[OVERVIEW]
With its solid defensive typing and bulk, utility options, access to Recover, and a superb ability in Magic Bounce, Mega Sableye finds a role as a good defensive force in OU. These traits let it serve as a central pillar for stall teams and shut down virtually every Pokemon reliant on entry hazards and status to make progress except for Mega Diancie, Clefable, and Mold Breaker Excadrill. Furthermore, it is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that can reliably switch into and put a stop to Mega Medicham. With Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp, it can also aid its team in making progress against item-reliant Pokemon like Heatran and Celesteela and physical threats like Landorus-T and Mega Swampert. Additionally, it can hold off on Mega Evolving to make use of Prankster and burn Mega Mawile and Kyurem-B, two major threats to stall archetypes, in a pinch. However, there is very little that Mega Sableye can do with its low Speed, and its lackluster offensive stats leave it heavily prone to passivity, making it easy setup bait for sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Volcarona, and Substitute variants of Dragonite and Gyarados. Additionally, its typing leaves it chased out by a plethora of Fairy-types like Mega Diancie, Clefable, Magearna, Tapu Lele, and Mega Mawile, and the former three of which are not bothered much by Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp. Tapu Fini's Misty Terrain doesn't help matters much either despite not enjoying switching into Knock Off, since it cancels out Will-O-Wisp much to the appreciation of wallbreakers like Mega Mawile and Garchomp. Mega Sableye is also a sitting duck against Fire-types like the Mega Charizard formes, Volcarona, and Victini due to their immunity to Will-O-Wisp. These drawbacks limit its usage to only on stall archetypes, where they can afford the lack of momentum.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Recover
move 4: Protect
item: Sablenite
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Knock Off is Mega Sableye's main method of dealing direct damage, thanks to the crucial utility it provides by removing important items like Leftovers from Heatran and Celesteela. Will-O-Wisp punishes physical attackers like Mega Mawile, Kyurem-B, and offensive Garchomp if they attempt to take advantage of Mega Sableye and force it out. Recover lets Mega Sableye continue sticking around to handle Pokemon like Mega Medicham and Mega Alakazam as well as entry hazard setters like Ferrothorn and Skarmory. Finally, Protect ensures that Sableye can Mega Evolve at any time without any issues and scout for Choice-locked Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Kartana, as well as any Z-Moves from foes such as Kyurem-B and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread alongside a Careful nature maximizes Mega Sableye's special bulk, enabling it to better handle special attackers like Heatran, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Alakazam. If Mega Sableye's teammates already have these special attackers accounted for, a physically defensive spread with an Impish nature can be used instead to better take on physical attackers like Landorus-T and Thunder Punch Mega Medicham. Prankster is Sableye's preferred pre-Mega ability to burn physical attackers like Mega Mawile, Kyurem-B, and Garchomp in a pinch.
Usage Tips
========
Send Mega Sableye against entry hazard setters that can't do much to threaten it in return, such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, Chansey, and Toxapex. As Mega Sableye's team will want to keep hazards off the field from the start, it should almost always be used in the lead position. That way, it can Mega Evolve immediately and come back in later to switch into these Pokemon if needed. Since Mega Sableye's team will likely have less Defog PP than the opposing team has Stealth Rock PP, don't hesitate to aggressively switch Mega Sableye in on a predicted use of Stealth Rock if it means keeping the hazard off at all costs, even against users that it can lose to such as Swords Dance variants of Garchomp and Landorus-T. It can also afford to switch into Heatran to prevent Stealth Rock, as Mega Sableye's partial Ghost typing means it isn't trapped by Magma Storm, though it must be wary of the risk of being burned by Lava Plume variants and taken out by Inferno Overdrive from the Z-Move variants. Sableye also has the option to hold off on Mega Evolving to make use of its Prankster ability to burn the likes of Mega Mawile and Kyurem-B in a pinch. Exercising caution against Mega Diancie and Mold Breaker Excadrill is recommended, however, as Mega Diancie can promptly force Mega Sableye out with Moonblast and use the free opportunity to set up Stealth Rock, while Excadrill bypasses Magic Bounce to either set up Stealth Rock or cripple it with Toxic. Use Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp frequently to whittle down the opposing team if Mega Sableye is at high HP. Keeping it healthy is crucial for maintaining the upper hand against hazards and status ailments, as well as continuing to check Mega Medicham and Mega Alakazam. Be mindful of its passivity because this invites a variety of setup sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Volcarona, and Mega Gyarados onto the field to take advantage of it. While Mega Sableye has solid bulk and recovery, you should avoid sending it out recklessly, since it will be forced to deplete its Recover PP and eventually lose in the long game. The exception to this is the aggressive switch-ins against the Stealth Rock setters mentioned above, as this can be a deciding factor between a win and a loss.
Team Options
========
Mega Sableye should only be used on dedicated stall teams, which not only appreciate its role as a dedicated entry hazard blocker but can also afford the momentum drain and benefit from its ability to make progress through spreading status and removing items with Knock Off. Chansey, Skarmory, and Toxapex are incredible partners for Mega Sableye, as all three of them set up hazards to wear down shared answers like Tapu Lele and Heatran and benefit from Mega Sableye preventing opposing hazards from going up and wearing down the opposition with Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp. Additionally, Chansey and Toxapex have the benefit of covering Ash-Greninja, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcarona, and Toxapex also absorbs Toxic Spikes if Mega Sableye's team fails to keep them off. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Mega Sableye shutting down Mega Medicham and Mega Alakazam. Unaware Clefable is another superb partner, as it puts a firm stop to setup sweepers like Hawlucha, Kommo-o, and Volcarona and can pass Wish to help keep Mega Sableye healthy and conserve its Recover PP. Defoggers like Gliscor and the aforementioned Skarmory are highly beneficial, as they help provide extra security against hazards, thereby reducing a significant amount of pressure for Mega Sableye. Gliscor also provides a solid answer to Heatran and uses its typing to block Volt Switch. Bulky Steel-types like Magearna, Celesteela, and Jirachi are also appreciated due to their ability to put a stop to threatening Fairy-types like Tapu Lele and Mega Diancie. Additionally, Magearna provides cleric support with Heal Bell and brings its teammates in with Volt Switch; Celesteela helps whittle down the opposition with Leech Seed, especially if Pokemon like Heatran had their Leftovers removed by Knock Off; and Jirachi grants Wish support and safely brings Mega Sableye in with U-turn. Volcarona and Dragonite also benefit from Mega Sableye keeping hazards off the field, allowing them to safely set up later in the game without Toxic Spikes and especially Stealth Rock getting in the way. Volcarona also has the added benefit of defensively checking Mega Mawile, which is a huge issue for stall teams to face. Mega Sableye also enjoys pairing with Reuniclus, as it checks Mega Lopunny, ignores status like burns from Scald thanks to Magic Guard, and sets up with Calm Mind to prey on other bulky structures. Ditto provides extra security against a multitude of setup sweepers like Mega Charizard X and supports its team in other ways, like copying cleric support from Magearna and Defog from Pokemon like Landorus-T and Tapu Fini. Pyukumuku is another option for an Unaware user that can put a stop to Mega Charizard X, an otherwise hostile matchup for stall teams. Despite being a niche option, Shedinja benefits from Mega Sableye stopping opposing hazards and status ailments, and in return, it helps take on certain stallbreakers like Manaphy and Calm Mind Magearna.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Foul Play is an alternative Dark-type option that lets Mega Sableye punish setup attempts from physical sweepers like Mega Charizard X with huge damage and helps it keep Stealth Rock off the field against Swords Dance Garchomp in a pinch, but its lack of utility makes this a much less effective option compared to Knock Off. Mean Look and Spite can be used in tandem to trap and PP stall a passive adversary; however, this combination is incredibly difficult to fit into Mega Sableye's moveset and forces it to forgo Protect and Knock Off, making it less effective at scouting the opposition and dealing with item-reliant foes.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Mega Diancie and Clefable are perhaps the most troublesome Fairy-types for Mega Sableye to face, as they are not bothered by Will-O-Wisp thanks to their abilities and chase it out with Moonblast. Various other Fairy-types like Mega Mawile, Magearna, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Koko also pose a serious threat to Mega Sableye should they find an opportunity to come in safely; however, Mega Mawile absolutely despises being burned by Will-O-Wisp, while the others don't like having their items removed by Knock Off. While Tapu Fini doesn't enjoy losing its Leftovers, its Misty Terrain completely nullifies Will-O-Wisp against grounded targets, allowing teammates like Kyurem-B, Garchomp, Kartana, and Mega Scizor to threaten Mega Sableye without fear of being burned.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types like the Mega Charizard formes, Volcarona, Victini, and Heatran can directly switch into Will-O-Wisp and threaten Mega Sableye out either by setting up or firing off their immediate power, with Heatran's Flash Fire allowing it to pose an even bigger threat. However, all of these Fire-types except for the Mega Charizard formes don't appreciate having their items removed by Knock Off, and Victini even takes super effective damage from the move due to its partial Psychic typing.
**Setup Sweepers**: A multitude of setup sweepers can easily take advantage of Mega Sableye's passivity and find easy opportunities to accrue their boosts. Mega Charizard X and Volcarona are immune to Will-O-Wisp, while Garchomp, Dragonite, and Mega Gyarados can use Substitute and have a field day against it. Swords Dance Gliscor is also very troublesome for Mega Sableye once its Toxic Orb activates. Manaphy in the rain is another noteworthy mention, as it can quickly boost itself with Tail Glow and blow Mega Sableye away with its rain-boosted Hydro Vortex, while Hydration + Rest lets it shrug off status with impunity.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Strong wallbreakers like Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B, Hoopa-U, Manaphy, and Choice Band Kartana are all powerful enough to threaten Mega Sableye with a 2HKO at best and an OHKO at worst. Choice Band Hoopa-U is especially something to watch out for, as Hyperspace Fury isn't blocked by Protect. However, these wallbreakers, except for Kyurem-B and Manaphy, don't enjoy losing their items, and with the exception of Manaphy under the rain, they cannot switch in directly due to Will-O-Wisp.
**Mold Breaker**: Mold Breaker allows Excadrill and Mega Gyarados to bypass Magic Bounce, letting the former set up Stealth Rock and cripple it with Toxic and the latter to shut it down with Taunt and nab free setup opportunities with Dragon Dance.
**Ditto**: Ditto effectively has infinite PP because it can switch in and out to stall out Mega Sableye's PP and outlast it in the long game. It can even turn Mega Sableye's ability against it by bouncing Will-O-Wisp back at it, significantly hindering its longevity. Mega Sableye must avoid using Knock Off against Ditto, however, since this lets Ditto freely cycle through its PP, making it more difficult to pressure.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
With its solid defensive typing and bulk, utility options, access to Recover, and a superb ability in Magic Bounce, Mega Sableye finds a role as a good defensive force in OU. These traits let it serve as a central pillar for stall teams and shut down virtually every Pokemon reliant on entry hazards and status to make progress except for Mega Diancie, Clefable, and Mold Breaker Excadrill. Furthermore, it is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that can reliably switch into and put a stop to Mega Medicham. With Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp, it can also aid its team in making progress against item-reliant Pokemon like Heatran and Celesteela and physical threats like Landorus-T and Mega Swampert. Additionally, it can hold off on Mega Evolving to make use of Prankster and burn Mega Mawile and Kyurem-B, two major threats to stall archetypes, in a pinch. However, there is very little that Mega Sableye can do with its low Speed, and its lackluster offensive stats leave it heavily prone to passivity, making it easy setup bait for sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Volcarona, and Substitute variants of Dragonite and Gyarados. Additionally, its typing leaves it chased out by a plethora of Fairy-types like Mega Diancie, Clefable, Magearna, Tapu Lele, and Mega Mawile, and the former three of which are not bothered much by Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp. Tapu Fini's Misty Terrain doesn't help matters much either despite not enjoying switching into Knock Off, since it cancels out Will-O-Wisp much to the appreciation of wallbreakers like Mega Mawile and Garchomp. Mega Sableye is also a sitting duck against Fire-types like the Mega Charizard formes, Volcarona, and Victini due to their immunity to Will-O-Wisp. These drawbacks limit its usage to only on stall archetypes, where they can afford the lack of momentum.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Recover
move 4: Protect
item: Sablenite
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Knock Off is Mega Sableye's main method of dealing direct damage, thanks to the crucial utility it provides by removing important items like Leftovers from Heatran and Celesteela. Will-O-Wisp punishes physical attackers like Mega Mawile, Kyurem-B, and offensive Garchomp if they attempt to take advantage of Mega Sableye and force it out. Recover lets Mega Sableye continue sticking around to handle Pokemon like Mega Medicham and Mega Alakazam as well as entry hazard setters like Ferrothorn and Skarmory. Finally, Protect ensures that Sableye can Mega Evolve at any time without any issues and scout for Choice-locked Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Kartana, as well as any Z-Moves from foes such as Kyurem-B and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread alongside a Careful nature maximizes Mega Sableye's special bulk, enabling it to better handle special attackers like Heatran, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Alakazam. If Mega Sableye's teammates already have these special attackers accounted for, a physically defensive spread with an Impish nature can be used instead to better take on physical attackers like Landorus-T and Thunder Punch Mega Medicham. Prankster is Sableye's preferred pre-Mega ability to burn physical attackers like Mega Mawile, Kyurem-B, and Garchomp in a pinch.
Usage Tips
========
Send Mega Sableye against entry hazard setters that can't do much to threaten it in return, such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, Chansey, and Toxapex. As Mega Sableye's team will want to keep hazards off the field from the start, it should almost always be used in the lead position. That way, it can Mega Evolve immediately and come back in later to switch into these Pokemon if needed. Since Mega Sableye's team will likely have less Defog PP than the opposing team has Stealth Rock PP, don't hesitate to aggressively switch Mega Sableye in on a predicted use of Stealth Rock if it means keeping the hazard off at all costs, even against users that it can lose to such as Swords Dance variants of Garchomp and Landorus-T. It can also afford to switch into Heatran to prevent Stealth Rock, as Mega Sableye's partial Ghost typing means it isn't trapped by Magma Storm, though it must be wary of the risk of being burned by Lava Plume variants and taken out by Inferno Overdrive from the Z-Move variants. Sableye also has the option to hold off on Mega Evolving to make use of its Prankster ability to burn the likes of Mega Mawile and Kyurem-B in a pinch. Exercising caution against Mega Diancie and Mold Breaker Excadrill is recommended, however, as Mega Diancie can promptly force Mega Sableye out with Moonblast and use the free opportunity to set up Stealth Rock, while Excadrill bypasses Magic Bounce to either set up Stealth Rock or cripple it with Toxic. Use Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp frequently to whittle down the opposing team if Mega Sableye is at high HP. Keeping it healthy is crucial for maintaining the upper hand against hazards and status ailments, as well as continuing to check Mega Medicham and Mega Alakazam. Be mindful of its passivity because this invites a variety of setup sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Volcarona, and Mega Gyarados onto the field to take advantage of it. While Mega Sableye has solid bulk and recovery, you should avoid sending it out recklessly, since it will be forced to deplete its Recover PP and eventually lose in the long game. The exception to this is the aggressive switch-ins against the Stealth Rock setters mentioned above, as this can be a deciding factor between a win and a loss.
Team Options
========
Mega Sableye should only be used on dedicated stall teams, which not only appreciate its role as a dedicated entry hazard blocker but can also afford the momentum drain and benefit from its ability to make progress through spreading status and removing items with Knock Off. Chansey, Skarmory, and Toxapex are incredible partners for Mega Sableye, as all three of them set up hazards to wear down shared answers like Tapu Lele and Heatran and benefit from Mega Sableye preventing opposing hazards from going up and wearing down the opposition with Knock Off and Will-O-Wisp. Additionally, Chansey and Toxapex have the benefit of covering Ash-Greninja, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcarona, and Toxapex also absorbs Toxic Spikes if Mega Sableye's team fails to keep them off. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Mega Sableye shutting down Mega Medicham and Mega Alakazam. Unaware Clefable is another superb partner, as it puts a firm stop to setup sweepers like Hawlucha, Kommo-o, and Volcarona and can pass Wish to help keep Mega Sableye healthy and conserve its Recover PP. Defoggers like Gliscor and the aforementioned Skarmory are highly beneficial, as they help provide extra security against hazards, thereby reducing a significant amount of pressure for Mega Sableye. Gliscor also provides a solid answer to Heatran and uses its typing to block Volt Switch. Bulky Steel-types like Magearna, Celesteela, and Jirachi are also appreciated due to their ability to put a stop to threatening Fairy-types like Tapu Lele and Mega Diancie. Additionally, Magearna provides cleric support with Heal Bell and brings its teammates in with Volt Switch; Celesteela helps whittle down the opposition with Leech Seed, especially if Pokemon like Heatran had their Leftovers removed by Knock Off; and Jirachi grants Wish support and safely brings Mega Sableye in with U-turn. Volcarona and Dragonite also benefit from Mega Sableye keeping hazards off the field, allowing them to safely set up later in the game without Toxic Spikes and especially Stealth Rock getting in the way. Volcarona also has the added benefit of defensively checking Mega Mawile, which is a huge issue for stall teams to face. Mega Sableye also enjoys pairing with Reuniclus, as it checks Mega Lopunny, ignores status like burns from Scald thanks to Magic Guard, and sets up with Calm Mind to prey on other bulky structures. Ditto provides extra security against a multitude of setup sweepers like Mega Charizard X and supports its team in other ways, like copying cleric support from Magearna and Defog from Pokemon like Landorus-T and Tapu Fini. Pyukumuku is another option for an Unaware user that can put a stop to Mega Charizard X, an otherwise hostile matchup for stall teams. Despite being a niche option, Shedinja benefits from Mega Sableye stopping opposing hazards and status ailments, and in return, it helps take on certain stallbreakers like Manaphy and Calm Mind Magearna.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Foul Play is an alternative Dark-type option that lets Mega Sableye punish setup attempts from physical sweepers like Mega Charizard X with huge damage and helps it keep Stealth Rock off the field against Swords Dance Garchomp in a pinch, but its lack of utility makes this a much less effective option compared to Knock Off. Mean Look and Spite can be used in tandem to trap and PP stall a passive adversary; however, this combination is incredibly difficult to fit into Mega Sableye's moveset and forces it to forgo Protect and Knock Off, making it less effective at scouting the opposition and dealing with item-reliant foes.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Mega Diancie and Clefable are perhaps the most troublesome Fairy-types for Mega Sableye to face, as they are not bothered by Will-O-Wisp thanks to their abilities and chase it out with Moonblast. Various other Fairy-types like Mega Mawile, Magearna, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Koko also pose a serious threat to Mega Sableye should they find an opportunity to come in safely; however, Mega Mawile absolutely despises being burned by Will-O-Wisp, while the others don't like having their items removed by Knock Off. While Tapu Fini doesn't enjoy losing its Leftovers, its Misty Terrain completely nullifies Will-O-Wisp against grounded targets, allowing teammates like Kyurem-B, Garchomp, Kartana, and Mega Scizor to threaten Mega Sableye without fear of being burned.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types like the Mega Charizard formes, Volcarona, Victini, and Heatran can directly switch into Will-O-Wisp and threaten Mega Sableye out either by setting up or firing off their immediate power, with Heatran's Flash Fire allowing it to pose an even bigger threat. However, all of these Fire-types except for the Mega Charizard formes don't appreciate having their items removed by Knock Off, and Victini even takes super effective damage from the move due to its partial Psychic typing.
**Setup Sweepers**: A multitude of setup sweepers can easily take advantage of Mega Sableye's passivity and find easy opportunities to accrue their boosts. Mega Charizard X and Volcarona are immune to Will-O-Wisp, while Garchomp, Dragonite, and Mega Gyarados can use Substitute and have a field day against it. Swords Dance Gliscor is also very troublesome for Mega Sableye once its Toxic Orb activates. Manaphy in the rain is another noteworthy mention, as it can quickly boost itself with Tail Glow and blow Mega Sableye away with its rain-boosted Hydro Vortex, while Hydration + Rest lets it shrug off status with impunity.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Strong wallbreakers like Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B, Hoopa-U, Manaphy, and Choice Band Kartana are all powerful enough to threaten Mega Sableye with a 2HKO at best and an OHKO at worst. Choice Band Hoopa-U is especially something to watch out for, as Hyperspace Fury isn't blocked by Protect. However, these wallbreakers, except for Kyurem-B and Manaphy, don't enjoy losing their items, and with the exception of Manaphy under the rain, they cannot switch in directly due to Will-O-Wisp.
**Mold Breaker**: Mold Breaker allows Excadrill and Mega Gyarados to bypass Magic Bounce, letting the former set up Stealth Rock and cripple it with Toxic and the latter to shut it down with Taunt and nab free setup opportunities with Dragon Dance.
**Ditto**: Ditto effectively has infinite PP because it can switch in and out to stall out Mega Sableye's PP and outlast it in the long game. It can even turn Mega Sableye's ability against it by bouncing Will-O-Wisp back at it, significantly hindering its longevity. Mega Sableye must avoid using Knock Off against Ditto, however, since this lets Ditto freely cycle through its PP, making it more difficult to pressure.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
Last edited:
