Syclant
QC: 3/3
GP: 0/2
[OVERVIEW]
Syclant is a versatile mixed attacker thanks to its respectable base 116 Attack, base 114 Special Attack and its great base 121 Speed tier, leaving Syclant outsped only by Stratagem, some speedy Mega Evolutions, and a few others. Syclant's Mountaineer is a unique ability enabling it to be immune to Rock-type moves when switching in, which grants Syclant a greatly appreciated immunity to Stealth Rock. Overall, Syclant is able to function as an effective revenge killer, and its access to different boosting moves provides a bit of a guessing game for the opponent. However, Syclant suffers from a poor defensive typing and is quite frail and taken out by many forms of priority. Syclant struggles to defeat many dedicated walls and is often stretched thin when trying to set up. Overall, Syclant's offensive prowess is notable not for its sheer power but for its great speed and versatility.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Bug Buzz / U-turn
move 3: Earthquake / Earth Power
move 4: Superpower / Spikes
item: Life Orb
ability: Mountaineer
nature: Naive
evs: 12 Atk / 244 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Ice Beam is Syclant's most reliable offensive option, as it hits common Pokemon such as Cyclohm and Tomohawk for massive damage. Bug Buzz is Syclant's strongest Bug-type STAB move, and its ability to hit through Substitute is extremely useful. It also provides decent coverage against common CAP Pokemon such as Aurumoth. U-turn is a safe scouting move that can deal sufficient damage thanks to STAB. Earthquake and Earth Power are both coverage moves and do a good amount of damage to Heatran, Mollux, and other Fire-types. Earthquake is often better for use against specially defensive Mollux and Heatran, though Earth Power can hit Plasmanta harder. Superpower is great to use against Tyranitar and Chansey, while Spikes punishes the opponent for switching.
Set Details
=====
The EVs here are distributed in maximum speed, enough attack to 2HKO Chansey with Superpower, and the rest is in Special Attack. Life Orb gives Syclant a bit of extra power, which compensates its mediocre offensive stats. Mountaineer is Syclant's best ability in conjunction with scouting and switching via U-turn, as it enables Syclant to be immune to Stealth Rock. The Naive nature is to preserve Syclant's offensive stats while outspeeding Pokemon like Cawmodore, which can KO Syclant if using other natures.
Usage Tips
=====
This set functions the best after Pokemon with priority are removed. Due to Syclant's bad defenses, never send it out on a hit if it isn't resisted, and it should usually be brought in to revenge kill, or by a slow U-Turn or Volt-Switch.
Team Options
=====
Any bulky Pokemon which resists common priority (such as Cyclohm) can be a very good teammate for Syclant. Pokemon that benefit from Syclant's ability to defeat Dragon, Dark, Psychic, etc types, such as Mollux and Plasmanta are good teammates. Pokemon with Heal Bell like Cyclohm and Sylveon can provide support in case Syclant is crippled by paralysis. Lastly, Pokemon that resist the Fire and Rock moves that target Syclant, such as Colossoil and Arghonaut, make good partners as well. Slow U-Turn users like Colossoil, Mega Scizor, and Rotom-Wash are also appreciated as partners, as it allows Syclant to switch in safely.
[SET]
name: Mixed Sash
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: U-Turn
move 3: Ice Shard / Spikes
move 4: Earthquake / Earth Power
item: Focus Sash
ability: Mountaineer
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Ice Beam is Syclant's reliable Ice STAB, and U-Turn gives nice momentum against Chansey and other formidable forces. Ice Shard and Spikes can be used to play around with Sucker Punch Colossoil. Ice Shard is a useful priority move that makes revenge killing even easier, and it can target threats such as Landorus-Therian and even net damage against Prankster Tomohawk before it uses Roost. Spikes can specifically be used to set up an entry hazard when Syclant is lowered to its sash and can't do much more. Earthquake and Earth Power are Syclant's best coverage that can hit many Fire and Electric types. Earthquake hits the more specially defensive Mollux and Heatran, whereas Earth Power is usually better against Plasmanta.
Set Details
=====
Focus Sash is for surviving strong hits with 1 HP, while Mountaineer is for the extremely useful immunity to Stealth Rock. Syclant's EVs maximize Special Attack and Speed in order to make maximize its capability's as a revenge killer. An alternate EV spread of 88 Atk / 158 SpA / 252 Spe can be used in order to OHKO Heatran with Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage. A Naive nature is for outspeeding Pokemon like Cawmodore who would otherwise easily KO Syclant, with the added benefit of letting Syclant attack with both physical and special moves.
Usage Tips
=====
Due to its bad defenses, Syclant should not be switched in against an unresisted hit, and should only be brought in via a slow U-Turn or Volt Switch or to revenge kill. This set can act as an emergency check to a set-up sweeper, and always survive with one HP and retaliate, unless there are spikes on the field or Syclant has previously been damaged in some other way. As a result, preserving Syclant's sash is extremely valuable. If running Spikes, this set also proves sufficient as a suicide lead.
Team Options
=====
As U-Turn can gain good momentum against Chansey, Syclant pairs well with Gothitelle (as it can trap Chansey and Trick it or damage it). Syclant greatly appreciates the support from Rapid Spinners or Defoggers (like Tomohawk, Kitsunoh, Colossoil, Zapdos, Skarmory) as they can remove Spikes that would break Syclant's Focus Sash. Cyclohm and Chansey can take attacks from speedy threats such Talonflame and Stratagem. Syclant's ability to defeat Psychic and Dragon types is in turn appreciated by Pokemon such as Mollux. Slow U-Turn or Volt Switch users such as Mega Scizor and Rotom-Wash are greatly appreciated as well.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Bug Buzz
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Earth Power
item: Focus Sash / Babiri Berry
ability: Mountaineer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Tail Glow gives Sylcant a massive Special Attack boost, which quickly turns it into a specially offensive threat. Bug Buzz is the most powerful Bug move Syclant learns, and it's notable for hitting through substitute as well. Ice Beam is Syclant's reliable Ice STAB that can deal a solid amount of damage to many Pokemon like Tomohawk and Cyclohm. Earth Power is Syclant's coverage move to deal with Pokemon like Heatran or Mollux, which would otherwise wall it.
Set Details
=====
Focus Sash enables Syclant to have greater set up opportunities, whereas Babiri Berry is only notable for making sure that Cawmodore doesn't come in and KO with Bullet Punch after Syclant has set up. Mountaineer is for the extremely handy immunity to Stealth Rocks to preserve the Focus Sash, and the EV spread is maximum Special Attack and Speed. A Timid nature allows Syclant to outspeed Cawmodore and foes with 120 base speed, such as Alakazam.
Usage Tips
=====
Before sending out Syclant, be sure to eliminate any Pokemon which may have a priority move or a paralyzing move as both can cripple Syclant and stop its sweep. Syclant proves efficient as a wallbreaker with this set, and it can potentially 2HKO Chansey after two Tail Glows. This set can also act as an emergency check to an opposing set-up sweeper, allowing Syclant to survive with one HP thanks to Focus Sash and retaliate.
Team Options
=====
A good partner for Syclant is any Pokemon that can handle common priority moves such as Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet, or Talonflame's Brave Bird; in this regard Cyclohm makes a great partner. Cyclohm and other Heal Bell users, and even Wish passers, can help rid Syclant of crippling status or restore Syclant to full HP in order to keep a Focus Sash useful. Rapid Spinners or Defoggers (Colossoil, Skarmory, etc) can get rid of Spikes are also great partners. Gothitelle is also useful, as it can cripple special walls like Chansey by tricking its choice item.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
#########
Ice Punch may be considered as a replacement for Ice Shard on the mixed sets, but the fact that it leaves Syclant without priority is pretty detrimental. Focus Blast may be considered instead of Earth Power, as it has high power along with the ability to hit threats such as Stratagem. Compound Eyes is not as useful as Mountaineer in most situations, but it at least makes the more powerful moves like Blizzard have reliable accuracy. Swords Dance is a usable move for Syclant for powering up its physical attacks, but it is generally outclassed by the other sets. Choice Band is also somewhat viable, as it makes U-turn quite powerful, but it can hinder Syclant's unpredictability. Hidden Power Fire may be used to damage Scizor on the switch, which is useful, but Syclant generally won't want to stay in against most Steel-types to start with.
Checks and Counters
########
**Priority**: Most powerful priority moves, such as Talonflame's Brave Bird and Scizor's Bullet Punch, can easily defeat Syclant if its sash is broken or seriously maim it otherwise.
**Paralysis**: Paralysis ruins Syclant's Speed, allowing many slower threats to outspeed and KO it easily.
**Arghonaut**: Arghonaut can wall Syclant thanks to resistances to its STAB types. This in turn allows Arghonaut precious time to set up.
**Faster Sweepers**: Stratagem and other faster Pokemon (including scarfed Pokemon) can KO Syclant by outspeeding and taking advantage of Syclants frail defenses.
**Special Walls**: Special walls like Chansey and Sylveon tank most of Syclant's moves, and can then proceed to stall or damage it. However, Chansey needs to watch out for Superpower variants, and Tail Glow set up can let Syclant overpower most special roadblocks.
**Bulky Attackers**: Kyurem-B, Keldeo, Azumarill and similar attackers can survive a hit from Syclant and KO back. However, Kyurem-B needs to watch out for Superpower variants.
QC: 3/3
GP: 0/2
[OVERVIEW]
Syclant is a versatile mixed attacker thanks to its respectable base 116 Attack, base 114 Special Attack and its great base 121 Speed tier, leaving Syclant outsped only by Stratagem, some speedy Mega Evolutions, and a few others. Syclant's Mountaineer is a unique ability enabling it to be immune to Rock-type moves when switching in, which grants Syclant a greatly appreciated immunity to Stealth Rock. Overall, Syclant is able to function as an effective revenge killer, and its access to different boosting moves provides a bit of a guessing game for the opponent. However, Syclant suffers from a poor defensive typing and is quite frail and taken out by many forms of priority. Syclant struggles to defeat many dedicated walls and is often stretched thin when trying to set up. Overall, Syclant's offensive prowess is notable not for its sheer power but for its great speed and versatility.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Bug Buzz / U-turn
move 3: Earthquake / Earth Power
move 4: Superpower / Spikes
item: Life Orb
ability: Mountaineer
nature: Naive
evs: 12 Atk / 244 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Ice Beam is Syclant's most reliable offensive option, as it hits common Pokemon such as Cyclohm and Tomohawk for massive damage. Bug Buzz is Syclant's strongest Bug-type STAB move, and its ability to hit through Substitute is extremely useful. It also provides decent coverage against common CAP Pokemon such as Aurumoth. U-turn is a safe scouting move that can deal sufficient damage thanks to STAB. Earthquake and Earth Power are both coverage moves and do a good amount of damage to Heatran, Mollux, and other Fire-types. Earthquake is often better for use against specially defensive Mollux and Heatran, though Earth Power can hit Plasmanta harder. Superpower is great to use against Tyranitar and Chansey, while Spikes punishes the opponent for switching.
Set Details
=====
The EVs here are distributed in maximum speed, enough attack to 2HKO Chansey with Superpower, and the rest is in Special Attack. Life Orb gives Syclant a bit of extra power, which compensates its mediocre offensive stats. Mountaineer is Syclant's best ability in conjunction with scouting and switching via U-turn, as it enables Syclant to be immune to Stealth Rock. The Naive nature is to preserve Syclant's offensive stats while outspeeding Pokemon like Cawmodore, which can KO Syclant if using other natures.
Usage Tips
=====
This set functions the best after Pokemon with priority are removed. Due to Syclant's bad defenses, never send it out on a hit if it isn't resisted, and it should usually be brought in to revenge kill, or by a slow U-Turn or Volt-Switch.
Team Options
=====
Any bulky Pokemon which resists common priority (such as Cyclohm) can be a very good teammate for Syclant. Pokemon that benefit from Syclant's ability to defeat Dragon, Dark, Psychic, etc types, such as Mollux and Plasmanta are good teammates. Pokemon with Heal Bell like Cyclohm and Sylveon can provide support in case Syclant is crippled by paralysis. Lastly, Pokemon that resist the Fire and Rock moves that target Syclant, such as Colossoil and Arghonaut, make good partners as well. Slow U-Turn users like Colossoil, Mega Scizor, and Rotom-Wash are also appreciated as partners, as it allows Syclant to switch in safely.
[SET]
name: Mixed Sash
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: U-Turn
move 3: Ice Shard / Spikes
move 4: Earthquake / Earth Power
item: Focus Sash
ability: Mountaineer
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Ice Beam is Syclant's reliable Ice STAB, and U-Turn gives nice momentum against Chansey and other formidable forces. Ice Shard and Spikes can be used to play around with Sucker Punch Colossoil. Ice Shard is a useful priority move that makes revenge killing even easier, and it can target threats such as Landorus-Therian and even net damage against Prankster Tomohawk before it uses Roost. Spikes can specifically be used to set up an entry hazard when Syclant is lowered to its sash and can't do much more. Earthquake and Earth Power are Syclant's best coverage that can hit many Fire and Electric types. Earthquake hits the more specially defensive Mollux and Heatran, whereas Earth Power is usually better against Plasmanta.
Set Details
=====
Focus Sash is for surviving strong hits with 1 HP, while Mountaineer is for the extremely useful immunity to Stealth Rock. Syclant's EVs maximize Special Attack and Speed in order to make maximize its capability's as a revenge killer. An alternate EV spread of 88 Atk / 158 SpA / 252 Spe can be used in order to OHKO Heatran with Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage. A Naive nature is for outspeeding Pokemon like Cawmodore who would otherwise easily KO Syclant, with the added benefit of letting Syclant attack with both physical and special moves.
Usage Tips
=====
Due to its bad defenses, Syclant should not be switched in against an unresisted hit, and should only be brought in via a slow U-Turn or Volt Switch or to revenge kill. This set can act as an emergency check to a set-up sweeper, and always survive with one HP and retaliate, unless there are spikes on the field or Syclant has previously been damaged in some other way. As a result, preserving Syclant's sash is extremely valuable. If running Spikes, this set also proves sufficient as a suicide lead.
Team Options
=====
As U-Turn can gain good momentum against Chansey, Syclant pairs well with Gothitelle (as it can trap Chansey and Trick it or damage it). Syclant greatly appreciates the support from Rapid Spinners or Defoggers (like Tomohawk, Kitsunoh, Colossoil, Zapdos, Skarmory) as they can remove Spikes that would break Syclant's Focus Sash. Cyclohm and Chansey can take attacks from speedy threats such Talonflame and Stratagem. Syclant's ability to defeat Psychic and Dragon types is in turn appreciated by Pokemon such as Mollux. Slow U-Turn or Volt Switch users such as Mega Scizor and Rotom-Wash are greatly appreciated as well.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Bug Buzz
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Earth Power
item: Focus Sash / Babiri Berry
ability: Mountaineer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Tail Glow gives Sylcant a massive Special Attack boost, which quickly turns it into a specially offensive threat. Bug Buzz is the most powerful Bug move Syclant learns, and it's notable for hitting through substitute as well. Ice Beam is Syclant's reliable Ice STAB that can deal a solid amount of damage to many Pokemon like Tomohawk and Cyclohm. Earth Power is Syclant's coverage move to deal with Pokemon like Heatran or Mollux, which would otherwise wall it.
Set Details
=====
Focus Sash enables Syclant to have greater set up opportunities, whereas Babiri Berry is only notable for making sure that Cawmodore doesn't come in and KO with Bullet Punch after Syclant has set up. Mountaineer is for the extremely handy immunity to Stealth Rocks to preserve the Focus Sash, and the EV spread is maximum Special Attack and Speed. A Timid nature allows Syclant to outspeed Cawmodore and foes with 120 base speed, such as Alakazam.
Usage Tips
=====
Before sending out Syclant, be sure to eliminate any Pokemon which may have a priority move or a paralyzing move as both can cripple Syclant and stop its sweep. Syclant proves efficient as a wallbreaker with this set, and it can potentially 2HKO Chansey after two Tail Glows. This set can also act as an emergency check to an opposing set-up sweeper, allowing Syclant to survive with one HP thanks to Focus Sash and retaliate.
Team Options
=====
A good partner for Syclant is any Pokemon that can handle common priority moves such as Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet, or Talonflame's Brave Bird; in this regard Cyclohm makes a great partner. Cyclohm and other Heal Bell users, and even Wish passers, can help rid Syclant of crippling status or restore Syclant to full HP in order to keep a Focus Sash useful. Rapid Spinners or Defoggers (Colossoil, Skarmory, etc) can get rid of Spikes are also great partners. Gothitelle is also useful, as it can cripple special walls like Chansey by tricking its choice item.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
#########
Ice Punch may be considered as a replacement for Ice Shard on the mixed sets, but the fact that it leaves Syclant without priority is pretty detrimental. Focus Blast may be considered instead of Earth Power, as it has high power along with the ability to hit threats such as Stratagem. Compound Eyes is not as useful as Mountaineer in most situations, but it at least makes the more powerful moves like Blizzard have reliable accuracy. Swords Dance is a usable move for Syclant for powering up its physical attacks, but it is generally outclassed by the other sets. Choice Band is also somewhat viable, as it makes U-turn quite powerful, but it can hinder Syclant's unpredictability. Hidden Power Fire may be used to damage Scizor on the switch, which is useful, but Syclant generally won't want to stay in against most Steel-types to start with.
Checks and Counters
########
**Priority**: Most powerful priority moves, such as Talonflame's Brave Bird and Scizor's Bullet Punch, can easily defeat Syclant if its sash is broken or seriously maim it otherwise.
**Paralysis**: Paralysis ruins Syclant's Speed, allowing many slower threats to outspeed and KO it easily.
**Arghonaut**: Arghonaut can wall Syclant thanks to resistances to its STAB types. This in turn allows Arghonaut precious time to set up.
**Faster Sweepers**: Stratagem and other faster Pokemon (including scarfed Pokemon) can KO Syclant by outspeeding and taking advantage of Syclants frail defenses.
**Special Walls**: Special walls like Chansey and Sylveon tank most of Syclant's moves, and can then proceed to stall or damage it. However, Chansey needs to watch out for Superpower variants, and Tail Glow set up can let Syclant overpower most special roadblocks.
**Bulky Attackers**: Kyurem-B, Keldeo, Azumarill and similar attackers can survive a hit from Syclant and KO back. However, Kyurem-B needs to watch out for Superpower variants.
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