[OVERVIEW]
At first glance, Linoone appears to be completely unviable in RU due to its mostly lackluster base stats. However, Belly Drum can instantly turn Linoone into a devastating threat, allowing it to fully utilize its access to Extreme Speed. Linoone's ability Gluttony works very well with Belly Drum, allowing it to consume a Figy Berry immediately after setting up; this lets Linoone gain +6 Attack without losing any HP. Its coverage moves cover many of the threats that would otherwise stop its rampage, making it even more threatening. Unfortunately, though, even with maximum HP investment, Linoone isn't particularly bulky. It is also extremely weak before boosting; some extremely bulky Pokemon can even survive +6 attacks from it.
[SET]
name: Belly Drum
move 1: Belly Drum
move 2: Extreme Speed
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Shadow Claw / Thief
item: Figy Berry
ability: Gluttony
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Belly Drum is Linoone's only niche, allowing it to become a complete monster with only one turn of setup. Extreme Speed is Linoone's primary STAB move, allowing it to annihilate both faster and slower Pokemon alike after a Belly Drum. Seed Bomb hits Rock-types such as Rhyperior and is also useful for hitting bulky Water- and Ground-types that can easily survive an Extreme Speed. Shadow Claw is Linoone's main weapon against bulky Psychic-types, such as Reuniclus and Bronzong; it is also necessary to hit Doublade, which would otherwise stop Linoone cold. Thief is also an option in this slot, as it hits the same targets that Shadow Claw does; it also has the added benefit of potentially allowing Linoone to steal useful items from its prey, such as Leftovers from a Bronzong. This move is 10 Base Power weaker than Shadow Claw, though, meaning it will be less effective against bulkier Pokemon such as Reuniclus and Cresselia; the higher Base Power thus makes Shadow Claw the preferred option.
Set Details
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Figy Berry works extremely well with Gluttony, allowing Linoone to set up a Belly Drum and immediately restore all of its lost HP afterwards. This allows Linoone to set up much easier than it would otherwise. An Adamant nature in tandem with maximum Attack investment heightens Linoone's power as much as possible. Maximum HP investment maximizes its bulk, allowing it to set up more easily. A spread of 148 HP / 252 Atk / 108 Spe with an Adamant nature can also be considered, as it lets Linoone outrun Hoopa, which otherwise destroys this set due to its immunity to Extreme Speed. A spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 Spe with a Jolly nature is also an option, letting Linoone outrun maximum Speed Dazzling Bruxish, which is otherwise a threat as well. Due to the rarity of the above Pokemon, however, the default spread is recommended.
Usage Tips
========
Linoone's HP should be conserved at all costs, as having more HP greatly helps its ability to set up. Because of this, it should only be brought in when it is time to set up or if it is necessary to revenge kill a threat with Extreme Speed. With Linoone especially, it is important to weaken all of its checks before attempting a sweep. Linoone can also force switches at times, meaning it can have opportunities to chip its checks and counters to prepare for a sweep later in the game.
Team Options
========
There are a great deal of Pokemon that can help Linoone win games more effectively. Memento Zoroark is the best partner for Linoone; after a Memento, many of the Pokemon that defeat Zoroark become free setup fodder for Linoone. Zoroark's Illusion also takes advantage of the threat that Linoone poses, allowing its user to put the opponent in a tricky situation. Zoroark is also a threatening Pokemon in its own right, being able to weaken many of Linoone's would-be checks and counters with moves such as Knock Off and Flamethrower. Other Memento users such as Whimsicott are also viable options as partners. Entry hazard removal is greatly appreciated as well, since entry hazards lower Linoone's HP, making it harder to set up; Toxic Spikes especially can prove to be very problematic. Entry hazard support is also crucial for Linoone's success; Stealth Rock and Spikes can greatly help weaken Linoone's checks and counters, leaving them unable to deal with it after a Belly Drum.
Steel-types are the bane of Linoone's existence. Because of this, Rocky Helmet Chesnaught is a great partner, as it can wear down Doublade and Escavalier while also providing Spikes support for Linoone. In general, a successful team built around Linoone will possess many Pokemon that can whittle the opposition through passive damage. Pokemon such as Registeel and Cresselia are good examples of this, as they can easily whittle the opposition with Toxic. Pokemon such as Dragalge, Qwilfish, Roserade, and Mega Glalie are also solid partners due to their ability to set up entry hazards. Nidoqueen is also a solid partner due to its resistance to Fighting and ability to set up Stealth Rock. Dual screens are also a viable tactic to support Linoone, making Pokemon such as Uxie good partners. Lastly, Pokemon such as Gardevoir with Healing Wish can also be effective partners, as they can heal Linoone and allow it to set up more easily.
It should be emphasized that Linoone needs a great deal of support to function effectively. The above teammates are essentially requirements; without proper support, Linoone will simply be dead weight against most teams. Linoone stands no chance of sweeping or being remotely effective in most battles without entry hazard support, as well as teammates that can considerably weaken its checks and counters; the aforementioned Memento support to help it set up is greatly appreciated as well.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Gunk Shot is an option to hit Chesnaught, but the other moves are usually a great deal more beneficial. Unfortunately, no other moves or sets are viable in RU.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Registeel and Steelix pose major threats to Linoone, as they can survive its boosted attacks and retaliate with Toxic or Roar, respectively. Doublade and Escavalier are also troublesome but less so due to their penchant for being worn down and Linoone's ability to harm them significantly with a +6 Shadow Claw.
**Extremely Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Cresselia and Chesnaught can survive attacks from a +6 Linoone and retaliate. Chesnaught's Spiky Shield can also be annoying for Linoone, as is Rocky Helmet if it is carrying it.
**Fast Ghost-types**: Fast Ghost-types such as Choice Scarf Hoopa can easily revenge kill Linoone due to their immunity to Extreme Speed. Sableye also shuts down Linoone due to receiving priority on Will-O-Wisp.
**Pyukumuku**: Pyukumuku easily walls Linoone due to Unaware and renders it completely ineffective.
**Entry Hazards**: Entry hazards greatly limit Linoone's ability to set up and sweep. Toxic Spikes especially pose a great problem for it.
**Comfey**: Triage allows Comfey to outpace Linoone's Extreme Speed, making it a solid revenge killer if Linoone is at 22% or below. Linoone users should be way in case Comfey is using a Pixie Plate or has more Special Attack investment.
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