[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to a great Special Attack and amazing Speed tier, Abra is a notable threat in LC, handling common defensive Pokemon such as Mienfoo, Foongus, and Koffing. It is difficult to switch into, as its primary checks in Dark-types hate taking Dazzling Gleam. Abra can also run two different but still fantastic sets, with Focus Sash turning it into a reliable revenge killer and Life Orb making it into a fearsome wallbreaker. However, Abra has lackluster physical bulk, is susceptible to priority attacks, and has no way to immediately break through Steel-types. It also faces competition with Galarian Ponyta, a fellow 19 Speed Psychic-type that possess better bulk and coverage for Steel-types, and Natu.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Protect
move 4: Thunder Wave / Shadow Ball / Counter
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thanks to Abra's great Special Attack, Psychic dents common Fighting- and Poison-types such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Koffing and weakens most neutral targets. Dazzling Gleam provides coverage against Dark-types such as Pawniard. Protect blocks Fake Out from Mienfoo and First Impression from Trapinch, preventing them from KOing it, and also preserves Focus Sash. Thunder Wave cripples switch-ins like Pawniard and Ferroseed, Shadow Ball targets Frillish and opposing Psychic-types, and Counter synergizes with Focus Sash to potentially revenge kill fearsome setup sweepers like Swords Dance Grookey and Belly Drum Magby.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment allows Abra to Speed tie with Staryu, Galarian Ponyta, and Ponyta. 76 Defense EVs give it a better chance at surviving attacks like Grookey's Grassy Glide. Focus Sash gives Abra an opportunity to survive an attack and revenge kill a foe, while Magic Guard prevents Abra from being weakened by residual damage, preserving its Focus Sash.
Usage Tips
========
Abra is best utilized as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker and late-game cleaner. It is very important that Focus Sash is preserved until the late-game, as Abra often will be the best option to revenge kill setup sweepers. Due to its mediocre bulk, Abra cannot directly switch into foes and appreciates pivots such as Mienfoo and Magnemite or good double switching to safely enter the field. Be wary of trappers that can weaken or even eliminate Abra, such as Diglett and Trapinch; weakening Abra nullifies Focus Sash and leaves it vulnerable to opposing priority users such as Grookey and Pawniard. Neutralizing Gas from Koffing also warrants attention, as it nullifies Magic Guard and leaves Abra vulnerable to entry hazards, which break its Focus Sash.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Timburr complement Abra really well, pressuring Dark- and Steel-types like Pawniard and Ferroseed; in return, Abra is able to handle Poison-types like Foongus, Mareanie, and Koffing, which limit the effectiveness of the Fighting-types. The aforementioned Poison-types are also solid partners, absorbing priority attacks such as Grookey's Grassy Glide and Timburr's Mach Punch and preserving Abra's Focus Sash. Knock Off support from Mienfoo, Timburr, and Pawniard allows Abra to KO foes like Foongus and Mareanie with Psychic. It is also vital that Abra is paired with walls like Ferroseed, Staryu, and Koffing, which help check faster attackers like Choice Scarf Porygon, Vulpix, and Mienfoo. Trappers such as Diglett and Trapinch can remove Pawniard and opposing Diglett. Abra has good synergy with other special attackers like Porygon and Staryu due to their ability to wear down shared checks like Ferroseed and Frillish.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Shadow Ball / Fire Punch / Submission
move 4: Protect / Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Life Orb Psychic severely damages most targets. Dazzling Gleam targets Dark-types such as Pawniard. Shadow Ball hits Frillish and opposing Psychic-types. Alternatively, Fire Punch 2HKOes Ferroseed with investment and provides coverage against Magnemite, while Submission can be used with investment to lure in and OHKO Pawniard, albeit unreliably. Protect allows Abra to block Mienfoo's Fake Out and Trapinch's First Impression and bluff its Focus Sash set. Alternatively, Substitute allows Abra to take advantage of a forced switch and fire off an extra attack while also letting it avoid Pawniard's Sucker Punch.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment allows Abra to Speed tie with Staryu, Galarian Ponyta, and Ponyta. 76 Defense EVs give it a chance to survive Grassy Glide from non-Life Orb Grookey. Magic Guard negates Life Orb recoil, which lets Abra bluff its Focus Sash set. If using Fire Punch, Abra should opt for 36 Attack EVs and a Hasty nature to 2HKO Ferrseed. If using Submission, Abra should opt for 116 Attack EVs to OHKO Pawniard.
Usage Tips
========
Life Orb Abra is best utilized as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker, taking advantage of its incredible damage output to weaken opposing defensive cores and support both itself and its teammates to clean late-game. Abra can safely enter into play via pivot support, a double switch, or a teammate fainting to wreak havoc. On less offensive team structures, playing Abra more passively and bluffing Focus Sash can be beneficial, as it causes the opponent to be more cautious. Life Orb Abra is quite vulnerable to priority attacks, so it should normally switch out against threats like Grookey.
Team Options
========
Life Orb Abra is traditionally seen on more offensive team styles. Abra fits on Spikes-stacking offense teams, taking advantage of Dwebble's and Ferroseed's Spikes weakening foes into KO range of its powerful attacks. Trappers such as Diglett and Trapinch can eliminate the troublesome Pawniard and Ferroseed as well as opposing trappers. On balance teams, Knock Off absorbers such as Timburr and Mienfoo, as well as defensive cores like Ferroseed + Mareanie and Staryu + Foongus, can help Abra handle opposing Dark-types and Choice Scarf users like Porygon and Vulpix. Grass-resistant foes like Foongus, Koffing, and Ponyta are also appreciated, helping Abra against Grookey. Abra has good synergy with other special attackers like Porygon and Staryu due to their ability to wear down shared checks like Ferroseed and Frillish.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Energy Ball OHKOes Onix and targets other problematic foes like Staryu, Frillish, Diglett, and Trapinch. Abra can opt to run a dual screens set, consisting of Reflect, Light Screen, Thunder Wave, and Teleport with Light Clay, but it is outclassed by Natu in this role. Knock Off is a niche option to cripple checks such as Ferroseed on the switch. Shed Shell lets Abra avoid getting trapped by Diglett and Trapinch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pawniard**: Pawniard is one of the best checks to Abra thanks to its immunity to Psychic, neutrality to Dazzling Gleam, and ability to threaten Abra with Sucker Punch. It can force out Abra and use that opportunity to set Stealth Rock. However, as Pawniard lacks recovery, repeatedly switching into Dazzling Gleam can wear it down.
**Ferroseed**: Ferroseed resists both Psychic and Dazzling Gleam and threatens Abra with Thunder Wave and Knock Off. However, Ferroseed should be wary of Fire Punch from Life Orb Abra.
**Priority Attacks**: Priority attacks are often the best ways to handle Abra, preventing it from getting a hit off. Strong priority like Grookey's Grassy Glide and Pawniard's Sucker Punch can be problematic, while weak priority like Timburr's Mach Punch can break Abra's Focus Sash, leaving it vulnerable to faster attackers.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Vulpix, Porygon, and Mienfoo outspeed and KO Abra if its Focus Sash is broken. Choice Scarf Magnemite is notable, as it resists Psychic and does not mind Counter. However, Abra is able to check some of these Choice Scarf users if its Focus Sash is intact.
**Trappers*: Diglett, especially Eviolite Diglett, can trap and eliminate Abra with Beat Up or Earthquake. Trapinch can take a hit from Abra and KO it in return while also potentially breaking Focus Sash with Feint.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DC, 449990]]
- Quality checked by: [[gali, 107567], [Fiend, 208173], [KSG, 32350], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429]]
Thanks to a great Special Attack and amazing Speed tier, Abra is a notable threat in LC, handling common defensive Pokemon such as Mienfoo, Foongus, and Koffing. It is difficult to switch into, as its primary checks in Dark-types hate taking Dazzling Gleam. Abra can also run two different but still fantastic sets, with Focus Sash turning it into a reliable revenge killer and Life Orb making it into a fearsome wallbreaker. However, Abra has lackluster physical bulk, is susceptible to priority attacks, and has no way to immediately break through Steel-types. It also faces competition with Galarian Ponyta, a fellow 19 Speed Psychic-type that possess better bulk and coverage for Steel-types, and Natu.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Protect
move 4: Thunder Wave / Shadow Ball / Counter
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thanks to Abra's great Special Attack, Psychic dents common Fighting- and Poison-types such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Koffing and weakens most neutral targets. Dazzling Gleam provides coverage against Dark-types such as Pawniard. Protect blocks Fake Out from Mienfoo and First Impression from Trapinch, preventing them from KOing it, and also preserves Focus Sash. Thunder Wave cripples switch-ins like Pawniard and Ferroseed, Shadow Ball targets Frillish and opposing Psychic-types, and Counter synergizes with Focus Sash to potentially revenge kill fearsome setup sweepers like Swords Dance Grookey and Belly Drum Magby.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment allows Abra to Speed tie with Staryu, Galarian Ponyta, and Ponyta. 76 Defense EVs give it a better chance at surviving attacks like Grookey's Grassy Glide. Focus Sash gives Abra an opportunity to survive an attack and revenge kill a foe, while Magic Guard prevents Abra from being weakened by residual damage, preserving its Focus Sash.
Usage Tips
========
Abra is best utilized as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker and late-game cleaner. It is very important that Focus Sash is preserved until the late-game, as Abra often will be the best option to revenge kill setup sweepers. Due to its mediocre bulk, Abra cannot directly switch into foes and appreciates pivots such as Mienfoo and Magnemite or good double switching to safely enter the field. Be wary of trappers that can weaken or even eliminate Abra, such as Diglett and Trapinch; weakening Abra nullifies Focus Sash and leaves it vulnerable to opposing priority users such as Grookey and Pawniard. Neutralizing Gas from Koffing also warrants attention, as it nullifies Magic Guard and leaves Abra vulnerable to entry hazards, which break its Focus Sash.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Timburr complement Abra really well, pressuring Dark- and Steel-types like Pawniard and Ferroseed; in return, Abra is able to handle Poison-types like Foongus, Mareanie, and Koffing, which limit the effectiveness of the Fighting-types. The aforementioned Poison-types are also solid partners, absorbing priority attacks such as Grookey's Grassy Glide and Timburr's Mach Punch and preserving Abra's Focus Sash. Knock Off support from Mienfoo, Timburr, and Pawniard allows Abra to KO foes like Foongus and Mareanie with Psychic. It is also vital that Abra is paired with walls like Ferroseed, Staryu, and Koffing, which help check faster attackers like Choice Scarf Porygon, Vulpix, and Mienfoo. Trappers such as Diglett and Trapinch can remove Pawniard and opposing Diglett. Abra has good synergy with other special attackers like Porygon and Staryu due to their ability to wear down shared checks like Ferroseed and Frillish.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Shadow Ball / Fire Punch / Submission
move 4: Protect / Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Life Orb Psychic severely damages most targets. Dazzling Gleam targets Dark-types such as Pawniard. Shadow Ball hits Frillish and opposing Psychic-types. Alternatively, Fire Punch 2HKOes Ferroseed with investment and provides coverage against Magnemite, while Submission can be used with investment to lure in and OHKO Pawniard, albeit unreliably. Protect allows Abra to block Mienfoo's Fake Out and Trapinch's First Impression and bluff its Focus Sash set. Alternatively, Substitute allows Abra to take advantage of a forced switch and fire off an extra attack while also letting it avoid Pawniard's Sucker Punch.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment allows Abra to Speed tie with Staryu, Galarian Ponyta, and Ponyta. 76 Defense EVs give it a chance to survive Grassy Glide from non-Life Orb Grookey. Magic Guard negates Life Orb recoil, which lets Abra bluff its Focus Sash set. If using Fire Punch, Abra should opt for 36 Attack EVs and a Hasty nature to 2HKO Ferrseed. If using Submission, Abra should opt for 116 Attack EVs to OHKO Pawniard.
Usage Tips
========
Life Orb Abra is best utilized as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker, taking advantage of its incredible damage output to weaken opposing defensive cores and support both itself and its teammates to clean late-game. Abra can safely enter into play via pivot support, a double switch, or a teammate fainting to wreak havoc. On less offensive team structures, playing Abra more passively and bluffing Focus Sash can be beneficial, as it causes the opponent to be more cautious. Life Orb Abra is quite vulnerable to priority attacks, so it should normally switch out against threats like Grookey.
Team Options
========
Life Orb Abra is traditionally seen on more offensive team styles. Abra fits on Spikes-stacking offense teams, taking advantage of Dwebble's and Ferroseed's Spikes weakening foes into KO range of its powerful attacks. Trappers such as Diglett and Trapinch can eliminate the troublesome Pawniard and Ferroseed as well as opposing trappers. On balance teams, Knock Off absorbers such as Timburr and Mienfoo, as well as defensive cores like Ferroseed + Mareanie and Staryu + Foongus, can help Abra handle opposing Dark-types and Choice Scarf users like Porygon and Vulpix. Grass-resistant foes like Foongus, Koffing, and Ponyta are also appreciated, helping Abra against Grookey. Abra has good synergy with other special attackers like Porygon and Staryu due to their ability to wear down shared checks like Ferroseed and Frillish.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Energy Ball OHKOes Onix and targets other problematic foes like Staryu, Frillish, Diglett, and Trapinch. Abra can opt to run a dual screens set, consisting of Reflect, Light Screen, Thunder Wave, and Teleport with Light Clay, but it is outclassed by Natu in this role. Knock Off is a niche option to cripple checks such as Ferroseed on the switch. Shed Shell lets Abra avoid getting trapped by Diglett and Trapinch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pawniard**: Pawniard is one of the best checks to Abra thanks to its immunity to Psychic, neutrality to Dazzling Gleam, and ability to threaten Abra with Sucker Punch. It can force out Abra and use that opportunity to set Stealth Rock. However, as Pawniard lacks recovery, repeatedly switching into Dazzling Gleam can wear it down.
**Ferroseed**: Ferroseed resists both Psychic and Dazzling Gleam and threatens Abra with Thunder Wave and Knock Off. However, Ferroseed should be wary of Fire Punch from Life Orb Abra.
**Priority Attacks**: Priority attacks are often the best ways to handle Abra, preventing it from getting a hit off. Strong priority like Grookey's Grassy Glide and Pawniard's Sucker Punch can be problematic, while weak priority like Timburr's Mach Punch can break Abra's Focus Sash, leaving it vulnerable to faster attackers.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Vulpix, Porygon, and Mienfoo outspeed and KO Abra if its Focus Sash is broken. Choice Scarf Magnemite is notable, as it resists Psychic and does not mind Counter. However, Abra is able to check some of these Choice Scarf users if its Focus Sash is intact.
**Trappers*: Diglett, especially Eviolite Diglett, can trap and eliminate Abra with Beat Up or Earthquake. Trapinch can take a hit from Abra and KO it in return while also potentially breaking Focus Sash with Feint.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DC, 449990]]
- Quality checked by: [[gali, 107567], [Fiend, 208173], [KSG, 32350], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429]]
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