[OVERVIEW]
- Tapu Bulu is a staple on Trick Room teams due to its immense role compression.
- Not only does it check Ash-Greninja and resist Ground-type moves, but it also provides Grassy Terrain for the team, mitigating opposing Tapu Lele's effectiveness, weakening Garchomp and Landorus-T's Earthquake, and providing surprisingly effective passive healing.
- Furthermore, it's able to deal heavy damage and sustain itself with Swords Dance and Horn Leech.
- Outside of Trick Room, Tapu Bulu can use a Choice Band set, making the most of its Terrain-boosted STAB attacks and coverage options like Superpower, Stone Edge, Megahorn.
- Though, Tapu Bulu is generally outdone by other Grass-types, as its average speed and reliance on Wood Hammer or Choice Band to use free turns most effectively wears it down quickly and makes it rather prediection reliant
- Jumbao has superior defensive qualities, Kartana has higher base speed, and Necturna can sweep better with either Belly Drum or Shell Smash.
[SET]
name: Trick Room Wallbreaker
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Horn Leech is used over Wood Hammer for survivability, and with Swords Dance extremely easy to set up under Trick Room, Wood Hammer's power isn't missed. Notably, Horn Leech boosted by Grassy Terrain and Life Orb nearly always OHKOs Volkraken and always OHKOs Kitsunoh at +2.
- Superpower OHKOes all variants of Kartana, Ferrothorn, Heatran unboosted. At +2, it OHKOes all Magearna, Mega Mawile, and Celesteela, as well as Tangrowth after some prior damage.
- Stone Edge most notably OHKOes Tornadus-T and Volcarona and has a chance to OHKO Aurumoth unboosted, but it also hits niche picks like Pyroak and Mollux, which can annoy Tapu Bulu's common teammates like Mega Mawile.
- Megahorn can be run to OHKO Aurumoth and nearly OHKO Tangrowth without requiring a boost.
Set Details
========
- Life Orb is used to boost all of Tapu Bulu's attacks, and its recoil is mitigated by Grassy Terrain's healing.
- 4 Speed EVs ensures Tapu Bulu outspeeds Arghonaut outside of Trick Room, as it commonly appears alongside bulky Steel-types that Tapu Bulu would rather deal with outside of Trick Room.
Usage Tips
========
- Under Trick Room, switching Tapu Bulu into Pokemon like Arghonaut, Choice Specs Greninja, Garchomp, and Landorus-T is generally safest, though watch out for Protean Greninja, Garchomp's Continental Crush, and Landrous-T's Supersonic Skystrike.
- Switching into Tapu Lele or certain attacks like Kartana's Sacred Sword or Krilowatt's Thunderbolt can be risky, but Tapu Bulu can regain momentum under Trick Room.
- Instead of attacking, Tapu Bulu can switch in and double out, as Grassy Terrain will allow another teammate to withstand Earthquake from Landorus-T or Excadrill and the teammate will be able to stomach Supersonic Skystrike and Iron Head.
- If there are several Trick Room turns left, and Tapu Bulu is forcing a switch or can live another attack, it's almost always best to use Swords Dance, as Horn Leech can pick up easy OHKOs while healing Tapu Bulu in the process.
- However, Ferrothorn, defensive Magaerna, and Celesteela pose problems for Tapu Bulu, as it must use Superpower to overwhelm these Pokemon but can only outspeed them outside of Trick Room. While under Trick Room, use Superpower to dent them on the switch or switch to a teammate that can more easily overwhelm them.
- Tapu Bulu can use Swords Dance multiple times to overcome the Attack drop from burn, though be sure not to let Grassy Terrain run out too quickly.
Team Options
========
- The Trick Room-setting core of Fidgit, Slowking, and Magearna can generally set up Trick Room against every Pokemon in the metagame, allowing Tapu Bulu ample setup opportunities. In return, Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain provides them some passive healing and better defense against Earthquake.
- Mega Mawile, Crawdaunt, and Hoopa-U can overwhelm opposing Steel-types with Tapu Bulu with their Swords Dance- or Nasty Plot-boosted attacks
- On the other hand, Mega Camerupt and Alolan Marowak can roast those Steel-types, while Tapu Bulu can switch into Arghonaut readily. Mega Camerupt in particular appreciates Grassy Terrain support for Nature Power, and Alolan Marowak can avoid using weakened Earthquakes by opting for Bonemerang.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Stone Edge / Megahorn
item: Choice Band
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Wood Hammer is used for its massive power, 2HKOing even resists like Assault Vest Tangrowth, Magearna, and Jumbao and OHKOing frailer resists like offensive Tornadus-T and Mega Latios.
- Horn Leech allows Tapu Bulu to recover its HP without sacrificing too much power.
- Superpower allows Tapu Bulu to hit Heatran, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn, which would otherwise tank Wood Hammer.
- Stone Edge OHKOs all Torandus-T, Volcarona, and Aurumoth, while Megahorn OHKOs Tangrowth after Stealth Rock damage and still covers Aurumoth.
Set Details
========
- An Adamant nature is chosen to maximize Tapu Bulu's power, but a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed Modest Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
- Switching into Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, and Tapu Fini is generally best, as they can't cripple Tapu Bulu well.
- Since many teams have Pokemon that force Tapu Bulu out, it generally has only one turn per switch-in to be most effective.
- When at high HP, Tapu Bulu should generally use Wood Hammer to punch a hole in the opposing team.
- As Tapu Bulu gets worn down, though, Horn Leech should be used to recover health while still placing pressure on the opposing team.
- However, if Heatran, Celesteela, or Ferrothorn is predicted to switch in, Superpower should be used.
- Similarly, Stone Edge or Megahorn should be used to remove Grass-type resists without wearing Tapu Bulu down excessively with Wood Hammer.
Team Options
========
- Kartana appreciates Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain support, and together they can overwhelm the opposing team's Grass-type resists.
- Choice Scarf Volkraken naturally draws in Water-types like Arghonaut and Toxapex and can use U-turn to give Tapu Bulu a free switch-in.
- Bulky setup sweepers like Aurumoth and Magearna appreciate Tapu Bulu's ability to punch holes in the opposing team, and the passive healing from Grassy Terrain can make them harder to KO.
- Entry hazard setters like Heatran, Arghonaut, and Greninja help Tapu Bulu achieve OHKOs more easily.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- If the team's Z-Crystal hasn't been taken by another teammate, Trick Room Tapu Bulu can use it. Rockium Z is generally best to avoid Stone Edge's awful accuracy, but Grassium Z can be used for a generally more powerful move. However, Tapu Bulu usually enjoys the overall, consistent boost of Life Orb.
- Swords Dance can be used outside of Trick Room, but Tapu Bulu is usually forced out after a turn anyway, making it hard to use against most offensive teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Rocky Helmet Tornadus-T and defensive Zapdos can punish Tapu Bulu but must watch out for Choice Band-boosted Wood Hammer or Stone Edge.
**Steel-types**: Celesteela, Kitsunoh, and Magearna are able to withstand unboosted Superpower and can retaliate with their Steel-type STAB moves or, in Magearna's case, setting up. Trick Room Tapu Bulu can more easily break through Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, but they can underspeed it under Trick Room. Kartana must watch out for Superpower but can force out Tapu Bulu with Smart Strike.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Assault Vest Tangrowth can underspeed Tapu Bulu under Trick Room and can OHKO it with Sludge Bomb, and it can withstand any Choice Band-boosted attack barring Megahorn and retaliate with Sludge Bomb.
**Fire-types**: Heatran and Volkraken are able to force out Choice Band Tapu Bulu if they switch in safely, but Trick Room Tapu Bulu can easily remove them if Trick Room is active.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Tapu Bulu is a staple on Trick Room teams due to its immense role compression.
- Not only does it check Ash-Greninja and resist Ground-type moves, but it also provides Grassy Terrain for the team, mitigating opposing Tapu Lele's effectiveness, weakening Garchomp and Landorus-T's Earthquake, and providing surprisingly effective passive healing.
- Furthermore, it's able to deal heavy damage and sustain itself with Swords Dance and Horn Leech.
- Outside of Trick Room, Tapu Bulu can use a Choice Band set, making the most of its Terrain-boosted STAB attacks and coverage options like Superpower, Stone Edge, Megahorn.
- Though, Tapu Bulu is generally outdone by other Grass-types, as its average speed and reliance on Wood Hammer or Choice Band to use free turns most effectively wears it down quickly and makes it rather prediection reliant
- Jumbao has superior defensive qualities, Kartana has higher base speed, and Necturna can sweep better with either Belly Drum or Shell Smash.
[SET]
name: Trick Room Wallbreaker
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Horn Leech is used over Wood Hammer for survivability, and with Swords Dance extremely easy to set up under Trick Room, Wood Hammer's power isn't missed. Notably, Horn Leech boosted by Grassy Terrain and Life Orb nearly always OHKOs Volkraken and always OHKOs Kitsunoh at +2.
- Superpower OHKOes all variants of Kartana, Ferrothorn, Heatran unboosted. At +2, it OHKOes all Magearna, Mega Mawile, and Celesteela, as well as Tangrowth after some prior damage.
- Stone Edge most notably OHKOes Tornadus-T and Volcarona and has a chance to OHKO Aurumoth unboosted, but it also hits niche picks like Pyroak and Mollux, which can annoy Tapu Bulu's common teammates like Mega Mawile.
- Megahorn can be run to OHKO Aurumoth and nearly OHKO Tangrowth without requiring a boost.
Set Details
========
- Life Orb is used to boost all of Tapu Bulu's attacks, and its recoil is mitigated by Grassy Terrain's healing.
- 4 Speed EVs ensures Tapu Bulu outspeeds Arghonaut outside of Trick Room, as it commonly appears alongside bulky Steel-types that Tapu Bulu would rather deal with outside of Trick Room.
Usage Tips
========
- Under Trick Room, switching Tapu Bulu into Pokemon like Arghonaut, Choice Specs Greninja, Garchomp, and Landorus-T is generally safest, though watch out for Protean Greninja, Garchomp's Continental Crush, and Landrous-T's Supersonic Skystrike.
- Switching into Tapu Lele or certain attacks like Kartana's Sacred Sword or Krilowatt's Thunderbolt can be risky, but Tapu Bulu can regain momentum under Trick Room.
- Instead of attacking, Tapu Bulu can switch in and double out, as Grassy Terrain will allow another teammate to withstand Earthquake from Landorus-T or Excadrill and the teammate will be able to stomach Supersonic Skystrike and Iron Head.
- If there are several Trick Room turns left, and Tapu Bulu is forcing a switch or can live another attack, it's almost always best to use Swords Dance, as Horn Leech can pick up easy OHKOs while healing Tapu Bulu in the process.
- However, Ferrothorn, defensive Magaerna, and Celesteela pose problems for Tapu Bulu, as it must use Superpower to overwhelm these Pokemon but can only outspeed them outside of Trick Room. While under Trick Room, use Superpower to dent them on the switch or switch to a teammate that can more easily overwhelm them.
- Tapu Bulu can use Swords Dance multiple times to overcome the Attack drop from burn, though be sure not to let Grassy Terrain run out too quickly.
Team Options
========
- The Trick Room-setting core of Fidgit, Slowking, and Magearna can generally set up Trick Room against every Pokemon in the metagame, allowing Tapu Bulu ample setup opportunities. In return, Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain provides them some passive healing and better defense against Earthquake.
- Mega Mawile, Crawdaunt, and Hoopa-U can overwhelm opposing Steel-types with Tapu Bulu with their Swords Dance- or Nasty Plot-boosted attacks
- On the other hand, Mega Camerupt and Alolan Marowak can roast those Steel-types, while Tapu Bulu can switch into Arghonaut readily. Mega Camerupt in particular appreciates Grassy Terrain support for Nature Power, and Alolan Marowak can avoid using weakened Earthquakes by opting for Bonemerang.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Stone Edge / Megahorn
item: Choice Band
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Wood Hammer is used for its massive power, 2HKOing even resists like Assault Vest Tangrowth, Magearna, and Jumbao and OHKOing frailer resists like offensive Tornadus-T and Mega Latios.
- Horn Leech allows Tapu Bulu to recover its HP without sacrificing too much power.
- Superpower allows Tapu Bulu to hit Heatran, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn, which would otherwise tank Wood Hammer.
- Stone Edge OHKOs all Torandus-T, Volcarona, and Aurumoth, while Megahorn OHKOs Tangrowth after Stealth Rock damage and still covers Aurumoth.
Set Details
========
- An Adamant nature is chosen to maximize Tapu Bulu's power, but a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed Modest Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
- Switching into Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, and Tapu Fini is generally best, as they can't cripple Tapu Bulu well.
- Since many teams have Pokemon that force Tapu Bulu out, it generally has only one turn per switch-in to be most effective.
- When at high HP, Tapu Bulu should generally use Wood Hammer to punch a hole in the opposing team.
- As Tapu Bulu gets worn down, though, Horn Leech should be used to recover health while still placing pressure on the opposing team.
- However, if Heatran, Celesteela, or Ferrothorn is predicted to switch in, Superpower should be used.
- Similarly, Stone Edge or Megahorn should be used to remove Grass-type resists without wearing Tapu Bulu down excessively with Wood Hammer.
Team Options
========
- Kartana appreciates Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain support, and together they can overwhelm the opposing team's Grass-type resists.
- Choice Scarf Volkraken naturally draws in Water-types like Arghonaut and Toxapex and can use U-turn to give Tapu Bulu a free switch-in.
- Bulky setup sweepers like Aurumoth and Magearna appreciate Tapu Bulu's ability to punch holes in the opposing team, and the passive healing from Grassy Terrain can make them harder to KO.
- Entry hazard setters like Heatran, Arghonaut, and Greninja help Tapu Bulu achieve OHKOs more easily.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- If the team's Z-Crystal hasn't been taken by another teammate, Trick Room Tapu Bulu can use it. Rockium Z is generally best to avoid Stone Edge's awful accuracy, but Grassium Z can be used for a generally more powerful move. However, Tapu Bulu usually enjoys the overall, consistent boost of Life Orb.
- Swords Dance can be used outside of Trick Room, but Tapu Bulu is usually forced out after a turn anyway, making it hard to use against most offensive teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Rocky Helmet Tornadus-T and defensive Zapdos can punish Tapu Bulu but must watch out for Choice Band-boosted Wood Hammer or Stone Edge.
**Steel-types**: Celesteela, Kitsunoh, and Magearna are able to withstand unboosted Superpower and can retaliate with their Steel-type STAB moves or, in Magearna's case, setting up. Trick Room Tapu Bulu can more easily break through Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, but they can underspeed it under Trick Room. Kartana must watch out for Superpower but can force out Tapu Bulu with Smart Strike.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Assault Vest Tangrowth can underspeed Tapu Bulu under Trick Room and can OHKO it with Sludge Bomb, and it can withstand any Choice Band-boosted attack barring Megahorn and retaliate with Sludge Bomb.
**Fire-types**: Heatran and Volkraken are able to force out Choice Band Tapu Bulu if they switch in safely, but Trick Room Tapu Bulu can easily remove them if Trick Room is active.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
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