[OVERVIEW]
Fraxure's access to both Dragon Dance and Swords Dance allow it to perform the role of either a sweeper or a wallbreaker. Fraxure's huge Attack stat coupled with a nearly unresisted STAB type in Dragon and an extremely powerful move in Outrage makes it rather threatening to take on defensively, and it even has the coverage moves necessary to eliminate the few Dragon-resistant and -immune Pokemon of PU. Additionally, its good set of resistances combined with Eviolite grants it many setup opportunities against offensive and defensive Pokemon alike. Mold Breaker allows Fraxure to bypass Sturdy and, in rare cases, Oblivious and Wonder Guard. However, Fraxure's low Speed tier for an offensive Pokemon leaves it susceptible to revenge killing, as every viable Choice Scarf user outspeeds it even after a Dragon Dance boost. Fraxure is also heavily reliant on Outrage to get KOs, but locking into the move can lead to an unfavorable situation against foes such as Pawniard.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Low Kick / Superpower
move 4: Taunt / Dual Chop / Poison Jab
item: Eviolite
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance turns Fraxure into a fearsome sweeper by boosting its Attack and Speed. Outrage is Fraxure's most powerful move, and while it can be taken advantage of, it is usually quite spammable after Fraxure has acquired a boost. Low Kick takes care of Steel-types, most notably Pawniard and Probopass, and lets Fraxure hit Rock-types and most Normal-types hard without locking into Outrage. Alternatively, Superpower can be used for its more reliable damage output against certain targets like Klang, but the Attack and Defense drops can cause Fraxure's sweep to end early by putting it in KO range of a priority move or making it unable to KO a target.
For the fourth moveslot, Taunt can be used in certain situations to prevent Misdreavus from crippling Fraxure with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave or to prevent Vigoroth from setting up alongside it. Dual Chop can be used as a STAB move that doesn't lock Fraxure in, preventing opposing teams from taking advantage of a locked or confused Fraxure. Dragon Claw can be used for its accuracy, but Dual Chop OHKOes the common Kadabra through its Focus Sash. However, these options leave Fraxure completely unable to touch Clefairy and Mr. Mime. Poison Jab nails these Fairy-types and also lets Fraxure hit Grass-types, especially Tangela, hard without locking into Outrage.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Fraxure's offensive capabilities, letting it hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Jolly nature is required in order to outspeed fast threats such as Zebstrika and Floatzel after a Dragon Dance boost. Eviolite gives Fraxure many additional setup opportunities due to the increase in bulk; it also allows Fraxure to survive priority moves from Pokemon such as Pawniard and Monferno more easily. Mold Breaker is Fraxure's only useful ability, letting it KO Probopass and Golem through Sturdy.
Usage Tips
========
Dragon Dance Fraxure works best on bulky and hyper offense teams as a late-game cleaner. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Stunfisk and Metang should be eliminated before Fraxure attempts to set up. Fraxure can find setup opportunities on special attackers that can't hit it too hard, such as Roselia and Zebstrika. However, against offensive teams with Choice Scarf users or Ninjask, Fraxure will likely need two boosts in order to complete its sweep. If this is unlikely to be achieved, it should simply be used to throw out its powerful Outrage mid-game. Avoid locking Fraxure into Outrage until necessary, but be wary of Dual Chops's lack of power; for instance, Fraxure cannot OHKO Eviolite Monferno with a +1 Dual Chop even after Stealth Rock damage. Fraxure can fish for Poison with Poison Jab on certain foes such as Tangela early in the game to aid in beating them later on.
Team Options
========
Because Fraxure needs bulky Pokemon removed before it sets up, physical wallbreakers that can KO the likes of Stunfisk and Vullaby support it well. Swords Dance Monferno and Swords Dance Pawniard can both weaken these walls; they can also check common Choice Scarf users with their priority if need be. Pawniard can also Pursuit trap many Choice Scarf users that threaten Fraxure, including Chatot, Rotom-F, and Mr. Mime, putting them into KO range of Stealth Rock. Other teamamtes that can to weaken physically defensive Pokemon include Choice Band Stoutland, Swords Dance Bouffalant, and Life Orb Simisage.
Entry hazard support is required; offensive Stealth Rock setters such as Golem can ensure Stealth Rock support. Spikes support from offensive Roselia is great to wear down Steel-types, Stunfisk, and Tangela; Roselia can also remove Toxic Spikes that could prevent Fraxure from maintaining its sweep. Memento support from Jumpluff and Misdreavus as well as dual screens support from Meowstic-M can ease setup against stronger attackers. Sticky Web support from Leavanny enables Fraxure to outspeed grounded Choice Scarf users and Electrode after only one Dragon Dance boost, greatly reducing the number of Pokemon that can revenge kill it.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Poison Jab / Taunt
item: Eviolite
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Adamant
evs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 160 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Swords Dance, Fraxure works as a bulky wallbreaker capable of at least 2HKOing the entire tier after a single boost. Outrage is Fraxure's most powerful move, with only a few resistances and immunities in the tier. Superpower hits Steel-types super effectively with the exception of Metang; as Fraxure's job is to do as much damage as possible, Superpower is used over Low Kick for its higher damage output against many foes such as Klang, Vigoroth, and Bouffalant. Poison Jab KOes Clefairy and Mr. Mime while also being very useful against Tangela, which is 2HKOed at +2 after Stealth Rock damage. Taunt can replace Poison Jab at the cost of becoming walled by Fairy-types; however, most status users that Fraxure would like to cripple with Taunt, such as Misdreavus and Meowstic-M, outspeed it anyway. Dragon Dance can also be used in the last moveslot to boost Fraxure's Speed, which could be useful in certain situations. It is unlikely that Fraxure will have the opportunity to set up both Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, however.
Set Details
========
160 Speed EVs allow Fraxure to outspeed neutral-natured base 55 Speed Pokemon, such as Exeggutor and Relicanth, and everything slower. Full Attack investment and an Adamant nature maximize Fraxure's damage output. The remaining EVs are put into HP to increase Fraxure's bulk marginally, giving it a better shot to survive certain hits, including Choice Specs Floatzel's Ice Beam. More investment can be placed into Speed; 200 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed neutral-natured base 60 Speed Pokemon such as Pawniard, or Fraxure's Speed can simply be maximized. Mold Breaker allows Fraxure to KO Golem and Probopass through Sturdy. Eviolite provides Fraxure with some much-needed bulk to survive hits from the likes of Zebstrika, Monferno, and Stoutland.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Fraxure works well on offensive teams as a way to KO or severely weaken physically bulky Pokemon that can be troubling for its teammates. Fraxure can be sent in early-game to set up and muscle through defensive Pokemon such as Stunfisk and Tangela. Against offensive teams, it is unlikely that Fraxure will have the opportunity to set up, so it should simply use its typing and bulk to check certain attackers and hit foes with its powerful Outrage.
Team Options
========
Fast physical attackers, such as Choice Scarf Dodrio and Speed Boost Ninjask, greatly enjoy Fraxure's ability to force in and power through their checks. Other teammates that can take advantage of Fraxure's support include Rock Polish Relicanth, Swords Dance Jumpluff, and various Choice Scarf users. Entry hazard support from offensive Stealth Rock setters such as Golem and Probopass is needed to ensure certain KOs, such as a 2HKO on defensive Tangela and a chance to OHKO maximum Defense Vullaby. Spikes Support from offensive Roselia makes it even easier to wear down Metang and Stunfisk.
Sticky Web support from Leavanny helps Fraxure perform well against offensive teams, though Fraxure should run a Jolly nature on these teams in order to outspeed possible revenge killers such as Floatzel. Memento and dual screens support from the likes of Misdreavus, Jumpluff, and Meowstic-M works well with the types of teams that Fraxure fits on and can enable it to land more hits against offensive teams. Thunder Wave support from teammates such as Murkrow, Kadabra, and Misdreavus can allow Fraxure to outspeed many of the offensive Pokemon that can normally revenge kill it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb and Lum Berry can be used instead of Eviolite, but the loss of bulk is extremely noticeable and not worth the extra power or one-time status immunity. For example, Pawniard's Sucker Punch does over 50% to Dragon Dance Fraxure without Eviolite, and Life Orb Raichu's Hidden Power Ice OHKOes Fraxure after Stealth Rock damage. Iron Tail can be used over Poison Jab to hit the niche Carbink, but it's uncommon enough to be not worth it. Iron Tail does not OHKO or 2HKO any variant of Clefairy or Mr. Mime that Poison Jab doesn't.
Aqua Tail is an option to OHKO Golem from full health and hit Solrock for super effective damage, but other moves are generally more useful. Dragon Claw and Dual Chop provide an alternate STAB move for Swords Dance Fraxure, but the difference in power compared to Outrage is huge and not worth it, and Fraxure would prefer to hit Fairy-types. Choice Band is an option, but the Swords Dance set provides better wallbreaking potential in addition to better bulk with Eviolite, allowing Fraxure to perform better against offensive teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Revenge Killers**: The most reliable way to check Fraxure is to outspeed and KO it. Choice Scarf users such as Rotom-F and Mr. Mime can easily OHKO Fraxure, while others such as Chatot and Sawsbuck need some prior damage in order to guarantee the KO. Timid Electrode and Ninjask both naturally outspeed Fraxure at +1, though they both need significant prior damage on it. Weather sweepers can also easily stop Fraxure, and Kadabra can survive a hit with its Focus Sash and paralyze or KO Fraxure in return.
**Status Ailments**: Will-O-Wisp from Misdreavus and Rapidash ends Fraxure's ability to do significant damage, while Toxic and Toxic Spikes limit its ability to maintain its sweep. Paralysis from foes like Kadabra, Murkrow, Meowstic, and Stunfisk heavily cripples Fraxure.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Though Swords Dance Fraxure can easily break through defensive walls, Dragon Dance Fraxure is stopped cold by bulky Pokemon such as Vullaby, Metang, Stunfisk, and Tangela. These Pokemon can cripple Fraxure with status, remove its Eviolite with Knock Off, or, in Vullaby's case, simply KO it with Foul Play.
Fraxure's access to both Dragon Dance and Swords Dance allow it to perform the role of either a sweeper or a wallbreaker. Fraxure's huge Attack stat coupled with a nearly unresisted STAB type in Dragon and an extremely powerful move in Outrage makes it rather threatening to take on defensively, and it even has the coverage moves necessary to eliminate the few Dragon-resistant and -immune Pokemon of PU. Additionally, its good set of resistances combined with Eviolite grants it many setup opportunities against offensive and defensive Pokemon alike. Mold Breaker allows Fraxure to bypass Sturdy and, in rare cases, Oblivious and Wonder Guard. However, Fraxure's low Speed tier for an offensive Pokemon leaves it susceptible to revenge killing, as every viable Choice Scarf user outspeeds it even after a Dragon Dance boost. Fraxure is also heavily reliant on Outrage to get KOs, but locking into the move can lead to an unfavorable situation against foes such as Pawniard.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Low Kick / Superpower
move 4: Taunt / Dual Chop / Poison Jab
item: Eviolite
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance turns Fraxure into a fearsome sweeper by boosting its Attack and Speed. Outrage is Fraxure's most powerful move, and while it can be taken advantage of, it is usually quite spammable after Fraxure has acquired a boost. Low Kick takes care of Steel-types, most notably Pawniard and Probopass, and lets Fraxure hit Rock-types and most Normal-types hard without locking into Outrage. Alternatively, Superpower can be used for its more reliable damage output against certain targets like Klang, but the Attack and Defense drops can cause Fraxure's sweep to end early by putting it in KO range of a priority move or making it unable to KO a target.
For the fourth moveslot, Taunt can be used in certain situations to prevent Misdreavus from crippling Fraxure with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave or to prevent Vigoroth from setting up alongside it. Dual Chop can be used as a STAB move that doesn't lock Fraxure in, preventing opposing teams from taking advantage of a locked or confused Fraxure. Dragon Claw can be used for its accuracy, but Dual Chop OHKOes the common Kadabra through its Focus Sash. However, these options leave Fraxure completely unable to touch Clefairy and Mr. Mime. Poison Jab nails these Fairy-types and also lets Fraxure hit Grass-types, especially Tangela, hard without locking into Outrage.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Fraxure's offensive capabilities, letting it hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Jolly nature is required in order to outspeed fast threats such as Zebstrika and Floatzel after a Dragon Dance boost. Eviolite gives Fraxure many additional setup opportunities due to the increase in bulk; it also allows Fraxure to survive priority moves from Pokemon such as Pawniard and Monferno more easily. Mold Breaker is Fraxure's only useful ability, letting it KO Probopass and Golem through Sturdy.
Usage Tips
========
Dragon Dance Fraxure works best on bulky and hyper offense teams as a late-game cleaner. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Stunfisk and Metang should be eliminated before Fraxure attempts to set up. Fraxure can find setup opportunities on special attackers that can't hit it too hard, such as Roselia and Zebstrika. However, against offensive teams with Choice Scarf users or Ninjask, Fraxure will likely need two boosts in order to complete its sweep. If this is unlikely to be achieved, it should simply be used to throw out its powerful Outrage mid-game. Avoid locking Fraxure into Outrage until necessary, but be wary of Dual Chops's lack of power; for instance, Fraxure cannot OHKO Eviolite Monferno with a +1 Dual Chop even after Stealth Rock damage. Fraxure can fish for Poison with Poison Jab on certain foes such as Tangela early in the game to aid in beating them later on.
Team Options
========
Because Fraxure needs bulky Pokemon removed before it sets up, physical wallbreakers that can KO the likes of Stunfisk and Vullaby support it well. Swords Dance Monferno and Swords Dance Pawniard can both weaken these walls; they can also check common Choice Scarf users with their priority if need be. Pawniard can also Pursuit trap many Choice Scarf users that threaten Fraxure, including Chatot, Rotom-F, and Mr. Mime, putting them into KO range of Stealth Rock. Other teamamtes that can to weaken physically defensive Pokemon include Choice Band Stoutland, Swords Dance Bouffalant, and Life Orb Simisage.
Entry hazard support is required; offensive Stealth Rock setters such as Golem can ensure Stealth Rock support. Spikes support from offensive Roselia is great to wear down Steel-types, Stunfisk, and Tangela; Roselia can also remove Toxic Spikes that could prevent Fraxure from maintaining its sweep. Memento support from Jumpluff and Misdreavus as well as dual screens support from Meowstic-M can ease setup against stronger attackers. Sticky Web support from Leavanny enables Fraxure to outspeed grounded Choice Scarf users and Electrode after only one Dragon Dance boost, greatly reducing the number of Pokemon that can revenge kill it.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Poison Jab / Taunt
item: Eviolite
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Adamant
evs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 160 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Swords Dance, Fraxure works as a bulky wallbreaker capable of at least 2HKOing the entire tier after a single boost. Outrage is Fraxure's most powerful move, with only a few resistances and immunities in the tier. Superpower hits Steel-types super effectively with the exception of Metang; as Fraxure's job is to do as much damage as possible, Superpower is used over Low Kick for its higher damage output against many foes such as Klang, Vigoroth, and Bouffalant. Poison Jab KOes Clefairy and Mr. Mime while also being very useful against Tangela, which is 2HKOed at +2 after Stealth Rock damage. Taunt can replace Poison Jab at the cost of becoming walled by Fairy-types; however, most status users that Fraxure would like to cripple with Taunt, such as Misdreavus and Meowstic-M, outspeed it anyway. Dragon Dance can also be used in the last moveslot to boost Fraxure's Speed, which could be useful in certain situations. It is unlikely that Fraxure will have the opportunity to set up both Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, however.
Set Details
========
160 Speed EVs allow Fraxure to outspeed neutral-natured base 55 Speed Pokemon, such as Exeggutor and Relicanth, and everything slower. Full Attack investment and an Adamant nature maximize Fraxure's damage output. The remaining EVs are put into HP to increase Fraxure's bulk marginally, giving it a better shot to survive certain hits, including Choice Specs Floatzel's Ice Beam. More investment can be placed into Speed; 200 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed neutral-natured base 60 Speed Pokemon such as Pawniard, or Fraxure's Speed can simply be maximized. Mold Breaker allows Fraxure to KO Golem and Probopass through Sturdy. Eviolite provides Fraxure with some much-needed bulk to survive hits from the likes of Zebstrika, Monferno, and Stoutland.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Fraxure works well on offensive teams as a way to KO or severely weaken physically bulky Pokemon that can be troubling for its teammates. Fraxure can be sent in early-game to set up and muscle through defensive Pokemon such as Stunfisk and Tangela. Against offensive teams, it is unlikely that Fraxure will have the opportunity to set up, so it should simply use its typing and bulk to check certain attackers and hit foes with its powerful Outrage.
Team Options
========
Fast physical attackers, such as Choice Scarf Dodrio and Speed Boost Ninjask, greatly enjoy Fraxure's ability to force in and power through their checks. Other teammates that can take advantage of Fraxure's support include Rock Polish Relicanth, Swords Dance Jumpluff, and various Choice Scarf users. Entry hazard support from offensive Stealth Rock setters such as Golem and Probopass is needed to ensure certain KOs, such as a 2HKO on defensive Tangela and a chance to OHKO maximum Defense Vullaby. Spikes Support from offensive Roselia makes it even easier to wear down Metang and Stunfisk.
Sticky Web support from Leavanny helps Fraxure perform well against offensive teams, though Fraxure should run a Jolly nature on these teams in order to outspeed possible revenge killers such as Floatzel. Memento and dual screens support from the likes of Misdreavus, Jumpluff, and Meowstic-M works well with the types of teams that Fraxure fits on and can enable it to land more hits against offensive teams. Thunder Wave support from teammates such as Murkrow, Kadabra, and Misdreavus can allow Fraxure to outspeed many of the offensive Pokemon that can normally revenge kill it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb and Lum Berry can be used instead of Eviolite, but the loss of bulk is extremely noticeable and not worth the extra power or one-time status immunity. For example, Pawniard's Sucker Punch does over 50% to Dragon Dance Fraxure without Eviolite, and Life Orb Raichu's Hidden Power Ice OHKOes Fraxure after Stealth Rock damage. Iron Tail can be used over Poison Jab to hit the niche Carbink, but it's uncommon enough to be not worth it. Iron Tail does not OHKO or 2HKO any variant of Clefairy or Mr. Mime that Poison Jab doesn't.
Aqua Tail is an option to OHKO Golem from full health and hit Solrock for super effective damage, but other moves are generally more useful. Dragon Claw and Dual Chop provide an alternate STAB move for Swords Dance Fraxure, but the difference in power compared to Outrage is huge and not worth it, and Fraxure would prefer to hit Fairy-types. Choice Band is an option, but the Swords Dance set provides better wallbreaking potential in addition to better bulk with Eviolite, allowing Fraxure to perform better against offensive teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Revenge Killers**: The most reliable way to check Fraxure is to outspeed and KO it. Choice Scarf users such as Rotom-F and Mr. Mime can easily OHKO Fraxure, while others such as Chatot and Sawsbuck need some prior damage in order to guarantee the KO. Timid Electrode and Ninjask both naturally outspeed Fraxure at +1, though they both need significant prior damage on it. Weather sweepers can also easily stop Fraxure, and Kadabra can survive a hit with its Focus Sash and paralyze or KO Fraxure in return.
**Status Ailments**: Will-O-Wisp from Misdreavus and Rapidash ends Fraxure's ability to do significant damage, while Toxic and Toxic Spikes limit its ability to maintain its sweep. Paralysis from foes like Kadabra, Murkrow, Meowstic, and Stunfisk heavily cripples Fraxure.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Though Swords Dance Fraxure can easily break through defensive walls, Dragon Dance Fraxure is stopped cold by bulky Pokemon such as Vullaby, Metang, Stunfisk, and Tangela. These Pokemon can cripple Fraxure with status, remove its Eviolite with Knock Off, or, in Vullaby's case, simply KO it with Foul Play.
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