Charizard [QC 2/3]

[MZ]

[OVERVIEW]

• Fantastic sweeper capable of running multiple sets to beat different checks
• Excellent Speed tier, nuking power, and coverage all make it a terrifying offensive presence
• One of the few sweepers to beat all common scarfers fairly reliably
• Specs is a really strong wallbreaker, especially in this meta where Fire immunities are very rare
• Requires rocks removal to be effective, often wants to take up your Z-move
• Hard checked by common rocks like regirock, archeops, and also especially lycanroc bc accelrock invalidates zard as a sweeper. Random bulky waters are also annoying for some sets

[SET]
name: Z-Celebrate
move 1: Celebrate
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Roost
item: Normalium Z
ability: Solar Power
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Z-Celebrate makes Zard fast, strong, and bulky all at the same time
• Fire Blast is main STAB, Focus Blast hits Water/Rock/Fire types
• Roost lets Zard abuse that bulk and chip away at mons that still take a few hits to kill like AV Guzz

Set Details
========

• Solar Power is the only legal ability with Celebrate
• max speed and special attack because zard is a sweeper
• Normal-Z is what makes the set possible

Usage Tips
========

• The set is very much designed for being a late-game sweeper
• Avoid setting up until sturdy/sashes have been broken and any bulky Water-types or other specially bulky tanks like Guzzlord have been sufficiently weakened
• Do not bring this in if Stealth Rock is up unless absolutely necessary, as it becomes significantly easier to KO before setting up

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Skuntank are crucial for keeping Charizard healthy
• Hazard setters like Golurk are also useful for chip damage and sturdy breaking
• Special wallbreakers in general are useful for wearing down Charizard checks. In particular, Water-types such as Floatzel can bait in and weaken opposing Water- and Dragon-types
• Rock-type checks like Gastrodon can be useful if looking to save Charizard when faced with a revenge killer like Lycanroc or Archeops
• Lures for Gastrodon and Lanturn can be useful since the lack of HP Grass and Earthquake makes them both hard counters to this. This can include sets like HP Grass Skuntank

[SET]
name: Clear Skies
move 1: Sunny Day
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Solarbeam
move 4: Roost
item: Firium Z
ability: Solar Power
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Z-Sunny Day makes Zard faster and boosts attacks thanks to Solar Power
• Fire Blast is main STAB, Solarbeam hits Water/Rock types
• Fire Blast can also be used as the Z-move if Zard is needed to nuke something rather than sweep
• Roost stops you from getting chipped so hard by the Solar Power recoil
• Focus Blast is an OK alternative to Roost for hitting Guzzlord and Miltank (and Drampa)

Set Details
========

• Firium Z lets you use Z-Sunny Day
• Solar Power boosts Zard's power under Sun
• Max speed/special attack for sweeping role

Usage Tips
========

• This set can work as either a late-game cleaner or more of a wallbreaker depending on the composition of the opposing team. If faced with only one hard counter like Guzzlord it might be more effective to save Charizard for a sweep, but if faced with a few conditional checks wallbreaking early is a good option as well
• Don't bring this in if Stealth Rock is up
• Be cautious about taking too much damage while setting up Sunny Day, as the Solar Power recoil can rack up quickly
• Bluffing a lack of Solarbeam early game can be useful in leading opponents to rely on something like Gastrodon or Poliwrath as their Charizard check

Team Options
========

• This Charizard set best fits on offensive teams with the ability to break down special walls like Miltank better than they remove Fire-resists, since Solarbeam hits almost all of those
• Stealth Rock removers such as Hitmonchan are vital
• Strong special wallbreakers are needed since this Charizard variant doesn't hit quite as hard as others. Mons like Exeggutor-Alola and Shiftry (especially this because sun abuse and defog) go well with this
• A secondary cleaner such as Choice Scarf Primeape isn't a bad idea, as recoil and/or being somewhat weak can sometimes leave Charizard unable to finish the job
• Spikes and Toxic Spikes are great for weakening this set's checks, since POkemon like Miltank and Guzzlord are grounded and lack a Poison immunity
• If Charizard is used in more of a wallbreaker function, special cleaners such as Scarf Jynx are good to mop up opposing teams

[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Roost
move 4: Earthquake
item: Firium Z
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

• Dragon Dance boosts attack and speed because sweeping
• Flare Blitz is main STAB, Earthquake hits the Rock and Water types that resist it
• Roost is useful for setting up on weaker Pokemon like Togedemaru

Set Details
========

• Firium Z allows Flare Blitz to hit incredibly hard, removing random stops like Archeops and Cradily that could otherwise take a single hit
• Blaze also increases Charizard's power conditionally
• Max speed+attack helps sweep
• Groundium Z can be an excellent way to lure numerous Fire resists including Gastrodon and Regirock

Usage Tips
========

• This Charizard set is far less relegated to a late-game role, especially if it's needed to check/revenge kill Pokemon such as Magmortar
• Avoid bring it in with rocks up- i swear ill vary how these are written up
• Look to wear down bulky Water-types before sweeping, as all except Lanturn are capable of tanking an Earthquake or two
• Due to the prevalence of special Charizard sets, luring in specially bulky Pokemon and revealing Z-Flare Blitz can be an excellent way to net surprise kills. However, this can fail vs Charizard checks that can blanket check all sets like Regirock

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Lurantis etc
• This Charizard set in particular gets a lot out of Toxic Spikes, which wear down Gastrodon, Regirock, Poliwrath, Miltank, etc. so use mons like Weezing and Qwilfish with it
• General stuff that threatens waters like Shiftry and Manectric
• Other physical wallbreakers like Zangoose can help break down Zard's checks

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power [Grass]
move 4: Air Slash
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Fire Blast is Zard's main STAB attack and most spammable move
• Focus Blast covers Rock-type switchins and Miltank/Munchlax
• Hidden Power Grass is a more accurate albeit weaker move for Rock types and hits Water-types like Gastrodon
• Air Slash is mostly for neutral coverage in specific situations

Set Details
========

• Blaze lets you hit harder if weakened but doesn't do much. If running this on a Sun team, use Solar Power
• Choice Specs and max special attack makes zard hit really hard
• Max speed lets you outspeed and KO a lot of slightly slower attackers like Pinsir

Usage Tips
========

• Charizard should be brought in early and frequently versus anything passive or lacking a good attack to hit Charizard with like Lurantis or Weezing to spam its strong Fire Blast and occasionally coverage
• Not when rocks are up though
• Although the set can be somewhat prediction reliant, often using the move with the best neutral coverage is ideal for wearing down teams rather than trying to make a right call and OHKO something

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Kabutops
• Special sweepers such as Lilligant and Regice love Charizard's wallbreaking and ability to wear down AV Magmortar
• Electric checks like Piloswine and Rock checks like Torterra and Water checks like Lanturn- this mon gets forced out by a fair bit after it picks up a kill
• Rock setters like Golem and Spikes setters like Roselia are cool since they pressure teams reliant on Lanturn or Magmortar to check special Fire-types

[SET]
name: Acrozard
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Acrobatics
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe

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

• Acrobatics is there for strong Flying STAB
• Swords Dance makes Zard stronk breaker
• Earthquake covers Electric and Rock types that resist your main STAB
• Roost is useful to keep Zard healthy while setting up
• Will-O-Wisp can be an option over Earthquake for crippling switchins and using Charizard in a more defensive role, but leads it to struggle much harder with Rock- and Steel-types

Set Details
========

• Max speed Jolly lets Zard outspeed as much as possible to smack with acro
• No item because acro
• The HP EVs make Charizard surprisingly bulky, allowing it to set up Swords Dance more effectively

Usage Tips
========

• Designed to set up on kinda weak mons or mons at a type disadvantage like non-status Miltank, Granbull, Lurantis, etc. before breaking
• Charizard can be rather weak before setting up a Swords Dance, try to get at least one up before doing serious damage
• Mostly useful early-to-mid game, in particular if the opposing team lacks a solid Flying resist or it's something like Lanturn that Charizard can chip quite nicely but also in general to be used as a defensive switchin to certain Grass/Fire/Fairy-types like Shiftry
• Don't use this to wear down sturdier Flying resists like Regirock, its teammates should be better at that
• Excellent Knock Off absorber, easy to bring into mons like Gurdurr or Shiftry if Stealth Rock is not up

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Togetic- in particular bulkier, non-spinblockable ones since this Zard likes to come in and out a decent amount
• Physical Normal-types like Kangaskhan and Zangoose can wear down Rock-types and break down really physically bulky stuff like Weezing
• Also likes spikes and tspikes
• A decent Water-type check like Poliwrath can come in handy
• Similarly, Electric-type checks like Lanturn can be useful for handling revenge killers
• Charizard is intended to wallbreak for sweeping partners, so pair it with stuff like Lycanroc or Liepard

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

• Swords Dance turns Charizard into a deadly physical wallbreaker, but all the sweeping sets are fairly strong anyway and it's a lot easier to revenge kill
• LO special/mixed wallbreaker is fine if you don't want to use specs for whatever reason
• Acrozard can run Will-O-Wisp to concentrate on more of a defensive setup niche, but Earthquake is just really good coverage
• HP Grass on Z-Celebrate bops Gastrodon and is more accurate than Focus Blast, but is too weak to get KOs on like every Rock-type so basically just for gastro
• Z-Celebrate can try to run a physical set, but this is generally outclassed by Dragon Dance other than the better bulk

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

**Rock-Types**: Archeops, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Kabutops and Lycanroc-Midnight are all capable of revenge-killing Charizard before it sets up. Lycanroc can revenge all Charizard sets with Accelrock save for a healthy Z-Celebrate Charizard, while Archeops can take a single +1 hit from most sets from full. Regirock, Carracosta, and Cradily can all OHKO Charizard with their Rock-type STAB attacks but can fall to a boosted Solarbeam or Focus Blast. Aggron, Regirock, Carracosta, and Golem can also function as an emergency check to Charizard if Sturdy remains intact. Kabutops can threaten Charizard with Aqua Jet, but fails to OHKO and must watch out for Grass-type coverage or Earthquake.

**Faster Pokemon**: Before setting up, Charizard can be outsped and KOd by a number of naturally faster threats, including Liepard and Pyroar, as well as Choice Scarf users such as Mesprit and Primeape. However, very few Pokemon that lack a super effective STAB attack or Rock-type coverage are capable of KOing Charizard without Stealth Rock chip damage. The few Choice Scarf users capable of outspeeding a +1 Charizard such as Pyroar and Manectric can also make effective revenge killers.

**Electric-Types**: Zebstrika, Manectric, Raichu-A, and Choice Scarf Rotom-F are both capable of revenge killing Charizard before it sets up. Specially Defensive or Assault Vest Lanturn can tank Grass-type attacks but can lose to sets using Earthquake. Assault Vest Eelektross can check all Charizard sets except for offensive Dragon Dance, but can be KOed with minimal chip damage once Charizard has set up.

**Water-Types**: Offensive Water-types such as Swanna, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, and Ludicolo can prevent Charizard from setting up but can be KOd if weakened. Floatzel can outspeed and OHKO Charizard and also threaten boosted sets with Aqua Jet. Defensive Carracosta and Gastrodon can defeat physical Charizard but will fall to sets with Solarbeam or Hidden Power Grass.

**Other Fire-type resists**: Guzzlord, Drampa, and Miltank are able to beat Sunny Day Charizard, but must watch out for physical or Focus Blast variants and remain at a good amount of health to keep Charizard in check. Assault Vest Magmortar is capable of taking a single hit from all non-Earthquake variants of Charizard but fails to OHKO with Thunderbolt and can be broken through with reasonable chip damage. Turtonator takes little from Fire Blast or Grass-type coverage, but a +1 Focus Blast or Earthquake will KO after Stealth Rock. Munchlax is 2HKOd by a +1 Focus Blast or a +4 Acrobatics, but takes minimal damage from anything else Charizard has to offer and can cripple Charizard with paralysis from Body Slam.

**Chip Damage**: Charizard becomes significantly easier to revenge kill if it loses 50% of its health from Stealth Rock. Some sets can also be worn down by recoil from Flare Blitz or Solar Power, all of which makes Charizard much easier to revenge kill by priority users such as Abomasnow.

 

[Anty]

[OVERVIEW]

• Fantastic sweeper capable of running multiple sets to beat different checks
• Excellent Speed tier, nuking power, and coverage all make it a terrifying offensive presence
• One of the few sweepers to beat all common scarfers fairly reliably
• Specs is a really strong wallbreaker, especially in this meta where Fire immunities are very rare
• Requires rocks removal to be effective, often wants to take up your Z-move
• Hard checked by common rocks like regirock, archeops, and also especially lycanroc bc accelrock invalidates zard as a sweeper. Random bulky waters are also annoying for some sets

[SET]
name: Z-Celebrate
move 1: Celebrate
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Roost
item: Normalium Z
ability: Solar Power
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Z-Celebrate makes Zard fast, strong, and bulky all at the same time
• Fire Blast is main STAB, Focus Blast hits Water/Rock/Fire types
• Roost lets Zard abuse that bulk and chip away at mons that still take a few hits to kill like AV Guzz

Set Details
========

• Solar Power is the only legal ability with Celebrate
• max speed and special attack because zard is a sweeper
• Normal-Z is what makes the set possible

Usage Tips
========

• The set is very much designed for being a late-game sweeper
• Avoid setting up until sturdy/sashes have been broken and any bulky Water-types or other specially bulky tanks like Guzzlord have been sufficiently weakened
• Do not bring this in if Stealth Rock is up unless absolutely necessary, as it becomes significantly easier to KO before setting up

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Skuntank are crucial for keeping Charizard healthy
• Hazard setters like Golurk are also useful for chip damage and sturdy breaking
• Special wallbreakers in general are useful for wearing down Charizard checks. In particular, Water-types such as Silvally-Water (that is no mon) can bait in and weaken opposing Water- and Dragon-types
• Rock-type checks like Gastrodon can be useful if looking to save Charizard when faced with a revenge killer like Lycanroc or Archeops

Grass types or grass move lures to beat lanturn and gastrodon are important partners

[SET]
name: Clear Skies
move 1: Sunny Day
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Solarbeam
move 4: Roost
item: Firium Z
ability: Solar Power
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Z-Sunny Day makes Zard faster and boosts attacks thanks to Solar Power
• Fire Blast is main STAB, Solarbeam hits Water/Rock types
• Fire Blast can also be used as the Z-move if Zard is needed to nuke something rather than sweep
• Roost stops you from getting chipped so hard by the Solar Power recoil

maybe mention focus blast in moves for guzzlord/fire types

Set Details
========

• Firium Z lets you use Z-Sunny Day
• Solar Power boosts Zard's power under Sun
• Max speed/special attack for sweeping role

Usage Tips
========

• This set is also intended to be a late-game sweeper, although Z-Fire Blast can be used if an emergency nuke is necessary. It can also be used as an earlier game wallbreaker, but only if faced with a team that lacks solid checks to the set, as it can be hard stopped by certain mons id say its primarily a wallbreaker since its hard to sweep vs offnese in such a priority heavy metagame
• Don't bring this in if Stealth Rock is up
• Be cautious about taking too much damage while setting up Sunny Day, as the Solar Power recoil can rack up quickly
• Bluffing a lack of Solarbeam early game can be useful in leading opponents to rely on something like Gastrodon or Poliwrath as their Charizard check

Team Options
========

• This Charizard set best fits on offensive teams with the ability to break down special walls like Miltank better than they remove Fire-resists, since Solarbeam hits almost all of those
• Stealth Rock removers such as Hitmonchan are vital
• Strong special wallbreakers are needed since this Charizard variant doesn't hit quite as hard as others. Mons like Exeggutor-Alola and Shiftry go well with this
• A secondary cleaner such as Choice Scarf Primeape isn't a bad idea, as recoil and/or being somewhat weak can sometimes leave Charizard unable to finish the job note that shiftry is especially nice as it can defog and utilise the sun but not rely on it
• Spikes and Toxic Spikes are great for weakening this set's checks, since POkemon like Miltank and Guzzlord are grounded and lack a Poison immunity

give examples of special cleaners

[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Roost
move 4: Earthquake
item: Firium Z
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

• Dragon Dance boosts attack and speed because sweeping
• Flare Blitz is main STAB, Earthquake hits the Rock and Water types that resist it
• Roost is useful for setting up on weaker Pokemon like Togedemaru

Set Details
========

• Firium Z allows Flare Blitz to hit incredibly hard, removing random stops like Archeops and Cradily that could otherwise take a single hit
• Blaze also increases Charizard's power conditionally
• Max speed+attack helps sweep

mention groundium Z here as it lets you kill shit like weakened gastro/regirock
Usage Tips
========

• This Charizard set is far less relegated to a late-game role, especially if it's needed to check/revenge kill Pokemon such as Magmortar
• Don't bring it in with rocks up- i swear ill vary how these are written up id say avoid instead of dont here as this gets more roost oppurtunities
• Look to wear down bulky Water-types before sweeping, as all except Lanturn are capable of tanking an Earthquake or two
• Due to the prevalence of special Charizard sets, luring in specially bulky Pokemon and revealing Z-Flare Blitz can be an excellent way to net surprise kills. However, this can fail vs Charizard checks that can blanket check all sets like Regirock

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Lurantis etc
• This Charizard set in particular gets a lot out of Toxic Spikes, which wear down Gastrodon, Regirock, Poliwrath, Miltank, etc. so use mons like Weezing and Qwilfish with it
• In order to weaken opposing Water-types, this Charizard set does well on a Firespam core with Magmortar or Pyroar. Otherwise general stuff that threatens waters like Shiftry work i havent seen firespam but it seems inneffective due to stacking weaknesses esp srocks

physical wallbreakers

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power [Grass]
move 4: Air Slash
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Fire Blast is Zard's main STAB attack and most spammable move
• Focus Blast covers Rock-type switchins and Miltank/Munchlax
• Hidden Power Grass is a more accurate albeit weaker move for Rock types and hits Water-types like Gastrodon
• Air Slash is mostly for neutral coverage in specific situations

Set Details
========

• Blaze lets you hit harder if weakened but doesn't do much. If running this on a Sun team, use Solar Power
• Choice Specs and max special attack makes zard hit really hard
• Max speed lets you outspeed and KO a lot of slightly slower attackers like Pinsir

Usage Tips
========

• Charizard should be brought in early and frequently to spam its strong Fire Blast and occasionally coverage mention what to bring in on
• Not when rocks are up though
• Although the set can be somewhat prediction reliant, often using the move with the best neutral coverage is ideal for wearing down teams rather than trying to make a right call and OHKO something

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Kabutops
• Special sweepers such as Lilligant and Regice love Charizard's wallbreaking and ability to wear down AV Magmortar
• Electric checks like Piloswine and Rock checks like Torterra and Water checks like Lanturn- this mon gets forced out by a fair bit after it picks up a kill
• Rock setters like Golem and Spikes setters like Roselia are cool since they pressure teams reliant on Lanturn or Magmortar to check special Fire-types

[SET]
name: Acrozard
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Acrobatics
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe

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

• Acrobatics is there for strong Flying STAB
• Dragon Dance makes Zard stronger and faster to spam Acrobatics even more
• Earthquake covers Electric and Rock types that resist your main STAB
• Roost is useful to keep Zard healthy while setting up

Set Details
========

• Max speed Jolly lets Zard outspeed as much as possible while trying to sweep
• No item because acro
• The HP EVs make Charizard surprisingly bulky, allowing it to set up Dragon Dances more effectively

Usage Tips
========

• Designed to set up on kinda weak mons or mons at a type disadvantage like non-Toxic Miltank, Granbull, Lurantis, etc
• Always attempt to set up as many Dragon Dances as possible, as the lack of attack investment is noticeable
• Very usable early game, in particular if the opposing team lacks a solid Flying resist or it's something like Lanturn that Charizard can chip quite nicely but also in general to be used as a defensive switchin to certain Grass/Fire/Fairy-types
• Don't use this to wear down sturdier Flying resists like Regirock, its teammates should be better at that

note it can be switched in to check shit like shiftry
Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Togetic- in particular bulkier, non-spinblockable ones since this Zard likes to come in and out a decent amount
• Physical Normal-types like Kangaskhan and Zangoose can wear down Rock-types and break down really physically bulky stuff like Weezing
• Also likes spikes and tspikes
• A decent Water-type check like Poliwrath can come in handy if trying to use Zard earlier in the game

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

• Swords Dance turns Charizard into a deadly physical wallbreaker, but all the sweeping sets are fairly strong anyway and it's a lot easier to revenge kill
• LO special/mixed wallbreaker is fine if you don't want to use specs for whatever reason
• Acrozard can run Will-O-Wisp to concentrate on more of a defensive setup niche, but Earthquake is just really good coverage
• HP Grass on Z-Celebrate bops Gastrodon and is more accurate than Focus Blast, but is too weak to get KOs on like every Rock-type so basically just for gastro

mention physical zcelebrate - generally shit dd but bulk is nice
Checks and Counters
===================

**Rock-Types**: Archeops, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Kabutops and Lycanroc-Midnight are all capable of revenge-killing Charizard before it sets up. Lycanroc can revenge all Charizard sets with Accelrock save for a healthy Z-Celebrate Charizard, while Archeops can take a single +1 hit from most sets from full. Regirock, Carracosta, and Cradily can all OHKO Charizard with their Rock-type STAB attacks but can fall to a boosted Charizard. Aggron, Regirock, Carracosta, and Golem can also function as an emergency check to Charizard if Sturdy remains intact. Kabutops can threaten Charizard with Aqua Jet, but fails to OHKO and must watch out for Grass-type coverage or Earthquake.

**Faster Pokemon**: Before setting up, Charizard can be outsped and KOd by a number of naturally faster threats, including Liepard and Pyroar, as well as Choice Scarf users such as Mesprit and Primeape. However, very few Pokemon that lack a super effective STAB attack or Rock-type coverage are capable of KOing Charizard without Stealth Rock chip damage. mention scarf pyroar/other faster than base 100 scarfers im forgetting

**Electric-Types**: Zebstrika, Manectric, Raichu-A, and Choice Scarf Rotom-F are both capable of revenge killing Charizard before it sets up. Specially Defensive or Assault Vest Lanturn can tank Grass-type attacks but can lose to sets using Earthquake. Assault Vest Eelektross can check all Charizard sets except for offensive Dragon Dance.

**Water-Types**: Offensive Water-types such as Swanna, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, and Ludicolo can prevent Charizard from setting up but can be KOd if weakened. Floatzel can outspeed and OHKO Charizard and also threaten boosted sets with Aqua Jet. Defensive Carracosta and Gastrodon can defeat physical Charizard but will fall to sets with Solarbeam or Hidden Power Grass.

**Chip Damage**: Charizard becomes significantly easier to revenge kill if it loses 50% of its health from Stealth Rock. Some sets can also be worn down by recoil from Flare Blitz or Solar Power also mention priority here

1/3

 

[yogi]

I'm not a qc person but I have a few nitpicks

• Acrobatics cannot be ran with dragon dance due to one being an event move and one being an egg move.
• I'd remove the mention of dd setting up on miltank as twave cripples it.
• Roost really defeats the point of z sunny day zard in my opinion and basically stalls out your own sun turns whilst still getting chipped for 1/8 health each turn. Something like focus blast would be better, especially vs things like miltank.
• I'd maybe mention that shiny charizard can use z hold hands and have Blaze, but due to it being shiny it can give away the set.
• 252 SpA Solar Power Charizard Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross in Sun: 288-339 (77 - 90.6%) -- 25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock Solar power zard can only be checked by eel if it's at full.
  
• Considering that basically all of your sets have roost I wouldn't say shiftry is able to revenge kill it because non rock slide sets are able to recover on it, especially z normal zard.

I think that's all I've seen. Really sick work though in such a short period of time!
zard note: reminder to myself to put dragon pulse on specs zard in oo

 

[Has Tattoos]

I'm not a qc person but I have a few nitpicks

• Acrobatics cannot be ran with dragon dance due to one being an event move and one being an egg move.
• I'd remove the mention of dd setting up on miltank as twave cripples it.
• Roost really defeats the point of z sunny day zard in my opinion and basically stalls out your own sun turns whilst still getting chipped for 1/8 health each turn. Something like focus blast would be better, especially vs things like miltank.
• I'd maybe mention that shiny charizard can use z hold hands and have Blaze, but due to it being shiny it can give away the set.
• 252 SpA Solar Power Charizard Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross in Sun: 288-339 (77 - 90.6%) -- 25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock Solar power zard can only be checked by eel if it's at full.
  
• Considering that basically all of your sets have roost I wouldn't say shiftry is able to revenge kill it because non rock slide sets are able to recover on it, especially z normal zard.

I think that's all I've seen. Really sick work though in such a short period of time!

I run bulky wisp acro zard. Attack/HP EV's aren't optimized because I'm still playing with them. I've seen another player using a similar set in PU open

Charizard
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 112 HP / 144 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Acrobatics
- Fire Punch

 

[yogi]

Zard, for the sd set slash wisp next to eq, because even tho it struggles vs rock types and lant it helps it cripple opposing mons.
You also need to change dragon dance to swords dance in the set details.
I think it's also worth mentioning how good acrozard is at being a knock absorber.

 

[TONE]

[OVERVIEW]

• Fantastic sweeper capable of running multiple sets to beat different checks
• Excellent Speed tier, nuking power, and coverage all make it a terrifying offensive presence
• One of the few sweepers to beat all common scarfers fairly reliably
• Specs is a really strong wallbreaker, especially in this meta where Fire immunities are very rare
• Requires rocks removal to be effective, often wants to take up your Z-move
• Hard checked by common rocks like regirock, archeops, and also especially lycanroc bc accelrock invalidates zard as a sweeper. Random bulky waters are also annoying for some sets

[SET]
name: Z-Celebrate
move 1: Celebrate
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Roost
item: Normalium Z
ability: Solar Power
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Z-Celebrate makes Zard fast, strong, and bulky all at the same time
• Fire Blast is main STAB, Focus Blast hits Water/Rock/Fire types
• Roost lets Zard abuse that bulk and chip away at mons that still take a few hits to kill like AV Guzz

Set Details
========

• Solar Power is the only legal ability with Celebrate
• max speed and special attack because zard is a sweeper
• Normal-Z is what makes the set possible

Usage Tips
========

• The set is very much designed for being a late-game sweeper
• Avoid setting up until sturdy/sashes have been broken and any bulky Water-types or other specially bulky tanks like Guzzlord have been sufficiently weakened
• Do not bring this in if Stealth Rock is up unless absolutely necessary, as it becomes significantly easier to KO before setting up

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Skuntank are crucial for keeping Charizard healthy
• Hazard setters like Golurk are also useful for chip damage and sturdy breaking
• Special wallbreakers in general are useful for wearing down Charizard checks. In particular, Water-types such as Floatzel can bait in and weaken opposing Water- and Dragon-types
• Rock-type checks like Gastrodon can be useful if looking to save Charizard when faced with a revenge killer like Lycanroc or Archeops
• Lures for Gastrodon and Lanturn can be useful since the lack of HP Grass and Earthquake makes them both hard counters to this. This can include sets like HP Grass Skuntank

[SET]
name: Clear Skies
move 1: Sunny Day
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Solarbeam
move 4: Roost
item: Firium Z
ability: Solar Power
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Z-Sunny Day makes Zard faster and boosts attacks thanks to Solar Power
• Fire Blast is main STAB, Solarbeam hits Water/Rock types
• Fire Blast can also be used as the Z-move if Zard is needed to nuke something rather than sweep
• Roost stops you from getting chipped so hard by the Solar Power recoil
• Focus Blast is an OK alternative to Roost for hitting Guzzlord and Miltank (and Drampa)

Set Details
========

• Firium Z lets you use Z-Sunny Day
• Solar Power boosts Zard's power under Sun
• Max speed/special attack for sweeping role

Usage Tips
========

• This set can work as either a late-game cleaner or more of a wallbreaker depending on the composition of the opposing team. If faced with only one hard counter like Guzzlord it might be more effective to save Charizard for a sweep, but if faced with a few conditional checks wallbreaking early is a good option as well
• Don't bring this in if Stealth Rock is up
• Be cautious about taking too much damage while setting up Sunny Day, as the Solar Power recoil can rack up quickly
• Bluffing a lack of Solarbeam early game can be useful in leading opponents to rely on something like Gastrodon or Poliwrath as their Charizard check

Team Options
========

• This Charizard set best fits on offensive teams with the ability to break down special walls like Miltank better than they remove Fire-resists, since Solarbeam hits almost all of those
• Stealth Rock removers such as Hitmonchan are vital
• Strong special wallbreakers are needed since this Charizard variant doesn't hit quite as hard as others. Mons like Exeggutor-Alola and Shiftry (especially this because sun abuse and defog) go well with this
• A secondary cleaner such as Choice Scarf Primeape isn't a bad idea, as recoil and/or being somewhat weak can sometimes leave Charizard unable to finish the job
• Spikes and Toxic Spikes are great for weakening this set's checks, since POkemon like Miltank and Guzzlord are grounded and lack a Poison immunity
• If Charizard is used in more of a wallbreaker function, special cleaners such as Scarf Jynx are good to mop up opposing teams

[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Roost
move 4: Earthquake
item: Firium Z
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

• Dragon Dance boosts attack and speed because sweeping
• Flare Blitz is main STAB, Earthquake hits the Rock and Water types that resist it
• Roost is useful for setting up on weaker Pokemon like Togedemaru

Set Details
========

• Firium Z allows Flare Blitz to hit incredibly hard, removing random stops like Archeops and Cradily that could otherwise take a single hit
• Blaze also increases Charizard's power conditionally
• Max speed+attack helps sweep
• Groundium Z can be an excellent way to lure numerous Fire resists including Gastrodon and Regirock

Usage Tips
========

• This Charizard set is far less relegated to a late-game role, especially if it's needed to check/revenge kill Pokemon such as Magmortar
• Avoid bring it in with rocks up- i swear ill vary how these are written up
• Look to wear down bulky Water-types before sweeping, as all except Lanturn are capable of tanking an Earthquake or two
• Due to the prevalence of special Charizard sets, luring in specially bulky Pokemon and revealing Z-Flare Blitz can be an excellent way to net surprise kills. However, this can fail vs Charizard checks that can blanket check all sets like Regirock

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Lurantis etc
• This Charizard set in particular gets a lot out of Toxic Spikes, which wear down Gastrodon, Regirock, Poliwrath, Miltank, etc. so use mons like Weezing and Qwilfish with it
• General stuff that threatens waters like Shiftry and Manectric
• Other physical wallbreakers like Zangoose can help break down Zard's checks

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power [Grass]
move 4: Air Slash
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Fire Blast is Zard's main STAB attack and most spammable move
• Focus Blast covers Rock-type switchins and Miltank/Munchlax
• Hidden Power Grass is a more accurate albeit weaker move for Rock types and hits Water-types like Gastrodon
• Air Slash is mostly for neutral coverage in specific situations

Set Details
========

• Blaze lets you hit harder if weakened but doesn't do much. If running this on a Sun team, use Solar Power
• Choice Specs and max special attack makes zard hit really hard
• Max speed lets you outspeed and KO a lot of slightly slower attackers like Pinsir

Usage Tips
========

• Charizard should be brought in early and frequently versus anything passive or lacking a good attack to hit Charizard with like Lurantis or Weezing to spam its strong Fire Blast and occasionally coverage
• Not when rocks are up though
• Although the set can be somewhat prediction reliant, often using the move with the best neutral coverage is ideal for wearing down teams rather than trying to make a right call and OHKO something

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Kabutops
• Special sweepers such as Lilligant and Regice love Charizard's wallbreaking and ability to wear down AV Magmortar
• Electric checks like Piloswine and Rock checks like Torterra and Water checks like Lanturn- this mon gets forced out by a fair bit after it picks up a kill
• Rock setters like Golem and Spikes setters like Roselia are cool since they pressure teams reliant on Lanturn or Magmortar to check special Fire-types

[SET]
name: Acrozard
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Acrobatics
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe

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

• Acrobatics is there for strong Flying STAB
• Swords Dance makes Zard stronk breaker
• Earthquake covers Electric and Rock types that resist your main STAB
• Roost is useful to keep Zard healthy while setting up
• Will-O-Wisp can be an option over Earthquake for crippling switchins and using Charizard in a more defensive role, but leads it to struggle much harder with Rock- and Steel-types

Set Details
========

• Max speed Jolly lets Zard outspeed as much as possible to smack with acro
• No item because acro
• The HP EVs make Charizard surprisingly bulky, allowing it to set up Swords Dance more effectively

Usage Tips
========

• Designed to set up on kinda weak mons or mons at a type disadvantage like non-status Miltank, Granbull, Lurantis, etc. before breaking
• Charizard can be rather weak before setting up a Swords Dance, try to get at least one up before doing serious damage
• Mostly useful early-to-mid game, in particular if the opposing team lacks a solid Flying resist or it's something like Lanturn that Charizard can chip quite nicely but also in general to be used as a defensive switchin to certain Grass/Fire/Fairy-types like Shiftry
• Don't use this to wear down sturdier Flying resists like Regirock, its teammates should be better at that
• Excellent Knock Off absorber, easy to bring into mons like Gurdurr or Shiftry if Stealth Rock is not up

Team Options
========

• Hazard removers like Togetic- in particular bulkier, non-spinblockable ones since this Zard likes to come in and out a decent amount
• Physical Normal-types like Kangaskhan and Zangoose can wear down Rock-types and break down really physically bulky stuff like Weezing
• Also likes spikes and tspikes
• A decent Water-type check like Poliwrath can come in handy
• Similarly, Electric-type checks like Lanturn can be useful for handling revenge killers
• Charizard is intended to wallbreak for sweeping partners, so pair it with stuff like Lycanroc or Liepard

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

• Swords Dance turns Charizard into a deadly physical wallbreaker, but all the sweeping sets are fairly strong anyway and it's a lot easier to revenge kill
• LO special/mixed wallbreaker is fine if you don't want to use specs for whatever reason
• Acrozard can run Will-O-Wisp to concentrate on more of a defensive setup niche, but Earthquake is just really good coverage you already mentioned this in the acro set, no need to have it here.
  
• HP Grass on Z-Celebrate bops Gastrodon and is more accurate than Focus Blast, but is too weak to get KOs on like every Rock-type so basically just for gastro
• Z-Celebrate can try to run a physical set, but this is generally outclassed by Dragon Dance other than the better bulk

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

**Rock-Types**: Archeops, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Kabutops and Lycanroc-Midnight are all capable of revenge-killing Charizard before it sets up. Lycanroc can revenge all Charizard sets with Accelrock save for a healthy Z-Celebrate Charizard, while Archeops can take a single +1 hit from most sets from full. Regirock, Carracosta, and Cradily can all OHKO Charizard with their Rock-type STAB attacks but can fall to a boosted Charizard. Aggron, Regirock, Carracosta, and Golem can also function as an emergency check to Charizard if Sturdy remains intact. Kabutops can threaten Charizard with Aqua Jet, but fails to OHKO and must watch out for Grass-type coverage or Earthquake.

**Faster Pokemon**: Before setting up, Charizard can be outsped and KOd by a number of naturally faster threats, including Liepard and Pyroar, as well as Choice Scarf users such as Mesprit and Primeape. However, very few Pokemon that lack a super effective STAB attack or Rock-type coverage are capable of KOing Charizard without Stealth Rock chip damage. The few Choice Scarf users capable of outspeeding a +1 Charizard such as Pyroar and Manectric can also make effective revenge killers.

**Electric-Types**: Zebstrika, Manectric, Raichu-A, and Choice Scarf Rotom-F are both capable of revenge killing Charizard before it sets up. Specially Defensive or Assault Vest Lanturn can tank Grass-type attacks but can lose to sets using Earthquake. Assault Vest Eelektross can check all Charizard sets except for offensive Dragon Dance, but can be KOed with minimal chip damage once Charizard has set up.

**Water-Types**: Offensive Water-types such as Swanna, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, and Ludicolo can prevent Charizard from setting up but can be KOd if weakened. Floatzel can outspeed and OHKO Charizard and also threaten boosted sets with Aqua Jet. Defensive Carracosta and Gastrodon can defeat physical Charizard but will fall to sets with Solarbeam or Hidden Power Grass.

**Chip Damage**: Charizard becomes significantly easier to revenge kill if it loses 50% of its health from Stealth Rock. Some sets can also be worn down by recoil from Flare Blitz or Solar Power, all of which makes Charizard much easier to revenge kill by priority users such as Abomasnow.

This is your call, but maybe make a mention of bulky pokemon that than check certain Charizard sets,(make a mention of stuff that checks zard based on the set it runs). guzzlord checks special zard and takes +1 Focus Blast, but can be more caught off guard by the acro set. same with stuff like defensive costa which checks physical zard, but is helpless to z-sunny day.

2/3.