[overview]
**Draft order**: Late round 2 onwards
**Price range**: 13-15 points
**Overview**: Cyclizar is the best Shed Tail user in Draft, using its excellent Speed tier and Regenerator to generate multiple opportunities to use Shed Tail every game, turning passive opposing Pokemon into liabilities. It is also an exceptional entry hazard remover with Rapid Spin and can function as a revenge killer with its Speed and wide range of coverage. Cyclizar is limited by the draft, as it is heavily dependent on teammates to function; Shed Tail's value is only maximized when paired with several top-tier offensive threats, while Cyclizar's mediocre offensive stats mean it is unsuited to wallbreak alone.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Shed Tail lead**: Cyclizar uses a Choice Scarf to outspeed faster opposing Pokemon and Choice Scarf users to guarantee a successful use of Shed Tail on turn 1. It can then come in on free switches throughout the game to get additional uses of Shed Tail. This set generally runs close to maximum HP to maximize the health of the passed Substitute.
**Utility pivot**: Cyclizar has access to a wide range of utility moves including Shed Tail, Rapid Spin, Knock Off, and Taunt, as well as a decent defensive typing and reasonable bulk when invested. It can pivot in on defensive entry hazard setters, attempt to use Rapid Spin, and maintain momentum with Shed Tail.
**Revenge killer**: Cyclizar boosts its mediocre offensive stats by using a damage-boosting item and its elite Speed tier to function as a revenge killer. Draco Meteor, Outrage, and Double-Edge are STAB moves with high Base Power, and Cyclizar has widespread mixed coverage as well as Shed Tail or U-turn to keep momentum after using a powerful attack.
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB moves**: Draco Meteor, Double-Edge, Hyper Voice, Outrage, Dragon Pulse, Body Slam, Quick Attack, Dragon Claw, Scale Shot
**Setup moves**: Shift Gear
**Utility moves**: Shed Tail, Rapid Spin, Knock Off, Taunt, U-turn, Endeavor, Dragon Tail
**Coverage**: Overheat, Power Whip, Thunderbolt, Ice Spinner, Iron Head, Temper Flare, Supercell Slam, Aqua Tail, Acrobatics, Wild Charge
Niche Moves
========
**Protect**: Protect can be used to scout Choice item users to see what move they are locked into and check whether it is safe to ues Shed Tail or what target to use Shed Tail to pivot into.
Common Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Heavy-Duty Boots is usually Cyclizar's preferred item. Combined with Regenerator, Cyclizar is able to prevent chip damage and stay healthy enough to use Shed Tail multiple times in a single game.
**Choice Scarf**: Choice Scarf is used to secure a guaranteed use of Shed Tail early-game without worrying about opposing Choice Scarf users; note that Choice Scarf Cyclizar is a very poor spinner, as being Choice-locked allows foes to set up. It can also be used to revenge kill weakened setup threats and opposing Choice Scarf users later in the game.
**Life Orb**: Life Orb is used in combination with powerful STAB moves like Double-Edge and Draco Meteor to maximize offensive output and increase Cyclizar's effectiveness as a revenge killer while using Regenerator to mitigate recoil damage.
Niche Items
========
**Sitrus Berry**: Sitrus Berry is used in place of Heavy-Duty Boots if the opponent has poor entry hazard setters, and it allows Cyclizar to pivot in more freely on attacks or use other utility moves before Shed Tail.
**Choice Band / Choice Specs**: Choice Band or Choice Specs can be used to secure KOs that Life Orb cannot achieve but Choice-locks Cyclizar.
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest Cyclizar can be used as a pivot to check special attackers with Knock Off and U-turn, similar to Tornadus-T; however, it is incompatible with Shed Tail, so should only be used as a last resort.
**Rocky Helmet**: Rocky Helmet can be used if Cyclizar will pivot in on contact moves such as Palafin's Jet Punch and Rillaboom's Grassy Glide.
**Resistance Berries**: Yache Berry and Chople Berry can be used to reduce Ice Shard and Mach Punch damage, respectively, and they allow Cyclizar to revenge kill threats such as Baxcalibur and Infernape.
**Lum Berry**: Lum Berry allows Cyclizar to be used as a one-time status absorber for paralysis and sleep moves without having to sacrifice an item slot on one of your offensive Pokemon.
Tera
========
Cyclizar should not be a Tera Captain; its primary job is to enable teammates with Shed Tail, and it should be bringing in elite offensive threats that you should make your Tera Captain instead. If Cyclizar is a Tera Captain, it can use STAB Tera types to increase its damage output as a revenge killer or enable a Shift Gear set, or it can use an appropriate defensive Tera type against possible priority move or Choice Scarf users.
Draft Strategy
========
Cyclizar should only be drafted on bulky offense or hyper offense-style drafts, where most Pokemon will be threatening with a Substitute up. It excels against more passive teams where the Shed Tail Substitute can be preserved after a weak attack. Cyclizar should be played aggressively and brought in on double switches where possible; Shed Tail allows the player to bring in their strong wallbreakers while only risking Cyclizar on the double switch instead of an elite offensive Pokemon.
**Wallbreakers**: Cyclizar can use Shed Tail to bring in strong wallbreakers in an advantageous position to devastate the opposing team. Faster wallbreakers such as Chi-Yu, Urshifu-S, and Baxcalibur gain more opportunities to enter the battlefield, while bulkier wallbreakers such as Ursaluna, Iron Hands, and Gholdengo can preserve Cyclizar's Substitute through weak or resisted attacks.
**Setup Sweepers**: Cyclizar enables setup sweepers by giving them additional turns to set up; Swords Dance Urshifu-S, Dragon Dance Gouging Fire, and Nasty Plot Darkrai are beneficiaries of Shed Tail and can easily sweep if Cyclizar is allowed to use Shed Tail freely.
**High-tier speed control**: Cyclizar should not be pressured to act as the sole source of speed control on a team; having another revenge killer such as Greninja, Iron Boulder, or Rillaboom mitigates the risk of using Shed Tail against an opposing threat. Cyclizar can pivot with Shed Tail into your source of speed control if your opponent predicts it and keeps their Pokemon on the field.
**Magic Bounce / Good as Gold**: Gholdengo and Hatterene act as deterrents for phazing moves and create an advantageous position if they are brought in via Shed Tail while anticipating a phazing move. Soundproof users such as Kommo-o are another option for this role, but note they only prevent Roar and not Whirlwind.
**Slow momentum**: Although most teammates should be offensive threats, slow pivot move users like Uxie and Mandibuzz can bring in Cyclizar if it lacks the HP to both take a hit and use Shed Tail.
**Terapagos / Dragonite**: Terapagos and Dragonite are especially good partners for Cyclizar due to the interaction between Shed Tail and their abilities; Tera Shell and Multiscale apply to the passed Substitute when they are at full HP, allowing Terapagos and Dragonite to get multiple uses out of their powerful abilities.
Checks and Counters
========
**Phazing**: Phazing moves can be used to neutralize Cyclizar when used on the same turn as Shed Tail. Cyclizar can prevent this by using Taunt on a phazer but risks being attacked.
**Choice Scarf users**: Choice Scarf users can score a surprise KO on non-Choice Scarf Cyclizar. This can be played around by scouting for Choice Scarf or ensuring a setup opportunity will occur against a Choice Scarf user.
**Priority**: Priority moves such as Ice Shard, Mach Punch, and Extreme Speed can chip Cyclizar below 50% HP and render it unable to use Shed Tail; Prankster Taunt can also be used to stop Shed Tail.
**Bypassing Substitute / Multi-hit moves**: Multi-hit moves, especially combined with Loaded Dice, can break Substitute and damage Shed Tail recipients; Pokemon with Infiltrator or sound moves that bypass Substitute, such as Dragapult and Kommo-o, can ignore Shed Tail but risk leaving the foe with a Substitute up if they do not secure a KO.
**Offensive play**: Cyclizar excels against passive Pokemon that allow it free switches; maintaining offensive pressure and preventing Cyclizar from switching in freely reduces the threat of Shed Tail, and when it does enter the battlefield, offensive threats can break its Substitutes.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/chi-yu-later.630826/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/hacker.387847/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/scionicle.599989/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
**Draft order**: Late round 2 onwards
**Price range**: 13-15 points
**Overview**: Cyclizar is the best Shed Tail user in Draft, using its excellent Speed tier and Regenerator to generate multiple opportunities to use Shed Tail every game, turning passive opposing Pokemon into liabilities. It is also an exceptional entry hazard remover with Rapid Spin and can function as a revenge killer with its Speed and wide range of coverage. Cyclizar is limited by the draft, as it is heavily dependent on teammates to function; Shed Tail's value is only maximized when paired with several top-tier offensive threats, while Cyclizar's mediocre offensive stats mean it is unsuited to wallbreak alone.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Shed Tail lead**: Cyclizar uses a Choice Scarf to outspeed faster opposing Pokemon and Choice Scarf users to guarantee a successful use of Shed Tail on turn 1. It can then come in on free switches throughout the game to get additional uses of Shed Tail. This set generally runs close to maximum HP to maximize the health of the passed Substitute.
**Utility pivot**: Cyclizar has access to a wide range of utility moves including Shed Tail, Rapid Spin, Knock Off, and Taunt, as well as a decent defensive typing and reasonable bulk when invested. It can pivot in on defensive entry hazard setters, attempt to use Rapid Spin, and maintain momentum with Shed Tail.
**Revenge killer**: Cyclizar boosts its mediocre offensive stats by using a damage-boosting item and its elite Speed tier to function as a revenge killer. Draco Meteor, Outrage, and Double-Edge are STAB moves with high Base Power, and Cyclizar has widespread mixed coverage as well as Shed Tail or U-turn to keep momentum after using a powerful attack.
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB moves**: Draco Meteor, Double-Edge, Hyper Voice, Outrage, Dragon Pulse, Body Slam, Quick Attack, Dragon Claw, Scale Shot
**Setup moves**: Shift Gear
**Utility moves**: Shed Tail, Rapid Spin, Knock Off, Taunt, U-turn, Endeavor, Dragon Tail
**Coverage**: Overheat, Power Whip, Thunderbolt, Ice Spinner, Iron Head, Temper Flare, Supercell Slam, Aqua Tail, Acrobatics, Wild Charge
Niche Moves
========
**Protect**: Protect can be used to scout Choice item users to see what move they are locked into and check whether it is safe to ues Shed Tail or what target to use Shed Tail to pivot into.
Common Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Heavy-Duty Boots is usually Cyclizar's preferred item. Combined with Regenerator, Cyclizar is able to prevent chip damage and stay healthy enough to use Shed Tail multiple times in a single game.
**Choice Scarf**: Choice Scarf is used to secure a guaranteed use of Shed Tail early-game without worrying about opposing Choice Scarf users; note that Choice Scarf Cyclizar is a very poor spinner, as being Choice-locked allows foes to set up. It can also be used to revenge kill weakened setup threats and opposing Choice Scarf users later in the game.
**Life Orb**: Life Orb is used in combination with powerful STAB moves like Double-Edge and Draco Meteor to maximize offensive output and increase Cyclizar's effectiveness as a revenge killer while using Regenerator to mitigate recoil damage.
Niche Items
========
**Sitrus Berry**: Sitrus Berry is used in place of Heavy-Duty Boots if the opponent has poor entry hazard setters, and it allows Cyclizar to pivot in more freely on attacks or use other utility moves before Shed Tail.
**Choice Band / Choice Specs**: Choice Band or Choice Specs can be used to secure KOs that Life Orb cannot achieve but Choice-locks Cyclizar.
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest Cyclizar can be used as a pivot to check special attackers with Knock Off and U-turn, similar to Tornadus-T; however, it is incompatible with Shed Tail, so should only be used as a last resort.
**Rocky Helmet**: Rocky Helmet can be used if Cyclizar will pivot in on contact moves such as Palafin's Jet Punch and Rillaboom's Grassy Glide.
**Resistance Berries**: Yache Berry and Chople Berry can be used to reduce Ice Shard and Mach Punch damage, respectively, and they allow Cyclizar to revenge kill threats such as Baxcalibur and Infernape.
**Lum Berry**: Lum Berry allows Cyclizar to be used as a one-time status absorber for paralysis and sleep moves without having to sacrifice an item slot on one of your offensive Pokemon.
Tera
========
Cyclizar should not be a Tera Captain; its primary job is to enable teammates with Shed Tail, and it should be bringing in elite offensive threats that you should make your Tera Captain instead. If Cyclizar is a Tera Captain, it can use STAB Tera types to increase its damage output as a revenge killer or enable a Shift Gear set, or it can use an appropriate defensive Tera type against possible priority move or Choice Scarf users.
Draft Strategy
========
Cyclizar should only be drafted on bulky offense or hyper offense-style drafts, where most Pokemon will be threatening with a Substitute up. It excels against more passive teams where the Shed Tail Substitute can be preserved after a weak attack. Cyclizar should be played aggressively and brought in on double switches where possible; Shed Tail allows the player to bring in their strong wallbreakers while only risking Cyclizar on the double switch instead of an elite offensive Pokemon.
**Wallbreakers**: Cyclizar can use Shed Tail to bring in strong wallbreakers in an advantageous position to devastate the opposing team. Faster wallbreakers such as Chi-Yu, Urshifu-S, and Baxcalibur gain more opportunities to enter the battlefield, while bulkier wallbreakers such as Ursaluna, Iron Hands, and Gholdengo can preserve Cyclizar's Substitute through weak or resisted attacks.
**Setup Sweepers**: Cyclizar enables setup sweepers by giving them additional turns to set up; Swords Dance Urshifu-S, Dragon Dance Gouging Fire, and Nasty Plot Darkrai are beneficiaries of Shed Tail and can easily sweep if Cyclizar is allowed to use Shed Tail freely.
**High-tier speed control**: Cyclizar should not be pressured to act as the sole source of speed control on a team; having another revenge killer such as Greninja, Iron Boulder, or Rillaboom mitigates the risk of using Shed Tail against an opposing threat. Cyclizar can pivot with Shed Tail into your source of speed control if your opponent predicts it and keeps their Pokemon on the field.
**Magic Bounce / Good as Gold**: Gholdengo and Hatterene act as deterrents for phazing moves and create an advantageous position if they are brought in via Shed Tail while anticipating a phazing move. Soundproof users such as Kommo-o are another option for this role, but note they only prevent Roar and not Whirlwind.
**Slow momentum**: Although most teammates should be offensive threats, slow pivot move users like Uxie and Mandibuzz can bring in Cyclizar if it lacks the HP to both take a hit and use Shed Tail.
**Terapagos / Dragonite**: Terapagos and Dragonite are especially good partners for Cyclizar due to the interaction between Shed Tail and their abilities; Tera Shell and Multiscale apply to the passed Substitute when they are at full HP, allowing Terapagos and Dragonite to get multiple uses out of their powerful abilities.
Checks and Counters
========
**Phazing**: Phazing moves can be used to neutralize Cyclizar when used on the same turn as Shed Tail. Cyclizar can prevent this by using Taunt on a phazer but risks being attacked.
**Choice Scarf users**: Choice Scarf users can score a surprise KO on non-Choice Scarf Cyclizar. This can be played around by scouting for Choice Scarf or ensuring a setup opportunity will occur against a Choice Scarf user.
**Priority**: Priority moves such as Ice Shard, Mach Punch, and Extreme Speed can chip Cyclizar below 50% HP and render it unable to use Shed Tail; Prankster Taunt can also be used to stop Shed Tail.
**Bypassing Substitute / Multi-hit moves**: Multi-hit moves, especially combined with Loaded Dice, can break Substitute and damage Shed Tail recipients; Pokemon with Infiltrator or sound moves that bypass Substitute, such as Dragapult and Kommo-o, can ignore Shed Tail but risk leaving the foe with a Substitute up if they do not secure a KO.
**Offensive play**: Cyclizar excels against passive Pokemon that allow it free switches; maintaining offensive pressure and preventing Cyclizar from switching in freely reduces the threat of Shed Tail, and when it does enter the battlefield, offensive threats can break its Substitutes.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/chi-yu-later.630826/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/hacker.387847/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/scionicle.599989/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
Last edited: