[OVERVIEW]
Staraptor faces competition from Talonflame, with Staraptor's only niche over Talonflame being Final Gambit and its ability to hit Rock-types for super effective damage. Staraptor's only goal is to take out a Pokemon that threatens your team with Final Gambit; however, it can be used as a strong attacker instead of using Final Gambit, as it hits harder than Talonflame. Staraptor, however, does not have the priority Brave Bird that Talonflame possesses. Staraptor is also weak to common types such as Rock and Electric, so there aren't many opportunities to switch it in.
[SET]
name: KAMIKAZE (Final Gambit Attacker)
move 1: Final Gambit
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: U-turn / Double-Edge / Quick Attack
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 68 Atk / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Final Gambit allows Staraptor to be a nuke, essentially ensuring that it will always get a KO or deal heavy damage. Brave Bird gives Staraptor some offensive presence in case Final Gambit is not needed. Close Combat allows Staraptor to deal heavy damage to Steel- and Rock-types, such as Tyranitar. U-turn allows Staraptor to switch out and Intimidate shuffle, while Double-Edge is a stronger STAB move that is good against Electric-types that have higher HP, such as Zapdos. Quick Attack can be used so that Staraptor can finish off weakened Pokemon that are faster than it or have a priority move.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment allows Staraptor to OHKO certain Pokemon, most notably maximum HP Thundurus and anything below, with Final Gambit. 188 Speed EVs with a Choice Scarf allow Staraptor to outrun Choice Scarf Adamant Landorus-T. 68 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature allow Staraptor to have some offensive presence. Intimidate is the preferred ability, as Staraptor's main goal is to KO a Pokemon with Final Gambit, so using Intimidate can allow it to cripple physical attackers and support its teammate, which adds to Staraptor's utility.
Usage Tips
========
Do not recklessly use Final Gambit against one of the opponent's Pokemon. First, look at the opponent's team and determine what threatens your team the most; save Staraptor's Final Gambit for that Pokemon. Constantly using U-turn to Intimidate shuffle is a good idea, but make sure Staraptor doesn't take any or minimal damage.
Team Options
========
Staraptor generally doesn't need a partner to support it but instead prefers partners that it can support. Setup Pokemon are usually good partners for Staraptor because Staraptor can remove threats to that Pokemon and give it an easier time setting up. Mega Kangaskhan is a great Staraptor partner. Staraptor's Intimidate can add to Mega Kangaskhan's bulk by weakening opposing physical attackers, and Staraptor's Final Gambit can KO Pokemon that threaten Mega Kangaskhan while also opening up opportunities for Mega Kangaskhan to set up with Power-Up Punch. Mega Kangaskhan's Fake Out can also increase the chances of Staraptor getting off its Final Gambit safely. Staraptor can KO a threat to Mega Salamence, which gives it an opportunity to set up with Dragon Dance. Intimidate also weakens the opponent's physical attackers, which gives Mega Salamence an easier time setting up Dragon Dance. Bisharp and Hydreigon can get rid of Ghost-types that Staraptor has trouble against, such as Aegislash. Staraptor, in turn, can check Fighting-types that threaten Bisharp and Hydreigon or just open a way for them to deal massive damage by using Final Gambit against a threat.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Using Staraptor as an all-out attacking Pokemon with Reckless is an option. A Choice Band set is an option as well, should you want to take advantage of Staraptor's high Attack. Return is an alternative STAB move that doesn't inflict any recoil damage. Staraptor has access to Tailwind as well, so it can perform a role as a supportive attacker.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Priority**: Priority attacks, such as Fake Out or Talonflame's Brave Bird, will weaken Staraptor and thus make Final Gambit do less damage.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types are immune to Final Gambit, which is a problem if a Ghost-type threatens Staraptor's team. Aegislash, in particular, resists Staraptor's STAB types and is unaffected by Final Gambit.
**Speed Control**: While there are not many Pokemon that can outrun Choice Scarf Staraptor, that can all change with speed control. Staraptor has pretty poor defenses, despite having Intimidate, so most super effective hits will OHKO it or deal massive damage to it.
**Zapdos**: Zapdos resists Staraptor's STAB moves bar Double-Edge. It can also tank a Final Gambit and have its Sitrus Berry or Roost heal it back to a comfortable range.
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