Smeargle
QC Approved 3/3 – (Iconic, Bloo, PK Gaming)
- Ready for grammar checks
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[Overview]
<p>Smeargle is an old dog that has learned some new tricks in all of the new moves added this generation, a few of which are quite effective. Smeargle's signature move Sketch gives it access to every released move in the game, allowing for some unique and effective options for movesets. By using Spore, which provides free set-up turns, and moves such as Shell Break and Baton Pass or Spikes and Toxic Spikes, Smeargle can make the opponent pay for those turns.</p>
<p>However, Smeargle's terrible base stats mean it has zero offensive presence, little bulk, and only half-decent speed to work with, which combine to greatly limit Smeargle's ability to set up. This means that Smeargle operates best as a lead so it can utilize an unbroken Focus Sash to ensure a turn of set-up, although Smeargle can also operate outside of the lead slot as long as it manages to get in on a slower opponent that it can Spore or otherwise gain a free turn to set up.</p>
[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Baton Pass
move 2: Shell Break
move 3: Spore
move 4: Magic Coat / Substitute
nature: Jolly
item: Focus Sash / White Herb
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Access to the crippling Spore, alongside the ability to Baton Pass huge stat boosts and reflect Taunt and other non-attacking moves like Roar or Whirlwind with Magic Coat, makes Smeargle a formidable support Pokémon. Spore will almost always provide a free turn of set-up while also putting an opposing Pokémon temporarily out of commission, and after using Shell Break Smeargle will be faster than almost every Pokémon, allowing it to Baton Pass the obscene offensive boosts to a more threatening sweeper, sometimes even taking no damage in the process. Substitute is another good option on the set, as it prevents users of Dragon Tail from phazing Smeargle as well as providing a safe switch in for the receiver. However Magic Coat is typically the superior option for reflecting faster Taunts and preventing phazers from removing Smeargle's boosts.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Smeagle's nature and EVs are designed to give Smeargle as much Speed and bulk as possible, in order to provide ample set-up opportunities. Likewise, Focus Sash is the preferred item for Smeargle, as it will typically provide at least one free turn of set-up. This means that Smeargle operates best in the lead position, although it is still viable outside of the lead position with Rapid Spin, Magic Bounce, or Dual Screens support, or simply strategic use of Spore against slower Pokémon. White Herb is also viable though, negating the defence drops from Shell Break, and works best with Dual Screen support to ensure that Smeargle can survive a hit. Smeargle can also Baton Pass a number of effects other than Shell Break. Other great boosting moves such as Butterfly Dance and Gear Change can also be considered, as they do not decrease Smeargle or the receiver's, bulk, and still provide useful boosts. Tail Glow and Belly Drum are also options, although Belly Drum comes alongside the risky sacrifice of half of Smeargle's health, and neither option provides the speed boost that can be vital for ensuring that Smeargle passes its boosts successfully. Smeargle is also the only Pokémon capable of passing the niche move Ingrain, which is useful for preventing phazing in a Baton Pass chain.</p>
<p>The most important teammate for a Baton Pass Smeargle is of course the intended receiver of its boosts. In order to best take advantage of the offensive boosts, receivers should have strong sweeping stats and typings. The largest threats to recipients are usually status such as paralysis and priority attacks due to the recipient's weakened defences and high speed. Landorus, especially when carrying Substitute, is a great example of a good Shell Break receiver due to its immunity to Thunder Wave, solid bulk, powerful offense, and neutrality to most priority attacks. These threats to receivers can also be worked around by having more than one option for Baton Pass receivers, as often opponents will only have one or two ways to check a Shell Break + Baton Pass combination. Combinations of Pokémon with good type synergy and resistance to a number of priority attacks such as Salamence and Heatran can thus be good teammates, as an opponent will be hard pressed to deal with a pass that could go to either Pokémon. Aside from receivers, Smeargle needs little support, as it provides its own set-up opportunities with Spore and Magic Coat, and its Normal typing and terrible stats both require and offer little offensive or defensive synergy. Espeon also gets a special mention as an effective receiver and teammate due to its amazing ability Magic Bounce, which will prevent Whirlwind, Roar, Taunt, or Thunder Wave from preventing a sweep. Espeon also has access to Baton Pass and boosting moves such as Calm Mind or Work Up, so it can easily pass the boosts on to a more powerful sweeper or continue a Baton Pass chain. If Espeon is being used as a receiver it is recommended to use Substitute in Smeargle's last moveslot to prevent Dragon Tail from phazing Espeon. As mentioned before, Rapid Spin or Magic Bounce support can be useful to increase Smeargle's set-up opportunities. Dual Screen support is also very useful for aiding Smeargle's setup and enhancing the bulk of the receiver for a few turns.</p>
[SET]
name: Hazard Lead
move 1: Spore
move 2: Magic Coat
move 3: Spikes
move 4: Stealth Rock / Toxic Spikes
nature: Jolly
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With access to all entry hazards, Spore, and Magic Coat, Smeargle can be a very effective lead. Spore allows Smeargle to shut down an opposing Pokémon, and provides at least one free turn for Smeargle to set up. The ability to put an opposing Pokémon to sleep is what sets Smeargle apart from other hazard supporters such as Deoxys-S, making it an invaluable move. Smeargle can also make us of Magic Coat to reflect Taunt, status, and more, often providing free setup turns with proper prediction. With this combination not much can prevent Smeargle from putting a Pokémon to sleep and setting up at least one layer of hazards.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Smeargle received a mixed bag with the introduction of Team Preview. The flexibility offered has significantly decreased the importance of dedicated leads, making Smeargle more predictable and easier for opponents to work around. On the other hand, Team Preview allows you to predict common sleep absorbers such as Gyarados and determine which form of entry hazards will be the most beneficial. There are also a number of very common slow threats such as Ferrothorn and Reuniclus that Smeargle can set up on even outside of the lead slot, making Smeargle viable even outside of the lead position if necessary. Smeargle is typically most useful on offensive teams as a suicide lead, setting up quick hazards and opening a hole in the opponent's team with Spore to support powerful sweepers. And as always Smeargle's greatest threat can be its unpredictability. Moves such as Toxic Spikes, Counter, U-turn, Endeavour, Encore, Perish Song, and others can replace either hazard or Magic Coat on the set to surprise the opponent.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Smeargle can use every move in the game, so its options are many. As the only Pokémon capable of passing Ingrain, which prevents phazing, Smeargle has a unique niche on dedicated Baton Pass chains. Ingrain can also be used on the standard Baton Pass set in the fourth slot, but cannot stop Taunt or paralysis. Encore and Taunt are also viable options to provide set up opportunities and prevent phazing or Taunt, and can be used over Magic Coat in both sets or over either entry hazard for the lead set. Counter is another option for the lead set, allowing Smeargle to surprise and KO a physical attacker, or U-turn can be used to escape Taunt users and break Focus Sashes or Sturdy. Other sets can also be run, such as a niche Lv. 1 Endeavor Lead set with Trick Room, Spore, Endeavor and Dragon Rage or a Choice Scarf + Trick set that can lock the opponent into an attack and allow Smeargle to set up. Smeargle can also use other niche moves such as Dual Screens or Rapid Spin, but typically it is outclassed in these roles.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Sandstorm, Hail, Fake Out, and multi-hit moves all cause significant trouble for Smeargle running Focus Sash, negating it and often preventing Smeargle from doing anything. However, Smeargle is faster than Tyranitar, Abomasnow, Hippowdon, and the most common multi-hit user, Cloyster, so it can typically outspeed them and incapacitate them with Spore. Status absorbers also cause problems for Smeargle. Pokémon with Lum Berry, Sleep Talk, and various other abilities such as Insomnia can negate Smeagle's Spore to hinder its setup. Smeargle is also easily dispatched by faster attacks once its sash is broken due to its frailty. The Baton Pass set is mostly susceptible to priority, due to its weakened defences and high speed, requiring good prediction to try and put the opponents priority user to sleep as it switches in.
[Dream World]
<p>Now released, Smeargle gets the ultra-annoying Inconsistent, allowing it to stall for boosts in Evasion, Speed, and defenses. Smeargle is also the only Pokémon with Inconsistent and Baton Pass, allowing it to pass any accumulated boosts to something that can better take advantage of them. However, Inconsistent is banned in standard play.</p>
