TailGlowVM
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[Overview]
Tapu Fini is an excellent defensive presence in the OU metagame thanks to its typing and solid bulk, which allows it to check notable threats such as Weavile, Urshifu-R, Heatran, and Hydreigon. It can use Choice Scarf sets to switch into and threaten Pokemon like Urshifu-R and Dragapult, or it can take advantage of common defensive Pokemon such as Slowking, Toxapex, and Blissey by trapping and eliminating them for its teammates or setting up on them. It also limits the progress of status-spreading Pokemon, such as Dragapult and Toxapex, with Misty Surge and boasts a wide utility movepool including Defog, Taunt, and Knock Off. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, meaning it can be worn down very quickly, especially if the common Knock Off removes its Leftovers or it runs Choice Scarf. If it has to check multiple threats, it may therefore need a secondary check to them. Many of the Pokemon it wants to switch into, such as Dragapult and Urshifu-R, carry U-turn to wear it down further. While Tapu Fini has many useful resistances, common faster offensive threats like Rillaboom, Tapu Koko, Kartana, and Zeraora exploit its typing. It faces competition from Slowbro, Slowking, and Toxapex as a defensive Water-type and Clefable as a defensive Fairy-type, which can also utilize Calm Mind sets. However, Tapu Fini differentiates itself with its unique combination of utility options, its rare and valuable ability, and it simultaneously checking Pokemon such as Heatran and Weavile.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Trick
move 4: Taunt / Defog
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 SpD / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With a Choice Scarf, Tapu Fini can outspeed and threaten Pokemon like Garchomp, Tornadus-T, and Dragapult. Trick cripples Ferrothorn, Blissey, Galarian Slowking, and Toxapex, which can switch into Tapu Fini's attacks with ease, and this can help teammates break through them. Taunt might look like a strange choice on a Choice item set, but it prevents Toxapex and Slowking from pivoting into it freely and bulky setup sweepers like bulky Volcarona and Dragonite from setting up on it. Defog can be used instead on teams that require situational hazard control. 216 Speed EVs are used to outspeed +1 Dragonite, but the EV spread is customizable; for example, maximum defensive investment can be used if a team has another revenge killer, and Special Attack EVs can allow Tapu Fini to OHKO Pokemon like Weavile and Dragapult.
This set fits on offensive teams that do not require Tapu Fini's full defensive utility and appreciate the role compression of a revenge killer, situational switch-in to Pokemon like Dragapult, Urshifu-R, and Weavile, and potential Defogger. Pokemon that take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to lure in and cripple Galarian Slowking, Blissey, and Toxapex, such as Volcarona and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T—which also help against Rillaboom and Kartana—are ideal teammates. Ferrothorn can set Spikes to wear down opposing Pokemon into Tapu Fini's KO range and pressure Water-types like Slowking. It also switches into Tapu Koko for it. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can switch into Tapu Koko and Galarian Slowking, and they like Tapu Fini's ability to check Weavile and Urshifu-R.
[SET]
name: Whirlpool Trapper
move 1: Whirlpool
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Nature's Madness
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpD
Whirlpool allows Tapu Fini to trap and remove many Pokemon that cannot significantly damage it, such as Toxapex, Blissey, Slowbro, Slowking, and Ferrothorn lacking Power Whip. Nature's Madness provides consistent damage on bulkier Pokemon such as the aforementioned ones it can trap, as well as switch-ins like Galarian Slowking. Taunt is necessary so that Pokemon like Toxapex, Blissey, and Slowking cannot use their recovery moves or pivot out with Teleport. Knock Off can be used over Moonblast to lure in Galarian Slowking and remove its Assault Vest while wearing Toxapex down more quickly by removing its Black Sludge or Shed Shell, but this makes Tapu Fini unable to reliably check Weavile and Urshifu-R. The EVs allow Tapu Fini to survive three Choice Band-boosted Close Combats from Urshifu-R and two Choice Specs-boosted Shadow Balls from Blacephalon from full health.
This set can fit on a wide variety of teams, but, as its main purpose is to trap and eliminate certain defensive Pokemon like Toxapex, Blissey, and Slowking, it should be used with Pokemon that appreciate them being removed. Weavile is a great option, as Toxapex and Ferrothorn are common checks to it, and it beats Grass-types and Galarian Slowking for Tapu Fini. Urshifu-R can similarly benefit from Toxapex and Slowbro being removed, and it eases prediction against teams with Ferrothorn. Volcarona and Dragonite can check Grass-types for Tapu Fini, and both can sweep much more easily with Toxapex removed. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can switch into Electric-types for Tapu Fini and like its ability to check Weavile and Urshifu-R. If Tapu Fini is using Knock Off, Pokemon that benefit from Galarian Slowking losing its Assault Vest such as Kyurem are good teammates.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Scald
move 4: Draining Kiss
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 140 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Taunt turns Pokemon that rely on status moves to damage Tapu Fini such as Blissey and Toxapex into setup fodder. It also prevents Slowking from using Teleport and Pokemon like Corviknight and Clefable from using their recovery moves, forcing them to play more carefully to avoid being worn down. Scald is weaker than Surf, but it discourages Pokemon not protected by Misty Terrain, such as Landorus-T and Rillaboom, from switching in due to the threat of a burn. Draining Kiss is preferred over Moonblast to make Tapu Fini less easily worn down, but Moonblast can be considered for its greater immediate power. 140 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Bisharp and Timid Magnezone. The Defense EVs and Bold nature are used because Calm Mind already boosts Tapu Fini's special bulk.
Magnezone is a great teammate for Tapu Fini because it can trap and eliminate Ferrothorn, one of the most common counters to Tapu Fini, as well as other Steel-types like Corviknight that can pivot into it when it is unboosted. Ground-types like Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and Garchomp can check Electric-types like Zeraora and Tapu Koko and pressure Galarian Slowking, which counters this set. They enjoy Tapu Fini being a reliable switch-in to Weavile and Urshifu-R, two of the few physical attackers they cannot check. Weavile can overwhelm Grass-types and Galarian Slowking and appreciates the switch-in to Urshifu-R that Tapu Fini can provide.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
A more defensive Choice Scarf set with Whirlpool, Moonblast, Nature's Madness, and Trick can be used to trap passive Pokemon similarly to Whirlpool sets, and it still allows Tapu Fini to outspeed and threaten many Pokemon. Such a set should use an EV spread of 252 HP / 116 SpD / 140 Spe with a Calm nature. Tapu Fini can also use a utility set with Knock Off and either Defog or Taunt, but it is usually outclassed by other Defog users like Corviknight and other Water-types like Slowking and Toxapex, which have superior longevity and, in the case of Corviknight, can better pressure most Stealth Rock setters.
Checks and Counters
====
**Galarian Slowking**: Galarian Slowking completely walls Tapu Fini and gets an almost completely free Future Sight off or hits it back with Sludge Bomb. However, it can be worn down if its Assault Vest is lost to Trick or Knock Off and doesn't like being Choice locked, though using Trick will limit Tapu Fini heavily, as it will be unable to use non-attacking moves.
**Revenge Killers**: Common Pokemon like Zeraora, Tapu Koko, Kartana, and Rillaboom can outspeed and deal heavy damage to non-Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, and they survive at least one attack from Choice Scarf sets.
**Steel-types**: Ferrothorn can switch into Tapu Fini and hit it hard with Power Whip or wear it down with Leech Seed, though sets lacking Power Whip can be trapped in and KOed by the Whirlpool set, and it strongly dislikes Trick. While Corviknight doesn't offensively threaten Tapu Fini and hates being burned, it can take its attacks fairly well and pivot into a revenge killer. Melmetal avoids the 2HKO from any move and can 2HKO in return with Double Iron Bash or Thunder Punch. Kartana resists Tapu Fini's STAB moves and can OHKO it with Life Orb- or Choice Band-boosted Leaf Blade, but its horrendous special bulk means Tapu Fini nearly 2HKOes it.
**Chip Damage**: Often, the best way to beat Tapu Fini is to exploit its lack of consistent recovery with chip damage such as Future Sight from Slowbro, Slowking, and Galarian Slowking, which are often paired with Pokemon it wants to check like Urshifu-R and Weavile. Both aforementioned wallbreakers can also wear it down over time with their strong attacks. Knock Off from Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable removing its Leftovers, entry hazards, and U-turn from Dragapult, Urshifu-R, and Corviknight are also effective.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[TailGlowVM, 546123]]
- Quality checked by: [[ausma, 360720], [airfare, 513717], [Clone, 218318]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [Estronic, 240732]]
Tapu Fini is an excellent defensive presence in the OU metagame thanks to its typing and solid bulk, which allows it to check notable threats such as Weavile, Urshifu-R, Heatran, and Hydreigon. It can use Choice Scarf sets to switch into and threaten Pokemon like Urshifu-R and Dragapult, or it can take advantage of common defensive Pokemon such as Slowking, Toxapex, and Blissey by trapping and eliminating them for its teammates or setting up on them. It also limits the progress of status-spreading Pokemon, such as Dragapult and Toxapex, with Misty Surge and boasts a wide utility movepool including Defog, Taunt, and Knock Off. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, meaning it can be worn down very quickly, especially if the common Knock Off removes its Leftovers or it runs Choice Scarf. If it has to check multiple threats, it may therefore need a secondary check to them. Many of the Pokemon it wants to switch into, such as Dragapult and Urshifu-R, carry U-turn to wear it down further. While Tapu Fini has many useful resistances, common faster offensive threats like Rillaboom, Tapu Koko, Kartana, and Zeraora exploit its typing. It faces competition from Slowbro, Slowking, and Toxapex as a defensive Water-type and Clefable as a defensive Fairy-type, which can also utilize Calm Mind sets. However, Tapu Fini differentiates itself with its unique combination of utility options, its rare and valuable ability, and it simultaneously checking Pokemon such as Heatran and Weavile.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Trick
move 4: Taunt / Defog
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 SpD / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With a Choice Scarf, Tapu Fini can outspeed and threaten Pokemon like Garchomp, Tornadus-T, and Dragapult. Trick cripples Ferrothorn, Blissey, Galarian Slowking, and Toxapex, which can switch into Tapu Fini's attacks with ease, and this can help teammates break through them. Taunt might look like a strange choice on a Choice item set, but it prevents Toxapex and Slowking from pivoting into it freely and bulky setup sweepers like bulky Volcarona and Dragonite from setting up on it. Defog can be used instead on teams that require situational hazard control. 216 Speed EVs are used to outspeed +1 Dragonite, but the EV spread is customizable; for example, maximum defensive investment can be used if a team has another revenge killer, and Special Attack EVs can allow Tapu Fini to OHKO Pokemon like Weavile and Dragapult.
This set fits on offensive teams that do not require Tapu Fini's full defensive utility and appreciate the role compression of a revenge killer, situational switch-in to Pokemon like Dragapult, Urshifu-R, and Weavile, and potential Defogger. Pokemon that take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to lure in and cripple Galarian Slowking, Blissey, and Toxapex, such as Volcarona and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T—which also help against Rillaboom and Kartana—are ideal teammates. Ferrothorn can set Spikes to wear down opposing Pokemon into Tapu Fini's KO range and pressure Water-types like Slowking. It also switches into Tapu Koko for it. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can switch into Tapu Koko and Galarian Slowking, and they like Tapu Fini's ability to check Weavile and Urshifu-R.
[SET]
name: Whirlpool Trapper
move 1: Whirlpool
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Nature's Madness
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpD
Whirlpool allows Tapu Fini to trap and remove many Pokemon that cannot significantly damage it, such as Toxapex, Blissey, Slowbro, Slowking, and Ferrothorn lacking Power Whip. Nature's Madness provides consistent damage on bulkier Pokemon such as the aforementioned ones it can trap, as well as switch-ins like Galarian Slowking. Taunt is necessary so that Pokemon like Toxapex, Blissey, and Slowking cannot use their recovery moves or pivot out with Teleport. Knock Off can be used over Moonblast to lure in Galarian Slowking and remove its Assault Vest while wearing Toxapex down more quickly by removing its Black Sludge or Shed Shell, but this makes Tapu Fini unable to reliably check Weavile and Urshifu-R. The EVs allow Tapu Fini to survive three Choice Band-boosted Close Combats from Urshifu-R and two Choice Specs-boosted Shadow Balls from Blacephalon from full health.
This set can fit on a wide variety of teams, but, as its main purpose is to trap and eliminate certain defensive Pokemon like Toxapex, Blissey, and Slowking, it should be used with Pokemon that appreciate them being removed. Weavile is a great option, as Toxapex and Ferrothorn are common checks to it, and it beats Grass-types and Galarian Slowking for Tapu Fini. Urshifu-R can similarly benefit from Toxapex and Slowbro being removed, and it eases prediction against teams with Ferrothorn. Volcarona and Dragonite can check Grass-types for Tapu Fini, and both can sweep much more easily with Toxapex removed. Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp can switch into Electric-types for Tapu Fini and like its ability to check Weavile and Urshifu-R. If Tapu Fini is using Knock Off, Pokemon that benefit from Galarian Slowking losing its Assault Vest such as Kyurem are good teammates.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Scald
move 4: Draining Kiss
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 140 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Taunt turns Pokemon that rely on status moves to damage Tapu Fini such as Blissey and Toxapex into setup fodder. It also prevents Slowking from using Teleport and Pokemon like Corviknight and Clefable from using their recovery moves, forcing them to play more carefully to avoid being worn down. Scald is weaker than Surf, but it discourages Pokemon not protected by Misty Terrain, such as Landorus-T and Rillaboom, from switching in due to the threat of a burn. Draining Kiss is preferred over Moonblast to make Tapu Fini less easily worn down, but Moonblast can be considered for its greater immediate power. 140 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Bisharp and Timid Magnezone. The Defense EVs and Bold nature are used because Calm Mind already boosts Tapu Fini's special bulk.
Magnezone is a great teammate for Tapu Fini because it can trap and eliminate Ferrothorn, one of the most common counters to Tapu Fini, as well as other Steel-types like Corviknight that can pivot into it when it is unboosted. Ground-types like Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and Garchomp can check Electric-types like Zeraora and Tapu Koko and pressure Galarian Slowking, which counters this set. They enjoy Tapu Fini being a reliable switch-in to Weavile and Urshifu-R, two of the few physical attackers they cannot check. Weavile can overwhelm Grass-types and Galarian Slowking and appreciates the switch-in to Urshifu-R that Tapu Fini can provide.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
A more defensive Choice Scarf set with Whirlpool, Moonblast, Nature's Madness, and Trick can be used to trap passive Pokemon similarly to Whirlpool sets, and it still allows Tapu Fini to outspeed and threaten many Pokemon. Such a set should use an EV spread of 252 HP / 116 SpD / 140 Spe with a Calm nature. Tapu Fini can also use a utility set with Knock Off and either Defog or Taunt, but it is usually outclassed by other Defog users like Corviknight and other Water-types like Slowking and Toxapex, which have superior longevity and, in the case of Corviknight, can better pressure most Stealth Rock setters.
Checks and Counters
====
**Galarian Slowking**: Galarian Slowking completely walls Tapu Fini and gets an almost completely free Future Sight off or hits it back with Sludge Bomb. However, it can be worn down if its Assault Vest is lost to Trick or Knock Off and doesn't like being Choice locked, though using Trick will limit Tapu Fini heavily, as it will be unable to use non-attacking moves.
**Revenge Killers**: Common Pokemon like Zeraora, Tapu Koko, Kartana, and Rillaboom can outspeed and deal heavy damage to non-Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, and they survive at least one attack from Choice Scarf sets.
**Steel-types**: Ferrothorn can switch into Tapu Fini and hit it hard with Power Whip or wear it down with Leech Seed, though sets lacking Power Whip can be trapped in and KOed by the Whirlpool set, and it strongly dislikes Trick. While Corviknight doesn't offensively threaten Tapu Fini and hates being burned, it can take its attacks fairly well and pivot into a revenge killer. Melmetal avoids the 2HKO from any move and can 2HKO in return with Double Iron Bash or Thunder Punch. Kartana resists Tapu Fini's STAB moves and can OHKO it with Life Orb- or Choice Band-boosted Leaf Blade, but its horrendous special bulk means Tapu Fini nearly 2HKOes it.
**Chip Damage**: Often, the best way to beat Tapu Fini is to exploit its lack of consistent recovery with chip damage such as Future Sight from Slowbro, Slowking, and Galarian Slowking, which are often paired with Pokemon it wants to check like Urshifu-R and Weavile. Both aforementioned wallbreakers can also wear it down over time with their strong attacks. Knock Off from Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable removing its Leftovers, entry hazards, and U-turn from Dragapult, Urshifu-R, and Corviknight are also effective.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[TailGlowVM, 546123]]
- Quality checked by: [[ausma, 360720], [airfare, 513717], [Clone, 218318]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [Estronic, 240732]]
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