The best Defiant user in NU is bound to become less popular when the best Defogger in NU just moved up, and with Combusken in the meta, which sets up on Pawniard, and without Shiftry in the meta, which was walled by Pawniard, its usage will probably drop.
Combusken was really good back when Doublade, Virizion, and Durant were NU by the way, and has been good since (yes, even when Fletchinder was in the tier). I think I said it a few days ago, but I have been adapting since ~May and I seriously don't think one or two more week will be enough to adapt when Combusken can easily set up on its 'counters' with a little change in its set (Substitute>Attacking Move) or use different EV spread to set up on what you need it to set up on (Physically Defensive or Specially Defensive.. You can even make it Offensive with SD if you need it to be able to sweep too lol). Oh and don't make me start about all the teammates that can also support Combusken to make its job easier.... as it did when Combusken got popular out of no where and as it will again without Shiftry in the metagame. Combusken is a good support Pokemon, and it happened to be able to do its job really effectively in a metagame packed with things that can't threaten it much. But those things are either gone or should be less popular now (or should have never been popular to begin with). So let's see how people adapt.
The usage of something in the metagame doesn't really matter when considering a ban. In the past Smogon has banned Pokemon like Venomoth and Gothorita who were broken despite not receiving more than 1% usage. The same thing also happened the nearly unused but not less "uncompetitive" strategies that lead to the application if the endless battle clause.Alright, the discussion on this thread has begun to die down and I was just wondering. It appears that Combusken isn't really a problem, or at least the people don't really care about it. The most that people are discussing it looks something like the post above this.
The most recent usage stats have it at around 3% in NU(beta), and, although I know that usage shouldn't denote need for ban, it really does seem, to some extent, irrelevant.
Opinions?
No. People don't understand.I defiantly (geddit) agree with Hollywood's proposal of giving the meta more time to adapt but I think its a bit too late for that. However, one set I used to counter such teams was :
Samurott @ Life Orb
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 112 HP / 252 SpA / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Grass Knot
- Dragon Tail
Hits super hard with Life Orb'ed Hydro Pumps and phases BP while being viable.
I don't think you understand the point of samurott. The point of this set is that you come in and break the sub with hydro pump threaten Combusken out with another Hydro and Dtail on the switch. you aren't ment to be breaking subs with it.No. People don't understand.
0 Atk Life Orb Samurott Dragon Tail vs. 248 HP / 48 Def Eviolite Combusken: 53-64 (16.4 - 19.8%) -- possible 6HKO
Substitute Combusken dude. Dragon Tail doesnt send the opponent out if the substitute isnt broken. Combusken can then proceed to set up on you/get a free baton pass. No Dragon Tail user can consistently phaze Combusken.
You'll still have to predict well against Combusken, who may well decide to SubTect your Hydro Pump PP away since none of your other attacks can break its Sub. If you mess up even once and Dragon Tail against its Sub, or not Dragon Tailing the BP recipient, your momentum will slip away faster than a +6 Combusken @3@I don't think you understand the point of samurott. The point of this set is that you come in and break the sub with hydro pump threaten Combusken out with another Hydro and Dtail on the switch. you aren't ment to be breaking subs with it.
Well yeah if you predict wrong you are in a world of hurt, but staying in on a LO hydro pump isnt to smart. And if the Combusken user subs down that just limits the amount of times it can come back in. Not saying its perfect but its a decent set for the problem.You'll still have to predict well against Combusken, who may well decide to SubTect your Hydro Pump PP away since none of your other attacks can break its Sub. If you mess up even once and Dragon Tail against its Sub, or not Dragon Tailing the BP recipient, your momentum will slip away faster than a +6 Combusken @3@
Which brings up the issue of phasing move predictions against Combusken + Xatu + bulky teammate: if you win the prediction, big whoop for Combusken (who's taken no damage from you predicting it), but if you lose the prediction, you're in for a world of hurt.