GP: 2/2 (GatoDelFuego / fleurdyleurse)
QC: 3/3 (atomicllamas / EonX / Spirit)
frostree
Overview
########
After gaining a Mega Evolution, Abomasnow became a unique threat in the RU tier. Mega Abomasnow's excellent offensive stats and powerful STAB moves, complemented by the necessary coverage options, make it extremely difficult to switch into. Notably, it is able to abuse a 100% accurate Blizzard due to its ability, Snow Warning, which summons hail. The residual damage that hail racks up can also prove very useful in whittling foes down, although it affects Abomasnow's teammates as well. Additionally, Abomasnow can strike hard with powerful physical attacks such as Wood Hammer and Earthquake. Sadly, an abysmal base 30 Speed, coupled with weaknesses to common offensive types such as Fire, Steel, and Fighting, means Abomasnow has a hard time switching in and gets forced out easily. Having no reliable recovery move further impairs its durability. That being said, it still finds opportunities to switch in on defensive Pokemon such as Gligar. Finally, it is worth noting that Abomasnow's poor Speed can be turned into an asset with Trick Room support, and can be bypassed on a situational basis with a decently powerful priority move in Ice Shard.
All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Ice Shard
move 2: Wood Hammer / Giga Drain
move 3: Blizzard
move 4: Earthquake
ability: Soundproof
item: Abomasite
evs: 8 HP / 160 Atk / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 84 Spe
nature: Lonely
Moves
========
With +1 priority, Ice Shard picks off weakened offensive threats in general, proving especially useful against Pokemon weak to it or otherwise frail threats such as Braviary, Virizion, and Hitmonlee. Wood Hammer hits very hard with sizable Attack investment, notably OHKOing Rhyperior, but the recoil wears Abomasnow down quickly. Giga Drain hits decently hard, and its HP-draining effect is useful for sustaining Abomasnow's lifespan. Blizzard is a strong STAB move that gets great neutral coverage in the tier and has perfect accuracy under hail. With maximum Special Attack investment, it does a number to anything that doesn't resist it. Earthquake is used primarily for its super effective coverage on Steel-types such as Cobalion and Registeel. It also hits predicted Delphox and Emboar switch-ins. Hidden Power Fire can be considered in the last moveslot, as it is 4x effective against Escavalier, which otherwise solidly stomachs all of Abomasnow's other moves and can OHKO it in return.
Set Details
========
160 Attack EVs with a Lonely nature let Abomasnow accomplish a pertinent feat in 2HKOing Registeel with Earthquake after it has taken a turn of hail damage and a round of Spikes or 2 rounds of Stealth Rock damage. 252 Special Attack EVs let Abomasnow hit as hard as possible with its powerful STAB Blizzard. A Defense-lowering nature is used to take advantage of Abomasnow's specially based resistances such as to Electric- and Grass-type moves. 84 Speed EVs let Mega Abomasnow outspeed and OHKO 0 Speed Rhyperior with Wood Hammer. Alternatively, if outpacing Rhyperior is not an issue, a spread of 96 HP / 160 Atk / 252 SpA can be used. Soundproof lets Abomasnow switch into Choice-locked Exploud's Boomburst before it Mega Evolves. Lastly, a specially oriented spread of 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpA with a Quiet nature is usable if you pair Abomasnow with teammates that can trap and remove Registeel, like Dugtrio. Using a Lonely nature and investing in Speed to outpace Rhyperior and other relevant threats is also an option in that case.
Usage Tips
========
Abomasnow gets few switch-in opportunities; as such, you should actively attempt to bring it in via double switching on predicted switches into defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Alomomola. Also, Abomasnow gets forced out easily due to its poor Speed and many weaknesses, but at the same time, it is hard for enemies to switch into. Attempt to determine what Pokemon the opponent intends to switch in on Abomasnow, and hit it with the appropriate STAB or coverage move in order to get the most out of its limited time on the battlefield before you switch out. Due to its mediocre Speed and typing, Abomasnow fails to accomplish much late-game. Most of the time, when it has done its job of wallbreaking or dispatching a relevant threat early- and mid-game, it might be prudent to sack it, especially if the opponent can possibly capitalize on the turn you switch out to set up a threatening sweeper. However, if you see Pokemon like Braviary or Virizion in Team Preview, saving Abomasnow for an emergency Ice Shard late-game would be wise. Lastly, think twice about Mega Evolving if the opponent has Boomburst or Bug Buzz users, such as Exploud, on their team; Soundproof lets Abomasnow switch into Choice-locked attacks from these threats.
Team Options
========
Abomasnow appreciates Trick Room support. Slowking, Reuniclus, and Cofagrigus are examples of good Trick Room setters; all of these have decent defensive synergy with Abomasnow. Aromatisse can also set up Trick Room while being a blanket special wall that can provide Wish support. Note that Abomasnow should have 0 Speed IVs on such teams. Doublade is then a good partner, as it stands up well to the many physical attackers Abomasnow cannot handle and also benefits from Trick Room support. A reliable Stealth Rock user is recommended, as Mega Abomasnow forces many switches. Rhyperior is a good Stealth Rock setter that resists many of Abomasnow's weaknesses. Bronzong can also set up Trick Room in addition to Stealth Rock. Finally, U-turn users can bring Abomasnow in safely. For example, Braviary can U-turn out of physical walls like Gligar and Alomomola to bring Abomasnow in unscathed. A teammate with Wish can keep Abomasnow healthy during the match, as it has no means of reliable recovery. Alomomola is a very reliable user of Wish and boasts excellent type synergy with Abomasnow; Aromatisse can provide Wish support as well as set Trick Room.
Other Options
########
Mega Abomasnow lacks many other options. Its first three moves are essentially non-negotiable, as they have target very important Pokemon. In the last moveslot, either Leech Seed or Substitute can be used over Earthquake; the former provides Abomasnow some passive healing while sapping the foe's HP, and the latter eases prediction, allowing Abomasnow to batter the enemy from the safety of its Substitute. In any case, Abomasnow will miss the utility of a coverage move, making both of these suboptimal choices. Using Focus Blast is an option on specially oriented sets to hit Registeel; it also yields super effective coverage on bulky Normal-types such as Audino and Lickilicky. Using another item over Abomasite is not recommended, as you miss out on Mega Abomasnow's excellent mixed offensive stats for negligible gains that items such as Leftovers or Assault Vest provide, as Abomasnow is not taking hits anyway due to its many weaknesses. Items such as Choice Specs and Choice Scarf are gimmicky at best, given Abomasnow's poor Speed and susceptibility to entry hazards. Also, there are a mere two Mega Pokemon usable in RU, which means you will likely not be spoilt for choice on that front anyway.
Checks & Counters
########
**Fire-types**: Moltres, Delphox, and Emboar all OHKO Abomasnow with their STAB moves while resisting its STAB combination; however, only Moltres can safely switch in, as the other two fear Earthquake.
**Steel-types**: As with Fire-types, Steel-types do not fancy switching into Earthquake, but they resist Abomasnow's STAB moves and can cripple or OHKO it. Choice Specs Magneton's Flash Cannon decimates Abomasnow. Durant has a high chance to OHKO with a Life Orb-boosted Iron Head. Doublade and Cobalion outspeed Mega Abomasnow, can take a hit from the likes of Earthquake, and retaliate with Iron Head for the 2HKO; Registeel can beat non-Earthquake variants and Escavalier non-Hidden Power Fire ones.
**Super Effective STAB Moves**: Abomasnow's defensive typing is quite unfortunate. STAB Fighting, Bug, Flying, Poison, and Rock moves from an assortment of Pokemon all plague Abomasnow. Examples include Drapion's Poison Jab, Braviary's Brave Bird, Gurdurr's Drain Punch, and Accelgor's Bug Buzz.
**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Watch out for coverage moves as well; a stray Fire Blast from Slowking or Exploud might result in Abomasnow's untimely demise.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock strips 25% of Abomasnow's HP upon each switch in, hugely inconveniencing it.
QC: 3/3 (atomicllamas / EonX / Spirit)
frostree
Overview
########
After gaining a Mega Evolution, Abomasnow became a unique threat in the RU tier. Mega Abomasnow's excellent offensive stats and powerful STAB moves, complemented by the necessary coverage options, make it extremely difficult to switch into. Notably, it is able to abuse a 100% accurate Blizzard due to its ability, Snow Warning, which summons hail. The residual damage that hail racks up can also prove very useful in whittling foes down, although it affects Abomasnow's teammates as well. Additionally, Abomasnow can strike hard with powerful physical attacks such as Wood Hammer and Earthquake. Sadly, an abysmal base 30 Speed, coupled with weaknesses to common offensive types such as Fire, Steel, and Fighting, means Abomasnow has a hard time switching in and gets forced out easily. Having no reliable recovery move further impairs its durability. That being said, it still finds opportunities to switch in on defensive Pokemon such as Gligar. Finally, it is worth noting that Abomasnow's poor Speed can be turned into an asset with Trick Room support, and can be bypassed on a situational basis with a decently powerful priority move in Ice Shard.
All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Ice Shard
move 2: Wood Hammer / Giga Drain
move 3: Blizzard
move 4: Earthquake
ability: Soundproof
item: Abomasite
evs: 8 HP / 160 Atk / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 84 Spe
nature: Lonely
Moves
========
With +1 priority, Ice Shard picks off weakened offensive threats in general, proving especially useful against Pokemon weak to it or otherwise frail threats such as Braviary, Virizion, and Hitmonlee. Wood Hammer hits very hard with sizable Attack investment, notably OHKOing Rhyperior, but the recoil wears Abomasnow down quickly. Giga Drain hits decently hard, and its HP-draining effect is useful for sustaining Abomasnow's lifespan. Blizzard is a strong STAB move that gets great neutral coverage in the tier and has perfect accuracy under hail. With maximum Special Attack investment, it does a number to anything that doesn't resist it. Earthquake is used primarily for its super effective coverage on Steel-types such as Cobalion and Registeel. It also hits predicted Delphox and Emboar switch-ins. Hidden Power Fire can be considered in the last moveslot, as it is 4x effective against Escavalier, which otherwise solidly stomachs all of Abomasnow's other moves and can OHKO it in return.
Set Details
========
160 Attack EVs with a Lonely nature let Abomasnow accomplish a pertinent feat in 2HKOing Registeel with Earthquake after it has taken a turn of hail damage and a round of Spikes or 2 rounds of Stealth Rock damage. 252 Special Attack EVs let Abomasnow hit as hard as possible with its powerful STAB Blizzard. A Defense-lowering nature is used to take advantage of Abomasnow's specially based resistances such as to Electric- and Grass-type moves. 84 Speed EVs let Mega Abomasnow outspeed and OHKO 0 Speed Rhyperior with Wood Hammer. Alternatively, if outpacing Rhyperior is not an issue, a spread of 96 HP / 160 Atk / 252 SpA can be used. Soundproof lets Abomasnow switch into Choice-locked Exploud's Boomburst before it Mega Evolves. Lastly, a specially oriented spread of 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpA with a Quiet nature is usable if you pair Abomasnow with teammates that can trap and remove Registeel, like Dugtrio. Using a Lonely nature and investing in Speed to outpace Rhyperior and other relevant threats is also an option in that case.
Usage Tips
========
Abomasnow gets few switch-in opportunities; as such, you should actively attempt to bring it in via double switching on predicted switches into defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Alomomola. Also, Abomasnow gets forced out easily due to its poor Speed and many weaknesses, but at the same time, it is hard for enemies to switch into. Attempt to determine what Pokemon the opponent intends to switch in on Abomasnow, and hit it with the appropriate STAB or coverage move in order to get the most out of its limited time on the battlefield before you switch out. Due to its mediocre Speed and typing, Abomasnow fails to accomplish much late-game. Most of the time, when it has done its job of wallbreaking or dispatching a relevant threat early- and mid-game, it might be prudent to sack it, especially if the opponent can possibly capitalize on the turn you switch out to set up a threatening sweeper. However, if you see Pokemon like Braviary or Virizion in Team Preview, saving Abomasnow for an emergency Ice Shard late-game would be wise. Lastly, think twice about Mega Evolving if the opponent has Boomburst or Bug Buzz users, such as Exploud, on their team; Soundproof lets Abomasnow switch into Choice-locked attacks from these threats.
Team Options
========
Abomasnow appreciates Trick Room support. Slowking, Reuniclus, and Cofagrigus are examples of good Trick Room setters; all of these have decent defensive synergy with Abomasnow. Aromatisse can also set up Trick Room while being a blanket special wall that can provide Wish support. Note that Abomasnow should have 0 Speed IVs on such teams. Doublade is then a good partner, as it stands up well to the many physical attackers Abomasnow cannot handle and also benefits from Trick Room support. A reliable Stealth Rock user is recommended, as Mega Abomasnow forces many switches. Rhyperior is a good Stealth Rock setter that resists many of Abomasnow's weaknesses. Bronzong can also set up Trick Room in addition to Stealth Rock. Finally, U-turn users can bring Abomasnow in safely. For example, Braviary can U-turn out of physical walls like Gligar and Alomomola to bring Abomasnow in unscathed. A teammate with Wish can keep Abomasnow healthy during the match, as it has no means of reliable recovery. Alomomola is a very reliable user of Wish and boasts excellent type synergy with Abomasnow; Aromatisse can provide Wish support as well as set Trick Room.
Other Options
########
Mega Abomasnow lacks many other options. Its first three moves are essentially non-negotiable, as they have target very important Pokemon. In the last moveslot, either Leech Seed or Substitute can be used over Earthquake; the former provides Abomasnow some passive healing while sapping the foe's HP, and the latter eases prediction, allowing Abomasnow to batter the enemy from the safety of its Substitute. In any case, Abomasnow will miss the utility of a coverage move, making both of these suboptimal choices. Using Focus Blast is an option on specially oriented sets to hit Registeel; it also yields super effective coverage on bulky Normal-types such as Audino and Lickilicky. Using another item over Abomasite is not recommended, as you miss out on Mega Abomasnow's excellent mixed offensive stats for negligible gains that items such as Leftovers or Assault Vest provide, as Abomasnow is not taking hits anyway due to its many weaknesses. Items such as Choice Specs and Choice Scarf are gimmicky at best, given Abomasnow's poor Speed and susceptibility to entry hazards. Also, there are a mere two Mega Pokemon usable in RU, which means you will likely not be spoilt for choice on that front anyway.
Checks & Counters
########
**Fire-types**: Moltres, Delphox, and Emboar all OHKO Abomasnow with their STAB moves while resisting its STAB combination; however, only Moltres can safely switch in, as the other two fear Earthquake.
**Steel-types**: As with Fire-types, Steel-types do not fancy switching into Earthquake, but they resist Abomasnow's STAB moves and can cripple or OHKO it. Choice Specs Magneton's Flash Cannon decimates Abomasnow. Durant has a high chance to OHKO with a Life Orb-boosted Iron Head. Doublade and Cobalion outspeed Mega Abomasnow, can take a hit from the likes of Earthquake, and retaliate with Iron Head for the 2HKO; Registeel can beat non-Earthquake variants and Escavalier non-Hidden Power Fire ones.
**Super Effective STAB Moves**: Abomasnow's defensive typing is quite unfortunate. STAB Fighting, Bug, Flying, Poison, and Rock moves from an assortment of Pokemon all plague Abomasnow. Examples include Drapion's Poison Jab, Braviary's Brave Bird, Gurdurr's Drain Punch, and Accelgor's Bug Buzz.
**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Watch out for coverage moves as well; a stray Fire Blast from Slowking or Exploud might result in Abomasnow's untimely demise.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock strips 25% of Abomasnow's HP upon each switch in, hugely inconveniencing it.
Overview
########
All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Ice Shard
move 2: Wood Hammer / Giga Drain
move 3: Blizzard
move 4: Earthquake
ability: Soundproof
item: Abomasite
evs: 176 Atk / 248 SpA / 84 Spe
nature: Lonely
Moves
========
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
Other Options
########
Checks & Counters
########
**Fire-types**:
**Steel-types**:
**Powerful super-effective attacks**: (Fighting/Bug/Flying/Poison/Rock-types)
**Super-effective coverage moves**:
**Stealth Rock**:
########
- Gained a new Mega Evolution, which is what makes it viable in the tier at all.
- Good offenses and powerful STAB moves supplemented by the necessary coverage options make it extremely difficult to switch into (mention of Snow Warning + 100% accurate Blizzard).
- Abysmal base 30 Speed coupled with weaknesses to common and potent offensive types (Fire, Steel, Fighting) make it hard to switch in + get forced out easily (priority Ice Shard is a small mitigating factor). Having no reliable recovery move further impairs its durability. That being said, it still finds opportunities to switch in on defensive Pokemon like Gligar.
- Poor speed can be turned into an asset with Trick Room support.
All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Ice Shard
move 2: Wood Hammer / Giga Drain
move 3: Blizzard
move 4: Earthquake
ability: Soundproof
item: Abomasite
evs: 176 Atk / 248 SpA / 84 Spe
nature: Lonely
Moves
========
- Ice Shard gets +1 priority, which is very useful against Braviary, Yanmega, and Virizion, as well as to pick off weakened offensive threats in general
- Wood Hammer hits very hard with maximum Attack investment, notably OHKOing Rhyperior, but the recoil wears Abomasnow down quickly. Giga Drain hits decently hard, lifesteal is good for sustaining Abomasnow
- Blizzard is strong STAB, with maximum SpA investment, it nukes neutral targets
- Earthquake hits predicted Deplhox and Emboar switch ins, and gets slightly more damage on Cobalion than Blizzard does
- Hidden Power Fire for Escavalier
Set Details
========
- 176 Attack EVs with a Lonely nature let Abomasnow accomplish pertinent feats in KOing Yanmega after Stealth Rock damage and guaranteeing the 2HKO on Registeel after it has taken a round of Spikes (2 rounds of Stealth Rock) damage
- 248 Special Attack EVs lets Abomasnow hit very hard with STAB Blizzard. A Defense, rather than Special Defense lowering nature is used to take advantage of its specially-based resistances (Electric, Grass)
- 84 Speed EVs lets Abomasnow outspeed and OHKO 0 Speed Rhyperior with Wood Hammer.
- Alternatively, if outpacing Rhyperior is not an issue, a spread of 80 HP / 176 Atk / 252 SpA can be used.
- Soundproof lets Abomasnow switch into Choice-locked Bug Buzz and Boomburst before it Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
- Abomasnow gets few switchin opportunities. Actively attempt to bring it in via double switching on predicted switches into defensive Pokemon like Gligar and Alomomola.
- Abomasnow gets forced out easily due to its poor speed and many weaknesses, but at the same time, it is hard to switch into. Attempt to determine what Pokemon the opponent intends to switch in on Abomasnow and hit it with the appropriate STAB/coverage move.
- Due to its aforementioned Speed and typing, Abomasnow fails to accomplish much late-game. Most of the time, when it has done its job of wallbreaking/dispatching a relevant threat early- to mid-game, it is prudent to sack it, especially if the opponent can possibly capitalize on the turn you switch out to set up a threatening sweeper. On the other hand, if you see Pokemon like Braviary, Virizion, and Yanmega in Team Preview, saving Abomasnow for an emergency Ice Shard may also be wise.
- Think twice about Mega Evolving should the opponent have a Yanmega or Exploud on their team.
Team Options
========
- Trick Room support. Slowking, Reuniclus, and Cofagrigus are examples of good setters; all of these have decent defensive synergy with Abomasnow. Aromatisse can also set Trick Room while being a blanket special wall that can also provide Wish support. Note that Abomasnow's Speed IVs should be set to 0 on such teams.
- Doublade is then a good partner as it stands up well to the many physical attackers Abomasnow cannot handle and also benefits from Trick Room support.
- A reliable Stealth Rock user is recommended as Mega Abomasnow forces many switches. Rhyperior is a good setter that resists many of Abomasnow's weaknesses. Bronzong can set Trick Room in addition to Stealth Rock.
- U-Turn users to bring it in safely. Braviary can U-Turn out of physical walls like Gligar and Alomomola to bring Abomasnow in unscathed.
Other Options
########
- Leech Seed > Earthquake
- Substitute > Earthquake
Checks & Counters
########
**Fire-types**:
**Steel-types**:
**Powerful super-effective attacks**: (Fighting/Bug/Flying/Poison/Rock-types)
**Super-effective coverage moves**:
**Stealth Rock**:
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