[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Swampertite
ability: Damp
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Mega Swampert's main STAB attack and helps it check many physical attackers in the metagame due to its burn chance. Earthquake is Mega Swampert's strongest move and does decent damage to neutral targets. Rest is Swampert's only means of recovery and its best chance to prevent getting worn down too much. Sleep Talk allows Mega Swampert to still function as a threatening wall even when asleep due to Rest. Roar is a possible option over Sleep Talk in order to phaze many sweepers that otherwise set up freely on this set, such as Reuniclus; however, it is not the optimal choice, as it leaves Mega Swampert unable to do anything while asleep.
Set Details
========
A physically defensive spread is preferred alongside a Relaxed nature in order to counter incredibly powerful physical attackers such as Mamoswine and dangerous sweepers such as Cobalion. Damp allows Swampert to absorb the rare Explosion, which comes mostly from Forretress. Alternatively, a specially defensive spread can be used if it needs to check special attackers such as Chandelure and Nidoking.
Usage Tips
========
This set is supposed to be used as a reliable and durable defensive check to many threats in UU, and it must be backed up by other defensive teammates that can cover Mega Swampert's weaknesses to help it slowly wear down the opposing team. Therefore, use this set as a status absorber, given that Mega Swampert can negate any status ailments with Rest. Always use Rest when Mega Swampert's HP is low to prioritize its health. Switching Mega Swampert into a teammate's Wish, such as Blissey's, may be a good idea if it is too low in HP, especially given how slow it is.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Mandibuzz and Salamence that cover Mega Swampert's hindering weakness to Grass-types are its best teammates. Special walls are greatly needed, as Mega Swampert will have a hard time switching in or even checking powerful special attackers. Blissey and Florges are stellar special walls, and the former also provides Wish support. Pokemon that can check setup sweepers such as Reuniclus, Suicune, and Snorlax, which have no problem dealing with Mega Swampert, are appreciated, as these threats are all extremely effective in UU. Taunt Jellicent and Sableye can deal comfortably with these three. Entry hazard setters are a must in order to wear down the opponent's team; Roserade is a fine option that also shares great defensive synergy with Mega Swampert.
[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rest
move 4: Ice Punch / Scald
item: Swampertite
ability: Damp
nature: Careful / Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Curse gives Mega Swampert the opportunity to clean more defensive teams with a few boosts due to its great defenses and powerful attacks after even one boost. Earthquake is its main STAB move and has decent neutral coverage in the tier. Rest prevents Mega Swampert from getting worn down too easily on account of its notable lack of reliable recovery. Ice Punch and Earthquake provide great coverage, with Ice Punch hitting the Flying-types, Grass-types, and Levitate users that Earthquake cannot touch. However, Scald is a fantastic option if the aforementioned threats don't present a problem for the rest of Swampert's team, as it is a very safe option most of the time and can make setting up on physical attackers far easier.
Set Details
========
A specially defensive EV spread and a Careful nature are needed in order to avoid being easily weakened by powerful special attackers such as Hydreigon; for instance, with this set, defensive Whimsicott's Giga Drain is a mere 3HKO. A Sassy nature is to be used if Scald is preferred to preserve the move's damage output. Damp allows Swampert to switch in on an Explosion from a Pokemon such as Forretress. An alternate EV spread is 248 HP / 16 Atk / 244 SpD backed by an Adamant nature. This EV spread's selling point is checking Calm Mind Reuniclus by 2HKOing it after just one Curse. Some other impressive feats, including 2HKOing Calm Florges and OHKOing Hoopa without any boosts, are within reach with this spread.
Usage Tips
========
While Mega Swampert needs Grass-types and some wallbreakers to be taken out before attempting to clean, try to use it actively, without attempting to clean the opposing team too early. Mega Swampert is a great defensive asset and should be widely used during a game. Try to Mega Evolve as soon as possible, as Mega Evolving translates to significantly higher Attack and defenses, making switching in far easier. This set performs fairly well against stall, as it can outlast several common opposing setup sweepers. Keep in mind that this set is not vulnerable to Foul Play; Mega Swampert has no problem setting up against the majority of the walls in the tier.
Team Options
========
Clerics, prime examples of which include Umbreon and Florges, are crucial, especially with this set being widely used on stall. Defensive Pokemon that cover Swampert's hindering Grass-type weekness, such as bulky Salamence and Mandibuzz, are very appreciated. Additional special walls are usually needed, as this set isn't that suited to checking some special wallbreakers. This makes Blissey a phenomenal addition, as it is the best option in UU and can also act as a cleric. Because, for the most part, Mega Swampert cannot switch in on very powerful physical wallbreakers, teammates that can, such as the aforementioned Salamence and Nidoqueen, are quite important. Entry hazard setters, such as Forretress and Roserade, make Mega Swampert's cleaning role substantially easier to fill. Wish passers like Blissey and Umbreon allow Mega Swampert to switch into more attacks and use Rest less frequently.
Last edited by a moderator:
