*Originally owned by Katikiri*
Katakiri said he needed someone to take Lead Smeargle over, so I rose to the occasion.
QC Approved: 3/3
QC Approved: 2/2
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Spore
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Spikes
move 4: Glare / Memento / Whirlwind / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The goal of this set is simple: get off a Spore first turn to cripple the opposing lead, then proceed to set up as many entry hazards as possible. Unlike other common leads such as Custap Berry Skarmory, Smeargle is also capable of crippling with Spore and spreading paralysis with Glare, giving it a different kind of niche. Spore is arguably one of the best moves in the game because it can always put something to sleep; it works out great on Smeargle, as it gives it a free turn to set up Stealth Rock or a layer of Spikes while also possibly crippling something for the rest of the match. Stealth Rock is amazing to have on a lead seeing as it is also one of the best moves in the game. Spikes is for forcing the opponent to take as much residual damage as possible in order to help out Smeargle's teammates. The last move is very interchangeable, as Smeargle has no limit to what moves it can learn, but Glare is the all around better choice, as it gives Smeargle a second form of crippling outside of Spore. Unlike Thunder Wave, Glare can even paralyze Ground-types such as Landorus and Garchomp and cripple them, as well as Pokemon with Lightningrod and Volt Absorb. Memento is another great option because it heavily cripples the opponent and gives a teammate an opportunity to set up for a sweep. Whirlwind can be used to prevent anything from setting up on Smeargle, while also racking up residual damage from entry hazards. Magic Coat can be very useful with proper prediction, as it can bounce back opposing entry hazards while also possibly preventing faster leads such as Terrakion from stopping Smeargle with Taunt. Item-wise, Focus Sash is mandatory. It ensures that Smeargle can almost always set up two layers of entry hazards, while also giving it a free turn to get off a Spore.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With Smeargle being being able to learn every move in existence, it's impossible to list all of the possible moves it could potentially run in the fourth moveslot. Counter is a more offensive option that lets Smeargle deal huge damage to anything that uses a physical attack against it, as pretty much any move will bring it down to its Focus Sash. If you opt to use Counter, it would be advised to move Smeargle's EVs from Defense into HP. Metal Burst could also work, but it only can be used against faster Pokemon. Tailwind is a great support move that can be useful to help a sweeper outspeed pretty much the entire metagame. If Smeargle is on a dedicated Trick Room team, it can always use Trick Room as its last move. Although Smeargle is generally utterly helpless against Espeon's and Xatu's Magic Bounce ability, Skill Swap can be used to get around them so Smeargle can still set up entry hazards. Toxic Spikes can be used if your team heavily depends on entry hazard support. The possibilities are pretty much endless, and you are free to experiment with Smeargle's fourth moveslot to your heart's content.</p>
<p>A spinblocker pairs up well with this set due to the fact that it is centered around laying entry hazards. Gengar and Jellicent are probably the best spinblockers in the tier, so using one of them is highly recommended to keep Smeargle's entry hazards on the field. Because lead Smeargle is useful on teams that appreciate entry hazard support, teammates for this set should primarily consist of setup sweepers that enjoy the extra residual damage from Spikes and Stealth Rock. A few examples are Swords Dance Lucario, Breloom, Dragon Dance Gyarados, Nasty Plot Thundurus-T, Rock Polish Landorus, and Reuniclus.</p>
