[OVERVIEW]
Mega Sableye's excellent defensive Ghost / Dark Dark / Ghost typing gives it a single weakness to Fairy, 3 three immunities, and a resistance, allowing it to check common threats such as Tomohawk and Mega Medicham. In addition, it has an impressive movepool including Will-O-Wisp, Knock Off, Calm Mind, and Recover, allowing it to effectively support its teammates. Sablenite gives Sableye a new ability, Magic Bounce, which lets it stallbreak, as well as keep hazards and status off the field. It also gives Mega Sableyethe ability to, and bounce back Taunts, which makes spreading burns and setting up much easier for Mega Sableye. In its base forme, Sableye also has a wonderful ability in Prankster, which still works on the turn that Sableye Mega Evolves, (RC) and gives it Sableye the ability to act as an emergency check to physical sweepers. After Mega Evolving, Sableye also boasts great bulk, with base 125 Defense and base 115 Special Defense. Mega Sableye's and that combined with its great defensive typing, bulk, and fantastic ability means that it fits very well into defensive teams, making it particularly being very popular on stall teams.
However, Mega Sableye's low HP stat takes away from its bulk, while weak subpar base 85 offensive stats limit its damage output unless it has many Calm Mind boosts under its belt, although Foul Play can be used to mitigate this. Moreover, Mega Sableye's very poor Speed leaves it outsped by the vast majority of Pokemon and weak to revenge killers and powerful wallbreakers. Lastly, it is checked by common threats such as Manaphy and Volkraken, as well as popular Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Gardevoir.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Recover
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Foul Play / Toxic / Metal Burst
item: Sablenite
ability: Prankster
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Recover gives Mega Sableye a much-needed form of reliable recovery, while Will-O-Wisp allows it to cripple physically offensive threats, furthering its ability to act as a physically defensive wall. Knock Off gives Mega Sableye a STAB attack, while simultaneously giving it has the utility of removing items from those who switch intoit, allowing it Mega Sableye to hinder Pokemon that which would otherwise be free to switch into upon it, such as Assault Vest Colossoil and Choice Scarf Mollux.
Mega Sableye's final moveslot is dependent upon what it is required to check: Foul Play is preferred, (AC) as it prevents physical sweepers such as Cawmodore from setting up, (RC) and in particular helps against Fire-type sweepers, (AC) which are immune to Will-O-Wisp, such as Mega Charizard X and Talonflame. Toxic cripples Fire-type switch-ins not named Heatran or Mollux and wears down opposing walls, while Metal Burst allows Mega Sableye to hit would-be checks such as Plasmanta, Mollux, Clefable, and defensive Sylveon hard. Snatch gives Mega Sableye the ability to steal the boosts of Pokemon that aim to use it as setup fodder bait such as Manaphy and Naviathan, as well as allowing it to wear down opposing walls faster by stealing their recovery moves.
Set Details
========
Prankster gives Sableye access to priority Will-O-Wisp, Recover, and Toxic before Mega Evolving and on the turn in which it Mega Evolves, allowing it to act as an emergency check to physical sweepers. The above EV spread maximizes Mega Sableye's physical bulk, although more specially defensive spreads utilizing a Careful nature with 144, 96, or 168 Special Defense EVs 144 SpD, 96 SpD, or 168 SpDEVs can be used to avoid the 2HKO from Heatran, Gengar, and Stratagem, respectively.
Usage Tips
========
Before and including during the turn that it Mega Evolves, Sableye has access to Prankster, giving it access to priority Will-O-Wisp. Therefore, the timing of Sableye's Mega Evolution is very important, as this priority Will-O-Wisp can be used to check offensive teams and physical sweepers your team may be weak to. Conversely, if Magic Bounce disables an opposing Pokemon, such as Skarmory, defensive Tomohawk, and or Sticky Web Necturna, completely, it is wise to Mega Evolve as soon as possible. However, Sableye is a rather obvious lead, so it could be prudent to lead with a Pokemon that can deal with the opponent's most likely Mega Sableye check.
Using double switches can allow Sableye to switch in safely and Mega Evolve before the opposing team can set up Stealth Rock. Once Sableye has Mega Evolved, switch it into defensive Pokemon and hazard setters, such as defensive Tomohawk and Ferrothorn, unless they have a way of 2HKOing it. Spam Knock Off early on to remove items from opposing foes. Spamming Will-O-Wisp is also very useful for crippling foes, but be wary of giving Fire-types such as Pyroak and Charizard free switches in.
It is especially important to keep Sableye healthy by using Recover, as Sableye's very low Speed after Mega Evolution means that it will often have to take a hit before it can recover health. Therefore, it is best to switch Sableye into passive foes. Be aware that repeated entry hazard damage and chip damage from VoltTurn users can wear Sableye down Sableye, so use Recover accordingly to prevent this. Many Pokemon, such as Volkraken and Mollux, utilize moves that have secondary effects that which can inflict a status ailment upon Mega Sableye, such as Scald, Lava Plume, and Sludge Bomb, so be wary of switching into these moves.
Metal Burst variants should only utilize the move Metal Burst if Mega Sableye is no longer needed, as its low Speed will most likely prevent it from recovering after taking a powerful hit and retaliating with Metal Burst. However, Metal Burst can be very useful for removing particular Pokemon that your team has trouble with.
Team Options
========
Stall and balance teams appreciate Mega Sableye's ability to spinblock and in addition to bounce back entry hazards, thus extending the longevity of the team. In particular, Mega Sableye fits on hazard-stacking teams, making hazard setters such as Skarmory, Tomohawk,and Ferrothorn good partners. Mega Sableye requires team support to deal with the Fairy- and Fire-types that which check it, as well as powerful special attackers and both physical and special setup sweepers. Therefore, Jirachi and Pyroak are particularly good partners, as Jirachi has access to U-turn and Wish to help bring in Sableye safely, while Pyroak can form a solid physically defensive core with Sableye that which can check many physical attackers. (AP) Pyroak can also utilize Aromatherapy to cure Sableye of any status which may wear it down otherwise and Mega Sableye bounces Stealth Rock away in return. Additionally, both Pyroak and Jirachi can also set up Stealth Rock of their own, while and Mega Sableye can spinblock and bounce opposing Stealth Rock from the opposing side away in return.
Pokemon that can deal with powerful special wallbreakers such as Mega Gardevoir and Mega Charizard Y are also good teammates. Chansey is the best example of such a partner, but Pokemon such as Assault Vest Tornadus-T and specially defensive Jirachi are also good options. This set is beaten by opposing Sableye if they run Calm Mind, so Mega Sableye appreciates Pokemon that can check that particular set, such as Clefable and Sylveon. Bulky Water- and Grass-types such as Slowbro and Rotom-W can help Mega Sableye deal with offensive Water-types such as Azumarill, Manaphy, and Volkraken.
On the flip side, Pokemon weak to entry hazards, such as Talonflame, Volkraken, and Kyurem-B, really appreciate Sableye's ability to force out common entry hazard setters. In addition, Knock Off allows Sableye to weaken many of its checks and Metal Burst can take some out completely, which other Pokemon can take advantage of. For instance, Sableye can Knock Off the Colossoil's Assault Vest from Colossoil to allow Pokemon a teammate such as Krilowatt to hit it harder, while one target for Metal Burst may could be Mollux, which would allow non-Hidden Power Ground Naviathan to sweep.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Sablenite
ability: Prankster
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind gives Mega Sableye the ability to boost its offensive and defensive prowess simultaneously, giving it impressive mixed bulk that both specially and physically which allows it to stall out many offensive Pokemon after even just a single boost. Recover gives Sableye a much-needed form of reliable recovery, while Will-O-Wisp allows Mega Sableye to cripple physically offensive threats, furthering its ability to act as a physically defensive wall. Shadow Ball is preferred in the last slot because it has better neutral coverage than Dark Pulse.
Set Details
========
Prankster allows gives Sableye access to priority Will-O-Wisp, Recover, (AC) and Calm Mind before Mega Evolution and on the turn in which it Mega Evolves, allowing it to act as an emergency check to physical sweepers with Will-O-Wisp or get some extra special bulk with Calm Mind.
The above EV spread maximizes Mega Sableye's physical bulk, although more specially defensive spreads utilizing a Careful nature and 144, 96, or 168 Special Defense EVs 144 SpD EVs, 96 SpD EVs and 168 SpD can be used to avoid the 2HKO from Heatran, Gengar, (AC) and Stratagem, respectively.
Usage Tips
========
Preferably, this set should look to Mega Evolve on the very first turn of play in order to prevent the opponent from setting Stealth Rock and other entry hazards. However, against offensive teams or teams with a strong physical attacker your team is weak to, it may be prudent to delay Mega Evolving Sableye in other to utilize its Prankster Will-O-Wisp. In the event that Sableye faces a special attacker before Mega Evolution, Prankster Calm Mind can allow Sableye to Mega Evolve without taking too much damage, depending on the power of the opposing Pokemon.
Early-game, Mega Sableye should use Recover and Will-O-Wisp to spread burns and bounce status and entry hazards while keeping itself healthy. Calm Mind should mainly be used in a defensive manner early-game to avoid 2HKOs from special attackers such as Volkraken and Syclant. Later in the game, you should look to create a chance for Mega Sableye to set up Calm Mind, allowing it to set up and so that it can clean up the weakened opposing team.
Team Options
========
Hazard control from the likes of Skarmory, Colossoil, and Starmie can allow Mega Sableye to pick and choose when it Mega Evolves, allowing it to use and by extension utilize its Prankster Will-O-Wisp more. Jirachi, Pyroak, and Volkraken, which check common Fairy-types, are also good teammates. Mega Sableye has trouble with Assault Vest Colossoil, which resists both of its Mega Sableye's STAB moves, while its abilities Rebound and Guts and can bounce back and or take advantage of Will-O-Wisp with its abilities Rebound and Guts, respectively. On the other hand, Mega Sableye can wall Colossoil if it doesn't have the Guts boost. (not relevant to Team Options) Mega Sableye also dislikes Tomohawk, which can ruin its Mega Sableye's sweep with Prankster Haze, although defensive sets cannot really do much else toMega Sableye.; (ASC) Pokemon such as Clefable and Azumarill that can remove these common threats, giving can allow Mega Sableye the chance to clean up.
In particular, stall teams greatly appreciate Mega Sableye's ability to act as a wincon, as well as bounce back entry hazards and status conditions. Pokemon that which are common on stall teams can form strong defensive partnerships with Sableye. For instance, Chansey can wall the special attackers that trouble Mega Sableye, can set up Stealth Rock, and also act as a cleric, while Mega Sableye checks the powerful physical attackers that which trouble Chansey, can absorb Knock Off for it, and can spinblock Pokemon trying to remove its Chansey's Stealth Rock.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Snarl can be used instead of Shadow Ball to set up on special attackers more easily, as well as beat opposing Mega Sableye lacking it, and has the added bonus of hitting through Substitutes. However, this is at the cost of Base Power and the ability to hit Fairy- and Fighting-types. Fake Out can be used to allow Sableye to Mega Evolve safely. Taunt can be used to gives Sableye extra stallbreaking ability without the need to Mega Evolve, although Mega Sableye's low Speed makes it this option very inefficient after Mega Evolution. Sucker Punch gives Sableye STAB priority, but it is very weak due to Sableye's poor offensive stats.
Checks and Counters
==============
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types can hit many common threats in the CAP Metagame super effectively, and Mega Sableye is no exception. Boasting a resistance to Mega Sableye's Dark-type STAB moves, the majority of Fairies can also typically take anything Mega Sableye dishes out, including burns, and can respond with their own super effective STAB moves. Clefable and Mega Altaria can remove burns with Heal Bell and heal off any damage they take with reliable recovery moves, while Mega Diancie can bounce back Sableye's burns. Note that Mega Gardevoir and Sylveon don't appreciate switching into Shadow Ball repeatedly, while and Azumarill is crippled by Will-O-Wisp. However, these three all outspeed and OHKO Mega Sableye (Azumarill needs Choice Band or Belly Drum to do so, but at +6 it can OHKO even if burned).
**Fire-types**: Fire-types are immune to Will-O-Wisp, which means that not only can is Sableye not unable to cripple them, but all Fire-types can switch in on it Sableye for free if they predict a Will-O-Wisp correctly. This allows common Fire-types such as Mega Charizard X and Y and Volkraken to set up on or KO Mega Sableye, although physical sweepers such as Mega Charizard X have to watch out for Foul Play variants.
**Wallbreakers**: Powerful attackers such as Keldeo and Volkraken can hit Mega Sableye hard, sometimes even if it Sableye has already gotten a Calm Mind boost.
**Special Sweepers**: Setup sweepers such as Manaphy, Clefable, Keldeo, and Serperior can set up on and break down Mega Sableye. Although Will-O-Wisp won't cripple their offensive power, it can wear them down if their team opposition is not able to remove status. Sweepers that which can greatly boost their Special Attack through Tail Glow or Nasty Plot are particularly effective, as they can win the boosting war with against Calm Mind variants of Mega Sableye outright. Calm Mind Naviathan also gets a special mention, (AC) as it is immune to Toxic, wins the boosting war against with Calm Mind Sableye, uses the utility set as setup fodder bait, and is immune to Will-O-Wisp if it has Water Veil.
**Status Absorbers**: Lum Berry users such as Garchomp, Substitute users such as Mega Heracross, Poison Heal Pokemon abusers such as Gliscor, and Fire-types such as Mega Charizard X and Talonflame all have ways of avoiding the burn from Mega Sableye's Will-O-Wisp, allowing them to set up on it. However, Sableye can hit them hard with Foul Play if they're not careful, with the exception of Bulk Up Talonflame, (AC) whose defensive boosts allow it to set up on Sableye.
