The Next Best Thing - Sawk [Voting]

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skylight

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Taking it over from DTC! The older thread can be found here, although I'm just going to quickly sum up what this is all about (which means c/ping from the older thread, woo!)

What's this

Many of us who play NU feel as though there is some untapped power within the NU environment. There is substantial evidence for this idea in the form of one commonality for most tiers, NU included: there always seems to be one or more new-fangled, hyped up sets that weren't originally main-stay or seen as "viable" by the community, but somehow has taken the metagame by storm. This can be seen in DPP OU (with Special Lucario transitioning to SD Lucario, Heatran eventually running items other than Choice Scarf, and the influx of ChestoRest Kingdra) in ADV (with the vaunted TyraniBoah now becoming almost an urban myth in comparison to Special and DD Tyranitar, and the increasing popularity of SupeRachi) and in BW OU (with the advent of SubSalac Terrakion, SubDisable Gengar, and ChestoRest Volcarona). Yes, some of these sets may have been found early on with respect to the creation of the tier or fairly recently, the point is, though, that there seems to be an endless supply of effective and potent sets out there yet to be discovered, especially factoring in metagame swings and the possible tier shifts. The purpose of this project will be to systematically subject each and every NU Pokemon to a collective body of research in an attempt to uncover these "hidden gems", so to speak, and hopefully spark some creativity throughout the NU community.

The Process

Each week, I will choose a different NU Pokemon, sometimes chosen by random, sometimes chosen by curiousity, of which participants will try to personally create a new set for that is not already on-site or in the process of being put on-site. Participants will be given 2 days to create their set, then there will be 2 days of discussion where they can "sell" their set, and give comments on how to improve others' sets. After that, voting will last for two days and the next round will start. Keep in mind that users can edit their entire idea before voting starts, however, during the voting period only their most recent set will count and all votes towards said user apply to their most recent set. Also, if you've created a set for that round, you are allowed to vote for another user (other than yourself) if you wish to. Once the votes are tallied and a winner is crowned, the set will be archived in the second post and the process will start all over again for the next Pokemon specimen.

What are we looking for?

Specifically, I want to stress the importance of the balance between creativity and viability when picking a set to post for the Pokemon in question. There's a very fine line between a "creative" set and a "gimmick", and this project is not meant to produce gimmicks, rather emphasize the ability to think outside the box when using a specific Pokemon in order to maximize it's potential. Having said that, I would also like to deviate from simple one move / item changes. For example, using Ground Gem over Leftovers on Golem does nothing to show any untapped potential Golem has because we already have a basic understanding of what Golem does. The same goes for using Thunder Wave over Signal Beam on CM Musharna, it doesn't yield productive discussion or results for the project. I am looking for sets that test what we think we know about checks or counters, so-called standards, and what it means to be viable. Maybe a particular option for a Pokemon looks inferior at first glance for that particular Pokemon, but dig deeper and try and find what it might mean in the big picture, for the entire team.

Some things to consider:
  • What is thought to "counter" this pokemon?
  • Is there anyway to bypass this pokemon's so-called "counters?
  • What moves are seldom used on this pokemon, but have the most upside?
  • What niches can this pokemon potentially fill in the current metagame?
  • What opposing pokemon does this pokemon do well against?
  • How can this pokemon benefit its teammates?
The Pokemon now being tested is...


ROCK
 
Last edited:

skylight

a sky full of lighters ☆
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
...standing in the hall of fame...

set name - username

Week 1


Double Dance Torterra - Annoyer

Torterra @ Life Orb
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rock Polish
- Wood Hammer
- Earthquake

It's a double boost Torty. You don't absolutely need Stone Edge since Wood Hammer hits really fucking hard such as 2HKOing Rotom-S and Braviary, and OHKOing Haunter and Swellow after rocks. The point of the set isn't really to set both boosts up (although both would be the most optimal). Use Swords Dance against a defensively oriented team (LO +2 Wood Hammer OHKOs even Musharna) while Rock Polish can be used against frailer, offensive teams that would normally only check Torterra by outspeeding it (with a Jolly nature, you can even outspeed Scarfed Rotom-S/F). In some games, you don't even need to boost and you just spam Wood Hammer and score easy KOs. This set works even better in screens since you should be able to easily get two boosts in. You can also run different items than Life Orb such as Coba Berry, Occa Berry, or Yache Berry to help set up a boost, but the cool thing about this set and Torterra is that you don't even need the boosts to be successful.


Week 2


SubDrink Miltank - BROStime

Miltank @ Life Orb
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 40 HP | 252 Atk | 216 Spd
Nature: Jolly (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Body Slam / Return
- Earthquake
- Substitute
- Milk Drink

This set is really good, hitting the whole meta neutral due to Scrappy, this set really benefit spikestacking teams, as this will help Miltank force through walls late game as it hit quite hard with Body Slam/Return. Stealth Rock + Spikes will help this set out a lot as 3HKO's becomes 2HKO's, and 2HKO's become OHKO's which make, Roselia and Garbodor excellent partners due to their ability to lay Spikes and resist fighting. Golurk is another good teammate for Miltank as Golurk can beat Regirock which Miltank has huge problems with. The moveset is easy, Body Slam is prefered as it has a nice 30% chance to paralyze, and it also let's Miltank benefit from Substitute more, Return might be chosen over Body Slam as it hs higher BP. Milk Drink is there for longivity and works excellent with Substitute + Life Orb. The EV's is to outspeed max speed Haunter so it can KO with Body Slam/Return before Haunter can Sludge Bomb/HP Fighting as this will hurt pretty bad, rest is put into HP for some bulk. Pokemon that can wall and possibly beat Miltank is mostly Defensive walls like Regirock, SubBU Braviary, Alomomola etc. So pokemon like Ludicolo and Samurott is great teammates for Miltank.


Week 3


SubLudicolo - FLCL

Ludicolo @ Leftovers
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SAtk / 216 Spd
Modest Nature
- Giga Drain
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Substitute

Substitute is a great move for offensive Ludicolo since it eases prediction and allows it to make good use of its top-notch coverage options. You no longer have to guess if Skuntank or Sawsbuck is going to switch into your Giga Drain while you're up against an opposing Water-type, and Alomomola can no longer tank a hit and cripple you with Toxic. Ludicolo forces so many switches, so using Substitute can take full advantage of those turns. With a Modest nature, Ludicolo still hits hard enough even if it doesn't have the Life Orb boost. The Speed EVs allow it to outpace Timid Exeggutor.


Week 4


LureSkunk - FLCL

Skuntank @ Steel Gem
Trait: Aftermath
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Hone Claws
- Poison Jab
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Tail

this set can ohko piloswine and golem—two of the best skuntank counters in the tier—after a boost with stealth rock support. other targets include opposing skuntank and regirock, which are all beaten one-on-one if they switch in on hone claws. poison jab and sucker punch are solid stab attacks that can sweep through the opponent's team, especially if the opponent only has the aforementioned pokemon as their "counter" to skuntank. this set is meant to surprise the opponent, and probably won't fit on just any team. notable teammates include rotom-s and other electric-types that really appreciate piloswine or golem gone so they can spam volt switch to their heart's content.


Week 5


MixedDefensive Roselia - FLCL

Roselia @ Eviolite
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Spikes
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Rest

This set isn't meant to wall a lot of things but it does give Roselia decent mixed defenses and the ability to take on common Ground-types a lot easier. Golem can no longer OHKO with Explosion and Golurk cannot kill you even with Choice Band Ice Punch. Switching out of Skuntank is also much easier since you're only taking about thirty percent from Pursuit. Roselia still avoids the OHKO from Samurott and Ludicolo so it can still act as an emergency check to those threats. This set can set up Spikes on a different variety of Pokemon than the standard set, and the surprise factor will often help one pull it off a lot easier.



Toxic Spikes Roselia - WhiteDMist

Roselia @ Expert Belt/Eviolite
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 160 HP / 252 SAtk / 96 Spd
Modest Nature
- Toxic Spikes
- Giga Drain
- Extrasensory
- Hidden Power Ground/Sludge Bomb

We all know that Toxic Spikes are a really potent entry hazard in every tier. The difficulty is in the fact that there are numerous Poison-types that absorb them instantly, especially in NU. Rapid Spinning isn't much of a problem because the spinner still has to deal with the effects being poisoned. Most people tend to keep their Poison-types in reserve until the opposing T-Spike setter is out of the way or weakened to the point where they can take them out easily. This Roselia set is meant to be a more effective setter of Toxic Spikes because it's specifically designed to take on many of the Poison-types of the tier (ironically enough, opposing Roselia are the biggest problem).

SpA Expert Belt Roselia Extrasensory vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Roselia: 108-127 (35.52 - 41.77%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
SpA Expert Belt Roselia Extrasensory vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Garbodor: 228-269 (62.63 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
SpA Expert Belt Roselia Extrasensory vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing: 257-305 (76.94 - 91.31%) -- 25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Expert Belt Roselia Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 220 SpD Skuntank: 187-221 (53.89 - 63.68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
SpA Expert Belt Roselia Extrasensory vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Muk: 192-228 (46.37 - 55.07%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
SpA Expert Belt Roselia Extrasensory vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Muk: 139-166 (33.57 - 40.09%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
SpA Expert Belt Roselia Extrasensory vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Vileplume: 211-250 (59.6 - 70.62%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
SpA Expert Belt Roselia Extrasensory vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Golbat: 163-194 (46.17 - 54.95%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
SpA Expert Belt Roselia Hidden Power Ground vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Torkoal: 223-264 (65.01 - 76.96%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

Obviously not all these Poison-types are grounded, so they can be set up on more safely (though Taunt and Fire Blast are problems, especially for the E-Belt variant). Now Stealth Rock is necessary for msot of these calcs, as well as Expert Belt. With Eviolite, even Stealth Rocks aren't quite enough (though you can always switch out and try again later) to ensure most of these KOs. But the additional bulk is very nice to tank a few hits, most notably from Samurott. EVs are standard to outpace max Speed Golem, more can be useful for minimum Speed 80's or even to outpace Adamant Torterra and SubBU Braviary, but that is up to anyone who cares to try this out.


Week 6


Democratic Rotom - Keiran

Rotom-S @ Expert Belt
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
Volt Switch
Shadow Ball / HEX
Will-O-Wisp
Hidden Power [Grass]

are ground-types constantly ruining your electric-types' fun? well look no further with this brand new rotom-s set. do ground-types such as golurk, or golem, or whatever else constantly try to switch-in to your volt switches, under the pretext that you're choiced scarfed? well punish those golurks with a well timed shadow ball, easily 2HKO'ing it, or those golems with a hidden power grass. or even just cripple them with will-o-wisp. shadow ball also hurts those specially defensive psychic-types like musharna and gardevoir for nice damage.

now if you're extra cool you can use HEX in place of shadow ball, predicting a switch-in with will-o-wisp and hit 'em with a very strong hex. it's more risky and less efficient than shadow ball though.



ChestoRest Rotom-F - Annoyer

Rotom-F @ Chesto Berry
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Blizzard
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Ice / Thunderbolt
- Rest

This ChestoResto Rotom-F allows rotom to bluff being choiced so you can nail Ground-types that think you are locked into Volt Switch or other scenarios such as Grass-types that think you are locked into Thunderbolt. The advantage that this has over Expert Belt Rotom is its survivability which allows it to use Rest after some SR switch-ins as well as Resting on Sucker Punches from the likes of Skuntank and Cacturne. It also allows Rotom to not care about status such as T-wave since it can just Rest it off later. This Rotom is really cool and fits on a multitude of teams, and lures out Ground-types allowing mons that benefit from Ground-types being gone to sweep such as Kangaskhan, Arbok, Skuntank, or even something like Raichu.


Week 7


SubSeed Sawsbuck - FLCL

Sawsbuck @ Leftovers
Trait: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Substitute
- Leech Seed
- Horn Leech
- Double-Edge

This set is similar to offensive SubSeed in RU and can either choose to hit hard or stall the opponent. Sawsbuck can force a lot of switches against Ground or Water types which allows it to set up and stall out something bulky like Musharna, Torkoal, or Weezing which it normally wouldn't be able to beat.


Week 8


SubSalac w/ Pass Scolipede - FLCL

Scolipede @ Salac Berry
Trait: Swarm
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Megahorn
- Substitute
- Baton Pass

This set can bypass a lot of Scolipede's defensive counters such as Misdreavus and Weezing by Baton Passing to something like Kangaskhan, Zangoose, or Tauros while under a Substitute. You can also sweep just as well as the normal Substitute Salac set since it doesn't take away from Megahorn's power at all. Most sweeps I have gotten though is by Baton Passing to something like Samurott or Kangaskhan.


Week 9


Encore w/ Expert Belt Primeape - Treecko37

Primeape @ Expert Belt
Trait: Vital Spirit
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Jolly Nature
-Close Combat
-Punishment/U-turn
-Encore
-Ice Punch/Stone Edge

Alright, when considering Primeape's typical counters, you think of a) Pokemon like Musharna and b) anything that can take whatever it locks itself into. Basically, this set bypasses the worries of locking yourself into a move, and it allows you to bluff a choice set with Expert Belt. Once your opponent switches in his Scolipede on a Close Combat, you can Stone Edge or Ice Punch as he sets up Spikes. When they try to bring in Piloswine on an Ice Punch or Stone Edge, you can smack it with a powerful Expert Belt boosted Close Combat. This alone allows it to handle a lot more than it can with a typical Choice Scarf.

The real beauty of the set though is how it handles its number one counter, Musharna. If your opponent switched it in on a Close Combat, you can stay in anticipating a Calm Mind, Encore them into it the following turn, and then hit it with Punishment which gets stronger with every Calm Mind boost. The best part about it is that even if you Encore the Musharna into Moonlight, because you are faster, you can Encore it again once the first Encore ends and proceed to stall the Musharna out of all eight Moonlights should they choose to stay in. Also, Punishment allows you to revenge Musharna with some previous damage. So even if you don't feel safe switching in, allowing it to set up can actually be a good thing as the more it sets up, the more likely it is to be punished (get it... haha... no? k).

As Cherub Agent mentioned, U-turn can also be used in place of Punishment as Encore forces a lot of switches. This allows you to force switches against would-be counters and get your own switch initiative. Generally, if you are looking more to beat Musharna, Punishment is probably the better option in my opinion. Otherwise, U-turn works out really well it is spot. This way, you have the option to beat your counters in specific while also maintaining a really fun and viable set.

Encore comes in handy in many other niche situations as well. If your opponent is using Stealth Rock, you may choose to Encore the Pokemon into it, keeping you safe to wail on it or whatever comes in. Status moves such as Toxic and Will-o-wisp, which are unfortunate to take with Primeape, can be Encored, giving you the opportunity to hit until you die and can manage a safe switch or to switch into a Fire-type to take burns or a Steel or Poison-type to take a Toxic. You can even Encore Substitutes, giving you the chance to handle the Pokemon without giving it a free sub!

This set works arguably better than the Choice Scarf set anyways because locking yourself into Close Combat is fairly difficult to do with Alomomola, Misdreavus, Musharna, Scolipede, and Golurk all so common within the tier. It's much easier for a Choice Banded Sawk to do as it has so much power behind it alongside Mold Breaker that even things that resist it don't often appreciate taking a hit.


Week 10


Custap Bond Weezing - Treecko37

Weezing @ Custap Berry
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
-Destiny Bond
-Sludge Bomb
-Will-o-wisp
-Endure/Fire Blast

The whole point of Next Best Thing is the ability for a Pokemon to bypass its usual counters. As more of a wall and less of an attacker, it's sort of difficult to come up with a way to bypass counters; typically when a counter comes in against a wall, it is more likely to switch out to a teammate that can better handle the incoming Pokemon. This Weezing set, however, is tailored to bypass its counters by taking them down with it.

Sludge Bomb and Will-o-wisp are both there because they work. The ability to spread status is always welcomed on most defensive mons. Sludge Bomb is for obvious STAB and a nice 30% chance to poison the foe. Destiny Bond, the whole point of the set, works in conjunction with Custap Berry. It won't be hard for your opponent to whittle away at Weezing's HP since it is not carrying Black Sludge/Leftovers, so getting into Custap range is generally not all that difficult. Finally, in its last slot, Weezing can run either Endure or Fire Blast. Endure can be a cool, effective way of ensuring that you can into Custap range. The issue with this, however, is that it can be pretty easy to get around. First off, Endure tends to set off a flag in your opponent's mind that something is amiss and may cause them to play more cautiously, thus not letting you pull off the Destiny Bond. Second, it leaves Weezing at one HP, making it susceptible to priority moves. That said, if you do choose to run Endure, be sure that you play it well and try to avoid using it unless in a pinch. Fire Blast, on the other hand, is pretty standard fare for Weezing sets and gives it another strong special attack to use against opponents.

When playing this set, if you get into Custap range, it is often a good idea to save the activation for later in the game. This lets Weezing revenge kill anything on the opponent's team at any time, meaning that if one of Weezing's counters on the opponent's team is manageable by other means, you don't have to waste your Weezing in order to take it down.

All in all, this is a pretty gimmicky set, but it's not too difficult to pull off and can be incredibly effective. That said, it's truly The Next Best Thing to Weezing's standard set.


Week 11


Toxic shufflin' Kangaskhan - Nicolaibalu

Nicolaibalu (Kangaskhan) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Scrappy
EVs: 176 Spd / 252 HP / 80 Atk
Jolly Nature
- Substitute
- Toxic/Focus Punch
- Circle Throw
- Return

So let me have a try on this one :)
Introducing: .
What does this set do?: This set tries to punish the usual switch ins for Kangaskhan. Substitute with maximum HP investment lets walls like Tangela and Alomomola no chance at taking the sub down. Kangaskhan will then start toxicing and start to shuffle pokes around with Circle Throw. Not even ghosts are safe due to scrappy.
You might notice that I put Focus Punch in, this should be the primary option if your team has toxic spike support, because Focus Punch helps dealing with steel types that cant be poisoned.
The given speed EV's and a jolly nature makes sure he outspeeds fully invested base 80 that might try to use substitute themself to avoid being poisoned.
Return is the hardest hitting move on this set, still strong enough to OHKO Jynx. But one could also use fake out or sucker punch if they are in need of priority moves, it also helps to fake a "standard" Kangaskhan set.


Week 12


Tailwind Zard - Punchshroom

Charizard (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Blaze
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Air Slash
- Focus Blast
- Tailwind

Charizard is notoriously difficult to switch into (Munchlax and Grumpig aside), but numerous opponents can revenge kill it, including many Choice Scarfers. Charizard could outflank them with a Choice Scarf, but the Stealth Rock weakness and inability to switch moves weakens its potential. Tailwind instead doubles its speed and allow Charizard to utilise its deadly coverage to unleash fiery death upon its opponents. All of a sudden, regardless of what the opponent switches into to tank a hit and KO back (Zebstrika into Air Slash, Scolipede into Focus Blast, Rapidash into Fire Blast), Charizard simply outpaces them on the switch thanks to Tailwind and murders them all.

Charizard is known for being difficult to defend against its ridiculous Solar Powered attacks, making it more threatening to stall than offense in general. Tailwind Charizard trades its wallbreaking potential for the ability to pick apart offensive teams, clearing them out easily if not faced against priority. The fact that Munchlax, a new counter that walls all Charizard that lacks/miss Focus Blast, has entered NU and NU's playstyle is favoring offense, gives this Charizard his time to shine, destroying Scarf Jynx, Scarf Primeape, Serperior, Zebstrika, Scolipede, Swellow, Tauros and Rapidash in one fell swoop, something a ScarfZard cannot boast. Tailwind also ensures that virtually no Scarfer (without priority) and even weather sweepers excluding Chlorophyll Jumpluff and Swift Swim Floatzel are outsped and promptly KOed.

You can afford to be a bit more reckless with this Charizard, since he is meant to break as much of the opponent's team in the 3 usable Tailwind turns as he can with little to no regard for his life. SR? Pfft, he'll only have trouble when setting up Tailwind, which you should be doing on a poke like Jynx or Exeggutor that he scares the living shit out of. If anything 2 LO attacks after SR = Blaze = that good old overpowered Fire Blast you're all so familiar with. Heck, if Zard gets KOed early your teammates may take advantage of Tailwind themselves. You can even give Modest a shot, though note Charizard does appreciate the initial speed granted by Timid.

This Charizard is especially weak to priority, but not much more than any other Charizard really.


Week 13


Lead Jynx - FLCL

Jynx (F) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Oblivious
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Counter
- Lovely Kiss

this set is best used as a lead since you need focus sash to be intact. many players will try to kill you off early with something such as primeape, scolipede, or tauros, but they will end up taking a counter to the face. if played correctly, this set can take out two pokemon with counter and lovely kiss while still being able to dish out damage with its attacks.


Week 14


Hone Claws Metang - BROStime

Metang @ Eviolite
Trait: Clear Body
Evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Hone Claws
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

This set is pretty cool due to Metang's amazing Steel/Psychic type, this set also doesn't fear switching in on Jynx's Lovely Kiss due to Sleep Talk. What makes this set so cool is that with Metang's amazing typing and great defenses, it realy can pull off a Sleep Talk set, where Meteor Mash hits every pokemon in the tier (meaning there is no immunities) also having a boosting chance off 20% along with Hone Claws which boosts both Atk and Acc making Metang's Meteor Mashes insanely powerfull after some boosts. Due to Metang's great defenses and typing it realy can afford to run max Atk so it can hit harder faster, it also shrugs off any kind off status with Rest and sets up on alot off pokemon in this tier. As everyone knows no set is perfect so this one is not either, but it's close due the support it needs which is mainly Rotom-S and a water type, Rotom is a great pokemon along with this Metang set as it can get rid off bulky waters mainly Alomomola, and beats Charizard while also using Trick to create free setup opportunities for Metang.


Week 15



Copycat Samurott - FLCL

Samurott @ Lum Berry
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 108 HP / 252 Atk / 148 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Megahorn
- Waterfall
- Copycat

copycat is a really cool move on samurott as it allows it to become more of a supporting attacker. it can switch into a lot of ground and rock types as they set up stealth rocks and force them out. copycat allows samurott to take advantage of that turn and set up hazards itself. you can also steal spikes from the likes of garbodor and scolipede, although the latter requires prediction. lum berry allows you to take a lovely kiss from jynx and return it with copypat. you could also go with a special set using hydro pump | ice beam | hidden power grass, but the physical set is more useful in the current metagame in my opinion.


Week 16


Wall Breaker Serperior - NeverUsedTier

Serperior (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Taunt
- Glare

this set is what i mainly use as a lead or a wall breaker set. this set is pretty great if you dont have a spinner but dont really want one, you can just lead and taunt said rocker. the only couple pokemon that set up hazards you will want to be careful with (from what i found) armaldo, piloswine, scolipede, roselia and certain garbodors. even with that you can still taunt and switch or just switch. on the things you wont be fearing, you can taunt/glare/seed them to really put them at a disadvantage. i really like this set because many of the common leads are threatened out by serperior (golurk, golem, carrocosta etc) and you will be at the upper hand since not many people expect a serperior to lead let alone have a set like this. you can taunt a lead that doesnt threaten you out then glare on the switch or if they stay in and then giga drain or leech seed them. this set makes for a great support set as well, with max hp he can take hits well and hit some things with giga drain and completely shut down walls. also nothing is avoiding para except for things with limber, so you can slow everything down to support stronger pokes that arent as fast.
as for wall breaking, its fairly simple; you can taunt them so they cant stall, leech seed them (many walls having a big HP stat) and paralyze them. works very well and is tied with the CM set as my favorite. this set has found its way onto many of my teams.

more things to note:

252+ Atk Choice Band Sawk Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 274-324 (77.4 - 91.52%)
252 SpA Butterfree Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 222-264 (62.71 - 74.57%)

252 Atk Choice Band Tauros Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 255-301

252 SpA Jynx Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 300-354 (84.74 - 100%) -- 6.25% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Piloswine Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 266-314 (75.14 - 88.7%)

252 SpA Rotom-S Air Slash vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 222-264 (62.71 - 74.57%)


Week 17


AcroEndeavour Simipour - Sweet Jesus

Simipour @ Flying Gem
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
-Acrobatics
-Waterfall
-Substitute
-Endeavor

Works the same way as the previously posted simisage but waterfall has a chance to flinch, you hit everything for neutral damage (even steels) and it's a great way to lure in jynx and ohko it with acrobatics. You also want to take off the 4 hp or else you won't be able to make 4 subs. Simipour also revenge kills cahrizard (unlike simisage) which is the biggest threat at 100 spe.

For those who haven't read the simisage post:
Water flying is one of the best coverage in the tier, sub will help you avoid status or get a free sub on incoming jynx who expects special set which is then outsped and ohko'd by acrobatics. Sub is also used to get to torrent range (less than 1/3 hp) or to get to a range where endeavor deals huge damage to anything not ghost type (golurk being the most common is wrecked by waterfall). This will often let you crush a wall for something like tauros to finish off after. Also a great way to go offensive while keeping a way to make a hole in a stall team (alomomola 2hko's your sub).

 

watashi

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World Defender

Skuntank @ Steel Gem
Trait: Aftermath
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Hone Claws
- Poison Jab
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Tail

this set can ohko piloswine and golem—two of the best skuntank counters in the tier—after a boost with stealth rock support. other targets include opposing skuntank and regirock, which are all beaten one-on-one if they switch in on hone claws. poison jab and sucker punch are solid stab attacks that can sweep through the opponent's team, especially if the opponent only has the aforementioned pokemon as their "counter" to skuntank. this set is meant to surprise the opponent, and probably won't fit on just any team. notable teammates include rotom-s and other electric-types that really appreciate piloswine or golem gone so they can spam volt switch to their heart's content.
 


Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Trait: Aftermath
EV's: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Taunt
- Poison Jab
- Foul Play
- Sucker Punch

So your opponet have Pinsir on the field, you have skuntank. You opponent know you aren't foolish enough to keep your skuntank on the field so he go and totally carefree set up Sword Dance on the predicted switch just to be hitted by a boosted Foul Play.

Don't you keep wondering how to make a better damage output from skuntank, aside from SE hits he hit like a 25-year old-nerd, being incapable of beating Bulk Up Braviary one-on-one, but with a combination of Taunt and Foul Play Skuntank can bypass almost every setup physical sweeper. Special mention goes to Swellow and Zangoose, both of then tends to use Quick Attack to hit while waiting for his orb to active. With Foul Play and Sucker Punch they will surely faint before they have time to wreak havoc on your team.

With the uprise of Moxie Pinsir in a desperate try to stop the psychics pokemon from ruling the worl...tier, this Skuntank set have the power to put a halt to then along with it previous job of keeping the psychics pokemons on the opposing team at bay.
 

Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Trait: Aftermath
EVs: 252 Atk / 220 SpD / 36 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Roar
- Taunt

The main draw of this set is the phasing power of Roar over Sucker Punch, which allows the player to come in on a Pokemon who can't do much to Skuntank (I.E. Musharna) or ones you wish to Pursuit trap and either A) kill it with Pursuit, or B) Roar out the switch in and rack up some residual damage if you don't think you can kill the Pursuit trapped mon, while healing yourself with Black Sludge if Skuntank has taken any prior damage.

If the phased in mon is in an unfavorable match up, you can either Pursuit the switching Pokemon or Crunch the switch in, or Roar out the Pokemon regardless of what it is and rack up even more residual damage. Obviously this set should only be used with Stealth Rock/Spikes, or on a team that has trouble with set up sweepers. This Skuntank can still Taunt opposing Stealth Rockers, Will-O-Wispers and others of that ilk, but it can also phase out set up sweepers and Pursuit trap Pokemon at the same time, all at the cost of a single priority move that often leaves the Skunk in a dangerous position if misused.
 

skylight

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lack of responses but idm because there's not that much other than what was posted really. anyway you all have two days to vote for your favourite set, etc. try to give reasons too!
 
flcl

hone claws + steel gem is a very innovative way to deal with pokemon that would otherwise be full stops to skuntank. good idea, man.
 

Shuckleking87

"Assault vest makes everything better" AV Seaking, BT
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Not really a big fan of any of these sets, hence why they are not already fairly common, but I like the usefullness of Saucemonkey1's Skuntank. I see this as a great poke to use along side of Throh on a spikestacking team, as this poke could do its job of eliminating psychics while causing havoc to other pokes with roar. Other two sets are a little to situational for me. Also did not see that this is coming back, very nice!
 

FireMage

Disgraced
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SauceMonkey1

I prefer having a slightly faster Taunt and I like to have Sucker Punch > Crunch, and Dread Plate as my item - but the set itself I've used since hail got the boot and I've never regretted it.


FLCL's Skuntank is really situational at best imo, Iron Tail is unreliable (80% isn't bad - it'll just miss at the most inconvenient time.) Whilst the surprise factor is great, it greatly appreciates the extra staying power that Leftovers/Black Sludge brings, or the extra power a boosting item brings. It's destroyed by Custap Golem too, which is seeing an increase in popularity.
 
Skuntank has a really barren movepool. Like, really barren. I was going to post a set for this, but honestly, I didn't think anything outside the standard set would be worthwhile. But I think FLCL's set is pretty cool, and it's something I bet would be a lot of fun to try. So there's my vote. :]
 

Don Honchkrorleone

Happy Qwilfish the nightmare
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
No mixed Skutank makes me sad :( Anyway, my vote goes to the set posted by FLCL. It is awesome, being a great lure and sweeper at the same time.
 

scorpdestroyer

it's a skorupi egg
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
SauceMonkey1.

I feel that the other two are too situational, while SauceMonkey's is a different take on the standard skunk in giving up Sucker Punch for some extra hazard damage, because either way the opponent will receive some nasty residual damage. It screws up the opponent's switch-in to Skuntank if killing the Psychic is less important and also scouts for initial switch-ins. I can see it working on stall teams.

Also, good to see this thread back.
 

Punchshroom

FISHIOUS REND MEGA SHARPEDO
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FLCL
This is pretty much the only time I ever saw/will see good use of Iron Tail, even if the Skuntank in question somewhat loses its effectiveness against Psychics and Ghosts.
 
FLCL
Shuca berry should work well too over Steel gem imo

saucemonkey1 set is just created, but its better with Taunt, Roar, Poison Jab and then Sucker Punch or Crunch
 

watashi

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World Defender
saucemonkey1's set is pretty effective on full stall, although i usually use hot n cold's moveset and max hp since that skuntank is meant to be a utility counter to things rather than an attacker.
 

Bluwing

icequeen
is a Tutor Alumnus
FLCL's Skuntank.

This set is pretty cool, a bit gimmicky, but a great lure for common walls that beat Skuntank and a lot of it's teammates mostly the rotom formes, some examples are; Regirock, Golem and Piloswine, which means this set can help you out a lot if you have a problem with those walls, and will also help you out with cleaning up late game with rotom. As most players will try to have their wall healthy especially Piloswine, to beat rotom late game, therefore my vote goes to FLCL.
 
my vote goes to Sidfrid

Why?
taunt can stop pokemon from buffing or stalling. And once you know the other person will start attacking, you use sucker punch. And look at all those physical sweepers/attackers running around in NU, especially like pinsir and briviary to name a couple. The huge atk stat gets them killed by a foul play, especially if they decide to use a swords dance to buff themselves. Sucker punch is a great finisher, and in case they still don't die, Aftermath cuts a chunk of HP off the opponent as well.
 

skylight

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FLCL's skunk: 11
saucemonkey1: 4 (including what I assume is FLCL's vote)
Sidfrid: 1

FLCL's Lure Skunk wins!

The next Pokemon will be:


ROSE

You have three days to post your sets and try to get discussion happening too!​
 
lol okay zeb here ya go.

Roselia @ Choice Specs
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 HP / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Fire]

you can bluff a more defensive set and then hit pretty dang hard with your stabs and then HP fire for coverage. idk maybe HP rock would be better. but you can recover HP with giga drain and not be statused. pretty cool and fun to surprise people with leaf storm... the end.
 
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