Co-written by Molk
Smeargle
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 55 HP / 20 Attack / 35 Def / 20 SpA / 45 SpD / 75 Spe
Ability: Own Tempo / Technician / Moody (Released, but banned)
With the most versatile movepool in the game, Smeargle stands out as an incredibly useful and customizeable choice for any team. It can literally run any set. Unfortunately, its pitiful base stats limit the options Smeargle can use despite its near infinite movepool (only not learning chatter). Despite its stats, Smeargle is still capable of many things, such as Baton Passing any kind of boost (including Ingrain, which stops phazing), setting up hazards with the help of Spore, or even leading off a deadly Trick Room team with a surprisingly powerful Endeavor.
Notable Moves:
Spore
Baton Pass
Trick Room
Spikes
Stealth Rock
Toxic Spikes
Endeavor
Shift Gear
Quiver Dance
Substitute
Belly Drum
Dragon Rage
Whirlwind
Ingrain
Rain Dance
Sunny Day
Gravity
Magic Coat
Untested but potentially notable moves:
Rapid Spin
Explosion
Glare
Memento
Accupressure
Taunt
Destiny Bond
Encore
Trick/Switcheroo
U-turn
Counter
Lunar Dance
Final Gambit
Leech Seed
Pain Split
Perish Song
Guard Split
Power Split
Example sets:
Hazards Lead
Smeargle (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Spore
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes / Toxic Spikes
- Whirlwind / Destiny Bond / Explosion / Magic Coat
With decent Speed and access to Spore, Smeargle is a very effective hazard setter in the RU tier. Spore cripples at least one Pokemon a match, unless Smeargle gets Taunted, and Smeargle has access to all entry hazards. The last moveslot is dedicated to what Smeargle wants to do; Whirlwind could build up a bit of residual damage and make sure nothing sets up on it, Destiny Bond or Explosion gives a teammate a free switch in, and Magic Coat could prevent Smeargle from being Taunted.
Baton Pass
Smeargle (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Spore
- Shift Gear / Quiver Dance / Belly Drum / Substitute
- Ingrain / Substitute
- Baton Pass
Smeargle is practically a necessity on any Baton Pass team. As the only Pokemon capable of passing Ingrain, it is extremely valuable. Spore is a great move for crippling an opponent, and it finds a spot on pretty much any Smeargle set. Smeargle itself can pass anything you need it to, though the most common moves it passes are Shift Gear, Quiver Dance, and Belly Drum. Smeargle can effectively function as a stand-alone passer, but it works best on a fully BP team.
Trick Room
Smeargle (M) @ Focus Sash Level 1
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs:
Hardy Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Spore
- Trick Room
- Endeavor
- Dragon Rage / Destiny Bond / Magic Coat
This is Smeargle's best attempt at an offensive set with its terrible attacking stats. Smeargle can lead against any pokemon without Taunt or a sleep inducing move and set up Trick Room. It can then use Spore to cripple the opposing lead all the way to dreamland. From there, Smeargle can safely spam Endeavor to continue crippling the opposing team, even potentially KOing a foe with Dragon Rage. If the opponent does not have a Ghost-type, Smeargle is perfectly capable of taking down half a team with this set, and honestly, wha'ts more fun than trolling your friends/rivals with this level 1 monster? :3
A few general questions for discussion:
What sort of Smeargle sets do you run?
What are some potentially devastating sets that it could run?
How effective has Smeargle been for you?
What counters Smeargle?
What teams do you think appreciate Smeargle's support the most?
Have you ever been caught off-guard by a surprise Smeargle set? What was it?
Smeargle
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 55 HP / 20 Attack / 35 Def / 20 SpA / 45 SpD / 75 Spe
Ability: Own Tempo / Technician / Moody (Released, but banned)
With the most versatile movepool in the game, Smeargle stands out as an incredibly useful and customizeable choice for any team. It can literally run any set. Unfortunately, its pitiful base stats limit the options Smeargle can use despite its near infinite movepool (only not learning chatter). Despite its stats, Smeargle is still capable of many things, such as Baton Passing any kind of boost (including Ingrain, which stops phazing), setting up hazards with the help of Spore, or even leading off a deadly Trick Room team with a surprisingly powerful Endeavor.
Notable Moves:
Spore
Baton Pass
Trick Room
Spikes
Stealth Rock
Toxic Spikes
Endeavor
Shift Gear
Quiver Dance
Substitute
Belly Drum
Dragon Rage
Whirlwind
Ingrain
Rain Dance
Sunny Day
Gravity
Magic Coat
Untested but potentially notable moves:
Rapid Spin
Explosion
Glare
Memento
Accupressure
Taunt
Destiny Bond
Encore
Trick/Switcheroo
U-turn
Counter
Lunar Dance
Final Gambit
Leech Seed
Pain Split
Perish Song
Guard Split
Power Split
Example sets:
Hazards Lead
Smeargle (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Spore
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes / Toxic Spikes
- Whirlwind / Destiny Bond / Explosion / Magic Coat
With decent Speed and access to Spore, Smeargle is a very effective hazard setter in the RU tier. Spore cripples at least one Pokemon a match, unless Smeargle gets Taunted, and Smeargle has access to all entry hazards. The last moveslot is dedicated to what Smeargle wants to do; Whirlwind could build up a bit of residual damage and make sure nothing sets up on it, Destiny Bond or Explosion gives a teammate a free switch in, and Magic Coat could prevent Smeargle from being Taunted.
Baton Pass
Smeargle (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Spore
- Shift Gear / Quiver Dance / Belly Drum / Substitute
- Ingrain / Substitute
- Baton Pass
Smeargle is practically a necessity on any Baton Pass team. As the only Pokemon capable of passing Ingrain, it is extremely valuable. Spore is a great move for crippling an opponent, and it finds a spot on pretty much any Smeargle set. Smeargle itself can pass anything you need it to, though the most common moves it passes are Shift Gear, Quiver Dance, and Belly Drum. Smeargle can effectively function as a stand-alone passer, but it works best on a fully BP team.
Trick Room
Smeargle (M) @ Focus Sash Level 1
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs:
Hardy Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Spore
- Trick Room
- Endeavor
- Dragon Rage / Destiny Bond / Magic Coat
This is Smeargle's best attempt at an offensive set with its terrible attacking stats. Smeargle can lead against any pokemon without Taunt or a sleep inducing move and set up Trick Room. It can then use Spore to cripple the opposing lead all the way to dreamland. From there, Smeargle can safely spam Endeavor to continue crippling the opposing team, even potentially KOing a foe with Dragon Rage. If the opponent does not have a Ghost-type, Smeargle is perfectly capable of taking down half a team with this set, and honestly, wha'ts more fun than trolling your friends/rivals with this level 1 monster? :3
A few general questions for discussion:
What sort of Smeargle sets do you run?
What are some potentially devastating sets that it could run?
How effective has Smeargle been for you?
What counters Smeargle?
What teams do you think appreciate Smeargle's support the most?
Have you ever been caught off-guard by a surprise Smeargle set? What was it?
