NU Swellow

[Bowtie Addo]

QC: CanadianWifier, Raseri, boltsandbombers
GP: P Squared, The Dutch Plumberjacker​

Overview
########

Having the highest Speed stat in the tier and the ability to use both physically and specially offensive sets makes Swellow a force to be reckoned with. Its role as a physical attacker is greatly enhanced by the combination of its Flying typing and Guts ability, which allows Swellow to reliably beat common Grass-type defensive Pokemon, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist, without having to worry about status. The offensive power that it holds does come with a drawback: it quickly whittles itself down with self-inflicted status conditions and recoil damage from Brave Bird. Swellow can manage to run a Choice Specs set thanks to its access to STAB Boomburst and Scrappy. Because its physically offensive set is the more common one, Choice Specs Swellow can be an effective lure for Pokemon that may wall its other variants, such as Mawile and Klinklang, and also clean up late-game with Boomburst. The main flaw of Swellow lies in its low overall bulk, which often forces it out and limits its sweeping potential.

Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Tailwind / Sleep Talk
ability: Scrappy
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Boomburst reaches an outstanding 210 Base Power due to STAB, managing to hit incredibly hard even coming from a Pokemon with a low base Special Attack stat. As Steel-types such as Mawile, Klinklang, and Ferroseed are very often inclined to switch into Swellow, Heat Wave is a great means of weakening them or even scoring a 2HKO. U-turn maintains momentum on your side of the field during the early-game, when Swellow's checks are not weakened enough. Tailwind can take advantage of Swellow's high Speed stat and create a sweeping opportunity for a teammate when Swellow's job is done. Sleep Talk makes Swellow a decent sleep absorber, coming in on Pokemon such as Vileplume and Liligant while also being able to dish out huge damage and burn sleep turns. Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Rock-types, such as Rhydon and Carracosta, that take little damage from Swellow's other moves.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs and 252 Special Attack EVs increase Swellow's damage output to considerable levels. Fully invested Speed and a Timid nature allow Swellow to outspeed a huge part of the metagame. The remaining 4 EVs are used in either Defense or Special Defense in order to leave Swellow's HP as an odd number, allowing five switches into Stealth Rock. Scrappy allows Swellow to hit Ghost-types without being forced to run an extra coverage move.

Usage Tips
========

Swellow's lack of bulk means that in order to deal damage, it has to get a free switch into the battle, which is why getting switch opportunities with U-turn, Volt Switch, and Baton Pass is very important for its longevity. Swellow fails to OHKO a lot of bulkier Pokemon, such as Mantine and Seismitoad, so taking them on when they are at full health is not suggested, because Swellow can be heavily damaged even by defensive Pokemon. Given that Swellow is usually expected to be physically offensive, Choice Specs Swellow should be preserved for mid- or late-game when bulky Pokemon have been weakened, providing a surprise factor and being able to clean up or severely damage the opposing team. Keeping entry hazards up on the opposite side of the field, especially Stealth Rock, is very appreciated to help Swellow 2HKO bulky Pokemon such as Musharna and physically defensive Mantine.

Team Options
========

Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott, Ludicolo, and Lilligant, are great offensive partners for Choice Specs Swellow because they can break through bulky Rock-types, while Swellow lures in and defeats their checks, such as Ferroseed. Powerful Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, are also great offensive teammates for Swellow, as they constantly pressure the same defensive Pokemon, such as Rock- or Steel-types trying to wall them. Claydol and Sandslash are two entry hazard removers that pair up well with Swellow, resisting Rock- and Electric-type attacks, which are often targeted at it. Lanturn resists Ice-type attacks, is immune to Electric-type moves, and provides switch initiative with Volt Switch. Bulky Ground-types that can set up Stealth Rock, such as Piloswine and Rhydon, can easily come in on the Rock-types that threaten Swellow.

Guts Attacker
########
name: Guts Attacker
move 1: Facade
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Quick Attack / Protect
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Facade is the most spammable move on this set, getting boosted to 140 Base Power and having no recoil. Brave Bird lets Swellow hit Ghost-types while also allowing it to defeat bulky defensive Pokemon such, as Vileplume and Gourgeist, and Normal-resistant Pokemon, such as Crustle, Cradily, and Ferroseed. U-turn keeps momentum on your side of the field and slowly whittles down common switch-ins such as Rhydon. Quick Attack is a STAB priority move that picks off weakened faster Pokemon, especially Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, and Sawk. Protect allows Swellow to safely activate Guts.

Set Details
========

A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs maximize Swellow's Speed, allowing it to outpace most of the metagame. Guts increases Swellow's Attack to considerable levels. 252 Attack EVs further augment Swellow's offensive presence. The 4 extra EVs are placed in either Defense or Special Defense, leaving Swellow's HP as an odd number and thus allowing it to take less damage from entry hazards. Toxic Orb is the most reliable way of activating Guts, inflicting a status condition that whittles it down the least over a longer period of time.

Usage Tips
========

Activating Guts early in the game offers Swellow as much offensive pressure as it can achieve. Unless it can ensure an OHKO or heavily damage the foe, staying in with Swellow over an extended period of time is detrimental to its longevity, as it will gradually lose HP. Brave Bird further weakens Swellow with recoil damage, and therefore it should only be used when it will be able to pick off a Pokemon that Facade wouldn't, such as Vileplume or Gourgeist. In the early stages of the game, Swellow can be used as a momentum gainer through the use of U-turn, while also being able to heavily weaken the opposing team with Guts-boosted Facade during the mid- or late-game. Entry hazard control on your side of the field will help Swellow a lot, as Stealth Rock damage, possible recoil from Rocky Helmet users, and poison damage can lead to an early demise.

Team Options
========

Offensive Fire-type Pokemon, such as Magmortar, Pyroar, and Typhlosion, threaten any Steel-type Pokemon that attempts to wall Swellow. Offensive Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott and Ludicolo, can easily dispatch of bulky Rock-types that threaten Swellow, such as Rhydon and Regirock. Offensive Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, have the same switch-ins as Swellow and can whittle down one another's checks and counters, such as Rhydon and Ferroseed. Claydol and Sandslash have decent defensive synergy with Swellow and are able to clear the field of entry hazards, allowing Swellow to repeatedly switch in. Bulky Ground-types such as Rhydon and Piloswine can take Rock- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Swellow while also pressuring opposing Rock- and Steel-types with their STAB Earthquake. Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type attacks, even regaining HP from the latter, and helps create switch-in opportunities for Swellow with a slow Volt Switch.

Other Options
########

Pursuit can be an option for Guts Swellow, as its immunity to Ghost-type attacks may often force switches, allowing it to take out Pokemon such as Rotom or Mismagius. As Swellow forces many switches, Roost offers it a means of recovery to further prolong its longevity. Endeavor can weaken bulky Rock- and Steel-types that wall Swellow if it has already lost a signifiant portion of its HP.

Checks & Counters
########

**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon, such as Regirock and Rhydon, take little damage from Swellow's moves and directly threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Only Choice Specs Swellow has a chance to break through some Rock-types, but only those whose dual typing gives them a 4x weakness to Grass, such as Rhydon and Carracosta.

**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon, such as Klinklang and Pawniard, resist both of Swellow's STAB moves and can obtain free setup opportunities against it. However, they have to look out for the Choice Specs set, as Heat Wave will 2HKO most of them.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Due to Swellow's poor bulk, most Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, Rotom, and Sawk can threaten to OHKO it, though they cannot freely switch into its attacks.

**Priority**: Swellow's poor bulk makes it take huge amounts of damage from neutral priority moves, such as Sucker Punch and Fake Out. Being weak to Ice-type moves leaves Swellow susceptible to being easily revenge killed by the likes of Piloswine and Sneasel. Guts Swellow has a small advantage over opposing priority users due to its high Speed stat, which allows it to outprioritize them and gives it the chance to render useless incoming Sucker Punches from Pokemon such as Cacturne and Pawniard.

**Residual Damage**: Even if it is immune to other types of entry hazards, Swellow loses a quarter of its HP when switching into Stealth Rock. Multiple switches into Stealth Rock, self-inflicted status conditions, and possibly attacking a Pokemon with Rocky Helmet or Iron Barbs, such as Garbodor or Ferroseed, respectively, will harshly reduce Swellow's longevity.

 

[boltsandbombers]

aight
I really don't like HP Grass having its own slot, as being locked into a piss poor weak non stab hidden power is awful, and really kills momentum or gives your opponent a free setup opportunity. I would dedicate that slot to U-turn as Swellow tends to force switches, and have HP Grass slashed in the last slot. I'd go maybe as far to have Sleep Talk in that slot as well, as it allows you to check Lilligant much more efficiently.

Small thing I noticed on the first set: SpAtk -> SpA and Speed -> Spe

Apart from that this looks solid, Swellow is a pretty simple mon.
(not qc but I assume you know that)

 

[Rollout Shuckle]

For Team Options (on both sets) what about Normal spam? Offensive Normal-types like Zangoose and Kangaskhan would go great with Swellow :)

 

[Bowtie Addo]

boltsandbombers Thanks! I switched to move orders and mentioned Sleep Talk.
I also left Endeavor only as a mention on the Move section, as going with HP Grass / Sleep Talk / Endeavor seemed too cluttered.

Rollout Shuckle Ahh, it completely slipped my mind. Added mentions of them, thanks!

 

[Blast]

Usage Tips for both sets need more detail, you need to explain how it reacts to different scenarios at different points of the game. All it says right now is to get it in safely with VoltTurn support.

In TO for Specs, you say Swellow can come in on Ground-type attacks for Lanturn, which isn't true. There's almost no Ground-types Swellow has any business switching in on.

In C&C, remove Crustle from Rock-types. It's a suicide lead, and it can't switch into Swellow anyway.

 

[Bowtie Addo]

Dat Blast
I expanded on the Usage Tips and fixed everything else.

Also took out the part where I said that stuff about NVE Boomburst hitting harder than neutral Heatwave, etc.; realised how lame of an Usage Tip that is. :]

 

[CanadianWifier]

in the overview, specify that its the guts set that whittles itself down.
remove flame orb slash. it takes until the 5th turn for Toxic damage to do more overal than burn, and if you can somehow keep a swellow in for 5 turns, your opponent is doing something very wrong. tldr, toxic is basically always the better option

 

[CanadianWifier]

oh, 1/3 once you do that, rest looks acceptable.

 

[Raseri]

i think tailwind can be put into moves on the Specs set, I would use it over HP Grass most of the time. Its a niche move for when Swellow doesnt have the power to finish off the team, and a powerful mon like Typh of Magmortar can finish up

otherwise 2/3

 

[Bowtie Addo]

Implemented it all, thank you two. :]
I also moved Endeavor from the Specs set to OO, as it seems a fairly decent option for both sets, but not quite warrant of a main mention.

Also all written up, because not lazy.

 

[boltsandbombers]

Small formatting thing, only have one line break after sections - there are quite a few where you have 2 after a section.

Not the biggest issue, but I feel it would be better worded when referring to Swellow's poor Special Attack to just use an adjective and not the specific number.

As Steel-types are very often inclined to switch into Swellow, Heat Wave is a great mean of harshly weakening them or even scoring a 2HKO

Give examples here - Mawile, Ferroseed, etc

U-turn can be used as a way of keeping the momentum on your side of the field during early-game, when Swellow's checks are not weakened enough.

"Can be used" is a phrasing thats for moves whihc aren't on the main slashes, so rephrase this to something along the lines of "U-turn maintains offensive momentum on your side of the field during early-game, which is helpful when Swellow's checks are not weakened enough"

Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type attacks and provides switch initiative with Volt Switch

Lanturn is immune to Electric-type attacks assuming you're not using Water Absorb :P
This is phrased better in the second team options section, but try not to have the exact same wording in multiple sections.

Quick Attack is a STAB priority move that picks off faster Pokemon, such as Ninjask or various Choice Scarf users, saving Swellow from having to take hits from them first

Ninjask isnt all too relevant, and I'd like to see examples of choice scarf users that would fit here as a target of QA.

C&C

Minor thing, all the sentences are missing a period at the end.

**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon, such as Klinklang and Pawniard, resist both of Swellow's STAB moves and can obtain free setup opportunities against it

Add a sentence here how they get hit very hard by Heat Wave, which lessens their effectiveness as checks.

**Faster attackers**: Due to its poor bulk, most Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, Rotom, and Sawk can threaten to OHKO it. Swellow has to use its offensive pressure to constantly keep them out of the field, as they cannot freely switch into its attacks

Considering how bloody irrelevant Ninjask is and how Swellow is the fastest unboosted mon in the tier, I'd consider changing this section to Choice Scarf users.

**Priority**: Its poor bulk makes Swellow take huge amounts of damage from neutral priority moves, such as Sucker Punch or Fake Out. Being weak to Ice-type leaves Swellow susceptible to being easily revenge killed by the likes of Piloswine or Sneasel

Mention here that Swellow's Quick Attack will always outprioritize opposing priority users, but needs quite a bit of chip damage on Sneasel for QA to kill and it also creates 50/50's with Cacturne (and kinda pawniard as well) going for sucker punch.

**Stealth Rock**: Even if it is immune to other types of entry hazards, Swellow loses a quarter of its HP when switching into Stealth Rock. Multiple switches into Stealth Rock, self inflicted status conditions, and possibly attacking a Pokemon with Rocky Helmet will harshly reduce Swellow's longevity

Change this section to residual damage, as this would include Rocky Helmet, Toxic damage and Iron Barbs users as well (Ferroseed isnt nearly as common as it used to be but prevents the guts set from spamming Facade and isnt 2HKOed by Brave Bird).

Tag me back when you've got this stuff.

edit:
| 100 | Ninjask | 0.61903% | 1288 | 1.635% | 1112 | 1.768% |

 

[Bowtie Addo]

All done, boltsandbombers

 

[boltsandbombers]

Nice job :)

QC Approved 3/3

 

[Bowtie Addo]

Thanks you! :]
Putting it up for the GP checks now.

 

[Firebird03]

hi amcheck

amcheck

Overview
########

HSwellow's having the highest Speed stat in theits tier and being ableability to use both physically or specially offensive sets make Swellowit a force to be reckoned with. Its role as a physical attacker is greatly enhanced by the combination of its Flying typing and Guts ability Guts, which allow Swellow to reliably beat common Grass-type defensive Pokemon, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist, without having to worry about status conditions that may lower its efficiency. The offensive power that it holds does come with a drawback: it quickly whittles itself down with self -inflicted status conditions and recoil damage from Brave Bird. On the other side of the spectrum, Swellow can manage to run a Choice Specs set thanks to its access to STAB Boomburst and Scrappy ability. Due to its physically offensive set being the more common one, Choice Specs Swellow can be an effective lure for Pokemon that may wall its other variants, such as Mawile and Klinklang, and also clean up late-game with Boomburst. The main downfallaw of Swellow layis in its low overall bulk, which often forces it out and limits its sweeping potential.

Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Tailwind / Sleep Talk
ability: Scrappy
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Boomburst is the main move of this set, as it reaches an outstanding 210 base power due to STAB, managing to hit incredibly hard even coming off a Pokemon with a low base Special Attack stat. As Steel-types such as Mawile, Klinklang, and Ferroseed are very often inclined to switch into Swellow, Heat Wave is a great mean of harshly weakening them or even scoring a 2HKO. U-turn maintains momentum on your side of the field during early-game, when Swellow's checks are not weakened enough. Using Tailwind can take advantage of Swellow's high Speed stat and create a sweeping opportunity for a teammate when itSwellow's job is already done. Due to mainlyits relyingiance on its STAB move ands well as Heatw Wave, Swellow can find a free move slot to fit Sleep Talk in, which in return makes it a decent sleep absorber, coming in on Pokemon such as Vileplume and Liligant, while also being able to dish out huge damage and burn out sleep turns. As another coverage option, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Rock-types, such as Rhydon and Carracosta, thatwhich otherwise take little damage from Swellow's other moves.

Set Details
========

Using Choice Specs and 252 Special Attack EVs incraeses Swellow's damage output to considerable levels. A fully invested Timid nature allows Swellow to outspeed a huge part of the metagame. The remaning 4 EVs are usedput in either Defense or Special Defense, in order to leave Swellow's HP as an odd number, allowing for five switches into Stealth Rock. Having the Scrappy ability allows Swellow to hit Ghost-types without being forced to run an extra coverage move.

Usage Tips
========

Swellow's lack of bulk makes it so that in order to deal damage it has to get a free switch into the battle, which is why getting switch opportunities with U-turn, Volt Switch, and Baton Pass is very important for its longevity. Having only base 50 Special Attack hinders Swellow's damage output; therefore, even its Choice Specs-boosted attacks fail to OHKO a lot of bulkier Pokemon, such as Mantine and Seismitoad, which is why taking them on fromwhen they are at full health is not suggested, because Swellow can be damaged heavily damaged even by a defensive Pokemon. Given that Swellow can also run a physically offensive set, which is the mostly expected one, Choice Specs Swellow should be preserved for mid- or late-game when the opposing bulky Pokemon are weakened, providing a surprise factor and being able to clean up or severely damage the opposing team. At the same time, maintaining momentum early-game with U-turn can be a way of blufftricking the opponent into believing that you are running the physical set. Keeping hazards up on the opposite side of the field, especially Stealth Rock, is very appreciated;, as it ensuringes or raisinges the chances toof Swellow 2HKOing bulky Pokemon, such as Musharna or physically defensive Mantine. (add fullstop)

Team Options
========

Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Ludicolo, Lilligant, and Samurott, are great offensive partners offor Choice Specs Swellow, because they can break through bulky Rock-types, while Swellow lures in and defeats their checks, such as Ferroseed. Powerful Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, are also great offensive teammates tofor Swellow as they constantly pressure the same defensive Pokemon, such as Rock- or Steel-types trying to wall them. Claydol and Sandslash are two entry hazard removers that pair up well with Swellow, resisting Rock- and Electric-type attacks that are often targeted at it. Lanturn resists Ice-type attacks, is immune to Electric-type moves, and provides switch initiative with Volt Switch. Bulky Ground-types that can set up Stealth Rock, such as Piloswine and Rhydon, can easily come in on the Rock-types that threaten Swellow.

Guts Attacker
########
name: Guts Attacker
move 1: Facade
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Quick Attack / Protect
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Facade is the mosve that can be spammabled the movest on this set, getting boosted to 140 base power and having no recoil. Brave Bird is used as a secondary STAB move that lets Swellow hit Ghost-types, while also allowing it to defeat bulky defensive Pokemon, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist. Brave Bird can also hits Pokemon such as Crustle, Cradily, and Ferroseed, thatwhich have a resistance to Normal-type. U-turn keeps momentum on your side of the field and slowly whittles down common switch-ins, such as Rhydon. Quick Attack is a STAB priority move that picks off faster Pokemon that were previously weakened, especially Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, and Sawk, saving Swellow from having to take hits from them first. Protect allows Swellow to safely activate Guts.

Set Details
========

A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs maximize Swellow's speed, allowing it to outpace most of the metagame. Guts is the chosen ability, increasing Swellow's Attack to considerable levels. 252 Attack EVs further augment Swellow's offensive presence, taking as much advantage of the Guts boost as possible. The 4 extra EVs are placed in either Defense or Special Defense, leaving Swellow's HP as an odd number, allowing it to take less damage fromswitch in more on entry hazards. Toxic Orb is the most reliable way of activating Swellow's Guts ability, inflicting a status condition that whittles it down the least over a longer period of time i.e. poison.

Usage Tips
========

Activating Guts early in the game offerallows Swellow to put as much offensive pressure on the foe as it can achieve. Even with an increased Attack, unless it can ensure a OHKO or heavily damage the opponent, staying in with Swellow over an extended period of time is detrimentail to its longevity, as it will gradually lose HP by abusing its Guts ability. Brave Bird further weakens Swellow with recoil damage,; therefore, it should only be used when it will be ablcan deal damage to pick off a Pokemon that Facade wouldcan't, such as against Vileplume and Gourgeist. In the early stages of the game, Swellow can be used as a momentum gainer, through the use of U-turn, while also being able to heavily weaken the opposing team with Guts-boosted Facade during mid- or late-game. Entry hazard control on your side of the field will help Swellow a lot, as Stealth Rock damage, possible recoil from Rocky Helmet Pokemon, and the loses of HP through status conditions cand lead to anSwellow's early demise.

Team Options
========

Offensive Fire-type Pokemon, such as Magmoratar, Pyroar, and Typhlosion, (removed commas) threaten any Steel-type Pokemon that attempt to wall Swellow. Offensive Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Ludicolo or Samurott, (removed commas) can easily dispatch of bulky Rock-types that threaten Swellow, such as Rhydon and Regirock. Offensive Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, (removed commas) have the same switch-ins as Swellow, and can whittle down each other's (add space) checks and counters, such as Rhydon with Aqua Tail or Ferroseed with Fire Blast. Claydol and Sandslash have a decent defensive synergy with Swellow, and are able to clear the field of entry hazards, allowing it to repeatedly switch in. Bulky Ground-types, such as Rhydon or Piloswine, (removed commas) can take Rock- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Swellow, while also pressuring opposing Rock- and Steel-types with their STAB Earthquake. Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type attacks, the latter providing a form of pseudo-recovery, and helps creatinge switch opportunities for Swellow with aits slow Volt Switch.

Other Options
########

Pursuit can be an option for Guts Swellow, as its immunity to Ghost-type attacks may often force switches, allowing it to take out Pokemon such as Rotom or Mismagius. As Swellow forces many switches, Roost offers it a means of recovery to further prolong its longevity. Endeavor can weaken bulky Rock- and Steel-types that wall Swellow, if it has already lost a significant portion of its HP.

Checks & Counters
########

**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon, such as Regirock, and Rhydon, (removed commas) take little damage from Swellow's moves and directly threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Out of all the sets Swellow's sets can run, only the Choice Specs one has a chance to break through some Rock-types, of whichose dual typings give them a 4x weakness to Grass, such Rhydon and Carracosta.

**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon, such as Klinklang and Pawniard, resist both of Swellow's STAB moves and can obtain free setup opportunities against it. In returnHowever, Steel-types have to look out for the Choice Specs set, as Heat Wave will manage to 2HKO most of them.

**Choice Scarf users**: Due to its poor bulk, most Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, Rotom, and Sawk can threaten to OHKO itSwellow. Swellow has to use its offensive pressure to constantly keep them out of the field, as they cannot freely switch freely into its attacks.

**Priority**: Its poor bulk makeans Swellow takes huge amounts of damage from neutral priority moves, such as Sucker Punch or Fake Out. Being weak to Ice-type moves leaves Swellow susceptible to being easily revenge killed easily by the likes of Piloswine or Sneasel. Guts Swellow has a small advantage over opposing priority users due to its high Speed stat, and is therefore being able to outprioritize them, which also gives it the chance to render useless incoming Sucker Punches from Pokemon such as Cacturne and Pawniard useless.

**Residual damage**: Even if it is immune to other types of entry hazards, Swellow loses a quarter of its HP wheneach time it switchinges into Stealth Rock. Multiple switches into Stealth Rock, self inflicted status conditions, and possibly attacking a Pokemon with Rocky Helmet or Iron Barbs, such as Garbodor and Ferroseed respectively, will harshly reduce Swellow's longevity.

 

[P Squared]

GP 1/2 :)

berd

Overview
########

Having the highest Speed stat in the tier and the ability being able to use both physically or and specially offensive sets makes Swellow a force to be reckoned with. Its role as a physical attacker is greatly enhanced by the combination of its Flying typing and Guts ability, which allow Swellow to reliably beat common Grass-type defensive Pokemon, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist, without having to worry about status conditions that may lower its efficiency. The offensive power that it holds does come with a drawback: it quickly whittles itself down with self-inflicted status conditions and recoil damage from Brave Bird. On the other side of the spectrum, (there is no spectrum between physical and special because that implies there's a middle ground. you can put in another transition here if you like. "on the other hand" or "alternatively" or "additionally" all sound okay) Swellow can manage to run a Choice Specs set thanks to its access to STAB Boomburst and Scrappy ability. Due to Because its physically offensive set being is the more common one, Choice Specs Swellow can be an effective lure for Pokemon that may wall its other variants, such as Mawile and Klinklang, and also clean up late-game with Boomburst. The main downfall of Swellow lays lies in its low overall bulk, which often forces it out and limits its sweeping potential.

Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Tailwind / Sleep Talk
ability: Scrappy
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Boomburst is the main move of this set, as it (avoid "main move" kind of stuff) reaches an outstanding 210 Base Power due to STAB, managing to hit incredibly hard even coming off from a Pokemon with a low base Special Attack stat. As Steel-types such as Mawile, Klinklang, and Ferroseed are very often inclined to switch into Swellow, Heat Wave is a great means of harshly weakening them or even scoring a 2HKO. U-turn maintains momentum on your side of the field during the early-game, when Swellow's checks are not weakened enough. Using Tailwind can take advantage of Swellow's high Speed stat and create a sweeping opportunity for a teammate when its Swellow's job is already done. Because it mainly relies on Boomburst and Heat Wave Due to mainly relying on its STAB move and Heatwave, Swellow can find a free moveslot to fit Sleep Talk in, which in return makes it a decent sleep absorber, coming in on Pokemon such as Vileplume and Liligant, (remove comma) while also being able to dish out huge damage and burn out sleep turns. As another coverage option, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Rock-types, such as Rhydon and Carracosta, that otherwise take little damage from Swellow's other moves.

Set Details
========

Using Choice Specs and 252 Special Attack EVs increase Swellow's damage output to considerable levels. A fFully invested Speed and a Timid nature allow Swellow to outspeed a huge part of the metagame. The remaning 4 EVs are used in either Defense or Special Defense, (remove comma) in order to leave Swellow's HP as an odd number, allowing for five switches into Stealth Rock. Having the Scrappy ability allows Swellow to hit Ghost-types without being forced to run an extra coverage move.

Usage Tips
========

Swellow's lack of bulk makes it so means that in order to deal damage, (comma) it has to get a free switch into the battle, which is why getting switch opportunities with U-turn, Volt Switch, and Baton Pass is very important for its longevity. Having only base 50 Special Attack hinders Swellow's damage output; therefore, even its Choice Specs-boosted attacks fail to OHKO a lot of bulkier Pokemon, such as Mantine and Seismitoad, which is why taking them on from full health is not suggested, because Swellow can be heavily damaged even by defensive Pokemon. Given that Swellow is usually expected to be running can also run a physically offensive set, which is the mostly expected one, Choice Specs Swellow should be preserved for mid- or late-game when the opposing bulky Pokemon are weakened, providing a surprise factor and being able to clean up or severely damage the opposing team. At the same time, maintaining momentum early-game with U-turn can be a way of bluffing the physical set. Keeping entry hazards up on the opposite side of the field, especially Stealth Rock, is very appreciated; ensuring or raising the chances to help Swellow 2HKO bulky Pokemon, such as Musharna or and physically defensive Mantine. (period)

Team Options
========

Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott, Ludicolo, and Lilligant, and Samurott, (to match the order of Water and Grass) are great offensive partners of for Choice Specs Swellow, because they can break through bulky Rock-types, while Swellow lures in and defeats their checks, such as Ferroseed. Powerful Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, are also great offensive teammates to for Swellow, (comma) as they constantly pressure the same defensive Pokemon, such as Rock- or Steel-types trying to wall them. Claydol and Sandslash are two entry hazard removers that pair up well with Swellow, resisting Rock- and Electric-type attacks, which that are often targeted at it. Lanturn resists Ice-type attacks, is immune to Electric-type moves, and provides switch initiative with Volt Switch. Bulky Ground-types that can set up Stealth Rock, such as Piloswine and Rhydon, can easily come in on the Rock-types that threaten Swellow.

Guts Attacker
########
name: Guts Attacker
move 1: Facade
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Quick Attack / Protect
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Facade is the most spammable move on this set, getting boosted to 140 Base Power and having no recoil. Brave Bird is used as a secondary STAB move that lets Swellow hit Ghost-types, (remove comma) while also allowing it to defeat bulky defensive Pokemon, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist. Brave Bird can also hit Pokemon that resist Facade, such as Crustle, Cradily, and Ferroseed, that have a resistance to Normal-type. U-turn keeps momentum on your side of the field and slowly whittles down common switch-ins, such as Rhydon. Quick Attack is a STAB priority move that picks off weakened faster Pokemon that were previously weakened, especially Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, and Sawk, saving Swellow from having to take hits from them first. Protect allows Swellow to safely activate Guts.

Set Details
========

A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs maximize Swellow's Speed, allowing it to outpace most of the metagame. Guts is the chosen ability, increasing Swellow's Attack to considerable levels. 252 Attack EVs further augment Swellow's offensive presence, taking as much advantage of the Guts boost. The 4 extra EVs are placed in either Defense or Special Defense, leaving Swellow's HP as an odd number, and thus allowing it to take less damage from entry hazards. Toxic Orb is the most reliable way of activating Swellow's Guts ability, inflicting a status condition that whittles it down the least over a longer period of time.

Usage Tips
========

Activating Guts early in the game offers Swellow as much offensive pressure as it can achieve. Even with an increased Attack, unless it can ensure an OHKO or heavily damage the foe opponent, staying in with Swellow over an extended period of time is detrimental to its longevity, as it will gradually lose HP by abusing its Guts ability. Brave Bird further weakens Swellow with recoil damage, and therefore it should only be used when it will be able to pick off a Pokemon that Facade wouldn't, such as against Vileplume and Gourgeist. In the early stages of the game, (comma) Swellow can be used as a momentum gainer, (remove comma) through the use of U-turn, while also being able to heavily weaken the opposing team with Guts-boosted Facade during the mid- or late-game. Entry hazard control on your side of the field will help Swellow a lot, as Stealth Rock damage, possible recoil from Rocky Helmet users Pokemon, and the loss of HP through status condition from poison can lead to an early demise.

Team Options
========

Offensive Fire-type Pokemon, such as Magmortar, Pyroar, and Typhlosion, threaten any Steel-type Pokemon that attempts to wall Swellow. Offensive Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott and Ludicolo or Samurott, can easily dispatch of bulky Rock-types that threaten Swellow, such as Rhydon and Regirock. Offensive Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, have the same switch-ins as Swellow, (remove comma) and can whittle down one another's eachother's checks and counters, such as Rhydon with Aqua Tail or and Ferroseed with Fire Blast. Claydol and Sandslash have a decent defensive synergy with Swellow, (remove comma) and are able to clear the field of entry hazards, allowing it Swellow to repeatedly switch in. Bulky Ground-types, such as Rhydon or and Piloswine, can take Rock- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Swellow, (remove comma) while also pressuring opposing Rock- and Steel-types with their STAB Earthquake. Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type attacks, even regaining HP from the latter providing a form of pseudo-recovery, and helps createing switch opportunities for Swellow with a slow Volt Switch.

Other Options
########

Pursuit can be an option for Guts Swellow, as its immunity to Ghost-type attacks may often force switches, allowing it to take out Pokemon such as Rotom or Mismagius. As Swellow forces many switches, Roost offers it a means of recovery to further prolong its longevity. Endeavor can weaken bulky Rock- and Steel-types that wall Swellow, if it has already lost a signifiant portion of its HP.

Checks & Counters
########

**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon, such as Regirock, (remove comma) and Rhydon, take little damage from Swellow's moves and directly threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Out of Swellow's sets, (comma) only the Choice Specs set one has a chance to break through some Rock-types, of which whose dual typing give them a 4x weakness to Grass, such as Rhydon and Carracosta. (why is their Grass weakness relevant, though? is Swellow using Hidden Power Grass?)

**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon, such as Klinklang and Pawniard, resist both of Swellow's STAB moves and can obtain free setup opportunities against it. In return, Steel-types However, they have to look out for the Choice Specs set, as Heat Wave will manage to 2HKO most of them.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Due to its Swellow's poor bulk, most Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, Rotom, and Sawk can threaten to OHKO it. Swellow has to use its offensive pressure to constantly keep them out of the field, as they cannot freely switch into its attacks.

**Priority**: Its Swellow's poor bulk makes Swellow it take huge amounts of damage from neutral priority moves, such as Sucker Punch or and Fake Out. Being weak to Ice-type moves leaves Swellow susceptible to being easily revenge killed by the likes of Piloswine or and Sneasel. Guts Swellow has a small advantage over opposing priority users due to its high Speed stat, being able to outprioritize them, which allows it to outprioritize them and also gives it the chance to render useless incoming Sucker Punches from Pokemon such as Cacturne and Pawniard.

**Residual Damage**: Even if it is immune to other types of entry hazards, Swellow loses a quarter of its HP when switching into Stealth Rock. Multiple switches into Stealth Rock, self-inflicted status conditions, and possibly attacking a Pokemon with Rocky Helmet or Iron Barbs, such as Garbodor and Ferroseed, (comma) respectively, will harshly reduce Swellow's longevity.

 

[Bowtie Addo]

Implemented everything, thanks!
As for the 4x Grass weakness being relevant, yes, the Choice Specs set can afford to run Hidden Power Grass on the last moveslot.

 

[tehy]

Get chekt

Delete in RED
Add in BLUE

Read comments

amcheck

Overview
########

Having the highest Speed stat in the tier and the ability to use both physically and specially offensive sets makes Swellow a force to be reckoned with. Its role as a physical attacker is greatly enhanced by the combination of its Flying typing and Guts ability, which allow Swellow to reliably beat common Grass-type defensive Pokemon, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist, without having to worry about status condition that may lower its efficiency. The offensive power that it holds does come with a drawback: it quickly whittles itself down with self-inflicted status conditions and recoil damage from Brave Bird. Alternatively Swellow can manage to run a Choice Specs set thanks to its access to STAB Boomburst and Scrappy ability. Because its physically offensive set is the more common one, Choice Specs Swellow can be an effective lure for Pokemon that may wall its other variants, such as Mawile and Klinklang, and also clean up late-game with Boomburst. The main flaw of Swellow lies in its low overall bulk, which often forces it out and limits its sweeping potential.
Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Tailwind / Sleep Talk
ability: Scrappy
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Boomburst reaches an outstanding 210 Base Power due to STAB, managing to hit incredibly hard even coming from a Pokemon with a low base Special Attack stat. As Steel-types such as Mawile, Klinklang, and Ferroseed are very often inclined to switch into Swellow, Heat Wave is a great means of weakening them or even scoring a 2HKO. U-turn maintains momentum on your side of the field during the early-game, when Swellow's checks are not weakened enough. Using Tailwind can take advantage of Swellow's high Speed stat and create a sweeping opportunity for a teammate when Swellow's job is done. Because it mainly relies on Boomburst and Heat Wave,(rc) Swellow can find a free moveslot to fit Sleep Talk in,(rc) which makes it Sleep Talk makes Swellow a decent sleep absorber, coming in on Pokemon such as Vileplume and Lilligant while also being able to dish out huge damage and burn out sleep turns. As another coverage option,(rc) Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Rock-types, such as Rhydon and Carracosta, that otherwise take little damage from Swellow's other moves.
Set Details
========

Choice Specs and 252 Special Attack EVs increase Swellow's damage output to considerable levels. Fully invested Speed and a Timid nature allow Swellow to outspeed a huge part of the metagame. The remaning 4 EVs are used in either Defense or Special Defense in order to leave Swellow's HP as an odd number, allowing for five switches into Stealth Rock. Scrappy allows Swellow to hit Ghost-types without being forced to run an extra coverage move.
Usage Tips
========

Swellow's lack of bulk means that in order to deal damage, it has to get a free switch into the battle, which is why getting switch opportunities with U-turn, Volt Switch, and Baton Pass is very important for its longevity. Having only base 50 Special Attack hinders Swellow's damage output; therefore,(rc) even its Choice Specs-boosted attacks fails to OHKO a lot of bulkier Pokemon, such as Mantine and Seismitoad, which is why so taking them on when they are at full health is not suggested, because Swellow can be heavily damaged even by defensive Pokemon. Given that Swellow is usually expected to be running a physically offensive set, Choice Specs Swellow should be preserved for mid- or late-game when the opposing bulky Pokemon are weakened, providing a surprise factor by and being able to clean up or severely damage the opposing team. At the same time, maintaining momentum early-game with U-turn can be a way of bluffing the physical set. Keeping entry hazards up on the opposite side of the field, especially Stealth Rock, is very appreciated to help Swellow 2HKO bulky Pokemon such as Musharna or physically defensive Mantine.
Team Options
========

Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott, Ludicolo, and Lilligant, are great offensive partners for Choice Specs Swellow because they can break through bulky Rock-types, while Swellow lures in and defeats their checks, such as Ferroseed. Powerful Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, are also great offensive teammates for Swellow, as they constantly pressure the same defensive Pokemon, such as Rock- or Steel-types trying to wall them. Claydol and Sandslash are two entry hazard removers that pair up well with Swellow, resisting Rock- and Electric-type attacks which are often targeted at it. Lanturn resists Ice-type attacks, is immune to Electric-type moves, and provides switch initiative with Volt Switch. Bulky Ground-types that can set up Stealth Rock, such as Piloswine and Rhydon, can easily come in on the Rock-types that threaten Swellow.

Guts Attacker
########
name: Guts Attacker
move 1: Facade
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Quick Attack / Protect
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Facade is the most spammable move on this set, getting boosted to 140 Base Power and having no recoil. Brave Bird lets Swellow hit Ghost-types while also allowing it to defeat bulky defensive Pokemon,(rc) such as Vileplume and Gourgeist. Brave Bird can also hit and Normal-resistant Pokemon that resist Facade, such as Crustle, Cradily, and Ferroseed.. U-turn keeps momentum on your side of the field and slowly whittles down common switch-ins,(rc) such as Rhydon. Quick Attack is a STAB priority move that picks off weakened faster Pokemon, especially Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, and Sawk,(rc) saving Swellow from having to take hits from them first. Protect allows Swellow to safely activate Guts.
Set Details
========

A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs maximize Swellow's Speed, allowing it to outpace most of the metagame. Guts is the chosen ability,(rc) increasing increases Swellow's Attack to considerable levels. 252 Attack EVs further augment Swellow's offensive presence,(rc) taking advantage of the Guts boost. The 4 extra EVs are placed in either Defense or Special Defense,(rc) leaving leave Swellow's HP as an odd number and thus allowing it to take less damage from entry hazards. Toxic Orb is the most reliable way of activating Swellow's Guts ability, inflicting a status condition that whittles it down the least over a longer period of time.
Usage Tips
========

Activating Guts early in the game offers Swellow as much offensive pressure as it can achieve. Even with an increased Attack,(rc) unless Unless it can ensure an OHKO or heavily damage the foe, staying in with Swellow over an extended period of time is detrimental to its longevity, as it will gradually lose HP by abusing its Guts ability. Brave Bird further weakens Swellow with recoil damage, and therefore it should only be used when it will be able to pick off a Pokemon that Facade wouldn't, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist. In the early stages of the game, Swellow can be used as a momentum gainer through the use of U-turn, while also being able to heavily weaken the opposing team with Guts-boosted Facade during the mid- or late-game. Entry hazard control on your side of the field will help Swellow a lot, as Stealth Rock damage, possible recoil from Rocky Helmet users, and the loss of HP from poison damage can lead to an early demise.
Team Options
========

Offensive Fire-type Pokemon, such as Magmortar, Pyroar, and Typhlosion, threaten any Steel-type Pokemon that attempts to wall Swellow. Offensive Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott and Ludicolo, can easily dispatch of bulky Rock-types that threaten Swellow, such as Rhydon and Regirock. Offensive Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, have the same switch-ins as Swellow and can whittle down one another's checks and counters, such as Rhydon with Aqua Tail and Ferroseed with Fire Blast. Claydol and Sandslash have decent defensive synergy with Swellow and are able to clear the field of entry hazards, allowing Swellow to repeatedly switch in. Bulky Ground-types,(rc) such as Rhydon and Piloswine, can take Rock- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Swellow while also pressuring opposing Rock- and Steel-types with their STAB Earthquake. Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type attacks, even regaining HP from the latter, and helps create switch-in opportunities for Swellow with a slow Volt Switch.
Other Options
########

Pursuit can be an option for Guts Swellow, as its immunity to Ghost-type attacks may often force switches, allowing it to take out Pokemon such as Rotom or Mismagius. As Swellow forces many switches, Roost offers it a means of recovery to further prolong its longevity. Endeavor can weaken bulky Rock- and Steel-types that wall Swellow, if it has already lost a signifiant portion of its HP.
Checks & Counters
########

**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon, such as Regirock and Rhydon, take little damage from Swellow's moves and directly threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Out of Swellow's sets,(rc) only the Only Choice Specs set Swellow has a chance to break through some Rock-types, but only those whose dual typing give them a 4x weakness to Grass, such Rhydon and Carracosta.
**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon, such as Klinklang and Pawniard, resist both of Swellow's STAB moves and can obtain free setup opportunities against it. However, they Steel-types have to look out for the Choice Specs set, as Heat Wave will manage to 2HKO most of them.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Due to Swellow's poor bulk, most Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, Rotom, and Sawk can threaten to OHKO it. Swellow has to use its offensive pressure to constantly keep them out of the field,(rc) as ,(rc) though they cannot freely switch into its attacks.
**Priority**: Swellow's poor bulk makes it take huge amounts of damage from neutral priority moves, such as Sucker Punch and Fake Out. Being weak to Ice-type moves leaves Swellow susceptible to being easily revenge killed by the likes of Piloswine and Sneasel. Guts Swellow has a small advantage over opposing priority users due to its high Speed stat, which allows it to outprioritize them and gives it the chance to render useless incoming Sucker Punches from Pokemon such as Cacturne and Pawniard.

**Residual Damage**: Even if it is immune to other types of entry hazards, Swellow loses a quarter of its HP when switching into Stealth Rock. Multiple switches into Stealth Rock, self-inflicted status conditions, and possibly attacking a Pokemon with Rocky Helmet or Iron Barbs, such as Garbodor and Ferroseed, respectively, will harshly reduce Swellow's longevity.

comments

So i gotta be honest; spamming u-turn sounds like an easy way to give away your Specs, rather than a way to bluff guts. Check out the calcs below:

4 Atk Swellow U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Probopass: 12-15 (3.7 - 4.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
(12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 15)

252 Atk Swellow U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Probopass: 16-19 (4.9 - 5.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
(16, 16, 16, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 19, 19, 19)

Even with such a physically defensive Bug resistance, you can always tell whether or not it's Specs or Guts.
Below are the two physically bulkiest double Bug resists I could find in NU. Outside of those, there's...uh, Honedge, I guess? haha

-1 4 Atk Swellow U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mawile: 6-7 (1.9 - 2.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
(6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7)

-1 252 Atk Swellow U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mawile: 7-9 (2.3 - 2.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
(7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9)

4 Atk Swellow U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Togetic: 6-7 (1.9 - 2.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
(6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7)

252 Atk Swellow U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Togetic: 7-9 (2.2 - 2.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
(7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9)


You've only got a 25% chance of not giving the game away. And even then, since that would mean that the 'guts' set got a very low roll, you can kinda guess.

Also maybe mention, if you want to lure, any kind of switch-in that Toxic Orb would activate on gives it away too

You may have noticed the 4 Atk EVs and Attack-neutral nature; all of this is to prove that, even under the most favorable circumstances (cutting a defensive stat down even lower), using U-turn is a bad idea if you want to keep bluffing the Choice Specs.

Oh yeah, by the way; why aren't the 4 EV in Attack for Choice Specs?

'rhydon with aqua tail and ferroseed with fire blast', what about mangoose's CC, or Kanga's fire punch, or kanga's earthquake, or kanga's drain punch? if you're going to go specific, you have to make sure you're doing it right; better in this case to go vague and just say those mons can lure rhydon and ferro.

two commas were removed in such as sentences, because i feel like those mons are more of the only examples, but now that I think i'm not so sure, so uh...idk, you should do whatever you want on that

 

[Bowtie Addo]

Added most of it, took out the part about bluffing with U-turn; thanks for the calcs!
As for not going with Hasty or Naive over Timid on Specs Swellow, I think that the damage difference is not signifiant to be worth decreasing one of the defenses for. Even with its abysmal bulk Swellow can survive, at full health, Fake Out + Sucker Punch from Silk Scarf Kangaskhan or two Scalds from Quagsire, which can come in handy.

 

[P Squared]

tehy's stuff is fine, except this one

Overview
########

Having the highest Speed stat in the tier and the ability to use both physically and specially offensive sets makes Swellow a force to be reckoned with.

"having x and y makes it a force to be reckoned with" > "having x and y make it a force to be reckoned with"

and i missed this one, sorry ;_;

Checks & Counters
########

**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon, such as Regirock and Rhydon, take little damage from Swellow's moves and directly threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Only Choice Specs Swellow has a chance to break through some Rock-types, but only those whose dual typing gives them a 4x weakness to Grass, such as Rhydon and Carracosta.

i probably should just leave this stuff to the second checker but there aren't that many active ones right now it seems D:

 

[Lumari]

remove
add (Capitalize)
(comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)

swellow

Overview
########

Having the highest Speed stat in the tier and the ability to use both physically and specially offensive sets makes Swellow a force to be reckoned with. Its role as a physical attacker is greatly enhanced by the combination of its Flying typing and Guts ability, which allow allows Swellow to reliably beat common Grass-type defensive Pokemon, such as Vileplume and Gourgeist, without having to worry about status. The offensive power that it holds does come with a drawback: it quickly whittles itself down with self-inflicted status conditions and recoil damage from Brave Bird. Swellow can manage to run a Choice Specs set thanks to its access to STAB Boomburst and Scrappy. Because its physically offensive set is the more common one, Choice Specs Swellow can be an effective lure for Pokemon that may wall its other variants, such as Mawile and Klinklang, and also clean up late-game with Boomburst. The main flaw of Swellow lies in its low overall bulk, which often forces it out and limits its sweeping potential.

Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Tailwind / Sleep Talk
ability: Scrappy
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Boomburst reaches an outstanding 210 Base Power due to STAB, managing to hit incredibly hard even coming from a Pokemon with a low base Special Attack stat. As Steel-types such as Mawile, Klinklang, and Ferroseed are very often inclined to switch into Swellow, Heat Wave is a great means of weakening them or even scoring a 2HKO. U-turn maintains momentum on your side of the field during the early-game, when Swellow's checks are not weakened enough. Tailwind can take advantage of Swellow's high Speed stat and create a sweeping opportunity for a teammate when Swellow's job is done. Sleep Talk makes Swellow a decent sleep absorber, coming in on Pokemon such as Vileplume and Liligant while also being able to dish out huge damage and burn sleep turns. Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Rock-types, such as Rhydon and Carracosta, that take little damage from Swellow's other moves.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs and 252 Special Attack EVs increase Swellow's damage output to considerable levels. Fully invested Speed and a Timid nature allow Swellow to outspeed a huge part of the metagame. The remaning remaining 4 EVs are used in either Defense or Special Defense in order to leave Swellow's HP as an odd number, allowing for five switches into Stealth Rock. Scrappy allows Swellow to hit Ghost-types without being forced to run an extra coverage move.

Usage Tips
========

Swellow's lack of bulk means that in order to deal damage, it has to get a free switch into the battle, which is why getting switch opportunities with U-turn, Volt Switch, and Baton Pass is very important for its longevity. Swellow fails to OHKO a lot of bulkier Pokemon, such as Mantine and Seismitoad, so taking them on when they are at full health is not suggested, because Swellow can be heavily damaged even by defensive Pokemon. Given that Swellow is usually expected to be physically offensive, Choice Specs Swellow should be preserved for mid- or late-game when bulky Pokemon are have been weakened, providing a surprise factor and being able to clean up or severely damage the opposing team. Keeping entry hazards up on the opposite side of the field, especially Stealth Rock, is very appreciated to help Swellow 2HKO bulky Pokemon such as Musharna or and physically defensive Mantine.

Team Options
========

Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott, Ludicolo, and Lilligant, are great offensive partners for Choice Specs Swellow because they can break through bulky Rock-types, while Swellow lures in and defeats their checks, such as Ferroseed. Powerful Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, are also great offensive teammates for Swellow, as they constantly pressure the same defensive Pokemon, such as Rock- or Steel-types trying to wall them. Claydol and Sandslash are two entry hazard removers that pair up well with Swellow, resisting Rock- and Electric-type attacks, (AC) which are often targeted at it. Lanturn resists Ice-type attacks, is immune to Electric-type moves, and provides switch initiative with Volt Switch. Bulky Ground-types that can set up Stealth Rock, such as Piloswine and Rhydon, can easily come in on the Rock-types that threaten Swellow.

Guts Attacker
########
name: Guts Attacker
move 1: Facade
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Quick Attack / Protect
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Facade is the most spammable move on this set, getting boosted to 140 Base Power and having no recoil. Brave Bird lets Swellow hit Ghost-types while also allowing it to defeat bulky defensive Pokemon, (AC) such as Vileplume and Gourgeist, and Normal-resistant Pokemon, such as Crustle, Cradily, and Ferroseed. U-turn keeps momentum on your side of the field and slowly whittles down common switch-ins such as Rhydon. Quick Attack is a STAB priority move that picks off weakened faster Pokemon, especially Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, and Sawk. Protect allows Swellow to safely activate Guts.

Set Details
========

A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs maximize Swellow's Speed, allowing it to outpace most of the metagame. Guts increases Swellow's Attack to considerable levels. 252 Attack EVs further augment Swellow's offensive presence. The 4 extra EVs are placed in either Defense or Special Defense, leaving Swellow's HP as an odd number and thus allowing it to take less damage from entry hazards. Toxic Orb is the most reliable way of activating Guts, inflicting a status condition that whittles it down the least over a longer period of time.

Usage Tips
========

Activating Guts early in the game offers Swellow as much offensive pressure as it can achieve. Unless it can ensure an OHKO or heavily damage the foe, staying in with Swellow over an extended period of time is detrimental to its longevity, as it will gradually lose HP. Brave Bird further weakens Swellow with recoil damage, and therefore it should only be used when it will be able to pick off a Pokemon that Facade wouldn't, such as Vileplume and or Gourgeist. In the early stages of the game, Swellow can be used as a momentum gainer through the use of U-turn, while also being able to heavily weaken the opposing team with Guts-boosted Facade during the mid- or late-game. Entry hazard control on your side of the field will help Swellow a lot, as Stealth Rock damage, possible recoil from Rocky Helmet users, and poison damage can lead to an early demise.

Team Options
========

Offensive Fire-type Pokemon, such as Magmortar, Pyroar, and Typhlosion, threaten any Steel-type Pokemon that attempts to wall Swellow. Offensive Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Samurott and Ludicolo, can easily dispatch of bulky Rock-types that threaten Swellow, such as Rhydon and Regirock. Offensive Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Tauros, and Zangoose, have the same switch-ins as Swellow and can whittle down one another's checks and counters, such as Rhydon and Ferroseed. Claydol and Sandslash have decent defensive synergy with Swellow and are able to clear the field of entry hazards, allowing Swellow to repeatedly switch in. Bulky Ground-types such as Rhydon and Piloswine can take Rock- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Swellow while also pressuring opposing Rock- and Steel-types with their STAB Earthquake. Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type attacks, even regaining HP from the latter, and helps create switch-in opportunities for Swellow with a slow Volt Switch.

Other Options
########

Pursuit can be an option for Guts Swellow, as its immunity to Ghost-type attacks may often force switches, allowing it to take out Pokemon such as Rotom or Mismagius. As Swellow forces many switches, Roost offers it a means of recovery to further prolong its longevity. Endeavor can weaken bulky Rock- and Steel-types that wall Swellow if it has already lost a signifiant portion of its HP.

Checks & Counters
########

**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon, such as Regirock and Rhydon, take little damage from Swellow's moves and directly threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Only Choice Specs Swellow has a chance to break through some Rock-types, but only those whose dual typing gives them a 4x weakness to Grass, such as Rhydon and Carracosta.

**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon, such as Klinklang and Pawniard, resist both of Swellow's STAB moves and can obtain free setup opportunities against it. However, they have to look out for the Choice Specs set, as Heat Wave will 2HKO most of them.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Due to Swellow's poor bulk, most Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Mesprit, Rotom, and Sawk can threaten to OHKO it, though they cannot freely switch into its attacks.

**Priority**: Swellow's poor bulk makes it take huge amounts of damage from neutral priority moves, such as Sucker Punch and Fake Out. Being weak to Ice-type moves leaves Swellow susceptible to being easily revenge killed by the likes of Piloswine and Sneasel. Guts Swellow has a small advantage over opposing priority users due to its high Speed stat, which allows it to outprioritize them and gives it the chance to render useless incoming Sucker Punches from Pokemon such as Cacturne and Pawniard.

**Residual Damage**: Even if it is immune to other types of entry hazards, Swellow loses a quarter of its HP when switching into Stealth Rock. Multiple switches into Stealth Rock, self-inflicted status conditions, and possibly attacking a Pokemon with Rocky Helmet or Iron Barbs, such as Garbodor and or Ferroseed, respectively, will harshly reduce Swellow's longevity.

GP 2/2

 

[Bowtie Addo]

All fixed, thanks!
Hype, hype, and done! :]

 

[Ares]

Uploaded.