Espeon (Analysis)

Add/Change
Delete

<p>While Espeon was previously overshadowed by Alakazam and other Psychic-typed attackers, the Dream World has granted Espeon one of the best abilities in the game: Magic Mirror. This ability acts like a permanent Magic Coat, which received an upgrade to reflect back most non-attacking moves, and is only shared by Natu and Xatu. Thus, Magic Mirror Espeon makes an excellent switch-in to predictable entry hazard users, both preventing hazards from being set on Espeon's side of the field, and bouncing them back at the opponent onto the opponent's. In addition, Espeon has an excellent base 130 Special Attack and 110 Speed, as well as decent defenses, and a passable movepool. However, her low base Defense means that Espeon is very wary of switching in on physical attacks.</p>


[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Psychic / Psycho Shock
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Mirror
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Espeon's high base Speed and decent bulk on the special side allow it to make an excellent Dual Screener make it very effective at setting up screens. The object of this set is to set up Reflect and/or Light Screen, and then switch out to a sweeper who appreciates the 50% defense boosts. In addition, Magic Mirror means that Espeon can switch in on Pokemon like Ferrothorn and bounce back moves such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, making it easier for the sweeper to KO opposing Pokemon. It should be noted that it is usually best to Reflect before Light Screen, as Espeon's base 60 Defense is near-abysmal bound to draw in physical attacks (as well as Pursuit users).</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread on this set is fairly simple: the 252 HP EVs attempt to remedy Espeon's lack of overall bulk, while the max speed EVs allow Espeon to tie with other base 110s. The last point is simply placed in Espeon's weaker defensive stat. However, an alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 60 Def / 192 Spe allows Espeon to outspeed Jolly Garchomp and set up a Reflect, and has more overall bulk. This EV spread loses to Pokemon with the common base 108 speed, however. Lastly, it's worth noting that if Hidden Power Fire or Fighting is the chosen attack for the third slot, Espeon loses out to other base 110s and should run move 8 EVs to Defense for a total of 12 Defense EVs to always beat base 108's a Speed IV that puts it behind other base 110s. 8 EVs can be moved from Speed to Defense, while still outspeeding base 108 Speed Pokemon.<p>

<p>Speaking of Hidden Power choices, the type is dependent on which Pokemon you wish to hit: Hidden Power Ground and Fire have similar coverage but Ground hits Rock- and Fire-typed Pokemon, whereas Fire is a silver bullet fired at Scizor, Forretress and Ferrothorn. Hidden Power Fighting is notable for hitting the Darks-typed Pokemon such as Tyranitar, which otherwise fear nothing from Espeon. In the second slot, Psychic and Psycho Shock are both equally viable options. Psychic allows Espeon to hit physical boosters like Conkledurr for much more damage then Psycho Shock, but Psycho Shock hits special walls much harder. </p>

<p>Regarding teammates for this set, frail boosting Pokemon such as Haxorus, Infernape, or Lucario really appreciate the defensive boost granted by Reflect and Light Screen when setting up for a sweep. Lucario especially has excellent type synergy when paired with Espeon, and can nab a free Attack boost if it switches in on a Crunch. In general, Pokemon which appreciate the lack of Stealth Rocks, such as Volcarona and Gyarados, also make excellent partners to Espeon.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psycho Shock / Psychic
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Magic Mirror
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>As is the case with all Espeon sets, Magic Mirror is the main reason to use this set over other, better-typed sweepers offensive Pokemon with better typing and movepools. However, this set is more than capable of providing decent offensive pressure. Psycho Shock is a reliable STAB attack and provides far more mileage against special walls such as Blissey and Snorlax, but Psychic has 15 more base power and hits physically bulky Pokemon much harder. The other two moves, Shadow Ball and Hidden Power fighting, provide perfect neutral coverage alongside each other. Shadow Ball also hits the Dark Psychic- and Ghost-typed threats to Espeon, and Hidden Power dents the Steel- and Dark-Types which would otherwise wall her.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Espeon's shallow movepool does contain other alternatives to this set. Hidden Power Ground and Grass Knot are viable replacements to Hidden Power Fighting, as Hidden Power Ground hits Jirachi and Metagross harder than any other attack, while Grass Knot hits the heavier walls for a solid hit damage. Unfortunately, both leave Espeon vulnerable to Dark-types, especially Hydreigon and Tyranitar.</p>

<p>As with Espeon's other sets, a less speedy but more bulky EV spread can be considered. The spread of 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe lets Espeon switch in a bit more, at the cost of only outspeeding base 100 Enemies. Alternatively, Espeon can drop some Special Attack EVs in order to invest in more bulk.</p>

<p>Espeon's ability provides invaluable support for the team which she is used on, and thus any Pokemon which that have issues switching into entry hazards such as Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes greatly appreciate being used alongside Espeon. In addition, Dark-type attacks are commonly used against Espeon, so using a bulky Fighting-type like Machamp or Conkledurr to switch in on these attacks is especially useful. Also, since Espeon has difficulties damaging Steel-types heavily, Magnezone or strong Fire-types like Heatran make it easier for her to sweep.

[Other Options]

<p>Espeon's offensive prowess may lead you to believe that it makes an effective Choice Specs or Scarf user. However, her shallow movepool means that these sets usually run intro trouble when trying to deal with threats like Scizor or Tyranitar, and are forced to use Hidden Power. Unfortunately, only one Hidden Power is available per set, which means that a fully-offensive Espeon will always have troubles getting past multiple counters. If one wishes to bluff a Choice item but still switch attacks, Espeon can run a 4-attack set with an Expert belt, but loses a lot of power compared to Life Orb wielding sets. One of Espeon's other offensive options, Substitute, can be utilized to ease prediction at the cost of 25% of her health. This is usually less effective than Calm Mind because Espeon loses a lot of health and lacks boosting.</p>

<p>Espeon can forgo Magic Mirror in order to use some of her nifty egg moves, such as Wish and Baton Pass. However, the main reason to use Espeon on a team is to abuse Magic Mirror to gain free entry hazards and keep your side of the field clear of them, and without Magic Mirror Espeon is simply an outclassed special attacker. </p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Again, Espeon's shallow movepool means that she can only deal with one threat per set. Scizor is an excellent counter to Espeon not carrying Hidden Power Fire, as it can Pursuit to catch her switching out, or use STAB Bug-type attacks for massive damage to OHKO her. Tyranitar can switch in on anything save the rare Signal Beam or Hidden Power Fighting, and threaten a KO with Pursuit or Crunch. Even bulkier Pursuit Users such as Metagross can deal with Espeon lacking the appropriate coverage move well. </p>

<p>Since Espeon needs to switch in on an entry hazard user to be most effective, a good way to take it out is to feint a setup with a Pokemon such as Metagross or Heatran, and catch Espeon on the switch in with a powerful Meteor Mash or Fire Blast. Foretress and Ferrothrorn, two Pokemon who rarely do much besides set up entry hazards, can both smack Espeon with a high-base power Gyro Ball.</p>

contrib_gp.png


1/2

Why does this have the done tag??
 
Dose Magic bounce work aganst things like Toxic and Will O Wisp? If I had a Toxic orb and or Flame orb would the status changes and damage reduction be affected as well?
 
The EV spread for the Calm Mind set needs to change. It will always be running Hidden Power Fighting, and thus gets a drop in Speed. This will allow it to speed tie with HP-Fire Latios and HP-Fire Gengar, which is risky regardless. A spread of 18 HP/252 SpAtk/240 Speed would be optimal, in that it allows Espeon to outspeed base 108 Pokemon and also allows Espeon to have an odd HP stat.
If you don't believe this should be the standard spread, it should at least be listed in the additional comments of the Calm Mind set.
 
Amateur GP check. Your main issues were romanized names and misspeling ConkELdurr.

Blue = Add
Red = Delete
Bold = Comments

[Overview]

<p>While Espeon was previously overshadowed by Alakazam and other Psychic-type attackers, the Dream World has granted Espeon her one of the best abilities in the game: Magic Mirror Bounce. This ability acts like a permanent Magic Coat, which received an upgrade to reflect back most non-attacking moves, and is only shared by Natu and Xatu. Thus, Magic Mirror Bounce Espeon makes an excellent switch-in to predictable entry hazard users, both preventing hazards from being set on Espeon's side of the field, and bouncing them onto the opponent's. In addition to this, Espeon has an excellent base 130 Special Attack and 110 Speed, as well as decent defenses, and a passable movepool. However, her low base Defense means that Espeon is must be very wary of switching in on physical attacks.</p>


[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Psychic / Psycho Shock Psyshock
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Mirror Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Espeon's high base Speed and decent bulk on the special side make it her very effective at setting up screens. The object goal of this set is to set up Reflect and/or Light Screen, and then switch out to a sweeper who appreciates the 50% defense boosts. In addition to the setup, Magic Mirror Bounce means that Espeon can switch in on Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Forretress (nitpicking but I think it's always better to give more examples) and bounce back reflect moves such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, making it easier for the sweeper to KO opposing Pokemon. It should be noted that it is usually best to use Reflect before Light Screen, as Espeon's base 60 Defense is bound to draw in physical attacks (as well as Pursuit users).</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread on this set is fairly simple: the 252 HP EVs attempt to remedy Espeon's lack of overall bulk, while the max speed Speed EVs allow Espeon her to tie with other base 110s 110 Pokemon. The last point is simply 4 points are placed in Espeon's weaker defensive stat. However, an alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 60 Def / 192 Spe allows Espeon to outspeed Jolly Garchomp and set up a Reflect, and has more overall bulk, (comma) . This EV spread loses to but Espeon will be outsped by Pokemon with the common base 108 Speed Pokemon speed, however. Lastly, it's worth noting that, (comma) if Hidden Power Fire or Fighting is the chosen attack for the third slot, Espeon loses a Speed IV that puts it her behind other base 110s 110 Pokemon and, in that case, . (remove period) 8 EVs can be moved from Speed to Defense, while still outspeeding base 108 Speed Pokemon.</p>

<p>Speaking of Hidden Power choices, the type is dependent on which Pokemon you wish to hit: Hidden Power Ground and Fire have similar coverage but Ground hits Rock- and Fire-type Pokemon, whereas Fire is a silver bullet fired aimed (Fire fired doesn't sound very well) at Scizor, Forretress, (comma) and Ferrothorn. Hidden Power Fighting is notable for hitting the Dark-type Pokemon such as Tyranitar, (comma) which who otherwise fear nothing from Espeon. In the second slot, Psychic and Psycho Shock Psyshock are both equally viable options. Psychic The former allows Espeon to hit physical boosters like Conkledurr Conkeldurr for much more damage then Psycho Shock harder, but Psycho Shock the latter hits special walls much harder for superior damage.(delete space)</p>

<p>Regarding teammates for this set, frail boosting Pokemon such as Haxorus, Infernape, or Lucario really appreciate the defensive boost granted by Reflect and Light Screen when setting up for a sweep. Lucario especially has excellent type synergy when paired with Espeon, and can nab a free Attack boost if it switches in on a Crunch. In general, Pokemon which who appreciate the lack of Stealth Rock, such as Volcarona and Gyarados, also make excellent partners to Espeon.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psycho Shock Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Magic Mirror Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>As is the case with all Espeon sets, Magic Mirror Bounce is the main reason to use this set over otheroffensive other offensive Pokemon with better typing and movepools. However, this set is more than capable of providing decent offensive pressure. Psycho Shock Psyshock is a reliable STAB attack and provides far more mileage against special walls such as Blissey and Snorlax, but Psychic has 15 more base power Base Power and hits physically bulky Pokemon much harder. The other two moves, Shadow Ball and Hidden Power fighting Fighting, provide perfect neutral coverage alongside each other. Shadow Ball also hits the Psychic- and Ghost-type threats to Espeon, and while Hidden Power dents the Steel- and Dark-types Dark-type Pokemon, which who would otherwise wall her.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Espeon's shallow movepool does contain other alternatives to this set. Hidden Power Ground and Grass Knot are viable replacements to Hidden Power Fighting, as Hidden Power Ground hits Jirachi and Metagross harder than any other attack, while Grass Knot hits the heavier walls for solid damage. Unfortunately, both leave Espeon vulnerable to Dark-types (hyphen), especially Hydreigon and Tyranitar.</p>

<p>As with Espeon's other sets, a less speedy but more bulky EV spread can be considered. The spread of 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe lets Espeon switch in a bit more, at the cost of only outspeeding base 100 enemies. Alternatively, Espeon can drop some Special Attack EVs in order to invest in more bulk.</p>

<p>Espeon's ability provides invaluable support for the her team which she is used on, and thus any Pokemon that who have issues switching into entry hazards, (comma) such as Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes greatly appreciate being used alongside Espeon. In addition to this, Dark-type attacks are commonly used against Espeon, so using a bulky Fighting-type like Machamp or Conkledurr Conkeldurr to switch in on these attacks is especially useful. Also, since Espeon has difficulties damaging Steel-types heavily, Magnezone or strong Fire-types like Heatran make it easier for her to sweep.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Espeon's offensive prowess may lead you to believe that it her makes an effective Choice Specs or Scarf user. However, her shallow movepool means that these sets usually run intro trouble when trying to deal with threats like Scizor or Tyranitar, and are forced to use Hidden Power to deal with them. Unfortunately, only one Hidden Power is available per set, which means that a fully offensive Espeon will always have troubles getting past multiple counters. If one wishes to bluff a Choice item but still switch attacks, Espeon can run a 4-attack set with an Expert belt Belt, but loses a lot of power compared to Life Orb wielding sets. One of Espeon's other offensive options, Substitute, can be utilized used to ease prediction at the cost of 25% of her health. This is usually less effective than Calm Mind because Espeon loses a lot of health and lacks boosting.</p>

<p>Espeon can forgo Magic Mirror Bounce in order to use some of her nifty egg moves, such as Wish and Baton Pass. However, the main reason to use Espeon on a team is to abuse Magic Mirror Bounce to gain free entry hazards and keep your side of the field clear of them, and without Magic Mirror it, Espeon is simply an outclassed special attacker.(delete space)</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Again, Espeon's shallow movepool means that she can only deal with one threat per set. Scizor is an excellent counter to any Espeon not carrying Hidden Power Fire, as it can Pursuit to catch her switching out, or use STAB Bug-type attacks to OHKO her. Tyranitar can switch in on anything save the rare Signal Beam or Hidden Power Fighting, and threaten a KO with Pursuit or Crunch. Even bulkier Bulkier Pursuiters such as Metagross can deal with Espeon lacking the appropriate coverage move well.(delete space)</p>

<p>Since Espeon needs to switch in on an entry hazard user to be most effective, a good way to take it her out is to feint a setup with a Pokemon such as Metagross or Heatran, and catch Espeon on the switch in with a powerful Meteor Mash or Fire Blast. Foretress and Ferrothorn, two Pokemon who rarely do much besides set up entry hazards, can both smack Espeon with a high base power Base Power Gyro Ball.</p>
 
zdrup15's proofread is GP 2/2
contrib_gp.png

There are still a few other things of minor concern, but I can't get to them right now. I'll see if I can post again after class.

edit: Okay, I'm bookmarking this page. I don't know why I can never get back into GPing.
 
Just saying that the last GP check, and English translations, need to be implemented on this. Cause' Espeon rocks, even thought it's now UU...

Also, forgive me if I'm jumping ahead, but this event (scroll to the bottom) will change this analysis a fair bit once it starts on the 13th, as it may be possible to have female Espeons, and therefore be able to carry Wish. Espeon will also be capable of wielding Baton Pass regardless, as that's a level-up move for Eevee. Of course, this may be why this analysis hasn't changed in a while...
 
I've been waiting to use Baton Pass Magic Bounce for what feels like forever. Thank god it's finally gonna be here!

But, yes, Wish on the Screens set will be an absolute must if we can indeed get female Espeons from those Eevees...
 
According to Serebii, I was mistaken on the Pokemon Cafe opening time before. It is now live in Japan, and female Anticipation Eevees are avilable. Thanks to this, both Baton Pass and Wish should be legal now, meaning this analysis needs a bit of looking-over and additions/revisions.

Go Espeon!!
 
The question now is... what can Wish do for the Screener set. I think that Espeon should change direction and have more Bulk into to tank more hits, and be able to Wish unmolested.
 
The question now is... what can Wish do for the Screener set. I think that Espeon should change direction and have more Bulk into to tank more hits, and be able to Wish unmolested.

It basically allows Espeon to run a variation of its Gen 4 Dual Screens set with Magic Bounce, which is very significant. Right now, Dual Screen Espy gets molested by Pursuiters with no Baton Pass. Wish+Baton Pass works perfectly with Dual Screens since Taunt won't be an issue for Espy thanks to Magic Bounce.
 
lol, finally added. This is done :D
Sorry, not trying to be a total dick or anything but I don't see any mention of Baton Pass or various other egg moves that Espeon now has access to, due to the female Eevees being released, in the main comment sections and the only time you do mention it is under AC where you mention it has to forgo Magic Mirror which isn't true. Maybe it didn't save your changes? :V
 
No mention of Morning Sun? Espeon is used on sun teams to prevent hazards from getting up, so the boosted Morning Sun allows it to set up screens later if it has to.
 
Espeon (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 220 Def / 20 SAtk / 16 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Sunny Day
- Morning Sun
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Psychic / Baton Pass


Heres the sunny day set I came up the start of this gen. Pretty much the best hazard blocker, and it does its job very well.



Espeon has always been lacking a stable recovery, but people have always pushed morning sun aside due to the presence of the common sandstorm and rain.



The advantages of Sunny day include:
75% recovery, which Espeon really needs to wall some hits.

Boosted hidden power, great against ferrothorn, forretress, skarmory, and even non-hazard setters as well.
Espeon can now work as a counter to toxicroak, causing its dry skin to hurt itself.
Espeon can work as a counter to bulky Rotom-W, whose hydro pump is now not strong enough to deal enough damage and cannot use will -o- wisp due to ability.
Synergy with pokemon like Heatran, who can dish out boosted fire moves.



Psychic is a necessary STAB. Baton Pass is a good option against Tyranitar, but I'd suggest psychic to hit waters.





This is one of the few sets which can beat ferrothorn one on one.
 
First set, 2nd paragraph under AC, you use the word 'ladder' instead of 'latter'. Also spelt Forretress incorrectly under Checks and Counters.
 
I'm still sorta waiting on the OP to get to updating the analysis with dream world+egg moves. It's been out for a while now and some are really nice like Calm Mind+Baton Pass or Wish in general. :V
 
As Majora younglink has said a few times now...

Current analysis said:
<p>Espeon can forgo Magic Bounce in order to use some of her nifty egg moves, such as Wish and Baton Pass. However, the main reason to use Espeon on a team is to abuse Magic Bounce to gain free entry hazards and keep your side of the field clear of them, and without it Espeon is simply an outclassed special attacker.</p>

...this section in OO can be deleted, and Baton Pass need to be everywhere. According to Heysup in the UU Espeon analysis, Baton Pass is amazing for this guy for prediction, and to become a SUPER ANNOYING threat on Baton Pass centered teams. Methinks a DS and CM set like that are fairly decent looking.

Mentioning Wish and Stored Power as now available egg moves would also be great, even though both have specific utility. Sadly, Trick, Signal Beam, and Heal Bell are all still illegal, as they are 4th Gen only move-tutor moves...

tl;dr - Update OP, if you could. Espeon is too awesome to forget about!!
 
Back
Top