Gummy
...three, smiles go for miles!
qc: nineage , fiend , op
gp: p squared , dutch plumberjack
[OVERVIEW]
Larvesta has all the tools to be a bulky pivot. It has access to two excellent STAB moves in U-turn and Flare Blitz, allowing it to pivot and hit hard. It can utilize these moves with its good Attack stat and great ability in Flame Body, which allows it to switch in on and pressure physical attackers. It can also come in easily on threats like Mienfoo, Pawniard, Snivy, and Snubbull. Additionally, reliable recovery in Morning Sun strengthens its role and increases its longevity. However, Larvesta has a few devastating flaws; namely, it is 4x weak to Stealth Rock and Rock-type coverage, such as Diglett's Rock Slide and Mienfoo's Stone Edge. It is also weak to common types like Flying and Water. It faces competition as a physical Fire-type from Ponyta, which is faster and less weak to Stealth Rock. Larvesta needs entry hazard removal to function, as otherwise it becomes dead weight. Finally, it rests at an awkward Speed tier and is unable to outspeed many of its foes, namely Doduo and Staryu.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Morning Sun
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Wild Charge
item: Eviolite
ability: Flame Body
nature: Impish
evs: 76 HP / 236 Def / 156 SpD / 36 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is a powerful STAB move that can 2HKO notably bulky Pokemon like Mienfoo and Spritzee once they've lost their Eviolite. Morning Sun provides reliable recovery that keeps Larvesta healthy during the match. U-turn is another strong STAB move and allows Larvesta to switch out while doing damage, making it a good pivot. Will-O-Wisp is a more reliable way to get burns over Flame Body, while Wild Charge hits Water-types like Tirtouga and Skrelp so Larvesta isn't completely walled by them.
Set Details
========
An Eviolite increases Larvesta's bulk, letting it take key hits like Diglett's Rock Slide and Staryu's Scald. 76 HP EVs allow it to switch into Stealth Rock twice and survive. An alternative EV spread of 76 HP / 236 Def / 196 Spe with a Jolly nature allows Larvesta to reach 16 Speed, outspeeding Adamant Pawniard and most Vullaby. However, the bulk is generally better on this set, as it can take a Scald from Staryu, and Larvesta doesn't particularly need to outspeed these Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Try not to switch Larvesta in on Stealth Rock; even with Morning Sun, it struggles to stay alive for prolonged periods of time when Stealth Rock is up. Do your best to keep entry hazards out in general, as Larvesta hates stacked hazards. Larvesta switches in on physical attackers like Pawniard and Mienfoo, but be aware that this is generally a predictable move, so plan accordingly. For example, using Will-O-Wisp can catch threats like Onix and Dwebble on the switch in. Another option is to use U-turn on a predicted switch to keep the momentum on your side. Use Morning Sun to keep Larvesta healthy and get more burns spread around the opposing team, but be aware that Morning Sun has low PP. Timburr may be a physical Fighting-type, but keep Larvesta away from it, as many Timburr carry Guts, so a burn will have the opposite effect on it. Don't be afraid to hard switch instead of using U-turn, especially if you're up against a faster Flying-, Water-, or Rock-type like Staryu, Doduo, or Onix. Also, while Larvesta can easily switch in on most Fighting-types, be wary, since most of them carry Knock Off, and Larvesta really needs its Eviolite. Be careful when facing hail and sand teams, as Morning Sun will heal less.
Team Options
========
Any and all entry hazard removal is appreciated for Larvesta. Defoggers like Archen and Vullaby help out, as well as spinners like Drilbur. Staryu, in particular, can not only spin away hazards but also beat many Fire-types and Rock-types. Since Larvesta is a slow pivot, frail offensive Pokemon like Abra, Snivy, and Gastly appreciate its U-turn. Choice Scarf users like Bunnelby, which is frail and unable to switch in on most attacks on its own, can utilize Larvesta's U-turn as well. Chinchou and Magnemite are great partners, as they not only form a VoltTurn core with Larvesta but also switch in on Flying-, Water-, and Rock-types. Rock-type switch-ins like Mudbray and Mienfoo are extremely helpful to patch up Larvesta's quadruple weakness. Onix is a great teammate, as it can switch in on Flying-types, Taunt Stealth Rock users, and set up its own hazards. Water-type switch-ins like Ferroseed and Mareanie are also helpful. Diglett can trap and revenge kill many threats, including Chinchou, Ponyta, Mareanie, Skrelp, and Salandit, which otherwise wall Larvesta.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Scarf set can be run for a more offensive approach; however, the loss of bulk really hurts Larvesta, and it faces competition as a fast, offensive Fire-type from Ponyta. Sunny Day increases Morning Sun's recovery, provides a stronger Flare Blitz, and reduces Larvesta's Water-type weakness. Toxic can be run to whittle down special attackers and Pokemon that can't be burned, like Chinchou or Ponyta, but Will-O-Wisp is generally better, as it halves Attack as well. Zen Headbutt hits Poison-types that resist Flare Blitz, like Skrelp and Mareanie, super effectively. Flame Charge can give Larvesta a shot against Diglett and boost its Speed at the cost of coverage. A special set with Fire Blast and Giga Drain exists, but its Special Attack is significantly lower than its Attack, and since Larvesta can't be burned, there isn't much of a reason to use it over the physical variant. Leech Life is a strong STAB move that offers extra recovery, but it struggles to find use over U-turn.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Setting up Stealth Rock ensures Larvesta can't switch in more than twice. Setters like Drilbur, Dwebble, Onix, and Archen can all set up Stealth Rock with little resistance on Larvesta.
**Rock-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Tirtouga, Onix, and Archen wall Larvesta and can deal serious damage back even if burned. Diglett's Rock Slide and Mienfoo's Stone Edge both OHKO Larvesta.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Mareanie and Chinchou wall Larvesta and essentially force a switch. However, they have to watch out for Wild Charge.
**Flying-types**: Larvesta struggles against Flying-types like Doduo and Vullaby, the former of which can OHKO with Brave Bird, while the latter can Knock Off Larvesta's Eviolite and take little damage from it. Nasty Plot Vullaby, in particular, doesn't fear getting burned and can set up on Larvesta. However, neither of them likes to switch into a Flare Blitz.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types resist both of Larvesta's STAB moves and can hit back harder. Ponyta can outstall Larvesta and do more damage with Flare Blitz. However, this can wear down Ponyta over time, since Larvesta can always U-turn out. Vulpix hits especially hard with a sun-boosted Fire Blast.
gp: p squared , dutch plumberjack
[OVERVIEW]
Larvesta has all the tools to be a bulky pivot. It has access to two excellent STAB moves in U-turn and Flare Blitz, allowing it to pivot and hit hard. It can utilize these moves with its good Attack stat and great ability in Flame Body, which allows it to switch in on and pressure physical attackers. It can also come in easily on threats like Mienfoo, Pawniard, Snivy, and Snubbull. Additionally, reliable recovery in Morning Sun strengthens its role and increases its longevity. However, Larvesta has a few devastating flaws; namely, it is 4x weak to Stealth Rock and Rock-type coverage, such as Diglett's Rock Slide and Mienfoo's Stone Edge. It is also weak to common types like Flying and Water. It faces competition as a physical Fire-type from Ponyta, which is faster and less weak to Stealth Rock. Larvesta needs entry hazard removal to function, as otherwise it becomes dead weight. Finally, it rests at an awkward Speed tier and is unable to outspeed many of its foes, namely Doduo and Staryu.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Morning Sun
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Wild Charge
item: Eviolite
ability: Flame Body
nature: Impish
evs: 76 HP / 236 Def / 156 SpD / 36 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is a powerful STAB move that can 2HKO notably bulky Pokemon like Mienfoo and Spritzee once they've lost their Eviolite. Morning Sun provides reliable recovery that keeps Larvesta healthy during the match. U-turn is another strong STAB move and allows Larvesta to switch out while doing damage, making it a good pivot. Will-O-Wisp is a more reliable way to get burns over Flame Body, while Wild Charge hits Water-types like Tirtouga and Skrelp so Larvesta isn't completely walled by them.
Set Details
========
An Eviolite increases Larvesta's bulk, letting it take key hits like Diglett's Rock Slide and Staryu's Scald. 76 HP EVs allow it to switch into Stealth Rock twice and survive. An alternative EV spread of 76 HP / 236 Def / 196 Spe with a Jolly nature allows Larvesta to reach 16 Speed, outspeeding Adamant Pawniard and most Vullaby. However, the bulk is generally better on this set, as it can take a Scald from Staryu, and Larvesta doesn't particularly need to outspeed these Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Try not to switch Larvesta in on Stealth Rock; even with Morning Sun, it struggles to stay alive for prolonged periods of time when Stealth Rock is up. Do your best to keep entry hazards out in general, as Larvesta hates stacked hazards. Larvesta switches in on physical attackers like Pawniard and Mienfoo, but be aware that this is generally a predictable move, so plan accordingly. For example, using Will-O-Wisp can catch threats like Onix and Dwebble on the switch in. Another option is to use U-turn on a predicted switch to keep the momentum on your side. Use Morning Sun to keep Larvesta healthy and get more burns spread around the opposing team, but be aware that Morning Sun has low PP. Timburr may be a physical Fighting-type, but keep Larvesta away from it, as many Timburr carry Guts, so a burn will have the opposite effect on it. Don't be afraid to hard switch instead of using U-turn, especially if you're up against a faster Flying-, Water-, or Rock-type like Staryu, Doduo, or Onix. Also, while Larvesta can easily switch in on most Fighting-types, be wary, since most of them carry Knock Off, and Larvesta really needs its Eviolite. Be careful when facing hail and sand teams, as Morning Sun will heal less.
Team Options
========
Any and all entry hazard removal is appreciated for Larvesta. Defoggers like Archen and Vullaby help out, as well as spinners like Drilbur. Staryu, in particular, can not only spin away hazards but also beat many Fire-types and Rock-types. Since Larvesta is a slow pivot, frail offensive Pokemon like Abra, Snivy, and Gastly appreciate its U-turn. Choice Scarf users like Bunnelby, which is frail and unable to switch in on most attacks on its own, can utilize Larvesta's U-turn as well. Chinchou and Magnemite are great partners, as they not only form a VoltTurn core with Larvesta but also switch in on Flying-, Water-, and Rock-types. Rock-type switch-ins like Mudbray and Mienfoo are extremely helpful to patch up Larvesta's quadruple weakness. Onix is a great teammate, as it can switch in on Flying-types, Taunt Stealth Rock users, and set up its own hazards. Water-type switch-ins like Ferroseed and Mareanie are also helpful. Diglett can trap and revenge kill many threats, including Chinchou, Ponyta, Mareanie, Skrelp, and Salandit, which otherwise wall Larvesta.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Scarf set can be run for a more offensive approach; however, the loss of bulk really hurts Larvesta, and it faces competition as a fast, offensive Fire-type from Ponyta. Sunny Day increases Morning Sun's recovery, provides a stronger Flare Blitz, and reduces Larvesta's Water-type weakness. Toxic can be run to whittle down special attackers and Pokemon that can't be burned, like Chinchou or Ponyta, but Will-O-Wisp is generally better, as it halves Attack as well. Zen Headbutt hits Poison-types that resist Flare Blitz, like Skrelp and Mareanie, super effectively. Flame Charge can give Larvesta a shot against Diglett and boost its Speed at the cost of coverage. A special set with Fire Blast and Giga Drain exists, but its Special Attack is significantly lower than its Attack, and since Larvesta can't be burned, there isn't much of a reason to use it over the physical variant. Leech Life is a strong STAB move that offers extra recovery, but it struggles to find use over U-turn.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Setting up Stealth Rock ensures Larvesta can't switch in more than twice. Setters like Drilbur, Dwebble, Onix, and Archen can all set up Stealth Rock with little resistance on Larvesta.
**Rock-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Tirtouga, Onix, and Archen wall Larvesta and can deal serious damage back even if burned. Diglett's Rock Slide and Mienfoo's Stone Edge both OHKO Larvesta.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Mareanie and Chinchou wall Larvesta and essentially force a switch. However, they have to watch out for Wild Charge.
**Flying-types**: Larvesta struggles against Flying-types like Doduo and Vullaby, the former of which can OHKO with Brave Bird, while the latter can Knock Off Larvesta's Eviolite and take little damage from it. Nasty Plot Vullaby, in particular, doesn't fear getting burned and can set up on Larvesta. However, neither of them likes to switch into a Flare Blitz.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types resist both of Larvesta's STAB moves and can hit back harder. Ponyta can outstall Larvesta and do more damage with Flare Blitz. However, this can wear down Ponyta over time, since Larvesta can always U-turn out. Vulpix hits especially hard with a sun-boosted Fire Blast.
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