Weavile (Analysis)

Lemonade

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http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/461.shtml
skeleton by smashlloyd
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3449634

GP: #1 RayJay #2, Fizz

[Overview]

<p>Weavile returns to the competitive scene this generation as a potent attacker in UU. It is both strong and fast, boasting base 120 Attack and base 125 Speed. Its dual STABs are fabulous in the tier; Pursuit destroys common Ghost-types like Mismagius, while priority Ice Shard hits things such as Flygon. Unfortunately, Weavile suffers from low defenses, a weakness to Mach Punch, and a weakness to Stealth Rock. Furthermore, most of its moves have low Base Power, limiting its damage output. Despite these setbacks, Weavile can still pose a huge threat to opposing teams with proper support and strategy.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Low Kick
move 4: Night Slash / Ice Punch / Punishment
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set utilizes Weavile's strongest stats, Speed and strength, through its ability to effectively trap and eliminate a variety of Pokemon. Pursuit allows Weavile to come in on common UU spinblockers such as Mismagius and KO them no matter what they do, as well as eliminate many powerful offensive Psychic-types that attempt to flee such as Alakazam and Azelf. Ice Shard is a useful priority move, but Ice Punch is drastically more powerful, as evidenced by the calculations below, and Weavile fast enough that priority is often unnecessary.</p>

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Ice Shard vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 48 ~ 56.8%</li>
<li> Ice Punch vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 88.5 ~ 104.3%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 66 ~ 77.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 123.4 ~ 146.5%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 50.4 ~ 59.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 93.6 ~ 110.2%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Gligar@Eviolite (252/252+ EVs): 46.7 ~ 55%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Gligar@Eviolite (252/252+ EVs): 86.2 ~ 101.7%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 35.1 ~ 41.3%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 65.4 ~ 77.7%</li>
</ul>

<p>The above calculations assume Weavile is holding a Life Orb. As one can see, Ice Punch is required to take on some of the above Pokemon such as Shaymin and Nidoking, who can potentially KO Weavile after surviving an Ice Shard. It also prevents defensive Pokemon from setting up in Weavile's face. Low Kick provides optimal coverage with the first two moves, dealing heavy damage to walls such as Registeel. Night Slash gives Weavile better coverage on common defensive Pokemon such as Deoxys-D, who does not take much damage from Pursuit, but Ice Punch can be used for its slightly higher Base Power, and its usefulness is shown above. Lastly, Punishment will destroy the common boosters such as Suicune, as well as Baton Pass chains.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Max Speed and Attack allow Weavile to hit as hard as possible and Speed tie other Weavile. The extra point is allotted to Weavile's decent Special Defense, as it would otherwise give Weavile an even HP stat. An alternate spread of 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe with a Jolly nature is certainly viable, as it still outruns base 120s and the extra HP EVs allow Weavile to take weak special attacks slightly better. However, the extra EVs ultimately do not significantly increase its longevity since strong moves will still KO. In addition, the speed drop means Weavile can no longer speed tie opposing Weavile, a disadvantage in a tier in which it is common.</p>

<p>The item depends on what role one wishes Weavile to play. Choice Band will give it the most overall power and doesn't wear it down with recoil, but the inability to switch moves can be a hindrance to Weavile's success. For example, a Choice Band locked Ice Shard means Pokemon such as Suicune and Feraligatr can come in and set up for free. Life Orb allows Weavile to hit hard while retaining the ability to switch moves. With or without recoil, Weavile won't enjoy losing 25% of its health upon switching into the ubiquitous Stealth Rock, so a Rapid Spinner is recommended. Donphan and Hitmontop both work well in this department. Opposing Hitmontop trouble Weavile with Fake Out and Mach Punch, so Wynaut is a great partner for eliminating it. Tickle Wynaut will also enjoy Weavile's Pursuit support, and they can be used together to eliminate tough walls.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Night Slash
move 4: Low Kick
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set aims to abuse Weavile's great speed and attack with Swords Dance. Because it can force out Pokemon such as Flygon, setup opportunities are abundant. After one boost, Weavile's attack reaches astronomical levels, and it can plow through opposing teams. Ice Shard is useful for hitting Choice Scarf users such as Flygon and Krookodile, but Ice Punch is a stronger alternative, as shown above. This difference is not as important due to Swords Dance; Weavile will be able to hit hard with Ice Shard after a boost. Night Slash is a powerful STAB move that destroys defensive Psychic-types such as Mew and Deoxys-D. Low Kick rounds off the coverage, hitting Steel-types that resist the other two moves, such as Registeel, for super-effective damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs are identical to those of the set above; they aim to maximize damage output and Speed tie with opposing Weavile. With the given HP IVs, Life Orb recoil is reduced by one point, which is potentially more useful if Weavile attempts a late-game sweep, and the drop in HP is hardly noticeable because of its low defenses anyway. Life Orb is the preferred item for consistent damage, the recoil often being insignificant due to Weavile's frailty. However, Expert Belt is a viable alternative to hit certain walls such as Registeel and Deoxys-D harder than without the item. Again, partners include Rapid Spinners such as Donphan and Hitmontop, and Pokemon that can eliminate opposing Hitmontop.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Weavile has a few other options to consider. Punishment can be used to kill off boosters, but Night Slash provides more consistent damage. Taunt allows you to stop Chansey. Fake Out is effective in breaking Focus Sashes, but using it means Weavile will lose much needed coverage. A gimmicky set with Focus Sash and Counter, in combination with a Rapid Spinner, can eliminate things that normally OHKO Weavile, but this is rather situational. Substitute and Focus Punch give Weavile an option for a stronger Fighting attack, but the loss of HP from Substitute is problematic. Brick Break is useful in breaking screens and is more consistent than Low Kick, but Low Kick is usually more powerful and screens are relatively uncommon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Hitmontop can deal significant damage to Weavile with Fake Out, and will KO with a Mach Punch follow up. It can also Intimidate Weavile, leaving the weasel too weak to deal further damage. Escavalier can take any attack bar a heavily boosted Low Kick and KO Weavile. Unaware Quagsire also walls Weavile handily, either setting up Curse in the meantime or simply attacking with Waterfall. Things that outspeed Weavile will deal tons of damage in general, but certain Choice Scarf users like Flygon must watch out for Ice Shard. Entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, are detrimental to Weavile's health, especially if it holds Choice Band and is forced out.</p>

<p>Despite their weakness to Ice, many Flying-, Ground-, and Grass-types such as Celebi, Shaymin, Sigilyph, Gligar, Nidoking, Hippopotas, Zapdos, Donphan, and Claydol take little damage from Ice Shard and can either set up or eliminate Weavile on the spot. Those mentioned that have a secondary Psychic typing must watch out for Night Slash, however. Other strong Ice-types such as Mamoswine can take these out, or Weavile can utilize Ice Punch to make them less of a threat. Bulky Water-types such as Milotic also wall Weavile without many Sword Dance boosts, taking minimal damage from Night Slash, and can force it out or status it. Bulky Grass-types are not threatened by Milotic and can take it out, as can offensive Electric-types.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Weavile recieves Pickpocket through the Dream World, an ability that steals the opponent's item if the opponent contacts Weavile. This is inferior to Pressure for a few reasons. First, Weavile should generally be avoiding contact with opponents because of its low defense. Second, the item stolen may or may not be useful for Weavile; it could steal Life Orb or a Choice Scarf. This also means Weavile cannot be holding an item, which is a waste in most situations. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Low Kick is illegal with Pickpocket. This means the weasel will miss out on one of its most important coverage moves, and while Brick Break still works as an alternative, it is relatively weak.</p>
 

SJCrew

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Saying a Pokemon has a 'weakness to priority' is vague and misleading. The only type of priority Weavile is weak to in UU is Mach Punch. Bullet Punch is non-existent, it resists Ice Shard and Sucker Punch, and Extremespeed doesn't hit hard enough to KO it after Rocks. This should either be rephrased as 'vulnerable to Mach Punch', or omitted entirely.

Flygon is mentioned way too many times as a target for Ice Shard, and Ice Punch is mentioned too little. Weavile is already faster than most of the tier, and defensive Ground, Grass, and Flying-types are exceedingly common and will laugh at a 40 BP Ice Shard while they status or KO in return. Looking at the June usage stats, Ice Punch hits Donphan, Zapdos, Shaymin, Celebi, Togekiss, Hippopotas, Sigilyph, Nidoking, Nidoqueen. Most of these Pokemon are either naturally bulky or run bulky sets, and can threaten to KO Weavile. Hippopotas, Sigilyph, and Celebi just flat out wall Ice Shard. Why isn't this mentioned in the analysis?

As for the opening line in the Physical Attacker set, Weavile is definitely not noted for its strength. Speed and trapping ability are by and far the biggest reasons to use it, which hasn't been mentioned once. You need to head back to the lab with this. Play some matches with Weavile on your team to get a better feel and perspective for it.
 

Lemonade

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Well I was assuming QC had included everything they wanted because they did give smashlloyd's skeleton 3 stamps and no one had pointed out stuff like this in earlier stages. I basically got the idea to not add anything if I was taking over already QC'd analyses (maybe this was the wrong impression). So I am supposed to have QC go look over some stuff again?
 

Oglemi

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QC's main job is to make sure that the sets are up to Smogon standards, and that the other sections have the basics covered.

It's up to you as the writer to know how to play with the Pokemon and to add the other content that goes with writing an analysis.

So, if you feel you don't know enough about Weavile to write it, then I'll just reassign this.
 

Lemonade

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Ok. Misunderstanding on my part. It just seems that QC does get pretty detailed on some analyses so I guess I just thought it was always like that. I can still do this, though.
 
Just how useful is Ice Shard on the main set? Saying it decimates Celebi is an exaggeration, and Weavile outpaces Altaria after a DD anyway. i think it should go: Pursuit, Ice Punch/Ice Shard, Low Kick, Night Slash/Ice Shard/Punishment

Mamoswine is a better abuser of Ice Shard, since weavile has such massive speed anyway
 

Lemonade

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Yeah, that makes sense (I didn't really pay attention to the order of the slashes). I'll wait a little bit more before making Ice Punch primary though.

Anyway, I've updated with everything I've experienced while adding in SJcrew's stuff, so give it another look.
 

Lemonade

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yeah. I felt something was wrong. They were with none, but I've updated with LO because I'd say that item is preferred. Things can come in on choice locked Pursuit/Ice Shards and stuff and play.
 

breh

強いだね
basic synopsis of pickpocket:

-requires you to run no item or perishable item or fake out + normal gem (actually, I think fake out + normal gem may instantly steal the opponent's item... not sure) derp that's not how it works
-in this way, you waste an item or a moveslot (tbh fake out isn't really a waste of a moveslot per se, but it's not a great use of it either)
-still, can potentially be a hilarious troll to stuff like eviolite pokes (none of them really want to switch in on vile though...) EDIT: also chansey is the only one with a contact move bar lolaerialace gligar
 

Lemonade

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yeah....that slipped my mind because it was absent from the skelly (my fault for not realizing, just clearing that up) adding....in like 30 mins or so.
 
[Dream World]

<p>Weavile recieves Pickpocket through the Dream World, an ability that steals the opponent's item given that the opponent contacts Weavile. This is inferior to Pressure for a few reasons. First, Weavile should generally be avoiding contact with opponent because of its low defense. Second, the item stolen may or may not be useful for Weavile; it could steal Life Orb or a Choice Scarf. This also means Weavile cannot be holding an item, which is a waste in most situations. Lastly, and perhaps the most important, Low Kick is illegal with Pickpocket. This means the weasel will miss out on one of its most important coverage moves, as it has no other viable Fighting-type moves to complement its Ice- and Dark-type STABS.</p>
Brick Break?
 

Lemonade

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IMO Brick Break is....weak. Especially when stuff like Registeel runs bulk and BB won't be doing hardly enough to KO in a timely manner. I suppose I'll mention it though.
 
Brick Break isn't terribad, it's like using Hidden Power Fighting on a Ghost type for coverage. Plus, it wrecks anyone who tries to set up Screens on Weavile, as I have recently experienced before being 6-0'd by SD Weavile... :/
 

Ray Jay

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GP 1/2



additions in bold
deletions in red
[Overview]

<p>Weavile returns to the competitive scene this generation as a potent attacker in UU. It is both strong and fast, boasting base 120 Attack and base 125 Speed. Its dual STABs are fabulous potent in the tier; Pursuit destroys common Ghost-types like Mismagius, while priority Ice Shard hits things such as Flygon. Unfortunately, Weavile suffers from low defenses, a weakness to Mach Punch, and a weakness to Stealth Rock. Furthermore, most of its moves have low Base Power, limiting its damage output. Despite these setbacks, Weavile can still pose a huge threat to opposing teams with proper support and strategy.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Low Kick
move 4: Night Slash / Ice Punch / Punishment
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set displays Weavile's strongest stats, Speed, speed and strength, through its ability to effectively trap and eliminate a variety of Pokemon. Pursuit allows Weavile to come in on common UU spinblockers such as Mismagius and KO them no matter what they do, as well as eliminate many powerful offensive Psychic-types that attempt to flee such as Alakazam and Azelf. Ice Shard is a useful priority move, but Ice Punch is drastically more powerful and Weavile already is very fast anyway. The calculations below show this difference.</p>

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Ice Shard vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 48 ~ 56.8%</li>
<li> Ice Punch vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 88.5 ~ 104.3%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 66 ~ 77.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 123.4 ~ 146.5%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 50.4 ~ 59.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 93.6 ~ 110.2%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Gligar@Evolution Stone (252/252+ EVs): 46.7 ~ 55%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Gligar@Evolution Stone (252/252+ EVs): 86.2 ~ 101.7%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 35.1 ~ 41.3%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 65.4 ~ 77.7%</li>
</ul>

<p>The above calculations assume Life Orb is the item being held used. As one can see, Ice Punch is required to take on some of the above Pokemon such as Shaymin and Nidoking, who can potentially KO Weavile after taking an Ice Shard. It also prevents defensive Pokemon from setting up in Weavile's face. Low Kick provides optimal coverage with the first two moves, dealing heavy damage to walls such as Registeel. Night Slash gives Weavile better coverage on common defensive Pokemon such as Deoxys-D, who does not take much damage from Pursuit, but Ice Punch can be used as a 5 Base Power higher alternative, and its usefulness is shown above. Lastly, Punishment will destroy the common boosters such as Suicune, as well as Baton Pass chains.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Max Speed and Attack give Weavile the most power as possible, while still allowing it to Speed speed tie other Weavile. The extra point is allotted in Weavile's decent Special Defense, as it would otherwise give Weavile an even HP stat. An alternate spread of 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe with a Jolly nature is certainly viable, as it still outruns base 120s and the extra HP EVs allow Weavile to take weak special attacks slightly better. However, the extra EVs ultimately do not increase its longevity since strong moves will still KO. In addition, the speed drop means Weavile can no longer speed tie opposing Weavile, a disadvantage in a tier where it is actually common.</p>

<p>The item depends on what role one wishes Weavile to play. Choice Band will give it the most overall power and doesn’t wear it down with recoil, but the ability to switch moves granted by Life Orb can also be useful. For example, a Choice Band locked Ice Shard means things such as Suicune or Feraligator can come in and set up for free. With or without recoil, Weavile won’t enjoy losing 25% of its health every switch in to the ubiquitous Stealth Rock, so a Rapid Spinner is recommended. Donphan and Hitmontop both work well in this department. Opposing Hitmontop trouble Weavile with Fake Out and Mach Punch, so Wynaut is a great partner for eliminating it. Tickle Wynaut will also enjoy Weavile's Pursuit support, and they can can they can be used together to eliminate tough walls.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Night Slash
move 4: Low Kick
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set aims to abuse Weavile's great speed and attack with Swords Dance. Because it can force out things such as Flygon, setting up is easy. After one boost, Weavile's attack reaches astronomical levels, and it can plow through opposing teams. Ice Shard is useful for hitting Choice Scarf users such as Flygon or Krookodile, but Ice Punch is a stronger alternative, as shown above. This difference is not as important due to Swords Dance; Weavile will be able to hit hard with Ice Shard after a boost. Night Slash is a powerful STAB move that destroys defensive Psychic-types such as Mew and Deoxys-D. Low Kick rounds off the coverage, hitting Steel-types steels that resist the other two moves such as Registeel for super-effective damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs are identical to those of the set above; they aim to maximize damage output and speed tie with opposing Weavile. With the given HP IVs, Life Orb recoil is reduced by one point, which is potentially more useful if Weavile attempts a late-game sweep; the drop in HP is hardly noticeable because of its low defenses anyway. Life Orb is the preferred item for consistent damage, the recoil not mattering as much because Weavile doesn't live long anyway. However, Expert Belt is a viable alternative to hit certain walls such as Registeel and Deoxys-D harder than without the item. Again, partners include Rapid Spinners such as Donphan and Hitmontop, and Pokemon that can eliminate opposing Hitmontop.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Weavile has a few other options to consider. Punishment can be used to kill off boosters, but Night Slash provides more consistent damage. Taunt allows you to stop Chansey. Fake Out is effective in breaking Focus Sashes, but using it means Weavile will lose much needed coverage. A gimmicky set with Focus Sash, Counter, and a Rapid Spinner can eliminate things that normally OHKO Weavile, but this is rather situational. Substitute and Focus Punch give Weavile an option for a stronger Fighting attack, but the loss of HP from Substitute is problematic. Brick Break is useful in breaking screens and is more consistent than Low Kick, but Low Kick is usually more powerful and screens are relatively uncommon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Hitmontop can deal tons of damage to Weavile with Fake Out, and will KO with a Mach Punch follow up. It also can Intimidate Weavile, leaving the weasel too weak to deal further damage. Escavalier can take any attack bar a heavily boosted Low Kick and KO Weavile with any attack. Unaware Quagsire also walls Weavile handily, either setting up Curse in the meantime or just attacking with Waterfall. Things that outspeed Weavile will deal tons of damage in general, but certain Choice Scarf users like Flygon must watch out for Ice Shard. Entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, are detrimental to Weavile's health, especially if it holds Choice Band and is forced out.</p>

<p>Despite their weakness to Ice, many Flying-, Ground-, and Grass-types such as Celebi, Shaymin, Sigilyph, Gligar, Nidoking, Hippopotas, Zapdos, Donphan, and Claydol take little damage from Ice Shard and can either set up or eliminate Weavile on the spot. Those mentioned that have a secondary Psychic typing must watch out for Night Slash, however. Other strong Ice-types such as Mamoswine can take these out, or Weavile can utilize Ice Punch to make them less of a threat. Bulky Water-types Waters such as Milotic also wall Weavile without many Sword Dance boosts, taking minimal damage from Night Slash, and can force it out or status it. Bulky Grass-types are not threatened by Milotic and can take it out, as can offensive Electric-types.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Weavile recieves Pickpocket through the Dream World, an ability that steals the opponent's item if given that the opponent contacts Weavile. This is inferior to Pressure for a few reasons. First, Weavile should generally be avoiding contact with opponent because of its low defense. Second, the item stolen may or may not be useful for Weavile; it could steal Life Orb or a Choice Scarf. This also means Weavile cannot be holding an item, which is a waste in most situations. Lastly, and perhaps the most importantly, Low Kick is illegal with Pickpocket. This means the weasel will miss out on one of its most important coverage moves, and while Brick Break still works as an alternative, it is relatively weak.</p>


Well done!
 
GP Check 2/2

Changes/Additions
Removals


[Overview]

<p>Weavile returns to the competitive scene this generation as a potent attacker in UU. It is both strong and fast, boasting base 120 Attack and base 125 Speed. Its dual STABs are fabulous in the tier; Pursuit destroys common Ghost-types like Mismagius, while priority Ice Shard hits things such as Flygon. Unfortunately, Weavile suffers from low defenses, a weakness to Mach Punch, and a weakness to Stealth Rock. Furthermore, most of its moves have low base power, limiting its damage output. Despite these setbacks, Weavile can still pose a huge threat to opposing teams with proper support and strategy.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Low Kick
move 4: Night Slash / Ice Punch / Punishment
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set utilizes Weavile's strongest stats, Speed and strength, through its ability to effectively trap and eliminate a variety of Pokemon. Pursuit allows Weavile to come in on common UU spinblockers such as Mismagius and KO them no matter what they do, as well as eliminate many powerful offensive Psychic-types that attempt to flee such as Alakazam and Azelf. Ice Shard is a useful priority move, but Ice Punch is drastically more powerful, as evidenced by the calculations below, and Weavile is fast enough that priority is often unnecessary. The calculations below show this difference.</p>

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Ice Shard vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 48 ~ 56.8%</li>
<li> Ice Punch vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 88.5 ~ 104.3%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 66 ~ 77.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 123.4 ~ 146.5%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 50.4 ~ 59.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 93.6 ~ 110.2%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Gligar@Eviolite (252/252+ EVs): 46.7 ~ 55%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Gligar@Eviolite (252/252+ EVs): 86.2 ~ 101.7%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 35.1 ~ 41.3%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 65.4 ~ 77.7%</li>
</ul>

<p>The above calculations assume Weavile is holding a Life Orb. As one can see, Ice Punch is required to take on some of the above Pokemon such as Shaymin and Nidoking, who can potentially KO Weavile after surviving an Ice Shard. It also prevents defensive Pokemon from setting up in Weavile's face. Low Kick provides optimal coverage with the first two moves, dealing heavy damage to walls such as Registeel. Night Slash gives Weavile better coverage on common defensive Pokemon such as Deoxys-D, who does not take much damage from Pursuit, but Ice Punch can be used for its slightly higher base power, and its usefulness is shown above. Lastly, Punishment will destroy the common boosters such as Suicune, as well as Baton Pass chains.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Max Speed and Attack allow Weavile to hit as hard as possible while Speed tying other Weavile. The extra point is allotted to Weavile's decent Special Defense, as it would otherwise give Weavile an even HP stat. An alternate spread of 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe with a Jolly nature is certainly viable, as it still outruns base 120s and the extra HP EVs allow Weavile to take weak special attacks slightly better. However, the extra EVs ultimately do not significantly increase its longevity since strong moves will still KO. In addition, the speed drop means Weavile can no longer speed tie opposing Weavile, a disadvantage in a tier in which it is common.</p>

<p>The item depends on what role one wishes Weavile to play. Choice Band will give it the most overall power and doesn’t wear it down with recoil, but the inability to switch moves can be a hindrance to Weavile's success. For example, a Choice Band locked Ice Shard means Pokemon such as Suicune and Feraligatr can come in and set up for free. Life Orb allows Weavile to hit hard while retaining the ability to switch moves. With or without recoil, Weavile won’t enjoy losing 25% of its health upon switching into the ubiquitous Stealth Rock, so a Rapid Spinner is recommended. Donphan and Hitmontop both work well in this department. Opposing Hitmontop trouble Weavile with Fake Out and Mach Punch, so Wynaut is a great partner for eliminating it. Tickle Wynaut will also enjoy Weavile's Pursuit support, and they can be used together to eliminate tough walls.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Night Slash
move 4: Low Kick
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set aims to abuse Weavile's great speed and attack with Swords Dance. Because it can force out Pokemon such as Flygon, setup opportunities are abundant. After one boost, Weavile's attack reaches astronomical levels, and it can plow through opposing teams. Ice Shard is useful for hitting Choice Scarf users such as Flygon and Krookodile, but Ice Punch is a stronger alternative, as shown above. This difference is not as important due to Swords Dance; Weavile will be able to hit hard with Ice Shard after a boost. Night Slash is a powerful STAB move that destroys defensive Psychic-types such as Mew and Deoxys-D. Low Kick rounds off the coverage, hitting Steel-types that resist the other two moves, such as Registeel, for super-effective damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs are identical to those of the set above; they aim to maximize damage output and Speed tie with opposing Weavile. With the given HP IVs, Life Orb recoil is reduced by one point, which is potentially more useful if Weavile attempts a late-game sweep, although the drop in HP is hardly noticeable because of its low defenses anyway. Life Orb is the preferred item for consistent damage, the recoil often being insignificant due to Weavile's frailty. However, Expert Belt is a viable alternative to hit certain walls such as Registeel and Deoxys-D harder than without the item. Again, partners include Rapid Spinners such as Donphan and Hitmontop, and Pokemon that can eliminate opposing Hitmontop.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Weavile has a few other options to consider. Punishment can be used to kill off boosters, but Night Slash provides more consistent damage. Taunt allows you to stop Chansey. Fake Out is effective in breaking Focus Sashes, but using it means Weavile will lose much needed coverage. A gimmicky set with Focus Sash and Counter, in combination with a Rapid Spinner, can eliminate things that normally OHKO Weavile, but this is rather situational. Substitute and Focus Punch give Weavile an option for a stronger Fighting attack, but the loss of HP from Substitute is problematic. Brick Break is useful in breaking screens and is more consistent than Low Kick, but Low Kick is usually more powerful and screens are relatively uncommon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Hitmontop can deal significant damage to Weavile with Fake Out, and will KO with a Mach Punch follow up. It can also Intimidate Weavile, leaving the weasel too weak to deal further damage. Escavalier can take any attack bar a heavily boosted Low Kick and KO Weavile with any attack. Unaware Quagsire also walls Weavile handily, either setting up Curse in the meantime or simply attacking with Waterfall. Things that outspeed Weavile will deal significant damage in general, but certain Choice Scarf users like Flygon must watch out for Ice Shard. Entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, are detrimental to Weavile's health, especially if it holds Choice Band and is forced out.</p>

<p>Despite their weakness to Ice, many Flying-, Ground-, and Grass-types such as Celebi, Shaymin, Sigilyph, Gligar, Nidoking, Hippopotas, Zapdos, Donphan, and Claydol take little damage from Ice Shard and can either set up or eliminate Weavile on the spot. Those mentioned that have a secondary Psychic typing must watch out for Night Slash, however. Other strong Ice-types such as Mamoswine can take these out, or Weavile can utilize Ice Punch to make them less of a threat. Bulky Water-types such as Milotic also wall Weavile without many Sword Dance boosts, taking minimal damage from Night Slash, and can force it out or status it. Bulky Grass-types are not threatened by Milotic and can take it out, as can offensive Electric-types.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Weavile recieves Pickpocket through the Dream World, an ability that steals the opponent's item if the opponent contacts Weavile. This is inferior to Pressure for a few reasons. First, Weavile should generally be avoiding contact with opponents because of its low defense. Second, the item stolen may or may not be useful for Weavile; it could steal Life Orb or a Choice Scarf. This also means Weavile cannot be holding an item, which is a waste in most situations. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Low Kick is illegal with Pickpocket. This means the weasel will miss out on one of its most important coverage moves, and while Brick Break still works as an alternative, it is relatively weak.</p>




GP Approved 2/2

Good writeup.
 

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