EonX
Battle Soul
[OVERVIEW]
Virizion is one of the best offensive Pokemon in the RU tier. With a fantastic Special Defense stat and a solid set of resistances to common Grass-, Electric-, Water-, and Rock-type moves, Virizion is able to come in on a multitude of threats and begin setting up with Swords Dance or Calm Mind. While many setup sweepers struggle with a less-than-stellar Speed stat, Virizion doesn't have this issue, as its great base 108 Speed stat puts it in front of dangerous offensive Pokemon, including Flygon, Manectric, and Houndoom. While Virizion doesn't have the greatest attacking stats, its access to Swords Dance and Calm Mind makes up for this. These unique traits give Virizion a strong matchup against most teams that lack threats faster than it. However, while Virizion has high-Base Power STAB moves to utilize, it has an otherwise shallow offensive movepool. Its STAB combination is resisted by common Poison- and Flying-types, such as Amoonguss, Venusaur, and Togetic, which will almost always reliably check Virizion. While Virizion's typing is very good overall, it does leave it weak to common Fire-, Flying-, and Ice-type moves in a tier where plenty of dangerous Pokemon have access to them. If you can overcome these very few shortcomings, Virizion will be sure to do very well for you and it is a fantastic option for virtually any offensive team.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Virizion's flagship set in RU is a simple Swords Dance set. The goal is to come in on a resisted attack, threaten out the foe with a super effective STAB move, and begin setting up with Swords Dance. Close Combat is Virizion's strongest STAB option, and it hammers the likes of Tyrantrum, Mega Steelix, and Aggron very hard. Leaf Blade is a safer STAB move without any drawbacks that is used to deal with the common Water- and Ground-types Virizion can switch into, such as Alomomola, Blastoise, and Rhyperior. The last slot gives Virizion much-needed coverage against Pokemon that resist its STAB combination. Stone Edge is usually the preferred option because Fire- and Flying-types are typically harder to handle defensively, and hitting Pokemon, like Delphox, Sigilyph, and Togetic is generally the better way to go, as the former two are quite difficult to switch into, while the latter can't immediately KO Virizion while it gets 2HKOed by a +2 Stone Edge. Zen Headbutt is an option to beat Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Venusaur, Garbodor, and Weezing more reliably. However, keep in mind that these are generally defensive in nature, making them easier to switch into.
Set Details
========
The EVs couldn't be any simpler for a physical sweeper. A Jolly nature is required to allow Virizion to outspeed the likes of Manectric, Delphox, and Flygon. Lum Berry gives Virizion more flexibility in setting up against more defensive Pokemon, especially bulky Water-types that Virizion loves to switch into. Life Orb is an option that makes Virizion less dependent on setting up with Swords Dance, and it notably allows Virizion to score a 2HKO on Granbull, but it will have a harder time switching into bulky Water-types due to the threat of Scald burns. Justified is Virizion's only ability, but the Attack boost from being hit by stray Dark-type moves is definitely useful.
Usage Tips
========
Virizion is best saved for mid- or late-game situations in which it can set up on a defensive Pokemon and sweep once its checks and counters are weakened or outright removed. If you have to use it early-game to remove a dangerous threat, it's generally best to just use the appropriate move rather than setting up when the opponent likely still has a way of dealing with Virizion. Virizion can switch into bulky Water-types and set up Swords Dance reliably when it's wielding a Lum Berry. If Virizion is using Life Orb, you will likely need to wait until late-game to try to sweep with Virizion due to the recoil damage and lack of protection against status moves. However, due to the item's power boost, Virizion won't always need to use Swords Dance to facilitate a sweep. If possible, keep Virizion's coverage move hidden until the opponent sends in a Pokemon against which it is effective. The lone exception would be Fletchinder, as Gale Wings will force Virizion to catch it on the switch with Stone Edge due to the priority given to Acrobatics.
Team Options
========
When it comes to teammates, preferred ones will largely depend on the coverage move Virizion decides to use. Without Zen Headbutt, Virizion appreciates teammates that can remove Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Venusaur, and Garbodor. Fire- and Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Sigilyph, Emboar, Meloetta, Hoopa, and Delphox, generally fare well against these foes. Fire-types are especially useful, as they tend to attract bulky Water-types that Virizion can use to set up on. If Virizion lacks Stone Edge, it will need partners to remove Sigilyph, Delphox, and Togetic. Houndoom can reliably beat Sigilyph and Delphox, while Steel-types, such as Mega Steelix and Aggron, have little to fear from Togetic. Fletchinder poses a major problem, as Virizion will be unable to sweep as long as it is around due to its access to Gale Wings and Acrobatics. Eelektross, Aggron, Diancie, and Tyrantrum can all beat Fletchinder reliably; however, the latter three need to be wary of Will-O-Wisp. Granbull can be troublesome thanks to Intimidate, a resistance to Fighting, and access to a super effective physical STAB move in Play Rough. Steel-types, such as Escavalier, Mega Steelix, and Aggron can tank Play Roughs comfortably and KO back with their powerful STAB moves.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Virizion's Special Attack to very threatening levels while also making it extremely difficult to revenge kill with special attacks, and Virizion is able to utilize it quite effectively due to its good set of resistances, high Speed, and good STAB coverage. Giga Drain is Virizion's primary STAB option, as it deals solid damage and keeps Virizion in good health from Life Orb recoil and possible resisted attacks it takes while setting up. Focus Blast is a powerful STAB move that is extremely useful considering most Pokemon resistant to Fighting-type moves in RU focus on Defense; although it is inaccurate, it's the only special Fighting-type STAB Virizion has access to. Hidden Power Ice rounds out the set by hitting the many Grass- and Flying-type Pokemon that attempt to stop Virizion from sweeping.
Set Details
========
Virizion needs all of the Special Attack and Speed investment it can get. 252 Speed EVs keep it ahead of Manectric, Delphox, and Flygon, while the Special Attack investment is necessary to maximize damage output. Life Orb is the item of choice, as Virizion needs all the power it can get, and it has a self-healing move in Giga Drain to help offset the recoil. It's tempting to use Leftovers with this set, but the drop in power is pretty significant and Giga Drain is usually enough to keep Virizion healthy enough to sweep late-game.
Usage Tips
========
As Virizion carries Giga Drain on this set, it can come in more freely early-game to check threats. This will also help when Virizion attempts to sweep, as the continuous recovery will keep Virizion out of revenge killing range from the likes of Choice Scarf Tyrantrum and Choice Scarf Flygon. While Focus Blast is the strongest move on this set, Virizion should only use it when absolutely necessary; its accuracy is shaky at best, and a miss against the wrong target could result in a premature end to Virizion's sweep. Keep Hidden Power Ice unrevealed until the opponent sends out a Grass- or Flying-type. You should seek out setup opportunities late-game against bulky Water- and Ground-types to send Virizion in to sweep the rest of the opposing team.
Team Options
========
Fire-types can cause this set problems; Delphox, in particular, is the biggest issue, as Virizion is lacks Rock-type coverage and is outpaced by Choice Scarf variants. Houndoom is a notable teammate, being immune to both of Delphox's STAB options. Slowking, Alomomola, Diancie, and Tyrantrum are capable of handling most other Fire-types reliably. Meloetta, Manectric, and Aggron generally fare well against many common defensive cores in RU, thus weakening opposing teams for Virizion. Entry hazard support is useful to wear down Fire-types quicker. Rhyperior and Stone Edge Mega Steelix can set up Stealth Rock and reliably beat Fletchinder; they also tend to lure in Water-types that Virizion can use as setup fodder late-game. Qwilfish and Garbodor can set up Spikes and tend to draw attention from Ground-types; the former also lures in Electric-types quite often. Virizion has no chance of sweeping if Fletchinder is left on the opposing team, so make sure you have Pokemon that can remove it reliably. Aggron, Tyrantrum, and Diancie fit the bill well, as do Rhyperior and Stone Edge Mega Steelix.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Virizion's movepool is fairly shallow, but it does have a couple of other options to consider. It has access to Taunt and Synthesis to create a bit of a stallbreaker set, but this tends to waste Virizion's amazing offensive potential. Sacred Sword could be used over Close Combat if the defense drops are really bothersome for you, but the power drop is very significant and thus the move is generally not worth it. Substitute and Hidden Power Fire are options on the Calm Mind set; however, Substitute means Virizion is walled by virtually any Pokemon that resists its STAB combination, while Hidden Power Fire really only hits Escavalier and requires an imperfect Speed IV.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Amoonguss**: With Regenerator, a 4x Grass resistance, a Fighting resistance, and super effective STAB Sludge Bomb, Virizion loses to Amoonguss unless it packs Zen Headbutt on the Swords Dance set. Beware of boosted Hidden Power Ices from the Calm Mind set, though.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon, especially physically offensive ones, can usually keep Virizion's damage to a minimum. Aerial Ace Aerodactyl and Aerial Ace Dugtrio easily beat it, while Durant needs little prior damage. Choice Scarf variants of Emboar and Medicham can also work well due to their super effective STAB moves. Mega Abomasnow, Sneasal, Mega Glalie, and Abomasnow all have Ice Shard to pick off Virizion after some chip damage or Close Combat defense drops.
**Poison-types**: Besides Amoonguss, Venusaur, Weezing, and Garbodor are notable Poison-types that can deal with Virizion. They resist both of its STAB types and only fear Zen Headbutt from the Swords Dance variant. Venusaur needs to be careful of boosted Hidden Power Ice from the Calm Mind set, however.
**Psychic-types**: Sigilyph, Delphox, and Xatu resist both of Virizion's STAB types, but they need to be careful of Stone Edge. Delphox cleanly beats Calm Mind variants. Sigilph and Xatu have a 4x resistance to Fighting, but they can be beaten by Hidden Power Ice from the Calm Mind set.
**Fletchinder**: Fletchinder has a 4x resistance to Grass and resists Fighting as well. Gale Wings Acrobatics ensures a Virizion sweep ends on the spot. A stray Stone Edge will instantly KO Fletchinder, though.
**Togetic**: Stone Edge and Hidden Power Ice hurt, but Togetic can switch into any of Virizion's STAB moves. It can cripple Calm Mind sets with paralysis and wear down Swords Dance variants with Dazzling Gleam or Flamethrower.
**Granbull**: Granbull has Intimidate to soften hits from Swords Dance sets and can use STAB Play Rough to OHKO Virizion. If it's at maximum HP, Granbull can take a +1 Giga Drain from Calm Mind sets and KO Virizion back in emergency situations.
Virizion is one of the best offensive Pokemon in the RU tier. With a fantastic Special Defense stat and a solid set of resistances to common Grass-, Electric-, Water-, and Rock-type moves, Virizion is able to come in on a multitude of threats and begin setting up with Swords Dance or Calm Mind. While many setup sweepers struggle with a less-than-stellar Speed stat, Virizion doesn't have this issue, as its great base 108 Speed stat puts it in front of dangerous offensive Pokemon, including Flygon, Manectric, and Houndoom. While Virizion doesn't have the greatest attacking stats, its access to Swords Dance and Calm Mind makes up for this. These unique traits give Virizion a strong matchup against most teams that lack threats faster than it. However, while Virizion has high-Base Power STAB moves to utilize, it has an otherwise shallow offensive movepool. Its STAB combination is resisted by common Poison- and Flying-types, such as Amoonguss, Venusaur, and Togetic, which will almost always reliably check Virizion. While Virizion's typing is very good overall, it does leave it weak to common Fire-, Flying-, and Ice-type moves in a tier where plenty of dangerous Pokemon have access to them. If you can overcome these very few shortcomings, Virizion will be sure to do very well for you and it is a fantastic option for virtually any offensive team.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Virizion's flagship set in RU is a simple Swords Dance set. The goal is to come in on a resisted attack, threaten out the foe with a super effective STAB move, and begin setting up with Swords Dance. Close Combat is Virizion's strongest STAB option, and it hammers the likes of Tyrantrum, Mega Steelix, and Aggron very hard. Leaf Blade is a safer STAB move without any drawbacks that is used to deal with the common Water- and Ground-types Virizion can switch into, such as Alomomola, Blastoise, and Rhyperior. The last slot gives Virizion much-needed coverage against Pokemon that resist its STAB combination. Stone Edge is usually the preferred option because Fire- and Flying-types are typically harder to handle defensively, and hitting Pokemon, like Delphox, Sigilyph, and Togetic is generally the better way to go, as the former two are quite difficult to switch into, while the latter can't immediately KO Virizion while it gets 2HKOed by a +2 Stone Edge. Zen Headbutt is an option to beat Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Venusaur, Garbodor, and Weezing more reliably. However, keep in mind that these are generally defensive in nature, making them easier to switch into.
Set Details
========
The EVs couldn't be any simpler for a physical sweeper. A Jolly nature is required to allow Virizion to outspeed the likes of Manectric, Delphox, and Flygon. Lum Berry gives Virizion more flexibility in setting up against more defensive Pokemon, especially bulky Water-types that Virizion loves to switch into. Life Orb is an option that makes Virizion less dependent on setting up with Swords Dance, and it notably allows Virizion to score a 2HKO on Granbull, but it will have a harder time switching into bulky Water-types due to the threat of Scald burns. Justified is Virizion's only ability, but the Attack boost from being hit by stray Dark-type moves is definitely useful.
Usage Tips
========
Virizion is best saved for mid- or late-game situations in which it can set up on a defensive Pokemon and sweep once its checks and counters are weakened or outright removed. If you have to use it early-game to remove a dangerous threat, it's generally best to just use the appropriate move rather than setting up when the opponent likely still has a way of dealing with Virizion. Virizion can switch into bulky Water-types and set up Swords Dance reliably when it's wielding a Lum Berry. If Virizion is using Life Orb, you will likely need to wait until late-game to try to sweep with Virizion due to the recoil damage and lack of protection against status moves. However, due to the item's power boost, Virizion won't always need to use Swords Dance to facilitate a sweep. If possible, keep Virizion's coverage move hidden until the opponent sends in a Pokemon against which it is effective. The lone exception would be Fletchinder, as Gale Wings will force Virizion to catch it on the switch with Stone Edge due to the priority given to Acrobatics.
Team Options
========
When it comes to teammates, preferred ones will largely depend on the coverage move Virizion decides to use. Without Zen Headbutt, Virizion appreciates teammates that can remove Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Venusaur, and Garbodor. Fire- and Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Sigilyph, Emboar, Meloetta, Hoopa, and Delphox, generally fare well against these foes. Fire-types are especially useful, as they tend to attract bulky Water-types that Virizion can use to set up on. If Virizion lacks Stone Edge, it will need partners to remove Sigilyph, Delphox, and Togetic. Houndoom can reliably beat Sigilyph and Delphox, while Steel-types, such as Mega Steelix and Aggron, have little to fear from Togetic. Fletchinder poses a major problem, as Virizion will be unable to sweep as long as it is around due to its access to Gale Wings and Acrobatics. Eelektross, Aggron, Diancie, and Tyrantrum can all beat Fletchinder reliably; however, the latter three need to be wary of Will-O-Wisp. Granbull can be troublesome thanks to Intimidate, a resistance to Fighting, and access to a super effective physical STAB move in Play Rough. Steel-types, such as Escavalier, Mega Steelix, and Aggron can tank Play Roughs comfortably and KO back with their powerful STAB moves.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Virizion's Special Attack to very threatening levels while also making it extremely difficult to revenge kill with special attacks, and Virizion is able to utilize it quite effectively due to its good set of resistances, high Speed, and good STAB coverage. Giga Drain is Virizion's primary STAB option, as it deals solid damage and keeps Virizion in good health from Life Orb recoil and possible resisted attacks it takes while setting up. Focus Blast is a powerful STAB move that is extremely useful considering most Pokemon resistant to Fighting-type moves in RU focus on Defense; although it is inaccurate, it's the only special Fighting-type STAB Virizion has access to. Hidden Power Ice rounds out the set by hitting the many Grass- and Flying-type Pokemon that attempt to stop Virizion from sweeping.
Set Details
========
Virizion needs all of the Special Attack and Speed investment it can get. 252 Speed EVs keep it ahead of Manectric, Delphox, and Flygon, while the Special Attack investment is necessary to maximize damage output. Life Orb is the item of choice, as Virizion needs all the power it can get, and it has a self-healing move in Giga Drain to help offset the recoil. It's tempting to use Leftovers with this set, but the drop in power is pretty significant and Giga Drain is usually enough to keep Virizion healthy enough to sweep late-game.
Usage Tips
========
As Virizion carries Giga Drain on this set, it can come in more freely early-game to check threats. This will also help when Virizion attempts to sweep, as the continuous recovery will keep Virizion out of revenge killing range from the likes of Choice Scarf Tyrantrum and Choice Scarf Flygon. While Focus Blast is the strongest move on this set, Virizion should only use it when absolutely necessary; its accuracy is shaky at best, and a miss against the wrong target could result in a premature end to Virizion's sweep. Keep Hidden Power Ice unrevealed until the opponent sends out a Grass- or Flying-type. You should seek out setup opportunities late-game against bulky Water- and Ground-types to send Virizion in to sweep the rest of the opposing team.
Team Options
========
Fire-types can cause this set problems; Delphox, in particular, is the biggest issue, as Virizion is lacks Rock-type coverage and is outpaced by Choice Scarf variants. Houndoom is a notable teammate, being immune to both of Delphox's STAB options. Slowking, Alomomola, Diancie, and Tyrantrum are capable of handling most other Fire-types reliably. Meloetta, Manectric, and Aggron generally fare well against many common defensive cores in RU, thus weakening opposing teams for Virizion. Entry hazard support is useful to wear down Fire-types quicker. Rhyperior and Stone Edge Mega Steelix can set up Stealth Rock and reliably beat Fletchinder; they also tend to lure in Water-types that Virizion can use as setup fodder late-game. Qwilfish and Garbodor can set up Spikes and tend to draw attention from Ground-types; the former also lures in Electric-types quite often. Virizion has no chance of sweeping if Fletchinder is left on the opposing team, so make sure you have Pokemon that can remove it reliably. Aggron, Tyrantrum, and Diancie fit the bill well, as do Rhyperior and Stone Edge Mega Steelix.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Virizion's movepool is fairly shallow, but it does have a couple of other options to consider. It has access to Taunt and Synthesis to create a bit of a stallbreaker set, but this tends to waste Virizion's amazing offensive potential. Sacred Sword could be used over Close Combat if the defense drops are really bothersome for you, but the power drop is very significant and thus the move is generally not worth it. Substitute and Hidden Power Fire are options on the Calm Mind set; however, Substitute means Virizion is walled by virtually any Pokemon that resists its STAB combination, while Hidden Power Fire really only hits Escavalier and requires an imperfect Speed IV.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Amoonguss**: With Regenerator, a 4x Grass resistance, a Fighting resistance, and super effective STAB Sludge Bomb, Virizion loses to Amoonguss unless it packs Zen Headbutt on the Swords Dance set. Beware of boosted Hidden Power Ices from the Calm Mind set, though.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon, especially physically offensive ones, can usually keep Virizion's damage to a minimum. Aerial Ace Aerodactyl and Aerial Ace Dugtrio easily beat it, while Durant needs little prior damage. Choice Scarf variants of Emboar and Medicham can also work well due to their super effective STAB moves. Mega Abomasnow, Sneasal, Mega Glalie, and Abomasnow all have Ice Shard to pick off Virizion after some chip damage or Close Combat defense drops.
**Poison-types**: Besides Amoonguss, Venusaur, Weezing, and Garbodor are notable Poison-types that can deal with Virizion. They resist both of its STAB types and only fear Zen Headbutt from the Swords Dance variant. Venusaur needs to be careful of boosted Hidden Power Ice from the Calm Mind set, however.
**Psychic-types**: Sigilyph, Delphox, and Xatu resist both of Virizion's STAB types, but they need to be careful of Stone Edge. Delphox cleanly beats Calm Mind variants. Sigilph and Xatu have a 4x resistance to Fighting, but they can be beaten by Hidden Power Ice from the Calm Mind set.
**Fletchinder**: Fletchinder has a 4x resistance to Grass and resists Fighting as well. Gale Wings Acrobatics ensures a Virizion sweep ends on the spot. A stray Stone Edge will instantly KO Fletchinder, though.
**Togetic**: Stone Edge and Hidden Power Ice hurt, but Togetic can switch into any of Virizion's STAB moves. It can cripple Calm Mind sets with paralysis and wear down Swords Dance variants with Dazzling Gleam or Flamethrower.
**Granbull**: Granbull has Intimidate to soften hits from Swords Dance sets and can use STAB Play Rough to OHKO Virizion. If it's at maximum HP, Granbull can take a +1 Giga Drain from Calm Mind sets and KO Virizion back in emergency situations.
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