Scraggy (Analysis)

Crux

Crux

Banned deucer.
[Overview]

<p>Scraggy has great Attack, decent Speed, stellar defenses, and access to both Dragon Dance and Bulk Up, making it a premier threat in the Little Cup metagame. Reaching 22 Speed after a single Dragon Dance, it is very difficult to counter or revenge kill. Shed Skin and Moxie are both excellent abilities and both can allow Scraggy to acquire multiple boosts through different uses. Fast Choice Scarf Users that carry strong super effective moves or strong priority users are the only Pokemon that can reliably check Scraggy.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch / Zen Headbutt
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin / Moxie
nature: Jolly / Impish
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is very difficult to stop once it sets up, due to Scraggy's STABs having near-perfect coverage. Scraggy reaches 22 Speed and 25 Attack after a single boost, making it very difficult to switch into or revenge kill. Drain Punch is generally a better option than Hi Jump Kick because the drop in power is made up for by the recovery, which makes Scraggy even harder to take down. Crunch, Scraggy's secondary STAB move, has superb coverage when paired with Drain Punch or Hi Jump Kick, as it is resisted by very few Pokemon. Ice Punch is the final move as it allows Scraggy to OHKO Gligar, who otherwise walls this set. Eviolite boosts both of Scraggy's defensive stats by 50%, making it easy for Scraggy to acquire multiple boosts and even more difficult to stop during a sweep.</p>

<p>The choice between Shed Skin and Moxie is a difficult one. Moxie allows for more power as the sweep progresses, with an extra Attack boost with each KO, while Shed Skin allows Scraggy to set up in the face of Pokemon like Misdreavus, Frillish, and Lileep who would otherwise cripple it with status moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb could be run over Eviolite, however the extra bulk is usually better than the extra power, as it allows to get multiple boosts. Additionally, the recoil from Life Orb is quite detrimental to Scraggy, considering its weakness to some common priority moves and its lack of ways to deal with these. Running a Jolly nature over Impish gives Scraggy two less Attack points, but it does allow you to outspeed Choice Scarf Machop after a Dragon Dance, who would otherwise cause Scraggy problems.</p>

<p>Zen Headbutt allows you to OHKO Croagunk, who otherwise beats Scraggy with its strong priority moves, and 2HKO Timburr if you hit it on the switch, however, this will only occur if you have at least one layer of Spikes present. However, Ice Punch is generally the better option, as it can deal with the more prominent threat of Gligar.</p>

<p>Wynaut and Cottonee make excellent teammates for Scraggy as Encore allows it to set up for free. Pokemon like Slowpoke, who can eliminate Fighting-types like Timburr, also make good teammates. If you are running Zen Headbutt over Ice Punch, it is recommended that you run a Pokemon like Snover who can beat Gligar, who would otherwise wall Scraggy.</p>

[SET]
name: ShedRest
move 1: Bulk Up / Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Brick Break / Drain Punch
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Careful
evs: 196 HP / 36 Def / 196 SpD / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p> Scraggy's excellent bulk allows it to run an effective defensive set. Bulk Up boosts both Scraggy's Attack and Defense, making Scraggy very difficult to KO with physical attacks. Dragon Dance can also be used if you want to attempt a faster sweep, however, the added Defense that Bulk Up provides is generally preferable for a more defensive set. The EVs provided make hitting Scraggy from the special side just as futile. The ability, Shed Skin, gives Scraggy a chance of waking up early from the two turn Rest period, and this is the crux of this set. Brick Break allows Scraggy to beat Reflect Bronzor, while Crunch provides excellent coverage in conjunction with Brick Break.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is the best item for this set as it gives Scraggy the added bulk that it needs to function effectively. Also, more Speed could be used in place of Special Defense if you want to attempt a sweep. Drain Punch can be used over Brick Break, however, the recovery is redundant with Rest. This set works well with Toxic Spike support from Pokemon like Tentacool, who also handle Timburr, one of this set's main counters, quite effectively.</p>

[SET]
name: Scarf
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Drain Punch / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Reaching 22 Speed with a Choice Scarf, Scraggy outspeeds all unboosted Pokemon in the Little Cup metagame, as well as some slower Choice Scarf users, such as Machop. Scraggy's ability, Moxie, makes it a superb revenge killer because it gains strength with every KO that it makes, making it extremely threatening. However, being locked into one move can often be detrimental to Scraggy, as it can then be easily revenge killed itself.</p>

<p> The moves provided allow Scraggy to revenge kill both Croagunk and Gligar, two huge threats in the Little Cup metagame. Drain Punch provides some survivability and has excellent type coverage with Crunch, both of which are also strong STAB moves. Ice Punch and Zen Headbutt hit Pokemon that resist one or more of Scraggy's STAB moves, such as the aforementioned Gligar and Croagunk, hard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p> On this set, Hi Jump Kick can be used over Drain Punch for a great boost to Scraggy's power, however, if Scraggy is locked into Hi Jump Kick, it can easily end up severely damaging itself if a Ghost-type switches in, or if a Pokemon that has Protect predicts at the right time. This means that on the whole, Drain Punch is the better option, as it is drawback free, and it provides Scraggy with a way to recover health.</p>

<p>The EVs provided maximize Scraggy's Speed and Attack, which allow it to obtain the first KO it needs in order to sweep. However, some Attack EVs could be moved into HP or Defense to make Scraggy bulkier if you prefer survivability over power.</p>

[OTHER OPTIONS]

<p>Head Smash can be used in place of Crunch as it has good coverage with Scraggy's Fighting-type move of choice, however, although Head Smash is stronger, it does cause Scraggy to take added damage from recoil, and this is generally better to avoid. Hi Jump Kick is an option over Drain Punch if you want the extra power, however, the healing provided by Drain Punch makes it the better choice. Scraggy also has access to both Stone Edge and Rock Slide, however each are outclassed by Scraggy's other moves. With access to Fake Out, Taunt, and Counter, a lead set is also viable, utilizing a Focus Sash. Dragon Tail can be used to phaze potential counters, and this works particularly well on the ShedRest set.</p>

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]

<p>Croagunk resists both of Scraggy's STABs and it can KO Scraggy with a combination of Fake Out and Vacuum Wave. Gligar completely walls Scraggy that don't carry Ice Punch, thanks to its key resistances and great Defense. Reflect Bronzor can beat Scraggy if it does not carry Brick Break. Faster Choice Scarf users that hit at least 23 speed, such as Scarf Mienfoo and Mankey, can take out Scraggy if they have a Fighting-type attack or if Scraggy is low on health. Bulky Timburr variants can set up on Scraggy and KO it with its super effective STAB moves. Cottonee can come in on a Dragon Dance, Encore, and proceed to set up, whilst bulky variants of Meditite can survive a Crunch and OHKO with Drain Punch. The Scarf set can be countered by anything that resists the move Scraggy is locked into.</p>

[DREAM WORLD]

<p>Scraggy gains access to Intimidate through the Dream World. This could allow Scraggy to run an effective boosting sweeper set, similar to those above, by lowering the Attack stat of its counters when it switches in.</p>
 
it's fine

[15:38] <+Crux> @vader or dubs or someone, I remember that people who wrote skeleton analysises only got priority choice on a single pokemon. Since it seems clear that iss has no intention of doing/updating zuruggu, would you mind if I did it?
[15:39] <%little_gk> go for it
[15:43] <~Vader> yeah

i guess a scarf set could be cool at least for oo or something, overconfidence is enough of a bitch to warrant it
 
Under Counters you might want to give Momen a mention as it can come in on a Dragon Dance, Encore, then proceed to Cotton Guard and start Sub Seeding. Also Evo Stone Meditite can take a +1 Crunch and OHKO back with Drain Punch.

Other than that it looks great Crux!
 
personally, I'd just mention HJK and LO in AC rather than slashing anything on the DD set. Since that's just a small thing....
contrib_qc.png
 
Adamant over Impish on the Dragon Dance set, imo. The power is much more important than a Defense point. Also, you could run Adamant with less attack evs and more defense evs to gain more stat points in total, as your base atk is higher than your base def.
 
I'd personally like to see a Scarf set with Moxie. Access to HJK and its Dark typing give it advantages over the other scarfers, such as Kojofuu, Meditite, or Machop/Dokkora, and if your opponent is out of Fighting resistances it's very easy for a Moxie Scarfer to just snowball out of control and sweep teams.

EDIT:

Why in god's name is Brick Break primary slash on the ShedRest set? Considering that Bronzor's ability to damage you is pretty much nonexistent, Reflect Bronzor is nothing but setup fodder for you (not that Reflect Bronzor even exists in this meta, really), and if you really want to get rid of the screen you just bulk up until the screen is about to run out and then punch them in the face. Drain Punch is better nearly 100% of the time. I'd say remove Brick Break entirely and just put it in OC.
 
I have the Scarf set in OC, because after testing it, it really is too priority weak.

Isn't Drain Punch kinda redundant on a rest set?
 
No?

Drain Punch is better because it heals hp every time it hits. Brick Break breaks screens, when they're there, and is Drain Punch without the side effect the other 95% of the time.

Also, S'not like most things'll be screening on Zuruggu, since they're almost all Psychic-typed.

And the opponents going to be going to their DD Zuruggu check, which prolly isn't a dual screener, because Zuruggu's a pretty dangerous sweeper, and most opponents know that if they let it get three Dragon Dances (switch in, reflect, switch out), they are totally fucked.
 
Crux, I tested it as well and found it effective at doing stuff like checking Komatana, Misdreavus, and other fairly annoying things effectively, something that other Fighting-types kinda have problems with. It's not a sweeper, it's a revenge killer that just happens to be able to sweep if you kill their Priority user, which shouldn't be hard if you can catch them on the switch as they switch in expecting a DD or Bulk Up. It's definitely got a niche (Moxie, dark typing, superior bulk) regardless of its issues with Priority.

Also, to expand on what Darkamber said (and what I said), Brick Break's side effect is nearly irrelevant, as if their answer to BU Zuruggu is to try and screen on it, you'll just respond by continuing to set up and then punching them in the face. Meanwhile, you don't want to rely on Rest as much as Brick Break forces you to. Remember, Shed Skin is most definitely not guaranteed, and if they, say... bring in Nasty Plot Misdreavus as you Rest and you don't wake up, you might as well kiss your ass goodbye. Drain Punch increases the number of turns you spend awake and kicking ass before you're forced to Rest, which is always good.

Brick Break should absolutely be in OC if you're super desperate for a way to break screens, but the rest of the time it's strictly inferior to Drain Punch, and the analysis should reflect it.

EDIT AGAIN: I'm requesting a third stamp for this in light of Zeph's hasty stamp. The prefix has been reset to Quality Control to match.
 
Is there any reason for Zuru to even run 15 Speed pre-DD? I'd much rather just run 14, which beats everything it needs to, and move that extra point to HP. It's stats pre-DD should really be 23 HP / 16 Atk / 14 Def / 14 SpD / 14 Spe, as anything more in any stat that is getting boosted (by either Stone or DD) is kind of wasteful as you're not getting an extra point due to it getting rounded down.

Also, why is everything getting stamped so damn hastily now?
 
Quick content nitpick:

ZHB's benefits (though very lackluster...in my opinon) are not even explained in the set (DD) unless I'm missing something. The only reason to ever consider using that terrible move is to hit Dokkora on the switch with Spikes up it will 2HKO it as well as OHKO Croagunk (no spikes needed).

Zeph said:
Why are you targeting mine? Grand master Heysup was the first person to QC it.
Click to expand...

I am scary.
 
kokoloko said:
Is there any reason for Zuru to even run 15 Speed pre-DD? I'd much rather just run 14, which beats everything it needs to, and move that extra point to HP. It's stats pre-DD should really be 23 HP / 16 Atk / 14 Def / 14 SpD / 14 Spe, as anything more in any stat that is getting boosted (by either Stone or DD) is kind of wasteful as you're not getting an extra point due to it getting rounded down.
Click to expand...

Zuruggu actually hits 22 Speed with the stats given. This allows it to outspeed some slower scarfers, who would otherwise beat it. Additionally, pre-boost, it ties with of Zuruggu and beats some other Pokemon. I feel the extra speed is more important. Of course, you can always run a different set.

(Updated Again)
 
I think you could put alternate EVs for the Shed Rest set, 236 Atk/236 Spe / 36 HP with an Adamant Nature because after one Dragon Dance Scraggy reaches the magic number 21, outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon in the tier (not so sure if this changed in the generation shift or not.) so Scraggy's stats becomes 22 HP / 27 Atk / 20 (or 19, not sure) Defense and Sp.Def / 21 Spe after one tier of setup, making him really bulky and very deadly. Another thing is that in your team options in the ShedRest set, you say that Scraggy has Overconfidence as an ability and you say that it is running Hi Jump Kick.
 
Quick proofread.

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[Overview]
<p>Scraggy has good great Attack, decent Speed, stellar defenses, and access to both Dragon Dance and Bulk Up, making it a premier threat in the Little Cup metagame. Reaching 22 Speed after a single Dragon Dance, it is very difficult to counter or revenge kill. Shed Skin and Moxie are both excellent abilities and both can allow Scraggy to acquire multiple boosts through different uses. Fast Scarfers that carry strong Super-Effective super effective moves or strong priority users are the few Pokémon that can actually beat Scraggy only Pokemon that can reliably check Scraggy.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch / Zen Headbutt
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin / Moxie
nature: Jolly / Impish
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is very difficult to stop once it gets a boost sets up, due to Scraggy’s STABs having near-perfect coverage. Scraggy reaches 22 Speed and 25 Attack after a single boost, making it very difficult to switch-in to switch into or revenge kill. Drain Punch is generally a better option than Hi Jump Kick because the drop in power is made up for by the recovery, which makes Scraggy even harder to take down. Crunch, Scraggy’s secondary STAB move, has superb coverage when paired with Drain Punch or Hi Jump Kick, being resisted by very few Pokémon. Ice Punch is the final move as it allows Scraggy to OHKO Gligar, who otherwise walls this set. Eviolite boosts both of Scraggy’s defense stats by 50%, making it easy for it Scraggy to acquire multiple boosts and even more difficult to stop during a sweep.</p>

<p>The choice between Shed Skin and Moxie is a difficult one. Moxie allows for more power as the sweep progresses, with an extra Attack boost with each KO, whilst while Shed Skin allows Scraggy to set up in the face of Pokémon like Misdreavus, Frillish, and Lileep who would otherwise cripple it with status moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb could be run over Eviolite, however the extra bulk is usually better than the extra power, as it allows to get multiple boosts. Additionally, the recoil from Life Orb is quite detrimental to Scraggy, considering its weakness to some common priority moves and lack of its own priority moves its lack of ways to deal with these. Running a Jolly nature over Impish gives Scraggy two less Attack points, but it does allow you to outspeed Scarf Machop after a Dragon Dance, who would otherwise cause Scraggy problems.</p>

<p>Zen Headbutt allows you to OHKO Croagunk, who otherwise beats Scraggy with its strong priority moves, and 2HKO Timburr if you hit it on the switch (but only with Spikes.) , however, this will only occur if you have one layer of Spikes present. (does this also include Stealth Rock?) However, Ice Punch is generally the better option, as it can deal with the more prominent threat of Gligar.</p>

[SET]
name: ShedRest
move 1: Bulk Up / Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Brick Break / Drain Punch
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Careful
evs: 196 HP / 36 Def / 196 SpD / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Scraggy’s excellent bulk allows for it to run an effective defensive set. Bulk Up boosts both 'Scraggy's Attack and Defense, making Scraggy very difficult to KO from the physical side of the spectrum. Dragon Dance can also be used if you want to attempt a faster sweep, however, the added Defense that Bulk Up provides is generally preferable for a more defensive set. The EVs provided make hitting Scraggy from the special side just as futile. The ability, Shed Skin, gives Scraggy a chance of waking up early from the two turn Rest period, and this is the crux of this set. Brick Break allows Scraggy to beat Reflect Bronzor, whilst while Crunch provides excellent coverage in conjunction with Brick Break.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Eviolite is the best item for this set as it gives Scraggy the added bulk which that it needs to function effectively. More Also, more speed could be used in place of Special Defense if you want to attempt a sweep. Drain Punch can be used over Brick Break;, however, the recovery is redundant with Rest and should only be used when running Dragon Dance over Bulk Up (what is the difference, you are still at +1 attack. This sentence is now really necessary...) . This set works well with Toxic Spike support from Pokémon like Tentacool, who also handle Timburr, one of this set's main counters, quite effectively.</p>

[SET]
name: Scarf
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Drain Punch / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Reaching 22 Speed with a Choice Scarf, Scraggy outspeeds all unboosted Pokémon in the Little Cup metagame, as well as some slower scarfers, such as Machop. Scraggy’s ability, Moxie, makes it a superb revenge killer because each time it gains strength with every KO that it makes, making it extremely threatening. However, being locked into one move can often be detrimental to Scraggy, as it becomes easily can then be easily revenge killed itself.</p>

<p>(remove space here)The moves provided allow Scraggy to beat both Croagunk and Gligar at the same time, something that the Scarf set fails to do. revenge kill both Croagunk and Gligar, two huge threats in the Little Cup metagame. Drain Punch provides some survivability and has excellent type coverage with Crunch, both of which are also strong STAB moves. Ice Punch and Zen Headbutt hit Pokémon who that resist one or more of Scraggy’s STAB moves, such as the aforementioned Gligar and Croagunk, hard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Hi Jump Kick is usable over Drain Punch on this set if you want the extra power, however, being locked into the move is generally inadvisable due to opposing Ghost types and Pokémon that run Protect being able to beat Scraggy. On this set, Hi Jump Kick can be used over Drain Punch for a great boost to Scraggy's power, however, if Scraggy is locked into Hi Jump Kick, it can easily end up severely damaging itself if a Ghost-type switches in, or if a Pokemon that has Protect predicts at the right time. This means that on the whole, Drain Punch is the better option, as it is drawback free, and it provides Scraggy with a way to recover health.</p>

<p>The EVs provided maximize Scraggy’s Speed and Attack, which allows it to obtain the first KO it needs in order to sweep. However, some Attack EVs could be moves moved into HP or Defense to make Scraggy bulkier if you prefer survivability over power.</p>


[OTHER OPTIONS]

<p>Head Smash can be used in place of Crunch as it has good coverage with Drain Punch and Hi Jump Kick and is stronger than Crunch, however the recoil is annoying Scraggy's Fighting-type move of choice, however, although Head Smash is stronger, it does cause Scraggy to take added damage from recoil, and this is generally better to avoid. Hi Jump Kick is an option over Drain Punch if you want the extra power, however, the healing provided by Drain Punch makes it the better option. Scraggy also has access to both Stone Edge and Rock Slide, however both are fairly useless each are outclassed by Scraggy's other moves. With access to Fake Out, Taunt and Counter, a Lead set is also viable, utilizing a Focus Sash. Dragon Tail can be used to Phaze phaze potential counters, and this works particularly well on the ShedRest set. especially one the ShedRest set. Additionally, Scraggy could also run an effective Choice Scarf set, utilizing its strong STAB moves, Ice Punch and Zen Headbutt. Its ability, Moxie, allows it to become more dangerous and powerful after each kill, making it a perfect revenge killer. (there is an offensive Choice Scarf set...)</p>

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]

<p>Croagunk resists both of Scraggy’s STABs and it can KO Scraggy with a combination of Fake Out and Vacuum Wave. Gligar completely walls Scraggy that don’t carry Ice Punch, thanks to its key resistances and great physical Defense. Reflect Bronzor can beat it Scraggy if Scraggy it does not carry Brick Break. Faster Scarfers that hit at least 23 speed, such as Scarf Mienshao and Mankey, can take out Scraggy if they have a Fighting- type attack or if Scraggy is low on health. Bulky Timburr variants can set up on Scraggy and KO it with its Super-Effective super effective STAB moves. Cottonee can come in on a Dragon Dance, Encore and proceed to set up, whilst bulky variants of Meditite can survive a Crunch and OHKO with Drain Punch. The Scarf set can be countered by anything which that resists the move Scraggy is locked into.</p>

[DREAM WORLD]

<p>Scraggy gains access to Intimidate through the Dream World. Whilst While this ability is, as of yet, unreleased, it could allow Scraggy to run an effective, boosting sweeper set, similar to those above by lowering the Attack stat of its counters when it switches in.. It could also be useful on a stall based set for the same reasons.</p>

Good work on this analysis.
Maybe there could be some more depth in the actual writing, and you must take care to proofread your analysis before putting it up for GP checks.
Well done.

(I hope this gets a stamp...)
 
Uh

Please pay attention when you implement checks

Deletions
Additions/Corrections
(Comments)

[Overview]

<p>Scraggy has great Attack, decent Speed, stellar defenses, and access to both Dragon Dance and Bulk Up, making it a premier threat in the Little Cup metagame. Reaching 22 Speed after a single Dragon Dance, it is very difficult to counter or revenge kill. Shed Skin and Moxie are both excellent abilities and both can allow Scraggy to acquire multiple boosts through different uses. Fast Scarfers Choice Scarf Users that carry strong super effective moves or strong priority users are the only Pokemon that can reliably check Scraggy.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch / Zen Headbutt
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin / Moxie
nature: Jolly / Impish
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is very difficult to stop once it sets up, due to Scraggy's STABs having near-perfect coverage. Scraggy reaches 22 Speed and 25 Attack after a single boost, making it very difficult to switch into or revenge kill. Drain Punch is generally a better option than Hi Jump Kick because the drop in power is made up for by the recovery, which makes Scraggy even harder to take down. Crunch, Scraggy's secondary STAB move, has superb coverage when paired with Drain Punch or Hi Jump Kick, being as it is resisted by very few Pokemon. Ice Punch is the final move as it allows Scraggy to OHKO Gligar, who otherwise walls this set. Eviolite boosts both of Scraggy's defense defensive stats by 50%, making it easy for Scraggy to acquire multiple boosts and even more difficult to stop during a sweep.</p>

<p>The choice between Shed Skin and Moxie is a difficult one. Moxie allows for more power as the sweep progresses, with an extra Attack boost with each KO, while Shed Skin allows Scraggy to set up in the face of Pokemon like Misdreavus, Frillish, and Lileep who would otherwise cripple it with status moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb could be run over Eviolite, however the extra bulk is usually better than the extra power, as it allows to get multiple boosts. Additionally, the recoil from Life Orb is quite detrimental to Scraggy, considering its weakness to some common priority moves and its lack of ways to deal with these. Running a Jolly nature over Impish gives Scraggy two less Attack points, but it does allow you to outspeed Choice Scarf Machop after a Dragon Dance, who would otherwise cause Scraggy problems.</p>

<p>Zen Headbutt allows you to OHKO Croagunk, who otherwise beats Scraggy with its strong priority moves, and 2HKO Timburr if you hit it on the switch, (no space) however, this will only occur if you have at least one layer of Spikes present. However, (space) Ice Punch is generally the better option, as it can deal with the more prominent threat of Gligar.</p>
(return)
<p>Wynaut and Cottonee make excellent teammates for Scraggy as Encore allows it to set up for free. Pokemon like Slowpoke, who can eliminate Fighting-types (hyphen) like Timburr, (comma) also make good teammates. If you are running Zen Headbutt over Ice Punch, it is recommended that you run a Pokemon like Snover who can beat Gligar, who would otherwise wall Scraggy.</p>

[SET]
name: ShedRest
move 1: Bulk Up / Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Brick Break / Drain Punch
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Careful
evs: 196 HP / 36 Def / 196 SpD / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Scraggy's excellent bulk allows it to run an effective defensive set. Bulk Up boosts both Scraggy's Attack and Defense, making Scraggy very difficult to KO from the physical side of the spectrum with physical attacks. Dragon Dance can also be used if you want to attempt a faster sweep, however, the added Defense that Bulk Up provides is generally preferable for a more defensive set. The EVs provided make hitting Scraggy from the special side just as futile. The ability, Shed Skin, gives Scraggy a chance of waking up early from the two turn Rest period, and this is the crux of this set. Brick Break allows Scraggy to beat Reflect Bronzor, while Crunch provides excellent coverage in conjunction with Brick Break.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is the best item for this set as it gives Scraggy the added bulk that it needs to function effectively. Also, more Speed could be used in place of Special Defense if you want to attempt a sweep. Drain Punch can be used over Brick Break, however, the recovery is redundant with Rest. This set works well with Toxic Spike support from Pokemon like Tentacool, who also handle Timburr, one of this set's main counters, quite effectively.</p>

[SET]
name: Scarf
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Drain Punch / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Reaching 22 Speed with a Choice Scarf, Scraggy outspeeds all unboosted Pokemon in the Little Cup metagame, as well as some slower scarfers Choice Scarf users, such as Machop. Scraggy's ability, Moxie, makes it a superb revenge killer because it (space) gains strength with every KO that it makes, making it extremely threatening. However, being locked into one move can often be detrimental to Scraggy, as it can then be easily revenge killed itself.</p>

<p> The moves provided allow Scraggy to revenge kill both Croagunk and Gligar, two huge threats in the Little Cup metagame. Drain Punch provides some survivability and has excellent type coverage with Crunch, both of which are also strong STAB moves. Ice Punch and Zen Headbutt hit Pokemon that resist one or more of Scraggy's STAB moves, such as the aforementioned Gligar and Croagunk, hard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p> On this set, Hi Jump Kick can be used over Drain Punch for a great boost to Scraggy's power, however, if Scraggy is locked into Hi Jump Kick, it can easily end up severely damaging itself if a Ghost-type switches in, or if a Pokemon that has Protect predicts at the right time. This means that on the whole, Drain Punch is the better option, as it is drawback free, and it provides Scraggy with a way to recover health.</p>

<p>The EVs provided maximize Scraggy's Speed and Attack, which allow it to obtain the first KO it needs in order to sweep. However, some Attack EVs could be moved into HP or Defense to make Scraggy bulkier if you prefer survivability over power.</p>

[OTHER OPTIONS]

<p>Head Smash can be used in place of Crunch as it has good coverage with Scraggy's Fighting-type move of choice, however, although Head Smash is stronger, it does cause Scraggy to take added damage from recoil, and this is generally better to avoid. Hi Jump Kick is an option over Drain Punch if you want the extra power, however, the healing provided by Drain Punch makes it the better option choice. Scraggy also has access to both Stone Edge and Rock Slide, however each are outclassed by Scraggy's other moves. With access to Fake Out, Taunt, (comma) and Counter, a lead set is also viable, utilizing a Focus Sash. Dragon Tail can be used to phaze potential counters, and this works particularly well on the ShedRest set. </p>

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]

<p>Croagunk resists both of Scraggy's STABs and it can KO Scraggy with a combination of Fake Out and Vacuum Wave. Gligar completely walls Scraggy that don't carry Ice Punch, thanks to its key resistances and great physical Defense. Reflect Bronzor can beat Scraggy if it does not carry Brick Break. Faster Scarfers Choice Scarf users that hit at least 23 speed, such as Scarf Mienshao and Mankey, can take out Scraggy if they have a Fighting-type (no space) attack or if Scraggy is low on health. Bulky Timburr variants can set up on Scraggy and KO it with its super effective STAB moves. Cottonee can come in on a Dragon Dance, Encore, (comma) and proceed to set up, whilst bulky variants of Meditite can survive a Crunch and OHKO with Drain Punch. The Scarf set can be countered by anything that resists the move Scraggy is locked into.</p>

[DREAM WORLD]

<p>Scraggy gains access to Intimidate through the Dream World. While this ability is, as of yet, unreleased, it This could allow Scraggy to run an effective boosting sweeper set, similar to those above, (comma) by lowering the Attack stat of its counters when it switches in.</p>
Cup metagame. Reaching 22 Speed after a single Dragon Dance, it is very difficult to counter or revenge kill. Shed Skin and Moxie are both excellent abilities and allow Scraggy to acquire multiple boosts. Fast Scarfers that carry strong Super-Effective moves or strong priority users are the few Pokémon that can actually beat Scraggy.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch / Zen Headbutt
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin / Moxie
nature: Jolly / Impish
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is very difficult to stop once it gets a boost, due to Scraggy’s STABs having near-perfect coverage. Scraggy reaches 22 Speed and 25 Attack after a single boost, making it very difficult to switch-in to or revenge kill. Drain Punch is generally a better option than Hi Jump Kick because the drop in power is made up for by the recovery, which makes Scraggy even harder to take down. Crunch, Scraggy’s secondary STAB move has superb coverage when paired with Drain Punch or Hi Jump Kick, being resisted by very few Pokémon. Ice Punch allows Scraggy to OHKO Gligar, who otherwise walls this set. Eviolite boosts both of Scraggy’s defense stats by 50%, making it easy for it to acquire multiple boosts and difficult to stop during a sweep.</p>

<p>The choice between Shed Skin and Moxie is a difficult one. Moxie allows for more power as the sweep progresses, with an extra Attack boost with each KO, whilst Shed Skin allows Scraggy to set up in the face of Pokémon like Misdreavus, Frillish and Lileep who would otherwise cripple it with status moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb could be run over Eviolite, however the extra bulk is usually better than the extra power, as it allows to get multiple boosts. Additionally, the recoil from Life Orb is quite detrimental to Scraggy, considering its weakness to some common priority moves and lack of its own priority moves. Running a Jolly nature over Impish gives Scraggy two less Attack points, but it does allow you to outspeed Scarf Machop after a Dragon Dance, who would otherwise cause Scraggy problems.</p>

<p>Zen Headbutt allows you to OHKO Croagunk, who otherwise beats Scraggy with its strong priority moves, and 2HKO Timburr if you hit it on the switch (but only with Spikes.) However, Ice Punch is generally the better option.</p>

[SET]
name: ShedRest
move 1: Bulk Up / Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Brick Break / Drain Punch
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Careful
evs: 196 HP / 36 Def / 196 SpD / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Scraggy’s excellent bulk allows for it to run an effective defensive set. Bulk Up boosts both 'Scraggy's Attack and Defense, making Scraggy very difficult to KO from the physical side of the spectrum. Dragon Dance can also be used if you want to attempt a sweep, however, the added Defense that Bulk Up provides is generally preferable. The EVs provided make hitting Scraggy from the special side just as futile. The ability, Shed Skin, gives Scraggy a chance of waking up early from the two turn Rest period. Brick Break allows Scraggy to beat Reflect Bronzor, whilst Crunch provides excellent coverage in conjunction with Brick Break.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Eviolite is the best item for this set as it gives Scraggy the added bulk which it needs to function effectively. More speed could be used in place of Special Defense if you want to attempt a sweep. Drain Punch can be used over Brick Break; however, the recovery is redundant with Rest and should only be used when running Dragon Dance over Bulk Up. This set works well with Toxic Spike support from Pokémon like Tentacool, who also handle Timburr quite effectively.</p>

[SET]
name: Scarf
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Drain Punch / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Reaching 22 Speed with a Choice Scarf, Scraggy outspeeds all unboosted Pokémon in the Little Cup metagame, as well as some slower scarfers, such as Machop. Scraggy’s ability, Moxie, makes it a superb revenge killer because each time it gains strength with every KO, making it extremely threatening. However, being locked into one move can often be detrimental to Scraggy, as it becomes easily revenge killed itself.</p>

<p> The moves provided allow Scraggy to beat both Croagunk and Gligar at the same time, something that the Scarf set fails to do. Drain Punch provides some survivability and has excellent type coverage with Crunch, both of which are also strong STAB moves. Ice Punch and Zen Headbutt hit Pokémon who resist Scraggy’s STAB moves hard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Hi Jump Kick is usable over Drain Punch on this set if you want the extra power, however, being locked into the move is generally inadvisable due to opposing Ghost types and Pokémon that run Protect being able to beat Scraggy.</p>

<p>The EVs provided maximize Scraggy’s Speed and Attack, which allows it to obtain the first KO it needs in order to sweep. However, some Attack EVs could be moves to HP or Defense to make Scraggy bulkier if you prefer survivability over power.</p>


[OTHER OPTIONS]

<p>Head Smash can be used in place of Crunch as it has good coverage with Drain Punch and Hi Jump Kick and is stronger than Crunch, however the recoil is annoying. Hi Jump Kick is an option over Drain Punch if you want the extra power, however the healing provided by Drain Punch makes it the better option. Scraggy also has access to Stone Edge and Rock Slide, however both are fairly useless. With access to Fake Out, Taunt and Counter, a Lead set is also viable, utilizing a Focus Sash. Dragon Tail can be used to Phaze potential counters, especially one the ShedRest set. Additionally, Scraggy could also run an effective Choice Scarf set, utilizing its strong STAB moves, Ice Punch and Zen Headbutt. Its ability, Moxie, allows it to become more dangerous and powerful after each kill, making it a perfect revenge killer.</p>

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]

<p>Croagunk resists both of Scraggy’s STABs and can KO Scraggy with Fake Out and Vacuum Wave. Gligar completely walls Scraggy that don’t carry Ice Punch. Reflect Bronzor can beat it if Scraggy does not carry Brick Break. Faster Scarfers that hit at least 23 speed, such as Scarf Mienshao and Mankey, can take out Scraggy if they have a Fighting- type attack or if Scraggy is low on health. Bulky Timburr variants can set up on Scraggy and KO it with its Super-Effective STAB moves. Cottonee can come in on a Dragon Dance, Encore and proceed to set up, whilst bulky variants of Meditite can survive a Crunch and OHKO with Drain Punch. The Scarf set can be countered by anything which resists the move Scraggy is locked into.</p>

[DREAM WORLD]

<p>Scraggy gains access to Intimidate through the Dream World. Whilst this ability is, as of yet, unreleased, it could allow Scraggy to run an effective, boosting sweeper set, similar to those above by lowering the Attack stat of its counters when it switches in.. It could also be useful on a stall based set for the same reasons.</p>

GP 2/2.
 
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