[Overview]
*Is one of the only few Pokemon in the metagame that can viably use Sap Sipper.
*Niche of being an offensive wall for many Grass-type Pokemon, notably its ability to check Snivy.
*Blessed with a based Speed stat that hits 18 speed, outspeeding a majority of the unboosted metagame.
*Unique STAB combination has excellent offensive coverage, as the only resistance are Steel-types.
*Defensive typing leaves it weak against common coverage moves used by Pokemon that Deerling wishes to check such as Ice beam from the likes of Staryu and Chinchou or Hidden Power Fighting from Cottonee.
*Bad matchup against common Pokemon in the metagame such as Vullaby, Mienfoo, or Ponyta and is weak against priority moves such as Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, or in some cases Sucker Punch.
*Lacks Coverage moves, making it vulnerable against most Ghost-Types.
*Easily inflicted by status from the likes of Chinchou’s Scald and Snivy’s Glare, which are ones that Deerling aims to check.
*Attack stats and Bulk are slightly subpar, meaning it is easily pressured by faster or bulky Pokemon and has limited durability.
[Set]
Name: Life Orb
Move 1: Return
Move 2: Seed Bomb
Move 3: Jump Kick
Move 4: Substitute / Feint Attack / Baton Pass
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Sap Sipper
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
[Set Comments]
Moves
========
*Return and Seed Bomb are Deerling’s main two STABS which have great offensive pressure. Both hit considerably hard with Life Orb, especially after a Sap Sipper boost.
*Jump Kick lets it able to check Steel-types, the only resistance against Deerling’s STAB combination, dishing out an OHKO on Pawniard, 2HKO on Ferroseed, and OHKO on non-Sturdy Magnemite variants
*Substitute allows it to avoid status moves from the likes of Snivy, Ferroseed, Chinchou, in an 1v1 scenario and lets it take advantage of the forced switch outs that Deerling easily creates. It can also be handy when Deerling is at pinch to dodge Sucker Punch.
*Feint Attack is the only move that gives Deerling the ability to deal significant damage to Ghost Type Pokemon. For example, 2HKOing Honedge and OHKOing Gastly.
*Baton Pass is an option that allows Deerling to maintain momentum and provide a possible attack boost to another teammate.
*Wild Charge lets Deerling to lure in and remove Archen, but cannot OHKO it on 1v1 scenarios and has limited use otherwise.
Set Details
========
*Sap Sipper provides Deerling immunity to Grass-type moves, allowing it to semi – wall many Grass-type Pokemon such as Snivy and Ferroseed, taking advantage of the Attack boost.
*The given Attack EVs along with Life Orb allows Deerling to hit as hard as possible and make the most use of Attack boosts from Sap Sipper, 2HKOing most Pokemon that do not resist Deerling’s STABs such as Ponyta or Vullaby after rocks and OHKOing important Pokemon like Snivy.
*Maximizing speed is mandatory since outspeeding the 17 speed tier is extremely important, notably because of Snivy, Mienfoo, Archen and speed tying with Doduo and Gastly.
*Remaining EVs go to HP and Special Defense to let it take special hits from Chinchou and Snivy better. The Special Defense investment can go to Defense if the ability to take Earthquakes better is preferred.
*Although bulk rarely makes a difference, investment into Special Defense gives a small chance to take two Hidden Power Flyings from Snivy while Defense allows Deerling to always take two Earthquakes from defensive Mudbray.
Usage Tips
========
*The Sap Sipper set works best by capitalizing on forced switch outs against Grass, Electric, Ground, and Water type Pokemon and wearing down the opposing team, making it easier for another teammate to clean up.
*Deerling should be brought into predicted Grass type moves for a Sap Sipper boost or into moves that Deerling can resist such as Earthquake and Scald.
*However, switching in should be considered carefully as Deerling is not bulky enough to take even resisted hits multiple times, and since status can seriously hinder Deerling’s capabilities later on. Mind games against Foongus’ Spore should be especially cautious since a predicted Sludge Bomb will OHKO Deerling.
*Thanks to its fast speed, Deerling can also be used as a revenge killer to finish off weakened Pokemon that are slower.
Team Options
========
*Because of the switches that Deerling forces, entry hazards can quickly wear down the opposing team. Therefore Pokemon that can set up entry hazards such as Pawniard, Dwebble or Mareanie are effective.
*Ground, Water, and Rock type Partners that are weak to Grass-type moves such as Tirtouga, or Mudbray all appreciate Deerling’s immunity against Grass-type moves and the pressure that it applies to the opponent. These Pokemon can cover up Deerling’s Poison and Flying-type weaknesses in return.
*Since Deerling itself switches in and out often and is quite frail, entry hazard removal is helpful. Pokemon that can easily remove hazards such as Drilbur, Staryu, or Vullaby are appreciated. Drilbur and Staryu in particular appreciate Deerling’s ability to check Grass-types and can check Poison and Fire-type weaknesses in return.
*Teammates that can switch into Fighting-types are needed as Deerling often cannot break though most Fighting-types early game. Fairy-types like Snubbull and Spritzee or Poison-types like Foongus are suited for this job.
*Vullaby checks are absolutely essential, since Deerling cannot easily break through and can easily become set up bait. Pokemon that can handle most Vullaby sets while maintaining good synergy with Deerling such as Spritzee, Onix, or Chinchou are all excellent partners.
[Set]
Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Double Edge / Return
Move 2: Seed Bomb
Move 3: Jump Kick
Move 4: Feint Attack / Wild Charge / Baton Pass
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Sap Sipper
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
[Set Comments]
Moves
========
*Double Edge lets Deerling hit harder than Return and fills up the damage loss from not using Life Orb, notably luring and dishing out the guaranteed 2HKO on Weak armor Vullaby. However, Return is still a decent option if recoil damage is not wanted.
*Seed Bomb is Deerling’s secondary STAB move. While its damage may not be so threatening without Life Orb, it still deals respectable damage to foes that are hit super effectively, mainly Water-types and Ground-types, or after a Sap Sipper Boost.
*Jump Kick is Deerling’s main solution for hitting predicted Steel-types that switch in and can be easily used to OHKO Pawniard.
*Feint Attack has a chance of OHKOing Gastly while Wild Charge can take down Flying-types with less recoil than Double Edge and has a chance to OHKO Archen and 2HKO Vullaby after Stealth Rocks. However, they are moves that Deerling does not prefer to be locked into, and both have very limited uses.
*Baton Pass is an option that can be considered in order to grab momentum, but is generally not recommended due the low possibility of getting an actual Sap Sipper Boost and the lack of move slots for coverage moves.
Set Details
========
*Maximized Speed along with Choice Scarf allows Deerling to outspeed almost all of the metagame except the speed ties against the rare scarf Gastly and scarf Doduo.
*Sap Sipper provides Deerling a pseudo immunity to Grass type moves, allowing it to switch into Grass-type moves from Pokemon such as Snivy and Ferroseed for an Attack boost.
*Full Attack investment is needed in order to let Deerling hit as hard as possible and maximize Deerling’s revenge killing potential. Any less investment would seriously hold back Deerling’s damage input.
*The remaining EVs go to HP and Defense in order to take on priority moves better. However, points that are invested into Defense can be moved to Special Defense if being able to switch into Snivy or Chinchou is more important.
Usage Tips
========
*This set aims to work as a super speed revenge killer, as a solution against faster Pokemon or an opposing Pokemon that has managed to set up successfully. These include sweepers such as Bulbasaur under sun or Omanyte after a Shell Smash if they are Modest.
*Getting a Sap Sipper boost from a predicted Grass type move is beneficial, as it immediately turns Deerling from a revenge killer into a huge threat as a sweeper. With both boosts on Attack and Speed, Deerling can easily create havoc on the opposing team by rampaging with strong Double Edges.
*Switching in should not be done hastily as it might become worn down, making it susceptible to priority attacks in the future or even disabling it from using Double Edge continuously. It is advised to bring Deerling in only on safe enough scenarios, such as when a teammate has gone down or through slow Volt Switches or U-turns, for its longevity.
*Deerling prefers not to be locked into coverage moves in most cases, especially because it can easily become an opportunity for opposing Pokemon to capitalize on. Therefore, it is best to use coverage moves only on predicted switches to remove Pokemon that come into take on Deerling’s STAB combination such as Pawniard, Gastly or Archen, then directly switch out after the kill.
*Deerling greatly dislikes priority moves such Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, Sucker Punch should be avoided if possible as they will easily finish off Deerling if it is worn down due to its low bulk.
Team Options
========
*Pursuit trappers are Deerling’s best friends as they can eliminate Ghost-type Pokemon and break Focus Sashes, letting Deerling able to spam Double Edge and Jump Kick without worrying. Good examples would be Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Munchlax.
*Knock Off support from teammates in order to remove Eviolites is extremely important as it allows Deerling to deal heavier damage, making it easier to break through and apply more pressure on the opposing team. Pokemon that can use Knock Off frequently such as Mienfoo, Alolan Grimer, and Pawniard are all excellent options.
*Pokemon that are weak to Grass-type moves such as Tirtouga, or Onix appreciate Deerling’s ability to switch in. In return, these Pokemon check the Fire, Flying, and Poison-types that make Deerling’s life hard.
*Slow U – turn and Volt Switch users such as Mienfoo, Chinchou, or Vullaby can bring Deerling in safely and the chip damage helps Deerling to finish off worn down foes.
*Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type moves are necessary, as Deerling does not have enough power to break through most Fighting type Pokemon. Spritzee and Snubbull get a special mention as they can provide flexible cleric support as well.
*Pokemon that have access to hazard control such as Drilbur, Staryu or Vullaby helps Deerling by reducing the damage that it receives when switching in, and by wearing down opposing Pokemon to let Deerling finish them off easily. Deerling can check Grass-types that Drilbur and Staryu dislike in return.
[Strategy Comments]
Other Options
========
*Bulkier variants with Eviolite or Berry Juice that support the team by crippling opposing Pokemon with Thunder Wave or by working as a cleric with Aromatherapy are possible. However, it suffers from a dilemma of needing to choose in between Attack and Speed. Investing in Speed loses out too much on damage while Attack investment takes away Deerling’s Speed, which is one of its only few niches. When choosing both, there is no longer reason to run Support.
*A dedicated Baton Pass set with Substitute and a possible Work Up is an option, but the fact that Deerling’s bulk and defensive typing isn’t reliable enough for setting up, and the fact that Sap Sipper boosts do not occur as often, questions its realistic viability.
*Bounce can be used for a higher probability to OHKO Mienfoo and to hit other Grass types harder, but the 1 turn delay and the low accuracy stops it from achieving its original goal.
*Facade is an interesting filler move that can be chosen in cases where Deerling becomes crippled by status, notably burns from Scald, letting Deerling hit harder with no need of cleric support. However, Facade is utterly outclassed by Return or Double Edge in normal scenarios and Deerling usually doesn’t have enough move slots for it.
*Chlorophyll allows Deerling to outspeed absolutely every single Pokemon in the metagame, even smashers after one Shell Smash. However, this means that it cannot fulfill its original role as a grass type wall and more importantly setting up sun just for Deerling is rather too much effort.
Checks and Counters
========
**Ghost-Types**: Ghost types such as Gastly, Honedge, and Pumpkaboo are generally hard counters to Deerling, and all of them can capitalize on it. However, they must be wary of a predicted Feint Attack.
**Bulky Fighting, Fire, Poison, and Flying-types**: Bulky Pokemon of these types can easily tank a hit from Deerling and OHKO back with their STABs. Notable examples would be Timburr, Ponyta, Foongus, and Vullaby.
**Revenge Killers**: The Life Orb set for Deerling is often pressured by Pokemon with Choice Scarf or those that belong to the 19 Speed tier. Strong priority attacks from the likes of Pawniard, Timburr or Croagunk can deal fatal damage to Deerling. However, all of them do not OHKO Deerling at full health.
**Status**: Status significantly hinders Deerling’s potential, especially burns and paralysis, turning it into dead weight for the remainder of the match unless there is cleric support.
*Is one of the only few Pokemon in the metagame that can viably use Sap Sipper.
*Niche of being an offensive wall for many Grass-type Pokemon, notably its ability to check Snivy.
*Blessed with a based Speed stat that hits 18 speed, outspeeding a majority of the unboosted metagame.
*Unique STAB combination has excellent offensive coverage, as the only resistance are Steel-types.
*Defensive typing leaves it weak against common coverage moves used by Pokemon that Deerling wishes to check such as Ice beam from the likes of Staryu and Chinchou or Hidden Power Fighting from Cottonee.
*Bad matchup against common Pokemon in the metagame such as Vullaby, Mienfoo, or Ponyta and is weak against priority moves such as Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, or in some cases Sucker Punch.
*Lacks Coverage moves, making it vulnerable against most Ghost-Types.
*Easily inflicted by status from the likes of Chinchou’s Scald and Snivy’s Glare, which are ones that Deerling aims to check.
*Attack stats and Bulk are slightly subpar, meaning it is easily pressured by faster or bulky Pokemon and has limited durability.
[Set]
Name: Life Orb
Move 1: Return
Move 2: Seed Bomb
Move 3: Jump Kick
Move 4: Substitute / Feint Attack / Baton Pass
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Sap Sipper
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
[Set Comments]
Moves
========
*Return and Seed Bomb are Deerling’s main two STABS which have great offensive pressure. Both hit considerably hard with Life Orb, especially after a Sap Sipper boost.
*Jump Kick lets it able to check Steel-types, the only resistance against Deerling’s STAB combination, dishing out an OHKO on Pawniard, 2HKO on Ferroseed, and OHKO on non-Sturdy Magnemite variants
*Substitute allows it to avoid status moves from the likes of Snivy, Ferroseed, Chinchou, in an 1v1 scenario and lets it take advantage of the forced switch outs that Deerling easily creates. It can also be handy when Deerling is at pinch to dodge Sucker Punch.
*Feint Attack is the only move that gives Deerling the ability to deal significant damage to Ghost Type Pokemon. For example, 2HKOing Honedge and OHKOing Gastly.
*Baton Pass is an option that allows Deerling to maintain momentum and provide a possible attack boost to another teammate.
*Wild Charge lets Deerling to lure in and remove Archen, but cannot OHKO it on 1v1 scenarios and has limited use otherwise.
Set Details
========
*Sap Sipper provides Deerling immunity to Grass-type moves, allowing it to semi – wall many Grass-type Pokemon such as Snivy and Ferroseed, taking advantage of the Attack boost.
*The given Attack EVs along with Life Orb allows Deerling to hit as hard as possible and make the most use of Attack boosts from Sap Sipper, 2HKOing most Pokemon that do not resist Deerling’s STABs such as Ponyta or Vullaby after rocks and OHKOing important Pokemon like Snivy.
*Maximizing speed is mandatory since outspeeding the 17 speed tier is extremely important, notably because of Snivy, Mienfoo, Archen and speed tying with Doduo and Gastly.
*Remaining EVs go to HP and Special Defense to let it take special hits from Chinchou and Snivy better. The Special Defense investment can go to Defense if the ability to take Earthquakes better is preferred.
*Although bulk rarely makes a difference, investment into Special Defense gives a small chance to take two Hidden Power Flyings from Snivy while Defense allows Deerling to always take two Earthquakes from defensive Mudbray.
Usage Tips
========
*The Sap Sipper set works best by capitalizing on forced switch outs against Grass, Electric, Ground, and Water type Pokemon and wearing down the opposing team, making it easier for another teammate to clean up.
*Deerling should be brought into predicted Grass type moves for a Sap Sipper boost or into moves that Deerling can resist such as Earthquake and Scald.
*However, switching in should be considered carefully as Deerling is not bulky enough to take even resisted hits multiple times, and since status can seriously hinder Deerling’s capabilities later on. Mind games against Foongus’ Spore should be especially cautious since a predicted Sludge Bomb will OHKO Deerling.
*Thanks to its fast speed, Deerling can also be used as a revenge killer to finish off weakened Pokemon that are slower.
Team Options
========
*Because of the switches that Deerling forces, entry hazards can quickly wear down the opposing team. Therefore Pokemon that can set up entry hazards such as Pawniard, Dwebble or Mareanie are effective.
*Ground, Water, and Rock type Partners that are weak to Grass-type moves such as Tirtouga, or Mudbray all appreciate Deerling’s immunity against Grass-type moves and the pressure that it applies to the opponent. These Pokemon can cover up Deerling’s Poison and Flying-type weaknesses in return.
*Since Deerling itself switches in and out often and is quite frail, entry hazard removal is helpful. Pokemon that can easily remove hazards such as Drilbur, Staryu, or Vullaby are appreciated. Drilbur and Staryu in particular appreciate Deerling’s ability to check Grass-types and can check Poison and Fire-type weaknesses in return.
*Teammates that can switch into Fighting-types are needed as Deerling often cannot break though most Fighting-types early game. Fairy-types like Snubbull and Spritzee or Poison-types like Foongus are suited for this job.
*Vullaby checks are absolutely essential, since Deerling cannot easily break through and can easily become set up bait. Pokemon that can handle most Vullaby sets while maintaining good synergy with Deerling such as Spritzee, Onix, or Chinchou are all excellent partners.
[Set]
Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Double Edge / Return
Move 2: Seed Bomb
Move 3: Jump Kick
Move 4: Feint Attack / Wild Charge / Baton Pass
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Sap Sipper
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
[Set Comments]
Moves
========
*Double Edge lets Deerling hit harder than Return and fills up the damage loss from not using Life Orb, notably luring and dishing out the guaranteed 2HKO on Weak armor Vullaby. However, Return is still a decent option if recoil damage is not wanted.
*Seed Bomb is Deerling’s secondary STAB move. While its damage may not be so threatening without Life Orb, it still deals respectable damage to foes that are hit super effectively, mainly Water-types and Ground-types, or after a Sap Sipper Boost.
*Jump Kick is Deerling’s main solution for hitting predicted Steel-types that switch in and can be easily used to OHKO Pawniard.
*Feint Attack has a chance of OHKOing Gastly while Wild Charge can take down Flying-types with less recoil than Double Edge and has a chance to OHKO Archen and 2HKO Vullaby after Stealth Rocks. However, they are moves that Deerling does not prefer to be locked into, and both have very limited uses.
*Baton Pass is an option that can be considered in order to grab momentum, but is generally not recommended due the low possibility of getting an actual Sap Sipper Boost and the lack of move slots for coverage moves.
Set Details
========
*Maximized Speed along with Choice Scarf allows Deerling to outspeed almost all of the metagame except the speed ties against the rare scarf Gastly and scarf Doduo.
*Sap Sipper provides Deerling a pseudo immunity to Grass type moves, allowing it to switch into Grass-type moves from Pokemon such as Snivy and Ferroseed for an Attack boost.
*Full Attack investment is needed in order to let Deerling hit as hard as possible and maximize Deerling’s revenge killing potential. Any less investment would seriously hold back Deerling’s damage input.
*The remaining EVs go to HP and Defense in order to take on priority moves better. However, points that are invested into Defense can be moved to Special Defense if being able to switch into Snivy or Chinchou is more important.
Usage Tips
========
*This set aims to work as a super speed revenge killer, as a solution against faster Pokemon or an opposing Pokemon that has managed to set up successfully. These include sweepers such as Bulbasaur under sun or Omanyte after a Shell Smash if they are Modest.
*Getting a Sap Sipper boost from a predicted Grass type move is beneficial, as it immediately turns Deerling from a revenge killer into a huge threat as a sweeper. With both boosts on Attack and Speed, Deerling can easily create havoc on the opposing team by rampaging with strong Double Edges.
*Switching in should not be done hastily as it might become worn down, making it susceptible to priority attacks in the future or even disabling it from using Double Edge continuously. It is advised to bring Deerling in only on safe enough scenarios, such as when a teammate has gone down or through slow Volt Switches or U-turns, for its longevity.
*Deerling prefers not to be locked into coverage moves in most cases, especially because it can easily become an opportunity for opposing Pokemon to capitalize on. Therefore, it is best to use coverage moves only on predicted switches to remove Pokemon that come into take on Deerling’s STAB combination such as Pawniard, Gastly or Archen, then directly switch out after the kill.
*Deerling greatly dislikes priority moves such Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, Sucker Punch should be avoided if possible as they will easily finish off Deerling if it is worn down due to its low bulk.
Team Options
========
*Pursuit trappers are Deerling’s best friends as they can eliminate Ghost-type Pokemon and break Focus Sashes, letting Deerling able to spam Double Edge and Jump Kick without worrying. Good examples would be Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Munchlax.
*Knock Off support from teammates in order to remove Eviolites is extremely important as it allows Deerling to deal heavier damage, making it easier to break through and apply more pressure on the opposing team. Pokemon that can use Knock Off frequently such as Mienfoo, Alolan Grimer, and Pawniard are all excellent options.
*Pokemon that are weak to Grass-type moves such as Tirtouga, or Onix appreciate Deerling’s ability to switch in. In return, these Pokemon check the Fire, Flying, and Poison-types that make Deerling’s life hard.
*Slow U – turn and Volt Switch users such as Mienfoo, Chinchou, or Vullaby can bring Deerling in safely and the chip damage helps Deerling to finish off worn down foes.
*Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type moves are necessary, as Deerling does not have enough power to break through most Fighting type Pokemon. Spritzee and Snubbull get a special mention as they can provide flexible cleric support as well.
*Pokemon that have access to hazard control such as Drilbur, Staryu or Vullaby helps Deerling by reducing the damage that it receives when switching in, and by wearing down opposing Pokemon to let Deerling finish them off easily. Deerling can check Grass-types that Drilbur and Staryu dislike in return.
[Strategy Comments]
Other Options
========
*Bulkier variants with Eviolite or Berry Juice that support the team by crippling opposing Pokemon with Thunder Wave or by working as a cleric with Aromatherapy are possible. However, it suffers from a dilemma of needing to choose in between Attack and Speed. Investing in Speed loses out too much on damage while Attack investment takes away Deerling’s Speed, which is one of its only few niches. When choosing both, there is no longer reason to run Support.
*A dedicated Baton Pass set with Substitute and a possible Work Up is an option, but the fact that Deerling’s bulk and defensive typing isn’t reliable enough for setting up, and the fact that Sap Sipper boosts do not occur as often, questions its realistic viability.
*Bounce can be used for a higher probability to OHKO Mienfoo and to hit other Grass types harder, but the 1 turn delay and the low accuracy stops it from achieving its original goal.
*Facade is an interesting filler move that can be chosen in cases where Deerling becomes crippled by status, notably burns from Scald, letting Deerling hit harder with no need of cleric support. However, Facade is utterly outclassed by Return or Double Edge in normal scenarios and Deerling usually doesn’t have enough move slots for it.
*Chlorophyll allows Deerling to outspeed absolutely every single Pokemon in the metagame, even smashers after one Shell Smash. However, this means that it cannot fulfill its original role as a grass type wall and more importantly setting up sun just for Deerling is rather too much effort.
Checks and Counters
========
**Ghost-Types**: Ghost types such as Gastly, Honedge, and Pumpkaboo are generally hard counters to Deerling, and all of them can capitalize on it. However, they must be wary of a predicted Feint Attack.
**Bulky Fighting, Fire, Poison, and Flying-types**: Bulky Pokemon of these types can easily tank a hit from Deerling and OHKO back with their STABs. Notable examples would be Timburr, Ponyta, Foongus, and Vullaby.
**Revenge Killers**: The Life Orb set for Deerling is often pressured by Pokemon with Choice Scarf or those that belong to the 19 Speed tier. Strong priority attacks from the likes of Pawniard, Timburr or Croagunk can deal fatal damage to Deerling. However, all of them do not OHKO Deerling at full health.
**Status**: Status significantly hinders Deerling’s potential, especially burns and paralysis, turning it into dead weight for the remainder of the match unless there is cleric support.
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