Purrfection
[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Return
item: Silk Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
As the tier's fastest unboosted Pokemon in the metagame, Persian establishes itself as an elite revenge killer. Fake Out alongside Technician boosting its power chips away fast attackers like Jumpluff, Frogadier, and Simipour, which can put them into KO range for its Return. Knock Off cripples defensive switch-ins like Bronzor, Gigalith, and Lairon, while U-turn pivots away from the aformentioned matchups. Silk Scarf empowers all of Persian's Normal-type attacks.
Persian's excellent Speed and utility enables it to fit in a variety of VoltTurn teams. Volt Switch and other U-turn users like Electabuzz, Frogadier, and Pikachu stand out as great examples of fast pivots that can build up momentum against the opposition. Slow pivots like Dustox, Vibrava, and defensive Klang enable Persian to hit the field more safely, with the former two even reducing Persian's susceptibility to hazards via Defog. Even with Knock Off and U-turn, Persian severely struggles against Rock- and Steel-types like Gigalith and Klang; checks to them like Hippopotas and Pignite can address these weaknesses. Physical walls like Ivysaur and Hippopotas can be difficult for Persian to break down even with Knock Off, so wallbreakers like Choice Specs Vanilluxe and Magmar can give Persian an easier time cleaning late-game.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Taunt can surprise walls like Bronzor and Quilladin, preventing them from using their utility moves, though it is difficult dropping one of its coverage moves. Double-Edge can be used over Return for the extra power, acheiving benchmarks like OHKOing Vanilluxe and Magmar after Stealth Rock and Spikes, and also having more favorable damage rolls against offensive Pokemon like Simipour and Swoobat, though this cuts into its already low bulk. Leftovers makes Persian fare better in hazard-stacking matchups, though Persian better doesn't tank hits well enough for Leftovers to be useful. Nasty Plot sets can surprise anticipated switch-ins like Lairon, Hippopotas with its Technician-boosted coverage in Hidden Power Fighting and Water Pulse. Shadow Ball helps Persian punch through Gourgeist-L. However, Persian still lacks sufficient power at +2, struggles with setup due to its low bulk, and often cannot fit the coverage it needs.
Checks and Counters
===================
***Rock-types***: Rock-types like Gigalith, Carbink, and Lairon serve as Persian's worst matchups, taking pittance from any of its attacks and can set up Stealth Rock or retaliate with their STAB moves. Offensive variants of the latter two can even use it as setup fodder.
***Ghost-types***: While not as immediately as threatening as the aformentioned Rock-types, Ghost-types like Gourgeist formes and Dusclops can still easily switch into Persian's attacks and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or whittle it away with utility options like Seismic Toss or Leech Seed. However, Dusclops doesn't appreciate Knock Off.
***Steel-types***: While Steel-types like Lairon, Klang, and Bronzor do not appreciate Knock Off, they have the bulk and power to shrug off anything Persian does and can set up with their utility options. Klang and Bronzor also run Rest to negate any damage Persian can inflict on them, forcing it to pivot out.
***Physical Walls***: Defensive behemoths like Swalot, Quilladin, and Hippopotas can use their naturally high bulk to weather Persian's attacks and can chip it down with their STAB moves, use their recovery moves to continue their longevity, or set up on it with their utility options.
***Choice Scarf Users***: While Persian is the fastest unboosted attacker in the metagame, it falls short of Choice Scarf users that can outpace it. Choice Scarf users like Simipour, Simisage, and Magmar can take it out with some prior damage beforehand.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/5dots.543866/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sleid.601970/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/5gen.296755/
Grammar checked by:
Last edited:
