UU Tapu Bulu [QC: 3/3] [GP: 2/2]

[Twilight]

[OVERVIEW]

Tapu Bulu is a decent wallbreaker that provides defensive utility to its team with passive recovery through its Grassy Surge. Tapu Bulu has a great movepool with coverage options like Close Combat, Zen Headbutt, and Stone Edge, which break through potential checks such as Celesteela, Amoonguss, and Moltres. Its decent defensive typing allows it to check threats like Krookodile and Keldeo, though it does have to be wary of the latter crippling it with a Scald burn and hitting it with Choice Specs-boosted Air Slash or Icy Wind. While Tapu Bulu's typing has many useful resistances, it comes at the cost of having a lot of weaknesses to common attacking types. Its 4x weakness to Poison notably prevents it from being a consistent switch-in to foes like Kommo-o and Thundurus. Tapu Bulu has a rather mediocre Speed tier that leaves it outpaced by common threats such as Chandelure and Mamoswine. The tier has an abundance of defensive checks to Tapu Bulu, such as Salamence, Amoonguss, and Aegislash, which makes it difficult for Tapu Bulu to make much progress as a wallbreaker, especially when multiple of these checks are naturally found on the same team.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Stone Edge / Close Combat
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Horn Leech is the preferred STAB option thanks to its recovery and respectable damage. Stone Edge is crucial coverage to break past Pokemon like Chandelure, Moltres, and Salamence. Close Combat lets Tapu Bulu break through Cobalion and hit other Steel-types like Scizor and Celesteela harder; however, dropping Stone Edge leaves it unable to punish the common Flying-types, particularly Moltres, which can fish for a burn with Flame Body. Zen Headbutt breaks through Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Buzzwole. Megahorn can help against Tangrowth; however, its coverage isn't very useful otherwise. Darkest Lariat can be used to hit Pokemon like Jirachi, Aegislash, and Chandelure harder. Life Orb with an Adamant nature gives +2 Tapu Bulu the extra power needed to KO foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela. A Jolly nature can be used to outspeed Timid Volcanion and Modest Nidoqueen, though Adamant's power is generally valued more.

Tapu Bulu fits best on offense and balance teams that appreciate its combination of utility and wallbreaking potential. Thundurus can bring Tapu Bulu in safely against foes such as Rhyperior and Seismitoad, giving it free opportunities to use Swords Dance. Thundurus can also remove foes like Moltres and Scizor and wear down Kommo-o and Amoonguss into KO range of Tapu Bulu's attacks. Other wallbreakers like Conkeldurr and Nidoqueen can help break through defensive cores that Tapu Bulu struggles with. Nidoqueen can also provide Stealth Rock to help bring foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela into OHKO range of +2 Tapu Bulu. Keldeo appreciates Tapu Bulu being able to lure in and remove bulky Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Tentacruel is appreciated as another Water-resistant Pokemon, as Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk a burn from Keldeo's Scald, for example. Although Tapu Bulu is a Fairy-type, it struggles to consistently check a majority of Dragon-types, such as Salamence and Kommo-o, due to its lack of a good Fairy-type attack and its weakness to their common coverage. For this reason, partners like Celesteela and Mew are imperative.

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

Synthesis is an option over Swords Dance to check Pokemon like Keldeo and Thundurus more reliably. Choice Band is an option that gives Tapu Bulu even more power; however, it requires a lot more prediction to break through its checks like Amoonguss, and Wood Hammer recoil can wear it down quickly. A Choice Scarf set can be used to revenge kill foes like Thundurus and Noivern; however, it primarily relies on surprise factor to do so. A specially defensive Tapu Bulu set with Horn Leech / Darkest Lariat / Synthesis and either Bulk Up or Swords Dance can be used as a better switch-in to foes like Keldeo and Thundurus-T. However, this set is a huge momentum drain against foes like Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Celesteela. An Assault Vest set improves its matchup against the aforementioned foes while retaining an offensive presence; however, it can be easily overwhelmed by special attackers such as Primarina. Dazzling Gleam can be used to KO Kommo-o and possibly break past Salamence; however, it is extremely weak and only useful for these select few matchups.

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

**Fire-types**: Chandelure is a relatively safe switch-in to Tapu Bulu's most spammable moves and threatens to OHKO it. Rotom-H has to be wary of taking Close Combat; however, it can threaten to OHKO with Overheat and use Tapu Bulu as a free Volt Switch or Defog opportunity. Moltres has to be wary of Stone Edge but otherwise freely switches into Tapu Bulu and threatens to burn it with Flame Body or KO it with a STAB move.

**Steel-types**: Many of UU's more common Steel-types like Celesteela, Scizor, and Jirachi take neutral damage from Close Combat and threaten to KO Tapu Bulu. Aegislash can comfortably stomach any hit in Shield forme and OHKO it in return.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Amoonguss and Tangrowth threaten to OHKO Tapu Bulu with Sludge Bomb. They have to be wary of +2 Zen Headbutt and Megahorn, respectively, but otherwise cannot be OHKOed and heal damage with Regenerator.

**Salamence**: Salamence is a huge issue for Tapu Bulu, as it resists the coverage it commonly carries and has Flying-type attacks, though it has to be wary of Stone Edge. Intimidate makes it much easier for Salamence to stomach any hit from Tapu Bulu.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[hilomilo, 313384], [Estarossa, 461329], [Lilburr, 481709]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Bandkrook, 301217], [CryoGyro, 331519]]

 

[Hilomilo]

[OVERVIEW]

- Tapu Bulu is a strong wallbreaker in the UU tier that can provide defensive utility to its team through its ability Grassy Surge. I'd expand on this more by talking about both the passive recovery it offers and enabling Grassy Seed mons like Reun/Glowbro on more dedicated terrain teams.

- Tapu Bulu has a decent defensive typing allowing it to check threats like Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo, though the former can cripple Tapu Bulu with a Scald burn.

I think its positives need some more substance here and bringing up its strong coverage in particular sounds like it could be important for the overview. You could also consider bringing up its set versatility here given the different roles sd/scarf/3 attacks can perform.

- Speed tier leaves Tapu Bulu outpaced by a lot of common threats such as Chandelure and Mamoswine.

- While its typing has useful resistances, Tapu Bulu also has a lot of weaknesses to common attack types. Its 4x weakness to Poison-type attacks notably prevents it from beating foes like Kommo-o and Tangrowth easily due to their access to Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb respectively.

- The tier has an abundance of defensive checks to Tapu Bulu such as Salamence, Amoonguss, and Skarmory, which prevent it from making as much progress in a game.

- Faces some competition from Zarude as a Choice Scarf Grass-type. Even 3 Atk + recovery sets can be done well by Zarude and can cure itself of status ailments with Jungle Healing. Maybe a little more expansion on the advantages Zarude specifically offers with typing + Speed tier and pivoting. Also this line in general could use some polishing since it doesn't quite have the flow of an analysis with its phrasing/grammar.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

- Horn Leech is the preferred thanks to the recovery it provides while still providing a respectably strong Grass-type STAB.

- Close Combat is mandatory coverage to help Tapu Bulu break through Steel-types like Bisharp, Scizor, and Celesteela. It also gives it super effective coverage for Kyurem and neutral coverage for Kommo-o.

- Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Latias and, after a Swords Dance boost, Tangrowth. It also provides it with strong enough coverage to KO Amoonguss after Stealth Rock and prevents foes like Victini from carelessly switching into it.

- Zen Headbutt is a more reliable means of breaking through Amoonguss and Kommo-o. It is also Tapu Bulu's only means of breaking through the rare Galarian Weezing.

Darkest Lariat is in OO right now but I think it could be worth mentioning here tbh as long as you emphasize drawbacks of not breaking Grass-types. Up to you though

- Life Orb with an Adamant gives Tapu Bulu the extra power to KO foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela after a Swords Dance boost.

- Jolly can allow Tapu Bulu to outspeed Timid Volcanion and Modest Nidoqueen, though the extra power Adamant provides is generally valued more.

Paragraph 2

- Victini can bring Tapu Bulu in safely against foes such as Rhyperior and Slowking giving it free opportunities to set up a Swords Dance and wallbreak. Victini can also remove foes like Skarmory and Scizor for Tapu Bulu, as well as wear down Kommo-o into range of Tapu Bulu's attacks.

- Other wallbreakers like Terrakion and Nidoqueen can help break through defensive cores that Tapu Bulu struggles with. Both can also provide Stealth Rock support to help bring foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela into OHKO range after a Swords Dance.

Maybe a more specific line here on entry hazard support. You briefly mention it above but I think adding more examples of setters that have good synergy with Bulu could help here.

- Late-game cleaners such as Keldeo and Belly Drum Azumarill appreciate Tapu Bulu being able to lure in and remove bulky Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Galarian Slowbro appreciates Tapu Bulu being able to force damage against the tier's Steel-types helping it clean more easily. Tapu Bulu can also help check Dark-types like Krookodile and Crawdaunt, as well as make Galarian Slowbro difficult to revenge kill if it carries Grassy Seed.

- Alternative Water-resistant Pokemon like Slowking and Latias are appreciated to switch into a Pokemon like Keldeo because not only does it potentially carry super effective coverage, but Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk continuously switching into a potential Scald and being crippled by a burn.

- Although Tapu Bulu is immune to Dragon-type attacks it struggles to consistently check a majority of them, such as Latias and Kommo-o, due to Tapu Bulu's lack of available Fairy-type physical STAB and both commonly carrying super effective coverage against it. For this reason, partners like Celesteela and the aforementioned Slowking are imperative to help ease these matchups.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

- Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu is a decent revenge killer with a respectable amount of offensive presence thanks to Grassy Surge boosting the power of its Grass-type STAB moves.

- Wood Hammer is Tapu Bulu's strongest Grass-type option helping it KO foes such as Nidoqueen and Tentacruel after Stealth Rock.

- Horn Leech provides Tapu Bulu with a strong form of reliable recovery, notably helping offset the recoil drawbacks of Wood Hammer.

- Close Combat allows Tapu Bulu to hit Steel- and Fire-types like Bisharp, Rotom-H, and Magnezone, as well as provide it coverage for Kyurem.

- Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Latias and dent Grass-types like Tangrowth.

- Zen Headbutt allows Tapu Bulu to revenge kill Kommo-o more easily and give it a means to 2HKO Amoonguss.

- A Jolly nature allows Tapu Bulu to outspeed Adamant Zeraora and Jolly Gyarados after a Dragon Dance boost.

Paragraph 2

- Tapu Bulu should primarily be used to revenge kill foes such as Zeraora, Terrakion, and Latias. Partners like Keldeo and Victini appreciate Tapu Bulu being able to remove these faster foes that would usually revenge kill them, in return, they can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely with their pivoting moves. Choice Specs Keldeo and Choice Band Victini can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of immediate strength to help overwhelm foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela.

- Salamence and Kyurem can help remove foes like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Celesteela helping Tapu Bulu potentially clean late-game. Salamence can also help check foes like Victini and Scizor for Tapu Bulu.

- Celesteela, Rotom-H, and Slowking can help alleviate Tapu Bulu potentially letting foes like Latias and Scizor set up for free if locked into an unideal move. Rotom-H and Slowking can bring Tapu Bulu in safely, the former also checking Mamoswine.

- Entry hazard support is crucial from partners like Mew, Nidoqueen, and Seismitoad to help bring foes like Kyurem, Latias, and Kommo-o into range of its coverage options. Nidoqueen and Seismitoad can also provide a secondary check to Zeraora as Tapu Bulu may lose its Choice Scarf attempting to switch into it.

- Alakazam, if holding a Focus Sash, can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of good Speed control when it comes to handling certain set up sweepers like Clangorous Soul Kommo-o. Alakazam also greatly appreciating Tapu Bulu potentially picking off Zeraora, one of the few Pokemon capable of naturally outspeeding and revenge killing it.

[SET]
name: 3 Attacks + Synthesis
move 1: Horn Leech
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Synthesis
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

- This set should primarily be used to wallbreak and take advantage of its defensive typing to check foes such as Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo throughout the course of a game thanks to Synthesis being able to keep itself healthy.

- Close Combat gives Tapu Bulu the necessary coverage to hit Kyurem and give it coverage against Steel-types like Celesteela and Bisharp.

- Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Latias and 2HKO Tangrowth.

- Zen Headbutt is an alternative that gives Tapu Bulu super effective coverage for Kommo-o. It also allows Tapu Bulu to 2HKO Amoonguss and better deal with Tentacruel, as Liquid Ooze can harm itself by attacking it with Horn Leech.

- Life Orb alongside an Adamant nature gives Tapu Bulu the necessary damage output to 2HKO the bulky Grass-types with its respective coverage.

- A Jolly nature can be considered to outpace foes like Timid Volcanion and Adamant Mamoswine and Diggersby at the cost of missing out on these benchmarks.

Paragraph 2

- Tapu Bulu is completely walled by Salamence, and unless hit on the prediction, it is unable to muscle past foes like Tangrowth and Amoonguss. For this reason partners like Kyurem, Terrakion, and Chandelure make great partners to help remove them. The former two can also help check Victini.

- Pivots like Magnezone and Victini can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely. Both can apply a lot of pressure to the bulky Grass- and Steel-types. Magnezone notably being able to trap and remove the likes of Skarmory, Scizor, and Choice-locked Jirachi. In return, Tapu Bulu can help remove foes like Seismitoad and Gastrodon that give both of them troubles.

- Jirachi and Stakataka can help check Latias for Tapu Bulu, as well as other threats that force it out such as Nihilego and, in Stakataka's case, Salamence. Both can also provide entry hazard support to wear down foes like Kommo-o and Tangrowth. In return, Tapu Bulu can check foes like Keldeo and Krookodile for them.

- Late-game cleaners like Gyarados and Meteor Beam Nihilego appreciate the wallbreaking potential Tapu Bulu possesses to weaken or remove their checks such as Celesteela and Kommo-o.

This could be fleshed out just a bit more. I think in particular I'd find some concrete examples of Pokemon that appreciate its ability to check stuff like Keldeo and Zera more consistently with Synthesis. Prima in particular could be solid since together they can overwhelm Tang/Amoonguss. Entry hazard support is also probably worth a line here.

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

- Stone Edge can nail Salamence and allow Tapu Bulu to OHKO foes like Rotom-H, Victini, and Chandelure.

- Darkest Lariat can be used to allow Tapu Bulu to break through Grassy Seed Psychic-types like Galarian Slowbro and Reuniclus; however, it will leave it walled by foes like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Remove this if you slot it into move mentions on SD.

- Heavy-Duty Boots can be used on the non-Choice locked sets to improve Tapu Bulu's role as an offensive pivot without it being worn down by entry hazards; however, the extra power Life Orb provides is usually always preferred.

- Similarly, Leftovers is a viable option on these sets to provide Tapu Bulu with extra passive recovery on top of Grassy Terrain.

- Choice Band is an option that gives Tapu Bulu even more power behind its attacks allowing it to potentially KO foes like Latias after Stealth Rock with Wood Hammer. I'd probably move this up to the top of OO, though I also think the drawback of Wood Hammer recoil notably eating into its longevity is worth bringing up.

- A specially defense Tapu Bulu can be used as a better pivot into foes like Latias and Thundurus-T, though it can still be overwhelmed by Mystical Fire from Latias and fails to do much back without Darkest Lariat.

- An Assault Vest set improves its matchup against the aforementioned foes while retaining an offensive presence; however, similarly, it can be easily overwhelmed by the tier's special attackers.

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

**Fire-types**: Victini and Chandelure are relatively safe pivot into Tapu Bulu's most spammable moves and threaten to OHKO it. Rotom-H has to be wary of taking a Life Orb Close Combat; however, it can still threaten to OHKO with Overheat and use Tapu Bulu as a free pivot or Defog opportunity.

**Steel-types**: Many of UU's more common Steel-types like Skarmory, Celesteela, Scizor, and Jirachi take neutral from Close Combat, which allows them to stomach a Close Combat. The latter three can threaten to KO Tapu Bulu with their Steel-type STAB moves, while Skarmory can stomach a Swords Dance boosted Close Combat well thanks to its high Defense stat and OHKO back with Brave Bird after the Defense drop.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten to OHKO Tapu Bulu with Sludge Bomb. Both have to be wary of Zen Headbutt and Megahorn respectively; however, without a Swords Dance boost neither are threatened of being OHKO'd and can recovery back the lost health with Regenerator.

**Flying-types**: Salamence completely walls Tapu Bulu especially with Intimidate making it easier to pivot into, and threatens to OHKO back with Hurricane. Galarian Moltres can switch into Tapu Bulu relatively well and OHKO back with Hurricane also; however, unless Galarian Moltres has Rest it can only safely pivot in once.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[username1, userid1]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Great work! 1/3

 

[Estarossa]

Twilight, post: 8717108, member: 344575

[OVERVIEW]

- Tapu Bulu is a strong wallbreaker in the UU tier that can provide defensive utility to its team through its ability Grassy Surge providing teams with passive recovery and enabling Pokemon like Reuniclus and Galarian Slowbro, as when accompanied by Grassy Seed they become significantly more difficult to revenge kill.

- Tapu Bulu has a great movepool giving it coverage options like Close Combat, Zen Headbutt, and Megahorn to plough past traditional checks such as Amoonguss, Celesteela, and physically defensive Tangrowth.

- Tapu Bulu has a decent defensive typing allowing it to check threats like Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo, though the former can cripple Tapu Bulu with a Scald burn. think you mean the latter X) unless you seen much scald krook

- Speed tier leaves Tapu Bulu outpaced by a lot of common threats such as Chandelure and Mamoswine.

- While its typing has useful resistances, Tapu Bulu also has a lot of weaknesses to common attack types. Its 4x weakness to Poison-type attacks notably prevents it from beating foes like Kommo-o and Tangrowth easily due to their access to Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb respectively.

- The tier has an abundance of defensive checks to Tapu Bulu such as Salamence, Amoonguss, and Skarmory, which prevent it from making as much progress in a game.

- Faces competition from Zarude as a Choice Scarf Grass-type who boasts a greater Speed tier and a better offensive typing to revenge kill foes like Victini and Latias more easily. Zarude can also compete with Synthesis variants of Tapu Bulu with Zarude having access to Jungle Healing allowing it to pivot into Water-types like Rotom-W and Slowking more freely without fear of being burned. maybe specify boots zarude? just to avoid any potential confusion that you are still referring to scarf. i'd point out how zarude struggles to check zeraora very well unlike bulu though here too.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

- Horn Leech is the preferred pog thanks to the recovery it provides while still providing a respectably strong Grass-type STAB.

- Close Combat is mandatory coverage to help Tapu Bulu break through Steel-types like Bisharp, Scizor, and Celesteela. It also gives it super effective coverage for Kyurem and neutral coverage for Kommo-o. Maybe specify that its on switch in for kyurem? and mention either with here or on zhb about having to watch out for offensive clanger too.

- Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Latias and, after a Swords Dance boost, Tangrowth. It also provides it with strong enough coverage to KO Amoonguss after Stealth Rock and prevents foes like Victini from carelessly switching into it.

- Zen Headbutt is a more reliable means of breaking through Amoonguss and Kommo-o. It is also Tapu Bulu's only means of breaking through the rare Galarian Weezing.

- Darkest Lariat can be used to allow Tapu Bulu to break through Grassy Seed Psychic-types like Galarian Slowbro and Reuniclus; would also comment that its the strongest hit vs victini / jirachi trying to pivot into you that you can get. however, it will leave it walled by foes like Amoonguss and Tangrowth.

- Life Orb with an Adamant gives Tapu Bulu the extra power to KO foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela after a Swords Dance boost.

- Jolly can allow Tapu Bulu to outspeed Timid Volcanion and Modest Nidoqueen, though the extra power Adamant provides is generally valued more.

Paragraph 2

- Victini can bring Tapu Bulu in safely against foes such as Rhyperior and Slowking giving it free opportunities to set up a Swords Dance and wallbreak. Victini can also remove foes like Skarmory and Scizor for Tapu Bulu, as well as wear down Kommo-o into range of Tapu Bulu's attacks.

- Other wallbreakers like Terrakion and Nidoqueen can help break through defensive cores that Tapu Bulu struggles with. Both can also provide Stealth Rock support to help bring foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela into OHKO range after a Swords Dance. Both can also provide Stealth Rock support to bring foes like Celesteela into range of a boosted attack.

- Late-game cleaners such as Keldeo and Belly Drum Azumarill appreciate Tapu Bulu being able to lure in and remove bulky Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. not a fan of BD Azu on the same sort of teams as Bulu, would usually only run this on really offensive stuff personally. Galarian Slowbro appreciates Tapu Bulu being able to force damage against the tier's Steel-types helping it clean more easily. Tapu Bulu can also help check Dark-types like Krookodile and Crawdaunt, as well as make Galarian Slowbro difficult to revenge kill if it carries Grassy Seed.

- Alternative Water-resistant Pokemon like Slowking and Latias are appreciated to switch into a Pokemon like Keldeo because not only does it potentially carry super effective coverage, but Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk continuously switching into a potential Scald and being crippled by a burn. can probably mention future sight slowking with darkest lariat bulu combo here too.

- Although Tapu Bulu is immune to Dragon-type attacks it struggles to consistently check a majority of them, such as Latias and Kommo-o, due to Tapu Bulu's lack of available Fairy-type physical STAB and both commonly carrying super effective coverage against it. For this reason, partners like Celesteela and the aforementioned Slowking are imperative to help ease these matchups.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

- Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu is a decent revenge killer with a respectable amount of offensive presence thanks to Grassy Surge boosting the power of its Grass-type STAB moves.

- Wood Hammer is Tapu Bulu's strongest Grass-type option helping it KO foes such as Nidoqueen and Tentacruel after Stealth Rock.

- Horn Leech provides Tapu Bulu with a strong form of reliable recovery, notably helping offset the recoil drawbacks of Wood Hammer.

- Close Combat allows Tapu Bulu to hit Steel- and Fire-types like Bisharp, Rotom-H, and Magnezone, as well as provide it coverage for Kyurem.

- Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Latias and dent Grass-types like Tangrowth.

- Zen Headbutt allows Tapu Bulu to revenge kill Kommo-o more easily and give it a means to 2HKO Amoonguss.

- A Jolly nature allows Tapu Bulu to outspeed Adamant Zeraora and Jolly Gyarados after a Dragon Dance boost.

Paragraph 2

- Tapu Bulu should primarily be used to revenge kill foes such as Zeraora, Terrakion, and Latias. Partners like Keldeo and Victini appreciate Tapu Bulu being able to remove these faster foes that would usually revenge kill them, in return, they can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely with their pivoting moves. Choice Specs Keldeo and Choice Band Victini can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of immediate strength to help overwhelm foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela.

- Salamence and Kyurem can help remove foes like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Celesteela helping Tapu Bulu potentially clean late-game. Salamence can also help check foes like Victini and Scizor for Tapu Bulu.

- Celesteela, Rotom-H, and Slowking can help alleviate Tapu Bulu potentially letting foes like Latias and Scizor set up for free if locked into an unideal move. Rotom-H and Slowking can bring Tapu Bulu in safely, the former also checking Mamoswine.

- Entry hazard support is crucial from partners like Mew, Nidoqueen, and Seismitoad to help bring foes like Kyurem, Latias, and Kommo-o into range of its coverage options. Nidoqueen and Seismitoad can also provide a secondary check to Zeraora as Tapu Bulu may lose its Choice Scarf attempting to switch into it. Maybe word this in a way to give a sorta usage tip like "Tapu Bulu should not be attempting to check Zeraora if its choice scarf is still necessary", seismitoad is defo your primary zeraora check in this pairing after all.

- Alakazam, if holding a Focus Sash, can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of good Speed control when it comes to handling certain set up sweepers like Clangorous Soul Kommo-o. Alakazam also greatly appreciating Tapu Bulu potentially picking off Zeraora, one of the few Pokemon capable of naturally outspeeding and revenge killing it.

[SET]
name: 3 Attacks + Synthesis
move 1: Horn Leech
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Synthesis
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Paragraph 1

- This set should primarily be used to wallbreak and take advantage of its defensive typing to check foes such as Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo throughout the course of a game thanks to Synthesis being able to keep itself healthy.

- Close Combat gives Tapu Bulu the necessary coverage to hit Kyurem and give it coverage against Steel-types like Celesteela and Bisharp.

- Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Latias and 2HKO Tangrowth.

- Zen Headbutt is an alternative that gives Tapu Bulu super effective coverage for Kommo-o. It also allows Tapu Bulu to 2HKO Amoonguss and better deal with Tentacruel, as Liquid Ooze can harm itself by attacking it with Horn Leech.

- Life Orb alongside an Adamant nature gives Tapu Bulu the necessary damage output to 2HKO the bulky Grass-types with its respective coverage.

- A Jolly nature can be considered to outpace foes like Timid Volcanion and Adamant Mamoswine and Diggersby at the cost of missing out on these benchmarks.

maybe mention some optional slower spread(s) like 136 speed EVs, letting you outspeed Azu + Prim still but giving you some better bulk, that for instance helps you avoid being 2hkoed by specs hydro from keldeo. obvious downsides that you could mention include being slower than bish.

I'd bump up the boots mention from OOs to here personally, it can kill bulus dmg a bit but it tends to validate no removal teams a decent bit more, especially if you are running somthing like reuni + skarm + mence or something that would otherwise care very little about spikes and rocks and rather fit a 3 attacks mence, where you really wouldn't want your bulu getting trashed constantly by hazards while its trying to provide terrain support.

obviously boots get knocked pretty quickly, if you are lucky you might get to check zeraora / krook a few times without it actually happening yet, but the same thing happens with life orb anyway.

Paragraph 2

- Tapu Bulu is completely walled by Salamence, and unless hit on the prediction, it is unable to muscle past foes like Tangrowth and Amoonguss. For this reason partners like Kyurem, Terrakion, and Chandelure make great partners to help remove them. The former two can also help check Victini. Kyurem does get 2hkod by victini, so like maybe it'd be worth clarifying it as an offensive check? the way this is worded sounds a bit like a switch in which it be not.

- Pivots like Magnezone and Victini can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely. Both can apply a lot of pressure to the bulky Grass- and Steel-types. Magnezone notably being able to trap and remove the likes of Skarmory, Scizor, and Choice-locked Jirachi. In return, Tapu Bulu can help remove foes like Seismitoad and Gastrodon that give both of them troubles.

- Jirachi and Stakataka can help check Latias for Tapu Bulu, as well as other threats that force it out such as Nihilego and, in Stakataka's case, Salamence. Both can also provide entry hazard support to wear down foes like Kommo-o and Tangrowth. In return, Tapu Bulu can check foes like Keldeo and Krookodile for them.

- Late-game cleaners like Gyarados and Meteor Beam Nihilego appreciate the wallbreaking potential Tapu Bulu possesses to weaken or remove their checks such as Celesteela and Kommo-o. Throw a reuni mention in here too, this should be mentioned on one of the sets at least and this is (imo) the best one to run with it most of the time since its terrain support + krook etc checking is the best here.

- Partners like Rhyperior and Thundurus-T appreciate Tapu Bulu being a more consistent check to Zeraora as they can be easily whittled down by its coverage, especially Knock Off. Thundurus-T can pressure many of Tapu Bulu's checks like Amoonguss and Kommo-o in return.

Maybe try to link a skarm mention in here somewhere? could perhaps link it to the point about jirachi and talk about it being an alternative steel type that can provide spikes to help further pressure the bulky grasses, while providing a primary krook switch in so that you can keep your life orb for longer.


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

- Choice Band is an option that gives Tapu Bulu even more power behind its attacks allowing it to potentially KO foes like Latias after Stealth Rock with Wood Hammer. Might be worth phrasing this to comment that like despite it having nuclear wood hammers compared to other sets grass stabs, choice locking basically makes it unable to rly do much around mus with tang/amoong unless you get like every predict right.

- Stone Edge can nail Salamence and allow Tapu Bulu to OHKO foes like Rotom-H, Victini, and Chandelure. Might be worth clarifying what set(s) this is for.

- Heavy-Duty Boots can be used on the non-Choice locked sets to improve Tapu Bulu's role as an offensive pivot without it being worn down by entry hazards; however, the extra power Life Orb provides is usually always preferred. The way this is worded makes it sound like youd run it on SD too which i rly wouldnt. (also yea see above personally i think this should be a mention on synth sets, but if you disagree then pog feel free to ignore)

- Similarly, Leftovers is a viable option on these sets to provide Tapu Bulu with extra passive recovery on top of Grassy Terrain.

- A specially defense Tapu Bulu can be used as a better pivot into foes like Latias and Thundurus-T, though it can still be overwhelmed by Mystical Fire from Latias and fails to do much back without Darkest Lariat. maybe mention what you'd be running on this set, decent few options you could list like SD, Leech Seed, BU (noteably beat steela with this if it tries to hard into u as u bu) etc. I also do think most spdef sets should be lariat rly fwiw.

- An Assault Vest set improves its matchup against the aforementioned foes while retaining an offensive presence; however, similarly, it can be easily overwhelmed by the tier's special attackers.

Maybe give a mention to dazzling gleam for synth sets, 2hkos mence on switch in (essentially forcing roosts and free switch ins) and basically nukes clanger. if you do mention it would say that its only rly worth if ur running some sort of reuni / glowbro team that might struggle to switch into kommo-o well because of the structure basically forcing no slowking and not wanting to proc seed on glowbro early etc, while the bulu would oherwise let offensive clanger in a decent bit with terrain up especially.

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

**Fire-types**: Victini and Chandelure are relatively safe pivot into Tapu Bulu's most spammable moves and threaten to OHKO it. Rotom-H has to be wary of taking a Life Orb Close Combat; however, it can still threaten to OHKO with Overheat and use Tapu Bulu as a free pivot or Defog opportunity.

**Steel-types**: Many of UU's more common Steel-types like Skarmory, Celesteela, Scizor, and Jirachi take neutral from Close Combat, which allows them to stomach a Close Combat. The latter three can threaten to KO Tapu Bulu with their Steel-type STAB moves, while Skarmory can stomach a Swords Dance boosted Close Combat well thanks to its high Defense stat and OHKO back with Brave Bird after the Defense drop.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten to OHKO Tapu Bulu with Sludge Bomb. Both have to be wary of Zen Headbutt and Megahorn respectively; however, without a Swords Dance boost neither are threatened of being OHKO'd and can recover back the lost health with Regenerator.

open at ur own rirsk

vileplume go brrrrrrrrrrrrr

**Flying-types**: Salamence completely walls Tapu Bulu especially with Intimidate making it easier to pivot into, and threatens to OHKO back with Hurricane. Galarian Moltres can switch into Tapu Bulu relatively well and OHKO back with Hurricane also; however, unless Galarian Moltres has Rest it can only safely pivot in once.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[username1, userid1]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

QC 2/3.

 

[Lily]

Twilight, post: 8717108, member: 344575

[OVERVIEW]

Tapu Bulu is a strong wallbreaker in the UU tier that, through its ability Grassy Surge, can provide defensive utility to its team with passive recovery. It can also enable Pokemon like Reuniclus and Galarian Slowbro, as when utilizing a Grassy Seed they become significantly more difficult to revenge kill. Tapu Bulu has a great movepool with coverage options like Close Combat, Zen Headbutt, and Megahorn that allow it to break past traditional checks such as Celesteela, Amoonguss, and physically defensive Tangrowth. Tapu Bulu has a decent defensive typing allowing it to check threats like Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo, though it does have to be wary of the latter crippling Tapu Bulu with a Scald burn or slamming it w/ air slash or icy wind. While Tapu Bulu's typing has many useful resistances, it comes at the cost of having a lot of weaknesses to common attack types. Its 4x weakness to Poison-type moves notably prevents it from being a consistent pivot into foes like Kommo-o and Tangrowth it wasn't coming in on tang anyway, there's no point bc losing your life orb fucking sucks and you can't break it handily anyway. Tapu Bulu has a rather mediocre Speed tier that leaves it outpaced by common threats such as Chandelure and Mamoswine. The tier has an abundance of defensive checks to Tapu Bulu such as Salamence, Amoonguss, and Skarmory, which makes it difficult for Tapu Bulu to make much progress as a wallbreaker. It also faces competition from Zarude as a Choice Scarf Grass-type, as Zarude has a better offensive typing for revenge killing common threats like Victini and Chandelure more easily and a greater Speed tier letting it outpace setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados tie uturn in here. Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude can also compete with Synthesis Tapu Bulu, albeit not checking Zeraora well, as Jungle Healing allows Zarude to pivot into Water-types like Rotom-W and Slowking more freely without fear of being crippled by a burn.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Horn Leech is the preferred STAB option thanks to the reliable recovery it provides while still outputting a respectable amount of damage thanks to being Grassy Terrain-boosted. Close Combat is mandatory coverage to help Tapu Bulu break through Steel-types like Bisharp, Scizor, and Celesteela. It also gives it super effective coverage to OHKO Kyurem on the switch-in and give it strong neutral coverage for Kommo-o, though it must be wary of the latter carrying Poison Jab don't think this pjab bit is necessary, you don't stay in on kommo ever rly bc it's either offensive and smokes you or defensive and you don't ko it. Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Tangrowth after a Swords Dance. It also provides it with strong enough coverage to KO Amoonguss after Stealth Rock and prevents foes like Victini from carelessly switching into it. Zen Headbutt is a more reliable means of breaking through Amoonguss and Kommo-o. It is also Tapu Bulu's only means of breaking through the rare Galarian Weezing lol who. Darkest Lariat can be used to allow Tapu Bulu to hit Pokemon like Jirachi and Victini hard. It also allows Tapu Bulu to break through Grassy Seed Psychic-types like Galarian Slowbro and Reuniclus; however, it will leave it walled by foes like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Life Orb with an Adamant nature gives Tapu Bulu the extra power needed to KO foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela after a Swords Dance boost. A Jolly nature can be used to let Tapu Bulu outspeed Timid Volcanion and Modest Nidoqueen, though the extra power Adamant provides is generally valued more.

Tapu Bulu fits best on offensive and balance teams that appreciate the utility it provides alongside its wallbreaking potential. Victini can bring Tapu Bulu in safely against foes such as Rhyperior and Slowking giving it free opportunities to set up a Swords Dance and wallbreak. Victini can also remove foes like Skarmory and Scizor for Tapu Bulu, as well as wear down Kommo-o into range of Tapu Bulu's attacks. Other wallbreakers like Terrakion and Nidoqueen can help break through defensive cores that Tapu Bulu struggles with. Both can also provide Stealth Rock support to help bring foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela into OHKO range after a Swords Dance. Keldeo appreciates Tapu Bulu being able to lure in and remove bulky Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Galarian Slowbro and the aforementioned Necrozma add reuni appreciate Tapu Bulu forcing damage against the tier's Steel-types for them to clean more easily. Tapu Bulu can also help check Dark-types like Krookodile and Crawdaunt, as well as make them more difficult to revenge kill if they carry Grassy Seed. Alternative Water resists like Slowking are appreciated to switch into a Pokemon like Keldeo because Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk continuously switching into a potential Scald and being crippled by a burn. Although Tapu Bulu is a Fairy-type it struggles to consistently check a majority of Dragon-types such as Salamence and Kommo-o, due to Tapu Bulu's lack of available Fairy-type physical STAB and both of them commonly carrying super effective coverage for it. For this reason, partners like Celesteela and the aforementioned Slowking are imperative to help ease these matchups.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu is a decent revenge killer with a respectable amount of offensive presence thanks to Grassy Surge boosting the power of its STAB moves when the terrain is present. Wood Hammer is Tapu Bulu's strongest STAB option helping it OHKO foes such as Nidoqueen and Tentacruel after Stealth Rock. Horn Leech provides Tapu Bulu with a more spammable STAB option that provides reliable recovery, notably helping offset the recoil drawbacks of Wood Hammer. Close Combat allows Tapu Bulu to hit Steel- and Fire-types like Bisharp, Rotom-H, and Magnezone, as well as provide it coverage for Kyurem. Stone Edge allows Tapu Bulu to hit Victini, Chandelure, and Salamence super effectively. Zen Headbutt is an option that lets Tapu Bulu 2HKO Amoonguss and gives it a means of revenge killing Kommo-o; however, it is unable to revenge kill Clangorous Soul variants due to them being faster after the boost. is this literally ever happening? zhb might beat like... offensive rocks clanger, but every other set beats you regardless, and zhb does fuck all to moong so it just regends and goes into whatever else. i would unslash this for sure and if anything put darkest lariat here since it's actually good for revenge killing victini without missing while also nailing chandy and helping w the def boost goons. A Jolly nature allows Tapu Bulu to outspeed Jolly Adamant Gyarados after a Dragon Dance boost and Zeraora.

Tapu Bulu should primarily be used to revenge kill foes such as Zeraora, Terrakion, and Latias remove. Partners like Keldeo and Victini appreciate Tapu Bulu being able to remove these faster foes that would usually revenge kill them, in return, they can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely with their pivoting moves. Choice Specs Keldeo and Choice Band Victini can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of immediate strength to help overwhelm foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela. Kyurem and special Salamence can help remove foes like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Celesteela helping Tapu Bulu potentially clean late-game. Salamence can also help check foes like Victini and Scizor for Tapu Bulu. Celesteela, Rotom-H, and Slowking can help alleviate Tapu Bulu potentially letting foes like Latias remove, replace w/ kyurem ig and Scizor set up for free if locked into an unideal move. Rotom-H and Slowking can also bring Tapu Bulu in safely with their pivoting moves. Entry hazard support is crucial from partners like Mew and Stakataka to help bring foes like Kyurem, Latias remove, and Kommo-o into range of its coverage options. Tapu Bulu should not attempt to check Zeraora if its Choice Scarf is still necessary as it will likely lose it in the process via Knock Off. For this reason, partners like Nidoqueen and Seismitoad can provide a secondary check to Zeraora, as well as provide hazard support. Alakazam, if holding a Focus Sash, can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of good Speed control when it comes to handling certain set up sweepers like Clangorous Soul Kommo-o. Alakazam also appreciates Tapu Bulu potentially removing Zeraora, one of the few Pokemon capable of naturally outspeeding and revenge killing it.

[SET]
name: 3 Attacks + Synthesis
move 1: Horn Leech
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Synthesis
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set should primarily be used to wallbreak early while taking advantage of its defensive typing to check foes such as Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo thanks to Synthesis keeping itself healthy throughout the course of a game. Close Combat gives Tapu Bulu the coverage necessary to OHKO Kyurem and gives it a strong coverage option against Steel- and Fire-types like Celesteela and Rotom-H. Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Latias remove, 2HKO Tangrowth on the switch-in, and hits Victini hard. Zen Headbutt is an alternative option that gives Tapu Bulu super effective coverage for Kommo-o. It also allows Tapu Bulu to 2HKO Amoonguss and better deal with Tentacruel, as Liquid Ooze can harm itself if using Horn Leech. would mention wood hammer > horn leech here since this set can kinda afford to drop leech w/ terrain + synth but up to u Life Orb alongside an Adamant nature gives Tapu Bulu the necessary damage output to 2HKO the bulky Grass-types with its respective coverage; however, Heavy-Duty Boots can be used to prevent it from being worn down by entry hazards. A slower spread with 136 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed Azumarill and Primarina and to better check Keldeo; however, it comes at the cost of being slower than threats like Bisharp. idt slower than bish is viable but i guess? A Jolly nature can be considered to outpace foes like Timid Volcanion and Adamant Mamoswine and Diggersby but the extra power is generally preferred.

Tapu Bulu is completely walled by Salamence, and, unless hit on the predicted switch-in, it is unable to muscle past foes like Tangrowth and Amoonguss. For this reason partners like Kyurem, Terrakion, and Chandelure make great partners to help remove them. this sentence is real awkward, replace the first "partners" w/ like "teammates2 or something The latter two can also help offensively check Victini. Pivots like Magnezone and Victini can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely. Both can apply a lot of pressure to the bulky Grass- and Steel-types, Magnezone notably being able to trap and remove the likes of Skarmory, Scizor, and Choice-locked Jirachi. In return, Tapu Bulu can help remove foes like Seismitoad and Gastrodon that give both of them troubles. Jirachi and Stakataka can help check Latias remove for Tapu Bulu, as well as other threats that force it out such as Nihilego and, in Stakataka's case, Salamence. Both can also provide entry hazard support to wear down foes like Kommo-o and Tangrowth. In return, Tapu Bulu can check foes like Keldeo and Krookodile for them. Late-game cleaners like Gyarados and Meteor Beam Nihilego appreciate the wallbreaking potential Tapu Bulu possesses to weaken or remove their checks such as Celesteela and Kommo-o. Grassy Seed Reuniclus likewise pairs well alongside Tapu Bulu and appreciates Tapu Bulu wearing down Steel-types and checking Darkest Lariat Krookodile. Partners like Rhyperior and Thundurus-T appreciate Tapu Bulu being a more consistent check to Zeraora as they can be easily whittled down by its coverage, especially Knock Off. Thundurus-T can pressure many of Tapu Bulu's checks like Amoonguss and Kommo-o in return.

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

Choice Band is an option that gives Tapu Bulu even more power behind its attacks allowing it to potentially KO foes like Latias remove with Wood Hammer after Stealth Rock; however, unlike Swords Dance variants, it requires a lot more prediction to break through its checks like Amoonguss and the Wood Hammer recoil can wear it down quickly. Stone Edge is a coverage option on the Synthesis and Swords Dance sets that can nail Salamence and allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO foes like Rotom-H, Victini, and Chandelure. A specially defensive Tapu Bulu with Horn Leech, Darkest Lariat, Synthesis, and either Bulk Up or Swords Dance can be used as a better pivot into foes like Keldeo and Thundurus-T. However, this set is a huge momentum drain against foes like Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Celesteela. An Assault Vest set improves its matchup against the aforementioned foes while retaining an offensive presence; however, it can be easily overwhelmed by the tier's special attackers. Dazzling Gleam can be used to allow Tapu Bulu to KO Kommo-o and help it break past Salamence; however, it is extremely weak and only useful for these select few matchups.

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

**Fire-types**: Victini and Chandelure are relatively safe pivot into Tapu Bulu's most spammable moves and threaten to OHKO it. Rotom-H has to be wary of taking a Life Orb Close Combat; however, it can still threaten to OHKO with Overheat and use Tapu Bulu as a free pivot or Defog opportunity.

**Steel-types**: Many of UU's more common Steel-types like Skarmory, Celesteela, Scizor, and Jirachi take neutral from Close Combat, which allows them to stomach a Close Combat. The latter three can threaten to KO Tapu Bulu with their Steel-type STAB moves, while Skarmory can stomach a Swords Dance boosted Close Combat well thanks to its high Defense stat and OHKO back with Brave Bird after the Defense drop.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten to OHKO Tapu Bulu with Sludge Bomb. Both have to be wary of Zen Headbutt and Megahorn respectively; however, without a Swords Dance boost neither are threatened of being OHKO'd and can recover back the lost health with Regenerator.

**Flying-types**: Salamence completely walls Tapu Bulu especially with Intimidate making it easier to pivot into, and threatens to OHKO back with Hurricane. Galarian Moltres can switch into Tapu Bulu relatively well and OHKO back with Hurricane also; however, unless Galarian Moltres has Rest it can only safely pivot in once. idt gmolt is really the best mention and this section should really just be about salamence since it's a super hard counter but if you wanna leave it in that's fine too

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]] do these
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

qc 3/3

 

[Band]

add remove comments
(AC): add comma
(RC): remove comma

gp

[OVERVIEW]

Tapu Bulu is a strong wallbreaker in the UU tier that can provide defensive utility to its team with passive recovery through its ability Grassy Surge. It helps enable Pokemon like Reuniclus and Galarian Slowbro, as when equipped with a Grassy Seed they become significantly more difficult to revenge kill. Tapu Bulu has a great movepool with coverage options like Close Combat, Zen Headbutt, and Megahorn that allow it to break past traditional checks such as Celesteela, Amoonguss, and physically defensive Tangrowth. Tapu Bulu has a decent defensive typing allowing it to check threats like Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo, though it does have to be wary of the latter crippling Tapu Bulu it with a Scald burn or and hitting it with a Choice Specs-boosted Air Slash or Icy Wind. (i assume specs keld doesn't run both air slash and icy wind in the same set, so if it doesn't, "or" is correct. if it does run both, change "or" to "and") While Tapu Bulu's typing has many useful resistances, it comes at the cost of having a lot of weaknesses to common attacking types. Its 4x weakness to Poison-type moves notably prevents it from being a consistent pivot into foes like Kommo-o and Thundurus. Tapu Bulu has a rather mediocre Speed tier that leaves it outpaced by common threats such as Chandelure and Mamoswine. The tier has an abundance of defensive checks to Tapu Bulu,(AC) such as Salamence, Amoonguss, and Skarmory, which makes it difficult for Tapu Bulu to make much progress as a wallbreaker. It also faces competition from Zarude as a Choice Scarf Grass-type Choice Scarf user, as Zarude has a better offensive typing for revenge killing common threats like Victini and Chandelure, a greater Speed tier letting it outpace setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Gyarados, and access to U-turn. Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude can also compete with Synthesis Tapu Bulu, albeit not checking Zeraora well, as Jungle Healing allows Zarude to pivot into Water-types like Rotom-W and Slowking more freely without fear of being crippled by a burn.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Megahorn
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Horn Leech is the preferred STAB option thanks to the reliable recovery it provides while still outputting a respectable amount of damage thanks to being Grassy Terrain-boosted. Close Combat is mandatory coverage to help Tapu Bulu break through Steel-types like Bisharp, Scizor, and Celesteela. It also gives it super effective coverage to OHKO Kyurem on the switch-in and give it strong neutral coverage for Kommo-o. Zen Headbutt is a more reliable means of breaking through Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Galarian Weezing. Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Tangrowth after a Swords Dance. A Swords Dance-boosted Megahorn can also KO Amoonguss after Stealth Rock and prevents Victini from carelessly switching into it Tapu Bulu. Darkest Lariat can be used to allow Tapu Bulu to hit Pokemon like Jirachi and Victini harder. It also allows Tapu Bulu to break through Grassy Seed Psychic-types Psychic-type Grassy Seed users like Galarian Slowbro and Reuniclus; however, it will leave it walled by foes like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Life Orb with an Adamant nature gives Tapu Bulu the extra power needed to KO foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela after a Swords Dance boost. A Jolly nature can be used to let Tapu Bulu outspeed Timid Volcanion and Modest Nidoqueen, though the extra power Adamant provides is generally valued more.

Tapu Bulu fits best on offensive offense and balance teams that appreciate the utility it provides alongside its wallbreaking potential. Victini can bring Tapu Bulu in safely against foes such as Rhyperior and Slowking,(AC) giving it free opportunities to set up a Swords Dance and wallbreak. Victini can also remove foes like Skarmory and Scizor for Tapu Bulu,(RC) as well as and ("as well as wear" is weird to read) wear down Kommo-o into range of Tapu Bulu's attacks. Other wallbreakers like Conkeldurr and Nidoqueen can help break through defensive cores that Tapu Bulu struggles with (what cores?). Nidoqueen can also provide Stealth Rock support to help bring foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela into OHKO range after a Swords Dance. Keldeo appreciates Tapu Bulu being able to lure in and remove bulky Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Galarian Slowbro, Reuniclus, and the aforementioned Necrozma (this is the first time you're mentioning necrozma. either remove the "the aforementioned" or mention it somewhere before) appreciate Tapu Bulu forcing damage against weakening the tier's Steel-types for them to clean more easily. Tapu Bulu can also help check Dark-types like Krookodile and Crawdaunt,(RC) as well as make them more difficult to revenge kill if they carry Grassy Seed. (them who? glowbro, reuni and necro? Just reword this entire sentence to make it clearer imo) Alternative Water resists like Slowking are appreciated to switch into a Pokemon like Keldeo because Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk continuously switching into a potential Scald and being crippled by a burn. Slowking is appreciated as another Water-resistant Pokémon, as Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk a burn from Keldeo's Scald, for example. Although Tapu Bulu is a Fairy-type,(AC) it struggles to consistently check a majority of Dragon-types,(AC) such as Salamence and Kommo-o, due to Tapu Bulu's lack of available Fairy-type physical STAB moves and both of them commonly carrying super effective coverage for it. For this reason, partners like Celesteela and the aforementioned Slowking are imperative to help ease these matchups.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu is a decent revenge killer with a respectable amount of offensive presence thanks to Grassy Surge boosting the power of its STAB Grass-type moves when the terrain Grassy Terrain is present. Wood Hammer is Tapu Bulu's strongest STAB option,(AC) helping it OHKO foes such as Nidoqueen and Tentacruel after Stealth Rock damage. Horn Leech provides Tapu Bulu with a more spammable STAB option that provides reliable recovery, notably helping offset the recoil drawbacks of from Wood Hammer. Close Combat allows Tapu Bulu to hit Steel- and Fire-types (doesn't stone edge hit fire-types already? if you meant "hit more reliably due to accuracy" then mention that) like Bisharp, Rotom-H, and Magnezone, as well as provide it coverage for Kyurem. Stone Edge allows Tapu Bulu to hit Victini, Chandelure, and Salamence super effectively. Darkest Lariat allows Tapu Bulu to revenge kill the aforementioned Fire-types more reliably and helps deal with Pokemon like Cosmic Power Mew and Grassy Seed Reuniclus, though it requires them to be significantly weakened to be revenge killed them. Zen Headbutt is an option that lets Tapu Bulu 2HKO Amoonguss and gives it a means of revenge killing Kommo-o; however, it is unable to revenge kill Clangorous Soul variants due to them being faster after the boost. A Jolly nature allows Tapu Bulu to outspeed Adamant Gyarados after a Dragon Dance boost and Zeraora.

Tapu Bulu should primarily be used to revenge kill foes such as Zeraora and Alakazam. Partners like Keldeo and Victini appreciate Tapu Bulu being able to remove these faster foes that would usually revenge kill them, and in return, they can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely with their pivoting moves. Choice Specs Keldeo and Choice Band Victini can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of immediate strength to help overwhelm foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela. Kyurem and special Salamence can help remove foes like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Celesteela,(AC) helping Tapu Bulu potentially clean late-game. Salamence can also help check foes like Victini and Scizor for Tapu Bulu. Celesteela, Rotom-H, and Slowking can help alleviate Tapu Bulu potentially letting foes like Kyurem and Scizor set up for free if locked into an unideal move. Rotom-H and Slowking can also bring Tapu Bulu in safely with their pivoting moves. Entry hazard support is crucial from setters like Mew and Stakataka, as it helps bring foes like Kyurem and Kommo-o into range of its Tapu Bulu's coverage options. Tapu Bulu should not attempt to check Zeraora if its Choice Scarf is still necessary,(AC) as it will likely lose it in the process via Knock Off. For this reason, partners like Nidoqueen and Seismitoad can provide a act as secondary checks to Zeraora, as well as provide entry hazard support. Alakazam, if holding a Focus Sash, can help make up for Tapu Bulu's lack of good Speed control when it comes to handling certain set up setup sweepers like Clangorous Soul Kommo-o. Alakazam also appreciates Tapu Bulu potentially removing Zeraora, one of the few Pokemon capable of naturally outspeeding and revenge killing it.

[SET]
name: 3 Attacks + Synthesis
move 1: Horn Leech
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Megahorn / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Synthesis
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set should primarily be used to wallbreak early-game while taking advantage of its Tapu Bulu's defensive typing to check foes such as Krookodile, Zeraora, and Keldeo thanks to Synthesis keeping itself healthy throughout the course of a the game. Horn Leech is the preferred STAB option due to the recovery it provides alongside its respectable damage output, but Wood Hammer can be considered thanks to Synthesis offsetting the recoil it inflicts. Close Combat gives Tapu Bulu the coverage necessary to OHKO Kyurem and gives it a strong option against Steel- and Fire-types like Celesteela and Rotom-H. Megahorn allows Tapu Bulu to 2HKO Tangrowth and Victini on the switch-in. Zen Headbutt is an alternative option that gives Tapu Bulu super effective coverage for Kommo-o. It also allows Tapu Bulu to 2HKO Amoonguss and better deal with Tentacruel, as Liquid Ooze can harm itself if harms Tapu Bulu when using Horn Leech. Life Orb alongside an Adamant nature gives Tapu Bulu the necessary damage output to 2HKO the bulky Grass-types with its respective coverage; however, Heavy-Duty Boots can be used to prevent it from being worn down by entry hazards. A Jolly nature can be considered to outpace foes like Timid Volcanion and Adamant Mamoswine and Diggersby but the extra power is generally preferred.

Tapu Bulu is completely walled by Salamence, and, unless hit on the predicted switch-(remove hyphen)in, it is unable to muscle past Pokemon like Tangrowth and Amoonguss. For this reason, teammates like Kyurem, Lycanroc-D, and Chandelure make for great partners to help remove them. The latter two can also help offensively check Victini. Pivots like Magnezone and Victini can help bring Tapu Bulu in safely. Both can apply a lot of pressure to the bulky Grass- and Steel-types, Magnezone notably being able to trap and remove the likes of Skarmory, Scizor, and Choice-locked Jirachi. In return, Tapu Bulu can help remove foes like Seismitoad and Gastrodon that give both of them troubles. Late-game cleaners like Gyarados and Meteor Beam Nihilego appreciate the wallbreaking potential Tapu Bulu possesses to weaken or and remove their checks such as Celesteela and Kommo-o. Grassy Seed Reuniclus likewise pairs well alongside Tapu Bulu and appreciates Tapu Bulu it wearing down Steel-types and checking Darkest Lariat Krookodile. Partners like Rhyperior and Thundurus-T appreciate Tapu Bulu being a more consistent check to Zeraora,(AC) as they can be easily whittled down by its coverage, especially Knock Off. Thundurus-T can pressure many of Tapu Bulu's checks like Amoonguss and Kommo-o in return.Te

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

Choice Band is an option that gives Tapu Bulu even more power behind its attacks; however, unlike Swords Dance variants, it requires a lot more prediction to break through its checks like Amoonguss,(AC) and the Wood Hammer recoil can wear it down quickly. Stone Edge is a coverage option on the Synthesis and Swords Dance sets that can nail Salamence and allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO foes like Rotom-H, Victini, and Chandelure. A specially defensive Tapu Bulu set with Horn Leech, Darkest Lariat, Synthesis, Horn Leech / Darkest Lariat / Synthesis and either Bulk Up or Swords Dance can be used as a better pivot into foes like Keldeo and Thundurus-T. However, this set is a huge momentum drain against foes like Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Celesteela. An Assault Vest set improves its matchup against the aforementioned foes while retaining an offensive presence; however, it can be easily overwhelmed by the tier's special attackers (which special attackers?). Dazzling Gleam can be used to allow Tapu Bulu to KO Kommo-o and help it break past Salamence; however, it is extremely weak and only useful for these select few matchups.

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

**Fire-types**: Victini and Chandelure are relatively safe pivots into Tapu Bulu's most spammable moves and threaten to OHKO it. Rotom-H has to be wary of taking a Life Orb Close Combat; however, it can still threaten to OHKO with Overheat and use Tapu Bulu as a free pivot or and Defog opportunity.

**Steel-types**: Many of UU's more common Steel-types like Skarmory, Celesteela, Scizor, and Jirachi take neutral damage from Close Combat, which allows them to stomach a Close Combat. The latter three can threaten to KO Tapu Bulu with their Steel-type STAB moves, while Skarmory can stomach a Swords Dance boosted Close Combat well thanks to its high Defense stat and OHKO back with Brave Bird after the Defense drop.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten to OHKO Tapu Bulu with Sludge Bomb. Both have to be wary of Zen Headbutt and Megahorn respectively; however, without a Swords Dance boost neither are threatened of being OHKO'd and can recover back the lost health with Regenerator.

**Salamence**: Salamence is a huge issue for Tapu Bulu,(AC) as it resists the coverage it commonly carries, though it has to be wary of a potential Stone Edge, and threatens to KO it with Hurricane or Dual Wingbeat. Intimidate also makes it much easier for Salamence to stomach any hit from Tapu Bulu.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[hilomilo, 313384], [Estarossa, 461329], [Lilburr, 481709]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

edit: stamping my own am check cuz this looks fine post-cryo's check

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 1/2

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[OVERVIEW]

Tapu Bulu is a decent wallbreaker that provides defensive utility to its team with passive recovery through its ability Grassy Surge. It helps enable Pokemon Grassy Seed users like Reuniclus and Galarian Slowbro, (comma) as when equipped with a Grassy Seed they become significantly more difficult to revenge kill in particular by making them much more difficult to revenge kill. (slowbro-g's analysis doesn't mention seed at all, and having such a specific core talked about in the second sentence feels weird) Tapu Bulu has a great movepool with coverage options like Close Combat, Zen Headbutt, and Stone Edge, (comma) which break through potential that allow it to break past traditional checks such as Celesteela, Amoonguss, and Moltres. Tapu Bulu has a Its decent defensive typing allowing allows it to check threats like Krookodile and Keldeo, though it does have to be wary of the latter crippling it with a Scald burn and hitting it with a Choice Specs-boosted Air Slash or Icy Wind. While Tapu Bulu's typing has many useful resistances, it comes at the cost of having a lot of weaknesses to common attacking types. Its 4x weakness to Poison notably prevents it from being a consistent pivot into switch-in to foes like Kommo-o and Thundurus. Tapu Bulu has a rather mediocre Speed tier that leaves it outpaced by common threats such as Chandelure and Mamoswine. The tier has an abundance of defensive checks to Tapu Bulu, such as Salamence, Amoonguss, and Aegislash, which makes it difficult for Tapu Bulu to make much progress as a wallbreaker, especially when multiple of these checks are naturally found on the same team.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Horn Leech
move 3: Stone Edge / Close Combat
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Life Orb
ability: Grassy Surge
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Horn Leech is the preferred STAB option thanks to the reliable recovery it provides while still outputting a respectable amount of damage thanks to being Grassy Terrain-boosted its recovery and respectable damage. Stone Edge is crucial coverage to break past many Pokemon that wall Tapu Bulu like Chandelure, Moltres, and Salamence. Close Combat lets Tapu Bulu break through Cobalion and hit other Steel-types like Scizor and Celesteela harder; however, dropping Stone Edge leaves it unable to punish the common Flying-types, particularly Moltres, which can continuously fish for a burn with Flame Body. Zen Headbutt allows Tapu Bulu to breaks through Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Buzzwole. Megahorn can help Tapu Bulu break through against Tangrowth; however, this coverage isn't very useful outside of this matchup its coverage isn't very useful otherwise. Darkest Lariat can be used to hit Pokemon like Jirachi, Aegislash, and Chandelure harder. Life Orb with an Adamant nature gives +2 Tapu Bulu the extra power needed to KO foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela after a Swords Dance boost. A Jolly nature can be used to let Tapu Bulu outspeed Timid Volcanion and Modest Nidoqueen, though the extra power Adamant provides Adamant's power is generally valued more.

Tapu Bulu fits best on offense and balance teams that appreciate the utility it provides alongside its combination of utility and wallbreaking potential. Thundurus can bring Tapu Bulu in safely against foes such as Rhyperior and Seismitoad, giving it free opportunities to set up a Swords Dance and wallbreak use Swords Dance. Thundurus can also remove foes like Moltres and Scizor for Tapu Bulu and wear down Kommo-o and Amoonguss into KO range of Tapu Bulu's attacks. Other wallbreakers like Conkeldurr and Nidoqueen can help break through defensive cores that Tapu Bulu struggles with. Nidoqueen can also provide Stealth Rock support to help bring foes like Amoonguss and Celesteela into OHKO range after a Swords Dance of +2 Tapu Bulu. Keldeo appreciates Tapu Bulu being able to lure in and remove bulky Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Tentacruel is appreciated as another Water-resistant Pokemon, as Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk a burn from Keldeo's Scald, for example. Although Tapu Bulu is a Fairy-type, it struggles to consistently check a majority of Dragon-types, such as Salamence and Kommo-o, due to Tapu Bulu's lack of Fairy-type physical STAB and both commonly carrying super effective coverage for it its lack of a good Fairy-type attack and its weakness to their common coverage. For this reason, partners like Celesteela and Mew are imperative to help ease these matchups.

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

Synthesis is an option over Swords Dance to allow Tapu Bulu to check Pokemon like Keldeo and Thundurus more reliably. Choice Band is an option that gives Tapu Bulu even more power behind its attacks; however, unlike Swords Dance variants, it requires a lot more prediction to break through its checks like Amoonguss, and Wood Hammer recoil can wear it down quickly. A Choice Scarf set can be used to revenge kill foes like Thundurus and Noivern; however, it primarily relies on the surprise factor to do so. A specially defensive Tapu Bulu set with Horn Leech / Darkest Lariat / Synthesis and either Bulk Up or Swords Dance can be used as a better pivot into switch-in to foes like Keldeo and Thundurus-T. However, this set is a huge momentum drain against foes like Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Celesteela. An Assault Vest set improves its matchup against the aforementioned foes while retaining an offensive presence; however, it can be easily overwhelmed by the tier's special attackers such as Primarina. Dazzling Gleam can be used to allow Tapu Bulu to KO Kommo-o and help it possibly break past Salamence; however, it is extremely weak and only useful for these select few matchups.

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

**Fire-types**: Chandelure is a relatively safe pivot into switch-in to Tapu Bulu's most spammable moves and threatens to OHKO it. Rotom-H has to be wary of taking a Close Combat; however, it can still threaten to OHKO with Overheat and use Tapu Bulu as a free pivot Volt Switch or Defog opportunity. Moltres has to be wary of Stone Edge, (comma) but otherwise, it can freely pivot into but otherwise freely switches into Tapu Bulu and threatens to burn it with Flame Body or KO it with either a STAB move.

**Steel-types**: Many of UU's more common Steel-types like Celesteela, Scizor, and Jirachi take neutral damage from Close Combat and threaten to KO Tapu Bulu with their Steel-type STAB moves. Aegislash can comfortably stomach any hit in Shield forme from Tapu Bulu and OHKO it in return.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten to OHKO Tapu Bulu with Sludge Bomb. Both have to be wary of Zen Headbutt and Megahorn respectively; however, without a Swords Dance boost neither are threatened of being OHKO'd and can recover back the lost health with Regenerator They have to be wary of +2 Zen Headbutt and Megahorn, respectively, but otherwise cannot be OHKOed and heal damage with Regenerator.

**Salamence**: Salamence is a huge issue for Tapu Bulu, as it resists the coverage it commonly carries and has Flying-type attacks, though it has to be wary of a potential Stone Edge, and threatens to KO it with Hurricane or Dual Wingbeat. Intimidate also makes it much easier for Salamence to stomach any hit from Tapu Bulu.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[hilomilo, 313384], [Estarossa, 461329], [Lilburr, 481709]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]