[OVERVIEW]
Drilbur can fulfill several different roles in the LC metagame and thus fits on offensive and balanced teams alike. Its moderate bulk with an Eviolite or Berry Juice allows it to also make use of its good utility movepool to set up entry hazards, remove them, and provide its team with speed control. Its high Attack and Speed stats alongside an amazing offensive typing allow it to use powerful Swords Dance-boosted moves like STAB Earthquake, Rock Slide, and Shadow Claw to punch holes in opposing teams. Drilbur also has an extremely useful ability in Mold Breaker, which allows it to ignore abilities like Sturdy and Levitate to easily defeat the likes of Gastly and Onix. However, despite its perks, Drilbur is rather frail even with an Eviolite and can thus be overwhelmed in trying to accomplish its roles by powerful offensive threats, such as Rufflet, Doduo, and Abra. Drilbur also has a poor defensive typing, with weaknesses to the tier's common Grass-, Water-, and Ice-type attacks and to common priority moves in Aqua Jet from Corphish and Ice Shard from Snover. Drilbur also struggles to deal with some of the tier's Ghost-types that prevent it from using Rapid Spin, as Pumpkaboo-XL resists its STAB attacks and Frillish can threaten it with powerful Water-type STAB attacks. Lastly, Drilbur struggles in that at times it faces stiff offensive competition from Mudbray, which is stronger, has a better ability, and has better coverage.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Poison Jab / Shadow Claw
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Drilbur's most powerful STAB attack and hits all Pokemon that aren't resistant to the move for sufficient damage. Rock Slide hits the Flying-types immune to Earthquake, like Archen and Vullaby, as well as the likes of Snover, Larvesta, and Dwebble, which can otherwise tank Earthquake, super effectively. Rapid Spin distinguishes Drilbur from other Ground-type Choice Scarf users, allowing it to quickly remove entry hazards from its team's side of the field. Poison Jab hits the Grass-types that otherwise wall Drilbur, such as Snivy and Cottonee, while Shadow Claw can be used to hit Pumpkaboo-XL, which is notorious for walling Drilbur, for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack and Speed and a Choice Scarf allow Drilbur to hit as hard as possible and maintain as much Speed as possible. The remaining EVs are invested in Defense to slightly bolster Drilbur's physical bulk. A Jolly nature is preferred for hitting 25 Speed with a Choice Scarf. This allows Drilbur to outpace the entire unboosted metagame as well as 24 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Pawniard, Cranidos, and Rufflet. An Adamant nature can be used, however, to still maintain impressive Speed at the expense of Speed tying the aforementioned Choice Scarf users. Mold Breaker is the preferred ability for bypassing abilities such as Sturdy and Levitate.
Usage Tips
========
This set's main function is as a revenge killer due to Drilbur's good Speed with a Choice Scarf. It can also be put to use as a late-game cleaner once Drilbur's checks have been weakened or removed. If Drilbur wishes to clean up late-game, it should be kept healthy throughout the early stages of the match and should only begin spamming Earthquake once Pokemon resistant or immune to the move have been removed. Because Choice Scarf locks Drilbur into its moves, prediction is mandatory for this set's success. Drilbur should use super effective coverage moves on predicted switches to Pokemon like Vullaby and Spritzee and Rapid Spin on switches into Pokemon that don't take super effective damage from its coverage, like Ferroseed and Hippopotas. Avoid Knock Off at all costs, as without its Choice Scarf, Drilbur's Speed will only be average, and it will thus be unable to sweep or revenge kill foes as reliably.
Team Options
========
In order to clean up late-game, Drilbur requires that bulky Grass-types be removed. Ponyta, Doduo, and Gastly are all Pokemon capable of checking Grass-types for Drilbur. Checks to bulky Water-type Pokemon, such as Chinchou, Elekid, and Foongus are also appreciated due to Drilbur's inability to OHKO most bulky Water-type Pokemon. Knock Off support from Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Kabuto to remove opposing Eviolites allows Drilbur to more reliably defeat bulkier Pokemon that otherwise would be able to tank its hits rather comfortably. Entry hazard support from Ferroseed, Dwebble, and Onix is also quite helpful, as Drilbur appreciates the chip damage needed to more reliably secure some KOs. Slow pivots like Magnemite, Chinchou, and Mienfoo are also useful teammates, as they can bring Drilbur into play safely.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Shadow Claw
move 4: Rapid Spin / Poison Jab
item: Life Orb / Groundium Z
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is an extremely powerful STAB attack coming off the given Attack investment and Life Orb, allowing Drilbur to put a dent in anything that doesn't resist the move. Rock Slide is great coverage alongside Earthquake, hitting Flying-types such as Rufflet and Vullaby as well as the likes of Larvesta and Dwebble for super effective damage. Shadow Claw allows Drilbur to hit Pumpkaboo-XL, a traditional Ground-type check, for a 2HKO on the switch while also 2HKOing Slowpoke after Stealth Rock. Rapid Spin can be used to trade coverage for quick entry hazard removal, though it is worth noting that Drilbur's frailty requires the move to be used sparingly. Poison Jab, however, is also an option that rounds off Drilbur's coverage, allowing it to OHKO Grass-types that otherwise wall it, such as Snivy and Cottonee.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack puts as much power behind Drilbur's attacks as possible, while a Life Orb allows Drilbur to secure the 2HKO on Pumpkaboo-XL with Shadow Claw as well as the 2HKO on Foongus and the OHKO on Sturdy Onix with Earthquake thanks to Mold Breaker. Groundium Z is an option over Life Orb, as it can aid Drilbur in breaking past especially bulky foes, such as Spritzee and Ferroseed. Maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Drilbur to hit 17 Speed and thus outpace a large portion of the metagame. The remaining EVs are invested in HP to minimize Life Orb recoil. Mold Breaker is the ability of choice, as it allows Drilbur to bypass abilities like Levitate and Sturdy to OHKO Pokemon like Gastly, Onix, and Dwebble.
Usage Tips
========
This set takes a more offensive approach, but it can still function as a decent anti-lead due to its ability to defeat common leads in Sturdy Onix and Omanyte. Drilbur should be especially wary of switching into attacks when holding a Life Orb, as with this set it has even worse bulk. Thus, slow pivot support or the loss of a teammate is mandatory for safely bringing Drilbur into play. This set is rather reliant on careful prediction for its success, as Drilbur will only be able to 2HKO Pokemon like Vullaby, Slowpoke, and Pumpkaboo-XL if it hits them with a super effective coverage move on the switch. If Drilbur is running Rapid Spin over Poison Jab, it should use the move when predicting the switch to a Pokemon that it can't hit for notable damage, such as Cottonee or Snivy. Drilbur's Speed, while good, still leaves it outpaced by a few common Pokemon, such as Abra, Staryu, and Gastly, which means that these threats should be switched out of earlier in the game in order to preserve Drilbur and removed for late-game if Drilbur wishes to clean up.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support is extremely useful, as it allows Drilbur to secure KOs on Pokemon it would otherwise struggle to break in Slowpoke and Vullaby. Onix, Dwebble, and Pawniard are all capable of supporting Drilbur with Stealth Rock, while the the latter two can also provide support in the form of Knock Off. Other users of Knock Off, such as Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, and Cottonee, can also be used to remove Eviolites and help Drilbur break past bulkier threats, as well as to remove Choice Scarfs to help prevent Drilbur from being revenge killed. Checks to bulky Water-types, which can be quite the nuisance to Drilbur, are quite helpful as teammates. Examples include Snivy, Elekid, Magnemite, and Chinchou. If Drilbur isn't running Poison Jab, Grass-type checks are also quite helpful. Rufflet, Doduo, and Ponyta can all function as reliable answers to the Grass-types that otherwise trouble Drilbur. Ponyta, Houndour, and Vullaby all appreciate Drilbur's Rapid Spin support if it's running the move and can also aid it in removing the Grass-type Pokemon it hates dealing with. Setup sweepers like Corphish, Vullaby, and Pawniard are also appreciative of Drilbur, as it can break past the defensive Pokemon that they tend to struggle with. Lastly, while not mandatory, Sticky Web support from the likes of Surskit and Spinarak is useful for allowing Drilbur to outpace and KO Pokemon that would otherwise tie or outspeed it, such as Abra, Cottonee, Gastly, and Mienfoo.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Rock Slide / Rock Tomb
move 3: Stealth Rock / Swords Dance
move 4: Rapid Spin / Swords Dance
item: Berry Juice / Eviolite
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 76 Atk / 36 Def / 76 SpD / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Drilbur's most powerful STAB option, and with the given Attack investment it is capable of hitting everything that isn't resistant to the move for good damage. Rock Slide offers excellent coverage alongside Earthquake, giving Drilbur a way to hit Flying-types such as Vullaby and Doduo and Bug-types such as Surskit and Dwebble super effectively. It also provides an uncommon but useful flinch chance. Rock Tomb can be used over Rock Slide, as it sacrifices a significant amount of power for better accuracy and the added utility of lowering foes' Speed. Stealth Rock allows Drilbur to support its team and deal chip damage to foes switching in. Rapid Spin is useful for removing entry hazards from Drilbur's side of the field and allows it to support its team by both setting and removing entry hazards. Swords Dance can be used for boosting Drilbur's Attack and turning it into a fearsome sweeper if Rapid Spin or Stealth Rock is not needed. Shadow Claw can aid Drilbur in hitting Ghost-types that may try blocking Rapid Spin, but generally it isn't as valuable as the utility provided by Drilbur's other moves.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Drilbur to hit 17 Speed, thus outpacing a good portion of the unboosted metagame and Speed tying other common leads in Onix and Surskit. 76 EVs are invested in Attack to put a decent amount of power behind Drilbur's attacks, most notably allowing it to 2HKO Mienfoo with Earthquake after Stealth Rock and 2HKO most Vullaby sets with Rock Slide after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are invested in Drilbur's HP, Defense, and Special Defense to give it the bulk needed to survive hits from the likes of bulky Mienfoo, Vullaby, and RestTalk Mudbray. Berry Juice is the preferred item, as it increases Drilbur's longevity and allows it to tank a hit, use a utility move or attack, and recover in the process of doing so. Eviolite is an option over Berry Juice that allows Drilbur to more comfortably tank certain hits, such as Mienfoo's High Jump Kick, maximum Attack Mudbray's Earthquake, and defensive Staryu's Scald. Mold Breaker is the preferred ability, as it allows Drilbur to ignore abilities such as Gastly's Levitate and Magnemite's Sturdy to reliably OHKO these threats with Earthquake.
Usage Tips
========
Drilbur's access to Stealth Rock and ability to defeat the likes of Dwebble and Onix allow it to function quite comfortably as a lead, especially if it's running Swords Dance. If Drilbur isn't being used as a lead, it should be played very carefully due to its poor bulk. Drilbur should avoid switching in on attacks that it isn't immune to and instead be brought in via pivot support or after a teammate has fainted. Upon being brought into play, Drilbur should capitalize on the switches it forces against the likes of Magnemite, Pawniard, and Alolan Grimer to either lay Stealth Rock down, use Rapid Spin, or set up with Swords Dance. If Stealth Rock has already been laid down or there are no entry hazards to spin away, Drilbur should try predicting the switch into Pokemon resistant or immune to Earthquake, like Archen and Vullaby, and hit them hard with Rock Slide.
Team Options
========
Ponyta, Torchic, and Sturdy Magnemite are all examples of offensive Pokemon that generally appreciate Drilbur's ability to remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Flying-types such as Rufflet and Doduo are particularly appreciative of Drilbur's support, as it can also help remove Electric-, Steel-, and Rock-types that threaten them. Setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Vullaby, Corphish, and Scraggy also appreciate Drilbur as a teammate due to its ability to support them with Stealth Rock. Slow pivots like Chinchou, Vullaby, and Mienfoo are appreciated by Drilbur for their ability to safely bring it into play. Drilbur also appreciates support from checks to Grass- and Water-types, such as Ponyta, Pumpkaboo-S, and Foongus, due to its inability to defeat most Pokemon of these types.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set aimed to sweep in the sand with Sand Rush is quite potent due to Drilbur's high Attack and inability to be outsped in sand. However, Drilbur requires support from Hippopotas, which has an identical typing and thus stacks weaknesses. Drilbur will also lack particularly impressive Speed outside of sand and thus be vulnerable to revenge killers once sand runs out. A Swords Dance + 3 attacks set is plausible, but it requires lots of support to be effective due to Drilbur's frailty and only decent Speed. X-Scissor may seem like a good coverage option at first due to its ability to hit Grass-types super effectively, but it is ultimately not as valuable as Poison Jab or Shadow Claw due to the aforementioned moves' far better coverage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Foongus, Snivy, and Cottonee can all threaten Drilbur with their super effective STAB attacks, though the latter two must be wary of Poison Jab. Ferroseed in particular doesn't take super effective damage from any of Drilbur's attacks and can threaten it with either Knock Off or STAB Bullet Seed. Pumpkaboo-XL is also particularly troublesome, as while it fears Shadow Claw, it can block Drilbur's Rapid Spin and threaten it with burns or STAB Giga Drain.
**Bulky Water-types**: Despite its impressive offensive prowess, Drilbur can at times struggle to break bulky Water-types like Slowpoke, Staryu, and Shellder, which can all threaten to OHKO it with super effective STAB attacks before being KOed themselves.
**Ghost-types**: While they fear either Shadow Claw or Earthquake, Ghost-types like Pumpkaboo-XL, Frillish, and Gastly can switch into Rapid Spin and proceed to cripple or KO Drilbur.
**Faster Pokemon**: Despite Drilbur's good Speed, its frailty leaves it extremely susceptible to being KOed by faster powerful Pokemon like Gastly, Doduo, and Abra.
Drilbur can fulfill several different roles in the LC metagame and thus fits on offensive and balanced teams alike. Its moderate bulk with an Eviolite or Berry Juice allows it to also make use of its good utility movepool to set up entry hazards, remove them, and provide its team with speed control. Its high Attack and Speed stats alongside an amazing offensive typing allow it to use powerful Swords Dance-boosted moves like STAB Earthquake, Rock Slide, and Shadow Claw to punch holes in opposing teams. Drilbur also has an extremely useful ability in Mold Breaker, which allows it to ignore abilities like Sturdy and Levitate to easily defeat the likes of Gastly and Onix. However, despite its perks, Drilbur is rather frail even with an Eviolite and can thus be overwhelmed in trying to accomplish its roles by powerful offensive threats, such as Rufflet, Doduo, and Abra. Drilbur also has a poor defensive typing, with weaknesses to the tier's common Grass-, Water-, and Ice-type attacks and to common priority moves in Aqua Jet from Corphish and Ice Shard from Snover. Drilbur also struggles to deal with some of the tier's Ghost-types that prevent it from using Rapid Spin, as Pumpkaboo-XL resists its STAB attacks and Frillish can threaten it with powerful Water-type STAB attacks. Lastly, Drilbur struggles in that at times it faces stiff offensive competition from Mudbray, which is stronger, has a better ability, and has better coverage.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Poison Jab / Shadow Claw
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Drilbur's most powerful STAB attack and hits all Pokemon that aren't resistant to the move for sufficient damage. Rock Slide hits the Flying-types immune to Earthquake, like Archen and Vullaby, as well as the likes of Snover, Larvesta, and Dwebble, which can otherwise tank Earthquake, super effectively. Rapid Spin distinguishes Drilbur from other Ground-type Choice Scarf users, allowing it to quickly remove entry hazards from its team's side of the field. Poison Jab hits the Grass-types that otherwise wall Drilbur, such as Snivy and Cottonee, while Shadow Claw can be used to hit Pumpkaboo-XL, which is notorious for walling Drilbur, for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack and Speed and a Choice Scarf allow Drilbur to hit as hard as possible and maintain as much Speed as possible. The remaining EVs are invested in Defense to slightly bolster Drilbur's physical bulk. A Jolly nature is preferred for hitting 25 Speed with a Choice Scarf. This allows Drilbur to outpace the entire unboosted metagame as well as 24 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Pawniard, Cranidos, and Rufflet. An Adamant nature can be used, however, to still maintain impressive Speed at the expense of Speed tying the aforementioned Choice Scarf users. Mold Breaker is the preferred ability for bypassing abilities such as Sturdy and Levitate.
Usage Tips
========
This set's main function is as a revenge killer due to Drilbur's good Speed with a Choice Scarf. It can also be put to use as a late-game cleaner once Drilbur's checks have been weakened or removed. If Drilbur wishes to clean up late-game, it should be kept healthy throughout the early stages of the match and should only begin spamming Earthquake once Pokemon resistant or immune to the move have been removed. Because Choice Scarf locks Drilbur into its moves, prediction is mandatory for this set's success. Drilbur should use super effective coverage moves on predicted switches to Pokemon like Vullaby and Spritzee and Rapid Spin on switches into Pokemon that don't take super effective damage from its coverage, like Ferroseed and Hippopotas. Avoid Knock Off at all costs, as without its Choice Scarf, Drilbur's Speed will only be average, and it will thus be unable to sweep or revenge kill foes as reliably.
Team Options
========
In order to clean up late-game, Drilbur requires that bulky Grass-types be removed. Ponyta, Doduo, and Gastly are all Pokemon capable of checking Grass-types for Drilbur. Checks to bulky Water-type Pokemon, such as Chinchou, Elekid, and Foongus are also appreciated due to Drilbur's inability to OHKO most bulky Water-type Pokemon. Knock Off support from Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Kabuto to remove opposing Eviolites allows Drilbur to more reliably defeat bulkier Pokemon that otherwise would be able to tank its hits rather comfortably. Entry hazard support from Ferroseed, Dwebble, and Onix is also quite helpful, as Drilbur appreciates the chip damage needed to more reliably secure some KOs. Slow pivots like Magnemite, Chinchou, and Mienfoo are also useful teammates, as they can bring Drilbur into play safely.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Shadow Claw
move 4: Rapid Spin / Poison Jab
item: Life Orb / Groundium Z
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is an extremely powerful STAB attack coming off the given Attack investment and Life Orb, allowing Drilbur to put a dent in anything that doesn't resist the move. Rock Slide is great coverage alongside Earthquake, hitting Flying-types such as Rufflet and Vullaby as well as the likes of Larvesta and Dwebble for super effective damage. Shadow Claw allows Drilbur to hit Pumpkaboo-XL, a traditional Ground-type check, for a 2HKO on the switch while also 2HKOing Slowpoke after Stealth Rock. Rapid Spin can be used to trade coverage for quick entry hazard removal, though it is worth noting that Drilbur's frailty requires the move to be used sparingly. Poison Jab, however, is also an option that rounds off Drilbur's coverage, allowing it to OHKO Grass-types that otherwise wall it, such as Snivy and Cottonee.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack puts as much power behind Drilbur's attacks as possible, while a Life Orb allows Drilbur to secure the 2HKO on Pumpkaboo-XL with Shadow Claw as well as the 2HKO on Foongus and the OHKO on Sturdy Onix with Earthquake thanks to Mold Breaker. Groundium Z is an option over Life Orb, as it can aid Drilbur in breaking past especially bulky foes, such as Spritzee and Ferroseed. Maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Drilbur to hit 17 Speed and thus outpace a large portion of the metagame. The remaining EVs are invested in HP to minimize Life Orb recoil. Mold Breaker is the ability of choice, as it allows Drilbur to bypass abilities like Levitate and Sturdy to OHKO Pokemon like Gastly, Onix, and Dwebble.
Usage Tips
========
This set takes a more offensive approach, but it can still function as a decent anti-lead due to its ability to defeat common leads in Sturdy Onix and Omanyte. Drilbur should be especially wary of switching into attacks when holding a Life Orb, as with this set it has even worse bulk. Thus, slow pivot support or the loss of a teammate is mandatory for safely bringing Drilbur into play. This set is rather reliant on careful prediction for its success, as Drilbur will only be able to 2HKO Pokemon like Vullaby, Slowpoke, and Pumpkaboo-XL if it hits them with a super effective coverage move on the switch. If Drilbur is running Rapid Spin over Poison Jab, it should use the move when predicting the switch to a Pokemon that it can't hit for notable damage, such as Cottonee or Snivy. Drilbur's Speed, while good, still leaves it outpaced by a few common Pokemon, such as Abra, Staryu, and Gastly, which means that these threats should be switched out of earlier in the game in order to preserve Drilbur and removed for late-game if Drilbur wishes to clean up.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support is extremely useful, as it allows Drilbur to secure KOs on Pokemon it would otherwise struggle to break in Slowpoke and Vullaby. Onix, Dwebble, and Pawniard are all capable of supporting Drilbur with Stealth Rock, while the the latter two can also provide support in the form of Knock Off. Other users of Knock Off, such as Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, and Cottonee, can also be used to remove Eviolites and help Drilbur break past bulkier threats, as well as to remove Choice Scarfs to help prevent Drilbur from being revenge killed. Checks to bulky Water-types, which can be quite the nuisance to Drilbur, are quite helpful as teammates. Examples include Snivy, Elekid, Magnemite, and Chinchou. If Drilbur isn't running Poison Jab, Grass-type checks are also quite helpful. Rufflet, Doduo, and Ponyta can all function as reliable answers to the Grass-types that otherwise trouble Drilbur. Ponyta, Houndour, and Vullaby all appreciate Drilbur's Rapid Spin support if it's running the move and can also aid it in removing the Grass-type Pokemon it hates dealing with. Setup sweepers like Corphish, Vullaby, and Pawniard are also appreciative of Drilbur, as it can break past the defensive Pokemon that they tend to struggle with. Lastly, while not mandatory, Sticky Web support from the likes of Surskit and Spinarak is useful for allowing Drilbur to outpace and KO Pokemon that would otherwise tie or outspeed it, such as Abra, Cottonee, Gastly, and Mienfoo.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Rock Slide / Rock Tomb
move 3: Stealth Rock / Swords Dance
move 4: Rapid Spin / Swords Dance
item: Berry Juice / Eviolite
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 76 Atk / 36 Def / 76 SpD / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Drilbur's most powerful STAB option, and with the given Attack investment it is capable of hitting everything that isn't resistant to the move for good damage. Rock Slide offers excellent coverage alongside Earthquake, giving Drilbur a way to hit Flying-types such as Vullaby and Doduo and Bug-types such as Surskit and Dwebble super effectively. It also provides an uncommon but useful flinch chance. Rock Tomb can be used over Rock Slide, as it sacrifices a significant amount of power for better accuracy and the added utility of lowering foes' Speed. Stealth Rock allows Drilbur to support its team and deal chip damage to foes switching in. Rapid Spin is useful for removing entry hazards from Drilbur's side of the field and allows it to support its team by both setting and removing entry hazards. Swords Dance can be used for boosting Drilbur's Attack and turning it into a fearsome sweeper if Rapid Spin or Stealth Rock is not needed. Shadow Claw can aid Drilbur in hitting Ghost-types that may try blocking Rapid Spin, but generally it isn't as valuable as the utility provided by Drilbur's other moves.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Drilbur to hit 17 Speed, thus outpacing a good portion of the unboosted metagame and Speed tying other common leads in Onix and Surskit. 76 EVs are invested in Attack to put a decent amount of power behind Drilbur's attacks, most notably allowing it to 2HKO Mienfoo with Earthquake after Stealth Rock and 2HKO most Vullaby sets with Rock Slide after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are invested in Drilbur's HP, Defense, and Special Defense to give it the bulk needed to survive hits from the likes of bulky Mienfoo, Vullaby, and RestTalk Mudbray. Berry Juice is the preferred item, as it increases Drilbur's longevity and allows it to tank a hit, use a utility move or attack, and recover in the process of doing so. Eviolite is an option over Berry Juice that allows Drilbur to more comfortably tank certain hits, such as Mienfoo's High Jump Kick, maximum Attack Mudbray's Earthquake, and defensive Staryu's Scald. Mold Breaker is the preferred ability, as it allows Drilbur to ignore abilities such as Gastly's Levitate and Magnemite's Sturdy to reliably OHKO these threats with Earthquake.
Usage Tips
========
Drilbur's access to Stealth Rock and ability to defeat the likes of Dwebble and Onix allow it to function quite comfortably as a lead, especially if it's running Swords Dance. If Drilbur isn't being used as a lead, it should be played very carefully due to its poor bulk. Drilbur should avoid switching in on attacks that it isn't immune to and instead be brought in via pivot support or after a teammate has fainted. Upon being brought into play, Drilbur should capitalize on the switches it forces against the likes of Magnemite, Pawniard, and Alolan Grimer to either lay Stealth Rock down, use Rapid Spin, or set up with Swords Dance. If Stealth Rock has already been laid down or there are no entry hazards to spin away, Drilbur should try predicting the switch into Pokemon resistant or immune to Earthquake, like Archen and Vullaby, and hit them hard with Rock Slide.
Team Options
========
Ponyta, Torchic, and Sturdy Magnemite are all examples of offensive Pokemon that generally appreciate Drilbur's ability to remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Flying-types such as Rufflet and Doduo are particularly appreciative of Drilbur's support, as it can also help remove Electric-, Steel-, and Rock-types that threaten them. Setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Vullaby, Corphish, and Scraggy also appreciate Drilbur as a teammate due to its ability to support them with Stealth Rock. Slow pivots like Chinchou, Vullaby, and Mienfoo are appreciated by Drilbur for their ability to safely bring it into play. Drilbur also appreciates support from checks to Grass- and Water-types, such as Ponyta, Pumpkaboo-S, and Foongus, due to its inability to defeat most Pokemon of these types.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set aimed to sweep in the sand with Sand Rush is quite potent due to Drilbur's high Attack and inability to be outsped in sand. However, Drilbur requires support from Hippopotas, which has an identical typing and thus stacks weaknesses. Drilbur will also lack particularly impressive Speed outside of sand and thus be vulnerable to revenge killers once sand runs out. A Swords Dance + 3 attacks set is plausible, but it requires lots of support to be effective due to Drilbur's frailty and only decent Speed. X-Scissor may seem like a good coverage option at first due to its ability to hit Grass-types super effectively, but it is ultimately not as valuable as Poison Jab or Shadow Claw due to the aforementioned moves' far better coverage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Foongus, Snivy, and Cottonee can all threaten Drilbur with their super effective STAB attacks, though the latter two must be wary of Poison Jab. Ferroseed in particular doesn't take super effective damage from any of Drilbur's attacks and can threaten it with either Knock Off or STAB Bullet Seed. Pumpkaboo-XL is also particularly troublesome, as while it fears Shadow Claw, it can block Drilbur's Rapid Spin and threaten it with burns or STAB Giga Drain.
**Bulky Water-types**: Despite its impressive offensive prowess, Drilbur can at times struggle to break bulky Water-types like Slowpoke, Staryu, and Shellder, which can all threaten to OHKO it with super effective STAB attacks before being KOed themselves.
**Ghost-types**: While they fear either Shadow Claw or Earthquake, Ghost-types like Pumpkaboo-XL, Frillish, and Gastly can switch into Rapid Spin and proceed to cripple or KO Drilbur.
**Faster Pokemon**: Despite Drilbur's good Speed, its frailty leaves it extremely susceptible to being KOed by faster powerful Pokemon like Gastly, Doduo, and Abra.
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