ZU Shiinotic [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2] DONE!

[Oathkeeper]

[OVERVIEW]
Shiinotic serves as a decent defensive Pokemon in ZU thanks to its typing, decent bulk, access to Strength Sap and Spore. Additionally, Effect Spore lets it reliably check many viable threats such as Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, Torterra, and Golem, while Spore can catch an incoming wallbreaker or setup sweeper off guard and put them to sleep. It's also able to spread status with Effect Spore to punish U-turn users like Silvally-Dark and Silvally-Dragon trying to pivot out. While Shiinotic mainly functions as a wall, it also threatens frailer Pokemon such as Crustle and Purugly with a moderately strong Moonblast and Giga Drain thanks to its decent attacking power, and, along with its naturally high Special Defense, it can soft check common special attackers like Silvally-Dragon, Simipour, and Kadabra, which further separates it from other defensive Grass-types in Gourgeist-XL and Torterra. However, it faces some stiff competition from them, since Torterra is able to provide Stealth Rock support, and Gourgeist-XL is able to further hinder physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. For a physical wall, Shiinotic has mediocre physical bulk and cannot reliably switch into certain physical attackers that Gourgeist-XL can check like Marowak, Bouffalant, and Choice Band Komala, making it difficult for Shiinotic to fit onto teams sometimes. Furthermore, it can easily be worn down by entry hazards and chip damage, as it is one of the slowest Pokemon in the metagame. Strength Sap can also be exploited by the likes of Bronzor and Mareanie due to their low Attack stat, reducing how much health Shiinotic recovers. Shiinotic is also hard walled by threats like Bronzor, Muk, and Lickilicky, all of which either take it out completely or recover any damage dealt to them.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Spore
move 2: Strength Sap
move 3: Giga Drain / Leech Seed
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spore cripples potential switch-ins like Swanna and Bronzor with sleep and debilitates special attacking switch-ins or walls that Gourgeist-XL can't touch. Strength Sap is Shiinotic's form of recovery and hinders physical attackers at the same time by weakening their attacks. Leech Seed is an option over Giga Drain to give Shiinotic a form of passive recovery while wearing the foe down.

Set Details
========
With the extra physical bulk, Shiinotic can survive one Return from Choice Band Komala and one Avalanche from Avalugg, while Leftovers gives it some passive recovery. Effect Spore has a chance to punish physical attackers like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark with status.

Usage Tips
========
Shiinotic is best used as a check to physical attackers with Effect Spore and as a means to put foes to sleep with Spore. The best way to utilize Effect Spore is to switch Shiinotic into common U-turn users like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark to cripple them with status. Shiinotic can do the same against common physical attackers like Machoke, Leafeon, and Torterra, but it should be wary of a Swords Dance-boosted Z-Move like Breakneck Blitz from Leafeon or Continental Crush from Torterra, as both will OHKO it. Strength Sap is best used when Shiinotic is low on HP or there's a physical wallbreaker on the opposing side of the field to recover its HP right back and hinder them. Since the EV spread focuses on physical bulk, keeping Shiinotic away from common special wallbreakers like Beheeyem and Choice Specs Exeggutor will allow it to do its job better in the long run. Shiinotic can be fairly predictable with either Strength Sap or Spore; threats like Komala, Vigoroth, and Grass-types can come in on a Spore and get a free turn, whereas Clear Body Pokemon like Metang avoid the Attack drop that comes with Strength Sap, so move prediction must be taken with care.

Team Options
========
Shiinotic fits best on a team that needs a defensive teammate that can absorb Knock Offs and plenty of U-turns from the opposing team. Therefore, teammates that appreciate Knock Off users like Machoke and Leafeon being gone, like Bronzor and Mareanie, appreciate Shiinotic's presence so they can benefit from their items much longer. Partners like Choice Band Komala, Metang, and Choice Band Golem help Shiinotic deal with Poison- and Steel-types that it doesn't like. Water-type walls like Mareanie and Poliwrath help check the physical Fire- and Steel-type attackers like Combusken, Rapidash, and Pawniard that Shiinotic can't handle; in return, it helps check Electric- and Grass-types. Since Shiinotic's special bulk is subpar, special walls like Lickilicky, Probopass, and Muk can all take hits for it and reliably recover any lost HP, while it can take the physical moves they can't. Shiinotic appreciates entry hazard removers like Komala and Mareanie because of its susceptibility to chip damage and Toxic Spikes. It also appreciates teammates like Electivire, Raichu, and Probopass that can handle Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fairium Z can be run to preserve Shiinotic's item when tanking a Knock Off as well as to OHKO potential switch-ins that are expecting a Strength Sap or Giga Drain like Pawniard and Combusken and heavily damage Sap Sipper switch-ins such as Bouffalant and Sawsbuck. However, this does take up the Z-Move slot, is preferable on bulkier teams that do not have a better Z-Move user, and takes away the residual recovery that Shiinotic appreciates for its longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Threats like Muk and Silvally-Poison pose a problem for Shiinotic due to its gaping weakness to Poison. It must also be wary of being Toxic Spikes fodder for or taking a rare Sludge Bomb from Mareanie. Silvally-Poison and Mareanie don't like Spore, however.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Bronzor, offensive Mawile, Pawniard, Metang, and defensive Probopass all easily come in on either of Shiinotic's STAB moves and can OHKO it right back. Pawniard can even take advantage of Strength Sap and get a Defiant boost. None of them like being put to sleep with Spore, though.

**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Swanna, Rotom-S, Butterfree, and even Oricorio-F all have their ways with Shiinotic by taking it down with their respective STAB moves. However, they cannot switch into Shiinotic because of Spore, barring Swanna on rain teams.

**Fire-types**: Combusken, Rapidash, and Simisear give Shiinotic a hard time with their STAB moves and OHKO it easily.

**Strength Sap Switch-ins**: Weak walls like Mareanie and Bronzor can outstall and curb Shiinotic's recovery from Strength Sap, while Sap Sipper Bouffalant and Sawsbuck prevent recovery entirely. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Purugly can set up on predicted Strength Sap and fight back with STAB Iron Head and Return.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [5gen, 296755], [Aaronboyer, 239454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]

 

[Oathkeeper]

This is ready for QC! It may look bland as it is right now but nothing else came to mind!

 

[Tuthur]

RIP Shiinotic's viability

 

[czim]

Just swap every shiftry mention for cacturne qc approved

 

[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d]

Comments in bold

[OVERVIEW]

• Shiinotic serves as a decent defensive Pokemon in the ZU metagame thanks to its typing, decent bulk, access to Strength Sap and Spore, and ability in Effect Spore.
• Because of these traits, it's able to reliably check many viable threats including Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, Torterra, and Golem.
• Another nice thing is that it's able to spread status with Effect Spore to punish users of U-turn trying to pivot out on it. Spore is another way to do this by catching an incoming wallbreaker or setup sweeper off-guard and put them to sleep.
• While it does function as a wall, it does threaten frailer Pokemon with a moderately strong Moonblast thanks to its decent attacking power.
• It does face some stiff competition from other defensive Grass-types in Torterra, Gourgeist-XL, and Bellossom. Torterra is able provide Stealth Rock support, Gourgeist-XL is able to further hinder physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, and Bellossom can go from defensive to offensive thanks to Quiver Dance. (Even with similar stats and moves, Bell isnt the best comparison here as it functions primarily as a set up sweeper, which is a role Shii shouldn’t be compared to)
• (Mention here that Shii also has mediocre phys bulk and cannot reliably switch into phys attackers that Gourg-XL can check like Marowak, Boufflant, or Choice Band Komola)
• Shiinotic is one of the slowest Pokemon in the meta and can easily be worn down by entry hazards and will usually be getting hit first.
• It is also hard-walled by threats like Bronzor, Muk, and Lickilicky. All of which either take out Shiinotic completely or recover any lost HP dealt to it.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Spore
move 2: Strength Sap
move 3: Giga Drain / Leech Seed
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Spore is a nice move for crippling a potential switch in special attacking wallbreaker or sweeper like Swanna or Beheeyem Bronzor with sleep. (Spore’s function and niche over Gourg-XL is that it can debilitate special attacking switch ins or walls that gourg can’t touch. Reword it to this)
• Strength Sap is Shiinotic's very reliable form of recovery and also hinders physical attackers at the same time by forcing them to hit for less damage.
• Leech Seed is an option over Giga Drain to give Shiinotic a form of passive recovery while it wears down the opponent.

Set Details
========

• The given EV spread combined with a Bold nature gives Shiinotic the most physical bulk it can have while Leftovers gives it some passive recovery.
• Effect Spore has a chance to punish physical attackers like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark by inflicting poison, paralysis, or sleep.

Usage Tips
========

• Utilizing Effect Spore is a great way to use Shiinotic and the best way to do that is to switch it into common U-turn users like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark to cripple them with status.
• Shiinotic also makes for a great switch in to common physical attackers like Machoke, Leafeon, and Torterra to attempt to cripple via Effect Spore, but should be weary of a Swords Dance into a Z Move from the latter two as both will 1HKO. (Include something like this to show that Shii isn’t a safe check to these grass types and that fishing for effect spore is risky)
• Strength Sap is best used when Shiinotic is low on HP or there's a physical wallbreaker on the foe's side of the field to recover that HP right back and hinder them.
• Since the EV spread focuses on physical bulk, keeping it away from common special wallbreakers like Beheeyem and Kadabra will allow it to do its job more in the long run.

Team Options
========

• Shiinotic fits best on a team that needs a defensive teammate that can absorb Knock Offs while at the same time absorb plenty of U-turns from the opposing team.
• Teammates that appreciate Knock Off users being gone like Bronzor and Fraxure Mareanie can benefit from their items, while Shiinotic dispatches of the common users like Machoke and Leafeon. (Fraxure often runs a Z move instead of Evio, whereas Mare has much more synergy and Evio reliance as Shii can be an Electric and Ground switch in for it)
• (Mention here that Water type walls like Mareanie or Poliwrath help check the physical Fire and Steel type attackers like Combusken, Rapidash, and Pawniard that Shii can’t usually handle)
• Shiinotic's special bulk is subpar and special walls like Lickilicky, Probopass, and Muk can all take hits for it and recover any lost HP they lose while Shiinotic can take the physical moves that they can't.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• No other viable options
• (Farium Z can be ran to preserve Shii’s item when tanking a Knock Off, as well as 1HKO potential switch ins that are expecting a Strength Sap or Giga Drain like Pawniard or Combusken. This does take up the Z move slot and is preferable on bulkier teams that do not have a better Z move user)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison- and Steel-types**: Shiinotic is easily disposed of by these two types in Muk or Mawile with a simple Poison Jab, Gunk Shot, or Iron Head and thus, eliminating it. (Mention that these types also resist Shii’s stabs and only worry about an incoming Spore)

**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Swanna, Rotom-S, Butterfree, and even Oricorio-F all can have their way with Shiinotic by taking it down with their respective STAB move.

**Fire-types**: Combusken, Rapidash, and Simisear also give Shiinotic a hard time with their STAB moves and OHKO it without breaking a sweat.

**Status**: Since Shiinotic is functioning as a wall, poison or Toxic poison shorten its lifespan and prevent it from doing its job.

(Mention Strength Sap deterrents. Weak walls like mare and bronz outstall and prevent Shii from recovering much health from Strength Sap, while Sap Sipper Bouf prevents recovery entirely. Defiant Pawniard particularly can set up on a predicted Strength Sap and fire a stab Iron Head back at it.)
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

Once implemented, qc 1/3

 

[Ginger Princess]

Oathkeepre pls don't forget about this, I'll probably have to archive by sunday if not implemented

 

[Oathkeeper]

Ho3nConfirm3d: Please check this to see if it all looks good to you!
Alakazam: Sorry about this bud! I got you =)

If Ho3nConfirm3d likes it, this is ready for QC #2!

 

[5gen]

comments in bold

[OVERVIEW]

• Shiinotic serves as a decent defensive Pokemon in the ZU metagame thanks to its typing, decent bulk, access to Strength Sap and Spore, and ability in Effect Spore.
• Because of these traits, it's able to reliably check many viable threats including Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, Torterra, and Golem.
• Another nice thing is that it's able to spread status with Effect Spore to punish users of U-turn trying to pivot out on it. Spore is another way to do this by catching an incoming wallbreaker or setup sweeper off-guard and put them to sleep. Put Spore first before Effect Spore as it is more notable and relevant. Mention U-turn users that Shiinotic would pivot into.
• While it does function as a wall, it does threaten frailer Pokemon such as... with a moderately strong Moonblast and Giga Drain thanks to its decent attacking power. Another notable point to add after this one is that in tandem with its good STABs and decent Special Attack, Shiinotic's naturally high Special Defense helps it soft check special attackers such as Silvally-Dragon, Simipour, and Kadabra. This further separates it from other defensive Grass-types such as Gourg-XL and Tort.
• It does face some stiff competition from other defensive Grass-types in Torterra and Gourgeist-XL. Torterra is able provide Stealth Rock support, Gourgeist-XL is able to further hinder physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, and Bellossom can go from defensive to offensive thanks to Quiver Dance. Bellossom does not necessarily give Shiinotic competition because Shiinotic is strictly a defensive Grass-type while Bellossom is a Pokemon that can set up thanks to its bulk, pure Grass typing, and access to Strength Sap. That part should be removed.
• Shiinotic also has mediocre physical bulk and cannot reliably switch into physical attackers that Gourgeist-XL can check like Marowak, Bouffalant, or Choice Band Komala. This point should emphasize that the bulk is mediocre for a wall, especially compared to Gourgeist-XL, which makes Shiinotic difficult to fit onto teams sometimes.
• Shiinotic is one of the slowest Pokemon in the meta and can easily be worn down by entry hazards and will usually be getting hit first. While Strength Sap definitely helps with Shiinotic's longevity, it is fairly exploitable. For example, Strength Sap users negate Strength Sap and Pokemon with low Attack such as Bronzor and Mareanie can switch into Strength Sap and reduce how much Shiinotic recovers.
• It is also hard-walled by threats like Bronzor, Muk, and Lickilicky. All of which either take out Shiinotic completely or recover any lost HP dealt to it.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Spore
move 2: Strength Sap
move 3: Giga Drain / Leech Seed
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Spore is a nice move for crippling a potential switch in like Swanna or Bronzor with sleep. It also debilitates special attacking switch ins or walls that Gourgeist-XL can't touch.
• Strength Sap is Shiinotic's very reliable form of recovery and also hinders physical attackers at the same time by forcing them to hit for less damage.
• Leech Seed is an option over Giga Drain to give Shiinotic a form of passive recovery while it wears down the opponent.

Set Details
========

• The given EV spread combined with a Bold nature gives Shiinotic the most physical bulk it can have while Leftovers gives it some passive recovery.
• Effect Spore has a chance to punish physical attackers like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark by inflicting poison, paralysis, or sleep.

Usage Tips
========

• Utilizing Effect Spore is a great way to use Shiinotic and the best way to do that is to switch it into common U-turn users like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark to cripple them with status. This shouldn't be the first point here because it's not really what defines Shiinotic's use. Before this point, you should describe the main things Shiinotic should be doing, and that is checking physical attackers and trying put foes to sleep. (Something more distinct than the second point since the second point mention switching into physical attackers, but still focuses on Effect Spore)
• Shiinotic also makes for a great switch in to common physical attackers like Machoke, Leafeon, and Torterra to attempt to cripple via Effect Spore, but should be weary of a Swords Dance into a Z move from the latter two as both will OHKO. Specify the Z-moves (i.e Breakneck Blitz from Leafeon and Continental Crush from Torterra)
• Strength Sap is best used when Shiinotic is low on HP or there's a physical wallbreaker on the foe's side of the field to recover that HP right back and hinder them.
• Since the EV spread focuses on physical bulk, keeping it away from common special wallbreakers like Beheeyem and Kadabra will allow it to do its job more in the long run.

Another point to talk about is how Shiinotic is fairly predictable, so the opposing player can usually expect Strength Sap or Spore to come out and switch into an appropriate check. So, Shiinotic should predict incoming switch-ins and double switch into a teammate.

Team Options
========

• Shiinotic fits best on a team that needs a defensive teammate that can absorb Knock Offs while at the same time absorb plenty of U-turns from the opposing team. Mention those teammates.
• Teammates that appreciate Knock Off users being gone like Bronzor and Mareanie can benefit from their items, while Shiinotic dispatches of the common users like Machoke and Leafeon.
• Water-type walls like Mareanie or Poliwrath help check the physical Fire- and Steel-type attackers like Combusken, Rapidash, and Pawniard that Shiinotic can't handle. In turn, Shiinotic help check Electric- and Grass-types for them.
• Shiinotic's special bulk is subpar and special walls like Lickilicky, Probopass, and Muk can all take hits for it and recover any lost HP they lose while Shiinotic can take the physical moves that they can't.

Shiinotic appreciates entry hazard removers because of its susceptibility to chip damage and Toxic Spikes. Shiinotic also appreciates Pokemon that can handle Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Fairium Z can be ran to preserve Shiinotic's item when tanking a Knock Off, as well as OHKO potential switch ins that are expecting a Strength Sap or Giga Drain like Pawniard or Combusken. However, this does take up the Z move slot and is preferable on bulkier teams that do not have a better Z move user. Twinkle Tackle also enables Shiinotic to heavily damage switch-ins such as Bouffalant and Sawsbuck who may try to switch into Strength Sap or Spore to activate Sap Sipper.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison- and Steel-types**: Shiinotic is easily disposed of by these two types in Muk or Mawile with a simple Poison Jab, Gunk Shot, or Iron Head and thus, eliminating it. These types also resist Shiinotic's STAB moves and only worry about an incoming Spore. **Poison-types** and **Steel-types** should be separate in their own categories. Makes it clearer and you can go into more detail for each (i.e can add Silv-Poison and Pawn, Bronzor, Metang)

**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Swanna, Rotom-S, Butterfree, and even Oricorio-F all can have their way with Shiinotic by taking it down with their respective STAB move. However, they cannot switch into Shiinotic because of Spore.

**Fire-types**: Combusken, Rapidash, and Simisear also give Shiinotic a hard time with their STAB moves and OHKO it without breaking a sweat.

**Status**: Since Shiinotic is functioning as a wall, poison or Toxic poison shorten its lifespan and prevent it from doing its job.

**Strength Sap Switch-ins Deterrents**: Weak walls like Mareanie and Bronzor can outstall and prevent Shiinotic from recovering much health from Strength Sap, while Sap Sipper Bouffalant and Sawsbuck prevent recovery entirely. Defiant Pawniard particularly can set up on predicted Strength Sap and fight back with a STAB Iron Head.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

qc 2/3

 

[Oathkeeper]

Thank you 5gen, this is ready for the final QC check!

 

[Aaronboyer]

[OVERVIEW]
Shiinotic serves as a decent defensive Pokemon in the ZU metagame thanks to its typing, decent bulk, access to Strength Sap and Spore, and ability in Effect Spore. Because of these traits, it's able to reliably check many viable threats including Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, Torterra, and Golem. Spore is another way to do this by catching an incoming wallbreaker or setup sweeper off-guard and put them to sleep. Another nice thing is that it's able to spread status with Effect Spore to punish users of U-turn like Silvally-Dark and Silvally-Dragon trying to pivot out on it. While it does function as a wall, it does threaten frailer Pokemon such as Crustle and Purugly with a moderately strong Moonblast and Giga Drain thanks to its decent attacking power. On a separate note, thanks to these STAB moves and naturally high Special Defense, it can soft check common special attackers like Silvally-Dragon, Simipour, and Kadabra, which further separates it from other defensive Grass-types in Gourgeist-XL and Torterra. It does face some stiff competition from other defensive Grass-types in Torterra and Gourgeist-XL. Torterra is able provide Stealth Rock support, Gourgeist-XL is able to further hinder physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp.(You can probably merge the previous two sentences together) For a physical wall, Shiinotic has mediocre physical bulk and cannot reliably switch into certain physical attackers that Gourgeist-XL can check like Marowak, Bouffalant, or Choice Band Komala and this makes it difficult for Shiinotic to fit onto teams sometimes. Shiinotic is also one of the slowest Pokemon in the meta and can easily be worn down by entry hazards and will usually be getting hit first. Not to mention that Strength Sap can be exploited by the likes of Bronzor and Mareanie due to their low Attack stat and thus, reduce how much Shiinotic recovers. It is also hard-walled by threats like Bronzor, Muk, and Lickilicky. All of which either take out Shiinotic completely or recover any lost HP dealt to it.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Spore
move 2: Strength Sap
move 3: Giga Drain / Leech Seed
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spore is a nice move for crippling a potential switch in like Swanna or Bronzor with sleep. It also debilitates special attacking switch ins or walls that Gourgeist-XL can't touch. Strength Sap is Shiinotic's very reliable form of recovery and also hinders physical attackers at the same time by forcing them to hit for less damage. (You just pointed out how Strength Sap doesn't restore that much health versus Pokemon like Bronzor and Mareanie; I would say "very reliable" is a stretch,)Leech Seed is an option over Giga Drain to give Shiinotic a form of passive recovery while it wears down the opponent.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread combined with a Bold nature gives Shiinotic the most physical bulk it can have while Leftovers gives it some passive recovery. Effect Spore has a chance to punish physical attackers like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark by inflicting poison, paralysis, or sleep.

Usage Tips
========
Shiinotic is best used as a check to physical attackers and as a means to put foes to sleep with Spore. Utilizing Effect Spore is a great way to use Shiinotic and the best way to do that is to switch it into common U-turn users like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark to cripple them with status. Shiinotic also makes for a great switch in to common physical attackers like Machoke, Leafeon, and Torterra to attempt to cripple via Effect Spore, but should be weary of a Swords Dance into a Z move like Breakneck Blitz from Leafeon and Continental Crush from Torterra as both will OHKO. Strength Sap is best used when Shiinotic is low on HP or there's a physical wallbreaker on the foe's side of the field to recover that HP right back and hinder them. Since the EV spread focuses on physical bulk, keeping it away from common special wallbreakers like Beheeyem and Kadabra will allow it to do its job more in the long run.

On a separate note, thanks to these STAB moves and naturally high Special Defense, it can soft check common special attackers like Silvally-Dragon, Simipour, and Kadabra

(Quote taken from the Overview)(You are sending the reader mixed signals that Shiinotic both beats and does not beat Kadabra.) Shiinotic is fairly predictable with either a Strength Sap or Spore. Because of this, predicting incoming switch-ins or switching itself into another teammate gives its team momentum and the upper hand. (This sentence is fluff, mention specific incoming Spore switch-ins like Komala or Vigoroth or Grass-types. Mention Pokemon that make Strength Sap fail like Clear Body Metang.)

Team Options
========
Shiinotic fits best on a team that needs a defensive teammate that can absorb Knock Offs like Choice Band Komala, Metang, and Choice Band Golem while at the same time absorb plenty of U-turns from the opposing team. (This sentence makes it sound like Pokemon such as CB Komala and Metang can absorb Knock Offs for Shiinotic instead of the other way around.)Teammates that appreciate Knock Off users being gone like Bronzor and Mareanie can benefit from their items, while Shiinotic dispatches of the common users like Machoke and Leafeon. Water-type walls like Mareanie or Poliwrath help check the physical Fire- and Steel-type attackers like Combusken, Rapidash, and Pawniard that Shiinotic can't handle. In turn, Shiinotic helps check the Electric- and Grass-types for them. Shiinotic's special bulk is subpar and special walls like Lickilicky, Probopass, and Muk can all take hits for it and recover any lost HP they lose while Shiinotic can take the physical moves that they can't. Shiinotic appreciates entry hazard removers like Komala and Mareanie because of its susceptibility to chip damage and Toxic Spikes. Shiinotic also appreciates teammates like Electivire, Raichu, and defensive Golem that can handle Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-F, and Toucannon. (When providing examples of Pokemon 1 goes with 1, 2 goes with 2, and why I am mentioning this 3 Defensive Golem in this case does not go with 3 Toucannon. All Toucannons run Skill Link Bullet Seed and they all OHKO Golem no matter if its physically defensive or not.)(While I am here I saw that you have Rotom-F. In analyses Rotom-F refers to Frost not Fan, if you want to refer to the Flying-type Rotom, use Rotom-S for Rotom-Spin.)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fairium Z can be ran to preserve Shiinotic's item when tanking a Knock Off, as well as OHKO potential switch ins that are expecting a Strength Sap or Giga Drain like Pawniard or Combusken. However, this does take up the Z move slot and is preferable on bulkier teams that do not have a better Z move user. Twinkle Tackle also enables Shiinotic to heavily damage switch-ins such as Bouffalant and Sawsbuck who may try to switch into Strength Sap or Spore to activate Sap Sipper. (Why are you going positive sentence, negative sentence, positive? List all the positives and then end with the negatives. Add lack of residual recovery hurting Shiinotic's overall longevity to the list of negatives for running Fairium Z over Leftovers.)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Threats like Muk or Silvally-Poison pose a problem for Shiinotic due to its gaping weakness to this type. It would also need to be wary of a rare Sludge Bomb from Mareanie. None of these threats like Spore, however. (Does CroMuk necessarily care about Spore though? It can just use Curse to set up in Shiinotic's face. Say Silvally-Poison and Mareanie don't appreciate Spore instead.)

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Bronzor, All-out-attacking Mawile, Pawniard, Metang, and defensive Probopass all easily come in on take either of Shiinotic's STAB moves and can OHKO right back. Pawniard could even take advantage of a Strength Sap and get a Defiant boost. None of them like being put to sleep with Spore though. (Defensive Mawiles lack Iron Head. Offensive Probopass also drops Flash Cannon for Smack Down and Stealth Rock.)

**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Swanna, Rotom-S, Butterfree, and even Oricorio-F all can have their way with Shiinotic by taking it down with their respective STAB move. However, they cannot switch into Shiinotic because of Spore. (On full rain teams, Hydration Swanna actually can switch into Spore.)

**Fire-types**: Combusken, Rapidash, and Simisear also give Shiinotic a hard time with their STAB moves and OHKO it without breaking a sweat.

**Status**: Since Shiinotic is functioning as a wall, poison or Toxic poison shorten its lifespan and prevent it from doing its job. (I would probably say remove this checks and counters bullet point altogether. So many Pokemon suffer from Toxic Spikes, and I don't really think Shiinotic suffers that much more than others to warrant a bullet point in this part of the analysis. You can mention Mareanie setting up Toxic Spikes in the Poison-types part.)

**Strength Sap Switch-ins**: Weak walls like Mareanie and Bronzor can outstall and prevent Shiinotic from recovering much health from Strength Sap, while Sap Sipper Bouffalant and Sawsbuck prevents recovery entirely. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Purugly particularly can set up on predicted Strength Sap and fight back with a STAB Iron Head or Return.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [5gen, 296755], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

QC 3/3 once implemented. Great Job!

 

[Oathkeeper]

This is now ready for GP!

 

[kt3]

amcheck

add
remove
(comments)

edit: fixed some weird formatting

shii

[OVERVIEW]
Shiinotic serves as a decent defensive Pokemon in the ZU metagame thanks to its typing, decent bulk, access to Strength Sap and Spore, and ability in Effect Spore. Because of these traits, it's able, enabling it to reliably check many viable threats including Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, Torterra, and Golem. Spore is another way to do this (do what? consider merging this with first sentence; leaving this untouched for now) by catching an incoming wallbreaker or setup sweeper off-guard and put guard (RH) and putting them to sleep. Another nice thing is that it'sIt's also able to spread status with Effect Spore to punish users of U-turnU-turn users (optional) like Silvally-Dark and Silvally-Dragon trying to pivot out on it(you can also proc it by switching into them; that's not them trying to pivot out of Shii). While it does function as a wall, it does threatens frailer Pokemon such as Crustle and Purugly with a moderately strong Moonblast and Giga Drain thanks to its decent attacking power. On a separate note, thanks to these STAB moves and, and along with its naturally high Special Defense, it can soft check common special attackers like Silvally-Dragon, Simipour, and Kadabra, which further separates it from other defensive Grass-types in Gourgeist-XL and Torterra. However, It doestill faces some stiff competition from other defensive Grass-types in Torterra and Gourgeist-XLthem, since Torterra is able to provide Stealth Rock support, (AC) and Gourgeist-XL is able to further hinder physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. For a physical wall, Shiinotic has mediocre physical bulk and cannot reliably switch into certain physical attackers that Gourgeist-XL can check like Marowak, Bouffalant, or Choice Band Komala and this makes, (AC) making it difficult for Shiinotic to fit ointo teams sometimes. Shiinotic is also one of the slowest Pokemon in the meta andFurthermore, it can easily be worn down by entry hazards and will usually be getting hit first. Not to mention thatchip damage, as it is one of the slowest Pokemon in the metagame (I grouped the connected thoughts together). Strength Sap can also be exploited by the likes of Bronzor and Mareanie due to their low Attack stat and thus, reduce (RC) reduces how much health Shiinotic recovers. It is also hard-walled walled (RH) by threats like Bronzor, Muk, and Lickilicky. All, (P->C) all of which either take out Shiinotic completely or recover any lost HPdamage dealt to ithem (it doesn't "deal" lost HP).

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Spore
move 2: Strength Sap
move 3: Giga Drain / Leech Seed
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spore is a nice move for crippling acripples potential switch in like Swanna or-ins like Swanna and Bronzor with sleep. It and also debilitates special attacking switch-ins or walls that Gourgeist-XL can't touch. Strength Sap is Shiinotic's form of recovery and alsothat hinders physical attackers at the same time by forcing them to hit for less damage( also=atst; last bit unnecessary). Leech Seed is an option over Giga Drain to give Shiinotic a form of passive recovery while it wears downwearing the opponent foe down (if i read this correctly, it=seed in orig; edit for flow).

Set Details
========
The given EV spread combined with a Bold nature gives Shiinotic the most physical bulk it can have (not much substance; would be better to say what it checks/what relevant threats force it to run Bold>Calm for instance), (AC) while Leftovers gives it some passive recovery (kinda the same here, but this is a bit more passable). Effect Spore has a chance to punish physical attackers like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark by inflicting poison, paralysis, or sleepwith status.

Usage Tips
========
Shiinotic is best used as a check to physical attackers and as a means to put foes to sleep with Spore. Utilizing Effect Spore is a great way to use Shiinotic and the best way to do thatThe best way to utilize Effect Spore is to switch it into common U-turn users like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark to cripple them with status.; (merging avoids rep)similarly, Shiinotic also makes for a great switch in-in (AH) to common physical attackers like Machoke, Leafeon, and Torterra, but it attempt to cripple via Effect Spore, but should be weary of a Swords Dance into a Z movefollowed by a Z-Move (AH; UC) like Breakneck Blitz from Leafeon andor Continental Crush from Torterra, (AC) as bothe combo will OHKO it (transitive). Strength Sap is best used when Shiinotic is low on HP or there's a foe physical wallbreaker on the foe's side of the field to recover thalost HP right back and hinder themir offenses (spec-ed; optional). Since the EV spread focuses on physical bulk, keeping it away from common special wallbreakers like Beheeyem and Choice Specs Exeggutor will allow it to do its job more better (or something similar/more specific) in the long run. Shiinotic is fairly predictable with either a (put "a" bef Spore if you really want to keep it) Strength Sap or Spore. T; (SC) threats like Komala, Vigoroth, orand Grass-types can come in on a Spore and get a free turn, whereas Clear Body Pokemon like Metang avoid the Attack drop that comes with Strength Sap.

Team Options
========
Shiinotic fits best on a team that needs a defensive teammate that can absorb Knock Offs and absorb plenty of U-turns from the opposing team. Therefore p(last bit implied already). Therefore, (I believe this is where the "therefore" should have been attributed) teammates that appreciate Knock Off users like Machoke and Leafeon being gone, like Bronzor and Mareanie, (AC pair) can benefit from their items much longer (idrk what you meant in orig; this is my best guess, so make this bit clearer). Partners like Choice Band Komala, Metang, and Choice Band Golem help Shiinotic deal with Poison- and Steel-types that it doesn't like. Teammates that appreciate Knock Off users being gone like Bronzor and Mareanie can benefit from their items, while Shiinotic dispatches of the common users like Machoke and Leafeon. Water-type walls like Mareanie orand Poliwrath help check the physical Fire- and Steel-type attackers like Combusken, Rapidash, and Pawniard that Shiinotic can't handle. In turn, Shiinotic; in return (SC; in turn =/= in return), it helps check the Electric- and Grass-types for them. Shiinotic's special bulk is subpar, (AC) and special walls like Lickilicky, Probopass, and Muk can all take hits for it and reliably recover any lost HP they lose while Shiinotic, (AC) while it can take the physical moves that they can't. Shiinotic appreciates entry hazard removers like Komala and Mareanie because of its susceptibility to chip damage and Toxic Spikes. ShiinoticIt also appreciates teammates like Electivire, Raichu, and Probopass that can handle Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fairium Z can be raun to preserve Shiinotic's item when tanking a Knock Off, as well as to OHKO potential switch ins-ins (AH) that are expecting a Strength Sap or Giga Drain like Pawniard or Combusken. Twinkle Tackle also enables Shiinotic toand Combusken and heavily damage Sap Sipper switch-ins such as Bouffalant and Sawsbuck who may try to switch into Strength Sap or Spore to activate Sap Sipper(add this to the end if you absolutely have to keep it, though the given edit should suffice already: "that try to take advantage of Strength Sap and Spore"). However, this does take up the Z m-Move slot and is preferable on bulkier teams that do not have a better Z move user. This-Move user and also takes away the residual recovery that Shiinotic appreciates for its longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Threats like Muk orand Silvally-Poison pose a problem for Shiinotic due to its gaping weakness to this typePoison. It would also need to be wary of being Toxic Spikes fodder for or taking a rare Sludge Bomb from Mareanie or it setting up Toxic Spikes(orig was pretty awkward with "it" referring to both Shii and Mareanie; check edit if it changes valuable content). Silvally-Poison and Mareanie don't like Spore, however.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Bronzor, Aall-out-attacking Mawile, Pawniard, Metang, and defensive Probopass all easily come in on take either of Shiinotic's STAB moves and can OHKO it right back. Pawniard could even take advantage of a Strength Sap and get a Defiant boost. None of them like being put to sleep with Spore though.

**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Swanna, Rotom-S, Butterfree, and even Oricorio-F all can have their ways with Shiinotic by taking it down with their respective STAB moves. However, they cannot switch into Shiinotic because of Spore. On rain teams, Swanna can switch into a Spore, however, barring Swanna on rain teams.

**Fire-types**: Combusken, Rapidash, and Simisear also give Shiinotic a hard time with their STAB moves and OHKO it without breaking a sweateasily.

**Strength Sap Switch-ins**: Weak (weak is too broad, and it's also a poke-related term, so word change into something like passive) walls like Mareanie and Bronzor can outstall and prevent Shiinotic from recovering much healthcurb (for brevity; subjective change, so you may use other words like hinder etc) Shiinotic's recovery from Strength Sap, while Sap Sipper Bouffalant and Sawsbuck prevents recovery entirely. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Purugly can set up on predicted Strength Sap and fight back with a STAB Iron Head orand Return.

 

[Lumari]

kt3 (changed to standard colours for familiarity / to avoid complete colour clusterfuck): add remove (comments)
tdp: add / fix remove (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2

shii with comments and additions

[OVERVIEW]
Shiinotic serves as a decent defensive Pokemon in the ZU metagame thanks to its typing, decent bulk, access to Strength Sap and Spore, and ability in Effect Spore. Because of these traits, it's able, enabling it to reliably check many viable threats including Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, Torterra, and Golem. Spore is another way to do this (do what? consider merging this with first sentence; leaving this untouched for now) ("shut down opposing Pokemon" probably) by catching an incoming wallbreaker or setup sweeper off-guard and put guard (RH) and putting them to sleep. Another nice thing is that it'sIt's also able to spread status with Effect Spore to punish users of U-turnU-turn users (optional) like Silvally-Dark and Silvally-Dragon trying to pivot out on it(you can also proc it by switching into them; that's not them trying to pivot out of Shii). While it Shiinotic does function mainly functions as a wall, it does also threatens frailer Pokemon such as Crustle and Purugly with a moderately strong Moonblast and Giga Drain thanks to its decent attacking power. On a separate note, thanks to these STAB moves and, and along with its naturally high Special Defense, it can soft check common special attackers like Silvally-Dragon, Simipour, and Kadabra, which further separates it from other defensive Grass-types in Gourgeist-XL and Torterra. However, it does faces some stiff competition from other defensive Grass-types in Torterra and Gourgeist-XLthem, since Torterra is able to provide Stealth Rock support, (AC) and Gourgeist-XL is able to further hinder physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. For a physical wall, Shiinotic has mediocre physical bulk and cannot reliably switch into certain physical attackers that Gourgeist-XL can check like Marowak, Bouffalant, or Choice Band Komala and this makes, (AC) making it difficult for Shiinotic to fit ointo teams sometimes. Shiinotic is also one of the slowest Pokemon in the meta andFurthermore, it can easily be worn down by entry hazards and will usually be getting hit first. Not to mention thatchip damage, as it is one of the slowest Pokemon in the metagame (I grouped the connected thoughts together). (the causal link you're adding is rly screwy, just switch the mentions of getting hit before it attacks + susceptibility to entry hazards and keep everything else as is) Strength Sap can also be exploited by the likes of Bronzor and Mareanie due to their low Attack stat and thus, reduce (RC) reduces how much health Shiinotic recovers. It Shiinotic is also hard-walled walled (RH) by threats like Bronzor, Muk, and Lickilicky. All, (P->C) all of which either take out Shiinotic it completely or recover any lost HPdamage dealt to ithem (it doesn't "deal" lost HP).

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Spore
move 2: Strength Sap
move 3: Giga Drain / Leech Seed
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spore is a nice move for crippling acripples potential switch in like Swanna or-ins like Swanna and Bronzor with sleep. It and also debilitates special attacking switch-ins or walls that Gourgeist-XL can't touch. Strength Sap is Shiinotic's form of recovery and alsothat hinders physical attackers at the same time by forcing them to hit for less damage weakening their attacks. (or change hinders -> weakens and delete this bit entirely) Leech Seed is an option over Giga Drain to give Shiinotic a form of passive recovery while it wears downwearing the opponent foe down (if i read this correctly, it=seed in orig; edit for flow). (keep as is if it=shiinotic; make it "that also wears down the foe" if it = leech seed)

Set Details
========
The given EV spread combined with a Bold nature gives Shiinotic the most physical bulk it can have (not much substance; would be better to say what it checks/what relevant threats force it to run Bold>Calm for instance), (AC) while Leftovers gives it some passive recovery (kinda the same here, but this is a bit more passable). Effect Spore has a chance to punish physical attackers like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark by inflicting poison, paralysis, or sleepwith status.

Usage Tips
========
Shiinotic is best used as a check to physical attackers with Effect Spore (should be preserved if you're axing it from next sentence) and as a means to put foes to sleep with Spore. Utilizing Effect Spore is a great way to use Shiinotic and the best way to do thatThe best way to utilize Effect Spore is to switch it into common U-turn users like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark to cripple them with status. Shiinotic also makes for a great switch in to can do the same against common physical attackers like Machoke, Leafeon, and Torterra to attempt to cripple via Effect Spore, (needs to preserve effect spore point, still not super big on this change though) but it should be weary wary of a Swords Dance-boosted into a Z-Move (AH) like Breakneck Blitz from Leafeon and or Continental Crush from Torterra, (AC) as both will OHKO it. Strength Sap is best used when Shiinotic is low on HP or there's a physical wallbreaker on the foe's opposing side of the field to recover that its HP right back and hinder them. (redid couple lines here entirely to avoid readability mess) Since the EV spread focuses on physical bulk, keeping it Shiinotic away from common special wallbreakers like Beheeyem and Choice Specs Exeggutor will allow it to do its job more better (or something similar/more specific) in the long run. Shiinotic is fairly predictable with either a (put "a" bef Spore if you really want to keep it) Strength Sap or Spore. T; (SC) threats like Komala, Vigoroth, orand Grass-types can come in on a Spore and get a free turn, whereas Clear Body Pokemon like Metang avoid the Attack drop that comes with Strength Sap.

Team Options
========
Shiinotic fits best on a team that needs a defensive teammate that can absorb Knock Offs and absorb plenty of U-turns from the opposing team. Therefore p(last bit implied already) (it's not disruptive though, feel free to keep). Therefore, (I believe this is where the "therefore" should have been attributed) teammates that appreciate Knock Off users like Machoke and Leafeon being gone, like Bronzor and Mareanie, (AC pair) can benefit from their items much longer (idrk what you meant in orig; this is my best guess, so make this bit clearer) (ya). Partners like Choice Band Komala, Metang, and Choice Band Golem help Shiinotic deal with Poison- and Steel-types that it doesn't like. Teammates that appreciate Knock Off users being gone like Bronzor and Mareanie can benefit from their items, while Shiinotic dispatches of the common users like Machoke and Leafeon. Water-type walls like Mareanie orand Poliwrath help check the physical Fire- and Steel-type attackers like Combusken, Rapidash, and Pawniard that Shiinotic can't handle. In turn, Shiinotic; in return (SC; in turn =/= in return) (don't change shiinotic to it, w/e on other change), it helps check the Electric- and Grass-types for them. Since Shiinotic's special bulk is subpar, (AC) and special walls like Lickilicky, Probopass, and Muk can all take hits for it and reliably recover any lost HP they lose while Shiinotic, (AC) while it (don't change shiinotic to it here either) can take the physical moves that they can't. Shiinotic appreciates entry hazard removers like Komala and Mareanie because of its susceptibility to chip damage and Toxic Spikes. ShiinoticIt also appreciates teammates like Electivire, Raichu, and Probopass that can handle Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fairium Z can be raun to preserve Shiinotic's item when tanking a Knock Off, as well as to OHKO potential switch ins-ins (AH) that are expecting a Strength Sap or Giga Drain like Pawniard or Combusken. Twinkle Tackle also enables Shiinotic toand Combusken and heavily damage Sap Sipper switch-ins such as Bouffalant and Sawsbuck who may try to switch into Strength Sap or Spore to activate Sap Sipper(add this to the end if you absolutely have to keep it, though the given edit should suffice already: "that try to take advantage of Strength Sap and Spore"). (fusing the two sentences leaves too many ideas to fit cleanly in one sentence, other edit is pretty awkward also because "x switch-ins" is usually used as "switch-ins to x" rather than "switch-ins with x". keep second sentence entirely as is except "switch-ins such as" -> "Pokemon such as" bc repetition + "who may try to" -> "that may try to") However, this does take up the Z m-Move slot and is preferable on bulkier teams that do not have a better Z move user. This-Move user and (if you must fuse them make it "in addition to taking away", otherwise just keep as is bc this way it's an unnecessary run-on) also takes away the residual recovery that Shiinotic appreciates for its longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Threats like Muk orand Silvally-Poison pose a problem for Shiinotic due to its gaping weakness to this typePoison. It would also need to be wary of being Toxic Spikes fodder for or taking a rare Sludge Bomb from Mareanie or it setting up Toxic Spikes(orig was pretty awkward with "it" referring to both Shii and Mareanie; check edit if it changes valuable content). ("needs to be wary of Mareanie targeting it with the rare Sludge Bomb or setting up Toxic Spikes" but yea this works, or "wary of Toxic Spikes or the rare Sludge Bomb from Mareanie" which is way cleaner but idk if i like the loss of nuance there) Silvally-Poison and Mareanie don't like Spore, however.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Bronzor, Aall-out-attacking Mawile, Pawniard, Metang, and defensive Probopass all easily come in on take either of Shiinotic's STAB moves and can OHKO it right back. Pawniard could even take advantage of a Strength Sap and get a Defiant boost. None of them like being put to sleep with Spore, (AC) though.

**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Swanna, Rotom-S, Butterfree, and even Oricorio-F all can have their ways (no to both) with Shiinotic by taking it down with their respective STAB moves. However, they cannot switch into Shiinotic because of Spore. On rain teams, Swanna can switch into a Spore, however, barring Swanna on rain teams.

**Fire-types**: Combusken, Rapidash, and Simisear also give Shiinotic a hard time with their STAB moves and OHKO it without breaking a sweateasily.

**Strength Sap Switch-ins**: Weak (weak is too broad, and it's also a poke-related term, so word change into something like passive) (no issue w/ weak) walls like Mareanie and Bronzor can outstall and prevent Shiinotic from recovering much healthcurb (for brevity; subjective change, so you may use other words like hinder etc) Shiinotic's recovery from Strength Sap, while Sap Sipper Bouffalant and Sawsbuck prevents recovery entirely. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Purugly can set up on predicted Strength Sap and fight back with a STAB Iron Head orand (should be or p sure) Return.

 

[Oathkeeper]

The Dutch Plumberjack, implemented! Thank you friend =)

Ready for GP #2

 

[Rabia]

add remove comments

gp

[OVERVIEW]

Shiinotic serves as a decent defensive Pokemon in the ZU metagame thanks to its typing, decent bulk, access to Strength Sap and Spore (RC) and ability in Effect Spore, enabling.(AP) Additionally, Effect Spore lets it to reliably check many viable threats including such as Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, Torterra, and Golem,(AC) while Spore can catch an incoming wallbreaker or setup sweeper off guard and putting put them to sleep. It's also able to spread status with Effect Spore to punish U-turn users like Silvally-Dark and Silvally-Dragon trying to pivot out. While Shiinotic mainly functions as a wall, it also threatens frailer Pokemon such as Crustle and Purugly with a moderately strong Moonblast and Giga Drain thanks to its decent attacking power, and,(AC) along with its naturally high Special Defense, it can soft check common special attackers like Silvally-Dragon, Simipour, and Kadabra, which further separates it from other defensive Grass-types in Gourgeist-XL and Torterra. However, it faces some stiff competition from them, since Torterra is able to provide Stealth Rock support, and Gourgeist-XL is able to further hinder physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. For a physical wall, Shiinotic has mediocre physical bulk and cannot reliably switch into certain physical attackers that Gourgeist-XL can check like Marowak, Bouffalant, or and Choice Band Komala, making it difficult for Shiinotic to fit into onto teams sometimes. Furthermore, it can easily be worn down by entry hazards and chip damage, as it is one of the slowest Pokemon in the metagame. Strength Sap can also be exploited by the likes of Bronzor and Mareanie due to their low Attack stat and thus reduces,(AC) reducing how much health Shiinotic recovers. Shiinotic is also hard walled by threats like Bronzor, Muk, and Lickilicky, all of which either take it out completely or recover any damage dealt to them.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Spore
move 2: Strength Sap
move 3: Giga Drain / Leech Seed
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Effect Spore
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spore cripples potential switch-ins like Swanna and Bronzor with sleep and debilitates special attacking switch-ins or walls that Gourgeist-XL can't touch. Strength Sap is Shiinotic's form of recovery that and hinders physical attackers at the same time by weakening their attacks. Leech Seed is an option over Giga Drain to give Shiinotic a form of passive recovery while wearing the foe down.

Set Details
========

With the extra physical bulk, Shiinotic can survive one Return from Choice Band Komala and one Avalanche from Avalugg, while Leftovers gives it some passive recovery. Effect Spore has a chance to punish physical attackers like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark with status.

Usage Tips
========

Shiinotic is best used as a check to physical attackers with Effect Spore and as a means to put foes to sleep with Spore. The best was way to utilize Effect Spore is to switch it Shiinotic into common U-turn users like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark to cripple them with status. Shiinotic can do the same against common physical attackers like Machoke, Leafeon, and Torterra, but it should be wary of a Swords Dance-boosted Z-Move(spacing) like Breakneck Blitz from Leafeon or Continental Crush from Torterra, as both will OHKO it. Strength Sap is best used when Shiinotic is low on HP or there's a physical wallbreaker on the opposing side of the field to recover its HP right back and hinder them. Since the EV spread focuses on physical bulk, keeping Shiinotic away from common special wallbreakers like Beheeyem and Choice Specs Exeggutor will allow it to do its job better in the long run. Shiinotic is fairly predictable with either Strength Sap or Spore; threats like Komala, Vigoroth, and Grass-types can come in on a Spore and get a free turn, whereas Clear Body Pokemon like Metang avoid the Attack drop that comes with Strength Sap. (this isn't a usage tip; this is just you telling the reader why Shiinotic is predictable)

Team Options
========

Shiinotic fits best on a team that needs a defensive teammate that can absorb Knock Offs and plenty of U-turns from the opposing team. Therefore, teammates that appreciate Knock Off users like Machoke and Leafeon being gone, like Bronzor and Mareanie, appreciate Shiinotic's presence so they can benefit from their items much longer. Partners like Choice Band Komala, Metang, and Choice Band Golem help Shiinotic deal with Poison- and Steel-types that it doesn't like. Water-type walls like Mareanie and Poliwrath help check the physical Fire- and Steel-type attackers like Combusken, Rapidash, and Pawniard that Shiinotic can't handle; in return, it helps check Electric- and Grass-types for them. Since Shiinotic's special bulk is subpar, special walls like Lickilicky, Probopass, and Muk can all take hits for it and reliably recover any lost HP, while it can take the physical moves that they can't. Shiinotic appreciates entry hazard removers like Komala and Mareanie because of its susceptibility to chip damage and Toxic Spikes. It also appreciates teammates like Electivire, Raichu, and Probopass that can handle Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Fairium Z can be run to preserve Shiinotic's item when tanking a Knock Off (RC) as well as to OHKO potential switch-ins that are expecting a Strength Sap or Giga Drain like Pawniard and Combusken and heavily damage Sap Sipper switch-ins such as Bouffalant and Sawsbuck. However, this does take up the Z-Move slot and,(AC) is preferable on bulkier teams that do not have a better Z-Move user,(AC) and also takes away the residual recovery that Shiinotic appreciates for its longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Threats like Muk and Silvally-Poison pose a problem for Shiinotic due to its gaping weakness to Poison. It would also need to must also be wary of being Toxic Spikes fodder for or taking a rare Sludge Bomb from Mareanie. Silvally-Poison and Mareanie don't like Spore, however.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Bronzor, all-out-attacking offensive (unless this changes meaning then previous is fine) Mawile, Pawniard, Metang, and defensive Probopass all easily come in on either of Shiinotic's STAB moves and can OHKO it right back. Pawniard could can even take advantage of Strength Sap and get a Defiant boost. None of them like being put to sleep with Spore, though.

**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Swanna, Rotom-S, Butterfree, and even Oricorio-F all have their ways with Shiinotic by taking it down with their respective STAB moves. However, they cannot switch into Shiinotic because of Spore, barring Swanna on rain teams.

**Fire-types**: Combusken, Rapidash, and Simisear give Shiinotic a hard time with their STAB moves and OHKO it easily.

**Strength Sap Switch-ins**: Weak walls like Mareanie and Bronzor can outstall and curb Shiinotic's recovery from Strength Sap, while Sap Sipper Bouffalant and Sawsbuck prevents prevent recovery entirely. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Purugly can set up on predicted Strength Sap and fight back with a STAB Iron Head and Return.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [5gen, 296755], [Aaronboyer, 239454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]

gp 2/2 once done

 

[Oathkeeper]

This is done and ready for upload!

Alakazam or Funbot28

 

[Ginger Princess]

https://www.smogon.com/dex/sm/pokemon/shiinotic/zu/

Uploaded!