making a strict cutoff seems a bit unnecessary, but I added two rules to the op so that this thread will hopefully stay towards its intended purpose of informing players who are new to the tier instead of just an outlet to complain about how awful the ladder is (as justified as those complaints may be)
-
Welcome to Smogon! Take a moment to read the Introduction to Smogon for a run-down on everything Smogon, and make sure you take some time to read the global rules.
-
Congrats to the winners of the 2023 Smog Awards!
Resource Don't Use That, Use This (V2)
- Thread starter Magnemite
- Start date
- Status
00:09 Arikado !usage clawitzer items
00:09 TIBot Choice Specs 39.820% | Assault Vest 25.486% | Choice Scarf 11.924% | Life Orb 10.089% | Expert Belt 7.705% | Other 4.974%
I see this on the ladder extremely often and I just don't get it.
Don't Use This:
Clawitzer @ Assault Vest / Choice Scarf
Ability: Mega Launcher
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
Modest Nature
- Water Pulse
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse
- Aura Sphere
Why It's Bad:
Clawitzer is a wallbreaker that's very slow. Wallbreaker usually means you should use items that boost damage output. Wallbreaking means it shouldn't use Assault Vest. Wallbreaking means it shouldn't use a Choice Scarf. It's very slow. It doesn't outspeed Cinccino or anything faster even with a Scarf, and the damage output compared to Life Orb/Specs is considerably lower. That's why AV/Scarf Clawitzer is bad, despite its appearance as a 'bulky' attacker, or despite the fact that its speed might be fixed with a Scarf. While the second statement is true, it's not what Clawitzer really wants. Additionally, Water Pulse isn't better than Scald because it's not as consistent, and Scald burns can turn 3HKOs into 2HKOs.
Clawitzer @ Life Orb
Ability: Mega Launcher
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse
- Aura Sphere
Why It's Better:
This makes Clawitzer wallbreak hard, with literally no safe switch ins except perhaps Mantine and SpD Gastrodon, which aren't really that relevant (maybe Gastro is a bit relevant but I haven't seen it much lately). 252 Spe also makes Clawitzer outspeed some walls like Gligar and Cresselia.
00:09 TIBot Choice Specs 39.820% | Assault Vest 25.486% | Choice Scarf 11.924% | Life Orb 10.089% | Expert Belt 7.705% | Other 4.974%
I see this on the ladder extremely often and I just don't get it.
Don't Use This:
Clawitzer @ Assault Vest / Choice Scarf
Ability: Mega Launcher
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
Modest Nature
- Water Pulse
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse
- Aura Sphere
Why It's Bad:
Clawitzer is a wallbreaker that's very slow. Wallbreaker usually means you should use items that boost damage output. Wallbreaking means it shouldn't use Assault Vest. Wallbreaking means it shouldn't use a Choice Scarf. It's very slow. It doesn't outspeed Cinccino or anything faster even with a Scarf, and the damage output compared to Life Orb/Specs is considerably lower. That's why AV/Scarf Clawitzer is bad, despite its appearance as a 'bulky' attacker, or despite the fact that its speed might be fixed with a Scarf. While the second statement is true, it's not what Clawitzer really wants. Additionally, Water Pulse isn't better than Scald because it's not as consistent, and Scald burns can turn 3HKOs into 2HKOs.
Clawitzer @ Life Orb
Ability: Mega Launcher
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse
- Aura Sphere
Why It's Better:
This makes Clawitzer wallbreak hard, with literally no safe switch ins except perhaps Mantine and SpD Gastrodon, which aren't really that relevant (maybe Gastro is a bit relevant but I haven't seen it much lately). 252 Spe also makes Clawitzer outspeed some walls like Gligar and Cresselia.
Last edited:
Also AV Clawitzer does not 2HKO AV Slowking with Dark Pulse, while LO does.
252+ SpA Life Orb Mega Launcher Clawitzer Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 216-255 (54.9 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Mega Launcher Clawitzer Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 166-196 (42.2 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
unless you're going to run max spdef AV Slowking xD
252+ SpA Life Orb Mega Launcher Clawitzer Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 216-255 (54.9 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Mega Launcher Clawitzer Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 166-196 (42.2 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
unless you're going to run max spdef AV Slowking xD
<EonX> !usage moltres, items
<TIBot> Life Orb 41.656% | Leftovers 27.396% | Choice Scarf 15.569% | Choice Specs 8.888% | Wide Lens 1.769% | Other 4.721%
Don't Use This:
Moltres @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- Hidden Power Grass
- U-turn
Why it's Bad:
Choice Specs seems like the perfect item to use for a Pokemon that has a base 125 Special Attack stat and two 110 BP STAB moves + U-turn. So what's wrong with it on Moltres? For one, it's 4x Stealth Rock weak, meaning you will pretty much need to build around Specs Moltres for it to work well. The other would be the inability to switch moves. Moltres's STABs have solid coverage on their own, but being able to switch between them makes it incredibly difficult to switch into it safely. I wouldn't say Choice Specs Moltres is completely outlandish like some other shit that's been posted, but why would you want to lock such a powerful wallbreaker with such great coverage into one move in any circumstance?
Use This Instead:
Moltres @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- Hidden Power Grass / Substitute
- Roost
OR
Moltres @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- Flamethrower
- U-turn
Why They're Better:
Life Orb Moltres is a great wallbreaker thanks to its STAB coverage and it still has enough power to break down common defensive cores in almost any circumstance. By running Life Orb, Moltres also gains the ability to utilize Roost to keep itself healthy throughout the match while also having the option to run Substitute over HP Grass to ease prediction and make life harder for offensive teams to beat it. If you're wanting to utilize a Choice item on Moltres because of U-turn, Choice Scarf is a much better route to take. This actually fixes an issue Moltres has (at least vs. offensive teams) with its decent, but not amazing Speed getting boosted. You get a much faster U-turn and thanks to 110 BP STABs and a base 125 Special Attack stat, Moltres hits pretty damn hard for a Scarf user. You also gain the ability to run Flamethrower for a reliable STAB move when you can't afford to miss. It still has the issue of being 4x weak to SR, but Scarf Moltres will only need to come in for a revenge kill or a late-game sweep with its heightened Speed. Moltres can be a great wallbreaker and a solid U-turn user, but don't try to merge those qualities into a single set. If you really want to use a Choice Specs Fire-type Pokemon, just turn to Delphox.
<TIBot> Life Orb 41.656% | Leftovers 27.396% | Choice Scarf 15.569% | Choice Specs 8.888% | Wide Lens 1.769% | Other 4.721%
Don't Use This:
Moltres @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- Hidden Power Grass
- U-turn
Why it's Bad:
Choice Specs seems like the perfect item to use for a Pokemon that has a base 125 Special Attack stat and two 110 BP STAB moves + U-turn. So what's wrong with it on Moltres? For one, it's 4x Stealth Rock weak, meaning you will pretty much need to build around Specs Moltres for it to work well. The other would be the inability to switch moves. Moltres's STABs have solid coverage on their own, but being able to switch between them makes it incredibly difficult to switch into it safely. I wouldn't say Choice Specs Moltres is completely outlandish like some other shit that's been posted, but why would you want to lock such a powerful wallbreaker with such great coverage into one move in any circumstance?
Use This Instead:
Moltres @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- Hidden Power Grass / Substitute
- Roost
OR
Moltres @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- Flamethrower
- U-turn
Why They're Better:
Life Orb Moltres is a great wallbreaker thanks to its STAB coverage and it still has enough power to break down common defensive cores in almost any circumstance. By running Life Orb, Moltres also gains the ability to utilize Roost to keep itself healthy throughout the match while also having the option to run Substitute over HP Grass to ease prediction and make life harder for offensive teams to beat it. If you're wanting to utilize a Choice item on Moltres because of U-turn, Choice Scarf is a much better route to take. This actually fixes an issue Moltres has (at least vs. offensive teams) with its decent, but not amazing Speed getting boosted. You get a much faster U-turn and thanks to 110 BP STABs and a base 125 Special Attack stat, Moltres hits pretty damn hard for a Scarf user. You also gain the ability to run Flamethrower for a reliable STAB move when you can't afford to miss. It still has the issue of being 4x weak to SR, but Scarf Moltres will only need to come in for a revenge kill or a late-game sweep with its heightened Speed. Moltres can be a great wallbreaker and a solid U-turn user, but don't try to merge those qualities into a single set. If you really want to use a Choice Specs Fire-type Pokemon, just turn to Delphox.
Don't Use This:
Emboar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Wild Charge
- Sucker Punch
Why It's Bad:
Simply put, no matter how bulky it may look, using a Pokemon that relies on using recoil moves with an Assault Vest is a complete no-no, especially when it doesn't have any draining moves or the like. Assault Vest Pokemon without draining moves/Regenerator are already very prone to being worn down, but given Emboar has to rely on Flare Blitz and Wild Charge quite a bit, it's getting worn down even faster than the average Assault Vest Pokemon. What's the point of using an AV Pokemon to check certain threats if it can't even stay alive long enough to do it for more than 3 turns?. Also, Emboar struggles to switch in on most of RU's best special attackers anyway because of its typing (Slowking, Meloetta, Delphox, Moltres, Reuniclus, Clawitzer, to name a few) so it's really a poor choice for the role even if it *didnt* rely on recoil moves.
Instead, Use This:
Emboar @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Wild Charge
- Sucker Punch
Why It's Better:
Instead of functioning as a poor Assault Vest user, Emboar should be doing what it does best: wallbreaking. Basically, if your name isn't Alomomola or Gligar that both still has its Eviolite and has taken absolutely zero prior damage, have fun switching into this thing. Life Orb Flare Blitz is absurdly powerful (bonus points if you end up getting into Blaze Range), and both Superpower and Wild Charge do a really good job of covering what Flare Blitz can't simply smash on its own, covering Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Slowking quite nicely. Of course Emboar's a little bit slow, but Sucker Punch really helps remedy that, letting Emboar get the jump on Pokemon such as Delphox that'd be able to revenge kill it otherwise, while letting it revenge kill some frailer Pokemon itself.
You can also use:
Emboar @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 72 Atk / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Rash Nature
- Fire Blast
- Grass Knot
- Sucker Punch
- Superpower
Why It's Also Better:
Thanks to its solid base 100 Special Attack stat, Emboar can viably go mixed as well, sacrificing some raw power for less reliance on recoil moves and a way to get past Alomomola with Max Special Attack invested Grass Knot. Just like the above set, good luck switching into this thing.
Emboar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Wild Charge
- Sucker Punch
Why It's Bad:
Simply put, no matter how bulky it may look, using a Pokemon that relies on using recoil moves with an Assault Vest is a complete no-no, especially when it doesn't have any draining moves or the like. Assault Vest Pokemon without draining moves/Regenerator are already very prone to being worn down, but given Emboar has to rely on Flare Blitz and Wild Charge quite a bit, it's getting worn down even faster than the average Assault Vest Pokemon. What's the point of using an AV Pokemon to check certain threats if it can't even stay alive long enough to do it for more than 3 turns?. Also, Emboar struggles to switch in on most of RU's best special attackers anyway because of its typing (Slowking, Meloetta, Delphox, Moltres, Reuniclus, Clawitzer, to name a few) so it's really a poor choice for the role even if it *didnt* rely on recoil moves.
Instead, Use This:
Emboar @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Wild Charge
- Sucker Punch
Why It's Better:
Instead of functioning as a poor Assault Vest user, Emboar should be doing what it does best: wallbreaking. Basically, if your name isn't Alomomola or Gligar that both still has its Eviolite and has taken absolutely zero prior damage, have fun switching into this thing. Life Orb Flare Blitz is absurdly powerful (bonus points if you end up getting into Blaze Range), and both Superpower and Wild Charge do a really good job of covering what Flare Blitz can't simply smash on its own, covering Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Slowking quite nicely. Of course Emboar's a little bit slow, but Sucker Punch really helps remedy that, letting Emboar get the jump on Pokemon such as Delphox that'd be able to revenge kill it otherwise, while letting it revenge kill some frailer Pokemon itself.
You can also use:
Emboar @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 72 Atk / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Rash Nature
- Fire Blast
- Grass Knot
- Sucker Punch
- Superpower
Why It's Also Better:
Thanks to its solid base 100 Special Attack stat, Emboar can viably go mixed as well, sacrificing some raw power for less reliance on recoil moves and a way to get past Alomomola with Max Special Attack invested Grass Knot. Just like the above set, good luck switching into this thing.
Double posting because i was just looking at the usage stats and this has to be done,,,,
DO NOT USE THIS:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Lax Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
Bold:252/0/252/4/0/0 10.130% | Lax:252/4/252/0/0/0 8.596% | Impish:252/4/252/0/0/0 6.874% | Adamant:252/252/0/0/4/0 4.864% | Modest:252/0/0/252/4/0 4.127% | Quiet:248/0/0/252/0/8 2.825% | Other 62.583%
Why It's Bad:
There is absolutely no reason to use a Lax (or Gentle for that matter) nature on ANYTHING, let alone Tangrowth. There is no reason to cut into Tangrowth's special bulk like this. Even though Tangrowth is primarilly a physically defensive Pokemon, the ability to occasionally take Water-type moves and Volt Switches is still pretty nice, and all running a Lax nature on Tangrowth does is hamper its ability to do this (one important example of this is Choice Specs Jolteon, Lax Tangrowth is always 2HKO'd by Thunderbolt after Stealth Rock, while Bold/Impish/Relaxed almost never is) Taking Choice Specs Clawitzer's Dark Pulse from full hp isn't too shabby either.
Instead, Use This:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
Why It's Better:
If you absolutely NEED to use both offenses on your defensive Tangrowth, a Relaxed Nature is the way to go. The only two Pokemon Tangrowth loses out on by running a Relaxed Nature are Eelektross and Druddigon, and the former beats it regardless while the latter almost always speed creeps it. Relaxed Tangrowth still outspeeds standard Doublade and Rhyperior and everything, so why would you ever cut into your special bulk when you're slow as a tree grows anyway and only lose out on outspeeding/tying with Pokemon that beat you anyway x_x?
Hell, even use this:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
Power Whip actually hits much harder than Giga Drain, so unless you absolutely need the extra recovery of Giga Drain or need a special coverage move, i don't see a drawback in just running a full physical set with an Impish nature.
DO NOT USE THIS:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Lax Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
Bold:252/0/252/4/0/0 10.130% | Lax:252/4/252/0/0/0 8.596% | Impish:252/4/252/0/0/0 6.874% | Adamant:252/252/0/0/4/0 4.864% | Modest:252/0/0/252/4/0 4.127% | Quiet:248/0/0/252/0/8 2.825% | Other 62.583%
Why It's Bad:
There is absolutely no reason to use a Lax (or Gentle for that matter) nature on ANYTHING, let alone Tangrowth. There is no reason to cut into Tangrowth's special bulk like this. Even though Tangrowth is primarilly a physically defensive Pokemon, the ability to occasionally take Water-type moves and Volt Switches is still pretty nice, and all running a Lax nature on Tangrowth does is hamper its ability to do this (one important example of this is Choice Specs Jolteon, Lax Tangrowth is always 2HKO'd by Thunderbolt after Stealth Rock, while Bold/Impish/Relaxed almost never is) Taking Choice Specs Clawitzer's Dark Pulse from full hp isn't too shabby either.
Instead, Use This:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
Why It's Better:
If you absolutely NEED to use both offenses on your defensive Tangrowth, a Relaxed Nature is the way to go. The only two Pokemon Tangrowth loses out on by running a Relaxed Nature are Eelektross and Druddigon, and the former beats it regardless while the latter almost always speed creeps it. Relaxed Tangrowth still outspeeds standard Doublade and Rhyperior and everything, so why would you ever cut into your special bulk when you're slow as a tree grows anyway and only lose out on outspeeding/tying with Pokemon that beat you anyway x_x?
Hell, even use this:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
Power Whip actually hits much harder than Giga Drain, so unless you absolutely need the extra recovery of Giga Drain or need a special coverage move, i don't see a drawback in just running a full physical set with an Impish nature.
Last edited:
Why are Defog's usage statistics on Gligar only 53% it should be 100%
Don't use:
Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- Toxic
- Roost
- Earthquake
Simply put, the only reason to use Gligar in the first place in RU is because of access to Defog, which distinguishes it from other physical walls like Amoonguss, Cresselia, and Alomomola. Without it, it is outclassed by every other physical wall as they are harder to break through due to Leftovers and other utility options like Alomomola's Scald, Amoonguss's Spore, or Cresselia's mixed defense. This set also has limited offensive presence and cannot really contribute that much to a team.
Use this instead:
Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Defog
- Toxic / Knock Off / U-turn
- Roost
- Earthquake
As said before, Defog is mandatory on Gligar to prevent it from being outclassed by other physical walls. This set can contribute to teams in need of hazard removal and isn't dead weight like defogless Gligar, and can be a key factor between survival and death for its teammates. It makes up for a good Defogger due to its immunity to (t)spikes and neutrality to rocks, allowing it to Defog as many times as it needs to until it's finished, and it can tank hits from Hitmonlee, Escavalier, Rhyperior, and other physical attackers. Just don't get greedy and try to Defog on a Braviary, as that will hurt you more than help you.
Don't use:
Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- Toxic
- Roost
- Earthquake
Simply put, the only reason to use Gligar in the first place in RU is because of access to Defog, which distinguishes it from other physical walls like Amoonguss, Cresselia, and Alomomola. Without it, it is outclassed by every other physical wall as they are harder to break through due to Leftovers and other utility options like Alomomola's Scald, Amoonguss's Spore, or Cresselia's mixed defense. This set also has limited offensive presence and cannot really contribute that much to a team.
Use this instead:
Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Defog
- Toxic / Knock Off / U-turn
- Roost
- Earthquake
As said before, Defog is mandatory on Gligar to prevent it from being outclassed by other physical walls. This set can contribute to teams in need of hazard removal and isn't dead weight like defogless Gligar, and can be a key factor between survival and death for its teammates. It makes up for a good Defogger due to its immunity to (t)spikes and neutrality to rocks, allowing it to Defog as many times as it needs to until it's finished, and it can tank hits from Hitmonlee, Escavalier, Rhyperior, and other physical attackers. Just don't get greedy and try to Defog on a Braviary, as that will hurt you more than help you.
Defog-less Gligar is viable as a stealth rocker and physical wall that doesn't give a fuck about Toxics.
I mean, yeah, you do prefer the Gligar with Defog, but if you end up carrying something like SpD Golbat or Hitmontop or something at the same team, you can ditch the Defog.
Edit: Why did i write hitmonlee lmao
I mean, yeah, you do prefer the Gligar with Defog, but if you end up carrying something like SpD Golbat or Hitmontop or something at the same team, you can ditch the Defog.
Edit: Why did i write hitmonlee lmao
Last edited:
Just as another note, If you're using Gligar without Defog, you should be using Immunity as the ability. I've seen quite a few Gligar that don't have Defog at all get affected by Toxic, and it really confuses me. The only reason that people use Hyper Cutter on the Defog set is because Defog+Immunity is an illegal move combination (Defog is Gen4 HM only, Immunity is BW/XY Hidden Ability). If you don't have Defog, there's no reason not to run immunity for the handy immunity to Toxic =/.
For the record:
07:25 Molk !usage gligar abilities
07:25 TIBot Hyper Cutter 71.106% | Immunity 27.030% | Sand Veil 1.865%
07:25 Molk !usage gligar moves
07:25 TIBot Roost 94.837% | Earthquake 84.849% | Defog 66.935% | Stealth Rock 45.670% | U-turn 31.809% | Knock Off 27.319% | Toxic 25.469% | Taunt 6.175% | Other 16.938%
For the record:
07:25 Molk !usage gligar abilities
07:25 TIBot Hyper Cutter 71.106% | Immunity 27.030% | Sand Veil 1.865%
07:25 Molk !usage gligar moves
07:25 TIBot Roost 94.837% | Earthquake 84.849% | Defog 66.935% | Stealth Rock 45.670% | U-turn 31.809% | Knock Off 27.319% | Toxic 25.469% | Taunt 6.175% | Other 16.938%
Last edited:
This thread is dead ;_; will try to revive it with a quick post:
Don't use this:
Moltres @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Roost
- Substitute
- Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
There is simply no reason to run 252 HP evs; they barely make a difference in calcs and you lose half of your health every time you switch in if SR are up. Also running no speed evs sucks when you're a Sub Roost pokemon, running Fire Blast isn't a good option because this Moltres set has a more defensive approach and prefers reliability over power. Finally, although Will-o-Wisp isn't a bad option, he prefers Toxic to lure and cripple bulky waters like Slowking.
Use this instead:
Moltres @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 124 Def / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
- Roost
- Substitute
- Flamethrower
- Toxic
136 speed evs allow Moltres to outspeed Adamant Lee and 248 to switch 2 times into SR while the remaining EVS are dumped in defense. Like I said Moltres prefers reliability over power so Flamethrower is better than Fire Blast while Toxic is better than WOW.
Don't use this:
Moltres @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Roost
- Substitute
- Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
There is simply no reason to run 252 HP evs; they barely make a difference in calcs and you lose half of your health every time you switch in if SR are up. Also running no speed evs sucks when you're a Sub Roost pokemon, running Fire Blast isn't a good option because this Moltres set has a more defensive approach and prefers reliability over power. Finally, although Will-o-Wisp isn't a bad option, he prefers Toxic to lure and cripple bulky waters like Slowking.
Use this instead:
Moltres @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 124 Def / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
- Roost
- Substitute
- Flamethrower
- Toxic
136 speed evs allow Moltres to outspeed Adamant Lee and 248 to switch 2 times into SR while the remaining EVS are dumped in defense. Like I said Moltres prefers reliability over power so Flamethrower is better than Fire Blast while Toxic is better than WOW.
Uh this is plain wrong lol, Will-O-Wisp only becomes inferior to Toxic if Slowking stays in over 3 turns, which it will rarely due b/c it's a pivot; furthermore, this helps cripple physical attackers unlike Toxic, which just causes passive damage.This thread is dead ;_; will try to revive it with a quick post:
Don't use this:
Moltres @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Roost
- Substitute
- Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
There is simply no reason to run 252 HP evs; they barely make a difference in calcs and you lose half of your health every time you switch in if SR are up. Also running no speed evs sucks when you're a Sub Roost pokemon, running Fire Blast isn't a good option because this Moltres set has a more defensive approach and prefers reliability over power. Finally, although Will-o-Wisp isn't a bad option, he prefers Toxic to lure and cripple bulky waters like Slowking.
If they switch out Slowking, you get a free sub, plus against Sub Roost Moltres it will be staying in for more than three turns. Will-o-Wisp certainly isn't bad for reasons that have already been addressed, but Toxic is undoubtedly better (especially at luring bulky waters like he said) unless you have like a huge Hitmonlee weakness.
I agree, actually; now that I look at Mew2's sets, SubRoost + WoW is probably worse than SubRoost + Toxic. However, Will-o-Wisp is still good on more offensive Moltres sets that use it to cripple conventional counters like Slowking and Regirock, as they won't stay out for 3 turns and you can't take advantage of the switch-out turn with a Substitute.
I thought Mew2 was saying Will-o-Wisp is bad in general for some reason, which is wrong. Thanks for the clarification!
um i think i have one I'm a little out of touch with RU so forgive me if this isn't perfect but here we go
Don't Use This:
Leavanny @ Focus Sash
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Sticky Web
- Swords Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Baton Pass
While Leavanny may be an attractive choice as the fastest use of sticky web and its ability to pass off an SD it simply isn't a reliable user of Sticky Web. It can only get up sticky web once, and struggles to do much more then that. It can rarely get off an SD and a pass while getting up its sticky web, and will often leave you and a 6-5 disadvantage and if the opponent has defog, you're still in a very high stress position so all your work isn't undone. It's speed isn't even that important as base 92 is still rather middling and won't outspeed most relevant offensive pokes or fast taunt users.
Instead, Use This:
Kricketune @ Focus Sash
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Sticky Web
- Taunt
- Endeavor
- Knock Off
Though Kricketune may suffer many of the same problems as Leavany with frailness and it is slower, its utility far surpasses that of Leavanny. Its access to taunt allows it to put a stop to slower hazard setters and defoggers, while endeavor can leave the opponent with a nasty gash if Kricketune has served its purpose. Furthermore it gets access to knock off allowing it to further cripple pokemon by removing their item and possibly opening up a way for something to sweep by crippling a wall like Gligar.
Don't Use This:
Leavanny @ Focus Sash
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Sticky Web
- Swords Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Baton Pass
While Leavanny may be an attractive choice as the fastest use of sticky web and its ability to pass off an SD it simply isn't a reliable user of Sticky Web. It can only get up sticky web once, and struggles to do much more then that. It can rarely get off an SD and a pass while getting up its sticky web, and will often leave you and a 6-5 disadvantage and if the opponent has defog, you're still in a very high stress position so all your work isn't undone. It's speed isn't even that important as base 92 is still rather middling and won't outspeed most relevant offensive pokes or fast taunt users.
Instead, Use This:
Kricketune @ Focus Sash
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Sticky Web
- Taunt
- Endeavor
- Knock Off
Though Kricketune may suffer many of the same problems as Leavany with frailness and it is slower, its utility far surpasses that of Leavanny. Its access to taunt allows it to put a stop to slower hazard setters and defoggers, while endeavor can leave the opponent with a nasty gash if Kricketune has served its purpose. Furthermore it gets access to knock off allowing it to further cripple pokemon by removing their item and possibly opening up a way for something to sweep by crippling a wall like Gligar.
Alrighty, i have something to post in this kinda ded thread, i can't believe i actually saw this twice ._.
Don't Use This:
Crustle knocked off the opposing Rhydon's Assault Vest!
Escavalier knocked off the opposing Rhydon's Assault Vest!
Rhydon @ Assault Vest
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Megahorn
- Ice Punch
Why It's Bad:
There's no way to defend Assault Vest on an NFE, and the fact that i've actually seen the same NFE holding AV twice is really confusing to say the least (although i was only playing one of the games). Anyways, there's absolutely *ZERO* reason to use Assault Vest on a Pokemon that can utilize Eviolite, like at all. Eviolite provides the exact same boost to Special Defense while giving a 1.5x boost to Defense as well, and to top everything off, you aren't limited to using only offensive moves when holding Eviolite like you are with Assault Vest. Eviolite is better than Assault Vest on Pokemon that can evolve 100% of the time, and i don't think theres a way anyone can deny that. (For the record even if it was fully evolved i still wouldn't advise Assault Vest on Rhydon, or Rhyperior for that matter =/).
Instead, Use This:
Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Atk / 240 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Roar
Why It's Better: Rhyperior is one of the best Stealth Rock setters and offensive tanks in the entire metagame. It can reliably set up rocks multiple times per game, hits quite hard even without full investment thanks to its insane base 140 Attack stat and solid coverage in STAB Edgequake, and its incredible bulk and Solid Rock ability allow it to take hits from a huge amount of the metagame, even to the point that it can take some UnSTABed Water- and Grass-type moves o_O (see: Hidden Power). Even outside of just the set above, Rhyperior can run some other sets at least somewhat effectively, including Rock Polish and Choice Band. Overall, Rhyperior is a complete monster, can perform a lot of roles effectively, and fits onto all kinds of teams really easily. I'm really not sure why you'd ever use Rhydon over Rhyperior in this meta, especially AV Rhydon of all things.
Or at the very least use this:
If you really really want to make Rhydon work in RU (or any tier, really), by far your best shot is to use Eviolite on it, not AV x.x.
Don't Use This:
Crustle knocked off the opposing Rhydon's Assault Vest!
Escavalier knocked off the opposing Rhydon's Assault Vest!
Rhydon @ Assault Vest
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Megahorn
- Ice Punch
Why It's Bad:
There's no way to defend Assault Vest on an NFE, and the fact that i've actually seen the same NFE holding AV twice is really confusing to say the least (although i was only playing one of the games). Anyways, there's absolutely *ZERO* reason to use Assault Vest on a Pokemon that can utilize Eviolite, like at all. Eviolite provides the exact same boost to Special Defense while giving a 1.5x boost to Defense as well, and to top everything off, you aren't limited to using only offensive moves when holding Eviolite like you are with Assault Vest. Eviolite is better than Assault Vest on Pokemon that can evolve 100% of the time, and i don't think theres a way anyone can deny that. (For the record even if it was fully evolved i still wouldn't advise Assault Vest on Rhydon, or Rhyperior for that matter =/).
Instead, Use This:
Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Atk / 240 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Roar
Why It's Better: Rhyperior is one of the best Stealth Rock setters and offensive tanks in the entire metagame. It can reliably set up rocks multiple times per game, hits quite hard even without full investment thanks to its insane base 140 Attack stat and solid coverage in STAB Edgequake, and its incredible bulk and Solid Rock ability allow it to take hits from a huge amount of the metagame, even to the point that it can take some UnSTABed Water- and Grass-type moves o_O (see: Hidden Power). Even outside of just the set above, Rhyperior can run some other sets at least somewhat effectively, including Rock Polish and Choice Band. Overall, Rhyperior is a complete monster, can perform a lot of roles effectively, and fits onto all kinds of teams really easily. I'm really not sure why you'd ever use Rhydon over Rhyperior in this meta, especially AV Rhydon of all things.
Or at the very least use this:
If you really really want to make Rhydon work in RU (or any tier, really), by far your best shot is to use Eviolite on it, not AV x.x.
Last edited:
not trying to be a necromancer here
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ru-192571128
There are several things wrong with my opponent's team here, such as Bayleef (which is an obvious problem, especially considering what it tried to do to Amoonguss) and AV Clawitzer (which was already posted ITT), so I'm going to focus on the Combusken that he used.
Don't use this:
Combusken @ Black Belt
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: whatever
whatever nature
- Flame Charge
- Dual Chop
(didn't see the other two moves)
Why it's bad: First of all, Black Belt is a rather poor option unless you're focusing on Fighting moves, which is a bad idea especially considering the number of Fighting resists in this tier (Slowking, Aromatisse, Dragalge, literally every Ghost type, etc.). Second, Flame Charge is redundant with Speed Boost, even with Baton Pass, and Flame Charge is weak as hell anyway. Third, Combusken needs Swords Dance/Bulk Up (and/or a Life Orb) to do any damage due to only having 85 base Attack, which brings up some 4MSS, leaving little room for much else. Dual Chop can work for Dragalge, as seen in the battle, but it still can't do much unboosted. Finally, offensive Combusken just is mediocre in general.
Instead, use this:
Combusken @ Eviolite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 64 Def / 192 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Protect
- Baton Pass
- Swords Dance / Bulk Up
- Flare Blitz / Substitute
Why it's better: Combusken's ability to pass both speed and attack boosts with relative ease is something that pretty much any physical sweeper could want, and, if you choose to run Flare Blitz, can even take a chunk out of stuff by itself.
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ru-192571128
There are several things wrong with my opponent's team here, such as Bayleef (which is an obvious problem, especially considering what it tried to do to Amoonguss) and AV Clawitzer (which was already posted ITT), so I'm going to focus on the Combusken that he used.
Don't use this:
Combusken @ Black Belt
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: whatever
whatever nature
- Flame Charge
- Dual Chop
(didn't see the other two moves)
Why it's bad: First of all, Black Belt is a rather poor option unless you're focusing on Fighting moves, which is a bad idea especially considering the number of Fighting resists in this tier (Slowking, Aromatisse, Dragalge, literally every Ghost type, etc.). Second, Flame Charge is redundant with Speed Boost, even with Baton Pass, and Flame Charge is weak as hell anyway. Third, Combusken needs Swords Dance/Bulk Up (and/or a Life Orb) to do any damage due to only having 85 base Attack, which brings up some 4MSS, leaving little room for much else. Dual Chop can work for Dragalge, as seen in the battle, but it still can't do much unboosted. Finally, offensive Combusken just is mediocre in general.
Instead, use this:
Combusken @ Eviolite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 64 Def / 192 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Protect
- Baton Pass
- Swords Dance / Bulk Up
- Flare Blitz / Substitute
Why it's better: Combusken's ability to pass both speed and attack boosts with relative ease is something that pretty much any physical sweeper could want, and, if you choose to run Flare Blitz, can even take a chunk out of stuff by itself.
Let's give this a shot, shall we? I wasnt sure about my opponent's spread, so I'm going for the things I'm best asssured of.
Dont use this:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / ????
???? Nature
- Leech seed
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
This set isnt reliable as it tries to be an Amoongus copycat (where Amoongus clearly does its job well). It seems to have the basics down (such as recovery in the form of leech seed and regenerador, sleep powder, STAB in Giga drain and Coverage in HP fire). The problem with this set is that although it has very good defense, Tangrowth doesnt have the special bulk to take at least a hit from special attackers such as Delphox and Moltres. Also, Sleep Powder is unrealiable since it has a 25% chance to miss. Besides, Tangrowth has much better options as an attacker, having more attack and sp. atk than amoongus.
Use this instead:
Tangrowth @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 Spe
Quiet Nature
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
This is the most optimal set for Tangrowth I could find. With knock off, it can weaken doublade, and procede to take it out with HP fire. With the following EV spread, it outspeeds neutral nature Dragalge with no speed investment, allowing it to 2HKO it in a switch in. This set also gives tangrowth a wide array of coverage. Over all, Tangrowth should be running this set and leave the above one for amoonguss. Alternatively, HP rock may be used hit a moltres switch in.
-or-
Amoonguss @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 SpD
Bold Nature
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Spore
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Just... dont try to make Tangrowth in amoonguss. Sludge Bomb and Giga drain are your main forms of stab, giga drain is used since it allows a small amount of recovery, and HP fire for coverage. Spore is what makes this set better than Tangrowth, since it has perfect accuracy, also amoonguss has 1 less weakness and 1 more resistance than tangrowth. It also has more HP and a balanced defensive stat spread, making it better for tanking.
Dont use this:
Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / ????
???? Nature
- Leech seed
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
This set isnt reliable as it tries to be an Amoongus copycat (where Amoongus clearly does its job well). It seems to have the basics down (such as recovery in the form of leech seed and regenerador, sleep powder, STAB in Giga drain and Coverage in HP fire). The problem with this set is that although it has very good defense, Tangrowth doesnt have the special bulk to take at least a hit from special attackers such as Delphox and Moltres. Also, Sleep Powder is unrealiable since it has a 25% chance to miss. Besides, Tangrowth has much better options as an attacker, having more attack and sp. atk than amoongus.
Use this instead:
Tangrowth @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 Spe
Quiet Nature
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
This is the most optimal set for Tangrowth I could find. With knock off, it can weaken doublade, and procede to take it out with HP fire. With the following EV spread, it outspeeds neutral nature Dragalge with no speed investment, allowing it to 2HKO it in a switch in. This set also gives tangrowth a wide array of coverage. Over all, Tangrowth should be running this set and leave the above one for amoonguss. Alternatively, HP rock may be used hit a moltres switch in.
-or-
Amoonguss @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 SpD
Bold Nature
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Spore
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Just... dont try to make Tangrowth in amoonguss. Sludge Bomb and Giga drain are your main forms of stab, giga drain is used since it allows a small amount of recovery, and HP fire for coverage. Spore is what makes this set better than Tangrowth, since it has perfect accuracy, also amoonguss has 1 less weakness and 1 more resistance than tangrowth. It also has more HP and a balanced defensive stat spread, making it better for tanking.
don't use this:
Tyrantrum @ Choice Band / Lum Berry
Ability: Strong Jaw
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Stone Edge / Dragon Dance (only if Lum Berry is used)
- Earthquake
- Ice Fang
Why it's bad:
It's not bad per se, it's just that Earthquake literally doesn't hit anything relevant that Fire Fang doesn't hit, while Fire Fang hits an additional target that has become very relevant in today's metagame: Bronzong.
Instead, Use This:
Tyrantrum @ Choice Band / Lum Berry
Ability: Strong Jaw
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Stone Edge / Dragon Dance (only if Lum Berry is used)
- Fire Fang
- Ice Fang
Why It's Better:
As I said, Fire Fang hits all the same targets Earthquake does and more, and the damage output is barely noticeable thanks to Strong Jaws boosting Fire Fang to 97.5 base power.
Tyrantrum @ Choice Band / Lum Berry
Ability: Strong Jaw
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Stone Edge / Dragon Dance (only if Lum Berry is used)
- Earthquake
- Ice Fang
Why it's bad:
It's not bad per se, it's just that Earthquake literally doesn't hit anything relevant that Fire Fang doesn't hit, while Fire Fang hits an additional target that has become very relevant in today's metagame: Bronzong.
Instead, Use This:
Tyrantrum @ Choice Band / Lum Berry
Ability: Strong Jaw
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Stone Edge / Dragon Dance (only if Lum Berry is used)
- Fire Fang
- Ice Fang
Why It's Better:
As I said, Fire Fang hits all the same targets Earthquake does and more, and the damage output is barely noticeable thanks to Strong Jaws boosting Fire Fang to 97.5 base power.
Holy shit this thread is dead. Anyways....
Don't Use This!
Pangoro @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot
- Parting Shot
Sadly I've seen this set quite a lot on the ladder, and it doesn't surprise me in the slightest. While Choice Scarf Pangoro isn't the worth Scarfer in the tier (mostly because any Panda set is at least decent) it's for sure one of Pangoro's worst sets. Not only are you missing out on Pangoro's wallbreaking potential, but you're also using a Pokemon that still can't revenge kill shit even with a Choice Scarf. With a Jolly nature you're only hitting around 350 Speed, and while that isn't terribly slow Pangoro is still outsped by pretty much every relevant speed boosting sweeper out there such as DD Tyrantrum, as well as anything else carrying a Choice Scarf. On top of that, while 124 Attack is nothing to scoff at, it's pretty underwhelming without some kind of boosting item or move, as it can't even OHKO standard pivot Cobalion with Superpower, while Rhyperior takes laughable damage from it and does a sizable amount back with EQ. Also, Scarf Pangoro hates being locked into nearly all of it moves bar Parting Shot. Because Superpower lowers its stats after continuous use, Knock Off gets weaker after the item is knocked off, and Gunk Shot is.....well Gunk Shot, Pangoro lacks the ability to act as a cleaner unlike most Choice Scarf users out there. Overall Scarf Pangoro is inferior to most other revenge killers out there, and there are many better options, such as....
Use This Instead:
Emboar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Reckless
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Superpower
- Sleep Talk / Head Smash
Emboar is one of the best Choice Scarf users in the metagame, and it's not hard to see why. A high Attack stat backed by Reckless, powerful STAB moves, and great coverage in the form of Wild Charge allows it to revenge kill many Pokemon found on offensive teams. In fact, Scarf Emboar hits so hard that it can almost function as a wallbreaker on top of its revenge killing capabilities, as it is able to preform impressive feats such as 2HKOing SpD Alo on the switch with Wild Charge after SR and defensive Slowking. A huge advantage that Emboar has over other Scarf Fighting-types is that it cannot be burned. Unlike Scarf Pangoro, Emboar has a much more reliable STAB move to lock itself into, Flare Blitz, which is very spammable and a great move to clean up with late game. Wild Charge allows it to hit bulky Water-types and Moltres while Sleep Talk is viable in the last slot if your team needs a sleep fodder. Head Smash doesn't hit much considering that pretty much everything relevant is hit handled by its other moves, but it does secure the 2HKO on physically defensive Golbat as well as Togetic and consistently hitting Lanturn hard. It also OHKOs every Moltres set at full health, which can be useful considering that Wild Charge can't OHKO without some residual damage. All in all, Scarf Emboar is a great revenge killer and cleaner that possesses many more perks over its Panda brethren that makes it far superior as a Scarfer.
Don't Use This!
Pangoro @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot
- Parting Shot
Sadly I've seen this set quite a lot on the ladder, and it doesn't surprise me in the slightest. While Choice Scarf Pangoro isn't the worth Scarfer in the tier (mostly because any Panda set is at least decent) it's for sure one of Pangoro's worst sets. Not only are you missing out on Pangoro's wallbreaking potential, but you're also using a Pokemon that still can't revenge kill shit even with a Choice Scarf. With a Jolly nature you're only hitting around 350 Speed, and while that isn't terribly slow Pangoro is still outsped by pretty much every relevant speed boosting sweeper out there such as DD Tyrantrum, as well as anything else carrying a Choice Scarf. On top of that, while 124 Attack is nothing to scoff at, it's pretty underwhelming without some kind of boosting item or move, as it can't even OHKO standard pivot Cobalion with Superpower, while Rhyperior takes laughable damage from it and does a sizable amount back with EQ. Also, Scarf Pangoro hates being locked into nearly all of it moves bar Parting Shot. Because Superpower lowers its stats after continuous use, Knock Off gets weaker after the item is knocked off, and Gunk Shot is.....well Gunk Shot, Pangoro lacks the ability to act as a cleaner unlike most Choice Scarf users out there. Overall Scarf Pangoro is inferior to most other revenge killers out there, and there are many better options, such as....
Use This Instead:
Emboar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Reckless
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Superpower
- Sleep Talk / Head Smash
Emboar is one of the best Choice Scarf users in the metagame, and it's not hard to see why. A high Attack stat backed by Reckless, powerful STAB moves, and great coverage in the form of Wild Charge allows it to revenge kill many Pokemon found on offensive teams. In fact, Scarf Emboar hits so hard that it can almost function as a wallbreaker on top of its revenge killing capabilities, as it is able to preform impressive feats such as 2HKOing SpD Alo on the switch with Wild Charge after SR and defensive Slowking. A huge advantage that Emboar has over other Scarf Fighting-types is that it cannot be burned. Unlike Scarf Pangoro, Emboar has a much more reliable STAB move to lock itself into, Flare Blitz, which is very spammable and a great move to clean up with late game. Wild Charge allows it to hit bulky Water-types and Moltres while Sleep Talk is viable in the last slot if your team needs a sleep fodder. Head Smash doesn't hit much considering that pretty much everything relevant is hit handled by its other moves, but it does secure the 2HKO on physically defensive Golbat as well as Togetic and consistently hitting Lanturn hard. It also OHKOs every Moltres set at full health, which can be useful considering that Wild Charge can't OHKO without some residual damage. All in all, Scarf Emboar is a great revenge killer and cleaner that possesses many more perks over its Panda brethren that makes it far superior as a Scarfer.
I know this has been done but I'll do it again because people kept bringing this up in the viability rankings even though it's completely outclassed:
Don't Use This!
Sure, Typhlosion may have gotten Flash Fire, but that still doesn't save it from being outclassed by other Fire-types in RU. Flash Fire is just as situational as Blaze is, and while it has Eruption, it must be at full health to take advantage of it, and its SR weakness is not helping it. In addition, its only average speed and only average bulk leave it vulnerable to being revenge killed. It can even be killed by the mon it's trying to take out because of Eruption's failure to OHKO something and the fact that Eruption gets weaker as Typhlosion takes damage. Its mono-fire typing and rather meh movepool limits its versatility and limits it to choiced sets. The only coverage other than HP that it gets is Focus Blast, and unless it hits something for SE it isn't doing much, especially if running Scarf.
Use One of These Instead:
Simply put, if you want a special Fire-type, then these three are the way to go. The main thing that outclasses Typhlosion is Houndoom, but all of them have something that makes them worthwhile using. Delphox has Psychic STAB, Calm Mind, Switcheroo (great for Choiced sets), and Grass Knot, allowing it to hit stuff like Qwilfish, Rhyperior and Slowking that can take an Eruption. Meanwhile, if you'd rather have more bulk and are willing to give up your speed, or just want to use Trick Room, then Camerupt is a good option as it has Sheer Force to boost its power, Earth Power to hit any Houndoom, Camerupt, Tyrantrum, Qwilfish or Rhyperior thinking they can switch in, as well as Stealth Rock to support the team. The real kicker, however, is Houndoom, which also has Flash FIre. It is capable of running a Nasty Plot set to sweep late game, Dark STAB, priority in Sucker Punch, the ability to Pursuit trap, and it can even afford to run Destiny Bond to act as an emergency stop to sweepers or take down one last mon once its job is done, or stuff like Will-O-Wisp or Toxic. All three have consistent STAB, and higher Special Attack, and have their own ways of negating priority: Delphox resists Mach Punch, Camerupt is so slow and bulky that priority doesn't really do much to it (aside from Aqua Jet by why use that on Camerupt), and Houndoom is so powerful that Hitmonlee, the best Mach Punch user in RU, can't switch into Houndoom. Even mixed Emboar is also useful if you don't mind having a physical attack in your moveslot (what can switch into it, anyways?).
Don't Use This!
Sure, Typhlosion may have gotten Flash Fire, but that still doesn't save it from being outclassed by other Fire-types in RU. Flash Fire is just as situational as Blaze is, and while it has Eruption, it must be at full health to take advantage of it, and its SR weakness is not helping it. In addition, its only average speed and only average bulk leave it vulnerable to being revenge killed. It can even be killed by the mon it's trying to take out because of Eruption's failure to OHKO something and the fact that Eruption gets weaker as Typhlosion takes damage. Its mono-fire typing and rather meh movepool limits its versatility and limits it to choiced sets. The only coverage other than HP that it gets is Focus Blast, and unless it hits something for SE it isn't doing much, especially if running Scarf.
Use One of These Instead:
Simply put, if you want a special Fire-type, then these three are the way to go. The main thing that outclasses Typhlosion is Houndoom, but all of them have something that makes them worthwhile using. Delphox has Psychic STAB, Calm Mind, Switcheroo (great for Choiced sets), and Grass Knot, allowing it to hit stuff like Qwilfish, Rhyperior and Slowking that can take an Eruption. Meanwhile, if you'd rather have more bulk and are willing to give up your speed, or just want to use Trick Room, then Camerupt is a good option as it has Sheer Force to boost its power, Earth Power to hit any Houndoom, Camerupt, Tyrantrum, Qwilfish or Rhyperior thinking they can switch in, as well as Stealth Rock to support the team. The real kicker, however, is Houndoom, which also has Flash FIre. It is capable of running a Nasty Plot set to sweep late game, Dark STAB, priority in Sucker Punch, the ability to Pursuit trap, and it can even afford to run Destiny Bond to act as an emergency stop to sweepers or take down one last mon once its job is done, or stuff like Will-O-Wisp or Toxic. All three have consistent STAB, and higher Special Attack, and have their own ways of negating priority: Delphox resists Mach Punch, Camerupt is so slow and bulky that priority doesn't really do much to it (aside from Aqua Jet by why use that on Camerupt), and Houndoom is so powerful that Hitmonlee, the best Mach Punch user in RU, can't switch into Houndoom. Even mixed Emboar is also useful if you don't mind having a physical attack in your moveslot (what can switch into it, anyways?).
- Status