UberSkitty
Assist Skitty was banned from NatDex Ubers
uploaded -zard
QC: Yogurt / Megazard / Tone
GP: A Cake Wearing A Hat / The Dutch Plumberjack
[OVERVIEW]
Zebstrika stands out among Electric-types thanks to its amazing Speed tier, which allows it to outspeed almost all of the unboosted metagame, most notably Archeops, and serve as a nice revenge killer and late-game cleaner. It also has two great abilities in Sap Sipper and Lightning Rod, allowing it to switch into Grass-types like Lilligant and Volt Switch users like Manectric. Sadly, Zebstrika’s Special Attack can be pretty underwhelming even with a Life Orb, and it often can be easily checked by common threats such as Lanturn, which also stops its Volt Switch. Due in part to its mediocre bulk, Zebstrika can be easily chipped through priority, hazards, and its own Life Orb recoil, making it fear Choice Scarf and priority users. Lastly, it still gets competition from other Electric-types that can provide more offensive pressure. Alolan Raichu and Manectric are notable Electric-types in this category due to their unique niches: Alolan Raichu has a secondary Psychic typing and access to Nasty Plot, whereas Manectric has access to Switcheroo; however, Zebstrika still manages to maintain its niche with its high Speed and access to multiple useful abilities.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Overheat
move 4: Hidden Power Grass
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper / Lightning Rod
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is a strong and reliable STAB attack. Volt Switch gains momentum and allows Zebstrika to switch out while still dealing a decent amount of damage. It can also be used against certain switch-ins such as Audino and Clefairy to gain a better matchup. Overheat hits Grass-types such as Lilligant, Ferroseed, Torterra, and Abomasnow at the cost of also lowering Zebstrika’s Special Attack by two stages after use. Hidden Power Grass allows Zebstrika to chip Lanturn and the Ground-types that can switch in on its Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, such as Gastrodon and Golem. Hidden Power Ice is another option that supplies coverage for most Ground-types and also hits Dragon-types such as Drampa and Alolan Exeggutor, but it loses out on 2HKOing certain Ground-types such as the previously mentioned Gastrodon and Golem.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Special Attack with a Life Orb allow Zebstrika to hit as hard as possible at the cost of taking some recoil. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Zebstrika to serve as an offensive check to Pokemon such as Archeops, +2 Carracosta, and Floatzel, although it should watch out for Aqua Jet from the latter two. Sap Sipper is the preferred ability, as it makes Zebstrika immune to Lilligant’s Sleep Powder, Ferroseed and Gourgeist-XL’s Leech Seed, and any offensive Grass-type moves from Pokemon such as Abomasnow, Ludicolo, and the previously mentioned Lilligant. The other choice is Lightning Rod, which gives Zebstrika an Electric immunity, allowing it to stop other Volt Switch users like Manectric and obtain a Special Attack boost in the process.
Usage Tips
========
Zebstrika is most effective when brought in against a weakened foe to finish it off, and it can also be used as a late-game cleaner thanks to its high Speed. The best way to bring Zebstrika onto the field is with a slow pivot or after a teammate has been KOed, since it usually doesn't want to be brought out to take a hit due to its noticeable frality. However, Zebstrika can be brought into Grass- or Electric-type Pokemon depending on its ability. This includes Pokemon such as Lilligant and Ferroseed if Zebstrika is using Sap Sipper and Pokemon such as Oricorio-E and Manectric if Zebstrika is using Lightning Rod. Volt Switch can be used to gain momentum and avoid mind games. It can also be used to simply get Zebstrika off the field to bring in a wallbreaker or setup sweeper safely. However, if Volt Switch seems to be the obvious play, be wary of opposing Pokemon that are immune to Volt Switch. If the opponent has one of these Pokemon, it is best to just switch out or use one of Zebstrika's coverage moves.
Team Options
========
Zebstrika works well on offensive teams lacking fast Pokemon. It appreciates wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Stoutland that weaken foes such as Drampa and Ferroseed and put them in range for Zebstrika to revenge kill them. They also take out the specially defensive Pokemon that otherwise wall Zebstrika, such as Clefairy and Audino. Water-types such as Floatzel and Gastrodon can check the Ground-types that often give Zebstrika trouble, such as Palossand and Golurk. In return, Zebstrika serves as a Grass-type switch-in thanks to its Sap Sipper ability. Grass-types such as Lilligant and Alolan Exeggutor and Ice-types such as Jynx can also deal with Ground-types. Furthermore, Grass-types have a good matchup against Lanturn, and Ice-types can handle Dragon-types. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Regirock is useful for wearing opposing Pokemon down before Zebstrika comes in to KO. Slow pivots such as Probopass are able to take a hit before getting Zebstrika onto the field without having to sacrifice a teammate, and they also form a VoltTurn core. Mesprit can provide hazards, a Ground-type immunity, and a decently slow U-turn, along with Healing Wish to restore Zebstrika’s HP once per battle. Hazard removal from Pokemon such as Skuntank and Hitmonchan allows Zebstrika to more frequently switch in and out without having to worry about taking the extra chip damage. Swanna is is another great option due to being able to Defog and check Ground-types while Lightning Rod Zebstrika checks Electric-types for Swanna.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Specs can be used to further increase Zebstrika’s power, but Zebstrika often depends on switching between its coverage moves, so it does not appreciate being locked into one move. Magnet boosts Zebstrika’s Electric-type attacks without inflicting chip damage, but it leaves the rest of Zebstrika's moves much weaker. Breakneck Blitz coming from Hyper Beam nukes many Ground-types that Zebstrika has trouble with, but, again, Zebstrika's other attacks are noticeably weaker without the Life Orb boost. Me First can be used to allow Zebstrika to use moves before the opponent can such as Drampa’s Draco Meteor, but it is extremely situational and otherwise useless. Toxic allows Zebstrika to lure and cripple walls such as Cradily and non-Heal Bell Lanturn, but it leaves Zebstrika with much less offensive pressure in its coverage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Zebstrika is easily walled by many specially defensive Pokemon such as Eelektross, Audino, Clefairy, and Cradily, all of which can whittle it down in return. Lanturn is especially good at this due to having an Electric immunity, taking little from Zebstrika’s Hidden Power Grass, and providing offensive pressure.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Golurk and Palossand are immune to Zebstrika’s STAB attacks and can OHKO it in return with their STAB Ground-type moves. However, certain Ground-types such as Gastrodon and Torterra fear switching in on Zebstrika’s coverage moves.
**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon that outspeed Zebstrika such as Choice Scarf Primeape and Pyroar can easily revenge kill it due to its mediocre bulk. Similarly, priority users such as Skuntank, Gurdurr, and Kangaskhan can also threaten Zebstrika.
**Chip Damage**: Throughout the game, Zebstrika can be easily whittled down, making it much easier to revenge kill. Sources of chip damage include Life Orb recoil, entry hazards such as Mesprit’s Stealth Rock, Ferroseed’s Spikes and Stealth Rock, and Weezing's Toxic Spikes, and status conditions such as burns from Sableye and Toxic poison from Regirock.
QC: Yogurt / Megazard / Tone
GP: A Cake Wearing A Hat / The Dutch Plumberjack
[OVERVIEW]
Zebstrika stands out among Electric-types thanks to its amazing Speed tier, which allows it to outspeed almost all of the unboosted metagame, most notably Archeops, and serve as a nice revenge killer and late-game cleaner. It also has two great abilities in Sap Sipper and Lightning Rod, allowing it to switch into Grass-types like Lilligant and Volt Switch users like Manectric. Sadly, Zebstrika’s Special Attack can be pretty underwhelming even with a Life Orb, and it often can be easily checked by common threats such as Lanturn, which also stops its Volt Switch. Due in part to its mediocre bulk, Zebstrika can be easily chipped through priority, hazards, and its own Life Orb recoil, making it fear Choice Scarf and priority users. Lastly, it still gets competition from other Electric-types that can provide more offensive pressure. Alolan Raichu and Manectric are notable Electric-types in this category due to their unique niches: Alolan Raichu has a secondary Psychic typing and access to Nasty Plot, whereas Manectric has access to Switcheroo; however, Zebstrika still manages to maintain its niche with its high Speed and access to multiple useful abilities.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Overheat
move 4: Hidden Power Grass
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper / Lightning Rod
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is a strong and reliable STAB attack. Volt Switch gains momentum and allows Zebstrika to switch out while still dealing a decent amount of damage. It can also be used against certain switch-ins such as Audino and Clefairy to gain a better matchup. Overheat hits Grass-types such as Lilligant, Ferroseed, Torterra, and Abomasnow at the cost of also lowering Zebstrika’s Special Attack by two stages after use. Hidden Power Grass allows Zebstrika to chip Lanturn and the Ground-types that can switch in on its Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, such as Gastrodon and Golem. Hidden Power Ice is another option that supplies coverage for most Ground-types and also hits Dragon-types such as Drampa and Alolan Exeggutor, but it loses out on 2HKOing certain Ground-types such as the previously mentioned Gastrodon and Golem.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Special Attack with a Life Orb allow Zebstrika to hit as hard as possible at the cost of taking some recoil. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Zebstrika to serve as an offensive check to Pokemon such as Archeops, +2 Carracosta, and Floatzel, although it should watch out for Aqua Jet from the latter two. Sap Sipper is the preferred ability, as it makes Zebstrika immune to Lilligant’s Sleep Powder, Ferroseed and Gourgeist-XL’s Leech Seed, and any offensive Grass-type moves from Pokemon such as Abomasnow, Ludicolo, and the previously mentioned Lilligant. The other choice is Lightning Rod, which gives Zebstrika an Electric immunity, allowing it to stop other Volt Switch users like Manectric and obtain a Special Attack boost in the process.
Usage Tips
========
Zebstrika is most effective when brought in against a weakened foe to finish it off, and it can also be used as a late-game cleaner thanks to its high Speed. The best way to bring Zebstrika onto the field is with a slow pivot or after a teammate has been KOed, since it usually doesn't want to be brought out to take a hit due to its noticeable frality. However, Zebstrika can be brought into Grass- or Electric-type Pokemon depending on its ability. This includes Pokemon such as Lilligant and Ferroseed if Zebstrika is using Sap Sipper and Pokemon such as Oricorio-E and Manectric if Zebstrika is using Lightning Rod. Volt Switch can be used to gain momentum and avoid mind games. It can also be used to simply get Zebstrika off the field to bring in a wallbreaker or setup sweeper safely. However, if Volt Switch seems to be the obvious play, be wary of opposing Pokemon that are immune to Volt Switch. If the opponent has one of these Pokemon, it is best to just switch out or use one of Zebstrika's coverage moves.
Team Options
========
Zebstrika works well on offensive teams lacking fast Pokemon. It appreciates wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Stoutland that weaken foes such as Drampa and Ferroseed and put them in range for Zebstrika to revenge kill them. They also take out the specially defensive Pokemon that otherwise wall Zebstrika, such as Clefairy and Audino. Water-types such as Floatzel and Gastrodon can check the Ground-types that often give Zebstrika trouble, such as Palossand and Golurk. In return, Zebstrika serves as a Grass-type switch-in thanks to its Sap Sipper ability. Grass-types such as Lilligant and Alolan Exeggutor and Ice-types such as Jynx can also deal with Ground-types. Furthermore, Grass-types have a good matchup against Lanturn, and Ice-types can handle Dragon-types. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Regirock is useful for wearing opposing Pokemon down before Zebstrika comes in to KO. Slow pivots such as Probopass are able to take a hit before getting Zebstrika onto the field without having to sacrifice a teammate, and they also form a VoltTurn core. Mesprit can provide hazards, a Ground-type immunity, and a decently slow U-turn, along with Healing Wish to restore Zebstrika’s HP once per battle. Hazard removal from Pokemon such as Skuntank and Hitmonchan allows Zebstrika to more frequently switch in and out without having to worry about taking the extra chip damage. Swanna is is another great option due to being able to Defog and check Ground-types while Lightning Rod Zebstrika checks Electric-types for Swanna.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Specs can be used to further increase Zebstrika’s power, but Zebstrika often depends on switching between its coverage moves, so it does not appreciate being locked into one move. Magnet boosts Zebstrika’s Electric-type attacks without inflicting chip damage, but it leaves the rest of Zebstrika's moves much weaker. Breakneck Blitz coming from Hyper Beam nukes many Ground-types that Zebstrika has trouble with, but, again, Zebstrika's other attacks are noticeably weaker without the Life Orb boost. Me First can be used to allow Zebstrika to use moves before the opponent can such as Drampa’s Draco Meteor, but it is extremely situational and otherwise useless. Toxic allows Zebstrika to lure and cripple walls such as Cradily and non-Heal Bell Lanturn, but it leaves Zebstrika with much less offensive pressure in its coverage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Zebstrika is easily walled by many specially defensive Pokemon such as Eelektross, Audino, Clefairy, and Cradily, all of which can whittle it down in return. Lanturn is especially good at this due to having an Electric immunity, taking little from Zebstrika’s Hidden Power Grass, and providing offensive pressure.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Golurk and Palossand are immune to Zebstrika’s STAB attacks and can OHKO it in return with their STAB Ground-type moves. However, certain Ground-types such as Gastrodon and Torterra fear switching in on Zebstrika’s coverage moves.
**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon that outspeed Zebstrika such as Choice Scarf Primeape and Pyroar can easily revenge kill it due to its mediocre bulk. Similarly, priority users such as Skuntank, Gurdurr, and Kangaskhan can also threaten Zebstrika.
**Chip Damage**: Throughout the game, Zebstrika can be easily whittled down, making it much easier to revenge kill. Sources of chip damage include Life Orb recoil, entry hazards such as Mesprit’s Stealth Rock, Ferroseed’s Spikes and Stealth Rock, and Weezing's Toxic Spikes, and status conditions such as burns from Sableye and Toxic poison from Regirock.
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