Overview
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Zangoose functions as an excellent wallbreaker, utilizing a Toxic Boost and Toxic Orb boosted Facade to 2HKO almost anything it hits neutrally. His base 90 Speed allows ties with common threats such as Meloetta, as well as outspeeds things such as Adamant Drapion. His lackluster defense stats (73 / 60 / 60) don't allow him to tank repeated hits, especially not while factoring in Toxic chip damage. Unresisted Close Combat, Knock Off, and Facade coverage allow it to break down nearly every common threat. Its sets are normally very predictable, as it has narrow options outside of the three aforementioned moves. Quick Attack is also a staple, letting it take down weakened sweepers who come in for the kill. It suffers from longevity issues due to Toxic Orb damage being in play and finding the free turn to set up said Toxic Orb.
Wallbreaker
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name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Facade
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Quick Attack
ability: Toxic Boost
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
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Facade is boosted by Toxic status and by Toxic Boost, making it the STAB move of choice whenever you need to hit something neutrally. Knock Off will hit what Facade doesn't, especially things such as Doublade who would otherwise completely wall Zangoose. Third slot is occupied with Close Combat, which 2HKO's every steel type in the tier (53.2 - 63.1% on 252 HP / 252 Def Registeel). Quick Attack in the last slot allows you to outspeed other priority and faster threats to pick up KO's which in turn prevent you from taking hits.
Set Details
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252 Attack EVs capitalizes on damage output, which in turn helps its wallbreaking abilities. 252 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature lets you tie with base 90's and outspeed anything below. Toxic Orb is necessary as it lets you take advantage of Toxic Boost.
Usage Tips
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When using Zangoose, getting it in safely to get Toxic Orb boost up should be a priority, and bringing it in with a slow Volt Switcher or U-uTrner is the optimal situation for this. You don't want to waste any time while using it, as it will take continuous chip damage from Toxic Orb. Another good place to switch it into is when expecting a status move, if your toxic is already up it will be absorbed. As with most things, predicting switches really helps Zangoose seeing as it OHKO's common checks like Cobalion with CC on the switch and will 2HKO threats slower then it. The best use of it will normally be to wallbreak for other things, faster attackers especially, to take advantage of this.
Team Options
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Delphox naturally fits Zangoose typing wise, seeing as it will struggle with steel types and fighting types, it will also pair well with things that enjoy seeing walls broken down on the other team, such as scarf Meloetta and Fletchinder. A big problem with Zangoose is getting it in and getting Toxic Orb status up, especially if you're not running Protect, so slower Volt Switchers and U-Turners like Lanturn and Eelektross help secure a safe switch, along with this it also enjoys any switch in with Baton Pass, Volt Switch, or U-Turn to give it momentum to avoid extra damage. Another thing that works well with Zangoose is hazard stacking, so something such as lead Omastar will let it put a lot of pressure on opposing teams since hazards + Facade/Close Combat will OHKO or 2HKO most viable threats. Hazard removal is also welcome, as it will very quickly be worn down by Toxic chip + hazard chip if you allow them to stay on your side of the field.
Other Options
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Zangoose only has one usable ability in Toxic Boost, which also pretty much locks in the item he's using, so the only portion of his set that's viably changed is what moves he's running. Facade, Close Combat, and Knock Off are all necessary as well but the last slot has a lot of options you can fit in depending on what your team needs. Feint is usable to counter Protect stall as well as move before +1 priority moves like Fletchinder's Acrobatics, but the damage given up from Quick Attack normally isn't worth it. Pursuit is also used to punish the switches it will force, but again giving up Quick Attack for this is dubious at best and should only be done when your team needs it. Swords Dance will allow you to set up and raise your attack to lofty heights, but his bulk combined with the Toxic chip damage make a Swords Dance sweep very hard to pull off, and normally ends up being an inefficient use of your moveslot. Adamant nature is also a possibility for Zangoose as it gives you even more damage then you're already dishing out, but you lose out on the speed tie with max speed Meloetta and lose to max speed base 80's. If you do chose to go this route Quick Attack is necessary as your last move slot to make up for the lost Speed. Protect is useful if you don't have a slower U-Turner, Volt Switcher, or Baton Passer and need to get your Toxic up for free. Endeavor is another option that will allow you to weaken an enemy to minimum health before you feint or weaken an enemy on their switch in to potentially KO next turn.
Checks & Counters
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**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon that can take a hit and return with damage of their own normally don't go too well for Zangoose. (Can get the 2HKO on Mega Steelix with CC but OHKO'd back after the defense drop.)
**Hazard Stacking**: Heavy Hazards as well as sticky web all hinder Zangoose's freedom of switching in and longevity.
**Faster Attackers**: Zangoose isn't taking many hits well, and the faster attackers in RU give him trouble by outspeeding and KO'ing with their respective method. Cobalion is a great switch in to a Knock Off or Facade that can KO afterwards with CC.
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