https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/tapu-fini-gp-1-2.3680273/
[Overview]
Tapu Fini's solid stats and great defensive typing allow it to check threatening Pokemon such as Heatran, Hydreigon, Weavile, Volcarona, and Urshifu-R. It also possesses a useful ability in Misty Surge to limit the progress of status-spreading Pokemon, such as Dragapult and Toxapex, and a wide utility movepool including Defog, Taunt, and Knock Off. It has some versatility, as it can choose a Calm Mind set to stallbreak, a utility set, or a Choice Scarf set to surprise Pokemon that usually outspeed it. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, meaning it can be worn down very quickly, especially if the common Knock Off removes its Leftovers. If it has to check multiple threats, it may therefore need a secondary check to them. Many of the Pokemon it wants to switch into, such as Dragapult and Urshifu-R, carry U-turn to wear it down further. While Tapu Fini has many useful resistances, common faster offensive threats like Rillaboom, Tapu Koko, Kartana, Nidoking, and Zeraora exploit its typing. It faces competition from Slowbro, Slowking, and Toxapex as a defensive Water-type and Clefable as a defensive Fairy-type. However, Tapu Fini differentiates itself with its unique combination of utility options, its rare and valuable ability, and it simultaneously checking Pokemon such as Heatran and Weavile.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Surf / Scald
move 4: Draining Kiss
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Scald is weaker than Surf, but it discourages Pokemon not protected by Misty Terrain, such as Landorus-T and Rillaboom, from switching in due to the threat of a burn. Draining Kiss is preferred over Moonblast to make Tapu Fini less easily worn down. Taunt turns Pokemon that rely on status moves to damage Tapu Fini such as Blissey and Toxapex into setup fodder. It also prevents Slowking from using Teleport and Pokemon like Corviknight and Clefable from using their recovery moves, forcing them to play more carefully to avoid being worn down. 64 Speed EVs allow Tapu Fini to outspeed maximum speed Adamant Tyranitar and specially defensive Heatran, and by extension neutral-natured Pokemon with 60 base Speed or less, such as Aegislash and Crawdaunt. The Defense EVs and Bold nature are used because Calm Mind already boosts Tapu Fini's special bulk.
Tapu Fini gets worn down too quickly without its Leftovers, so Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for it make ideal teammates, such as Corviknight and Skarmory, which can also switch into Grass-types like Rillaboom and Kartana. Landorus-T can absorb Electric-type attacks and pressures Galarian Slowking, which counters this set. It enjoys Tapu Fini being a reliable switch-in to Weavile and Urshifu-R, two of the few physical attackers it cannot check. Pokemon like Zapdos and Ferrothorn that can switch into Tapu Fini's revenge killers including Kartana, Zeraora, and Rillaboom are valuable teammates, particularly due to its low Speed, as are Choice Scarf users that outspeed them like Kartana.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Taunt / Defog
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 64 SpD / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Although it might seem strange to use Scald alongside Misty Surge, it can still burn Ground-immune Pokemon like Landorus-T and Dragonite, as well as Rillaboom and Tapu Bulu, preventing them from switching in as freely. Knock Off harms Pokemon that Tapu Fini cannot threaten with its STAB attacks such as Ferrothorn and Kartana. Taunt is typically preferred to limit Pokemon like Toxapex, Slowking, and Volcarona, as they otherwise wall Tapu Fini with ease and take advantage of it, or set up on it in the latter's case. Alternatively, Defog Tapu Fini is an effective form of hazard removal due to its decent matchup against common Stealth Rock setters like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Heatran. Keep in mind, however, that Defog clears Misty Terrain, so you will need to play more carefully around variants of these Pokemon that carry Toxic. 192 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Tapu Fini to outspeed Timid Heatran, with the remaining EVs being placed into Special Defense to take hits from special attackers like Dragapult, Heatran, and Hydreigon slightly better.
Corviknight and Scizor are good partners for Tapu Fini, as they can switch into Rillaboom and Kartana for it, and it can come into Heatran for them after a U-turn as Heatran switches in. Corviknight can also use its Bulk Up set more freely if Tapu Fini is using Defog. Tangrowth can switch into all common Electric- and Grass- types except Zapdos and relieves pressure from Tapu Fini to check Urshifu-R and other physical attackers. In return, Tapu Fini can switch into Heatran, which often tries to exploit Tangrowth's passivity, and protects it from Toxic from Pokemon like Zeraora and Garchomp. Heatran can switch into Choice-locked attacks from Rillaboom and Kyurem, and it appreciates Tapu Fini switching into Water- and Fighting-type attacks and removing Heavy-Duty Boots from Pokemon like Slowbro, letting it trap and eliminate them with Magma Storm more easily. Setup sweepers such as Volcarona, Weavile, and Kartana enjoy the protection from status that Misty Terrain grants, easing setup against Pokemon like Blissey, Clefable, and Slowbro that can carry Toxic or Thunder Wave. Tapu Fini can often force in specially defensive walls like Galarian Slowking, Ferrothorn, and Blissey and remove their items, which aids other special attackers like Kyurem and Calm Mind Clefable in beating them.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Knock Off / Defog
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With a Choice Scarf, Tapu Fini can outspeed and threaten Pokemon like Garchomp, Tornadus-T, and Nidoking. Hydro Pump is the preferred Water-type STAB move due to its greater power; for example, it secures an OHKO on defensive Landorus-T after Stealth Rock and a 2HKO on Nasty Plot Tornadus-T. Scald can be used instead for perfect accuracy, but it will miss out on the aforementioned KOs. Knock Off punishes switches into Pokemon that wall this set like Galarian Slowking, whereas Defog can be used on teams that require situational hazard control. Finally, Trick cripples Ferrothorn, Blissey, and Toxapex, which can switch into Tapu Fini's attacks with ease.
This set fits on offensive teams that do not require Tapu Fini's defensive utility and appreciate the role compression of a revenge killer, a situational switch-in to Pokemon like Dragapult, and either Defog or Knock Off. As Tapu Fini cannot reliably switch into strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Dragapult and Choice Band Weavile due to its lack of bulk investment, it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Landorus-T and Zeraora to switch into them, as well as alternative defensive switch-ins to them like Mandibuzz and Scizor, respectively. Pokemon that take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to lure in and cripple Galarian Slowking, Blissey, and Toxapex, such as Volcarona and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T, which also help against Rillaboom and Kartana, are ideal teammates. Ferrothorn can set Spikes to wear down opposing Pokemon into Tapu Fini's KO range and pressure Water-types like Slowking. It also switches into Tapu Koko for it. Even with offensive investment, Tapu Fini cannot do much damage to walls, so it is advised to pair it with a strong wallbreaker like Kartana or Swords Dance Landorus-T.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Nature's Madness can be used on the utility set, but it is typically less effective than Moonblast and Scald at pressuring the Pokemon Tapu Fini wants to beat like Dragapult, Hydreigon, and Weavile, as well as many checks to it like Nidoking and Kyurem. Whirlpool in conjunction with Taunt and Nature's Madness lets Tapu Fini trap and eliminate passive Pokemon like Toxapex and Blissey for teammates like Volcarona and Tornadus-T. However, the Calm Mind set can beat them already, and Tapu Fini is also outclassed as a trapper by Heatran, which has greater strength and an effective Toxic to wear down Pokemon more quickly.
Checks and Counters
====
**Chip Damage**: Often, the best way to beat Tapu Fini is to exploit its lack of consistent recovery with chip damage such as Future Sight from Slowbro, Slowking, and Galarian Slowking, which are often paired with Pokemon it wants to check like Urshifu-R and Weavile. Knock Off from Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable removing its Leftovers, and U-turn from Dragapult, Urshifu-R, and Corviknight, are also effective.
**Grass-types**: Kartana and Ferrothorn can switch into Tapu Fini and force it out with their STAB attacks. Rillaboom and Tapu Bulu dislike being burnt by Scald, but both remove Misty Terrain and threaten an OHKO on it with Wood Hammer. Though uncommon, Amoonguss is particularly threatening, as it resists Tapu Fini's STAB moves, is not especially bothered by Knock Off, and can remove its Calm Mind boosts with Clear Smog.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: Slowking stomachs any attack from Tapu Fini and can pressure its team with Future Sight, and it can use Teleport if Tapu Fini lacks Taunt to switch in a threatening wallbreaker unharmed. Blissey takes any attack but is crippled by Trick and Taunt. Additionally, neither of these Pokemon enjoy losing their Heavy-Duty Boots to Knock Off.
**Poison-types**: Galarian Slowking completely walls Tapu Fini and gets an almost completely free Future Sight off or hits it back with Sludge Bomb. However, it can be worn down if its Assault Vest is lost to Knock Off or Trick. Toxapex walls both utility and Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, but it cannot threaten Tapu Fini if it is Taunted, so Calm Mind variants set up on it. Nidoking cannot switch in but is often seen with Teleport users like Slowking that counter Tapu Fini. It outspeeds most Tapu Fini and threatens with Sludge Wave. However, Choice Scarf Tapu Fini outspeeds and OHKOes it with Hydro Pump, so it must be careful.
**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko and Zeraora cannot directly switch into Tapu Fini but threaten it with their STAB moves. Zapdos can switch into an attack from full health and has reliable recovery, but it struggles to beat Tapu Fini if it carries Volt Switch over Discharge.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[TailGlowVM, 546123]]
- Translated by [[Sificon, 417297]]
- German grammar checked by: [[Name des Users, id], [Name des Users, id]]
- Quality checked by: [[ausma, 360720], [ashwins72, 513717]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [username, userid]]
[Overview]
Tapu Fini's solid stats and great defensive typing allow it to check threatening Pokemon such as Heatran, Hydreigon, Weavile, Volcarona, and Urshifu-R. It also possesses a useful ability in Misty Surge to limit the progress of status-spreading Pokemon, such as Dragapult and Toxapex, and a wide utility movepool including Defog, Taunt, and Knock Off. It has some versatility, as it can choose a Calm Mind set to stallbreak, a utility set, or a Choice Scarf set to surprise Pokemon that usually outspeed it. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, meaning it can be worn down very quickly, especially if the common Knock Off removes its Leftovers. If it has to check multiple threats, it may therefore need a secondary check to them. Many of the Pokemon it wants to switch into, such as Dragapult and Urshifu-R, carry U-turn to wear it down further. While Tapu Fini has many useful resistances, common faster offensive threats like Rillaboom, Tapu Koko, Kartana, Nidoking, and Zeraora exploit its typing. It faces competition from Slowbro, Slowking, and Toxapex as a defensive Water-type and Clefable as a defensive Fairy-type. However, Tapu Fini differentiates itself with its unique combination of utility options, its rare and valuable ability, and it simultaneously checking Pokemon such as Heatran and Weavile.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Surf / Scald
move 4: Draining Kiss
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Scald is weaker than Surf, but it discourages Pokemon not protected by Misty Terrain, such as Landorus-T and Rillaboom, from switching in due to the threat of a burn. Draining Kiss is preferred over Moonblast to make Tapu Fini less easily worn down. Taunt turns Pokemon that rely on status moves to damage Tapu Fini such as Blissey and Toxapex into setup fodder. It also prevents Slowking from using Teleport and Pokemon like Corviknight and Clefable from using their recovery moves, forcing them to play more carefully to avoid being worn down. 64 Speed EVs allow Tapu Fini to outspeed maximum speed Adamant Tyranitar and specially defensive Heatran, and by extension neutral-natured Pokemon with 60 base Speed or less, such as Aegislash and Crawdaunt. The Defense EVs and Bold nature are used because Calm Mind already boosts Tapu Fini's special bulk.
Tapu Fini gets worn down too quickly without its Leftovers, so Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for it make ideal teammates, such as Corviknight and Skarmory, which can also switch into Grass-types like Rillaboom and Kartana. Landorus-T can absorb Electric-type attacks and pressures Galarian Slowking, which counters this set. It enjoys Tapu Fini being a reliable switch-in to Weavile and Urshifu-R, two of the few physical attackers it cannot check. Pokemon like Zapdos and Ferrothorn that can switch into Tapu Fini's revenge killers including Kartana, Zeraora, and Rillaboom are valuable teammates, particularly due to its low Speed, as are Choice Scarf users that outspeed them like Kartana.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Scald
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Taunt / Defog
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 64 SpD / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Although it might seem strange to use Scald alongside Misty Surge, it can still burn Ground-immune Pokemon like Landorus-T and Dragonite, as well as Rillaboom and Tapu Bulu, preventing them from switching in as freely. Knock Off harms Pokemon that Tapu Fini cannot threaten with its STAB attacks such as Ferrothorn and Kartana. Taunt is typically preferred to limit Pokemon like Toxapex, Slowking, and Volcarona, as they otherwise wall Tapu Fini with ease and take advantage of it, or set up on it in the latter's case. Alternatively, Defog Tapu Fini is an effective form of hazard removal due to its decent matchup against common Stealth Rock setters like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Heatran. Keep in mind, however, that Defog clears Misty Terrain, so you will need to play more carefully around variants of these Pokemon that carry Toxic. 192 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Tapu Fini to outspeed Timid Heatran, with the remaining EVs being placed into Special Defense to take hits from special attackers like Dragapult, Heatran, and Hydreigon slightly better.
Corviknight and Scizor are good partners for Tapu Fini, as they can switch into Rillaboom and Kartana for it, and it can come into Heatran for them after a U-turn as Heatran switches in. Corviknight can also use its Bulk Up set more freely if Tapu Fini is using Defog. Tangrowth can switch into all common Electric- and Grass- types except Zapdos and relieves pressure from Tapu Fini to check Urshifu-R and other physical attackers. In return, Tapu Fini can switch into Heatran, which often tries to exploit Tangrowth's passivity, and protects it from Toxic from Pokemon like Zeraora and Garchomp. Heatran can switch into Choice-locked attacks from Rillaboom and Kyurem, and it appreciates Tapu Fini switching into Water- and Fighting-type attacks and removing Heavy-Duty Boots from Pokemon like Slowbro, letting it trap and eliminate them with Magma Storm more easily. Setup sweepers such as Volcarona, Weavile, and Kartana enjoy the protection from status that Misty Terrain grants, easing setup against Pokemon like Blissey, Clefable, and Slowbro that can carry Toxic or Thunder Wave. Tapu Fini can often force in specially defensive walls like Galarian Slowking, Ferrothorn, and Blissey and remove their items, which aids other special attackers like Kyurem and Calm Mind Clefable in beating them.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Knock Off / Defog
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With a Choice Scarf, Tapu Fini can outspeed and threaten Pokemon like Garchomp, Tornadus-T, and Nidoking. Hydro Pump is the preferred Water-type STAB move due to its greater power; for example, it secures an OHKO on defensive Landorus-T after Stealth Rock and a 2HKO on Nasty Plot Tornadus-T. Scald can be used instead for perfect accuracy, but it will miss out on the aforementioned KOs. Knock Off punishes switches into Pokemon that wall this set like Galarian Slowking, whereas Defog can be used on teams that require situational hazard control. Finally, Trick cripples Ferrothorn, Blissey, and Toxapex, which can switch into Tapu Fini's attacks with ease.
This set fits on offensive teams that do not require Tapu Fini's defensive utility and appreciate the role compression of a revenge killer, a situational switch-in to Pokemon like Dragapult, and either Defog or Knock Off. As Tapu Fini cannot reliably switch into strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Dragapult and Choice Band Weavile due to its lack of bulk investment, it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Landorus-T and Zeraora to switch into them, as well as alternative defensive switch-ins to them like Mandibuzz and Scizor, respectively. Pokemon that take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to lure in and cripple Galarian Slowking, Blissey, and Toxapex, such as Volcarona and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T, which also help against Rillaboom and Kartana, are ideal teammates. Ferrothorn can set Spikes to wear down opposing Pokemon into Tapu Fini's KO range and pressure Water-types like Slowking. It also switches into Tapu Koko for it. Even with offensive investment, Tapu Fini cannot do much damage to walls, so it is advised to pair it with a strong wallbreaker like Kartana or Swords Dance Landorus-T.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Nature's Madness can be used on the utility set, but it is typically less effective than Moonblast and Scald at pressuring the Pokemon Tapu Fini wants to beat like Dragapult, Hydreigon, and Weavile, as well as many checks to it like Nidoking and Kyurem. Whirlpool in conjunction with Taunt and Nature's Madness lets Tapu Fini trap and eliminate passive Pokemon like Toxapex and Blissey for teammates like Volcarona and Tornadus-T. However, the Calm Mind set can beat them already, and Tapu Fini is also outclassed as a trapper by Heatran, which has greater strength and an effective Toxic to wear down Pokemon more quickly.
Checks and Counters
====
**Chip Damage**: Often, the best way to beat Tapu Fini is to exploit its lack of consistent recovery with chip damage such as Future Sight from Slowbro, Slowking, and Galarian Slowking, which are often paired with Pokemon it wants to check like Urshifu-R and Weavile. Knock Off from Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable removing its Leftovers, and U-turn from Dragapult, Urshifu-R, and Corviknight, are also effective.
**Grass-types**: Kartana and Ferrothorn can switch into Tapu Fini and force it out with their STAB attacks. Rillaboom and Tapu Bulu dislike being burnt by Scald, but both remove Misty Terrain and threaten an OHKO on it with Wood Hammer. Though uncommon, Amoonguss is particularly threatening, as it resists Tapu Fini's STAB moves, is not especially bothered by Knock Off, and can remove its Calm Mind boosts with Clear Smog.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: Slowking stomachs any attack from Tapu Fini and can pressure its team with Future Sight, and it can use Teleport if Tapu Fini lacks Taunt to switch in a threatening wallbreaker unharmed. Blissey takes any attack but is crippled by Trick and Taunt. Additionally, neither of these Pokemon enjoy losing their Heavy-Duty Boots to Knock Off.
**Poison-types**: Galarian Slowking completely walls Tapu Fini and gets an almost completely free Future Sight off or hits it back with Sludge Bomb. However, it can be worn down if its Assault Vest is lost to Knock Off or Trick. Toxapex walls both utility and Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, but it cannot threaten Tapu Fini if it is Taunted, so Calm Mind variants set up on it. Nidoking cannot switch in but is often seen with Teleport users like Slowking that counter Tapu Fini. It outspeeds most Tapu Fini and threatens with Sludge Wave. However, Choice Scarf Tapu Fini outspeeds and OHKOes it with Hydro Pump, so it must be careful.
**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko and Zeraora cannot directly switch into Tapu Fini but threaten it with their STAB moves. Zapdos can switch into an attack from full health and has reliable recovery, but it struggles to beat Tapu Fini if it carries Volt Switch over Discharge.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[TailGlowVM, 546123]]
- Translated by [[Sificon, 417297]]
- German grammar checked by: [[Name des Users, id], [Name des Users, id]]
- Quality checked by: [[ausma, 360720], [ashwins72, 513717]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [username, userid]]