Drapion
Credit to ParaChomp for the original analysis.
[Overview]
<p>Drapion is a very versatile Pokemon in RU, as it boasts a great stat spread with a mix of Speed, bulk, and power. Its fantastic typing leaves it as a Dark-type in a tier dominated by Ghost-types, while its neutrality to Fighting and resistance to Ghost give it something that Spiritomb lacks. As such, Drapion is one of the best Pursuit users in the tier. It can run a variety of sets, but it's not exceptional at any one thing. Its offensive sets rely on Swords Dance to reach acceptable power levels, and its defensive set lacks the bulk to take on many common special attackers. However, Drapion is by no means a bad Pokemon, as it is extremely threatening mainly due to its versatility and Speed.</p>
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Crunch
item: Leftovers
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 244 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Drapion can run an effective specially defensive set. Heavy investment in Special Defense allows it to take on most Ghost-types with ease, by sponging their attacks and setting up Toxic Spikes to hamper switch-ins. Barring Golurk, every Ghost-type in the tier can't break through Drapion, as Cofagrigus and Rotom are effectively walled, and Spiritomb and Dusknoir are Taunted before they can use Will-O-Wisp to cripple Drapion. Toxic Spikes is one of Drapion's main niches, and works well in combination with Whirlwind to cripple a wall or sweeper before your opponent can switch in a grounded Poison-type or spinner. Whirlwind further allows Drapion to counter Nasty Plot Cofagrigus, and is also effective against Substitute users, such as Magneton. Drapion's fast Taunt is one of its greatest assets, as it allows Drapion to stop Tangrowth from putting a member of your team to sleep, as well as prevent slow setup sweepers, such as Omastar and Crawdaunt, from racking up boosts. Crunch is Drapion's most powerful STAB move; it ensures that Drapion isn't the victim of Taunt itself, especially against faster users such as Aerodactyl and opposing offensive Drapion. It also hits Ghost-types for super effective damage, which allows Drapion to fill its role as a Ghost-type killer.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>16 Speed EVs allow Drapion to outspeed and Taunt both Omastar and Crawdaunt before they can use Shell Smash or Dragon Dance, respectively. The rest is placed in HP and Special Defense to allow Drapion to take special attacks more easily. 248 HP EVs specifically let Drapion take less damage from entry hazards. A physically defensive spread could work as well due to Drapion's impressive Defense stat, but Drapion will never be a true physical wall due to its weakness to common Ground-type attacks and lack of useful resistances. Instead, it is better off using its resistances to play the role of a specially defensive pivot that counters key threats such as Cofagrigus and Rotom. Battle Armor is the preferred ability; while a Sniper boost might come in handy at times, this set focuses more on taking hits than dishing them out, and a critical hit could mean the difference between one and two layers of Toxic Spikes. As this set lacks recovery, Rest can be used in conjunction with Sleep Talk to turn Drapion into a RestTalk phazer, similar to Munchlax and Poliwrath. However, this means that Drapion loses the ability to Taunt its opponents and to lay down Toxic Spikes, two of its greatest assets. Knock Off can cripple Eviolite users such as Ferroseed, Munchlax, Roselia, and Rhydon, but the former three are setup fodder regardless, and Drapion has no business staying in on the latter. As Toxic Spikes are frequently absorbed by common Pokemon such as Qwilfish, Toxic can be used instead to inflict status more reliably. However, as stated before, Toxic Spikes is one of Drapion's main niches. Earthquake can provide coverage on Steel-types, which aren't affected by Toxic Spikes and resist Crunch. Unfortunately, Earthquake cannot break through Ferroseed and Steelix, and furthermore, Drapion lacks a moveslot to accommodate it.</p>
<p>Wish support is one of the most important qualities Drapion looks for in a teammate. Clefable is an excellent choice that can take on more powerful special attackers such as Moltres, as well as set up Stealth Rock for Drapion to take advantage of with Whirlwind. Another choice is Alomomola, who has decent synergy with Drapion and can take on physical attackers such as Feraligatr. Both Pokemon also have the advantage of being able to Toxic stall with Wish and Protect. Other good partners are those that can set up more hazards, as this lets Drapion rack up more damage with Whirlwind. Some examples that synergize well are Aerodactyl, who can set up Stealth Rock, and Accelgor, for Spikes. This Drapion works well on stall teams in general as it can absorb Toxic Spikes, lay down its own Toxic Spikes, and deal with troublesome Ghost-types that normally plague stall teams.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
ability: Battle Armor / Sniper
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Drapion's access to Taunt and Swords Dance, as well as its great bulk even with minimal investment, makes it arguably the best stallbreaker in the tier. This set combines all the traits that make Drapion a force in this tier in the form of a bulky Swords Dance set capable of busting through almost every wall in the tier. With Taunt, Drapion is able to set up on the likes of Qwilfish, Ferroseed, Cofagrigus, and Slowking, and usually get more than one Swords Dance under its belt. Swords Dance boosts Drapion's Attack to very threatening levels, especially after a couple of boosts, and is necessary for plowing through RU's bulkiest physical walls, such as Tangrowth, Poliwrath, and Steelix. Crunch is a powerful and reliable STAB move that obliterates Ghost-types, such as Cofagrigus, that Drapion can counter excellently, and Earthquake hits the Steel-, Fighting-, and Dark-types that resist Crunch.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Maximum Speed investment allows Drapion to Taunt as many threats as possible, and the remainder is invested in bulk to let Drapion accumulate as many Swords Dance boosts as possible. Leftovers is the preferred item choice to increase overall longevity, but Lum Berry can also be useful for setting up on Scald, Body Slam, or Discharge, and also eases prediction when switching in or using Taunt. Battle Armor is the ability of choice on this set because Drapion will typically take a hit setting up Swords Dance, and a critical hit might completely disrupt its setup and possibly lose you the game. However, Sniper can be useful in the event that Drapion cannot obtain enough boosts to break through walls even with a critical hit. If you're looking to put another coverage move on Drapion, try the offensive Swords Dance set instead, as this set does not have any room for alternatives.</p>
<p>As far as partners go, Feraligatr is an excellent choice to provide complementary offense, as it counters Drapion's checks, such as Steelix, while Drapion can beat some of Feraligatr's checks, such as Ferroseed. Aerodactyl can weaken your opponent's defensive core enough for Drapion to sweep later, and can also set up Stealth Rock. While not common, Torterra is definitely a teammate worth considering as it boasts good synergy with Drapion, has access to Stealth Rock, and possesses the ability to beat Steelix. Clefable is also a great partner who can set up Stealth Rock and provide Wish support. In return, Drapion can take care of Ghost-types, such as Rotom, that Clefable can't touch.</p>
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Sniper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Ghost-types are plentiful in the RU metagame, so users of Pursuit are close to a necessity. Drapion is one of the best candidates for the job, and this set capitalizes on its ability to do so. Drapion is the fastest of RU's main Pursuit users, and the only one that outspeeds Rotom, so it can effectively trap Rotom and use Pursuit as it flees. Drapion also boasts a resistance to Ghost-type attacks and takes neutral damage from Fighting-type attacks, making it arguably the best Pursuit user to deal with Trick Room Cofagrigus. Crunch is a powerful and reliable STAB move that hits Ghost-types for major damage; Choice Band variants 2HKO even the standard defensive Cofagrigus, while Life Orb versions need Stealth Rock to guarantee the 2HKO. Earthquake gets good neutral coverage with Crunch, as it hits Steel-, Fighting-, and Dark-types, most notably Steelix, Hitmonchan, and opposing Drapion, for at least neutral damage. Aqua Tail takes down Moltres and bulky Ground-types such as Rhydon and Sandslash, who don't take much damage from Drapion's other moves.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature let Drapion outrun Rotom and Speed tie with opposing base 95 Speed Pokemon, such as Uxie, Jynx, and Haunter. Maximum investment in Attack allows Drapion to hit as hard as possible, and the remaining EVs slightly increase Drapion's bulk. Choice Band is the preferred item choice, as Drapion needs all the power it can get due to its average Attack stat, and doesn't mind being locked into one move. However, Life Orb is another good choice that allows Drapion to switch between moves at the cost of slightly decreasing its longevity. Choice Band's power is necessary most of the time, though, as Life Orb Crunch can fail to 2HKO and OHKO defensive Cofagrigus and SubPunch Golurk, respectively, while a Choice Band picks up both of the aforementioned KOs without fail. Sniper is the recommended ability as Drapion will be hitting first most of the time and shouldn't be taking many hits. Poison Jab is an option over Aqua Tail in the last slot for an additional STAB move that hits Grass-types; most notably, it 2HKOes Tangrowth after Stealth Rock. However, it has terrible coverage otherwise, and Aqua Tail generally gets more use.</p>
<p>This set is a great partner for Pokemon that enjoy the removal of Ghost-types. The plethora of Fighting-types in RU all appreciate Drapion's help, as Medicham, Hitmonlee, Primeape, and Hitmonchan can all power through the rest of your opponent's team once their Ghost-type is gone. The former two are especially good partners as they are free to use their ridiculously high-powered Hi Jump Kick to great effect with no Ghost-types to stop them. Spinners that fail to get past spinblockers, such as support Sandslash and Hitmonchan, also appreciate Drapion's talents. Without a spinblocker standing in their way, they will get are able to Rapid Spin without fail, giving Pokemon such as Moltres and Scyther a chance to shine while also giving your team momentum. As this set can also clean late-game with Crunch, hazards and complimentary offense are of top priority. Accelgor is a good user of Spikes that can take down Tangrowth and Steelix, and Aerodactyl sets up Stealth Rock while weakening Drapion's checks. This set is countered mainly by the likes of Poliwrath, Tangrowth, and Steelix, so Pokemon such as Manectric and Magmortar, who can break these defensive behemoths, allow Drapion to sweep late-game.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Crunch
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Sniper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While this set might not be the best Pursuit trapper, Choice Scarf lets Drapion fill this role while also doubling as a revenge killer. This set can trap even a Choice Scarf Rotom, and also revenge kill +1 Lilligant. Crunch is the main move on the set that brings decent power to the table while hitting Ghost-types super effectively. Pursuit's main target is Rotom, who tends to switch out of Drapion, but it is plain weak otherwise and won't even 2HKO Cofagrigus or Dusknoir. Earthquake gets good neutral coverage with Crunch, and is crucial for hitting Omastar, whom Drapion can revenge kill even after a Shell Smash. Aqua Tail is extremely important here as hitting Moltres is a major priority. It also hits the rare Rock Polish Rhydon, which Drapion outspeeds, as well as Sandslash.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Maximum Speed lets Drapion outspeed a multitude of threats, including Choice Scarf Rotom, +2 Omastar and +1 Lilligant. It also allows Drapion to Speed tie with Choice Scarf variants of Uxie, Haunter, and Jynx, and OHKO the latter two by either Crunch or Pursuit if they try to switch out. As with most offensive Pokemon, Drapion should maximize its Attack in order to hit as hard as possible. Sniper is the ability of choice on this set; as Drapion outspeeds the entire unboosted tier and is even faster than most Speed-boosting sweepers, it will rarely take a hit. Poison Jab is an option over Aqua Tail in the last slot, as it hits +1 Lilligant and other Grass-types harder than Crunch. However, Moltres is a more important threat to maintain coverage on.</p>
<p>This set is useful as a revenge killer on offensive teams that need both a Toxic Spikes absorber and Pursuit support. Pokemon such as Medicham and Hitmonchan appreciate the removal of Ghost-types and Moltres, and can offer great offensive support with their immense power and STAB Fighting-type attacks. As this set really only functions well on offensive teams, offensive Pokemon that can simultaneously set up entry hazards are great partners for this set. Aerodactyl can set up Stealth Rock and Accelgor can set up Spikes, and both share good synergy with Drapion. Another great partner for this set is SubSeed Sceptile, as it can easily force out Poliwrath and Steelix while resisting both of their main STAB moves. It greatly appreciates the removal of Toxic Spikes, and can wear down Drapion's counters through repeated switching. If you are running hazards along with Drapion on an offensive team, Rotom is a great choice for a spinblocker, as it appreciates the removal of other Ghost-types, and works well with Drapion.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail
item: Life Orb
ability: Sniper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set aims to accomplish as much as possible with only a single Swords Dance. With a Swords Dance and a Life Orb boost, Drapion can 2HKO most of the top physical walls in the tier, such as Steelix and Cofagrigus. Crunch is a mainstay on any Drapion set, and it allows Drapion to get a free Swords Dance boost by forcing out Ghost-and Psychic-types, such as Rotom and Mesprit. It also functions as Drapion's most powerful STAB move, and OHKOes Cofagrigus just about all of the time at +2. Earthquake is Drapion's main means of hitting Steel-types, Fighting-types, and opposing Drapion, and 2HKOes Steelix at +2. Aqua Tail is used mainly for Sandslash and Rhydon, who would otherwise be able to stop even a +2 Drapion and OHKO it with Earthquake.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Maximum investment in Attack and Speed lets Drapion hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Jolly nature allows Drapion to outspeed Rotom, Lilligant, and Moltres, as well as force a Speed tie with Uxie, Jynx, Haunter, and opposing Drapion. Life Orb is the primary item for this set, as it makes or breaks many KOs for Drapion, including the 2HKO on Steelix as well as the OHKO on Lanturn. Sniper is the main ability, as this set focuses on hitting hard and fast, while preying on forced switches to set up. While Drapion can take a hit, it usually won't have to, so Battle Armor isn't recommended. Poison Jab can be used in the last slot as a secondary STAB move that does more damage to Grass-types such as Tangrowth, which is always 2HKOed at +2. Fire Fang can also be used to hit the aforementioned Grass-types while also obliterating Ferroseed. However, both of these moves have very specific coverage, while Aqua Tail has more utility.</p>
<p>As this set relies on forcing switches to set up a Swords Dance, entry hazard support is greatly recommended. As a bonus, it also helps Drapion get past its checks. For example, two layers of Spikes allows Drapion to OHKO Intimidate Qwilfish with +1 Earthquake. A great partner to set these hazards up is Accelgor, who has access to Spikes, has good synergy with Drapion, and can dispose of Tangrowth while Drapion sets up on many special walls. Grass-type Pokemon such as Sceptile work well with Drapion, and can break through Poliwrath, one of Drapion's greatest checks. Rotom is another great partner for this set, as it synergizes well with Drapion, beats Poliwrath, and weakens walls with Pain Split, allowing Drapion to take them down later. Clefable also partners well with this set, as it has access to Wish and Heal Bell to grant Drapion another chance at a sweep. In return, Drapion can force out Ghost-types such as Rotom and Dusknoir, whom Clefable can't touch when they're behind a Substitute.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Drapion can run a bulkier take on a Swords Dance set, using Rest and Sleep Talk along with Crunch to act as a mono-attacking RestTalk booster. However, Drapion needs to invest heavily in bulk to accumulate enough boosts this way, making the Bulky Swords Dance set usually superior. On the topic of boosting moves, Drapion also has access to Agility. This is of little use, however, as Drapion is relatively fast already, and more often than not lacks the immediate power to sweep as opposed to Speed. To take advantage of Sniper, Night Slash and Cross Poison can be used for a greater chance of a critical hit. However, this is not advised, as relying on luck is never a reason to use an otherwise inferior move. Drapion can act as a supporter for weather teams, as it is able to set up both Rain Dance and Sunny Day. However, Uxie supports its team far better, and Drapion doesn't bring any key resistances to the table to justify its use. Though it receives STAB, Payback shouldn't get any use as Drapion is too fast to be an effective user of the move. One very interesting move in Drapion's movepool is Torment, which cripples many Ghost-types, such as Cofagrigus, Rotom, and Dusknoir; they usually only run one coverage move, and Drapion resists their STAB Ghost-type move. Other viable physical moves in Drapion's movepool include X-Scissor, Brick Break, Rock Slide, Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, and Iron Tail. While all of these offer coverage options against very specific opponents, they don't bring enough to the table to find use in one of Drapion's main sets.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>RestTalk Poliwrath is the best counter to all Drapion as it resists Crunch, has Circle Throw to phaze Drapion even through Taunt, and can use Rest to heal off damage from Toxic Spikes. Tangrowth is another solid counter, especially if it runs Earthquake, as it isn't 2HKOed by +2 Life Orb Crunch. Tangrowth can put Drapion that lack Taunt to sleep, rendering it near-useless barring cleric support. Steelix is another great option for countering Drapion, as it is immune to Toxic Spikes and walls all Drapion except for the offensive Swords Dance variant; it is only 2HKOed by +2 Life Orb Earthquake. However, it needs to make sure that Drapion has taken some damage beforehand, as an uninvested Earthquake only 2HKOes Drapion at best. Sandslash and Rhydon are good checks to almost any set, as they can both survive a +2 Life Orb Aqua Tail, and at least 2HKO with Earthquake (the latter OHKOes almost all of the time after Life Orb recoil). Aerodactyl and Archeops can check Drapion as well, as they can come in for free on a predicted Earthquake, outspeed, and OHKO with an Earthquake of their own. Ironically, you can check Drapion with a Drapion of your own, as it absorbs Toxic Spikes, resists Crunch, and KOes with Earthquake. However, the Choice Scarf set is best for this as relying on Speed ties generally isn't recommended.</p>
