[OVERVIEW]
Clefable was a top-tier Pokemon when Generation 6 was coming to a close, and it seems hard to believe that it has only gotten better since then. With a Fairy typing leaving it weak to only Steel- and Poison-types, a wide movepool, good defenses, and Magic Guard, Clefable became a staple on almost every ORAS OU team. By virtue of its bulk, Clefable can take on many threats to the metagame such as Weavile, Gliscor, Slowbro, Mega Lopunny, and more. When using Calm Mind, Clefable becomes the most threatening Pokemon in this tier, able to sweep any team late-game with minimal support. However, Clefable does not just function as a standalone late-game cleaner; it is also a top-tier support Pokemon, being able to spread status with Thunder Wave, set Stealth Rock, and even remove items with Knock Off. However, due to Clefable’s top usage, there has been a surge in Mega Metagross, Leftovers Excadrill, specially defensive Gliscor, and more Pokemon to check it. Clefable is also rather susceptible to Thunder Wave and Knock Off from Pokemon it usually checks such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, Ferrothorn, and Tornadus-T. Despite teams always running countermeasures for Clefable, it continues to adapt and remain at the very top of the ORAS OU metagame.
[SET]
Name: Calm Mind
Move 1: Calm Mind
Move 2: Moonblast
Move 3: Flamethrower / Ice Beam / Thunder Wave
Move 4: Soft-Boiled
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Calm Mind boosts Clefable’s Special Attack and Special Defense, making it both immensely threatening to bulkier teams and incredibly hard to revenge kill. Moonblast is Clefable’s strongest STAB move and boasts a 30% chance to drop the opponent’s Special Attack, aiding in Calm Mind wars against opposing Clefable. Flamethrower is typically chosen as the coverage move of choice, preventing Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Excadrill, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Bisharp from switching in freely or setting up. Ice Beam is your next best alternative coverage option so Clefable is not walled by specially defensive Gliscor, and it provides additional support when facing off against opposing Clefable thanks to its 10% chance to freeze. Thunder Wave is useful for crippling opposing Clefable, Mega Metagross, and Tornadus-T, to name a few; however, it is very undesirable to be hard walled by Gliscor and Excadrill. Soft-Boiled is used to keep Clefable healthy throughout the match and allow it to continuously check opposing Pokemon.
There are a great number of acceptable options for Clefable’s last move. Bear in mind that if you are using a mono-attacking set, Moonblast is the most ideal attack of choice. Stealth Rock can be used with Calm Mind for role compression. Encore is an option to lock opposing Clefable, Gliscor, and Mega Slowbro into a boosting move. Knock Off removes Leftovers from Excadrill, Heatran, and other Clefable, aiding its late-game sweep. Thunderbolt in combination with Ice Beam allows Clefable to break through traditional counters such as specially defensive Talonflame, Heatran, and Gliscor. Psyshock is a niche option that allows you to beat other Clefable much more easily and helps with Pokemon such as Suicune and Roost Volcarona.
Set Details
=========
Maximum investment in HP and Defense in tandem with Leftovers allows Clefable to survive a myriad of threats to common OU teams. Attacks such as Choice Band Weavile’s Icicle Crash, boosted Gliscor’s Earthquake, Mega Lopunny’s Return, Choice Scarf Tyranitar’s Stone Edge, and Jolly Mega Medicham’s High Jump Kick into Zen Headbutt are not able to 2HKO Clefable. Magic Guard gives Clefable an immunity to status and entry hazards damage, making it incredibly hard to wear down. A more mixed defensive spread with a Calm nature is perfectly viable, providing a more reliable check to Tornadus-T, Choice Specs Keldeo, and Mega Alakazam. Keep in mind that Ice Beam should only be used on physically defensive EV spreads, as Gliscor’s boosted Earthquakes will 2HKO Clefable otherwise.
Usage Tips
=========
Clefable is an amazing early-game pivot, able to switch into relatively weak Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Tornadus-T with ease. By virtue of its Fairy typing, Clefable is able to stomach many strong attacks from common Pokémon such as Latios, Weavile, Medicham, and Lopunny. Clefable can even serve as a scout to Pokemon such as Crawdaunt and Keldeo; however, keep in mind that their attacks will deal a large chunk of damage; meaning that Clefable can only switch in once before having to use Soft-Boiled. Magic Guard also allows Clefable to function as a status absorber, taking Scald burns and Toxic that may annoy the team. Flamethrower should be used early-game to chip down the Steel-type that your opponent chooses to send out, while Thunder Wave should be used to inflict status on would-be checks such as Metagross and Heatran. When Clefable’s checks are either significantly weakened or removed, Calm Mind may be used to clean up the remainder of the opponent’s team.
Team Options
=========
Magnezone, particularly with a Choice Scarf, is a great partner, as Magnet Pull allows it to trap Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Mega Metagross, and Excadrill, the latter two only if weakened. Gliscor is also a fantastic partner, able to beat almost all of Clefable’s checks and appreciates Clefable being able to switch into Water- and Ice-type attacks. Fire types such as Mega Charizard Y, Heatran, Talonflame, and Volcarona are among the best switch-ins to Clefable. Pokemon such as Garchomp, Tyranitar, and Heatran can check these Pokemon thanks to their resistances and bulk while supporting Clefable by setting Stealth Rock. Latios can function as a temporary check to the threatening Fire-types, but without recovery it will be able to switch in a limited number of times, and it will need a Choice Scarf to outspeed a boosted Volcarona. Rotom-W acts as a pivot on more offensive teams, as it is able to spread status and can safely get Clefable onto the field. Spikes support from Ferrothorn and Skarmory helps wear down the opposing team. Bulky Water-types such as Mega Slowbro and Gastrodon can pivot into Steel- and Fire-types that threaten Clefable and can set up with Calm Mind and Curse, respectively, becoming additional wincons. Mega Scizor; forms a bulky setup core with Clefable it’s able to switch into Steel-types such as Metagross and Excadrill, and it appreciates Clefable being able to switch into Rotom-W. Scizor is also able to remove Heatran's Leftovers for Clefable or outright KO it with Superpower.
[SET]
Name: Stealth Rock
Move 1: Stealth Rock
Move 2: Flamethrower / Moonblast
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Knock Off
Move 4: Soft-Boiled
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Bold
EVs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Stealth Rock is mandatory on every team, and Clefable is an excellent user, being able to set them up with ease. Flamethrower is typically used as the attacking move of choice to punish Steel- types like Ferrothorn, Excadrill, Bisharp, Magnezone, and Mega Metagross. Moonblast can be used instead, but keep in mind that you can no longer punish Excadrill attempting to use Rapid Spin, so you will need to have teammates that can punish it. Thunder Wave spreads paralysis, and provides good support for Clefable’s teammates crippling Pokemon such as opposing Clefable and Tornadus-T. Knock Off is a great utility option used to remove Leftovers from common defensive Pokemon, making them easier to wear down. Soft-Boiled allows Clefable to switch into Pokemon it checks and continuously set Stealth Rock. Toxic is an alternative status option that can be used to wear down Pokémon that Stealth Rock Clefable doesn't threaten, such as Mega Slowbro and Zapdos.
Set Details
=========
24 Special Defense EVs allow Clefable to always live Mega Charizard Y’s Fire Blast, letting Clefable potentially cripple it with paralysis. The remaining EVs let Clefable check opposing physical attackers such as Mega Lopunny and Choice Band Weavile along with avoiding the 2HKO from Ferrothorn’s Gyro Ball.
Usage Tips
=========
Stealth Rock should be used early-game, as Clefable has relative ease in setting them up versus many teams. As the game progresses, Clefable should be used to switch into Pokemon such as Weavile, Rotom-W, and Tornadus-T. Spreading paralysis and wearing down Steel-types with Flamethrower is how Clefable earns you progress once Stealth Rock has been set.
Team Options
=========
Rocky Helmet users such as Tangrowth, Skarmory, and Garchomp are great partners to punish Excadrill and Mega Metagross. Jellicent is a shakier check to the previous Pokemon, but it has the added niche of preventing Starmie from using Rapid Spin and reliably switching into Keldeo and Slowbro. Latios makes a good pairing with Clefable on more offensive teams and appreciates Clefable’s ability to check Dragon-, Dark-, and Ice-types along with slowing down Tornadus and wearing down Steel-types with Flamethrower. On bulkier teams, Mega Latias can provide support through Thunder Wave and Calm Mind.
[SET]
Name: Life Orb
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Ice Beam
Move 3: Soft-Boiled
Move 4: Calm Mind / Flamethrower
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Modest
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 72 SpA / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Moonblast is Clefable’s strongest STAB move and is very difficult to switch into when boosted by a Life Orb. Ice Beam has useful coverage, being able to OHKO Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. Soft-Boiled allows Clefable to remain healthy to be able to continuously break through the opponent’s team. Calm Mind in combination with Life Orb makes Clefable an efficient stallbreaker and allows it to win Calm Mind wars. Flamethrower heavily damages Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, Bisharp, and other Steel-types that would switch into Clefable.
Set Details
=========
72 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature allow Clefable to OHKO specially defensive Gliscor. 12 Speed EVs allow Clefable to outspeed Tyranitar with no Speed investment, but more importantly to Speed creep other Clefable. Maximum HP investment alongside 172 Def EVs allows Clefable to better check Pokemon such as Garchomp and Gliscor.
Usage Tips
=========
The lack of Leftovers and Defense investment on this set means that you won’t get as much use out of using Clefable as a counter to many of the Pokemon it normally beats; Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Weavile are able to 2HKO Clefable with their STAB moves. Instead, this set should be used as a mid-game wallbreaker and late-game cleaner. Throwing out Moonblast once Stealth Rock has been set is your best option at breaking, as few Pokemon can continuously switch in. When facing a boosted Gliscor, use Ice Beam to OHKO it and fire off Flamethrower on predicted Steel-type switch-ins. Calm Mind can be used late-game or if your opponent has a Calm Mind Clefable. With Life Orb, Clefable will almost always beat opposing Clefable in a Calm Mind war.
Team Options
=========
Pivots such as Tornadus-T and Rotom-W can bring Clefable in safely. Gastrodon, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn can all help check Mega Metagross with the added bonus of checking Weavile, which this set cannot do. Thunder Wave users such as Ferrothorn, Mega Latias, and Rotom-W aid Clefable in Calm Mind wars versus opposing Clefable. Psychic-types like Latios and Mega Alakazam appreciate Clefable weakening Steel-types with Flamethrower. Steel-types like Bisharp and Excadrill benefit from Gliscor being knocked out by Ice Beam.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Unaware is another option that could be used on stall teams, but it is completely outclassed by Magic Guard and used better by Quagsire. Healing Wish can be used with Calm Mind or Stealth Rock, bringing back a teammate at low health after Clefable has done its job. Trick with a Choice Scarf can be used to cripple opposing setup sweepers such as Gliscor, Suicune, and Clefable, but bear in mind that Clefable fails to outspeed many Pokemon without heavy investment in Speed. Toxic can cripple Slowbro but is generally less useful than Thunder Wave. Stored Power alongside Calm Mind can be used to blow through Pokemon such as Quagsire and Chansey.
Checks and Counters
=========
**Steel-types**: Mega Metagross is the best offensive counter to Clefable, being able to OHKO it with Meteor Mash while not minding any of its moves barring a Life Orb-boosted Flamethrower or Thunder Wave. Excadrill with Leftovers walls most Clefable sets and can continuously switch in and force it out. Magnezone is able to check Clefable with Flash Cannon and fish for critical hits or Special Defense drops. Heatran can shut down Clefable with Taunt, preventing it from using Soft-Boiled, Thunder Wave, and Calm Mind. Mega Scizor comes in on any set that lacks Flamethrower and uses Clefable as setup fodder.
**Strong Attackers**: Mega Charizard Y can force Clefable out with Flamethrower and isn’t threatened by anything barring Thunderbolt and Thunder Wave. Choice Specs Keldeo heavily damages Clefable and even 2HKOes non-specially defensive Clefable after a Calm Mind with Hydro Pump. Choice Specs Latios’s Psychic can 2HKO Clefable and cripple it with Trick.
**Bulky Setup Pokemon**: Calm Mind Mega Slowbro can set up alongside Clefable and OHKO it with a boosted Psyshock. Swords Dance Gliscor beats any Clefable set without Ice Beam. Suicune with Substitute can PP stall Clefable or phaze it with Roar.
**Fire- and Poison-types**: Talonflame and Mega Charizard Y can switch into Clefable with relative ease, only being threatened by Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt. Amoonguss can put Clefable to sleep and remove its boosts with Clear Smog. Venusaur can use Knock Off to remove Clefable’s Leftovers or Life Orb and proceed to heavily damage it with Sludge Bomb. Heatran takes little from Clefable’s attacks and can cripple it with Taunt to force it to attack and waste its PP. Volcarona can set up alongside Clefable lacking Thunder Wave and out damage it with Fire Blast.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[jonfilch, 472436]]
- Quality checked by: [[vulpix03, 306299], [Splash, 437289]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594 ], [[Estronic, 240732 ]
Clefable was a top-tier Pokemon when Generation 6 was coming to a close, and it seems hard to believe that it has only gotten better since then. With a Fairy typing leaving it weak to only Steel- and Poison-types, a wide movepool, good defenses, and Magic Guard, Clefable became a staple on almost every ORAS OU team. By virtue of its bulk, Clefable can take on many threats to the metagame such as Weavile, Gliscor, Slowbro, Mega Lopunny, and more. When using Calm Mind, Clefable becomes the most threatening Pokemon in this tier, able to sweep any team late-game with minimal support. However, Clefable does not just function as a standalone late-game cleaner; it is also a top-tier support Pokemon, being able to spread status with Thunder Wave, set Stealth Rock, and even remove items with Knock Off. However, due to Clefable’s top usage, there has been a surge in Mega Metagross, Leftovers Excadrill, specially defensive Gliscor, and more Pokemon to check it. Clefable is also rather susceptible to Thunder Wave and Knock Off from Pokemon it usually checks such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, Ferrothorn, and Tornadus-T. Despite teams always running countermeasures for Clefable, it continues to adapt and remain at the very top of the ORAS OU metagame.
[SET]
Name: Calm Mind
Move 1: Calm Mind
Move 2: Moonblast
Move 3: Flamethrower / Ice Beam / Thunder Wave
Move 4: Soft-Boiled
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Calm Mind boosts Clefable’s Special Attack and Special Defense, making it both immensely threatening to bulkier teams and incredibly hard to revenge kill. Moonblast is Clefable’s strongest STAB move and boasts a 30% chance to drop the opponent’s Special Attack, aiding in Calm Mind wars against opposing Clefable. Flamethrower is typically chosen as the coverage move of choice, preventing Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Excadrill, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Bisharp from switching in freely or setting up. Ice Beam is your next best alternative coverage option so Clefable is not walled by specially defensive Gliscor, and it provides additional support when facing off against opposing Clefable thanks to its 10% chance to freeze. Thunder Wave is useful for crippling opposing Clefable, Mega Metagross, and Tornadus-T, to name a few; however, it is very undesirable to be hard walled by Gliscor and Excadrill. Soft-Boiled is used to keep Clefable healthy throughout the match and allow it to continuously check opposing Pokemon.
There are a great number of acceptable options for Clefable’s last move. Bear in mind that if you are using a mono-attacking set, Moonblast is the most ideal attack of choice. Stealth Rock can be used with Calm Mind for role compression. Encore is an option to lock opposing Clefable, Gliscor, and Mega Slowbro into a boosting move. Knock Off removes Leftovers from Excadrill, Heatran, and other Clefable, aiding its late-game sweep. Thunderbolt in combination with Ice Beam allows Clefable to break through traditional counters such as specially defensive Talonflame, Heatran, and Gliscor. Psyshock is a niche option that allows you to beat other Clefable much more easily and helps with Pokemon such as Suicune and Roost Volcarona.
Set Details
=========
Maximum investment in HP and Defense in tandem with Leftovers allows Clefable to survive a myriad of threats to common OU teams. Attacks such as Choice Band Weavile’s Icicle Crash, boosted Gliscor’s Earthquake, Mega Lopunny’s Return, Choice Scarf Tyranitar’s Stone Edge, and Jolly Mega Medicham’s High Jump Kick into Zen Headbutt are not able to 2HKO Clefable. Magic Guard gives Clefable an immunity to status and entry hazards damage, making it incredibly hard to wear down. A more mixed defensive spread with a Calm nature is perfectly viable, providing a more reliable check to Tornadus-T, Choice Specs Keldeo, and Mega Alakazam. Keep in mind that Ice Beam should only be used on physically defensive EV spreads, as Gliscor’s boosted Earthquakes will 2HKO Clefable otherwise.
Usage Tips
=========
Clefable is an amazing early-game pivot, able to switch into relatively weak Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Tornadus-T with ease. By virtue of its Fairy typing, Clefable is able to stomach many strong attacks from common Pokémon such as Latios, Weavile, Medicham, and Lopunny. Clefable can even serve as a scout to Pokemon such as Crawdaunt and Keldeo; however, keep in mind that their attacks will deal a large chunk of damage; meaning that Clefable can only switch in once before having to use Soft-Boiled. Magic Guard also allows Clefable to function as a status absorber, taking Scald burns and Toxic that may annoy the team. Flamethrower should be used early-game to chip down the Steel-type that your opponent chooses to send out, while Thunder Wave should be used to inflict status on would-be checks such as Metagross and Heatran. When Clefable’s checks are either significantly weakened or removed, Calm Mind may be used to clean up the remainder of the opponent’s team.
Team Options
=========
Magnezone, particularly with a Choice Scarf, is a great partner, as Magnet Pull allows it to trap Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Mega Metagross, and Excadrill, the latter two only if weakened. Gliscor is also a fantastic partner, able to beat almost all of Clefable’s checks and appreciates Clefable being able to switch into Water- and Ice-type attacks. Fire types such as Mega Charizard Y, Heatran, Talonflame, and Volcarona are among the best switch-ins to Clefable. Pokemon such as Garchomp, Tyranitar, and Heatran can check these Pokemon thanks to their resistances and bulk while supporting Clefable by setting Stealth Rock. Latios can function as a temporary check to the threatening Fire-types, but without recovery it will be able to switch in a limited number of times, and it will need a Choice Scarf to outspeed a boosted Volcarona. Rotom-W acts as a pivot on more offensive teams, as it is able to spread status and can safely get Clefable onto the field. Spikes support from Ferrothorn and Skarmory helps wear down the opposing team. Bulky Water-types such as Mega Slowbro and Gastrodon can pivot into Steel- and Fire-types that threaten Clefable and can set up with Calm Mind and Curse, respectively, becoming additional wincons. Mega Scizor; forms a bulky setup core with Clefable it’s able to switch into Steel-types such as Metagross and Excadrill, and it appreciates Clefable being able to switch into Rotom-W. Scizor is also able to remove Heatran's Leftovers for Clefable or outright KO it with Superpower.
[SET]
Name: Stealth Rock
Move 1: Stealth Rock
Move 2: Flamethrower / Moonblast
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Knock Off
Move 4: Soft-Boiled
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Bold
EVs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Stealth Rock is mandatory on every team, and Clefable is an excellent user, being able to set them up with ease. Flamethrower is typically used as the attacking move of choice to punish Steel- types like Ferrothorn, Excadrill, Bisharp, Magnezone, and Mega Metagross. Moonblast can be used instead, but keep in mind that you can no longer punish Excadrill attempting to use Rapid Spin, so you will need to have teammates that can punish it. Thunder Wave spreads paralysis, and provides good support for Clefable’s teammates crippling Pokemon such as opposing Clefable and Tornadus-T. Knock Off is a great utility option used to remove Leftovers from common defensive Pokemon, making them easier to wear down. Soft-Boiled allows Clefable to switch into Pokemon it checks and continuously set Stealth Rock. Toxic is an alternative status option that can be used to wear down Pokémon that Stealth Rock Clefable doesn't threaten, such as Mega Slowbro and Zapdos.
Set Details
=========
24 Special Defense EVs allow Clefable to always live Mega Charizard Y’s Fire Blast, letting Clefable potentially cripple it with paralysis. The remaining EVs let Clefable check opposing physical attackers such as Mega Lopunny and Choice Band Weavile along with avoiding the 2HKO from Ferrothorn’s Gyro Ball.
Usage Tips
=========
Stealth Rock should be used early-game, as Clefable has relative ease in setting them up versus many teams. As the game progresses, Clefable should be used to switch into Pokemon such as Weavile, Rotom-W, and Tornadus-T. Spreading paralysis and wearing down Steel-types with Flamethrower is how Clefable earns you progress once Stealth Rock has been set.
Team Options
=========
Rocky Helmet users such as Tangrowth, Skarmory, and Garchomp are great partners to punish Excadrill and Mega Metagross. Jellicent is a shakier check to the previous Pokemon, but it has the added niche of preventing Starmie from using Rapid Spin and reliably switching into Keldeo and Slowbro. Latios makes a good pairing with Clefable on more offensive teams and appreciates Clefable’s ability to check Dragon-, Dark-, and Ice-types along with slowing down Tornadus and wearing down Steel-types with Flamethrower. On bulkier teams, Mega Latias can provide support through Thunder Wave and Calm Mind.
[SET]
Name: Life Orb
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Ice Beam
Move 3: Soft-Boiled
Move 4: Calm Mind / Flamethrower
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Modest
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 72 SpA / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Moonblast is Clefable’s strongest STAB move and is very difficult to switch into when boosted by a Life Orb. Ice Beam has useful coverage, being able to OHKO Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. Soft-Boiled allows Clefable to remain healthy to be able to continuously break through the opponent’s team. Calm Mind in combination with Life Orb makes Clefable an efficient stallbreaker and allows it to win Calm Mind wars. Flamethrower heavily damages Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, Bisharp, and other Steel-types that would switch into Clefable.
Set Details
=========
72 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature allow Clefable to OHKO specially defensive Gliscor. 12 Speed EVs allow Clefable to outspeed Tyranitar with no Speed investment, but more importantly to Speed creep other Clefable. Maximum HP investment alongside 172 Def EVs allows Clefable to better check Pokemon such as Garchomp and Gliscor.
Usage Tips
=========
The lack of Leftovers and Defense investment on this set means that you won’t get as much use out of using Clefable as a counter to many of the Pokemon it normally beats; Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Weavile are able to 2HKO Clefable with their STAB moves. Instead, this set should be used as a mid-game wallbreaker and late-game cleaner. Throwing out Moonblast once Stealth Rock has been set is your best option at breaking, as few Pokemon can continuously switch in. When facing a boosted Gliscor, use Ice Beam to OHKO it and fire off Flamethrower on predicted Steel-type switch-ins. Calm Mind can be used late-game or if your opponent has a Calm Mind Clefable. With Life Orb, Clefable will almost always beat opposing Clefable in a Calm Mind war.
Team Options
=========
Pivots such as Tornadus-T and Rotom-W can bring Clefable in safely. Gastrodon, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn can all help check Mega Metagross with the added bonus of checking Weavile, which this set cannot do. Thunder Wave users such as Ferrothorn, Mega Latias, and Rotom-W aid Clefable in Calm Mind wars versus opposing Clefable. Psychic-types like Latios and Mega Alakazam appreciate Clefable weakening Steel-types with Flamethrower. Steel-types like Bisharp and Excadrill benefit from Gliscor being knocked out by Ice Beam.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Unaware is another option that could be used on stall teams, but it is completely outclassed by Magic Guard and used better by Quagsire. Healing Wish can be used with Calm Mind or Stealth Rock, bringing back a teammate at low health after Clefable has done its job. Trick with a Choice Scarf can be used to cripple opposing setup sweepers such as Gliscor, Suicune, and Clefable, but bear in mind that Clefable fails to outspeed many Pokemon without heavy investment in Speed. Toxic can cripple Slowbro but is generally less useful than Thunder Wave. Stored Power alongside Calm Mind can be used to blow through Pokemon such as Quagsire and Chansey.
Checks and Counters
=========
**Steel-types**: Mega Metagross is the best offensive counter to Clefable, being able to OHKO it with Meteor Mash while not minding any of its moves barring a Life Orb-boosted Flamethrower or Thunder Wave. Excadrill with Leftovers walls most Clefable sets and can continuously switch in and force it out. Magnezone is able to check Clefable with Flash Cannon and fish for critical hits or Special Defense drops. Heatran can shut down Clefable with Taunt, preventing it from using Soft-Boiled, Thunder Wave, and Calm Mind. Mega Scizor comes in on any set that lacks Flamethrower and uses Clefable as setup fodder.
**Strong Attackers**: Mega Charizard Y can force Clefable out with Flamethrower and isn’t threatened by anything barring Thunderbolt and Thunder Wave. Choice Specs Keldeo heavily damages Clefable and even 2HKOes non-specially defensive Clefable after a Calm Mind with Hydro Pump. Choice Specs Latios’s Psychic can 2HKO Clefable and cripple it with Trick.
**Bulky Setup Pokemon**: Calm Mind Mega Slowbro can set up alongside Clefable and OHKO it with a boosted Psyshock. Swords Dance Gliscor beats any Clefable set without Ice Beam. Suicune with Substitute can PP stall Clefable or phaze it with Roar.
**Fire- and Poison-types**: Talonflame and Mega Charizard Y can switch into Clefable with relative ease, only being threatened by Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt. Amoonguss can put Clefable to sleep and remove its boosts with Clear Smog. Venusaur can use Knock Off to remove Clefable’s Leftovers or Life Orb and proceed to heavily damage it with Sludge Bomb. Heatran takes little from Clefable’s attacks and can cripple it with Taunt to force it to attack and waste its PP. Volcarona can set up alongside Clefable lacking Thunder Wave and out damage it with Fire Blast.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[jonfilch, 472436]]
- Quality checked by: [[vulpix03, 306299], [Splash, 437289]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594 ], [[Estronic, 240732 ]
Last edited: