RU Escavalier

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JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
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[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows it to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can find multiple opportunities to switch into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by the majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Venusaur will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of recovery outside of Leftovers, which, combined with its low Speed and its tendency to switch into resisted hits and entry hazards, makes it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier faces immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to the latter's better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and greater versatility. It also competes with Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to Golisopod's access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for moves from Choice item Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap and chip down Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin. Knock Off, alternatively, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding the 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming Escavalier uses Protect once for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming Megahorn, which is very powerful but risks missing, or Iron Head, which picks up KOs more safely and hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take Megahorn. Use Protect to scout for moves from Choice item Pokemon, especially Trick and Switcheroo from Gardevoir and Noivern, and give Escavalier a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, and Venusaur, and it allows Escavalier to take less damage from Z-Moves. Pursuit should be used to trap Bronzong and frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, like Shaymin and Gardevoir Choice locked into their respective STAB moves. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo, and its teammates should make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Pokemon such as Roserade, Salazzle, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to pivot into and Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier by setting up entry hazards, while Passimian can provide U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can support Escavalier by taking care of bulky Water-types that it doesn't threaten. Knock Off sponges such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier by allowing it to keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy, since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay in against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, and Mega Sceptile lacking Hidden Power Fire. Knock Off can deal solid damage to and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread, Escavalier outspeeds uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin and Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot, since this set lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set; Megahorn has absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip down foes that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, and Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 and Registeel. Drill Run should be used to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak off guard(RH) as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types, such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, or Snorlax, is required when running Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended, since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Setup sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weakening the opposition so they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking Fire-type attacks aimed at it, which is helpful because of its lack of Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can also set entry hazards to limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by letting it switch into battle more often.

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

An alternative EV spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe on the tank set allows Escavalier to hit much harder and outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax. This, however, comes at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk can make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but it requires too much support to function well. Toxic can catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard, but Escavalier's other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types and Fire-type Coverage**: Escavalier's very low Speed and 4x weakness to Fire mean that it is always forced out by Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine as well as Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves, however.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks from Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose their items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [banks, 379208], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [Rabia, 336073]]
 
Last edited:


[OVERVIEW]

  • Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat, powerful STAB moves, great defensive typing, and solid bulk that allow it to pivot into offensive Pokemon like Gadevoir, Shaymin, and Noivern, noivern's a weird mention when escav can switch in better vs some mons and vern can potentially take it on, use a diff mon and begin wallbreaking.
  • Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier to trap faster Choice-locked Pokemon like Shaymin, Gardevoir, and Swellow. repetition with the same two mons
  • While it sounds amazing, this is just awkward wording, "it" is vague and can allude to a lot of things like it's speed stat, just say something like "despite escavalier's advantages" or something along those lines Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by a majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill.
  • This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade will always force it out.
  • Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of Recovery outside of Leftovers, which combined with its low Speed and constant switching into resisted hits and entry hazards make it easy to wear down.
  • Finally, Escavalier has immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to its better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and versatility. It also faces competes against Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to its access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.
this overview is kind of doing this mon a lot of injustice, it is outclassed yes but there's really only 2 positive bullets here and the rest are negative, i'd do some reworking for accuracy of viability

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

  • Megahorn is Escavalier's most powerful STAB move, punching holes in anything that doesn't resist it.
  • Iron Head is a safe move to spam due to its better accuracy and hurts Pokemon that can resist Megahorn such as Rhyperior, rhyp doesn't resist bug Diancie, and Florges.
  • Protect allows Escavalier to scout for Choice-locked Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery.
  • Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap Pokemon such as Choice-locked Noivern, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin for important chip damage.
  • Knock Off, meanwhile, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

  • The given spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding a 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it goes for Protect for Leftovers recovery.
  • An alternative spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe allows Escavalier to hit much harder and allows it to outspeed uninvested base 30 Pokemon like Slowbro or Snorlax. This does come at the cost of Escavalier's bulk.

Usage Tips
========

  • Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Nidoqueen lacking Fire Blast. lo ep is still doing a lot, there's a multitude of mons escav walls better
  • Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn for a very powerful hit but risks missing, or Iron Head for better KO confirms and it hits targets like Florges, Diancie, and Rhyperior that can take a Megahorn.
  • Use Protect to check for potential Choice-locked Pokemon, Trick, or Switcheroo from the likes of Gardevoir and Noivern and to give it a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Roserade, Necrozma, or Venusaur, and it allows it to take less damage from Z-Move users. necro is basically always running heat wave
  • Pursuit should be used against Pokemon like Bronzong or frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, primarily Pokemon like Shaymin or Gardevoir locked into a STAB move.
  • Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo and it needs to make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

  • Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier.
  • Ironically, Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Salazzle also likes Escavalier's ability to pivot into Psychic-types and threaten them. mention trapping them
  • Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit-trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further increase Escavalier's offensive output by setting Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively, while Passimian can give U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely.
  • Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can give Escavalier support by taking care of bulky Water-types that it otherwise doesn't threaten.
  • A Knock Off sponge such as Mega Blastoise and Z-move Virizion and Raikou can also help Escavalier so that it can keep its Leftovers.
  • Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

  • Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, or Synthesis Roserade.
  • Knock Off can deal solid damage and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2.
  • Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard, as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

  • With the given spread and a Choice Band, Escavalier is a threatening wallbreaker that outspeeds uninvested base 30 Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin or Nidoqeen without Fire Blast.

Usage Tips
========

  • Choice Band Escavalier is a wallbreaker that requires good prediction skills to use. kind of contradictory with your other section of the analysis when you say "Megahorn... punching holes in anything that doesn't resist it." So cb megahorn is obviously going to be strong against most, so just state prediction is required if you wish to catch out a specific mon with something like pursuit or drill run
  • While Escavalier can still pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot since it lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides.
  • Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set. Megahorn provides absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy.
  • Use Pursuit to chip opponents that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Synthesis Roserade, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, or Bronzong.
  • If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 or Registeel.
  • Drill Run should primarily be ran if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team. If so, it should only be used as a lure to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move.
  • Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

  • A check to Fire-types such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and Snorlax should be considered when runnig Escavalier.
  • Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely.
  • Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage.
  • Set up sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types.
  • Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it since it doesn't use Leftovers.
  • Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit-trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can aslo sety entry hazards to heighten Escavalier's offensive presence.
  • Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by removing entry hazards, giving it a better defensive presence.

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

  • A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk could make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but requires too much support to function.
  • Toxic could catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard, but its other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types**: Escavalier's very low speed and 4x weakness to Fire-types means that it is always forced out by Pokemon such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine, as well as Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that can resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also stay in and punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose thier items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
2/3
 
View attachment 198575
**art by me**
[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Virizion, Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. +2 252 Atk Virizion Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Escavalier: 292-345 (84.8 - 100.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery mention something else Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Synthesis Roserade, and Swellow. mention gardevoir over swellow- and you can run hp fire synth rose (p rare though), just say non hp fire rose Escavalier can also find multiple attempts to switch into battle because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk, which allows it to pivot directly into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by a majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of Recovery outside of Leftovers, which combined with its low Speed and constant switching into resisted hits and entry hazards make it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier has immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to its better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and versatility. It also faces competes against Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to its access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Megahorn is Escavalier's most powerful STAB move, punching holes in anything that doesn't resist it. Iron Head is a safe move to spam due to its better accuracy and hurts Pokemon that can resist Megahorn such as Machamp, Mimagius, and Diancie. fluff Protect allows Escavalier to scout for Choice-locked Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap Pokemon such as Choice-locked Noivern, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin mention something else over vern for important chip damage. Knock Off, meanwhile, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro. regi is important

Set Details
========

The given spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding a 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it goes for Protect for Leftovers recovery. An alternative spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe allows Escavalier to hit much harder and allows it to outspeed uninvested base 30 Pokemon like Slowbro or Snorlax. This does come at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. idk if i wanted more power id just run cb, drop this to oo at best

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn for a very powerful hit but risks missing, or Iron Head for better KO confirms and it hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take a Megahorn. Use Protect to check for potential Choice-locked Pokemon, Trick, or Switcheroo from the likes of Gardevoir and Noivern and to give it a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, or Venusaur, and it allows it to take less damage from Z-Move users. Pursuit should be used against Pokemon like Bronzong or frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, primarily Pokemon like Shaymin or Gardevoir locked into a STAB move. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo and it needs to make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Salazzle also likes Escavalier's ability to pivot into Psychic-types and Pursuit trap them. Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit-trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further increase Escavalier's offensive output by setting Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively, while Passimian can give U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can give Escavalier support by taking care of bulky Water-types that it otherwise doesn't threaten. A Knock Off sponge such as Mega Blastoise and Z-move Virizion and Raikou can also help Escavalier so that it can keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy since it lacks a reliable method of recovery. i wouldnt consider stoise and raikou "knock off sponges", if running z raikou wants to avoid chip and stoise is already pretty vulnerable to being worn down

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, or Synthesis Roserade. Knock Off can deal solid damage and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard, as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen and Toxicroak. it kills steels too

Set Details
========

With the given spread and a Choice Band, Escavalier is a threatening wallbreaker that outspeeds uninvested base 30 Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin or Nidoqeen without Fire Blast. 252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoqueen Earth Power vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Escavalier: 165-196 (50.9 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO , another example

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can still pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot since it lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set. Megahorn provides absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip opponents that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Synthesis Roserade, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, or Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 or Registeel. Drill Run should primarily be ran if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team. If so, it should only be used as a lure to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and Snorlax should be considered when runnig Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Set up sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it since it doesn't use Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit-trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can aslo sety entry hazards to heighten Escavalier's offensive presence. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by removing entry hazards, giving it a better defensive presence.

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

A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk could make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but requires too much support to function. Toxic could catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard, but its other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types**: Escavalier's very low speed and 4x weakness to Fire-types means that it is always forced out by Pokemon such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine, as well as Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that can resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also stay in and punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose thier items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [banks, 379208], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

qc 3/3
 

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
View attachment 198575
**art by me**
[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade without Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can also find multiple attempts to switch into battle because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk, which allows it to pivot directly into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by a majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of Recovery outside of Leftovers, which combined with its low Speed and constant switching into resisted hits and entry hazards make it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier has immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to its better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and versatility. It also faces competes against Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to its access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for Choice-locked Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin for important chip damage. Knock Off, meanwhile, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding a 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it goes for Protect for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn for a very powerful hit but risks missing, or Iron Head for better KO confirms and it hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take a Megahorn. Use Protect to check for potential Choice-locked Pokemon, Trick, or Switcheroo from the likes of Gardevoir and Noivern and to give it a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, or Venusaur, and it allows it to take less damage from Z-Move users. Pursuit should be used against Pokemon like Bronzong or frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, primarily Pokemon like Shaymin or Gardevoir locked into a STAB move. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo and it needs to make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Salazzle also likes Escavalier's ability to pivot into Psychic-types and Pursuit trap them. Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit-trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further increase Escavalier's offensive output by setting Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively, while Passimian can give U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can give Escavalier support by taking care of bulky Water-types that it otherwise doesn't threaten. A Knock Off sponge such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier so that it can keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, or Synthesis Roserade. Knock Off can deal solid damage and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard, as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given spread and a Choice Band, Escavalier is a threatening wallbreaker that outspeeds uninvested base 30 Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin or Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can still pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot since it lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set. Megahorn provides absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip opponents that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Synthesis Roserade, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, or Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 or Registeel. Drill Run should primarily be ran if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team. If so, it should only be used as a lure to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and Snorlax should be considered when runnig Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Set up sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it since it doesn't use Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit-trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can aslo sety entry hazards to heighten Escavalier's offensive presence. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by removing entry hazards, giving it a better defensive presence.

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

An alternative spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe allows Escavalier to hit much harder and allows it to outspeed uninvested base 30 Pokemon like Slowbro or Snorlax. This, however, does come at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk could make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but requires too much support to function. Toxic could catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard, but its other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types**: Escavalier's very low speed and 4x weakness to Fire-types means that it is always forced out by Pokemon such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine, as well as Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that can resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also stay in and punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose thier items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [banks, 379208], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

qc 3/3
Did this, too. I think I'm ready for GP.
 

bigtalk

Banned deucer.
Nice work! AMGP check, implement what you want. Most of it was good, in general though try to use 'and' instead of 'or' when listing out Pokemon.

add remove (comment)
(AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; AH=add hyphen; RH=remove hyphen; AP=add period; SC=semicolon)
[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade without lacking (makes it clearer this applies to roserade and not escavalier) Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can also find multiple attempts opportunities to switch into battle Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk, which allows it to pivot directly into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon (first part is repetitive). Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by a the majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of recovery outside of Leftovers, which, (AC) when combined with its low Speed and constant switching its tendency to switch into resisted hits and entry hazards, (AC) make it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier has faces immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to its the latter's better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and greater (parallelism) versatility. It also faces competes against with Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to its Golisipod's access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin for important chip damage. Knock Off, meanwhile alternatively, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding a 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it goes for uses (subjective change) Protect once for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn, (AC) for which is a very powerful hit but one that risks missing, or Iron Head, (AC) for better KO confirms which picks up KOs more safely and it hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take a Megahorn. Use Protect to check for potential Choice-locked Pokemon, Trick, or Switcheroo from the likes of Gardevoir and Noivern (i had a couple of issues with this section, a. "use Protect to check for potential Choice-locked Pokemon" makes it sound like you're trying to say that using protect can tell you whether the opposing mon is choiced, when you're really trying to say it can check the opposing mon's *moves*, b. i would only advise ppl to use protect if they *know* the opposing mon is choiced because you don't want something setting up dd for free example, c. trick and switcheroo are moves that come from choiced mons, so they shouldn't be treated as separate points) scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon, especially Trick and Switcheroo from Gardevoir and Noivern, and to give it Escavalier a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, or and Venusaur, and it allows it Escavalier to take less damage from Z-Move users Z-Moves. Pursuit should be used against Pokemon like Bronzong or and frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, primarily Pokemon like Shaymin or Gardevoir locked into a STAB move their respective STAB moves. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo and it needs to its teammates should make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Salazzle also likes Escavalier's ability to pivot into Psychic-types and Pursuit trap them. (it's preferable to just mention it again instead of repeating it in the next sentence) Pokemon such as Roserade, Salazzle, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to pivot into and Pursuit trap (RH) Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further increase Escavalier's offensive output ("increasing damage output" would mean something that raises escavalier's attack stat) limit the ability of the opponent to switch into Escavalier by setting Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively, while Passimian can give provide U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can give Escavalier support support Escavalier by taking care of bulky Water-types that it otherwise doesn't threaten. A Knock Off sponge Knock Off sponges (subjective: change to "absorbers") such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier so that it can by allowing it to keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, or and Synthesis Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire. Knock Off can deal solid damage to and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard, as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread and a Choice Band, Escavalier is a threatening wallbreaker that (unnecessary) outspeeds uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin or and Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can still pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot since it this set lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set; (SC) Megahorn provides has absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip opponents that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Synthesis Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, or and Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 or and Registeel. Drill Run should primarily be ran run if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team. If so, it should only be used as a lure to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak off guard as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and Snorlax should be considered (last section you said it was practically mandatory; here you're saying it "should be considered" ???) when runnig running (typo) Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Set up Setup sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it, (AC) which is helpful since it doesn't use Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit trap (RH) Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can aslo sety also set (typos) entry hazards to heighten Escavalier's offensive presence limit the ability of the opponent to switch into Escavalier (same comment as before). Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by removing entry hazards, (repetitive) giving it a better defensive presence letting it switch into battle more often.

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

An alternative spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe on the tank set allows Escavalier to hit much harder and allows it to (repetition) outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro or and Snorlax. This, however, does come at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk could can make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but requires too much support to function well. Toxic could can catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard, but its Escavalier's other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types**: Escavalier's very low Speed and 4x weakness to Fire-types Fire means that it is always forced out by Pokemon such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine, as well as Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves, (AC) however.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that can resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also stay in and punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose thier their (typo) items to Knock Off.
 

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
Nice work! AMGP check, implement what you want. Most of it was good, in general though try to use 'and' instead of 'or' when listing out Pokemon.

add remove (comment)
(AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; AH=add hyphen; RH=remove hyphen; AP=add period; SC=semicolon)
[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can also find multiple opportunities to switch into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by the majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Venusaur will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of recovery outside of Leftovers, which, when combined with its low Speed and its tendency to switch into resisted hits and entry hazards, make it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier faces immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to the latter's better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and greater versatility. It also competes with Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to Golisipod's access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin for important chip damage. Knock Off, alternatively, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding a 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it uses Protect once for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn, which is a very powerful hit but one that risks missing, or Iron Head, which picks up KOs more safely and hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take Megahorn. Use Protect to scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon, especially Trick and Switcheroo from Gardevoir and Noivern, and to give Escavalier a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, and Venusaur, and it allows Escavalier to take less damage from Z-Moves. Pursuit should be used against Bronzong and frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, like Shaymin or Gardevoir locked into their respective STAB moves. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo and its teammates should make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Pokemon such as Roserade, Salazzle, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to pivot into and Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further limit the ability of the opponent to switch into Escavalier by setting Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively, while Passimian can provide U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can support Escavalier by taking care of bulky Water-types that it doesn't threaten. Knock Off sponges such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier by allowing it to keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, and Mega Sceptile lacking Hidden Power Fire. Knock Off can deal solid damage to and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard, as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread, Escavalier outspeeds uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin and Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can still pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot since this set lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set; Megahorn has absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip opponents that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, and Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 and Registeel. Drill Run should primarily be run if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team. If so, it should be used as a lure to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak off guard as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and Snorlax is required when running Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Setup sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it, which is helpful since it doesn't use Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can also set entry hazards to limit the ability of the opponent to switch into Escavalier. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by letting it switch into battle more often.

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

An alternative spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe on the tank set allows Escavalier to hit much harder and outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax. This, however, does come at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk can make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but requires too much support to function well. Toxic can catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard, but its Escavalier's other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types**: Escavalier's very low Speed and 4x weakness to Fire means that it is always forced out by Pokemon such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine, as well as Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves, however.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose their items to Knock Off.
I went ahead and implemented all of this. Thank you so much, my man.
 

Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
add remove comment
View attachment 198575
**art by me**

[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can also find multiple opportunities to switch into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by the majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Venusaur will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of recovery outside of Leftovers, which, when combined with its low Speed and its tendency to switch into resisted hits and entry hazards, make makes it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier faces immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to the latter's better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and greater versatility. It also competes with Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to Golisipod's Golisopod's access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap and chip down Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin for important chip damage. (phrasing) Knock Off, alternatively, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding a the 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it uses Protect once for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn, which is a very powerful hit but one that risks missing, or Iron Head, which picks up KOs more safely and hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take Megahorn. Use Protect to scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon, especially Trick and Switcheroo from Gardevoir and Noivern, and to give Escavalier a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, and Venusaur, and it allows Escavalier to take less damage from Z-Moves. Pursuit should be used against Bronzong and frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, like Shaymin or and Gardevoir locked into their respective STAB moves. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo and its teammates should make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Pokemon such as Roserade, Salazzle, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to pivot into and Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further limit the ability of the opponent foes to switch into Escavalier by setting Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively up entry hazards, (If you think "respectively" is necessary for clarification, then you can keep it.) while Passimian can provide U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can support Escavalier by taking care of bulky Water-types that it doesn't threaten. Knock Off sponges such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier by allowing it to keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy, (AC) since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay in against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, and Mega Sceptile lacking Hidden Power Fire. Knock Off can deal solid damage to (Unless it actually does meaningful damage to Porygon2 and Registeel) and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off- (AH)guard, as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread, Escavalier outspeeds uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin and Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can still pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot, (AC) since this set lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set; Megahorn has absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip opponents down foes that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, and Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 and Registeel. Drill Run should primarily be run if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team. If so, it should be used as a lure (Drill Run does not lure foes; Escavalier does) to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak off-(AH)guard as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and Snorlax is required when running Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended, (AC) since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Setup sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it, which is helpful since it doesn't use because of its lack of ("since" in a temporal sense needs a preceding comma, so I phrased it this way; consider it a somewhat subjective change though) Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can also set entry hazards to limit the ability of the opponent foes to switch into Escavalier. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by letting it switch into battle more often.

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

An alternative EV spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe on the tank set allows Escavalier to hit much harder and outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax. This, however, does come comes at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk can make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but it requires too much support to function well. Toxic can catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off-(AH)guard, but its Escavalier's other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types and Fire-type Coverage**: Escavalier's very low Speed and 4x weakness to Fire means mean that it is always forced out by Pokemon such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine, as well as Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves, however.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose their items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [banks, 379208], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Bigtalk, you did a great job cleaning up the prose and wordiness, as you often do. You even cut down on the unnecessary changes! I only found two; "a STAB move" and "give Escavalier support" were probably fine as is. Some more feedback:
  • Off-guard is hyphenated; it's not an adverb + adjective situation.
  • When using "since" in a temporal sense, the preceding word always needs a comma.
  • Stay aware of the subject-verb agreement; see the intro and the checks/counters section.
  • You made one incorrect change. The opponent (opposing player) does not switch into battle; the Pokemon (foes) do. Also, I'm not sure if Knock Off on the Choice Band set does meaningful damage to defensive Pokemon like Registeel. (If it does, then adding "to" was fine. If it doesn't, then you should have left it.)
A huge improvement nonetheless, though. With a little more polish, you'll be there! The bulk of your check was good, so I will give it a stamp.
GP 1/2
 
Last edited:

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
add remove comment
View attachment 198575
**art by me**

[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can find multiple opportunities to switch into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by the majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Venusaur will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of recovery outside of Leftovers, which, when combined with its low Speed and its tendency to switch into resisted hits and entry hazards, makes it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier faces immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to the latter's better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and greater versatility. It also competes with Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to Golisopod's access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap and chip down Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin. Knock Off, alternatively, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding the 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it uses Protect once for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn, which is very powerful but risks missing, or Iron Head, which picks up KOs more safely and hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take Megahorn. Use Protect to scout for moves from Choice-locked Pokemon, especially Trick and Switcheroo from Gardevoir and Noivern, and to give Escavalier a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, and Venusaur, and it allows Escavalier to take less damage from Z-Moves. Pursuit should be used against Bronzong and frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, like Shaymin and Gardevoir locked into their respective STAB moves. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo and its teammates should make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Pokemon such as Roserade, Salazzle, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to pivot into and Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier by setting up entry hazards, while Passimian can provide U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can support Escavalier by taking care of bulky Water-types that it doesn't threaten. Knock Off sponges such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier by allowing it to keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy, since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay in against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, and Mega Sceptile lacking Hidden Power Fire. Knock Off can deal solid damage and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off-guard, as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread, Escavalier outspeeds uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin and Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot, since this set lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set; Megahorn has absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip down foes that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, and Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 and Registeel. Drill Run should primarily be run if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team. If so, it should be used to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak off-guard as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and Snorlax is required when running Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended, since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Setup sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it, which is helpful because of its lack of Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can also set entry hazards to limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by letting it switch into battle more often.

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

An alternative EV spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe on the tank set allows Escavalier to hit much harder and outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax. This, however, comes at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk can make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but it requires too much support to function well. Toxic can catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off-guard, but Escavalier's other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types and Fire-type Coverage**: Escavalier's very low Speed and 4x weakness to Fire mean that it is always forced out by Pokemon such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine, as well as Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves, however.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose their items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [banks, 379208], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [, ]]
Bigtalk, you did a great job cleaning up the prose and wordiness, as you often do. You even cut down on the unnecessary changes! I only found two; "a STAB move" and "give Escavalier support" were probably fine as is. Some more feedback:
  • Off-guard is hyphenated; it's not an adverb + adjective situation.
  • When using "since" in a temporal sense, the preceding word always needs a comma.
  • Stay aware of the subject-verb agreement; see the intro and the checks/counters section.
  • You made one incorrect change. The opponent (opposing player) does not switch into battle; the Pokemon (foes) do. Also, I'm not sure if Knock Off on the Choice Band set does meaningful damage to defensive Pokemon like Registeel. (If it does, then adding "to" was fine. If it doesn't, then you should have left it.)
A huge improvement nonetheless, though. With a little more polish, you'll be there! The bulk of your check was good, so I will give it a stamp.
GP 1/2
Did this. Thank you again, Empress.
 

Rabia

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comments

[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows Escavalier it to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can find multiple opportunities to switch into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by the majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Venusaur will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of recovery outside of Leftovers, which, when combined with its low Speed and its tendency to switch into resisted hits and entry hazards, makes it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier faces immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to the latter's better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and greater versatility. It also competes with Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to Golisopod's access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for moves from Choice-locked Choice item (you don't need to scout a foe that's already Choice locked) Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap and chip down Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin. Knock Off, alternatively, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding the 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming it Escavalier (eh, this change reduces ambiguity I guess) uses Protect once for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming either Megahorn, which is very powerful but risks missing, or Iron Head, which picks up KOs more safely and hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take Megahorn. Use Protect to scout for moves from Choice-locked Choice item Pokemon, especially Trick and Switcheroo from Gardevoir and Noivern, and to give Escavalier a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, and Venusaur, and it allows Escavalier to take less damage from Z-Moves. Pursuit should be used against to trap (clarity) Bronzong and frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, like Shaymin and Gardevoir Choice locked into their respective STAB moves. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo,(AC) and its teammates should make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Pokemon such as Roserade, Salazzle, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to pivot into and Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier by setting up entry hazards, while Passimian can provide U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can support Escavalier by taking care of bulky Water-types that it doesn't threaten. Knock Off sponges such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier by allowing it to keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy, since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay in against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, and Mega Sceptile lacking Hidden Power Fire. Knock Off can deal solid damage to and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard(RH),(RC) as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread, Escavalier outspeeds uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin and Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot, since this set lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set; Megahorn has absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip down foes that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, and Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 and Registeel. Drill Run should primarily be run if Fire-types are a big issue for Escavalier's team.(this is not a usage tip, though I guess you should run it by ru qc to see if they want the information kept but moved to an appropriate location) If so, it Drill Run should be used to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak off guard(RH) as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types,(AC) such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, and or Snorlax,(AC) is required when running Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended, since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Setup sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weaknening weakening the opposition so that they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking attacks aimed at it, which is helpful because of its lack of Leftovers.(any specific attacks they're switching into?) Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can also set entry hazards to limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by letting it switch into battle more often.

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

An alternative EV spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe on the tank set allows Escavalier to hit much harder and outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax. This, however, comes at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk can make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but it requires too much support to function well. Toxic can catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard(RH), but Escavalier's other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types and Fire-type Coverage**: Escavalier's very low Speed and 4x weakness to Fire mean that it is always forced out by Pokemon Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine,(RC) as well as Pokemon with Fire-type coverage from Pokemon like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves, however.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks.(could maybe do with some examples of weak attacks you'd switch Escavalier into)

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose their items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [banks, 379208], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [Rabia, 336073]]

gp 2/2 once done
 

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
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[OVERVIEW]

Escavalier is a wallbreaker that is almost impossible to switch into thanks to its amazing Attack stat and powerful STAB moves that allow it to beat Pokemon like Shaymin, Cresselia, and Florges. Its access to Pursuit also allows it to trap faster Pokemon like Metagross, Gardevoir, and Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier can find multiple opportunities to switch into Pokemon like Gardevoir, Mega Sceptile, and Espeon because of its good defensive typing and respectable bulk. Unfortunately, Escavalier's poor Speed leaves it outpaced by the majority of the tier, which makes it easy to revenge kill. This is further exacerbated by Escavalier's 4x weakness to Fire-type moves, meaning that Pokemon such as Salazzle, Arcanine, and Ninetales and Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Venusaur will always force it out. Escavalier also lacks a reliable method of recovery outside of Leftovers, which, combined with its low Speed and its tendency to switch into resisted hits and entry hazards, makes it easy to wear down. Finally, Escavalier faces immense competition from Metagross as a bulky offensive Steel-type thanks to the latter's better Speed tier, stronger STAB moves, and greater versatility. It also competes with Golisopod as an offensive Bug-type thanks to Golisopod's access to First Impression and Spikes, giving it a much stronger offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Protect
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 204 SpD

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

Protect allows Escavalier to scout for moves from Choice item Pokemon and gives it a free turn of Leftovers recovery. Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap and chip down Pokemon such as Metagross, Mega Sceptile, and Shaymin. Knock Off, alternatively, can remove items from defensive Pokemon like Registeel, Bronzong, Porygon2, and Slowbro.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Escavalier to hit as hard as possible while avoiding the 2HKO from Nidoqueen's Earth Power, assuming Escavalier uses Protect once for Leftovers recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Escavalier should use its bulk and defensive typing to pivot into Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Once in battle, it can begin spamming Megahorn, which is very powerful but risks missing, or Iron Head, which picks up KOs more safely and hits targets like Bewear, Mismagius, and Florges that can take Megahorn. Use Protect to scout for moves from Choice item Pokemon, especially Trick and Switcheroo from Gardevoir and Noivern, and give Escavalier a free turn of Leftovers recovery so it can continue pivoting into special attackers. Protect is also great for scouting for Fire-type coverage from the likes of Nidoqueen, Goodra, and Venusaur, and it allows Escavalier to take less damage from Z-Moves. Pursuit should be used to trap Bronzong and frail Pokemon that cannot really hurt Escavalier, like Shaymin and Gardevoir Choice locked into their respective STAB moves. Since Escavalier needs its Leftovers to regain its health, it needs to steer clear of Knock Off, Trick, and Switcheroo, and its teammates should make sure that entry hazards are cleared.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Zygarde-10%, Slowbro, and Hariyama are practically mandatory when running Escavalier. Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine pair well with Escavalier, as they can take on the bulky Steel-types that give Escavalier trouble. Pokemon such as Roserade, Salazzle, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to pivot into and Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Necrozma and Roserade can further limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier by setting up entry hazards, while Passimian can provide U-turn support to allow Escavalier to come into battle safely. Teammates like Raikou, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile can support Escavalier by taking care of bulky Water-types that it doesn't threaten. Knock Off sponges such as Z-Move Virizion and Acrobatics Passimian can also help Escavalier by allowing it to keep its Leftovers. Healing Wish and cleric support from the likes of Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Florges can help keep Escavalier healthy, since it lacks a reliable method of recovery.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Knock Off / Drill Run
item: Choice Band
ability: Overcoat
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

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

Pursuit allows Escavalier to trap frail Pokemon that do not want to stay in against it like Choice-locked Shaymin, Gardevoir, and Mega Sceptile lacking Hidden Power Fire. Knock Off can deal solid damage to and remove items from defensive switch-ins like Registeel and Porygon2. Drill Run can catch Fire-type switch-ins like Salazzle and Ninetales off guard as well as deal a good amount of damage to Nidoqueen, Registeel, and Toxicroak.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread, Escavalier outspeeds uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax and still has a considerable amount of bulk to pivot into Pokemon like Shaymin and Gardevoir.

Usage Tips
========

While Escavalier can pivot into certain special attackers, it also greatly appreciates coming into battle with the help of a pivot, since this set lacks the passive recovery that Leftovers provides. Escavalier's STAB moves should be used the most on this set; Megahorn has absurd power, but Iron Head is safer due to its better accuracy. Use Pursuit to chip down foes that do not want to stay in against Escavalier such as Roserade lacking Hidden Power Fire, Shaymin locked into Seed Flare, and Bronzong. If running Knock Off, use it to cripple defensive switch-ins like Porygon2 and Registeel. Drill Run should be used to catch Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, and Toxicroak off guard(RH) as they pivot into Escavalier expecting a STAB move. Keep Escavalier as healthy as possible so it can continue to wallbreak.

Team Options
========

A check to Fire-types, such as Zygarde-10%, Goodra, or Snorlax, is required when running Escavalier. Because it lacks Leftovers recovery, pivots such as Passimian, Flygon, and Noivern are good Pokemon to pair with Escavalier so it can enter the battle safely. Healing Wish users like Shaymin and Gardevoir are also recommended, since they can heal Escavalier if it has sustained prior damage. Setup sweepers like Raikou, Salazzle, and Virizion also appreciate Escavalier weakening the opposition so they have an easier time cleaning up late-game. Raikou and Stone Edge Virizion can also help Escavalier beat bulky Water- and Flying-types. Other defensive Pokemon like Florges, Goodra, and Hariyama can help Escavalier by taking Fire-type attacks aimed at it, which is helpful because of its lack of Leftovers. Offensive Pokemon such as Roserade, Passimian, and Necrozma appreciate Escavalier's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic-types, giving them an easier time setting up and cleaning later. Roserade and Necrozma can also set entry hazards to limit the ability of foes to switch into Escavalier. Finally, entry hazard removers such as Mega Blastoise, Mandibuzz, and Golbat can help Escavalier by letting it switch into battle more often.

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

An alternative EV spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe on the tank set allows Escavalier to hit much harder and outspeed uninvested base 30 Speed Pokemon like Slowbro and Snorlax. This, however, comes at the cost of Escavalier's bulk. A set utilizing Swords Dance / Megahorn / Rest / Sleep Talk can make Escavalier a dangerous late-game cleaner provided its checks are taken care of, but it requires too much support to function well. Toxic can catch bulky Water- and Flying-types off guard, but Escavalier's other utility options are usually better.

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

**Fire-types and Fire-type Coverage**: Escavalier's very low Speed and 4x weakness to Fire mean that it is always forced out by Fire-types such as Salazzle, Ninetales, and Arcanine as well as Pokemon with Fire-type coverage like Necrozma, Nidoqueen, and Roserade. Keep in mind that none of these Pokemon want to directly switch into Escavalier's moves, however.

**Residual Damage**: Because of Escavalier's reliance on Leftovers for recovery, it is often worn down by constantly switching into entry hazards and weak attacks from Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Registeel, Gastrodon, and Mantine that resist one or both of Escavalier's STAB moves can usually stop it. Gastrodon and Mantine can also punish Escavalier with a Scald burn. However, these Pokemon do not want to lose their items to Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom, 180300], [banks, 379208], [zizalith, 410251]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [Rabia, 336073]]

gp 2/2 once done
Thanks, Rabia. We're all done here and ready to upload.
 
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