Monotype Clefable

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QC Stamps: terrors / Vid / Eien
GP Stamps: Fireflame479 / The Dutch Plumberjack
[OVERVIEW]

Fairy
========

Clefable stands out as one of the best defensive pivots on Fairy teams thanks to its great overall bulk in conjunction with an solid mono-Fairy defensive typing, letting it act as a versatile threat that can compress many roles in one slot. It also has access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard, which allows Clefable to be immune to all indirect damage, helping it act as a great entry hazard setter or defensive setup sweeper. Clefable also has an expansive movepool, consisting of useful utility moves such as Stealth Rock and Soft-Boiled alongside great coverage moves like Flamethrower, making it a formidable threat. It notably behaves as one of the best Mega Scizor checks, a threat that can otherwise wreak havoc on the rest of Clefable's team, when holding a Babiri Berry. Nonetheless, Clefable's bulk prevents it from sustaining hits from powerful wallbreakers such as Landorus, Victini, and Diggersby. Its typing also does not provide any other useful resistances for its teammates, meaning that Poison- and Steel-type threats such as Nidoking and Heatran can still pose a threat against it.

[SET]
name: Utility (Fairy)
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
item: Babiri Berry / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Stealth Rock aids Clefable's teammates by weakening opposing threats through entry hazard chip damage. It is a valuable Stealth Rock setter due to its Fairy typing and Magic Guard ability scaring off common entry hazard removers and Magic Bounce users such as Mandibuzz, Latios, Armaldo, and Mega Sableye. Soft-Boiled is a reliable recovery move that increases Clefable's durability, making it more dependable as a defensive wall. Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move, allowing it to hit Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types extremely hard and preventing it from being used as setup bait. It also has the added factor of having the chance of lowering the foe's Special Attack, helping Clefable wall special attackers much better. Fire Blast is used to target Steel-type threats such as Mega Scizor and Bisharp. Flamethrower can be used instead, as its perfect accuracy offers more consistency instead of greater power.

Set Details
========

Magic Guard allows Clefable to bypass any indirect damage, meaning that it can avoid being crippled by status conditions such as burn and poison. It also allows Clefable to come in more freely, since it can ignore the chip damage from entry hazards, meaning that it can escape the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Latios, Keldeo, and Terrakion. A Babiri Berry is equipped in order to lure certain Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Excadrill, and Magearna by avoiding the OHKO or 2HKO from their STAB Steel-type attacks while Clefable can hit them hard with its Fire-type coverage in return. Leftovers can be used instead to enhance Clefable's sustainability, letting it check a wide array of threats more safely due to the passive recovery each turn. The EVs have been maximized in HP and Defense with a Bold nature in order to enhance Clefable's physical bulk, allowing it to check threats such as Mega Scizor, Landorus-T, and Mega Gyarados. However, a fully specially defensive spread with a Calm nature can be used instead in order for Clefable to act as a specially defensive tank that can check attackers like Meloetta, Volcanion, and Thundurus more reliably.

Usage Tips
========

Clefable should be setting up Stealth Rock early on in the match, since the chip damage helps its teammates break down walls much better. It can set up Stealth Rock frequently due to it high number of opportunities to switch in. Thanks to its ability, Clefable can be used as a sponge to status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, meaning that it can pivot in against common users of such moves like Zapdos and Mew. However, Clefable must be wary of coming in against powerful attackers such as Landorus and Choice Band Victini. It should also avoid staying in versus certain wallbreakers that can 2HKO it such as Tapu Koko and Meloetta unless they have been severely weakened, since Clefable can use up all of its Soft-Boiled PP rather quickly, preventing it from sustaining itself later on in the match. Clefable should also be careful when conserving its Babiri Berry, since it can be necessary to check certain threats such as Mega Scizor and Excadrill. Therefore, avoiding Steel-type coverage from threats such as Celesteela and Magnezone is imperative.

Team Options
========

Teammates that can utilize the entry hazard support that Clefable provides is key, meaning that threats such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Gardevoir all stand out as great picks. Tapu Koko also acts as a great pivot that can aid Clefable in coming in safely, while Tapu Bulu offers additional passive recovery through Grassy Terrain, which can be useful if it decides to not run Leftovers. Steel-types such as Magearna and Klefki are also beneficial, since they can help Clefable check Poison- and other Steel-types much better, while Clefable can switch into Fighting-types in return. Magearna can also help Clefable break through certain defensive threats such as Toxapex, Mantine, and Nihilego, while Klefki can provide more entry hazard and screens support with Spikes, Reflect, and Light Screen. Setup sweepers such as Azumarill and Magearna can also be useful for wearing down opposing walls that can be difficult for Clefable to wear down like Mantine and Mew, while Clefable provides them with entry hazard support in return. Entry hazard removal through partners such as Togekiss and Tapu Fini can also be beneficial, since, although it does not get affected by them, Clefable's susceptibility to being used as entry hazard setup fodder can still necessitate it being placed on the team.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind (Fairy)
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Calm Mind transforms Clefable into a bulky yet powerful sweeper that can easily wreak havoc after a couple of boosts. Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move, which offers great offensive coverage and provides the chance to lower the enemy's Special Attack, making Clefable even more difficult to take down. Flamethrower is a remarkable coverage option that helps Clefable breaks through Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Excadrill, and Celesteela. Soft-Boiled is an important recovery move that permits Clefable the chance to set up more frequently by increasing its sustainability overall. Thunder Wave is an alternative utility move that allows Clefable to cripple offensive threats such as Heatran, Mega Pidgeot, and Keldeo by reducing their Speed. It also can grant Clefable more setup opportunities if the opposing foe is afflicted with paralysis. However, it means that Clefable must pass up a coverage option, leaving it more susceptible versus certain threats.

Set Details
========

Magic Guard allows Clefable to ignore any indirect damage such as poison and burn, making it much more difficult to circumvent after it sets up a couple of boosts. Leftovers is the preferred item, since the passive recovery each turn aids Clefable in avoiding the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Thundurus and Garchomp. The EVs have been fully invested in HP and Defense with a Bold nature in order to maximize Clefable's physical bulk, making it almost impossible to OHKO after a few Calm Mind boosts.

Usage Tips
========

Clefable is best used as a late-game cleaner, since it can have a much easier time sweeping once its checks such as Nidoking and Toxapex have been severely weakened or KOed. Clefable should avoid setting up alongside other Calm Mind sweepers such as Mega Slowbro and Meloetta, since the aforementioned threats often carry Psyshock, which can threaten to OHKO Clefable regardless of the number of Calm Mind boosts it was able to accumulate. Physical wallbreakers such as Choice Band Victini and offensive Landorus-T can still threaten to 2HKO Clefable no matter how much it had invested in its physical bulk. Therefore, it is advised to pivot out against these threats in order to avoid Clefable being severely weakened. Clefable should also not be brought into the battlefield unnecessarily against stronger attacks, since it can risk getting weakened immensely, possibly preventing a sweep later on in the match.

Team Options
========

Klefki is a great partner for Clefable, since it can switch into Poison-type attacks and provide useful support through Reflect, Light Screen, and Spikes, letting Clefable sponge more attacks, set up more easily, and break through walls. Other setup sweepers such as Belly Drum Azumarill and Swords Dance Tapu Bulu are also beneficial, since they can help apply more offensive pressure against the opposing team and help Clefable break through special walls such as Chansey and Alolan Muk. Wallbreakers like Tapu Koko, Magearna, and Tapu Bulu benefit from Clefable's ability to break through defensive walls and can help check offensive threats in return. The first two examples can also provide momentum through Volt Switch, enabling Clefable to come in more frequently. Entry hazard removal from teammates such as Togekiss and Tapu Fini can also be useful because it remedies Clefable's susceptibility of being used as a entry hazard setup fodder.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Fairy
--------
A defensive Unaware set can be run, allowing Clefable to check setup sweepers such as Volcorona, Tapu Fini, and Porygon-Z. However, Clefable offers more utility through its Magic Guard set, making the option rather niche. It is also forced to run Moonlight, a low-PP and situational recovery move that can leave Clefable rather vulnerable at times.

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

Fairy
--------
**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Nidoking, Mega Venusaur, and Nihilego can all severely cripple Clefable with their STAB Poison-type attacks, and they resist Moonblast.

**Steel-types**: Threats such as Excadrill, Heatran, Mega Scizor, and Celesteela all resist Clefable's STAB Fairy-type attacks and can threaten to break through it with their own STAB attacks in return. However, every aforementioned threat bar Heatran fears taking Clefable's Fire-type coverage moves.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Offensive threats like Victini, Landorus, and Mega Pinsir can all 2HKO Clefable thanks to their impressive wallbreaking capabilities, leaving Clefable struggling to beat them.

**Chansey**: Chansey laughs at any special attack coming from Clefable (even boosted ones) due to its gargantuan HP stat combined with its high Special Defense; however, Clefable can still use it as entry hazard setup fodder. Clefable's immunity to Toxic damage thanks to Magic Guard means that Chansey will have a much harder time wearing down Clefable as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Alolan Marowak, Mega Charizard Y, Rotom-H, and Volcanion all resist Clefable's STAB attacks and can take on its Fire-type coverage moves. However, every mentioned threat except Rotom-H does not appreciate coming in on Thunder Wave.

**Taunt**: Common Taunt users such as Jellicent, Deoxys-S, and Gliscor can all prevent Clefable from setting up entry hazards, setting up Calm Mind boosts, and recovering HP, thereby threatening to weaken it. However, Clefable can still threaten to scare off the aforementioned threats with its STAB attacks nonetheless.
 
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[OVERVIEW]

- Clefable's main selling point is its versatility and ability to compress multiple roles on one team slot. That should be the first bullet.
* Clefable also retains an expansive movepool, consisting of useful utility moves such as Stealth Rock, Heal Bell, and Thunder Wave alongside great coverage moves like Flamethrower, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt and Knock Off, making it a versatile threat.
- Remove Heal Bell, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Knock Off. Add Soft-Boiled.

[SET 1]

[SET]

No idea what the EVs are supposed to do. Soft-Boiled must be higher, Stealth Rock -> Soft-Boiled -> Moonblast -> Fire-type coverage seems the most optimal order to me.

name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
item: Leftovers / Babiri Berry
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD

Moves

- Re-order according to the set.

Usage Tips

- Add something about its ability to pivot.
- Watch out for strong wallbreakers like Choice Band Victini though.

[SET 2]

[SET]

I really don't think Thunder Wave should be slashed, Fire-type coverage is too important. I'm fine with it in Moves though.

name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

Moves

- Move Thunder Wave to the bottom.
- Remove Knock Off.

Other Options

* A defensive Unaware set can be run, allowing Clefable to check setup sweepers such as Volcorona, Tapu Fini, and Porygon-Z. However, Clefable offers more utility through its Magic Guard set, making the option rather niche.
- Mention this forces it to run Moonlight for recovery, which is way worse because of the low PP.
* An offensive Magic Guard set with a Life Orb can be run which turns Clefable into a formidable offensive threat. Although, Clefable's defensive qualities are what truly makes it shine.
- Remove this.

Checks and Counters

- Chansey.
- Taunt users.

QC 1/3
 

Vid

Our life is what our thoughts make it
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QC Stamps: terrors / /
GP Stamps: /
[OVERVIEW]
  • Clefable stands out as one of the best defensive pivots on Fairy teams thanks to its great overall bulk in conjunction with an outstanding defensive typing, letting it act a as a versatile threat that can compress many roles in one slot. it has a pure Fairy typing which is meh of Fairy teams
  • Two amazing abilities in Magic Guard and Unaware allows Clefable to perform numerous roles, with the former ability helping it act as a entry hazard setter or defensive setup sweeper, while the latter lets it check setup sweepers. Unaware shouldn't really be here it's just not as good as it was at the start of SM and it forces Clef to run Moonlight
  • Clefable also retains an expansive movepool, consisting of useful utility moves such as Stealth Rock and Soft-Boiled alongside great coverage moves like Flamethrower, making it a formidable threat. I would like something about how how it is one of the best Mega Scizor checks (Babiri Berry) to be mentioned in overview cause that's one of big reasons to use Clef
  • Nonetheless, Clefable's bulk prevents it from sustaining hits from powerful wallbreakers such as Landorus, Victini, and Diggersby.
  • Its typing also does not provide any other useful resistances for its teammates, meaning that Poison- and Steel-type threats such as Nidoking and Mega Scizor can still pose a threat against it.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
item: Leftovers / Babiri Berry honestly Babiri Berry could be first here but it's up to you because it isn't a big deal
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========
  • Clefable is a valuable Stealth Rock setter due to its Fairy-typing and its Magic Guard ability scaring off common entry hazard removers and re-directers such as Mandibuzz, Latios, Armaldo, and Mega Sableye. What does the move exactly help with the detail above is great but what SR do
  • Soft-Boiled is a reliable recover move which increases Clefable's durability, making it more dependable as a defensive wall.
  • Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move which allows it to hit Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types extremely hard. It also has the added factor of having the chance of lowering the foes Special Attack, helping Clefable wall special attackers much better. mention how it prevents Clefable from being set up bait
  • Flamethrower is a great coverage move that allows Clefable to dent Steel-types such as Skarmory, Magearna, and Excadrill. Fire Blast can be used instead to have a better chance to KO targets like Mega Scizor and Bisharp after a bit of chip damage, however it trades power for accuracy.

Set Details
========
  • Magic Guard allows Clefable to bypass any in-direct damage, meaning that it can avoid being crippled by status conditions such as burned and poison. It also allows Clefable to come in more freely, since it can evade the chip damage from entry hazards, meaning that it can escape the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Latios, Keldeo, and Terrakion.
  • Leftovers is equipped to enhance Clefable's sustainability, letting it check a wide array of threast more safely.
  • A Babiri Berry can be used instead however to lure in certain Steel-types such as Excadrill and Magearna by avoiding the OHKO and 2HKO from their STAB Steel-type attacks respectably, while Clefable can hit them hard with its Fire-type coverage in return. Mega Scizor is big thing here over everything else
  • The suggested EV spread with a Calm nature allows Clefable to avoid the 2HKO from specially attacking threats such as Keldeo and Latios if they both do not hold a Choice Specs. It also lets it it check physical threats such as Alolan Golem and defensive Landorus-T as well.

Usage Tips
========
  • Clefable should be setting up Stealth Rock early on in the match, since it the entry hazard chip damage helps its teammates break down walls much better. It can also have many opportunities to setup entry hazards due to it having many opportunities to switchin since it is a reliable defensive pivot. Although it must be wary from coming in against powerful attackers such as Choice Band Victini and Landorus.
  • Thanks to its ability, Clefable can be used as a sponge to status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, meaning that it can pivot in against common users of such moves like Zapdos and Mew.
  • Clefable will be spamming Moonblast a majority of the time due to the move's great offensive coverage alongside its additional effect which helps Clefable wall certain threats much better, however its Fire-type coverage can be used to prevent Steel-types from coming in safely. this really doesn't seem like a good usage tip maybe it's me, but usually Clef doesn't just keep spamming Moonblast cause its kind of weak
  • It should also avoid staying in versus certain wallbreakers that can 2HKO it such as Tapu Koko and Meloetta unless they have been severly weakened, since Clefable can use up all its Soft-Boiled PP rather quickly, preventing it from sustaining itself later on in the match

Team Options
========
  • Teammates that can abuse the entry hazard support that Clefable provides for them is key, meaning that threats such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Gardevoir all stand out as great picks. I would go more in-depth on Bulu and Koko because one of them is a pivot and the other has Grass Terrain to recover Clef's HP if it isn't running
  • Steel-types such as Magearna and Klefki are also beneficial, since they can help Clefable check Poison- and other Steel-types much better, while Clefable can switch in to Fighting-types in return. Magearna can also help Clefable break through certain defensive threats such as Toxapex and Mantine and Nihilego, while Klefki can provide more entry hazard and screens support with Spikes and Reflect and Light Screen respectably.
  • Setup sweepers such as Azumarill and Mimikyu can also be useful for wearing opposing walls that can be difficult for Clefable to wear down like Mantine and Mew, while Clefable provides them entry hazard support in return. Mimikyu is kinda meh on fairy
  • Togekiss / Tapu Fini

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========
  • Calm Mind transforms Clefable into a bulky yet powerful sweeper which can easily wreck havoc after a couple of boosts.
  • Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move which offers great offensive coverage, while also provides the chance to lower the enemy's Special Attack, making Clefable even more difficult to take down.
  • Flamethrower is an alternative coverage option which helps Clefable breaks through Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Excadrill, and Celesteela. this isn't slashed so it isn't an alternative option
  • Soft-Boiled is an important recovery move that permits Clefable the chance to set up more frequently by increasing its sustainability overall.
  • Thunder Wave is an alternative utility move that allows Clefable to cripple offensive threats such as Heatran, Mega Pidgeot, and Keldeo by reducing their Speed. It also can bid it more setup opportunities if the opposing foe is endued by paralysis. this isn't in moves so it should be reworded

Set Details
========
  • Magic Guard is the chosen ability since it allows Clefable to ignore any in-direct damage, making it much more difficult to circumvent after it sets up a couple of boosts since it is unaffected by status moves conditions as poison and burned.
  • Leftovers is the preferred item since the passive recovery each turn aids Clefable in avoiding the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Thundurus and Garchomp.
  • EVs have been fully invested in HP and Defense with a Bold nature in order to maximize Clefable's physical bulk, making it almost impossible to OHKO after a few Calm Mind boosts.

Usage Tips
========
  • Clefable is best used as a late game cleaner since it can have a much more easier time sweeping once its checks such as Nidoking and Toxapex have been severely weakened or KOed.
  • Clefable should avoid setting up alongside other Calm Mind sweepers such as Mega Slowbro and Meloetta, since the aforementioned threats often carry Psyshock, a move which can threaten to OHKO Clefable regardless of the amount of Calm Mind boosts it was able to accumulate
  • Physical wallbreakers such as Choice Band Victini and offensive Landorus-T can still threaten to 2HKO Clefable no matter how much it had invested in its physical bulk. This is why it is advised to pivot out against these threats in order to avoid Clefable from being severely weakened.
  • Unnecessary damage / pivots

Team Options
========
  • Klefki is a great partner for Clefable, since not only can it switch in to Poison-type attacks, but it can also provide useful support through Reflect, Light Screen, and Spikes, letting Clefable sponge more attacks and break through walls respectably. giving it more opportunities to set up CM because of screens
  • Other setup sweepers such as Belly Drum Azumarill and Swords Dance Mimikyu are also benificial since they can help apply more offensive pressure against the opposing team and help Clefable break through special walls such as Chansey and Alolan Muk. Mimikyu is kinda meh on fairy
  • Wallbreakers like Tapu Koko, Magearna, and Tapu Bulu also benefit from Clefable's ability to break through defensive walls, while they can help check offensive threats in return. The first two examples can also provide momentum through Volt Switch, enabling Clefable to come in the battlefield more frequently.
  • Togekiss / Tapu Fini

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============
  • A defensive Unaware set can be run, allowing Clefable to check setup sweepers such as Volcorona, Tapu Fini, and Porygon-Z. However, Clefable offers more utility through its Magic Guard set, making the option rather niche. It is also forced to run Moonlight, a low PP and situational recover move that can leave Clefable rather vulnerable at times.

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

[Poison-types]: Poison-types such as Nidoking, Mega Venusaur, and Nihilego can all severely cripple Clefable with their STAB Poison-type attacks, while they resist Clefable's STAB moves in return. nitpick Clef only uses Moonblast as a STAB move

[Steel-types]: Threats such as Excadrill, Heatran, Mega Scizor, and Celesteela all resist Clefable's STAB Fairy-type attacks and can threaten to break through it with their own STAB attacks in return. However, every aforementioned threat bar Heatran fears taking its Fire-type coverage moves.

[Powerful Wallbreakers]: Offensive threats like Victini, Landorus, and Mega Pinsir can all 2HKO Clefable thanks to their impressive wallbreaking capabilities, leaving Clefable struggle to beat them.

[Chansey]: Chansey laughs at any special attack coming from Clefable due to its gargantuan HP stat combined with its high Special Defense, however Clefable can still use it as entry hazard setup fodder. Clefable's "immunity" to Toxic thanks to Magic Guard also means that Chansey will have a much harder time wearing down Clefable as well. Mention how it still walls it even after multiple Calm Mind boosts

[Fire-types]: Fire-types such as Alolan Marowak, Rotom-H, and Volcanion all resist Clefable's STAB attacks and can also take on its Fire-type coverage moves. However, every mentioned threat except Rotom-H does not appreciate coming in on Thunder Wave. Mega Charizard Y is a big Fire-type that should be mentioned

[Taunt]: Common Taunt users such as Jellicent, Deoxys-S, and Tapu Fini can all prevent Clefable from setting up entry hazards or Calm Mind boosts, and can all threaten to weaken it down due to Taunt also disallowing Clefable from recovering its HP. However, Clefable can still threaten to scare off the aforementioned threats with its STAB attacks nonetheless. Gliscor is common Taunt user not Tapu Fini
QC 2/3
 
Vid terrors shouldn't the utility set be max Defense + Babiri Berry with Leftovers and the specially defensive spread in Set Details? Beating Mega Scizor is half the reason I even use Clefable tbh (Fire Blast > Flamethrower for Mega Scizor fwiw)
 

Vid

Our life is what our thoughts make it
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
I forgot to mention that because I was trying to QC this in a timely manner, but yes Fire Blast > Flamethrower and SpDef spread in set detail is what should be there
 
Add something in Usage Tips for the utility set about playing with and around the Babiri Berry, such as saving it for Mega Scizor. Also fix the formatting in Checks and Counters.

After that QC 3/3
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Fairy
========


Clefable stands out as one of the best defensive pivots on Fairy teams thanks to its great overall bulk in conjunction with an solid mono-Fairy defensive typing, letting it act a as a versatile threat that can compress many roles in one slot. It also has access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard,(AC) which allows Clefable to be immune to all in-direct indirect damage, helping it act as a great entry hazard setter or defensive setup sweeper. Clefable also retains has (wrong word) an expansive movepool, consisting of useful utility moves such as Stealth Rock and Soft-Boiled alongside great coverage moves like Flamethrower, making it a formidable threat. It also behaves as one of the best Mega Scizor checks when holding a Babiri Berry, a threat that can otherwise wreck havoc on the rest of Clefable's team,(AC) when holding a Babiri Berry. Nonetheless, Clefable's bulk prevents it from sustaining hits from powerful wallbreakers such as Landorus, Victini, and Diggersby. Its typing also does not provide any other useful resistances for its teammates, meaning that Poison- and Steel-type threats such as Nidoking and Heatran can still pose a threat against it.

[SET]
name: Utility (Fairy)
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
item: Babiri Berry / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Stealth Rock aids Clefable's teammates by weakening opposing threats by through entry hazard chip damage. It is a valuable Stealth Rock setter due to its Fairy-(RH)typing and its Magic Guard ability scaring off common entry hazard removers and re-(RH)directers such as Mandibuzz, Latios, Armaldo, and Mega Sableye. Soft-Boiled is a reliable recover recovery move which that increases Clefable's durability, making it more dependable as a defensive wall. Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move,(AC) allowing which allows (repetition) it to hit Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types extremely hard and prevents preventing Clefable from being used as setup bait. It also has the added factor of having the chance of lowering the foes foe's Special Attack, helping Clefable wall special attackers much better. Fire Blast is a great coverage that is used to target Steel-type threats such as Mega Scizor and Bisharp. Flamethrower can be used instead,(AC) as its perfect accuracy offers more consistency instead of greater power.

Set Details
========

Magic Guard allows Clefable to bypass any in-direct indirect damage, meaning that it can avoid being crippled by status conditions such as burned burn and poison. It also allows Clefable to come in more freely, since it can evade ignore the chip damage from entry hazards, meaning that it can escape the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Latios, Keldeo, and Terrakion. A Babiri Berry is equipped in order to lure certain Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Excadrill,(AC) and Magearna by avoiding the OHKO and or 2HKO from their STAB Steel-type attacks respectably,(RC) (even so, the word is "respectively") while Clefable can hit them hard with its Fire-type coverage in return. Leftovers can be used instead to enhance Clefable's sustainability, letting it check a wide array of threats more safely due to the passive recovery each turn. The EVs have been maxed out in HP and Defense with a Bold nature in order to enhance Clefable's physical bulk, allowing it to check threats such as Mega Scizor, Landorus-T, and Mega Gyarados. However, a maxed out specially defensive spread with a Calm nature can be used instead in order for Clefable to act as a specially defensive tank that can check attackers like Meloetta, Volcanion, and Thundurus more reliably.

Usage Tips
========

Clefable should be setting up Stealth Rock early on in the match, since it the entry hazard chip damage helps its teammates break down walls much better. It can also have many opportunities to setup entry hazards set up Stealth Rock frequently (repetition) due to it having many opportunities to switchin since it is a reliable defensive pivot switch in. Thanks to its ability, Clefable can be used as a sponge to status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, meaning that it can pivot in against common users of such moves like Zapdos and Mew. Although it However,(AC) Clefable must be wary from of coming in against powerful attackers such as Choice Band Victini and Landorus (When using "although", you need to contrast what you say in the same sentence. "Although x happens... y is happening..."). Thanks to its ability, Clefable can be used as a sponge to status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, meaning that it can pivot in against common users of such moves like Zapdos and Mew. (consistent with switch in -> don't switch in) It should also avoid staying in versus certain wallbreakers that can 2HKO it such as Tapu Koko and Meloetta unless they have been severely weakened, since Clefable can use up all of its Soft-Boiled PP rather quickly, preventing it from sustaining itself later on in the match. Clefable should also be careful when conserving its Barbiri Babiri Berry, since it can be necessary to check certain threats such as Mega Scizor and Excadrill. Therefore, evading avoiding (optional, but "evading" sounds like Clefable wants to dodge moves) Steel-type coverage from threats such as Celesteela and Magnezone is irreparable imperative ("irreparable" means impossible to repair; wrong word here).

Team Options
========

Teammates that can abuse utilize the entry hazard support that Clefable provides for them is key, meaning that threats such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Gardevoir all stand out as great picks. Tapu Koko also acts as a great pivot that can aid Clefable in coming in safely, while Tapu Bulu offers additional passive recovery through Grassy Terrain,(AC) which can be useful if it decides to not run Leftovers. Steel-types such as Magearna and Klefki are also beneficial, since they can help Clefable check Poison- and other Steel-types much better, while Clefable can switch in to into Fighting-types in return. Magearna can also help Clefable break through certain defensive threats such as Toxapex,(AC) and Mantine,(AC) and Nihilego, while Klefki can provide more entry hazard and screens support with Spikes,(AC) and Reflect,(AC) and Light Screen respectably. Setup sweepers such as Azumarill and Magearna can also be useful for wearing down opposing walls that can be difficult for Clefable to wear down like Mantine and Mew, while Clefable provides them with entry hazard support in return. Entry hazard removal through partners such as Togekiss and Tapu Fini can also be beneficial, since,(AC) although it does not get affected by them, Clefable's susceptibility in to being used as entry hazard setup fodder can still necessitate it being placed on the team.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Calm Mind transforms Clefable into a bulky yet powerful sweeper which that can easily wreck wreak havoc after a couple of boosts. Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move,(AC) which offers great offensive coverage,(RC) while also and provides the chance to lower the enemy's Special Attack, making Clefable even more difficult to take down. Flamethrower is a remarkable coverage option which that helps Clefable breaks through Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Excadrill, and Celesteela. Soft-Boiled is an important recovery move that permits Clefable the chance to set up more frequently by increasing its sustainability overall. Thunder Wave is an alternative utility move that allows Clefable to cripple offensive threats such as Heatran, Mega Pidgeot, and Keldeo by reducing their Speed. It also can bid it Clefable more setup opportunities if the opposing foe is endued by afflicted with paralysis. However, it means that Clefable must pass up a coverage option, leaving it more susceptible versus certain threats.

Set Details
========

Magic Guard is the chosen ability since it allows Clefable to ignore any in-direct indirect damage such as poison and burn, making it much more difficult to circumvent after it sets up a couple of boosts since it is unaffected by status moves conditions as poison and burned. Leftovers is the preferred item,(AC) since the passive recovery each turn aids Clefable in avoiding the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Thundurus and Garchomp. The EVs have been fully invested in HP and Defense with a Bold nature in order to maximize Clefable's physical bulk, making it almost impossible to OHKO after a few Calm Mind boosts.

Usage Tips
========

Clefable is best used as a late-(AH)game cleaner,(AC) since it can have a much more easier time sweeping once its checks such as Nidoking and Toxapex have been severely weakened or KOed. Clefable should avoid setting up alongside other Calm Mind sweepers such as Mega Slowbro and Meloetta, since the aforementioned threats often carry Psyshock, a move which can threaten to OHKO Clefable regardless of the amount of Calm Mind boosts it was able to accumulate.(period) Physical wallbreakers such as Choice Band Victini and offensive Landorus-T can still threaten to 2HKO Clefable no matter how much it had invested in its physical bulk. This is why Therefore,(AC) it is advised to pivot out against these threats in order to avoid Clefable from being severely weakened. Clefable should also not be pivoted brought into the battlefield unnecessarily against stronger attacks, since it can risk getting weakened immensely, possibly preventing a sweep later on in the match.

Team Options
========

Klefki is a great partner for Clefable, since not only can ("not only" sentences can be condensed) it can switch in to into Poison-type attacks,(RC) but it can also and provide useful support through Reflect, Light Screen, and Spikes, letting Clefable sponge more attacks, setup more easily, and break through walls respectably. Other setup sweepers such as Belly Drum Azumarill and Swords Dance Tapu Bulu are also beneficial,(AC) since they can help apply more offensive pressure against the opposing team and help Clefable break through special walls such as Chansey and Alolan Muk. Wallbreakers like Tapu Koko, Magearna, and Tapu Bulu also benefit from Clefable's ability to break through defensive walls, while they can help check offensive threats in return. The first two examples can also provide momentum through Volt Switch, enabling Clefable to come in the battlefield more frequently. Entry hazard removal from teammates such as Togekiss and Tapu Fini can also be useful since because (repetition) it remedies Clefable's susceptibility of being used as a entry hazard setup fodder.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Fairy
--------

A defensive Unaware set can be run, allowing Clefable to check setup sweepers such as Volcorona, Tapu Fini, and Porygon-Z. However, Clefable offers more utility through its Magic Guard set, making the option rather niche. It is also forced to run Moonlight, a low PP and situational recover recovery move that can leave Clefable rather vulnerable at times.

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

Fairy
--------

**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Nidoking, Mega Venusaur, and Nihilego can all severely cripple Clefable with their STAB Poison-type attacks, while and they resist Moonblast in return.

**Steel-types**: Threats such as Excadrill, Heatran, Mega Scizor, and Celesteela all resist Clefable's STAB Fairy-type attacks and can threaten to break through it with their own STAB attacks in return. However, every aforementioned threat bar Heatran fears taking its Clefable's Fire-type coverage moves.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Offensive threats like Victini, Landorus, and Mega Pinsir can all 2HKO Clefable thanks to their impressive wallbreaking capabilities, leaving Clefable struggle struggling to beat them. (tbh the "leaving Clefable struggling to beat them" can be removed)

**Chansey**: Chansey laughs at any special attack coming from Clefable (even boosted ones) due to its gargantuan HP stat combined with its high Special Defense;(SC),(RC) however,(AC) Clefable can still use it as entry hazard setup fodder. Clefable's immunity to Toxic damage thanks to Magic Guard also means that Chansey will have a much harder time wearing down Clefable as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Alolan Marowak, Mega Charizard-(RH)Y, Rotom-H, and Volcanion all resist Clefable's STAB attacks and can also take on its Fire-type coverage moves. However, every mentioned threat except Rotom-H does not appreciate coming in on Thunder Wave.

**Taunt**: Common Taunt users such as Jellicent, Deoxys-S, and Gliscor can all prevent Clefable from setting up entry hazards,(AC) setting up or Calm Mind boosts, and recovering HP,(AC) thereby threatening can all threaten to weaken it down due to Taunt also disallowing Clefable from recovering its HP. However, Clefable can still threaten to scare off the aforementioned threats with its STAB attacks nonetheless.
GP 1/2
 

Lumari

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GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Fairy
========

Clefable stands out as one of the best defensive pivots on Fairy teams thanks to its great overall bulk in conjunction with an solid mono-Fairy defensive typing, letting it act as a versatile threat that can compress many roles in one slot. It also has access to an amazing ability in Magic Guard, which allows Clefable to be immune to all indirect damage, helping it act as a great entry hazard setter or defensive setup sweeper. Clefable also has an expansive movepool, consisting of useful utility moves such as Stealth Rock and Soft-Boiled alongside great coverage moves like Flamethrower, making it a formidable threat. It also notably (repetition) behaves as one of the best Mega Scizor checks, a threat that can otherwise wreck havoc on the rest of Clefable's team, when holding a Babiri Berry. Nonetheless, Clefable's bulk prevents it from sustaining hits from powerful wallbreakers such as Landorus, Victini, and Diggersby. Its typing also does not provide any other useful resistances for its teammates, meaning that Poison- and Steel-type threats such as Nidoking and Heatran can still pose a threat against it.

[SET]
name: Utility (Fairy)
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Soft-Boiled
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
item: Babiri Berry / Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Stealth Rock aids Clefable's teammates by weakening opposing threats through entry hazard chip damage. It is a valuable Stealth Rock setter due to its Fairy typing and Magic Guard ability scaring off common entry hazard removers and redirecters Magic Bounce users such as Mandibuzz, Latios, Armaldo, and Mega Sableye. Soft-Boiled is a reliable recovery move that increases Clefable's durability, making it more dependable as a defensive wall. Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move, allowing it to hit Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types extremely hard and preventing Clefable it from being used as setup bait. It also has the added factor of having the chance of lowering the foe's Special Attack, helping Clefable wall special attackers much better. Fire Blast is a great coverage that is used to target Steel-type threats such as Mega Scizor and Bisharp. Flamethrower can be used instead, as its perfect accuracy offers more consistency instead of greater power.

Set Details
========

Magic Guard allows Clefable to bypass any indirect damage, meaning that it can avoid being crippled by status conditions such as burn and poison. It also allows Clefable to come in more freely, since it can ignore the chip damage from entry hazards, meaning that it can escape the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Latios, Keldeo, and Terrakion. A Babiri Berry is equipped in order to lure certain Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Excadrill, and Magearna by avoiding the OHKO or 2HKO from their STAB Steel-type attacks while Clefable can hit them hard with its Fire-type coverage in return. Leftovers can be used instead to enhance Clefable's sustainability, letting it check a wide array of threats more safely due to the passive recovery each turn. The EVs have been maxed out maximized in HP and Defense with a Bold nature in order to enhance Clefable's physical bulk, allowing it to check threats such as Mega Scizor, Landorus-T, and Mega Gyarados. However, a maxed out fully specially defensive spread with a Calm nature can be used instead in order for Clefable to act as a specially defensive tank that can check attackers like Meloetta, Volcanion, and Thundurus more reliably.

Usage Tips
========

Clefable should be setting up Stealth Rock early on in the match, since the chip damage helps its teammates break down walls much better. It can set up Stealth Rock frequently due to it having many high number of opportunities to switch in. Thanks to its ability, Clefable can be used as a sponge to status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, meaning that it can pivot in against common users of such moves like Zapdos and Mew. However, Clefable must be wary of coming in against powerful attackers such as Landorus and (unless CB too) Choice Band Victini and Landorus. It should also avoid staying in versus certain wallbreakers that can 2HKO it such as Tapu Koko and Meloetta unless they have been severely weakened, since Clefable can use up all of its Soft-Boiled PP rather quickly, preventing it from sustaining itself later on in the match. Clefable should also be careful when conserving its Babiri Berry, since it can be necessary to check certain threats such as Mega Scizor and Excadrill. Therefore, avoiding Steel-type coverage from threats such as Celesteela and Magnezone is imperative.

Team Options
========

Teammates that can utilize the entry hazard support that Clefable provides is key, meaning that threats such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Gardevoir all stand out as great picks. Tapu Koko also acts as a great pivot that can aid Clefable in coming in safely, while Tapu Bulu offers additional passive recovery through Grassy Terrain, which can be useful if it decides to not run Leftovers. Steel-types such as Magearna and Klefki are also beneficial, since they can help Clefable check Poison- and other Steel-types much better, while Clefable can switch into Fighting-types in return. Magearna can also help Clefable break through certain defensive threats such as Toxapex, Mantine, and Nihilego, while Klefki can provide more entry hazard and screens support with Spikes, Reflect, and Light Screen. Setup sweepers such as Azumarill and Magearna can also be useful for wearing down opposing walls that can be difficult for Clefable to wear down like Mantine and Mew, while Clefable provides them with entry hazard support in return. Entry hazard removal through partners such as Togekiss and Tapu Fini can also be beneficial, since, although it does not get affected by them, Clefable's susceptibility to being used as entry hazard setup fodder can still necessitate it being placed on the team.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind (Fairy)
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Calm Mind transforms Clefable into a bulky yet powerful sweeper that can easily wreak havoc after a couple of boosts. Moonblast is Clefable's STAB move, which offers great offensive coverage and provides the chance to lower the enemy's Special Attack, making Clefable even more difficult to take down. Flamethrower is a remarkable coverage option that helps Clefable breaks through Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Excadrill, and Celesteela. Soft-Boiled is an important recovery move that permits Clefable the chance to set up more frequently by increasing its sustainability overall. Thunder Wave is an alternative utility move that allows Clefable to cripple offensive threats such as Heatran, Mega Pidgeot, and Keldeo by reducing their Speed. It also can bid grant Clefable more setup opportunities if the opposing foe is afflicted with paralysis. However, it means that Clefable must pass up a coverage option, leaving it more susceptible versus certain threats.

Set Details
========

Magic Guard allows Clefable to ignore any indirect damage such as poison and burn, making it much more difficult to circumvent after it sets up a couple of boosts. Leftovers is the preferred item, since the passive recovery each turn aids Clefable in avoiding the 2HKO from certain offensive threats such as Thundurus and Garchomp. The EVs have been fully invested in HP and Defense with a Bold nature in order to maximize Clefable's physical bulk, making it almost impossible to OHKO after a few Calm Mind boosts.

Usage Tips
========

Clefable is best used as a late-game cleaner, since it can have a much easier time sweeping once its checks such as Nidoking and Toxapex have been severely weakened or KOed. Clefable should avoid setting up alongside other Calm Mind sweepers such as Mega Slowbro and Meloetta, since the aforementioned threats often carry Psyshock, a move which can threaten to OHKO Clefable regardless of the amount number of Calm Mind boosts it was able to accumulate. Physical wallbreakers such as Choice Band Victini and offensive Landorus-T can still threaten to 2HKO Clefable no matter how much it had invested in its physical bulk. Therefore, it is advised to pivot out against these threats in order to avoid Clefable being severely weakened. Clefable should also not be brought into the battlefield unnecessarily against stronger attacks, since it can risk getting weakened immensely, possibly preventing a sweep later on in the match.

Team Options
========

Klefki is a great partner for Clefable, since it can switch into Poison-type attacks and provide useful support through Reflect, Light Screen, and Spikes, letting Clefable sponge more attacks, setup set up more easily, and break through walls. Other setup sweepers such as Belly Drum Azumarill and Swords Dance Tapu Bulu are also beneficial, since they can help apply more offensive pressure against the opposing team and help Clefable break through special walls such as Chansey and Alolan Muk. Wallbreakers like Tapu Koko, Magearna, and Tapu Bulu benefit from Clefable's ability to break through defensive walls (RC) while they and can help check offensive threats in return. The first two examples can also provide momentum through Volt Switch, enabling Clefable to come in more frequently. Entry hazard removal from teammates such as Togekiss and Tapu Fini can also be useful because it remedies Clefable's susceptibility of being used as a entry hazard setup fodder.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Fairy
--------
A defensive Unaware set can be run, allowing Clefable to check setup sweepers such as Volcorona, Tapu Fini, and Porygon-Z. However, Clefable offers more utility through its Magic Guard set, making the option rather niche. It is also forced to run Moonlight, a low-PP (AH) and situational recovery move that can leave Clefable rather vulnerable at times.

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

Fairy
--------
**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Nidoking, Mega Venusaur, and Nihilego can all severely cripple Clefable with their STAB Poison-type attacks, and they resist Moonblast.

**Steel-types**: Threats such as Excadrill, Heatran, Mega Scizor, and Celesteela all resist Clefable's STAB Fairy-type attacks and can threaten to break through it with their own STAB attacks in return. However, every aforementioned threat bar Heatran fears taking Clefable's Fire-type coverage moves.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Offensive threats like Victini, Landorus, and Mega Pinsir can all 2HKO Clefable thanks to their impressive wallbreaking capabilities, leaving Clefable struggling to beat them.

**Chansey**: Chansey laughs at any special attack coming from Clefable (even boosted ones) due to its gargantuan HP stat combined with its high Special Defense; however, Clefable can still use it as entry hazard setup fodder. Clefable's immunity to Toxic damage thanks to Magic Guard means that Chansey will have a much harder time wearing down Clefable as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Alolan Marowak, Mega Charizard Y, Rotom-H, and Volcanion all resist Clefable's STAB attacks and can take on its Fire-type coverage moves. However, every mentioned threat except Rotom-H does not appreciate coming in on Thunder Wave.

**Taunt**: Common Taunt users such as Jellicent, Deoxys-S, and Gliscor can all prevent Clefable from setting up entry hazards, setting up Calm Mind boosts, and recovering HP, thereby threatening to weaken it. However, Clefable can still threaten to scare off the aforementioned threats with its STAB attacks nonetheless.
 
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