[OVERVIEW]
Dark
========
Bisharp is a great physical attacker for any Dark-type team thanks to its high Attack stat, access to Swords Dance, and priority in Sucker Punch. Sucker Punch in combination with Swords Dance allows Bisharp to be a very potent sweeper, dishing out strong priority attacks against weakened foes. Its access to Knock Off grants Bisharp great utility by removing opposing Pokemon's items such as Eviolite from Chansey and Leftovers from Zapdos. Its ability, Defiant, helps maintain entry hazards on the field against teams that rely on Defog such as Flying, as they fear giving Bisharp a +2 Attack boost. Its secondary Steel typing grants it a valuable neutrality to Fairy, while its STAB Iron Head allows it to take on slower Fairy-types like Clefable and Azumarill. Its typing also grants it a resistance to Rock and Steel, allowing it to take advantage of Choice-locked Pokemon like Excadrill. However, its Steel typing also compounds Dark's weakness to Fighting-types, allowing it to be easily checked by Pokemon such as Keldeo and Breloom. Furthermore, while Bisharp's middling Speed means that it is able to easily outrun slow Pokemon like Azumarill and Mega Venusaur, it is also easily outsped by most offensive Pokemon in the tier such as Hydreigon and Tapu Koko. However, its mediocre Speed is made up with its access to Sucker Punch, which enables it to check many faster foes such as Victini and Alolan Raichu.
[SET]
name: Offensive (Dark)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Iron Head
item: Life Orb
ability: Defiant
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Bisharp's already high Attack, allowing it to become a very potent attacker. Sucker Punch is a strong priority attack that enables Bisharp to act as a revenge killer and makes up for its lackluster Speed. Knock Off is Bisharp's most spammable attack, removing troublesome items from foes such as Eviolite and Leftovers. Iron Head is another great STAB attack for Bisharp, notably hitting Fairy-types super effectively that resist its Dark-type attacks.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature enables Bisharp to be as strong as possible, while 252 Speed EVs ensure Bisharp outspeeds opposing Pokemon such as Azumarill and Alolan Golem. Defiant grants Bisharp +2 Attack each time one of its stats drop, allowing it to gain boosts on opposing moves such as Defog and Sticky Web. Life Orb further boosts Bisharp's power, allowing it to fire off strong attacks even without boosts. Black Glasses can alternatively be run over Life Orb to prevent recoil damage; however, the lower damage output means Bisharp misses out on potential KOs such as on Victini with Sucker Punch. A Jolly nature could be used in order to outspeed opposing Pokemon such as Adamant Diggersby and Dragonite, but there is a significant drop-off in power.
Usage Tips
========
As a purely offensive Pokemon, Bisharp is best used as wallbreaker, threatening slower Pokemon such as Porygon2 and defensive Tyranitar. However, Bisharp can also be utilized to revenge kill fast Pokemon thanks to Sucker Punch after they have been weakened into KO range. Sucker Punch can often force mind games; be careful in correctly predicting when to use Sucker Punch to gain a KO, as its low PP is easily lost throughout a battle. Take advantage of Defiant by switching in on Defog users such as Zapdos and Staraptor in order to gain +2 Attack. However, be wary of opposing Defog Pokemon that may try to predict the switch and attack, as Bisharp is easily worn down. Bring Bisharp in on passive or bulky Pokemon that do not threaten it like Chansey to freely boost with Swords Dance. In that same notion, take advantage of forced switches by using Swords Dance against weakened Pokemon that fear a KO by Bisharp's Sucker Punch. Alternatively, utilize Knock Off during forced switches in order to remove items from opposing Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Skarmory that brush off even boosted attacks from Bisharp. Due to Bisharp's lackluster bulk, do not switch it into strong attacks, as it relies on remaining healthy in order to effectively boost with Swords Dance. Instead, bring Bisharp in after a teammate has been KOed. Thanks to Bisharp's Steel typing, be sure to use Bisharp carefully in the Fairy matchup due to its ability to deal with and eliminate Clefable and Choice-locked Tapu Bulu. As Bisharp is completely reliant on its high Attack, be cautious of opposing Pokemon that threaten to burn it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald such as Mega Sableye and Mantine.
Team Options
========
As a powerful wallbreaker, Bisharp appreciates having defensive teammates to consistently switch in and absorb attacks. Mandibuzz is an amazing physical wall that it able to absorb attacks for Bisharp while taking only neutral damage from Fighting-type attacks. Mandibuzz can also act as a slow pivot with U-turn to safely bring Bisharp into the field. Mega Sableye is able to provide a Fighting-type immunity for Bisharp as well as reflect entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes. Mega Sableye can also spread burns with Will-O-Wisp, granting Bisharp more opportunities to set up against hampered foes. Alolan Muk is a great special tank and is able to take on many strong special attackers for Bisharp such as Tapu Koko and Greninja. It also notably is able to take on Volcarona for Bisharp, OHKOing it with Rock Slide. Tyranitar and Krookodile are able to set Stealth Rock, weakening foes upon switch in so Bisharp is able to break past them more reliably. Hydreigon and Greninja are amazing special attackers that pair very well with Bisharp, being able to break past many defensive Pokemon that otherwise wall Bisharp such as Hippowdon and Ferrothorn. Mega Tyranitar and Mega Sharpedo are physical powerhouses that appreciate Bisharp's ability to remove foes' items such as Eviolite and Choice Scarf, granting them more opportunities to sweep through opposing teams late-game.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dark
--------
Darkinium Z can be utilized on Bisharp to tackle defensive foes such as Toxapex and Mega Sableye; however, Bisharp is significantly weaker without a Life Orb, reducing its capabilities to revenge kill with Sucker Punch. Lum Berry can be used in order to freely set up Swords Dance on opposing Pokemon that threaten to burn or paralyze Bisharp such as Mantine and Slowbro, but it is more situational and forces Bisharp to get a boost in Attack to have good damage output.
Checks and Counters
===================
Dark
--------
**Fighting-types**: Common Fighting-types like Keldeo, Infernape, and Terrakion all outspeed and threaten to OHKO Bisharp while taking little damage from Sucker Punch.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus outspeed and OHKO Bisharp, while slower Ground-types such as Hippowdon can tank hits from Bisharp and OHKO in return.
**Fire-types**: Common Fire-types like Mega Charizard X and Heatran outspeed Bisharp and threaten to OHKO it with their powerful Fire-type attacks.
**Revenge Killers**: While Bisharp threatens faster foes with Sucker Punch, faster Pokemon that resist Dark such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Greninja take little damage from Sucker Punch and threaten to KO Bisharp with their powerful attacks.
**Substitute**: Common Substitute users like Mega Gyarados and Zapdos are able to bypass Sucker Punch and immediately threaten to wear down Bisharp.
**Burn**: As a physical wallbreaker, Bisharp is reliant on its high Attack. Burns halve its Attack, nullifying its function on a team. Therefore, Bisharp should be wary of common Will-O-Wisp and Scald users such as Mega Sableye and Toxapex.
Dark
========
Bisharp is a great physical attacker for any Dark-type team thanks to its high Attack stat, access to Swords Dance, and priority in Sucker Punch. Sucker Punch in combination with Swords Dance allows Bisharp to be a very potent sweeper, dishing out strong priority attacks against weakened foes. Its access to Knock Off grants Bisharp great utility by removing opposing Pokemon's items such as Eviolite from Chansey and Leftovers from Zapdos. Its ability, Defiant, helps maintain entry hazards on the field against teams that rely on Defog such as Flying, as they fear giving Bisharp a +2 Attack boost. Its secondary Steel typing grants it a valuable neutrality to Fairy, while its STAB Iron Head allows it to take on slower Fairy-types like Clefable and Azumarill. Its typing also grants it a resistance to Rock and Steel, allowing it to take advantage of Choice-locked Pokemon like Excadrill. However, its Steel typing also compounds Dark's weakness to Fighting-types, allowing it to be easily checked by Pokemon such as Keldeo and Breloom. Furthermore, while Bisharp's middling Speed means that it is able to easily outrun slow Pokemon like Azumarill and Mega Venusaur, it is also easily outsped by most offensive Pokemon in the tier such as Hydreigon and Tapu Koko. However, its mediocre Speed is made up with its access to Sucker Punch, which enables it to check many faster foes such as Victini and Alolan Raichu.
[SET]
name: Offensive (Dark)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Iron Head
item: Life Orb
ability: Defiant
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Bisharp's already high Attack, allowing it to become a very potent attacker. Sucker Punch is a strong priority attack that enables Bisharp to act as a revenge killer and makes up for its lackluster Speed. Knock Off is Bisharp's most spammable attack, removing troublesome items from foes such as Eviolite and Leftovers. Iron Head is another great STAB attack for Bisharp, notably hitting Fairy-types super effectively that resist its Dark-type attacks.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature enables Bisharp to be as strong as possible, while 252 Speed EVs ensure Bisharp outspeeds opposing Pokemon such as Azumarill and Alolan Golem. Defiant grants Bisharp +2 Attack each time one of its stats drop, allowing it to gain boosts on opposing moves such as Defog and Sticky Web. Life Orb further boosts Bisharp's power, allowing it to fire off strong attacks even without boosts. Black Glasses can alternatively be run over Life Orb to prevent recoil damage; however, the lower damage output means Bisharp misses out on potential KOs such as on Victini with Sucker Punch. A Jolly nature could be used in order to outspeed opposing Pokemon such as Adamant Diggersby and Dragonite, but there is a significant drop-off in power.
Usage Tips
========
As a purely offensive Pokemon, Bisharp is best used as wallbreaker, threatening slower Pokemon such as Porygon2 and defensive Tyranitar. However, Bisharp can also be utilized to revenge kill fast Pokemon thanks to Sucker Punch after they have been weakened into KO range. Sucker Punch can often force mind games; be careful in correctly predicting when to use Sucker Punch to gain a KO, as its low PP is easily lost throughout a battle. Take advantage of Defiant by switching in on Defog users such as Zapdos and Staraptor in order to gain +2 Attack. However, be wary of opposing Defog Pokemon that may try to predict the switch and attack, as Bisharp is easily worn down. Bring Bisharp in on passive or bulky Pokemon that do not threaten it like Chansey to freely boost with Swords Dance. In that same notion, take advantage of forced switches by using Swords Dance against weakened Pokemon that fear a KO by Bisharp's Sucker Punch. Alternatively, utilize Knock Off during forced switches in order to remove items from opposing Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Skarmory that brush off even boosted attacks from Bisharp. Due to Bisharp's lackluster bulk, do not switch it into strong attacks, as it relies on remaining healthy in order to effectively boost with Swords Dance. Instead, bring Bisharp in after a teammate has been KOed. Thanks to Bisharp's Steel typing, be sure to use Bisharp carefully in the Fairy matchup due to its ability to deal with and eliminate Clefable and Choice-locked Tapu Bulu. As Bisharp is completely reliant on its high Attack, be cautious of opposing Pokemon that threaten to burn it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald such as Mega Sableye and Mantine.
Team Options
========
As a powerful wallbreaker, Bisharp appreciates having defensive teammates to consistently switch in and absorb attacks. Mandibuzz is an amazing physical wall that it able to absorb attacks for Bisharp while taking only neutral damage from Fighting-type attacks. Mandibuzz can also act as a slow pivot with U-turn to safely bring Bisharp into the field. Mega Sableye is able to provide a Fighting-type immunity for Bisharp as well as reflect entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes. Mega Sableye can also spread burns with Will-O-Wisp, granting Bisharp more opportunities to set up against hampered foes. Alolan Muk is a great special tank and is able to take on many strong special attackers for Bisharp such as Tapu Koko and Greninja. It also notably is able to take on Volcarona for Bisharp, OHKOing it with Rock Slide. Tyranitar and Krookodile are able to set Stealth Rock, weakening foes upon switch in so Bisharp is able to break past them more reliably. Hydreigon and Greninja are amazing special attackers that pair very well with Bisharp, being able to break past many defensive Pokemon that otherwise wall Bisharp such as Hippowdon and Ferrothorn. Mega Tyranitar and Mega Sharpedo are physical powerhouses that appreciate Bisharp's ability to remove foes' items such as Eviolite and Choice Scarf, granting them more opportunities to sweep through opposing teams late-game.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dark
--------
Darkinium Z can be utilized on Bisharp to tackle defensive foes such as Toxapex and Mega Sableye; however, Bisharp is significantly weaker without a Life Orb, reducing its capabilities to revenge kill with Sucker Punch. Lum Berry can be used in order to freely set up Swords Dance on opposing Pokemon that threaten to burn or paralyze Bisharp such as Mantine and Slowbro, but it is more situational and forces Bisharp to get a boost in Attack to have good damage output.
Checks and Counters
===================
Dark
--------
**Fighting-types**: Common Fighting-types like Keldeo, Infernape, and Terrakion all outspeed and threaten to OHKO Bisharp while taking little damage from Sucker Punch.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus outspeed and OHKO Bisharp, while slower Ground-types such as Hippowdon can tank hits from Bisharp and OHKO in return.
**Fire-types**: Common Fire-types like Mega Charizard X and Heatran outspeed Bisharp and threaten to OHKO it with their powerful Fire-type attacks.
**Revenge Killers**: While Bisharp threatens faster foes with Sucker Punch, faster Pokemon that resist Dark such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Greninja take little damage from Sucker Punch and threaten to KO Bisharp with their powerful attacks.
**Substitute**: Common Substitute users like Mega Gyarados and Zapdos are able to bypass Sucker Punch and immediately threaten to wear down Bisharp.
**Burn**: As a physical wallbreaker, Bisharp is reliant on its high Attack. Burns halve its Attack, nullifying its function on a team. Therefore, Bisharp should be wary of common Will-O-Wisp and Scald users such as Mega Sableye and Toxapex.
Last edited:
