Type: Psychic
Classification: Sun Pokemon
Base Stats: 65/65/60/130/95/110
Abilities:
Synchronize: When this Pokémon becomes POISON, PARALYZE, or BURN, so does the opponent.
Hidden Ability(Available):
Magic Bounce: It can reflect the effect of stat-changing moves.
Notable Moves:
Morning Sun
Psychic
Psyshock
Calm Mind
Hidden Power
Light Screen
Shadow Ball
Reflect
Dazzling Gleam
Stored Power
Baton Pass
General Analysis:
Before Generation 5, Espeon was viewed upon as the cutest Eeveelution and even the cutest Pokemon and nothing more. However, Genereation 5 brought Hidden Abilities, and Espeon got one of the arguably best ones in Magic Bounce. Reflecting back Stealth Rocks, Toxic, Thunder Wave, any stat changing move, made Espeon a great lead. Some people were even calling Espeon to be called up to Ubers near the end of Generation 5. However, in Generation 6, Espeon lost a lot. An OU metagame that still has status, but not as many Stealth Rocks, lessened usage of Espeon. Hidden Power got nerfed, which was Espeon's coverage move on most sets. Generation 6 also brought three terrific Ghosts to the metagame in Aegislash, Trevenant, and Gourgeist. Tyranitar also gets Assault Vest, making his Special Defense skyrocket in sandstorm. Does Espeon still have a place in the OU metagame? Or was it's glory short-lived? Discuss.
Potential Movesets:
Generation 5 Lead
Espeon @ Life Orb/Leftovers
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Morning Sun / Wish
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
This was the Espeon I encountered most in my Pokemon Showdown days in 5th Generation OU. It was a great lead, and (I think) could even get a 2HKO on Tyranitar after +1 Hidden Power [Fighting]. It was also great for switching into a predicted Toxic, and poisoning the opponent.
Generation 6 Attacker
Suggested by Toad0234
Espeon @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Dazzling Gleam
- Psyshock/Psychic
- Grass Knot
- Shadow Ball
Although generally outclassed by Alakazam, an attacking Espeon will certainly surprise you opponent. Dazzling Gleam is boosted to extreme power levels after LO, and serves as a check to Dragons. Psyshock or Psychic is to be used as STAB, Grass Knot and Shadow Ball for coverage.
Support Espeon
Suggested by Tathens
Espeon @ Light Clay
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Psychic/Psyshock/Dazzling Gleam
- Yawn
Usually the ultimate lead, but can play massive support if you have great prediction skills. Yawn is there to phase out the powerhouse Pokemon and if they don't switch out, it becomes one more Pokemon to not worry about for at least a few turns.
Baton Pass Espeon
Suggested by Aquaslash
Espeon Leftovers
Ability: Magic Bounce
4HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Calm Mind
- Baton Pass
- Dazzling Gleam
- Stored Power
Generally, the idea is that it either hard switches in to bounce back hazards, or it comes in mid game. Dazzling Gleam is purely for Dark types that are immune to Stored Power and is decent coverage all around. Baton Pass has a number of uses. It can pass to an incoming Pokemon to stomach an attack that they're immune to and possibly get some recovery.
Discuss whether Espeon still has a place in OU.
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