[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Shadow Ball is Gengar's most reliable STAB move, boasting great neutral coverage. Sludge Bomb hits Normal- and Dark-type Pokemon that resist Shadow Ball and threatens Fairy-types like Clefable and MegaDiancie, plus the 30% poison chance is also a helpful bonus, allowing Gengar to chip away at bulkier switchins such as Tornadus-T. Focus Blast provides crucial coverage against Dark- and Steel-types like Tyranitar, Heatran, and Bisharp, all of which can comfortably switch into Gengar's STAB moves . Trick rounds out the set by letting Gengar cripple special walls like Chansey, that otherwise sponges Gengar's moves with ease. By forcing them into a single move, Gengar opens up opportunities for itself or its teammates to gain momentum or set up.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature and maximum Speed investment are key to outspeeding important threats like Garchomp, Keldeo, and Manaphy, and allows Gengar to Speed tie against crucial Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Latios. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize the power of Gengar's Choice Specs-boosted hits. The remaining 4 EVs are placed in Defense to slightly reduce damage from physical priority moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Specs Gengar thrives on prediction and momentum, so it's best used as a hit-and-run wallbreaker that pressures opposing teams early or mid-game. Shadow Ball is a safe midground option if you're unsure of the switch, but proper reads can allow Gengar to land a devastating Focus Blast on potential checks like Bisharp and Tyranitar. Use Trick opportunistically to cripple walls like Chansey that can otherwise wall Gengar. Because Gengar is very frail and vulnerable to being Pursuit-trapped, avoid locking into resisted or ineffective moves if Tyranitar, Weavile, or Assault Vest Bisharp are still in play. Position Gengar with the help of VoltTurn support or double switches to bring it in safely, as it rarely survives strong neutral hits. Its offensive presence can often force switches, making it an excellent way to punish predictable patterns and wear down the opposing team.
Team Options
========
Choice Specs Gengar pairs well with entry hazard setters like Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Garchomp, all of which can chip Gengar's usual checks and help secure KOes with repeated pressure. VoltTurn users such as Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Tornadus-T provide the momentum Gengar needs to come in safely and start breaking defensive cores. Fighting-types like Keldeo and Mega Lopunny synergize well with it too, by pressuring Pursuit users and benefiting from Gengar's ability to remove or cripple Fairy- and bulky Psychic-types. Finally, teammates like Dragon Dance Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar are great partners, as they can take advantage of Choice-locked Pursuit Weavile or Tyranitar, and deter them from using the move.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Shadow Ball is Gengar's most reliable STAB move, boasting great neutral coverage. Sludge Bomb hits Normal- and Dark-type Pokemon that resist Shadow Ball and threatens Fairy-types like Clefable and MegaDiancie, plus the 30% poison chance is also a helpful bonus, allowing Gengar to chip away at bulkier switchins such as Tornadus-T. Focus Blast provides crucial coverage against Dark- and Steel-types like Tyranitar, Heatran, and Bisharp, all of which can comfortably switch into Gengar's STAB moves . Trick rounds out the set by letting Gengar cripple special walls like Chansey, that otherwise sponges Gengar's moves with ease. By forcing them into a single move, Gengar opens up opportunities for itself or its teammates to gain momentum or set up.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature and maximum Speed investment are key to outspeeding important threats like Garchomp, Keldeo, and Manaphy, and allows Gengar to Speed tie against crucial Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Latios. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize the power of Gengar's Choice Specs-boosted hits. The remaining 4 EVs are placed in Defense to slightly reduce damage from physical priority moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Specs Gengar thrives on prediction and momentum, so it's best used as a hit-and-run wallbreaker that pressures opposing teams early or mid-game. Shadow Ball is a safe midground option if you're unsure of the switch, but proper reads can allow Gengar to land a devastating Focus Blast on potential checks like Bisharp and Tyranitar. Use Trick opportunistically to cripple walls like Chansey that can otherwise wall Gengar. Because Gengar is very frail and vulnerable to being Pursuit-trapped, avoid locking into resisted or ineffective moves if Tyranitar, Weavile, or Assault Vest Bisharp are still in play. Position Gengar with the help of VoltTurn support or double switches to bring it in safely, as it rarely survives strong neutral hits. Its offensive presence can often force switches, making it an excellent way to punish predictable patterns and wear down the opposing team.
Team Options
========
Choice Specs Gengar pairs well with entry hazard setters like Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Garchomp, all of which can chip Gengar's usual checks and help secure KOes with repeated pressure. VoltTurn users such as Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Tornadus-T provide the momentum Gengar needs to come in safely and start breaking defensive cores. Fighting-types like Keldeo and Mega Lopunny synergize well with it too, by pressuring Pursuit users and benefiting from Gengar's ability to remove or cripple Fairy- and bulky Psychic-types. Finally, teammates like Dragon Dance Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar are great partners, as they can take advantage of Choice-locked Pursuit Weavile or Tyranitar, and deter them from using the move.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
Last edited:
