Clean Slate Resources

[earl]

Approved by Ludi and G-Luke
CLEAN SLATE RESOURCES

Welcome to Clean Slate, the Pet Mod that aims to do exactly as the title states: Create a brand new "micrometagame" from scratch, with the ultimate goal of creating a balanced yet still varied compact metagame existing separately from any existing tier. No Lando-T here! This thread isn't the main Clean Slate thread, that can be found here. This thread is for predominantly analyses but will also host VR nominations and updates, along with other odds and ends.

Clean Slate Damage Calculator

Clean Slate Speed Tiers

ANALYSES​

There will be short analyses written for each Pokemon in the Clean Slate metagame! We're only going to start with a select list of well-tested Pokemon to be written, and the council will be acting as a sort of Quality Control team. We highly recommend that writers have some degree of experience with the Pokemon they're writing for, but outside of that there's no restriction for reserving and writing analyses.
Each analysis should be posted as a separate post on this thread, and approved analyses will go into the OP. Maximum of 2 analyses reserved at a time.

Available:
whatever isn't taken


In Progress:

Finished:
Toucannon
Forretress
Celesteela
Lanturn
Trevenant
Swampert
Kicketune
Milotic
Nihilego
Ditto
Kommo-O
Trapinch
Xurkitree
Druddigon
Metagross (Mega Still needed)
Sharpedo


(B ranks and newcomers Xurk+Gene aren't available due to being under-explored)

Template

*Picture of Pokemon*
OVERVIEW:
*Describe the pros and cons of using this Pokemon and what its general function is*

Set: *Name*
*Pokemon* @ *Item*
Ability:
EVs:
*** Nature
-
-
-
-

SET COMMENTS:
*Describe what each move on the set does, unless it's self-explanatory (saying "recover heals half the user's HP" is a waste of time)*

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

*List specific checks and counters to the Pokemon in question*

Toucannon Example

OVERVIEW:
Toucannon's access to Poison Heal, STAB Beak Blast, and solid defensive typing in tandem with nice defensive stats ensures its place as one of the premier physically defensive Pokemon in the Clean Slate metagame, checking dangerous physical attackers such as Metagross, Druddigon, and Mega Swampert. Toucannon also functions as a stallbreaker due to its access to Swords Dance. However, Toucannon's weakness to Rock-type means that it is easily switched in on and forced out by Nihilego, one of the most common Pokemon in the metagame, due to the threat of Power Gem. Additionally, increased Stealth Rock damage greatly hinders Toucannon's walling potential as long as they are on the field.

Set: Swords Dance
Toucannon @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Beak Blast
- Knock Off / U-Turn / Seed Bomb

SET COMMENTS:
Swords Dance allows Toucannon to threaten bulky cores and clean up weakened teams once its checks and counters are removed. Beak Blast cripples attackers such as Metagross, Pangoro, and Trevenant while also hitting neutral targets hard after a boost. Knock Off provides solid neutral coverage alongside Beak Blast, crippling switch-ins by removing their items. U-Turn allows Toucannon to scout counters early game. Seed Bomb immediately threatens Swampert and hits Rhydon for heavy damage. Defog is also an option in the 4th slot, but is a subpar choice due to Toucannon's Stealth Rock weakness.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Electric-types: Xurkitree, Flaaffy, Lanturn, and Vikavolt resist Beak Blast and immediately threaten Toucannon back with their Electric STAB. Raichu also forces Toucannon out but takes heavy damage from a Beak Blast due to its pathetic bulk.

Rock-types: Rhydon and Nihilego both don't care about Beak Blast's burn chance and threaten Toucannon back with Stone Edge and Power Gem, respectively. Rhydon must be wary of Seed Bomb, however.

Special Attackers: Toucannon has underwhelming special bulk and is easily forced out by powerful special attackers such as Poipole, Genesect, Cloyster, Sharpedo-Mega, and Unown.

Cofagrigus: Mummy neutralizes Poison Heal, making it that Toucannon cannot attack Cofagrigus without risking heavy Toxic damage. Cofagrigus also deals heavy damage to it with Hex and has the physical bulk to easily take even boosted Beak Blasts.

Discord link - Please join!

 

[earl]

Viability Rankings​

S-Rank:
These Pokemon define the metagame. These Pokemon excel at the roles they occupy and can fit on pretty much any team.

• 
  Mew
• 
  Nihilego

A-Rank:
These Pokemon tend to preform their roles very well and require little support in the process. They are quite viable in the metagame.

A+

• 
  Forretress
• 
  Metagross
• 
  Pangoro
• 
  Raichu
• 
  Tapu Bulu
• 
  Trapinch

A

• 
  Druddigon
• 
  Kommo-o
• 
  Lanturn
• 
  Milotic
• 
  Toucannon
• 
  Vikavolt

A-

• 
  Celesteela
• 
  Meganium
• 
  Metagross-Mega
• 
  Porygon-Z
• 
  Swampert-Mega
• 
  Unown

B-Rank:
These Pokemon have a notable niche in the metagame but tend to require some support or have significant flaws holding them back.

B+

• 
  Audino-Mega
• 
  Gardevoir-Mega
• 
  Ninjask
• 
  Sharpedo-Mega
• 
  Swampert
• 
  Xurkitree

B

• 
  Cacturne
• 
  Flaaffy
• 
  Flygon
• 
  Lycanroc-Midnight
• 
  Rhydon
• 
  Sigilyph
• 
  Trevenant

B-

• 
  Audino
• 
  Cloyster
• 
  Musharna
• 
  Poipole

C-Rank:
These Pokemon tend to preform poorly if not properly supported, but occupy a unique enough niche to make using them usable if required.

• 
  Ditto
• 
  Genesect
• 
  Raticate-Alola-Totem
• 
  Swalot

D-Rank:
These Pokemon have no notable niches in the metagame and are rarely worth using.

• 
  Cofagrigus
• 
  Gardevoir
• 
  Kricketune
• 
  Sharpedo

 

[earl]

Analyses Pt.1​

Cofagrigus

under construction

Nihilego

Overview:
Nihilego is a one of the best Pokemon in the metagame for three main reasons: incredible special bulk, useful typing in combination with Levitate, and access to Rapid Spin. It also has a good Speed stat that allows it to outspeed slower wallbreakers or even run offensive sets. These traits make Nihilego one of the easiest Pokemon to fit on a team, as its ability to wall Pokemon such as Flygon, Raichu, and Mega-Audino and reliably carry out its support functions will always come in handy.

Set: Special Wall
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Calm / Careful Nature
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Bomb / Venom Slam
- Stealth Rock / Knock Off / Grass Knot

This is the most common Nihilego set, providing a lot of role compression by being a competent wall, hazard setter, and spinner. Special bulk is maximized to better take on threats such as Nasty Plot Raichu, Ditto, and Ninjask, who can either boost their Special Attack or hit it super effectively. However, a spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with a Calm or Careful nature is also viable to better take Psyshock from the likes of Gardevoir and Mega Audino. Sludge Bomb is generally Nihilego's best STAB move. Venom Slam is an option due to its high Base Power and ability to badly poison opponents that make contact, but the fact that it always goes last can be undesireable due to Nihilego's good Speed tier. Knock Off and Grass Knot can be run over Stealth Rock in order to make Nihilego less passive; Knock Off does lasting damage to almost any switch in, while Grass Knot 2HKOes Swampert and Rhydon. Foul Play is another option to hit Poipole, Metagross, and Druddigon on the switch.

Set: Unaware Wall
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Calm / Careful Nature
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Bomb / Venom Slam
- Stealth Rock / Knock Off / Grass Knot

Unaware allows Nihilego to take on a huge number of boosting threats. This version prefers to invest heavily in Defense, as it allows it to deal with some physical boosting threats like Toucannon or Tapu Bulu, or take Psyshock from Calm Mind Gardevoir. This set plays better on very bulky teams with partners such as Meganium and Forretress, who can take on Water-, Ground-, Psychic-, and Steel-type attacks aimed at Nihilego. Despite having a nasty 4x Ground weakness without Levitate, Unaware Nihilego can often bluff a Levitate set early on in a match.

Set: Offensive Spinner
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Timid Nature
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Wave
- Grass Knot / Foul Play

This set takes full advantage of Nihilego's good Speed, outspeeding pokemon such as Flygon and Milotic and hitting them with Sludge Wave. Despite the offensive EV's, it still walls some of the same Pokemon like Flygon and provides a good check to special attackers. It also spins very reliably; its high Speed lets it spin before taking an attack if nothing else. These traits make this set a good fit on bulky offense teams. Depending on your choice of attacks, certain Pokemon will still wall you; Grass Knot covers Swampert and Rhydon, while Foul Play covers Metagross, Poipole, and Druddigon, who this set outspeeds.

Check and Counters:

Steel-types: Metagross and Genesect switch into most attacks and pose a big threat. Forretress and Celesteela can switch in and provide support against Nihilego.

Psychic-types: Poipole and Unown may have to be careful of Foul Play or Knock Off, but they both have insanely threatening Psychic STAB moves that forces Nihilego to switch.

Water-types: Mega Swampert fears Grass Knot but otherwise sets up on Nihilego. Ninjask, Mega Sharpedo, Cloyster and Milotic can all 2HKO it with their common sets.

Gravity: Gravity exposes Nihilego's 4x weakness, and its main setter, Celesteela, completely walls Nihilego.

Raichu

under construction

Flygon

under construction

Meganium

under construction

Tapu Bulu

under construction

Metagross

OVERVIEW:
Metagross has cemented itself as a premier offensive force in the Clean Slate metagame with its impressive 125 base attack alongside a surprisingly solid STAB combination backed up by Fighting-type coverage and a poweful Iron-Fist boosted Bullet Punch, which circumvents its middling speed. These traits allow Metagross to OHKO or 2HKO anything in the metagame barring a select few counters given it predicts correctly. It also possesses useable physical bulk and a good defensive typing, allowing it to pivot into from Pokemon such Nihilego and physical Raichu. However, its reliance on Choice Band in order to dish out enough damage makes its performance heavily prediction reliant, and this issue is only amplified by the lack of a pivoting move. It also has lackluster special bulk, meaning it still takes heavy damage from Pokemon such as Flygon that it would otherwise switch in on.

Set: Choice Band
Metagross @ Choice Band
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- Hammer Arm
- Bullet Punch
- Zen Headbutt / Trick

SET COMMENTS:
Bullet Punch is both STAB and boosted by Iron Fist, giving it enough power to OHKO Raichu from full or offensive Flygon after hazards, allowing Metagross to exert pressure on offensive teams that would otherwise easily outspeed and KO it. Hammer Arm is vital coverage that deals heavy damage to Steel-type Pokemon such as Celesteela and Forretress. Zen Headbutt is a reliable secondary STAB for hitting targets resistant to Iron Head without the speed drop from Hammer Arm, and is generally a safe option to lock into as most Dark-types bar Cofagirgus fear Iron Head. Trick can also be ran in order to cripple common switch-ins like Cofagrigus or Toucannon.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
Toucannon: While Toucannon is at risk of being 2HKOed after Stealth Rock, it still menaces Metagross with a Beak Blast burn, which would heavily cripple Metagross for the rest of the match. If Stealth Rock are not on the field, Toucannon is a complete counter.

Cofagrigus: Cofagrigus takes little damage from Metagross and can either burn it, 2HKO it with Hex, or use Pain Split.

Swalot: Swalot can repeatedly eat hits from Metagross given its Sitrus Berry is intact and OHKO it back with Dark Pulse.

Faster Pokemon: Pokemon such as Kommo-o, Xurkitree, and Cloyster who don't fear Bullet Punch can easily come in on a misprediction and KO Metagross.

Cloyster

under construction

Flaaffy

under construction

Swalot

under construction

Kricketune

OVERVIEW:
Kricketune is not a very good Pokemon in the Clean Slate metagame, but is regardless viable due to being the sole user of Sticky Web in Clean Slate. It's a reliable enough setter of this hazard thanks to its good Speed stat and access to Taunt. Kricketune also has access to the initially attractive Tail Glow+STAB Boomburst combo, but even when boosted Kricketune doesn't scratch Nihilego and can't hit Ghost-types such as Druddigon regardless. Kricketune is also very frail and weak without a boost, so one should only ever use it on a dedicated Sticky Web team if the lute bug is to find any success.

Set: delelelelelele whooop
Kricketune @ Focus Sash
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sticky Web
- Boomburst
- Tail Glow
- Taunt

SET COMMENTS:
Sticky Web lowers the speed of all grounded switch-ins by one which is a great asset for any offensive team. Boomburst alongside Tail Glow nukes most opponents that don't resist the attack, but is pretty easy for the opponent to play around and mostly acts as a way for Kricketune to out-boost opposing setup sweepers that attempt to boost up on a Sticky Web. Taunt prevents hazards from opposing hazard setters such as Druddigon, which would otherwise set hazards freely, and Defog from opponents such as Milotic. The useless Swarm is ran over Soundproof so that Kricketune is not walled by Milotic (which would otherwise Trace Soundproof). Kricketune needs to be ran with Druddigon, which prevents the opponent from freely removing the Sticky Web that Kricketune would likely only be able to set once in a match.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Nihilego: Nihilego takes no damage from even boosted Boombursts and easily KOs or removes hazards againts Kricketune.

Ghost Types: Kricketune is literally useless against Ghost-types outside of Taunting potential hazards from Druddigon.

Milotic: Milotic has no problems removing Kricketune's Sticky Web thanks to Druddigon's inability to switch-in freely on Milotic.

Poipole

under construction

Celesteela

OVERVIEW:
Celesteela's unique ability, Force of Attraction, sets up the unique weather Gravity, which significantly boosts move accuracy and grounds all Pokemon on the field. It also overwrites other weathers such as Mega Swampert's rain and allows Totem Alolan Raticate's Extreme Bulk to take effect. However, Gravity alone is not what makes Celesteela stand out; Celesteela's monstrous mixed bulk alongside a nice, if somewhat easy to bypass, mono-Steel typing makes it a great defensive pivot, as well as possessing decent offensive presence virtue of its passable 97 base Attack. However, Celesteela suffers from having no reliable recovery and being decimated by common Fighting-, Fire- and Ground-type coverage while also being trapped by Trapinch.
Set: Gravity
Celesteela @ Leftovers / Metal Powder
Careful Nature
Ability: forceofattraction
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Leech Seed
- Protect / Explosion

SET COMMENTS:
While Leftovers is the preferred item for most teams, as the extra recovery is essential in checking Pokemon such as Porygon-Z, Metal Powder can be ran in order to grant extra Gravity turns. Earthquake has nice offensive synergy with Iron Head, notably hitting Raichu and Xurkitree for heavy damage while also 2HKOing physically defensive Nihilego. Leech Seed grants Celesteela some degree of recovery, especially in tandem with Protect. Explosion is an option on Metal Powder variants, granting a free switch for a Gravity abuser. Beast Boost is also an option if Gravity isn't desirable for the team.

Set: Autotomize
Celesteela @ Rockium Z
Adamant Nature
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Autotomize

SET COMMENTS:
This is a much more niche set that aims to set up Automize and sweep. Beast Boost grants an Attack boost on a KO, allowing Celesteela to snowball. Stone Edge, when powered up to Continental Crush, OHKOes offensive Tapu Bulu, which would otherwise check Celesteela.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Trapinch: Outside of the rare Superpower, Trapinch fears nothing that Celesteela can throw at it and easily dispatch it with Earthquake.

Tapu Bulu: Tapu Bulu uses defensive Celesteela as set-up fodder. However, this can be used to one's advantage if running Rockium Z in order to lure it.

Super-Effective Coverage: Pokemon such as Metagross, Poipole, and Unown that Celesteela would otherwise handily check carry powerful super-effective coverage, preventing Celesteela from safely switching in. Nasty Plot Raichu variants also easily bypass Celesteela due to Focus Blast.

Written by: leonard (from big bang theory)

Raticate-Alola-Totem

under construction

Rhydon

under construction

Pangoro

under construction

Trapinch

Overview:
Trapinch's unique niche as a trapper makes it an invaluable asset to a wide range of teams that appreciate specific Pokemon reliably eliminated. On stall teams it's the only surefire way to handle an opposing Poipole and the many varieties of Unown. For offensive teams it pairs well with aggressive sacking and eject button strategies to reliably remove Lanturn, Forretress, and Celesteela in order to open up a sweep for Mega Sharpedo, Unown, or Raichu. It even finds it way onto balanced and bulky offensive teams as a way to punish opposing teams that rely on Lanturn+Forretress cores. However, Trapinch has a relatively narrow range of Pokemon it can eliminate, being limited mostly to some slow defensive Pokemon and Poipole, so Trapinch often contributes little in matchups where it cannot reliably trap any of the opponents.

Set: Trapper
Trapinch @ Eviolite
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Fire Fang
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off / Pursuit

SET COMMENTS:
Earthquake and Fire Fang are essential, as they hit all of Trapinch's trapping targets. Sucker Punch gives Trapinch some degree of usefulness in the offense matchup, heavily chipping a Mega Sharpedo or Raichu and hitting Poipole before Poipole can attack to keep Trapinch healthy. Knock Off is mostly filler but is regardless a fairly spammable move and cripples Pokemon that Trapinch cannot eliminate such as Mew. Pursuit is an alternative that eliminates U-turn variants of Unown and can catch Druddigon for siginificant chip on the switch. The given EV spread outspeeds uninvested Lanturn, while Eviolite boosts Trapinch's bulk enough to make it capable of usually taking an Iron Head into X-Scissor from Forretress and reliably switch into Poipole.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
*Shed Shell*: If a Lanturn or Forretress is holding a Shed Shell Trapinch loses its main utility. While this is an uncommon scenario both of these Pokemon, especially Lanturn, have a relatively flexible item slot.

*Basically Anything it Doesn't Trap*: Trapinch is slow, not particularly bulky, and doesn't hit incredibly hard, making it very easy to play around for most Pokemon that isn't a specific target of Trapinch. This list contains and is not limited to: Cofagrigus, Nihilego, Flygon, Meganium, Tapu Bulu, Cloyster, Flaaffy, Kricketune, Raticate-Alola-Totem, Pangoro, and so on.

Ninjask

under construction

Milotic

OVERVIEW:
Milotic is an excellent offensive Defogger in Clean Slate due to its access to recovery, typing that is capable of taking on many top threats, and a generally useful ability in Trace. Milotic's Water/Fairy typing and a good 95 base attack allow it to fire off powerful super-effective STAB attacks on top pokemon like Druddigon, Nihilego, and Pangoro, as well as offering good neutral coverage for most other pokemon. However, its typing also leaves it susceptible to common Electric and Grass coverage moves from offensive pokemon like Sharpedo-Mega, Raichu, and Tapu Bulu.

Set: Offensive Defog
Milotic @ Leftovers / Life Orb / Fairium Z
Ability: Trace
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Liquidation
- Play Rough
- Defog
- Recover

SET COMMENTS:
Liquidation and Play Rough are Milotic's STAB moves which hit decently hard with 95 Atk and max investment. Recover allows Milotic to come in multiple times throughout the match and avoid being worn down by hazards and other chip damage. Defog removes hazards for Milotic's team while its STAB fairy moves pressure Druddigon, which usually acts as a complete shutdown to any hazard removal. Trace is a great ability that allows Milotic to switch in and take advantage of situations it normally wouldn't be able to. Examples include blocking Lanturn's Volt Switch with Volt Absorb, trapping Trapinch with Arena Trap, and utilising other abilities such as Intimidate, Poison Heal, Mythical Presence, and Regenerator. Milotic has some freedom in the item slot, with Leftovers allowing for passive recovery that makes Recover necessary less often. Life Orb makes Milotic's unresisted STAB combo extremely hard to wall effectively, and Fairium Z has a large chance to OHKO Lanturn.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Toucannon: If Milotic is free of status, Toucannon can force it out with the threat of a burn from Beak Blast or a super-effective Seed Bomb. However, Milotic has a much better matchup if it is poisoned due to it tracing poison heal and avoiding a burn from Beak Blast.

Electric/Grass type moves: Because Electric and Grass are common attacking types on offensive pokemon, Milotic can often be forced out or OHKOd by an opposing sweeper with the appropriate coverage.

Written by Brodaha

Lanturn

OVERVIEW:
Thanks to high special bulk, a good defensive typing, reliable recovery, and an immunity granted by its ability, Lanturn is the premier specially defensive wall in the Clean Slate metagame. Lanturn completely walls some of the most dangerous offensive Pokemon in Clean Slate such as Raichu and Ninjask, and it is able to check a few other Pokemon as well, such as Cloyster, Ditto, and other special attackers. Physical attackers are usually able to beat Lanturn, but they risk the Scald burn if they decide to switch in. However, Lanturn isn't just a passive wall and a momentum drain; it can pivot around with Volt Switch and support its teammates with Heal Bell. Despite being a great defensive pivot and support Pokemon, Lanturn is countered and forced out by some common Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu or Poison Heal Swampert because they can't be burned and Swampert is immune to Volt Switch. This is why Lanturn pairs very nicely with Meganium, which walls both of these threats and forms an excellent defensive core with Lanturn.

Set: Specially Defensive Pivot
Lanturn @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Recover
- Heal Bell / Toxic

SET COMMENTS:
Volt Absorb allows Lanturn to properly wall Nasty Plot Raichu, but Abyssal Light can be used to completely stop Cloyster. Scald is pretty much mandatory, as it's Lanturn's most useful Water STAB move and the burn chance makes it much harder for physical attackers to get rid of Lanturn. Volt Switch allows Lanturn to grab momentum on switch-ins such as Tapu Bulu and it is one of the biggest reasons why Lanturn is such a great pivot. Recover is a must-have move that provides reliable recovery. The last moveslot can be customized depending on the structure of the team; Heal Bell is usually the preferred move as it helps balance teams that don't have another cleric, but Toxic can be used instead to put common switch-ins such as Tapu Bulu, Milotic or Meganium on a timer.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Ground-types: Swampert is a hard counter that can't be burned after Toxic Orb activates and basically just sets up with Bulk Up against Lanturn. Trapinch can trap Lanturn and OHKO it with Earthquake, and Gardevoir can 2HKO it with Earth Power.

Grass-types: Tapu Bulu is immune to burn and easily counters Lanturn with its strong Grass STAB moves. Meganium can switch in on Lanturn too, but it doesn't appreciate getting burned.

Strong Physical Attackers: Strong physical attackers such as Totem Alolan Raticate or Choice Band Metagross can easily 2HKO or OHKO Lanturn.

Milotic: Milotic obtains Lanturn's ability Volt Absorb via Trace and completely walls it unless Lanturn is carrying Toxic.

 

[earl]

Analyses Pt.2​

Toucannon

OVERVIEW:
Toucannon's access to Poison Heal, STAB Beak Blast, and solid defensive typing in tandem with nice defensive stats ensures its place as one of the premier physically defensive Pokemon in the Clean Slate metagame, checking dangerous physical attackers such as Metagross, Druddigon, and Mega Swampert. Toucannon also functions as a stallbreaker due to its access to Swords Dance. However, Toucannon's weakness to Rock-type means that it is easily switched in on and forced out by Nihilego, one of the most common Pokemon in the metagame, due to the threat of Power Gem. Additionally, increased Stealth Rock damage greatly hinders Toucannon's walling potential as long as they are on the field.

Set: Swords Dance
Toucannon @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Beak Blast
- Knock Off / U-Turn / Seed Bomb

SET COMMENTS:
Swords Dance allows Toucannon to threaten bulky cores and clean up weakened teams once its checks and counters are removed. Beak Blast cripples attackers such as Metagross, Pangoro, and Trevenant while also hitting neutral targets hard after a boost. Knock Off provides solid neutral coverage alongside Beak Blast, crippling switch-ins by removing their items. U-Turn allows Toucannon to scout counters early game. Seed Bomb immediately threatens Swampert and hits Rhydon for heavy damage. Defog is also an option in the 4th slot, but is a subpar choice due to Toucannon's Stealth Rock weakness.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Electric-types: Xurkitree, Flaaffy, Lanturn, and Vikavolt resist Beak Blast and immediately threaten Toucannon back with their Electric STAB. Raichu also forces Toucannon out but takes heavy damage from a Beak Blast due to its pathetic bulk.

Rock-types: Rhydon and Nihilego both don't care about Beak Blast's burn chance and threaten Toucannon back with Stone Edge and Power Gem, respectively. Rhydon must be wary of Seed Bomb, however.

Special Attackers: Toucannon has underwhelming special bulk and is easily forced out by powerful special attackers such as Poipole, Genesect, Cloyster, Sharpedo-Mega, and Unown.

Cofagrigus: Mummy neutralizes Poison Heal, making it that Toucannon cannot attack Cofagrigus without risking heavy Toxic damage. Cofagrigus also deals heavy damage to it with Hex and has the physical bulk to easily take even boosted Beak Blasts.

Written by: leonard (from big bang theory)

Mew

under construction

Sharpedo

OVERVIEW:
Sharpedo occupies the unique, if limited, niche of being the only user of Shift Gear in the Clean Slate metagame. It possesses a solid defensive typing and useful offensive abilities in Moxie or Water Veil but it ultimately held back by its weak STAB combo and very poor bulk limiting setup opportunities. Mega Sharpedo, however, transforms a situational set-up sweeper into a devastating special cleaner. With No-Guard boosted Hydro Pumps, Fire Blasts, and Thunders coming off of the metagame's highest Special Attack stat alongside a wonderful speed tier of 105 it's no wonder that Mega Sharpedo is the definitive cleaner of Clean Slate. Unfortunately Mega Sharpedo is very vulnerable to hazard damage and still has paper-thin bulk, and can be shut down completely by several Pokemon depending on the coverage Sharpedo runs.

Set: Sharknado
Sharpedo-Mega @ Sharpedonite
Ability: Water Veil
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty / Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Fire Blast
- Thunder
- Earthquake / Hidden Power [Ice]

SET COMMENTS:
Thunder hits Water-types such as Milotic which would otherwise be able to check Mega Sharpedo. Hasty Earthquake 2HKOes Lanturn, which would otherwise completely wall Sharpedo. Hidden Power Ice can alternatively ran to hit Dragon-types, and a Timid nature alongside no attack investment should be ran. This is the preferable option if Sharpedo's team can consistently deal with Lanturn, which is typically achieved by running Trapinch.

Set: Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!
Sharpedo @ Steelium Z
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shift Gear
- Waterfall
- Smart Strike
- Earthquake / Fire Fang

SET COMMENTS:
Shift Gear allows Sharpedo to outspeed the entire metagame while also boosting its Attack enough to become a threat. Waterfall is the preferred Water STAB of choice virtue of its 20% flinch chance, which can prove very useful to the fragile Sharpedo. Smart Strike, when powered up to Corkscrew Crash, will usually net a KO on most neutral targets at +1 and allow it to snowball with Moxie. Earthquake easily punches through Lanturn, which resists Sharpedo's STABs. Fire Fang can also be ran to deal heavy damage to Forretress. Regardless of the option chosen, Sharpedo still finds itself helpless against Water-types such as Cloyster and Swampert. Water Veil can be ran to bypass both Toucannon and Mew safely, but compromises Sharpedo's performance after the Z-move is used as its attack does not boost.


CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

*Lanturn*: If lacking Earthquake, both base and Mega Sharpedo cannot break Lanturn and are easily OHKOed in return by Volt Switch.

*Dragon-types*: Dragon-types such as Meganium, Druddigon, and Flygon can check Mega Sharpedo lacking Hidden Power Ice virtue of resisting Water-, Fire-, and Electric-type attacks and taking little from an unboosted Earthquake.

*Ninjask*: Ninjask's Water-Shuriken deals heavy damage to Mega Sharpedo, even having a chance to OHKO if boosted by Choice Specs. Base Sharpedo is easily dispatched by a Vacuum Wave.

*Faster Pokemon*: Mega Sharpedo can be revenge killed by most Choice Scarf users and Raichu. Ditto only 2HKOes, but that KO is easily achieved with some chip damage. Base Sharpedo, on the other hand, outspeeds the whole metagame.

*Water-Types*: Most Water-types check base Sharpedo to an extent. Both Cloyster and Poison Heal Swampert reliably handle base form while Mega Swampert takes heavy damage from Rain-boosted Waterfalls but still OHKOes back with ease.

Swampert

OVERVIEW:
Swampert is a force to be reckoned with, threatening balance and stall by boosting its physical attack and bulk while absorbing status and constantly healing every turn. Swampert-Mega is a powerful wallbreaker due to its Drizzle-boosted Liquidations and Earthquakes. Both also have the benefit of having a good defensive typing that allow them to switch in reliably on neutral throughout the match. However, their bulk is offset by their lack of reliable recovery and crippling 4x weakness to Grass, which is unfortunately a common STAB and coverage move.

Bulk Up Stallbreaker
Swampert @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Protect / Toxic

SET COMMENTS:
Bulk Up raises Swampert's Attack and Defense, allowing it to snowball weakened teams that cannot break it specially. Liquidation and Earthquake are Swampert's STABs, and Protect allows it to gain 12% free health. Toxic, on the other hand, can cripple Tapu Bulu and Meganium as they switch in. The EVs maximize Swampert's bulk and offensive presence, though a specially defensive set can be used to improve its mixed bulk.

Mega Wallbreaker
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock / Power-up Punch

SET COMMENTS:
Liquidation and Earthquake are its STABs, while Stone Edge hits Ninjask and other Flying-types for hard damage. Stealth Rock supports the team better, though Power-up Punch raises its Attack for a higher offensive presence. The given EVs let Swampert use its good offensive typing and Drizzle to its full potential.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

*Grass-type STAB and coverage*: Attacks from the likes of Tapu Bulu, Cacturne, and Meganium, as well as coverage from Raichu, Vikavolt, and Xurkitree will most often OHKO Swampert. Grass-types, in particular, resist both of its STABs, and Swampert does not have effective coverage to beat them. Tapu Bulu fears boosted Earthquakes and Stone Edges, however.

*Powerful Special Wallbreakers:* Continuous attacks from wallbreakers such as Gardevoir, Cloyster, and Unown can wear down Swampert if not KO it outright. Cloyster has the benefit of having high natural bulk to take its attacks too.

*Bulky Setup Checks:* Physical tanks like Toucannon and Mew can take even boosted hits and phaze it out with either Roar or Whirlwind.

Audino

under construction

Cacturne

under construction

Trevenant

OVERVIEW: With access to Substitute, Bulk Up, and Harvest, as well as an unresisted offensive typing, Trevenant makes it's name as a powerful physical set-up stallbreaker. Bulkier teams have a tough time killing Trevenant due to it's recovery options and powerful STAB combo. Trevenant can set up on Pokemon like Lanturn, defensive Nihilego, and Kricketune. However, it's Speed leaves much to be desired, often leaving it open to being worn down easily by status or super-effective moves before setting up a Substitute. Trevenant also heavily relies on setting up because of the low base power of it's STAB moves.

Bulk Up Stallbreaker
Trevenant @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 108 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Substitute
- Drain Punch
- Phantom Force / Shadow Claw

SET COMMENTS:
Substitute allows Trevenant opportunities to boost with Bulk Up, increasing it's decent base attack to powerful levels. Drain Punch acts as a spammable STAB move that also improves Trevenant's longevity and ability to continue using Substitute. Phantom Force is an interesting secondary STAB move that to avoid status, maintain a Substitute, or stall to get Harvest to activate, but Shadow Claw can also be used for more immediate damage. Paired with Harvest, Sitrus Berry provides a second source of recovery for Trevenant to stay safe behind it's Substitute. 108 Speed EVs outpace Celesteela to avoid getting Leech seeded.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
Cofagrigus: Mummy Cofagrigus can prevent Trevenant from gaining any health and break Substitute with Hex, and also take small amounts of damage if Trevenant hasn't set up a lot.

Toucannon: Toucannon is very threatening for Trevenant due to its ability to Burn with Beak Blast and also apply pressure to stop Trevenant from setting up.

Gardevoir: Gardevoir can switch into a resisted fighting hit and then outspeed Trevenant to KO with Pixilate Hyper Voice.

Status: Trevenant hates status, and chip damage from Toxic or Leech Seed can prevent it from staying in as long as it wants to. Burning also does chip, although less immediately threatening, and forces it to Bulk Up to regain it's Attack.

Gardevoir

under construction

Ditto

Overview:
Ditto has a solid niche as the tier's fastest Spikes and Toxic Spikes setter. Outspeeding every unboosted Pokemon in the tier, it can reliably get one or more layers of hazards up, often at the very start of the match. Its attacking coverage in combination with Protean gives it the ability to threaten some common hazard setters and removers such as Nihilego, Flygon, Mew, and Druddigon. However, Ditto's damage output and bulk are below average for an offensive pokemon, leaving it weak against most bulky attackers that it can't hit super effectively.

Set: Quick Powder
Ditto @ Quick Powder
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Spikes / Toxic Spikes
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Dazzling Gleam / Transform

SET COMMENTS:
Quick Powder doubles Ditto's Speed stat, making it faster than any other pokemon in Clean Slate without a Choice Scarf. Spikes or Toxic Spikes is the main point of the set, providing crucial momentum for offensive teams. Shadow Ball is Ditto's best attack, due to its high rate of Special Defense drops and the fact that it changes Ditto into a Ghost type, so it can potentially block Rapid Spin. Flash Cannon is an excellent coverage move, most notably pressuring Nihilego, a common spinner. Dazzling Gleam is a useful third attack for hitting the tier's many Dark types, as well as Kommo-O. Transform is a niche option that is mostly useful for taking recovery moves from Lanturn or Nihilego; Ditto's high HP stat lets it make decent use of the move.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
*Special Tanks*: Assault Vest Forretress, Swampert and its Mega Forme, and Xurkitree don't take much from Ditto's attacks, and they put pressure on Ditto and its teammates. Forretress can spin Ditto's hazards away, but it has to predict around Shadow Ball turning Ditto into a Ghost type. Kommo-o beats Ditto that don't run Dazzling Gleam.
*Special Walls*: Lanturn and Swalot can wall Ditto endlessly, although Lanturn can be taken advantage of by Transform variants. Bulky Milotic and Toucannon can tank its attacks and Defog away its hazards.
*Choice Scarfers*: Most Choice Scarf users can outspeed it, nullifying its primary advantage. Scarf Pangoro outspeeds Ditto and can take advantage of it being Ghost or Steel type, as well as knocking off its crucial item. Scarf Genesect can OHKO it if boosted by Electric Terrain.
*Any Healthy Pokemon*: Ditto can't OHKO any pokemon that are not weak to its attacks, nor does it tank hits very well, so most pokemon at full health can serve as a check if need be.

Porygon-Z

under construction

Forretress

OVERVIEW:
Forretress is a fantastic defensive pivot due to its good physical bulk, solid hazard control with Rapid Spin, and Bug/Steel typing that helps it check attackers such as Raichu, Gardevoir, and Sharpedo. However, it suffers from being very passive, and Fire-type coverage can damage it greatly or OHKO it outright.

Regenvest
Forretress @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Iron Head
- Earthquake / X-Scissor
- Rapid Spin
- Volt Switch

SET COMMENTS:
Iron Head is its main STAB, hitting Gardevoir, Mew, and Audino-Mega for supereffective damage. Earthquake is good coverage for Iron Head and also OHKOs Raichu, but you can also opt for X-Scissor as a second STAB that also OHKOs Unown. Rapid Spin controls hazards on the field, which can support its teammates that are susceptible to residual damage or weak to Stealth Rock. Volt Switch pivots into another teammate, which is very helpful due to its very low speed protecting said teammate from taking a hit when switching in.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
*Fire-type STAB and coverage:* Fire Blast from defensive Meganium is a 2HKO after rocks, and Flare Blitz from Tapu Bulu is a clean OHKO. Additionally, Forretress needs to watch out for Fire-type coverage like Porygon-Z's Hidden Power Fire and Unown's Flame Plate Judgement.

*Trapinch:* Trapinch can switch in on a predicted Volt Switch and eliminate it with Fire Fang.

*Knock Off:* If its Assault Vest is knocked off, it becomes significantly less bulky, allowing it to be threatened more on the special side.

*Bulky Set-up Sweepers:* Forretress cannot touch Pokemon like Swampert, Trevenant, or Tapu Bulu, so they can freely switch in and use Bulk Up

Written by: Anaconja

Druddigon

OVERVIEW:
Druddigon is a powerful offensive Stealth Rock setter that makes use of it's decent typing, good bulk, and great ability in Defiant to apply pressure and set hazards. Thanks to the combination of Defiant + a Dragon/Ghost typing, Druddigon can set rocks and easily keep them there by blocking Rapid Spin and severely punishing anyone who dares to Defog. Defiant paired with a great Attack stats allows Defiant to abuse stat drops such as Sticky Web, Defog, and stat-lowering abilities to it's own advantage. However, Druddigon's low speed lets it be revenge killed easily, especially if not running Shadow Sneak. Druddigon is held back by weaknesses to common offensive typings, as well as a lack of reliable recovery, allowing it to be worn down over time.

Offensive Rocker
Druddigon @ Leftovers / Dragonium Z
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Stealth Rock
- Glare / Shadow Sneak

SET COMMENTS:
Shadow Claw and Dragon Claw are simply STAB attacks that hit hard off of Druddigon's high Attack and pressure opponents, allowing Druddigon to set Stealth Rock. Outrage can be used in place of Dragon Claw for a much more powerful Devastating Drake but is riskier when not Z-boosted. Glare is a useful asset for offensive teams, allowing Druddigon to cripple Pokemon it lures in with Paralysis making them easier to beat later into the match. Shadow Sneak can also be used to make up for Druddigon's low uninvested speed, dealing good damage with boosted Attack but making Druddigon completely walled by Audino. If this is a problem, Gunk Shot allows Druddigon to hit Audino and Mega Audino for high damage, preventing specially defensive sets from switching in. Defiant means Druddigon can switch into a predicted Parting Shot from Pangoro or Meganium to boost it's Attack to incredible levels, or to stop Flygon from switching in due to Mythical Presence. 44 Speed EVs lets Druddigon outspeed unboosted Meganium. Dragonium Z is an alternative item that can nuke past targets that would survive a normal Dragon Claw or Outrage.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
Milotic: Milotic is one of the only pokemon that can reliably remove hazards in front of Druddigon, and can easily beat Druddigon with STAB Moonblast. These factors make Milotic the hardest counter to Druddigon.

Toucannon: Toucannon's Beak Blast prevents Druddigon from doing any significant damage for fear of being burned, allowing Toucannon to set up using Swords Dance or pivot into something to better take care of Druddigon.

Audino(-mega): If Druddigon doesn't run Gunk Shot Audino is immune to both it's STABs and deal high damage with Moonblast or set up using Calm Mind.

Additionally, most wallbreakers carry STAB or coverage moves that can KO Druddigon, such as Raichu, Kommo-o, Cloyster, or Unown.

Unown

under construction

Sigilyph

under construction

Vikavolt

under construction

Xurkitree

Overview:
Xurkitree's combination of above average stats, a good mono-Electirc typing, Electric Terrain, and reliable recovery cements its place in the metagame an incredibly consistent offensive pivot or a near-unbreakable set up sweeper. Electric Terrain greatly augments Xurkitree's passable 97 Special Attack, making its Thunderbolt and Volt Switch punch through most neutral targets. Electric Terrain also activates Genesect's Overdrive, making Xurkitree an ideal partner. However, Xurkitree does possess several weaknesses. It suffers from having to choose Energy Ball or Hidden Power [Ice], both of which miss out on hitting a slice of Electric-immune targets in the metagame. It also struggles to break through Nihilego and Lanturn, the premier special walls in the tier.

Set: Offensive Pivot
Xurkitree @ Zap Plate / Shuca Berry
Ability: Electric Terrain
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Recover
- Energy Ball
- Thunderbolt / Hidden Power [Ice]

SET COMMENTS:
Energy Ball hits every Electric-immune Pokemon except for Kommo-O, meaning that Xurkitree can punish switch-ins such as Rhydon and Swampert attempting to block Volt Switch. Thunderbolt hits significantly harder than Volt Switch and additionally doesn't switch out Xurkitree, granting it more consistent wallbreaking power. If running Thunderbolt, Xurkitree should run Zap Plate to further augment the move's power. Alternatively, Hidden Power [Ice] can be used alongside Shuca Berry in order to lure in and OHKO or heavily chip Kommo-O. It also deals respectable damage to Meganium, and Shuca Berry allows Xurkitree to avoid getting trapped by Trapinch. A Modest nature outspeeds most Pokemon within the 65-78 speed tier as most don't run +Spe natures, but Timid can be ran in order to ensure that Xurkitree outspeeds the occasional Jolly Swampert-Mega or Timid Poipole.

Set: Calm Mind
Xurkitree @ Leftovers
Ability: Electric Terrain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Thunderbolt
- Energy Ball

SET COMMENTS:
Calm Mind alongside maximum Defense investments allows Xurkitree to set up in the face of Pokemon such as choice-locked Metagross, most Druddigon, and Genesect. Once set up Xurkitree is almost impossible to break without a strong Ground-type attack or an absurdly strong wallbreaker along the lines of Gravity-boosted Raticate-Alola or Firium Z Tapu Bulu. Toxic greatly limits this set's potential, so a cleric such as Audino is reccommended alongside Xurkitree.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
*Kommo-O*: Kommo-O isn't weak to Energy Ball and is not OHKOed by a Hidden Power [Ice], so the only way for Xurkitree to break past it is predicting a switch and hitting it with Hidden Power [Ice] twice, which requires a Shuca Berry to survive the first hit.

*Dragon-Types*: Meganium, Druddigon, and Flygon all take little damage from Xurkitree's attacks. Meganium and Flygon are especially notable for fully walling it due to having reliable recovery, while Druddigon is only a check.

*Nihilego*: Specially-defensive Nihilego fully walls pivot Xurkitree and beats Calm Mind Xurkitree if it has Toxic.

Genesect

under construction

Musharna

under construction

Lycanroc-Midnight

under construction

Kommo-o

OVERVIEW:
Kommo-o is a useful offensive pivot which can repeatedly set Stealth Rock and check Electri-types. Sand Stream is useful in overwriting opposing weathers and boosting Cacturne. However, Kommo-o does face several problems in the metagame, namely its extreme 4MSS leaving it walled by a number of pokemon.

Set: Offensive Pivot
Kommo-o @ Iapapa Berry / Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic / Swords Dance

SET COMMENTS:
This set instead uses Kommo-o's unique defensive attributes against many Electric-types and high speed to repeatedly set up Stealth Rock throughout the match. U-turn generates momentum against popular switch-ins such as Mew and Toucannon. Toxic is very useful for crippling Mew and other defensive switch-ins like Gardevoir. On the other hand, Swords Dance allows Kommo-o to threaten opponents such as Forretress that would otherwise be tempted to spin on it. Iapapa Berry is one-time heal that is useful for off-setting the Energy Ball and occasional weak Hidden Power [Ice] damage that Kommo-o will take throughout the match while pivoting in on electrics. Leftovers is a more consistent alternative, although not as impactful as Iapapa would be at times.

Note: A pure Swords Dance set is likely viable. This analysis was very quickly edited due to the nerf.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Mew: Mew's priority Will-o-Wisp completely neuters Kommo-o's power, forcing it to switch out on the threat of a burn.

Mega Gardevoir: Mega Gardevoir walls any Kommo-o set lacking Iron Head, an otherwise sub-optimal move choice.

Raichu: Raichu's Ice Shard is by far the best form of offensive counterplay against Kommo-o.

Toucannon: Toucannon threatens a burn against Kommo-o and hits hard enough that Kommo-o cannot set up too freely.

 

[earl]

Team Archive
​

Community Create-A-Team #1

Arena Trap Hyper Offense

Z-Smash Nihilego Gravity Alolan Rat (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK)

Trapinch+Lycanroc Bulky Offense

Flaaffy Balance

 

[earl]

Guide Archive​

Hyper Offense Teambuilding

 

[Jucherz]

OVERVIEW:
Thanks to high special bulk, a good defensive typing, reliable recovery, and an immunity granted by its ability, Lanturn is the premier specially defensive wall in the Clean Slate metagame. Lanturn completely walls some of the most dangerous offensive Pokemon in Clean Slate such as Raichu and Ninjask, and it is able to check a few other Pokemon as well, such as Cloyster, Ditto, and other special attackers. Physical attackers are usually able to beat Lanturn, but they risk the Scald burn if they decide to switch in. However, Lanturn isn't just a passive wall and a momentum drain; it can pivot around with Volt Switch and support its teammates with Heal Bell. Despite being a great defensive pivot and support Pokemon, Lanturn is countered and forced out by some common Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu or Poison Heal Swampert because they can't be burned and Swampert is immune to Volt Switch. This is why Lanturn pairs very nicely with Meganium, which walls both of these threats and forms an excellent defensive core with Lanturn.

Set: Specially Defensive Pivot
Lanturn @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Recover
- Heal Bell / Toxic

SET COMMENTS:
Volt Absorb allows Lanturn to properly wall Nasty Plot Raichu, but Abyssal Light can be used to completely stop Cloyster. Scald is pretty much mandatory, as it's Lanturn's most useful Water STAB move and the burn chance makes it much harder for physical attackers to get rid of Lanturn. Volt Switch allows Lanturn to grab momentum on switch-ins such as Tapu Bulu and it is one of the biggest reasons why Lanturn is such a great pivot. Recover is a must-have move that provides reliable recovery. The last moveslot can be customized depending on the structure of the team; Heal Bell is usually the preferred move as it helps balance teams that don't have another cleric, but Toxic can be used instead to put common switch-ins such as Tapu Bulu, Milotic or Meganium on a timer.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Ground-types: Swampert is a hard counter that can't be burned after Toxic Orb activates and basically just sets up with Bulk Up against Lanturn. Trapinch can trap Lanturn and OHKO it with Earthquake, and Gardevoir can 2HKO it with Earth Power.

Grass-types: Tapu Bulu is immune to burn and easily counters Lanturn with its strong Grass STAB moves. Meganium can switch in on Lanturn too, but it doesn't appreciate getting burned.

Strong Physical Attackers: Strong physical attackers such as Totem Alolan Raticate or Choice Band Metagross can easily 2HKO or OHKO Lanturn.

Milotic: Milotic obtains Lanturn's ability Volt Absorb via Trace and completely walls it unless Lanturn is carrying Toxic.

 

[Scoopapa]

Overview:
Nihilego is a one of the best Pokemon in the metagame for three main reasons: incredible special bulk, useful typing in combination with Levitate, and access to Rapid Spin. It also has a good Speed stat that allows it to outspeed slower wallbreakers or even run offensive sets. These traits make Nihilego one of the easiest Pokemon to fit on a team, as its ability to wall Pokemon such as Flygon, Raichu, and Mega-Audino and reliably carry out its support functions will always come in handy.

Set: Special Wall
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Calm / Careful Nature
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Bomb / Venom Slam
- Stealth Rock / Knock Off / Grass Knot

This is the most common Nihilego set, providing a lot of role compression by being a competent wall, hazard setter, and spinner. Special bulk is maximized to better take on threats such as Nasty Plot Raichu, Ditto, and Ninjask, who can either boost their Special Attack or hit it super effectively. However, a spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with a Calm or Careful nature is also viable to better take Psyshock from the likes of Gardevoir and Mega Audino. Sludge Bomb is generally Nihilego's best STAB move. Venom Slam is an option due to its high Base Power and ability to badly poison opponents that make contact, but the fact that it always goes last can be undesireable due to Nihilego's good Speed tier. Knock Off and Grass Knot can be run over Stealth Rock in order to make Nihilego less passive; Knock Off does lasting damage to almost any switch in, while Grass Knot 2HKOes Swampert and Rhydon. Foul Play is another option to hit Poipole, Metagross, and Druddigon on the switch.

Set: Unaware Wall
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Calm / Careful Nature
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Bomb / Venom Slam
- Stealth Rock / Knock Off / Grass Knot

Unaware allows Nihilego to take on a huge number of boosting threats. This version prefers to invest heavily in Defense, as it allows it to deal with some physical boosting threats like Toucannon or Tapu Bulu, or take Psyshock from Calm Mind Gardevoir. This set plays better on very bulky teams with partners such as Meganium and Forretress, who can take on Water-, Ground-, Psychic-, and Steel-type attacks aimed at Nihilego. Despite having a nasty 4x Ground weakness without Levitate, Unaware Nihilego can often bluff a Levitate set early on in a match.

Set: Offensive Spinner
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Timid Nature
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Wave
- Grass Knot / Foul Play

This set takes full advantage of Nihilego's good Speed, outspeeding pokemon such as Flygon and Milotic and hitting them with Sludge Wave. Despite the offensive EV's, it still walls some of the same Pokemon like Flygon and provides a good check to special attackers. It also spins very reliably; its high Speed lets it spin before taking an attack if nothing else. These traits make this set a good fit on bulky offense teams. Depending on your choice of attacks, certain Pokemon will still wall you; Grass Knot covers Swampert and Rhydon, while Foul Play covers Metagross, Poipole, and Druddigon, who this set outspeeds.

Check and Counters:

Steel-types: Metagross and Genesect switch into most attacks and pose a big threat. Forretress and Celesteela can switch in and provide support against Nihilego.

Psychic-types: Poipole and Unown may have to be careful of Foul Play or Knock Off, but they both have insanely threatening Psychic STAB moves that forces Nihilego to switch.

Water-types: Mega Swampert fears Grass Knot but otherwise sets up on Nihilego. Ninjask, Mega Sharpedo, Cloyster and Milotic can all 2HKO it with their common sets.

Gravity: Gravity exposes Nihilego's 4x weakness, and its main setter, Celesteela, completely walls Nihilego.

 

[Jucherz]

Will there be a sample team archive in this thread?

 

[earl]

Will there be a sample team archive in this thread?

Yes, I’ll add that in the last reserved post

 

[Astra]

Hey fellas, I'm enjoy doing amchecks in Contibutions and Corrections, so I felt like I can contribute by grammar correcting (Scoopapa said I can).
If you wish to not put these changes in manually, here is a link to a post explaining how to do it quicker (it's Step 3: Implementing GP Checks).
add remove (comments)
leonard (from big bang theory)

Celesteela

OVERVIEW:
Celesteela's monstrous mixed bulk alongside a nice, if somewhat easy to bypass, mono-Steel typing makes it a great defensive pivot, as well as decent offensive presence with its passable 97 base Attack. However, that alone is not what makes Celesteela stand out; (add semicolon)- Celesteela's unique ability, Force of Attraction, sets up the unique weather Gravity, which significantly boosts move accuracy and grounds all Pokemon on the field. It also overwrites other weathers such as Mega Swampert's rain and allows Totem Alolan Raticate's-Alola-Totem's Extreme Bulk to take effect. It also boasts decent offensive presence virtue of its passable 97 base Attack. However, Celesteela suffers from having no reliable recovery and being decimated by common Fighting-, Fire- and Ground-type coverage while also being trapped by Trapinch.
Set: Gravity
Celesteela @ Leftovers / Metal Powder
Careful Nature
Ability: forceofattraction
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Leech Seed
- Protect / Explosion

SET COMMENTS:
While lLeftovers is the preferred item for most teams, as the extra recovery is essential in checking Pokemon such as Porygon-Z, Metal Powder can be ran in order to grant extra Gravity turns. Earthquake has nice offensive synergy with Iron Head, notably hitting Raichu and Xurkitree for heavy damage while also 2HKOing physically defensive Nihilego. Leech Seed grants Celesteela some degree of recovery, especially in tandem with Protect. Explosion is an option on Metal Powder variants, granting a free switch for a Gravity abuser. Beast Boost is also an option if Gravity isn't desirable for the team.

Set: Automize
Celesteela @ Rockium Z
Adamant Nature
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Automize

SET COMMENTS:
This is a much more niche set that aims to set up Automize and sweep. Beast Boost grants an Attack boost on a KO, allowing Celesteela to snowball. Stone Edge, when powered up to Continental Crush, clean OHKOes offensive Tapu Bulu, an otherwise sounds which would check Celesteela otherwise.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Trapinch: Outside of the rare Superpower, Trapinch fears nothing that Celesteela can throw at it and easily dispatch it with Earthquake.

Tapu Bulu: Tapu Bulu uses defensive Celesteela as set-up fodder. However, this can be used to one's advantage if running Rockium Z in order to lure it.

Super-Effective Coverage: Pokemon such as Metagross, Poipole, and Unown that Celesteela would otherwise handily check carry powerful super-effective coverage, preventing Celesteela from safely switching in. Nasty Plot Raichu variants also easily bypass Celesteela due to Focus Blast.[/QUOTE]
Most of these are short, so there aren't too many things to fix. I'll hopefully get to the other ones tonight.

 

[Astra]

add remove (comments)
Jucherz

Lanturn

OVERVIEW:
Thanks to a high Special special bulk, a good defensive typing, reliable recovery, (add comma) and an immunity granted by its ability, (add comma) Lanturn is the premier Specially specially defensive wall in the Clean Slate metagame. Lanturn straight up completely walls some of the most dangerous offensive Pokemon in Clean Slate such as Raichu or and Ninjask, (add comma) and it is able to check a few other Pokemon as well, such as Cloyster, Ditto, (add comma) and other special attackers. Physical attackers are usually able to beat Lanturn, but they can't really hard switch-in on Lanturn because they risk the Scald burn if they decide to switch in. Lanturn, (add comma) however, (add comma) isn't just a passive wall and a momentum drain; (add semicolon) as it can pivot around with Volt Switch and even support its teammates with Heal Bell. Despite being a great defensive pivot and support Pokemon, Lanturn has some flaws too. It is countered and forced out by some common Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu or Poison Heal Swampert (after Toxic Orb activates), (remove comma) because they can't be burned and Swampert is even immune to Volt Switch. This is why Lanturn pairs very nicely with Meganium, which walls both of these threats and forms an excellent defensive core with Lanturn.

Set: Specially Defensive Pivot
Lanturn @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Recover
- Heal Bell / Toxic

SET COMMENTS:
Volt Absorb allows Lanturn to properly wall Nasty Plot Raichu, but Abyssal Light can be used to completely stop Cloyster. Scald is pretty much mandatory, as it's Lanturn's most useful Water STAB attack move and the burn chance makes it much harder for physical attackers to get rid of Lanturn, it is pretty much mandatory on any set. Volt Switch allows Lanturn to grab momentum on switch-ins such as Tapu Bulu and it is one of the biggest reasons why Lanturn is such a great pivot. Recover is a must-have move that provides reliable recovery. The last moveslot can be customized depending on the structure of the team; Heal Bell is usually the preferred move as it helps balance teams that don't have another cleric, but Toxic can be used instead to put common switch-ins such as Tapu Bulu, Milotic or Meganium on a timer.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

Ground-types: Swampert is a hard counter that can't be burned after Toxic Orb activates and basically just sets up with Bulk Up against Lanturn. Trapinch can trap Lanturn and OHKO it with Earthquake, (add comma) and Gardevoir can 2HKO it with Earth Power.

Grass-types: Tapu Bulu is immune to burn and easily counters Lanturn with its strong Grass STAB moves. Meganium can switch in on Lanturn too, (add comma) but it doesn't appreciate getting burned.

Strong Physical Attackersphysical attackers: Strong physical attackers such as Raticate-Alola-Totem Alolan Raticate or Choice Band Metagross can easily 2HKO or OHKO Lanturn.

Milotic: Milotic Traces obtains Lanturn's ability Volt Absorb via Trace and completely walls it unless Lanturn is carrying Toxic.

Scoopapa

Nihilego

Overview:
Nihilego is a one of the best pokemon Pokemon in the metagame for three main reasons: incredible special bulk, useful typing in combination with Levitate, and access to Rapid Spin. It also has a good Speed stat that allows it to outspeed slower wallbreakers or even run offensive sets. These traits make Nihilego one of the easiest pokemon Pokemon to fit on a team, as its ability to wall pokemon Pokemon such as Flygon, Raichu, and Mega-Audino and reliably carry out its support functions will always come in handy.

Set: Special Wall
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Calm / Careful Nature
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Bomb / Venom Slam
- Stealth Rock / Knock Off / Grass Knot

This is the most common Nihilego set, and it provides providing a lot of role compression by being a competent wall, hazard setter, and spinner. Special bulk is maximized to better take on threats such as Nasty Plot Raichu, Ditto, and Ninjask, who can either boost their Special Attack or hit it Super Effectively super effectively. However, a spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with a Calm or Careful nature is also viable to better take Psyshock from the likes of Gardevoir and Mega Audino. Sludge Bomb is generally Nihilego's best STAB move. Venom Slam is and option due to its high base power Base Power and ability to badly poison opponents that make contact, but the fact that it always goes last can be undesireable due to Nihilego's good Speed tier. Knock Off and Grass Knot can be run over Stealth Rock in order to make Nihilego less passive; Knock Off does lasting damage to almost any switch in, while Grass Knot 2HKOes Swampert and Rhydon. Foul Play is another option to hit Poipole, Metagross, and Druddigon on the switch.

Set: Unaware Wall
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Calm / Careful Nature
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Bomb / Venom Slam
- Stealth Rock / Knock Off / Grass Knot

Unaware allows Nihilego to take on a huge number of boosting threats. This version prefers to invest heavily in physical Defense, (add comma) as it allows it to deal with some physical boosting threats like Toucannon or Tapu Bulu, or take Psyshock from Calm Mind Gardevoir. This set plays better on very bulky teams with partners such as Meganium and Forretress, who can take on Water-, Ground-, Psychic-, and Steel-type attacks aimed at Nihilego. Despite having a nasty 4x Ground weakness without Levitate, Unaware Nihilego can often bluff a Levitate set early on in a match.

Set: Offensive Spinner
Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Timid Nature
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Sludge Wave
- Grass Knot / Foul Play

This set takes full advantage of Nihilego's good Speed, outspeeding pokemon such as Flygon and Milotic and hitting them with Sludge Wave. Despite the offensive EV's, it still walls some of the same Pokemon like Flygon pokemon ( such as Flygon ) and provides a good check to special attackers. It also spins very reliably; its high speed Speed lets it spin before taking an attack if nothing else. These traits make this set a good fit on bulky offense teams. Depending on your choice of attacks, certain pokemon Pokemon will still wall you; Grass Knot covers Swampert and Rhydon, while Foul Play covers Metagross, Poipole, and Druddigon, who this set outspeeds.

Check and Counters:

Steel-types: Metagross and Genesect switch into most attacks and pose a big threat. Forretress and Celesteela can switch in and provide support against Nihilego.

Psychic-types: Poipole and Unown may have to be careful of Foul Play or Knock Off, but they both have insanely threatening Psychic STAB moves that forces Nihilego to switch.

Water-types: Mega Swampert ( Mega ) fears Grass Knot but otherwise sets up on Nihilego. Ninjask, Mega Sharpedo, Cloyster and Milotic can all 2HKO it with their common sets.

Gravity: Gravity exposes Nihilego's 4x weakness, and its main setter, Celesteela, completely walls Nihilego.

For future writings, I recommend you refer to this thread and this post while you write your analysis, as it pretty much covers how to grammatically refer to Pokemon terms like roles and grammar in general (and it saves me time lol).

 

[Brodaha]

OVERVIEW: With access to Substitute, Bulk Up, and Harvest, as well as an unresisted offensive typing, Trevenant makes it's name as a powerful physical set-up stallbreaker. Bulkier teams have a tough time killing Trevenant due to it's recovery options and powerful STAB combo. Trevenant can set up on Pokemon like Lanturn, defensive Nihilego, and Kricketune. However, it's Speed leaves much to be desired, often leaving it open to being worn down easily by status or super-effective moves before setting up a Substitute. Trevenant also heavily relies on setting up because of the low base power of it's STAB moves.

Bulk Up Stallbreaker
Trevenant @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 108 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Substitute
- Drain Punch
- Phantom Force / Shadow Claw

SET COMMENTS:
Substitute allows Trevenant opportunities to boost with Bulk Up, increasing it's decent base attack to powerful levels. Drain Punch acts as a spammable STAB move that also improves Trevenant's longevity and ability to continue using Substitute. Phantom Force is an interesting secondary STAB move that to avoid status, maintain a Substitute, or stall to get Harvest to activate, but Shadow Claw can also be used for more immediate damage. Paired with Harvest, Sitrus Berry provides a second source of recovery for Trevenant to stay safe behind it's Substitute. 108 Speed EVs outpace Celesteela to avoid getting Leech seeded.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
Cofagrigus: Mummy Cofagrigus can prevent Trevenant from gaining any health and break Substitute with Hex, and also take small amounts of damage if Trevenant hasn't set up a lot.

Toucannon: Toucannon is very threatening for Trevenant due to its ability to Burn with Beak Blast and also apply pressure to stop Trevenant from setting up.

Gardevoir: Gardevoir can switch into a resisted fighting hit and then outspeed Trevenant to KO with Pixilate Hyper Voice.

Status: Trevenant hates status, and chip damage from Toxic or Leech Seed can prevent it from staying in as long as it wants to. Burning also does chip, although less immediately threatening, and forces it to Bulk Up to regain it's Attack.

==================================

I'd like to reserve Druddigon. Also, should we post VR noms in this thread?

 

[earl]

Yes VR noms go in this thread

 

[Scoopapa]

I'll reserve Ditto next

 

[anaconja]

OVERVIEW:
Swampert is a force to be reckoned with, threatening balance and stall by boosting its physical attack and bulk while absorbing status and constantly healing every turn. Swampert-Mega is a powerful wallbreaker due to its Drizzle-boosted Liquidations and Earthquakes. Both also have the benefit of having a good defensive typing that allow them to switch in reliably on neutral throughout the match. However, their bulk is offset by their lack of reliable recovery and crippling 4x weakness to Grass, which is unfortunately a common STAB and coverage move.

Bulk Up Stallbreaker
Swampert @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Protect / Toxic

SET COMMENTS:
Bulk Up raises Swampert's Attack and Defense, allowing it to snowball weakened teams that cannot break it specially. Liquidation and Earthquake are Swampert's STABs, and Protect allows it to gain 12% free health. Toxic, on the other hand, can cripple Tapu Bulu and Meganium as they switch in. The EVs maximize Swampert's bulk and offensive presence, though a specially defensive set can be used to improve its mixed bulk.

Mega Wallbreaker
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock / Power-up Punch

SET COMMENTS:
Liquidation and Earthquake are its STABs, while Stone Edge hits Ninjask and other Flying-types for hard damage. Stealth Rock supports the team better, though Power-up Punch raises its Attack for a higher offensive presence. The given EVs let Swampert use its good offensive typing and Drizzle to its full potential.

Mega Physical Tank
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake / Rest
- Stealth Rock
- Roar / Rest

SET COMMENTS:
Liquidation hits decently hard in Drizzle, and Earthquake hits those that resist Water. Stealth Rock chips the opposing team for its teammates, and Roar shuffles them while checking setup. Rest can be included to increase Mega Swampert's longevity. The given bulk maximizes Mega Swampert's physical bulk to take on attackers such as Trevenant, Metagross, and Pangoro.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

*Grass-type STAB and coverage*: Attacks from the likes of Tapu Bulu, Cacturne, and Meganium, as well as coverage from Raichu, Vikavolt, and Xurkitree will most often OHKO Swampert. Grass-types, in particular, resist both of its STABs, and Swampert does not have effective coverage to beat them. Tapu Bulu fears boosted Earthquakes and Stone Edges, however.

*Powerful Special Wallbreakers:* Continuous attacks from wallbreakers such as Gardevoir, Cloyster, and Unown can wear down Swampert if not KO it outright. Cloyster has the benefit of having high natural bulk to take its attacks too.

*Bulky Setup Checks:* Physical tanks like Toucannon and Mew can take even boosted hits and phaze it out with either Roar or Whirlwind.

 

[Brodaha]

OVERVIEW:
Druddigon is a powerful offensive Stealth Rock setter that makes use of it's decent typing, good bulk, and great ability in Defiant to apply pressure and set hazards. Thanks to the combination of Defiant + a Dragon/Ghost typing, Druddigon can set rocks and easily keep them there by blocking Rapid Spin and severely punishing anyone who dares to Defog. Defiant paired with a great Attack stats allows Defiant to abuse stat drops such as Sticky Web, Defog, and stat-lowering abilities to it's own advantage. However, Druddigon's low speed lets it be revenge killed easily, especially if not running Shadow Sneak. Druddigon is held back by weaknesses to common offensive typings, as well as a lack of reliable recovery, allowing it to be worn down over time.

Offensive Rocker
Druddigon @ Leftovers / Dragonium Z
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Dragon Claw
- Stealth Rock
- Gunk Shot / Shadow Sneak

SET COMMENTS:
Shadow Claw and Dragon Claw are simply STAB attacks that hit hard off of Druddigon's high Attack and pressure opponents, allowing Druddigon to set Stealth Rock. Gunk Shot allows Druddigon to hit Audino and Mega Audino for high damage, preventing specially defensive sets from switching in. Shadow Sneak can also be used to make up for Druddigon's low uninvested speed, dealing good damage with boosted Attack but making Druddigon completely walled by Audino. Defiant means Druddigon can switch into a predicted Parting Shot from Pangoro or Meganium to boost it's Attack to incredible levels, or to stop Flygon from switching in due to Mythical Presence. 44 Speed EVs lets Druddigon outspeed unboosted Meganium. Dragonium Z is an alternative item that can nuke past targets that would survive a normal Dragon Claw.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
Milotic: Milotic is one of the only pokemon that can reliably remove hazards in front of Druddigon, and can easily beat Druddigon with STAB Moonblast. These factors make Milotic the hardest counter to Druddigon.

Toucannon: Toucannon's Beak Blast prevents Druddigon from doing any significant damage for fear of being burned, allowing Toucannon to set up using Swords Dance or pivot into something to better take care of Druddigon.

Audino(-mega): If Druddigon doesn't run Gunk Shot Audino is immune to both it's STABs and deal high damage with Moonblast or set up using Calm Mind.

Additionally, most wallbreakers carry STAB or coverage moves that can KO Druddigon, such as Raichu, Kommo-o, Cloyster, or Unown.

==================================

Could I reserve Flygon next?

 

[earl]

OVERVIEW:
Swampert is a force to be reckoned with, threatening balance and stall by boosting its physical attack and bulk while absorbing status and constantly healing every turn. Swampert-Mega is a powerful wallbreaker due to its Drizzle-boosted Liquidations and Earthquakes. Both also have the benefit of having a good defensive typing that allow them to switch in reliably on neutral throughout the match. However, their bulk is offset by their lack of reliable recovery and crippling 4x weakness to Grass, which is unfortunately a common STAB and coverage move.

Bulk Up Stallbreaker
Swampert @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Protect / Toxic

SET COMMENTS:
Bulk Up raises Swampert's Attack and Defense, allowing it to snowball weakened teams that cannot break it specially. Liquidation and Earthquake are Swampert's STABs, and Protect allows it to gain 12% free health. Toxic, on the other hand, can cripple Tapu Bulu and Meganium as they switch in. The EVs maximize Swampert's bulk and offensive presence, though a specially defensive set can be used to improve its mixed bulk.

Mega Wallbreaker
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock / Power-up Punch

SET COMMENTS:
Liquidation and Earthquake are its STABs, while Stone Edge hits Ninjask and other Flying-types for hard damage. Stealth Rock supports the team better, though Power-up Punch raises its Attack for a higher offensive presence. The given EVs let Swampert use its good offensive typing and Drizzle to its full potential.

Mega Physical Tank
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake / Rest
- Stealth Rock
- Roar / Rest

SET COMMENTS:
Liquidation hits decently hard in Drizzle, and Earthquake hits those that resist Water. Stealth Rock chips the opposing team for its teammates, and Roar shuffles them while checking setup. Rest can be included to increase Mega Swampert's longevity. The given bulk maximizes Mega Swampert's physical bulk to take on attackers such as Trevenant, Metagross, and Pangoro.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

*Grass-type STAB and coverage*: Attacks from the likes of Tapu Bulu, Cacturne, and Meganium, as well as coverage from Raichu, Vikavolt, and Xurkitree will most often OHKO Swampert. Grass-types, in particular, resist both of its STABs, and Swampert does not have effective coverage to beat them. Tapu Bulu fears boosted Earthquakes and Stone Edges, however.

*Powerful Special Wallbreakers:* Continuous attacks from wallbreakers such as Gardevoir, Cloyster, and Unown can wear down Swampert if not KO it outright. Cloyster has the benefit of having high natural bulk to take its attacks too.

*Bulky Setup Checks:* Physical tanks like Toucannon and Mew can take even boosted hits and phaze it out with either Roar or Whirlwind.

Just gonna QC this in thread for ease of reading:

• Reorder the sets so that Mega is before base, as mega is the better choice at the moment.
• For the Bulk Up set mention Stealth Rock as an option in the last slot, it's a fairly consistent setter.
• I don't personally see merit in the bulky variant of Mega Swampert, it's plenty bulky as is and 5 turns of rain isn't worth going full bulk, especially when Mega Swampert is arguably the best rain abuser we have.
• Rest of it looks good

OVERVIEW:
Druddigon is a powerful offensive Stealth Rock setter that makes use of it's decent typing, good bulk, and great ability in Defiant to apply pressure and set hazards. Thanks to the combination of Defiant + a Dragon/Ghost typing, Druddigon can set rocks and keep them there. Defiant paired with a great Attack stats allows Defiant to abuse stat drops such as Sticky Web, Defog, and stat-lowering abilities to it's own advantage. However, Druddigon is held back by weaknesses to common offensive typings such as Dark and Fairy, as well as a lack of reliable recovery, allowing it to be worn down easily.

Offensive Rocker
Druddigon @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Dragon Claw
- Stealth Rock
- Gunk Shot / Shadow Sneak

SET COMMENTS:
Shadow Claw and Dragon Claw are simply STAB attacks that hit hard off of Druddigon's high Attack and pressure opponents, allowing Druddigon to set Stealth Rock. Gunk Shot allows Druddigon to hit Audino and Mega Audino for high damage, preventing specially defensive sets from switching in. Shadow Sneak can also be used to make up for Druddigon's low uninvested speed, dealing good damage with boosted Attack but making Druddigon completely walled by Audino. Defiant means Druddigon can switch into a predicted Parting Shot from Pangoro or Meganium to boost it's Attack to incredible levels, or to stop Flygon from switching in due to Mythical Presence. Rocky Helmet is a secondary item option that is useful for stopping Forretress from completely forcing Druddigon out.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
Toucannon: Toucannon's Beak Blast prevents Druddigon from doing any significant damage for fear of being burned, allowing Toucannon to set up using Swords Dance or pivot into something to better take care of Druddigon.

Audino(-mega): If Druddigon doesn't run Gunk Shot Audino is immune to both it's STABs and deal high damage with Moonblast or set up using Calm Mind.

Forretress: Forretress can remove the Rocks Druddigon sets while taking minimal damage. However, Rocky Helmet sets are annoying for Forretress, forcing it to pivot out.

==================================

Could I reserve Flygon next?

• Druddigon's biggest weakness is its speed, mention that
• Make sure to emphasize in the overview just how incredible Drudd is at keeping hazards up
• I don't exactly understand how Rocky Helmet is a Forretress punisher, maybe explain it better or bring up other more applicable uses, such as punishing U-Turn stuff like Bulu
• Forretress doesn't beat Druddigon at all really- Drudd spinblocks, outspeeds, and deals more damage than Forre can back. I'd mention something more realistic like how most wallbreakers bar Bulu has supereffective STAB or coverage (examples like Cloyster, Kommo-O)
• Also mention Milotic as it is Drudd's hardest counter and one of the few mons that can reliably remove its hazards. Definitely put it at #1.

Also gonna write up METAGROSS

 

[earl]

OVERVIEW:
Metagross has cemented itself as a premier offensive force in the Clean Slate metagame with its impressive 125 base attack alongside a surprisingly solid STAB combination backed up by Fighting-type coverage and a poweful Iron-Fist boosted Bullet Punch, which circumvents its middling speed. These traits allow Metagross to OHKO or 2HKO anything in the metagame barring a select few counters given it predicts correctly. It also possesses useable physical bulk and a good defensive typing, allowing it to pivot into from Pokemon such Nihilego and physical Raichu. However, its reliance on Choice Band in order to dish out enough damage makes its performance heavily prediction reliant, and this issue is only amplified by the lack of a pivoting move. It also has lackluster special bulk, meaning it still takes heavy damage from Pokemon such as Flygon that it would otherwise switch in on.

Set: Choice Band
Metagross @ Choice Band
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- Hammer Arm
- Bullet Punch
- Zen Headbutt / Trick

SET COMMENTS:
Bullet Punch is both STAB and boosted by Iron Fist, giving it enough power to OHKO Raichu from full or offensive Flygon after hazards, allowing Metagross to exert pressure on offensive teams that would otherwise easily outspeed and KO it. Hammer Arm is vital coverage that deals heavy damage to Steel-type Pokemon such as Celesteela and Forretress. Zen Headbutt is a reliable secondary STAB for hitting targets resistant to Iron Head without the speed drop from Hammer Arm, and is generally a safe option to lock into as most Dark-types bar Cofagirgus fear Iron Head. Trick can also be ran in order to cripple common switch-ins like Cofagrigus or Toucannon.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
Toucannon: While Toucannon is at risk of being 2HKOed after Stealth Rock, it still menaces Metagross with a Beak Blast burn, which would heavily cripple Metagross for the rest of the match. If Stealth Rock are not on the field, Toucannon is a complete counter.

Cofagrigus: Cofagrigus takes little damage from Metagross and can either burn it, 2HKO it with Hex, or use Pain Split.

Swalot: Swalot can repeatedly eat hits from Metagross given its Sitrus Berry is intact and OHKO it back with Dark Pulse.

Faster Pokemon: Pokemon such as Kommo-o, Xurkitree, and Cloyster who don't fear Bullet Punch can easily come in on a misprediction and KO Metagross.

 

[earl]

VR UPDATE:
This list isn't comprehensive, it's just what I and others have been noticing lately.

NEW MONS:

Kommo-O to A+
Kommo-O has (unsurprisingly) proven itself to be a very viable addition to the metagame. It has a host of sets such as Stealth Rock pivot, SD+Rocks, Swords Dance breaker, Clangorous Soulblaze, and likely more as its explored more. Being an offensive electric check and possessing a fantastic speed tier doesn't hurt either. However, Kommo-O's defensive presence is very mediocre on the physical side and it lacks staying power, making it not quite on the level of Nihilego.

RISES:

Flygon to A
Flygon's wide kit makes it a great glue pivot for a range of teams and a rise in viability reflects that.

Raichu to A
Nothing much has changed for Raichu, it still exerts absurd amounts of pressure on most archetypes but is incredibly hard to get in safely. However, Ice Shard now has a new target in Kommo-O, which gives Raichu a little bit more utility.

Sigilyph to B+
Trick Room sucks, but Sigilyph doesn't. A simple set with Roost, Defog, Psychic, and Heat Wave with a LO exerts a lot of pressure while also being a decently sturdy defogger. A rise reflects its actually usability in this niche.

Cacturne to B+
Kommo-O and a defense buff made the Cactus much more useable. Under sandstorm it possesses a great Speed tier and great power. It also possesses a wide range of offensive options which makes it difficult to properly check immediately. However, it still kind of blows outside of Sand.

DROPS:

Forretress to A
The loss of Lunge makes Forretress not blanket check quite as much as it used to. It's still a phenomenal pivot but doesn't quite match up to the others in A+.

Ditto to A-
Ditto's extreme predictability alongside offensive power that just doesn't cut it any more means it struggles a little more.

Meganium to A-
The premeir physical wall loses to Kommo-O, which is unfortunate for a defensive grass type. This oftentimes makes Tapu Bulu the more appealing defensive Grass. However, it still does check a wide range of offensive threats, most notably the otherwise-unwallble SD Z Bulu.

Porygon-Z to C
Porygon is bad. Its offensive coverage and STAB are just super hard to work with and its Speed tier is poor without Malware.

 

[Jucherz]

Trapinch C ---> B+

In the clean slate tournament Trapinch has proved itself as a great (and viable) addition to offensive teams. It can trap annoying walls such as Forretress, Lanturn, Xurkitree and even some offensive threats (for example Poipole or Metagross). In this game from the finals of the tournament Trapinch performs excellently; it traps Xurkitree and gets 2 kills in total. Here it traps Forretress, the only form of hazard control on the opposing team, which allowed my own Forretress to set up Toxic Spikes for the rest of the game.

 

[Brodaha]

Trapinch Up
Although I don't have a specific rank in mind, i think Trapinch definitely deserves to rise from it's spot in C. It can effectively trap pokemon like Forretress, Poipole, and Xurkitree, and certain other pokemon when they are at low health. However, it still struggles against top metagame threats like Tapu Bulu, Druddigon, and Toucannon, and suffers from not being able to trap Nihilego.

Pangoro B+ -> A
Pangoro is probably the best scarfer in the metagame along with Genesect. Intimidate + U-turn allows it to be an effective offensive pivot, but Sap SIpper can also be used to check certain Tapu Bulu variants. It's good offensive typing lets it beat threats like Druddigon, Metagross, Raichu, and Sigilyph. I think Pangoro is in a really good place right now as a scarfer.

i might post more later if I think of any

 

[earl]

Trapinch to B+
Yeah this guy was definitely underrated, Jucherz explains it all. It can be a deadweight in a few matchups (typically vs heavy offense and ironically stall, as it doesn't trap most notable stall threats) so I can't really see it breaking into the A ranks. Cool mon tho

Forretress to A-
Even though it had high usage in the tour, I feel like Forre is just not that great. Can't spin vs Druddigon (or really do much at all to it) and is big Trapinch bait (seriously this guy is so easy to trap because ppl would rather go for Volt than a hard switch). It's still a decent defensive mon but it feels really exploitable.

Pangoro to A
This guy is probably tied with Genesect with being the best scarfer in the tier. It a pretty wild STAB combo seeing as it can just U-Turn on the few mons that do switch into it. Great speed, Intimidate so it doesn't fold to the physical things that do outspeed it, Pursuit for surefire Unown elimination, Knock Off is a dumb move. Every single time I faced it in the tourney it exerted so much pressure on my team. Due for a rise imo.

Kricketune to C
This guy blows, sorry. Speed is super awkward and full losing to Drudd and Nihilego is never a good time. Also hazard removal is pretty easy, so keeping webs up is all up to the Druddigon teammate, whose pretty easy to play around with a well built team. Did I mention he sucks? You would think something with Tail Glow+STAB Boomburst would be more threatening...

Mega Sharpedo to A-:
I can understand why one would disagree with raising the Shark (I'm not fully sure myself) but boy does this thing clean when it gets the chance. Hyper Offensive makes it all the more apparent, as with Trapinch/Webs/Spike support and aggressive sacking Sharpedo can cheese around his checks and counters and get in safely to start tearing holes. Oh, and don't even get me started on his matchup against Mega Swampert teams- MegaShark's Hydro in Rain is actually terrifying. He clean OHKOes Swampert with his own Rain! Still has his downsides though, because a MegaShark without proper support and/or a bad matchup can turn him into a liability. It definitely requires the team to be built around it, unfortunately. Still split on A- or B+, I'd like to hear some thoughts (whether on thread or discord)

That's all I have for now, I think. Maybe I'll put the VR update to a poll- Seeing as we do everything else here democratically.


Also, any Pokemon can be reserved for an analysis. I'm reserving Shark dude
Flygon is also back up for reservation

 

[earl]

OVERVIEW:
Sharpedo occupies the unique, if limited, niche of being the only user of Shift Gear in the Clean Slate metagame. It possesses a solid defensive typing and useful offensive abilities in Moxie or Water Veil but it ultimately held back by its weak STAB combo and very poor bulk limiting setup opportunities. Mega Sharpedo, however, transforms a situational set-up sweeper into a devastating special cleaner. With No-Guard boosted Hydro Pumps, Fire Blasts, and Thunders coming off of the metagame's highest Special Attack stat alongside a wonderful speed tier of 105 it's no wonder that Mega Sharpedo is the definitive cleaner of Clean Slate. Unfortunately Mega Sharpedo is very vulnerable to hazard damage and still has paper-thin bulk, and can be shut down completely by several Pokemon depending on the coverage Sharpedo runs.

Set: Sharknado
Sharpedo-Mega @ Sharpedonite
Ability: Water Veil
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty / Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Fire Blast
- Thunder
- Earthquake / Hidden Power [Ice]

SET COMMENTS:
Thunder hits Water-types such as Milotic which would otherwise be able to check Mega Sharpedo. Hasty Earthquake 2HKOes Lanturn, which would otherwise completely wall Sharpedo. Hidden Power Ice can alternatively ran to hit Dragon-types, and a Timid nature alongside no attack investment should be ran. This is the preferable option if Sharpedo's team can consistently deal with Lanturn, which is typically achieved by running Trapinch.

Set: Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!
Sharpedo @ Steelium Z
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shift Gear
- Waterfall
- Smart Strike
- Earthquake / Fire Fang

SET COMMENTS:
Shift Gear allows Sharpedo to outspeed the entire metagame while also boosting its Attack enough to become a threat. Waterfall is the preferred Water STAB of choice virtue of its 20% flinch chance, which can prove very useful to the fragile Sharpedo. Smart Strike, when powered up to Corkscrew Crash, will usually net a KO on most neutral targets at +1 and allow it to snowball with Moxie. Earthquake easily punches through Lanturn, which resists Sharpedo's STABs. Fire Fang can also be ran to deal heavy damage to Forretress. Regardless of the option chosen, Sharpedo still finds itself helpless against Water-types such as Cloyster and Swampert. Water Veil can be ran to bypass both Toucannon and Mew safely, but compromises Sharpedo's performance after the Z-move is used as its attack does not boost.


CHECKS AND COUNTERS:

*Lanturn*: If lacking Earthquake, both base and Mega Sharpedo cannot break Lanturn and are easily OHKOed in return by Volt Switch.

*Dragon-types*: Dragon-types such as Meganium, Druddigon, and Flygon can check Mega Sharpedo lacking Hidden Power Ice virtue of resisting Water-, Fire-, and Electric-type attacks and taking little from an unboosted Earthquake.

*Ninjask*: Ninjask's Water-Shuriken deals heavy damage to Mega Sharpedo, even having a chance to OHKO if boosted by Choice Specs. Base Sharpedo is easily dispatched by a Vacuum Wave.

*Faster Pokemon*: Mega Sharpedo can be revenge killed by most Choice Scarf users and Raichu. Ditto only 2HKOes, but that KO is easily achieved with some chip damage. Base Sharpedo, on the other hand, outspeeds the whole metagame.

*Water-Types*: Most Water-types check base Sharpedo to an extent. Both Cloyster and Poison Heal Swampert reliably handle base form while Mega Swampert takes heavy damage from Rain-boosted Waterfalls but still OHKOes back with ease.

 

[Scoopapa]

Overview:
Ditto has a solid niche as the tier's fastest Spikes and Toxic Spikes setter. Outspeeding every unboosted Pokemon in the tier, it can reliably get one or more layers of hazards up, often at the very start of the match. Its attacking coverage in combination with Protean gives it the ability to threaten some common hazard setters and removers such as Nihilego, Flygon, Mew, and Druddigon. However, Ditto's damage output and bulk are below average for an offensive pokemon, leaving it weak against most bulky attackers that it can't hit super effectively.

Set: Quick Powder
Ditto @ Quick Powder
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Spikes / Toxic Spikes
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Dazzling Gleam / Transform

SET COMMENTS:
Quick Powder doubles Ditto's Speed stat, making it faster than any other pokemon in Clean Slate without a Choice Scarf. Spikes or Toxic Spikes is the main point of the set, providing crucial momentum for offensive teams. Shadow Ball is Ditto's best attack, due to its high rate of Special Defense drops and the fact that it changes Ditto into a Ghost type, so it can potentially block Rapid Spin. Flash Cannon is an excellent coverage move, most notably pressuring Nihilego, a common spinner. Dazzling Gleam is a useful third attack for hitting the tier's many Dark types, as well as Kommo-O. Transform is a niche option that is mostly useful for taking recovery moves from Lanturn or Nihilego; Ditto's high HP stat lets it make decent use of the move.

CHECKS AND COUNTERS:
*Special Tanks*: Assault Vest Forretress, Swampert and its Mega Forme, and Xurkitree don't take much from Ditto's attacks, and they put pressure on Ditto and its teammates. Forretress can spin Ditto's hazards away, but it has to predict around Shadow Ball turning Ditto into a Ghost type. Kommo-o beats Ditto that don't run Dazzling Gleam.
*Special Walls*: Lanturn and Swalot can wall Ditto endlessly, although Lanturn can be taken advantage of by Transform variants. Bulky Milotic and Toucannon can tank its attacks and Defog away its hazards.
*Choice Scarfers*: Most Choice Scarf users can outspeed it, nullifying its primary advantage. Scarf Pangoro outspeeds Ditto and can take advantage of it being Ghost or Steel type, as well as knocking off its crucial item. Scarf Genesect can OHKO it if boosted by Electric Terrain.
*Any Healthy Pokemon*: Ditto can't OHKO any pokemon that are not weak to its attacks, nor does it tank hits very well, so most pokemon at full health can serve as a check if need be.