Smeargle (QC 1/3)

Yoshi

Yoshi

IT'S FINK DUMBASS
[OVERVIEW}
  • Smeargle is a Pokemon used in NU generally as a Sash lead for Hyper Offense teams. It is one of the two Pokemon usable in NU with access to Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs.
  • With its main rival being Shuckle, one of the benefits Smeargle has over Shuckle is Smeargle's extensive movepool. It has access to many utility moves, such as Spore, Skill Swap. and Taunt, all of which help Smeargle get up hazards more efficiently. Smeargles decent speed also makes it a more desirable hazard setter over Shuckle.
  • While Smeargle has many reasons to be used over Shuckle, one thing Shuckle has over Smeargle is bulk. Smeargle is very frail and is forced into using a Focus Sash on most sets, making it an undesirable pick for some.
  • Due to Smeargles low speed, fast taunt users such as Mismagius pose a threat to Smeargle.
  • Overall, Smeargle is a great hazard setter, with a few negative traits.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Spore
move 4: Taunt / Skill Swap
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
=============
  • Spore is used to put opposing Pokemon to sleep so Smeargle can get up its hazards.
  • Sticky Webs are used in order to slow down the opposing team for your wall breakers and slow sweepers to quickly break through the enemy team.
  • Stealth Rocks are used to break Focus Sashes, as well as for some chip damage.
  • Taunt can be run to prevent hazards or set up from opposing Pokemon, although Spore can do that already if another Pokemon isn't asleep, such as Steelix, Rhydon, and Venusaur.
  • In place of Taunt, Skill Swap is a great way to get hazards up on Xatu.
Set Details
============
  • 252 HP is used in order to give Smeargle maximum bulk.
  • 252 Speed is used to give Smeargle a semi-fast Spore, and also to set up hazards more efficiently.
  • Focus Sash is used so Smeargle can get up at least two layers of hazards, as well as put slower Pokemon to sleep.
  • In order to increase Speed further, a Timid nature is used in order to reduce damage taken from confusion as well as Foul Play.
  • Own Tempo is Smeargle's most useful ability, as it prevents Smeargle from being confused by Vivillons Hurricane, for example.
Usage Tips
========
  • Smeargle should almost always be used as a lead. Its main goal is to get up entry hazards, and the sooner they go up the better.
  • Before getting up hazards, it is wise to put the opposing Pokemon to sleep, whether faster or slower, in order to get up both Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs.
  • Sometimes when getting up hazards, it might not be possible to get up both Sticky Webs and Stealth Rockers. Versus slower teams, it may be wiser to get up Stealth Rocks over Sticky Webs, because you don't need the speed drop, and Stealth Rocks are useful for chip damage. Versus more offensive teams, it would be wiser to get up Sticky Webs, so that you're able to outspeed the opposing fast Pokemon in order to achieve kills without losing too much health.
  • If there is a Xatu or an opposing hazard remover, it may be smart to save your Smeargle, if hazards are crucial to the team's victory. Generally, however, you want to sack Smeargle after getting up its hazards. Expect the Xatu to switch in. The best way for the opponent to prevent hazards with Xatu is to send it in, so don't be afraid to click Skill Swap if you see one.
Team Options
==========
  • Ghost types: Ghost-types like Mismagius or Haunter pair great with Smeargle, as they act as spin blockers to preserve its hazards. Mismagius can also Taunt to prevent Defog.
  • Wall Breakers: Wall breakers such as Incineroar and Medicham benefit from the opposing speed drop, being able to dish out high amounts of damage with little risk.
  • Slow Sweepers: Pokemon with high damage outputs that aren't exactly the fastest such as Malamar and Scrafty benefit from Sticky Webs, being able to outspeed opposing Pokemon.
  • Pursuit Trappers: Pokemon who can utilize Pursuit such as Sneasel or Houndoom pair well with Smeargle as they're able to trap Xatu and Sigilyph, both of which can get rid of or prevent hazards with very little risk, but Xatu is always better since it can bounce back Spore.
  • Defiant/Contrary Pokemon: Pokemon with the ability Defiant or Contrary, like Braviary and Malamar pair well with Smeargle as they put the opponent at risk if they choose to Defog.
  • Defogger Pressurers: Pokemon that beat defoggers like Silvally-Steel, Sigilyph, and Golbat, such as Passimian, Sneasel, and Vanilluxe respectively, are useful to help keep hazards on the field
Other Options
==========
  • Smeargle could run other hazard options as well, such as Spikes or Toxic Spikes, if it benefits the team more than the standard two.
  • Lovely Kiss over Spore can be used in order to hit Grass-types, however, this comes with a loss of reliability, as the accuracy is much lower than Spores.
  • Nuzzle can be used in order to Paralyze Xatu, which could be useful at a later point in the match.
  • Explosion is also an option, which prevents Defog from slower Pokemon, as if you faint, Defog will have no effect.
  • Magic Coat could also be run to bounce back opposing hazards, rather than wasting a turn with Taunt.
  • Though not recommended, thanks to Smeargle's extensive move pool, an offensive set could be run, however, due to Smeargles poor offenses and just as bad defenses, offensive sets don't generally work.
Checks and Counters
==============
  • Taunt: Taunt renders Smeargle completely ineffective, as it shackles Smeargle from doing anything, and forcing it to struggle.
  • Xatu: Xatu is one of the main threats, forcing you to Nuzzle, or play incredibly with Skill Swap.
  • Fast Grass-types: Fast Grass-types such as Whimsicott or Sceptile could threaten Smeargle, as you're only able to get up one layer of hazards, due to them being immune to Spore.
  • Hazard Removers: While not exactly a "counter," any form of hazard removal gets rid of Smeargle's one-time job, so it is important that alternatives are run to prevent hazard removal, or at least have something that works efficiently without hazards.
  • Klinklang: Due to its Clear Body ability, Klinklang has no fear of the hazards Smeargle can set up, meaning it can set up without losing any speed. Also, since Gear Grind hits twice, it breaks right through Smeargle's Focus Sash, killing it in one move.
  • Malamar: Due to Contrary, instead of losing its speed to Sticky Web, Malamar actually gains speed, making it fast versus your wall breakers and slow sweepers.
 
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Under team options you should cite a fire type, particularly Houndoom to switch into on any predicted spore absorb, while also blocking whims defog and being able to abuse defoggers arguably better than any other Pokemon in the tier(Alt, Silvally-Steel,Sigi,Cryogonal).
 
Yoshizilla315 said:
[OVERVIEW}
  • Smeargle is a Pokemon used in NU generally as a Sash lead for Hyper Offense teams.
  • It is one of the two Pokemon usable in NU with access to Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs.
Combine these, having two is redundant
  • With it's main rival being Shuckle, one of the benefits Smeargle has over Shuckle is Smeargle's extensive movepool. It has access to many utility moves, such as Spore, Skill Swap. and Taunt, all of which help Smeargle get up hazards more effeciently.
  • Smeargles decent speed also makes it a more desirable hazard setter over Shuckle.
Combine these, having two is redundant.
  • While Smeargle has many reasons to be used over Shuckle, one thing Shuckle has over Smeargle is bulk. Smeargle is very frail, and is forced into using a Focus Sash on most sets, making it an undesiriable pick for some.
  • Overall, Smeargle is a great hazard setter, with a few negative traits.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash Lead
move 1: Spore
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Sticky Webs
move 4: Taunt / Skill Swap
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Timid / Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
=============
  • Spore is used to put opposing Pokemon to sleep so Smeargle can get up its hazards.
  • Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs are the hazards used because they provide the best support for most teams.
  • Taunt can be run to prevent hazards or set up from opposing Pokemon, although Spore can do that already if another Pokemon isn't asleep. This also prevents defog.
  • In place of Taunt, Skill Swap is a great way to get hazards up on Xatu. How?

Set Details
============
  • 252 HP is used in order to give Smeargle maximum bulk.
  • 252 Speed is used to give Smeargle a semi-fast Spore, and also to set up hazards more effeciently.
  • Focus Sash is used so Smeargle can put faster Pokemon to sleep with Spore.
  • In order to increase Speed further, a Timid or Jolly nature is used. Timid has less Foul Play/Confusion damage, should be the default nature
  • Own Tempo is Smeargle's most useful ability, as it prevents Smeargle from being confused by Vivillons Hurricane, for example.
Usage Tips
========
  • Smeargle should always be used as a lead. It's main goal is to get up entry hazards, and the sooner they go up the better.
  • Before getting up hazards, it is wise to put the opposing Pokemon to sleep, whether faster or slower, in order to get up both Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs.
Mention which move to use first, it isn't clear if you should web, rock, or w/e first. Mention when, where and why.
  • If there is a Xatu or an opposing hazard remover, it may be smart to save your Smeargle, if hazards are crucial to the team's victory. Generally, however, you want to sack Smeargle after getting up its hazards. This is not strictly true if you have skill swap. Combine with latter point.
  • Expect the Xatu to switch in. The best way for the opponent to prevent hazards with Xatu is to send it in, so don't be afraid to click Skill Swap if you see one.
Team Options
==========
  • Ghost types: Ghost types like Mismagius or Haunter pair great with Smeargle, as they act as spin blockers to preserve its hazards.
  • Sticky Webs abusers: Pokemon that like Sticky Webs up like Non-Scarf Emboar and Virizion could act as great partners for Smeargle as well, as they make use of the hazards that Smeargle set up. Rework this and the following bullet points into wallbreakers and slower sweepers.
  • Offensive Pokemon: While not exactly Sticky Web abusers, breakers that like the presence of hazards like Virizion or Specs Vanilluxe pair well with Smeargle as Smeargles hazards bode well for them.
This has no mention of Pursuit Trappers, which are unbelievably useful if you don't have Skill swap, or the very important Defiant/Contrary mons, which are your best way to stop your opponent from just defogging.

Mention pokemon able to pressure common defoggers, ex. Fighting types for Silvally, etc.
Other Options
==========
  • Smeargle could run other hazard options as well, such as Spikes or Toxic Spikes, if it benefits the team more than the standard two.
  • Lovely Kiss over Spore can be used in order to hit Grass types, however this comes with a loss of reliability, as the acccuracy is much lower than Spores.
  • Though not recommended, but thanks to Smeargle's extensive move pool, an offensive set could be run, however due to Smeargles poor offenses and just as bad defenses, offensive sets don't generally work.
Mention Nuzzle to catch Xatu, Mention Explosion to prevent Defog
Checks and Counters
==============
  • Fast Grass types: If you're not running the optional Lovely Kiss, fast Grass types such as Whimsicott or Sceptile could threaten Smeargle, as you're only able to get up one layer of hazards.
  • Taunt: Taunt renders Smeargle completely ineffective, as it shackles Smeargle from doing anything, and forcing it to struggle.
  • Hazard Removers: While not exactly a "counter," any form of hazard removal gets rid of Smeargle's one-time job, so it is important that alternatives are ran to prevent hazard removal, or at least have something that works without effenciently without hazards.
Klinklang uses you for setup and doesn't care a single bit about Sticky Web.

Malamar uses Webs to become UNBELIEVABLY FAST.

Xatu isn't Mentioned anywhere here, despite it forcing you to play amazingly with Skill swap.
Click to expand...

I think that's most of the issues with this first draft, if not someone later can take care of it.

QC: 1/3 after this is implemented.
 
Yoshizilla315 said:
[OVERVIEW}
  • Smeargle is a Pokemon used in NU generally as a Sash lead for Hyper Offense teams. It is one of the two Pokemon usable in NU with access to Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs.
  • With its main rival being Shuckle, one of the benefits Smeargle has over Shuckle is Smeargle's extensive movepool. It has access to many utility moves, such as Spore, Skill Swap. and Taunt, all of which help Smeargle get up hazards more efficiently. Smeargles decent speed also makes it a more desirable hazard setter over Shuckle.
  • While Smeargle has many reasons to be used over Shuckle, one thing Shuckle has over Smeargle is bulk. Smeargle is very frail and is forced into using a Focus Sash on most sets, making it an undesirable pick for some.
  • Overall, Smeargle is a great hazard setter, with a few negative traits.
  • Something about its vulnerability to Taunt from stuff like Missy, which especially sucks bc of its middling Speed tier. Also maybe something about a lack of offensive presence.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash Lead
move 1: Spore
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Sticky Webs (i kind of want this to be first, followed by rocks, spore, and taunt / skill swap, but it's w/e.)
move 4: Taunt / Skill Swap
item: Focus Sash
ability: Own Tempo
nature: Timid / Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 4 SpD (the formatting on this is incorrect, it should be 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe)

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
=============
  • Spore is used to put opposing Pokemon to sleep so Smeargle can get up its hazards.
  • Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs are the hazards used because they provide the best support for most teams. (split these into two separate bullets, they do different things.)
  • Taunt can be run to prevent hazards or set up from opposing Pokemon, although Spore can do that already if another Pokemon isn't asleep. (mention specific examples of opposing hazard setters / slower set up sweepers.)
  • In place of Taunt, Skill Swap is a great way to get hazards up on Xatu.
Set Details
============
  • 252 HP is used in order to give Smeargle maximum bulk.
  • 252 Speed is used to give Smeargle a semi-fast Spore, and also to set up hazards more efficiently.
  • Focus Sash is used so Smeargle can put faster Pokemon to sleep with Spore. (it's more so used in order to guarantee that smeargle's getting at least one layer of hazards up. spore just helps make it possible to get up both.)
  • In order to increase Speed further, a Timid nature is used in order to reduce damage taken from confusion as well as Foul Play. (if jolly's slashed, explain why one may want to use jolly instead.)
  • Own Tempo is Smeargle's most useful ability, as it prevents Smeargle from being confused by Vivillons Hurricane, for example.
Usage Tips
========
  • Smeargle should almost (since you later on say that against xatu, it may be smarter to preserve smeargle.) always be used as a lead. Its main goal is to get up entry hazards, and the sooner they go up the better.
  • Before getting up hazards, it is wise to put the opposing Pokemon to sleep, whether faster or slower, in order to get up both Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs.
  • Sometimes when getting up hazards, it might not be possible to get up both Sticky Webs and Stealth Rockers. Versus slower teams, it may be wiser to get up Stealth Rocks over Sticky Webs, because you don't need the speed drop, and Stealth Rocks are useful for chip damage. Versus more offensive teams, it would be wiser to get up Sticky Webs, so that you're able to outspeed the opposing fast Pokemon in order to achieve kills without losing too much health.
  • If there is a Xatu or an opposing hazard remover, it may be smart to save your Smeargle, if hazards are crucial to the team's victory. Generally, however, you want to sack Smeargle after getting up its hazards. Expect the Xatu to switch in. The best way for the opponent to prevent hazards with Xatu is to send it in, so don't be afraid to click Skill Swap if you see one.
Team Options
==========
  • Ghost types: Ghost-types like Mismagius or Haunter pair great with Smeargle, as they act as spin blockers to preserve its hazards. Missy can also Taunt to prevent Defog.
  • Wall Breakers: Wall breakers such as Incineroar and Medicham benefit from the opposing speed drop, being able to dish out high amounts of damage with little risk.
  • Slow Sweepers: Pokemon with high damage outputs that aren't exactly the fastest such as Malamar and Scrafty benefit from Sticky Webs, being able to outspeed opposing Pokemon.
  • Pursuit Trappers: Pokemon who can utilize Pursuit such as Sneasel or Rhydon (don't know if i like this example, since smeargle already sets rocks.) pair well with Smeargle as they're able to trap Xatu and Sigilyph (emphasize xatu, sigi hates being put to sleep.), both of which can get rid of or prevent hazards with very little risk.
  • Defiant/Contrary Pokemon: Pokemon with the ability Defiant or Contrary, like Braviary and Malamar pair well with Smeargle as they put the opponent at risk if they choose to Defog.
  • Defogger Pressurers: Pokemon that beat defoggers like Silvally-Steel, Sigilyph, and Golbat, like Passimian, Sneasel, and Vanilluxe respectively, are useful in order to keep hazards on the field. (reword this point, it reads a bit off.)
Other Options
==========
  • Smeargle could run other hazard options as well, such as Spikes or Toxic Spikes, if it benefits the team more than the standard two.
  • Lovely Kiss over Spore can be used in order to hit Grass-types, however, this comes with a loss of reliability, as the accuracy is much lower than Spores.
  • Though not recommended, thanks to Smeargle's extensive move pool, an offensive set could be run, however, due to Smeargles poor offenses and just as bad defenses, offensive sets don't generally work. (move this below everything, it's probs the worst oo listed.)
  • Nuzzle can be used in order to Paralyze Xatu, which could be useful at a later point in the match.
  • Explosion is also an option, which prevents Defog from slower Pokemon, as if you faint, Defog will have no effect.
  • Magic Coat.
Checks and Counters
==============
  • Fast Grass-types: If you're not running the optional Lovely Kiss (drop this part, it's not on the main set.), fast Grass-types such as Whimsicott or Sceptile could threaten Smeargle, as you're only able to get up one layer of hazards.
  • Taunt: Taunt renders Smeargle completely ineffective, as it shackles Smeargle from doing anything, and forcing it to struggle. (this should be first bullet, imo.)
  • Hazard Removers: While not exactly a "counter," any form of hazard removal gets rid of Smeargle's one-time job, so it is important that alternatives are run to prevent hazard removal, or at least have something that works efficiently without hazards.
  • Klinklang: Due to its Clear Body ability, Klinklang has no fear of the hazards Smeargle can set up, meaning it can set up without losing any speed. (it also ohkos you through your focus sash with gear grind.)
  • Malamar: Due to Contrary, instead of losing its speed to Sticky Web, Malamar actually gains speed, making it fast versus your wall breakers and slow sweepers.
  • Xatu: Xatu is one of the main threats, forcing you to Nuzzle, or play incredibly with Skill Swap. (this should be higher, imo. like, below taunt.)
Click to expand...
first official qc check, lol. 2/3 and such.
 
Hey, I'm going to be dropping this project since it's very likely that Smeargle is going to be unranked in the next VR update. Hoping to pick up another project soon!
 
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