[Pros]--------------------------------
Status: [Completed]
QC Approvals: [SOMALIA] | [ginganinja] | [dragonuser]
GP Checks: [zystral]-
-------------------------------
<ul>
<li>Espeon is blessed with access to one the best abilities in the game: Magic Bounce</li>
<li>It has a nice speed stat complemented by a high special attack.</li>
<li>Espeon has a pretty good movepool to make use of.</li>
</ul>
[Cons]
<ul>
<li>Espeon is quite frail on both physical and special sides.</li>
<li>Its typing isn't amazing offensively or defensively.</li>
<li>Faces stiff competition from the plethora of new specially based Pokemon.</li>
</ul>
[Set Recommendations]
<p>name: Dual Screens<br />
move 1: Reflect<br />
move 2: Light Screen<br />
move 3: Baton Pass / Hidden Power Fire</br />
move 4: Psychic / Psyshock<br />
ability: Magic Bounce<br />
item: Light Clay<br />
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpAtk / 252 Spe<br />
nature: Timid<br />
<p>Blessed with a stellar ability and speed tier, Espeon makes great use of the dual screens strategy. The premise of the set is to set up both Reflect and Light Screen to aid teammates, which is an especially effective strategy when paired with setup sweepers. Thanks to Magic Bounce, Espeon finds countless opportunities to switch in on status moves used by Pokemon such as Forretress or Chansey. Despite having high speed, setting up Reflect before Light Screen is usually ideal as it gives Espeon extra protection from common answers and switch-ins to it.</p>
<p>Baton Pass is a useful utility move which allows Espeon to bypass its Pursuit weakness, outspeeding two major Pursuit users in Scizor and Tyranitar. It also allows Espeon to scout for switches and gain momentum. However, Hidden Power Fire is also a decent option as it enables Espeon to deal large amounts of damage not only to the troublesome Scizor, but also to Ferrothorn and Forretress: two entry hazard setters Espeon can switch into. Espeon's surprisingly high Special Attack stat of 130 makes an appearance on the set in ensuring that it isn't setup bait for opposing Pokemon. Psyshock is generally best paired with Hidden Power Fire and allows Espeon to target the lower physical defense of many Pokemon. However, Psychic has greater power and more utility with Baton Pass.</p>
<p>Maximizing its HP and Speed stats assist Espeon in doing what it does best: set up screens. While more defensive investment is possible, having Espeon outspeed Pokemon and set up screens before they attack is generally more worthwhile. A Timid nature is required as it allows Espeon to get the upper hand on anything below base 110 Speed.</p>
<p>Teammates that stand out for Espeon are those that appreciate the dual screen support it offers and that can also abuse Magic Bounce. For these reasons, Volcarona and Dragonite both make great partners as they can set up without worrying about Stealth Rock ruining their day. Volcarona, as well as other Fire-types, are also exceptional partners in checking Scizor, which threatens Espeon lacking Hidden Power Fire. Haxorus is another frail sweeper which enjoys the utility that this Espeon set provides.</p>
<p>name: Baton Pass<br />
move 1: Baton Pass<br />
move 2: Stored Power<br />
move 3: Calm Mind / Substitute<br />
move 4: Dazzling Gleam<br />
ability: Magic Bounce<br />
item: Leftovers<br />
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD<br />
nature: Bold
<p>Espeon's unique access to Baton Pass, Magic Bounce and Stored Power make it a central member of any dedicated Baton Pass team. Magic Bounce provides tremendous utility for these types of teams, reflecting Taunt and phazing moves. Stored Power is the main win condition for Baton Pass teams, having its power amplified for every boost that is accumulated. Equipped with Baton Pass itself, Espeon can not only receive boosts but also continue the chain.</p>
<p>Calm Mind allows Espeon to boost the damage of Stored Power and raise its Special Defense at the same time. Espeon can also opt for Substitute in order to block critical hits and priority, which would otherwise dismantle dedicated Baton Pass teams. Dazzling Gleam is a great coverage move, hitting Dark-types that are immune to Stored Power.</p>
<p>The EV spread gives Espeon as much physical bulk as possible in order to be able to switch in on Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Skarmory which scare Espeon's teammates with phazing moves. A Bold nature also assists in maximizing Defense. While investing in Speed and Special attack might seem worthwhile, with the boosts Espeon receives through Baton Pass, such investment is superfluous.</p>
<p>This Espeon set should never be outside of dedicated Baton Pass teams. As such, Baton Pass staples such as Scizor, Scolipede,and Mr. Mime all make to be excellent teammates. Scizor and Scolipede provide essential Defense and Speed boosts, respectively, while Mr. Mime grants an immunity to Perish Song. Vaporeon is also a good partner, being able to make large Substitutes, phaze opponents through Roar, and boost with Acid Armor. Finally, Sylveon and Mawile can also pair nicely with Espeon as they can provide defensive boosts while the latter also has access to Taunt to stop setups weepers.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Relying on status moves to defeat Espeon is ineffective as it possesses Magic Bounce, meaning that offensive presence is mandatory. Assault Vest Tyranitar typically makes a strong Espeon counter, having a large Special Defense stat coupled with Crunch and Pursuit. Scizor can take most hits barring Hidden Power Fire and deal hefty amounts of damage with U-turn or Pursuit. Moreover, Volcarona can set up Quiver Dances in Espeon's face and proceed to deal large amounts of damage with Bug Buzz. In a similar vein, Aegislash can set up Sword Dance with little worries and proceed to KO Espeon with Shadow Sneak. Dark-type Pokemon, such as Malamar and Pangoro, are immune to Espeon's Psychic STAB and can deal lots of damage back; although they must watch out for Dazzling Gleam.</p>
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