[OVERVIEW]
Espeon is a wallbreaker capable of punching holes into most balance builds, boasting great power when running Calm Mind or Choice Specs to overcome checks such as Bronzong and Mandibuzz. Nice coverage, a good Speed tier, a high Special Attack stat, and access to recovery in Morning Sun are some of the traits Espeon has to offer. Without a doubt, though, the flashiest aspect of Espeon comes from its ability Magic Bounce, which sends back any status moves and hazards to its user. However, Espeon's high Speed and Special Attack are obfuscated by its mediocre bulk, being only able to take very few special hits. Morning Sun also is a move with abysmal PP, which can be detrimental when Espeon attempts to set up. Despite having good ways to deal with Ghost- and Dark-types, it is still frail and very susceptible to Pursuit trapping. Due to not being able to switch into a lot of hits, Espeon usually needs pivoting to work properly.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Morning Sun / Zap Cannon
item: Leftovers / Electrium Z
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Espeon's Special Attack and Special Defense to high levels against the likes of Florges, Roserade, and Dragalge, allowing it to take special neutral hits more easily and hit a lot harder. Psychic is Espeon's hardest-hitting STAB move, but Psyshock can be used to deal with the likes of Snorlax and other Pokemon with high Special Defense. Shadow Ball is the main coverage move on this set and allows Espeon to hit Bronzong, Doublade, and Cresselia super effectively. It also lets Espeon hit Mega Steelix and Registeel neutrally. Morning Sun allows Espeon to stay healthy and keep setting up against the likes of Bronzong and Registeel. Alternatively, Zap Cannon is an one-time nuke when paired with Electrium Z that allows Espeon to break through some of its checks, outright OHKOing most Mandibuzz variants after Stealth Rock. It also offers good neutral coverage despite its shaky accuracy of 50%, allowing Espeon to blow up Water-types like Milotic and Mega Blastoise, deal with Pursuit trappers such as Drapion, and hit Registeel harder than Shadow Ball.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed with a Timid nature allows Espeon to hit hard and reach a great Speed tier, outspeeding the likes of Virizion, Ninetales, and Shaymin. Magic Bounce makes Espeon immune to Taunt and other status moves, allowing it to set up comfortably. Leftovers give Espeon some longevity to set up and recover off entry hazard damage. Electrium Z is essential if running Zap Cannon so Espeon is able to use Gigavolt Havoc. Colbur Berry can also be run to make Espeon less vulnerable against Knock Off and Pursuit users.
Usage Tips
========
Use Magic Bounce to your benefit by switching into possible status moves, such as Toxic and Thunder Wave, and into passive hazard users, such as Bronzong and Registeel, to reflect entry hazards and get setup opportunities. Make use of forced switches to use Calm Mind and deal with whatever comes in. After a Calm Mind boost, Espeon can even deal with the likes of Choice Scarf Gardevoir and Salazzle much more easily. When running Electrium Z, you can bluff Choice Specs and make switch-ins feel comfortable by taking a resisted or ineffective Psychic, just to start setting up or hit them with a super effective move. Note that not all Pursuit trappers can deal with Espeon; Drapion, Escavalier, and Doublade can all be dealt with via Gigavolt Havoc after some residual damage or a boost. However, faster Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel and Choice Scarf Drapion may stop Espeon dead in its tracks. Snorlax is the only Pursuit trapper that can always KO Espeon due to its great Special Defense.
Team Options
========
Espeon appreciates Pokemon that can take on Dark-types, especially Umbreon, as partners. Bewear, Florges, Virizion, and Machamp are great teammates that can take them on. Fairy-types such as Florges and Comfey resist Dark- and Bug-type attacks and can give Wish support or set up on them. The likes of Virizion, Meloetta, Comfey, and Necrozma can form Calm Mind cores alongside Espeon to overcome each other's checks. Pursuit trapping is nice to take Doublade and Bronzong out of the way for Espeon. Drapion, Sneasel, and Escavalier can take them out and offer offensive presence or nice resistances. Pokemon with Knock Off are good partners to Espeon, since they can remove the passive recovery of Leftovers from the likes of Registeel, Forretress, and Diancie. Mandibuzz, Gligar, and Escavalier can provide this support as well as a good defensive presence. Offensive partners that can deal with Pokemon that resist Espeon's attacks such as Registeel and Mega Steelix are good choices alongside Espeon. The likes of Mega Blastoise and Ninetales can take out those defensive Pokemon, while Espeon can break through Pokemon that resist their attacks such as Milotic, Noivern, and Rhyperior.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Trick / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psychic is Espeon's main STAB attack, 2HKOing Pokemon like Rhyperior and Gligar and having a great chance of 2HKOing Milotic after Stealth Rock damage. Shadow Ball is Espeon's main coverage move, enabling it to 2HKO Pokemon that resist Psychic such as Doublade, Registeel, and Bronzong. Dazzling Gleam allows Espeon to 2HKO most Mandibuzz variants and take out the likes of Drapion and Pangoro and has a little chance of 2HKOing Umbreon. Trick allows Espeon to render defensive switch-ins like Umbreon, Registeel, and Bronzong almost useless, as they will be locked into one move. Hidden Power Fire allows Espeon to 2HKO Escavalier and Mega Steelix.
Set Details
========
Full investment into Special Attack and Speed with Choice Specs is necessary to maximize Espeon's capabilities as a wallbreaker and give it immediate power. Magic Bounce protects Espeon from Thunder Wave's paralysis.
Usage Tips
========
Make sure Espeon will get in safely, be it with smart switching into status moves or with pivoting. Although Magic Bounce allows Espeon to bounce back entry hazards, you must measure very well when it's time to switch in, since Espeon can be wrecked by Bronzong's Gyro Ball or Mega Steelix's Heavy Slam. Choose wisely what move Espeon will get locked into; opposing Pokemon can take advantage of a Choice-locked Espeon, especially the likes of Escavalier, Snorlax, and Drapion, which can Pursuit trap it when it's locked into Psychic. Trick is a powerful tool that allows Espeon to limit the utility of many defensive switch-ins, so try to Trick Espeon's Choice Specs onto Pokemon like Bronzong, Registeel, and Cresselia.
Team Options
========
Slow pivoting from Pokemon such as Gligar and Mega Ampharos pairs well with Espeon to bring it safely into the field. Gardevoir is a very nice pick alongside Espeon, and when equipped with a Choice Scarf, its cleaning potential becomes way greater after Espeon's wallbreaking job has been done. Roserade, Golisopod, and Mega Glalie all can support Espeon with Spikes, which makes most rolls positive for Espeon, while also packing a huge punch. Drapion, Escavalier, and Sneasel are good teammates that can remove Steel-types' items with Knock Off and Pursuit trap Pokemon that resist Espeon's attacks such as Bronzong. After Espeon gets trapped by the likes of Drapion and Sneasel, Pokemon such as Barbaracle, Zygarde-10%, and Linoone can capitalize on their Choice-locked move to set up and sweep right after.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf can turn Espeon into a reliable revenge killer to setup sweepers like Barbaracle, Salazzle, and Flygon. Espeon can run a slower and bulkier Calm Mind set with a spread of 120 HP / 136 SpD / 252 Spe and a Timid nature, which allows it to set up on the likes of Registeel and Ninetales. However, this set lacks the immediate power Espeon has after one Calm Mind boost, and it's more geared towards beating bulkier teams without a Haze or Unaware user.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Bronzong and Mega Steelix can take at least one super effective hit and retaliate with Gyro Ball or Heavy Slam. Doublade and Escavalier can set up on Espeon when it lacks Hidden Power Fire and threaten it with their STAB attacks or Pursuit.
**Dark-types**: Umbreon can take virtually anything from Espeon and stall it out with Wish and Foul Play. Mandibuzz can usually take a hit and U-turn out to a faster threat or deal huge damage with Knock Off or Foul Play. Choice Scarf Drapion and Sneasel can Pursuit trap Espeon or take it out with Knock Off.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Porygon2, Florges, Snorlax, Cresselia, and Registeel can deal with most hits from Choice Specs Espeon and proceed to beat it due to their resistances or recovery moves. However, they must be wary of Trick, as it may render them useless.
**Faster Pokemon**: The likes of Swellow, Noivern, Salazzle, Zygarde-10%, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum can outspeed Espeon and take it down with their powerful STAB moves.
**Priority Moves**: Golisopod and Honchkrow can revenge kill Espeon from full with First Impression and Sucker Punch. After some chip damage, Doublade, Toxicroak, and Choice Band Zygarde-10% can do the same.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[GustavoYAY, 202363]]
- Quality checked by: [[roman, 396169], [teachable, 242277], [avocado, 56549]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [lotiasite, 302985]]
Espeon is a wallbreaker capable of punching holes into most balance builds, boasting great power when running Calm Mind or Choice Specs to overcome checks such as Bronzong and Mandibuzz. Nice coverage, a good Speed tier, a high Special Attack stat, and access to recovery in Morning Sun are some of the traits Espeon has to offer. Without a doubt, though, the flashiest aspect of Espeon comes from its ability Magic Bounce, which sends back any status moves and hazards to its user. However, Espeon's high Speed and Special Attack are obfuscated by its mediocre bulk, being only able to take very few special hits. Morning Sun also is a move with abysmal PP, which can be detrimental when Espeon attempts to set up. Despite having good ways to deal with Ghost- and Dark-types, it is still frail and very susceptible to Pursuit trapping. Due to not being able to switch into a lot of hits, Espeon usually needs pivoting to work properly.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Morning Sun / Zap Cannon
item: Leftovers / Electrium Z
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Espeon's Special Attack and Special Defense to high levels against the likes of Florges, Roserade, and Dragalge, allowing it to take special neutral hits more easily and hit a lot harder. Psychic is Espeon's hardest-hitting STAB move, but Psyshock can be used to deal with the likes of Snorlax and other Pokemon with high Special Defense. Shadow Ball is the main coverage move on this set and allows Espeon to hit Bronzong, Doublade, and Cresselia super effectively. It also lets Espeon hit Mega Steelix and Registeel neutrally. Morning Sun allows Espeon to stay healthy and keep setting up against the likes of Bronzong and Registeel. Alternatively, Zap Cannon is an one-time nuke when paired with Electrium Z that allows Espeon to break through some of its checks, outright OHKOing most Mandibuzz variants after Stealth Rock. It also offers good neutral coverage despite its shaky accuracy of 50%, allowing Espeon to blow up Water-types like Milotic and Mega Blastoise, deal with Pursuit trappers such as Drapion, and hit Registeel harder than Shadow Ball.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed with a Timid nature allows Espeon to hit hard and reach a great Speed tier, outspeeding the likes of Virizion, Ninetales, and Shaymin. Magic Bounce makes Espeon immune to Taunt and other status moves, allowing it to set up comfortably. Leftovers give Espeon some longevity to set up and recover off entry hazard damage. Electrium Z is essential if running Zap Cannon so Espeon is able to use Gigavolt Havoc. Colbur Berry can also be run to make Espeon less vulnerable against Knock Off and Pursuit users.
Usage Tips
========
Use Magic Bounce to your benefit by switching into possible status moves, such as Toxic and Thunder Wave, and into passive hazard users, such as Bronzong and Registeel, to reflect entry hazards and get setup opportunities. Make use of forced switches to use Calm Mind and deal with whatever comes in. After a Calm Mind boost, Espeon can even deal with the likes of Choice Scarf Gardevoir and Salazzle much more easily. When running Electrium Z, you can bluff Choice Specs and make switch-ins feel comfortable by taking a resisted or ineffective Psychic, just to start setting up or hit them with a super effective move. Note that not all Pursuit trappers can deal with Espeon; Drapion, Escavalier, and Doublade can all be dealt with via Gigavolt Havoc after some residual damage or a boost. However, faster Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel and Choice Scarf Drapion may stop Espeon dead in its tracks. Snorlax is the only Pursuit trapper that can always KO Espeon due to its great Special Defense.
Team Options
========
Espeon appreciates Pokemon that can take on Dark-types, especially Umbreon, as partners. Bewear, Florges, Virizion, and Machamp are great teammates that can take them on. Fairy-types such as Florges and Comfey resist Dark- and Bug-type attacks and can give Wish support or set up on them. The likes of Virizion, Meloetta, Comfey, and Necrozma can form Calm Mind cores alongside Espeon to overcome each other's checks. Pursuit trapping is nice to take Doublade and Bronzong out of the way for Espeon. Drapion, Sneasel, and Escavalier can take them out and offer offensive presence or nice resistances. Pokemon with Knock Off are good partners to Espeon, since they can remove the passive recovery of Leftovers from the likes of Registeel, Forretress, and Diancie. Mandibuzz, Gligar, and Escavalier can provide this support as well as a good defensive presence. Offensive partners that can deal with Pokemon that resist Espeon's attacks such as Registeel and Mega Steelix are good choices alongside Espeon. The likes of Mega Blastoise and Ninetales can take out those defensive Pokemon, while Espeon can break through Pokemon that resist their attacks such as Milotic, Noivern, and Rhyperior.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Trick / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psychic is Espeon's main STAB attack, 2HKOing Pokemon like Rhyperior and Gligar and having a great chance of 2HKOing Milotic after Stealth Rock damage. Shadow Ball is Espeon's main coverage move, enabling it to 2HKO Pokemon that resist Psychic such as Doublade, Registeel, and Bronzong. Dazzling Gleam allows Espeon to 2HKO most Mandibuzz variants and take out the likes of Drapion and Pangoro and has a little chance of 2HKOing Umbreon. Trick allows Espeon to render defensive switch-ins like Umbreon, Registeel, and Bronzong almost useless, as they will be locked into one move. Hidden Power Fire allows Espeon to 2HKO Escavalier and Mega Steelix.
Set Details
========
Full investment into Special Attack and Speed with Choice Specs is necessary to maximize Espeon's capabilities as a wallbreaker and give it immediate power. Magic Bounce protects Espeon from Thunder Wave's paralysis.
Usage Tips
========
Make sure Espeon will get in safely, be it with smart switching into status moves or with pivoting. Although Magic Bounce allows Espeon to bounce back entry hazards, you must measure very well when it's time to switch in, since Espeon can be wrecked by Bronzong's Gyro Ball or Mega Steelix's Heavy Slam. Choose wisely what move Espeon will get locked into; opposing Pokemon can take advantage of a Choice-locked Espeon, especially the likes of Escavalier, Snorlax, and Drapion, which can Pursuit trap it when it's locked into Psychic. Trick is a powerful tool that allows Espeon to limit the utility of many defensive switch-ins, so try to Trick Espeon's Choice Specs onto Pokemon like Bronzong, Registeel, and Cresselia.
Team Options
========
Slow pivoting from Pokemon such as Gligar and Mega Ampharos pairs well with Espeon to bring it safely into the field. Gardevoir is a very nice pick alongside Espeon, and when equipped with a Choice Scarf, its cleaning potential becomes way greater after Espeon's wallbreaking job has been done. Roserade, Golisopod, and Mega Glalie all can support Espeon with Spikes, which makes most rolls positive for Espeon, while also packing a huge punch. Drapion, Escavalier, and Sneasel are good teammates that can remove Steel-types' items with Knock Off and Pursuit trap Pokemon that resist Espeon's attacks such as Bronzong. After Espeon gets trapped by the likes of Drapion and Sneasel, Pokemon such as Barbaracle, Zygarde-10%, and Linoone can capitalize on their Choice-locked move to set up and sweep right after.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf can turn Espeon into a reliable revenge killer to setup sweepers like Barbaracle, Salazzle, and Flygon. Espeon can run a slower and bulkier Calm Mind set with a spread of 120 HP / 136 SpD / 252 Spe and a Timid nature, which allows it to set up on the likes of Registeel and Ninetales. However, this set lacks the immediate power Espeon has after one Calm Mind boost, and it's more geared towards beating bulkier teams without a Haze or Unaware user.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Bronzong and Mega Steelix can take at least one super effective hit and retaliate with Gyro Ball or Heavy Slam. Doublade and Escavalier can set up on Espeon when it lacks Hidden Power Fire and threaten it with their STAB attacks or Pursuit.
**Dark-types**: Umbreon can take virtually anything from Espeon and stall it out with Wish and Foul Play. Mandibuzz can usually take a hit and U-turn out to a faster threat or deal huge damage with Knock Off or Foul Play. Choice Scarf Drapion and Sneasel can Pursuit trap Espeon or take it out with Knock Off.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Porygon2, Florges, Snorlax, Cresselia, and Registeel can deal with most hits from Choice Specs Espeon and proceed to beat it due to their resistances or recovery moves. However, they must be wary of Trick, as it may render them useless.
**Faster Pokemon**: The likes of Swellow, Noivern, Salazzle, Zygarde-10%, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum can outspeed Espeon and take it down with their powerful STAB moves.
**Priority Moves**: Golisopod and Honchkrow can revenge kill Espeon from full with First Impression and Sucker Punch. After some chip damage, Doublade, Toxicroak, and Choice Band Zygarde-10% can do the same.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[GustavoYAY, 202363]]
- Quality checked by: [[roman, 396169], [teachable, 242277], [avocado, 56549]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [lotiasite, 302985]]
Last edited:
