[OVERVIEW]
Upon Mega Evolution, Absol gets a great 115 base speed and an excellent 150 base attack. It also gets Magic Bounce, one of the most useful abilities in the game. Dark-type STAB hits many prominent Pokemon super effectively such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross. It also basically invalidates Cofagrigus lacking Hidden Power Fighting. It gets common Dark-type STABs like Sucker Punch, Knock Off, and Pursuit.
Unfortunately, Mega Absol does have some major flaws that make it difficult to use. Even though its offensive stats get a large boost upon Mega Evolution, its defensive stats don’t get anything. That means it still has abysmal bulk, fainting to most super effective and strong neutral hits it takes. This makes it very hard for Mega Absol to come in safely. It also struggles to deal with common Fairy- and Fighting-types. And while its speed tier is great, it’s still naturally out speed by some important Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Talonflame, Weavile, and Tornadus-T. Sucker Punch helps against these, but it can be unreliable and force trades. It's also slow before Mega Evolution, making its first turn very risky. Absol is also horrible outclassed by Weavile, who is faster, has an amazing secondary STAB, also has priority, can run Choice Band to outdamage Absol, and doesn’t take up a Mega slot.
[SET]
SWORDS DANCE
Absol-Mega @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Tail/ Superpower/ Play Rough
[SET COMMENTS]
[Set description]
Swords Dance is Mega Absol’s most viable set. One boost brings its attack to insane levels and lets it threaten most physical walls that don't resist its STAB like Tangrowth and Skarmory. Thanks to Magic Bounce, it doesn’t have to worry about obnoxious status moves like Toxic, Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, Roar, Taunt, Encore, or Spore from limiting its ability to obtain and utilize its boosts. Knock Off is not only Absol's strongest STAB move, but useful for removing items. It can wear down walls by removing their Leftovers and Assault Vests or pacify offensive switch-ins by removing their Life Orbs and Choice items. Sucker Punch is necessary to deal with Choice Scarfers, Pokemon that naturally out speed it, and opposing priority, all of which will likely OHKO Mega Absol if they are allowed to go first. It also lets Absol efficiently revenge kill. Iron Tail lets Absol deal with the Fairy-types that can take its Dark-type STABs. However, it leaves it walled by Bisharp and Keldeo and it's low accuracy is problematic. Superpower lets Absol nail Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill but it lets Fairy-types wall Absol and the stat drop makes it unreliable. Play Rough is another great coverage option. Dark- and Fairy-type coverage is near perfect, hitting the entire game for neutral damage except for the rare Klefki and the non-existent Mawile. It also hits lots of specific threats like Mega Lopunny, Weavile, Mega Medicham, Dragonite, and Garchomp super effectively. However, Play Rough leaves it vulnerable to Fairy-types and a lot of the Pokemon that Play Rough hits, like Weavile and Lopunny, outspeed Absol so it is usually better to just switch or Sucker Punch.
Max Attack investment lets Mega Absol score more KOs both boosted and unbooted. Max speed investment and a Jolly nature is necessary to let it naturally out speed base 110’s, Thundurus, Serperior, Choice Scarf Magnezone, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and slower Tornadus-T sets. Max speed also lets its Sucker Punch go before opposing priority like Mega Metagross' Bullet Punch and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack. Justified is easily the best pre-Mega ability for Absol. If it switches into a resisted Dark-type move before Mega Evolution, it gets a free single stage boost to its attack
[usage tips]
Absol sets up best on status reliant walls it can threaten and not be threated by, like Chansey and Cofagrigus lacking Hidden Power Fighting. Absol preforms well as a late game sweeper, picking off weakened opponents. Alternatively, it can set up in the mid game to poke holes in the enemy's team and make openings for teammates later on. It can also try to deny hazards after Mega Evolution, but its frailty limits its ability to do this. It is able to revenge kill thanks to it’s high speed and the massive damage from even unboosted sucker punch.
[team options]
Clefable is the premier check to Mega Loppuny. Because of Absol’s horrible match up into Loppuny, a reliable switch-in to it is necessary. Excadrill is another good teammate. Its positive matchup into Clefable is necessary if Absol forgoes Iron Tail. It can also switch into Fairy-type moves and U-turns for Absol. Additionally, Excadrill’s Rapid Spin support is vital since Absol cant be depended on to prevent hazards for its team. Stealth Rock weak mons such as Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, Talonflame and Dragonite like the semi-double hazard prevention that Mega Absol and Excadrill create. Absol also appreciates that Excadrill can set Stealth Rock which wears down its checks. A U-turn punisher like Static Zapdos or Rocky Helmet Landours-T is great due to Absol’s weakness to the move. A pivot like Rotom-Wash or Tornadus-T is helpful for getting Absol in safely. Electric-types, like Thundurus and Rotom-Wash hit most of Absol's checks for neutral and can pivot with volt switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
[other options]
Pursuit is very nice on Absol but it can struggle to fit the move. Knock Off has much needed extra power and utility and Absol can’t afford to run three Dark-types moves. It can run a four attack set, but it really needs Swords Dance to get past walls. With its high Special attack and access to important special moves like Fire Blast, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt, Absol could possible run a mixed attacking set. However, it struggle to fit most special moves in its moveset and does more damage physically anyways. Finally, there are a number of other coverage options it can run like, Megahorn, Stone Edge, and Psycho Cut, but they are general not worth using over Play Rough, Iron tail, or Superpower.
[Checks and Counters]
Clefable- Without Iron Tail, Absol is mostly walled by Clefable. Celfable can take Absol’s Dark-type STAB, even at after a Swords Dance. Additionally, Clefable can OHKO Absol with Moonblast and Swords Dance boosted Play Rough from Absol isn’t even a guaranteed 2HKO.
Mega Lopunny- Mega Loppuny outspeeds Absol, does a good chuck with Fake Out, and can OHKO it with High Jump Kick. Also, Mega Lopunny doesn't take much from unboosted Sucker Punch and Play Rough has a very low chance of OHKOing it at full health
Surprise Choice Scarfers- Absol relies on accurate Sucker Punch predictions to get past Pokemon holding Choice Scarf so Pokemon with multiple item choices, like Heatran, Excadrill, and Mammoswine, can get the jump on Absol if running Choice Scarf.
Klefki- Although Klefki is rare, it does have a niche in the metagame, and can cause problems for Absol running Play Rough. The dual screens set is hard to break past and can takes advantage of Absol's boosts with foul play. The spikes set, while more manageable, can take any of Absol's moves after a Swords Dance and threatens Absol with Fairy-type STAB.
Dark-types- If Absol doesn't run Play Rough or Superpower, Dark-types like Bisharp, Mega Gyrados, and Mandibuzz, can be major problems.
Bulky/resistant Priority user- Absol is vulnerable to common priority like technician Breloom’s Mach Punch, Dragonite’s Extreme Speed, Banded Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, and Scizor's Bullet Punch. Sucker Punch helps against these but most easily live one from either from natural bulk or a resistance.
Sand Rush Excadrill- Excadrill in sand can outspeed Absol and threaten it with an OHKO. In addition, it can easily live an unboosted Sucker Punch.
Passive Damage- Absol has no meaningful way to heal itself, so passive damage like sand and hazards are almost always permeant on it, hurting its already low longevity. Additionally, Rocky Helmet, Iron Barbs, and Rough Skin are all common on Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, and most of Absol's moves activate them.
U-turns- Thanks to it’s weakness to bug, Mega Absol struggles to take even the weakest U-turns.
[CREDITS]
Upon Mega Evolution, Absol gets a great 115 base speed and an excellent 150 base attack. It also gets Magic Bounce, one of the most useful abilities in the game. Dark-type STAB hits many prominent Pokemon super effectively such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross. It also basically invalidates Cofagrigus lacking Hidden Power Fighting. It gets common Dark-type STABs like Sucker Punch, Knock Off, and Pursuit.
Unfortunately, Mega Absol does have some major flaws that make it difficult to use. Even though its offensive stats get a large boost upon Mega Evolution, its defensive stats don’t get anything. That means it still has abysmal bulk, fainting to most super effective and strong neutral hits it takes. This makes it very hard for Mega Absol to come in safely. It also struggles to deal with common Fairy- and Fighting-types. And while its speed tier is great, it’s still naturally out speed by some important Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Talonflame, Weavile, and Tornadus-T. Sucker Punch helps against these, but it can be unreliable and force trades. It's also slow before Mega Evolution, making its first turn very risky. Absol is also horrible outclassed by Weavile, who is faster, has an amazing secondary STAB, also has priority, can run Choice Band to outdamage Absol, and doesn’t take up a Mega slot.
[SET]
SWORDS DANCE
Absol-Mega @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Tail/ Superpower/ Play Rough
[SET COMMENTS]
[Set description]
Swords Dance is Mega Absol’s most viable set. One boost brings its attack to insane levels and lets it threaten most physical walls that don't resist its STAB like Tangrowth and Skarmory. Thanks to Magic Bounce, it doesn’t have to worry about obnoxious status moves like Toxic, Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, Roar, Taunt, Encore, or Spore from limiting its ability to obtain and utilize its boosts. Knock Off is not only Absol's strongest STAB move, but useful for removing items. It can wear down walls by removing their Leftovers and Assault Vests or pacify offensive switch-ins by removing their Life Orbs and Choice items. Sucker Punch is necessary to deal with Choice Scarfers, Pokemon that naturally out speed it, and opposing priority, all of which will likely OHKO Mega Absol if they are allowed to go first. It also lets Absol efficiently revenge kill. Iron Tail lets Absol deal with the Fairy-types that can take its Dark-type STABs. However, it leaves it walled by Bisharp and Keldeo and it's low accuracy is problematic. Superpower lets Absol nail Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill but it lets Fairy-types wall Absol and the stat drop makes it unreliable. Play Rough is another great coverage option. Dark- and Fairy-type coverage is near perfect, hitting the entire game for neutral damage except for the rare Klefki and the non-existent Mawile. It also hits lots of specific threats like Mega Lopunny, Weavile, Mega Medicham, Dragonite, and Garchomp super effectively. However, Play Rough leaves it vulnerable to Fairy-types and a lot of the Pokemon that Play Rough hits, like Weavile and Lopunny, outspeed Absol so it is usually better to just switch or Sucker Punch.
Max Attack investment lets Mega Absol score more KOs both boosted and unbooted. Max speed investment and a Jolly nature is necessary to let it naturally out speed base 110’s, Thundurus, Serperior, Choice Scarf Magnezone, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and slower Tornadus-T sets. Max speed also lets its Sucker Punch go before opposing priority like Mega Metagross' Bullet Punch and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack. Justified is easily the best pre-Mega ability for Absol. If it switches into a resisted Dark-type move before Mega Evolution, it gets a free single stage boost to its attack
[usage tips]
Absol sets up best on status reliant walls it can threaten and not be threated by, like Chansey and Cofagrigus lacking Hidden Power Fighting. Absol preforms well as a late game sweeper, picking off weakened opponents. Alternatively, it can set up in the mid game to poke holes in the enemy's team and make openings for teammates later on. It can also try to deny hazards after Mega Evolution, but its frailty limits its ability to do this. It is able to revenge kill thanks to it’s high speed and the massive damage from even unboosted sucker punch.
[team options]
Clefable is the premier check to Mega Loppuny. Because of Absol’s horrible match up into Loppuny, a reliable switch-in to it is necessary. Excadrill is another good teammate. Its positive matchup into Clefable is necessary if Absol forgoes Iron Tail. It can also switch into Fairy-type moves and U-turns for Absol. Additionally, Excadrill’s Rapid Spin support is vital since Absol cant be depended on to prevent hazards for its team. Stealth Rock weak mons such as Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, Talonflame and Dragonite like the semi-double hazard prevention that Mega Absol and Excadrill create. Absol also appreciates that Excadrill can set Stealth Rock which wears down its checks. A U-turn punisher like Static Zapdos or Rocky Helmet Landours-T is great due to Absol’s weakness to the move. A pivot like Rotom-Wash or Tornadus-T is helpful for getting Absol in safely. Electric-types, like Thundurus and Rotom-Wash hit most of Absol's checks for neutral and can pivot with volt switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
[other options]
Pursuit is very nice on Absol but it can struggle to fit the move. Knock Off has much needed extra power and utility and Absol can’t afford to run three Dark-types moves. It can run a four attack set, but it really needs Swords Dance to get past walls. With its high Special attack and access to important special moves like Fire Blast, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt, Absol could possible run a mixed attacking set. However, it struggle to fit most special moves in its moveset and does more damage physically anyways. Finally, there are a number of other coverage options it can run like, Megahorn, Stone Edge, and Psycho Cut, but they are general not worth using over Play Rough, Iron tail, or Superpower.
[Checks and Counters]
Clefable- Without Iron Tail, Absol is mostly walled by Clefable. Celfable can take Absol’s Dark-type STAB, even at after a Swords Dance. Additionally, Clefable can OHKO Absol with Moonblast and Swords Dance boosted Play Rough from Absol isn’t even a guaranteed 2HKO.
Mega Lopunny- Mega Loppuny outspeeds Absol, does a good chuck with Fake Out, and can OHKO it with High Jump Kick. Also, Mega Lopunny doesn't take much from unboosted Sucker Punch and Play Rough has a very low chance of OHKOing it at full health
Surprise Choice Scarfers- Absol relies on accurate Sucker Punch predictions to get past Pokemon holding Choice Scarf so Pokemon with multiple item choices, like Heatran, Excadrill, and Mammoswine, can get the jump on Absol if running Choice Scarf.
Klefki- Although Klefki is rare, it does have a niche in the metagame, and can cause problems for Absol running Play Rough. The dual screens set is hard to break past and can takes advantage of Absol's boosts with foul play. The spikes set, while more manageable, can take any of Absol's moves after a Swords Dance and threatens Absol with Fairy-type STAB.
Dark-types- If Absol doesn't run Play Rough or Superpower, Dark-types like Bisharp, Mega Gyrados, and Mandibuzz, can be major problems.
Bulky/resistant Priority user- Absol is vulnerable to common priority like technician Breloom’s Mach Punch, Dragonite’s Extreme Speed, Banded Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, and Scizor's Bullet Punch. Sucker Punch helps against these but most easily live one from either from natural bulk or a resistance.
Sand Rush Excadrill- Excadrill in sand can outspeed Absol and threaten it with an OHKO. In addition, it can easily live an unboosted Sucker Punch.
Passive Damage- Absol has no meaningful way to heal itself, so passive damage like sand and hazards are almost always permeant on it, hurting its already low longevity. Additionally, Rocky Helmet, Iron Barbs, and Rough Skin are all common on Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, and most of Absol's moves activate them.
U-turns- Thanks to it’s weakness to bug, Mega Absol struggles to take even the weakest U-turns.
[CREDITS]
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