uploaded -zard
[OVERVIEW]
Misdreavus finds its place in the PU metagame as a Fighting-type check, a spinblocker, and a good utility Pokemon with an unpredictable support movepool. For example, it is able to punish potential switch-ins like Lilligant and Swanna with Thunder Wave and can run a number of other options in its last moveslot, such as Pain Split, Memento, Destiny Bond, and Nasty Plot. However, Misdreavus is often overshadowed as a Ghost-type by the likes of Jellicent, Oricorio-G, Froslass, and Sableye, as these Pokemon have more reliable means of recovery and are not overly reliant on Eviolite like Misdreavus is. Misdreavus does, however, have some niche attributes that allows allow it to stand out among the other Ghost-types in the tier. The main niche Misdreavus holds is its ability to outspeed Pokemon such as Skuntank and Absol and cripple them with Will-O-Wisp, which Sableye is unable to do due to Dark-types being immune to Prankster moves. Another quality Misdreavus brings to the table is being a fast Taunt user that can put pressure on bulkier teams consisting of Pokemon such as Clefairy and Munchlax that are easily shut down by Taunt. However, Misdreavus's reliance on Eviolite can often be a burden for it, as this makes Misdreavus very weak to Knock Off, meaning it can struggle to check Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Throh that threaten it on the switch. This is one of the main reasons why other Ghost-types such as Colbur Berry Jellicent and bulky Oricorio-G are more easy to fit on teams; the former only takes neutral damage from Knock Off and threatens Fighting-types with Psychic, while the latter often carries Flyinium Z or Colbur Berry, which allows it to take reduced damage from Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Hex
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Pain Split / Memento / Thunder Wave
item: Eviolite
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hex is Misdreavus's best attacking move and turns into a 130-Base Power attack in conjunction with Will-O-Wisp, helping decrease Misdreavus's passivity. Will-O-Wisp allows Misdreavus to inflict burns on the opposing Pokemon such as Aggron and Absol, reducing their damage output and chipping away at their health each turn. Taunt helps Misdreavus against passive Pokemon such as Regirock that may rely on status moves like Toxic as their main form of damage output and helps against entry hazard setters such as Mesprit. It is also very useful for preventing Pokemon like Clefairy from recovering health with using recovery moves as well as stopping the use of Defog from the likes of Skuntank and Altaria. Pain Split gives Misdreavus a form of recovery, increasing its longevity and punishing Pokemon with large HP stats such as Mudsdale and Type: Null. Alternatively, Memento is generally used on more offensive teams, allowing a teammate like Omastar to come in and set up. Thunder Wave is another useful option that cripples faster threats that are immune to Will-O-Wisp such as Floatzel on the switch.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP EVs and an Eviolite allow Misdreavus to be as bulky as possible both physically and specially. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is important for Misdreavus to outrun Pokemon like Skuntank and Alolan Raticate and burn them with Will-O-Wisp. The Speed investment also helps Misdreavus outrun and Taunt Pokemon such as Mesprit and bulky Oricorio-G. Levitate is helpful against Ground-types such as Mudsdale and Golem as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Aggron and Primeape that often use Earthquake as a strong coverage move. Levitate also lets Misdreavus avoid entry hazards such as Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web.
Usage Tips
========
Misdreavus should be primarily used as a check to Fighting-type Pokemon such as Primeape and Hitmonchan. One of Misdreavus's other main roles is that of a spinblocker, as it can switch into common Rapid Spin users such as Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash decently well. Be wary of Pokemon such as Eelektross and Audino, as they often carry Knock Off, which compromises Misdreavus's defenses and also deals super effective damage. Luring in Dark-type Pokemon like Skuntank and burning them with Will-O-Wisp is a big part of Misdreavus's viability, as this can give teammates such as Bellossom and Musharna more opportunities to set up. Pain Split is usually used when Misdreavus is low on HP while the opposing Pokemon is healthy, as this maximizes the recovery Misdreavus gains from using it. Memento is often used when Misdreavus has done its job in the battle already and there is an opportunity to set up with a teammate. However, Memento can even be used as soon as Misdreavus comes in, if there is a sweeper in the back that is guaranteed to win the game and just needs an opportunity to safely set up. Thunder Wave should be used against faster Pokemon that do not care about getting burned or are immune to Will-O-Wisp such as Froslass and Floatzel. A good idea is to not be too hasty when using this move and surprise the opponent later on in the battle, when they are more likely to switch in their offensive threats with a false sense of security. Misdreavus can work very well against bulkier builds such as stall and balance, since it can use Taunt can shut down recovery and utility moves like Roost and Heal Bell while spreading burns with Will-O-Wisp to deal residual damage. Pain Split helps a lot in this matchup, as staying healthy is key.
Team Options
========
Having a backup Fighting-resistant teammate is always a good idea when using Misdreavus, as Misdreavus lacks a lot of staying power because Pain Split isn't a very reliable form of recovery and Misdreavus can't take on Gurdurr too well. Qwilfish and Weezing stand out as good partners, as Misdreavus really appreciates the Toxic Spikes support to boost up the power of Hex. Knock Off absorbers such as Silvally-Fairy and Poliwrath make for good partners to switch into Pokemon such as Liepard and Absol. This is because Liepard is able to outspeed Misdreavus and OHKO it before Liepard can be burned, and Absol can simply use Swords Dance and ignore the Attack reduction from a burn. Bulky setup sweepers such as Bellossom and Calm Mind Clefairy really appreciate Misdreavus's ability to burn Skuntank, as halving its Attack gives them the ability to take Poison Jab much more easily. Psychic-type Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu appreciate Dark-type Pokemon like Skuntank being burned and weakened, which gives them a better opportunity to set up without getting Pursuit trapped. Setup sweepers such as Carracosta and Lilligant appreciate the support Misdreavus provides in Taunt, Memento, and Will-O Wisp, as Taunting Pokemon like Regirock and Altaria prevents them from using Toxic and potentially preventing the sweep before they've set up, and Memento and Will-O-Wisp reduce the damage output of the opposing Pokemon, meaning they are healthier when setting up. Thunder Wave Misdreavus is able to help out slower wallbreakers such as Stoutland outspeed faster threats and not get revenge killed as easily. Misdreavus pairs well with Spikes users such as Qwilfish and Omastar, as it can block Rapid Spin well and force many switches due to the threat of its utility moves. Regirock is a notable partner that has great type synergy with Misdreavus, since it is weak to Fighting- and Ground-type attacks and Misdreavus is immune to both. Regirock is also able to take on Normal-type Pokemon with Scrappy such as Stoutland and Kangaskhan, which Misdreavus can often struggle against.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An offensive Nasty Plot set with Shadow Ball, Taunt, and Dazzling Gleam or Hidden Power Fighting can work pretty well for breaking down defensive cores, but Misdreavus loses out on a lot of bulk without HP investment, and more offensive Ghost-types such as Haunter and Oricorio-G can usually perform this role better. Destiny Bond is an option that more often than not allows Misdreavus to take an opposing Pokemon down with when it gets knocked out. This is also one of Misdreavus's more reliable ways of taking out Dark-types such as Skuntank and Absol if burning them isn't enough. A more physically defensive spread could be used to better take hits from Fighting-types, but missing out on Misdreavus's base 85 Speed tier isn't generally worth it, as outspeeding Dark-types such as Skuntank is crucial, and this kind of set is done better by Pokemon such as Sableye and Spiritomb. Foul Play is an option to hit Normal-type Pokemon that try to switch into Misdreavus such as Ursaring and Zangoose, but it doesn't hit much else and doesn't provide the same kind of consistent damage that Hex does. Toxic is an option over Will-O-Wisp, as it works well with Taunt and can wear down opposing Pokemon with reliable recovery a lot more easily, but Misdreavus often prefers the damage reduction that Will-O-Wisp provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Normal-types**: Normal-type Pokemon that don't care about Will-O-Wisp such as Stoutland and Ursaring can switch in pretty freely and proceed to hit Misdreavus with Facade in Stoutland's case or Crunch in Ursaring's case. Bulky Normal-type Pokemon like Audino and Type: Null are able to switch in and pivot back out; neither of them mind the burn from Will-O-Wisp too much, since Audino relies more on Toxic to deal damage, and Type: Null can use Rest to cure the burn later on in the battle against a different Pokemon because Misdreavus can Taunt it.
**Dark-types**: Strong Dark-type Pokemon such as Absol and Alolan Raticate can still hit Misdreavus really hard with Knock Off despite Misdreavus being able to outspeed them and burn them with Will-O-Wisp. Dark-type Pokemon that can outspeed Misdreavus such as Liepard and Alolan Persian are even more threatening, as they can hit Misdreavus before it can retaliate and also Taunt it to prevent being burned. Specially offensive Skuntank also doesn't care about the burn too much and can threaten Misdreavus with Dark Pulse.
**Fire-types**: Since they are immune to Will-O-Wisp and therefore take less damage from Hex, Fire-type Pokemon like Combusken and Simisear are able to beat Misdreavus one-on-one. However, they still have to be wary of getting hit by Thunder Wave on the switch.
**Special Attackers**: Specially offensive Pokemon such as Drampa and Aurorus don't care much about being burned by Will-O-Wisp and can hit Misdreavus with their powerful STAB moves in Draco Meteor and Blizzard, respectively. Additionally, Drampa is immune to Hex.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Taskr, 257882]]
- Quality checked by: [[yogi, 252106], [Megazard, 202117], [jklioe, 424692]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
[OVERVIEW]
Misdreavus finds its place in the PU metagame as a Fighting-type check, a spinblocker, and a good utility Pokemon with an unpredictable support movepool. For example, it is able to punish potential switch-ins like Lilligant and Swanna with Thunder Wave and can run a number of other options in its last moveslot, such as Pain Split, Memento, Destiny Bond, and Nasty Plot. However, Misdreavus is often overshadowed as a Ghost-type by the likes of Jellicent, Oricorio-G, Froslass, and Sableye, as these Pokemon have more reliable means of recovery and are not overly reliant on Eviolite like Misdreavus is. Misdreavus does, however, have some niche attributes that allows allow it to stand out among the other Ghost-types in the tier. The main niche Misdreavus holds is its ability to outspeed Pokemon such as Skuntank and Absol and cripple them with Will-O-Wisp, which Sableye is unable to do due to Dark-types being immune to Prankster moves. Another quality Misdreavus brings to the table is being a fast Taunt user that can put pressure on bulkier teams consisting of Pokemon such as Clefairy and Munchlax that are easily shut down by Taunt. However, Misdreavus's reliance on Eviolite can often be a burden for it, as this makes Misdreavus very weak to Knock Off, meaning it can struggle to check Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Throh that threaten it on the switch. This is one of the main reasons why other Ghost-types such as Colbur Berry Jellicent and bulky Oricorio-G are more easy to fit on teams; the former only takes neutral damage from Knock Off and threatens Fighting-types with Psychic, while the latter often carries Flyinium Z or Colbur Berry, which allows it to take reduced damage from Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Hex
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Pain Split / Memento / Thunder Wave
item: Eviolite
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hex is Misdreavus's best attacking move and turns into a 130-Base Power attack in conjunction with Will-O-Wisp, helping decrease Misdreavus's passivity. Will-O-Wisp allows Misdreavus to inflict burns on the opposing Pokemon such as Aggron and Absol, reducing their damage output and chipping away at their health each turn. Taunt helps Misdreavus against passive Pokemon such as Regirock that may rely on status moves like Toxic as their main form of damage output and helps against entry hazard setters such as Mesprit. It is also very useful for preventing Pokemon like Clefairy from recovering health with using recovery moves as well as stopping the use of Defog from the likes of Skuntank and Altaria. Pain Split gives Misdreavus a form of recovery, increasing its longevity and punishing Pokemon with large HP stats such as Mudsdale and Type: Null. Alternatively, Memento is generally used on more offensive teams, allowing a teammate like Omastar to come in and set up. Thunder Wave is another useful option that cripples faster threats that are immune to Will-O-Wisp such as Floatzel on the switch.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP EVs and an Eviolite allow Misdreavus to be as bulky as possible both physically and specially. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is important for Misdreavus to outrun Pokemon like Skuntank and Alolan Raticate and burn them with Will-O-Wisp. The Speed investment also helps Misdreavus outrun and Taunt Pokemon such as Mesprit and bulky Oricorio-G. Levitate is helpful against Ground-types such as Mudsdale and Golem as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Aggron and Primeape that often use Earthquake as a strong coverage move. Levitate also lets Misdreavus avoid entry hazards such as Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web.
Usage Tips
========
Misdreavus should be primarily used as a check to Fighting-type Pokemon such as Primeape and Hitmonchan. One of Misdreavus's other main roles is that of a spinblocker, as it can switch into common Rapid Spin users such as Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash decently well. Be wary of Pokemon such as Eelektross and Audino, as they often carry Knock Off, which compromises Misdreavus's defenses and also deals super effective damage. Luring in Dark-type Pokemon like Skuntank and burning them with Will-O-Wisp is a big part of Misdreavus's viability, as this can give teammates such as Bellossom and Musharna more opportunities to set up. Pain Split is usually used when Misdreavus is low on HP while the opposing Pokemon is healthy, as this maximizes the recovery Misdreavus gains from using it. Memento is often used when Misdreavus has done its job in the battle already and there is an opportunity to set up with a teammate. However, Memento can even be used as soon as Misdreavus comes in, if there is a sweeper in the back that is guaranteed to win the game and just needs an opportunity to safely set up. Thunder Wave should be used against faster Pokemon that do not care about getting burned or are immune to Will-O-Wisp such as Froslass and Floatzel. A good idea is to not be too hasty when using this move and surprise the opponent later on in the battle, when they are more likely to switch in their offensive threats with a false sense of security. Misdreavus can work very well against bulkier builds such as stall and balance, since it can use Taunt can shut down recovery and utility moves like Roost and Heal Bell while spreading burns with Will-O-Wisp to deal residual damage. Pain Split helps a lot in this matchup, as staying healthy is key.
Team Options
========
Having a backup Fighting-resistant teammate is always a good idea when using Misdreavus, as Misdreavus lacks a lot of staying power because Pain Split isn't a very reliable form of recovery and Misdreavus can't take on Gurdurr too well. Qwilfish and Weezing stand out as good partners, as Misdreavus really appreciates the Toxic Spikes support to boost up the power of Hex. Knock Off absorbers such as Silvally-Fairy and Poliwrath make for good partners to switch into Pokemon such as Liepard and Absol. This is because Liepard is able to outspeed Misdreavus and OHKO it before Liepard can be burned, and Absol can simply use Swords Dance and ignore the Attack reduction from a burn. Bulky setup sweepers such as Bellossom and Calm Mind Clefairy really appreciate Misdreavus's ability to burn Skuntank, as halving its Attack gives them the ability to take Poison Jab much more easily. Psychic-type Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu appreciate Dark-type Pokemon like Skuntank being burned and weakened, which gives them a better opportunity to set up without getting Pursuit trapped. Setup sweepers such as Carracosta and Lilligant appreciate the support Misdreavus provides in Taunt, Memento, and Will-O Wisp, as Taunting Pokemon like Regirock and Altaria prevents them from using Toxic and potentially preventing the sweep before they've set up, and Memento and Will-O-Wisp reduce the damage output of the opposing Pokemon, meaning they are healthier when setting up. Thunder Wave Misdreavus is able to help out slower wallbreakers such as Stoutland outspeed faster threats and not get revenge killed as easily. Misdreavus pairs well with Spikes users such as Qwilfish and Omastar, as it can block Rapid Spin well and force many switches due to the threat of its utility moves. Regirock is a notable partner that has great type synergy with Misdreavus, since it is weak to Fighting- and Ground-type attacks and Misdreavus is immune to both. Regirock is also able to take on Normal-type Pokemon with Scrappy such as Stoutland and Kangaskhan, which Misdreavus can often struggle against.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An offensive Nasty Plot set with Shadow Ball, Taunt, and Dazzling Gleam or Hidden Power Fighting can work pretty well for breaking down defensive cores, but Misdreavus loses out on a lot of bulk without HP investment, and more offensive Ghost-types such as Haunter and Oricorio-G can usually perform this role better. Destiny Bond is an option that more often than not allows Misdreavus to take an opposing Pokemon down with when it gets knocked out. This is also one of Misdreavus's more reliable ways of taking out Dark-types such as Skuntank and Absol if burning them isn't enough. A more physically defensive spread could be used to better take hits from Fighting-types, but missing out on Misdreavus's base 85 Speed tier isn't generally worth it, as outspeeding Dark-types such as Skuntank is crucial, and this kind of set is done better by Pokemon such as Sableye and Spiritomb. Foul Play is an option to hit Normal-type Pokemon that try to switch into Misdreavus such as Ursaring and Zangoose, but it doesn't hit much else and doesn't provide the same kind of consistent damage that Hex does. Toxic is an option over Will-O-Wisp, as it works well with Taunt and can wear down opposing Pokemon with reliable recovery a lot more easily, but Misdreavus often prefers the damage reduction that Will-O-Wisp provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Normal-types**: Normal-type Pokemon that don't care about Will-O-Wisp such as Stoutland and Ursaring can switch in pretty freely and proceed to hit Misdreavus with Facade in Stoutland's case or Crunch in Ursaring's case. Bulky Normal-type Pokemon like Audino and Type: Null are able to switch in and pivot back out; neither of them mind the burn from Will-O-Wisp too much, since Audino relies more on Toxic to deal damage, and Type: Null can use Rest to cure the burn later on in the battle against a different Pokemon because Misdreavus can Taunt it.
**Dark-types**: Strong Dark-type Pokemon such as Absol and Alolan Raticate can still hit Misdreavus really hard with Knock Off despite Misdreavus being able to outspeed them and burn them with Will-O-Wisp. Dark-type Pokemon that can outspeed Misdreavus such as Liepard and Alolan Persian are even more threatening, as they can hit Misdreavus before it can retaliate and also Taunt it to prevent being burned. Specially offensive Skuntank also doesn't care about the burn too much and can threaten Misdreavus with Dark Pulse.
**Fire-types**: Since they are immune to Will-O-Wisp and therefore take less damage from Hex, Fire-type Pokemon like Combusken and Simisear are able to beat Misdreavus one-on-one. However, they still have to be wary of getting hit by Thunder Wave on the switch.
**Special Attackers**: Specially offensive Pokemon such as Drampa and Aurorus don't care much about being burned by Will-O-Wisp and can hit Misdreavus with their powerful STAB moves in Draco Meteor and Blizzard, respectively. Additionally, Drampa is immune to Hex.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Taskr, 257882]]
- Quality checked by: [[yogi, 252106], [Megazard, 202117], [jklioe, 424692]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited by a moderator:
can switch into common Rapid Spin users such as Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash decently well and block the Rapid Spin with its Ghost-Typing. (is one of the best spinblockers because it isn't weak to the most common spinners)
