approved by Aragorn the King
original thread by FlyThai, here
with permission from Karxrida
format stolen from Repeater1947
#625 - Bisharp
"The Sword Blade Pokemon"
Base Stats:
65 HP / 125 Atk / 100 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities:
Defiant: Attack is raised by two stages when the Pokémon has its stats lowered. Doesn't work on self inflicted stat drops or drops from allies.
Inner Focus: This Pokémon will not flinch. Does not prevent flinching with Focus Punch.
Pressure (HA): When this Pokémon is hit by a move, the opponent’s PP lowers by 2 rather than 1.
Notable Moves:
(BOLD Grey indicates STAB)
Bisharp has been a much-hyped Pokemon since its release back in the days of BW, due to its unique typing in Dark and Steel, which is only shared by its pre-evolution Pawniard, as well as the slick overall design. It languished in the depths of UU until the dawning of XY, where it rose to OU as a top-tier threat, even cutting S rank when Aegislash reigned. Sporting numerous positive traits that seperate it from other Dark-types and Steel-types in OU, such as a great ability in Defiant, access to STAB Knock Off, which is arguably the best move in the game, as well as the ability to check multiple top-tier threats such as Latios, Gengar and Mega Metagross, Bisharp. Defiant is best known for taking advantage of 'haxy drops' and general stat drops caused by Memento and Intimidate, making it a great check to even premier physical walls such as Landorus-Therian and Defog Skarmory, a trait many physical attackers lack, as well as the ability to pressure many Defog users such as Latios and Mandibuzz as Defog will activate Defiant. In addition, it has access to Swords Dance, making it a terrifying set-up sweeper, and Sucker Punch, which mitigates its below-average Speed stat. Combined with Pursuit, Bisharp can often play mind games with the opponent on whether it will go for Pursuit or Sucker Punch.
On the other hand, Bisharp has a nasty quadruple weakness to Fighting-type attacks, amplified even more with an increase in usage of various Fighting-types such as Keldeo as well as the advent of ORAS, which has brought various new Megas such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Gallade, which has taken a nasty toll on Bisharp. Moreover, a below-average Speed stat makes it quite hard to work with, and generally relies on Sucker Punch to mitigate this, leaving it open to set-up sweepers and status, leading to many 50-50s and mindgames. Additionally, Bisharp has quite poor special bulk, and is often pressured to switch into Pokemon it is supposed to be check such as Latios and Gengar as even resisted hits do a hefty chunk - for example Latios' Draco Meteor does 70% to uninvested Bisharp.
Overall, Bisharp is a great fit onto offense teams, especially ones with spike-stacking or hazards, as Bisharp can pressure Defog users nicely. It also checks a wide spectrum of Pokemon, including Clefable, Mega Metagross and Mega Altaria, making it a great choice for an offensive team.
Movesets:
"Pursuit"
Bisharp @ Life Orb / Black Glasses
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 52 SpD / 204 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Pursuit
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
This set makes use of Bisharp's unique typing and access to Pursuit, making it a great check to many Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Latios, Gengar and Reuniclus. Pursuit is the main focus here, and by virtue of Bisharp's typing it can come in freely on Ghost- and Psychic-types and threaten them by Pursuit-trapping them. Knock Off is Bisharp's most spammable STAB move, having the utility of removing its targets of their item and can also cripple its usual checks and counters such as Chesnaught and Keldeo. Sucker Punch is used to hit faster targets, patching up Bisharp's lower Speed stat, and coupled with Pursuit can generate many 50-50s. Lastly, Iron Head is Bisharp's move against Fairy- and Rock-types that can shrug off its Dark-type STABs easily, such as Clefable and Tyranitar.
A Life Orb is the chosen item for Bisharp to hit as possible whilst still powering up Iron Head which Black Glasses fails to do. It is to be noted that a +1 Sucker Punch fully OHKOs Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian after Stealth Rock damage, which Black Glasses does not do. However, Black Glasses can be used to prevent Bisharp from taking recoil thus increasing it's longevity. The given EV spread maximises Bisharp's damage output by giving it full investment in Attack and with an Adamant Nature. 52 EVs invested into the Special Defense stat allows Bisharp to live a Life Orb Latios' Hidden Power Fire after Stealth Rock damage from full health, which is critical to prevent any Pursuit-Sucker Punch 50-50s. The rest is dumped into Speed to make Bisharp as fast as possible, outspeeding key threats such as Choice Specs Magnezone.
However, a Jolly Nature is perfectly viable, and allows Bisharp to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Heracross, Adamant/Modest Mega Altaria, Adamant Dragonite, just to name a few, but at the cost of significant power. If running Jolly, a spread of 204 Atk / 52 SpD / 252 Spe should be used to preserve the Speed and bulk benchmarks at the cost of some power.
"Swords Dance"
Bisharp @ Life Orb / Black Glasses / Lum Berry
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
This set differentiates itself from Bisharp's Pursuit-trapping set by turning Bisharp from a dedicated trapper into a terrifying sweeper. Swords Dance is the main boosting move, making Bisharp immediately threatening after only one boost, putting offensive pressure onto many teams. Sucker Punch mitigates Bisharp lower Speed stat, and is Bisharp's main move to deal with faster threats such as Thundurus and Talonflame. Knock Off is extremely spammable and hits insanely hard after only one boost, and comes with the extra utility of removing the opponent of their item. Lastly, Iron Head deals with Fairy-types who resist Bisharp's STAB Dark moves such as Sylveon and Clefable, as well as good neutral damage against Fairy, Fighting- and Dark-types.
The set have EVs that are fairly straightforward. Maximum Attack investment allows Bisharp to hit as hard as possible, and maximum Speed investment in tandem with a Jolly Nature makes Bisharp as swift as possible, outspeeding many Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Mega Altaria. Life Orb is the chosen item to buff up Iron Head so as to hit Fairy- and Dark-types harder; however Black Glasses is an option as well to prevent Bisharp from taking Life Orb recoil. Lum Berry can also be used to shrug off status once, so it can check status inducers such as Rotom-W and Mew. Defiant is the chosen ability to switch into Defoggers such as Latios and Skarmory and take advantage of the free boost it gives Bisharp.
"Bulky Trapper"
Bisharp @ Assault Vest
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 192 HP / 252 Atk / 64 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
This set aims to patch up Bisharp's poor Special Defense stat with an Assault Vest, making it a better switch-in into Psychic- or Ghost-types such as Latios, Gengar and Cresselia. Pursuit allows Bisharp to trap and eliminate troublesome Psychic- or Ghost-types that may prove a trouble to the team. Sucker Punch mitigates Bisharp lower Speed to deal damage to faster threats such as Tornadus-Therian and Volcarona. Knock Off is extremely spammable STAB, added with the utility of crippling the opponent by removing their item. Lastly, Iron Head deals with Fairy-types such as Clefable, and with an Assault Vest Bisharp is a good check to many of them.
The given EV spread is complicated yet effective; 192 HP investment with 64 Special Defense investment allows Bisharp to survive 2 Life Orb Latios' Hidden Power Fire 88% of the time, not accounting for Stealth Rock damage. More Special Defense can be invested to turn this into a guaranteed 3HKO. The rest is dumped into Attack for more power overall. Defiant is the chosen ability to switch into Defoggers such as Latios and Skarmory and take advantage of the free boost it gives Bisharp.
A spread of 192 HP / 220 Atk / 96 Spe is viable as well, with the Speed EVs enough for Jolly Azumarill, the Attack hitting a jump point and the rest into HP for more bulk. However this comes at a significant cost of power.
Other Options:
A Focus Sash set with Swords Dance is viable, allowing to live a hit and deal heavy damage; however it misses out on Life Orb and is easily exploitable due to hazards breaking the Sash.
A dedicated lead set with Stealth Rock is viable as well; however it is walled completely by Mega Sableye and there are better leads out there such as Garchomp and Azelf.
Low Kick deals with opposing Bisharp and Mega Gyarados as well as dealing more damage to Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Heatran.
Taunt is a good stallbreaking option easing Bisharp in beating walls such as Alomomola and Chansey; however Bisharp will, as a result, lose out on quite a bit of coverage.
Thunder Wave allows Bisharp to cripple switch-ins such as Chesnaught, Keldeo and Mega Gyarados.
A Choice Scarf set remedies Bisharp's poorer Speed stat and allowing it to spam Knock Off easier.
Aerial Ace lures in and deals with various Fighting-types such as Chesnaught, Mega Heracross and Keldeo - it 2HKOs Chesnaught and Keldeo and OHKOs Heracross. It is to be noted that the combination of Aerial Ace + Sucker Punch KOs Keldeo, but again loses out much-needed on coverage.
Rock Polish mitigates Bisharp's low Speed and makes Knock Off even more spammable, but lacks the coverage to sweep.
Grass Knot lets Bisharp get past Hippowdon and Quagsire, two common checks to it, as well as deal decent damage to Mega Gyarados and Keldeo, but is extremely situtational and piss weak coming off of a 60 Base Special Attack.
Conclusion:
Bisharp has always been a top-tier threat, even reigning supreme during the days of Aegislash and Deoxys-Speed. How has the advent of ORAS affected Bisharp? With the Speed and Power creep, is Bisharp still as effective? With rises in usage of Choice Scarf Tyranitar, is Tyranitar being favoured over Bisharp as a Pursuit-trapper? How effective is Rock Polish Bisharp (lol)?
original thread by FlyThai, here
with permission from Karxrida
format stolen from Repeater1947
#625 - Bisharp
"The Sword Blade Pokemon"
65 HP / 125 Atk / 100 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities:
Defiant: Attack is raised by two stages when the Pokémon has its stats lowered. Doesn't work on self inflicted stat drops or drops from allies.
Inner Focus: This Pokémon will not flinch. Does not prevent flinching with Focus Punch.
Pressure (HA): When this Pokémon is hit by a move, the opponent’s PP lowers by 2 rather than 1.
Notable Moves:
(BOLD Grey indicates STAB)
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Pursuit
- Swords Dance
- Low Kick
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Metal Burst
- Aerial Ace
- Psycho Cut
- Rock Polish
- Stone Edge
Bisharp has been a much-hyped Pokemon since its release back in the days of BW, due to its unique typing in Dark and Steel, which is only shared by its pre-evolution Pawniard, as well as the slick overall design. It languished in the depths of UU until the dawning of XY, where it rose to OU as a top-tier threat, even cutting S rank when Aegislash reigned. Sporting numerous positive traits that seperate it from other Dark-types and Steel-types in OU, such as a great ability in Defiant, access to STAB Knock Off, which is arguably the best move in the game, as well as the ability to check multiple top-tier threats such as Latios, Gengar and Mega Metagross, Bisharp. Defiant is best known for taking advantage of 'haxy drops' and general stat drops caused by Memento and Intimidate, making it a great check to even premier physical walls such as Landorus-Therian and Defog Skarmory, a trait many physical attackers lack, as well as the ability to pressure many Defog users such as Latios and Mandibuzz as Defog will activate Defiant. In addition, it has access to Swords Dance, making it a terrifying set-up sweeper, and Sucker Punch, which mitigates its below-average Speed stat. Combined with Pursuit, Bisharp can often play mind games with the opponent on whether it will go for Pursuit or Sucker Punch.
On the other hand, Bisharp has a nasty quadruple weakness to Fighting-type attacks, amplified even more with an increase in usage of various Fighting-types such as Keldeo as well as the advent of ORAS, which has brought various new Megas such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Gallade, which has taken a nasty toll on Bisharp. Moreover, a below-average Speed stat makes it quite hard to work with, and generally relies on Sucker Punch to mitigate this, leaving it open to set-up sweepers and status, leading to many 50-50s and mindgames. Additionally, Bisharp has quite poor special bulk, and is often pressured to switch into Pokemon it is supposed to be check such as Latios and Gengar as even resisted hits do a hefty chunk - for example Latios' Draco Meteor does 70% to uninvested Bisharp.
Overall, Bisharp is a great fit onto offense teams, especially ones with spike-stacking or hazards, as Bisharp can pressure Defog users nicely. It also checks a wide spectrum of Pokemon, including Clefable, Mega Metagross and Mega Altaria, making it a great choice for an offensive team.
Movesets:
"Pursuit"
Bisharp @ Life Orb / Black Glasses
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 52 SpD / 204 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Pursuit
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
This set makes use of Bisharp's unique typing and access to Pursuit, making it a great check to many Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Latios, Gengar and Reuniclus. Pursuit is the main focus here, and by virtue of Bisharp's typing it can come in freely on Ghost- and Psychic-types and threaten them by Pursuit-trapping them. Knock Off is Bisharp's most spammable STAB move, having the utility of removing its targets of their item and can also cripple its usual checks and counters such as Chesnaught and Keldeo. Sucker Punch is used to hit faster targets, patching up Bisharp's lower Speed stat, and coupled with Pursuit can generate many 50-50s. Lastly, Iron Head is Bisharp's move against Fairy- and Rock-types that can shrug off its Dark-type STABs easily, such as Clefable and Tyranitar.
A Life Orb is the chosen item for Bisharp to hit as possible whilst still powering up Iron Head which Black Glasses fails to do. It is to be noted that a +1 Sucker Punch fully OHKOs Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian after Stealth Rock damage, which Black Glasses does not do. However, Black Glasses can be used to prevent Bisharp from taking recoil thus increasing it's longevity. The given EV spread maximises Bisharp's damage output by giving it full investment in Attack and with an Adamant Nature. 52 EVs invested into the Special Defense stat allows Bisharp to live a Life Orb Latios' Hidden Power Fire after Stealth Rock damage from full health, which is critical to prevent any Pursuit-Sucker Punch 50-50s. The rest is dumped into Speed to make Bisharp as fast as possible, outspeeding key threats such as Choice Specs Magnezone.
However, a Jolly Nature is perfectly viable, and allows Bisharp to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Heracross, Adamant/Modest Mega Altaria, Adamant Dragonite, just to name a few, but at the cost of significant power. If running Jolly, a spread of 204 Atk / 52 SpD / 252 Spe should be used to preserve the Speed and bulk benchmarks at the cost of some power.
"Swords Dance"
Bisharp @ Life Orb / Black Glasses / Lum Berry
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
This set differentiates itself from Bisharp's Pursuit-trapping set by turning Bisharp from a dedicated trapper into a terrifying sweeper. Swords Dance is the main boosting move, making Bisharp immediately threatening after only one boost, putting offensive pressure onto many teams. Sucker Punch mitigates Bisharp lower Speed stat, and is Bisharp's main move to deal with faster threats such as Thundurus and Talonflame. Knock Off is extremely spammable and hits insanely hard after only one boost, and comes with the extra utility of removing the opponent of their item. Lastly, Iron Head deals with Fairy-types who resist Bisharp's STAB Dark moves such as Sylveon and Clefable, as well as good neutral damage against Fairy, Fighting- and Dark-types.
The set have EVs that are fairly straightforward. Maximum Attack investment allows Bisharp to hit as hard as possible, and maximum Speed investment in tandem with a Jolly Nature makes Bisharp as swift as possible, outspeeding many Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Mega Altaria. Life Orb is the chosen item to buff up Iron Head so as to hit Fairy- and Dark-types harder; however Black Glasses is an option as well to prevent Bisharp from taking Life Orb recoil. Lum Berry can also be used to shrug off status once, so it can check status inducers such as Rotom-W and Mew. Defiant is the chosen ability to switch into Defoggers such as Latios and Skarmory and take advantage of the free boost it gives Bisharp.
"Bulky Trapper"
Bisharp @ Assault Vest
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 192 HP / 252 Atk / 64 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
This set aims to patch up Bisharp's poor Special Defense stat with an Assault Vest, making it a better switch-in into Psychic- or Ghost-types such as Latios, Gengar and Cresselia. Pursuit allows Bisharp to trap and eliminate troublesome Psychic- or Ghost-types that may prove a trouble to the team. Sucker Punch mitigates Bisharp lower Speed to deal damage to faster threats such as Tornadus-Therian and Volcarona. Knock Off is extremely spammable STAB, added with the utility of crippling the opponent by removing their item. Lastly, Iron Head deals with Fairy-types such as Clefable, and with an Assault Vest Bisharp is a good check to many of them.
The given EV spread is complicated yet effective; 192 HP investment with 64 Special Defense investment allows Bisharp to survive 2 Life Orb Latios' Hidden Power Fire 88% of the time, not accounting for Stealth Rock damage. More Special Defense can be invested to turn this into a guaranteed 3HKO. The rest is dumped into Attack for more power overall. Defiant is the chosen ability to switch into Defoggers such as Latios and Skarmory and take advantage of the free boost it gives Bisharp.
A spread of 192 HP / 220 Atk / 96 Spe is viable as well, with the Speed EVs enough for Jolly Azumarill, the Attack hitting a jump point and the rest into HP for more bulk. However this comes at a significant cost of power.
Other Options:
A Focus Sash set with Swords Dance is viable, allowing to live a hit and deal heavy damage; however it misses out on Life Orb and is easily exploitable due to hazards breaking the Sash.
A dedicated lead set with Stealth Rock is viable as well; however it is walled completely by Mega Sableye and there are better leads out there such as Garchomp and Azelf.
Low Kick deals with opposing Bisharp and Mega Gyarados as well as dealing more damage to Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Heatran.
Taunt is a good stallbreaking option easing Bisharp in beating walls such as Alomomola and Chansey; however Bisharp will, as a result, lose out on quite a bit of coverage.
Thunder Wave allows Bisharp to cripple switch-ins such as Chesnaught, Keldeo and Mega Gyarados.
A Choice Scarf set remedies Bisharp's poorer Speed stat and allowing it to spam Knock Off easier.
Aerial Ace lures in and deals with various Fighting-types such as Chesnaught, Mega Heracross and Keldeo - it 2HKOs Chesnaught and Keldeo and OHKOs Heracross. It is to be noted that the combination of Aerial Ace + Sucker Punch KOs Keldeo, but again loses out much-needed on coverage.
Rock Polish mitigates Bisharp's low Speed and makes Knock Off even more spammable, but lacks the coverage to sweep.
Grass Knot lets Bisharp get past Hippowdon and Quagsire, two common checks to it, as well as deal decent damage to Mega Gyarados and Keldeo, but is extremely situtational and piss weak coming off of a 60 Base Special Attack.
Conclusion:
Bisharp has always been a top-tier threat, even reigning supreme during the days of Aegislash and Deoxys-Speed. How has the advent of ORAS affected Bisharp? With the Speed and Power creep, is Bisharp still as effective? With rises in usage of Choice Scarf Tyranitar, is Tyranitar being favoured over Bisharp as a Pursuit-trapper? How effective is Rock Polish Bisharp (lol)?
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