http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/shaymin-s
Made the behemoth thread more concise and updated it (finally!). Overview is basically a smaller Opinion section. Most of the EVs section was irrelevant to Alternate options, so it was removed (the only useful stuff only applied to the SubSeed set, and it was moved to the set comments). Kept all the information (except Ominous Wind in Alternate options) and tried to keep it as close as possible to the original thread.
Grammar checks please!
[EDIT] Making thread more concise
[Overview]
<p>Shaymin-S has some brilliant traits. Shaymin-S's STAB Seed Flares crush both Kyogre and Groudon, both of whom are among the most prominent Pokémon in the Uber metagame. Shaymin-S is among the fastest Pokémon in the Uber tier, outspeeding even Darkrai. When holding a Choice Scarf, it's one of the best answers to Rock Polish Groudon. Finally, luck already significantly affecta the outcome of the fast paced battles of Ubers, and Shaymin-S is very capable of abusing this. Special Defense drops from Seed Flare and t Air Slash flinches are fairly common, thanks to Shaymin-S's infamous ability, Serene Grace. Shaymin-S's use of luck can often turn the tables upon the opponent, even in the most dire situations.
<p>Unfortunately, Shaymin-S has a few flaws that generally makes Shaymin-S' life span short. It's frail by Uber standards, being only sightly bulkier than Darkrai, its weak to Stealth Rock, and it's forced out by many common Pokémon like Dialga and Scizor. Nevertheless, Shaymin-S is an excellent choice for almost any offensive Uber team, because Shaymin-S often makes a significant impact in a relatively short time.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Seed Flare
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf enables Shaymin-S to become both a great revenge killer and a decent lead. Non-lead Shaymin-S should have a Modest nature, enabling Shaymin-S's Seed Flare to OHKO a 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre 100% of the time with Stealth Rock damage. When equipped with a Choice Scarf, Modest Shaymin-S reaches a Speed stat of 529, meaning that the only somewhat common Pokémon in Ubers who will outspeed Shaymin-S are Timid Choice Scarf Darkrai, Shaymin-S, and Mewtwo. Lead Shaymin-S should be Timid, so it can outspeed Choice Scarf Darkrai. Regardless of the nature, one of the biggest selling points of Choice Scarf Shaymin-S is that it's arguably the best offensive answer to Rock Polish Groudon. After one Rock Polish, most Groudon reach a Speed stat of 500, which is still outsped by Choice Scarf Shaymin-S. Shaymin-S is immune to Groudon’s Earthquakes, and it can OHKO Groudon with Seed Flare. However, Timid loses the 100% chance to OHKO a 4 HP Kyogre after Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Air Slash is a secondary STAB attack that can get Shaymin-S out of tough situations thanks to its 57% flinch rate taking Serene Grace and accuracy into account. For example, if Shaymin-S is up against a Palkia with 79% of its health left, Seed Flare won't OHKO it, but Air Slash can 2HKO, so Palkia is either forced to switch out or risk fainting if Air Slash flinches it. Air Slash also hits most of the Uber metagame for neutral damage, with the only significant Pokémon who resist it being Dialga, Metagross, and Tyranitar. Earth Power slams Dialga and Metagross switch-ins, with most Metagross and offensive Dialga being 2HKOed. However, specially defensive Dialga will live through two Earth Powers, usually even after a Special Defense drop. Hidden Power Ice allows Shaymin-S to revenge kill Garchomp, opposing Shaymin-S, and Dragon Dance Rayquaza without ExtremeSpeed. Leaf Storm is a viable option in place of Seed Flare with a Modest nature, OHKOing both a max HP Kyogre and a 4 HP / 0 SpD Darkrai after Stealth Rock damage. However, after grabbing a kill with Leaf Storm, Shaymin-S can be easily set up on by Calm Mind users, like Latias and Mewtwo, due to the Special Attack drop. Leaf Storm also lacks the 68% chance (taking accuracy into account) of halving the opponent's Special Defense. Generally, Seed Flare should always be the Grass-type move of choice, unless your team needs the KOs that Leaf Storm provides. Don’t use Leaf Storm with a Timid nature, as the only benefit to doing so is gaining a OHKO on a 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre after Stealth Rock.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Generally, Choice Scarf Shaymin-S’s biggest foes resist Grass-type moves and can switch in to take advantage of Shaymin-S. Scizor can heavily dent Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch and U-turn. Max Attack Choice Band Scizor's Pursuit deals 53% minimum to a fleeing Shaymin-S, meaning if Shaymin-S took damage from Stealth Rock when it switched in, Shaymin-S will be KOed by Stealth Rock the next time it switches in. Dialga’s 4x resistance to Seed Flare and a resistance to Air Slash gives it a relatively easy time switching into Shaymin-S and setting up Bulk Ups, Stealth Rock, or outright KOing Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor or Fire Blast. Lugia and opposing Shaymin-S can also switch into Seed Flare and Earth Power whilst OHKOing your own Shaymin-S with Ice Beam and Air Slash respectively with Stealth Rock in play. Rayquaza is in the same position as Lugia, but instead of using Ice Beam, it can set up a sweep with Swords Dance or OHKO Shaymin-S with Overheat or Draco Meteor. Giratina’s massive defensive stats and resistances allow it to shrug off Shaymin-S’s assaults and waste Shaymin-S’s PP with Rest and Pressure as long as Seed Flare doesn’t net too many Special Defense drops. Latias also walls Shaymin-S’s attacks and can either set up Calm Mind or OHKO Shaymin-S with Dragon Pulse after Stealth Rock damage 92% of the time. Blissey completely walls Shaymin-S and either cripples it with Toxic or Thunder Wave or OHKOs Shaymin-S with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage. Specially defensive Skarmory can easily switch into Shaymin-S and either use Brave Bird to OHKO Shaymin-S after Stealth Rock damage or use Whirlwind, forcing Shaymin-S to take more damage from Stealth Rock. Metagross can survive three Seed Flares, thanks to Clear Body preventing its Special Defense from dropping, and OHKO with Ice Punch. Finally, although Wobbuffet cannot switch into Seed Flare, and nor does it enjoy Air Slash’s flinch rates, Wobbuffet can easily revenge kill Choice Scarf Shaymin-S due to Shadow Tag and Mirror Coat. Due of these problems, a mixed Dialga can be a good teammate for Choice Scarf Shaymin-S. Mixed Dialga can lure in Blissey and Latias, only to do severe damage with Outrage (OHKOing the latter), and roast Skarmory and Metagross with Fire Blast. If Hasty, mixed Dialga can destroy Adamant Swords Dance Rayquaza and pose as a Choice Scarf user to defeat Wobbuffet. Dialga can also switch into Air Slashes from opposing Choiced Shaymin-S and OHKO it with Fire Blast. Life Orb Gengar can lure in Scizor and OHKO it with Hidden Power Fire assuming the weather isn't rainy and OHKO Rayquaza with Icy Wind after Stealth Rock damage. Choice Scarf Gengar can beat both Dragon Dance Rayquaza and Swords Dance Rayquaza, but it is very vulnerable to Scizor. Tickle Wobbuffet plus Scizor or Tyranitar with Pursuit can remove both Lugia and Blissey from the battlefield, whilst Scizor and Tyranitar can switch into Latias’ Dragon Pulse and either Pursuit as she flees or OHKO her with their super effective STAB attacks. Groudon can handle Bulk Up Dialga that may try to set up on Shaymin-S and scares away Blissey and Scizor with Earthquake. It also lures in Skarmory and OHKOes it with Overheat and Lugia whilst crippling it with Toxic. A Blissey of your own can defeat Dialga without physical attacks, opposing Shaymin-S without Leech Seed, Latias without Refresh or Safeguard, and Lugia if she has Toxic. Mixed Dialga can be difficult to handle if it switches into any of Shaymin-S’s attacks except Earth Power; thus it's best to revenge kill it via Pokémon with STAB super effective attacks like Garchomp and Lucario. Darkrai can set up on Lugia and Giratina and crush them with Dark Pulse whilst. Darkrai can also destroy a weakened Latias, though Darkrai cannot safely switch in to Latias’s Dragon Pulse. Mewtwo can lure Scizor in, only to OHKO it with Fire Blast, and can Selfdestruct to gain a surprise KO on Blissey. If using Taunt and Calm Mind, Mewtwo can easily set up on Lugia, Giratina, and usually Blissey too. Finally, Mewtwo can revenge kill opposing non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S with Ice Beam.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf Shaymin-S can be an acceptable lead as well, outspeeding Deoxys-S and 2HKOing with Air Slash. If Air Slash doesn't miss, Deoxys-S will only set up one entry hazard maximum and will be unable to set any entry hazards 54.15% of the time due to Air Slash's flinch rate. Another common lead, Groudon, must heavily invest in Special Defense EVs to survive Seed Flare. Something to note about lead Choice Scarf Shaymin-S is that it often relies on Air Slash’s flinch rate to beat other leads. For example, Timid Shaymin-S only has a 28% chance of 2HKOing Darkrai with Air Slash, and thus must often flinch Darkrai twice to avoid Dark Pulse. In Darkrai’s case, a Sleep Talker like Kyogre is advisable. When using lead Choice Scarf Shaymin-S, Hidden Power Fire is a viable option, as it destroys Scizor leads and Forretress or Skarmory switch-ins. However, it requires Shaymin-S to lower its Speed IV to 30, meaning that opposing Choice Scarf Shaymin-S will beat you.</p>
<p>There are also several leads that almost always beat Shaymin-S. Choice Scarf Mewtwo outspeeds Shaymin-S and OHKOs with Ice Beam. 252 HP Kyogre will always survive Seed Flare and OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Beam. Lead Dialga can take an Earth Power and OHKO Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor. Scizor leads trouble Shaymin-S that lack Hidden Power Fire, 3HKOing with Bullet Punch. Tyranitar leads can survive a Seed Flare and OHKO Shaymin-S with Stone Edge. An allied Blissey can easily wall lead Kyogre, Dialga, and Mewtwo. Groudon can switch into Tyranitar’s Stone Edge and OHKO most with Earthquake, while Scizor will take a severe amount of damage or will be OHKOed by a Fire-type attack. Although Draco Meteor will do a huge amount of damage to Groudon, STAB Earthquake will often scare Dialga off. While Palkia and Latias can destroy Kyogre, several lead Kyogre carry Thunder Wave to take advantage of these switch-ins. A Dialga of your own can switch into Mewtwo, Kyogre, and Scizor, and threaten them with Draco Meteor, Thunder, and Fire Blast respectively.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Seed Flare
move 4: Air Slash / Hidden Power Fire / Earth Power
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Like most Grass-types, Shaymin-S can effectively utilize the combination of Leech Seed and Substitute. But Shaymin-S isn't only the fastest Leech Seed user (barring Jumpluff in the sun and Ludicolo in the rain); it's also one of the few viable users in Ubers that doesn't require a specific type of weather. Shaymin-S can also be an offensive threat with its base 120 Special Attack while stalling with Substitute + Leech Seed.</p>
<p>The main idea of this set is to switch into Pokémon who Shaymin-S can scare out, set up Substitute as they switch, and then either attack the next switch-in or use Leech Seed. Using Pokémon who attract Groudon’s or Garchomp’s Earthquakes like Dialga, Metagross, Jirachi, and Heatran is highly recommended, as this can give Shaymin-S a free switch in, and will often let Shaymin-S set up a Substitute when Groudon or Garchomp switch out. Leech Seed allows Shaymin-S to take advantage of common switch-ins, such as Blissey and Giratina, restoring huge amounts of health per turn. In fact, Blissey will almost always lose to Shaymin-S after Leech Seed, due to Shaymin-S recovering more health from Leech Seed and Leftovers than losing health from Substitute!</p>
<p>Seed Flare can cause a lot of switches, due to its high chance of halving the opponent's Special Defense, forcing the opponent's Pokémon to take more damage from entry hazards and Leech Seed. For the last moveslot, Air Slash is generally the best choice. In addition to being a STAB attack, it works extremely well with Substitute and Leech Seed. If Air Slash flinches the opponent, the opposing Pokémon loses a turn to move and takes Leech Seed damage. Air Slash is also super effective on two other Leech Seeder seen in Ubers: Jumpluff and Ludicolo. However, Air Slash can leave Shaymin-S open to threats like Bulk Up Dialga and Scizor. Hidden Power Fire allows Shaymin-S to OHKO Scizor in the sun. Without it, Scizor is a huge threat to this set due to Bullet Punch’s speed priority and U-turn breaking Shaymin-S's Substitute whilst switching-out thus avoiding Leech Seed. Hidden Power Fire also 2HKOs Metagross and Skarmory in the sun, the latter would otherwise resist all of Shaymin-S’ attacks and simply Whirlwind it away. When using Hidden Power Fire, make sure you use Groudon with Shaymin-S, as the sun is required for the KOs on every one of these Pokémon except of Scizor. Earth Power 3HKOs the standard Bulk Up Dialga, who could otherwise stall Shaymin-S with Rest and set up a sweep with Bulk Up. Earth Power also 2HKOes Metagross and offensive Dialga. Finally, Hidden Power Ice can OHKO Rayquaza, who may attempt to set up on Shaymin-S. Hidden Power Ice also OHKOs Garchomp and opposing Shaymin-S.</p>
<p>Investing in defenses often means little, as Shaymin-S’ Substitutes will still be broken from most of the attacks thrown at Shaymin-S. Just max out Speed and Special Attack as with the previous set. The Substitute + Leech Seed set can use 252 HP EVs to make its Substitutes unbreakable by Blissey’s Seismic Toss, but the power loss is often not worth it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>When using SubSeed Shaymin-S, Wobbuffet support is highly recommended. Many players rely on Choice Scarf holders like Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp to defeat most Shaymin-S sets. If Shaymin-S uses Substitute as these threats switch in, Shaymin-S can safely scout these threats. If a Pokémon with a lower base Speed stat moves before Shaymin-S, the opposing Pokémon holds a Choice Scarf. With this vital information revealed, Wobbuffet can easily revenge kill them later in the match. The defeat of these Choice Scarfed Pokémon aids not only Shaymin-S but also several sweepers. The removal of Choice Scarf Dialga and Garchomp helps Swords Dance Rayquaza, Darkrai, Lucario, and Choice Band or Swords Dance Garchomp sweep. With Choice Scarf Palkia eliminated, many teams will lack a reliable switch-in to Choice Specs Kyogre. Wobbuffet can also help set up Shaymin-S by either using Encore when a Pokémon uses a support move or Encoring a Ground-type attack. Finally, if Wobbuffet has Tickle, it can be paired with a user of Pursuit (preferably Tyranitar or Scizor) to eliminate Lugia, who can seriously trouble Shaymin-S.</p>
<p>Stealth Rock support is absolutely crucial to Shaymin-S’ success, punishing the opponent for the many switches this set causes. Similarly, Deoxys-S, Forretress, Skarmory, or Deoxys-D as a teammate is greatly appreciated for Spikes support. Deoxys-S fits perfectly on many offensive teams as a lead, immediately laying down both Stealth Rock and Spikes on slower leads like Groudon. Forretress, as well as setting up Spikes, can Rapid Spin to give Shaymin-S an easier time switching in and set up Toxic Spikes to make Shaymin-S much harder to stall. Skarmory can use its Steel-typing and Roost to easily set up Spikes on Choice Scarfed Dragon-types that trouble Shaymin-S. Finally, Deoxys-D can defeat some variants of Rayquaza. A Ghost-type is recommended to block Rapid Spin and maintain your entry hazards. Giratina-O can use its typing, Substitute and Calm Mind to help Shaymin-S beat stall teams. Giratina-O also lures in Bulk Up Dialga, only to 2HKO it with a +1 Aura Sphere, while Bulk Up Dialga cannot OHKO Giratina-O. Giratina is a more defensive approach to Rapid Spin blocking. Giratina can use Calm Mind, Rest, and Sleep Talk to easily set up on Forretress, whilst Gengar OHKOs it with Hidden Power Fire if the weather isn't rainy.</p>
<p>SubSeed Shaymin-S's problems are largely dependent on the last move. Without Hidden Power Fire, Scizor and Skarmory are huge problems for Shaymin-S. If Shaymin-S lacks Earth Power or Hidden Power Fire, Metagross can defeat Shaymin-S with a combination of Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash or Ice Punch. Without Air Slash or Hidden Power Ice, Rayquaza can set up Dragon / Swords Dance or 2HKO Shaymin-S with ExtremeSpeed. If Shaymin-S uses Earth Power, it will have issues with opposing Shaymin-S. But without Earth Power, Bulk Up Dialga can easily set up on Shaymin-S. Lugia can either Ice Beam Shaymin-S (without a Substitute up) or simply Whirlwind Shaymin-S away, as long as Shaymin-S doesn't get too many Special Defense drops or Air Slash flinches on Lugia. If Shaymin-S doesn’t get Special Defense drops and flinches at the right time, Calm Mind Giratina / Giratina-O with Rest and Sleep Talk can out-stall Shaymin-S. Because of these issues, Groudon makes a great teammate. Its powerful STAB Earthquakes OHKOs Metagross and severely dents Scizor and Dialga. With Toxic, Groudon can lure in Lugia and cripple it. With Overheat, it destroys incoming Skarmory or Shaymin-S. Gengar can lure in Scizor, and OHKO it as it switches in with Hidden Power Fire outside of rain or OHKO Rayquaza with Hidden Power Ice or Icy Wind after Stealth Rock damage. Choice Scarf Jirachi can destroy and outspeed Rayquaza and non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S whilst resisting their STAB attacks and OHKOing with Ice Punch. Jirachi can also cripple Lugia, Skarmory, Bulk Up Dialga, and Calm Mind Giratina by Tricking them a Choice Scarf. Hasty Dialga can torch Metagross, Skarmory, and Scizor with Fire Blast and destroy Giratina, Giratina-O, and Rayquaza with Draco Meteor or Outrage. Mewtwo can lure in Scizor and OHKO it with Fire Blast. Mewtwo can also use Taunt and Calm Mind to set up on Lugia, Skarmory, Giratina, and Giratina-O when Resting, as well as outspeed opposing Shaymin-S and OHKO them with Ice Beam. Finally, Tyranitar is one of the most reliable counters to Giratina-O, and can use Taunt + Dragon Dance to set up on Lugia, Skarmory, and Giratina.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Sweeper
move 1: Seed Flare
move 3: Air Slash
move 2: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire / Growth
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a blazing 127 base Speed stat, a great 120 base Special Attack stat, and Life Orb, Shaymin-S has the capability to be a potent threat in the Uber metagame. To fully take advantage of Life Orb, Shaymin-S should use a HP IV of 29, as this allows Shaymin-S to survive 11 turns of Life Orb’s recoil instead of 10.</p>
<p>Life Orb Seed Flare nets many important KOs that Shaymin-S cannot normally obtain. Seed Flare always OHKOs both Darkrai and max HP Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage and OHKOs 4 HP Kyogre without Stealth Rock support. Offensive Mewtwo takes 74%-88% from Seed Flare – a 92% chance to OHKO Mewtwo if Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes are up. Groudon is almost always OHKOed by Seed Flare with only an extremely specially defensive Groudon having a chance of surviving. Both Palkia and Garchomp suffer a 2HKO from Seed Flare.</p>
<p>Air Slash, in addition to providing a secondary STAB attack, greatly aids Shaymin-S due to its flinch rate. For example, Air Slash puts Palkia into the KO range of Seed Flare, meaning that if flinched, Palkia must switch or rely on Seed Flare to miss to survive. Air Slash OHKOs opposing Shaymin-S and 2HKOs Darkrai. Rayquaza, Garchomp, and (usually) Scizor are usually 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage (or are KOed by Air Slash if Seed Flare nets a Special Defense drop). Lugia, Latias, Giratina, and Giratina-O are 2HKOed by Air Slash if Seed Flare halves their Special Defense, though staying in on Lugia and Latias should only be done in emergencies, as they can KO Shaymin-S if Air Slash doesn't flinch. After a Special Defense drop from Seed Flare, Shaymin-S will also have a small chance of 2HKOing Skarmory with Air Slash after Stealth Rock damage. Earth Power 2HKOs Metagross, Dialga, and Jirachi (unless Dialga and Jirachi are extremely specially defensive) and OHKOs Heatran.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Ice’s biggest selling point is that if Lugia's Special Defense is halved by Seed Flare on the switch-in, with Stealth Rock support, Hidden Power will KO Lugia. Hidden Power Ice also 2HKOs Giratina, Giratina-O, and Latias if Seed Flare halves their Special Defense and always OHKOs Garchomp, Rayquaza, and opposing Shaymin-S. Hidden Power Fire easily OHKOs Scizor and 2HKOs Skarmory in the sun. Growth enables Shaymin-S to net several KOs that it would otherwise miss. After one Growth, Seed Flare always OHKOs Garchomp and (with Stealth Rock) Palkia. +1 Earth Power always OHKOs Offensive Dialga as well as max HP Dialga 66% chance of the time after Stealth Rock damage. Specially defensive Dialga is always 2HKOed. Rayquaza has a 53% chance of being 2HKOed by +1 Air Slash after Stealth Rock, which is guaranteed after one turn of Life Orb recoil. When using Growth, Leftovers becomes viable, as it lets Shaymin-S survive in battle longer and a Growth boost provides more power than a Life Orb.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Due to Shaymin-S's constant damage from Life Orb, weakness to Stealth Rock, and frail defenses, any Pokémon who can switch into one of Shaymin-S's attacks (usually Seed Flare or Air Slash), and then attack before Shaymin-S can move is a threat. After one turn of Life Orb and Stealth Rock damage, Shaymin-S is OHKOed by a Bullet Punch from a max Attack Choice Band Scizor’s Bullet Punch over 50% of the time, whilst Pursuit insures that a fleeing Shaymin-S is destroyed by Stealth Rock the next time it switches in. Scizor is best dealt with before attempting to sweep with Shaymin-S. A Mewtwo with Fire Blast is a great lure for Scizor, whilst Dialga and Palkia can bluff having a Choice Scarf, only to OHKO Scizor with Fire Blast.</p>
<p>There are four particular Choice Scarf holders that outspeed Shaymin-S and resist both Seed Flare and Air Slash; Dialga, Metagross, Jirachi, and Heatran. Choice Scarf Dialga easily OHKOs Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor or Fire Blast, Choice Scarf Jirachi and Metagross OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Punch, and Choice Scarf Heatran OHKOs Shaymin-S with Fire Blast (even in rain if Stealth Rock is on the field). Wobbuffet can revenge kill all of these Pokémon and can help Shaymin-S set up Growth with Encore. A specially defensive Groudon can take a Draco Meteor from Dialga and do a severe amount of damage back with Earthquake. Groudon Earthquakes also easily destroy both Jirachi and Metagross. Kyogre can easily switch into Jirachi’s and Metagross’ Ice Punch and Heatran's Fire Blasts, whilst retaliating with powerful rain-boosted STAB Surfs. takes even less from Heatran's Fire Blast and also sports Surf. A Heatran of your own can switch into Ice Punch, Fire Blast, and Draco Meteor and crisp Dialga, Jirachi, and Metagross with STAB Fire Blasts in the sun whilst OHKOing opposing Heatran with Earth Power. Note that none of these threats enjoy Shaymin-S’ Earth Powers, so you try hiting them on the switch.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Seed Flare
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Specs Shaymin-S boasts a great amount of power without the need to set up or the constant recoil of Life Orb.</p>
<p>Seed Flare deals massive damage to any Pokémon who doesn’t resist it except Blissey. It OHKOs Darkrai and max HP Kyogre and Groudon without Stealth Rock. It also OHKOes offensive Mewtwo and Garchomp 87% and 66% respectively of the time after Stealth Rock damage. Even Rayquaza has a hard time setting up on Shaymin-S if Seed Flare halves Rayquaza's Special Defense – when combined with the damage from the next Seed Flare and Stealth Rock, Rayquaza often dies to two uses of Life Orb. Timid is the preferred nature to outspeed Darkrai, but Modest is reasonable for one big reason; it gives Shaymin-S a 58% chance of 2HKOing Blissey with Seed Flare if the first Seed Flare gets a Special Defense drop and if Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes is on the field.. If an extra layer of Spikes is up, the same Blissey is always 2HKOed if the first Seed Flare nets a Special Defense drop. Modest Shaymin-S’ Seed Flare also OHKOs Palkia 53% of the time after Stealth Rock (guaranteed if Spikes are up too), whilst both Garchomp and Mewtwo are OHKOed with just Stealth Rock. It even has a chance of 2HKOing Rayquaza with Seed Flare after Stealth Rock if the first hit gets a Special Defense drop!</p>
<p>Air Slash also greatly benefits from Choice Specs. For example, it almost always 2HKOes 252 HP / 168 SpD Careful Scizor, the most defensive Scizor found in Ubers, after Stealth Rock damage. Rayquaza, Darkrai, Garchomp, and Palkia are always 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage (the 2HKO on Palkia requires Stealth Rock). Earth Power 2HKOs Dialga, Metagross, and Jirachi (though specially defensive Dialga with Leftovers requires Stealth Rock damage). Hidden Power Ice, when used with a Modest nature, 2HKOs Lugia 93% of the time after Stealth Rock damage. With a Timid nature, it still OHKOs Garchomp and Rayquaza and after Stealth Rock damage 2HKOs 86 HP / 96 SpD Giratina-O 90% of the time. Hidden Power Fire, in the sunlight, easily OHKOs Scizor (and 2HKOs Scizor in the rain) and after Stealth Rock damage, specially defensive Skarmory.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The few Pokémon that can take Choice Specs Shaymin-S’s Seed Flares are generally Shaymin-S’s biggest threats. Blissey is one of them, and she threatens Shaymin-S with Ice Beam, Thunder Wave, or Toxic. Although Seed Flare heavily dents Skarmory after a Special Defense drop, Skarmory will still survive and can respond with Stealth Rock or Whirlwind. Latias and Lugia are in the same position as Skarmory, but instead of using Brave Bird, they can OHKO Shaymin-S with Dragon Pulse and Ice Beam, respectively (Lugia has above a 50% chance of a OHKO without Stealth Rock damage, whilst Latias’ OHKO requires Stealth Rock and is still not guaranteed). If Seed Flare doesn't halve Rayquaza’s Special Defense, Rayquaza can set up a Swords Dance or Dragon Dance, and/or OHKO Shaymin-S. Choice Scarf Dialga and Heatran can switch into Seed Flares and OHKO Shaymin-S with either Fire Blast (Dialga can also OHKO with Draco Meteor). An opposing Shaymin-S can switch into Seed Flare or Earth Power and OHKO your own Shaymin-S with Air Slash after Stealth Rock damage or Hidden Power Ice. Finally, Scizor can switch into Choice Specs Shaymin-S’s Seed Flares and 2HKO Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch or use U-turn to scout your next switch-in. Once again, Wobbuffet can kill Choice Scarf Dialga, Shaymin-S and Heatran. When carrying Tickle, Wobbuffet can lower Lugia’s and Blissey’s Defense stat to the point where Pursuit users, like Scizor and Tyranitar, can destroy them. Mewtwo outspeeds opposing Shaymin-S and OHKOs them with Ice Beam. Mewtwo who carry Fire Blast, Dialga and Palkia who pose as Choice Scarf users, and a Gengar with Hidden Power Fire can lure in Scizor to be roasted (as long as it isn't raining in Gengar’s case). Gengar can OHKO Rayquaza with Hidden Power Ice (or Icy Wind if Gengar is using Life Orb and Rayquaza has taken damage from Stealth Rock). Choice Scarf Jirachi destroys any Rayquaza variant with ease, thanks to its Steel-typing, higher base Speed stat, and Ice Punch, as well as OHKOing opposing Shaymin-S with Ice Punch and possessing Trick to cripple Lugia, Blissey, or Latias. A Hasty mixed Dialga can revenge kill an Adamant Swords Dance Rayquaza, crisp both Scizor and Skarmory with Fire Blast (Skarmory can also be destroyed by Thunder in the rain), and severely dent Blissey with Outrage. A Choice Scarf Dialga can destroy Swords Dance Rayquaza and opposing Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor, outspeed Adamant Rayquaza after a Dragon Dance, and revenge kill Latias with Outrage. Scizor can switch into Latias’ Dragon Pulses, opposing Shaymin-S’ Seed Flare, and Blissey’s Ice Beam and Toxic and retaliate with U-turn, Bullet Punch, or Pursuit. Choice Band Tyranitar can Pursuit Blissey and Latias, dent Lugia with Crunch, and switch into Dialga’s and Heatran’s Fire Blasts whilst OHKOing them with Earthquake or Superpower.</p>
<p>Modest Choice Specs Shaymin-S can be revenge killed by Darkrai. Therefore, it is wise to have a Sleep Talker like Kyogre (who also has the bonus of OHKOing Darkrai with Surf). Choice Scarf Heracross can switch into most of Darkrai’s moves and can OHKO with Megahorn, Close Combat, or Sleep Talk. Choice Scarf Dialga and Palkia, and Mewtwo are all excellent revenge killers of Darkrai.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Like most offensive Pokémon, Shaymin-S greatly appreciates Stealth Rock support, as it nets Shaymin-S several vital KOs. Shaymin-S’ Stealth Rock weakness shortens the life of this already frail Pokémon. Hence Forretress makes a great teammate due to Rapid Spin. Forretress can also take Ice-type moves aimed at Shaymin-S and set up Spikes to net Shaymin-S further KOs.</p>
<p>Blissey troubles Shaymin-S without Leech Seed set due to her massive Special Defense and HP. She can either cripple Shaymin-S with Toxic or Thunder Wave or simply OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage. If Shaymin-S lacks Hidden Power Fire, a specially defensive Skarmory will wall it and either use Whirlwind to force Shaymin-S to switch (meaning more Stealth Rock damage) or Brave Bird to OHKO Shaymin-S if Stealth Rock is in play. Although both Latias and Lugia risk of being flinched to death if Seed Flare halves their Special Defense, they can usually destroy Shaymin-S with Dragon Pulse and Ice Beam, respectively if Stealth Rock is in play. Because of these defensive threats, mixed Rayquaza makes a great teammate. It can lure in Lugia, only to 2HKO it with Draco Meteor with Stealth Rock support. It also destroys Skarmory with Fire Blast and Blissey with Outrage. A support Groudon also works well with Shaymin-S; it lures in Lugia and Latias and cripples them with Toxic. Groudon’s massive Attack stat enables it to crush Blissey and Dialga with Earthquake. It can also OHKO Skarmory with Overheat. Giratina-O can use Calm Mind as Latias switches in and then sacrifice itself to destroy Latias. With Dragon Pulse, Thunder, Calm Mind, and Substitute Giratina-O can set up on any Blissey without Calm Mind and easily sweep through Skarmory and Lugia. A mixed Dialga OHKOs Skarmory with Fire Blast or Thunder, OHKOs Latias with Outrage, 2HKOs Blissey with Outrage, and 2HKOs Lugia with Thunder. Taunt + Calm Mind Mewtwo can easily use Skarmory and Lugia as set up bait, while Darkrai can put any of the four defensive Pokémon to sleep and crush them with Nasty Plot-boosted Dark Pulses and Focus Blasts. Tickle Wobbuffet paired with a Pursuit user like Scizor or Tyranitar can spell doom for both Blissey and Lugia. Both Scizor and Tyranitar are capable of destroying Latias with Pursuit, whilst Tyranitar can utilize Taunt and Dragon Dance to set up on Blissey, Lugia, and Skarmory.</p>
<p>Some of Shaymin-S’s biggest threats are powerful Pokémon who can switch into Shaymin-S’s STAB attacks and attack Shaymin-S before it moves. Scizor can switch into Seed Flare and 2HKO Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch or hit Shaymin-S as it flees with Pursuit. An opposing Shaymin-S can switch into Seed Flare or Earth Power and OHKO your Shaymin-S with Air Slash after Stealth Rock damage. This is especially problematic if your Shaymin-S has Hidden Power Fire, forcing Shaymin-S to lower its Speed IV to 30 and always lose Speed ties to opposing Shaymin-S, unless they too have Hidden Power Fire. Choice Scarf Dialga and Heatran can take even Choice Specs Shaymin-S's Seed Flares and Air Slashes and OHKO Shaymin-S with Fire Blast (or Draco Meteor in Dialga’s case). Although they are heavily dented by Choice Specs Seed Flare, Choice Scarf Jirachi and Metagross can outspeed and OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Punch. Ho-Oh isn't even 2HKOed by Choice Specs Air Slash and can OHKO Shaymin-S with Sacred Fire. As mentioned before, Scizor is best dealt with by luring it in with Fire Blast Mewtwo (who can also outrun and OHKO enemy non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S with Ice Beam), Dialga and Palkia who are bluffing Choice Scarfs, and Hidden Power Fire Gengar (in the sunlight). Wobbuffet can revenge kill most of the Choice Scarfed Pokémon that trouble Shaymin-S. Kyogre can easily take Scizor's Bullet Punches, Ho-Oh's Sacred Fires, Jirachi's and Metagross's Ice Punches, and Dialga and Heatran's Fire Blasts, and either use the time to set up with Calm Mind or smash all of them, except Dialga, with Surf. A specially defensive Groudon can take Dialga's Draco Meteor and destroy Dialga, Scizor, Jirachi, and Metagross with Earthquake. It can also lure in opposing Shaymin-S, only to OHKO them with Fire Punch or Overheat as they switch in. If the weather is sunny, a Heatran of your own can OHKO Scizor, Shaymin-S, Dialga, Metagross, and Jirachi with Fire Blast, and OHKO opposing Choice Heatran with Earth Power. Blissey can take any of Dialga’s or Heatran’s special assualts. Haban Berry Garchomp can lure Choice Scarf Dialga in as it uses Swords Dance and then survive Dialga's Draco Meteor while OHKOing Dialga with a Swords Dance boosted Earthquake. Yache Berry Garchomp does the same with Choice Scarf Jirachi, Metagross, and Heatran. Bulk Up Dialga can use Choice Scarf Jirachi, Metagross, and Scizor as set-up bait. Giratina-O can survive Dialga's Draco Meteors if it uses Calm Mind as Dialga switches in and then OHKO Dialga most of the time with a boosted Aura Sphere. Giratina-O can also easily set up on Heatran's and Dialga's Fire Blasts.</p>
<p>While many Pokémon cannot take too many Seed Flares, there are several Pokémon who can easily revenge kill Shaymin-S. Mewtwo outspeeds Shaymin-S and can OHKO with Ice Beam. With a Choice Scarf, it can outspeed Choice Scarf Shaymin-S. Whilst Deoxys-A's dies to any attack, it outspeeds Shaymin-S and OHKOs with Ice Beam. It can also finish off weakened versions of any set with ExtremeSpeed. Choice Scarf Palkia outspeeds and OHKO Shaymin-S with either Draco Meteor or Fire Blast. Choice Scarf Garchomp deals around 72% - 85% to Shaymin-S with Outrage – a 79% chance of OHKOing Shaymin-S with Stealth Rock in play. Stone Edge is a guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock damage. Timid Choice Scarf Darkrai outspeeda even Modest Choice Scarf Shaymin-S and OHKOs with Ice Beam. Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds Shaymin-S and can switch into most of its attacks (except Seed Flare) and OHKO with Ice Beam. Most of these Pokémon require either Ice Beam or STAB Dragon-type attacks to revenge kill Shaymin-S, hence Scizor makes a superb partner. Scizor can easily switch into Deoxys-A's, Choice Scarf Kygore’s and Mewtwo’s (without Fire Blast) Ice Beams and follow with either Pursuit, U-turn, or Bullet Punch. Scizor can also take the Dragon-type attacks from Choice Scarf Palkia and Garchomp and should usually proceed with U-turn against these two threats as well as Choice Scarf Kyogre and Darkrai. A Kyogre of your own can handle Mewtwo without Thunder or Selfdestruct and set up Calm Mind on Choice Scarf Darkrai, as the opponent is likely to swap out and takes little damage from Pursuit. Kyogre is also a great sleep absorber with Sleep Talk. Specially defensive Choice Band Tyranitar can survive Mewtwo’s Aura Spheres and destroy Mewtwo with Crunch or Pursuit whilst taking little damage from any incoming Ice Beams. Finally, Wobbuffet can revenge kill all of the Choice Scarf users mentioned except Darkrai.</p>
<p>The best defensive partners for Shaymin-S will usually resist Fire-, Rock-, and/or Ice-type attacks, as Shaymin-S’ two other weaknesses are types seldom used in Ubers (Poison- and Flying-type attacks). Heatran is a fantastic defensive partner for Shaymin-S, as it resists all of Shaymin-S's weaknesses (in particular, Heatran has a 4x resistance to Ice-type moves), while Shaymin-S resists both Water- and Fighting-type attacks and is immune to Ground-type attacks. Shaymin-S and Heatran together resist every attack in the game except Electric- and Rock-types. Dialga resists Rock-type and Flying-type attacks for Shaymin-S, while Shaymin-S is immune to Ground-type attacks and resists Fighting-type attacks. Kyogre resists the many Ice- and Fire-type attacks aimed at Shaymin-S, while Shaymin-S covers Kyogre's Grass-type weakness with a 4x resistance to it. Whilst Groudon and Garchomp share an Ice-type weakness with Shaymin-S, both resist Rock-type attacks. Garchomp also resists Fire-type attacks, while Shaymin-S covers Groudon Grass-type weakness. Jirachi and Metagross cover Shaymin-S's weaknesses to Ice-, Rock-, and Flying-type attacks, while Shaymin-S is immune to their Ground-type weakness.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Swords Dance is very viable. After one Swords Dance, a Jolly Life Orb Seed Bomb OHKOs Darkrai, max/max Kyogre, most Adamant Groudon, and (with Stealth Rock in play) Palkia and Blissey. It also deals 84% - 99% to Garchomp, a OHKO with Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes (if Shaymin-S is Adamant, Garchomp has a 92% chance of being OHKOed with just Stealth Rock). A +2 Life Orb Return always OHKOs Rayquaza and opposing Shaymin-S after Stealth Rock damage and has a 53% chance of OHKOing 112 HP Latias after Stealth Rock (guaranteed with an Adamant nature). However, Swords Dance Shaymin-S has a poor physical movepool and is completely walled by Lugia, Giratina, Giratina-O, and almost any Steel-type Pokémon.</p>
<p>Grass Knot can replace Seed Flare as an alternate STAB attack. It has 100% accuracy and four times the PP of Seed Flare. As most Ubers are heavy, it often hits for 120 Base Power, while other Pokémon like Mewtwo and Darkrai are still 2HKOed by it after Stealth Rock damage. However, it only hits Wobbuffet for 60 Base Power attack and Mew and Manaphy for 20 Base Power. Grass Knot also lacks Seed Flare's chance of lowering the opponent's Special Defense by two stages, one of Shaymin-S’ best selling points. Energy Ball is a 100% accurate Grass-type attack that still hits Manaphy for a large amount of damage with a 40% chance of dropping the foes Special Attack, but the power loss generally makes it an inferior option.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Rock OHKOs Ho-Oh and 2HKOs Rayquaza and Shaymin-S after Stealth Rock damage, but otherwise, it’s outclassed by Hidden Power / Ice. Quick Attack has priority, but its low power means that a max Attack Jolly Shaymin-S requires Swords Dance to secure an OHKO against even Deoxys-A with Stealth Rock! Endeavor can arguably be paired with Quick Attack and Focus Sash, but it will often make a poor lead, and the commonness of Stealth Rock ruins the tactic outside of a lead role. Secret Power can paralyze the opponent 60% of the time.</p>
<p>Yache Berry lets Shaymin-S survive an Ice Beam from Blissey and Lugia. However, Ice Beams from Kyogre and Mewtwo will still OHKO with Stealth Rock support. Charti Berry lets Shaymin-S survive a Stone Edge from Groudon or Garchomp, and Occa Berry lets Shaymin-S to survive Fire-type attacks in the rain. Both Petaya Berry and Salac Berry are viable options for an offensively oriented Substitute set. Finally, Wide Lens will allow Shaymin-S to have a more accurate Seed Flare and Air Slash.</p>
<p>Psych Up can be used to steal the foes’ stat ups (most notably from Calm Mind Kyogre that has only Surf as its attack), giving Shaymin-S the potential to sweep, but it is far less reliable than Growth or Swords Dance. Shaymin-S has Safeguard Aromatherapy for status protection, but it’s generally too frail to use them effectively. Worry Seed can stop Giratina and Dialga from using their main method of recovery, Rest, but it’s generally not worth the moveslot. Toxic cripples both Lugia and Latias if they attempt to switch into Shaymin-S. Synthesis is Shaymin-S’s only recovery move beyond Rest, and it can be used to extend Life Orb Shaymin-S’s life span when paired with Groudon’s eternal sunlight. Finally, Shaymin-S is arguably the best user of Healing Wish due to its 127 base Speed stat. Healing Wish can restore a weakened sweeper to full health, giving it another chance to sweep when its counter is most likely weakened.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Blissey is often the most reliable counter to Shaymin-S. She can absorb most attacks with ease and either cripple Shaymin-S with Thunder Wave or Toxic, or simply OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Beam with Stealth Rock support. However, she loses against the SubSeed variant, and she may be 2HKOed by a Modest Choice Specs Seed Flare if Blissey's Special Defense is halved. Special defensive Skarmory can take Shaymin-S's assaults except Hidden Power Fire and simply Whirlwind Shaymin-S away (causing it to take more damage from Stealth Rock) or OHKO Shaymin-S with Brave Bird with Stealth Rock in play. Although Lugia and Latias risk falling to Air Slash flinches after a Seed Flare Special Defense drop, they can take most of Shaymin-S's assaults and OHKO with Ice Beam and Dragon Pulse, respectively, after Stealth Rock damage. Lugia can also use Whirlwind to stop Shaymin-S from stalling with Leech Seed.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf Ho-Oh can switch into any of Shaymin-S's attacks and OHKO with Sacred Fire. Scizor can easily switch into Seed Flare and threaten any Shaymin-S without Hidden Power Fire. Scizor 2HKOs Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch and can U-turn for heavy damage as well as scout possible switch-ins. Choice Band Scizor can even use Pursuit to put Shaymin-S into the KO range of Stealth Rock on its next switch-in (provided that Shaymin-S has already taken Stealth Rock damage.) However, a Choice Specs boosted Air Slash will 2HKO Scizor. Choice Scarf Dialga and Heatran can easily switch into Seed Flare and Air Slash. They can OHKO Shaymin-S with Fire Blast (or Draco Meteor in Dialga’s case). Choice Scarf Jirachi and Metagross resist Seed Flare and Air Slash and can OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Punch. However, Dialga, Heatran, Metagross, and Jirachi are 2HKOed Earth Power (Heatran is OHKOed). Faster Pokémon like Mewtwo, Deoxys-A and Choice Scarf Garchomp, Palkia, Darkrai, and Kyogre can revenge kill non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S with Ice Beam or STAB Dragon-type attacks. However, Choice Scarf Mewtwo can outspeed Choice Scarf Shaymin-S.</p>
Made the behemoth thread more concise and updated it (finally!). Overview is basically a smaller Opinion section. Most of the EVs section was irrelevant to Alternate options, so it was removed (the only useful stuff only applied to the SubSeed set, and it was moved to the set comments). Kept all the information (except Ominous Wind in Alternate options) and tried to keep it as close as possible to the original thread.
Grammar checks please!
[EDIT] Making thread more concise
[Overview]
<p>Shaymin-S has some brilliant traits. Shaymin-S's STAB Seed Flares crush both Kyogre and Groudon, both of whom are among the most prominent Pokémon in the Uber metagame. Shaymin-S is among the fastest Pokémon in the Uber tier, outspeeding even Darkrai. When holding a Choice Scarf, it's one of the best answers to Rock Polish Groudon. Finally, luck already significantly affecta the outcome of the fast paced battles of Ubers, and Shaymin-S is very capable of abusing this. Special Defense drops from Seed Flare and t Air Slash flinches are fairly common, thanks to Shaymin-S's infamous ability, Serene Grace. Shaymin-S's use of luck can often turn the tables upon the opponent, even in the most dire situations.
<p>Unfortunately, Shaymin-S has a few flaws that generally makes Shaymin-S' life span short. It's frail by Uber standards, being only sightly bulkier than Darkrai, its weak to Stealth Rock, and it's forced out by many common Pokémon like Dialga and Scizor. Nevertheless, Shaymin-S is an excellent choice for almost any offensive Uber team, because Shaymin-S often makes a significant impact in a relatively short time.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Seed Flare
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf enables Shaymin-S to become both a great revenge killer and a decent lead. Non-lead Shaymin-S should have a Modest nature, enabling Shaymin-S's Seed Flare to OHKO a 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre 100% of the time with Stealth Rock damage. When equipped with a Choice Scarf, Modest Shaymin-S reaches a Speed stat of 529, meaning that the only somewhat common Pokémon in Ubers who will outspeed Shaymin-S are Timid Choice Scarf Darkrai, Shaymin-S, and Mewtwo. Lead Shaymin-S should be Timid, so it can outspeed Choice Scarf Darkrai. Regardless of the nature, one of the biggest selling points of Choice Scarf Shaymin-S is that it's arguably the best offensive answer to Rock Polish Groudon. After one Rock Polish, most Groudon reach a Speed stat of 500, which is still outsped by Choice Scarf Shaymin-S. Shaymin-S is immune to Groudon’s Earthquakes, and it can OHKO Groudon with Seed Flare. However, Timid loses the 100% chance to OHKO a 4 HP Kyogre after Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Air Slash is a secondary STAB attack that can get Shaymin-S out of tough situations thanks to its 57% flinch rate taking Serene Grace and accuracy into account. For example, if Shaymin-S is up against a Palkia with 79% of its health left, Seed Flare won't OHKO it, but Air Slash can 2HKO, so Palkia is either forced to switch out or risk fainting if Air Slash flinches it. Air Slash also hits most of the Uber metagame for neutral damage, with the only significant Pokémon who resist it being Dialga, Metagross, and Tyranitar. Earth Power slams Dialga and Metagross switch-ins, with most Metagross and offensive Dialga being 2HKOed. However, specially defensive Dialga will live through two Earth Powers, usually even after a Special Defense drop. Hidden Power Ice allows Shaymin-S to revenge kill Garchomp, opposing Shaymin-S, and Dragon Dance Rayquaza without ExtremeSpeed. Leaf Storm is a viable option in place of Seed Flare with a Modest nature, OHKOing both a max HP Kyogre and a 4 HP / 0 SpD Darkrai after Stealth Rock damage. However, after grabbing a kill with Leaf Storm, Shaymin-S can be easily set up on by Calm Mind users, like Latias and Mewtwo, due to the Special Attack drop. Leaf Storm also lacks the 68% chance (taking accuracy into account) of halving the opponent's Special Defense. Generally, Seed Flare should always be the Grass-type move of choice, unless your team needs the KOs that Leaf Storm provides. Don’t use Leaf Storm with a Timid nature, as the only benefit to doing so is gaining a OHKO on a 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre after Stealth Rock.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Generally, Choice Scarf Shaymin-S’s biggest foes resist Grass-type moves and can switch in to take advantage of Shaymin-S. Scizor can heavily dent Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch and U-turn. Max Attack Choice Band Scizor's Pursuit deals 53% minimum to a fleeing Shaymin-S, meaning if Shaymin-S took damage from Stealth Rock when it switched in, Shaymin-S will be KOed by Stealth Rock the next time it switches in. Dialga’s 4x resistance to Seed Flare and a resistance to Air Slash gives it a relatively easy time switching into Shaymin-S and setting up Bulk Ups, Stealth Rock, or outright KOing Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor or Fire Blast. Lugia and opposing Shaymin-S can also switch into Seed Flare and Earth Power whilst OHKOing your own Shaymin-S with Ice Beam and Air Slash respectively with Stealth Rock in play. Rayquaza is in the same position as Lugia, but instead of using Ice Beam, it can set up a sweep with Swords Dance or OHKO Shaymin-S with Overheat or Draco Meteor. Giratina’s massive defensive stats and resistances allow it to shrug off Shaymin-S’s assaults and waste Shaymin-S’s PP with Rest and Pressure as long as Seed Flare doesn’t net too many Special Defense drops. Latias also walls Shaymin-S’s attacks and can either set up Calm Mind or OHKO Shaymin-S with Dragon Pulse after Stealth Rock damage 92% of the time. Blissey completely walls Shaymin-S and either cripples it with Toxic or Thunder Wave or OHKOs Shaymin-S with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage. Specially defensive Skarmory can easily switch into Shaymin-S and either use Brave Bird to OHKO Shaymin-S after Stealth Rock damage or use Whirlwind, forcing Shaymin-S to take more damage from Stealth Rock. Metagross can survive three Seed Flares, thanks to Clear Body preventing its Special Defense from dropping, and OHKO with Ice Punch. Finally, although Wobbuffet cannot switch into Seed Flare, and nor does it enjoy Air Slash’s flinch rates, Wobbuffet can easily revenge kill Choice Scarf Shaymin-S due to Shadow Tag and Mirror Coat. Due of these problems, a mixed Dialga can be a good teammate for Choice Scarf Shaymin-S. Mixed Dialga can lure in Blissey and Latias, only to do severe damage with Outrage (OHKOing the latter), and roast Skarmory and Metagross with Fire Blast. If Hasty, mixed Dialga can destroy Adamant Swords Dance Rayquaza and pose as a Choice Scarf user to defeat Wobbuffet. Dialga can also switch into Air Slashes from opposing Choiced Shaymin-S and OHKO it with Fire Blast. Life Orb Gengar can lure in Scizor and OHKO it with Hidden Power Fire assuming the weather isn't rainy and OHKO Rayquaza with Icy Wind after Stealth Rock damage. Choice Scarf Gengar can beat both Dragon Dance Rayquaza and Swords Dance Rayquaza, but it is very vulnerable to Scizor. Tickle Wobbuffet plus Scizor or Tyranitar with Pursuit can remove both Lugia and Blissey from the battlefield, whilst Scizor and Tyranitar can switch into Latias’ Dragon Pulse and either Pursuit as she flees or OHKO her with their super effective STAB attacks. Groudon can handle Bulk Up Dialga that may try to set up on Shaymin-S and scares away Blissey and Scizor with Earthquake. It also lures in Skarmory and OHKOes it with Overheat and Lugia whilst crippling it with Toxic. A Blissey of your own can defeat Dialga without physical attacks, opposing Shaymin-S without Leech Seed, Latias without Refresh or Safeguard, and Lugia if she has Toxic. Mixed Dialga can be difficult to handle if it switches into any of Shaymin-S’s attacks except Earth Power; thus it's best to revenge kill it via Pokémon with STAB super effective attacks like Garchomp and Lucario. Darkrai can set up on Lugia and Giratina and crush them with Dark Pulse whilst. Darkrai can also destroy a weakened Latias, though Darkrai cannot safely switch in to Latias’s Dragon Pulse. Mewtwo can lure Scizor in, only to OHKO it with Fire Blast, and can Selfdestruct to gain a surprise KO on Blissey. If using Taunt and Calm Mind, Mewtwo can easily set up on Lugia, Giratina, and usually Blissey too. Finally, Mewtwo can revenge kill opposing non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S with Ice Beam.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf Shaymin-S can be an acceptable lead as well, outspeeding Deoxys-S and 2HKOing with Air Slash. If Air Slash doesn't miss, Deoxys-S will only set up one entry hazard maximum and will be unable to set any entry hazards 54.15% of the time due to Air Slash's flinch rate. Another common lead, Groudon, must heavily invest in Special Defense EVs to survive Seed Flare. Something to note about lead Choice Scarf Shaymin-S is that it often relies on Air Slash’s flinch rate to beat other leads. For example, Timid Shaymin-S only has a 28% chance of 2HKOing Darkrai with Air Slash, and thus must often flinch Darkrai twice to avoid Dark Pulse. In Darkrai’s case, a Sleep Talker like Kyogre is advisable. When using lead Choice Scarf Shaymin-S, Hidden Power Fire is a viable option, as it destroys Scizor leads and Forretress or Skarmory switch-ins. However, it requires Shaymin-S to lower its Speed IV to 30, meaning that opposing Choice Scarf Shaymin-S will beat you.</p>
<p>There are also several leads that almost always beat Shaymin-S. Choice Scarf Mewtwo outspeeds Shaymin-S and OHKOs with Ice Beam. 252 HP Kyogre will always survive Seed Flare and OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Beam. Lead Dialga can take an Earth Power and OHKO Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor. Scizor leads trouble Shaymin-S that lack Hidden Power Fire, 3HKOing with Bullet Punch. Tyranitar leads can survive a Seed Flare and OHKO Shaymin-S with Stone Edge. An allied Blissey can easily wall lead Kyogre, Dialga, and Mewtwo. Groudon can switch into Tyranitar’s Stone Edge and OHKO most with Earthquake, while Scizor will take a severe amount of damage or will be OHKOed by a Fire-type attack. Although Draco Meteor will do a huge amount of damage to Groudon, STAB Earthquake will often scare Dialga off. While Palkia and Latias can destroy Kyogre, several lead Kyogre carry Thunder Wave to take advantage of these switch-ins. A Dialga of your own can switch into Mewtwo, Kyogre, and Scizor, and threaten them with Draco Meteor, Thunder, and Fire Blast respectively.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Seed Flare
move 4: Air Slash / Hidden Power Fire / Earth Power
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Like most Grass-types, Shaymin-S can effectively utilize the combination of Leech Seed and Substitute. But Shaymin-S isn't only the fastest Leech Seed user (barring Jumpluff in the sun and Ludicolo in the rain); it's also one of the few viable users in Ubers that doesn't require a specific type of weather. Shaymin-S can also be an offensive threat with its base 120 Special Attack while stalling with Substitute + Leech Seed.</p>
<p>The main idea of this set is to switch into Pokémon who Shaymin-S can scare out, set up Substitute as they switch, and then either attack the next switch-in or use Leech Seed. Using Pokémon who attract Groudon’s or Garchomp’s Earthquakes like Dialga, Metagross, Jirachi, and Heatran is highly recommended, as this can give Shaymin-S a free switch in, and will often let Shaymin-S set up a Substitute when Groudon or Garchomp switch out. Leech Seed allows Shaymin-S to take advantage of common switch-ins, such as Blissey and Giratina, restoring huge amounts of health per turn. In fact, Blissey will almost always lose to Shaymin-S after Leech Seed, due to Shaymin-S recovering more health from Leech Seed and Leftovers than losing health from Substitute!</p>
<p>Seed Flare can cause a lot of switches, due to its high chance of halving the opponent's Special Defense, forcing the opponent's Pokémon to take more damage from entry hazards and Leech Seed. For the last moveslot, Air Slash is generally the best choice. In addition to being a STAB attack, it works extremely well with Substitute and Leech Seed. If Air Slash flinches the opponent, the opposing Pokémon loses a turn to move and takes Leech Seed damage. Air Slash is also super effective on two other Leech Seeder seen in Ubers: Jumpluff and Ludicolo. However, Air Slash can leave Shaymin-S open to threats like Bulk Up Dialga and Scizor. Hidden Power Fire allows Shaymin-S to OHKO Scizor in the sun. Without it, Scizor is a huge threat to this set due to Bullet Punch’s speed priority and U-turn breaking Shaymin-S's Substitute whilst switching-out thus avoiding Leech Seed. Hidden Power Fire also 2HKOs Metagross and Skarmory in the sun, the latter would otherwise resist all of Shaymin-S’ attacks and simply Whirlwind it away. When using Hidden Power Fire, make sure you use Groudon with Shaymin-S, as the sun is required for the KOs on every one of these Pokémon except of Scizor. Earth Power 3HKOs the standard Bulk Up Dialga, who could otherwise stall Shaymin-S with Rest and set up a sweep with Bulk Up. Earth Power also 2HKOes Metagross and offensive Dialga. Finally, Hidden Power Ice can OHKO Rayquaza, who may attempt to set up on Shaymin-S. Hidden Power Ice also OHKOs Garchomp and opposing Shaymin-S.</p>
<p>Investing in defenses often means little, as Shaymin-S’ Substitutes will still be broken from most of the attacks thrown at Shaymin-S. Just max out Speed and Special Attack as with the previous set. The Substitute + Leech Seed set can use 252 HP EVs to make its Substitutes unbreakable by Blissey’s Seismic Toss, but the power loss is often not worth it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>When using SubSeed Shaymin-S, Wobbuffet support is highly recommended. Many players rely on Choice Scarf holders like Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp to defeat most Shaymin-S sets. If Shaymin-S uses Substitute as these threats switch in, Shaymin-S can safely scout these threats. If a Pokémon with a lower base Speed stat moves before Shaymin-S, the opposing Pokémon holds a Choice Scarf. With this vital information revealed, Wobbuffet can easily revenge kill them later in the match. The defeat of these Choice Scarfed Pokémon aids not only Shaymin-S but also several sweepers. The removal of Choice Scarf Dialga and Garchomp helps Swords Dance Rayquaza, Darkrai, Lucario, and Choice Band or Swords Dance Garchomp sweep. With Choice Scarf Palkia eliminated, many teams will lack a reliable switch-in to Choice Specs Kyogre. Wobbuffet can also help set up Shaymin-S by either using Encore when a Pokémon uses a support move or Encoring a Ground-type attack. Finally, if Wobbuffet has Tickle, it can be paired with a user of Pursuit (preferably Tyranitar or Scizor) to eliminate Lugia, who can seriously trouble Shaymin-S.</p>
<p>Stealth Rock support is absolutely crucial to Shaymin-S’ success, punishing the opponent for the many switches this set causes. Similarly, Deoxys-S, Forretress, Skarmory, or Deoxys-D as a teammate is greatly appreciated for Spikes support. Deoxys-S fits perfectly on many offensive teams as a lead, immediately laying down both Stealth Rock and Spikes on slower leads like Groudon. Forretress, as well as setting up Spikes, can Rapid Spin to give Shaymin-S an easier time switching in and set up Toxic Spikes to make Shaymin-S much harder to stall. Skarmory can use its Steel-typing and Roost to easily set up Spikes on Choice Scarfed Dragon-types that trouble Shaymin-S. Finally, Deoxys-D can defeat some variants of Rayquaza. A Ghost-type is recommended to block Rapid Spin and maintain your entry hazards. Giratina-O can use its typing, Substitute and Calm Mind to help Shaymin-S beat stall teams. Giratina-O also lures in Bulk Up Dialga, only to 2HKO it with a +1 Aura Sphere, while Bulk Up Dialga cannot OHKO Giratina-O. Giratina is a more defensive approach to Rapid Spin blocking. Giratina can use Calm Mind, Rest, and Sleep Talk to easily set up on Forretress, whilst Gengar OHKOs it with Hidden Power Fire if the weather isn't rainy.</p>
<p>SubSeed Shaymin-S's problems are largely dependent on the last move. Without Hidden Power Fire, Scizor and Skarmory are huge problems for Shaymin-S. If Shaymin-S lacks Earth Power or Hidden Power Fire, Metagross can defeat Shaymin-S with a combination of Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash or Ice Punch. Without Air Slash or Hidden Power Ice, Rayquaza can set up Dragon / Swords Dance or 2HKO Shaymin-S with ExtremeSpeed. If Shaymin-S uses Earth Power, it will have issues with opposing Shaymin-S. But without Earth Power, Bulk Up Dialga can easily set up on Shaymin-S. Lugia can either Ice Beam Shaymin-S (without a Substitute up) or simply Whirlwind Shaymin-S away, as long as Shaymin-S doesn't get too many Special Defense drops or Air Slash flinches on Lugia. If Shaymin-S doesn’t get Special Defense drops and flinches at the right time, Calm Mind Giratina / Giratina-O with Rest and Sleep Talk can out-stall Shaymin-S. Because of these issues, Groudon makes a great teammate. Its powerful STAB Earthquakes OHKOs Metagross and severely dents Scizor and Dialga. With Toxic, Groudon can lure in Lugia and cripple it. With Overheat, it destroys incoming Skarmory or Shaymin-S. Gengar can lure in Scizor, and OHKO it as it switches in with Hidden Power Fire outside of rain or OHKO Rayquaza with Hidden Power Ice or Icy Wind after Stealth Rock damage. Choice Scarf Jirachi can destroy and outspeed Rayquaza and non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S whilst resisting their STAB attacks and OHKOing with Ice Punch. Jirachi can also cripple Lugia, Skarmory, Bulk Up Dialga, and Calm Mind Giratina by Tricking them a Choice Scarf. Hasty Dialga can torch Metagross, Skarmory, and Scizor with Fire Blast and destroy Giratina, Giratina-O, and Rayquaza with Draco Meteor or Outrage. Mewtwo can lure in Scizor and OHKO it with Fire Blast. Mewtwo can also use Taunt and Calm Mind to set up on Lugia, Skarmory, Giratina, and Giratina-O when Resting, as well as outspeed opposing Shaymin-S and OHKO them with Ice Beam. Finally, Tyranitar is one of the most reliable counters to Giratina-O, and can use Taunt + Dragon Dance to set up on Lugia, Skarmory, and Giratina.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Sweeper
move 1: Seed Flare
move 3: Air Slash
move 2: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire / Growth
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a blazing 127 base Speed stat, a great 120 base Special Attack stat, and Life Orb, Shaymin-S has the capability to be a potent threat in the Uber metagame. To fully take advantage of Life Orb, Shaymin-S should use a HP IV of 29, as this allows Shaymin-S to survive 11 turns of Life Orb’s recoil instead of 10.</p>
<p>Life Orb Seed Flare nets many important KOs that Shaymin-S cannot normally obtain. Seed Flare always OHKOs both Darkrai and max HP Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage and OHKOs 4 HP Kyogre without Stealth Rock support. Offensive Mewtwo takes 74%-88% from Seed Flare – a 92% chance to OHKO Mewtwo if Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes are up. Groudon is almost always OHKOed by Seed Flare with only an extremely specially defensive Groudon having a chance of surviving. Both Palkia and Garchomp suffer a 2HKO from Seed Flare.</p>
<p>Air Slash, in addition to providing a secondary STAB attack, greatly aids Shaymin-S due to its flinch rate. For example, Air Slash puts Palkia into the KO range of Seed Flare, meaning that if flinched, Palkia must switch or rely on Seed Flare to miss to survive. Air Slash OHKOs opposing Shaymin-S and 2HKOs Darkrai. Rayquaza, Garchomp, and (usually) Scizor are usually 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage (or are KOed by Air Slash if Seed Flare nets a Special Defense drop). Lugia, Latias, Giratina, and Giratina-O are 2HKOed by Air Slash if Seed Flare halves their Special Defense, though staying in on Lugia and Latias should only be done in emergencies, as they can KO Shaymin-S if Air Slash doesn't flinch. After a Special Defense drop from Seed Flare, Shaymin-S will also have a small chance of 2HKOing Skarmory with Air Slash after Stealth Rock damage. Earth Power 2HKOs Metagross, Dialga, and Jirachi (unless Dialga and Jirachi are extremely specially defensive) and OHKOs Heatran.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Ice’s biggest selling point is that if Lugia's Special Defense is halved by Seed Flare on the switch-in, with Stealth Rock support, Hidden Power will KO Lugia. Hidden Power Ice also 2HKOs Giratina, Giratina-O, and Latias if Seed Flare halves their Special Defense and always OHKOs Garchomp, Rayquaza, and opposing Shaymin-S. Hidden Power Fire easily OHKOs Scizor and 2HKOs Skarmory in the sun. Growth enables Shaymin-S to net several KOs that it would otherwise miss. After one Growth, Seed Flare always OHKOs Garchomp and (with Stealth Rock) Palkia. +1 Earth Power always OHKOs Offensive Dialga as well as max HP Dialga 66% chance of the time after Stealth Rock damage. Specially defensive Dialga is always 2HKOed. Rayquaza has a 53% chance of being 2HKOed by +1 Air Slash after Stealth Rock, which is guaranteed after one turn of Life Orb recoil. When using Growth, Leftovers becomes viable, as it lets Shaymin-S survive in battle longer and a Growth boost provides more power than a Life Orb.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Due to Shaymin-S's constant damage from Life Orb, weakness to Stealth Rock, and frail defenses, any Pokémon who can switch into one of Shaymin-S's attacks (usually Seed Flare or Air Slash), and then attack before Shaymin-S can move is a threat. After one turn of Life Orb and Stealth Rock damage, Shaymin-S is OHKOed by a Bullet Punch from a max Attack Choice Band Scizor’s Bullet Punch over 50% of the time, whilst Pursuit insures that a fleeing Shaymin-S is destroyed by Stealth Rock the next time it switches in. Scizor is best dealt with before attempting to sweep with Shaymin-S. A Mewtwo with Fire Blast is a great lure for Scizor, whilst Dialga and Palkia can bluff having a Choice Scarf, only to OHKO Scizor with Fire Blast.</p>
<p>There are four particular Choice Scarf holders that outspeed Shaymin-S and resist both Seed Flare and Air Slash; Dialga, Metagross, Jirachi, and Heatran. Choice Scarf Dialga easily OHKOs Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor or Fire Blast, Choice Scarf Jirachi and Metagross OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Punch, and Choice Scarf Heatran OHKOs Shaymin-S with Fire Blast (even in rain if Stealth Rock is on the field). Wobbuffet can revenge kill all of these Pokémon and can help Shaymin-S set up Growth with Encore. A specially defensive Groudon can take a Draco Meteor from Dialga and do a severe amount of damage back with Earthquake. Groudon Earthquakes also easily destroy both Jirachi and Metagross. Kyogre can easily switch into Jirachi’s and Metagross’ Ice Punch and Heatran's Fire Blasts, whilst retaliating with powerful rain-boosted STAB Surfs. takes even less from Heatran's Fire Blast and also sports Surf. A Heatran of your own can switch into Ice Punch, Fire Blast, and Draco Meteor and crisp Dialga, Jirachi, and Metagross with STAB Fire Blasts in the sun whilst OHKOing opposing Heatran with Earth Power. Note that none of these threats enjoy Shaymin-S’ Earth Powers, so you try hiting them on the switch.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Seed Flare
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Specs Shaymin-S boasts a great amount of power without the need to set up or the constant recoil of Life Orb.</p>
<p>Seed Flare deals massive damage to any Pokémon who doesn’t resist it except Blissey. It OHKOs Darkrai and max HP Kyogre and Groudon without Stealth Rock. It also OHKOes offensive Mewtwo and Garchomp 87% and 66% respectively of the time after Stealth Rock damage. Even Rayquaza has a hard time setting up on Shaymin-S if Seed Flare halves Rayquaza's Special Defense – when combined with the damage from the next Seed Flare and Stealth Rock, Rayquaza often dies to two uses of Life Orb. Timid is the preferred nature to outspeed Darkrai, but Modest is reasonable for one big reason; it gives Shaymin-S a 58% chance of 2HKOing Blissey with Seed Flare if the first Seed Flare gets a Special Defense drop and if Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes is on the field.. If an extra layer of Spikes is up, the same Blissey is always 2HKOed if the first Seed Flare nets a Special Defense drop. Modest Shaymin-S’ Seed Flare also OHKOs Palkia 53% of the time after Stealth Rock (guaranteed if Spikes are up too), whilst both Garchomp and Mewtwo are OHKOed with just Stealth Rock. It even has a chance of 2HKOing Rayquaza with Seed Flare after Stealth Rock if the first hit gets a Special Defense drop!</p>
<p>Air Slash also greatly benefits from Choice Specs. For example, it almost always 2HKOes 252 HP / 168 SpD Careful Scizor, the most defensive Scizor found in Ubers, after Stealth Rock damage. Rayquaza, Darkrai, Garchomp, and Palkia are always 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage (the 2HKO on Palkia requires Stealth Rock). Earth Power 2HKOs Dialga, Metagross, and Jirachi (though specially defensive Dialga with Leftovers requires Stealth Rock damage). Hidden Power Ice, when used with a Modest nature, 2HKOs Lugia 93% of the time after Stealth Rock damage. With a Timid nature, it still OHKOs Garchomp and Rayquaza and after Stealth Rock damage 2HKOs 86 HP / 96 SpD Giratina-O 90% of the time. Hidden Power Fire, in the sunlight, easily OHKOs Scizor (and 2HKOs Scizor in the rain) and after Stealth Rock damage, specially defensive Skarmory.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The few Pokémon that can take Choice Specs Shaymin-S’s Seed Flares are generally Shaymin-S’s biggest threats. Blissey is one of them, and she threatens Shaymin-S with Ice Beam, Thunder Wave, or Toxic. Although Seed Flare heavily dents Skarmory after a Special Defense drop, Skarmory will still survive and can respond with Stealth Rock or Whirlwind. Latias and Lugia are in the same position as Skarmory, but instead of using Brave Bird, they can OHKO Shaymin-S with Dragon Pulse and Ice Beam, respectively (Lugia has above a 50% chance of a OHKO without Stealth Rock damage, whilst Latias’ OHKO requires Stealth Rock and is still not guaranteed). If Seed Flare doesn't halve Rayquaza’s Special Defense, Rayquaza can set up a Swords Dance or Dragon Dance, and/or OHKO Shaymin-S. Choice Scarf Dialga and Heatran can switch into Seed Flares and OHKO Shaymin-S with either Fire Blast (Dialga can also OHKO with Draco Meteor). An opposing Shaymin-S can switch into Seed Flare or Earth Power and OHKO your own Shaymin-S with Air Slash after Stealth Rock damage or Hidden Power Ice. Finally, Scizor can switch into Choice Specs Shaymin-S’s Seed Flares and 2HKO Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch or use U-turn to scout your next switch-in. Once again, Wobbuffet can kill Choice Scarf Dialga, Shaymin-S and Heatran. When carrying Tickle, Wobbuffet can lower Lugia’s and Blissey’s Defense stat to the point where Pursuit users, like Scizor and Tyranitar, can destroy them. Mewtwo outspeeds opposing Shaymin-S and OHKOs them with Ice Beam. Mewtwo who carry Fire Blast, Dialga and Palkia who pose as Choice Scarf users, and a Gengar with Hidden Power Fire can lure in Scizor to be roasted (as long as it isn't raining in Gengar’s case). Gengar can OHKO Rayquaza with Hidden Power Ice (or Icy Wind if Gengar is using Life Orb and Rayquaza has taken damage from Stealth Rock). Choice Scarf Jirachi destroys any Rayquaza variant with ease, thanks to its Steel-typing, higher base Speed stat, and Ice Punch, as well as OHKOing opposing Shaymin-S with Ice Punch and possessing Trick to cripple Lugia, Blissey, or Latias. A Hasty mixed Dialga can revenge kill an Adamant Swords Dance Rayquaza, crisp both Scizor and Skarmory with Fire Blast (Skarmory can also be destroyed by Thunder in the rain), and severely dent Blissey with Outrage. A Choice Scarf Dialga can destroy Swords Dance Rayquaza and opposing Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor, outspeed Adamant Rayquaza after a Dragon Dance, and revenge kill Latias with Outrage. Scizor can switch into Latias’ Dragon Pulses, opposing Shaymin-S’ Seed Flare, and Blissey’s Ice Beam and Toxic and retaliate with U-turn, Bullet Punch, or Pursuit. Choice Band Tyranitar can Pursuit Blissey and Latias, dent Lugia with Crunch, and switch into Dialga’s and Heatran’s Fire Blasts whilst OHKOing them with Earthquake or Superpower.</p>
<p>Modest Choice Specs Shaymin-S can be revenge killed by Darkrai. Therefore, it is wise to have a Sleep Talker like Kyogre (who also has the bonus of OHKOing Darkrai with Surf). Choice Scarf Heracross can switch into most of Darkrai’s moves and can OHKO with Megahorn, Close Combat, or Sleep Talk. Choice Scarf Dialga and Palkia, and Mewtwo are all excellent revenge killers of Darkrai.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Like most offensive Pokémon, Shaymin-S greatly appreciates Stealth Rock support, as it nets Shaymin-S several vital KOs. Shaymin-S’ Stealth Rock weakness shortens the life of this already frail Pokémon. Hence Forretress makes a great teammate due to Rapid Spin. Forretress can also take Ice-type moves aimed at Shaymin-S and set up Spikes to net Shaymin-S further KOs.</p>
<p>Blissey troubles Shaymin-S without Leech Seed set due to her massive Special Defense and HP. She can either cripple Shaymin-S with Toxic or Thunder Wave or simply OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage. If Shaymin-S lacks Hidden Power Fire, a specially defensive Skarmory will wall it and either use Whirlwind to force Shaymin-S to switch (meaning more Stealth Rock damage) or Brave Bird to OHKO Shaymin-S if Stealth Rock is in play. Although both Latias and Lugia risk of being flinched to death if Seed Flare halves their Special Defense, they can usually destroy Shaymin-S with Dragon Pulse and Ice Beam, respectively if Stealth Rock is in play. Because of these defensive threats, mixed Rayquaza makes a great teammate. It can lure in Lugia, only to 2HKO it with Draco Meteor with Stealth Rock support. It also destroys Skarmory with Fire Blast and Blissey with Outrage. A support Groudon also works well with Shaymin-S; it lures in Lugia and Latias and cripples them with Toxic. Groudon’s massive Attack stat enables it to crush Blissey and Dialga with Earthquake. It can also OHKO Skarmory with Overheat. Giratina-O can use Calm Mind as Latias switches in and then sacrifice itself to destroy Latias. With Dragon Pulse, Thunder, Calm Mind, and Substitute Giratina-O can set up on any Blissey without Calm Mind and easily sweep through Skarmory and Lugia. A mixed Dialga OHKOs Skarmory with Fire Blast or Thunder, OHKOs Latias with Outrage, 2HKOs Blissey with Outrage, and 2HKOs Lugia with Thunder. Taunt + Calm Mind Mewtwo can easily use Skarmory and Lugia as set up bait, while Darkrai can put any of the four defensive Pokémon to sleep and crush them with Nasty Plot-boosted Dark Pulses and Focus Blasts. Tickle Wobbuffet paired with a Pursuit user like Scizor or Tyranitar can spell doom for both Blissey and Lugia. Both Scizor and Tyranitar are capable of destroying Latias with Pursuit, whilst Tyranitar can utilize Taunt and Dragon Dance to set up on Blissey, Lugia, and Skarmory.</p>
<p>Some of Shaymin-S’s biggest threats are powerful Pokémon who can switch into Shaymin-S’s STAB attacks and attack Shaymin-S before it moves. Scizor can switch into Seed Flare and 2HKO Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch or hit Shaymin-S as it flees with Pursuit. An opposing Shaymin-S can switch into Seed Flare or Earth Power and OHKO your Shaymin-S with Air Slash after Stealth Rock damage. This is especially problematic if your Shaymin-S has Hidden Power Fire, forcing Shaymin-S to lower its Speed IV to 30 and always lose Speed ties to opposing Shaymin-S, unless they too have Hidden Power Fire. Choice Scarf Dialga and Heatran can take even Choice Specs Shaymin-S's Seed Flares and Air Slashes and OHKO Shaymin-S with Fire Blast (or Draco Meteor in Dialga’s case). Although they are heavily dented by Choice Specs Seed Flare, Choice Scarf Jirachi and Metagross can outspeed and OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Punch. Ho-Oh isn't even 2HKOed by Choice Specs Air Slash and can OHKO Shaymin-S with Sacred Fire. As mentioned before, Scizor is best dealt with by luring it in with Fire Blast Mewtwo (who can also outrun and OHKO enemy non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S with Ice Beam), Dialga and Palkia who are bluffing Choice Scarfs, and Hidden Power Fire Gengar (in the sunlight). Wobbuffet can revenge kill most of the Choice Scarfed Pokémon that trouble Shaymin-S. Kyogre can easily take Scizor's Bullet Punches, Ho-Oh's Sacred Fires, Jirachi's and Metagross's Ice Punches, and Dialga and Heatran's Fire Blasts, and either use the time to set up with Calm Mind or smash all of them, except Dialga, with Surf. A specially defensive Groudon can take Dialga's Draco Meteor and destroy Dialga, Scizor, Jirachi, and Metagross with Earthquake. It can also lure in opposing Shaymin-S, only to OHKO them with Fire Punch or Overheat as they switch in. If the weather is sunny, a Heatran of your own can OHKO Scizor, Shaymin-S, Dialga, Metagross, and Jirachi with Fire Blast, and OHKO opposing Choice Heatran with Earth Power. Blissey can take any of Dialga’s or Heatran’s special assualts. Haban Berry Garchomp can lure Choice Scarf Dialga in as it uses Swords Dance and then survive Dialga's Draco Meteor while OHKOing Dialga with a Swords Dance boosted Earthquake. Yache Berry Garchomp does the same with Choice Scarf Jirachi, Metagross, and Heatran. Bulk Up Dialga can use Choice Scarf Jirachi, Metagross, and Scizor as set-up bait. Giratina-O can survive Dialga's Draco Meteors if it uses Calm Mind as Dialga switches in and then OHKO Dialga most of the time with a boosted Aura Sphere. Giratina-O can also easily set up on Heatran's and Dialga's Fire Blasts.</p>
<p>While many Pokémon cannot take too many Seed Flares, there are several Pokémon who can easily revenge kill Shaymin-S. Mewtwo outspeeds Shaymin-S and can OHKO with Ice Beam. With a Choice Scarf, it can outspeed Choice Scarf Shaymin-S. Whilst Deoxys-A's dies to any attack, it outspeeds Shaymin-S and OHKOs with Ice Beam. It can also finish off weakened versions of any set with ExtremeSpeed. Choice Scarf Palkia outspeeds and OHKO Shaymin-S with either Draco Meteor or Fire Blast. Choice Scarf Garchomp deals around 72% - 85% to Shaymin-S with Outrage – a 79% chance of OHKOing Shaymin-S with Stealth Rock in play. Stone Edge is a guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock damage. Timid Choice Scarf Darkrai outspeeda even Modest Choice Scarf Shaymin-S and OHKOs with Ice Beam. Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds Shaymin-S and can switch into most of its attacks (except Seed Flare) and OHKO with Ice Beam. Most of these Pokémon require either Ice Beam or STAB Dragon-type attacks to revenge kill Shaymin-S, hence Scizor makes a superb partner. Scizor can easily switch into Deoxys-A's, Choice Scarf Kygore’s and Mewtwo’s (without Fire Blast) Ice Beams and follow with either Pursuit, U-turn, or Bullet Punch. Scizor can also take the Dragon-type attacks from Choice Scarf Palkia and Garchomp and should usually proceed with U-turn against these two threats as well as Choice Scarf Kyogre and Darkrai. A Kyogre of your own can handle Mewtwo without Thunder or Selfdestruct and set up Calm Mind on Choice Scarf Darkrai, as the opponent is likely to swap out and takes little damage from Pursuit. Kyogre is also a great sleep absorber with Sleep Talk. Specially defensive Choice Band Tyranitar can survive Mewtwo’s Aura Spheres and destroy Mewtwo with Crunch or Pursuit whilst taking little damage from any incoming Ice Beams. Finally, Wobbuffet can revenge kill all of the Choice Scarf users mentioned except Darkrai.</p>
<p>The best defensive partners for Shaymin-S will usually resist Fire-, Rock-, and/or Ice-type attacks, as Shaymin-S’ two other weaknesses are types seldom used in Ubers (Poison- and Flying-type attacks). Heatran is a fantastic defensive partner for Shaymin-S, as it resists all of Shaymin-S's weaknesses (in particular, Heatran has a 4x resistance to Ice-type moves), while Shaymin-S resists both Water- and Fighting-type attacks and is immune to Ground-type attacks. Shaymin-S and Heatran together resist every attack in the game except Electric- and Rock-types. Dialga resists Rock-type and Flying-type attacks for Shaymin-S, while Shaymin-S is immune to Ground-type attacks and resists Fighting-type attacks. Kyogre resists the many Ice- and Fire-type attacks aimed at Shaymin-S, while Shaymin-S covers Kyogre's Grass-type weakness with a 4x resistance to it. Whilst Groudon and Garchomp share an Ice-type weakness with Shaymin-S, both resist Rock-type attacks. Garchomp also resists Fire-type attacks, while Shaymin-S covers Groudon Grass-type weakness. Jirachi and Metagross cover Shaymin-S's weaknesses to Ice-, Rock-, and Flying-type attacks, while Shaymin-S is immune to their Ground-type weakness.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Swords Dance is very viable. After one Swords Dance, a Jolly Life Orb Seed Bomb OHKOs Darkrai, max/max Kyogre, most Adamant Groudon, and (with Stealth Rock in play) Palkia and Blissey. It also deals 84% - 99% to Garchomp, a OHKO with Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes (if Shaymin-S is Adamant, Garchomp has a 92% chance of being OHKOed with just Stealth Rock). A +2 Life Orb Return always OHKOs Rayquaza and opposing Shaymin-S after Stealth Rock damage and has a 53% chance of OHKOing 112 HP Latias after Stealth Rock (guaranteed with an Adamant nature). However, Swords Dance Shaymin-S has a poor physical movepool and is completely walled by Lugia, Giratina, Giratina-O, and almost any Steel-type Pokémon.</p>
<p>Grass Knot can replace Seed Flare as an alternate STAB attack. It has 100% accuracy and four times the PP of Seed Flare. As most Ubers are heavy, it often hits for 120 Base Power, while other Pokémon like Mewtwo and Darkrai are still 2HKOed by it after Stealth Rock damage. However, it only hits Wobbuffet for 60 Base Power attack and Mew and Manaphy for 20 Base Power. Grass Knot also lacks Seed Flare's chance of lowering the opponent's Special Defense by two stages, one of Shaymin-S’ best selling points. Energy Ball is a 100% accurate Grass-type attack that still hits Manaphy for a large amount of damage with a 40% chance of dropping the foes Special Attack, but the power loss generally makes it an inferior option.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Rock OHKOs Ho-Oh and 2HKOs Rayquaza and Shaymin-S after Stealth Rock damage, but otherwise, it’s outclassed by Hidden Power / Ice. Quick Attack has priority, but its low power means that a max Attack Jolly Shaymin-S requires Swords Dance to secure an OHKO against even Deoxys-A with Stealth Rock! Endeavor can arguably be paired with Quick Attack and Focus Sash, but it will often make a poor lead, and the commonness of Stealth Rock ruins the tactic outside of a lead role. Secret Power can paralyze the opponent 60% of the time.</p>
<p>Yache Berry lets Shaymin-S survive an Ice Beam from Blissey and Lugia. However, Ice Beams from Kyogre and Mewtwo will still OHKO with Stealth Rock support. Charti Berry lets Shaymin-S survive a Stone Edge from Groudon or Garchomp, and Occa Berry lets Shaymin-S to survive Fire-type attacks in the rain. Both Petaya Berry and Salac Berry are viable options for an offensively oriented Substitute set. Finally, Wide Lens will allow Shaymin-S to have a more accurate Seed Flare and Air Slash.</p>
<p>Psych Up can be used to steal the foes’ stat ups (most notably from Calm Mind Kyogre that has only Surf as its attack), giving Shaymin-S the potential to sweep, but it is far less reliable than Growth or Swords Dance. Shaymin-S has Safeguard Aromatherapy for status protection, but it’s generally too frail to use them effectively. Worry Seed can stop Giratina and Dialga from using their main method of recovery, Rest, but it’s generally not worth the moveslot. Toxic cripples both Lugia and Latias if they attempt to switch into Shaymin-S. Synthesis is Shaymin-S’s only recovery move beyond Rest, and it can be used to extend Life Orb Shaymin-S’s life span when paired with Groudon’s eternal sunlight. Finally, Shaymin-S is arguably the best user of Healing Wish due to its 127 base Speed stat. Healing Wish can restore a weakened sweeper to full health, giving it another chance to sweep when its counter is most likely weakened.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Blissey is often the most reliable counter to Shaymin-S. She can absorb most attacks with ease and either cripple Shaymin-S with Thunder Wave or Toxic, or simply OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Beam with Stealth Rock support. However, she loses against the SubSeed variant, and she may be 2HKOed by a Modest Choice Specs Seed Flare if Blissey's Special Defense is halved. Special defensive Skarmory can take Shaymin-S's assaults except Hidden Power Fire and simply Whirlwind Shaymin-S away (causing it to take more damage from Stealth Rock) or OHKO Shaymin-S with Brave Bird with Stealth Rock in play. Although Lugia and Latias risk falling to Air Slash flinches after a Seed Flare Special Defense drop, they can take most of Shaymin-S's assaults and OHKO with Ice Beam and Dragon Pulse, respectively, after Stealth Rock damage. Lugia can also use Whirlwind to stop Shaymin-S from stalling with Leech Seed.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf Ho-Oh can switch into any of Shaymin-S's attacks and OHKO with Sacred Fire. Scizor can easily switch into Seed Flare and threaten any Shaymin-S without Hidden Power Fire. Scizor 2HKOs Shaymin-S with Bullet Punch and can U-turn for heavy damage as well as scout possible switch-ins. Choice Band Scizor can even use Pursuit to put Shaymin-S into the KO range of Stealth Rock on its next switch-in (provided that Shaymin-S has already taken Stealth Rock damage.) However, a Choice Specs boosted Air Slash will 2HKO Scizor. Choice Scarf Dialga and Heatran can easily switch into Seed Flare and Air Slash. They can OHKO Shaymin-S with Fire Blast (or Draco Meteor in Dialga’s case). Choice Scarf Jirachi and Metagross resist Seed Flare and Air Slash and can OHKO Shaymin-S with Ice Punch. However, Dialga, Heatran, Metagross, and Jirachi are 2HKOed Earth Power (Heatran is OHKOed). Faster Pokémon like Mewtwo, Deoxys-A and Choice Scarf Garchomp, Palkia, Darkrai, and Kyogre can revenge kill non-Choice Scarf Shaymin-S with Ice Beam or STAB Dragon-type attacks. However, Choice Scarf Mewtwo can outspeed Choice Scarf Shaymin-S.</p>
