[OVERVIEW]
Vullaby is Little Cup's glue gal: splashable and flexible. It is a switch-in to Ground-types, 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, (AC) it can account for most remaining threats like Chinchou and Elekid. Physically offensive Vullaby is its flagship set because of its immediate wallbreaking power. It can dish out powerful Brave Birds, remove Eviolite from various foes 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: Naive / Jolly
tera type: Ghost
evs: 236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe or 236 Atk / 76 Def / 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 typing, 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 needing to Terastallize into a Ghost-type. 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 Hisuian Growlithe, Vullaby can move the Special Defense EVs into Defense and use a neutral nature. Tera Ghost, as mentioned, grants Vullaby immunity to Mienfoo's Fake Out and High Jump Kick.
Physical attacking Vullaby easily fits on any team and typically forms cores when paired with Mienfoo and Foongus. 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 can switch into Vullaby checks like Glimmet, Tinkatink, and Alolan Diglett. Offensive pieces such as Elekid, Stunky, and 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 to KO Glimmet and Tinkatink. 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, (AC) since it is bulkier and can make progress or trade when at low HP with Weak Armor.
[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 Vullaby can OHKO metagame staples like Foongus and Shellder after Stealth Rock chip damage and try and flinch through other threats with Air Slash. Heat Wave KOes Alolan Sandshrew, does massive damage to bulky variants of Eviolite Tinkatink, and covers for Tera Steel users like Mienfoo. Dark Pulse covers checks that would take Heat Wave such as Chinchou and Glimmet. With Dark Pulse, Vullaby can OHKO these checks after Stealth Rock chip if allowed to reach +4 Special Attack. Tera Blast Ground has huge upside, OHKOing all aforementioned checks, including Tinkatink, but it 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. (AP) This quality lets it fit well on bulky and hyper offense teams. Complementary sweepers that also excel at forcing defensive Terastallization like (Which setup move?) -- Swords Dance is a set name reference so lmk on this but shell smash is shellder's only set so it's pretty trivial to include 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 entry hazard setting lead like Focus Sash Alolan Diglett. Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciates teammates with Knock Off to overwhelm shared checks. Stunky, (AC) for example, wears 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, (AC) since it beats all relevant Sucker Punch users and frees Vullaby to Terastallize into a Ghost-type.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Several options exist to grant physical Vullaby even more immediate wallbreaking power. Tera Blast Ground OHKOes Glimmet, 2HKOes 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. (! -- what does this mean?) Throat Chop can 2HKO Glimmet without requiring it to Terastallize 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 less bulky variants of Mienfoo and about an 83.5% chance to KO Mudbray with a Knock Off followed by two Brave Birds. On bulky teams lacking speed control, 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 entry hazard removal. Choice Scarf Vullaby also fits on teams lacking a Pokemon immune to sleep, as Choice Scarf's 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 of 156 Atk / 156 Def / 156 SpD / 36 Spe plus an Impish nature. This slow, defensive pivot set can switch into Foongus without fear of Sludge Bomb. Defog can be used in the third or fourth moveslot 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 entry hazard stacking teams. Taunt can also be used to deny entry hazards from Mudbray, Tinkatink, and more niche options like Shellos and Chespin while preventing 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 take Vullaby's Eviolite on a U-turn or Brave Bird. Tinkatink walls Dark Pulse variants of Nasty Plot Vullaby. Fast variants of Tinkatink with Encore can shut down Nasty Plot Vullaby or catch physical attacking Vullaby with Draining Kiss, but these variants sacrifice a lot of special bulk and are therefore vulnerable to Heat Wave.
**Glimmet**: Glimmet can live two hits from Vullaby when healthy and threaten an OHKO with Power Gem after Stealth Rock chip 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 additionally 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 KOes -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 Stealth Rock, and good switch-in predictions from Elekid users allow it to wear down its checks or generate momentum with Volt Switch.
**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 of the latter.
**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 Atk Swords Dance Mienfoo sets have a 75% chance to OHKO Vullaby at +2 Attack. Maximum Attack and Reckless variants bump this to a guaranteed OHKO. Tera Steel Substitute sets can set up on Vullaby and scout for Tera Ghost before KOing Vullaby with Knock Off.
**Alolan Diglett**: The combination of Rock Blast and Sucker Punch is very threatening to Tera Ghost Vullaby and has favorable 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 High Jump Kick, but it struggles if Vullaby Terastallizes into a Ghost-type.
[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/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flou.605215/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Vullaby is Little Cup's glue gal: splashable and flexible. It is a switch-in to Ground-types, 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, (AC) it can account for most remaining threats like Chinchou and Elekid. Physically offensive Vullaby is its flagship set because of its immediate wallbreaking power. It can dish out powerful Brave Birds, remove Eviolite from various foes 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: Naive / Jolly
tera type: Ghost
evs: 236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe or 236 Atk / 76 Def / 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 typing, 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 needing to Terastallize into a Ghost-type. 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 Hisuian Growlithe, Vullaby can move the Special Defense EVs into Defense and use a neutral nature. Tera Ghost, as mentioned, grants Vullaby immunity to Mienfoo's Fake Out and High Jump Kick.
Physical attacking Vullaby easily fits on any team and typically forms cores when paired with Mienfoo and Foongus. 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 can switch into Vullaby checks like Glimmet, Tinkatink, and Alolan Diglett. Offensive pieces such as Elekid, Stunky, and 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 to KO Glimmet and Tinkatink. 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, (AC) since it is bulkier and can make progress or trade when at low HP with Weak Armor.
[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 Vullaby can OHKO metagame staples like Foongus and Shellder after Stealth Rock chip damage and try and flinch through other threats with Air Slash. Heat Wave KOes Alolan Sandshrew, does massive damage to bulky variants of Eviolite Tinkatink, and covers for Tera Steel users like Mienfoo. Dark Pulse covers checks that would take Heat Wave such as Chinchou and Glimmet. With Dark Pulse, Vullaby can OHKO these checks after Stealth Rock chip if allowed to reach +4 Special Attack. Tera Blast Ground has huge upside, OHKOing all aforementioned checks, including Tinkatink, but it 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. (AP) This quality lets it fit well on bulky and hyper offense teams. Complementary sweepers that also excel at forcing defensive Terastallization like (Which setup move?) -- Swords Dance is a set name reference so lmk on this but shell smash is shellder's only set so it's pretty trivial to include 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 entry hazard setting lead like Focus Sash Alolan Diglett. Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciates teammates with Knock Off to overwhelm shared checks. Stunky, (AC) for example, wears 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, (AC) since it beats all relevant Sucker Punch users and frees Vullaby to Terastallize into a Ghost-type.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Several options exist to grant physical Vullaby even more immediate wallbreaking power. Tera Blast Ground OHKOes Glimmet, 2HKOes 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. (! -- what does this mean?) Throat Chop can 2HKO Glimmet without requiring it to Terastallize 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 less bulky variants of Mienfoo and about an 83.5% chance to KO Mudbray with a Knock Off followed by two Brave Birds. On bulky teams lacking speed control, 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 entry hazard removal. Choice Scarf Vullaby also fits on teams lacking a Pokemon immune to sleep, as Choice Scarf's 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 of 156 Atk / 156 Def / 156 SpD / 36 Spe plus an Impish nature. This slow, defensive pivot set can switch into Foongus without fear of Sludge Bomb. Defog can be used in the third or fourth moveslot 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 entry hazard stacking teams. Taunt can also be used to deny entry hazards from Mudbray, Tinkatink, and more niche options like Shellos and Chespin while preventing 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 take Vullaby's Eviolite on a U-turn or Brave Bird. Tinkatink walls Dark Pulse variants of Nasty Plot Vullaby. Fast variants of Tinkatink with Encore can shut down Nasty Plot Vullaby or catch physical attacking Vullaby with Draining Kiss, but these variants sacrifice a lot of special bulk and are therefore vulnerable to Heat Wave.
**Glimmet**: Glimmet can live two hits from Vullaby when healthy and threaten an OHKO with Power Gem after Stealth Rock chip 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 additionally 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 KOes -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 Stealth Rock, and good switch-in predictions from Elekid users allow it to wear down its checks or generate momentum with Volt Switch.
**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 of the latter.
**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 Atk Swords Dance Mienfoo sets have a 75% chance to OHKO Vullaby at +2 Attack. Maximum Attack and Reckless variants bump this to a guaranteed OHKO. Tera Steel Substitute sets can set up on Vullaby and scout for Tera Ghost before KOing Vullaby with Knock Off.
**Alolan Diglett**: The combination of Rock Blast and Sucker Punch is very threatening to Tera Ghost Vullaby and has favorable 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 High Jump Kick, but it struggles if Vullaby Terastallizes into a Ghost-type.
[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/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flou.605215/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Last edited:
