Overview
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Generation after generation, Clefable has languished in the shadows of its many contemporaries, but no more is this the case, as Clefable's astronomical rise to OU super-stardom is attributed to its brand-spanking new Fairy typing. Two phenomenal abilities in Magic Guard and Unaware allow Clefable to take on a multitude of roles including a Magic Guard + Calm Mind user, an Unaware physical wall, an effective Stealth Rock setter, and an offensive tank. With Unaware, Clefable is able to effortlessly halt a significant quantity of boosting sweepers, whereas Magic Guard works fantastically in negating every form of residual damage, making Clefable an incredibly dangerous Pokemon for stall-based teams and nearly impossible to wear down. Furthermore, Clefable's amazing movepool—both supportive and offensive—along with its outstanding abilities allows it to perform all of its given roles incredibly well, and showcases its potential to adapt in a constantly changing metagame, all the while making it the perfect glue to many teams, easily stitching the holes in teams that struggle with top-tier threats such as Azumarill, Thundurus, and the various Fighting- and Dragon-types inhabiting the OU tier. In stark contrast to how vast Clefable's movepool is, its stats pale in comparison. With not a single base stat over 100, it is quite apparent that Clefable must often specialize in only two stats in order to achieve the most success for any of its sets. While Clefable's typing is unquestionably good, its mediocre defenses can only take it so far. This flaw is all the more evident when Clefable is compared to sturdier supporters such as Chansey, which, unlike Clefable, has the raw bulk to take on the likes of Mega Charizard Y. However, it is Clefable's sheer versatility that always puts its user one step ahead of the opponent, and ultimately makes it the wild card of the match.
Magic Guard + Calm Mind
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name: Magic Guard + Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Stored Power / Flamethrower
ability: Magic Guard
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
nature: Bold
Moves
========
Calm Mind bolsters Clefable's special stats, allowing it to both withstand special attacks with greater ease as well as dish out moderately strong attacks of its own after a few boosts. Moonblast is a must with any Clefable really, as it is its most reliable STAB move. Some key benchmarks to keep note of is that Clefable must have two boosts to OHKO Latias, Assault Vest Conkeldurr, and Mandibuzz. Soft-Boiled is absolutely necessary to keep replenishing Clefable's health in between setup. Flamethrower does well in damaging most Steel-types; for instance, after a single boost, it OHKOes Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. On the other hand, Stored Power compensates where Moonblast is lacking by easily shattering Heatran, Chansey, and Mega Venusaur, as well as opposing Unaware users, due to its mechanics.
Set Details
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The key to this set's success is Magic Guard. With this ability, Clefable is completely uninhibited by status moves, allowing it to boost in the face of weak walls such as Chansey and Quagsire. In light of other possibilities, Clefable is able to use Magic Guard in tandem with Soft-Boiled, thus lessening the need for more convoluted healing methods, such as Wish + Protect. Moreover, Magic Guard's utility opens the floodgate of options by allowing Clefable to utilize items such as Life Orb without being subjugated to nasty recoil.
While Life Orb might seem like a strange choice, the fact that Clefable is impervious to passive damage via Magic Guard along with its access to reliable recovery in Soft-Boiled lessens the need for Leftovers. When its attacks are boosted by a Life Orb, Clefable is able to achieve KOs it wouldn't have otherwise, such as on Latias and Conkeldurr at +1 with Moonblast. With a Life Orb, Clefable also has a better chance to come out on top versus Chansey, making it a very effective stallbreaker. On the flip-side, Leftovers makes it easier for Clefable to continually set up Calm Mind boosts boosts; this is especially useful when Clefable is up against more offensively inclined teams.
Usage Tips
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This set is fairly straightforward and easy to use: have Clefable come in on a weak wall such as Rotom-W, Mandibuzz, or Chansey, and from there, it can set up Calm Mind against these threats with no concern. It's good, however, to dispose of Whirlwind and/or Roar users and remove Heatran before attempting to do this, as all these threats keep Clefable in line so long as they're healthy. As far as teams to use this Clefable on, it best fits on almost any team in need of a stallbreaker or a generally good sweeper. Do keep in mind that one of this Clefable's primary purposes is to take out stall, so it's best not to force it to assume the role of a wall itself; be cautious if you attempt to switch it into more powerful physical attackers such as Garchomp and Terrakion.
Forcing a switch on the likes of Dragonite or doing the above is usually the best way to get off a Calm Mind boost or two. Keep this in mind: don't get too greedy with boosts. Having Clefable accumulate too many boosts increases the odds of a critical hit occurring, which ends up only wasting turns and time, and ultimately puts you in a bad position if Clefable is taken out this way. Oftentimes, teams carry multiple checks to Clefable, most of them being Fire-weak Steel-types. To take advantage of that, it's good to go for Flamethrower once Clefable forces a switch as opposed to Calm Mind; this way, it can take out at least one of its checks, thus making it easier to pull off a sweep later on in the match.
Team Options
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Magic Guard Clefable is very self-sufficient and fits on almost any team, but it appreciates Pokemon that deal with Heatran, and to a lesser extent, Bisharp. Keldeo and Quagsire are perfect partners, given their ability to easily plow through or wall both of these Pokemon respectively and work as solid switch-ins. While Keldeo and Quagsire do indeed have good synergy with Clefable, Heatran and Bisharp are unlikely to stay in on them; as such, it's better to pair Clefable with a Pokemon that lures out both of these threats and nails them on the switch. One such notable example is Earthquake Latios, which does a colossal amount of damage to the two Steel-types should they be foolish enough to directly come in.
Physically Defensive
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name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Wish
move 3: Protect
move 4: Heal Bell / Thunder Wave
ability: Unaware
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold
Moves
=======
Moonblast is Clefable's compulsory STAB move, as its great neutral coverage and solid Base Power does well in wearing down bulky targets such as Rotom-W. With Wish + Protect, Clefable works as a solid Wish passer for balanced and stall-based teams. Protect also does well in gathering Leftovers recovery, allowing a worn-out Clefable to avoid a potential 2HKO. Heal Bell allows Clefable to act as a reliable cleric; therefore, it permits Clefable's offensive teammates to play a bit more aggressively, as the threat of status is watered down to a significant degree. On the other hand, Thunder Wave is fantastic on Clefable for crippling setup sweepers it has difficulty KOing such as Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gyarados, and immobilizing common switch-ins such as Mega Charizard Y and Gengar, thus creating an advantageous situation for its teammates.
Should your team lack a dedicated Stealth Rock user, then Clefable can perform this role exceptionally well, given its ability to force switches and discourage several common Defog users such as Latios and Mandibuzz from coming in and removing the entry hazard. Toxic may be used in the last slot to cripple Hippowdon, Zapdos, Volcarona, Talonflame, and bulky Mega Charizard X. Just be wary that many of Clefable's common switch-ins are completely unfazed by Toxic, as they are either Poison- or Steel-types. Moonlight is an option over Wish + Protect so that Clefable acquires an extra moveslot to support its teammates, although the low PP and dilution under sandstorm makes this move a rather high opportunity cost, especially when taking into account that this Clefable needs all the PP it can get when it's up against opposing stall teams. Lastly, Calm Mind is also viable as it gives Clefable the capability to overpower bulky setup sweepers such as Manaphy and opposing Calm Mind Clefable.
Set Details
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The set is geared more towards physical defense, as it allows Clefable to better deal with the likes of Garchomp and Terrakion. Should your team have a proper way of dealing with boosting sweepers, Clefable may forgo Unaware in exchange for Magic Guard. Due to its immunity to all forms of passive damage, Magic Guard Clefable makes for a much more efficient Wish passer. Magic Guard also gives Clefable more flexibility in its moveslots, as it can now run Soft-Boiled for recovery, giving it an extra moveslot to support its teammates with or utilize a coverage move such as Flamethrower. Do note, however, that the entire allure towards using defensive Clefable is to remove the threat of setup sweepers; you'll find that by forgoing Unaware, not only does Clefable lose the ability to counter Pokemon it's supposed to, but its sheer passiveness allows a multitude of bulky threats to set up on it.
A specially defensive spread is a viable alternative, as it allows Clefable to hard counter Greninja, all variants of Nasty Plot Thundurus, and Tail Glow Manaphy while still having enough bulk to comfortably wall the likes of Conkeldurr and better deal with Keldeo, Sludge Wave-less Landorus, and Life Orb Deoxys-S. The only issue with such a spread is that Clefable struggles to tank physical attacks, thus reducing the overall pool of Pokemon it normally beats. In particular, Garchomp's Earthquake and Latios's Psyshock will do a sizable chunk, so much so that Clefable should only switch in with the utmost prudence.
Usage Tips
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Defensive Clefable best fits on balanced or stall teams in need of cleric and/or Wish support. Clefable's ability to check or counter the likes of Garchomp, Manaphy, Thundurus, Swords Dance Talonflame, Mega Tyranitar, Azumarill, Kyurem-B, Dragonite, Latios, Conkeldurr, Terrakion, Suicune, and Breloom, as well as soft check many other setup sweepers courtesy of its defensive typing and Unaware, makes it invaluable on these sorts of teams. Clefable is best brought out to check the above threats, and may be done so at nearly any moment of the match.
When up against offensive teams, Clefable is able to force many switches; as such, this is the best time to fire off a Thunder Wave to cripple the opposing switch-in or lay Stealth Rock on the field. Keep in mind that if Clefable's health is around 50% upon switching into a certain threat, then it's better to simply recover at that moment so that Clefable can continue to check the Pokemon in question. Also, due to its low PP, Heal Bell is to be used sparingly, especially when up against opposing stall teams where the cleric's role is invaluable in winning the status war. It's good to keep in mind, however, that unlike Heal Bell, it's advisable for Clefable to use Protect to scout for certain coverage options such as Iron Head from Kyurem-B, or accumulate Leftovers recovery in order to avoid a possible 2HKO from Terrakion's Life Orb-boosted Stone Edge, among other attacks.
Team Options
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In terms of defensive partners, Clefable works quite well with the following: Mega Venusaur, Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T. Clefable provides Heal Bell support to all four, which is much appreciated given that the above Pokemon detest burns; in return, Quagsire, Landorus-T, and Hippodown help check Steel-types such as Heatran, Excadrill, Mega Scizor, and Bisharp, whereas Mega Venusaur easily deals with Keldeo and some of the previously mentioned Steel-types.
More offensively inclined partners include Mega Medicham, Mega Gyarados, and Conkeldurr. Due to Clefable's vulnerability to Steel-types, and to a lesser extent, Poison-types, the above Pokemon are useful in more ways than one. Mega Medicham easily destroys any Steel-type with its STAB-boosted High Jump Kick and slaughters Mega Venusaur with Zen Headbutt. Just like Mega Medicham, Conkeldurr also helps deal with Steel-types, but it also takes down Gengar thanks to its meaty defenses and Guts ability, which allow it to easily tank a Shadow Ball and take advantage of Will-O-Wisp. Lastly, Mega Gyarados forces out many of Clefable's checks and proceeds to set up afterwards. It goes without saying that Clefable can also aid the Pokemon in question; for instance, Clefable provides cleric support for the former two and Wish support to all three, all the while keeping Latios in line for Conkeldurr and Mega Medicham as well as Thundurus for Mega Gyarados.
Stealth Rock
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name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Soft-Boiled
ability: Magic Guard
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
nature: Bold
Moves
========
Clefable functions as a very proficient Stealth Rock user for a variety of reasons. First off, Clefable is able to set up Stealth Rock quite effectively as a result of its naturally good bulk and typing; this gives it the opportunity to capitalize on forced switches on Dragon- and Fighting-types to lay down the entry hazard. Furthermore, Clefable is able to threaten almost every relevant Defog and Rapid Spin user, such as Excadrill, Latios, Mega Scizor, and Mandibuzz, due to either its Fairy typing and STAB-boosted Moonblast or solid coverage option in Flamethrower. Even if the opponent is able to remove the entry hazard, Clefable's Magic Guard ability combined with its access to reliable recovery makes it very difficult to wear down, and thus Clefable can repeatedly come in and out of the match to set up Stealth Rock if need be.
Set Details
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Magic Guard is chosen as the main ability so that Clefable isn't fazed by residual damage; in this case, it's necessary so that Clefable doesn't have to concern itself with the possibility of crippling status getting in its way as it tries to perform its given role. The EVs are generally focused towards physical defense because of the fact that that's where Clefable's resistances best come into play—Garchomp, Choice Band Dragonite, and Psyshock Latios are some Pokemon that are easier to handle as a result of this EV investment.
Usage Tips
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Any team that wants a Stealth Rock user that does well against Dragon- and Fighting-types will appreciate Clefable's presence; in other words, it can fit well on a variety of teams, ranging from semi-stall to bulky offense. Clefable may be brought in at nearly any moment of the match to set up entry hazards, which is can do rather well thanks to its good bulk. However, given its ability to capitalize on switches, in particular, its ability to force out the likes of Garchomp, Dragonite, Conkeldurr, and Choice-locked Fighting-type attackers in general, it can find the time to set up Stealth Rock during those opportunities just as well. On top of its ability to set up Stealth Rock, this Clefable functions as an excellent check to the previously mentioned Pokemon as well as an effective status sponge thanks to Magic Guard, so it may be used to come in on such Pokemon or a weak wall to absorb a possible Scald burn or Toxic.
Team Options
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This Clefable is rather self-sufficient and seeks more often to help its teammates rather than itself. Due to this, any team that has a weakness to Fighting- or Dragon-type attackers that wants a Stealth Rock user to deal with such threats will appreciate this Clefable's support. Ironically, Dragon-types themselves work well with Clefable for this very reason; a notable example is Kyurem-B. Conveniently, this Clefable packs Flamethrower, which works well in softening Steel-types for other Pokemon that struggle a bit with them, such as Mega Scizor. Another effective partner is Mega Gyarados, as it appreciates Stealth Rock support to help facilitate a sweep while also taking advantage of Clefable's ability to lure in and nail one of its best counters: Ferrothorn.
Tank
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name: Tank
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Thunder Wave
move 4: Soft-Boiled
ability: Magic Guard
item: Life Orb
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
nature: Modest
Moves
========
Backed by a Life Orb and maximum Special Attack investment, Moonblast deals a surprising amount of damage, easily 2HKOing most Quagsire, Rotom-W, and Hippowdon. Fire Blast on the other hand OHKOes almost every OU Steel-type. Thunder Wave allows Clefable to cripple Gengar, Mega Charizard Y, and other common switch-ins while acting as an emergency check to Keldeo and Greninja if need be. Soft-Boiled keeps Clefable healthy, allowing it to continually batter through defensive walls and recover in between attacking. Thunderbolt may be used over Thunder Wave, as it OHKOes Talonflame and Mega Charizard-Y after Stealth Rock, as well as giving Clefable the ability to beat defensive Heatran one-versus-one. Psychic is also viable, as it allows Clefable to lure out and OHKO Gengar, as well as 2HKOing Mega Venusaur and other Poison-types. Hidden Power Ground may be used to lure out Heatran and easily 2HKO every variant after Stealth Rock.
Set Details
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Magic Guard is chosen as the main ability in order to nullify Life Orb recoil, thus giving Clefable the perfect balance of power and durability alongside its high Base Power coverage moves and access to reliable recovery in Soft-Boiled. Maximum Special Attack investment allows Clefable to pack a punch, which, in tandem with the HP investment, permits Clefable to easily tank most attacks and strike back hard. Speed investment is an option in order for Clefable to get the jump on fast defensive threats such as Mandibuzz and Skarmory to KO them before they use Defog, but between Thunder Wave and the fact that Clefable really needs every bit of bulk it can get its grubby little hands on to make the set function, it really isn't worth it most of the time.
Usage Tips
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This Clefable's main purpose is to simply weave in and out of the match, sponging weak or resisted hits then recovering over the course of this ordeal, all the while throwing out Life Orb-boosted attacks in order to wear down the opposition for its teammates. Because of its Magic Guard ability, its minimal dependency on Speed, and the fact that it doesn't use physical attacks, this Clefable works as a fantastic status sponge for bulky offensive teams, easily coming in to sponge burns from weak Scald users such as Quagsire, Will-O-Wisp from Mega Charizard X, Toxic from Chansey, and Thunder Wave from Thundurus. Furthermore, due to its immunity to passive damage and sheer defiance to go down in the face of weak attacks and status, it also easily switches in on most defensive Pokemon and takes anything they have to throw at it.
Basically, between its solid bulk, good resistances, strong attacks, and Thunder Wave, this Clefable is meant to be played via short-term strategic goals by not targeting the Pokemon it is currently up against, but rather, the one meant to come in and check it. In doing so, Clefable can eventually cripple or even take out most of its checks mid-game, paving the way for a Pokemon that shares similar counter-measures to sweep.
Team Options
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Stealth Rock support is highly appreciated, as it makes it easier for Clefable to do its job of wearing down the opposing team's offensive and defensive Pokemon alike. Stealth Rock Landorus and Garchomp are both very good offensive partners that set entry hazards and aid Clefable in breaking down the opposing team. Clefable aids Landorus by being able to deal with almost all of its checks, such as Mandibuzz and Rotom-W, and in the case of Garchomp, Clefable lures out Skarmory and OHKOes it with Fire Blast and lures out opposing Clefable, 2HKOing them with a Life Orb-boosted Moonblast.
Luring in Steel-types and bulky defensive Pokemon and smashing them to pieces is what this Clefable does best, so Pokemon that benefit from the removal of such threats will greatly appreciate its partnership. Swords Dance Mega Scizor in particular greatly benefits from the removal of Aegislash and a weakened Rotom-W. Slow sweepers such as Manaphy, Mega Mawile, and Belly Drum Azumarill also appreciate Clefable's paralysis support. Manaphy is a very good partner in general, as it can boost to +3 via Tail Glow and smash Mega Venusaur as well as many of Clefable's other checks with Psychic.
Other Options
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Clefable has a slew of other supportive and disruptive tactics, including Encore, Healing Wish, Trick + Flame Orb, Magic Coat, Counter, and Cosmic Power. Encore works effectively with Magic Guard variants by halting boosting sweepers, and it is also useful for locking slower entry hazard setters into one move. However, Clefable should best stick to Unaware if it wants to combat boosting sweepers, and outside of the previously mentioned applications, Encore has limited use. Healing Wish can be a game-changing move on more offensively based teams by restoring the health of an injured sweeper, although sacrificing Clefable is generally imprudent given its vital role as a team player. Trick + Flame Orb in tandem with Magic Guard is a great way to cripple many of Clefable's common switch-ins such as Bisharp, Excadrill, and Scizor, among others. Another way Clefable can become even more of an annoyance is with Magic Coat, as it deflects entry hazards from the Deoxys formes and gives faster Taunt users a taste of their own medicine. Counter also finds use by getting a surprise KO on physical attackers that want to try their luck with Clefable, but this option is an immediate giveaway and subsequent waste if used carelessly. Cosmic Power may be used on the Calm Mind sets to ease set up, but lacks any other use outside of that. Keep in mind that sets geared towards accumulating multiple Cosmic Power boosts in tandem with Stored Power are a complete waste of Clefable's potential.
In regard to more offensive options, Clefable's vast offensive movepool includes Focus Blast, Charge Beam, Ice Beam, Seismic Toss, and Knock Off. Focus Blast may be used over Flamethrower on the Calm Mind sets to break past Heatran, but its low PP and unappealing accuracy might be a turnoff. Charge Beam may also be used to simultaneously attack and potentially bestow Clefable with a Special Attack boost, but it is laughably weak. Ice Beam works effectively by destroying Gliscor, Zapdos, and Landorus-T, but it has limited use outside of that. Seismic Toss is an option on the defensive sets for a consistent damaging move. Lastly, Knock Off's disruptive shenanigans work well in crippling many of Clefable's opponents, but again, it is quite weak.
Checks & Counters
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**Bulky Taunt Users**: In order to take Clefable down, Taunt users that naturally outspeed it are necessary to both keep Clefable from supporting its teammates and grabbing multiple Calm Mind boosts. Heatran, Mew, specially defensive Talonflame, and Deoxys-D easily come in on just about every one of Clefable's attacks; prevent it from boosting, spreading status, or recovering via Taunt, recover off any damage they might have attained upon switching in, then slowly but surely wear Clefable down with their own attacks. However, the latter three are instantaneously crippled by an incoming Toxic on the switch, though the only thing that stops Taunt Heatran from countering Clefable is a surprise coverage move specifically aimed to beat it.
**Poison-types**: Clefable's most notable check is Mega Venusaur, as it easily switches in on all of Clefable's standard attacks and 2HKOes it with Sludge Bomb; however, Clefable can muscle through it with the Calm Mind set. Other checks are Amoonguss, Gengar, and Scolipede. Amoonguss only has to watch out for a Life Orb-boosted Fire Blast; otherwise, it's a solid check to Clefable for reasons similar to Mega Venusaur, but in contrast, it does not lose to the Calm Mind sets because of Clear Smog. In the case of Gengar and Scolipede, neither of them enjoy switching in on a Fire-type move, but should they get in safely, they can easily destroy Clefable with their STAB-boosted Poison-type attacks.
**Steel-types**: Just about every offensive Steel-type checks Clefable fairly well by virtue of their natural type advantage and brute strength. These Pokemon include Aegislash, Bisharp, Mega Mawile, Mega Scizor, and Excadrill. However, it is precautionary that all these avoid directly switching in on Clefable, as it frequently carries a Fire-type move that 3HKOes them at the very least or, as in a few cases, OHKOes them at a moment's notice.
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Generation after generation, Clefable has languished in the shadows of its many contemporaries, but no more is this the case, as Clefable's astronomical rise to OU super-stardom is attributed to its brand-spanking new Fairy typing. Two phenomenal abilities in Magic Guard and Unaware allow Clefable to take on a multitude of roles including a Magic Guard + Calm Mind user, an Unaware physical wall, an effective Stealth Rock setter, and an offensive tank. With Unaware, Clefable is able to effortlessly halt a significant quantity of boosting sweepers, whereas Magic Guard works fantastically in negating every form of residual damage, making Clefable an incredibly dangerous Pokemon for stall-based teams and nearly impossible to wear down. Furthermore, Clefable's amazing movepool—both supportive and offensive—along with its outstanding abilities allows it to perform all of its given roles incredibly well, and showcases its potential to adapt in a constantly changing metagame, all the while making it the perfect glue to many teams, easily stitching the holes in teams that struggle with top-tier threats such as Azumarill, Thundurus, and the various Fighting- and Dragon-types inhabiting the OU tier. In stark contrast to how vast Clefable's movepool is, its stats pale in comparison. With not a single base stat over 100, it is quite apparent that Clefable must often specialize in only two stats in order to achieve the most success for any of its sets. While Clefable's typing is unquestionably good, its mediocre defenses can only take it so far. This flaw is all the more evident when Clefable is compared to sturdier supporters such as Chansey, which, unlike Clefable, has the raw bulk to take on the likes of Mega Charizard Y. However, it is Clefable's sheer versatility that always puts its user one step ahead of the opponent, and ultimately makes it the wild card of the match.
Magic Guard + Calm Mind
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name: Magic Guard + Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Stored Power / Flamethrower
ability: Magic Guard
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
nature: Bold
Moves
========
Calm Mind bolsters Clefable's special stats, allowing it to both withstand special attacks with greater ease as well as dish out moderately strong attacks of its own after a few boosts. Moonblast is a must with any Clefable really, as it is its most reliable STAB move. Some key benchmarks to keep note of is that Clefable must have two boosts to OHKO Latias, Assault Vest Conkeldurr, and Mandibuzz. Soft-Boiled is absolutely necessary to keep replenishing Clefable's health in between setup. Flamethrower does well in damaging most Steel-types; for instance, after a single boost, it OHKOes Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. On the other hand, Stored Power compensates where Moonblast is lacking by easily shattering Heatran, Chansey, and Mega Venusaur, as well as opposing Unaware users, due to its mechanics.
Set Details
========
The key to this set's success is Magic Guard. With this ability, Clefable is completely uninhibited by status moves, allowing it to boost in the face of weak walls such as Chansey and Quagsire. In light of other possibilities, Clefable is able to use Magic Guard in tandem with Soft-Boiled, thus lessening the need for more convoluted healing methods, such as Wish + Protect. Moreover, Magic Guard's utility opens the floodgate of options by allowing Clefable to utilize items such as Life Orb without being subjugated to nasty recoil.
While Life Orb might seem like a strange choice, the fact that Clefable is impervious to passive damage via Magic Guard along with its access to reliable recovery in Soft-Boiled lessens the need for Leftovers. When its attacks are boosted by a Life Orb, Clefable is able to achieve KOs it wouldn't have otherwise, such as on Latias and Conkeldurr at +1 with Moonblast. With a Life Orb, Clefable also has a better chance to come out on top versus Chansey, making it a very effective stallbreaker. On the flip-side, Leftovers makes it easier for Clefable to continually set up Calm Mind boosts boosts; this is especially useful when Clefable is up against more offensively inclined teams.
Usage Tips
========
This set is fairly straightforward and easy to use: have Clefable come in on a weak wall such as Rotom-W, Mandibuzz, or Chansey, and from there, it can set up Calm Mind against these threats with no concern. It's good, however, to dispose of Whirlwind and/or Roar users and remove Heatran before attempting to do this, as all these threats keep Clefable in line so long as they're healthy. As far as teams to use this Clefable on, it best fits on almost any team in need of a stallbreaker or a generally good sweeper. Do keep in mind that one of this Clefable's primary purposes is to take out stall, so it's best not to force it to assume the role of a wall itself; be cautious if you attempt to switch it into more powerful physical attackers such as Garchomp and Terrakion.
Forcing a switch on the likes of Dragonite or doing the above is usually the best way to get off a Calm Mind boost or two. Keep this in mind: don't get too greedy with boosts. Having Clefable accumulate too many boosts increases the odds of a critical hit occurring, which ends up only wasting turns and time, and ultimately puts you in a bad position if Clefable is taken out this way. Oftentimes, teams carry multiple checks to Clefable, most of them being Fire-weak Steel-types. To take advantage of that, it's good to go for Flamethrower once Clefable forces a switch as opposed to Calm Mind; this way, it can take out at least one of its checks, thus making it easier to pull off a sweep later on in the match.
Team Options
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Magic Guard Clefable is very self-sufficient and fits on almost any team, but it appreciates Pokemon that deal with Heatran, and to a lesser extent, Bisharp. Keldeo and Quagsire are perfect partners, given their ability to easily plow through or wall both of these Pokemon respectively and work as solid switch-ins. While Keldeo and Quagsire do indeed have good synergy with Clefable, Heatran and Bisharp are unlikely to stay in on them; as such, it's better to pair Clefable with a Pokemon that lures out both of these threats and nails them on the switch. One such notable example is Earthquake Latios, which does a colossal amount of damage to the two Steel-types should they be foolish enough to directly come in.
Physically Defensive
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name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Wish
move 3: Protect
move 4: Heal Bell / Thunder Wave
ability: Unaware
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold
Moves
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Moonblast is Clefable's compulsory STAB move, as its great neutral coverage and solid Base Power does well in wearing down bulky targets such as Rotom-W. With Wish + Protect, Clefable works as a solid Wish passer for balanced and stall-based teams. Protect also does well in gathering Leftovers recovery, allowing a worn-out Clefable to avoid a potential 2HKO. Heal Bell allows Clefable to act as a reliable cleric; therefore, it permits Clefable's offensive teammates to play a bit more aggressively, as the threat of status is watered down to a significant degree. On the other hand, Thunder Wave is fantastic on Clefable for crippling setup sweepers it has difficulty KOing such as Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gyarados, and immobilizing common switch-ins such as Mega Charizard Y and Gengar, thus creating an advantageous situation for its teammates.
Should your team lack a dedicated Stealth Rock user, then Clefable can perform this role exceptionally well, given its ability to force switches and discourage several common Defog users such as Latios and Mandibuzz from coming in and removing the entry hazard. Toxic may be used in the last slot to cripple Hippowdon, Zapdos, Volcarona, Talonflame, and bulky Mega Charizard X. Just be wary that many of Clefable's common switch-ins are completely unfazed by Toxic, as they are either Poison- or Steel-types. Moonlight is an option over Wish + Protect so that Clefable acquires an extra moveslot to support its teammates, although the low PP and dilution under sandstorm makes this move a rather high opportunity cost, especially when taking into account that this Clefable needs all the PP it can get when it's up against opposing stall teams. Lastly, Calm Mind is also viable as it gives Clefable the capability to overpower bulky setup sweepers such as Manaphy and opposing Calm Mind Clefable.
Set Details
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The set is geared more towards physical defense, as it allows Clefable to better deal with the likes of Garchomp and Terrakion. Should your team have a proper way of dealing with boosting sweepers, Clefable may forgo Unaware in exchange for Magic Guard. Due to its immunity to all forms of passive damage, Magic Guard Clefable makes for a much more efficient Wish passer. Magic Guard also gives Clefable more flexibility in its moveslots, as it can now run Soft-Boiled for recovery, giving it an extra moveslot to support its teammates with or utilize a coverage move such as Flamethrower. Do note, however, that the entire allure towards using defensive Clefable is to remove the threat of setup sweepers; you'll find that by forgoing Unaware, not only does Clefable lose the ability to counter Pokemon it's supposed to, but its sheer passiveness allows a multitude of bulky threats to set up on it.
A specially defensive spread is a viable alternative, as it allows Clefable to hard counter Greninja, all variants of Nasty Plot Thundurus, and Tail Glow Manaphy while still having enough bulk to comfortably wall the likes of Conkeldurr and better deal with Keldeo, Sludge Wave-less Landorus, and Life Orb Deoxys-S. The only issue with such a spread is that Clefable struggles to tank physical attacks, thus reducing the overall pool of Pokemon it normally beats. In particular, Garchomp's Earthquake and Latios's Psyshock will do a sizable chunk, so much so that Clefable should only switch in with the utmost prudence.
Usage Tips
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Defensive Clefable best fits on balanced or stall teams in need of cleric and/or Wish support. Clefable's ability to check or counter the likes of Garchomp, Manaphy, Thundurus, Swords Dance Talonflame, Mega Tyranitar, Azumarill, Kyurem-B, Dragonite, Latios, Conkeldurr, Terrakion, Suicune, and Breloom, as well as soft check many other setup sweepers courtesy of its defensive typing and Unaware, makes it invaluable on these sorts of teams. Clefable is best brought out to check the above threats, and may be done so at nearly any moment of the match.
When up against offensive teams, Clefable is able to force many switches; as such, this is the best time to fire off a Thunder Wave to cripple the opposing switch-in or lay Stealth Rock on the field. Keep in mind that if Clefable's health is around 50% upon switching into a certain threat, then it's better to simply recover at that moment so that Clefable can continue to check the Pokemon in question. Also, due to its low PP, Heal Bell is to be used sparingly, especially when up against opposing stall teams where the cleric's role is invaluable in winning the status war. It's good to keep in mind, however, that unlike Heal Bell, it's advisable for Clefable to use Protect to scout for certain coverage options such as Iron Head from Kyurem-B, or accumulate Leftovers recovery in order to avoid a possible 2HKO from Terrakion's Life Orb-boosted Stone Edge, among other attacks.
Team Options
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In terms of defensive partners, Clefable works quite well with the following: Mega Venusaur, Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T. Clefable provides Heal Bell support to all four, which is much appreciated given that the above Pokemon detest burns; in return, Quagsire, Landorus-T, and Hippodown help check Steel-types such as Heatran, Excadrill, Mega Scizor, and Bisharp, whereas Mega Venusaur easily deals with Keldeo and some of the previously mentioned Steel-types.
More offensively inclined partners include Mega Medicham, Mega Gyarados, and Conkeldurr. Due to Clefable's vulnerability to Steel-types, and to a lesser extent, Poison-types, the above Pokemon are useful in more ways than one. Mega Medicham easily destroys any Steel-type with its STAB-boosted High Jump Kick and slaughters Mega Venusaur with Zen Headbutt. Just like Mega Medicham, Conkeldurr also helps deal with Steel-types, but it also takes down Gengar thanks to its meaty defenses and Guts ability, which allow it to easily tank a Shadow Ball and take advantage of Will-O-Wisp. Lastly, Mega Gyarados forces out many of Clefable's checks and proceeds to set up afterwards. It goes without saying that Clefable can also aid the Pokemon in question; for instance, Clefable provides cleric support for the former two and Wish support to all three, all the while keeping Latios in line for Conkeldurr and Mega Medicham as well as Thundurus for Mega Gyarados.
Stealth Rock
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name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Soft-Boiled
ability: Magic Guard
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
nature: Bold
Moves
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Clefable functions as a very proficient Stealth Rock user for a variety of reasons. First off, Clefable is able to set up Stealth Rock quite effectively as a result of its naturally good bulk and typing; this gives it the opportunity to capitalize on forced switches on Dragon- and Fighting-types to lay down the entry hazard. Furthermore, Clefable is able to threaten almost every relevant Defog and Rapid Spin user, such as Excadrill, Latios, Mega Scizor, and Mandibuzz, due to either its Fairy typing and STAB-boosted Moonblast or solid coverage option in Flamethrower. Even if the opponent is able to remove the entry hazard, Clefable's Magic Guard ability combined with its access to reliable recovery makes it very difficult to wear down, and thus Clefable can repeatedly come in and out of the match to set up Stealth Rock if need be.
Set Details
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Magic Guard is chosen as the main ability so that Clefable isn't fazed by residual damage; in this case, it's necessary so that Clefable doesn't have to concern itself with the possibility of crippling status getting in its way as it tries to perform its given role. The EVs are generally focused towards physical defense because of the fact that that's where Clefable's resistances best come into play—Garchomp, Choice Band Dragonite, and Psyshock Latios are some Pokemon that are easier to handle as a result of this EV investment.
Usage Tips
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Any team that wants a Stealth Rock user that does well against Dragon- and Fighting-types will appreciate Clefable's presence; in other words, it can fit well on a variety of teams, ranging from semi-stall to bulky offense. Clefable may be brought in at nearly any moment of the match to set up entry hazards, which is can do rather well thanks to its good bulk. However, given its ability to capitalize on switches, in particular, its ability to force out the likes of Garchomp, Dragonite, Conkeldurr, and Choice-locked Fighting-type attackers in general, it can find the time to set up Stealth Rock during those opportunities just as well. On top of its ability to set up Stealth Rock, this Clefable functions as an excellent check to the previously mentioned Pokemon as well as an effective status sponge thanks to Magic Guard, so it may be used to come in on such Pokemon or a weak wall to absorb a possible Scald burn or Toxic.
Team Options
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This Clefable is rather self-sufficient and seeks more often to help its teammates rather than itself. Due to this, any team that has a weakness to Fighting- or Dragon-type attackers that wants a Stealth Rock user to deal with such threats will appreciate this Clefable's support. Ironically, Dragon-types themselves work well with Clefable for this very reason; a notable example is Kyurem-B. Conveniently, this Clefable packs Flamethrower, which works well in softening Steel-types for other Pokemon that struggle a bit with them, such as Mega Scizor. Another effective partner is Mega Gyarados, as it appreciates Stealth Rock support to help facilitate a sweep while also taking advantage of Clefable's ability to lure in and nail one of its best counters: Ferrothorn.
Tank
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name: Tank
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Thunder Wave
move 4: Soft-Boiled
ability: Magic Guard
item: Life Orb
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
nature: Modest
Moves
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Backed by a Life Orb and maximum Special Attack investment, Moonblast deals a surprising amount of damage, easily 2HKOing most Quagsire, Rotom-W, and Hippowdon. Fire Blast on the other hand OHKOes almost every OU Steel-type. Thunder Wave allows Clefable to cripple Gengar, Mega Charizard Y, and other common switch-ins while acting as an emergency check to Keldeo and Greninja if need be. Soft-Boiled keeps Clefable healthy, allowing it to continually batter through defensive walls and recover in between attacking. Thunderbolt may be used over Thunder Wave, as it OHKOes Talonflame and Mega Charizard-Y after Stealth Rock, as well as giving Clefable the ability to beat defensive Heatran one-versus-one. Psychic is also viable, as it allows Clefable to lure out and OHKO Gengar, as well as 2HKOing Mega Venusaur and other Poison-types. Hidden Power Ground may be used to lure out Heatran and easily 2HKO every variant after Stealth Rock.
Set Details
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Magic Guard is chosen as the main ability in order to nullify Life Orb recoil, thus giving Clefable the perfect balance of power and durability alongside its high Base Power coverage moves and access to reliable recovery in Soft-Boiled. Maximum Special Attack investment allows Clefable to pack a punch, which, in tandem with the HP investment, permits Clefable to easily tank most attacks and strike back hard. Speed investment is an option in order for Clefable to get the jump on fast defensive threats such as Mandibuzz and Skarmory to KO them before they use Defog, but between Thunder Wave and the fact that Clefable really needs every bit of bulk it can get its grubby little hands on to make the set function, it really isn't worth it most of the time.
Usage Tips
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This Clefable's main purpose is to simply weave in and out of the match, sponging weak or resisted hits then recovering over the course of this ordeal, all the while throwing out Life Orb-boosted attacks in order to wear down the opposition for its teammates. Because of its Magic Guard ability, its minimal dependency on Speed, and the fact that it doesn't use physical attacks, this Clefable works as a fantastic status sponge for bulky offensive teams, easily coming in to sponge burns from weak Scald users such as Quagsire, Will-O-Wisp from Mega Charizard X, Toxic from Chansey, and Thunder Wave from Thundurus. Furthermore, due to its immunity to passive damage and sheer defiance to go down in the face of weak attacks and status, it also easily switches in on most defensive Pokemon and takes anything they have to throw at it.
Basically, between its solid bulk, good resistances, strong attacks, and Thunder Wave, this Clefable is meant to be played via short-term strategic goals by not targeting the Pokemon it is currently up against, but rather, the one meant to come in and check it. In doing so, Clefable can eventually cripple or even take out most of its checks mid-game, paving the way for a Pokemon that shares similar counter-measures to sweep.
Team Options
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Stealth Rock support is highly appreciated, as it makes it easier for Clefable to do its job of wearing down the opposing team's offensive and defensive Pokemon alike. Stealth Rock Landorus and Garchomp are both very good offensive partners that set entry hazards and aid Clefable in breaking down the opposing team. Clefable aids Landorus by being able to deal with almost all of its checks, such as Mandibuzz and Rotom-W, and in the case of Garchomp, Clefable lures out Skarmory and OHKOes it with Fire Blast and lures out opposing Clefable, 2HKOing them with a Life Orb-boosted Moonblast.
Luring in Steel-types and bulky defensive Pokemon and smashing them to pieces is what this Clefable does best, so Pokemon that benefit from the removal of such threats will greatly appreciate its partnership. Swords Dance Mega Scizor in particular greatly benefits from the removal of Aegislash and a weakened Rotom-W. Slow sweepers such as Manaphy, Mega Mawile, and Belly Drum Azumarill also appreciate Clefable's paralysis support. Manaphy is a very good partner in general, as it can boost to +3 via Tail Glow and smash Mega Venusaur as well as many of Clefable's other checks with Psychic.
Other Options
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Clefable has a slew of other supportive and disruptive tactics, including Encore, Healing Wish, Trick + Flame Orb, Magic Coat, Counter, and Cosmic Power. Encore works effectively with Magic Guard variants by halting boosting sweepers, and it is also useful for locking slower entry hazard setters into one move. However, Clefable should best stick to Unaware if it wants to combat boosting sweepers, and outside of the previously mentioned applications, Encore has limited use. Healing Wish can be a game-changing move on more offensively based teams by restoring the health of an injured sweeper, although sacrificing Clefable is generally imprudent given its vital role as a team player. Trick + Flame Orb in tandem with Magic Guard is a great way to cripple many of Clefable's common switch-ins such as Bisharp, Excadrill, and Scizor, among others. Another way Clefable can become even more of an annoyance is with Magic Coat, as it deflects entry hazards from the Deoxys formes and gives faster Taunt users a taste of their own medicine. Counter also finds use by getting a surprise KO on physical attackers that want to try their luck with Clefable, but this option is an immediate giveaway and subsequent waste if used carelessly. Cosmic Power may be used on the Calm Mind sets to ease set up, but lacks any other use outside of that. Keep in mind that sets geared towards accumulating multiple Cosmic Power boosts in tandem with Stored Power are a complete waste of Clefable's potential.
In regard to more offensive options, Clefable's vast offensive movepool includes Focus Blast, Charge Beam, Ice Beam, Seismic Toss, and Knock Off. Focus Blast may be used over Flamethrower on the Calm Mind sets to break past Heatran, but its low PP and unappealing accuracy might be a turnoff. Charge Beam may also be used to simultaneously attack and potentially bestow Clefable with a Special Attack boost, but it is laughably weak. Ice Beam works effectively by destroying Gliscor, Zapdos, and Landorus-T, but it has limited use outside of that. Seismic Toss is an option on the defensive sets for a consistent damaging move. Lastly, Knock Off's disruptive shenanigans work well in crippling many of Clefable's opponents, but again, it is quite weak.
Checks & Counters
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**Bulky Taunt Users**: In order to take Clefable down, Taunt users that naturally outspeed it are necessary to both keep Clefable from supporting its teammates and grabbing multiple Calm Mind boosts. Heatran, Mew, specially defensive Talonflame, and Deoxys-D easily come in on just about every one of Clefable's attacks; prevent it from boosting, spreading status, or recovering via Taunt, recover off any damage they might have attained upon switching in, then slowly but surely wear Clefable down with their own attacks. However, the latter three are instantaneously crippled by an incoming Toxic on the switch, though the only thing that stops Taunt Heatran from countering Clefable is a surprise coverage move specifically aimed to beat it.
**Poison-types**: Clefable's most notable check is Mega Venusaur, as it easily switches in on all of Clefable's standard attacks and 2HKOes it with Sludge Bomb; however, Clefable can muscle through it with the Calm Mind set. Other checks are Amoonguss, Gengar, and Scolipede. Amoonguss only has to watch out for a Life Orb-boosted Fire Blast; otherwise, it's a solid check to Clefable for reasons similar to Mega Venusaur, but in contrast, it does not lose to the Calm Mind sets because of Clear Smog. In the case of Gengar and Scolipede, neither of them enjoy switching in on a Fire-type move, but should they get in safely, they can easily destroy Clefable with their STAB-boosted Poison-type attacks.
**Steel-types**: Just about every offensive Steel-type checks Clefable fairly well by virtue of their natural type advantage and brute strength. These Pokemon include Aegislash, Bisharp, Mega Mawile, Mega Scizor, and Excadrill. However, it is precautionary that all these avoid directly switching in on Clefable, as it frequently carries a Fire-type move that 3HKOes them at the very least or, as in a few cases, OHKOes them at a moment's notice.
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