[OVERVIEW]
At first glance, Blissey seems like a complete downgrade from its pre-evolution Chansey, as its bulk noticeably suffers without the Eviolite. However, Blissey improves its longevity through Leftovers. This is notable for changing Blissey's relationship with common sources of passive damage. For instance, while double switches wear down Chansey with the support of entry hazards, the same sequences are less punishing for Blissey, which has Leftovers to limit passive damage. Despite Leftovers' recovery, Blissey's reduced bulk without Eviolite means that it sustains more chip damage from direct attacks. This means that attacks like Mega Alakazam's and Mega Charizard-Y's Focus Blast force it to use Soft-Boiled, given how it fears a 3HKO, giving foes like Excadrill free opportunities to switch in. Protect proves useful by scouting attacks from threats like Choice Band Tyranitar and Weavile, giving Blissey greater security against common trappers that can more easily chip Chansey. Like Chansey, Blissey can be a momentum drain, requiring turns to heal itself and lacking immediate offensive pressure against the threats that often switch into it. Though the two are comparable, Blissey’s Leftovers help mitigate passive damage over time, while Chansey’s superior bulk makes it a sturdier switch to more of the tier. If the team can handle the decreased bulk, Blissey's unique resilience with Leftovers makes it a viable alternative to Chansey that still functions as a powerful answer to special attacking threats.
[SET]
name: Special Wall
move 1: Seismic Toss
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Seismic Toss gives Blissey a consistent tool for pressuring common switches like Excadrill and Heatran that are otherwise unafraid of Toxic. Toxic allows Blissey to put opposing Pokemon on a timer, ensuring it is able to comfortably handle the special attackers of the tier, with notable targets including Volcarona and both Thundurus forms. Soft-Boiled is essential for keeping Blissey healthy, allowing it to function as a true answer to special threats. Finally, Protect gives Blissey further opportunities to heal itself, as well as scout Pursuit attempts from the likes of Tyranitar and Weavile. When used alongside Toxic, it is especially efficient at racking up damage on an afflicted foe.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Blissey's physical bulk, as it can already handle most special attackers without needing extra investment. This keeps Blissey from being excessively pressured by weak physical attacks from the likes of utility Excadrill and Garchomp. Natural Cure is the preferred ability, allowing Blissey to recover from status conditions with a switch. This facilitates Blissey's primary role as a wall, keeping it from being worn down. This is especially notable given the prominence of attacks like Scald and Steam Eruption; the ability to switch in without being permanently crippled by a stray burn is a valuable asset in the tier. Leftovers gives Blissey passive recovery and a distinct niche separate from Chansey with greater longevity against sources of passive damage like Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Blissey functions as a reliable special wall and status absorber, allowing it to comfortably switch into many of the tier's special attackers. With Seismic Toss and Toxic, it avoids being completely passive; however, its reliance on status moves makes it susceptible to Taunt. Blissey's general lack of offensive presence means that powerful wallbreakers like Keldeo, Crawdaunt, and Mega Medicham can catch it on a double switch or as it is forced to use recovery. This makes positioning especially important, as the bulkier teams that Blissey fits on can seldom afford to concede many opportunities to such powerful threats. One benefit to Blissey is that with Protect, it can scout attacks from powerful Choice item users like Keldeo and Weavile. This is especially useful in the case of the latter, as it keeps Blissey from being as easily overwhelmed by Pursuit in the same way that Chansey is. However, other trappers that aren't restricted by a choice item, like Bisharp and Mega Tyranitar, remain a threat regardless of Protect, requiring more careful play in navigating such matchups. Common instances of passive damage, such as Stealth Rock and sand, are healed by Leftovers; this allows Blissey to avoid being overly passive by constantly using Soft-Boiled. Protect also proves useful in stalling out attacks, allowing Blissey to more comfortably handle Serperior and Calm Mind Clefable.
Team Options
========
To function as a special wall, Blissey often forfeits momentum to spend turns on recovery. Thus, partners should be able to accommodate the tempo loss, ideally creating a strong defensive core that Blissey can fall back to. For instance, Skarmory makes for a strong partner by laying Spikes, helping to wear down the numerous attackers that threaten Blissey. Skarmory also checks offensive Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Excadrill, which Blissey struggles against. Defog users such as the aforementioned Skarmory as well as others like Zapdos and Mega Scizor are useful for keeping Blissey from having to take entry hazards. Unaware Clefable is also notable for countering sweepers that bypass Blissey, such as Rain Dance Manaphy and Reuniclus. Finally, Seismitoad and Gastrodon are strong partners for disrupting momentum from Volt Switch users like Zapdos and Rotom-W. Amoonguss also helps to relieve pressure from these pivots in addition to serving as a strong Serperior counter. Teams that use Blissey often appreciate its superior longevity against hazards; Spikes stacking teams exemplify this, as they typically forego hazard control altogether. Alternatively, teams that can cover Blissey’s relatively weaker defenses compared to Chansey benefit from a special wall that is more resilient to passive damage.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Blissey can use Heal Bell over Protect, letting it cleanse status from the team. Alternatively, Blissey may opt to use Stealth Rock in that slot, though it notably struggles against Excadrill, the tier's premier hazard control. In particular, compared to Chansey, Excadrill threatens a 3HKO with Earthquake, forcing Blissey to use recovery. Another option is Wish, which allows Blissey to heal allies, as well as giving it an additional form of recovery. However, dropping Protect makes Blissey more susceptible to Pursuit trappers like Weavile, a vulnerability worsened by its inferior physical bulk relative to Chansey. Blissey can also utilize Thunder Wave as an alternative to Toxic, allowing it to cripple common switches like Clefable, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, which are unfazed by poison. In doing so, Blissey experiences a worse matchup against Electric-types like Nasty Plot Thundurus and Rotom-W, that can overwhelm it without Toxic. Moreover, Blissey’s lower physical bulk makes it a less effective user of Thunder Wave compared to Chansey. For instance, powerful wallbreakers like Mega Charizard X and Kyurem-B, which struggle to break through Chansey’s superior bulk, are often forced out by the threat of Thunder Wave. In contrast, even if Blissey uses Thunder Wave, its lower Defense allows such threats to force through regardless of status. Finally, Blissey may also run a specially defensive set, which makes it a sturdier answer to the likes of Serperior and Manaphy, though such a change exacerbates the issues Blissey has on the physical side.
Checks and Counters
===================
Taunt: Taunt users such as Heatran, Serperior, and Thundurus exploit Blissey's reliance on status moves like Toxic and Soft-Boiled. In this regard, Heatran is notable for its ability to trap Blissey with Magma Storm before using Taunt to further deny status moves. Meanwhile, Serperior and Thundurus often carry Rocky Helmet, punishing repeated Seismic Toss attempts. In addition, other special attackers like Mega Gardevoir and Mega Alakazam also utilize Taunt to great effect against Blissey, allowing them to force through with powerful attacks like Psyshock and Focus Blast.
Status Resistant Pokemon: The likes of Gliscor, Clefable, and Reuniclus are strong counters to Blissey, as they are largely indifferent to status and have the longevity to outlast Seismic Toss. Though Thunder Wave can cripple the latter two, it still fails to stop Gliscor. Additionally, with its Ground/Steel typing and high HP stat, Excadrill is unique for its ability to comfortably switch in on Blissey without fear of status, using it as a position to clear hazards or boost with Swords Dance.
Strong Physical Attackers: Even with the high investment in Defense, physical attackers like Bisharp, Terrakion, and Mega Scizor can consistently 2HKO or OHKO Blissey, an issue made worse due to its passivity and lack of immediate damage. Without the Eviolite, even weaker attacks from the likes of utility Excadrill can consistently force recovery from Blissey, an issue Chansey doesn't have to quite the same extent.
Fighting-types: Using their powerful STAB Fighting-type attacks, the likes of Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, and Keldeo are major threats to Blissey, especially as they target its frailer physical bulk.
Knock Off Users: While losing its item isn't quite as crippling for Blissey as it is for Chansey, without Leftovers, Blissey's resilience against passive damage is significantly hurt. As a result, Knock Off users like Tornadus-T are able to dissuade Blissey from switching in for fear of losing its item. Besides being used as a utility move, offensive threats like Azumarill and Crawdaunt commonly run Knock Off, allowing them to threaten Blissey with both item removal and heavy damage.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/chargedram.707061/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ruffles.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/danbear02.589016/
At first glance, Blissey seems like a complete downgrade from its pre-evolution Chansey, as its bulk noticeably suffers without the Eviolite. However, Blissey improves its longevity through Leftovers. This is notable for changing Blissey's relationship with common sources of passive damage. For instance, while double switches wear down Chansey with the support of entry hazards, the same sequences are less punishing for Blissey, which has Leftovers to limit passive damage. Despite Leftovers' recovery, Blissey's reduced bulk without Eviolite means that it sustains more chip damage from direct attacks. This means that attacks like Mega Alakazam's and Mega Charizard-Y's Focus Blast force it to use Soft-Boiled, given how it fears a 3HKO, giving foes like Excadrill free opportunities to switch in. Protect proves useful by scouting attacks from threats like Choice Band Tyranitar and Weavile, giving Blissey greater security against common trappers that can more easily chip Chansey. Like Chansey, Blissey can be a momentum drain, requiring turns to heal itself and lacking immediate offensive pressure against the threats that often switch into it. Though the two are comparable, Blissey’s Leftovers help mitigate passive damage over time, while Chansey’s superior bulk makes it a sturdier switch to more of the tier. If the team can handle the decreased bulk, Blissey's unique resilience with Leftovers makes it a viable alternative to Chansey that still functions as a powerful answer to special attacking threats.
[SET]
name: Special Wall
move 1: Seismic Toss
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Seismic Toss gives Blissey a consistent tool for pressuring common switches like Excadrill and Heatran that are otherwise unafraid of Toxic. Toxic allows Blissey to put opposing Pokemon on a timer, ensuring it is able to comfortably handle the special attackers of the tier, with notable targets including Volcarona and both Thundurus forms. Soft-Boiled is essential for keeping Blissey healthy, allowing it to function as a true answer to special threats. Finally, Protect gives Blissey further opportunities to heal itself, as well as scout Pursuit attempts from the likes of Tyranitar and Weavile. When used alongside Toxic, it is especially efficient at racking up damage on an afflicted foe.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Blissey's physical bulk, as it can already handle most special attackers without needing extra investment. This keeps Blissey from being excessively pressured by weak physical attacks from the likes of utility Excadrill and Garchomp. Natural Cure is the preferred ability, allowing Blissey to recover from status conditions with a switch. This facilitates Blissey's primary role as a wall, keeping it from being worn down. This is especially notable given the prominence of attacks like Scald and Steam Eruption; the ability to switch in without being permanently crippled by a stray burn is a valuable asset in the tier. Leftovers gives Blissey passive recovery and a distinct niche separate from Chansey with greater longevity against sources of passive damage like Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Blissey functions as a reliable special wall and status absorber, allowing it to comfortably switch into many of the tier's special attackers. With Seismic Toss and Toxic, it avoids being completely passive; however, its reliance on status moves makes it susceptible to Taunt. Blissey's general lack of offensive presence means that powerful wallbreakers like Keldeo, Crawdaunt, and Mega Medicham can catch it on a double switch or as it is forced to use recovery. This makes positioning especially important, as the bulkier teams that Blissey fits on can seldom afford to concede many opportunities to such powerful threats. One benefit to Blissey is that with Protect, it can scout attacks from powerful Choice item users like Keldeo and Weavile. This is especially useful in the case of the latter, as it keeps Blissey from being as easily overwhelmed by Pursuit in the same way that Chansey is. However, other trappers that aren't restricted by a choice item, like Bisharp and Mega Tyranitar, remain a threat regardless of Protect, requiring more careful play in navigating such matchups. Common instances of passive damage, such as Stealth Rock and sand, are healed by Leftovers; this allows Blissey to avoid being overly passive by constantly using Soft-Boiled. Protect also proves useful in stalling out attacks, allowing Blissey to more comfortably handle Serperior and Calm Mind Clefable.
Team Options
========
To function as a special wall, Blissey often forfeits momentum to spend turns on recovery. Thus, partners should be able to accommodate the tempo loss, ideally creating a strong defensive core that Blissey can fall back to. For instance, Skarmory makes for a strong partner by laying Spikes, helping to wear down the numerous attackers that threaten Blissey. Skarmory also checks offensive Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Excadrill, which Blissey struggles against. Defog users such as the aforementioned Skarmory as well as others like Zapdos and Mega Scizor are useful for keeping Blissey from having to take entry hazards. Unaware Clefable is also notable for countering sweepers that bypass Blissey, such as Rain Dance Manaphy and Reuniclus. Finally, Seismitoad and Gastrodon are strong partners for disrupting momentum from Volt Switch users like Zapdos and Rotom-W. Amoonguss also helps to relieve pressure from these pivots in addition to serving as a strong Serperior counter. Teams that use Blissey often appreciate its superior longevity against hazards; Spikes stacking teams exemplify this, as they typically forego hazard control altogether. Alternatively, teams that can cover Blissey’s relatively weaker defenses compared to Chansey benefit from a special wall that is more resilient to passive damage.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Blissey can use Heal Bell over Protect, letting it cleanse status from the team. Alternatively, Blissey may opt to use Stealth Rock in that slot, though it notably struggles against Excadrill, the tier's premier hazard control. In particular, compared to Chansey, Excadrill threatens a 3HKO with Earthquake, forcing Blissey to use recovery. Another option is Wish, which allows Blissey to heal allies, as well as giving it an additional form of recovery. However, dropping Protect makes Blissey more susceptible to Pursuit trappers like Weavile, a vulnerability worsened by its inferior physical bulk relative to Chansey. Blissey can also utilize Thunder Wave as an alternative to Toxic, allowing it to cripple common switches like Clefable, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, which are unfazed by poison. In doing so, Blissey experiences a worse matchup against Electric-types like Nasty Plot Thundurus and Rotom-W, that can overwhelm it without Toxic. Moreover, Blissey’s lower physical bulk makes it a less effective user of Thunder Wave compared to Chansey. For instance, powerful wallbreakers like Mega Charizard X and Kyurem-B, which struggle to break through Chansey’s superior bulk, are often forced out by the threat of Thunder Wave. In contrast, even if Blissey uses Thunder Wave, its lower Defense allows such threats to force through regardless of status. Finally, Blissey may also run a specially defensive set, which makes it a sturdier answer to the likes of Serperior and Manaphy, though such a change exacerbates the issues Blissey has on the physical side.
Checks and Counters
===================
Taunt: Taunt users such as Heatran, Serperior, and Thundurus exploit Blissey's reliance on status moves like Toxic and Soft-Boiled. In this regard, Heatran is notable for its ability to trap Blissey with Magma Storm before using Taunt to further deny status moves. Meanwhile, Serperior and Thundurus often carry Rocky Helmet, punishing repeated Seismic Toss attempts. In addition, other special attackers like Mega Gardevoir and Mega Alakazam also utilize Taunt to great effect against Blissey, allowing them to force through with powerful attacks like Psyshock and Focus Blast.
Status Resistant Pokemon: The likes of Gliscor, Clefable, and Reuniclus are strong counters to Blissey, as they are largely indifferent to status and have the longevity to outlast Seismic Toss. Though Thunder Wave can cripple the latter two, it still fails to stop Gliscor. Additionally, with its Ground/Steel typing and high HP stat, Excadrill is unique for its ability to comfortably switch in on Blissey without fear of status, using it as a position to clear hazards or boost with Swords Dance.
Strong Physical Attackers: Even with the high investment in Defense, physical attackers like Bisharp, Terrakion, and Mega Scizor can consistently 2HKO or OHKO Blissey, an issue made worse due to its passivity and lack of immediate damage. Without the Eviolite, even weaker attacks from the likes of utility Excadrill can consistently force recovery from Blissey, an issue Chansey doesn't have to quite the same extent.
Fighting-types: Using their powerful STAB Fighting-type attacks, the likes of Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, and Keldeo are major threats to Blissey, especially as they target its frailer physical bulk.
Knock Off Users: While losing its item isn't quite as crippling for Blissey as it is for Chansey, without Leftovers, Blissey's resilience against passive damage is significantly hurt. As a result, Knock Off users like Tornadus-T are able to dissuade Blissey from switching in for fear of losing its item. Besides being used as a utility move, offensive threats like Azumarill and Crawdaunt commonly run Knock Off, allowing them to threaten Blissey with both item removal and heavy damage.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/chargedram.707061/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ruffles.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/danbear02.589016/
Last edited:
