Delphox

Twix

jicama
is a Contributor Alumnus
QC: Arikado / EonX / galbia
GP: Malley / P Squared


[OVERVIEW]

Delphox has an above-average base Speed of 104, allowing it to outspeed common Pokemon such as Glalie and Flygon, but it is still outsped by Cobalion and Durant. It also has a very solid specially attacking presence with a base Special Attack of 114, making it a prominent sweeper in the tier. Delphox's wide movepool in combination with its great offensive typing can allow it to take on a variety of Pokemon, but its Fire typing leaves it susceptible to additional Stealth Rock damage. Relatively speaking, Delphox is very physically frail and can be weakened by Dark-type moves such as Sucker Punch and Pursuit fairly easily. Delphox can run a variety of sets, from a Choice Scarf set to an offensive Calm Mind set, but faces competition from Sigilyph as an offensive Calm Mind user. However, while it lacks Tinted Lens and Roost, Delphox has a niche in its STAB Fire-type moves. Delphox can switch in on common walls in the tier, such as Aromatisse and Togetic, and set up on them.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits foes effectively and gains a STAB boost, but it can't be used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. If affected by the ability Blaze, Fire Blast becomes a huge threat to foes and has a chance to 2HKO walls such as Aromatisse. Psychic hits more reliably than Fire Blast and can take on Fighting- and Poison-types. Dazzling Gleam allows Delphox to take on and revenge kill common Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Scrafty, and Flygon, while Grass Knot can be used in place of Dazzling Gleam to help Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types that resist Fire Blast. Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls by locking them into a status or weak chip-damage move, or it can lock a foe into a not-very-effective move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Choice Scarf allows Delphox to outpace Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Houndoom and Flygon, as well as Sneasel, Dugtrio, and Durant. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health and can allow it to do much-needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Use Switcheroo on walls, setup sweepers, or Pokemon that rely on their Eviolite to cripple them and gain the upper hand. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic if they are at low enough HP. Unless you need to get an important KO, try not to reveal Delphox has a Choice Scarf, as it can come in handy late-game. Be careful when locking Delphox into Fire Blast, as it has the potential to miss and isn't totally reliable. If Delphox is using Dazzling Gleam, use it if you predict a Dark- or Dragon-type to come in instead of using a Psychic-type move against the former. If the opponent has a Dark-type, be cautious when locking Delphox into a Psychic-type move, as the Dark-type can switch in on it and take advantage.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, as can Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the latter being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, can hit Pokemon that wall Delphox such as Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank. Special wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO special walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foes' Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting-types and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Psychic / Psyshock
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Dazzling Gleam / Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits foes very well and gains a STAB boost, but it can't be used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. Psychic hits more reliably and can take on Fighting- and Poison-types. Psyshock is an option over Psychic, as it can take on specially defensive Pokemon such as Jellicent and Aromatisse better. Grass Knot helps Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types that resist Fire Blast. Dazzling Gleam allows Delphox to take on and revenge kill common Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Scrafty, and Flygon. Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls by locking them into a status or weak chip-damage move, or it can lock a foe into a move that is not very effective against Delphox.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Choice Specs allows Delphox to deal massive damage to a foe with the drawback of locking Delphox into a single move. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health and can allow it to do much-needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Use Switcheroo on walls, setup sweepers, or Pokemon that rely on their Eviolite to cripple them and gain the upper hand. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic or Psyshock if they are at a low enough HP. Be careful when locking Delphox into Fire Blast, as it has the potential to miss and isn't totally reliable. If an opponent has a Dark-type, be cautious when locking Delphox into a Psychic-type move, as the Dark-type can switch in on it and take advantage.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, as can Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the latter being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, can hit Pokemon that wall Delphox such as Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank. Special wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO special walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foes' Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting-types and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Calm Mind allows Delphox to boost its Special Attack and Defense, which can assist it in taking on Pokemon that would usually wall it and can help it clean. Fire Blast hits foes very well and gains a STAB boost, but it can't be used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. Psyshock can take on specially defensive Pokemon such as Jellicent and Aromatisse better than Fire Blast, as well as taking on Fighting- and Poison-types. Grass Knot helps Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types that resist Fire Blast. Dazzling Gleam in combination with Colbur Berry can make taking on Dark-types much easier, as well as taking on Flygon and Druddigon.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Life Orb allows Delphox to put out more damage while sacrificing a bit of its health per turn. Lum Berry could be used in place of a Life Orb, as it can heal off paralysis or poison and allow Delphox to set up on specially defensive walls. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health and can allow it to do much-needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

The main point of the set is to break teams by changing moves, and Calm Mind is mostly to beat passive answers to Delphox. Delphox can perform as a wallbreaker early- and mid-game against defensive teams, and it can also clean up late-game against offensive and balanced teams, but it needs to watch out for Pokemon such as Cobalion, Virizion, and Jolteon, which Delphox fails to outspeed. Weaken specially defensive walls and bulky Water-types before attempting a sweep, and get rid of priority users and faster Pokemon. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic if they are at a low enough HP. If Delphox is using a Colbur Berry, don't be afraid to set up against Dark-type foes unless they have access to priority moves, Delphox is weakened, or they outpace it. Bring Delphox in against a Pokemon it matches up well against, such as Aromatisse, Amoonguss, or Tangrowth, use Calm Mind, and clean the opposing team from there.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, as can Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the latter being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, can hit Pokemon that wall Delphox such as Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank. Special wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO special walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foes' Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting-types and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Delphox could run a Substitute + Calm Mind set of Substitute, Calm Mind, Fire Blast, and Psychic or Psyshock, with Leftovers or a Salac Berry, to block status and weaker attacks, but this loses out on a coverage move. Delphox could use Flamethrower over Fire Blast for perfect accuracy at the loss of power. Sunny Day Delphox with Solar Beam can allow it to better take on Water-, Rock-, and Steel-types, as well as boosting the power of its Fire-type moves. Will-O-Wisp can be used to cripple physical attackers, but running it takes away from Delphox's offensive presence. Shadow Ball could be run on the Offensive Calm Mind set to take on other Calm Mind users and make sure Delphox doesn't lose or have to rely on a critical hit if the foe has recovery. Colbur Berry could also be used on the Offensive Calm Mind set to take a Dark-type hit better. Hidden Power Water can be used to hit Camerupt harder and to hit Houndoom as it switches in.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Jellicent and specially defensive Alomomola resist Delphox's Fire-type moves, but they have to be wary of switching into a boosted Grass Knot or a Switcheroo.

**Dark-types**: Houndoom, Drapion, Spiritomb, Skuntank, and Sneasel can trap and deal massive damage to Delphox as well as being immune to its Psychic-type moves, but they can't switch into a Fire Blast. All of these Pokemon can either trap Delphox with Pursuit or outpace it with Sucker Punch, bar Sneasel, which outspeeds it regardless, and Drapion.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Dugtrio, Sneasel, Virizion, Durant, and Choice Scarf users can outpace and deal large amounts of damage to Delphox, although they have to be sure that it's not a Choice Scarf variant before attempting to revenge kill it. Dugtrio especially can trap Delphox, outspeed it, and OHKO it.

**Priority**: Priority moves, such as Aqua Jet from Kabutops, Sucker Punch from Spiritomb and other Dark-types, and Acrobatics from Fletchinder, can prove to be very detrimental towards Delphox, as they can move first and severely weaken it.

**Residual Damage**: Residual damage from status and entry hazards weakens Delphox and makes it easier to KO, especially from Stealth Rock, which takes a quarter of its health.
 
Last edited:

-kal-

hi guys
is a Contributor Alumnus
I know this is still WIP but you should make Choice Scarf and Choice Specs two different sets as they both play different roles. Dazzling Gleam also definitely needs a slash at least in the Choice Scarf set in this meta to hit Scrafty, Spiritomb and Flygon hard all in one moveslot
 

Twix

jicama
is a Contributor Alumnus
-Kal- I had asked some people around the room and they told me I could try to put them together. Making them two sets now.
 

aVocado

@ Everstone
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
In overview mention outspeeding Flygon and Glalie (alongside the point where you mention it's outsped by Cobalion and Durant)

"Delphox can switch in common walls in the tier, such as Aromatisse and Bronzong and set up on them."
I wouldn't switch into Bronzong in fear of Toxic or Earthquake tbh

Mention Scrafty as a target for Dazzling Gleam, it's huge. I also feel like it should be the first slash, because hitting Scrafty is pretty important and it also does respectable damage to Flygon. The trade off here is hitting 2 pokemon that are very common on offense vs. being almost dead weight against defensive teams, make sure to mention that when talking about the two moves.

Remove Kabutops from team options and replace him with Hitmonlee, for all sets.

Might be just me but I would like Dazzling Gleam at least mentioned in the two other sets because hitting Scrafty and Flygon is pretty important tbh.

In OO, remove both Mystical Fire and Magician. Put Sunny Day (w/ Solar Beam), and Will-O-Wisp or something. Maybe mention using Flamethrower as a substitute to Fire Blast for less power but more consistency yada yada

C&C is a bit awkward and needs some fixing. Put a category for Dark-types, put Sneasel, Spiritomb, Shiftry, Skuntank, and most importantly Houndoom. Stress how they all are immune to Psychic/Psyshock and have priority (or in Sneasel's case, faster) that can beat Delphox. You can remove the trappers section and replace it with this.

Add Dugtrio to Faster Threats instead and stress how he can trap Delphox and kill it. Add Fletchinder to priority.

QC approved 1/3
 

EonX

Battle Soul
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
I'd honestly put Dazzling Gleam over Grass Knot on the Scarf set. Very rarely are you going to need Grass Knot for an offensive mon, which are the primary targets of Scarf Delphox. Switcheroo should probably have its own slot to give Fox utility vs. defensive teams. I'd keep Grass Knot in moves, but I feel Gleam is too good on Scarf Fox rn to not have its own slot. I mean, Gleam lets you beat 2 key offensive mons that very few other Scarfers can claim to reliably revenge kill in Scrafty and Flygon.

Mention Psychic and Dazzling Gleam in moves of Offensive CM. Gleam has some good use with Colbur Berry and you'll want to use Psychic with it unless you want to auto-lose vs. Mola and Quag.

Specs needs Gleam slashed with Switcheroo tbh. I mean, with Gleam, Fox 2HKOes virtually the entire tier with the coverage from its Specs set, making Switcheroo less necessary. I'd go Dazzling Gleam / Switcheroo or just mention Switcheroo in moves, but I really don't think the Specs set needs Switcheroo much, if at all.

I'd make a small mention of Shadow Ball in OO since that's the only way Delphox reliably wins a mirror match outside of CM Psyshock wars

Stress that Dark-types need to watch out for Dazzling Gleam, which will be mentioned in all sets at worst. Faster Pokemon need to be sure Delphox doesn't have a Scarf of its own before switching in. Maybe make a small mention of paralysis as that will ruin any Delphox set ever unless it's the odd SubCM.

Bar some minor details with Dazzling Gleam that we can straighten out later, this is good BenOhver. QC Approved 2/3
 
Add a small note in OO about Hidden Power water to hit Camerupt harder and to catch Houndoom on the switch

Mention that Fire Blast in Blaze range is actually VERY STRONG and comes close to 2HKOing stuff like SpD aromatisse and really dents opponents. for this reason the sr weakness isnt as bad on a scarfer

Remove Psyshock completely from scarf and relegate Grass Knot to moves only too.

wouldnt use ever but specs looks fine to me

about offensive cm you have to mention somewhere that the purpose of the set is to break by changing moves and cm is used to beat passive answers more than anything.

Not a fan of the colbur berry slash at all in offensive cm to be honest (since you still lose to doom and 2hko or ohko all other dark types rpetty handily with fire and its not like scrafty or drapion dont kill you regardless with rocks) , however i found LUM BERRY to be useful against spdef alomomola so replace imo

If this change is made, Psychic should be used over Psyshock to take on Alomomola and Quagsire. kill this part too as well as dazzling gleam really for the reasons above

c&c

"but need to watch out for Dazzling Gleam, bar Drapion." Fire blast does way more to all of them but scrafty and blaze fire blast is stronger than that so just mention that they cant switch into fire blast and dont mention gleam

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Dugtrio, Sneasel, Virizion, Durant, and Choice Scarf users can outpace and deal large sums of damage towards Delphox, although they have to be sure that it's not scarfed before switching in.

none can switch in in any given situation and virizion cant even kill back without stone edge and some prior damage

**Paralysis**: Paralysis spread onto Delphox instantly makes it simple to revenge kill, as well as allowing it to get stalled out by specially defensive walls. The main users of this are Uxie, Togetic, and Druddigon with Thunder Wave and Glare respectively.

well druddigon kills you and uxie and togetic just get set up on by offensive cm especially if it has lum and something goes down so remove this point

tell me when you have done this
 

Malley

Dominachu
Add
Remove/Change
(Comment)
(AC) = Added Comma, (RC) = Removed Comma, (AH) = Added Hyphen etc.


[OVERVIEW]

Delphox has an above-average (AH) base Speed of 104, allowing it to outspeed common Pokemon such as Glalie and Flygon, but it is still outsped by Cobalion and Durant. It also has a very solid specially attacking presence with a base Special Attack of 114, making it a prominent sweeper in the tier. Delphox's wide movepool in combination with its great offensive typing can allow it to take on a variety of Pokemon, but its Fire-typing (RH) leaves it susceptible to additional Stealth Rock damage. Relatively speaking, Delphox is very frail on the Physical physical side and can be weakened by Dark-type moves such as Sucker Punch or Pursuit fairly easily. Delphox can run a variety of sets, from a Choice Scarf set to an offensive Calm Mind set, but faces competition from Sigilyph as an offensive Calm Mind user. However, Delphox has a niche in its STAB Fire-type moves, while lacking Tinted Lens and Roost. Delphox can switch in on common walls in the tier, such as Aromatisse and Togetic, and set up on them.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits foes effectively and gains a STAB boost, but can't be reused used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. If affected by the ability Blaze, Fire Blast becomes a huge threat to foes and has a chance to 2HKO walls such as Aromatisse. Psychic hits more reliably than Fire Blast, and can take on Fighting- and Poison-types. Dazzling Gleam allows Delphox to take on and revenge kill common Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Scrafty, and Flygon, while Grass Knot can be used in place of Dazzling Gleam to help Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types which that resist Fire Blast. Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls, (RC) by locking them into a status, (RC) or weak chip-damage (AH) move, or it can lock a foe into a not-very-effective (AHs) move.

Set Details
========

Maxiumum Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Choice Scarf allows Delphox to outpace Pokemon such as Scarf Houndoom and Flygon, as well as Sneasel, Dugtrio, and Durant. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health, and can allow it to do much needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Use Switcheroo on walls, set up setup sweepers, or Pokemon which that rely on their Eviolite, (RC) to cripple them and gain an the upper hand. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, (AC) or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic if they are at a low enough HP. Unless you need to get an important kill, don't try to try not to reveal you have a Choice Scarf, as it can come in handy late-game. Be careful when locking Delphox into Fire Blast, as it has the potential to miss and isn't totally reliable. If Delphox is using Dazzling Gleam, use it if you predict a Dark- or Dragon-type to come in instead of using a Psychic-type move against the former. If an the opponent has a Dark-type, be cautious when locking Delphox into a Psychic-type move as the Dark-type can switch in on it and take advantage.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal, (RC) and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, and as can Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the second being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, which can hit Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank, which can threaten Delphox (The structure of this sentence is rather confused. I've rendered it as 'Hitmontop and Hitmonless can hit Jellicent etc.', since otherwise you must have left out something pretty important for the meaning). Special Wallbreakers wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO Special Walls special walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types can resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foe's Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting-types (Just added this for clarity, in case it looks like the following examples all have both types) and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic respectively, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Psychic / Psyshock
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Dazzling Gleam / Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits foes very well and gains a STAB boost, but can't be reused used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. Psychic is Delphox's secondary STAB which hits more reliably, and can take on Fighting- and Poison-types. Psyshock is an option over Psychic as it can take on specially defensive Pokemon, (RC) such as Jellicent or and Aromatisse better. Grass Knot helps Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types which that resist Fire Blast. Dazzling Gleam allows Delphox to take on and revenge kill common Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Scrafty, and Flygon. Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls, (RC) by locking them into a status, (RC) or weak chip-damage (AH) move, or can make lock a foe trapped into a not very effective move that is not very effective against Delphox.

Set Details
========

Maxiumum Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Choice Specs deals massive damage to a foe with the drawback of locking Delphox into a singular single move. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health, and can allow it to do much needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Use Switcheroo on walls, set up setup sweepers, or Pokemon which that rely on their Eviolite, (RC) to cripple them and gain an the upper hand. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, (AC) or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic (Or Psyshock? Since you've slashed it for the Specs set) if they are at a low enough HP. Be careful when locking Delphox into Fire Blast, as it has the potential to miss and isn't totally reliable. If an opponent has a Dark-type, be cautious when locking Delphox into a Psychic-type move as the Dark-type can switch in on it and take advantage.

Team Options
========

(When you've copy and pasted something, just make the same changes as for the previous iteration)

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal, and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, and Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the second being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, which can hit Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank, which can threaten Delphox. Special Wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO Special Walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types can resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foe's Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting- and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic respectively, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Calm Mind allows Delphox to boost its Special Attack and Defense, which can assist it in taking on Pokemon that would usually wall it and can help it clean. Fire Blast hits foes very well and gains a STAB boost, but can't be reused used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. Psyshock can take on specially defensive Pokemon, (RC) such as Jellicent or and Aromatisse better than Fire Blast, as well as takes taking on Fighting- and Poison-types. Grass Knot helps Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types which that resist Fire Blast. Dazzling Gleam in combination with Colbur Berry can make taking on Dark-types much easier, as well as taking on Flygon and Druddigon.

Set Details
========

Maxiumum Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Life Orb allows Delphox to put out more damage, while sacrificing a bit of its health per turn. Lum Berry could be used in place of a Life Orb as it can heal off paralysis or poison, (RC) and allow Delphox to set up on specially defensive walls. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health, and can allow it to do much needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

The main point of the set is to break teams by changing moves and Calm Mind is mostly to beat passive answers to it Delphox. Delphox can preform perform as a wallbreaker early- and mid-game against defensive teams, and can also clean up late-game against offensive and balanced teams, but it needs to watch out for Pokemon such as Cobalion, Virizion, and Jolteon, which Delphox fails to outspeed. Weaken specially defensive walls and bulky Water-types before attempting as sweep, as well as getting rid of priority users and faster Pokemon. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, (AC) or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic if they are at a low enough HP. If Delphox is using a Colbur Berry, don't be afraid to set up against Dark-type foes unless they have access to priority moves, Delphox is weakened, or if they outpace it outpace if they it. Bring Delphox in against a Pokemon it matches up well against, such as Aromatisse, Amoonguss, or Tangrowth, (AC) ; use Calm Mind, (AC) ; and clean the opposing team from there.

Team Options
========

(Copy and pasted, so makes same changes as before)

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal, and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them, which is a necessity with for it. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, and Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the second being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, which can hit Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank, which can threaten Delphox. Special Wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO Special Walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types can resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foe's Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting- and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic respectively, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Delphox could run a Substitute Calm Mind set with Substitute, Calm Mind, Fire Blast, and Psychic or Psyshock, with Leftovers or a Salac Berry, to block status and weaker attacks, but this loses out on a coverage move. Delphox could use Flamethrower over Fire Blast for perfect accuracy at the loss of power. Sunny Day Delphox with Solar Beam can allow it to better take on Water-, Rock-, and Steel-types, as well as boosting its Fire-type moves. Will-O-Wisp can be used to cripple physical attackers, but takes away from Delphox's offensive presence. Shadow Ball could be run on the Offensive Calm Mind set to take on other Calm Mind users and make sure Delphox doesn't lose or have to rely on a critical hit if the foe has recovery. Colbur Berry could also be used on the Offensive Calm Mind set to take Dark-type hits better. Hidden Power Water can be used to hit Camerupt harder, and hit Houndoom as it switches in.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Jellicent and specially defensive Alomomola can resist Delphox's Fire-type moves, but have to be wary of switching into a boosted Grass Knot or a Switcheroo.

**Dark-types**: Houndoom, Drapion, Spiritomb, Skuntank, and Sneasel can trap and deal massive damage to Delphox as well as being immune to its Psychic-type moves, but can't switch into a Fire Blast. All of these Pokemon can either trap Delphox with Pursuit, (RC) or outpace it with priority, (AC) bar Sneasel, (AC) which outspeeds it regardless, (AC) and Drapion.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Dugtrio, Sneasel, Virizion, Durant, and Choice Scarf users can outpace and deal large sums amounts of damage towards to Delphox, although they have to be sure that it's not scarfed before attempting to revenge kill it. Dugtrio especially, (RC) can trap Delphox, outspeed it, and OHKO it.

**Priority**: Priority moves, such as Aqua Jet from Kabutops, Sucker Punch from Spiritomb and other Dark-types, and Acrobatics from Fletchinder can prove to be very detrimental towards Delphox as they can move before first and severely weaken it.

**Residual Damage**: Residual damage from effects such as status and entry hazards, (RC) weaken Delphox and make it easier to KO, especially from Stealth Rock which takes one-forth a quarter of its health.


Nice write up. GP 1/2
 
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P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
PLACEHOLDER you guys can't ninja me this time
-ahem-

good stuff, 2/2
add remove comment

[OVERVIEW]

Delphox has an above-average base Speed of 104, allowing it to outspeed common Pokemon such as Glalie and Flygon, but it is still outsped by Cobalion and Durant. It also has a very solid specially attacking presence with a base Special Attack of 114, making it a prominent sweeper in the tier. Delphox's wide movepool in combination with its great offensive typing can allow it to take on a variety of Pokemon, but its Fire typing leaves it susceptible to additional Stealth Rock damage. Relatively speaking, Delphox is very
physically frail on the physical side and can be weakened by Dark-type moves such as Sucker Punch or and Pursuit fairly easily. Delphox can run a variety of sets, from a Choice Scarf set to an offensive Calm Mind set, but faces competition from Sigilyph as an offensive Calm Mind user. However, while it lacks Tinted Lens and Roost, Delphox has a niche in its STAB Fire-type moves, while lacking Tinted Lens and Roost. Delphox can switch in on common walls in the tier, such as Aromatisse and Togetic, and set up on them.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits foes effectively and gains a STAB boost, but
it can't be used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. If affected by the ability Blaze, Fire Blast becomes a huge threat to foes and has a chance to 2HKO walls such as Aromatisse. Psychic hits more reliably than Fire Blast, (remove comma) and can take on Fighting- and Poison-types. Dazzling Gleam allows Delphox to take on and revenge kill common Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Scrafty, and Flygon, while Grass Knot can be used in place of Dazzling Gleam to help Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types that resist Fire Blast. Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls by locking them into a status or weak chip-damage move, or it can lock a foe into a not-very-effective move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Choice Scarf allows Delphox to outpace Pokemon such as
Choice Scarf Houndoom and Flygon, as well as Sneasel, Dugtrio, and Durant. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health, (remove comma) and can allow it to do much(dash)needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Use Switcheroo on walls, setup sweepers, or Pokemon that rely on their Eviolite to cripple them and gain the upper hand. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic if they are at low enough HP. Unless you need to get an important
KO kill, try not to reveal you have Delphox has a Choice Scarf, as it can come in handy late-game. Be careful when locking Delphox into Fire Blast, as it has the potential to miss and isn't totally reliable. If Delphox is using Dazzling Gleam, use it if you predict a Dark- or Dragon-type to come in instead of using a Psychic-type move against the former. If the opponent has a Dark-type, be cautious when locking Delphox into a Psychic-type move, (comma) as the Dark-type can switch in on it and take advantage.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, as can Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the latter being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, can hit Pokemon that wall Delphox such as Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank. Special wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO special walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types
can resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foe's foes' Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting-types and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Psychic / Psyshock
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Dazzling Gleam / Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits foes very well and gains a STAB boost, but
it can't be used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. Psychic is Delphox's secondary STAB which (we're supposed to crack down on "is a STAB move" and such now because they're not very informative) hits more reliably, (remove comma) and can take on Fighting- and Poison-types. Psyshock is an option over Psychic, (comma) as it can take on specially defensive Pokemon such as Jellicent and Aromatisse better. Grass Knot helps Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types that resist Fire Blast. Dazzling Gleam allows Delphox to take on and revenge kill common Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Scrafty, and Flygon. Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls by locking them into a status or weak chip-damage move, or it can lock a foe into a move that is not very effective against Delphox.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Choice Specs
allows Delphox to deal deals massive damage to a foe with the drawback of locking Delphox into a single move. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health, (remove comma) and can allow it to do much(dash)needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Use Switcheroo on walls, setup sweepers, or Pokemon that rely on their Eviolite to cripple them and gain the upper hand. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic or Psyshock if they are at a low enough HP. Be careful when locking Delphox into Fire Blast, as it has the potential to miss and isn't totally reliable. If an opponent has a Dark-type, be cautious when locking Delphox into a Psychic-type move
, (comma) as the Dark-type can switch in on it and take advantage.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, as can Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the latter being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, can hit Pokemon that wall Delphox such as Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank. Special wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO special walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types
can resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foe's foes' Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting-types and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Calm Mind allows Delphox to boost its Special Attack and Defense, which can assist it in taking on Pokemon that would usually wall it and can help it clean. Fire Blast hits foes very well and gains a STAB boost, but
it can't be used again and again due to its lack of perfect accuracy. Psyshock can take on specially defensive Pokemon such as Jellicent and Aromatisse better than Fire Blast, as well as taking on Fighting- and Poison-types. Grass Knot helps Delphox take on Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types that resist Fire Blast. Dazzling Gleam in combination with Colbur Berry can make taking on Dark-types much easier, as well as taking on Flygon and Druddigon.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Delphox to be as fast and hit as hard as it can. Life Orb allows Delphox to put out more damage
, (remove comma) while sacrificing a bit of its health per turn. Lum Berry could be used in place of a Life Orb, (comma) as it can heal off paralysis or poison and allow Delphox to set up on specially defensive walls. Blaze can come in handy when Delphox is below one-third of its health, (remove comma) and can allow it to do much(dash)needed damage late-game.

Usage Tips
========

The main point of the set is to break teams by changing moves
, (comma) and Calm Mind is mostly to beat passive answers to Delphox. Delphox can perform as a wallbreaker early- and mid-game against defensive teams, and it can also clean up late-game against offensive and balanced teams, but it needs to watch out for Pokemon such as Cobalion, Virizion, and Jolteon, which Delphox fails to outspeed. Weaken specially defensive walls and bulky Water-types before attempting as a sweep, as well as getting and get rid of priority users and faster Pokemon. If you predict a Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type Pokemon to switch in, use Grass Knot to severely weaken them, or use Psychic if they are at a low enough HP. If Delphox is using a Colbur Berry, don't be afraid to set up against Dark-type foes unless they have access to priority moves, Delphox is weakened, or if they outpace it. Bring Delphox in against a Pokemon it matches up well against, such as Aromatisse, Amoonguss, or Tangrowth, use Calm Mind, and clean the opposing team from there.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Togetic, Flygon, Hitmontop, Shiftry, and Hitmonlee can provide entry hazard removal and allow Delphox to avoid residual damage from them. Shiftry can be used to take out Jellicent, as can Skuntank, which can trap Jellicent with Pursuit. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee, with the former being more defensive and the latter being an offensive entry hazard remover thanks to its access to Knock Off and High Jump Kick, can hit Pokemon that wall Delphox such as Jellicent, Druddigon, and Miltank. Special wallbreakers such as Exploud, Clawitzer, Meloetta, and Rotom-C can weaken or KO special walls and make it easier for Delphox to clean opposing teams. Grass- and Electric-types such as Rotom-C, Virizion, Tangrowth, Shiftry, Jolteon, and Magneton can take on Alomomola and Jellicent and other Water-types. Grass-types
can resist their Water-type moves, while Electric-types can gain momentum against them with Volt Switch. Rhyperior, Cobalion, Steelix, Qwilfish, and Accelgor can set up entry hazards for Delphox and break foe's foes' Focus Sashes as well as Sturdy. Fighting-types and Fairy-types, such as Emboar, Cobalion, Virizion, Scrafty, Aromatisse, and Togetic, can take on Dark-type Pokemon for Delphox.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Delphox could run a Substitute
+ Calm Mind set with of (double "with"s made me kinda nervous) Substitute, Calm Mind, Fire Blast, and Psychic or Psyshock, with Leftovers or a Salac Berry, to block status and weaker attacks, but this loses out on a coverage move. Delphox could use Flamethrower over Fire Blast for perfect accuracy at the loss of power. Sunny Day Delphox with Solar Beam can allow it to better take on Water-, Rock-, and Steel-types, as well as boosting the power of its Fire-type moves. Will-O-Wisp can be used to cripple physical attackers, but running it takes away from Delphox's offensive presence. Shadow Ball could be run on the Offensive Calm Mind set to take on other Calm Mind users and make sure Delphox doesn't lose or have to rely on a critical hit if the foe has recovery. Colbur Berry could also be used on the Offensive Calm Mind set to take a Dark-type hit (one time use right?) better. Hidden Power Water can be used to hit Camerupt harder, (remove comma) and to hit Houndoom as it switches in.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Jellicent and specially defensive Alomomola
can resist Delphox's Fire-type moves, but they have to be wary of switching into a boosted Grass Knot or a Switcheroo.

**Dark-types**: Houndoom, Drapion, Spiritomb, Skuntank, and Sneasel can trap and deal massive damage to Delphox as well as being immune to its Psychic-type moves, but
they can't switch into a Fire Blast. All of these Pokemon can either trap Delphox with Pursuit or outpace it with priority (do you mean Sucker Punch here? technically Sneasel can outpace Delphox with priority (Ice Shard), just not an effective one... anyways, if it's just Sucker Punch maybe say "outpace it with Sucker Punch"), bar Sneasel, which outspeeds it regardless, and Drapion.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Dugtrio, Sneasel, Virizion, Durant, and Choice Scarf users can outpace and deal large amounts of damage to Delphox, although they have to be sure that it's not
a Choice Scarf variant scarfed before attempting to revenge kill it. Dugtrio especially can trap Delphox, outspeed it, and OHKO it.

**Priority**: Priority moves, such as Aqua Jet from Kabutops, Sucker Punch from Spiritomb and other Dark-types, and Acrobatics from Fletchinder
, (comma) can prove to be very detrimental towards Delphox, (comma) as they can move first and severely weaken it.

**Residual Damage**: Residual damage from
effects such as status and entry hazards weakens Delphox and makes it easier to KO, especially from Stealth Rock, (comma) which takes a quarter of its health.
 
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