[OVERVIEW]
Escavalier's solid typing and bulk allow it to check the various Psychic-types in the tier. Despite its average movepool, Escavalier can perform multiple roles on a team, such as an Assault Vest tank, a Choice Band wallbreaker, or a late game sweeper with Swords Dance. Unfortunately, Escavalier's lack of reliable recovery hinders its ability to tank hits, and this is furthered by its awful Speed stat. Common Fire-types in the tier are major issues for Escavalier, as they resist both of Escavalier's STAB moves and can consistently pressure Escavalier.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Assault Vest
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 248 HP / 176 Atk / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Megahorn is a powerful STAB move that hits hard and targets the Psychic-types that Escavalier checks. Iron Head is Escavalier's secondary STAB move that hits Rock-types such as Rhyperior and Tyrantrum as well as Fairy-types such as Aromatisse and Togetic. Pursuit provides important utility in trapping a fleeing Psychic- or Ghost-type such as Meloetta, Mesprit, Reuniclus, Bronzong, and Mismagius. Knock Off cripples Escavalier's typical switch-ins such as Alomomola and Qwilfish by removing their item. Drill Run can be used to target Fire- and Steel-types such as Emboar, Houdoom, and Cobalion.
Set Details
========
84 Speed EVs are used to outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon such as Amoonguss and Reuniclus. 248 HP EVs make Escavalier as bulky as possible while minimizing the damage taken from entry hazards. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack to hit hard. Assault Vest bolsters Escavalier's Special Defense, making it a potent tank. Overcoat makes Escavalier immune to Spore and Sleep Powder.
Usage Tips
========
Pivot into weak or resisted special attacks and hit back hard with a strong STAB move or a coverage move. Knock Off can be spammed in the early-game, as it is very useful to cripple most of Escavalier's typical switch-ins, but should be used sparingly if your opponent has a Cobalion or Virizion, which benefit from taking the Dark-type attack. Escavalier should be kept away from Knock Off users, as losing its Assault Vest greatly hinders its ability as a pivot and tank.
Team Options
========
Teammates to handle Fire-types such as Delphox, Emboar, Mega Camerupt, and Houndoom are necessary. Bulky Water-types such as Alomomola, Qwilfish, and Jellicent check some of those Fire-types to some degree. Alomomola also provides Wish support for Escavalier to somewhat mitigate its lack of recovery. Houndoom sets itself apart from the other two Fire-types in that it can easily muscle past Water-types with Life Orb-boosted Dark Pulses, so other teammates such as Mega Camerupt, Rhyperior, and Emboar all fit this role. Dragon-type Pokemon such as Druddigon and Tyrantrum are also decent checks to Fire-type Pokemon and appreciate Escavalier's ability to threaten Fairy-types and switch into stray Ice-type attacks aimed at them.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Drill Run / Knock Off
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Megahorn is a powerful STAB move, 2HKOing even bulky Pokemon such as Alomomola. Iron Head is a strong secondary STAB move that hits Fairy- and Rock-types such as Togetic and Tyrantrum. Pursuit deals massive damage to fleeing Psychic-types such as Meloetta, Reuniclus, and Mesprit. Drill Run hits Steel- and Fire-types such as Mega Steelix, Cobalion, Emboar, and Mega Camerupt. Alternatively, Knock Off can be used for general utility in removing the foe's item.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature are used to hit as hard as possible, and a Choice Band amplifies Escavalier's power to exceptional levels. 84 Speed EVs let Escavalier outpace uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon such as Reuniclus and Amoonguss. Overcoat avoids Spore and Sleep Powder from the likes of Amoonguss and Tangrowth.
Usage Tips
========
Generally, Choice Band Escavalier is best used as a powerful wallbreaker early- to mid-game so that its teammates can clean up afterwards. Due to being Choice-locked, this set typically tends to be somewhat prediction reliant, as it is easy to take advantage of Escavalier locked into one of its STAB moves or a weak coverage move. Specifically, it is very easy to exploit Escavalier locked into Drill Run, so it should be used sparingly. However, it can be quite rewarding to hit Cobalion, Emboar, or Mega Steelix on the switch with Drill Run to aid a teammate that may struggle getting past them. Use Pursuit to trap fleeing Psychic-types, but the move should also be used sparingly if your opponent has a Pokemon that can set up on Escavalier locked into Pursuit, such as Cobalion, Virizion, and Fletchinder. Scout for Fire-type coverage moves from the likes of Druddigon and Tangrowth.
Team Options
========
Water-type Pokemon such as Samurott, Alomomola, and Seismitoad are excellent teammates because they take on the Fire-types that bother Escavalier, while in return Escavalier threatens Grass-types with Megahorn. General setup sweepers such as Drapion, Tyrantrum, and Shiftry make for great teammates, as they appreciate Escavalier's wallbreaking. In addition, all of these Pokemon appreciate Escavalier luring in Mega Steelix with Drill Run so that they can have an easier time sweeping. Pokemon that can check or revenge kill Virizion and Cobalion, such as Fletchinder, Sigilyph, Choice Scarf Emboar, and Garbodor, are very helpful.
[SET]
name: SD RestTalk
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Megahorn
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Swords Dance, this Escavalier set can slowly boost its way up to +6, hitting a monstrous 1232 Attack and being able to heavily damage, if not outright OHKO, every common Pokemon on a defensive team. Rest is used to bring Escavalier back up to full health if it is getting worn down by moves such as Meloetta's Shadow Ball, while also alleviating any burns that may occur from moves such as Alomomola's Scald. Sleep Talk lets Escavalier gain Attack boosts as well as launch attacks while it is still asleep from Rest. Megahorn is the actual attacking move, with a high Base Power and being at least neutral against a large amount of defensive Pokemon.
Set Details
========
The set uses maximum investment in Special Defense because Escavalier typically likes setting up on Calm Mind Psychic-types, and it already has impressive physical bulk. Leftovers provides passive recovery, aiding Escavalier in its role. A Sassy nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to outspeed threats in Trick Room such as Reuniclus and Rhyperior. 248 HP EVs are used to minimize damage taken from entry hazards. Overcoat makes Escavalier immune to Spore and Sleep Powder.
Usage Tips
========
Switch into Pokemon that Escavalier can set up on, such as Reuniclus and Amoonguss, and proceed to use Swords Dance until Escavalier gets worn down or inflicted with status. Usage of Rest and Sleep Talk is rather straightforward; Rest should be used to heal Escavalier and cleanse it of any status ailments, and Sleep Talk should be used while asleep. These two moves also allow Escavalier to switch into and absorb status moves. It is important to get rid of Fire-type Pokemon such as Emboar and Mega Camerupt as well as Taunt users such as Drapion and Spiritomb before setting up, as they are significant roadblocks for Escavalier.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Rhyperior, Torterra, and Mega Camerupt is helpful to dissuade Fire-types from repeatedly switching in. In addition, Spikes support from the likes of Qwilfish and Roselia quickly wears down Mega Steelix and Mega Camerupt, both common answers to Escavalier. Teammates to check Fire-type Pokemon, such as Lanturn, Alomomola, and Rhyperior, are solid partners. Due to how this set matches up well versus defensive builds and struggles against offensive teams, Pokemon that have a good matchup against offensive teams such as Choice Scarf Emboar, Fletchinder, and Jolteon pair well with Escavalier. Clerics such as Aromatisse and Granbull are helpful so that Escavalier doesn't have to be completely reliant on Sleep Talk.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Swords Dance and three attacks has some merit but struggles to set up and maintain longevity. To a different measure, a Swords Dance set with two attacks and Rest and a Chesto Berry can be used. Toxic cripples Alomomola and Fire-type Pokemon, but has little use outside of that.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Mega Camerupt, Houndoom, and Emboar resist at least one of Escavalier's STAB attacks and can annihilate it with their own STAB moves. However, they should all be wary of Drill Run. Delphox can work too, but due to its Bug neutrality, Dark weakness, and overall physical frailty, it's not as good as Mega Camerupt or Emboar.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Alomomola counters the Assault Vest set, but is 2HKOed by Choice Band Megahorn. Qwilfish resists both of Escavalier's STAB moves, softens up its attacks with Intimidate, can prevent the Swords Dance set from setting up with Taunt, and can set up Spikes on Escavalier. However, Qwilfish takes a solid amount of damage from Drill Run.
**Steel-types**: Cobalion and Mega Steelix are full counters to Escavalier lacking Drill Run. Cobalion can use Escavalier as setup fodder and Mega Steelix can whittle it down with repeated Earthquakes or set up Curse against it. However, Choice Band Drill Run puts a massive dent in both of these Pokemon.
**Burns**: Cofagrigus, Spiritomb, and Fletchinder can burn Escavalier and render it useless for the remainder of the match. Cofagrigus and Fletchinder can also set up on a burned Escavalier with Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, respectively.
**Fire-type Coverage Moves**: Most Pokemon with a Fire-type coverage moves pressure Escavalier. Common examples include Fire Punch Druddigon and Heat Wave Sigilyph.
Escavalier's solid typing and bulk allow it to check the various Psychic-types in the tier. Despite its average movepool, Escavalier can perform multiple roles on a team, such as an Assault Vest tank, a Choice Band wallbreaker, or a late game sweeper with Swords Dance. Unfortunately, Escavalier's lack of reliable recovery hinders its ability to tank hits, and this is furthered by its awful Speed stat. Common Fire-types in the tier are major issues for Escavalier, as they resist both of Escavalier's STAB moves and can consistently pressure Escavalier.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Assault Vest
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 248 HP / 176 Atk / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Megahorn is a powerful STAB move that hits hard and targets the Psychic-types that Escavalier checks. Iron Head is Escavalier's secondary STAB move that hits Rock-types such as Rhyperior and Tyrantrum as well as Fairy-types such as Aromatisse and Togetic. Pursuit provides important utility in trapping a fleeing Psychic- or Ghost-type such as Meloetta, Mesprit, Reuniclus, Bronzong, and Mismagius. Knock Off cripples Escavalier's typical switch-ins such as Alomomola and Qwilfish by removing their item. Drill Run can be used to target Fire- and Steel-types such as Emboar, Houdoom, and Cobalion.
Set Details
========
84 Speed EVs are used to outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon such as Amoonguss and Reuniclus. 248 HP EVs make Escavalier as bulky as possible while minimizing the damage taken from entry hazards. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack to hit hard. Assault Vest bolsters Escavalier's Special Defense, making it a potent tank. Overcoat makes Escavalier immune to Spore and Sleep Powder.
Usage Tips
========
Pivot into weak or resisted special attacks and hit back hard with a strong STAB move or a coverage move. Knock Off can be spammed in the early-game, as it is very useful to cripple most of Escavalier's typical switch-ins, but should be used sparingly if your opponent has a Cobalion or Virizion, which benefit from taking the Dark-type attack. Escavalier should be kept away from Knock Off users, as losing its Assault Vest greatly hinders its ability as a pivot and tank.
Team Options
========
Teammates to handle Fire-types such as Delphox, Emboar, Mega Camerupt, and Houndoom are necessary. Bulky Water-types such as Alomomola, Qwilfish, and Jellicent check some of those Fire-types to some degree. Alomomola also provides Wish support for Escavalier to somewhat mitigate its lack of recovery. Houndoom sets itself apart from the other two Fire-types in that it can easily muscle past Water-types with Life Orb-boosted Dark Pulses, so other teammates such as Mega Camerupt, Rhyperior, and Emboar all fit this role. Dragon-type Pokemon such as Druddigon and Tyrantrum are also decent checks to Fire-type Pokemon and appreciate Escavalier's ability to threaten Fairy-types and switch into stray Ice-type attacks aimed at them.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Drill Run / Knock Off
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Megahorn is a powerful STAB move, 2HKOing even bulky Pokemon such as Alomomola. Iron Head is a strong secondary STAB move that hits Fairy- and Rock-types such as Togetic and Tyrantrum. Pursuit deals massive damage to fleeing Psychic-types such as Meloetta, Reuniclus, and Mesprit. Drill Run hits Steel- and Fire-types such as Mega Steelix, Cobalion, Emboar, and Mega Camerupt. Alternatively, Knock Off can be used for general utility in removing the foe's item.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature are used to hit as hard as possible, and a Choice Band amplifies Escavalier's power to exceptional levels. 84 Speed EVs let Escavalier outpace uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon such as Reuniclus and Amoonguss. Overcoat avoids Spore and Sleep Powder from the likes of Amoonguss and Tangrowth.
Usage Tips
========
Generally, Choice Band Escavalier is best used as a powerful wallbreaker early- to mid-game so that its teammates can clean up afterwards. Due to being Choice-locked, this set typically tends to be somewhat prediction reliant, as it is easy to take advantage of Escavalier locked into one of its STAB moves or a weak coverage move. Specifically, it is very easy to exploit Escavalier locked into Drill Run, so it should be used sparingly. However, it can be quite rewarding to hit Cobalion, Emboar, or Mega Steelix on the switch with Drill Run to aid a teammate that may struggle getting past them. Use Pursuit to trap fleeing Psychic-types, but the move should also be used sparingly if your opponent has a Pokemon that can set up on Escavalier locked into Pursuit, such as Cobalion, Virizion, and Fletchinder. Scout for Fire-type coverage moves from the likes of Druddigon and Tangrowth.
Team Options
========
Water-type Pokemon such as Samurott, Alomomola, and Seismitoad are excellent teammates because they take on the Fire-types that bother Escavalier, while in return Escavalier threatens Grass-types with Megahorn. General setup sweepers such as Drapion, Tyrantrum, and Shiftry make for great teammates, as they appreciate Escavalier's wallbreaking. In addition, all of these Pokemon appreciate Escavalier luring in Mega Steelix with Drill Run so that they can have an easier time sweeping. Pokemon that can check or revenge kill Virizion and Cobalion, such as Fletchinder, Sigilyph, Choice Scarf Emboar, and Garbodor, are very helpful.
[SET]
name: SD RestTalk
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Megahorn
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Swords Dance, this Escavalier set can slowly boost its way up to +6, hitting a monstrous 1232 Attack and being able to heavily damage, if not outright OHKO, every common Pokemon on a defensive team. Rest is used to bring Escavalier back up to full health if it is getting worn down by moves such as Meloetta's Shadow Ball, while also alleviating any burns that may occur from moves such as Alomomola's Scald. Sleep Talk lets Escavalier gain Attack boosts as well as launch attacks while it is still asleep from Rest. Megahorn is the actual attacking move, with a high Base Power and being at least neutral against a large amount of defensive Pokemon.
Set Details
========
The set uses maximum investment in Special Defense because Escavalier typically likes setting up on Calm Mind Psychic-types, and it already has impressive physical bulk. Leftovers provides passive recovery, aiding Escavalier in its role. A Sassy nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to outspeed threats in Trick Room such as Reuniclus and Rhyperior. 248 HP EVs are used to minimize damage taken from entry hazards. Overcoat makes Escavalier immune to Spore and Sleep Powder.
Usage Tips
========
Switch into Pokemon that Escavalier can set up on, such as Reuniclus and Amoonguss, and proceed to use Swords Dance until Escavalier gets worn down or inflicted with status. Usage of Rest and Sleep Talk is rather straightforward; Rest should be used to heal Escavalier and cleanse it of any status ailments, and Sleep Talk should be used while asleep. These two moves also allow Escavalier to switch into and absorb status moves. It is important to get rid of Fire-type Pokemon such as Emboar and Mega Camerupt as well as Taunt users such as Drapion and Spiritomb before setting up, as they are significant roadblocks for Escavalier.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Rhyperior, Torterra, and Mega Camerupt is helpful to dissuade Fire-types from repeatedly switching in. In addition, Spikes support from the likes of Qwilfish and Roselia quickly wears down Mega Steelix and Mega Camerupt, both common answers to Escavalier. Teammates to check Fire-type Pokemon, such as Lanturn, Alomomola, and Rhyperior, are solid partners. Due to how this set matches up well versus defensive builds and struggles against offensive teams, Pokemon that have a good matchup against offensive teams such as Choice Scarf Emboar, Fletchinder, and Jolteon pair well with Escavalier. Clerics such as Aromatisse and Granbull are helpful so that Escavalier doesn't have to be completely reliant on Sleep Talk.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Swords Dance and three attacks has some merit but struggles to set up and maintain longevity. To a different measure, a Swords Dance set with two attacks and Rest and a Chesto Berry can be used. Toxic cripples Alomomola and Fire-type Pokemon, but has little use outside of that.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Mega Camerupt, Houndoom, and Emboar resist at least one of Escavalier's STAB attacks and can annihilate it with their own STAB moves. However, they should all be wary of Drill Run. Delphox can work too, but due to its Bug neutrality, Dark weakness, and overall physical frailty, it's not as good as Mega Camerupt or Emboar.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Alomomola counters the Assault Vest set, but is 2HKOed by Choice Band Megahorn. Qwilfish resists both of Escavalier's STAB moves, softens up its attacks with Intimidate, can prevent the Swords Dance set from setting up with Taunt, and can set up Spikes on Escavalier. However, Qwilfish takes a solid amount of damage from Drill Run.
**Steel-types**: Cobalion and Mega Steelix are full counters to Escavalier lacking Drill Run. Cobalion can use Escavalier as setup fodder and Mega Steelix can whittle it down with repeated Earthquakes or set up Curse against it. However, Choice Band Drill Run puts a massive dent in both of these Pokemon.
**Burns**: Cofagrigus, Spiritomb, and Fletchinder can burn Escavalier and render it useless for the remainder of the match. Cofagrigus and Fletchinder can also set up on a burned Escavalier with Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, respectively.
**Fire-type Coverage Moves**: Most Pokemon with a Fire-type coverage moves pressure Escavalier. Common examples include Fire Punch Druddigon and Heat Wave Sigilyph.
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