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Sableye (analysis)
- Thread starter Scorpio
- Start date
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[Overview]
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it has received received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all non-damaging moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to Recover and Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to five priority moves all of Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, ExtremeSpeed, Quick Attack, and Fake Out, and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams—if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand, that is. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its' its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Gengar [Timid unboosted Shadow Ball comes pretty close to 2HKOing, maybe use Alakazam or Reuniclus instead?] or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling many Pokemon physical sweepers such as Terrakion [just picked a random physical sweeper, feel free to switch it if you feel something else is more appropriate] and effectively shutting down many physical sweepers acting as a useful hindrance in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover helps prevent Sableye from being 2HKO'ed enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKOed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance for boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted with some prediction,(comma) ;(remove) as Sableye's Prankster means it always Taunts first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistant consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Pokemon with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option which can further cripple an opponent's Pokemon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its SpD Special Defense is lower that than its Def Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts SpD Special Defense. Leftovers lets Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner like Foretress Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, in order to cripple opposing sweepers / or walls with Lagging Tail or the Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while also depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade,(comma) for consistant consistent but low damage to opponents,(comma) or Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-o-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the chances probability of an opponent will being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's speed Speed, and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar,(comma) who lose their immunity for a weakness to the Ground type. Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from a grounded-and slower-opponent the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Sableye's best most effective attempt at a sweeping set, which relies on the setting up of Calm Mind alongside quick healing from Recover. While you are setting up, you should be sure to have an almost-full HP bar (refreshed by Recover) when you Calm Mind to avoid being KO'ed KOed immediately. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Dark are Sableye's best STAB moves (Dark Pulse is illegal with Prankster); one of the two should be chosen for the set to ensure sweeping capability while also making use of Prankster. If Hidden Power Dark is chosen, Will-O-Wisp can fill the fourth slot, as it is useful for crippling physical sweepers attackers that may attempt to stop your own sweep, while Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect coverage with Shadow Ball, and importantly, it hits the hitting Normal types that are immune to Shadow Ball for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Def Defense and lowers Atk Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day / and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (whi who is the a much more bulky alternative). Priority substitute Substitute could be used to prevent status and/or to Toxic stall the opponent, and is more useful and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of combined with Leftovers and Recover;(semicolon) ,(comma) however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. Rapid Spinners are good teammates for Sableye, as they can get rid of Toxic Spikes, which Sableye dreads. [You don’t put teammates here] As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used next to Prankster because this is Sableye's only saving grace—its stats are downright awful.</p>
[Counters] [Checks and Counters]
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Wimsicott Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example,(comma) as it doesn't mind its power is boosted by Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn’t care less about Taunt, Taunt, and Toxic and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it has received received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all non-damaging moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to Recover and Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to five priority moves all of Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, ExtremeSpeed, Quick Attack, and Fake Out, and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams—if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand, that is. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its' its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Gengar [Timid unboosted Shadow Ball comes pretty close to 2HKOing, maybe use Alakazam or Reuniclus instead?] or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling many Pokemon physical sweepers such as Terrakion [just picked a random physical sweeper, feel free to switch it if you feel something else is more appropriate] and effectively shutting down many physical sweepers acting as a useful hindrance in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover helps prevent Sableye from being 2HKO'ed enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKOed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance for boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted with some prediction,(comma) ;(remove) as Sableye's Prankster means it always Taunts first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistant consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Pokemon with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option which can further cripple an opponent's Pokemon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its SpD Special Defense is lower that than its Def Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts SpD Special Defense. Leftovers lets Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner like Foretress Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, in order to cripple opposing sweepers / or walls with Lagging Tail or the Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while also depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade,(comma) for consistant consistent but low damage to opponents,(comma) or Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-o-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the chances probability of an opponent will being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's speed Speed, and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar,(comma) who lose their immunity for a weakness to the Ground type. Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from a grounded-and slower-opponent the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Sableye's best most effective attempt at a sweeping set, which relies on the setting up of Calm Mind alongside quick healing from Recover. While you are setting up, you should be sure to have an almost-full HP bar (refreshed by Recover) when you Calm Mind to avoid being KO'ed KOed immediately. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Dark are Sableye's best STAB moves (Dark Pulse is illegal with Prankster); one of the two should be chosen for the set to ensure sweeping capability while also making use of Prankster. If Hidden Power Dark is chosen, Will-O-Wisp can fill the fourth slot, as it is useful for crippling physical sweepers attackers that may attempt to stop your own sweep, while Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect coverage with Shadow Ball, and importantly, it hits the hitting Normal types that are immune to Shadow Ball for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Def Defense and lowers Atk Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day / and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (whi who is the a much more bulky alternative). Priority substitute Substitute could be used to prevent status and/or to Toxic stall the opponent, and is more useful and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of combined with Leftovers and Recover;(semicolon) ,(comma) however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. Rapid Spinners are good teammates for Sableye, as they can get rid of Toxic Spikes, which Sableye dreads. [You don’t put teammates here] As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used next to Prankster because this is Sableye's only saving grace—its stats are downright awful.</p>
[Counters] [Checks and Counters]
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Wimsicott Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example,(comma) as it doesn't mind its power is boosted by Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn’t care less about Taunt, Taunt, and Toxic and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
[Overview]
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all non-damaging moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to Recover and Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to all of Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, ExtremeSpeed, Quick Attack, and Fake Out, and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams—if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand, that is. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Alakazam or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling physical sweepers such as Terrakion and acting as a useful hindrance in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKOed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance for boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted with some prediction, as Sableye's Prankster means it always Taunts first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Pokemon with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option which can further cripple an opponent's Pokemon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its Special Defense is lower than its Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts Special Defense. Leftovers lets Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner like Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, in order to cripple opposing sweepers / orwalls with Lagging Tail or Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while also depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade, for consistent but low damage to opponents, or Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-o-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the probability of an opponent being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's Speed, and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar, who lose their immunity for a weakness to the Ground type. Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Sableye's most effective attempt at a sweeping set, which relies on the setting up of Calm Mind alongside quick healing from Recover. While you are setting up, you should be sure to have an almost-full HP bar (refreshed by Recover) when you Calm Mind to avoid being KOed immediately. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Dark are Sableye's best STAB moves (Dark Pulse is illegal with Prankster); one of the two should be chosen for the set to ensure sweeping capability while also making use of Prankster. If Hidden Power Dark is chosen, Will-O-Wisp can fill the fourth slot, as it is useful for crippling physical attackers that may attempt to stop your sweep, while Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect coverage with Shadow Ball, and importantly, it hits the Normal types that are immune to Shadow Ball for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Defense and lowers Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day / and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (who is a much more bulky alternative). Priority Substitute could be used to prevent status and to Toxic stall the opponent, and and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of Leftovers and Recover; however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used next to Prankster because this is Sableye's only saving grace—its stats are downright awful.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example, as its power is boosted by Will-O-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn’t care less about Taunt, and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all non-damaging moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to Recover and Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to all of Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, ExtremeSpeed, Quick Attack, and Fake Out, and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams—if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand, that is. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Alakazam or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling physical sweepers such as Terrakion and acting as a useful hindrance in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKOed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance for boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted with some prediction, as Sableye's Prankster means it always Taunts first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Pokemon with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option which can further cripple an opponent's Pokemon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its Special Defense is lower than its Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts Special Defense. Leftovers lets Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner like Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, in order to cripple opposing sweepers / orwalls with Lagging Tail or Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while also depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade, for consistent but low damage to opponents, or Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-o-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the probability of an opponent being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's Speed, and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar, who lose their immunity for a weakness to the Ground type. Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Sableye's most effective attempt at a sweeping set, which relies on the setting up of Calm Mind alongside quick healing from Recover. While you are setting up, you should be sure to have an almost-full HP bar (refreshed by Recover) when you Calm Mind to avoid being KOed immediately. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Dark are Sableye's best STAB moves (Dark Pulse is illegal with Prankster); one of the two should be chosen for the set to ensure sweeping capability while also making use of Prankster. If Hidden Power Dark is chosen, Will-O-Wisp can fill the fourth slot, as it is useful for crippling physical attackers that may attempt to stop your sweep, while Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect coverage with Shadow Ball, and importantly, it hits the Normal types that are immune to Shadow Ball for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Defense and lowers Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day / and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (who is a much more bulky alternative). Priority Substitute could be used to prevent status and to Toxic stall the opponent, and and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of Leftovers and Recover; however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used next to Prankster because this is Sableye's only saving grace—its stats are downright awful.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example, as its power is boosted by Will-O-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn’t care less about Taunt, and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
Was bored so taking a break from my GP sabbatical
Scorpio, please AC mention Calm Mind on the Main Prankster set. With Calm Mind boosting its special defense and Will-O-Wisp halving the opponent's Attack, Sableye can stall out many more threats as it prevents any set-up with Taunt while whittling away at the opponent's health with Will-O-Wisp.
You can view Katakiri's Set Analysis for reference.
Thanks.
You can view Katakiri's Set Analysis for reference.
Thanks.
Remove
(Additions/Replacements)
(Quick Comments)
GP (2/2) :)
(Additions/Replacements)
(Quick Comments)
[Overview]
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all non-damaging (status) moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to (both) Recover and Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to all of Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, ExtremeSpeed, Quick Attack, and Fake Out (many attacking moves with priority), and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams -- (emdash) if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Alakazam, Reuniclus, or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team. </p>
(remove line space)
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
(remove line space)
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling physical sweepers such as Terrakion and acting as a useful hinderance (hindrance) in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKO'ed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance for (to) boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted (itself) with some prediction, (semi-colon) Sableye's Prankster means it (will) always Taunts first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Pokemon (Psychic-types) with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option which can (to) further cripple an opponent's Pokemon. (changed it to Psychic-types just so that people understand that Dark > Psychic is why it's useful for Magic Bouncers.)</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(+line space)
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its Special Defense is lower than its Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts Special Defense. Leftovers lets (helps) Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>Calm Mind could be used in the fourth slot to create a Sableye that can efficiantly wall both Physical and Special attacks. This Sableye, with Calm Mind's Special Defense boosts and Will-O-Wisp halving (the) opponent's Attack, can stall out many more threats than the regular set, since it prevents set-up (status moves) with Taunt and can whittle away at the opponent's health with Will-O-Wisp. This set could run into trouble, however, since the only form of damage it can do is burn damage and critical hits will severely weaken (comma) if not outright KO (comma) it.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner like (such as) Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
(remove line space)
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, in order (used) to cripple opposing sweepers or walls with Lagging Tail or Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade, for consistent but low damage to opponents, or Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-O-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(+line space)
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the probability of an opponent being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's Speed and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar (comma) who lose their immunity for a weakness to the Ground type (In Gen V, Skarmory takes neutral damage from Ground when holding an Iron Ball, despite its Steel typing. The weakness is true for Gengar, but didn't remain true for the entire sentence, hence it being cut.). Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
(remove line space)
[SET COMMENTS]
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(+line space)
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Defense and lowers Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
(You could probably combine these two if you want, but they're fine as is. Just saying.)
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (who is a much more bulky alternative). Priority Substitute could be used to prevent status and to Toxic stall the opponent, and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of Leftovers and Recover; however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used next to (over) Prankster because this (as it) is Sableye's only saving grace -- (emdash) its stats are downright awful.</p>
[(Checks and) Counters]
(+line space)
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example, as its power is boosted by Will-o(O)-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn't care less about Taunt, and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all non-damaging (status) moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to (both) Recover and Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to all of Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, ExtremeSpeed, Quick Attack, and Fake Out (many attacking moves with priority), and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams -- (emdash) if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Alakazam, Reuniclus, or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team. </p>
(remove line space)
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
(remove line space)
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling physical sweepers such as Terrakion and acting as a useful hinderance (hindrance) in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKO'ed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance for (to) boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted (itself) with some prediction, (semi-colon) Sableye's Prankster means it (will) always Taunts first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Pokemon (Psychic-types) with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option which can (to) further cripple an opponent's Pokemon. (changed it to Psychic-types just so that people understand that Dark > Psychic is why it's useful for Magic Bouncers.)</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(+line space)
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its Special Defense is lower than its Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts Special Defense. Leftovers lets (helps) Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>Calm Mind could be used in the fourth slot to create a Sableye that can efficiantly wall both Physical and Special attacks. This Sableye, with Calm Mind's Special Defense boosts and Will-O-Wisp halving (the) opponent's Attack, can stall out many more threats than the regular set, since it prevents set-up (status moves) with Taunt and can whittle away at the opponent's health with Will-O-Wisp. This set could run into trouble, however, since the only form of damage it can do is burn damage and critical hits will severely weaken (comma) if not outright KO (comma) it.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner like (such as) Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
(remove line space)
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, in order (used) to cripple opposing sweepers or walls with Lagging Tail or Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade, for consistent but low damage to opponents, or Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-O-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(+line space)
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the probability of an opponent being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's Speed and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar (comma) who lose their immunity for a weakness to the Ground type (In Gen V, Skarmory takes neutral damage from Ground when holding an Iron Ball, despite its Steel typing. The weakness is true for Gengar, but didn't remain true for the entire sentence, hence it being cut.). Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
(remove line space)
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Sableye's most effective attempt at a sweeping set, which relies on the setting up of Calm Mind alongside quick healing from Recover. While you are setting up, you should be sure to have an almost-full HP bar (refreshed by Recover) when you Calm Mind to avoid being KOed immediately. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Dark are Sableye's best STAB moves (comma) ( (as) Dark Pulse is illegal with Prankster); one of the two should be chosen for the set to ensure sweeping capability while also making use of Prankster. If Hidden Power Dark is chosen, Will-O-Wisp can fill the fourth slot, as it is useful for crippling physical attackers that may attempt to stop your sweep, while Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect coverage with Shadow Ball, and(+space)importantly, it hits the Normal types that are immune to Shadow Ball for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(+line space)
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Defense and lowers Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
(You could probably combine these two if you want, but they're fine as is. Just saying.)
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (who is a much more bulky alternative). Priority Substitute could be used to prevent status and to Toxic stall the opponent, and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of Leftovers and Recover; however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used next to (over) Prankster because this (as it) is Sableye's only saving grace -- (emdash) its stats are downright awful.</p>
[(Checks and) Counters]
(+line space)
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example, as its power is boosted by Will-o(O)-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn't care less about Taunt, and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
[Overview]
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all status moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to both Recover and Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to many attacking moves with priority, and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams—if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Alakazam, Reuniclus, or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team. </p>
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling physical sweepers such as Terrakion and acting as a useful hindrance in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKOed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance to boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted itself with some prediction; Sableye's Prankster means it will always Taunt first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Psychic-types with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option to further cripple an opponent's Pokemon. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its Special Defense is lower than its Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts Special Defense. Leftovers helps Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>Calm Mind could be used in the fourth slot to create a Sableye that can efficiantly wall both Physical and Special attacks. This Sableye, with Calm Mind's Special Defense boosts and Will-O-Wisp halving the opponent's Attack, can stall out many more threats than the regular set, since it prevents status moves with Taunt and can whittle away at the opponent's health with Will-O-Wisp. This set could run into trouble, however, since the only form of damage it can do is burn damage and critical hits will severely weaken, if not outright KO, it.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner such as Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, used to cripple opposing sweepers or walls with Lagging Tail or Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade, for consistent but low damage to opponents, or Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-O-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the probability of an opponent being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's Speed and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar, who lose their immunity to Ground. Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Defense and lowers Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (who is a much more bulky alternative). Priority Substitute could be used to prevent status and to Toxic stall the opponent, and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of Leftovers and Recover; however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used over Prankster as it is Sableye's only saving grace—its stats are downright awful.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example, as its power is boosted by Will-O-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn't care less about Taunt, and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
<p>While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all status moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to both Recover and Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to many attacking moves with priority, and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams—if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Alakazam, Reuniclus, or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team. </p>
[SET]
name: Prankster
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Night Shade / Foul Play / Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to abuse Prankster and the priority it provides to the fullest extent. Will-O-Wisp is the primary move on this set, crippling physical sweepers such as Terrakion and acting as a useful hindrance in general, as few Pokemon enjoy getting burned. Priority Recover enables Sableye to avoid being 2HKOed by most attacks and is a must on this set. For the third slot, Taunt is useful as it can completely shut down many walls and other defensive or support Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn or Blissey, as well as being a nuisance to boosting sweepers. Furthermore, Taunt has the added benefit of preventing Sableye from being Taunted itself with some prediction; Sableye's Prankster means it will always Taunt first, unless the opponent is Tornadus or Whimsicott. The choice for the final move is a matter of preference: Night Shade deals consistent damage, while Foul Play is a more effective option against Pokemon with a high Attack stat, and also helps against Psychic-types with Magic Bounce. Confuse Ray is a third option to further cripple an opponent's Pokemon. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The main EV spread of 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD is meant to balance out Sableye's defenses; since its Special Defense is lower than its Defense, as well as not being cushioned by Will-O-Wisp, it needs more investment. An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD could be used for a more dedicated check to physical sweepers. Calm is usually the preferred nature as it boosts Special Defense. Leftovers helps Sableye weather the hits it will be taking.</p>
<p>This set makes for a great spinblocker, crippling many spinners, such as Donphan and Forretress, so they can't hit back as hard. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp if you prefer Toxic's gradual increase in damage, which is more effective when stalling out walls and support Pokemon, but you will need to be wary of Steel- and Poison-types. In terms of other options, Mean Look can be used in the third or fourth moveslot to trap physical attackers and beat them one-on-one.</p>
<p>Calm Mind could be used in the fourth slot to create a Sableye that can efficiantly wall both Physical and Special attacks. This Sableye, with Calm Mind's Special Defense boosts and Will-O-Wisp halving the opponent's Attack, can stall out many more threats than the regular set, since it prevents status moves with Taunt and can whittle away at the opponent's health with Will-O-Wisp. This set could run into trouble, however, since the only form of damage it can do is burn damage and critical hits will severely weaken, if not outright KO, it.</p>
<p>While Sableye is largely a support Pokemon, it itself needs some support in order to function optimally. This set is much more vulnerable to special sweepers than physical sweepers, so a special wall like Blissey could be used to get rid of them. Sableye also hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, so unless you're planning to get Sableye in before the hazards, a spinner such as Forretress or Donphan is recommended.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Recover
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Night Shade / Toxic
item: Iron Ball / Lagging Tail
ability: Prankster
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Prankster to bypass the Lagging Tail / Iron Ball Speed drop in order to cripple one enemy Pokemon almost entirely. Trick is the primary move, used to cripple opposing sweepers or walls with Lagging Tail or Iron Ball by slowing them down immensely, while depriving them of their original items. Recover is for healing any damage done to Sableye while it Tricks the opponent. Taunt can be used to stop walls and support Pokemon in their tracks. The last move is a choice between Night Shade, for consistent but low damage to opponents, or Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to wear down walls like Skarmory (in which case Will-O-Wisp is recommended) or Gastrodon (with which Toxic is recommended), or even Pokemon like Mienshao (both can be used, but Will-O-Wisp is preferred due to burn halving Attack).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set works well with Pokemon that benefit from the elimination or crippling of threats like Alakazam or Gengar, such as Conkeldurr. Confuse Ray can work in the fourth moveslot in place of Will-O-Wisp or Toxic to lower the probability of an opponent being able to attack while you set up. The choice between Iron Ball and Lagging Tail is a matter of which sort of Pokemon you want to cripple; Lagging Tail always makes the holder last in its priority bracket and therefore is best if you have slow Pokemon of your own, such as Donphan or Gastrodon, while Iron Ball grounds fliers and halves the holder's Speed and so is best for Tricking onto Flying-types or Levitating opponents, as well as Pokemon that rely on their Speed to be effective. Iron Ball is particularly effective when it is Tricked onto Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gengar, who lose their immunity to Ground. Ground-type sweepers like Landorus or Swords Dance Gliscor are also good teammates to have if you use Iron Ball, as they benefit from the grounding and slowing down of dangerous opponents.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Dark
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Sableye's most effective attempt at a sweeping set, which relies on setting up Calm Mind alongside quick healing from Recover. While you are setting up, you should be sure to have an almost full HP bar (refreshed by Recover) when you Calm Mind to avoid being KOed immediately. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Dark are Sableye's best STAB moves, as Dark Pulse is illegal with Prankster; one of the two should be chosen for the set to ensure sweeping capability while also making use of Prankster. If Hidden Power Dark is chosen, Will-O-Wisp can fill the fourth slot, as it is useful for crippling physical attackers that may attempt to stop your sweep, while Hidden Power Fighting provides perfect coverage with Shadow Ball, andimportantly, it hits the Normal types that are immune to Shadow Ball for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread, coupled with Will-O-Wisp, is meant to maximize Sableye's ability to take physical hits from opponents, trusting to the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind to keep you safe on the other side. A Bold nature is preferred since it boosts Defense and lowers Attack, the latter of which helps Sableye handle confusion.</p>
<p>You can't use Hidden Power Fighting and Hidden Power Dark on the same moveset, obviously, so if you run Hidden Power Dark you're going to have to use Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, but you leave yourself more vulnerable to physical attacks. Hazard support is useful for wearing down any Pokemon that switches in, helping Sableye take the opposition out more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sableye has several options for moves other than the ones listed. Fake Out and Shadow Sneak can be used for free and priority damage respectively, but they are rather weak, especially with Sableye's undesirable base 75 Attack. Priority Sunny Day and Rain Dance can make Sableye a backup weather setter, making it useful in the weather wars, however this role is better carried out by Tornadus in the rain (who also has access to Prankster) and Heatran in the sun (who is a much more bulky alternative). Priority Substitute could be used to prevent status and to Toxic stall the opponent, and the HP lost through its use can be offset with the combination of Leftovers and Recover; however, Sableye's poor stats make this option unattractive. As a last note, Sableye's other ability, Keen Eye, should never be used over Prankster as it is Sableye's only saving grace—its stats are downright awful.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Faster Pokemon with Prankster, such as Whimsicott or Tornadus, can Taunt Sableye, pretty much forcing a switch. Sableye also has mediocre defenses and any strong attacker that hasn't been previously crippled can 2HKO or even OHKO it. Heracross is a notable example, as its power is boosted by Will-O-Wisp and Toxic thanks to Guts, it couldn't care less about Taunt, and it can OHKO Sableye with STAB Megahorn after Stealth Rock. Heatran also pretty much walls most sets, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Gliscor and Breloom with Poison Heal are also immune to status, which can force you to switch.</p>
GP (2/2) :)
