in VGC. However, Sacred Sword is a totally viable option, and with Fight Gem it gets a nice boost from Fighting Gem. Iron Head provides another some more STAB move for coverage against those who resist Rock and Fighting-type moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Cobalion's bulk is helpful for it to take taking many of the attacks that come its way in the doubles environment. Although it isn't the strongest Pokemon out there, if played right it can be extremely powerful deadly. With a Fighting Gem boost, Cobalion is doing does tons of damage to even those who resist it. Close Combat with a Fighting Gem boost is insanely powerful, . (remove comma, add period) However, (add comma) the drops in of Defense and Special Defense can be a major drawback. If you're one of those players who doesn't like to switch around very much, it may be in your best interest to run Sacred Sword. You miss out on a lot of the sheer power, but in return you (you should always refer to the player) Cobalion stays around to take a few more hits.</p>
(separate paragraph)
<p>A Jolly nature is preferred, which brings it Cobalion up to 176 Speed, enough to outspeed Timid Hydreigon. However, an Adamant nature allows it to hit harder and gain KOs it will would lose out on with the faster nature. With a Jolly Nature and Fighting Gem, Cobalion outspeeds and OHKOs non-Chople berry Hydreigon and other frail Pokemon. Cobalion's resistance to Rock Slide also makes it somewhat worth while, since it is a common move running around in VGC. (Very out of place here, probably belongs in the overview) Another important thing to note is that if you're looking for someone to handle Bisharp on your team, Cobalion is your Pokemon. With its high defenses, Cobalion shrugs off its Bisharp's strongest STAB attacks, and can beat it back with its powerful STAB Fighting moves.</p>(remove space between period and end tag)

[Other Options]

<p>Another option to try out is a more supportive set for Cobalion. With access to Reflect, Taunt, Thunder Wave, and Helping Hand, Cobalion can serve as a decent doubles helper for a stronger Pokemon. With an EV spread of 68 HP / 188 Def / 252 Spe with a Jolly Nature, Cobalion always lives Terrakion's Close Combat or Conkeldurr's Drain Punch, and can KO Terrakion back with Close Combat, or set up Reflect or use Thunder Wave. However, a more potent option is a Choice Band set. With strong attacks boosted by the Choice Band and good coverage (switched order here), Cobalion can hit like a truck. However, this leaves it more open to some of the resisters of its dual STAB moves, most notably bulky Ghost-types. With help in eliminating this these and proper use of Team Preview, however, Choice Band Cobalion can work well excellently. There is also a special side to its attacks, which features Focus Blast and Flash Cannon, as well as Calm Mind. These moves can provide another option to beat more defensively based Pokemon. Chople or Occa Berry are also viable options, which allow it to live many of the prevalent Fighting and Fire-type attacks. Swords Dance can also be used for a nice Attack boost, if you find that you'll have room time to set it up. </p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Cobalion's typing unfortunately proves to be something of a double-edged sword. With Steel and Fighting-type STABs, Cobalion gains great coverage on the majority of the VGC 2011 metagame. However, it also leaves him weak to many of the prevalent moves as well. Landorus and Jellicent are notable counters, who can resist its most powerful moves and dish back damage. Chople Berry Hydreigon is a notable check, being able to KO with Flamethrower, but not necessarily and live a Close Combat launched by Cobalion. Amoonguss is also a very notable counter, leaving it Cobalion open to becoming Spore bait. Overall, if played correctly, Cobalion can be a very strong Pokemon, however but it is hard to dispatch some of its common counters without sacrifice. </p>

Click to expand...