GP: 2/2 (frenzyplant / V0x)
QC: 3/3 (EonX / Spirit / Molk)
my lips are sealed
Overview
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Mega Banette gets the coveted ability Prankster and the necessary support movepool to make the best of it. Notably, it has Destiny Bond, which lets it function as a one-off stop to numerous dangerous sweepers in the tier. Offensively, Mega Banette more than holds its own; a fearsome base 165 Attack stat gives it a very sizable offensive presence and lets it make good use of moves such as Sucker Punch and Shadow Claw. Sadly, a decidedly average base 75 Speed and poor 64/75/83 defenses mean Mega Banette cannot stick around to dish out hits for long. Banette also has a severe case of four-moveslot syndrome. Lastly, Prankster does not activate on the turn Banette Mega Evolves making it essentially a liability before it does so.
Offensive Support
########
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Destiny Bond
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Shadow Claw / Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
ability: Insomnia
item: Banettite
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
Destiny Bond allows Banette to effectively function as a revenge killer against a multitude of threats, albeit at its own peril. Knock Off works well in conjunction with the switches that Destiny Bond tends to cause, as permanently removing items from Pokemon is extremely useful. The fact that Mega Abomasnow is the only other Mega Evolution in the tier further enhances the move's effectiveness, as Mega Stones cannot be removed. Sucker Punch picks off weakened opponents, proving especially useful against fast, frail threats such as Delphox and Mismagius. STAB Shadow Claw is Banette's most consistently powerful attack, but bear in mind that a boosted Knock Off is nearly as strong as it. Taunt can be used to prevent attempts to Defog, heal, set entry hazards, or spread status; while Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers and racks up residual damage. Protect allows Banette to Mega Evolve safely, which it might not be able to do against teams that apply sufficient offensive pressure on it.
Set Details
========
84 Speed EVs allow Banette to outspeed minimum Speed Cresselia after Mega Evolving. Maximum Attack investment allows Mega Banette to hit as hard as possible, making the most of its sizable base 165 Attack. The remaining 172 EVs go in HP to allow it to take weaker attacks more comfortably. Both of Banette's abilities have value: Insomnia allows Banette to be a sleep absorber before it Mega Evolves, while Frisk can be used for scouting purposes until Banette Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
Even though it means sacrificing Banette, forcing one-for-one trades with Destiny Bond is the key to using this set effectively. Keep Banette in reserve as an emergency button if you see dangerous sweepers, such as Sharpedo, that can potentially overwhelm you. Of course, Banette must already be Mega Evolved to take out these threats. The very threat of Destiny Bond or Sucker Punch can be used to your advantage as well. If you manage to switch Banette in against a sweeper that the opponent does not want to sacrifice, throwing out a Knock Off or Shadow Claw on the predicted switch may be a good idea. Don't underestimate Mega Banette's sizable base 165 Attack stat; for example, Shadow Claw does a minimum of 42% to 252 HP Escavalier, a Pokemon that has decent natural bulk.
Keep in mind that Destiny Bond lasts until Banette attacks next. As such, alternating between Destiny Bond and then an attacking move (that isn't Sucker Punch) against a faster setup sweeper will near-guarantee bringing it down in a one-on-one situation. If you are not using Protect, try to Mega Evolve Banette as soon as possible. Actively seek out opportunities to Mega Evolve it safely, such as against slow, bulky Pokemon with little offensive presence; Registeel and Gligar are good examples. Note that Mega Banette can utilize its Ghost typing to spinblock; it stands up well to most defensive spinners and can use Destiny Bond to bring down offensive spinners such as Hitmonlee, preventing them from doing their job.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard support is compulsory, as the opponent can potentially stall Banette out of Destiny Bond PP by switching in and out of it, and having entry hazards on the field will at least ensure that they are punished by these switches. While Pokemon like Rhyperior and Druddigon can set Stealth Rock effectively, Spikes support is also recommended. Qwilfish is an excellent Spikes setter, using its good Speed and decent bulk aided by Intimidate to set multiple layers. Relatively fast, hard-hitting teammates such as Delphox, Jolteon, and Durant can heap offensive pressure on the opponent, which goes well with hazards support. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Mega Banette's ability to effectively revenge kill most threats that get out of hand. Other Taunt users such as Taunt Cobalion can also prevent attempts to Defog hazards, as well as set Stealth Rock and switch into Dark-type attacks.
Other Options
########
Banette has a wealth of support moves that are worth a mention for being usable, if niche. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple offensive Pokemon, while Toxic is useful for putting an opposing wall or tank on a timer. Having access to Trick Room, as well as Prankster Rain Dance or Sunny Day, Banette does well on dedicated Trick Room or weather teams. A specially defensive set using Will-O-Wisp, Pain Split, Taunt, and Knock Off adopts a different approach to the main set, stalling out bulky Pokemon while keeping itself healthy with Pain Split. An offensive variant utilizing Substitute and Pain Split may also be used, as Prankster gives Mega Banette priority on both of these moves. Disable can be used in conjunction with Substitute to annoy Choice-locked opponents and mono-attacking defensive Pokenon. However, Destiny Bond is usually preferred to bring down problematic foes directly.
Checks & Counters
########
Prankster Destiny Bond lets Mega Banette force one-for-one trades with many Pokemon. Its checks and counters are, then, what prevent it from accomplishing this.
**Aromatisse**: Aroma Veil is a huge pain for Mega Banette, as it negates the effect of Taunt. Aromatisse can whittle Mega Banette down with Moonblast and/or use Wish unhindered, stalling out Destiny Bond PP if need be. Aromatisse also has access to Aromatherapy to cure itself and its team of status ailments.
**Pursuit**: Skuntank and Drapion hinder Banette because they can trap it with Pursuit, preventing it from using Destiny Bond to bring down a Pokemon of its user's choice later in the game.
**Regenerator**: Any combination of Alomomola, Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Audino is problematic to Mega Banette, as these Pokemon can switch in and out of it to drain PP while passively healing off damage incurred from its attacking moves. Slowking also has Regenerator but is decimated by STAB Shadow Claw.
**Burn and Poison**: Banette hates burns and poison because they gradually wear it down and prevent it from effectively using Destiny Bond to force trades. Scald users such as Lanturn and Alomomola can bypass Taunt and possibly cripple Banette with a burn.
QC: 3/3 (EonX / Spirit / Molk)
my lips are sealed
Overview
########
Mega Banette gets the coveted ability Prankster and the necessary support movepool to make the best of it. Notably, it has Destiny Bond, which lets it function as a one-off stop to numerous dangerous sweepers in the tier. Offensively, Mega Banette more than holds its own; a fearsome base 165 Attack stat gives it a very sizable offensive presence and lets it make good use of moves such as Sucker Punch and Shadow Claw. Sadly, a decidedly average base 75 Speed and poor 64/75/83 defenses mean Mega Banette cannot stick around to dish out hits for long. Banette also has a severe case of four-moveslot syndrome. Lastly, Prankster does not activate on the turn Banette Mega Evolves making it essentially a liability before it does so.
Offensive Support
########
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Destiny Bond
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Shadow Claw / Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
ability: Insomnia
item: Banettite
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
Destiny Bond allows Banette to effectively function as a revenge killer against a multitude of threats, albeit at its own peril. Knock Off works well in conjunction with the switches that Destiny Bond tends to cause, as permanently removing items from Pokemon is extremely useful. The fact that Mega Abomasnow is the only other Mega Evolution in the tier further enhances the move's effectiveness, as Mega Stones cannot be removed. Sucker Punch picks off weakened opponents, proving especially useful against fast, frail threats such as Delphox and Mismagius. STAB Shadow Claw is Banette's most consistently powerful attack, but bear in mind that a boosted Knock Off is nearly as strong as it. Taunt can be used to prevent attempts to Defog, heal, set entry hazards, or spread status; while Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers and racks up residual damage. Protect allows Banette to Mega Evolve safely, which it might not be able to do against teams that apply sufficient offensive pressure on it.
Set Details
========
84 Speed EVs allow Banette to outspeed minimum Speed Cresselia after Mega Evolving. Maximum Attack investment allows Mega Banette to hit as hard as possible, making the most of its sizable base 165 Attack. The remaining 172 EVs go in HP to allow it to take weaker attacks more comfortably. Both of Banette's abilities have value: Insomnia allows Banette to be a sleep absorber before it Mega Evolves, while Frisk can be used for scouting purposes until Banette Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
Even though it means sacrificing Banette, forcing one-for-one trades with Destiny Bond is the key to using this set effectively. Keep Banette in reserve as an emergency button if you see dangerous sweepers, such as Sharpedo, that can potentially overwhelm you. Of course, Banette must already be Mega Evolved to take out these threats. The very threat of Destiny Bond or Sucker Punch can be used to your advantage as well. If you manage to switch Banette in against a sweeper that the opponent does not want to sacrifice, throwing out a Knock Off or Shadow Claw on the predicted switch may be a good idea. Don't underestimate Mega Banette's sizable base 165 Attack stat; for example, Shadow Claw does a minimum of 42% to 252 HP Escavalier, a Pokemon that has decent natural bulk.
Keep in mind that Destiny Bond lasts until Banette attacks next. As such, alternating between Destiny Bond and then an attacking move (that isn't Sucker Punch) against a faster setup sweeper will near-guarantee bringing it down in a one-on-one situation. If you are not using Protect, try to Mega Evolve Banette as soon as possible. Actively seek out opportunities to Mega Evolve it safely, such as against slow, bulky Pokemon with little offensive presence; Registeel and Gligar are good examples. Note that Mega Banette can utilize its Ghost typing to spinblock; it stands up well to most defensive spinners and can use Destiny Bond to bring down offensive spinners such as Hitmonlee, preventing them from doing their job.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard support is compulsory, as the opponent can potentially stall Banette out of Destiny Bond PP by switching in and out of it, and having entry hazards on the field will at least ensure that they are punished by these switches. While Pokemon like Rhyperior and Druddigon can set Stealth Rock effectively, Spikes support is also recommended. Qwilfish is an excellent Spikes setter, using its good Speed and decent bulk aided by Intimidate to set multiple layers. Relatively fast, hard-hitting teammates such as Delphox, Jolteon, and Durant can heap offensive pressure on the opponent, which goes well with hazards support. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Mega Banette's ability to effectively revenge kill most threats that get out of hand. Other Taunt users such as Taunt Cobalion can also prevent attempts to Defog hazards, as well as set Stealth Rock and switch into Dark-type attacks.
Other Options
########
Banette has a wealth of support moves that are worth a mention for being usable, if niche. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple offensive Pokemon, while Toxic is useful for putting an opposing wall or tank on a timer. Having access to Trick Room, as well as Prankster Rain Dance or Sunny Day, Banette does well on dedicated Trick Room or weather teams. A specially defensive set using Will-O-Wisp, Pain Split, Taunt, and Knock Off adopts a different approach to the main set, stalling out bulky Pokemon while keeping itself healthy with Pain Split. An offensive variant utilizing Substitute and Pain Split may also be used, as Prankster gives Mega Banette priority on both of these moves. Disable can be used in conjunction with Substitute to annoy Choice-locked opponents and mono-attacking defensive Pokenon. However, Destiny Bond is usually preferred to bring down problematic foes directly.
Checks & Counters
########
Prankster Destiny Bond lets Mega Banette force one-for-one trades with many Pokemon. Its checks and counters are, then, what prevent it from accomplishing this.
**Aromatisse**: Aroma Veil is a huge pain for Mega Banette, as it negates the effect of Taunt. Aromatisse can whittle Mega Banette down with Moonblast and/or use Wish unhindered, stalling out Destiny Bond PP if need be. Aromatisse also has access to Aromatherapy to cure itself and its team of status ailments.
**Pursuit**: Skuntank and Drapion hinder Banette because they can trap it with Pursuit, preventing it from using Destiny Bond to bring down a Pokemon of its user's choice later in the game.
**Regenerator**: Any combination of Alomomola, Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Audino is problematic to Mega Banette, as these Pokemon can switch in and out of it to drain PP while passively healing off damage incurred from its attacking moves. Slowking also has Regenerator but is decimated by STAB Shadow Claw.
**Burn and Poison**: Banette hates burns and poison because they gradually wear it down and prevent it from effectively using Destiny Bond to force trades. Scald users such as Lanturn and Alomomola can bypass Taunt and possibly cripple Banette with a burn.
Overview
########
Prankster
########
name: Prankster
move 1: Destiny Bond
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Shadow Claw / Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
ability: Insomnia
item: Banettite
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
Other Options
########
Checks & Counters
########
Prankster Destiny Bond lets Mega Banette force one-for-one trades with many Pokemon, ideally working in its user's favor. Its checks and counters are, then, what prevents it from doing its job.
**Aromatisse**: Aroma Veil is a huge pain for Mega Banette as it negates the effect of Taunt. Aromatisse can then whittle it down with Toxic and/or use Wish unhindered. It also gets Aromatherapy to cure itself and its team of status ailments.
**Pursuit**: Skuntank and Drapion hinder Banette because they can trap it with Pursuit, preventing it from using Destiny Bond to bring down a Pokemon of its user's choice later in the game.
**Regenerator mons/cores**: Any one/combination of Slowking, Alomomola, Amoonguss, and Tangrowth are problematic to Mega Banette, as they can switch in and out of it to drain its PP while passively healing off damage incurred from its attacking moves.
**Status Conditions**: In particular, Banette hates burns and poison because they cause it to gradually wear itself down and prevent it from effectively using Destiny Bond to force trades. Scald users such as Lanturn and Alomomola can bypass Taunt and possibly cripple Banette with a burn.
########
- Gained a Mega Evolution, which is what makes it viable in the tier at all. Mega Banette gets the useful Prankster ability and the necessary support movepool to make the best of it. Notably, it is the only recipient of both Prankster and Destiny Bond, which lets it function as a one-off stop to numerous dangerous sweepers in the tier.
- A great base 165 Attack stat confers appreciable offensive presence on it, allowing it to effectively use moves like STAB Shadow Claw and Sucker Punch
- Very real 4MSS.
- Prankster does not activate on the turn it Mega Evolves; it is essentially a liability before it does so.
Prankster
########
name: Prankster
move 1: Destiny Bond
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Shadow Claw / Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
ability: Insomnia
item: Banettite
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
- Destiny Bond is Banette's ace in the hole, allowing it function as what is effectively a revenge killer against a multitude of threats.
- Knock Off works well in conjunction with the switches that Destiny Bond tends to cause; permanently removing items from defensive Pokemon is extremely useful. The lack of Mega Evolutions in the tier also enhances the move's effectiveness.
- Sucker Punch picks off weakened opponents and is useful against fast, frail threats such as Delphox and Mismagius.
- Shadow Claw gets STAB and is Banette's most consistently powerful attack, but bear in mind that Knock Off's initial boosted hit is nearly as strong as it.
- In the last moveslot, Taunt prevents attempts to Defog, heal, set hazards, and spread status. Will-O-Wisp can also be used to cripple physical attackers and rack up residual damage.
- Protect can be used in the last slot as it allows Banette to Mega Evolve safely, which it might not otherwise be able to do against offensive teams that apply sufficient pressure on it.
Set Details
========
- 84 Spe to outspeed minimum Speed Cresselia after Mega Evolving.
- Maximum Attack investment allows it to hit as hard as possible, making the most of its base 165 Attack.
- The remaining 172 EVs go in HP so as to allow it to take weaker attacks more comfortably.
- Insomnia allows Banette to be a pseudo-sleep absorber before it Mega Evolves.
- Frisk can be used for scouting purposes before Banette Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
- Even though it means sacrificing Banette, forcing trades with Destiny Bond is the key to using this set effectively. Keep Banette in reserve as an emergency button if you see dangerous sweepers like Sharpedo or Yanmega that can potentially overwhelm your team or that your team is particularly weak to. Of course, Banette must already be Mega Evolved to do so.
- The very threat of Destiny Bond (or Sucker Punch) can be used to your advantage as well. If you manage to double switch Banette in against a sweeper that the opponent does not want to sacrifice, throwing out a Knock Off/Shadow Claw on the predicted switch-in may be a good idea. Don't ignore Mega Banette's sizable base 165 Attack stat; for example, Shadow Claw does a minimum of 42% to 252 HP Escavalier, a Pokemon that has decent natural bulk.
- Keep in mind that Destiny Bond lasts until Banette next attacks. As such, using Destiny Bond in conjunction with Knock Off against a faster setup sweeper will near-guarantee bringing it down in a one-on-one situation.
- If you are not using Protect, try to Mega Evolve Banette as soon as possible. Actively seek out opportunities to Mega Evolve it safely, such as against slow, bulky Pokemon with little offensive presence, such as Registeel or Gligar.
- Note that Mega Banette can utilize its Ghost typing to spinblock; it stands up well to most defensive spinners and can use Destiny Bond to bring down offensive spinners such as Hitmonlee, preventing them from doing their job.
Team Options
========
- Hazard support is compulsory, as the opponent can potentially stall Banette out of Destiny Bond PP by switching in and out of it. Having entry hazards on the field will at least ensure that they are punished by these switches. While Pokemon like Rhyperior and Druddigon can set Stealth Rock effectively, Spikes support is also recommended. Qwilfish is an excellent setter, using its good Speed and decent bulk aided by Intimidate to set up multiple layers.
- Relatively fast, hard-hitting teammates in general are appreciated, as they can heap offensive pressure on the opponent, which gels well with hazard support. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Mega Banette's ability to effectively revenge kill most threats that get out of hand. Delphox, Jolteon, and Zoroark are examples of such Pokemon. Other Taunt users such as Taunt Cobalion can also prevent attempts to Defog hazards.
Getting access to both Trick Room and Prankster Rain Dance, Banette does well on dedicated Trick Room or Rain teams, so Pokemon that are staples on such teams naturally make good teammates.
Other Options
########
- Thunder Wave
- Toxic
- Trick Room
- Rain Dance
- Sunny Day
- Specially defensive set with Will-O-Wisp + Pain Split (and Taunt + Knock Off/Shadow Claw)
- Offensive set with Substitute + Pain Split
Checks & Counters
########
Prankster Destiny Bond lets Mega Banette force one-for-one trades with many Pokemon, ideally working in its user's favor. Its checks and counters are, then, what prevents it from doing its job.
**Aromatisse**: Aroma Veil is a huge pain for Mega Banette as it negates the effect of Taunt. Aromatisse can then whittle it down with Toxic and/or use Wish unhindered. It also gets Aromatherapy to cure itself and its team of status ailments.
**Pursuit**: Skuntank and Drapion hinder Banette because they can trap it with Pursuit, preventing it from using Destiny Bond to bring down a Pokemon of its user's choice later in the game.
**Regenerator mons/cores**: Any one/combination of Slowking, Alomomola, Amoonguss, and Tangrowth are problematic to Mega Banette, as they can switch in and out of it to drain its PP while passively healing off damage incurred from its attacking moves.
**Status Conditions**: In particular, Banette hates burns and poison because they cause it to gradually wear itself down and prevent it from effectively using Destiny Bond to force trades. Scald users such as Lanturn and Alomomola can bypass Taunt and possibly cripple Banette with a burn.
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