[OVERVIEW]
Pinsir is the best offensive Bug-type in the metagame, possessing a potent Attack stat, astounding coverage, access to Swords Dance, and strong offensive abilities, allowing it to function as a solid wallbreaker or setup sweeper that is difficult to wall. Multiple viable sets allow Pinsir to excel in multiple matchups; Mold Breaker allows Pinsir to bypass Pyukumuku's Unaware and Bronzor's Levitate, helping Pinsir to break down bulkier and slower teams, making it one of the most effective wallbreakers against stall, while Moxie gives Pinsir explosive late-game potential against offensive teams when its Speed is enhanced through either Z-Me First or Choice Scarf. Moxie boosts can easily snowball and make it difficult for opponents to sacrifice Pokemon. Solid physical bulk makes Pinsir difficult to revenge kill with faster physical attackers or strong priority users like Pawniard without it already being severely weakened. However, as powerful as Pinsir's advantages are, its Stealth Rock weakness and inability to set up on Pokemon like Golem, Combusken, and Gabite limit its ability to make better use of its Fighting and Ground resistances. Pinsir also is frequently checked by Flying- and Fire-types, as they are often faster and their presence forces Pinsir to predict with its coverage moves to prevent giving them opportunities to switch in. A middling Speed tier leaves Pinsir easily revenge killed by offensive threats such as Swanna, Oricorio-F, Chatot, and Silvally. Low special bulk makes it similarly susceptible to faster special attackers, as Pokemon like Floatzel and specially based Silvally formes with Flamethrower often threaten to KO it from near full. Despite Pinsir's great matchup versatility, each set's effectiveness ultimately depends on having the right matchup to get the most mileage out of them.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Buginium Z
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
X-Scissor in conjunction with Buginium Z is notable for breaking through Pyukumuku and Gourgeist-XL after minimal chip damage and a Swords Dance boost, which is important for optimizing Pinsir's matchup against stall's two most prominent physically defensive Pokemon. Earthquake hits Fire-, Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types like Combusken, Carbink, Muk, and Probopass much harder than its STAB attacks. Stone Edge is Pinsir's main tool for hitting Flying-types such as Rotom-S, Oricorio-F, and Swanna.
Set Details
========
Buginium Z's purpose is twofold. On one hand, after a Swords Dance boost, Savage Spin-Out is a one-time nuke that helps Pinsir break through Gourgeist-XL and Pyukumuku as well as other bulky Pokemon such as Gabite and physically defensive Golem after minor chip damage. It also allows Pinsir to reliably check Celebrate Leafeon, as it tanks Knock Off even better and can easily KO Leafeon through its +1 Defense with the nuke. Life Orb is an alternative to boost its coverage options, allow it to increase its attacking power without setting up, and free up the team's Z-Crystal slot. Mold Breaker allows Pinsir to be an effective wallbreaker, bypassing abilities such as Bronzor's Levitate and Pyukumuku's Unaware.
Usage Tips
========
This set is a wallbreaker, so it's best used to soften up defensive teams so that teammates can sweep past the remaining Pokemon. Pinsir can find setup opportunities against Grass- and Psychic-types threatened by it, passive Pokemon lacking options to cripple it (especially burns), and physical attackers locked into a weak coverage move. If bulky Ghost-types are present, avoid setting up unless they are removed or are able to be put in the range of Pinsir's +2 attacks. Avoid switching into Stealth Rock whenever possible, as it's important to keep Pinsir healthy enough to maintain setup opportunities. Given Pinsir's tendency to force in Pokemon that resist its attacks, it's important to assess when to make an aggressive prediction, as it's advantageous to catch faster Fire- and Flying-type checks with the appropriate coverage move to avoid losing momentum. Similarly, if you expect the opponent to send out bulky offensive checks that don't resist Bug like Silvally-Dragon on a predicted Swords Dance, it may be best to fire off Savage Spin-Out for the extra burst damage to bring them down after some prior chip damage.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support helps maximize Pinsir's damage output against physically defensive Pokemon and punish Flying- and Fire-type checks that switch in. Golem and Bronzor are high-profile partners; Golem checks Rotom-S, Zebstrika, and Electivire while blocking their Volt Switches. Sturdy also punishes interactions with Fire- and Flying-type Pokemon that attempt to break through it, as its STAB attacks often KO them in retaliation. Golem also draws in Grass-type Pokemon like Tangela and Leafeon for Pinsir to pressure. While Bronzor adds another Fire weakness, it can still defensively check various Flying-types and faster special attackers, offers a Rock resistance for checking Golem, and draws in certain Knock Off users like Komala and Leafeon that Pinsir can pivot into and threaten. Entry hazard control is also advised to mitigate Pinsir's Stealth Rock weakness. Silvally-Water is a great option due to its ability to not only solidly check Floatzel but also offensively check Golem and, when lacking Flamethrower, provide a pivot that baits in Abomasnow for Pinsir to threaten. Bulky Komala can blanket check specially based revenge killers while either passing Wishes or pivoting with U-turn. Pinsir can take advantage of non-Rock Slide variants of Silvally-Fighting in return. Altaria can check various Fire-types decently well and function as a status absorber to take advantage of Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL if Pinsir is not in a position to break past them. Setup sweepers such as Muk and Bulk Up Komala appreciate Pinsir's ability to threaten the likes of Gourgeist-XL, Bronzor, and Pyukumuku. Other Flying-type checks apart from the aforementioned Stealth Rock users include Electivire and Rotom-S, both of which can also equip a Choice Scarf to check offensive threats and simultaneously offer pivoting options. Fire-type checks apart from Altaria and Silvally-Water can include Rapidash, Floatzel, and Mareanie. Pokemon that can punish bulky Ghost-types are appreciated, as a few of them like Dusclops and Silvally-Ghost can take boosted hits from this set, retaliate with burns, and recover from damage taken. The aforementioned Komala and Pawniard are good options, as they have Knock Off to remove Dusclops's Eviolite, drastically reducing its survivability.
[SET]
name: Z-Me First
move 1: Me First
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Normalium Z
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Me First copies a slower foe's move at 1.5x power, but when used with Normalium Z it also turns the copied attack into a Z-Move while doubling Pinsir's Speed. This turns Pinsir into a formidable late-game cleaner, as it outspeeds every relevant Choice Scarf user in the tier after this boost. Earthquake and Stone Edge are Pinsir's best coverage options for sweeping, as they punish the majority of relevant Pokemon that resist Pinsir's STAB attacks such as Altaria, Probopass, Fire-types, and Poison-types.
Set Details
========
Normalium Z allows Pinsir to double its Speed with Z-Me First. An Adamant nature is preferred to get the most power out of the set, as Jolly doesn't let Pinsir outspeed anything noteworthy at +2. Moxie's Attack boosts are important to the nature of this set, as it relies on snowballing to sweep.
Usage Tips
========
This set is meant to be used as a late-game sweeper, aiming to snowball and clean up teams once physically bulky checks like Gourgeist-XL, Gabite, and Avalugg have been severely weakened or removed. Pinsir should be brought in specifically after KOs in order to use Z-Me First more easily, copy a Z-Move, and gain a Moxie boost. Setup opportunities are optimally found when trying to revenge kill slower physical attackers like Komala and offensive Granbull with Z-Me First. Otherwise, Pinsir can use its good physical bulk and typing to set up on forced switches from Grass- and Psychic-types threatened by it or on locked coverage moves that it can tank with ease while also beating the attacker one-on-one. Z-Me First's ability to copy the opposing Pokemon's move as a Z-Move can be used to create setup opportunities on Pokemon that stay in against the Swords Dance set, such as Silvally formes, especially if Pinsir's set has not been revealed. The Z-Move can be used to KO foes like Komala, Toucannon, and Hakamo-o while granting Pinsir both a Speed boost and a Moxie boost. Try to prioritize keeping Stealth Rock off the field before sending Pinsir out, as it appreciates preserving as much health as possible to keep it out of range of priority attacks.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that excel at weakening bulkier teams to open up sweeping opportunities include Pokemon like Choice Band Komala, Choice Band Golem, mixed Electivire, and Raichu. Entry hazard removers are appreciated to keep Pinsir healthy, and it synergizes well with Pokemon like Silvally-Water and Altaria. Silvally-Water can offensively threaten various defensive Pokemon like Golem, Gabite, and Gourgeist-XL with its coverage, while Altaria is a good Fire-type check and a solid counter to Gourgeist-XL. Hazard support to weaken checks is optimal, with Golem and Bronzor making solid partners for Stealth Rock support. Toxic Spikes is also one of the most potent ways of weakening Pinsir's checks to this set, with Mareanie having the best synergy due to its ability to keep them up against Silvally-Fighting and set them up on a lot of defensive Pokemon that Pinsir struggles to break through. Kadabra counterplay is recommended, as it's a revenge killer that stops this set cold with Focus Sash + Counter. Kecleon can beat it one-on-one thanks to Shadow Sneak making it immune to Counter, as well as its great natural special bulk allowing it to switch in on it. Pursuit trappers like Silvally-Dark and Pawniard are good at forcing damage also.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: X-Scissor
move 2: Earthquake / Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake targets many typical X-Scissor switch-ins, hitting Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-types for heavy damage. Close Combat's coverage is less optimal than Earthquake's, but it lets Pinsir consistently threaten Komala while retaining coverage on Pokemon like Golem and Probopass. It also deals the most damage to Silvally-Fighting. Stone Edge lets Choice Scarf Pinsir threaten faster Flying-types. Knock Off hits bulky Ghost-types like Dusclops, Silvally-Ghost, and Misdreavus harder than any of Pinsir's other attacks, as well as heavily threatening Bronzor. It is also a really solid option for pressuring switch-ins that are reliant on their item for bulk, like Golem, Gabite, and Avalugg.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature offers the most to this set in terms of power, since Pinsir is already outsped by most Choice Scarf users anyway, but Jolly is situationally useful for revenge killing Jolly Crustle effectively after the Shell Smash Defense drop. It also lets Pinsir outspeed certain niche but usable Choice Scarf users like Monferno. Moxie combined with Choice Scarf maximizes Pinsir's ability to clean up late-game.
Usage Tips
========
This set is a solid late-game cleaner but a situational revenge killer that mostly relies on super effective coverage to threaten attackers. When sent out early-game, Pinsir should often take advantage of forced switches to cripple checks with Knock Off, as removing Leftovers and Eviolite from checks is pivotal to keep them worn down. Choice Scarf Pinsir is effective at capitalizing on its relative unpredictability, so it can easily catch certain Ghost-type switch-ins off guard with Knock Off and punish naturally faster Fire- and Flying-types for staying in. In general, all of Pinsir's non-STAB attacks rely on solid prediction to work, and catching the intended targets is key to opening up sweeping opportunities later.
Team Options
========
It's important for this set to be paired with dedicated entry hazard removers that punish Pokemon that can switch into this set. This makes Pokemon like Swanna, Servine, and Silvally-Water effective Defog options, as they punish bulky Pokemon like Golem, Gabite, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Fighting, and Granbull to varying degrees. Wallbreakers that threaten stall archetypes such as Komala, Raichu, and Floatzel are effective, as those types of teams are often roadblocks towards achieving KOs and facilitating a sweep with Moxie. Checks to Fire- and Flying-types such as Altaria, Rotom-S, Mareanie, Electivire, and Golem are solid, as they will frequently take advantage of Choice-locked moves to get free turns. Having Pokemon that are more effective at revenge killing as a backup way of keeping faster foes in check is a good idea, as Pinsir is often mediocre in that role. Other Choice Scarf users to fill this role can include Silvally, Electivire, and Rapidash: Silvally can remove fast threats with its powerful Double-Edge and Explosion, can use its filler slot to lure in Gourgeist-XL and Gabite and take them out with Ice Beam or Toxic, and appreciates Pinsir crippling other Ghost-types with Knock Off. Electivire can check Flying-types and pivot around with Volt Switch, while Rapidash outspeeds all of the relevant faster Choice Scarf users that outpace Pinsir.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Lum Berry allows Pinsir to shrug off any status condition once, which makes for easier setup against defensive teams. Pinsir generally prefers Buginium Z for the sheer power, however, and its ability to force switches already makes the prospect of status less of an issue. Groundium Z can enable Pinsir to OHKO even physically defensive variants of Golem and Carbink even through Sturdy at +2 thanks to Mold Breaker. It also allows Pinsir to break through certain bulky Ghost-types like Silvally-Ghost after a boost but is generally a niche option otherwise, since Pinsir values the sheer power to break through Gourgeist-XL. Fightinium Z is another Z-Crystal that maintains the ability to break through Golem but differentiates itself for allowing Pinsir to better break past Avalugg through its Sturdy. However, this is generally not advised due to Pinsir being forced to forgo its Swords Dance set's superior coverage option in Earthquake A Focus Sash lead set is an option due to Pinsir's access to Stealth Rock and ability to fend off certain hazard deterrents with its Rock-type coverage. This still faces competition with lead options like Golem and Shuckle, however, as they have abilities that allow them to expand their item choice and provide better utility on average. Moxie with Swords Dance is an option that can take advantage of Pinsir's access to Quick Attack to sweep against weakened faster teams. However, this comes with the cost of a coverage slot, and Mold Breaker fares better against bulkier teams. Z-Me First + Swords Dance can be utilized to give Pinsir increased power while sweeping; however, Pinsir will be forced to give up one of its coverage moves. Substitute can be useful to ease prediction and protect Pinsir from status, but again it comes at the cost of coverage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Rotom-S, Swanna, Oricorio-F, Oricorio-E, and Chatot all resist Pinsir's STAB move and are immune to Earthquake, are often faster, and can naturally threaten Pinsir with their super effective STAB attacks or in Chatot's case, its powerful Boomburst that targets Pinsir's low special bulk. Choice Scarf variants of Rotom-S and Chatot are commonplace and can outspeed Pinsir's Choice Scarf set. They all must be careful about switching into Stone Edge, as even Rotom-S, the bulkiest switch-in, is OHKOed without bulk investment after Stealth Rock damage.
**Fire-types**: While Fire-types cannot switch in reliably due to the risk of being hit by an Earthquake or Stone Edge, Rapidash, Simisear, and Silvally-Fire all naturally outspeed Pinsir and OHKO it with their STAB moves. Rapidash and Simisear can viably equip Choice Scarf, letting them outspeed even Choice Scarf Pinsir and impede its sweep. Combusken can safely go for a Protect to outspeed Pinsir at +1, does not fear Savage Spin-Out bypassing it, and easily threatens it afterwards.
**Revenge Killers**: Pinsir's middling Speed and low Special Defense leave it vulnerable to being threatened by Pokemon like Zebstrika, specially based Floatzel, and various specially based Silvally formes with Flamethrower. It's worth noting that many examples of faster checks aren't as applicable against the Z-Me First variant, as they are all outsped at +2 even if they equip a Choice Scarf. Kadabra is a particularly notable example, as it's the only revenge killer that threatens all sets including Z-Me First due to its combination of Focus Sash and Counter.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: If Pinsir is running Choice Scarf or Z-Me First, it is often unable to deal significant damage to Pokemon like Pyukumuku, Altaria, Granbull, Avalugg, and Gabite. Avalugg, Gabite, and Granbull can notably use Roar to negate its Speed boosts from Z-Me First. The Swords Dance set can usually break through these threats with little trouble, however.
**Bulky Ghost-types**: Gourgeist-XL is one of the better defensive checks to Pinsir's sweeping sets, but it fails to reliably take on the Swords Dance set after Stealth Rock damage. Dusclops, Silvally-Ghost, and Misdreavus often work as checks given that they are only hit neutrally by Pinsir's coverage attacks, only fearing Knock Off on the Choice Scarf set.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[jklioe, 424692], [BloodAce, 435539]]
- Quality checked by: [[Xayah, 167012], [5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Mafeking, 122460]]
Pinsir is the best offensive Bug-type in the metagame, possessing a potent Attack stat, astounding coverage, access to Swords Dance, and strong offensive abilities, allowing it to function as a solid wallbreaker or setup sweeper that is difficult to wall. Multiple viable sets allow Pinsir to excel in multiple matchups; Mold Breaker allows Pinsir to bypass Pyukumuku's Unaware and Bronzor's Levitate, helping Pinsir to break down bulkier and slower teams, making it one of the most effective wallbreakers against stall, while Moxie gives Pinsir explosive late-game potential against offensive teams when its Speed is enhanced through either Z-Me First or Choice Scarf. Moxie boosts can easily snowball and make it difficult for opponents to sacrifice Pokemon. Solid physical bulk makes Pinsir difficult to revenge kill with faster physical attackers or strong priority users like Pawniard without it already being severely weakened. However, as powerful as Pinsir's advantages are, its Stealth Rock weakness and inability to set up on Pokemon like Golem, Combusken, and Gabite limit its ability to make better use of its Fighting and Ground resistances. Pinsir also is frequently checked by Flying- and Fire-types, as they are often faster and their presence forces Pinsir to predict with its coverage moves to prevent giving them opportunities to switch in. A middling Speed tier leaves Pinsir easily revenge killed by offensive threats such as Swanna, Oricorio-F, Chatot, and Silvally. Low special bulk makes it similarly susceptible to faster special attackers, as Pokemon like Floatzel and specially based Silvally formes with Flamethrower often threaten to KO it from near full. Despite Pinsir's great matchup versatility, each set's effectiveness ultimately depends on having the right matchup to get the most mileage out of them.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Buginium Z
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
X-Scissor in conjunction with Buginium Z is notable for breaking through Pyukumuku and Gourgeist-XL after minimal chip damage and a Swords Dance boost, which is important for optimizing Pinsir's matchup against stall's two most prominent physically defensive Pokemon. Earthquake hits Fire-, Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types like Combusken, Carbink, Muk, and Probopass much harder than its STAB attacks. Stone Edge is Pinsir's main tool for hitting Flying-types such as Rotom-S, Oricorio-F, and Swanna.
Set Details
========
Buginium Z's purpose is twofold. On one hand, after a Swords Dance boost, Savage Spin-Out is a one-time nuke that helps Pinsir break through Gourgeist-XL and Pyukumuku as well as other bulky Pokemon such as Gabite and physically defensive Golem after minor chip damage. It also allows Pinsir to reliably check Celebrate Leafeon, as it tanks Knock Off even better and can easily KO Leafeon through its +1 Defense with the nuke. Life Orb is an alternative to boost its coverage options, allow it to increase its attacking power without setting up, and free up the team's Z-Crystal slot. Mold Breaker allows Pinsir to be an effective wallbreaker, bypassing abilities such as Bronzor's Levitate and Pyukumuku's Unaware.
Usage Tips
========
This set is a wallbreaker, so it's best used to soften up defensive teams so that teammates can sweep past the remaining Pokemon. Pinsir can find setup opportunities against Grass- and Psychic-types threatened by it, passive Pokemon lacking options to cripple it (especially burns), and physical attackers locked into a weak coverage move. If bulky Ghost-types are present, avoid setting up unless they are removed or are able to be put in the range of Pinsir's +2 attacks. Avoid switching into Stealth Rock whenever possible, as it's important to keep Pinsir healthy enough to maintain setup opportunities. Given Pinsir's tendency to force in Pokemon that resist its attacks, it's important to assess when to make an aggressive prediction, as it's advantageous to catch faster Fire- and Flying-type checks with the appropriate coverage move to avoid losing momentum. Similarly, if you expect the opponent to send out bulky offensive checks that don't resist Bug like Silvally-Dragon on a predicted Swords Dance, it may be best to fire off Savage Spin-Out for the extra burst damage to bring them down after some prior chip damage.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support helps maximize Pinsir's damage output against physically defensive Pokemon and punish Flying- and Fire-type checks that switch in. Golem and Bronzor are high-profile partners; Golem checks Rotom-S, Zebstrika, and Electivire while blocking their Volt Switches. Sturdy also punishes interactions with Fire- and Flying-type Pokemon that attempt to break through it, as its STAB attacks often KO them in retaliation. Golem also draws in Grass-type Pokemon like Tangela and Leafeon for Pinsir to pressure. While Bronzor adds another Fire weakness, it can still defensively check various Flying-types and faster special attackers, offers a Rock resistance for checking Golem, and draws in certain Knock Off users like Komala and Leafeon that Pinsir can pivot into and threaten. Entry hazard control is also advised to mitigate Pinsir's Stealth Rock weakness. Silvally-Water is a great option due to its ability to not only solidly check Floatzel but also offensively check Golem and, when lacking Flamethrower, provide a pivot that baits in Abomasnow for Pinsir to threaten. Bulky Komala can blanket check specially based revenge killers while either passing Wishes or pivoting with U-turn. Pinsir can take advantage of non-Rock Slide variants of Silvally-Fighting in return. Altaria can check various Fire-types decently well and function as a status absorber to take advantage of Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL if Pinsir is not in a position to break past them. Setup sweepers such as Muk and Bulk Up Komala appreciate Pinsir's ability to threaten the likes of Gourgeist-XL, Bronzor, and Pyukumuku. Other Flying-type checks apart from the aforementioned Stealth Rock users include Electivire and Rotom-S, both of which can also equip a Choice Scarf to check offensive threats and simultaneously offer pivoting options. Fire-type checks apart from Altaria and Silvally-Water can include Rapidash, Floatzel, and Mareanie. Pokemon that can punish bulky Ghost-types are appreciated, as a few of them like Dusclops and Silvally-Ghost can take boosted hits from this set, retaliate with burns, and recover from damage taken. The aforementioned Komala and Pawniard are good options, as they have Knock Off to remove Dusclops's Eviolite, drastically reducing its survivability.
[SET]
name: Z-Me First
move 1: Me First
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Normalium Z
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Me First copies a slower foe's move at 1.5x power, but when used with Normalium Z it also turns the copied attack into a Z-Move while doubling Pinsir's Speed. This turns Pinsir into a formidable late-game cleaner, as it outspeeds every relevant Choice Scarf user in the tier after this boost. Earthquake and Stone Edge are Pinsir's best coverage options for sweeping, as they punish the majority of relevant Pokemon that resist Pinsir's STAB attacks such as Altaria, Probopass, Fire-types, and Poison-types.
Set Details
========
Normalium Z allows Pinsir to double its Speed with Z-Me First. An Adamant nature is preferred to get the most power out of the set, as Jolly doesn't let Pinsir outspeed anything noteworthy at +2. Moxie's Attack boosts are important to the nature of this set, as it relies on snowballing to sweep.
Usage Tips
========
This set is meant to be used as a late-game sweeper, aiming to snowball and clean up teams once physically bulky checks like Gourgeist-XL, Gabite, and Avalugg have been severely weakened or removed. Pinsir should be brought in specifically after KOs in order to use Z-Me First more easily, copy a Z-Move, and gain a Moxie boost. Setup opportunities are optimally found when trying to revenge kill slower physical attackers like Komala and offensive Granbull with Z-Me First. Otherwise, Pinsir can use its good physical bulk and typing to set up on forced switches from Grass- and Psychic-types threatened by it or on locked coverage moves that it can tank with ease while also beating the attacker one-on-one. Z-Me First's ability to copy the opposing Pokemon's move as a Z-Move can be used to create setup opportunities on Pokemon that stay in against the Swords Dance set, such as Silvally formes, especially if Pinsir's set has not been revealed. The Z-Move can be used to KO foes like Komala, Toucannon, and Hakamo-o while granting Pinsir both a Speed boost and a Moxie boost. Try to prioritize keeping Stealth Rock off the field before sending Pinsir out, as it appreciates preserving as much health as possible to keep it out of range of priority attacks.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that excel at weakening bulkier teams to open up sweeping opportunities include Pokemon like Choice Band Komala, Choice Band Golem, mixed Electivire, and Raichu. Entry hazard removers are appreciated to keep Pinsir healthy, and it synergizes well with Pokemon like Silvally-Water and Altaria. Silvally-Water can offensively threaten various defensive Pokemon like Golem, Gabite, and Gourgeist-XL with its coverage, while Altaria is a good Fire-type check and a solid counter to Gourgeist-XL. Hazard support to weaken checks is optimal, with Golem and Bronzor making solid partners for Stealth Rock support. Toxic Spikes is also one of the most potent ways of weakening Pinsir's checks to this set, with Mareanie having the best synergy due to its ability to keep them up against Silvally-Fighting and set them up on a lot of defensive Pokemon that Pinsir struggles to break through. Kadabra counterplay is recommended, as it's a revenge killer that stops this set cold with Focus Sash + Counter. Kecleon can beat it one-on-one thanks to Shadow Sneak making it immune to Counter, as well as its great natural special bulk allowing it to switch in on it. Pursuit trappers like Silvally-Dark and Pawniard are good at forcing damage also.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: X-Scissor
move 2: Earthquake / Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake targets many typical X-Scissor switch-ins, hitting Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-types for heavy damage. Close Combat's coverage is less optimal than Earthquake's, but it lets Pinsir consistently threaten Komala while retaining coverage on Pokemon like Golem and Probopass. It also deals the most damage to Silvally-Fighting. Stone Edge lets Choice Scarf Pinsir threaten faster Flying-types. Knock Off hits bulky Ghost-types like Dusclops, Silvally-Ghost, and Misdreavus harder than any of Pinsir's other attacks, as well as heavily threatening Bronzor. It is also a really solid option for pressuring switch-ins that are reliant on their item for bulk, like Golem, Gabite, and Avalugg.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature offers the most to this set in terms of power, since Pinsir is already outsped by most Choice Scarf users anyway, but Jolly is situationally useful for revenge killing Jolly Crustle effectively after the Shell Smash Defense drop. It also lets Pinsir outspeed certain niche but usable Choice Scarf users like Monferno. Moxie combined with Choice Scarf maximizes Pinsir's ability to clean up late-game.
Usage Tips
========
This set is a solid late-game cleaner but a situational revenge killer that mostly relies on super effective coverage to threaten attackers. When sent out early-game, Pinsir should often take advantage of forced switches to cripple checks with Knock Off, as removing Leftovers and Eviolite from checks is pivotal to keep them worn down. Choice Scarf Pinsir is effective at capitalizing on its relative unpredictability, so it can easily catch certain Ghost-type switch-ins off guard with Knock Off and punish naturally faster Fire- and Flying-types for staying in. In general, all of Pinsir's non-STAB attacks rely on solid prediction to work, and catching the intended targets is key to opening up sweeping opportunities later.
Team Options
========
It's important for this set to be paired with dedicated entry hazard removers that punish Pokemon that can switch into this set. This makes Pokemon like Swanna, Servine, and Silvally-Water effective Defog options, as they punish bulky Pokemon like Golem, Gabite, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Fighting, and Granbull to varying degrees. Wallbreakers that threaten stall archetypes such as Komala, Raichu, and Floatzel are effective, as those types of teams are often roadblocks towards achieving KOs and facilitating a sweep with Moxie. Checks to Fire- and Flying-types such as Altaria, Rotom-S, Mareanie, Electivire, and Golem are solid, as they will frequently take advantage of Choice-locked moves to get free turns. Having Pokemon that are more effective at revenge killing as a backup way of keeping faster foes in check is a good idea, as Pinsir is often mediocre in that role. Other Choice Scarf users to fill this role can include Silvally, Electivire, and Rapidash: Silvally can remove fast threats with its powerful Double-Edge and Explosion, can use its filler slot to lure in Gourgeist-XL and Gabite and take them out with Ice Beam or Toxic, and appreciates Pinsir crippling other Ghost-types with Knock Off. Electivire can check Flying-types and pivot around with Volt Switch, while Rapidash outspeeds all of the relevant faster Choice Scarf users that outpace Pinsir.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Lum Berry allows Pinsir to shrug off any status condition once, which makes for easier setup against defensive teams. Pinsir generally prefers Buginium Z for the sheer power, however, and its ability to force switches already makes the prospect of status less of an issue. Groundium Z can enable Pinsir to OHKO even physically defensive variants of Golem and Carbink even through Sturdy at +2 thanks to Mold Breaker. It also allows Pinsir to break through certain bulky Ghost-types like Silvally-Ghost after a boost but is generally a niche option otherwise, since Pinsir values the sheer power to break through Gourgeist-XL. Fightinium Z is another Z-Crystal that maintains the ability to break through Golem but differentiates itself for allowing Pinsir to better break past Avalugg through its Sturdy. However, this is generally not advised due to Pinsir being forced to forgo its Swords Dance set's superior coverage option in Earthquake A Focus Sash lead set is an option due to Pinsir's access to Stealth Rock and ability to fend off certain hazard deterrents with its Rock-type coverage. This still faces competition with lead options like Golem and Shuckle, however, as they have abilities that allow them to expand their item choice and provide better utility on average. Moxie with Swords Dance is an option that can take advantage of Pinsir's access to Quick Attack to sweep against weakened faster teams. However, this comes with the cost of a coverage slot, and Mold Breaker fares better against bulkier teams. Z-Me First + Swords Dance can be utilized to give Pinsir increased power while sweeping; however, Pinsir will be forced to give up one of its coverage moves. Substitute can be useful to ease prediction and protect Pinsir from status, but again it comes at the cost of coverage.
Checks and Counters
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**Flying-types**: Rotom-S, Swanna, Oricorio-F, Oricorio-E, and Chatot all resist Pinsir's STAB move and are immune to Earthquake, are often faster, and can naturally threaten Pinsir with their super effective STAB attacks or in Chatot's case, its powerful Boomburst that targets Pinsir's low special bulk. Choice Scarf variants of Rotom-S and Chatot are commonplace and can outspeed Pinsir's Choice Scarf set. They all must be careful about switching into Stone Edge, as even Rotom-S, the bulkiest switch-in, is OHKOed without bulk investment after Stealth Rock damage.
**Fire-types**: While Fire-types cannot switch in reliably due to the risk of being hit by an Earthquake or Stone Edge, Rapidash, Simisear, and Silvally-Fire all naturally outspeed Pinsir and OHKO it with their STAB moves. Rapidash and Simisear can viably equip Choice Scarf, letting them outspeed even Choice Scarf Pinsir and impede its sweep. Combusken can safely go for a Protect to outspeed Pinsir at +1, does not fear Savage Spin-Out bypassing it, and easily threatens it afterwards.
**Revenge Killers**: Pinsir's middling Speed and low Special Defense leave it vulnerable to being threatened by Pokemon like Zebstrika, specially based Floatzel, and various specially based Silvally formes with Flamethrower. It's worth noting that many examples of faster checks aren't as applicable against the Z-Me First variant, as they are all outsped at +2 even if they equip a Choice Scarf. Kadabra is a particularly notable example, as it's the only revenge killer that threatens all sets including Z-Me First due to its combination of Focus Sash and Counter.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: If Pinsir is running Choice Scarf or Z-Me First, it is often unable to deal significant damage to Pokemon like Pyukumuku, Altaria, Granbull, Avalugg, and Gabite. Avalugg, Gabite, and Granbull can notably use Roar to negate its Speed boosts from Z-Me First. The Swords Dance set can usually break through these threats with little trouble, however.
**Bulky Ghost-types**: Gourgeist-XL is one of the better defensive checks to Pinsir's sweeping sets, but it fails to reliably take on the Swords Dance set after Stealth Rock damage. Dusclops, Silvally-Ghost, and Misdreavus often work as checks given that they are only hit neutrally by Pinsir's coverage attacks, only fearing Knock Off on the Choice Scarf set.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[jklioe, 424692], [BloodAce, 435539]]
- Quality checked by: [[Xayah, 167012], [5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Mafeking, 122460]]
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