chicken little
[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to a good offensive typing and an amazing ability in Speed Boost, Combusken is an excellent wallbreaker and sweeper in ZU. It is easily capable of snowballing, with it only taking two turns to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and three to outspeed every Choice Scarf user as well. With good mixed attacking stats, Combusken can go special or physical, making it at least somewhat unpredictable. Thanks to its typing, Combusken is capable of beating traditional Fighting-type checks like Gourgeist-XL and Mr. Mime as well as Fire-type checks like Golem and Silvally-Water. However, Combusken is very frail, leaving it easily revenge killed by priority, especially by Aqua Jet from Swanna and Floatzel. In addition, its low base 55 Speed means that is it is very reliant on Protect and Speed Boost to outspeed a lot of Pokemon, for example leaving it outsped by Floatzel at +1 and Choice Scarf Electivire and Swanna at +2. Protect leaves it quite strapped for moveslots, which is an issue compounded by its poor movepool leaving it without a good physical Fighting-type move and reliant on Hidden Power and Z-Moves. Because of this, it very rarely has room to run Eviolite, exacerbating its already poor bulk.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Protect
item: Fightinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hidden Power Ice is Combusken's best move against Altaria, 2HKOing the common physically defensive variants and doing the same to specially defensive sets after Stealth Rock damage. Hidden Power Electric is another option to target Water-types, especially those that also resist Focus Blast like Swanna and Mareanie; however, the former takes a lot of damage from All-Out Pummeling and is 2HKOed by Life Orb-boosted Fire Blast after Stealth Rock, meaning it only usefully targets the latter. In general, targeting Altaria is more valuable. Protect synergizes very well with Speed Boost, guaranteeing Combusken gets at least one boost, often allowing it to outspeed Pokemon like Silvally formes and Swanna.
Set Details
========
Fightinium Z is usually the preferred item, as it allows Combusken to break Pokemon like Silvally-Water with some chip damage as well as OHKO Pokemon like specially defensive Komala, Assault Vest Bouffalant, and Lickilicky, though it needs Stealth Rock damage for the latter two. It's also guaranteed to hit, which can be very useful in situations where risking Focus Blast's 70% accuracy is not desirable. Life Orb is an alternative if your team already has a Z-Move user. Notably, it allows Hidden Power Ice to 2HKO specially defensive Altaria without Stealth Rock damage and sometimes OHKO physically defensive variants after Stealth Rock while also granting a general damage boost to Combusken's STAB moves. However, Combusken is worn down very quickly by the item, and it has to rely on Focus Blast's shaky accuracy to break Fire-resistant Silvally formes, which is often not preferable.
Usage Tips
========
Combusken should focus on breaking holes in the opponent's team by utilizing its solid coverage. If running Fightinium Z, it's important to consider carefully what foe to use it on. This will most commonly be a Pokemon like specially defensive Lickilicky or Silvally-Water, which can take either STAB move but loses to All-Out Pummeling. KOing such a Pokemon will often allow either Combusken or one of its teammates to sweep. In general, Combusken should be brought in via a safe switch, such as by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn from Pokemon like Alolan Golem and Komala, as its frailty means it rarely wants to take a hit. The major exception to this rule is Gourgeist-XL, which is almost entirely unable to dent Combusken; the worst it can do is use Leech Seed, so Combusken can generally switch into it for free to generate momentum. Be liberal with predictions. It is important to keep up momentum when Combusken is on the field, as getting into a disadvantageous matchup is very crippiling. Therefore, considering carefully whether your opponent will switch in a Pokemon like Silvally-Water and 2HKOing it on the switch is crucial. Protect has several uses. Of course, most important is the ability to guarantee a Speed boost against Pokemon like Shiftry, but it can also be used to scout against Choice Scarf users like Electivire. When using it, always carefully consider how many boosts you will need, as it is often more worth it to use an attack in order to wallbreak before using Protect the next turn, after your opponent switches to a faster threat.
Team Options
========
Combusken pairs well with physical wallbreakers and sweepers like Swords Dance Silvally formes and Bulk Up or Choice Band Komala, as they can take care of special walls like Bronzor and Muk, allowing Combusken to wallbreak more easily. In exchange, Combusken threatens physical walls like Golem and Gourgeist-XL. Silvally formes and Choice Band Komala can also bring in Combusken with U-turn. Other Pokemon that can do so, such as Electivire and other Silvally formes, work well with Combusken too. Since Combusken relies on Stealth Rock to grab certain 2HKOs and OHKOs, most notably on Altaria, setters like Golem and Bronzor pair well with it. Combusken deals well with Gourgeist-XL, so Pokemon like the aforementioned Komala and Golem greatly appreciate its presence. Due to Combusken's weakness to Water-types, Pokemon that deal with them like Silvally-Water and Gourgeist-XL are solid teammates. Pokemon that reliably beat Altaria, like Komala and Electivire, are important, as Combusken is very weak to it. Both of these also consistently beat Mareanie. Other Pokemon that beat Mareanie, like Mr. Mime and Life Orb Kadabra, are solid partners as well. Since Combusken does not appreciate being worn down, especially if using Life Orb, entry hazard removers like Komala, Silvally formes, and Altaria work well with it.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Sky Uppercut
move 4: Protect
item: Firium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is Combusken's most powerful move and allows it to sweep much more easily due to its high Base Power. Most notably, at +2 Attack, it has a good chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL, as well as Swanna after Stealth Rock. Sky Uppercut is Combusken's strongest Fighting-type STAB move, and though it is still not particularly strong, it synergizes well with Flare Blitz, notably threatening Pokemon like Golem and Rapidash. Protect synergizes well with Speed Boost to guarantee that Combusken can obtain the boosts it needs to outspeed its foes.
Set Details
========
Firium Z is generally the best option, as Inferno Overdrive is incredibly powerful, notably allowing Combusken to KO physically defensive Altaria at +2 with Inferno Overdrive followed by Flare Blitz. In addition, it OHKOes Swanna and defensive Tangela after Swords Dance. Fightinium Z is another option to OHKO physically defensive Golem as well as Silvally-Water after Stealth Rock at +2.
Usage Tips
========
In most games, this Combusken set should focus on sweeping late-game. While Combusken can OHKO or 2HKO almost every Pokemon in the metagame after a Swords Dance boost, its reliance on Flare Blitz means it gets worn down quickly. Thus, it is important that Pokemon like Muk and Gourgeist-XL are weakened significantly before attempting a sweep. Always plan the use of Combusken's Z-Move well. Not only is it a way to break through Pokemon Combusken otherwise couldn't beat, such as Altaria, it also is the only way for Combusken to have an accurate, powerful, and recoil-free STAB move. Since Combusken will usually be looking for a setup opportunity, it is important to identify which foes it can exploit. Examples of such foes include Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, and Leafeon, but there are several others depending on how healthy Combusken is. Especially against offensive teams, it is sometimes not necessary to set up to sweep, as Flare Blitz's power and Combusken's solid offensive typing already allow it to clean up such teams late-game. Sometimes, Combusken can be used as a wallbreaker instead of a sweeper, as it is easily capable of breaking through many Pokemon. It can be an especially effective wallbreaker when playing against bulkier teams that rely on cores like Bronzor + Gourgeist-XL. However, since it often gets worn down too quickly while setting up and by Flare Blitz recoil, it is generally better to preserve it for late-game.
Team Options
========
Since Combusken generally needs the opposing team weakened before reliably sweeping and wants as little Flare Blitz recoil as possible, wallbreakers like Abomasnow, Shiftry, and Komala are welcome teammates. Specifically, all three of these weaken Gourgeist-XL reliably and, less reliably, Mareanie, while Abomasnow also threatens Altaria. Parting Shot from Silvally formes can give Combusken more opportunities to switch in and set up. Combusken struggles to break through Silvally-Water, especially without Fightinium Z, so Pokemon that reliably beat it like Assault Vest or specially defensive Komala are quite useful. Combusken appreciates entry hazard support from Pokemon like Golem, Bronzor, and Crustle in order to wear down the opposing team and achieve its KOs more easily. In a similar manner, Combusken appreciates Rapid Spin or Defog support from Pokemon like Komala, Altaria, and Silvally formes in order to avoid being worn down by entry hazards in addition to Flare Blitz recoil.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Low Kick can be used over Sky Uppercut on the Swords Dance set to have a perfectly accurate STAB move that does increased damage to Golem and Silvally formes, but it fails to deal significant damage to the notable Komala and Floatzel, which means Sky Uppercut is usually preferred. Thunder Punch is another option on the Swords Dance set to more easily beat Silvally-Water and other Water-types, but Combusken does not have any moveslots to spare. Substitute can be used over Protect on either of the sets to keep Combusken safe, but it is less reliable at allowing it to obtain Speed boosts and wears it down even faster. Combusken can function as an offensive Defogger, but it generally lacks the moveslots to do so effectively.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Pokemon like Silvally-Water, Mareanie, and Pyukumuku are not easily broken by Combusken and can threaten it back with their super effective STAB moves or Toxic, while Swanna and Floatzel can easily take out Combusken with Aqua Jet if they decide to run it. In addition, Swanna can avoid an OHKO from any of Combusken's moves bar +2 Inferno Overdrive, allowing it to revenge kill.
**Flying-types**: While Combusken can break through Altaria, it needs to hit it on the switch with Hidden Power Ice on the special set lest it get stalled out by Roost, or it needs to hit its Z-Move correctly on the physical set. Other Flying-types like Swanna and Rotom-S are capable of taking most of Combusken's hits before OHKOing it with their STAB moves.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users like Electivire, Pinsir, and Mr. Mime can outspeed even +2 Combusken and easily OHKO it. However, if Combusken obtains enough Speed boosts, and in the case of a full health Electivire, a Swords Dance boost, it will KO them instead. Meanwhile, Pokemon like Floatzel and Dugtrio can outspeed and OHKO +1 Combusken, and both can run Substitute to catch Combusken on a predicted Protect.
**Psychic-types**: Pokemon like Grumpig and physically defensive Beheeyem can take on one or both of Combusken's sets, especially after its Z-Move has been used, while Focus Sash Kadabra can revenge kill any set if it is at full health.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Xayah, 167012]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [BloodAce0107, 435539], [Aaronboyer, 239454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to a good offensive typing and an amazing ability in Speed Boost, Combusken is an excellent wallbreaker and sweeper in ZU. It is easily capable of snowballing, with it only taking two turns to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and three to outspeed every Choice Scarf user as well. With good mixed attacking stats, Combusken can go special or physical, making it at least somewhat unpredictable. Thanks to its typing, Combusken is capable of beating traditional Fighting-type checks like Gourgeist-XL and Mr. Mime as well as Fire-type checks like Golem and Silvally-Water. However, Combusken is very frail, leaving it easily revenge killed by priority, especially by Aqua Jet from Swanna and Floatzel. In addition, its low base 55 Speed means that is it is very reliant on Protect and Speed Boost to outspeed a lot of Pokemon, for example leaving it outsped by Floatzel at +1 and Choice Scarf Electivire and Swanna at +2. Protect leaves it quite strapped for moveslots, which is an issue compounded by its poor movepool leaving it without a good physical Fighting-type move and reliant on Hidden Power and Z-Moves. Because of this, it very rarely has room to run Eviolite, exacerbating its already poor bulk.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Protect
item: Fightinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hidden Power Ice is Combusken's best move against Altaria, 2HKOing the common physically defensive variants and doing the same to specially defensive sets after Stealth Rock damage. Hidden Power Electric is another option to target Water-types, especially those that also resist Focus Blast like Swanna and Mareanie; however, the former takes a lot of damage from All-Out Pummeling and is 2HKOed by Life Orb-boosted Fire Blast after Stealth Rock, meaning it only usefully targets the latter. In general, targeting Altaria is more valuable. Protect synergizes very well with Speed Boost, guaranteeing Combusken gets at least one boost, often allowing it to outspeed Pokemon like Silvally formes and Swanna.
Set Details
========
Fightinium Z is usually the preferred item, as it allows Combusken to break Pokemon like Silvally-Water with some chip damage as well as OHKO Pokemon like specially defensive Komala, Assault Vest Bouffalant, and Lickilicky, though it needs Stealth Rock damage for the latter two. It's also guaranteed to hit, which can be very useful in situations where risking Focus Blast's 70% accuracy is not desirable. Life Orb is an alternative if your team already has a Z-Move user. Notably, it allows Hidden Power Ice to 2HKO specially defensive Altaria without Stealth Rock damage and sometimes OHKO physically defensive variants after Stealth Rock while also granting a general damage boost to Combusken's STAB moves. However, Combusken is worn down very quickly by the item, and it has to rely on Focus Blast's shaky accuracy to break Fire-resistant Silvally formes, which is often not preferable.
Usage Tips
========
Combusken should focus on breaking holes in the opponent's team by utilizing its solid coverage. If running Fightinium Z, it's important to consider carefully what foe to use it on. This will most commonly be a Pokemon like specially defensive Lickilicky or Silvally-Water, which can take either STAB move but loses to All-Out Pummeling. KOing such a Pokemon will often allow either Combusken or one of its teammates to sweep. In general, Combusken should be brought in via a safe switch, such as by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn from Pokemon like Alolan Golem and Komala, as its frailty means it rarely wants to take a hit. The major exception to this rule is Gourgeist-XL, which is almost entirely unable to dent Combusken; the worst it can do is use Leech Seed, so Combusken can generally switch into it for free to generate momentum. Be liberal with predictions. It is important to keep up momentum when Combusken is on the field, as getting into a disadvantageous matchup is very crippiling. Therefore, considering carefully whether your opponent will switch in a Pokemon like Silvally-Water and 2HKOing it on the switch is crucial. Protect has several uses. Of course, most important is the ability to guarantee a Speed boost against Pokemon like Shiftry, but it can also be used to scout against Choice Scarf users like Electivire. When using it, always carefully consider how many boosts you will need, as it is often more worth it to use an attack in order to wallbreak before using Protect the next turn, after your opponent switches to a faster threat.
Team Options
========
Combusken pairs well with physical wallbreakers and sweepers like Swords Dance Silvally formes and Bulk Up or Choice Band Komala, as they can take care of special walls like Bronzor and Muk, allowing Combusken to wallbreak more easily. In exchange, Combusken threatens physical walls like Golem and Gourgeist-XL. Silvally formes and Choice Band Komala can also bring in Combusken with U-turn. Other Pokemon that can do so, such as Electivire and other Silvally formes, work well with Combusken too. Since Combusken relies on Stealth Rock to grab certain 2HKOs and OHKOs, most notably on Altaria, setters like Golem and Bronzor pair well with it. Combusken deals well with Gourgeist-XL, so Pokemon like the aforementioned Komala and Golem greatly appreciate its presence. Due to Combusken's weakness to Water-types, Pokemon that deal with them like Silvally-Water and Gourgeist-XL are solid teammates. Pokemon that reliably beat Altaria, like Komala and Electivire, are important, as Combusken is very weak to it. Both of these also consistently beat Mareanie. Other Pokemon that beat Mareanie, like Mr. Mime and Life Orb Kadabra, are solid partners as well. Since Combusken does not appreciate being worn down, especially if using Life Orb, entry hazard removers like Komala, Silvally formes, and Altaria work well with it.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Sky Uppercut
move 4: Protect
item: Firium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is Combusken's most powerful move and allows it to sweep much more easily due to its high Base Power. Most notably, at +2 Attack, it has a good chance to OHKO Gourgeist-XL, as well as Swanna after Stealth Rock. Sky Uppercut is Combusken's strongest Fighting-type STAB move, and though it is still not particularly strong, it synergizes well with Flare Blitz, notably threatening Pokemon like Golem and Rapidash. Protect synergizes well with Speed Boost to guarantee that Combusken can obtain the boosts it needs to outspeed its foes.
Set Details
========
Firium Z is generally the best option, as Inferno Overdrive is incredibly powerful, notably allowing Combusken to KO physically defensive Altaria at +2 with Inferno Overdrive followed by Flare Blitz. In addition, it OHKOes Swanna and defensive Tangela after Swords Dance. Fightinium Z is another option to OHKO physically defensive Golem as well as Silvally-Water after Stealth Rock at +2.
Usage Tips
========
In most games, this Combusken set should focus on sweeping late-game. While Combusken can OHKO or 2HKO almost every Pokemon in the metagame after a Swords Dance boost, its reliance on Flare Blitz means it gets worn down quickly. Thus, it is important that Pokemon like Muk and Gourgeist-XL are weakened significantly before attempting a sweep. Always plan the use of Combusken's Z-Move well. Not only is it a way to break through Pokemon Combusken otherwise couldn't beat, such as Altaria, it also is the only way for Combusken to have an accurate, powerful, and recoil-free STAB move. Since Combusken will usually be looking for a setup opportunity, it is important to identify which foes it can exploit. Examples of such foes include Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, and Leafeon, but there are several others depending on how healthy Combusken is. Especially against offensive teams, it is sometimes not necessary to set up to sweep, as Flare Blitz's power and Combusken's solid offensive typing already allow it to clean up such teams late-game. Sometimes, Combusken can be used as a wallbreaker instead of a sweeper, as it is easily capable of breaking through many Pokemon. It can be an especially effective wallbreaker when playing against bulkier teams that rely on cores like Bronzor + Gourgeist-XL. However, since it often gets worn down too quickly while setting up and by Flare Blitz recoil, it is generally better to preserve it for late-game.
Team Options
========
Since Combusken generally needs the opposing team weakened before reliably sweeping and wants as little Flare Blitz recoil as possible, wallbreakers like Abomasnow, Shiftry, and Komala are welcome teammates. Specifically, all three of these weaken Gourgeist-XL reliably and, less reliably, Mareanie, while Abomasnow also threatens Altaria. Parting Shot from Silvally formes can give Combusken more opportunities to switch in and set up. Combusken struggles to break through Silvally-Water, especially without Fightinium Z, so Pokemon that reliably beat it like Assault Vest or specially defensive Komala are quite useful. Combusken appreciates entry hazard support from Pokemon like Golem, Bronzor, and Crustle in order to wear down the opposing team and achieve its KOs more easily. In a similar manner, Combusken appreciates Rapid Spin or Defog support from Pokemon like Komala, Altaria, and Silvally formes in order to avoid being worn down by entry hazards in addition to Flare Blitz recoil.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Low Kick can be used over Sky Uppercut on the Swords Dance set to have a perfectly accurate STAB move that does increased damage to Golem and Silvally formes, but it fails to deal significant damage to the notable Komala and Floatzel, which means Sky Uppercut is usually preferred. Thunder Punch is another option on the Swords Dance set to more easily beat Silvally-Water and other Water-types, but Combusken does not have any moveslots to spare. Substitute can be used over Protect on either of the sets to keep Combusken safe, but it is less reliable at allowing it to obtain Speed boosts and wears it down even faster. Combusken can function as an offensive Defogger, but it generally lacks the moveslots to do so effectively.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Pokemon like Silvally-Water, Mareanie, and Pyukumuku are not easily broken by Combusken and can threaten it back with their super effective STAB moves or Toxic, while Swanna and Floatzel can easily take out Combusken with Aqua Jet if they decide to run it. In addition, Swanna can avoid an OHKO from any of Combusken's moves bar +2 Inferno Overdrive, allowing it to revenge kill.
**Flying-types**: While Combusken can break through Altaria, it needs to hit it on the switch with Hidden Power Ice on the special set lest it get stalled out by Roost, or it needs to hit its Z-Move correctly on the physical set. Other Flying-types like Swanna and Rotom-S are capable of taking most of Combusken's hits before OHKOing it with their STAB moves.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users like Electivire, Pinsir, and Mr. Mime can outspeed even +2 Combusken and easily OHKO it. However, if Combusken obtains enough Speed boosts, and in the case of a full health Electivire, a Swords Dance boost, it will KO them instead. Meanwhile, Pokemon like Floatzel and Dugtrio can outspeed and OHKO +1 Combusken, and both can run Substitute to catch Combusken on a predicted Protect.
**Psychic-types**: Pokemon like Grumpig and physically defensive Beheeyem can take on one or both of Combusken's sets, especially after its Z-Move has been used, while Focus Sash Kadabra can revenge kill any set if it is at full health.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Xayah, 167012]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [BloodAce0107, 435539], [Aaronboyer, 239454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
Last edited:
