Mesprit (QC 5/3) (GP 2/2)

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Well, here we go with this one...



Fuck Uxie, I'm awesome

[Overview]

<p>Mesprit stands out as one of the most versatile threats in the RU metagame. This is thanks to its well-rounded stat distribution, with a perfect blend of power and bulk. Mesprit's movepool is also incredibly wide, which lets it run many different sets successfully, including Choice sets, boosting sets, and supportive sets to great effect. It's also one of the best offensive checks to various Fighting- and Psychic-types in the tier as it can check the likes of Slowking, Gallade, and Sigilyph admirably while still maintaining offensive pressure on the opponent.</p>

<p>However, Mesprit is not without its flaws. The same Psychic typing that lets it check Slowking and Gallade so well also leaves it weak to Pursuit, and there are plenty of good users of the move in RU such as Absol, Spiritomb, and Escavalier. Mesprit also has trouble handling Steel-types, especially the aforementioned Escavalier, as the only moves it has to take them out are Hidden Power Fire and Fire Punch, both of which lack much power. Despite Mesprit's incredibly wide movepool, it is missing one key ingredient: a reliable recovery move. This means that Mesprit will often fold to repeated onslaughts over the course of the match. Even with these flaws, Mesprit is an incredibly versatile threat and can benefit many teams. So long as you play to Mesprit's unique strengths, you can be certain it will be anything but fun for your opponent to deal with.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt / Ice Beam
move 4: U-turn / Healing Wish
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set combines many of Mesprit's abilities. It retains Mesprit's bulk, power, and supporting movepool to make for a very flexible set. This is one of the safest Stealth Rock users to lead with since Mesprit can simply U-turn out if it gets stuck with a bad match-up. Mesprit is able to check most Fighting- and Psychic-types in the tier and the pixie can find a chance to setup Stealth Rock as one of these threats switches out of it. Psychic is the obligatory STAB move on Mesprit. This allows Mesprit to directly check Fighting-types without having to rely solely on its bulk and typing to force them out. The third slot is where Mesprit has to make a choice for its auxiliary coverage option. Thunderbolt is generally preferred as Mesprit is one of the best offensive checks to Slowking in the tier. Thunderbolt also lets Mesprit handle Kabutops with more authority while also obliterating the likes of Samurott, Crawdaunt, and Feraligatr before they have a chance to setup or take out Mesprit. However, Ice Beam is an option to better handle Sceptile and Rotom-C, two dangerous Grass-types that can usually beat Mesprit one-on-one otherwise. It also has the advantage of dealing heavy damage to Druddigon, one of the most common and dangerous Pokemon in the tier. The last slot gives Mesprit added utility. U-turn is generally preferred as it allows Mesprit to perform as a solid pivot and improves its chances of getting Stealth Rock up on more than one occasion; it also allows Mesprit to switch out of a bad match-up. That said, Healing Wish is a potentially game-changing move and Mesprit is one of the few viable users of it in RU. While this does hurt its pivoting abilities early- and mid-game, Mesprit can bring back a teammate late in the game after it has served its purpose.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread maximizes Mesprit's offensive potential, but you do have other options if you want Mesprit to tank hits a little better. If you only need Mesprit to outspeed Absol, then you can invest only 216 EVs into Speed. This also keeps Mesprit ahead of Samurott and other base 70s. If these threats are of no concern for your team, you can drop Mesprit's Speed EVs down to 164 to keep the edge over neutral base 80s. It is not advised to drop below this as you would probably be better off using Uxie if you desire any more bulk. Mesprit has options for its item as well. Leftovers is the preferred option as it will keep Mesprit from being worn down as easily. That said, you can use Colbur Berry. This allows Mesprit to take a Pursuit and live to tell the tale later. This lets Mesprit play a bit more freely early on in the presence of a Pursuit user. Lastly, you can use a Life Orb to get as much power as possible. However, this detracts from Mesprit's bulk and will also make U-turn more of a liability. The only other move to be considered on this set is Hidden Power Fire as it's the only move Mesprit has to smack Steel-types with such as Escavalier and Ferroseed.</p>

<p>Mesprit's best teammates are those that can handle its weaknesses. Fighting-types such as Emboar are very good as they can take Bug- and Dark-type moves that Mesprit doesn't like. Steel-types such as Aggron and Klinklang are also solid options as Mesprit can check the Ground- and Fighting-types that give them trouble while they can keep Mesprit safe against all of its weaknesses. Ferroseed and Qwilfish both share good synergy with Mesprit and can form a solid hazard setting core. When running U-turn, Mesprit can perform very well on VoltTurn teams as its unique access to both Stealth Rock and U-turn as well as its offensive presence is a huge boon for such teams and can free up teamslots for other forms of support. Magneton, Braviary, Rotom-C, and Manectric are all solid choices for a VoltTurn team.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set attempts to turn Mesprit into a late-game special sweeper capable of running through teams with its stellar power and coverage. Calm Mind is the boosting move of choice, as it gives Mesprit the Special Attack boost it needs to sweep teams. The Special Defense boost also makes it much harder to revenge kill Mesprit on the special side. The choice of Mesprit's STAB move comes down to whether you want to break past special walls or if you want a stronger hit on physical walls. Since BoltBeam coverage hits most physical walls hard enough after a boost, Psyshock is generally preferred as it lets Mesprit get around Gallade, Cryogonal, and Clefable with much greater ease. However, Psychic is still viable for more consistent power. Thunderbolt allows Mesprit to pummel the likes of Slowking, Sigilyph, and Crawdaunt without a second thought. This is extremely useful as Mesprit is a great offensive check to the former two. Finally, Ice Beam fills the last slot to break through Tangrowth, Rhydon, and Torterra regardless of which STAB move Mesprit chooses.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Mesprit should not deviate from the specified EV spread and nature with this set. Mesprit wants all the speed and power it can get or otherwise risk getting outsped by Absol. Hidden Power Fire is a noteworthy move for its ability to let Mesprit take out bulky Steel-types such as Escavalier, Steelix, and Ferroseed and can be used over Ice Beam if needed. It is advised to use Psychic with Hidden Power Fire though as Mesprit won't have a way of getting past Rhydon otherwise.</p>

<p>Spiritomb is the biggest issue for this set, followed closely by Drapion. The former can play deadly mind games with Mesprit between Sucker Punch, Pursuit, and Shadow Sneak while the latter can handle a couple of hits from Mesprit and hit back hard with Crunch and Pursuit. Escavalier is also a huge pain unless Mesprit runs Hidden Power Fire. Uxie can take a few hits and cripple Mesprit with Thunder Wave. Outside of Escavalier, Absol is a fine teammate as it can trap and eliminate most of these threats with Pursuit and it can even use Fire Blast to lure in and KO Escavalier. Emboar also fears little from these threats with the lone exception of Uxie and won't have a problem in handling them with Flare Blitz or Superpower. Rhydon can pair well with Mesprit since it can handle Ground- and Fighting-type moves for Rhydon, while the latter an take on most fast physical attackers that are typically used to revenge kill Mesprit, and also set up Stealth Rock. Qwilfish is a great Spikes user to use with Mesprit since it can check the likes of Escavalier, Durant, and Entei. Other entry hazard users to consider are Smeargle, Ferroseed, Golurk, Steelix, and Scolipede as they can support Mesprit in various other ways.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psyshock / Psychic
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: U-turn / Hidden Power Fire / Trick
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This Mesprit gives up the ability to switch moves in exchange for an immediate power boost. While Mesprit may seem outclassed by Slowking in this role at first, it comes with three advantages; great three move coverage, Levitate to get a free pass on Spikes and Toxic Spikes, and U-turn to be able to ease prediction. Psyshock is Mesprit's preferred STAB move as this lets it act as a "mixed attacker" of sorts; Thunderbolt and Ice Beam hit most physical walls for super effective damage anyway. Speaking of those moves, they give Mesprit great BoltBeam coverage to use alongside its Psychic STAB. Ice Beam lets Mesprit check most Grass- and Ground-types such as Sceptile, Rhydon, and Tangrowth effectively, the latter two being able to sponge Psyshock quite handily. Thunderbolt lets Mesprit perform as a great offensive check to Slowking and Sigilyph while also OHKOing Moltres regardless of whether Stealth Rock is up or not. The last moveslot gives Mesprit utility depending on what you're looking for. U-turn is generally preferred as it lets Mesprit play safer early on and avoid getting trapped by Pursuit users such as Spiritomb and Absol. As this Mesprit aims to break down as many walls as possible, Hidden Power Fire is a good option to handle bulky Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Escavalier, the latter of which can put Mesprit in a no-win situation otherwise. Although it's rare that Mesprit will ever need to get rid of its Choice Specs, Trick is useful to cripple opposing walls such as Ferroseed, Clefable, and Cryogonal. This is especially useful if Mesprit chooses Psychic, as it then has few other ways past special walls.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A Timid nature is advised with a maximum EV spread on offense. However, as Choice Specs Mesprit is a fine offensive pivot thanks to Levitate and its decent bulk, you can lower the Speed EVs to capitalize on this if you wish. 216 Speed EVs outspeed Absol while 164 EVs will keep Mesprit ahead of neutral base 80s such as Gallade and Kabutops. Any EVs removed from Speed should be allocated in HP. If Hidden Power Fire is used, then it is advised to drop down to one of these benchmarks due to the imperfect Speed IV that is required for the move. Although Modest is an option for more power, Mesprit then loses out on the ability to vary this EV spread as it cannot afford to risk losing the Speed tie against Gallade.</p>

<p>Spikes support is really useful as most of Mesprit's checks are grounded. Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Scolipede are great bulky Spikers to fall back on when Mesprit is forced out. Qwilfish is a solid check to Escavalier, Durant, and Entei; Ferroseed handles many threats due to its set of resistances; and Scolipede has Megahorn to handle Uxie and Cryogonal quite handily. Stealth Rock users are also helpful. Rhydon, Omastar, and Golurk are all fine options for this. When not running Hidden Power Fire, Mesprit needs something to get rid of Escavalier. Fire-types such as Emboar, Typhlosion, and Entei are more than capable of maiming Escavalier with their Fire-type STAB moves, and they also make for solid checks to Spiritomb as well. A lure such as mixed Druddigon or Absol can also be used as both are capable of running Fire-type coverage moves to take out Escavalier once they've lured it in. As Mesprit is more of a utility wallbreaker, it is pretty easy to form a wallbreaking core with it. Aggron and Emboar are two very good examples. Aggron can help put pressure on opposing Steel-types and can often overwhelm them alongside Mesprit, and Emboar just flat out destroys Steel-types with a Choice Band set. Mesprit can help both get in with U-turn as Aggron and Emboar are usually too slow to directly switch into many attacks. Speaking of U-turn, Mesprit works well on VoltTurn teams when it uses the move. Typical VoltTurn team members such as Rotom-C, Magneton, and Braviary are all good options and appreciate Mesprit's wide coverage. Magneton deserves a special mention as it can outright trap and KO any Steel-type that Mesprit U-turns out of.</p>

[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Ice Beam / Healing Wish
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Mesprit is more than capable of using its Speed to outspeed and KO opponents, it is just slow enough to utilize Trick Room effectively. Mesprit is a very flexible Trick Room user as it can either try to be a self-sufficient sweeper or unique supporter inside Trick Room. Psyshock is the preferred STAB move as it lets Mesprit get past Cryogonal, Clefable, and Gallade with greater ease. If Life Orb isn't used as the held item, then Psychic is preferred for its more consistent power. Thunderbolt is a necessity on this set as it allows Mesprit to deal with Slowking, a common threat to Trick Room teams, while providing great coverage with Psychic or Psyshock. It also lets Mesprit deal with the likes of Moltres, Aerodactyl, and Sigilyph when Trick Room is active. Mesprit has an important decision to make in the last slot as the choice will determine how Mesprit functions on the team. Ice Beam completes Mesprit's coverage and allows it to handle Rhydon and Tangrowth with greater ease. However, if coverage on these threats isn't needed and you want Mesprit to be more of a supporter, then Healing Wish is a great alternative. With it, Mesprit can bring back a weakened Trick Room sweeper after setting Trick Room up late-game and let the sweeper finish what it started earlier. If you decide to use Healing Wish, it is highly recommended to run Psychic for Mesprit's STAB option to let it deal with Tangrowth and Rhydon better.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The goal of the EV spread is to make Mesprit as "fast" as possible inside Trick Room. A Quiet nature with 0 Speed IVs is used to achieve this. As far as the item selection goes, it all depends on your preference in the final moveslot. Life Orb should be used if Mesprit runs Ice Beam while Leftovers better suits those using Healing Wish. If you have no need for Ice Beam but still want a coverage option in the last slot, then Hidden Power Fire is useful to lure in and KO Escavalier, a major threat to many Trick Room teams due to its incredibly low Speed. Mesprit can also KO Durant with it should Trick Room be active. However, this will require Mesprit to increase its Speed IV to 2 in order to keep Hidden Power Fire at maximum power.</p>

<p>Since Mesprit's goal is to setup Trick Room, it will need teammates need to take advantage of the twisted dimensions. Aggron, Escavalier, and Emboar are very good Trick Room sweepers that synergize well with Mesprit and can deal with the majority of threats Mesprit attracts. Other Trick Room setters such as Slowking, Exeggutor, and Dusknoir are helpful to lessen the pressure on Mesprit to keep setting up Trick Room. Druddigon is a solid teammate as well for its ability to setup Stealth Rock early-game and take advantage of Trick Room later on. Rhydon, Marowak, and Hariyama are some other examples of Trick Room sweepers, but they don't have as useful defensive synergy with Mesprit as some other Trick Room sweepers do.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Thunderbolt / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 96 HP / 248 SpA / 164 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Mesprit is more commonly seeing using Calm Mind in a more aggressive fashion, it can certainly utilize the move in a more defensive approach. While this set may seem outclassed by Uxie, Mesprit holds a couple of key advantages over its cousin. Mesprit has more immediate power and requires fewer boosts to become a threat, and its ability to potentially use Ice Beam means it isn't always walled by Steelix. Substitute and Calm Mind form the centerpiece of the set, thus creating the well-known SubCM strategy. Substitute shields Mesprit from status while setting up and makes it harder to revenge kill once it starts to sweep. Psyshock is the STAB move of choice here as it prevents Cryogonal and Clefable from being able to wall the set. Thunderbolt is the preferred coverage move in the last slot to get the best neutral coverage with Mesprit's Psychic STAB. However, since the combination of Psyshock + Thunderbolt is walled by the likes of Rhydon, Steelix, and Tangrowth, you can opt to use Ice Beam to handle these threats. However, note that without Thunderbolt, Mesprit has no hope of getting past Slowking and will struggle more against Moltres.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As this Mesprit takes a more defensive approach to sweeping, the EV spread attempts to support this. Enough Speed EVs are used to keep Mesprit ahead of neutral base 80 Pokemon such as Gallade and Kabutops. 4 EVs are taken from Special Attack to hit an HP number optimal for making Substitutes. Psychic is an option for Mesprit's STAB move if you don't want to resort to Ice Beam in order to hit the likes of Rhydon and Tangrowth hard. A fully offensive EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe is viable to let Mesprit outspeed Absol 100% of the time while tying with other positive base 80 Pokemon.</p>

<p>Since this Mesprit uses Substitute to aid in its setup, it will always have holes in its coverage. Teammates that can handle what Mesprit's coverage move doesn't are essential. When lacking Ice Beam, Samurott is perhaps the best choice as it is fully capable of wiping out Rhydon, Steelix, Druddigon, and Tangrowth. It can also take out Slowking should Mesprit lack Thunderbolt. Magneton and Escavalier are two Steel-types that check this set very nicely. Emboar, Entei, and Magmortar are good Fire-types that can swiftly eliminate both of these Steel-types. Regirock isn't an incredibly common Pokemon in RU, but it is more than capable of handling this set no matter which coverage move Mesprit uses. Again, Samurott works well here, but Rotom-C, Sceptile, and Omastar can also handle Regirock. Entry hazards are also very helpful to Mesprit as it will lack the immediate power of its other offensive sets. Qwilfish handles Escavalier well enough and can even setup Toxic Spikes which can let Mesprit stall a little with Substitute if it's needed in order to drop a target into KO range. Scolipede is also useful, as it can handle opposing Slowking with its STAB Megahorn. Rhydon and Steelix are sturdy Stealth Rock users that synergize well with Mesprit. Lastly, a Pursuit user can be helpful to get rid of bulky Psychic-types such as Uxie and opposing Mesprit. Escavalier and Absol are solid choices as the former can weaken Steel-types and most physical walls for Mesprit while the latter can lure in and KO most physical walls if it chooses to run Fire Blast.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Trick / U-turn / Healing Wish
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Mesprit is most commonly seen using its reasonable bulk and amazing coverage to wreak havoc on opposing teams, it can utilize Choice Scarf effectively as well thanks to its great three-move coverage and solid utility options. While Mesprit may lack the power and speed of other Choice Scarf users, it makes up for this with great coverage and solid utility. Psychic is the better STAB option on this set for its reliable power as this Mesprit doesn't aim to break past walls. However, Psyshock is still an option to better handle the likes of Gallade and Cryogonal, but it misses the OHKO on Qwilfish. Thunderbolt allows Mesprit to still check Slowking, but it also allows it to revenge kill serious threats such as Moltres and boosted Omastar. Ice Beam completes the BoltBeam combination and allows Mesprit to take on and defeat the likes of Sceptile and Swellow. The last slot gives Mesprit some added utility and ensures it is not outclassed as a Choice Scarf user. Trick allows Mesprit to cripple walls such as Clefable, Ferroseed, and Slowking. U-turn allows Mesprit to scout for and weaken its checks and counters throughout the match. Finally, Mesprit can utilize Healing Wish. While it may seem like an odd choice, Mesprit can easily come in and use the move late-game if it has removed the needed threats, and there is a weakened teammate in need.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A Timid nature is used to outspeed Aerodactyl, +2 Omastar, and Dragon Dance Feraligatr. A Modest nature can give Mesprit more power, but the added power is rarely worth the ability to outspeed these threats. Hidden Power Fire can allow Mesprit to deal real damage to Escavalier and revenge kill Durant, but Thunderbolt and Ice Beam are generally preferred for their better overall utility.</p>

<p>While Pursuit users are normally a detriment to Mesprit, they are a complete stop to this set since Mesprit is normally locked into a move. Spiritomb and Escavalier are both major counters as they have the bulk to take multiple hits from Mesprit and proceed to trap it with Pursuit. This makes Emboar and Aggron very solid partners as both can handle most of what Spiritomb and Escavalier have to offer. Emboar also matches up well against Absol, another common Pursuit user that can check this set. Entry hazards are extremely important for this set as Mesprit lacks any way of boosting its Special Attack. Steelix sets up Stealth Rock and walls Escavalier well, and can also check Spiritomb and Absol not carrying Fire Blast. Qwilfish and Roselia are good Spikes users to pair with Mesprit. Qwilfish can keep Escavalier and Absol in check while Roselia can handle Lilligant and Choice Scarf Rotom-C. If Mesprit uses U-turn, then other U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Rotom-C and Braviary can form a VoltTurn core with it.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: U-turn
move 3: ThunderPunch
move 4: Fire Punch / Trick
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Mesprit is commonly seen utilizing its expansive special movepool, it has a solid physical movepool and Attack to work with as well. While most other Choice Band users have incredible power to overwhelm the opposing team, Mesprit's perks lie in its great coverage and utility. For these reasons, this Mesprit functions best as a strong hit-and-run attacker. Zen Headbutt is Mesprit's only physical STAB option, but it takes out common switch-ins such as Cryogonal and Clefable for heavy damage. U-turn hits much harder than it does on the other sets and it allows Mesprit to scout for checks and counters early on. It has the power to OHKO Absol, who may switch in expecting a STAB move. ThunderPunch is necessary for Mesprit to handle Slowking and Kabutops effectively. The last slot depends on what you're looking for. Fire Punch is preferred to at least dent physical walls such as Tangrowth and Steelix to an extent. It also lets Mesprit level Escavalier which commonly switches into Mesprit. While rarely needed, Trick allows Mesprit to cripple walls such as Tangrowth and Slowking and can possibly open up an opportunity for a teammate to sweep.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Because all of Mesprit's physical attacks are weaker in Base Power than most other physical attackers, an Adamant nature is necessary to have sufficient power. Ice Punch is an option if Druddigon is an issue for your team, but Mesprit really needs Fire Punch to leave a dent in Tangrowth and Steelix.</p>

<p>This Mesprit acts as more of a utility wallbreaker as its power is sufficient, but not overwhelming like other Choice Band users. For this reason, Aggron and Escavalier are good options for overwhelming physical walls. Alternatively, you can use the likes of Typhlosion and Rotom-C to put pressure on both sides of a defensive core. Entry hazards help Mesprit attain more KOs and help make up for its lower power when compared to other Choice Band users. Rhydon, Steelix, and Druddigon are all good Stealth Rock users to use with Mesprit and Qwilfish, Ferroseed, Scolipede, and Roselia can supply Spikes and check various threats. Absol is less of a problem on this set since Mesprit can catch it with U-turn on the switch and KO it while Fire Punch can KO Escavalier. However, Spiritomb is still a major issue and it's ideal to have a check to Escavalier to ease prediction against it. Emboar works very well against both of these threats while other Fire-types such as Moltres, Typhlosion, and Entei work nicely as well. A Pursuit user of your own such as Absol or Escavalier is useful in order to remove Uxie and Slowking from play.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>As mentioned in the overview, Mesprit has a very wide movepool. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple faster threats such as Sceptile, Accelgor, and Cinccino. However, Mesprit is hard pressed for moveslots on most of its sets as it is. Moreover, Uxie and Slowking are better choices to spread paralysis as Psychic-types thanks to their greater bulk. Signal Beam and Shadow Ball can smack around Uxie and retain coverage on Slowking, but neither has much more use outside of that. Grass Knot can be used to instantly KO Rhydon, but it has little utility over Thunderbolt and Ice Beam otherwise. Thanks to its resistance to Fighting-type moves, you may find yourself using Mesprit on a hail team. In such instances, Blizzard should be used over Ice Beam on any set Mesprit uses it. Although you can turn the Choice Scarf set physical, this is not recommended due to the lower Base Power of Mesprit's physical moves. Knock Off can remove the Eviolite off of threats such as Ferroseed, Rhydon, and Magneton, though Mesprit generally benefits more from the utility of U-turn and Healing Wish overall. Finally, Mesprit's only form of recovery is RestTalk, but thanks to Mesprit's Pursuit weakness and decent-at-best bulk, it will rarely survive the sleep turns. Moreover, BW's sleep mechanics make RestTalk a poor idea the majority of the time.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to its versatility, it is difficult to outright counter Mesprit before knowing the set it's running. Pursuit users, however, are a safe bet most of the time. Spiritomb can take any of Mesprit's moves and put it in a bad position between Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Escavalier has to worry about Hidden Power Fire and Fire Punch, but it has Megahorn and Pursuit to put Mesprit in a checkmate position. Absol also has Sucker Punch and Pursuit, but it has a harder time switching in than the other aforementioned Pursuit users.</p>

<p>Cryogonal and Clefable can handle special sets lacking Psyshock, but cannot handle the Choice Band set. Magneton and Ferroseed are two good examples of Steel-types that can check Mesprit handily, as they only fear Hidden Power Fire and Fire Punch. Regirock handles any Mesprit set pretty well thanks to its great mixed defenses and lack of weakness to any of Mesprit's moves, although its lack of reliable recovery hinders its ability to continually take hits from Mesprit. Faster Bug- and Ghost-types such as Scolipede, Durant, and Rotom can make short work of Mesprit, but none of them can safely switch into Mesprit. Faster Pokemon such as Entei and Moltres are capable of overpowering Mesprit, but they have difficulties in trying to switch into Mesprit. If all else fails, you can just continually hammer away at Mesprit with powerful attacks. While Mesprit has solid bulk, it lacks reliable recovery, which means it will eventually fold to repeated attacks in the course of the match.</p>
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hey, I know this is a work in progress, but I'd like to give my two cents because I like Mesprit and want to see it used more :] Atm, I really don't see the use for Shadow Ball and Ice Beam on the CM set. Shadow Ball is basically hitting just Psychic-types, which I feel is better achieved by Signal Beam, which in addition to hitting Psychic-types also covers Dark-types, as well as pegging Grass-types, making for a generally more extensive coverage move. Ice Beam just seems to be there be because "yada yada BoltBeam is good coverage, and doesn't really help with anything tbh (a +1 Ice Beam doesn't OHKO Druddigon, and +1 Psychic 2HKO's :[ ). I would rather run HP Ground or something of the sort, which offers a strong coverage move for Steel-types without reducing a Speed EV, while also hitting Drapion. Basically, I feel the best slashes for the set would be CM/(Psychic/Psyshock)/(Signal Beam/TBolt)/(HP Ground/Sub). Also a Life Orb mention or slash really wouldn't hurt, since it really helps Mesprit to net some crucial KO's iirc.

The SR set seems a little off to me. Ice Beam is just really meh to me, and it really just makes it susceptible to Steel-types switching in and taking advantage of it. Your stated targets of Ice Beam are all really shaky, with Mandibuzz being both uncommon and smashed by the more generally useful TBolt, Slowking not getting hurt by it at all(?), and Sandslash being not only able to only really Toxic it, but also being 2HKOed pretty safely by Psychic either way. TBolt/HP Ground seem more generally useful to me, though if I'm missing something let me know !_! Moreover, with Pokemon like Crawdaunt growing in popularity as of late, I feel it best Mesprit runs more than minimal Speed to perform at full capacity in this metagame. Personally, I've been running a spread of 144 HP / 228 SpA / 136 Spe, which allows it to outpace +Speed natured Base 55's (Crawdaunt and Omastar being the primary examples) and below with a few EV's deviated from SpA to get a Lefties #, and it's worked wonders for me. Lastly, a mention or slash of Lum Berry is definitely important if only for being able to sponge a Smeargle Spore and U-Turn out to something to KO, since it's a very relevant aspect of the metagame :< I also wouldn't say that Dark-types "counter" this set, as Mesprit is more than capable of U-Turning out on them and dealing them good damage (Absol takes 52% min. from it lol), but they do threaten it with their STAB and are capable of Pursuit trapping it.

Also, and this is really nitpicky, but Physical Choice isn't "outclassed" by Gallade and Medicham, as Levitate, mono-Psychic typing and better overall bulk give it a niche, and the use of Fire Punch flips off one of Mesprit's biggest nemeses, Escavalier, but this niche is rather small and cannot properly be taken advantage of more often than not. Also you could probably toss all the punches / Zen Heabutt into the category of "physical attacker".
 

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Hey, I know this is a work in progress, but I'd like to give my two cents because I like Mesprit and want to see it used more :] Atm, I really don't see the use for Shadow Ball and Ice Beam on the CM set. Shadow Ball is basically hitting just Psychic-types, which I feel is better achieved by Signal Beam, which in addition to hitting Psychic-types also covers Dark-types, as well as pegging Grass-types, making for a generally more extensive coverage move. Ice Beam just seems to be there be because "yada yada BoltBeam is good coverage, and doesn't really help with anything tbh (a +1 Ice Beam doesn't OHKO Druddigon, and +1 Psychic 2HKO's :[ ). I would rather run HP Ground or something of the sort, which offers a strong coverage move for Steel-types without reducing a Speed EV, while also hitting Drapion. Basically, I feel the best slashes for the set would be CM/(Psychic/Psyshock)/(Signal Beam/TBolt)/(HP Ground/Sub). Also a Life Orb mention or slash really wouldn't hurt, since it really helps Mesprit to net some crucial KO's iirc.

The SR set seems a little off to me. Ice Beam is just really meh to me, and it really just makes it susceptible to Steel-types switching in and taking advantage of it. Your stated targets of Ice Beam are all really shaky, with Mandibuzz being both uncommon and smashed by the more generally useful TBolt, Slowking not getting hurt by it at all(?), and Sandslash being not only able to only really Toxic it, but also being 2HKOed pretty safely by Psychic either way. TBolt/HP Ground seem more generally useful to me, though if I'm missing something let me know !_! Moreover, with Pokemon like Crawdaunt growing in popularity as of late, I feel it best Mesprit runs more than minimal Speed to perform at full capacity in this metagame. Personally, I've been running a spread of 144 HP / 228 SpA / 136 Spe, which allows it to outpace +Speed natured Base 55's (Crawdaunt and Omastar being the primary examples) and below with a few EV's deviated from SpA to get a Lefties #, and it's worked wonders for me. Lastly, a mention or slash of Lum Berry is definitely important if only for being able to sponge a Smeargle Spore and U-Turn out to something to KO, since it's a very relevant aspect of the metagame :< I also wouldn't say that Dark-types "counter" this set, as Mesprit is more than capable of U-Turning out on them and dealing them good damage (Absol takes 52% min. from it lol), but they do threaten it with their STAB and are capable of Pursuit trapping it.

Also, and this is really nitpicky, but Physical Choice isn't "outclassed" by Gallade and Medicham, as Levitate, mono-Psychic typing and better overall bulk give it a niche, and the use of Fire Punch flips off one of Mesprit's biggest nemeses, Escavalier, but this niche is rather small and cannot properly be taken advantage of more often than not. Also you could probably toss all the punches / Zen Heabutt into the category of "physical attacker".
I guess the CM set is worth a lot of revision as you said. Also, HP Fire could be worth a slash to get past Esca and Durant. Signal Beam seems really useful in the current meta now that I think of it, especially with Cress back and things like Crawdaunt and Absol on the rise in usage. I'll slash LO for a possibility.

Thunderbolt is worth it I guess. As for SR, an HP Fire/Ground is probably worth it for Escavalier or Steelix.

Now for a physical set. I'm iffy on this. I'll leave this for discussion.
 

Windsong

stumbling down elysian fields
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
  • Split CM + 3 Attacks and SubCM
  • Split Choice sets. Physical Choice should also receive a set.
  • Add a Trick Room set
  • Set order should be SR / SubCM / Choice Specs / Choice Scarf / Offensive CM/ weather / Trick Room / Physical Choice
  • Stress reasons why you'd use support Mesprit over support Uxie, who's faster and bulkier

Will QC this after those changes.
 

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
  • Split CM + 3 Attacks and SubCM
  • Split Choice sets. Physical Choice should also receive a set.
  • Add a Trick Room set
  • Set order should be SR / SubCM / Choice Specs / Choice Scarf / Offensive CM/ weather / Trick Room / Physical Choice
  • Stress reasons why you'd use support Mesprit over support Uxie, who's faster and bulkier

Will QC this after those changes.
Did all that! With that being said, it should be ready for checks!
 

Honko

he of many honks
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Programmer Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
I know windsong told you to add it, but I really really doubt the effectiveness of CB. Mesprit has weak physical STAB, weak coverage moves, average Attack, average Speed, and mediocre typing. Any time you have a set where the first thing you say is "this has a lot of surprise factor", you need to stop and reconsider. Yes, Mesprit can use CB, but just because it can doesn't mean it should. That kind of stuff belongs in OO.
 

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
I know windsong told you to add it, but I really really doubt the effectiveness of CB. Mesprit has weak physical STAB, weak coverage moves, average Attack, average Speed, and mediocre typing. Any time you have a set where the first thing you say is "this has a lot of surprise factor", you need to stop and reconsider. Yes, Mesprit can use CB, but just because it can doesn't mean it should. That kind of stuff belongs in OO.
Lol.

I moved it back to OO. I see it as being outclassed by Medicham and Gallade pretty much, so yeah.

Anyways, should be ready for checks by now.
 

SilentVerse

Into the New World
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
M'kay, this needs a bit of work:


  • On the Stealth Rock set, put in Grass Knot over Thunderbolt. Grass Knot is significantly better on that set than Thunderbolt imo, since if you're using Psyshock, it actually conveniently hits all of the targets with high physical defense that don't take much from Psyshock incredibly hard; namely, this means that Rhydon, Aggron, Steelix, and other such physically defensive Pokemon have a much harder time walling Mesprit. Thunderbolt should go in AC, along with Ice Beam.
  • Also, I'd make 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe the main spread. This lets Mesprit tie with other neutral base 80s, and most important, outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, which makes Mesprit a much better check against it (252 HP is still 2HKOed by Nidoqueen's Sludge Wave anyway). AC the max HP spread.
  • Similarly, Substitute + Calm Mind's set should be Substitute / Calm Mind / Psyshock / Ice Beam. This gives great neutral coverage overall, and gives Mesprit unique advantages over Uxie instead of being inferior to it, such as Mesprit's ability to get past Steelix, Cryogonal, Tangrowth, Rhydon, Mandibuzz etc much easier than Uxie can. Also, make Modest the main nature since most base 80s use a neutral nature, so the extra power does more for Mesprit.
  • Remove Signal Beam altogether on the Choice Specs set; there is literally no reason to use it over Ice Beam / Thunderbolt. Also, slash U-turn with Trick on the last slot, since U-turn is actually surprisingly useful. And, once again, make Modest the main nature.
  • Remove Signal Beam and deslash Hidden Power Fire from the Choice Scarf set; keep Hidden Power Fire in AC though because hitting Escavalier is pretty cool. Also slash Trick with U-turn in the last slot, since they're pretty interchangeable. Timid should also be slashed on this set so Mesprit can revenge-kill Aerodactyl, and random stuff like Dragon Dance Feraligatr and Rock Polish Aggron.
  • On the Offensive Calm Mind set, the set should be Calm Mind / Psychic or Psyshock / Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fire or Ice Beam and nothing else. Ice Beam goes with Psyshock to get past Rhydon etc, and has good synergy with Thunderbolt, while Hidden Power Fire goes with Psychic to beat Escavalier. Also don't mention Substitute on this set since there's already a SubCM set. Modest should get a slash as well I guess.
  • Weather Support set looks good. Mention using Quiet + 0 Speed IVs for a slow as possible U-turn, but otherwise this is good.
  • Remove Signal Beam on the Trick Room set, but otherwise this is good too.
  • Re-add the Choice Band set please. Make it Zen Headbutt / U-turn / Trick / Fire Punch, with an Adamant nature and max Attack and Speed. It's not outclassed by Medicham and Gallade at all, because of U-turn, Levitate, and Trick, which separates Mesprit those two and gives it a lot of advantages, namely its ability to scout with U-turn before spamming Zen Headbutts.
  • Checks and Counters: Scolipede is an awful check to Mesprit lol, because it can't switch in on anything. Remove it. Also stress Drapion and Spiritomb as counters more on Mesprit's individual sets; with Hidden Power Fire and U-turn being on a lot of Mesprit's sets, Absol and Escavalier aren't the most reliable Mesprit counters at all.
Make these changes and I'll take a look at this again later.
 

Honko

he of many honks
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Programmer Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Yeah, I talked about it with SV and windsong, and you can add the CB set that SV posted. U-turn needs to be heavily emphasized, because that's what makes it worth using.
 
I like SilentVerse's changes but include Scolipede as a check lol. It still smashes Mesprit...we should not be stingy with our Checks and Counters.
 

Oglemi

Borf
is a Top Contributoris a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Top Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnus
I'll comment later on the sets if I have time when you fix them up with SV's changes but just one thing: it's U-turn, not U-Turn, so be sure to change that before doing the write-up.
 

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
'Kay, after a while I got the work done, implemented SilentVerse's changes, so should be ready for checks now. Have at it, QC.
 
In the Stealth Rock [SET] make sure to use Hidden Power Fire > HP Fire. Also mention Crawdaunt and Klinklang in Checks and Counters, they beat the SubCM set.

[qc]2/3[/qc]
 
Requesting another QC check before it is GP'd since it's a large analysis (and the format also changed so this seems reasonable).
 
I am requesting TWO more QC checks because imo this is bad / outdated. I'll check it tomorrow though but on first glance I have a bunch of comments / changes.
 

Honko

he of many honks
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Programmer Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
My comments on the SR set. I'm not too familiar with the other sets so I'll let someone else comment on them.


  • Psychic should be the first slash. Psyshock is useful for Gallade and Cryogonal but that's pretty much it. Psychic hits everything else important about as hard or harder, most importantly OHKOing Nidoqueen where Psyshock falls short.
  • HP Fire > Thunderbolt > Grass Knot in the third slot. Escavalier is easily the most common and dangerous response to Mesprit. Thunderbolt gives better general power+coverage, OHKOing offensive Kabutops/Omastar and heavily damaging Aero/Moltres/Sigilyph. Grass Knot is only good with Psyshock. Also mention Ice Beam in AC to surprise Druddigon/Sceptile/Lilligant/Rotom-C.
  • Slash Lum Berry. Leftovers is nice but Mesprit is still usually getting 2HKOed by powerful attacks so it's not essential. A paralyzed Mesprit can't check anything, and Lum allows it to absorb a sleep from Lilligant/Jynx and U-turn to a faster check or simply beat Tangrowth and Amoonguss. You can also bluff a Scarf.
  • Slash Timid. Modest actually gets some important KOes (most importantly the guaranteed OHKO on Nidoqueen with Psychic, but there are many more big ones as well), otherwise I would have said remove it entirely. Timid definitely deserves a slash though, it lets you beat Timid Queen (like it or not, it's a thing), at least tie and usually beat Kabutops/Gallade, and destroy Smeargle in the lead matchup if you use Lum.
  • That max HP spread in AC looks pretty terrible. If it still gets 2HKOed by Nidoqueen, and is now slower than Nidoqueen, I can't imagine why you'd ever use it. Don't mention that spread at all unless you can back it up with something a lot less lame than "takes hits better".
  • In general the comments are really lacking. Not only is it short, but the info you've included isn't very useful. The analysis needs to tell me two things: Why would I want to use SR Mesprit (especially over SR Uxie who it directly competes with)? And what do I need to know in order to use it well (for example, does Psyshock OHKO Nidoqueen)? At the moment, this analysis definitely isn't answering those questions.

The set should look like this:

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic / Psyshock
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Thunderbolt / Grass Knot
move 4: U-turn
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
 
Incorporate Honko's changes for SR, but make Timid the first slash.

Now, personally, I'm not a fan of CM Mesprit. Its lower speed and lower bulk makes it a really really really bad choice imo when it comes to CM. I would pick Uxie over Mesprit 100% of the time. I want Sub CM in OO. (SilentVerse really wants to keep it so I guess I don't care). I also want weather support in OO. It's not exceptional enough as a weather supporter to have a set for it.

Now, on every single set, I want Timid as the only nature slash, with Modest (or Adamant in Band's case) in AC. TIMID IS IMPORTANT.

Set order should be: SR ==> Offensive CM ==> Choice Specs ==> OTR ==> Sub CM ==> Choice Scarf ==> Choice Band. In Offensive CM, I want HUGE mentions of Healing Wish in the AC...it's phenomenal. Furthermore, Leftovers in AC as well. Life Orb should be the only item slot. The other sets are fine.

You need to expand on like...everything. These paragraphs are incredibly cursory and don't delve much into the Pokemon at all. Emphasize its strengths. Overview should be fleshed out a bit more etc, and more Checks and Counters (such as every faster thing in general, like Rotom-C, Entei, and Lilligant) should be discussed.

Overall, make those changes in sets and expand on the writing.

QC 4/3
 

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Okay, I expanded on the writing quite considerably, changed the order of the sets, and vice versa. Overall, this should be ready for the 5th and final QC check.
 

august

you’re a voice that never sings
is a Community Leaderis a Tiering Contributoris a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis the 8th Smogon Classic Winnerwon the 5th Official Smogon Tournamentis a Five-Time Past WCoP Champion
OGC Leader
ok i know this is a bit late but:

i want magneton listed as a good partner for any offensive mesprit set, lo cm and sub cm in particular. scarf magneton smacks durant and escav which can open the way for mesprit to sweep without having to use hp fire

i dont think max spe is absolutely necessary on sub cm either.. i use 248 satk / 164 spe / 96 hp and it works just fine, outspeeding kabutops and gallade. atleast make mention of how a little more bulky can be used imo. tbolt is also semi feasible to slash with ice beam.. thunderbolt hits molt and kabutops which is a cool alternative if your team easily handles stuff like druddigon


edit: oh healing wish on scarf set is too good to pass up too..

mention fire gem hp fire on sr lead set which nails escav
 

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Thanks for the feedback august. I listed Magneton as a useful partner for most of the offensive Mesprit variants. I also put your bulky EV spread in SubCM's AC because it can be useful. I'll leave it to QC to decide if it's worthy of being the main spread though. I slashed T-bolt in there as well for now, as well as ACing Healing Wish in Scarf set.

Should be ready for 5th QC check now (for real)
 

ScraftyIsTheBest

On to new Horizons!
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Sorry if I'm getting pushy here, but I'm going to acknowledge that I redid the overview a bit and also removed Nidoqueen mentions since it will for sure rise to UU during the next tier shift (which is in a few days). I also slashed in Healing Wish into the Scarf set and yeah, this is now awaiting final QC approval.

EDIT: Oh and I also mentioned Crawdaunt and Klinklang as potential counters to SubCM.

I guess this is for real ready for checks now.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 1)

Top