<p>One of many fighting-types introduced in the 5th generation, Sawk is a neat fighting-type pokemon, as it has the exact same base Attack and Speed as Heracross, Hitmonlee has slightly lower Attack but slightly outspeeds Sawk. Unfortunately, Sawk is outclassed by the two as a sweeper due to abilities and movepool. It does, however, have several great abilities, especially the boosted Sturdy. It also has passable bulk, at 75/75/75. Overall, Sawk makes for an interesting niche sweeper who, in the right hands, can wreak havoc.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Reversal / Toxic / Retaliate
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
ability: Sturdy
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Sawk's only viable UU set. Sturdy is the best ability barring the currently unavailable Mold Breaker as it can provide a free Focus Sash. Close Combat is for STAB and Stone Edge is for coverage. Earthquake is primarily for Nidoking and Nidoqueen, who are dangerous otherwise. There are three options for the last move slot; Reversal is for when Sawk is low on health or when Sturdy activates, Toxic is for crippling foes before going down, and Retaliate is for revenge killing and is best used with the Scarf. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set could run Mold Breaker when it is released, but it is risky and loses out on the free Focus Sash Sturdy provides. A Jolly nature is recommended if Choice Band is used, and an Adamant nature is preferred for Choice Scarf variants.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Gimmick sets with Sturdy, namely Sturdy + Reversal and Sturdy + Counter, can be fun to use, but are highly situational, even with the release of pinch berries. Sawk also functions best when Ghost-types are off the field, so a partner to get rid of them would be appreciated.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Faster Pokemon with U-turn and a Fighting resist can beat Sawk.
Bulky ghost-types are also great counters for Sawk, especially those that resist Stone Edge or Earthquake, as most can use Will-o-Wisp to cripple Sawk. Bulky Psychic-types, especially physically bulky ones, can wall Sawk to no end and KO Sawk with super-effective STAB Psychic moves.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Sawk gets Mold Breaker in the Dream World, which would make the Choice set more useful. The use of Pinch berries, however, especially Salac, can make Sturdy + Reversal and Sturdy + Counter more viable.</p>