UU Buzzwole (QC 3/3) (GP 2/2)

[KM]

[OVERVIEW]

Buzzwole's immense physical bulk, power, and useful typing make it suitable as either a premier defensive wall or a potent offensive threat. Defensively, Buzzwole walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr, and Krookodile with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. As an offensive threat, 139 base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores like Chansey + Assault Vest Tangrowth and pick up KOs while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. Life Orb sets can use Roost to keep Buzzwole's health high and tear holes in the opposing team, while Choice Scarf sets can use Beast Boost to sweep through weakened teams. Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash without Earthquake or Tangrowth and Amoonguss without Ice Punch, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying means that physical attackers that it would otherwise wall, like opposing Buzzwole, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through it. Common Flying-types like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike. Finally, Buzzwole's middling Speed tier and subpar special bulk force non-Choice Scarf sets to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 252 Atk / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Life Orb Buzzwole uses its high Attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores; it 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat and RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rock, as well as 2HKOing Quagsire, Salamence, and Gastrodon. Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to effectively check offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao, even without defensive investment, and Roost allows it to switch into these threats throughout the game and remove Life Orb chip damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen. Stone Edge OHKOes Moltres and Gyarados and deals heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on maximum HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth, but Moltres threatens Buzzwole enough that Stone Edge is usually preferred. The EV spread allows Buzzwole to outspeed max Speed Aegislash and Primarina. Maximum Speed EVs can be considered to allow Buzzwole to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen.

Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that enjoy its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores. As such, it works best on balance teams, which also appreciate it maintaining defensive utility. Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Choice Scarf Zarude provide VoltTurn support to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole weakens their defensive cores. Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capability as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to wallbreak; additionally, both of these Pokemon help deal with Salamence, and Diancie helps with Rotom-H. Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo, which force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Defensive Buzzwole's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet and healing back up with Roost. Ice Punch deals significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents Aegislash and Tentacruel from walling Buzzwole. Toxic punishes Pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados, which can otherwise switch into Buzzwole and gain momentum or set up against it. 64 Speed EVs outspeed Crawdaunt, but 104 Speed EVs should be run alongside Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash.

Defensive Buzzwole works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum. Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, with Chansey checking RestTalk Primarina and Umbreon handling Aegislash. In return, Buzzwole can switch into Pokemon like Conkeldurr, which force out these special walls. Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves from threats like Moltres and remove entry hazards. Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole: it baits moves like Zarude's Power Whip for Buzzwole to take advantage of with Rocky Helmet, covers Buzzwole's weakness to special attackers like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Salemence, and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Choice Scarf Zarude. Steel- and Dark-types like Jirachi, Celesteela, and Zarude can alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses. Close Combat hits most of the tier, but it is unable to break through threats like Amoonguss, Aegislash, and Salamence. Earthquake prevents Aegislash from walling Buzzwole and serves as strong neutral coverage against Pokemon like Primarina. Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder. Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Azelf and Starmie and 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery. Poison Jab can be run instead to hit Fairy-types like Primarina and Hatterene harder, but they already take significant damage from moves like Earthquake and Stone Edge. Adamant Choice Scarf Buzzwole can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game wincon, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping. Entry hazard support from Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile wears down checks like Primarina and Amoonguss over time. Physical wallbreakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have priority that helps handle boosted setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence, which Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill. Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Thundurus-T help break through checks like Aegislash and RestTalk Primarina. Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth provide a secondary check to Zarude, relieving some of the pressure from Buzzwole, while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab. Pivots like Rotom-W and Rotom-H can be used to get Buzzwole safely in throughout the game. Moltres prevents Buzzwole from clicking any move other than Stone Edge for fear of a Flame Body burn, so running Nihilego as a Stealth Rock setter is helpful.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery. A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by special attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, Buzzwole can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced out by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, or Moltres depending on which coverage it opts for. Other item options can be used on defensive Buzzwole like Leftovers and Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred to punish U-turn and other physical attacks. Buzzwole has other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat for opposing Buzzwole and Thunder Punch for Gyarados, but they are generally outclassed by Stone Edge and Poison Jab. Substitute can be run alongside Focus Punch to ease prediction and deal heavy damage, but this futher limits Buzzwole's moveslots and is generally outclassed.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral special attacks from faster special attackers like Thundurus, Nidoking, Rotom-W, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to KO. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all potentially wall Buzzwole depending on the coverage it lacks.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it. While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and are outsped by Choice Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks. Moltres is especially threatening due to Flame Body's potential to cripple Buzzwole.

**Psychic-types**: Hatterene sets up on defensive Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, while Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOes it.

**Flying-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check, like opposing Buzzwole.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KM, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990], [Finland, 517429]]

 

[KM]

this is now QC ready! woo

 

[Monky25]

AM Check

• Buzzwole's immense physical bulk and power and its rare typing make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat.
• On the defensive side, it walls Pokemon like takes most hits from Zarude, Scizor, Conkeldurr, and other physical attackers with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost.
• As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores and pick up kills while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. go into its potency as a scarfer as well as ability to run LO and not fear recoil thanks to Roost
• (bring up its wide variety coverage options and what it allows it to bypass)
• Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash or Tangrowth and Amoonguss, while offensive sets have to choose between coverage that lets them hit threats like Moltres and Salamence. (this sentence feels weird, because it sounds like buzz struggles to pick coverage to beat these when its almost always going to be running edge for both of them. reword to say it struggles more with moltres if it forgoes stone edge or amoonguss if it forgoes ice punch)
• Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like Scizor, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through. bring up how moltres and mence are common as well, hampering buzzwole's success
• Finally, Buzzwole's middling speed tier and subpar special bulk force it to switch out against Pokemon like Moltres and Salamence even if it's carrying the correct coverage to beat them. (I'd switch these two examples to special wallbreakers like thundurus and keldeo that way you have more examples as opposed to restating moltres and mence again when you can just add them to the above point)

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• This set's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Scizor, Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet.
• Ice Punch is the most consistent coverage option, dealing significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel.
• Toxic punishes pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter
• go into more depth about rocky helmet here, id just reword and move the top point down here and mention how rocky helmet lets it wear down zarude and jirachi.
• 112 Speed outspeeds modest Celesteela, while also outspeeding defensive Pokemon like Milotic and Seismitoad along the way.

Paragraph 2

• Defensive Buzzwole fits best into teams with bulky cores that can cover its weaknesses.
• Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on pokemon like Conkeldurr and Scizor that force them out.
• Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves and remove hazards.
• Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch and Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip; in return, it covers Buzzwole's flying weakness and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell.
• Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Scizor and Choice Scarf Zarude.
• add a point on steel types who can deal with psychic and flying types for buzzwole
• add a point on some wallbreakers like Keldeo and Thundurus that can power through defensive walls like Celesteela and opposing buzzwole that defensive buzzwole struggles to damage

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Stone Edge
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Buzzwole's Life Orb set uses Buzzwole's high attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores while healing damage with Roost.
• Earthquake hits opposing (didnt know buzzwole was a steel type lol) Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash, as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen.
• Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on specially defensive (is this even a set?) Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth. Alternatively, Stone Edge OHKOs Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing heavy damage to Salamence.
• 232 Speed EVs allow you to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, as well as Pokemon like defensive Kommo-o and offensive Scizor.

Paragraph 2

• Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores (what cores does buzzwole break down?)
• Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus-T (ur better off having it be reg thundurus since it actually runs u-turn commonly) and Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Choice Scarf Zarude can also revenge kill threats like Keldeo and Thundurus that force out buzzwole
• Setup Sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples their defensive cores.
• Spikes from Mew or Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity as a wallbreaker.(add examples of KOs it achieves with hazard support) Nihilego is also able to pressure Fire-types like Moltres and Rotom-H for Buzzwole.
• Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls.
• mention switch ins to threats like keldeo, thundurus, and mew that can outspeed and KO buzzwole.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Poison Jab / Leech Life
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Because it only runs attacking moves, Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses -- while Close Combat and Earthquake are mandatory, any two of Stone Edge, Ice Punch, Poison Jab and Leech Life can be selected depending on your team's needs.
• Stone Edge hits Moltres and Gyarados, Ice Punch hits Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss, and Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Mew and Necrozma while providing recovery
• mention poison jab for fairy and grass types since its slashed
• Jolly Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole hits an impressive 385 speed, allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Paragraph 2

• Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping.
• Hazard support from Spikes Mew or Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wear down checks (like what?) over time.
• Physical wall-breakers like Life Orb (most run LO anyway so its not worth a mention really) Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep.
• this section is really bare- here are some ideas that may be worth adding,
• Pokemon that can muscle through psychic types like mew
• pokemon like primarina that like buzzwole breaking special walls like chansey as well as checks like Zarude, and say what prim does in return for buzz
• defensive pokemon like amoonguss or tang that help buzzwole from being too overloaded checking threats like zarude and lycanroc-D

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery.
• A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by Special Attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set.
• Other item options can be used on the Defensive set like Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks.
• Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Iron Head, Dual Wingbeat, Lunge, and Outrage, but these are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. (imo the only mention really is dual wingbeat for other buzzwole while still getting good damage on amoonguss, everything else is too niche)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral Special attacks. As such, it's forced out by faster Special attackers offensive Pokemon like Thundurus, Rotom formes, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all wall Buzzwole depending on its set.

add a point on fire types and fire type coverage- some good Pokemon to mention are rotom-H, Chandelure, and Moltres, though mention they dislike Stone Edge and must scout for scarf variants. You can also bring up fire type coverage on pokemon like Kommo-o.

add a point on psychic types as well- bring up mew being able to stomach most hits apart from leech life and deal heavy damage back or cripple it, azelf who can outspeed and OHKO non scarf buzzwole, hatterene who can use defensive buzzwole as set up fodder as well as take a hit and KO back while healing itself with Draining Kiss.

**Flying-types and Flying-Type Coverage moves**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres (if you implement above point then you can possibly change moltres to something like togekiss or galarian moltres instead) and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like Band Scizor

**Entry Hazards**: Buzzwole is susceptible to all entry hazards. While the Defensive and Life Orb sets can heal off hazard damage with roost, it limits its offensive capacity and ability to switch in.

**Status**: Buzzwole is crippled by all status moves: notably Toxic which limits the Defensive set's ability to stay in and Will-o-Wisp which neuters all Buzzwole sets' ability to threaten opposing Pokemon like Primarina and Scizor.

What's up Kitten Milk, hope all is well. Got bored so I decided to do a quick AM check on this analysis to help fix it up a bit. Hope you enjoy the feedback, feel free to implement what you want. Add Remove Comment

 

[Twilight]

QC Check

[OVERVIEW]

• Buzzwole's immense physical bulk and power and its rare typing make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat.
• On the defensive side, it walls Pokemon like takes most hits from Zarude, Scizor, Conkeldurr, and other physical attackers with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost.
• As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores and pick up kills while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. go into its potency as a scarfer as well as ability to run LO and not fear recoil thanks to Roost
• (bring up its wide variety coverage options and what it allows it to bypass)
• Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash or Tangrowth and Amoonguss, while offensive sets have to choose between coverage that lets them hit threats like Moltres and Salamence. (this sentence feels weird, because it sounds like buzz struggles to pick coverage to beat these when its almost always going to be running edge for both of them. reword to say it struggles more with moltres if it forgoes stone edge or amoonguss if it forgoes ice punch)
• Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like Scizor, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through. bring up how moltres and mence are common as well, hampering buzzwole's success
• Finally, Buzzwole's middling speed tier and subpar special bulk force it to switch out against Pokemon like Moltres and Salamence even if it's carrying the correct coverage to beat them. (I'd switch these two examples to special wallbreakers like thundurus and keldeo that way you have more examples as opposed to restating moltres and mence again when you can just add them to the above point)

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 Spe 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• This set's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Scizor, Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet.
• Ice Punch is the most consistent coverage option, dealing significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel.
• Toxic punishes pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter
• go into more depth about rocky helmet here, id just reword and move the top point down here and mention how rocky helmet lets it wear down zarude and jirachi. This isn't necessary
• 112 Speed outspeeds modest Celesteela, while also outspeeding defensive Pokemon like Milotic and Seismitoad along the way. Outspeeding modest steela doesn't exactly do anything for it. I've just lowered it to be faster than Crawdaunt. Have a small note that if running Earthquake you can opt for this 112 benchmark to outspeed max Spe Aegislash.

Paragraph 2

• Defensive Buzzwole fits best into teams with bulky cores that can cover its weaknesses. Frankly, I would just reword this to say it fits best on balance or stall because it's such a momentum drain otherwise.
• Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on pokemon like Conkeldurr and Scizor that force them out. Can you specifically bring up Aegislash when you talk about Umbreon because if you aren't running EQ then you just give up way too much momentum and free opportunities to it. In a similar vein, RestTalk Primarina doesn't care about what this Buzz can do so that should be brought up too in regards to the Chansey mention.
• Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves and remove hazards.
• Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch and Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip; in return, it covers Buzzwole's flying weakness and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell.
• Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Scizor and Choice Scarf Zarude.
• add a point on steel types who can deal with psychic and flying types for buzzwole Most of our Steels don't check the Flying-types we have so just focus on them handling Psychic-types
• add a point on some wallbreakers like Keldeo and Thundurus that can power through defensive walls like Celesteela and opposing buzzwole that defensive buzzwole struggles to damage Not necessary, this buzzwole set doesn't care for wallbreakers supporting it

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Stone Edge I'd swap these
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spe 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe If the HP doesn't do anything then just make it max max. No point conserving 24 EVs for the sake of it

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Buzzwole's Life Orb set uses Buzzwole's high attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores while healing damage with Roost. This is too short to explain what it does. Give some calcs. E.g. A LO lets it 2HKO max HP Primarina with CC. RestTalk Prima has a chance to be 2HKO'd after rocks. Split Roost into its own point/sentence. You can go into detail that it lets you take advantage of Buzzwole's defensive typing and bulk on top of making up for the LO recoil
• Earthquake hits opposing (didnt know buzzwole was a steel type lol) Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash, as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen.
• Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on specially defensive (is this even a set?) no it isn't Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth. You do more to Tangrowth with CC than Ice Punch. Ice Punch is literally only useful to 2HKO Amoonguss and having a means of KOing Salamence without fear of missing. Alternatively, Stone Edge OHKOs Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing heavy damage to Salamence. swap edge and ice punch ordering
• 232 Max Speed EVs allow you to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, as well as Pokemon like defensive Kommo-o and offensive Scizor.

Paragraph 2

• Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores (what cores does buzzwole break down?) Do this but also state the playstyle/s it works best on then go into the reasoning for it.
• Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus-T (ur better off having it be reg thundurus since it actually runs u-turn commonly) and Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Choice Scarf Zarude can also revenge kill threats like Keldeo and Thundurus that force out buzzwole optional if you want to add this bit or not
• Setup Sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples their defensive cores.
• Spikes from Mew or Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity as a wallbreaker.(add examples of KOs it achieves with hazard support) Nihilego is also able to pressure Fire-types Pokemon like Moltres and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. May as well just include Salamence here as another foe it pivots into
• Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls.
• mention switch ins to threats like keldeo, thundurus, and mew that can outspeed and KO buzzwole. You probably won't find many great examples for this but defo bring up AV tang as a partner as it does act as a check to pretty much every SpA threat in the tier.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Poison Jab / Leech Life swap these
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe Keep up the same EV formatting across sets if they are the same.

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Because it only runs attacking moves, Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses -- while Close Combat and Earthquake are mandatory, any two of Stone Edge, Ice Punch, Poison Jab and Leech Life can be selected depending on your team's needs.
• Stone Edge hits Moltres and Gyarados, Ice Punch hits Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss, and Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Mew and Necrozma while providing recovery

Rework these points, you're trying to simplify too much. You say EQ is mandatory coverage but why is this the case? There is no guarantee someone reads through all the previous sets to know why this is. Leech Life should be run just for dealing with stuff like Mew, Starmie, Azelf etc. + it actually 2HKOs Tangrowth. Poison Jab lets it 2HKO bulky Primarina and hit Hatt harder but it's only useful in these matchups so state that. Ice Punch can still have a mention but I wouldn't slash it because it's not strong enough to even 2HKO Amoong or OHKO Thundurus/Thundurus-T.

• mention poison jab for fairy and grass types since its slashed
• Jolly Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole hits an impressive 385 speed, allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost. Adamant hits 385, Jolly hits 423. There really isn't much worth outspeeding to warrant the Jolly nature other than a potential Adamant Gyara.

Paragraph 2

• Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping.
• Hazard support from Spikes Mew or Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wear down checks (like what?) over time.
• Physical wall-breakers like Life Orb (most run LO anyway so its not worth a mention really) Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. I would also add that Lycanroc-D and Diggersby can provide priority to help handle set up sweepers like DD Mence and Gyara that Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill.
• this section is really bare- here are some ideas that may be worth adding,
• Pokemon that can muscle through psychic types like mew
• pokemon like primarina that like buzzwole breaking special walls like chansey as well as checks like Zarude, and say what prim does in return for buzz You don't need this. When adding a partner think about the analysis Pokemon first and how it would benefit from being used alongside these additions. Not the other way around.
• defensive pokemon like amoonguss or tang that help buzzwole from being too overloaded checking threats like zarude and lycanroc-D Mention they also check Primarina if not running Poison Jab

Add something on pivots that bring it in safely because Buzz can still be used early to wallbreak
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery.
• A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by Special Attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. I would talk more about it being limited to two coverage options, which will always leave it unable to make progress against common staples like Salamence, Aegislash, Primarina, etc. depending on the chosen coverage
• Other item options can be used on the Defensive set like Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks.
• Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Iron Head, Dual Wingbeat, Lunge, and Outrage, but these are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. (imo the only mention really is dual wingbeat for other buzzwole while still getting good damage on amoonguss, everything else is too niche)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral Special attacks. As such, it's forced out by faster Special attackers offensive Pokemon like Thundurus, Rotom formes, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all wall Buzzwole depending on its set.

add a point on fire types and fire type coverage- some good Pokemon to mention are rotom-H, Chandelure, and Moltres, though mention they dislike Stone Edge and must scout for scarf variants. You can also bring up fire type coverage on pokemon like Kommo-o.

add a point on psychic types as well- bring up mew being able to stomach most hits apart from leech life and deal heavy damage back or cripple it, azelf who can outspeed and OHKO non scarf buzzwole, hatterene who can use defensive buzzwole as set up fodder as well as take a hit and KO back while healing itself with Draining Kiss.

**Flying-types and Flying-Type Coverage moves**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres (if you implement above point then you can possibly change moltres to something like togekiss or galarian moltres instead) and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like Band Scizor

**Entry Hazards**: Buzzwole is susceptible to all entry hazards. While the Defensive and Life Orb sets can heal off hazard damage with roost, it limits its offensive capacity and ability to switch in.

**Status**: Buzzwole is crippled by all status moves: notably Toxic which limits the Defensive set's ability to stay in and Will-o-Wisp which neuters all Buzzwole sets' ability to threaten opposing Pokemon like Primarina and Scizor. Don't need this

1/3
Make set ordering as follows. LO Roost > Defensive > Scarf

My comments are in blue. Unless I said otherwise include all of monky's comments, which are done in green, red, and purple. Monky25 good check well done

 

[KM]

QC Check

[OVERVIEW]

• Buzzwole's immense physical bulk and power and its rare typing make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat.
• On the defensive side, it walls Pokemon like takes most hits from Zarude, Scizor, Conkeldurr, and other physical attackers with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost.
• As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores and pick up kills while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. go into its potency as a scarfer as well as ability to run LO and not fear recoil thanks to Roost
• (bring up its wide variety coverage options and what it allows it to bypass)
• Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash or Tangrowth and Amoonguss, while offensive sets have to choose between coverage that lets them hit threats like Moltres and Salamence. (this sentence feels weird, because it sounds like buzz struggles to pick coverage to beat these when its almost always going to be running edge for both of them. reword to say it struggles more with moltres if it forgoes stone edge or amoonguss if it forgoes ice punch)
• Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like Scizor, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through. bring up how moltres and mence are common as well, hampering buzzwole's success
• Finally, Buzzwole's middling speed tier and subpar special bulk force it to switch out against Pokemon like Moltres and Salamence even if it's carrying the correct coverage to beat them. (I'd switch these two examples to special wallbreakers like thundurus and keldeo that way you have more examples as opposed to restating moltres and mence again when you can just add them to the above point)

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 Spe 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• This set's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Scizor, Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet.
• Ice Punch is the most consistent coverage option, dealing significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel.
• Toxic punishes pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter
• go into more depth about rocky helmet here, id just reword and move the top point down here and mention how rocky helmet lets it wear down zarude and jirachi. This isn't necessary
• 112 Speed outspeeds modest Celesteela, while also outspeeding defensive Pokemon like Milotic and Seismitoad along the way. Outspeeding modest steela doesn't exactly do anything for it. I've just lowered it to be faster than Crawdaunt. Have a small note that if running Earthquake you can opt for this 112 benchmark to outspeed max Spe Aegislash.

Paragraph 2

• Defensive Buzzwole fits best into teams with bulky cores that can cover its weaknesses. Frankly, I would just reword this to say it fits best on balance or stall because it's such a momentum drain otherwise.
• Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on pokemon like Conkeldurr and Scizor that force them out. Can you specifically bring up Aegislash when you talk about Umbreon because if you aren't running EQ then you just give up way too much momentum and free opportunities to it. In a similar vein, RestTalk Primarina doesn't care about what this Buzz can do so that should be brought up too in regards to the Chansey mention.
• Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves and remove hazards.
• Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch and Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip; in return, it covers Buzzwole's flying weakness and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell.
• Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Scizor and Choice Scarf Zarude.
• add a point on steel types who can deal with psychic and flying types for buzzwole Most of our Steels don't check the Flying-types we have so just focus on them handling Psychic-types
• add a point on some wallbreakers like Keldeo and Thundurus that can power through defensive walls like Celesteela and opposing buzzwole that defensive buzzwole struggles to damage Not necessary, this buzzwole set doesn't care for wallbreakers supporting it

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Stone Edge I'd swap these
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spe 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe If the HP doesn't do anything then just make it max max. No point conserving 24 EVs for the sake of it

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Buzzwole's Life Orb set uses Buzzwole's high attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores while healing damage with Roost. This is too short to explain what it does. Give some calcs. E.g. A LO lets it 2HKO max HP Primarina with CC. RestTalk Prima has a chance to be 2HKO'd after rocks. Split Roost into its own point/sentence. You can go into detail that it lets you take advantage of Buzzwole's defensive typing and bulk on top of making up for the LO recoil
• Earthquake hits opposing (didnt know buzzwole was a steel type lol) Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash, as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen.
• Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on specially defensive (is this even a set?) no it isn't Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth. You do more to Tangrowth with CC than Ice Punch. Ice Punch is literally only useful to 2HKO Amoonguss and having a means of KOing Salamence without fear of missing. Alternatively, Stone Edge OHKOs Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing heavy damage to Salamence. swap edge and ice punch ordering
• 232 Max Speed EVs allow you to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, as well as Pokemon like defensive Kommo-o and offensive Scizor.

Paragraph 2

• Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores (what cores does buzzwole break down?) Do this but also state the playstyle/s it works best on then go into the reasoning for it.
• Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus-T (ur better off having it be reg thundurus since it actually runs u-turn commonly) and Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Choice Scarf Zarude can also revenge kill threats like Keldeo and Thundurus that force out buzzwole optional if you want to add this bit or not
• Setup Sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples their defensive cores.
• Spikes from Mew or Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity as a wallbreaker.(add examples of KOs it achieves with hazard support) Nihilego is also able to pressure Fire-types Pokemon like Moltres and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. May as well just include Salamence here as another foe it pivots into
• Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls.
• mention switch ins to threats like keldeo, thundurus, and mew that can outspeed and KO buzzwole. You probably won't find many great examples for this but defo bring up AV tang as a partner as it does act as a check to pretty much every SpA threat in the tier.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Poison Jab / Leech Life swap these
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe Keep up the same EV formatting across sets if they are the same.

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Because it only runs attacking moves, Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses -- while Close Combat and Earthquake are mandatory, any two of Stone Edge, Ice Punch, Poison Jab and Leech Life can be selected depending on your team's needs.
• Stone Edge hits Moltres and Gyarados, Ice Punch hits Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss, and Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Mew and Necrozma while providing recovery

Rework these points, you're trying to simplify too much. You say EQ is mandatory coverage but why is this the case? There is no guarantee someone reads through all the previous sets to know why this is. Leech Life should be run just for dealing with stuff like Mew, Starmie, Azelf etc. + it actually 2HKOs Tangrowth. Poison Jab lets it 2HKO bulky Primarina and hit Hatt harder but it's only useful in these matchups so state that. Ice Punch can still have a mention but I wouldn't slash it because it's not strong enough to even 2HKO Amoong or OHKO Thundurus/Thundurus-T.

• mention poison jab for fairy and grass types since its slashed
• Jolly Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole hits an impressive 385 speed, allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost. Adamant hits 385, Jolly hits 423. There really isn't much worth outspeeding to warrant the Jolly nature other than a potential Adamant Gyara.

Paragraph 2

• Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping.
• Hazard support from Spikes Mew or Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wear down checks (like what?) over time.
• Physical wall-breakers like Life Orb (most run LO anyway so its not worth a mention really) Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. I would also add that Lycanroc-D and Diggersby can provide priority to help handle set up sweepers like DD Mence and Gyara that Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill.
• this section is really bare- here are some ideas that may be worth adding,
• Pokemon that can muscle through psychic types like mew
• pokemon like primarina that like buzzwole breaking special walls like chansey as well as checks like Zarude, and say what prim does in return for buzz You don't need this. When adding a partner think about the analysis Pokemon first and how it would benefit from being used alongside these additions. Not the other way around.
• defensive pokemon like amoonguss or tang that help buzzwole from being too overloaded checking threats like zarude and lycanroc-D Mention they also check Primarina if not running Poison Jab

Add something on pivots that bring it in safely because Buzz can still be used early to wallbreak
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery.
• A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by Special Attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. I would talk more about it being limited to two coverage options, which will always leave it unable to make progress against common staples like Salamence, Aegislash, Primarina, etc. depending on the chosen coverage
• Other item options can be used on the Defensive set like Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks.
• Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Iron Head, Dual Wingbeat, Lunge, and Outrage, but these are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. (imo the only mention really is dual wingbeat for other buzzwole while still getting good damage on amoonguss, everything else is too niche)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral Special attacks. As such, it's forced out by faster Special attackers offensive Pokemon like Thundurus, Rotom formes, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all wall Buzzwole depending on its set.

add a point on fire types and fire type coverage- some good Pokemon to mention are rotom-H, Chandelure, and Moltres, though mention they dislike Stone Edge and must scout for scarf variants. You can also bring up fire type coverage on pokemon like Kommo-o.

add a point on psychic types as well- bring up mew being able to stomach most hits apart from leech life and deal heavy damage back or cripple it, azelf who can outspeed and OHKO non scarf buzzwole, hatterene who can use defensive buzzwole as set up fodder as well as take a hit and KO back while healing itself with Draining Kiss.

**Flying-types and Flying-Type Coverage moves**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres (if you implement above point then you can possibly change moltres to something like togekiss or galarian moltres instead) and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like Band Scizor

**Entry Hazards**: Buzzwole is susceptible to all entry hazards. While the Defensive and Life Orb sets can heal off hazard damage with roost, it limits its offensive capacity and ability to switch in.

**Status**: Buzzwole is crippled by all status moves: notably Toxic which limits the Defensive set's ability to stay in and Will-o-Wisp which neuters all Buzzwole sets' ability to threaten opposing Pokemon like Primarina and Scizor. Don't need this

1/3
Make set ordering as follows. LO Roost > Defensive > Scarf

My comments are in blue. Unless I said otherwise include all of monky's comments, which are done in green, red, and purple. Monky25 good check well done

implemented! ty to both of you :)

 

[BigFatMantis]

QC 2/3 when implemented, good work.

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Buzzards

[OVERVIEW]

• Buzzwole's immense physical bulk and power and its rare typing (I would consider something besides "rare" to get your point across about its typing being great offensively and defensively) make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat.
• On the defensive side, walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr, and Scizor without Dual Wingbeat with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. (Make sure to make this into a complete sentence)
• As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores (such as? Give an example or two, like Chansey or Tangrowth) and pick up kills while boosting its own power with Beast Boost., allowing Choice Scarfed sets can use Beast Boost to threaten a sweep while also serving as effective speed control (I have been told that this is not an a term for analyses purposes), and Life Orb sets can use Buzzwole's access to roost to keep its health high while tearing holes in the opposing team. (Overall it might be good to revise this point generally when writing it up so it flows nicely and doesn't sound crammed with too much info in one sentence).
• Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash or Tangrowth and Amoonguss, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. (mention what moves the defensive sets have to choose to drop specifically and the implications, since you did that for the offensive sets afterwards.)
• Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like Scizor, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through. Common Flying-type Pokemon like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike.
• Finally, Buzzwole's middling speed tier and subpar special bulk force it to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo even if it's carrying the correct coverage to beat them. (A scarf set can stay in on these so long as they are chipped)

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Buzzwole's Life Orb set uses Buzzwole's high attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores. (this first sentence doesn't seem to say much - you should just merge it with the rest of this point which actually gives the substance to what you're getting at) Life Orb allows Buzzwole to 2HKO RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rocks and Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat.
• Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to be an effective check to offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao even without defensive investment, and Roost allows you to switch into these threats while keeping your health high throughout the game. (I would mention specifically how Roost can heal off Life Orb damage, even though you imply it in what you said)
• Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash, as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen.
• Stone Edge OHKOs Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on max HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth. (Note why Stone Edge is preferred - Moltres is really that much of a menace to Buzz without Edge, and you are still maintaining coverage for Mence)
• Max Speed EVs allow you to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, as well as Pokemon like defensive Kommo-o and offensive Scizor. (I do not believe defensive Kommo-o is getting a set, and it could run Flamethrower anyways so you wouldn't want to stay in. You could use Tapu Bulu if you wanted to, or leave it as just Scizor.)

Paragraph 2

• Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores -- it easily 2HKOs defensive Pokemon like Quagsire, Salamence, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Gastrodon with the right coverage and outspeeds most defensive Pokemon. (You have a lot going on in this sentence and it can get confusing - I would just state that it destroys opposing cores "like" and give a few examples and move on to your next point here) As such, it works best on balance and offense teams (technically that means it works great on all teams besides Stall, so I would get just a bit more specific on which balance and offense styles it works best on), both of which appreciate its ability to deal heavy damage while maintaining its defensive utility.
• Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion.
• Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples their defensive cores.
• Spikes from Mew or Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole.
• Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls. (both of these also help with Mence, while Diancie also helps with Moltres/Rotom-H as well.)
• Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo that force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• This set's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Scizor, Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet. (I would very briefly mention Roost somewhere and how it allows Buzz to do this job consistently throughout a battle)
• Ice Punch is the most consistent coverage option, dealing significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel. (The examples don't seem to agree with Ice Punch being more consistent, as Ice Punch only does like 32% to Amoonguss, and Mence can get toxic'd on the switch without Ice Punch. Meanwhile Aegislash and Tentacruel are both totally untouched w/o EQ. You would need different examples that better display why Ice Punch is preferred, or if you think EQ is preferred it may be worth discussing a change in slashes with QC.)
• Toxic punishes pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter.
• 64 Speed outspeeds Crawdaunt, but you can opt for 112 Speed if you're running Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash.

Paragraph 2

• Defensive Buzzwole fits best into teams with bulky cores that can cover its weaknesses (this first point doesn't seem to be needed, as you restate it more specifically in your next point after the --) -- in general, it works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum.
• Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on pokemon like Conkeldurr and Scizor that force them out. Defensive Buzzwole lets Rest Talk Primarina in for free, so Chansey helps patch up this weakness; similarly, Buzzwole without Earthquake lets Aegislash in for free, making Umbreon a key partner.
• Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves (Moltres is a good example to bring up here) and remove hazards.
• Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch and Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip; in return, it covers Buzzwole's flying and fire weaknesses and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. (Diancie also helps with Galarian and non-Galarian Moltres and Special Salamence, and even Togekiss. Don't need to mention all of them but it's worth it to mention a couple)
• Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Scizor and Choice Scarf Zarude. (Nihilego can also offer some defensive utility against special attackers like Rotom-H/Moltres/Salamence)
• Steel-types like Jirachi and Celesteela can help alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Because it only runs attacking moves, Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses.
• All of its coverage moves are based off of what CC cannot hit hard enough, so I would briefly mention CC here and how it hits the majority of the tier pretty effectively, but falls short on threats like Aegislash, Amoonguss, Salamence, etc., and then get into the coverage moves.
• Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and serves as strong neutral coverage (neutral coverage against what specifically? Goes back to the point on what CC cannot hit, such as Primarina. Can also mention Chandelure here if you'd like).
• Stone Edge, Ice Punch, Poison Jab and Leech Life can be selected depending on your team's needs.
• Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder.
• Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Mew, Azelf, and Starmie and 2HKOs Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery.
• Poison Jab can be run instead to hit bulky Primarina sets and Hatterene. (I would mention the fairy typing specifically here, as you can also hit Bulu and Azu though you don't need to mention all of them)
• Adamant Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole hits an impressive 385 speed, allowing it to can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Paragraph 2

• Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping.
• Hazard support from Spikes Mew or Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wear down checks like defensive Kommo-o (defensive Kommo-o again likely not getting a set. You can use Primarina instead as the hazards help lower it into 2HKO range or OHKO range with Jab) and Amoonguss over time.
• Physical wall-breakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have access to priority that can help handle set up sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence that Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill.
• Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Specs Toxtricity can help break through checks like Mew and RestTalk Primarina. (This is true but I would use something more relevant than Toxtricity here, such as Nidoqueen or Thundurus-T. Also Mew does not check if Buzz is running Leech Life.)
• Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can alleviate some of the burden from Buzzwole of checking threats like Zarude, while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab.
• Mention pivots here that bring Buzz in safely as stated in the previous check
• Moltres is a big big problem for Buzzwole as it makes you anxious over clicking anything besides Stone Edge for fear of burn, primarily when you get choice locked into a contact move, so I would bring up something like Nihilego that can help with it.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery.
• A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by Special Attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, it can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, Moltres depending on which coverage it opts for.
• Other item options can be used on the Defensive set like Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks.
• Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat, but they are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. (Mention specifically how Dual Wingbeat is used to beat opposing Buzzwoles, as it generally walls otherwise)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral Special attacks. As such, it's forced out by faster special attackers like Thundurus, Rotom formes, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all wall Buzzwole depending on its set. (I get what you are saying here, but the examples sort of contradict the point, as you can run a scarf set with CC, DWB, EQ, and PJab that technically breaks through all of the examples listed. Consider re-wording this point generally when you write it up.)

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it out. While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and can be outsped by Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks with careful play. (I would emphasize Moltres more here and mention Flame Body as well, as that really kills all Buzz sets that don't have Stone Edge)

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can deal with Buzzwole in various ways: Mew takes every hit besides Leech Life and can heal back or threaten Psychic or Flamethrower in return, Hatterene sets up on Defensive Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, and Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOs.

**Flying-type moves**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like Scizor.

**Entry Hazards**: Buzzwole is susceptible to all entry hazards. While the Defensive and Life Orb sets can heal off hazard damage with roost, it limits its offensive capacity and ability to switch in.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Kitten Milk, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[KM]

QC 2/3 when implemented, good work.

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Buzzards

[OVERVIEW]

• Buzzwole's immense physical bulk and power and its rare typing (I would consider something besides "rare" to get your point across about its typing being great offensively and defensively) make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat.
• On the defensive side, walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr, and Scizor without Dual Wingbeat with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. (Make sure to make this into a complete sentence)
• As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores (such as? Give an example or two, like Chansey or Tangrowth) and pick up kills while boosting its own power with Beast Boost., allowing Choice Scarfed sets can use Beast Boost to threaten a sweep while also serving as effective speed control (I have been told that this is not an a term for analyses purposes), and Life Orb sets can use Buzzwole's access to roost to keep its health high while tearing holes in the opposing team. (Overall it might be good to revise this point generally when writing it up so it flows nicely and doesn't sound crammed with too much info in one sentence).
• Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash or Tangrowth and Amoonguss, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. (mention what moves the defensive sets have to choose to drop specifically and the implications, since you did that for the offensive sets afterwards.)
• Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like Scizor, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through. Common Flying-type Pokemon like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike.
• Finally, Buzzwole's middling speed tier and subpar special bulk force it to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo even if it's carrying the correct coverage to beat them. (A scarf set can stay in on these so long as they are chipped)

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Buzzwole's Life Orb set uses Buzzwole's high attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores. (this first sentence doesn't seem to say much - you should just merge it with the rest of this point which actually gives the substance to what you're getting at) Life Orb allows Buzzwole to 2HKO RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rocks and Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat.
• Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to be an effective check to offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao even without defensive investment, and Roost allows you to switch into these threats while keeping your health high throughout the game. (I would mention specifically how Roost can heal off Life Orb damage, even though you imply it in what you said)
• Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash, as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen.
• Stone Edge OHKOs Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on max HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth. (Note why Stone Edge is preferred - Moltres is really that much of a menace to Buzz without Edge, and you are still maintaining coverage for Mence)
• Max Speed EVs allow you to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, as well as Pokemon like defensive Kommo-o and offensive Scizor. (I do not believe defensive Kommo-o is getting a set, and it could run Flamethrower anyways so you wouldn't want to stay in. You could use Tapu Bulu if you wanted to, or leave it as just Scizor.)

Paragraph 2

• Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores -- it easily 2HKOs defensive Pokemon like Quagsire, Salamence, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Gastrodon with the right coverage and outspeeds most defensive Pokemon. (You have a lot going on in this sentence and it can get confusing - I would just state that it destroys opposing cores "like" and give a few examples and move on to your next point here) As such, it works best on balance and offense teams (technically that means it works great on all teams besides Stall, so I would get just a bit more specific on which balance and offense styles it works best on), both of which appreciate its ability to deal heavy damage while maintaining its defensive utility.
• Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion.
• Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples their defensive cores.
• Spikes from Mew or Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole.
• Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls. (both of these also help with Mence, while Diancie also helps with Moltres/Rotom-H as well.)
• Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo that force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• This set's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Scizor, Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet. (I would very briefly mention Roost somewhere and how it allows Buzz to do this job consistently throughout a battle)
• Ice Punch is the most consistent coverage option, dealing significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel. (The examples don't seem to agree with Ice Punch being more consistent, as Ice Punch only does like 32% to Amoonguss, and Mence can get toxic'd on the switch without Ice Punch. Meanwhile Aegislash and Tentacruel are both totally untouched w/o EQ. You would need different examples that better display why Ice Punch is preferred, or if you think EQ is preferred it may be worth discussing a change in slashes with QC.)
• Toxic punishes pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter.
• 64 Speed outspeeds Crawdaunt, but you can opt for 112 Speed if you're running Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash.

Paragraph 2

• Defensive Buzzwole fits best into teams with bulky cores that can cover its weaknesses (this first point doesn't seem to be needed, as you restate it more specifically in your next point after the --) -- in general, it works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum.
• Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on pokemon like Conkeldurr and Scizor that force them out. Defensive Buzzwole lets Rest Talk Primarina in for free, so Chansey helps patch up this weakness; similarly, Buzzwole without Earthquake lets Aegislash in for free, making Umbreon a key partner.
• Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves (Moltres is a good example to bring up here) and remove hazards.
• Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch and Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip; in return, it covers Buzzwole's flying and fire weaknesses and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. (Diancie also helps with Galarian and non-Galarian Moltres and Special Salamence, and even Togekiss. Don't need to mention all of them but it's worth it to mention a couple)
• Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Scizor and Choice Scarf Zarude. (Nihilego can also offer some defensive utility against special attackers like Rotom-H/Moltres/Salamence)
• Steel-types like Jirachi and Celesteela can help alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

• Because it only runs attacking moves, Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses.
• All of its coverage moves are based off of what CC cannot hit hard enough, so I would briefly mention CC here and how it hits the majority of the tier pretty effectively, but falls short on threats like Aegislash, Amoonguss, Salamence, etc., and then get into the coverage moves.
• Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and serves as strong neutral coverage (neutral coverage against what specifically? Goes back to the point on what CC cannot hit, such as Primarina. Can also mention Chandelure here if you'd like).
• Stone Edge, Ice Punch, Poison Jab and Leech Life can be selected depending on your team's needs.
• Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder.
• Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Mew, Azelf, and Starmie and 2HKOs Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery.
• Poison Jab can be run instead to hit bulky Primarina sets and Hatterene. (I would mention the fairy typing specifically here, as you can also hit Bulu and Azu though you don't need to mention all of them)
• Adamant Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole hits an impressive 385 speed, allowing it to can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Paragraph 2

• Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping.
• Hazard support from Spikes Mew or Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wear down checks like defensive Kommo-o (defensive Kommo-o again likely not getting a set. You can use Primarina instead as the hazards help lower it into 2HKO range or OHKO range with Jab) and Amoonguss over time.
• Physical wall-breakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have access to priority that can help handle set up sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence that Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill.
• Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Specs Toxtricity can help break through checks like Mew and RestTalk Primarina. (This is true but I would use something more relevant than Toxtricity here, such as Nidoqueen or Thundurus-T. Also Mew does not check if Buzz is running Leech Life.)
• Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can alleviate some of the burden from Buzzwole of checking threats like Zarude, while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab.
• Mention pivots here that bring Buzz in safely as stated in the previous check
• Moltres is a big big problem for Buzzwole as it makes you anxious over clicking anything besides Stone Edge for fear of burn, primarily when you get choice locked into a contact move, so I would bring up something like Nihilego that can help with it.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery.
• A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by Special Attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, it can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, Moltres depending on which coverage it opts for.
• Other item options can be used on the Defensive set like Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks.
• Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat, but they are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. (Mention specifically how Dual Wingbeat is used to beat opposing Buzzwoles, as it generally walls otherwise)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral Special attacks. As such, it's forced out by faster special attackers like Thundurus, Rotom formes, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all wall Buzzwole depending on its set. (I get what you are saying here, but the examples sort of contradict the point, as you can run a scarf set with CC, DWB, EQ, and PJab that technically breaks through all of the examples listed. Consider re-wording this point generally when you write it up.)

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it out. While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and can be outsped by Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks with careful play. (I would emphasize Moltres more here and mention Flame Body as well, as that really kills all Buzz sets that don't have Stone Edge)

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can deal with Buzzwole in various ways: Mew takes every hit besides Leech Life and can heal back or threaten Psychic or Flamethrower in return, Hatterene sets up on Defensive Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, and Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOs.

**Flying-type moves**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like Scizor.

**Entry Hazards**: Buzzwole is susceptible to all entry hazards. While the Defensive and Life Orb sets can heal off hazard damage with roost, it limits its offensive capacity and ability to switch in.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Kitten Milk, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Implemented! tyty

 

[Hilomilo]

3/3 when you do this. Excellent work! I know we stand a good chance to see Buzzwole rise to OU this week but wanted to give you an opportunity to finish the QC stage of this analysis just for some writing credit.

KM, post: 8864189, member: 180416

[OVERVIEW]

Buzzwole's immense physical bulk and power and useful typing maybe phrase this part of your sentences with commas instead of stringing its traits together using the word 'and' - this is mostly to avoid making the sentence seem too long or run-on. make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat. On the defensive side, Buzzwole walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr consider either adding Krookodile here or substituting it for Conk as an example, and Scizor without Dual Wingbeat with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores like Chansey + Assault Vest Tangrowth and pick up kills while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. Choice Scarf sets can use those boosts to sweep through weakened opposing teams, while Life Orb sets can use Roost to keep Buzzwole's health high while tearing holes in the opposing team. I think Life Orb should be cited first to emphasize its current status as the best set. You can also try sprinkling defensive in as a mention if it doesn't get too clunky.Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash without Earthquake or Tangrowth and Amoonguss without Ice Punch, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like Scizor, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through. Common Flying-type Pokemon like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike. Finally, Buzzwole's middling speed tier and subpar special bulk force non-Choice Scarf sets to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Buzzwole's Life Orb set uses Buzzwole's high attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores: it 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat and RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rocks. Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to be an effective check to offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao even without defensive investment, and Roost allows you make sure not to use second person language when writing analyses to switch into these threats throughout the game and remove Life Orb chip damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash, as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen. Stone Edge OHKOs Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on max HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth, but Moltres is threatening enough to Buzzwole that Stone Edge is usually preferred. Max Speed EVs allow you to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, as well as Pokemon like offensive Scizor.

Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores—it easily 2HKOs defensive Pokemon like Quagsire, Salamence, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Gastrodon. As such, it works best on balance and balanced offense teams, both of which appreciate its ability to deal heavy damage while maintaining its defensive utility. Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples their defensive cores. Spikes from Mew or Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls—additionally, both of these Pokemon help deal with Salamence and Diancie helps with Rotom-H. Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo that force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

This set's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Scizor, Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet and healing back up with Roost. Ice Punch deals significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and offers a significant freeze chance over the course of long games not sure the freeze chance is particularly worthwhile to note. Maybe another example of an Ice Punch target is better to note instead. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel. Toxic punishes pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter. 64 Speed outspeeds Crawdaunt, but you can opt for 112 Speed if you're running Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash. again, watch out for writing in the second person

Defensive Buzzwole works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum. Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on pokemon like Conkeldurr and Scizor that force them out. Defensive Buzzwole lets Rest Talk Primarina in for free, so Chansey helps patch up this weakness; similarly, Buzzwole without Earthquake lets Aegislash in for free, making Umbreon a key partner. Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves from threats like Moltres and remove hazards. Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch and Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip; in return, it covers Buzzwole's weakness to special attackers like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Salemence and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Scizor and Choice Scarf Zarude. Steel-types like Jirachi and Celesteela can help alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus. I'd maybe consider bringing up Dark-types for their ability to check Psychic-types here considering the Steel-type examples you note aren't particularly stable checks to either Hat or Reuniclus in the long-term.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses. Close Combat hits most of the tier, but is unable to break threats like Amoonguss, Aegislash, or Salamence. Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and serves as strong neutral coverage against Pokemon like Primarina. Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder. Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Mew, Azelf, and Starmie and 2HKOs Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery. Poison Jab can be run instead to hit Fairy-types like Primarina and Hatterene note that both these Pokemon can still sustain decent chip damage from Buzzwole's other attacks. Adamant Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping. Hazard support from Spikes Mew or Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wear down checks like Primarina and Amoonguss over time. Physical wall-breakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have access to priority that can help handle set up sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence that Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill. Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Thundurus-T can help break through checks like Mew and RestTalk Primarina. Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can alleviate some of the burden from Buzzwole of checking threats like Zarude, while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab. Pokemon like Rotom-H and Scizor can be used to get Buzzwole safely in throughout the game. Moltres prevents Buzzwole from clicking any move other than Stone Edge for fear of a Flame Body burn, so running Nihilego as a Stealth Rock user is helpful.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery. A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by Special Attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, it can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, Moltres depending on which coverage it opts for. Other item options can be used on the Defensive set like Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks. Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat for opposing Buzzwole mention Thunder Punch for Gyarados here too, but they are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. Maybe bring up SubPunch here as a way for Buzzwole to ease prediction and deal heavy damage, but also note that it's rather situational and intensifies Buzzwole's 4mss.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral Special attacks. As such, it's forced out by faster special attackers like Thundurus, Rotom formes just use Rotom-W here as the example since Rotom-H is mentioned later, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all potentially wall Buzzwole depending on the coverage it lacks.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it out. While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and can be outsped by Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks with careful play. Moltres is especially threatening due to Flame Body's potential to cripple Buzzwole.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can deal with Buzzwole in various ways: Mew takes every hit besides Leech Life and can heal back or threaten Psychic or Flamethrower in return, Hatterene sets up on Defensive Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, and Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOs.

**Flying-type moves**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like Scizor.

**Entry Hazards**: Buzzwole is susceptible to all entry hazards. While the Defensive and Life Orb sets can heal off hazard damage with roost, it limits its offensive capacity and ability to switch in. maybe remove this line as I'm not convinced Buzzwole is particularly weak enough to hazards for this to be brought up, especially in comparison to other Pokemon that are equally or more susceptible but don't have this noted in their checks/counters sections.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Kitten Milk, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[KM]

3/3 when you do this. Excellent work! I know we stand a good chance to see Buzzwole rise to OU this week but wanted to give you an opportunity to finish the QC stage of this analysis just for some writing credit.

KM, post: 8864189, member: 180416

[OVERVIEW]

Buzzwole's immense physical bulk and power and useful typing maybe phrase this part of your sentences with commas instead of stringing its traits together using the word 'and' - this is mostly to avoid making the sentence seem too long or run-on. make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat. On the defensive side, Buzzwole walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr consider either adding Krookodile here or substituting it for Conk as an example, and Scizor without Dual Wingbeat with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores like Chansey + Assault Vest Tangrowth and pick up kills while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. Choice Scarf sets can use those boosts to sweep through weakened opposing teams, while Life Orb sets can use Roost to keep Buzzwole's health high while tearing holes in the opposing team. I think Life Orb should be cited first to emphasize its current status as the best set. You can also try sprinkling defensive in as a mention if it doesn't get too clunky.Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash without Earthquake or Tangrowth and Amoonguss without Ice Punch, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like Scizor, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through. Common Flying-type Pokemon like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike. Finally, Buzzwole's middling speed tier and subpar special bulk force non-Choice Scarf sets to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Buzzwole's Life Orb set uses Buzzwole's high attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores: it 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat and RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rocks. Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to be an effective check to offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao even without defensive investment, and Roost allows you make sure not to use second person language when writing analyses to switch into these threats throughout the game and remove Life Orb chip damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash, as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen. Stone Edge OHKOs Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on max HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth, but Moltres is threatening enough to Buzzwole that Stone Edge is usually preferred. Max Speed EVs allow you to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen, as well as Pokemon like offensive Scizor.

Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores—it easily 2HKOs defensive Pokemon like Quagsire, Salamence, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Gastrodon. As such, it works best on balance and balanced offense teams, both of which appreciate its ability to deal heavy damage while maintaining its defensive utility. Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples their defensive cores. Spikes from Mew or Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls—additionally, both of these Pokemon help deal with Salamence and Diancie helps with Rotom-H. Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo that force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

This set's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Scizor, Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet and healing back up with Roost. Ice Punch deals significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and offers a significant freeze chance over the course of long games not sure the freeze chance is particularly worthwhile to note. Maybe another example of an Ice Punch target is better to note instead. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel. Toxic punishes pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter. 64 Speed outspeeds Crawdaunt, but you can opt for 112 Speed if you're running Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash. again, watch out for writing in the second person

Defensive Buzzwole works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum. Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on pokemon like Conkeldurr and Scizor that force them out. Defensive Buzzwole lets Rest Talk Primarina in for free, so Chansey helps patch up this weakness; similarly, Buzzwole without Earthquake lets Aegislash in for free, making Umbreon a key partner. Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves from threats like Moltres and remove hazards. Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch and Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip; in return, it covers Buzzwole's weakness to special attackers like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Salemence and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Scizor and Choice Scarf Zarude. Steel-types like Jirachi and Celesteela can help alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus. I'd maybe consider bringing up Dark-types for their ability to check Psychic-types here considering the Steel-type examples you note aren't particularly stable checks to either Hat or Reuniclus in the long-term.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses. Close Combat hits most of the tier, but is unable to break threats like Amoonguss, Aegislash, or Salamence. Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and serves as strong neutral coverage against Pokemon like Primarina. Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder. Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Mew, Azelf, and Starmie and 2HKOs Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery. Poison Jab can be run instead to hit Fairy-types like Primarina and Hatterene note that both these Pokemon can still sustain decent chip damage from Buzzwole's other attacks. Adamant Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping. Hazard support from Spikes Mew or Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wear down checks like Primarina and Amoonguss over time. Physical wall-breakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have access to priority that can help handle set up sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence that Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill. Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Thundurus-T can help break through checks like Mew and RestTalk Primarina. Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can alleviate some of the burden from Buzzwole of checking threats like Zarude, while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab. Pokemon like Rotom-H and Scizor can be used to get Buzzwole safely in throughout the game. Moltres prevents Buzzwole from clicking any move other than Stone Edge for fear of a Flame Body burn, so running Nihilego as a Stealth Rock user is helpful.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery. A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by Special Attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, it can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, Moltres depending on which coverage it opts for. Other item options can be used on the Defensive set like Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks. Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat for opposing Buzzwole mention Thunder Punch for Gyarados here too, but they are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. Maybe bring up SubPunch here as a way for Buzzwole to ease prediction and deal heavy damage, but also note that it's rather situational and intensifies Buzzwole's 4mss.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral Special attacks. As such, it's forced out by faster special attackers like Thundurus, Rotom formes just use Rotom-W here as the example since Rotom-H is mentioned later, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all potentially wall Buzzwole depending on the coverage it lacks.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it out. While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and can be outsped by Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks with careful play. Moltres is especially threatening due to Flame Body's potential to cripple Buzzwole.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can deal with Buzzwole in various ways: Mew takes every hit besides Leech Life and can heal back or threaten Psychic or Flamethrower in return, Hatterene sets up on Defensive Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, and Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOs.

**Flying-type moves**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like Scizor.

**Entry Hazards**: Buzzwole is susceptible to all entry hazards. While the Defensive and Life Orb sets can heal off hazard damage with roost, it limits its offensive capacity and ability to switch in. maybe remove this line as I'm not convinced Buzzwole is particularly weak enough to hazards for this to be brought up, especially in comparison to other Pokemon that are equally or more susceptible but don't have this noted in their checks/counters sections.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Kitten Milk, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Implemented, thank you! I'll hold off on tagging this for GP for now until we see where shifts take us.

 

[KM]

This analysis has been updated to reflect July shifts!

 

[DC]

Remove Add Comments
AC = Add Comma, RC = Remove Comma, AH = Add Hyphen, RH = Remove Hyphen

Swole

[OVERVIEW]

Buzzwole's immense physical bulk, power, and useful typing make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat. On the defensive side, Buzzwole walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr, and Krookodile with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores like Chansey + Assault Vest Tangrowth and pick up kills KOs while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. Life Orb sets can use Roost to keep Buzzwole's health high while tearing and tear holes in the opposing team, while Choice Scarf sets can use Beast Boost to sweep through weakened opposing teams. Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash without Earthquake or Tangrowth and Amoonguss without Ice Punch, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like opposing Buzzwole, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through it. Common Flying-types Pokemon like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike. Finally, Buzzwole's middling Speed(capitalize) tier and subpar special bulk force non-Choice Scarf sets to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Buzzwole's Life Orb set Life Orb Buzzwole uses Buzzwole's its high Attack(capitalize) and strong coverage to break through defensive cores;(colon to semicolon) it 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat and RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rocks. Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to be an effective check to offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao,(AC) even without defensive investment, and Roost allows it to switch into these threats throughout the game and remove Life Orb chip damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash,(RC) as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen. Stone Edge OHKOs OHKOes Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing and deals heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on max HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth, but Moltres is threatening enough to Buzzwole that Stone Edge is usually preferred. Max Speed EVs allow you Buzzwole to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen. (you is the player, not the Pokemon)

Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores—it easily 2HKOs 2HKOes defensive Pokemon like Quagsire, Salamence, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Gastrodon. As such, it works best on balance and balanced offense(what is balanced offense?) teams, both of which appreciate its ability to deal heavy damage while maintaining its defensive utility. Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Choice Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn provide VoltTurn support to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples weakens their defensive cores.(cripple =/= weaken) Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or and Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity capability as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or and Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls— wallbreak;(add semicolon) additionally, both of these Pokemon help deal with Salamence,(AC) and Diancie also helps with Rotom-H. Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo,(AC) that which force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set's Defensive Buzzwole's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet and healing back up with Roost. Ice Punch deals significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel. Toxic punishes Pokemon(capitalize) like Moltres and Gyarados,(AC) who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter which can switch into Buzzwole and gain momentum or set up against it. 64 Speed EVs outspeeds Crawdaunt, but 112 Speed EVs should be run alongside Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash.

Defensive Buzzwole works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum. Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on Pokemon like Conkeldurr that force them out. Defensive Buzzwole lets Rest Talk Primarina in for free, so Chansey helps patch up this weakness; similarly, Buzzwole without Earthquake lets Aegislash in for free, making Umbreon a key partner. with Chansey checking RestTalk Primarina and Umbreon handling Aegislash. In return, Buzzwole can switch into Pokemon like Conkeldurr, which force out these special walls. Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves from threats like Moltres and remove entry hazards. Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip for Buzzwole to take advantage of with Rocky Helmet,(semicolon to comma) in return,(RC) it covers Buzzwole's weakness to special attackers like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Salemence,(AC) and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Choice Scarf Zarude. Steel-types and Dark-types like Jirachi, Celesteela,(AC) and Zarude and Celesteela can help alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus.
(insert linkbreak)
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses. Close Combat hits most of the tier, but it is unable to break through threats like Amoonguss, Aegislash, or and Salamence. Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and serves as strong neutral coverage against Pokemon like Primarina. Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder. Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Azelf and Starmie and 2HKOs 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery. Poison Jab can be run instead to hit Fairy-types like Primarina and Hatterene harder, but they already take significant damage from moves like Earthquake or and Stone Edge. Adamant Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition wincon, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping. Hazard Entry hazard support from Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wears down checks like Primarina and Amoonguss over time. Physical wall-(RH)breakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash,(AC) and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have access to priority that can helps handle set up setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence,(AC) that which Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill. Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Thundurus-T can help break through checks like Aegislash and RestTalk Primarina. Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can alleviate some of the burden from Buzzwole of checking threats like Zarude,(RC) provide a secondary check to Zarude,(AC) relieving some pressure from Buzzwole,(AC) while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab. Pokemon like Rotom-W and Rotom-H can be used to get Buzzwole safely in throughout the game. Moltres prevents Buzzwole from clicking any move other than Stone Edge for fear of a Flame Body burn, so running Nihilego as a Stealth Rock user setter is helpful.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery. A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by special attackers(lowercase) and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, it Buzzwole can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, or Moltres,(AC) depending on which coverage it opts for. Other item options can be used on the Defensive set defensive Buzzwole like Leftovers or and Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks. Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat for opposing Buzzwole or and Thunder Punch for Gyarados, but they are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. Substitute can be run alongside Focus Punch to ease prediction and deal heavy damage, but this futher limits Buzzwole's move slots and is generally outclassed.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral special(lowercase) attacks.(remove period) As such,(RC) it's forced out by from faster special attackers like Thundurus, Nidoking, Rotom-W, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill KO. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all potentially wall Buzzwole depending on the coverage it lacks.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it out.(or "force it out") While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and can be outsped by Choice Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks with careful play. Moltres is especially threatening due to Flame Body's potential to cripple Buzzwole.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can deal with Buzzwole in various ways: Hatterene sets up on defensive(lowercase) Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, and while Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOs OHKOes it.

**Flying-type moves Pokemon and Coverage**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying(capitalize) makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like opposing Buzzwole.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KM, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

GP 1/2. [DC, 449990] Please proofread to spot minor errors like "pokemon".

 

[KM]

Remove Add Comments
AC = Add Comma, RC = Remove Comma, AH = Add Hyphen, RH = Remove Hyphen

Swole

[OVERVIEW]

Buzzwole's immense physical bulk, power, and useful typing make it suitable as both a premier defensive wall and a potent offensive threat. On the defensive side, Buzzwole walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr, and Krookodile with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. As an offensive threat, 139 Base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores like Chansey + Assault Vest Tangrowth and pick up kills KOs while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. Life Orb sets can use Roost to keep Buzzwole's health high while tearing and tear holes in the opposing team, while Choice Scarf sets can use Beast Boost to sweep through weakened opposing teams. Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash without Earthquake or Tangrowth and Amoonguss without Ice Punch, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, like opposing Buzzwole, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through it. Common Flying-types Pokemon like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike. Finally, Buzzwole's middling Speed(capitalize) tier and subpar special bulk force non-Choice Scarf sets to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Buzzwole's Life Orb set Life Orb Buzzwole uses Buzzwole's its high Attack(capitalize) and strong coverage to break through defensive cores;(colon to semicolon) it 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat and RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rocks. Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to be an effective check to offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao,(AC) even without defensive investment, and Roost allows it to switch into these threats throughout the game and remove Life Orb chip damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash,(RC) as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen. Stone Edge OHKOs OHKOes Moltres and Gyarados while still dealing and deals heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on max HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth, but Moltres is threatening enough to Buzzwole that Stone Edge is usually preferred. Max Speed EVs allow you Buzzwole to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen. (you is the player, not the Pokemon)

Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores—it easily 2HKOs 2HKOes defensive Pokemon like Quagsire, Salamence, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Gastrodon. As such, it works best on balance and balanced offense(what is balanced offense?) teams, both of which appreciate its ability to deal heavy damage while maintaining its defensive utility. Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Choice Scarf Zarude can use momentum-gaining moves like Volt Switch and U-turn provide VoltTurn support to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole cripples weakens their defensive cores.(cripple =/= weaken) Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or and Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capacity capability as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or and Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to break walls— wallbreak;(add semicolon) additionally, both of these Pokemon help deal with Salamence,(AC) and Diancie also helps with Rotom-H. Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo,(AC) that which force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set's Defensive Buzzwole's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet and healing back up with Roost. Ice Punch deals significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents you Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel. Toxic punishes Pokemon(capitalize) like Moltres and Gyarados,(AC) who are otherwise keen to switch in to Buzzwole and gain momentum with the former or set up on it with the latter which can switch into Buzzwole and gain momentum or set up against it. 64 Speed EVs outspeeds Crawdaunt, but 112 Speed EVs should be run alongside Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash.

Defensive Buzzwole works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum. Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, while Buzzwole can switch on Pokemon like Conkeldurr that force them out. Defensive Buzzwole lets Rest Talk Primarina in for free, so Chansey helps patch up this weakness; similarly, Buzzwole without Earthquake lets Aegislash in for free, making Umbreon a key partner. with Chansey checking RestTalk Primarina and Umbreon handling Aegislash. In return, Buzzwole can switch into Pokemon like Conkeldurr, which force out these special walls. Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves from threats like Moltres and remove entry hazards. Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as it baits moves like Zarude's Power Whip that Buzzwole can switch in on to deal Rocky Helmet chip for Buzzwole to take advantage of with Rocky Helmet,(semicolon to comma) in return,(RC) it covers Buzzwole's weakness to special attackers like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Salemence,(AC) and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove the Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Choice Scarf Zarude. Steel-types and Dark-types like Jirachi, Celesteela,(AC) and Zarude and Celesteela can help alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus.
(insert linkbreak)
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses. Close Combat hits most of the tier, but it is unable to break through threats like Amoonguss, Aegislash, or and Salamence. Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and serves as strong neutral coverage against Pokemon like Primarina. Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder. Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Azelf and Starmie and 2HKOs 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery. Poison Jab can be run instead to hit Fairy-types like Primarina and Hatterene harder, but they already take significant damage from moves like Earthquake or and Stone Edge. Adamant Nature Choice Scarf Buzzwole can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game win condition wincon, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping. Hazard Entry hazard support from Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile can wears down checks like Primarina and Amoonguss over time. Physical wall-(RH)breakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash,(AC) and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have access to priority that can helps handle set up setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence,(AC) that which Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill. Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Thundurus-T can help break through checks like Aegislash and RestTalk Primarina. Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can alleviate some of the burden from Buzzwole of checking threats like Zarude,(RC) provide a secondary check to Zarude,(AC) relieving some pressure from Buzzwole,(AC) while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab. Pokemon like Rotom-W and Rotom-H can be used to get Buzzwole safely in throughout the game. Moltres prevents Buzzwole from clicking any move other than Stone Edge for fear of a Flame Body burn, so running Nihilego as a Stealth Rock user setter is helpful.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth it for the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery. A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by special attackers(lowercase) and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, it Buzzwole can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, or Moltres,(AC) depending on which coverage it opts for. Other item options can be used on the Defensive set defensive Buzzwole like Leftovers or and Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turns and other physical attacks. Buzzwole has access to other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat for opposing Buzzwole or and Thunder Punch for Gyarados, but they are generally outclassed by options like Stone Edge and Poison Jab. Substitute can be run alongside Focus Punch to ease prediction and deal heavy damage, but this futher limits Buzzwole's move slots and is generally outclassed.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral special(lowercase) attacks.(remove period) As such,(RC) it's forced out by from faster special attackers like Thundurus, Nidoking, Rotom-W, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to kill KO. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all potentially wall Buzzwole depending on the coverage it lacks.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it out.(or "force it out") While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and can be outsped by Choice Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks with careful play. Moltres is especially threatening due to Flame Body's potential to cripple Buzzwole.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can deal with Buzzwole in various ways: Hatterene sets up on defensive(lowercase) Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, and while Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOs OHKOes it.

**Flying-type moves Pokemon and Coverage**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying(capitalize) makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check like opposing Buzzwole.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KM, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

GP 1/2. [DC, 449990] Please proofread to spot minor errors like "pokemon".

implemented! thank you very much :)

 

[Adeleine]

Add/Fix Remove Comment
(AC)/(RC): Add/Remove Comma

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[OVERVIEW]

Buzzwole's immense physical bulk, power, and useful typing make it suitable as both either (I imagine?) a premier defensive wall and or a potent offensive threat. On the defensive side, Defensively, Buzzwole walls Pokemon like Zarude, Conkeldurr, and Krookodile with ease while wearing them down with Rocky Helmet and keeping its own health high with Roost. As an offensive threat, 139 base Attack allows it to break through defensive cores like Chansey + Assault Vest Tangrowth and pick up KOs while boosting its own power with Beast Boost. Life Orb sets can use Roost to keep Buzzwole's health high and tear holes in the opposing team, while Choice Scarf sets can use Beast Boost to sweep through weakened opposing teams. Buzzwole's biggest weakness is being limited to only four moves: defensive sets have to choose between being walled by Tentacruel and Aegislash without Earthquake or Tangrowth and Amoonguss without Ice Punch, while offensive sets have to choose between dropping Ice Punch and struggling to break through Amoonguss or dropping Stone Edge and struggling to break through Moltres. Additionally, Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying-type moves means that physical attackers that would otherwise be walled, it would otherwise wall, like opposing Buzzwole, can opt for coverage options like Dual Wingbeat to break through it. Common Flying-types like Salamence and Moltres also pose a huge threat to defensive and offensive sets alike. Finally, Buzzwole's middling Speed tier and subpar special bulk force non-Choice Scarf sets to switch out against Pokemon like Thundurus and Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Ice Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Life Orb Buzzwole uses its high Attack and strong coverage to break through defensive cores; it 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth with Close Combat and RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake after Stealth Rocks. Rock, as well as 2HKOing Quagsire, Salamence, and Gastrodon. Buzzwole's natural physical bulk and typing allow it to be an effective check to effectively check offensive Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao, even without defensive investment, and Roost allows it to switch into these threats throughout the game and remove Life Orb chip damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types like Jirachi and Aegislash as well as Poison-types like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen. Stone Edge OHKOes Moltres and Gyarados and deals heavy damage to Salamence. Alternatively, Ice Punch guarantees the OHKO on maximum HP Salamence after Intimidate and deals heavy damage to Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth, but Moltres is threatening enough to Buzzwole threatens Buzzwole enough that Stone Edge is usually preferred. Maximum Speed EVs allow Buzzwole to outspeed Modest Nidoqueen.

Life Orb Buzzwole works best with teams that synergize with enjoy its ability to destroy opposing defensive cores—it easily 2HKOes defensive Pokemon like Quagsire, Salamence, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Gastrodon. As such, it works best on balance teams, both of which appreciate its ability to deal heavy damage while which also appreciate it maintaining defensive utility. Pokemon like Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Choice Scarf Zarude provide VoltTurn support to get Buzzwole safely in on Pokemon like Chansey and Cobalion. Setup sweepers like Power Herb Nihilego and Dragon Dance Salamence can finish off opposing teams after Buzzwole weakens their defensive cores. Stealth Rock support from Krookodile or Nihilego can further boost Buzzwole's capability as a wallbreaker, guaranteeing the 2HKO on RestTalk Primarina with Earthquake. Nihilego is also able to pressure Pokemon like Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H for Buzzwole. Cleric support from Heal Bell Togekiss or Diancie can remove status for Buzzwole and maintain its ability to wallbreak; additionally, both of these Pokemon help deal with Salamence, and Diancie helps with Rotom-H. Assault Vest Tangrowth makes a great partner, as it easily switches into faster special attackers like Thundurus and Keldeo, which force Buzzwole out.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Ice Punch / Earthquake
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Defensive Buzzwole's primary purpose is to check physical threats like Zarude, Krookodile, and Jirachi while damaging them with Rocky Helmet and healing back up with Roost. Ice Punch deals significant damage to Pokemon like Salamence and Amoonguss. Alternately, Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash and Tentacruel. Aegislash and Tentacruel from walling Buzzwole. Toxic punishes Pokemon like Moltres and Gyarados, which can otherwise (I imagine?) switch into Buzzwole and gain momentum or set up against it. 64 Speed EVs outspeed Crawdaunt, but 112 Speed EVs should be run alongside Earthquake to outspeed offensive Aegislash.

Defensive Buzzwole works best on balance and stall archetypes, as it can otherwise suck up momentum. Specially defensive walls like Chansey and Umbreon shore up Buzzwole's weakness to special moves, with Chansey checking RestTalk Primarina and Umbreon handling Aegislash. In return, Buzzwole can switch into Pokemon like Conkeldurr, which force out these special walls. Rotom-W and Rotom-H are both great partners; they cover Buzzwole's weaknesses to Flying- and Fire-type moves from threats like Moltres and remove entry hazards. Diancie has great synergy with defensive Buzzwole, as Buzzwole: it baits moves like Zarude's Power Whip for Buzzwole to take advantage of with Rocky Helmet, (now comma) covers Buzzwole's weakness to special attackers like Moltres, Rotom-H, and Salemence, and provides utility with Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. Offensive Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D can remove Flying-types that threaten Buzzwole while benefitting from the chip damage Buzzwole deals to checks like Choice Scarf Zarude. Steel- and Dark-types like Jirachi, Celesteela, and Zarude can help alleviate Buzzwole's weakness to Psychic-types like Hatterene and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Leech Life / Poison Jab
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Buzzwole has more freedom in the coverage moves it chooses. Close Combat hits most of the tier, but it is unable to break through threats like Amoonguss, Aegislash, and Salamence. Earthquake prevents Buzzwole from being walled by Aegislash Aegislash from walling Buzzwole and serves as strong neutral coverage against Pokemon like Primarina. Stone Edge hits Moltres, Gyarados, and Salamence, but you can opt for Ice Punch to hit Salamence and Grass-types like Amoonguss harder. Leech Life hits Psychic-types like Azelf and Starmie and 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth while providing a form of recovery. Poison Jab can be run instead to hit Fairy-types like Primarina and Hatterene harder, but they already take significant damage from moves like Earthquake and Stone Edge. Adamant Choice Scarf Buzzwole can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and finish games off with Beast Boost.

Choice Scarf Buzzwole is a strong late-game wincon, but it requires team support to break down physical walls that prevent it from sweeping. Entry hazard support from Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile wears down checks like Primarina and Amoonguss over time. Physical wallbreakers like Lycanroc-D, Gyarados, and Diggersby can wear down common checks like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, and Celesteela and open the way for Buzzwole to sweep. Additionally, Lycanroc-D and Diggersby have priority that helps handle boosted setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence, which Buzzwole isn't able to outspeed and revenge kill. Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Chandelure and Thundurus-T help break through checks like Aegislash and RestTalk Primarina. Defensive Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth provide a secondary check to Zarude, relieving some of the pressure from Buzzwole, while also threatening Primarina for sets without Poison Jab. Pokemon Pivots (I imagine?) like Rotom-W and Rotom-H can be used to get Buzzwole safely in throughout the game. Moltres prevents Buzzwole from clicking any move other than Stone Edge for fear of a Flame Body burn, so running Nihilego as a Stealth Rock setter is helpful.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Buzzwole can run a Choice Band set with similar coverage to the Choice Scarf set, but the extra damage boost over the Life Orb set often isn't worth the loss in flexibility and reliable recovery. A Bulk Up set can be utilized with Leftovers and Roost, but it's easily forced out by special attackers and lacks the upfront power of the Life Orb set. More importantly, Buzzwole can only run two attacking moves, so it's consistently forced out by Pokemon like Salamence, Aegislash, or Moltres (RC) depending on which coverage it opts for. Other item options can be used on defensive Buzzwole like Leftovers and Heavy-Duty Boots, but Rocky Helmet is usually preferred for its ability to punish U-turn and other physical attacks. Buzzwole has other coverage moves like Dual Wingbeat for opposing Buzzwole and Thunder Punch for Gyarados, but they are generally outclassed by Stone Edge and Poison Jab. Substitute can be run alongside Focus Punch to ease prediction and deal heavy damage, but this futher limits Buzzwole's move slots moveslots and is generally outclassed.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Faster Special Attackers**: Buzzwole has minimal special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to even neutral special attacks from faster special attackers like Thundurus, Nidoking, Rotom-W, and Keldeo.

**Physical Walls**: While Buzzwole sets can run the coverage necessary to break through certain physical walls, every set will run into certain Pokemon it fails to KO. Defensive Pokemon like opposing Buzzwole, Aegislash, Tentacruel, and Primarina can all potentially wall Buzzwole depending on the coverage it lacks.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Rotom-H and Moltres can switch into some of Buzzwole's moves and easily threaten it. While they need to be careful about Stone Edge and can be are outsped by Choice Scarf Buzzwole, they're still effective checks with careful play. Moltres is especially threatening due to Flame Body's potential to cripple Buzzwole.

**Psychic-types**: Hatterene sets up on defensive Buzzwole and takes most hits from offensive sets, while Azelf outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Buzzwole and easily OHKOes it.

**Flying-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Buzzwole's 4x weakness to Flying makes it susceptible to strong Flying-type moves from Moltres and Salamence as well as Flying-type coverage from Pokemon it would normally check, (AC) like opposing Buzzwole.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KM, 180416]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [BigFatMantis, 507497], [Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990], [Finland, 517429]]

2/2