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Smeargle (Analysis) (Update) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]
- Thread starter Jukain
- Start date
I know you've already gotten two GP stamps for this, and I know that I'm only an amateur at stuff like this, but there are still a couple things I noticed, which should probably be fixed before this is uploaded. Additions are in blue and subtractions are in red. It's possible that I'm mistaken that some of these are fully necessary (and, if they aren't, I apologize for making you waste your time checking them), but, at the very least, the ones in the second paragraph of additional comments definitely are needed.
[Overview]
<p>Smeargle has always been a unique Pokemon in that it has access to every single move in the game via Sketch. However, its stats are horrible in every way, so trying to use it offensively or defensively is not a good idea. Its only usable stat is its Speed, although 75 base Speed is still fairly mediocre. Even its abilities are horrible, with confusion being extremely uncommon, and Technician being wasted on something with zero offensive capabilities, and Moody, while with the one that is actually pretty good, Moody, being banned.
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[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Smeargle has one niche and one niche only—SmashPassing with access to Spore. In the lead position, it is very hard to stop Smeargle from pulling off a pass without very careful playing and precise prediction. To ensure an intact Focus Sash, Smeargle is best used as a lead, allowing a teammate to pull off an easy sweep early-game; although however, that is not to say that with dual screen support that Smeargle cannot do so mid- to late-game. In fact, mid-game can be a great time to pass if one would like a teammate to set up entry hazards to aid the recipient of Shell Smash in its sweep. Nothing enjoys facing a Pokemon with +2 in both offenses and Speed, and Smeargle is perhaps the best Pokemon to give a teammate the powerful boost given by Shell Smash.</p>
<p>While Smeargle may seem outclassed by the other major SmashPasser, Gorebyss, who can actually hit hard on its own and has Hydration to make itself essentially immune to any attempts of status under rain. However, Spore gives Smeargle and edge, making SmashPassing easy: on the first turn use Spore, follow it up with Shell Smash on the switch, and, as Smeargle will outspeed most anything at +2, Baton Pass to a decent recipient and have the recipient sweep. This simple process does not need much else, so the last slot is mainly used to prevent strategies that would stop the pass. Taunt is a great option, being especially useful against users of Roar and Whirlwind, as well as preventing Leech Seed from impeding the recipient of Shell Smash, as Leech Seed transfers to the recipient if a Pokemon inflicted with it uses Baton Pass. Ingrain is excellent as well, providing a great foundation for any Baton Pass team, as it makes it so nothing can phaze Smeargle or whatever Pokemon it passes to. Smeargle can potentially reverse the first two steps, setting up Shell Smash and then following it up with Spore after something with priority has switched in, giving Smeargle another setup opportunity before it passes.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With the given EVs, though they may seem complex, Smeargle's bulk is actually overall greater than that of any other possible EV spread, as EV spreads like 252 HP / 4 Def and 4 HP / 252 Def are inefficient. A Timid nature and max Speed make it so Smeargle can outspeed the maximum amount of Pokemon possible after a Shell Smash, making it much easier to get off a pass. Focus Sash is easily the best item, as Smeargle absolutely needs it to do anything, and is one of the reasons why Smeargle is so effective in the lead position. Lum Berry or White Herb can also be used if one decides that they want to pass Substitute with Shell Smash, as Substitute is counterproductive when using Focus Sash. Lum Berry gives Smeargle a trump card against paralysis and sleep, which otherwise make Smeargle useless, while White Herb restores the recipient's defenses allows Smeargle to avoid passing lowered defenses. Magic Coat is another decent option for the last slot, and is great for preventing a faster Taunt, entry hazards, or status moves. Stealth Rock is also great if one would like Stealth Rock in play if immediately but is also trying to pass right off the bat, giving no opportunity for a teammate to set up Stealth Rock.
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[Checks and Counters]
<p>With its Focus Sash broken, Smeargle is OHKOed by pretty much anything due to its nonexistent bulk, but with its Focus Sash still intact, Smeargle poses quite the threat in that it will likely get a pass off. However, there are ways to bypass Smeargle's seemingly impenetrable methods of Baton Passing. Lum Berry Tyranitar is excellent for the job, as Lum Berry will rid Tyranitar of Spore and from there Tyranitar can hit Smeargle with a STAB Crunch and let the damage from sand finish it off. Vaporeon is basically immune to Spore under rain due to Hydration, making it pretty much impossible for Smeargle to pull off a pass against it. Vaporeon can Roar Smeargle out, and has utility outside of beating Smeargle as a stop to against many physical attackers attempting to set up outside of beating Smeargle.
[Overview]
<p>Smeargle has always been a unique Pokemon in that it has access to every single move in the game via Sketch. However, its stats are horrible in every way, so trying to use it offensively or defensively is not a good idea. Its only usable stat is its Speed, although 75 base Speed is still fairly mediocre. Even its abilities are horrible, with confusion being extremely uncommon, and Technician being wasted on something with zero offensive capabilities, and Moody, while with the one that is actually pretty good, Moody, being banned.
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[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Smeargle has one niche and one niche only—SmashPassing with access to Spore. In the lead position, it is very hard to stop Smeargle from pulling off a pass without very careful playing and precise prediction. To ensure an intact Focus Sash, Smeargle is best used as a lead, allowing a teammate to pull off an easy sweep early-game; although however, that is not to say that with dual screen support that Smeargle cannot do so mid- to late-game. In fact, mid-game can be a great time to pass if one would like a teammate to set up entry hazards to aid the recipient of Shell Smash in its sweep. Nothing enjoys facing a Pokemon with +2 in both offenses and Speed, and Smeargle is perhaps the best Pokemon to give a teammate the powerful boost given by Shell Smash.</p>
<p>While Smeargle may seem outclassed by the other major SmashPasser, Gorebyss, who can actually hit hard on its own and has Hydration to make itself essentially immune to any attempts of status under rain. However, Spore gives Smeargle and edge, making SmashPassing easy: on the first turn use Spore, follow it up with Shell Smash on the switch, and, as Smeargle will outspeed most anything at +2, Baton Pass to a decent recipient and have the recipient sweep. This simple process does not need much else, so the last slot is mainly used to prevent strategies that would stop the pass. Taunt is a great option, being especially useful against users of Roar and Whirlwind, as well as preventing Leech Seed from impeding the recipient of Shell Smash, as Leech Seed transfers to the recipient if a Pokemon inflicted with it uses Baton Pass. Ingrain is excellent as well, providing a great foundation for any Baton Pass team, as it makes it so nothing can phaze Smeargle or whatever Pokemon it passes to. Smeargle can potentially reverse the first two steps, setting up Shell Smash and then following it up with Spore after something with priority has switched in, giving Smeargle another setup opportunity before it passes.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With the given EVs, though they may seem complex, Smeargle's bulk is actually overall greater than that of any other possible EV spread, as EV spreads like 252 HP / 4 Def and 4 HP / 252 Def are inefficient. A Timid nature and max Speed make it so Smeargle can outspeed the maximum amount of Pokemon possible after a Shell Smash, making it much easier to get off a pass. Focus Sash is easily the best item, as Smeargle absolutely needs it to do anything, and is one of the reasons why Smeargle is so effective in the lead position. Lum Berry or White Herb can also be used if one decides that they want to pass Substitute with Shell Smash, as Substitute is counterproductive when using Focus Sash. Lum Berry gives Smeargle a trump card against paralysis and sleep, which otherwise make Smeargle useless, while White Herb restores the recipient's defenses allows Smeargle to avoid passing lowered defenses. Magic Coat is another decent option for the last slot, and is great for preventing a faster Taunt, entry hazards, or status moves. Stealth Rock is also great if one would like Stealth Rock in play if immediately but is also trying to pass right off the bat, giving no opportunity for a teammate to set up Stealth Rock.
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[Checks and Counters]
<p>With its Focus Sash broken, Smeargle is OHKOed by pretty much anything due to its nonexistent bulk, but with its Focus Sash still intact, Smeargle poses quite the threat in that it will likely get a pass off. However, there are ways to bypass Smeargle's seemingly impenetrable methods of Baton Passing. Lum Berry Tyranitar is excellent for the job, as Lum Berry will rid Tyranitar of Spore and from there Tyranitar can hit Smeargle with a STAB Crunch and let the damage from sand finish it off. Vaporeon is basically immune to Spore under rain due to Hydration, making it pretty much impossible for Smeargle to pull off a pass against it. Vaporeon can Roar Smeargle out, and has utility outside of beating Smeargle as a stop to against many physical attackers attempting to set up outside of beating Smeargle.
