OU Lycanroc-D

[OVERVIEW]

Lycanroc-D is a niche wallbreaker that can break through bulky teams with relative ease thanks to its access to Splintered Stormshards and Swords Dance; it can do decently against offense thanks to its access to Accelerock, which also means that it can blanket check two very threatening Pokemon in Mega Pinsir and Volcarona, and not having to account for these Pokemon while teambuilding because of Lycanroc-D can help its team out massively. Stone Edge and Drill Run in tandem with Tough Claws gives Lycanroc-D a slightly stronger EdgeQuake combination because Tough Claws boosts Drill Run, making it stronger than Earthquake. Unfortunately, Lycanroc-D heavily relies on Lycanium Z in conjunction with Swords Dance to break through walls; Lycanium Z can only be used once and after the use of it, Lycanroc-D is rather weak. It also has a hard time finding setup opportunities due to its rather lacking bulk. Other Rock-type breakers like Terrakion and Tyranitar have a lot better bulk and damage output, thus giving Lycanroc-D a lot of competition, but it is able to distinguish itself from the aforementioned Pokemon because of its access to Accelerock and a very strong Z-Move. Its small movepool means it is walled by common Pokemon like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Rotom-W depending on the moves that it chooses to run, further reducing its effectiveness as a breaker.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Drill Run / Fire Fang
move 4: Accelerock
item: Lycanium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Lycanroc-D's Attack stat and lets it break through walls. Stone Edge does a lot of damage to any non-resistant Pokemon such as Chansey, Gliscor, and Clefable and with Lycanium Z, it turns into Splintered Stormshards, Lycanroc-D's signature Z-Move. Drill Run is Lycanroc-D's best way to hit Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Mawile, which both resist Stone Edge, and it also hits Toxapex, which is bulky enough to take any other hit from Lycanroc-D, for a good amount of damage. Fire Fang targets Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Kartana for super effective damage while still maintaining super effective damage on Magearna and Mega Mawile; however, choosing to use Fire Fang leaves Lycanroc-D walled by Pokemon like Zygarde and Keldeo. Accelerock lets Lycanroc-D revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona and also provides useful priority against faster, offensively oriented teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment in conjunction with a Jolly nature maximize Lycanroc-D's offensive potential, allowingLycanroc-D to always outspeed Swords Dance Kartana, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon lacking Choice Scarf, and also allowing it to Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Mega Diancie, Mega Latios, and Gengar. Tough Claws is Lycanroc-D's only ability and boosts its contact moves by 30%. Lycanium Z turns Stone Edge into Splintered Stormshards, a very powerful Z-Move capable of OHKOing Pokemon like defensive Landorus-T, Mega Venusaur, and Celesteela after just one Swords Dance boost; it's also capable of removing terrains like Psychic Terrain, which allows Lycanroc-D to spam Accelerock without having to worry about foes being protected from priority by it.

Usage Tips
========

Lycanroc-D is best used as an early-game wallbreaker for its teammates to clean up after, but it can also be used as a late-game cleaner thanks to its access to Accelerock. Lycanroc-D should be brought in safely via a predicted double switch or with VoltTurn support, since it does not like to take a hit, considering how frail it is. Lycanroc-D can also be brought in on Pokemon it can set a Swords Dance up on, such as Chansey, to start breaking through the opposing team. If the opposing team has a good answer to Lycanroc-D like Quagsire or Hippowdon, it might be wiser to just attack or double switch out into something else to pressure the answer instead of setting up. If Lycanroc-D does set up, it is most likely going to fail to break through the opposing team if the answer has not been KOed or significantly weakened. Pokemon that are known to be equipped with a Choice Scarf like Landorus-T, Kartana, Tapu Lele, and Keldeo should all be scouted out before attempting to sweep with Lycanroc-D, as they can all stop Lycanroc-D in its path. Accelerock should be used minimally and only when a weakened offensive threat is on the field; it can also reliably revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona from full health.

Team Options
========

Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types. The former can do this thanks to Magnet Pull, while the latter can put heavy pressure on them; this means that Lycanroc-D may have a free a moveslot to use an additional coverage move, and they can also break Water- and Grass-types, respectively. Lycanroc-D is able to surprise Steel-type Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna with Fire Fang and Drill Run, respectively. This is especially useful when used with Pokemon that tend to struggle against Steel-types, such as Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele. Unfortunately, if using Tapu Lele, this has one big downside, and that is if Psychic Terrain is up, Accelerock can't be used, stopping Lycanroc-D from picking off weakened threats. Pokemon like Magearna, Landorus-T, and Mega Scizor can bring in Lycanroc-D with VoltTurn support, enabling it to come in safely without having to take a hit. Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, Serperior, and Kartana are all able to pressure Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types for Lycanroc-D, while in return Lycanroc-D can threaten Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon like Kyurem-B, Weavile, and Mega Pinsir for them. Kyurem-B and Mega Pinsir can put massive pressure on physically defensive Pokemon, Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types, which Lycanroc-D tends to struggle against. Lycanroc-D can be used on Spikes stacking hyper offense teams, as they are generally very fast-paced and appreciate Lycanroc-D's ability to dispose of common walls.

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

A suicide lead set consisting of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor / Accelerock with a Focus Sash can function as an effective lead for hyper offense teams, since it can prevent Stealth Rock from going up with Taunt, set up its own Stealth Rock, bring the foe down to one HP with Endeavor, and potentially finish the foe off with Accelerock before being KOed. Life Orb can be used if Lycanroc-D's team already has a Z-Move user, but Lycanium Z is preferred because of its ability to break bulkier Pokemon, and the recoil damage is also rather undesirable.

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

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Quagsire and Hippowdon can wall Lycanroc-D with relative ease and switch in on any move Lycanroc-D might want to go for. Mega Venusaur and defensive Rotom-W can also wall Lycanroc-D after it has used Splintered Stormshards, since when boosted, this will OHKO them.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon like Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Alakazam are capable of threatening Lycanroc-D with an OHKO; it also has to watch out for Pokemon that tend to run a Choice Scarf like Tapu Lele, Kartana, Keldeo, and Landorus-T, as they are are capable of OHKOing Lycanroc-D due to its terrible bulk.

**Water-types**: Water-types like Toxapex, Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Keldeo, and Ash-Greninja can threaten Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves; however, most of them have to be wary of a boosted Splintered Stormshards.

**Steel-types**: Lycanroc-D gets threatened by Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Magearna, and Kartana, but they have to be wary of Drill Run and Fire Fang.

**Ground-types**: Defensive Landorus-T can check Lycanroc-D once it has baited Lycanroc-D's Z-Move thanks to its access to Intimidate. Gliscor is also capable of taking a +2 Stone Edge and OHKOing Lycanroc-D.

**Priority**: Priority moves like Bullet Punch, Water Shuriken, and Sucker Punch can severely weaken Lycanroc-D due to how frail it is; Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken in particular are capable of OHKOing it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Amoonguss are all capable of pressuring Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves, but they don't like taking a boosted Splintered Stormshards, ultimately making them shaky checks.
 
Last edited:
amcheck

[OVERVIEW]
* Unfortunately Lycanroc-D heavily relies on Lycanium Z, which turns Stone Edge into Splintered Stormshards in conjunction with Swords Dance to break through walls.
  • How is breaking walls with Splintered Stormshards and SD unfortunate? Please develop this sentence a bit, it's pretty confusing.
however, it is able to distinguish itself from the aforementioned Pokemon because of its access to Accelerock and a very strong z-move, in Splintered Stormshards.
  • You've mentioned this three times already...
* Lycanroc-D has a very small movepool, meaning it can easily be walled by common Pokemon like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Rotom-W depending on the moves it chooses to run.
  • Fire Fang? Rotom-W easily drops to +2 SS btw.
* Lycanroc-D has a hard time finding set up opportunities due to its rather lacking bulk.
* Lycanroc-D is very frail and makes it hard to get set up opportunities because of this.
  • You only need to mention this once.
  • Overall, I think the Overview is way too repetitive and negative. I know it's C- but you have to point out at least some qualities the Pokémon has.
  • Mention Drill Run and Tough Claws which give it excellent coverage.
  • Also mention how it alleviates teambuilding constraints by giving a Volcarona check.
[SET COMMENTS]
* Stone Edge is Lycanroc-D's main STAB move and does a lot of damage to any non-resistant Pokemon when boosted.
  • Examples?
* Drill Run is Lycanroc-D's best way to hit Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Mawile, which both resist Stone Edge, it also hits Toxapex for a good amount of damage, which is bulky enough to take any other hit from Lycanroc-D.
  • Not really sure about Toxapex cuz it drops to +2 SS. Emphasize that only Fang + Edge leaves you walled by a lot of stuff like Zygarde, Keldeo, Mega Swampert.
* Lycanroc-D is best used as an early-game wallbreaker for its teammates to clean after, however, it can also be used as a late game cleaner, thanks to its access to Accelerock.
  • This should go in Usage Tips. Also, okay, this is very true, but try to expand a bit, in which circumstances is it better early-game? In which circumstances is it better late-game?
* Life Orb can be used if Lycanroc-D's team already has a z-move user and gives Lycanroc-D a more consistent damage output.
  • I'd personally move this to OO, but wait for QC. Still, mention that it is bad because Stormshards is pretty much it's selling point and that the recoil is really undesirable.
* If the opposing team has a answer to Lycanroc-D it might be wiser to just attack and pressure the answer instead of set up, since if it does set up it is most likely going to fail in breaking through the opposing team if the answer is still alive or not severely weakened.
  • Give examples of Pokémon that are awnsers to Lycanroc.
* Pokemon that are known to be equipped with a Choice Scarf like Keldeo, Tapu Lele, Landorus-T, and Kartana should all be scouted out before attempting to sweep with Lycanroc-D since they can all block Lycanroc-D in its path
  • Mention fast stuff like Tapu Koko, Hawlucha in terrain, Mega Swampert in rain and all that stuff, and how it stops it from sweeping.
  • Also add that against bulkier teams Lycanronc might be prefered as a breaker not as a win condition, so it might be useful to break down Lando-Ts, Toxapexes, and Celesteelas instead of going for a sweep.
* Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types for Lycanroc-D, potentially freeing up a moveslot to use Ice Fang or Zen Headbutt instead of Drill Run or Fire Fang, additionally they can also break Water- and Grass-types, respectively.
  • In the first place, I don't think Magnezone is really all that necessary here. +2 Shards already beats Steela and Skarm, whereas Fire Fang deals with Ferrothorn, leaving only Mega Scizor as a roadblock. Also, please no Zen Headbutt. Stormshards already smacks Venu and Drill Run / Stormshards smacks Pex. Also, it doesn't even learn Ice Fang bro.
* Pokemon that like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele appreciate Lycanroc-D's ability to lure and remove Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna, however, if using Tapu Lele this has one big downside, and that is that if Psychic Terrain is up Accelerock is disabled and can't be used, disabling Lycanroc-D to pick off weakened threats.
  • Mention how they can pressure Mega Scizor with HP Fire.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
* Zen Headbutt allows Lycanroc-D to break through Mega Venusaur without having to waste its z-move, however, Lycanroc-D cannot give any attack up to run Zen Headbutt, typically.
* Toxic cripples common switch ins like Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Rotom-W, however, similarly to Zen Headbutt it can't give any attack up for Toxic.
  • I'd personally remove these from OO cuz' they are way too mediocre, specially Zen Headbutt. But leave that to QC, though.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Pokemon that tend to run a Choice Scarf like Tapu Lele, Kartana, Keldeo, and Landorus-T are all capable of OHKOing Lycanroc-D due to its terrible bulk.
  • Change this to faster Pokémon. Add Koko, Ash-Gren, Mega Zam...
**Water-types**: Water-types like Toxapex, Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Keldeo, and Ash-Greninja can all threaten Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, Amoonguss, and Serperior are all capable of pressuring Lycanroc-D with their STAB moves, but they don't like taking a boosted Splintered Stormshards, making them overall shaky checks.
  • I feel like both of these are rather unecessary, sure Lycanroc is weak to Water- and Grass-type moves. But like, most of these can't tank a hit. You can add the faster ones to **Faster Pokémon**.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Quagsire and Hippowdon can wall Lycanroc-D with relative ease and switch in on any move Lycanroc-D might want to go for, but, they do get annoyed by Toxic, however this is relatively uncommon. Mega Venusaur and Rotom-W can also wall Lycanroc-D after it has used Splintered Stormshards, since when boosted, this will OHKO them.
  • Change this to **Ground-types** and remove Mega Venusaur and Rotom-W since they can't switch in. I'd add Scarf Landorus-T here as well, since it tanks any hit upon switch-in.
 
Last edited:

david0895

Mercy Main Btw
I just found that 44 Defense EVs help Lycanroc to survive defensive Mega Scizor Bullet Punch from full health.
This can be useful if it has Fire Fang and it is at +2:

0 Atk Technician Scizor-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 44 Def Lycanroc-Dusk: 246-290 (84.5 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 212 Atk Tough Claws Lycanroc-Dusk Fire Fang vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Scizor-Mega: 384-452 (111.9 - 131.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

I didn't found many downsides except these little ones against max defense Toxapex and Mega Pinsir:

+2 212 Atk Lycanroc-Dusk Splintered Stormshards vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 297-351 (98 - 115.8%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Lycanroc-Dusk Splintered Stormshards vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 306-361 (100.9 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
212 Atk Tough Claws Lycanroc-Dusk Accelerock vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 264-312 (97.4 - 115.1%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Lycanroc-Dusk Accelerock vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 268-324 (98.8 - 119.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

Can this be useful?
 
I just found that 44 Defense EVs help Lycanroc to survive defensive Mega Scizor Bullet Punch from full health.
This can be useful if it has Fire Fang and it is at +2:

0 Atk Technician Scizor-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 44 Def Lycanroc-Dusk: 246-290 (84.5 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 212 Atk Tough Claws Lycanroc-Dusk Fire Fang vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Scizor-Mega: 384-452 (111.9 - 131.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

I didn't found many downsides except these little ones against max defense Toxapex and Mega Pinsir:

+2 212 Atk Lycanroc-Dusk Splintered Stormshards vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 297-351 (98 - 115.8%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Lycanroc-Dusk Splintered Stormshards vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 306-361 (100.9 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
212 Atk Tough Claws Lycanroc-Dusk Accelerock vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 264-312 (97.4 - 115.1%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Lycanroc-Dusk Accelerock vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 268-324 (98.8 - 119.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

Can this be useful?
Hey, thanks a lot for contributing but i think that it isnt rly worth anything because on a 1v1 situation it still tends to lose and is very minor to the point where it's almost not worth it, ill leave this up to qc as im not saying its not worth anything but its just way too minor for my liking.
 

Finchinator

-OUTL
is a Tournament Directoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Community Leaderis a Community Contributoris a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Top Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Top Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past WCoP Championis the defending OU Circuit Championis a Two-Time Former Old Generation Tournament Circuit Champion
OU Leader
kinda GPish but: * Lycanroc-D has a very small movepool, meaning it can easily be walled by common Pokemon like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and depending on the moves it chooses to run

you wanna either add a third pokemon or restructure the end of this sentence so it makes sense

---

move LO from the set to OO, imo -- only real reason to use this pokemon is the Z move and I'd prefer it be the only thing displayed on the main set or discussed about it

--

you mention slow voltturners in usage tips sorta, yet do not have a point for them in team options, so add a point for things like SR LandoT and AV Magearna as they fill this role

do all these and 1/3
 
kinda GPish but: * Lycanroc-D has a very small movepool, meaning it can easily be walled by common Pokemon like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and depending on the moves it chooses to run

you wanna either add a third pokemon or restructure the end of this sentence so it makes sense

---

move LO from the set to OO, imo -- only real reason to use this pokemon is the Z move and I'd prefer it be the only thing displayed on the main set or discussed about it

--

you mention slow voltturners in usage tips sorta, yet do not have a point for them in team options, so add a point for things like SR LandoT and AV Magearna as they fill this role

do all these and 1/3
Implemented.
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
* Tough Claws in conjunction with Drill Run and Stone Edge gives it a slightly stronger EdgeQuake combination, which can come in handy a lot of times.
Kind of weird to say, but mainly because Tough Claws does not give anything to Stone Edge.
* Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types for Lycanroc-D, potentially freeing up a moveslot to use Zen Headbutt instead of Drill Run or Fire Fang, additionally they can also break Water- and Grass-types, respectively.
100% scrap Zen Headbutt. Why, in the universe, would you let your Lycanroc be walled by Kartana and Magearna? I get they can be trapped, but Magearna can pivot out with Volt Switch and Kartana is usually only trapped after a Revenge kill, known as Choice and not locked onto Secret Sword, or caught in a double switch (extremely risky).

Ditch Toxic.

Some of the checks and counters are shaky. Offensive Rotom-W can get blasted back by +2 Stone Edge. Even defensive can struggle a little bit since all it takes is some chip damage to put it into KO range. Venusaur is "okay" - I'll allow it only because it can switch into +2 Stone Edge for the most part and Giga Drain back to full, but I wouldn't really call it a great defensive check.

Mention that Gliscor, if kept healthy, can live a +2 Stone Edge and KO back with Earthquake. I would also mention Landorus-T as well

Tag me when you implement some of the stuff. I kind of want to go through it again before giving another check.
 
Kind of weird to say, but mainly because Tough Claws does not give anything to Stone Edge.

100% scrap Zen Headbutt. Why, in the universe, would you let your Lycanroc be walled by Kartana and Magearna? I get they can be trapped, but Magearna can pivot out with Volt Switch and Kartana is usually only trapped after a Revenge kill, known as Choice and not locked onto Secret Sword, or caught in a double switch (extremely risky).

Ditch Toxic.

Some of the checks and counters are shaky. Offensive Rotom-W can get blasted back by +2 Stone Edge. Even defensive can struggle a little bit since all it takes is some chip damage to put it into KO range. Venusaur is "okay" - I'll allow it only because it can switch into +2 Stone Edge for the most part and Giga Drain back to full, but I wouldn't really call it a great defensive check.

Mention that Gliscor, if kept healthy, can live a +2 Stone Edge and KO back with Earthquake. I would also mention Landorus-T as well

Tag me when you implement some of the stuff. I kind of want to go through it again before giving another check.
Implemented Colonel M
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
When you write up the Overview, try to shorten it up a bit. It's a pretty straight-forward niche Pokemon that doesn't really need that much detailed in there. Just be quick in its pros and cons. Write-up always changes things, but I guess what I'm saying is don't add too much more in there (and I would advise less if possible).
* Stone Edge is Lycanroc-D's main STAB move and does a lot of damage to any non-resistant Pokemon like Chansey and Tapu Fini when boosted.
More relevant example(s) if possible (definitely no to Fini). Also mentioned the Z Move in here.
* If the opposing team has a good answer to Lycanroc-D like Quagsire or Hippowdon it might be wiser to just attack and pressure the answer instead of set up, since if it does set up it is most likely going to fail in breaking through the opposing team if the answer is still alive or not severely weakened.
Also mention the importance of momentum with double switches in these scenarios. Mons like Quagsire and Hippowdon are very hard to reliably chip down - double switching and forcing them out as soon as possible or forcing penalties via entry hazards is much more efficient in most scenarios.
* Pokemon that are known to be equipped with a Choice Scarf like Keldeo, Tapu Lele, Landorus-T, and Kartana should all be scouted out before attempting to sweep with Lycanroc-D since they can all block Lycanroc-D in its path.
Re-arrange to relevance / usage (Lando-T > Kartana > Tapu Lele >>>>>>> Keldeo).
* Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types for Lycanroc-D, potentially freeing up a moveslot to use Zen Headbutt instead of Drill Run or Fire Fang, additionally they can also break Water- and Grass-types, respectively.
This definitely wasn't implemented from the other night...
* Pokemon that like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele appreciate Lycanroc-D's ability to lure and remove Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna, however, if using Tapu Lele this has one big downside, and that is that if Psychic Terrain is up Accelerock is disabled and can't be used, disabling Lycanroc-D to pick off weakened threats.
To be really blunt... are these really good teammates for Lycanroc-Dusk outside of "luring" in some of those Pokemon (and kind of miserably failing at disposing Magearna unless you're Knock Off Zam)?
* Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, Serperior, Kartana are all able to pressure Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types for Lycanroc-D, in return Lycanroc-D can threaten Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon like Kyurem-B, Weavile, and Mega Pinsir for them.
Sort in relevance and, IMO, remove Serperior. Too niche to really be added to this list. Venu is even kinda awkward since Venu is on bulkier teams.

Nothing more HO-like Spikes?
OO{/quote]
Should have clarified - ZH here is fine, but mention Keldeo alongside Toxapex and Mega Venu if you're mentioning Zen Headbutt.

C&C is okay though definitely remove some of the more niche mons at this time like Serperior from the lists.

2/3
 
When you write up the Overview, try to shorten it up a bit. It's a pretty straight-forward niche Pokemon that doesn't really need that much detailed in there. Just be quick in its pros and cons. Write-up always changes things, but I guess what I'm saying is don't add too much more in there (and I would advise less if possible).

More relevant example(s) if possible (definitely no to Fini). Also mentioned the Z Move in here.

Also mention the importance of momentum with double switches in these scenarios. Mons like Quagsire and Hippowdon are very hard to reliably chip down - double switching and forcing them out as soon as possible or forcing penalties via entry hazards is much more efficient in most scenarios.

Re-arrange to relevance / usage (Lando-T > Kartana > Tapu Lele >>>>>>> Keldeo).

This definitely wasn't implemented from the other night...

To be really blunt... are these really good teammates for Lycanroc-Dusk outside of "luring" in some of those Pokemon (and kind of miserably failing at disposing Magearna unless you're Knock Off Zam)?

Sort in relevance and, IMO, remove Serperior. Too niche to really be added to this list. Venu is even kinda awkward since Venu is on bulkier teams.

Nothing more HO-like Spikes?
Implemented.
 

Leo

after hours
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
MPL Champion
Maximum Attack and Speed investment in conjunction with a Jolly nature maximizes Lycanroc-D's offensive potential and allows it to Speed-tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Mega Diancie and Gengar.
Mention some of the mons it does outspeed since that info is more useful to the reader, stuff like Kart Mega Charizard X etc. Also mention Mega Lati in mons it speed ties with too since its one of the more relevant base 110s
Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types for Lycanroc-D
I feel like you should explain how they differ from one another i.e. Mag traps the Steels Heatran just puts pressure on them
A Lycanroc-D suicide lead set consisting of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor / Accelerock
Mention that this set runs Sash

Good job 3/3
 
Mention some of the mons it does outspeed since that info is more useful to the reader, stuff like Kart Mega Charizard X etc. Also mention Mega Lati in mons it speed ties with too since its one of the more relevant base 110s

I feel like you should explain how they differ from one another i.e. Mag traps the Steels Heatran just puts pressure on them

Mention that this set runs Sash

Good job 3/3
Implemented.
 

autumn

only i will remain
is a Site Content Manageris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
C&C Leader
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Lycanroc-D is a niche wallbreaker that can break through bulky oriented teams with relative ease thanks to its access to Splintered Stormshards and Swords Dance; it can do decent against offense thanks to its access to Accelerock, its access to Accelerock which also means that it can blanket check two very threatening Pokemon in Mega Pinsir and Volcarona, and not having to account for these Pokemon while teambuilding because of Lycanroc-D can help its team out massively. Stone Edge and Drill Run and Stone Edge in tandem with Tough Claws gives Lycanroc-D a slightly stronger EdgeQuake combination because Tough Claws boosts Drill Run, (AC) making it to be stronger than Earthquake. Unfortunately, Lycanroc-D heavily relies on Lycanium Z in conjunction with Swords Dance to break through walls, but, Lycanium Z can only be used once and after the use of it, (AC) Lycanroc-D is rather weak. It also has a hard time finding set up setup opportunities due to its rather lacking bulk. Other Rock-type breakers like Terrakion and Tyranitar have a lot better bulk and damage output, thus giving Lycanroc-D a lot of competition, (AC) but, (RC) it is able to distinguish itself from the aforementioned Pokemon because of its access to Accelerock and a very strong Z-Move. Its small movepool means it is can easily get walled by common Pokemon like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Rotom-W depending on the moves that it chooses to run.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Drill Run / Fire Fang
move 4: Accelerock
item: Lycanium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Lycanroc-D's Attack stat and lets it break through walls. Stone Edge is Lycanroc-D's main STAB move and does a lot of damage to any non-resistant Pokemon such as Chansey, Gliscor, and Clefable; when boosted with Lycanium Z, (AC) it turns into Splintered Stormshards, Lycanroc-D's signature Z-Move (fwiw the other forms can use it too, so not exactly signature, but keep it if you want). Drill Run is Lycanroc-D's best way to hit Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Mawile, which both resist Stone Edge, it also hits Toxapex, (AC) which is bulky enough to take any other hit from Lycanroc-D, (AC) for a good amount of damage which is bulky enough to take any other hit from Lycanroc-D. Fire Fang targets Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Kartana for super effective damage while still maintaining super effective damage on Magearna and Mega Mawile, (RC) (ASC); however choosing to use Fire Fang has downsides too since it leaves Lycanroc-D walled by Pokemon like Zygarde and Keldeo. Accelerock lets Lycanroc-D revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona, (RC) it and also provides useful priority against faster, offensively oriented teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment in conjunction with a Jolly nature maximizes Lycanroc-D's offensive potential, it allows Lycanroc-D to always outspeed Swords Dance Kartana, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon lacking Choice Scarf, it also allows it to Speed-(RH) tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Mega Diancie, Mega Latios, and Gengar. Tough Claws is Lycanroc-D's only ability and boosts its contact moves by 30%. (unnecessary line break) Lycanium Z turns Stone Edge into Splintered Stormshards, a very powerful Z-Move capable of OHKOing Pokemon like defensive Landorus-T, Mega Venusaur, and Celesteela after just one Swords Dance boost; it's also capable of removing terrains like Psychic Terrain, which allows it Lycanroc-D to spam Accelerock without having to worry about it.

Usage Tips
========

Lycanroc-D is best used as an early-game wallbreaker for its teammates to clean up after, but it can also be used as a late-game cleaner thanks to its access to Accelerock. Lycanroc-D should be brought in safely via a predicted double switch or with VoltTurn support, (AC) since it does not like to take a hit, considering how frail it is. Lycanroc-D can also be brought in on Pokemon it can set a Swords Dance up on, (AC) such as like Chansey, (AC) to start breaking through the opposing team. If the opposing team has a good answer to Lycanroc-D like Quagsire or Hippowdon, (AC) it might be wiser to just attack or double switch out into something else to pressure the answer instead of setting up, (RC) (AP). If it does set up, (AC) it is most likely going to fail to break breaking through the opposing team if the answer is still alive or not has not been KOed or significantly weakened. Pokemon that are known to be equipped with a Choice Scarf like Landorus-T, Kartana, Tapu Lele, and Keldeo should all be scouted out before attempting to sweep with Lycanroc-D, as they can all block stop Lycanroc-D in its path. Accelerock should be used minimally and only when a weakened offensive threat is on the field, (RC) (ASC); it can also reliably revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona, (RC) all the way from full health.

Team Options
========

Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types, the former can do this thanks to its ability, (RC) Magnet Pull, while the latter can put heavy pressure on them, (RC) (ASC); this means that Lycanroc-D may have a free a moveslot to use an additional coverage move, and they can also break Water- and Grass-types, respectively. Lycanroc-D is able to lure in surprise Steel-type Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna with Fire Fang and Drill Run, (AC) respectively, (RC) (AP). This is especially useful when used with Pokemon that tend to struggle against Steel-types, (AC) such as like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele. Unfortunately, if using Tapu Lele, (AC) this has one big downside, and that is that if Psychic Terrain is up, (AC) Accelerock is disabled and can't be used, disabling Lycanroc-D to pick off stopping Lycanroc-D from picking off weakened threats. Pokemon like Magearna, Landorus-T, and Mega Scizor can support bring in Lycanroc-D with VoltTurn support, enabling Lycanroc-D it to come in safely without having to take a hit. Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, Serperior, and Kartana are all able to pressure Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types for Lycanroc-D, while in return Lycanroc-D can threaten Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon like Kyurem-B, Weavile, and Mega Pinsir for them. Kyurem-B and Mega Pinsir can put massive pressure on physically defensive Pokemon, Water-types, Steel-types, and Grass-types, which Lycanroc-D tends to struggle against. Lycanroc-D can be used on Spikes hyper offense teams, as they are generally very fast-(AH)paced and appreciate Lycanroc-D's ability to dispose of common walls.

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

A suicide lead set consisting of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor / Accelerock with a Focus Sash can function as an effective lead for hyper offense teams, (AC) since it can prevent Stealth Rock from going up with Taunt, set up its own Stealth Rock, bring the foe down to one HP with Endeavor, and potentially finish the foe off with Accelerock before dying being KOed. Life Orb can be used if Lycanroc-D's team already has a Z-Move user, but Lycanium Z is preferred because of its ability to break bulkier Pokemon, and the recoil damage is also rather undesirable.

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

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Quagsire and Hippowdon can wall Lycanroc-D with relative ease and switch in on any move Lycanroc-D might want to go for. Mega Venusaur and defensive Rotom-W can also wall Lycanroc-D after it has used Splintered Stormshards, since when boosted, this will OHKO them.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon like Tapu Koko, Ash-(AH)Greninja, and Mega Alakazam are capable of threatening Lycanroc-D with an OHKO, (RC) (ASC); it also has to watch out for Pokemon that tend to run a Choice Scarf like Tapu Lele, Kartana, Keldeo, and Landorus-T, as they are are capable of OHKOing Lycanroc-D due to its terrible bulk.

**Water-types**: Water-types like Toxapex, Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Keldeo, and Ash-Greninja can threaten Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves, (RC) (ASC); however, most of them have to be wary of a boosted Splintered Stormshards.

**Steel-types**: Lycanroc-D gets threatened by Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Magearna, and Kartana, however, (RC) but they have to be wary of Drill Run and Fire Fang.

**Ground-types**: Defensive Landorus-T can check Lycanroc-D once it has baited Lycanroc-D's Z-Move thanks to its access to Intimidate. Gliscor is also capable of taking a +2 Stone Edge all the way from full HP and is capable of OHKOing Lycanroc-D.

**Priority**: Priority moves like Bullet Punch, Water Shuriken, and Sucker Punch can severely weaken Lycanroc-D due to how frail it is, (RC) (ASC); Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken are capable of OHKOing it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Amoonguss are all capable of pressuring Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves, but they don't like taking a boosted Splintered Stormshards, ultimately making them shaky checks.
 
[OVERVIEW]

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

A suicide lead set consisting of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor / Accelerock with a Focus Sash can function as an effective lead for Hyper Offense teams since it can prevent Stealth Rock from going up with Taunt, set up its own Stealth Rock, bring the foe down to one HP with Endeavor, and potentially finish the foe off with Accelerock before dying.
not sure if im missing something here but isnt this set directly outclassed by lycanroc-midday? they both get the same moves and the only difference is that midday has a higher speed which can help against the few mons that have 110 / 111 base speed.
 
not sure if im missing something here but isnt this set directly outclassed by lycanroc-midday? they both get the same moves and the only difference is that midday has a higher speed which can help against the few mons that have 110 / 111 base speed.
Dusk has a stronger Accelerock due to Tough Claws. That's probably slightly more relevant than the difference in speed.
 

GMars

It's ya boy GEEEEEEEEMARS
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
first time grammar checking on xenforo 2 help everything is slightly different
[OVERVIEW]

Lycanroc-D is a niche wallbreaker that can break through bulky teams with relative ease thanks to its access to Splintered Stormshards and Swords Dance; it can do decently against offense thanks to its access to Accelerock, which also means that it can blanket check two very threatening Pokemon in Mega Pinsir and Volcarona, and not having to account for these Pokemon while teambuilding because of Lycanroc-D can help its team out massively. Stone Edge and Drill Run in tandem with Tough Claws gives Lycanroc-D a slightly stronger EdgeQuake combination because Tough Claws boosts Drill Run, making it stronger than Earthquake. Unfortunately, Lycanroc-D heavily relies on Lycanium Z in conjunction with Swords Dance to break through walls, but, ;(replace ', but,' with a semicolon - the single use of lycanium z and the following weakness gives cause to the 'unfortunately,' meaning you shouldn't use 'but' here) Lycanium Z can only be used once and after the use of it, Lycanroc-D is rather weak. It also has a hard time finding setup opportunities due to its rather lacking bulk. Other Rock-type breakers like Terrakion and Tyranitar have a lot better bulk and damage output, thus giving Lycanroc-D a lot of competition, but it is able to distinguish itself from the aforementioned Pokemon because of its access to Accelerock and a very strong Z-Move. Its small movepool means it is walled by common Pokemon like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Rotom-W depending on the moves that it chooses to run, further reducing its effectiveness as a breaker. (or however you want to word this)

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Drill Run / Fire Fang
move 4: Accelerock
item: Lycanium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Lycanroc-D's Attack stat and lets it break through walls. Stone Edge is Lycanroc-D's main STAB move and does a lot of damage to any non-resistant Pokemon such as Chansey, Gliscor, and Clefable; (Remove semicolon) and with Lycanium Z, it turns into Splintered Stormshards, Lycanroc-D's signature Z-Move. Drill Run is Lycanroc-D's best way to hit Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Mawile, which both resist Stone Edge, and it also hits Toxapex, which is bulky enough to take any other hit from Lycanroc-D, for a good amount of damage. Fire Fang targets Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Kartana for super effective damage while still maintaining super effective damage on Magearna and Mega Mawile; however, (AC) choosing to use Fire Fang leaves Lycanroc-D walled by Pokemon like Zygarde and Keldeo. Accelerock lets Lycanroc-D revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona and also provides useful priority against faster, offensively oriented teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment in conjunction with a Jolly nature maximize Lycanroc-D's offensive potential, it allows allowing Lycanroc-D to always outspeed Swords Dance Kartana, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon lacking Choice Scarf, it and also allows allowing it to Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Mega Diancie, Mega Latios, and Gengar. Tough Claws is Lycanroc-D's only ability and boosts its contact moves by 30%. Lycanium Z turns Stone Edge into Splintered Stormshards, a very powerful Z-Move capable of OHKOing Pokemon like defensive Landorus-T, Mega Venusaur, and Celesteela after just one Swords Dance boost; it's also capable of removing terrains like Psychic Terrain, which allows Lycanroc-D to spam Accelerock without having to worry about it foes being protected from priority by it.

Usage Tips
========

Lycanroc-D is best used as an early-game wallbreaker for its teammates to clean up after, but it can also be used as a late-game cleaner thanks to its access to Accelerock. Lycanroc-D should be brought in safely via a predicted double switch or with VoltTurn support, since it does not like to take a hit, considering how frail it is. Lycanroc-D can also be brought in on Pokemon it can set a Swords Dance up on, such as Chansey, to start breaking through the opposing team. If the opposing team has a good answer to Lycanroc-D like Quagsire or Hippowdon, (AC) [artifact you left in from Marthaa's check] it might be wiser to just attack or double switch out into something else to pressure the answer instead of setting up. If it Lycanroc-D does set up, it is most likely going to fail to break through the opposing team if the answer has not been KOed or significantly weakened. Pokemon that are known to be equipped with a Choice Scarf like Landorus-T, Kartana, Tapu Lele, and Keldeo should all be scouted out before attempting to sweep with Lycanroc-D, as they can all stop Lycanroc-D in its path. Accelerock should be used minimally and only when a weakened offensive threat is on the field; it can also reliably revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona from full health.

Team Options
========

Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types,. (RC, Add Period) The former can do this thanks to Magnet Pull, while the latter can put heavy pressure on them; this means that Lycanroc-D may have a free a moveslot to use an additional coverage move, and they can also break Water- and Grass-types, respectively. Lycanroc-D is able to surprise Steel-type Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna with Fire Fang and Drill Run, respectively. This is especially useful when used with Pokemon that tend to struggle against Steel-types, such as Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele. Unfortunately, if using Tapu Lele, this has one big downside, and that is if Psychic Terrain is up, Accelerock can't be used, stopping Lycanroc-D from picking off weakened threats. Pokemon like Magearna, Landorus-T, and Mega Scizor can bring in Lycanroc-D with VoltTurn support, enabling it to come in safely without having to take a hit. Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, Serperior, and Kartana are all able to pressure Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types for Lycanroc-D, while in return Lycanroc-D can threaten Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon like Kyurem-B, Weavile, and Mega Pinsir for them. Kyurem-B and Mega Pinsir can put massive pressure on physically defensive Pokemon, Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types, which Lycanroc-D tends to struggle against. Lycanroc-D can be used on Spikes stacking hyper offense teams, as they are generally very fast-paced and appreciate Lycanroc-D's ability to dispose of common walls.

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

A suicide lead set consisting of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor / Accelerock with a Focus Sash can function as an effective lead for hyper offense teams, since it can prevent Stealth Rock from going up with Taunt, set up its own Stealth Rock, bring the foe down to one HP with Endeavor, and potentially finish the foe off with Accelerock before being KOed. Life Orb can be used if Lycanroc-D's team already has a Z-Move user, but Lycanium Z is preferred because of its ability to break bulkier Pokemon, and the recoil damage is also rather undesirable.

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

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Quagsire and Hippowdon can wall Lycanroc-D with relative ease and switch in on any move Lycanroc-D might want to go for. Mega Venusaur and defensive Rotom-W can also wall Lycanroc-D after it has used Splintered Stormshards, since when boosted, this will OHKO them.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon like Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Alakazam are capable of threatening Lycanroc-D with an OHKO; it also has to watch out for Pokemon that tend to run a Choice Scarf like Tapu Lele, Kartana, Keldeo, and Landorus-T, as they are are capable of OHKOing Lycanroc-D due to its terrible bulk.

**Water-types**: Water-types like Toxapex, Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Keldeo, and Ash-Greninja can threaten Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves; however, most of them have to be wary of a boosted Splintered Stormshards.

**Steel-types**: Lycanroc-D gets threatened by Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Magearna, and Kartana, but they have to be wary of Drill Run and Fire Fang.

**Ground-types**: Defensive Landorus-T can check Lycanroc-D once it has baited Lycanroc-D's Z-Move thanks to its access to Intimidate. Gliscor is also capable of taking a +2 Stone Edge and is capable of OHKOing Lycanroc-D.

**Priority**: Priority moves like Bullet Punch, Water Shuriken, and Sucker Punch can severely weaken Lycanroc-D due to how frail it is; Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken in particular are capable of OHKOing it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Amoonguss are all capable of pressuring Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves, but they don't like taking a boosted Splintered Stormshards, ultimately making them shaky checks.


GP 2/2
 
first time grammar checking on xenforo 2 help everything is slightly different
[OVERVIEW]

Lycanroc-D is a niche wallbreaker that can break through bulky teams with relative ease thanks to its access to Splintered Stormshards and Swords Dance; it can do decently against offense thanks to its access to Accelerock, which also means that it can blanket check two very threatening Pokemon in Mega Pinsir and Volcarona, and not having to account for these Pokemon while teambuilding because of Lycanroc-D can help its team out massively. Stone Edge and Drill Run in tandem with Tough Claws gives Lycanroc-D a slightly stronger EdgeQuake combination because Tough Claws boosts Drill Run, making it stronger than Earthquake. Unfortunately, Lycanroc-D heavily relies on Lycanium Z in conjunction with Swords Dance to break through walls; Lycanium Z can only be used once and after the use of it, Lycanroc-D is rather weak. It also has a hard time finding setup opportunities due to its rather lacking bulk. Other Rock-type breakers like Terrakion and Tyranitar have a lot better bulk and damage output, thus giving Lycanroc-D a lot of competition, but it is able to distinguish itself from the aforementioned Pokemon because of its access to Accelerock and a very strong Z-Move. Its small movepool means it is walled by common Pokemon like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Rotom-W depending on the moves that it chooses to run, further reducing its effectiveness as a breaker.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Drill Run / Fire Fang
move 4: Accelerock
item: Lycanium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Lycanroc-D's Attack stat and lets it break through walls. Stone Edge does a lot of damage to any non-resistant Pokemon such as Chansey, Gliscor, and Clefable and with Lycanium Z, it turns into Splintered Stormshards, Lycanroc-D's signature Z-Move. Drill Run is Lycanroc-D's best way to hit Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Mawile, which both resist Stone Edge, and it also hits Toxapex, which is bulky enough to take any other hit from Lycanroc-D, for a good amount of damage. Fire Fang targets Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Kartana for super effective damage while still maintaining super effective damage on Magearna and Mega Mawile; however, choosing to use Fire Fang leaves Lycanroc-D walled by Pokemon like Zygarde and Keldeo. Accelerock lets Lycanroc-D revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona and also provides useful priority against faster, offensively oriented teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment in conjunction with a Jolly nature maximize Lycanroc-D's offensive potential, allowingLycanroc-D to always outspeed Swords Dance Kartana, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon lacking Choice Scarf, and also allowing it to Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Mega Diancie, Mega Latios, and Gengar. Tough Claws is Lycanroc-D's only ability and boosts its contact moves by 30%. Lycanium Z turns Stone Edge into Splintered Stormshards, a very powerful Z-Move capable of OHKOing Pokemon like defensive Landorus-T, Mega Venusaur, and Celesteela after just one Swords Dance boost; it's also capable of removing terrains like Psychic Terrain, which allows Lycanroc-D to spam Accelerock without having to worry about foes being protected from priority by it.

Usage Tips
========

Lycanroc-D is best used as an early-game wallbreaker for its teammates to clean up after, but it can also be used as a late-game cleaner thanks to its access to Accelerock. Lycanroc-D should be brought in safely via a predicted double switch or with VoltTurn support, since it does not like to take a hit, considering how frail it is. Lycanroc-D can also be brought in on Pokemon it can set a Swords Dance up on, such as Chansey, to start breaking through the opposing team. If the opposing team has a good answer to Lycanroc-D like Quagsire or Hippowdon, it might be wiser to just attack or double switch out into something else to pressure the answer instead of setting up. If Lycanroc-D does set up, it is most likely going to fail to break through the opposing team if the answer has not been KOed or significantly weakened. Pokemon that are known to be equipped with a Choice Scarf like Landorus-T, Kartana, Tapu Lele, and Keldeo should all be scouted out before attempting to sweep with Lycanroc-D, as they can all stop Lycanroc-D in its path. Accelerock should be used minimally and only when a weakened offensive threat is on the field; it can also reliably revenge kill Mega Pinsir and Volcarona from full health.

Team Options
========

Magnezone and Heatran are able to remove Steel-types. The former can do this thanks to Magnet Pull, while the latter can put heavy pressure on them; this means that Lycanroc-D may have a free a moveslot to use an additional coverage move, and they can also break Water- and Grass-types, respectively. Lycanroc-D is able to surprise Steel-type Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna with Fire Fang and Drill Run, respectively. This is especially useful when used with Pokemon that tend to struggle against Steel-types, such as Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele. Unfortunately, if using Tapu Lele, this has one big downside, and that is if Psychic Terrain is up, Accelerock can't be used, stopping Lycanroc-D from picking off weakened threats. Pokemon like Magearna, Landorus-T, and Mega Scizor can bring in Lycanroc-D with VoltTurn support, enabling it to come in safely without having to take a hit. Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, Serperior, and Kartana are all able to pressure Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types for Lycanroc-D, while in return Lycanroc-D can threaten Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon like Kyurem-B, Weavile, and Mega Pinsir for them. Kyurem-B and Mega Pinsir can put massive pressure on physically defensive Pokemon, Water-, Steel-, and Grass-types, which Lycanroc-D tends to struggle against. Lycanroc-D can be used on Spikes stacking hyper offense teams, as they are generally very fast-paced and appreciate Lycanroc-D's ability to dispose of common walls.

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

A suicide lead set consisting of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor / Accelerock with a Focus Sash can function as an effective lead for hyper offense teams, since it can prevent Stealth Rock from going up with Taunt, set up its own Stealth Rock, bring the foe down to one HP with Endeavor, and potentially finish the foe off with Accelerock before being KOed. Life Orb can be used if Lycanroc-D's team already has a Z-Move user, but Lycanium Z is preferred because of its ability to break bulkier Pokemon, and the recoil damage is also rather undesirable.

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

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Quagsire and Hippowdon can wall Lycanroc-D with relative ease and switch in on any move Lycanroc-D might want to go for. Mega Venusaur and defensive Rotom-W can also wall Lycanroc-D after it has used Splintered Stormshards, since when boosted, this will OHKO them.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon like Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Alakazam are capable of threatening Lycanroc-D with an OHKO; it also has to watch out for Pokemon that tend to run a Choice Scarf like Tapu Lele, Kartana, Keldeo, and Landorus-T, as they are are capable of OHKOing Lycanroc-D due to its terrible bulk.

**Water-types**: Water-types like Toxapex, Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Keldeo, and Ash-Greninja can threaten Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves; however, most of them have to be wary of a boosted Splintered Stormshards.

**Steel-types**: Lycanroc-D gets threatened by Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Magearna, and Kartana, but they have to be wary of Drill Run and Fire Fang.

**Ground-types**: Defensive Landorus-T can check Lycanroc-D once it has baited Lycanroc-D's Z-Move thanks to its access to Intimidate. Gliscor is also capable of taking a +2 Stone Edge and OHKOing Lycanroc-D.

**Priority**: Priority moves like Bullet Punch, Water Shuriken, and Sucker Punch can severely weaken Lycanroc-D due to how frail it is; Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken in particular are capable of OHKOing it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Amoonguss are all capable of pressuring Lycanroc-D with their respective STAB moves, but they don't like taking a boosted Splintered Stormshards, ultimately making them shaky checks.


GP 2/2
implemented.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top