shrang
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Hi all, this is a topic discussing possible NFEs that could be used in the UU tier to good effect. I've used some while playing NU, but I think it would be possible to abuse them further in at least UU.
This is a topic that can involve quite a bit of theorymon, but it should promote discussion. As we know there are some "Not Fully Evolved" Pokemon that can be quite successful outside the Official NFE tier, or simply too powerful for it, or just a completely different Pokemon. These are:
-Chansey (Special wall in UU)
-Clamperl (Special sweeper under Trick Room, using Deepseatooth)
-Magneton (Steel trapper)
-Pikachu (Light Ball)
-Porygon2 (Defensive, offensive)
-Scyther (Physical sweeper)
-Trapinch (Trapper, outclassed by Dugtrio)
-Vigoroth (Different to Slaking)
-Wynaut (Uber)
We also have two NFEs that are seen consistently on the UU ladder, and these are Hippopotas and Snover, because of their ability to set up permanent weather.
However, after looking through the NFE tier, I saw a number of Pokemon that could be used in UU, for all sorts of roles. These Pokemon were what I felt could be used (Pokemon with question marks I don't have much hope for at all though):
-Dragonair
-Dusclops (Largely outclassed by Spiritomb)
-Electabuzz
-Gabite
-Gligar
-Haunter
-Kadabra (Outclassed by Alakazam)
-Magmar (Faster than Magmortar)
-Metang ?
-Monferno
-Munchlax
-Murkrow ?
-Pilowswine ?
-Rhydon (Outclassed by Rhyperior)
-Shelgon ?
-Sneasel
Tested sets that have been remotely effective:
Dragonair:
Dragonair has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/dragonair
1. Dragon Dancer
Dragonair @ Life Orb
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe
Nature Adamant/Jolly
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage/Dragon Rush
- Waterfall/Extremespeed
- Extremespeed/Rest
I haven't tested this set, but I know others have used to to some good effect. DD allows Dragonair to reach 439 Attack and 358 Speed using an Adamant nature, but Jolly can be used if one wants wants to outspeed Swellow after a DD. Outrage is incredibly powerful after a DD, while Waterfall provides excellent coverage alongside Outrage (albeit unSTAB'd). The final spot is up to the user, Rest to play with lady luck and possibly waking up early due to Shed Skin, but Extremespeed is also an option to pick off priority users (Especially Ambipom if you choose a Jolly nature). Dragonair is incredibly frail, so be wary of that.
2. Mixed Attacker
Dragonair @ Life Orb
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 64 Atk/252 SpA/192 Spe (Suggested by Garganator)
Nature: Mild
- Draco Meteor
- Outrage
- Fire Blast
- Extremespeed/Hidden Power Ground
Pretty much the UU MixMence, albeit very, very frail. Draco Meteor dents anything that doesn't resist it (Apart from Chansey). Outrage is to score a clean 2HKO on non-Steel Pokemon that aren't very physically defensive. DM+Outrage can finish off a lot of slower Pokemon. Fire Blast 2HKOs Registeel with a layer of Spikes. Extremespeed can revenge fast, frail sweepers when it needs to (Like Alakazam), but HP Ground allows you to hit Aggron for Super Effective damage.
Gabite:
Gabite has a C&C page here: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66479
Viable sets: Physical Attacker, Choice Scarf
Comments: Pretty straight-forward to run. Outrage/EQ has perfect coverage in UU, so a CB boosted STAB attack WILL hurt. Base 82 Speed trolls a lot of Pokemon like Venusaur too.
Gligar
Gligar has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/gligar
Viable sets: Baton Passer, Lead, Defensive, Choice (o_0), SD
Comments: Like Gliscor, Gligar do everything, heh.
Golbat:
(Sorry, just want to creep you out with this sprite)
Golbat has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/golbat
1. Nasty Plot
Golbat @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Timid
-Nasty Plot
-Air Slash
-Heat Wave
-Roost/Hidden Power Ground
You might be thinking, "lolwut?!", but this thing can actually be quite worth using. While you might be drawn to its terrible Base 65 Special Attack stat, it is good enough to use Nasty Plot with. 229 Special Attack isn't very flashy, but after a Nasty Plot, that 229 Special Attack suddenly becomes 458, which is a whole lot more threatening. Golbat's defenses aren't the best, but they aren't terrible either (75/70/70 are usable, considering his good resistances). Poison/Flying is actually quite a good defensive typing (albeit the Stealth Rock weakness), boasting a resistance to both of Venusaur's STAB while not being Registeel is pretty fantastic (If you can avoid Sleep Powder, it is a great check to Venusaur). It can also switch into Close Combats fired by Hitmonlee and stuff with its 4x resistance to Fighting.
Golbat isn't lacking in the Speed department either, Base 90 is tieing with Moltres. Onto the attacks, Air Slash is for STAB, and Heat Wave provides pretty good coverage alongside it. Roost for recovery and Sucker Punch dodging, but Hidden Power Ground lets you hit stuff like Aggron.
2. Brave Bat
Golbat @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
-Brave Bird
-U-Turn/Hypnosis/Super Fang
-Taunt
-Roost
Number 2 on the list, but certainly not in terms of viability. Pretty much a Crobat-lite, this thing can dent things, scout, Taunt, and pretty much do everything. Base 80 Attack may not look like much, but LO Brave Bird still hurts quite a lot. U-Turn allows you to scout, Hypnosis is meh, but Super Fang can soften walls for you. Taunt + Super Fang pretty much destroys shit like Registeel and Chansey. I don't think I have to go over Crobat's resistances and ok defenses again, right??
Haunter:
HAUNTHAUNTHAUNT
1. Life Orb
Haunter @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Hasty
-Shadow Ball
-Thunderbolt
-Sludge Bomb/Hidden Power Ground/Explosion
-Substitute/Hypnosis
Haunter has an analysis up now: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/haunter
Slower than Mismagius, but more powerful with Hypnosis and Explosion. Is a great lure for stuff like Chansey and blowing up on it. Thunderbolt 2HKOs Milotic, while Hypnosis can be used to dodge Sucker Punches. Sludge Bomb is a great secondary STAB, while HP Ground does a lot of damage to Drapion and Skuntank.
Machoke:
lol boobjiggle
Machoke has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/machoke
Viable sets: Anti-lead
Comments: Eh, haven't test this much, but it's a good anti-lead since it can DYNAMICPUNCH. That's about it, really.
Metang:
Metang has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/metang
1. Lead
Metang @ Focus Sash
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/4 SpD, IVs: 0 Spe
Nature: Brave
-Gyro Ball/Meteor Mash
-Bullet Punch
-Explosion/Earthquake
-Stealth Rock
Nothing but a reliable Stealth Rock layer, and those who try to Taunt (Ambipom) gets hurt pretty badly by Gyro Ball. Bullet Punch to take out Focus Sash leads (Froslass era, but eh), Explosion to take out nasty threats like Moltres.
Monferno:
Monferno has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/monferno
1. Nasty Plot MixApe
Monferno @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Naive
-Nasty Plot
-Fire Blast
-Grass Knot
-Close Combat
Probably one of the coolest Stallbreakers around. Cuts through MiloSteel + Chansey like butter, and it's not all THAT difficult to get the +2 (Bring it into Chansey or something and force it out), although Dual Screens is recommended. After an NP, Fire Blast OHKOs Registeel, Grass Knot OHKOs Milotic after SR and CC OHKOs Chansey after SR as well. Base 81 Speed means stuff like Venusaur are outsped and OHKO'd before they can do a thing. Just play it like Infernape and it'll be happy.
Murkrow:
Murkrow has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/murkrow
1. Life Orb
Murkrow @ Life Orb
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 252 Atk/4 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Hasty/Naive
-Brave Bird
-Hidden Power Grass
-Sucker Punch
-Heat Wave
Props to Overhazard for this set, and props to Alchemator for writing it up.
Piloswine:
Piloswine has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/piloswine
Shelgon:
Shelgon has an analysis up <3 (He's like my little baby): http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/shelgon
1. Dragon Dancer
Shelgon @ Life Orb/Leftovers
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 28 HP/252 Atk/228 Spe
Nature: Adamant/Jolly
-Dragon Dance
-Outrage
-Brick Break
-Dragon Claw/Substitute
Boasts the strongest Outrage in the UU metagame, but poor Speed lets it down. Outrage + Brick Break 2HKOs everything after a DD. Dragon Claw is so you don't have to lock yourself in early, but Sub can prevent status and a potential revenge kill. Give it some paralysis support and it'll be happy.
2. Wish Passer
Shelgon @ Leftovers
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 HP/4 Atk/252 Def
Nature: Impish
-Wish
-Protect
-Dragon Claw
-Roar/Toxic/Brick Break
Simple Wish-passing set, but is quite effective. Can survive a myriad of physical assaults like +2 Absol's Night Slash, Head Smash from Aggron, Facade from Swellow and so on.
Sneasel:
Sneasel has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/sneasel
Viable sets: Revenge Killer (Choice Band), Anti-Lead (Not so awesome since Froslass is banned), SD (o_0)
Comments: Great Pokemon whose viability dipped a little since Froslass got banned, which is a shame. CB is still pretty good though.
Tangela:
Tangela has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/tangela
1. Sunny Day Sweeper
Tangela @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Timid
-Solarbeam/Energy Ball
-Ancientpower
-Sleep Powder
-Hidden Power Fire/Hidden Power Ground/Synthesis/Sunny Day
Unlike Tangrowth, Tangela gets base 60 Speed, which means after a Chlorophyll boost, it outspeeds Scarf 95s!! It's got good Special Attack, and Base 115 Defense isn't shabby either. With max speed, it can outspeed neutral base 70s before a boost.
So, there we have some NFEs that can have some potential in the UU metagame. Try some yourself, and post here if you find some good results, or confirm that some just don't work. If you theorymon up something, please raise it up so I can consider testing it. If you have a good experience with using an NFE in UU, go right ahead and share it with us!!
Hi all, this is a topic discussing possible NFEs that could be used in the UU tier to good effect. I've used some while playing NU, but I think it would be possible to abuse them further in at least UU.
This is a topic that can involve quite a bit of theorymon, but it should promote discussion. As we know there are some "Not Fully Evolved" Pokemon that can be quite successful outside the Official NFE tier, or simply too powerful for it, or just a completely different Pokemon. These are:
-Chansey (Special wall in UU)
-Clamperl (Special sweeper under Trick Room, using Deepseatooth)
-Magneton (Steel trapper)
-Pikachu (Light Ball)
-Porygon2 (Defensive, offensive)
-Scyther (Physical sweeper)
-Trapinch (Trapper, outclassed by Dugtrio)
-Vigoroth (Different to Slaking)
-Wynaut (Uber)
We also have two NFEs that are seen consistently on the UU ladder, and these are Hippopotas and Snover, because of their ability to set up permanent weather.
However, after looking through the NFE tier, I saw a number of Pokemon that could be used in UU, for all sorts of roles. These Pokemon were what I felt could be used (Pokemon with question marks I don't have much hope for at all though):
-Dragonair
-Dusclops (Largely outclassed by Spiritomb)
-Electabuzz
-Gabite
-Gligar
-Haunter
-Kadabra (Outclassed by Alakazam)
-Magmar (Faster than Magmortar)
-Metang ?
-Monferno
-Munchlax
-Murkrow ?
-Pilowswine ?
-Rhydon (Outclassed by Rhyperior)
-Shelgon ?
-Sneasel
Tested sets that have been remotely effective:
Dragonair:
Dragonair has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/dragonair
1. Dragon Dancer
Dragonair @ Life Orb
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe
Nature Adamant/Jolly
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage/Dragon Rush
- Waterfall/Extremespeed
- Extremespeed/Rest
I haven't tested this set, but I know others have used to to some good effect. DD allows Dragonair to reach 439 Attack and 358 Speed using an Adamant nature, but Jolly can be used if one wants wants to outspeed Swellow after a DD. Outrage is incredibly powerful after a DD, while Waterfall provides excellent coverage alongside Outrage (albeit unSTAB'd). The final spot is up to the user, Rest to play with lady luck and possibly waking up early due to Shed Skin, but Extremespeed is also an option to pick off priority users (Especially Ambipom if you choose a Jolly nature). Dragonair is incredibly frail, so be wary of that.
2. Mixed Attacker
Dragonair @ Life Orb
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 64 Atk/252 SpA/192 Spe (Suggested by Garganator)
Nature: Mild
- Draco Meteor
- Outrage
- Fire Blast
- Extremespeed/Hidden Power Ground
Pretty much the UU MixMence, albeit very, very frail. Draco Meteor dents anything that doesn't resist it (Apart from Chansey). Outrage is to score a clean 2HKO on non-Steel Pokemon that aren't very physically defensive. DM+Outrage can finish off a lot of slower Pokemon. Fire Blast 2HKOs Registeel with a layer of Spikes. Extremespeed can revenge fast, frail sweepers when it needs to (Like Alakazam), but HP Ground allows you to hit Aggron for Super Effective damage.
Gabite:
Gabite has a C&C page here: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66479
Viable sets: Physical Attacker, Choice Scarf
Comments: Pretty straight-forward to run. Outrage/EQ has perfect coverage in UU, so a CB boosted STAB attack WILL hurt. Base 82 Speed trolls a lot of Pokemon like Venusaur too.
Gligar
Gligar has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/gligar
Viable sets: Baton Passer, Lead, Defensive, Choice (o_0), SD
Comments: Like Gliscor, Gligar do everything, heh.
Golbat:
Golbat has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/golbat
1. Nasty Plot
Golbat @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Timid
-Nasty Plot
-Air Slash
-Heat Wave
-Roost/Hidden Power Ground
You might be thinking, "lolwut?!", but this thing can actually be quite worth using. While you might be drawn to its terrible Base 65 Special Attack stat, it is good enough to use Nasty Plot with. 229 Special Attack isn't very flashy, but after a Nasty Plot, that 229 Special Attack suddenly becomes 458, which is a whole lot more threatening. Golbat's defenses aren't the best, but they aren't terrible either (75/70/70 are usable, considering his good resistances). Poison/Flying is actually quite a good defensive typing (albeit the Stealth Rock weakness), boasting a resistance to both of Venusaur's STAB while not being Registeel is pretty fantastic (If you can avoid Sleep Powder, it is a great check to Venusaur). It can also switch into Close Combats fired by Hitmonlee and stuff with its 4x resistance to Fighting.
Golbat isn't lacking in the Speed department either, Base 90 is tieing with Moltres. Onto the attacks, Air Slash is for STAB, and Heat Wave provides pretty good coverage alongside it. Roost for recovery and Sucker Punch dodging, but Hidden Power Ground lets you hit stuff like Aggron.
2. Brave Bat
Golbat @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
-Brave Bird
-U-Turn/Hypnosis/Super Fang
-Taunt
-Roost
Number 2 on the list, but certainly not in terms of viability. Pretty much a Crobat-lite, this thing can dent things, scout, Taunt, and pretty much do everything. Base 80 Attack may not look like much, but LO Brave Bird still hurts quite a lot. U-Turn allows you to scout, Hypnosis is meh, but Super Fang can soften walls for you. Taunt + Super Fang pretty much destroys shit like Registeel and Chansey. I don't think I have to go over Crobat's resistances and ok defenses again, right??
Haunter:
1. Life Orb
Haunter @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Hasty
-Shadow Ball
-Thunderbolt
-Sludge Bomb/Hidden Power Ground/Explosion
-Substitute/Hypnosis
Haunter has an analysis up now: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/haunter
Slower than Mismagius, but more powerful with Hypnosis and Explosion. Is a great lure for stuff like Chansey and blowing up on it. Thunderbolt 2HKOs Milotic, while Hypnosis can be used to dodge Sucker Punches. Sludge Bomb is a great secondary STAB, while HP Ground does a lot of damage to Drapion and Skuntank.
Machoke:
Machoke has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/machoke
Viable sets: Anti-lead
Comments: Eh, haven't test this much, but it's a good anti-lead since it can DYNAMICPUNCH. That's about it, really.
Metang:
Metang has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/metang
1. Lead
Metang @ Focus Sash
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/4 SpD, IVs: 0 Spe
Nature: Brave
-Gyro Ball/Meteor Mash
-Bullet Punch
-Explosion/Earthquake
-Stealth Rock
Nothing but a reliable Stealth Rock layer, and those who try to Taunt (Ambipom) gets hurt pretty badly by Gyro Ball. Bullet Punch to take out Focus Sash leads (Froslass era, but eh), Explosion to take out nasty threats like Moltres.
Monferno:
Monferno has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/monferno
1. Nasty Plot MixApe
Monferno @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Naive
-Nasty Plot
-Fire Blast
-Grass Knot
-Close Combat
Probably one of the coolest Stallbreakers around. Cuts through MiloSteel + Chansey like butter, and it's not all THAT difficult to get the +2 (Bring it into Chansey or something and force it out), although Dual Screens is recommended. After an NP, Fire Blast OHKOs Registeel, Grass Knot OHKOs Milotic after SR and CC OHKOs Chansey after SR as well. Base 81 Speed means stuff like Venusaur are outsped and OHKO'd before they can do a thing. Just play it like Infernape and it'll be happy.
Murkrow:
Murkrow has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/murkrow
1. Life Orb
Murkrow @ Life Orb
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 252 Atk/4 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Hasty/Naive
-Brave Bird
-Hidden Power Grass
-Sucker Punch
-Heat Wave
Props to Overhazard for this set, and props to Alchemator for writing it up.
Piloswine:
Piloswine has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/piloswine
Shelgon:
Shelgon has an analysis up <3 (He's like my little baby): http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/shelgon
1. Dragon Dancer
Shelgon @ Life Orb/Leftovers
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 28 HP/252 Atk/228 Spe
Nature: Adamant/Jolly
-Dragon Dance
-Outrage
-Brick Break
-Dragon Claw/Substitute
Boasts the strongest Outrage in the UU metagame, but poor Speed lets it down. Outrage + Brick Break 2HKOs everything after a DD. Dragon Claw is so you don't have to lock yourself in early, but Sub can prevent status and a potential revenge kill. Give it some paralysis support and it'll be happy.
2. Wish Passer
Shelgon @ Leftovers
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 HP/4 Atk/252 Def
Nature: Impish
-Wish
-Protect
-Dragon Claw
-Roar/Toxic/Brick Break
Simple Wish-passing set, but is quite effective. Can survive a myriad of physical assaults like +2 Absol's Night Slash, Head Smash from Aggron, Facade from Swellow and so on.
Sneasel:
Sneasel has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/sneasel
Viable sets: Revenge Killer (Choice Band), Anti-Lead (Not so awesome since Froslass is banned), SD (o_0)
Comments: Great Pokemon whose viability dipped a little since Froslass got banned, which is a shame. CB is still pretty good though.
Tangela:
Tangela has an analysis up: http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/tangela
1. Sunny Day Sweeper
Tangela @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Nature: Timid
-Solarbeam/Energy Ball
-Ancientpower
-Sleep Powder
-Hidden Power Fire/Hidden Power Ground/Synthesis/Sunny Day
Unlike Tangrowth, Tangela gets base 60 Speed, which means after a Chlorophyll boost, it outspeeds Scarf 95s!! It's got good Special Attack, and Base 115 Defense isn't shabby either. With max speed, it can outspeed neutral base 70s before a boost.
So, there we have some NFEs that can have some potential in the UU metagame. Try some yourself, and post here if you find some good results, or confirm that some just don't work. If you theorymon up something, please raise it up so I can consider testing it. If you have a good experience with using an NFE in UU, go right ahead and share it with us!!