Monotype my second favourite starter (Physically Defensive Skeledirge / Ghost) (qc 2/2) (gp1 /1)

[Murphy Lawden]

[OVERVIEW]

Ghost
========
Skeledirge carves out a unique niche for itself on Ghost teams as a physical wall that applies immense pressure on bulkier teams with Torch Song and the combination of Will-O-Wisp + Hex; however, Ghost teams are generally offensively oriented, and Skeledirge is outclassed as a bulky Ghost-type by Gholdengo and Pecharunt. Both of these Ghost-types can spread status, and the former provides immediate wallbreaking power with Nasty Plot and a nearly unresisted STAB combination and the latter can punish physical attackers with Foul Play and provide a safe switch-in to teammates with Parting Shot. Ceruledge can provide the role of a Fire-type for the team, which, with its access to Swords Dance, can make for a powerful wallbreaker and setup sweeper.

[SET]
Skeledirge @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Physically Defensive (Ghost)
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
IVs: 0 Atk
Bold Nature
- Torch Song
- Earth Power / Hex / Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Slack Off

[SET COMMENTS]
Skeledirge makes for an excellent physical wall on Ghost teams due to its remarkable bulk, access to reliable recovery, and a great ability in Unaware. Torch Song is an incredible STAB move option that pressures teams like Fairy, Steel, and Flying. Will-O-Wisp allows Skeledirge to punish physical attackers like Dragonite, Great Tusk, and Weavile, as well as chipping Clodsire and weakening Earthquake, making it easier for teammates like Gholdengo and Flutter Mane to overwhelm it. Earth Power provides great coverage and targets foes like Gouging Fire, physically defensive Toxapex, and non-Air Balloon Heatran, which resist or are immune to Torch Song. Hex, paired with Will-O-Wisp, provides a decent STAB move option, while Shadow Ball provides more reliable damage in the long run.

Choice Specs Flutter Mane and Swords Dance Mimikyu are excellent partners that can eliminate Dark-types like Greninja, Hydreigon, and non-Choice Scarf Hoopa-U. Dragapult acts as a fast status spreader and can provide incredible wallbreaking power with its exceptional coverage and immense Speed when utilizing Choice Specs to eliminate walls like Dondozo and Toxapex. Furthermore, Flutter Mane and Dragapult can use a Choice Scarf set to revenge kill opposing Choice Scarf users like Meowscarada, Greninja, Roaring Moon, and Iron Boulder, with the latter also removing opposing Choice Scarf Flutter Mane. In return, Skeledirge can handle Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory for Mimikyu and Hisuian Goodra for Flutter Mane and Dragapult. Sinistcha boasts Water and Ground resistances, with which it can take on foes like Ogerpon-W, Dondozo, Great Tusk, and the Landorus formes. In return, Skeledirge can handle Fire-types like Gouging Fire, Volcarona, and Ogerpon-H. Hisuian Zoroark provides a Ghost immunity and, with its ability Illusion, can lure in and remove opposing Ghost-types and ruin walls like Blissey and Clodsire, which Skeledirge struggles against, by tricking them a Choice Scarf or Choice Specs. Gholdengo handles Rock-types like Iron Boulder and Ogerpon-C and provides safe switch-in against status moves like Toxic from Toxapex and Clodsire. With Air Balloon, Gholdengo can switch into Ground-type moves from foes like Great Tusk, Gliscor, and the Landorus formes aimed at Skeledirge, threatening them back with its boosted STAB moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ghost
-----------
An alternate EV spread of 248 HP / 56 Def / 204 Spe can be used to allow Skeledirge to outspeed Azumarill and burn it, defeating it one-on-one.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/murphy-lawden.594972/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/pengairxan.622813/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lustre.567354/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/

 

[Pengairxan]

ADD REMOVE COMMENT

Isn't it weird how we got two Fire/ghost and two Grass/ghosts families but no Water/Ghost family this gen?

[SET COMMENTS]
Skeledirge makes for a excellent physical wall on Ghost teams due to it's remarkable bulk, access to reliable recovery, and a great ability in Unaware. Torch Song is an incredible STAB move option pressuring types like Fairy, Dragon Steel, and Flying. Will-O-Wisp allows Skeledirge to punish physical attacker like Iron Valiant (Physical Valiant isn't really common any more and most sets run Ice Punch which isn't going to do much into Ghost, also it loses to Flutter and Ghold) Clodsire (This can beat Flutter and Ghold), Dragonite, and Weavile. Earth Power targets foes like Gouging Fire, Toxapex, and Heatran (These guys all resist Torch Song, so mention that somewhere). Hex, paired with Will-O-Wisp, provides a decent STAB move option, while Shadow Ball provides more reliable damage in the long run. Heavy-Duty Boots ensures that Skeledirge can switch in safely unfettered by entry hazards. (Filler)


Choice Specs Flutter Mane and Swords Dance Mimikyu are excellent partners which can eliminate Dark-types like Hoopa-U, Hydreigon, and Mandibuzz (I wouldn't use this one, Mandibuzz could get a Toxic off and can beat Mimikyu 1v1 with Foul Play, and if it doesn't have Toxic, Dirge beats it) Greninja (I think both can beat this, not 100% sure though). Dragapult acts as a fast status spreader and provide incredible wallbreaking power with its exceptional coverage and immense speed utilising Choice Specs or Choice Band, eliminating foes like Dondozo and Clodsire. Furthermore, Flutter Mane and Dragapult can use a Choice Scarf set to revenge kill opposing Choice Scarf users like Meowscarada, Greninja, Roaring Moon, and Iron Boulder, the latter also removing opposing Choice Scarf Flutter Mane. In return, Skeledirge can handle Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory for Mimikyu and Hisuian Goodra for Flutter Mane and Dragapult. Sinistcha boasts Water and Ground resistances with which it can take on foes like Ogerpon-W, Dondozo, Great Tusk, and Landorus-T. In return, Skeledirge can handle Fire-type like Gouging Fire, Volcarona, and Ogerpon-H. Hisuian Zoroark provides a Ghost immunity and with its ability Illusion can lure in and remove opposing Ghost-types and can ruin walls like Blissey and Toxapex which Skeledirge struggles against, by tricking them a Choice-item. Add Gholdengo even on teams with Dirge its still good since it is a rock resistance and can slot Air Balloon to help with Grounds.

1/2 Murphy, good stuff.

 

[LUSTRE]

add comment remove

whos ur favorite

[OVERVIEW]

Ghost
========
Skeledirge carves out a niche for itself on Ghost teams as a physical wall; however, Ghost teams are generally offense oriented and Skeledirge is outclassed as a bulky Ghost-type by Gholdengo and Pecharunt, both of which can spread status, the former also provides immediate wallbreaking power with Nasty Plot and a nearly unresisted STAB combination and the later can punish physical attacker with Foul Play and provide safe switch-in to teammates with Parting Shot. Ceruledge can provide the role of a Fire-type for the team, which with its access to Swords Dance can make for a powerful wallbreaker and set-up sweeper.

[SET]
Skeledirge @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Physically Defensive (Ghost)
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spa
IVs: 0 Atk
Bold Nature
- Torch Song
- Earth Power / Hex / Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Slack Off

[SET COMMENTS]
Skeledirge makes for an excellent physical wall on Ghost teams due to it's its remarkable bulk, access to reliable recovery, and a great ability in Unaware. Torch Song is an incredible STAB move option pressuring types like Fairy, Steel, and Flying. Will-O-Wisp allows Skeledirge to punish physical attackers like Dragonite, Great Tusk, and Weavile as well as Clodsire, making it easier for teammates like Gholdengo and Flutter Mane to overwhelm it. Alternatively, Earth Power provides great coverage targeting foes like Gouging Fire, physically defensive Toxapex, and non-Air Balloon Heatran, which resist or are immune to Torch Song. Hex, paired with Will-O-Wisp, provides a decent STAB move option, while Shadow Ball provides more reliable damage in the long run.

Choice Specs Flutter Mane and Swords Dance Mimikyu are excellent partners which can eliminate Dark-types like non-Choice Scarf Hoopa-U, Hydreigon, and Greninja (all of these with scarf are problems). Dragapult acts as a fast status spreader and provides incredible wallbreaking power with its exceptional coverage and immense speed utilising Choice Specs or Choice Band (niche set, doesnt beat dozo, if you want to mention it then dont club the examples, use dozo+pex for specs and clod for band), eliminating foes walls like Dondozo, Toxapex and Clodsire. Furthermore, Flutter Mane and Dragapult can use a Choice Scarf set to revenge kill opposing Choice Scarf users like Meowscarada, Greninja, Roaring Moon, and Iron Boulder, the latter also removing opposing Choice Scarf Flutter Mane. In return, Skeledirge can handle Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory for Mimikyu and Hisuian Goodra for Flutter Mane and Dragapult. Sinistcha boasts Water and Ground resistances with which it can take on foes like Ogerpon-W, Dondozo, Great Tusk, and Landorus-T (lando i is a bigger problem). In return, Skeledirge can handle Fire-types like Gouging Fire, Volcarona, and Ogerpon-H. Hisuian Zoroark provides a Ghost immunity and with its ability Illusion can lure in and remove opposing Ghost-types and can ruin walls like Blissey and Toxapex, which Skeledirge struggles against (you have mentioned skeledirge as an answer to pex with epower and alternatively marked it as a struggle for it, maybe you could replace one of the examples. either here or there because currently you're contradicting your own claim), by tricking them a Choice-item Choice Scarf or Choice Specs (cant give em band, can it). Gholdengo handles Rock-types like Iron Boulder and Ogerpon-C and provides safe switch-in against Status moves like Toxic from Toxapex and Clodsire. With Air Balloon, Gholdengo can switch into Ground moves from foes like Great Tusk, Gliscor and the Landorus formes, threatening them back with its boosted STAB moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ghost
-----------
An alternate EV spread of 248 HP / 56 Def / 204 Spe can be used which allows Skeledirge to outspeed Azumarill and burn it, letting it defeat it one on one.

qc 2/2

 

[Murphy Lawden]

ADD REMOVE COMMENT

Isn't it weird how we got two Fire/ghost and two Grass/ghosts families but no Water/Ghost family this gen?

[SET COMMENTS]
Skeledirge makes for a excellent physical wall on Ghost teams due to it's remarkable bulk, access to reliable recovery, and a great ability in Unaware. Torch Song is an incredible STAB move option pressuring types like Fairy, Dragon Steel, and Flying. Will-O-Wisp allows Skeledirge to punish physical attacker like Iron Valiant (Physical Valiant isn't really common any more and most sets run Ice Punch which isn't going to do much into Ghost, also it loses to Flutter and Ghold) Clodsire (This can beat Flutter and Ghold), Dragonite, and Weavile. Earth Power targets foes like Gouging Fire, Toxapex, and Heatran (These guys all resist Torch Song, so mention that somewhere). Hex, paired with Will-O-Wisp, provides a decent STAB move option, while Shadow Ball provides more reliable damage in the long run. Heavy-Duty Boots ensures that Skeledirge can switch in safely unfettered by entry hazards. (Filler)


Choice Specs Flutter Mane and Swords Dance Mimikyu are excellent partners which can eliminate Dark-types like Hoopa-U, Hydreigon, and Mandibuzz (I wouldn't use this one, Mandibuzz could get a Toxic off and can beat Mimikyu 1v1 with Foul Play, and if it doesn't have Toxic, Dirge beats it) Greninja (I think both can beat this, not 100% sure though). Dragapult acts as a fast status spreader and provide incredible wallbreaking power with its exceptional coverage and immense speed utilising Choice Specs or Choice Band, eliminating foes like Dondozo and Clodsire. Furthermore, Flutter Mane and Dragapult can use a Choice Scarf set to revenge kill opposing Choice Scarf users like Meowscarada, Greninja, Roaring Moon, and Iron Boulder, the latter also removing opposing Choice Scarf Flutter Mane. In return, Skeledirge can handle Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory for Mimikyu and Hisuian Goodra for Flutter Mane and Dragapult. Sinistcha boasts Water and Ground resistances with which it can take on foes like Ogerpon-W, Dondozo, Great Tusk, and Landorus-T. In return, Skeledirge can handle Fire-type like Gouging Fire, Volcarona, and Ogerpon-H. Hisuian Zoroark provides a Ghost immunity and with its ability Illusion can lure in and remove opposing Ghost-types and can ruin walls like Blissey and Toxapex which Skeledirge struggles against, by tricking them a Choice-item. Add Gholdengo even on teams with Dirge its still good since it is a rock resistance and can slot Air Balloon to help with Grounds.

1/2 Murphy, good stuff.

add comment remove

whos ur favorite

[OVERVIEW]

Ghost
========
Skeledirge carves out a niche for itself on Ghost teams as a physical wall; however, Ghost teams are generally offense oriented and Skeledirge is outclassed as a bulky Ghost-type by Gholdengo and Pecharunt, both of which can spread status, the former also provides immediate wallbreaking power with Nasty Plot and a nearly unresisted STAB combination and the later can punish physical attacker with Foul Play and provide safe switch-in to teammates with Parting Shot. Ceruledge can provide the role of a Fire-type for the team, which with its access to Swords Dance can make for a powerful wallbreaker and set-up sweeper.

[SET]
Skeledirge @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Physically Defensive (Ghost)
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spa
IVs: 0 Atk
Bold Nature
- Torch Song
- Earth Power / Hex / Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Slack Off

[SET COMMENTS]
Skeledirge makes for an excellent physical wall on Ghost teams due to it's its remarkable bulk, access to reliable recovery, and a great ability in Unaware. Torch Song is an incredible STAB move option pressuring types like Fairy, Steel, and Flying. Will-O-Wisp allows Skeledirge to punish physical attackers like Dragonite, Great Tusk, and Weavile as well as Clodsire, making it easier for teammates like Gholdengo and Flutter Mane to overwhelm it. Alternatively, Earth Power provides great coverage targeting foes like Gouging Fire, physically defensive Toxapex, and non-Air Balloon Heatran, which resist or are immune to Torch Song. Hex, paired with Will-O-Wisp, provides a decent STAB move option, while Shadow Ball provides more reliable damage in the long run.

Choice Specs Flutter Mane and Swords Dance Mimikyu are excellent partners which can eliminate Dark-types like non-Choice Scarf Hoopa-U, Hydreigon, and Greninja (all of these with scarf are problems). Dragapult acts as a fast status spreader and provides incredible wallbreaking power with its exceptional coverage and immense speed utilising Choice Specs or Choice Band (niche set, doesnt beat dozo, if you want to mention it then dont club the examples, use dozo+pex for specs and clod for band), eliminating foes walls like Dondozo, Toxapex and Clodsire. Furthermore, Flutter Mane and Dragapult can use a Choice Scarf set to revenge kill opposing Choice Scarf users like Meowscarada, Greninja, Roaring Moon, and Iron Boulder, the latter also removing opposing Choice Scarf Flutter Mane. In return, Skeledirge can handle Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory for Mimikyu and Hisuian Goodra for Flutter Mane and Dragapult. Sinistcha boasts Water and Ground resistances with which it can take on foes like Ogerpon-W, Dondozo, Great Tusk, and Landorus-T (lando i is a bigger problem). In return, Skeledirge can handle Fire-types like Gouging Fire, Volcarona, and Ogerpon-H. Hisuian Zoroark provides a Ghost immunity and with its ability Illusion can lure in and remove opposing Ghost-types and can ruin walls like Blissey and Toxapex, which Skeledirge struggles against (you have mentioned skeledirge as an answer to pex with epower and alternatively marked it as a struggle for it, maybe you could replace one of the examples. either here or there because currently you're contradicting your own claim), by tricking them a Choice-item Choice Scarf or Choice Specs (cant give em band, can it). Gholdengo handles Rock-types like Iron Boulder and Ogerpon-C and provides safe switch-in against Status moves like Toxic from Toxapex and Clodsire. With Air Balloon, Gholdengo can switch into Ground moves from foes like Great Tusk, Gliscor and the Landorus formes, threatening them back with its boosted STAB moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ghost
-----------
An alternate EV spread of 248 HP / 56 Def / 204 Spe can be used which allows Skeledirge to outspeed Azumarill and burn it, letting it defeat it one on one.

qc 2/2
View attachment 666883

TYSM implemented

GP Team

 

[adorluigi]

Spoiler

[OVERVIEW]

Ghost
========
Skeledirge carves out an a unique niche for itself on Ghost teams as a physical wall that applies immense pressure on bulkier teams with Torch Song and the combination of Will-O-Wisp + and Hex; however, Ghost teams are generally offense offensively oriented, (comma) and Skeledirge is outclassed as a bulky Ghost-type by Gholdengo and Pecharunt. (period) , both of which Both of these Ghost-types can spread status, and the former also provides immediate wallbreaking power with Nasty Plot and a nearly unresisted STAB combination and the latter later can punish physical attackers attacker with Foul Play and provide a safe switch-in to teammates with Parting Shot. Ceruledge can provide the role of a Fire-type for the team, which, (comma) with its access to Swords Dance, (comma) can make for a powerful wallbreaker and setup set-up sweeper.

[SET]
Skeledirge @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Physically Defensive (Ghost)
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA Spa
IVs: 0 Atk
Bold Nature
- Torch Song
- Earth Power / Hex / Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Slack Off

[SET COMMENTS]
Skeledirge makes for an excellent physical wall on Ghost teams due to its remarkable bulk, access to reliable recovery, and a great ability in Unaware. Torch Song is an incredible STAB move option that pressures teams pressuring types like Fairy, Steel, and Flying. Will-O-Wisp allows Skeledirge to punish physical attackers like Dragonite, Great Tusk, and Weavile, as well as chipping Clodsire and weakening Earthquake, making it easier for teammates like Gholdengo and Flutter Mane to overwhelm it the latter. Earth Power provides great coverage and targets targeting foes like Gouging Fire, physically defensive Toxapex, and non-Air Balloon Heatran, which resist or are immune to Torch Song. Hex, paired with Will-O-Wisp, provides a decent STAB move option, while Shadow Ball provides more reliable damage in the long run.

Choice Specs Flutter Mane and Swords Dance Mimikyu are excellent partners that which can eliminate Dark-types like Greninja, Hydreigon, and non-Choice Scarf Hoopa-U. Dragapult acts as a fast status spreader and can provide provides incredible wallbreaking power with its exceptional coverage and immense Speed when utilizing speed utilising Choice Specs to eliminate walls like Dondozo and Toxapex. Furthermore, Flutter Mane and Dragapult can use a Choice Scarf set to revenge kill opposing Choice Scarf users like Meowscarada, Greninja, Roaring Moon, and Iron Boulder, with the latter also removing opposing Choice Scarf Flutter Mane. In return, Skeledirge can handle Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory for Mimikyu and Hisuian Goodra for Flutter Mane and Dragapult. Sinistcha boasts Water and Ground resistances, (comma) with which it can take on foes like Ogerpon-W, Dondozo, Great Tusk, and the Landorus formes. In return, Skeledirge can handle Fire-types like Gouging Fire, Volcarona, and Ogerpon-H. Hisuian Zoroark provides a Ghost immunity and, (comma) with its ability Illusion, (comma) can lure in and remove opposing Ghost-types and can ruin walls like Blissey and Clodsire, which Skeledirge struggles against, by tricking them a Choice Scarf or Choice Specs. Gholdengo handles Rock-types like Iron Boulder and Ogerpon-C and provides safe switch-in against Status status moves like Toxic from Toxapex and Clodsire. With Air Balloon, Gholdengo can switch into Ground-type moves from foes like Great Tusk, Gliscor, (comma) and the Landorus formes aimed at Skeledirge, threatening them back with its boosted STAB moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ghost
-----------
An alternate EV spread of 248 HP / 56 Def / 204 Spe (double space here) can be used to allow which allows Skeledirge to outspeed Azumarill and burn it, defeating it one-on-one letting it defeat it one on one.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by: (new line)
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/murphy-lawden.594972/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/pengairxan.622813/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lustre.567354/
Grammar checked by:

GP Team done