[OVERVIEW]
Serperior slithers across the battlefield as one of the most dangerous threats in the metagame thanks to its solid Speed stat, amazing ability in Contrary, decent typing, and a wide range of utility moves, such as Glare, Taunt, Knock Off, Leech Seed, Reflect, and Light Screen. Its Speed stat allows it to get the jump on Pokemon like Keldeo, Latias, and Mega Metagross. With a Contrary-boosted Leaf Storm, Serperior serves as a fantastic cleaner and threatens key metagame staples like Excadrill, Clefable, Landorus-T, and Rotom-W. Contrary also allows Serperior to punish Defog, letting it take on Pokemon that should have no business staying in against, such as Magma Storm Heatran. However, Serperior has no reliable coverage options outside of Hidden Power. Speaking of which, it has to choose between Hidden Power Fire or Hidden Power Rock, forcing it to pick between losing to Fire-types like Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y or Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn. Serperior also can't fit all of its utility options into one set. Its Special Attack stat is below average at best, forcing it to rely on boosting with Leaf Storm to threaten the opposing team, in which the low PP can be exploited, for example, by Pressure users like Zapdos. Additionally, Serperior is outpaced by Pokemon like Tornadus-T, Weavile, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Alakazam. Lastly, Serperior's typing leaves it vulnerable to U-turn and common attacking types like Ice, Fire, and Flying.
[SET]
name: Stallbreaker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Hidden Power Rock / Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off
move 3: Taunt / Knock Off
move 4: Glare
item: Rocky Helmet / Lum Berry
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Leaf Storm threatens Water-types like Keldeo, Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad. Hidden Power Rock punishes Fire- and Flying-types like Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, Talonflame, and Zapdos. Hidden Power Fire is a solid alternative to bait in and threaten Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. Knock Off removes Leftovers from targets like Ferrothorn and Heatran, Assault Vest from Tornadus-T, and Eviolite from Chansey. Taunt prevents setup attempts from the likes of Mega Charizard X and Volcarona and prevents the likes of Chansey from healing with Soft-Boiled. Finally, Glare punishes switch-ins like Tornadus-T and Heatran and prevents Pokemon like Mega Charizard X from setting up on Serperior.
Set Details
========
The given HP investment ensures that Serperior survives three hits from Seismic Toss after Stealth Rock, while the rest of its EVs are dumped into Speed and Special Attack. Rocky Helmet is recommended to punish Pokemon that use contact moves such as U-turn from Landorus-T, Seismic Toss from Chansey, Rapid Spin from Excadrill, and priority moves like Fake Out from Mega Medicham and Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor. Lum Berry is a solid alternative that allows it to shrug off status attempts, such as paralysis from opposing Serperior’s Glare and Thundurus’s Thunder Wave, and punish the latter with a boosted Hidden Power Rock. If Serperior ditches Hidden Power Rock and Fire in exchange for Knock Off, it can run 31 Speed IVs to outspeed opposing Serperior that have the aforementioned Hidden Power types.
Usage Tips
========
This Serperior variant compresses the role of a revenge killer, a support Pokemon, and a good defensive check against Water- and Ground-types in one team slot. If Serperior is facing a Pokemon that it easily scares out, it can use the opportunity to punish predicted switch-ins with its Hidden Power of choice, such as Talonflame with Hidden Power Rock, or make use of its solid support movepool, such as Glare to punish Tornadus-T and Knock Off to remove Leftovers from Ferrothorn and Heatran. While Serperior is a solid check to bulky Water-types, it must be careful when switching into Scald, as the chance to burn will reduce its longevity, especially if Serperior is not running Lum Berry to shrug off the burn. Another thing to keep in mind is that these Water-types can also punish Serperior with Toxic, as it reduces its efficacy. Serperior must be careful with its Leaf Storm PP, especially if the opponent has a Pressure user like Zapdos, as they can quickly drain Leaf Storm's PP, reducing its ability to clean up later in the game.
Team Options
========
This Serperior set is a solid fit on teams ranging from offense, bulky offense, and sand structures that appreciate its useful utility options and its ability to handle bulky Water-types. Strong wallbreakers like Mega Medicham, Mega Charizard Y, Volcanion, Keldeo, and Weavile love the paralysis support that Serperior's Glare provides, making it easier to revenge kill Pokemon that are otherwise faster, such as Mega Lopunny and Tornadus-T. Weavile also traps and eliminates the likes of Mega Latias, which Serperior greatly appreciates. Mega Metagross deserves a mention, as it appreciates Serperior removing bulky Water-types like Slowbro, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad and switching into Ground-type attacks aimed at it. In return, Mega Metagross provides a solid answer to Mega Latias. Setup sweepers like Mega Gallade, Bisharp, and Volcarona also benefit from the paralysis support that Serperior provides, as the chance of full paralysis provides them with extra opportunities to set up their boosting moves. Serperior also enjoys partnering with Mega Alakazam, as they can pressure and overwhelm Chansey with repeated attacks and stop it from recovering with Soft-Boiled thanks to Taunt. Additionally, all of these Pokemon benefit from Serperior's Knock Off removing items like Leftovers from Ferrothorn and Clefable, making it easier to overwhelm bulky teams later in the game. Pivots like Zapdos, Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Tornadus-T are helpful, as they grant a safe entry via Volt Switch and U-turn. On sand teams, Tyranitar and Excadrill have incredible synergy with Serperior thanks to Serperior's ability to check troublesome Water-types like Keldeo, Manaphy, and Gastrodon. Tyranitar can also trap and eliminate Latias and Tornadus-T with Pursuit, while Excadrill removes entry hazards with Rapid Spin and becomes a dangerous revenge killer and late-game cleaner thanks to Sand Rush. Serperior supports Excadrill's offensive capabilities by baiting in and removing Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Skarmory with Hidden Power Fire. Heatran sets up Stealth Rock and provides a solid answer to Amoonguss and Mega Scizor, especially if Serperior runs Hidden Power Rock.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Serperior can make use of other Hidden Power types, such as Hidden Power Ground to threaten Heatran and Hidden Power Ice to smash the likes of Dragonite, Mega Latias, and Mega Altaria. However, not running Hidden Power Rock or Hidden Power Fire leaves it at the mercy of Flying- and Steel-types like Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Synthesis is a useful option alongside Leftovers to extend Serperior's longevity and continue threatening Water-types like Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Gastrodon. However, sandstorm from Tyranitar and Hippowdon will reduce the amount of HP that Serperior can gain back. Giga Drain can be used on offensive variants to provide Serperior with both an option to still threaten Water-types and extra longevity without being hindered by Taunt. However, this forces Serperior to give up a crucial utility option like Glare or Taunt.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Weavile is faster than Serperior and threatens it with an immediate OHKO with Icicle Crash, but it cannot afford to switch in directly. Ice-type coverage moves, such as Ice Beam from Mega Latias and Hidden Power Ice from Thundurus, also threaten to pick off Serperior.
**Fire-types**: Volcarona, both Mega Charizard formes, and Talonflame don't take much from Leaf Storm and scare Serperior out with their super effective STAB moves. However, none of them enjoy switching into Glare, and they must watch out for Hidden Power Rock.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory can switch into Leaf Storm and retaliate with major damage. However, they must beware of Hidden Power Fire and can be punished with chip damage from Rocky Helmet.
**Flying-types**: Zapdos, Thundurus, and Tornadus-T resist Leaf Storm and will threaten Serperior back in return. Additionally, Zapdos quickly drains Leaf Storm's PP thanks to Pressure, while Thundurus can threaten it with Prankster Thunder Wave and prevent it from setting up dual screens and healing with Synthesis or Rest thanks to Taunt. However, they must beware of Hidden Power Rock.
**Dragon-types**: Latios, Mega Latias, Dragonite, Kyurem-B can switch into Leaf Storm and force Serperior out with heavy damage. However, none of them enjoy switching into Glare.
**Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur**: Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur take little from a boosted Leaf Storm and force it out in return. Additionally, Amoonguss can remove Serperior's boosts with Clear Smog, while Mega Venusaur takes neutral damage from Hidden Power Fire thanks to Thick Fat.
**Faster Revenge Killers and Priority**: Mega Alakazam, Mega Lopunny, Tornadus-T, and Choice Scarf users like Volcanion outspeed Serperior and threaten it with heavy damage. Additionally, priority moves like Brave Bird from Talonflame, Quick Attack from Mega Pinsir, and Fake Out from Mega Medicham and the aforementioned Mega Lopunny also threaten to pick off Serperior. However, they must be wary of Rocky Helmet variants.
**Status**: Serperior despises status conditions, especially paralysis, as it reduces its revenge killing opportunities later in the game. Additionally, burns from Scald and poison from Toxic will put Serperior on a timer.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user6.105/
Serperior slithers across the battlefield as one of the most dangerous threats in the metagame thanks to its solid Speed stat, amazing ability in Contrary, decent typing, and a wide range of utility moves, such as Glare, Taunt, Knock Off, Leech Seed, Reflect, and Light Screen. Its Speed stat allows it to get the jump on Pokemon like Keldeo, Latias, and Mega Metagross. With a Contrary-boosted Leaf Storm, Serperior serves as a fantastic cleaner and threatens key metagame staples like Excadrill, Clefable, Landorus-T, and Rotom-W. Contrary also allows Serperior to punish Defog, letting it take on Pokemon that should have no business staying in against, such as Magma Storm Heatran. However, Serperior has no reliable coverage options outside of Hidden Power. Speaking of which, it has to choose between Hidden Power Fire or Hidden Power Rock, forcing it to pick between losing to Fire-types like Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y or Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn. Serperior also can't fit all of its utility options into one set. Its Special Attack stat is below average at best, forcing it to rely on boosting with Leaf Storm to threaten the opposing team, in which the low PP can be exploited, for example, by Pressure users like Zapdos. Additionally, Serperior is outpaced by Pokemon like Tornadus-T, Weavile, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Alakazam. Lastly, Serperior's typing leaves it vulnerable to U-turn and common attacking types like Ice, Fire, and Flying.
[SET]
name: Stallbreaker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Hidden Power Rock / Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off
move 3: Taunt / Knock Off
move 4: Glare
item: Rocky Helmet / Lum Berry
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Leaf Storm threatens Water-types like Keldeo, Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad. Hidden Power Rock punishes Fire- and Flying-types like Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, Talonflame, and Zapdos. Hidden Power Fire is a solid alternative to bait in and threaten Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. Knock Off removes Leftovers from targets like Ferrothorn and Heatran, Assault Vest from Tornadus-T, and Eviolite from Chansey. Taunt prevents setup attempts from the likes of Mega Charizard X and Volcarona and prevents the likes of Chansey from healing with Soft-Boiled. Finally, Glare punishes switch-ins like Tornadus-T and Heatran and prevents Pokemon like Mega Charizard X from setting up on Serperior.
Set Details
========
The given HP investment ensures that Serperior survives three hits from Seismic Toss after Stealth Rock, while the rest of its EVs are dumped into Speed and Special Attack. Rocky Helmet is recommended to punish Pokemon that use contact moves such as U-turn from Landorus-T, Seismic Toss from Chansey, Rapid Spin from Excadrill, and priority moves like Fake Out from Mega Medicham and Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor. Lum Berry is a solid alternative that allows it to shrug off status attempts, such as paralysis from opposing Serperior’s Glare and Thundurus’s Thunder Wave, and punish the latter with a boosted Hidden Power Rock. If Serperior ditches Hidden Power Rock and Fire in exchange for Knock Off, it can run 31 Speed IVs to outspeed opposing Serperior that have the aforementioned Hidden Power types.
Usage Tips
========
This Serperior variant compresses the role of a revenge killer, a support Pokemon, and a good defensive check against Water- and Ground-types in one team slot. If Serperior is facing a Pokemon that it easily scares out, it can use the opportunity to punish predicted switch-ins with its Hidden Power of choice, such as Talonflame with Hidden Power Rock, or make use of its solid support movepool, such as Glare to punish Tornadus-T and Knock Off to remove Leftovers from Ferrothorn and Heatran. While Serperior is a solid check to bulky Water-types, it must be careful when switching into Scald, as the chance to burn will reduce its longevity, especially if Serperior is not running Lum Berry to shrug off the burn. Another thing to keep in mind is that these Water-types can also punish Serperior with Toxic, as it reduces its efficacy. Serperior must be careful with its Leaf Storm PP, especially if the opponent has a Pressure user like Zapdos, as they can quickly drain Leaf Storm's PP, reducing its ability to clean up later in the game.
Team Options
========
This Serperior set is a solid fit on teams ranging from offense, bulky offense, and sand structures that appreciate its useful utility options and its ability to handle bulky Water-types. Strong wallbreakers like Mega Medicham, Mega Charizard Y, Volcanion, Keldeo, and Weavile love the paralysis support that Serperior's Glare provides, making it easier to revenge kill Pokemon that are otherwise faster, such as Mega Lopunny and Tornadus-T. Weavile also traps and eliminates the likes of Mega Latias, which Serperior greatly appreciates. Mega Metagross deserves a mention, as it appreciates Serperior removing bulky Water-types like Slowbro, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad and switching into Ground-type attacks aimed at it. In return, Mega Metagross provides a solid answer to Mega Latias. Setup sweepers like Mega Gallade, Bisharp, and Volcarona also benefit from the paralysis support that Serperior provides, as the chance of full paralysis provides them with extra opportunities to set up their boosting moves. Serperior also enjoys partnering with Mega Alakazam, as they can pressure and overwhelm Chansey with repeated attacks and stop it from recovering with Soft-Boiled thanks to Taunt. Additionally, all of these Pokemon benefit from Serperior's Knock Off removing items like Leftovers from Ferrothorn and Clefable, making it easier to overwhelm bulky teams later in the game. Pivots like Zapdos, Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Tornadus-T are helpful, as they grant a safe entry via Volt Switch and U-turn. On sand teams, Tyranitar and Excadrill have incredible synergy with Serperior thanks to Serperior's ability to check troublesome Water-types like Keldeo, Manaphy, and Gastrodon. Tyranitar can also trap and eliminate Latias and Tornadus-T with Pursuit, while Excadrill removes entry hazards with Rapid Spin and becomes a dangerous revenge killer and late-game cleaner thanks to Sand Rush. Serperior supports Excadrill's offensive capabilities by baiting in and removing Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Skarmory with Hidden Power Fire. Heatran sets up Stealth Rock and provides a solid answer to Amoonguss and Mega Scizor, especially if Serperior runs Hidden Power Rock.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Serperior can make use of other Hidden Power types, such as Hidden Power Ground to threaten Heatran and Hidden Power Ice to smash the likes of Dragonite, Mega Latias, and Mega Altaria. However, not running Hidden Power Rock or Hidden Power Fire leaves it at the mercy of Flying- and Steel-types like Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Synthesis is a useful option alongside Leftovers to extend Serperior's longevity and continue threatening Water-types like Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Gastrodon. However, sandstorm from Tyranitar and Hippowdon will reduce the amount of HP that Serperior can gain back. Giga Drain can be used on offensive variants to provide Serperior with both an option to still threaten Water-types and extra longevity without being hindered by Taunt. However, this forces Serperior to give up a crucial utility option like Glare or Taunt.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Weavile is faster than Serperior and threatens it with an immediate OHKO with Icicle Crash, but it cannot afford to switch in directly. Ice-type coverage moves, such as Ice Beam from Mega Latias and Hidden Power Ice from Thundurus, also threaten to pick off Serperior.
**Fire-types**: Volcarona, both Mega Charizard formes, and Talonflame don't take much from Leaf Storm and scare Serperior out with their super effective STAB moves. However, none of them enjoy switching into Glare, and they must watch out for Hidden Power Rock.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory can switch into Leaf Storm and retaliate with major damage. However, they must beware of Hidden Power Fire and can be punished with chip damage from Rocky Helmet.
**Flying-types**: Zapdos, Thundurus, and Tornadus-T resist Leaf Storm and will threaten Serperior back in return. Additionally, Zapdos quickly drains Leaf Storm's PP thanks to Pressure, while Thundurus can threaten it with Prankster Thunder Wave and prevent it from setting up dual screens and healing with Synthesis or Rest thanks to Taunt. However, they must beware of Hidden Power Rock.
**Dragon-types**: Latios, Mega Latias, Dragonite, Kyurem-B can switch into Leaf Storm and force Serperior out with heavy damage. However, none of them enjoy switching into Glare.
**Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur**: Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur take little from a boosted Leaf Storm and force it out in return. Additionally, Amoonguss can remove Serperior's boosts with Clear Smog, while Mega Venusaur takes neutral damage from Hidden Power Fire thanks to Thick Fat.
**Faster Revenge Killers and Priority**: Mega Alakazam, Mega Lopunny, Tornadus-T, and Choice Scarf users like Volcanion outspeed Serperior and threaten it with heavy damage. Additionally, priority moves like Brave Bird from Talonflame, Quick Attack from Mega Pinsir, and Fake Out from Mega Medicham and the aforementioned Mega Lopunny also threaten to pick off Serperior. However, they must be wary of Rocky Helmet variants.
**Status**: Serperior despises status conditions, especially paralysis, as it reduces its revenge killing opportunities later in the game. Additionally, burns from Scald and poison from Toxic will put Serperior on a timer.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user6.105/
Last edited:
