yogi
I did not succumb...
[OVERVIEW]
Smeargle is one of the premier lead Pokemon in the tier due to its access to almost all moves, including useful support moves such as Spore, Sticky Web, and Stealth Rock. The combination of Spore and Nuzzle makes Smeargle very difficult to check without either something being crippled or entry hazards being set. Smeargle's Speed tier is also decent, allowing it to outpace common Stealth Rock setters such as Aurorus and Golurk, although it still is slower than a large part of the metagame, including two other Sticky Web setters, Masquerain and Leavanny. Smeargle's pitiful offensive and defensive stats prevent it from performing any roles outside of a suicide lead without extreme support. This, in turn, makes it only usable on hyper offensive playstyles, as it is not bulky enough for any other roles and is almost useless once its Focus Sash has been broken. Due to its reliance on status moves, Smeargle is very susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon like Floatzel and Skuntank and is completely shut down by them unless carrying Magic Coat. It also faces competition from Leavanny and Masquerain, which are faster and have actual offensive pressure. However, Smeargle has a much better support movepool, including access to Spore and Stealth Rock. Competition from Shuckle is also detrimental, as, even though Smeargle does have access to Spore and Magic Coat, Shuckle has fantastic defenses alongside Sturdy, meaning it can function on more defensive teams while also not fearing Taunt as much, thanks to Mental Herb.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Spore
move 4: Nuzzle / Taunt
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Sticky Web is Smeargle's main utility, allowing its slower teammates to outpace usually faster grounded Pokemon. Stealth Rock can help break foes' Focus Sash and Sturdy as well as break them down for teammates to have an easier time cleaning. Spore allows Smeargle to put foes to sleep, ensuring that it can use one, if not both, of its entry hazards. Spore can also allow teammates to switch in freely and even set up. Nuzzle prevents Smeargle from being completely immobilized by Taunt and can paralyze both Pokemon immune to Spore, such as Sap Sipper Drampa and Grass-types, and faster foes like Floatzel. Taunt is another utility move that can prevent slower Pokemon, like Clefairy and Ferroseed, from using status moves, especially shutting down opposing entry hazard setters, although it forces Smeargle to Struggle if Taunted, since it would have no attacking moves. Magic Coat is an alternative fourth move that allows Smeargle to bounce back Taunt from users like Pyroar and Skuntank, which would otherwise completely shut it down bar fearing the paralysis from Nuzzle.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment paired with a Jolly nature allows Smeargle to be as fast as it can in order to most effectively get its entry hazards up. The given HP investment helps Smeargle's overall bulk, although it's almost worthless due to its abysmal defensive stats, still being 2HKOed by almost every Pokemon in the tier. Focus Sash allows Smeargle to take any single hit and ensures it will be able to use one of its utility moves before fainting. Own Tempo is the best ability that Smeargle can run, since it prevents potential confusion, although it is not very useful in most situations.
Usage Tips
========
Due to its lackluster offensive and defensive presence, Smeargle is used solely as a suicide lead, getting up entry hazards to support its teammates. Smeargle should almost always prioritize Sticky Web over Stealth Rock, as the former supports the hyper offensive teams that it's usually found on better. This is especially true against Choice Scarf users like Abomasnow and Aurorus, which outspeed Smeargle and knock it out with a combination of Blizzard and hail damage. In order to do this, Smeargle should use Spore on opposing Pokemon to get up as many hazards as it can and cripple the target. Alternatively, Nuzzle should be used against threatening Pokemon that are immune to Spore or can be revenge killed by a partner if slowed. Nuzzle can also be useful later in the game versus setup sweepers like Floatzel and Lycanroc, if Smeargle's Focus Sash is kept intact from earlier, preventing them from sweeping. Taunt users like Sableye and Skuntank should be looked out for, as all three completely shut down and make Smeargle useless during the early game. This prompts either another lead to be used or a mind game to be played with Magic Coat against all three. Based on certain matchups, Sticky Web has no real use if the opposing team is slower than yours already, such as playing against Trick Room or stall teams, meaning that Stealth Rock or Taunt should be used instead.
Team Options
========
Since Smeargle can only function as a suicide lead effectively, it is designed to support offensive teams. Slower, strong attackers like Aggron, Abomasnow, and Stoutland all appreciate the Speed drop inflicted on grounded foes, allowing them to outspeed and deal with usually standard checks like Pyroar, Kingler, and Pinsir that would otherwise outspeed and either severely weaken or KO them. Defiant users such as Primeape and Pawniard are almost essential on Sticky Web teams, as the ability to punish Defog with a +2 boost in Attack makes the opponent extremely cautious of trying to remove entry hazards, especially in the case of Choice Scarf Primeape, which can capitalize on its high Speed stat along with its Attack boost to dismantle other offensive teams with ease. The U-turn utility that Primeape offers is also invaluable, as hyper offensive teams rarely want to directly switch into a foe's attacks due to their frail structure, and it allows these types of teams to keep momentum. Spinblockers such as Oricorio-G and Spiritomb prevent Rapid Spin users, such as Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash, from removing your hazards and pressure them with either powerful attacks or status. Both also support Sticky Web teams differently, with Oricorio-G being able to benefit from the Speed drop to sweep more easily with Calm Mind and Supersonic Skystrike, and with Spiritomb trapping and crippling threats like Primeape and Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx. Oricorio-G and Spiritomb are also able to grab momentum no matter whether the opponent predicts incorrectly and goes for Rapid Spin or attacks and KOes them, as this allows another teammate to come in while hazards are left intact. Oricorio-G can also be used for its fantastic matchup against Trick Room teams, being capable of using Substitute and setting up on the most common lead setter, Carbink. Setup sweepers like Kingler, Lilligant, and Alolan Raichu are able to use the Speed reduction to get free setup turns and sweep without as much fear of being revenge killed by Choice Scarf users like Pyroar and Togedemaru. Kingler is able to focus on setting up Swords Dance over Agility in some matchups, as it doesn't have to worry too much about its middling Speed and being revenge killed by foes such as Choice Scarf Abomasnow, while both Lilligant and Alolan Raichu can get free boosts against more balance-oriented teams. Spore support from Smeargle can also give the aforementioned setup sweepers free turns.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Explosion, Memento, and Parting Shot are options in the last moveslot, although Nuzzle is generally more beneficial for Smeargle's team and Taunt can prevent opposing entry hazards, among other things. Explosion has the benefit of preventing entry hazard removal by foes like Hitmonchan and Adamant Skuntank, while Memento and Parting Shot weaken the foe and bring in a teammate relatively unscathed. Smeargle can run an offensive set with Belly Drum, although it requires extensive team support and is weak even at +6. Z-Geomancy and Geomancy + Power Herb are options for offensive sets that look good on paper but share similar difficulties with the aforementioned set. Destiny Bond gives Smeargle the opportunity to take down the opponent if they KO it, but Smeargle often appreciates the utility its other moves offer. Spikes and Toxic Spikes give Smeargle another way of stacking hazards, but the loss of Taunt, Nuzzle, or Magic Coat makes Smeargle less effective as a suicide lead.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Taunt**: Taunt is the most intimidating thing for Smeargle to face, as Pokemon like Pyroar and Skuntank completely stop Smeargle in its tracks, unless it has access to Magic Coat and predicts correctly. They do have to be wary of Nuzzle crippling them, however.
**Faster Pokemon**: Although Smeargle is often able to get off at least one entry hazard, faster Pokemon such Lilligant and Kabutops can put an immense amount of pressure on it with either Sleep Powder or Rapid Spin. Both Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Aurorus only let Smeargle set one entry hazard thanks to hail damage + Blizzard KOing it. Fake Out Kangaskhan is also able to stop Smeargle from setting up.
**Flying-types and Levitate Users**: Although not a direct threat to Smeargle, Flying-types like Oricorio-G and Swanna and Levitate users such as Choice Scarf Mesprit ignore the Speed drop caused by Sticky Web. Swanna is also capable of removing Sticky Web from the field with Defog.
Smeargle is one of the premier lead Pokemon in the tier due to its access to almost all moves, including useful support moves such as Spore, Sticky Web, and Stealth Rock. The combination of Spore and Nuzzle makes Smeargle very difficult to check without either something being crippled or entry hazards being set. Smeargle's Speed tier is also decent, allowing it to outpace common Stealth Rock setters such as Aurorus and Golurk, although it still is slower than a large part of the metagame, including two other Sticky Web setters, Masquerain and Leavanny. Smeargle's pitiful offensive and defensive stats prevent it from performing any roles outside of a suicide lead without extreme support. This, in turn, makes it only usable on hyper offensive playstyles, as it is not bulky enough for any other roles and is almost useless once its Focus Sash has been broken. Due to its reliance on status moves, Smeargle is very susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon like Floatzel and Skuntank and is completely shut down by them unless carrying Magic Coat. It also faces competition from Leavanny and Masquerain, which are faster and have actual offensive pressure. However, Smeargle has a much better support movepool, including access to Spore and Stealth Rock. Competition from Shuckle is also detrimental, as, even though Smeargle does have access to Spore and Magic Coat, Shuckle has fantastic defenses alongside Sturdy, meaning it can function on more defensive teams while also not fearing Taunt as much, thanks to Mental Herb.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Spore
move 4: Nuzzle / Taunt
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Sticky Web is Smeargle's main utility, allowing its slower teammates to outpace usually faster grounded Pokemon. Stealth Rock can help break foes' Focus Sash and Sturdy as well as break them down for teammates to have an easier time cleaning. Spore allows Smeargle to put foes to sleep, ensuring that it can use one, if not both, of its entry hazards. Spore can also allow teammates to switch in freely and even set up. Nuzzle prevents Smeargle from being completely immobilized by Taunt and can paralyze both Pokemon immune to Spore, such as Sap Sipper Drampa and Grass-types, and faster foes like Floatzel. Taunt is another utility move that can prevent slower Pokemon, like Clefairy and Ferroseed, from using status moves, especially shutting down opposing entry hazard setters, although it forces Smeargle to Struggle if Taunted, since it would have no attacking moves. Magic Coat is an alternative fourth move that allows Smeargle to bounce back Taunt from users like Pyroar and Skuntank, which would otherwise completely shut it down bar fearing the paralysis from Nuzzle.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment paired with a Jolly nature allows Smeargle to be as fast as it can in order to most effectively get its entry hazards up. The given HP investment helps Smeargle's overall bulk, although it's almost worthless due to its abysmal defensive stats, still being 2HKOed by almost every Pokemon in the tier. Focus Sash allows Smeargle to take any single hit and ensures it will be able to use one of its utility moves before fainting. Own Tempo is the best ability that Smeargle can run, since it prevents potential confusion, although it is not very useful in most situations.
Usage Tips
========
Due to its lackluster offensive and defensive presence, Smeargle is used solely as a suicide lead, getting up entry hazards to support its teammates. Smeargle should almost always prioritize Sticky Web over Stealth Rock, as the former supports the hyper offensive teams that it's usually found on better. This is especially true against Choice Scarf users like Abomasnow and Aurorus, which outspeed Smeargle and knock it out with a combination of Blizzard and hail damage. In order to do this, Smeargle should use Spore on opposing Pokemon to get up as many hazards as it can and cripple the target. Alternatively, Nuzzle should be used against threatening Pokemon that are immune to Spore or can be revenge killed by a partner if slowed. Nuzzle can also be useful later in the game versus setup sweepers like Floatzel and Lycanroc, if Smeargle's Focus Sash is kept intact from earlier, preventing them from sweeping. Taunt users like Sableye and Skuntank should be looked out for, as all three completely shut down and make Smeargle useless during the early game. This prompts either another lead to be used or a mind game to be played with Magic Coat against all three. Based on certain matchups, Sticky Web has no real use if the opposing team is slower than yours already, such as playing against Trick Room or stall teams, meaning that Stealth Rock or Taunt should be used instead.
Team Options
========
Since Smeargle can only function as a suicide lead effectively, it is designed to support offensive teams. Slower, strong attackers like Aggron, Abomasnow, and Stoutland all appreciate the Speed drop inflicted on grounded foes, allowing them to outspeed and deal with usually standard checks like Pyroar, Kingler, and Pinsir that would otherwise outspeed and either severely weaken or KO them. Defiant users such as Primeape and Pawniard are almost essential on Sticky Web teams, as the ability to punish Defog with a +2 boost in Attack makes the opponent extremely cautious of trying to remove entry hazards, especially in the case of Choice Scarf Primeape, which can capitalize on its high Speed stat along with its Attack boost to dismantle other offensive teams with ease. The U-turn utility that Primeape offers is also invaluable, as hyper offensive teams rarely want to directly switch into a foe's attacks due to their frail structure, and it allows these types of teams to keep momentum. Spinblockers such as Oricorio-G and Spiritomb prevent Rapid Spin users, such as Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash, from removing your hazards and pressure them with either powerful attacks or status. Both also support Sticky Web teams differently, with Oricorio-G being able to benefit from the Speed drop to sweep more easily with Calm Mind and Supersonic Skystrike, and with Spiritomb trapping and crippling threats like Primeape and Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx. Oricorio-G and Spiritomb are also able to grab momentum no matter whether the opponent predicts incorrectly and goes for Rapid Spin or attacks and KOes them, as this allows another teammate to come in while hazards are left intact. Oricorio-G can also be used for its fantastic matchup against Trick Room teams, being capable of using Substitute and setting up on the most common lead setter, Carbink. Setup sweepers like Kingler, Lilligant, and Alolan Raichu are able to use the Speed reduction to get free setup turns and sweep without as much fear of being revenge killed by Choice Scarf users like Pyroar and Togedemaru. Kingler is able to focus on setting up Swords Dance over Agility in some matchups, as it doesn't have to worry too much about its middling Speed and being revenge killed by foes such as Choice Scarf Abomasnow, while both Lilligant and Alolan Raichu can get free boosts against more balance-oriented teams. Spore support from Smeargle can also give the aforementioned setup sweepers free turns.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Explosion, Memento, and Parting Shot are options in the last moveslot, although Nuzzle is generally more beneficial for Smeargle's team and Taunt can prevent opposing entry hazards, among other things. Explosion has the benefit of preventing entry hazard removal by foes like Hitmonchan and Adamant Skuntank, while Memento and Parting Shot weaken the foe and bring in a teammate relatively unscathed. Smeargle can run an offensive set with Belly Drum, although it requires extensive team support and is weak even at +6. Z-Geomancy and Geomancy + Power Herb are options for offensive sets that look good on paper but share similar difficulties with the aforementioned set. Destiny Bond gives Smeargle the opportunity to take down the opponent if they KO it, but Smeargle often appreciates the utility its other moves offer. Spikes and Toxic Spikes give Smeargle another way of stacking hazards, but the loss of Taunt, Nuzzle, or Magic Coat makes Smeargle less effective as a suicide lead.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Taunt**: Taunt is the most intimidating thing for Smeargle to face, as Pokemon like Pyroar and Skuntank completely stop Smeargle in its tracks, unless it has access to Magic Coat and predicts correctly. They do have to be wary of Nuzzle crippling them, however.
**Faster Pokemon**: Although Smeargle is often able to get off at least one entry hazard, faster Pokemon such Lilligant and Kabutops can put an immense amount of pressure on it with either Sleep Powder or Rapid Spin. Both Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Aurorus only let Smeargle set one entry hazard thanks to hail damage + Blizzard KOing it. Fake Out Kangaskhan is also able to stop Smeargle from setting up.
**Flying-types and Levitate Users**: Although not a direct threat to Smeargle, Flying-types like Oricorio-G and Swanna and Levitate users such as Choice Scarf Mesprit ignore the Speed drop caused by Sticky Web. Swanna is also capable of removing Sticky Web from the field with Defog.
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