Gourgeist-XL

Ping_Pong_Along

Bitches love underscores
QC [3/3]: Spirit / -kal- / 49
GP [2/2]: frenzyplant / The Dutch Plumberjack


[OVERVIEW]

Gourgeist-XL is an excellent bulky spinblocker with great utility thanks to Will-O-Wisp, which cripples common offensive threats such as Medicham and Mega Steelix. Unlike other defensive Ghost-types such as Cofagrigus and Spiritomb, Gourgeist-XL has access to reliable recovery via Synthesis, which greatly improves its longevity and makes it far less reliant on Leftovers recovery. Its immunity to Fighting-type moves and resistances to common Ground-, Water-, Grass-, and Electric-type moves, in combination with its incredible Defense, give it ample opportunities to switch in. While a base 54 Speed is far from stellar, it does allow Gourgeist-XL to outspeed many common defensive threats, such as Mega Steelix, most Rhyperior sets, and Registeel.

Unfortunately, Gourgeist-XL has a total of five weaknesses, and while Ghost- and Flying-type attacks aren't very common, Ice-, Fire-, and Dark-type attacks are extremely prevalent. Fire-types such as Delphox and Houndoom can often get a free switch in because of their immunity to Will-O-Wisp and resistance to Seed Bomb. Knock Off and Pursuit are especially dangerous for Gourgeist-XL, though at full health it can often survive these attacks and burn the foe. While Gourgeist-XL has excellent physical bulk, its special bulk is only passable, as even with investment, Gourgeist-XL is OHKOed by mixed Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard and 2HKOed by Sharpedo's Dark Pulse and Samurott's Ice Beam.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Rock Slide / Fire Blast
item: Leftovers
ability: Frisk
nature: Impish / Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 60 Def / 200 SpD

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

Will-O-Wisp cripples common physical attackers, such as Durant, Swords Dance Virizion, and Mega Steelix. Seed Bomb is a decently powerful STAB move that is particularly useful against foes with a 4x weakness and allows Gourgeist-XL to OHKO Kabutops, Omastar, and offensive Seismitoad, as well as 2HKO defensive Seismitoad, Gastrodon, and Quagsire. Synthesis restores Gourgeist-XL's health. Rock Slide hits common Fire-type switch-ins attempting to absorb burns; it OHKOes Fletchinder, has a chance to OHKO Houndoom after Stealth Rock damage, and 2HKOes Delphox. Rock Slide also hits Ice-, Flying-, and Bug-types, such as Mega Abomasnow, Sigilyph, and Vivillon, though Will-O-Wisp is generally better against physically offensive Pokemon of these types, such as Sneasel, Escavalier, and Choice Scarf Braviary. Alternatively, Fire Blast can be used with a Relaxed nature to OHKO Durant, 2HKO Choice Band Escavalier and Mega Abomasnow, and often 2HKO Assault Vest Escavalier after Stealth Rock damage, as well as chip away at other Grass- and Steel-types, such as Mega Steelix, Bronzong, and Virizion.

Set Details
========

248 EVs in HP improve Gourgeist-XL's overall bulk. 200 EVs in Special Defense allow Gourgeist-XL to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Tangrowth's Hidden Power Fire, the 2HKO after Stealth Rock damage from Choice Specs Tangrowth's Sludge Bomb, and the OHKO after Stealth Rock damage from Samurott's Ice Beam. The remaining 60 EVs go into Defense with an Impish nature to round out Gourgeist-XL's bulk and help it survive Knock Off from threats such as Sneasel, Hitmonlee, and Choice Band Escavalier. When running Fire Blast, a Relaxed nature should be used for a far better chance to 2HKO Assault Vest Escavalier after Stealth Rock damage and for a guaranteed 2HKO against Swords Dance Mega Abomasnow. Leftovers provides passive recovery and helps prevent Gourgeist-XL from being worn down. Frisk is particularly useful for scouting items on common Choice item users, such as Durant and Tyrantrum. While a Relaxed nature should still allow Gourgeist-XL to outspeed base 30 Speed threats, such as Mega Abomasnow and Mega Steelix, be aware of Speed creep, especially from Mega Abomasnow.

Usage Tips
========

When facing opponents that lack a Fire-type or status absorber, try to burn as many foes as possible. This strategy is somewhat hindered if the opponent is running a cleric, though you can use this opportunity to lure the cleric out and switch into a check or try to stall the foe out of PP for Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Gourgeist-XL can easily take a Stone Edge from Swords Dance Virizion at +2 Attack, so try to waste the Virizion's Lum Berry with either a teammate or Gourgeist-XL so that you can eventually get a burn through with Will-O-Wisp. This strategy can also be used against other Lum Berry holders, such as Rock Polish Tyrantrum, Hone Claws Durant, and non-Shed Skin Scrafty, though it's far less effective against Tyrantrum and Durant because Tyrantrum deals significant damage to Gourgeist-XL with Head Smash and a +1 Durant almost always 2HKOes Gourgeist-XL with X-Scissor after Stealth Rock damage. Gourgeist-XL causes many switches, so good prediction is extremely helpful.

Frail Fire-types, such as Fletchinder, Houndoom, and Delphox, and status absorbers, such as Sigilyph, are common switch-ins that are hit hard by Rock Slide. Seed Bomb hits Fighting-types for neutral damage, which is particularly helpful against Gurdurr because it gets a boost from switching into Will-O-Wisp thanks to Guts.

Team Options
========

Status conditions such as burn and poison wear down Gourgeist-XL, so Heal Bell support from Granbull, Aromatisse, Togetic, MegaAudino, Audino, or Lanturn is appreciated. In turn, these clerics greatly appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability burn physical threats, particularly Mega Steelix. Fairy-type clerics are particularly appreciated for their ability to check Fighting-types running Knock Off and Dark-types in general. Entry hazard support somewhat mitigates Gourgeist-XL's passivity, while hazard setters appreciate its spinblocking and the switches that Will-O-Wisp causes. Mega Steelix and Mega Camerupt make for good Stealth Rock-setting partners because they can tank a Knock Off, and the former can often check Exploud while the latter can check opposing Fire-types. Qwilfish and Garbodor provide both Spikes and Toxic Spikes support and can absorb Toxic Spikes set by your opponent. Drapion can also spread and absorb Toxic Spikes and checks Sigilyph, while Gourgeist-XL resists Drapion's sole weakness.

Gourgeist-XL greatly appreciates partners that can check common Fire-types. Defensive Flygon is a good check for these foes andcan clear away entry hazards though it does need to be careful of Delphox's Dazzling Gleam, Choice Band Emboar's Superpower, and Mega Camerupt's Hidden Power Ice. Despite the difficulty of switching Samurott and Sharpedo into Fire-types, they can outspeed and OHKO Mega Camerupt and non-Choice Scarf Emboar. Aqua Jet allows Samurott to usually OHKO Houndoom after Stealth Rock damage and KO a weakened Delphox or Choice Scarf Emboar, while after a single Speed boost, Sharpedo can outspeed and OHKO any Fire-type other than Choice Scarf Delphox. Poliwrath does particularly well against Houndoom, and the offensive variant OHKOes Emboar and Mega Camerupt. Houndoom is an excellent answer to Delphox and greatly appreciates Gourgeist-XL's ability to handle Fighting-types. Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Gastrodon all do well against Fire-types, though Delphox's Grass Knot and Nasty Plot Houndoom's Hidden Power Grass easily OHKO them. Alomomola can survive hits from Fire-types and either cripple them with Toxic or chip away at their health with either Scald or Waterfall, and it is also a good check for Mega Glalie. Dugtrio outspeeds, traps, and OHKOes non-Choice Scarf Delphox, Houndoom, and Emboar as well as Mega Camerupt after Stealth Rock damage. Slowking can check Delphox, Mega Camerupt, and Emboar, though try to avoid switching it into Delphox's Grass Knot, Mega Camerupt's Earth Power, and Emboar's Wild Charge.

Fletchinder and Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary are potent threats that can destroy Gourgeist-XL after a boost, so partners such as Mega Steelix, Rhyperior, Magneton, and Tyrantrum are helpful, all of which appreciate Gourgeist-XL's immunity to Fighting-type attacks. Calm Mind Slowking can survive +2 Fletchinder's Acrobatics and often OHKO it back with Acrobatics. Quagsire can also check Fletchinder with Scald or Braviary with Ice Punch + Curse. Steel- and Fire-types also make for good partners to check dangerous Ice-types. Mega Steelix and Assault Vest Escavalier can survive any attack from Mega Abomasnow or Mega Glalie and OHKO them after Stealth Rock damage with Heavy Slam and Iron Head, respectively. Bronzong's Gyro Ball can OHKO Mega Glalie but deals little damage to Mega Abomasnow, while its Iron Head 2HKOes both after Stealth Rock damage, though it should watch out for Pursuit users such as Houndoom and Sneasel. While Fire-types can have trouble switching into Ice-type foes out of fear of an Earthquake, they can OHKO those foes with their STAB moves and appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability to check Water-types.

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

Leech Seed provides additional damage each turn and is especially helpful against Fire-type switch-ins and RestTalk users such as Malamar, Curse Registeel, and Swords Dance Escavalier. A SubSeed strategy can be used, though Gourgeist-S does better in this role due to its much higher base Speed and its lower base HP, which gives it a greater benefit from Leech Seed recovery. Protect can be used over Synthesis to maximize the damage that Will-O-Wisp and Leech Seed deal, but Leech Seed recovery is far less reliable than Synthesis. Colbur Berry could be used to let Gourgeist-XL more effectively take Knock Off, though it appreciates Leftovers more in most situations. Worry Seed is an extremely niche option that should only be considered on full stall teams to prevent foes from using Rest and to disrupt status absorbers that rely on their abilities, such as Sigilyph and Gurdurr. Foul Play hits frail physical attackers and Attack-boosting sweepers, but most of these threats have high Defense or resist Dark. Stone Edge can be used instead of Rock Slide for a good chance to OHKO Houndoom and a small chance to OHKO Delphox after Stealth Rock damage, at the cost of accuracy and PP. Flamethrower is a more accurate but less powerful alternative to Fire Blast.

Destiny Bond's effectiveness is severely limited by Gourgeist-XL's low Speed, but it can be used to get surprise KOs against slower foes, such as Mega Camerupt, or force switches against Choice-locked foes, such as Exploud. Disable, while also hampered by Gourgeist-XL's low Speed, can disrupt foes that are locked into a move, have only a single attack for Gourgeist-XL, or are spamming healing moves. Flame Charge can be used to improve Gourgeist-XL's Speed, though most Grass- and Steel-types take more damage from Fire Blast and Flamethrower. Magic Coat can be used to help avoid status, Taunt, and entry hazards, but Gourgeist-XL generally can't afford to drop one of its moves. Toxic can be used to more effectively wear down bulky foes, particularly Alomomola, though Will-O-Wisp is better for crippling physical attackers as well as Steel- and Poison-types. Phantom Force can be used as a decently powerful Ghost-type STAB move on a SubSeed set because it helps accumulate Leech Seed and burn damage, but the setup turn allows the opponent a free switch into a Normal-type or a relatively safe switch into a Dark-type.

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

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Mega Camerupt, Houndoom, Delphox, and Emboar, in addition to being immune to Will-O-Wisp, are extremely potent threats because they can often OHKO Gourgeist-XL with either Fire Blast or Flare Blitz.

**Flying-type Physical Attackers**: Fletchinder is immune to Will-O-Wisp, takes very little damage from Seed Bomb, and can OHKO Gourgeist-XL after a Swords Dance boost, though Rock Slide OHKOes it. Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary can block Will-O-Wisp with a Substitute and use Bulk Up to prevent Rock Slide from breaking through Substitute. Choice Band Braviary's Brave Bird also OHKOes Gourgeist-XL.

**Ice-types**: Mega Glalie's Double Edge OHKOes Gourgeist-XL, as does Return after Stealth Rock damage. While Swords Dance Mega Abomasnow is not too difficult for Gourgeist-XL to check because of the lower power of Ice Shard, mixed Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after Stealth Rock damage. Sneasel can also 2HKO Gourgeist-XL with Icicle Crash, though it's extremely crippled by burns.

**Status Absorbers**: Gurdurr gets a major power boost from a burn and easily sets up on Gourgeist-XL with Bulk Up. Sigilyph takes no damage from Will-O-Wisp, 2HKOes Gourgeist-XL with Air Slash or Heat Wave, and can recover any damage taken from Rock Slide with Roost. Xatu can bounce back Will-O-Wisp thanks to Magic Bounce, though it's not particularly threatening offensively. Roselia and Trevenant are cured of status afflictions upon switching out thanks to Natural Cure; Roselia can set up entry hazards and use Sludge Bomb repeatedly until Gourgeist-XL is poisoned, while Choice Band Trevenant can 2HKO it with Shadow Claw. Shed Skin Scrafty can set up with Dragon Dance, wait until Shed Skin cures it of a burn, and hit Gourgeist-XL hard.

**Special Attackers**: Exploud and Clawitzer outspeed and have a chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with Boomburst and Dark Pulse, respectively. Meloetta's Psychic, Life Orb Flygon's Fire Blast or Draco Meteor, and offensive Cofagrigus's Shadow Ball each 2HKO Gourgeist-XL, while Calm Mind Virizion has the opportunity to set up on it.

**Taunt**: Gourgeist-XL's utility comes from its status moves, so Taunt users such as Mega Banette, Jellicent, Drapion, Spiritomb, and Qwilfish are problematic for it, especially because they all commonly run Dark- or Ghost-type attacks, with the exception of Qwilfish and Jellicent variants running Scald.

**Offensive Dark-types**: Offensive Drapion OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after a Swords Dance boost and is protected from Will-O-Wisp by a Lum Berry. Non-Shed Skin Scrafty often carries Lum Berry and has a chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with Knock Off after a Dragon Dance boost and Stealth Rock damage. Absol and Sharpedo, though frail, deal massive damage to Gourgeist-XL with their Dark-type STAB moves.
 
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Take Azelfie

More flags more fun
Pain Split should be added as a slash to Leech Seed or just put in the other options as it allows Gourgeist to break down HP reliant walls slightly faster.

Trick-or-Treat is a nice niche since it can allow Gourgeist to go down and a Pursuit Trapper like Houndoom or Drapion to come in. (If you think this is absurd that's completely fine)

Colbur Berry could be a nice clutch option for getting burns on pokemon like Scrafty and Drapion

3rd Bullet Point in Team Options add Dugtrio to the list as it can trap fire-types
 

Ping_Pong_Along

Bitches love underscores
Pain Split should be added as a slash to Leech Seed or just put in the other options as it allows Gourgeist to break down HP reliant walls slightly faster.

Trick-or-Treat is a nice niche since it can allow Gourgeist to go down and a Pursuit Trapper like Houndoom or Drapion to come in. (If you think this is absurd that's completely fine)

Colbur Berry could be a nice clutch option for getting burns on pokemon like Scrafty and Drapion

3rd Bullet Point in Team Options add Dugtrio to the list as it can trap fire-types
I understand that you're trying to help, but some of your points aren't very good. Pain Split's a pretty terrible option for Gourgeist-XL since it already has solid recovery (Synthesis) and has pretty decent HP at base 85. Leech Seed provides much better team support and passive damage. Trick-or-Treat is also a really really bad option for Gourgeist-XL the scenario you explained would be done better with Destiny Bond, though Gourgeist-XL's too slow for even that to be worth it in most scenarios.

Thanks for reminding me about Colbur berry though. I'd meant to mention it, but I forgot. Dugtrio sounds like a fine addition as well.
 

Ping_Pong_Along

Bitches love underscores
I'm not quite sure I entirely follow your reasoning behind some of the suggested changes. Rock Slide is more than simply a lure for Fire types. It allows Gourgeist-XL to hit Flying-types like Sigilyph and Xatu super effectively and deal neutral damage to Grass-types. Not giving Fletch an opportunity to setup is extremely nice too, though that is definitely part of it being a Fire type lure. Against Fighting types, it's almost always better to use Wisp rather than an attack except against Emboar, which is hit harder by Rock Slide, and Gurdurr, which you're better off Leech Seeding on the switch. I guess Guts Hariyama and RestTalk Poliwrath count too, but Hariyama's exceptionally rare and I expect Poliwrath to see even less usage because of our recent drops. Seed Bomb can't break through Alomomola, Jellicent, or our new addition of Slowking and risks getting a burn against these foes. It's still good for Samurott, Quagsire, Seismitoad, and other Ground-types, but I feel Rock Slide is ever so slightly more deserving of the primary slash. I can definitely emphasize Flamethrower more for Durant, but it's only a 5HKO against Virizion, so that seems like an awkward mention. I agree that Gourgeist-XL would benefit from some special bulk, but Tangrowth seems like an arbitrary mon to tailor this around since Gourgeist can't do anything other than burn it and the amount of SpD cuts into its ability to soak up physical hits. 248 HP / 160 Def / 100 SpD Impish still allows Gourgeist-XL to survive Samurott's Ice Beam after rocks without compromising its ability to soak up physical attacks too badly. Sorry if I'm off base on any of these points, I'm just trying to make sense of this.
 

phantom

Banned deucer.
I'm not quite sure I entirely follow your reasoning behind some of the suggested changes. Rock Slide is more than simply a lure for Fire types. It allows Gourgeist-XL to hit Flying-types like Sigilyph and Xatu super effectively and deal neutral damage to Grass-types. Not giving Fletch an opportunity to setup is extremely nice too, though that is definitely part of it being a Fire type lure. Against Fighting types, it's almost always better to use Wisp rather than an attack except against Emboar, which is hit harder by Rock Slide, and Gurdurr, which you're better off Leech Seeding on the switch. I guess Guts Hariyama and RestTalk Poliwrath count too, but Hariyama's exceptionally rare and I expect Poliwrath to see even less usage because of our recent drops. Seed Bomb can't break through Alomomola, Jellicent, or our new addition of Slowking and risks getting a burn against these foes. It's still good for Samurott, Quagsire, Seismitoad, and other Ground-types, but I feel Rock Slide is ever so slightly more deserving of the primary slash. I can definitely emphasize Flamethrower more for Durant, but it's only a 5HKO against Virizion, so that seems like an awkward mention. I agree that Gourgeist-XL would benefit from some special bulk, but Tangrowth seems like an arbitrary mon to tailor this around since Gourgeist can't do anything other than burn it and the amount of SpD cuts into its ability to soak up physical hits. 248 HP / 160 Def / 100 SpD Impish still allows Gourgeist-XL to survive Samurott's Ice Beam after rocks without compromising its ability to soak up physical attacks too badly. Sorry if I'm off base on any of these points, I'm just trying to make sense of this.
You need Seed Bomb. Why would you use a grass type unable to signifanctly damage waters and grounds in the first place? I understand the application of rs but again, it's just a lure because the coverage move is only meant to draw in pkmn that switch in on it, not pokemon it should be checking. All ev spreads are arbitrary and I know cutting into def evs lowers its ability to take physical hits, the point is: why lose out on the ability to withstand attacks from a pokemon primarily checked by grass types and is difficult to cover defensively? That's the entire basis of the ev spread.
 
yeah, gonna have to agree on seed bomb being mandatory. the way i see it, leech seed is far and away the most dubious pick here; rock slide is dope for keeping fires (particularly fletch) honest, seed bomb and recovery are musts in my mind, and wisp has much more broad implications here than leech for [again] obvious enough reasons. basically, i'd go for synth / wisp / seed bomb / (rock slide / fire blast) to be concise about it. i'd figure that blast is better now more than ever (to the extent of being slash-worthy) b.c aboma is a thing that's really good to be keeping honest, and durant / ecavalier should see a slight rise in usage in response to stuff, but keeping those wisp targets honest is a ton more broad in its usage. comparatively, leech seed is kinda blah to me, i'm not sure what it'd be targeting significantly to the point where it's worth it 9/10 times.
 

Ping_Pong_Along

Bitches love underscores
Cool deal. I've implemented the suggested changes, as well as extensive mentions of Mega Abomasnow and Slowking. I added a slash of Sassy Relaxed for Fire Blast since I found it to be rather significant against SD Abomasnow and AV Escavalier.
 
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Ping_Pong_Along

Bitches love underscores
Sweet, I updated this with a mention of Absol and Sharpedo in C&C. Most of the drops don't seem super relevant to Gourgeist-XL, though I could be missing something.
 
hmm, ayte. i think you could probably downplay the defog > spin thing by this point, since it's not too acc.at this point, and honestly gorguts sits on most of the stand-out (non-clunkerton "only good on certain [semi-]stalls" flyers) hazard removal sans lo gonner. also, just a broad thing, i think you could stand to downplay the value of the normal immune (the only truly big thing there is spin-blocking, the only other common occurrence deal is deterring choice melo from hyper voice lock-ins) and maybe play up the fact that this is a 'mon that can pretty actively concede turns to fires, which generally aren't the easiest to respond to defensively and thereby puts some heavier pressure on those sorts of teams.

honestly, i think you could stand to both trim down and separate the teammates segment here; even as a qc dude, that wall of text is intimidating af, and i'm not super sure a newer member would be keen on it. presenting a strong understanding of the 'mon you're writing about is important for sure, but ya gotta be able to find yourself a happy medium that doesn't have you over-explaining stuff.

ex: "Hazard setters greatly appreciate the spinblocking that Gourgeist-XL provides and the number of switches that Will-O-Wisp causes, so good partners for it include Stealth Rock setters, such as Mega Steelix, Mega Camerupt, Bronzong, Rhyperior, and Seismitoad, Spikes setters, such as Qwilfish, Accelgor, Mega Glalie, and Roselia, and Toxic Spikes setters, such as Qwilfish, Drapion, and Roselia. Qwilfish makes for a particularly good partner because it resists Fire- and Ice-type attacks and cripples fast threats with Thunder Wave, while Gourgeist-XL resists Electric- and Ground-type attacks and spreads burns. Mega Steelix and Mega Camerupt can also often absorb a Knock Off without taking significant damage. Drapion resists Dark- and Ghost-type attacks, can use Knock Off to help wear down foes such as Amoonguss, spread Toxic Spikes, and checks specially offensive threats such as Delphox and Meloetta, while in turn, Gourgeist-XL resists Drapion’s weakness to Ground-type attacks, which is particularly helpful against Mega Steelix, Drapion's most common switch-in. "

this could be shortened to something to the effect of

"both for punishing threatening pokemon that may look to exploit gouregist super's passivity and capitalizing on its ability to block rapid spin, entry hazard support is highly beneficial. stealth rock setters such as mega-camerupt and mega-steelix are capable of responding to many prominent threats to gourgeist super, such as fire-types, strong knock off users, and exploud (to an extent), while spikes users like qwilfish and garbodor can provide key resistances, as well as the ability to absorb opposing toxic spikes. while toxic spikes of your own can potentially conflict with one of gourgeist super's more primary functions as a will-o-wisp user, the support provided by drapion as a sigilyph check and toxic spikes absorber, as well as the aforementioned qwilfish and garbodor, holds significant value in its own right, and can be played accordingly if need be."

i took some liberties with this bit (idt a lot of the spikers mentioned were super conducive w/the sort of team you'd be seeing a gorguts, so i opted for some different ones), but the idea is the same. ya don't have to get overly specific w/details b.c they tend to bog down the analysis more than anything, and (at no offense to anyone in particular) these'll be getting viewed by either entry-level players tryna pick up the game (who can pretty quickly figure these kinds of things out via a lil experience w/proper sets and partners if they so desire) or other tier / gen players lookin to invest in a new meta, who are acquainted enough w/calcs and the like to get this stuff sorted n just need to know what's good rn.

beyond that, this looks fine. so if you could take the time to trim the teammates section (oh, also, def.drop meloetta as a heal beller, it's yucky -3-), and ideally split it up into two bodies, i'd say this is good to go. i trust you can get that done before you put the poor people at gp thru anything, so 3/3
 

frenzyplant

Inertia is a property of matter.
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
1/2 Ping_Pong_Along :)

add remove (comments)

(Let me know if anything here is unclear.)


[OVERVIEW]

Gourgeist-XL is an excellent bulky spinblocker with great utility thanks to Will-O-Wisp, which cripples common offensive threats, (remove comma) such as Medicham and Mega Steelix. Unlike other defensive Ghost-types such as Cofagrigus and Spiritomb, Gourgeist-XL has access to reliable recovery via Synthesis, which greatly improves its longevity and makes it far less reliant on Leftovers recovery. Its immunity to Fighting-type moves and resistances to common Ground-, Water-, Grass-, and Electric-type moves, in combination with its incredible Defense, allows give it ample opportunities to switch in. While a base 54 Speed is far from stellar, it does allow Gourgeist-XL to outspeed many common defensive threats, such as Mega Steelix, most Rhyperior sets, and Registeel.

Unfortunately, Gourgeist-XL has a total of five weaknesses, and while Ghost- and Flying-type attacks aren't very common, Ice-, Fire-, and Dark-type attacks are extremely prevalent. Fire-types such as Delphox and Houndoom can often get a free switch in because of their immunity to Will-O-Wisp and resistance to Seed Bomb. Knock Off and Pursuit are especially dangerous for Gourgeist-XL, though at full health it can often survive these attacks and burn the foe. opponent. (opponent for human players only) While Gourgeist-XL has excellent physical bulk, its special bulk is only passable, (comma) as even with investment, it Gourgeist-XL is OHKOed by mixed Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard and 2HKOed by Sharpedo's Dark Pulse and Samurott's Ice Beam.

[SET]
name: (add a name)
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Rock Slide / Fire Blast
item: Leftovers
ability: Frisk
nature: Impish / Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 60 Def / 200 SpD

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

Will-O-Wisp cripples common physical attackers, such as Durant, Swords Dance Virizion, and Mega Steelix. Seed Bomb is a decently powerful STAB move that hits Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types super effectively, which (I don't think you need to go into detail about things like type effectiveness or, later, the specific mechanics of a move, as the reader can be expected to know these things) is particularly useful against foes with a 4x weakness and allows it Gourgeist-XL to OHKO Kabutops, Omastar, and offensive Seismitoad, as well as 2HKO defensive Seismitoad, Gastrodon, and Quagsire. Synthesis restores half of Gourgeist-XL's health, though it heals for only a quarter of its health under hail, rain, and sand weather conditions. Rock Slide hits common Fire-type switch-ins attempting which attempt to absorb burns; a burn; it OHKOes Fletchinder, has a chance to OHKO Houndoom after Stealth Rock damage, and 2HKOes Delphox. (period) as well as Rock Slide also hits Ice-, Flying-, and Bug-types, such as Mega Abomasnow, Sigilyph, and Vivillon, though Will-O-Wisp is generally better against physically offensive Pokemon of these types, Ice-, Flying-, and Bug-types, such as Sneasel, Escavalier, and Choice Scarf Braviary. (comma to period) and Escavalier. Alternatively, Fire Blast can be used with a Relaxed nature to OHKO Durant, 2HKO Choice Band Escavalier and Mega Abomasnow, and often 2HKO Assault Vest Escavalier after Stealth Rock damage, as well as chip away at other Grass- and Steel-types, such as Mega Steelix, Bronzong, and Virizion. While a Relaxed nature should still allow Gourgeist-XL to outspeed base 30 Speed threats, such as Mega Abomasnow and Mega Steelix, be aware of Speed creep, especially from Mega Abomasnow. (move to Set Details)

Set Details
========

248 EVs in HP improves Gourgeist-XL's overall bulk. 200 EVs in Special Defense allows Gourgeist-XL to avoid a the 2HKO from Life Orb Tangrowth's Hidden Power Fire, a the 2HKO after Stealth Rock damage from Choice Specs Tangrowth's Sludge Bomb, and an the OHKO after Stealth Rock damage from Samurott's Ice Beam. The remaining 60 EVs go into Defense with an Impish nature to round out Gourgeist-XL's bulk and lessen the impact from physical attacks, which is particularly helpful for surviving a let it survive (or a similar, less wordy replacement) Knock Off from threats such as Sneasel, Hitmonlee, and Choice Band Escavalier. When running Fire Blast, a Relaxed nature should be used for a far better chance to 2HKO Assault Vest Escavalier after Stealth Rock damage and for a guaranteed 2HKO against Swords Dance Mega Abomasnow. Leftovers provides passive recovery and helps prevent Gourgeist-XL from being worn down. Frisk is particularly useful for scouting items on common Choice item (dehyphenate) users, such as Durant and Tyrantrum.

Usage Tips
========

(the following paragraph is a little long, consider splitting it into two as is or moving the more general information into one paragraph and the specific matchups into another)
When facing opponents that lack a Fire-type or status absorber, try to burn as many foes as possible. This strategy is somewhat hindered if the opponent is running a cleric, though you can use this opportunity to lure them the cleric out and switch into a check or try to stall the foe out of PP for Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Gourgeist-XL can easily take a +2 boosted Stone Edge from Swords Dance Virizion at +2 Attack, so try to waste the Virizion's Lum Berry with either a teammate or with Gourgeist-XL so that you can eventually get a burn through with Will-O-Wisp. This strategy can also be used against other Lum Berry holders, such as Rock Polish Tyrantrum, Hone Claws Durant, and non-Shed Skin Scrafty, though it's far less effective against Tyrantrum and Durant because Tyrantrum deals significant damage to Gourgeist-XL with Head Smash and a +1 Attack boosted Durant almost always 2HKOes Gourgeist-XL (with what move?) after Stealth Rock damage. Gourgeist-XL causes many switches, so good prediction is extremely helpful. Frail Fire-types, such as Fletchinder, Houndoom, and Delphox, and status absorbers, such as Sigilyph, are common switch-ins which that are hit hard by Rock Slide. Seed Bomb, in addition to hitting Water-, Grass-, and Ground-types super effectively, also hits Fighting-types for neutral damage, which is particularly helpful against Gurdurr, which, thanks to Guts, because it gets a boost from switching into Will-O-Wisp thanks to Guts. (rephrased for repetition of "which" and awkward comma usage)

Team Options
========

(echoing the sentiment that this is very long, although I'm not sure how long the individual paragraphs are after these changes and you can combine two if you think they're too short)

Status conditions such as burns, poison, and especially Toxic burn and poison wear down Gourgeist-XL, so Heal Bell support from Granbull, Aromatisse, Togetic, Mega Audino, Audino, or Lanturn is appreciated. In turn, these clerics greatly appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability to inflict burns on burn physical threats, particularly Mega Steelix. Granbull, Aromatisse, Togetic, and Mega Audino Fairy-type clerics are particularly appreciated for their ability to check Fighting-types running Knock Off, such as Gallade and Hitmonlee, and Dark-types in general. (comma to period) such as Absol, physical Sharpedo, and Scrafty. Entry hazard support somewhat mitigates Gourgeist-XL's passivity, (comma) while hazard setters appreciate its spinblocking and the switches that Will-O-Wisp cause. Mega Steelix and Mega Camerupt make for good Stealth Rock-setting (hyphenate) partners because they can tank a Knock Off, (comma) and the former can often check Exploud while the latter can check opposing Fire-types. Qwilfish and Garbodor provide both Spikes and Toxic Spikes support and can, as well as absorb any Toxic Spikes set by your opponent. Drapion can also spread and absorb Toxic Spikes and checks Sigilyph, while Gourgeist-XL resists Drapion's sole weakness to Ground-type attacks.

Gourgeist-XL greatly appreciates partners that can check common Fire-types, such as Delphox, Emboar, Mega Camerupt, and Houndoom. Defensive Flygon is a good check for these foes and can clears away hazards that wear Gourgeist-XL down, though it Flygon does need to be careful of Delphox's Dazzling Gleam, variants of Delphox that run Dazzling Gleam, Choice Band Emboar's Superpower, and Mega Camerupt's if it's running Hidden Power Ice. (edit for parallelism) Despite the difficulty of switching Samurott and Sharpedo into Fire-types, they can outspeed and OHKO Mega Camerupt and non-Choice Scarf Emboar with either Hydro Pump or Waterfall. Aqua Jet allows Samurott to usually OHKO Houndoom after Stealth Rock damage and revenge kill or pick off KO a weakened Delphox or Choice Scarf Emboar, (if Aqua Jet can KO a healthy Scarf Emboar, switch the order) while after a single Speed boost, Sharpedo can outspeed and OHKO any Fire-type other than Choice Scarf Delphox and OHKO them. Poliwrath does particularly well against Houndoom, (comma) and the offensive variant OHKOes Emboar and Mega Camerupt. Houndoom is an excellent answer to Delphox and greatly appreciates Gourgeist-XL's ability to handle Fighting-types. Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Gastrodon all do well against Fire-types, though Delphox's Grass Knot or and Nasty Plot Houndoom's Hidden Power Grass easily OHKO them. Alomomola can survive hits from Fire-types and either cripple them with Toxic or chip away at their health with either Scald or Waterfall, (comma) and additionally is it is also a good check for Mega Glalie. Dugtrio outspeeds, traps, and OHKOs non-Choice Scarf Fire-types, prevents them from switching out with Arena Trap, and OHKOes Houndoom, Delphox, and Emboar as well as OHKOes Mega Camerupt after Stealth Rock damage. Slowking does well to can check Delphox, Mega Camerupt, and Emboar, though try to avoid switching it into Delphox's Grass Knot, Mega Camerupt's Earth Power, and Emboar's Wild Charge.

Fletchinder and Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary are potent threats that can destroy Gourgeist-XL after a boost, Swords Dance or Bulk Up boost, respectively, so partners such as Mega Steelix, Rhyperior, Magneton, and Tyrantrum are helpful, all of which appreciate Gourgeist-XL's immunity to Fighting-type attacks. Calm Mind Slowking can survive +2 Fletchinder's (spelling) Acrobatics after a Swords Dance boost and Scald often OHKOes and often OHKO it back with Acrobatics. Quagsire can also check Fletchinder with Scald or Braviary with Ice Punch + Curse. Ice-types, such as Mega Abomasnow and Mega Glalie, are extremely dangerous for Gourgeist-XL, so Steel- and Fire-types also make for good partners to check dangerous Ice-types. Mega Steelix and Assault Vest Escavalier can survive any attack from of Mega Abomasnow and or Mega Glalie's attacks and OHKO them after Stealth Rock damage with Heavy Slam or and Iron Head, respectively. Bronzong's Gyro Ball can OHKO Mega Glalie but deals little damage to Mega Abomasnow, while its Iron Head 2HKOes both running Gyro Ball OHKOes Mega Glalie, but fails to deal significant damage to Mega Abomasnow, while Bronzong with Iron Head 2HKOes Mega Glalie and Mega Abomasnow after Stealth Rock damage, though watch out for Pursuit users (dehyphenate and remove comma) such as Houndoom and Sneasel. While Fire-types such as Delphox, Mega Camerupt, Houndoom and Emboar can have trouble switching into Ice-type foes out of fear of an Earthquake, they can each OHKO those foes with their STAB moves either Fire Blast or Flare Blitz and appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability to check Water-types.

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

(split this paragraph in two somewhere)

Leech Seed provides additional damage each turn and is especially helpful against Fire-type switch-ins, such as Delphox, Emboar, and Houndoom, as well as and RestTalk users foes, (remove comma) such as Malamar, Curse Registeel, and Swords Dance Escavalier. A SubSeed strategy can be used, though Gourgeist-S does better in this role due to its much higher base Speed and because its lower base HP, which allows it to regain more health each turn from Leech Seed. (I thought Leech Seed's damage was based on the target's HP?) Protect can be used over Synthesis to maximize on the damage that Will-O-Wisp and Leech Seed deal, but Leech Seed recovery is far less reliable than Synthesis. Colbur Berry could be used held instead of Leftovers to let Gourgeist-XL more effectively absorb take Knock Off and burn the foe, though it appreciates Leftovers recovery more in most situations. Worry Seed is an extremely niche option that should only be considered on full stall teams to prevent foes from using RestTalk and to disrupt status absorbers, (remove comma) that rely on their abilities, such as Sigilyph and Gurdurr. Foul Play hits frail physical attackers and Attack-boosting (hyphenate) sweepers, but most of these threats have high Defense or resist Dark. base Defense stats, such as Durant and Tyrantrum, or resist Dark-type attacks, such as Scrafty and Emboar. Stone Edge can be used instead of Rock Slide to have for a good chance to OHKO Houndoom at full health and to have a small chance to OHKO Delphox after Stealth Rock damage, but at the cost of accuracy and PP. Flamethrower is a more accurate, but less powerful alternative to Flamethrower. (do you mean Fire Blast) Destiny Bond is severely limited by Gourgeist-XL's (change to not-curly apostrophe) low Speed, but it can be used to get surprise KOs (remove e) against slower foes, such as Mega Camerupt, or force switches on against Choice-locked foes, such as Exploud. Disable, while also hampered by Gourgeist-XL's low Speed, (capitalize) can disrupt foes that are locked into a move, have only a single attack for Gourgeist-XL, or are spamming healing moves. be a useful option in many circumstances, such as Choice-locked foes like Choice Band Escavalier and Choice Band Granbull, to either force them out or have them take struggle damage, to disrupt foes that only have a single attack for Gourgeist-XL, such as Hitmonlee, Durant variants running Crunch, and Dragon Dance Scrafty, and to disrupt healing spam from threats such as Quagsire and Flygon. (fixed parallelism and length issues; you can add back the examples if you think they're necessary.) Flame Charge can be used instead of Fire Blast or Flamethrower to improve Gourgeist-XL's Speed, though most Grass- and Steel-types take more damage from Fire Blast and Flamethrower. Magic Coat can be used to help avoid status afflictions, Taunt, and entry hazards, but Gourgeist-XL generally can't afford to drop one of its moves. Toxic can be used to more effectively wear down bulky foes, particularly Alomomola, though Will-O-Wisp is better for crippling physical attackers as well as Steel- and Poison-types. Phantom Force can be used as a decently powerful Ghost-type STAB move on a SubSeed set because it helps accumulate Leech Seed and burn damage, but the setup turn two turn set up allows the opponent a free switch into a Normal-type Normal- types, such as Meloetta and Exploud, or a relatively safe switch into a Dark-type. Dark-types, such as Sneasel, Houndoom, and Drapion.

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

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Mega Camerupt, Houndoom, Delphox, and Choice Band Emboar, in addition to being immune to Will-O-Wisp, are extremely potent threats because they Mega Camerupt, Houndoom, Delphox, and Choice Band Emboar can OHKO Gourgeist-XL with either Fire Blast or Flare Blitz.

**Flying-type Physical Attackers**: Fletchinder is immune to Will-O-Wisp, takes very little damage from Seed Bomb, (serial comma) and can OHKO Gourgeist-XL after a Swords Dance boost, though Rock Slide OHKOes it. Fletchinder is OHKOed by Gourgeist-XL if it's running Rock Slide. Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary can block Will-O-Wisp with a Substitute and use Bulk Up to prevent Rock Slide from breaking through it. (Braviary or the Substitute?) Choice Band Braviary's Brave Bird also OHKOes Gourgeist-XL.

**Ice-types**: Mega Glalie's Double Edge OHKOes Gourgeist-XL, (comma) as does Return after Stealth Rock damage. While Swords Dance Mega Abomasnow is not too difficult for Gourgeist-XL to check because of the lower power of Ice Shard, mixed Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after Stealth Rock damage. Sneasel can also 2HKO Gourgeist-XL with Icicle Crash, though it's extremely crippled by burns.

**Status Absorbers**: Gurdurr gets a major power boost from a burn and easily sets up on Gourgeist-XL with Bulk Up. Sigilyph takes no damage from Will-O-Wisp, 2HKOes Gourgeist-XL with either Air Slash or Heat Wave, and can recover any damage taken from Rock Slide with Roost. Xatu can bounce back Will-O-Wisp due thanks to Magic Bounce, though it's not particularly threatening offensively. Roselia and Trevenant are cured of status afflictions upon switching out thanks to Natural Cure; Roselia can set up entry hazards and use Sludge Bomb repeatedly until Gourgeist-XL is poisoned, (comma) while Choice Band Trevenant can 2HKO it with Shadow Claw. Shed Skin Scrafty can set up (two words) with Dragon Dance, wait until Shed Skin cures it of a burn, and hit Gourgeist-XL hard.

**Special Attackers**: Exploud and Clawitzer outspeed and have a chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with Boomburst and Dark Pulse, respectively. Meloetta's Psychic, Life Orb Flygon's Fire Blast or Draco Meteor, and offensive Cofagrigug's Shadow Ball each 2HKO Gourgeist-XL, (period to comma) while Calm Mind Virizion has the opportunity (spelling) to set up on it.

**Taunt**: Gourgeist-XL's utility comes from its status moves, so Taunt users such as Mega Banette, Jellicent, Drapion, Spiritomb, and Qwilfish are problematic for it, especially since they all commonly run either Dark- or Ghost-type attacks, with the exception of Qwilfish and Jellicent variants running Scald.

**Other (?) Offensive Dark-types**: Offensive Drapion OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after a Swords Dance boost and is protected from Will-O-Wisp by a Lum Berry. Non-Shed Skin Scrafty often carries Lum Berry and has a chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with Knock Off after a Dragon Dance boost and Stealth Rock damage. Absol and Sharpedo, though frail, deal massive damage to Gourgeist-XL with their Dark-type STAB moves. with Knock Off and either Dark Pulse or Crunch, respectively. (the original wording is a little hard to follow, but I think this change covers it)
 

Ping_Pong_Along

Bitches love underscores
Thanks for the check! Also, sorry for the length. This one kind of got away from me, haha.

I changed up the wording a bit on the part about SubSeed Gourgeist-S, though it might not still not be clear. Basically it regains the same amount of health as XL, but because of its lower HP, it's more beneficial when it comes to Substitute.

Changes have been implemented and I'm ready for my final check! :D
 

Lumari

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is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
"one set" they said
good thing there was basically nothing to do here lol

remove add (Capitalize / Fix) (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Gourgeist-XL is an excellent bulky spinblocker with great utility thanks to Will-O-Wisp, which cripples common offensive threats such as Medicham and Mega Steelix. Unlike other defensive Ghost-types such as Cofagrigus and Spiritomb, Gourgeist-XL has access to reliable recovery via Synthesis, which greatly improves its longevity and makes it far less reliant on Leftovers recovery. Its immunity to Fighting-type moves and resistances to common Ground-, Water-, Grass-, and Electric-type moves, in combination with its incredible Defense, give it ample opportunities to switch in. While a base 54 Speed is far from stellar, it does allow Gourgeist-XL to outspeed many common defensive threats, such as Mega Steelix, most Rhyperior sets, and Registeel.

Unfortunately, Gourgeist-XL has a total of five weaknesses, and while Ghost- and Flying-type attacks aren't very common, Ice-, Fire-, and Dark-type attacks are extremely prevalent. Fire-types such as Delphox and Houndoom can often get a free switch in because of their immunity to Will-O-Wisp and resistance to Seed Bomb. Knock Off and Pursuit are especially dangerous for Gourgeist-XL, though at full health it can often survive these attacks and burn the foe. While Gourgeist-XL has excellent physical bulk, its special bulk is only passable, as even with investment, Gourgeist-XL is OHKOed by mixed Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard and 2HKOed by Sharpedo's Dark Pulse and Samurott's Ice Beam.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Rock Slide / Fire Blast
item: Leftovers
ability: Frisk
nature: Impish / Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 60 Def / 200 SpD

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

Will-O-Wisp cripples common physical attackers, such as Durant, Swords Dance Virizion, and Mega Steelix. Seed Bomb is a decently powerful STAB move that is particularly useful against foes with a 4x weakness and allows Gourgeist-XL to OHKO Kabutops, Omastar, and offensive Seismitoad, as well as 2HKO defensive Seismitoad, Gastrodon, and Quagsire. Synthesis restores Gourgeist-XL's health. Rock Slide hits common Fire-type switch-ins attempting to absorb burns; it OHKOes Fletchinder, has a chance to OHKO Houndoom after Stealth Rock damage, and 2HKOes Delphox. Rock Slide also hits Ice-, Flying-, and Bug-types, such as Mega Abomasnow, Sigilyph, and Vivillon, though Will-O-Wisp is generally better against physically offensive Pokemon of these types, such as Sneasel, Escavalier, and Choice Scarf Braviary. Alternatively, Fire Blast can be used with a Relaxed nature to OHKO Durant, 2HKO Choice Band Escavalier and Mega Abomasnow, and often 2HKO Assault Vest Escavalier after Stealth Rock damage, as well as chip away at other Grass- and Steel-types, such as Mega Steelix, Bronzong, and Virizion.

Set Details
========

248 EVs in HP improve Gourgeist-XL's overall bulk. 200 EVs in Special Defense allow Gourgeist-XL to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Tangrowth's Hidden Power Fire, the 2HKO after Stealth Rock damage from Choice Specs Tangrowth's Sludge Bomb, and the OHKO after Stealth Rock damage from Samurott's Ice Beam. The remaining 60 EVs go into Defense with an Impish nature to round out Gourgeist-XL's bulk and help it survive Knock Off from threats such as Sneasel, Hitmonlee, and Choice Band Escavalier. When running Fire Blast, a Relaxed nature should be used for a far better chance to 2HKO Assault Vest Escavalier after Stealth Rock damage and for a guaranteed 2HKO against Swords Dance Mega Abomasnow. Leftovers provides passive recovery and helps prevent Gourgeist-XL from being worn down. Frisk is particularly useful for scouting items on common Choice item users, such as Durant and Tyrantrum. While a Relaxed nature should still allow Gourgeist-XL to outspeed base 30 Speed threats, such as Mega Abomasnow and Mega Steelix, be aware of Speed creep, especially from Mega Abomasnow.

Usage Tips
========

When facing opponents that lack a Fire-type or status absorber, try to burn as many foes as possible. This strategy is somewhat hindered if the opponent is running a cleric, though you can use this opportunity to lure the cleric out and switch into a check or try to stall the foe out of PP for Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Gourgeist-XL can easily take a Stone Edge from Swords Dance Virizion at +2 Attack, so try to waste the Virizion's Lum Berry with either a teammate or Gourgeist-XL so that you can eventually get a burn through with Will-O-Wisp. This strategy can also be used against other Lum Berry holders, such as Rock Polish Tyrantrum, Hone Claws Durant, and non-Shed Skin Scrafty, though it's far less effective against Tyrantrum and Durant because Tyrantrum deals significant damage to Gourgeist-XL with Head Smash and a +1 Durant almost always 2HKOes Gourgeist-XL with X-Scissor after Stealth Rock damage. Gourgeist-XL causes many switches, so good prediction is extremely helpful.

Frail Fire-types, such as Fletchinder, Houndoom, and Delphox, and status absorbers, such as Sigilyph, are common switch-ins that are hit hard by Rock Slide. Seed Bomb hits Fighting-types for neutral damage, which is particularly helpful against Gurdurr because it gets a boost from switching into Will-O-Wisp thanks to Guts.

Team Options
========

Status conditions such as burn and poison wear down Gourgeist-XL, so Heal Bell support from Granbull, Aromatisse, Togetic, Mega Audino, Audino, or Lanturn is appreciated. In turn, these clerics greatly appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability burn physical threats, particularly Mega Steelix. Fairy-type clerics are particularly appreciated for their ability to check Fighting-types running Knock Off and Dark-types in general. Entry hazard support somewhat mitigates Gourgeist-XL's passivity, while hazard setters appreciate its spinblocking and the switches that Will-O-Wisp causes. Mega Steelix and Mega Camerupt make for good Stealth Rock-setting partners because they can tank a Knock Off, and the former can often check Exploud while the latter can check opposing Fire-types. Qwilfish and Garbodor provide both Spikes and Toxic Spikes support and can absorb Toxic Spikes set by your opponent. Drapion can also spread and absorb Toxic Spikes and checks Sigilyph, while Gourgeist-XL resists Drapion's sole weakness.

Gourgeist-XL greatly appreciates partners that can check common Fire-types. Defensive Flygon is a good check for these foes and can clear away entry hazards though it does need to be careful of Delphox's Dazzling Gleam, Choice Band Emboar's Superpower, and Mega Camerupt's Hidden Power Ice. Despite the difficulty of switching Samurott and Sharpedo into Fire-types, they can outspeed and OHKO Mega Camerupt and non-Choice Scarf Emboar. Aqua Jet allows Samurott to usually OHKO Houndoom after Stealth Rock damage and KO a weakened Delphox or Choice Scarf Emboar, while after a single Speed boost, Sharpedo can outspeed and OHKO any Fire-type other than Choice Scarf Delphox. Poliwrath does particularly well against Houndoom, and the offensive variant OHKOes Emboar and Mega Camerupt. Houndoom is an excellent answer to Delphox and greatly appreciates Gourgeist-XL's ability to handle Fighting-types. Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Gastrodon all do well against Fire-types, though Delphox's Grass Knot and Nasty Plot Houndoom's Hidden Power Grass easily OHKO them. Alomomola can survive hits from Fire-types and either cripple them with Toxic or chip away at their health with either Scald or Waterfall, and it is also a good check for Mega Glalie. Dugtrio outspeeds, traps, and OHKOes non-Choice Scarf Delphox, Houndoom, and Emboar as well as Mega Camerupt after Stealth Rock damage. Slowking can check Delphox, Mega Camerupt, and Emboar, though try to avoid switching it into Delphox's Grass Knot, Mega Camerupt's Earth Power, and Emboar's Wild Charge.

Fletchinder and Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary are potent threats that can destroy Gourgeist-XL after a boost, so partners such as Mega Steelix, Rhyperior, Magneton, and Tyrantrum are helpful, all of which appreciate Gourgeist-XL's immunity to Fighting-type attacks. Calm Mind Slowking can survive +2 Fletchinder's (<- un-underline) Acrobatics and often OHKO it back with Acrobatics. Quagsire can also check Fletchinder with Scald or Braviary with Ice Punch + Curse. Steel- and Fire-types also make for good partners to check dangerous Ice-types. Mega Steelix and Assault Vest Escavalier can survive any attack from Mega Abomasnow or Mega Glalie and OHKO them after Stealth Rock damage with Heavy Slam and Iron Head, respectively. Bronzong's Gyro Ball can OHKO Mega Glalie but deals little damage to Mega Abomasnow, while its Iron Head 2HKOes both after Stealth Rock damage, though it should watch out for Pursuit users such as Houndoom and Sneasel. While Fire-types can have trouble switching into Ice-type foes out of fear of an Earthquake, they can OHKO those foes with their STAB moves and appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability to check Water-types.

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

Leech Seed provides additional damage each turn and is especially helpful against Fire-type switch-ins and RestTalk users such as Malamar, Curse Registeel, and Swords Dance Escavalier. A SubSeed strategy can be used, though Gourgeist-S does better in this role due to its much higher base Speed and its lower base HP, which gives it a greater benefit from Leech Seed recovery. Protect can be used over Synthesis to maximize the damage that Will-O-Wisp and Leech Seed deal, but Leech Seed recovery is far less reliable than Synthesis. Colbur Berry could be used to let Gourgeist-XL more effectively take Knock Off, though it appreciates Leftovers more in most situations. Worry Seed is an extremely niche option that should only be considered on full stall teams to prevent foes from using Rest and to disrupt status absorbers that rely on their abilities, such as Sigilyph and Gurdurr. Foul Play hits frail physical attackers and Attack-boosting sweepers, but most of these threats have high Defense or resist Dark. Stone Edge can be used instead of Rock Slide for a good chance to OHKO Houndoom and a small chance to OHKO Delphox after Stealth Rock damage, at the cost of accuracy and PP. Flamethrower is a more accurate (RC) but less powerful alternative to Fire Blast.

Destiny Bond's effectiveness is severely limited by Gourgeist-XL's low Speed, but it can be used to get surprise KOs against slower foes, such as Mega Camerupt, or force switches against Choice-locked foes, such as Exploud. Disable, while also hampered by Gourgeist-XL's low Speed, can disrupt foes that are locked into a move, have only a single attack for Gourgeist-XL, or are spamming healing moves. Flame Charge can be used to improve Gourgeist-XL's Speed, though most Grass- and Steel-types take more damage from Fire Blast and Flamethrower. Magic Coat can be used to help avoid status, Taunt, and entry hazards, but Gourgeist-XL generally can't afford to drop one of its moves. Toxic can be used to more effectively wear down bulky foes, particularly Alomomola, though Will-O-Wisp is better for crippling physical attackers as well as Steel- and Poison-types. Phantom Force can be used as a decently powerful Ghost-type STAB move on a SubSeed set because it helps accumulate Leech Seed and burn damage, but the setup turn allows the opponent a free switch into a Normal-type or a relatively safe switch into a Dark-type.

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

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Mega Camerupt, Houndoom, Delphox, and Emboar, in addition to being immune to Will-O-Wisp, are extremely potent threats because they can often OHKO Gourgeist-XL with either Fire Blast or Flare Blitz.

**Flying-type Physical Attackers**: Fletchinder is immune to Will-O-Wisp, takes very little damage from Seed Bomb, and can OHKO Gourgeist-XL after a Swords Dance boost, though Rock Slide OHKOes it. Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary can block Will-O-Wisp with a Substitute and use Bulk Up to prevent Rock Slide from breaking through Substitute. Choice Band Braviary's Brave Bird also OHKOes Gourgeist-XL.

**Ice-types**: Mega Glalie's Double Edge OHKOes Gourgeist-XL, as does Return after Stealth Rock damage. While Swords Dance Mega Abomasnow is not too difficult for Gourgeist-XL to check because of the lower power of Ice Shard, mixed Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after Stealth Rock damage. Sneasel can also 2HKO Gourgeist-XL with Icicle Crash, though it's extremely crippled by burns.

**Status Absorbers**: Gurdurr gets a major power boost from a burn and easily sets up on Gourgeist-XL with Bulk Up. Sigilyph takes no damage from Will-O-Wisp, 2HKOes Gourgeist-XL with either Air Slash or Heat Wave, and can recover any damage taken from Rock Slide with Roost. Xatu can bounce back Will-O-Wisp thanks to Magic Bounce, though it's not particularly threatening offensively. Roselia and Trevenant are cured of status afflictions upon switching out thanks to Natural Cure; Roselia can set up entry hazards and use Sludge Bomb repeatedly until Gourgeist-XL is poisoned, (AC) while Choice Band Trevenant can 2HKO it with Shadow Claw. Shed Skin Scrafty can set up with Dragon Dance, wait until Shed Skin cures it of a burn, and hit Gourgeist-XL hard.

**Special Attackers**: Exploud and Clawitzer outspeed and have a chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with Boomburst and Dark Pulse, respectively. Meloetta's Psychic, Life Orb Flygon's Fire Blast or Draco Meteor, and offensive Cofagrigug's Cofagrigus's Shadow Ball each 2HKO Gourgeist-XL, while Calm Mind Virizion has the opportunity to set up on it.

**Taunt**: Gourgeist-XL's utility comes from its status moves, so Taunt users such as Mega Banette, Jellicent, Drapion, Spiritomb, and Qwilfish are problematic for it, especially since because they all commonly run Dark- or Ghost-type attacks, with the exception of Qwilfish and Jellicent variants running Scald.

**Offensive Dark-types**: Offensive Drapion OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after a Swords Dance boost and is protected from Will-O-Wisp by a Lum Berry. Non-Shed Skin Scrafty often carries Lum Berry and has a chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with Knock Off after a Dragon Dance boost and Stealth Rock damage. Absol and Sharpedo, though frail, deal massive damage to Gourgeist-XL with their Dark-type STAB moves.
 
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