OU Clefable [QC 2/2] [GP 2/2]

[DKM]

[OVERVIEW]

Clefable's typing, decent bulk, and access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard as well as reliable recovery make it a great Pokemon. A wide movepool gives Clefable a bunch of options with utility moves such as Stealth Rock as well as fantastic coverage moves like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit Pokemon that would otherwise switch in safely such as Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Furthermore, access to Knock Off makes Clefable much harder to punish, as its checks are severely hindered by having their item removed. Thanks to this, Clefable can fit on a bunch of bulky offense and balance teams as a defensive entry hazard setter or a Calm Mind user. Despite all the features that make Clefable a great Pokemon, its somewhat disappointing natural bulk often means it can get overwhelmed by offensive Pokemon it might be used to check like Garchomp and Landorus-T after they use Swords Dance. Clefable's mediocre defensive stats can be especially problematic in longer games because it's often used as a switch-in to a lot of Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Stealth Rock / Wish
move 4: Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Clefable is a great Stealth Rock setter, as it can very easily take advantage of passive Pokemon such as Toxapex, Blissey, and Slowbro. Alternatively, Wish is a very useful move that can be used if Clefable's team already has a Stealth Rock user. It supports teammates such as Heatran, Magearna, and Ferrothorn by keeping them healthy throughout the game. Knock Off cripples any switch-in by removing its item, especially Heavy-Duty Boots from Cinderace and Leftovers from Heatran or Ferrothorn, which limits their usefulness over the course of the game. While Leftovers provides passive recovery to keep Clefable healthy and allow it to switch into attacks better, Rocky Helmet is an alternative to punish physical attacks such as U-turn from Landorus-T, Dragapult, and Mandibuzz that usually want to pivot out against Clefable.

Offensive Pokemon like Cinderace, Heatran, and Rillaboom can often overwhelm Clefable, so checks to them are good teammates. Toxapex can take on Cinderace, and Slowbro and Slowking are also decent Cinderace checks that can switch into Heatran if they are healthy. Both Corviknight and defensive Landorus-T can take on Rillaboom and other physical attackers like Garchomp and opposing Landorus-T that might overwhelm Clefable. Steel-types like Melmetal, Excadrill, and Magearna can take advantage of this Clefable set, so switch-ins to them make good teammates; Ferrothorn can switch into Melmetal and Magearna while also using Spikes to form an entry hazard stacking duo with Clefable, and Slowbro can take on both Melmetal and Excadrill but has to be wary of Toxic. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can pressure the aforementioned Steel-types as well as Poison-types such as Toxapex, Galarian Slowking, and Nidoking that might switch into Clefable. Furthermore, both of these Pokemon are decent checks to Cinderace. Specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Assault Vest Galarian Slowking can form a good defensive core with Clefable by taking on powerful special attackers such as Heatran, Tapu Koko, and Shift Gear Magearna that Clefable often struggles with.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Thunderbolt / Flamethrower
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to break through bulkier Pokemon or prepare for a sweep. Flamethrower hits Steel-types like Magearna, Ferrothorn, Melmetal, and Excadrill, while Thunderbolt lets Clefable hit Toxapex, Corviknight and Moltres super effectively and is its best attack to wear down Heatran and Cinderace. Knock Off can be run instead of a coverage move to remove Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots from certain Pokemon, limiting their longevity and allowing Clefable to find easier wallbreaking and sweeping opportunities. Thunder is a less accurate alternative to Thunderbolt that hits the aforementioned Electric-weak Pokemon much harder while also having a higher chance to paralyze Heatran and Cinderace as they switch in. Life Orb gives Clefable a boost that makes it much harder to switch into, allowing it to 2HKO offensive Melmetal with Flamethrower and making it much easier to beat Toxapex one-on-one with Thunderbolt. Magic Guard keeps Clefable from taking Life Orb recoil, allowing it to sweep more easily and throw off attacks without taking extra damage. It also prevents Clefable from taking entry hazard and Toxic damage, allowing it to stay healthy when switching in and find more opportunities to set up.

Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro, and Slowking can switch into Cinderace, while the latter two can also take on Heatran for Clefable if they're healthy. Additionally, Toxapex can spread poison with Toxic or Toxic Spikes, making it easier for Clefable to sweep. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards, which is really useful for wearing down Clefable's switch-ins, as well as covering Melmetal, while Corviknight can take on Excadrill. Since Clefable can weaken or KO bulky Steel-types with Flamethrower, Pokemon that take advantage of this like Excadrill, Melmetal, and Rillaboom are good teammates. Rillaboom can also pivot with U-turn to bring Clefable in safely against Pokemon such as Mandibuzz and Corviknight. Garchomp is an excellent teammate that appreciates Clefable KOing Corviknight. It also takes on Heatran and can set up Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team. If you're running Thunderbolt, Cinderace is a decent teammate that appreciates Clefable's ability to weaken or KO Toxapex. Cinderace can also use U-turn to bring Clefable in against Toxapex and Slowbro or use High Jump Kick to remove Heatran.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

A Wish + Teleport set can be used to support Clefable's teammates. However, Clefable isn't the most effective Wish passer, as it lets in Pokemon such as Magearna, Melmetal, and Nidoking that prevent it from using Teleport safely. A specially defensive set can be used to let Clefable take on the likes of Hydreigon and Dragapult better, but this set can't take on physical attackers like Garchomp and Landorus-T as effectively and is inferior in most cases. Unaware can be used so that Clefable can take on setup sweepers like Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T. However, without Magic Guard, Clefable is a lot more susceptible to being worn down by entry hazards or status effects and requires strong entry hazard removal. A set with Choice Scarf and Trick can be used to cripple Pokemon like Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Blissey, making it easier for Clefable's teammates to take them on. However, this set has limited utility, as Trick is often useless after being used once, and Clefable only has one other moveslot to choose between Stealth Rock, Calm Mind, and a coverage move. Similarly, a set with Sticky Barb and Trick can be used to wear down Pokemon that switch into Clefable, but it also has limited utility for the same reason. Thunder Wave can be used to spread paralysis and is especially useful for crippling Pokemon like Heatran and Cinderace. Aromatherapy can be used to heal status conditions, which is appreciated especially by teammates such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Rillaboom.

Checks and Counters
====

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Magearna, Melmetal, and Excadrill can switch in and force out Clefable. Ferrothorn and Corviknight can switch in multiple times and pressure Clefable if they have a super effective move or set up entry hazards in the case of Ferrothorn. However, they all dislike being hit by Knock Off and need to be wary of Flamethrower or, in the case of Corviknight, Thunderbolt.

**Fire-types**: Heatran is one of the best counters to Clefable, taking very little from its attacks and hitting back very hard. Other Fire-types like Cinderace, Victini, Volcarona, and Moltres can also switch into Clefable. However, getting their Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off will limit their longevity if entry hazards are up. Moltres also needs to be wary of Thunderbolt.

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Toxapex, Galarian Slowking, and Nidoking can all switch into Moonblast; the latter two can threaten Clefable with super effective attacks. However, Nidoking gets a lot weaker if it loses its Life Orb to Knock Off, and Toxapex can lose to the combination of Calm Mind and Thunderbolt. Assault Vest Galarian Slowking can also lose to Calm Mind sets.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Despite its decent bulk, Clefable can get overwhelmed by strong wallbreakers like Rillaboom, Swords Dance Garchomp, and Landorus-T.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[Jordy, 395754], [ausma, 360720]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[Zneon]

am qc check, implement what you want, hopefully this helps , comments in green

View attachment 307029
[Overview]

• Clefable's decent bulk and typing aswell as access to reliable recovery makes it a great defensive Pokemon in the tier.
• Clefable has access to a very useful ability in Magic Guard which prevents it from being chipped down by hazards and status. i feel you need to stress the importance of Magic Guard here, the fact that it's immune to passive damage amplifies its already decent bulk and that is a huge boon for Clefable.
• Thanks to this, Clefable can fit on a bunch of Bulky Offense and Balance teams as a defensive hazard setter or a Calm Mind sweeper.
• A great movepool gives Clefable a bunch of options with utility moves such as Stealth Rock and Knock Off aswell as fantastic coverage moves like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit Pokemon that would otherwise switch in safely. such as?
• Clefable's defensive prowess makes it a great Stealth Rock setter while also allowing it to check threats such as Garchomp and Hawlucha. Despite its bulk, Clefable can often be overwhelmed by offensive Pokemon it might be used to check like Garchomp or Landorus-T after they use Swords Dance. this implies that Clefable's bulk is impressive, Clefable's bulk is just decent really and not anything major for a defensive Pokemon, that is how it finds itself overwhelmed by the Pokemon you mentioned.
• Access to Calm Mind alongside good coverage moves allows Clefable to act as a good set up sweeper. this feels out of place in the overview, you should move this to where you talk about Calm Mind Clef in set comments.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

• Stealth Rock is used to wear down the opposing team. Clefable is a great user of this move, especially against more passive Pokemon that might rely on hazards or status moves. stealth rock is a pretty self explanatory move so I don't think it warrants an explanation.
• Knock Off is useful for removing items especially Heavy-Duty Boots from Cinderace and Tornadus-T aswell as Leftovers from Heatran and Ferrothorn limiting their usefulness over the course of the game.
• While Leftovers provides passive recovery, Rocky Helmet is an alternative to punish physical attacks such as U-turn from Landorus-T or Dragapult.
• Magic Guard allows Clefable to switch in on hazards without taking damage as well as absorb burn and poison, making it hard to wear down. you talked about Magic Guard in the overview already so this does not need to be explained here.

• Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro and Slowking make good teammates as they can take on Fire-types like Cinderace and Heatran that Clefable struggles with. Slowbro can also take on Excadrill. this part is good, I'd just get rid of the last bit, Excadrill is no Fire-type, which is what you mention specifically.
• Steel-types like Melmetal and Excadrill can take advantage of this Clefable set, so switch-ins to them make good teammates. Corviknight can switch into both of these Pokemon; Ferrothorn can switch into Melmetal and also use Spikes to form a hazard stacking duo with Clefable.
• Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can pressure the aforementioned Steel-types as well as Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking that might switch into Clefable. Garchomp can also switch into Heatran if it's healthy. i feel you should move the first bit about those Ground-types pressuring Steel-type to the point above, and mention them again when you talk about Poison-types.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Flamethrower / Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

• Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to break through bulkier Pokemon or prepare for a sweep.
• Flamethrower hits Steel-types like Magearna, Ferrothorn, Melmetal and Excadrill.
• Thunderbolt lets Clefable hit Toxapex, Corviknight and Moltres super effectively and is its best option against Heatran.
• Knock Off is a decent option that can be run instead of a coverage move. Removing Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots from certain Pokemon can limit their longevity and give Clefable a better chance to sweep.
• Leftovers gives Clefable passive recovery and makes it easier to set up Calm Minds. i don't think a description about Leftovers is necessary here, I'd just talk about Life Orb as an alternative when talking about items.
• Alternatively, Life Orb gives Clefable a boost that makes it much harder to switch into. Life Orb allows Clefable to 2HKO offensive Melmetal with Flamethrower and makes it much easier to beat Toxapex 1v1 with Thunderbolt.
• Magic Guard keeps Clefable from being chipped down by hazards and status. It also prevents Life Orb recoil, allowing Clefable to sweep more easily or throw off attacks without taking extra damage. again, since you talked about it in the overview this doesn't need an explanation, if you want to mention it though you can add it to the Life Orb point about preventing Life Orb recoil, since that's really important

• Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro and Slowking can switch into Fire-types like Cinderace and Heatran that can take on Clefable. Toxapex can also spread status with Toxic or Toxic Spikes, making it easier for Clefable to sweep.
• Pokemon that can switch into Excadrill and Melmetal like Corviknight and Ferrothorn respectively are decent teammates. Ferrothorn can also set up hazards to wear down Clefable's switch-ins.
• Since Clefable can weaken or take out bulky Steel-types with Flamethrower, Pokemon that take advantage of this like your own Excadrill, Melmetal or Rillaboom are good teammates.
• Garchomp is an excellent teammate that appreciates Clefable taking out Corviknight. It also takes on Heatran for Clefable and can set up Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team.
• If running Thunderbolt, Cinderace is a decent teammate that appreciates Clefable's ability to weaken or remove Toxapex.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

• A set with Wish and Teleport can be used to support Clefable's teammates. However Clefable isn't the most affective Wish passer and the set is very passive
• A Specially Defensive set can be used to let Clefable take on the likes of Hydreigon and Dragapult better. you should talk about why Specially Defensive Clefable is generally inferior to the Physically Defensive variant
• Unaware can be used so that Clefable can take on setup sweepers like Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T, but without Magic Guard Clefable is a lot more susceptible to being worn down by hazards and status.
• A set with Choice Scarf and Trick can be used to cripple a Pokemon on the opposing team, but this set has limited utility.

Checks and Counters
====

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Magearna, Melmetal and Excadrill can switch in and force out Clefable. Ferrothorn and Corviknight can switch in multiple times and pressure Clefable if they have a Super Effective move. They all need to be wary of Flamethrower however, or Thunderbolt in the case of Corviknight.

**Fire-Types**: Heatran is one of the best counters to Clefable, taking very little from its attacks and hitting back very hard. Other Fire-types like Victini, Volcarona and Moltres can also switch into Clefable. However, getting their Heavy-Duty Boots knocked off will limit their longevity if hazards are up. Moltres also needs to be weary of Thunderbolt.

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking can all switch into Moonblast and the latter two can threaten Clefable with Super Effective attacks. However, Nidoking gets a lot weaker if it's Life Orb is knocked off and Toxapex can lose to Calm Mind + Thunderbolt.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Despite it's decent bulk, Clefable can get overwhelmed by strong wallbreakers like Spectrier, Rillaboom, Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[DKM]

am qc check, implement what you want, hopefully this helps , comments in green

Implemented a few of these, gonna wait and see what else QC wants me to do.

 

[Jordy]

comments in purple, things to add in green, things to remove in red

View attachment 307029
[Overview]

• Clefable's decent bulk and typing aswell as access to reliable recovery makes it a great defensive Pokemon in the tier.
• Clefable has access to a very useful ability in Magic Guard which prevents it from being chipped down by hazards and status. I don't think this really needs to get its own sentence. I'd much rather this get mentioned in the first sentence. It's the combination of good typing, decent bulk, incredible ability, and incredible movepool that makes Clefable so good after all.
• Thanks to this, Clefable can fit on a bunch of Bulky Offense and Balance teams as a defensive hazard setter or a Calm Mind sweeper. This reads more like a concluding sentence than anything else. Why it's placed here is a little confusing. Move it further down.
• A great movepool gives Clefable a bunch of options with utility moves such as Stealth Rock and Knock Off aswell as fantastic coverage moves like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit Pokemon that would otherwise switch in safely like Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Knock Off is a really big part of why Clefable is so annoying to punish. All its counterplay despises getting knocked off. I want to see that highlighted.
• Clefable's defensive prowess makes it a great Stealth Rock setter while also allowing it to check threats such as Garchomp and Hawlucha. Despite its bulk, Clefable can often be overwhelmed by offensive Pokemon it might be used to check like Garchomp or Landorus-T after they use Swords Dance. Doesn't this point effectively prove that Clefable really isn't as bulky as one may think? Saying "despite its bulk" seems pretty misleading because it implies that Clefable gets overwhelmed by these Pokemon because it's too passive or whatever. I think it's better to specifically highlight that its bulk is a little disappointing.
• Access to Calm Mind alongside good coverage moves allows Clefable to act as a good set up sweeper. This has basically already been said.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

• Stealth Rock is used to wear down the opposing team. We know what Stealth Rock does. Clefable is a great user of this move (specify Stealth Rock), especially against more passive Pokemon that might rely on hazards or status moves. I don't like how the second part of this sentence is phrased. Putting it like: "Clefable is a great Stealth Rock user, as it can very easily take advantage of passive Pokemon such as X, Y, and Z" brings the message over much better.
• Knock Off is useful for removing items especially Heavy-Duty Boots from Cinderace and Tornadus-T aswell as Leftovers from Heatran and Ferrothorn limiting their usefulness over the course of the game. Generalizing the usefulness of Knock Off is probably better. It's so good because it majorly cripples just about everything that wants to switch into Clefable. By specifying Cinderace, Tornadus-T, Heatran, and Ferrothorn, you narrow this picture down too much for the read in my opinion.
• While Leftovers provides passive recovery, Rocky Helmet is an alternative to punish physical attacks such as U-turn from Landorus-T or Dragapult.

Wish is a move that deserves to be mentioned. Easily keeping common teammates like Heatran, Magearna, Ferrothorn, etc. healthy is really good on certain teams.

• Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro and Slowking make good teammates as they can take on Fire-types like Cinderace and Heatran that Clefable struggles with. It's important to mention that Toxapex also checks Magearna quite well, and Toxapex and Slowbro are also good Melmetal checks. Perhaps it's worth acknowledging that Slowking is a very mediocre Cinderace check too.
• Steel-types like Melmetal and Excadrill can take advantage of this Clefable set, so switch-ins to them make good teammates. Corviknight can switch into both of these Pokemon; Ferrothorn can switch into Melmetal and also use Spikes to form a hazard stacking duo with Clefable.
• Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can pressure the aforementioned Steel-types as well as Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking that might switch into Clefable. Garchomp can also switch into Heatran if it's healthy. They're pretty good Cinderace checks.

For sure add Ghost-resistant Pokemon as teammates. Choice Specs Dragapult is incredibly dangerous right now and Clefable alone is not good enough to take it on. You could talk about Pokemon that appreciate having the items removed from Steel- and Fire-types. Magearna, Tapu Lele, and Latios come to mind as Pokemon that benefit from this the most.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Flamethrower / Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

I think that Thunderbolt should for sure be slashed in front of Flamethrower. It works out much better in this metagame in my experience. Life Orb should be slashed in front of Leftovers too. Leftovers are not as important in a metagame without Urshifu-S and it's just too generally weak without. I'll leave whether it should be slashed at all to you.

[SET COMMENTS]

• Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to break through bulkier Pokemon or prepare for a sweep.
• Flamethrower hits Steel-types like Magearna, Ferrothorn, Melmetal and Excadrill.
• Thunderbolt lets Clefable hit Toxapex, Corviknight and Moltres super effectively and is its best option against Heatran. The fact it can wear down frailer checks like Cinderace is also really good.
• Knock Off is a decent option that can be run instead of a coverage move. Removing Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots from certain Pokemon can limit their longevity and give Clefable a better chance to sweep.
• Life Orb is an alternative to Leftovers and gives Clefable a boost that makes it much harder to switch into. Life Orb allows Clefable to 2HKO offensive Melmetal with Flamethrower and makes it much easier to beat Toxapex 1v1 with Thunderbolt.
• Magic Guard keeps Clefable from taking Life Orb recoil, allowing it to sweep more easily or throw off attacks without taking extra damage.

Thunder should be mentioned as an alternative option to Thunderbolt for sure. Having the opportunity to reliably fish for paralysis as Pokemon like Heatran switch into play is pretty good. The higher BP makes a difference against Toxapex too.

• Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro and Slowking can switch into Fire-types like Cinderace and Heatran that can take on Clefable. Toxapex can also spread status with Toxic or Toxic Spikes, making it easier for Clefable to sweep.
• Pokemon that can switch into Excadrill and Melmetal like Corviknight and Ferrothorn respectively are decent teammates. Ferrothorn can also set up hazards to wear down Clefable's switch-ins.
• Since Clefable can weaken or take out bulky Steel-types with Flamethrower, Pokemon that take advantage of this like your own Excadrill, Melmetal or Rillaboom are good teammates.
• Garchomp is an excellent teammate that appreciates Clefable taking out Corviknight. It also takes on Heatran for Clefable and can set up Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team.
• If running Thunderbolt, Cinderace is a decent teammate that appreciates Clefable's ability to weaken or remove Toxapex.

Ferrothorn for sure deserves to be mentioned. Spikes is an incredibly strong entry hazard with Calm Mind Clefable.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

• A set with Wish and Teleport can be used to support Clefable's teammates. However Clefable isn't the most affective Wish passer and the set is very passive You should elaborate on why it is not the most effective Wish passer. Specifically talk about how it it hard to effectively use Teleport because you let in Pokemon like Magearna, Cinderace, Nidoking, Melmetal, etc. very easily.
• A Specially Defensive set can be used to let Clefable take on the likes of Hydreigon and Dragapult better. However, this set can't take on physical attackers as well and is inferior in most cases. What physical attackers does it struggle to take on?
• Unaware can be used so that Clefable can take on setup sweepers like Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T, but without Magic Guard Clefable is a lot more susceptible to being worn down by hazards and status. You should specifically mention that Unaware requires really strong entry hazard removal.
• A set with Choice Scarf and Trick can be used to cripple a Pokemon on the opposing team, but this set has limited utility. What Pokemon does it cripple and what Pokemon does it synergize nicely with? You should also explain why it has limited utility. The fact that Trick is often a dead slot after getting rid of your Choice Scarf and only having one extra moveslot to fit Stealth Rock / Calm Mind or whatever are largely why.

Checks and Counters
====

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Magearna, Melmetal and Excadrill can switch in and force out Clefable. Ferrothorn and Corviknight can switch in multiple times and pressure Clefable if they have a Super Effective move. They all need to be wary of Flamethrower however, or Thunderbolt in the case of Corviknight. All these Pokemon really dislike switching into Knock Off.

**Fire-Types**: Heatran is one of the best counters to Clefable, taking very little from its attacks and hitting back very hard. Other Fire-types like Victini, Volcarona and Moltres can also switch into Clefable. Add Cinderace. However, getting their Heavy-Duty Boots knocked off will limit their longevity if hazards are up. Moltres also needs to be weary of Thunderbolt.

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking can all switch into Moonblast and the latter two can threaten Clefable with Super Effective attacks. However, Nidoking gets a lot weaker if it's Life Orb is knocked off and Toxapex can lose to Calm Mind + Thunderbolt. The typical Assault Vest Galarian Slowking set can lose to Calm Mind Clefable too.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Despite it's decent bulk, Clefable can get overwhelmed by strong wallbreakers like Spectrier, Rillaboom, Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Good job. I would like to take another look before stamping.

 

[DKM]

Ready for the 2nd check

 

[Martin]

This might come off as a bit GP-y for this stage, but it relates to what the line communicates, so I think it's OK to mention now.

In the opening sentence of the overview, you have written: "Clefable's decent bulk, typing and access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard…". I think it's probably worth rewording this line to say "Clefable's typing, decent bulk, and access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard…" because at the moment it kinda reads like Clefable's typing is also just "decent" like its bulk is, which obviously isn't the case considering pure fairy typing is one of Clef's biggest selling points (and I'm fairly sure it's not what you're trying to say either).

That aside, I think Trick+Sticky Barb should be mentioned in OO, as it's useful for wearing down Pokemon like Toxapex that often switch into Clef to absorb Knock Off etc., and it has seen tournament use very recently as well.

Thunder Wave probably deserves to be mentioned as an option for both Utility and CM sets as well, either in OO or the set description (depending on what QC think). Paralysis is broken, Clef can spread it fairly consistently, it cripples Cinderace/Heatran/etc., lets CM (namely Lefties sets) 1v1 Tran if you click CM the next time it switches in on you, yada yada yada.

 

[ausma]

round 2 babeyyyyy

comments in orange
additions/changes in purple
removals will be striked

View attachment 307029
[Overview]

Clefable's typing, decent bulk, and access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard aswell as reliable recovery makes it a great defensive Pokemon in the tier. A great wide movepool gives Clefable a bunch of options with utility moves such as Stealth Rock aswell as fantastic coverage moves like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit Pokemon that would otherwise switch in safely like Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Furthermore, access to Knock Off makes Clefable much harder to punish as its checks are severely hindered by having their item removed. Using "checks" is broader way to demonstrate Knock Off's utility since, as Jordy said, it's incredibly difficult to switch anything into. Thanks to this, Clefable can fit on a bunch of Bulky Offense and Balance teams as a defensive hazard setter or a Calm Mind sweeper. Despite all the features that make Clefable a great Pokemon, its natural bulk is a little can be disappointing. This often means it can get overwhelmed by offensive Pokemon it might be used to check like Garchomp or Landorus-T after they use Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Stealth Rock / Wish
move 4: Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Clefable is a great user of Stealth Rock as it can very easily take advantage of passive Pokemon such as Toxapex, Blissey and Slowbro. Knock Off is a very useful move that cripples any Pokemon that wants to switch into Clefable, limiting their usefulness over the course of the game. Give some examples of potential switch-ins, and put this beneath Stealth Rock/Wish so it's chronological. Wish is a useful move that can help Clefable support teammates such as Heatran, Magearna and Ferrothorn by keeping them healthy throughout the game. I'd definitely slash Wish over Stealth Rock, it's a really strong support option that shouldn't just be given a vague mention. I would also explain the opportunity cost of Wish and when you would want to use Wish, such as if you already have a Stealth Rock user. While Leftovers provides passive recovery, Rocky Helmet is an alternative to punish physical attacks such as U-turn from Landorus-T or Dragapult. This is a bit of a vague mention. I think it's important to highlight the pivoting aspect behind U-turn since these Pokemon don't want to stick around against Clefable. Maybe also mention Mandibuzz, too.

Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro and Slowking make good teammates as they can take on Fire-types like Cinderace and Heatran that Clefable struggles with. Toxapex loses 1v1 to Magma Storm Heatran. I think Cinderace probably could be blended in with a section about offensive Pokemon in general since having a sole focus on offensive Fire-types doesn't really give the full picture of its subpar matchups. Toxapex and Slowbro are also decent Melmetal checks, the former can also check Shift Gear Magearna. Definitely not Specs. Steel-types like Melmetal and Excadrill can take advantage of this Clefable set, so switch-ins to them make good teammates. To be honest you probably could mention Slowbro here, it does a great job taking these two on. Corviknight can switch into both of these Pokemon; Ferrothorn can switch into Melmetal and also use Spikes to form a hazard stacking duo with Clefable. Can Clefable do anything in return for Corviknight? Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can pressure the aforementioned Steel-types as well as Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking that might switch into Clefable. Furthermore, both of these Pokemon are decent checks to Cinderace. Garchomp can also switch into Heatran if it's healthy. Switch-ins to strong Ghost-types like Dragapult and Spectrier are useful as Clefable usually can't take them on. Both Mandibuzz and Blissey can do this reliably. Hydreigon can also take on Spectrier if healthy. I feel as though this isn't really why you'd want to use things like Mandibuzz and Blissey, especially because Clefable actually checks Dragapult and not the other way around. If anything, they help to provide a good defensive core with Clefable to take on pressure from stronger special attackers and Clefable can take on physical attackers more efficiently; in that regard, you may want to focus more on Slowking-Galar over Mandibuzz. Slowking-Galar does a pretty solid job taking on Heatran with its great special bulk and Water-type coverage. Pokemon like Magearna, Latios and Tapu Lele appreciate that Clefable can use Knock Off to remove items from Steel- and Fire-types such as Heatran, Ferrothorn and opposing Magearna. This is a really loose thread to justify pairing with Clefable. Can Clefable provide any helpful utility for them or other attackers, and can these Pokemon do anything in return for Clefable? Try to focus on the synergy directly and long term effects.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Thunderbolt / Flamethrower
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to break through bulkier Pokemon or prepare for a sweep. Flamethrower hits Steel-types like Magearna, Ferrothorn, Melmetal and Excadrill. Thunderbolt lets Clefable hit Toxapex, Corviknight and Moltres super effectively and is its best option to wear down Heatran and Cinderace. I think since Thunderbolt/Flamethrower are being slashed, you should join them in a single sentence to better demonstrate the duality and opportunity costs of both. Knock Off is a decent option that can be run instead of a coverage move. Removing Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots from certain Pokemon can limit their longevity and allow Clefable a better chance to sweep to find easier wallbreaking and sweeping opportunities. Thunder is an alternative to Thunderbolt that hits the aforementioned Electric-weak Pokemon alot harder while also having a higher chance to paralyze Heatran and Cinderace as they switch in. Life Orb gives Clefable a boost that makes it much harder to switch into. Life Orb allows Clefable to 2HKO offensive Melmetal with Flamethrower and makes it much easier to beat Toxapex 1v1 with Thunderbolt. Magic Guard keeps Clefable from taking Life Orb recoil, allowing it to sweep more easily or throw off attacks without taking extra damage. Probably important to mention that it also gives it a hazard and Toxic impunity, letting it stay healthy upon switch-in and find much easier setup opportunities.

Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro and Slowking can switch into Fire-types like Cinderace and Heatran that can take on Clefable. Toxapex can also spread status with Toxic or Toxic Spikes, making it easier for Clefable to sweep. Pokemon that can switch into Excadrill and Melmetal like Corviknight and Ferrothorn respectively are decent teammates. Ferrothorn can also set up hazards to wear down Clefable's switch-ins. As Jordy said, I also think there needs to be a greater emphasis on how well hazards can mitigate Clefable's switchins. Having it be an afterthought with Ferrothorn doesn't rub me the right way. Since Clefable can weaken or take out bulky Steel-types with Flamethrower, Pokemon that take advantage of this like your own Excadrill, Melmetal or Rillaboom are good teammates. Rillaboom is cool too since it can pivot against stuff like Mandibuzz and Corviknight to give Clefable a better setup opportunity. Garchomp is an excellent teammate that appreciates Clefable taking out Corviknight. It also takes on Heatran for Clefable and can set up Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team. If running Thunderbolt, Cinderace is a decent teammate that appreciates Clefable's ability to weaken or remove Toxapex. Cinderace can also pivot pretty readily into Clefable using U-turn against Toxapex and setup fodder like Slowbro, and on top of that it can use HJK to pressure and weaken Heatran.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

A set with Wish and Teleport can be used to support Clefable's teammates. However Clefable isn't the most effective Wish passer as it lets in Pokemon such as Magearna, Melmetal and Nidoking that prevent it from using Teleport safely. A Specially Defensive set can be used to let Clefable take on the likes of Hydreigon and Dragapult better. However, this set can't take on physical attackers like Garchomp or Landorus-T as well and is inferior in most cases. Unaware can be used so that Clefable can take on setup sweepers like Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T. However, without Magic Guard Clefable is a lot more susceptible to being worn down by hazards or status and requires strong entry hazard removal. A set with Choice Scarf and Trick can be used to cripple Pokemon like Toxapex, Ferrothorn and Blissey making it easier for Clefable's teammates to take them on. However, this set has limited utility as Trick is often useless after being used once and Clefable only has one other move slot to choose between Stealth Rock, Calm Mind or a coverage move. Similarly, a set with Sticky Barb and Trick can be used to wear down Pokemon that switch into Clefable but it also has limited utility as Trick usually can't be used more than once. Thunder Wave can be used to spread paralysis and is especially useful in crippling Pokemon like Heatran and Cinderace. The combination of Calm Mind and Thunder Wave can be particularly difficult for some teams to deal with. Then you're just mono-Moonblast. The things you would aim to paralyze are things you would want coverage for, which you can't run with Thunder Wave.

I would mention Aromatherapy here as well, which can be a helpful option to get rid of debilitating statuses if you have the room for it. Be sure to give examples of Pokemon that can benefit from it.

Checks and Counters
====

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Magearna, Melmetal and Excadrill can switch in and force out Clefable. Ferrothorn and Corviknight can switch in multiple times and pressure Clefable if they have a Super Effective move. However, they all dislike being knocked off and need to be wary of Flamethrower, or Thunderbolt in the case of Corviknight. Ferrothorn uses non-Flamethrower Clefable as a hazard setting opportunity; that's important to mention.

**Fire-Types**: Heatran is one of the best counters to Clefable, taking very little from its attacks and hitting back very hard. Other Fire-types like Cinderace, Victini, Volcarona and Moltres can also switch into Clefable. However, getting their Heavy-Duty Boots knocked off will limit their longevity if hazards are up. Moltres also needs to be weary of Thunderbolt.

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking can all switch into Moonblast and the latter two can threaten Clefable with Super Effective attacks. However, Nidoking gets a lot weaker if it's Life Orb is knocked off and Toxapex can lose to Calm Mind + Thunderbolt. Assault Vest Slowking-Galar can also lose to Calm Mind sets.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Despite it's decent bulk, Clefable can get overwhelmed by strong wallbreakers like Spectrier, Rillaboom, Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[Jordy, 395754], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Let me know when you've implemented these, and I would like to take another look.

 

[DKM]

round 2 babeyyyyy

comments in orange
additions/changes in purple
removals will be striked



Let me know when you've implemented these, and I would like to take another look.

I believe I've implemented everything

 

[ausma]

comments in orange
additions/changes in purple
removals will be striked

View attachment 307029
[Overview]

Clefable's typing, decent bulk, and access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard aswell as reliable recovery makes it a great defensive Pokemon in the tier. A wide movepool gives Clefable a bunch of options with utility moves such as Stealth Rock aswell as fantastic coverage moves like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit Pokemon that would otherwise switch in safely like Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Furthermore, access to Knock Off makes Clefable much harder to punish as its checks are severely hindered by having their item removed. Thanks to this, Clefable can fit on a bunch of Bulky Offense and Balance teams as a defensive hazard setter or a Calm Mind sweeper user. Despite all the features that make Clefable a great Pokemon, its natural bulk can be disappointing. This often means it can get overwhelmed by offensive Pokemon it might be used to check like Garchomp or Landorus-T after they use Swords Dance. I'd maybe highlight how problematic its natural bulk can be in the long term, as it can face a lot of pressure in a game due to the aforementioned defensive attributes making it a go-to switch-in quite often.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Stealth Rock / Wish
move 4: Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Clefable is a great user of Stealth Rock as it can very easily take advantage of passive Pokemon such as Toxapex, Blissey and Slowbro. Alternatively, Wish is a very useful move that can be used if Clefable's team already has a Stealth Rock user. It supports teammates such as Heatran, Magearna and Ferrothorn by keeping them healthy throughout the game. Knock Off is a very useful fantastic move that cripples any Pokemon switching into Clefable by removing items, especially Heavy-Duty Boots from Cinderace and Leftovers from Heatran or Ferrothorn which limits their usefulness over the course of the game. I think highlighting how it can be difficult to switch into its Knock Off is important! Doesn't need to be a major focus, but I would like to see that. While Leftovers provides passive recovery, Rocky Helmet is an alternative to punish physical attacks such as U-turn from Landorus-T, Dragapult and Mandibuzz that usually want to pivot out against Clefable.

Offensive Pokemon like Cinderace, Heatran, and Rillaboom and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T can often overwhelm Clefable, so checks to them are good teammates. Toxapex can take on Cinderace; Slowbro and Slowking are also decent Cinderace checks that can switch into Heatran too if they are healthy. Magma Storm + Taunt can run these two down easily if they've already been chipped down. Defensive Zapdos, Landorus-T and Corviknight can all switch into Rillaboom for Clefable. Furthermore, Zapdos as well as Assault Vest Magearna can check Nasty Plot Tornadus-T. All of this is too much, try to focus more on things that are more readily willing to take advantage of Clefable since neither Torn-T nor Rillaboom appreciate losing their item to Knock Off. We want to put more of a focus on that rather than more situational information. Steel-types like Melmetal, Excadrill and Magearna can take advantage of this Clefable set, so switch-ins to them make good teammates. Ferrothorn can switch into Melmetal and Magearna while also using Spikes to form a hazard stacking duo with Clefable. Slowbro can take on both Melmetal and Excadrill too but has to be wary of Toxic. Corviknight can switch into both Melmetal and Excadrill, it also appreciates Clefable using Knock Off to remove Rocky Helmet from Toxapex and Landorus-T so that it can use U-turn more freely. You can mention how Corviknight reinforces Clefable defensively with its synergistic typing that eases pressure from checking things like Garchomp and Lando-T. If you're especially pressed, slotting in Rillaboom as a mention should be fine. Putting the Corviknight mention into the first part about Offensive Pokemon checks works pretty well too and I would recommend that for coherency's sake. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can pressure the aforementioned Steel-types as well as Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking that might switch into Clefable. Furthermore, both of these Pokemon are decent checks to Cinderace. Garchomp can also switch into Heatran if it's healthy. Specially Defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Assault Vest Slowking-Galar can make a good defensive core with Clefable by taking on powerful special attackers such as Heatran, Tapu Koko and Shift Gear Magearna that Clefable often struggles with. Pokemon like Magearna, Latios and Tapu Lele appreciate that Clefable can use Knock Off to remove items from Steel- and Fire-types such as Heatran, Ferrothorn and opposing Magearna. They also appreciate that Clefable can either set up Stealth Rock or provide Wish support to keep them healthy. Furthermore, these Pokemon often have coverage moves to hit Steel-types which are annoying to Clefable. Again, a bit too much information that we want to cut down a bit on. These three examples aren't significantly aided by Knock Off support anyway.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Thunderbolt / Flamethrower
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to break through bulkier Pokemon or prepare for a sweep. Flamethrower hits Steel-types like Magearna, Ferrothorn, Melmetal and Excadrill while Thunderbolt lets Clefable hit Toxapex, Corviknight and Moltres super effectively and is its best option to wear down Heatran and Cinderace. Knock Off is a decent option that can be run instead of a coverage move. Removing Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots from certain Pokemon can limit their longevity and allow Clefable to find easier wallbreaking and sweeping opportunities. Thunder is an alternative to Thunderbolt that hits the aforementioned Electric-weak Pokemon alot much harder while also having a higher chance to paralyze Heatran and Cinderace as they switch in. Life Orb gives Clefable a boost that makes it much harder to switch into. Life Orb allows Clefable to 2HKO offensive Melmetal with Flamethrower and makes it much easier to beat Toxapex 1v1 with Thunderbolt. Magic Guard keeps Clefable from taking Life Orb recoil, allowing it to sweep more easily or throw off attacks without taking extra damage. It also prevents Clefable from taking damage from hazards and Toxic, allowing it to stay healthy when switching in and get find more opportunities to set up.

Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro and Slowking can switch into Cinderace while the latter two can also take on Heatran for Clefable. Toxapex can also spread status with Toxic or Toxic Spikes, making it easier for Clefable to sweep. Ferrothorn can set up hazards which is really useful for wearing down Clefable's switch-ins. Furthermore, Ferrothorn as well as Corviknight can take on Melmetal and Excadrill respectively. Since Clefable can weaken or take out bulky Steel-types with Flamethrower, Pokemon that take advantage of this like your own Excadrill, Melmetal or Rillaboom are good teammates. Rillaboom can also pivot with U-turn to bring Clefable in safely against Pokemon like Mandibuzz and Corviknight. Garchomp is an excellent teammate that appreciates Clefable taking out Corviknight. It also takes on Heatran for Clefable and can set up Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team. If running Thunderbolt, Cinderace is a decent teammate that appreciates Clefable's ability to weaken or remove Toxapex. Cinderace can also use U-turn to bring in Clefable against Toxapex and Slowbro or use High Jump Kick to remove Heatran.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

A set with Wish and Teleport can be used to support Clefable's teammates. However Clefable isn't the most effective Wish passer as it lets in Pokemon such as Magearna, Melmetal and Nidoking that prevent it from using Teleport safely. A Specially Defensive set can be used to let Clefable take on the likes of Hydreigon and Dragapult better. However, this set can't take on physical attackers like Garchomp or Landorus-T as well and is inferior in most cases. Unaware can be used so that Clefable can take on setup sweepers like Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T. However, without Magic Guard Clefable is a lot more susceptible to being worn down by hazards or status and requires strong entry hazard removal. A set with Choice Scarf and Trick can be used to cripple Pokemon like Toxapex, Ferrothorn and Blissey making it easier for Clefable's teammates to take them on. However, this set has limited utility as Trick is often useless after being used once and Clefable only has one other move slot to choose between Stealth Rock, Calm Mind or a coverage move. Similarly, a set with Sticky Barb and Trick can be used to wear down Pokemon that switch into Clefable but it also has limited utility as Trick usually can't be used more than once. Thunder Wave can be used to spread paralysis and is especially useful in crippling Pokemon like Heatran and Cinderace. Aromatherapy can be used to heal status conditions; teammates like Garchomp, Landorus-T and Rillaboom especially appreciate this.

I'm not on GP or anything, but I probably would recommend rewording some of this so "however" isn't being used every other sentence.

Checks and Counters
====

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Magearna, Melmetal and Excadrill can switch in and force out Clefable. Ferrothorn and Corviknight can switch in multiple times and pressure Clefable if they have a super effective move or set up hazards in the case of Ferrothorn. However, they all dislike being knocked off hit by Knock Off and need to be wary of Flamethrower, or Thunderbolt in the case of Corviknight.

**Fire-Types**: Heatran is one of the best counters to Clefable, taking very little from its attacks and hitting back very hard. Other Fire-types like Cinderace, Victini, Volcarona and Moltres can also switch into Clefable. However, getting their Heavy-Duty Boots knocked off will limit their longevity if hazards are up. Moltres also needs to be weary of Thunderbolt.

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar and Nidoking can all switch into Moonblast; the latter two can threaten Clefable with super effective attacks. However, Nidoking gets a lot weaker if it's Life Orb is knocked off and Toxapex can lose to Calm Mind + Thunderbolt. Assault Vest Slowking-Galar can also lose to Calm Mind sets.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Despite it's decent bulk, Clefable can get overwhelmed by strong wallbreakers like Spectrier, Rillaboom, Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T. Spectrier is being suspect tested, so I would probably omit it just to be safe.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[Jordy, 395754], [Ausma, 360720]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Good work, implement these and 2/2!

 

[Milak]

Add (AC=Add comma, AH=Add hyphen)
Remove (RC=Remove comma, RP=Remove period, RSC=Remove semicolon)
GP 1/2 once implemented

Clef

[Overview OVERVIEW]

Clefable's typing, decent bulk, and access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard aswell as well as reliable recovery makes make it a great Pokemon in the tier. A wide movepool gives Clefable a bunch of options with utility moves such as Stealth Rock aswell as well as fantastic coverage moves like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit Pokemon that would otherwise switch in safely such as Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Furthermore, access to Knock Off makes Clefable much harder to punish,(AC) as its checks are severely hindered by having their item removed. Thanks to this, Clefable can fit on a bunch of bulky offense and balance teams as a defensive entry hazard setter or a Calm Mind user. Despite all the features that make Clefable a great Pokemon, its natural bulk can be disappointing. This often means it can get overwhelmed by offensive Pokemon it might be used to check like Garchomp or and Landorus-T after they use Swords Dance. Clefable's mediocre defensive stats can be especially problematic in longer games because it's often used as a switch-in to alot a lot of Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Stealth Rock / Wish
move 4: Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Clefable is a great user of Stealth Rock setter,(AC) as it can very easily take advantage of passive Pokemon such as Toxapex, Blissey,(AC) and Slowbro. Alternatively, Wish is a very useful move that can be used if Clefable's team already has a Stealth Rock user. It supports teammates such as Heatran, Magearna,(AC) and Ferrothorn by keeping them healthy throughout the game. Knock Off is a fantastic move that is difficult to switch into,(AC) as it cripples any Pokemon by removing items its item, especially Heavy-Duty Boots from Cinderace and Leftovers from Heatran or Ferrothorn,(AC) which limits their usefulness over the course of the game. While Leftovers provides passive recovery, Rocky Helmet is an alternative to punish physical attacks such as U-turn from Landorus-T, Dragapult,(AC) and Mandibuzz that usually want to pivot out against Clefable.

Offensive Pokemon like Cinderace, Heatran,(AC) and Rillaboom can often overwhelm Clefable, so checks to them are good teammates. Toxapex can take on Cinderace;(RSC) ,(AC) Slowbro and Slowking are also decent Cinderace checks that can switch into Heatran if they are healthy. Both Corviknight and defensive Landorus-T can take on Rillaboom and other physical attackers like Garchomp or and opposing Landorus-T that might overwhelm Clefable. Steel-types like Melmetal, Excadrill,(AC) and Magearna can take advantage of this Clefable set, so switch-ins to them make good teammates. Ferrothorn can switch into Melmetal and Magearna while also using Spikes to form a hazard-stacking(AH) duo with Clefable. Slowbro can take on both Melmetal and Excadrill but has to be wary of Toxic. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can pressure the aforementioned Steel-types as well as Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar Galarian Slowking,(AC) and Nidoking that might switch into Clefable. Furthermore, both of these Pokemon are decent checks to Cinderace. Specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey or and Assault Vest Slowking-Galar Galarian Slowking can make form a good defensive core with Clefable by taking on powerful special attackers such as Heatran, Tapu Koko,(AC) and Shift Gear Magearna that Clefable often struggles with.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Thunderbolt / Flamethrower
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to break through bulkier Pokemon or prepare for a sweep. Flamethrower hits Steel-types like Magearna, Ferrothorn, Melmetal,(AC) and Excadrill,(AC) while Thunderbolt lets Clefable hit Toxapex, Corviknight and Moltres super effectively and is its best attack to wear down Heatran and Cinderace. Knock Off is a decent option that can be run instead of a coverage move.(RP) Removing to remove Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots from certain Pokemon can limit ,(AC) limiting their longevity and allow allowing Clefable to find easier wallbreaking and sweeping opportunities. Thunder is an alternative to Thunderbolt that hits the aforementioned Electric-weak Pokemon much harder while also having a higher chance to paralyze Heatran and Cinderace as they switch in. Life Orb gives Clefable a boost that makes it much harder to switch into.(RC) Life Orb ,(AC) it allows Clefable to 2HKO offensive Melmetal with Flamethrower and makes it much easier to beat Toxapex 1v1 one-on-one with Thunderbolt. Magic Guard keeps Clefable from taking Life Orb recoil, allowing it to sweep more easily or and throw off attacks without taking extra damage. It also prevents Clefable from taking entry hazards and Toxic damage, allowing it to stay healthy when switching in and find more opportunities to set up.

Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro,(AC) and Slowking can switch into Cinderace,(AC) while the latter two can also take on Heatran for Clefable if they're healthy. Additionally, Toxapex can spread status poisons with Toxic or Toxic Spikes, making it easier for Clefable to sweep. Ferrothorn can set up hazards,(AC) which is really useful for wearing down Clefable's switch-ins. Furthermore, Ferrothorn as well as Corviknight can take on Melmetal and Excadrill,(AC) respectively. Since Clefable can weaken or KO bulky Steel-types with Flamethrower, Pokemon that take advantage of this like your own Excadrill, Melmetal or ,(AC) and Rillaboom are good teammates. Rillaboom can also pivot with U-turn to bring Clefable in safely against Pokemon such as Mandibuzz and Corviknight. Garchomp is an excellent teammate that appreciates Clefable KOing Corviknight. It also takes on Heatran for Clefable and can set up Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team. If running Thunderbolt, Cinderace is a decent teammate that appreciates Clefable's ability to weaken or KO Toxapex. Cinderace can also use U-turn to bring Clefable in against Toxapex and Slowbro or use High Jump Kick to remove Heatran.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

A set with Wish and Teleport Wish + Teleport set can be used to support Clefable's teammates. However, Clefable isn't the most effective Wish passer,(AC) as it lets in Pokemon such as Magearna, Melmetal,(AC) and Nidoking that prevent it from using Teleport safely. A Specially specially defensive set can be used to let Clefable take on the likes of Hydreigon and Dragapult better,(AC) but this set can't take on physical attackers like Garchomp or and Landorus-T as effectively and is inferior in most cases. Unaware can be used so that Clefable can take on setup sweepers like Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T. However, without Magic Guard,(AC) Clefable is a lot more susceptible to being worn down by entry hazards or status effects and requires strong entry hazard removal. A set with Choice Scarf and Trick can be used to cripple Pokemon like Toxapex, Ferrothorn,(AC) and Blissey,(AC) making it easier for Clefable's teammates to take them on. Although However,(AC) this set has limited utility,(AC) as Trick is often useless after being used once and Clefable only has one other move slot moveslot to choose between Stealth Rock, Calm Mind,(AC) or a coverage move. Similarly, a set with Sticky Barb and Trick can be used to wear down Pokemon that switch into Clefable,(AC) but it also has limited utility,(AC) as Trick usually can't be used more than once. Thunder Wave can be used to spread paralysis and is especially useful for crippling Pokemon like Heatran and Cinderace. Aromatherapy can be used to heal status conditions;(RSC) ,(AC) which is appreciated especially by teammates such as Garchomp, Landorus-T,(AC) and Rillaboom especially appreciate this.

Checks and Counters
====

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Magearna, Melmetal,(AC) and Excadrill can switch in and force out Clefable. Ferrothorn and Corviknight can switch in multiple times and pressure Clefable if they have a super effective move or set up entry hazards in the case of Ferrothorn. However, they all dislike being hit by Knock Off and need to be wary of Flamethrower, or Thunderbolt in the case of Corviknight.

**Fire-Types**: Heatran is one of the best counters to Clefable, taking very little from its attacks and hitting back very hard. Other Fire-types like Cinderace, Victini, Volcarona,(AC) and Moltres can also switch into Clefable. However, getting their Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off will limit their longevity if entry hazards are up. Moltres also needs to be wary of Thunderbolt.

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Toxapex, Slowking-Galar Galarian Slowking,(AC) and Nidoking can all switch into Moonblast; the latter two can threaten Clefable with super effective attacks. However, Nidoking gets a lot weaker if its Life Orb is knocked off,(AC) and Toxapex can lose to the combination of Calm Mind and Thunderbolt. Assault Vest Slowking-Galar Galarian Slowking can also lose to Calm Mind sets.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Despite its decent bulk, Clefable can get overwhelmed by strong wallbreakers like Rillaboom, Swords Dance Garchomp,(AC) and Landorus-T.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[Jordy, 395754], [ausma, 360720]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594], [username2, userid2]]

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Clefable's typing, decent bulk, and access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard as well as reliable recovery make it a great Pokemon in the tier. (specify OU if you must, rn it's entirely contentless) A wide movepool gives Clefable a bunch of options with utility moves such as Stealth Rock as well as fantastic coverage moves like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit Pokemon that would otherwise switch in safely such as Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Furthermore, access to Knock Off makes Clefable much harder to punish, as its checks are severely hindered by having their item removed. Thanks to this, Clefable can fit on a bunch of bulky offense and balance teams as a defensive entry hazard setter or a Calm Mind user. Despite all the features that make Clefable a great Pokemon, its somewhat disappointing (or any other appropriate adjective) natural bulk can be disappointing. This often means it can get overwhelmed by offensive Pokemon it might be used to check like Garchomp and Landorus-T after they use Swords Dance. Clefable's mediocre defensive stats can be especially problematic in longer games because it's often used as a switch-in to a lot of Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Stealth Rock / Wish
move 4: Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Clefable is a great Stealth Rock setter, as it can very easily take advantage of passive Pokemon such as Toxapex, Blissey, and Slowbro. Alternatively, Wish is a very useful move that can be used if Clefable's team already has a Stealth Rock user. It supports teammates such as Heatran, Magearna, and Ferrothorn by keeping them healthy throughout the game. Knock Off is a fantastic move that is difficult to switch into, as it cripples any Pokemon switch-in by removing its item, especially Heavy-Duty Boots from Cinderace and Leftovers from Heatran or Ferrothorn, which limits their usefulness over the course of the game. While Leftovers provides passive recovery, (contentless phrasing, reword this to convey what the passive recovery accomplishes in practice, like you do rly well with helmet) Rocky Helmet is an alternative to punish physical attacks such as U-turn from Landorus-T, Dragapult, and Mandibuzz that usually want to pivot out against Clefable.

Offensive Pokemon like Cinderace, Heatran, and Rillaboom can often overwhelm Clefable, so checks to them are good teammates. Toxapex can take on Cinderace, and Slowbro and Slowking are also decent Cinderace checks that can switch into Heatran if they are healthy. Both Corviknight and defensive Landorus-T can take on Rillaboom and other physical attackers like Garchomp and opposing Landorus-T that might overwhelm Clefable. Steel-types like Melmetal, Excadrill, and Magearna can take advantage of this Clefable set, so switch-ins to them make good teammates; (SC) Ferrothorn can switch into Melmetal and Magearna while also using Spikes to form an entry hazard stacking (RH) duo with Clefable, (AC) and Slowbro can take on both Melmetal and Excadrill but has to be wary of Toxic. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can pressure the aforementioned Steel-types as well as Poison-types such as Toxapex, Galarian Slowking, and Nidoking that might switch into Clefable. Furthermore, both of these Pokemon are decent checks to Cinderace. Specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Assault Vest Galarian Slowking can form a good defensive core with Clefable by taking on powerful special attackers such as Heatran, Tapu Koko, and Shift Gear Magearna that Clefable often struggles with.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Thunderbolt / Flamethrower
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to break through bulkier Pokemon or prepare for a sweep. Flamethrower hits Steel-types like Magearna, Ferrothorn, Melmetal, and Excadrill, while Thunderbolt lets Clefable hit Toxapex, Corviknight and Moltres super effectively and is its best attack to wear down Heatran and Cinderace. Knock Off is a decent option that can be run instead of a coverage move to remove Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots from certain Pokemon, limiting their longevity and allowing Clefable to find easier wallbreaking and sweeping opportunities. Thunder is an a less accurate alternative to Thunderbolt that hits the aforementioned Electric-weak Pokemon much harder while also having a higher chance to paralyze Heatran and Cinderace as they switch in. Life Orb gives Clefable a boost that makes it much harder to switch into, it allows Clefable allowing it to 2HKO offensive Melmetal with Flamethrower and makes making it much easier to beat Toxapex one-on-one with Thunderbolt. Magic Guard keeps Clefable from taking Life Orb recoil, allowing it to sweep more easily and throw off attacks without taking extra damage. It also prevents Clefable from taking entry hazards hazard and Toxic damage, allowing it to stay healthy when switching in and find more opportunities to set up.

Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex, Slowbro, and Slowking can switch into Cinderace, while the latter two can also take on Heatran for Clefable if they're healthy. Additionally, Toxapex can spread poisons poison with Toxic or Toxic Spikes, making it easier for Clefable to sweep. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards, which is really useful for wearing down Clefable's switch-ins, as well as covering Melmetal, (comma) Furthermore, Ferrothorn as well as while Corviknight can take on Melmetal and Excadrill, respectively. Since Clefable can weaken or KO bulky Steel-types with Flamethrower, Pokemon that take advantage of this like Excadrill, Melmetal, and Rillaboom are good teammates. Rillaboom can also pivot with U-turn to bring Clefable in safely against Pokemon such as Mandibuzz and Corviknight. Garchomp is an excellent teammate that appreciates Clefable KOing Corviknight. It also takes on Heatran and can set up Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team. If you're running Thunderbolt, Cinderace is a decent teammate that appreciates Clefable's ability to weaken or KO Toxapex. Cinderace can also use U-turn to bring Clefable in against Toxapex and Slowbro or use High Jump Kick to remove Heatran.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

A Wish + Teleport set can be used to support Clefable's teammates. However, Clefable isn't the most effective Wish passer, as it lets in Pokemon such as Magearna, Melmetal, and Nidoking that prevent it from using Teleport safely. A specially defensive set can be used to let Clefable take on the likes of Hydreigon and Dragapult better, but this set can't take on physical attackers like Garchomp and Landorus-T as effectively and is inferior in most cases. Unaware can be used so that Clefable can take on setup sweepers like Swords Dance Garchomp and Landorus-T. However, without Magic Guard, Clefable is a lot more susceptible to being worn down by entry hazards or status effects and requires strong entry hazard removal. A set with Choice Scarf and Trick can be used to cripple Pokemon like Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Blissey, making it easier for Clefable's teammates to take them on. However, this set has limited utility, as Trick is often useless after being used once, (AC) and Clefable only has one other moveslot to choose between Stealth Rock, Calm Mind, or and a coverage move. Similarly, a set with Sticky Barb and Trick can be used to wear down Pokemon that switch into Clefable, but it also has limited utility, as Trick usually can't be used more than once for the same reason. Thunder Wave can be used to spread paralysis and is especially useful for crippling Pokemon like Heatran and Cinderace. Aromatherapy can be used to heal status conditions, which is appreciated especially by teammates such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Rillaboom.

Checks and Counters
====

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Magearna, Melmetal, and Excadrill can switch in and force out Clefable. Ferrothorn and Corviknight can switch in multiple times and pressure Clefable if they have a super effective move or set up entry hazards in the case of Ferrothorn. However, they all dislike being hit by Knock Off and need to be wary of Flamethrower (RC) or, (AC) Thunderbolt in the case of Corviknight, (AC) Thunderbolt.

**Fire-types**: Heatran is one of the best counters to Clefable, taking very little from its attacks and hitting back very hard. Other Fire-types like Cinderace, Victini, Volcarona, and Moltres can also switch into Clefable. However, getting their Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off will limit their longevity if entry hazards are up. Moltres also needs to be wary of Thunderbolt.

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Toxapex, Galarian Slowking, and Nidoking can all switch into Moonblast; the latter two can threaten Clefable with super effective attacks. However, Nidoking gets a lot weaker if its it loses its Life Orb is knocked off to Knock Off, and Toxapex can lose to the combination of Calm Mind and Thunderbolt. Assault Vest Galarian Slowking can also lose to Calm Mind sets.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Despite its decent bulk, Clefable can get overwhelmed by strong wallbreakers like Rillaboom, Swords Dance Garchomp, and Landorus-T.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[Jordy, 395754], [ausma, 360720]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594], [username2, userid2]]