Zoroark (BW2 Update) [QC: 3/3] [GP: 2/2]

Katakiri

Listen, Brendan...
is a Researcher Alumnus
Big props to PK Gaming for like 90% of this.

QC: (3/3) alexwolf, ginganinja, lavos spawn

GP: (2/2) NixHex, Oglemi

Zoroark

[Overview]

<p>Zoroark is all about fighting dirty by using sneaky tricks and underhanded tactics to win matches. It achieves this by utilizing its signature ability, Illusion, which allows it to appear as the Pokemon in the sixth slot of your team. This can lead to some pretty tricky mind-games, as your opponent has no idea if you've sent Zoroark out or not. That Scizor that just switched in might secretly be a Zoroark in disguise that's just waiting to roast your Skarmory with Flamethrower. Your Heatran might not stop that Jirachi if it happens to carry Focus Blast. However, when all's said and done, Zoroark is burdened with several limitations that prevent it from being an absolute murderer. It's disappointingly frail, to the point where it can never switch into anything, and any remotely powerful attack will OHKO it. It relies on its Speed to KO opposing Pokemon, but base 105 Speed is a step below several prominent Pokemon, notably Keldeo, Terrakion, and Gengar. Furthermore, even with its above-average Speed, its low defenses render it especially weak to opposing priority. Still, when it comes down to it, Zoroark is the perfect assassin, taking out unaware targets with impunity; just don't let it get caught outside of the shadows.</p>

[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Sucker Punch
move 2: Low Kick
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Dark Pulse / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
nature: Naughty
evs: 200 Atk / 92 SpA / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Zoroark's best asset to most teams will be Illusion or its powerful STAB Sucker Punch. This set utilizes both without having to rely solely on its physical coverage. By focusing on Zoroark's Attack rather than Speed, Zoroark gains a Life Orb Sucker Punch rivaling a Choice Band Scizor Bullet Punch in power. This makes the lowered Speed rather trivial as the Sucker Punch is doing essentially the same damage as a fully-invested Life Orb Timid Dark Pulse, which looks like this:</p>

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Sucker Punch vs. 252/4 Reuniclus: 91.98% - 108.25%</li>
<li>Sucker Punch vs. 0/0 Tornadus: 69.57% - 81.61%</li>
<li>Sucker Punch vs. 4/0 Venusaur: 59.93% - 70.86%</li>
<li>Sucker Punch vs. 0/0 Salamence: 56.19% - 66.16%</li>
</ul>

<p>This not only makes Zoroark a fantastic late-game sweeper, but it also functions as a huge safety net for its team, picking off weakened sweepers no matter how fast they may be. As for the things that resist Sucker Punch, Low Kick is the most effective answer to Tyranitar and Heatran, OHKOing them both (after Stealth Rock on Heatran's end.) Flamethrower is reserved for Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress, but the craftier Zoroark user might be able to fool a Scizor via Illusion and a suitable partner. Dark Pulse is for back-up STAB should the opponent either not attack or attempt to burn Zoroark; this is extremely helpful against a status-spreading Jellicent, Politoed, or Rotom-W that may attempt to deceive the master of deception upon seeing Sucker Punch. Hidden Power Ice takes down Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Dragonite at the cost of reliable coverage against Water-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs allow Zoroark to reach 300 Speed, outpacing neutral nature base 100s. The attacking EVs are balanced between OHKOing Heatran after Stealth Rock with Low Kick and having a decent chance to OHKO Ferrothorn with Flamethrower without entry hazards. You could shift the EVs even further into the Attack stat for a stronger Low Kick on Heatran to OHKO without hazards and a more terrifying Sucker Punch, but at that point you might be better off running the Swords Dance set.</p>

<p>An alternate EV spread of 32 Atk / 244 SpA / 232 Spe with a Naive nature can be used as a faster, more specially-based attacker at the cost of priority power. It does maintain enough Attack to OHKO Latios and Starmie that otherwise outspeed Zoroark. It's great for catching Garchomp and Landorus with Hidden Power Ice or Kyurem and Hydreigon with Focus Blast, but the main set handles most other Pokemon easier. As stated above, Hidden Power Ice can nail Dragons, Gliscor, and both Landorus formes when used with the Naive nature spread. Similarly, Focus Blast can be used over Low Kick, but only if you're using the Naive nature EVs. Night Daze is an option over Dark Pulse for a bit more power, but it comes at the cost of accuracy.</p>

<p>Due to how frail it is, Zoroark demands one or two teammates with U-turn of Volt Switch to get it into battle and snipe a threat. Scizor gets a big recommendation as it has U-turn and a priority move of its own. When Zoroark is paired with other priority users, nearly all Speed-boosting sweepers will be KOed by them together, which gives you an even bigger safety net to stop any sweep. Other great U-turn and Volt Switch partners include Rotom-W, Infernape, Celebi, Jolteon, and even Forretress and they can also be used for Illusion, but U-turn users like Landorus-T, Thundurus-T, and Gliscor are great for getting Zoroark into battle as well even though they aren't candidates for Illusion.</p>

<p>Another helpful factor when playing with Zoroark is to have a teammate or two that soften the opponent's team quickly. Choice Band Heracross and Choice Specs Latios make great teammates for this reason, and very threatening Illusions as well, since they resist Zoroark's Fighting weakness. Powerhouses like those two are valuable because once you significantly weaken a team, Zoroark can just go around taking down foe after foe with its priority and coverage. U-turn and Volt Switch also help wear down teams and break Substitutes. Again, it cannot be stressed enough how important teammates with these moves are. Anything with neutrality to Stealth Rock and no auto-activating ability can be used as an Illusion, so long as you make it tough to get Spikes on the field. Therefore, be sure to experiment and find the right Pokemon for you.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With Choice Specs, Zoroark can inflict major damage right off the bat, without the need to set up a Nasty Plot. Each of Zoroark's moves receives a fairly large boost in power which allows it to OHKO and 2HKO Pokemon it couldn't otherwise. A Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse, for example, is capable of flat-out OHKOing standard Jellicent after Stealth Rock, and dishes out a much more significant amount of damage to Pokemon that take neutral damage from Dark Pulse when compared to other sets. Focus Blast provides Zoroark with impeccable coverage, and specifically allows it to OHKO or cripple most of the Dark-type resists in OU such as Tyranitar, Heatran, Terrakion, and Ferrothorn. Flamethrower might seem redundant on a set when Focus Blast is already being used, but it has its uses against Steel-types that take neutral damage from Focus Blast such as Jirachi, Metagross, and Bronzong. Hidden Power Ice, on the other hand, is useful for specifically OHKOing Pokemon that have a quadruple weakness to Ice, such as Dragonite (provided that Multiscale is broken), Gliscor, and Landorus-T. Trick is arguably the most important move on this set, since it allows Zoroark to completely cripple most switch-ins and beat Pokemon that it can't muscle its way through such as Blissey and Chansey. It's especially useful when used in tandem with Illusion since Zoroark can Trick targets that would never ordinarily switch into it. You only get one chance at using Trick, so knowing when to use it is vital.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>U-turn is an option on this set for quick retreat, but it goes against the entire point of using Choice Specs Zoroark, which is to cause as much immediate damage as possible. Extrasensory is an option for those looking to get consistent damage against Fighting-types such as Keldeo, but it doesn't provide Zoroark with any noteworthy coverage otherwise, and a non-STAB 80 Base Power Psychic-type move is one of the worst things to be locked into. Grass Knot deals with Gastrodon, who is capable of sponging Zoroark's other attacks with its high Special Defense. In addition, it adds to Zoroark's already stellar coverage, allowing it to hit 11 out of the 17 types for super effective damage. Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Keldeo and Conkeldurr, will have little to no trouble switching into even Choice Specs Zoroark, so extra precautions should be taken to ensure that Zoroark's disguise deters those Fighting-types from switching in. Breloom and Terrakion are some of the other Fighting-types to look out for; they can't exactly switch into most of Zoroark's moves, but if they receive an opening via Dark Pulse, it could prove disastrous (especially in Terrakion's case, as Dark Pulse makes it even stronger).</p>

<p>Choice Specs Zoroark is a powerful lure since it has enough oomph to OHKO just about any Pokemon with the right coverage move, or cripple most Pokemon with Trick, making it ideal as a partner to Pokemon who are stopped by common walls. For example, if Jellicent is a problem for any of your other Pokemon, Zoroark can lure it out and OHKO it with Choice Specs Dark Pulse. The removal of Jellicent means that Pokemon such as Keldeo have a much easier time sweeping, and Rapid Spin users have a field day. This is merely just one example of putting Choice Specs Zoroark's ability to OHKO unsuspecting targets to good use. You can pair Zoroark up with all kinds of Pokemon, so don't hesitate to experiment. That said, don't fret if Zoroark's Illusion is broken at any point in the match, since it's still a decent Choice Specs user due to its good Speed and great coverage. Zoroark is unfortunately frail, but U-turn or Volt Switch support is extremely helpful to get Zoroark in the battle. For that reason, Scizor, Celebi, Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Jirachi can be great partners.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Flamethrower / Night Slash
move 4: Low Kick
item: Life Orb
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 40 SpA / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Despite having a limited physical movepool, Zoroark can still function as a decent physical sweeper. Access to the ever-useful Swords Dance and Sucker Punch are all it needs to be a devastating physical sweeper. Zoroark is capable of sweeping through offensive teams if left unchecked because the majority of revenge killers fall to a boosted Sucker Punch. Access to Flamethrower sets Zoroark apart from most other Swords Dance users, because Flamethrower lets it crush common Steel-types such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress. While Night Slash might seem like a poor move choice, it has a key use in dealing with stall teams, especially against Pokemon such as Jellicent and Gastrodon who resist Zoroark's coverage moves and can bypass Sucker Punch with non-attacking moves. Low Kick gets excellent coverage with Sucker Punch and crushes Tyranitar and Heatran, who would otherwise wall Zoroark, and also take on Blissey, who easily avoids Sucker Punch by using a status or recovery move. Low Kick also happens to be effective against Steel-types in the rain.</p>

<p>You will want to use Illusion to its maximum potential to get the best use out of Zoroark. Due to Zoroark's awful defenses, you need to rely on forced switches via bluffs if you want to set up. Zoroark can still serve as a decent physical sweeper if its disguise is blown, but it's really important to get that Swords Dance off because it can't do much damage without it. This set is geared towards tackling frailer offensive teams because the majority of stall teams have a way of bypassing Sucker Punch. Low Kick and Flamethrower are not enough to deal with stall; thus, Zoroark needs a teammate that can deal with stall-based teams.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Attack-boosting nature with maximum Attack investment is used because Sucker Punch ignores the need for a Speed-boosting nature. 216 Speed EVs allow Zoroark to outspeed neutral natured Pokemon with base 100 Speed, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to boost Flamethrower. Zoroark can outright forgo Sucker Punch for Night Slash, which unlike Sucker Punch, cannot be outmaneuvered, and is more useful on against defensive and support Pokemon. However, this comes at the cost of power against offensive teams, who rely on faster and frailer Pokemon to deal with Zoroark. Alternatively, Zoroark can use both Sucker Punch and Night Slash to get a handle against both offensive and stall teams. However, without Flamethrower, Zoroark loses out on the ability hurt Skarmory and other Steel-types that take negligible damage from Low Kick such as Jirachi. Taunt can stop defensive Pokemon in their tracks, especially those that carry status moves. Unfortunately, Zoroark's extreme frailty means that it can be 2HKOed by just about any Pokemon, making Taunt a gimmicky option at best.</p>

<p>Zoroark's teammates should cover its weaknesses, grant it opportunities to set up with their disguises, or allow Zoroark to switch in unharmed via U-turn. Celebi is a perfect partner because on top of providing Zoroark with a defense against Fighting-types, it lures out both Latios and Latias, as well as Trick Room Reuniclus, and destroys them with Sucker Punch. It's also capable of checking Terrakion and Keldeo, 2 Pokemon that Zoroark heavily struggles with, due to the fact that they both resist Sucker Punch and can easily OHKO Zoroark with their respective Fighting-type moves. Celebi is even capable of countering Hippowdon, who can stop this set in its tracks. U-turn or Volt Switch support can be provided by the aforementioned Celebi, Landorus-T, Scizor, Rotom-W, Infernape, or Forretress. Entry hazards from the likes of Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Forretress are appreciated since Zoroark needs all of the extra damage it can get because it can't afford to take a hit. Haxorus is an interesting partner for Zoroark. The two Pokemon share no defensive synergy whatsoever, but Zoroark is capable of luring out and taking out Skarmory, giving Haxorus a significantly easier time at sweeping. Furthermore, Zoroark's disguise is preserved because Haxorus sometimes uses Swords Dance as well. Unfortunately, Haxorus is forced to use Rivalry because Mold Breaker gives a visual cue, and can ruin Zoroark's disguise against an observant opponent.</p>

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute / Flamethrower
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>High Speed and Special Attack stats along with a superb array of coverage moves make Zoroark a good special sweeper. Nasty Plot boosts Zoroark's Special Attack to an incredible 678, which gives it enough power to OHKO most of the metagame and even muscle its way through the sturdiest walls, which makes it an excellent wallbreaker. Nasty Plot boosts Dark Pulse's low Base Power and gives it real killing power, enough to OHKO practically any offensive Pokemon that doesn't resist it, or 2HKO them at worst. Focus Blast gives Zoroark some necessary coverage and guarantees the OHKO on specially defensive Tyranitar and Heatran after a Nasty Plot boost. Substitute is vital for letting you scout switches and it gives you the option of choosing to use Nasty Plot (against slower threats) or an attacking move (against faster threats). Meanwhile, Flamethrower targets Steel-types that are neutral to Fighting, such as Jirachi and Scizor, who are difficult to remove otherwise.</p>

<p>The key to using Nasty Plot Zoroark is to avoid getting hit at all costs and to make good use out of Illusion, which separates it from your run-of-the-mill frail, boosting sweeper. Illusion, when utilized correctly, can grant Zoroark a free turn in which it is capable of setting up outright or attacking an unaware opponent. Good teammates that strengthen Zoroark's disguises are recommended. When it comes to stallbreaking, Zoroark is unique because it can cause the opponent to bring in the wrong Pokemon, which equates to free damage, or possibly even an extra Nasty Plot.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The following damage calculations illustrate Zoroark's wallbreaking potential:</p>

<ul class="damage_calculations">
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 248/216 Jellicent 148.51% - 174.5%%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 200/0 Landorus-T 04.6 - 123.57%%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 252/0 Gliscor 114.69% - 135.03%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 252/0 Rotom-W 100% - 117.76%</li>
<li>+0 Life Orb Flamethrower vs 252/216+ Ferrothorn 97.73% - 114.77%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Flamethrower vs 252/252+ Jirachi 90.59% - 106.44%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 252/0 Tentacruel 75.8% - 89.3%
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/0 Blissey 69.5% - 81.8%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/0 Chansey 58.5% - 69%%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/252+ Tyranitar 152.5% - 180.2%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/252+ Heatran 114.5% - 135.2%</li>
</ul>

<p>The choice between Focus Sash and Life Orb is a fairly important decision to make when using Zoroark. Life Orb gives Zoroark significantly more power, which grants it several more OHKOes after a Nasty Plot boost. Focus Sash, on the other hand, guarantees that Zoroark will survive at least one attack, provided that entry hazards are not on the field. It's particularly useful in the lead position and against faster Pokemon in general, but it makes Zoroark noticeably weaker. A Modest nature can be used for more power, but Zoroark's ability to outspeed Landorus, Volcarona, and Salamence is useful. Grass Knot can be used to target bulky Water-types that are capable of taking a Nasty Plot-boosted Dark Pulse, such as Gastrodon, and also lets Zoroark deal heavy damage against Tyranitar without relying on Focus Blast and its shaky accuracy. Hidden Power Ice is useful for its ability to take out prominent Pokemon with a major weakness to Ice such as Dragonite (provided that Multiscale is broken), Landorus-T, and Gliscor, without any boosts, which is a very valuable asset in the OU metagame. </p>

<p>Nasty Plot Zoroark likes having entry hazards on the field because they allow it to secure OHKOs against sturdy walls. Blissey, for example, has a chance of being OHKOed by a +2 Focus Blast with a layer of Spikes and Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn and Forretress are all decent choices, but if they're too slow for your taste, you might want to consider using Smeargle or Accelgor. Regardless of how strong Nasty Plot Zoroark is, Fighting-types are the absolute bane of its existence. Conkeldurr and Keldeo can easily switch into Zoroark and threaten it with their STAB moves. Starmie, Latios, Terrakion, and other faster Pokemon with powerful attacks can instantly end Zoroark's sweep with their powerful STAB moves.</p>

<p>Scizor has decent defensive synergy with Zoroark, and can check a few of the faster Pokemon that give Zoroark trouble such as Latios, Terrakion, and Tornadus while giving Zoroark much needed switch priority. Zoroark can also help out Scizor in return by eliminating its biggest counter, Skarmory, with a well-timed Flamethrower. Switch-priority is a must to get Zoroark into battle safely, so VoltTurn teammates like the aforementioned Scizor, Celebi, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T help greatly. While there are a ton of Pokemon who pair up with Nasty Plot Zoroark, Nasty Plot Mew and Celebi are some of the best possible offensive partners to Zoroark. Both of them can check the Fighting-types that trouble Zoroark, and the illusion isn't necessarily revealed if Zoroark uses Nasty Plot, because it's not uncommon for Mew or Celebi to use Nasty Plot itself. Utilizing Illusion to its fullest is absolutely essential for this set to work. You need to be able to force switches in order to set up, and you should always keep in mind that Zoroark isn't fast enough to sweep the metagame, so using Nasty Plot against teams that carry naturally faster Pokemon generally isn't a good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Flamethrower
move 4: Trick / U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>When equipped with a Choice Scarf, Zoroark turns into a speedy revenge killer that can make good use of its ability to net surprise KOs. Dark Pulse is a reliable STAB move, but it's fairly weak so it's solely used for damaging Pokemon that are weak to it such as Latios and Jellicent. Focus Blast works extremely well with Dark Pulse, taking out the majority of Pokemon who resist it, such as Tyranitar and Heatran, and provides Zoroark with perfect coverage. Hidden Power Ice is vital for revenge killing Dragon Dance users, such as Salamence or Dragonite, in addition to targeting Landorus and Gliscor, while Flamethrower decently damages Steel-types that are neutral to Focus Blast such as Jirachi and Scizor. Trick utterly cripples most Pokemon, but Zoroark gives up the ability to revenge kill threats without a Choice Scarf, so use it with discretion. U-turn is a Choice Pokemon's best friend, as it lets Zoroark scout its opponent's switch-in and counter accordingly.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Fighting-types have always been Zoroark's bane, and this set is no exception. Conkeldurr and Keldeo can switch into any of Zoroark's moves and force it out with their STAB Fighting moves or use it as setup fodder. Terrakion and Breloom have a significantly easier time switching into this set, due to its pathetic damage output, and wreak havoc once they switch in. Psychic-types and Fighting-type counters make for great partners, since once Zoroark is discovered, they will attempt to switch in non-stop. There are several important things to consider when using Choice Scarf Zoroark. It is extremely weak; Dark Pulse is unable to do decent damage to pretty much any self-respecting offensive Pokemon. In order to succeed with Choice Scarf Zoroark, you need to play to its strengths. Only target Pokemon that take super effective damage from any of Zoroark's moves or weakened Pokemon. In other words, don't try be a hero! Pick battles that you're sure to win, since Choice Scarf Zoroark will go down hard if it's played recklessly. Try to use its ability to net a surprise KO by disguising as a Pokemon that is normally too slow to use a Choice Scarf whenever possible. There is no need for you to center your entire strategy around Illusion, however; Zoroark is a revenge killer first and foremost, and doesn't need to worry about being exposed.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Zoroark has a bunch of cool and interesting moves to choose from, but they often end up being inferior choices. Zoroark can use Pursuit on a couple of its sets, but Zoroark has neither the bulk nor the Speed to make good use of Pursuit, and Tyranitar and Weavile are often better picks. A Choice Band set could be used, but Zoroark's pitiful physical movepool makes it a subpar option at best. A Calm Mind set is an option if you want Zoroark to reinforce its Special Defense alongside its Special Attack. However, Zoroark's terrible bulk makes it a pointless endeavor, and Nasty Plot is superior in nearly all cases. An Agility + 3 attacks set could be used, and truth be told Zoroark has the coverage to pull it off. However, Zoroark isn't naturally strong enough to sweep entire teams. Zoroark also has access to the semi-exclusive Memento, but it is outclassed by other Memento users such as Latios and Uxie, who have superior support moves. A Torment set is an option, but Zoroark has neither the bulk or the typing to pull it off.</p>

[Team Preview Management]

<p>Team Preview is a very important factor to consider to get the most out of Zoroark. Team order makes some opponents think that Zoroark is meant to be the Pokemon in the back at Team Preview, so before you even search for a battle, move Zoroark's least-likely Illusion to the back of your party. Its VoltTurn partner is a great Pokemon to have appear in the last slot as it will almost never really be Zoroark's Illusion. Unless you will often lead with Zoroark, you want to put Zoroark in your 1st party slot. This may make you opponent weary of your false lead Zoroark and could very easily score you a free KO with the Pokemon you do lead off with. But make absolutely sure you do not rely on your opponent predicting Zoroark as that will get you KOed more often than not. However, if you do want to lead with Zoroark, have it be in any other party slot but the first and last one. Your team order should now be a complete red herring for your opponent to follow.</p>

<p>Now, you're in Team Preview so it's time to shuffle your team around to its true order. A general rule of thumb is that if you're not leading with Zoroark, it should be moved to your 2nd party slot. This ensures it will almost always have an Illusion since it's so far from the back of the party. The order of your teammates is also very important to change. Pokemon with Intimidate or another auto-activating ability should always be put in the 3rd slot of your party if you're not leading with them because you don't want Zoroark to appear as them if you can help it. Ground-, Rock-, and Steel-types should be moved to the same place as Intimidate Pokemon if you're facing a sandstorm team. Similarly, you should have at least one Pokemon with U-turn or Volt Switch away from the back of your party as Zoroark needs to use them to get into battle. Choose the best lead as you would with any normal team. Your 6th slot should be your least-helpful Pokemon without an auto-activating ability in this specific battle. For example, if battling a rain team, your Rock- or Ground-type may be your least important teammate and will act as Zoroark's Illusion for the battle until you need it. Against a sand team, Pursuit-weak Pokemon may be the least helpful due to a waiting Tyranitar, so Zoroark will take on their appearance until the Tyranitar is taken out. After all that preparation, it's now time to battle and combine your premeditated trickery with battling skill to give you the edge!</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Outright countering Zoroark is a difficult prospect due to its Illusion ability. Zoroark users can mix and match their teams before the battle starts, so it's impossible to tell when exactly Zoroark comes out. That Haxorus that just switched has no intentions of using of Outrage, and is just waiting to melt your Skarmory with Flamethrower; alternatively, your Tyranitar might not stop that Latias if it happens to be a Zoroark carrying Focus Blast. Zoroark can play a huge role in lead match-ups as a result of its ability since it can potentially strike unaware Pokemon and OHKO them with the right coverage moves.</p>

<p>Fortunately, there are several ways to uncover Zoroark's disguise. First and foremost, Illusion does not copy visual ability cues, so if a Zoroark disguises itself as a typical user of Mold Breaker or Intimidate, it's a dead giveaway. Second, Zoroark is neutral to Stealth Rock, so if Zoroark disguises itself as a Pokemon who is weak to Stealth Rock or resistant to it, you can immediately tell on the switch in. Zoroark and its partner obviously share different health bars and status, so you can also use that information to uncover its identity. It's a little harder to deal with Zoroark if its Illusion partners are neutral to Stealth Rock and their abilities lack a visual cue, especially early into the battle. Remember, as the battle drags on, it becomes harder for a Zoroark user to hide its disguise, especially when hazards are up and Pokemon are more weakened in general.</p>

<p>Countering Zoroark when its disguise has been revealed is significantly easier. Zoroark can't stand Fighting-types, and Fighting-types such as Keldeo and Conkeldurr have no problem switching into most sets and can OHKO Zoroark with their STAB Fighting-type moves. Conkeldurr also has access to Mach Punch, which bypasses Zoroark's Speed advantage and readily OHKOes it after Stealth Rock damage. Other Fighting-types such as Terrakion and Breloom will have some difficulty switching into one or two of its moves, but can easily beat it if they manage to switch into a Dark-type move or setup move. To add insult to injury, Terrakion's Justified ability raises its Attack by one stage, making Zoroark a liability in certain circumstances. Just about any Pokemon that is faster than Zoroark can be considered a check, because its extreme frailty means it is OHKOed by just about any STAB move. Scizor is a good check due to its strong priority Bullet Punch and resistance to Dark Pulse, but it needs to avoid Flamethrower. Blissey and Chansey are strong checks to most sets, but they need to watch out for Trick (or Low Kick in Blissey's case, which can OHKO when boosted with hazards in play or 2HKO unboosted). Specially defensive Jirachi takes a negligible amount of damage from most of Zoroark's moves, and is an especially hard counter if rain is active. Zoroark struggles against Pokemon that it can't hit for super effective damage since its main STAB is fairly weak. Pokemon such as Garchomp or Rotom-W can be considered checks provided that they're healthy or Zoroark hasn't boosted yet.</p>
 

ginganinja

It's all coming back to me now
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Firstly, why is Night Daze even slashed? Do you need the power for something (if you do mention it!) because atm, I don't see why you would use it, unless you want to telegraph that you are, in fact, a Zoroark. Its not even 100% accurate!

I have to say that I am leery about a weak DP / FT in exchange for an 8 PP priority move that can be predicted around BUT the other spread is in AC and PKGaming convinced me earlier so I don't mind too much.

Mention other Zoroark partners since thats pretty big for Zoroark. You got Scizor, but illusion partners should be mentioned or something imo.
 

alexwolf

lurks in the shadows
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
You say that Volt-turn helps Zoroark get in safely, but you don't mention any good Volt-turn partner except for Scizor. There are many other good teammates, some of which are mentioned in your RMT, such as Heracross, so please make sure to state the best ones, and why they pair well with Zoroark. One of the major reason why people don't use Zoroark is that they don't know how to take advantage of Illusion and what partners help with this, so as ginga mentioned partners are one of the most important parts of this set.

Also Night Daze is AC material unless there is any notable OHKO/2HKO it gets. Imo you should slash HP Ice after Dark Pulse, as getting set-up on by Dnite is not fun, nor is getting forced out by a healthy Lando-T, which is everywhere. The funny thing with Dnite is that even with SR up, it can take one Dark Pulse with relative ease (43.96 - 52.01%) and use DD, and then deal 85% damage minimum with a +1 Extremespeed, bypassing Sucker Punch.
 

PK Gaming

Persona 5
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
Yeah i'm fine with this going through, though you might as well turn this into a fully blown update. I'll be providing the rest of the edited analyses ahead of a schedule (it should be quick process since i'm axing some of the analyses) so we can finish Zoroark in one fell swoop. Katakiri, I think you should mention Sucker Punch's effectiveness against the Lati-twins. Since both of these Pokemon naturally outspeed Zoroark, Sucker Punch prevents them from being full blown checks to Zoroark. Oh, in regards to Night Daze; having used Night Daze on a semi-regular basis, i've determined that it's AC material at best. First, if you use Night Daze you instantly tell your opponent you're using Zoroark As we all know, missing with Zoroark equals death, but the a more troubling issue is that its secondary effect is even worse than Dark Pulses! It was slashed on its merit for being "different" and the accuracy drop after effect being useful after Zoroark switches out, but that simply didn't work out when I tested it recently. Toss it into AC and replace it with HP Ice please!

Good work on getting this up.
 
Firstly, why is Night Daze even slashed? Do you need the power for something (if you do mention it!) because atm, I don't see why you would use it, unless you want to telegraph that you are, in fact, a Zoroark. Its not even 100% accurate!

I have to say that I am leery about a weak DP / FT in exchange for an 8 PP priority move that can be predicted around BUT the other spread is in AC and PKGaming convinced me earlier so I don't mind too much.

Mention other Zoroark partners since thats pretty big for Zoroark. You got Scizor, but illusion partners should be mentioned or something imo.
In the end Zoroark will be easily found out even if it uses dark pulse because almost all of it's good partners, well, just don't use a special dark move in the first place so that's not really a good reason to not use Night Daze...
 

Woodchuck

actual cannibal
is a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Your damage calcs should be formatted like this:

<ul class="damage_calculation">

<li>Sucker Punch vs 0 HP/0 Def Tornadus: 69.57% - 81.61%</li>
<li>Sucker Punch vs 4 HP/0 Def Venusaur: 59.93% - 70.86%</li>
<li>Sucker Punch vs 0 HP/0 Def Salamence: 56.19% - 66.16%</li>

</ul>
 

Jukain

!_!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
^ You don't need the line in-between the opening tag and the start of the list items and the one in-between the ending of the list items and the closing tag.

also "vs." not "vs" and you don't need to state the stat names of the Pokemon hit; thus, the calcs should be formatted like so:

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Sucker Punch vs. 0/0 Tornadus: 69.57% - 81.61%</li>
<li>Sucker Punch vs. 4/0 Venusaur: 59.93% - 70.86%</li>
<li>Sucker Punch vs. 0/0 Salamence: 56.19% - 66.16%</li>
</ul>
 

Katakiri

Listen, Brendan...
is a Researcher Alumnus
So you'll notice the length has nearly doubled. With the addition of more teammate talk, I thought it was necessary to go into detail about how to use teammates properly and team preview. I was saving all of that for an article on using Zoroark in OU and UU but since I can cover most of it here, I don't think it's entirely necessary anymore.

I've found that Dark Pulse is needed more than HP Ice usually because without Dark Pulse, Jellicent, Rotom-W, Starmie, Politoed, and others can do basically whatever they want as long as they don't attack be it Will-O-Wisp, Recover, T-Wave, or Toxic. That's the entire reason for the Speed EVs, to smack weakened Rotom-Formes before they spread status or Pain Split.

Eh on second thought, it wouldn't hurt to slash it. I just need to make all that clear in the analysis.

Sounds good, PK! I'll work on a new overview shortly. It might even shorten this overly-long analysis. lol

If anyone has any questions or I'm not clear about something in the analysis, please point it out because I want this to be a thorough as I can make it.

Thanks for the corrections so far!
 
this is kinda fluffy

like

Not even Adamant Choice Band Dragonite’s Extremespeed can match that damage and Zoroark isn’t even fully invested in Attack.
It’s important to remember that Night Daze does not have perfect accuracy so choose your move wisely
Zoroark actually just needs to out-pace Rotom-W, who is at 298 Speed, before it can status or pain split but the extra 4 Speed EVs are worth it in the long run.
even its Psychic immunity will if it’s not paired up with Sableye.
Whatever your choose, make sure that Zoroark's Illusion partner isn't his only U-Turn partner as well. You can't use it for U-Turn and Zoroark's Illusion at the same time due to how Illusion and party slots wor
<p>Another helpful factor when playing with Zoroark is to have a teammate or two that soften the opponent's team quickly. Choice Band Heracross and Choice Specs Latios make great teammates for this reason and very threatening Illusions as well when you can tell that an opposing Gliscor or Tyranitar would make it hard for them to be of use on their own. Powerhouses like those two are valuable because once you significantly weaken a team, Zoroark can just go around taking down foe after foe with its priority and coverage. U-Turn and Volt Switch also help wear down teams and break Substitutes so, again, it cannot be stressed enough how important teammates with these moves are. Anything with neutrality to Stealth Rock and no auto-activating ability can be used as an Illusion so long as you make it tough to get Spikes on the field so make sure to experiment and find the right Pokemon for you.</p>
<p>Team Preview is a very important factor to consider and is essential to Zoroark's success. Before you even start a single match, move Zoroark's least-likely Illusion to the back of your party. Team order makes some opponents think that Zoroark is meant to be the Pokemon in the back. However don't put a Pokemon like Landorus-T in the back as Intimidate makes it pretty obvious that you're not using it. It's VoltTurn partner is a great Pokemon to have appear in the last slot as it will almost never really be Zoroark's Illusion. This particular Zoroark should appear in the front of your party in Team Preview as it will never be used as a lead due to how it plays. This again messes with the opponent's mind and could very easily score you a free KO with the Pokemon you do lead off with. But make absolutely sure you do not rely on your opponent predicting Zoroark as that will get you KO'd more often than not.</p>
<p>But now we're in team preview so it's time to shuffle our team around to it's true order. A general rule of thumb is that if you're not leading with Zoroark, and this Zoroark is not meant to ever be a lead, it should be moved to your 2nd party slot. This ensures it will almost always have an Illusion since it's so far from the back of the party. The order of your teammates is also very important. Pokemon with Intimidate or another auto-activating ability should always be put in the 3rd slot of your party if you're not leading with them because you don't want Zoroark to appear as them if you can help it. Ground-, Rock-, and Steel-types should be moved to the same place as Intimidate Pokemon if you're facing a Sandstorm team. Similarly, you should have at least one Pokemon with U-Turn or Volt Switch away from the back of your party as Zoroark needs to use them to get into battle. Choose the best lead as you would with any normal team, but then put the Pokemon your lead is most likely to switch-out to in the slot that's not occupied by one of the above Pokemon but if it is the above Pokemon then you can skip this step. Order the rest of your team in order of importance to the battle at hand. For instance if you're facing a rain team, put Rotom-Wash and Latios in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th slots of your team as they will be very important in the battle. Your last slot should be your least-helpful Pokemon without auto-activating abilities for this specific battle. For instance, if battling the same rain team, your Heatran or Scizor may be your least important teammate and will act as Zoroark's Illusion for the battle until you need it. Against a Sand team, Latios may be the least helpful due to a waiting Tyranitar so Zoroark will take on Latios' appearance until the Tyranitar is taken out, which Zoroark can remove personally with Low Kick. After all that preparation, it's now time to battle and combine your premeditated trickery with battling skill to give you the edge! Go forth and conquer, brave warriors of the Lostlorn Forest!</p>
These parts included information I found was extremely fluffy, like a lot of it is unneccesary or too much. :| Maybe others won't agree with me, but a lot of the information is superfluous imo.

I'll let another qc'r decide :|
 

jc104

Humblest person ever
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
As brii said, this is too long. I understand that zoroark needs a lot of explaining, but most of this isn't even specific to this set.

I would suggest that we write a seperate section for the zoroark analysis on how to use illusion properly, or that we link to and revamp the site's illusion page. You can keep the stuff in this writeup specific to all-out attacking zoroark.
 

Katakiri

Listen, Brendan...
is a Researcher Alumnus
I agree with some of that, Bri, and I'll make sure to remove it after this post.

Zoroark is the only Pokemon in the game that has such a complex team preview experience and it's such an important factor to Zoroark's success that it needs to be addressed in detail especially for less-experienced players. I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say they didn't even know PS! had a completely different team preview function for teams with Zoroark.

Yeah that sounds good, jc104. I'll edit the set and create a new section for team preview after lunch. I'll make sure it can be applied to all sets as well since the current one it's tailored to just the one set.
 

PK Gaming

Persona 5
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
Yeah analysis could definitely use some condensing (in fact when I woke up and read it, its length was perfect)

and about the team Preview section...

I think i'll allow it. Zoroark isn't really like any other Pokemon, and think that by informing the reader about Illusion in relation Team Preview sounds like a good idea. It will need condensing though.

Note: You do not need to revamp the entire analysis, just the one set. What I meant was that I would providing the rest of the info in a future post...
 

Katakiri

Listen, Brendan...
is a Researcher Alumnus
I just condensed and removed everything I felt wasn't necessary.

I understood what you meant PK, I just have the sections set up for reference and to show where the team preview section is.
 

Lavos

Banned deucer.
i used zoroark for a while just to fool around on showdown's ladder, and it actually worked surprisingly well. i utilized a lead nasty plot set to throw off opponents and make them think they were safe, when in reality they were in for a beating. setting up on deo-d was especially gratifying.

zoroark @ focus sash
trait: illusion
evs: 24 hp / 252 satk / 232 spd
timid nature
- nasty plot
- dark pulse
- flamethrower
- focus blast

really obnoxious for a lot of teams to deal with, especially once they realize it's sashed and they're going to have to lose at least a pokemon, often two, just to remove it from play, and then you get the switch advantage after that as well, so zoroark is serving you even in death. dark/fire/fighting is really sweet coverage, as any self-respecting houndoom will tell you, and base 120 satk combined with enough speed investment to outrun garchomp makes for quite a threatening lead. perhaps add this set or some variant of nasty plot to the analysis.
 

PK Gaming

Persona 5
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
i used zoroark for a while just to fool around on showdown's ladder, and it actually worked surprisingly well. i utilized a lead nasty plot set to throw off opponents and make them think they were safe, when in reality they were in for a beating. setting up on deo-d was especially gratifying.

zoroark @ focus sash
trait: illusion
evs: 24 hp / 252 satk / 232 spd
timid nature
- nasty plot
- dark pulse
- flamethrower
- focus blast

really obnoxious for a lot of teams to deal with, especially once they realize it's sashed and they're going to have to lose at least a pokemon, often two, just to remove it from play, and then you get the switch advantage after that as well, so zoroark is serving you even in death. dark/fire/fighting is really sweet coverage, as any self-respecting houndoom will tell you, and base 120 satk combined with enough speed investment to outrun garchomp makes for quite a threatening lead. perhaps add this set or some variant of nasty plot to the analysis.
Nice! I never thought of using lead sash Zoroark, but it makes sense given its ability. If you're smart about what you disguise as, you can pull this off 99% of the time. (Though if Deo-D gets banned, it'll get nerfed in usefulness)

I should retool the current NP set to reflect focus sash, because when I tested NP it was extremely lacklustre.
 

Lavos

Banned deucer.
Nice! I never thought of using lead sash Zoroark, but it makes sense given its ability. If you're smart about what you disguise as, you can pull this off 99% of the time. (Though if Deo-D gets banned, it'll get nerfed in usefulness)

I should retool the current NP set to reflect focus sash, because when I tested NP it was extremely lacklustre.
yeah if you manage to pull off the lead bluff it works really well. tbh i don't know how you found the nasty plot set lackluster, i guess zoroark's speed is a letdown but its special attack is quite respectable and it gets super effective coverage on more than half of ou, so that's pretty nice. if you're at +2 with your sash intact, a couple things are gonna die.

if deo-d gets banned, it's gonna suck a lot more though.
 

PK Gaming

Persona 5
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
yeah if you manage to pull off the lead bluff it works really well. tbh i don't know how you found the nasty plot set lackluster, i guess zoroark's speed is a letdown but its special attack is quite respectable and it gets super effective coverage on more than half of ou, so that's pretty nice. if you're at +2 with your sash intact, a couple things are gonna die.

if deo-d gets banned, it's gonna suck a lot more though.
When I tested the regular NP set, even if I could net myself a kill, there was always a faster Pokemon that could revenge me. ( Terrakion, Lati@s, scarfers, etc) I always got more mileage out of the all out attacker set, choiced sets and even the SD set because they didn't really require set up, to do be decent. Focus Sash actually makes NP viable in my eyes because it has the potential to net you 2 kills, and that 2nd kill is usually something valuable (since the Pokemon that outspeed Zoroark are valuable). I can't believe I never thought of using Sash NP... Of course, we'll have to retest it if Deoxys-D gets banned, but I have faith in that set.

Anyway, sorry about the delay Katakiri. I was sick so I couldn't work on any of my analyses. I should have the Zoroark sets up as soon as I finish Haxorus (which should be done soon).
 
I know it's redundant (and outclassesd), but I've been thinking about using Shadow Ball to make my Zoroark more convincing. (Some examples would be Gengar, Espeon, Jellicent, and perhaps Reuniclus). Would this be a bad idea?

Edit: Also, what about Substitute?
 

Adamant Zoroark

catchy catchphrase
is a Contributor Alumnus
Shadow Ball is a bad idea. It sounds good on paper, but you get no additional coverage over Dark Pulse. When you run into a situation where you would want to use Shadow Ball, it's always better to use Dark Pulse because of STAB. Don't even bring up Justified because you should be going for Focus Blast/Low Kick if you know Terrakion will come in and Keldeo gains nothing from Justified regardless of what you do. As if Shadow Ball was actually going to help you against Keldeo anyway.

However, Substitute could be a decent idea, at least on paper. I'd have to test it before coming to a conclusion, but Zoroark will be forcing plenty of switches while disguised, so Substitute would allow it to take advantage of that fact and have a buffer against enemy attacks.
 

Katakiri

Listen, Brendan...
is a Researcher Alumnus
Shortened everything even more. I think the team preview section is a perfect length now for what it's explaining.

I used the like Sub Zoroark in BW1 but it's aged poorly with Fighting-types even more common than then. I think a Max Attack Sub/S.Punch/Low Kick/HP Ice set could work pretty decently. If anyone wants to test out some Sub sets and come back with some replays, go for it. It might be worth mentioning in AC or at least OO.

Oh and no worries, PK. There's no hurry or anything so take your time.
 

PK Gaming

Persona 5
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
At long last, I've finished "revamping" my half of the Zoroark analysis. The original analysis had way too much hype and was majorly outdated, but of these issues have been (hopefully) rectified in my newest draft. I personally went and tested every Zoroark set in OU, and found them all to be satisfactory (I was pleasantly surprised by Nasty Plot after adding Substitute to Zoroark's arsenal).

You can add the contents of my post to the missing parts of your OP.

[Overview]

<p>Zoroark is all about fighting dirty by using sneaky tricks and underhanded tactics to win matches. It achieves this by utilizing its signature ability, Illusion, which allows it to appear as the Pokemon in the sixth slot of your team. This can lead to some pretty tricky mindgames, as your opponent has no idea if you've sent Zoroark out or not. That Scizor that just switched in might be secretly a Zoroark in disguise that's just waiting to roast your Skarmory with Flamethrower. Your Heatran might not stop that Jirachi if it happens to carry Focus Blast. However, when all's said and done, Zoroark is burdened with several limitations that prevent it from being an absolute murderer. It's disappointingly frail, to the point where it can never switch into anything, and any remotely powerful attack will OHKO it. It relies on its Speed to KO opposing Pokemon, but base 105 Speed is a step below several prominent Pokemon, notably Keldeo, Terrakion, and Gengar. Still, when it comes down to it, Zoroark is the perfect assassin, taking out unaware targets with impunity; just don't let it get caught outside of the shadows.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With Choice Specs, Zoroark can inflict major damage right off the bat, without the need to set up a Nasty Plot. Each of Zoroark's moves receives a fairly large boost in power that allows it to OHKO and 2HKO Pokemon it couldn't otherwise. A Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse, for example, is capable of flat-out OHKOing standard Jellicent after Stealth Rock, and dishes out a noticeably more damage to Pokemon that take neutral damage from Dark Pulse than the other sets. Focus Blast provides Zoroark with impeccable coverage, and specifically allows it to OHKO or cripple most of the Dark-type resists in OU, such as Tyranitar, Heatran, Terrakion and Ferrothorn. Flamethrower might seem redundant on a set when Focus Blast is already being used, but it has its uses; it's effective against Steel-types that take neutral to Focus Blast, such as Jirachi, Metagross, and Bronzong. Hidden Power Ice on the other hand is useful for specifically OHKOing Pokemon that have a quadruple weakness to Ice, such Dragonite, Gliscor, and Landorus-T. Trick is arguably the most important move on this set, since it allows Zoroark to completely cripple most switch ins and beat Pokemon that it can't muscle its way through, such as Blissey and Chansey. It's especially useful when used in tandem with Illusion since you can Trick targets that would never ordinarily of switching into Zoroark. You only get one chance at using Trick, so knowing when to use it is vital.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>U-turn is an option on this for quick retreat, but it goes against the entire point of using Choice Specs Zoroark, which is to cause as much immediate damage as possible. Extrasensory is an option for those looking to get consistent damage against Fighting-types such as Keldeo, but it doesn't provide Zoroark with any noteworthy coverage otherwise, and a non-STAB 80 Base Power Psychic-type move is one of the worst things to be locked into. Grass Knot deals with Gastrodon, who is capable of sponging Zoroark's other attacks with its high Special Defense and it adds to Zoroark's already stellar coverage, allowing it to hit 11 out of the 17 types for super effective damage. Fighting-type Pokemon such as Keldeo and Conkeldurr, will have little to no trouble switching into even Choice Specs Zoroark, so extra precautions should hence be taken to ensure that Zoroark's disguise deters those Fighting-types from switching in. Breloom and Terrakion are some of the other Fighting-types to look out for; they can't exactly switch into most of Zoroark's moves, but if they receive an opening via Dark Pulse, it could prove disastrous (especially in Terrakion's case, as Dark Pulse makes it even stronger).</p>

<p>Choice Specs Zoroark is a powerful lure, since it has enough to juice OHKO just about any Pokemon with the right coverage move, or cripple most Pokemon with Trick, making it an ideal as a partner to Pokemon who are stopped by common walls. For example, if Jellicent is a problem for any of your other Poemon, Zoroark can lure it out and OHKO it with Choice Specs Dark Pulse. The removal of Jellicent means that Pokemon such as Keldeo a much easier time sweeping, and Rapid Spin users have a field day. This is merely just one example of putting Choice Specs Zoroark's ability to OHKO unsuspecting targets to good use, you can pair Zoroark up with all kinds of Pokemon so don't hesitate to experiment. That said, don't fret if Zoroark's Illusion is broken at any point in the match, as since it's still a decent Choice Specs user due to its good Speed and great coverage.</p>

[SET]
name: Illusion Sweeper (Special)
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute / Flamethrower
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>High Speed and Special Attack stats along with a superb array of coverage moves make Zoroark a good special sweeper. Nasty Plot boosts Zoroark's Special Attack to an incredible 678, which gives Zoroark enough power to OHKO most of the metagame and even muscle its way through the sturdiest walls, which makes it a great excellent stallbreaker. Nasty Plot boosts Dark Pulse's low Base Power and gives it real killing power, enough to OHKO practically any offensive Pokemon that doesn't resist it or 2HKO them at worst. Focus Blast gives Zoroark some necessary coverage and guarantees the OHKO on specially defensive Tyranitar and Heatran after a Nasty Plot boost. Substitute is vital for letting you scout switches and it gives you the option of choosing to use Nasty Plot (against slower threats) or an attacking move (against faster threats). Meanwhile, Flamethrower targets Steel-types that are neutral to Fighting, such as Jirachi and Scizor, who are difficult to remove otherwise.</p>

<p>The key to using Nasty Plot Zoroark is to avoid getting hit at all costs and to make good use out of Illusion, which separates it from your run-of-the-mill frail boosting sweeper. Illusion, when utilized correctly, can grant Zoroark a free turn in which it is capable of setting up outright or attacking an unaware opponent. Good teammates that strengthen Zoroark's disguises are recommended. Illusion is Zoroark's trump card and usually only tricks your opponent once, so need to make sure you get the best use out of it. When it comes to stallbreaking, Zoroark is unique because it can cause the opponent to bring in the wrong Pokemon, which equates to free damage, or possibly even an extra Nasty Plot.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The following damage calculations illustrate Zoroark's wallbreaking potential:

<ul class="damage_calculations">
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 248/216 Jellicent 148.51% - 174.5%%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 200/0 Landorus-T 04.6 - 123.57%%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 252/0 Gliscor 114.69% - 135.03%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 252/0 Rotom-W 100% - 117.76%</li>
<li>+0 Life Orb Flamethrower vs 252/216+ Ferrothorn 97.73% - 114.77%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Flamethrower vs 252/252+ Jirachi 90.59% - 106.44%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Dark Pulse vs 252/0 Tentacruel 75.8% - 89.3%
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/0 Blissey 69.5% - 81.8%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/0 Chansey 58.5% - 69%%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/252+ Tyranitar 152.5% - 180.2%</li>
<li>+2 Life Orb Focus Blast vs 252/252+ Heatran 114.5% - 135.2%</li>
</ul>

<p>The choice between Focus Sash and Life Orb is a fairly important decision to make when using Zoroark. Life Orb gives Zoroark significantly more power, which grants it several more OHKOes after a Nasty Plot boost. Focus Sash on the other hand, guarantees that Zoroark will survive at least attack; Its particularly useful in the lead position and against faster Pokemon in general but it makes Zoroark noticeably weaker. A Modest nature can be used for more power, but Zoroark's ability to outspeed Landorus, Volcarona, and Salamence is useful. Grass Knot can be used to target bulky Water-types that are capable of taking a Nasty Plot-boosted Dark Pulse, such as Gastrodon, and also lets Zoroark deal heavy damage against Tyranitar without relying on Focus Blast and its shaky accuracy. Hidden Power Ice is useful for the same outlined in the previous set. Its ability to take out prominent Pokemon with a major weakness to Ice such as Dragonite Landorus-T, and Gliscor, without any boosts.</p>

<p>Nasty Plot Zoroark likes having entry hazards on the field, because they allow it to secure OHKOs against sturdy walls. Blissey, for example has a chance of being OHKOed by a +2 Focus Blast with a layer of Spikes and Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn and Forretress are all decent choices, but if they're too slow for your taste, you might want to consider using Smeargle or Accelgor. Regardless of how strong Nasty Plot Zoroark is, Fighting-types are the absolute bane of Zoroark. Conkeldurr and Keldeo can easily switch into Zoroark and threaten it with their STAB moves. Starmie, Latios, Terrakion, and other faster Pokemon with powerful attacks can instantly end Zoroark's sweep with their powerful STAB moves.</p>

<p>Scizor has decent defensive synergy with Zoroark, and can check a few of the faster Pokemon that give Zoroark trouble such as Latios, Terrakion, and Tornadus. Zoroark can also help out Scizor in return by eliminating its biggest counter, Skarmory, with a well-timed Flamethrower. While there are a ton of Pokemon who pair up with Nasty Plot Zoroark, Nasty Plot Mew and Celebi are some of the best possible offensive partners to Zoroark. Both of them can check the Fighting-types that trouble Zoroark, and the illusion isn't necessarily broken if Zoroark uses Nasty Plot, because it's not uncommon for Mew or Celebi to use Nasty Plot itself. Utilizing Illusion to its fullest is absolutely essential for this set to work. You need to be able to force switches in order to set up, and you should always keep in mind that Zoroark isn't fast enough to sweep the metagame, so using Nasty Plot against teams that carry naturally faster Pokemon generally isn't a good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Illusion Sweeper (Physical)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Flamethrower / Night Slash
move 4: Low Kick
item: Life Orb
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 40 SpA / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Despite having a limited physical movepool, Zoroark can still function as a decent physical sweeper. Access to ever-useful Swords Dance and Sucker Punch are all it needs to be a devastating physical sweeper. STAB Sucker Punch is always useful, and Zoroark is capable of sweeping through offensive teams if left unchecked, because the majority of revenge killers fall to boosted a Sucker Punch. Access to Flamethrower sets Zoroark apart from most other Swords Dance users, because Flamethrower lets it crush common Steel-types, such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress. While Night Slash might seem like an unnecessary move slash, it has a key use in dealing with stall teams, especially against Pokemon such as Jellicent and Gastrodon, who resist Zoroark's coverage moves and can bypass Sucker Punch with non-attacking moves. Low Kick gets excellent coverage with Sucker Punch, and crushes Tyranitar and Heatran, who would otherwise wall Zoroark and also take on Blissey, who easily avoids Sucker Punch by using a status or recovery move. Low Kick also happens to be effective against Steel-types in the rain.</p>

<p>Just like with the previous set, you will want to use Illusion to its maximum potential to get the best use out of Zoroark. Due to Zoroark's awful defenses, you need to rely on forced switches via bluffs, if you want to set up. Zoroark can still serve as a decent physical sweeper if its disguise is blown, but it's really important to get that Swords Dance off, because it can't do much damage without it. Unlike the previous set, this set is geared towards tackling frailer offensive teams, because the majority of stall teams have a way of bypassing Sucker Punch. Low Kick and Flamethrower are not enough to deal with stall; thus, Zoroark needs a teammate that can deal with stall-based teams.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Attack-boosting nature with maximum Attack investment is used because Sucker Punch ignores the need for a Speed-boosting nature. 216 Speed EVs allow Zoroark to outspeed neutral natured Pokemon with base 100 Speed, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to boost Flamethrower. Zoroark can outright forgo Sucker Punch for Night Slash, which unlike Sucker Punch, Night Slash cannot be outmaneuvered, and is more useful on against defensive and support Pokemon. However, this comes at the cost of power against offensive teams, who rely on faster and frailer Pokemon to deal with Zoroark. Alternatively, Zoroark can use both Sucker Punch and Night Slash to get a handle against both offensive and stall teams. However, without Flamethrower, Zoroark loses out on the ability hurt Skarmory and other Steel-types that take neglible damage from Low Kick, such as Jirachi. Taunt can stop defensive Pokemon in their tracks, especially those that carry status moves. Unfortunately, Zoroark's extreme frailty means that it can be 2HKOed by just about any Pokemon, making Taunt a gimmicky option at best.</p>

<p>Zoroark's teammates should cover its weaknesses or grant it opportunities to set up with their disguises. Celebi, is a perfect partner, because on top of providing Zoroark with a defense against Fighting-types, it lures out both Latios and Latias, as well as Trick Room Reuniclus, and destroys them with Sucker Punch. It's also capable of checking Terrakion and Keldeo, 2 Pokemon that Zoroark heavily struggles since they both resist Sucker Punch and can easily OHKO Zoroark with their respective Fighting-type moves. It's even capable of countering Hippowdown, who can stop this set in its tracks. Entry hazards from the likes of Ferrothorn, Skarmory and Forretress are appreciated since Zoroark needs all of the extra damage it can get because it can't afford to take a hit. Haxorus is an interesting partner for Zoroark. The two Pokemon share no defensive synergy whatsoever, but Zoroark is capable of luring out and taking out Skarmory, giving Haxorus a significantly easier time at sweeping. Furthermore, Zoroark's disguise is preserved because Haxorus sometimes uses Swords Dance as well. Unfortunately, Haxorus is forced to use Rivalry because Mold Breaker gives a visual cue, and can ruin Zoroark's disguise against an observant opponent.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Flamethrower
move 4: Trick / U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>When equipped with a Choice Scarf, Zoroark turns into a speedy revenge killer that can make good use of its ability to net surprise KOs. Dark Pulse is a reliable STAB move, but its fairly weak so its solely used for damaging Pokemon that are weak to it, such as Latios and Jellicent. Focus Blast works extremely well with Dark Pulse, taking out the majority of Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Heatran, who resist it and providing Zoroark with perfect coverage. Hidden Power Ice is vital for revenge killing Dragon Dance users such as Salamence or Dragonite, in addition to targeting Landorus and Gliscor, while Flamethrower gets decent damages Steel-types that are neutral to Focus Blast, such as Jirachi and Scizor. Trick utterly cripples most Pokemon, but you give up being able to revenge kill threats without a Choice Scarf, so use it with discretion. U-turn is a Choice Pokemon's best friend, as it lets Zoroark scout its opponent's switch-in and counter accordingly. </p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Fighting-types have always been Zoroark's bane, and this set is no exception. Conkeldurr and Keldeo can switch into any of Zoroark's moves and force it out with their STAB Fighting moves or use it as setup fodder. Terrakion and Breloom have a significantly easier time switching into this set, due to its pathetic damage output and wreak havoc once they switch in. Psychic-types and Fighting-type counters make for great partners, since once Zoroark is discovered, they will attempt to switch in non-stop. There are several important things to consider when using Choice Scarf Zoroark. It is extremely weak; Dark Pulse is unable to do decent damage to pretty much any self-respecting offensive Pokemon. In order to succeed with Choice Scarf Zoroark, you need to play to its strengths. Only target Pokemon that take super effective damage from any of Zoroark's moves or weakened Pokemon. In other words, don't try be a hero! Pick battles that you're sure to win, since Choice Scarf Zoroark will go down hard if its played recklessly. Try to use its ability to net a surprise KO by disguising as a Pokemon that is normally too slow to use a Choice Scarf whenever possible. There is no need for you to center your entire strategy around Illusion, however; Zoroark is a revenge killer first and foremost, and doesn't need to worry about being exposed.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Zoroark has a bunch of cool and interesting moves to choose from, but they often end up being inferior choices. Zoroark can use Pursuit on a couple of its sets, but Zoroark has neither the bulk or the Speed to make good use of Pursuit, and the likes of Tyranitar and Weavile are often better picks. A Choice Band set could be used, but Zoroark's pitiful physical movepool makes it a subpar option at best. A Calm Mind set is an option if you want Zoroark to reinforce its Special Defense alongside its Special Attack. However, Zoroark's terrible bulk makes a pointless endeavor, and Nasty Plot is superior in nearly all cases. An Agility + 3 attacks set could be used, and truth be told Zoroark has the coverage to pull if off. However, Zoroark isn't naturally strong enough to sweep entire teams. Zoroark also has access to the semi-exclusive Memento, but it is outclassed by other Memento users such as Latios and Uxie, who have superior support moves. A Torment set is an option, but Zoroark has neither the bulk or the typing to pull it off.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Outright countering Zoroark is a difficult prospect due to its Illusion ability. Zoroark users can mix and match their teams before the battle starts, so its impossible to tell when exactly Zoroark comes out. That Haxorus that just switched has no intentions of using of Outrage, and is just waiting to melt your Skarmory with Flamethrower; alternatively, your Tyranitar might not stop that Latias if it happens to carry Focus Blast. Zoroark can play a huge role in lead match-ups as a result of its ability, since it can potentially strike unaware Pokemon and OHKO them with the right coverage moves.</p>

<p>Fortunately, there are several ways to uncover Zoroark's disguise. First and foremost, Illusion does not copy visual ability cues, so if a Zoroark disguises itself as a user of Mold Breaker or Intimidate, it's a dead giveaway. Second, Zoroark is neutral to Stealth Rock, so if Zoroark disguises itself as a Pokemon who is weak to Stealth Rock or resistant to it, you immediately tell right away. Zoroark and its partner obviously share different health bars and status, so you can also use that information to uncover its identity. It's a little harder to deal with Zoroark if its Illusion partners are neutral to Stealth Rock and their abilities lack an visual cue, especially early into the battle. Remember, as the battle drags on, it becomes harder for a Zoroark user to hide its disguise, especially when hazards are up and Pokemon are more weakened in general.</p>

<p>Countering Zoroark when its disguise has been revealed is significantly easier. Zoroark can't stand Fighting-types, and Fighting-types such as Keldeo and Conkeldurr have no problem switching into most sets, and OHKO with their STAB Fighting-type moves. Other Fighting-types such as Terrakion and Breloom will have some difficulty switch into most of its moves, but can easily beat if they manage to switch into a Dark-type move or setup move. To add insult to injury, Terrakion Justified ability, making Zoroark a liability in certain circumstances. Just about any Pokemon that is faster than Zoroark can be considered a check, because its extreme frailty means it is OHKOed by just about any STAB move. Scizor is a good check due to its strong priority Bullet Punch and resistance to Dark Pulse, but it needs to avoid Flamethrower. Blissey is a check to most sets, but it needs to watch out for Trick or boosted Focus Blast's, which might OHKO with hazards in play. Zoroark struggles against Pokemon that it can't hit for super effective damage since its main STAB is fairly weak. Pokemon such as Garchomp or Rotom-W can be considered checks provided that they're healthy or Zoroark hasn't boosted yet.</p>
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top