Sawsbuck (BW2 Revamp) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

Hi, this should've gotten up sooner n_n Seriously though, sorry for all the delay, unforeseen circumstances are abroad (specifically I broke an arm playing soccer, irritating impediment to typing :[ ). Anywho, no real huge changes here (Normal STAB are getting slashed above Horn Leech because it flows better imo :> ), but there are some important bits to add in obv.

Code:
[I]To-Do List:[/I]
[LIST]
[*]Confirm set viability (largely the BP set) [✓]
[*]Confirm item / move slashes [✓]
[*]chek [✓]
[*]writ [✓]
[*]chek2 [✓]
[/LIST]

no cool sprite =(

[Overview]

<p>All things considered, Sawsbuck is a very interesting Pokemon. Its unique Grass / Normal typing offers both an effective dual STAB and a set of helpful resistances and immunities. Its offensive stats, while not by any stretch of the imagination amazing, are enough to allow Sawsbuck to function as a dangerous and even versatile offensive threat, sporting a solid base 100 Attack and a Speed stat that allows it to outpace a large amount of the metagame. Sawsbuck's access to Sap Sipper is also an incredibly useful attribute in a metagame where Grass-type attacks abound, allowing Sawsbuck to switch into and, with some prior damage, dispatch the various Grass-types of the tier. Better yet, as walls such as Tangrowth grow less prominent and Alomomola and other such Pokemon become more common, Sawsbuck is becoming better. However, as one would imagine, Sawsbuck is far from perfect, and its low defenses and only slightly above average Speed make it fairly easy to keep in check with priority and faster Pokemon. While walls that handle Sawsbuck are decreasing in use, generally bulky Pokemon such as Escavalier and Druddigon are growing more common, both of whom handle Sawsbuck without too much trouble. While it's far from a bad Pokemon, Sawsbuck does require appropriate team support to function at its fullest potential.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Return
move 4: Horn Leech
item: Leftovers
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Though commonly used for its offensive prowess, Sawsbuck can also serve as an effective team player through the use of Baton Pass. Sawsbuck's unique set of resistances and immunities, which is backed by the threat of its powerful STAB attacks, allow it to find numerous opportunities to set up a Substitute to safely pass off to a teammate or simply dish out damage on its own. Baton Pass also allows Sawsbuck to absorb a Grass-type attack with Sap Sipper and pass an Attack boost off to a partner, allowing it to effectively make use of its ability even before the Grass-type in question is in the range where a +1 Return can dispatch it. Substitute, aside from being an excellent tool for bringing in a more frail Pokemon safely, gives Sawsbuck the leeway to play around Ghost-types like Misdreavus that rely on status to combat it. Return is a very consistent STAB move and is critical for threatening Grass-types such as Lilligant and Amoonguss that Sawsbuck enjoys switching into to net an Attack boost. Horn Leech complements Return nicely, hitting Rock-types that would otherwise shrug off Return and providing recovery that allows Sawsbuck to produce more Substitutes throughout the match.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A bulkier EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe would yield bulkier Substitutes, but in doing so, Sawsbuck loses a moderate amount of offensive presence, failing to 2HKO common Pokemon such as Slowking and Moltres. Double-Edge offers Sawsbuck a slightly more powerful Normal-type STAB to work with, but the recoil is detrimental to its effectiveness as a Substitute passer. Berries used in a pinch, most notably the Salac and Liechi Berry, can be utilized over Leftovers in order to pass more significant buffs to a partner, but the consistent recovery of Leftovers allows Sawsbuck to serve a longer lasting role throughout a match.</p>

<p>The most useful partners for this set are those that struggle to take hits well, as they benefit the most from the ability to switch in freely through Baton Pass. Absol, Archeops, and Durant all are good examples of such Pokemon, as they are not only very difficult to stop behind a Substitute, but also appreciate the potential Attack boosts passed to them through Sap Sipper. Similarly, slower Pokemon such as Aggron and Druddigon can utilize the Substitutes Sawsbuck provides to mitigate the disadvantage bestowed by their low Speed, wearing down the Steel-types that can check them. Entei is another useful partner for this set, as it is is capable of breaking through the bulky Grass- and Steel-types that bother Sawbuck and can also bait bulky Water-types that Sawsbuck can set up on.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: Horn Leech
move 4: Nature Power / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Sawsbuck's unique STAB combination and respectable offensive stats allow it to serve as a very effective Swords Dance sweeper. Sawsbuck's useful set of resistances and immunities offer it a variety of opportunities to set up, and with Swords Dance boosting its Attack to a potent 598 in a single turn, it quickly becomes a dangerous offensive threat. Return provides Sawsbuck with an excellent STAB option that has reasonable neutral coverage and few drawbacks. Double-Edge, while resulting in some extra recoil, provides a useful boost in power that allows Sawsbuck to comfortably KO Pokemon such as Sceptile and Scyther without a boost. Horn Leech complements Sawsbuck's Normal-type attacks rather nicely, offering it a secondary STAB that not only provides recovery but also helps it beat the various bulky Water- and Rock-types of the tier. Nature Power rounds off Sawsbuck's coverage, allowing it to hit Steel- and Fire-types particularly hard while having the added benefit of evading Sucker Punch from Absol and Spiritomb. On the other hand, while dropping Nature Power for Substitute makes Sawsbuck susceptible to Steel-types, this allows it to more effectively set up on defensively-inclined Water- and Ghost-types and also prevents it from being revenge killed as easily by faster Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Adamant nature is a viable option, and Sawsbuck can really benefit from the extra power against Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Uxie; in exchange, Sawsbuck cannot outspeed Pokemon such as Lilligant, Moltres, and Rotom, all of whom are important to outpace. The choice between Life Orb and Lum Berry is generally that of power versus safety, as Lum Berry grants Sawsbuck added insurance switching into potential Will-O-Wisps and Scalds without fear of being crippled. In terms of alternative items, Leftovers can be used alongside Substitute to procure guaranteed HP recovery to produce more Substitutes, but usually the recovery from Horn Leech is sufficient. Salac Berry is also an interesting option with Substitute, as it allows Sawsbuck to more effectively sweep faster teams once priority users have been dispatched. If this is used, an EV spread of 12 HP / 244 Atk / 252 Spe would prove optimal, guaranteeing that the Salac Berry is activated after three uses of Substitute. Baton Pass is a viable choice in the final moveslot, as it allows Sawsbuck to maintain momentum early in the game while even having the potential to pass Attack boosts gained from Sap Sipper and / or Swords Dance. Jump Kick offers similar coverage to Nature Power, trading perfect accuracy and the ability to evade Sucker Punch for the ability to hit Ferroseed for significant damage and prevent Archeops and Aerodactyl from getting a totally free switch into Sawsbuck. Megahorn can also be used, as it allows Sawsbuck to break through bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth with much less difficulty.</p>

<p>Choice Scarf Emboar makes a solid partner for Sawsbuck, switching into and threatening most Steel-types comfortably and in turn baiting bulky Water-types for Sawsbuck to set up on. Magneton is also proficient at eliminating troublesome Steel-types for Sawsbuck, and its plethora of useful resistances to Bug-, Ice-, Flying-, and Poison-type attacks all benefit Sawsbuck. Offensive Water-types, particularly physically-inclined ones such as Kabutops and Feraligatr, provide helpful sponges for the Ice- and Fire-type attacks Sawsbuck draws and help to wear down Tangrowth and other such shared checks over time.</p>

[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Nature Power
move 4: Megahorn
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>By forgoing setup, Sawsbuck can function as a potent immediate attacker thanks to its assortment of unique coverage options and high-powered attacks. Return is Sawsbuck's STAB move of choice, hitting most Pokemon neutrally without any immediate negative repercussions. Double-Edge, on the other hand, offers a more powerful Normal-type STAB, but the recoil that comes with it can be detrimental to Sawsbuck's performance at times. Horn Leech offers a moderately powerful secondary STAB whose recovery allows Sawsbuck to heal passive damage acquired from switching into entry hazards and weaker attacks. Nature Power rounds off Sawsbuck's coverage, allowing it to hit Steel-types hard while also allowing it to avoid Sucker Punch from the likes of Absol and Spiritomb. Megahorn's useful super effective coverage is the icing on the cake, allowing Sawsbuck to inflict impressive damage upon common switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Uxie, and Mesprit.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The choice between Choice Band and Life Orb is largely affected by what role Sawsbuck is meant to fulfill on a team. The extra power of Choice Band is invaluable for breaking through defensive Pokemon such as Steelix, Alomomola, and Tangrowth; however, the ability to switch moves makes Life Orb the superior option if Sawsbuck is meant to serve as late-game cleaner or wear down defensive cores for another Pokemon to sweep. Jump Kick can be used to thrash Ferroseed switch-ins, but Nature Power remains a far more consistent and safe attack option. Alternatively, moves such as Wild Charge and Faint Attack can be utilized to bait and wear down certain Pokemon such as Moltres, Misdreavus, and Drifblim should they be impeding another Pokemon's sweep, but Megahorn generally covers more relevant Pokemon. Baton Pass, while not immediately beating any particular threats, gives Sawsbuck the ability to scout the opponent early in the match, even passing the occasional Sap Sipper boost off to a partner. Likewise, Synthesis can be used to capitalize on the switches Sawsbuck forces, allowing it to recover its HP safely; this does mean dropping a valuable coverage option, though.</p>

<p>Golurk is a useful partner for Sawsbuck, providing good defensive synergy with it and either supporting it with Stealth Rock or helping to overload physical walls with its powerful Choice Band set. Fire-types, such as Emboar and Moltres, both are capable of switching into and pressuring Steel-types like Escavalier and Steelix that give Sawsbuck trouble and look to Sawsbuck to take on bulky Water-types in return. Additionally, Water-types such as Kabutops and Slowking both offer solid defensive synergy with Sawsbuck and can capitalize on its ability to wear down Water- and Grass-type Pokemon.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Though it has mostly ignored until this point, Chlorophyll is far from a bad ability, and in the context of a dedicated sun team, Sawsbuck is very capable of utilizing this ability effectively. Agility is also an option to boost Sawsbuck's Speed, but the commonplace nature of priority does somewhat restrict its effectiveness. A dedicated Baton Pass set can be used to pass either Swords Dance or Agility boosts to a partner, but it does waste Sawsbuck's offensive capabilities, and there are superior partners for such a task. Support options such as Aromatherapy and Thunder Wave have niche use on offensive sets, but a fully support-based set is outclassed by bulky Grass-types, such as Roselia and Ferroseed. Leech Seed is a useful tool that can be used alongside Substitute to wear down otherwise impenetrable checks like Escavalier over time.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Certain defensive Steel-types, namely Steelix and Ferroseed, are very capable checks to Sawsbuck and take only meager amounts from its attacks and can either threaten it with Gyro Ball or set up entry hazards on it. Tangrowth and Amoonguss are both capable of sponging most of Sawsbuck's attacks repeatedly thanks to their good natural bulk and Regenerator ability, and they can pressure Sawsbuck with the appropriate Hidden Power or Poison-type STAB, respectively. Weezing, while moderately uncommon, is also a stalwart check to Sawsbuck, taking a pittance from most of its attacks and being capable of either crippling it with Will-O-Wisp or threatening it with its STAB attacks.</p>

<p>Despite its limited list of defensive checks and counters, Sawsbuck is much less lucky with offensive threats. Bulkier Bug-types such as Escavalier, Durant, and Scyther all capably stifle Sawsbuck, as they are able shrug of its assaults and threaten it with their STAB attacks. Faster Pokemon, such as Galvantula, Accelgor, Typhlosion, and Sigilyph, can all outpace and KO Sawsbuck with the appropriate attack, but they face difficulty switching in. Lastly, priority users such as Entei and Hitmonlee can keep Sawsbuck in check, with the former even being able to use Sawsbuck as a springboard to activate its ability, Unburden.</p>

[Overview]
  • Despite its NU status, Sawsbuck remains a dangerous 'mon
  • Its unique STAB combination and solid offensive stats make Sawsbuck threatening to an assortment of 'mons
  • An immunity to Grass-type attacks a la Sap Sipper is always cool in this metagame, allowing it to switch into and, after a little prior damage, dispatch the various Grass-types and / or sleep inducers of the tier
  • With walls like Tangrowth decreasing in usage and Alomomola and such on the rise, physically-based Grass-types such as Sawsbuck are all the better
  • Though certain 'mons have grown less common, others, such as Escavalier, Druddigon, and Snover (Hail), have started showing up more to give Sawsbuck problems
  • Low defensive stats and only mediocre Speed makes Sawsbuck fairly vulnerable to being RKed by offensive teams without dedicated countermeasures (Subsitute, Salac Berry, etc.)
  • Though by no means perfect, Sawsbuck can tear through teams under the right conditions (generic statement, meh '~')

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: Horn Leech
move 4: Nature Power / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry [/Leftovers?]
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
  • Sawsbuck's unique dual STAB combination and decent Speed stat make it a natural user of Swords Dance
  • After an SD Sawsbuck reaches a chill 598 Atk, making it very threatening to teams lacking select sturdy 'mons (steelix, esca, tangrowth, etc.)
  • Return provides a strong, no-strings-attached STAB move with good neutral coverage to punch holes in stuff with
  • Double-Edge, while racking recoil damage pretty quickly, offers some key KO's on 'mons such as Sceptile, non-Eviolite Scyther, and Offensive Tangrowth (at +2), among others
  • Horn Leech provides Sawsbuck a moderately powerful secondary STAB that donks Rock-types, provides a neutral hit v.Ghost-types, and recovers off residual damage
  • Nature Power allows Sawsbuck to hit Steel-types hard, while also allowing it to evade Sucker Punchs from 'mons like Spiritomb and Absol, 2HKOing the former and OHKOing the latter at +2
  • Substitute prevents Sawsbuck from being scared out by faster 'mons such as Sceptile or Accelgor and avoid status, allowing it to more comfortably set up on bulky Ghost- and Water-types

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
  • An Adamant nature could be used over Jolly for extra power, though losing out on Lilligant, Moltres, Rotom, and so forth is very rarely worth it
  • Baton Pass is a cool option in the final moveslot, allowing Sawsbuck to scout early-game and even passing Attack boosts from Sap Sipper or SD to a partner
  • Jump Kick can be used if you hate Ferroseed and want that extra damage v.AfroBull, but thats about all its hitting '-'
  • Salac Berry is a cool option when utilizing Substitute, as it can facilitate a solid end-game sweep. When using this, a spread of 12 HP / 244 Atk / 252 Spe should be used, as it allows Sawsbuck to activate its berry after three subs
  • Choice Scarf Emboar makes a solid partner to Sawsbuck, switching into and threatening most Steel-types well and luring in bulky Water-types for Sawsbuck to set up on
  • Magneton has good synergy with Sawsbuck, eliminating Steel-types without fuss if you're into that sort of thing
  • Offensive Water-types such as Kabutops and Feraligatr offer good defensive synergy with Sawsbuck and springboard off its ability to wear down shared checks like Tangrowth to sweep, while eating up Fire- and Ice-type attacks. They also don't mind getting passed Attack boosts via BP

[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Nature Power
move 4: Megahorn
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
  • By forgoing SD Sawsbuck can function as a pretty dangerous immediate attacker
  • Return is primary STAB, blah; Double-Edge is cool in that it can safely punch through stuff like Amoonguss and Mandibuzz unconditionally and generally hit harder (making it have to rely less on prediction), though the recoil does rack up quickly, especially with LO
  • Horn Leech is secondary STAB and reliable recovery in one, yay
  • Nature Power provides coverage against Steel-types while still avoiding Sucker Punch
  • Megahorn offers really nice utility, allowing it to 2HKO checks such as Uxie and Tangrowth (the latter requires some prior damage), and generally cementing Sawsbuck's ability to switch into Grass-types

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
  • Alternate attacking options such as Wild Charge and Faint Attack can be used to hit certain 'mons such as Moltres and Misdreavus respectively, though Megahorn hits more relevant 'mons
  • Jump Kick can be used over Nature Power for Ferroseed haters, though its a much less consistent move for its lower accuracy and nasty side effect (plus now Absol+CBTomb comfortably check it).
  • In terms of move choice, CB is better for busting through defensive 'mons (after sr it 2hkos tangrowth, usually 3hkos steelix, 2hkos mola, etc.), though LO's allowance to switch up moves really aids it in match-ups with more balanced or offensively inclined teams, so pick your poison
  • Golurk is a cool partner, coming in on Fighting- and Bug-type attacks and either providing SR support or smashing stuff alongside it with its CB set, further pressuring physical walls and luring Grass-, Water-, and Ghost-type attacks
  • Emboar and Moltres both switch into 'mons such as Steelix and Esca that bother Sawsbuck and fire off attacks from thereon in, and both appreciate Sawsbuck ability to pressure bulky waters
  • Water-types such as Kabutops and Slowking offer good synergy with Sawsbuck and appreciate its ability to wear down Water- and Grass-types for them

[Other Options]
  • Chlorophyll as a whole is by no means a bad ability, and could be used effectively in the context of a sun team
  • In a similar vein, Agility is a decent tool for allowing Sawsbuck to more effectively clean offensive teams with sparse priority options (since Entei and sorta Tomb / Absol still check it fine), and unlike Chloropyll+Sunny Day it doesn't buff opposing Fire-types or impede your Water-types and allows Sawsbuck to retain Sap Sipper
  • Dedicated BP is decent enough, though for the most part it wastes Sawsbuck's natural offensive prowess, and similar results can often be achieved with quick-passing with an offensive set
  • Aromatherapy / Thunder Wave have niche use for offensive teams needing a cleric or a Fire-type lure of sorts, though using them in a defensive manner is just insulting
  • Offensive SubSeed is actually kinda neat since it wears down Escavalier and other such non-Ferro Steels pretty cleanly

[Checks and Counters]
  • Certain Steel-types give Sawsbuck problems, namely Steelix and Ferroseed, don't care all too much Sawsbuck (though Steelix needs to keep an eye on its HP, as +2 Nature Power hits for 60+%) and can wear it down with Gyro Ball or phaze / set up hazards
  • Tangrowth eats up everything that isn't LO / CB-boosted Megahorn and 2HKO's with HP Fire / Fight
  • Offensively speaking Sawsbuck is much easier to check, since physically-based Grass-types (especially with good secondary STAB) actually have very few defensive answers '~'
  • Esca / Durant / Eviolite Scyther can both sponge a hit fairly well and OHKO with their STAB (Durant can even use that pressure to set up a HC)
  • Faster 'mons such as Galvantula, Accelgor, Typhlosion, and Sigilyph can all outpace and KO Sawsbuck with the appropriate attack, though they face difficulty switching in
  • Priority users such as Entei and Hitmonlee can keep Sawsbuck in check rather well
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Arkian

this is the state of grace
is a Contributor Alumnus
Here are my recommendations, since I'm not QC you don't have to implement them all:

You should mention Sawsbuck's 7 weaknesses as a flaw, specially to those of the extremely common Fire- and Fighting-type attacks. I think Bouffalant deserves a mention here as people may think it outclasses Sawsbuck.

Lefties isn't really viable on the SD set because of Sawsbuck's lackluster defenses, although you should mention it in AC if the user plans on using Sub. You didn't mention items (Lum and LO) in AC.

LO should be slashed before CB, as switching moves is more important when you have STABs that common Pokemon are immune to (Ghost-types, Bouffalant)

Sawsbuck can set up Rain Dane, which mitigates its Fire weakness. It also has a good special movepool, but its Special Attack is horrendous.


I got nothing for C&C lol. Hope I helped :)
 

Molk

Godlike Usmash
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I'll give this a full QC check later, but i just wanted to point out that i think Baton Pass probably deserves at least a big AC mention in the all out attacker set. Although the all out attacker set doesn't carry any way to boost its stats, intelligent dry passing is somewhat similar to U-turn and Volt Switch in that its one of the best ways to grab momentum when you play well (not quite as useful as U-turn and Volt Switch though, as it doesn't do damage). Also, passing along a Sap Sipper boost Sawsbuck may have gained from switching into a Sleep Powder or Giga Drain doesn't hurt every once in a while =).
 
How did I forget to mention bp on that set lol. Gotcha covered, thanks Molk :P Also, Rohail, to elaborate on some points, I debate slashing Leftovers solely on the basis that it secures definite Sub recovery, and would be stressed to be used exclusively in conjunction with Substitute. Personally I've found Horn Leech to be sufficient recovery though, and Life Orb or Salac Berry (mentioned in AC) have performed much better in SubSD sets. Nonetheless, I understand Leftovers' worth in that instance, and decided it'd just be best to leave it to QC to determine whether it deserves the slash, AC, or nothing. LO and CB has also been a toss-up for me, and while I give CB the nod for the KOs it nets, though I do agree Life Orb is more useful in the scenarios you mention (though both Bouffalant and Ghost-types aren't particularly solid switch-ins since most if not all risk the 2HKO by the alternate STAB).
 

Honko

he of many honks
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no seriously SubBP is this thing's best set

[SET]
name: The Wanton Folly of Nails
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Horn Leech
move 4: Return
item: Leftovers
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe spread in AC
 

SilentVerse

Into the New World
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
Yeah add that SubBP Sawsbuck set for sure, and make it either the first or second set (probably the second set, but I could easily see it being the first set as well). Here's a quote from Nails that describes why the set is so good:

Nails said:
Offensive grass switch in, solid switch into rotom (immume/resists stabs), powerful attacker, amazing team player. Switches into leech seeds, sleep powders, etc and gets +1 attack, and you can scout the opponent's switch in with baton pass while giving a teammate +1 attack. It has enough speed and power to sweep endgame given proper support, or it can be a role player. An ideal mon to build a team around as it provides tons of openings for teammates and itself.
Once you add that SubBP Sawsbuck set, consider this:

[qc]2/3[/qc]
 

Nails

Double Threat
is a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past SPL Championis a Three-Time Past WCoP Champion
sub pass sawsbuck is the best set sawsbuck can run, it supports so much stuff so well. it needs the right partners to work (read: heavy hitters like aggron) but it's deadly and pulls its weight defensively with its unique typing.
 
Alright, I can agree to that haha, added the SubPass set. I'd like to get some games in with SubPass before I start writing about it, so I'll be writing up the other sections first. In terms of set order, I'd like to get a quick consensus over irc or something, though as I mentioned I would like to get some experience in with the set before assuming things about it (thus the generic set comments :P ). thanks guys :)

Edit: forgot to mention initially, but what are your thoughts on a 48 HP / 208 Atk / 252 Spe spread on SubPass? This allows Sawsbuck's sub to never be broken by the standard scarf rotom-c's volt switch, and while scartom isn't a good answer to Sawsbuck overall, it is a common pivot switch, and losing your sub while the opponent maintains a decent amount of offensive momentum sucks. I don't think the loss in Atk is very significant, thoughts?

edit2: ok, took me a while, but I've finally gotten what I would consider suitable experience with SubPass Sawsbuck, and I've got to say I really like it lol. Maybe its just my love for offensive utility 'mons, but it's really damn cool. If anybody cares, here is a pretty solid replay (imo) of it doing some work against who I can only imagine to be Molk or Trop or someone else along those lines, effectively passing a sub to allow Durant to eliminate 'Tomb early in the game and wearing down both Qwilfish and Druddigon (though the latter doesn't really come too heavily into play, but it would've been chill if Durant went down in the exchange with Qwilfish and it was Entei / Tops v.Drudd :x ), though you'll have to pardon my for the fairly generic team :[ Anywho, I'd be for putting it as the first set as it stands, though I'd still like input on whether or not it should be the straight 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe spread or 48 HP / 208 Atk / 252 Spe as I mentioned. Thanks n_n
 
Mention on AC on Sword Dance Set, Megahorn like a possible option to lure Tangrowth because is HKO from +2 LO after SR, paired this with something like Kabutops.

Add on Checks & Counters, Amoonguss & Weezing which are pretty good to stop Sawsbuck, and the first isnt that easy to lure like Tangrowth since have a better type, decent Specially defensive and super effective STAB, this makes Amonguss like a better check all-round
 
Least punctual writer ever, y/y. This is written up, have it QC. Oh, and I incorporated your "check" too HNC haha

edit: forgot to put in the original skelly, whoops :x that's there too now
 
cool tapes, thanks oglemi n_n
btw, in case anybody cared (i know nobody does, it's ok '-'), it took me a solid 5 minutes to figure out how to change the title x_x
 

Ender

pelagic
is a Contributor Alumnus
It's GP time!
GP Check 1/2

Additions and Comments
Deletions
[Comments]

[Overview]

<p>All things considered, Sawsbuck is a very interesting Pokemon. It's unique Grass / Normal typing offers both an effective dual STAB and a set of helpful resistances and immunities to go with it. Its offensive stats, while not by any stretch of the imagination amazing, are enough to allow Sawsbuck to function as a dangerous and even versatile offensive threat, sporting a solid 100 base Attack and Speed stat that outpaces a large sum of the metagame. Access to Sap Sipper is also an incredibly useful attribute in a metagame with Grass-type attacks abound, allowing Sawsbuck to switch into and, with some prior damage, dispatch the various Grass-types of the tier. Better yet, as walls such as Tangrowth grow less prominent and Alomomola and other such Pokemon become more common, [comma] Sawsbuck is becoming steadily better with time. However, as one would imagine, [comma] Sawsbuck is far from perfect, and its low defenses and only slightly above average Speed make it fairly easy to keep in check with the priority and generally faster Pokemon. What's more, while walls that handle Sawsbuck are decreasing in use, generally bulky Pokemon such as Escavalier and Druddigon grow more common, both of whom handle Sawsbuck without a great deal of trouble. While it's far from a bad Pokemon, Sawsbuck does require appropriate team support to function to its fullest potential.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Return
move 4: Horn Leech
item: Leftovers
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Though commonly used regarded for its offensive prowess, Sawsbuck can also serve as an effective team player through the use of Baton Pass. Sawsbuck's unique set of resistances and immunities, backed by the threat of its powerful STAB attacks, allow it to find numerous opportunities to set up a Substitute to safely pass off to a teammate or simply dish out damage on its own. Baton Pass also allows Sawsbuck to absorb a Grass-type attack with Sap Sipper and pass an Attack boost off to a partner, allowing it to effectively make use of its ability even before the Grass-type in question is in the range where a +1 Return can dispatch it. Substitute, aside from being an excellent tool for bringing in a more frail frailer Pokemon safely, gives Sawsbuck the leeway to play around Ghost-types such as Misdreavus that rely on status to combat it. Return is a very consistent STAB move and is critical for is threatening Grass-types such as Liligant and Amoonguss that Sawsbuck enjoys switching into to net an Attack boost. Horn Leech complements Return nicely, hitting Rock-types that would otherwise shrug it off Return and providing recovery that allows Sawsbuck to produce further Substitutes throughout the match.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A bulkier spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe would yield bulkier Substitutes, though in doing so, [comma] Sawsbuck loses a sizable amount of offensive presence, failing to 2HKO common Pokemon such as Slowking and Moltres. Double-Edge offers Sawsbuck a slightly more powerful Normal-type STAB to work with, though the recoil is detrimental to its effectiveness as a Substitute passer. Pinch berries, most notably Salac and Liechi, can be utilized over Leftovers in order to pass more significant buffs to a partner, though the consistent recovery of Leftovers allows Sawsbuck to serve a more lasting role throughout a match.</p>

<p>The most useful appreciative partners for this set are those that struggle to take hits well, as they benefit the most from the ability to switch in freely through Baton Pass. Absol, Archeops, and Durant are all make good examples of such Pokemon, as they not only are very difficult to stop behind a Substitute, [comma] but also appreciate the potential Attack boosts passed to them through Sap Sipper. Similarly, slower Pokemon such as Aggron and Druddigon can utilize the Substitutes Sawsbuck provides to mitigate the disadvantage bestowed by their low Speed, wearing down the Steel-types that can check them. Entei is another useful partner for this set [removed ,] that is capable of breaking through the bulky Grass- and Steel-types that bother Sawbuck [removed ,] and can also bait in return baiting bulky Water-types that Sawsbuck can utilize to set up on once more.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: Horn Leech
move 4: Nature Power / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Due to Sawsbuck's unique STAB combination and respectable offensive stats allow it to serve as a very effective Swords Dance sweeper. Sawsbuck's useful set of resistances and immunities offer it a variety of opportunities to set up, and with Swords Dance boosting its Attack to a potent 598 in a single turn, [comma] makes it quickly becomes a dangerous offensive threat. Return provides Sawsbuck with an excellent STAB option with that has reasonable neutral coverage and few drawbacks. Double-Edge, while resulting in some extra recoil, provides a useful boost in power that allows Sawsbuck to comfortably KO Pokemon such as Sceptile and Scyther without a boost. Horn Leech complements Sawsbuck's Normal-type attacks rather nicely, offering it a secondary STAB that not only provides recovery, but also helping helps it to beat the various bulky Water- and Rock-types of the tier. Nature Power rounds off Sawsbuck's coverage, allowing it to hit Steel- and Fire-types particularly hard, while having the added benefit of evading Sucker Punch attempts from Absol and Spiritomb. On the other hand, while dropping Nature Power for Substitute does make Sawsbuck susceptible to Steel-types, this does allow it to more effectively set up on defensively inclined Water- and Ghost-types, as well as and also prevents preventing it from being revenge killed as comfortably easily by faster Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Adamant nature is a viable option, and Sawsbuck can really benefit from the extra power can really benefit it against Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Uxie, though in exchange, [comma] Sawsbuck cannot outspeed Pokemon such as Lilligant, Moltres, and Rotom, all of whom are important to outpace. The choice between Life Orb and Lum Berry is generally that of power versus against safety, as Lum Berry grants Sawsbuck added insurance switching into potential Will-o-Wisps and Scalds without fear of being crippled. In terms of alternative items, Leftovers can be used alongside Substitute to procure guaranteed HP recovery to produce further Substitutes, though usually the recovery from Horn Leech is sufficient for this. Salac Berry is also an interesting option with Substitute, as it allows Sawsbuck the option to more effectively sweep faster teams once priority users have been dispatched. If this is used, a spread of 12 HP / 244 Atk / 252 Spe would prove optimal, guaranteeing that the Salac Berry is activated after three consecutive uses of Substitute. Baton Pass is a viable choice in the final move slot, as it allows Sawsbuck to maintain momentum early in the game, [comma] while even having the potential to pass Attack boosts gained from Sap Sipper or Swords Dance. Jump Kick offers similar coverage to Nature Power, trading perfect accuracy and the ability to evade Sucker Punch for the ability to hit Ferroseed for significant damage. Megahorn can also be used, as it allows with its useful super effective coverage Sawsbuck to break throw bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth with much less difficulty has a significantly easier time breaking through bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth.</p>

<p>Choice Scarf Emboar makes a solid partner for to Sawsbuck, switching into and threatening most Steel-types comfortably and in turn baiting bulky Water-types for Sawsbuck to set up on. Magneton is also proficient at eliminating troublesome Steel-types for Sawsbuck, and its plethora of useful resistances to Bug-, Ice-, Flying-, and Poison-type attacks all benefit Sawsbuck. Offensive Water-types, particularly physically inclined ones such as Kabutops and Feraligatr, provide helpful sponges for the Ice- and Fire-type attacks Sawsbuck draws in and help to wear down Tangrowth and other such shared checks over time.</p>

[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Nature Power
move 4: Megahorn
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>By forgoing setup, Sawsbuck can function as a potent immediate attacker, [comma] thanks to its assortment of unique coverage options and high-powered attacks. Return is Sawsbuck's the STAB move of choice, hitting most Pokemon neutrally without any immediate negative repercussions. Double-Edge, [comma] on the other hand, [comma] offers a more powerful Normal-type STAB, though the recoil that comes with it can be detrimental to its performance at times. Horn Leech offers a moderately powerful secondary STAB whose recovery allows Sawsbuck to heal passive damage acquired from switching into entry hazards and weaker attacks. Nature Power rounds off Sawsbuck's coverage, allowing it to hit Steel-types hard, while also allowing it to avoid Sucker Punch from the likes of Absol and Spiritomb. Megahorn's useful super effective coverage is the icing on the cake, allowing Sawsbuck to inflict impressive damage upon common switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Uxie, and Mesprit.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The choice between Choice Band and Life Orb is largely affected by what role Sawsbuck is meant to fulfill for on a team. The extra power of Choice Band is invaluable to for breaking through defensive Pokemon such as Steelix, Alomomola, Tangrowth, and more; [changed , to ;] however, [comma] the ability to switch up moves makes Life Orb the superior option if Sawsbuck is meant to serve as late-game cleaner or is meant to wear down defensive cores for another Pokemon to sweep. Jump Kick can be used to thrash Ferroseed switch-ins, though otherwise Nature Power remains a far more consistent and safe attacking option. Alternatively, moves such as Wild Charge and Faint Attack can be utilized to bait and wear down certain Pokemon like Moltres, Misdreavus, and Drifblim, [comma] should they be impeding another Pokemon's sweep, though generally speaking Megahorn generally covers more relevant Pokemon. Baton Pass, while not immediately beating any particular threats, allows Sawsbuck the ability to scout the opponent early in the match, even passing the occasional Sap Sipper boost off to a partner. Likewise, Synthesis can be used to capitalize on the switches Sawsbuck forces, allowing it to recover its HP safely, though this does mean dropping a valuable coverage option.</p>

<p>Golurk is a useful partner to for Sawsbuck, providing good defensive synergy with it and either supporting it with Stealth Rock or helping to overload physical walls with its powerful Choice Band set. Fire-types like Emboar and Moltres both are capable of switching into and pressuring Steel-types like Escavalier and Steelix that give it Sawsbuck trouble, and in turn looking look to Sawsbuck to take on bulky Water-types. Speaking of Additionally, Water-types such as Kabutops and Slowking both offer solid defensive synergy with Sawsbuck and can capitalize on its ability to wear down Water- and Grass-type Pokemon.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Though it has mostly ignored until this point, Chlorophyll is far from a bad ability, and in the context of a dedicated sun team, [comma] Sawsbuck is very capable of utilizing this ability effectively. Agility is also an option to boost Sawsbuck's Speed, though the commonplace nature of priority does somewhat restrict its effectiveness somewhat. A dedicated Baton Pass set can be used to pass either Swords Dance or Agility boosts to a partner, though it does waste Sawsbuck's offensive capabilities and generally their there are superior partners for such a task. Support options such as Aromatherapy and Thunder Wave have niche use on offensive sets, though a fully support-based set is outclassed by bulky Grass-types such as Roselia and Ferroseed. Leech Seed is a useful tool that can be used alongside Substitute to wear down otherwise stoic impenetrable [or synonym] checks like Escavalier over time.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Certain defensive Steel-types, namely Steelix and Ferroseed, are very capable checks to Sawsbuck [removed ,] and take taking only meager amounts from its attacks and can either threaten threatening it with Gyro Ball or set setting up entry hazards on it. Tangrowth and Amoonguss are both are capable of sponging most of Sawsbuck's attacks repeatedly, [comma] thanks to their good natural bulk and Regenerator ability, and they can in turn pressure pressuring it with the appropriate Hidden Power or Poison-type STAB, respectively. Weezing, while moderately uncommon, is also a stalwart check to Sawsbuck, taking a pittance from most of its attacks and being capable of either crippling it with Will-o-Wisp or threatening it with its STAB attacks.</p>

<p>Despite its limited list of defensive checks and counters, Sawsbuck is much less lucky with offensive threats. Bulkier Bug-types like Escavalier, Durant, and Eviolite Scyther all capably stifle Sawsbuck, being as they are able to shrug of its assualts and threaten it with their STAB attacks. Faster 'mons Pokemon such as Galvantula, Accelgor, Typhlosion, and Sigilyph can all outpace and KO Sawsbuck with the appropriate attack, though they face difficulty switching in. Lastly, priority users such as Entei and Hitmonlee can keep Sawsbuck in check, with the former even being able to use Sawsbuck as a springboard to activate its Unburden ability.</p>
 

Governess

A Beautiful Blossom Waiting to Bloom
is a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Hihi, GP Check! Nice job on this analysis. :)

Additions / Changes
Removes
Comments
[Overview]

<p>All things considered, Sawsbuck is a very interesting Pokemon. It's unique Grass / Normal typing offers both an effective dual STAB and a set of helpful resistances and immunities. Its offensive stats, while not by any stretch of the imagination amazing, are enough to allow Sawsbuck to function as a dangerous and even versatile offensive threat, sporting a solid base 100 base Attack and a Speed stat that allows it to outpace a large sum number of the metagame. Sawkbuck's aAccess to Sap Sipper is also an incredibly useful attribute in a metagame with Grass-type attacks abound, allowing Sawsbuck to switch into and, with some prior damage, dispatch the various Grass-types of the tier. Better yet, as walls such as Tangrowth grow less prominent and Alomomola and other such Pokemon become more common, Sawsbuck is steadily becoming more popularsteadily better. However, as one would imagine, Sawsbuck is far from perfect, and its low defenses and only slightly above average Speed make it fairly easy to keep in check with priority and faster Pokemon. What's more, wWhile walls that handle Sawsbuck are decreasing in use, generally bulky Pokemon such as Escavalier and Druddigon are growing more common, both of whom can handle Sawsbuck without a great deal of trouble too much trouble. While it's far from a bad Pokemon, Sawsbuck does require appropriate team support to function to at its fullest potential.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Baton Pass
move 3: Return
move 4: Horn Leech
item: Leftovers
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Though commonly used for its offensive prowess, Sawsbuck can also serve as an effective team player through the use of Baton Pass. Sawsbuck's unique set of resistances and immunities, which is backed by the threat of its powerful STAB attacks, allow it to find numerous opportunities to set up a Substitute to safely pass off to a teammate or simply dish out damage on its own. Baton Pass also allows Sawsbuck to absorb a Grass-type attack with Sap Sipper and pass an Attack boost off to a partner, allowing it to effectively make use of its ability even before the Grass-type in question is in the range where a +1 Return can dispatch it. Substitute, aside from being an excellent tool for bringing in a more frail Pokemon safely, gives Sawsbuck the leeway to play around Ghost-types such as Misdreavus that rely on status to combat it. Return is a very consistent STAB move and is critical for threatening Grass-types such as Liligant and Amoonguss that Sawsbuck enjoys switching into to net an Attack boost. Horn Leech complements Return nicely, hitting Rock-types that would otherwise shrug off Return and providing recovery that allows Sawsbuck to produce further more Substitutes throughout the match.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A bulkier EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe would yield bulkier Substitutes, though but in doing so, Sawsbuck loses a sizable moderate amount of offensive presence, failing to 2HKO common Pokemon such as Slowking and Moltres. Double-Edge offers Sawsbuck a slightly more powerful Normal-type STAB to work with, though but the recoil is detrimental to its effectiveness as a Substitute passer. Pinch berries Berries used in a pinch, most notably the Salac Berry and Liechi Berry, can be utilized over Leftovers in order to pass more significant buffs to a partner, though but the consistent recovery of Leftovers allows Sawsbuck to serve a more longer lasting role throughout a match.</p>

<p>The most useful partners for this set are those that struggle to take hits well, as they benefit the most from the ability to switch in freely through Baton Pass. Absol, Archeops, and Durant all are good examples of such Pokemon, as they not only are very difficult to stop behind a Substitute, (RC) but also appreciate the potential Attack boosts passed to them through Sap Sipper. Similarly, slower Pokemon such as Aggron and Druddigon can utilize the Substitutes Sawsbuck provides to mitigate the disadvantage bestowed by their low Speed, wearing down the Steel-types that can check them. Entei is another useful partner for this set, as it is capable of breaking through the bulky Grass- and Steel-types that bother Sawbuck and can also bait bulky Water-types that Sawsbuck can utilize to set up on once more set up on.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: Horn Leech
move 4: Nature Power / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Sawsbuck's unique STAB combination and respectable offensive stats allow it to serve as a very effective Swords Dance sweeper. Sawsbuck's useful set of resistances and immunities offer it a variety of opportunities to set up, and with Swords Dance boosting its Attack to a potent 598 in a single turn, it quickly becomes a dangerous offensive threat. Return provides Sawsbuck with an excellent STAB option that has reasonable neutral coverage and few drawbacks. Double-Edge, while resulting in some extra recoil, provides a useful boost in power that allows Sawsbuck to comfortably KO Pokemon such as Sceptile and Scyther without a boost. Horn Leech complements Sawsbuck's Normal-type attacks rather nicely, offering it a secondary STAB that not only provides recovery, (RC) but also helps it beat the various bulky Water- and Rock-types of the tier. Nature Power rounds off Sawsbuck's coverage, allowing it to hit Steel- and Fire-types particularly hard, (RC) while having the added benefit of evading Sucker Punch attempts from Absol and Spiritomb. On the other hand, while dropping Nature Power for Substitute does make Sawsbuck susceptible to Steel-types, this does allow it to more effectively set up on defensively-inclined Water- and Ghost-types and also prevents it from being revenge killed as easily by faster Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Adamant nature is a viable option, and Sawsbuck can really benefit from the extra power against Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Uxie, though; in exchange, Sawsbuck cannot outspeed Pokemon such as Lilligant, Moltres, and Rotom, all of whom are important to outpace. The choice between Life Orb and Lum Berry is generally that of power versus safety, as Lum Berry grants Sawsbuck added insurance switching into potential Will-oO-Wisps and Scalds without fear of being crippled. In terms of alternative items, Leftovers can be used alongside Substitute to procure guaranteed HP recovery to produce further more Substitutes, though but usually the recovery from Horn Leech is sufficient. Salac Berry is also an interesting option with Substitute, as it allows Sawsbuck to more effectively sweep faster teams once priority users have been dispatched. If this is used, an EV spread of 12 HP / 244 Atk / 252 Spe would prove optimal, guaranteeing that the Salac Berry is activated after three uses of Substitute. Baton Pass is a viable choice in the final move(no space, just 'moveslot')slot, as it allows Sawsbuck to maintain momentum early in the game, (RC) while even having the potential to pass Attack boosts gained from Sap Sipper and/or Swords Dance. Jump Kick offers similar coverage to Nature Power, trading perfect accuracy and the ability to evade Sucker Punch for the ability to hit Ferroseed for significant damage. Megahorn can also be used, as it allows Sawsbuck to break throw through bulky Grass-types like such as Tangrowth with much less difficulty.</p>

<p>Choice Scarf Emboar makes a solid partner for Sawsbuck, switching into and threatening most Steel-types comfortably and in turn baiting bulky Water-types for Sawsbuck to set up on. Magneton is also proficient at eliminating troublesome Steel-types for Sawsbuck, and its plethora of useful resistances to Bug-, Ice-, Flying-, and Poison-type attacks all benefit Sawsbuck. Offensive Water-types, particularly physically-inclined ones such as Kabutops and Feraligatr, provide helpful sponges for the Ice- and Fire-type attacks Sawsbuck draws in and help to wear down Tangrowth and other such shared checks over time.</p>

[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Nature Power
move 4: Megahorn
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>By forgoing setup, Sawsbuck can function as a potent immediate attacker, (RC) thanks to its assortment of unique coverage options and high-powered attacks. Return is Sawsbuck's STAB move of choice, hitting most Pokemon neutrally without any immediate negative repercussions. Double-Edge, on the other hand, offers a more powerful Normal-type STAB, though but the recoil that comes with it can be detrimental to its Sawsbuck's performance at times. Horn Leech offers a moderately powerful secondary STAB whose recovery allows Sawsbuck to heal passive damage acquired from switching into entry hazards and weaker attacks. Nature Power rounds off Sawsbuck's coverage, allowing it to hit Steel-types hard, (RC) while also allowing it to avoid Sucker Punch from the likes of Absol and Spiritomb. Megahorn's useful super effective coverage is the icing on the cake, allowing Sawsbuck to inflict impressive damage upon common switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Uxie, and Mesprit.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The choice between Choice Band and Life Orb is largely affected by what role Sawsbuck is meant to fulfill on a team. The extra power of Choice Band is invaluable for breaking through defensive Pokemon such as Steelix, Alomomola, and Tangrowth, (RC) and more; however, the ability to switch moves makes Life Orb the superior option if Sawsbuck is meant to serve as late-game cleaner or wear down defensive cores for another Pokemon to sweep. Jump Kick can be used to thrash Ferroseed switch-ins, though but Nature Power remains a far more consistent and safe attacking option. Alternatively, moves such as Wild Charge and Faint Attack can be utilized to bait and wear down certain Pokemon like such as Moltres, Misdreavus, and Drifblim, (RC) should they be impeding another Pokemon's sweep, though but Megahorn generally covers more relevant Pokemon. Baton Pass, while not immediately beating any particular threats, allows Sawsbuck the ability to scout the opponent early in the match, even passing the occasional Sap Sipper boost off to a partner. Likewise, Synthesis can be used to capitalize on the switches Sawsbuck forces, allowing it to recover its HP safely, though; this does mean dropping a valuable coverage option, (AC) though.</p>

<p>Golurk is a useful partner for Sawsbuck, providing good defensive synergy with it and either supporting it with Stealth Rock or helping to overload physical walls with its powerful Choice Band set. Fire-types, (AC) like such as Emboar and Moltres, (AC) both are capable of switching into and pressuring Steel-types like Escavalier and Steelix that give Sawsbuck trouble, (RC) and in turn look to Sawsbuck to take on bulky Water-types in return. Additionally, Water-types such as Kabutops and Slowking both offer solid defensive synergy with Sawsbuck and can capitalize on its ability to wear down Water- and Grass-type Pokemon.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Though it has mostly ignored until this point, Chlorophyll is far from a bad ability, and in the context of a dedicated sun team, Sawsbuck is very capable of utilizing this ability effectively. Agility is also an option to boost Sawsbuck's Speed, though but the commonplace nature of priority does somewhat restrict its effectiveness. A dedicated Baton Pass set can be used to pass either Swords Dance or Agility boosts to a partner, though but it does waste Sawsbuck's offensive capabilities, (AC) and there are superior partners for such a task. Support options such as Aromatherapy and Thunder Wave have niche use on offensive sets, though but a fully support-based set is outclassed by bulky Grass-types, (AC) such as Roselia and Ferroseed. Leech Seed is a useful tool that can be used alongside Substitute to wear down otherwise impenetrable checks like Escavalier over time.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Certain defensive Steel-types, namely Steelix and Ferroseed, are very capable checks to Sawsbuck and take only meager amounts from its attacks and can either threaten it with Gyro Ball or set up entry hazards on it. Tangrowth and Amoonguss are both capable of sponging most of Sawsbuck's attacks repeatedly, (RC) thanks to their good natural bulk and Regenerator ability, in and they can in turn pressure it Sawsbuck with the appropriate Hidden Power or Poison-type STAB, respectively. Weezing, while moderately uncommon, is also a stalwart check to Sawsbuck, taking a pittance from most of its attacks and being capable of either crippling it with Will-oO-Wisp or threatening it with its STAB attacks.</p>

<p>Despite its limited list of defensive checks and counters, Sawsbuck is much less lucky with offensive threats. Bulkier Bug-types like such as Escavalier, Durant, and Eviolite Scyther all capably stifle Sawsbuck, as they are able shrug of its assaults and threaten it with their STAB attacks. Faster Pokemon, (AC) such as Galvantula, Accelgor, Typhlosion, and Sigilyph, (AC) can all outpace and KO Sawsbuck with the appropriate attack, though but they face difficulty switching in. Lastly, priority users such as Entei and Hitmonlee can keep Sawsbuck in check, with the former even being able to use Sawsbuck as a springboard to activate its ability, (AC) Unburden ability.</p>

2/2
 
I was all set to actually implement in a timely manner, but then life happened =(
thanks for the check Governess, believe I implemented everything, upload whenever n_n
 

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