Sectonia
But I set fire to the rain
greatest phys wall in mnm, change my mind
[OVERVIEW]
Aggronite Buzzwole is a great physical wall thanks to its excellent defensive typing in Bug / Steel. It has great utility moves that are suitable for its role of a physical wall including Lunge, Bulk Up, and Roost. It also boasts a useful resistance to Pixilate Extreme Speed after Mega Evolution, making it a check to threats with the move like the notable Altarianite Zygarde. Upon Mega Evolution, it has only one weakness and a plethora of resistances, allowing it to fearlessly take more physical hits than it could before. For example, it then easily takes on Glalitite users and Altarianite users. It is a unique wall in the fact that it isn't passive; it cannot be easily used as setup fodder, and in some situations it can use its offensive presence to become a wincon late-game. Filter is useful for fighting against defensive Pokemon carrying Fire-type moves, but is much less help against offensive Pokemon with Fire-type coverage. Unfortunately, Buzzwole's Special Defense is still low after Mega Evolving. While it can still be used to take on weak special attackers, it will struggle to take anything from the likes of Lunala and Blastoisinite Darkrai.
[SET]
name: Physical Wall
move 1: Roost
move 2: Bulk Up
move 3: Lunge / Iron Head
move 4: Earthquake / Drain Punch
item: Aggronite
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Roost provides reliable recovery, allowing Buzzwole to stay healthy through the match and continue to check what it needs to check. Bulk Up lets Buzzwole increases its Defense, helping it take physical hits much better, and its Attack, forcing out Pokemon that don't threaten it like Altarianite Zygarde and Blue Orb Golisopod. Lunge decreases the foe's Attack, making it useful for weakening Pokemon that Buzzwole checks. Iron Head gives Buzzwole a STAB move that hits Fairy-types super effectively, notably beating Z-Geomancy Xerneas, although Lunge’s Attack drop is usually more appreciated. Earthquake makes Buzzwole able to hit Red Orb users such as Victini and Azelf on the switch and threaten Steel-types. Drain Punch provides semi-reliable recovery and pressures Blissey.
Set Details
========
Aggronite changes Buzzwole's Fighting typing to Steel, allowing Buzzwole to better check many physical threats and lose many of its former weaknesses. Filter is helpful when fighting defensive Pokemon, as many of them cannot successfully force it out even with Fire-types attacks. The EVs used and an Impish nature maximize physical bulk, allowing Buzzwole to do its job better. An alternative spread of 248 HP / 116 Atk / 144 Def with an Impish nature allows Buzzwole to 2HKO Metagrossite Kartana with Drain Punch, 2HKO other defensive Pokemon like Sablenite Mew with Lunge, and have increased general offensive presence. The loss in bulk might not be worth it, however.
Usage Tips
========
Buzzwole should be used to take physical hits, so switch it into threatening physical attackers. However, be careful of mixed attackers and foes with Fire coverage. Buzzwole should use Bulk Up when it’s safe to do so, such as against a Lucarionite Zygarde without Dragon Tail, as Bulk Up will aid it in its job to wall threats. Lunge helps Buzzwole set up, and should be used often when faced with physical threats. Lunge also gives Buzzwole the ability to take on setup sweepers and weakens incoming switch-ins, which could make them easier to deal with for Buzzwole. Buzzwole needs to be healthy to keep checking many different physical threats like Kartana and Lucarionite Zygarde, so using Roost often isn't a bad idea. Buzzwole can easily check several different -ate users, although it has an unfortunate neutrality to Flying. As such, be careful around Aerilate users, as they may be able to break through Buzzwole eventually. Taunt can shut down Buzzwole very easily, so be careful around users of it like Cobalion and Terrakion, as Buzzwole may require Roost or Bulk Up to safely beat those users. Buzzwole has a Bug / Fighting typing before Mega Evolution, which changes what it can switch into safely. For example, Altarianite users are obviously dangerous to switch into while Fighting-type.
Team Options
========
Buzzwole dislikes having to take special attacks, so partners like Blissey and Magearna help it a lot. Blissey deserves a special mention, as it forms a great core with Buzzwole, easily taking any special attacks while Buzzwole takes physical attacks for Blissey. Red Orb users inherently force out Buzzwole, so partners that can do likewise to Red Orb users, like Golisopod and Primal Kyogre, are appreciated. Lucarionite Zygarde also pairs well with Buzzwole for this purpose, and Buzzwole is able to serve as a way to Imposter-proof Zygarde when facing a Ditto. Clerics are appreciated, as burns and paralysis really hurt Buzzwole's offensive presence. Blissey is a notable partner for this purpose. Buzzwole really dislikes being chipped every time it comes in, so Defog users are nice partners. Mega Salamence, Arceus-Fairy, and Gliscor are possible partners for this purpose. Terrakion can easily break through Mega-Evolved Buzzwole, so teammates that can handle it are highly appreciated. Giratina and Arceus-Fairy are excellent checks. Buzzwole does not appreciate Fire-type moves at all, so switch-ins to those are wanted. Dragon-types like Arceus-Dragon and Mega Salamence are usable, but Blue Orb users like Golisopod and Magearna are particularity helpful.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Toxic can be run to cripple switch-ins, but there is little room for it, and it doesn’t always help. Blue Orb is helpful for Buzzwole's defenses and grants an immunity to Fire, although it suffers from not having a better defensive typing and weaknesses to -ate users. Offensive sets like a Metagrossite set with the spread 80 HP / 252+ Atk / 176 Spe and running three attacks or two attacks + Toxic can work, but Buzzwole can easily lose to -ate users without Aggronite. Ice Punch allows Buzzwole to handle Ground-types, like Landorus-T, but loses out on coverage for Steel-types. While Buzzwole could choose to run Ice Punch over Lunge, it then loses to certain defensive setup Pokemon like Sablenite Nasty Plot Mew and Calm Mind Arceus formes. Leech Life can be run over Lunge for semi-reliable recovery, but Lunge has better utility. While Sablenite might seem like a good idea to greatly increase Buzzwole's Special Defense, it's often better used by a teammate.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types** Many Fire-types, including Ho-Oh and Entei, hit Buzzwole for super effective damage. Several Fire-types are also naturally mixed, such as Primal Groudon or Red Orb Victini. However, Ho-Oh must be running an offensive set in order to reliably threaten out Buzzwole.
**Special Attackers** Many special attackers, including Primal Kyogre and Lunala, can hit Buzzwole hard and easily force it out. Any special attacker that also doesn't mind Bug and Ground coverage, like Calm Mind Arceus-Ground and -Flying, can also come in freely.
**Status** Burns annoys Buzzwole a lot, since it won't be able to force out as many threats, such as Substitute Zygarde, while burned. Paralysis is also dangerous, since Buzzwole appreciates being active every turn against certain threats, like Swords Dance Kartana.
**Physical Walls** Opposing physical walls such as Gliscor and Zapdos can easily wall Buzzwole, leaving it unable to do much against them.
**Taunt** Taunt renders Buzzwole incapable of checking certain setup sweepers like Cobalion, which requires Roost and Bulk Up.
[OVERVIEW]
Aggronite Buzzwole is a great physical wall thanks to its excellent defensive typing in Bug / Steel. It has great utility moves that are suitable for its role of a physical wall including Lunge, Bulk Up, and Roost. It also boasts a useful resistance to Pixilate Extreme Speed after Mega Evolution, making it a check to threats with the move like the notable Altarianite Zygarde. Upon Mega Evolution, it has only one weakness and a plethora of resistances, allowing it to fearlessly take more physical hits than it could before. For example, it then easily takes on Glalitite users and Altarianite users. It is a unique wall in the fact that it isn't passive; it cannot be easily used as setup fodder, and in some situations it can use its offensive presence to become a wincon late-game. Filter is useful for fighting against defensive Pokemon carrying Fire-type moves, but is much less help against offensive Pokemon with Fire-type coverage. Unfortunately, Buzzwole's Special Defense is still low after Mega Evolving. While it can still be used to take on weak special attackers, it will struggle to take anything from the likes of Lunala and Blastoisinite Darkrai.
[SET]
name: Physical Wall
move 1: Roost
move 2: Bulk Up
move 3: Lunge / Iron Head
move 4: Earthquake / Drain Punch
item: Aggronite
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Roost provides reliable recovery, allowing Buzzwole to stay healthy through the match and continue to check what it needs to check. Bulk Up lets Buzzwole increases its Defense, helping it take physical hits much better, and its Attack, forcing out Pokemon that don't threaten it like Altarianite Zygarde and Blue Orb Golisopod. Lunge decreases the foe's Attack, making it useful for weakening Pokemon that Buzzwole checks. Iron Head gives Buzzwole a STAB move that hits Fairy-types super effectively, notably beating Z-Geomancy Xerneas, although Lunge’s Attack drop is usually more appreciated. Earthquake makes Buzzwole able to hit Red Orb users such as Victini and Azelf on the switch and threaten Steel-types. Drain Punch provides semi-reliable recovery and pressures Blissey.
Set Details
========
Aggronite changes Buzzwole's Fighting typing to Steel, allowing Buzzwole to better check many physical threats and lose many of its former weaknesses. Filter is helpful when fighting defensive Pokemon, as many of them cannot successfully force it out even with Fire-types attacks. The EVs used and an Impish nature maximize physical bulk, allowing Buzzwole to do its job better. An alternative spread of 248 HP / 116 Atk / 144 Def with an Impish nature allows Buzzwole to 2HKO Metagrossite Kartana with Drain Punch, 2HKO other defensive Pokemon like Sablenite Mew with Lunge, and have increased general offensive presence. The loss in bulk might not be worth it, however.
Usage Tips
========
Buzzwole should be used to take physical hits, so switch it into threatening physical attackers. However, be careful of mixed attackers and foes with Fire coverage. Buzzwole should use Bulk Up when it’s safe to do so, such as against a Lucarionite Zygarde without Dragon Tail, as Bulk Up will aid it in its job to wall threats. Lunge helps Buzzwole set up, and should be used often when faced with physical threats. Lunge also gives Buzzwole the ability to take on setup sweepers and weakens incoming switch-ins, which could make them easier to deal with for Buzzwole. Buzzwole needs to be healthy to keep checking many different physical threats like Kartana and Lucarionite Zygarde, so using Roost often isn't a bad idea. Buzzwole can easily check several different -ate users, although it has an unfortunate neutrality to Flying. As such, be careful around Aerilate users, as they may be able to break through Buzzwole eventually. Taunt can shut down Buzzwole very easily, so be careful around users of it like Cobalion and Terrakion, as Buzzwole may require Roost or Bulk Up to safely beat those users. Buzzwole has a Bug / Fighting typing before Mega Evolution, which changes what it can switch into safely. For example, Altarianite users are obviously dangerous to switch into while Fighting-type.
Team Options
========
Buzzwole dislikes having to take special attacks, so partners like Blissey and Magearna help it a lot. Blissey deserves a special mention, as it forms a great core with Buzzwole, easily taking any special attacks while Buzzwole takes physical attacks for Blissey. Red Orb users inherently force out Buzzwole, so partners that can do likewise to Red Orb users, like Golisopod and Primal Kyogre, are appreciated. Lucarionite Zygarde also pairs well with Buzzwole for this purpose, and Buzzwole is able to serve as a way to Imposter-proof Zygarde when facing a Ditto. Clerics are appreciated, as burns and paralysis really hurt Buzzwole's offensive presence. Blissey is a notable partner for this purpose. Buzzwole really dislikes being chipped every time it comes in, so Defog users are nice partners. Mega Salamence, Arceus-Fairy, and Gliscor are possible partners for this purpose. Terrakion can easily break through Mega-Evolved Buzzwole, so teammates that can handle it are highly appreciated. Giratina and Arceus-Fairy are excellent checks. Buzzwole does not appreciate Fire-type moves at all, so switch-ins to those are wanted. Dragon-types like Arceus-Dragon and Mega Salamence are usable, but Blue Orb users like Golisopod and Magearna are particularity helpful.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Toxic can be run to cripple switch-ins, but there is little room for it, and it doesn’t always help. Blue Orb is helpful for Buzzwole's defenses and grants an immunity to Fire, although it suffers from not having a better defensive typing and weaknesses to -ate users. Offensive sets like a Metagrossite set with the spread 80 HP / 252+ Atk / 176 Spe and running three attacks or two attacks + Toxic can work, but Buzzwole can easily lose to -ate users without Aggronite. Ice Punch allows Buzzwole to handle Ground-types, like Landorus-T, but loses out on coverage for Steel-types. While Buzzwole could choose to run Ice Punch over Lunge, it then loses to certain defensive setup Pokemon like Sablenite Nasty Plot Mew and Calm Mind Arceus formes. Leech Life can be run over Lunge for semi-reliable recovery, but Lunge has better utility. While Sablenite might seem like a good idea to greatly increase Buzzwole's Special Defense, it's often better used by a teammate.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types** Many Fire-types, including Ho-Oh and Entei, hit Buzzwole for super effective damage. Several Fire-types are also naturally mixed, such as Primal Groudon or Red Orb Victini. However, Ho-Oh must be running an offensive set in order to reliably threaten out Buzzwole.
**Special Attackers** Many special attackers, including Primal Kyogre and Lunala, can hit Buzzwole hard and easily force it out. Any special attacker that also doesn't mind Bug and Ground coverage, like Calm Mind Arceus-Ground and -Flying, can also come in freely.
**Status** Burns annoys Buzzwole a lot, since it won't be able to force out as many threats, such as Substitute Zygarde, while burned. Paralysis is also dangerous, since Buzzwole appreciates being active every turn against certain threats, like Swords Dance Kartana.
**Physical Walls** Opposing physical walls such as Gliscor and Zapdos can easily wall Buzzwole, leaving it unable to do much against them.
**Taunt** Taunt renders Buzzwole incapable of checking certain setup sweepers like Cobalion, which requires Roost and Bulk Up.
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