[OVERVIEW]
With its high Attack and Speed, solid movepool, and access to priority in the form of both Accelerock and Sucker Punch, Lycanroc-D can act as a decent wallbreaker and setup sweeper for a variety of teams. Thanks to Tough Claws and a solid offensive typing, it can smash through defensive staples like Fezandipiti and Reuniclus as well as pick off weakened offensive threats like Gengar and Gardevoir with priority. Its wide variety of coverage moves also makes it somewhat difficult to answer defensively, as it can break through common walls like Galarian Weezing with Psychic Fangs or Slowbro with Crunch. However, Lycanroc-D is prone to being worn down by physically bulky Pokemon, most notably Rocky Helmet Hippowdon—especially if it takes chip damage from Life Orb and entry hazards as well. Its poor bulk also makes it vulnerable to getting picked off by faster threats that can take on its somewhat weak priority, such as Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos and Krookodile. Lycanroc-D also struggles against opposing priority: Slither Wing can get the jump on its Accelerock with First Impression, while Bisharp resists both Accelerock and Sucker Punch, letting it use its own Sucker Punch safely. Additionally, Lycanroc-D faces competition from Terrakion as an offensive Rock-type due to its better bulk and part Fighting-typing.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Lycanroc-D can function as a dedicated lead for offensive teams with Focus Sash and a set of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor / Accelerock; however, Terrakion and Kleavor give it stiff competition. Trailblaze can be used to lure in and deal significant damage to the likes of Swampert and specially defensive Gastrodon while also making Lycanroc-D difficult to outspeed, though even Tough Claws-boosted—it's rather weak.
Checks and Counters
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**Physical Walls**: Slowbro and Suicune are able to take attacks from Lycanroc-D fairly well before retaliating with Scald. Chesnaught and Galarian Weezing can wear down Lycanroc-D with Rocky Helmet while taking its attacks and threatening it with Body Press and Will-O-Wisp, respectively; however, both must be wary of Psychic Fangs.
**Ground-types**: Hippowdon can take even boosted attacks from Lycanroc-D and wear it down with a combination of Rocky Helmet chip damage and Earthquake. Gligar resists Close Combat and can similarly KO Lycanroc-D with Earthquake, though Gligar dislikes taking a boosted Stone Edge. Swampert and Rhyperior can also take on Lycanroc-D, though they can't switch in to a Swords-Dance boosted Close Combat.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf Pokemon like Galarian Zapdos, Terrakion, and Krookodile outspeed Lycanroc-D and can take an Accelerock or Sucker Punch before KOing it with their STAB moves.
**Opposing Priority**: Slither Wing's First Impression has higher priority than Lycanroc-D's Accelerock and can OHKO it after Stealth Rock and Life Orb chip damage. Barraskewda naturally outspeeds Lycanroc-D and can KO it with Aqua Jet, while Bisharp resists both Accelerock and Sucker Punch, letting it KO Lycanroc-D with a Sucker Punch of its own without worry.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sir-tetris.655207/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/flampoke.654091/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
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