QC: Arikado / 49 / atomicllamas
GP: PSquared / fleurdyleurse
[OVERVIEW]
Shiftry is one of the few Defog users in the tier with a good offensive presence. Thanks to its high Attack stat, Shiftry is dangerous when carrying a Life Orb, as it can wear down defensive Pokemon with Knock Off and act as a late-game revenge killer with Sucker Punch. Shiftry also has a good Special Attack stat and can use Leaf Storm as a mixed attacker. Unfortunately, Shiftry's mediocre Speed makes it hard to Defog against offensive teams, and its poor Grass / Dark typing along with its paper thin defenses means it is KOed easily. As a Defogger, Shiftry also faces competition from Flygon, which has better bulk and Speed but lacks priority, unlike Shiftry. Shiftry is also walled by common walls such as Togetic and Aromatisse, reducing its effectiveness. Nevertheless, Shiftry can make use of its typing to check Pokemon such as Alomomola, Clawitzer, Jolteon, and Delphox.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defogger
move 1: Defog
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Leaf Storm
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=================
Defog removes entry hazards from both sides of the field, supporting Shiftry's teammates. Knock Off is a strong STAB move that cripples a lot of Pokemon, removing their items, making it very difficult to switch into. Sucker Punch has +1 priority and is a STAB move: it makes Shiftry a great revenge killer, especially against frail foes such as Jolteon and Delphox. Leaf Storm gives Shiftry the ability to KO Pokemon such as Alomomola and Rhyperior, as well as making Shiftry a mixed attacker; paired with Knock Off, it makes it extremely hard for foes to switch into Shiftry.
Set Details
========
The EVs are to used maximize Attack and Speed, with the remaining EVs dumped into Special Attack, allowing Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Tyrantrum, Hitmontop, Adamant Hitmonlee, Modest Meloetta, and Adamant Kabutops. Life Orb boosts Shiftry's damage output. A Hasty nature is used to let Shiftry Speed tie with Jolly Kabutops, Medicham, Gallade, and non-Mega Glalie.
Usage Tips
========
Shiftry is a Pokemon that can be used throughout the entire match. If you see an opportunity to Defog, use it; otherwise, Knock Off is a generally safe move. Shiftry should be used to cripple defensive cores of Rhyperior and Alomomola with Leaf Storm; it also can hit Amoonguss hard on the switch and remove Eviolite from Togetic with Knock Off. If possible, save Shiftry for late-game cleaning or revenge killing. It can also come in mid-game to Defog if needed. If predicted right, Shiftry can come into Rhyperior, Clawitzer, Alomomola, and Jellicent and can KO them, but beware of Scald burns, as well as coverage moves that could KO Shiftry.
Team Options
========
Delphox, Fletchinder, and Mega Glalie love to have entry hazards removed and therefore make for great partners. They can deal with Shiftry's checks, such as Virizion and Mega Steelix, while Shiftry can deal with their common switch-ins, such as Alomomola, Tangrowth, and Jellicent. Uxie is a great partner, as it can deal with Virizion and spread Thunder Wave, helping Shiftry deal with faster threats. Alomomola can deal with Fire-types, such as Mega Camerupt, Delphox, Typhlosion, and Fletchinder, as well as pass Wishes to Shiftry.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Seed Bomb
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Shiftry's Attack to high levels, making it a great sweeper. Knock Off is a great STAB move that deals heavy damage and removing the target's item. Sucker Punch makes up for Shiftry's mediocre Speed, as it has +1 priority; it also can OHKO Adamant Hitmonlee at +2 as well as threaten any faster Pokemon. Seed Bomb allows Shiftry to deal with Rhyperior and Alomomola, hitting them super effectively. It also allows Shiftry to deal with Aromatisse, which otherwise walls it.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs make Shiftry as fast and powerful as it can be. A Jolly nature is used to outspeed Jolly Tyrantrum and Adamant Hitmonlee and to Speed tie with base 80 Speed Pokemon, most notably Glalie before it Mega Evolves. Life Orb is used to maximize damage output as well as give Shiftry the liberty to switch moves.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Shiftry should be used as a late-game sweeper, and it should only attempt to sweep after all its checks and counters, such as Virizion, Mega Steelix, Mega Glalie, and Drapion, have been weakened or beaten. Shiftry can also be used early-game for its strong Knock Off or to revenge kill with Sucker Punch. This will also lead the opponent into thinking that Shiftry is not carrying Swords Dance, only to be surprised with a late-game sweep. Knock Off should be spammed freely, as it cripples a lot of Pokemon.
Team Options
========
Entry hazards aid the sweep of Swords Dance Shiftry by inflicting residual damage on the opponent's Pokemon. As such, Spikes users such as Omastar, Accelgor, and Qwilfish are recommended. Omastar also has access to Stealth Rock, while Qwilfish can stack Toxic Spikes as well. Special wallbreakers, such as Clawitzer, Choice Specs Meloetta, and Choice Specs or Calm Mind Delphox, are good to wear down the opponent's walls, giving Shiftry an easier time sweeping. Hitmonlee also makes for a good partner, as it is a wallbreaker and has access to Rapid Spin to remove any entry hazards on Shiftry's side of the field. Choice Band Dugtrio is a good partner because it can trap and OHKO Virizion with Aerial Ace. It can also deal great damage to Mega Steelix, weakening it for Shiftry. Life Orb Dugtrio also has access to Memento, which can help Shiftry set up.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Nasty Plot set with Giga Drain and Dark Pulse is an option to use, but it's outclassed and inferior to the Swords Dance set, as it lacks priority. Leaf Blade can be used, but the move is illegal with Sucker Punch, which is extremely valuable to Shiftry. Explosion can be utilized on any set to go out with a bang and possibly allow Shiftry to take something with it, especially Scrafty or Togetic after Knock Off; it can also prevent foes from successfully using Rapid Spin, but Shiftry doesn't really have a spare moveslot for it. Shiftry can run Bullet Seed to beat lead Omastar and prevent it from setting up entry hazards, but the move is only useful in that scenario. Shiftry can utilize a Sunny Day set with Solar Beam for sun teams, but it loses Defog and Swords Dance, which give Shiftry its niche.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Virizion**: Virizion appreciates a Justified boost, can take anything Shiftry throws at it, and can retaliate with Close Combat. Virizion can also set up on Shiftry with Swords Dance or Calm Mind and attempt to sweep.
**Pokemon that Resisits Shiftry's STAB Moves**: Pokemon that resist Knock Off, Leaf Storm, or Sucker Punch can easily counter Shiftry. This includes Drapion, Skuntank, Emboar, Druddigon, Amoonguss, Mega Steelix, Togetic, and Tangrowth.
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon that can take a Sucker Punch can easily revenge kill Shiftry. This includes Choice Scarf Braviary, Jolly Hitmonlee, Choice Scarf Tyrantrum, and Flygon, although they must be wary, as a +2 Sucker Punch may KO them.
GP: PSquared / fleurdyleurse
[OVERVIEW]
Shiftry is one of the few Defog users in the tier with a good offensive presence. Thanks to its high Attack stat, Shiftry is dangerous when carrying a Life Orb, as it can wear down defensive Pokemon with Knock Off and act as a late-game revenge killer with Sucker Punch. Shiftry also has a good Special Attack stat and can use Leaf Storm as a mixed attacker. Unfortunately, Shiftry's mediocre Speed makes it hard to Defog against offensive teams, and its poor Grass / Dark typing along with its paper thin defenses means it is KOed easily. As a Defogger, Shiftry also faces competition from Flygon, which has better bulk and Speed but lacks priority, unlike Shiftry. Shiftry is also walled by common walls such as Togetic and Aromatisse, reducing its effectiveness. Nevertheless, Shiftry can make use of its typing to check Pokemon such as Alomomola, Clawitzer, Jolteon, and Delphox.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defogger
move 1: Defog
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Leaf Storm
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=================
Defog removes entry hazards from both sides of the field, supporting Shiftry's teammates. Knock Off is a strong STAB move that cripples a lot of Pokemon, removing their items, making it very difficult to switch into. Sucker Punch has +1 priority and is a STAB move: it makes Shiftry a great revenge killer, especially against frail foes such as Jolteon and Delphox. Leaf Storm gives Shiftry the ability to KO Pokemon such as Alomomola and Rhyperior, as well as making Shiftry a mixed attacker; paired with Knock Off, it makes it extremely hard for foes to switch into Shiftry.
Set Details
========
The EVs are to used maximize Attack and Speed, with the remaining EVs dumped into Special Attack, allowing Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Tyrantrum, Hitmontop, Adamant Hitmonlee, Modest Meloetta, and Adamant Kabutops. Life Orb boosts Shiftry's damage output. A Hasty nature is used to let Shiftry Speed tie with Jolly Kabutops, Medicham, Gallade, and non-Mega Glalie.
Usage Tips
========
Shiftry is a Pokemon that can be used throughout the entire match. If you see an opportunity to Defog, use it; otherwise, Knock Off is a generally safe move. Shiftry should be used to cripple defensive cores of Rhyperior and Alomomola with Leaf Storm; it also can hit Amoonguss hard on the switch and remove Eviolite from Togetic with Knock Off. If possible, save Shiftry for late-game cleaning or revenge killing. It can also come in mid-game to Defog if needed. If predicted right, Shiftry can come into Rhyperior, Clawitzer, Alomomola, and Jellicent and can KO them, but beware of Scald burns, as well as coverage moves that could KO Shiftry.
Team Options
========
Delphox, Fletchinder, and Mega Glalie love to have entry hazards removed and therefore make for great partners. They can deal with Shiftry's checks, such as Virizion and Mega Steelix, while Shiftry can deal with their common switch-ins, such as Alomomola, Tangrowth, and Jellicent. Uxie is a great partner, as it can deal with Virizion and spread Thunder Wave, helping Shiftry deal with faster threats. Alomomola can deal with Fire-types, such as Mega Camerupt, Delphox, Typhlosion, and Fletchinder, as well as pass Wishes to Shiftry.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Seed Bomb
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Shiftry's Attack to high levels, making it a great sweeper. Knock Off is a great STAB move that deals heavy damage and removing the target's item. Sucker Punch makes up for Shiftry's mediocre Speed, as it has +1 priority; it also can OHKO Adamant Hitmonlee at +2 as well as threaten any faster Pokemon. Seed Bomb allows Shiftry to deal with Rhyperior and Alomomola, hitting them super effectively. It also allows Shiftry to deal with Aromatisse, which otherwise walls it.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs make Shiftry as fast and powerful as it can be. A Jolly nature is used to outspeed Jolly Tyrantrum and Adamant Hitmonlee and to Speed tie with base 80 Speed Pokemon, most notably Glalie before it Mega Evolves. Life Orb is used to maximize damage output as well as give Shiftry the liberty to switch moves.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Shiftry should be used as a late-game sweeper, and it should only attempt to sweep after all its checks and counters, such as Virizion, Mega Steelix, Mega Glalie, and Drapion, have been weakened or beaten. Shiftry can also be used early-game for its strong Knock Off or to revenge kill with Sucker Punch. This will also lead the opponent into thinking that Shiftry is not carrying Swords Dance, only to be surprised with a late-game sweep. Knock Off should be spammed freely, as it cripples a lot of Pokemon.
Team Options
========
Entry hazards aid the sweep of Swords Dance Shiftry by inflicting residual damage on the opponent's Pokemon. As such, Spikes users such as Omastar, Accelgor, and Qwilfish are recommended. Omastar also has access to Stealth Rock, while Qwilfish can stack Toxic Spikes as well. Special wallbreakers, such as Clawitzer, Choice Specs Meloetta, and Choice Specs or Calm Mind Delphox, are good to wear down the opponent's walls, giving Shiftry an easier time sweeping. Hitmonlee also makes for a good partner, as it is a wallbreaker and has access to Rapid Spin to remove any entry hazards on Shiftry's side of the field. Choice Band Dugtrio is a good partner because it can trap and OHKO Virizion with Aerial Ace. It can also deal great damage to Mega Steelix, weakening it for Shiftry. Life Orb Dugtrio also has access to Memento, which can help Shiftry set up.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Nasty Plot set with Giga Drain and Dark Pulse is an option to use, but it's outclassed and inferior to the Swords Dance set, as it lacks priority. Leaf Blade can be used, but the move is illegal with Sucker Punch, which is extremely valuable to Shiftry. Explosion can be utilized on any set to go out with a bang and possibly allow Shiftry to take something with it, especially Scrafty or Togetic after Knock Off; it can also prevent foes from successfully using Rapid Spin, but Shiftry doesn't really have a spare moveslot for it. Shiftry can run Bullet Seed to beat lead Omastar and prevent it from setting up entry hazards, but the move is only useful in that scenario. Shiftry can utilize a Sunny Day set with Solar Beam for sun teams, but it loses Defog and Swords Dance, which give Shiftry its niche.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Virizion**: Virizion appreciates a Justified boost, can take anything Shiftry throws at it, and can retaliate with Close Combat. Virizion can also set up on Shiftry with Swords Dance or Calm Mind and attempt to sweep.
**Pokemon that Resisits Shiftry's STAB Moves**: Pokemon that resist Knock Off, Leaf Storm, or Sucker Punch can easily counter Shiftry. This includes Drapion, Skuntank, Emboar, Druddigon, Amoonguss, Mega Steelix, Togetic, and Tangrowth.
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon that can take a Sucker Punch can easily revenge kill Shiftry. This includes Choice Scarf Braviary, Jolly Hitmonlee, Choice Scarf Tyrantrum, and Flygon, although they must be wary, as a +2 Sucker Punch may KO them.
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