
Smeargle is a centralizing Pokemon in the VGC metagame due to its utility and ability to shut down both foes with Dark Void. It has an amazing support movepool that allows Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan and Xerneas to set up more easily. Dark Void, however, is the best support move Smeargle can learn and the main reason why you should use Smeargle. Moody can be a very useful ability, as if Smeargle gets one Speed boost, it becomes a huge threat that can fire off a fast Dark Void, so even faster foes will have trouble stopping it; however, a Speed drop allows foes to easily outspeed and KO Smeargle. Smeargle also has horrible defenses and a bad Speed tier, which leaves it outsped and KOed by many Pokemon in the metagame. Smeargle's Speed tier also leaves it vulnerable to fast Taunt users.
[SET]
name: Lady Luck (Support)
move 1: Dark Void
move 2: Spiky Shield
move 3: Follow Me
move 4: Fake Out / Wide Guard
item: Focus Sash
ability: Moody
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Dark Void puts both foes to sleep, which can allow Smeargle's partner to set up. Spiky Shield can stop incoming Fake Out or Taunt and damages foes that target Smeargle with physical attacks. Follow Me can redirect attacks away from Smeargle's partner, which is especially useful if its partner is setting up; furthermore, it is also Smeargle's most consistent option to support its team, as it doesn't have to rely on the shaky accuracy of Dark Void. Fake Out can create free turns for partners to set up or finish off a foe. Wide Guard can be used to stop common spread attacks such as Origin Pulse and Precipice Blades.
Set Details
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252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Smeargle to be as fast as possible. 252 Defense EVs allow Smeargle to survive some weaker physical hits such as Mega Kangaskhan's Power-Up Punch. 252 HP EVs should be used if Smeargle is running Transform, as its HP stays the same after it uses the move. Focus Sash is used because Smeargle cannot survive many attacks without it. Moody is the preferred ability, as even though it can be unreliable, a single accuracy or Speed can boost can win a game.
Usage Tips
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Smeargle is generally used as a lead to get off an immediate Dark Void. It is not good to switch Smeargle into attacks, as it is quite frail; it is reasonable, however, to switch Smeargle in on Ghost-type attacks or after a partner has fainted. Using Spiky Shield on the first turn can be good if there is a Fake Out or Taunt user that Smeargle's partner can KO. Dark Void has a 36% chance of missing one target, so it is better to make a different play if you don't have to take that risk.
Team Options
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Almost any Pokemon that can apply good offensive pressure appreciates Smeargle's support. Mega Kangaskhan is one of the best partners for Smeargle, as it provides Fake Out support while Smeargle can help it set up with Dark Void. Xerneas appreciates Dark Void to help it set up Geomancy. Tailwind setters such as Crobat and Talonflame can set up Tailwind for Smeargle, which can allow it to get a faster Dark Void off. Partners with Quick Guard can be useful in stopping Prankster Taunt and Fake Out, and they also help with Brave Bird from Talonflame.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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A Choice Scarf set can be used to get a fast Dark Void off; however, this makes Smeargle dead weight after it fires off a Dark Void and is really weak to Prankster Taunt. Helping Hand can be used to boost the power of Smeargle's partner's attacks. Magic Coat is useful in stopping opposing Smeargle by bouncing back Dark Void. Smeargle can use Role Play on a Primal partner to reset their weather. King's Shield can punish physical attackers for attacking Smeargle by lowering their Attack by two stages. Wide Guard can be used to block common spread moves such as Precipice Blades and Origin Pulse. Crafty Shield can be used to protect your team from opposing Taunt and Dark Void. Own Tempo can be used if you don't like having to risk the negative effects of Moody. A low-level Smeargle can be used to get a really fast Dark Void off under Trick Room; this set also uses Endeavor for some offensive presence. Mental Herb can be used to make Smeargle immune to Taunt; this, however, makes Smeargle very easy to KO, as it does not have a Focus Sash.
Checks and Counters
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**Crobat**: Crobat can outspeed Smeargle and Taunt it. Crobat is also immune to flinching from Fake Out and often carries a Lum Berry, nullifying sleep from Dark Void.
**Mega Kangaskhan**: Mega Kangaskhan can outspeed Smeargle and OHKO it through its Focus Sash thanks to Parental Bond
**Status Prevention**: Status prevention stops Smeargle from using Dark Void, which is what it does best; some moves that do this are Taunt, Magic Coat, Substitute, and Safeguard. Lum Berry can also be used to stop Dark Void but is a bit unreliable, as it has a one-time use. Mega Mewtwo Y in particular is faster than Choice Scarf Smeargle and is immune to Dark Void thanks to Insomnia.
**Spread Attacks**: Spread attacks make it easier to double target Smeargle, and they will still do damage to its partner.
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