yet another reason to run cyclohm
QC: 3/3 HealnDeal, sparktrain, sparktrain
GP: 1/2 Snobalt, GatoDelFuego
[OVERVIEW]
Talonflame is one of the premier revenge killers in the CAP Metagame, as its access to Gale Wings gives it the most powerful priority move in the game in Brave Bird, along with priority Roost and Tailwind. This, along with a fantastic base 126 Speed that allows it to outspeed a vast majority of the metagame and an excellent offensive STAB combination in Fire and Flying, makes Talonflame a potent offensive Pokemon. Its access to good support moves, such as Swords Dance, Bulk Up, Taunt, and Will-O-Wisp, gives it utility outside of pure revenge killing and adds a layer of unpredictability to Talonflame. It also has good resistances to Steel, Bug, Fire, and Fairy, and an immunity to Ground, which gives Talonflame ample opportunities to switch in against Pokemon such as Pyroak, Sylveon, and Heatran.
Unfortunately, Talonflame's 81 base Attack is quite low for an offensive Pokemon, so Talonflame must use boosting items or moves to hit hard. 78 / 71 / 69 defenses are below average, leaving Talonflame weak to strong attackers. Its weaknesses to common offensive types, such Water, Electric, and Rock, leave it checked by common offensive Pokemon. The Rock weakness, in particular, leaves Talonflame doubly weak to Stealth Rock, severely hampering its longevity, especially as its best STAB moves result in recoil. Furthermore, it has massive problems getting past traditional Flying checks, such as Rotom-W and Cyclohm, and is unable to function well until they are removed, requiring dedicated team support to perform.
[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Steel Wing/Tailwind/Roost
item: Choice Band/Sharp Beak/Life Orb
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is given priority by Gale Wings to give Talonflame the hardest-hitting priority move in the tier and give this set its revenge killing abilities. Flare Blitz is Talonflame's strongest secondary STAB option that allows it to power through most Electric- and Steel-types. U-turn takes advantage of Talonflame's high Speed to switch out of a predicted check, scout early-game, and land a solid hit on Tyranitar. In the last moveslot, Talonflame can opt for Steel Wing in order to deal heavy damage to Mega Diancie and Stratagem, which would otherwise be able to switch into anything Talonflame has and KO it with their chosen Rock-type STAB move. Tailwind is also an option as a sacrificial move, allowing Talonflame to support its team before it is knocked out. This can allow heavy-hitting Pokemon such as Mega Gardevoir or Landorus to have a chance to sweep. Alternatively, Roost can be used to offset Stealth Rock and recoil damage, but requires Talonflame to forgo a Choice Band.
Set Details
========
The recommended EV spread uses an Adamant nature to give Talonflame as much power as possible, while allowing it to outspeed fully invested positive-natured base 110 Speed Pokemon. Alternatively, a spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 Spe uses a Jolly nature to allow Talonflame to outspeed Cawmodore, which can otherwise beat it if boosted, while giving Talonflame as much power as possible. 64 EVs in HP help mitigate recoil damage. Gale Wings gives Talonflame access to priority Brave Bird, Tailwind, and Roost, which gives Talonflame its niche as a revenge killer. Choice Band gives Brave Bird the highest damage output possible and helps shore up Talonflame's lackluster base 81 Attack. Life Orb can also be used to give Talonflame the option to switch moves while still giving an attacking boost, but the recoil wears Talonflame down faster then any other item. Sharp Beak can also be used to bluff a Choice Band while still boosting Brave Bird without increasing the amount of recoil damage Talonflame takes, but gives a weaker boost then Choice Band or Life Orb.
Usage Tips
========
Use Talonflame on any team that needs a solid check to setup sweepers, such as Aurumoth, Mega Scizor, Cawmododre, and Mega Pinsir. Talonflame is best used conservatively, as its weakness to Stealth Rock and reliance on recoil moves can cause it to be worn down quickly. It is best used to scout early-game with U-turn, then clean up weakened teams late-game or revenge kill threatening sweepers mid-game. Try to avoid switching Talonflame into super effective or neutral attacks, as its less-than-stellar defenses will allow it to be worn down easily, which will diminish its revenge killing ability. It also pays to be careful spamming any attacks with Talonflame if Cyclohm is still alive; it's generally better to switch out of the predicted Cyclohm switch-in instead of potentially activating Static.
Team Options
========
Talonflame absolutely needs Rapid Spin or Defog to function, so any reliable user of these moves is appreciated. Colossoil makes for a great partner, as it can provide Rapid Spin support and beat the majority of the Electric- or Fire-type Pokemon that wall Talonflame. Other users of U-turn or Volt Switch, such as Rotom-W or Scizor, work well with Talonflame, as they can form VoltTurn cores. Talonflame also appreciates Stealth Rock support, as it allows Talonflame to ensure an OHKO on Pokemon such as Mollux, so Pokemon that can reliable set up Stealth Rock, such as Tomohawk, are appreciated. Other powerful Flying-types, such as Staraptor, Mega Pinsir, and Cawmodore, can help wear down each other's checks to sweep. Choice Band Staraptor can severely weaken Cyclohm and Rotom-W with Double-Edge, Mega Pinsir can severely weaken teams after a Swords Dance boost, and Cawmodore can blow past some of its checks after some prior damage from Talonflame.
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Acrobatics / Brave Bird
move 3: Roost
move 4: Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
item: No Item / Leftovers
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 252 Spd / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up allows Talonflame to set up on physical attackers, as it turns Talonflame's mediocre physical bulk into something substantial after several boosts. It also eases setup versus Foul Play users, as Foul Play can only 3HKO Talonflame at any given time. Roost allows Talonflame to heal off any damage taken. Acrobatics is the preferred attacking option, as it provides a high-Base Power STAB move while not inducing recoil damage, and the power difference between Acrobatics and Brave Bird is negligible after several boosts. Unfortunately, Acrobatics forces Talonflame to forgo the passive recovery of Leftovers, but it allows Talonflame to handle Knock Off more easily. Acrobatics receives priority from Gale Wings; this is allows Talonflame to hit would-be revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Keldeo. Brave Bird is an option if the passive recovery from Leftovers is a must, such as on sand teams, but the induced recoil from Brave Bird severely hampers Talonflame's ability to sweep and necessitates the use of Roost after knocking out high-HP targets such as Chansey, Pyroak, and Colossoil. The last moveslot is a toss-up between Taunt and Will-O-Wisp, with each one easing Talonflame's setup. Taunt allows Talonflame to safely set up on on most walls, protecting it from status, phazing, and opposing Taunts. It also allows Talonflame to turn one of its would-be checks, Heatran, into setup bait, and is useful from preventing entry hazards from being set up. Will-O-Wisp allows Talonflame to augment its uninvested physical bulk by burning physical attackers, but it must be careful burning Guts users such as Colossoil. Will-O-Wisp also has less utility against Fire-types and Magic Guard users such as Clefable.
Set Details
========
The given EVs along with a Calm nature give Talonflame the most special bulk possible and allows it to set up on powerful resisted attacks such as Hyper Voices from Sylveon or Mega Altaria and Fire Blasts from Mega Charizard Y. This is especially important given that Talonflame can use Bulk Up or Will-O-Wisp to shore up its weaker Defense. Gale Wings gives Acrobatics, Brave Bird, and Roost priority. No item is necessary for the use of Acrobatics, but Leftovers can be used with Brave Bird for passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
This Talonflame set is not meant to act as a powerful revenge killer like the Choice Band set or a sweeper like the Swords Dance set, but as a bulkier win condition that can take advantage of stall. Be careful when switching into physical attackers, as Talonflame's Defense is weak without any boosts, so try to set up on weak special threats before you face physical attackers. This set is notable because it can set up on a large number of Pokemon with ease, only fearing super effective attacks or very powerful physical attacks. For example, Talonflame can easily set up on any Sylveon set, and sets with Taunt can easily set up on Pyroak, Chansey, and Heatran.
Team Options
========
Talonflame will have trouble setting up if it loses half its health upon switching in, so Rapid Spin or Defog support is essential. Ground-types, such as Landorus and Colossoil, make for great teammates, as they can reliably beat the Electric-types that prevent Talonflame from sweeping. Electric- and Grass-types, such as Cyclohm and Mega Venusaur, can also break through the Water-types that can check Talonflame, such as Rotom-W and Keldeo.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird / Acrobatics
move 3:Flare Blitz
move 4: Roost
item: Sharp Beak / Life Orb / No Item
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs:64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Talonflame to quickly boost its Attack and power through teams with its Gale Wings Flying-type STAB move. Brave Bird is the preferred option here, as the extra damage it gains from the ability to run a boosting item is greatly appreciated, as this set is more concerned with damage output than longevity. Acrobatics is an option if recoil damage is a concern, but gives up the power from a boosting item. Flare Blitz is crucial for getting past Steel-types, such as Mega Metagross and Cawmodore, and Electric-types, such as Zapdos and Plasmanta, that would otherwise wall Talonflame. Roost allows Talonflame to heal off both entry hazard and recoil damage, while easing setup against Pokemon such Sylveon.
Set Details
========
The recommended EV spread uses a Jolly nature to allow Talonflame to outspeed Cawmodore, which can otherwise beat Talonflame if boosted, while giving Talonflame as much power as possible. 64 EVs in HP help to mitigate recoil damage. Alternatively, a spread of 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe with an Adamant nature gives Talonflame as much power as possible while allowing it to outspeed fully invested positive-natured base 110 Speed Pokemon. Gale Wings provides Talonflame with a reliable priority move in Brave Bird, allowing it to get past revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Keldeo. Sharp Beak boosts Brave Bird without wearing it down as quickly as Life Orb and allows Talonflame to bluff a Choice Band set. Life Orb is another option for a higher overall damage output, but between entry hazard and recoil damage, Talonflame will be worn down quickly. If Talonflame is using Acrobatics, it is forced to run no item.
Usage Tips
========
Use this set if you want an effective setup sweeper that can still function well as a revenge killer, as it will hit hard without a boost. This Talonflame can't break through stall effectively due to lack of Taunt or Will-O-Wisp to get past walls. Fortunately, this set will be able to sweep offensive teams easily, as it will hit hard after one boost and can function as a revenge killer even without any boosts due to investment in Attack. Try to play conservatively with this set, as switching Talonflame into neutral attacks or entry hazards repeatedly will compromise its bulk and ability to set up. Try to bring it in on resisted hits or off a free switch, preferably with Stealth Rock off your side of the field.
Team Options
========
Talonflame absolutely needs Rapid Spin or Defog to function, so any reliable user of these moves is appreciated. Colossoil makes a for great partner, as it can provide Rapid Spin support and beat the majority of the Electric- or Fire-type Pokemon that wall Talonflame. Pokemon that can get past Cyclohm, Stratagem, Rotom-W, and any other Pokemon that can take Fire- and Flying-type attacks are a must, as Talonflame will be unable to sweep if they are still in play. Other powerful Flying-types, such as Staraptor, Mega Pinsir, and Cawmodore, can help wear down each other's checks. Choice Band Staraptor can severely weaken Cyclohm and Roton-W with Double-Edge, Mega Pinsir can severely weaken teams after a Swords Dance boost, and Cawmodore can blow past some of its checks after some prior damage from Talonflame.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Natural Gift, in conjunction with Swords Dance and either Liechi or Apicot Berry, can be used to knock out or weaken some of Talonflame's checks and counters lured in. Liechi Berry will hit Rotom-W, Krilowatt, and Stratagem with a 100 Base Power Grass-type move, while Apicot Berry will hit Heatran and Cyclohm with a 100 Base Power Ground-type move. Unfortunately, all five of these Pokemon are popular checks to Talonflame, so it will never be able to get past them all with a single berry. Also, Cyclohm can take a +2 Nature Gift and KO back with its Electric-type STAB move. A stallbreaking set with Brave Bird, Roost, Taunt, and Will-O-Wisp, but it is unable to break through Mega Sableye, unlike the Bulk Up and Swords Dance sets.
Checks & Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Any Electric-type that can tank a Flare Blitz can easily check Talonflame. Cyclohm, Rotom-W, and Krilowatt are some of Talonflame's most reliable checks; Cyclohm in particular can take anything Talonflame can throw at it and KO back with its Electric-type STAB move. Mega Manectric, Zapdos, and Plasmanta can also check Talonflame, but must watch out for Flare Blitz.
**Rock-types**: Most Rock types can take any of Talonflame's moves save for Steel Wing and KO back with their STAB moves. Stratagem doesn't enjoy switching into Talonflame but can easily revenge kill it. Mega Diancie can also check any Talonflame set lacking Steel Wing.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types, such as Mega Slowbro or Suicuine, can take a Brave Bird and KO Talonflame with Scald.
**Heatran**: Heatran can take any attack from Talonflame, bar an Apicot Berry Natural Gift, and can proceed to set up Stealth Rock or cripple it with Toxic or Roar. Heatran lacking Ancient Power or Stone Edge will have to be wary of Taunt sets, though, as it will be unable to beat Talonflame if Taunted.
**Fast Pokemon That Resist Flying**: Faster Pokemon that resist Talonflame's Flying-type STAB moves, such as Mega Manectric, Mega Aerodactyl, and Choice Scarf Excadrill and Sand Rush Excadrill under sand will be able to take a Brave Bird or Acrobatics and KO Talonflame, although Mega Manectric and Excadrill have to watch out for Flare Blitz on the switch.
**Residual Damage**: As both of Talonflame's main STAB attacks induce recoil and Talonflame loses half its health to Stealth Rock upon switching in, Talonflame will often be knocked out from residual damage. This is especially true for sets without Roost, as they will be unable to recover HP.
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