[QC Ready 2/3] Noivern

Alter

lab report ᐛ
is a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus


/

Noivern | #715

[BW2 Smogon | Serebii | Bulbapedia]
--------------------------------
Status: QC Ready (2/3) --> (Currently being written)
QC Approvals: [ShootingStarmie] | [PKGaming] | [ ]
GP Checks: [ ]
--------------------------------
[Pros]

<ul>
<li>Noivern's Speed stat of 123 allows it to outspeed the large majority of the unboosted metagame. This is particularly threatening when paired with Choice Specs.</li>
<li>It has access to powerful moves such as Draco Meteor, Hurricane and Boomburst.</li>
<li>Due to its unique qualities, Noivern is a superb revenge killer.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>A reliance on boosting items and powerful moves is formed due to its low base Special Attack.</li>
<li>It only has a few unique tools which make it stand out among other Dragon-types.</li>
<li>Noivern's Dragon / Flying dual-typing gives it many unwanted weaknesses to common types.</li>
<li>A weakness to Stealth Rock makes it harder to function as a Choice user.</li>
</ul>

[Set Recommendations]

<p>name: Choice Specs<br />
move 1: Draco Meteor<br />
move 2: Focus Blast<br />
move 3: U-turn<br />
move 4: Hurricane / Switcheroo<br />
ability: Infiltrator / Frisk<br />
item: Choice Specs<br />
evs: EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe<br />
nature: Timid</p>

DRAFT ONE INCOMPLETE WRITING -- still needs to be proofread and edited!
<p>This set aims to amplify Noivern's lackluster Special Attack stat with Choice Specs in order to transform it into a powerful hit-and-run powerhouse. Blessed with a Speed stat of 123, Noivern has the ability to cleanly revenge kill opposing Pokemon or, alternatively, attempt to break through opposing Pokemon with the boost provided. Draco Meteor is the non-negotiable and obligatory powerful STAB move used to deal as much damage as possible. Focus Blast provides fantastic coverage alongside Draco Meteor and is utilized to KO the Steel-type Pokemon which resist Draco Meteor. As a user of Choice Specs, U-turn allows Noivern to scout switches and go into a teammate accordingly to eliminate Noivern's checks and counters without being locked in the move indefinitely. The last moveslot goes to whichever is preferred. Switcheroo cripples nearly every defensive answer to Noivern, such as Chansey and Blissey, by giving them an undesirable item and depriving them of their own. On the other hand, Hurricane is a powerful secondary STAB option which Noivern may opt for. Because Noivern already relies a lot on coverage moves with shaky accuracy, Air Slash may also be used instead.</p>

<p>Infiltrator and Frisk are interchangeable abilities depending on the preference of the user. The former can be used to bypass opposing Pokemon's Substitutes when revenge killing, whereas the latter allows Noivern to scout items to give the user knowledge of what set the opponent is using. This is particularly useful in identifying whether a Pokemon is carrying a Choice Scarf or Mega Stone. The EV spread is very straightforward and provides as much speed and power as possible. A Timid nature is used over Naive despite the presence of a physical move because U-turn is only intended to be used for scouting. In terms of other move options, one may opt to use Boomburst or Flamethrower. However, these have limitations in that Boomburst provides very little coverage and is easy to set up on, while Noivern generally lacks the room to fit Flamethrower in.</p>

<p>This set appreciates support from Pokemon that can eliminate Noivern's main counters. Scizor is an excellent partner as it finishes off the U-turn core while also providing good defensive and offensive synergy. Scizor also beats most of Noivern's checks and counters, such as Chansey and Tyranitar, with Bullet Punch and its coverage moves. In a similar vein, Excadrill can provide similar valuable offensive synergy while also being able to use Rapid Spin to get Stealth Rock off the field, which is otherwise a burden for Noivern. As a result of its ability, Magnezone is another great partner for Noivern. It can trap the Steel-types which Noivern lures in while simultaneously completing the VoltTurn core.</p>

<p>name: Life Orb<br />
move 1: Draco Meteor<br />
move 2: Focus Blast<br />
move 3: Flamethrower<br />
move 4: U-turn<br />
ability: Infiltrator / Frisk<br />
item: Life Orb<br />
evs: EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe<br />
nature: Timid / Naive</p>

<p>
  • This set trades the immediate power of Choice Specs for the ability to change moves and gain more coverage.
  • Because Noivern's Special Attack stat isn't particularly high it isn't superb at breaking down walls with this set but can be used to revenge kill due to its excellent Speed.
  • Draco Meteor is the main STAB option and has far greater power than its other special Dragon-type move options.
  • Focus Blast and Flamethrower are used for coverage against Steel-types which resist Draco Meteor.
  • Hurricane is an option in the last slot if the extra coverage is not necessary and gives a secondary STAB option.
  • A Naive nature is usable on this set as Noivern will be investing 10% of its HP for each hit.
  • The ability is mostly up to the user and team. Infiltrator is better for revenge killing while Frisk can scout opposing sets.
  • Appreciates the same support as the Specs set from Pokemon such as Scizor, Excadrill and Lucario. Each of these options can deal with Pokemon such as Chansey, Blissey and Tyranitar which can otherwise be an issue.
</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>
  • Chansey and Blissey only fear having Choice Specs being Switcheroo'd onto them but otherwise wall Noivern quite well.
  • Florges is immune to Noivern's main STAB and has excellent special bulk. It can also hit Noivern back with Fairy-type STAB.
  • Specially Defensive variants of Tyranitar can check it fairly well but have to watch out for Focus Blast.
  • Azumarill can check Noivern fairly well and KO it with Play Rough.
  • CB Talonflame (ohkoes after SR)
  • Ice Shard users such as Weavile and Mamoswine are excellent revenge killers.
</p>

Notes (ignore this):
  1. teammates: Excadrill (spins + type synergy), Fighting-types to kill C&C, SCIZOR
  2. c&c: chansey + blissey (hate switcheroo though), AV tyranitar, ice shard mons (mamo/weav) can check it, klefki (??? here. i dont particularly know how viable it is)
move 1: Draco Meteor<br />
move 2: Focus Blast<br />
move 3: U-turn<br />
move 4: Hurricane / Switcheroo<br />
ability: Infiltrator / Frisk<br />

[alternate]
 
Last edited:

Alter

lab report ᐛ
is a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
The skeleton is complete and this is now ready for QC checks. I already discussed the Specs set with Dice and PKGaming on #xyqc so it probably won't need changing.

I haven't really experimented with a bulky stallbreaker set (it gets roost, taunt, frisk, super fang) so it could be a potential option as well.
 
Last edited:

PK Gaming

Persona 5
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
It's abilities shouldn't be mentioned in the pros section (but you should keep the part about it being a good revenge killer). I'd also mention in the cons section that it's weakness to Stealth Rock makes it harder to function as a Choice user.

In the set comments, you should mention its hit & run playstyle, and the fact that it's coverage moves have shaky accuracy. Finally, make sure you mention that CB Talonflame is a check (it ohkoes Noivern after SR)

QC APPROVED (2/3)
 
I'm assuming that the last 4 EVs are put into SpD to mess with Download. I would mention that in the analysis if that's the case. Also, maybe that you could move that last point somewhere else if you run Naive, since then it would be pointless.
 
I'm assuming that the last 4 EVs are put into SpD to mess with Download. I would mention that in the analysis if that's the case. Also, maybe that you could move that last point somewhere else if you run Naive, since then it would be pointless.
It's really just there because the 4 remaining EVs needed to stay out of HP for Stealth Rock switches. Out of Dfense and Special Defense it just happened to go into the latter. Even then nothing really has download yet anyway
 
Gotcha! Makes sense then. I also forgot that this is Pre-12-days-from-now format... XD

EDIT: One more lil thought said in the discussion thread a few times is that Boomburst may be more worthwhile a move if your ability is Frisk, since you still have a way to hit through Subs.
 

Alter

lab report ᐛ
is a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Implemented all of your changes. Thanks, PKGaming! Swamp Rocket was correct in regards to the EV distribution, but it also helps to keep it there for when Pokebank is released so it isn't looked over. I will begin writing this ASAP.
 

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

Top