[OVERVIEW]
Aegislash sees high usage in Balanced Hackmons, since its great mixed defensive stats allow it to act as a bulky special or physical wall. As a Steel-type, it has a resistance to common attacking types, like Dragon, Ice, Flying, and Fairy, the last three of which let it check -ate users. Aegislash's Ghost typing gives useful immunities to Normal and Fighting, which can be seen in Endeavor Shedinja and common Fighting coverage for other Steel-types. It also gives Aegislash an immunity to being trapped, so things like Magnet Pull and Magma Storm can be switched out of. However, Aegislash is also weak to two common coverage types in Ground and Fire as a result of its typing. Furthermore, it is weak to Dark, which is extremely common on walls and attackers alike in the form of Knock Off. Dark, along with Ghost, is also a prevalent attacking type in Pokemon like Mega Tyranitar, Gyarados, and Gengar. The Dark-type weakness also allows Aegislash to be taken out with Pursuit easily. As a result of these hindrances, it faces tough competition from Registeel, which is slightly bulkier and trades Aegislash's Dark- and Ghost-type weaknesses for a Fighting-type weakness. Aegislash's Speed stat is also higher than that of common pivots like Registeel and Mega Audino, making it less effective at gaining momentum against these Pokemon, since it will switch first when using a pivot move.
[SET]
name: Flash Fire
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Whirlwind / Topsy-Turvy
move 4: Baton Pass / Entrainment
item: Safety Goggles / Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp spreads burns, crippling physical attackers and chipping away at the health of opposing Pokemon. It can be used without reserve because Flash Fire prevents Magic Bounce and Imposter Pokemon from using it against you. Recover keeps Aegislash healthy so it can continue to function as a wall. Whirlwind is useful for phazing sweepers, especially those behind a Substitute. Topsy-Turvy can be used instead to invert the foe's boosts, which is better against setup sweepers and Contrary users without Substitute. Baton Pass lets Aegislash pivot out, gaining momentum, but also pass along harmful effects like Leech Seed and Parting Shot stat drops. U-turn can be used instead so Aegislash isn't shut down by Taunt, but it can be blocked by Protect and make Aegislash susceptible to Rocky Helmet damage. Parting Shot is another option that weakens attackers, but creates a problem if the opponent is carrying a Contrary user and is also blocked by Soundproof and Magic Bounce Pokemon. This does give it the use of phazing Magic Bounce sweepers, which cannot be phazed by Whirlwind or hit with Topsy-Turvy. Entrainment is an alternative option that replaces the opposing Pokemon's ability, stopping Poison Heal, -ate, and Contrary users.
Set Details
========
The given EVs and nature maximize Aegislash's special bulk so that it can take strong special attacks like -ate Boomburst and Psycho Boost more comfortably. If preferred, Aegislash can invest in Defense instead, since many moves it is weak to, like Knock Off and Thousand Arrows, are physical. A Speed-decreasing nature lets Aegislash move after other Aegislash so it can gain momentum more consistently when using Baton Pass. Flash Fire covers Aegislash's Fire-type weakness, letting it counter common Contrary sets and -ate users with Fire-type coverage. It also renders Aegislash immune to Will-O-Wisp, so Imposter and Magic Bounce users can't use the move against it. Safety Goggles ensures that Aegislash isn't hit by Spore, while Leftovers provides a little passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Aegislash can switch into attackers whose STAB attacks it resists, although it is advised to scout for coverage moves that could KO it first. Recover should be used often to keep Aegislash healthy, especially since powerful attacks like Mega Rayquaza's Aerilate Boomburst and Draco Meteor deal lots of damage. Use Whirlwind against Pokemon behind a Substitute or setup sweepers. Topsy-Turvy should be used against Pokemon that have already boosted. Use Baton Pass when a switch is predicted or to safely bring in another Pokemon. If using Parting Shot, scout for potential Contrary users first, as they can gain boosts from it. If a switch to a Soundproof, Magic Bounce, or Contrary user is predicted, it is better to switch normally. Entrainment can be used against Poison Heal or Contrary Pokemon to nullify their abilities and force them out. Will-O-Wisp can be safely spammed to cripple physical attackers and damage other Pokemon due to its high PP and Aegislash's immunity to it, but using it gives away Aegislash's ability.
Team Options
========
Yveltal and Mega Audino are good partners, as they can easily take the Ghost- and Dark-type attacks that Aegislash is weak to, like Knock Off and Spooky Plate Judgment. Physical walls like Mega Audino and Giratina, especially with Fur Coat, can handle physical Ground-type attackers like Mega Garchomp and Primal Groudon. Giratina can also take Mold Breaker Fire-type attacks. Frail wallbreakers and sweepers like Mega Gengar also synergize well with Aegislash, and they can capitalize on the slow pivots it can provide.
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Parting Shot / U-turn
move 2: Recover
move 3: Topsy-Turvy / Destiny Bond
move 4: Encore / Spore
item: Safety Goggles / Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Prankster Parting Shot lets Aegislash switch out of and weaken threats without getting hit. It also lets Aegislash force out Magic Bounce users they can attack or use support moves. U-turn can be used instead so that Aegislash can switch after faster Pokemon to gain more momentum. When used directly after a Prankster Destiny Bond, Aegislash is almost guaranteed to take down the attacker or get a free switch, since Destiny Bond stays active until Aegislash uses U-turn. Recover increases Aegislash's longevity, and Topsy-Turvy inverts the foe's boosts to prevent sweeps, but it is blocked by Substitute. Destiny Bond lets Aegislash sacrifice itself to eliminate a threat, such as a boosted Pokemon. Encore locks opposing Pokemon into a move, catching Substitute and setup sweepers with Prankster. It also stops a Pokemon trying to stall out Destiny Bond's PP by using non-attacking moves, and it can lock Pokemon into moves that are ineffective against Aegislash, like Fighting- and Normal-type moves and -ate Fake Out. Spore puts opposing Pokemon to sleep, but it is ineffective against foes behind a Substitute, those carrying Safety Goggles, or those with Magic Bounce or Poison Heal (after Toxic Orb has activated).
Set Details
========
Safety Goggles is the preferred item, especially if Spore is used, as it prevents Aegislash from being affected by Spore from Imposter and Magic Bounce Pokemon and also other Pokemon, like Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza. Leftovers alternatively provides a little passive recovery. A Careful nature and maximized special bulk let Aegislash better take strong special attacks like Mega Rayquaza's Aerilate-boosted Boomburst.
Usage Tips
========
Parting Shot should be used against Pokemon that Aegislash can't wall if its other moves are ineffective against them. However, it is better to scout for potential Contrary users before using this move, as they can gain boosts from it. If a switch to a Soundproof, Magic Bounce, or Contrary user is predicted, it is better to switch normally. In addition, it is good to use to force out Magic Bounce Pokemon before they can attack or use support moves like Recover and Defog. U-turn should be used if a switch is predicted or to safely bring in another Pokemon. Recover should be used whenever Aegislash is low on health. Topsy-Turvy should be used against boosted Pokemon, provided they aren't behind a Substitute or have the ability Magic Bounce. Destiny Bond is a last-resort move and should only be used when the opposing Pokemon is a large threat to your team and cannot be walled. It has low PP, though, and it is important to try to predict whether or not your foe will attack or not before using it if not carrying Encore. Encore should be used if the opposing Pokemon has just used a status move or one that is ineffective against Aegislash to stop it from doing something else. It also suffers from having low PP and should be conserved if not necessary. Spore should be used against Pokemon that do not have a status condition, a Substitute, Magic Bounce, or Safety Goggles.
Team Options
========
Yveltal and Mega Audino are great teammates, as they can take the Dark- and Ghost-type attacks that Aegislash can't, like Knock Off and Spooky Plate Judgment. Physical walls like Giratina and Mega Slowbro, especially with Fur Coat, are useful for switching into strong Fire- and Ground-type attackers, like Primal Groudon and Mega Garchomp. Bulky attackers and walls all appreciate the Attack and Special Attack drops Parting Shot gives, while frail attackers can make use of U-turn to be brought in safely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thanks to Aegislash's wide variety of resistances, it can effectively run several other support moves, like Stealth Rock, Heal Bell, and Defog, since it has many opportunities to switch in. Heart Swap can also be used over Topsy-Turvy, and it can ignore Substitute. With Baton Pass, Aegislash can pass boosts to teammates as well. Alternatively, Haze can remove boosts entirely and stops sweepers from just setting up again afterwards, unlike Heart Swap, and is more useful against those that lower their own stats via moves like V-create and Shell Smash. The Prankster set can also run Taunt and Curse, the former of which stops Pokemon from setting up and using support moves, and the latter of which damages the opposing Pokemon, preventing sweeps and Baton Pass shenanigans. Curse's use is limited, however, because of the large HP loss. Whirlwind is another option for the Prankster set that works well with Destiny Bond, which will remain in effect until Aegislash's next move, letting it phaze sweepers. Aegislash can also run a Regenerator set with Assault Vest, as it is one of the few Pokemon that isn't 2HKOed by Mega Rayquaza's Choice Specs- and Aerilate-boosted Boomburst. It has the niche of being immune to Secret Sword, which Mega Rayquaza occasionally runs. Levitate can be run to cover Aegislash's Ground weakness, which is useful considering that Precipice Blades is a common coverage move on -ate users; however, the prevalence of Thousand Arrows reduces its use. Aegislash can also be run with Stance Change as a surprise sweeper.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Dark-types like Mega Tyranitar and Yveltal deal lots of damage to Aegislash due to its Dark weakness, and they can carry Pursuit to eliminate a weakened Aegislash. They also commonly run Poison Heal, giving them an immunity to Spore and Will-O-Wisp. However, they must be wary of burns if they are running a different set.
**Substitute and Taunt Users**: Pokemon carrying Substitute or Taunt, like Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza, render both sets ineffective, as their main moves are useless. Substitute can be Encored by Prankster Aegislash, though.
**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Coverage moves like Earth Power and Precipice Blades can take out Aegislash, especially if they come from boosted or powerful attackers like Mega Rayquaza. Pokemon carrying Mold Breaker, like Mega Mewtwo X, can also bypass Flash Fire to hit Aegislash with Fire-type moves.
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon beats most variants of Aegislash due to its natural burn immunity and super effective Ground- and Fire-type STAB moves. The Prankster set can put it to sleep with Spore, however.
**Magic Bounce**: Magic Bounce Pokemon can nullify most of Aegislash's effectiveness aside from absorbing damage.
Aegislash sees high usage in Balanced Hackmons, since its great mixed defensive stats allow it to act as a bulky special or physical wall. As a Steel-type, it has a resistance to common attacking types, like Dragon, Ice, Flying, and Fairy, the last three of which let it check -ate users. Aegislash's Ghost typing gives useful immunities to Normal and Fighting, which can be seen in Endeavor Shedinja and common Fighting coverage for other Steel-types. It also gives Aegislash an immunity to being trapped, so things like Magnet Pull and Magma Storm can be switched out of. However, Aegislash is also weak to two common coverage types in Ground and Fire as a result of its typing. Furthermore, it is weak to Dark, which is extremely common on walls and attackers alike in the form of Knock Off. Dark, along with Ghost, is also a prevalent attacking type in Pokemon like Mega Tyranitar, Gyarados, and Gengar. The Dark-type weakness also allows Aegislash to be taken out with Pursuit easily. As a result of these hindrances, it faces tough competition from Registeel, which is slightly bulkier and trades Aegislash's Dark- and Ghost-type weaknesses for a Fighting-type weakness. Aegislash's Speed stat is also higher than that of common pivots like Registeel and Mega Audino, making it less effective at gaining momentum against these Pokemon, since it will switch first when using a pivot move.
[SET]
name: Flash Fire
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Whirlwind / Topsy-Turvy
move 4: Baton Pass / Entrainment
item: Safety Goggles / Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp spreads burns, crippling physical attackers and chipping away at the health of opposing Pokemon. It can be used without reserve because Flash Fire prevents Magic Bounce and Imposter Pokemon from using it against you. Recover keeps Aegislash healthy so it can continue to function as a wall. Whirlwind is useful for phazing sweepers, especially those behind a Substitute. Topsy-Turvy can be used instead to invert the foe's boosts, which is better against setup sweepers and Contrary users without Substitute. Baton Pass lets Aegislash pivot out, gaining momentum, but also pass along harmful effects like Leech Seed and Parting Shot stat drops. U-turn can be used instead so Aegislash isn't shut down by Taunt, but it can be blocked by Protect and make Aegislash susceptible to Rocky Helmet damage. Parting Shot is another option that weakens attackers, but creates a problem if the opponent is carrying a Contrary user and is also blocked by Soundproof and Magic Bounce Pokemon. This does give it the use of phazing Magic Bounce sweepers, which cannot be phazed by Whirlwind or hit with Topsy-Turvy. Entrainment is an alternative option that replaces the opposing Pokemon's ability, stopping Poison Heal, -ate, and Contrary users.
Set Details
========
The given EVs and nature maximize Aegislash's special bulk so that it can take strong special attacks like -ate Boomburst and Psycho Boost more comfortably. If preferred, Aegislash can invest in Defense instead, since many moves it is weak to, like Knock Off and Thousand Arrows, are physical. A Speed-decreasing nature lets Aegislash move after other Aegislash so it can gain momentum more consistently when using Baton Pass. Flash Fire covers Aegislash's Fire-type weakness, letting it counter common Contrary sets and -ate users with Fire-type coverage. It also renders Aegislash immune to Will-O-Wisp, so Imposter and Magic Bounce users can't use the move against it. Safety Goggles ensures that Aegislash isn't hit by Spore, while Leftovers provides a little passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Aegislash can switch into attackers whose STAB attacks it resists, although it is advised to scout for coverage moves that could KO it first. Recover should be used often to keep Aegislash healthy, especially since powerful attacks like Mega Rayquaza's Aerilate Boomburst and Draco Meteor deal lots of damage. Use Whirlwind against Pokemon behind a Substitute or setup sweepers. Topsy-Turvy should be used against Pokemon that have already boosted. Use Baton Pass when a switch is predicted or to safely bring in another Pokemon. If using Parting Shot, scout for potential Contrary users first, as they can gain boosts from it. If a switch to a Soundproof, Magic Bounce, or Contrary user is predicted, it is better to switch normally. Entrainment can be used against Poison Heal or Contrary Pokemon to nullify their abilities and force them out. Will-O-Wisp can be safely spammed to cripple physical attackers and damage other Pokemon due to its high PP and Aegislash's immunity to it, but using it gives away Aegislash's ability.
Team Options
========
Yveltal and Mega Audino are good partners, as they can easily take the Ghost- and Dark-type attacks that Aegislash is weak to, like Knock Off and Spooky Plate Judgment. Physical walls like Mega Audino and Giratina, especially with Fur Coat, can handle physical Ground-type attackers like Mega Garchomp and Primal Groudon. Giratina can also take Mold Breaker Fire-type attacks. Frail wallbreakers and sweepers like Mega Gengar also synergize well with Aegislash, and they can capitalize on the slow pivots it can provide.
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Parting Shot / U-turn
move 2: Recover
move 3: Topsy-Turvy / Destiny Bond
move 4: Encore / Spore
item: Safety Goggles / Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Prankster Parting Shot lets Aegislash switch out of and weaken threats without getting hit. It also lets Aegislash force out Magic Bounce users they can attack or use support moves. U-turn can be used instead so that Aegislash can switch after faster Pokemon to gain more momentum. When used directly after a Prankster Destiny Bond, Aegislash is almost guaranteed to take down the attacker or get a free switch, since Destiny Bond stays active until Aegislash uses U-turn. Recover increases Aegislash's longevity, and Topsy-Turvy inverts the foe's boosts to prevent sweeps, but it is blocked by Substitute. Destiny Bond lets Aegislash sacrifice itself to eliminate a threat, such as a boosted Pokemon. Encore locks opposing Pokemon into a move, catching Substitute and setup sweepers with Prankster. It also stops a Pokemon trying to stall out Destiny Bond's PP by using non-attacking moves, and it can lock Pokemon into moves that are ineffective against Aegislash, like Fighting- and Normal-type moves and -ate Fake Out. Spore puts opposing Pokemon to sleep, but it is ineffective against foes behind a Substitute, those carrying Safety Goggles, or those with Magic Bounce or Poison Heal (after Toxic Orb has activated).
Set Details
========
Safety Goggles is the preferred item, especially if Spore is used, as it prevents Aegislash from being affected by Spore from Imposter and Magic Bounce Pokemon and also other Pokemon, like Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza. Leftovers alternatively provides a little passive recovery. A Careful nature and maximized special bulk let Aegislash better take strong special attacks like Mega Rayquaza's Aerilate-boosted Boomburst.
Usage Tips
========
Parting Shot should be used against Pokemon that Aegislash can't wall if its other moves are ineffective against them. However, it is better to scout for potential Contrary users before using this move, as they can gain boosts from it. If a switch to a Soundproof, Magic Bounce, or Contrary user is predicted, it is better to switch normally. In addition, it is good to use to force out Magic Bounce Pokemon before they can attack or use support moves like Recover and Defog. U-turn should be used if a switch is predicted or to safely bring in another Pokemon. Recover should be used whenever Aegislash is low on health. Topsy-Turvy should be used against boosted Pokemon, provided they aren't behind a Substitute or have the ability Magic Bounce. Destiny Bond is a last-resort move and should only be used when the opposing Pokemon is a large threat to your team and cannot be walled. It has low PP, though, and it is important to try to predict whether or not your foe will attack or not before using it if not carrying Encore. Encore should be used if the opposing Pokemon has just used a status move or one that is ineffective against Aegislash to stop it from doing something else. It also suffers from having low PP and should be conserved if not necessary. Spore should be used against Pokemon that do not have a status condition, a Substitute, Magic Bounce, or Safety Goggles.
Team Options
========
Yveltal and Mega Audino are great teammates, as they can take the Dark- and Ghost-type attacks that Aegislash can't, like Knock Off and Spooky Plate Judgment. Physical walls like Giratina and Mega Slowbro, especially with Fur Coat, are useful for switching into strong Fire- and Ground-type attackers, like Primal Groudon and Mega Garchomp. Bulky attackers and walls all appreciate the Attack and Special Attack drops Parting Shot gives, while frail attackers can make use of U-turn to be brought in safely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thanks to Aegislash's wide variety of resistances, it can effectively run several other support moves, like Stealth Rock, Heal Bell, and Defog, since it has many opportunities to switch in. Heart Swap can also be used over Topsy-Turvy, and it can ignore Substitute. With Baton Pass, Aegislash can pass boosts to teammates as well. Alternatively, Haze can remove boosts entirely and stops sweepers from just setting up again afterwards, unlike Heart Swap, and is more useful against those that lower their own stats via moves like V-create and Shell Smash. The Prankster set can also run Taunt and Curse, the former of which stops Pokemon from setting up and using support moves, and the latter of which damages the opposing Pokemon, preventing sweeps and Baton Pass shenanigans. Curse's use is limited, however, because of the large HP loss. Whirlwind is another option for the Prankster set that works well with Destiny Bond, which will remain in effect until Aegislash's next move, letting it phaze sweepers. Aegislash can also run a Regenerator set with Assault Vest, as it is one of the few Pokemon that isn't 2HKOed by Mega Rayquaza's Choice Specs- and Aerilate-boosted Boomburst. It has the niche of being immune to Secret Sword, which Mega Rayquaza occasionally runs. Levitate can be run to cover Aegislash's Ground weakness, which is useful considering that Precipice Blades is a common coverage move on -ate users; however, the prevalence of Thousand Arrows reduces its use. Aegislash can also be run with Stance Change as a surprise sweeper.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Dark-types like Mega Tyranitar and Yveltal deal lots of damage to Aegislash due to its Dark weakness, and they can carry Pursuit to eliminate a weakened Aegislash. They also commonly run Poison Heal, giving them an immunity to Spore and Will-O-Wisp. However, they must be wary of burns if they are running a different set.
**Substitute and Taunt Users**: Pokemon carrying Substitute or Taunt, like Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza, render both sets ineffective, as their main moves are useless. Substitute can be Encored by Prankster Aegislash, though.
**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Coverage moves like Earth Power and Precipice Blades can take out Aegislash, especially if they come from boosted or powerful attackers like Mega Rayquaza. Pokemon carrying Mold Breaker, like Mega Mewtwo X, can also bypass Flash Fire to hit Aegislash with Fire-type moves.
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon beats most variants of Aegislash due to its natural burn immunity and super effective Ground- and Fire-type STAB moves. The Prankster set can put it to sleep with Spore, however.
**Magic Bounce**: Magic Bounce Pokemon can nullify most of Aegislash's effectiveness aside from absorbing damage.
Last edited by a moderator:
