Pokémon Aegislash

[MagnetBoy]

The automotize set carries HP ice, so gliscor isn't exactly a foolproof counter

but then you are running the sp. attack set which has no priority, so you have already made aegislash weaker just from the threat alone. Speaks volumes of how scared aegislash is of gliscor.

and lets be honest, aegislash just isn't as scary without a swords dance or two. the special attack set is much less worrisome then the physical set

 

[MasterRyuga]

i think sableye completely stops aegislash and can probably OHKO it with foul play
you would also would have to have setup first to use HP Ice so it will always comes down to if aegislash can outspeed the pokemon

 

[N1ght123]

but then you are running the sp. attack set which has no priority, so you have already made aegislash weaker just from the threat alone. Speaks volumes of how scared aegislash is of gliscor.

and lets be honest, aegislash just isn't as scary without a swords dance or two. the special attack set is much less worrisome then the physical set

It may seem that way at first but you switch in Aegislash in and your opponent will more than likely fear a Physical Set and switch something in to take the expected physical hit only to have Aegislash set up an Automatize and outspeed what they send in, or to get hit with Shadow Ball. Everyone needs to stop acting like the Swords Dance set is the end all be all of sets. It can work and so can Automatize, they are both good.

 

[muramusaw8]

i think sableye completely stops aegislash and can probably OHKO it with foul play
you would also would have to have setup first to use HP Ice so it will always comes down to if aegislash can outspeed the pokemon

Sableye might hamper a physically-based Aegislash, but it sure wouldn't enjoy a Shadow Ball.

There was a recently posted warstory about the merits of the 'Pivot' Aegislash set. Not to say the SD set is only trash since it can clean up, but the still-unexpected Pivot set is better for destroying things. Automatize is kind of like a mix between the two.

 

[N1ght123]

Sableye might hamper a physically-based Aegislash, but it sure wouldn't enjoy a Shadow Ball.

There was a recently posted warstory about the merits of the 'Pivot' Aegislash set. Not to say the SD set is only trash since it can clean up, but the still-unexpected Pivot set is better for destroying things. Automatize is kind of like a mix between the two.

252+ SpA Life Orb (custom) Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Sableye: 196-231 (64.47 - 75.98%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Under perfect conditions Sableye can't switch in on it, and as with most of Aegislash's other checks, Sableye must come in after something has been knocked out. As long as the player hasn't actively lowered Aegislash's speed then Aegislash should outspeed Sableye's Foul Play.

 

[MagnetBoy]

It may seem that way at first but you switch in Aegislash in and your opponent will more than likely fear a Physical Set and switch something in to take the expected physical hit only to have Aegislash set up an Automatize and outspeed what they send in, or to get hit with Shadow Ball. Everyone needs to stop acting like the Swords Dance set is the end all be all of sets. It can work and so can Automatize, they are both good.

unfortunately that's just not how the game works. You are always going to pivot against any dangerous sweeper. sending in your gliscor before the aegislash makes a single move is laughably bad play. Here I would probably dispose of my rotom-W or something like that to take the switch-in. If he swords dances, WoW. If he automatizes, Light screen/volt switch and then switch to the intended counter.

 

[MasterRyuga]

why would you switch sableye in on aegislash?

 

[Zazazaki]

i think sableye completely stops aegislash and can probably OHKO it with foul play

Sableye switchin on Shadow ball is 2HKO'ed and since it is normally outsped even without Aegislash usin autotomize, it's not really much of a counter, it's more of a check, usually after special Aegis gets a kill.

you would also would have to have setup first to use HP Ice so it will always comes down to if aegislash can outspeed the pokemon

Gliscor switchin in on an Aegislash that hasn't been scouted of whether it's the physical or special set is risky exactly because if it's the special variant, it will likely set up an autotomize on a predicted switch and then OHKO with HP ice, or just go for the HP ice right away.

So I guess you can only call these 2 checks. Although, of course, Gliscor does counter the physical variants pretty handily.

 

[Hidious]

unfortunately that's just not how the game works. You are always going to pivot against any dangerous sweeper. sending in your gliscor before the aegislash makes a single move is laughably bad play. Here I would probably dispose of my rotom-W or something like that to take the switch-in. If he swords dances, WoW. If he automatizes, Light screen/volt switch and then switch to the intended counter.

We weren't discussing ways to deal with aegislash, we were discussing counters. A counter is something that can switch in and force the pokemon out or KO with almost certainty. You mentioned gliscor as being one of the best counters to aegislash, then it was brought up that gliscor isn't a fool-proof counter because aegislash can hit it with HP ice on the switch in. If you need to bring in rotom-w to throw up a light screen before you bring in gliscor, then it isn't a counter. Gliscor is a check to aegislash but not "a definitive counter."

 

[LittleTLK]

I've found nidoking to be a good counter to this thing, especially specially based.
It takes hits pretty well, out speeds it, and 2hkos with earth power (1hko if in attack stance).

So far, I've been able to outpredict king's shield in most battles on battlespot and managed to work around the thing.

Not to say it sucks, which it clearly doesn't, but it's not too difficult to outplay this thing with the right pokemon. It takes good prediction to run Aegislash well.

Of course, HP ice is a threat, but I doubt there exists a perfect pokemon that aegislash cannot hit at all.

Any bulky water type like, Suicune and Blastoise is good as well, as scald cripples physical sets, and I've used Vaporeon with decent success.

 

[Zazazaki]

252+ Attack Snadow Sneak vs 4Hp/0 Def Nidoking: 32.89%-38.82% - 66,99% chance to 3HKO
+2 252+ Attack Shadow Sneak vs 4Hp/0 Def Nidoking: 65.13%-76.97% - 100% chance to 2HKO

Obviously Nidoking will have to switch in as soon as possible because, if Aegislash has gotten a SD and hits Nidoking on the switch, then Nidoking is dead meat, unless if it packs Sucker Punch. I wouldn't exactly count him as a counter either, imo.

Also pretty sure that Shadow Ball 2KHOs, but here Nidoking will outspeed and OHKO with Earth power, even if it switches in on a Shadow Ball, unless if Aegislash had used autotomize before and hits with SB as Nido switches in. So I'd consider Nidoking as a (albeit pretty solid if being an immediate response) check. But that's just my impression.

 

[LittleTLK]

252+ Attack Snadow Sneak vs 4Hp/0 Def Nidoking: 32.89%-38.82% - 66,99% chance to 3HKO
+2 252+ Attack Shadow Sneak vs 4Hp/0 Def Nidoking: 65.13%-76.97% - 100% chance to 2HKO

Obviously Nidoking will have to switch in as soon as possible because, if Aegislash has gotten a SD and hits Nidoking on the switch, then Nidoking is dead meat, unless if it packs Sucker Punch. I wouldn't exactly count him as a counter either, imo.

Also pretty sure that Shadow Ball 2KHOs, but here Nidoking will outspeed and OHKO with Earth power, even if it switches in on a Shadow Ball, unless if Aegislash had used autotomize before and hits with SB as Nido switches in. So I'd consider Nidoking as a (albeit pretty solid if being an immediate response) check. But that's just my impression.

Yeah, I agree, though few things are safe switching into boosted pokemon like that.

Another thing just throwing out there is that MegaMawile's sucker punch can score surprise KOs, as can MegaAbsol, though the latter really doesn't want to switch in on anything.

 

[Hidious]

252+ SpA Spooky Plate (custom) Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 241-285 (79.53 - 94.05%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Spooky Plate (custom) Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Nidoking: 109-129 (35.97 - 42.57%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Nidoking isn't going to switch into a shadow ball any time soon. Nidoking is best to revenge kill, but not a good counter.

 

[Zazazaki]

Well, if it uses SD, it's a physical set, so Gliscor and Landorus-T should be good counters, if it's a special set then obviously these things won't do well, you will need somethin with good special bulk that isn't weak to it's SB. The thing, of course, is that you will have to scout the set, which is where the dangers come if you don't have a solid response to one of the variants. Guess a team should be prepared to face off with either the special and physical variants, BUT, the special set should be easier to work around, I think (unless if it autotomizes too much, then we are back on the high sp. def as an answer again).

 

[crazy_man]

I think some people are missing the point of Mixed Aegislash. It really excels as a late game sweeper, once you've removed its threats you switch in get an Autotomize up and wreck house.

Also some calcs of Mixed Aegislash against Nidoking:

252 SpA Life Orb (custom) Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 160-188 (52.8 - 62.04%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb (custom) Hidden Power Ice (60) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 239-283 (78.87 - 93.39%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Unless Nidoking is weakened and Aegislash already has an Autotomize up, not worth staying in to be OHKO by Earth Power.

 

[LittleTLK]

252+ SpA Spooky Plate (custom) Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 241-285 (79.53 - 94.05%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Spooky Plate (custom) Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Nidoking: 109-129 (35.97 - 42.57%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Nidoking isn't going to switch into a shadow ball any time soon. Nidoking is best to revenge kill, but not a good counter.

This is on the same Aegislash, right?
Yeah, I wouldn't say it's a good counter in this case, but most I've encountered have been purely physical, so that's why I brought it up.

I think the best counter is something with higher than base 50 speed that can survive a hit, and accurately land a good solid sucker punch.

Also, just in response to mixed aegislash in general, it's definitely something to be feared, as the above has said as a late game sweeper, however, in those cases, I'd suspect you'd want to revenge kill it rather than counter it.

 

[Zazazaki]

Haven't tried or seen any mixed ones so far, but I was thinkin that it could be useful .. although not as strong as a pure physical, I think, could still be a lure to things .. but it should be able to OHKO stuff like Gliscor with HP ice even with split EVs, as otherwise it wouldn't be that useful (aside the surprise value). Anyone in to do some calculations on that?
But alright, will give it a try on showdown when I have the chance to see how viable it is.

 

[LittleTLK]

Haven't tried or seen any mixed ones so far, but I was thinkin that it could be useful .. although not as strong as a pure physical, I think, could still be a lure to things .. but it should be able to OHKO stuff like Gliscor with HP ice even with split EVs, as otherwise it wouldn't be that useful (aside the surprise value). Anyone in to do some calculations on that?
But alright, will give it a try on showdown when I have the chance to see how viable it is.

I think Aegislash could potentially run 252 in both attack stats and be ok.

 

[Hidious]

Haven't tried or seen any mixed ones so far, but I was thinkin that it could be useful .. although not as strong as a pure physical, I think, could still be a lure to things .. but it should be able to OHKO stuff like Gliscor with HP ice even with split EVs, as otherwise it wouldn't be that useful (aside the surprise value). Anyone in to do some calculations on that?
But alright, will give it a try on showdown when I have the chance to see how viable it is.

The all out mixed set is one of the best sets right now, because it defeats a lot of the common checks to aegislash. It's the best wall breaking set aegislash has and hardly anything dare switch into it.

Aegislash @ Spooky Plate / Life Orb
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 SpA
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- Iron Head
- Sacred Sword

 

[Zazazaki]

I think the best counter is something with higher than base 50 speed that can survive a hit, and accurately land a good solid sucker punch.

Just thought that it was worth notin that King's Shield variants will mostly laugh this off. But variants that don't use it, yeah, that could work.

 

[crazy_man]

Haven't tried or seen any mixed ones so far, but I was thinkin that it could be useful .. although not as strong as a pure physical, I think, could still be a lure to things .. but it should be able to OHKO stuff like Gliscor with HP ice even with split EVs, as otherwise it wouldn't be that useful (aside the surprise value). Anyone in to do some calculations on that?
But alright, will give it a try on showdown when I have the chance to see how viable it is.

Mixed Autotomize goes full out Special Attack, 244 Speed (supposely to outspeed landrous-T but which idk which set was mentioned), and 12 Attack

Shadow Ball Most things, HP Ice when it does more Damage, Sacred Sword on Normal and Dark that would otherwise resist Shadow Ball.

Anyhow your Gliscor calc:

252 SpA Life Orb (custom) Hidden Power Ice (60) vs. 244 HP / 0 SpD Gliscor: 484-572 (137.5 - 162.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

And for shits and giggles:

252 SpA Life Orb (custom) Hidden Power Ice (60) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gliscor: 328-390 (92.65 - 110.16%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

 

[LittleTLK]

Just thought that it was worth notin that King's Shield variants will mostly laugh this off. But variants that don't use it, yeah, that could work.

Yep, but Aegislash that runs king's shield takes prediction on both sides. It's possible to fake out the fake out, so to speak.

 

[ShadowMarioGalaxy64]

I never brought my opinions up to Aegislash, but overall, I'm very impressed. There was always that ONE Ghost-Type in every Gen that I loved. Gengar is my absolute favorite, Misdreavus was really cool, Dusclops was my go-to Pokemon in Emerald, Giratina is a Legendary Ghost-Dragon (need I say more?), Jellicent is a Ghostly Boss, and now we have Aegislash! It has a great Physical Movepool, a usable Special Movepool, and oddly enough, it has Toxic, Reflect, and even...ResTalk? Odd. The Physical Movepool is VERY impressive, but a Special Set can be used for the surprise factor and to not be as hurt against Intimidate users and Will-O-Wisp, since Toxic is a laughing matter thanks to its Steel-Type. One move that seems useless to me is Autotomize since, in my eyes, you usually want Aegislash to have minimum speed so that it can always tank an attack, then retaliate. Next turn, the obvious King's Shield is obvious (unless you predict the opponent using a boosting move like Dragon Dance).
I absolutely love its Typing. The only two types to hit it Neutrally are Water and Electric--only four weaknesses and everything else won't nearly do a thing against it. To me, though, it will take considerable skill to properly use Aegislash--like Cloyster and SubDisable Gengar, timing and prediction are vital. Without the proper skill in either, Aegislash is likely to fall.

I'll train one up for competitive use and see how much more it does.

 

[Mozilla Fennekin]

I never brought my opinions up to Aegislash, but overall, I'm very impressed. There was always that ONE Ghost-Type in every Gen that I loved. Gengar is my absolute favorite, Misdreavus was really cool, Dusclops was my go-to Pokemon in Emerald, Giratina is a Legendary Ghost-Dragon (need I say more?), Jellicent is a Ghostly Boss, and now we have Aegislash! It has a great Physical Movepool, a usable Special Movepool, and oddly enough, it has Toxic, Reflect, and even...ResTalk? Odd. The Physical Movepool is VERY impressive, but a Special Set can be used for the surprise factor and to not be as hurt against Intimidate users and Will-O-Wisp, since Toxic is a laughing matter thanks to its Steel-Type. One move that seems useless to me is Autotomize since, in my eyes, you usually want Aegislash to have minimum speed so that it can always tank an attack, then retaliate. Next turn, the obvious King's Shield is obvious (unless you predict the opponent using a boosting move like Dragon Dance).
I absolutely love its Typing. The only two types to hit it Neutrally are Water and Electric--only four weaknesses and everything else won't nearly do a thing against it. To me, though, it will take considerable skill to properly use Aegislash--like Cloyster and SubDisable Gengar, timing and prediction are vital. Without the proper skill in either, Aegislash is likely to fall.

I'll train one up for competitive use and see how much more it does.

I will agree that Aegislash is one of the coolest Pokemon ever made, both design-wise and strategy-wise.
I'm curious as to how he'll do in Ubers. Not saying he's too good for OU or anything, but he's number one in usage right now and for obvious reasons, so it's evident that he'll hit both. He could be a good check or switch-in to several Pokemon there--he can easily switch into a Modest Specs Kyurem-W Draco Meteor for example.

 

[Unforgivenronin]

Aegislash @ / Life Orb
Ability: Stance Change

Modest Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Metal Sound/King's Shield
- Autotomize/ HP fire/ HP Fighting

A full special offensive Aegislash, this takes advantages of aegislash's great special attack and bulk.