Overview
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Shaymin-S is one of the great pioneers of the "60% = 100%" bias, and it returns to Ubers again to prove itself in Ubers once again. With the combination of Seed Flare +and Air Slash, Shaymin-S can break through special walls with Special Defense drops orand secure KOs by repeatedly flinch something to its inevitable death. Coupled wrgets. With one of the bestan excellent base 127 Speed tiers in Ubers, only Mewtwo, its Mega Evolutions, Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Deoxys-A / S can catch up to it. Though its Special Attack maare the only unbooseem decent, Seed Flare's effectsthreats that can pcatch that up quite nicely, andto it. In addition, an immunity to Sticky Web only furthers its usefulness on a team. Though Shaymin-S's usefulness on a teamSpecial Attack stat might seem average, Seed Flare's side effect can remedy it quite nicely. Unfortunately, Shaymin-S's subpar defensive typing and frailty hold it back from comswitching in whenever it wants, and a weakness to Stealth Rock furthers this, even with the additionpopularity of Defogg users. Also, Shaymin-S has somewhat sparse coverage options, and the fact that its STAB moves don't cprovider much doesn't help eithercoverage. Regardless, Shaymin-S can sutill do what it does best: show thatize Serene Grace is never to be trifled with, especialy efficiently in the hands of a legendary Pokemonto wreak havoc.
SubSeed
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name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Seed Flare
move 4: Air Slash
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
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With Substitute, Shaymin-S can take advantage of the switches it forces against bulky Water-types orand Ground-types andto shield itself from damage orand status. Leech Seed works well with Substitute as the move increases Shaymin-S's survivability even further, and can replenishes its health against walls orand tanks. Seed Flare is Shaymin-S's signature move, which helps it bypass special walls,With a high Base Power and nothing likes having an 80% chance to reduce thave itarget's Special Defense droppstat by two stages, Seed whilFlare having their heelps Shaymin-S bypass specialth leeched awaylls. Air Slash covermpletes Shaymin-S's STAB combination, and chas an flinch somethingredibly handy chance to death wflinch then opponeedednt, and can be a reliable move to spam otwher than Seed Flare when you haveubstitute and Leech Seed or a Substitute uphave been used.
Set Details
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The above EV spreaA Timid nature and maximum Speed investment allows Shaymin-S to set up Substitutes fast with its great Spquickly and proceed and sit back andto spam Seed Flare away. Also, dDue to Shaymin-S's slight reliance on Seed Flare to doeal damage, using maximum Special Attack investment is highly recommended. The remaining four EVs are placed into Special Defense to grant it a minuscule buffer against special attacks. Leftovers is the chosen item as it works well in tandem with Substitute and Leech Seed, passively restoring Shaymin-S's HP.
Usage Tips
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One of the rules of thumb forwhen using Substitute is to stay on top of predicted switches so that you can findin order to gain setup opportunities to set up, which still applies to Shaymin-S. This is important as Shaymin-S can force out threats likesuch as Groudon, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and even the mighty Kyogre, and set up a Substitute for free. Also, tTry using Substitute to scout outfor super effective coverage moves, and try to use it before using Leech Seed, as you can get it up safely without beto avoid taking damaged. But, w from attacks. When using the two moves, try usingchoose Substitute ifwhen you feel if an offensive threat is coming in sto you can scout out theirits set, orand use Leech Seed if you think a defensive Pokemon or phazer is coming in so you can get residual damage against them. In lines of attacking,, to score some passive damage. Shaymin-S's STAB comboves may not have too goodmediocre coverage, but they are very threatening orand spammable, so fire away when needed. In terms of priority attacks,Try to avoid Steel-types, priority users, and possible phazers, try to avoid them as best you can unless youShaymin-S haves a Substitute up (for Steel-types and priority users), or can flee with Leech Seed upin effect (against phazers).
Team Options
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Though it is a rage-inducing soloist most of the time, Shaymin-S has many potential allies. The primary ones are VoltTurn users likesuch as Thundurus-I, Genesect, and Zekrom, whoich can gain momentum and bring Shaymin-S in on a fleeing opponent. Groudon is a very solid partner for Shaymin-S, as it can set up Stealth Rock and can check Ho-Oh in addition to, Skarmory, and Scizor. Thou with the right moves. Mega Gengar helps many, it can also trap Steel-types and cripple them with Taunt, leaving them openvulnerable to Shaymin-S's shenanigans. Yveltal is also a solid friendpartner, as it pretty much borks most of thecan smash many common Steel-types in Ubers, and can assist Shaymin-S with Taunt orand U-turn. Heatran is a very helpful partner as it can lure out Ground-type attacks and Pokemon for Shaymin-S to switch in on a predicted Ground-type move and proceed to set up, and Heatran can also set upand set up on as well as provide Stealth Rock support. Hazard setters likesuch as Forretress, Ferrothorn, Dialga, and Landorus-T are also crucial to Shaymin-S's success, as Stealth Rock and / or Spikes can letallow it to finish off or defeat support Arceus formes and Ho-Oh. Hazard removal is equally important, as Shaymin-S wants to switch in as much as it can, so Defog users likesuch as Arceus and Giratina or Rapid Sand spinners likesuch as Excadrill and Forretress can help out in this regard, and. Shaymin-S can support the latter 3 do enjoyaforementioned teammates with Leech Seed to increase their recovery and longevity.
All-Out Attacker
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name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Seed Flare
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Earth Power / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Life Orb
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
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When equipped with Life Orb, Shaymin-S can be a dangerous attacker capable of fending for itself when needed. Seed Flare does good damage with the boost from Life Orb, and of course, nothing likes switching into it in fear of a Special Defense drop. Earth Power is actually Shaymin-S's main resourcmove for defeating Steel-types whichthat wall its STAB combination, and can also causehas a 20% chance to lower the opponent's Special Defense as well. Instead of Earth Power, Hidden Power Fire can lebe run so that Shaymin-S can defeat the Steel-types that don't care too msuch about Earth Power likes Ferrothorn, Forretress, and Scizor. But, Healing Wish is actually a support mov that don't care that Shaymin-S can claim its own oo much aboutside of Latias, and i Earth Power. If Shaymin-S is either not useful or cannot deal enough damage due to attacks or Life Orb recoil, it can simplyto the opponent, it can utilize Healing Wish, a support move that only a few Pokemon, including Latias, have access to. Healing Wish allows Shaymin-S to sacrifice itself in order to restore a damaged sweeper, pivot, or revenge killer to full health. Though unot listed here, Hidden Power Rock allows Shaymin-S to takheavily damage on or killKO Ho-Oh, and can reliably damage other Flying-types outside of Ho-Oh reliably due to thedue to the boost from Life Orb boost.
Set Details
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AWith a Timid nature lets, Shaymin-S outspeeds most of the unboosted tier easily, and with Life Orb, theits damage output is very acceptable, even more so than a unboosted. A Modest nature. However, if you do want that extra 10% can be run for additional power, but doing terms of damage, a Modest nature can certainly fit the bill, but once again keep in s Shaymind that you cannot-S's ability to outspeed max Speed Arceus formes orand Darkrai anymore. In terms of EVs, Shaymin-S should not deviate from the abogiven spread, as its Speed and power are all too precious to give up instead of its below-average bulk.
Usage Tips
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When attempting to select moves when attacking, don't be too afraid to mispredict with yourShaymin-S's STAB moves, as they are extremely spammable, and they are backed up withby Life Orb, so don't be too afraid to click Seed Flar. Seed Flare is often an acceptable move to use unless a Steel-type that checks youShaymin-S is on the opposing team. But, be Howevery, be wary of the recoildamage that you get from Life Orb induces, as your healththe recoil could reduce Shaymin-S's HP to the point wherethat a priority user likesuch as Yveltal, Scizor, or Extreme Killer Arceus can come in anuld revenge kill youit with ease. TherefoAs a re, you shouldt, try to avoid priority users as much as possible, as Shaymin-S's frailty combined with Life Orb recoil can turn it into a high-priority target.
Team Options
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As always forwith any offensive threat, Shaymin-S can take advantage of entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field can take advantage of Shaymin-S'with its offensive pressure andto rack up residual damage. Setters of Stealth Rock likesetters such as Landorus-T, Dialga, and Groudon in addition to Spikes setters likesuch as Forretress orand Ferrothorn will obviously help greatly in this regard. Also,Entry hazard removal methodss on Shaymin-S's side of the field are detrimportaental, so Defogg users likesuch as Arceus and Giratina, and S as well as spinners like Forretress and Excadrill can remove these without a fusbeneficial partners. Even with Earth Power or Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin-S should haveneeds extra support against Steel-types. SoTherefore, Fire-types likesuch as Ho-Oh or, stallbreakers like Yveltal or, and even Darkrai can assist Shaymin-S in this case. VoltTurn is still a safe method tofor bringing Shaymin-S in, and: Thundurus-I in addition to, Zekrom, and Genesect can providegrab momentum to do so and supplyfor their team members with extraand provide utility. AlsoLastly, lures for Ground-types can also bring Shaymin-S in safely, which; in particular, Heatran can perform extremely easilycels at this role with its 4x weakness to Ground weaknes-type attacks.
Other Options
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Shaymin-S does haves a relatively solid set of options to choose from when thinking outside the box. A Choice Specs or Choice Scarf set is one that comes to mind quickly, as the former can provide immense wallbreaking power with Seed Flare, while the latter's increased Speed can help it revenge kill even boosted threats like Rock Polish Groudon. However, neither of them Shaymin-S dislikes being locked into a move, and the Choice Scarf set isn't alacks powerful as Life Orb in terms of an all-out attacker. Though, Shaymin-S does haves a boosting move in Swords Dance, which can do well withomplements its great Speed. But, Shaymin-S', but its physical movepool is more barren than a Ditto's expression, with the movepool options being only Seed Bomb and Return. In terms of filler options, Shaymin-S has a rare access to the rare Aromatherapy, which can letallow it to function as more of an offensive cleric that can take on opposing walls with Seed Flare. Also, Shaymin-S has Dazzling Gleam, which can deal solid damage to Dark- and Dragon-types, but a neutral Seed Flare hits those types with almostem for roughly the same amount of damage on neutral hits. Shaymin-S also has a good fillarge arsenal of Grass-type moves to useat its disposal. Leaf Storm can provide more immediate power at the cost of a power dropbut reduces Shaymin-S's Special Attack, Energy Ball has more PP and accuracy than Seed Flare does, and Giga Drain can restore its health. ButHowever, the sheer utility and usefulness Seed Flare has to offer causes it to greatly overshadows these greatlyoptions. Finally, Shaymin-S can utilize Toxic to cripple walls orand Defogg users, and can run it in tandem with SubSeed. But,Keep in mind though that Shaymin-S has a's moveset is relatively cramped movepool, and Toxic can simply be run on a bulkier team member.
Checks and Counters
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**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh provides a large threat wito Shaymin-S as its massive special bulk, 4x resistance to Seed Flare, and the threability tof KOing Shaymin-S with Sacred Fire or Brave Bird. ButHowever, if Stealth Rock is up and / or Shaymin-S has Hidden Power Rock, Ho-Oh shouldit will go down without too much of a hassle.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can easily check Shaymin-S asWith its resistsance to Seed Flare, can trap or cripple it withaccess to Taunt, and greater Speed, Mega Gengar can evenasily check Shaymin-S. It can outspeedtrap and KO Shaymin-S without trouble. However, Shaymin-S can hbut it it withmust be wary of Earth Power as it Mega Evolves for a KO due to Mega Gengar's frailty.
**Levitating Steel-types**: Skarmory and Bronzong cause a great deal of trouble for Shaymin-S, as it has to resort to using Hidden Power Fire in order to defeat them. TAlthough Shaymin-S can do almost nothing to Bronzong, it can hit Skarmory with Hidden Power Fire for good damage.
**Scizor**: If Shaymin-S does not carry Hidden Power Fire, Scizor can switch in on a Seed Flare and pick it off with a Technician-boosted Bullet Punch.
**Dialga**: Dialga usually carries investment in Special Defense, and investment, can take all of Shaymin-S's attacks bar Earth Power, and can deal severe damage with Draco Meteor. But,to it with Earth Power, Shaymin-S can take on Dialga reliablyDraco Meteor.
**Charizard**: As both have a 4x resistance to Seed Flare, both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y can switch in on the move and threaten to KO Shaymin-S with their STAB Fire-type attacks. ButHowever, both care vulnerable to being flinched to drepeatedly by Air Slash, Mega Charizard X falls to Earth Power, and Mega Charizard Y does not like Hidden Power Rock.
**Heatran**: Heatran can hard- wall Shaymin-S due to its typing and Flash Fire, and can killKO it with Lava Plume. ButHowever, it doesn't stand a chance if Shaymin-S has Earth Power.
**Zekrom**: Zekrom's typing letallows it to switch into any move Shaymin-S has, bar Earth Power, and it can threaten itShaymin-S greatly with Bolt Strike. It can also use Volt Switch away after Shaymin-S is forced out.
**Kyurem-W**: Kyurem-W gives no quarter to Shaymin-S as it cannot switch into itKyurem-W's devastating attacks, and Kyurem-W does not take too much damage from Shaymin-S'its coverage options.
**Sylveon**: Sylveon's great special bulk and the ability to attack through Substitute with Hyper Voice can annoy Shaymin-S if not weakened first.
**Blissey**: As a pink blob, Blissey can take any hit the All-oOut Attacker set can throw at it. However, it is total and complete set up fodder for the SubSeed set, and loans incomprehensible amounts of HP through Leech Seed.
**Lugia**: Shaymin-S cannot hit Lugia hard enough without Hidden Power Rock or Stealth Rock up, andwhereas Lugia can either heal upitself with Roost or cand threaten Shaymin-S with Aeroblast.
**Revenge Killers**: PRevenge killers are probably the biggest thorn in Shaymin-S's side, revenge killers arend the best tacticways to deal with it. Choice Scarf users likesuch as Kyogre orand Genesect, or as well as priority users like Yveltal and Extreme Killer Arceus can take advantage of Shaymin-S's poor bulk and killKO it easily.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock prevents Shaymin-S from switching in freely without losing 25% of its health, and can rack up residual damage over the course of the match.
**Status**: Paralysis utterly cripples Shaymin-S thoroughly and utterly, preventing it from ustaking advantage of its great Speed stat, and leaving it open to attack. Shaymin-S does not also dislike residual damage from Toxic orand burns also, as it could wearthe residual damage leaves it down to the point whmore vulnerable it could be revenge killeding.
However, keep in mind that allmany of these checks afor countersementioned Pokemon cannot take on Shaymin-S as if it were like any other special attacker, as. This is because Seed Flare can and will wearreduce an opponent's dSpecial Defenses down to where a simple coverage move can either cripple or KO it.
