Sylveon

[nv]

QC: King UU / dodmen / Hogg
GP: P Squared / Haund

[OVERVIEW]

Sylveon is one of the best wallbreakers in the UnderUsed tier thanks to Pixilate Hyper Voice being able to blast past frail resistant Pokemon. Its mono-Fairy typing allows it to switch into strong and powerful Dark-, Dragon-, and Fighting-type moves such as Hydreigon's Draco Meteor and Heracross's Close Combat. Sylveon's 95 / 130 special bulk allows it to check some moderately powerful special attackers even if uninvested. Sylveon also gives Florges competition as a cleric, since it has more physical bulk and a more powerful STAB attack. It does, however, lack one-turn recovery unlike Florges. Unfortunately, Sylveon's physical bulk is decidedly mediocre when uninvested, meaning that most strong neutral attacks, and even some resisted ones, can 2HKO it. Also, most Dragon-types generally carry coverage for Fairy-types, meaning Sylveon has to play carefully around them. Furthermore, Sylveon is also held back by a less than stellar base 60 Speed, meaning it can't do much against faster teams that apply a ton of offensive pressure.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Baton Pass / Shadow Ball
item: Choice Specs
ability: Pixilate
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Hyper Voice is Sylveon's go-to move, as, thanks to Pixilate, it becomes a very powerful STAB move that also bypasses Substitutes. Psyshock provides coverage against Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Crobat, although Hyper Voice can blow past these checks with just a little bit of prior damage. Hidden Power Fire is Sylveon's best option for Steel-types such as Escavalier and specially defensive Forretress. Baton Pass is the best option for the fourth moveslot, as it allows Sylveon to provide the team with momentum while also allowing it to get out of any dangerous situations. Shadow Ball can be used over Hidden Power Fire or Psyshock to nail Pokemon such as Metagross and Bronzong harder than its other moves. Hidden Power Ground can be another option over Hidden Power Fire to gain excellent neutral coverage in conjunction with its STAB Hyper Voice.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs allow Sylveon to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Pixilate allows Sylveon to have a more powerful Fairy-type STAB attack in Hyper Voice. A Modest nature bolsters Sylveon's great base 110 Special Attack, while a Timid nature can surprise opponents by letting Sylveon outspeed more threats while not missing out on any key OHKOs or 2HKOs. Choice Specs further boosts Sylveon's power.

Usage Tips
========

Sylveon is best used on bulky offense teams that appreciate a very powerful wallbreaker with a great all-around typing. Sylveon is fairly physically frail, though, so it must be wary of switching into or staying in on powerful neutral hits, as it has no form of recovery. Sylveon should be wary of certain Dragon-types such as Salamence and Hydreigon, as they could be carrying coverage for it. Sylveon should look for any opportunity to come in safely and proceed to spam Hyper Voice to wear down its checks and counters.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is the best partner for Sylveon, as it can threaten most of Sylveon's checks such as Bronzong, Metagross, Arcanine, and Cresselia by trapping them with Pursuit, crippling them with Knock Off, or hitting them hard with Earthquake. Sylveon helps out Krookodile as well by combating its main checks such as Mandibuzz and Chesnaught. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade have good defensive synergy with Sylveon and can threaten to sweep once Sylveon breaks down walls. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Froslass, Tentacruel, and Celebi can chip away at Sylveon's switch-ins, further wearing them down and allowing Sylveon to steamroll the opposing team. Specifically, Forretress can provide Spikes, switch into some of Sylveon's checks, and pivot into it with Volt Switch. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Swords Dance Cobalion appreciate Sylveon's ability to wear down their common checks so that they can power through, while Salamence and Cobalion also share type synergy with Sylveon's mono-Fairy typing. Pokemon that can beat opposing Steel-, Poison-, and Fire-types such as Entei, Infernape, and Mamoswine allow Sylveon to freely spam its STAB move.

[SET]
name: Cleric
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Wish
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Pixilate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Even without investment, Hyper Voice is still a moderately powerful STAB move thanks to Pixilate and can still 2HKO certain offensive Pokemon, but it fails to take care of more bulky threats such as Suicune. Heal Bell gives cleric support to the team. Wish allows Sylveon to heal itself and its teammates. Protect allows Sylveon to scout the opponent while guaranteeing it can heal itself. Baton Pass can be an option over Heal Bell to safely heal Sylveon's teammates, but Sylveon then loses out on the ability to provide clerical support for the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense EVs give Sylveon as much physical bulk as possible. A Bold nature further reinforces Sylveon's below-average Defense stat. Leftovers gives Sylveon a way to passively recover HP. Pixilate is used because Sylveon can still hit hard with Hyper Voice even with no investment. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD with a Calm nature allows Sylveon to take advantage of its amazing base 130 Special Defense while still investing in its Defense. A Bold nature can allow Sylveon to take on physical attacks such as +1 Salamence's Iron Tail and avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Heracross while having a harder time against strong special attackers such as Kyurem and Mega Sceptile. A Calm nature, however, can let Sylveon take on specially attacking threats better but at the cost of losing to those physical attackers.

Usage Tips
========

This set works better on more balanced teams, as it can offer up big Wishes as well as being able to take on some massive threats such as Salamence and Hydreigon. This set, despite the defensive investment, still needs to be wary of powerful neutral physical hits, as Sylveon can take quite a bit from Choice Band Entei, Choice Band Crobat, Mamoswine, and Mega Swampert.

Team Options
========

Steel-types that appreciate Wish support such as Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix resist Sylveon's Steel weakness and are immune to Sylveon's Poison weakness, while Sylveon can take on Fighting-types for them. Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Salamence give the team more offensive presence, and while both have access to reliable recovery, they appreciate Sylveon's cleric support because they no longer have to worry about being crippled by status. They also are able to switch into Fire-types such as Entei that can switch into Sylveon with ease. Water-types such as Suicune and Swampert take advantage of Sylveon's fat Wishes while also taking on powerful Fire-types such as Entei. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon like Crobat, Tentacruel, and Empoleon makes sure that Sylveon doesn't get worn down itself while keeping the team at an advantage against the opponent.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Calm Mind set with Pixie Plate can bluff Choice Specs and surprise some of Sylveon's checks and counters or Baton Pass the boosts to another threatening Pokemon. Quick Attack can help pick off weakened threats, but it lacks power due to Sylveon's less than stellar base 65 Attack. Lastly, Hyper Beam can give Sylveon a very powerful nuke, but the recharge turn can give the opposing Pokemon setup opportunities.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Mega Aggron, Escavalier, and specially defensive Empoleon are at worst 3HKOed by Hyper Voice and have super effective STAB moves to fire back at Sylveon. Mega Aggron and Escavalier still have to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, though, as the former has no reliable recovery and the latter is OHKOed after one switch into Stealth Rock.

**Fire-types**: Entei, Darmanitan, and Arcanine can switch into Sylveon's STAB move, but they also suffer from a nasty Stealth Rock weakness, which means they can be very easily worn down.

**Poison-types**: Nidoqueen and Tentacruel can force Sylveon out with their STAB moves and ability to outspeed it. Both lack reliable recovery, however, meaning Sylveon can wear them down. Mega Beedrill can also check Sylveon offensively, as it can punish Sylveon switching out by using U-turn and gaining momentum off of it. Crobat, while normally not carrying a Poison-type STAB move, can still threaten it out with a powerful Brave Bird.

**Powerful Physical Attackers**: Mamoswine, Krookodile, and Crawdaunt can all break past Sylveon with their STAB moves despite none of them being able to switch into Sylveon's STAB move themselves.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Blissey and Cresselia can switch into Sylveon's Hyper Voice with ease and heal off the damage with Soft-Boiled and Moonlight, respectively. Cresselia can even set up Calm Minds against it, punishing Sylveon for staying in and trying to constantly use Hyper Voice.

 

[Drangonn.]

I'm not QC, and I haven't used sylveon a lot, but shouldn't calm mind get a mention, or am I wrong?

 

[nv]

I'm not QC, and I haven't used sylveon a lot, but shouldn't calm mind get a mention, or am I wrong?

It is in OO since Florges does CM better despite the somewhat unique combination of Calm Mind + Baton Pass since Florges has access to a reliable recovery move in Synthesis.

Anyways, this is ready for QC. :)

 

[Manipulative]

Not an official QC, but I've got a few suggestions:

-Mention somewhere in the Overview that Sylveon's Fairy typing is one of the main qualities that allow it to excel in the tier, since resistances to Dark-types and Fighting-types, as well as an immunity to Dragon-types, are all pretty huge.

-Would mention Steel-types in Team Options of the Choice Specs set as well, for some of the same reasons that you mentioned for the Cleric set; having an immunity to Poison-types while resisting other Steel-types as well.

-For the Cleric set, I would remove the part where it says that you can run Baton Pass over Protect, and instead mention that Baton Pass is an option over Heal Bell. Protect is a necessity for that set so that Sylveon can reliably keep itself healthy. If anything is being replaced for Baton Pass, it should be Heal Bell.

Nice work :).

 

[Heavyweapons Mann]

Remove Hyper Beam from OO because it can give the opponent a free turn.

 

[Highways]

PleaseDontBanMe, Hyper Beam is a very good move that can be used over HP Fire or Shadow Ball on the Offensive Set.
Also, nv, I'm not QC but can't you please add Krookodile as a Teammate? Pursuit support is always necessary and he can defeat Poison- and Steel-Types without any effort.

 

[ChrystalFalchion]

I'm not QC, but I think the cleric set should be listed first. As a Choice Specs user, Gardevoir is often superior to Sylveon - it's faster, has a much better offensive movepool and Trick. STAB Psyshock also lets it blow through Blissey. Sylveon can hit harder with Hyper Voice than Gardevoir can with Moonblast though, which I admit is a good niche. I think you should mention Syvleon's niche in comments - stronger STAB, slow Baton Pass. Also mention Blissey in C&C - even with Psyshock, Specs Sylveon can only 3HKO while Blissey can Toxic stall it out.

 

[Heavyweapons Mann]

PleaseDontBanMe, Hyper Beam is a very good move that can be used over HP Fire or Shadow Ball on the Offensive Set.

The problem is you give a free turn to the opponent.

 

[Kink]

In OO, other options should specifically discuss Pixilate in conjunction with Calm Mind, which can not only bluff a specs set, but can also dish out some massive power at +1. Baton Pass could also be on that set for a double whammy. The other QCers might disagree on that point though, so wait to see if they object. Personally, I find BP adds a dualism to this set in particular giving it more depth on teams that lean on the more offensive end.

In overview, important to mention that Dragons generally prepare against Sylveon via some sort of Steel Move. Even Specs Kyurem 2HKOs the 252 HP set, so it's hardly a decent check when used offensively. At best, the user will have to use Sylveon intelligently and scout the opponents sets before being comfortable to stay on in potential Iron Tails and Flash Cannons from Mence/Hydrei respectively.

In team options for the offensive set, if you're opting for a more balance type of team, Empoleon and Tentacruel (either offensive or defense tenta) makes for good partners thanks to their ability to take on Poison and Steel moves rather effectively. Naturally be wary of EQ from some of the more common Steel-move attackers such as Mence, Mega Aggron, etc.

In moves (second set), Pixilate isn't THAT powerful, best to mention that Sylveon is strong enough to 2HKO more offensive Pokemon, but will struggle against more common walls, even those that aren't necessarily dedicated to SpDef (Suicune, for example).

Mention Tentacruel in team options for entry hazard removals, alongside the Crobat and Empoleon you mentioned.

In usage tips give more examples, cause Sylveon gets bopped by Bandbat, Mamoswine, Mega Swampert, Darmanitan, and more.

In Checks and Counters, Physical Attackers could probably have it's own category. Mention Darmanitan, Entei, Mamoswine, Crawdaunt, etc. Taunt users such as Crobat and the occasional Mega Aero also really hinder its ability to support its teammates, but this is questionable as its own C&C category.

After these are implemented, QC 1/3, but wait a day or two to see if anyone objects to my Baton Pass comments or my Checks and Counters comments, as these are both debatable.

 

[nv]

Not an official QC, but I've got a few suggestions:

-Mention somewhere in the Overview that Sylveon's Fairy typing is one of the main qualities that allow it to excel in the tier, since resistances to Dark-types and Fighting-types, as well as an immunity to Dragon-types, are all pretty huge.

-Would mention Steel-types in Team Options of the Choice Specs set as well, for some of the same reasons that you mentioned for the Cleric set; having an immunity to Poison-types while resisting other Steel-types as well.

-For the Cleric set, I would remove the part where it says that you can run Baton Pass over Protect, and instead mention that Baton Pass is an option over Heal Bell. Protect is a necessity for that set so that Sylveon can reliably keep itself healthy. If anything is being replaced for Baton Pass, it should be Heal Bell.

Nice work :).

Implemented n_n

In OO, other options should specifically discuss Pixilate in conjunction with Calm Mind, which can not only bluff a specs set, but can also dish out some massive power at +1. Baton Pass could also be on that set for a double whammy. The other QCers might disagree on that point though, so wait to see if they object. Personally, I find BP adds a dualism to this set in particular giving it more depth on teams that lean on the more offensive end.

In overview, important to mention that Dragons generally prepare against Sylveon via some sort of Steel Move. Even Specs Kyurem 2HKOs the 252 HP set, so it's hardly a decent check when used offensively. At best, the user will have to use Sylveon intelligently and scout the opponents sets before being comfortable to stay on in potential Iron Tails and Flash Cannons from Mence/Hydrei respectively.

In team options for the offensive set, if you're opting for a more balance type of team, Empoleon and Tentacruel (either offensive or defense tenta) makes for good partners thanks to their ability to take on Poison and Steel moves rather effectively. Naturally be wary of EQ from some of the more common Steel-move attackers such as Mence, Mega Aggron, etc.

In moves (second set), Pixilate isn't THAT powerful, best to mention that Sylveon is strong enough to 2HKO more offensive Pokemon, but will struggle against more common walls, even those that aren't necessarily dedicated to SpDef (Suicune, for example).

Mention Tentacruel in team options for entry hazard removals, alongside the Crobat and Empoleon you mentioned.

In usage tips give more examples, cause Sylveon gets bopped by Bandbat, Mamoswine, Mega Swampert, Darmanitan, and more.

In Checks and Counters, Physical Attackers could probably have it's own category. Mention Darmanitan, Entei, Mamoswine, Crawdaunt, etc. Taunt users such as Crobat and the occasional Mega Aero also really hinder its ability to support its teammates, but this is questionable as its own C&C category.

After these are implemented, QC 1/3, but wait a day or two to see if anyone objects to my Baton Pass comments or my Checks and Counters comments, as these are both debatable.

Only mentioned a select few physical attackers in the new C&C section since the others are mainly mentioned in the other sections. Other than that, this has been implemented n_n

 

[dodmen]

The intro should say that it gives Florges competition for a cleric role, since Sylveon has higher physical bulk and is stronger, but doesn't have one turn recovery like Florges. And I wouldn't say that most physical hits cripple it, but that when Sylveon's not invested in physical bulk even strong resisted attacks can 2HKO it.

Team Options for specs needs to elaborate on Krookodile, possibly the best offensive partner for Sylveon since together they can completely dismantle balance teams. You need to specify that Krookodile puts huge pressure on or straight up traps counters like Bronzong, Metagross, Empoleon, Aggron, Arcanine, Cresselia, and Blissey. Sylveon also takes advantage of Krookodile counters like Mandibuzz, fat Salamence, and Chesnaught. Also specify that Spikes are particularly good against Sylv counters and Forry is a good partner that can switch into some of its checks, Spike up, and pivot into it.

Get rid of the 40 HP set honestly, barely adds to bulk and isn't worth it. Put Timid in Set Details though.

Blissey and Cresselia in checks and counters.

2/3 after that, last analysis remaining o_o

 

[nv]

The intro should say that it gives Florges competition for a cleric role, since Sylveon has higher physical bulk and is stronger, but doesn't have one turn recovery like Florges. And I wouldn't say that most physical hits cripple it, but that when Sylveon's not invested in physical bulk even strong resisted attacks can 2HKO it.

Team Options for specs needs to elaborate on Krookodile, possibly the best offensive partner for Sylveon since together they can completely dismantle balance teams. You need to specify that Krookodile puts huge pressure on or straight up traps counters like Bronzong, Metagross, Empoleon, Aggron, Arcanine, Cresselia, and Blissey. Sylveon also takes advantage of Krookodile counters like Mandibuzz, fat Salamence, and Chesnaught. Also specify that Spikes are particularly good against Sylv counters and Forry is a good partner that can switch into some of its checks, Spike up, and pivot into it.

Get rid of the 40 HP set honestly, barely adds to bulk and isn't worth it. Put Timid in Set Details though.

Blissey and Cresselia in checks and counters.

2/3 after that, last analysis remaining o_o

Implemented all of this and wrote it up. Ready for that last check you guys n_n

 

[Hogg]

• When you mention how Sylveon can check most Dragon-, Dark- and Fighting-types in the overview, I'd like to see something a bit more specific - something like how its mono-Fairy typing allows it to switch into the strong Dragon-, Dark- and Fighting-type moves that are so prevalent in the tier, such as Hydreigon's Draco Meteor. I think it's good to specifically get across why Fairy-typing is such a big deal in ORAS UU.
  
  
• "Sadly, Sylveon has 95 / 65 physical bulk which means if uninvested powerful neutral, or even resisted, hits can 2HKO Sylveon. Also, most Dragon-types generally prepare against it with a Steel-type move, making Sylveon not as decent of a check when used offensively. Furthermore, Sylveon is also held back by a less than stellar base 60 Speed, meaning it can't do much against faster teams that apply a ton of offensive pressure."
  • This whole section where you go over Sylveon's cons reads weak to me. For one thing, 95/65 isn't actually that bad as far as physical bulk goes - it's just not that good, either. Instead I'd reword this to say something like "Unfortunately, Sylveon's physical bulk is decidedly mediocre when uninvested, meaning that most strong neutral attacks (and even some resisted ones) can 2HKO it."
  • As for the bit about most Dragon-types preparing with a Steel-type move, I'm not entirely sure this is true - DDMence and Specs Hydreigon are the only two dragons that regularly do so, and the latter is still pretty rare. Also, +1 Iron Tail from Mence doesn't even kill Bold Sylveon. I'd just say that many Dragon-type Pokemon often carry coverage moves that threaten Sylveon, so it must play around them carefully.
    
• Considering that both SDef Forry and Escavalier are outsped and 3HKO'd by Hyper Voice and lack recovery, I think spending too much time talking about how they wall Specs Sylveon is a mistake. Mention that HP Fire hits them, but don't spend too much time on it. Also, specifically regarding the line "...but it doesn't hit the common Steel-types that wall it such as Escavalier as hard" - Escavalier still isn't that common. I guess keep the line if you want, but considering it's still RU by usage, I feel like calling it a common UU 'mon is a hard sell.
  
  
• I'd mention Bronzong as a potential target of Shadow Ball instead of Doublade - Doublade is cleanly 2HKO'd by Hyper Voice, so it's not really a relevant target for Shadow Ball.
  
  
• "Sylveon should be using Baton Pass early-game to gain momentum against the opponent then proceed to spam Hyper Voice mid-game to clear the way for a teammate to sweep the foe." - I disagree with this, as unless the opponent has a really good answer to Specs Hyper Voice, you're almost always better off clicking Hyper Voice every time it comes in. Just say that Sylveon should look for opportunities to come in safely and proceed to spam Hyper Voice to break down any resists.
  
  
• Team options - "...as it can threaten most of Sylveon's checks such as Bronzong, Metagross, Empoleon, Aggron, Arcanine, Cresselia, and Blissey" - do we really need to list seven different potential checks here? I'd just say that Krookodile threatens almost all of Sylveon's checks, and pick three or four to use as examples.
  
  
• "Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade not only provide potential win conditions as well as a great Defense stat, they also are immune to Poison and resist Steel" is worded a bit awkwardly and I don't think it necessarily gets across what you're trying to say. Instead I'd say that they have good defensive synergy with Sylveon, and can also threaten to sweep after Sylveon breaks down the opposing team's walls.
  
  
• In general, the whole team options section feels overlong to me. I feel like you've managed to include at least half of the tier as a good partner for Sylveon. While that may technically be true (Sylveon works really well with a lot of different 'mons), I'd cut it down to just listing Pokemon that have especially good synergy with it. For example, I feel like you don't need to list Fire types AND Ground types as their own separate section, when instead you can just mention that Pokemon able to beat Steel-, Fire- and Poison- types such as (insert ~3 of the Fire/Ground 'mons you listed). I'd also remove the reference to Water-types entirely, as I don't think you really made a good case for why they are good partners.
  
  
• Under set details for the cleric set, it might be worth mentioning the specific areas where Bold vs. Calm come into play. For example, Bold Sylveon always survives a +1 Salamence Iron Tail and avoids the 2HKO from CB Heracross, but can more easily be worn down by strong Special Attackers like Kyurem and Mega Sceptile.
  
  
• "Sylveon needs to also watch out for threats that the Specs set it would normally outspeed such as Crawdaunt since it will be having to tank a hit before retaliating with a STAB Hyper Voice." I feel like this sentence is unnecessary - you already mentioned that it needs to avoid strong physical attackers, and I don't really see what this line adds to the analysis.
  
  
• Drop the mentions of a Dragon/Steel/Fairy core IMO. Just explain why they have good synergy.
  
  
• Instead of saying "Fire-type checks" with Suicune and Swampert, I'd rather see you mention specific Fire-type 'mons that threaten Sylveon (Entei in particular), as defensive Sylveon can deal with some Fire types (such as many Infernape sets) fairly well - better, in fact, than Suicune or Swampert can.
  
  
• "Entry hazard support from Forretress and Nidoqueen help wear down the opposing foe's team while Sylveon can keep these Pokemon healthy with its Wish and cleric support." - Cleric Sylveon has no specific need for entry hazard support (well, no more than any other 'mon - I guess technically entry hazard support helps everything at least a little bit). I'd drop this.
  
  
• In OO, don't call Quick Attack "somewhat powerful" - it's not. It hits less hard than Doublade's Shadow Sneak, Mienshao's Fake Out, etc. Just say that it can help pick off weakened threats, but lacks power due to Sylveon's poor Attack.
  
  
• Regarding the CM + BP set, it only really lets you bluff Choice Specs with an item like Pixie Plate, so I'd clarify there. What I would say instead is that Calm Mind alongside Pixie Plate can bluff Choice Specs while also being able to surprise some of its counters or even Baton Pass off its boosts to another threatening sweeper.
  
• "Mega Aggron, Escavalier, and Specially Defensive Empoleon are all only 3HKO'ed by Hyper Voice" - Empoleon actually isn't even reliably 4HKO'd by Hyper Voice, so I'd reword this. (It also rarely packs a Steel STAB if it's the SDef set.) Maybe say that they are at worst 3HKO'd?

Let me know when you address this - if it all looks good, you'll have your final check! Great job!

 

[nv]

• When you mention how Sylveon can check most Dragon-, Dark- and Fighting-types in the overview, I'd like to see something a bit more specific - something like how its mono-Fairy typing allows it to switch into the strong Dragon-, Dark- and Fighting-type moves that are so prevalent in the tier, such as Hydreigon's Draco Meteor. I think it's good to specifically get across why Fairy-typing is such a big deal in ORAS UU.
  
  
• "Sadly, Sylveon has 95 / 65 physical bulk which means if uninvested powerful neutral, or even resisted, hits can 2HKO Sylveon. Also, most Dragon-types generally prepare against it with a Steel-type move, making Sylveon not as decent of a check when used offensively. Furthermore, Sylveon is also held back by a less than stellar base 60 Speed, meaning it can't do much against faster teams that apply a ton of offensive pressure."
  • This whole section where you go over Sylveon's cons reads weak to me. For one thing, 95/65 isn't actually that bad as far as physical bulk goes - it's just not that good, either. Instead I'd reword this to say something like "Unfortunately, Sylveon's physical bulk is decidedly mediocre when uninvested, meaning that most strong neutral attacks (and even some resisted ones) can 2HKO it."
  • As for the bit about most Dragon-types preparing with a Steel-type move, I'm not entirely sure this is true - DDMence and Specs Hydreigon are the only two dragons that regularly do so, and the latter is still pretty rare. Also, +1 Iron Tail from Mence doesn't even kill Bold Sylveon. I'd just say that many Dragon-type Pokemon often carry coverage moves that threaten Sylveon, so it must play around them carefully.
• Considering that both SDef Forry and Escavalier are outsped and 3HKO'd by Hyper Voice and lack recovery, I think spending too much time talking about how they wall Specs Sylveon is a mistake. Mention that HP Fire hits them, but don't spend too much time on it. Also, specifically regarding the line "...but it doesn't hit the common Steel-types that wall it such as Escavalier as hard" - Escavalier still isn't that common. I guess keep the line if you want, but considering it's still RU by usage, I feel like calling it a common UU 'mon is a hard sell.
  
  
• I'd mention Bronzong as a potential target of Shadow Ball instead of Doublade - Doublade is cleanly 2HKO'd by Hyper Voice, so it's not really a relevant target for Shadow Ball.
  
  
• "Sylveon should be using Baton Pass early-game to gain momentum against the opponent then proceed to spam Hyper Voice mid-game to clear the way for a teammate to sweep the foe." - I disagree with this, as unless the opponent has a really good answer to Specs Hyper Voice, you're almost always better off clicking Hyper Voice every time it comes in. Just say that Sylveon should look for opportunities to come in safely and proceed to spam Hyper Voice to break down any resists.
  
  
• Team options - "...as it can threaten most of Sylveon's checks such as Bronzong, Metagross, Empoleon, Aggron, Arcanine, Cresselia, and Blissey" - do we really need to list seven different potential checks here? I'd just say that Krookodile threatens almost all of Sylveon's checks, and pick three or four to use as examples.
  
  
• "Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade not only provide potential win conditions as well as a great Defense stat, they also are immune to Poison and resist Steel" is worded a bit awkwardly and I don't think it necessarily gets across what you're trying to say. Instead I'd say that they have good defensive synergy with Sylveon, and can also threaten to sweep after Sylveon breaks down the opposing team's walls.
  
  
• In general, the whole team options section feels overlong to me. I feel like you've managed to include at least half of the tier as a good partner for Sylveon. While that may technically be true (Sylveon works really well with a lot of different 'mons), I'd cut it down to just listing Pokemon that have especially good synergy with it. For example, I feel like you don't need to list Fire types AND Ground types as their own separate section, when instead you can just mention that Pokemon able to beat Steel-, Fire- and Poison- types such as (insert ~3 of the Fire/Ground 'mons you listed). I'd also remove the reference to Water-types entirely, as I don't think you really made a good case for why they are good partners.
  
  
• Under set details for the cleric set, it might be worth mentioning the specific areas where Bold vs. Calm come into play. For example, Bold Sylveon always survives a +1 Salamence Iron Tail and avoids the 2HKO from CB Heracross, but can more easily be worn down by strong Special Attackers like Kyurem and Mega Sceptile.
  
  
• "Sylveon needs to also watch out for threats that the Specs set it would normally outspeed such as Crawdaunt since it will be having to tank a hit before retaliating with a STAB Hyper Voice." I feel like this sentence is unnecessary - you already mentioned that it needs to avoid strong physical attackers, and I don't really see what this line adds to the analysis.
  
  
• Drop the mentions of a Dragon/Steel/Fairy core IMO. Just explain why they have good synergy.
  
  
• Instead of saying "Fire-type checks" with Suicune and Swampert, I'd rather see you mention specific Fire-type 'mons that threaten Sylveon (Entei in particular), as defensive Sylveon can deal with some Fire types (such as many Infernape sets) fairly well - better, in fact, than Suicune or Swampert can.
  
  
• "Entry hazard support from Forretress and Nidoqueen help wear down the opposing foe's team while Sylveon can keep these Pokemon healthy with its Wish and cleric support." - Cleric Sylveon has no specific need for entry hazard support (well, no more than any other 'mon - I guess technically entry hazard support helps everything at least a little bit). I'd drop this.
  
  
• In OO, don't call Quick Attack "somewhat powerful" - it's not. It hits less hard than Doublade's Shadow Sneak, Mienshao's Fake Out, etc. Just say that it can help pick off weakened threats, but lacks power due to Sylveon's poor Attack.
  
  
• Regarding the CM + BP set, it only really lets you bluff Choice Specs with an item like Pixie Plate, so I'd clarify there. What I would say instead is that Calm Mind alongside Pixie Plate can bluff Choice Specs while also being able to surprise some of its counters or even Baton Pass off its boosts to another threatening sweeper.
  
• "Mega Aggron, Escavalier, and Specially Defensive Empoleon are all only 3HKO'ed by Hyper Voice" - Empoleon actually isn't even reliably 4HKO'd by Hyper Voice, so I'd reword this. (It also rarely packs a Steel STAB if it's the SDef set.) Maybe say that they are at worst 3HKO'd?

Let me know when you address this - if it all looks good, you'll have your final check! Great job!

All of this is implemented Hogg. I will wait until you look it over again to make sure nothing else is needed before I move this into GP.

 

[Hogg]

Alright, I talked it over with some other QC staff, and I think we mostly agree that the Team Options section is still too long. While everything you list certainly pairs well with Sylveon, that has more to do with the fact that they're all just good team options in general. Right now even after trimming, your list of potential Sylveon partners includes...

-Krookodile
-Steel-types
-U-turn/Volt Switch users
-Entry hazard users
-Setup sweepers
-Pokemon that beat Steel/Poison/Fire types
-Fast, frail Pokemon
-Other wallbreakers

If you trim off fast frail Pokemon (slow BP is great but honestly, a solid 90% of the time you're clicking Hyper Voice) and other wallbreakers (largely unnecessary I think), it looks a bit cleaner. You could probably even drop U-turn/Volt Switch users (they help every wallbreaker, but Sylveon actually gets more switchins than most by virtue of its typing), but since they definitely still pair well, I'll leave that one to your judgment.

And moving over to the cleric set, in team options when you reference Dragon-types with recovery such as Hydreigon and Salamence, it's probably worth mentioning that they can come in on the Fire-types like Entei that otherwise switch in all day long to cleric Sylveon, as to me that's the main reason they have decent synergy with Sylv.

Fix those and you have my 3/3! Congrats, barring any surprises I think that this may just be the last analysis of ORAS UU!

(Also, this technically falls under GP so I didn't include it, but you use "arguably" twice as a generic intensifier, when it actually means that one could make an argument for the following - in fact, in some cases it serves to weaken what you're saying, since instead of saying that it's one of the best wallbreakers in the tier you're saying that some could argue the same. Doesn't fall under the purview of QC, so feel free to ignore this entirely, but the English Major in me had to say something :P)

 

[P Squared]

GP 1/2

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Sylveon is one of the best wallbreakers in the UnderUsed tier thanks to Pixilate Hyper Voice being able to blast past frail resistant Pokemon resists. Its mono-Fairy typing allows it to switch into strong and powerful Dark-, Dragon-, and Fighting-type moves such as Hydreigon's Draco Meteor or and Heracross's Close Combat. Sylveon's 95 / 130 special bulk allows it to check some moderately powerful special attackers even if uninvested. Sylveon also gives Florges competition as a cleric, (AC) since it has more physical bulk and a more powerful STAB attack. It does, however, lack one-turn recovery unlike Florges. Unfortunately, Sylveon's physical bulk is decidedly mediocre when uninvested, meaning that most strong neutral attacks, and even some resisted ones, can 2HKO it. Also, most Dragon-types generally carry coverage for Fairy-types, meaning Sylveon has to play carefully around them. Furthermore, Sylveon is also held back by a less than stellar base 60 Speed, meaning it can't do much against faster teams that apply a ton of offensive pressure.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Baton Pass / Shadow Ball
item: Choice Specs
ability: Pixilate
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Hyper Voice is Sylveon's go-to move, (AC) as, thanks to Pixilate, it becomes a very powerful STAB move that also bypasses Substitutes. Psyshock provides coverage against Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Crobat, although Hyper Voice can blow past these checks with just a little bit of prior damage. Hidden Power Fire is Sylveon's best option for Steel-types such as Escavalier and specially defensive Forretress. Baton Pass is the best option for the 4th fourth moveslot, as it allows Sylveon to provide the team with momentum while also allowing it to get out of any dangerous situations. Shadow Ball can be used over Hidden Power Fire or Psyshock to nail Pokemon such as Metagross and Bronzong harder than its other moves. Hidden Power Ground can be another option over Hidden Power Fire to gain excellent neutral coverage in conjunction with its STAB Hyper Voice.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs allows Sylveon to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Pixilate allows Sylveon to have a more powerful Fairy-type STAB attack in Hyper Voice. A Modest nature bolsters Sylveon's great base 110 Special Attack, (AC) while a Timid nature can surprise opponents by letting Sylveon outspeeding more threats while not missing out on any key OHKOs or 2HKOs. Choice Specs further boosts Sylveon's power.

Usage Tips
========

Sylveon is best used on bulky offense teams that appreciate a very powerful wallbreaker with a great all-around typing. Sylveon is fairly physically frail though, so it must be wary of switching into or staying in on powerful neutral hits, (AC) as it has no form of recovery. Sylveon should be wary of certain Dragon-types such as Salamence and Hydreigon, (AC) as they could be potentially carrying coverage for it. Sylveon should look for any opportunity to come in safely and proceed to spam Hyper Voice to wear down its checks and counters.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is the best partner for Sylveon, (AC) as it can threaten most of Sylveon's checks such as Bronzong, Metagross, Arcanine, and Cresselia by trapping them with Pursuit, crippling them with Knock Off, or hitting them hard with Earthquake. Sylveon helps out Krookodile as well by combating its Krookodile's main checks such as Mandibuzz and Chesnaught. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade have good defensive synergy with Sylveon and can threaten to sweep once Sylveon breaks down walls. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Froslass, Tentacruel, and Celebi can chip away at Sylveon's switch-ins, further wearing them down and allowing Sylveon to steamroll the foes. Specifically, Forretress can provide Spikes, switch into some of Sylveon's checks, and pivot into it with Volt Switch. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Swords Dance Cobalion appreciate Sylveon's ability to wear down their common checks so that they can power through, (AC) while Salamence and Cobalion also share type synergy with Sylveon's mono-Fairy typing. Pokemon that can beat opposing Steel-, Poison-, and Fire-types such as Entei, Infernape, and Mamoswine allows Sylveon to freely spam its STAB move.

[SET]
name: Cleric
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Wish
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Pixilate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Even without investment, Hyper Voice is still a moderately powerful STAB move thanks to Pixilate and as it can still 2HKO certain offensive Pokemon, but it fails to take care of more bulky Pokemon such as Suicune. Heal Bell gives cleric support to the team. Wish allows Sylveon to heal itself and its teammates. Protect allows Sylveon to scout the opponent while guaranteeing it can heal itself. Baton Pass can be an option over Heal Bell to safely heal your Sylveon's teammates, but Sylveon then loses out on the ability to provide clerical support for the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense EVs gives Sylveon as much physical bulk as possible. A Bold nature further reinforces Sylveon's below-average Defense stat. Leftovers gives Sylveon a way to passively recover HP. Pixilate is used because still works on this set as Sylveon can still hit hard with Hyper Voice even with no investment. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD and with a Calm nature allows Sylveon to take advantage of its amazing base 130 Special Defense stat while still investing in its Defense. A Bold nature can allow Sylveon to take on physical attacks such as +1 Salamence's Iron Tail and avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Heracross while having a harder time against strong special attackers such as Kyurem and Mega Sceptile. A Calm nature, however, can let Sylveon take on specially attacking threats better but at the cost of losing to those physical attackers.

Usage Tips
========

This set works better on more balanced teams, (AC) as it can offer up big Wishes as well as being able to take on some massive threats such as Salamence and Hydreigon. This set, despite the defensive investment, still needs to be wary of powerful neutral physical hits, (AC) as Sylveon can take quite a bit from Choice Band Entei, Choice Band Crobat, Mamoswine, and Mega Swampert.

Team Options
========

Steel-types that appreciate Wish support such as Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix resist Sylveon's Steel weakness and are immune to Sylveon's Poison weakness, (AC) while Sylveon can take on the Fighting-types for them. Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Salamence give the team more offensive presence, (AC) and while both have access to reliable recovery, they appreciate Sylveon's cleric support because as they no longer have to worry about being crippled by status. They also are able to switch into Fire-types such as Entei that can switch into Sylveon with ease. Water-types such as Suicune and Swampert take advantage of Sylveon's fat Wishes while also taking on powerful Fire-types such as Entei. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon like Crobat, Tentacruel, and Empoleon makes sure that Sylveon doesn't get worn down itself while keeping the team at an advantage against the opponent foe.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Calm Mind set with Pixie Plate can bluff Choice Specs and surprise some of it's its checks and counters or Baton Pass the boosts into another threatening Pokemon. Quick Attack can help pick off weakened threats, but it lacks power due to Sylveon's less than stellar base 65 Attack stat. Lastly, Hyper Beam can give Sylveon a very powerful nuke, but the recharge turn can give the opposing foe's Pokemon setup opportunities that the team may not want to set up.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Mega Aggron, Escavalier, and specially defensive Empoleon are at worst 3HKOed by Hyper Voice and have super effective STAB moves to fire back at Sylveon. Mega Aggron and Escavalier still have to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, though, as the former has no reliable recovery and the latter is OHKOed after one switch into Stealth Rock switch-in.

**Fire-types**: Entei, Darmanitan, and Arcanine can switch into Sylveon's STAB move, but they also suffer from a nasty Stealth Rock weakness, (AC) which, in the former's case, means they can be very easily worn down. (only Entei?)

**Poison-types**: Nidoqueen and Tentacruel can force Sylveon out with their STAB moves and the ability to outspeed it Sylveon. Both lack reliable recovery, however, meaning Sylveon can wear them down. Mega Beedrill can also check Sylveon offensively, (AC) as it can punish Sylveon switching out by clicking using U-turn and gaining momentum off of it. Crobat, while normally not carrying a Poison-type STAB move, can still threaten it out with a powerful Brave Bird.

**Powerful Physical Attackers**: Mamoswine, Krookodile, and Crawdaunt can all break past Sylveon with their STAB moves despite none of them being able to switch into Sylveon's STAB move themselves.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Blissey and Cresselia can switch into Sylveon's Hyper Voice with ease and heal off the damage with Soft-Boiled and Moonlight, (AC) respectively. Cresselia can even set up Calm Minds against it, punishing Sylveon for staying in and trying to constantly use Hyper Voice.

 

[nv]

GP 1/2

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Sylveon is one of the best wallbreakers in the UnderUsed tier thanks to Pixilate Hyper Voice being able to blast past frail resistant Pokemon resists. Its mono-Fairy typing allows it to switch into strong and powerful Dark-, Dragon-, and Fighting-type moves such as Hydreigon's Draco Meteor or and Heracross's Close Combat. Sylveon's 95 / 130 special bulk allows it to check some moderately powerful special attackers even if uninvested. Sylveon also gives Florges competition as a cleric, (AC) since it has more physical bulk and a more powerful STAB attack. It does, however, lack one-turn recovery unlike Florges. Unfortunately, Sylveon's physical bulk is decidedly mediocre when uninvested, meaning that most strong neutral attacks, and even some resisted ones, can 2HKO it. Also, most Dragon-types generally carry coverage for Fairy-types, meaning Sylveon has to play carefully around them. Furthermore, Sylveon is also held back by a less than stellar base 60 Speed, meaning it can't do much against faster teams that apply a ton of offensive pressure.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Baton Pass / Shadow Ball
item: Choice Specs
ability: Pixilate
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Hyper Voice is Sylveon's go-to move, (AC) as, thanks to Pixilate, it becomes a very powerful STAB move that also bypasses Substitutes. Psyshock provides coverage against Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Crobat, although Hyper Voice can blow past these checks with just a little bit of prior damage. Hidden Power Fire is Sylveon's best option for Steel-types such as Escavalier and specially defensive Forretress. Baton Pass is the best option for the 4th fourth moveslot, as it allows Sylveon to provide the team with momentum while also allowing it to get out of any dangerous situations. Shadow Ball can be used over Hidden Power Fire or Psyshock to nail Pokemon such as Metagross and Bronzong harder than its other moves. Hidden Power Ground can be another option over Hidden Power Fire to gain excellent neutral coverage in conjunction with its STAB Hyper Voice.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs allows Sylveon to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Pixilate allows Sylveon to have a more powerful Fairy-type STAB attack in Hyper Voice. A Modest nature bolsters Sylveon's great base 110 Special Attack, (AC) while a Timid nature can surprise opponents by letting Sylveon outspeeding more threats while not missing out on any key OHKOs or 2HKOs. Choice Specs further boosts Sylveon's power.

Usage Tips
========

Sylveon is best used on bulky offense teams that appreciate a very powerful wallbreaker with a great all-around typing. Sylveon is fairly physically frail though, so it must be wary of switching into or staying in on powerful neutral hits, (AC) as it has no form of recovery. Sylveon should be wary of certain Dragon-types such as Salamence and Hydreigon, (AC) as they could be potentially carrying coverage for it. Sylveon should look for any opportunity to come in safely and proceed to spam Hyper Voice to wear down its checks and counters.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is the best partner for Sylveon, (AC) as it can threaten most of Sylveon's checks such as Bronzong, Metagross, Arcanine, and Cresselia by trapping them with Pursuit, crippling them with Knock Off, or hitting them hard with Earthquake. Sylveon helps out Krookodile as well by combating its Krookodile's main checks such as Mandibuzz and Chesnaught. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade have good defensive synergy with Sylveon and can threaten to sweep once Sylveon breaks down walls. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Froslass, Tentacruel, and Celebi can chip away at Sylveon's switch-ins, further wearing them down and allowing Sylveon to steamroll the foes. Specifically, Forretress can provide Spikes, switch into some of Sylveon's checks, and pivot into it with Volt Switch. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Swords Dance Cobalion appreciate Sylveon's ability to wear down their common checks so that they can power through, (AC) while Salamence and Cobalion also share type synergy with Sylveon's mono-Fairy typing. Pokemon that can beat opposing Steel-, Poison-, and Fire-types such as Entei, Infernape, and Mamoswine allows Sylveon to freely spam its STAB move.

[SET]
name: Cleric
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Wish
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Pixilate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Even without investment, Hyper Voice is still a moderately powerful STAB move thanks to Pixilate and as it can still 2HKO certain offensive Pokemon, but it fails to take care of more bulky Pokemon such as Suicune. Heal Bell gives cleric support to the team. Wish allows Sylveon to heal itself and its teammates. Protect allows Sylveon to scout the opponent while guaranteeing it can heal itself. Baton Pass can be an option over Heal Bell to safely heal your Sylveon's teammates, but Sylveon then loses out on the ability to provide clerical support for the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense EVs gives Sylveon as much physical bulk as possible. A Bold nature further reinforces Sylveon's below-average Defense stat. Leftovers gives Sylveon a way to passively recover HP. Pixilate is used because still works on this set as Sylveon can still hit hard with Hyper Voice even with no investment. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD and with a Calm nature allows Sylveon to take advantage of its amazing base 130 Special Defense stat while still investing in its Defense. A Bold nature can allow Sylveon to take on physical attacks such as +1 Salamence's Iron Tail and avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Heracross while having a harder time against strong special attackers such as Kyurem and Mega Sceptile. A Calm nature, however, can let Sylveon take on specially attacking threats better but at the cost of losing to those physical attackers.

Usage Tips
========

This set works better on more balanced teams, (AC) as it can offer up big Wishes as well as being able to take on some massive threats such as Salamence and Hydreigon. This set, despite the defensive investment, still needs to be wary of powerful neutral physical hits, (AC) as Sylveon can take quite a bit from Choice Band Entei, Choice Band Crobat, Mamoswine, and Mega Swampert.

Team Options
========

Steel-types that appreciate Wish support such as Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix resist Sylveon's Steel weakness and are immune to Sylveon's Poison weakness, (AC) while Sylveon can take on the Fighting-types for them. Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Salamence give the team more offensive presence, (AC) and while both have access to reliable recovery, they appreciate Sylveon's cleric support because as they no longer have to worry about being crippled by status. They also are able to switch into Fire-types such as Entei that can switch into Sylveon with ease. Water-types such as Suicune and Swampert take advantage of Sylveon's fat Wishes while also taking on powerful Fire-types such as Entei. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon like Crobat, Tentacruel, and Empoleon makes sure that Sylveon doesn't get worn down itself while keeping the team at an advantage against the opponent foe.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Calm Mind set with Pixie Plate can bluff Choice Specs and surprise some of it's its checks and counters or Baton Pass the boosts into another threatening Pokemon. Quick Attack can help pick off weakened threats, but it lacks power due to Sylveon's less than stellar base 65 Attack stat. Lastly, Hyper Beam can give Sylveon a very powerful nuke, but the recharge turn can give the opposing foe's Pokemon setup opportunities that the team may not want to set up.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Mega Aggron, Escavalier, and specially defensive Empoleon are at worst 3HKOed by Hyper Voice and have super effective STAB moves to fire back at Sylveon. Mega Aggron and Escavalier still have to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, though, as the former has no reliable recovery and the latter is OHKOed after one switch into Stealth Rock switch-in.

**Fire-types**: Entei, Darmanitan, and Arcanine can switch into Sylveon's STAB move, but they also suffer from a nasty Stealth Rock weakness, (AC) which, in the former's case, means they can be very easily worn down. (only Entei?)

**Poison-types**: Nidoqueen and Tentacruel can force Sylveon out with their STAB moves and the ability to outspeed it Sylveon. Both lack reliable recovery, however, meaning Sylveon can wear them down. Mega Beedrill can also check Sylveon offensively, (AC) as it can punish Sylveon switching out by clicking using U-turn and gaining momentum off of it. Crobat, while normally not carrying a Poison-type STAB move, can still threaten it out with a powerful Brave Bird.

**Powerful Physical Attackers**: Mamoswine, Krookodile, and Crawdaunt can all break past Sylveon with their STAB moves despite none of them being able to switch into Sylveon's STAB move themselves.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Blissey and Cresselia can switch into Sylveon's Hyper Voice with ease and heal off the damage with Soft-Boiled and Moonlight, (AC) respectively. Cresselia can even set up Calm Minds against it, punishing Sylveon for staying in and trying to constantly use Hyper Voice.

Implemented n_n

 

[Haund]

add remove comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Sylveon is one of the best wallbreakers in the UnderUsed tier thanks to Pixilate Hyper Voice being able to blast past frail resistant Pokemon. Its mono-Fairy typing allows it to switch into strong and powerful Dark-, Dragon-, and Fighting-type moves such as Hydreigon's Draco Meteor and Heracross's Close Combat. Sylveon's 95 / 130 special bulk allows it to check some moderately powerful special attackers even if uninvested. Sylveon also gives Florges competition as a cleric, since it has more physical bulk and a more powerful STAB attack. It does, however, lack one-turn recovery unlike Florges. Unfortunately, Sylveon's physical bulk is decidedly mediocre when uninvested, meaning that most strong neutral attacks, and even some resisted ones, can 2HKO it. Also, most Dragon-types generally carry coverage for Fairy-types, meaning Sylveon has to play carefully around them. Furthermore, Sylveon is also held back by a less than stellar base 60 Speed, meaning it can't do much against faster teams that apply a ton of offensive pressure.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Baton Pass / Shadow Ball
item: Choice Specs ability: Pixilate
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Hyper Voice is Sylveon's go-to move, as, thanks to Pixilate, it becomes a very powerful STAB move that also bypasses Substitutes. Psyshock provides coverage against Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Crobat, although Hyper Voice can blow past these checks with just a little bit of prior damage. Hidden Power Fire is Sylveon's best option for Steel-types such as Escavalier and specially defensive Forretress. Baton Pass is the best option for the fourth moveslot, as it allows Sylveon to provide the team with momentum while also allowing it to get out of any dangerous situations. Shadow Ball can be used over Hidden Power Fire or Psyshock to nail Pokemon such as Metagross and Bronzong harder than its other moves. Hidden Power Ground can be another option over Hidden Power Fire to gain excellent neutral coverage in conjunction with its STAB Hyper Voice.

Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs allow Sylveon to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Pixilate allows Sylveon to have a more powerful Fairy-type STAB attack in Hyper Voice. A Modest nature bolsters Sylveon's great base 110 Special Attack, while a Timid nature can surprise opponents by letting Sylveon outspeed more threats while not missing out on any key OHKOs or 2HKOs. Choice Specs further boosts Sylveon's power.

Usage Tips
========

Sylveon is best used on bulky offense teams that appreciate a very powerful wallbreaker with a great all-around typing. Sylveon is fairly physically frail frail, though, so it must be wary of switching into or staying in on powerful neutral hits, as it has no form of recovery. Sylveon should be wary of certain Dragon-types such as Salamence and Hydreigon, as they could be carrying coverage for it. Sylveon should look for any opportunity to come in safely and proceed to spam Hyper Voice to wear down its checks and counters.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is the best partner for Sylveon, as it can threaten most of Sylveon's checks such as Bronzong, Metagross, Arcanine, and Cresselia by trapping them with Pursuit, crippling them with Knock Off, or hitting them hard with Earthquake. Sylveon helps out Krookodile as well by combating its main checks such as Mandibuzz and Chesnaught. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade have good defensive synergy with Sylveon and can threaten to sweep once Sylveon breaks down walls. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Froslass, Tentacruel, and Celebi can chip away at Sylveon's switch-ins, further wearing them down and allowing Sylveon to steamroll the opposing team. foes. Specifically, Forretress can provide Spikes, switch into some of Sylveon's checks, and pivot into it with Volt Switch. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Swords Dance Cobalion appreciate Sylveon's ability to wear down their common checks so that they can power through, while Salamence and Cobalion also share type synergy with Sylveon's mono-Fairy typing. Pokemon that can beat opposing Steel-, Poison-, and Fire-types such as Entei, Infernape, and Mamoswine allow Sylveon to freely spam its STAB move.

[SET]
name: Cleric
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Wish
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Pixilate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Even without investment, Hyper Voice is still a moderately powerful STAB move thanks to Pixilate and can still 2HKO certain offensive Pokemon, but it fails to take care of more bulky Pokemon threats such as Suicune. Heal Bell gives cleric support to the team. Wish allows Sylveon to heal itself and its teammates. Protect allows Sylveon to scout the opponent while guaranteeing it can heal itself. Baton Pass can be an option over Heal Bell to safely heal Sylveon's teammates, but Sylveon then loses out on the ability to provide clerical support for the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense EVs give Sylveon as much physical bulk as possible. A Bold nature further reinforces Sylveon's below-average Defense stat. Leftovers gives Sylveon a way to passively recover HP. Pixilate is used because Sylveon can still hit hard with Hyper Voice even with no investment. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD with a Calm nature allows Sylveon to take advantage of its amazing base 130 Special Defense while still investing in its Defense. A Bold nature can allow Sylveon to take on physical attacks such as +1 Salamence's Iron Tail and avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Heracross while having a harder time against strong special attackers such as Kyurem and Mega Sceptile. A Calm nature, however, can let Sylveon take on specially attacking threats better but at the cost of losing to those physical attackers.

Usage Tips
========

This set works better on more balanced teams, as it can offer up big Wishes as well as being able to take on some massive threats such as Salamence and Hydreigon. This set, despite the defensive investment, still needs to be wary of powerful neutral physical hits, as Sylveon can take quite a bit from Choice Band Entei, Choice Band Crobat, Mamoswine, and Mega Swampert.

Team Options
========

Steel-types that appreciate Wish support such as Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix resist Sylveon's Steel weakness and are immune to Sylveon's Poison weakness, while Sylveon can take on Fighting-types for them. Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Salamence give the team more offensive presence, and while both have access to reliable recovery, they appreciate Sylveon's cleric support because they no longer have to worry about being crippled by status. They also are able to switch into Fire-types such as Entei that can switch into Sylveon with ease. Water-types such as Suicune and Swampert take advantage of Sylveon's fat Wishes while also taking on powerful Fire-types such as Entei. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon like Crobat, Tentacruel, and Empoleon makes sure that Sylveon doesn't get worn down itself while keeping the team at an advantage against the opponent. [

STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Calm Mind set with Pixie Plate can bluff Choice Specs and surprise some of its Sylveon's checks and counters or Baton Pass the boosts to another threatening Pokemon. Quick Attack can help pick off weakened threats, but it lacks power due to Sylveon's less than stellar base 65 Attack. Lastly, Hyper Beam can give Sylveon a very powerful nuke, but the recharge turn can give the opposing Pokemon setup opportunities.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Mega Aggron, Escavalier, and specially defensive Empoleon are at worst 3HKOed by Hyper Voice and have super effective STAB moves to fire back at Sylveon. Mega Aggron and Escavalier still have to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, though, as the former has no reliable recovery and the latter is OHKOed after one switch into Stealth Rock.

**Fire-types**: Entei, Darmanitan, and Arcanine can switch into Sylveon's STAB move, but they also suffer from a nasty Stealth Rock weakness, which means they can be very easily worn down.

**Poison-types**: Nidoqueen and Tentacruel can force Sylveon out with their STAB moves and ability to outspeed it. Both lack reliable recovery, however, meaning Sylveon can wear them down. Mega Beedrill can also check Sylveon offensively, as it can punish Sylveon switching out by using U-turn and gaining momentum off of it. Crobat, while normally not carrying a Poison-type STAB move, can still threaten it out with a powerful Brave Bird.

**Powerful Physical Attackers**: Mamoswine, Krookodile, and Crawdaunt can all break past Sylveon with their STAB moves despite none of them being able to switch into Sylveon's STAB move themselves.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Blissey and Cresselia can switch into Sylveon's Hyper Voice with ease and heal off the damage with Soft-Boiled and Moonlight, respectively. Cresselia can even set up Calm Minds against it, punishing Sylveon for staying in and trying to constantly use Hyper Voice.

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[OVERVIEW]

Sylveon is one of the best wallbreakers in the UnderUsed tier thanks to Pixilate Hyper Voice being able to blast past frail resistant Pokemon. Its mono-Fairy typing allows it to switch into strong and powerful Dark-, Dragon-, and Fighting-type moves such as Hydreigon's Draco Meteor and Heracross's Close Combat. Sylveon's 95 / 130 special bulk allows it to check some moderately powerful special attackers even if uninvested. Sylveon also gives Florges competition as a cleric, since it has more physical bulk and a more powerful STAB attack. It does, however, lack one-turn recovery unlike Florges. Unfortunately, Sylveon's physical bulk is decidedly mediocre when uninvested, meaning that most strong neutral attacks, and even some resisted ones, can 2HKO it. Also, most Dragon-types generally carry coverage for Fairy-types, meaning Sylveon has to play carefully around them. Furthermore, Sylveon is also held back by a less than stellar base 60 Speed, meaning it can't do much against faster teams that apply a ton of offensive pressure.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Baton Pass / Shadow Ball
item: Choice Specs ability: Pixilate
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Hyper Voice is Sylveon's go-to move, as, thanks to Pixilate, it becomes a very powerful STAB move that also bypasses Substitutes. Psyshock provides coverage against Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Crobat, although Hyper Voice can blow past these checks with just a little bit of prior damage. Hidden Power Fire is Sylveon's best option for Steel-types such as Escavalier and specially defensive Forretress. Baton Pass is the best option for the fourth moveslot, as it allows Sylveon to provide the team with momentum while also allowing it to get out of any dangerous situations. Shadow Ball can be used over Hidden Power Fire or Psyshock to nail Pokemon such as Metagross and Bronzong harder than its other moves. Hidden Power Ground can be another option over Hidden Power Fire to gain excellent neutral coverage in conjunction with its STAB Hyper Voice.

Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs allow Sylveon to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Pixilate allows Sylveon to have a more powerful Fairy-type STAB attack in Hyper Voice. A Modest nature bolsters Sylveon's great base 110 Special Attack, while a Timid nature can surprise opponents by letting Sylveon outspeed more threats while not missing out on any key OHKOs or 2HKOs. Choice Specs further boosts Sylveon's power.

Usage Tips
========

Sylveon is best used on bulky offense teams that appreciate a very powerful wallbreaker with a great all-around typing. Sylveon is fairly physically frail frail, though, so it must be wary of switching into or staying in on powerful neutral hits, as it has no form of recovery. Sylveon should be wary of certain Dragon-types such as Salamence and Hydreigon, as they could be carrying coverage for it. Sylveon should look for any opportunity to come in safely and proceed to spam Hyper Voice to wear down its checks and counters.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is the best partner for Sylveon, as it can threaten most of Sylveon's checks such as Bronzong, Metagross, Arcanine, and Cresselia by trapping them with Pursuit, crippling them with Knock Off, or hitting them hard with Earthquake. Sylveon helps out Krookodile as well by combating its main checks such as Mandibuzz and Chesnaught. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade have good defensive synergy with Sylveon and can threaten to sweep once Sylveon breaks down walls. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Froslass, Tentacruel, and Celebi can chip away at Sylveon's switch-ins, further wearing them down and allowing Sylveon to steamroll the opposing team. foes. Specifically, Forretress can provide Spikes, switch into some of Sylveon's checks, and pivot into it with Volt Switch. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Swords Dance Cobalion appreciate Sylveon's ability to wear down their common checks so that they can power through, while Salamence and Cobalion also share type synergy with Sylveon's mono-Fairy typing. Pokemon that can beat opposing Steel-, Poison-, and Fire-types such as Entei, Infernape, and Mamoswine allow Sylveon to freely spam its STAB move.

[SET]
name: Cleric
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Wish
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Pixilate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Even without investment, Hyper Voice is still a moderately powerful STAB move thanks to Pixilate and can still 2HKO certain offensive Pokemon, but it fails to take care of more bulky Pokemon threats such as Suicune. Heal Bell gives cleric support to the team. Wish allows Sylveon to heal itself and its teammates. Protect allows Sylveon to scout the opponent while guaranteeing it can heal itself. Baton Pass can be an option over Heal Bell to safely heal Sylveon's teammates, but Sylveon then loses out on the ability to provide clerical support for the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense EVs give Sylveon as much physical bulk as possible. A Bold nature further reinforces Sylveon's below-average Defense stat. Leftovers gives Sylveon a way to passively recover HP. Pixilate is used because Sylveon can still hit hard with Hyper Voice even with no investment. An EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD with a Calm nature allows Sylveon to take advantage of its amazing base 130 Special Defense while still investing in its Defense. A Bold nature can allow Sylveon to take on physical attacks such as +1 Salamence's Iron Tail and avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Heracross while having a harder time against strong special attackers such as Kyurem and Mega Sceptile. A Calm nature, however, can let Sylveon take on specially attacking threats better but at the cost of losing to those physical attackers.

Usage Tips
========

This set works better on more balanced teams, as it can offer up big Wishes as well as being able to take on some massive threats such as Salamence and Hydreigon. This set, despite the defensive investment, still needs to be wary of powerful neutral physical hits, as Sylveon can take quite a bit from Choice Band Entei, Choice Band Crobat, Mamoswine, and Mega Swampert.

Team Options
========

Steel-types that appreciate Wish support such as Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix resist Sylveon's Steel weakness and are immune to Sylveon's Poison weakness, while Sylveon can take on Fighting-types for them. Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Salamence give the team more offensive presence, and while both have access to reliable recovery, they appreciate Sylveon's cleric support because they no longer have to worry about being crippled by status. They also are able to switch into Fire-types such as Entei that can switch into Sylveon with ease. Water-types such as Suicune and Swampert take advantage of Sylveon's fat Wishes while also taking on powerful Fire-types such as Entei. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon like Crobat, Tentacruel, and Empoleon makes sure that Sylveon doesn't get worn down itself while keeping the team at an advantage against the opponent. [

STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Calm Mind set with Pixie Plate can bluff Choice Specs and surprise some of its Sylveon's checks and counters or Baton Pass the boosts to another threatening Pokemon. Quick Attack can help pick off weakened threats, but it lacks power due to Sylveon's less than stellar base 65 Attack. Lastly, Hyper Beam can give Sylveon a very powerful nuke, but the recharge turn can give the opposing Pokemon setup opportunities.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Mega Aggron, Escavalier, and specially defensive Empoleon are at worst 3HKOed by Hyper Voice and have super effective STAB moves to fire back at Sylveon. Mega Aggron and Escavalier still have to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, though, as the former has no reliable recovery and the latter is OHKOed after one switch into Stealth Rock.

**Fire-types**: Entei, Darmanitan, and Arcanine can switch into Sylveon's STAB move, but they also suffer from a nasty Stealth Rock weakness, which means they can be very easily worn down.

**Poison-types**: Nidoqueen and Tentacruel can force Sylveon out with their STAB moves and ability to outspeed it. Both lack reliable recovery, however, meaning Sylveon can wear them down. Mega Beedrill can also check Sylveon offensively, as it can punish Sylveon switching out by using U-turn and gaining momentum off of it. Crobat, while normally not carrying a Poison-type STAB move, can still threaten it out with a powerful Brave Bird.

**Powerful Physical Attackers**: Mamoswine, Krookodile, and Crawdaunt can all break past Sylveon with their STAB moves despite none of them being able to switch into Sylveon's STAB move themselves.

**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Blissey and Cresselia can switch into Sylveon's Hyper Voice with ease and heal off the damage with Soft-Boiled and Moonlight, respectively. Cresselia can even set up Calm Minds against it, punishing Sylveon for staying in and trying to constantly use Hyper Voice.

2/2

This is implemented and what may be the final ORAS UU analysis is now DONE.

 

[IronBullet]

That's all she wrote folks!