[OVERVIEW]
The combination of Gourgeist-XL's typing and solid physical bulk allows it to check prominent Fighting- and Ground-types, such as Passimian, Medicham, and Rhydon. Gourgeist-XL is also a capable answer to threatening special attackers that lack the appropriate coverage move to threaten it, such as Heliolisk lacking Dark Pulse. Gourgeist-XL also has access to useful utility moves in Will-O-Wisp, Synthesis, and Leech Seed, letting it pose a nuisance to defensive teams that lack a means to dispatch it. Unfortunately, Gourgeist-XL is extremely passive and only fits on defensively oriented teams. Gourgeist-XL also faces heavy competition as a bulky Ghost-type from Palossand and Jellicent, both of which are less passive than it. Furthermore, Gourgeist-XL is an unreliable answer to Water-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon because of its passivity and vulnerability to status from Scald and Toxic. Although Gourgeist-XL's typing is solid, it still finds itself weak to common attacking types in Fire, Dark, Ice, and Ghost. Gourgeist-XL's weakness to Dark is particularly concerning, leaving it prone to being Pursuit trapped by Pokemon like Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol. Gourgeist-XL's poor Speed stat can cause it to be easily taken advantage of by offensive teams, as it is easily threatened out by Pokemon like Incineroar, Sneasel, and Braviary, all of which threaten to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with super effective STAB moves. Gourgeist-XL is also threatened by powerful special attackers, such as Vanilluxe, Guzzlord, Choice Specs Whimsicott, and Sigilyph, due to its merely average Special Defense. Gourgeist-XL's most reliable source of healing, Synthesis, has extremely limited PP and may fail to keep Gourgeist-XL around in longer battles. Due to its weakness to common attacking types, extreme passivity, and exclusivity to bulkier teams, Gourgeist-XL struggles to carve a significant niche for itself in NU.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Leech Seed
move 4: Foul Play
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Frisk
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp lets Gourgeist-XL burn physical attackers such as Passimian, Sneasel, and Medicham. Synthesis is Gourgeist-XL's most reliable means of recovery and lets it stave off chip damage from resisted hits, entry hazards, and pivoting moves like U-turn and Volt Switch. It is important to note that Synthesis's low PP must be monitored closely in order to get the most out of Gourgeist-XL. Leech Seed provides an additional form of recovery for Gourgeist-XL and lets it punish switch-ins that are immune to Will-O-Wisp, such as Incineroar, Houndoom, and Magmortar. Foul Play lets Gourgeist-XL punish Pokemon like Klinklang, Rhydon, and Samurott for boosting their Attack stats and is Gourgeist-XL's best form of direct damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in HP and Defense with a Bold nature makes Gourgeist-XL as physically bulky as possible, letting it reliably take on Pokemon such as Steelix, Medicham, and Rhydon. A Colbur Berry lets Gourgeist-XL take less damage from Knock Off from Fighting-type Pokemon like Passimian and Hariyama and minimizes the damage taken from Pursuit users like Sneasel. Frisk allows Gourgeist-XL to scout the items of opposing Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Gourgeist-XL should look to use Will-O-Wisp early-game on Pokemon that may try to switch into it, such as Sneasel, Guzzlord, and Ferroseed. However, be careful when using Will-O-Wisp if the opponent has a Fire-type or Xatu, as Fire-type Pokemon will absorb Will-O-Wisp, while Xatu will bounce it back at Gourgeist-XL by virtue of Magic Bounce. Look to switch Gourgeist-XL in on physical attackers that lack a coverage move to hit it for super effective damage, such as Medicham, Klinklang, and Torterra. Be wary of repeatedly switching in Gourgeist-XL against special attackers like Heliolisk and Sceptile, as even resisted hits can break through Gourgeist-XL's unimpressive Special Defense. Leech Seed can be used to gain back some health without having to use Synthesis and can chip common switch-ins to Gourgeist-XL like Incineroar and Shed Skin Scrafty. Make sure to scout Pokemon such as Steelix, Hariyama, and Silvally-Steel, as they can carry Toxic, which will severely neuter Gourgeist-XL's defensive utility. Gourgeist-XL may seem like a reasonable check to Water-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon, but it cannot risk being statused by Scald or Toxic. Synthesis should only be used when it's absolutely necessary, as its low PP compromises Gourgeist-XL's longevity. Foul Play should be used to threaten Pokemon like Klinklang, Rhydon, and Torterra that may set up an Attack boost.
Team Options
========
Gourgeist-XL fits on more defensively based teams, so other bulky Pokemon like Miltank and Cryogonal make excellent partners. Miltank provides a check to the Ice- and Fire-type Pokemon that threaten Gourgeist, while Cryogonal can clear entry hazards with Rapid Spin or Defog. Wish users, such as Mega Audino and Vaporeon, provide Gourgeist-XL with an extra source of recovery, as it isn't too difficult to wear down. Furthermore, both Mega Audino and Vaporeon can provide cleric support in the form of Heal Bell, which helps to combat Gourgeist-XL's susceptibility to status. Diancie is also a great cleric to pair with Gourgeist-XL because it checks the Fire- and Ice-type Pokemon that threaten Gourgeist-XL. Pokemon such as Steelix and Rhydon appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability to pivot into Fighting-type moves, such as Passimian's Close Combat and Medicham's High Jump Kick. Hazard control from the likes of Xatu and Blastoise is crucial because Gourgeist-XL is vulnerable to every entry hazard.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Gourgeist-XL is a very linear Pokemon, and as such, there aren't many alternative options. Leftovers can be run instead of a Colbur Berry, but this makes Gourgeist-XL more susceptible to being Pursuit trapped and also causes Gourgeist-XL to take more from Passimian's Knock Off. Protect could be run to scout Choice item users like Sneasel, Vanilluxe, Passimian, and Guzzlord, although one of Gourgeist-XL's recovery moves would have to be dropped. Toxic could be run instead of Will-O-Wisp to pose a greater threat to Incineroar, but Will-O-Wisp usually provides greater utility. Seed Bomb is an option for specific targets, such as Rhydon and Samurott, but Foul Play is much more consistent.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon such as Diancie, Vanilluxe, Choice Specs Whimsicott, Rotom, and Mismagius all threaten to deal heavy damage to Gourgeist-XL because of its average Special Defense stat. Vanilluxe is especially burdensome, as its ability Snow Warning lowers the amount of health that is recovered by Synthesis.
**Fire-types**: Incineroar, Houndoom, Magmortar, and Delphox all switch in for free on Gourgeist-XL's Will-O-Wisp and threaten to OHKO it with super effective Fire-type moves, although Delphox must be careful of switching into Foul Play.
**Dark-types**: Pokemon like Sneasel, Guzzlord, and Scrafty switch in easily on Gourgeist-XL, but they don't appreciate being worn down by Leech Seed or burned by Will-O-Wisp. Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol naturally force Gourgeist-XL out because of their Dark typing, therefore making Pursuit trapping much easier.
**Flying-types**: Vivillon sets up with ease on Gourgeist-XL, fearing nothing other than chip damage from Leech Seed. Braviary and Dodrio threaten Gourgeist-XL out with a strong and super effective Brave Bird, and Braviary can also use Substitute to block a potential Leech Seed or Will-O-Wisp. Xatu and Sigilyph care little about Foul Play damage and are unaffected by Leech Seed and Will-O-Wisp because of their abilities.
**Taunt**: Taunt users like Comfey and Golbat can shut down Gourgeist-XL entirely, as they fear little from Foul Play and can proceed to set up or launch attacks.
**Status**: Toxic poison and burns from Scald and Will-O-Wisp are detrimental to Gourgeist-XL's functionality as a defensive pivot, as they will cause Gourgeist-XL to use Synthesis more often than it would like to.
The combination of Gourgeist-XL's typing and solid physical bulk allows it to check prominent Fighting- and Ground-types, such as Passimian, Medicham, and Rhydon. Gourgeist-XL is also a capable answer to threatening special attackers that lack the appropriate coverage move to threaten it, such as Heliolisk lacking Dark Pulse. Gourgeist-XL also has access to useful utility moves in Will-O-Wisp, Synthesis, and Leech Seed, letting it pose a nuisance to defensive teams that lack a means to dispatch it. Unfortunately, Gourgeist-XL is extremely passive and only fits on defensively oriented teams. Gourgeist-XL also faces heavy competition as a bulky Ghost-type from Palossand and Jellicent, both of which are less passive than it. Furthermore, Gourgeist-XL is an unreliable answer to Water-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon because of its passivity and vulnerability to status from Scald and Toxic. Although Gourgeist-XL's typing is solid, it still finds itself weak to common attacking types in Fire, Dark, Ice, and Ghost. Gourgeist-XL's weakness to Dark is particularly concerning, leaving it prone to being Pursuit trapped by Pokemon like Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol. Gourgeist-XL's poor Speed stat can cause it to be easily taken advantage of by offensive teams, as it is easily threatened out by Pokemon like Incineroar, Sneasel, and Braviary, all of which threaten to OHKO Gourgeist-XL with super effective STAB moves. Gourgeist-XL is also threatened by powerful special attackers, such as Vanilluxe, Guzzlord, Choice Specs Whimsicott, and Sigilyph, due to its merely average Special Defense. Gourgeist-XL's most reliable source of healing, Synthesis, has extremely limited PP and may fail to keep Gourgeist-XL around in longer battles. Due to its weakness to common attacking types, extreme passivity, and exclusivity to bulkier teams, Gourgeist-XL struggles to carve a significant niche for itself in NU.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Leech Seed
move 4: Foul Play
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Frisk
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp lets Gourgeist-XL burn physical attackers such as Passimian, Sneasel, and Medicham. Synthesis is Gourgeist-XL's most reliable means of recovery and lets it stave off chip damage from resisted hits, entry hazards, and pivoting moves like U-turn and Volt Switch. It is important to note that Synthesis's low PP must be monitored closely in order to get the most out of Gourgeist-XL. Leech Seed provides an additional form of recovery for Gourgeist-XL and lets it punish switch-ins that are immune to Will-O-Wisp, such as Incineroar, Houndoom, and Magmortar. Foul Play lets Gourgeist-XL punish Pokemon like Klinklang, Rhydon, and Samurott for boosting their Attack stats and is Gourgeist-XL's best form of direct damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in HP and Defense with a Bold nature makes Gourgeist-XL as physically bulky as possible, letting it reliably take on Pokemon such as Steelix, Medicham, and Rhydon. A Colbur Berry lets Gourgeist-XL take less damage from Knock Off from Fighting-type Pokemon like Passimian and Hariyama and minimizes the damage taken from Pursuit users like Sneasel. Frisk allows Gourgeist-XL to scout the items of opposing Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Gourgeist-XL should look to use Will-O-Wisp early-game on Pokemon that may try to switch into it, such as Sneasel, Guzzlord, and Ferroseed. However, be careful when using Will-O-Wisp if the opponent has a Fire-type or Xatu, as Fire-type Pokemon will absorb Will-O-Wisp, while Xatu will bounce it back at Gourgeist-XL by virtue of Magic Bounce. Look to switch Gourgeist-XL in on physical attackers that lack a coverage move to hit it for super effective damage, such as Medicham, Klinklang, and Torterra. Be wary of repeatedly switching in Gourgeist-XL against special attackers like Heliolisk and Sceptile, as even resisted hits can break through Gourgeist-XL's unimpressive Special Defense. Leech Seed can be used to gain back some health without having to use Synthesis and can chip common switch-ins to Gourgeist-XL like Incineroar and Shed Skin Scrafty. Make sure to scout Pokemon such as Steelix, Hariyama, and Silvally-Steel, as they can carry Toxic, which will severely neuter Gourgeist-XL's defensive utility. Gourgeist-XL may seem like a reasonable check to Water-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon, but it cannot risk being statused by Scald or Toxic. Synthesis should only be used when it's absolutely necessary, as its low PP compromises Gourgeist-XL's longevity. Foul Play should be used to threaten Pokemon like Klinklang, Rhydon, and Torterra that may set up an Attack boost.
Team Options
========
Gourgeist-XL fits on more defensively based teams, so other bulky Pokemon like Miltank and Cryogonal make excellent partners. Miltank provides a check to the Ice- and Fire-type Pokemon that threaten Gourgeist, while Cryogonal can clear entry hazards with Rapid Spin or Defog. Wish users, such as Mega Audino and Vaporeon, provide Gourgeist-XL with an extra source of recovery, as it isn't too difficult to wear down. Furthermore, both Mega Audino and Vaporeon can provide cleric support in the form of Heal Bell, which helps to combat Gourgeist-XL's susceptibility to status. Diancie is also a great cleric to pair with Gourgeist-XL because it checks the Fire- and Ice-type Pokemon that threaten Gourgeist-XL. Pokemon such as Steelix and Rhydon appreciate Gourgeist-XL's ability to pivot into Fighting-type moves, such as Passimian's Close Combat and Medicham's High Jump Kick. Hazard control from the likes of Xatu and Blastoise is crucial because Gourgeist-XL is vulnerable to every entry hazard.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Gourgeist-XL is a very linear Pokemon, and as such, there aren't many alternative options. Leftovers can be run instead of a Colbur Berry, but this makes Gourgeist-XL more susceptible to being Pursuit trapped and also causes Gourgeist-XL to take more from Passimian's Knock Off. Protect could be run to scout Choice item users like Sneasel, Vanilluxe, Passimian, and Guzzlord, although one of Gourgeist-XL's recovery moves would have to be dropped. Toxic could be run instead of Will-O-Wisp to pose a greater threat to Incineroar, but Will-O-Wisp usually provides greater utility. Seed Bomb is an option for specific targets, such as Rhydon and Samurott, but Foul Play is much more consistent.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon such as Diancie, Vanilluxe, Choice Specs Whimsicott, Rotom, and Mismagius all threaten to deal heavy damage to Gourgeist-XL because of its average Special Defense stat. Vanilluxe is especially burdensome, as its ability Snow Warning lowers the amount of health that is recovered by Synthesis.
**Fire-types**: Incineroar, Houndoom, Magmortar, and Delphox all switch in for free on Gourgeist-XL's Will-O-Wisp and threaten to OHKO it with super effective Fire-type moves, although Delphox must be careful of switching into Foul Play.
**Dark-types**: Pokemon like Sneasel, Guzzlord, and Scrafty switch in easily on Gourgeist-XL, but they don't appreciate being worn down by Leech Seed or burned by Will-O-Wisp. Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol naturally force Gourgeist-XL out because of their Dark typing, therefore making Pursuit trapping much easier.
**Flying-types**: Vivillon sets up with ease on Gourgeist-XL, fearing nothing other than chip damage from Leech Seed. Braviary and Dodrio threaten Gourgeist-XL out with a strong and super effective Brave Bird, and Braviary can also use Substitute to block a potential Leech Seed or Will-O-Wisp. Xatu and Sigilyph care little about Foul Play damage and are unaffected by Leech Seed and Will-O-Wisp because of their abilities.
**Taunt**: Taunt users like Comfey and Golbat can shut down Gourgeist-XL entirely, as they fear little from Foul Play and can proceed to set up or launch attacks.
**Status**: Toxic poison and burns from Scald and Will-O-Wisp are detrimental to Gourgeist-XL's functionality as a defensive pivot, as they will cause Gourgeist-XL to use Synthesis more often than it would like to.
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