VGC 17 Nihilego

Mr.GX

Mew Mew
is a Tiering Contributor
[OVERVIEW]

* Nihilego is the first Pokemon to gain access to the unique Rock/Poison typing, which allows it to hit many common Pokemon in the metagame for super effective damage.
* A base Speed of 103 enables Nihilego to outspeed most of the metagame, while its base 127 Special Attack stat can deal quite some damage when combined with its enormous offensive movepool. This makes Nihilego a fast offensive sweeper if left unchecked.
* Nihilego's ability, Beast Boost, allows it to increase its highest stat further when it scores a KO, which makes Nihilego stronger after every successful KO.
* Furthermore, its Poison typing allows it to hit the guardian deities for super effective damage, OHKOing them most of the time.
* However, Nihilego is often walled by bulky Steel-types like Celesteela and Magnezone and is helpless when facing a Trick Room team.
* Base defensive stats of 109 / 47 / 131 allows it to take on a variety of special attacks with ease, while Sandstorm can be used to further boost its Special Defense to higher levels.
* However, Nihilego's abysmal Defense stat of 47 leaves it open to OHKOes from the likes of Celesteela and Garchomp.
* Overall, Nihilego is a powerful threat, especially in this metagame, where most of the Pokemon are relatively slow, as its typing allows it to take out most of the popular Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Fast Offensive Lego
move 1: Sludge Bomb
move 2: Power Gem
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Nihilego is used primarily for its Speed and typing. Therefore, it is mandatory to run Sludge Bomb due to the rising popularity of Fairy-type Pokemon. Sludge Bomb almost always OHKOes most of the popular guardian deities, after which Nihilego gets a boost from its ability to make sure its next attack hits even harder.
* Pokemon like Gyarados and Arcanine are common staples in many teams, and the former can even OHKO Nihilego if its not running a Focus Sash. Power Gem ensures Nihilego KOes them with ease while also hurting Celesteela for neutral damage.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Nihilego to OHKO most Garchomp and helps deal with the occasional Ground-type Pokemon once boosted and is often a staple on most Nihilego. Grass Knot can be used in this slot to deal huge amounts of damage to Gastrodon and Milotic, 2HKOing the latter.
* Protect is necessary in VGC due to Nihilego's frailty, as it helps scout incoming attacks and stall out Trick Room.

Set Details
========

* Focus Sash is the most used item on Nihilego, as it helps compensate for Nihilego's lack of physical bulk. Prolonged field presence with Beast Boost makes Nihilego much more threatening than it already is.
* Taking enough Special Attack EVs is another way to take advantage of Beast Boost, to ensure Nihilego's Speed is boosted instead. This increases Nihilego's Speed so that it can outspeed even Choice Scarf Pokemon.
* Life Orb is often used to secure the OHKO on Gyarados and Arcanine. However, this makes Nihilego much more susceptible to Earthquake and Heavy Slam.
* 252 Speed EVs ensure Nihilego outspeeds maximum speed Garchomp, which is one of the faster Pokemon in the format. This also helps Nihilego outspeed threats like Tapu Lele and Salamence.
* 252 Special Attack EVs are run to maximize Nihilego's damage output. The EVs are plain and simple, as Nihilego is purely an offensive sweeper.

Usage Tips
========

* As one of the frailest Pokemon in the format, Nihilego is almost always equipped with Focus Sash.
* It is advisable to switch into incoming special attacks to take advantage of Nihilego's special bulk while safely getting it onto the field.
* As a Focus Sash user, Nihilego can also pressure your opponent as a lead, as it can easily take out a lot of threats.
* You have to be careful when using Sludge Bomb, as a switch into a Steel-type will render it useless, and moreover, put Nihilego at a risk.
* Terrains are useful when using Nihilego, as Tapu Lele's Psychic fails to OHKO it when it is used under a different terrain. Similarly, Grassy Terrain weakens Earthquakes from Garchomp and Krookodile, and when paired with Intimidate or burn, it greatly improves Nihilego's longevity to the point that you don't need to rely on Focus Sash.
* Nihilego is an easy pick against most teams due to its powerful movepool and offensive capabilities.
* Nihilego is best used against Pokemon it can either OHKO or wall using its Special Defense. As such, it shouldn't be kept on the field against Pokemon that can OHKO it like Kartana and Celesteela.

Team Options
========

* Nihilego suffers from a variety of weaknesses due to its typing. As Ground-types are one of the most common types in VGC, Wide Guard users like Celesteela make great partners to Nihilego, helping it overcome Earthquakes.
* Grassy Terrain helps further mitigate Nihilego's Ground weakness to an extent. As such, Tapu Bulu works well with Nihilego, as the latter can easily OHKO Fire-types that threat Tapu Bulu, while the guardian deity can take out Ground- and Water-type Pokemon with ease.
* Sandstorm setters like Gigalith help boost Nihilego's Special Defense even further, helping it tank Psychics from Tapu Lele in Psychic Terrain.
* Fire-type Pokemon like Alolan Marowak and Arcanine are useful in order to take out opposing Steel-types that usually wall Nihilego, while Taunt users help shut down any Trick Room attempts.
* Intimidate users like Arcanine and Gyarados help soften up physical attacks to prolong Nihilego's field presence.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Nihilego's huge Special Defense can be utilized to work with Weakness Policy, giving it a massive power boost. This, however makes Nihilego susceptible to getting OHKOed by opposing physical attackers.
* Another option would be to use Grassy Seed along with Tapu Bulu to enhance Nihilego's Defense stat. This helps Nihilego survive attacks like Earthquake and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice.
* Assault Vest can be used to further boost Nihilego's Special Defense, allowing it to survive Psychics from Tapu Lele in Psychic Terrain and retaliate with Sludge Bomb.
* Trick Room gives Nihilego a niche in certain Trick Room teams, as it can catch people off guard. However, due to Nihilego's low bulk, it can fail to survive and set up Trick Room.
* Moves like Thunderbolt are used at times to help take down Celesteela, but it can make Nihilego get walled by Ground-types like Krookodile and Garchomp.
* Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with Kartana, Alolan Sandslash, Magnezone, and Scizor to an extent, but it is generally outclassed by Power Gem.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-type Pokemon**: Nihilego is often walled by bulky Steel-type Pokemon like Assault Vest Kartana and Celesteela, and is left helpless against them, unless you manage to trigger Beast Boost and get an attack boost.

**Ground-type Pokemon**: Due to Nihilego's 4x weakness to Ground-type moves, it is easily OHKOed by popular Ground-type Pokemon like Garchomp, Krookodile, and Mudsdale.

**Psychic-type Pokemon**: Powerful Psychic-type moves can OHKO Nihilego and should be played around with caution. Notable threats include Choice Scarf Tapu Lele and Shattered Psyche Raichu.

**Alolan Muk**: Alolan Muk easily walls Nihilego with its typing and can 2HKO it with Knock Off quite easily.

**Trick Room**: As Nihilego is one of the fastest Pokemon in the format, it is quite weak inside Trick Room, possibly making it the slowest Pokemon in the field. Taunt users are recommended to handle Trick Room.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Strong physical attackers like Garchomp, Kartana, and Pheromosa can easily take down Nihilego if it doesn't run Focus Sash.
 
Last edited:
Honestly, this is pretty well done. I don't have many comments.

Set
  • Change the move order to Sludge Bomb > Power Gem > Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot > Protect.
Set Details
  • Mention the option of dropping enough Special Attack EVs that Beast Boost increases Speed instead.
Usage Tips
  • Follow point #1 with suggestions for getting it onto the field safely. Like leading it, or after an ally has fainted.
Other Options
  • Add Hidden Power Fire.
Checks and Counters
  • Use the proper formatting outlined in the Analysis Format; you need headers for each section:
**Steel-type Pokemon**:

**Psychic-type Pokemon**:

**Alolan Muk**:

**Speed Control**:

**Strong Physical Attackers**:
  • Get rid of the importable.

1/2 QC
 

Mr.GX

Mew Mew
is a Tiering Contributor
Honestly, this is pretty well done. I don't have many comments.

Set
  • Change the move order to Sludge Bomb > Power Gem > Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot > Protect.
Set Details
  • Mention the option of dropping enough Special Attack EVs that Beast Boost increases Speed instead.
Usage Tips
  • Follow point #1 with suggestions for getting it onto the field safely. Like leading it, or after an ally has fainted.
Other Options
  • Add Hidden Power Fire.
Checks and Counters
  • Use the proper formatting outlined in the Analysis Format; you need headers for each section:
**Steel-type Pokemon**:

**Psychic-type Pokemon**:

**Alolan Muk**:

**Speed Control**:

**Strong Physical Attackers**:
  • Get rid of the importable.

1/2 QC
Done, boss!
 

Jibaku

Who let marco in here????
is a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Two-Time Past SPL Champion
Overview
Nihilego is the first Pokemon to gain access to the unique Rock/Poison typing.
Mention the significance of this typing.

Switch ordering of bulk and offensive significance since it's primarily as an attacker

Moves

Hidden Power Ice allows you to OHKO most Garchomp and Salamence, and if often a staple on most Nihilego.
Wording seems a bit weird. Also Power Gem does the same damage as HP Ice to Salamence

Usage tips:
Similarly, Grassy Terrain weakens Earthquakes from Garchomp and Krookodile, greatly improving Nihilego's longevity.
252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Nihilego in Grassy Terrain: 232-276 (125.4 - 149.1%)

You're going to need to pair Intimidate with this and it's still doing 84-99% which means a small amount of chip damage will KO it anyways. Burn can help, though

Other Options:
Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with Kartana and Celesteela to an extent, but is outclassed by Power Gem.
Power Gem deals the same amount of damage as HP Fire to Celesteela, so drop that and add Scizor and Magnezone.


Checks & Counters:
- Togedemaru is not considered a bulky Steel (or at least, for now), and it doesn't learn a Steel attack except for Gyro Ball to actually beat Nihilego with. Replace it with Kartana. Vest Kartana is especially difficult for Nihilego itself to deal with because Power Gem is only a 4HKO while it outruns and OHKOes Nihilego or at least brings it down to Sash.

- Needs to mention Ground types for obvious reasons. Chomp, Krook, Mudsdale, etc. I know you've mentioned Chomp and the aforementioned Kartana, but they should be in the right sections imo.


That's all for now. No stamp yet, but it's looking good so far
 

Jibaku

Who let marco in here????
is a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Two-Time Past SPL Champion
AV kartana is a highly relevant set and I think it's better than Sash but there's still a bunch of Sashes going around /shrug.
 
Oh well did some research since I'm not really onto VGC and discovered it is actually a top set. Sorry for my ignorance I was mostly saying this out of other tiers knowledge.
 

Mr.GX

Mew Mew
is a Tiering Contributor
Overview

Mention the significance of this typing.

Switch ordering of bulk and offensive significance since it's primarily as an attacker
Moves

Wording seems a bit weird. Also Power Gem does the same damage as HP Ice to Salamence

Usage tips:


252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Nihilego in Grassy Terrain: 232-276 (125.4 - 149.1%)

You're going to need to pair Intimidate with this and it's still doing 84-99% which means a small amount of chip damage will KO it anyways. Burn can help, though

Other Options:

Power Gem deals the same amount of damage as HP Fire to Celesteela, so drop that and add Scizor and Magnezone.


Checks & Counters:
- Togedemaru is not considered a bulky Steel (or at least, for now), and it doesn't learn a Steel attack except for Gyro Ball to actually beat Nihilego with. Replace it with Kartana. Vest Kartana is especially difficult for Nihilego itself to deal with because Power Gem is only a 4HKO while it outruns and OHKOes Nihilego or at least brings it down to Sash.

- Needs to mention Ground types for obvious reasons. Chomp, Krook, Mudsdale, etc. I know you've mentioned Chomp and the aforementioned Kartana, but they should be in the right sections imo.


That's all for now. No stamp yet, but it's looking good so far
fixed them all, boss!
 
while this already got a 2/2 i want a mention on assault vest nihilego. it gives it wild bulk allowing it to live modest tapu lele psychics and basically makes it immune to common electrics in the format etc

while its success hasn't been demonstrated at an event, the assault vest opening up room for both hp ice and grass knot is really nifty and beast boost helps it retain offensive pressure

sucks against kartana rain and scarf chomp but really what doesn't
 

Mr.GX

Mew Mew
is a Tiering Contributor
while this already got a 2/2 i want a mention on assault vest nihilego. it gives it wild bulk allowing it to live modest tapu lele psychics and basically makes it immune to common electrics in the format etc

while its success hasn't been demonstrated at an event, the assault vest opening up room for both hp ice and grass knot is really nifty and beast boost helps it retain offensive pressure

sucks against kartana rain and scarf chomp but really what doesn't
good point, I thought about using it once, but dismissed it considering how common Garchomp has become. Will add it when I update it for grammar check.
 

Rare Poison

if im butter then ur a hot knife
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
GP 1/1

add/change; remove; (comment); (AC) = add comma; (RC) = remove comma
[OVERVIEW]

* Nihilego is the first Pokemon to gain access to the unique Rock/Poison typing, (AC) which allows it to hit many common Pokemon in the metagame for super effective damage.
* A base Speed of 103 enables Nihilego to outspeed most of the meta metagame, while its base 127 Special Attack stat can deal quite some damage when combined with its enormous offensive movepool. This makes Nihilego a fast offensive sweeper if left unchecked.
* Its Nihilego's ability, Beast Boost, (AC) allows it to increase its highest stat further when it scores a KO, which makes Nihilego stronger after every successful KO.
* Furthermore, its Poison typing allows it to hit the Guardian Deity Pokemon guardian deities for super effective damage, OHKOing them most of the time.
* However, Nihilego is often walled by bulky Steel-types like Celesteela and Magnezone, (RC) and is helpless when facing a Trick Room team.
* Base defensive stats of 109 / 47 / 131 allows it to take on a variety of special attacks with ease, while Sandstorm can be used to further boost its Special Defense to higher levels.
* However, its Nihilego's abyssal Defense stat of 47 leaves Nihilego it open to OHKOes from the likes of Celesteela and Garchomp, making it quite frail on the physical side.
* Overall, Nihilego is a powerful threat, especially in this metagame, (AC) where most of the Pokemon are relatively slow, as its typing allows Nihilego it to take out most of the popular Pokemon used in VGC '17.

[SET]
name: Fast Offensive Lego
move 1: Sludge Bomb
move 2: Power Gem
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Nihilego is used primarily for its Speed and typing. Therefore, it is mandatory to run Sludge Bomb, (RC) due to the rising popularity of Fairy-type Pokemon. Sludge Bomb almost always OHKOes most of the popular guardian deities, after which Nihilego gets a boost from its ability to make sure its next attack hits even harder.
* Pokemon like Gyarados and Arcanine are common staples in many teams, and the former can even OHKO Nihilego if its not running a Focus Sash. Power Gem ensures you get the KO on them Nihilego KOes them with ease, (RC) while also hurting Celesteela for neutral damage.
* Hidden Power Ice allows you Nihilego to OHKO most Garchomp and helps deal with the occasional Ground-type Pokemon once boosted, (RC) and is often a staple on most Nihilego. Grass Knot can be used in this slot to deal huge amounts of damage to Gastradon Gastrodon and Milotic, 2HKOing the latter.
* Protect is necessary in the doubles (shouldn't this be VGC? if you're talking doubles metagames in general, just say "doubles metagames") metagame due to Nihilego's frailty.

Set Details
========

* Focus Sash is the most used item on Nihilego, as it helps compensate for Nihilego's its lack of physical bulk. Prolonged field presence with Beast Boost makes Nihilego much more threatening than it already is.
* Taking enough Special Attack EVs is another way to take advantage of Beast Boost, to ensure your Nihilego's Speed is boosted instead. This increases Nihilego's Speed so that it can outspeed even Choice Scarf'd Scarf Pokemon.
* Life Orb is often used to secure the OHKO on Gyarados and Arcanine. However, this makes Nihilego much more susceptible to Earthquakes and Heavy Slam.
* 252 Spd Speed EVs ensure Nihilego outspeeds max maximum speed Garchomp, which is one of the faster Pokemon in the format. This also helps you Nihilego outspeed threats like Tapu Lele and Salamence.
* 252 Sp Atk Special Attack EVs are run to max out its Special Attack stat to ensure maximum maximize Nihilego's damage output. The EVs are plain and simple, (AC) as Nihilego is purely an offensive sweeper.

Usage Tips
========

* As one of the frailest Pokemon in the format, Nihilego is almost always equipped with Focus Sash.
* It is advisable to switch into incoming Special Attacks special attacks to take advantage of its Nihilego's special bulk, (RC) while safely getting it onto the field.
* As a Focus Sash user, leading with Nihilego can also pressure your opponent as a lead, as it can easily take out a lot of threats.
* One You (for consistency reasons - you've already used "you") has have to be careful when using Sludge Bomb, as a switch-in to switch into a Steel-type will render it useless, and moreover, put Nihilego at a risk.
* Terrains are useful when using Nihilego, (AC) as Tapu Lele's Psychic fails to OHKO it when it is used under a different terrain. Similarly, Grassy Terrain weakens Earthquakes from Garchomp and Krookodile, and when paired with Intimidate or burn, it greatly improving improves Nihilego's longevity to the point that you don't need to rely on Focus Sash.
* Nihilego is an easy pick against most teams due to its powerful movepool and offensive capabilities, and can take out specific threats easily. (I think that's covered in "offensive capabilities")
* Nihilego is best used against Pokemon it can either OHKO or wall using its Special Defense. As such, it shouldn't be kept on the field against Pokemon that can OHKO it like Kartana and Celesteela.

Team Options
========

* Nihilego suffers from a variety of weaknesses due to its typing. As Ground-types are one of the most common types in VGC, Wide Guard users like Celesteela makes a great partner make great partners to Nihilego, helping it overcome Earthquakes.
* Grassy Terrain helps further mitigate Nihilego's Ground weakness to an extent, weakening opposing Earthquakes. As such, Tapu Bulu works well with Nihilego, as the latter can easily OHKO Fire-tyes Fire-types that threat Tapu Bulu, while the guardian deity can take out Ground- (hyp) and Water-type (hyp) Pokemon with ease.
* Sandstorm setters like Gigalith help boost Nihilego's Special Defense even further, helping it tank Psychics from Tapu Lele in Psychic Terrain.
* Fire-type Pokemon like Alolan-Marowak (remove hyp) and Arcanine are useful in order to take out opposing Steel-types that usually walls wall Nihilego, while Taunt users help shut down any Trick Room attempts.
* Intimidate users like Arcanine and Gyarados helps help soften up physical attacks to prolong Nihilego's field presence.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Nihilego's huge Special Defense can be utilized to work with Weakness Policy, giving it a massive power boost. This, however, (AC) makes Nihilego susceptible to getting OHKOed by opposing physical attackers.
* Another option would be to use Grassy Seed along with Tapu Bulu to enhance Nihilego's Defense stat, giving it a better bulk. This helps Nihilego survive attacks like Earthquakes Earthquake, (RC) and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice.
* Assault Vest can be used to further boost Nihilego's Special Defense, allowing it to survive Psychics from Tapu Lele in Psychic Terrain and retaliate with Sludge Bomb.
* Trick Room gives Nihilego a niche in certain Trick Room teams, as it can catch people off-guard (remove hyp). However, due to Nihilego's low bulk, it can fail to survive and set up a Trick Room.
* Moves like Thunderbolt are used at times to help take down Celesteela, but it can make Nihilego get walled by Ground-types like Krookodile and Garchomp.
* Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with Kartana, Alolan-Sandslash (remove hyp), Magnezone, (AC) and Scizor to an extent, but it is generally outclassed by Power Gem.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-type Pokemon**: Nihilego is often walled by bulky Steel-type Pokemon like Assault Vest Kartana and Celesteela, (RC) and is left helpless against them, unless you manage to trigger Beast Boost and get an attack boost.

**Ground-type Pokemon**: Due to Nihilego's x4 4x weakness to Ground-type moves, it is easily OHKO'd OHKOed by popular Ground-type Pokemon like Garchomp, Krookodile, (AC) and Mudsdale.

**Psychic-type Pokemon**: Powerful Psychic-type moves can OHKO Nihilego, (RC) and should be played around with caution. Notable threats include Choice Scarf Tapu Lele and Shattered Psyche Raichu.

**Alolan-Muk Alolan Muk**: Alolan-Muk Alolan Muk easily walls Nihilego with its typing, (RC) and can 2HKO it with Knock Off quite easily.

**Trick Room**: As Nihilego is one of the fastest Pokemon in the format, it is quite weak inside Trick Room, possible possibly making it the slowest Pokemon in the field. Taunt users are recommended to handle Trick Room.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Strong physical attackers like Garchomp, Kartana, (AC) and Pheromosa can easily take down Nihilego if it doesn't run Focus Sash.


Mr.GX :)
 

Mr.GX

Mew Mew
is a Tiering Contributor
GP 1/1

add/change; remove; (comment); (AC) = add comma; (RC) = remove comma
[OVERVIEW]

* Nihilego is the first Pokemon to gain access to the unique Rock/Poison typing, (AC) which allows it to hit many common Pokemon in the metagame for super effective damage.
* A base Speed of 103 enables Nihilego to outspeed most of the meta metagame, while its base 127 Special Attack stat can deal quite some damage when combined with its enormous offensive movepool. This makes Nihilego a fast offensive sweeper if left unchecked.
* Its Nihilego's ability, Beast Boost, (AC) allows it to increase its highest stat further when it scores a KO, which makes Nihilego stronger after every successful KO.
* Furthermore, its Poison typing allows it to hit the Guardian Deity Pokemon guardian deities for super effective damage, OHKOing them most of the time.
* However, Nihilego is often walled by bulky Steel-types like Celesteela and Magnezone, (RC) and is helpless when facing a Trick Room team.
* Base defensive stats of 109 / 47 / 131 allows it to take on a variety of special attacks with ease, while Sandstorm can be used to further boost its Special Defense to higher levels.
* However, its Nihilego's abyssal Defense stat of 47 leaves Nihilego it open to OHKOes from the likes of Celesteela and Garchomp, making it quite frail on the physical side.
* Overall, Nihilego is a powerful threat, especially in this metagame, (AC) where most of the Pokemon are relatively slow, as its typing allows Nihilego it to take out most of the popular Pokemon used in VGC '17.

[SET]
name: Fast Offensive Lego
move 1: Sludge Bomb
move 2: Power Gem
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Nihilego is used primarily for its Speed and typing. Therefore, it is mandatory to run Sludge Bomb, (RC) due to the rising popularity of Fairy-type Pokemon. Sludge Bomb almost always OHKOes most of the popular guardian deities, after which Nihilego gets a boost from its ability to make sure its next attack hits even harder.
* Pokemon like Gyarados and Arcanine are common staples in many teams, and the former can even OHKO Nihilego if its not running a Focus Sash. Power Gem ensures you get the KO on them Nihilego KOes them with ease, (RC) while also hurting Celesteela for neutral damage.
* Hidden Power Ice allows you Nihilego to OHKO most Garchomp and helps deal with the occasional Ground-type Pokemon once boosted, (RC) and is often a staple on most Nihilego. Grass Knot can be used in this slot to deal huge amounts of damage to Gastradon Gastrodon and Milotic, 2HKOing the latter.
* Protect is necessary in the doubles (shouldn't this be VGC? if you're talking doubles metagames in general, just say "doubles metagames") metagame due to Nihilego's frailty.

Set Details
========

* Focus Sash is the most used item on Nihilego, as it helps compensate for Nihilego's its lack of physical bulk. Prolonged field presence with Beast Boost makes Nihilego much more threatening than it already is.
* Taking enough Special Attack EVs is another way to take advantage of Beast Boost, to ensure your Nihilego's Speed is boosted instead. This increases Nihilego's Speed so that it can outspeed even Choice Scarf'd Scarf Pokemon.
* Life Orb is often used to secure the OHKO on Gyarados and Arcanine. However, this makes Nihilego much more susceptible to Earthquakes and Heavy Slam.
* 252 Spd Speed EVs ensure Nihilego outspeeds max maximum speed Garchomp, which is one of the faster Pokemon in the format. This also helps you Nihilego outspeed threats like Tapu Lele and Salamence.
* 252 Sp Atk Special Attack EVs are run to max out its Special Attack stat to ensure maximum maximize Nihilego's damage output. The EVs are plain and simple, (AC) as Nihilego is purely an offensive sweeper.

Usage Tips
========

* As one of the frailest Pokemon in the format, Nihilego is almost always equipped with Focus Sash.
* It is advisable to switch into incoming Special Attacks special attacks to take advantage of its Nihilego's special bulk, (RC) while safely getting it onto the field.
* As a Focus Sash user, leading with Nihilego can also pressure your opponent as a lead, as it can easily take out a lot of threats.
* One You (for consistency reasons - you've already used "you") has have to be careful when using Sludge Bomb, as a switch-in to switch into a Steel-type will render it useless, and moreover, put Nihilego at a risk.
* Terrains are useful when using Nihilego, (AC) as Tapu Lele's Psychic fails to OHKO it when it is used under a different terrain. Similarly, Grassy Terrain weakens Earthquakes from Garchomp and Krookodile, and when paired with Intimidate or burn, it greatly improving improves Nihilego's longevity to the point that you don't need to rely on Focus Sash.
* Nihilego is an easy pick against most teams due to its powerful movepool and offensive capabilities, and can take out specific threats easily. (I think that's covered in "offensive capabilities")
* Nihilego is best used against Pokemon it can either OHKO or wall using its Special Defense. As such, it shouldn't be kept on the field against Pokemon that can OHKO it like Kartana and Celesteela.

Team Options
========

* Nihilego suffers from a variety of weaknesses due to its typing. As Ground-types are one of the most common types in VGC, Wide Guard users like Celesteela makes a great partner make great partners to Nihilego, helping it overcome Earthquakes.
* Grassy Terrain helps further mitigate Nihilego's Ground weakness to an extent, weakening opposing Earthquakes. As such, Tapu Bulu works well with Nihilego, as the latter can easily OHKO Fire-tyes Fire-types that threat Tapu Bulu, while the guardian deity can take out Ground- (hyp) and Water-type (hyp) Pokemon with ease.
* Sandstorm setters like Gigalith help boost Nihilego's Special Defense even further, helping it tank Psychics from Tapu Lele in Psychic Terrain.
* Fire-type Pokemon like Alolan-Marowak (remove hyp) and Arcanine are useful in order to take out opposing Steel-types that usually walls wall Nihilego, while Taunt users help shut down any Trick Room attempts.
* Intimidate users like Arcanine and Gyarados helps help soften up physical attacks to prolong Nihilego's field presence.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Nihilego's huge Special Defense can be utilized to work with Weakness Policy, giving it a massive power boost. This, however, (AC) makes Nihilego susceptible to getting OHKOed by opposing physical attackers.
* Another option would be to use Grassy Seed along with Tapu Bulu to enhance Nihilego's Defense stat, giving it a better bulk. This helps Nihilego survive attacks like Earthquakes Earthquake, (RC) and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice.
* Assault Vest can be used to further boost Nihilego's Special Defense, allowing it to survive Psychics from Tapu Lele in Psychic Terrain and retaliate with Sludge Bomb.
* Trick Room gives Nihilego a niche in certain Trick Room teams, as it can catch people off-guard (remove hyp). However, due to Nihilego's low bulk, it can fail to survive and set up a Trick Room.
* Moves like Thunderbolt are used at times to help take down Celesteela, but it can make Nihilego get walled by Ground-types like Krookodile and Garchomp.
* Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with Kartana, Alolan-Sandslash (remove hyp), Magnezone, (AC) and Scizor to an extent, but it is generally outclassed by Power Gem.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-type Pokemon**: Nihilego is often walled by bulky Steel-type Pokemon like Assault Vest Kartana and Celesteela, (RC) and is left helpless against them, unless you manage to trigger Beast Boost and get an attack boost.

**Ground-type Pokemon**: Due to Nihilego's x4 4x weakness to Ground-type moves, it is easily OHKO'd OHKOed by popular Ground-type Pokemon like Garchomp, Krookodile, (AC) and Mudsdale.

**Psychic-type Pokemon**: Powerful Psychic-type moves can OHKO Nihilego, (RC) and should be played around with caution. Notable threats include Choice Scarf Tapu Lele and Shattered Psyche Raichu.

**Alolan-Muk Alolan Muk**: Alolan-Muk Alolan Muk easily walls Nihilego with its typing, (RC) and can 2HKO it with Knock Off quite easily.

**Trick Room**: As Nihilego is one of the fastest Pokemon in the format, it is quite weak inside Trick Room, possible possibly making it the slowest Pokemon in the field. Taunt users are recommended to handle Trick Room.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Strong physical attackers like Garchomp, Kartana, (AC) and Pheromosa can easily take down Nihilego if it doesn't run Focus Sash.


Mr.GX :)
Implemented!

Carbonific , Its done!
 

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