[OVERVIEW]
By virtue of its unique typing, great Special Attack and Speed, and vast movepool with coverage and utility, Nihilego carves a niche for itself in UU as a customizable offensive force whose tools can be tailored to its team's needs. Its access to Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes can allow it to function as a reliable offensive entry hazard setter, using its typing and coverage to threaten out many common entry hazard removers, though it also has the option of running moves such as Protect and Acid Spray to more easily work around its checks. Thanks to its typing, coverage, and Speed, Nihilego can also utilize Choice Scarf to revenge kill several of the tier's threatening forces, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Altaria, Terrakion, and Celebi. Moreover, its excellent special bulk for an offensive Pokemon can allow it to sponge weaker or resisted special attacks well, take on Flying-types like Moltres and Togekiss, and blanket check foes like Gengar, Mega Manectric, and Choice Scarf Hydreigon if need be. Unfortunately, Nihilego is at times held back by its terrible physical bulk, which allows the tier's several faster physical threats, including Cobalion and Zeraora, to easily take advantage of it. This also leaves it vulnerable to Pursuit and powerful priority attacks, most notably Scizor's Bullet Punch. It's also unable to power through the tier's surplus of Ground- and Steel-types with its STAB moves alone, which allows most to tank a hit and KO Nihilego with super effective attacks. Nihilego can also struggle to break through a few key defensive Pokemon in the metagame, such as Blissey, Mega Steelix, and Gligar, compromising its wallbreaking capabilities. Lastly, while Nihilego's Speed and typing provide plentiful perks, they also leave it outrun and overwhelmed by a few tier staples, such as Terrakion, Latias, and Cobalion.
[SET]
name: 3 Attacks
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Grass Knot / Power Gem
move 4: Stealth Rock / Protect / Toxic Spikes
item: Electrium Z / Black Sludge / Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt provides coverage against troublesome bulky Water-types such as Empoleon, Slowbro, and Tentacruel. With Electrium Z, it turns into a powerful Gigavolt Havoc capable of OHKOing the aforementioned Water-types after some chip damage while heavily damaging Steel-types like Scizor, Bisharp, and Cobalion. Grass Knot nails various Ground-types that could otherwise wall Nihilego, like Krookodile, Hippowdon, and Swampert. Power Gem is an option over Grass Knot, sacrificing coverage on Ground-types for a STAB attack capable of hitting Fire-types and Ice-types like Rotom-H, Kyurem, and Chandelure super effectively while hitting Scizor harder than Thunderbolt. It can also hit Flying-types harder than Thunderbolt, KOing Moltres and Tornadus in one hit. Nihilego can set Stealth Rock as it forces switches, punishing the opponent's switches with chip damage. Protect can be used in tandem with Black Sludge to scout for moves on Choice-locked Pokemon, like Choice Band Scizor and Terrakion and Choice Scarf Krookodile, while passively restoring Nihilego's HP. Toxic Spikes can also be set on forced switches, racking up poison damage on foes as they come in. Acid Spray is another option in the fourth slot, allowing Nihilego to force switches and generate momentum by decreasing its switch-ins' special bulk. Thunder can be run in place of Thunderbolt to more easily power through Gigavolt Havoc's targets, requiring notably less chip damage to OHKO Empoleon and Tentacruel while always OHKOing Bisharp after Stealth Rock. However, it has limited use outside of this due to its shaky accuracy despite its higher power. Hidden Power Ice covers Gligar, Nidoqueen, and Nidoking, which otherwise sponge anything Nihilego can throw at them, though its limited coverage outside of this makes it an often suboptimal option.
Set Details
========
Electrium Z lets Nihilego lure and KO several Water- and Steel-types, such as Tentacruel, Empoleon, Doublade, and Bisharp, punishing them with heavy damage. Black Sludge should be run as Nihilego's item if it's using Protect in order to passively restore its HP as it scouts foes' attacks. It can also be used if another teammate is using a Z-Move and longevity is preferred over power. Life Orb is another option if another teammate is running a Z-Move, putting power behind Nihilego's moves and notably allowing it to OHKO Primarina with Sludge Wave and 2HKO Empoleon with Thunderbolt. It can complicate Nihilego's entry hazard setting capabilities by cutting into its longevity, however. Beast Boost allows Nihilego to increase its Special Attack upon netting KOs. An EV spread of 80 HP / 176 SpA / 252 Spe allows Nihilego to boost its Speed instead of its Special Attack with Beast Boost, though this can notably cut into its damage output at times, preventing it from reliably OHKOing Swampert with Grass Knot, for instance.
Usage Tips
========
If Nihilego is running Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, it should attempt to set them early-game in order to immediately apply pressure to the opposing team. It should do this against special attackers that can't hit it hard, like Moltres, Mega Houndoom, and Rotom-H, or against passive defensive Pokemon like Alomomola and Florges. After setting entry hazards, Nihilego should capitalize on its good coverage and power to try punching holes in opposing teams. Later on in the game, when its checks have been removed or weakened, Nihilego can try cleaning up thanks to its decent Speed and Beast Boost, especially if it is running the investment necessary to receive a Speed boost. If Protect is being run in the fourth slot, it should be used against potential Choice item Pokemon like Scizor, Krookodile, and Hydreigon to scout for their attack. This also allows Nihilego to passively restore health with Black Sludge. If Toxic Spikes is being used, Nihilego should only set one layer against offensive teams, as most Pokemon on these teams won't stay in play long, making consistent poison damage an easy method of quickly chipping them down. Against defensive teams, however, two layers should be set in order to rack up poison damage over time against the passive Pokemon often found on these builds. Electrium Z is best activated against offensive Steel-types and bulky Water-types, such as Bisharp and Mega Slowbro, as otherwise these Pokemon would be able to tank a hit and pressure Nihilego. Prediction is important in securing KOs against Pokemon that could tank a hit and KO Nihilego. For instance, if a Ground-type like Hippowdon or Krookodile is expected to switch in, Nihilego should try nabbing them with Grass Knot on the switch in order to secure the 2HKO without taking any damage itself. Nihilego shouldn't stay in on physical attackers that it can't outrun or KO, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Steelix, and Mega Aggron, due to its awful physical bulk. It should also look out for powerful priority attacks from foes like Scizor, Bisharp, and Crawdaunt, Choice Scarf users like Infernape and Krookodile, and Pursuit from the aforementioned Scizor, Bisharp, and Krookodile.
Team Options
========
Nihilego fits well onto several different archetypes, ranging from hyper offense to stall, thanks to the useful offensive and defensive utility it provides to teams it's placed on. It also matches up well against various stallbreakers, such as Gengar, Togekiss, and Chandelure. If Nihilego is running Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, setup sweepers like Latias, Mega Altaria, and Lucario appreciate its ability to chip down opposing teams. The latter two appreciate its ability to deal with Moltres as well. Wallbreakers like Mamoswine, Crawdaunt, and Volcanion also enjoy its entry hazard support for this reason. If Nihilego wishes to forego entry hazards for Protect, other setters like Mega Aggron and Hippowdon, which can additionally support Nihilego with Sand Steam, can let it more comfortably do so while also allowing Nihilego to more easily muscle past opposing Pokemon. Steel-type checks like Infernape, Suicune, and Moltres can weaken or entirely remove a few particularly troublesome answers to Nihilego, such as Mega Aggron, Mega Steelix, and Klefki. Ground-type answers, such as Tsareena, Celebi, and Primarina, can also be important for easing Nihilego's matchups against them while also potentially allowing it to more comfortably run Power Gem. Pivots like Zeraora and Hydreigon can bring Nihilego in more easily, since it at times won't be able to comfortably come into play on account of its poor Defense. Pokemon capable of tanking a few physical attacks, like Gligar, Doublade, and Cobalion, can help Nihilego more easily circumvent its physical frailty. In return, Nihilego can reliably come in on a few troublesome special attackers for the aforementioned teammates to face, such as Mega Manectric and Celebi. Pokemon that appreciate a sturdy check to Fairy-types, such as Hydreigon, Latias, and Haxorus, benefit from Nihilego's support. Kommo-o particularly pairs up well with Nihilego, appreciating its ability to check Fairy- and Flying-types, checking Steel-types for it in return, and benefiting immensely from its Toxic Spikes support if being used. Specially frail Pokemon can also benefit from Nihilego's ability to blanket check a few important special attackers, meaning the likes of Bisharp and Slowbro will often appreciate it as a teammate.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Gem
move 2: Sludge Wave
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Thunderbolt / Dazzling Gleam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Grass Knot allows Nihilego to revenge kill the likes of Terrakion, Krookodile, and Adamant Mega Sharpedo, though the former two often require some chip damage to KO. It is also Nihilego's best source of damage against Mega Blastoise, Suicune, and Ground-types like Mamoswine and Hippowdon. Thunderbolt damages bulky Water-types like Alomomola, Empoleon, and Tentacruel more than any of Nihilego's other attacks while letting it revenge kill offensive Starmie after some chip damage. It also adequately damages offensive Steel-types like Lucario and Bisharp, 2HKOing both after minor chip damage. Alternatively, Dazzling Gleam allows Nihilego to KO Hydreigon and Kommo-o in one hit while dealing heavy damage to wallbreakers like Heracross and Haxorus. It can also reliably 2HKO Latias after Stealth Rock damage. Toxic Spikes can be used to allow Nihilego to set an entry hazard as an opposing Pokemon that walls it switches in, punishing the opposing team with poison damage. It can also try bluffing a hazard setting set, though this is often a situational and risky strategy, and the moves themselves cost coverage.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf allows Nihilego to function as a revenge killer, capable of removing fast threats like Mega Aerodactyl, +1 Mega Altaria, and Mega Beedrill. Beast Boost increases Nihilego's threat level by boosting its Special Attack every time it KOes a foe.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used to revenge kill various tier sweepers, such as +1 Mega Altaria, Celebi, and Togekiss, after they've sustained some residual damage. It also revenge kills faster threats like Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, and Zeraora after some prior damage. Since Nihilego often can't directly switch into most of the Pokemon it revenge kills, it will have to come into play as its targeted sweeper is setting up, after a teammate has fainted, or through the support of a pivot, though the first strategy is by far the riskiest. Nihilego can, however, come in on several special attackers that can't hit it super effectively, such as Gengar, Mega Manectric, Moltres, and Mega Pidgeot, as well as passive attackers like Alomomola and Sylveon. Due to Choice Scarf locking Nihilego into one attack, it is important to predict properly so as not to provide the opponent free turns. Nailing Ground-types on the switch with Grass Knot and hitting bulky Water-types with Thunderbolt are examples of how to accomplish this. Nihilego must also look out for Pursuit from Pokemon like Krookodile and Pokemon that can take advantage of it to set up, like Latias and Cobalion. Nabbing these foes with a super effective attack on the switch or, in Cobalion's case, doubling out of play or switching out as it begins to set up is the best way for Nihilego to minimize any potential harm done to its team. Nihilego should be wary of priority moves from Pokemon like Bisharp, Scizor, Infernape, and Crawdaunt, as its poor Defense will cause it to sustain major damage from their attacks, which will complicate its role.
Team Options
========
This set is a comfortable fit on offensive teams in need of a fast revenge killer. Setup sweepers and cleaners, like Bulk Up Zeraora and Mega Sharpedo, appreciate Nihilego's ability to revenge kill opposing sweepers for them to more easily do their job late-game. Pokemon with poor or shaky special bulk, like Doublade and Mega Slowbro, also value Nihilego as a teammate thanks to its ability to blanket check many of the tier's special attackers. Pokemon in need of Fairy-type checks as teammates, like Kommo-o and Haxorus, often welcome Nihilego's ability to offensively threaten most of them. Pokemon weak to Flying-types, like Chesnaught, Celebi, and most Fighting-types, enjoy Nihilego as a teammate as well. Entry hazard setters such as Azelf, Mamoswine, and Klefki are helpful teammates for Nihilego, allowing it to more easily power through foes thanks to the additional chip damage. Nihilego also appreciates Steel-type checks like Chesnaught, Volcanion, and Infernape for their ability to weaken some of this set's sturdier switch-ins, like Cobalion and Mega Aggron. Ground-immune Pokemon can also be important due to Nihilego's weakness to Pokemon like Gligar and Nidoking, making Hydreigon, Latias, and Togekiss worthwhile teammates. Powerful wallbreakers like Terrakion and Primarina can weaken foes for Nihilego and help circumvent its occasional power problems. Pivots reliably bring Nihilego into play if its opportunities to switch in are limited, making U-turn Infernape and Rotom-C good options for partners. Pursuit trappers like Mega Aerodactyl and Alolan Muk can weaken or remove a few troublesome Pokemon for Nihilego to match up against at times, such as Latias and Starmie.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rockium Z + Power Gem is a powerful Z-Move option capable of dealing heavy damage to conventional checks in Gligar and Scizor while dealing strong neutral damage. However, it doesn't hit a particularly wide variety of targets compared to Gigavolt Havoc and often doesn't provide the same value as the utility or power that will come with Black Sludge or Life Orb. Nihilego can run both Protect and an entry hazard on a set, allowing it to both scout attacks from foes while setting entry hazards, though this often exacerbates its tendency to be strapped for coverage options. Choice Specs turns Nihilego into a formidable wallbreaker with great coverage, though this makes it easier to reliably revenge kill, as it doesn't particularly enjoy being locked into any of its attacks and has a slightly exploitable Speed tier. Pain Split gives Nihilego a stronger matchup against specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Alolan Muk and also gives it a form of recovery, but it is often too hard to fit over more consistently useful options. Hidden Power Fire covers the omnipresent Scizor, though since it already takes healthy damage from Power Gem and Gigavolt Havoc, it often isn't worth the trouble.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Most Steel-types resist Nihilego's STAB combination and can KO it with super effective attacks. Klefki and Mega Aggron often can't be 2HKOed by Gigavolt Havoc followed by Thunderbolt and can threaten Nihilego with paralysis and STAB Heavy Slam. Cobalion, Doublade, and Lucario are all more susceptible to strong neutral attacks but can still force Nihilego out and garner opportunities to set up in the process. Mega Steelix is particularly troublesome, as it is immune to Gigavolt Havoc, doesn't take heavy damage from anything Nihilego can hit it with, and carries two STAB attacks capable of OHKOing Nihilego from full HP. Assault Vest variants of Bisharp are also often annoying, as they don't take very much damage from Nihilego's moves while threatening it with Iron Head and Pursuit.
**Ground-types**: Several Ground-types resist Nihilego's STAB combination, making them sturdy checks. Although Krookodile, Swampert, and Hippowdon have to look out for Grass Knot on the switch, they can take the attack once while OHKOing Nihilego in return with STAB Earthquake. Nidoking and Nidoqueen both resist Nihilego's STAB combination and aren't hit hard by its coverage options, making them reliable answers. Gligar must look out for the rare Continental Crush into a Power Gem, though otherwise it can't be 2HKOed by Nihilego and can OHKO it or take advantage of it for free turns.
**Fast Physical Attackers**: Nihilego's poor Defense allows heavy-hitting, fast physical attackers to overwhelm it. Examples include Terrakion, Zeraora, and Mega Aerodactyl as well as physical Choice Scarf users like Infernape and Krookodile.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: The likes of Blissey and Mega Steelix can repeatedly tank hits from Nihilego while threatening it with Seismic Toss or Earthquake. Assault Vest variants of Alolan Muk and Bisharp can also tank multiple hits while trapping Nihilego with Pursuit. Empoleon must look out for Gigavolt Havoc but otherwise is only 3HKOed by Thunderbolt, so it can Defog Nihilego's entry hazards away or wear it down with Scald.
**Strong Priority**: Nihilego's pitiful physical bulk allows Scizor, Bisharp, Choice Band Infernape, and Crawdaunt to heavily damage or outright KO it with their respective priority moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Quality checked by: [[vivalospride, 151509], [Nuked, 382658], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
By virtue of its unique typing, great Special Attack and Speed, and vast movepool with coverage and utility, Nihilego carves a niche for itself in UU as a customizable offensive force whose tools can be tailored to its team's needs. Its access to Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes can allow it to function as a reliable offensive entry hazard setter, using its typing and coverage to threaten out many common entry hazard removers, though it also has the option of running moves such as Protect and Acid Spray to more easily work around its checks. Thanks to its typing, coverage, and Speed, Nihilego can also utilize Choice Scarf to revenge kill several of the tier's threatening forces, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Altaria, Terrakion, and Celebi. Moreover, its excellent special bulk for an offensive Pokemon can allow it to sponge weaker or resisted special attacks well, take on Flying-types like Moltres and Togekiss, and blanket check foes like Gengar, Mega Manectric, and Choice Scarf Hydreigon if need be. Unfortunately, Nihilego is at times held back by its terrible physical bulk, which allows the tier's several faster physical threats, including Cobalion and Zeraora, to easily take advantage of it. This also leaves it vulnerable to Pursuit and powerful priority attacks, most notably Scizor's Bullet Punch. It's also unable to power through the tier's surplus of Ground- and Steel-types with its STAB moves alone, which allows most to tank a hit and KO Nihilego with super effective attacks. Nihilego can also struggle to break through a few key defensive Pokemon in the metagame, such as Blissey, Mega Steelix, and Gligar, compromising its wallbreaking capabilities. Lastly, while Nihilego's Speed and typing provide plentiful perks, they also leave it outrun and overwhelmed by a few tier staples, such as Terrakion, Latias, and Cobalion.
[SET]
name: 3 Attacks
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Grass Knot / Power Gem
move 4: Stealth Rock / Protect / Toxic Spikes
item: Electrium Z / Black Sludge / Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt provides coverage against troublesome bulky Water-types such as Empoleon, Slowbro, and Tentacruel. With Electrium Z, it turns into a powerful Gigavolt Havoc capable of OHKOing the aforementioned Water-types after some chip damage while heavily damaging Steel-types like Scizor, Bisharp, and Cobalion. Grass Knot nails various Ground-types that could otherwise wall Nihilego, like Krookodile, Hippowdon, and Swampert. Power Gem is an option over Grass Knot, sacrificing coverage on Ground-types for a STAB attack capable of hitting Fire-types and Ice-types like Rotom-H, Kyurem, and Chandelure super effectively while hitting Scizor harder than Thunderbolt. It can also hit Flying-types harder than Thunderbolt, KOing Moltres and Tornadus in one hit. Nihilego can set Stealth Rock as it forces switches, punishing the opponent's switches with chip damage. Protect can be used in tandem with Black Sludge to scout for moves on Choice-locked Pokemon, like Choice Band Scizor and Terrakion and Choice Scarf Krookodile, while passively restoring Nihilego's HP. Toxic Spikes can also be set on forced switches, racking up poison damage on foes as they come in. Acid Spray is another option in the fourth slot, allowing Nihilego to force switches and generate momentum by decreasing its switch-ins' special bulk. Thunder can be run in place of Thunderbolt to more easily power through Gigavolt Havoc's targets, requiring notably less chip damage to OHKO Empoleon and Tentacruel while always OHKOing Bisharp after Stealth Rock. However, it has limited use outside of this due to its shaky accuracy despite its higher power. Hidden Power Ice covers Gligar, Nidoqueen, and Nidoking, which otherwise sponge anything Nihilego can throw at them, though its limited coverage outside of this makes it an often suboptimal option.
Set Details
========
Electrium Z lets Nihilego lure and KO several Water- and Steel-types, such as Tentacruel, Empoleon, Doublade, and Bisharp, punishing them with heavy damage. Black Sludge should be run as Nihilego's item if it's using Protect in order to passively restore its HP as it scouts foes' attacks. It can also be used if another teammate is using a Z-Move and longevity is preferred over power. Life Orb is another option if another teammate is running a Z-Move, putting power behind Nihilego's moves and notably allowing it to OHKO Primarina with Sludge Wave and 2HKO Empoleon with Thunderbolt. It can complicate Nihilego's entry hazard setting capabilities by cutting into its longevity, however. Beast Boost allows Nihilego to increase its Special Attack upon netting KOs. An EV spread of 80 HP / 176 SpA / 252 Spe allows Nihilego to boost its Speed instead of its Special Attack with Beast Boost, though this can notably cut into its damage output at times, preventing it from reliably OHKOing Swampert with Grass Knot, for instance.
Usage Tips
========
If Nihilego is running Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, it should attempt to set them early-game in order to immediately apply pressure to the opposing team. It should do this against special attackers that can't hit it hard, like Moltres, Mega Houndoom, and Rotom-H, or against passive defensive Pokemon like Alomomola and Florges. After setting entry hazards, Nihilego should capitalize on its good coverage and power to try punching holes in opposing teams. Later on in the game, when its checks have been removed or weakened, Nihilego can try cleaning up thanks to its decent Speed and Beast Boost, especially if it is running the investment necessary to receive a Speed boost. If Protect is being run in the fourth slot, it should be used against potential Choice item Pokemon like Scizor, Krookodile, and Hydreigon to scout for their attack. This also allows Nihilego to passively restore health with Black Sludge. If Toxic Spikes is being used, Nihilego should only set one layer against offensive teams, as most Pokemon on these teams won't stay in play long, making consistent poison damage an easy method of quickly chipping them down. Against defensive teams, however, two layers should be set in order to rack up poison damage over time against the passive Pokemon often found on these builds. Electrium Z is best activated against offensive Steel-types and bulky Water-types, such as Bisharp and Mega Slowbro, as otherwise these Pokemon would be able to tank a hit and pressure Nihilego. Prediction is important in securing KOs against Pokemon that could tank a hit and KO Nihilego. For instance, if a Ground-type like Hippowdon or Krookodile is expected to switch in, Nihilego should try nabbing them with Grass Knot on the switch in order to secure the 2HKO without taking any damage itself. Nihilego shouldn't stay in on physical attackers that it can't outrun or KO, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Steelix, and Mega Aggron, due to its awful physical bulk. It should also look out for powerful priority attacks from foes like Scizor, Bisharp, and Crawdaunt, Choice Scarf users like Infernape and Krookodile, and Pursuit from the aforementioned Scizor, Bisharp, and Krookodile.
Team Options
========
Nihilego fits well onto several different archetypes, ranging from hyper offense to stall, thanks to the useful offensive and defensive utility it provides to teams it's placed on. It also matches up well against various stallbreakers, such as Gengar, Togekiss, and Chandelure. If Nihilego is running Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, setup sweepers like Latias, Mega Altaria, and Lucario appreciate its ability to chip down opposing teams. The latter two appreciate its ability to deal with Moltres as well. Wallbreakers like Mamoswine, Crawdaunt, and Volcanion also enjoy its entry hazard support for this reason. If Nihilego wishes to forego entry hazards for Protect, other setters like Mega Aggron and Hippowdon, which can additionally support Nihilego with Sand Steam, can let it more comfortably do so while also allowing Nihilego to more easily muscle past opposing Pokemon. Steel-type checks like Infernape, Suicune, and Moltres can weaken or entirely remove a few particularly troublesome answers to Nihilego, such as Mega Aggron, Mega Steelix, and Klefki. Ground-type answers, such as Tsareena, Celebi, and Primarina, can also be important for easing Nihilego's matchups against them while also potentially allowing it to more comfortably run Power Gem. Pivots like Zeraora and Hydreigon can bring Nihilego in more easily, since it at times won't be able to comfortably come into play on account of its poor Defense. Pokemon capable of tanking a few physical attacks, like Gligar, Doublade, and Cobalion, can help Nihilego more easily circumvent its physical frailty. In return, Nihilego can reliably come in on a few troublesome special attackers for the aforementioned teammates to face, such as Mega Manectric and Celebi. Pokemon that appreciate a sturdy check to Fairy-types, such as Hydreigon, Latias, and Haxorus, benefit from Nihilego's support. Kommo-o particularly pairs up well with Nihilego, appreciating its ability to check Fairy- and Flying-types, checking Steel-types for it in return, and benefiting immensely from its Toxic Spikes support if being used. Specially frail Pokemon can also benefit from Nihilego's ability to blanket check a few important special attackers, meaning the likes of Bisharp and Slowbro will often appreciate it as a teammate.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Gem
move 2: Sludge Wave
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Thunderbolt / Dazzling Gleam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Grass Knot allows Nihilego to revenge kill the likes of Terrakion, Krookodile, and Adamant Mega Sharpedo, though the former two often require some chip damage to KO. It is also Nihilego's best source of damage against Mega Blastoise, Suicune, and Ground-types like Mamoswine and Hippowdon. Thunderbolt damages bulky Water-types like Alomomola, Empoleon, and Tentacruel more than any of Nihilego's other attacks while letting it revenge kill offensive Starmie after some chip damage. It also adequately damages offensive Steel-types like Lucario and Bisharp, 2HKOing both after minor chip damage. Alternatively, Dazzling Gleam allows Nihilego to KO Hydreigon and Kommo-o in one hit while dealing heavy damage to wallbreakers like Heracross and Haxorus. It can also reliably 2HKO Latias after Stealth Rock damage. Toxic Spikes can be used to allow Nihilego to set an entry hazard as an opposing Pokemon that walls it switches in, punishing the opposing team with poison damage. It can also try bluffing a hazard setting set, though this is often a situational and risky strategy, and the moves themselves cost coverage.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf allows Nihilego to function as a revenge killer, capable of removing fast threats like Mega Aerodactyl, +1 Mega Altaria, and Mega Beedrill. Beast Boost increases Nihilego's threat level by boosting its Special Attack every time it KOes a foe.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used to revenge kill various tier sweepers, such as +1 Mega Altaria, Celebi, and Togekiss, after they've sustained some residual damage. It also revenge kills faster threats like Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, and Zeraora after some prior damage. Since Nihilego often can't directly switch into most of the Pokemon it revenge kills, it will have to come into play as its targeted sweeper is setting up, after a teammate has fainted, or through the support of a pivot, though the first strategy is by far the riskiest. Nihilego can, however, come in on several special attackers that can't hit it super effectively, such as Gengar, Mega Manectric, Moltres, and Mega Pidgeot, as well as passive attackers like Alomomola and Sylveon. Due to Choice Scarf locking Nihilego into one attack, it is important to predict properly so as not to provide the opponent free turns. Nailing Ground-types on the switch with Grass Knot and hitting bulky Water-types with Thunderbolt are examples of how to accomplish this. Nihilego must also look out for Pursuit from Pokemon like Krookodile and Pokemon that can take advantage of it to set up, like Latias and Cobalion. Nabbing these foes with a super effective attack on the switch or, in Cobalion's case, doubling out of play or switching out as it begins to set up is the best way for Nihilego to minimize any potential harm done to its team. Nihilego should be wary of priority moves from Pokemon like Bisharp, Scizor, Infernape, and Crawdaunt, as its poor Defense will cause it to sustain major damage from their attacks, which will complicate its role.
Team Options
========
This set is a comfortable fit on offensive teams in need of a fast revenge killer. Setup sweepers and cleaners, like Bulk Up Zeraora and Mega Sharpedo, appreciate Nihilego's ability to revenge kill opposing sweepers for them to more easily do their job late-game. Pokemon with poor or shaky special bulk, like Doublade and Mega Slowbro, also value Nihilego as a teammate thanks to its ability to blanket check many of the tier's special attackers. Pokemon in need of Fairy-type checks as teammates, like Kommo-o and Haxorus, often welcome Nihilego's ability to offensively threaten most of them. Pokemon weak to Flying-types, like Chesnaught, Celebi, and most Fighting-types, enjoy Nihilego as a teammate as well. Entry hazard setters such as Azelf, Mamoswine, and Klefki are helpful teammates for Nihilego, allowing it to more easily power through foes thanks to the additional chip damage. Nihilego also appreciates Steel-type checks like Chesnaught, Volcanion, and Infernape for their ability to weaken some of this set's sturdier switch-ins, like Cobalion and Mega Aggron. Ground-immune Pokemon can also be important due to Nihilego's weakness to Pokemon like Gligar and Nidoking, making Hydreigon, Latias, and Togekiss worthwhile teammates. Powerful wallbreakers like Terrakion and Primarina can weaken foes for Nihilego and help circumvent its occasional power problems. Pivots reliably bring Nihilego into play if its opportunities to switch in are limited, making U-turn Infernape and Rotom-C good options for partners. Pursuit trappers like Mega Aerodactyl and Alolan Muk can weaken or remove a few troublesome Pokemon for Nihilego to match up against at times, such as Latias and Starmie.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rockium Z + Power Gem is a powerful Z-Move option capable of dealing heavy damage to conventional checks in Gligar and Scizor while dealing strong neutral damage. However, it doesn't hit a particularly wide variety of targets compared to Gigavolt Havoc and often doesn't provide the same value as the utility or power that will come with Black Sludge or Life Orb. Nihilego can run both Protect and an entry hazard on a set, allowing it to both scout attacks from foes while setting entry hazards, though this often exacerbates its tendency to be strapped for coverage options. Choice Specs turns Nihilego into a formidable wallbreaker with great coverage, though this makes it easier to reliably revenge kill, as it doesn't particularly enjoy being locked into any of its attacks and has a slightly exploitable Speed tier. Pain Split gives Nihilego a stronger matchup against specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Alolan Muk and also gives it a form of recovery, but it is often too hard to fit over more consistently useful options. Hidden Power Fire covers the omnipresent Scizor, though since it already takes healthy damage from Power Gem and Gigavolt Havoc, it often isn't worth the trouble.
Checks and Counters
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**Steel-types**: Most Steel-types resist Nihilego's STAB combination and can KO it with super effective attacks. Klefki and Mega Aggron often can't be 2HKOed by Gigavolt Havoc followed by Thunderbolt and can threaten Nihilego with paralysis and STAB Heavy Slam. Cobalion, Doublade, and Lucario are all more susceptible to strong neutral attacks but can still force Nihilego out and garner opportunities to set up in the process. Mega Steelix is particularly troublesome, as it is immune to Gigavolt Havoc, doesn't take heavy damage from anything Nihilego can hit it with, and carries two STAB attacks capable of OHKOing Nihilego from full HP. Assault Vest variants of Bisharp are also often annoying, as they don't take very much damage from Nihilego's moves while threatening it with Iron Head and Pursuit.
**Ground-types**: Several Ground-types resist Nihilego's STAB combination, making them sturdy checks. Although Krookodile, Swampert, and Hippowdon have to look out for Grass Knot on the switch, they can take the attack once while OHKOing Nihilego in return with STAB Earthquake. Nidoking and Nidoqueen both resist Nihilego's STAB combination and aren't hit hard by its coverage options, making them reliable answers. Gligar must look out for the rare Continental Crush into a Power Gem, though otherwise it can't be 2HKOed by Nihilego and can OHKO it or take advantage of it for free turns.
**Fast Physical Attackers**: Nihilego's poor Defense allows heavy-hitting, fast physical attackers to overwhelm it. Examples include Terrakion, Zeraora, and Mega Aerodactyl as well as physical Choice Scarf users like Infernape and Krookodile.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: The likes of Blissey and Mega Steelix can repeatedly tank hits from Nihilego while threatening it with Seismic Toss or Earthquake. Assault Vest variants of Alolan Muk and Bisharp can also tank multiple hits while trapping Nihilego with Pursuit. Empoleon must look out for Gigavolt Havoc but otherwise is only 3HKOed by Thunderbolt, so it can Defog Nihilego's entry hazards away or wear it down with Scald.
**Strong Priority**: Nihilego's pitiful physical bulk allows Scizor, Bisharp, Choice Band Infernape, and Crawdaunt to heavily damage or outright KO it with their respective priority moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Quality checked by: [[vivalospride, 151509], [Nuked, 382658], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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