PU Absol

[OVERVIEW]

Absol has a fearsome Attack stat, which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch into. Its good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough allow it to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr. It also has access to Swords Dance to further its wallbreaking potential and Sucker Punch, which makes it a very useful tool against offensive Pokemon and can often be used to sweep after a boost. However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, which can be played around with passive moves like Will-O-Wisp and Substitute from Pokemon like Misdreavus and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. Due to its lackluster bulk, Absol can easily get KOed throughout the match in general. Finally, Absol sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank; the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle, while the latter provides a lot more utility and is a lot more easy to fit on a team.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Superpower / Play Rough
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power, granting Absol powerful priority. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foes like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel, which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Superpower allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Shiftry, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate for super effective damage. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for greater damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. Play Rough hits the aforementioned Dark-types without having to deal with the Attack and Defense drops from Superpower while also hitting troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximizes Absol's wallbreaking potential. A Jolly nature allows Absol to Speed tie with positive-natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and outspeed neutral-natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks, while Darkinium Z gives Absol a one-time nuke with 140 Base Power and allows Absol to switch into Knock Off for a free boost more easily without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to clean up later, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker attacks that it resists or attacks that it's immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, and Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Alolan Raticate, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch. VoltTurn is another way to get Absol in and prevent it from taking a hit, and switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z, as Knock Off will not be boosted and Absol will receive an Attack boost from Justified. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, but be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and that Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot, making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever you predict Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, Absol can't stay in on these Fighting-types because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull while also sponging super effective attacks for Absol. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Weezing. Pokemon like Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of the Ghost- and Psychic-types they struggle with; the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol; in return, Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten them. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn so it doesn't have to take a hit; Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which otherwise greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr are also good teammates for it.

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

Pursuit can be used to force mind games against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu, which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off; it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that cannot touch Absol like Sableye and Bronzor, which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly, a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail allows Absol to lure and KO Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy when boosted, but its accuracy can be unreliable. Steelium Z can be run if missing with Iron Tail is a concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid a status ailment like a burn or paralysis, which otherwise cripples Absol's sweeping potential greatly, and it also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance more easily. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments as well, but this will mean Absol has to give up a moveslot that is vital for its coverage and overall usefulness.

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

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves; Gurdurr can switch into Play Rough once and threaten it with Mach Punch, while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Togetic can switch in on almost any move from Absol, but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy can also be used as a check, but it tends to struggle against Absol if it's boosted. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off, since the loss of their Eviolite greatly cuts into their bulk.

**Status**: Status ailments like burn and paralysis from Pokemon like Weezing and Miltank can cut Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak, but these Pokemon have to be wary of Absol's coverage moves like Superpower, in Miltank's case.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, and Regirock can check Absol, but they don't like having their items removed by Knock Off and, once weakened enough, can be KOed by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk, it can easily get worn down and KOed by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Fake Out from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan, and especially Mach Punch from Hitmonchan and Gurdurr.
 
Last edited:

TJ

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

  • Absol has a fearsome base 125 Attack stat, alongside of that it has access to Swords Dance, Sucker Punch, and good coverage options in moves like Superpower and Play Rough, which makes it one of the scariest sweepers to face. (Absol is a wallbreaker)
  • Absol has access to Justified, which lets it take advantage of Dark-type moves. (like?) (tbh this point is kinda meh and i would just remove it)
  • Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat. However, Sucker Punch is very unreliable because it can easily be played around with status moves like Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and Substitute. (from what?) (would say that its also easily revenge killed by faster foes such as primeape/passimian that dont care about sucker punch. I would also expand on this and say sucker punch is very good vs offensive teams)
  • Absol can get worn down rather easily due to its lackluster bulk and lack of reliable recovery (and in between Life orb recoil)

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Play Rough / Superpower
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

  • Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Qwilfish, Weezing, and Sableye. (remove sab because you beat that anyway. you dont need an sd booost esp if you have play rough)
  • Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foe's while also being able to let it scout for Z-Crystals. (What foes maybe add something like gurdurr and what zmoves can it "scout"?)
  • Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel which can otherwise threaten Absol because of how frail it is. (mention and because of its low speed tier)
  • Play Rough hits Dark-types such as Absol, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate while also being able to hit troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for good damage, however it can't stay in on any Fighting-types because they can easily threaten it with their STAB moves.
  • Superpower also allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Absol, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate that resist both Knock Off and Sucker Punch. It also hits Steel-types like Aggron and Ferroseed for better damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch.
Set Details
========

  • Maximum Attack investment and Maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximize Absol's wallbreaking potential, a Jolly nature allows Absol to speed tie with positively natured base 75 Speed Pokemon( list a base 75 speed mon) and neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon. (mention a base 85 speed mon)
  • Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move (like Knock Off)
  • Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output, (at the cost of 1/10 hp. this should also be a seperate bullet) Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off easier for a free boost without the risk of losing its item. Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis, which can prevent Absol from punching holes into the opposing team or sweep. (add lum to other options)

Usage Tips
========

  • Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep.
  • Get Absol in on weaker resisted attacks or attacks its immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Absol, Mesprit, and Jynx to get a turn to set up Sucker Punch. (set up sucker punch??) ( remove jynx because it will lovely kiss)
  • Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye and Ferroseed to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. (no it cant switch in on ferro)
  • Try to force out Pokemon like Jynx, Mesprit, and Alolan Raichu to set up a Swords Dance and potentially sweep if its checks and counters are weakened. (again remove jynx) ( also you dont really force out mesprit because colbur and alolan raichu can play mind games with nasty plot so re word this)
  • Use Play Rough whenever predicting Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. It still shouldn't stay in on these Fighting-types however because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.
  • Superpower should only be used whenever a Dark- or Steel-type like Absol, Alolan Persian, and Ferroseed is on the field, because Superpower lowers Absol's Attack and Defense stat by 1 stage each.

Team Options
========

  • Pokemon like Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins (like?). Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in to Qwilfish and Weezing to get of a Swords Dance or remove somethings item with Knock Off.
  • Steel and Poison-types like Ferroseed, Aggron, Qwilfish, and Weezing can check Fairy-types for Absol, (what fairy types?) Poison-types can also switch in to Fighting-type attacks for Absol. (what fighting types?)
  • Pokemon that struggle with Ghost- and Psychic-types like Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types, the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. (list examples of ghost/psychic types)
  • Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit, Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can all fill this role.
  • Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Audino can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which greatly cripple it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • Pursuit can be used to force mindgames against Pokemon like Jynx, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch. (you never force mind games with any of these pokemon. Jynx goes for lovely kiss. mesprit has colbur and oricorio-g subs so maybe say scarf oricorio)
  • A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to sweep with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. (instead of saying "sweep" I would say "pick off teams with sd/sucker")
  • Similarly a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves.
  • Iron Tail can lure Clefairy and Silvally-Fairy to effectively remove them from the game when boosted. (mention togetic)
  • Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis. (mention draw backs)
  • I guess you can add lum berry

Checks and Counters
=================== (this section does not get written up so be sure to add more detail to it in the future)

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves.

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Clefairy can easily switch in on any move Absol might want to throw at them, however they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy also has to watch out for Knock Off since it greatly cuts into its bulk. (remove clef and add togetic)

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis can cut in to Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to do its job properly. (mention what users spread status)

**Physically defensive pokemon** Weezing, regirock, tangela etc


**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get worn down and KOd by common priority moves like Mach Punch and Aqua Jet. (from?)

**Colbur Berry Users**: Colbur Berry users like Gourgeist-XL and Musharna can lure Absol and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave, respectively. Musharna can also threaten it with Dazzling Gleam. (might as well add mesprit)
am check
 

ManOfMany

I can make anything real
is a Tiering Contributor
OVERVIEW]

  • Absol has a fearsome base 125 Attack stat, alongside of that it has access to Swords Dance, Sucker Punch, and good coverage options in moves like Superpower and Play Rough, which makes it one of the scariest wallbreakers to face. Elaborate on Absol's good qualities. Mention how Knock Off has barely any switch-ins, mention what type of pokemon its coverage can hit.
  • Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat. However, Sucker Punch is very unreliable because it can easily be played around with status moves like Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and Substitute from Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Miltank, and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Primeape and Passimian, which dont care about Sucker Punch. too negative about Sucker Punch, you barely spend time on how it's a fantastic tool against offense (despite its flaws)
  • Absol can get worn down rather easily due to its lackluster bulk, Life Orb recoil, and lack of reliable recovery. rather than just saying "worn down" you can say it struggles to take any sort of attack because of its frailty
Overview needs a lot of work overall. You need to spend more time talking about why Absol is a good pokemon and why exactly you would use it on a team. Also there's no need to mention the actual stats because they can see that right next to the analysis (also Absol has 130 atk not 125)

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Play Rough / Superpower
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

  • Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Qwilfish and Weezing. and boosts Sucker Punch so it can smack faster pokemon hard
  • Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foe's like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan while also being able to let it scout for Z-Crystals from Pokemon like Magmortar and Alolan Exeggutor. the latter point is so minor not even worth a mention here lol
  • Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel which can otherwise threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. they still can threaten it technically, but it lets it handle them better
  • Play Rough hits Dark-types such as Absol, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate while also being able to hit troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for good damage, however it can't stay in on any Fighting-types because they can easily threaten it with their STAB moves.
  • Superpower also allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Absol, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate that resist both Knock Off and Sucker Punch. It also hits Steel-types like Aggron and Ferroseed for better damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. mention Regirock
Set Details
========

  • Maximum Attack investment and Maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximize Absol's wallbreaking potential, a Jolly nature allows Absol to speed tie with positively natured base 75 Speed Pokemon like Hitmonchan and neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir.
  • Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off.
  • Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP.
  • Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off easier for a free boost without the risk of losing its item.
this is good, you can explain a little bit more of the benefits of Life Orb and mention the BP of Darkinium with Sucker

Usage Tips
========

  • Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep.
  • Get Absol in on weaker resisted attacks or attacks its immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Absol, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or Sucker Punch. Mention other ways to get Absol into play, such as Volt-turn or prediction, since Absol is frail and really it wants to avoid switching into attacks.
  • Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates.
  • Try to force out Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu to set up a Swords Dance and potentially sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, however be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot.
  • Use Play Rough whenever predicting Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. It still shouldn't stay in on these Fighting-types however because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.
  • Superpower should only be used whenever a Dark- or Steel-type like Absol, Alolan Persian, and Ferroseed is on the field, because Superpower lowers Absol's Attack and Defense stat by 1 stage each.rephrase this completely, Superpower can be used to hit pokemon like Regirock, Miltank, and even Skuntank too. Just say Superpower should be used to hit pokemon weak to Fighting like "....."

Team Options
========

  • Pokemon like Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in to Qwilfish and Weezing to get of a Swords Dance or remove somethings item with Knock Off.
  • Steel and Poison-types like Ferroseed, Aggron, Qwilfish, and Weezing can check Fairy-types like Granbull and Silvally-Fairy for Absol, Poison-types can also switch in to Fighting-type attacks for Absol.
  • Pokemon that struggle with Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Haunter like Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types, the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Mention how they can also check Fighting-types for Absol
  • Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit, Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can all fill this role.
  • Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Audino can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which greatly cripple it. I'd replace Audino mention with something like Healing Wish Mesprit as Absol + Audino teams are generally not seen
  • Give a big mention to offensive partners that benefit from Absol's wallbreaking. Something like Scarf Primeape and Archeops, for example love to have a huge chunk taken out of Qwilfish from Knock Off
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • Pursuit can be used to force mindgames against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G mention a few more pokemon, there are also pokemon who will try to fear out fearing Knock Off which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch.
  • A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch.
  • Similarly a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves.
  • Iron Tail can lure Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy to effectively remove them from the game when boosted. but why wouldn't you use this generally over Superpower/Play Rough?
  • Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis, which can prevent Absol from punching holes into the opposing team or sweep. especially helpful to set up a SD
  • Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a move which it doesn't want to.

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

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves. Elaborate! Which ones can switch in, which ones can revenge kill?

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, Togetic, and Clefairy can easily switch in on any move Absol might want to throw at them, however they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy and Togetic also has to watch out for Knock Off since it greatly cuts into its bulk.

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis from Pokemon like Qwilfish, Weezing, and Miltank can cut in to Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to do its job properly.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, Qwilfish, and Regirock can check Absol, however they dont like their items removed by Knock Off and once weakened enough they can be KOd by a boosted Knock Off.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get worn down and KOd by common priority moves like Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, and Ice Shard from Pokemon like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Floatzel, and Abomasnow. i'd mention mach punch in its own sentence, and then mention all the other ones quickly but say that absol has to be worn down a lot for those. Mention Fake Out Kanga too (remove Aboma since it underspeeds Absol)

**Colbur Berry Users**: Colbur Berry users like Gourgeist-XL, Mesprit, and Musharna can lure Absol and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave, respectively. Musharna can also threaten it with Dazzling Gleam.

this does not require its own section in C&C since they barely even counter Absol or would go under physical walls. Remove
good work ThiccTornadus,
once you implement this check it's 1/3
 

MZ

And now for something completely different
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
OVERVIEW]

  • Absol has a fearsome Attack stat which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch in to, it also has good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Absol, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr, respectively.
  • Absol also has access to Swords Dance furthering its breaking potential, and Sucker Punch which makes it a very useful tool against offense and can often sweep with it after a boost.
  • Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, Sucker Punch also gives Absol a good match up against offensive archetypes because of their frail Pokemon and Absol can take them all out with a boosted Sucker Punch. However, Sucker Punch is very unreliable because it can easily be played around with status moves like Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and Substitute from Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Miltank, and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Primeape and Passimian, which dont care about Sucker Punch. have u calced +2 sucker vs a scarf primeape? it absolutely does care about sucker punch
  • Absol struggles to take hits well due to its lackluster bulk and can easily get KOd throughout the match.
no mention of competition is a huge issue, alolan rat is very similar but noticeably better while skuntank doesnt do the same thing but still competes for the dark slot, and those are significant detriments to its viability

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Play Rough / Superpower
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

  • Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Qwilfish and Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power to let Absol plow through faster Pokemon.
  • Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foe's like Gurdurr, Qwilfish, and Hitmonchan.
  • Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is.
  • Play Rough hits Dark-types such as Absol, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate while also being able to hit troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage, however it can't stay in on any Fighting-types because they can easily threaten it with their STAB moves.
  • Superpower also allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Absol, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate that resist both Knock Off and Sucker Punch. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for better damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch.
Set Details
========

  • Maximum Attack investment and Maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximize Absol's wallbreaking potential, a Jolly nature allows Absol to speed tie with positively natured base 75 Speed Pokemon like Hitmonchan and neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. more like jolly lets u reliably beat out hitmon mach with sucker because who tf runs max jolly chan
  • Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off.
  • Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks.
  • Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke with 140 BP and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off easier for a free boost without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

  • Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep. so...what? unless u can give actually good examples of when u wanna use it early and when u wanna use it late or something like that, just don't bother saying this
  • Get Absol in on weaker resisted attacks or attacks its immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Absol, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch, VoltTurn is another way to get in Absol and prevent it from taking a hit. knock in particular is good because it'll do a lot but u get justified boost and also dont lose item if dark z
  • Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates.
  • Try to force out Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu to set up a Swords Dance and potentially sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, however be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP.
  • Use Play Rough whenever predicting Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, it can't stay in on these Fighting-types however because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.
  • Superpower should be used to hit Pokemon weak to Fighting-type attacks like Absol, Alolan Persian, and Ferroseed is on the field. this is obvious and useless, delet

Team Options
========

  • Pokemon like Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Qwilfish and Weezing.
  • Steel and Poison-types like Ferroseed, Aggron, Qwilfish, and Weezing can check Fairy-types like Granbull and Silvally-Fairy for Absol, Poison-types can also switch in to Fighting-type attacks for Absol.
  • Pokemon that struggle with Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types, the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn.
  • Pokemon that can switch in to Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol, in return Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten the aforementioned Pokemon.
  • Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit, Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role.
  • Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which greatly cripple it.
  • Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr like the former mentioned Pokemon weakened to have an easier time breaking through the opposing team.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • Pursuit can be used to force mindgames against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off, it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that can barely do anything to Absol like Sableye and Bronzor which will want to switch out.
  • A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch.
  • Similarly a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves.
  • Iron Tail can lure Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy to effectively remove them from the game when boosted, but its Accuracy is what holds it back. u can also run z-iron tail, the issue is more that those things can be pressured quite a bit without wasting ur time on obscure z-lures
  • Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis which prevent Absol from punching holes into the opposing team or sweep, it also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance easier.
  • Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a move which it doesn't want to.

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

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves, Gurdurr can switch in once on Play Rough and threaten it with Mach Punch while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, Togetic, and Clefairy can easily switch in on any move Absol might want to throw at them, however they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off since it greatly cuts into their bulk. so they cant easily switch into any move absol might want to throw at them. there's just a lot of moments like this in hte analysis, all u have to do is talk about clef and togetic in a different sentence with different reasonings behind them like "they beat absol but get weakened and lose eviolite so that kinda sucks"

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis from Pokemon like Qwilfish, Weezing, and Miltank can cut in to Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak properly.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, Qwilfish, and Regirock can check Absol, however they don't like their items removed by Knock Off and once weakened enough they can be KOd by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get worn down and KOd by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Ice Shard from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan. Absol also has to watch out for Mach Punch users like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr because they can take a huge chunk out of its health.
qcstamp.gif
2/3
 

yogi

I did not succumb...
is a Tutor Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
OVERVIEW]

Absol has a fearsome Attack stat which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch in to, it also has good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Absol (self-referencing is weird when you have things like shiftry or such to mention), Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr, respectively. It also has access to Swords Dance to further its breaking potential, and Sucker Punch which makes it a very useful tool against offense and can often sweep with it after a boost. However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, Sucker Punch also gives Absol a good match up against offensive archetypes because of their frail Pokemon and Absol can take them all out with a boosted Sucker Punch. However, Sucker Punch is very unreliable because it can easily be played around with status moves like Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and Substitute from Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, Miltank, and Oricorio-G (the issue is here, you mention 2 pokemon in which i'd use a different coverage move, with only sense being the one that truly requires prediction; I will always superpower miltank or knock both miltank and gourgeist-xl). It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. It also sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank, the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle while the latter brings a lot more to a team and is a lot more splashable. Due to Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get KOd throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Play Rough / Superpower (swap these in my opinion, I've found more use with superpower instead of play rough)
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Qwilfish and Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power to let Absol plow through faster Pokemon. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foe's like Gurdurr, Qwilfish, and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Play Rough hits Dark-types such as Absol, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate while also being able to hit troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage, however it can't stay in on any Fighting-types because they can easily threaten it with their STAB moves. Superpower also allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Absol (again, weird referencing yourself), Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate that resist both Knock Off and Sucker Punch. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for better damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. (swap superpower and play rough to reflect the set)

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment and Maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximize Absol's wallbreaking potential, a Jolly nature allows Absol to speed tie with positively natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks. Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke with 140 BP and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off easier for a free boost without the risk of losing its item. (fine)

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to sweep later, however Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker resisted attacks or attacks its immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Absol (doesn't absol have two moves to hit itself, it also hits the hardest), and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch, VoltTurn is another way to get in Absol and prevent it from taking a hit, switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z as it will lose a chunk of its health but get a Justified Attack boost and it won't lose its item. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force out Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu to set up a Swords Dance and potentially sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, however be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever predicting Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, it can't stay in on these Fighting-types however because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Qwilfish and Weezing. Steel and Poison-types like Ferroseed, Aggron, Qwilfish, and Weezing can check Fairy-types like Granbull and Silvally-Fairy for Absol, Poison-types can also switch in to Fighting-type attacks for Absol. Pokemon that struggle with Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types, the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch in to Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol, in return Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten the aforementioned Pokemon. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit, Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr like the former mentioned Pokemon weakened to have an easier time breaking through the opposing team. (good, ty for mentioning how absol helps these pokemon)

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

Pursuit can be used to force mindgames against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off, it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that can barely do anything to Absol like Sableye and Bronzor which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail can lure Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy to effectively remove them from the game when boosted, but its Accuracy is what holds it back, Steelium Z can be ran if missing with Iron Tail is a big concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis which prevent Absol from punching holes into the opposing team or sweep, it also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance easier. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a move which it doesn't want to. (good)

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

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves, Gurdurr can switch in once on Play Rough and threaten it with Mach Punch while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, Togetic, and Clefairy can switch in on any move from Absol but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off since it greatly cuts into their bulk. (clefairy can actually have a rather tough time against absol, depending on the set)

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis from Pokemon like Qwilfish, Weezing, and Miltank can cut in to Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak properly. (some pokemon like miltank have to be wary of coverage like superpower)

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, Qwilfish, and Regirock can check Absol, however they don't like their items removed by Knock Off and once weakened enough they can be KOd by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get worn down and KOd by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Ice Shard from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan. Absol also has to watch out for Mach Punch users like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr because they can take a huge chunk out of its health.
Nice. Good work. QC 3/3
zLEEVv9.gif
 
add
remove
comment
Absol has a fearsome Attack stat, which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch into,(RC).(AP) it It also has good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr, respectively. It also has access to Swords Dance to further its wallbreaking potential, and Sucker Punch, which makes it a very useful tool against offense offensive Pokemon and can often sweep with it after a boost. [However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat,(AC); it also gives Absol a good match up against offensive archetypes because of their frail Pokemon, which Absol can take out with a boosted Sucker Punch.] So at first you say there are downsides to Sucker Punch, then say it "also" is good due to a reason you mentioned earlier, so it seems repetitive. Unfortunately, Sucker Punch is very unreliable because it can which can be played around with status passive moves like Will-O-Wisp and Substitute from Pokemon like Misdreavus and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. It also Absol (repetition) sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank; the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle, while the latter [brings a lot more to a team] (maybe more specific?) and is a lot more splashable. Due to Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get KOd throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Superpower / Play Rough
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Qwilfish and Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power to let,(AC) granting Absol powerful priority get through faster Pokemon. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foe'(RAP)s like Gurdurr, Qwilfish, and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel, which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Superpower allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Shiftryl, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate for Super Effective damage. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for better greater damage, as opposed to than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. Play Rough [also hits Dark-types such as Shiftry, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate]hits the aforementioned Dark-types without having to deal with the Attack and Defense drop from Superpower, (since you already mentioned them) while also being able to hitting troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage[; however it can't stay in on any Fighting-types because they can easily threaten it with their STAB moves.] Since you mention this same point below, you can probably delete this and replace the semicolon with a period.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment and Maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximizes Absol's wallbreaking potential,(RC).(AP) A a Jolly nature allows Absol to speed tie with positively natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks.(RP) ,(AC) while Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke with 140 BP and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off easier for a free boost without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to clean up later, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker attacks that are resisted or attacks that it's immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Alolan Raticate, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch. VoltTurn is another way to get Absol in and prevent it from taking a hit, and switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z as Knock Off will not be boosted and Absol will receive an Attack boost from it will lose a chunk of its health but get a Justified boost. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, but be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and that Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever predicting Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, it can't stay in on these Fighting-types because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull,(AC) while also sponging Super Effective attacks for Absol. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Qwilfish and Weezing. [Steel and Poison-types like Ferroseed, Aggron, Qwilfish, and Weezing can check Fairy-types like Granbull and Silvally-Fairy for Absol, Poison-types can also switch into Fighting-type attacks for Absol.] You mention this earlier and it sounds a bit choppy, so I just added it to the first sentence. Pokemon like Primeape and Hitmonchan struggle against Ghost- and Psychic-types and appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types,(RC) ;(ASC) the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol; in return Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten the aforementioned Pokemon. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit,(Rc) .(AP) Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which otherwise greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr like the former mentioned Pokemon weakened to have an easier time breaking through the opposing team. are also good teammates for Absol. (sounds a bit confusing)

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

Pursuit can be used to force mind games against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu, which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off; it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that cannot touch can barely do anything to Absol like Sableye and Bronzor, which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail can lure Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy to effectively remove them from the game when boosted, but its Accuracycan be unreliable.(AP) is what holds it back,(RC) Steelium Z can be run if missing with Iron Tail is a concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis, which prevent Absol from punching holes into the opposing team or sweep, otherwise cripple Absol's seeping potential greatly.(AP) It it also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance easier. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a move, which it doesn't want to. slot, which is vital for Absol's coverage and overall usefulness.

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

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves; Gurdurr can switch into Play Rough once and threaten it with Mach Punch while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Togetic can switch in on any move from Absol but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy can also be used as a check but it tends to struggle against Absol if it's boosted. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off since it the loss of their Eviolite greatly cuts into their bulk.

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis from Pokemon like Qwilfish, Weezing, and Miltank can cut into Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak, but they have to be wary of Absol's coverage moves like Superpower, in Miltank's case.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, Qwilfish, and Regirock can check Absol, but they don't like their items removed by Knock Off and once weakened enough they can be KOd by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get worn down and KOd by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Ice Shard from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan,(AC) and the threatening Mach Punch from Hitmonchan and Gurdurr.. Absol also has to watch out for Mach Punch users like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr because they can take a huge chunk out of its health.
 
add
remove
comment
Absol has a fearsome Attack stat, which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch into. It also has good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr, respectively. It also has access to Swords Dance to further its wallbreaking potential, and Sucker Punch, which makes it a very useful tool against offensive Pokemon and can often sweep with it after a boost. [However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, which can be played around with passive moves like Will-O-Wisp and Substitute from Pokemon like Misdreavus and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. Absol sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank; the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle, while the latter brings a lot more utility to their team and is a lot more splashable. Due to Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get KOd throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Superpower / Play Rough
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Qwilfish and Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power, granting Absol powerful priority. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foe's like Gurdurr, Qwilfish, and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel, which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Superpower allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Shiftry, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate for Super Effective damage. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for greater damage, as opposed to Knock Off or Sucker Punch. Play Rough hits the aforementioned Dark-types without having to deal with the Attack and Defense drop from Superpower, while also hitting troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment and Maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximizes Absol's wallbreaking potential. A Jolly nature allows Absol to speed tie with positively natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks, while Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke with 140 BP and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off easier for a free boost without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to clean up later, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker attacks that are resisted or attacks that it's immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Alolan Raticate, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch. VoltTurn is another way to get Absol in and prevent it from taking a hit, and switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z as Knock Off will not be boosted and Absol will receive an Attack boost from Justified. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, but be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and that Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever predicting Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, it can't stay in on these Fighting-types because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull, while also sponging Super Effective attacks for Absol. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Qwilfish and Weezing. Pokemon like Primeape and Hitmonchan struggle against Ghost- and Psychic-types and appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types;the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol; in return Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten the aforementioned Pokemon. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit. Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which otherwise greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr are also good teammates for Absol.

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

Pursuit can be used to force mind games against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu, which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off; it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that cannot touch Absol like Sableye and Bronzor, which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail can lure Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy to effectively remove them from the game when boosted, but its Accuracy can be unreliable. Steelium Z can be run if missing with Iron Tail is a concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis, which otherwise cripple Absol's seeping potential greatly. It also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance easier. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a move slot, which is vital for Absol's coverage and overall usefulness.

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

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves; Gurdurr can switch into Play Rough once and threaten it with Mach Punch while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Togetic can switch in on any move from Absol but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy can also be used as a check but it tends to struggle against Absol if it's boosted. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off since the loss of their Eviolite greatly cuts into their bulk.

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis from Pokemon like Qwilfish, Weezing, and Miltank can cut Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak, but they have to be wary of Absol's coverage moves like Superpower, in Miltank's case.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, Qwilfish, and Regirock can check Absol, but they don't like their items removed by Knock Off and once weakened enough they can be KOd by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk it can easily get worn down and KOd by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Ice Shard from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan, and the threatening Mach Punch from Hitmonchan and Gurdurr.
implemented.
 

Mr. Uncompetitive

Ugh Cough! Cough! Splutter!
is a Contributor Alumnus
aight fuck reservations

GP 1/2

Additions, (AC) = add comma
Removals, (RC) = remove comma
Comments


[OVERVIEW]

Absol has a fearsome Attack stat, which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch into. It also has Its good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough allow it to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr, respectively. (two uses of "It also has" in a row :/) It also has access to Swords Dance to further its wallbreaking potential, (RC) and Sucker Punch, which makes it a very useful tool against offensive Pokemon and can often sweep with it after a boost. However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, which can be played around with passive moves like Will-O-Wisp and Substitute from Pokemon like Misdreavus and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. Absol sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank; the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle, while the latter brings a lot more utility to their team and is a lot more splashable. Due to Absol's lackluster bulk, (AC) it can easily get KOd throughout KOed during the match.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Superpower / Play Rough
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power, granting Absol powerful priority. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foe's foes like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel, which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Superpower allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Shiftry, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate for Super Effective super effective damage. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for greater damage, (RC) as opposed to than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. Play Rough hits the aforementioned Dark-types without having to deal with the Attack and Defense drop from Superpower, (RC)while also hitting troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment and Maximum maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximizes Absol's wallbreaking potential. A Jolly nature allows Absol to speed Speed tie with positively positive natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and outspeed (judging from PS speed checks...) neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks, while Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke with 140 BP Base Power and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off easier for a free boost more easily without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to clean up later, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker attacks that are resisted it resists or attacks that it's immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Alolan Raticate, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch. VoltTurn is another way to get Absol in and prevent it from taking a hit, and switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z, (AC) as Knock Off will not be boosted and Absol will receive an Attack boost from Justified. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, but be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and that Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot, (AC) making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever predicting you predict Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, it Absol can't stay in on these Fighting-types because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull, (RC) while also sponging Super Effective super effective attacks for Absol. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Weezing. Pokemon like Primeape and Hitmonchan struggle against Ghost- and Psychic-types and appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types;(add space)the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol; in return, (AC) Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten the aforementioned Pokemon. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit. (remove period) ; (add semicolon) Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which otherwise greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr are also good teammates for Absol it.

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

Pursuit can be used to force mind games against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu, which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off; it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that cannot touch Absol like Sableye and Bronzor, which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly, (AC) a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail can allows Absol to lure and KO Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy to effectively remove them from the game when boosted, but its Accuracy accuracy can be unreliable. Steelium Z can be run if missing with Iron Tail is a concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis, which otherwise cripple Absol's seeping sweeping potential greatly. (remove period) It, (AC) and italso lets Absol set up a Swords Danceeasiermore easily. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a move slot, (RC) whichthat is vital for Absol's coverage and overall usefulness.

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

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves; Gurdurr can switch into Play Rough once and threaten it with Mach Punch, (AC) while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Togetic can switch in on almost any move from Absol, (AC) but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy can also be used as a check, (AC) but it tends to struggle against Absol if it's boosted. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off, (AC) since the loss of their Eviolite greatly cuts into their bulk.

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis from Pokemon like Weezing and Miltank can cut Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak, but they these Pokemon have to be wary of Absol's coverage moves like Superpower, in Miltank's case.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, and Regirock can check Absol, but they don't like having their items removed by Knock Off and, (AC) once weakened enough, (AC) they can be KOd KOed by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk, (AC) it can easily get worn down and KOd KOed by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Ice Shard from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan (Kang doesn't get any of these moves and none of these mons get Ice Shard...), andthe threateningespeciallyMach Punch from Hitmonchan and Gurdurr.
 
aight fuck reservations

GP 1/2

Additions, (AC) = add comma
Removals, (RC) = remove comma
Comments


[OVERVIEW]

Absol has a fearsome Attack stat, which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch into. Its good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough allow it to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr, respectively. It also has access to Swords Dance to further its wallbreaking potential and Sucker Punch, which makes it a very useful tool against offensive Pokemon and can often sweep with it after a boost. However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, which can be played around with passive moves like Will-O-Wisp and Substitute from Pokemon like Misdreavus and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. Absol sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank; the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle, while the latter brings a lot more utility to their team and is a lot more splashable. Due to Absol's lackluster bulk, it can easily get during the match.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Superpower / Play Rough
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power, granting Absol powerful priority. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foes like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel, which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Superpower allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Shiftry, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate for super effective damage. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for greater damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. Play Rough hits the aforementioned Dark-types without having to deal with the Attack and Defense drop from Superpower while also hitting troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment and maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximizes Absol's wallbreaking potential. A Jolly nature allows Absol to Speed tie with positive natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and outspeed neutral natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks, while Darkinium Z gives Absol a one time nuke with 140 Base Power and allows Absol to switch in to Knock Off for a free boost more easily without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to clean up later, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker attacks that it resists or attacks that it's immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, or Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Alolan Raticate, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch. VoltTurn is another way to get Absol in and prevent it from taking a hit, and switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z, as Knock Off will not be boosted and Absol will receive an Attack boost from Justified. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, but be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and that Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot, making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever you predict Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, Absol can't stay in on these Fighting-types because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull, while also sponging super effective attacks for Absol. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Weezing. Pokemon like Primeape and Hitmonchan struggle against Ghost- and Psychic-types and appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of Ghost- and Psychic-types; the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol; in return, Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten the aforementioned Pokemon. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means it doesn't have to take a hit; Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which otherwise greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr are also good teammates for it.

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

Pursuit can be used to force mind games against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu, which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off; it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that cannot touch Absol like Sableye and Bronzor, which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly, a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail allows Absol to lure and KO Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy when boosted, but its accuracy can be unreliable. Steelium Z can be run if missing with Iron Tail is a concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid status ailments like a burn or paralysis, which otherwise cripple Absol's sweeping potential greatly, and it also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance more easily. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a move slot that is vital for Absol's coverage and overall usefulness.

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

**Fighting-Types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves; Gurdurr can switch into Play Rough once and threaten it with Mach Punch, while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-Types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Togetic can switch in on almost any move from Absol, but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy can also be used as a check, but it tends to struggle against Absol if it's boosted. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off, since the loss of their Eviolite greatly cuts into their bulk.

**Status** Status ailments like burn or paralysis from Pokemon like Weezing and Miltank can cut Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak, but these Pokemon have to be wary of Absol's coverage moves like Superpower, in Miltank's case.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, and Regirock can check Absol, but they don't like having their items removed by Knock Off and, once weakened enough, can be KOed by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk, (AC) it can easily get worn down and KOed by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Fake Out from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan, and especially Mach Punch from Hitmonchan and Gurdurr.
did
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
GP 2/2
add remove comment

[OVERVIEW]

Absol has a fearsome Attack stat, which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch into. Its good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough allow it to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr, respectively. It also has access to Swords Dance to further its wallbreaking potential and Sucker Punch, which makes it a very useful tool against offensive Pokemon and can often be used to sweep with it after a boost. However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, which can be played around with passive moves like Will-O-Wisp and Substitute from Pokemon like Misdreavus and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. Due to its lackluster bulk, Absol can easily get KOed throughout the match in general. Finally, Absol sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank; the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle, while the latter provides brings a lot more utility to their team and is a lot more easy to fit on a team splashable.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Superpower / Play Rough
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power, granting Absol powerful priority. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foes like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel, which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Superpower allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Shiftry, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate for super effective damage. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for greater damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. Play Rough hits the aforementioned Dark-types without having to deal with the Attack and Defense drops from Superpower while also hitting troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment and maximum Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximizes Absol's wallbreaking potential. A Jolly nature allows Absol to Speed tie with positive-natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and outspeed neutral-natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks, while Darkinium Z gives Absol a one-time nuke with 140 Base Power and allows Absol to switch into Knock Off for a free boost more easily without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to clean up later, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker attacks that it resists or attacks that it's immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, and Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Alolan Raticate, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch. VoltTurn is another way to get Absol in and prevent it from taking a hit, and switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z, as Knock Off will not be boosted and Absol will receive an Attack boost from Justified. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, but be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and that Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot, making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever you predict Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, Absol can't stay in on these Fighting-types because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull, (remove comma) while also sponging super effective attacks for Absol. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Weezing. Pokemon like Primeape and Hitmonchan struggle against Ghost- and Psychic-types and appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of the Ghost- and Psychic-types they struggle with (try to avoid repetition); the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol; in return, Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten them aforementioned Pokemon. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn because this means so it doesn't have to take a hit; Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which otherwise greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr are also good teammates for it.

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

Pursuit can be used to force mind games against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu, which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off; it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that cannot touch Absol like Sableye and Bronzor, which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly, a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail allows Absol to lure and KO Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy when boosted, but its accuracy can be unreliable. Steelium Z can be run if missing with Iron Tail is a concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid a status ailment ailments like a burn or paralysis, which otherwise cripples Absol's sweeping potential greatly, and it also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance more easily. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments as well like a burn or a paralysis, but this will mean Absol has to give up a moveslot that is vital for its Absol's coverage and overall usefulness.

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

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves; Gurdurr can switch into Play Rough once and threaten it with Mach Punch, while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Togetic can switch in on almost any move from Absol, but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy can also be used as a check, but it tends to struggle against Absol if it's boosted. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off, since the loss of their Eviolite greatly cuts into their bulk.

**Status**: Status ailments like burn and paralysis from Pokemon like Weezing and Miltank can cut Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak, but these Pokemon have to be wary of Absol's coverage moves like Superpower, in Miltank's case.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, and Regirock can check Absol, but they don't like having their items removed by Knock Off and, once weakened enough, can be KOed by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk, (AC) (make sure to remove all comments) it can easily get worn down and KOed by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Fake Out from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan, and especially Mach Punch from Hitmonchan and Gurdurr.
 
Last edited:
GP 2/2
add
remove comment

[OVERVIEW]

Absol has a fearsome Attack stat, which in conjunction with Knock Off makes it very hard to switch into. Its good coverage options in Superpower and Play Rough allow it to hit Steel-, Dark-, and Fighting-types like Ferroseed, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, and Gurdurr. It also has access to Swords Dance to further its wallbreaking potential and Sucker Punch, which makes it a very useful tool against offensive Pokemon and can often be used to sweep after a boost. However, Absol relies greatly on Sucker Punch to outspeed faster Pokemon because of its rather lacking base 75 Speed stat, which can be played around with passive moves like Will-O-Wisp and Substitute from Pokemon like Misdreavus and Oricorio-G. It's also still easily revenge killed by Pokemon like Silvally-Fairy and Passimian, which don't care about Sucker Punch. Due to its lackluster bulk, Absol can easily get KOed throughout the match in general. Finally, Absol sees heavy competition as a Dark-type for a team slot due to the presence of Alolan Raticate and Skuntank; the former has a lot more power behind its moves thanks to Hustle, while the latter provides a lot more utility and is a lot more easy to fit on a team.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Superpower / Play Rough
item: Life Orb / Darkinium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance allows Absol to plow through defensive walls like Weezing and boosts Sucker Punch's power, granting Absol powerful priority. Knock Off is Absol's best STAB move and removes items from foes like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. Sucker Punch lets Absol handle faster Pokemon like Pyroar, Alolan Raichu, and Floatzel, which can threaten Absol because of how frail and slow it is. Superpower allows Absol to hit Dark-types like Shiftry, Alolan Persian, and Alolan Raticate for super effective damage. It also hits Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron, Ferroseed, and Regirock for greater damage than Knock Off or Sucker Punch. Play Rough hits the aforementioned Dark-types without having to deal with the Attack and Defense drops from Superpower while also hitting troublesome Fighting-types like Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr for a good amount of damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment in conjunction with an Adamant nature maximizes Absol's wallbreaking potential. A Jolly nature allows Absol to Speed tie with positive-natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and outspeed neutral-natured base 85 Speed Pokemon like Pinsir. Justified gives Absol an Attack boost whenever it gets hit by a Dark-type move like Knock Off. Life Orb further enhances Absol's damage output at the cost of 1/10th of its HP every turn it attacks, while Darkinium Z gives Absol a one-time nuke with 140 Base Power and allows Absol to switch into Knock Off for a free boost more easily without the risk of losing its item.

Usage Tips
========

Use Absol to punch holes early- to mid-game if this allows a teammate of Absol to clean up later, but Sucker Punch in conjunction with Swords Dance can be useful to pull off a late-game sweep if the opposing team has been weakened. Get Absol in on weaker attacks that it resists or attacks that it's immune to like Knock Off, Psyshock, and Psychic from Pokemon like Shiftry, Alolan Raticate, and Mesprit to get a turn to set up or use Sucker Punch. VoltTurn is another way to get Absol in and prevent it from taking a hit, and switching into Knock Off is especially useful if Absol is carrying Darkinium Z, as Knock Off will not be boosted and Absol will receive an Attack boost from Justified. Absol can switch in on passive Pokemon like Sableye to threaten the opposing team with Knock Off or set up a Swords Dance to sweep or weaken the opposing team for its teammates. Try to force Pokemon like Mesprit and Alolan Raichu out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep if its checks and counters are weakened, but be aware that Mesprit can run Colbur Berry and that Alolan Raichu can play around Sucker Punch with Nasty Plot, making it very threatening if Absol runs out of Sucker Punch PP. Use Play Rough whenever you predict Fighting- or Dark-types like Gurdurr, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Alolan Persian, and Absol to switch in. However, Absol can't stay in on these Fighting-types because they can and most likely will threaten it with their respective STAB moves.

Team Options
========

Pokemon like Ferroseed and Weezing can set up entry hazards to wear down many of Absol's common switch-ins like Hitmonchan, Silvally-Fairy, and Granbull while also sponging super effective attacks for Absol. Absol can also take advantage of Psychic-types that might want to switch in on Weezing. Pokemon like Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate Absol's ability to take advantage of the Ghost- and Psychic-types they struggle with; the former can also bring in Absol via U-turn. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks like Musharna, Mesprit, and Oricorio-G greatly benefit Absol; in return, Absol can take advantage of Ghost-types that can threaten them. Absol likes to be brought in via slow VoltTurn so it doesn't have to take a hit; Pokemon like Lanturn, Eelektross, and Mesprit can fill this role. Clerics like Clefairy, Lanturn, and Healing Wish Mesprit can remove status ailments like burn and paralysis from Absol, which otherwise greatly cripple it. Pokemon that appreciate Absol's ability to weaken Qwilfish, Weezing, and Tangela like Primeape, Archeops, and Gurdurr are also good teammates for it.

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

Pursuit can be used to force mind games against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, Jynx, Musharna, and Alolan Raichu, which may try to switch out fearing Sucker Punch or Knock Off; it's also useful to take a chunk out of certain Pokemon that cannot touch Absol like Sableye and Bronzor, which will want to switch out. A set utilizing a Choice Scarf can be used to naturally outspeed Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Mesprit, but this will mean Absol has to give up its ability to pick off teams with Swords Dance and Sucker Punch. Similarly, a set utilizing a Choice Band can be used for immediate power, but Absol will lose out on freely switching up moves. Iron Tail allows Absol to lure and KO Clefairy, Togetic, and Silvally-Fairy when boosted, but its accuracy can be unreliable. Steelium Z can be run if missing with Iron Tail is a concern. Lum Berry can be used to avoid a status ailment like a burn or paralysis, which otherwise cripples Absol's sweeping potential greatly, and it also lets Absol set up a Swords Dance more easily. Substitute can ease up prediction and avoid status ailments as well, but this will mean Absol has to give up a moveslot that is vital for its coverage and overall usefulness.

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

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr can all threaten Absol with their respective STAB moves; Gurdurr can switch into Play Rough once and threaten it with Mach Punch, while Hitmonchan and Primeape can revenge kill it.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy, Granbull, and Togetic can switch in on almost any move from Absol, but they have to be wary of the rare Iron Tail. Clefairy can also be used as a check, but it tends to struggle against Absol if it's boosted. Clefairy and Togetic also have to watch out for Knock Off, since the loss of their Eviolite greatly cuts into their bulk.

**Status**: Status ailments like burn and paralysis from Pokemon like Weezing and Miltank can cut Absol's power or Speed, crippling its ability to wallbreak, but these Pokemon have to be wary of Absol's coverage moves like Superpower, in Miltank's case.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon like Tangela, Weezing, and Regirock can check Absol, but they don't like having their items removed by Knock Off and, once weakened enough, can be KOed by a boosted Knock Off. Regirock also has to watch out for Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Because of Absol's lackluster bulk, it can easily get worn down and KOed by common priority moves like Aqua Jet and Fake Out from Pokemon like Floatzel and Kangaskhan, and especially Mach Punch from Hitmonchan and Gurdurr.
did
 

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

Top