[SET]
Defensive Grassy Seed (Tapu Bulu) @ Grassy Seed
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 232 HP / 20 Atk / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer / Horn Leech
- Disable
- Leech Seed / Synthesis
- Taunt / Dazzling Gleam / Bulk Up
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=============
The combination of Grassy Seed, Grassy Surge, and Tapu Bulu's highly competitive typing allows it to defeat common physical attackers like both Urshifu formes, Azumarill, Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan, and Zeraora. Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to defeat Water-types like Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Huge Power Azumarill while also dealing a good amount of damage to neutral targets such as Zeraora thanks to the boost from Grassy Surge. Horn Leech helps in matchups where the provided recovery makes a difference, such as Custap Berry Sawk and some Glastrier sets, although Wood Hammer is a better option to secure rolls such as OHKOing Choice Band Urshifu-R and Choice Specs Tapu Fini. Disable helps against threatening Choice item attackers such as Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan and Choice Band Landorus-T. Leech Seed and Synthesis provide reliable recovery; Leech Seed combined with Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to have a better matchup against Aromatisse, while Synthesis is another option that works well with Disable against foes like non-Choice Scarf Metagross. In the final moveslot, Taunt prevents stall Pokemon like Chansey from using Toxic, and Dazzling Gleam completely shatters Urshifu-S. The combination of Taunt + Disable allows Tapu Bulu to secure the win against common stall threats like Kee Berry Cresselia and Sap Sipper Azumarill, the latter of which is commonly used to defeat Grass-types. Bulk Up boosts allow Tapu Bulu to defeat Custap Berry Aggron and, in conjunction with Taunt, break through bulky Pokemon like opposing Tapu Bulu.
EVs
=============
The Defense and HP investments allow Tapu Bulu to survive Choice Band Aggron's Heavy Slam. 56 Speed EVs is important to let Tapu Bulu outspeed Adamant Choice Band Aggron and Crustle.
Usage Tips
=============
This set serves a diverse role in the metagame; for example, it is able to defeat stall Pokemon like Kee Berry and non-Icy Wind Leftovers Cresselia with the combination of using Taunt on the first turn and then using Disable on the only attack Cresselia has, forcing it to use Struggle. Tapu Bulu is also reliable against physical attackers that can't tank multiple Wood Hammer boosted by Grassy Surge, such as Zeraora, while its typing allows it to secure the win against threats like Urshifu-R and Rhyperior. However, there are a few matchups that are not straightforward: Against Crustle, opening with Leech Seed negates its Sturdy ability, ensuring that a follow-up Wood Hammer secures the KO; since Crustle doesn't survive Wood Hammer after using Shell Smash, this sequence guarantees the win. Against Chansey, you should be aware of Counter and Toxic, so Tapu Bulu should use Taunt on the first turn and then Leech Seed + Disable on the Seismic Toss, only clicking Wood Hammer when Chansey is in KO range to avoid Counter. Disable can be used to defeat Choice Band Arcanine and Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan, as the Grassy Seed boost and the EVs in Defense allow Tapu Bulu to tank a Flare Blitz and Icicle Crash, respectively. Using Disable the first turn, followed by a recovery move like Leech Seed or Synthesis, allows Tapu Bulu to win both matchups via forcing them to use Struggle. Tapu Bulu defeats most Urshifu-S sets with Dazzling Gleam. In the case of not running Dazzling Gleam, be aware that Choiced Urshifu-S could lure Tapu Bulu in with Poison Jab, which 2HKOes it. Therefore, if you suspect this kind of lure, use Disable on the first turn to secure the win. Choice Scarf Haxorus also threatens Tapu Bulu with Poison Jab, so Disable on the first turn is the right move in this matchup too. Against Azumarill, Tapu Bulu can safely use Wood Hammer on the first turn, and if it's Sap Sipper, Tapu Bulu wins by using the combination of Taunt + Disable. Tapu Bulu can defeat Aromatisse if running Leech Seed, as it secures the win by using Wood Hammer turn one and Leech Seed turn two.
[SET]
Fast Grassy Seed (Tapu Bulu) @ Grassy Seed
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 160 HP / 88 Atk / 28 Def / 232 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Leech Seed
- Substitute
- Wood Hammer
- Disable
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=============
This Tapu Bulu set aims to outspeed and defeat Pokemon that the defensive set struggles against, such as Magnezone and Icy Wind Cresselia, thanks to the combination of Substitute + Disable. Leech Seed alongside Grassy Surge provides Tapu Bulu with reliable recovery, draining health from bulky foes that are not threatened by Tapu Bulu's STAB move, such as Registeel. Leech Seed + Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to defeat Aromatisse. Substitute synergizes well with Leech Seed, as this combination allows Tapu Bulu to defeat slower Pokemon like Assault Vest Registeel. Wood Hammer OHKOes Water-type foes like Primarina and non-stall Azumarill, as well as dealing a decent amount of damage to neutral targets like Urshifu-S and Dracovish thanks to Grassy Surge.
EVs
=============
Running 160 HP EVs helps Tapu Bulu tank any attack from Choice Specs Tapu Fini, while 28 Defense EVs allow Tapu Bulu to easily survive Blaze Kick from Choice Band Zeraora and Poison Jab from both Choice Scarf Urshifu-S and Choice Scarf Haxorus. The Speed EVs help Tapu Bulu outrun Magnezone and Celesteela.
Usage Tips
=============
The primary goal of this set is to effectively utilize Substitute + Disable to block and neutralize incoming attacks from slower foes that would otherwise threaten Tapu Bulu with overwhelming damage. Tapu Bulu should use Substitute on the first turn against Magnezone using Flash Cannon, followed by Disable and Leech Seed to secure the win. Substitute on the first two turns is a safe option to scout Magnezone's set if you are not sure about it being Choice Specs, as Metal Sound Magnezone can defeat Tapu Bulu. The same sequence applies to matchups like Choice Band Steelix and Choice Band Aggron. Against faster threats like Choice Scarf Haxorus running Poison Jab, Tapu Bulu should use Disable first and Leech Seed the turn after. Tapu Bulu secures the win against Assault Vest Registeel by using Leech Seed on the first turn, Substitute until it can't use Substitute anymore due to low HP, and then Wood Hammer; the damage on the final turn is enough thanks to Leech Seed wearing Registeel down.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Tapu Bulu can run an EV spread of 248 HP / 80 Atk / 88 Def / 76 SpD / 16 Spe with an Impish nature. The Special Defense and HP EVs allow it to tank Fire Blast from Choice Specs Timid Dragapult. If running Dazzling Gleam for Urshifu-S, then the spread of 176 HP / 132 Atk / 144 Def / 56 Spe with Impish nature allows Tapu Bulu to tank a Poison Jab from Choice Band Urshifu-S. In the fast Grassy Seed set, Taunt can be a valuable option for Tapu Bulu to defeat Iron Defense Registeel.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lialiabeast.564420/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nunnbetter.501592/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mishlef.509647/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/red-fintans.637479/
Defensive Grassy Seed (Tapu Bulu) @ Grassy Seed
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 232 HP / 20 Atk / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer / Horn Leech
- Disable
- Leech Seed / Synthesis
- Taunt / Dazzling Gleam / Bulk Up
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=============
The combination of Grassy Seed, Grassy Surge, and Tapu Bulu's highly competitive typing allows it to defeat common physical attackers like both Urshifu formes, Azumarill, Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan, and Zeraora. Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to defeat Water-types like Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Huge Power Azumarill while also dealing a good amount of damage to neutral targets such as Zeraora thanks to the boost from Grassy Surge. Horn Leech helps in matchups where the provided recovery makes a difference, such as Custap Berry Sawk and some Glastrier sets, although Wood Hammer is a better option to secure rolls such as OHKOing Choice Band Urshifu-R and Choice Specs Tapu Fini. Disable helps against threatening Choice item attackers such as Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan and Choice Band Landorus-T. Leech Seed and Synthesis provide reliable recovery; Leech Seed combined with Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to have a better matchup against Aromatisse, while Synthesis is another option that works well with Disable against foes like non-Choice Scarf Metagross. In the final moveslot, Taunt prevents stall Pokemon like Chansey from using Toxic, and Dazzling Gleam completely shatters Urshifu-S. The combination of Taunt + Disable allows Tapu Bulu to secure the win against common stall threats like Kee Berry Cresselia and Sap Sipper Azumarill, the latter of which is commonly used to defeat Grass-types. Bulk Up boosts allow Tapu Bulu to defeat Custap Berry Aggron and, in conjunction with Taunt, break through bulky Pokemon like opposing Tapu Bulu.
EVs
=============
The Defense and HP investments allow Tapu Bulu to survive Choice Band Aggron's Heavy Slam. 56 Speed EVs is important to let Tapu Bulu outspeed Adamant Choice Band Aggron and Crustle.
Usage Tips
=============
This set serves a diverse role in the metagame; for example, it is able to defeat stall Pokemon like Kee Berry and non-Icy Wind Leftovers Cresselia with the combination of using Taunt on the first turn and then using Disable on the only attack Cresselia has, forcing it to use Struggle. Tapu Bulu is also reliable against physical attackers that can't tank multiple Wood Hammer boosted by Grassy Surge, such as Zeraora, while its typing allows it to secure the win against threats like Urshifu-R and Rhyperior. However, there are a few matchups that are not straightforward: Against Crustle, opening with Leech Seed negates its Sturdy ability, ensuring that a follow-up Wood Hammer secures the KO; since Crustle doesn't survive Wood Hammer after using Shell Smash, this sequence guarantees the win. Against Chansey, you should be aware of Counter and Toxic, so Tapu Bulu should use Taunt on the first turn and then Leech Seed + Disable on the Seismic Toss, only clicking Wood Hammer when Chansey is in KO range to avoid Counter. Disable can be used to defeat Choice Band Arcanine and Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan, as the Grassy Seed boost and the EVs in Defense allow Tapu Bulu to tank a Flare Blitz and Icicle Crash, respectively. Using Disable the first turn, followed by a recovery move like Leech Seed or Synthesis, allows Tapu Bulu to win both matchups via forcing them to use Struggle. Tapu Bulu defeats most Urshifu-S sets with Dazzling Gleam. In the case of not running Dazzling Gleam, be aware that Choiced Urshifu-S could lure Tapu Bulu in with Poison Jab, which 2HKOes it. Therefore, if you suspect this kind of lure, use Disable on the first turn to secure the win. Choice Scarf Haxorus also threatens Tapu Bulu with Poison Jab, so Disable on the first turn is the right move in this matchup too. Against Azumarill, Tapu Bulu can safely use Wood Hammer on the first turn, and if it's Sap Sipper, Tapu Bulu wins by using the combination of Taunt + Disable. Tapu Bulu can defeat Aromatisse if running Leech Seed, as it secures the win by using Wood Hammer turn one and Leech Seed turn two.
[SET]
Fast Grassy Seed (Tapu Bulu) @ Grassy Seed
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 160 HP / 88 Atk / 28 Def / 232 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Leech Seed
- Substitute
- Wood Hammer
- Disable
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=============
This Tapu Bulu set aims to outspeed and defeat Pokemon that the defensive set struggles against, such as Magnezone and Icy Wind Cresselia, thanks to the combination of Substitute + Disable. Leech Seed alongside Grassy Surge provides Tapu Bulu with reliable recovery, draining health from bulky foes that are not threatened by Tapu Bulu's STAB move, such as Registeel. Leech Seed + Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to defeat Aromatisse. Substitute synergizes well with Leech Seed, as this combination allows Tapu Bulu to defeat slower Pokemon like Assault Vest Registeel. Wood Hammer OHKOes Water-type foes like Primarina and non-stall Azumarill, as well as dealing a decent amount of damage to neutral targets like Urshifu-S and Dracovish thanks to Grassy Surge.
EVs
=============
Running 160 HP EVs helps Tapu Bulu tank any attack from Choice Specs Tapu Fini, while 28 Defense EVs allow Tapu Bulu to easily survive Blaze Kick from Choice Band Zeraora and Poison Jab from both Choice Scarf Urshifu-S and Choice Scarf Haxorus. The Speed EVs help Tapu Bulu outrun Magnezone and Celesteela.
Usage Tips
=============
The primary goal of this set is to effectively utilize Substitute + Disable to block and neutralize incoming attacks from slower foes that would otherwise threaten Tapu Bulu with overwhelming damage. Tapu Bulu should use Substitute on the first turn against Magnezone using Flash Cannon, followed by Disable and Leech Seed to secure the win. Substitute on the first two turns is a safe option to scout Magnezone's set if you are not sure about it being Choice Specs, as Metal Sound Magnezone can defeat Tapu Bulu. The same sequence applies to matchups like Choice Band Steelix and Choice Band Aggron. Against faster threats like Choice Scarf Haxorus running Poison Jab, Tapu Bulu should use Disable first and Leech Seed the turn after. Tapu Bulu secures the win against Assault Vest Registeel by using Leech Seed on the first turn, Substitute until it can't use Substitute anymore due to low HP, and then Wood Hammer; the damage on the final turn is enough thanks to Leech Seed wearing Registeel down.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Tapu Bulu can run an EV spread of 248 HP / 80 Atk / 88 Def / 76 SpD / 16 Spe with an Impish nature. The Special Defense and HP EVs allow it to tank Fire Blast from Choice Specs Timid Dragapult. If running Dazzling Gleam for Urshifu-S, then the spread of 176 HP / 132 Atk / 144 Def / 56 Spe with Impish nature allows Tapu Bulu to tank a Poison Jab from Choice Band Urshifu-S. In the fast Grassy Seed set, Taunt can be a valuable option for Tapu Bulu to defeat Iron Defense Registeel.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lialiabeast.564420/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nunnbetter.501592/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mishlef.509647/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/red-fintans.637479/
Last edited: