[OVERVIEW]
With its wonderful defensive typing and incredible ability, Tapu Fini is an immense support presence in the tier, being able to check threats like Ash-Greninja and Kommo-o and give its offensive teammates a layer of protection against opposing status. Its great utility movepool includes Defog, letting it clear entry hazards from the likes of Heatran and Ash-Greninja as it threatens them out, and Taunt, which allows Tapu Fini to pester defensive Pokemon like Chansey and Toxapex and further help it in preventing hazards. It can also give hyper offense teams a headache with an offensive Calm Mind set, forcing through the likes of Volcarona one-on-one with boosts. However, Tapu Fini's fatal flaw is its complete lack of consistent recovery, giving it a total reliance on its item for healing and subsequently a vulnerability to Knock Off, meaning it doesn't want to be tasked with handling the otherwise-walled Weavile. Additionally, being a grounded user of Defog has the downside of needing to take, upon switch-in, Stealth Rock, Spikes, and, worst of all, Toxic Spikes, which activate before Misty Terrain and ruin Tapu Fini permanently. Lastly, Tapu Fini isn't entirely safe to switch into Greninja and Kommo-o without prior scouting, as it can be nastily surprised by a Protean set wielding Gunk Shot from the former and Electrium Z or Poisonium Z sets of the latter.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Scald / Nature's Madness / Surf
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Defog / Nature's Madness / Knock Off
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 92 Def / 32 SpA / 120 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Scald allows Tapu Fini to hit back at Fire-types like Heatran and Victini and threaten burns against Landorus-T and Tapu Bulu switching in, though Surf can be used to hit harder, pressuring the likes of specially defensive Gliscor and offensive Heatran better; this is sometimes preferable due to Scald not being able to burn many targets. Moonblast is crucial to threaten Ash-Greninja as well as others like Kommo-o and Weavile. Defog can be used on Tapu Fini when it can't be fit elsewhere on the team, allowing it to negate progress with entry hazards from Ash-Greninja and Heatran. Taunt has a wide variety of uses, such as blocking recovery and entry hazards from Chansey, Clefable, and Toxapex. Nature's Madness is another option that can be slotted on instead of Scald or Defog, brutally punishing a variety of targets including Ferrothorn and Assault Vest Magearna as they switch in. Nature's Madness pairs well with Taunt, as it then becomes massively threatening against the likes of Chansey and Clefable when Taunt can block their method of healing the damage off. Knock Off is a safe punishing option that can hurt the longevity of the likes of Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and opposing Tapu Fini by removing their Leftovers.
Set Details
========
92 Defense EVs allow Tapu Fini to always survive +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock, and 32 Special Attack EVs ensure that Moonblast OHKOes it after Stealth Rock. 16 Speed EVs are used to outpace Adamant Crawdaunt. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense to best take on the likes of Ash-Greninja and Heatran. If Tapu Fini is paired with another Hawlucha answer, such as Zapdos, then it's free to shift its EVs around to hit 192 Speed, outspeeding Modest Heatran. Another option for an EV spread is a physically defensive set consisting of 248 HP / 156 Def / 40 SpD / 64 Spe with a Bold nature, suiting Tapu Fini to better handle physical threats like Mega Charizard X and Mega Lopunny, with the Defense EVs letting it survive two Zen Headbutts from Mega Medicham from full health with Leftovers recovery. 64 Speed EVs let Tapu Fini outspeed Adamant non-Mega Tyranitar.
Usage Tips
========
The biggest priority when using Tapu Fini is dodging Knock Off, as without a way to heal, it's virtually finished without Leftovers. The exceptions to this are if Tapu Fini is required to handle Weavile in a pinch or in certain situations where it's favorable enough to trade chip damage against the likes of Landorus-T. Greninja isn't easy at all; if you are unable to deduce whether the foe is Battle Bond or Protean Greninja from team preview and guess wrong, Tapu Fini will be severely damaged by Gunk Shot as it switches in. Grassium Z Heatran is equally as threatening, though once Heatran takes entry hazards and it's revealed to not have Leftovers, you know to be suspicious of it. Tapu Fini should be switched in frequently to set Misty Terrain to neuter opposing Scald and block Will-O-Wisp from the likes of Toxapex, Slowbro, and Rotom-W, providing safer entry for physical attackers like Weavile, Kartana, and Kyurem-B and assisting teammates that use contact moves like Mega Charizard X and the aforementioned Kartana by protecting them from Static from Zapdos and Flame Body from Volcarona. If Tapu Fini is your team's only Hawlucha check, you should generally not use it until it is needed, if possible, considering the small margin for chip damage afforded against +2 Acrobatics. When facing a Toxic Spikes setter with Tapu Fini as your team's Defogger, take note of the amount of turns of Misty Terrain remaining; you have to get Tapu Fini in to clear the Toxic Spikes before the Misty Terrain runs out, or it'll never be able to remove them without braving poison again.
Team Options
========
Tapu Fini primarily finds its home on fast-paced offense teams, which appreciate its immense short-term defensive prowess and especially the Misty Terrain it brings to the field. Physical attackers, including Weavile, Kyurem-B, Kartana, and Mega Scizor, are vitalized by a temporary immunity to burn as well as other effects like Toxic poison and paralysis, giving them bold entry opportunities against the likes of Toxapex, Seismitoad, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Mega Charizard X is another attacker that appreciates Misty Terrain, as it can freely set up on Toxapex and Slowbro without fear of Toxic while it's active. Secondary or alternative Defoggers like Landorus-T and Kartana can either lift the pressure off of Tapu Fini in the face of Toxic Spikes Toxapex or free up a moveslot for it entirely. Fire-types like Heatran and either Mega Charizard forme can take care of Ferrothorn and other annoying Grass-types like Serperior and Choice-locked Kartana for Tapu Fini, with Tapu Fini providing them a safe switch into Ash-Greninja. Tapu Fini fits well on Mega Charizard Y teams as it's a Water-type that doesn't necessarily require a Water-type STAB move, which would be weakened, as well as its proficiency at weakening Toxapex and Chansey for Mega Charizard Y with its combination of Nature's Madness and Taunt.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Surf
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Taunt / Defog
item: Wiki Berry / Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 196 HP / 216 SpA / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Holding onto its defensive utility that comes with its great typing and bulk, Tapu Fini's threat as a Calm Mind sweeper lies in how difficult it is to cleanly revenge kill, giving it a great matchup into offensive teams. Calm Mind allows Tapu Fini to boost up alongside and beat Volcarona and, combined with Taunt, turn Toxapex into setup fodder. The Special Defense boosts are great for blunting weaker special attacks like Volt Switch from Rotom-W and Magearna and Moonblast from Clefable. Surf is chosen over Scald due to the Base Power difference becoming more significant with boosts, with one notable advantage being that it cleanly OHKOes Swords Dance Gliscor after a Calm Mind boost and has much better odds to OHKO specially defensive Heatran at +2. Defog can be used over Taunt if Tapu Fini's team really can't fit it anywhere else, still maintaining a threat level without Taunt.
Set Details
========
96 Speed EVs allow Tapu Fini to outspeed Jolly Crawdaunt and Modest Magearna. 216 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature ensure the 2HKO on Mega Scizor with +1 Surf after Stealth Rock. Wiki Berry synergizes great with this set's main strategy, allowing it to trade damage with the likes of Tapu Koko and Magearna and recoup health immediately. Leftovers is another viable option that sacrifices this to have more consistent early- and mid-game usage.
Usage Tips
========
Pokemon like Ash-Greninja and Heatran that Tapu Fini checks and threatens out make for a perfect opportunity to set up a free Calm Mind boost. A lot of offensive teams have to rely on Pokemon that can't safely switch directly into Tapu Fini, like Kartana and Tapu Koko, in order to threaten out Tapu Fini after it grabs an early Calm Mind boost, giving it an opportunity to take chunks out of slower pivots like Rotom-W and Magearna as they attempt to bring the revenge killers in. Although Toxapex seems like a straightforward matchup, Toxapex still holds the threat of burning Tapu Fini with Scald after the Terrain runs dry, so this interaction is not something you should charge headfirst into at the start of a match; a better idea is to wait until Toxapex's teammates are too weakened to safely take a hit once Toxapex is forced out by boosted attacks and Taunt. Although Tapu Fini is adept at trading off HP and spreading chip damage, it's best to avoid taking unnecessary hits like Rotom-W's Volt Switch if Tapu Fini's health needs to be preserved to defensively check Ash-Greninja or pose a late-game threat.
Team Options
========
This set fits well onto bulky offensive structures to give them some defensive solidity while also being a threat itself, improving their matchup against opposing offensive teams. Wallbreakers like Mega Charizard X and Kyurem-B can soften up the opposing team to give Tapu Fini an easier time making progress and vice versa, with both of these examples appreciating the temporary status immunity from Misty Terrain when dealing with the likes of Toxapex. Offensive Magearna sets, such as offensive Trick Room, make for interesting partners, as they appreciate Tapu Fini taking the heat off of them defensively against the likes of Greninja and Kommo-o, and they can work away at Fairy-type checks like opposing defensive Magearna, Celesteela, and Toxapex. Cresselia is a great teammate, as it can provide Lunar Dance support, instantly recouping Tapu Fini's HP and giving it more free reign for defensive usage and to trade HP early- to mid-game. Mega Heracross synergizes well with both Tapu Fini and the aforementioned Cresselia, appreciating Misty Terrain preventing Scald burns and Toxic from the likes of Toxapex and Chansey as it switches in as well as Trick Room from Cresselia.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
[SET]
name: Whirlpool Trapper
move 1: Whirlpool
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Nature’s Madness
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 156 Def / 40 SpD / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Whirlpool allows Tapu Fini to lock a passive Pokemon, like Toxapex or Chansey, into a one-on-one, forcibly removing them from the game when used in conjunction with Taunt and Nature's Madness. Taunt prevents healing attempts from Toxapex, Chansey, and Clefable and is essential to their removal. Nature's Madness is the main driving force of Tapu Fini's trapping operation, chipping down its targets with its repeated use. Moonblast is the finishing move in this sequence while giving this set more viability when its targets are not present and allowing Tapu Fini to check Choice Specs Greninja, Kommo-o, and Hawlucha.
Set Details
========
64 Speed EVs allow Tapu Fini to outspeed Adamant non-Mega Tyranitar. 156 Defense EVs let Tapu Fini avoid the 2HKO from Mega Medicham's Zen Headbutt after Leftovers recovery. The remaining EVs are pooled into Special Defense, helping out Tapu Fini with special attackers like Ash-Greninja. Though a physically defensive spread is great for the likes of Mega Charizard X and Mega Lopunny, a specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 92 Def / 32 SpA / 120 SpD / 16 Spe with a Calm nature can be used instead, with the physical bulk letting Tapu Fini dodge the OHKO from +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock, 32 Special Attack EVs ensuring Moonblast OHKOes Hawlucha after Stealth Rock, and 16 Speed EVs to outpace Adamant Crawdaunt. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense to best take on the likes of Ash-Greninja and Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
Tapu Fini has lots of opportunity to switch in during a game using its stellar defensive typing to come in on resisted attacks from the likes of Greninja and Heatran, as well as using Misty Terrain to avoid status from Toxapex or Chansey to switch in unscathed. You should refrain from using Whirlpool until you are faced with one of the aforementioned targets, as revealing Whirlpool too early can dissuade them from switching in. Once Tapu Fini has imprisoned them with Whirlpool, use Taunt immediately, as any time wasted by the opponent being able to heal could result in Whirlpool running out of turns and setting the opposing Pokemon free. Use Nature's Madness until the opposing Pokemon is drained low enough to be finished off by Moonblast. It's important to note that Tapu Fini is essentially trading itself for Chansey due to the high amount of damage it can rack up in response with repeated Seismic Tosses, so consider whether you need Tapu Fini to check an opposing threat before trapping a target. Other than trapping, it supports its teammates with Misty Terrain and uses its defensive typing to handle the likes of Ash-Greninja.
Team Options
========
This variant is a great addition to offense and bulky offense teams, as Tapu Fini wants strong wallbreakers and efficient cleaners to take advantage of the holes it leaves with its forcible removal. Among the Pokemon that take advantage of a team missing Toxapex and Chansey are Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona; (ASC) the former becomes a much more threatening wallbreaking presence and the latter is often left with little to stand up to its sweep. Kartana is a nice idea for a Defogger teammate, as it benefits greatly from Misty Terrain removing the threat of weak Scalds from the likes of Toxapex and Slowbro and adverse contact effects like Zapdos's Static and Volcarona's Flame Body. Heatran can handle Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Serperior for Tapu Fini and appreciates having Chansey and Toxapex handled by something else so that it can drop Taunt with less downsides.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Tapu Fini can run a Choice Scarf set utilizing maximum Special Attack and Speed investment and Trick, using its Speed to either revenge kill or pick up surprise KOs against weakened threats like Tapu Koko and Mega Alakazam, with the extra option of crippling walls like Ferrothorn and Chansey with Trick. Surf is often the Water-type STAB move of choice for this set, giving Tapu Fini the extra power it wants to pick off the aforementioned offensive threats and hit the likes of Heatran and Gliscor harder. Icium Z in conjunction with Haze gives Tapu Fini a one-time burst of healing that can't be spoiled by item removal, though removing Tapu Fini's passive recovery puts it on an exploitable and often short timer.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Tapu Bulu, Serperior, and Ferrothorn are able to take Tapu Fini's attacks without much bother and threaten it out. Interestingly, since Tapu Bulu sets its own Grassy Terrain to replace Misty Terrain, it must be careful of burn from Scald as it switches in. Kartana is similarly threatening, though its awful special bulk means it's often risky to switch it directly into Tapu Fini.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, and Rotom-W are able to quite straightforwardly threaten to chunk Tapu Fini with super effective Electric-type attacks, though Tapu Koko doesn't love to switch into Tapu Fini's attacks, especially if not carrying Roost.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Super effective coverage rains in from all over the metagame. Grassium Z Heatran, Solar Beam Mega Charizard Y, and Giga Drain Volcarona utilize Grass-type coverage moves, and Mega Charizard Y is able to switch in safely thanks to its Drought weakening Tapu Fini's Water-type moves. Bolt Strike Victini and Thunder Punch Mega Medicham and Mega Mawile wield Electric-type coverage moves, and Gunk Shot Protean Greninja and Poison Jab Kommo-o tech on Poison-type attacks with Tapu Fini in mind.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex completely walls Tapu Fini's STAB combination and sets the most aggravating entry hazard possible for Tapu Fini, Toxic Spikes, making it the bane of Tapu Fini's existence. It can even be especially nasty and carry Knock Off, instantly ruining Tapu Fini's chances at longevity. However, an unsuspecting Toxapex can have the matchup flipped on it by the Whirlpool + Nature's Madness variant.
**Passive Damage**: Passive damage from entry hazards is aggravating to the grounded, recovery-lacking Tapu Fini, which is only exacerbated when its Leftovers are cancelled out by sand or, worse, removed entirely by Knock Off. Though not a straightforward task due to Tapu Fini's ability, it's ruined by poison, which is most commonly inflicted by Toxic Spikes, or burn from Scald after a lengthy stalemate with Toxapex that has outlasted Misty Terrain.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
With its wonderful defensive typing and incredible ability, Tapu Fini is an immense support presence in the tier, being able to check threats like Ash-Greninja and Kommo-o and give its offensive teammates a layer of protection against opposing status. Its great utility movepool includes Defog, letting it clear entry hazards from the likes of Heatran and Ash-Greninja as it threatens them out, and Taunt, which allows Tapu Fini to pester defensive Pokemon like Chansey and Toxapex and further help it in preventing hazards. It can also give hyper offense teams a headache with an offensive Calm Mind set, forcing through the likes of Volcarona one-on-one with boosts. However, Tapu Fini's fatal flaw is its complete lack of consistent recovery, giving it a total reliance on its item for healing and subsequently a vulnerability to Knock Off, meaning it doesn't want to be tasked with handling the otherwise-walled Weavile. Additionally, being a grounded user of Defog has the downside of needing to take, upon switch-in, Stealth Rock, Spikes, and, worst of all, Toxic Spikes, which activate before Misty Terrain and ruin Tapu Fini permanently. Lastly, Tapu Fini isn't entirely safe to switch into Greninja and Kommo-o without prior scouting, as it can be nastily surprised by a Protean set wielding Gunk Shot from the former and Electrium Z or Poisonium Z sets of the latter.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Scald / Nature's Madness / Surf
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Defog / Nature's Madness / Knock Off
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 92 Def / 32 SpA / 120 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Scald allows Tapu Fini to hit back at Fire-types like Heatran and Victini and threaten burns against Landorus-T and Tapu Bulu switching in, though Surf can be used to hit harder, pressuring the likes of specially defensive Gliscor and offensive Heatran better; this is sometimes preferable due to Scald not being able to burn many targets. Moonblast is crucial to threaten Ash-Greninja as well as others like Kommo-o and Weavile. Defog can be used on Tapu Fini when it can't be fit elsewhere on the team, allowing it to negate progress with entry hazards from Ash-Greninja and Heatran. Taunt has a wide variety of uses, such as blocking recovery and entry hazards from Chansey, Clefable, and Toxapex. Nature's Madness is another option that can be slotted on instead of Scald or Defog, brutally punishing a variety of targets including Ferrothorn and Assault Vest Magearna as they switch in. Nature's Madness pairs well with Taunt, as it then becomes massively threatening against the likes of Chansey and Clefable when Taunt can block their method of healing the damage off. Knock Off is a safe punishing option that can hurt the longevity of the likes of Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and opposing Tapu Fini by removing their Leftovers.
Set Details
========
92 Defense EVs allow Tapu Fini to always survive +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock, and 32 Special Attack EVs ensure that Moonblast OHKOes it after Stealth Rock. 16 Speed EVs are used to outpace Adamant Crawdaunt. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense to best take on the likes of Ash-Greninja and Heatran. If Tapu Fini is paired with another Hawlucha answer, such as Zapdos, then it's free to shift its EVs around to hit 192 Speed, outspeeding Modest Heatran. Another option for an EV spread is a physically defensive set consisting of 248 HP / 156 Def / 40 SpD / 64 Spe with a Bold nature, suiting Tapu Fini to better handle physical threats like Mega Charizard X and Mega Lopunny, with the Defense EVs letting it survive two Zen Headbutts from Mega Medicham from full health with Leftovers recovery. 64 Speed EVs let Tapu Fini outspeed Adamant non-Mega Tyranitar.
Usage Tips
========
The biggest priority when using Tapu Fini is dodging Knock Off, as without a way to heal, it's virtually finished without Leftovers. The exceptions to this are if Tapu Fini is required to handle Weavile in a pinch or in certain situations where it's favorable enough to trade chip damage against the likes of Landorus-T. Greninja isn't easy at all; if you are unable to deduce whether the foe is Battle Bond or Protean Greninja from team preview and guess wrong, Tapu Fini will be severely damaged by Gunk Shot as it switches in. Grassium Z Heatran is equally as threatening, though once Heatran takes entry hazards and it's revealed to not have Leftovers, you know to be suspicious of it. Tapu Fini should be switched in frequently to set Misty Terrain to neuter opposing Scald and block Will-O-Wisp from the likes of Toxapex, Slowbro, and Rotom-W, providing safer entry for physical attackers like Weavile, Kartana, and Kyurem-B and assisting teammates that use contact moves like Mega Charizard X and the aforementioned Kartana by protecting them from Static from Zapdos and Flame Body from Volcarona. If Tapu Fini is your team's only Hawlucha check, you should generally not use it until it is needed, if possible, considering the small margin for chip damage afforded against +2 Acrobatics. When facing a Toxic Spikes setter with Tapu Fini as your team's Defogger, take note of the amount of turns of Misty Terrain remaining; you have to get Tapu Fini in to clear the Toxic Spikes before the Misty Terrain runs out, or it'll never be able to remove them without braving poison again.
Team Options
========
Tapu Fini primarily finds its home on fast-paced offense teams, which appreciate its immense short-term defensive prowess and especially the Misty Terrain it brings to the field. Physical attackers, including Weavile, Kyurem-B, Kartana, and Mega Scizor, are vitalized by a temporary immunity to burn as well as other effects like Toxic poison and paralysis, giving them bold entry opportunities against the likes of Toxapex, Seismitoad, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Mega Charizard X is another attacker that appreciates Misty Terrain, as it can freely set up on Toxapex and Slowbro without fear of Toxic while it's active. Secondary or alternative Defoggers like Landorus-T and Kartana can either lift the pressure off of Tapu Fini in the face of Toxic Spikes Toxapex or free up a moveslot for it entirely. Fire-types like Heatran and either Mega Charizard forme can take care of Ferrothorn and other annoying Grass-types like Serperior and Choice-locked Kartana for Tapu Fini, with Tapu Fini providing them a safe switch into Ash-Greninja. Tapu Fini fits well on Mega Charizard Y teams as it's a Water-type that doesn't necessarily require a Water-type STAB move, which would be weakened, as well as its proficiency at weakening Toxapex and Chansey for Mega Charizard Y with its combination of Nature's Madness and Taunt.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Surf
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Taunt / Defog
item: Wiki Berry / Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 196 HP / 216 SpA / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Holding onto its defensive utility that comes with its great typing and bulk, Tapu Fini's threat as a Calm Mind sweeper lies in how difficult it is to cleanly revenge kill, giving it a great matchup into offensive teams. Calm Mind allows Tapu Fini to boost up alongside and beat Volcarona and, combined with Taunt, turn Toxapex into setup fodder. The Special Defense boosts are great for blunting weaker special attacks like Volt Switch from Rotom-W and Magearna and Moonblast from Clefable. Surf is chosen over Scald due to the Base Power difference becoming more significant with boosts, with one notable advantage being that it cleanly OHKOes Swords Dance Gliscor after a Calm Mind boost and has much better odds to OHKO specially defensive Heatran at +2. Defog can be used over Taunt if Tapu Fini's team really can't fit it anywhere else, still maintaining a threat level without Taunt.
Set Details
========
96 Speed EVs allow Tapu Fini to outspeed Jolly Crawdaunt and Modest Magearna. 216 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature ensure the 2HKO on Mega Scizor with +1 Surf after Stealth Rock. Wiki Berry synergizes great with this set's main strategy, allowing it to trade damage with the likes of Tapu Koko and Magearna and recoup health immediately. Leftovers is another viable option that sacrifices this to have more consistent early- and mid-game usage.
Usage Tips
========
Pokemon like Ash-Greninja and Heatran that Tapu Fini checks and threatens out make for a perfect opportunity to set up a free Calm Mind boost. A lot of offensive teams have to rely on Pokemon that can't safely switch directly into Tapu Fini, like Kartana and Tapu Koko, in order to threaten out Tapu Fini after it grabs an early Calm Mind boost, giving it an opportunity to take chunks out of slower pivots like Rotom-W and Magearna as they attempt to bring the revenge killers in. Although Toxapex seems like a straightforward matchup, Toxapex still holds the threat of burning Tapu Fini with Scald after the Terrain runs dry, so this interaction is not something you should charge headfirst into at the start of a match; a better idea is to wait until Toxapex's teammates are too weakened to safely take a hit once Toxapex is forced out by boosted attacks and Taunt. Although Tapu Fini is adept at trading off HP and spreading chip damage, it's best to avoid taking unnecessary hits like Rotom-W's Volt Switch if Tapu Fini's health needs to be preserved to defensively check Ash-Greninja or pose a late-game threat.
Team Options
========
This set fits well onto bulky offensive structures to give them some defensive solidity while also being a threat itself, improving their matchup against opposing offensive teams. Wallbreakers like Mega Charizard X and Kyurem-B can soften up the opposing team to give Tapu Fini an easier time making progress and vice versa, with both of these examples appreciating the temporary status immunity from Misty Terrain when dealing with the likes of Toxapex. Offensive Magearna sets, such as offensive Trick Room, make for interesting partners, as they appreciate Tapu Fini taking the heat off of them defensively against the likes of Greninja and Kommo-o, and they can work away at Fairy-type checks like opposing defensive Magearna, Celesteela, and Toxapex. Cresselia is a great teammate, as it can provide Lunar Dance support, instantly recouping Tapu Fini's HP and giving it more free reign for defensive usage and to trade HP early- to mid-game. Mega Heracross synergizes well with both Tapu Fini and the aforementioned Cresselia, appreciating Misty Terrain preventing Scald burns and Toxic from the likes of Toxapex and Chansey as it switches in as well as Trick Room from Cresselia.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
[SET]
name: Whirlpool Trapper
move 1: Whirlpool
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Nature’s Madness
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 156 Def / 40 SpD / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Whirlpool allows Tapu Fini to lock a passive Pokemon, like Toxapex or Chansey, into a one-on-one, forcibly removing them from the game when used in conjunction with Taunt and Nature's Madness. Taunt prevents healing attempts from Toxapex, Chansey, and Clefable and is essential to their removal. Nature's Madness is the main driving force of Tapu Fini's trapping operation, chipping down its targets with its repeated use. Moonblast is the finishing move in this sequence while giving this set more viability when its targets are not present and allowing Tapu Fini to check Choice Specs Greninja, Kommo-o, and Hawlucha.
Set Details
========
64 Speed EVs allow Tapu Fini to outspeed Adamant non-Mega Tyranitar. 156 Defense EVs let Tapu Fini avoid the 2HKO from Mega Medicham's Zen Headbutt after Leftovers recovery. The remaining EVs are pooled into Special Defense, helping out Tapu Fini with special attackers like Ash-Greninja. Though a physically defensive spread is great for the likes of Mega Charizard X and Mega Lopunny, a specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 92 Def / 32 SpA / 120 SpD / 16 Spe with a Calm nature can be used instead, with the physical bulk letting Tapu Fini dodge the OHKO from +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock, 32 Special Attack EVs ensuring Moonblast OHKOes Hawlucha after Stealth Rock, and 16 Speed EVs to outpace Adamant Crawdaunt. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense to best take on the likes of Ash-Greninja and Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
Tapu Fini has lots of opportunity to switch in during a game using its stellar defensive typing to come in on resisted attacks from the likes of Greninja and Heatran, as well as using Misty Terrain to avoid status from Toxapex or Chansey to switch in unscathed. You should refrain from using Whirlpool until you are faced with one of the aforementioned targets, as revealing Whirlpool too early can dissuade them from switching in. Once Tapu Fini has imprisoned them with Whirlpool, use Taunt immediately, as any time wasted by the opponent being able to heal could result in Whirlpool running out of turns and setting the opposing Pokemon free. Use Nature's Madness until the opposing Pokemon is drained low enough to be finished off by Moonblast. It's important to note that Tapu Fini is essentially trading itself for Chansey due to the high amount of damage it can rack up in response with repeated Seismic Tosses, so consider whether you need Tapu Fini to check an opposing threat before trapping a target. Other than trapping, it supports its teammates with Misty Terrain and uses its defensive typing to handle the likes of Ash-Greninja.
Team Options
========
This variant is a great addition to offense and bulky offense teams, as Tapu Fini wants strong wallbreakers and efficient cleaners to take advantage of the holes it leaves with its forcible removal. Among the Pokemon that take advantage of a team missing Toxapex and Chansey are Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona; (ASC) the former becomes a much more threatening wallbreaking presence and the latter is often left with little to stand up to its sweep. Kartana is a nice idea for a Defogger teammate, as it benefits greatly from Misty Terrain removing the threat of weak Scalds from the likes of Toxapex and Slowbro and adverse contact effects like Zapdos's Static and Volcarona's Flame Body. Heatran can handle Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Serperior for Tapu Fini and appreciates having Chansey and Toxapex handled by something else so that it can drop Taunt with less downsides.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Tapu Fini can run a Choice Scarf set utilizing maximum Special Attack and Speed investment and Trick, using its Speed to either revenge kill or pick up surprise KOs against weakened threats like Tapu Koko and Mega Alakazam, with the extra option of crippling walls like Ferrothorn and Chansey with Trick. Surf is often the Water-type STAB move of choice for this set, giving Tapu Fini the extra power it wants to pick off the aforementioned offensive threats and hit the likes of Heatran and Gliscor harder. Icium Z in conjunction with Haze gives Tapu Fini a one-time burst of healing that can't be spoiled by item removal, though removing Tapu Fini's passive recovery puts it on an exploitable and often short timer.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Tapu Bulu, Serperior, and Ferrothorn are able to take Tapu Fini's attacks without much bother and threaten it out. Interestingly, since Tapu Bulu sets its own Grassy Terrain to replace Misty Terrain, it must be careful of burn from Scald as it switches in. Kartana is similarly threatening, though its awful special bulk means it's often risky to switch it directly into Tapu Fini.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, and Rotom-W are able to quite straightforwardly threaten to chunk Tapu Fini with super effective Electric-type attacks, though Tapu Koko doesn't love to switch into Tapu Fini's attacks, especially if not carrying Roost.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Super effective coverage rains in from all over the metagame. Grassium Z Heatran, Solar Beam Mega Charizard Y, and Giga Drain Volcarona utilize Grass-type coverage moves, and Mega Charizard Y is able to switch in safely thanks to its Drought weakening Tapu Fini's Water-type moves. Bolt Strike Victini and Thunder Punch Mega Medicham and Mega Mawile wield Electric-type coverage moves, and Gunk Shot Protean Greninja and Poison Jab Kommo-o tech on Poison-type attacks with Tapu Fini in mind.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex completely walls Tapu Fini's STAB combination and sets the most aggravating entry hazard possible for Tapu Fini, Toxic Spikes, making it the bane of Tapu Fini's existence. It can even be especially nasty and carry Knock Off, instantly ruining Tapu Fini's chances at longevity. However, an unsuspecting Toxapex can have the matchup flipped on it by the Whirlpool + Nature's Madness variant.
**Passive Damage**: Passive damage from entry hazards is aggravating to the grounded, recovery-lacking Tapu Fini, which is only exacerbated when its Leftovers are cancelled out by sand or, worse, removed entirely by Knock Off. Though not a straightforward task due to Tapu Fini's ability, it's ruined by poison, which is most commonly inflicted by Toxic Spikes, or burn from Scald after a lengthy stalemate with Toxapex that has outlasted Misty Terrain.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Last edited:
