[OVERVIEW]
Dark
========
Weavile's Ice typing, blistering Speed, and good Attack allow it to offensively check a plethora of threats to Dark teams such as Mega Altaria and Tornadus-T, giving it a valuable niche as a revenge killer. With access to good STAB moves in Ice Shard and Icicle Crash, Weavile is able to check the likes of Garchomp, Gliscor, and both formes of Landorus. Dark teams also appreciate Weavile's utility with Pursuit and Knock Off, as the former allows it to trap certain threats like Mega Gallade after a Close Combat, and the latter helps remove items from walls like Alolan Muk and Chansey. However, due to Weavile's lackluster bulk, it cannot afford to take many hits. Its additional Ice typing also does not do it any favors, as it makes it weak to Rock- and Fire-type moves, which are commonly used as coverage moves, as well as to Stealth Rock. This, along with its lackluster bulk, leaves Weavile open to getting revenge killed by faster Pokemon and priority users like Scizor, Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Dragonite. Weavile is also somewhat difficult to fit onto balance teams due to its frailty and Dark teams' lack of free teamslots on more defensive builds.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker (Dark)
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Ice Shard
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Pursuit
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Icicle Crash is Weavile's most powerful STAB move and is used to hit Flying-, Ground-, and Dragon-type Pokemon like Tornadus-T, Landorus, and Kommo-o. Ice Shard can be used to revenge kill faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Latios and Landorus-T as well as boosted Rock Polish Landorus. Knock Off is Weavile's main Dark-type STAB move that primarily hits Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon like Mew and Gengar for super effective damage. It is also useful as a utility move to remove key items from certain Pokemon, such Porygon2's Eviolite and Alolan Muk's Berry. Pursuit is used to trap and punish switches from Pokemon like Latios, Mega Gallade, and Victini after a V-create.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs allows Weavile to do as much damage as possible. Maximum Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Weavile to be as fast as possible, outspeeding the likes of non-Choice Scarf Greninja and Dugtrio. Life Orb allows Weavile to deal as much damage as possible while being able to switch moves.
Usage Tips
========
As Weavile is a revenge killer, it should be sent in if a teammate has fainted or if you predict a double switch. This allows it to preserve as much of its health as possible over time, significantly increasing its longevity during battle. Try to use Knock Off as much as possible early-game to remove items like Leftovers and Eviolite from most switch-ins to Weavile. Try to use Pursuit when a Pokemon is weakened and would naturally be forced out by Weavile, such as Gallade after a Close Combat or Latios after a Draco Meteor. Avoid leaving Weavile in on Pokemon like Scizor and Nihilego, as they can take hits from Weavile and OHKO it in return with priority moves or outspeed it with Choice Scarf. Refrain from getting any status conditions on Weavile, as they will hinder its usefulness in battle drastically. Try to clear entry hazards from your side of the field before sending in Weavile, as its vulnerability to Stealth Rock and generally poor defenses don't allow it to function well with extra chip damage. You must be extra wary about how much chip damage Weavile takes; as Weavile relies on Life Orb for damage, you want to maximize the number of times it can attack.
Team Options
========
Mega Sableye helps take hits for Weavile and reflects any incoming status moves or entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. It also provides a handy switch-in to Fighting-types like Mega Gallade and can use Knock Off to remove items from opposing Pokemon, making it easier for Weavile to KO them. Mandibuzz can use Defog to get rid of hazards so that Weavile can come in more often and helps defensively check threats to Weavile like Mega Scizor and Dragonite. With U-turn, it can also serve as a nice defensive pivot to safely switch Weavile into the fight. Alolan Muk takes special hits from the likes of Nihilego and Blacephelon for Weavile and also takes care of Fairy-types like Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko for it. Tyranitar is a great asset to Weavile, as it can set Stealth Rock to chip down opposing Pokemon, allowing Weavile to revenge kill them more easily. Its Sand Stream also provides additional chip damage, and in return it appreciates Weavile's ability to check threats like Mega Gallade and Kommo-o. Similarly, Krookodile benefits Weavile with its access to Stealth Rock, and its access to Knock Off and Earthquake allows it to provide additional utility in removing items and taking out threatening Fire-types like Heatran. Mega Tyranitar also appreciates Weavile's ability to remove items from the opposing team as well as weaken certain walls, which allows it to be able to sweep much more easily late-game. Hydreigon and Greninja are both great assisting sweepers that can revenge kill threats Weavile can't, taking down threats to Weavile like Choice Scarf Excadrill with a Choice Scarf and their diverse movepool. They in turn appreciate Weavile's ability to check threats to them like Mega Gallade after a Close Combat and Landorus after a Rock Polish. Bisharp helps break through walls like Celesteela and Toxapex, which otherwise threaten Weavile immensely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dark
--------
Low Kick can be used over Pursuit so that Weavile can catch Pokemon like Tyranitar, Kyurem-B, and Bisharp off guard; however, giving up the ability to Pursuit trap can harm Weavile's utility in some situations. Weavile can also run a wallbreaker set with Swords Dance over Pursuit and one of Darkinium Z + Foul Play, which allows it to take out threats like Keldeo and Toxapex after a Swords Dance, and Groundium Z + Dig, permitting it to act as a lure against Heatran.
Checks and Counters
===================
Dark
--------
**Priority Users**: Pokemon such as Mega Scizor and Dragonite all heavily threaten Weavile with their strong priority moves and can often take an Ice Shard from it too.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Due to Weavile's additional Ice typing, it has weaknesses to Fire, Rock, Fighting, and Steel, all of which are relatively common coverage moves. Examples include Close Combat on Zeraora, V-create on Victini, Power Gem on Nihilego, and Iron Head on Excadrill. This in tandem with its fragility leaves it weak to a multitude of Pokemon that carry these moves and can take a hit from it.
**Revenge Killers**: Due to its fragility and typing, Weavile is susceptible to getting revenge killed by faster Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Excadrill.
**Physical Walls**: Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex wall Weavile completely and can either KO it back or use status to wear it down.
**Status**: Weavile is hindered by every status ailment bar freeze. Burn cuts down its revenge killing power, paralysis makes it harder for Weavile to revenge kill anything, and poison also limits Weaviles overall usability by putting it on a timer. Due to this, Weavile has to avoid any Pokemon that often use status moves.
**Residual Damage**: Any form of entry hazards as well as chip damage from sand or Leech Seed hinders Weavile's overall usability, as it limits the number of times it can come in and makes it harder for it to find safe opportunities to switch in.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Dragon analysis by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [Decem, 362454], [Havens, 391540]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Estronic, 240732]]
Dark
========
Weavile's Ice typing, blistering Speed, and good Attack allow it to offensively check a plethora of threats to Dark teams such as Mega Altaria and Tornadus-T, giving it a valuable niche as a revenge killer. With access to good STAB moves in Ice Shard and Icicle Crash, Weavile is able to check the likes of Garchomp, Gliscor, and both formes of Landorus. Dark teams also appreciate Weavile's utility with Pursuit and Knock Off, as the former allows it to trap certain threats like Mega Gallade after a Close Combat, and the latter helps remove items from walls like Alolan Muk and Chansey. However, due to Weavile's lackluster bulk, it cannot afford to take many hits. Its additional Ice typing also does not do it any favors, as it makes it weak to Rock- and Fire-type moves, which are commonly used as coverage moves, as well as to Stealth Rock. This, along with its lackluster bulk, leaves Weavile open to getting revenge killed by faster Pokemon and priority users like Scizor, Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Dragonite. Weavile is also somewhat difficult to fit onto balance teams due to its frailty and Dark teams' lack of free teamslots on more defensive builds.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker (Dark)
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Ice Shard
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Pursuit
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Icicle Crash is Weavile's most powerful STAB move and is used to hit Flying-, Ground-, and Dragon-type Pokemon like Tornadus-T, Landorus, and Kommo-o. Ice Shard can be used to revenge kill faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Latios and Landorus-T as well as boosted Rock Polish Landorus. Knock Off is Weavile's main Dark-type STAB move that primarily hits Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon like Mew and Gengar for super effective damage. It is also useful as a utility move to remove key items from certain Pokemon, such Porygon2's Eviolite and Alolan Muk's Berry. Pursuit is used to trap and punish switches from Pokemon like Latios, Mega Gallade, and Victini after a V-create.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs allows Weavile to do as much damage as possible. Maximum Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Weavile to be as fast as possible, outspeeding the likes of non-Choice Scarf Greninja and Dugtrio. Life Orb allows Weavile to deal as much damage as possible while being able to switch moves.
Usage Tips
========
As Weavile is a revenge killer, it should be sent in if a teammate has fainted or if you predict a double switch. This allows it to preserve as much of its health as possible over time, significantly increasing its longevity during battle. Try to use Knock Off as much as possible early-game to remove items like Leftovers and Eviolite from most switch-ins to Weavile. Try to use Pursuit when a Pokemon is weakened and would naturally be forced out by Weavile, such as Gallade after a Close Combat or Latios after a Draco Meteor. Avoid leaving Weavile in on Pokemon like Scizor and Nihilego, as they can take hits from Weavile and OHKO it in return with priority moves or outspeed it with Choice Scarf. Refrain from getting any status conditions on Weavile, as they will hinder its usefulness in battle drastically. Try to clear entry hazards from your side of the field before sending in Weavile, as its vulnerability to Stealth Rock and generally poor defenses don't allow it to function well with extra chip damage. You must be extra wary about how much chip damage Weavile takes; as Weavile relies on Life Orb for damage, you want to maximize the number of times it can attack.
Team Options
========
Mega Sableye helps take hits for Weavile and reflects any incoming status moves or entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. It also provides a handy switch-in to Fighting-types like Mega Gallade and can use Knock Off to remove items from opposing Pokemon, making it easier for Weavile to KO them. Mandibuzz can use Defog to get rid of hazards so that Weavile can come in more often and helps defensively check threats to Weavile like Mega Scizor and Dragonite. With U-turn, it can also serve as a nice defensive pivot to safely switch Weavile into the fight. Alolan Muk takes special hits from the likes of Nihilego and Blacephelon for Weavile and also takes care of Fairy-types like Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko for it. Tyranitar is a great asset to Weavile, as it can set Stealth Rock to chip down opposing Pokemon, allowing Weavile to revenge kill them more easily. Its Sand Stream also provides additional chip damage, and in return it appreciates Weavile's ability to check threats like Mega Gallade and Kommo-o. Similarly, Krookodile benefits Weavile with its access to Stealth Rock, and its access to Knock Off and Earthquake allows it to provide additional utility in removing items and taking out threatening Fire-types like Heatran. Mega Tyranitar also appreciates Weavile's ability to remove items from the opposing team as well as weaken certain walls, which allows it to be able to sweep much more easily late-game. Hydreigon and Greninja are both great assisting sweepers that can revenge kill threats Weavile can't, taking down threats to Weavile like Choice Scarf Excadrill with a Choice Scarf and their diverse movepool. They in turn appreciate Weavile's ability to check threats to them like Mega Gallade after a Close Combat and Landorus after a Rock Polish. Bisharp helps break through walls like Celesteela and Toxapex, which otherwise threaten Weavile immensely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dark
--------
Low Kick can be used over Pursuit so that Weavile can catch Pokemon like Tyranitar, Kyurem-B, and Bisharp off guard; however, giving up the ability to Pursuit trap can harm Weavile's utility in some situations. Weavile can also run a wallbreaker set with Swords Dance over Pursuit and one of Darkinium Z + Foul Play, which allows it to take out threats like Keldeo and Toxapex after a Swords Dance, and Groundium Z + Dig, permitting it to act as a lure against Heatran.
Checks and Counters
===================
Dark
--------
**Priority Users**: Pokemon such as Mega Scizor and Dragonite all heavily threaten Weavile with their strong priority moves and can often take an Ice Shard from it too.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Due to Weavile's additional Ice typing, it has weaknesses to Fire, Rock, Fighting, and Steel, all of which are relatively common coverage moves. Examples include Close Combat on Zeraora, V-create on Victini, Power Gem on Nihilego, and Iron Head on Excadrill. This in tandem with its fragility leaves it weak to a multitude of Pokemon that carry these moves and can take a hit from it.
**Revenge Killers**: Due to its fragility and typing, Weavile is susceptible to getting revenge killed by faster Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Excadrill.
**Physical Walls**: Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex wall Weavile completely and can either KO it back or use status to wear it down.
**Status**: Weavile is hindered by every status ailment bar freeze. Burn cuts down its revenge killing power, paralysis makes it harder for Weavile to revenge kill anything, and poison also limits Weaviles overall usability by putting it on a timer. Due to this, Weavile has to avoid any Pokemon that often use status moves.
**Residual Damage**: Any form of entry hazards as well as chip damage from sand or Leech Seed hinders Weavile's overall usability, as it limits the number of times it can come in and makes it harder for it to find safe opportunities to switch in.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Dragon analysis by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [Decem, 362454], [Havens, 391540]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Estronic, 240732]]
Last edited:
