[OVERVIEW]
Vullaby is one of the most versatile Pokemon in LC; thanks to its rich toolset and well-rounded stats, it can provide any team with invaluable role compression, being able to function as a potent pivot, an entry hazard remover, and a wallbreaker. Its STAB coverage hits every relevant Pokemon in the tier other than Pawniard for neutral damage, making Vullaby quite difficult to switch into, especially with the added threat of item removal from Knock Off. Defog allows Vullaby to serve as one of the tier's two most reliable hazard removers, owing to its immunity to Sticky Web, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes. Vullaby also brings two valuable abilities to the table in Weak Armor and Overcoat; the former allows it to punish teams for hitting it by enabling it to outrun the entire metagame, while the latter protects it from Oddish's Sleep Powder. However, despite Vullaby's offensive versatility, its offenses are not elite, and it occasionally fails to hit important OHKOs or sufficiently dent defensive Pokemon like Spritzee and Shellos.
[SET]
name: Berry Juice Pivot
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn / Heat Wave
move 4: Defog / Heat Wave
item: Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor / Overcoat
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird deals hefty damage to any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, including bulky defenders like Timburr and Oddish. Knock Off allows Vullaby to provide tremendous utility for its team, softening opposing teams by removing Eviolites and Berry Juices from its foes while also being a powerful STAB move. U-turn lets Vullaby take advantage of forced switches by allowing it to generate momentum. Defog provides invaluable entry hazard removal. Heat Wave is an option that threatens Ferroseed and Pawniard and can force an opponent to make difficult decisions when switching into Vullaby.
Set Details
========
Vullaby's EV spread and nature can be altered to fill a highly diverse set of roles, depending its team's needs. A Jolly nature allows Vullaby to Speed tie with opposing positive-natured Vullaby and Galarian Farfetch'd as well as outspeed opposing Mudbray and Mareanie. The given EV spread maximizes Vullaby's damage output and, with an Adamant nature, gives it a high chance of OHKOing standard Timburr. Other viable investments include 116 HP / 76 Def, which allows Vullaby to survive Timburr's Thunder Punch or Mudbray's Rock Slide after Stealth Rock damage as well as Adamant Vullaby's Brave Bird after a Weak Armor Defense drop and Berry Juice recovery. If you're running Heat Wave, a spread of 156 Atk / 76 Def / 76 SpA / 196 Spe with a Serious nature is optimal; the same spread can alternatively be run with a Jolly nature at the expense of being able to 2HKO Pawniard without relying on Stealth Rock damage. Weak Armor and Berry Juice have tremendous synergy, allowing Vullaby to boost its Speed and proceed to outspeed the majority of the metagame while simultaneously recovering damage taken from certain physical hits like Timburr's Mach Punch. Weak Armor can occasionally present a hindrance, though, by making it easier for strong priority users like Corphish and Timburr to revenge kill Vullaby. Overcoat is an option for teams that need a switch-in to Oddish's Sleep Powder at the expense of Weak Armor's broader utility. Berry Juice aids Vullaby by passively healing off Stealth Rock damage, thereby helping it remove entry hazards repeatedly.
Usage Tips
========
Vullaby's EV spread of choice determines the role it fills best on a team; more offensive variants function better as attackers and wallbreakers, while bulkier variants switch into attacks and remove entry hazards more reliably. The momentum generated by U-turn can be leveraged to restrict how foes switch around, especially when Vullaby is paired with a trapper; common Flying-resistant Pokemon such as Pawniard and Onix are often doomed if they switch into a U-turn and and proceed to get trapped by Trapinch and Diglett. Weak Armor can help Vullaby keep faster foes in check on teams that lack Choice Scarf users or lack Speed otherwise. Knock Off should be used to pressure bulkier teams, softening walls like Mareanie, Ferroseed, and Spritzee for other sweepers to later break through. Defog should be used to remove hazards, especially Sticky Web, whenever possible in order to reduce opposing offensive pressure.
Team Options
========
Vullaby's ability to run a variety of different EV spreads and natures to accomplish different goals make an extremely versatile Pokemon that can be molded to support different types of teams. Vullaby pairs well with trappers like Diglett and Trapinch that can remove Onix and Pawniard, two Flying-resistant Pokemon that Vullaby can U-turn out of. Setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Spritzee and Dragon Dance Onix appreciate Vullaby weakening bulkier Pokemon that might otherwise check them, such as Pawniard, Onix, and Mudbray. Ponyta appreciates the removal of entry hazards that would slow it down or limit its ability to switch in. Timburr works well with Vullaby, as it can switch into Pawniard and Onix and can provide hazard removal for non-Defog Vullaby variants. Ferroseed and Ponyta can serve as switch-ins to Spritzee.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Dark Pulse / Roost
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Air Slash deals considerable damage to the majority of the metagame after a Nasty Plot boost and can occasionally break through Vullaby's checks with its 30% flinch chance. Heat Wave is Vullaby's best coverage move, KOing Ferroseed and heavily damaging Pawniard. Dark Pulse lets Vullaby threaten Onix and Chinchou, which it otherwise struggles against, as well as Frillish. Roost is an option over Dark Pulse, especially paired with Eviolite, to prevent weaker Pokemon like Mareanie from averting a sweep simply by wearing Vullaby down. Substitute is an another option that allows Vullaby to more easily set up on Ferroseed. Knock Off can be used to provide greater team support and soften checks like Spritzee as they switch in, facilitating a later sweep.
Set Details
========
Eviolite provides Vullaby with opportunities to set up on harder hits such as Mudbray's Rock Slide and lets it better take hits from Knock Off. Alternatively, Berry Juice gives Vullaby more staying power against would-be priority revenge killers like Timburr and Corphish by allowing it to heal while taking hits and setting up. A Modest nature and maximum Special Attack investment are necessary due to Vullaby's middling power, maximum Speed investment lets Vullaby outspeed Corphish and most Mudbray variants before boosting, and the remainder of EVs are placed in Defense to help Vullaby better take physical hits.
Usage Tips
========
This set sacrifices Vullaby's role compression for late-game sweeping potential and functions best if it remains unrevealed for as long as possible; while it is often possible to discern Vullaby's set from Team Preview, concealing its set will grant crucial free turns to set up while being treated like a physical set. Few Pokemon in the tier can OHKO Vullaby with a physical move, meaning that it is invaluable to keep its health high and force your opponent to hit it with physical moves that will trigger Weak Armor. Vullaby is typically only afforded one chance to sweep, and unless it carries Knock Off for general team support, it should never be deployed early so long as its checks are healthy and especially if it is the only wincon on its team.
Team Options
========
Vullaby appreciates Knock Off support from Pokemon like Pawniard and Timburr to soften opposing teams, since it cannot OHKO many bulky Pokemon, such as Eviolite Onix and Mareanie, even when at +2. Timburr in particular is invaluable for its ability to draw Spritzee in and remove its Eviolite with Knock Off and clear Stealth Rock. Trapinch and Diglett can trap and remove Onix, which can switch into unboosted Vullaby and OHKO it with Head Smash. Dewpider can provide Sticky Web support, which prevents Onix and Chinchou from forcing Vullaby out before a Weak Armor boost. Ponyta and Koffing can spread status to physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, turning them into ideal setup fodder for Vullaby.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Defog / Heat Wave
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is Vullaby's strongest STAB move, threatening fast and frail Pokemon and bulkier Pokemon weak to Flying like Oddish and Timburr. Knock Off softens opposing teams by removing Berry Juices and Eviolites. U-turn lets Vullaby function as a fast pivot that can scout more freely thanks to its Choice Scarf letting it outpace nearly the entire metagame. Defog, while not ideal to get Choice-locked into, provides critical entry hazard removal in a pinch. Heat Wave threatens Pawniard and Ferroseed with hefty damage. Tailwind is an alternative option to provide team support on more offensive team builds.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature make Vullaby's STAB moves as powerful as possible, allowing Vullaby to revenge kill fast threats like Galarian Ponyta as well as standard Timburr. Maximum Speed investment ensures Vullaby hits 22 Speed with Choice Scarf, letting it outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, as well as Corphish after a Dragon Dance. Vullaby can opt for a Jolly nature to tie with Choice Scarf Galarian Farfetch'd as well as positive-nature Vullaby after taking a Knock Off. Overcoat is preferred over Weak Armor because the lack of Berry Juice makes Vullaby relatively frail even without Weak Armor's Defense drops, and it allows Vullaby to negate Sleep Powder from Oddish. Alternatively, Weak Armor allows Vullaby to outspeed opposing Vullaby after a Knock Off and serve as a lesser revenge killer even without its Choice Scarf.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Vullaby trades durability for increased immediate offensive presence, so it is less effective at taking hits compared to Berry Juice sets. In contrast, this Vullaby set provides Speed to otherwise slow teams, revenge kills threats like Dragon Dance Scraggy, and pressures Sticky Web-dependent offensive teams. If paired with Diglett or Trapinch, U-turn should be used early-game to remove Flying-resistant Pokemon and allow for Brave Bird to be used more freely later in the game. U-turn should also be used to scout your opponent's preferred switch-ins to Vullaby.
Team Options
========
Slower, bulkier teams appreciate Choice Scarf Vullaby's immediate high Speed and revenge killing capabilities. Teams that otherwise struggle with Sticky Web appreciate its Speed and offensive presence against Sticky Web teams. Vullaby is aided greatly by trappers like Diglett and Trapinch that can take care of Onix and Pawniard, especially off of a U-turn, and allow it use Brave Bird more freely. Teammates like Spritzee, Timburr, and Ferroseed can threaten Pokemon that can take advantage of Vullaby being Choice-locked into an unfavorable move to set up, such as opposing Vullaby, Onix, and Spritzee, respectively.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Vullaby can run a bulkier set with Overcoat and Eviolite to more reliably Defog and check Pokemon like Timburr, Oddish, and Bulbasaur, but it loses the advantages it gets from Weak Armor or Choice Scarf and is forced to play much more passively due to its reduced damage output and its frequent need to Roost. Vullaby can also take an alternative approach to a Nasty Plot sweep by running Overcoat together with Iron Defense and Roost, letting tank hits from Pokemon like Pawniard, Ponyta, and opposing Vullaby rather than outspeed them. However, this set requires more team support to sweep due to having difficulty breaking through Pokemon that resist Air Slash like Onix and Chinchou. Tailwind and Endure are niche options for Berry Juice Vullaby; the former provides team support by boosting its Speed, and the latter lets Vullaby survive a physical hit from Pokemon like boosted Shellder and proceed to revenge kill them after a Weak Armor Speed boost.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Onix**: Onix takes little damage from any of Vullaby's moves other than boosted Dark Pulse and can KO it in return with Rock Blast or Head Smash; moreover, Weak Armor Onix variants can even outspeed Weak Armor-boosted Vullaby after taking a hit. Onix is an extremely sturdy Vullaby switch-in and often gains a free opportunity to set Stealth Rock or setup with Dragon Dance when forcing it out. It must be wary, however, of the threat of switching into a U-turn and being trapped by Trapinch or Diglett.
**Pawniard**: Pawniard is not threatened by any of Vullaby's STAB moves and can punish it for using Defog through a Defiant boost. Pawniard must beware, however, of Heat Wave in general and Nasty Plot variants in particular, as they can use it as setup fodder. Pawniard is also threatened by U-turn when Vullaby is paired with a trapper.
**Spritzee**: Spritzee's Fairy-type and tremendous bulk allows it to take any of Vullaby's moves with ease and KO it in return with Moonblast; however, it must be wary of flinches from a boosted Air Slash and becoming overwhelmed by taking too many hits, especially after its Eviolite has been removed due to Knock Off, as Brave Bird can then 2HKO it. Nasty Plot variants of Spritzee are frailer and accordingly less reliable as checks but can use Vullaby as setup bait.
**Status**: While many status-spreading Pokemon cannot beat Vullaby one-on-one, physically offensive Vullaby is greatly inhibited by paralysis or burn, and as such, status from Ferroseed, Ponyta, or Frillish can limit Vullaby's effectiveness.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KSG, 32350]]
- Quality checked by: [[Fiend, 208173], [Stoward, 420389], [LilyAC, 423793]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Vullaby is one of the most versatile Pokemon in LC; thanks to its rich toolset and well-rounded stats, it can provide any team with invaluable role compression, being able to function as a potent pivot, an entry hazard remover, and a wallbreaker. Its STAB coverage hits every relevant Pokemon in the tier other than Pawniard for neutral damage, making Vullaby quite difficult to switch into, especially with the added threat of item removal from Knock Off. Defog allows Vullaby to serve as one of the tier's two most reliable hazard removers, owing to its immunity to Sticky Web, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes. Vullaby also brings two valuable abilities to the table in Weak Armor and Overcoat; the former allows it to punish teams for hitting it by enabling it to outrun the entire metagame, while the latter protects it from Oddish's Sleep Powder. However, despite Vullaby's offensive versatility, its offenses are not elite, and it occasionally fails to hit important OHKOs or sufficiently dent defensive Pokemon like Spritzee and Shellos.
[SET]
name: Berry Juice Pivot
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn / Heat Wave
move 4: Defog / Heat Wave
item: Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor / Overcoat
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird deals hefty damage to any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, including bulky defenders like Timburr and Oddish. Knock Off allows Vullaby to provide tremendous utility for its team, softening opposing teams by removing Eviolites and Berry Juices from its foes while also being a powerful STAB move. U-turn lets Vullaby take advantage of forced switches by allowing it to generate momentum. Defog provides invaluable entry hazard removal. Heat Wave is an option that threatens Ferroseed and Pawniard and can force an opponent to make difficult decisions when switching into Vullaby.
Set Details
========
Vullaby's EV spread and nature can be altered to fill a highly diverse set of roles, depending its team's needs. A Jolly nature allows Vullaby to Speed tie with opposing positive-natured Vullaby and Galarian Farfetch'd as well as outspeed opposing Mudbray and Mareanie. The given EV spread maximizes Vullaby's damage output and, with an Adamant nature, gives it a high chance of OHKOing standard Timburr. Other viable investments include 116 HP / 76 Def, which allows Vullaby to survive Timburr's Thunder Punch or Mudbray's Rock Slide after Stealth Rock damage as well as Adamant Vullaby's Brave Bird after a Weak Armor Defense drop and Berry Juice recovery. If you're running Heat Wave, a spread of 156 Atk / 76 Def / 76 SpA / 196 Spe with a Serious nature is optimal; the same spread can alternatively be run with a Jolly nature at the expense of being able to 2HKO Pawniard without relying on Stealth Rock damage. Weak Armor and Berry Juice have tremendous synergy, allowing Vullaby to boost its Speed and proceed to outspeed the majority of the metagame while simultaneously recovering damage taken from certain physical hits like Timburr's Mach Punch. Weak Armor can occasionally present a hindrance, though, by making it easier for strong priority users like Corphish and Timburr to revenge kill Vullaby. Overcoat is an option for teams that need a switch-in to Oddish's Sleep Powder at the expense of Weak Armor's broader utility. Berry Juice aids Vullaby by passively healing off Stealth Rock damage, thereby helping it remove entry hazards repeatedly.
Usage Tips
========
Vullaby's EV spread of choice determines the role it fills best on a team; more offensive variants function better as attackers and wallbreakers, while bulkier variants switch into attacks and remove entry hazards more reliably. The momentum generated by U-turn can be leveraged to restrict how foes switch around, especially when Vullaby is paired with a trapper; common Flying-resistant Pokemon such as Pawniard and Onix are often doomed if they switch into a U-turn and and proceed to get trapped by Trapinch and Diglett. Weak Armor can help Vullaby keep faster foes in check on teams that lack Choice Scarf users or lack Speed otherwise. Knock Off should be used to pressure bulkier teams, softening walls like Mareanie, Ferroseed, and Spritzee for other sweepers to later break through. Defog should be used to remove hazards, especially Sticky Web, whenever possible in order to reduce opposing offensive pressure.
Team Options
========
Vullaby's ability to run a variety of different EV spreads and natures to accomplish different goals make an extremely versatile Pokemon that can be molded to support different types of teams. Vullaby pairs well with trappers like Diglett and Trapinch that can remove Onix and Pawniard, two Flying-resistant Pokemon that Vullaby can U-turn out of. Setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Spritzee and Dragon Dance Onix appreciate Vullaby weakening bulkier Pokemon that might otherwise check them, such as Pawniard, Onix, and Mudbray. Ponyta appreciates the removal of entry hazards that would slow it down or limit its ability to switch in. Timburr works well with Vullaby, as it can switch into Pawniard and Onix and can provide hazard removal for non-Defog Vullaby variants. Ferroseed and Ponyta can serve as switch-ins to Spritzee.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Dark Pulse / Roost
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 76 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Air Slash deals considerable damage to the majority of the metagame after a Nasty Plot boost and can occasionally break through Vullaby's checks with its 30% flinch chance. Heat Wave is Vullaby's best coverage move, KOing Ferroseed and heavily damaging Pawniard. Dark Pulse lets Vullaby threaten Onix and Chinchou, which it otherwise struggles against, as well as Frillish. Roost is an option over Dark Pulse, especially paired with Eviolite, to prevent weaker Pokemon like Mareanie from averting a sweep simply by wearing Vullaby down. Substitute is an another option that allows Vullaby to more easily set up on Ferroseed. Knock Off can be used to provide greater team support and soften checks like Spritzee as they switch in, facilitating a later sweep.
Set Details
========
Eviolite provides Vullaby with opportunities to set up on harder hits such as Mudbray's Rock Slide and lets it better take hits from Knock Off. Alternatively, Berry Juice gives Vullaby more staying power against would-be priority revenge killers like Timburr and Corphish by allowing it to heal while taking hits and setting up. A Modest nature and maximum Special Attack investment are necessary due to Vullaby's middling power, maximum Speed investment lets Vullaby outspeed Corphish and most Mudbray variants before boosting, and the remainder of EVs are placed in Defense to help Vullaby better take physical hits.
Usage Tips
========
This set sacrifices Vullaby's role compression for late-game sweeping potential and functions best if it remains unrevealed for as long as possible; while it is often possible to discern Vullaby's set from Team Preview, concealing its set will grant crucial free turns to set up while being treated like a physical set. Few Pokemon in the tier can OHKO Vullaby with a physical move, meaning that it is invaluable to keep its health high and force your opponent to hit it with physical moves that will trigger Weak Armor. Vullaby is typically only afforded one chance to sweep, and unless it carries Knock Off for general team support, it should never be deployed early so long as its checks are healthy and especially if it is the only wincon on its team.
Team Options
========
Vullaby appreciates Knock Off support from Pokemon like Pawniard and Timburr to soften opposing teams, since it cannot OHKO many bulky Pokemon, such as Eviolite Onix and Mareanie, even when at +2. Timburr in particular is invaluable for its ability to draw Spritzee in and remove its Eviolite with Knock Off and clear Stealth Rock. Trapinch and Diglett can trap and remove Onix, which can switch into unboosted Vullaby and OHKO it with Head Smash. Dewpider can provide Sticky Web support, which prevents Onix and Chinchou from forcing Vullaby out before a Weak Armor boost. Ponyta and Koffing can spread status to physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, turning them into ideal setup fodder for Vullaby.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Defog / Heat Wave
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is Vullaby's strongest STAB move, threatening fast and frail Pokemon and bulkier Pokemon weak to Flying like Oddish and Timburr. Knock Off softens opposing teams by removing Berry Juices and Eviolites. U-turn lets Vullaby function as a fast pivot that can scout more freely thanks to its Choice Scarf letting it outpace nearly the entire metagame. Defog, while not ideal to get Choice-locked into, provides critical entry hazard removal in a pinch. Heat Wave threatens Pawniard and Ferroseed with hefty damage. Tailwind is an alternative option to provide team support on more offensive team builds.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature make Vullaby's STAB moves as powerful as possible, allowing Vullaby to revenge kill fast threats like Galarian Ponyta as well as standard Timburr. Maximum Speed investment ensures Vullaby hits 22 Speed with Choice Scarf, letting it outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, as well as Corphish after a Dragon Dance. Vullaby can opt for a Jolly nature to tie with Choice Scarf Galarian Farfetch'd as well as positive-nature Vullaby after taking a Knock Off. Overcoat is preferred over Weak Armor because the lack of Berry Juice makes Vullaby relatively frail even without Weak Armor's Defense drops, and it allows Vullaby to negate Sleep Powder from Oddish. Alternatively, Weak Armor allows Vullaby to outspeed opposing Vullaby after a Knock Off and serve as a lesser revenge killer even without its Choice Scarf.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Vullaby trades durability for increased immediate offensive presence, so it is less effective at taking hits compared to Berry Juice sets. In contrast, this Vullaby set provides Speed to otherwise slow teams, revenge kills threats like Dragon Dance Scraggy, and pressures Sticky Web-dependent offensive teams. If paired with Diglett or Trapinch, U-turn should be used early-game to remove Flying-resistant Pokemon and allow for Brave Bird to be used more freely later in the game. U-turn should also be used to scout your opponent's preferred switch-ins to Vullaby.
Team Options
========
Slower, bulkier teams appreciate Choice Scarf Vullaby's immediate high Speed and revenge killing capabilities. Teams that otherwise struggle with Sticky Web appreciate its Speed and offensive presence against Sticky Web teams. Vullaby is aided greatly by trappers like Diglett and Trapinch that can take care of Onix and Pawniard, especially off of a U-turn, and allow it use Brave Bird more freely. Teammates like Spritzee, Timburr, and Ferroseed can threaten Pokemon that can take advantage of Vullaby being Choice-locked into an unfavorable move to set up, such as opposing Vullaby, Onix, and Spritzee, respectively.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Vullaby can run a bulkier set with Overcoat and Eviolite to more reliably Defog and check Pokemon like Timburr, Oddish, and Bulbasaur, but it loses the advantages it gets from Weak Armor or Choice Scarf and is forced to play much more passively due to its reduced damage output and its frequent need to Roost. Vullaby can also take an alternative approach to a Nasty Plot sweep by running Overcoat together with Iron Defense and Roost, letting tank hits from Pokemon like Pawniard, Ponyta, and opposing Vullaby rather than outspeed them. However, this set requires more team support to sweep due to having difficulty breaking through Pokemon that resist Air Slash like Onix and Chinchou. Tailwind and Endure are niche options for Berry Juice Vullaby; the former provides team support by boosting its Speed, and the latter lets Vullaby survive a physical hit from Pokemon like boosted Shellder and proceed to revenge kill them after a Weak Armor Speed boost.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Onix**: Onix takes little damage from any of Vullaby's moves other than boosted Dark Pulse and can KO it in return with Rock Blast or Head Smash; moreover, Weak Armor Onix variants can even outspeed Weak Armor-boosted Vullaby after taking a hit. Onix is an extremely sturdy Vullaby switch-in and often gains a free opportunity to set Stealth Rock or setup with Dragon Dance when forcing it out. It must be wary, however, of the threat of switching into a U-turn and being trapped by Trapinch or Diglett.
**Pawniard**: Pawniard is not threatened by any of Vullaby's STAB moves and can punish it for using Defog through a Defiant boost. Pawniard must beware, however, of Heat Wave in general and Nasty Plot variants in particular, as they can use it as setup fodder. Pawniard is also threatened by U-turn when Vullaby is paired with a trapper.
**Spritzee**: Spritzee's Fairy-type and tremendous bulk allows it to take any of Vullaby's moves with ease and KO it in return with Moonblast; however, it must be wary of flinches from a boosted Air Slash and becoming overwhelmed by taking too many hits, especially after its Eviolite has been removed due to Knock Off, as Brave Bird can then 2HKO it. Nasty Plot variants of Spritzee are frailer and accordingly less reliable as checks but can use Vullaby as setup bait.
**Status**: While many status-spreading Pokemon cannot beat Vullaby one-on-one, physically offensive Vullaby is greatly inhibited by paralysis or burn, and as such, status from Ferroseed, Ponyta, or Frillish can limit Vullaby's effectiveness.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[KSG, 32350]]
- Quality checked by: [[Fiend, 208173], [Stoward, 420389], [LilyAC, 423793]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited:
