[OVERVIEW]
Ursaring is one of the best wallbreakers in PU thanks to its high Attack stat, coverage to hit most of the metagame for neutral damage, and great ability in Quick Feet that makes up for its lackluster Speed, allowing it to outspeed Pokemon such as Simipour and Simisage. It does face competition from other Normal-type wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Dodrio, but neither has a way of increasing their Attack; additionally, both are slower than Ursaring after the Quick Feet boost, while the latter struggles with Rock- and Steel-types. However, Ursaring has to be inflicted with a status condition for Quick Feet to activate and is still outsped by Pokemon such as Zebstrika and Floatzel after the boost. It is also easily worn down by Toxic damage as well as entry hazards, making it easy to take out in a weakened state.
[SET]
name: Quick Feet
move 1: Facade
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Swords Dance / Protect
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Quick Feet
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Facade is Ursaring's main attacking move, whose power doubles once Ursaring is poisoned, allowing it to deal out heavy damage against foes that don't resist it. Close Combat hits Rock- and Steel-types such as Golem and Probopass, which resist Facade. Crunch rounds out Ursaring's coverage, nailing Ghost-types such as Misdreavus and Gourgeist, which are immune to Facade and Close Combat. Swords Dance boosts Ursaring's Attack to extraodinary levels, allowing it do deal out even more damage. Protect can be used over Swords Dance to guarantee that Ursaring's Toxic Orb activates, but the foe can use this oppurtunity to switch out, use a boosting move, or set up entry hazards.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack allows Ursaring to deal out the most possible damage. Maximum investment along with a Jolly nature lets Ursaring be as fast as possible, notably being able to outspeed everything up to base 105 Speed Pokemon such as Kadabra and Rapidash after Quick Feet takes effect. Quick Feet is the preferred ability, as it provides a boost to Ursaring's Speed when it is inflicted with a status condition.
Usage Tips
========
Ursaring can be used as an early-game wallbreaker to deal out heavy damage or as a late-game sweeper once faster Pokemon and priority users are eliminated or weak enough for Ursaring to take out on its own. Ursaring is best coming in after a teammate has fainted or off a slow Volt Switch, U-turn, or Baton Pass from Pokemon such as Probopass and Vibrava. Swords Dance should be used if you predict a switch or if Ursaring has a favorable matchup against a foe such as Clefairy. It can then proceed to wear down the opponent's team for its teammates to clean up. Facade should be spammed often unless your opponent has a Pokemon that resists or is immune to it.
Team Options
========
Ursaring best fits on balanced or offensive teams in need of a hard-hitting wallbreaker. Ursaring greatly appreciates entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Probopass, Piloswine, and Stunfisk, as it aids in wearing down foes switching in. Setup sweepers such as Regice and Fraxure appreciate Ursaring's wallbreaking support. Other Normal-types also pair well with Ursaring; Sawsbuck appreciates Ursaring's ability to handle Ghost-types, while Dodrio and Purugly appreciate Rock- and Steel-types being removed. Sticky Web support from Leavanny slows down faster threats to Ursaring, making them easier to handle. As Ursaring is worn down by entry hazards, hazard removal support from Pokemon such as Vibrava, Pelipper, and Armaldo is greatly appreciated.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Guts is an option over Quick Feet, but Ursaring misses out on the added Speed Quick Feet provides and already has access to Swords Dance, so it isn't preferred. Earthquake can be used over Close Combat to maintain coverage against Rock- and Steel-types without the Defense and Special Defense drops, but it is weaker than Close Combat. Ursaring has access to a plethora of physical moves such as Thunder Punch to hit Pelipper harder, but running it leaves it unable to handle Rock- and Steel types if it forgoes Close Combat and unable to touch Ghost-types if it drops Crunch. Therefore, if you want to run a coverage attack, Swords Dance or Protect should be replaced.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Residual Damage**: Because Ursaring is always poisoned, it is easily worn down by Toxic damage as well as entry hazard damage, making it easier to be taken out. Priority attacks from Pokemon such as Golem, Mightyena, and Basculin can also cut into Ursaring's longevity or outright KO it.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: While Ursaring is a threatening wallbreaker, Pokemon with good physical bulk such as Gourgeist and defensive variants of Tangela can sponge any attack from Ursaring and proceed to heal off any damage with Synthesis or wear down Ursaring with their attacks. Vullaby can take an unboosted Facade from Ursaring and heal off any damage with Roost or wear it down with Foul Play, but it is OHKOed by Facade after a Swords Dance and Stealth Rock damage.
**Faster Pokemon**: Though they can't switch in on any of Ursaring's attacks, Pokemon such as Raichu and Floatzel outspeed Ursaring and can proceed to take it out with their STAB attacks. Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Sawsbuck and Mr. Mime can outspeed and revenge kill Ursaring if it is in a weakened state.
Last edited by a moderator:
