Monotype Decidueye (Ghost) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2] (Written)

smub

smub

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[OVERVIEW]
decidueye.gif


Ghost
========

Decidueye is a good defensive option on Ghost teams thanks to its access to effective utility moves. Its Grass typing and solid Special Defense allow it to switch into Ground- and Electric-types such as Landorus, Seismitoad, Tapu Koko, and Alolan Raichu. It is also the only viable Ghost-type with access to Defog, which allows it to remove entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, which would otherwise weaken Ghost's defensive core. With Spirit Shackle, Decidueye is able to trap defensive Pokemon that Ghost has difficulty dealing with like Mega Venusaur, Baneful Bunker Toxapex, and Clefable and eventually beat them after setting up with Swords Dance. However, Decidueye's Attack stat is incredibly mediocre without any boosts, leaving it unable to do any serious damage against offensive threats, and it's unable to hit Normal-types at all due to only running Spirit Shackle. Its lacking Speed stat also means that it can only check slow defensive Pokemon, and its low Defense makes it unable to switch into physical attacks from offensive Pokemon like Mega Diancie or Tapu Bulu. Decidueye also is extremely vulnerable to a plethora of defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Sableye, Alolan Muk, and Skarmory.

[SET]
name: Defensive Defog (Ghost)
move 1: Spirit Shackle
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Leftovers
ability: Long Reach
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 60 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spirit Shackle is Decidueye's main attacking move, used to trap defensive Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, Sap Sipper Azumarill, and Ferrothorn. Roost is used to give Decidueye a form of consistent recovery. Defog allows Decidueye to fill the role of an entry hazard remover, which is helpful for teammates that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Alolan Marowak and Blacephalon. Swords Dance augments Decidueye's offensive presence, allowing it to muscle past defensive walls like Clefable, Ferrothorn, and Mega Venusaur.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment is used to make Decidueye as bulky as possible. 100 EVs in Defense allow Decidueye to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Scarf Excadrill's Iron Head. 96 EVs in Speed let it outspeed Adamant Azumarill and remove Klefki's screens with Defog so a teammate like Mimikyu can safely revenge kill it. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense with a Careful nature, allowing Decidueye to safely switch into special attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus. Leftovers is used to give Decidueye a small amount of recovery each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Make sure to keep Decidueye healthy so that it can switch into special attackers that Ghost has difficulty dealing with, such as Landorus and Tapu Koko, more easily. Against defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, try to predict when they'll go for a non-attacking move, such as Protect or Synthesis, to safely switch in. It's best to switch in Mega Sableye against an entry hazard setter that Decidueye is unable to beat, such as Torkoal, Swampert, or Skarmory. However, to preserve Mega Sableye's health, it's best to trap and remove entry hazard setters that can beat Mega Sableye, such as Clefable. Avoid status conditions as much as possible since burn prevents Decidueye from breaking past Mega Venusaur and Azumarill, and poison quickly wears it down each turn. It's a good idea to start setting up with Swords Dance when Decidueye is at full health so that it won't have to recover with Roost as often.

Team Options
========

Mega Sableye can switch into Dark-type attacks for Decidueye and bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. In return, Decidueye can switch into special attackers like Landorus and Tapu Koko. Gengar is able to revenge kill Diggersby, Blacephalon, and Heatran for Decidueye. It can also absorb Toxic Spikes to allow Decidueye to safely switch in against Water and Poison teams. Mimikyu can check Dark-types like Hydreigon and Tyranitar. In return, Decidueye can remove entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web, which would otherwise prevent Mimikyu from sweeping late-game. Alolan Marowak can switch into Fire-type attacks and beat Steel-types that Decidueye can't handle such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor. Blacephalon can break past defensive walls such as Porygon2 and Skarmory and check threatening Dragon-types like Garchomp and Dragonite with Hidden Power Ice. Jellicent can switch into and beat Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona for Decidueye as well as switch into Ice-type attacks. It can also counter Water-types that can set up on or burn Decidueye with Scald, such as Calm Mind Keldeo and Suicune. In return, Decidueye can trap and eventually beat bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, which are immune to Jellicent's Toxic. Shedinja can switch into offensive Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and defensive Mega Scizor, both of which beat Decidueye. It also appreciates Decidueye removing entry hazards in order to keep it alive. Cofagrigus is able to cripple physical attackers like Mamoswine and Mega Aerodactyl with Will-O-Wisp and can also wear down Normal teams with Toxic Spikes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ghost
--------
An offensive set can be used along with Leaf Blade to allow Decidueye to beat Water- and Ground-types like Swampert and Hippowdon, which would otherwise invalidate its Spirit Shackle by phazing it. However, without any defensive investment, it fails to switch into prominent offensive Pokemon like Landorus, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill. Decidium Z is an option over Leftovers to break past walls such as Celesteela and Mega Venusaur with fewer Swords Dance boosts. However, this would come at the cost of recovery each turn, making it unable to consistently survive against Clefable and Ferrothorn.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ghost
--------
**Normal-types**: Since Decidueye's only attacking move is Spirit Shackle, it's unable to do any damage against Normal-types like Chansey and Porygon2.

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon, Mandibuzz, Alolan Muk, and Bisharp easily switch into Decidueye's Spirit Shackle, and can threaten to OHKO it with their Dark STAB moves. Bisharp in particular can boost its Attack by switching into Defog thanks to Defiant.

**Fire- and Ice-types**: Blacephalon, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y can all outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with a STAB Fire Blast. Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile are also able to OHKO Decidueye, with Weavile in particular being able to use Pursuit to trap Decidueye and prevent it from switching out.

**Phazers**: Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Avalugg can phaze Decidueye with Whirlwind or Roar, negating its trapping ability. Avalugg and Skarmory in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with.

**Stallbreakers**: Gliscor, Heatran, and Tornadus-T are able to prevent Decidueye from recovering its health with Taunt. Heatran and Tornadus-T in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with as well.
 
Last edited:
smub said:
[OVERVIEW]
decidueye.gif

Ghost
========

* Decidueye is a good defensive option on Ghost teams thanks to its effective utility. I'm not sure this statement really makes sense together (good defensive options + effective utility), they're kind of separate statements. You could rephrase to "...on Ghost teams with access to effective utility." and I think that's a little better.
* Its part Grass typing and solid Special Defense allows it to switch into Ground- and Electric-types such as Landorus, Seismitoad, Tapu Koko, and Alolan Raichu.
* Access to Defog allows Decidueye to remove entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, which would otherwise weaken theGhost's defensive core.
* With Spirit Shackle, Decidueye is able to trap defensive Pokemon that Ghost has difficulty dealing with like Mega Venusaur, Celesteela, Baneful Bunker Toxapex, and Clefable and eventually beat them after setting up with Swords Dance.
* However, Decidueye Attack stat is incredibly mediocre without any boosts, leaving it unable to do any serious damage against offensive threats. Probably also mention its [bad] Speed. It can only really effectively check slow, defensive Pokemon.
* Its low Defense makes it unable to switch into physical attacks from offensive Pokemon like Mega Diancie or Tapu Bulu.
* Decidueye is extremely vulnerable to a plethora of defensive Pokemon, such as Chansey, Porygon2, and Skarmory. Mention the set being completely useless vs. normal-types specifically as you run mono-ghost move.

[SET]
name: Defensive Defog (Ghost)
move 1: Spirit Shackle
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Leftovers
ability: Long Reach
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 60 SpD / 96 Spe Would you consider doing 56 SpD, 100 Spe to outspeed most standard mega venusaurs?

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Spirit Shackle is Decidueye's main attacking move, used to trap defensive Pokemon like Toxapex, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn
* Roost is used to give Decidueye a form of consistent recovery.
* Defog allows Decidueye to fill the role as an entry hazard remover, which is helpful for teammates that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Alolan Marowak and Blacephalon.
* Swords Dance augments Decidueye's offensive presence, allowing it to muscle past defensive walls like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Venusaur.

Set Details
========

* Maximum HP investment is used to make Decidueye as bulky as possible.
* 100 EVs in Defense allows Decidueye to avoid a 2HKO from Scarf Excadrill's Iron Head.
* 96 EVs in Speed lets it outspeed Azumarill and remove Klefki's screens with Defog, allowing a teammate like Mimikyu to safely revenge kill it.
* The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense with a Careful nature, allowing Decidueye to safely switch into special attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus.
* Leftovers are used to give Decidueye a small amount of recovery each turn.

Usage Tips
========

* Make sure to keep Decidueye healthy so that it can switch into special attackers that Ghost has difficulty dealing with such as Landorus and Tapu Koko easier.
* I know you talk about trapping defensive pokemon a lot in the previous sections, but that's the whole point of the set. You could definitely add 2-3 bullets talking about how to most effectively utilize Decidueye to trap these key Pokemon.
* It's best to switch in Mega Sableye against an entry hazard setter that Decidueye is unable to beat, such as Torkoal, Swampert, or Skarmory.
* However, to preserve Mega Sableye's health, it's best to trap and remove entry hazard setters that can beat Mega Sableye, such as Clefable, Araquanid, and Baneful Bunker Toxapex. Webs Araquanid doesn't beat Mega Sableye, at least the one on the smogdex set doesn't. It only runs scald, so unless it's running Rest, it definitely doesn't. You can use a different example here.
* Avoid status conditions as much as possible, since burn prevents it from breaking past Toxapex and Celesteela, and poison quickly wears it down each turn. What on Flying or Steel is burning Decidueye that prevents it from beating Celesteela? Can think of a different Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Mega Sableye can switch into Dark-type attacks for Decidueye, and can bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. In return, Decidueye can switch into special attackers like Landorus and Tapu Koko.
* Gengar is able to revenge kill Diggersby, Blacephalon, and Heatran for Decidueye. It can also absorb Toxic Spikes to allow Decidueye to safely switch into Toxapex.
* Mimikyu can check Dark-types like Hydreigon and Tyranitar for Decidueye. In return, Decidueye can remove entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web, which would otherwise prevent Mimikyu from sweeping late-game.
* Alolan Marowak can switch into Fire-type attacks, and beat Steel-types that Decidueye can't handle such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor.
* Blacephalon can break past defensive walls such as Porygon2 and Skarmory, and can check threatening Dragon-types like Garchomp and Dragonite with Hidden Power Ice.
* Jellicent can switch into and beat Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona for Decidueye. In return, Decidueye can trap and eventually beat bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, which are immune to Jellicent's Toxic.
* Shedinja can switch into offensive Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and defensive Mega Scizor, both of which beat Decidueye. It also appreciates Decidueye removing entry hazards in order to keep it alive.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ghost
--------
* An offensive set can be used along with Leaf Blade to allow Decidueye to beat Water- and Ground-types like Swampert and Hippowdon, which would otherwise invalidate its Spirit Shackle by phazing it out with either Roar or Whirlwind. However, without any defensive investment, it fails to switch into prominent offensive Pokemon like Landorus, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill. Probably also mention Decidium Z (or whatever the item name is)

Checks and Counters
===================

Ghost
--------
**Normal-types**: Chansey, Porygon2, and Mega Lopunny are all immune to Decidueye's only attacking move in Spirit Shackle. Chansey and Porygon2 can effectively wear it down with Toxic, while Mega Lopunny has the sheer power to 2HKO it with Return.

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon, Mandibuzz, Alolan Muk, and Bisharp easily switch into Decidueye's Spirit Shackle, and can threaten to OHKO it with their Dark STAB moves. Bisharp in particular can boost its Attack by switching into a Defog thanks to Defiant.

**Fire-types**: Blacephalon, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y can all outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with a STAB Fire Blast.

**Ice-types**: Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with their Ice STAB moves. Weavile in particular can also use Pursuit to trap Decidueye and prevent it from switching out.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Rotom-W, Alolan Muk, and Skarmory can survive any of Decidueye's attacks and slowly wear it down. Rotom-W and Skarmory are able to negate Spirit Shackle's trapping effect with Volt Switch and Whirlwind, respectively, while Alolan Muk resists Spirit Shackle and can threaten Decidueye with a STAB Knock Off. I'm not sure if the title of this really matches what you're describing. Rotom-W and Skarmory have means of getting around being trapped, which is why Decidueye doesn't beat them. Alolan Muk's reason listed here is the same as every other Dark-type.

**Stallbreakers**: Gliscor, Heatran, and Tornadus-T are able to prevent Decidueye from recovering its health with Taunt. Heatran and Tornadus-T in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with as well.
Click to expand...
QC 1/3
 
Implemented check outside of the 100 Speed thing, since arbitrary speed creep in analyses aren't allowed. Ready for 2nd check
 
please remove all mentions of celesteela and toxapex of defensive Pokemon it can take on. Toxapex always runs haze now and can Scald burn it, so while Decidueye can trap it, still gets walled completely by it. I guess Baneful Bunker Toxapex is fine cause no Haze but its still shaky. Then Celesteela can check it fairly easily since it takes 20% from unboosted Spirit Shackle and run Toxic alot these days, making Decidueye unable to really be able to beat it.
smub said:
[OVERVIEW]
decidueye.gif

Ghost
========

* Decidueye is a good defensive option on Ghost teams with access to effective utility.
* Its part Grass typing and solid Special Defense allows it to switch into Ground- and Electric-types such as Landorus, Seismitoad, Tapu Koko, and Alolan Raichu.
* Access to Defog allows Decidueye to remove entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, which would otherwise weaken Ghost's defensive core.
* With Spirit Shackle, Decidueye is able to trap defensive Pokemon that Ghost has difficulty dealing with like Mega Venusaur, Celesteela, Baneful Bunker Toxapex, and Clefable and eventually beat them after setting up with Swords Dance.
- remove celesteela

* However, Decidueye Attack stat is incredibly mediocre without any boosts, leaving it unable to do any serious damage against offensive threats. Its lacking Speed stat also means that it can only check slow defensive Pokemon.
* Its low Defense makes it unable to switch into physical attacks from offensive Pokemon like Mega Diancie or Tapu Bulu.
* Decidueye is extremely vulnerable to a plethora of defensive Pokemon, such as Chansey, Porygon2, and Skarmory. It's also unable to hit Normal-types at all due to only running Spirit Shackle.
- come up with new examples other than normal types since next line talks about it not being able to hit them for damage

[SET]
name: Defensive Defog (Ghost)
move 1: Spirit Shackle
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Leftovers
ability: Long Reach
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 60 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Spirit Shackle is Decidueye's main attacking move, used to trap defensive Pokemon like Toxapex, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn.
- you can add more examples but it doesnt beat toxapex and celesteela as the reasons mentioned above.
* Roost is used to give Decidueye a form of consistent recovery.
* Defog allows Decidueye to fill the role as an entry hazard remover, which is helpful for teammates that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Alolan Marowak and Blacephalon.
* Swords Dance augments Decidueye's offensive presence, allowing it to muscle past defensive walls like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Venusaur.

Set Details
========

* Maximum HP investment is used to make Decidueye as bulky as possible.
* 100 EVs in Defense allows Decidueye to avoid a 2HKO from Scarf Excadrill's Iron Head.
* 96 EVs in Speed lets it outspeed Azumarill and remove Klefki's screens with Defog, allowing a teammate like Mimikyu to safely revenge kill it.
* The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense with a Careful nature, allowing Decidueye to safely switch into special attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus.
* Leftovers are used to give Decidueye a small amount of recovery each turn.

Usage Tips
========

* Make sure to keep Decidueye healthy so that it can switch into special attackers that Ghost has difficulty dealing with such as Landorus and Tapu Koko easier.
* Against defensive Pokemon like Celesteela and Mega Venusaur, try to predict when they'll go for a non-attacking move, such as Protect or Synthesis, to safely switch in.
* It's best to switch in Mega Sableye against an entry hazard setter that Decidueye is unable to beat, such as Torkoal, Swampert, or Skarmory.
* However, to preserve Mega Sableye's health, it's best to trap and remove entry hazard setters that can beat Mega Sableye, such as Clefable and Baneful Bunker Toxapex.
* Avoid status conditions as much as possible, since burn prevents it from breaking past x and x Toxapex and Celesteela, and poison quickly wears it down each turn.
- come up with new examples, cant really break past either of these even without the burn. also it doesnt like paralysis, since it already has super low speed just makes it slower

* talk about times to setup swords dance

Team Options
========

* Mega Sableye can switch into Dark-type attacks for Decidueye, and can bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. In return, Decidueye can switch into special attackers like Landorus and Tapu Koko.
* Gengar is able to revenge kill Diggersby, Blacephalon, and Heatran for Decidueye. It can also absorb Toxic Spikes to allow Decidueye to safely switch into Toxapex.
- it cant safely switch into Toxapex cause scald burns still are a thing, find a new example.

* Mimikyu can check Dark-types like Hydreigon and Tyranitar for Decidueye. In return, Decidueye can remove entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web, which would otherwise prevent Mimikyu from sweeping late-game.
* Alolan Marowak can switch into Fire-type attacks, and beat Steel-types that Decidueye can't handle such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor.
* Blacephalon can break past defensive walls such as Porygon2 and Skarmory, and can check threatening Dragon-types like Garchomp and Dragonite with Hidden Power Ice.
* Jellicent can switch into and beat Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona for Decidueye. In return, Decidueye can trap and eventually beat bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, which are immune to Jellicent's Toxic.
- also mention switching into ice types for decidueye

* Shedinja can switch into offensive Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and defensive Mega Scizor, both of which beat Decidueye. It also appreciates Decidueye removing entry hazards in order to keep it alive.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ghost
--------
* An offensive set can be used along with Leaf Blade to allow Decidueye to beat Water- and Ground-types like Swampert and Hippowdon, which would otherwise invalidate its Spirit Shackle by phazing it out with either Roar or Whirlwind. This set can also utilize Decidium Z to break past defensive checks outright, such as Skarmory and Zapdos. However, without any defensive investment, it fails to switch into prominent offensive Pokemon like Landorus, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill.
- dont say this set can use decidium z, the sd set absolutely should only use deciduium z

Checks and Counters
===================

Ghost
--------
**Normal-types**: Chansey, Porygon2, and Mega Lopunny are all immune to Decidueye's only attacking move in Spirit Shackle. Chansey and Porygon2 can effectively wear it down with Toxic, while Mega Lopunny has the sheer power to 2HKO it with Return.
- all normal types are immune to spirit shackle just say something like "Since Decidueye's only attacking move is Spirit Shackle it can't hit Normal-type Pokemon for damage."

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon, Mandibuzz, Alolan Muk, and Bisharp easily switch into Decidueye's Spirit Shackle, and can threaten to OHKO it with their Dark STAB moves. Bisharp in particular can boost its Attack by switching into a Defog thanks to Defiant.

**Fire-types**: Blacephalon, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y can all outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with a STAB Fire Blast.

**Ice-types**: Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with their Ice STAB moves. Weavile in particular can also use Pursuit to trap Decidueye and prevent it from switching out.

**Phazers**: Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Avalugg can phaze out Decidueye with either Whirlwind or Roar, negating its trapping ability. Avalugg and Skarmory in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with.

**Stallbreakers**: Gliscor, Heatran, and Tornadus-T are able to prevent Decidueye from recovering its health with Taunt. Heatran and Tornadus-T in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with as well.
Click to expand...
QC 2/3
Cj6cmhL.png
 
Overview:
~Mention that Decidueye is the only viable Defog user.

Set Details:
~Specifically mention that 96 Speed EVs are for Adamant Azumarill, not Jolly.

Team Options:
~Briefly mention that Jellicent can also hard counter Water-types that can setup or threaten to Scald burn Decidueye, such as CM Keldeo and Suicune.
~Cofagrigus should be added here. Having access to Will-o-Wisp for many physical attackers, Toxic Spikes support, and Mummy to nullify Mega Lopunny's Scrappy really helps out against bulkier builds, especially Normal teams.

Other Options:
~Decidium Z over Leftovers can be useful to break past physically defensive walls with less Swords Dance boosts.

Checks and Counters:
~Condense Fire- and Ice-types into a single bullet. Their relevancy in the current meta doesn't have as much weight when compared to Dark- and Normal-types.

QC 3/3
neostampsmall.gif
 
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
Ghost
========

Decidueye is a good defensive option on Ghost teams with access to effective utility moves. Its part Grass typing and solid Special Defense allows allow it to switch into Ground- and Electric-types such as Landorus, Seismitoad, Tapu Koko, and Alolan Raichu. Decidueye It is also the only viable Ghost-type with access to Defog, (AC) allowing it to remove entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, which would otherwise weaken Ghost's defensive core. With Spirit Shackle, Decidueye is able to trap defensive Pokemon that Ghost has difficulty dealing with like Mega Venusaur, Baneful Bunker Toxapex, and Clefable and eventually beat them after setting up with Swords Dance. However, Decidueye's Attack stat is incredibly mediocre without any boosts, leaving it unable to do any serious damage against offensive threats, and it's unable to hit Normal-types at all due to only running Spirit Shackle. Its lacking Speed stat also means that it can only check slow defensive Pokemon, (comma) and its low Defense makes it unable to switch into physical attacks from offensive Pokemon like Mega Diancie or Tapu Bulu. Decidueye also is extremely vulnerable to a plethora of defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Sableye, Alolan Muk, and Skarmory. It's also unable to hit Normal-types at all due to only running Spirit Shackle.

[SET]
name: Defensive Defog (Ghost)
move 1: Spirit Shackle
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Leftovers
ability: Long Reach
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 60 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spirit Shackle is Decidueye's main attacking move, used to trap defensive Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, Sap Sipper Azumarill, and Ferrothorn. (AP) Roost is used to give Decidueye a form of consistent recovery. Defog allows Decidueye to fill the role as of an entry hazard remover, which is helpful for teammates that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Alolan Marowak and Blacephalon. Swords Dance augments Decidueye's offensive presence, allowing it to muscle past defensive walls like Clefable, Ferrothorn, and Mega Venusaur.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment is used to make Decidueye as bulky as possible. 100 EVs in Defense allows Decidueye to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Scarf Excadrill's Iron Head. 96 EVs in Speed lets it outspeed Adamant Azumarill and remove Klefki's screens with Defog, allowing a teammate like Mimikyu to safely revenge kill it. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense with a Careful nature, allowing Decidueye to safely switch into special attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus. Leftovers are is used to give Decidueye a small amount of recovery each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Make sure to keep Decidueye healthy so that it can switch into special attackers that Ghost has difficulty dealing with, (AC) such as Landorus and Tapu Koko, (AC) easier more easily. Against defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, try to predict when they'll go for a non-attacking move, such as Protect or Synthesis, to safely switch in. It's best to switch in Mega Sableye against an entry hazard setter that Decidueye is unable to beat, such as Torkoal, Swampert, or Skarmory. However, to preserve Mega Sableye's health, it's best to trap and remove entry hazard setters that can beat Mega Sableye, such as Clefable. Avoid status conditions as much as possible, since burn prevents it Decidueye from breaking past Mega Venusaur and Azumarill, and poison quickly wears it down each turn. It's a good idea to start setting up with Swords Dance when Decidueye is at full health so that it won't have to recover with Roost as often.

Team Options
========

Mega Sableye can switch into Dark-type attacks for Decidueye (RC) and can bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. In return, Decidueye can switch into special attackers like Landorus and Tapu Koko. Gengar is able to revenge kill Diggersby, Blacephalon, and Heatran for Decidueye. It can also absorb Toxic Spikes to allow Decidueye to safely switch in against Water and Poison teams. Mimikyu can check Dark-types like Hydreigon and Tyranitar for Decidueye. In return, Decidueye can remove entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web, which would otherwise prevent Mimikyu from sweeping late-game. Alolan Marowak can switch into Fire-type attacks, and beat Steel-types that Decidueye can't handle such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor. Blacephalon can break past defensive walls such as Porygon2 and Skarmory (RC) and can check threatening Dragon-types like Garchomp and Dragonite with Hidden Power Ice. Jellicent can switch into and beat Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona for Decidueye, while also switching as well as switch into Ice-type attacks. It can also counter Water-types that can set up on or burn Decidueye with Scald, such as Calm Mind Keldeo and Suicune. In return, Decidueye can trap and eventually beat bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, which are immune to Jellicent's Toxic. Shedinja can switch into offensive Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and defensive Mega Scizor, both of which beat Decidueye. It also appreciates Decidueye removing entry hazards in order to keep it alive. Cofagrigus is able to cripple physical attackers like Mamoswine and Mega Aerodactyl with Will-O-Wisp (RC) and can also wear down Normal teams with Toxic Spikes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ghost
--------
An offensive set can be used along with Leaf Blade to allow Decidueye to beat Water- and Ground-types like Swampert and Hippowdon, which would otherwise invalidate its Spirit Shackle by phazing it out with either Roar or Whirlwind. However, without any defensive investment, it fails to switch into prominent offensive Pokemon like Landorus, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill. Decidium Z is an option over Leftovers to break past walls such as Celesteela and Mega Venusaur with less fewer Swords Dance boosts. However, this would come at the cost of recovery each turn. (i mean yeah, but what practical effect would this have)

Checks and Counters
===================

Ghost
--------
**Normal-types**: Since Decidueye's only attacking move is Spirit Shackle, it's unable to do any damage against Normal-types like Chansey and Porygon2.

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon, Mandibuzz, Alolan Muk, and Bisharp easily switch into Decidueye's Spirit Shackle, and can threaten to OHKO it with their Dark STAB moves. Bisharp in particular can boost its Attack by switching into a Defog thanks to Defiant.

**Fire- and Ice-types**: Blacephalon, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y can all outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with a STAB Fire Blast. Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile are also able to OHKO Decidueye, with Weavile in particular being able to use Pursuit to trap Decidueye and prevent it from switching out.

**Phazers**: Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Avalugg can phaze out Decidueye with either Whirlwind or Roar, negating its trapping ability. Avalugg and Skarmory in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with.

**Stallbreakers**: Gliscor, Heatran, and Tornadus-T are able to prevent Decidueye from recovering its health with Taunt. Heatran and Tornadus-T in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with as well.
 
[OVERVIEW]
decidueye.gif


Ghost
========

Decidueye is a good defensive option on Ghost teams (AC; otherwise this means that Decidueye is good on Ghost teams that have the utility.) with access to effective utility moves. Its part Grass part-Grass typing and solid Special Defense allow it to switch into Ground- and Electric-types such as Landorus, Seismitoad, Tapu Koko, and Alolan Raichu. It is also the only viable Ghost-type with access to Defog, allowing which allows (misplaced modifier) it to remove entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes (Does the reader need to be told what some entry hazards are?), which would otherwise weaken Ghost's the team's defensive core. With Spirit Shackle, Decidueye is able to trap defensive Pokemon that Ghost has difficulty dealing with like Mega Venusaur, Baneful Bunker Toxapex, and Clefable and eventually beat them after setting up with Swords Dance. However, Decidueye's Attack stat is incredibly mediocre without any boosts, leaving it unable to do any serious damage against offensive threats, and it's unable to hit Normal-types at all due to only running Spirit Shackle. Its lacking Speed stat also means that it can only check slow defensive Pokemon, and its low Defense makes it unable to switch into physical attacks from offensive Pokemon like Mega Diancie or Tapu Bulu. Decidueye also is extremely vulnerable to a plethora of defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Sableye, Alolan Muk, and Skarmory (period)

[SET]
name: Defensive Defog (Ghost)
move 1: Spirit Shackle
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Leftovers
ability: Long Reach
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 60 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spirit Shackle is Decidueye's main attacking move, used to trap defensive Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, Sap Sipper Azumarill, and Ferrothorn. Roost is used to give Decidueye a form of consistent recovery. Defog allows Decidueye to fill the role of an entry hazard remover, which is helpful for teammates that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Alolan Marowak and Blacephalon. Swords Dance augments Decidueye's offensive presence, allowing it to muscle past defensive walls like Clefable, Ferrothorn, and Mega Venusaur.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment is used to make Decidueye as bulky as possible. 100 EVs in Defense allows allow Decidueye to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Scarf Excadrill's Iron Head. 96 EVs in Speed lets let it outspeed Adamant Azumarill and remove Klefki's screens with Defog, allowing (misplaced modifier: allowing modifies the subject, EVs) a teammate like Mimikyu to safely revenge kill it. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense with a Careful nature, allowing (see comment above) Decidueye to safely switch into special attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus. Leftovers is used to give Decidueye a small amount of recovery each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Make sure to keep Decidueye healthy so that it can switch into special attackers that Ghost has difficulty dealing with, such as Landorus and Tapu Koko, more easily. Against defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, try to predict when they'll go for a non-attacking move, such as Protect or Synthesis, to safely switch in. It's best to switch in Mega Sableye against an entry hazard setter that Decidueye is unable to beat, such as Torkoal, Swampert, or Skarmory. However, to preserve Mega Sableye's health, it's best (repetition of it's best) to trap and remove entry hazard setters that can beat Mega Sableye, such as Clefable. Avoid status conditions as much as possible, (RC) since burn prevents Decidueye from breaking past Mega Venusaur and Azumarill, and poison quickly wears it down each turn. It's a good idea to start setting up with Swords Dance when Decidueye is at full health so that it won't have to recover with Roost as often.

Team Options
========

Mega Sableye can switch into Dark-type attacks for Decidueye and can (not needed to be repeated) bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. In return, Decidueye can switch into special attackers like Landorus and Tapu Koko. Gengar is able to revenge kill Diggersby, Blacephalon, and Heatran for Decidueye. It can also absorb Toxic Spikes to allow Decidueye to safely switch in against Water and Poison teams. Mimikyu can check Dark-types like Hydreigon and Tyranitar. In return, Decidueye can remove entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web, which would otherwise prevent Mimikyu from sweeping late-game. Alolan Marowak can switch into Fire-type attacks, (RC) and beat Steel-types that Decidueye can't handle such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor. Blacephalon can break past defensive walls such as Porygon2 and Skarmory and can check threatening Dragon-types like Garchomp and Dragonite with Hidden Power Ice. Jellicent can switch into and beat Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona for Decidueye, (RC) as well as switch into Ice-type attacks. It can also counter Water-types that can set up on or burn Decidueye with Scald, such as Calm Mind Keldeo and Suicune. In return, Decidueye can trap and eventually beat bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, which are immune to Jellicent's Toxic. Shedinja can switch into offensive Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and defensive Mega Scizor, both of which beat Decidueye. It also appreciates Decidueye removing entry hazards in order to keep it alive. Cofagrigus is able to cripple physical attackers like Mamoswine and Mega Aerodactyl with Will-O-Wisp and can also wear down Normal teams with Toxic Spikes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ghost
--------
An offensive set can be used along with Leaf Blade to allow Decidueye to beat Water- and Ground-types like Swampert and Hippowdon, which would otherwise invalidate its Spirit Shackle by phazing it. However, without any defensive investment, it fails to switch into prominent offensive Pokemon like Landorus, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill. Decidium Z is an option over Leftovers to break past walls such as Celesteela and Mega Venusaur with fewer Swords Dance boosts. However, this would come at the cost of recovery each turn, making it unable to consistently survive against Clefable and Ferrothorn.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ghost
--------
**Normal-types**: Since Decidueye's only attacking move is Spirit Shackle, it's unable to do any damage against Normal-types like Chansey and Porygon2.

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon, Mandibuzz, Alolan Muk, and Bisharp easily switch into Decidueye's Spirit Shackle, (RC) and can threaten to OHKO it with their Dark STAB moves. Bisharp in particular can boost its Attack by switching into a Defog thanks to Defiant.

**Fire- and Ice-types**: Blacephalon, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y can all outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with a STAB Fire Blast. Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile are also able to OHKO Decidueye, with Weavile in particular being able to use Pursuit to trap Decidueye and prevent it from switching out.

**Phazers**: Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Avalugg can phaze Decidueye with Whirlwind or Roar, negating its trapping ability. Avalugg and Skarmory in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with.

**Stallbreakers**: Gliscor, Heatran, and Tornadus-T are able to prevent Decidueye from recovering its health with Taunt. Heatran and Tornadus-T in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with as well.
(This section is very repetitive.)
 
stamping the above amcheck
Cantius: add remove (comments)
Electrolyte: add remove (comments)
Ghost
========

Decidueye is a good defensive option on Ghost teams (AC; otherwise this means that Decidueye is good on Ghost teams that have the utility.) (good catch, but is better fixed with just rewording) with thanks to its access to effective utility moves. Its part Grass part-Grass (you can just take out 'part' and then leave as-is) typing and solid Special Defense allow it to switch into (huh? don't remove 'into') Ground- and Electric-types such as Landorus, Seismitoad, Tapu Koko, and Alolan Raichu. It is also the only viable Ghost-type with access to Defog, allowing which allows (misplaced modifier) (sure) it to remove entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes (Does the reader need to be told what some entry hazards are?) (it's fine, keep if you want), which would otherwise weaken Ghost's the team's (no, keep 'Ghost's', because 'the' team is confusing because we don't know what 'the' refers to, and Ghost's defensive core actually points to a substantial thing) defensive core. With Spirit Shackle, Decidueye is able to trap defensive Pokemon that Ghost has difficulty dealing with like Mega Venusaur, Baneful Bunker Toxapex, and Clefable and eventually beat them after setting up with Swords Dance. However, Decidueye's Attack stat is incredibly mediocre without any boosts, leaving it unable to do any serious damage against offensive threats, and it's unable to hit Normal-types at all due to only running Spirit Shackle. Its lacking Speed stat also means that it can only check slow defensive Pokemon, and its low Defense makes it unable to switch into physical attacks from offensive Pokemon like Mega Diancie or Tapu Bulu. Decidueye also is extremely vulnerable to a plethora of defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Sableye, Alolan Muk, and Skarmory (period) (yep)

[SET]
name: Defensive Defog (Ghost)
move 1: Spirit Shackle
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Leftovers
ability: Long Reach
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 60 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spirit Shackle is Decidueye's main attacking move, used to trap defensive Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, Sap Sipper Azumarill, and Ferrothorn. Roost is used to give Decidueye a form of consistent recovery. Defog allows Decidueye to fill the role of an entry hazard remover, which is helpful for teammates that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Alolan Marowak and Blacephalon. Swords Dance augments Decidueye's offensive presence, allowing it to muscle past defensive walls like Clefable, Ferrothorn, and Mega Venusaur.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment is used to make Decidueye as bulky as possible. 100 EVs in Defense allows allow (good) Decidueye to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Scarf Excadrill's Iron Head. 96 EVs in Speed lets let (good) it outspeed Adamant Azumarill and remove Klefki's screens with Defog, allowing (misplaced modifier: allowing modifies the subject, EVs) (good, follow my fixes) so a teammate like Mimikyu to can safely revenge kill it. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense with a Careful nature, allowing (see comment above) (this looks fine to me, no need for edits) Decidueye to safely switch into special attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus. Leftovers is used to give Decidueye a small amount of recovery each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Make sure to keep Decidueye healthy so that it can switch into special attackers that Ghost has difficulty dealing with, such as Landorus and Tapu Koko, more easily. Against defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, try to predict when they'll go for a non-attacking move, such as Protect or Synthesis, to safely switch in. It's best to switch in Mega Sableye against an entry hazard setter that Decidueye is unable to beat, such as Torkoal, Swampert, or Skarmory. However, to preserve Mega Sableye's health, it's best (repetition of it's best) to trap and remove entry hazard setters that can beat Mega Sableye, such as Clefable. (this is true, but I'm also confused as to why this usage tip for mega sableye is on a decidueye analysis) Avoid status conditions as much as possible, (RC) since burn prevents Decidueye from breaking past Mega Venusaur and Azumarill, and poison quickly wears it down each turn. It's a good idea to start setting up with Swords Dance when Decidueye is at full health so that it won't have to recover with Roost as often.

Team Options
========

Mega Sableye can switch into Dark-type attacks for Decidueye and can (not needed to be repeated) (yep) bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. In return, Decidueye can switch into special attackers like Landorus and Tapu Koko. Gengar is able to revenge kill Diggersby, Blacephalon, and Heatran for Decidueye. It can also absorb Toxic Spikes to allow Decidueye to safely switch in against Water and Poison teams. Mimikyu can check Dark-types like Hydreigon and Tyranitar. In return, Decidueye can remove entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web, which would otherwise prevent Mimikyu from sweeping late-game. Alolan Marowak can switch into Fire-type attacks(RC) and beat Steel-types that Decidueye can't handle such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor. Blacephalon can break past defensive walls such as Porygon2 and Skarmory and can check threatening Dragon-types like Garchomp and Dragonite with Hidden Power Ice. Jellicent can switch into and beat Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona for Decidueye(RC) as well as switch into Ice-type attacks. It can also counter Water-types that can set up on or burn Decidueye with Scald, such as Calm Mind Keldeo and Suicune. In return, Decidueye can trap and eventually beat bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, which are immune to Jellicent's Toxic. Shedinja can switch into offensive Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and defensive Mega Scizor, both of which beat Decidueye. It also appreciates Decidueye removing entry hazards in order to keep it alive. Cofagrigus is able to cripple physical attackers like Mamoswine and Mega Aerodactyl with Will-O-Wisp and can also wear down Normal teams with Toxic Spikes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ghost
--------
An offensive set can be used along with Leaf Blade to allow Decidueye to beat Water- and Ground-types like Swampert and Hippowdon, which would otherwise invalidate its Spirit Shackle by phazing it. However, without any defensive investment, it fails to switch into prominent offensive Pokemon like Landorus, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill. Decidium Z is an option over Leftovers to break past walls such as Celesteela and Mega Venusaur with fewer Swords Dance boosts. However, this would come at the cost of recovery each turn, making it unable to consistently survive against Clefable and Ferrothorn.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ghost
--------
**Normal-types**: Since Decidueye's only attacking move is Spirit Shackle, it's unable to do any damage against Normal-types like Chansey and Porygon2.

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon, Mandibuzz, Alolan Muk, and Bisharp easily switch into Decidueye's Spirit Shackle, (RC) and can threaten to OHKO it with their Dark STAB moves. Bisharp in particular can boost its Attack by switching into a Defog thanks to Defiant.

**Fire- and Ice-types**: Blacephalon, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y can all outspeed and OHKO Decidueye with a STAB Fire Blast. Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile are also able to OHKO Decidueye, with Weavile in particular being able to use Pursuit to trap Decidueye and prevent it from switching out.

**Phazers**: Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Avalugg can phaze Decidueye with Whirlwind or Roar, negating its trapping ability. Avalugg and Skarmory in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with.

**Stallbreakers**: Gliscor, Heatran, and Tornadus-T are able to prevent Decidueye from recovering its health with Taunt. Heatran and Tornadus-T in particular have super effective STAB attacks to hit Decidueye with as well.
(This section is very repetitive.) (it's fine as is imo)
GP 2/2
Electrolyte-GP-4.gif
 
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