[OVERVIEW]
Kitsunoh is one of the best Choice Scarf users in the metagame thanks to its ability to outspeed some of the most dangerous setup sweepers such as Necturna and Aurumoth. Its amazing typing lets it check many other common threats like Mega Crucibelle, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Medicham. Kitsunoh keeps up momentum thanks to its access to U-turn, which also helps it escape from incoming Pursuit trappers, and is able to threaten other common Pokemon like Heatran and Landorus-T with coverage moves like Earthquake and Ice Punch. On the other hand, Kitsunoh's low stats outside of its Speed severely limit the viability of other sets, making it rather one-dimensional. Its underwhelming bulk means that it can only switch into the Pokemon it wants to check a few times per game, as powerful attacks like Crucibelle's Stone Edge and Tapu Lele's Psychic will still deal significant damage. Its mediocre Attack stat means that Kitsunoh usually fails to deal with bulky Pokemon and requires significant chip damage to revenge kill targets not weak to its STAB moves, as threats such as Volkraken can avoid being KOed by coverage like Earthquake. On top of that, because of its typing and the fact that it usually runs a Choice Scarf set, Kitsunoh is very vulnerable to Pursuit, as trappers like Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Colossoil can easily dispose of Kitsunoh if it doesn't constantly use U-turn.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Shadow Strike
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Earthquake / Meteor Mash
move 4: Defog / Ice Punch / Trick
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Limber / Iron Fist
nature: Jolly
evs: 220 Atk / 36 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shadow Strike, Kitsunoh's signature move, is a decent Ghost-type STAB move that allows Kitsunoh to revenge kill Necturna and Aurumoth. U-turn is required because Kitsunoh is forced out very easily early-game, so it needs to be able to pivot out out of those situations. Meteor Mash OHKOes Mega Crucibelle and Weavile and 2HKOes Mega Tyranitar and Jumbao. Alternatively, Earthquake also OHKOes Mega Crucibelle and deal heavy damage to Heatran, Magearna, and Volkraken. The last slot is very situational and should fit the necessities of the rest of the team: Defog can serve as a decent secondary form of entry hazard removal, Ice Punch 2HKOes Landorus-T and hits Tornadus-T harder than anything else, and Trick cripples walls that Kitsunoh wouldn't be able to beat otherwise.
Set Details
========
36 Special Defense EVs are used to always avoid the 2HKO from unboosted Tapu Lele's Psychic. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature is required to outspeed Adamant Necturna after a Shell Smash boost. Iron Fist should be used alongside Meteor Mash or Ice Punch to guarantee the 2HKO on Mega Tyranitar and have a chance to KO Tornadus-T after Stealth Rock. If those moves aren't used, then Limber helps Kitsunoh to reliably use U-turn against Static Cyclohm and Zapdos and prevents Clefable from crippling Kitsunoh with Thunder Wave.
Usage Tips
========
While Kitsunoh's typing gives it plenty of opportunities to switch into resisted attacks, it should only do so when necessary, as strong resisted moves like Tapu Lele's Psychic will wear it down very quickly. Kitsunoh should use U-turn liberally early- and mid-game to keep momentum and pivot out of unfavorable situations to an appropriate teammate. Be particularly cautious against Pursuit trappers, as they can put Kitsunoh in a checkmate situation if it doesn't lock on a move capable of threatening them. This means that even if Kitsunoh manages to grab a KO, they will then be able to eliminate Kitsunoh right afterwards. For this reason, Kitsunoh should try to avoid using Shadow Strike as much as possible when these threats are on the opposing team, and instead focus on using U-turn and Meteor Mash. Remember that because of its low base Attack, Kitsunoh needs threats like Aurumoth, Tornadus-T, and Magearna weakened before it can revenge kill them. Defog should be used only when necessary or when Kitsunoh is no longer needed and you expect it to be KOed on the same turn. Using it recklessly costs valuable momentum and gives the opponent a free turn. Kitsunoh should use Trick to cripple bulky switch-ins when its Choice Scarf is no longer useful. However, it's particularly important to avoid using it if you are facing threats like Necturna and Mega Alakazam, which will require Kitsunoh to use the extra Speed provided by Choice Scarf.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard setters are indispensable to help Kitsunoh KO opposing Pokemon. Heatran, Mega Crucibelle, Mega Diancie, and Mega Tyranitar are great picks for Stealth Rock setters thanks to their good matchup against Tornadus-T, the most common Defogger in the metagame. Spikes are another way to wear down the opposing team, so Arghonaut, Ferrothorn, and Greninja are good options too. Tornadus-T provides a valuable Ground-type immunity, can use Defog to clear entry hazards, and can use U-turn while threats like Mega Crucibelle and Mega Diancie come in, putting Kitsunoh in a good position as it switches in. Fighting-types like Arghonaut, Mega Medicham, and Tomohawk pair well with Kitsunoh, pressuring Dark-types while Kitsunoh checks Psychic- and Fairy-types for them. Fairy-types are another way to threaten Dark-types, so Magearna and Tapu Lele are also good teammates. Finally, wallbreakers like Mega Alakazam, Smokomodo, Flame Orb Colossoil, and Aurumoth appreciate Kitsunoh letting them in for free with U-turn and can break most walls that trouble Kitsunoh.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Foul Play is another alternative on the Choice Scarf set to revenge kill Cawmodore but has little use otherwise. Frisk can be used over Limber in order to scout for opposing Pokemon's items, although it makes it harder to use U-turn against Zapdos and Cyclohm. A defensive set can better utilize Kitsunoh's typing and its wide array of utility options like Defog, Will-O-Wisp, and Wish. However, even with investment, Kitsunoh's defenses are lacking, and it is very hard to fit the moves it needs on one set. For these reasons, this set only fits on stall builds that have trouble with Mega Medicham and Mega Crucibelle.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pursuit trappers**: Mega Tyranitar, Colossoil, and Weavile are the biggest threats to Kitsunoh, as their mere presence forces it to play very carefully to avoid being trapped. Colossoil can also play mind games with Sucker Punch to KO Kitsunoh before it can move if it tries to stay in. However, they need to be careful about U-turn, which Kitsunoh will use as much as possible when they are present, and are also threatened by Meteor Mash or Ice Punch.
**Walls**: Because Kitsunoh lacks firepower, generic physical walls like Arghonaut, Tomohawk, Cyclohm, and Zapdos can easily deal with Kitsunoh and are not even threatened by super effective coverage, although they can be crippled by Trick.
**Bulky Ground-types**: Landorus-T and Gliscor immediately threatens Kitsunoh out with Earthquake and have enough bulk to avoid taking too much damage from most of Kitsunoh's attacks; however, they can both be 2HKOed by Ice Punch.
**Fire-types**: Volkraken, Heatran, and Smokomodo can easily dispatch of Kitsunoh with their STAB moves but have a hard time switching in because of the threat of Earthquake. However, if Kitsunoh reveals Meteor Mash, they are usually safe switch ins. Volcarona can't switch in, but in addition to the threat of its Fire-type moves, it can also set up with Quiver Dance if Kitsunoh chooses to switch out.
**Other Bulky Attackers**: Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Mega Mawile can't switch in easily but threaten Kitsunoh with Knock Off and Sucker Punch, respectively, and Kitsunoh fails to KO them even with the appropriate coverage. Additionally, Rocky Helmet variants of Tornadus-T can punish the use of U-turn.
**Offensive Pressure**: Because Kitsunoh's defenses are mediocre and it's used to soft check powerful threats like Mega Crucibelle and Mega Alakazam, it can be worn down very quickly if the opponent maintains offensive pressure, either by repeatedly using powerful resisted attacks or by wearing Kitsunoh down with entry hazards. This can render Kitsunoh unable to do its job effectively.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mx, 298148]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [Jordy, 395754], [xavgb, 231402]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Kitsunoh is one of the best Choice Scarf users in the metagame thanks to its ability to outspeed some of the most dangerous setup sweepers such as Necturna and Aurumoth. Its amazing typing lets it check many other common threats like Mega Crucibelle, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Medicham. Kitsunoh keeps up momentum thanks to its access to U-turn, which also helps it escape from incoming Pursuit trappers, and is able to threaten other common Pokemon like Heatran and Landorus-T with coverage moves like Earthquake and Ice Punch. On the other hand, Kitsunoh's low stats outside of its Speed severely limit the viability of other sets, making it rather one-dimensional. Its underwhelming bulk means that it can only switch into the Pokemon it wants to check a few times per game, as powerful attacks like Crucibelle's Stone Edge and Tapu Lele's Psychic will still deal significant damage. Its mediocre Attack stat means that Kitsunoh usually fails to deal with bulky Pokemon and requires significant chip damage to revenge kill targets not weak to its STAB moves, as threats such as Volkraken can avoid being KOed by coverage like Earthquake. On top of that, because of its typing and the fact that it usually runs a Choice Scarf set, Kitsunoh is very vulnerable to Pursuit, as trappers like Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Colossoil can easily dispose of Kitsunoh if it doesn't constantly use U-turn.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Shadow Strike
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Earthquake / Meteor Mash
move 4: Defog / Ice Punch / Trick
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Limber / Iron Fist
nature: Jolly
evs: 220 Atk / 36 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shadow Strike, Kitsunoh's signature move, is a decent Ghost-type STAB move that allows Kitsunoh to revenge kill Necturna and Aurumoth. U-turn is required because Kitsunoh is forced out very easily early-game, so it needs to be able to pivot out out of those situations. Meteor Mash OHKOes Mega Crucibelle and Weavile and 2HKOes Mega Tyranitar and Jumbao. Alternatively, Earthquake also OHKOes Mega Crucibelle and deal heavy damage to Heatran, Magearna, and Volkraken. The last slot is very situational and should fit the necessities of the rest of the team: Defog can serve as a decent secondary form of entry hazard removal, Ice Punch 2HKOes Landorus-T and hits Tornadus-T harder than anything else, and Trick cripples walls that Kitsunoh wouldn't be able to beat otherwise.
Set Details
========
36 Special Defense EVs are used to always avoid the 2HKO from unboosted Tapu Lele's Psychic. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature is required to outspeed Adamant Necturna after a Shell Smash boost. Iron Fist should be used alongside Meteor Mash or Ice Punch to guarantee the 2HKO on Mega Tyranitar and have a chance to KO Tornadus-T after Stealth Rock. If those moves aren't used, then Limber helps Kitsunoh to reliably use U-turn against Static Cyclohm and Zapdos and prevents Clefable from crippling Kitsunoh with Thunder Wave.
Usage Tips
========
While Kitsunoh's typing gives it plenty of opportunities to switch into resisted attacks, it should only do so when necessary, as strong resisted moves like Tapu Lele's Psychic will wear it down very quickly. Kitsunoh should use U-turn liberally early- and mid-game to keep momentum and pivot out of unfavorable situations to an appropriate teammate. Be particularly cautious against Pursuit trappers, as they can put Kitsunoh in a checkmate situation if it doesn't lock on a move capable of threatening them. This means that even if Kitsunoh manages to grab a KO, they will then be able to eliminate Kitsunoh right afterwards. For this reason, Kitsunoh should try to avoid using Shadow Strike as much as possible when these threats are on the opposing team, and instead focus on using U-turn and Meteor Mash. Remember that because of its low base Attack, Kitsunoh needs threats like Aurumoth, Tornadus-T, and Magearna weakened before it can revenge kill them. Defog should be used only when necessary or when Kitsunoh is no longer needed and you expect it to be KOed on the same turn. Using it recklessly costs valuable momentum and gives the opponent a free turn. Kitsunoh should use Trick to cripple bulky switch-ins when its Choice Scarf is no longer useful. However, it's particularly important to avoid using it if you are facing threats like Necturna and Mega Alakazam, which will require Kitsunoh to use the extra Speed provided by Choice Scarf.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard setters are indispensable to help Kitsunoh KO opposing Pokemon. Heatran, Mega Crucibelle, Mega Diancie, and Mega Tyranitar are great picks for Stealth Rock setters thanks to their good matchup against Tornadus-T, the most common Defogger in the metagame. Spikes are another way to wear down the opposing team, so Arghonaut, Ferrothorn, and Greninja are good options too. Tornadus-T provides a valuable Ground-type immunity, can use Defog to clear entry hazards, and can use U-turn while threats like Mega Crucibelle and Mega Diancie come in, putting Kitsunoh in a good position as it switches in. Fighting-types like Arghonaut, Mega Medicham, and Tomohawk pair well with Kitsunoh, pressuring Dark-types while Kitsunoh checks Psychic- and Fairy-types for them. Fairy-types are another way to threaten Dark-types, so Magearna and Tapu Lele are also good teammates. Finally, wallbreakers like Mega Alakazam, Smokomodo, Flame Orb Colossoil, and Aurumoth appreciate Kitsunoh letting them in for free with U-turn and can break most walls that trouble Kitsunoh.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Foul Play is another alternative on the Choice Scarf set to revenge kill Cawmodore but has little use otherwise. Frisk can be used over Limber in order to scout for opposing Pokemon's items, although it makes it harder to use U-turn against Zapdos and Cyclohm. A defensive set can better utilize Kitsunoh's typing and its wide array of utility options like Defog, Will-O-Wisp, and Wish. However, even with investment, Kitsunoh's defenses are lacking, and it is very hard to fit the moves it needs on one set. For these reasons, this set only fits on stall builds that have trouble with Mega Medicham and Mega Crucibelle.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pursuit trappers**: Mega Tyranitar, Colossoil, and Weavile are the biggest threats to Kitsunoh, as their mere presence forces it to play very carefully to avoid being trapped. Colossoil can also play mind games with Sucker Punch to KO Kitsunoh before it can move if it tries to stay in. However, they need to be careful about U-turn, which Kitsunoh will use as much as possible when they are present, and are also threatened by Meteor Mash or Ice Punch.
**Walls**: Because Kitsunoh lacks firepower, generic physical walls like Arghonaut, Tomohawk, Cyclohm, and Zapdos can easily deal with Kitsunoh and are not even threatened by super effective coverage, although they can be crippled by Trick.
**Bulky Ground-types**: Landorus-T and Gliscor immediately threatens Kitsunoh out with Earthquake and have enough bulk to avoid taking too much damage from most of Kitsunoh's attacks; however, they can both be 2HKOed by Ice Punch.
**Fire-types**: Volkraken, Heatran, and Smokomodo can easily dispatch of Kitsunoh with their STAB moves but have a hard time switching in because of the threat of Earthquake. However, if Kitsunoh reveals Meteor Mash, they are usually safe switch ins. Volcarona can't switch in, but in addition to the threat of its Fire-type moves, it can also set up with Quiver Dance if Kitsunoh chooses to switch out.
**Other Bulky Attackers**: Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Mega Mawile can't switch in easily but threaten Kitsunoh with Knock Off and Sucker Punch, respectively, and Kitsunoh fails to KO them even with the appropriate coverage. Additionally, Rocky Helmet variants of Tornadus-T can punish the use of U-turn.
**Offensive Pressure**: Because Kitsunoh's defenses are mediocre and it's used to soft check powerful threats like Mega Crucibelle and Mega Alakazam, it can be worn down very quickly if the opponent maintains offensive pressure, either by repeatedly using powerful resisted attacks or by wearing Kitsunoh down with entry hazards. This can render Kitsunoh unable to do its job effectively.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mx, 298148]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [Jordy, 395754], [xavgb, 231402]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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