UU Zarude

[romanji]

monke

[OVERVIEW]

Zarude's great Speed alongside U-turn allows it to be an excellent pivot and revenge killer. Its Speed enables it to outspeed common Pokemon such as Nihilego and Thundurus-T, and its good bulk and defensive typing let it check many dangerous threats such as Crawdaunt and Krookodile. The ability to heal status conditions and HP with Jungle Healing can allow Zarude to consistently pivot around defensive Pokemon such as Seismitoad and Mew. However, it often struggles to break defensive Pokemon, such as Celesteela, Buzzwole, and Salamence, due to them resisting Power Whip and taking minimal damage from Darkest Lariat. Zarude also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, potentially having to give up an important coverage move or the ability to heal off status conditions. Also, many teams run many Pokemon with a Grass-type resistance such as Scizor, Tangrowth, and Moltres, leaving Zarude with limited opportunities to click its strongest STAB attack. If it is running Choice Scarf, Zarude can risk being locked into an undesirable move, losing momentum. Flame Body from Moltres and Rocky Helmet from Amoonguss and Tangrowth can punish U-turn, forcing momentum to be sacrificed to use Jungle Healing.

[SET]
name: Heavy-Duty Boots
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Jungle Healing
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Jungle Healing allows Zarude to remove status conditions from moves such as Toxic from Aegislash and Will-O-Wisp from Rotom-W and Mew, while restoring 25% of its health. Rock Slide is an alternative option to hit Moltres and Salamence. U-turn grabs momentum on usual switch-ins such as Celesteela and Salamence. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zarude to not worry about entry hazards, letting it constantly pivot throughout the game. Jolly is the required nature on the set so that Zarude can outspeed Nihilego and Salamence.

Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude is seen on balance and bulky offense due to the easy pivoting provided by Heavy-Duty Boots and its ability to act as a status sponge against Toxic from Aegislash and Will-O-Wisp from Mew and Rotom-W. Rotom-H and Rotom-W both deal with Scizor, Mamoswine, and Nidoqueen, with Rotom-H also taking on Tangrowth and Celesteela and Rotom-W checking Salamence. Buzzwole can pivot into U-turn from Scizor, and punish it with potential Rocky Helmet damage. Zarude appreciates teammates that can outspeed Pokemon faster than it such as Thundurus, Keldeo, and Lycanroc-D, so Noivern and Azelf can help, while also dealing with physical walls such as Buzzwole and Amoonguss. Primarina, Nidoqueen, and Chandelure are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude bringing them in on Kommo-o, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss, as they often have trouble switching in safely due to their low Speed and frailty. Entry hazard setters such as Rhyperior and Nihilego can soften up Pokemon like Tangrowth with Stealth Rock so that Zarude can deal more damage as it pivots around. The hazard setters appreciate Zarude dealing with Water-types such as Rotom-W, while Zarude appreciates them dealing with Moltres and Salamence.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Zarude's high Speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf that can revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo and Thundurus in addition to boosted sweepers such as Gyarados and Dragon Dance Necrozma. Power Whip OHKOes Lycanroc-D and Keldeo. Darkest Lariat is Zarude's strongest Dark-type STAB move and can hit Jirachi and Aegislash for good damage. Jungle Healing can get rid of status conditions such as a burn from Moltres's Flame Body and Gastrodon and Seismitoad's Scald while regaining HP so that Zarude can be used in the long run in a battle but it is not ideal to lock into. Rock Slide allows Zarude to OHKO Moltres while also dealing good damage to Salamence. Close Combat hits other targets such as Cobalion that would not take much damage from its other moves. However, Cobalion is not very common, so Close Combat isn't common either. U-turn allows Zarude to pivot out on potential switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Kommo-o, allowing it to gain momentum.

Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on bulky offense. It appreciates additional pivots such as Mienshao, Rotom-W, and Scizor that can form VoltTurn cores and pivot out of unfavorable matchups. For example, Mienshao can bring Zarude in on Psychic-types such as Reuniclus and Galarian Slowbro. Entry hazard control allows Zarude to consistently pivot without worrying about hazard damage. Defog support from Rotom-H, Moltres, and Salamence is appreciated, and they can also check strong wallbreakers such as Mienshao, Scizor, and Kommo-o. Chandelure and Thundurus are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude's pivot support and its ability to check Pokemon such as Rhyperior, with the wallbreakers KOing Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Scizor, and Celesteela in return. Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Azelf for it while Nidoqueen can set Stealth Rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth. Primarina and Sylveon can help deal with some of Zarude's checks such as Salamence and Buzzwole, with Sylveon potentially also luring in Scizor and removing it with Mystical Fire.

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

Choice Band allows Zarude to function as a powerful wallbreaker. However, the lack of Speed from Choice Scarf and increased prediction-reliance are problematic, and it still struggles to break through Buzzwole, Kommo-o, and Salamence. A Bulk Up set with Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows Zarude to deal heavy damage and potentially tank super effective hits. However, it has no room for any coverage moves, so it is still not capable of breaking through checks like Tangrowth and Buzzwole. Psychic Seed alongside Bulk Up + Synthesis on Psychic Terrain teams allows it to be a fantastic Krookodile counter, greatly benefiting its teammates by allowing them to spam their Psychic-type moves more easily. Zarude can also become a better setup sweeper by taking hits from Salamence and Tangrowth more easily. Taunt is an option that can completely shut down Chansey's recovery and prevent Roost from Salamence, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing or valuable coverage. Encore on Choice Scarf sets can be used to punish setup sweepers such as Galarian Moltres and Dragon Dance Salamence so that a teammate such as Mamoswine can safely switch in and threaten them. However, it is very situational, and Zarude is forced to switch afterwards.

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

**Fast U-turn Users**: Faster Pokemon such as Noivern and Choice Scarf Mienshao are able to put Zarude in a tough spot. It either has to take heavy damage from U-turn, or switch out, meaning that Noivern and Mienshao can pivot freely.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth take little damage from Zarude's STAB attacks, while Tapu Bulu resists both. Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten Zarude out with Sludge Bomb, with Tapu Bulu threatening it out with Close Combat, or set up on it with Swords Dance.

**Flying-types**: Salamence, Moltres, and Galarian Moltres can switch into Zarude's attacks easily. Salamence can weaken Zarude's hits with Intimidate, Moltres can threaten a burn with Flame Body, and Galarian Moltres resists both STAB attacks. They all must watch out for Rock Slide, though.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types can often check Zarude, due to the Grass-type resistance and good bulk. Scizor can pivot easily with U-turn and Celesteela can potentially set up on Zarude with Autotomize.

**Physical Walls**: Kommo-o, Buzzwole, and Salamence all take minimal damage from Zarude's STAB attacks, with the former two resisting both. They can all retaliate with their STAB moves.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [Twilight, 344575], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Lilburr, 481709], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[romanji]

it should be ready for qc by now

 

[Monky25]

monke

[OVERVIEW]

- Zarude's excellent Speed, bulk, power, and coverage, allow it to be an effective pivot and revenge killer versatile choice in UU.
- Its typing allows it to check powerful wallbreakers such as Crawdaunt and Alakazam.
- Great coverage in Close Combat for Steel-types.
- It is able to heal status and regain health at the same time with Jungle Healing.
- U-Turn allows it to be an excellent pivot while still having offensive power.
-Combine these 3 above bullet points into 1 point about versatile and valuable moves imo, just personal preference but doesn't matter really
- Zarude's high speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf, outspeeding Keldeo, other base 100 Choice Scarfers such as Jirachi and Victini, as well as +1 Gyarados. (maybe change victini to krookodile since victini doesnt run choice scarf as often)
- However, it often struggles to break defensive cores, such as Celesteela and Rotom-H, due to their typings resisting Zarude's STAB.
-mention how nearly every team runs one of many grass-resists like tangrowth, amoongus, or skarmory so zarude has to be wary of clicking its STAB attacks until those are dealt with as it looses major momentum if locked into a move for the choice scarf set. Basically just make this point about it being easily punishable if locked into the wrong move.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Close Combat
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- Zarude's high Speed allows it to be an excellent revenge killer, due to the positive matchup vs many common Pokemon such as Keldeo and Choice Scarf users such as Krookodile and Jirachi. (make this point the last one as you are talking about how its high speed makes it an effective choice scarf user)
- Powerful STABs in Power Whip and Darkest Lariat allow it to hit a majority of the top Pokemon super effectively or neutrally.
- Jungle Healing can get rid of status and regain health to retain longevity and be used long term in a battle.
- Close Combat is an alternative that can hit Steel-types such as Bisharp and Magnezone.
- U-turn allows it to be one of the fastest pivots in the tier alongside Choice Scarf.

- Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on offense and bulky offense.
- Electric-types such as Zeraora and Rotom-W can be great partners, as they create great VoltTurn cores. Zeraora can Knock Off fatter Pokemon, such as ta Slowking Amoongus and Tangrowth, allowing Zarude to break the cores more easily. Rotom-W can be a great check to opposing Fire-type moves, as well providing hazard control with Defog.
- Fire-types can help deal with steel-types and grass-types like Scizor, skarmory, and amoongus, all being one of Zarude's best checks. Rotom-H and Incineroar can pivot around with Volt Switch and Parting Shot respectfully, while Chandelure and Victini can revenge kill it with ease.
- Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, Krookodile, and Nihilego can allow Zarude to get easier OHKOs and 2HKOs
(why these entry hazard setters specifically? Mention how they pair well with Zarude. For example you can say "Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Alakazam for it while Nidoqueen can set stealth rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth) Victini lacking Heavy-Duty Boots can be nearly be OHKOed by Stealth Rock into Darkest Lariat.
- Fat Pokemon such as Slowking can help deal with Fire-type moves, while Amoonguss can deal with Fairy-type moves, with both dealing with Fighting-type moves. They can also shrug off those hits with Regenrator.

[SET]
name: Jungle Healing
move 1: Jungle Healing
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Darkest Lariat
move 4: U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- This Zarude allows it to be a consistent pivot, while remaining healthy throughout the entire match.
- Jungle Healing is the main move on this set, as it recovers status and restoring 25% of his health.
- U-turn still gets momentum on usual switch-ins such as Skarmory or Salamence.
- Heavy-Duty Boots allows it to not worry about entry hazard damage, due to constant pivoting.

- You would see this variant of Zarude on more balance teams, due to the longevity from Jungle Healing.
- The lack of coverage would mean that you would need an answer for Steel-types. Mamoswine, (maybe find another example instead of mamoswine since skarm can beat it due to its high bulk, steela eats a hit and damages it back, jirachi runs speed for kyurem so it naturally outspeeds, and scizor can KO with Bullet Punch) Krookodile and Rotom-H can help out.
- Due to the loss of Choice Scarf, faster Pokemon such as Keldeo, Lycanroc-D can revenge kill it much easier. Zeraora remains an excellent partner due to being able to offensively check both, as well as forming a VoltTurn core.
- Defensive pivots such as Slowking and Amoonguss can switch into Fighting-types, and remaining healthy with Regenerator.
- Entry hazard support can be able soften up opponents to get easier OHKOs and 2HKOs. Spikes from Skarmory can allow Zarude to OHKO Krookodile after Intimidate. (like said earlier how does zarude pair with skarmory specifically in this case?)
- U-turn can bring in excellent wall breakers such as Nidoqueen, Primarina, and Chandelure Tapu Bulu, (changing Tapu Bulu to chandelure, stuff zarude lures in like tangrowth/amoongus/skarm beats bulu as well but chandy makes a great partner due to it forcing them all out) as they often have trouble switching in, due to their lower speed.

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

- Choice Band allows Zarude to be a more powerful and allow it to more powerful and OHKO Victini and offensive Jirachi.
- A Bulk Up set with Leftovers, Bulk Up, Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows it to start sweeping, but Zarude would lack any other coverage for its checks
- Rock Slide is an alternative over Close Combat to hit Salamence, Thundurus, and Rotom-H harder, but Close Combat allows you to hit other more important targets such as Kyurem, Skarmory,
- Taunt is an option so it can completely shut down Chansey, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing, or one of its STABs. It is also outclassed by other Taunt users such as Krookodile and Mew. "taunt user: isnt really a role and zarude does different things from these Pokemon so I'd cut it
Checks and Counters
===================

**U-turn**: Zarude's 4x weakness to Bug, means U-Turn from common users such as Scizor, Victini, and Jirachi can destroy it, though the latter two have to worry about Darkest Lariat.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth scoff at Zarude's STAB, while Tapu Bulu resists both. maybe mention how they can hit it super effectively with coverage or STAB in amoongus's case

**Steel-types**: If Zarude is lacking Close Combat, Steel-types such as Skarmory, Scizor, and Bisharp can be great checks to Zarude.

**Physical Walls**: Skarmory, Kommo-o, and Salamence, all take minimal damage from Zarude's STABs, and can force it out with their own STABs. Salamence only has to worry about the rare Rock Slide.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Apes strong together. Add Remove Comment (this is an AM check btw, this is all optional)

 

[Mystras]

AM Check. A lot of this is way too vague, which should absolutely be avoided and a lot of points should be added or changed here.

UrAverageHuman, post: 8770822, member: 524894

monke

[OVERVIEW]

- Zarude's excellent Speed, bulk, power, and coverage, allow it to be a versatile choice in UU. (This is way too vague)
- Its typing allows it to check powerful wallbreakers such as Crawdaunt and Alakazam. (I would say offensively check since Alakazam can slam zarude with Focus Blast, and i think Krookodile is a better example here)
- Great coverage in Close Combat for Steel-types. (you don't need to explain this in the overview)
- It is able to heal status and regain health at the same time with Jungle Healing. (name some examples, like against slowking's scald burns or Chansey's toxic)
- U-Turn allows it to be an excellent pivot while still having offensive power. (Again way too vague, what does it get U-turns on, and what bad matchups does it get out of with it, or remove it since you're gonna talk about it in the analysis)
- Zarude's high speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf, outspeeding Keldeo, other base 100 Choice Scarfers such as Jirachi and Victini, as well as +1 Gyarados. (You should put this sort of mention on the Choice Scarf set)
- However, it often struggles to break defensive cores, such as Celesteela and Rotom-H, due to their typings resisting Zarude's STAB. (I would also mention regen cores in particular)

(There should be a lot more about Zarude in general here since it is rising in usage like what its defensive typing helps Zarude pivot on, but particularly its weaknesses considering it is a lower ranked Pokemon. It's defensive typing gives it a gruesome weakness to u-turn, its tendency to get chipped without heavy duty boots, and examples of what it fails to outspeed naturally like zeraora)

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Close Combat
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- Zarude's high Speed allows it to be an excellent revenge killer, due to the positive vs many common Pokemon such as Keldeo and Choice Scarf users such as Krookodile and Jirachi.
- Powerful STABs in Power Whip and Darkest Lariat allow it to hit a majority of the top Pokemon super effectively or neutrally. (you should split these two points up and explain what they hit individually or remove them)
- Jungle Healing can get rid of status and regain health to retain longevity and be used long term in a battle. (mention some other examples of what this helps zarude against, or just dont mention it here because you already stated it in the intro)
- Close Combat is an alternative that can hit Steel-types such as Bisharp and Magnezone.
- U-turn allows it to be one of the fastest pivots in the tier alongside Choice Scarf. (name some offensive examples where U-turn is better with scarf like against Zeraora or scarf victini)
(This is missing the explanation on what scarf helps it outspeed, what you added in the intro should work)

- Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot on offense and bulky offense. (Mention what other things scarf revenge kills)
- Electric-types such as Zeraora and Rotom-W can be great partners, as they create great VoltTurn cores. Zeraora can Knock Off fatter Pokemon, such as ta Slowking (Find another example, Slowking will never stay on Zera) and Tangrowth, allowing Zarude to break the cores more easily.(mention how Rotom-W is a knock off sponge for Krookodile so Zarude doesnt have to risk Scarf and that it also checks mamoswine) Rotom-W can be a great check to opposing Fire-type moves, (This is too vague and linear. Rotom-H is a good partner but part of why that is that it also takes advantage of Grass- types and Steel-types like Amoonguss and Celesteela) as well providing hazard control with Defog.
- Fire-types can help deal with Scizor (I think there should be some other checks like the Grass-types), one of Zarude's best checks. Rotom-H and Incineroar can pivot around with Volt Switch and Parting Shot respectfully, while Chandelure and Victini can revenge kill it with ease. (Victini really should be a higher mention)
- Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, Krookodile, and Nihilego can allow Zarude to get easier OHKOs and 2HKOs. (against?) Victini lacking Heavy-Duty Boots can be nearly be OHKOed by Stealth Rock into Darkest Lariat. (It is OHKOed, pretty often. Also further mention how this helps Zarude get more important chip damage on the likes of Kommo-o and Skarmory)
- Fat Pokemon such as Slowking can help deal with Fire-type moves, while Amoonguss can deal with Fairy-type moves, with both dealing with Fighting-type moves. (Running double Grass-types does not sound like a good idea)They can also shrug off those hits with Regenrator.

(This really needs a lot more of how zarude helps its teammates, also the bulky steel types like bulky sd scizor and celesteela would be good mentions since they offer a check to kyurem, and zarude helps soak scalds for them)

[SET]
name: Jungle Healing Heavy-Duty Boots (Both sets commonly run Jungle so this naming is kind of redundant)
move 1: Jungle Healing
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Darkest Lariat
move 4: U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- This Zarude allows it to be a consistent pivot, while remaining healthy throughout the entire match. (What does it pivot on)
- Jungle Healing is the main move on this set, as it recovers status and restoring 25% of his health. (Worth noting that this is pretty weak amount of healing)
- U-turn still gets momentum on usual switch-ins such as Skarmory or Salamence.
- Heavy-Duty Boots allows it to not worry about entry hazard damage, due to constant pivoting.
(You MIGHT need to specify the EV spread here considering its not as self-explanatory as the scarf set)

- You would see this variant of Zarude on more balance teams, due to the longevity from Jungle Healing. (You can also find this set on bulky offense teams, it's not like its restricted to balance, but also explain why they like the boots zarude set)
- The lack of coverage would mean that you would need an answer for Steel-types. Mamoswine, Krookodile and Rotom-H can help out. (specify that they help blow through steel-types, considering mamo cannot take one)
- Due to the loss of Choice Scarf, faster Pokemon such as Keldeo, Lycanroc-D can revenge kill it much easier. (No need to mention this, rather self explanatory) Zeraora remains an excellent partner due to being able to offensively check both, as well as forming a VoltTurn core. (If you already mentioned this partner for one set you don't need to explain it again for the other, find different examples)
- Defensive pivots such as Slowking and Amoonguss can switch into Fighting-types, and remaining healthy with Regenerator. (name other defensive pivots since you already mentioned them)
- Entry hazard support can be able soften up opponents to get easier OHKOs and 2HKOs. Spikes from Skarmory can allow Zarude to OHKO Krookodile after Intimidate. (This is really linear because its phrased like its just there to help zarude beat krook when it already beats it. skarmory is such a good partner to help zarude outlast amoongus and tangrowth and eat hits from scizor and mach punch from conk)
- U-turn can bring in excellent wall breakers such as Nidoqueen, Primarina, and Tapu Bulu, as they often have trouble switching in, due to their lower speed. (On what pokemon should they be brought on?)



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

- Choice Band allows Zarude to be a more powerful and allow it to more powerful and OHKO Victini and offensive Jirachi. (I would point out the lack in speed and needing to be prediction reliant is a problem, also it still cant hope to break through skarm)
- A Bulk Up set with Leftovers, Bulk Up, Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows it to start sweeping, but Zarude would lack any other coverage for its checks (what does it setup on, and what does the extra bulk help it tank?)
- Rock Slide is an alternative over Close Combat to hit Salamence, Thundurus, and Rotom-H harder, but Close Combat allows you to hit other more important targets such as Kyurem, Skarmory,
- Taunt is an option so it can completely shut down Chansey, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing, or one of its STABs. It is also outclassed by other Taunt users such as Krookodile and Mew.

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

**U-turn**: Zarude's 4x weakness to Bug, means U-Turn from common users such as Scizor, Victini, and Jirachi can destroy it, though the latter two have to worry about Darkest Lariat.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth scoff at Zarude's STAB, while Tapu Bulu resists both.

**Steel-types**: If Zarude is lacking Close Combat, Steel-types such as Skarmory, Scizor, (Lariat does more damage to these two and they arent even that worried of it) and Bisharp can be great checks to Zarude.

**Physical Walls**: Skarmory, Kommo-o, and Salamence, all take minimal damage from Zarude's STABs, and can force it out with their own STABs. Salamence only has to worry about the rare Rock Slide.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[romanji]

Thank you Monky25 and Mystras Leoxses, very cool!

 

[romanji]

and we back

 

[Hilomilo]

UrAverageHuman, post: 8770822, member: 524894

monke

[OVERVIEW]

- Zarude's excellent speed bring up its access to U-turn here since it can be tied in pretty easily and doesn't need a separate line allows it to be an excellent pivot and revenge killer.
- Its great bulk and defensive typing allow it to check many dangerous threats such as Crawdaunt and Krookodile.
- The ability to heal status and health with Jungle Healing can get rid of Thunder Wave and Toxic from Chansey and Scald burns from Quagsire instead of saying this I'd say that it can allow Zarude to more consistently pivot into various defensive Pokemon that it can threaten, like Seismitoad and Mew, without compromising its role.
- U-turn allows Zarude to pivot, and gain momentum, allowing it to bring in teammates easily. reminder to fit this into the first line for better cohesion
- However, it often struggles to break defensive Pokemon, such as Celesteela, Buzzwole, and Rotom-H Rotom-H takes enough from Zarude's Dark-type STAB, so I'd use an example like Salamence here instead, due to their typings resisting Power Whip and taking minimal damage from Darkest Lariat.
- Zarude also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, it has to potentially give one important coverage move, or not be able to heal off status.
- Also, many teams run many Grass resists such as Scizor, Tangrowth, and Moltres, leaving Zarude with limited opportunities to click its strongest STAB. If it is running Choice Scarf, it can also lose a ton of momentum, and get punished for using the wrong move. the way this is phrased honestly isn't super clear. I'd instead say something to the effect of it running the risk of locking into an undesirable move and losing momentum, since it ties together more clearly how loses momentum/can be punished.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Close Combat Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
QC has agreed to slash Rock Slide with Jungle Healing instead for its ability to hit Moltres, which can otherwise wall Zarude and threaten to burn it with Flame Body, while also hitting rarer switch-ins like Galarian Moltres and Togekiss super effectively.

[SET COMMENTS]

- Zarude's high speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf, outspeeding Keldeo, other base 100 Choice Scarfers such as Jirachi as well as +1 Gyarados. Axing this and having you start over because the grammar is shoddy and makes it a bit of a difficult read. Say instead of what you have now that it can allow it to revenge kill Pokemon like Keldeo and Raikou as well as boosted sweepers like Gyarados and Dragon Dance Mew.
- Zarude's has powerful STABs to hit many top Pokemon super effectively or neutrally. Power Whip can deal heavy damage to Lycanroc-D, Keldeo, and Krookodile, while Darkest Lariat can hit Psychic-types such as Jirachi. this needs to be broken into two bullet points (one for each STAB move) instead of one. Darkest Lariat also needs to have more than one target as an example.
- Jungle Healing can get rid of status from Flame Body from Moltres such as a burn from Moltres's Flame Body, and Thunder Wave or Toxic from Chansey Chansey feels like an odd example to me considering Zarude can't even pivot in and beat it in most cases. Cite status moves from Gastrodon and Seismitoad here instead, while regaining health to retain longevity and be used long term in a battle.
- Remember to add a line on Rock Slide here.
- Close Combat allows Zarude to hit other targets such as Incineroar and Umbreon this mon is super niche. Use Cobalion as your example instead that would not take much damage from the other moves. Note that the coverage it offers generally isn't super valuable since its main targets aren't very common in the tier.
- U-turn allows it to be one of the fastest pivots in the tier alongside Choice Scarf, as it helps outspeed Azelf and Choice Scarf Krookodile.
You already note its status as a fast pivot so this sentence should be used to highlight U-turn's uses in a different way. Instead of what you currently have, mention that it allows Zarude to pivot out of switch-ins like Tangrowth/Celesteela/Kommo-o, generating momentum.

- Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on offense and bulky offense.
- Electric-types such as Rotom-W can be great partners, as they create great VoltTurn cores. Rotom-W can be a great check to opposing Fire-type moves list an example or two here, as well providing hazard control with Defog. It can also sponge a Knock Off from Krookodile so Zarude doesn't have to worry about losing Choice Scarf. Rotom almost never wants to take a Knock Off so I'd remove this sentence.
- Fire-types can help deal with Steel-types and Grass-types like Scizor and Amoonguss, which are some of Zarude's best checks. Rotom-H and Incineroar can pivot around with Volt Switch and Parting Shot respectfully, while Chandelure can revenge kill them with ease.
- Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Azelf for it while Nidoqueen can set Stealth Rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth.
- Fat Pokemon such as Amoonguss can help deal with Fighting-type moves, as well as shrugging off those hits with Regenerator. this feels like a weird thing to specifically bring up considering Fighting-type moves aren't the sole bane of Zarude's existence. Say instead that various bulky Pokemon (use Salamence and Buzzwole as your examples) can be helpful for pivoting in on some of Zarude's offensive checks like Mienshao and Scizor.
- Steel-types such as bulky Swords Dance Scizor is a good teammate to help deal with Aegislash. Zarude can also soak up Scald burns from Quagsire. Aegislash doesn't feel like a big enough issue specifically for a line to be written up about it.
- Give some more examples of entry hazard removers considering this is important to prevent Zarude from taking too much residual damage as it pivots around.
- Fairy-types like Primarina and Sylveon should get a mention as decent teammates for being able to apply pressure to a lot of Zarude's common checks, like Salamence, Buzzwole, and even Scizor with their respective STAB or coverage moves.

[SET]
name: Monke Flip (Heavy-Duty Boots Pivot) Heavy-Duty Boots
move 1: Jungle Healing
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Darkest Lariat
move 4: U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

For better readability, make the move order:
Power Whip
Darkest Lariat
U-turn
Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
also make sure that you reorder bullet points for each move so that they're in the order in which they show up on this set

[SET COMMENTS]

- Zarude is a consistent pivot, while remaining healthy throughout the entire match, as it can pivot on switch-ins such as Scizor. this sentence is fluff and can be removed.
- Jungle Healing allows Zarude recovers status such as Thunder Wave or Toxic from Chansey Again not an example that makes as much sense as something like Seismitoad or Milotic, and restoring 25% of his its health, though it is not that much health. this is fluff and should be removed.
- You need a line on Rock Slide here now since I'm asking you to slash it
- U-turn still no reason for the use of this word here gets momentum on usual switch-ins such as Celesteela or Salamence.
- Heavy-Duty Boots allows it to not worry about entry hazards, allowing Zarude to constantly pivot throughout the game
- Jolly is the required nature on the set, as Zarude can outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Jirachi and Salamence.

- You would see this variant of Zarude on more balance teams and bulky offense I'm bolding this sentence because you need to restructure it. Avoid using 'you' or any other second person words in this analysis, due to the longevity from Jungle Healing and easy pivoting without hazard damage with Heavy-Duty Boots.
- Rotom-H and Rotom-W help form VoltTurn cores with Zarude. Rotom-H can deal with Steel-types such as Scizor, and Rotom-W can deal with Moltres and Chandelure. Both Rotom formes deal with Moltres and Scizor well. Fix this up to mention threats that they can both take on and then bring up specific Pokemon each can match up well against.
- Buzzwole can pivot into U-turn from Scizor, and punish it with potential Rocky Helmet damage.
- Zarude's lack of coverage necessitates Pokemon to cover it. Choice Scarf Krookodile can revenge kill faster Pokemon such as Lycanroc-D. Rotom-H can deal with pesky Steel-types such as Scizor and Celesteela. You already mention Rotom-H above, so this needs a new example.
- Nidoqueen, Primarina, and Chandelure are breakers that appreciate Zarude using U-turn, as they often have trouble switching in safely, due to their lower Speed.
- Azelf can help deal with physical walls such as Buzzwole and Amoonguss, and can revenge kill faster Pokemon such as Keldeo and Lycanroc-D Lycanroc-D messes it up with Accelerock. Use a different example..
- Entry hazard setters should absolutely be noted here for their ability to help Zarude wrack up damage as it pivots around.
- What are some examples of frailer offensive Pokemon that particularly appreciate Zarude's ability to bring them in on foes they can pressure? Add them here.

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

- Choice Band allows Zarude to be a more powerful and allow it to more powerful and OHKO offensive Jirachi instead of this say that it can function as a physical wallbreaker. However, the lack of Speed from Choice Scarf and increased prediction reliance are problematic, and still has no hope of breaking Celesteela this is not true at all considering Darkest Lariat does a chunk. Instead bring up Buzzwole as a Pokemon it still struggles to break.
- A Bulk Up set with Leftovers, Bulk Up, Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows it to start sweeping. It can also I'm completely confused by your grammar here, this needs polishing but Zarude would lack any other coverage for its checks.
- Rock Slide is an alternative over Close Combat to hit Salamence, Moltres, and Rotom-H harder, but Close Combat allows you to hit other more important targets such as Scizor. this is a moves mention now so remove it from this section
- Taunt is an option so it can completely shut down Chansey, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing, or one of its STABs or valuable coverage.

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

**U-turn**: Zarude's 4x weakness to Bug, means U-Turn from common users such as Scizor and Jirachi can destroy it, though the latter has to worry about Darkest Lariat. This should instead be called "Faster U-turn users." The listed Pokemon don't actually get chances to pivot on Zarude so it doesn't make sense to bring them up as checks. Use Noivern and Choice Scarf Mienshao as your new examples.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth scoff at Zarude's STAB, while Tapu Bulu resists both. They can also deal heavy damage with their coverage or STABs. Be more specific. State that Amoonguss and Tangrowth can both potentially threaten Zarude with Sludge Bomb, while Tapu Bulu can threaten it with coverage or set up on it.

**Flying-types**: Salamence, Moltres, and Galarian Moltres are great checks to can switch into Zarude. Salamence can weaken Zarude's hits with intimidate, Moltres can threaten a burn with Flame Body on non Jungle Healing sets it will still threaten Zarude with a burn, and Galarian Moltres resists both both what? Remember to finish your sentences. They all must watch out for Rock Slide.

**Steel-types**: If Zarude is lacking Close Combat, Steel-types such as Celesteela and Scizor, are great checks to Zarude. You need to scrap this and start over completely. Just say that Steel-types can often check Zarude thanks to their Grass-type resistances and good bulk, use examples, and add what specifically the examples can do.

**Physical Walls**: Kommo-o, Buzzwole, Salamence, all take minimal damage from Zarude's STABs, with the former two resisting both. They can all retaliate back with their STAB moves, but Salamence has to worry about the occasional Rock Slide.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

This is a lot, so I'm going to need to see this a second time after you've made sure that everything in this check is implemented. I'm giving you a bit more breathing room since you're a newer writer, but there are a lot of instances of poor metagame knowledge (calling Celesteela a check to Choice band for instance or saying Rotom-H walls Zarude) and weird choices of examples that make your general quality in this analysis fairly questionable. Consider the points I've brought up in my check for the future.

 

[romanji]

updated Hilomilo

 

[Hilomilo]

1/3, sorry for wait

 

[Twilight]

UrAverageHuman, post: 8770822, member: 524894

monke

[OVERVIEW]

- Zarude's excellent speed alongside U-turn allows it to be an excellent pivot and revenge killer.
- Its great bulk and defensive typing allow it to check many dangerous threats such as Crawdaunt and Krookodile.
- The ability to heal status and health with Jungle Healing can allow it to consistently pivot around defensive Pokemon such as Seismitoad and Mew
- However, it often struggles to break defensive Pokemon, such as Celesteela, Buzzwole, and Salamence, due to their typings resisting Power Whip and taking minimal damage from Darkest Lariat.
- Zarude also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, it has to potentially give one important coverage move, or not be able to heal off status.
- Also, many teams run many Grass resists such as Scizor, Tangrowth, and Moltres, leaving Zarude with limited opportunities to click its strongest STAB. If it is running Choice Scarf, Zarude can risk being locked into an undesirable move and loses momentum

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- Zarude's high speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo and Raikou, Change Raikou to Thundurus and boosted sweepers such as Gyarados and Dragon Dance Mew.
- Zarude's has powerful STABs to hit many top Pokemon super effectively or neutrally.
- Power Whip can deal heavy damage to Lycanroc-D, Keldeo, and Krookodile, I mean it flat out OHKOs all of them bar Krookodile if intimidated
- Darkest Lariat can hit Jirachi, Aegislash, and ignore the Defense boosts from Cosmic Power Mew. This set really isn't common or that good imo. I'd just remove the Cosmic Power Mew part. Instead, just state this is the strongest STAB move at its disposal.
- Jungle Healing can get rid of status, such as a burn from Moltres's Flame Body, and Scald burns from Gastrodon and Seismitoad, while regaining health to retain longevity and be used long term in a battle. Worth noting here that it isn't ideal to lock into
- Rock Slide allows Zarude to OHKO Moltres, as well as deal good damage to Salamence.
- Close Combat allows Zarude to hit other targets such as Cobalion and Umbreon that would not take much damage from the other moves. However, none of those Pokemon are common so Close Combat is rare as well.
- U-turn allows Zarude to pivot out on potential switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Kommo-o, allowing it to gain momentum.

- Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on offense and bulky offense.
- Electric-types such as Rotom-W can be great partners, as they create great VoltTurn cores. Rotom-W can be a great check to opposing Fire-type moves, as well as providing hazard control with Defog. Making this a point about Electric-types is a bit pointless when it's just a point dedicated to Rotom-W. Many Pokemon can form a VoltTurn core without being an Electric-type so just make this a point about Zarude appreciating other pivots.
- Fire-types can help deal with Steel-types and Grass-types like Scizor and Amoonguss, which are some of Zarude's best checks. Rotom-H and Incineroar can pivot around with Volt Switch and Parting Shot respectfully, while Chandelure can revenge kill them with ease. Instead of dedicating this to Fire-types just make it a point about wallbreakers that can achieve the same thing. This opens up the examples a bit more.
- Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Azelf for it while Nidoqueen can set Stealth Rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth.
- Bulky Pokemon such as Salamence and Buzzwole can help Zarude deal with checks such as Mienshao and Scizor. I'd rather you started this sentence off saying Zarude can provide several Pokemon like Scizor and Galarian Moltres with opportunities to set up or wallbreak if choice-locked into an unideal move. Then follow up with examples that alleviate this.
- Hazard control allows Zarude to consistently pivot without worrying about hazard damage. With Defog support from Rotom-H, Moltres, and Salamence, they can help check Tangrowth, Kommo-o, and Buzzwole, while keeping hazards off. Why not just follow this up with where you talk about Rotom-W.
- Fairy-types such as Primarina and Sylveon can help deal with Zarude's checks such as Salamence and Buzzwole, with Sylveon potentially dealing with Scizor with Mystical Fire.

Try not to write so linearly if possible. You start off a lot of your points with X-type can do so and so for it. Try to word some of your sentences differently such as "Zarude invites in Pokemon like X and Y so partners like A and B...". Something like this lets you broaden the range of what you can include in a point than restricting yourself to a particular typing to get a point across.

[SET]
name: Heavy-Duty Boots
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- Jungle Healing allows Zarude recovers to remove status such as Scald from Milotic, and restoring 25% of his health.
- Rock Slide is an alternative option to hit great coverage for Moltres and Salamence. Mention it also lets it pick off a weakened Galarian Moltres
- U-turn gets momentum on usual switch-ins such as Celesteela or Salamence.
- Heavy-Duty Boots allows it to not worry about entry hazards, allowing Zarude to constantly pivot throughout the game
- Jolly is the required nature on the set, as Zarude can outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Jirachi and Salamence.

- Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude is seen on more balance teams and bulky offense, due to the longevity from Jungle Healing and easy pivoting without hazard damage with Heavy-Duty Boots.
- Rotom-H and Rotom-W help form VoltTurn cores with Zarude. They both deal with Mamoswine, Scizor, and Nidoqueen. Rotom-H can help deal with Tangrowth and Celesteela, while Rotom-W can deal with Gyarados and Keldeo. Rotom-W isn't exactly a reliable answer to either of these two.
- Buzzwole can pivot into U-turn from Scizor, and punish it with potential Rocky Helmet damage.
- Zarude's lack of coverage necessitates Pokemon to cover it. Choice Scarf Krookodile can revenge kill faster Pokemon such as Lycanroc-D. I don't understand what you mean by this point. You have a very vague first sentence which you follow up with an example of Lycanroc-D, but this is a Pokemon it has coverage for? Rework this into a point about just Speed control that helps with Thundurus and Lycanroc-D.
- Nidoqueen, Primarina, and Chandelure are breakers that appreciate Zarude using U-turn, as they often have trouble switching in safely, due to their lower Speed. What do they break for Zarude
- Faster and frailer Pokemon such as Keldeo, Thundurus-I, and Mienshao also appreciate Zarude bringing them in safely.
- Azelf can help deal with physical walls such as Buzzwole and Amoonguss, and can revenge kill faster Pokemon such as Keldeo.
- Entry hazard setters such as Rhyperior, Nihilego, and Nidoqueen. You just used Nidoqueen as an example. Replace it. can soften up Pokemon with Stealth Rock for Zarude to deal more damage as it pivots around. The hazard setters appreciate Zarude dealing with Water-types such as Rotom-W, while Zarude in return appreciates them dealing with Moltres, and Rotom-H.

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

- Choice Band allows Zarude to function as a more powerful wallbreaker. However, the lack of Speed from Choice Scarf and increased prediction reliance are problematic, and still has no hope of breaking Buzzwole.
- A Bulk Up set with Leftovers, Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows Zarude to deal heavy damage, and potentially tank super effective hits. However, it has no room for any coverage moves, so it is very easy to take advantage of with its checks.
- Taunt is an option so it can completely shut down Chansey, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing, or valuable coverage.

Mention Encore on Scarf to punish set up sweepers like Galarian Moltres or Salamence to bring in another mon capable of dealing with them better.

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

**Fast U-turn Users**: Faster Pokemon such as Noivern and Choice Scarf Mienshao are able to put Zarude in a tough spot. It either has to be KOed by U-turn, or switch out, meaning that Noivern and Mienshao can pivot for free.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth scoff at Zarude's STAB, while Tapu Bulu resists both. Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten Zarude out with Sludge Bomb, with Tapu Bulu threatening it out with Close Combat, or set up on it with Swords Dance.

**Flying-types**: Salamence, Moltres, and Galarian Moltres can switch into Zarude. Salamence can weaken Zarude's hits with intimidate, capitalize Intimidate Moltres can threaten a burn with Flame Body, and Galarian Moltres resists both. They all must watch out for Rock Slide.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types can often check Zarude, due to the Grass-type resistance, and good bulk. Scizor can pivot easily with U-turn and Celesteela can potentially set up on Zarude with Autotomize.

**Physical Walls**: Kommo-o, Buzzwole, Salamence, all take minimal damage from Zarude's STABs, with the former two resisting both. They can all retaliate back with their STAB moves, but Salamence has to worry about the occasional Rock Slide.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]] Don't forget this
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

remove add comments

2/3 make boots the first set

 

[Estarossa]

monke

[OVERVIEW]

Zarude's great speed alongside U-turn allows it to be an excellent pivot and revenge killer. Go into a bit more detail here, mention that its speed puts it above stuf like Nihilego / Thundy-T. Its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to check many dangerous threats such as Crawdaunt and Krookodile. The ability to heal status and health with Jungle Healing can allow it to consistently pivot around defensive Pokemon such as Seismitoad and Mew. maybe mention that it can make it harder to wear dwon with chip damage too? However, it often struggles to break defensive Pokemon, such as Celesteela, Buzzwole, and Salamence, due to their typings resisting Power Whip and taking minimal damage from Darkest Lariat. Zarude also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, it has to potentially give one important coverage move, or not be able to heal off status. Also, many teams run many Pokemon with a Grass-type resistance such as Scizor, Tangrowth, and Moltres, leaving Zarude with limited opportunities to click its strongest STAB. You can comment on how stuff like Moltres and Helmet Amoonguss can be very punishing to scarf versions clicking U-turn too because of flame body / helmet, forcing it to give up momentum to heal them off. If it is running Choice Scarf, Zarude can risk being locked into an undesirable move and loses momentum.

[SET]
name: Heavy-Duty Boots
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide i don't think this should be slashed personally, Jungle Healing is huge to Boots sets, making them able to counter stuff like SubTox Aegi and Willo Mew.
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Jungle Healing allows Zarude to remove status such as Scald from Milotic, There are much better examples here than Milo, such as Toxic from Aegislash and Burn from Mew / Rotom-W. and restoring 25% of his health. Rock Slide is an alternative option to hit a weakened Galarian Moltres and Salamence The most important mon it targets here is Moltres not these two really. U-turn gets momentum on usual switch-ins such as Celesteela or Salamence. Heavy-Duty Boots allows it to not worry about entry hazards, allowing Zarude to constantly pivot throughout the game. Jolly is the required nature on the set, as Zarude can outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Jirachi and Salamence. Not necessary to really explain this, but if you want to i'd mention Nihilego too as something you really want to be faster than.

Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude is seen on more balance teams and bulky offense, due to the longevity from Jungle Healing and easy pivoting without hazard damage with Heavy-Duty Boots. Can bring up how its a great ffit on teams that want a switch in to Pokemon like Aegislash and Mew here too. Rotom-H and Rotom-W help form VoltTurn cores with Zarude. They both deal with Mamoswine, Scizor, and Nidoqueen. So Rotom-H isn't really a good Nidouqeen answer, and it really doesnt want to take a Knock from Mamoswine either, i would reorder this list to be Scizor, Mamoswine, Nidoqueen to make it more clear which way around this works. Rotom-H can help deal with Tangrowth and Celesteela, while Rotom-W can deal with Rhyperior. Why exactly does Zarude need a Rhyperior check? Comment on Pokemon they can bring in for Zarude to pressure too, and mention these Pokemon as good Mence checks. Buzzwole can pivot into U-turn from Scizor, and punish it with potential Rocky Helmet damage. Zarude appreciates speed control against faster Pokemon such as Thundurus and Lycanroc-D, so Choice Scarf Krookodile can help. Do you want to stack double darks like this though? usually in this sitaution you'd be more inclined to run scarf zarude and just run something else other than krookodile. Not realy the best typing to double stack in a tier with Pokemon like Primarina, Keldeo, Scizor etc being great. There are other options you can bring up here instead, eg. Noivern and/or. Scarf Rachi,Nidoqueen, Primarina, and Chandelure are breakers that appreciate Zarude using U-turn, as they often have trouble switching in safely, give a few examples of stuff they are actually brought in on. due to their lower Speed, and help Zarude break through Kommo-o, Amoonguss, and Tangrowth. Iff this is the stuff they are being brought in on, shuffle the examples around to reflect that Nidoqueen doesnt really prssure Clanger amazingly, while prim cant threaten the last two at all. Azelf can help deal with physical walls such as Buzzwole and Amoonguss, and can revenge kill faster Pokemon such as Keldeo. You could just merge this with the previous point i made where i asked you to replace the scarf krook with like noivern. Entry hazard setters such as Rhyperior and Nihilego can soften up Pokemon with Stealth Rock for Zarude to deal more damage as it pivots around. The hazard setters appreciate Zarude dealing with Water-types such as Rotom-W, while Zarude in return appreciates them dealing with Moltres, and Rotom-H. Zarude doesnt particularly have Rotom-H issues really, Salamence is a much bigger example here.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Zarude's high speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo and Thundurus, and boosted sweepers such as Gyarados and Dragon Dance Mew. DD Mew not getting an analysis set, replace this with like, DD Necrozma or something. Power Whip can OHKO Lycanroc-D and Keldeo, while heavily damaging Krookodile through Intimidate. I mean why would Krookodile be trying to switch in on you anyway? Darkest Lariat is Zarude's strongest Dark-type STAB, and can hit Jirachi and Aegislash for good damage. Jungle Healing can get rid of status, such as a burn from Moltres's Flame Body, and Scald burns from Gastrodon and Seismitoad, while regaining health to retain longevity and be used long term in a battle. Though, it is not ideal for it to lock into. Rock Slide allows Zarude to OHKO Moltres, as well as deal good damage to Salamence. Close Combat allows Zarude to hit other targets such as Cobalion and Umbreon that would not take much damage from the other moves. However, none of those Pokemon are common. It can't even 2HKO Umbreon anyway, ur literally better off just U-turning as it comes in. 252 Atk Zarude Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Umbreon: 168-198 (42.6 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery U-turn allows Zarude to pivot out on potential switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Kommo-o, allowing it to gain momentum.

Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on offense and bulky offense. It appreciates pivots such as Mienshao, Rotom-W, and Scizor due to being able to form VoltTurn cores and pivot out on unfavorable matchups. Mention how these examples can benefit each other here, giv e an example or two of these unffavourable matchups they can cover for each other. Hazard control allows Zarude to consistently pivot without worrying about hazard damage. With Defog support from Rotom-H, Moltres, and Salamence, they can help check Tangrowth, Kommo-o, and Buzzwole, while keeping hazards off. You can also bring these up as checks to Scizor. Chandelure and Thundurus are wallbreakers that can KO Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Scizor, and Celesteela. This sentence really comes out of the middle o nowhere, you raelly need to connect these points better. Explain how they are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude's pivoting support and can pressure its checks or soemthing. Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Azelf for it while Nidoqueen can set Stealth Rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth. Zarude is vulnerable to Pokemon such as Scizor and Galarian Moltres, as they get opportunities to set up or wallbreak, so bulky teammates such as Salamence and Aegislash can help it deal with them. Aegislash is a pretty poor check to both of these, other than non Knnock Scizor sets. You should just merge this point to when you bring up examples lik Rotom-H and Moltres and connect the point about giving opportuntities with Scarf. Primarina and Sylveon can help deal with Zarude's checks such as Salamence and Buzzwole, with Sylveon potentially dealing with Scizor with Mystical Fire. Would rather say luring or something than dealing, which suggests you are actively coming in to remove it.

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

Choice Band allows Zarude to function as a more powerful wallbreaker. However, the lack of Speed from Choice Scarf and increased prediction reliance are problematic, and still has no hope of breaking Buzzwole. Buzzwole isnt the only important example here and isnt the most relevant example that exists here, i'd comment on how it can still really struggle with Pokemon like Salamence and Kommo-o with the power boost too, (still bring up buzz as one of them) A Bulk Up set with Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows Zarude to deal heavy damage, and potentially tank super effective hits. However, it has no room for any coverage moves, so it is very easy to take advantage of with its checks. Metion Psychic seed being an option with BUlk UP + Synthesis on sychic terrain teams, serving as a fantastic answer to Krookodile and letting it live hits from Pokemon like Salamence more comfortably. Taunt is an option so it can completely shut down Chansey, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing, or valuable coverage. Seems pretty bad in general honestly, but you can also coment on it preventing Roost from Salamence too. Encore on Choice Scarf sets can be used to punish set-up sweepers such as Galarian Moltres and Dragon Dance Salamence, and bring in a teammate such as Mamoswine to clean up. However, it is very situational and Zarude is forced to switch afterwards.

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

**Fast U-turn Users**: Faster Pokemon such as Noivern and Choice Scarf Mienshao are able to put Zarude in a tough spot. It either has to be KOed by U-turn, or switch out, meaning that Noivern and Mienshao can pivot freely.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth scoff at Zarude's STAB, while Tapu Bulu resists both. Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten Zarude out with Sludge Bomb, with Tapu Bulu threatening it out with Close Combat, or set up on it with Swords Dance.

**Flying-types**: Salamence, Moltres, and Galarian Moltres can switch into Zarude's attacks easily. Salamence can weaken Zarude's hits with Intimidate, Moltres can threaten a burn with Flame Body, and Galarian Moltres resists both. They all must watch out for Rock Slide.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types can often check Zarude, due to the Grass-type resistance and good bulk. Scizor can pivot easily with U-turn and Celesteela can potentially set up on Zarude with Autotomize.

**Physical Walls**: Kommo-o, Buzzwole, Salamence, all take minimal damage from Zarude's STABs, with the former two resisting both. They can all retaliate back with their STAB moves, but Salamence has to worry about the occasional Rock Slide.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [Twilight, 344575], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Tag me when this is implemented, I'd like to take another quick look at it before I stamp this.

 

[romanji]

Estarossa yo

 

[Estarossa]

monke

[OVERVIEW]

Zarude's great speed alongside U-turn allows it to be an excellent pivot and revenge killer. Its speed allows it to outspeed common Pokemon such as Nihilego and Thundurus-T, and good bulk and defensive typing allow it to check many dangerous threats such as Crawdaunt and Krookodile. The ability to heal status and health with Jungle Healing can allow it to consistently pivot around defensive Pokemon such as Seismitoad and Mew. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zarude to be difficult to wear down by entry hazards. However, it often struggles to break defensive Pokemon, such as Celesteela, Buzzwole, and Salamence, due to their typings resisting Power Whip and taking minimal damage from Darkest Lariat. Zarude also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, potentially having to give up an important coverage move or not be able to heal off status. Also, many teams run many Pokemon with a Grass-type resistance such as Scizor, Tangrowth, and Moltres, leaving Zarude with limited opportunities to click its strongest STAB. If it is running Choice Scarf, Zarude can risk being locked into an undesirable move and loses momentum. Flame Body from Moltres and Rocky Helmet from Amoonguss can punish U-turn, forcing momentum to be sacrificed to heal it off.

[SET]
name: Heavy-Duty Boots
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Jungle Healing
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Jungle Healing allows Zarude to remove status such as Toxic from Aegislash or a burn from Rotom-W, while restoring 25% of his health. Rock Slide is an alternative option to hit Moltres. U-turn gets momentum on usual switch-ins such as Celesteela or Salamence. Heavy-Duty Boots allows it to not worry about entry hazards, allowing Zarude to constantly pivot throughout the game. Jolly is the required nature on the set, as Zarude can outspeed Nihilego and Salamence.

Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude is seen on more balance teams and bulky offense, due to the longevity from Jungle Healing, easy pivoting without hazard damage with Heavy-Duty Boots, and being a status sponge against Toxic from Aegislash and Will-o-Wisp from Mew. Rotom-H and Rotom-W help form VoltTurn cores with Zarude. They both deal with Scizor, Mamoswine, and Nidoqueen, with Rotom-H dealing with Tangrowth and Celesteela, and Rotom-W bringing in Mamoswine to check Salamence.This feels like a weird Pokemon to bring up here, as it's not really focusing on Zarude team options. I think you misunderstood the point I was makng here, I asked you to comment on Rotom-H and Rotom-W as also being big Salamence switch ins and checks. Buzzwole can pivot into U-turn from Scizor, and punish it with potential Rocky Helmet damage. Zarude appreciates speed control against faster Pokemon such as Thundurus, Keldeo, and Lycanroc-D, so Noivern, Azelf and Choice Scarf Jirachi can help, while say that the former two do, because jirachi is definitely not helping with these also deal with physical walls such as Buzzwole and Amoonguss. Primarina, Nidoqueen, and Chandelure are breakers that appreciate Zarude using U-turn, as they often have trouble switching in safely, due to their lower Speed, and help Zarude break through Kommo-o, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss. say something like "with Zarude bringing them in on..." instead here. Entry hazard setters such as Rhyperior and Nihilego can soften up Pokemon like Tangrowth with Stealth Rock for Zarude to deal more damage as it pivots around. The hazard setters appreciate Zarude dealing with Water-types such as Rotom-W, while Zarude in return appreciates them dealing with Moltres and Salamence.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Zarude's high speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo and Thundurus, and boosted sweepers such as Gyarados and Dragon Dance Necrozma. Power Whip can OHKO Lycanroc-D and Keldeo. Darkest Lariat is Zarude's strongest Dark-type STAB, and can hit Jirachi and Aegislash for good damage. Jungle Healing can get rid of status, such as a burn from Moltres's Flame Body, and Scald burns from Gastrodon and Seismitoad, while regaining health to retain longevity and be used long term in a battle. Though, it is not ideal for it to lock into. Rock Slide allows Zarude to OHKO Moltres, as well as deal good damage to Salamence. Close Combat allows Zarude to hit other targets such as Cobalion that would not take much damage from the other moves. However, it is not very common. Cobalion or the move? this isn't particularly clear here. (Coba isn't very common and its mostly rocks sets not SD so i assume you meant coba). U-turn allows Zarude to pivot out on potential switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Kommo-o, allowing it to gain momentum.

Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on offense and bulky offense. It appreciates pivots such as Mienshao, Rotom-W, and Scizor due to being able to form VoltTurn cores and pivot out on unfavorable matchups, like Mienshao pivoting into Zarude on Psychic-types such as Reuniclus use Slowbro-Galar as an example instead here. Hazard control allows Zarude to consistently pivot without worrying about hazard damage. Defog support from Rotom-H, Moltres, and Salamence, they can help check strong wallbreakers such as Scizor, Galarian Moltres swap the order of these two as Rotom-H is the best Golt check here, and Kommo-o while keeping hazards off. Chandelure and Thundurus are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude's pivot support and being able to check Pokemon such as Rhyperior, and the wallbreakers KOing Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Scizor, and Celesteela in return. Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Azelf for it while Nidoqueen can set Stealth Rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth. Primarina and Sylveon can help deal with Zarude's checks such as Salamence and Buzzwole, with Sylveon potentially luring in Scizor with Mystical Fire.

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

Choice Band allows Zarude to function as a more powerful wallbreaker. However, the lack of Speed from Choice Scarf and increased prediction reliance are problematic, and still struggles to break through Buzzwole, Kommo-o, and Salamence. A Bulk Up set with Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows Zarude to deal heavy damage, and potentially tank super effective hits. However, it has no room for any coverage moves, so it is very easy to take advantage of with its checks. Can also mention that it still struggles with common Pokemon like Tangrowth and Salamence here. Psychic Seed alongside Bulk Up + Synthesis on Psychic Terrain teams allows it to be a fantastic Krookodile counter, well its not Psychic seed in particular that makes it a krookodile counter, what its doing on psyterrain teams is being a krookodile counter for them while serving as this seed set up sweeper. and allowing it to take hits from Salamence and Tangrowth easily. Taunt is an option so it can completely shut down Chansey and prevent Roost from Salamence, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing, or valuable coverage. Encore on Choice Scarf sets can be used to punish set-up sweepers such as Galarian Moltres and Dragon Dance Salamence, and bring in a teammate such as Mamoswine to clean up. However, it is very situational and Zarude is forced to switch afterwards.

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

**Fast U-turn Users**: Faster Pokemon such as Noivern and Choice Scarf Mienshao are able to put Zarude in a tough spot. It either has to be KOed by U-turn, or switch out, meaning that Noivern and Mienshao can pivot freely.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth scoff at Zarude's STAB, while Tapu Bulu resists both. Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten Zarude out with Sludge Bomb, with Tapu Bulu threatening it out with Close Combat, or set up on it with Swords Dance.

**Flying-types**: Salamence, Moltres, and Galarian Moltres can switch into Zarude's attacks easily. Salamence can weaken Zarude's hits with Intimidate, Moltres can threaten a burn with Flame Body, and Galarian Moltres resists both STABs. They all must watch out for Rock Slide.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types can often check Zarude, due to the Grass-type resistance and good bulk. Scizor can pivot easily with U-turn and Celesteela can potentially set up on Zarude with Autotomize.

**Physical Walls**: Kommo-o, Buzzwole, Salamence, all take minimal damage from Zarude's STABs, with the former two resisting both. They can all retaliate back with their STAB moves, but Salamence has to worry about the occasional Rock Slide.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [Twilight, 344575], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

QC 3/3.

 

[Lily]

here to do both an am gp check and fix up a couple things i noticed that the rest of qc missed:

gp: add / fix remove comments (RC = remove comma, AC = add comma, RP = remove period, AP = add period)
qc: add / fix remove comments

Hide

monke

[OVERVIEW]

Zarude's great Speed alongside U-turn allows it to be an excellent pivot and revenge killer. Its Speed allows it to outspeed common Pokemon such as Nihilego and Thundurus-T, and its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to check many dangerous threats such as Crawdaunt and Krookodile. The ability to heal status conditions and health HP with Jungle Healing can allow it Zarude to consistently pivot around defensive Pokemon such as Seismitoad and Mew. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zarude to be difficult to wear down by entry hazards. However, it often struggles to break defensive Pokemon, such as Celesteela, Buzzwole, and Salamence, due to their typings them resisting Power Whip and taking minimal damage from Darkest Lariat. Zarude also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, potentially having to give up an important coverage move or not be being unable to heal off status conditions. Also, many teams run many Pokemon with a Grass-type resistance such as Scizor, Tangrowth, and Moltres, leaving Zarude with limited opportunities to click its strongest STAB attack. If it is running Choice Scarf, Zarude can risk being locked into an undesirable move, (AC) and loses losing momentum. Flame Body from Moltres and Rocky Helmet from Amoonguss and Tangrowth can punish U-turn, forcing momentum to be sacrificed to heal it off use Jungle Healing.

[SET]
name: Heavy-Duty Boots
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Jungle Healing
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Jungle Healing allows Zarude to remove status conditions from moves such as Toxic from Aegislash or and a burn Will-O-Wisp from Rotom-W and Mew, while restoring 25% of his its health. Rock Slide is an alternative option to hit Moltres and Salamence. U-turn gets grabs / seizes / something momentum on usual switch-ins such as Celesteela or and Salamence. Heavy-Duty Boots allows it Zarude to not worry about entry hazards, allowing Zarude to lettng it (repetition) constantly pivot throughout the game. Jolly is the required nature on the set (RC) as so that Zarude can outspeed Nihilego and Salamence.

Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude is seen on more balance teams and bulky offense (RC) due to the longevity from Jungle Healing, easy pivoting without hazard damage with provided by Heavy-Duty Boots (RC) and being a its ability to act as a status sponge against Toxic from Aegislash and Will-O-Wisp from Mew (RC) Rotom-H and Rotom-W. (AP) help form VoltTurn cores with Zarude. They Rotom-W and Rotom-H both deal with Scizor, Mamoswine, and Nidoqueen, with Rotom-H also dealing with Tangrowth and Celesteela (RC) and Rotom-W being able to switch into and checking Salamence. Buzzwole can pivot into U-turn from Scizor, and punish it with potential Rocky Helmet damage. Zarude appreciates speed control against teammates that can outspeed (speed control = scarf mons / trick room / tailwind etc. basically) faster Pokemon faster than it such as Thundurus, Keldeo, and Lycanroc-D, so Noivern and Azelf and can help, while also dealing with physical walls such as Buzzwole and Amoonguss. Primarina, Nidoqueen, and Chandelure are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude using U-turn, as they often have trouble switching in safely (RC) due to their lower Speed and frailty, with Zarude bringing them in on Kommo-o, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss. Entry hazard setters such as Rhyperior and Nihilego can soften up Pokemon like Tangrowth with Stealth Rock for so that Zarude to can deal more damage as it pivots around. The hazard setters appreciate Zarude dealing with Water-types such as Rotom-W, while Zarude in return appreciates them dealing with Moltres and Salamence.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Zarude's high Speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf (RC) allowing it to that can revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo and Thundurus (RC) and in addition to boosted sweepers such as Gyarados and Dragon Dance Necrozma. Power Whip can OHKOes Lycanroc-D and Keldeo (it's guaranteed on both from full). Darkest Lariat is Zarude's strongest Dark-type STAB move (RC) and can hit Jirachi and Aegislash for good damage. Jungle Healing can get rid of status conditions (RC) such as a burn from Moltres's Flame Body (RC) and Scald burns from Gastrodon and Seismitoad, while regaining health HP so that Zarude can to retain longevity and be used long term in a battle (RP) Though, but it is not ideal for it to lock into. Rock Slide allows Zarude to OHKO Moltres (RC) as well as while also dealing good damage to Salamence. Close Combat allows Zarude to hit other targets such as Cobalion that would not take much damage from the its other moves. However, Cobalion is not very common, so Close Combat isn't common either. U-turn allows Zarude to pivot out on potential switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Kommo-o, allowing it to gain momentum.

Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on offense and (not really enough of a distinction) bulky offense. It appreciates pivots such as Mienshao, Rotom-W, and Scizor due to being able to that can form VoltTurn cores and pivot out on of unfavorable matchups. (AP) like For example, Mienshao pivoting into can pivot Zarude in on Psychic-types such as Reuniclus and Galarian Slowbro. Entry hazard control allows Zarude to consistently pivot without worrying about hazard damage. Defog support from Rotom-H, Moltres, and Salamence is appreciated, and they can help also check strong wallbreakers such as Galarian Moltres Mienshao, Scizor, and Kommo-o while keeping hazards off. Chandelure and Thundurus are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude's pivot support and being able its ability to check Pokemon such as Rhyperior, and with the wallbreakers KOing Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Scizor, and Celesteela in return. Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Azelf for it while Nidoqueen can set Stealth Rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth. Primarina and Sylveon can help deal with some of Zarude's checks such as Salamence and Buzzwole, with Sylveon potentially also luring in Scizor and removing it with Mystical Fire.

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

Choice Band allows Zarude to function as a more ("more powerful" here implies it's a wallbreaker to begin with, which it isn't w/o CB) powerful wallbreaker. However, the lack of Speed from Choice Scarf and increased prediction reliance are problematic, and it still struggles to break through Buzzwole, Kommo-o, and Salamence. remove double space A Bulk Up set with Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows Zarude to deal heavy damage (RC) and potentially tank super effective hits. However, it has no room for any coverage moves, so it is very easy to take advantage of with its checks, and is still not capable of breaking through checks like Tangrowth and Buzzwole. Psychic Seed alongside Bulk Up + Synthesis on Psychic Terrain teams allows it to be a fantastic Krookodile counter, greatly benefiting its teammates by allowing them to spam their Psychic-type moves more easily. Zarude can also become a better set up sweeper by taking hits from Salamence and Tangrowth better more easily (repetition). Taunt is an option so it that can completely shut down Chansey (dunno about completely shut down, it can still stoss you for good damage, maybe just mention it can prevent chansey from recovering) and prevent Roost from Salamence, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing (RC) or valuable coverage. Encore on Choice Scarf sets can be used to punish set-up setup sweepers such as Galarian Moltres and Dragon Dance Salamence (RC) and bring in so that a teammate such as Mamoswine can safely switch in and threaten them to clean up. However, it is very situational and Zarude is forced to switch afterwards.

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

**Fast U-turn Users**: Faster Pokemon such as Noivern and Choice Scarf Mienshao are able to put Zarude in a tough spot. It either has to be KOed by take heavy damage from (neither ohko it, noivern doesnt even come close) U-turn, or switch out, meaning that Noivern and Mienshao can pivot freely.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth scoff at Zarude's STAB attacks (would not say amoonguss scoffs at it, it takes a fair amount especially with hazards), while Tapu Bulu resists both. Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten Zarude out with Sludge Bomb, with and Tapu Bulu can threatening it out with Close Combat (RC) or set up on it with Swords Dance.

**Flying-types**: Salamence, Moltres, and Galarian Moltres can switch into Zarude's attacks easily. Salamence can weaken Zarude's hits with Intimidate, Moltres can threaten a burn with Flame Body, and Galarian Moltres resists both STABs attacks. They all must watch out for Rock Slide, though.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types can often check Zarude, due to their Grass-type resistance and good bulk. Scizor can pivot easily against Zarude with U-turn and Celesteela can potentially set up on Zarude it with Autotomize.

**Physical Walls**: Kommo-o, Buzzwole, and Salamence (RC) all take minimal damage from Zarude's STABs attacks, with the former two resisting both. They can all retaliate back with their STAB moves. (RC, AP) but Salamence has to worry about the occasional Rock Slide.
(reasoning for removing this is that fat mence - the physical wall one - doesn't really take much from rock slide bc of its investment)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [Twilight, 344575], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

if anything here is unclear feel free to let me know, good work!!

 

[Lumari]

UrAverageHuman implement that for 1/2 please, i can give this a second check after

 

[romanji]

The Dutch Plumberjack

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Zarude's great Speed alongside U-turn allows it to be an excellent pivot and revenge killer. Its Speed allows enables it to outspeed common Pokemon such as Nihilego and Thundurus-T, and its good bulk and defensive typing allow let it to (repetition) check many dangerous threats such as Crawdaunt and Krookodile. The ability to heal status conditions and HP with Jungle Healing can allow Zarude to consistently pivot around defensive Pokemon such as Seismitoad and Mew. However, it often struggles to break defensive Pokemon, such as Celesteela, Buzzwole, and Salamence, due to them resisting Power Whip and taking minimal damage from Darkest Lariat. Zarude also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, potentially having to give up an important coverage move or being unable the ability to heal off status conditions. Also, many teams run many Pokemon with a Grass-type resistance such as Scizor, Tangrowth, and Moltres, leaving Zarude with limited opportunities to click its strongest STAB attack. If it is running Choice Scarf, Zarude can risk being locked into an undesirable move, losing momentum. Flame Body from Moltres and Rocky Helmet from Amoonguss and Tangrowth can punish U-turn, forcing momentum to be sacrificed to use Jungle Healing. (AP)

[SET]
name: Heavy-Duty Boots
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Jungle Healing
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Jungle Healing allows Zarude to remove status conditions from moves such as Toxic from Aegislash and Will-O-Wisp from Rotom-W and Mew (RC) while restoring 25% of its health. Rock Slide is an alternative option to hit Moltres and Salamence. U-turn grabs momentum on usual switch-ins such as Celesteela and Salamence. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zarude to not worry about entry hazards, letting it constantly pivot throughout the game. Jolly is the required nature on the set so that Zarude can outspeed Nihilego and Salamence.

Heavy-Duty Boots Zarude is seen on balance and bulky offense due to the easy pivoting provided by Heavy-Duty Boots and its ability to act as a status sponge against Toxic from Aegislash and Will-O-Wisp from Mew and Rotom-W. Rotom-H and Rotom-W both deal with Scizor, Mamoswine, and Nidoqueen, with Rotom-H also dealing with taking on (also repetition) Tangrowth and Celesteela and Rotom-W checking Salamence. Buzzwole can pivot into U-turn from Scizor, and punish it with potential Rocky Helmet damage. Zarude appreciates teammates that can outspeed Pokemon faster than it such as Thundurus, Keldeo, and Lycanroc-D, so Noivern and Azelf can help (RC) while also dealing with physical walls such as Buzzwole and Amoonguss. Primarina, Nidoqueen, and Chandelure are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude using U-turn bringing them in on Kommo-o, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss, as they often have trouble switching in safely due to their low Speed and frailty, with Zarude bringing them in on Kommo-o, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss. Entry hazard setters such as Rhyperior and Nihilego can soften up Pokemon like Tangrowth with Stealth Rock so that Zarude can deal more damage as it pivots around. The hazard setters appreciate Zarude dealing with Water-types such as Rotom-W, while Zarude appreciates them dealing with Moltres and Salamence.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Darkest Lariat
move 3: Jungle Healing / Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Leaf Guard
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Zarude's high Speed allows it to be a great user of Choice Scarf that can revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo and Thundurus in addition to boosted sweepers such as Gyarados and Dragon Dance Necrozma. Power Whip OHKOes Lycanroc-D and Keldeo. Darkest Lariat is Zarude's strongest Dark-type STAB move and can hit Jirachi and Aegislash for good damage. Jungle Healing can get rid of status conditions such as a burn from Moltres's Flame Body and Scald burns from or Gastrodon and Seismitoad's Scald (RC) while regaining HP so that Zarude can be used long term in the long run in a battle, (AC) but it is not ideal to lock into. Rock Slide allows Zarude to OHKO Moltres while also dealing good damage to Salamence. Close Combat allows Zarude to hit hits other targets such as Cobalion that would not take much damage from its other moves. However, Cobalion is not very common, so Close Combat isn't common either. U-turn allows Zarude to pivot out on potential switch-ins such as Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Kommo-o, allowing it to gain momentum.

Choice Scarf Zarude is an excellent pivot and revenge killer on bulky offense. It appreciates additional pivots such as Mienshao, Rotom-W, and Scizor that can form VoltTurn cores and pivot out of unfavorable matchups. For example, Mienshao can pivot bring (repetition) Zarude in on Psychic-types such as Reuniclus and Galarian Slowbro. Entry hazard control allows Zarude to consistently pivot without worrying about hazard damage. Defog support from Rotom-H, Moltres, and Salamence is appreciated, and they can also check strong wallbreakers such as Mienshao, Scizor, and Kommo-o while keeping hazards off. Chandelure and Thundurus are wallbreakers that appreciate Zarude's pivot support and its ability to check Pokemon such as Rhyperior, with the wallbreakers KOing Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Scizor, and Celesteela in return. Nidoqueen is an entry hazard setter that appreciates Zarude dealing with revenge killers like Keldeo, Starmie, and Azelf for it while Nidoqueen can set Stealth Rock in return and also help deal with Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth. Primarina and Sylveon can help deal with some of Zarude's checks such as Salamence and Buzzwole, with Sylveon potentially also luring in Scizor and removing it with Mystical Fire.

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

Choice Band allows Zarude to function as a powerful wallbreaker. However, the lack of Speed from Choice Scarf and increased prediction-reliance (AH) are problematic, and it still struggles to break through Buzzwole, Kommo-o, and Salamence. A Bulk Up set with Jungle Healing, Power Whip, and Darkest Lariat allows Zarude to deal heavy damage and potentially tank super effective hits. However, it has no room for any coverage moves, so it is still not capable of breaking through checks like Tangrowth and Buzzwole. Psychic Seed alongside Bulk Up + Synthesis on Psychic Terrain teams allows it to be a fantastic Krookodile counter, greatly benefiting its teammates by allowing them to spam their Psychic-type moves more easily. Zarude can also become a better set up setup sweeper by taking hits from Salamence and Tangrowth more easily. Taunt is an option that can completely shut down Chansey's recovery and prevent Roost from Salamence, but Zarude would have to give up Jungle Healing or valuable coverage. Encore on Choice Scarf sets can be used to punish setup sweepers such as Galarian Moltres and Dragon Dance Salamence so that a teammate such as Mamoswine can safely switch in and threaten them. However, it is very situational, (AC) and Zarude is forced to switch afterwards.

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

**Fast U-turn Users**: Faster Pokemon such as Noivern and Choice Scarf Mienshao are able to put Zarude in a tough spot. It either has to take heavy damage from U-turn, or switch out, meaning that Noivern and Mienshao can pivot freely.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth take little damage from Zarude's STAB attacks, while Tapu Bulu resists both. Amoonguss and Tangrowth can threaten Zarude out with Sludge Bomb, with Tapu Bulu threatening it out with Close Combat (RC) or setting up on it with Swords Dance.

**Flying-types**: Salamence, Moltres, and Galarian Moltres can switch into Zarude's attacks easily. Salamence can weaken Zarude's hits with Intimidate, Moltres can threaten a burn with Flame Body, and Galarian Moltres resists both STAB attacks. They all must watch out for Rock Slide, though.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types can often check Zarude, due to the Grass-type resistance and good bulk. Scizor can pivot easily with U-turn and Celesteela can potentially set up on Zarude with Autotomize.

**Physical Walls**: Kommo-o, Buzzwole, and Salamence all take minimal damage from Zarude's STAB attacks, with the former two resisting both. They can all retaliate back with their STAB moves.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UrAverageHuman, 524894]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [Twilight, 344575], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Lilburr, 481709], [username2, userid2]]