[OVERVIEW]
Simisear is one of the best setup stallbreakers the tier has to offer due to its high Special Attack and Speed, fantastic coverage options, and ability to shut down passive foes such as Pyukumuku and Tangela with Taunt; furthermore, it can also function as a fast late-game setup sweeper. Simisear is able to generate free turns for it to set up with Nasty Plot, and afterwards, not even Fire-resistant Pokemon such as Altaria and Silvally-Water appreciate switching into it. However, setting up with Simisear can be quite difficult due to its poor defensive typing, lackluster bulk, and susceptibility to all forms of entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock. In addition, Simisear, while still quite fast, is outsped by a multitude of Pokemon such as Zebstrika, Floatzel, Purugly, and nearly every relevant Choice Scarf user. Lastly, Simisear mandates team support such as entry hazard removal and switch-ins into offensive Water- and Dragon-types, which limits teambuilding even more considering Simisear is only able to fit on balance and offensive teams.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Taunt / Substitute / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Grass Knot / Focus Blast
item: Firium Z / Life Orb
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot allows Simisear to effectively take on the role of a wallbreaker and potential late-game cleaner. Fire Blast is Simisear's strongest reliable STAB option, demolishing threats such as Swords Dance Pinsir, Gourgeist-XL, and Metang. Taunt shuts down non-attacking moves from Pokemon such as Pyukumuku, Bronzor, and Dusclops. Substitute shields Simisear from status, as well as potentially generating free turns against Pokemon such as U-turn Silvally formes to set up with Nasty Plot. Hidden Power Ice nails Dragon-types, such as Gabite, Hakamo-o, and most importantly Altaria. Grass Knot is Simisear's best option for certain Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types such Silvally-Water, Golem, and Marowak. Focus Blast is an alternative option for still hitting Rock-types such as Golem and Rampardos while also nailing Normal-types such as non-Choice Scarf Silvally, Regigigas, Komala, and Bouffalant.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature is preferred over a Modest one so Simisear can outspeed key threats such as maximum Speed Silvally formes, Swanna, and Leafeon. Blaze can situationally allow Simisear to pick up KOs it wouldn't otherwise be able to achieve. Firium Z turns Fire Blast into an immensely powerful Inferno Overdrive, picking up important KOs such as on Assault Vest Komala and physically defensive Altaria at +2 after Stealth Rock most of the time. Life Orb can be run if one of Simisear's teammates is already utilizing a Z-Crystal of their own. Fightinium Z is a third item option that more reliably helps bring down bulky Normal-types such as Lickilicky while maintaining solid neutral coverage against Water- and Rock-types such as Silvally-Water and Golem without fear of missing.
Usage Tips
========
From Team Preview and the lead matchup, one should determine whether it is best to use Simisear as a wallbreaker earlier in the game to break down threats that stop its teammate from sweeping or as a sweeper itself. Simisear variants utilizing either Firium Z or Fightinium Z should also evaluate if there are any specific targets they should be reserved for. Not wasting Simisear's all-important Z-Move early is an important factor in breaking or sweeping. If running Substitute, Simisear can purposefully lower its health to bring it within Blaze activation range. However, Simisear should be wary of priority users and faster Pokemon while in range of Blaze, as they can usually knock it out. Simisear's bulk is exceedingly poor, so trading big hits off on the opponent's Pokemon such Assault Vest Bouffalant always becomes a question of risk versus reward, especially earlier in the game when Simisear has a lot of potential to do well later in the game. Sometimes sacrificing Simisear is a great way to pick up momentum back from the game, especially after Simisear has broken down or completely dismantled its intended target. As a setup sweeper that focuses more on late-game, Simisear should always look for opportunities to switch in and safely set up with Nasty Plot, as without at least one boost, Simisear is nowhere near as threatening.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard setters such as Crustle, Golem, and Mareanie help weaken the opposing team, which allows Simisear to more adequately perform its role of a late-game cleaner. Conversely, entry hazard removers such as Komala, Altaria, and Silvally-Water can Rapid Spin or Defog away Stealth Rock away for Simisear, which otherwise undermines its health and reduces its capabilities to reliably set up with Nasty Plot and clean. Simisear can incinerate Grass-types such as Bellossom and Leafeon early- to mid-game to give ample setup opportunities for another sweeper such as Bulk Up Floatzel. Having teammates to switch into and break down some of the Pokemon Simisear finds hardest to defeat on its own eases pressure off it. Altaria is one of the biggest obstacles for non-Hidden Power Ice variants of Simisear to face, so teammates such as Choice Band Komala and Golem that can defeat Altaria one-on-one make great teammates. Rotom-S can switch into Choice Scarf Swanna, and the previously mentioned Silvally-Water can reliably switch into Floatzel, so both pair nicely with Simisear, as Swanna and Floatzel threaten to take it out with Scald and Liquidation, respectively. Physical wallbreakers such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, and Floatzel can help break down specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky that spell trouble for Simisear. Choice Band Komala in particular is helpful for being able to slow pivot into Simisear, which allows Simisear to switch in safely without having to fear taking a massive hit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Salac Berry can be utilized in combination with Gluttony to attempt to reap the benefits of a standard Nasty Plot Simisear and an additional Speed boost. Simisear is weak to Stealth Rock and does not necessitate the use of Substitute necessarily as much, giving way for an open moveslot to fill with another coverage move such as Hidden Power Ice. However, Simisear has difficulty both setting up a Nasty Plot while getting itself into Salac Berry activation range, even with factors such as Substitute, Gluttony, and Stealth Rock. This is attributed to Simisear's unimpressive bulk and lack of any notable resistances to help aid its setup. Flamethrower is more accurate and has more PP than Fire Blast. However, Simisear's damage output without Fire Blast is noticeably lower, and in many cases, what would have been OHKOs turn into 2HKOs such as +2 Flamethrower versus Altaria after Stealth Rock. A specially biased mixed set with Superpower acts as an effective lure for bulkier Normal-types such as Lickilicky, Assault Vest Komala, and Kecleon without necessitating a Nasty Plot boost and relying on the inaccurate Focus Blast. However, Life Orb recoil may indicate to the opponent that Simisear is indeed mixed, ruining the surprise factor to some degree. The combination of entry hazard and Life Orb recoil is also not ideal, making a mixed set not worthwhile. Rock Slide may also seem like a decent coverage move on a mixed set, as it gives Simisear a reliable option versus opposing Fire-types and rounds out Simisear's coverage quite well while still hitting Altaria super effectively. However, Rapidash and Choice Scarf Oricorio both outspeed Simisear, meaning the coverage Rock Slide actually provides actually only comes in against non-Choice Scarf Oricorio and opposing Simisear in Speed ties. Simisear could utilize Z-Sunny Day to boost its Speed and use Solar Beam or just fire off an extremely strong STAB attack. However, this leaves Simisear in a tough position against Fire-types such as Morning Sun Rapidash and Dragon-types such as Silvally-Dragon and the specially bulky Altaria. Solar Beam + Grassium Z gives up the boost in Speed, the effects of sun, and the reliability of its Grass coverage for a one-time Grass-type nuke and the ability to fit Hidden Power Ice. However, such a set still struggles with Fire-types as well as specially bulky Normal-types such as Komala and Lickilicky now that Simisear no longer possesses Firium Z. Choice Scarf Simisear packs a lot of firepower behind it and would be a decent Choice Scarf user. However, it faces immense competition with Simipour and Simisage, which don't possess a weakness to Stealth Rock, as well as Rapidash, which is an even faster Choice Scarf Fire-type option than Simisear.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Altaria and Bulletproof Hakamo-o can, for the most part, safely switch into and wall Simisear. Although Altaria does not want to take a +2 Inferno Overdrive after Stealth Rock, Simisear forcing Altaria into these situations happens less in practice than on paper, and Altaria can just double switch in an attempt to waste Simisear's Z-Move anyway. All Dragon-types should worry about Hidden Power Ice, though.
**Water-types**: Water-types such as Floatzel and Choice Scarf Swanna can outspeed Simisear and reliably revenge kill it with their Water-type STAB attacks, whereas other Water-types such as Mareanie and Pyukumuku can utilize Haze or Block + Spite, respectively, if Simisear runs Hidden Power Ice over Taunt or Substitute. Silvally-Water can force Simisear out and take anything besides a +2 Grass Knot or +2 All-Out Pummeling.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky and Carbink take relatively nothing from an unboosted attack and can fire off a Seismic Toss or Rock Slide, respectively. However, Lickilicky in particular dislikes having to stomach a +2 Inferno Overdrive or Focus Blast.
**Assault Vest Users**: Assault Vest users such as Bouffalant and Komala can sponge any of Simisear's attacks and retaliate back with Earthquake. Assault Vest Kecleon is able to stomach a +2 Fire Blast and retaliate back with the combination of Drain Punch and Sucker Punch.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Aaronboyer, 239454]]
- Quality checked by: [[BloodAce0107, 435539], [5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Simisear is one of the best setup stallbreakers the tier has to offer due to its high Special Attack and Speed, fantastic coverage options, and ability to shut down passive foes such as Pyukumuku and Tangela with Taunt; furthermore, it can also function as a fast late-game setup sweeper. Simisear is able to generate free turns for it to set up with Nasty Plot, and afterwards, not even Fire-resistant Pokemon such as Altaria and Silvally-Water appreciate switching into it. However, setting up with Simisear can be quite difficult due to its poor defensive typing, lackluster bulk, and susceptibility to all forms of entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock. In addition, Simisear, while still quite fast, is outsped by a multitude of Pokemon such as Zebstrika, Floatzel, Purugly, and nearly every relevant Choice Scarf user. Lastly, Simisear mandates team support such as entry hazard removal and switch-ins into offensive Water- and Dragon-types, which limits teambuilding even more considering Simisear is only able to fit on balance and offensive teams.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Taunt / Substitute / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Grass Knot / Focus Blast
item: Firium Z / Life Orb
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot allows Simisear to effectively take on the role of a wallbreaker and potential late-game cleaner. Fire Blast is Simisear's strongest reliable STAB option, demolishing threats such as Swords Dance Pinsir, Gourgeist-XL, and Metang. Taunt shuts down non-attacking moves from Pokemon such as Pyukumuku, Bronzor, and Dusclops. Substitute shields Simisear from status, as well as potentially generating free turns against Pokemon such as U-turn Silvally formes to set up with Nasty Plot. Hidden Power Ice nails Dragon-types, such as Gabite, Hakamo-o, and most importantly Altaria. Grass Knot is Simisear's best option for certain Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types such Silvally-Water, Golem, and Marowak. Focus Blast is an alternative option for still hitting Rock-types such as Golem and Rampardos while also nailing Normal-types such as non-Choice Scarf Silvally, Regigigas, Komala, and Bouffalant.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature is preferred over a Modest one so Simisear can outspeed key threats such as maximum Speed Silvally formes, Swanna, and Leafeon. Blaze can situationally allow Simisear to pick up KOs it wouldn't otherwise be able to achieve. Firium Z turns Fire Blast into an immensely powerful Inferno Overdrive, picking up important KOs such as on Assault Vest Komala and physically defensive Altaria at +2 after Stealth Rock most of the time. Life Orb can be run if one of Simisear's teammates is already utilizing a Z-Crystal of their own. Fightinium Z is a third item option that more reliably helps bring down bulky Normal-types such as Lickilicky while maintaining solid neutral coverage against Water- and Rock-types such as Silvally-Water and Golem without fear of missing.
Usage Tips
========
From Team Preview and the lead matchup, one should determine whether it is best to use Simisear as a wallbreaker earlier in the game to break down threats that stop its teammate from sweeping or as a sweeper itself. Simisear variants utilizing either Firium Z or Fightinium Z should also evaluate if there are any specific targets they should be reserved for. Not wasting Simisear's all-important Z-Move early is an important factor in breaking or sweeping. If running Substitute, Simisear can purposefully lower its health to bring it within Blaze activation range. However, Simisear should be wary of priority users and faster Pokemon while in range of Blaze, as they can usually knock it out. Simisear's bulk is exceedingly poor, so trading big hits off on the opponent's Pokemon such Assault Vest Bouffalant always becomes a question of risk versus reward, especially earlier in the game when Simisear has a lot of potential to do well later in the game. Sometimes sacrificing Simisear is a great way to pick up momentum back from the game, especially after Simisear has broken down or completely dismantled its intended target. As a setup sweeper that focuses more on late-game, Simisear should always look for opportunities to switch in and safely set up with Nasty Plot, as without at least one boost, Simisear is nowhere near as threatening.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard setters such as Crustle, Golem, and Mareanie help weaken the opposing team, which allows Simisear to more adequately perform its role of a late-game cleaner. Conversely, entry hazard removers such as Komala, Altaria, and Silvally-Water can Rapid Spin or Defog away Stealth Rock away for Simisear, which otherwise undermines its health and reduces its capabilities to reliably set up with Nasty Plot and clean. Simisear can incinerate Grass-types such as Bellossom and Leafeon early- to mid-game to give ample setup opportunities for another sweeper such as Bulk Up Floatzel. Having teammates to switch into and break down some of the Pokemon Simisear finds hardest to defeat on its own eases pressure off it. Altaria is one of the biggest obstacles for non-Hidden Power Ice variants of Simisear to face, so teammates such as Choice Band Komala and Golem that can defeat Altaria one-on-one make great teammates. Rotom-S can switch into Choice Scarf Swanna, and the previously mentioned Silvally-Water can reliably switch into Floatzel, so both pair nicely with Simisear, as Swanna and Floatzel threaten to take it out with Scald and Liquidation, respectively. Physical wallbreakers such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, and Floatzel can help break down specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky that spell trouble for Simisear. Choice Band Komala in particular is helpful for being able to slow pivot into Simisear, which allows Simisear to switch in safely without having to fear taking a massive hit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Salac Berry can be utilized in combination with Gluttony to attempt to reap the benefits of a standard Nasty Plot Simisear and an additional Speed boost. Simisear is weak to Stealth Rock and does not necessitate the use of Substitute necessarily as much, giving way for an open moveslot to fill with another coverage move such as Hidden Power Ice. However, Simisear has difficulty both setting up a Nasty Plot while getting itself into Salac Berry activation range, even with factors such as Substitute, Gluttony, and Stealth Rock. This is attributed to Simisear's unimpressive bulk and lack of any notable resistances to help aid its setup. Flamethrower is more accurate and has more PP than Fire Blast. However, Simisear's damage output without Fire Blast is noticeably lower, and in many cases, what would have been OHKOs turn into 2HKOs such as +2 Flamethrower versus Altaria after Stealth Rock. A specially biased mixed set with Superpower acts as an effective lure for bulkier Normal-types such as Lickilicky, Assault Vest Komala, and Kecleon without necessitating a Nasty Plot boost and relying on the inaccurate Focus Blast. However, Life Orb recoil may indicate to the opponent that Simisear is indeed mixed, ruining the surprise factor to some degree. The combination of entry hazard and Life Orb recoil is also not ideal, making a mixed set not worthwhile. Rock Slide may also seem like a decent coverage move on a mixed set, as it gives Simisear a reliable option versus opposing Fire-types and rounds out Simisear's coverage quite well while still hitting Altaria super effectively. However, Rapidash and Choice Scarf Oricorio both outspeed Simisear, meaning the coverage Rock Slide actually provides actually only comes in against non-Choice Scarf Oricorio and opposing Simisear in Speed ties. Simisear could utilize Z-Sunny Day to boost its Speed and use Solar Beam or just fire off an extremely strong STAB attack. However, this leaves Simisear in a tough position against Fire-types such as Morning Sun Rapidash and Dragon-types such as Silvally-Dragon and the specially bulky Altaria. Solar Beam + Grassium Z gives up the boost in Speed, the effects of sun, and the reliability of its Grass coverage for a one-time Grass-type nuke and the ability to fit Hidden Power Ice. However, such a set still struggles with Fire-types as well as specially bulky Normal-types such as Komala and Lickilicky now that Simisear no longer possesses Firium Z. Choice Scarf Simisear packs a lot of firepower behind it and would be a decent Choice Scarf user. However, it faces immense competition with Simipour and Simisage, which don't possess a weakness to Stealth Rock, as well as Rapidash, which is an even faster Choice Scarf Fire-type option than Simisear.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Altaria and Bulletproof Hakamo-o can, for the most part, safely switch into and wall Simisear. Although Altaria does not want to take a +2 Inferno Overdrive after Stealth Rock, Simisear forcing Altaria into these situations happens less in practice than on paper, and Altaria can just double switch in an attempt to waste Simisear's Z-Move anyway. All Dragon-types should worry about Hidden Power Ice, though.
**Water-types**: Water-types such as Floatzel and Choice Scarf Swanna can outspeed Simisear and reliably revenge kill it with their Water-type STAB attacks, whereas other Water-types such as Mareanie and Pyukumuku can utilize Haze or Block + Spite, respectively, if Simisear runs Hidden Power Ice over Taunt or Substitute. Silvally-Water can force Simisear out and take anything besides a +2 Grass Knot or +2 All-Out Pummeling.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky and Carbink take relatively nothing from an unboosted attack and can fire off a Seismic Toss or Rock Slide, respectively. However, Lickilicky in particular dislikes having to stomach a +2 Inferno Overdrive or Focus Blast.
**Assault Vest Users**: Assault Vest users such as Bouffalant and Komala can sponge any of Simisear's attacks and retaliate back with Earthquake. Assault Vest Kecleon is able to stomach a +2 Fire Blast and retaliate back with the combination of Drain Punch and Sucker Punch.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Aaronboyer, 239454]]
- Quality checked by: [[BloodAce0107, 435539], [5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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