PU Shiftry

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[GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack / frenzyplant]


[OVERVIEW]

Shiftry is an offensive force to be reckoned with as a result of its solid offensive typing, decent mixed attacking stats, and strong STAB options such as Knock Off, Leaf Storm, Seed Bomb, and Sucker Punch. Because of its mixed coverage, Shiftry manages to stand apart from other Dark- and Grass-types in the tier and is a massive threat to teams that are overly reliant on Pokemon such as Aggron, Mawile, and Regirock to check physical attackers. Shiftry becomes even more threatening under sun because of its ability Chlorophyll doubling its Speed, which allows it to also threaten opposing sun teams. It can also function well as an offensive user of Defog because its typing gives it the ability to threaten common entry hazard setters such as Golem, Golurk, Palossand, and Regirock, allowing it to clear the field of entry hazards on the turn that they switch out. However, its great offensive typing curses it with weaknesses to common attack typings such as Fire, Flying, Poison, and Ice, and its poor bulk doesn't make matters much better. Although its Speed is far from terrible, Shiftry is outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Jynx and Pyroar, and its main method of mitigating this in Sucker Punch isn't very reliable due to how it can be taken advantage of. Finally, as a purely physical wallbreaker, Shiftry faces competition from other Dark-types in the tier such as Absol and Alolan Raticate, both of which, while slower, are stronger.

[SET]
name: Mixed Life Orb
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Lonely / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm is Shiftry's main Grass-type STAB attack, and it can be used to hit physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron and non-Sap Sipper Miltank harder than Knock Off, which neither of them mind all that much. Knock Off is one of Shiftry's two Dark-type STAB moves, and on top of hitting a lot of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm fairly hard, it removes the opposing Pokemon's item. This effectively cripples Pokemon reliant on their Assault Vest or Eviolite to check Shiftry and its teammates, like Eelektross, Hitmonchan, Magmortar, and Ferroseed. Sucker Punch is the second of Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves. It can be used to score KOs on faster but frailer Pokemon like Archeops or Floatzel after they take a bit of damage beforehand. Do keep in mind, however, that it fails if the foe doesn't attack, which can be taken advantage of by Pokemon with reliable recovery like Swanna. Defog can be opted for over Explosion if your team lacks hazard control, which is good for more offensive teams due to the pressure Shiftry puts on common hazard setters like Palossand and Regirock. Alternatively, Explosion gives Shiftry access to a one-time physical attack with 250 Base Power at the cost of Shiftry itself. Explosion is Shiftry's best attack against Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STABs and threatens it with Poison Jab, and Explosion also has the secondary advantage of severely weakening even some of the most physically bulky non-Normal-resistant Pokemon in the tier, such as Gurdurr and Weezing.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed makes Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. Special Attack investment isn't necessary, as even without it, Leaf Storm hits its main targets harder than any of the physical attacks do. A Lonely nature is used to increase Shiftry's attacking power without lowering its Special Attack. A Hasty nature can be used if you wish to outspeed certain neutral-natured Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Modest Choice Specs Mesprit, and Stoutland, though this does cause Shiftry to lose out on certain KOs such as on Archeops with Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, making it even more threatening on and against sun. Life Orb strengthens all of Shiftry's attacks, but it comes with the downside of recoil damage.

Usage Tips
========

Use Knock Off a lot early on, as it's Shiftry's most reliable STAB move and cripples defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Tangela by nullifying Colbur Berry or removing Eviolite, rendering them unable to check Shiftry as effectively. If you're using Defog on Shiftry, bring it in on entry hazard setters that it threatens like Bronzor and Regirock, and Defog on the turn they switch. Sucker Punch is a great tool for revenge killing, but as mentioned before, it can be exploited by Pokemon that can recover their health or set up such as Archeops, Jynx, and Swanna. Exercise caution when using Explosion, as Shiftry only gets one use at the move, so refrain from using it until Shiftry is no longer required and wants to dish out one last heavy hit. Shiftry is easy to wear down due to Life Orb recoil, entry hazards, and its poor bulk, so not letting it take much or any unnecessary damage is smart, especially if it's the team's only form of entry hazard control.

Team Options
========

Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar break through bulkier Grass-types and physical walls like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, Tangela, and Weezing for Shiftry, while Shiftry provides entry hazard removal for them and combats the Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types that threaten them such as Palossand, Regirock, and Lanturn. Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Primeape place pressure on both physical walls and opposing Dark-types for Shiftry, and it pressures Psychic-types in return. Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Musharna, Swanna, and Weezing synergize well defensively with Shiftry, as they handle the Fighting-types that force it out, especially those with Mach Punch like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. They appreciate how Shiftry deals with Electric- and Psychic-types like Lanturn and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit. Slow users of U-turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn, and defensive Mesprit work to get Shiftry in as safely as possible. Each has its own benefits: Eelektross beats Pokemon like Ferroseed and Tangela; Lanturn can cure Shiftry of status with Heal Bell; and Mesprit is able to set up Stealth Rock to pressure Shiftry's checks, beat Fighting-types and Weezing, and give Shiftry a second shot at breaking with Healing Wish. Entry hazard setters such as Mesprit and Weezing pair well with Shiftry because hazards pressure Fire-types and faster but frailer Pokemon, which can't take Shiftry's moves as well if they are up, particularly Sucker Punch. Shiftry can even keep the entry hazards up with Explosion while either severely weakening the opposing Pokemon or securing a KO. If Shiftry's on a sun team, Sunny Day users like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat are definitely important. Fellow sun sweepers like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Victreebel pair well with it too. Victreebel can absorb Toxic Spikes for Shiftry, which helps it remain around for longer, and Shiftry can put holes in teams and make it easier for the other sun sweepers to finish them off.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance increases Shiftry's power, making its attacks harder to switch in on. Seed Bomb is Shiftry's main Grass-type STAB move, which pressures Ground-, Rock- and Water-types. Knock Off is Shiftry;s main Dark-type STAB move. It removes the item of the opposing Pokemon and hits a lot of Pokemon that resist Seed Bomb for neutral damage. Sucker Punch is Shiftry's secondary Dark-type STAB move, and it improves Shiftry's matchup against fast but frail Pokemon such as Archeops and Alolan Raichu, especially after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed makes Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. An Adamant nature helps to increase Shiftry's power and give it stronger priority, but a Jolly nature can be used to let it outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Modest Magmortar and Adamant Skuntank. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, letting it outspeed the entire unboosted metagame as well as some Choice Scarf users like Primeape, which makes it threatening on and against sun teams. Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's moves a bit more power, at the cost of some of its health for every attack. Black Glasses is an alternative that doesn't deal recoil damage to Shiftry and still boosts the power of Knock Off and Sucker Punch, but it doesn't give Seed Bomb a boost in power.

Usage Tips
========

Using Knock Off a lot early on to weaken checks and remove the items of checks is good for pressuring them and making them unable to keep Shiftry in check. Finding opportunities to set up a Swords Dance on Pokemon that Shiftry forces out like Bronzor, Gastrodon, Palossand, or Sableye is ideal due to their passivity. Once Shiftry manages to use Swords Dance, it should weaken and break as much of the opposing team as it can, paving the way for its teammates to and clean up. Sucker Punch allows Shiftry to check faster but frailer Pokemon as well as setup sweepers. None of them appreciate taking a Sucker Punch, especially if Shiftry uses Swords Dance beforehand. Shiftry is really frail and doesn't like taking even resisted hits when it doesn't have to, so be sure to keep Shiftry as healthy as possible when attempting to set up.

Team Options
========

This set has problems with physical walls due to a lack of mixed coverage, so good partners are Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Pyroar that can severely weaken or KO bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Mawile, Tangela, and Weezing. The Fire-types can also absorb Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL, while Shiftry breaks through Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types for them. Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian beat Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STAB types, and can also soften up physical walls for Shiftry. Hitmonchan, in particular, is notable due to its ability to tank some hits from Fire- and Ice-types like Pyroar and Abomasnow and threaten them out with its Fighting-type STAB moves, and it can provide entry hazard removal to aid Shiftry in remaining alive for as long as it can. Meanwhile, Primeape and Passimian can get Shiftry in safely and help it set up with U-turn. In return, Shiftry handles Ghost- and Psychic-types like Haunter, Oricorio-G, and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit for them. Pokemon that check Fighting-types and can tank Fighting-type moves for Shiftry such as Granbull, Mesprit, Musharna, Oricorio-G, and Swanna make for good partners, and it helps them by beating opposing Psychic-types and softening up Pokemon they have trouble dealing with like Type: Null. Slower users of U-turn and Volt Switch such as Eelektross, Lanturn, and defensive Mesprit make for good partners due to their ability to get Shiftry in on some of the more passive Pokemon they tend to bait in, like Audino, opposing non-Ice Beam Lanturn, and Sableye, all of which Shiftry takes advantage of and sets up on. Shiftry likes entry hazards being up on the opposing side so that its moves are even harder to come in on, especially after a Swords Dance, so hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing pair well with it. This set is really threatening under sun, especially if it pulls off a Swords Dance, so Sunny Day users like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat alongside other sun sweepers like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Victreebel pair well with it. The sun sweepers benefit from Shiftry breaking a lot of what stops them and have an easier time cleaning up as a result.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off is Shiftry's most reliable physical STAB attack, hits Pokemon like Jynx and Oricorio-G for super effective damage, and removes the items of the opposing Pokemon, which is good for crippling defensive Pokemon. Leaf Blade allows Shiftry to deal super effective damage to Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Gastrodon, Golurk, Carracosta, and Floatzel. Rock Slide hits Fire- and Flying-types like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Altaria for super effective damage. Finally, Explosion is used for taking a huge portion of health from Pokemon that Shiftry lures in, like Skuntank and Weezing, as well as for generating momentum. Alternatively, Defog can be used as a means of emergency hazard control in order to have a better matchup versus entry hazard stacking teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Jynx, Oricorio-G, and Swanna, even with an Adamant nature, Shiftry to hit as hard as possible along with maximum Attack investment. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, making sure Shiftry outspeeds every opposing Chlorophyll user under it.

Usage Tips
========

Using Knock Off a lot early on is smart, as it keeps opponents from immediately suspecting Shiftry's set. Refrain from using Rock Slide or otherwise making it obvious that you're using a Choice Scarf set until need be, as this will make the set ineffective at luring in faster threats. This set isn't very common in comparison to the other two, so take advantage of how it's unexpected by luring in the faster Pokemon that normally force Shiftry out like Magmortar and Skuntank and KOing them. Shiftry serves as a solid revenge killer, as well, due to its lack of reliance on Sucker Punch for picking things off, so take advantage of Choice Scarf by taking down normally faster Pokemon like Archeops and Oricorio-G. Explosion still packs a punch despite the lack of a Life Orb boost, so use it to deal heavy damage to Pokemon like Skuntank and weakened physical walls.

Team Options
========

Special wallbreakers like Aurorus, Drampa, and Haunter place pressure on Pokemon that Shiftry struggles with breaking, such as bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, and Mawile. In return, Shiftry cripples their switch-ins with Knock Off and can weaken them with Explosion, making them easier to KO. Fighting-types like Primeape and Passimian appreciate Shiftry luring in Flying-types and keeping out Ghost- and Psychic-types, and they beat the Dark-types that give it trouble like Alolan Raticate and Skuntank. Pokemon such as Granbull, Mesprit, and Musharna take on opposing Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, while Shiftry's Explosion weakens or removes Dark- and Poison-types for them. Entry hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing make Shiftry's moves even harder to switch into, and Shiftry can keep the hazards up for longer by preventing Defog and Rapid Spin with Explosion. Mesprit and Weezing also act as Fighting-type checks for Shiftry. Checks to Fire-types are important, as while Shiftry does outspeed them and possess good options for them, it prefers to have something to fall back on should it get locked into Seed Bomb, so Pokemon like Altaria, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, and Magmortar make for good partners. Checks to Ice-types are important for the same reason, so Shiftry appreciates Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Magmortar, Miltank, and Pyroar. Shiftry also handles some of their collective weaknesses to typings like Ground, Psychic and Water. Pokemon that can easily bluff Choice Scarf sets such as Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx and Calm Mind Oricorio-G pair well with Shiftry, preventing any suspicion in regard to Shiftry's set.

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

Shiftry has a decently wide special movepool, so moves like Extrasensory and Focus Blast could be used to lure and remove Weezing and Ferroseed. However, finding room for these moves is hard, and Ferroseed already hates taking Knock Off. A purely specially offensive or specially biased mixed set is an option, and Shiftry even has access to Nasty Plot to boost the power of those moves, but such a set faces some competition from Cacturne, whose special attacks hit harder. Solar Beam can be used over Leaf Storm on the mixed set if Shiftry is on a sun team so that Shiftry has a more spammable Grass-type STAB attack that doesn't drop its Special Attack; however, it's pretty useless outside of sun, and it's less strong than Leaf Storm. Pickpocket can be used on the Choice Scarf set to steal the opposing Pokemon's item if Shiftry loses its Choice Scarf, which can be useful for crippling defensive Pokemon in the event that Shiftry takes a Knock Off. A Lum Berry can be used on the Swords Dance sets to let Shiftry ignore a status condition once and have a slightly easier time setting up as a result. It's noticeably weaker without the boost from Black Glasses or a Life Orb, though. Synthesis gives Shiftry a form of reliable recovery, taking advantage of the switches it can force, but it usually prefers having a strong Explosion or providing entry hazard removal as the final move on the mixed set, and it struggles to find room for Synthesis on any other set. Furthermore, Shiftry really doesn't need recovery, as its main priority should be breaking as much as it can. Grassium Z can be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Seed Bomb into Bloom Doom, which can be nice for luring Pokemon like Skuntank and taking them out after a Swords Dance boost. Normalium Z can be used on non-Choice Scarf sets with Explosion to still hit hard and not lose Shiftry in the process. It should be noted that Breakneck Blitz is slightly less strong than Explosion, and this takes away from the surprise factor that Explosion has. Flyinium Z can be used with Hurricane to lure and KO Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, and Shiftry can do this easier because of Nasty Plot.

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

**Poison-types**: Muk, Skuntank, and Weezing can all deal heavy damage to Shiftry with their respective Poison-type STAB moves and don't mind Knock Off much, and Skuntank even resists both of Shiftry's STAB types. They do have to watch out for Explosion, however, boosted in power or not.

**Fighting-types**: Combusken, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian all resist Sucker Punch and force Shiftry out due to either outspeeding it or having Mach Punch; however, none of them except for Combusken and Hitmonchan want to be brought in on Leaf Storm, Gurdurr hates losing its Eviolite to Knock Off, and none of them want to take an Explosion. Combusken can shield itself from Explosion and obtain a Speed boost with Protect, and it resists both of Shiftry's STAB types. Primeape can generate momentum for its team by using U-turn on the turn Shiftry switches.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Primeape, Floatzel, and Zebstrika all have the power to OHKO Shiftry due to its frailty. The Choice Scarf set does deal with almost all of them, though, and when facing other sets, they have to take a Sucker Punch before they get to attack Shiftry.

**Priority**: As a result of Shiftry's frailty, priority often leaves dents in it or KOs it with enough prior damage. Pokemon like Abomasnow, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Kangaskhan, and Zangoose all threaten Shiftry with either super effective or strong neutral priority moves.
 
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yogi

I did not succumb...
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[OVERVIEW]
  • Shiftry is an offensive force to be reckoned with due to its solid offensive typing, which is almost unresisted, and decent 100/90 mixed stats, and with strong STABs like Dark Pulse, Knock Off, Leaf Blade, Leaf Storm and Sucker Punch in its arsenal, it certainly abuses them well. (remove dark pulse as it isnt featured on a set)
  • Along with them, it has pretty great coverage in attacks such as Extrasensory, Explosion, Focus Blast, Hurricane and Rock Slide, which still hit fairly hard due to its stats. (i dont think you should mention coverage that isnt featured on a set, personally) (if you are going to, mention its main coverage and say it also has access to alternative coverage options)
  • Under sun, Shiftry becomes a lot more threatening thanks to its ability Chlorophyll doubling its Speed. (allows it to check opposing sun teams)
  • It can function well as a Defogger due to it threatening common hazard setters such as Bronzor, Golem, Golurk, Mesprit, Metang and Regirock and getting rid of hazards on the turn they switch out. (remove mesprit in my opinion, or at least mention colbur)
  • Unfortunately, while great offensively, Dark-and-Grass-typing isn’t the best defensively, as it’s weak to common attack typings like Bug, Fighting, Fire, Flying and Ice.
  • 90/60/60 bulk isn’t helping it much either, as it can’t tank non-resisted attacks very well. (merge with the above point)
  • Base 80 Speed, while definitely not terrible, leaves it outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Magmortar, Skuntank, Oricorio, Jynx, Primeape, Pyroar and Archeops, and as such, it has to rely on Sucker Punch to hit them. (and how shaky sucker punch is when trying to check things like archeops, jynx, and oricorio-g) (mention how sucker doesn't do anything to primeape or skuntank, because it makes it seem like it does)
[SET]
name: Physically Biased Mixed
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Explosion / Defog (i may be biased here, but i prefer having defog slashed first) (i'd also make the set go in this order; knock off, sucker punch, leaf storm and defog / explosion)
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Lonely / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Leaf Storm is Shiftry's main form of Grass-type STAB, and it can be used to hit physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron, Carracosta, Gastrodon, non-Sap Sipper Miltank, Palossand, Qwilfish and Regirock harder than Knock Off would, which almost none of them really mind.
  • Knock Off is one of Shiftry's two Dark-type STABs, which removes the item of the opposing Pokemon on top of hitting Pokemon that don't resist Dark-type moves hard. This effectively cripples Pokemon reliant on their Assault Vests or Eviolites (don't plural here) to check it and its teammates like Eelektross, Hitmonchan, Magmortar or Ferroseed, making them less of a defensive threat. (i feel like this needs a slight rewording, it feel awkward)
  • Sucker Punch is the second of its Dark-type STABs. It can be used to score KOs on faster but frailer Pokemon like Archeops or Floatzel after they take a bit of damage beforehand. (required they attack, as things like archeops can roost)
  • Explosion gives Shiftry access to a one-time physical attack with 250 base power, at the cost of Shiftry itself, which can be used to severely weaken even some of the most physically bulky Pokemon in the tier that don't resist Normal-type moves such as Gurdurr, Miltank and Weezing. It's also really good for luring something like Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STABs and threatens it with a super effective Poison Jab. (i wouldnt say something i'd just say lures skunk, because that's the best thing it lures; mention it has to be on the switch too)
  • Defog can be opted for over Explosion if your team lacks hazard control. (works well on more offensive teams because it pressures most stealth rockers and qwilfish, while crippling ferroseed)
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. Special Attack investment isn't necessary, as Leaf Storm hits hard enough without it, and Shiftry likes Knock Off and Sucker Punch being as strong as they possibly can be, as they're the main moves it'll be using. (it's mainly because even without investment you deal enough damage with leaf storm against the things that are able to switch in on its physical moves)
  • A Naughty nature is preferred over a Lonely Nature, as it doesn't decrease Shiftry's physical defense and leave it even weaker to priority such as Fake Out (i would never leave shiftry in on a kangaskhan), while not decreasing Shiftry's Special Attack and bolstering the power of its Dark-type STABs even further. A Hasty nature can be used if you want to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Mesprit and Stoutland at the cost of some power. (remove magmortar, it's either slower than naughty or faster than lonely) (id actually say lonely is better, because most priority is going to bop you or deal a lot of damage regardless, so switch the order)
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, making it even more threatening on and against sun.
  • Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's attacks a bit more oomph (lol), but keep in mind that with every attack, you're losing a bit of health, which makes you easier to revenge kill with priority. ("you" switch from it to you here, bit weird) (shiftry is already quite easy to revenge with priority)
Usage Tips
========
  • Use Knock Off a lot at first to remove the items of Shiftry's checks and rack up some damage on them. This especially pressure the checks to Shiftry that lack reliable recovery such as Weezing. (more-so knock off is its most reliable stab move) (knocks off eviolite)
  • Shiftry is frail, so avoid letting it take unresisted attacks, as this will hinder its longevity. (i'd just avoid it taking most damage to be honest, as even resisted attacks will do a chunk to it)
  • Weakening or KOing a foe and switching out is the best way to play Shiftry until its checks and counters have been weakened enough for it just spam Knock Off and Sucker Punch. (this is the opposite of what you said in the first bullet point, about spamming knock off, so i'd alter this) (maybe reference what is able to switch into shiftry, as defensively not much likes to)
  • Save Explosion until you feel as if Shiftry can't do much more for you and you want to sufficiently weaken one last thing, as you do only get one. (or if you want to lure skuntank, as mentioned above, or other physical walls)
  • If you have Defog on Shiftry, bring it in on hazard setters that it threatens like Bronzor or Regirock and Defog on the turn they switch.
  • sucker punch can be used for revenge killing
  • thanks to mixed coverage it's often able to break bulkier teams who rely on qwilfish, ferroseed, etc. to check physical attackers
Team Options
========
  • Fire- and Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Magmortar, Primeape and Pyroar break through Ice-, Grass- and Steel-types for Shiftry, while Shiftry threatens the Water- and Ground-types that give them issues. Furthermore, they appreciate Shiftry clearing the field of hazards for them. (split these up into fire-types and fighting-types, as it's too crowded)
  • Pokemon such as defensive Mesprit, Musharna, Swanna and Weezing synergize well defensively with Shiftry, as they handle the Fighting-types that force it out, especially those with Mach Punch like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. They in turn appreciate how Shiftry deals with opposing Dark-, Electric- and Psychic-types. (give one or two examples for the last point, shiftry also kinda struggles with dark-types so remove that) (remove mesprit because it's better mentioned below)
  • Slow users of U-Turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn and defensive Mesprit work to get Shiftry in as safely as possible, each having their own benefits like Eelektross being able to beat Pokemon like Ferroseed or Tangela, Lanturn being able to cure Shiftry of status with Heal Bell, and Mesprit being able to set up Stealth Rock to pressure Shiftry's checks and give Shiftry a second shot at breaking with Healing Wish. (mention that mesprit mainly threatens fighting-types, but can also threaten weezing too)
  • If Shiftry's on a sun team, setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock and Volbeat are definitely important. Fellow sun abusers like Magmortar, Pyroar and Victreebel pair well with it too, picking up where it left off with the opposing team. (even though its main use is outside of sun, i'd like a tiny bit of expansion on this last point, such as Victreebel absorbing tspikes ans stuff)
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade (okay, so most people don't know this and understandably so, but sucker punch is incompatible with leaf blade (it will say it is on pokemon showdown but that's incorrect) so change this to seed bomb)
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Swords Dance increases Shiftry's power, making its STABs harder to switch in on.
  • Leaf Blade is Shiftry's main physical Grass-type STAB, which pressures a lot of the same bulky Ground-, Rock- and Water-types that Leaf Storm does. (change this as mentioned above, also mention that seed bomb doesn't make contact) (mention which pokemon but also explain that it struggles versus physical walls like regirock a little more)
  • Knock Off is its main Dark-type STAB. It removes the item of the opposing Pokemon, and hits a lot of what resists Leaf Blade for neutral damage. (remove leaf blade mention,
  • Sucker Punch is its secondary Dark-type STAB, and it improves Shiftry's matchup against fast but frail Pokemon, especially after a Swords Dance. (mention a few examples)
  • Explosion could be used over Sucker Punch to go out with a bang and grab momentum for either a sun setter or a fellow sun abuser if Shiftry's on a sun team, as it has a much better time against faster threats. (i feel like you took this almost directly from the xy shiftry analysis, explain what it would help break)
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be.
  • An Adamant nature furthers Shiftry's power, but a Jolly nature can be to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Mesprit and Stoutland. (adamant gives it stronger priority) (again remove magmortar because it'll always be slower and mention offensive mesprit, like choice specs or offensive rocks)
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, making it an even bigger threat and helping it on and against sun teams. (outspeeding the entire unboosted meta, and even choice scarf users)
  • Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's moves a bit more power at the cost of some of its health every attack. Black Glasses is an alternative that doesn't deal recoil damage to Shiftry and still boosts the power of its Dark-type STABs, which are what it's mainly going to be using. (but black glasses has quite a big power drawback too, especially in terms of seed bomb, but gives it more longevity)
Usage Tips
========
  • Although it's not played the same way the mixed set is, using Knock Off a lot earlier on to weaken and remove the items of checks is still good for pressuring them and making them unable to keep it in check as well. In the case of Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL or Weezing, don't use Knock Off unless it has a Swords Dance already under its belt, or further use of Knock Off won't be as strong. (not sure i completely agree here; in the case of both gourgeist-xl and weezing they'll most likely be switching in directly on you, so using knock off instead of swords dance essentially allows you to get rid of colbur berry and black sludge / rocky helmet, respectively. if you use swords dance and they switch in, you're forced out regardless and also haven't removed the item)
  • Find opportunities to set up a Swords Dance on Pokemon that Shiftry forces out like the aforementioned hazard setters and Ghost-types like Palossand or Sableye. (why does it force them out, explain this a little more) (also what aforementioned hazard setters?)
  • You only have one Explosion, so don't make it obvious that you have it, and save it until you're absolutely sure that you don't need Shiftry anymore. (expand and such, explain how swords dance + explosion can break things like weezing and a knocked off tangela)
bare bones here. you can talk about how sucker punch allows for checking faster pokemon and even setup sweepers. explain a little more on how it's used, such as breaking. talk about how it's frail and doesn't enjoy taking a hit, even a resisted one

Team Options
========
  • This set has problems with physical walls as well, so Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar that place pressure on bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Mawile, Tangela and Weezing are good partners. (can switch into will-o-wisp)
  • Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian place pressure on and soften up the physically bulky Pokemon and beat Skuntank, who resists both of Shiftry's STABs. Hitmonchan in particular has the ability to tank some hits from the Fire- and Ice-types and threaten them out with its Fighting-type STABs. (hitmonchan offers hazard support, which shiftry appreciates, especially the life orb set)
  • Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Mr. Mime and Musharna can beat the Fighting-types that give Shiftry problems. Mesprit and Mr. Mime can both provide Healing Wish support should Shiftry get too weakened on top of this. (mes is already mentioned below, also mr. mime can only offensively check fighting-types)
  • Slow users of U-Turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn or defensive Mesprit get Shiftry in safely, and can help it create set up opportunities. (exact same examples as before but in less detail too)
  • This set is really threatening on sun, especially if it pulls off a Swords Dance, so sun setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock and Volbeat alongside other sun abusers that pick up where Shiftry leaves off like Magmortar, Pyroar and Victreebel pair well with it. (again a slight bit of expansion please, talk about how shiftry can use a +2 explosion to break things)
nothing here about how shiftry helps its partners!

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Chlorophyll / Pickpocket (unsure about pickpocket to be honest, but leave it for now)
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Leaf Blade allows for Shiftry to deal super effective damage to Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Carracosta, Floatzel, Gastrodon and Golurk. (arrange these in the order of the previously mentioned types) (also its most reliable physical stab)
  • Knock Off removes the items of the opposing Pokemon and catch Pokemon that force it into Sucker Punch 50/50s like Jynx and Oricorio-G off guard. (i would like these bit rephrased, because it does indeed catch it off guard but that's more due to it being choice scarf)
  • Rock Slide hits Fire- and Flying-types like Archeops, Articuno, Magmortar, Pyroar and Swanna for super effective damage.
  • Explosion is used for catching whatever isn't hit by its other moves off guard, as well as generating momentum. (explosion is used against things such as weezing to cripple it) (momentum is a nice point tho)
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in Speed in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Archeops, Carracosta after a Shell Smash, Jynx, Magmortar, Oricorio, Pyroar, Swanna and Zebstrika, even with an Adamant nature, and the Attack investment and nature allow Shiftry to hit as hard as possible. (split this up)
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, and can be used to make sure you outspeed other Chlorophyll users under it. (outspeeds every user of chlorophyll is worth mentioning)
  • Pickpocket robs the opposing Pokemon of their item if Shiftry loses its Choice Scarf, which can be useful for crippling defensive Pokemon in the event that Shiftry gets Knocked Off.
Usage Tips
========
  • Using Knock Off a lot earlier on is smart, as it keeps your opponent from immediately suspecting your set.
  • Refrain from using Rock Slide or otherwise making it obvious that you're a Choice Scarf set until need be, as this will make the set ineffective at luring faster threats. (will know it's not sucker punch once they see leaf blade too)
  • You only get one Explosion, so make it count by saving it until you're sure Shiftry can't really do much more for you. (expand this)
  • it's uncommon compared to the other two so it's unexpected!
  • revenge killer
  • sun mention
again, expansion is required here

Team Options
========
  • Special attacking wallbreakers like Abomasnow, Drampa, Magmortar, Mesprit and Pyroar place pressure on Pokemon like bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Ferroseed, Gourgeist-XL, Mawile, Tangela, Togetic and Weezing. (too many examples lol, cut down and expand a little on the ones you have kept)
  • Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian appreciate Shiftry luring Flying-types and keeping out Ghost- and Psychic-types, and are more free to spam their STABs as a result of it. (what do they do for shiftry specifically, spamming stabs is vague)
  • Pokemon such as Granbull, Mesprit and Musharna take on the opposing Fighting-types that force Shiftry out with Mach Punch or just Fighting-type STABs in general.
  • Checks to Fire- and Ice-types such as Gastrodon, Miltank, Lanturn and Qwilfish are good for taking Ice Shards from Abomasnow or Fire-type STABs from Magmortar or Pyroar. (i think you should remove gastrodon, it's a bad example of an ice check) (split this up a little because none of those check both)
what does shiftry do for its teammates!!

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Shiftry has a decently wide special movepool, so moves like Extrasensory could be used to 2HKO Weezing, Focus Blast to break through Ferroseed and Hurricane to lure in Gurdurr. However, finding room for these moves is pretty hard. (mention that knock off already cripples ferroseed)
  • Solar Beam can be used over Leaf Storm on the mixed set if Shiftry is on a sun team so that Shiftry has a more spammable Grass-type STAB that doesn't drop its special attack. However, it's pretty useless outside of sun, as it takes two turns then.
  • Shiftry also has access to Nasty Plot, but a specially offensive set faces competition from Cacturne. (untrue)
  • Darkinium Z can be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Knock Off into Black Hole Eclipse, which can be used to muscle past Pokemon like Weezing, but this kind of set faces competition from something like Absol, whose attacks are coming off of a higher Attack stat. (remove, dark z with knock off is bad)
  • Grassium Z can also be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Leaf Blade into Bloom Doom, which can be nice for luring things like Skuntank after a Swords Dance boost. (change to seed bomb)
  • Normalium Z can be used on non-Scarf sets with Explosion to still hit hard and not lose Shiftry in the process. It should be noted that Breakneck Blitz is slightly less strong than Explosion, and this takes away from the surprise factor that a regular Explosion has.
  • Early Bird can be used over Chlorophyll on the non-Scarf sets to make the Jynx matchup more in your favor. (eh, eh...)
  • z hurricane breaks assault vest hitmonchan, maybe mention it with nasty plot
Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Muk, Skuntank and Weezing can all OHKO Shiftry with their respective Poison-type STABs and don't mind Knock Off much, and Skuntank even resists both of Shiftry's typings. They do have to watch out for Explosion, however, especially if Shiftry had a chance to use Swords Dance beforehand. (even choice scarf explosion dents weezing and muk while basically ohkoing skuntank)

**Fighting-types**: While they too have to watch out for coming in on Explosion, Combusken, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian all resist Sucker Punch, and all force Shiftry out due to either outspeeding it or having Mach Punch. Combusken resists both of Shiftry's STABs too, and can shield itself from Explosion with Protect and just grab a Speed Boost. (i'd also mention how none of them want to come in on a leaf storm, besides combusken and hitmonchan) (mention explosion last instead of first)

**Faster Pokemon**: Although the Choice Scarf set does beat a lot of them, and they do have to take at least one Sucker Punch, Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Skuntank, Pinsir, Primeape, Floatzel and Zebstrika have the power to all OHKO Shiftry due to its frailty. (i'd reword this so you mention the pokemon first and explain how shiftry could deal with them after)

**Priority**: As a result of Shiftry's frailty, priority often leaves dents in it, or with enough prior damage, revenge kills it. Pokemon like Abomasnow, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Kangaskhan, Lycanroc and Zangoose all possess either super effective or neutral priority and threaten Shiftry. (lycanroc still does very little to it, as it's usually zmove. i guess you could make the argument of outplaying sucker punch?)
Le done, gjob! QC 1/3. In team options for all three mention hazards and how it appreciates them!
 
Last edited:

TJ

Banned deucer.
is the Smogon Tour Season 34 Championis a Past SPL Championis a Two-Time Past SCL Champion

[OVERVIEW]
  • Shiftry is an offensive force to be reckoned with due to its solid offensive typing, which is almost unresisted, and decent 100/90 mixed stats, and with strong STABs like Knock Off, Leaf Storm, Seed Bomb and Sucker Punch in its arsenal, it certainly abuses them well.
  • Under sun, Shiftry becomes a lot more threatening thanks to its ability Chlorophyll doubling its Speed, which also allows it to check opposing sun teams.
  • It can function well as a Defogger due to it threatening common hazard setters such as Bronzor, Golem, Golurk, Metang and Regirock and getting rid of hazards on the turn they switch out. (remove metang)
  • Unfortunately, while great offensively, Dark-and-Grass-typing isn’t the best defensively, as it’s weak to common attack typings like Bug, Fighting, Fire, Flying and Ice. 90/60/60 bulk isn’t helping it much either, as it can’t tank non-resisted attacks very well.
  • Base 80 Speed, while definitely not terrible, leaves it outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Magmortar, Skuntank, Oricorio-G, Jynx, Primeape, Pyroar and Archeops, and as such, it has to rely on Sucker Punch to hit them, which isn't very reliable seeing as Archeops can Roost on its Sucker Punch and both Jynx and Oricorio-G can set up on it. Furthermore, Primeape and Skuntank resist Sucker Punch.
[SET]
name: Physically Biased Mixed
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Lonely / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Leaf Storm is Shiftry's main form of Grass-type STAB, and it can be used to hit physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron, Carracosta, Gastrodon, non-Sap Sipper Miltank, Palossand, Qwilfish and Regirock harder than Knock Off would, which almost none of them really mind. (I would remove miltank since spdef sets are more common)
  • Knock Off is one of Shiftry's two Dark-type STABs, which removes the item of the opposing Pokemon on top of hitting Pokemon that don't resist Dark-type moves hard. This effectively cripples Pokemon reliant on their Assault Vest or Eviolite to check it and its teammates like Eelektross, Hitmonchan, Magmortar or Ferroseed.
  • Sucker Punch is the second of its Dark-type STABs. It can be used to score KOs on faster but frailer Pokemon like Archeops or Floatzel after they take a bit of damage beforehand. Do keep in mind, however, that it fails if they don't attack, which can be taken advantage of by Pokemon like Archeops, who simply Roosts on the turn it uses Sucker Punch. (pick a different example. you mentioned archeops earlier)
  • Explosion gives Shiftry access to a one-time physical attack with 250 base power, at the cost of Shiftry itself, which can be used to severely weaken even some of the most physically bulky Pokemon in the tier that don't resist Normal-type moves such as Gurdurr, Miltank and Weezing. It's also really good for luring Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STABs and threatens it with a super effective Poison Jab.
  • Defog can be opted for over Explosion if your team lacks hazard control, which is good offensive teams due to the pressure Shiftry puts on common hazard setters like Regirock and Qwilfish. (i think you should mention defog first since you did that in the set details.)
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. Special Attack investment isn't necessary, as Leaf Storm hits what comes in on the physical attacks hard enough without it. (like?)
  • A Lonely nature is used to increase Shiftry's attacking power while not lowering its Special Attack. A Hasty nature can be used if you wish to outspeed certain neutral-natured Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, offensive Rocks or Choice Specs Mesprit and Stoutland, at the cost of some power.
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, making it even more threatening on and against sun. (I would also say something about making it harder to revenge kill)
  • Life Orb strengthens all of Shiftry's attacks, but keep in mind that with every attack, it's losing a bit of its health.
Usage Tips
========
  • Use Knock Off a lot earlier on, as its Shiftry's most reliable STAB move, and it cripples defensive Pokemon (like?) by removing their Eviolite or Leftovers, which makes them unable to check it as well.
  • If you have Defog on Shiftry, bring it in on hazard setters that it threatens like Bronzor or Regirock and Defog on the turn they switch.
  • Sucker Punch is a great tool for revenge killing, but as mentioned before, it can be exploited by Pokemon that can recover their health back or set up on it. (like? I know you mentioned this earlier but no reason not to mention again)
  • Due to its mixed coverage, Shiftry has the ability to break through teams that are overly reliant on Pokemon like Ferroseed, Regirock and Qwilfish to check physical attackers. (this does not sound like a usage tip tbh)
  • Save Explosion until you feel as if Shiftry can't do much more for you and you want to sufficiently weaken one last thing or lure in Skuntank or physical walls (like?), as you do only get one.
  • Shiftry is really frail, and even resisted hits leave dents in it, so try to avoid letting it take as much damage as possible. (maybe add something like avoid switching it in even on resisted attacks)
Team Options
========
  • Fire-types like Combusken, Magmortar and Pyroar break through bulkier Grass-types and physical walls like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, Mawile, Mesprit, Tangela and Weezing for Shiftry, while Shiftry combats the Ground-, Rock- and Water-types (such as?) that threaten the former.
  • Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan and Primeape place pressure on physical walls (like) and opposing Dark-types for Shiftry, and it in turn pressures Psychic-types for them.
  • Pokemon such as Musharna, Swanna and Weezing synergize well defensively with Shiftry, as they handle the Fighting-types that force it out, especially those with Mach Punch like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. They in turn (?) appreciate how Shiftry deals with Electric- and Psychic-types like Lanturn and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit.
  • Slow users of U-Turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn and defensive Mesprit work to get Shiftry as safely as possible, each having their own benefits like Eelektross being able to beat Pokemon like Ferroseed or Tangela, Lanturn being able to cure Shiftry of status with Heal Bell, and Mesprit being able to set up Stealth Rock to pressure Shiftry's checks, beat Fighting-types and Weezing and give Shiftry a second shot at breaking with Healing Wish.
  • Fire-types and faster but frailer Pokemon are pressured by hazards and can't switch into Shiftry's moves as well as they normally could, particularly Sucker Punch, so hazard setters such as Crustle, Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing pair well with it. (I would remove crustle) Shiftry can even keep the hazards up with Explosion, while either severely weakening the opposing Pokemon or securing a KO in the process.
  • If Shiftry's on a sun team, setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock and Volbeat are definitely important. Fellow sun abusers like Magmortar, Pyroar and Victreebel pair well with it too. Victreebel can absorb Toxic Spikes for it, which helps it remain around for longer, and Shiftry can put holes in teams and make it easier for the other sun abusers to finish them off.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Sucker Punch / Explosion (I think this set def wants sucker over boom. check in with qc tho)
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Swords Dance increases Shiftry's power, making its STABs harder to switch in on.
  • Seed Bomb is Shiftry's main physical Grass-type STAB, which pressures a lot of the same bulky Ground-, Rock- and Water-types (such as?) that Leaf Storm does. Seed Bomb is chosen over Leaf Blade due to the combination of Leaf Blade and Sucker Punch being illegal. (remove this point)
  • Knock Off is its main Dark-type STAB. It removes the item of the opposing Pokemon, and hits a lot of what resists Seed Bomb for neutral damage.
  • Sucker Punch is its secondary Dark-type STAB, and it improves Shiftry's matchup against fast but frail Pokemon such as Pyroar, Archeops, Alolan Raichu-Alola, Floatzel and Zebstrika, especially after a Swords Dance.
  • Explosion could be used over Sucker Punch to break through Pokemon like Tangela or Weezing easier, or to grab momentum for a sun setter or abuser on sun teams. If you opt for this over Sucker Punch on a non-sun team, Shiftry has a much harder time dealing with faster Pokemon.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be.
  • An Adamant nature furthers Shiftry's power and gives it stronger priority, but a Jolly nature can be to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Kangaskhan, offensive Rocks or Choice Specs Mesprit and Stoutland.
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, and it outspeeds the entire unboosted meta, as well as some of the Choice Scarf users, which makes it threatening on and against sun teams.
  • Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's moves a bit more power at the cost of some of its health every attack.
  • (i think black glasses should be a seperate bullet) Black Glasses is an alternative that doesn't deal recoil damage to Shiftry and still boosts the power of Knock Off and Sucker Punch, but it doesn't give Seed Bomb or Explosion a boost in power.
Usage Tips
========
  • Although it's not played the same way the mixed set is, using Knock Off a lot earlier on to weaken and remove the items of checks is still good for pressuring them and making them unable to keep it in check as well.
  • Find opportunities to set up a Swords Dance on Pokemon that Shiftry forces out like Bronzor, Gastrodon, Regirock and Ghost-types like Palossand and Sableye is ideal because they are passive. due to them usually being able to do very little in response.
  • Once you've managed to set up a Swords Dance, weaken and break as much of the opposing team as you can and pave the way for Shiftry's teammates to continue from where it left off and clean up.
  • Sucker Punch allows it to check faster but frailer Pokemon, as well as set up sweepers, and they won't be wanting to take the hit due to how strong it is, especially if Shiftry pulls off a Swords Dance beforehand.
  • Again, save Explosion for breaking through physically bulky Pokemon like a Tangela that got its Eviolite knocked off and Weezing, or to lure in Skuntank.
  • Shiftry is really frail, and doesn't like taking even resisted hits when it doesn't have to, so be sure to keep Shiftry as healthy as possible.
Team Options
========
  • This set has problems with physical walls as well, so Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar that place pressure on bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Mawile, Tangela and Weezing are good partners. They can also absorb Will-O-Wisps from Gourgeist-XL and Sableye, while Shiftry breaks through Ground-, Rock- and Water-types for them.
  • Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian place pressure on and soften up the physically bulky Pokemon and beat Skuntank, who resists both of Shiftry's STABs. Hitmonchan in particular has the ability to tank some hits from the Fire- and Ice-types (like?) and threaten them out with its Fighting-type STABs, and can provide hazard removal for Shiftry, which aids it in remaining alive for as long as it can. Shiftry in turn handles the Ghost- and Psychic-types for them. (like?)
  • Pokemon that check Fighting-types for Shiftry such as Granbull, Mr. Mime, Musharna, Oricorio-G and Swanna (mention mesp over mime. mime isnt tanking fighting type moves as well as mesp can) make for good partners, as they can tank Fighting-type moves for it from Primeape and Hitmonchan, and it helps them by beating opposing Psychic-types and softening Pokemon they have trouble dealing with like Type: Null.
  • Shiftry likes entry hazards being up on the opposing side so that its moves are even harder to come in on, especially after a Swords Dance, so hazard setters like Crustle, Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing pair well with it. (remove crustle) Shiftry can also prevent the removal of their hazards for one turn with Explosion if it's opted for over Sucker Punch.
  • This set is really threatening on sun, especially if it pulls off a Swords Dance, so sun setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock and Volbeat alongside other sun abusers like Magmortar, Pyroar and Victreebel pair well with it. The sun abusers appreciate Shiftry breaking a lot of what stops them, especially with a Swords Dance-boosted Explosion, and can clean up following this.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Chlorophyll / Pickpocket
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Leaf Blade is this set's most reliable physical STAB, and it allows for Shiftry to deal super effective damage to Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Gastrodon, Golurk, Regirock, Carracosta and Floatzel.
  • Knock Off removes the items of the opposing Pokemon, which is good for crippling defensive Pokemon, and hits Pokemon like Haunter, Jynx and Oricorio-G for super effective damage.
  • Rock Slide hits Fire- and Flying-types like Archeops, Articuno, Magmortar, Pyroar and Swanna for super effective damage.
  • Explosion is used for luring Pokemon like Skuntank, Weezing and other physical walls, as well as for generating momentum.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in Speed in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Archeops, Carracosta after a Shell Smash, Jynx, Magmortar, Oricorio, Pyroar, Swanna and Zebstrika, even with an Adamant nature, and the Attack investment and nature allow Shiftry to hit as hard as possible.
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, and can be used to make sure you outspeed every opposing Chlorophyll user under it.
  • Pickpocket obtains robs the item from the opposing Pokemon if Shiftry loses its Choice Scarf, which can be useful for crippling defensive Pokemon in the event that Shiftry gets Knocked Off.
Usage Tips
========
  • Using Knock Off a lot earlier on is smart, as it keeps your opponent from immediately suspecting your set.
  • Refrain from using Rock Slide or otherwise making it obvious that you're a Choice Scarf set until need be, as this will make the set ineffective at luring faster threats. It will become apparent that you don't have Sucker Punch because of Leaf Blade, however.
  • This set isn't very common in comparison to the other two, so take advantage of how it's unexpected by luring in the faster Pokemon that normally force it out and KOing them. (mention faster threats that can usually force it out)
  • Take advantage of the fact that Shiftry doesn't have to rely on Sucker Punch to revenge kill set up sweepers, Pokemon that naturally outspeed it, or opposing Chlorophyll users under sun too by using the appropriate coverage move.
  • Explosion still packs a punch despite the lack of a Life Orb boost, so use it to deal heavy damage to Pokemon like Skuntank, knocked off Tangela, Weezing and other weakened physical walls.
Team Options
========
  • Special attacking wallbreakers like Drampa, Magmortar, Mesprit and Pyroar place pressure on Pokemon that Shfitry struggles to break such as bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Ferroseed, Gourgeist-XL, Mawile, Tangela, Togetic and Weezing. Shiftry in return cripples their switch-ins with Knock Off and can weaken them with Explosion, making them easier to KO.
  • Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian appreciate Shiftry luring Flying-types and keeping out Ghost- and Psychic-types, and beat the Dark-types that give it trouble like Cacturne, Raticate-Alola and Skuntank.
  • Pokemon such as Granbull, Mesprit and Musharna take on the opposing Fighting-types, such as Hitmonchan, which forces Shiftry out with Mach Punch or just Fighting-type STABs in general, while the Dark- and Poison-types are weakened or removed by Explosion.
  • Hazard setters like Crustle, Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing make Shiftry's moves even harder to switch into, and Shiftry can prevent Defog and Rapid Spin from removing the hazards and keep them up for longer with Explosion. Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing also act as Fighting-type checks for it. (remove crustle)
  • While Shiftry does outspeed all of the Fire-types that threaten it, checks to them are good so that Shiftry has something to fall back on and so that it can the set a secret for a little longer. Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Miltank, Poliwrath, Lanturn and Swanna do a good job at keeping Fire-types at bay for it, and Shiftry handles the Electric-, Rock- and Ground-types that give them trouble. Miltank does stack a Fighting-type weakness, however.
  • Checks to Ice-types are important too, for the same reason as Fire-types, so Pokemon like Assault Vest Eelektross, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Magmortar, Miltank and Lanturn are good partners for it, and Shiftry helps them out by handling the Rock-, Ghost-, Ground-, Psychic- and Water-types they all fear. (such as?)
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Shiftry has a decently wide special movepool, so moves like Extrasensory could be used to lure Weezing, Focus Blast to break through Ferroseed and Hurricane to lure in Gurdurr. However, finding room for these moves is pretty hard, and Ferroseed already hates being knocked off.
  • A purely specially offensive or specially biased mixed set is an option, and Shiftry even has access to Nasty Plot to boost the power of those moves.
  • Solar Beam can be used over Leaf Storm on the mixed set if Shiftry is on a sun team so that Shiftry has a more spammable Grass-type STAB that doesn't drop its special attack. However, it's pretty useless outside of sun, as it takes two turns then. (mention its also weaker)
  • A Lum Berry can be used on the Swords Dance sets to ignore a status condition once and have a slightly easier time setting up as a result. It's noticeably weaker with the boost from Black Glasses or a Life Orb, though.
  • Grassium Z can also be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Seed Bomb into Bloom Doom, which can be nice for luring Pokemon like Skuntank after a Swords Dance boost.
  • Normalium Z can be used on non-Scarf sets with Explosion to still hit hard and not lose Shiftry in the process. It should be noted that Breakneck Blitz is slightly less strong than Explosion, and this takes away from the surprise factor that a regular Explosion has.
  • Flyinium Z can be used with Hurricane to lure and KO Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, and it can do this easier because of Nasty Plot.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Muk, Skuntank and Weezing can all OHKO Shiftry with their respective Poison-type STABs and don't mind Knock Off much, and Skuntank even resists both of Shiftry's typings. They do have to watch out for Explosion, however, boosted in power or not.

**Fighting-types**: Combusken, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian all resist Sucker Punch, and all force Shiftry out due to either outspeeding it or having Mach Punch. None of them except for Combusken and Hitmonchan want to be brought in on Leaf Storm, and none of them want to take an Explosion. Combusken can shield itself from Explosion with Protect, however, and just grab a Speed Boost, and it resists both of Shiftry's STABs.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Skuntank, Pinsir, Primeape, Floatzel and Zebstrika have the power to all OHKO Shiftry due to its frailty. The Choice Scarf set does deal with almost all of them, though, and they all have to take a Sucker Punch before they get to attack it.

**Priority**: As a result of Shiftry's frailty, priority often leaves dents in it, or with enough prior damage, KOs it. Pokemon like Abomasnow, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Kangaskhan and Zangoose all possess either super effective or neutral priority and threaten Shiftry.
am check
 

MZ

And now for something completely different
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[OVERVIEW]
  • Shiftry is an offensive force to be reckoned with due to its solid offensive typing, which is almost unresisted, and decent 100/90 mixed stats, and with strong STABs like Knock Off, Leaf Storm, Seed Bomb and Sucker Punch in its arsenal, it certainly abuses them well.
  • Shiftry manages to stand apart from other Dark- and Grass-types because of its mixed coverage.
  • Due to its mixed coverage, Shiftry has the ability to break through teams that are overly reliant on Pokemon like Ferroseed, Regirock and Qwilfish to check physical attackers. i mean dark pulse doesnt rly break ferro well, the other 2 sure but ferro doesnt fit so well
  • Under sun, Shiftry becomes a lot more threatening thanks to its ability Chlorophyll doubling its Speed, which also allows it to check opposing sun teams.
  • It can function well as a Defogger due to it threatening common hazard setters such as Bronzor, Golem, Golurk, Palossand, Regirock and getting rid of hazards on the turn they switch out. bronzor isnt a common hazard setter
  • Unfortunately, while great offensively, Dark-and-Grass-typing isn’t the best defensively, as it’s weak to common attack typings like Bug, Fighting, Fire, Flying and Ice. 90/60/60 bulk isn’t helping it much either, as it can’t tank non-resisted attacks very well.
  • Base 80 Speed, while definitely not terrible, leaves it outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Magmortar, Skuntank, Oricorio-G, Jynx, Primeape, Pyroar and Archeops, and as such, it has to rely on Sucker Punch to hit them, which isn't very reliable seeing as Archeops can Roost on its Sucker Punch and both Jynx and Oricorio-G can set up on it. Furthermore, Primeape and Skuntank resist Sucker Punch. i feel like this is a bit too much detail for the overview, no need to go super in depth about how certain mons get around sucker when u can just say it's unreliable
  • Other Dark-types such as Absol and Raticate-Alola give it competition as a physical wallbreaker, with both of them being stronger than Shiftry, although slower.
[SET]
name: Physically Biased Mixed
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Lonely / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Leaf Storm is Shiftry's main form of Grass-type STAB, and it can be used to hit physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron, Carracosta, Gastrodon, Palossand, Qwilfish and Regirock harder than Knock Off would, which almost none of them really mind. yeah but when the pokemon are grass weak like almost all of them are, hitting the weaker defense isnt as big of a deal as just clicking a super effective attack. that's why these examples feel off
  • Knock Off is one of Shiftry's two Dark-type STABs, which removes the item of the opposing Pokemon on top of hitting Pokemon that don't resist Dark-type moves hard. This effectively cripples Pokemon reliant on their Assault Vest or Eviolite to check it and its teammates like Eelektross, Hitmonchan, Magmortar or Ferroseed.
  • Sucker Punch is the second of its Dark-type STABs. It can be used to score KOs on faster but frailer Pokemon like Archeops or Floatzel after they take a bit of damage beforehand. Do keep in mind, however, that it fails if they don't attack, which can be taken advantage of by Pokemon with reliable recovery like Swanna.
  • Defog can be opted for over Explosion if your team lacks hazard control, which is good offensive teams due to the pressure Shiftry puts on common hazard setters like Regirock and Qwilfish.
  • Alternatively, Explosion gives Shiftry access to a one-time physical attack with 250 base power, at the cost of Shiftry itself, which can be used to severely weaken even some of the most physically bulky Pokemon in the tier that don't resist Normal-type moves such as Gurdurr, Miltank and Weezing. It's also really good for luring Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STABs and threatens it with a super effective Poison Jab. i would emphasize skuntank over those other mons, it is easily the #1 target
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. Special Attack investment isn't necessary, as Leaf Storm hits Pokemon like Aggron, Carracosta and Palossand harder than any of the physical attacks do without it. again using the same examples when it's just weird. like obviously ur gonna click the grass move vs costa regardless of phys def or spdef
  • A Lonely nature is used to increase Shiftry's attacking power while not lowering its Special Attack. A Hasty nature can be used if you wish to outspeed certain neutral-natured Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, offensive Rocks or Choice Specs Mesprit and Stoutland, at the cost of some power.
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, making it even more threatening on and against sun, and harder to revenge kill.
  • Life Orb strengthens all of Shiftry's attacks, but keep in mind that with every attack, it's losing a bit of its health.
Usage Tips
========
  • Use Knock Off a lot earlier on, as its Shiftry's most reliable STAB move, and it cripples defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Tangela by removing their Eviolite or Leftovers these are backwards and gourg should always run colbur in this meta anyway, which makes them unable to check it as well.
  • If you have Defog on Shiftry, bring it in on hazard setters that it threatens like Bronzor or Regirock and Defog on the turn they switch.
  • Sucker Punch is a great tool for revenge killing, but as mentioned before, it can be exploited by Pokemon that can recover their health back or set up on it such as Archeops, Jynx, Lycanroc, Raichu-Alola and Swanna. i wouldnt mention alolachu or lycanroc here, neither is exactly reliably setting up on shiftry and it's definitely a situation where u have stuffed in too many examples
  • Save Explosion until you feel as if Shiftry can't do much more for you and you want to sufficiently weaken one last thing or lure in Skuntank or physical walls like Weezing, as you do only get one.
  • Shiftry is really frail, and even resisted hits leave dents in it, so try to avoid letting it take as much damage as possible. i think this gives the wrong sentiment. taking damage is fine, it's actually unavoidable. u need to avoid getting it KOed by only moderately powerful hits before it has the chance to do anything
Team Options
========
  • Fire-types like Combusken, Magmortar and Pyroar break through bulkier Grass-types and physical walls like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, Mawile, Mesprit, Tangela and Weezing for Shiftry, while Shiftry combats the Ground-, Rock- and Water-types that threaten the former such as Palossand, Carrcosta and Gastrodon.
  • Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan and Primeape place pressure on physical walls like Mawile and Mesprit, as well opposing Dark-types for Shiftry, and it in turn pressures Psychic-types for them. fighting types arent exactly what id use to pressure mesprit
  • Pokemon such as Musharna, Swanna and Weezing synergize well defensively with Shiftry, as they handle the Fighting-types that force it out, especially those with Mach Punch like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. They appreciate how Shiftry deals with Electric- and Psychic-types like Lanturn and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit.
  • Slow users of U-turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn and defensive Mesprit work to get Shiftry as safely as possible, each having their own benefits like Eelektross being able to beat Pokemon like Ferroseed or Tangela, Lanturn being able to cure Shiftry of status with Heal Bell, and Mesprit being able to set up Stealth Rock to pressure Shiftry's checks, beat Fighting-types and Weezing and give Shiftry a second shot at breaking with Healing Wish.
  • Fire-types and faster but frailer Pokemon are pressured by hazards and can't switch into Shiftry's moves as well as they normally could, particularly Sucker Punch, so hazard setters such as Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing pair well with it. Shiftry can even keep the hazards up with Explosion, while either severely weakening the opposing Pokemon or securing a KO in the process.
  • If Shiftry's on a sun team, setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock and Volbeat are definitely important. Fellow sun abusers like Magmortar, Pyroar and Victreebel pair well with it too. Victreebel can absorb Toxic Spikes for it, which helps it remain around for longer, and Shiftry can put holes in teams and make it easier for the other sun abusers to finish them off.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Swords Dance increases Shiftry's power, making its STABs harder to switch in on.
  • Seed Bomb is Shiftry's main physical Grass-type STAB, which pressures Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Mudsdale, Regirock and Lanturn. Seed Bomb is chosen over Leaf Blade due to the combination of Leaf Blade and Sucker Punch being illegal. It has the advantage of not making contact with the opposing Pokemon so that Shiftry isn't taking worn down by Rocky Helmet or Iron Barbs damage and being worn down even faster, but the disadvantage of not pressuring physically bulky Pokemon like Regirock as much as Leaf Storm. u dont needs to talk about why this is being used over leaf blade, it really stretches out a point for no reason
  • Knock Off is its main Dark-type STAB. It removes the item of the opposing Pokemon, and hits a lot of what resists Seed Bomb for neutral damage.
  • Sucker Punch is its secondary Dark-type STAB, and it improves Shiftry's matchup against fast but frail Pokemon such as Pyroar, Archeops, Raichu-Alola, Floatzel and Zebstrika this is kinda what i mean about stuffing in too many examples, it just gets a bit annoying to see 5 mons listed for "things faster than shiftry" when 1-2 is easily enough, especially after a Swords Dance.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be.
  • An Adamant nature furthers Shiftry's power and gives it stronger priority, but a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Kangaskhan, offensive Stealth Rock or Choice Specs Mesprit and Stoutland. dont reuse the same exact examples. this is another thing that's been sorta kinda happening but slightly different throughout the analysis and made worse by stuffing in so many examples into a 3 set analysis that u constantly reuse stuff even by the middle of set 2, but this instance is definitely too far with the exact same things listed for why u want +speed shiftry. it's not like there arent other things like ada skunk or modest mag or w/e anyway
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, and it outspeeds the entire unboosted meta under it, as well as some Choice Scarf users like Primeape, which makes it threatening on and against sun teams.
  • Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's moves a bit more power, at the cost of some of its health every attack.
  • Black Glasses is an alternative that doesn't deal recoil damage to Shiftry and still boosts the power of Knock Off and Sucker Punch, but it doesn't give Seed Bomb a boost in power.
Usage Tips
========
  • Although it's not played the same way the mixed set is, using Knock Off a lot earlier on to weaken and remove the items of checks is still good for pressuring them and making them unable to keep it in check as well.
  • Finding opportunities to set up a Swords Dance on Pokemon that Shiftry forces out like Bronzor, Gastrodon, Regirock, Palossand or Sableye is ideal due to their passivity.
  • Once you've managed to set up a Swords Dance, weaken and break as much of the opposing team as you can and pave the way for Shiftry's teammates to continue from where it left off and clean up.
  • Sucker Punch allows it to check faster but frailer Pokemon, as well as set up sweepers, and they won't be wanting to take the hit due to how strong it is, especially if Shiftry pulls off a Swords Dance beforehand.
  • Shiftry is really frail, and doesn't like taking even resisted hits when it doesn't have to, so be sure to keep Shiftry as healthy as possible. specifically in order to be able to set up
Team Options
========
  • This set has problems with physical walls due to a lack of mixed coverage, so Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar and Pyroar that severely weaken or KO bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Mawile, Tangela and Weezing are good partners. They can also absorb Will-O-Wisps from Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, while Shiftry breaks through Ground-, Rock- and Water-types for them.
  • Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian beat Skuntank, who resists both of Shiftry's STABs, and soften up physical walls for Shiftry. Hitmonchan in particular has the ability to tank some hits from Fire- and Ice-types like Pyroar or Abomasnow and threaten them out with its Fighting-type STABs, and can provide hazard removal for Shiftry, which aids it in remaining alive for as long as it can, while Primeape and Passimian can get Shiftry in safely and help it set up easier with U-turn. In return, Shiftry handles the Ghost- and Psychic-types like Haunter, Oricorio-G and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit for them.
  • Pokemon that check Fighting-types for Shiftry such as Granbull, Mesprit, Musharna, Oricorio-G and Swanna make for good partners, as they can tank Fighting-type moves for it, and it helps them by beating opposing Psychic-types and softening up Pokemon they have trouble dealing with like Type: Null.
  • Slower users of U-turn and Volt Switch such as Eelektross, Lanturn and defensive Mesprit make for good partners due to their ability to get Shiftry in on some of the more passive Pokemon they bait in like Audino, opposing non-Ice Beam Lanturn and Sableye, all of which Shiftry takes advantage of and sets up on.
  • Shiftry likes entry hazards being up on the opposing side so that its moves are even harder to come in on, especially after a Swords Dance, so hazard setters like Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing pair well with it. Shiftry can also prevent the removal of their hazards for one turn with Explosion if it's opted for over Sucker Punch.
  • This set is really threatening under sun, especially if it pulls off a Swords Dance, so sun setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock and Volbeat alongside other sun abusers like Magmortar, Pyroar and Victreebel pair well with it. The sun abusers benefit from Shiftry breaking a lot of what stops them and have an easier time cleaning up as a result of it.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Seed Bomb just make this leaf blade, opting to run a weaker set just for the surprise factor sounds nice on paper but ive found that simply outspeeding something on that first reveal turn is typically all the surprise factor u need/can get out of this set
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Seed Bomb is this set's most reliable physical STAB, and it allows for Shiftry to deal super effective damage to Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Gastrodon, Golurk, Regirock, Carracosta and Floatzel. It is used over the slightly stronger Leaf Blade to keep the illusion that Shiftry's running a normal set going. yeah no, just make it leaf blade
  • Knock Off removes the items of the opposing Pokemon, which is good for crippling defensive Pokemon, and hits Pokemon like Haunter, Jynx and Oricorio-G for super effective damage.
  • Rock Slide hits Fire- and Flying-types like Altaria, Archeops, Articuno, Magmortar, Pyroar and Swanna for super effective damage.
  • Explosion is used for luring in Pokemon like Skuntank, Weezing and other physical walls and taking a huge portion of their health away, as well as for generating momentum.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in Speed in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Archeops, Carracosta after a Shell Smash, Jynx, Magmortar, Oricorio, Pyroar, Swanna and Zebstrika good lord this is easily the most egregious example of stuffing in waaaaay more examples than u need, even with an Adamant nature, and the Attack investment and nature allow Shiftry to hit as hard as possible.
  • Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, and can be used to make sure you outspeed every opposing Chlorophyll user under it.
Usage Tips
========
  • Using Knock Off a lot earlier on is smart, as it keeps your opponent from immediately suspecting Shiftry's set.
  • Refrain from using Rock Slide or otherwise making it obvious that you're a Choice Scarf set until need be, as this will make the set ineffective at luring faster threats.
  • This set isn't very common in comparison to the other two, so take advantage of how it's unexpected by luring in the faster Pokemon that normally force it out like Magmortar or Skuntank and KOing them. 3 points about surprise factor isnt bad on its own, but i dont feel like they really convey how to use the surprise factor. it's less about clicking a move beforehand and more about getting off that one surprise hit/ko early enough before they suspect what's up
  • Take advantage of the fact that Shiftry doesn't have to rely on Sucker Punch to revenge kill set up sweepers, Pokemon that naturally outspeed it, or opposing Chlorophyll users under sun too by using the appropriate coverage move.
  • Explosion still packs a punch despite the lack of a Life Orb boost, so use it to deal heavy damage to Pokemon like Skuntank, knocked off Tangela, Weezing and other weakened physical walls.
yeah all this really talks about is explosion and luring, i would make some note of how this basically just functions as a normal revenge killer other than the added ability to sometimes lure things

Team Options
========
  • Special attacking wallbreakers like Drampa, Magmortar, Mesprit and Pyroar place pressure on Pokemon that Shiftry struggles with breaking such as bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Ferroseed, Gourgeist-XL, Mawile, Tangela, Togetic and Weezing ok this is hte new worst example of putting way too many examples in, since it undermines previous points by sounding like them even when it has a different message. Shiftry in return cripples their switch-ins with Knock Off and can weaken them with Explosion, making them easier to KO. yeah no. this is the new most blatant offense of copypasting examples. change the examples on both sides, we have plenty of special wallbreakers and grass resists.
  • Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian see right here this wouldnt feel repetitive if u didnt feel the need to mention every fighting type every single time so all the points blend together and i cant tell the difference appreciate Shiftry luring Flying-types and keeping out Ghost- and Psychic-types, and beat the Dark-types that give it trouble like Cacturne, Raticate-Alola and Skuntank.
  • Pokemon such as Granbull, Mesprit and Musharna take on the opposing Fighting-types, such as Hitmonchan, which forces Shiftry out with Mach Punch or just Fighting-type STABs in general, while Dark- and Poison-types are weakened or removed by Explosion.
  • Hazard setters like Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing make Shiftry's moves even harder to switch into, and Shiftry can prevent Defog and Rapid Spin from removing the hazards and keep them up for longer with Explosion. Mesprit, Qwilfish and Weezing also act as Fighting-type checks for it.
  • Checks to Fire-types are important, as while Shiftry does outspeed and possess good options for them, it prefers to have something to fall back on should it get locked into Seed Bomb, so Pokemon like Altaria, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, Magmortar and Miltank make for good partners. Do keep in mind that certain partners stack certain weaknesses, like Altaria to Ice-types, and Miltank to Fighting-types.
  • Checks to Ice-types are also important, for the same reason, so Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, Magmortar, Miltank and Pyroar, while Shiftry also handles some of their collective weaknesses to typings like Ground, Psychic and Water.
pokemon that can commonly run scarf but arent like CM sensu are good to keep up the scarf bluff thing

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Shiftry has a decently wide special movepool, so moves like Extrasensory could be used to lure Weezing, Focus Blast to break through Ferroseed and Hurricane to lure in Gurdurr. However, finding room for these moves is pretty hard, and Ferroseed already hates being knocked off.
  • A purely specially offensive or specially biased mixed set is an option, and Shiftry even has access to Nasty Plot to boost the power of those moves.
  • Solar Beam can be used over Leaf Storm on the mixed set if Shiftry is on a sun team so that Shiftry has a more spammable Grass-type STAB that doesn't drop its special attack. However, it's pretty useless outside of sun, as it takes two turns then, and while more spammable, it's less strong than Leaf Storm.
  • Pickpocket can be used on the Choice Scarf set, as it steals the opposing Pokemon's item if Shiftry loses its Choice Scarf, which can be useful for crippling defensive Pokemon in the event that Shiftry gets knocked off.
  • A Lum Berry can be used on the Swords Dance sets to ignore a status condition once and have a slightly easier time setting up as a result. It's noticeably weaker with the boost from Black Glasses or a Life Orb, though.
  • Synthesis gives Shiftry a form of reliable recovery, taking advantage of the switches it can force, but it usually prefers having a strong Explosion or providing removal as the final move on the mixed set, and it struggles to find room for it on any other set. also u just dont need recovery. straight up unnecessary
  • Grassium Z can be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Seed Bomb into Bloom Doom, which can be nice for luring Pokemon like Skuntank after a Swords Dance boost.
  • Normalium Z can be used on non-Choice Scarf sets with Explosion to still hit hard and not lose Shiftry in the process. It should be noted that Breakneck Blitz is slightly less strong than Explosion, and this takes away from the surprise factor that a regular Explosion has.
  • Flyinium Z can be used with Hurricane to lure and KO Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, and it can do this easier because of Nasty Plot.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Muk, Skuntank and Weezing can all OHKO Shiftry with their respective Poison-type STABs and don't mind Knock Off much, and Skuntank even resists both of Shiftry's typings. They do have to watch out for Explosion, however, boosted in power or not. the semirare qwilfish with pjab also sucks

**Fighting-types**: Combusken, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape and Passimian all resist Sucker Punch, and all force Shiftry out due to either outspeeding it or having Mach Punch. None of them except for Combusken and Hitmonchan want to be brought in on Leaf Storm, and none of them want to take an Explosion. Combusken can shield itself from Explosion with Protect, however, and just grab a Speed Boost, and it resists both of Shiftry's STABs.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Skuntank, Pinsir, Primeape, Floatzel and Zebstrika have the power to all OHKO Shiftry due to its frailty. The Choice Scarf set does deal with almost all of them, though, and they all otherwise have to take a Sucker Punch before they get to attack it.

**Priority**: As a result of Shiftry's frailty, priority often leaves dents in it, or with enough prior damage, KOs it. Pokemon like Abomasnow, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Kangaskhan and Zangoose all possess either super effective or neutral priority and threaten Shiftry.
qcstamp.gif
2/3. i said a lot here but this is still really good, without the big issues stemming from something as basic as examples this would be a 9/10 analysis
 

TONE

I don't have to take this. I'm going for a walk.
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[QC Checks: Rwby / Megazard / ?]
[GP Checks: ? / ?]


[OVERVIEW]

Shiftry is an offensive force to be reckoned with as a result of its solid offensive typing, which is almost unresisted, decent mixed attacking stats and strong STAB options in moves such as Knock Off, Leaf Storm, Seed Bomb, and Sucker Punch. Because of its mixed coverage, Shiftry manages to stand apart from other Dark- and Grass-types in the tier, and is a massive threat to teams that are overly reliant on Pokemon such as Aggron, Mawile, and Regirock to check physical attackers. Shiftry becomes even more threatening under sun because of its ability Chlorophyll doubling its speed, which allows it to also threaten opposing sun teams. It can even function well as a Defogger because of its typing giving it the ability to threaten common hazard setters such as Golem, Golurk, Palossand, and Regirock and clear the field of hazards on the turn that they switch out. Its great offensive typing unfortunately curses it with weaknesses to common attack typings, such as Fire, Flying, Poison, and Ice, however, and its poor bulk doesn't help to make matters much better. Its speed, while far from terrible, isn't the best, and it is outspeed by common offensive Pokemon such as Jynx and Pyroar, and it's main method of mitigating this in Sucker Punch isn't very reliable due to how it can be taken advantage of. Finally, as a purely physical wallbreaker, it faces competition from other Dark-types in the tier such as Absol and Raticate-Alola, both of which, while slower, are stronger.

[SET]
name: Physically Biased Mixed
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Lonely / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm is Shiftry's main form of Grass-type STAB, and it can be used to hit physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron and non-Sap Sipper Miltank harder than Knock Off would, which neither of them really mind all that much. Knock Off is one of Shiftry's two Dark-type STAB moves, which removes the item of the opposing Pokemon on top of hitting a lot of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm fairly hard. This effectively cripples Pokemon reliant on their Assault Vest or Eviolite to check it and its teammates like Eelektross, Hitmonchan, Magmortar, or Ferroseed. Sucker Punch is the second of its Dark-type STAB moves. It can be used to score KOs on faster but frailer Pokemon like Archeops or Floatzel after they take a bit of damage beforehand. Do keep in mind, however, that it fails if they don't attack, which can be taken advantage of by Pokemon with reliable recovery like Swanna. Defog can be opted for over Explosion if your team lacks hazard control, which is good for more offensive teams due to the pressure Shiftry puts on common hazard setters like Palossand and Regirock. Alternatively, Explosion gives Shiftry access to a one-time physical attack with 250 base power, at the cost of Shiftry itself, which is Shiftry's best attack against Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STABs and threatens it with a super effective Poison Jab, with the secondary advantage of severely weakening even some of the most physically bulky Pokemon in the tier that don't resist Normal-type moves such as Gurdurr and Weezing.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. Special Attack investment isn't necessary, as Leaf Storm hits its main targets harder than any of the physical attacks do without it. A Lonely nature is used to increase Shiftry's attacking power while not lowering its Special Attack. A Hasty nature can be used if you wish to outspeed certain neutral-natured Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Modest Choice Specs Mesprit, and Stoutland, at the cost of some power. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, making it even more threatening on and against sun, and harder to revenge kill. Life Orb strengthens all of Shiftry's attacks, but comes with the downside of recoil damage.

Usage Tips
========

Use Knock Off a lot earlier on, as its Shiftry's most reliable STAB move, and it cripples defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Tangela by burning their Colbur Berry or removing their Eviolite, rendering them unable to check it as well. If you have Defog on Shiftry, bring it in on hazard setters that it threatens like Bronzor or Regirock and Defog on the turn they switch. Sucker Punch is a great tool for revenge killing, but as mentioned before, it can be exploited by Pokemon that can recover their health back or set up on it such as Archeops, Jynx, and Swanna. Save Explosion until you feel as if Shiftry can't do much more for you and you want to sufficiently weaken one last thing or lure in Skuntank or physical walls like Weezing, as you do only get one. Shiftry is easy to wear down due to Life Orb recoil, hazards and its poor bulk, so not letting it take much or any unnecessary damage is smart, especially if it's the team's only form of hazard control.

Team Options
========

Fire-types like Combusken, Magmortar, and Pyroar break through bulkier Grass-types and physical walls like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, Mawile, Mesprit, Tangela and Weezing for Shiftry, while Shiftry combats the Ground-, Rock- and Water-types that threaten the former such as Palossand, Carrcosta and Gastrodon (also mention that Fire-types appreciate the hazard removal as well) . Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan and Primeape place pressure on physical walls like Mawile, as well opposing Dark-types for Shiftry, and it in turn pressures Psychic-types for them. Pokemon such as Musharna, Swanna, and Weezing synergize well defensively with Shiftry, as they handle the Fighting-types that force it out, especially those with Mach Punch like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. They appreciate how Shiftry deals with Electric- and Psychic-types like Lanturn and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit. Slow users of U-turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn, and defensive Mesprit work to get Shiftry as safely as possible, each having their own benefits like Eelektross being able to beat Pokemon like Ferroseed or Tangela, Lanturn being able to cure Shiftry of status with Heal Bell, and Mesprit being able to set up Stealth Rock to pressure Shiftry's checks, beat Fighting-types and Weezing, and give Shiftry a second shot at breaking with Healing Wish. Fire-types and faster but frailer Pokemon are pressured by hazards and can't switch into Shiftry's moves as well as they normally could, particularly Sucker Punch, so hazard setters such as Mesprit and Weezing pair well with it. Shiftry can even keep the hazards up with Explosion, while either severely weakening the opposing Pokemon or securing a KO in the process. If Shiftry's on a sun team, setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat are definitely important. Fellow sun abusers like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Victreebel pair well with it too. Victreebel can absorb Toxic Spikes for it, which helps it remain around for longer, and Shiftry can put holes in teams and make it easier for the other sun abusers to finish them off.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance increases Shiftry's power, making its attacks harder to switch in on. Seed Bomb is Shiftry's main physical Grass-type STAB, which pressures Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Lanturn. Knock Off is its main Dark-type STAB move. It removes the item of the opposing Pokemon, and hits a lot of what resists Seed Bomb for neutral damage. Sucker Punch is its secondary Dark-type STAB move, and it improves Shiftry's matchup against fast but frail Pokemon such as Archeops and Raichu-Alola, especially after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. An Adamant nature helps to increase Shiftry's power and give it stronger priority, but a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Modest Magmortar and Adamant Skuntank. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, and it outspeeds the entire unboosted meta under it, as well as some Choice Scarf users like Primeape, which makes it threatening on and against sun teams. Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's moves a bit more power, at the cost of some of its health every attack. Black Glasses is an alternative that doesn't deal recoil damage to Shiftry and still boosts the power of Knock Off and Sucker Punch, but it doesn't give Seed Bomb a boost in power.

Usage Tips
========

Although it's not played the same way the mixed set is, using Knock Off a lot earlier on to weaken and remove the items of checks is still good for pressuring them and making them unable to keep it in check as well. Finding opportunities to set up a Swords Dance on Pokemon that Shiftry forces out like Bronzor, Gastrodon, Palossand, or Sableye is ideal due to their passivity. Once you've managed to set up a Swords Dance, weaken and break as much of the opposing team as you can and pave the way for Shiftry's teammates to continue from where it left off and clean up. Sucker Punch allows it to check faster but frailer Pokemon, as well as set up sweepers, and they won't be wanting to take the hit due to how strong it is, especially if Shiftry pulls off a Swords Dance beforehand. Shiftry is really frail, and doesn't like taking even resisted hits when it doesn't have to, so be sure to keep Shiftry as healthy as possible when attempting to set up.

Team Options
========

This set has problems with physical walls due to a lack of mixed coverage, so Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Pyroar that severely weaken or KO bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Mawile, Tangela, and Weezing are good partners. The Fire-types can also absorb Will-O-Wisps from Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL, while Shiftry breaks through Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types for them. Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian beat Skuntank, who resists both of Shiftry's STABs, and soften up physical walls for Shiftry. Hitmonchan, in particular, has the ability to tank some hits from Fire- and Ice-types like Pyroar or Abomasnow and threaten them out with its Fighting-type STABs, and can provide hazard removal for Shiftry, which aids it in remaining alive for as long as it can, while Primeape and Passimian can get Shiftry in safely and help it set up easier with U-turn. In return, Shiftry handles the Ghost- and Psychic-types like Haunter, Oricorio-G and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit for them. Pokemon that check Fighting-types for Shiftry such as Granbull, Mesprit, Musharna, Oricorio-G, and Swanna make for good partners, as they can tank Fighting-type moves for it, and it helps them by beating opposing Psychic-types and softening up Pokemon they have trouble dealing with like Type: Null. Slower users of U-turn and Volt Switch such as Eelektross, Lanturn and defensive Mesprit make for good partners due to their ability to get Shiftry in on some of the more passive Pokemon they tend to bait in like Audino, opposing non-Ice Beam Lanturn, and Sableye, all of which Shiftry takes advantage of and sets up on. Shiftry likes entry hazards being up on the opposing side so that its moves are even harder to come in on, especially after a Swords Dance, so hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing pair well with it. This set is really threatening under sun, especially if it pulls off a Swords Dance, so sun setters like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat alongside other sun abusers like Magmortar, Pyroar and Victreebel pair well with it. The sun abusers benefit from Shiftry breaking a lot of what stops them and have an easier time cleaning up as a result of it.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Blade is this set's most reliable physical STAB move, and it allows for Shiftry to deal super effective damage to Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Gastrodon, Golurk, Regirock, Carracosta and Floatzel. Knock Off removes the items of the opposing Pokemon, which is good for crippling defensive Pokemon, and hits Pokemon like Haunter, Jynx and Oricorio-G for super effective damage. Rock Slide hits Fire- and Flying-types like Magmortar, Pyroar and Altaria for super effective damage. Finally, Explosion is used for luring in Pokemon like Skuntank, Weezing and other physical walls and taking a huge portion of their health away, as well as for generating momentum. Alternatively, Defog can be used as a means of emergency hazard control in order to have a better matchup versus hazard stacking teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Jynx, Oricorio-G, and Swanna, even with an Adamant nature, and the Attack investment and nature allow Shiftry to hit as hard as possible. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's speed under sun, and can be used to make sure you outspeed every opposing Chlorophyll user under it.

Usage Tips
========

Using Knock Off a lot earlier on is smart, as it keeps your opponent from immediately suspecting Shiftry's set. Refrain from using Rock Slide or otherwise making it obvious that you're a Choice Scarf set until need be, as this will make the set ineffective at luring faster threats. This set isn't very common in comparison to the other two, so take advantage of how it's unexpected by luring in the faster Pokemon that normally force it out like Magmortar or Skuntank and KOing them. Shiftry serves as a solid revenge killer, as well, due to the lack of reliance on Sucker Punch for picking things off, so take advantage of it by taking down normally faster Pokemon like Archeops and Oricorio-G. Explosion still packs a punch despite the lack of a Life Orb boost, so use it to deal heavy damage to Pokemon like Skuntank and weakened physical walls.

Team Options
========

Special attacking wallbreakers like Haunter, Jynx, and Oricorio-G place pressure on Pokemon that Shiftry struggles with breaking such as bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, and Mawile. Shiftry in return cripples their switch-ins with Knock Off and can weaken them with Explosion, making them easier to KO. Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Primeape appreciate Shiftry luring Flying-types and keeping out Ghost- and Psychic-types, and beat the Dark-types that give it trouble like Cacturne, Raticate-Alola and Skuntank. Pokemon such as Granbull, Mesprit and Musharna take on the opposing Fighting-types, such as Hitmonchan, which forces Shiftry out with Mach Punch or just Fighting-type STABs in general, while Dark- and Poison-types are weakened or removed by Explosion. Hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing make Shiftry's moves even harder to switch into, and Shiftry can prevent Defog and Rapid Spin from removing the hazards and keep them up for longer with Explosion. Mesprit and Weezing also act as Fighting-type checks for it. Checks to Fire-types are important, as while Shiftry does outspeed and possess good options for them, it prefers to have something to fall back on should it get locked into Seed Bomb, so Pokemon like Altaria, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, Magmortar, and Miltank make for good partners. Do keep in mind that certain partners stack certain weaknesses, like Altaria to Ice-types, and Miltank to Fighting-types. Checks to Ice-types are also important, for the same reason, so Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, Magmortar, Miltank, and Pyroar, while Shiftry also handles some of their collective weaknesses to typings like Ground, Psychic and Water. Pokemon that commonly run Choice Scarf sets but aren't like Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx and Calm Mind Oricorio-G pair well with Shiftry due to them being able to bluff Choice Scarf sets, preventing any suspicion in regard to Shiftry's set.

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

Shiftry has a decently wide special movepool, so moves like Extrasensory could be used to lure Weezing, Focus Blast to break through Ferroseed and Hurricane to lure in Gurdurr. However, finding room for these moves is pretty hard, and Ferroseed already hates being knocked off. A purely specially offensive or specially biased mixed set is an option, and Shiftry even has access to Nasty Plot to boost the power of those moves. Solar Beam can be used over Leaf Storm on the mixed set if Shiftry is on a sun team so that Shiftry has a more spammable Grass-type STAB that doesn't drop its special attack. However, it's pretty useless outside of sun, as it takes two turns then, and while more spammable, it's less strong than Leaf Storm. Pickpocket can be used on the Choice Scarf set, as it steals the opposing Pokemon's item if Shiftry loses its Choice Scarf, which can be useful for crippling defensive Pokemon in the event that Shiftry gets knocked off. A Lum Berry can be used on the Swords Dance sets to ignore a status condition once and have a slightly easier time setting up as a result. It's noticeably weaker with the boost from Black Glasses or a Life Orb, though. Synthesis gives Shiftry a form of reliable recovery, taking advantage of the switches it can force, but it usually prefers having a strong Explosion or providing removal as the final move on the mixed set, and it struggles to find room for it on any other set. Furthermore, it really doesn't need recovery, as its main priority should be breaking as much as it can. Grassium Z can be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Seed Bomb into Bloom Doom, which can be nice for luring Pokemon like Skuntank after a Swords Dance boost. Normalium Z can be used on non-Choice Scarf sets with Explosion to still hit hard and not lose Shiftry in the process. It should be noted that Breakneck Blitz is slightly less strong than Explosion, and this takes away from the surprise factor that a regular Explosion has. Flyinium Z can be used with Hurricane to lure and KO Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, and it can do this easier because of Nasty Plot.

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

**Poison-types**: Muk, Skuntank, and Weezing can all OHKO Shiftry with their respective Poison-type STABs and don't mind Knock Off much, and Skuntank even resists both of Shiftry's typings. They do have to watch out for Explosion, however, boosted in power or not.

**Fighting-types**: Combusken, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian all resist Sucker Punch, and all force Shiftry out due to either outspeeding it or having Mach Punch. None of them except for Combusken and Hitmonchan want to be brought in on Leaf Storm, and none of them want to take an Explosion. Combusken can shield itself from Explosion with Protect, however, and just grab a Speed Boost, and it resists both of Shiftry's STABs. Gurdurr wouldn't want to lose its Eviolite either and Primeape gets momentum with U-Turn.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Primeape, Floatzel, and Zebstrika have the power to all OHKO Shiftry due to its frailty. The Choice Scarf set does deal with almost all of them, though, and they all otherwise have to take a Sucker Punch before they get to attack it.

**Priority**: As a result of Shiftry's frailty, priority often leaves dents in it, or with enough prior damage, KOs it. Pokemon like Abomasnow, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Kangaskhan, and Zangoose all possess either super effective or neutral priority and threaten Shiftry.
3/3.

 

Lumari

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GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Shiftry is an offensive force to be reckoned with as a result of its solid offensive typing, decent mixed attacking stats, and strong STAB options in moves such as Knock Off, Leaf Storm, Seed Bomb, and Sucker Punch. Because of its mixed coverage, Shiftry manages to stand apart from other Dark- and Grass-types in the tier (RC) and is a massive threat to teams that are overly reliant on Pokemon such as Aggron, Mawile, and Regirock to check physical attackers. Shiftry becomes even more threatening under sun because of its ability Chlorophyll doubling its Speed, which allows it to also threaten opposing sun teams. It can also function well as an offensive user of Defog because of its typing giving it the ability to threaten common entry hazard setters such as Golem, Golurk, Palossand, and Regirock, allowing it to clear the field of entry hazards on the turn that they switch out. However, its great offensive typing unfortunately curses it with weaknesses to common attack typings such as Fire, Flying, Poison, and Ice, and its poor bulk doesn't help to make matters much better. Its Speed, while far from terrible, isn't the best, and it is outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Jynx and Pyroar, and it's its main method of mitigating this in Sucker Punch isn't very reliable due to how it can be taken advantage of. Finally, as a purely physical wallbreaker, Shiftry faces competition from other Dark-types in the tier such as Absol and Alolan Raticate-Alola, both of which, while slower, are stronger.

[SET]
name: Mixed LO Life Orb
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Lonely / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm is Shiftry's main form of Grass-type STAB attack, and it can be used to hit physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron and non-Sap Sipper Miltank harder than Knock Off would, which neither of them really mind all that much. Knock Off is one of Shiftry's two Dark-type STAB moves, which removes the item of the opposing Pokemon on top of hitting a lot of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm fairly hard. This effectively cripples Pokemon reliant on their Assault Vest or Eviolite to check it and its teammates like Eelektross, Hitmonchan, Magmortar, or and Ferroseed. Sucker Punch is the second of its Dark-type STAB moves. It can be used to score KOs on faster but frailer Pokemon like Archeops or Floatzel after they take a bit of damage beforehand. Do keep in mind, however, that it fails if they don't attack, which can be taken advantage of by Pokemon with reliable recovery like Swanna. Defog can be opted for over Explosion if your team lacks hazard control, which is good for more offensive teams due to the pressure Shiftry puts on common hazard setters like Palossand and Regirock. Alternatively, Explosion gives Shiftry access to a one-time physical attack with 250 Base Power, at the cost of Shiftry itself, which is Shiftry's best attack against Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STABs and threatens it with a super effective Poison Jab, with the secondary advantage of severely weakening even some of the most physically bulky non-Normal-resistant Pokemon in the tier, such as Gurdurr and Weezing.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make makes Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. Special Attack investment isn't necessary, as Leaf Storm hits its main targets harder than any of the physical attacks do without it. A Lonely nature is used to increase Shiftry's attacking power while not without lowering its Special Attack. A Hasty nature can be used if you wish to outspeed certain neutral-natured Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Modest Choice Specs Mesprit, and Stoutland, at the cost of some power. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, making it even more threatening on and against sun (RC) and harder to revenge kill. Life Orb strengthens all of Shiftry's attacks, but it comes with the downside of recoil damage.

Usage Tips
========

Use Knock Off a lot earlier on, as its Shiftry's most reliable STAB move and cripples defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Tangela by burning their Colbur Berry or removing their Eviolite, rendering them unable to check it Shiftry as effectively. If you're using have Defog on Shiftry, bring it in on entry hazard setters that it threatens like Bronzor or and Regirock, and Defog on the turn they switch. Sucker Punch is a great tool for revenge killing, but as mentioned before, it can be exploited by Pokemon that can recover their health back or set up on it such as Archeops, Jynx, and Swanna. Exercise caution when using Explosion, as Shiftry only gets on one use at the move, so refrain from using it until Shiftry is no longer required and wants to dish out one last heavy hit. Shiftry is easy to wear down due to Life Orb recoil, entry hazards, and its poor bulk, so not letting it take much or any unnecessary damage is smart, especially if it's the team's only form of entry hazard control.

Team Options
========

Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar break through bulkier Grass-types and physical walls like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, Tangela, and Weezing for Shiftry, while Shiftry provides entry hazard removal for them and combats the Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types that threaten them such as Palossand, Regirock, and Lanturn. Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Primeape place pressure on both physical walls and opposing Dark-types for Shiftry, and it pressures Psychic-types for them in return. Pokemon such as Musharna, Swanna, and Weezing synergize well defensively with Shiftry, as they handle the Fighting-types that force it out, especially those with Mach Punch like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. They appreciate how Shiftry deals with Electric- and Psychic-types like Lanturn and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit. Slow users of U-turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn, and defensive Mesprit work to get Shiftry as safely as possible, each having their own benefits like Eelektross being able to beat Pokemon like Ferroseed or Tangela; Lanturn being able to cure Shiftry of status with Heal Bell; and Mesprit being able to set up Stealth Rock to pressure Shiftry's checks, beat Fighting-types and Weezing, and give Shiftry a second shot at breaking with Healing Wish. Fire-types and faster but frailer Pokemon are pressured by entry hazards and can't take Shiftry's moves as well as they normally would if they are up, particularly Sucker Punch, so entry hazard setters such as Mesprit and Weezing pair well with it. Shiftry can even keep the entry hazards up with Explosion (RC) while either severely weakening the opposing Pokemon or securing a KO in the process. If Shiftry's on a sun team, Sunny Day users like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat are definitely important. Fellow sun sweepers like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Victreebel pair well with it too. Victreebel can absorb Toxic Spikes for it Shiftry, which helps it remain around for longer, and Shiftry can put holes in teams and make it easier for the other sun sweepers to finish them off.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance increases Shiftry's power, making its attacks harder to switch in on. Seed Bomb is Shiftry's main Grass-type STAB move, which pressures Ground-, Rock- and Water-types. Knock Off is its main Dark-type STAB move. It removes the item of the opposing Pokemon and hits a lot of what resists Seed Bomb for neutral damage. Sucker Punch is its secondary Dark-type STAB move, and it improves Shiftry's matchup against fast but frail Pokemon such as Archeops and Alolan Raichu, especially after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed make makes Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. An Adamant nature helps to increase Shiftry's power and give it stronger priority, but a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Modest Magmortar and Adamant Skuntank. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, and it outspeeds letting it outspeed the entire unboosted meta under it, as well as some Choice Scarf users like Primeape, which makes it threatening on and against sun teams. Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's moves a bit more power, at the cost of some of its health every attack. Black Glasses is an alternative that doesn't deal recoil damage to Shiftry and still boosts the power of Knock Off and Sucker Punch, but it doesn't give Seed Bomb a boost in power.

Usage Tips
========

Although it's not played the same way the mixed set is, Using Knock Off a lot earlier on to weaken and remove the items of checks is still good for pressuring them and making them unable to keep it in check as well. Finding opportunities to set up a Swords Dance on Pokemon that Shiftry forces out like Bronzor, Gastrodon, Palossand, or Sableye is ideal due to their passivity. Once Shiftry manages to use Swords Dance, it should weaken and break as much of the opposing team as it can, paving the way for its teammates to continue from where it left off and clean up. Sucker Punch allows it to check faster but frailer Pokemon (RC) as well as setup sweepers. None of them appreciate taking a Sucker Punch, especially if Shiftry uses Swords Dance beforehand. Shiftry is really frail and doesn't like taking even resisted hits when it doesn't have to, so be sure to keep Shiftry as healthy as possible when attempting to set up.

Team Options
========

This set has problems with physical walls due to a lack of mixed coverage, so Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Pyroar that severely weaken or KO bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Mawile, Tangela, and Weezing are good partners. The Fire-types can also absorb Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL, while Shiftry breaks through Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types for them. Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian beat Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STAB types, and can also soften up physical walls for Shiftry. Hitmonchan, in particular, is notable due to its ability to tank some hits from Fire- and Ice-types like Pyroar or Abomasnow and threaten them out with its Fighting-type STABs, and can provide entry hazard removal for Shiftry, which aids it in remaining alive for as long as it can, while Primeape and Passimian can get Shiftry in safely and help it set up easier with U-turn. In return, Shiftry handles the Ghost- and Psychic-types like Haunter, Oricorio-G, and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit for them. Pokemon that check Fighting-types for Shiftry such as Granbull, Mesprit, Musharna, Oricorio-G, and Swanna make for good partners, as they can tank Fighting-type moves for it, and it helps them by beating opposing Psychic-types and softening up Pokemon they have trouble dealing with like Type: Null. Slower users of U-turn and Volt Switch such as Eelektross, Lanturn, and defensive Mesprit make for good partners due to their ability to get Shiftry in on some of the more passive Pokemon they tend to bait in like Audino, opposing non-Ice Beam Lanturn, and Sableye, all of which Shiftry takes advantage of and sets up on. Shiftry likes entry hazards being up on the opposing side so that its moves are even harder to come in on, especially after a Swords Dance, so hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing pair well with it. This set is really threatening under sun, especially if it pulls off a Swords Dance, so Sunny Day users like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat alongside other sun sweepers like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Victreebel pair well with it. The sun sweepers benefit from Shiftry breaking a lot of what stops them and have an easier time cleaning up as a result of it.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off is Shiftry's most reliable form of physical STAB attack, and it removes the items of the opposing Pokemon, which is good for crippling defensive Pokemon and hitting Pokemon like Jynx and Oricorio-G for super effective damage. Leaf Blade allows for Shiftry to deal super effective damage to Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Gastrodon, Golurk, Carracosta, and Floatzel. Rock Slide hits Fire- and Flying-types like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Altaria for super effective damage. Finally, Explosion is used for luring in Pokemon like Skuntank, Weezing, and other physical walls and taking a huge portion of their health away, as well as for generating momentum. Alternatively, Defog can be used as a means of emergency hazard control in order to have a better matchup versus entry hazard stacking teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Jynx, Oricorio-G, and Swanna, even with an Adamant nature, with the Attack investment and nature allow Shiftry to hit as hard as possible. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun (RC) and can be used to make sure you outspeed every opposing Chlorophyll user under it.

Usage Tips
========

Using Knock Off a lot earlier on is smart, as it keeps foes from immediately suspecting Shiftry's set. Refrain from using Rock Slide or otherwise making it obvious that you're using a Choice Scarf set until need be, as this will make the set ineffective at luring faster threats. This set isn't very common in comparison to the other two, so take advantage of how it's unexpected by luring in the faster Pokemon that normally force it out like Magmortar or Skuntank and KOing them. Shiftry serves as a solid revenge killer, as well, due to the lack of reliance on Sucker Punch for picking things off, so take advantage of it by taking down normally faster Pokemon like Archeops and Oricorio-G. Explosion still packs a punch despite the lack of a Life Orb boost, so use it to deal heavy damage to Pokemon like Skuntank and weakened physical walls.

Team Options
========

Special attacking wallbreakers like Aurorus, Drampa, and Haunter place pressure on Pokemon that Shiftry struggles with breaking such as bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, and Mawile. In return, Shiftry cripples their switch-ins with Knock Off and can weaken them with Explosion, making them easier to KO. Fighting-types like Primeape and Passimian appreciate Shiftry luring Flying-types and keeping out Ghost- and Psychic-types, and they beat the Dark-types that give it trouble like Alolan Raticate and Skuntank. Pokemon such as Granbull, Mesprit, and Musharna take on the opposing Fighting-types, such as Hitmonchan, while Dark- and Poison-types are weakened or removed by Explosion. Entry hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing make Shiftry's moves even harder to switch into, and Shiftry can prevent Defog and Rapid Spin from removing the hazards and keep them up for longer with Explosion. Mesprit and Weezing also act as Fighting-type checks for it Shiftry. Checks to Fire-types are important, as while Shiftry does outspeed and possess good options for them, it prefers to have something to fall back on should it get locked into Seed Bomb, so Pokemon like Altaria, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, and Magmortar make for good partners. Checks to Ice-types are also important for the same reason, so Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, Magmortar, Miltank, and Pyroar, while Shiftry also handles some of their collective weaknesses to typings like Ground, Psychic and Water. Pokemon that commonly run can easily bluff Choice Scarf sets such as Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx and Calm Mind Oricorio-G pair well with Shiftry due to them being able to bluff Choice Scarf sets, preventing any suspicion in regard to Shiftry's set.

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

Shiftry has a decently wide special movepool, so moves like Extrasensory and Focus Blast could be used to lure and remove Weezing and Focus Blast to break through Ferroseed. However, finding room for these moves is hard, and Ferroseed already hates being knocked off taking Knock Off. A purely specially offensive or specially biased mixed set is an option, and Shiftry even has access to Nasty Plot to boost the power of those moves. Solar Beam can be used over Leaf Storm on the mixed set if Shiftry is on a sun team so that Shiftry has a more spammable Grass-type STAB attack that doesn't drop its Special Attack; however, it's pretty useless outside of sun due to it then taking two turns to use, and while more spammable, it's less strong than Leaf Storm. Pickpocket can be used on the Choice Scarf set, as it steals the opposing Pokemon's item if Shiftry loses its Choice Scarf, which can be useful for crippling defensive Pokemon in the event that Shiftry gets knocked off takes a Knock Off. A Lum Berry can be used on the Swords Dance sets to ignore a status condition once and have a slightly easier time setting up as a result. It's noticeably weaker with without the boost from Black Glasses or a Life Orb, though. Synthesis gives Shiftry a form of reliable recovery, taking advantage of the switches it can force, but it usually prefers having a strong Explosion or providing entry hazard removal as the final move on the mixed set, and it struggles to find room for it on any other set. Furthermore, it really doesn't need recovery, as its main priority should be breaking as much as it can. Grassium Z can be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Seed Bomb into Bloom Doom, which can be nice for luring Pokemon like Skuntank and taking them out after a Swords Dance boost. Normalium Z can be used on non-Choice Scarf sets with Explosion to still hit hard and not lose Shiftry in the process. It should be noted that Breakneck Blitz is slightly less strong than Explosion, and this takes away from the surprise factor that a regular Explosion has. Flyinium Z can be used with Hurricane to lure and KO Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, and it Shiftry can do this easier because of Nasty Plot.

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

**Poison-types**: Muk, Skuntank, and Weezing can all OHKO Shiftry with their respective Poison-type STAB moves and don't mind Knock Off much, and Skuntank even resists both of Shiftry's typings. They do have to watch out for Explosion, however, boosted in power or not.

**Fighting-types**: Combusken, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian all resist Sucker Punch and all force Shiftry out due to either outspeeding it or having Mach Punch; however, none of them except for Combusken and Hitmonchan want to be brought in on Leaf Storm, Gurdurr hates losing its Eviolite to Knock Off, and none of them want to take an Explosion. Combusken can shield itself from Explosion with Protect, though, and just obtain a Speed Boost, and it resists both of Shiftry's STAB types, and Primeape can generate momentum for its team by using U-turn on the turn Shiftry switches.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Primeape, Floatzel, and Zebstrika have the power to all OHKO Shiftry due to its frailty. The Choice Scarf set does deal with almost all of them, though, and they all otherwise have to take a Sucker Punch before they get to attack it.

**Priority**: As a result of Shiftry's frailty, priority often leaves dents in or KOs it with enough prior damage. Pokemon like Abomasnow, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Kangaskhan, and Zangoose all threaten Shiftry either super effective or strong neutral priority.
 
Last edited:

frenzyplant

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[OVERVIEW]

Shiftry is an offensive force to be reckoned with as a result of its solid offensive typing, decent mixed attacking stats, and strong STAB options such as Knock Off, Leaf Storm, Seed Bomb, and Sucker Punch. Because of its mixed coverage, Shiftry manages to stand apart from other Dark- and Grass-types in the tier and is a massive threat to teams that are overly reliant on Pokemon such as Aggron, Mawile, and Regirock to check physical attackers. Shiftry becomes even more threatening under sun because of its ability Chlorophyll doubling its Speed, which allows it to also threaten opposing sun teams. It can also function well as an offensive user of Defog because of its typing giving its typing gives (having "giving" here and "allowing" later is somewhat awkward) it the ability to threaten common entry hazard setters such as Golem, Golurk, Palossand, and Regirock, allowing it to clear the field of entry hazards on the turn that they switch out. However, its great offensive typing unfortunately (kind of repetitive with "however", consider removing one of them) curses it with weaknesses to common attack typings such as Fire, Flying, Poison, and Ice, and its poor bulk doesn't help to make matters much better. Its Speed, while far from terrible, isn't the best, and it Although its Speed is far from terrible, Shiftry is outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Jynx and Pyroar, (tried to cut down on how many "and"s there are in this sentence) and its main method of mitigating this in Sucker Punch isn't very reliable due to how it can be taken advantage of. Finally, as a purely physical wallbreaker, Shiftry faces competition from other Dark-types in the tier such as Absol and Alolan Raticate, both of which, while slower, are stronger.

[SET]
name: Mixed Life Orb
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Life Orb
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Lonely / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm is Shiftry's main Grass-type STAB attack, and it can be used to hit physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron and non-Sap Sipper Miltank harder than Knock Off would, which neither of them really mind all that much. (consider removing either "really" or "all that much", they repeat each other) Knock Off is one of Shiftry's two Dark-type STAB moves, which and on top of hitting a lot of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm fairly hard, it removes the opposing Pokemon's item of the opposing Pokemon on top of hitting a lot of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm fairly hard. (to make the antecedent of "this" more clear) This effectively cripples Pokemon reliant on their Assault Vest or Eviolite to check it Shiftry and its teammates, (comma) like Eelektross, Hitmonchan, Magmortar, and Ferroseed. Sucker Punch is the second of its Shiftry's Dark-type STAB moves. It can be used to score KOs on faster but frailer Pokemon like Archeops or Floatzel after they take a bit of damage beforehand. Do keep in mind, however, that it fails if they don't the foe doesn't attack, which can be taken advantage of by Pokemon with reliable recovery like Swanna. Defog can be opted for over Explosion if your team lacks hazard control, which is good for more offensive teams due to the pressure Shiftry puts on common hazard setters like Palossand and Regirock. Alternatively, Explosion gives Shiftry access to a one-time physical attack with 250 Base Power, (remove comma) at the cost of Shiftry itself. (period to comma, this sentence is quite long) which Explosion is Shiftry's best attack against Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STAB types and threatens it with a super effective Poison Jab, and Explosion also has with the secondary advantage of severely weakening even some of the most physically bulky non-Normal-resistant Pokemon in the tier, such as Gurdurr and Weezing.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed makes Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. Special Attack investment isn't necessary, as even without it, Leaf Storm hits its main targets harder than any of the physical attacks do without it. (is this what you mean? "it" is kind of unclear) A Lonely nature is used to increase Shiftry's attacking power without lowering its Special Attack. A Hasty nature can be used if you wish to outspeed certain neutral-natured Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Modest Choice Specs Mesprit, and Stoutland, at the cost of some power. (are there any specific OHKOs/2HKOs Shiftry misses out on if it runs Hasty?) Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, making it even more threatening and harder to revenge kill on and against sun teams and harder to revenge kill. (Chlorophyll doesn't make Shiftry harder to revenge kill if sun isn't up, right?) Life Orb strengthens all of Shiftry's attacks, but it comes with the downside of recoil damage.

Usage Tips
========

Use Knock Off a lot earlier early on, (removes ambiguity about whether "a lot" modifies "use" or "earlier") as it's Shiftry's most reliable STAB move and cripples defensive Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Tangela by nullifying burning their Colbur Berry or removing their Eviolite, rendering them unable to check Shiftry as effectively. If you're using Defog on Shiftry, bring it in on entry hazard setters that it threatens like Bronzor and Regirock, and Defog on the turn they switch. Sucker Punch is a great tool for revenge killing, but as mentioned before, it can be exploited by Pokemon that can recover their health or set up on it such as Archeops, Jynx, and Swanna. Exercise caution when using Explosion, as Shiftry only gets one use at of the move, so refrain from using it until Shiftry is no longer required and wants to dish out one last heavy hit. Shiftry is easy to wear down due to Life Orb recoil, entry hazards, and its poor bulk, so not letting it take much or any unnecessary damage is smart, especially if it's the team's only form of entry hazard control.

Team Options
========

Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar break through bulkier Grass-types and physical walls like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, Tangela, and Weezing for Shiftry, while Shiftry provides entry hazard removal for them and combats the Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types that threaten them such as Palossand, Regirock, and Lanturn. Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Primeape place pressure on both physical walls and opposing Dark-types for Shiftry, and it pressures Psychic-types for them in return. Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Musharna, Swanna, and Weezing synergize well defensively with Shiftry, as they handle the Fighting-types that force it out, especially those with Mach Punch like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. They appreciate how Shiftry deals with Electric- and Psychic-types like Lanturn and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit. Slow users of U-turn and Volt Switch like Eelektross, Lanturn, and defensive Mesprit work to get Shiftry in as safely as possible. (comma to period, otherwise this sentence is very long) each having their Each has its own benefits: like Eelektross being able to beats Pokemon like Ferroseed or and Tangela; Lanturn being able to can cure Shiftry of status with Heal Bell; and Mesprit being is able to set up Stealth Rock to pressure Shiftry's checks, beat Fighting-types and Weezing, and give Shiftry a second shot at breaking with Healing Wish. Entry hazard setters such as Mesprit and Weezing pair well with Shiftry because hazards pressure Fire-types and faster but frailer Pokemon, which are pressured by entry hazards and can't take Shiftry's moves as well as they normally would if they are up, particularly Sucker Punch, so entry hazard setters such as Mesprit and Weezing pair well with it. (rearranged the sentence to make the latter part less comma-heavy) Shiftry can even keep the entry hazards up with Explosion while either severely weakening the opposing Pokemon or securing a KO in the process. If Shiftry's on a sun team, Sunny Day users like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat are definitely important. Fellow sun sweepers like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Victreebel pair well with it too. Victreebel can absorb Toxic Spikes for Shiftry, which helps it remain around for longer, and Shiftry can put holes in teams and make it easier for the other sun sweepers to finish them off.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Black Glasses
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance increases Shiftry's power, making its attacks harder to switch in on. Seed Bomb is Shiftry's main Grass-type STAB move, which pressures Ground-, Rock- and Water-types. Knock Off is its Shiftry's main Dark-type STAB move. It removes the item of the opposing Pokemon and hits a lot of what resists Pokemon that resist Seed Bomb for neutral damage. Sucker Punch is its Shiftry's secondary Dark-type STAB move, and it improves Shiftry's matchup against fast but frail Pokemon such as Archeops and Alolan Raichu, especially after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Attack and Speed makes Shiftry as strong and as fast as it can be. An Adamant nature helps to increase Shiftry's power and give it stronger priority, but a Jolly nature can be used to let it outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon like Modest Magmortar and Adamant Skuntank. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, letting it outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, (remove comma) as well as some Choice Scarf users like Primeape, which makes it threatening on and against sun teams. Life Orb gives all of Shiftry's moves a bit more power, at the cost of some of its health for every attack. Black Glasses is an alternative that doesn't deal recoil damage to Shiftry and still boosts the power of Knock Off and Sucker Punch, but it doesn't give Seed Bomb a boost in power.

Usage Tips
========

Using Knock Off a lot earlier early on to weaken checks and remove their items of checks is good for pressuring them and making them unable to keep Shiftry in check. it in check as well. Finding opportunities to set Setting up a Swords Dance on Pokemon that Shiftry forces out like Bronzor, Gastrodon, Palossand, or Sableye is ideal due to their passivity. Once Shiftry manages to use Swords Dance, it should weaken and break as much of the opposing team as it can, paving the way for its teammates to continue from where it left off and clean up. (optional, but I feel this is kind of implied) Sucker Punch allows it Shiftry to check faster but frailer Pokemon as well as setup sweepers. None of them appreciate taking a Sucker Punch, especially if Shiftry uses Swords Dance beforehand. Shiftry is really frail and doesn't like taking even resisted hits when it doesn't have to, so be sure to keep Shiftry as healthy as possible when attempting to set up.

Team Options
========

This set has problems with physical walls due to a lack of mixed coverage, so good partners are Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Pyroar that can severely weaken or KO bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Mawile, Tangela, and Weezing are good partners. The Fire-types can also absorb Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL, while Shiftry breaks through Ground-, Rock-, and Water-types for them. Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian beat Skuntank, which resists both of Shiftry's STAB types, and can also soften up physical walls for Shiftry. Hitmonchan, in particular, is notable due to its ability to tank some hits from Fire- and Ice-types like Pyroar or and Abomasnow and threaten them out with its Fighting-type STAB moves, and it can provide entry hazard removal to aid Shiftry in remaining alive for as long as it can. for Shiftry, which aids it in remaining alive for as long as it can, while Meanwhile, Primeape and Passimian can get Shiftry in safely and help it set up easier with U-turn. In return, Shiftry handles the Ghost- and Psychic-types like Haunter, Oricorio-G, and non-Colbur Berry Mesprit for them. Pokemon that check Fighting-types and can tank Fighting-type moves for Shiftry such as Granbull, Mesprit, Musharna, Oricorio-G, and Swanna make for good partners, as they can tank Fighting-type moves for it, and it helps them by beating opposing Psychic-types and softening up Pokemon they have trouble dealing with like Type: Null. Slower users of U-turn and Volt Switch such as Eelektross, Lanturn, and defensive Mesprit make for good partners due to their ability to get Shiftry in on some of the more passive Pokemon they tend to bait in, (comma) like Audino, opposing non-Ice Beam Lanturn, and Sableye, all of which Shiftry takes advantage of and sets up on. Shiftry likes entry hazards being up on the opposing side so that its moves are even harder to come in on, especially after a Swords Dance, so hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing pair well with it. This set is really threatening under sun, especially if it pulls off a Swords Dance, so Sunny Day users like Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat alongside other sun sweepers like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Victreebel pair well with it. The sun sweepers benefit from Shiftry breaking a lot of what stops them and have an easier time cleaning up as a result of it.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off is Shiftry's most reliable physical STAB attack, hits Pokemon like Jynx and Oricorio-G for super effective damage, and it removes the items of the opposing Pokemon, which is good for crippling defensive Pokemon and hitting Pokemon like Jynx and Oricorio-G for super effective damage. Leaf Blade allows Shiftry to deal super effective damage to Ground-, Rock- and Water-types like Gastrodon, Golurk, Carracosta, and Floatzel. Rock Slide hits Fire- and Flying-types like Magmortar, Pyroar, and Altaria for super effective damage. Finally, Explosion is used for taking a huge portion of health from physical walls that Shiftry lures in, like Skuntank and Weezing, luring in Pokemon like Skuntank, Weezing, and other physical walls and taking a huge portion of their health away, as well as for generating momentum. Alternatively, Defog can be used as a means of emergency hazard control in order to have a better matchup versus entry hazard stacking teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Shiftry to outspeed Pokemon like Jynx, Oricorio-G, and Swanna, even with an Adamant nature, with the Attack investment and nature allowing which allows Shiftry to hit as hard as possible along with maximum Attack investment. Chlorophyll doubles Shiftry's Speed under sun, making sure Shiftry outspeeds and can be used to make sure you outspeed every opposing Chlorophyll user under it. (since there's no alternatives, "can be used" doesn't make as much sense)

Usage Tips
========

Using Knock Off a lot earlier early on is smart, as it keeps foes opponents from immediately suspecting Shiftry's set. (use opponent for the human player) Refrain from using Rock Slide or otherwise making it obvious that you're using a Choice Scarf set until need be, as this will make the set ineffective at luring in faster threats. This set isn't very common in comparison to the other two, so take advantage of how it's unexpected by luring in and KOing the faster Pokemon that normally force it Shiftry out like Magmortar or and Skuntank and KOing them. Shiftry serves as a solid revenge killer, as well, due to the its lack of reliance on Sucker Punch for picking things off, so take advantage of it Choice Scarf by taking down normally faster Pokemon like Archeops and Oricorio-G. Explosion still packs a punch despite the lack of a Life Orb boost, so use it to deal heavy damage to Pokemon like Skuntank and weakened physical walls.

Team Options
========

Special wallbreakers like Aurorus, Drampa, and Haunter place pressure on Pokemon that Shiftry struggles with breaking, (comma) such as bulky Grass-resistant Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Ferroseed, and Mawile. In return, Shiftry cripples their switch-ins with Knock Off and can weaken them with Explosion, making them easier to KO. Fighting-types like Primeape and Passimian appreciate Shiftry luring in Flying-types and keeping out Ghost- and Psychic-types, and they beat the Dark-types that give it trouble like Alolan Raticate and Skuntank. Pokemon such as Granbull, Mesprit, and Musharna take on the opposing Fighting-types, opposing Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, while Shiftry's Explosion weakens or removes Dark- and Poison-types for them. are weakened or removed by Explosion. Entry hazard setters like Mesprit and Weezing make Shiftry's moves even harder to switch into, and Shiftry can prevent Defog and Rapid Spin from removing the hazards and keep them the hazards up for longer by preventing Defog and Rapid Spin with Explosion. Mesprit and Weezing also act as Fighting-type checks for Shiftry. Checks to Fire-types are important, as while Shiftry does outspeed them and possess good options for them, it prefers to have something to fall back on should it get locked into Seed Bomb, so Pokemon like Altaria, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Lanturn, and Magmortar make for good partners. Checks to Ice-types are important for the same reason, so Shiftry appreciates Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan, Magmortar, Miltank, and Pyroar. while Shiftry also handles some of their collective weaknesses to typings like Ground, Psychic and Water. Pokemon that can easily bluff Choice Scarf sets such as Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx and Calm Mind Oricorio-G pair well with Shiftry, preventing any suspicion in regard to Shiftry's set.

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

Shiftry has a decently wide special movepool, so moves like Extrasensory and Focus Blast could be used to lure and remove Weezing and Ferroseed. However, finding room for these moves is hard, and Ferroseed already hates taking Knock Off. A purely specially offensive or specially biased mixed set is an option, and Shiftry even has access to Nasty Plot to boost the power of those moves. (why are these sets less viable than physical sets?) Solar Beam can be used over Leaf Storm on the mixed set if Shiftry is on a sun team so that Shiftry has a more spammable Grass-type STAB attack that doesn't drop its Special Attack; however, it's pretty useless outside of sun due to it then taking two turns to use, and while more spammable, (you already mention this) it's less strong than Leaf Storm. Pickpocket can be used on the Choice Scarf set, as it steals to steal the opposing Pokemon's item if Shiftry loses its Choice Scarf, which can be useful for crippling defensive Pokemon in the event that Shiftry takes a Knock Off. A Lum Berry can be used on the Swords Dance sets to let Shiftry ignore a status condition once and have a slightly easier time setting up as a result. It's noticeably weaker without the boost from Black Glasses or a Life Orb, though. Synthesis gives Shiftry a form of reliable recovery, taking advantage of the switches it can force, but it usually prefers having a strong Explosion or providing entry hazard removal as the final move on the mixed set, and it struggles to find room for it Synthesis on any other set. Furthermore, it Shiftry really doesn't need recovery, as its main priority should be breaking as much as it can. Grassium Z can be used on the Swords Dance set to turn Seed Bomb into Bloom Doom, which can be nice for luring in Pokemon like Skuntank and taking them out after a Swords Dance boost. Normalium Z can be used on non-Choice Scarf sets with Explosion to still hit hard and not lose Shiftry in the process. It should be noted that Breakneck Blitz is slightly less strong than Explosion, and this takes away from the surprise factor that a regular Explosion has. Flyinium Z can be used with Hurricane to lure in and KO Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, and Shiftry can do this easier because of Nasty Plot.

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

**Poison-types**: Muk, Skuntank, and Weezing can all OHKO Shiftry with their respective Poison-type STAB moves and don't mind Knock Off much, and Skuntank even resists both of Shiftry's STAB types. typings. They do have to watch out for Explosion, however, boosted in power or not.

**Fighting-types**: Combusken, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Passimian all resist Sucker Punch and all force Shiftry out due to either outspeeding it or having Mach Punch; however, none of them except for Combusken and Hitmonchan want to be brought in on Leaf Storm, Gurdurr hates losing its Eviolite to Knock Off, and none of them want to take an Explosion. Combusken can shield itself from Explosion and gain a Speed boost with Protect, though, and just obtain a Speed Boost, and it resists both of Shiftry's STAB types. (period) and Primeape can generate momentum for its team by using U-turn on the turn Shiftry switches.

**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Magmortar, Primeape, Floatzel, and Zebstrika all have the power to all OHKO Shiftry due to its frailty. The Choice Scarf set does deal with almost all of them, though, and when facing other sets, they all otherwise have to take a Sucker Punch before they get to attack Shiftry. it.

**Priority**: As a result of Shiftry's frailty, priority often leaves dents in it or KOs it with enough prior damage. Pokemon like Abomasnow, Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Kangaskhan, and Zangoose all threaten Shiftry with either super effective or strong neutral priority moves.
 
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