LC Old Gens (DPP-SM) Analysis Suggestions/Corrections/Revamps

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This is a thread dedicated to maintaining our Old Gen LC analyses and suggesting changes that could be used to update/revamp them. Feel free to use this thread to suggest CMS edits that I can proofread and implement.

Some things I am currently looking for:
  • Sample sets for DPP post-sleep ban [Many (if not all) of the DPP LC analyses are very outdated and could use some new sample sets]
  • Sample sets for BW post-Misdreavus ban [This was a meta-changing shift, and we basically need new sample sets for basically every Pokemon]
  • Making edits to higher priority Pokemon in ORAS and SM to make them more accurate with current metagame
Feel free to post now!
 
[SM Analysis edits] Mienfoo

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[OVERVIEW]

Mienfoo has a variety of traits that make it one of the best all-around Pokemon in the metagame. Its terrific stat distribution and deep movepool, which includes access to utility moves such as Knock Off and U-turn and coverage moves such as Poison Jab and Acrobatics, give it the ability to function in a variety of roles, freely customizing its item, EV spread, and choice of moves for the team it is on. Because of its various roles, Mienfoo is quite versatile and difficult to check until its set is revealed. Mienfoo's most common role is that of a pivot, using its good natural bulk, access to utility moves such as Knock Off and U-turn, and Regenerator ability to take a wide range of hits and then bring in a teammate, granting its team momentum instantly while gaining a third of its HP back just by pivoting out. It can also support its team through the use of Knock Off, which removes common defensive items such as Eviolite and Berry Juice to support Mienfoo's teammates. (mentioned in set description later) However, Mienfoo is not limited to functioning as a bulky pivot, as it is also able to invest in its Attack and don a Choice Scarf to function as a threatening cleaner in the late-game. In short, Mienfoo's longevity thanks to Regenerator, ability to pivot and support its teammates with U-turn and Knock Off, good stat distribution, and wide support and coverage movepool make it an excellent choice on many teams. Mienfoo's only downside is its own popularity; despite its ability to perform many roles, Mienfoo is pretty consistently defeated by the same Pokemon, including Spritzee, Mareanie, Snubbull, and Foongus, which tend to be quite common because of how prevalent it is.

[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: High Jump Kick
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Fake Out / Acrobatics / Drain Punch
item: Eviolite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Jolly
evs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

High Jump Kick is the preferred STAB move to grant Mienfoo a great deal of immediate power. U-turn turns Mienfoo into a stellar pivot, giving it the ability to gain momentum for its team just by switching out of a check. It also works well with Regenerator to keep Mienfoo healthy throughout a match. Knock Off allows Mienfoo to support itself and its team by removing items such as Eviolite and Berry Juice from foes to allow them to be more easily defeated. Mienfoo's final moveslot is less crucial to its success as a pivot, so the move choice can be tailored to support its team. Fake Out is Mienfoo's best 4th move option, allowing allows Mienfoo to get in chip damage notably against Weak Armor Vullaby, and scout for certain set variants based on how much damage Fake Out does, and act as a soft check to Shellder. Mienfoo can also run Acrobatics as a coverage move that hits to hit opposing Fighting-types and Foongus for super effective damage, which is made more effective by how often it is used as a Knock Off absorber during a match, meaning it frequently gets the damage boost. Drain Punch can be run for the choice of a more reliable STAB move in certain scenarios. Alternatively, running Poison Jab can be used is an option to hit Fairy-types such as Spritzee and Snubbull and Cottonee super effectively or Stone Edge to hit Ponyta and Larvesta is also effective. Taunt can be used to shut down slower hazard leads, to block Foongus' Spore, or to prevent Foongus or Mareanie from recovering HP.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Mienfoo to hit 17 Speed and Eviolite numbers, outspeeding a decent majority of the metagame, notably Pawniard and Vullaby, and turning it into a better revenge killer and a slightly better switch-in to several key Pokemon such as Pawniard. Alternatively, moving the HP EVs to Attack An offensive spread of 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe with a Jolly nature significantly boosts the power of Mienfoo's High Jump Kick, notably allowing it to OHKO 2HKO offensive Weak Armor Berry Juice Vullaby after Stealth Rock damage from full health. However, this increase in the given sets' Speed comes at the cost of special bulk and the ability to act as a slow pivot. An alternative spread of 156 HP / 116 Def / 196 SpD 76 HP / 196 Def / 196 SpD with an Impish nature is designed to take a variety of hits and keep its health up throughout a match. This gives it the ability to take a wide range of hits when holding an Eviolite, and the Regenerator ability allows it to recover the damage it does take as it pivots in and out of battle. The extra HP EVs let Mienfoo survive key attacks such as Jolly Vullaby's Brave Bird, Focus Sash Abra's Psychic, and +2 Shellder's Icicle Spear after Stealth Rock. The lack of Speed investments would give Mienfoo 13 Speed, which is slower than a large portion of the metagame. This allows Mienfoo to take a hit before using U-turn to safely bring in a frailer ally.

Usage Tips
========

This Mienfoo set should be used as a pivot or a scout, coming in on resisted or weaker neutral hits throughout a battle and pivoting out when its health gets low. Regenerator comes in handy in doing this, as Mienfoo can regain health when it needs to just by coming out of battle. When Mienfoo is in battle, it should use Knock Off as much as possible to wear down the opposing Pokemon and remove items, especially to wear down Mienfoo's checks. Once it needs to recover health, or if a check is predicted to be coming into battle, Mienfoo can use U-turn to switch out while gaining momentum for its team. Its relatively slow U-turn is useful for bringing in frail allies as well. Be careful against opposing Flame Body users such as Ponyta and Larvesta, however, as Mienfoo relies on contact moves, which these Pokemon can come in on and potentially cripple Mienfoo with a burn.

Team Options
========

Mienfoo is weak to Flying-types, so good partners include Rock-types, such as Onix and Omanyte, and Electric Steel-types, such as Chinchou Wimpod, Pawniard and Magnemite. The latter two also forms a powerful VoltTurn core with Mienfoo, which can give a team offensive momentum. Pivot Vullaby and Larvesta can also be used to accomplish this. Checks to Fairy-types are also important when using Mienfoo, as they are its most threatening switch-ins and Poison Jab doesn't do significant damage to most of them. Foongus switches into most Fairy-types and forms a potent Regenerator core with Mienfoo, and Steel-types such as Pawniard and Magnemite can deal with Fairy-types offensively. Mienfoo is good at softening up opposing walls with Knock Off, so pairing it with a setup sweeper such as Omanyte that appreciates the opposing team being weakened is a good choice. Finally, frail attackers such as Abra and Gastly appreciate Mienfoo's slow U-turn, as it can bring them in safely, and they can force many of Mienfoo's checks out of battle.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: High Jump Kick
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Drain Punch / Brick Break
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Reckless / Regenerator
nature: Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

High Jump Kick is Mienfoo's primary STAB move and does enormous damage to anything that doesn't resist it. U-turn allows Mienfoo to pivot and scout the opponent's team while dealing chip damage early in a game in order to weaken foes. Knock Off can soften up switch-ins by removing their items, allowing Mienfoo to do more damage later, and also hits Ghost-types like Gastly and Pumpkaboo, which deter Mienfoo from using High Jump Kick. Drain Punch and Brick Break are options in the final slot as a STAB move that can be more safely spammed in situations where a High Jump Kick miss would be especially costly; Drain Punch is preferable on Reckless sets to give Mienfoo more survivability, while Regenerator sets already have good survivability, making Brick Break's ability to remove Aurora Veil more useful. Stone Edge is an alternative that hits Flame Body users such as Ponyta that aim to come in on Mienfoo. Finally, Poison Jab can be used as a way for Mienfoo to hit Fairy-types.

Set Details
========

With maximum Speed investment and a Choice Scarf, Mienfoo hits 25 Speed, allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and serve as a good revenge killer. This pairs well with maximum Attack investment, which allows Mienfoo to hit as hard as possible. An Adamant nature can be used to allow Mienfoo to hit harder, but without the Speed investment Mienfoo will fail to outspeed a few key threats, such as Choice Scarf Pawniard, Choice Scarf Rufflet, and Carvanha after a Speed boost. Reckless boosts the power of High Jump Kick significantly, but it costs Mienfoo the longevity provided by Regenerator. Regenerator is a useful ability that allows Mienfoo to take weak hits and priority moves early on in a match and recover its health as it switches out, and can help make up for the damage taken from a High Jump Kick miss.

Usage Tips
========

In the early-game, Mienfoo should use Knock Off and U-turn to weaken foes and bring in checks. As the pivot set is far more common, Mienfoo can often bluff not having a Choice Scarf, which can be used to lure in Pokemon that aim to revenge kill Mienfoo. After foes have been worn down, High Jump Kick should be spammed because it hits extremely hard. However, care should be taken to remove opposing Ghost-types beforehand, as they can hurt Mienfoo significantly by coming in on High Jump Kick. Because Choice Scarf locks Mienfoo into a single move, be careful about picking a move that turns it into setup bait, and keep in mind that Mienfoo can always use U-turn if becoming locked into a single move is an issue. However, in most late-game scenarios, if opposing Ghost-types have been eliminated, locking Mienfoo into High Jump Kick has very few downsides.

Team Options
========

This Mienfoo set pairs well with other VoltTurn users, which can use slow pivoting moves to bring it in safely without it taking damage and work together with Mienfoo to give a team momentum. Examples of good partners that can do this include Chinchou Magnemite and Vullaby. Diglett makes a good partner for its ability to trap and remove some Pokemon that can take Mienfoo's hits, including Poison-types and Ponyta. Alolan Grimer and Pawniard make good partners to this set as well, as they are able to use Pursuit to trap the Ghost-types that make it riskier for Mienfoo to use High Jump Kick and check opposing Fairy-types for it. Other Fighting-types such as Timburr work well as a partner to Mienfoo due to their ability to bring in and weaken shared checks and counters so that Mienfoo can clean with High Jump Kick late-game. Finally, this Mienfoo set is particularly weak to status conditions such as paralysis and burns, so a cleric such as Chinchou or Spritzee pairs well with it.

[SET]
name: Flyinium Z
move 1: Bounce
move 2: High Jump Kick
move 3: Fake Out
move 4: Knock Off / U-turn
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Regenerator / Reckless
nature: Jolly
evs: 156 Atk / 116 Def / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Flyinium Z turns Bounce into a 160-Base Power Supersonic Skystrike, which surprises other Fighting-types like Timburr and Croagunk Mienfoo as well as traditional Fighting-type checks like Foongus, a traditional Fighting-type check and Pumpkaboo-XL. High Jump Kick is the primary STAB option, giving Mienfoo more immediate power and 2HKOing most Pokemon that don't resist it. Drain Punch is an option as well, allowing Mienfoo to deal damage and recover health at the same time; however, this set doesn't have the bulk to spam it very well. Fake Out is extremely helpful on this set, getting chip damage on the first turn Mienfoo is out and KOing Timburr and Foongus when combined with Supersonic Skystrike. Knock Off can give Mienfoo coverage against Ghost- and Psychic-types while also providing utility to its teammates by removing the foe's item. It also punishes switch-ins like Foongus by putting them in range to be KOed by Supersonic Skystrike. U-turn allows Mienfoo to gain momentum and get chip damage while switching.

Set Details
========

Flyinium Z allows Bounce to become Supersonic Skystrike, a powerful Flying-type move that beats traditional Fighting-type checks such as Larvesta and Pumpkaboo-XL allows Mienfoo to lure and remove Foongus or and surprises Timburr, Croagunk, and opposing Mienfoo. On sets lacking Knock Off, Supersonic Skystrike can hit Pumpkaboo-XL as well. The ability is mostly up to preference; Regenerator gives Mienfoo slightly more staying power, allowing it to gain some HP back when switching or utilizing U-turn, but Reckless makes its High Jump Kick more difficult to switch into. A Jolly nature and 236 Speed EVs allow Mienfoo to outspeed the Pokemon it lures as well as Speed tie with other fast Mienfoo and Snivy. 156 Attack EVs allow Mienfoo to hit hard, notably scoring the KO on Timburr with Fake Out + Supersonic Skystrike. Finally, 116 Defense EVs net Mienfoo an extra two points in its physical bulk, allowing it to take less from priority moves like Aqua Jet and Mach Punch.

Usage Tips
========

Be careful when using Supersonic Skystrike on predicted switches; it's a one-use move, so play it safe until the threatening Pokemon is on the field. Also, be sure not to reveal Bounce beforehand, as only this set utilizes it; switching into Knock Off can also tip off your opponent that you have a Z-Move, since Z-Crystals can't be removed. Be cautious when using High Jump Kick against teams with a Ghost-type, as they can switch in and force Mienfoo to take crash damage; use Knock Off to punish Ghost-types on the switch in. Be aware that Mienfoo is quite frail due to the lack of an Eviolite and won't be able to switch into attacks as easily as other variants. Otherwise, this Mienfoo can play similarly to pivot variants: coming in on resisted attacks, using U-turn to keep up its health and momentum, and using Knock Off to remove items to help teammates sweep.

Team Options
========

Pokemon that appreciate Fighting-types removed like Pawniard, Zigzagoon, and Carvanha can utilize Mienfoo's ability to easily dispatch them. Mienfoo fits on cores with other Fighting-types like Timburr, as they share checks like Croagunk and Foongus, which Supersonic Skystrike can take care of easily. Similarly, Pokemon that want Grass-types removed like Staryu and Corphish and Chinchou are helped by Mienfoo's Supersonic Skystrike. Fairy-type checks like Alolan Grimer Pawniard, Foongus, and Magnemite can ward off Fairy-types, which this set has a hard time with. Flying-type checks like Onix and Kabuto Pawniard are useful as well, patching up Mienfoo's Flying-type weakness. Both these Pokemon can use Stealth Rock too, which is helpful for getting the KO on Timburr and Foongus with Supersonic Skystrike without needing Fake Out. Pursuit trappers like Pawniard and Alolan Grimer are helpful, as without Knock Off Mienfoo has no way to deal with Pokemon like Abra and Gastly. Electric-types like Chinchou and Magnemite can form a VoltTurn core with Mienfoo and take care of Flying-types that outspeed and KO Mienfoo like Doduo and Choice Scarf Rufflet.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Feint is an option to give Mienfoo a more reliable form of priority, but it is extremely weak. Both Flyinium Z with Bounce and Poisonium Z with Poison Jab can be used to give Mienfoo a high-power Z-Move to lure in opposing Fighting-and Fairy-types, respectively, but they come similarly to the Flyinium Z set, it also comes at the cost of the bulk Eviolite provides. Reckless, which is listed as an option on the Choice Scarf set, is an option on the pivot set as well to boost the power of High Jump Kick, but not having Regenerator hurts Mienfoo in terms of longevity. Choice Band is an option to dramatically increase Mienfoo's power, notably allowing it to OHKO Berry Juice Vullaby from full at the cost of bulk and the ability to switch moves. Life Orb is another acceptable option for fast offensive sets, but similarly takes away from Mienfoo's mix of offensive capabilities and bulk. Finally, Facade is an option to surprise Flame Body Pokemon that aim to cripple Mienfoo with a burn, but it costs Mienfoo a moveslot it could use for coverage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types, especially Snubbull and Spritzee, wall Mienfoo completely unless it is running Poison Jab, which still doesn't do a lot of damage. Cottonee is also difficult to deal with but is much more susceptible to Poison Jab.
**Poison-types**: Poison-type Pokemon, including Foongus, Trubbish, Skrelp, and Mareanie, take very little damage from Mienfoo's attacks and can take advantage of the free turns Mienfoo gives them to set up entry hazards or spread status. However, none of them particularly like being hit by Knock Off, with the exception of Trubbish, whose item cannot be removed because of Sticky Hold.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types do significant damage to Mienfoo, although they fear switching into it if it is running Stone Edge. Vullaby checks Mienfoo fairly well due to Weak Armor, which allows it to outspeed Mienfoo after switching in and deal significant damage, and Archen, Rufflet, and Doduo all check it offensively, although Rufflet needs a Choice Scarf to outspeed Mienfoo.
**Flame Body**: Ponyta and Larvesta make it costly for Mienfoo to spam Knock Off and U-turn as consistently as it would like, as they can switch in and potentially cripple it with a burn; however, both fear Stone Edge.
**Abra**: Abra is one of the best offensive checks to Mienfoo, although the bulkier sets can take a Psychic from the Focus Sash Abra set. Abra also must be wary of being surprised by a Choice Scarf Mienfoo variant, which can outspeed and U-turn out of it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Nineage, 195129], [Coconut, 150971], [Gummy, 202097]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rowan, 36965], [Nineage, 195129], [Xayah, 167012], [Corporal Levi, 55063], [Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Grammar checked by: [[talkingtree, 232101], [CryoGyro, 331519], [Rakan, 45152], [Lumari, 232216]]

Hoping for some feedback, mostly about the Overview section, for which I don't know the best way to format it, but also the rest. I think there are still things to improve, but hopefully this is a good start.

Edit: Done and implemented!
 
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[SM Analysis revamp] Vullaby
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[OVERVIEW]
Vullaby is one of the best Pokemon in LC thanks to its versatility. Vullaby's offensive typing allows it to hit every Pokemon in the metagame barring Pawniard for at least neutral damage, and it has powerful options such as Brave Bird, Knock Off, Air Slash, and Dark Pulse to utilize and customize. Vullaby's typing helps it defensively as well, giving it many useful resistances that make it easy to fit onto a team. Its terrific stats don't hurt either, giving Vullaby a mix of bulk and power that allows it to serve as a sweeper, a wallbreaker, and even a blanket check to much of the metagame. Vullaby's abilities also compound its usefulness. Weak Armor gives Vullaby the ability to to outspeed the entire unboosted (and much of the boosted) metagame after being hit by a physical attack, neutralizing its middling Speed and making it quite difficult to revenge kill. Alternatively, Vullaby can play more defensively with Overcoat, which gives it an immunity to Spore and does not lower its Defense. (DONE)

[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Defog
item: Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Brave Bird and Knock Off provide terrific neutral coverage, since Vullaby can cripple Flying-resistant foes with Knock Off. U-turn allows Vullaby to chip down and gain momentum against Pokemon such as Spritzee, Onix, and Pawniard. Hidden Power Fighting OHKOes Pawniard, which it often lures in, after Knock Off with minimal Special Attack investment. Vullaby is a safe and reliable Defogger thanks to the many switches it forces, its fantastic natural bulk, and potential Speed boosts from Weak Armor. If the team doesn't require Defog, Hidden Power Grass and Heat Wave are potentially useful coverage options for Rock-types like Onix and Steel-types like Ferroseed, respectively. It should be noted, however, that the mixed attacker set is usually a better choice to fulfill these roles. Protect is an option that allows Vullaby to dodge Mienfoo's High Jump Kick, shield itself against Z-moves, and scout for opposing moves. (DONE)

Set Details
========

This Vullaby set can run an enormous variety of EV spreads depending on the needs of its team. This analysis will go over the important EV benchmarks in each stat, and then it will list some common EV spreads that combine these benchmarks.

Vullaby runs an Adamant nature and maximum Attack investment to reach 16 Attack, granting it a 75% chance to OHKO many Mienfoo and Timburr variants, as well as Foongus after Stealth Rock, with Brave Bird. 16 Attack Vullaby also 2HKOes Eviolite-less Spritzee with Brave Bird consistently, and it can OHKO frailer variants of opposing Vullaby after a Weak Armor Defense drop. However, some spreads sacrifice this offensive presence in favor of greater bulk to more reliably check key threats. While 76 Defense EVs with no HP investment are sufficient to survive defensive Mienfoo's High Jump Kick and three hits of Onix's Rock Blast after Stealth Rock, Vullaby avoids the OHKO from Reckless Mienfoo's High Jump Kick from full and opposing Vullaby's Brave Bird from full after a Weak Armor drop with an additional 116 HP EVs. 116 HP and 156 Special Defense EVs allow Vullaby to avoid the KO from Focus Sash Abra's Dazzling Gleam after Stealth Rock and Life Orb Abra's Dazzling Gleam from full while also taking Special Attacks much better in general. 196 Speed EVs allow Vullaby to hit 15 Speed, outspeeding +1 Ponyta and +2 Jolly Shellder after a Weak Armor boost and giving it a better chance of outspeeding opposing Vullaby. Lower Speed investments are viable to run more bulk or a combination of bulk and power. 14 Speed is still good to outspeed slow Mienfoo naturally and 18 Speed Choice Scarf users like Doduo after a Weak Armor boost, but it will cause Vullaby to be less capable in mirror matchups and force it to tie against +1 Ponyta and +2 Jolly Shellder after a Weak Armor boost. 13 initial Speed isn't usually ideal, as it will leave Vullaby to Speed tie with slow Mienfoo and outsped by most opposing Vullaby.(DONE)

The given EV spread maximizes Vullaby's Speed and offensive power while granting it enough physical bulk to withstand some common attacks. Other commonly used EV spread include:
  • 116 HP / 156 Atk / 156 SpD / 36 Spe with a Jolly nature, which gives Vullaby many of the Special Defense benefits listed above while retaining some offensive presence. This spread can be used as a very flexible pivot as well as a soft check to many special attackers, such as Abra and Staryu.
  • 116 HP / 76 Def / 156 SpD / 116 Spe with a Jolly nature, which gives Vullaby more general bulk and good Speed at the expense of substantial offensive presence. This spread, compared to the previous spread, retains the Special Defense benefits while also offering the aforementioned benefits of 15 Speed.
  • 116 HP / 76 Def / 236 SpD / 36 Spe with a Jolly nature, which maximizes Vullaby's special bulk. This spread is the best check to Snivy and Gastly, but it loses out on both Attack and Speed, making it relatively passive.
If any of these sets were to run Hidden Power Fighting, then a neutral nature should be used to hit 11 Special Attack at the cost of 1 point of Speed, and 4 additional EVs must be added accordingly in Defense, Special Defense, or Speed to compensate for the dropped IVs required for Hidden Power.(DONE)

Weak Armor is usually the preferred ability, especially with more offensive EV spreads, to deter the opponent from using certain physical moves with Vullaby's presence alone. Vullaby is able to come in on common attacks such as Mienfoo's Knock Off and, if healthy, High Jump Kick to immediately threatening the opposition with powerful STAB moves or U-turn. Overcoat is also an option, mostly on more defensive spreads, for teams that need a switch-in to Foongus's Spore. Berry Juice allows Vullaby to remain healthy without giving up valuable turns to use Roost; it synergizes well with Brave Bird because it ensures that the recoil isn't overly detrimental.(DONE)

Usage Tips
========

Between Knock Off and U-turn, Vullaby is excellent at forcing in and weakening its checks early- and mid-game. Knock Off is often Vullaby's safest attack due to its high damage, extremely useful side effect, and lack of recoil; however, it may be punished by opposing Weak Armor users such as Onix and enemy Vullaby. If you predict the opponent to switch to a Pokemon that Vullaby can't immediately break, such as Onix, U-turn can be used to gain momentum; however, be careful of using the move too frequently if Stealth Rock is up, as this can quickly wear Vullaby down. Brave Bird recoil and Stealth Rock chip damage are often helpful for activating Berry Juice after some prior damage, putting Vullaby out of range of certain KOs. Defog should be used when Vullaby forces out its foe; however, be wary of using it against a Pawniard switch-in if it can't be revenge killed at +2 Attack. Weak Armor lets Vullaby come in on physical attacks that don't OHKO it from enemies that it can force out, as Vullaby will almost always outspeed them the turn after and gain offensive momentum Later in the game, when its checks have been worn down, Vullaby can use a Weak Armor boost to clean using Brave Bird. The ability does have its drawbacks; if Vullaby is unable to OHKO the enemy, it becomes vulnerable to attacks that hit its weakened Defense or are boosted by Analytic.(DONE)

Team Options
========

Weak Armor Pivot Vullaby ranks among the easiest sets in LC to include on a team; there are many teams that appreciate its ability to act as a wallbreaker, pivot, and soft check to a variety of threats. While this set lacks the longevity to reliably check Snivy, Abra, Fighting-types, and Foongus, it is able to soft check all of them while providing offensive presence. Vullaby is incredibly adept at gaining momentum when paired with other VoltTurn users such as Mienfoo and Magnemite. For example, Mienfoo handles Pawniard and Rock-types for Vullaby, while Magnemite forces out Fairy-types and Shellder; in exchange, Vullaby soft checks Foongus, Abra, and Fighting-types for them. Checks to Vullaby, including Onix, Spritzee and Magnemite, should be handled by the rest of the team. Examples of good teammates for this include Foongus, Ferroseed, and Ponyta. Eviolite Diglett is fantastic at supporting Vullaby by reliably trapping Onix, Pawniard, and Magnemite. Frailer variants of Diglett are more generally useful and can still support Vullaby quite well, but they struggle to trap Weak Armor Onix, Choice Scarf Pawniard, and Choice Scarf Magnemite.(DONE)

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Hidden Power Grass
item: Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Docile
evs: 156 Atk / 76 Def / 80 SpA / 196 Spe
ivs: 30 HP / 30 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Brave Bird is Vullaby's primary STAB move. Knock Off complements Brave Bird and has the added utility of removing foes' defensive items. Heat Wave gives Vullaby an option to hit Steel-types, 2HKOing Pawniard with the given EV spread. Hidden Power Grass substantially damages Onix, OHKOing non-Eviolite variants unless Sturdy is active, and also deals good damage to Mudbray after a Stamina boost.(DONE)

Set Details
========

The given EV spread sacrifices the raw power of investing solely in either Attack or Special Attack for mixed investment. 14 Attack still allows Vullaby's STAB attacks to hit quite hard, while 12 Special Attack allows it to KO Pawniard with Knock Off + Heat Wave after Stealth Rock or two Heat Waves from full, as well as OHKO SturdyJuice Onix after Stealth Rock and Groundium Z Onix from full. Alternatively, an EV spread of 236 Atk / 76 Def / 80 SpA / 116 Spe with an Adamant nature grants Vullaby 16 Attack, allowing it to OHKO many variants of Timburr and Mienfoo. The smaller Special Attack investment still allows Vullaby to OHKO non-Eviolite Onix and 2HKO Pawniard after Stealth Rock. Berry Juice works well on this set, allowing Vullaby to take a foe's attack, get a Speed boost, and return to full health.(DONE)

Usage Tips
========

This Vullaby set can effectively lure in and surprise its common checks, such as Rock- and Steel-types. Generally, Vullaby should use Knock Off early in a match to weaken its checks by removing their defensive items. When appropriate, Vullaby can use Heat Wave or Hidden Power Grass to surprise a check and remove it, allowing Vullaby to use Brave Bird more safely. After its checks have been weakened or eliminated, Vullaby should attempt to come in on a weak physical attack to boost its Speed with Weak Armor and cause havoc with Brave Bird. This Vullaby set lacks longevity or significant Defense investment, so avoid allowing it to be worn down by super effective attacks or Stealth Rock damage until Vullaby can take advantage of its full offensive arsenal.(DONE)

Team Options
========

This Vullaby set is effective at taking out common Flying-type checks, including Rock- and Steel-types, so other Flying-types, including Doduo and Rufflet, have terrific offensive synergy with it. Other Pokemon that appreciate the removal of Rock-types, such as Ponyta, also pair well with this set. As Vullaby gets worn down quickly by Stealth Rock, especially since it may be switching in frequently to aim for a Weak Armor boost, entry hazard control from Staryu and Snivy is helpful. When Vullaby's Weak Armor is not activated, it is susceptible to being revenge killed, especially by Rock- and Electric-type attacks. Thus, Pokemon that can switch into these attacks, and especially Pokemon that can check Onix, such as Mienfoo synergize well with it. Hazard setters such as Onix and Ferroseed help Vullaby accumulate chip damage onto its foes, bringing them into KO range.(DONE)

[SET]
name: Flyinium Z
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Heat Wave / Protect
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Naughty
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 80 SpA / 116 Spe
ivs: 30 HP / 30 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird's high Base Power makes Supersonic Skystrike extremely strong, letting Vullaby deal huge damage to most Flying-neutral targets and potentially putting its checks into range of coverage moves. Knock Off complements this by weakening checks such as Spritzee, Onix, and Pawniard. Hidden Power Grass and Heat Wave provide coverage for switch-ins such as Onix and Pawniard. Hidden Power Fighting is a more reliable way of covering Pawniard, OHKOing it after Knock Off, but Vullaby loses the ability to KO Onix. Protect is usually run with Hidden Power Fighting, allowing Vullaby to scout for opposing attacks and block Fake Out and High Jump Kick.(DONE)

Set Details
========
The EV spread and Naughty nature maximize Vullaby's Attack stat and gives it the best chance of OHKOing opposing Vullaby. A Naughty nature with 80 EVs in Special Attack allows Hidden Power Grass to KO Onix after Supersonic Skystrike and Heat Wave to 2HKO Pawniard. With 116 Speed EVs, Vullaby can outspeed the vast majority of the metagame, including most Choice Scarf users after a Speed boost. If using Hidden Power Fighting, a spread of 36 HP / 236 Atk / 200 Spe with either a Naive or Naughty nature should be used. A Naive nature is preferred, granting Vullaby 16 Speed and allowing it to outspeed most opposing Vullaby variants and Speed tie with Pawniard. A Naughty nature can still be used to maximize Vullaby's offensive output.(DONE)

Usage Tips
========
Without Berry Juice, Vullaby lacks longevity, so it's important to be proactive in wallbreaking. Vullaby has a good matchup in physical attackers due to Weak Armor, and it should avoid special attackers in most scenarios. Flyinium Z Vullaby makes a great switch-in to Knock Off because it activates Vullaby's Weak Armor while dealing minimal damage. As a lead, Vullaby is able to surprise other lead Vullaby and 15 Defense Fighting-types, which survive Brave Bird, with Supersonic Skystrike. Watch out for Onix because it's the Pokemon that best tanks a Supersonic Skystrike. Try to avoid activating Onix's Weak Armor if Vullaby has a Weak Armor boost itself by using Hidden Power Grass on a predicted switch. If your team has Diglett or Ponyta, you can first aim to trap or burn Onix before sending in Vullaby.(DONE)

Team Options
========
Ponyta burns physical attackers for Vullaby so it can take advantage of them via Weak Armor while staying healthy. Vullaby can support Ponyta in return by weakening Onix with Hidden Power Grass. Staryu is a great teammate for Vullaby because it can clear Stealth Rock, which Ponyta happens to appreciate too. Diglett can trap Flying-resistant Pokemon like Onix and Pawniard. Because Vullaby lacks its usual utility against special attackers, it's important to include checks to Abra and Gastly on the team, like the aforementioned Diglett and Pawniard. Diglett and Ferroseed are also useful to cover Staryu, which forces Vullaby out. Doduo is a decent teammate for Vullaby because they can overwhelm their shared checks and counters together.(DONE)

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Dark Pulse / Protect
item: Berry Juice / Eviolite
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 116 HP / 240 SpA / 116 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot allows Vullaby to function as a potent special sweeper in conjunction with Weak Armor. Air Slash hits common Fighting-types for super effective damage, and its flinch chance makes Vullaby especially deadly. Heat Wave hits most Steel-types, including Magnemite and Pawniard, for solid damage. Hidden Power Grass provides useful coverage against Rock-types like Onix and Tirtouga, though Dark Pulse is an alternative that allows Vullaby to OHKO Gastly without Nasty Plot. Protect allows Vullaby to scout for opposing moves and avoid being revenge killed by Fake Out. Substitute is another option that lets Vullaby avoid Pawniard's Sucker Punch and set up on Foongus and Ferroseed.(DONE)

Set Details
========

With 116 Speed EVs, Vullaby hits 14 Speed or 28 after a Weak Armor boost, allowing it to outspeed practically every Choice Scarf user in the metagame and avoid being easily revenge killed. 116 HP EVs improve Vullaby's mixed bulk significantly, allowing it to usually survive attacks like Spritzee's Moonblast from full HP and defensive Mienfoo's High Jump Kick after Stealth Rock damage. Berry Juice improves Vullaby's ability to sweep significantly and leaves it less vulnerable to priority attacks. Options such as Eviolite and Flyinium Z help Vullaby set up on even more attacks or nuke potential checks such as Spritzee, but they leave Vullaby much more vulnerable to priority attacks. Weak Armor is mandatory on this set, as Vullaby is unable to effectively sweep most teams without the Speed boost.(DONE)

Usage Tips
========

Vullaby can relatively easily find an opportunity to set up due to its solid Defense stat and plethora of resistances. Setting up against a physical sweeper is nearly always essential, as they are necessary to trigger Weak Armor. Checks such as Spritzee and Mareanie should be weakened before Vullaby attempts to sweep. Keep in mind that if the opponent knows that Vullaby is a Nasty Plot set, they may avoid attacking it to prevent the Speed boost, which leaves Vullaby open to revenge killing. However, due to the plethora of sets Vullaby can run, it won't be immediately obvious. As such, it is advisable to refrain from using Air Slash or Nasty Plot too early in the game.(DONE)

Team Options
========

Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciates Pokemon that can weaken special walls like Spritzee and Mareanie. Mienfoo does so particularly well with Knock Off and also provides U-turn support for Vullaby to safely come in and set up. Entry hazard control is important as well; Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Onix can set Stealth Rock and Spikes to weaken switch-ins and help Vullaby get KOs on checks. These Pokemon also tend to bring in Fighting-types for Vullaby to set up on. Rapid Spin Staryu helps neutralize Vullaby's Stealth Rock weakness.(DONE)

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Defog / Hidden Power Grass
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
ivs: 30 HP / 30 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Brave Bird and Knock Off form a strong STAB combination, allowing Vullaby to deal heavy damage to foes or soften them up by removing their items. U-turn lets Vullaby maintain offensive momentum. While being Choice-locked into Defog causes Vullaby and its team to lose momentum, Defog provides valuable entry hazard removal support in emergency situations. Hidden Power Grass is an offensive alternative that nails common Rock-type switch-ins such as Onix and Tirtouga.(DONE)

Set Details
========

A 236 Attack EVs and an Adamant nature give Vullaby good odds of OHKOing Timburr and Foongus after Stealth Rock damage and Mienfoo from full. 15 Speed allows Vullaby to outpace the entire unboosted metagame, as well as slower boosted Pokemon like Modest Choice Scarf Magnemite and +1 Torchic. A Jolly nature sacrifices raw power in exchange for outspeeding Timid Choice Scarf Magnemite and other 15 Speed Choice Scarf users. A Naive or Naughty nature can be run alongside Hidden Power Grass in order to guarantee the OHKO on SturdyJuice Onix after Stealth Rock damage, but it compromises Vullaby's good bulk. Overcoat allows Vullaby to switch into Spore from Foongus, though Weak Armor can be run to let Vullaby maintain its Speed advantage after being hit by Knock Off.(DONE)

Usage Tips
========

With the existence of better late-game sweepers like Doduo and the opportunity cost of not running another Vullaby set, Choice Scarf Vullaby's niche relies on its surprise factor to net unsuspected KOs and put its team at an early advantage. Ideally, it should be put into positions where it can lure Mienfoo, Abra, and Staryu and KO them. A lack of Berry Juice or Eviolite means that this Vullaby set lacks longevity if played without caution, so Vullaby should attempt to avoid switching into even moderately strong neutral attacks. Careless use of Brave Bird, as well as switching into Stealth Rock, will also quickly reduce Vullaby's HP and put it into range of priority attacks. Vullaby is best served using Knock Off and U-turn early-game in order to chip away at its checks and build momentum for its team before attempting to clean a weakened team late-game with Brave Bird. Both Defog and Hidden Power Grass should be used sparingly, as they often give the opposing team at least one free turn.(DONE)

Team Options
========

Diglett is an excellent partner for Vullaby due to its ability to trap and remove Steel-, Rock-, and Electric-types that check Vullaby, while Vullaby provides a safe opportunity for Diglett to enter the field with U-turn. Entry hazard setters allow Vullaby to achieve KOs and punishes switches that Choice Scarf Vullaby often causes. Due to Choice Scarf Vullaby's relative frailty compared to other sets, bulky teammates such as Ferroseed and Mudbray provide the team with ways to counter dangerous Pokemon, along with entry hazard support. Mienfoo makes a good partner, as it forms a pivoting core with Vullaby and deals with Pawniard. Strong but frail attackers such as Gastly greatly appreciate Vullaby's Knock Off and U-turn, while other Flying-types like Doduo can wear down shared Flying-resistant checks. Stealth Rock removal from Pokemon such as Staryu or Snivy is also appreciated to significantly increase Vullaby's longevity.(DONE)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A fully defensive set with Overcoat, Eviolite, and Roost makes Vullaby a wall and slow pivot that can be quite hard to break through, but it is very passive, often worn down, and generally outclassed by other sets in this offensive metagame. Iron Defense allows Vullaby to act as an incredibly strong check to physical attackers and take on its most common check in Onix, but it is still vulnerable to strong special attackers. Flyinium Z can be run alongside Mirror Move for the +2 Attack boost that Z-Mirror Move provides, potentially allowing Vullaby to sweep with Weak Armor; however, Vullaby's reliance on a Weak Armor boost to outspeed most offensive Pokemon, lowered bulk, and lack of longevity without Berry Juice makes this difficult to pull off. Rock Smash can be used to hit Pawniard on fully physical sets, but Vullaby is usually better off running other moves; Rock Smash also doesn't even OHKO Pawniard and triggers Defiant.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Rock-types**: Onix is one of the most consistent Vullaby checks, outspeeding Vullaby before Weak Armor boosts. It can easily come in on Brave Bird and Knock Off to get a Weak Armor boost and heavily damage Vullaby with Rock Blast thanks to Weak Armor's Defense drop. However, Onix has to watch out for Hidden Power Grass.

**Pawniard**: Pawniard resists both of Vullaby's STAB attacks, can outspeed Vullaby before a Weak Armor boost, and can take advantage of Weak Armor Defense drops with Sucker Punch. However, it must be wary of Heat Wave and Hidden Power Fighting.

**Fairy-types**: Spritzee can check most variants of Vullaby, while Snubbull is useful against physical variants. However, neither Pokemon likes Knock Off, and Vullaby's Brave Bird can still deal significant damage to both.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Strong special attacks from Staryu, Magnemite, and Elekid are the best way to handle Vullaby offensively. However, these Pokemon can only deal with Vullaby if its Speed hasn't been boosted by Weak Armor.

**Priority**: Priority users, including Fake Out Mienfoo, Mach Punch Timburr, and Sucker Punch Pawniard, can revenge kill Weak Armor sets after they have taken Defense drops.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Nineage, 195129], [LilyAC, 423793], [Acehunter1, 430377]]
- Quality checked by: [[Corporal Levi, 55063], [LilyAC, 423793]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990]]

(26/09/2022) Edit: done and uploaded!
 
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