[OVERVIEW]
Silvally-Ghost is a solid setup sweeper, specifically on Sticky web and hazard stack teams, in which it is one of the best spinblockers while also utilizing the hazards to sweep with Swords Dance and Flame Charge. Base 95 in all stats makes it the jack of all trades of Ghost-types, being bulkier than Oricorio-Sensu and Haunter, faster than Jellicent and Golurk, and stronger than Sableye. Furthermore, Silvally-Ghost is one of the best spinblockers against non-Icium Z Cyrogonal, one of the most common spinblockers. However, Silvally-Ghost shares the issues of the other Silvally forms, with its inability to hold an item or z-crystal, lack of recovery and longevity, no secondary STAB, and not being able to use alongside Silvally's other forms. That being said, being a Silvally also gives it a surprise factor, which can be especially useful for catching a Rapid Spinner off guard. Said lack of longevity also lessens Silvally-Ghost's capabilities as a spinblocker and sweeper, being easily worn down through hazards and easier to revenge kill with priority and faster threats like Kangaskhan and Choice Scarf Swanna, respectively. Furthermore, it has to watch out for switching into attacks when trying to spinblock.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Multi-Attack
move 3: Flame Charge
move 4: U-turn / Substitute
item: Ghost Memory
ability: RKS System
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flame Charge makes Silvally-Ghost harder to revenge kill, utilizing its naturally great Speed to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and many Choice Scarf users such as Abomasnow and Rotom-F. It can also create 50/50s by speed-tying with base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Haunter, and Jynx. Finally, Flame Charge also provides coverage for threats like Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash. The last slot is somewhat flexible. U-turn is the main option as it takes the focus off Silvally-Ghost's sweeping role to gain momentum throughout the match, specifically after switching in to spinblock. Substitute is an alternate option that helps support Silvally-Ghost as a setup sweeper, with Substitute's variety of uses including making Silvally-Ghost harder to revenge kill, being able to take advantage of moves like Kangaskhan's Sucker Punch and Clefairy's Thunder Wave, and scouting choice-locked and Z-moves. It also stops Silvally-Ghost from being immediately stopped by Sableye. Ice Fang is a niche coverage option, allowing Silvally-Ghost to hit certain Normal-types such as Drampa and Dodrio, but is very situational and held back by its low base power.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed allows Silvally-Ghost to speed tie with Choice Scarf users like Primeape and Haunter and outspeed Adamant Alolan Sandslash in Hail after a Flame Charge.
Usage Tips
========
Being mostly used on hazard stack teams, Silvally-Ghost will often not be entering the field until they are already set. Throughout the match, it should mostly be used to spinblock and pivot out for momentum if running U-turn. When switching in, stay wary of chip damage like hazards and hail, as well as the chance of the foe attacking instead of going for Rapid Spin. Silvally-Ghost can also be used to switch into immune attacks such as Crabominable's Drain Punch and Drampa's Hyper Voice if need be, although it is usually not worth the risk. Late game is when Silvally-Ghost can start setting up to clean up the match, preferably once a spinblocker isn't needed anymore and its threats have been taken out. This is notably speed control like Sucker Punch Absol, Choice Scarf Swanna, and Sableye. Dark-types like Skuntanks and especially Normal-types should be greatly weakened too, since Silvally-Ghost cannot reliably break through them otherwise. Silvally-Ghost can also serve as a wallbreaker earlier on if a spinblocker is not needed. Depending on the matchup, Silvally-Ghost does not always need to set up both Swords Dance and Flame Charge in order to sweep, and sometimes won't even get the chance. That being said, Flame Charge can also be used to pick up a KO on Fire-weak foes like Alolan Sandslash and Cryogonal after Swords Dance or revenge kill a foe for a free Speed boost. If running Substitute, it is best used against status-inflictors like Sleep Powder Victreebel, attacks that don't break Substitute like defensive Lanturn's Scald, or choice-locked resists like Primeape. It can also be used to create mind games with Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan. However, it has to watch out foes that can bypass Substitute like Encore Primeape.
Team Options
========
Silvally-Ghost prevails on offensive teams, often alongside Sticky Web users like Shuckle and Smeargle as an offensive spinblocker. It does the same for hazard-stack teams and hazard setters such as Qwilfish, Ferroseed, and Omastar. The latter two can also run Thunder Wave to ease Silvally-Ghosts sweeping. With Silvally-Ghost blocking Rapid Spin, it pairs well with Defog punishers like Defiant Primeape and Contrary Lurantis. Kangasken is a staple on many hazard teams, making it a great option. Other wallbreakers like Torterra and Carracosta and fast offensive teammates like Simisear and Alolan Raichu appreciate hazards being kept up to make up for their lackluster Speed and power, respectively, while being able to weaken the opponent's team so Silvally-Ghost can clean. With how much Silvally-Ghost switches in, it can struggle with longevity. Rapid Spinners such as Alolan Sandslash and Cryogonal help with this by removing hazards. Defog users should be avoided on hazard teams and ultimately contradict Silvally-Ghost's role as a spinblocker. Backup Fighting checks like Musharna and Victreebel help with keeping Silvally-Ghost alive. Musharna also offers Healing Wish to support Silvally-Ghost and potentionally give it a second chance to sweep, as do Skuntank's Z-Memento and Alolan Persian's Z-Parting Shot, both also helping against Dark-types. Finally, Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan check Dark- and Normal-types like Absol and Kangaskhan, who can get in Silvally-Ghost's way, while offering utility such as Knock Off and Rapid Spin, respectively.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Silvally-Ghost can be run as an offensive or defensive pivot with status moves such as Thunder Wave and Toxic, although this is better achieved by other forms like Silvally-Fairy and Silvally-Poison. It can also run Defog, but would contradict its role as a spinblocker. The Swords Dance set can invest more into bulk, such as 40 HP EVs to avoid the OHKO from Dodrio's Flyinium Z-boosted Brave Bird. Parting Shot can be run over U-turn to better support incoming teammates but risks triggering Primeape's Defiant, is stopped by Regirock's Clear Body, and doesn't take advantage of Silvally-Ghost's offensive investment. Explosion is another option for gaining momentum while serving as a nuke to take out Rapid Spinners and defensive threats like Drampa and Mudsdale. With Silvally-Ghost's relatively wide coverage options, situational moves can be run such as Iron Head, which can OHKO Aurorus unboosted and Silvally-Fairy at +2 after Stealth Rock. A mixed set with Work Up can utilize Silvally-Ghost's special coverage like Thunderbolt and Ice Beam, but the need to invest into both offenses can lead to missing KOes.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Offensive Dark-types such as Skuntank and Absol not only resist Silvally-Ghost's STAB but can revenge kill it with Sucker Punch and trap it with Pursuit, albeit the latter two have to watch out for U-turn. Choice Scarf Skuntank also outspeed unboosted Silvally-Ghost and KO with a little prior damage. Utility Alolan Persian notably outspeeds Silvally-Ghost, take any hit, and punish Swords Dance with Foul Play.
**Normal-types**: With their immunity to Silvally-Ghost's STAB, Normal-types like Drampa, Kangaskhan, and Stoutland can easily tank any of its other attacks and hit back harder. The latter and Choiced Dodrio can also trap Silvally-Ghost with Pursuit. Audino walls Silvally-Ghost and 1v1s it with Wish.
**Physical Walls**: Walls like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Ferroseed can take even boosted hits from Silvally-Ghost and deal back decent damage or weaken it with moves like Toxic and Leech Seed. Tangela can notably heal off any damage and put Silvally-Ghost to Sleep with Sleep Powder and breaks though Subsitute with Giga Drain. Bulky wallbreakers like Choice Band Aggron can take a hit and OHKO in return.
**Chip Damage**: With Silvally-Ghost's lack of recovery, Ferroseed and Qwilfish can notably set up hazards to greatly hinder Silvally-Ghost's switchin capabilities and punish its attacks with Iron Barbs and Rocky Helmet. Pokemon like Lanturn and Gastrodon can use Toxic or fish for burns with Scald. Rapid Spinners like Alolan Sandslash, Hitmonchan, and Cryogonal can predict a switchin and simply attack or status Silvally-Ghost. The same applies for other foes Silvally-Ghost switches in against such as Primeape.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster threats like Simisear and Alolan Raichu can KO a weakened Silvally-Ghost. Even at +1, certain Choice Scarf users like Swanna and Dodrio still outspeed it. Priority moves like Abomasnow's Ice Shard and Floatzel's Aqua Jet can pick off Silvally-Ghost once weakened as they ignore any Speed boosts. Sableye's Prankster allows it to burn Silvally-Ghost before taking a hit and recover any damage taken.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UberSkitty, 355061]]
- Quality checked by: [[rien, 474994], [,]]
- Grammar checked by: [[,]]
Silvally-Ghost is a solid setup sweeper, specifically on Sticky web and hazard stack teams, in which it is one of the best spinblockers while also utilizing the hazards to sweep with Swords Dance and Flame Charge. Base 95 in all stats makes it the jack of all trades of Ghost-types, being bulkier than Oricorio-Sensu and Haunter, faster than Jellicent and Golurk, and stronger than Sableye. Furthermore, Silvally-Ghost is one of the best spinblockers against non-Icium Z Cyrogonal, one of the most common spinblockers. However, Silvally-Ghost shares the issues of the other Silvally forms, with its inability to hold an item or z-crystal, lack of recovery and longevity, no secondary STAB, and not being able to use alongside Silvally's other forms. That being said, being a Silvally also gives it a surprise factor, which can be especially useful for catching a Rapid Spinner off guard. Said lack of longevity also lessens Silvally-Ghost's capabilities as a spinblocker and sweeper, being easily worn down through hazards and easier to revenge kill with priority and faster threats like Kangaskhan and Choice Scarf Swanna, respectively. Furthermore, it has to watch out for switching into attacks when trying to spinblock.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Multi-Attack
move 3: Flame Charge
move 4: U-turn / Substitute
item: Ghost Memory
ability: RKS System
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flame Charge makes Silvally-Ghost harder to revenge kill, utilizing its naturally great Speed to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and many Choice Scarf users such as Abomasnow and Rotom-F. It can also create 50/50s by speed-tying with base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Haunter, and Jynx. Finally, Flame Charge also provides coverage for threats like Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash. The last slot is somewhat flexible. U-turn is the main option as it takes the focus off Silvally-Ghost's sweeping role to gain momentum throughout the match, specifically after switching in to spinblock. Substitute is an alternate option that helps support Silvally-Ghost as a setup sweeper, with Substitute's variety of uses including making Silvally-Ghost harder to revenge kill, being able to take advantage of moves like Kangaskhan's Sucker Punch and Clefairy's Thunder Wave, and scouting choice-locked and Z-moves. It also stops Silvally-Ghost from being immediately stopped by Sableye. Ice Fang is a niche coverage option, allowing Silvally-Ghost to hit certain Normal-types such as Drampa and Dodrio, but is very situational and held back by its low base power.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed allows Silvally-Ghost to speed tie with Choice Scarf users like Primeape and Haunter and outspeed Adamant Alolan Sandslash in Hail after a Flame Charge.
Usage Tips
========
Being mostly used on hazard stack teams, Silvally-Ghost will often not be entering the field until they are already set. Throughout the match, it should mostly be used to spinblock and pivot out for momentum if running U-turn. When switching in, stay wary of chip damage like hazards and hail, as well as the chance of the foe attacking instead of going for Rapid Spin. Silvally-Ghost can also be used to switch into immune attacks such as Crabominable's Drain Punch and Drampa's Hyper Voice if need be, although it is usually not worth the risk. Late game is when Silvally-Ghost can start setting up to clean up the match, preferably once a spinblocker isn't needed anymore and its threats have been taken out. This is notably speed control like Sucker Punch Absol, Choice Scarf Swanna, and Sableye. Dark-types like Skuntanks and especially Normal-types should be greatly weakened too, since Silvally-Ghost cannot reliably break through them otherwise. Silvally-Ghost can also serve as a wallbreaker earlier on if a spinblocker is not needed. Depending on the matchup, Silvally-Ghost does not always need to set up both Swords Dance and Flame Charge in order to sweep, and sometimes won't even get the chance. That being said, Flame Charge can also be used to pick up a KO on Fire-weak foes like Alolan Sandslash and Cryogonal after Swords Dance or revenge kill a foe for a free Speed boost. If running Substitute, it is best used against status-inflictors like Sleep Powder Victreebel, attacks that don't break Substitute like defensive Lanturn's Scald, or choice-locked resists like Primeape. It can also be used to create mind games with Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan. However, it has to watch out foes that can bypass Substitute like Encore Primeape.
Team Options
========
Silvally-Ghost prevails on offensive teams, often alongside Sticky Web users like Shuckle and Smeargle as an offensive spinblocker. It does the same for hazard-stack teams and hazard setters such as Qwilfish, Ferroseed, and Omastar. The latter two can also run Thunder Wave to ease Silvally-Ghosts sweeping. With Silvally-Ghost blocking Rapid Spin, it pairs well with Defog punishers like Defiant Primeape and Contrary Lurantis. Kangasken is a staple on many hazard teams, making it a great option. Other wallbreakers like Torterra and Carracosta and fast offensive teammates like Simisear and Alolan Raichu appreciate hazards being kept up to make up for their lackluster Speed and power, respectively, while being able to weaken the opponent's team so Silvally-Ghost can clean. With how much Silvally-Ghost switches in, it can struggle with longevity. Rapid Spinners such as Alolan Sandslash and Cryogonal help with this by removing hazards. Defog users should be avoided on hazard teams and ultimately contradict Silvally-Ghost's role as a spinblocker. Backup Fighting checks like Musharna and Victreebel help with keeping Silvally-Ghost alive. Musharna also offers Healing Wish to support Silvally-Ghost and potentionally give it a second chance to sweep, as do Skuntank's Z-Memento and Alolan Persian's Z-Parting Shot, both also helping against Dark-types. Finally, Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan check Dark- and Normal-types like Absol and Kangaskhan, who can get in Silvally-Ghost's way, while offering utility such as Knock Off and Rapid Spin, respectively.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Silvally-Ghost can be run as an offensive or defensive pivot with status moves such as Thunder Wave and Toxic, although this is better achieved by other forms like Silvally-Fairy and Silvally-Poison. It can also run Defog, but would contradict its role as a spinblocker. The Swords Dance set can invest more into bulk, such as 40 HP EVs to avoid the OHKO from Dodrio's Flyinium Z-boosted Brave Bird. Parting Shot can be run over U-turn to better support incoming teammates but risks triggering Primeape's Defiant, is stopped by Regirock's Clear Body, and doesn't take advantage of Silvally-Ghost's offensive investment. Explosion is another option for gaining momentum while serving as a nuke to take out Rapid Spinners and defensive threats like Drampa and Mudsdale. With Silvally-Ghost's relatively wide coverage options, situational moves can be run such as Iron Head, which can OHKO Aurorus unboosted and Silvally-Fairy at +2 after Stealth Rock. A mixed set with Work Up can utilize Silvally-Ghost's special coverage like Thunderbolt and Ice Beam, but the need to invest into both offenses can lead to missing KOes.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Offensive Dark-types such as Skuntank and Absol not only resist Silvally-Ghost's STAB but can revenge kill it with Sucker Punch and trap it with Pursuit, albeit the latter two have to watch out for U-turn. Choice Scarf Skuntank also outspeed unboosted Silvally-Ghost and KO with a little prior damage. Utility Alolan Persian notably outspeeds Silvally-Ghost, take any hit, and punish Swords Dance with Foul Play.
**Normal-types**: With their immunity to Silvally-Ghost's STAB, Normal-types like Drampa, Kangaskhan, and Stoutland can easily tank any of its other attacks and hit back harder. The latter and Choiced Dodrio can also trap Silvally-Ghost with Pursuit. Audino walls Silvally-Ghost and 1v1s it with Wish.
**Physical Walls**: Walls like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Ferroseed can take even boosted hits from Silvally-Ghost and deal back decent damage or weaken it with moves like Toxic and Leech Seed. Tangela can notably heal off any damage and put Silvally-Ghost to Sleep with Sleep Powder and breaks though Subsitute with Giga Drain. Bulky wallbreakers like Choice Band Aggron can take a hit and OHKO in return.
**Chip Damage**: With Silvally-Ghost's lack of recovery, Ferroseed and Qwilfish can notably set up hazards to greatly hinder Silvally-Ghost's switchin capabilities and punish its attacks with Iron Barbs and Rocky Helmet. Pokemon like Lanturn and Gastrodon can use Toxic or fish for burns with Scald. Rapid Spinners like Alolan Sandslash, Hitmonchan, and Cryogonal can predict a switchin and simply attack or status Silvally-Ghost. The same applies for other foes Silvally-Ghost switches in against such as Primeape.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster threats like Simisear and Alolan Raichu can KO a weakened Silvally-Ghost. Even at +1, certain Choice Scarf users like Swanna and Dodrio still outspeed it. Priority moves like Abomasnow's Ice Shard and Floatzel's Aqua Jet can pick off Silvally-Ghost once weakened as they ignore any Speed boosts. Sableye's Prankster allows it to burn Silvally-Ghost before taking a hit and recover any damage taken.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UberSkitty, 355061]]
- Quality checked by: [[rien, 474994], [,]]
- Grammar checked by: [[,]]
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