Quality Control Choice Scarf Yveltal [QC 1/2]

[Cancel cult]

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Foul Play
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Defog
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Dark Aura
nature: Jolly
evs: 32 HP / 252 Def / 224 Spe
tera type: Dark / Steel / Ghost

[SET COMMENTS]

* Choice Scarf Yveltal is an excellent revenge killer and the tier's premier Choice Scarf user largely thanks to its great matchup against hyper offense, especially Sticky Web teams. Foul Play is a very threatening move, with most of the relevant Pokemon in the tier being at least 3HKO'd by it, and when combined with its great speed tier, lets it reliably revenge kill many threatening setup sweepers after a boost such as Zacian-C, Dragon Dance Arceus-Ground, Necrozma-DM, and Kyurem-B. This makes it a staple on offense teams that struggle to defensively answer these setup sweepers. Yveltal's weakness to Stealth Rock however limits the number of times it is allowed to enter the field, exacerbated by the vulnerability of being choice-locked. Yveltal's weaknesses and limitations need to be accounted and planned for, and accommodated as best as possible.

* Foul Play even 2HKOs Pokemon such as offensive Ho-Oh and wallbreaker Primal Kyogre, which can make Yveltal an effective late-game cleaner. While this damage is considerable, it fails to threaten bulkier Pokemon such as Coil Zygarde, Eternatus, and special attacking Arceus variants, especially Arceus-Dark and -Fairy, meaning that Yveltal can be easy to take advantage of. Especially against Pokemon coming in via the demise of their teammates, Yveltal is often forced to either let itself die or switch out and lose momentum.

* U-turn gives Yveltal an option to pivot out of switch-ins that would otherwise take advantage of it, which is crucial for preserving momemtum that Yveltal is prone to losing against bulkier teams. U-turn can also occasionally allow Yveltal to switch in and pivot out of choice-locked Pokemon such as Marshadow and Lunala, let it scout for Tera Fairy on Lunala and Kyurem-B, and even giving it utility as a lead that can allow for reacting to an opponents lead and immediately switching to a favorable matchup.

* Yveltal is a situationally excellent user of Defog, as there is very little almost any Pokemon can do to stop it. However its poor longevity makes it bad at removing hazards multiple times, so it is often run alongside other forms of hazard control.

* Yveltal's final moveslot isn't often used, and is therefore highly flexible. Toxic gives Yveltal an option to threaten Pokemon such as Calm Mind Arceus Formes that are otherwise undaunted by it, as well as most Pokemon it might incidentally hit instead of the expected target. Knock Off is another option that is more threatening to Pokemon such as Coil Zygarde, Ho-Oh, and Garganacl, who rely heavily on their item. It also deals more damage to Meteor Beam Eternatus, not only making it more threatening to it but also potentially opening up avenues to clean up games where Foul Play wouldn't suffice.

* 224 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature lets Yveltal outspeed Dragon Dance Zygarde and Kyurem-B after a boost, with the remaining EVs being put into its physical bulk. This gives Yveltal a high chance to survive Mega Salamence's +1 Double Edge and Arceus's +2 Silk Scarf Tera Normal Extreme Speed. Additionally, Yveltal survives Primal Groudon's Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and Necrozma-DM's Searing Sunraze Smash.

* Yveltal usually doesn't Terastalize unless it is facing a hyper offense team or a Pokemon it is usually tasked with revenge killing, such as Zacian-C, Necrozma-DM, and Extreme Killer Arceus. Dark is Yveltal's most common Tera type for its ability to boost Foul Play's damage even further, letting it OHKO Zacian-C and Arceus after a Swords Dance as well as Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM, 2HKO +1 Zacian-C, and usually OHKO Marshadow. The general power increase also has more situational applications, such as usually letting Yveltal OHKO Kyurem-B, 2HKO Wallbreaker Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock, and generally kill Pokemon such as Offensive Ho-Oh, Wallbreaker Primal Kyogre, and Double Dance Primal Groudon after a little chip damage. Tera Dark also lets Yveltal reliably check Ultra Necrozma by keeping its Psychic immunity while removing its weakness to Rock.

* Tera Steel and Tera Ghost are alternative options to allow Yveltal to better check Extreme Killer Arceus, with Tera Ghost protecting it completely from Extreme Speed as well as helping it with Zacian-C, while Tera Steel grants a resistance to Stealth Rock and an option to throw off Pokemon such as Double Dance Primal Groudon, Meteor Beam Eternatus, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence for a turn.

* Yveltal's teams often need it to revenge kill or scare out dangerous threats, particularly Zacian-C. While Yveltal can be used prior to this, this is its most important function, and it should usually be preserved for this until the threat has passed. Stealth Rock chip damage racks up fast, and how many times it can afford to take it should always be weighed before sending it out. However, against balance teams, it doesn't often contribute too much outside of its usual role as a revenge killer, so after the Pokemon it is tasked with keeping in check are removed, liberal use of Yveltal isn't as risky. In the right circumstances however, it can function as an late-game cleaner if its checks and counters are removed.

* Yveltal is very powerful against hyper offense teams, especially Sticky Web teams, not only due to its ability to clear hazards with ease but also due to threatening most Pokemon on these teams. Yveltal is best used to clear Sticky Web against opposing Yveltal, but can also do so against Chi-Yu. Doing so should leave it with enough health to still serve as a revenge killer later in the game. Yveltal's Tera type also impacts its role against these teams, with Dark making it more threatening while Steel and Ghost allow it to better check certain Pokemon.

* Against Pokemon such as Eternatus, Arceus-Fairy, and Fezandipiti, partners such as Primal Groudon, Zacian-C, and Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM are appreciated, taking care of Pokemon that would otherwise wall it so it can finish off their team late-game. Mega Diancie is an especially good teammate for Yveltal on offensive structures as it provides additional hazard control while being a solid wallbreaker. Additionally, U-turn alleviates Mega Diancie's lackluster longevity by providing it with a safe switch in against foes coming in on Yveltal, immediately allowing it to threaten switch-ins such as Arceus-Dark and Coil Zygarde.

* Yveltal does sometimes find itself on balance and bulky offense teams. The common balance core of Primal Groudon, Offensive Ho-Oh, Calm Mind Arceus-Dark, and Coil Zygarde is able to handle most of the metagame defensively, giving many opportunities for Yveltal to switch out when being choice-locked leaves it vulnerable. Alomomola structures provide great longevity that Yveltal greatly appreciates. Both of these structures commonly struggle against Sticky Web teams, so Yveltal is a solid option. Against teams that require hazards to be removed multiple times, Yveltal especially appreciates Ho-Oh and Giratina-O who can remove them with less commitment and who take less damage from hazards.

* Most of the Pokemon Yveltal struggles to threaten such as Zygarde, defensive Ho-Oh, Calm Mind Arceus formes, and other Yveltal are checked or threatened by one or more Eternatus sets, making it a great partner for Yveltal, and the variety of sets it has lets it assist Yveltal whether it is on offense or balance. Eternatus also struggles with Zacian-C, Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM, and Deoxys-Attack, so Yveltal's ability to revenge kill them is appreciated.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cancel-cult.635503/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bumboclaat.523420/

 

[bumboclaat]

This is a good start, but needs a lot of changes and work before it can be stamped. Please take your time and incorporate the feedback provided.

Copyedit

add remove comment
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Foul Play
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Defog
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Dark Aura
nature: Jolly
evs: 32 HP / 252 Def / 224 Spe
tera type: Dark / Steel / Ghost

[SET COMMENTS]

* Choice Scarf Yveltal is an excellent revenge killer and the tier's premier Choice Scarf user largely thanks to its great matchup against hyper offense, specifically Sticky Web teams which are unable to lower its speed and stop it from using Defog. The average attack stat being so high means that Dark Aura boostedassumed knowledge Foul Play is a very threatening move, with most of the relevant Pokemon in the tier being at least 3HKO'd by it, and when combined with its great speed tier, lets it reliably revenge kill many threatening setup sweepers after a boost such as Zacian-C, Necrozma-DM, Rayquazakyurem-b is a better example since this set is rare, and Kyurem-B. Commenting on the bullet as a whole for the most part. This bullet is supposed to give a general overview of the Pokémon. So what I'm looking to see is the general roles it fills, what sort of teams it fits on, and its notable traits. Basically what does this mon do. Some fluff is ok, but it should generally be kept to a minimum. Things that should be mentioned in this bullet:
1. Its unique role compression as an anti-offense Pokémon (i.e. ability to revenge kill important physical threats - Zacian-C and Extreme Killer Arceus are probably the best examples)
2. It being a staple on offensive structures due to the aforementioned role compression. This is the playstyle where it is strongest and most prominent so it should be mentioned first. Then mention its role on bulkier structures. While it may be solid there, it isn't nearly as 'essential.' That doesn't mean it can't be a good fit, but its specific role compression isn't as needed as these structures often naturally already handle the threats Yveltal is often tasked with well enough.
3. It is fine to mention Foul Play, but this sentence feels out of place when the next bullet goes into depth about Foul Play it feels a bit out of place to end this bullet with it.
4. Its limited longevity should probably be mentioned in this bullet.

* While this damage is considerable, it doesn't often threaten to kill healthy Pokemon, and is reliant on its targets attack stat being high to be threatening at alldex info, meaning it fails to threaten Pokemon such as Coil Zygarde, Eternatus, and special attacking Arceus variants, especially Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy, meaning that a choice locked Yveltal can be easy to take advantage of. Foul Play being ineffective against bulkier Pokémon is assumed knowledge. You should mention the specific Pokémon (i.e. Zacian-C, Extreme Killer Arceus, Dragon Dance Arceus-Ground) Yveltal is typically tasked with revenging. Mentioning chipped Pokémon Yveltal often handles is fine (i.e. Primal Groudon). What needs to be mentioned are Pokémon that Foul Play is not intuitively good against, but ends up being decent into (offensive Ho-Oh and wallbreaker Ho-Oh are both 2HKOed).

*new bulletU-turn helps mitigate this issue by letting Yveltal pivot out of switch-ins that would otherwise take advantage of it, but against Pokemon coming in via the demise of their teammates, Yveltal is often forced to either let itself die or switch out and lose momentum. While undeniably an excellent option, Yveltal's weaknesses and limitations need to be accounted and planned for, and accommodated as best as possible. Even still, when supported by a good defensive core Yveltal is an invaluable asset that excels at cleaning up games and whose ability to consistently stop the most threatening Pokemon in the tier makes it crucial to many balance teams. U-turn's ability to preserve momentum has applications beyond making it harder to take advantage of, sometimes allowing Yveltal to be used as a pivot, and also giving it utility as a lead that can allow for reacting to an opponents lead and immediately switching to a favorable matchup. U-turn should be its own bullet (one for Foul Play, one for U-turn, one for Defog, one for the last slot / OOs). The teambuilding stuff should be its own bullet or incorporated into a later one. You can also mention the ability to scout Tera-Fairy on Pokémon such as Kyurem-B.

*new bulletBeing so fast with an immunity to Sticky Web also makes Yveltal a situationally excellent user of Defog, as there is very little almost any Pokemon can do to stop it, something very useful if the hazards pose a major threat and especially valuable against Sticky Web teams. However, this comes with the risk of being locked into a move without any offensive threat, so ideally Yveltal should have a teammate such as Ho-Oh or Giratina-O who don't have to commit as much to remove hazards. This analysis in general ignores the offensive structures that Choice Scarf Yveltal is most common on. Being choice-locked is assumed knowledge, so it doesn't have to be repeatedly mentioned. I'm not entirely sure a bullet on Defog is actually needed depending on how this QC is applied. I'll want to take another look before stamping anyways, but most of the stuff you could say about Defog would likely be found in another bullet.

* Yveltal's final moveslot is highly flexible simultaneously highly contested and of little importance, however there are two moves that are distinctly much better choices than anything elseWhat you've said is largely correct, but not really the way you want to word things for an analysis. Reword this in a way which reflects that the fourth move is rarely clicked. Toxic gives Yveltal an option to threaten Pokemon such as Zygarde? Coil doesn't care and it is clicking something else v DD, Calm Mind Arceus formes Dark, Arceus Fairy that are otherwise undaunted by it, as well as most Pokemon it might incidentally hit instead of the expected target, letting Yveltal usually make progress without having to predict what specific Pokemon the opponent will switch in.Reword the last part of this sentence, if something is switching in why wouldn't Yveltal just click U-turn? Knock Off is another option that is more threatening to Pokemon such as Coil Zygarde, Ho-Oh, and Garganacl, who rely heavily on their item. It also deals more damage to Eternatus, not only making it more threatening to it but also potentially opening up avenues to clean up games where Foul Play wouldn't suffice.

* 224 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature lets Yveltal outspeed both Rayquaza Dragon Dance Zygarde more relevant Pokémon and Kyurem-B at after a boost +1 speed, with the remaining EVs being put into its physical bulk. This gives Yveltal a high chance to survive Mega Salamence's +1 Double-Edge live a +1 Double Edge from Mega Salamence and Arceus's a +2 Tera Normal Silk Scarf Extreme Speed.(ap) from Arceus with Silk Scarf after either Tera Normal or Stealth Rock, as well as letting it survive a Stone Edge from Double Dance Additionally, Yveltal survives Primal Groudon's Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and Necrozma-DM's Searing Sunraze Smash.

* Dark is Yveltal's preferred Tera type for its ability to boost Foul Play's damage even further, letting it usually 2HKO Defensive Primal Groudon and Defensive Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock, OHKO Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM, Salamence before Mega Evolving, and Zacian-C and Arceus after a Swords Dance as well as Choice Band Marshadow, Choice Band RayquazaYveltal isn't switching into this and Foul Play OHKOes it after it has used Dragon Ascent anyways, and Kyurem-B most of the time, 2HKO +1 Zacian-C, and generally kill Pokemon such as Offensive Ho-Oh, Wallbreaker Primal Kyogre, and Double Dance Primal Groudon after a little chip damage. Tera Dark also lets Yveltal reliably check Ultra Necrozma by keeping its Psychic immunity while removing its weakness to Stealth Rock. WIt should be mentioned at the start of the bullet that Yveltal does not commonly tera outside of the HO matchup. Would start the Pokémon mentioned with Zacian-C as the biggest benefit is OHKOing Zacian-C after a boost. You should start with the offensive Pokémon Yveltal is usually tasked with revenging before getting into the niche benefits (i.e. Primals). Would probably remove Double Dance Primal Groudon since that will outspeed it.

* Tera Steel and Tera Ghost are alternative options to allow Yveltal to better check Extreme Killer Arceus, with Tera Ghost protecting it completely from Extreme Speed, while Tera Steel offers more utility such as an immunity to poison, turning its weaknesses to the Rock, Ice, and Fairy moves from Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Meteor Beam Eternatus, Arceus Ground, Ultra Necrozma, and Choice Specs Lunala into resistances, providing it with a resistance to Flying that allows it to better check Mega Salamence, and granting it a resistance to Stealth Rock whereas other Tera types only provide it with a neutrality. This bullet should be reworded to focus on the main benefits of the alternate tera types. There is a lot of info here that while true, doesn't matter in practise. Saying it turns x move into a resistance is essentially dex info. How does it benefit from these interactions? i.e. Arceus-Ground prefers Yveltal to tera as it is freed up to click Earthquake. Will take a look at this bullet before stamping.

* Yveltal is best used as a late-game cleaner, as it doesn't outright OHKO many things and most balance structures have at least one Pokemon that can safely switch into it. Its lack of recovery and weakness to Stealth Rock means that it should be preserved as much as possible so it can both take necessary attacks to finish off a team and revenge kill threatening setup sweepers when necessary. It can and sometimes should be used in the early to mid game, but this should be done with extreme caution, as using it as a pivot too recklessly or sending it out on Stealth Rock too many times can result in it failing to fulfill its most important functions, something especially hazardous if the opponent has a dangerous setup sweeper. This bullet contradicts itself and should be rewritten. If anything, its ability to act as a late-game cleaner is the least important of its roles. It frequently is used early / mid-game to either remove entry hazards against HO or revenge / scare out specific threats.

* How Yveltal should be used against Sticky Web teams is more complicated than it may seem at first glance, as while Yveltal's ability to clear hazards with ease is great, it has other important responsibilities in the matchup. Hyper offense teams in general are very vulnerable to Foul Play, making Yveltal very powerful against them beyond its unstopable Defog. Having Yveltal clear hazards at the first opportunity without any regard for its safety isn't always the best decision, as ideally it should also be preserved for later use in the game. Being locked into Defog is also very exploitable, something very dangerous against hyper offense teams. Care must be taken to make sure using Defog doesn't give the opponent the opportunity to put Yveltal's team in a worse position. This bullet also needs to be rewritten and depending on how it ends up may be merged with the previous one. While what you've said isn't incorrect, it also isn't the way this should be approached. Instead, focus on how Yveltal removes Sticky Web (typically against opposing Yveltal or Chi-Yu). Given this is against HO, Yveltal's chosen tera type should be considered as it will likely be relied upon to revenge a specific threat. <- Relevant against Hstack.

* Because Yveltal is often forced to switch out after being choice locked, a strong defensive core capable of switching into most of the metagame is needed. The common balance core of Primal Groudon, offensive Ho-Oh, Calm Mind Arceus-(ah)Dark, and Zygarde is great at this.(ap), being able to handle most of the metagame defensively.this is repeating the same thing in the previous sentence Alomomola structures such as Alomomola, Giratina-O, and Primal Groudon, while not being able to handle the same variety of threats by themselves, do provide great longevity that Yveltal greatly appreciates. Both of these structures commonly struggle against Sticky Web teams, so Yveltal is a great addition to both.

* Against Pokemon that can freely switch into Foul Play such as Eternatus, other Yveltal, Arceus Dark, and Arceus Fairy, Yveltal appreciates teammates with a positive matchup against them such as Ho-Oh and Fairy types such as Zacian-C, Calm Mind Arceus Fairy, and Fezandipiti. This can be consdensed significantly In turn, Yveltal can revenge kill Zacian-C and Necrozma-DM, which the aforementioned Fairy types can struggle with. Defensive Eternatus can also be a great partner for Yveltal, capable of checking Yveltal as well as Arceus Dark and Arceus Fairy in certain cases, and whose Toxic Spikes synergise well with Yveltal. Toxic Spikes can put the opponent on a timer, something beneficial for Yveltal and the defensively oriented teams it often finds itself onbulkier balance structures are the least common , and punishes switch ins from Arceus Dark and Arceus Fairy who could otherwise come in for free against Yveltal. Yveltal in turn threatens Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes such as Zacian-C, Necrozma-DM, and to a lesser extent Ho-Oh and Giratina-O. Offensivether Eternatus sets such as Meteor Beam and Choice Specs can provide some of the same benefits such as checking Yveltal and Arceus Fairy while providing more offensive pressure, something the balance teams Yveltal finds itself on sometimes lack. Going to take a look at this bullet once you've applied the QC. There is some incorrect information in here, but also the natural conclusion of some of the recommendations as written is likely to result in very flawed teams.

Major stuff

You've put a lot of time, care, and effort into this analysis and your passion shows. However, as written, this analysis has a lot of issues which need to be remedied before it can be stamped beyond the comments above. This analysis is one of the trickier ones to write, but I'm confident you're capable of doing so. That is why I requested to be the initial QCer and have not rejected it. That being said, the following needs be adressed or it will be.

• When writing an analysis you need to consider how a Pokémon is used in its entirety, not solely on your personal preferences. This also applies to any analyses you intend to write in the future.
• This analysis wholly ignores the offensive structures Choice Scarf Yveltal tends to anchor when they should be the primary focus. It is a major enablers of these structures regardless of whether it is the sole hazard removal or teams up with another Pokémon. The role compression Choice Scarf Yveltal offers in a single slot is fantastic! These sort of structures are often looking for the specific role compression it provides and benefit the most from it.
• Yes, Choice Scarf Yveltal has a place and clear use cases on balance structures. However, it also comes with very real flaws that you've ignored. The role compression it provides in a single slot is great - the ability to remove Sticky Web especially. However, this often tends to come at the cost of significantly exacerbating the issues balance structures have with many wallbreakers - most of which Yveltal doesn't meaningfully help with.
• As written, this analysis implies that Yveltal is properly checking [insert Pokémon here] when in reality it is often revenging it after it has claimed a KO. You've greatly overstated Yveltal's defensive capabilities when it often is limited to doing a couple of things per game. That is fine though! Those are often important things that teams appreciate, but a reader will walk away left with the impression that Yveltal can often do a million things at once. Choice Scarf Yveltal does a lot of things on paper, but quickly becomes overwhelmed when asked to do more than a couple of things in any given game due to its limited longevity.

Some minor stuff

• The GP standard for Arceus formes is Arceus-Forme. There is a hypen, please fix this. The spelling and grammar standards can be found here
• A lot of the prose is unnecessarily wrong and be condensed. Please think about this when applying the QC check. Every minor detail does not need to be included. Remember the target audience of analyeses are players just getting into the metagame and information overload is a thing. I've had trouble trying to figure out what point you're trying to make at times and a newer player player will as well.
• There is a basic level of knowledge you can assume a reader has and don't need to mention. i.e. being choice-locked

 

[bumboclaat]

You did a great job improving this analysis and it is pretty close to being stamped! I still want to see the changes before stamping, but you should be proud of yourself for sticking with it and putting the time in!

Copyedit

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Foul Play
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Defog
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Dark Aura
nature: Jolly
evs: 32 HP / 252 Def / 224 Spe
tera type: Dark / Steel / Ghost

[SET COMMENTS]

* Choice Scarf Yveltal is an excellent revenge killer and the tier's premier Choice Scarf user largely thanks to its great matchup against hyper offense, especially specificallyit is still good against Hstack, just not as good Sticky Web teams.(ap) which are unable to lower its speed and stop it from using Defog.Dex info and since this is going to be a long analysis the fluff needs to be cut The average attack stat being so high means that Foul Play is a very threatening move, with most of the relevant Pokemon in the tier being at least 3HKO'd by it, and when combined with its great speed tier, lets it reliably revenge kill many threatening setup sweepers after a boost such as Zacian-C, Dragon Dance Arceus-Ground, Necrozma-DM, and Kyurem-B.(ap), while also being able to 2HKO Pokemon such as offensive Ho-Oh and wallbreaker Primal Kyogre, making it a staple on offense teams who both struggle to defensively answer these setup sweepers and excel at poking holes in teams so Yveltal can finish them off. It is worth mentioning Foul Play in this bullet, but just briefly since you're covering it in the next bullet. The Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre bit should be in the bullet about Foul Play. It is an additional benefit that is useful info for the reader to know, but not essential enough to include in the 'intro bullet'.

* While this damage is considerable, it doesn't often threaten to kill healthy Pokemon, and it fails to threaten Pokemon such as Coil Zygarde, Eternatus, and special attacking Arceus variants, especially Arceus-Dark and -Fairy, meaning that a choice locked Yveltal can be easy to take advantage of. Especially against Pokemon coming in via the demise of their teammates, Yveltal is often forced to either let itself die or switch out and lose momentum. Yveltal's weakness to Stealth Rock also limits the number of times it is allowed to enter the field, exacerbated exasperatedI think this is the word you meant to use? by the vulnerability of being choice-locked. Yveltal's weaknesses and limitations need to be accounted and planned for, and accommodated as best as possible. The last two sentences should be in a different bullet. Again, if something is choice locked it should be assumed knowledge that it may be exploitable after claiming a ko. In the first sentence focus on Yveltal struggling with bulky Pokemon. The issue is these bulkier Pokemon, not that they are healthy.

* U-turn gives Yveltal an option to pivot out of switch-ins that would otherwise take advantage of it, which is crucial for preserving momemtum that Yveltal is prone to losing against bulkier teams. U-turn can also occasionally allow Yveltal to switch in and pivot out of choice-locked Pokemon such as Marshadow and Lunala, let it scout for Tera Fairy on Lunala and Kyurem-B, and even giving it utility as a lead that can allow for reacting to an opponents lead and immediately switching to a favorable matchup.

* Being so fast with an immunity to Sticky Web also makes Yveltal a situationally excellent user of Defog, as there is very little almost any Pokemon can do to stop it.(ap), something very useful if the hazards pose a major threat and especially valuable against Sticky Web teams. You should mention it is often paired with additional hazard control due to its limited longevity.

* Yveltal's final moveslot isn't often used, and is therefore highly flexible. Toxic gives Yveltal an option to threaten Pokemon such as Calm Mind Arceus Formes that are otherwise undaunted by it, as well as most Pokemon it might incidentally hit instead of the expected target. Knock Off is another option that is more threatening to Pokemon such as Coil Zygarde, Ho-Oh, and Garganacl, who rely heavily on their item. It also deals more damage to Eternatuswhich set?, not only making it more threatening to it but also potentially opening up avenues to clean up games where Foul Play wouldn't suffice. Eternatus is wierd because it often has Recover and Foul Play isn't great against it anyways unless it is heavily chipped.

* 224 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature lets Yveltal outspeed both Dragon Dance Zygarde and Kyurem-B after a boost, with the remaining EVs being put into its physical bulk. This gives Yveltal a high chance to survive Mega Salamence's +1 Double Edge and Arceus's +2 Silk Scarf Tera Normal Extreme Speed. Additionally, Yveltal survives Primal Groudon's Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and Necrozma-DM's Searing Sunraze Smash.

* Yveltal usually doesn't Terastalize unless it is facing a hyper offense team or a Pokemon it is usually tasked with revenge killing, such as Zacian-C, Necrozma-DM, and Extreme Killer Arceus. Dark is Yveltal's most common Tera type for its ability to boost Foul Play's damage even further, letting it OHKO Zacian-C and Arceus after a Swords Dance as well as Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM, 2HKO +1 Zacian-C, and usually OHKO Marshadow. The general power increase also has more situational applications, such as usually letting Yveltal OHKO Kyurem-B, 2HKO Wallbreaker Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock, and generally kill Pokemon such as Offensive Ho-Oh, Wallbreaker Primal Kyogre, and Double Dance Primal Groudon after a little chip damage. Tera Dark also lets Yveltal reliably check Ultra Necrozma by keeping its Psychic immunity while removing its weakness to Rock.

* Tera Steel and Tera Ghost are alternative options to allow Yveltal to better check Extreme Killer Arceus, with Tera Ghost protecting it completely from Extreme Speed, while Tera Steel offers more utility such as an immunity to poison, resistances to the Rock, Ice, and Fairy moves from Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Meteor Beam Eternatus, Arceus-Ground, Ultra Necrozma, and Choice Specs Lunala into resistances, letting it better check Mega Salamence, and granting it a resistance to Stealth Rock. I'd mention that Tera Ghost lets it handle both Extreme Killer Arceus and Zacian-C reliably. The Tera Steel bit should be rewritten to focus on the benefits in specific scenarios. Steel is a great defensive typing, but listing them and saying it is great against these mons is confusing and sort of wrong ( i.e. Primal Groudon, Eternatus, and Arceus-Ground will still often beat it due to coverage or STAB).

* Yveltal's teams often need it to revenge kill or scare out dangerous threats, particularly with Zacian-C.(ap) in particular being incredibly dangerous without Yveltal. While Yveltal can be used prior to this, this is its most important function, and it should usually be preserved for this until the threat has passed. Stealth Rock chip damage racks up fast, and how many times it can afford to take it should always be weighed before sending it out. Being choice-locked also comes with an additional risk of being exploitable, so what the opponent has to do this should be considered.assumed knowledge Yveltal should be used cautiously beyond this against offensive teams thanks to its great matchup against them. However, against balance teams, it doesn't often contribute too much outside of its usual role as a revenge killer, so after the Pokemon it is tasked with keeping in check are removed, liberal use of Yveltal isn't as risky. In the right circumstances however, it can function as an late-game cleaner sweeper if its checks and counters are removed.(ap), so this possibility should be considered.

* Yveltal is very powerful against hyper offense teams, especially Sticky Web teams, not only due to its ability to clear hazards with ease but also due to its incredible ability to threatening most Pokemon on these teams. Yveltal is best used to clear Sticky Web against opposing Yveltal, but can also do so against Chi-Yu. Doing so should leave it with enough health to still serve as a revenge killer later in the game. hazards against Pokemon without the ability to exploit it to instantly win the game, which may vary depending on which Pokemon Yveltal's teammates can check. Two common Pokemon Yveltal can remove hazards against are other Yveltal and Chi-Yu thanks to both their inability to boost their speed and resistance to their Dark moves. Yveltal may even be able to switch into these Pokemon to do this, however this comes with the risk of being hit with Taunt or an attack it doesn't resist. Ideally Yveltal should also be able to kill foes with Foul Play, so removing hazards as soon as possible in exchange for Yveltal's life may not always be worth it. Yveltal's Tera type also impacts its role against these teams, with Ghost and Steel making Yveltal significantly less threatening but allowing it to better check certain Pokemon. Tera Steel defends against Ultra Necrozma's Stone Edge and Outrage, the latter OHKOing Yveltal otherwise after Stealth Rock, while also allowing it to take Arceus's Extreme Speed if it is healthy. Tera Ghost meanwhile provides much less protection from Ultra Necrozma but allows it to almost always defeat Arceus. Condense the last bit. Essentially, you want to talk about factoring in its tera type.

* Against Pokemon such as Eternatus, Arceus-Fairy, and Fezandipiti, partners such as Primal Groudon, Zacian-C, and Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM are appreciated, taking care of Pokemon that would otherwise wall it so it can finish off their team late-game. Mega Diancie is an especially good teammate for Yveltal on offensive structures as it provides additional hazard control while being a solid wallbreaker. , bouncing back hazards that Yveltal struggles to remove multiple times by itself. In aAdditionally, U-turn alleviates Mega Diancie's lackluster longevity by providing it with a safe switch in against foes coming in on Yveltal,(ac) which then immediately allowings it to threaten switch-ins such as Arceus-Dark and Coil Zygarde other Yveltal.

* Yveltal does sometimes find itself on balance and bulky offense teams. The common balance core of Primal Groudon, Offensive Ho-Oh, Calm MindArceus-Dark, and Coil Zygarde is able to handle most of the metagame defensively, giving many opportunities for Yveltal to switch out when being choice-locked leaves it vulnerable. Alomomola structures such as Alomomola, Giratina-O, and Primal Groudon, while not being able to handle the same variety of threats by themselves, do provide great longevity that Yveltal greatly appreciates. Both of these structures commonly struggle against Sticky Web teams, so Yveltal is a great solid option.(ap) on addition to both. Being locked into a move with no offensive pressure is very dangerous, so aAgainst teams that require hazards to be removed multiple times, Yveltal especially appreciates Ho-Oh and Giratina-O who can remove them with less commitment and who take less damage from hazards.

* Most of the Pokemon Yveltal struggles to threaten such as Zygarde, defensive Ho-Oh, Calm Mind Arceus formes, and other Yveltal are checked or threatened by one or more Eternatus sets, making it a great partner for Yveltal, and the variety of sets it has lets it assist Yveltal whether it is on offense or balance. Eternatus also struggles with Zacian-C, Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM, and Deoxys-Attack, so Yveltal's ability to revenge kill them is appreciated.

 

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