[OVERVIEW]
- Main niche is a suicide lead for offensive teams due to having every move.
- This makes it one of the few Pokemon able to use Sticky Web effectively.
- Abysmal stats everywhere bar Speed, which is average, leaves it vulnerable to getting KO'd if Focus Sash is broken.
- Zero offensive presence leaves it highly vulnerable to Taunt.
- As a Sticky Web setter, faces competition from Leavanny, who can hit harder and is faster, thus being able to avoid Taunt. However, Smeargle can run a sleep inducing move.
[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Dark Void
move 4: Nuzzle
item: Focus Sash
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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- Sticky Web is an excellent way to manage fast Choice Scarf Pokemon by lowering their Speed.
- Stealth Rock provides a reliable source of chip damage to break Sturdy and Focus Sash.
- Dark Void puts the opposing Pokemon to sleep, making it easier to set up Sticky Web and/or Stealth Rock.
- Nuzzle allows Smeargle to spread paralysis and not be completely shut down by Taunt.
- Magic Coat can be used to reflect Taunt, but it isn't easy to fit.
Set Details
========
- A Jolly nature and maximum Speed allow Smeargle to have as much Speed as possible, while maximum HP gives Smeargle a little bulk.
- Although Smeargle's abilities have zero use, Technician can at least power up Nuzzle slightly.
- Focus Sash allows Smeargle to take at least one hit to set up entry hazards.
Usage Tips
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- Best used as an early-game suicide lead on heavy offense teams.
- Use Dark Void first to get a free turn to set up hazards.
- Always use Sticky Web first to slow the opposing Pokemon after putting something to sleep.
- Stealth Rock is more of a bonus, giving chip damage on all Pokemon; the main entry hazard is Sticky Web.
- Nuzzle can be used to spread paralysis after getting knocked down to its Focus Sash or after setting up both entry hazards.
Team Options
========
- Slow, powerful wallbreakers such as Cacturne appreciate Sticky Web support to fire off strong attacks against slower opponents.
- Pawniard is another good teammate due to being able to deter Defog with Defiant.
- Dusknoir can be a good Spinblocker due to trapping Cryogonal with Pursuit.
- Misdreavus can also be used if a faster spinblocker is desired.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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- An offensive Belly Drum set is plausible; despite Smeargle's horrid Attack, its access to every move in the game makes it fairly unpredictable.
- No other set is really viable due to abysmal stats everywhere
Checks and Counters
===================
**Non-Shadow Sneak and Sucker Punch Priority Move Users**: Priority moves can break Smeargle's Focus Sash, limiting it to one entry hazard. Notable priority users include Monferno. Shadow Sneak doesn't work because Smeargle is immune to it, while Sucker Punch won't work because Smeargle hardly ever uses damaging moves.
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