QC: Twix/Many/Megazard
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack/lotiasite
[OVERVIEW]
Servine's main niche is being a bulky Defog user that can take on most Stealth Rock users due to its Grass typing. Access to Contrary and Leaf Storm also allows it to boost its Special Attack while using a strong STAB move, and access to reliable recovery in Synthesis helps Servine stay around longer. A decent Speed tier also lets Servine outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon like Mesprit and Shiftry. Servine's bulk is decent, but a mediocre defensive typing isn't anything to write home about, and as it relies on Eviolite, it is very susceptible to Knock Off and should be wary of Pokemon that commonly use it. A low Special Attack stat means that Servine won't be doing much damage until it gets a boost, meaning that Pokemon like Assault Vest Hitmonchan can take it on. Servine also lacks special coverage moves, leaving offensive sets limited to a Grass-type STAB attack and Hidden Power and forcing it to choose which Pokemon it wants to beat. Leaf Storm's low PP also limits how much Servine can break through a team. Furthermore, Servine faces competition as a Defog user from Pokemon like Skuntank and Shiftry, which have either a better typing or better utility. Its main competition is Lurantis, which has the ability to run physical or mixed sets, is stronger and bulkier, and can afford to run different items, though Servine's main niche over Lurantis is its Speed.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Eviolite
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm is Servine's strongest STAB move and raises its Special Attack by two stages when used thanks to Contrary. Defog allows Servine to function as a form of entry hazard control by removing Stealth Rock and Spikes from the field. Synthesis is a reliable form of recovery that lets Servine stick around longer to use Defog more or get mini-sweeps with Leaf Storm. Hidden Power Ice allows Servine to hit several Pokemon that resist or are immune to Leaf Storm such as Drampa, Alolan Exeggutor, and most Grass- and Flying-types.
Set Details
========
Eviolite boosts Servine's bulk, allowing it to take hits better. Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature maximize Servine's Speed, allowing it to outpace Pokemon like Alolan Raticate, Shiftry, and Mesprit and maximum HP EVs increase its overall bulk to allow it to Defog later in a game. Contrary is Servine's best ability, allowing it to use its main niche in a powerful Leaf Storm more effectively.
Usage Tips
========
Servine should be brought in on defensively oriented Pokemon like Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon and Defog away entry hazards that the former two can set up. It also can switch into and beat other common Stealth Rock setters like Regirock and Carracosta, with its Grass-typing allowing it to check them. Servine can switch into some offensively oriented Pokemon, though only ones it has a type advantage against, as its bulk isn't too great. Servine is generally used more in a support role and shouldn't be solely relied on for an offensive sweep, though it can do this in a pinch. Servine should try and keep its HP as high as possible with Synthesis so it has more opportunities to come in and take care of hazards. Contrary also allows Servine to be a Defog and Sticky Web deterrent, as the boosts they give to Servine's evasion and Speed can be annoying for opposing teams. However, Servine is heavily pressured by many common offensive Pokemon like Pyroar and Skuntank, meaning that it may have to switch out immediately if it isn't absolutely necessary to remove hazards.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that take large amounts of damage from Stealth Rock like Articuno and Oricorio-G appreciate Servine's role as a hazard remover. Archeops particularly likes Servine, as in addition to providing Defog support, Servine can handle defensive Rock- and Ground-types that give Archeops trouble such as Regirock and Gastrodon. Meanwhile, Archeops handles Grass- and Flying-types that Servine either gets outsped by or struggles against like Swanna and Roselia. Lanturn is able to take advantage of Servine's ability to check Pokemon like Gastrodon and opposing Lanturn while taking care of Pokemon like Swanna for Servine. As Grass-types like Servine have many weaknesses, it should partner with Pokemon that can safely take strong hits from them. Defensive Carracosta and Golem both take Fire-, Flying-, and Poison-type attacks fairly well and appreciate Servine's ability to beat most bulky Water-types. Strong wallbreakers like Stoutland and Choice Specs Mesprit can wear down a team to where Servine can clean up late-game if a team's faster threats are removed. On the other hand, Servine's bulk also means that it struggles with strong breakers, so Pokemon that can take on the aforementioned Pokemon like Weezing and defensive Mesprit also help Servine.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Glare can be used as a form of speed control, though Servine has a hard time justifying it over the utility of Defog and Synthesis, and choosing a support move over Hidden Power Ice leaves it walled or more threatened by many Pokemon. Aromatherapy can be used for team support but suffers the same fate as Glare in that it's hard to choose what move to give up. Hidden Power Fire can be used as a way to immediately beat Ferroseed, Alolan Sandslash, and other Steel-types, though it leaves Servine more open to Dragon-types like Drampa. Alternatively, Hidden Power Rock can be used to still hit Flying-types while also giving Servine the ability to hit Fire-types like Pyroar super effectively, though doing so leaves Servine unable to hit Grass- and Dragon-types super effectively. Knock Off is an option to cripple Pokemon that may otherwise be a nuisance to Servine or its teammates such as Clefairy and Gurdurr. Taunt makes it even easier for Servine to beat most entry hazard setters, as it can prevent them from setting hazards up at all. A SubSeed set can be used, though it is generally outclassed by other Grass-types like Gourgeist-XL and Jumpluff. A specially defensive set with Mirror Coat can be used to take a hit from strong special attackers and surprise Pokemon like Haunter and Drampa.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-types in general are a problem for Servine, as they check it and can normally beat it one-on-one. In particular, Pyroar outspeeds Servine and is able to heavily damage or OHKO it with Fire Blast. Ninetales can also outspeed Servine and use it to set up Nasty Plot.
**Ice-types**: Abomasnow, in addition to beating Servine with Blizzard, also sets up hail, which limits how much Servine can recover with Synthesis. Aurorus acts similarly but can only reliably beat Servine if it is at full HP and Servine doesn't have any boosts. Jynx is able to outspeed Servine and OHKO it with Ice Beam.
**Flying-types**: Oricorio-G, Swanna, and Archeops are all very viable Flying-types that beat Servine. Oricorio-G can safely come in almost always, and while the latter two can't directly switch into a Leaf Storm safely, they can come in and OHKO Servine with their STAB moves.
**Pokemon Resistant to or Immune to Grass**: Weezing, Skuntank, and Haunter resist Leaf Storm and easily threaten Servine, though Weezing has to be careful about taking too much prior damage. Pokemon with Sap Sipper like Drampa come in freely on Servine and leave it unable to damage them too much.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Pokemon like Stoutland and Alolan Raticate easily threaten Servine due to its mediocre bulk, though Servine does outspeed them and can beat them if it already has Contrary boosts.
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack/lotiasite
[OVERVIEW]
Servine's main niche is being a bulky Defog user that can take on most Stealth Rock users due to its Grass typing. Access to Contrary and Leaf Storm also allows it to boost its Special Attack while using a strong STAB move, and access to reliable recovery in Synthesis helps Servine stay around longer. A decent Speed tier also lets Servine outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon like Mesprit and Shiftry. Servine's bulk is decent, but a mediocre defensive typing isn't anything to write home about, and as it relies on Eviolite, it is very susceptible to Knock Off and should be wary of Pokemon that commonly use it. A low Special Attack stat means that Servine won't be doing much damage until it gets a boost, meaning that Pokemon like Assault Vest Hitmonchan can take it on. Servine also lacks special coverage moves, leaving offensive sets limited to a Grass-type STAB attack and Hidden Power and forcing it to choose which Pokemon it wants to beat. Leaf Storm's low PP also limits how much Servine can break through a team. Furthermore, Servine faces competition as a Defog user from Pokemon like Skuntank and Shiftry, which have either a better typing or better utility. Its main competition is Lurantis, which has the ability to run physical or mixed sets, is stronger and bulkier, and can afford to run different items, though Servine's main niche over Lurantis is its Speed.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Eviolite
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm is Servine's strongest STAB move and raises its Special Attack by two stages when used thanks to Contrary. Defog allows Servine to function as a form of entry hazard control by removing Stealth Rock and Spikes from the field. Synthesis is a reliable form of recovery that lets Servine stick around longer to use Defog more or get mini-sweeps with Leaf Storm. Hidden Power Ice allows Servine to hit several Pokemon that resist or are immune to Leaf Storm such as Drampa, Alolan Exeggutor, and most Grass- and Flying-types.
Set Details
========
Eviolite boosts Servine's bulk, allowing it to take hits better. Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature maximize Servine's Speed, allowing it to outpace Pokemon like Alolan Raticate, Shiftry, and Mesprit and maximum HP EVs increase its overall bulk to allow it to Defog later in a game. Contrary is Servine's best ability, allowing it to use its main niche in a powerful Leaf Storm more effectively.
Usage Tips
========
Servine should be brought in on defensively oriented Pokemon like Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon and Defog away entry hazards that the former two can set up. It also can switch into and beat other common Stealth Rock setters like Regirock and Carracosta, with its Grass-typing allowing it to check them. Servine can switch into some offensively oriented Pokemon, though only ones it has a type advantage against, as its bulk isn't too great. Servine is generally used more in a support role and shouldn't be solely relied on for an offensive sweep, though it can do this in a pinch. Servine should try and keep its HP as high as possible with Synthesis so it has more opportunities to come in and take care of hazards. Contrary also allows Servine to be a Defog and Sticky Web deterrent, as the boosts they give to Servine's evasion and Speed can be annoying for opposing teams. However, Servine is heavily pressured by many common offensive Pokemon like Pyroar and Skuntank, meaning that it may have to switch out immediately if it isn't absolutely necessary to remove hazards.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that take large amounts of damage from Stealth Rock like Articuno and Oricorio-G appreciate Servine's role as a hazard remover. Archeops particularly likes Servine, as in addition to providing Defog support, Servine can handle defensive Rock- and Ground-types that give Archeops trouble such as Regirock and Gastrodon. Meanwhile, Archeops handles Grass- and Flying-types that Servine either gets outsped by or struggles against like Swanna and Roselia. Lanturn is able to take advantage of Servine's ability to check Pokemon like Gastrodon and opposing Lanturn while taking care of Pokemon like Swanna for Servine. As Grass-types like Servine have many weaknesses, it should partner with Pokemon that can safely take strong hits from them. Defensive Carracosta and Golem both take Fire-, Flying-, and Poison-type attacks fairly well and appreciate Servine's ability to beat most bulky Water-types. Strong wallbreakers like Stoutland and Choice Specs Mesprit can wear down a team to where Servine can clean up late-game if a team's faster threats are removed. On the other hand, Servine's bulk also means that it struggles with strong breakers, so Pokemon that can take on the aforementioned Pokemon like Weezing and defensive Mesprit also help Servine.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Glare can be used as a form of speed control, though Servine has a hard time justifying it over the utility of Defog and Synthesis, and choosing a support move over Hidden Power Ice leaves it walled or more threatened by many Pokemon. Aromatherapy can be used for team support but suffers the same fate as Glare in that it's hard to choose what move to give up. Hidden Power Fire can be used as a way to immediately beat Ferroseed, Alolan Sandslash, and other Steel-types, though it leaves Servine more open to Dragon-types like Drampa. Alternatively, Hidden Power Rock can be used to still hit Flying-types while also giving Servine the ability to hit Fire-types like Pyroar super effectively, though doing so leaves Servine unable to hit Grass- and Dragon-types super effectively. Knock Off is an option to cripple Pokemon that may otherwise be a nuisance to Servine or its teammates such as Clefairy and Gurdurr. Taunt makes it even easier for Servine to beat most entry hazard setters, as it can prevent them from setting hazards up at all. A SubSeed set can be used, though it is generally outclassed by other Grass-types like Gourgeist-XL and Jumpluff. A specially defensive set with Mirror Coat can be used to take a hit from strong special attackers and surprise Pokemon like Haunter and Drampa.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-types in general are a problem for Servine, as they check it and can normally beat it one-on-one. In particular, Pyroar outspeeds Servine and is able to heavily damage or OHKO it with Fire Blast. Ninetales can also outspeed Servine and use it to set up Nasty Plot.
**Ice-types**: Abomasnow, in addition to beating Servine with Blizzard, also sets up hail, which limits how much Servine can recover with Synthesis. Aurorus acts similarly but can only reliably beat Servine if it is at full HP and Servine doesn't have any boosts. Jynx is able to outspeed Servine and OHKO it with Ice Beam.
**Flying-types**: Oricorio-G, Swanna, and Archeops are all very viable Flying-types that beat Servine. Oricorio-G can safely come in almost always, and while the latter two can't directly switch into a Leaf Storm safely, they can come in and OHKO Servine with their STAB moves.
**Pokemon Resistant to or Immune to Grass**: Weezing, Skuntank, and Haunter resist Leaf Storm and easily threaten Servine, though Weezing has to be careful about taking too much prior damage. Pokemon with Sap Sipper like Drampa come in freely on Servine and leave it unable to damage them too much.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Pokemon like Stoutland and Alolan Raticate easily threaten Servine due to its mediocre bulk, though Servine does outspeed them and can beat them if it already has Contrary boosts.
Last edited by a moderator:
