[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Overheat
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Lightningrod / Sap Sipper
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>While using a Choice Scarf remains the most popular option, it should be noted that Zebstrika is already as fast as a lightning bolt without a boosting item, making a standard attacking set viable. By using a Life Orb, Zebstrika gains not only the ability to switch attacks and make better use of its movepool but also a marked increase in power, making revenge killing certain targets less of a hassle. Although Electrode is arguably more suited to this role due to its ability to outspeed Swellow and a few Choice Scarf users (and a marginal bulk increase), Zebstrika holds some advantages that make it worth consideration. Lightningrod lets Zebstrika switch into Thunder Waves from the likes of Regice and Probopass without repercussions. This is excellent for offensive teams that don't want one of their fast Pokemon to be crippled by these ubiquitous threats. It also lets Zebstrika completely destroy the momentum of Volt Switch users, both defensive, such as the aforementioned Probopass, and offensive ones such as Rotom-F and Rotom-S. Furthermore, at +1 Special Attack, Zebstrika is far more threatening than Electrode and can sweep teams more easily in the late-game. Alternatively, Sap Sipper can be used, letting Zebstrika switch into Roselia's Sleep Powder and preventing it from disabling a target. It's also great for switching into powerful Grass-type attacks such as Exeggutor's Leaf Storm and Torterra's Wood Hammer, although switching into such powerful attackers with Zebstrika's pitiful defenses is inherently risky. Overheat lets Zebstrika fill this niche more easily, providing a powerful weapon to use against the noted Grass-type Pokemon, while also dissuading them from switching into its STAB attacks later on. Overall, while Electrode can check Swellow more effectively, Zebstrika's extra offensive characteristics give its Life Orb set arguably more utility in the metagame.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>As Zebstrika can use Overheat to roast opposing Grass-type Pokemon, Hidden Power Grass is the most useful choice for the fourth moveslot, letting it more effectively with the likes of Golem and Seismitoad deal. However, Hidden Power Ice still retains utility against Altaria and other weakened Dragon-types. If you lack the appropriate Hidden Power type to deal with a certain threat, make sure to use teammates to fill in the gaps in Zebstrika's coverage. Torterra performs excellently against Golem, while Probopass can deal with Choice Specs Altaria, and Intimidate Mawile is a good response to physically-orientated Dragon-type Pokemon. A Modest nature can be used instead of Timid for more power, but this leaves Zebstrika unable to revenge kill targets such as Kadabra, Rapidash, and Tauros, which can be potentially disastrous. Signal Beam is available to hit Exeggutor slightly harder, but Overheat's extra power against almost every other target makes Signal Beam a largely inferior choice.</p>
<p>Even with a Life Orb, Zebstrika struggles to break through bulky walls such as Lickilicky and Regice. Packing a powerful physical attacker to deal with them is important; Sawk is a great candidate for offensive teams, while Swords Dance Samurott can set up on these specially defensive walls. The latter can not only revenge-kill Choice Scarf users with a boosted Aqua Jet; it also benefits greatly from the synergy provided by either of Zebstrika's abilities, making the combination hard for opponents to deal with. Rapidash is also a good choice and places significant pressure on Grass-types that could potentially switch into Zebstrika's Volt Switch. Opposing Electric-types are also hard to break through, so using a Ground-type Pokemon such as Golurk or Seismitoad can also be beneficial, drawing in Grass-type attacks and boosting Sap Sipper's utility on Zebstrika. Camerupt is also a good choice for a teammate, being particularly good at dealing with opposing Electric-types thanks to its neutrality to common Hidden Power types. Finally, providing entry hazard support allows Zebstrika to secure more KOs in the late-game; Torterra can provide Stealth Rock support while threatening opposing Ground-type Pokemon that can block Zebstrika's Volt Switches, while Roselia can provide Spikes support and performs much better against other Grass-type threats.</p>
