Gen 6 ORAS OU- SD Mega Absol [QC 2/2] [GP 1/1] [Done]

lemonademaker

lemonademaker

[OVERVIEW]
Upon Mega Evolving, Absol gets a great base 115 Speed, an excellent base 150 Attack, and Magic Bounce, one of the most useful abilities in the game, as it prevents entry hazards and bounces back status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave. Its Dark-type STAB moves hit many prominent Pokemon such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresselia, Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross super effectively. Besides common Dark-type STAB moves like Sucker Punch, Knock Off, and Pursuit it gets Play Rough and Iron Tail as coverage to hit Dark- and Fairy-types respectively.

Despite Mega Absol's offensive power, its lack of bulk makes it a true glass cannon. This makes it very hard for Mega Absol to come in safely or set up with Swords Dance. As a pure Dark-type, Mega Absol needs to be especially aware of Fairy-type moves like Clefable's Moonblast, Fighting-type moves such as Mega Lopunny's High Jump Kick and Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast, and U-turn. While its Speed tier is great, it’s still outsped by some important Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Jolly Talonflame, Mega Alakazam, Weavile, and Tornadus-T. Sucker Punch helps against those Pokemon but isn't strong enough to OHKO them besides Mega Alakazam. Being slow prior to Mega Evolution makes its first turn very risky. As a Dark-type, Mega Absol is often outclassed by Weavile, which is faster and has a great secondary STAB typing. Mega Absol's strength lies in its offensive pressure, ability, and variable moveset.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Iron Tail / Superpower / Play Rough
item: Absolite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Thanks to Magic Bounce, Mega Absol doesn’t have to worry about status moves like Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, and Roar limiting its ability to obtain and utilize its Swords Dance boosts. Knock Off is not only Mega Absol's strongest STAB move but also useful for removing important items from foes. Sucker Punch is used for priority when Mega Absol is outpaced, and it also lets Mega Absol efficiently revenge kill. Iron Tail lets Mega Absol deal with the Fairy-types that resist its Dark-type STAB moves. However, it leaves Mega Absol walled by Bisharp and Keldeo, and its low accuracy is unreliable. Superpower lets Mega Absol nail Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill, but it lets Fairy-types wall Mega Absol. In addition, the stat drops make it problematic by decreasing both its power and bulk, hurting Mega Absol's sweep. Play Rough has near perfect coverage with Mega Absol's Dark-type moves, hitting the entire metagame for neutral damage. It also hits lots of specific threats like Weavile, Dragonite, and Garchomp super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature are necessary to let it naturally outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon, Thundurus, Serperior, Choice Scarf Magnezone, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. Maximum Speed also allows its Sucker Punch to go before opposing priority moves like Mega Metagross's Bullet Punch and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack. Justified can grant Absol a free single stage-boost to Attack by switching into lower-power Knock Offs like Clefable's, Serperior's, and Ferrothorn's before Mega Evolving.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Absol sets up best on status-reliant walls it can threaten and is not threatened by, like Chansey, Amoonguss, and Cofagrigus. Mega Absol preforms well as a late-game sweeper, picking off weakened foes. Alternatively, it can set up mid-game to poke holes in the opponent's team and make openings for teammates later on. Absol can also try to deny hazards after Mega Evolving, but its frailty limits its ability to do this. Mega Absol is able to revenge kill thanks to its high Speed and the massive damage from even an unboosted Sucker Punch.

Team Options
========

Because of Mega Absol’s horrible matchup against Mega Lopunny, Clefable is a reliable switch-in. Excadrill helps Mega Absol with its positive matchup against Clefable if Mega Absol forgoes Iron Tail, and it can also switch into most other Fairy-types and U-turn. Additionally, Excadrill’s Rapid Spin support is vital, since you can't be dependent on Mega Absol to prevent hazards for your team; furthermore, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock, which wears down Mega Absol's checks. Stealth Rock-weak Pokemon such as Volcarona, Talonflame, and Dragonite like the hazard control that Mega Absol and Excadrill create. A U-turn punisher like Static Zapdos or Rocky Helmet Landorus-T is great due to Absol’s weakness to the move. A pivot like Rotom-W or Tornadus-T is helpful for getting Absol in safely. Electric-types, like Thundurus and Rotom-W hit most of Absol's checks neutrally and can pivot with Volt Switch.



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

The most notable set outside of Swords Dance would be Protect, Will-O-Wisp, Knock Off, and Iron Tail. This set punishes common switch-ins to Mega Absol like defensive Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon. Iron Tail offsets Mega Diancie and Clefable switching in, which otherwise counter the Will-O-Wisp set.

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

**Clefable**: Without Iron Tail, Absol is mostly walled by Clefable. Clefable can take Absol’s Dark-type STAB moves, even after a Swords Dance. Additionally, Clefable can OHKO Absol with Moonblast, and Swords Dance-boosted Play Rough from Absol isn’t even a guaranteed 2HKO.

**Mega Lopunny**: Mega Lopunny outspeeds Absol, does a good chunk of damage with Fake Out, and can OHKO it with High Jump Kick. Also, Mega Lopunny doesn't take much from unboosted Sucker Punch, and Play Rough has a very low chance of OHKOing it at full health.

**Surprise Choice Scarf Users**: Absol relies on accurate Sucker Punch predictions to get past Pokemon holding Choice Scarf, so Pokemon with multiple item choices, like Heatran, Excadrill, Keldeo, and Terrakion, can get the jump on Absol if they're running Choice Scarf.

**Dark-types**: If Absol doesn't run Play Rough or Superpower, Dark-types like Bisharp, Mega Gyarados, and Mandibuzz can be major problems.

**Bulky or Dark-resistant Priority Users**: Mega Absol is vulnerable to common priority moves like Technician Breloom’s and Conkeldurr's Mach Punches, Dragonite’s Extreme Speed, Choice Band Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, and Scizor's Bullet Punch. Sucker Punch helps against these Pokemon, but most of them easily live one hit due to either their natural bulk or a Dark resistance.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lemonademaker.602137/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
 
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this took way to long but its finally ready for quality check

edit: I have been doing a bit of editing to the analysis thanks to suggestions from h4g on the oras discord. You might want to include them as a contributor or co-writer

Edit #2: it had a bunch of format and capitalization problems. I just went through it and fixed most if not all of them
 
Last edited:
QC 1

red=remove
blue=add
[OVERVIEW]
Upon Mega Evolution, Absol gets a great 115 base speed and an excellent 150 base attack, 115 special attack and gains the. It also gets Magic Bounce, one of the most useful abilities in the game, as it prevents entry hazards and bounces status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave. Dark-type STAB hits many prominent Pokemon super effectively such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresselia Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross. It also basically invalidates Cofagrigus lacking Hidden Power Fighting. Besides It gets common Dark-type STABs like Sucker Punch, Knock Off, and Pursuit it gets Play Rough and Iron Tail or can even utilize special attack moves like Fire Blast and Ice Beam.

Despite Mega Absols offensive power, its lack in bulk of any sort makes it a true glass cannon.
Unfortunately, Mega Absol does have some major flaws that make it difficult to use. Even though its offensive stats get a large boost upon Mega Evolution, its defensive stats don’t get anything. That means it still has abysmal bulk, fainting to most super effective and strong neutral hits it takes. This makes it very hard for Mega Absol to come in safely or set up with Swords Dance. As a pure Dark-type it Mega Absol needs to be especially aware of Fairy-,Ffighting or Bug-type moves. It also struggles to deal with common Fairy- and Fighting-types. And While its speed tier is great, it’s still naturally out speed by some important Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Jolly Talonflame, Mega Alakazam, Weavile, and Tornadus-T. Sucker Punch helps to deal with those but isn't strong enough to 0HKO them, besides Mega Alakazam. against these, but it can be unreliable and force trades. Being It's also slow prior before Mega Evolution, making its first turn very risky. As a Ddark-type Mega Absol is also horrible often outclassed by Weavile, who is faster, has an amazing a great secondary STAB, also has priority, can run Choice Band to outdamage Absol, and doesn’t take up a Mega slot. Mega Absols strength are in its offensive pressure, its ability and its variable moveset.

[SET]
SWORDS DANCE
Absol-Mega @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Tail/ Superpower/ Play Rough

[SET COMMENTS]

[Set description]
Swords Dance is Mega Absol’s most viable set. One boost brings its attack to insane levels and lets it threaten most physical walls that don't resist its STAB like Tangrowth and Skarmory. Thanks to Magic Bounce, it doesn’t have to worry about obnoxious status moves like Toxic, Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, Roar, Taunt, Encore, or Spore from limiting its ability to obtain and utilize its boosts. Knock Off is not only Absol's strongest STAB move, but useful for removing items. It can wear down walls by removing their Leftovers and Assault Vests or pacify offensive switch-ins by removing their Life Orbs and Choice items. Sucker Punch is neccessary to deal with Choice Scarfers, Pokemon that naturally out speed it, and opposing priority, all of which will likely OHKO Mega Absol if they are allowed to go first. It also lets Absol efficiently revenge kill. Iron Tail lets Absol deal with the Fairy-types that can take resist its Dark-type STABs. However, it leaves it walled by Bisharp and Keldeo and it's low accuracy is problematic. Superpower lets Absol nail Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill but it lets Fairy-types wall Absol and the stat drop makes it unreliable. Play Rough is another great coverage option. Dark- and Fairy-type coverage is near perfect, hitting the entire game for neutral damage except for the rare Klefki and the non-existent Mawile. It also hits lots of specific threats like Mega Lopunny, Weavile, Mega Medicham, Dragonite, and Garchomp super effectively. However, Play Rough leaves it vulnerable to Fairy-types and a lot of the Pokemon that Play Rough hits, like Weavile and Lopunny, outspeed Absol so it is usually better to just switch or Sucker Punch.

Max Attack investment lets Mega Absol score more KOs both boosted and unbooted. Max speed investment and a Jolly nature is necessary to let it naturally out speed outspeed base 110’s, Thundurus, Serperior, Choice Scarf Magnezone, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and slower Tornadus-T sets. Max speed also lets allows its Sucker Punch go before opposing priority like Mega Metagross' Bullet Punch and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack. Justified is easily the best pre-Mega ability for Absol. If it switches into a resisted Dark-type move before Mega Evolution, it gets a free single stage boost to its attack

[usage tips]
Mega Absol sets up best on status reliant walls it can threaten and not be threated by, like Chansey, Amoonguss, and Cofagrigus lacking Hidden Power Fighting. Mega Absol preforms well as a late game sweeper, picking off weakened opponents. Alternatively, it can set up in the mid game to poke holes in the enemy's team and make openings for teammates later on. It can also try to deny hazards after Mega Evolution, but its frailty limits its ability to do this. It is able to revenge kill thanks to it’s high speed and the massive damage from even unboosted sucker punch.

[team options]
Clefable is the premier a reliable check to Mega Loppuny. Because of Mega Absol’s horrible match up into Mega Loppuny, Clefable is a reliable switch-in to it is necessary. Excadrill is another good teammate. Its positive matchup into Clefable is necessary if Absol forgoes Iron Tail. It can also switch into Fairy-type moves and U-turns for Absol. Additionally, Excadrill’s Rapid Spin support is vital since you Absol cant can't be depended on Absol to prevent hazards for its team, further Excadrill is an excellent switch into most fairy types and can set Stealth Rock which wears down its checks. Stealth Rock weak mons such as Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, Talonflame and Dragonite like the semi-double hazard prevention that Mega Absol and Excadrill create. Absol also appreciates that Excadrill can set Stealth Rock which wears down its checks. A U-turn punisher like Static Zapdos or Rocky Helmet Landours-T is great due to Absol’s weakness to the move. A pivot like Rotom-Wash or Tornadus-T is helpful for getting Absol in safely. Electric-types, like Thundurus and Rotom-Wash hit most of Absol's checks for neutral and can pivot with Vvolt Sswitch.



[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

[other options]
Pursuit is very nice on Absol but it can struggle to fit the move. Knock Off has much needed extra power and utility and Absol can’t afford to run three Dark-types moves. It can run a four attack set, but it really needs Swords Dance to get past walls. With its high Special attack and access to important special moves like Fire Blast, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt, Absol can could possibly run a mixed attacking set. However, it is not easy struggle to fit most special moves in its moveset and therefore might need support from the other team members to compensate for a missing move does more damage physically anyways. Finally, there are a number of other coverage options it can run like, Megahorn, Stone Edge, and Psycho Cut, but they are general not worth using over Play Rough, Iron tail, or Superpower.

[Checks and Counters]
Clefable- Without Iron Tail, Absol is mostly walled by Clefable. Celfable can take Absol’s Dark-type STAB, even at after a Swords Dance. Additionally, Clefable can OHKO Absol with Moonblast and Swords Dance boosted Play Rough from Absol isn’t even a guaranteed 2HKO.

Mega Lopunny- Mega Loppuny outspeeds Absol, does a good chuck with Fake Out, and can OHKO it with High Jump Kick. Also, Mega Lopunny doesn't take much from unboosted Sucker Punch and Play Rough has a very low chance of OHKOing it at full health

Surprise Choice Scarfers- Absol relies on accurate Sucker Punch predictions to get past Pokemon holding Choice Scarf so Pokemon with multiple item choices, like Heatran, Excadrill, Keldeo, and Mammoswine Terrakion, can get the jump on Absol if running Choice Scarf.

Klefki- Although Klefki is rare, it does have a niche in the metagame, and can cause problems for Absol running Play Rough. The dual screens set is hard to break past and can takes advantage of Absol's boosts with foul play. The spikes set, while more manageable, can take any of Absol's moves after a Swords Dance and threatens Absol with Fairy-type STAB.

Dark-types- If Absol doesn't run Play Rough or Superpower, Dark-types like Bisharp, Mega Gyrados, and Mandibuzz, can be major problems.

Bulky/resistant Priority user- Absol is vulnerable to common priority like Ttechnician Breloom’s or Conkeldurrs Mach Punch, Dragonite’s Extreme Speed, Banded Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, and Scizor's Bullet Punch, Superpower or U-turn. Sucker Punch helps against these but most easily live one from either from natural bulk or a resistance.

Sand Rush Excadrill- Excadrill in sand can outspeed Absol and threaten it with an OHKO. In addition, it can easily live an unboosted Sucker Punch.

Passive Damage- Absol has no meaningful way to heal itself, so passive damage like sand and hazards are almost always permeant on it, hurting its already low longevity. Additionally, Rocky Helmet, Iron Barbs, and Rough Skin are all common on Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, and most of Absol's moves activate them.

U-turns- Thanks to it’s weakness to bug, Mega Absol struggles to take even the weakest U-turns.

[CREDITS]
 
[OVERVIEW]
Upon Mega Evolution, Absol gets a great 115 base speed and an excellent 150 base attack, 115 special attack and gains the Magic Bounce ability, one of the most useful abilities in the game as it prevents entry hazards and bounces status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave. Dark-type STAB hits many prominent Pokemon super effectively such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresselia, Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross. Besides common Dark-type STABs like Sucker Punch, Knock Off, and Pursuit it gets Play Rough and Iron Tail or can even utilize special attack moves like Fire Blast and Ice Beam.

Despite Mega Absols offensive power, its lack in bulk of any sort makes it a true glass cannon. This makes it very hard for Mega Absol to come in safely or set up with Swords Dance. As a pure Dark-type it Mega Absol needs to be especially aware of Fairy-, Fighting- or Bug-type moves. While its speed tier is great, it’s still out speed by some important Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Jolly Talonflame, Mega Alakazam, Weavile, and Tornadus-T. Sucker Punch helps against to deal with those but isn't strong enough to 0HKO them, besides Mega Alakazam. Being prior Mega Evolution makes its first turn very risky. As a Dark-type Mega Absol is often outclassed by Weavile, who is faster and has a great secondary STAB. Mega Absols strength are in its offensive pressure, its ability and its variable moveset.

[SET]
SWORDS DANCE
Absol-Mega @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Tail / Superpower / Play Rough

[SET COMMENTS]

[Set description]
Swords Dance is Mega Absol’s most viable set. One boost brings its attack to insane levels and lets it threaten most physical walls that don't resist its STAB like Tangrowth and Skarmory. Thanks to Magic Bounce, it doesn’t have to worry about obnoxious status moves like Toxic, Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, or Roar, Taunt, Encore, or Spore from limiting its ability to obtain and utilize its boosts. Knock Off is not only Absol's strongest STAB move, but is also useful for removing important items. It can wear down walls by removing their Leftovers and Assault Vests or pacify offensive switch-ins by removing their Life Orbs and Choice items. Sucker Punch is necessary to deal with Choice Scarfers, Pokemon that naturally out speed it, and opposing priority, all of which will likely OHKO Mega Absol if they are allowed to go first. Sucker Punch is used for priority when Mega Absol is outpaced, and also lets Absol revenge kill. Iron Tail lets Absol deal with the Fairy-types that resist its Dark-type STABs. However, it leaves it walled by Bisharp and Keldeo and it's low accuracy is problematic. Superpower lets Absol nail Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill but it lets Fairy-types wall Absol and the stat drop makes it unreliable. Play Rough is another great coverage option. Dark- and Fairy-type coverage is near perfect, hitting the entire game for neutral damage. It also hits lots of specific threats like Mega Lopunny, Weavile, Mega Medicham, Dragonite, and Garchomp super effectively. However, Play Rough leaves it vulnerable to Fairy-types and a lot of the Pokemon that Play Rough hits, like Weavile and Lopunny, outspeed Absol so it is usually better to just switch or Sucker Punch.

[set details]
Max Attack investment lets Mega Absol score more KOs both boosted and unbooted. Max speed investment and a Jolly nature is necessary to let it naturally outspeed base 110’s, Thundurus, Serperior, Choice Scarf Magnezone, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and slower Tornadus-T sets. Max speed allows its Sucker Punch go before opposing priority like Mega Metagross' Bullet Punch and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack. Justified is easily the best pre-Mega ability for Absol. If it switches into a resisted Dark-type move before Mega Evolution, it gets a free single stage boost to its attack

[usage tips]
Mega Absol sets up best on status reliant walls it can threaten and not be threated by, like Chansey, Amoonguss and Cofagrigus. Mega Absol preforms well as a late game sweeper, picking off weakened opponents. Alternatively, it can set up in the mid game to poke holes in the enemy's team and make openings for teammates later on. It can also try to deny hazards after Mega Evolution, but its frailty limits its ability to do this. It is able to revenge kill thanks to it’s high speed and the massive damage from even unboosted sucker punch.

[team options]
Because of Mega Absol’s horrible match up into Mega Lopuny, Clefable is a reliable switch-in. Excadrill is another good teammate. Its positive matchup into Clefable is necessary if Absol forgoes Iron Tail. It can also switch into Fairy-type moves and U-turns. Additionally, Excadrill’s Rapid Spin support is vital since you can't be dependent on Absol to prevent hazards for its team, further Excadrill is an excellent switch into most fairy types and can set Stealth Rock which wears down its checks. Stealth Rock weak mons such as Volcarona, Talonflame and Dragonite like the semi-double hazard prevention that Mega Absol and Excadrill create. A U-turn punisher like Static Zapdos or Rocky Helmet Landours-T is great due to Absol’s weakness to the move. A pivot like Rotom-Wash or Tornadus-T is helpful for getting Absol in safely. Electric-types, like Thundurus and Rotom-Wash hit most of Absol's checks for neutral and can pivot with volt switch.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

[other options]
The most notable set outside of SD would be Protect, Will-o-Wisp, Knock Off, and Iron Tail. This set punishes common switchins on Mega Absol like defensive Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, and Hippowdon. Iron Tail offsets Mega Diancie and Clefable switching in, which otherwise counter the Will-o-Wisp set. Pursuit is very nice on Absol but it can struggle to fit the move. Knock Off has much needed extra power and utility and Absol can’t afford to run three Dark-types moves. It can run a four attack set, but it really needs Swords Dance to get past walls. With its high Special attack and access to important special moves like Fire Blast, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt, Absol can run a mixed attacking set. However, it is not easy to fit most special moves in its moveset and therefore might need support from the other team members to compensate for a missing move. Finally, there are a number of other coverage options it can run like, Megahorn, Stone Edge, and Psycho Cut, but they are general not worth using over Play Rough, Iron tail, or Superpower.

[Checks and Counters]
Clefable- Without Iron Tail, Absol is mostly walled by Clefable. Celfable can take Absol’s Dark-type STAB, even at after a Swords Dance. Additionally, Clefable can OHKO Absol with Moonblast and Swords Dance boosted Play Rough from Absol isn’t even a guaranteed 2HKO.

Mega Lopunny- Mega Loppuny outspeeds Absol, does a good chuck with Fake Out, and can OHKO it with High Jump Kick. Also, Mega Lopunny doesn't take much from unboosted Sucker Punch and Play Rough has a very low chance of OHKOing it at full health

Surprise Choice Scarfers- Absol relies on accurate Sucker Punch predictions to get past Pokemon holding Choice Scarf so Pokemon with multiple item choices, like Heatran, Excadrill, Keldeo and Terrakion, can get the jump on Absol if running Choice Scarf.

Dark-types- If Absol doesn't run Play Rough or Superpower, Dark-types like Bisharp, Mega Gyrados, and Mandibuzz, can be major problems.

Bulky/resistant Priority user- Absol is vulnerable to common priority like Technician Breloom’s or Conkeldurr's Mach Punch, Dragonite’s Extreme Speed, Banded Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, and Scizor's Bullet Punch Superpower or U-turn. Sucker Punch helps against these but most easily live one from either from natural bulk or a resistance.

Sand Rush Excadrill- Excadrill in sand can outspeed Absol and threaten it with an OHKO. In addition, it can easily live an unboosted Sucker Punch.

Passive Damage- Absol has no way to heal itself, so passive damage like sand and hazards are almost always permeant on it, hurting its already low longevity. Additionally, Rocky Helmet, Iron Barbs, and Rough Skin are all common on Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, and most of Absol's moves activate them.

U-turns- Thanks to it’s weakness to bug, Mega Absol struggles to take even the weakest U-turns.

[CREDITS]

In general, this was way too wordy. It is not needed to be absolutely comprehensive but just bring out a couple examples. This is especially true about something that is incredibly niche and is almost never used like Mega Absol.

I also added the main other set one would use, the wisp protect set.

Implement for QC 2/2

red = remove
green = added
 
I understand that this analysis has been in the works for more than a year, but for the future, I recommend taking a look at the analysis skeleton thread for old gens, since this analysis wasn't formatted properly.

add remove highlight comment

[OVERVIEW]
Upon Mega Evolution Evolving, Absol gets a great base 115 base speed Speed, (AC) and an excellent base 150 base attack Attack, base 115 special attack Special Attack, (AC) (If the sets mentioned in this analysis don't use special attacks, then why would this need mentioning? This seems like a leftover change from QC1's check that doesn't take QC2's changes to Other Options into account.) and gains the Magic Bounce ability, one of the most useful abilities in the game, (AC) as it prevents entry hazards and bounces back status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave. Its Dark-type STAB moves hits many prominent Pokemon such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresselia, Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross super effectively such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresselia, Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross. Besides common Dark-type STABs moves like Sucker Punch, Knock Off, and Pursuit, (AC) it gets Play Rough and Iron Tail (what makes these moves noteworthy?) or and can even utilize special attacks moves like Fire Blast and Ice Beam. (see comment on base SpA)

Despite Mega Absols Absol's offensive power, its lack in of bulk of any sort makes it a true glass cannon. This makes it very hard for Mega Absol to come in safely or set up with Swords Dance. As a pure Dark-type, (AC) it Mega Absol needs to be especially aware of Fairy-, Fighting-, (AC) or and Bug-type moves. (You're stating easily understood info here. Are there any specific moves or types of Pokemon in the metagame that Mega Absol needs to be cautious around?) While its speed Speed tier is great, it’s still out speed outsped by some important Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Jolly Talonflame, Mega Alakazam, Weavile, and Tornadus-T. Sucker Punch helps against to deal with those Pokemon but isn't strong enough to 0HKO OHKO them (RC) besides Mega Alakazam. Being (add missing adjective here) prior to Mega Evolution makes its first turn very risky. As a Dark-type, (AC) Mega Absol is often outclassed by Weavile, who which is faster and has a great secondary STAB typing. Mega Absols Absol's strength are lies in its offensive pressure, its ability, (AC) and its variable moveset.

[SET]
name: SWORDS DANCE Swords Dance
Absol-Mega @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
move 1: Swords Dance (replaced hyphens w/ "move #")
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Iron Tail / Superpower / Play Rough (spaces)
item: Absolite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
(remove line break)
[Set description]
Moves
=========

Thanks to Magic Bounce, it Mega Absol doesn’t have to worry about status moves like Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, or and Roar from limiting its ability to obtain and utilize its Swords Dance boosts. Knock Off is not only Mega Absol's strongest STAB move (RC) but is also useful for removing important items from foes. Sucker Punch is used for priority when Mega Absol is outpaced, and it also lets Mega Absol efficiently revenge kill. Iron Tail lets Mega Absol deal with the Fairy-types that resist its Dark-type STABs moves. However, it leaves it Mega Absol walled by Bisharp and Keldeo, (AC) and it's its low accuracy is problematic. Superpower lets Mega Absol nail Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill, (AC) but it lets Fairy-types wall Mega Absol, (AC) and the stat drops makes it unreliable. (How so?) Play Rough is another great coverage option. (fluff) Dark- and Fairy-type coverage is has near perfect coverage with Mega Absol's Dark-type moves, hitting the entire metagame for neutral damage. It also hits lots of specific threats like Weavile, Dragonite, and Garchomp super effectively.

[Set Details]
Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment lets Mega Absol score more KOs both boosted and unbooted unboosted. (Is this important enough to mention? You don't specify any sort of KOs that max investment would achieve, and this is a simple 252/252/4 spread anyway.) Maximum speed Speed investment and a Jolly nature is are necessary to let it naturally outspeed base 110’s Speed Pokemon, Thundurus, Serperior, Choice Scarf Magnezone, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. Maximum speed Speed also allows its Sucker Punch to go before opposing priority moves like Mega Metagross's Bullet Punch and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack. Justified is easily the best pre-Mega ability for Absol. If it switches into a resisted Dark-type move before Mega Evolution Evolving, it gets a free single stage boost to its attack Attack. (AP) (You're just stating dex info. I think elaborating more on situations where Justified would be useful may be better here.)

[usage tips]
Usage Tips
========

Mega Absol sets up best on status-reliant (hyphen) walls it can threaten and is not be threated threatened by, like Chansey, Amoonguss, (AC) and Cofagrigus. Mega Absol preforms well as a late-game (hyphen) sweeper, picking off weakened opponents foes. Alternatively, it can set up in the mid-game (hyphen) to poke holes in the enemy's opponent's team and make openings for teammates later on. It Absol can also try to deny hazards after Mega Evolution Evolving, but its frailty limits its ability to do this. It Mega Absol is able to revenge kill thanks to it’s its high speed Speed and the massive damage from even an unboosted sucker punch Sucker Punch.

[team options]
Team Options
========

Because of Mega Absol’s horrible match up into matchup against Mega Lopuny Lopunny, Clefable is a reliable switch-in. Excadrill is another good teammate. (fluff) Its helps Mega Absol with its positive matchup into against Clefable is necessary if Mega Absol forgoes Iron Tail, (AC) It and it can also switch into Fairy-type moves and U-turns. Additionally, Excadrill’s Rapid Spin support is vital, (AC) since you can't be dependent on Mega Absol to prevent hazards for its your team; (comma → semicolon) furthermore, (AC) Excadrill is an excellent switch-in into most fairy types Fairy-types (you kind of already stated this with Clefable and the Fairy-type move mention, maybe try compressing this into the Clefable mention?) and can set Stealth Rock, (AC) which wears down its Mega Absol's checks. Stealth Rock-weak (hyphen) Pokemons such as Volcarona, Talonflame, (AC) and Dragonite like the semi-double hazard prevention (I think replacing this with "hazard control" would make it easier to understand) that Mega Absol and Excadrill create. A U-turn punisher like Static Zapdos or Rocky Helmet Landours-T Landorus-T is great due to Absol’s weakness to the move. (remove space) A pivot like Rotom-Wash or Tornadus-T is helpful for getting Absol in safely. Electric-types, like Thundurus and Rotom-Wash, (AC) hit most of Absol's checks for neutrally and can pivot with volt switch Volt Switch.



[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
(remove line break)
[other options]
Other Options
=============

The most notable set outside of SD Swords Dance would be Protect, Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp, Knock Off, and Iron Tail. This set punishes common switchins switch-ins on to Mega Absol like defensive Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, and Hippowdon. Iron Tail offsets Mega Diancie and Clefable switching in, which otherwise counter the Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp set.

[Checks and Counters]
Checks and Counters
===================
(I unbolded each subsection name, added asterisks on each side, removed the hyphens, and added colons at the end, since that's how this section is formatted.)
**Clefable**: Without Iron Tail, Absol is mostly walled by Clefable. Celfable can take Absol’s Dark-type STAB moves, even at after a Swords Dance. Additionally, Clefable can OHKO Absol with Moonblast, (AC) and Swords Dance-boosted (hyphen) Play Rough from Absol isn’t even a guaranteed 2HKO.

**Mega Lopunny**: Mega Loppuny Lopunny outspeeds Absol, does a good chuck chunk of damage with Fake Out, and can OHKO it with High Jump Kick. Also, Mega Lopunny doesn't take much from unboosted Sucker Punch, (AC) and Play Rough has a very low chance of OHKOing it at full health. (AP)

**Surprise Choice Scarfers Users**: Absol relies on accurate Sucker Punch predictions to get past Pokemon holding Choice Scarf, (AC) so Pokemon with multiple item choices, like Heatran, Excadrill, Keldeo, (AC) and Terrakion, can get the jump on Absol if they're running Choice Scarf.

**Dark-types**: If Absol doesn't run Play Rough or Superpower, Dark-types like Bisharp, Mega Gyrados Gyarados, and Mandibuzz (RC) can be major problems.

**Bulky/resistant or Dark-resistant Priority user Users**: Mega Absol is vulnerable to common priority moves like Technician Breloom’s or and Conkeldurr's Mach Punches, Dragonite’s Extreme Speed, Choice Banded Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, and Scizor's Bullet Punch, Superpower, or U-turn. (These aren't priority moves.) Sucker Punch helps against these Pokemon, (AC) but most of them easily live one hit from either from due to either their natural bulk or a Dark resistance.

[CREDITS] (added headers for each member)
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lemonademaker.602137/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/

Not giving my approval yet, please quote or ping me when you've implemented these changes so that I can take a second look.
 
a blue banana implemented thx
I'll leave it up to RufflesPro as to whether the special moves should get in. I agree the original analysis was a bit bloated but I do think that the special moves should be mentioned somewhere. That being said, if Paprikaflow is gonna write a mixed mega absol set, theres really no reason to include them here
 
GP Team done

[OVERVIEW]
Upon Mega Evolving, Absol gets a great base 115 Speed, an excellent base 150 Attack, base 115 Special Attack, (AC, analyses require the serial comma) and Magic Bounce, one of the most useful abilities in the game, as it prevents entry hazards and bounces back status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave. Its Dark-type STAB moves hit many prominent Pokemon such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresselia, Gengar, Starmie, and Metagross super effectively. Besides common Dark-type STAB moves like Sucker Punch, Knock Off, and Pursuit it gets Play Rough and Iron Tail as coverage to hit Dark- and Fairy-types respectively and can even utilize special attacks like Fire Blast and Ice Beam.

Despite Mega Absol's offensive power, its lack of bulk makes it a true glass cannon. This makes it very hard for Mega Absol to come in safely or set up with Swords Dance. As a pure Dark-type, Mega Absol needs to be especially aware of Fairy-type moves like Clefable's Moonblast, Fighting-type moves such as Mega Lopunny's High Jump Kick and Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast, and U-turn. While its Speed tier is great, it’s still outsped by some important Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Jolly Talonflame, Mega Alakazam, Weavile, and Tornadus-T. Sucker Punch helps against those Pokemon but isn't strong enough to OHKO them besides Mega Alakazam. Being slow prior to Mega Evolution makes its first turn very risky. As a Dark-type, Mega Absol is often outclassed by Weavile, which is faster and has a great secondary STAB typing. Mega Absol's strength lies in its offensive pressure, ability, (AC) and variable moveset.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Iron Tail / Superpower / Play Rough
item: Absolite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Thanks to Magic Bounce, Mega Absol doesn’t have to worry about status moves like Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, and Roar limiting its ability to obtain and utilize its Swords Dance boosts. Knock Off is not only Mega Absol's strongest STAB move but also useful for removing important items from foes. Sucker Punch is used for priority when Mega Absol is outpaced, and it also lets Mega Absol efficiently revenge kill. Iron Tail lets Mega Absol deal with the Fairy-types that resist its Dark-type STAB moves. However, Mega Absol leaves it walled by Bisharp and Keldeo, and it's its low accuracy is unreliable. Superpower lets Mega Absol nail Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill, but it lets Fairy-types wall Mega Absol. In addition, (AC) the stat drops make it problematic by decreasing both its kill power and its bulk, hurting Mega Absol's sweep. Play Rough has near perfect coverage with Mega Absol's Dark-type moves, hitting the entire metagame for neutral damage. It also hits lots of specific threats like Weavile, Dragonite, and Garchomp super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature are necessary to let it naturally outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon, Thundurus, Serperior, Choice Scarf Magnezone, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. Maximum Speed also allows its Sucker Punch to go before opposing priority moves like Mega Metagross's Bullet Punch and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack. Justified can grant Mega Absol a free single-stage (hyphen) boost to attack Attack by switching into lower-power (hyphen) Knock Offs like Clefable's, Serperior's, and Ferrothorn's before Mega evolving Evolving.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Absol sets up best on status-reliant walls it can threaten and is not threatened by, like Chansey, Amoonguss, and Cofagrigus. Mega Absol preforms well as a late-game sweeper, picking off weakened foes. Alternatively, it can set up mid-game to poke holes in the opponent's team and make openings for teammates later on. Absol can also try to deny hazards after Mega Evolving, but its frailty limits its ability to do this. Mega Absol is able to revenge kill thanks to its high Speed and the massive damage from even an unboosted Sucker Punch.

[team options]
Team Options
========

Because of Mega Absol’s horrible matchup against Mega Lopunny, Clefable is a reliable switch-in. Excadrill helps Mega Absol with its positive matchup against Clefable if Mega Absol forgoes Iron Tail, and it can also switch into most other Fairy-types and U-turn. Additionally, Excadrill’s Rapid Spin support is vital, since you can't be dependent on Mega Absol to prevent hazards for your team; furthermore, Excadrill and can set Stealth Rock, which wears down Mega Absol's checks. Stealth Rock-weak Pokemon such as Volcarona, Talonflame, and Dragonite like the hazard control that Mega Absol and Excadrill create. A U-turn punisher like Static Zapdos or Rocky Helmet Landorus-T is great due to Absol’s weakness to the move. A pivot like Rotom-W or Tornadus-T is helpful for getting Absol in safely. Electric-types, like Thundurus and Rotom-W hit most of Absol's checks neutrally and can pivot with Volt Switch.



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

The most notable set outside of Swords Dance would be Protect, Will-O-Wisp, Knock Off, and Iron Tail. This set punishes common switch-ins to Mega Absol like defensive Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon. Iron Tail offsets Mega Diancie and Clefable switching in, which otherwise counter the Will-O-Wisp set.

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

**Clefable**: Without Iron Tail, Absol is mostly walled by Clefable. Celfable Clefable can take Absol’s Dark-type STAB moves, even after a Swords Dance. Additionally, Clefable can OHKO Absol with Moonblast, and Swords Dance-boosted Play Rough from Absol isn’t even a guaranteed 2HKO.

**Mega Lopunny**: Mega Lopunny outspeeds Absol, does a good chunk of damage with Fake Out, and can OHKO it with High Jump Kick. Also, Mega Lopunny doesn't take much from unboosted Sucker Punch, and Play Rough has a very low chance of OHKOing it at full health.

**Surprise Choice Scarf Users**: Absol relies on accurate Sucker Punch predictions to get past Pokemon holding Choice Scarf, so Pokemon with multiple item choices, like Heatran, Excadrill, Keldeo, and Terrakion, can get the jump on Absol if they're running Choice Scarf.

**Dark-types**: If Absol doesn't run Play Rough or Superpower, Dark-types like Bisharp, Mega Gyarados, and Mandibuzz can be major problems.

**Bulky or Dark-resistant Priority Users**: Mega Absol is vulnerable to common priority moves like Technician Breloom’s and Conkeldurr's Mach Punches, Dragonite’s Extreme Speed, Choice Band Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, and Scizor's Bullet Punch. Sucker Punch helps against these Pokemon, but most of them easily live one hit due to either their natural bulk or a Dark resistance.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lemonademaker.602137/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/

GP Check 1/1

a-blue-banana-gif.645975
 
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