[OVERVIEW]
Cobalion is a fast and bulky Steel-type capable of filling many roles and taking hits from the likes of Metagross, Zarude, Glastrier, Durant, and Obstagoon. It can set up Stealth Rock for its team and generate momentum with Volt Switch or use its solid offensive typing to work as a threatening Swords Dance wallbreaker. The one area Cobalion is truly lacking in is Special Defense, though; faster special attackers like Thundurus and Raikou can force it out, and it cannot consistently answer special attackers like Dragalge and Gardevoir unlike most other Steel-type Pokemon in the tier. Cobalion should always be paired with teammates that can cover that weakness.
[SET]
name: Offensive Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Rocky Helmet / Chople Berry / Shuca Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
This set takes advantage of Cobalion's great set of resistances and bulk to set up Stealth Rock for its team. Volt Switch turns Cobalion into an effective pivot, grabbing momentum after forcing a switch and racking up chip damage on Pokemon such as Suicune and Volcanion. Toxic can be used instead to punish Pokemon that block Volt Switch like Seismitoad, though it leaves Cobalion unable to generate momentum efficiently. Stone Edge can also be considered to punish Flying-type switch-ins like Noivern, Crobat, and Talonflame. Thunder Wave accomplishes this as well and is generally useful for crippling the opposing team. Maximum Speed is necessary to outpace Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao. Attack EV investment is preferred over HP investment because Cobalion's natural bulk is typically sufficient. Justified in tandem with Cobalion's solid bulk allows Cobalion to switch into Knock Off from Pokemon like Obstagoon and Choice-locked Heracross very well. Rocky Helmet is the item of choice for Cobalion because it wears down many of the physical attackers Cobalion is sent into and punishes U-turn spam from Zarude. Chople Berry is another option that serves as a safety net against Close Combat from Zarude, Obstagoon, and Glastrier. Shuca Berry is a useful item for teams weak to Zygarde-10% and gives Cobalion a more secure matchup against Stakataka and Metagross. Finally, Leftovers can be used to give Cobalion additional longevity on slower teams.
Zarude makes for a good complement to Cobalion, checking Zygarde-10%, Suicune, and Seismitoad. Its ability to effortlessly switch into Seismitoad is especially notable, as Seismitoad is one of Cobalion's best checks thanks to its ability to block Volt Switch. Incineroar is a partner that can check Fire-type Pokemon like Chandelure, Alolan Marowak, and Darmanitan. Roserade can check Raikou, Xurkitree, and some Thundurus sets while also setting up Spikes and switching into Scald for Cobalion. Togekiss, Crobat, and Noivern check other Fighting-type Pokemon like Choice Scarf Mienshao and Heracross. Crobat and Noivern have the added bonus of forming a VoltTurn core with Cobalion, augmenting its ability to generate momentum and wear down the opposing team. Cobalion is a Steel-type that does not resist Fairy and Psychic, so it needs teammates that can help it handle Pokemon of those types. The aforementioned Zarude and Incineroar provide a Psychic-type immunity, which allows them to check threats like Necrozma and Indeedee, whereas Klefki and Assault Vest Galarian Slowbro can check offensive Fairy-type Pokemon like Gardevoir and Sylveon.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Chople Berry / Shuca Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Swords Dance Cobalion uses its Speed and typing to become a threatening attacker and overpower some of its usual checks. This set uses Stone Edge to complement Cobalion's STAB moves, hitting Pokemon like Chandelure, Alolan Marowak, Golisopod, and Mantine. Chople Berry is the primary option for this set, making it much harder for Cobalion to be revenge killed by the likes of Choice Scarf Mienshao and Zarude. Shuca Berry is another option that allows Cobalion to set up on various Ground-type Pokemon, like Seismitoad and Rhyperior, and prevent Cobalion from being revenge killed by Zygarde-10%. Alternatively, Black Belt can be used to boost Cobalion's power without sacrificing its natural bulk like Life Orb would.
Certain Fire-type Pokemon like Chandelure, Darmanitan, and Salazzle can help to dent the bulky Water-type Pokemon that check Cobalion most consistently. Milotic also makes for a great teammate, as it can cripple many of these bulky Water-type Pokemon with Toxic and use Flip Turn to bring Cobalion in safely after luring in a Pokemon like Zarude. Spikes support from Klefki, Roserade, or Golisopod also helps wear down Water-types. Roserade itself also poses a threat to many of the Water-type Pokemon that threaten Cobalion and checks certain Electric-type Pokemon that may attempt to revenge kill a weakened Cobalion like Xurkitree and Raikou. Assault Vest Reuniclus can also check these Electric-type Pokemon while providing Future Sight support to help break through the likes of Seismitoad and Volcanion. Finally, Togekiss can check Choice Scarf Mienshao and Noivern, which threaten to revenge kill Cobalion.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Calm Mind Cobalion sets can be used, but they lack the immediate power of Swords Dance and require Cobalion to use the inaccurate Focus Blast as its primary Fighting-type STAB move. Life Orb seems appealing on Swords Dance sets, but Cobalion wants to be able to take advantage of its bulk throughout the game. A defensive EV spread could be considered for slower teams, though other Steel-type Pokemon like Registeel and Stakataka typically perform that role better. Finally, Occa Berry can be used as an item to lure and take out Choice Scarf Darmanitan and defeat Flamethrower Noivern for teams particularly weak to them.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-type Pokemon**: Certain Fire-type Pokemon like Chandelure, Alolan Marowak, and Talonflame can switch into Stealth Rock Cobalion without Stone Edge thanks to their typing. While Stealth Rock Cobalion can use Volt Switch on them, it must be cautious of the occasional Choice Scarf Chandelure or Overheat Talonflame. Cobalion must also be cautious of Incineroar, which can survive Close Combat after Intimidate and OHKO it with Overheat.
**Bulky Water-type Pokemon**: Suicune, Volcanion, and Mantine can switch into Cobalion and threaten it with Scald. While it can break past many of them with Swords Dance sets, it's advisable to soften them up beforehand. Volt Switch is also effective at chipping most of these targets down. Seismitoad stands out as a check, being able to block Cobalion's Volt Switch and threaten it with Earthquake.
**Faster Pokemon**: Zygarde-10% and many Choice Scarf users like Mienshao, Darmanitan, Magnezone, and Xurkitree deal immense damage to Cobalion while also outspeeding it, though Mienshao and Zygarde-10% must be cautious of Chople or Shuca Berry. Cobalion must also be wary of some faster special attackers like Thundurus and Noivern, which can heavily dent it.
**Doublade**: While uncommon, Doublade poses a distinct threat to Cobalion, effortlessly taking any sort of attack Cobalion may throw at it even after a Swords Dance boost.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[HailFall, 308025]]
- Quality checked by: [[EonX, 91480], [Expulso, 202058]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Cobalion is a fast and bulky Steel-type capable of filling many roles and taking hits from the likes of Metagross, Zarude, Glastrier, Durant, and Obstagoon. It can set up Stealth Rock for its team and generate momentum with Volt Switch or use its solid offensive typing to work as a threatening Swords Dance wallbreaker. The one area Cobalion is truly lacking in is Special Defense, though; faster special attackers like Thundurus and Raikou can force it out, and it cannot consistently answer special attackers like Dragalge and Gardevoir unlike most other Steel-type Pokemon in the tier. Cobalion should always be paired with teammates that can cover that weakness.
[SET]
name: Offensive Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Rocky Helmet / Chople Berry / Shuca Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
This set takes advantage of Cobalion's great set of resistances and bulk to set up Stealth Rock for its team. Volt Switch turns Cobalion into an effective pivot, grabbing momentum after forcing a switch and racking up chip damage on Pokemon such as Suicune and Volcanion. Toxic can be used instead to punish Pokemon that block Volt Switch like Seismitoad, though it leaves Cobalion unable to generate momentum efficiently. Stone Edge can also be considered to punish Flying-type switch-ins like Noivern, Crobat, and Talonflame. Thunder Wave accomplishes this as well and is generally useful for crippling the opposing team. Maximum Speed is necessary to outpace Pokemon like Zarude and Mienshao. Attack EV investment is preferred over HP investment because Cobalion's natural bulk is typically sufficient. Justified in tandem with Cobalion's solid bulk allows Cobalion to switch into Knock Off from Pokemon like Obstagoon and Choice-locked Heracross very well. Rocky Helmet is the item of choice for Cobalion because it wears down many of the physical attackers Cobalion is sent into and punishes U-turn spam from Zarude. Chople Berry is another option that serves as a safety net against Close Combat from Zarude, Obstagoon, and Glastrier. Shuca Berry is a useful item for teams weak to Zygarde-10% and gives Cobalion a more secure matchup against Stakataka and Metagross. Finally, Leftovers can be used to give Cobalion additional longevity on slower teams.
Zarude makes for a good complement to Cobalion, checking Zygarde-10%, Suicune, and Seismitoad. Its ability to effortlessly switch into Seismitoad is especially notable, as Seismitoad is one of Cobalion's best checks thanks to its ability to block Volt Switch. Incineroar is a partner that can check Fire-type Pokemon like Chandelure, Alolan Marowak, and Darmanitan. Roserade can check Raikou, Xurkitree, and some Thundurus sets while also setting up Spikes and switching into Scald for Cobalion. Togekiss, Crobat, and Noivern check other Fighting-type Pokemon like Choice Scarf Mienshao and Heracross. Crobat and Noivern have the added bonus of forming a VoltTurn core with Cobalion, augmenting its ability to generate momentum and wear down the opposing team. Cobalion is a Steel-type that does not resist Fairy and Psychic, so it needs teammates that can help it handle Pokemon of those types. The aforementioned Zarude and Incineroar provide a Psychic-type immunity, which allows them to check threats like Necrozma and Indeedee, whereas Klefki and Assault Vest Galarian Slowbro can check offensive Fairy-type Pokemon like Gardevoir and Sylveon.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Chople Berry / Shuca Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Swords Dance Cobalion uses its Speed and typing to become a threatening attacker and overpower some of its usual checks. This set uses Stone Edge to complement Cobalion's STAB moves, hitting Pokemon like Chandelure, Alolan Marowak, Golisopod, and Mantine. Chople Berry is the primary option for this set, making it much harder for Cobalion to be revenge killed by the likes of Choice Scarf Mienshao and Zarude. Shuca Berry is another option that allows Cobalion to set up on various Ground-type Pokemon, like Seismitoad and Rhyperior, and prevent Cobalion from being revenge killed by Zygarde-10%. Alternatively, Black Belt can be used to boost Cobalion's power without sacrificing its natural bulk like Life Orb would.
Certain Fire-type Pokemon like Chandelure, Darmanitan, and Salazzle can help to dent the bulky Water-type Pokemon that check Cobalion most consistently. Milotic also makes for a great teammate, as it can cripple many of these bulky Water-type Pokemon with Toxic and use Flip Turn to bring Cobalion in safely after luring in a Pokemon like Zarude. Spikes support from Klefki, Roserade, or Golisopod also helps wear down Water-types. Roserade itself also poses a threat to many of the Water-type Pokemon that threaten Cobalion and checks certain Electric-type Pokemon that may attempt to revenge kill a weakened Cobalion like Xurkitree and Raikou. Assault Vest Reuniclus can also check these Electric-type Pokemon while providing Future Sight support to help break through the likes of Seismitoad and Volcanion. Finally, Togekiss can check Choice Scarf Mienshao and Noivern, which threaten to revenge kill Cobalion.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Calm Mind Cobalion sets can be used, but they lack the immediate power of Swords Dance and require Cobalion to use the inaccurate Focus Blast as its primary Fighting-type STAB move. Life Orb seems appealing on Swords Dance sets, but Cobalion wants to be able to take advantage of its bulk throughout the game. A defensive EV spread could be considered for slower teams, though other Steel-type Pokemon like Registeel and Stakataka typically perform that role better. Finally, Occa Berry can be used as an item to lure and take out Choice Scarf Darmanitan and defeat Flamethrower Noivern for teams particularly weak to them.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-type Pokemon**: Certain Fire-type Pokemon like Chandelure, Alolan Marowak, and Talonflame can switch into Stealth Rock Cobalion without Stone Edge thanks to their typing. While Stealth Rock Cobalion can use Volt Switch on them, it must be cautious of the occasional Choice Scarf Chandelure or Overheat Talonflame. Cobalion must also be cautious of Incineroar, which can survive Close Combat after Intimidate and OHKO it with Overheat.
**Bulky Water-type Pokemon**: Suicune, Volcanion, and Mantine can switch into Cobalion and threaten it with Scald. While it can break past many of them with Swords Dance sets, it's advisable to soften them up beforehand. Volt Switch is also effective at chipping most of these targets down. Seismitoad stands out as a check, being able to block Cobalion's Volt Switch and threaten it with Earthquake.
**Faster Pokemon**: Zygarde-10% and many Choice Scarf users like Mienshao, Darmanitan, Magnezone, and Xurkitree deal immense damage to Cobalion while also outspeeding it, though Mienshao and Zygarde-10% must be cautious of Chople or Shuca Berry. Cobalion must also be wary of some faster special attackers like Thundurus and Noivern, which can heavily dent it.
**Doublade**: While uncommon, Doublade poses a distinct threat to Cobalion, effortlessly taking any sort of attack Cobalion may throw at it even after a Swords Dance boost.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[HailFall, 308025]]
- Quality checked by: [[EonX, 91480], [Expulso, 202058]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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