Monotype Xurkitree (Monotype)

[terrors]

[OVERVIEW]

* Xurkitree possesses insanely high Special Attack along with access to Tail Glow, which allows it to boost its Special Attack by 3 stages in a single turn.
* Its plethora of coverage moves makes it hard to wall.
* Its absurd Special Attack allows it to serve as a powerful revenge killer when equipped with a Choice Scarf.
* Xurkitree's frail bulk limits its chances of getting a Tail Glow up, as most decently strong attacks tend to do a large amount of damage.
* Furthermore, it suffers from a low Speed stat. This means that Tail Glow sets are going to be outsped and taken care of with ease by most Pokemon.
* It does, however, get access to certain Z-Moves that can increase its Speed stat by one stage, including Hypnosis and Electric Terrain. Hypnosis is more notable because of its ability to provide an extra turn to set up a Tail Glow, something Xurkitree really appreciates because of its poor bulk.
* This makes Xurkitree one of the only Pokemon on Electric teams that can actually boost its Speed alongside Alolan Raichu.
* However, it's impossible to fit Hypnosis, Tail Glow, Thunderbolt, and its coverage moves into one moveset. This is why most Tail Glow sets either run only one coverage move or forgo Z-Hypnosis.
* With Beast Boost raising its Special Attack every time it gets a KO, it's still a potent late-game cleaner. This works well with a way to boost Speed, such as a Z-Move or Choice Scarf.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Energy Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Thunderbolt is its best STAB option and can be freely spammed late-game once Pokemon with a resistance or immunity have been knocked out.
* Energy Ball is its primary coverage move, being able to deal large amounts of damage to Ground-type Pokemon that may switch in on Xurkitree predicting Thunderbolt. It also hits Lanturn, which is the most common switch-in for Electric-type Pokemon on Water teams, for a large amount of damage.
* Hidden Power Ice gives Xurkitree pseudo-BoltBeam coverage, being able to hit Pokemon immune to Thunderbolt that do not get OHKOed by Energy Ball such as Gliscor, Landorus, Landorus-T, and Garchomp.
* Volt Switch is its best option for the last slot, allowing Xurkitree to pivot out when it cannot threaten the opposing Pokemon. This is amazing, as it makes sure the team does not lose too much momentum while revenge killing.
* Dazzling Gleam is another option for the last slot. It allows Xurkitree to have a much better chance at sweeping Dragon teams late-game, which Electric teams really appreciate. It is outclassed, however, by Volt Switch, which can allow Xurkitree to pivot out when picking off foes.

Set Details
========

* The EVs are self-explanatory. Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs maximise its sweeping potential by letting it become as strong and fast as possible.
* A Timid nature is preferred over a Modest nature, as even with a Choice Scarf, Xurkitree is not absurdly fast. Furthermore, a Timid nature allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon with base 80 Speed such as Hoopa-U, Diggersby, and Togekiss.
* Choice Scarf lets it become as fast as possible. This is highly appreciated because its mediocre base Speed holds it back in most matchups.
* Beast Boost raises its Special Attack every time it gets a KO, which is amazing when cleaning up late-game.

Usage Tips
========

* Xurkitree should be brought in on Pokemon that have already been weakened to get the KO. Although it has an impressive Special Attack, Choice Scarf Xurkitree prefers to get at least one boost in Special Attack before going for the sweep.
* Faster threats and revenge killers should be removed before Xurkitree is brought in. As its Speed is not very high, it gets outsped by most other Choice Scarf users such as Excadrill and revenge killed very easily due to its poor bulk.
* It can be used as a revenge killer that can pivot out with Volt Switch to gain momentum for the team.
* It should not be switched on strong attackers because it does not like being worn down too quickly, being vulnerable to priority thanks to its weak defenses.
* Before Xurkitree is brought in to clean up late-game, Pokemon that resist the move it plans on spamming should be removed. Not removing them early and having to switch out causes a huge loss of momentum. In these cases, Volt Switch can be useful to pick off a weakened Pokemon and switch out into a more appropriate Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Xurkitree's Choice Scarf set forms a great VoltTurn core with most Electric teams, serving as an excellent pivot.
* Tapu Koko serves as an excellent partner due to is ability to set up Electric Terrain upon switching in. This makes late-game cleaning with Xurkitree much easier, as it boosts the power of Thunderbolt. Furthermore, Tapu Koko can run Nature's Madness or its Z-Move to hinder Ferrothorn and Brave Bird to deal a large amount of damage to Mega Venusaur.
* Choice Scarf Xurkitree also appreciates the wallbreaking power that Choice Specs Alolan Raichu provides, being able to weaken most teams before Xurkitree can clean up.
* Alolan Golem is Electric teams' only viable option to set up Stealth Rock and Xurkitree greatly appreciates that. Not only does Xurkitree cause a lot of switches due to its expansive movepool, it also breaks the Focus Sash of Focus Sash users if Stealth Rock is up, making it easier to clean up. Alolan Golem also has the niche of being one of Electric teams' few physical attackers, being able to break specially defensive walls such as Chansey.
* Even with Choice Scarf, Xurkitree is not fast enough to outspeed most Choice Scarf users. Galvantula's Sticky Web is therefore extremely helpful, letting Xurkitree outspeed certain Choice Scarf users that it otherwise cannot such as Victini.
* Magnezone's ability to trap and weaken Steel-types benefits Xurkitree greatly, making it easier to pick up the KO.
* Xurkitree's pure Electric typing leaves it vulnerable to Ground-type attacks. Rotom-W and Zapdos are great switch-ins to Ground-type attacks and can provide support in the form of a slow Volt Switch that helps Xurkitree greatly, as it does not like switching in on most attacks. Zapdos has another benefit in providing Defog, as Xurkitree does not like switching in on Stealth Rock multiple times.

[SET]
name: Z-Hypnosis
move 1: Hypnosis
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Tail Glow
item: Psychium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Z-Hypnosis is what this set revolves around, being able to put the foe to sleep and raise the user's Speed by a stage in one turn. This gives Xurkitree an extra turn to set up Tail Glow, circumventing its mediocre bulk. This threatens passive teams greatly, as a single wrong switch can allow Xurkitree to sweep the entire team.
* Thunderbolt is its best STAB option and thus a given.
* Energy Ball is its best coverage move, being able to hit most switch-ins to Thunderbolt such as Ground-types and Lanturn.
* Energy Ball can, however, be switched out for Dazzling Gleam or Hidden Power Ice, which are equally viable. Dazzling Gleam helps a lot more against Dragon teams, while Hidden Power Ice can be used for pseudo-BoltBeam coverage.
* Tail Glow is the other essential setup move on this set. It raises Xurkitree's Special Attack by 3 stages, allowing it to become a much more devastating wallbreaker.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Special Attack and Speed maximize its sweeping potential.
* A Timid nature allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon with base 80 Speed such as Hoopa-U, Diggersby, and Togekiss once Xurkitree has gotten its Speed boost through Z-Hypnosis.
* Psychium Z allows it to use Z-Hypnosis.
* Beast Boost raises its Special Attack whenever it gets a KO, making it even more dangerous as the battle goes on.

Usage Tips
========

* Z-Hypnosis can only be used once per game. Do not set up when a faster revenge killer is still healthy, as you will not be able to get the Speed boost again if you switch out.
* Similarly, setting up while there are still Pokemon that can easily take a hit from boosted Xurkitree is unwise.
* Choice Scarf Xurkitree is generally seen a lot more in Monotype. It is wise to not give away Xurkitree's set early on, as it can be used to bluff a Choice Scarf. Furthermore, it can sweep much more effectively if you can catch your opponent off guard due to the set being very uncommon.
* Even though Tapu Koko is an amazing partner for Xurkitree, make sure you don't try to go for Hypnosis while Electric Terrain is up, as it will fail.
* It is unwise to go for Tail Glow unnecessarily. If you don't need the boost in Special Attack, don't try to risk a one-turn sleep. Most of the time, the boost in Special Attack due to Beast Boost is enough.
* Try not to go for Z-Hypnosis versus potential users of Lum Berry, as Xurkitree can be KOed very easily if you give a free turn to your opponent.
* It is unwise to rely too much on Hypnosis's shaky accuracy. Only use it when you cannot OHKO the opposing Pokemon or you need to get the Speed boost to sweep the opponent's team.
* Due to its thin bulk, it cannot be switched in on strong attacks. As such, slow Volt Switch support is greatly appreciated to bring it in safely.

Team Options
========

* Even at +1 Speed, Xurkitree fails to outspeed most Choice Scarf users. Sticky Web support provided by Galvantula is very helpful, allowing it to outspeed most Choice Scarf users that it otherwise cannot.
* Alolan Raichu's wallbreaking potential helps out Xurkitree a ton, making it much easier to set up and sweep. Xurkitree can also wallbreak with Tail Glow, making it much easier for Surge Surfer Alolan Raichu to sweep late-game.
* Alolan Golem's Stealth Rock support is very important, limiting the foe from constantly switching. It also breaks Focus Sashes, which is very important, as Pokemon with Focus Sash can stop a sweep midway.
* Magnezone is able to support Xurkitree by removing or weakening most Steel-types that may annoy Xurkitree, making it easier for the latter to sweep. It can trap Choice Scarf Excadrill locked into Rock Slide and KO it, which is amazing for Xurkitree.
* Tapu Koko's ability to boost Xurkitree's Electric attacks is important. It makes Thunderbolt even more spammable. However, Xurkitree cannot put grounded Pokemon to sleep using Hypnosis in Electric Terrain, so it is a bit counter-intuitive.
* Rotom-W and Zapdos can switch in on Ground-type attacks, which can threaten Xurkitree greatly. They also provide slow Volt Switch support, which brings Xurkitree in safely to allow it to set up much more freely. Zapdos also has access to Defog, making it easier for Xurkitree to set up without taking too much damage from entry hazards.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Z-Electric Terrain is an alternative Z-Move that can also raise Speed by one stage. It works much better with most Electric teams, helping out Alolan Raichu, and can also boost Xurkitree's Thunderbolt's power by 1.5x. However, it is outclassed by Z-Hypnosis due to the latter providing a free turn to set up Tail Glow if you can manage to land it.
* Choice Specs is another strong option that takes advantage of its absurd Special Attack. It has extremely few switch-ins and provides power right off the bat unlike sets with Tail Glow. However, Electric has much better users of Choice Specs such as Alolan Raichu, and it's usually outclassed by Tail Glow sets, as they can actually switch between moves.
* Tail Glow sets with Z-Hypnosis suffer from 4-moveslot syndrome greatly, only having the capability to run one coverage move. However, alternative sets can be run without a Z-Move to break through walls that take little damage from Thunderbolt and Energy Ball and improve Xurkitree's coverage. Furthermore, it allows Xurkitree to run a different item such as Focus Sash or Life Orb, which can make setting up a lot easier or allow Xurkitree to hit much harder, respectively. It's not as viable as the Z-Hypnosis set, though, as it finds it extremely tough to get an opportunity to set up against most offensive Pokemon.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-type Pokemon, most notably Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, wall Choice Scarf Xurkitree pretty easily and can switch in freely most of the time. They have a tough time facing the Z-Hypnosis set, however.

**Excadrill**: Choice Scarf Excadrill outspeeds all variants of Xurkitree and OHKOes it in return. It deserves a special mention, as it can switch into most of Choice Scarf Xurkitree's attacks without taking much damage.

**Alolan Marowak**: Lightning Rod Alolan Marowak walls Xurkitree very easily, being immune to Electric and resisting all three of its common coverage moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast revenge killers, typically ones with Choice Scarf, such as Victini, can outspeed and OHKO Xurkitree with ease, as it has poor bulk.

**Entry Hazards**: Entry hazards wear down Choice Scarf Xurkitree easily because of its need to switch out constantly, as it dislikes being stuck in one move throughout the match. Furthermore, it gets no reliable recovery, so it has no way of regaining its lost health.

**Priority**: Xurkitree's mediocre bulk leaves it vulnerable to many priority users, including Dragonite and Bisharp.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Most walls invested in Special Defense like Chansey can wall Choice Scarf Xurkitree. However, they can be KOed easily by the Tail Glow set.

 

[terrors]

Ready for QC

 

[czim]

Im not a qc, but shouldnt hidden power ground be slashed with hp ice in most sets, especially choiced ones? It's great to hit common switchins like excadrill, marowak-a and magnezone, and hp ice is kinda meh with grass/fairy coverage already, it only hits very few stuff

 

[Shadestep]

am check:

Overview:
I think you're talking too negatively about Xurkitree here. You should make one extra bullet point about it being one of the only Electric-type Sweepers that is able to boost their Speed, alongside with Alolan Raichu.
Move the last bullet point up to about the 3rd bullet point. Generally, all the good points about a Pokemon should be mentioned first.

Choice Scarf:
Moves:
Mention that Energy Ball also hits Lanturn, which is often the only Electric-Immune besides Mega Swampert on Water-type Teams.

Set Details:
Mention Togekiss and Diggersby as other common Choice Scarf-users in the section where you mention Hoopa-U.

Team Options:
Maybe quickly mention Magnezone as a partner as it is able to trap / weaken opposing Heatran, Excadrill, and Jirachi, leaving them at (hopefully) low enough health to the point where Xurkitree can revenge kill them easily to get the Beast Boost SpA Raise.

Z-Hypnosis:
You definitely need to mention somewhere here that Z-Hypnosis + Tail Glow heavily punishes a passive playstyle and misplays, as one wrong switch + not getting a first-turn wake can easily mean game-over for a lot of teams.

Set Details:
Again, mention some more Choice Scarf Pokemon that it can outspeeds besides Hoopa-U.

Team Options:
Similar to the other set, mention Magnezone as a partner that can soften up Pokemon that Xurkitree needs to have weakened before it has the highest possibility of sweeping. (e.g. Scarf Excadrill locked into Rock Slide / Iron Head, getting off a final Thunderbolt on Heatran before sacking it, etc.)


Other Options:
Where you talk about Tail Glow without Z-Hypnosis, quickly mention that it also allows Xurkitree to run a different item like Life Orb, Focus Sash, or Air Balloon. (i don't know which ones are actually good, I haven't used Xurkitree without Psychium Z yet)

Checks & Counters:
I'd change 'Chansey' to something along the lines of 'Specially Defensive walls' or something, as they all suffer from the same problem of being able to check Scarf Xurk, but evidently losing to the Tail Glow set when it comes down to it.

again, this isn't an official check, so don't change the title to QC 1/3 unless approved by a QC Member

 

[Eien]

am check:

Overview:
I think you're talking too negatively about Xurkitree here. You should make one extra bullet point about it being one of the only Electric-type Sweepers that is able to boost their Speed, alongside with Alolan Raichu.
Move the last bullet point up to about the 3rd bullet point. Generally, all the good points about a Pokemon should be mentioned first.

Choice Scarf:
Moves:
Mention that Energy Ball also hits Lanturn, which is often the only Electric-Immune besides Mega Swampert on Water-type Teams.

Set Details:
Mention Togekiss and Diggersby as other common Choice Scarf-users in the section where you mention Hoopa-U.

Team Options:
Maybe quickly mention Magnezone as a partner as it is able to trap / weaken opposing Heatran, Excadrill, and Jirachi, leaving them at (hopefully) low enough health to the point where Xurkitree can revenge kill them easily to get the Beast Boost SpA Raise.

Z-Hypnosis:
You definitely need to mention somewhere here that Z-Hypnosis + Tail Glow heavily punishes a passive playstyle and misplays, as one wrong switch + not getting a first-turn wake can easily mean game-over for a lot of teams.

Set Details:
Again, mention some more Choice Scarf Pokemon that it can outspeeds besides Hoopa-U.

Team Options:
Similar to the other set, mention Magnezone as a partner that can soften up Pokemon that Xurkitree needs to have weakened before it has the highest possibility of sweeping. (e.g. Scarf Excadrill locked into Rock Slide / Iron Head, getting off a final Thunderbolt on Heatran before sacking it, etc.)


Other Options:
Where you talk about Tail Glow without Z-Hypnosis, quickly mention that it also allows Xurkitree to run a different item like Life Orb, Focus Sash, or Air Balloon. (i don't know which ones are actually good, I haven't used Xurkitree without Psychium Z yet)

Checks & Counters:
I'd change 'Chansey' to something along the lines of 'Specially Defensive walls' or something, as they all suffer from the same problem of being able to check Scarf Xurk, but evidently losing to the Tail Glow set when it comes down to it.

again, this isn't an official check, so don't change the title to QC 1/3 unless approved by a QC Member

Working over this. Shadestep did a great job, so implement everything. I just have a few comments to add to it.

Overview:
- Considering Choice Scarf is the first set, your Overview is all about Tail Glow. You should talk more about how it can serve as a powerful revenge killer as well with Choice Scarf. (Alolan Raichu is faster, but it's not really a revenge killer and is reliant on Electric Terrain.)
- I don't think you should mention its lack of a sub-typing. It's just not a detail we need and it sort of makes Xurkitree look like a bad choice.

Choice Scarf:
Set:
- I'm pretty surprised to not see Volt Switch here. Letting Xurkitree serve as a pivot in addition to revenge killing is pretty nice. I'm not sure Dazzling Gleam is really all that helpful in the current metagame, so I'm putting Volt Switch over it with it slashed behind.
- Fixed your formatting btw. It's Hidden Power Ice, not Hidden Power [Ice]

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Energy Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch / Dazzling Gleam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Moves:
- Volt Switch > Dazzling Gleam in ordering here. Explain that Volt Switch lets Xurkitree gain a lot of momentum because it forces switches easily and can pivot into an appropriate check. Dazzling Gleam is pretty much just for Dragon and you have Hidden Power Ice anyway.
- Remember to change [Ice] -> Ice
- Hidden Power Ice is pretty specifically targeting exactly Gliscor, Landorus, Landorus-T, and Garchomp. Relevant Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur take more from Thunderbolt.

Set Details:
- idk what "While on the other hand, the fact that Xurkitree's Special Attack raises every time it gets a KO makes the boost in Speed preferable." means. Looks like you can cut that out of the line?

Usage Tips:
- Definitely need to talk a lot more about it being used as a revenge killer.
- Also need to talk about it being a pivot. Choice Scarf Xurkitree isn't just a sweeper.

Team Options:
- Include that Tapu Koko can run Guardian of Alola (I think that's the name) to cripple walls that Xurkitree has a hard time beating such as Ferrothorn or Brave Bird to beat Mega Venusaur
- Alolan Golem is also notable for being a very powerful attacker that can also break walls like Chansey.
- I'd add at the top of the Team Options that Xurkitree helps form a very powerful VoltTurn core with the rest of the Electric team.

Z-Hypnosis:
Set:
- Energy Ball is pretty much the best coverage move.
- Also reordered a bit.

name: Z-Hypnosis
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hypnosis
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Tail Glow
item: Psychium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Moves:
- Tail Glow raises Special Attack, not Speed.
- Energy Ball is the best because it hits the Pokemon that Electric is frustrated by such as Lanturn and Gastrodon while always at least dealing neutral damage to Ground-types.

Usage Tips:
- Mega Venusaur is 2HKOed by +3 Xurkitree. Also, it doesn't really do anything back anyway.
- You should really talk more about sweeping. Like what's easy for Xurkitree to set up on? When to use Tail Glow? Do we always need to use it? How should we balance Tail Glow and Beast Boost? Stuff like that. Right now it's really about before the sweep, I'd like to see a lot more about the sweep itself.

Other Options:
- You should definitely mention that Z-Electric Terrain is an added 1.5x damage to Thunderbolt, which is the niche it has. Where Z-Hypnosis requires the use of Tail Glow or a KO to boost, Z-Electric Terrain is like a pseudo +1 Special Attack.
- I'm not really sure why Chansey is hard to beat for Xurkitree without Z-Hypnosis. Xurkitree goes up to +6 and then 2HKOes it with Thunderbolt? You should say that Tail Glow + 3 Attacks improves the coverage, allowing Xurkitree to avoid being walled.

Checks and Counters:
- I know I said to implement Shadestep's, but I really want to emphasize +1 on the idea to do Chansey -> Special Walls.
- Bulky Grass-types have a hard time against the Z-Hypnosis set.
- Add Victini as an example for Revenge Killers.


I've pretty much never used Dazzling Gleam that successfully to be honest. I'm inclined to putting all mentions of Dazzling Gleam in Other Options, but I'll let you and the next QC decide.
Looks great. Nice job both of you! QC 1/3

 

[terrors]

implemented both, ready for second qc

some thoughts

am check:

Overview:
Move the last bullet point up to about the 3rd bullet point. Generally, all the good points about a Pokemon should be mentioned first.

didn't want to end it with a negative trait i'll change if a qc wants me to though

Team Options:
- Include that Tapu Koko can run Guardian of Alola (I think that's the name) to cripple walls that Xurkitree has a hard time beating such as Ferrothorn or Brave Bird to beat Mega Venusaur

did you mean nature's madness or the z move, guardian of alola? havent ever seen the latter being used

 

[Eien]

implemented both, ready for second qc

some thoughts


didn't want to end it with a negative trait i'll change if a qc wants me to though


did you mean nature's madness or the z move, guardian of alola? havent ever seen the latter being used

I did mean the Z-move. You can just say Nature's Madness if you want and write it to imply both.

 

[scpinion]

QC 2/3 There really wasn't much to comment on. Nice job!

I'm fine with Dazzling Gleam in the moves section, but it really doesn't need a slash. This thing isn't sweeping a good dragon team when every relevant scarfer outspeeds and OHKOs w/ any prior damage. Also, you have to deal w/ dnite's espeed.

I'd list Hypnosis as the first move on the Z-Hypnosis set. It is discussed first in the moves section and is the primary reason to use that set. Tbolt 2nd, Energy Ball 3rd, TG 4th.

 

[terrors]

implemented.

 

[Wanka]

Team Options for the Z hypnosis set:

- Instead of "Sticky Web support provided by Galvantula is absurdly important here." Id go with "Sticky Web support provided by Galvantula is very helpful." The former makes it sound like you absolutely NEED sticky webs if you choose to use z hypnosis, which I don't like. saying they are very helpful still flows into your next thought fine as well.

- Just say "Alolan Raichu's wall breaking potential" You imply that it needs choice specs to provide support, which it doesn't. LO sets are as good and provide sufficient wall breaking support as well.


Gj tho, this is very well written. QC 3/3

 

[terrors]

implemented, ready for GP

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 1/1
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[OVERVIEW]
* Xurkitree possesses insanely high Special Attack, (comma) along with access to Tail Glow, which allows it to boost its Special Attack by 3 stages in a single turn.
* The Its plethora of coverage moves that it gains access to makes it hard to wall.
* Its absurd Special Attack allows it to serve as a powerful revenge killer, (comma) when equipped with a Choice Scarf.
* Xurkitree's frail bulk limits its chances of getting a Tail Glow up, as most decently strong attacks tend to do a large amount of damage.
* Furthermore, it suffers from a low Speed stat. This means that Tail Glow sets are going to be outsped and taken care of with ease by most Pokemon.
* It does, however, get access to certain Z-Moves that can increase its Speed stat by one stage, including Hypnosis and Electric Terrain. Hypnosis is more notable because of its ability to provide an extra turn to set up a Tail Glow, something Xurkitree really appreciates because of its poor bulk.
* This makes Xurkitree one of the only Pokemon on Electric teams that can actually boost its Speed, (comma) alongside Alolan Raichu.
* At the same time However, its it's impossible to fit in Hypnosis, Tail Glow, Thunderbolt, and its coverage moves into one moveset. This is why most Tail Glow sets either run only one coverage move or forgo Z-Hypnosis.
* However, it is still a potent late-game cleaner with With Beast Boost raising its Special Attack every time it gets a KO, it's still a potent late-game cleaner. This works well with a way to boost Speed, such as a Z-Move or Choice Scarf.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Energy Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Thunderbolt is its best STAB option and can be freely spammed late-game once resists and immunities Pokemon with a resistance or immunity have been knocked out.
* Energy Ball is its primary coverage move, being able to deal large amounts of damage to Ground-type Pokemon that may switch in on Xurkitree, (comma) predicting Thunderbolt. It also hits Lanturn, which is the most common switch-in for Electric-type Pokemon on Water teams, for a large amount of damage.
* Hidden Power Ice gives Xurkitree pseudo-(hyphen)BoltBeam coverage, being able to hit immunities Pokemon immune to Thunderbolt that do not get OHKO'd OHKOed by Energy Ball, (comma) such as Gliscor, Landorus, Landorus-T, and Garchomp.
* Volt Switch is its best option for the last slot, allowing Xurkitree to pivot out when it cannot threaten the opposing Pokemon. This is amazing, as it makes sure the team does not lose too much momentum while revenge killing.
* Dazzling Gleam is another option for the last slot. It allows Xurkitree to have a much better chance at sweeping Dragon teams late-game, something which Electric teams really appreciate. It is outclassed, however, by Volt Switch, which can allow Xurkitree to pivot out when picking off a KO foes.

Set Details
========

* The EVs are self-explanatory. Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs maximise its sweeping potential by letting it become as strong and fast as possible.
* A Timid nature is preferred over a Modest nature, as even with a Choice Scarf, Xurkitree is not absurdly fast. Furthermore, a Timid nature allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon with base 80 Speed, (comma) such as Hoopa-U, Diggersby, and Togekiss.
* Choice Scarf lets it become as fast as possible. This is highly appreciated because its mediocre base Speed holds it back in most matchups.
* Beast Boost raises its Special Attack every time it gets a KO, which is amazing when cleaning up late-game.

Usage Tips
========

* Xurkitree should be brought in on Pokemon that have already been lowered down weakened to get the KO. Although it has an impressive Special Attack, Choice Scarf Xurkitree prefers to get at least one boost in Special Attack before going for the sweep.
* Faster threats and revenge killers should be removed before Xurkitree is brought in. As its Speed is not very high, it gets outsped by most other Choice Scarf users, (comma) such as Excadrill, (comma) and revenge KO'd killed very easily due to its poor bulk.
* It can be used as a revenge killer which that can pivot out with Volt Switch, (comma) being able to gain momentum for the team.
* It should not be switched on strong attackers because it does not like being worn down too quickly, being prone vulnerable to priority thanks to its weak defenses.
* Before Xurkitree is brought in to clean up late-game, immunities and resists to Pokemon that resist the move it plans on spamming should be removed first. Not removing them early and having to switch out midway causes a huge loss of momentum. In these cases, Volt Switch can be useful to pick off a weakened Pokemon and switch out into a more appropriate Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Xurkitree's Choice Scarf set forms a great VoltTurn core with most Electric teams, serving as an excellent pivot.
* Tapu Koko serves as an excellent partner due to is ability to set up Electric Terrain upon switchin switching in. This makes late-game cleaning up with Xurkitree much easier, as it boosts the power of Thunderbolt. Furthermore, it Tapu Koko can run Nature's Madness or its Z-Move to hinder Ferrothorn, (comma) and Brave Bird to deal a large amount of damage to Mega Venusaur.
* Choice Scarf Xurkitree also appreciates the wallbreaking power that Choice Specs Alolan Raichu provides, being able to weaken most teams before Xurkitree can clean up.
* Alolan Golem is Electric teams' only viable option to set up Stealth Rock, (comma) and Xurkitree greatly appreciates that. Not only does Xurkitree cause a lot of switches due to its expansive movepool, forcing a large amount of switches, but it also breaks the Focus Sash of Focus Sash users if Stealth Rock is up, making it easier to clean up. It Alolan Golem also has the niche of being one of Electric teams' few physical attackers, being able to break Specially Defensive specially defensive walls, (comma) such as Chansey.
* Even with Choice Scarf, Xurkitree is not fast enough to outspeed most Choice Scarf users. Galvantula's Sticky Web is huge here therefore extremely helpful, decreasing the Speed of grounded Pokemon by one stage. This lets letting Xurkitree outspeed certain Choice Scarf users that it otherwise cannot, (comma) such as Victini.
* Magnezone's ability to trap and weaken Steel-(hyphen)types and leave them at low health benefits Xurkitree greatly, making it easier to pick off up the KO.
* Xurkitree's pure Electric typing leaves it prone vulnerable to Ground-type attacks. Rotom-W and Zapdos are great switch-ins to Ground-type attacks and can provide support in the form of a slow Volt Switch that helps Xurkitree greatly, as it does not like switching in on most attacks. Zapdos has another benefit in providing support in the form of Defog, as Xurkitree does not like switching in on Stealth Rock multiple times.

[SET]
name: Z-Hypnosis
move 1: Hypnosis
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Tail Glow
item: Psychium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Z-Hypnosis is what this set revolves around, being able to put the opponent foe to sleep and raise the user's Speed by a stage in one turn. This gives Xurkitree an extra turn to set up Tail Glow, circumventing which it appreciates, because it otherwise fails to set up freely thanks to its mediocre bulk. This threatens passive teams greatly, as a single wrong switch can allow Xurkitree to sweep the entire team.
* Thunderbolt is its best STAB option and is thus a given.
* Energy Ball is its best coverage move, being able to hit most switch-ins to Thunderbolt, (comma) such as Ground-types and Lanturn.
* Energy Ball can, however, be switched out for Dazzling Gleam or Hidden Power Ice, as they which are both equally viable. Dazzling Gleam helps a lot more in the matchup vs against Dragon teams, while Hidden Power Ice can be opted used for pseudo-(hyphen)BoltBeam coverage.
* Tail Glow is essentially the other essential set(space)up move on this set. It raises Xurkitree's Special Attack by 3 stages, allowing it to become a much more absurd devastating wallbreaker.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Special Attack and Speed maximise maximize its sweeping potential by increasing its Special Attack and Speed.
* A Timid nature allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon with base 80 Speed, (comma) such as Hoopa-U, Diggersby, and Togekiss once Xurkitree has gotten its Speed boost through Z-Hypnosis.
* Psychium Z allows it to use Z-Hypnosis, (comma) which raises its Speed stat by a stage and puts the opponent to sleep.
* Beast Boost raises its Special Attack whenever it gets a KO, making it even more dangerous as the battle goes on.

Usage Tips
========

* Z-Hypnosis can only be used once per game. Do not set up when a faster revenge killer is still healthy, as you will not be able to get the Speed boost again if you switch out.
* Similarly, setting up while there are still Pokemon alive that can easily take a hit from boosted Xurkitree is unwise.
* Choice Scarf Xurkitree is generally seen a lot more in Monotype. It is wiser wise to not give away your Xurkitree's set early on, as it can be used to bluff a Choice Scarf. Furthermore, this it can sweep much more effectively if you can catch your opponent off guard due to the set being very unexpected uncommon.
* Even though Tapu Koko is an amazing partner for Xurkitree, make sure you don't try to go for Hypnosis while Electric Terrain is up, as it will fail.
* It is unwise to go for Tail Glow unnecessarily. If you don't need the boost in Special Attack, don't try to risk a one-turn sleep. Most of the time, the boost in Special Attack due to Beast Boost is enough.
* Try not to go for Z-Hypnosis versus potential users of Lum Berry, as Xurkitree can be KO'd KOed very easily if you give a free turn to your opponent by burning their Lum Berry.
* It is unwise to rely too much on Hypnosis's shaky accuracy. Only use it when you cannot OHKO the opposing Pokemon, (comma) or you need to get the Speed boost to sweep the rest of the opponent's team.
* Due to its thin bulk, it cannot be switched in on strong attacks. As such, slow Volt Switch support is greatly appreciated to bring it in safely.

Team Options
========

* Even at +1 Speed, Xurkitree fails to outspeed most Choice Scarf users. Sticky Web support provided by Galvantula is very helpful, allowing it to outspeed most Choice Scarf users that it otherwise cannot.
* Alolan Raichu's wallbreaking potential helps out Xurkitree a ton, making it much easier to set up and sweep. Xurkitree can also wallbreak with Tail Glow, making it much easier for Surge Surfer Alolan Raichu to sweep late-game.
* Alolan Golem's Stealth Rock support is very important, limiting the foe from constantly switching. It also breaks Focus Sashes, which is very important, as Pokemon with Focus Sash can stop a sweep midway.
* Magnezone is able to support Xurkitree by being able to remove or lower down removing or weakening most Steel-(hyphen)types that may annoy Xurkitree, making it easier for the latter to sweep. It can trap Choice Scarf Excadrill locked into Rock Slide and KO it, which is amazing for Xurkitree.
* Tapu Koko's ability to boost Xurkitree's Electric attacks is important. It makes Thunderbolt seem even more spammable. However, Xurkitree cannot put grounded Pokemon to sleep using Hypnosis while under in Electric Terrain, so it is a bit counter-intuitive.
* Rotom-W and Zapdos can switch in on Ground-type attacks, (comma) which can threaten Xurkitree greatly. They also provide slow Volt Switch support, being able to bring Xurkitree in safely, allowing it which brings Xurkitree in safely to allow it to set up much more freely. Zapdos also has access to Defog, making it easier for Xurkitree to set up without taking too much damage from entry hazards.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Z-Electric Terrain is an alternative Z-Move that can also raise Speed by one stage. It works much better with most Electric teams, helping out Alolan Raichu, and can also boost Xurkitree's Thunderbolt's power by 1.5x. However, it is outclassed by Z-Hypnosis due to the latter providing a free turn to set up Tail Glow if you can manage to land Hypnosis it.
* Choice Specs is another strong option that abuses takes advantage of its absurd Special Attack. It has extremely little few switch-ins and provides power right off the bat unlike sets with Tail Glow. However, Electric has much better users of Choice Specs, (comma) such as Raichu-Alola Alolan Raichu, and is it's usually outclassed by Tail Glow sets, as they can actually switch between moves.
* Tail Glow sets with Z-Hypnosis suffer from 4-moveslot syndrome greatly, only having the capability to run one coverage move. However, alternate alternative sets can be run without a Z-Move to break through walls that take little damage from Thunderbolt and Energy Ball and improving improve Xurkitree's coverage. Furthermore, it allows Xurkitree to run a different item, (comma) such as Focus Sash or Life Orb, which can make setting up a lot easier or can allow Xurkitree to hit much harder, respectively. It's not as viable as the Z-Hypnosis set, (comma) though, as it does finds it extremely tough to get an opportunity to set up against most offensive Pokemon.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-type Pokemon, most notably Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, (comma) wall Choice Scarf Xurkitree pretty easily and can switch in freely most of the time. These They have a tough time facing the Z-Hypnosis set, however.

**Excadrill**: Choice Scarf Excadrill outspeeds all variants of Xurkitree and OHKOes it in return. It deserves a special mention, (comma) as it can switch into most of Choice Scarf Xurkitree's attacks without taking much damage.

**Alolan Marowak**: Lightning Rod Alolan Marowak walls Xurkitree very easily, being immune to its STAB Electric and resisting all three of its common coverage moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast revenge killers, generally typically ones with Choice Scarf, (comma) such as Victini, can outspeed and OHKO Xurkitree with ease, as it has poor bulk.

**Entry Hazards**: Hazards Entry hazards wear down Choice Scarf Xurkitree easily because of its need to switch out constantly, as it dislikes being stuck in one move throughout the match. Furthermore, it gets no reliable recovery, (comma) so it has no way of regaining its lost health.

**Priority**: Xurkitree's mediocre bulk leaves it prone vulnerable to many priority users, including Dragonite and Bisharp.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Most walls invested in Special Defense, (comma) such as like Chansey can wall Choice Scarf Xurkitree. However, they can by KO'd be KOed easily by the Tail Glow set.

 

[terrors]

done

 

[scpinion]

uploaded!