[OVERVIEW]
Vullaby is Little Cup's glue gal: splashable and flexible. It is a Ground-type immunity, Knock Off absorber, wallbreaker, pivot, and sweeper all bundled into one skull diaper. Vullaby is the main offensive check to most of LC's physical threats because it can punish attacks it survives with Weak Armor. At +2 Speed, it outpaces the entire metagame. Its tremendous natural bulk also allows it to tank most super effective hits from full HP, and with Tera paired with Roost or Tera Blast it can account for most remaining threats like Chinchou and Elekid. Physical Vullaby is its flagship set because of its immediate breaking power. It can dish out powerful Brave Birds, remove opponents' Eviolite with Knock Off, and pivot out with U-turn or break through its checks with a slew of offensive techs. Its various roles fulfill the needs of many team structures, but it typically forms a balance core with Mienfoo and Foongus or Mareanie. Nasty Plot Vullaby is an alternative option that sacrifices its versatility for sweeping potential. This set is a hyper offense staple and a good surprise option on bulky offense teams when partnered with other Knock Off users like Stunky.
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Roost / Endure
move 4: U-turn / Heat Wave
item: Eviolite
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Jolly / Naive
tera type: Ghost
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Roost allows Vullaby to heal on switches for solid longevity. It can also leverage its natural bulk to recover HP against foes threatening super-effective attacks by shedding its Flying type, which is particularly useful against Volt Switch users after a Weak Armor boost. Using Endure earns Vullaby the chance to KO or remove the items of faster physical attackers and Choice Scarf users like Mienfoo and opposing Vullaby in a pinch. Endure also lets Vullaby survive Fake Out without Tera Ghost, preserving Tera for later in the game and granting it flexibility for more niche Tera types maybe we take this second part out if we want a shorter writeup?. U-turn enables Vullaby to pivot on switch-ins such as Tinkatink, Mudbray, and Glimmet and gain momentum, especially when moving after faster pivots like Mienfoo. Meanwhile, Heat Wave lets Vullaby OHKO Alolan Sandshrew and break through Tinkatink and Tera Steel users. Vullaby should use a Naive nature with 76 Special Defense EVs to guarantee these damage rolls. This spread lets Vullaby live Chinchou's Thunderbolt in exchange for taking more damage from Mudbray's Stone Edge and Hisuian Growlithe's Flare Blitz. Alternatively, if a team is weak to Mudbray or Hisiuan Growlithe, Vullaby can use its standard EV spread with a neutral nature. Tera Ghost, as mentioned, grants Vullaby immunity to Mienfoo's Fake Out and High Jump Kick.
Physical Vullaby easily fits on any team, and is typically paired with Mienfoo and Foongus cores. These allies support Vullaby by switching in on Rock-type attacks from threats like Glimmet and Mudbray and using Regenerator to shake off other coverage moves. Vullaby should be paired with an Electric-immune teammate. Mudbray makes a great partner as it can switch in on checks like Glimmet, Tinkatink, and Alolan Diglett. Offensive pieces such as Elekid, Stunky, Shellder appreciate Vullaby's ability to wear down checks like Mudbray and Tinkatink. U-turn variants complement frail attackers like Alolan Diglett, which can threaten KOs into Glimmet and Tinkatink or set up a Substitute on an expected switch. Vullaby pairs well with Rapid Spin users like Toedscool and Alolan Sandshrew, especially without Roost. However, Vullaby is notably less dependent on entry hazard control than other Stealth Rock-weak Pokemon like Wingull since it is bulkier and can make progress or trade when at low HP with Weak Armor (particularly with Endure).
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Air Slash
move 2: Heat Wave / Dark Pulse / Tera Blast
move 3: Roost / Endure
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Eviolite
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest
tera type: Ghost / Ground
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With Air Slash and a coverage move of its choice, a +2 Special Attack Nasty Plot Vullaby can KO metagame staples like Foongus and Shellder after Stealth Rock chip, and roll the dice to flinch through the rest. Heat Wave KOs Alolan Sandshrew, does massive damage to bulky Eviolite Tinkatink, and covers for Tera Steel users like Mienfoo. Dark Pulse covers checks to Heat Wave variants such as Chinchou and Glimmet. With Dark Pulse, Vullaby can OHKO these checks after Stealth Rock chip if allowed to reach +4 Special Attack or wear them down for a later KO at +2. Tera Ground Tera Blast has huge upside, OHKOing all aforementioned checks, including Tinkatink, but can completely fail if Vullaby is unable to Terastallize. Roost lets Vullaby recover to set up later and beat Sucker Punch users like Stunky and Alolan Diglett when at low HP or after Terastallizing. Meanwhile, Endure ensures that Vullaby can activate Weak Armor against physical threats. Endure also allows Vullaby to survive incoming Fake Out without using Tera Ghost, which is key for Tera Ground variants.
Due to its threatening coverage, Nasty Plot Vullaby is adept at forcing out defensive Tera types like Steel or Water, thus fitting well on Bulky and Hyper Offense teams. Complementary sweepers that also excel at forcing defensive Terastallization like Shellder and Swords Dance Mienfoo help Vullaby capitalize on favorable matchups. Since Nasty Plot Vullaby depends on Stealth Rock to KO Shellder and Foongus, its hyper offense teams should use a consistent hazard setting lead like Focus Sash Alolan Diglett. Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciates teammates with Knock Off to overwhelm shared checks. Stunky makes an excellent partner, wearing down Glimmet and Tinkatink. Gothita and Trapinch can trap and remove most of Nasty Plot Vullaby's checks and counters entirely. Trapinch is an especially good trapper on teams where Nasty Plot Vullaby is the main wincon since it beats all relevant Sucker Punch users, freeing Vullaby to Tera Ghost.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Several options exist to grant Physical Vullaby more immediate breaking power. Tera Ground paired with Tera Blast OHKOs Glimmet, 2HKOs Tinkatink, and can even flip unfavorable defensive matchups—especially on Volt Switch Turns—OHKOing Elekid after Stealth Rock damage and dealing considerable damage to Chinchou. Throat Chop can 2HKO Glimmet without committing Tera, but risks Vullaby taking massive damage from Power Gem if Vullaby loses the Speed tie or gets a low damage roll. Physical Vullaby may also opt for an Adamant nature, granting it a 75% chance to OHKO fast Mienfoo and about an 83.5% chance to kill Mudbray with a Knock Off and two Brave Birds. On bulky teams lacking Speed, physical sets may run Choice Scarf over Eviolite. This set typically has an Adamant nature, uses Dual Wingbeat plus Tera Flying, and is paired with hazard removal. Choice Scarf Vullaby also fits on teams lacking a sleep immunity, as the Speed boost provides flexibility for Vullaby to use Overcoat over Weak Armor and remain faster than all foes bar faster Choice Scarf users and setup sweepers.
Overcoat Eviolite Vullaby may also use an EV Spread with 156 Attack, 156 Defense, 156 Special Defense, and 36 Speed EVs plus an Impish nature. This slow, defensive pivot set can switch in on Foongus without fear of Sludge Bomb. Defog may be slotted over Roost, Endure, U-Turn, or Heat Wave on teams that desire entry hazard removal. Defog Vullaby is typically outclassed by other entry hazard removal options such as Toedscool and Alolan Sandshrew, but it can have tremendous upside against hazard stack teams. Taunt can also be used to deny entry hazards from Mudbray, Tinkatink and more niche options like Shellos and Chespin while also blocking Shellder from setting up.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Tinkatink**: Pickpocket lets Tinkatink steal Vullaby's Eviolite when hit by Knock Off. Air Balloon Tinkatink variants can also lift Vullaby's Eviolite on a U-turn or Brave Bird. Tinkatink walls Dark Pulse variants of Nasty Plot vullaby. Fast Encore variants of Tinkatink can shut down Nasty Plot Vullaby or catch Physical Variants with Draining Kiss, but sacrifice a lot of SpD and are vulnerable to Heat Wave.
**Glimmet**: Glimmet can live two hits from Vullaby when healthy and threaten an OHKO after Stealth Rock chip with Power Gem or set entry hazards. Toxic Debris makes it difficult to switch in teammates that are not Poison- or Steel-type, so Vullaby users should manage the HP of Poison-type allies carefully. Glimmet walls Heat Wave variants of Nasty Plot Vullaby.
**Mudbray**: Mudbray is able to live three hits from Physical Vullaby thanks to Stamina. Stone Edge does massive damage to Vullaby and Close Combat KOs -1 Defense Vullaby that try to recover with Roost. However, Mudbray is vulnerable to Air Slash flinches from Nasty Plot Vullaby, especially when combined with Stone Edge's accuracy.
**Electric-type foes**: Chinchou's offensive typing and Ice Beam coverage threaten Vullaby, making it challenging to switch in typical Electric- or Water-resistant allies like Mudbray. Additionally, Chinchou walls Heat Wave Variants of Nasty Plot Vullaby and can KO a chipped Tera Ground Vullaby with Hydro Pump or Ice Beam. Elekid can OHKO Vullaby after rocks, and good switch-in predictions from Elekid users allow it to wear down its checks or generate momentum with Volt Switch. It can live most coverage moves from Nasty Plot Vullaby, but Elekid is quite vulnerable to Tera Ground Tera Blast.
**Shellder**: Without a Weak Armor boost, any KO by Physical Vullaby is an opportunity for Shellder to set up with Shell Smash and KO Vullaby back. Endure Vullaby can beat some Shellder sets, but it is vulnerable to Ice Shard and Substitute Variants.
**Swords Dance Mienfoo**: Exploiting Vullaby's ability to switch in and check most Mienfoo sets, Swords Dance Mienfoo can set up and threaten a KO or force a Tera Ghost. 156 Attack Swords Dance Mienfoo sets have a 75% chance to OHKO Vullaby at +2. Max Attack and Reckless variants bump this to a guaranteed OHKO. Tera Steel Substitute sets can set up on both Vullaby and Foongus and scout for Tera Ghost before KOing Vullaby with Knock Off, so it is recommended to have another Mienfoo check or speed control.
**Alolan Diglett**: The combination of Rock Blast and Sucker Punch is very threatening to Tera Ghost Vullaby and has odds to KO tera Ground Nasty Plot Vullaby if it attempts to set up. Alolan Diglett may also set up a Substitute if Vullaby switches out.
**Strong Choice Scarf users**: Hisuian Growlithe's Head Smash deals massive damage into Vullaby, while its Flare Blitz can wear through switch-ins like Mienfoo and Mudbray. Choice Scarf Mienfoo can OHKO Vullaby after Stealth Rock Chip with Tera Fighting, but struggles against Tera Ghost. However, Endure Vullaby capitalizes on physical attacks from Choice Scarfers and outspeeds them after a Weak Armor boost.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bleahey.641532/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/hacker.387847/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/colin.568849/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
Vullaby is Little Cup's glue gal: splashable and flexible. It is a Ground-type immunity, Knock Off absorber, wallbreaker, pivot, and sweeper all bundled into one skull diaper. Vullaby is the main offensive check to most of LC's physical threats because it can punish attacks it survives with Weak Armor. At +2 Speed, it outpaces the entire metagame. Its tremendous natural bulk also allows it to tank most super effective hits from full HP, and with Tera paired with Roost or Tera Blast it can account for most remaining threats like Chinchou and Elekid. Physical Vullaby is its flagship set because of its immediate breaking power. It can dish out powerful Brave Birds, remove opponents' Eviolite with Knock Off, and pivot out with U-turn or break through its checks with a slew of offensive techs. Its various roles fulfill the needs of many team structures, but it typically forms a balance core with Mienfoo and Foongus or Mareanie. Nasty Plot Vullaby is an alternative option that sacrifices its versatility for sweeping potential. This set is a hyper offense staple and a good surprise option on bulky offense teams when partnered with other Knock Off users like Stunky.
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Roost / Endure
move 4: U-turn / Heat Wave
item: Eviolite
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Jolly / Naive
tera type: Ghost
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Roost allows Vullaby to heal on switches for solid longevity. It can also leverage its natural bulk to recover HP against foes threatening super-effective attacks by shedding its Flying type, which is particularly useful against Volt Switch users after a Weak Armor boost. Using Endure earns Vullaby the chance to KO or remove the items of faster physical attackers and Choice Scarf users like Mienfoo and opposing Vullaby in a pinch. Endure also lets Vullaby survive Fake Out without Tera Ghost, preserving Tera for later in the game and granting it flexibility for more niche Tera types maybe we take this second part out if we want a shorter writeup?. U-turn enables Vullaby to pivot on switch-ins such as Tinkatink, Mudbray, and Glimmet and gain momentum, especially when moving after faster pivots like Mienfoo. Meanwhile, Heat Wave lets Vullaby OHKO Alolan Sandshrew and break through Tinkatink and Tera Steel users. Vullaby should use a Naive nature with 76 Special Defense EVs to guarantee these damage rolls. This spread lets Vullaby live Chinchou's Thunderbolt in exchange for taking more damage from Mudbray's Stone Edge and Hisuian Growlithe's Flare Blitz. Alternatively, if a team is weak to Mudbray or Hisiuan Growlithe, Vullaby can use its standard EV spread with a neutral nature. Tera Ghost, as mentioned, grants Vullaby immunity to Mienfoo's Fake Out and High Jump Kick.
Physical Vullaby easily fits on any team, and is typically paired with Mienfoo and Foongus cores. These allies support Vullaby by switching in on Rock-type attacks from threats like Glimmet and Mudbray and using Regenerator to shake off other coverage moves. Vullaby should be paired with an Electric-immune teammate. Mudbray makes a great partner as it can switch in on checks like Glimmet, Tinkatink, and Alolan Diglett. Offensive pieces such as Elekid, Stunky, Shellder appreciate Vullaby's ability to wear down checks like Mudbray and Tinkatink. U-turn variants complement frail attackers like Alolan Diglett, which can threaten KOs into Glimmet and Tinkatink or set up a Substitute on an expected switch. Vullaby pairs well with Rapid Spin users like Toedscool and Alolan Sandshrew, especially without Roost. However, Vullaby is notably less dependent on entry hazard control than other Stealth Rock-weak Pokemon like Wingull since it is bulkier and can make progress or trade when at low HP with Weak Armor (particularly with Endure).
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Air Slash
move 2: Heat Wave / Dark Pulse / Tera Blast
move 3: Roost / Endure
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Eviolite
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest
tera type: Ghost / Ground
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With Air Slash and a coverage move of its choice, a +2 Special Attack Nasty Plot Vullaby can KO metagame staples like Foongus and Shellder after Stealth Rock chip, and roll the dice to flinch through the rest. Heat Wave KOs Alolan Sandshrew, does massive damage to bulky Eviolite Tinkatink, and covers for Tera Steel users like Mienfoo. Dark Pulse covers checks to Heat Wave variants such as Chinchou and Glimmet. With Dark Pulse, Vullaby can OHKO these checks after Stealth Rock chip if allowed to reach +4 Special Attack or wear them down for a later KO at +2. Tera Ground Tera Blast has huge upside, OHKOing all aforementioned checks, including Tinkatink, but can completely fail if Vullaby is unable to Terastallize. Roost lets Vullaby recover to set up later and beat Sucker Punch users like Stunky and Alolan Diglett when at low HP or after Terastallizing. Meanwhile, Endure ensures that Vullaby can activate Weak Armor against physical threats. Endure also allows Vullaby to survive incoming Fake Out without using Tera Ghost, which is key for Tera Ground variants.
Due to its threatening coverage, Nasty Plot Vullaby is adept at forcing out defensive Tera types like Steel or Water, thus fitting well on Bulky and Hyper Offense teams. Complementary sweepers that also excel at forcing defensive Terastallization like Shellder and Swords Dance Mienfoo help Vullaby capitalize on favorable matchups. Since Nasty Plot Vullaby depends on Stealth Rock to KO Shellder and Foongus, its hyper offense teams should use a consistent hazard setting lead like Focus Sash Alolan Diglett. Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciates teammates with Knock Off to overwhelm shared checks. Stunky makes an excellent partner, wearing down Glimmet and Tinkatink. Gothita and Trapinch can trap and remove most of Nasty Plot Vullaby's checks and counters entirely. Trapinch is an especially good trapper on teams where Nasty Plot Vullaby is the main wincon since it beats all relevant Sucker Punch users, freeing Vullaby to Tera Ghost.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Several options exist to grant Physical Vullaby more immediate breaking power. Tera Ground paired with Tera Blast OHKOs Glimmet, 2HKOs Tinkatink, and can even flip unfavorable defensive matchups—especially on Volt Switch Turns—OHKOing Elekid after Stealth Rock damage and dealing considerable damage to Chinchou. Throat Chop can 2HKO Glimmet without committing Tera, but risks Vullaby taking massive damage from Power Gem if Vullaby loses the Speed tie or gets a low damage roll. Physical Vullaby may also opt for an Adamant nature, granting it a 75% chance to OHKO fast Mienfoo and about an 83.5% chance to kill Mudbray with a Knock Off and two Brave Birds. On bulky teams lacking Speed, physical sets may run Choice Scarf over Eviolite. This set typically has an Adamant nature, uses Dual Wingbeat plus Tera Flying, and is paired with hazard removal. Choice Scarf Vullaby also fits on teams lacking a sleep immunity, as the Speed boost provides flexibility for Vullaby to use Overcoat over Weak Armor and remain faster than all foes bar faster Choice Scarf users and setup sweepers.
Overcoat Eviolite Vullaby may also use an EV Spread with 156 Attack, 156 Defense, 156 Special Defense, and 36 Speed EVs plus an Impish nature. This slow, defensive pivot set can switch in on Foongus without fear of Sludge Bomb. Defog may be slotted over Roost, Endure, U-Turn, or Heat Wave on teams that desire entry hazard removal. Defog Vullaby is typically outclassed by other entry hazard removal options such as Toedscool and Alolan Sandshrew, but it can have tremendous upside against hazard stack teams. Taunt can also be used to deny entry hazards from Mudbray, Tinkatink and more niche options like Shellos and Chespin while also blocking Shellder from setting up.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Tinkatink**: Pickpocket lets Tinkatink steal Vullaby's Eviolite when hit by Knock Off. Air Balloon Tinkatink variants can also lift Vullaby's Eviolite on a U-turn or Brave Bird. Tinkatink walls Dark Pulse variants of Nasty Plot vullaby. Fast Encore variants of Tinkatink can shut down Nasty Plot Vullaby or catch Physical Variants with Draining Kiss, but sacrifice a lot of SpD and are vulnerable to Heat Wave.
**Glimmet**: Glimmet can live two hits from Vullaby when healthy and threaten an OHKO after Stealth Rock chip with Power Gem or set entry hazards. Toxic Debris makes it difficult to switch in teammates that are not Poison- or Steel-type, so Vullaby users should manage the HP of Poison-type allies carefully. Glimmet walls Heat Wave variants of Nasty Plot Vullaby.
**Mudbray**: Mudbray is able to live three hits from Physical Vullaby thanks to Stamina. Stone Edge does massive damage to Vullaby and Close Combat KOs -1 Defense Vullaby that try to recover with Roost. However, Mudbray is vulnerable to Air Slash flinches from Nasty Plot Vullaby, especially when combined with Stone Edge's accuracy.
**Electric-type foes**: Chinchou's offensive typing and Ice Beam coverage threaten Vullaby, making it challenging to switch in typical Electric- or Water-resistant allies like Mudbray. Additionally, Chinchou walls Heat Wave Variants of Nasty Plot Vullaby and can KO a chipped Tera Ground Vullaby with Hydro Pump or Ice Beam. Elekid can OHKO Vullaby after rocks, and good switch-in predictions from Elekid users allow it to wear down its checks or generate momentum with Volt Switch. It can live most coverage moves from Nasty Plot Vullaby, but Elekid is quite vulnerable to Tera Ground Tera Blast.
**Shellder**: Without a Weak Armor boost, any KO by Physical Vullaby is an opportunity for Shellder to set up with Shell Smash and KO Vullaby back. Endure Vullaby can beat some Shellder sets, but it is vulnerable to Ice Shard and Substitute Variants.
**Swords Dance Mienfoo**: Exploiting Vullaby's ability to switch in and check most Mienfoo sets, Swords Dance Mienfoo can set up and threaten a KO or force a Tera Ghost. 156 Attack Swords Dance Mienfoo sets have a 75% chance to OHKO Vullaby at +2. Max Attack and Reckless variants bump this to a guaranteed OHKO. Tera Steel Substitute sets can set up on both Vullaby and Foongus and scout for Tera Ghost before KOing Vullaby with Knock Off, so it is recommended to have another Mienfoo check or speed control.
**Alolan Diglett**: The combination of Rock Blast and Sucker Punch is very threatening to Tera Ghost Vullaby and has odds to KO tera Ground Nasty Plot Vullaby if it attempts to set up. Alolan Diglett may also set up a Substitute if Vullaby switches out.
**Strong Choice Scarf users**: Hisuian Growlithe's Head Smash deals massive damage into Vullaby, while its Flare Blitz can wear through switch-ins like Mienfoo and Mudbray. Choice Scarf Mienfoo can OHKO Vullaby after Stealth Rock Chip with Tera Fighting, but struggles against Tera Ghost. However, Endure Vullaby capitalizes on physical attacks from Choice Scarfers and outspeeds them after a Weak Armor boost.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bleahey.641532/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/hacker.387847/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/colin.568849/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
Last edited:
