Blast
Member of the Alien Nation
Sableye @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm / Careful Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Foul Play / Knock Off
- Recover
- Metal Burst
So oddly enough, I first started using this set on a mono-Dark team with Roseli Berry to bait Ribombee, but as I used the team I realized how much use it had for baiting other special attackers like Sceptile and Vanilluxe that think they can come in on Wisp and force you out. Since monotype is as aggressive as it is, I could often afford to effectively sacrifice Sableye in exchange for destroying a big threat with Metal Burst. It ended up impressing me enough to get me to wonder how well it could work on a normal team, and it largely works the same; since the metagame is still largely dominated by HO, this set is pretty much right at home.
Qwilfish @ Black Sludge
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Scald
- Destiny Bond
Follows a similar idea as the above Sableye set in that it's a bulky Pokemon that's been customized to fit a more aggressive playstyle. Switch it in a lot early-game, set up as many Spikes as possible, and when you're low enough try to get a surprise kill with Destiny Bond. The Speed is for Adamant Hitmonlee and Jolly Garbodor.
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While I'm here I might as well talk a bit about potential quickbans. I think Exploud's been covered enough already, so I won't dwell much on that, but I'll say that I agree it needs to go. Aside from that, I do have some comments on other Pokemon that are likely to be on the next slate.