This is now done!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
QC Checks - 1/3 PK Gaming, 2/3 Bloo, 3/3 Bad Ass
GP Checks - 1/2 Wekhter, 2/2 Erebyssial (Aeron Ee1 did an extra one...)(so did Calm_Pokemaster)(so did zdrup15...)
[Overview]
<p>Shaymin is one of the few Pokemon that can effectively take on the role of a bulky Grass-type. However, with competition from Celebi and Ferrothorn, Shaymin often finds itself in a difficult position when looking for a teamslot. Ferrothorn is blessed with an excellent secondary Steel typing, along with support moves such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, while Celebi boasts reliable recovery in Recover, boosting moves in Nasty Plot and Calm Mind, and a great Fighting-type resistance. Fortunately, Shaymin can gain back some ground on its competitors by having no added weaknesses from a secondary typing, and access to STAB Seed Flare, a move that it greatly benefits from. Shaymin can run a variety of sets, including offensive sets with a Life Orb and Rest, which in conjunction with Natural Cure offers great recovery. Shaymin can also run a more bulky set with Leech Seed, which allows it to slowly drain the HP of foes that could have otherwise outlasted it.</p>
<p>On the whole, Shaymin is a great Pokemon in today's metagame, as it handily deals with a heap-load of rain and sandstorm teams, bringing key resistances to Water-, Ground-, and Electric-type attacks to the table. This makes Shaymin more than viable for a teamslot, and when used correctly, it can be a great asset to a team that struggles against such threats.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Seed Flare
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Rest / Leech Seed
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Timid
ability: Natural Cure
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With STAB Seed Flare and great bulk, Shaymin makes a fantastic offensive tank. Being able to switch into the various bulky Water-types that plague the metagame, as well as counter some prominent threats such as Rotom-W and Tyranitar, make Shaymin a great choice for a teamslot. Shaymin also has an often overlooked base 100 Speed stat, which allows it to outspeed and threaten a large portion of the metagame, including Heatran, Gyarados, and some Jirachi.</p>
<p>Seed Flare provides great STAB, and the 40% chance to cause a Special Defense drop can sometimes allow Shaymin to beat a few of its usual counters. Earth Power is to hurt the Steel-types that resist Seed Flare, while also giving Shaymin the ability to lure in and KO non-Air Balloon Heatran. Beware of Choice Scarf variants though, as they will outspeed and KO Shaymin before it can hit back. Hidden Power is the best move in the third slot, rounding out the coverage. Hidden Power Fire allows Shaymin to deal with the pesky Ferrothorn, a Pokemon that will completely wall this set without it, while Hidden Power Ice can be used instead to lay the hurt on Dragon-types, as well as Gliscor and Landorus. Finally, Shaymin needs to run a recovery move, and Rest is usually the best option, as it will fully heal Shaymin and the induced sleep will be negated when Shaymin switches out. Leech Seed is a viable alternative, as not only does it heal Shaymin, but it also drains the opponent's HP.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Shaymin can use Synthesis in the last slot to gain some "reliable" recovery, but due to the prevalence of sandstorm and rain in OU, Shaymin is better off with either Rest or Leech Seed unless you are running a sun team. Growth can also be used for a Special Attack boost, but Shaymin lacks the necessary Speed to sweep through teams, as it is easily outsped and KOed by common revenge killers such as Terrakion, Latios, and Hydreigon. Even under the sun, Growth Shaymin is outclassed by Venusaur, as with Chlorophyll, Venusaur can outspeed many potential revenge killers. Shaymin can utilize Leftovers over Life Orb for a little more staying power, but Shaymin then loses the great power that a Life Orb-boosted Seed Flare can supply. Finally, a Modest nature and more HP EVs can make Shaymin a bulkier and more powerful sweeper, but it then loses to Pokemon with base 100 Speed, something which Shaymin cannot afford to do.</p>
<p>When looking for viable teammates to support Shaymin, one should put it in an offensive Fire / Water / Grass core. This allows Shaymin to have its weaknesses covered, whilst being able to take down the bulky Water-types that can cause trouble for the other two. Heatran is a great partner for the Fire-type slot, as it can take a few hits due to its great natural bulk and hit back extremely hard thanks to its base 130 Special Attack stat. A Water-type that will fit well with Shaymin needs to be able to take down the Fire-types which trouble Shaymin (and Dragon-types if Shaymin lacks Hidden Power Ice) as they can set up at their leisure. Jellicent and offensive Suicune are good examples; Jellicent can wall almost any Fire-type and has Ice Beam to deal with Dragon-types, while Suicune does the same and can set up on Heatran without breaking a sweat. Finally, a Steel-type is a good Pokemon to pair with Shaymin, as although they share a Fire-type weakness, Steel-types can switch into the Dragon-types that like to switch into Shaymin. A great example is Skarmory, who has no problem dealing with Dragonite and Salamence once they are locked into Outrage, and it can also help out against some Latios with a specially defensive spread.</p>
<p>On the offensive side, Pokemon that can sweep after bulky Water-types are removed, such as Salamence and Empoleon, also make great teammates. Finally, Shaymin appreciates entry hazard support, as it often forces switches. Skarmory and Ferrothorn are perfect examples of Pokemon that can provide such support.</p>
[SET]
name: Leech Seed
move 1: Leech Seed
move 2: Protect / Substitute
move 3: Seed Flare
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice / Earth Power
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest
ability: Natural Cure
evs: 252 HP / 76 SpA / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Shaymin makes a great abuser of the SubSeed strategy thanks to its great bulk and STAB Seed Flaredealing significant damage to any Pokemon switching in. Leech Seed defines the set, and with Protect or Substitute, Shaymin is able to last for a very long time whilst slowly sapping away the opposing Pokemon's HP. Shaymin can also provide an added buff against the ever-so-common rain and sandstorm teams that plague the metagame, as its Grass typing gives it super effective coverage against Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types as well as key resistances to Water- and Ground-type attacks.</p>
<p>Substitute and Leech Seed create the SubSeed combination that almost every Grass-type can run, allowing Shaymin to endlessly drain away HP from opposing Pokemon. Seed Flare is Shaymin's STAB move of choice, which hits hard even with a small investment due to its great 120 Base Power. Shaymin's last moveslot provides coverage to complement Seed Flare. Hidden Power Fire is to hit Steel-types, most importantly Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Skarmory. Hidden Power Ice provides great coverage on Dragon-types such as Dragonite, Latios, Latias, and Salamence , while also giving Shaymin a way to hit Grass-types that are immune to Leech Seed. Finally, Earth Power is a somewhat viable option, as it too has super effective coverage on Steel-types, most importantly Heatran, who is almost the perfect counter to Shaymin without it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This Shaymin can make use of Giga Drain over Seed Flare for some extra recovery, but the drop in power is very significant due to the low investment in Shaymin's average Special Attack stat. Shaymin is also able to use a bulkier EV spread, but due to its many common weaknesses, this is usually outclassed by Ferrothorn, which has many extra resistances to use to its advantage. Finally, Shaymin could be turned into a more offensive Leech Seed user, but this role would probably be better occupied by Whimsicott, whose ability, Prankster, gives priority to its support moves, such as Taunt and Stun Spore.</p>
<p>When using Shaymin, it should almost definitely be used in a Fire / Water / Grass core as it provides the resistances that are key for the other two. If it is not included in one of these defensive cores, it is usually outclassed by Ferrothorn, who has access to extra support options such as Spikes and Stealth Rock. Some Pokemon that work well with this Shaymin are generally more defensively inclined, so Pokemon such as Jellicent, Tentacruel, and Gyarados work well as the Water-type partner, whilst Heatran is generally an excellent partner for the Fire-type slot. These Pokemon can also help to counter Pokemon that can set up on Shaymin. For example, Shaymin without Hidden Power Ice is setup bait for Latios, who is taken care of by specially defensive Heatran. Defensive Gyarados can come in on a Salamence that has set up on Shaymin, Intimidate it, and then Roar it away so that it takes entry hazard damage. All in all, Shaymin's teammates should be able to wall and help out against the beastly offensive threats that can come in against it, lest Shaymin becomes a burden for the team.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>In general, Shaymin lacks many other effective options outside of those listed. A Choice set is viable; however, being locked into Seed Flare is not usually a good option as Pokemon such as Thundurus, Tornadus, and Dragonite can easily come in and start firing off strong STAB attacks. A Swords Dance set could also be used, but Shaymin lacks a broad physical movepool, and as such is not usually the best option for the hedgehog. Finally, Shaymin can run a support set, as it does pack the incredibly rare Aromatherapy, but it is often seen as outclassed by other supporters such as Blissey, Jirachi, and Vaporeon, as they can offer more support for teams on the whole.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Heatran will completely destroy any Shaymin lacking Earth Power, as it 4x resists Seed Flare and is not troubled by any other attacks besides Leech Seed. Also, if Heatran carries an Air Balloon, it can even beat Shaymin that do pack Earth Power, as Shaymin will have to take one turn popping the Air Balloon whilst it gets roasted with a super effective STAB Fire Blast. Other Fire-types will also have an easy time coming in on Seed Flare in order to fire off powerful STAB attacks, such as Darmanitan, Infernape, and Ninetales. Dragon-types resist Seed Flare as well, so Pokemon such as Dragonite, Latios, Latias, and Salamence can all come in and begin to set up against Shaymin if it isn't carrying Hidden Power Ice. Finally, any Pokemon with Taunt and a resistance to Grass-type moves can come in and wreck Leech Seed sets, as Shaymin is without a way to damage any of these Pokemon switching in.</p>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
QC Checks - 1/3 PK Gaming, 2/3 Bloo, 3/3 Bad Ass
GP Checks - 1/2 Wekhter, 2/2 Erebyssial (Aeron Ee1 did an extra one...)(so did Calm_Pokemaster)(so did zdrup15...)
[Overview]
<p>Shaymin is one of the few Pokemon that can effectively take on the role of a bulky Grass-type. However, with competition from Celebi and Ferrothorn, Shaymin often finds itself in a difficult position when looking for a teamslot. Ferrothorn is blessed with an excellent secondary Steel typing, along with support moves such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, while Celebi boasts reliable recovery in Recover, boosting moves in Nasty Plot and Calm Mind, and a great Fighting-type resistance. Fortunately, Shaymin can gain back some ground on its competitors by having no added weaknesses from a secondary typing, and access to STAB Seed Flare, a move that it greatly benefits from. Shaymin can run a variety of sets, including offensive sets with a Life Orb and Rest, which in conjunction with Natural Cure offers great recovery. Shaymin can also run a more bulky set with Leech Seed, which allows it to slowly drain the HP of foes that could have otherwise outlasted it.</p>
<p>On the whole, Shaymin is a great Pokemon in today's metagame, as it handily deals with a heap-load of rain and sandstorm teams, bringing key resistances to Water-, Ground-, and Electric-type attacks to the table. This makes Shaymin more than viable for a teamslot, and when used correctly, it can be a great asset to a team that struggles against such threats.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Seed Flare
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Rest / Leech Seed
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Timid
ability: Natural Cure
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With STAB Seed Flare and great bulk, Shaymin makes a fantastic offensive tank. Being able to switch into the various bulky Water-types that plague the metagame, as well as counter some prominent threats such as Rotom-W and Tyranitar, make Shaymin a great choice for a teamslot. Shaymin also has an often overlooked base 100 Speed stat, which allows it to outspeed and threaten a large portion of the metagame, including Heatran, Gyarados, and some Jirachi.</p>
<p>Seed Flare provides great STAB, and the 40% chance to cause a Special Defense drop can sometimes allow Shaymin to beat a few of its usual counters. Earth Power is to hurt the Steel-types that resist Seed Flare, while also giving Shaymin the ability to lure in and KO non-Air Balloon Heatran. Beware of Choice Scarf variants though, as they will outspeed and KO Shaymin before it can hit back. Hidden Power is the best move in the third slot, rounding out the coverage. Hidden Power Fire allows Shaymin to deal with the pesky Ferrothorn, a Pokemon that will completely wall this set without it, while Hidden Power Ice can be used instead to lay the hurt on Dragon-types, as well as Gliscor and Landorus. Finally, Shaymin needs to run a recovery move, and Rest is usually the best option, as it will fully heal Shaymin and the induced sleep will be negated when Shaymin switches out. Leech Seed is a viable alternative, as not only does it heal Shaymin, but it also drains the opponent's HP.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Shaymin can use Synthesis in the last slot to gain some "reliable" recovery, but due to the prevalence of sandstorm and rain in OU, Shaymin is better off with either Rest or Leech Seed unless you are running a sun team. Growth can also be used for a Special Attack boost, but Shaymin lacks the necessary Speed to sweep through teams, as it is easily outsped and KOed by common revenge killers such as Terrakion, Latios, and Hydreigon. Even under the sun, Growth Shaymin is outclassed by Venusaur, as with Chlorophyll, Venusaur can outspeed many potential revenge killers. Shaymin can utilize Leftovers over Life Orb for a little more staying power, but Shaymin then loses the great power that a Life Orb-boosted Seed Flare can supply. Finally, a Modest nature and more HP EVs can make Shaymin a bulkier and more powerful sweeper, but it then loses to Pokemon with base 100 Speed, something which Shaymin cannot afford to do.</p>
<p>When looking for viable teammates to support Shaymin, one should put it in an offensive Fire / Water / Grass core. This allows Shaymin to have its weaknesses covered, whilst being able to take down the bulky Water-types that can cause trouble for the other two. Heatran is a great partner for the Fire-type slot, as it can take a few hits due to its great natural bulk and hit back extremely hard thanks to its base 130 Special Attack stat. A Water-type that will fit well with Shaymin needs to be able to take down the Fire-types which trouble Shaymin (and Dragon-types if Shaymin lacks Hidden Power Ice) as they can set up at their leisure. Jellicent and offensive Suicune are good examples; Jellicent can wall almost any Fire-type and has Ice Beam to deal with Dragon-types, while Suicune does the same and can set up on Heatran without breaking a sweat. Finally, a Steel-type is a good Pokemon to pair with Shaymin, as although they share a Fire-type weakness, Steel-types can switch into the Dragon-types that like to switch into Shaymin. A great example is Skarmory, who has no problem dealing with Dragonite and Salamence once they are locked into Outrage, and it can also help out against some Latios with a specially defensive spread.</p>
<p>On the offensive side, Pokemon that can sweep after bulky Water-types are removed, such as Salamence and Empoleon, also make great teammates. Finally, Shaymin appreciates entry hazard support, as it often forces switches. Skarmory and Ferrothorn are perfect examples of Pokemon that can provide such support.</p>
[SET]
name: Leech Seed
move 1: Leech Seed
move 2: Protect / Substitute
move 3: Seed Flare
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice / Earth Power
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest
ability: Natural Cure
evs: 252 HP / 76 SpA / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Shaymin makes a great abuser of the SubSeed strategy thanks to its great bulk and STAB Seed Flaredealing significant damage to any Pokemon switching in. Leech Seed defines the set, and with Protect or Substitute, Shaymin is able to last for a very long time whilst slowly sapping away the opposing Pokemon's HP. Shaymin can also provide an added buff against the ever-so-common rain and sandstorm teams that plague the metagame, as its Grass typing gives it super effective coverage against Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types as well as key resistances to Water- and Ground-type attacks.</p>
<p>Substitute and Leech Seed create the SubSeed combination that almost every Grass-type can run, allowing Shaymin to endlessly drain away HP from opposing Pokemon. Seed Flare is Shaymin's STAB move of choice, which hits hard even with a small investment due to its great 120 Base Power. Shaymin's last moveslot provides coverage to complement Seed Flare. Hidden Power Fire is to hit Steel-types, most importantly Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Skarmory. Hidden Power Ice provides great coverage on Dragon-types such as Dragonite, Latios, Latias, and Salamence , while also giving Shaymin a way to hit Grass-types that are immune to Leech Seed. Finally, Earth Power is a somewhat viable option, as it too has super effective coverage on Steel-types, most importantly Heatran, who is almost the perfect counter to Shaymin without it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This Shaymin can make use of Giga Drain over Seed Flare for some extra recovery, but the drop in power is very significant due to the low investment in Shaymin's average Special Attack stat. Shaymin is also able to use a bulkier EV spread, but due to its many common weaknesses, this is usually outclassed by Ferrothorn, which has many extra resistances to use to its advantage. Finally, Shaymin could be turned into a more offensive Leech Seed user, but this role would probably be better occupied by Whimsicott, whose ability, Prankster, gives priority to its support moves, such as Taunt and Stun Spore.</p>
<p>When using Shaymin, it should almost definitely be used in a Fire / Water / Grass core as it provides the resistances that are key for the other two. If it is not included in one of these defensive cores, it is usually outclassed by Ferrothorn, who has access to extra support options such as Spikes and Stealth Rock. Some Pokemon that work well with this Shaymin are generally more defensively inclined, so Pokemon such as Jellicent, Tentacruel, and Gyarados work well as the Water-type partner, whilst Heatran is generally an excellent partner for the Fire-type slot. These Pokemon can also help to counter Pokemon that can set up on Shaymin. For example, Shaymin without Hidden Power Ice is setup bait for Latios, who is taken care of by specially defensive Heatran. Defensive Gyarados can come in on a Salamence that has set up on Shaymin, Intimidate it, and then Roar it away so that it takes entry hazard damage. All in all, Shaymin's teammates should be able to wall and help out against the beastly offensive threats that can come in against it, lest Shaymin becomes a burden for the team.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>In general, Shaymin lacks many other effective options outside of those listed. A Choice set is viable; however, being locked into Seed Flare is not usually a good option as Pokemon such as Thundurus, Tornadus, and Dragonite can easily come in and start firing off strong STAB attacks. A Swords Dance set could also be used, but Shaymin lacks a broad physical movepool, and as such is not usually the best option for the hedgehog. Finally, Shaymin can run a support set, as it does pack the incredibly rare Aromatherapy, but it is often seen as outclassed by other supporters such as Blissey, Jirachi, and Vaporeon, as they can offer more support for teams on the whole.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Heatran will completely destroy any Shaymin lacking Earth Power, as it 4x resists Seed Flare and is not troubled by any other attacks besides Leech Seed. Also, if Heatran carries an Air Balloon, it can even beat Shaymin that do pack Earth Power, as Shaymin will have to take one turn popping the Air Balloon whilst it gets roasted with a super effective STAB Fire Blast. Other Fire-types will also have an easy time coming in on Seed Flare in order to fire off powerful STAB attacks, such as Darmanitan, Infernape, and Ninetales. Dragon-types resist Seed Flare as well, so Pokemon such as Dragonite, Latios, Latias, and Salamence can all come in and begin to set up against Shaymin if it isn't carrying Hidden Power Ice. Finally, any Pokemon with Taunt and a resistance to Grass-type moves can come in and wreck Leech Seed sets, as Shaymin is without a way to damage any of these Pokemon switching in.</p>
