[OVERVIEW]
Steel
========
Klefki is a useful Pokemon on offensive Steel teams due to its status as the best dual screens setter available to them. Hyper offensive Steel teams greatly appreciate its support, as they have a wide variety of setup sweepers, such as Mega Scizor, Jirachi, and Celesteela, to exploit it. Klefki's Prankster ability gives it a unique niche of priority status moves, which almost always ensures that Reflect or Light Screen will go up before the opponent hits Klefki. Access to Spikes and Thunder Wave allows Klefki to pressure the opposing side by supplying lasting chip damage or crippling offensive Pokemon. Unfortunately, Klefki is very passive and can easily be threatened out by Taunt and certain Defog users such as Tapu Koko and Gliscor. Even with Foul Play and Thunder Wave, certain setup sweepers like Diggersby and Landorus-T can proceed to set up on it without fear as well. Klefki's defensive presence is also hindered by its vulnerability to two of Steel's weaknesses, Fire and Ground, and lack of reliable recovery.
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Spikes
move 4: Foul Play / Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Reflect and Light Screen allow Klefki to double its and its teammates' defenses, making it much easier for Pokemon like Mega Scizor to set up. Spikes helps pressure the opposing team with chip damage, which makes it easier for Klefki's teammates to sweep. Foul Play makes Klefki able to function when under the effect of Taunt. Along with the added bulk from Reflect, Foul Play can pressure Swords Dance users such as Mega Gallade. Thunder Wave is an option over Foul Play to cripple fast offensive Pokemon, especially special attackers like Porygon-Z and Heatran, that Foul Play can barely damage.
Set Details
========
Light Clay boosts the duration of screens from five turns to eight, allowing offensive Pokemon to take advantage of the screens for as long as possible. Maximum HP and Defense investment enables Klefki to most effectively check Swords Dance users, the main target of Foul Play, as well as take advantage of its useful neutrality to Fighting. Prankster gives all of Klefki's status moves priority and is crucial for Klefki to effectively and consistently set up screens and Spikes.
Usage Tips
========
Klefki should try to set up Reflect and Light Screen against Pokemon that cannot take advantage of it by boosting. However, because of Klefki's passive nature, it is usually unable to threaten the opposing Pokemon. Klefki should aim to put up Spikes along with screens if the opponent cannot pressure it enough to force it out. Other than that, Klefki should usually switch after setting up screens. Try to preserve Klefki throughout the game, as screens will often need to be set more than once, and Klefki lacks any form of reliable recovery. However, Klefki can also be used aggressively and let itself be KOed after setting screens if it allows a teammate to set up and win the game. Use Thunder Wave against fast offensive Pokemon that could be dangerous to the team, such as Victini and Mega Gallade. However, be wary that Electric-, Ground-, and Dark-types can easily switch into it. Foul Play should be used against foes trying to boost its Attack against Klefki, such as Mega Scizor and Mega Gallade. Spikes should be a priority early on to consistently chip away at the opposing team, but Reflect and Light Screen should be used mid- to late-game to allow a sweeper to set up and weaken or sweep the opposing team. Klefki is useful as a Scald switch-in because the burn does not affect it, and it can use most Scald users as fodder for setting screens. Make sure not to switch Klefki into a predicted Knock Off, however, as losing Light Clay weakens the effectiveness of dual screens support. When using Klefki, try to avoid trappers such as Magnezone and Dugtrio at all costs, because they can easily KO Klefki and stall out remaining screens turns, preventing teammates from using them.
Team Options
========
Klefki is a great partner for offensive setup sweepers, as its dual screens and Spikes support makes it much easier for them to use their boosting move and weaken or sweep the opposing team. Bisharp can switch into a predicted Defog used against Klefki and get a free +2 Attack bonus from Defiant as well as use Swords Dance to take advantage of dual screens support. Bisharp also appreciates Klefki's Spikes for chip damage and Thunder Wave to make up for its low Speed. Mega Scizor is another setup sweeper that appreciates the use of screens, as they boost its already appreciable bulk. Klefki’s Thunder Wave can also slow down Pokemon that Mega Scizor cannot KO with Bullet Punch, allowing it to use its stronger moves. A third Swords Dance user that can take advantage of dual screens is Lucario, which usually finds itself struggling to set up otherwise due to its middling bulk and lack of defensive utility. Choice Scarf Excadrill can pressure Electric-types such as Tapu Koko and Magnezone, and its Rapid Spin enables Steel teams to remove hazards without the use of Defog. Heatran is a mandatory Pokemon to use on Steel due to its immunity to Fire via Flash Fire, an ability that makes it a great switch-in to Fire-types for Klefki. Heatran also provides Stealth Rock, creating amazing entry hazard pressure on the opposing team alongside Klefki's Spikes. Autotomize Celesteela is an offensive sweeper that also benefits from Klefki's use of screens and especially Spikes to wear down and sweep the opposing team. Celesteela can also switch into Ground-types that could otherwise easily KO Klefki with their STAB moves. Jirachi is another setup sweeper that can utilize both Z-Happy Hour and Calm Mind sets. Z-Happy Hour Jirachi appreciates Klefki's dual screens and Spikes support to help wear down the opposing team on entry, while Calm Mind variants enjoy screens to help increase the longevity of its Substitutes and to boost its Defense, which cannot be boosted by Calm Mind.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Steel
--------
Toxic can be used to put a timer on threatening Pokemon like Zapdos and Garchomp as well as being useful against various Ground- and Electric-types; however, the immediate halving of Speed by Thunder Wave and the pressure against setup sweepers caused by Foul Play are usually much more helpful.
Checks and Counters
===================
Steel
--------
**Taunt Users**: Pokemon with Taunt can force Klefki to use either Foul Play or Struggle, making it effectively useless. Pokemon that run Taunt such as Heatran and Gliscor also have super effective moves that they can damage Klefki with.
**Defog Users**: Defog is a huge threat to Klefki because of its removal of screens and Spikes.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Excadrill and Landorus are immune to Thunder Wave and can use Klefki to freely attack and set up. Landorus especially can use Gravity, which greatly threatens Steel teams, while taking little damage from Foul Play. Dugtrio can trap Klefki, especially Thunder Wave variants, which cannot do anything to it, removing its ability to set up screens for the rest of the game.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types are also immune to Thunder Wave, and Pokemon like Tapu Koko can shut Klefki down with Taunt, while Zapdos can remove its screens with Defog. Magnezone and Alolan Golem can trap Klefki and prevent it from supporting a teammate with screens.
**Magic Bounce**: Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie can bounce back Klefki's Spikes and Thunder Wave, lowering its ability to do anything besides set up screens, as even the threat of switching these Pokemon in can dissuade the player from using these moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Felines, 290520]]
- Steel analysis by: [[Felines, 290520]]
- Quality checked by: [[Havens, 391540]], [Eien, 100418], [maroon, 305839]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Estronic, 240732]]
Steel
========
Klefki is a useful Pokemon on offensive Steel teams due to its status as the best dual screens setter available to them. Hyper offensive Steel teams greatly appreciate its support, as they have a wide variety of setup sweepers, such as Mega Scizor, Jirachi, and Celesteela, to exploit it. Klefki's Prankster ability gives it a unique niche of priority status moves, which almost always ensures that Reflect or Light Screen will go up before the opponent hits Klefki. Access to Spikes and Thunder Wave allows Klefki to pressure the opposing side by supplying lasting chip damage or crippling offensive Pokemon. Unfortunately, Klefki is very passive and can easily be threatened out by Taunt and certain Defog users such as Tapu Koko and Gliscor. Even with Foul Play and Thunder Wave, certain setup sweepers like Diggersby and Landorus-T can proceed to set up on it without fear as well. Klefki's defensive presence is also hindered by its vulnerability to two of Steel's weaknesses, Fire and Ground, and lack of reliable recovery.
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Spikes
move 4: Foul Play / Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Reflect and Light Screen allow Klefki to double its and its teammates' defenses, making it much easier for Pokemon like Mega Scizor to set up. Spikes helps pressure the opposing team with chip damage, which makes it easier for Klefki's teammates to sweep. Foul Play makes Klefki able to function when under the effect of Taunt. Along with the added bulk from Reflect, Foul Play can pressure Swords Dance users such as Mega Gallade. Thunder Wave is an option over Foul Play to cripple fast offensive Pokemon, especially special attackers like Porygon-Z and Heatran, that Foul Play can barely damage.
Set Details
========
Light Clay boosts the duration of screens from five turns to eight, allowing offensive Pokemon to take advantage of the screens for as long as possible. Maximum HP and Defense investment enables Klefki to most effectively check Swords Dance users, the main target of Foul Play, as well as take advantage of its useful neutrality to Fighting. Prankster gives all of Klefki's status moves priority and is crucial for Klefki to effectively and consistently set up screens and Spikes.
Usage Tips
========
Klefki should try to set up Reflect and Light Screen against Pokemon that cannot take advantage of it by boosting. However, because of Klefki's passive nature, it is usually unable to threaten the opposing Pokemon. Klefki should aim to put up Spikes along with screens if the opponent cannot pressure it enough to force it out. Other than that, Klefki should usually switch after setting up screens. Try to preserve Klefki throughout the game, as screens will often need to be set more than once, and Klefki lacks any form of reliable recovery. However, Klefki can also be used aggressively and let itself be KOed after setting screens if it allows a teammate to set up and win the game. Use Thunder Wave against fast offensive Pokemon that could be dangerous to the team, such as Victini and Mega Gallade. However, be wary that Electric-, Ground-, and Dark-types can easily switch into it. Foul Play should be used against foes trying to boost its Attack against Klefki, such as Mega Scizor and Mega Gallade. Spikes should be a priority early on to consistently chip away at the opposing team, but Reflect and Light Screen should be used mid- to late-game to allow a sweeper to set up and weaken or sweep the opposing team. Klefki is useful as a Scald switch-in because the burn does not affect it, and it can use most Scald users as fodder for setting screens. Make sure not to switch Klefki into a predicted Knock Off, however, as losing Light Clay weakens the effectiveness of dual screens support. When using Klefki, try to avoid trappers such as Magnezone and Dugtrio at all costs, because they can easily KO Klefki and stall out remaining screens turns, preventing teammates from using them.
Team Options
========
Klefki is a great partner for offensive setup sweepers, as its dual screens and Spikes support makes it much easier for them to use their boosting move and weaken or sweep the opposing team. Bisharp can switch into a predicted Defog used against Klefki and get a free +2 Attack bonus from Defiant as well as use Swords Dance to take advantage of dual screens support. Bisharp also appreciates Klefki's Spikes for chip damage and Thunder Wave to make up for its low Speed. Mega Scizor is another setup sweeper that appreciates the use of screens, as they boost its already appreciable bulk. Klefki’s Thunder Wave can also slow down Pokemon that Mega Scizor cannot KO with Bullet Punch, allowing it to use its stronger moves. A third Swords Dance user that can take advantage of dual screens is Lucario, which usually finds itself struggling to set up otherwise due to its middling bulk and lack of defensive utility. Choice Scarf Excadrill can pressure Electric-types such as Tapu Koko and Magnezone, and its Rapid Spin enables Steel teams to remove hazards without the use of Defog. Heatran is a mandatory Pokemon to use on Steel due to its immunity to Fire via Flash Fire, an ability that makes it a great switch-in to Fire-types for Klefki. Heatran also provides Stealth Rock, creating amazing entry hazard pressure on the opposing team alongside Klefki's Spikes. Autotomize Celesteela is an offensive sweeper that also benefits from Klefki's use of screens and especially Spikes to wear down and sweep the opposing team. Celesteela can also switch into Ground-types that could otherwise easily KO Klefki with their STAB moves. Jirachi is another setup sweeper that can utilize both Z-Happy Hour and Calm Mind sets. Z-Happy Hour Jirachi appreciates Klefki's dual screens and Spikes support to help wear down the opposing team on entry, while Calm Mind variants enjoy screens to help increase the longevity of its Substitutes and to boost its Defense, which cannot be boosted by Calm Mind.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Steel
--------
Toxic can be used to put a timer on threatening Pokemon like Zapdos and Garchomp as well as being useful against various Ground- and Electric-types; however, the immediate halving of Speed by Thunder Wave and the pressure against setup sweepers caused by Foul Play are usually much more helpful.
Checks and Counters
===================
Steel
--------
**Taunt Users**: Pokemon with Taunt can force Klefki to use either Foul Play or Struggle, making it effectively useless. Pokemon that run Taunt such as Heatran and Gliscor also have super effective moves that they can damage Klefki with.
**Defog Users**: Defog is a huge threat to Klefki because of its removal of screens and Spikes.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Excadrill and Landorus are immune to Thunder Wave and can use Klefki to freely attack and set up. Landorus especially can use Gravity, which greatly threatens Steel teams, while taking little damage from Foul Play. Dugtrio can trap Klefki, especially Thunder Wave variants, which cannot do anything to it, removing its ability to set up screens for the rest of the game.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types are also immune to Thunder Wave, and Pokemon like Tapu Koko can shut Klefki down with Taunt, while Zapdos can remove its screens with Defog. Magnezone and Alolan Golem can trap Klefki and prevent it from supporting a teammate with screens.
**Magic Bounce**: Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie can bounce back Klefki's Spikes and Thunder Wave, lowering its ability to do anything besides set up screens, as even the threat of switching these Pokemon in can dissuade the player from using these moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Felines, 290520]]
- Steel analysis by: [[Felines, 290520]]
- Quality checked by: [[Havens, 391540]], [Eien, 100418], [maroon, 305839]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Estronic, 240732]]
Last edited:
