Project UU Next Best Thing Crown Tundra Edition: Week 52: Slowking | Voting Phase

scorbunnys

Don't dream your life, but live your dream. #Bunny

approved by A Cake Wearing A Hat | Formally hosted by Bandkrook and ausma | Thank you Fusion Flare for this amazing banner!

UU Next Best Thing is finally back! After the Crown Tundra DLC dropped, the UU tier was vastly shaken up, and now that the it has had some time to recover from the beasts that were introduced, the project is up and running once again! The goal of this project is to explore interesting and new Pokemon sets, hoping to maybe find a new way to use said Pokemon! It serves as a way to let your imagination flow. With that said, not every set will become popular or a metagame staple. However, don't let that discourage you! The goal, at the end of the day, is to explore and have fun, but keep in mind that you can't submit any official Smogon set.

How's this going to work?
Each week, a Pokemon with the potential to have many sets will be selected. Participants must try to create a new set that is not already considered one of its main sets (either already in the Smogon Strategy Pokedex or in the process of being added). Participants will have from Friday until the end of Tuesday to create their set. On Wednesday and Thursday, a vote will be held in order to choose which set is the most creative and viable in the current Crown Tundra Gen 8 UU metagame. Once the votes are tallied and a winner is selected, the set will be listed in the Hall Of Fame below this post and the process will start over with another Pokemon.

RULES AND INFORMATION
  • Aqua Jet and scorbunnys are the the hosts of this project. If you have any concerns regarding the project, or want to submit a Pokemon for next week, please DM him. ONLY POST SUBMISSIONS AND VOTES ON THIS THREAD.
  • Feel free to be as creative as you want, just make sure that you can prove that your set stands apart from the standard sets, especially if yours does not appear much different from the standard ones. It is also important that you understand the difference between a creative set and a gimmicky set. This project is meant to use creativity to maximize a Pokemon's potential, not produce gimmicks. We may disallow sets if we deem them too gimmicky, situational, or unoriginal.​
  • Feel free to post replays of your set in action! This is a great way to show how your set can be game changing in certain situations.​
  • Do not change your set after voting phase has started. Doing so will result in disqualification.
  • Anyone can vote, have you submitted a set or not! However, you may only vote for a set that is not your own. Voting for your own set and persuading others to vote for your set will result in disqualification for the present round and future ones if we deem it necessary.​
  • You may reserve a set, but if you haven't properly filled it in within 24h of your reservation it may be taken by someone else.​
  • Have fun and pop off!
 
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scorbunnys

Don't dream your life, but live your dream. #Bunny
Week​
Pokémon​
Set​
Winner​
1​
:Celebi:
Future Sight​
2​
:Rotom-Wash:
Sub NP​
3​
:Cobalion:
Suicide Lead​
4​
:Weezing-Galar:
Choice Specs​
5​
:Necrozma:
Choice Specs​
6​
:Slowbro:
Iron Defense + Body Press​
7​
:Krookodile:
WP + Power Trip​
8​
:Azelf:
Choice Band and NP​
9​
:Celesteela:
Ingrain and Skull Bash​
10​
:Mimikyu:
Sub Pain Split​
Katy
11​
:Kommo-o:
Iron Defense + Body Press​
12​
:Jirachi:
Meteor Mash + 3 attacks​
13​
:Keldeo:
Endeavor + Aqua Jet​
14​
:Victini:
Work Up​
15​
:Toxtricity:
Shift Gear + Stored Power​
Katy
16​
:Chandelure:
Toxic + Taunt​
17​
:Kyurem:
Mixed Sub DD​
18​
:Skarmory:
Curse Sweeper​
19​
:Zeraora:
Electric Seed + Rising Voltage​
20​
:Scizor:
Sand Tomb​
21​
:Aegislash:
Metal Sound + Throat Spray​
22​
:Primarina:
Whirpool Trapper​
23​
:Salamence:
Mixed Choice Scarf​
24​
:Zarude:
TR71​
KM
25​
:Azumarill:
Perishpool​
26​
:Tangrowth:
Sun Sweeper and Dual Status​
27​
:Slowbro-Galar:
Trick + Black Sludge and Belly Drum​
28​
:Nidoking:
Hone Claws​
29​
:Politoed:
Perishpool​
30​
:Diggersby:
Endure + Flail, Last Resort, and Sitrus Berry Recycle​
31​
:Pelipper:
Choice Specs​
32​
:Tapu Bulu:
SubSeed​
33​
:Omastar:
Red Card​
34​
:Thundurus:
Endure + Petaya Berry and Taunt​
35​
:Nihilego:
Choice Specs​
36​
:Conkeldurr:
RestTalk​
37​
:Guzzlord:
Choice Band​
38​
:Buzzwole:
Occa Berry​
avg
39​
:Hydreigon:
Belch + Roseli Berry​
40​
:Latias:
Choice Scarf​
41​
:Excadrill:
Iron ball​
avg
42​
:Mandibuzz:
Taunt​
43​
:Swampert:
Weakness Policy​
44​
:Diancie:
Trick Room​
45​
:Sylveon:
Echoed Voice​
46​
:Umbreon:
Theif​
47​
:Entei:
Heavy-Duty Boots​
48​
:Hatterene:
Offensive Trick Room​
49​
:Heracross:
RestTalk + Spikes​
50​
:Tangrowth:
Choice Specs​
51​
:Tentacruel:
52​
53​
54​
55​
56​
57​
Leaderboard

Place​
# of Wins​
Username​
1​
7​
2​
4​
2​
4​
3​
3​
3​
3​
avg
3​
3​
3​
3​
Lily
3​
3​
Katy
3​
3​
4​
2​
4​
2​
4​
2​
4​
2​
KM
4​
2​
4​
2​
4​
2​
5​
1​
5​
1​
5​
1​
5​
1​
5​
1​
5​
1​
5​
1​
5​
1​
5​
1​
@SpookM​
5​
1​

 
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Band

scatters things often
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributor
Week 8: The Being of Willpower

:xy/azelf:
It is said that when Azelf flew, people gained the determination to do things. It was the birth of willpower. So what better way to start something new than with the Willpower Pokemon? Azelf has access to a lot, and I mean, A LOT of moves: Fire Blast, Thunder, Zen Headbutt, Knock Off, Explosion, Dual Screens, U-turn, Stealth Rock, Nasty Plot, and the list goes on. It also has amazing Attack and Special Attack, both 125 base! And its Speed isn't bad either, clocking in at a surprising 115! However, it is very fragile. How will you explore Azelf's potential?

You have until January 12th 23:59 GMT -3 to submit your set!

Azelf @ Focus Sash
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Explosion
- Knock Off / Flamethrower
 
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Katy

Banned deucer.
choice band azelf (dpp classic set)

:dp/azelf:
Azelf @ Choice Band
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Zen Headbutt
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Fire Punch


due to its high 125 base attack and its good speed, azelf can afford to run choice band in this tier. zen headbutt is the stab of choice as its the hardest hitting physical stab option, knock off removes annoying items such as leftovers and heavy-duty boots, furthermore it can remove light clay from pokemon like grimmsnarl, ninetales-alola, and opposing screens azelf where the latter gets hit hard by such a strong knock off. u-turn gets azelf out of unfavorable matchups and also catches krookdile. fire punch is the coverage of choice so it can damage tangrowth, celesteela, scizor, and also bisharp hard.​
 
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Future Sight Azelf

Azelf @ Focus Sash
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- U-turn
- Future Sight
- Psyshock
- Fire Blast/Flamethrower


General idea
Here we have an Azelf as a lead with special coverage moves instead of physical options. It doesn't have to KO threats from full, but it has to dish out some damage.
Psyshock is the main STAB that hits the physical side while being unaffected by Intimidate, whereas Future Sight is here to be spammed on a predicted Dark or resisted switch-ins to Psychic-type moves. This is perfect when coupled with U-turn or, in general, teammates that threatens out those Azelf's checks because Future Sight is always unexpected even when it is revealed.
The last move is a choice between Flamethrower and Fire Blast: some calcs are needed in order to decide which is better. In my opinion the sheer power of Fire Blast is better to achieve some KOs.

EVs spread and item
The EVs spread is pretty basic and doesn't need any explanation.
Focus Sash is good because it allows to use an additional attack from our beloved pixie.
Calcs:
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Mow: 220-260 (91.2 - 107.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cobalion: 306-360 (94.7 - 111.4%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Doublade: 274-324 (87.8 - 103.8%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 256-302 (91.1 - 107.4%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 312-368 (93.4 - 110.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Tangrowth: 402-474 (99.5 - 117.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Tapu Bulu: 174-206 (50.7 - 60%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock, Leftovers recovery, and Grassy Terrain recovery
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Arctozolt: 282-332 (87.8 - 103.4%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Azelf Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Klefki: 260-308 (81.7 - 96.8%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Azelf Future Sight vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing-Galar: 510-602 (152.6 - 180.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Azelf Future Sight vs. 252 HP / 40 SpD Kommo-o: 354-416 (100 - 117.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Azelf Future Sight vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Nihilego: 306-360 (85.2 - 100.2%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Future Sight vs. 252 HP / 72 SpD Nidoqueen: 404-476 (105.2 - 123.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Azelf Future Sight vs. 248 HP / 92 SpD Amoonguss: 410-486 (95.1 - 112.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Azelf Future Sight vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Terrakion: 416-492 (128.7 - 152.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO (a clean OHKO without further support unlike with Psyshock)
252 SpA Azelf Future Sight vs. 60 HP / 0 SpD Linoone: 285-336 (91.3 - 107.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Team(mates) support
A way to remove SR from our side of the field is mandatory in order to keep the Focus Sash active. Also, a way to deal properly with Dark and Steel-type pokemons is mandatory in order to use Azelf's STABs freely.
In return, Azelf offers a fast U-turn and hard-hitting moves even without SpA-boosting items.
 
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Nasty Plot Azelf

:ss/Azelf:
Azelf @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Psyshock
- Dazzling Gleam / Energy Ball / Shadow Ball

Azelf has super optimal Speed, Special Attack, and a wide range of coverage options. With the right 3-attack combination, one Nasty Plot will put you in position to sweep entire teams.

Nasty Plot: Obviously, this is the backbone of the entire set. Use Nasty Plot once, and the opponent is in big trouble. I picked the following coverage moves, but you can always vary:

Fire Blast: Fire is very important in UU, as it hits so many key pokemon like Scizor, Celesteela, Skarmory, and Tangrowth. Celesteela is easily KO'd by one NP Fire Blast, and the rest don't even need a NP as they are OHKO'd with Life Orb alone:

+2 252 SpA Life Orb Azelf Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 432-510 (108.5 - 128.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Azelf Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 248+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 442-520 (109.4 - 128.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Psyshock: Azelf's only STAB, and the main thing to get it past special walls like Chansey. You will need to hit Chansey twice with a boosted Psyshock, or use NP two times to OHKO it. But that's just Chansey. Against other regular things in the tier that don't resist Psychic, +2 Psyshock is usually good enough to KO:

+4 252 SpA Life Orb Azelf Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 656-773 (93.1 - 109.8%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Azelf Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gyarados: 402-473 (121.4 - 142.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Azelf Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 40 Def Rotom-Wash: 300-355 (98.6 - 116.7%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

Last Move: The only five Pokemon in the entire tier that are unphazed by boosted Fire Blast + Psyshock are: Crawdaunt, Latias, Quagsire, Slowking, Victini.

Dazzling Gleam hits Crawdaunt and Latias, will OHKO Krookodile, and hits Slowking for 60% boosted. You will have nothing really for Victini or Quagsire.
Shadow Ball hits Latias, Slowking, and Victini. You will nothing for Crawdaunt or Quagsire.
Energy Ball hits Crawdaunt, Quagsire, Slowking, and will OHKO Krookodile. You will have nothing for Victini or Latias.

So, at worst, you will have 2 pokemon in the entire UU tier that can wall a Nasty Plot Azelf. Everything else is basically OHKO'd by a +2 move.

Azelf's Speed: Azelf is outsped by Zeraora and Alakazam. That's it. It is faster than everything else, including Latias. So, if you manage to get it boosted, you are going to do serious damage.

But what about Alakazam? Just use that? Alakazam has a similar set and is faster, and doesn't take Life Orb damage. The key difference is Alakazam does not have Fire Blast. Fire Blast + Psyshock is such godly otherworldy coverage in UU. Alakazam usually ends up relying on a terrible move like Focus Blast when it runs this set. Celesteela is also such an easy switch-in to Alakazam, as even a +2 Focus Blast dos about 70% (if it hits), and Celesteela OHKO's it with Heavy Slam. Azelf, instead, will OHKO Celeesteela with +2 Fire Blast, and since Azelf is bulkier than Alakazam (crazy I know), Heavy Slam only does 70% at most to it (if it even gets a chance to use it, since Fire Blast will OHKO at +2). Bullet Punch from Choice Band Scizor also OHKO's Zam, but not Azelf. Alakazam is obviously a better Pokemon than Azelf overall, but the coverage Azelf offers and its ability to OHKO almost the entire tier after one boost make it a very good choice to UU Pokemon trainers around the world.

REPLAY: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8uu-1259999228 - here's a fight showing off Azelf's potential. Would have died to Chlorophyll Venusaur anyways, but besides that this would have been an easy 6 mon sweep for Azelf.
 
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Giokio

#1 Nia simp
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Specs + Trick Azelf

Azelf @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Trick
- Psychic
- Fire Blast
- Dazzling Gleam

I present a set similar to some of Rotom's sets, Choice Specs + Trick.
The main purpose of this set is to lock opposing setup sweepers and walls with trick, but it can be used as a wallbreaking set as well.

Trick is his main strategy, Use it against annoying walls like Chansey, Slowking, Skarmory and Calm Mind Latias to cripple them for the entirety of the match or against a setup sweeper like Gyarados if you feel threatened by their boosts. You may think this is hard to hit properly because the opponent could expect this strat, but since Azelf is mainly used as an explosive rock setter, people tend to switch to their physical walls, giving you the chance to Trick them.

Psychic is its main STAB, I prefer running Psychic instead of Psyshock because in UU there aren't many special walls except Chansey and Slowking, who get crippled easily by Trick, but if you think Tentacruel would be a threat, it is preferable to run Psyshock instead.

Fire Blast is a strong coverage that can OHKO Mamoswhine, Cobalion and Jirachi whit the downgrade of being a bit inaccurate. You can swap it with Flamethrower to make sure you always hit but you'll not take the OHKO against Jirachi which is much needed. You can also run Thunderbolt to deal supereffective damage on bulky waters like Slowking and Cloyster but you'll end up being less consistent.

Dazzling Gleam is another very good coverage move to deal with Dragon Types like Devensive Latias, Sub/Roost Kyurem, Salamence and defensive Kommo-o, and Drak types like Galarian Moltres, Grimsnarl and Zarude.

The given spread allows Azelf to hit as fast and hard as possible, lettig him hit hard, even after tricking his item.

Since this Azelf set can't place Stealth Rock, I'd suggest partners like defensive Kommo-o or Krookodile that can safely switch in respectively on Dark type and Ghost type attacks and also place Stealth rock. Setup sweepers like Bisharp, Azumarill and Gyarados appreciate Azelf's ability to completely cripple walls with Trick, giving them the chance to set up.
 
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Azelf @ Grassy Seed
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Zen Headbutt
- Acrobatics
- Knock Off
- U-turn

Felt creative so decided to make a grassy seed team even if it isn't the most practical. Zen headbutt acts as STAB while acrobatics uses the boost from the item to hit grasses. Knock removes item and u-turn pivots it out. Pair with bulu obviously, random thought I came up with but hey it might work.
 
Sunny Day Azelf

:ss/Azelf:
Azelf @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Psyshock / Psychic / Dazzling Gleam / Energy Ball
- Sunny Day

This Azelf carries Sunny Day to help keep its (Sun) team going, as well as packing some strong attacks with a Life Orb and a Modest nature that allows it to just barely outspeed Base 100s. Fire Blast does a hefty chunk under Sun, Thunderbolt hits Flying-types and Water-types, and you have your choice of coverage for the 3rd attack (I think Psyshock is best - it does 34.3 - 40.4% to Chansey with this set - but you can change according to your team).

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8uu-1258675859-u6jf748flnvmqfx6u3l5ck4970fa3qdpw
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8uu-1258680563-s41onmt3tur2snck6rjrzp6jw1k6cnlpw
Azelf aids in keeping Sunny Day active; Victini murks things

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8uu-1258689978-84jk1l781c12z6ftg06as7uzuflkz2spw
Azelf uses its Levitate ability to switch in on Earthquake and click scary buttons

Sample Sun team for this Azelf I came up with in about 5 minutes using my enormous brainpower (/s): https://pokepast.es/4e086218952d778a
 
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Azelf @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Zen Headbutt
- Play Rough / Knock Off
- Fire Punch / Trick
- U-turn

Azelf's Speed Tier and not absurdly terrible bulk allow it to function as a niche revenge killer for some offensive teams. With access to moves like U-turn, Trick, and Knock Off, Azelf will almost never get nothing out of a turn, and also has access to coverage options, such as Play Rough or Fire Punch. It's speed tier sitting comfortably at 361 with a Jolly Nature allow Azelf to outpace threats such as Latias, Gyarados, Terrakion, Keldeo, etc. Even with an Adamant Nature, Azelf still outruns pokemon such as boosted Gyarados and Salamence, Alakazam, and Zeraora. Zen Headbutt for the best possible STAB avaiable to Azelf. U-turn allows Azelf to pivot out on checks and gain momentum. Play Rough and Fire Punch are coverage options to hit Latias, Salamence, Jirachi, and other pokemon that would likely come in on Azelf's pure psychic stab. Finally, Trick and Knock Off allow Azelf to maintain and a use vs fatter teams, potentially crippling an important wall with Trick, or forcing the opponent to lose their pokemon's item with Knock Off. While it's bulk isn't perfect, Choice Scarf Azelf has potential as a decent revenge killer as the next best thing.
 
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Band

scatters things often
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributor
With a total of 4 votes each out of the 12, Week 8's winners are Katy's Choice Band Azelf set and BigFatMantis's Nasty Plot Azelf set! Congratulations to both and thank you all for participating! Your submissions will be added to the Hall of Fame shortly!

This week's Next Best Thing is...
Week 9: Celesteela

:xy/celesteela:
What is that? Is that a bird? A rocket? Is it Superman? No! It's— Oh wait yeah it's a rocket, it's Celesteela. With good stats all-around allowing for customization, a godly defensive typing, and a colorful movepool with moves like Giga Drain, Earthquake, Fire Blast, Explosion, Megahorn, and Heavy Slam, Celesteela has cemented itself as one of UU's best. Access to the ever annoying Leech Seed in conjuction with amazing defensive typing and Leftovers can make Celesteela very frustrating to face. It's offensive stats don't fall behind either. Its newly gained Meteor Beam allows Celesteela to boost its Special Attack even before KOing a Pokemon to then start accumulating even more boosts with Beast Boost, and access Autotomize to fix its bad Speed, Celesteela can now act as an offensive threat too! Its main faults come in the form of weaknesses to common offensive types in Electric and Fire, lack of reliable recovery, and its low Speed. How will you explore Celesteela's potential?

Banned Sets
:leftovers::power-herb:
(click me)

You have until January 19th 23:59 GMT -3 to submit your set!
 

Katy

Banned deucer.
sub + leftis + 3 spatt steela

:ss/celesteela:
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk

- Substitute
- Flamethrower
- Energy Ball

- Flash Cannon

Sub + 3 Attacks Celesteela aims to be offensive and annoying alike, with Substitute it is very annoying to deal with as with its great typing in Steel/Flying it isn't easy for many pokemon in the UU tier to break its Sub as they have to have super-effective coverage. Flamethrower hits Steel-types such as opposing Celesteela, Jirachi, and Bisharp, whereas Energy Ball will hit Rotom-W, Quagsire, and Slowking. The last slot is reserved for its Steel-type STAB in Flash Cannon, which aims to hit Pokemon such as Mamoswine, Terrakion, Lycanroc-Dusk, and Kyurem for big damage outputs.

After a Beast Boost and behind a Sub Celesteela is also a threatening offensive presence in the tier and can capitalize on that as it can deal with most Pokemon due to its amazing coverage options it has access to.
 
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