What do we know about this little item ? Not many informations yet, however we know two things:
a) It boosts BOTH defenses on NFE type Pokemon
b) It's not one time use
In other words, pre-evolution stone is an item, which works like a free Cosmic Power (however we still don't know the exact number). Anyway, my guess is that this stone will boost defenses by 50%. There's one good reason for this - NFE Pokemon in general are weak, so maybe GameFreak wanted to show them some love by introducing this one little item for them. Well, at first it may be totally useless, especially in competitive way. Why would I bother with using Pokemon (even with this boost) which are most of time weaker versions of their fully evolved cousins ? Answer is quite simple - as you may find some interesting NFE Pokemon to use this one certain item in really good way. And also surprisingly in some cases they may be even superior. Ok, it's time to show some Pokemon, which may use this item in really good way.
#233 - Porygon2
--------
Stats
--------
Base Stat Total: 515
Base Stats: | 85 | 80 | 90 | 105 | 95 | 60 |
Probably my favorite example here. I explained it further in Porygon2 thread, so I won't make it long here. For first with x1,5 boost Porygon2 may handle most physical hits in game, while surviving almost every single non-fighting move (even when boosted) and retaliating with Ice Beam/Thunderbolt. Probably in new metagame, with all those Dragons and other, not less powerfull threats Porygon2 may find his one main niche - really good tank and thanks to Recover Porygon2 won't miss this Leftovers too much. Don't underestimate this guy as he may be this anti-metagame key for which many players look for. Some damage calculations with Max HP/Max Def Bold Porygon2.
SALAMENCE
POSITIVE nature 252 SpA Life Orb Draco Meteor vs 252 HP +1 SpD (thanks to Stone) Porygon2
54.01% --> 63.64%
POSITIVE nature Life Orb 252 Atk Outrage vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (with Stone) Bold Porygon2
39.57% --> 46.79%
Neutral Nature Life Orb 252 Atk +1 Outrage vs 252 HP/252 Def Bold +1 Def (with Stone) Bold Porygon2
54.01% --> 63.64%
ONONOKUSU
Neutral Nature Life Orb 252 Atk +1 Outrage vs 252 HP/252 Def Bold +1 Def (thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
62.57% --> 73.80%
Neutral Nature Life Orb 252 Atk +2 Dragon Claw vs 252 HP/252 Def Bold (thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
55.35% --> 65.24%
GROUDON
Positive Nature Life Orb 252 Atk Earthquake vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (Thanks to Stone) Porygon2
36.10% --> 42.51%
RAYQUAZA
+2 Adamant Dragon Claw Life Orb Rayquaza vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (Thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
57.22% --> 67.65%
+1 Adamant Outrage Life Orb Rayquaza vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (Thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
64.17% --> 75.67%
#113 - Chansey
--------
Stats
--------
Base Stat Total: 450
Base Stats: | 250 | 5 | 5 | 35 | 105 | 50 |
Chansey. The older sister of Chansey. Pokemon good in one, and only one thing. Of course I mean in special walling. In Generation 4 Chansey was used mainly as niche UU Special Wall on hardcore stall teams. And unfortunately there was a good reason for this - Chansey offenses are so pathetic, that player is forced only to use Seismic Toss as an offensive move or status just to even touch enemy Pokemon. In other words totally niche, however the best Pokemon at this job. Does Pre-Evolution Stone change anything here ? Well, honestly not much. However it boosts one important thing - it boosts her physical defense, probably the biggest weakness, while boosting Special Defense. Well, let's compare her to Blissey against some physical attacks. Let's assume in both cases Max HP/Max Def Bold EVs spreads. In other words as physically defensive spreads as possible.
Choice Band Adamant Crunch Tyranitar VS
Chansey = 41.05% --> 48.58%
Blissey = 55.88% --> 65.97%
First huge difference. Chansey with this EVs spread may be 2OHKOed only 6% of time with SR up. While Blissey doesn't stand a chance. However it doesn't end here.
Choice Band Adamant U-Turn Scizor VS
Chansey = 35.37% --> 41.76%
Blissey = 47.90% --> 56.44%
Another perfect example. Not that Chansey should stay in (SuperPower will hurt), however in some situations this may be quite crucial. Surprisingly, Chansey takes U-Turn as well as... Max HP/Max Def Swampert. Anyway, another proof on how it helps our poor Chansey.
But here we go. What king of difference it makes when taking special hits. And here it looks also interesting. It's best to show it on example.
Choice Specs Flash Fire Boosted Fire Blast Timid Heatran VS
Chansey = 40.06% --> 47.30%
Blissey = 47.48% --> 56.02%
Yep, here's the difference. However Blissey is saved by one little thing - Leftovers, which almost negates advantage which Chansey has here. Chansey has 30 SpD points LESS then Chansey, which is huge difference. If Blissey switches directly - it looses when compared to Chansey. However when Blissey switch in while not taking hit, she fares a bit better, as this little Leftovers helps in this case. And most important thing - Blissey may use special attacks, while Chansey means free boost for Ghost type Pokemon. But yeah, Chansey gains a huge boost with this Stone, which this proves. Anyway, Chansey surprisingly with this boost may be compared to Blissey. Heck, may be even better in some situations. But still - Chansey still struggle against strong physical attackers and unlike Blissey can't threat any switch-in with SE effective offensive attack, making her much less vulnerable against stat-up users. Just to end this - Chansey is another Pokemon, which gains second life as a NFE Pokemon and will surely find a place in some teams, even in higher tiers.
#207 - Gligar
--------
Stats
--------
Base Stat Total: 515
Base Stats: | 65 | 75 | 105 | 35 | 65 | 85 |
Gligar, pokemon with mediocre statistics around, however with great defensive typing. In UU it wasn't used much, however it provided unique niche in checking many offensive UU/NU Pokemon like Pinsir, Hitmonlee, non-Ice Punch Primeape or even tested right now Heracross (to some extent). Anyway, his main uses are checking and walling Fighting and Bug type attackers, which Gligar do quite well. However it's mainly outclassed by Gliscor, which of course is true. Gliscor has much higher defense, better attack and speed - really important statistics for physical walls. But Pre-Evolution Stone again helps here. Unlike mentioned two earlier Pokemon, Gligar doesn't have raw stats to really shine in higher tiers and will probably end in lower tiers. However, it may provide with unique niche if your team is in desperate need for it. For first Gliscor sets use right now (and I don't think this may change, but who knows ?) mostly Speed EVs to outspeed few certain threats, while I think Gligar should concentrate on abusing his new received bulk. Time to check few calculations. Let's go with Heracross, as both of those Pokemon do good job here, especially if Gliscor will be forced to run more Defensive EVs to counter some new physical behemots instead of speed.
+2 Flame Orb 252 Atk Jolly Facade Heracross VS
Gliscor = 77.68% --> 91.53%
Gligar = 61.98% --> 73.05%
In other words, +2 Flame Orb Facade can't OHKO Gligar, while there's 28% for OHKO when Max HP/Max Def Impish Gliscor try to do the same.
But someone may say - Heracross in this fast paced metagame ? Nope, I don't think it's the only niche where Gligar may try his luck in walling certain Pokemon. Let's go with Randorosu. 101 base speed, 125 base Atk and access to Swords Dance may make it one of the most dangerous sweepers in Gen 5. Well, this is also where difference in damage helps our litle Gligar.
+2 Life Orb 252 Atk Jolly Stone Edge Randorosu VS
Gliscor = 48.02% --> 56.78%
Gligar = 38.62% --> 45.51%
Just to make it short. Gliscor is 2OHKOed by Randorosu, while Gligar can't be 2OHKOed back. In other words Gligar may be able to run Toxic, Roost any damage back and let the Toxic + Life Orb recoils do the job. While Gliscor can't afford to try his luck with Toxic and must use Ice Fang, which may not knock out Rankurusu back.
However may Gligar use this additional bulk on special side ? Well, he surely can. And I think Gligar has higher advantage here even more.
0 SpA EVs Milotic Neutral Ice Beam VS
Gliscor = 98.31% --> 116.38%
Gligar = 77.84% --> 92.22%
100% OHKO with SR up (with Gliscor) against 20,5% with Gligar. I guess it's worth to invest a bit of SpD on Gligar just to secure survive. Anyway, it looks really good. Ok, time for something else.
Life Orb 252 SpA Roserade Neutral Leaf Storm VS
Gliscor = 103.39% --> 122.03%
Gligar = 81.74% --> 96.41%
Again massive difference. In other words if you want to use bulkier Flying/Earth Pokemon, then Gligar is good alternative. If you want to use something with good speed, solid attack and access to Poison heal, go with Gliscor, which is also more versitale.
Anyway, let's discuss and check potential of other potentially really interesting NFE Pokemon. If you want more calculations, just say against what and I'll add them when I can ;).
[I'll upload other good users of this item later (as it will take longer then I expected). I plan to add Dusclops, Scyther and Rhydon as fast as possible.]
UPDATE
EDIT: Well, for now thanks to Wichu we may assume that ALL NFE Pokemon have 50% boost to defenses. At least for now, more tests are always welcome.
a) It boosts BOTH defenses on NFE type Pokemon
b) It's not one time use
In other words, pre-evolution stone is an item, which works like a free Cosmic Power (however we still don't know the exact number). Anyway, my guess is that this stone will boost defenses by 50%. There's one good reason for this - NFE Pokemon in general are weak, so maybe GameFreak wanted to show them some love by introducing this one little item for them. Well, at first it may be totally useless, especially in competitive way. Why would I bother with using Pokemon (even with this boost) which are most of time weaker versions of their fully evolved cousins ? Answer is quite simple - as you may find some interesting NFE Pokemon to use this one certain item in really good way. And also surprisingly in some cases they may be even superior. Ok, it's time to show some Pokemon, which may use this item in really good way.
#233 - Porygon2
--------
Stats
--------
Base Stat Total: 515
Base Stats: | 85 | 80 | 90 | 105 | 95 | 60 |
Probably my favorite example here. I explained it further in Porygon2 thread, so I won't make it long here. For first with x1,5 boost Porygon2 may handle most physical hits in game, while surviving almost every single non-fighting move (even when boosted) and retaliating with Ice Beam/Thunderbolt. Probably in new metagame, with all those Dragons and other, not less powerfull threats Porygon2 may find his one main niche - really good tank and thanks to Recover Porygon2 won't miss this Leftovers too much. Don't underestimate this guy as he may be this anti-metagame key for which many players look for. Some damage calculations with Max HP/Max Def Bold Porygon2.
SALAMENCE
POSITIVE nature 252 SpA Life Orb Draco Meteor vs 252 HP +1 SpD (thanks to Stone) Porygon2
54.01% --> 63.64%
POSITIVE nature Life Orb 252 Atk Outrage vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (with Stone) Bold Porygon2
39.57% --> 46.79%
Neutral Nature Life Orb 252 Atk +1 Outrage vs 252 HP/252 Def Bold +1 Def (with Stone) Bold Porygon2
54.01% --> 63.64%
ONONOKUSU
Neutral Nature Life Orb 252 Atk +1 Outrage vs 252 HP/252 Def Bold +1 Def (thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
62.57% --> 73.80%
Neutral Nature Life Orb 252 Atk +2 Dragon Claw vs 252 HP/252 Def Bold (thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
55.35% --> 65.24%
GROUDON
Positive Nature Life Orb 252 Atk Earthquake vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (Thanks to Stone) Porygon2
36.10% --> 42.51%
RAYQUAZA
+2 Adamant Dragon Claw Life Orb Rayquaza vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (Thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
57.22% --> 67.65%
+1 Adamant Outrage Life Orb Rayquaza vs 252 HP/252 Def +1 Def (Thanks to Stone) Bold Porygon2
64.17% --> 75.67%
#113 - Chansey
--------
Stats
--------
Base Stat Total: 450
Base Stats: | 250 | 5 | 5 | 35 | 105 | 50 |
Chansey. The older sister of Chansey. Pokemon good in one, and only one thing. Of course I mean in special walling. In Generation 4 Chansey was used mainly as niche UU Special Wall on hardcore stall teams. And unfortunately there was a good reason for this - Chansey offenses are so pathetic, that player is forced only to use Seismic Toss as an offensive move or status just to even touch enemy Pokemon. In other words totally niche, however the best Pokemon at this job. Does Pre-Evolution Stone change anything here ? Well, honestly not much. However it boosts one important thing - it boosts her physical defense, probably the biggest weakness, while boosting Special Defense. Well, let's compare her to Blissey against some physical attacks. Let's assume in both cases Max HP/Max Def Bold EVs spreads. In other words as physically defensive spreads as possible.
Choice Band Adamant Crunch Tyranitar VS
Chansey = 41.05% --> 48.58%
Blissey = 55.88% --> 65.97%
First huge difference. Chansey with this EVs spread may be 2OHKOed only 6% of time with SR up. While Blissey doesn't stand a chance. However it doesn't end here.
Choice Band Adamant U-Turn Scizor VS
Chansey = 35.37% --> 41.76%
Blissey = 47.90% --> 56.44%
Another perfect example. Not that Chansey should stay in (SuperPower will hurt), however in some situations this may be quite crucial. Surprisingly, Chansey takes U-Turn as well as... Max HP/Max Def Swampert. Anyway, another proof on how it helps our poor Chansey.
But here we go. What king of difference it makes when taking special hits. And here it looks also interesting. It's best to show it on example.
Choice Specs Flash Fire Boosted Fire Blast Timid Heatran VS
Chansey = 40.06% --> 47.30%
Blissey = 47.48% --> 56.02%
Yep, here's the difference. However Blissey is saved by one little thing - Leftovers, which almost negates advantage which Chansey has here. Chansey has 30 SpD points LESS then Chansey, which is huge difference. If Blissey switches directly - it looses when compared to Chansey. However when Blissey switch in while not taking hit, she fares a bit better, as this little Leftovers helps in this case. And most important thing - Blissey may use special attacks, while Chansey means free boost for Ghost type Pokemon. But yeah, Chansey gains a huge boost with this Stone, which this proves. Anyway, Chansey surprisingly with this boost may be compared to Blissey. Heck, may be even better in some situations. But still - Chansey still struggle against strong physical attackers and unlike Blissey can't threat any switch-in with SE effective offensive attack, making her much less vulnerable against stat-up users. Just to end this - Chansey is another Pokemon, which gains second life as a NFE Pokemon and will surely find a place in some teams, even in higher tiers.
#207 - Gligar
--------
Stats
--------
Base Stat Total: 515
Base Stats: | 65 | 75 | 105 | 35 | 65 | 85 |
Gligar, pokemon with mediocre statistics around, however with great defensive typing. In UU it wasn't used much, however it provided unique niche in checking many offensive UU/NU Pokemon like Pinsir, Hitmonlee, non-Ice Punch Primeape or even tested right now Heracross (to some extent). Anyway, his main uses are checking and walling Fighting and Bug type attackers, which Gligar do quite well. However it's mainly outclassed by Gliscor, which of course is true. Gliscor has much higher defense, better attack and speed - really important statistics for physical walls. But Pre-Evolution Stone again helps here. Unlike mentioned two earlier Pokemon, Gligar doesn't have raw stats to really shine in higher tiers and will probably end in lower tiers. However, it may provide with unique niche if your team is in desperate need for it. For first Gliscor sets use right now (and I don't think this may change, but who knows ?) mostly Speed EVs to outspeed few certain threats, while I think Gligar should concentrate on abusing his new received bulk. Time to check few calculations. Let's go with Heracross, as both of those Pokemon do good job here, especially if Gliscor will be forced to run more Defensive EVs to counter some new physical behemots instead of speed.
+2 Flame Orb 252 Atk Jolly Facade Heracross VS
Gliscor = 77.68% --> 91.53%
Gligar = 61.98% --> 73.05%
In other words, +2 Flame Orb Facade can't OHKO Gligar, while there's 28% for OHKO when Max HP/Max Def Impish Gliscor try to do the same.
But someone may say - Heracross in this fast paced metagame ? Nope, I don't think it's the only niche where Gligar may try his luck in walling certain Pokemon. Let's go with Randorosu. 101 base speed, 125 base Atk and access to Swords Dance may make it one of the most dangerous sweepers in Gen 5. Well, this is also where difference in damage helps our litle Gligar.
+2 Life Orb 252 Atk Jolly Stone Edge Randorosu VS
Gliscor = 48.02% --> 56.78%
Gligar = 38.62% --> 45.51%
Just to make it short. Gliscor is 2OHKOed by Randorosu, while Gligar can't be 2OHKOed back. In other words Gligar may be able to run Toxic, Roost any damage back and let the Toxic + Life Orb recoils do the job. While Gliscor can't afford to try his luck with Toxic and must use Ice Fang, which may not knock out Rankurusu back.
However may Gligar use this additional bulk on special side ? Well, he surely can. And I think Gligar has higher advantage here even more.
0 SpA EVs Milotic Neutral Ice Beam VS
Gliscor = 98.31% --> 116.38%
Gligar = 77.84% --> 92.22%
100% OHKO with SR up (with Gliscor) against 20,5% with Gligar. I guess it's worth to invest a bit of SpD on Gligar just to secure survive. Anyway, it looks really good. Ok, time for something else.
Life Orb 252 SpA Roserade Neutral Leaf Storm VS
Gliscor = 103.39% --> 122.03%
Gligar = 81.74% --> 96.41%
Again massive difference. In other words if you want to use bulkier Flying/Earth Pokemon, then Gligar is good alternative. If you want to use something with good speed, solid attack and access to Poison heal, go with Gliscor, which is also more versitale.
Anyway, let's discuss and check potential of other potentially really interesting NFE Pokemon. If you want more calculations, just say against what and I'll add them when I can ;).
[I'll upload other good users of this item later (as it will take longer then I expected). I plan to add Dusclops, Scyther and Rhydon as fast as possible.]
UPDATE
Wichu said:
EDIT: Well, for now thanks to Wichu we may assume that ALL NFE Pokemon have 50% boost to defenses. At least for now, more tests are always welcome.
