1v1
Overview
Smeargle's access to almost every move in the game allows it to run an almost unlimited amount of unique sets; however, many moves it can learn are unviable on it, leaving it with few options. Smeargle is useful for scaring off bulkier Pokemon such as Mega Slowbro during Team Preview, as they are usually slower and lack Speed investment, allowing other teammates to be brought in. However, Smeargle can still lose to a first-turn wake, even if it gets the right matchup, making it generally unreliable. This, in combination with its poor bulk, makes it an easy target for most fast hard-hitters. Smeargle's base 75 Speed stat is also not amazing, and it reaches a maximum Speed of only 273. However, it does allow it to outspeed key threats like Mega Mawile, bulky Tapu Lele, and Mega Slowbro.
ImprisonForm
- Smeargle @ Mental Herb
- Ability: Own Tempo
- EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- Timid Nature
- IVs: 0 Atk
- - Imprison
- - Transform
- - Spore
- - King's Shield / Magic Coat
Set Comments
Moves
Imprison and Transform, when used together, allow Smeargle to force the foe to use Struggle. Smeargle should use Imprison, followed by Transform, which means that Smeargle adopts all of the foe's moves, and the foe cannot use any of their moves due to Imprison. Spore is used to send the opposing Pokemon to sleep, allowing Smeargle to use Imprison and Transform without worrying too much as to whether or not it can take a hit. The final moveslot is open to a variety of moves: King's Shield can be used to increase Smeargle's chance of tanking a hit, while Magic Coat prevents status moves from hitting Smeargle, some of which will render it useless.
Set Details
252 Speed EVs along with a Speed-boosting nature allow Smeargle to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible. 252 HP EVs increase Smeargle's overall bulk, allowing it to survive weaker hits. The ability of choice is Own Tempo, as Moody is banned in 1v1 and Technician is useless on this set. Mental Herb gives Smeargle a counter against Taunt users, as it bypasses the move once, allowing Smeargle to subsequently use Spore against them.
Usage Tips
Avoid selecting Smeargle either if the opponent does not have a slow wall or if you expect them to run a stronger, faster Pokemon. Smeargle should almost always use Spore first, unless it is running King's Shield and you predict that the foe will use a physical move or if it is using Magic Coat and you predict that the foe will use a status move. Magic Coat can also be used if you predict a Taunt and are running Quick Claw instead of Mental Herb. After using Spore, Smeargle should use Imprison then Transform in that order, as it will block all of the foe's moves, forcing them to use Struggle.
Team Options
Powerful attackers such as Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Crustle pair nicely with Smeargle, as seeing Smeargle during Team Preview causes opponents to think twice before sending out their walls. Smeargle also appreciates teammates that can bring down faster Pokemon, as it almost always loses to them; these teammates can include Choice Scarf Sawk and Deoxys-D. Additionally, Smeargle's ability to shut down slow or bulky Pokemon like Mega Slowbro, Umbreon, and Crustle can effectively scare them off, allowing you to use Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y that may lose to these Pokemon. Furthermore, Smeargle can defeat Mega Mawile, one of the most dominating forces in the metagame, which allows Pokemon such as Kyurem-B and Mimikyu to be brought in more easily. Fire- or Flying-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Pinsir are useful for defeating Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, which are unaffected by Spore. Smeargle also highly appreciates very speedy Pokemon like Tapu Koko, as they can take down other fast Pokemon that threaten Smeargle.
Strategy Comments
Other Options
Lovely Kiss is an alternative to Spore to allow Smeargle to beat slower Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, but it has a lower 75% accuracy compared to Spore's 100%. Lum Berry can be used instead of Mental Herb, as it prevents Smeargle from being crippled by status. Quick Claw is another item alternative that provides a 20% chance for Smeargle to move first, bypassing its mediocre Speed stat. However, it lets Smeargle lose to fast Taunt users and is generally unreliable. A FEAR set with Endeavor, Extreme Speed, Endure, and Spore with a Salac Berry can also be worth using, as Smeargle can use Endure on turn 1 to survive any attack, then gain the Speed boost from Salac Berry to fire off Spore. It can be useful in luring in Smeargle's usual checks, such as Mega Charizard Y, Mega Metagross, and Greninja.
Checks and Counters
- Faster Pokemon: Smeargle has terrible bulk and is unlikely to survive a hit before it can get a Spore off, giving an easy win to the opponent. Key hard-hitters such as Greninja and Dragonite can easily outspeed Smeargle and OHKO it.
- Grass-types: Spore doesn't work on Grass-types due to it being a powder move, meaning that Smeargle will have to rely on its own bulk to survive one or two hits, which it most likely cannot. However, if Smeargle is using Lovely Kiss instead of Spore, it is sometimes able to beat slower Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur.