Moves

Double-Edge is Silvally's most reliable damage option, notably allowing it to secure KOs on Pokemon such as Silvally-Dragon and non-physically defensive Poliwrath after a Swords Dance boost and Stealth Rock damage. Return is a safe alternative STAB option that does not inflict recoil. Crunch covers Ghost-types in addition to Psychic-types, particularly those that resist Normal-type moves like Bronzor and Metang. Flame Charge allows Silvally to raise its Speed and outspeed Choice Scarf users like Rotom-S and Pinsir in addition to naturally faster Pokemon like Floatzel while also hitting Steel-types like Mawile for moderate damage. Alternatively, Explosion trades the ability to boost Speed for a slightly stronger Breakneck Blitz and allows Silvally to function as a stronger wallbreaker, powering through defensive tanks like physically defensive Poliwrath. Shadow Claw can be used over Crunch to circumvent Colbur Berry users such as Gourgeist-XL, but it has a notably lower damage output outside of this niche.

Set Details

Normalium Z turns Double-Edge, Explosion, or Return into Breakneck Blitz, avoiding the negative secondary effects in the case of the former two moves and allowing Silvally to take out defensive targets such as Sandslash, Silvally-Fighting, and Rotom-S after a Swords Dance boost. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Silvally to Speed tie with opposing Silvally formes, Leafeon, and Electivire.

Usage Tips

Silvally is vulnerable to being worn down by chip damage, particularly if it is using Double-Edge, so bringing it onto the field with slow pivots and double switches is ideal. While Silvally can threaten out passive Pokemon to set up Swords Dance, one must be careful of status, particularly burn and poison, from the likes of Mareanie and Altaria that may cripple Silvally and limit it to being used as a one-time wallbreaker. Aim to preserve Silvally's Breakneck Blitz until it's necessary to take out a specific target, such as defensive Silvally-Fighting, or to avoid fainting due to recoil damage from Double-Edge. Crunch can be used to catch Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Dusclops and Bronzor on the switch to weaken them for a later sweep. When possible, Flame Charge should be used to finish off a weakened target or after setting up. Explosion can be used to take out bulkier Pokemon such as Bouffalant and Exeggutor. This can be used when Silvally is expected to faint or simply to open the door for a teammate like Bellossom to take advantage of.

Team Options

Even after a Swords Dance boost, Silvally can struggle to break past Steel- and Rock-types like Mawile and Golem, so Pokemon that can handle them like Sandslash, Torterra, and Simisage are beneficial. Stealth Rock support from Sandslash and Torterra also helps Silvally secure OHKOs on Pokemon like Leafeon and Muk with Double-Edge after a Swords Dance boost. Pivots like Volt Switch Rotom-S and U-turn Monferno can give Silvally free entry while also pressuring Pokemon like Mawile and Gourgeist-XL that give Silvally trouble. Alolan Golem and Probopass are especially notable as Volt Switch pivots that can also trap Steel-types with Magnet Pull. Silvally is prone to being worn down by entry hazards, so Pokemon that can clear them such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Sandslash are valuable partners. Toxic Spikes in particular give Silvally trouble, so absorbers such as Mareanie and Muk should also be considered. Flying- and Poison-types such as Rotom-S, Mareanie, and Muk are also notable for pressuring Fighting-type Pokemon like Silvally-Fighting and Poliwrath for Silvally, chipping them into KO range of its Double-Edge. All of these Pokemon also check Gourgeist-XL, one of Silvally's most troublesome foes.