QC: Kl4ng / LaxLapras / motherlove
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / Snobalt
P1MPKrow
[OVERVIEW]
Honchkrow makes it mark in the metagame with the highest Attack and Special Attack stats of all common Gale Wings users, beating out Pokemon like Braviary and Staraptor. What's more, with access to Sucker Punch in addition to Gale Wings, both of its strongest STAB moves have priority. It also has access to some fantastic moves in Superpower, Pursuit, and, when utilizing its Special Attack stat, Dark Pulse. However, though Honchkrow is the strongest Gale Wings user, it is also one of the frailest, with bad defenses both physically and specially. Honchkrow is also prone to being worn down due to its weakness to Stealth Rock and susceptibility to Brave Bird recoil. Due to its low Speed stat, it's also weak to common (and faster) Gale Wings, Refrigerate, and Pixilate priority users such as Staraptor, Entei, and Lucario.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Superpower
item: Choice Band
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird and Sucker Punch are Honchkrow's two strongest STAB moves, with both also coming with priority. Though Honchkrow will be locked into Sucker Punch with a Choice Band equipped, it's still its Dark-type STAB move of choice as it provides an extra form of priority. Pursuit allows Honchkrow to effectively trap Pokemon that would want to switch out of an incoming Brave Bird, such as Latios and Gengar. Superpower allows Honchkrow to hit Pokemon like Rock- or Steel-types such as Tyranitar and Heatran for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
A Choice Band gives a major boost to Honchkrow's already exceptional Attack stat, making it extremely hard to switch into due to its sheer power and possible coverage moves. Gale Wings is Honchkrow's ability of choice, helping out with its lackluster Speed and giving its strongest move, Brave Bird, priority. An Adamant nature and maximum investment in Attack and Speed allow Honchkrow to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible while also hitting as hard as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Band Honchkrow should be used as a wallbreaker, revenge killer, and cleaner. Never click Sucker Punch unless you know for sure the foe is attacking, as Honchkrow could become setup fodder if the opponent predicts Sucker Punch. With Pursuit and a Choice Band, it can deal major damage to a Pokemon that is obviously switching out. Honchkrow can be brought in on a predicted Ground- or Psychic-type move, but it is generally safer to use a pivot or send it in after another teammate has fainted.
Team Options
========
Honchkrow has fantastic defensive synergy with Steel-types such as Doublade and Aegislash that can handle faster Gale Wings and -ate ability users that can KO Honchkrow. It also appreciates the help of entry hazard removers such as Skarmory and Zapdos, as with Stealth Rock up, Honchkrow can be worn down even more easily. Though it wants entry hazards off its own side of the field, Honchkrow wants them up on the other side, as extra residual damage on foes can help with Honchkrow's job as a cleaner. Setup sweepers such as Lucario and Manaphy complement Honchkrow, as they allows it to clean more easily late-game. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Victini, Genesect, and Zapdos can bring Honchkrow in safely to break down more walls.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Pursuit / Sucker Punch
move 4: Roost / Superpower
item: Life Orb / Sharp Beak
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird and Dark Pulse are Honchkrow's obvious STAB moves, and Brave Bird also gets priority with the help of Gale Wings. Dark Pulse is a nice special STAB option, as it hits Doublade, Aegislash, and Skarmory, all of which are very common switch-ins to Gale Wings users. Pursuit allows Honchkrow to trap and KO Pokemon that want to switch out such as Latios and Gengar. Roost increases Honchkrow's longevity, which is especially helpful with Life Orb and Brave Bird recoil wearing it down. Sucker Punch is an option over Pursuit, as it gives Honchkrow an extra priority STAB option over Brave Bird. Superpower can be used over Roost to allow Honchkrow to hit Pokemon that would otherwise wall it, such as Tyranitar and Heatran.
Set Details
========
A Life Orb gives a nice boost to all of Honckrow's already strong moves, though one could also opt for Sharp Beak, which avoids Life Orb's recoil but only boosts the power of Brave Bird. Gale Wings is the obvious ability for Honchkrow, especially with its low Speed stat, giving priority to its strongest attack, Brave Bird. A Naughty nature allows both of Honchkrow's already high attacking stats to stay at their maximum levels. Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Honchkrow to hit as hard as possible while also outspeeding as many Pokemon as possible.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as an effective revenge killer and cleaner with its very strong priority moves in Sucker Punch and Brave Bird. With the number of switches it can force, it might be best to Pursuit trap the threats switching out, as damage on them is always great, but also be aware that mispredicting the switch could end up with Honchkrow being KOed. With two immunities to common types in Ground and Psychic, Honchkrow can pivot in at any time with the right prediction. Roost should be used if Honchkrow forces a switch and is low on HP, increasing its longevity.
Team Options
========
Honchkrow works well with Steel-types to cover other Gale Wings users, such as Doublade and Aegislash. It also appreciates the help of entry hazard removers such as Skarmory and Zapdos, as with Stealth Rock up, Honchkrow can be worn down even more easily with Life Orb and Brave Bird recoil. Setup sweepers such as Lucario and Manaphy appreciate Honchkrow's ability to break walls, as it makes their job easier. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Genesect and Zapdos can bring Honchkrow in safely.
[SET]
name: Adaptability
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Adaptability
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is Honchkrow's strongest move, and it can do a huge amount of damage even to Pokemon that resist it when boosted by Life Orb and Adaptability. Sucker Punch is its other physical STAB move, providing a form of priority for Honchkrow to hit faster foes. Pursuit is used to hit Pokemon that try to switch out, but be aware of Pokemon that can KO Honchkrow when staying in. Dark Pulse is Honchkrow's special attacking option, allowing it to hit Pokemon like Doublade and Skarmory for some nice damage.
Set Details
========
A Life Orb gives a nice boost to all of Honchkrow's attacking moves, further increasing its wallbreaking prowess. Adaptability is Honchkrow's ability, boosting the damage of its already strong STAB moves even further. It also allows Honchkrow to get past some of its normal counters such as Zapdos and Hippowdon. A Naughty nature allows Honchkrow to preserve both of its fantastic attacking stats while also keeping its Speed stat intact. Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Honchkrow to hit as hard as possible with physical attacks while also outspeeding as many Pokemon as possible. The last 4 EVs are invested in Special Attack to give it a tiny boost to Dark Pulse's damage output.
Usage Tips
========
Adaptability Honchkrow should always be used as a wallbreaker due to its great attacking stats both physically and specially and the huge boost from its ability. Try never to bring Honchkrow on any attacks or when entry hazards are up, as with Brave Bird and Life Orb recoil, Honchkrow is worn down fairly easily as is. With immunities to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks, Honchkrow can pivot into them, but it's usually better just to bring it in safely off a U-turn or Volt Switch or when a teammate faints. Try to use Pursuit when the foe obviously has to switch out, as it gets a nice chunk of damage in.
Team Options
========
Steel-types are always great partners, such as Doublade and Aegislash, as they can handle Gale Wings and -ate ability users fairly well. Setup sweepers such as Lucario and Manaphy appreciate Honchkrow's ability to break down walls for them to have an easier team cleaning late-game. Entry hazard removers such as Tentacruel and Zapdos are essential with Honchkrow, as it's extremely easy to wear down with Brave Bird, Stealth Rock, and Life Orb damage. Slow U-turn and Volt Switch users can bring in Honchkrow safely to break down more walls.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Taunt could be used to stop Pokemon like Suicune and Snorlax from setting up. Tailwind is usable to support slower teammates that can dish out some major damage with the help of Tailwind. Substitute is an option on the Life Orb set, as it gives Honchkrow a chance to take an extra hit while firing off one of its very powerful attacks. Nasty Plot and Heat Wave are also options with Honchkrow if one decides to run a more specially oriented set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Priority Users**: Gale Wings, Refrigerate, and Pixilate users such as Staraptor, Entei, and Lucario can come in and easily KO Honchkrow with their priority moves.
**Bulky Pokemon That Resist Flying**: Pokemon like Skarmory, Diancie, and Zapdos can easily wall Honchkrow with their great natural bulk, though they can be broken down by the Adaptability set.
**Bulky Intimidate Physical Walls**: Pokemon like Hippowdon, Zapdos, and Mandibuzz can come in on Honchkrow, cut its Attack with Intimidate, and wall it, though with Adaptability and Dark Pulse, some of these Pokemon can be broken down.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock is probably the easiest way to wear down Honchkrow outside of its own Brave Bird. With the combined Stealth Rock and Brave Bird damage, Honchkrow won't last very long.
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Honchkrow makes it mark in the metagame with the highest Attack and Special Attack stats of all common Gale Wings users, beating out Pokemon like Braviary and Staraptor. What's more, with access to Sucker Punch in addition to Gale Wings, both of its strongest STAB moves have priority. It also has access to some fantastic moves in Superpower, Pursuit, and, when utilizing its Special Attack stat, Dark Pulse. However, though Honchkrow is the strongest Gale Wings user, it is also one of the frailest, with bad defenses both physically and specially. Honchkrow is also prone to being worn down due to its weakness to Stealth Rock and susceptibility to Brave Bird recoil. Due to its low Speed stat, it's also weak to common (and faster) Gale Wings, Refrigerate, and Pixilate priority users such as Staraptor, Entei, and Lucario.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Superpower
item: Choice Band
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird and Sucker Punch are Honchkrow's two strongest STAB moves, with both also coming with priority. Though Honchkrow will be locked into Sucker Punch with a Choice Band equipped, it's still its Dark-type STAB move of choice as it provides an extra form of priority. Pursuit allows Honchkrow to effectively trap Pokemon that would want to switch out of an incoming Brave Bird, such as Latios and Gengar. Superpower allows Honchkrow to hit Pokemon like Rock- or Steel-types such as Tyranitar and Heatran for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
A Choice Band gives a major boost to Honchkrow's already exceptional Attack stat, making it extremely hard to switch into due to its sheer power and possible coverage moves. Gale Wings is Honchkrow's ability of choice, helping out with its lackluster Speed and giving its strongest move, Brave Bird, priority. An Adamant nature and maximum investment in Attack and Speed allow Honchkrow to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible while also hitting as hard as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Band Honchkrow should be used as a wallbreaker, revenge killer, and cleaner. Never click Sucker Punch unless you know for sure the foe is attacking, as Honchkrow could become setup fodder if the opponent predicts Sucker Punch. With Pursuit and a Choice Band, it can deal major damage to a Pokemon that is obviously switching out. Honchkrow can be brought in on a predicted Ground- or Psychic-type move, but it is generally safer to use a pivot or send it in after another teammate has fainted.
Team Options
========
Honchkrow has fantastic defensive synergy with Steel-types such as Doublade and Aegislash that can handle faster Gale Wings and -ate ability users that can KO Honchkrow. It also appreciates the help of entry hazard removers such as Skarmory and Zapdos, as with Stealth Rock up, Honchkrow can be worn down even more easily. Though it wants entry hazards off its own side of the field, Honchkrow wants them up on the other side, as extra residual damage on foes can help with Honchkrow's job as a cleaner. Setup sweepers such as Lucario and Manaphy complement Honchkrow, as they allows it to clean more easily late-game. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Victini, Genesect, and Zapdos can bring Honchkrow in safely to break down more walls.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Pursuit / Sucker Punch
move 4: Roost / Superpower
item: Life Orb / Sharp Beak
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird and Dark Pulse are Honchkrow's obvious STAB moves, and Brave Bird also gets priority with the help of Gale Wings. Dark Pulse is a nice special STAB option, as it hits Doublade, Aegislash, and Skarmory, all of which are very common switch-ins to Gale Wings users. Pursuit allows Honchkrow to trap and KO Pokemon that want to switch out such as Latios and Gengar. Roost increases Honchkrow's longevity, which is especially helpful with Life Orb and Brave Bird recoil wearing it down. Sucker Punch is an option over Pursuit, as it gives Honchkrow an extra priority STAB option over Brave Bird. Superpower can be used over Roost to allow Honchkrow to hit Pokemon that would otherwise wall it, such as Tyranitar and Heatran.
Set Details
========
A Life Orb gives a nice boost to all of Honckrow's already strong moves, though one could also opt for Sharp Beak, which avoids Life Orb's recoil but only boosts the power of Brave Bird. Gale Wings is the obvious ability for Honchkrow, especially with its low Speed stat, giving priority to its strongest attack, Brave Bird. A Naughty nature allows both of Honchkrow's already high attacking stats to stay at their maximum levels. Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Honchkrow to hit as hard as possible while also outspeeding as many Pokemon as possible.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as an effective revenge killer and cleaner with its very strong priority moves in Sucker Punch and Brave Bird. With the number of switches it can force, it might be best to Pursuit trap the threats switching out, as damage on them is always great, but also be aware that mispredicting the switch could end up with Honchkrow being KOed. With two immunities to common types in Ground and Psychic, Honchkrow can pivot in at any time with the right prediction. Roost should be used if Honchkrow forces a switch and is low on HP, increasing its longevity.
Team Options
========
Honchkrow works well with Steel-types to cover other Gale Wings users, such as Doublade and Aegislash. It also appreciates the help of entry hazard removers such as Skarmory and Zapdos, as with Stealth Rock up, Honchkrow can be worn down even more easily with Life Orb and Brave Bird recoil. Setup sweepers such as Lucario and Manaphy appreciate Honchkrow's ability to break walls, as it makes their job easier. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Genesect and Zapdos can bring Honchkrow in safely.
[SET]
name: Adaptability
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Adaptability
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is Honchkrow's strongest move, and it can do a huge amount of damage even to Pokemon that resist it when boosted by Life Orb and Adaptability. Sucker Punch is its other physical STAB move, providing a form of priority for Honchkrow to hit faster foes. Pursuit is used to hit Pokemon that try to switch out, but be aware of Pokemon that can KO Honchkrow when staying in. Dark Pulse is Honchkrow's special attacking option, allowing it to hit Pokemon like Doublade and Skarmory for some nice damage.
Set Details
========
A Life Orb gives a nice boost to all of Honchkrow's attacking moves, further increasing its wallbreaking prowess. Adaptability is Honchkrow's ability, boosting the damage of its already strong STAB moves even further. It also allows Honchkrow to get past some of its normal counters such as Zapdos and Hippowdon. A Naughty nature allows Honchkrow to preserve both of its fantastic attacking stats while also keeping its Speed stat intact. Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Honchkrow to hit as hard as possible with physical attacks while also outspeeding as many Pokemon as possible. The last 4 EVs are invested in Special Attack to give it a tiny boost to Dark Pulse's damage output.
Usage Tips
========
Adaptability Honchkrow should always be used as a wallbreaker due to its great attacking stats both physically and specially and the huge boost from its ability. Try never to bring Honchkrow on any attacks or when entry hazards are up, as with Brave Bird and Life Orb recoil, Honchkrow is worn down fairly easily as is. With immunities to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks, Honchkrow can pivot into them, but it's usually better just to bring it in safely off a U-turn or Volt Switch or when a teammate faints. Try to use Pursuit when the foe obviously has to switch out, as it gets a nice chunk of damage in.
Team Options
========
Steel-types are always great partners, such as Doublade and Aegislash, as they can handle Gale Wings and -ate ability users fairly well. Setup sweepers such as Lucario and Manaphy appreciate Honchkrow's ability to break down walls for them to have an easier team cleaning late-game. Entry hazard removers such as Tentacruel and Zapdos are essential with Honchkrow, as it's extremely easy to wear down with Brave Bird, Stealth Rock, and Life Orb damage. Slow U-turn and Volt Switch users can bring in Honchkrow safely to break down more walls.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Taunt could be used to stop Pokemon like Suicune and Snorlax from setting up. Tailwind is usable to support slower teammates that can dish out some major damage with the help of Tailwind. Substitute is an option on the Life Orb set, as it gives Honchkrow a chance to take an extra hit while firing off one of its very powerful attacks. Nasty Plot and Heat Wave are also options with Honchkrow if one decides to run a more specially oriented set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Priority Users**: Gale Wings, Refrigerate, and Pixilate users such as Staraptor, Entei, and Lucario can come in and easily KO Honchkrow with their priority moves.
**Bulky Pokemon That Resist Flying**: Pokemon like Skarmory, Diancie, and Zapdos can easily wall Honchkrow with their great natural bulk, though they can be broken down by the Adaptability set.
**Bulky Intimidate Physical Walls**: Pokemon like Hippowdon, Zapdos, and Mandibuzz can come in on Honchkrow, cut its Attack with Intimidate, and wall it, though with Adaptability and Dark Pulse, some of these Pokemon can be broken down.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock is probably the easiest way to wear down Honchkrow outside of its own Brave Bird. With the combined Stealth Rock and Brave Bird damage, Honchkrow won't last very long.
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