[OVERVIEW]
The main standout to Tapu Fini's niche is the fact that it is a Defog user that beats the two arguably best entry hazard setters in the tier in Heatran and Ash-Greninja. While still having a decent matchup against other Stealth Rock users like Landorus-T, Mega Tyranitar, Gliscor, and Mega Diancie. Aside from the aforementioned, Tapu Fini also acts as a decent check to the likes of Hawlucha and Keldeo. Misty Terrain is also incredibly helpful, keeping teammates safe from status, with some notable examples being keeping Mega Mawile protected from Will-O-Wisp and bulky Volcarona safe from Toxic. Taunt is also a wonderful move to have, enabling Tapu Fini to shut down the likes of Toxapex and Reuniclus. However, the lack of reliable recovery is still very crippling to Tapu Fini, meaning it's prone to getting worn down over the course of a match, especially if it has to check more than one Pokemon on the opposing team. This in turn means Tapu Fini will often need teammates as backup checks to what it's meant to check. By extension, that also means Tapu Fini hates getting its item knocked off, as Leftovers are its sole form of recovery, which means it even goes as far to demand a Knock Off resistance as a teammate. Additionally, the nature of its set means it's forced to pick two out of Moonblast, Scald, and Nature's Madness, which naturally hinders its matchup against some Pokemon it's supposed to check. Lastly, Tapu Fini also faces some competition from other Water-types like Toxapex thanks to the rather narrow niche it fills, and it also dislikes the prevalence of Grass-types like Tapu Bulu, Tangrowth, and Amoongus, which it can't do much against.
[SET]
name: Defog
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Scald / Nature's Madness
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Defog
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 40 SpD / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Moonblast gives Tapu Fini an edge against Ash-Greninja and Hawlucha. Scald is instrumental for the Heatran matchup, but it's also very helpful to potentially punish Tapu Bulu with a burn and give Tapu Fini a better matchup against Landorus-T, Stealth Rock Gliscor, and Mega Mawile. Nature's Madness cripples several Pokemon that Tapu Fini wouldn't leave a scratch on otherwise. It's extremely helpful for the Toxapex matchup alongside Taunt, and it's also amazing against Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Assault Vest Magearna that lack reliable recovery; however, missing out on either of Tapu Fini's STAB moves is far from desirable. In case Ash-Greninja and Hawlucha are already covered by other partners, Scald can be run alongside Nature's Madness, forfeiting Moonblast. Taunt enables Tapu Fini to shut down passive Pokemon like Toxapex and Clefable and prevents entry hazard setters from continuously using Stealth Rock or Spikes. Defog plays a big role on Tapu Fini's niche, enabling it to remove hazards from several setters but most notably those of Ash-Greninja, Heatran, and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
192 Speed EVs is preferred to get the jump on Modest Heatran and anything slower. 12 Special Attack EVs enable Tapu Fini to always 2HKO Heatran with Scald after one round of Stealth Rock, which is unnecessary on variants without Scald. 16 Defense EVs allow Tapu Fini to stomach a +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock and a round of Leftovers, which is not needed on variants lacking Moonblast. Lastly, the remaining EVs are pooled into Special Defense alongside a Calm nature for Tapu Fini to better take on the likes of Ash-Greninja and Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
Tapu Fini's goal is to switch into Pokemon it checks like Ash-Greninja and Heatran and remove their entry hazards. However, try to scout if you're dealing with Ash-Greninja or its Protean counterpart, as Tapu Fini won't appreciate a Gunk Shot. Likewise, be a bit careful with the uncommon Steelium Z Heatran and, if possible, attempt to bait the Corkscrew Crash with a Steel-resistant Pokemon. Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, so its health should be preserved to check what it needs. If it checks more than one Pokemon on the opposing team, try to pivot into other teammates occasionally to prevent Tapu Fini from getting so weakened by one Pokemon it would check that it gets KOed by another. Try to position Misty Terrain in your favor. Teammates like Mega Mawile or Mega Medicham could appreciate a temporary immunity to burn, whereas the likes of Volcarona or Mega Charizard X could use a Toxic immunity to get set up opportunities. Be mindful of Misty Terrain weakening Dragon-type moves for the latter if you pack them, though.
Team Options
========
Bulky Volcarona is a wonderful teammate, as it mandates Defog support to shine and Tapu Fini provides it. Tapu Fini also handles Toxapex and Heatran pretty well, which is nice for Volcarona. Offensive variants are great teammates as well. In a similar fashion, Mega Charizard X greatly appreciates the Defog support and handles Grass-types for Tapu Fini, but be careful of Misty Terrain weakening its Dragon-type moves. Ferrothorn is a great teammate, as together they act as a strong backbone that the likes of Ash-Greninja, Tapu Lele, and rain teams really struggle to break through. Tapu Fini handles the likes of Heatran, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Heracross for Ferrothorn, whereas Ferrothorn covers the likes of Calm Mind Clefable, Magearna lacking Focus Blast, and Tapu Koko. Likewise, Tangrowth and Celesteela offer a similar synergy and appreciate Tapu Fini's Defog as well. Jirachi is also notable since it can pass Wishes to Tapu Fini and take on Magearna and threatening Psychic-types, whereas Tapu Fini covers Ash-Greninja and Heatran. Pokemon that make good use of Misty Terrain like Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, and the aforementioned Volcarona are also solid choices. Finally, Gliscor is a great teammate, as it acts as a secondary Heatran switch-in, can provide Stealth Rock, and soft checks threats like Mega Mawile while Tapu Fini handles threats like Ash-Greninja.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Surf can be picked over Scald for a higher damage output, especially against specially defensive Heatran, but Scald's chance to burn the likes of Tapu Bulu and Landorus-T is usually too good to pass up. Knock Off is yet another useful option to remove Assault Vest from Magearna and Tangrowth and other miscellaneous items like Toxapex's Black Sludge; however, other choices are regarded as far better.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: The likes of Tapu Bulu, Kartana, and Serperior all demolish Tapu Fini with their respective Grass-type STAB moves. That being said, Tapu Bulu risks a burn when switching into Scald.
**Electric-types and Coverage**: Tapu Koko packs a punch even with Defog sets, and it can support allies like Kyurem-B, Mega Mawile, Magearna, and Mega Medicham with their respective Electric-type coverage and U-turn support. Even without Tapu Koko support, the aforementioned Pokemon still pose a threat. Zapdos, Magnezone, and other Electric-types can also pose a big threat to Tapu Fini.
**Residual Damage**: Having the role of a Defogger means Tapu Fini will often have to switch into entry hazards to remove them, which can weaken it considerably, and it's weak to all four of them. The likes of Magma Storm chip damage and just being forced to switch into the likes of Heatran and Ash-Greninja without reliable recovery can leave Tapu Fini fairly weakened.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Several wallbreakers can overpower Tapu Fini. Choice Specs Tapu Lele hits absurdly hard, Garchomp at +2 knocks Tapu Fini out with Continental Crush, Flyinium Z Tornadus-T can do some massive damage, Mega Alakazam does a lot with Psychic and can use Recover after any of Tapu Fini's attacks, and so on.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lyd, 303291]]
- Quality checked by: [[Simia, 300791], [Jordy, 395754], [Indigo Plateau, 216712]]
- Grammar checked by: [[frostration, 447027], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
The main standout to Tapu Fini's niche is the fact that it is a Defog user that beats the two arguably best entry hazard setters in the tier in Heatran and Ash-Greninja. While still having a decent matchup against other Stealth Rock users like Landorus-T, Mega Tyranitar, Gliscor, and Mega Diancie. Aside from the aforementioned, Tapu Fini also acts as a decent check to the likes of Hawlucha and Keldeo. Misty Terrain is also incredibly helpful, keeping teammates safe from status, with some notable examples being keeping Mega Mawile protected from Will-O-Wisp and bulky Volcarona safe from Toxic. Taunt is also a wonderful move to have, enabling Tapu Fini to shut down the likes of Toxapex and Reuniclus. However, the lack of reliable recovery is still very crippling to Tapu Fini, meaning it's prone to getting worn down over the course of a match, especially if it has to check more than one Pokemon on the opposing team. This in turn means Tapu Fini will often need teammates as backup checks to what it's meant to check. By extension, that also means Tapu Fini hates getting its item knocked off, as Leftovers are its sole form of recovery, which means it even goes as far to demand a Knock Off resistance as a teammate. Additionally, the nature of its set means it's forced to pick two out of Moonblast, Scald, and Nature's Madness, which naturally hinders its matchup against some Pokemon it's supposed to check. Lastly, Tapu Fini also faces some competition from other Water-types like Toxapex thanks to the rather narrow niche it fills, and it also dislikes the prevalence of Grass-types like Tapu Bulu, Tangrowth, and Amoongus, which it can't do much against.
[SET]
name: Defog
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Scald / Nature's Madness
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Defog
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 40 SpD / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Moonblast gives Tapu Fini an edge against Ash-Greninja and Hawlucha. Scald is instrumental for the Heatran matchup, but it's also very helpful to potentially punish Tapu Bulu with a burn and give Tapu Fini a better matchup against Landorus-T, Stealth Rock Gliscor, and Mega Mawile. Nature's Madness cripples several Pokemon that Tapu Fini wouldn't leave a scratch on otherwise. It's extremely helpful for the Toxapex matchup alongside Taunt, and it's also amazing against Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Assault Vest Magearna that lack reliable recovery; however, missing out on either of Tapu Fini's STAB moves is far from desirable. In case Ash-Greninja and Hawlucha are already covered by other partners, Scald can be run alongside Nature's Madness, forfeiting Moonblast. Taunt enables Tapu Fini to shut down passive Pokemon like Toxapex and Clefable and prevents entry hazard setters from continuously using Stealth Rock or Spikes. Defog plays a big role on Tapu Fini's niche, enabling it to remove hazards from several setters but most notably those of Ash-Greninja, Heatran, and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
192 Speed EVs is preferred to get the jump on Modest Heatran and anything slower. 12 Special Attack EVs enable Tapu Fini to always 2HKO Heatran with Scald after one round of Stealth Rock, which is unnecessary on variants without Scald. 16 Defense EVs allow Tapu Fini to stomach a +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock and a round of Leftovers, which is not needed on variants lacking Moonblast. Lastly, the remaining EVs are pooled into Special Defense alongside a Calm nature for Tapu Fini to better take on the likes of Ash-Greninja and Heatran.
Usage Tips
========
Tapu Fini's goal is to switch into Pokemon it checks like Ash-Greninja and Heatran and remove their entry hazards. However, try to scout if you're dealing with Ash-Greninja or its Protean counterpart, as Tapu Fini won't appreciate a Gunk Shot. Likewise, be a bit careful with the uncommon Steelium Z Heatran and, if possible, attempt to bait the Corkscrew Crash with a Steel-resistant Pokemon. Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, so its health should be preserved to check what it needs. If it checks more than one Pokemon on the opposing team, try to pivot into other teammates occasionally to prevent Tapu Fini from getting so weakened by one Pokemon it would check that it gets KOed by another. Try to position Misty Terrain in your favor. Teammates like Mega Mawile or Mega Medicham could appreciate a temporary immunity to burn, whereas the likes of Volcarona or Mega Charizard X could use a Toxic immunity to get set up opportunities. Be mindful of Misty Terrain weakening Dragon-type moves for the latter if you pack them, though.
Team Options
========
Bulky Volcarona is a wonderful teammate, as it mandates Defog support to shine and Tapu Fini provides it. Tapu Fini also handles Toxapex and Heatran pretty well, which is nice for Volcarona. Offensive variants are great teammates as well. In a similar fashion, Mega Charizard X greatly appreciates the Defog support and handles Grass-types for Tapu Fini, but be careful of Misty Terrain weakening its Dragon-type moves. Ferrothorn is a great teammate, as together they act as a strong backbone that the likes of Ash-Greninja, Tapu Lele, and rain teams really struggle to break through. Tapu Fini handles the likes of Heatran, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Heracross for Ferrothorn, whereas Ferrothorn covers the likes of Calm Mind Clefable, Magearna lacking Focus Blast, and Tapu Koko. Likewise, Tangrowth and Celesteela offer a similar synergy and appreciate Tapu Fini's Defog as well. Jirachi is also notable since it can pass Wishes to Tapu Fini and take on Magearna and threatening Psychic-types, whereas Tapu Fini covers Ash-Greninja and Heatran. Pokemon that make good use of Misty Terrain like Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, and the aforementioned Volcarona are also solid choices. Finally, Gliscor is a great teammate, as it acts as a secondary Heatran switch-in, can provide Stealth Rock, and soft checks threats like Mega Mawile while Tapu Fini handles threats like Ash-Greninja.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Surf can be picked over Scald for a higher damage output, especially against specially defensive Heatran, but Scald's chance to burn the likes of Tapu Bulu and Landorus-T is usually too good to pass up. Knock Off is yet another useful option to remove Assault Vest from Magearna and Tangrowth and other miscellaneous items like Toxapex's Black Sludge; however, other choices are regarded as far better.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: The likes of Tapu Bulu, Kartana, and Serperior all demolish Tapu Fini with their respective Grass-type STAB moves. That being said, Tapu Bulu risks a burn when switching into Scald.
**Electric-types and Coverage**: Tapu Koko packs a punch even with Defog sets, and it can support allies like Kyurem-B, Mega Mawile, Magearna, and Mega Medicham with their respective Electric-type coverage and U-turn support. Even without Tapu Koko support, the aforementioned Pokemon still pose a threat. Zapdos, Magnezone, and other Electric-types can also pose a big threat to Tapu Fini.
**Residual Damage**: Having the role of a Defogger means Tapu Fini will often have to switch into entry hazards to remove them, which can weaken it considerably, and it's weak to all four of them. The likes of Magma Storm chip damage and just being forced to switch into the likes of Heatran and Ash-Greninja without reliable recovery can leave Tapu Fini fairly weakened.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Several wallbreakers can overpower Tapu Fini. Choice Specs Tapu Lele hits absurdly hard, Garchomp at +2 knocks Tapu Fini out with Continental Crush, Flyinium Z Tornadus-T can do some massive damage, Mega Alakazam does a lot with Psychic and can use Recover after any of Tapu Fini's attacks, and so on.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lyd, 303291]]
- Quality checked by: [[Simia, 300791], [Jordy, 395754], [Indigo Plateau, 216712]]
- Grammar checked by: [[frostration, 447027], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
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