c:
QC: Megazard / TONE114 / -Grim
GP: Rhythms + Snobalt / P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Leavanny stands out as the best Sticky Web user in the PU metagame thanks to its high Speed stat, as well as having the greatest offensive presence of all Sticky Web users. Leavanny also has access to useful support moves in Electroweb and Magic Coat, the former of which provides additional speed control while allowing it to hit common Defog users such as Swanna and Pelipper, and the latter of which helps it bounce back entry hazards such as Spikes from Pokemon such as Venipede. Leavanny's access to Knock Off also allows it to cripple Pokemon such as Machoke. However, Leavanny has only a few niches and can only perform the role of a Sticky Web user. Leavanny's average defenses and poor defensive typing also limit its time on the battlefield.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Leaf Storm
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Electroweb / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Sticky Web provides speed control and allows Pokemon such as Stoutland and Simipour to outspeed Choice Scarf users on the opponent's team. Leaf Storm hits common Stealth Rock users such as Stunfisk and Golem, and the Special Attack drop won't matter, as Leavanny is a suicide lead. Knock Off hits bulky Eviolite users such as Tangela and Misdreavus, which makes them easier to deal with. Electroweb hits Flying-types, which are immune to Sticky Web, particularly Pelipper and Swanna; provides additional speed control; and cripples faster Pokemon such as Simipour. Magic Coat bounces back entry hazards from Pokemon such as Venipede and Taunt from Pokemon such as Floatzel and Simipour; however, it is quite risky to use on other entry hazard setters such as Roselia.
Set Details
========
This EV spread and a Naive nature allow Leavanny to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible while maintaining an offensive presence. Chlorophyll gives Leavanny a better matchup against sun teams, making it easier for it to set up Sticky Web. Focus Sash allows Leavanny to survive at least one hit, guaranteeing the setup of Sticky Web.
Usage Tips
========
Most of the time, Leavanny should be used as a suicide lead to set up Sticky Web. However, if the opposing team has an entry hazard remover that Leavanny has trouble dealing with, such as Vullaby or Vibrava, Leavanny should be kept for later. If Leavanny is sent out as a suicide lead, setting up Sticky Web should be its main priority. Electroweb should be used to prevent setup sweepers such as Fraxure from freely boosting. Leavanny could also use Magic Coat to bounce back entry hazards such as Stealth Rock once it has finished setting up Sticky Web, but it is quite risky, as Golem has Rock Blast to take care of it and break through its Focus Sash.
Team Options
========
Leavanny only fits on hyper offensive teams, because they are able to deal with entry hazard removers much better than balanced and stall teams can. A spinblocker, such as Misdreavus, can prevent spinners from removing Leavanny's Sticky Web once it has fainted. Purugly is also able to pressure Defog users such as Vullaby and Pelipper thanks to Defiant. Fast Electric-types such as Zebstrika and Raichu are able to deal with Flying-types such as Dodrio, which are immune to Sticky Web. Electabuzz also makes for a good partner thanks to its ability to pivot in on Flying-types. Wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Simipour appreciate Sticky Web support so that they can outspeed Choice Scarf users such as Mr. Mime. Stealth Rock from the likes of Probopass and Golem is useful to deal further chip damage; they can also take on Flying-types for Leavanny.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Leaf Blade could be used over Leaf Storm to capitalize on Leavanny's solid Attack stat, but Leaf Storm does more damage to common leads. The combination of Swarm + and X-Scissor could be used, but Leavanny lacks the moveslot for X-Scissor and Chlorophyll is better for a decent chance against sun teams. Swords Dance could be used for Leavanny to sweep, but Leavanny finds it hard to sweep because of its poor defensive typing, and Sawsbuck and Leafeon are better choices for an offensive Grass-type. Toxic could be used to cripple walls such as Tangela and Gourgeist-XL, but Leavanny lacks the moveslot for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Jumpluff and Ninjask are immune to Sticky Web, take negligible damage from Leaf Storm, and KO Leavanny with their Flying-type STAB moves; however, they dislike getting hit with Electroweb, as it lowers their Speed. Dodrio also has the ability to Taunt Leavanny, preventing it from setting up Sticky Web, but it must watch out for Magic Coat.
**Strong Faster Attackers**: Because of Leavanny's mediocre bulk, strong attackers such as Stoutland and Simisear are able to deal with it easily and 2HKO it.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Entry hazard removers are able to remove Leavanny's Sticky Web after it faints. Both take little damage from Leavanny's attacks and can remove Sticky Web with Defog; however, they both dislike Knock Off. Armaldo can OHKO or 2HKO Leavanny with Rock Blast, and it can remove Sticky Web with Rapid Spin.
**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers such as Klang and Regice don't take much damage from Leavanny's attacks and can set up Shift Gear and Rock Polish, respectively. They also don't mind the Speed drop from Electroweb or Sticky Web thanks to Clear Body.
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