Dark Fallen Angel
FIDDLESTICKS IS ALSO GOOD ON MID!
I had to create another thread as I can't edit Electrolyte's post. Sorry for not being able to post this yesterday as I promised, but I was writing this during the night.
Still very annoying
[Overview]
<p>The transition to BW2 was a mixed bag for Gliscor. There are many things that make Gliscor's life more difficult than ever. For one, the huge rise in usage of rain teams, as well as special attackers in general, give Gliscor trouble. Also, Landorus-T was introduced, and it gives Gliscor some competition because it is initially bulkier and hits harder. As the last nail in the coffin, Sand Veil was banned, which means that Gliscor's Acrobatics set is much more easy to stop than before, though it is still effective.</p>
<p>However, Gliscor still has its perks. For example, Stealth Rock and Roost are now perfectly compatible with Poison Heal thanks to the new BW2 tutors. Also, the popularity of Garchomp and Landorus-T gives Gliscor some use on teams. Finally, despite what was said above that it faces competition from Landorus-T, Gliscor has some advantages, such as Poison Heal, which gives it a pseudo-immunity to status and double Leftovers recovery (12.5% HP per turn), which makes it hard to defeat without Ice-type attacks. Overall, the ability to wall top-tier threats such as Terrakion will forever earn Gliscor a spot as one of the most useful Pokemon in OU.</p>
[SET]
name: SubToxic
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Protect / Taunt / Roost
move 4: Earthquake
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Impish
evs: 244 HP / 28 Def / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>If you thought that Jirachi and Breloom were trolls with their paraflinch and SubPunch set, then you haven't faced this Gliscor's set. With a combination of good speed and a high Defense stat, Gliscor is able to stall out a myriad of Pokemon by alternating between Substitute and Protect (or Roost) without losing any health thanks to the combination of the above moves and Poison Heal. Its high Defense and Speed help here, and with Substitute and Toxic Gliscor is able to wear down its opponents while recovering health lost from Substitutes.</p>
<p>In the third slot, we have three options. Protect is the preferred, because Gliscor already has plenty of recovery with just Poison Heal, and it allows scouting while simultaneously racking up more Toxic damage. It also guarantees that Toxic Orb will be activated. Roost is another option that makes a never-ending cycle of healing, although it will remove Gliscor's Flying typing for a turn. This may be useful to take some Rock- and Ice-type moves better, but Gliscor will take a lot more damage from Fighting-type attacks. Another option is Taunt. This option is able to prevent opposing setup and recovery, which is very useful to kill opponents even faster. Earthquake is used in the last slot so that Gliscor does not become complete Taunt bait itself.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs allow Gliscor to outspeed all Heatran except Choice Scarf variants, Adamant Lucario, Jolly Mamoswine, and Adamant Breloom. You can even outspeed and OHKO the first two threats with Earthquake if necessary. The rest of the EVs are put into HP and Defense to maximize Gliscor's physical bulk. The HP EVs make sure that Gliscor completely heals all HP lost by creating Substitutes in two turns. The Speed EVs can be adjusted to outspeed Pokemon such as all Rotom-A except Choice Scarf variants. For that, the best alternative spread is 244 HP / 72 Def / 192 Spe with a Jolly nature. If outspeeding Jolly Mamoswine is not necessary, you can use a spread of 244 HP / 44 Def / 220 Spe with an Impish nature. A Jolly nature can be used if you want to outspeed Jolly Lucario. However, Jolly Lucario is a very rare threat that is usually not worth preparing for. Aerial Ace can be used in the last slot to destroy Breloom, one of the few physical threats that can beat Gliscor. It can also deal good damage to Amoonguss, though the difference in what it receives from Earthquake is small.</p>
<p>Toxic Spikes support is appreciated so that Gliscor doesn't have to waste time using Toxic. For this reason, Tentacruel, Forretress, and Roserade are excellent teammates. The former even resists Gliscor's Water- and Ice-type weaknesses, while having its weakness to Ground and Electric covered. Even when paired with users of Toxic Spikes, however, Gliscor should still use Toxic, because that will hit Flying-types and Pokemon with Levitate that are completely immune to Toxic Spikes. Tyranitar and Hippowdon are good partners for Gliscor because they put a damper on opposing weather teams and provide extra residual damage, aiding in Gliscor's stalling rampage. Tyranitar is recommended because it has a massive Special Defense to sponge most special attacks aimed at Gliscor, while Gliscor protects Tyranitar from Fighting-type blows.</p>
<p>Steel-types that are not weak to Ground completely shut down this set. Air Balloon Heatran does not mind anything this set can use and can OHKO with Hidden Power Ice or hit hard with STAB Fire Blast. Bronzong is uncommon in OU, but will beat this set by not minding anything it can use and hitting back with Hidden Power Ice. Skarmory walls this set, but cannot do much back aside from phazing or taking the opportunity to set up hazards. Skarmory will not even be able to do this, however, if Gliscor carries Taunt. Speaking of Taunt, any Pokemon that carries this move and does not fear Earthquake will come out on top. Pokemon that outspeed Gliscor and hit it with special attacks will also almost always beat it. Apart from those, opposing Gliscor stop this set cold. However, they can do nothing back if they don't carry Ice Fang.</p>
<p>Rotom-W is one of the best ways to deal with Skarmory and Air Balloon Heatran. It also beats Bronzong, but needs to be wary of Ferrothorn. Blissey can take almost all special attacks coming towards Gliscor, and Gliscor can take most physical attacks aimed at Blissey.</p>
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Taunt / Toxic
move 3: Toxic / Ice Fang / Stealth Rock
move 4: Roost / Protect
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Impish
evs: 244 HP / 248 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although Gliscor excels at stalling out threats, it can still do its job as a basic physical wall. Gliscor can wall some of the biggest physical threats around such as Terrakion and Landorus-T. This set is similar to the old defensive set, but now that Gliscor has access to Roost and Stealth Rock, it is more versatile. Instant recovery and the ability to wall dangerous Fighting-types such as Terrakion are what separate Gliscor from Landorus-T and Skarmory. What Gliscor offers to teams, in terms of defensive synergy, is handy immunities to Electric- and Ground-type attacks, as well as resistances to Fighting and Bug. For these reasons, Gliscor is useful as a defensive pivot or if you want to shut down stall teams.</p>
<p>The first slot goes to Earthquake, the usual (and best) STAB option available to Gliscor. Taunt shuts down setup sweepers and stall members, all of which would want to use Gliscor as setup fodder. It is especially useful to stop Skarmory, Forretress, and Ferrothorn from setting up hazards. The third slot can be decided depending on what you need. Gliscor is a very reliable user of Stealth Rock and can use it if you need a Pokemon to set it up. Toxic, however, puts a time on the life of many walls and setup sweepers. Yet another option is Ice Fang, which provides more coverage and a much-needed way to deal with Dragon-types immune to Earthquake, as well as Flying-types, especially opposing Gliscor. In the last slot, we have Roost, which provides constant healing alongside Poison Heal. Protect can be used because it scout Choice attackers and guarantee a Toxic Orb activation. As Poison Heal usually offers sufficient recovery, the loss of Roost is not as crippling as it might seem to be.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs allow Gliscor to outspeed max Speed Adamant Scizor, and Taunt it before it can use Swords Dance or Roost. The rest of EVs are placed into HP and Defense to provide maximum physical bulk. 248 HP EVs are chosen instead of 252 EVs to lessen Stealth Rock damage and get maximum Poison Heal recovery. You can also bump Gliscor's Speed EVs to 148 to outspeed Jolly Breloom and other base 70 Pokemon. 248 HP / 40 Def / 220 EVs can be used to outspeed Adamant Lucario and all Heatran that don't use Choice Scarf. However, these spreads are less efficient on this set than on the SubToxic set, as this set's focus is to wall, not to stall out threats.</p>
<p>As always, bulky Steel-types like Skarmory will wall this set, but they must be wary of Taunt. Bronzong, however, can retaliate with Hidden Power Ice. Bulky Water-types can also wall this set, but instead of Taunt, they fear Toxic. Air Balloon Heatran, Latios, and Keldeo will wreck Gliscor, as will most special attackers. For this reason, special walls such as Celebi, Jirachi, Heatran, and Chansey are excellent teammates. Magnezone can deal with troublesome Steel-types such as Skarmory and helps dealing with bulky Water-types with its STAB Thunderbolt. Rotom-W helps against rain teams and is also an excellent way to deal with many Steel-types.</p>
[SET]
name: AcroBat
move 1: Acrobatics
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Substitute / Agility
item: Flying Gem
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>You may be thinking now, "What? But Gliscor can't use Sand Veil anymore!"; Yes, this is true. However, this set is still very effective for a number of reasons. People usually expect a defensive set, so this Gliscor's set can catch its usual counters off-guard. Gliscor can use its natural bulk to set up on common unboosted physical attacks and then sweep with two moves that provide almost unresisted coverage: Earthquake and Acrobatics. Good base 95 Speed and Attack are enough to give Gliscor a dangerous offensive presence. The mere fact that people usually pack very few Flying-type resistances on their teams is alone a reason why this set is so effective, especially considering that some Pokemon that resist Flying and don't fear Earthquake, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus-T, still take a lot of damage from a boosted Acrobatics.</p>
<p>Acrobatics, when combined with Flying Gem, packs a punch on the first hit, and on the second hit, Gliscor still hits with an attack that is almost as powerful as Hurricane. Earthquake is the secondary STAB move that provides coverage against Steel-, Rock-, and Electric-types that resist Acrobatics and is also useful in situations where you want to conserve Gliscor's Flying Gem for a more dangerous threat. Swords Dance boosts Gliscor's Attack to dangerous levels, letting it hit like a truck and demolish more bulky or defensive teams. Substitute protects Gliscor from status and revenge killing attempts, especially from threats such as Mamoswine. Be wary that without an activated Poison Heal, the number of times that Gliscor can create Substitutes is limited. On the other hand, Agility is useful against offensive teams. With an Agility under its belt, Gliscor can outspeed threats including Choice Scarf Keldeo, Timid Venusaur under sun, and Jolly Stoutland under sandstorm, even with an Adamant nature. Agility is a more effective way to prevent revenge kill attempts, except in cases of priority moves like Ice Shard, where Substitute is more useful.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>95 base Attack may not seem sufficient, but with STABs that provide almost unresisted coverage, as well as Swords Dance, Gliscor can still sweep effectively. The beauty of this set is that it can 2HKO most bulky Water-types, including Vaporeon, Slowbro, and even Rotom-W, a Pokemon that resists Acrobatics. It can also deal with some very physically bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon. Here is a list of calculations that prove this (they all assume a Swords Dance boost and an intact Flying Gem).</p>
<ul="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 232 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 223 - 263 HP (83.64% - 98.14%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 4 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 223 - 263 HP (92.98% - 109.09%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock, 52% chance to OHKO without Stealth Rock</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 319 - 376 HP (81.73% - 96.19%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 240+ Def Gliscor: 294 - 346 HP (83.9% - 98.59%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 0 Def Hippowdon: 411 - 484 HP (98.57% - 115.95%) -- 87% chance to OHKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 304 - 358 HP (72.86% - 85.71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP /88+ Def Ferrothorn: 318 - 375 HP (90.62% - 106.82%) -- 43% chance to OHKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 0 Def Deoxys: 313 - 370 HP (103.62% - 122.37%) -- guaranteed OHKO</li>
</ul>
<p>The choice of ability is up to you. Hyper Cutter is the main one as Intimidate users will then have more difficulty in stopping Gliscor's sweep. Poison Heal, however, allows Gliscor to come in on a predicted Toxic and gain needed recovery (especially helpful if you use Substitute), as well as the ability to absorb status. This set should not really be using any move other than the listed above. Fire Fang could be considered to get past Skarmory and Bronzong, but with maximum investment in physical defense, neither are 2HKOed by even a +2 Fire Fang; the former can easily phaze back and the latter can simply OHKO with Hidden Power Ice.</p>
<p>Although Ground and Flying provide almost unresisted coverage, there are a few threats that resist both, and they are generally capable of easily stopping Gliscor's sweep. For example, Thundurus-T can outspeed and OHKO with Hidden Power Ice, offensive Zapdos can do the same, Skarmory can phaze Gliscor out, and Bronzong and physically defensive Zapdos can tank Acrobatics and OHKO with Hidden Power Ice. For this reason, Magnezone is an excellent partner. It gets rid of Skarmory and Bronzong, weakens bulky Water-types, and baits Fighting-type attacks that Gliscor can easily set up on. Gliscor should be paired with Pokemon that can take Water- and Ice-type attacks easily, as many special attackers such as Keldeo are quite dangerous to Gliscor. A bulky Water-type of your own, such as Keldeo, Rotom-W, or Jellicent, are for this reason excellent teammates. Celebi is a useful partner because it doesn't mind any rain-boosted Water-type attacks and can spread paralysis that Gliscor can take advantage of. It also gets rids of Sheer Force Landorus, another Pokemon that Gliscor fears. However, they share a weakness to Ice, so a partner such as Heatran may be helpful. If you are using Agility, something that can deal with Mamoswine and Weavile is a useful partner. Forretress hates taking repeated Earthquakes from the former, but has huge Defense and can maim both with Gyro Ball. It also provides much-needed entry hazard support.</p>
[SET]
name: SubPass
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Taunt / Agility / Swords Dance
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Impish
evs: 244 HP / 28 Def / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes advantage of Gliscor's combination of good defenses and speed to pass Substitutes to its teammates. As it keeps the ability to wall almost any physical attacker, this Gliscor is not useless outside Baton Pass teams. Substitute and Baton Pass are the crux of this set, buying teammates time to set up or muscle past walls. Gliscor's decent base 75 HP and ability to heal Substitute HP in just 2 turns are what makes this set so effective.</p>
<p>Earthquake is used, as always, so that Gliscor does not become pure setup bait for Taunt. The last slot depends on what the team needs. Gliscor can either use Taunt to prevent opposing Taunt, setup, and recovery, or it can use a setup move. Agility boosts Speed, a useful boost for sweepers in general, while Swords Dance is very useful for physical sweepers. Gliscor can also often utilize Swords Dance itself should it need to attack with Earthquake. Another option is Facade, an option that has decent power and coverage with Earthquake, hitting Flying-types that are immune to Earthquake.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs outspeed non-Choice Scarf Heatran, Breloom, and Adamant Lucario. 244 EVs are put into HP to make the Substitutes as bulky as possible while keeping Gliscor's HP at an odd number to maximize Poison Heal recovery. The rest are put into Defense to buff its physical bulk.</p>
<p>Skarmory and Bronzong are huge threats to this set. Skarmory can Whirlwind away the passed Substitutes, but Gliscor can prevent this with Taunt, while preventing any attempts to set up hazards. Bronzong, on the other hand, can use Hidden Power Ice to break the Substitutes,preventing Gliscor from passing them effectively. Nearly anything that can outspeed, take a hit, and break the Substitute can counter this set. Latios, Latias, Gengar, and Thundurus-T are all prime examples. However, all but Gengar won't like a Toxic. Phazers also work if Gliscor does not carry Taunt. Preferred partners are those that resists Gliscor's weakness; for example, Keldeo. Partners that threaten Gliscor's counters also work well. Jirachi is an example. Body Slam and Iron heal will chip away the opponent's health fast, especially if you use Swords Dance in the last slot, and even if they manage to attack, they will only be touching a dummy. Its bulk and typing fit well with Gliscor, too.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Gliscor used to have a bulky Swords Dance set listed as one of the main sets. This set can play a role of a tank or a supporter that can sweep. It is also an effective wallbreaker. The problem is that the lack of stall teams hinders this set's viability, especially as the Acrobatics set can sweep more effectively.</p>
<p>Fling + Acrobatics seems like an effective option, being a mix of Acrobatics and Toxic Orb sets. However, it is generally outclassed because it can only poison one Pokemon per match, Acrobatics is very weak until you use Fling, and this set suffers from four-moveslot syndrome; it could be effective if Gliscor could run Swords Dance and Substitute (or Agility) alongside the other three moves (Earthquake, Fling, and Acrobatics), but as Gliscor can only run one of these at same time, this set's viability is questionable.</p>
<p>Gliscor can run a pure Baton Pass set with Swords Dance and Agility to help physical sweepers that need to run coverage moves alongside their STABs. The last viable option is U-turn, which Gliscor can use to scout. Its Speed generally makes U-turn an effective option, but Gliscor doesn't often see necessity to scout, as it is either played defensively or offensively with setup.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Steel-types that are not weak to Ground are generally good counters, but most of them must be wary of Taunt. Bronzong stands out, as it can use Hidden Power Ice to defeat Gliscor while Gliscor can do nothing back, and it only cares about Taunt in not being able to setup Stealth Rock. Skarmory can set up hazards while Gliscor is unable to do anything, but Skarmory cannot do much back apart from phazing and taking the opportunity to set up hazards. Air Balloon Heatran can come in safely and OHKO Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice or hit it hard with Fire Blast. However, Heatran must be careful if Gliscor hits it with any attacking move other than Earthquake, as this will pop Heatran's Balloon, enabling it to be OHKOed by Earthquake.</p>
<p>Most moderately fast and bulky special attackers can beat Gliscor. Gengar is not bulky, but it is a good offensive counter because it is immune to Earthquake, Toxic, and Facade, and is able to outspeed Gliscor and break its Substitutes. If Gliscor carries Acrobatics, Gengar can simply Disable it. Xatu gets a mention as it cannot be poisoned by Toxic and is immune to Earthquake. It can even reflect the rare Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Bulky Water-types do a nice job in regards of taking out Gliscor, but many do not appreciate Toxic. Exceptions include Starmie and Hydration Vaporeon, as they do not mind status and Taunt and can OHKO with their STAB moves or Ice Beam. Most Ice-types can beat Gliscor: Cloyster can use Icicle Spear, which breaks through Gliscor's Substitutes and OHKOs it; Mamoswine can use any of its Ice-type STABs to take out Gliscor; Kyurem and Kyurem-B can use Ice Beam; and Abomasnow can use Blizzard or Ice Shard. If Gliscor is without Taunt, most slower walls can handle Gliscor easily, tanking its relatively weak hits and setting hazards or attacking.</p>
Still very annoying
[Overview]
<p>The transition to BW2 was a mixed bag for Gliscor. There are many things that make Gliscor's life more difficult than ever. For one, the huge rise in usage of rain teams, as well as special attackers in general, give Gliscor trouble. Also, Landorus-T was introduced, and it gives Gliscor some competition because it is initially bulkier and hits harder. As the last nail in the coffin, Sand Veil was banned, which means that Gliscor's Acrobatics set is much more easy to stop than before, though it is still effective.</p>
<p>However, Gliscor still has its perks. For example, Stealth Rock and Roost are now perfectly compatible with Poison Heal thanks to the new BW2 tutors. Also, the popularity of Garchomp and Landorus-T gives Gliscor some use on teams. Finally, despite what was said above that it faces competition from Landorus-T, Gliscor has some advantages, such as Poison Heal, which gives it a pseudo-immunity to status and double Leftovers recovery (12.5% HP per turn), which makes it hard to defeat without Ice-type attacks. Overall, the ability to wall top-tier threats such as Terrakion will forever earn Gliscor a spot as one of the most useful Pokemon in OU.</p>
[SET]
name: SubToxic
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Protect / Taunt / Roost
move 4: Earthquake
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Impish
evs: 244 HP / 28 Def / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>If you thought that Jirachi and Breloom were trolls with their paraflinch and SubPunch set, then you haven't faced this Gliscor's set. With a combination of good speed and a high Defense stat, Gliscor is able to stall out a myriad of Pokemon by alternating between Substitute and Protect (or Roost) without losing any health thanks to the combination of the above moves and Poison Heal. Its high Defense and Speed help here, and with Substitute and Toxic Gliscor is able to wear down its opponents while recovering health lost from Substitutes.</p>
<p>In the third slot, we have three options. Protect is the preferred, because Gliscor already has plenty of recovery with just Poison Heal, and it allows scouting while simultaneously racking up more Toxic damage. It also guarantees that Toxic Orb will be activated. Roost is another option that makes a never-ending cycle of healing, although it will remove Gliscor's Flying typing for a turn. This may be useful to take some Rock- and Ice-type moves better, but Gliscor will take a lot more damage from Fighting-type attacks. Another option is Taunt. This option is able to prevent opposing setup and recovery, which is very useful to kill opponents even faster. Earthquake is used in the last slot so that Gliscor does not become complete Taunt bait itself.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs allow Gliscor to outspeed all Heatran except Choice Scarf variants, Adamant Lucario, Jolly Mamoswine, and Adamant Breloom. You can even outspeed and OHKO the first two threats with Earthquake if necessary. The rest of the EVs are put into HP and Defense to maximize Gliscor's physical bulk. The HP EVs make sure that Gliscor completely heals all HP lost by creating Substitutes in two turns. The Speed EVs can be adjusted to outspeed Pokemon such as all Rotom-A except Choice Scarf variants. For that, the best alternative spread is 244 HP / 72 Def / 192 Spe with a Jolly nature. If outspeeding Jolly Mamoswine is not necessary, you can use a spread of 244 HP / 44 Def / 220 Spe with an Impish nature. A Jolly nature can be used if you want to outspeed Jolly Lucario. However, Jolly Lucario is a very rare threat that is usually not worth preparing for. Aerial Ace can be used in the last slot to destroy Breloom, one of the few physical threats that can beat Gliscor. It can also deal good damage to Amoonguss, though the difference in what it receives from Earthquake is small.</p>
<p>Toxic Spikes support is appreciated so that Gliscor doesn't have to waste time using Toxic. For this reason, Tentacruel, Forretress, and Roserade are excellent teammates. The former even resists Gliscor's Water- and Ice-type weaknesses, while having its weakness to Ground and Electric covered. Even when paired with users of Toxic Spikes, however, Gliscor should still use Toxic, because that will hit Flying-types and Pokemon with Levitate that are completely immune to Toxic Spikes. Tyranitar and Hippowdon are good partners for Gliscor because they put a damper on opposing weather teams and provide extra residual damage, aiding in Gliscor's stalling rampage. Tyranitar is recommended because it has a massive Special Defense to sponge most special attacks aimed at Gliscor, while Gliscor protects Tyranitar from Fighting-type blows.</p>
<p>Steel-types that are not weak to Ground completely shut down this set. Air Balloon Heatran does not mind anything this set can use and can OHKO with Hidden Power Ice or hit hard with STAB Fire Blast. Bronzong is uncommon in OU, but will beat this set by not minding anything it can use and hitting back with Hidden Power Ice. Skarmory walls this set, but cannot do much back aside from phazing or taking the opportunity to set up hazards. Skarmory will not even be able to do this, however, if Gliscor carries Taunt. Speaking of Taunt, any Pokemon that carries this move and does not fear Earthquake will come out on top. Pokemon that outspeed Gliscor and hit it with special attacks will also almost always beat it. Apart from those, opposing Gliscor stop this set cold. However, they can do nothing back if they don't carry Ice Fang.</p>
<p>Rotom-W is one of the best ways to deal with Skarmory and Air Balloon Heatran. It also beats Bronzong, but needs to be wary of Ferrothorn. Blissey can take almost all special attacks coming towards Gliscor, and Gliscor can take most physical attacks aimed at Blissey.</p>
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Taunt / Toxic
move 3: Toxic / Ice Fang / Stealth Rock
move 4: Roost / Protect
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Impish
evs: 244 HP / 248 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although Gliscor excels at stalling out threats, it can still do its job as a basic physical wall. Gliscor can wall some of the biggest physical threats around such as Terrakion and Landorus-T. This set is similar to the old defensive set, but now that Gliscor has access to Roost and Stealth Rock, it is more versatile. Instant recovery and the ability to wall dangerous Fighting-types such as Terrakion are what separate Gliscor from Landorus-T and Skarmory. What Gliscor offers to teams, in terms of defensive synergy, is handy immunities to Electric- and Ground-type attacks, as well as resistances to Fighting and Bug. For these reasons, Gliscor is useful as a defensive pivot or if you want to shut down stall teams.</p>
<p>The first slot goes to Earthquake, the usual (and best) STAB option available to Gliscor. Taunt shuts down setup sweepers and stall members, all of which would want to use Gliscor as setup fodder. It is especially useful to stop Skarmory, Forretress, and Ferrothorn from setting up hazards. The third slot can be decided depending on what you need. Gliscor is a very reliable user of Stealth Rock and can use it if you need a Pokemon to set it up. Toxic, however, puts a time on the life of many walls and setup sweepers. Yet another option is Ice Fang, which provides more coverage and a much-needed way to deal with Dragon-types immune to Earthquake, as well as Flying-types, especially opposing Gliscor. In the last slot, we have Roost, which provides constant healing alongside Poison Heal. Protect can be used because it scout Choice attackers and guarantee a Toxic Orb activation. As Poison Heal usually offers sufficient recovery, the loss of Roost is not as crippling as it might seem to be.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs allow Gliscor to outspeed max Speed Adamant Scizor, and Taunt it before it can use Swords Dance or Roost. The rest of EVs are placed into HP and Defense to provide maximum physical bulk. 248 HP EVs are chosen instead of 252 EVs to lessen Stealth Rock damage and get maximum Poison Heal recovery. You can also bump Gliscor's Speed EVs to 148 to outspeed Jolly Breloom and other base 70 Pokemon. 248 HP / 40 Def / 220 EVs can be used to outspeed Adamant Lucario and all Heatran that don't use Choice Scarf. However, these spreads are less efficient on this set than on the SubToxic set, as this set's focus is to wall, not to stall out threats.</p>
<p>As always, bulky Steel-types like Skarmory will wall this set, but they must be wary of Taunt. Bronzong, however, can retaliate with Hidden Power Ice. Bulky Water-types can also wall this set, but instead of Taunt, they fear Toxic. Air Balloon Heatran, Latios, and Keldeo will wreck Gliscor, as will most special attackers. For this reason, special walls such as Celebi, Jirachi, Heatran, and Chansey are excellent teammates. Magnezone can deal with troublesome Steel-types such as Skarmory and helps dealing with bulky Water-types with its STAB Thunderbolt. Rotom-W helps against rain teams and is also an excellent way to deal with many Steel-types.</p>
[SET]
name: AcroBat
move 1: Acrobatics
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Substitute / Agility
item: Flying Gem
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>You may be thinking now, "What? But Gliscor can't use Sand Veil anymore!"; Yes, this is true. However, this set is still very effective for a number of reasons. People usually expect a defensive set, so this Gliscor's set can catch its usual counters off-guard. Gliscor can use its natural bulk to set up on common unboosted physical attacks and then sweep with two moves that provide almost unresisted coverage: Earthquake and Acrobatics. Good base 95 Speed and Attack are enough to give Gliscor a dangerous offensive presence. The mere fact that people usually pack very few Flying-type resistances on their teams is alone a reason why this set is so effective, especially considering that some Pokemon that resist Flying and don't fear Earthquake, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus-T, still take a lot of damage from a boosted Acrobatics.</p>
<p>Acrobatics, when combined with Flying Gem, packs a punch on the first hit, and on the second hit, Gliscor still hits with an attack that is almost as powerful as Hurricane. Earthquake is the secondary STAB move that provides coverage against Steel-, Rock-, and Electric-types that resist Acrobatics and is also useful in situations where you want to conserve Gliscor's Flying Gem for a more dangerous threat. Swords Dance boosts Gliscor's Attack to dangerous levels, letting it hit like a truck and demolish more bulky or defensive teams. Substitute protects Gliscor from status and revenge killing attempts, especially from threats such as Mamoswine. Be wary that without an activated Poison Heal, the number of times that Gliscor can create Substitutes is limited. On the other hand, Agility is useful against offensive teams. With an Agility under its belt, Gliscor can outspeed threats including Choice Scarf Keldeo, Timid Venusaur under sun, and Jolly Stoutland under sandstorm, even with an Adamant nature. Agility is a more effective way to prevent revenge kill attempts, except in cases of priority moves like Ice Shard, where Substitute is more useful.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>95 base Attack may not seem sufficient, but with STABs that provide almost unresisted coverage, as well as Swords Dance, Gliscor can still sweep effectively. The beauty of this set is that it can 2HKO most bulky Water-types, including Vaporeon, Slowbro, and even Rotom-W, a Pokemon that resists Acrobatics. It can also deal with some very physically bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon. Here is a list of calculations that prove this (they all assume a Swords Dance boost and an intact Flying Gem).</p>
<ul="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 232 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 223 - 263 HP (83.64% - 98.14%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 4 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 223 - 263 HP (92.98% - 109.09%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock, 52% chance to OHKO without Stealth Rock</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 319 - 376 HP (81.73% - 96.19%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 240+ Def Gliscor: 294 - 346 HP (83.9% - 98.59%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 0 Def Hippowdon: 411 - 484 HP (98.57% - 115.95%) -- 87% chance to OHKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 304 - 358 HP (72.86% - 85.71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP /88+ Def Ferrothorn: 318 - 375 HP (90.62% - 106.82%) -- 43% chance to OHKO</li>
<li>252 Atk Gliscor Acrobatics vs 252 HP / 0 Def Deoxys: 313 - 370 HP (103.62% - 122.37%) -- guaranteed OHKO</li>
</ul>
<p>The choice of ability is up to you. Hyper Cutter is the main one as Intimidate users will then have more difficulty in stopping Gliscor's sweep. Poison Heal, however, allows Gliscor to come in on a predicted Toxic and gain needed recovery (especially helpful if you use Substitute), as well as the ability to absorb status. This set should not really be using any move other than the listed above. Fire Fang could be considered to get past Skarmory and Bronzong, but with maximum investment in physical defense, neither are 2HKOed by even a +2 Fire Fang; the former can easily phaze back and the latter can simply OHKO with Hidden Power Ice.</p>
<p>Although Ground and Flying provide almost unresisted coverage, there are a few threats that resist both, and they are generally capable of easily stopping Gliscor's sweep. For example, Thundurus-T can outspeed and OHKO with Hidden Power Ice, offensive Zapdos can do the same, Skarmory can phaze Gliscor out, and Bronzong and physically defensive Zapdos can tank Acrobatics and OHKO with Hidden Power Ice. For this reason, Magnezone is an excellent partner. It gets rid of Skarmory and Bronzong, weakens bulky Water-types, and baits Fighting-type attacks that Gliscor can easily set up on. Gliscor should be paired with Pokemon that can take Water- and Ice-type attacks easily, as many special attackers such as Keldeo are quite dangerous to Gliscor. A bulky Water-type of your own, such as Keldeo, Rotom-W, or Jellicent, are for this reason excellent teammates. Celebi is a useful partner because it doesn't mind any rain-boosted Water-type attacks and can spread paralysis that Gliscor can take advantage of. It also gets rids of Sheer Force Landorus, another Pokemon that Gliscor fears. However, they share a weakness to Ice, so a partner such as Heatran may be helpful. If you are using Agility, something that can deal with Mamoswine and Weavile is a useful partner. Forretress hates taking repeated Earthquakes from the former, but has huge Defense and can maim both with Gyro Ball. It also provides much-needed entry hazard support.</p>
[SET]
name: SubPass
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Taunt / Agility / Swords Dance
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Impish
evs: 244 HP / 28 Def / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes advantage of Gliscor's combination of good defenses and speed to pass Substitutes to its teammates. As it keeps the ability to wall almost any physical attacker, this Gliscor is not useless outside Baton Pass teams. Substitute and Baton Pass are the crux of this set, buying teammates time to set up or muscle past walls. Gliscor's decent base 75 HP and ability to heal Substitute HP in just 2 turns are what makes this set so effective.</p>
<p>Earthquake is used, as always, so that Gliscor does not become pure setup bait for Taunt. The last slot depends on what the team needs. Gliscor can either use Taunt to prevent opposing Taunt, setup, and recovery, or it can use a setup move. Agility boosts Speed, a useful boost for sweepers in general, while Swords Dance is very useful for physical sweepers. Gliscor can also often utilize Swords Dance itself should it need to attack with Earthquake. Another option is Facade, an option that has decent power and coverage with Earthquake, hitting Flying-types that are immune to Earthquake.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs outspeed non-Choice Scarf Heatran, Breloom, and Adamant Lucario. 244 EVs are put into HP to make the Substitutes as bulky as possible while keeping Gliscor's HP at an odd number to maximize Poison Heal recovery. The rest are put into Defense to buff its physical bulk.</p>
<p>Skarmory and Bronzong are huge threats to this set. Skarmory can Whirlwind away the passed Substitutes, but Gliscor can prevent this with Taunt, while preventing any attempts to set up hazards. Bronzong, on the other hand, can use Hidden Power Ice to break the Substitutes,preventing Gliscor from passing them effectively. Nearly anything that can outspeed, take a hit, and break the Substitute can counter this set. Latios, Latias, Gengar, and Thundurus-T are all prime examples. However, all but Gengar won't like a Toxic. Phazers also work if Gliscor does not carry Taunt. Preferred partners are those that resists Gliscor's weakness; for example, Keldeo. Partners that threaten Gliscor's counters also work well. Jirachi is an example. Body Slam and Iron heal will chip away the opponent's health fast, especially if you use Swords Dance in the last slot, and even if they manage to attack, they will only be touching a dummy. Its bulk and typing fit well with Gliscor, too.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Gliscor used to have a bulky Swords Dance set listed as one of the main sets. This set can play a role of a tank or a supporter that can sweep. It is also an effective wallbreaker. The problem is that the lack of stall teams hinders this set's viability, especially as the Acrobatics set can sweep more effectively.</p>
<p>Fling + Acrobatics seems like an effective option, being a mix of Acrobatics and Toxic Orb sets. However, it is generally outclassed because it can only poison one Pokemon per match, Acrobatics is very weak until you use Fling, and this set suffers from four-moveslot syndrome; it could be effective if Gliscor could run Swords Dance and Substitute (or Agility) alongside the other three moves (Earthquake, Fling, and Acrobatics), but as Gliscor can only run one of these at same time, this set's viability is questionable.</p>
<p>Gliscor can run a pure Baton Pass set with Swords Dance and Agility to help physical sweepers that need to run coverage moves alongside their STABs. The last viable option is U-turn, which Gliscor can use to scout. Its Speed generally makes U-turn an effective option, but Gliscor doesn't often see necessity to scout, as it is either played defensively or offensively with setup.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Steel-types that are not weak to Ground are generally good counters, but most of them must be wary of Taunt. Bronzong stands out, as it can use Hidden Power Ice to defeat Gliscor while Gliscor can do nothing back, and it only cares about Taunt in not being able to setup Stealth Rock. Skarmory can set up hazards while Gliscor is unable to do anything, but Skarmory cannot do much back apart from phazing and taking the opportunity to set up hazards. Air Balloon Heatran can come in safely and OHKO Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice or hit it hard with Fire Blast. However, Heatran must be careful if Gliscor hits it with any attacking move other than Earthquake, as this will pop Heatran's Balloon, enabling it to be OHKOed by Earthquake.</p>
<p>Most moderately fast and bulky special attackers can beat Gliscor. Gengar is not bulky, but it is a good offensive counter because it is immune to Earthquake, Toxic, and Facade, and is able to outspeed Gliscor and break its Substitutes. If Gliscor carries Acrobatics, Gengar can simply Disable it. Xatu gets a mention as it cannot be poisoned by Toxic and is immune to Earthquake. It can even reflect the rare Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Bulky Water-types do a nice job in regards of taking out Gliscor, but many do not appreciate Toxic. Exceptions include Starmie and Hydration Vaporeon, as they do not mind status and Taunt and can OHKO with their STAB moves or Ice Beam. Most Ice-types can beat Gliscor: Cloyster can use Icicle Spear, which breaks through Gliscor's Substitutes and OHKOs it; Mamoswine can use any of its Ice-type STABs to take out Gliscor; Kyurem and Kyurem-B can use Ice Beam; and Abomasnow can use Blizzard or Ice Shard. If Gliscor is without Taunt, most slower walls can handle Gliscor easily, tanking its relatively weak hits and setting hazards or attacking.</p>
