The first set should be listed as "Choice." Staraptor is a very viable high attack Choice Scarfer as well, which is made extra useful by its ability, Intimidate.
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Staraptor (Analysis)
- Thread starter AccidentalGreed
- Start date
Okay, there's shit which is bad. Then there's the shit which is good. He used shit so he thinks Staraptor is crummy.
Sorry for the foul language.
I think so, both sets are similar however their purposes are different. If why you should choose one over the other is explained, I think it's recommended if the 2 set are merged. Outside of that, everything looks fine!
Okay, so you guys do have a point that these two sets are pretty identical to each other. *sigh*
Does this mean I'll have to to put this in Quality Control again? It's already got 2 QC stamps, and merging the sets mean that I might have to abort the GP check, too...
Does this mean I'll have to to put this in Quality Control again? It's already got 2 QC stamps, and merging the sets mean that I might have to abort the GP check, too...
slight nitpick
In the third paragraph of the OP you forgot to say "hit"
Staraptor can harder or as hard
and a noobish q, but where is the quote box button?
In the third paragraph of the OP you forgot to say "hit"
Staraptor can harder or as hard
and a noobish q, but where is the quote box button?
My opinion honestly. You're right, why change it now?
True. Also, I noticed that fat is added in the reply comments.
This is a Grammar Prose check. Not much else to say. It took a long time.
RED: DELETE
BLUE: ADD
PURPLE: COMMENTS
RED: DELETE
BLUE: ADD
PURPLE: COMMENTS
[Overview]
<p>If one were to look at Staraptor in a vast sea of various threats, his purpose is “to die young as late as possible”. This predatory bird has the power to make in an impact in its opposition through its fantastic Attack, decent Speed, and high base power moves. Why Staraptor is so threatening compared to the other its fairly mediocre Normal / Flying-type Pokemon brethren is no mystery either; with with Close Combat to dispose of Rock- and Steel-types and two great abilities that compliment his sweeping capabilities, he Staraptor can OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support.</p>
<p>The bad news is that, while Staraptor can is perfectly able to commit mass murder, his lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil damage limits his survivability on the battlefield severely. However, despite this weakness, Staraptor has many unique qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation and make it a huge offensive threat when met with the right conditions. is certainly exclusive to his Flying-type brethren, as well as the many physical attackers that roam this new generation. </p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>If When equipped with a Choice Band, Staraptor becomes the just as fearsome sweeper it was last generation. Its Attack rises to 509 or 558 if it chooses to use a Jolly or Adamant nature, respectively. With its decent base 100 Speed, equal to that of Victini, Celebi, and Zapdos,Staraptor can outspeed most a lot of the metagame game and come up on top without being hit or severely crippled. Staraptor can even 2HKO some of the game’s standard physical walls, such as Vaporeon and Swampert and Nattorei. The strategy is to simply spam a STAB move to puncture holes in the opposing team, using Close Combat against Rock- or Steel-types. Choice Band Staraptor also makes a fantastic lead with the presence of Team Preview;. When Staraptor is leading, it should attempt to KO the opposing lead and or U-Turn out of those who cause it trouble.<p>
<p>All of the moves here, except U-Turn, have over 100 base power and together have unresisted coverage, which can be fatal to anything that dares switch into Staraptor. Brave Bird is what makes Staraptor unique from most other physical sweepers;- in return for aside from recoil, Brave Bird is an otherwise abusable, consistent STAB move. Any Pokemon weak or neutral to Brave Bird will have a hefty chunk of their health taken away, and only however Steel-, Electric-, and Rock-types commonly resist Flying-type moves, and are relatively common.. Should Staraptor be against a Steel- or Rock-type, Close Combat is mandatory to fight them off, while Electric-types can be easily handled by Staraptor's STAB Normal-type move of choice. Double-Edge deals recoil damage and shortens Staraptor’s lifespan, so Return is a slightly weaker - yet still powerful - option to pick off the frail or the weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Staraptor has a decent expanse of options despite being a simple Choice set. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, is a matter of sustainability versus power. Whereas Jolly offers a Speed tie against positive natured Base 100s, an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazard support to score (necessary) (some) OHKOs and 2HKOs. Secondly, Staraptor can also opt between two abilities: Intimidate and the new Reckless. Intimidate, as always, is a fantastic ability that lowers the opponent Pokemon’s Attack, granting Staraptor a few more opportunities to switch into many physical attacks, such as Scizor's U-turn and Gyarados' Waterfall. and sweep, such as Heracross’ Megahorn and Gyarados Waterfall. Reckless, on the other hand, increases the attack power of Staraptor’s powerful recoil moves - which are already very powerful on their own - by 20%, which is essentially a free Sharp Beak boost. Unless there is no need for Staraptor to survive certain attacks, Intimidate is the primary ability, so Staraptor can at least soften up physical hits. Speaking of recoil moves, Staraptor can also opt for Double Edge in place of Return so it can take advantage of Reckless and a higher base power move. Like always, one must tread carefully if Staraptor is meant to be on the field longer, and use Return. {already mentioned}</p>
<p>In the fourth slot, Staraptor can choose a “utility” move. U-Turn is the primary option so Staraptor can scout out its counters and put a decent dent in anything that doesn’t resist U-Turn it. Since U-Turn is boosted by Choice Band Choice Band boosts U-turn and nothing is immune to it except Shedinja, Staraptor can also make a sufficient scout; however, due to team preview, scouting is less necessary this generation than it was last generation. Though a super effective U-Turn is weaker than STAB Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, it can be used to a team take advantage against of threats such like Erufuun, Celebi, and Espeon, while retaining momentum. Quick Attack is also a good option for the fourth slot; while it’s not the best move to be locked in, a Choice Band STAB boosted Quick Attack can maim frail, unsuspecting threats expecting to eliminate Staraptor.</p>
<p>Aside from faster threats that can defeat Staraptor before he lands a hit, Staraptor has trouble against a few mentions. Particularly, Staraptor cannot OHKO some Pokemon of the Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross, hierarchy withClose Combat, and while, in return, Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross they all have ways of eliminating him. The best way to address these threats is to employ Heatran, Magnezone, or Shandera. Heatran and Shandera both have generally good defensive and offensive synergy with Staraptor and can promptly KO the aforementioned Pokemon with Fire Blasts coming from fantastically high Special Attacks stats. Magnezone, on the other hand, ensures that all the Steel-types Staraptor faces are killed by utilizing Magnet Pull. Rapid Spin support is especially convenient useful from the likes of Life Orb Starmie to spin away Stealth Rock, since Staraptor is likely going to switch out more often than not in and out often. Starmie can also eliminates a few troublesome Pokemon with a its powerful STAB Hydro Pump. Speaking of Stealth Rock, Although Staraptor enjoys having Stealth Rock off of its own side of the field, Staraptor gets all the many significant KOs it needs that it would otherwise miss out on with Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes. A teammate who can easily set at least one of these hazards is recommended. Because of this, Pokemon that can set up entry hazards is recommended (but apparently I can't think of any because I didn't write any down)</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of Staraptor’s problems of obstacles in performing a successful sweep is that fact that a margin of there are many Pokemon, both old and new, that Pokemon can still outspeed and KO him before he can land a successful hit. This problem is eliminated by giving Staraptor a Choice Scarf. Giving Staraptor a Choice Scarf eliminates this problem. By holding a Choice Scarf, it gains the ability to revenge kill, outspeed and KO its normal counters, and yet still maintain a powerful offensive presence. Because of Staraptor’s already high Attack and Speed, it can revenge or surprise-kill nicely against many unsuspecting setup threats and would-be counters. Due to its high Speed, Choice Scarf Staraptor can also make a great lead; unlike its Choice Band counterpart, Staraptor can now eliminate faster threats and limit set up.</p>
<p>Distinct from other In contrast to some alternative revenge killers and scouts, Staraptor is not offensively weak and can actually serve multiple roles on a team with just one of its moves. Due to four of its main moves having over 100 base power, Staraptor can certainly make an impact despite being slightly weaker without a Choice Band. Brave Bird, as always, is a reliable STAB that can be used consistently, despite recoil. The only types that commonly resists the powerful Brave Bird is the are Steel-type and Rock-types , which can be easily handled with team members or Close Combat, and Electric-types, which can be taken care of by repeated switchins to Staraptor's Normal-type STAB move of choice. In addition to Brave Bird, Return or Double Edge can be used alongside it to provide a powerful Normal-type STAB. Return is a reliable move that can pick off weak or weakened opponents, whereas Double Edge is basically a Normal-type version of Brave Bird with less coverage. Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge here because of this set’s lower damage output in comparison to the more offensive sets. Close Combat is mandatory on all Staraptor sets so it is not hard-stopped by Rock- and Steel-types. Keep in mind that since this set is weaker than his other sets, Close Combat should be used to a minimum only on weathered Rock- and Steel-types because of Rock- and Steel-types’ their usually high Defense.</p>
<p>Unlike the previous set, U-Turn is crucial here so Staraptor can take advantage of its Speed and act more as a scout and revenge-killer. To specify, U-Turn, as always, is a fantastic utility move that can throw the turbulence the momentum of the battle into the team’s user's favor. In addition, certain - if not most - Pokemon faster than Staraptor are hit super-effectively by U-Turn, so it can make a dent by predicting switch-ins and switching U-turning to the appropriate counter. The scouting method should be used early-game so Staraptor will not easily stopped by bulky attackers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>By using Starapator, one must process him under a choice of "sustainability versus power" {Does not make sense}. A Jolly nature allows Staraptor a chance to speed tie with the likes of +1 Ulgamoth and +1 Salamence, while keeping a steady step over slower Pokemon. An Adamant nature, however, grants Staraptor extra “oomph”; to compensate for the lowered his damage output caused by is slightly punctured by a the lack of an Attack-boosting item. Intimidate and versus Reckless is also a matter of whether you need to keep Staraptor is meant to be kept on the field or not. Intimidate increases Staraptor’s survivability against unboosted physical attacks, whereas Reckless gives a convenient boost to Double Edge and Brave Bird. Intimidate should be used to soften some hits, whereas Reckless essentially gives a slightly weaker, yet faster, version of Choice Band Staraptor. Obviously, investing in its defenses is futile, so max EV investment is given to Attack and Speed, the rest poured into Defense.</p>
<p>Because of its immunities and scouting ability, Staraptor finds itself switching in and out of the battlefield very often. Stealth Rock can be an ample threat to its survivability; therefore, employing an offensive Rapid Spinner ensures that Staraptor does it job well. Starmie and Mold Breaker Doryuuzu are both wonderful Rapid Spinners who can also pack a punch (it is ill advised to use Doryuuzu requiring Sandstorm). A user of Wish is also recommended, so Staraptor can more easily scout and sweep in a healthy condition, especially when it is spamming recoil moves. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey (holding an Evolution Stone) are the best choices for this role, since they can sponge off any Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor and force switches, giving them opportunities to use Wish. Staraptor also doesn’t mind some entry hazard support to ensure some KOs.</p>
<p>The exchange in power for speed hurts Staraptor, since it can’t break through teams like it could with a Choice Band. Shubarugo, Skarmory, Metagross, Jirachi, Bronzong, and Scizor {They don't resist Brave Bird} give Choice Scarf Staraptor trouble since they are all neutral to Close Combat and can survive a now-weakened Brave Bird. Magnezone, Shandera, and Heatran, again, make good teammates for Staraptor for eliminating these threats and having fantastic Special Attack stats. They can also be used to eliminate physically-defensive walls that Staraptor dislikes. Rotom is either resistant or immune to Staraptor’s attacks {Rotom is no longer Ghost type, and Normal Rotom isn't even worth mentioning} can switch intro Brave Bird and can cripple any one of Staraptor or any one of its teammates with Will-o-Wisp or Thunder Wave. In fact, most Electric-types in general are solid counters. A substantial good way to address Electric-types is by utilizing Jolteon; with its good Special Attack, decent Special Defense and with a possible Special Attack boost by LightningRod Volt Absorb, Jolteon by itself becomes a threatening Special sweeper.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: Roost / Quick Attack
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>While Choice Band Staraptor is already a monster in itself, one of the problems it consistently finds itself in is its inability to switch attacks and reliably beat the Pokemon that resist its stab. and reliably beat his resistances. Granting Staraptor a Life Orb allows Staraptor the pleasure of switching attacks, in exchange for a bit of survivability. Instead of having to rely on prediction and teammates to beat its checks counters, Staraptor can now sweep through teams by simply abusing its powerful attacks with exceptional type coverage. by simply abusing his powerful attacks and using the correct move on opponents that would normally counter it. Because of its high Attack and moderately high Speed, Life Orb suits Staraptor perfectly; whereas Staraptor’s with Choice Band sets are is the “battering rams” of a team, this set aims to be more of a sweeper with good coverage.</p>
<p>Like on every Staraptor set, Brave Bird and Close Combat are givens due to both having good coverage together, as well as high base power. In fact, many Rock- and Rock Steel-types can be 2HKOed by the simple combination of Brave Bird followed by Close Combat, so Staraptor is not easily walled countered. Return is the main option as a secondary STAB move because it does not induce recoil as Double Edge does. Return can also reliably pick off weakened enemies, so Staraptor does not have to rely on its other risky moves to KO threats. Roost is given a slot to alleviate recover damage caused by recoil and Stealth Rock damage, thereby extending Staraptor's rampage. and continue its rampage longer. However, Quick Attack can also be put in place of it.At times, Staraptor may fall short of KOs, so and may Quick Attack can be used againstweakened opponents so it can finish them off. rather frail opponents, so Quick Attack can eliminate weak targets before they can land a hit. U-Turn can be used for scouting would-be counters, but it has more utility on Staraptor’s choice sets where Staraptor takes less damage from recoil. Keep in mind that replacing Roost means that Staraptor will lack recovery, making his life span shorter.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Slightly Unlike its choice sets, Staraptor has a slightly larger expanse of other options to choose from. It can opt to use Double Edge for more power, however, Staraptor requires Brave Bird, which offers more coverage and already induces recoil, so Double Edge needs careful consideration so it’s not “overkill”. One benefit of using Double Edge is the fact that Staraptor also has Roost, which alleviates the recoil anyways. Staraptor’s two abilities, Intimidate and Reckless, also need to be considered for “sustainability versus power”. Whereas Intimidate allows Staraptor to switch into physical attacks often without taking dire damage, Reckless boosts the power of Brave Bird and Double Edge (essentially a free Bird Beak boost). By When using Reckless, Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge because of Roost and the power boost.</p>
<p>As for the choice of nature, a Jolly nature is primary so Staraptor can speed tie with Pokemon at the base 100 mark, like Zapdos, Celebi, and Victini. However, a Staraptor with an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazards and has more power than its Jolly counterparts overall. It should be noted that with a little entry hazards, a Jolly nature achieves all of Staraptor’s necessary KOs.</p>
<p>Like its choiced counterparts, Life Orb Staraptor has issues with facing certain Steel-types, bulky walls, and faster opponents. Staraptor is in even greater danger with tanks because the opponent can take advantage of resistances and attempt to stall out Staraptor with Life Orb damage and recoil. Heatran, Shandera, and Magnezone are near-perfect teammates as explained in the above analyses. Since Staraptor’s lifespan is shortened with Life Orb, Wish support is optional an option
if it does not have time to Roost. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey both do a good job of Wish-passing and walling Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor. Entry hazard support is absolutely helpful to guarantee some KOs on specific targets. Without a single layer of Spikes or Stealth Rock, Jolly Staraptor cannot OHKO physically-defensive Blissey or Celebi with a super-effective move. Having some entry hazards also puts hazard-weak opponents, such as Gyarados and Salamence, in an awkward position if they choose to switch into Brave Bird.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>In general, Staraptor can slot itself be put into any offensively-oriented team that needs a teammate to batter the opposing team. Since Staraptor can deal high damage alongside great coverage, no specific teammate is needed to support it offensively. However, its worst nightmares lie in opponents that he cannot KO in one or two turns. Such opponents include Steel-types neutral to his Close Combat, Pokémon with moderately powerful priority moves, and physically defensive walls, or stallers. Faster Pokemon can also eliminate Staraptor, though it should be noted that some mant of them can’t take an attack. Nevertheless, Staraptor should be paired up with Pokemon who thatcan pivot these threats.</p>
<p>Offensive versions of Starmie do a decent job at defending Staraptor from the likes of most physical walls and Steel-types, 2HKOing or OHKOing them with a STAB Hydro Pump or the appropriate super-effective move. Starmie also has very high Speed, allowing it to eliminate faster opponents that would normally check Staraptor. Particularly, Choice Specs or Life Orb Starmie should be used so certain opponents such as Scizor are OHKOed immediately. Fire-types do well alongside Staraptor as well. Heatran, Shandera, Infernape, Rotom-H, and Hihidaruma are able to check many Steel-types and physical walls using STAB Fire-type moves. Specifically, Heatran, Shandera, and Rotom-H have decent offensive as well as defensive partnership synergy with Staraptor because they resist many Special Attacks aimed at it. Hihidaruma can employ its Choice Scarf set to check faster Pokemon as well, though it’s notably frail. Magnezone is a special mention; due to its ability, Magnet Pull, it which can trap Steel-types and eliminate them permanently. Due to its high Special Attack, Magnezone can somewhat check physical walls and kill Steel-types quickly. Provided Magnezone is behind a Substitute, it can also get in another hit or cripple the switch-in with Thunder Wave.</p>
<p>In terms of entry hazards, Staraptor has a love-hate relationship with entry hazards them. Because Staraptor is likely to switch in and out of the battlefield often, it will absolutely hate taking 25% damage every time it switches in. Again, Life Orb Starmie makes a great teammate in this case; not only does Starmie offer a good partnership synergy in general, it can also eliminate spinblockers and Rapid Spin afterwards to take out get rid of Stealth Rock. Magic Mirror Espeon also maintains an offensive presence on the battlefield while reflecting entry hazards back at the opponent. Keep in mind that if Espeon is used, you will probably have to predict the Stealth Rock. On the other hand, with simply just However, although Staraptor abhors having Stealth Rock on its side, Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes allows Choice Band and Life Orb Staraptor nets to net all the kills they it needs, such as on physically defensive Celebi or and Swampert. More entry hazards on the field are optimal, but unnecessary since one hazard (excluding Toxic Spikes) is all Staraptor requires. In the lead slot, Froslass gets a special mention for setting hazards, since it can check some leads and is almost guaranteed to set up at least one layer of Spikes. Due to its Ghost-typing, Froslass cannot be affected by Rapid Spin either. Nattorei absolutely loves taking special attacks aimed at Staraptor, and because of its bulk, can set up multiple entry hazards making Staraptor’s sweeping much easier. Additionally, an offensive team member with a random slot for Stealth Rock can always be used, such like as Infernape and Garchomp.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Like his its Normal-/Flying-type fellows peers, Staraptor doesn't have much else to say about the rest of its movepool, except that it's barren. Offensively, Staraptor always has to choose between Return and Double Edge as his its main Normal-type STAB move. In this case, Retribution is another option, but is generally situational because of limited use; the move can only be used at its full power (140 Base Power excluding STAB) when on the turn after a teammate has fainted. Retribution is best used on the Choice Scarf set where Staraptor can effectively revenge kill and is in need of more powerful options. Pursuit is an offensive option as well to pick off escaping Pokemon, though because of an extremely weak base power and having Brave Bird to hit Ghost-types, Pursuit is better left off to Tyranitar and Scizor.</p>
<p>A combination of Roost + and Substitute can be utilized so Staraptor can scout and defeat its counters before they can touch Staraptor behind a Substitute. This set's attacking options should be include Brave Bird and Close Combat because they offer great coverage as well as high base power. Roost is essential so Staraptor can heal off recoil caused by Brave Bird and Substitute, and instead of Life Orb, Staraptor can use a Sharp Beak to boost Brave Bird without additional recoil.</p>
<p>Agility can also be made into decent practice utilized decently with Life Orb. With an Agility and just a few Speed EVs, Staraptor can outspeed threats it couldn't touch before and , even KOing Doryuzuu in Sandstorm. However, Staraptor's Speed is generally satisfactory in OU where only a small margin outspeeds him {no its not- there are tons of pokes that outspeed it - this isn't fourth gen}, and most of the time, Staraptor would rather 2HKO threats rather than faint with after a somewhat useless speed boost. Speaking of boosting moves, Cheer Up is always an option on a Pokemon that has no other way of boosting its offenses, though Staraptor rarely finds time to set up with his its defenses. Cheer Up can be viable on an all-out offensive set where Staraptor can harder or as hard as his Choice Band set with a boosting item like Shark Beak or Life orb, or a support item like Lum Berry or Leftovers, respectively.<p>
[Counters]
<p>Staraptor generally hates having extra health taken away, and due to his recoil moves and frailness, it will not last long if it takes chip damage {what the hell is chip damage? Change all instances of Chip Damage to passive damage}. Stealth Rock is the easiest way of making sure Staraptor's life span remains limited is eliminated promptly. Chip damage can also be achieved through sandstorm and hail, both of which can be induced by the easily usable Tyranitar and the more specific Abomasnow. In addition to recoil alongside Stealth Rock and weather damage, Staraptor will find itself living less longer on the battlefield. Taking into account recoil damage, Stealth Rock, and weather damage, you will find that Staraptor's life span is generally extremely short. By simply using prediction and switching in resistances on to Staraptor’s attacks, the bird will fall eventually. One can also speed up the process by checking check Staraptor with faster threats such as Jolteon, Espeon, Starmie, Gengar, and Kojondo. Note that most of the Pokemon faster than Staraptor cannot take one of its attacks and some can be defeated by using U-Turn or Quick Attack.</p>
<p>As for walling or stalling out Staraptor, specifically physical walls do a great job of sponging or checking it. Though most bulky Water-types risk being 2HKOed by Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, they can take at least one of these attacks and retaliate with Ice Beam. Notable mentions are Swampert, Suicune, Vaporeon, and Mamanbou. Zapdos is a much faster, more offensively inclined physical wall than that resists Close Combat and Brave Bird and can swiftly eliminate the predatory bird with its choice of Electric-type move. Zapdos does risk being 2HKOed by Staraptor’s Normal-type moves along with being outsped, though. Desukan and Rotom {ROTOM IS NOT GHOST TYPE BTW} sponges and is immune to Staraptor’s moves, and, additionally, they can cripple Staraptor with Will-O-Wisp, rendering it useless for the rest of the match.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Staraptor's Dream World ability, Reckless, has already been released through male and female Staravia. In order to receive certain egg moves, such as Double Edge, with Reckless, such as Double Edge, a female Staravia from the Dream World must breed with a male Staravia with the egg moves so the offspring can receive both the egg moves and the ability when hatched. Reckless can certainly be considered over Intimidate for reasons explained above.<p>
<p>If one were to look at Staraptor in a vast sea of various threats, his purpose is “to die young as late as possible”. This predatory bird has the power to make in an impact in its opposition through its fantastic Attack, decent Speed, and high base power moves. Why Staraptor is so threatening compared to the other its fairly mediocre Normal / Flying-type Pokemon brethren is no mystery either; with with Close Combat to dispose of Rock- and Steel-types and two great abilities that compliment his sweeping capabilities, he Staraptor can OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support.</p>
<p>The bad news is that, while Staraptor can is perfectly able to commit mass murder, his lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil damage limits his survivability on the battlefield severely. However, despite this weakness, Staraptor has many unique qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation and make it a huge offensive threat when met with the right conditions. is certainly exclusive to his Flying-type brethren, as well as the many physical attackers that roam this new generation. </p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>If When equipped with a Choice Band, Staraptor becomes the just as fearsome sweeper it was last generation. Its Attack rises to 509 or 558 if it chooses to use a Jolly or Adamant nature, respectively. With its decent base 100 Speed, equal to that of Victini, Celebi, and Zapdos,Staraptor can outspeed most a lot of the metagame game and come up on top without being hit or severely crippled. Staraptor can even 2HKO some of the game’s standard physical walls, such as Vaporeon and Swampert and Nattorei. The strategy is to simply spam a STAB move to puncture holes in the opposing team, using Close Combat against Rock- or Steel-types. Choice Band Staraptor also makes a fantastic lead with the presence of Team Preview;. When Staraptor is leading, it should attempt to KO the opposing lead and or U-Turn out of those who cause it trouble.<p>
<p>All of the moves here, except U-Turn, have over 100 base power and together have unresisted coverage, which can be fatal to anything that dares switch into Staraptor. Brave Bird is what makes Staraptor unique from most other physical sweepers;- in return for aside from recoil, Brave Bird is an otherwise abusable, consistent STAB move. Any Pokemon weak or neutral to Brave Bird will have a hefty chunk of their health taken away, and only however Steel-, Electric-, and Rock-types commonly resist Flying-type moves, and are relatively common.. Should Staraptor be against a Steel- or Rock-type, Close Combat is mandatory to fight them off, while Electric-types can be easily handled by Staraptor's STAB Normal-type move of choice. Double-Edge deals recoil damage and shortens Staraptor’s lifespan, so Return is a slightly weaker - yet still powerful - option to pick off the frail or the weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Staraptor has a decent expanse of options despite being a simple Choice set. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, is a matter of sustainability versus power. Whereas Jolly offers a Speed tie against positive natured Base 100s, an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazard support to score (necessary) (some) OHKOs and 2HKOs. Secondly, Staraptor can also opt between two abilities: Intimidate and the new Reckless. Intimidate, as always, is a fantastic ability that lowers the opponent Pokemon’s Attack, granting Staraptor a few more opportunities to switch into many physical attacks, such as Scizor's U-turn and Gyarados' Waterfall. and sweep, such as Heracross’ Megahorn and Gyarados Waterfall. Reckless, on the other hand, increases the attack power of Staraptor’s powerful recoil moves - which are already very powerful on their own - by 20%, which is essentially a free Sharp Beak boost. Unless there is no need for Staraptor to survive certain attacks, Intimidate is the primary ability, so Staraptor can at least soften up physical hits. Speaking of recoil moves, Staraptor can also opt for Double Edge in place of Return so it can take advantage of Reckless and a higher base power move. Like always, one must tread carefully if Staraptor is meant to be on the field longer, and use Return. {already mentioned}</p>
<p>In the fourth slot, Staraptor can choose a “utility” move. U-Turn is the primary option so Staraptor can scout out its counters and put a decent dent in anything that doesn’t resist U-Turn it. Since U-Turn is boosted by Choice Band Choice Band boosts U-turn and nothing is immune to it except Shedinja, Staraptor can also make a sufficient scout; however, due to team preview, scouting is less necessary this generation than it was last generation. Though a super effective U-Turn is weaker than STAB Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, it can be used to a team take advantage against of threats such like Erufuun, Celebi, and Espeon, while retaining momentum. Quick Attack is also a good option for the fourth slot; while it’s not the best move to be locked in, a Choice Band STAB boosted Quick Attack can maim frail, unsuspecting threats expecting to eliminate Staraptor.</p>
<p>Aside from faster threats that can defeat Staraptor before he lands a hit, Staraptor has trouble against a few mentions. Particularly, Staraptor cannot OHKO some Pokemon of the Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross, hierarchy withClose Combat, and while, in return, Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross they all have ways of eliminating him. The best way to address these threats is to employ Heatran, Magnezone, or Shandera. Heatran and Shandera both have generally good defensive and offensive synergy with Staraptor and can promptly KO the aforementioned Pokemon with Fire Blasts coming from fantastically high Special Attacks stats. Magnezone, on the other hand, ensures that all the Steel-types Staraptor faces are killed by utilizing Magnet Pull. Rapid Spin support is especially convenient useful from the likes of Life Orb Starmie to spin away Stealth Rock, since Staraptor is likely going to switch out more often than not in and out often. Starmie can also eliminates a few troublesome Pokemon with a its powerful STAB Hydro Pump. Speaking of Stealth Rock, Although Staraptor enjoys having Stealth Rock off of its own side of the field, Staraptor gets all the many significant KOs it needs that it would otherwise miss out on with Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes. A teammate who can easily set at least one of these hazards is recommended. Because of this, Pokemon that can set up entry hazards is recommended (but apparently I can't think of any because I didn't write any down)</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of Staraptor’s problems of obstacles in performing a successful sweep is that fact that a margin of there are many Pokemon, both old and new, that Pokemon can still outspeed and KO him before he can land a successful hit. This problem is eliminated by giving Staraptor a Choice Scarf. Giving Staraptor a Choice Scarf eliminates this problem. By holding a Choice Scarf, it gains the ability to revenge kill, outspeed and KO its normal counters, and yet still maintain a powerful offensive presence. Because of Staraptor’s already high Attack and Speed, it can revenge or surprise-kill nicely against many unsuspecting setup threats and would-be counters. Due to its high Speed, Choice Scarf Staraptor can also make a great lead; unlike its Choice Band counterpart, Staraptor can now eliminate faster threats and limit set up.</p>
<p>Distinct from other In contrast to some alternative revenge killers and scouts, Staraptor is not offensively weak and can actually serve multiple roles on a team with just one of its moves. Due to four of its main moves having over 100 base power, Staraptor can certainly make an impact despite being slightly weaker without a Choice Band. Brave Bird, as always, is a reliable STAB that can be used consistently, despite recoil. The only types that commonly resists the powerful Brave Bird is the are Steel-type and Rock-types , which can be easily handled with team members or Close Combat, and Electric-types, which can be taken care of by repeated switchins to Staraptor's Normal-type STAB move of choice. In addition to Brave Bird, Return or Double Edge can be used alongside it to provide a powerful Normal-type STAB. Return is a reliable move that can pick off weak or weakened opponents, whereas Double Edge is basically a Normal-type version of Brave Bird with less coverage. Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge here because of this set’s lower damage output in comparison to the more offensive sets. Close Combat is mandatory on all Staraptor sets so it is not hard-stopped by Rock- and Steel-types. Keep in mind that since this set is weaker than his other sets, Close Combat should be used to a minimum only on weathered Rock- and Steel-types because of Rock- and Steel-types’ their usually high Defense.</p>
<p>Unlike the previous set, U-Turn is crucial here so Staraptor can take advantage of its Speed and act more as a scout and revenge-killer. To specify, U-Turn, as always, is a fantastic utility move that can throw the turbulence the momentum of the battle into the team’s user's favor. In addition, certain - if not most - Pokemon faster than Staraptor are hit super-effectively by U-Turn, so it can make a dent by predicting switch-ins and switching U-turning to the appropriate counter. The scouting method should be used early-game so Staraptor will not easily stopped by bulky attackers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>By using Starapator, one must process him under a choice of "sustainability versus power" {Does not make sense}. A Jolly nature allows Staraptor a chance to speed tie with the likes of +1 Ulgamoth and +1 Salamence, while keeping a steady step over slower Pokemon. An Adamant nature, however, grants Staraptor extra “oomph”; to compensate for the lowered his damage output caused by is slightly punctured by a the lack of an Attack-boosting item. Intimidate and versus Reckless is also a matter of whether you need to keep Staraptor is meant to be kept on the field or not. Intimidate increases Staraptor’s survivability against unboosted physical attacks, whereas Reckless gives a convenient boost to Double Edge and Brave Bird. Intimidate should be used to soften some hits, whereas Reckless essentially gives a slightly weaker, yet faster, version of Choice Band Staraptor. Obviously, investing in its defenses is futile, so max EV investment is given to Attack and Speed, the rest poured into Defense.</p>
<p>Because of its immunities and scouting ability, Staraptor finds itself switching in and out of the battlefield very often. Stealth Rock can be an ample threat to its survivability; therefore, employing an offensive Rapid Spinner ensures that Staraptor does it job well. Starmie and Mold Breaker Doryuuzu are both wonderful Rapid Spinners who can also pack a punch (it is ill advised to use Doryuuzu requiring Sandstorm). A user of Wish is also recommended, so Staraptor can more easily scout and sweep in a healthy condition, especially when it is spamming recoil moves. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey (holding an Evolution Stone) are the best choices for this role, since they can sponge off any Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor and force switches, giving them opportunities to use Wish. Staraptor also doesn’t mind some entry hazard support to ensure some KOs.</p>
<p>The exchange in power for speed hurts Staraptor, since it can’t break through teams like it could with a Choice Band. Shubarugo, Skarmory, Metagross, Jirachi, Bronzong, and Scizor {They don't resist Brave Bird} give Choice Scarf Staraptor trouble since they are all neutral to Close Combat and can survive a now-weakened Brave Bird. Magnezone, Shandera, and Heatran, again, make good teammates for Staraptor for eliminating these threats and having fantastic Special Attack stats. They can also be used to eliminate physically-defensive walls that Staraptor dislikes. Rotom is either resistant or immune to Staraptor’s attacks {Rotom is no longer Ghost type, and Normal Rotom isn't even worth mentioning} can switch intro Brave Bird and can cripple any one of Staraptor or any one of its teammates with Will-o-Wisp or Thunder Wave. In fact, most Electric-types in general are solid counters. A substantial good way to address Electric-types is by utilizing Jolteon; with its good Special Attack, decent Special Defense and with a possible Special Attack boost by LightningRod Volt Absorb, Jolteon by itself becomes a threatening Special sweeper.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: Roost / Quick Attack
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>While Choice Band Staraptor is already a monster in itself, one of the problems it consistently finds itself in is its inability to switch attacks and reliably beat the Pokemon that resist its stab. and reliably beat his resistances. Granting Staraptor a Life Orb allows Staraptor the pleasure of switching attacks, in exchange for a bit of survivability. Instead of having to rely on prediction and teammates to beat its checks counters, Staraptor can now sweep through teams by simply abusing its powerful attacks with exceptional type coverage. by simply abusing his powerful attacks and using the correct move on opponents that would normally counter it. Because of its high Attack and moderately high Speed, Life Orb suits Staraptor perfectly; whereas Staraptor’s with Choice Band sets are is the “battering rams” of a team, this set aims to be more of a sweeper with good coverage.</p>
<p>Like on every Staraptor set, Brave Bird and Close Combat are givens due to both having good coverage together, as well as high base power. In fact, many Rock- and Rock Steel-types can be 2HKOed by the simple combination of Brave Bird followed by Close Combat, so Staraptor is not easily walled countered. Return is the main option as a secondary STAB move because it does not induce recoil as Double Edge does. Return can also reliably pick off weakened enemies, so Staraptor does not have to rely on its other risky moves to KO threats. Roost is given a slot to alleviate recover damage caused by recoil and Stealth Rock damage, thereby extending Staraptor's rampage. and continue its rampage longer. However, Quick Attack can also be put in place of it.At times, Staraptor may fall short of KOs, so and may Quick Attack can be used againstweakened opponents so it can finish them off. rather frail opponents, so Quick Attack can eliminate weak targets before they can land a hit. U-Turn can be used for scouting would-be counters, but it has more utility on Staraptor’s choice sets where Staraptor takes less damage from recoil. Keep in mind that replacing Roost means that Staraptor will lack recovery, making his life span shorter.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Slightly Unlike its choice sets, Staraptor has a slightly larger expanse of other options to choose from. It can opt to use Double Edge for more power, however, Staraptor requires Brave Bird, which offers more coverage and already induces recoil, so Double Edge needs careful consideration so it’s not “overkill”. One benefit of using Double Edge is the fact that Staraptor also has Roost, which alleviates the recoil anyways. Staraptor’s two abilities, Intimidate and Reckless, also need to be considered for “sustainability versus power”. Whereas Intimidate allows Staraptor to switch into physical attacks often without taking dire damage, Reckless boosts the power of Brave Bird and Double Edge (essentially a free Bird Beak boost). By When using Reckless, Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge because of Roost and the power boost.</p>
<p>As for the choice of nature, a Jolly nature is primary so Staraptor can speed tie with Pokemon at the base 100 mark, like Zapdos, Celebi, and Victini. However, a Staraptor with an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazards and has more power than its Jolly counterparts overall. It should be noted that with a little entry hazards, a Jolly nature achieves all of Staraptor’s necessary KOs.</p>
<p>Like its choiced counterparts, Life Orb Staraptor has issues with facing certain Steel-types, bulky walls, and faster opponents. Staraptor is in even greater danger with tanks because the opponent can take advantage of resistances and attempt to stall out Staraptor with Life Orb damage and recoil. Heatran, Shandera, and Magnezone are near-perfect teammates as explained in the above analyses. Since Staraptor’s lifespan is shortened with Life Orb, Wish support is optional an option
if it does not have time to Roost. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey both do a good job of Wish-passing and walling Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor. Entry hazard support is absolutely helpful to guarantee some KOs on specific targets. Without a single layer of Spikes or Stealth Rock, Jolly Staraptor cannot OHKO physically-defensive Blissey or Celebi with a super-effective move. Having some entry hazards also puts hazard-weak opponents, such as Gyarados and Salamence, in an awkward position if they choose to switch into Brave Bird.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>In general, Staraptor can slot itself be put into any offensively-oriented team that needs a teammate to batter the opposing team. Since Staraptor can deal high damage alongside great coverage, no specific teammate is needed to support it offensively. However, its worst nightmares lie in opponents that he cannot KO in one or two turns. Such opponents include Steel-types neutral to his Close Combat, Pokémon with moderately powerful priority moves, and physically defensive walls, or stallers. Faster Pokemon can also eliminate Staraptor, though it should be noted that some mant of them can’t take an attack. Nevertheless, Staraptor should be paired up with Pokemon who thatcan pivot these threats.</p>
<p>Offensive versions of Starmie do a decent job at defending Staraptor from the likes of most physical walls and Steel-types, 2HKOing or OHKOing them with a STAB Hydro Pump or the appropriate super-effective move. Starmie also has very high Speed, allowing it to eliminate faster opponents that would normally check Staraptor. Particularly, Choice Specs or Life Orb Starmie should be used so certain opponents such as Scizor are OHKOed immediately. Fire-types do well alongside Staraptor as well. Heatran, Shandera, Infernape, Rotom-H, and Hihidaruma are able to check many Steel-types and physical walls using STAB Fire-type moves. Specifically, Heatran, Shandera, and Rotom-H have decent offensive as well as defensive partnership synergy with Staraptor because they resist many Special Attacks aimed at it. Hihidaruma can employ its Choice Scarf set to check faster Pokemon as well, though it’s notably frail. Magnezone is a special mention; due to its ability, Magnet Pull, it which can trap Steel-types and eliminate them permanently. Due to its high Special Attack, Magnezone can somewhat check physical walls and kill Steel-types quickly. Provided Magnezone is behind a Substitute, it can also get in another hit or cripple the switch-in with Thunder Wave.</p>
<p>In terms of entry hazards, Staraptor has a love-hate relationship with entry hazards them. Because Staraptor is likely to switch in and out of the battlefield often, it will absolutely hate taking 25% damage every time it switches in. Again, Life Orb Starmie makes a great teammate in this case; not only does Starmie offer a good partnership synergy in general, it can also eliminate spinblockers and Rapid Spin afterwards to take out get rid of Stealth Rock. Magic Mirror Espeon also maintains an offensive presence on the battlefield while reflecting entry hazards back at the opponent. Keep in mind that if Espeon is used, you will probably have to predict the Stealth Rock. On the other hand, with simply just However, although Staraptor abhors having Stealth Rock on its side, Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes allows Choice Band and Life Orb Staraptor nets to net all the kills they it needs, such as on physically defensive Celebi or and Swampert. More entry hazards on the field are optimal, but unnecessary since one hazard (excluding Toxic Spikes) is all Staraptor requires. In the lead slot, Froslass gets a special mention for setting hazards, since it can check some leads and is almost guaranteed to set up at least one layer of Spikes. Due to its Ghost-typing, Froslass cannot be affected by Rapid Spin either. Nattorei absolutely loves taking special attacks aimed at Staraptor, and because of its bulk, can set up multiple entry hazards making Staraptor’s sweeping much easier. Additionally, an offensive team member with a random slot for Stealth Rock can always be used, such like as Infernape and Garchomp.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Like his its Normal-/Flying-type fellows peers, Staraptor doesn't have much else to say about the rest of its movepool, except that it's barren. Offensively, Staraptor always has to choose between Return and Double Edge as his its main Normal-type STAB move. In this case, Retribution is another option, but is generally situational because of limited use; the move can only be used at its full power (140 Base Power excluding STAB) when on the turn after a teammate has fainted. Retribution is best used on the Choice Scarf set where Staraptor can effectively revenge kill and is in need of more powerful options. Pursuit is an offensive option as well to pick off escaping Pokemon, though because of an extremely weak base power and having Brave Bird to hit Ghost-types, Pursuit is better left off to Tyranitar and Scizor.</p>
<p>A combination of Roost + and Substitute can be utilized so Staraptor can scout and defeat its counters before they can touch Staraptor behind a Substitute. This set's attacking options should be include Brave Bird and Close Combat because they offer great coverage as well as high base power. Roost is essential so Staraptor can heal off recoil caused by Brave Bird and Substitute, and instead of Life Orb, Staraptor can use a Sharp Beak to boost Brave Bird without additional recoil.</p>
<p>Agility can also be made into decent practice utilized decently with Life Orb. With an Agility and just a few Speed EVs, Staraptor can outspeed threats it couldn't touch before and , even KOing Doryuzuu in Sandstorm. However, Staraptor's Speed is generally satisfactory in OU where only a small margin outspeeds him {no its not- there are tons of pokes that outspeed it - this isn't fourth gen}, and most of the time, Staraptor would rather 2HKO threats rather than faint with after a somewhat useless speed boost. Speaking of boosting moves, Cheer Up is always an option on a Pokemon that has no other way of boosting its offenses, though Staraptor rarely finds time to set up with his its defenses. Cheer Up can be viable on an all-out offensive set where Staraptor can harder or as hard as his Choice Band set with a boosting item like Shark Beak or Life orb, or a support item like Lum Berry or Leftovers, respectively.<p>
[Counters]
<p>Staraptor generally hates having extra health taken away, and due to his recoil moves and frailness, it will not last long if it takes chip damage {what the hell is chip damage? Change all instances of Chip Damage to passive damage}. Stealth Rock is the easiest way of making sure Staraptor's life span remains limited is eliminated promptly. Chip damage can also be achieved through sandstorm and hail, both of which can be induced by the easily usable Tyranitar and the more specific Abomasnow. In addition to recoil alongside Stealth Rock and weather damage, Staraptor will find itself living less longer on the battlefield. Taking into account recoil damage, Stealth Rock, and weather damage, you will find that Staraptor's life span is generally extremely short. By simply using prediction and switching in resistances on to Staraptor’s attacks, the bird will fall eventually. One can also speed up the process by checking check Staraptor with faster threats such as Jolteon, Espeon, Starmie, Gengar, and Kojondo. Note that most of the Pokemon faster than Staraptor cannot take one of its attacks and some can be defeated by using U-Turn or Quick Attack.</p>
<p>As for walling or stalling out Staraptor, specifically physical walls do a great job of sponging or checking it. Though most bulky Water-types risk being 2HKOed by Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, they can take at least one of these attacks and retaliate with Ice Beam. Notable mentions are Swampert, Suicune, Vaporeon, and Mamanbou. Zapdos is a much faster, more offensively inclined physical wall than that resists Close Combat and Brave Bird and can swiftly eliminate the predatory bird with its choice of Electric-type move. Zapdos does risk being 2HKOed by Staraptor’s Normal-type moves along with being outsped, though. Desukan and Rotom {ROTOM IS NOT GHOST TYPE BTW} sponges and is immune to Staraptor’s moves, and, additionally, they can cripple Staraptor with Will-O-Wisp, rendering it useless for the rest of the match.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Staraptor's Dream World ability, Reckless, has already been released through male and female Staravia. In order to receive certain egg moves, such as Double Edge, with Reckless, such as Double Edge, a female Staravia from the Dream World must breed with a male Staravia with the egg moves so the offspring can receive both the egg moves and the ability when hatched. Reckless can certainly be considered over Intimidate for reasons explained above.<p>
Thanks, iDunno! I will implement the changes and update this post as soon as I can get my hands on a suitable keyboard.
...Are my analyses really that long? I guess so, huh? I'll have to avoid that for Togekiss and Jirachi.
...Are my analyses really that long? I guess so, huh? I'll have to avoid that for Togekiss and Jirachi.
stamping iDunno's check
Proofread:
Minor mistakes+changed all references to Doryuzuu to Excadrill since that is its english name.
Minor mistakes+changed all references to Doryuzuu to Excadrill since that is its english name.
[Overview]
<p>If one were to look at Staraptor in a vast sea of various threats, his purpose is “to die young as late as possible”. This predatory bird has the power to make an impact in its opposition through its fantastic Attack, decent Speed, and high base power moves. Why Staraptor is so threatening compared to its other Normal / Flying-type brethren is no mystery either; with Close Combat to dispose of Rock- and Steel-types and two great abilities that compliment his sweeping capabilities, Staraptor can OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support.</p>
<p>The bad news is that while Staraptor is perfectly able to commit mass murder, his lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil damage limits his survivability on the battlefield severly. However, Despite this weakness, Staraptor has many unique qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation and make it a huge offensive threat when met with the right conditions.</p>
[SET]
(No space)
name: Choice Band
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Band, Staraptor becomes just as fearsome as it was last generation. With its decent base 100 Speed, Staraptor can outspeed a lot of the metagame and come up out on top without being hit or severely crippled. Staraptor can even 2HKO some of the game’s standard physical walls, such as Vaporeon and, Swampert and Nattorei. The strategy is to simply spam a STAB move to puncture holes in the opposing team, using Close Combat against Rock- or Steel-types. Choice Band Staraptor also makes a fantastic lead with the presence of Team Preview. When Staraptor is leading, it should attempt to KO the opposing lead or U-Turn out of those who cause it trouble.</p>
<p>All of the moves here, except U-Turn, have over 100 base power and together have unresisted coverage, which can be fatal to anything that dares switch into Staraptor. Brave Bird is what makes Staraptor unique from most other physical sweepers- aside from recoil, Brave Bird is an otherwise abusable, consistent STAB move. Any Pokemon weak or neutral to Brave Bird will have a hefty chunk of their health taken away, however Steel-, Electric-, and Rock-types resist Flying-type moves, and are relatively common. Should Staraptor be against a Steel- or Rock-type, Close Combat is mandatory to fight them off, while Electric-types can be easily handled by Staraptor's STAB Normal-type move of choice. Double-Edge deals recoil damage and shortens Staraptor’s lifespan, so Return is a slightly weaker - yet still powerful - option to pick off the frail or the weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Staraptor has a decent expanse of options despite being a simple Choice set. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, is a matter of sustainability versus power. Whereas Jolly offers a Speed tie against positive natured base 100s, an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazard support to score necessary OHKOs and 2HKOs. Staraptor can also opt between two abilities: Intimidate and the new Reckless. Intimidate, as always, is a fantastic ability that lowers the opponent Pokemon’s Attack, granting Staraptor a few more opportunities to switch into physical attacks and sweep, such as Scizor's U-turn and Gyarados' Waterfall. Reckless, on the other hand, increases the attack power of Staraptor’s recoil moves -which are already very powerful on their own- by 20%, which is essentially a free Sharp Beak boost. Unless there is no need for Staraptor to survive certain attacks, Intimidate is the primary ability so Staraptor can at least soften up physical hits.</p>
<p>In the fourth slot, Staraptor can choose a utility move. U-Turn is the primary option so Staraptor can scout out its counters and put a decent dent in anything that doesn’t resist it. Since Choice Band boosts U-Turn and nothing is immune to it except Shedinja, Staraptor can also make a sufficient scout; however, due to team preview, scouting is less necessary this generation than it was last generation. Though a super effective U-Turn is weaker than STAB Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, it can be used to take advantage of threats such like Erufuun, Celebi, and Espeon, while retaining momentum. Quick Attack is also a good option for the fourth slot; while it’s not the best move to be locked in, a Choice Band STAB boosted Quick Attack can maim frail, unsuspecting threats expecting to eliminate Staraptor.</p>
<p>Aside from faster threats that can defeat Staraptor before he lands a hit, Staraptor has trouble against a few mentions. Particularly, Staraptor cannot OHKO some Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross, with Close Combat, while in return, they all have ways of eliminating him. The best way to address these threats is to employ Heatran, Magnezone, or Shandera. Heatran and Shandera both have generally good defensive and offensive synergy with Staraptor and can promptly KO the aforementioned Pokemon with Fire Blasts coming from fantastically high Special Attack stats. Magnezone, on the other hand, ensures that all the Steel-types Staraptor faces are killed by utilizing Magnet Pull. Rapid Spin support is especially useful from the likes of Life Orb Starmie to spin away Stealth Rock, since Staraptor is likely going to switch in and out often. Starmie can also eliminate a few troublesome Pokemon with a powerful STAB Hydro Pump. Although Staraptor enjoys having Stealth Rock off of its own side of the field, Staraptor gets many significant KOs it would miss out on with Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes. A teammatewho can easily set at least one of these hazards is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of Staraptor’s problems of performing a successful sweep is that fact that a margin of Pokemon can still outspeed and KO him before he can land a successful hit. This problem is eliminated by giving Staraptor a Choice Scarf. By holding a Choice Scarf, it gains the ability to revenge kill, outspeed and KO its normal counters, and still maintain a powerful offensive presence. Because of Staraptor’s already high Attack and Speed, it can revenge or surprise kill nicely against unsuspecting setup threats and counters. Due to high Speed, Choice Scarf Staraptor can also make a great lead; unlike its Choice Band counterpart, Staraptor can now eliminate faster threats and limit set up.</p>
<p>Distinct from other revenge killers and scouts, Staraptor is not offensively weak and can actually serve multiple roles on a team with just one of its moves. Due to four of its main moves having over 100 base power, Staraptor can certainly make an impact despite being slightly weaker without a Choice Band. Brave Bird, as always, is a reliable STAB that can be used consistently. The only type that commonly resists the powerful Brave Bird is the Steel-type, which can be easily handled with team members or Close Combat. In addition to Brave Bird, Return or Double Edge can be used alongside it to provide powerful Normal-type STAB. Return is a reliable move than can pick off weak or weakened opponents, whereas Double Edge is basically a Normal-type version of Brave Bird with less coverage. Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge here because of this set’s lower damage output in comparison to the more offensive sets. Close Combat is mandatory on all Staraptor sets so it is not hard-stopped by Rock- and Steel-types. Keep in mind that since this set is weaker, Close Combat should be used to a minimum because of Rock- and Steel-types’ usually high Defense.</p>
<p>Unlike the previous set, U-Turn is crucial here so Staraptor can take advantage of its Speed and act more as a scout. To specify, U-Turn as always is a fantastic utility move that can throw the turbulence of the battle into the team’s favor. In addition, certain, if not most, Pokemon faster than Staraptor are hit super-effectively by U-Turn, so it can make a dent by predicting switch-ins and switching to the appropriate counter.The scouting method should be used early-game so Staraptor will not easily stopped by bulky attackers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>By using Starapator, one must process him under a choice of "sustainability versus power". A Jolly nature allows Staraptor a chance to speed tie with the likes of +1 Ulgamoth and +1 Salamence while keeping a steady step over slower Pokemon. An Adamant nature, however, grants Staraptor extra “oomph”; his damage output is slightly punctured by a lack of an Attack-boosting item. Intimidate and Reckless is also a matter of whether Staraptor is meant to be kept on the field or not. Intimidate increases Staraptor’s survivability against unboosted physical attacks, whereas Reckless gives a convenient boost to Double Edge and Brave Bird. Intimidate should be used to soften some hits, whereas Reckless essentially gives a slightly weaker, yet faster, version of Choice Band Staraptor. Obviously, investing in its defenses is futile, so max EV investment is given to Attack and Speed, the rest poured into Defense.</p>
<p>Because of its immunities and scouting ability, Staraptor finds itself switching in and out of the battlefield very often. Stealth Rock can be an ample threat to its survivability; therefore, employing an offensive Rapid Spinner ensures that Staraptor does it job well. Starmie and Mold Breaker Excadrill are both wonderful Rapid Spinners who can also pack a punch (it is ill advised to use Excadrill requiring Sandstorm). A user of Wish is also recommended so Staraptor can more easily scout and sweep in a healthy condition, especially when it is spamming recoil moves. Blissey and Chansey (holding an Evolution Stone) are the best choices for this role since they can sponge off any Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor and force switches, giving them opportunities to use Wish. Staraptor also doesn’t mind some entry hazard support to ensure some KOs.</p>
<p>The exchange in power for speed hurts Staraptor, since it can’t break through teams like it could with a Choice Band. Shubarugo, Skarmory, Metagross, Jirachi, Bronzong, and Scizor give Choice Scarf Staraptor trouble since they are all neutral to Close Combat and can survive a now-weakened Brave Bird. Magnezone, Shandera, and Heatran again make good teammates for Staraptor for eliminating these threats and having fantastic Special Attack stats. They can also be used to eliminate physically-defensive walls that Staraptor dislikes. Rotom is either resistant or immune to Staraptor’s attacks, and can cripple any one of Staraptor or any one of its teammates with Will-o-Wisp or Thunder Wave. In fact, most Electric-types in general are solid counters. A substantial way to address Electric-types is by utilizing Jolteon; with its decent Special Defense and with a possible Special Attack boost by LightningRod, Jolteon by itself becomes a threatening Special sweeper.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: Roost / Quick Attack
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Choice Band Staraptor is already a monster, one of the problems it consistently finds itself in is its inability to switch attacks and reliably beat his resistances. Granting Staraptor a Life Orb allows Staraptor the pleasure of switching attacks, in exchange for a bit of survivability. Instead of having to rely on prediction and teammates to beat counters, Staraptor can now sweep through teams by simply abusing his powerful attacks and using the correct move on opponents that would normally counter it. Because of its high Attack and moderately high Speed, Life Orb suits Staraptor perfectly; whereas Staraptor’s Choice sets are the “battering rams” of a team, this set aims to be more of a sweeper with good coverage.</p>
<p>Like on every Staraptor set, Brave Bird and Close Combat are givens due to both having good coverage together, as well as high base power. In fact, many Rock- and Rock-types can be 2HKOed by the simple combination of Brave Bird followed by Close Combat, so Staraptor is not easily walled. Return is the main option as a secondary STAB move because it does not induce recoil as Double Edge does. Return can also reliably pick off weakened enemies so Staraptor does not have to rely on its other risky moves to KO threats. Roost is given a slot to alleviate recoil and Stealth Rock damage and continue its rampage longer. Quick Attack can also be put in place of it. At times, Staraptor may fall short of KOs and may be against rather frail opponents, so Quick Attack can eliminate weak targets before they can land a hit. U-Turn can be used for scouting would-be counters, but has more utility on Staraptor’s choice sets where Staraptor takes less damage from recoil. Keep in mind that replacing Roost means that Staraptor will lack recovery, making his life span shorter.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Slightly unlike its choice sets, Staraptor has a slightly larger expanse of other options to choose from. It can opt to use Double Edge for more power; however, Staraptor requires Brave Bird, which offers more coverage and already induces recoil, so Double Edge needs careful consideration so it’s not “overkill”. One benefit of using Double Edge is the fact that Staraptor also has Roost, which alleviates the recoil anyways. Staraptor’s two abilities, Intimidate and Reckless, also need to be considered for “sustainability versus power”. Whereas Intimidate allows Staraptor to switch into physical attacks often without taking dire damage, Reckless boosts the power of Brave Bird and Double Edge (essentially a free Bird Beak boost). By using Reckless, Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge because of Roost and the power boost.</p>
<p>As for the choice of nature, a Jolly nature is primary so Staraptor can speed tie with Pokemon at the base 100 mark, like Zapdos, Celebi, and Victini. However, a Staraptor with an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazards and has more power than its Jolly counterparts overall. It should be noted that with a little entry hazards, a Jolly nature achieves all of Staraptor’s necessary KOs.</p>
<p>Like its choiced counterparts, Life Orb Staraptor has issues with facing certain Steel-types, bulky walls, and faster opponents. Staraptor is in even greater danger with tanks because the opponent can take advantage of resistances and attempt to stall out Staraptor with Life Orb damage and recoil. Heatran, Shandera, and Magnezone are near-perfect teammates as explained in the above analyses. Since Staraptor’s lifespan is shortened with Life Orb, Wish support is optional if it does not have time to Roost. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey both do a good job of Wish-passing and walling Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor. Entry hazard support is absolutely helpful to guarantee some KOs on specific targets. Without a single layer of Spikes or Stealth Rock, Jolly Staraptor cannot OHKO physically-defensive Blissey or Celebi with a super-effective move. Having some entry hazards also puts hazard-weak opponents, such as Gyarados and Salamence, in an awkward position if they choose to switch into Brave Bird.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>In general, Staraptor can slot itself into any offensively-oriented team that needs a teammate to batter the opposing team. Since Staraptor can deal high damage alongside great coverage, no specific teammate is needed to support it offensively. However, its worst nightmares lie in opponents that he cannot KO in one or two turns. Such opponents include Steel-types neutral to his Close Combat, Pokémon with moderately powerful priority moves, and physically defensive walls, or stallers. Faster Pokemon can also eliminate Staraptor, though it should be noted that some of them can’t take an attack. Nevertheless, Staraptor should be paired up with Pokemon who can pivot these threats.</p>
<p>Offensive versions of Starmie do a decent job at defending Staraptor from the likes of most physical walls and Steel-types, 2HKOing or OHKOing them with a STAB Hydro Pump or the appropriate super-effective move. Starmie also has very high Speed, allowing it to eliminate faster opponents that would normally check Staraptor. Particularly, Choice Specs or Life Orb Starmie should be used so certain opponents such as Scizor are OHKOed immediately. Fire-types do well alongside Staraptor as well. Heatran, Shandera, Infernape, Rotom-H, and Hihidaruma are able to check many Steel-types and physical walls using STAB Fire-type moves. Specifically, Heatran, Shandera, and Rotom-H have decent offensive as well as defensive partnership with Staraptor because they resist many Special Attacks aimed at it. Hihidaruma can employ its Choice Scarf set to check faster Pokemon as well, though it’s notably frail. Magnezone is a special mention; due to its ability, Magnet Pull, it can trap Steel-types and eliminate them permanently. Due to its high Special Attack, Magnezone can somewhat check physical walls and kill Steel-types quickly. Provided Magnezone is behind a Substitute, it can also get in another hit or cripple the switch-in with Thunder Wave.</p>
<p>In terms of entry hazards, Staraptor has a love-hate relationship with them. Because Staraptor is likely to switch in and out of the battlefield often, it will absolutely hate taking 25% damage every time it switches in. Again, Life Orb Starmie makes a great teammate in this case; not only does Starmie offer a good partnership in general, it can also eliminate spinblockers and Rapid Spin afterwards to take out Stealth Rock. Magic Mirror Espeon also maintains an offensive presence on the battlefield while reflecting entry hazards back at the opponent. Keep in mind that if Espeon is used, you will probably have to predict the Stealth Rock. On the other hand, with simply just Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes, Choice Band and Life Orb Staraptor nets all the kills they need, such as on physically defensive Celebi or Swampert. More entry hazards on the field are optimal, but unnecessary since one hazard (excluding Toxic Spikes) is all Staraptor requires. In the lead slot, Froslass gets a special mention since it can check some leads and is almost guaranteed to set up at least one layer of Spikes. Due to its Ghost-typing, Froslass cannot be affected by Rapid Spin either. Nattorei absolutely loves taking special attacks aimed at Staraptor, and because of its bulk, can set up multiple entry hazards making Staraptor’s sweeping much easier. Additionally, an offensive team member with a random slot for Stealth Rock can always be used, such like Infernape and Garchomp.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Like his Normal-/Flying-type fellows, Staraptor doesn't have much to say about the rest of his movepool except it's barren. Offensively, Staraptor always has to choose between Return and Double Edge as his main Normal-type STAB move. In this case, Retribution is an option, but is generally situational because of limited use; the move can only be used at its full power (140 Base Power excluding STAB) when a teammate has fainted. Retribution is best used on the Choice Scarf set where Staraptor can effectively revenge kill and is in need of more powerful options. Pursuit is an offensive option as well to pick off escaping Pokemon, though because of an extremely weak base power and Brave Bird to hit Ghost-types, Pursuit is better left off to Tyranitar and Scizor.</p>
<p>A combination of Roost + Substitute can be utilized so Staraptor can scout and defeat its counters before they can touch Staraptor behind a Substitute. This set's attacking options should be Brave Bird and Close Combat because they offer great coverage as well as high base power. Roost is essential so Staraptor can heal off recoil caused by Brave Bird and Subtitute, and instead of Life Orb, Staraptor can use a Sharp Beak to boost Brave Bird without additional recoil.</p>
<p>Agility can also be made into decent practice with Life Orb. With an Agility and just a few Speed EVs, Staraptor can outspeed threats it couldn't touch before and even KO Excadrill in Sandstorm(This sounds as if Staraptor could not OHKO Excadrill before. I get what you mean but maybe if you rephrase that to convey that Staraptor can outspeed Excadrill after an Agility, if that is what you meant.). However, Staraptor's Speed is generally satisfactory in OU where only a small margin outspeeds him, and most of the time, Staraptor would rather 2HKO threats rather than faint with a somewhat useless speed boost. Speaking of boosting moves, Cheer Up is always an option on a Pokemon that has no other way of boosting its offenses, though Staraptor rarely finds time to set up with his defenses. Cheer Up can be viable on an all-out offensive set where Staraptor can harder or as hard as his Choice Band set with a boosting item like Shark Beak, or a support item like Lum Berry or Leftovers, respectively.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Staraptor generally hates having extra health taken away, and due to his recoil moves and frailness, it will not last long if it takes chip damage. Stealth Rock is the easiest way of making sure Staraptor is eliminated promptly. Chip damage can also be achieved through sandstorm and hail, both of which can be induced by the easily usable Tyranitar and the more specific Abomasnow. In addition to recoil alongside Stealth Rock and weather damage, Staraptor will find itself living less longer on the battlefield. By simply using prediction and switching in resistances on Staraptor’s attacks, the bird will fall eventually. One can also speed up the process by checking Staraptor with faster threats such as Jolteon, Espeon, Starmie, Gengar, and Kojondo. Note that most of the Pokemon faster than Staraptor cannot take one of its attacks and some can be defeated using U-Turn or Quick Attack.</p>
<p>As for walling or stalling out Staraptor, specifically physical walls do a great job of sponging or checking it. Though most bulky water-types risk being 2HKOed by Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, they can take at least one of these attacks and retaliate with Ice Beam. Notable mentions are Swampert, Suicune, Vaporeon, and Mamanbou. Zapdos is a much faster, more offensive physical wall than that resists Close Combat and Brave Bird and can swiftly eliminate the predatory bird with its choice of Electric-type move. Zapdos does risk being 2HKOed by Staraptor’s Normal-type moves along with being outsped, though. Desukan and Rotom sponges and is immune to Staraptor’s moves, and additionally, they can cripple Staraptor with Will-O-Wisp, rendering it useless for the rest of the match.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Staraptor's Dream World ability, Reckless, has already been released though male and female Staravia. In order to receive certain egg moves, such as Double Edge, with Reckless, female Staravia from the Dream World must breed with a male Staravia with the egg moves so the offspring can receive both the egg moves and the ability when hatched. Reckless can certainly be considered over Intimidate for reasons explained above.</p>
<p>If one were to look at Staraptor in a vast sea of various threats, his purpose is “to die young as late as possible”. This predatory bird has the power to make an impact in its opposition through its fantastic Attack, decent Speed, and high base power moves. Why Staraptor is so threatening compared to its other Normal / Flying-type brethren is no mystery either; with Close Combat to dispose of Rock- and Steel-types and two great abilities that compliment his sweeping capabilities, Staraptor can OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support.</p>
<p>The bad news is that while Staraptor is perfectly able to commit mass murder, his lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil damage limits his survivability on the battlefield severly. However, Despite this weakness, Staraptor has many unique qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation and make it a huge offensive threat when met with the right conditions.</p>
[SET]
(No space)
name: Choice Band
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Band, Staraptor becomes just as fearsome as it was last generation. With its decent base 100 Speed, Staraptor can outspeed a lot of the metagame and come up out on top without being hit or severely crippled. Staraptor can even 2HKO some of the game’s standard physical walls, such as Vaporeon and, Swampert and Nattorei. The strategy is to simply spam a STAB move to puncture holes in the opposing team, using Close Combat against Rock- or Steel-types. Choice Band Staraptor also makes a fantastic lead with the presence of Team Preview. When Staraptor is leading, it should attempt to KO the opposing lead or U-Turn out of those who cause it trouble.</p>
<p>All of the moves here, except U-Turn, have over 100 base power and together have unresisted coverage, which can be fatal to anything that dares switch into Staraptor. Brave Bird is what makes Staraptor unique from most other physical sweepers- aside from recoil, Brave Bird is an otherwise abusable, consistent STAB move. Any Pokemon weak or neutral to Brave Bird will have a hefty chunk of their health taken away, however Steel-, Electric-, and Rock-types resist Flying-type moves, and are relatively common. Should Staraptor be against a Steel- or Rock-type, Close Combat is mandatory to fight them off, while Electric-types can be easily handled by Staraptor's STAB Normal-type move of choice. Double-Edge deals recoil damage and shortens Staraptor’s lifespan, so Return is a slightly weaker - yet still powerful - option to pick off the frail or the weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Staraptor has a decent expanse of options despite being a simple Choice set. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, is a matter of sustainability versus power. Whereas Jolly offers a Speed tie against positive natured base 100s, an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazard support to score necessary OHKOs and 2HKOs. Staraptor can also opt between two abilities: Intimidate and the new Reckless. Intimidate, as always, is a fantastic ability that lowers the opponent Pokemon’s Attack, granting Staraptor a few more opportunities to switch into physical attacks and sweep, such as Scizor's U-turn and Gyarados' Waterfall. Reckless, on the other hand, increases the attack power of Staraptor’s recoil moves -which are already very powerful on their own- by 20%, which is essentially a free Sharp Beak boost. Unless there is no need for Staraptor to survive certain attacks, Intimidate is the primary ability so Staraptor can at least soften up physical hits.</p>
<p>In the fourth slot, Staraptor can choose a utility move. U-Turn is the primary option so Staraptor can scout out its counters and put a decent dent in anything that doesn’t resist it. Since Choice Band boosts U-Turn and nothing is immune to it except Shedinja, Staraptor can also make a sufficient scout; however, due to team preview, scouting is less necessary this generation than it was last generation. Though a super effective U-Turn is weaker than STAB Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, it can be used to take advantage of threats such like Erufuun, Celebi, and Espeon, while retaining momentum. Quick Attack is also a good option for the fourth slot; while it’s not the best move to be locked in, a Choice Band STAB boosted Quick Attack can maim frail, unsuspecting threats expecting to eliminate Staraptor.</p>
<p>Aside from faster threats that can defeat Staraptor before he lands a hit, Staraptor has trouble against a few mentions. Particularly, Staraptor cannot OHKO some Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross, with Close Combat, while in return, they all have ways of eliminating him. The best way to address these threats is to employ Heatran, Magnezone, or Shandera. Heatran and Shandera both have generally good defensive and offensive synergy with Staraptor and can promptly KO the aforementioned Pokemon with Fire Blasts coming from fantastically high Special Attack stats. Magnezone, on the other hand, ensures that all the Steel-types Staraptor faces are killed by utilizing Magnet Pull. Rapid Spin support is especially useful from the likes of Life Orb Starmie to spin away Stealth Rock, since Staraptor is likely going to switch in and out often. Starmie can also eliminate a few troublesome Pokemon with a powerful STAB Hydro Pump. Although Staraptor enjoys having Stealth Rock off of its own side of the field, Staraptor gets many significant KOs it would miss out on with Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes. A teammatewho can easily set at least one of these hazards is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of Staraptor’s problems of performing a successful sweep is that fact that a margin of Pokemon can still outspeed and KO him before he can land a successful hit. This problem is eliminated by giving Staraptor a Choice Scarf. By holding a Choice Scarf, it gains the ability to revenge kill, outspeed and KO its normal counters, and still maintain a powerful offensive presence. Because of Staraptor’s already high Attack and Speed, it can revenge or surprise kill nicely against unsuspecting setup threats and counters. Due to high Speed, Choice Scarf Staraptor can also make a great lead; unlike its Choice Band counterpart, Staraptor can now eliminate faster threats and limit set up.</p>
<p>Distinct from other revenge killers and scouts, Staraptor is not offensively weak and can actually serve multiple roles on a team with just one of its moves. Due to four of its main moves having over 100 base power, Staraptor can certainly make an impact despite being slightly weaker without a Choice Band. Brave Bird, as always, is a reliable STAB that can be used consistently. The only type that commonly resists the powerful Brave Bird is the Steel-type, which can be easily handled with team members or Close Combat. In addition to Brave Bird, Return or Double Edge can be used alongside it to provide powerful Normal-type STAB. Return is a reliable move than can pick off weak or weakened opponents, whereas Double Edge is basically a Normal-type version of Brave Bird with less coverage. Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge here because of this set’s lower damage output in comparison to the more offensive sets. Close Combat is mandatory on all Staraptor sets so it is not hard-stopped by Rock- and Steel-types. Keep in mind that since this set is weaker, Close Combat should be used to a minimum because of Rock- and Steel-types’ usually high Defense.</p>
<p>Unlike the previous set, U-Turn is crucial here so Staraptor can take advantage of its Speed and act more as a scout. To specify, U-Turn as always is a fantastic utility move that can throw the turbulence of the battle into the team’s favor. In addition, certain, if not most, Pokemon faster than Staraptor are hit super-effectively by U-Turn, so it can make a dent by predicting switch-ins and switching to the appropriate counter.The scouting method should be used early-game so Staraptor will not easily stopped by bulky attackers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>By using Starapator, one must process him under a choice of "sustainability versus power". A Jolly nature allows Staraptor a chance to speed tie with the likes of +1 Ulgamoth and +1 Salamence while keeping a steady step over slower Pokemon. An Adamant nature, however, grants Staraptor extra “oomph”; his damage output is slightly punctured by a lack of an Attack-boosting item. Intimidate and Reckless is also a matter of whether Staraptor is meant to be kept on the field or not. Intimidate increases Staraptor’s survivability against unboosted physical attacks, whereas Reckless gives a convenient boost to Double Edge and Brave Bird. Intimidate should be used to soften some hits, whereas Reckless essentially gives a slightly weaker, yet faster, version of Choice Band Staraptor. Obviously, investing in its defenses is futile, so max EV investment is given to Attack and Speed, the rest poured into Defense.</p>
<p>Because of its immunities and scouting ability, Staraptor finds itself switching in and out of the battlefield very often. Stealth Rock can be an ample threat to its survivability; therefore, employing an offensive Rapid Spinner ensures that Staraptor does it job well. Starmie and Mold Breaker Excadrill are both wonderful Rapid Spinners who can also pack a punch (it is ill advised to use Excadrill requiring Sandstorm). A user of Wish is also recommended so Staraptor can more easily scout and sweep in a healthy condition, especially when it is spamming recoil moves. Blissey and Chansey (holding an Evolution Stone) are the best choices for this role since they can sponge off any Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor and force switches, giving them opportunities to use Wish. Staraptor also doesn’t mind some entry hazard support to ensure some KOs.</p>
<p>The exchange in power for speed hurts Staraptor, since it can’t break through teams like it could with a Choice Band. Shubarugo, Skarmory, Metagross, Jirachi, Bronzong, and Scizor give Choice Scarf Staraptor trouble since they are all neutral to Close Combat and can survive a now-weakened Brave Bird. Magnezone, Shandera, and Heatran again make good teammates for Staraptor for eliminating these threats and having fantastic Special Attack stats. They can also be used to eliminate physically-defensive walls that Staraptor dislikes. Rotom is either resistant or immune to Staraptor’s attacks, and can cripple any one of Staraptor or any one of its teammates with Will-o-Wisp or Thunder Wave. In fact, most Electric-types in general are solid counters. A substantial way to address Electric-types is by utilizing Jolteon; with its decent Special Defense and with a possible Special Attack boost by LightningRod, Jolteon by itself becomes a threatening Special sweeper.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: Roost / Quick Attack
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Choice Band Staraptor is already a monster, one of the problems it consistently finds itself in is its inability to switch attacks and reliably beat his resistances. Granting Staraptor a Life Orb allows Staraptor the pleasure of switching attacks, in exchange for a bit of survivability. Instead of having to rely on prediction and teammates to beat counters, Staraptor can now sweep through teams by simply abusing his powerful attacks and using the correct move on opponents that would normally counter it. Because of its high Attack and moderately high Speed, Life Orb suits Staraptor perfectly; whereas Staraptor’s Choice sets are the “battering rams” of a team, this set aims to be more of a sweeper with good coverage.</p>
<p>Like on every Staraptor set, Brave Bird and Close Combat are givens due to both having good coverage together, as well as high base power. In fact, many Rock- and Rock-types can be 2HKOed by the simple combination of Brave Bird followed by Close Combat, so Staraptor is not easily walled. Return is the main option as a secondary STAB move because it does not induce recoil as Double Edge does. Return can also reliably pick off weakened enemies so Staraptor does not have to rely on its other risky moves to KO threats. Roost is given a slot to alleviate recoil and Stealth Rock damage and continue its rampage longer. Quick Attack can also be put in place of it. At times, Staraptor may fall short of KOs and may be against rather frail opponents, so Quick Attack can eliminate weak targets before they can land a hit. U-Turn can be used for scouting would-be counters, but has more utility on Staraptor’s choice sets where Staraptor takes less damage from recoil. Keep in mind that replacing Roost means that Staraptor will lack recovery, making his life span shorter.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Slightly unlike its choice sets, Staraptor has a slightly larger expanse of other options to choose from. It can opt to use Double Edge for more power; however, Staraptor requires Brave Bird, which offers more coverage and already induces recoil, so Double Edge needs careful consideration so it’s not “overkill”. One benefit of using Double Edge is the fact that Staraptor also has Roost, which alleviates the recoil anyways. Staraptor’s two abilities, Intimidate and Reckless, also need to be considered for “sustainability versus power”. Whereas Intimidate allows Staraptor to switch into physical attacks often without taking dire damage, Reckless boosts the power of Brave Bird and Double Edge (essentially a free Bird Beak boost). By using Reckless, Staraptor can actually afford to use Double Edge because of Roost and the power boost.</p>
<p>As for the choice of nature, a Jolly nature is primary so Staraptor can speed tie with Pokemon at the base 100 mark, like Zapdos, Celebi, and Victini. However, a Staraptor with an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazards and has more power than its Jolly counterparts overall. It should be noted that with a little entry hazards, a Jolly nature achieves all of Staraptor’s necessary KOs.</p>
<p>Like its choiced counterparts, Life Orb Staraptor has issues with facing certain Steel-types, bulky walls, and faster opponents. Staraptor is in even greater danger with tanks because the opponent can take advantage of resistances and attempt to stall out Staraptor with Life Orb damage and recoil. Heatran, Shandera, and Magnezone are near-perfect teammates as explained in the above analyses. Since Staraptor’s lifespan is shortened with Life Orb, Wish support is optional if it does not have time to Roost. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey both do a good job of Wish-passing and walling Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor. Entry hazard support is absolutely helpful to guarantee some KOs on specific targets. Without a single layer of Spikes or Stealth Rock, Jolly Staraptor cannot OHKO physically-defensive Blissey or Celebi with a super-effective move. Having some entry hazards also puts hazard-weak opponents, such as Gyarados and Salamence, in an awkward position if they choose to switch into Brave Bird.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>In general, Staraptor can slot itself into any offensively-oriented team that needs a teammate to batter the opposing team. Since Staraptor can deal high damage alongside great coverage, no specific teammate is needed to support it offensively. However, its worst nightmares lie in opponents that he cannot KO in one or two turns. Such opponents include Steel-types neutral to his Close Combat, Pokémon with moderately powerful priority moves, and physically defensive walls, or stallers. Faster Pokemon can also eliminate Staraptor, though it should be noted that some of them can’t take an attack. Nevertheless, Staraptor should be paired up with Pokemon who can pivot these threats.</p>
<p>Offensive versions of Starmie do a decent job at defending Staraptor from the likes of most physical walls and Steel-types, 2HKOing or OHKOing them with a STAB Hydro Pump or the appropriate super-effective move. Starmie also has very high Speed, allowing it to eliminate faster opponents that would normally check Staraptor. Particularly, Choice Specs or Life Orb Starmie should be used so certain opponents such as Scizor are OHKOed immediately. Fire-types do well alongside Staraptor as well. Heatran, Shandera, Infernape, Rotom-H, and Hihidaruma are able to check many Steel-types and physical walls using STAB Fire-type moves. Specifically, Heatran, Shandera, and Rotom-H have decent offensive as well as defensive partnership with Staraptor because they resist many Special Attacks aimed at it. Hihidaruma can employ its Choice Scarf set to check faster Pokemon as well, though it’s notably frail. Magnezone is a special mention; due to its ability, Magnet Pull, it can trap Steel-types and eliminate them permanently. Due to its high Special Attack, Magnezone can somewhat check physical walls and kill Steel-types quickly. Provided Magnezone is behind a Substitute, it can also get in another hit or cripple the switch-in with Thunder Wave.</p>
<p>In terms of entry hazards, Staraptor has a love-hate relationship with them. Because Staraptor is likely to switch in and out of the battlefield often, it will absolutely hate taking 25% damage every time it switches in. Again, Life Orb Starmie makes a great teammate in this case; not only does Starmie offer a good partnership in general, it can also eliminate spinblockers and Rapid Spin afterwards to take out Stealth Rock. Magic Mirror Espeon also maintains an offensive presence on the battlefield while reflecting entry hazards back at the opponent. Keep in mind that if Espeon is used, you will probably have to predict the Stealth Rock. On the other hand, with simply just Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes, Choice Band and Life Orb Staraptor nets all the kills they need, such as on physically defensive Celebi or Swampert. More entry hazards on the field are optimal, but unnecessary since one hazard (excluding Toxic Spikes) is all Staraptor requires. In the lead slot, Froslass gets a special mention since it can check some leads and is almost guaranteed to set up at least one layer of Spikes. Due to its Ghost-typing, Froslass cannot be affected by Rapid Spin either. Nattorei absolutely loves taking special attacks aimed at Staraptor, and because of its bulk, can set up multiple entry hazards making Staraptor’s sweeping much easier. Additionally, an offensive team member with a random slot for Stealth Rock can always be used, such like Infernape and Garchomp.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Like his Normal-/Flying-type fellows, Staraptor doesn't have much to say about the rest of his movepool except it's barren. Offensively, Staraptor always has to choose between Return and Double Edge as his main Normal-type STAB move. In this case, Retribution is an option, but is generally situational because of limited use; the move can only be used at its full power (140 Base Power excluding STAB) when a teammate has fainted. Retribution is best used on the Choice Scarf set where Staraptor can effectively revenge kill and is in need of more powerful options. Pursuit is an offensive option as well to pick off escaping Pokemon, though because of an extremely weak base power and Brave Bird to hit Ghost-types, Pursuit is better left off to Tyranitar and Scizor.</p>
<p>A combination of Roost + Substitute can be utilized so Staraptor can scout and defeat its counters before they can touch Staraptor behind a Substitute. This set's attacking options should be Brave Bird and Close Combat because they offer great coverage as well as high base power. Roost is essential so Staraptor can heal off recoil caused by Brave Bird and Subtitute, and instead of Life Orb, Staraptor can use a Sharp Beak to boost Brave Bird without additional recoil.</p>
<p>Agility can also be made into decent practice with Life Orb. With an Agility and just a few Speed EVs, Staraptor can outspeed threats it couldn't touch before and even KO Excadrill in Sandstorm(This sounds as if Staraptor could not OHKO Excadrill before. I get what you mean but maybe if you rephrase that to convey that Staraptor can outspeed Excadrill after an Agility, if that is what you meant.). However, Staraptor's Speed is generally satisfactory in OU where only a small margin outspeeds him, and most of the time, Staraptor would rather 2HKO threats rather than faint with a somewhat useless speed boost. Speaking of boosting moves, Cheer Up is always an option on a Pokemon that has no other way of boosting its offenses, though Staraptor rarely finds time to set up with his defenses. Cheer Up can be viable on an all-out offensive set where Staraptor can harder or as hard as his Choice Band set with a boosting item like Shark Beak, or a support item like Lum Berry or Leftovers, respectively.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Staraptor generally hates having extra health taken away, and due to his recoil moves and frailness, it will not last long if it takes chip damage. Stealth Rock is the easiest way of making sure Staraptor is eliminated promptly. Chip damage can also be achieved through sandstorm and hail, both of which can be induced by the easily usable Tyranitar and the more specific Abomasnow. In addition to recoil alongside Stealth Rock and weather damage, Staraptor will find itself living less longer on the battlefield. By simply using prediction and switching in resistances on Staraptor’s attacks, the bird will fall eventually. One can also speed up the process by checking Staraptor with faster threats such as Jolteon, Espeon, Starmie, Gengar, and Kojondo. Note that most of the Pokemon faster than Staraptor cannot take one of its attacks and some can be defeated using U-Turn or Quick Attack.</p>
<p>As for walling or stalling out Staraptor, specifically physical walls do a great job of sponging or checking it. Though most bulky water-types risk being 2HKOed by Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, they can take at least one of these attacks and retaliate with Ice Beam. Notable mentions are Swampert, Suicune, Vaporeon, and Mamanbou. Zapdos is a much faster, more offensive physical wall than that resists Close Combat and Brave Bird and can swiftly eliminate the predatory bird with its choice of Electric-type move. Zapdos does risk being 2HKOed by Staraptor’s Normal-type moves along with being outsped, though. Desukan and Rotom sponges and is immune to Staraptor’s moves, and additionally, they can cripple Staraptor with Will-O-Wisp, rendering it useless for the rest of the match.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Staraptor's Dream World ability, Reckless, has already been released though male and female Staravia. In order to receive certain egg moves, such as Double Edge, with Reckless, female Staravia from the Dream World must breed with a male Staravia with the egg moves so the offspring can receive both the egg moves and the ability when hatched. Reckless can certainly be considered over Intimidate for reasons explained above.</p>
Alright, I think I made all of SOMALIA's and iDunno's changes! Thanks for the Doryuuzu/Excadrill parts.
Updated with GP 1/2, ready for my last one. Please inform me of any Japanese - English translation discrepancies. Let's get this done!
Updated with GP 1/2, ready for my last one. Please inform me of any Japanese - English translation discrepancies. Let's get this done!
Where is SubRoost?
In the other options. Tried it out, actually, and Staraptor just does a better job with Life Orb, period.
Changes in bold
Removals in red
Comments in bold red
[Overview]
<p>If one were to look at Staraptor in a vast sea of various threats, his purpose is “to die young as late as possible”. This predatory bird has the power to make an impact in its opposition through its fantastic Attack, decent Speed, and high Base Power moves. Why Staraptor is so threatening compared to its other Normal / Flying-type brethren is no mystery either; with Close Combat to dispose of Rock- and Steel-types and two great abilities that compliment its sweeping capabilities, Staraptor can OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support.</p>
<p>The bad news is that while Staraptor is perfectly able to commit mass murder, his lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil moves limits its survivability on the battlefield severely. However, despite this weakness, Staraptor has many unique qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation and make it a huge offensive threat when met with the right conditions.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Band, Staraptor becomes just as fearsome as it was last generation. With its decent base 100 Speed, Staraptor can outspeed a lot of the metagame and come out on top without being hit or severely crippled. Staraptor can even 2HKO some of the OU’s most hardened physical walls, such as Vaporeon, Swampert, and Nattorei. The strategy is to simple; spam a STAB move to puncture holes in the opposing team, using Close Combat against Rock- or Steel-types. Choice Band Staraptor also makes a fantastic lead with the presence of Team Preview. When Staraptor is leading, it should attempt to KO the opposing lead or U-Turn out of those who cause it trouble.<p>
<p>All of the moves on this set, with the exception of U-Turn, have over 100 Base Power, and together, (comma) have unresisted coverage, which can be fatal to anything that dares switch into Staraptor. Brave Bird is what makes Staraptor unique from most other physical sweepers, (comma) aside from recoil, Brave Bird is an otherwise completely abusable, consistent STAB move. Any Pokemon weak or neutral to Brave Bird will have a hefty chunk of their health taken away, however Steel-, Electric-, and Rock-types resist Flying-type moves, and are relatively common. Should Staraptor be against a Steel- or Rock-type, Close Combat is mandatory to fight them off, while Electric-types can be easily handled by Staraptor's STAB Normal-type move of choice. Double-Edge is more powerful, but deals recoil damage and reduces Staraptor's survivability even further. Return, on other hand, is a slightly weaker - yet still powerful - option, which can be useful in picking off the frail or the weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Staraptor has a decent expanse of options despite its simplicity. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, is a matter of sustainability versus power. Whereas Jolly offers a Speed tie against positive-natured base 100s, an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazard support to score necessary OHKOs and 2HKOs. Staraptor can also opt between its two fantastic abilities: Intimidate and the new Reckless. Intimidate, as always, is a fantastic ability that lowers the opponent Pokemon’s Attack on the switch-in, granting Staraptor a few more opportunities to switch into physical attacks and sweep, such as Scizor's U-turn and Gyarados' Waterfall. Reckless, on the other hand, increases the attack power of Staraptor’s recoil moves, (comma) which are already very powerful on their own, (comma) by 20%, which is essentially a free Sharp Beak boost. Unless there is no need for Staraptor to survive certain attacks, Intimidate is the primary ability so Staraptor can at least soften up physical hits. (this sentence doesn't make sense..)</p>
<p>In the fourth slot, Staraptor can decide on a utility move. U-Turn is the primary option so Staraptor can scout out its counters and put a decent dent in anything that doesn’t resist it. Since Choice Band boosts U-Turn and nothing is immune to it except Shedinja, Staraptor can also make a sufficient scout; however, due to team preview, scouting is less necessary this generation than it was last generation.(unnecessary... or moved) Though a super effective U-Turn is weaker than STAB Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, it can be used to take advantage of threats such as Erufuun, Celebi, and Espeon, while retaining momentum. Quick Attack is also a good option for the fourth slot; while it’s not the best move to be locked into, a Choice Band-boosted STAB Quick Attack can maim frail, unsuspecting threats expecting to eliminate Staraptor.</p>
<p>Aside from faster threats that can defeat Staraptor before it can land a hit, Staraptor has trouble against a few mentions. Particularly, Staraptor cannot OHKO certain Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross, which it can't OHKO with Close Combat. In return, they all have ways of eliminating it. The best way to address these threats is to employ Pokemon like Heatran, Magnezone, or Shandera. Heatran and Shandera both have generally good defensive and offensive synergy with Staraptor and can promptly KO the aforementioned Pokemon with STAB Fire Blast coming from fantastically high Special Attack stats. Magnezone, on the other hand, ensures that all the Steel-types Staraptor faces are killed by utilizing Magnet Pull. Rapid Spin support from the likes of Life Orb Starmie is especially useful in order to spin away Stealth Rock, which Staraptor is weak to, as Staraptor is likely going to be switching in and out often. Starmie can also eliminate a few troublesome Pokemon with its powerful STAB Hydro Pump. Although Staraptor enjoys having Stealth Rock off of its own side of the field, (... relevance?) Finally, Staraptor achieves many significant KOs it would otherwise miss out on with Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. An Offensively-inclined teammates that can set up these hazards include Infernape, Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Mamoswine.</p>
Removals in red
Comments in bold red
[Overview]
<p>If one were to look at Staraptor in a vast sea of various threats, his purpose is “to die young as late as possible”. This predatory bird has the power to make an impact in its opposition through its fantastic Attack, decent Speed, and high Base Power moves. Why Staraptor is so threatening compared to its other Normal / Flying-type brethren is no mystery either; with Close Combat to dispose of Rock- and Steel-types and two great abilities that compliment its sweeping capabilities, Staraptor can OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support.</p>
<p>The bad news is that while Staraptor is perfectly able to commit mass murder, his lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil moves limits its survivability on the battlefield severely. However, despite this weakness, Staraptor has many unique qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation and make it a huge offensive threat when met with the right conditions.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double Edge
Move 4: U-turn / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Band, Staraptor becomes just as fearsome as it was last generation. With its decent base 100 Speed, Staraptor can outspeed a lot of the metagame and come out on top without being hit or severely crippled. Staraptor can even 2HKO some of the OU’s most hardened physical walls, such as Vaporeon, Swampert, and Nattorei. The strategy is to simple; spam a STAB move to puncture holes in the opposing team, using Close Combat against Rock- or Steel-types. Choice Band Staraptor also makes a fantastic lead with the presence of Team Preview. When Staraptor is leading, it should attempt to KO the opposing lead or U-Turn out of those who cause it trouble.<p>
<p>All of the moves on this set, with the exception of U-Turn, have over 100 Base Power, and together, (comma) have unresisted coverage, which can be fatal to anything that dares switch into Staraptor. Brave Bird is what makes Staraptor unique from most other physical sweepers, (comma) aside from recoil, Brave Bird is an otherwise completely abusable, consistent STAB move. Any Pokemon weak or neutral to Brave Bird will have a hefty chunk of their health taken away, however Steel-, Electric-, and Rock-types resist Flying-type moves, and are relatively common. Should Staraptor be against a Steel- or Rock-type, Close Combat is mandatory to fight them off, while Electric-types can be easily handled by Staraptor's STAB Normal-type move of choice. Double-Edge is more powerful, but deals recoil damage and reduces Staraptor's survivability even further. Return, on other hand, is a slightly weaker - yet still powerful - option, which can be useful in picking off the frail or the weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Staraptor has a decent expanse of options despite its simplicity. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, is a matter of sustainability versus power. Whereas Jolly offers a Speed tie against positive-natured base 100s, an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazard support to score necessary OHKOs and 2HKOs. Staraptor can also opt between its two fantastic abilities: Intimidate and the new Reckless. Intimidate, as always, is a fantastic ability that lowers the opponent Pokemon’s Attack on the switch-in, granting Staraptor a few more opportunities to switch into physical attacks and sweep, such as Scizor's U-turn and Gyarados' Waterfall. Reckless, on the other hand, increases the attack power of Staraptor’s recoil moves, (comma) which are already very powerful on their own, (comma) by 20%, which is essentially a free Sharp Beak boost. Unless there is no need for Staraptor to survive certain attacks, Intimidate is the primary ability so Staraptor can at least soften up physical hits. (this sentence doesn't make sense..)</p>
<p>In the fourth slot, Staraptor can decide on a utility move. U-Turn is the primary option so Staraptor can scout out its counters and put a decent dent in anything that doesn’t resist it. Since Choice Band boosts U-Turn and nothing is immune to it except Shedinja, Staraptor can also make a sufficient scout; however, due to team preview, scouting is less necessary this generation than it was last generation.(unnecessary... or moved) Though a super effective U-Turn is weaker than STAB Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Return, it can be used to take advantage of threats such as Erufuun, Celebi, and Espeon, while retaining momentum. Quick Attack is also a good option for the fourth slot; while it’s not the best move to be locked into, a Choice Band-boosted STAB Quick Attack can maim frail, unsuspecting threats expecting to eliminate Staraptor.</p>
<p>Aside from faster threats that can defeat Staraptor before it can land a hit, Staraptor has trouble against a few mentions. Particularly, Staraptor cannot OHKO certain Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross, which it can't OHKO with Close Combat. In return, they all have ways of eliminating it. The best way to address these threats is to employ Pokemon like Heatran, Magnezone, or Shandera. Heatran and Shandera both have generally good defensive and offensive synergy with Staraptor and can promptly KO the aforementioned Pokemon with STAB Fire Blast coming from fantastically high Special Attack stats. Magnezone, on the other hand, ensures that all the Steel-types Staraptor faces are killed by utilizing Magnet Pull. Rapid Spin support from the likes of Life Orb Starmie is especially useful in order to spin away Stealth Rock, which Staraptor is weak to, as Staraptor is likely going to be switching in and out often. Starmie can also eliminate a few troublesome Pokemon with its powerful STAB Hydro Pump. Although Staraptor enjoys having Stealth Rock off of its own side of the field, (... relevance?) Finally, Staraptor achieves many significant KOs it would otherwise miss out on with Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. An Offensively-inclined teammates that can set up these hazards include Infernape, Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Mamoswine.</p>
Why not Double-Edge over Take Down?
Made most, if not all, of your edits, Aeron.
Let's get this done.
Let's get this done.
For Life Orb: Honestly I've found Quick Attack to be a million times more useful than Return (and Double Edge, but Brave Bird is better than that in every single way). Your Normal STAB on Staraptor is rather poor in comparison to its Flying STAB. Brave Bird 2HKOs all electrics besides very bulky Rotoms and Zapdos, which are rare (especially the latter). I feel Return deserves a slash so Staraptor can have a recoilless stab attack, but Double Edge, I feel is very inferior to Brave Bird. Quick Attack, on the other hand allows Staraptor to revenge a large number of faster threats and deal a decent 30%ish to them. Similarly Roost is also very integral for the set, since without Roost you just have a faster dieing, weaker CB Staraptor. Most people like to switch in a steel to force Staraptor to CC so they can get in a faster sweeper that resists it. (Landlos, Latios, Gengar etc) or a bulky intimidater (Salamence/Gyarados). Since eating a Reckless Brave Bird is way too difficult, for most faster sweeper. Staraptor can use these turns to Roost to mitigate all the recoil damage. And this, I think I crucial in giving Staraptor the longevity it need to break open teams.
Today, I edited the analysis to fit the new GP changes and standards implemented yesterday/today. Removed the Team Options and renamed the tags for “Counters” and “Optional Changes”.
As for the post above me, I think the analysis covers that.
Despite the changes, I only have one more GP Check left. “Let’s get to it!”
As for the post above me, I think the analysis covers that.
Despite the changes, I only have one more GP Check left. “Let’s get to it!”
You stated that adamant "turns some 2HKOs into 1HKOs." But have failed to list any signifigant pokemon in which it does this. And in some cases it must not matter all that much since you have quick attack. In that case Jolly is much more useful for the great ability to speed tie other base 100s.
Alright, this actually makes sense.
I have edited the analysis to reflect these words. Rather than state that Adamant Choice Band Staraptor gets more OHKOs than a Jolly-natured one, I simply said it has more power. I have also applied this somewhat on the Life Orb set.
That's still a pretty inane statement. What does Jolly help you outspeed/speed tie? What does Adamant help you break through? This is important stuff to know for a sweeper.
Intimidate is a 100% better ability than Reckless. Period.