MZ
And now for something completely different
[OVERVIEW]
Qwilfish is an amazing Pokemon in PU due to its ability to fit on teams and how well it fulfills some key roles. It is the best setter of Spikes and Toxic Spikes in the tier, with Spikes in particular being a dominant force in the metagame that many top Pokemon benefit significantly from, making it a great choice for many teams. Qwilfish is excellent at keeping entry hazards up, with an expansive support movepool including options like Taunt and Explosion, and also has a good matchup versus most Rapid Spin users. Its solid Speed tier and unique typing, as well as access to Intimidate, allow Qwilfish to blanket check many threatening attackers such as Passimian and Alolan Raticate. Qwilfish also has decent attacking stats, giving it some offensive presence as it attempts to set Spikes. Qwilfish's biggest issue is its lack of recovery, leaving it susceptible to chip damage and being worn down from switching into so many powerful attackers. Qwilfish also has mediocre special bulk, and many common special attackers such as Mesprit can switch into Qwilfish fairly easily. It can face some competition from other Spikes or Toxic Spikes setters like Weezing and Ferroseed, which have better staying power and defensive presence, but Qwilfish easily manages to distinguish itself, mostly due to its Speed tier and offensive presence.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Waterfall / Scald
move 4: Explosion / Destiny Bond / Poison Jab
item: Rocky Helmet / Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is an excellent way to support Qwilfish's team members by chipping away at the opposing team. Taunt prevents Defog users from removing Qwilfish's Spikes and various other status moves such as Stealth Rock and Soft-Boiled from being used versus Qwilfish. Waterfall allows Qwilfish to better threaten Assault Vest Magmortar and break Calm Mind Oricorio-G's Substitute, but Scald can be used for the burn chance. Explosion prevents Rapid Spin from being used versus Qwilfish and dents opposing support Pokemon such as Mesprit. Alternatively, Destiny Bond allows Qwilfish to bring down slow but threatening attackers such as Drampa and Eelektross. Poison Jab can allow Qwilfish to hit Grass- and Water-types such as Lilligant and Lanturn. Toxic Spikes can also be run, but it is far more team dependent than Qwilfish's other options because of how common grounded Poison-types and other entry hazard removers are.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly or Timid nature makes the most out of Qwilfish's solid Speed tier, beating out Pokemon such as Skuntank and Magmortar. Jolly should be run unless Qwilfish opts for Scald over Waterfall, in which case Timid is preferred. Maximum HP investment makes Qwilfish as bulky as possible for pivoting into attackers, while Intimidate helps Qwilfish check physical attackers such as Absol. Rocky Helmet can also punish contact move users, particularly when faced with Pokemon that commonly use U-turn such as Primeape, but Black Sludge is an option to provide some passive recovery. Black Sludge is typically used on more balanced teams that need Qwilfish to stay healthier for longer.
Usage Tips
========
Qwilfish should be used early-game to set Spikes and chip away at the opposing team with Rocky Helmet in order to soften foes up for late-game. It doesn't have much staying power, so be sure to set up Spikes as early as possible before Qwilfish is KOed. However, avoid using Explosion or Destiny Bond until Qwilfish has fulfilled its purpose if possible. They should be saved both to keep it unclear what last move Qwilfish is carrying and because Qwilfish is forced to KO itself to effectively use either move. Taunt is useful for preventing status moves from Pokemon like Skuntank but is also highly predictable and can give relatively free turns to foes predicting its use. Poison Jab can also be a surprising move that is useful to avoid revealing until opponents consider Pokemon such as Jynx and Lilligant a free switch-in to Qwilfish. Be very careful with what Qwilfish is switched into, as plenty of Pokemon like Zangoose and Passimian can cripple or outright KO it if they predict Qwilfish switching in.
Team Options
========
Qwilfish is incredibly versatile and self sufficient, needing very little team support while providing quite a lot. Practically any balanced or offensive team can fit Qwilfish with ease. Electric-immune Pokemon such as Palossand can be useful, as one of Qwilfish's only major drawbacks is giving Volt Switch users like Zebstrika and Eelektross a free pivoting opportunity. Qwilfish pairs well with any offensive Pokemon that enjoys Spikes for wearing down its switch-ins, including wallbreakers like Abomasnow and cleaners such as Carracosta and Choice Scarf Primeape. Pokemon like Alolan Raticate that need Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan worn down also appreciate Rocky Helmet Qwilfish's presence quite a bit. Jynx and Lilligant checks such as Choice Scarf Togedemaru can be useful, as they can freely switch into and set up on Qwilfish lacking Poison Jab. Other Psychic-type checks like Sableye are also welcome. A secondary Fighting-type check such as Mesprit or Golurk is recommended, as Qwilfish is not a reliable and consistent counter to Pokemon such as Primeape throughout a match. Musharna is also worth mentioning, as it benefits a lot from Qwilfish setting and removing Toxic Spikes. Spinblockers like Oricorio-G and Defiant users like Primeape are optional for making removing entry hazards a bit harder, but they are not required.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Scald / Waterfall
move 4: Pain Split / Toxic Spikes / Thunder Wave
item: Black Sludge / Rocky Helmet
ability: Intimidate
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is incredibly important for wearing down grounded Pokemon switching in. Taunt shuts down defensive Pokemon trying to use status moves, such as Audino. Scald is preferred on physically defensive Qwilfish for its burn chance, although Waterfall does more to certain switch-ins such as Eelektross. Pain Split provides Qwilfish with some method of recovery, albeit an unreliable one. Toxic Spikes can be used to wear down Pokemon such as Gastrodon better than Spikes, although it is team dependent. Thunder Wave can cripple offensive switch-ins such as Shiftry.
Set Details
========
The HP and Defense EVs, Defense-boosting nature, and Intimidate all serve to make Qwilfish a strong switch-in to many physical attackers such as Alolan Raticate. Bold is the preferred nature if Qwilfish is using Scald, while Impish is superior if it is running Waterfall. Black Sludge gives Qwilfish a passive method of recovery, but Rocky Helmet can be used to further punish physical attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Defensive Qwilfish is a very straightforward Pokemon that mostly just switches into and checks certain opposing Pokemon like Hitmonchan. Qwilfish can be a lot more free with switching into physical attackers due to its far increased bulk with the defensive investment; however, it still has to be careful of being caught by coverage moves such as Primeape's +1 Earthquake on the predicted switch. Qwilfish's main priority is setting Spikes and Toxic Spikes for team support, as it is otherwise fairly weak. Thunder Wave is pretty much only for catching switch-ins, as staying in to use it versus a threatening attacker will often leave Qwilfish too weakened to effectively do anything else.
Team Options
========
Bulky Qwilfish mainly fits on defensive teams that want access to Spikes and a Fighting-type switch-in. Stall staples like Audino and Clefairy generally go well with Qwilfish. Additional Fighting-type checks such as Palossand are also advised, as Qwilfish can struggle staying consistently healthy throughout a match. Specially bulky Pokemon like Miltank and Regirock go well with Qwilfish to take on the special attackers that threaten its weaker Special Defense. The aforementioned pair also appreciate Qwilfish's ability to check Fighting-types. Psychic-type checks such as Skuntank are also important, as Qwilfish struggles a lot with Pokemon like Mesprit. Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan and Kabutops are useful, since the defensive teams that Qwilfish typically fits on generally want entry hazard removal, but Defog would remove Qwilfish's Spikes. Spinblockers such as Misdreavus are also appreciated for blocking opposing Rapid Spin users.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Focus Sash suicide lead sets are usable but don't serve much purpose over standard fast utility Qwilfish and aren't likely to set more than one or two layers of Spikes. Qwilfish can be used as a Swift Swim sweeper on rain teams but competes with other sweepers such as Kabutops. Swords Dance offensive Qwilfish is an option, but Swords Dance is incompatible with Intimidate and Aqua Jet. Haze is a neat option, but there's really no space for it on Qwilfish's already stuffed movepool. Aqua Jet would also be nice for priority, but Qwilfish still lacks the space for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Mesprit and Alolan Raichu can easily KO Qwilfish with their STAB attacks or simply use it as setup fodder. However, non-Choice Scarf Mesprit sets and other slower Psychic-types such as Musharna must be careful of Destiny Bond.
**Electric-types**: Aside from Explosion and Destiny Bond, which both also KO Qwilfish, Qwilfish can be freely switched into and used for to gain momentum by slow Electric-types like Eelektross and Lanturn. Meanwhile, faster Electric-types such as Togedemaru and Zebstrika can threaten to KO Qwilfish without fear of Destiny Bond.
**Special Attackers**: Many common special attackers such as Swanna, Lilligant, and Drampa can switch into Qwilfish as it sets Spikes and proceed to remove its entry hazards, set up, or simply KO Qwilfish by attacking its weaker Special Defense. However, they must be wary of Explosion, Destiny Bond, or Thunder Wave.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Qwilfish can be threatened out by many Earthquake users including Passimian and Kangaskhan, and it has difficulty checking Pokemon that commonly carry Electric-type coverage such as Magmortar.
**Chip Damage**: Due to its lack of reliable recovery, Qwilfish can be chipped away at by weaker attacks and entry hazards until it is put into KO range of Pokemon such as Primeape and Alolan Raticate.
Qwilfish is an amazing Pokemon in PU due to its ability to fit on teams and how well it fulfills some key roles. It is the best setter of Spikes and Toxic Spikes in the tier, with Spikes in particular being a dominant force in the metagame that many top Pokemon benefit significantly from, making it a great choice for many teams. Qwilfish is excellent at keeping entry hazards up, with an expansive support movepool including options like Taunt and Explosion, and also has a good matchup versus most Rapid Spin users. Its solid Speed tier and unique typing, as well as access to Intimidate, allow Qwilfish to blanket check many threatening attackers such as Passimian and Alolan Raticate. Qwilfish also has decent attacking stats, giving it some offensive presence as it attempts to set Spikes. Qwilfish's biggest issue is its lack of recovery, leaving it susceptible to chip damage and being worn down from switching into so many powerful attackers. Qwilfish also has mediocre special bulk, and many common special attackers such as Mesprit can switch into Qwilfish fairly easily. It can face some competition from other Spikes or Toxic Spikes setters like Weezing and Ferroseed, which have better staying power and defensive presence, but Qwilfish easily manages to distinguish itself, mostly due to its Speed tier and offensive presence.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Waterfall / Scald
move 4: Explosion / Destiny Bond / Poison Jab
item: Rocky Helmet / Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is an excellent way to support Qwilfish's team members by chipping away at the opposing team. Taunt prevents Defog users from removing Qwilfish's Spikes and various other status moves such as Stealth Rock and Soft-Boiled from being used versus Qwilfish. Waterfall allows Qwilfish to better threaten Assault Vest Magmortar and break Calm Mind Oricorio-G's Substitute, but Scald can be used for the burn chance. Explosion prevents Rapid Spin from being used versus Qwilfish and dents opposing support Pokemon such as Mesprit. Alternatively, Destiny Bond allows Qwilfish to bring down slow but threatening attackers such as Drampa and Eelektross. Poison Jab can allow Qwilfish to hit Grass- and Water-types such as Lilligant and Lanturn. Toxic Spikes can also be run, but it is far more team dependent than Qwilfish's other options because of how common grounded Poison-types and other entry hazard removers are.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly or Timid nature makes the most out of Qwilfish's solid Speed tier, beating out Pokemon such as Skuntank and Magmortar. Jolly should be run unless Qwilfish opts for Scald over Waterfall, in which case Timid is preferred. Maximum HP investment makes Qwilfish as bulky as possible for pivoting into attackers, while Intimidate helps Qwilfish check physical attackers such as Absol. Rocky Helmet can also punish contact move users, particularly when faced with Pokemon that commonly use U-turn such as Primeape, but Black Sludge is an option to provide some passive recovery. Black Sludge is typically used on more balanced teams that need Qwilfish to stay healthier for longer.
Usage Tips
========
Qwilfish should be used early-game to set Spikes and chip away at the opposing team with Rocky Helmet in order to soften foes up for late-game. It doesn't have much staying power, so be sure to set up Spikes as early as possible before Qwilfish is KOed. However, avoid using Explosion or Destiny Bond until Qwilfish has fulfilled its purpose if possible. They should be saved both to keep it unclear what last move Qwilfish is carrying and because Qwilfish is forced to KO itself to effectively use either move. Taunt is useful for preventing status moves from Pokemon like Skuntank but is also highly predictable and can give relatively free turns to foes predicting its use. Poison Jab can also be a surprising move that is useful to avoid revealing until opponents consider Pokemon such as Jynx and Lilligant a free switch-in to Qwilfish. Be very careful with what Qwilfish is switched into, as plenty of Pokemon like Zangoose and Passimian can cripple or outright KO it if they predict Qwilfish switching in.
Team Options
========
Qwilfish is incredibly versatile and self sufficient, needing very little team support while providing quite a lot. Practically any balanced or offensive team can fit Qwilfish with ease. Electric-immune Pokemon such as Palossand can be useful, as one of Qwilfish's only major drawbacks is giving Volt Switch users like Zebstrika and Eelektross a free pivoting opportunity. Qwilfish pairs well with any offensive Pokemon that enjoys Spikes for wearing down its switch-ins, including wallbreakers like Abomasnow and cleaners such as Carracosta and Choice Scarf Primeape. Pokemon like Alolan Raticate that need Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan worn down also appreciate Rocky Helmet Qwilfish's presence quite a bit. Jynx and Lilligant checks such as Choice Scarf Togedemaru can be useful, as they can freely switch into and set up on Qwilfish lacking Poison Jab. Other Psychic-type checks like Sableye are also welcome. A secondary Fighting-type check such as Mesprit or Golurk is recommended, as Qwilfish is not a reliable and consistent counter to Pokemon such as Primeape throughout a match. Musharna is also worth mentioning, as it benefits a lot from Qwilfish setting and removing Toxic Spikes. Spinblockers like Oricorio-G and Defiant users like Primeape are optional for making removing entry hazards a bit harder, but they are not required.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Scald / Waterfall
move 4: Pain Split / Toxic Spikes / Thunder Wave
item: Black Sludge / Rocky Helmet
ability: Intimidate
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is incredibly important for wearing down grounded Pokemon switching in. Taunt shuts down defensive Pokemon trying to use status moves, such as Audino. Scald is preferred on physically defensive Qwilfish for its burn chance, although Waterfall does more to certain switch-ins such as Eelektross. Pain Split provides Qwilfish with some method of recovery, albeit an unreliable one. Toxic Spikes can be used to wear down Pokemon such as Gastrodon better than Spikes, although it is team dependent. Thunder Wave can cripple offensive switch-ins such as Shiftry.
Set Details
========
The HP and Defense EVs, Defense-boosting nature, and Intimidate all serve to make Qwilfish a strong switch-in to many physical attackers such as Alolan Raticate. Bold is the preferred nature if Qwilfish is using Scald, while Impish is superior if it is running Waterfall. Black Sludge gives Qwilfish a passive method of recovery, but Rocky Helmet can be used to further punish physical attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Defensive Qwilfish is a very straightforward Pokemon that mostly just switches into and checks certain opposing Pokemon like Hitmonchan. Qwilfish can be a lot more free with switching into physical attackers due to its far increased bulk with the defensive investment; however, it still has to be careful of being caught by coverage moves such as Primeape's +1 Earthquake on the predicted switch. Qwilfish's main priority is setting Spikes and Toxic Spikes for team support, as it is otherwise fairly weak. Thunder Wave is pretty much only for catching switch-ins, as staying in to use it versus a threatening attacker will often leave Qwilfish too weakened to effectively do anything else.
Team Options
========
Bulky Qwilfish mainly fits on defensive teams that want access to Spikes and a Fighting-type switch-in. Stall staples like Audino and Clefairy generally go well with Qwilfish. Additional Fighting-type checks such as Palossand are also advised, as Qwilfish can struggle staying consistently healthy throughout a match. Specially bulky Pokemon like Miltank and Regirock go well with Qwilfish to take on the special attackers that threaten its weaker Special Defense. The aforementioned pair also appreciate Qwilfish's ability to check Fighting-types. Psychic-type checks such as Skuntank are also important, as Qwilfish struggles a lot with Pokemon like Mesprit. Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan and Kabutops are useful, since the defensive teams that Qwilfish typically fits on generally want entry hazard removal, but Defog would remove Qwilfish's Spikes. Spinblockers such as Misdreavus are also appreciated for blocking opposing Rapid Spin users.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Focus Sash suicide lead sets are usable but don't serve much purpose over standard fast utility Qwilfish and aren't likely to set more than one or two layers of Spikes. Qwilfish can be used as a Swift Swim sweeper on rain teams but competes with other sweepers such as Kabutops. Swords Dance offensive Qwilfish is an option, but Swords Dance is incompatible with Intimidate and Aqua Jet. Haze is a neat option, but there's really no space for it on Qwilfish's already stuffed movepool. Aqua Jet would also be nice for priority, but Qwilfish still lacks the space for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Mesprit and Alolan Raichu can easily KO Qwilfish with their STAB attacks or simply use it as setup fodder. However, non-Choice Scarf Mesprit sets and other slower Psychic-types such as Musharna must be careful of Destiny Bond.
**Electric-types**: Aside from Explosion and Destiny Bond, which both also KO Qwilfish, Qwilfish can be freely switched into and used for to gain momentum by slow Electric-types like Eelektross and Lanturn. Meanwhile, faster Electric-types such as Togedemaru and Zebstrika can threaten to KO Qwilfish without fear of Destiny Bond.
**Special Attackers**: Many common special attackers such as Swanna, Lilligant, and Drampa can switch into Qwilfish as it sets Spikes and proceed to remove its entry hazards, set up, or simply KO Qwilfish by attacking its weaker Special Defense. However, they must be wary of Explosion, Destiny Bond, or Thunder Wave.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Qwilfish can be threatened out by many Earthquake users including Passimian and Kangaskhan, and it has difficulty checking Pokemon that commonly carry Electric-type coverage such as Magmortar.
**Chip Damage**: Due to its lack of reliable recovery, Qwilfish can be chipped away at by weaker attacks and entry hazards until it is put into KO range of Pokemon such as Primeape and Alolan Raticate.
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