Overview
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With access to Gale Wings and STAB Brave Bird, Talonflame is unarguably the best revenge killer in OU are you sure about this statement? one could argue deo-s fulfills this role. It can also be a great cleaner and sweeper, with Swords Dance, Bulk Up, or a Choice Band. Furthermore, Talonflame has priority Roost and a good typing whichthat gives it plenty of opportunities to use it, allowing ito to stick around a bit longerthroughout the match and check some common threats, such as Landorus and Mega Venusaur. However, Talonflame's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock prevents it from switching in and out as much as it would want, and makes teamDefog or spin support a necessity, hampering its effectiveness. Talonflame's weakness to Stealth Rock is also amplified by the fact that both its STABs make it suffer recoil, further decreasing its longevity. Also, Talonflame's unimpressive base 81 Attack and lack of coverage means that it's easy to stop with physically bulky Pokemon or Pokemon that resists its STABs, such as Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon. Finally, Talonflame has weaknesses to the common Water-, Electric-, and Rock-type moveattacks, so OHKOtaking it out is not hard at all.
Choice Band just saying, if sharp beak is slashed, how can you name the set 'choice band'?
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name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Tailwind / Roost
ability: Gale Wings
item: Choice Band / Sharp Beak
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Moves
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Brave Bird gets priority and is Talonflame's most useful asset, OHKOing many offensive Pokemon and also allowing Talonflame to clean up weakened teams. Flare Blitz takes care of the Steel-types that resists Brave Bird, and also covers well as some Electric-types, such as Thundurus and Zapdos. U-turn does respectable damage to some of Talonflame's best switch-ins, such as Tyranitar and Rotom-W, and gives switch initiative. Tailwind is the best option onfor the last slot if Talonflame holdswith Choice Band, as it gets priority and allows the rest of Talonflame'scan let team to take downs revenge kill Pokemon that Brave Bird alone can'not, such as Mega Tyranitar, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mega Manectric. If Talonflame holds Sharp Beak is the item of choice, then Roost is the superior option, allowing itTalonflame to take advantage of its good typing to find more switch -in chancopportunities 'take advantage of its typing to find more switch-in opportunities' doesn't really make sense when you talk about it with roost -- i guess you're trying to say it allows talonflame to switch into attacks more often, as it is harder to wear down -- make some change to indicate this! and stick around for longer.
There are some other, situational moves that can be used on the last slot. Will-O-Wisp provides permanent chip damage to Talonflame's switch-ins and neuters its physically based checks, such as Tyranitar and Landorus-T, making ithem easier to wear them down, but being locked into a status move has severe drawbacks, not to mention that often using U-turn as said check or counter comes in is the best course of actionmove. Lastly, Me First allows Talonflame to OHKO Garchomp and Kyurem-B that have just KOed something with a Dragon-type moveattack.
Set Details
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Maximum Speed is used to speed tie opposing Talonflame and OHKO Mega Pinsir before it manages to hit Talonflame with +2 Quick Attack. it also just allows it to outrun 110s, which can be very nice if you want to clean with flare blitz or make going for a u-turn against latis safe or w/e Choice Band is the superior optionitem choice, as Talonflame will mostly be using either Brave Bird or U-turn, but Sharp Beak gives more flexibility and allows Talonflame to use Roost. A Jolly nature with an EV spread 120 HP / 252 Atk / 136 Spe can be used, enabllowing Talonflame to outspeed and OHKO Thundurus with Flare Blitz and giving it a bit more bulk.
Usage Tips
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Talonflame is first and foremost a revenge killer, and it should be played as such. The moment that dangerous sweepers are spotted on the opposing team that Talonflame can revenge kill, Talonflame should be kept out of harm's way long enough to keep them in check. In general, the moment the battle starts, the Talonflame useryou should identify which Pokemon Talonflame can revenge kill. I; if those Pokemon are not too threatening to Talonflame'syour team, Talonflame can be played more recklessly. Otherwise, it should be kept safe at all costs, unless it means that the game can be won by making the risky play with Talonflameuse is absolutely necessary. In some situations, Talonflame can also end games with Brave Bird, so if one sees a team that can be swept by Talonflame with minimal preparations, it is wise to keep Talonflame healthy until those preparations have been made. Also, U-turn is the best move to spam early-game, as most of Talonflame's checks and counters can get worn down pretty easily by U-turn and Stealth Rock.
something i noticed -- just be direct and say "you" in reference to the trainer! when you say 'one' and use all kinds of wording to avoid the word "you", the writing just sounds clunky, which is never good -- i also did a little fat trimming in this paragraph, feel free to take particular issue if necessary.
Team Options
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A way to deal with Stealth Rock is the number one concern when using Talonflame. Excadrill, Latios, and Latias are the best Pokemon at this job, ands all have decent synergy with Talonflame, resisting one or more of its weaknesses and beating some of of its che Pokemon it can'tcks and counters (Mold Breaker Excadrill beats Rotom-W, Heatran, and Tyranitar, while; Latios and Latias beat Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Thundurus), so they are some of the best teammates to have. Next, a good check to Rotom-W and, physical walls, and pivots in general is needed, as those are the most common answers to Talonflame. Mega Venusaur and Kyurem-B can handle all of those, so they are both great partners. Rotom-W and Scizor are excellent users of Volt Switch or U-turn that when pairedhave great synergy with Talonflame and can form a Volt-tTurn cores with great synergy, while also helpfacilitates getting bring Talonflameit in for free with their STAB Volt Switch or U-turn. Stealth Rock support is nice to have, so Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Terrakion are all great partners and some of the best offensive Stealth Rock setters. explain specific reasons/kos or don't mention sr! Finally, Choice Band Staraptor and Mega Pinsir work great alongside Talonflame, as bothey all have similar checks and counters, so Staraptor or Mega Pinsir can weakenallowing them topposing batteam early-game and Talonflame can clean up the remains late-game, or vice-versar down such Pokemon in an attempt to overwhelm.
Bulk Up
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name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Roost
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Taunt
ability: Gale Wings
item: Leftovers
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 184 SpD / 76 Spe
Moves
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Bulk Up makes Talonflame really difficult to take down and gives it the power to sweep through teams. Brave Bird gets priority and hits hard after a few boosts, enabling Talonflame to bypass faster threats.
Roost allows Talonflame to accumulate multiple boosts in front of Pokemon that can't significantly hurt it and also gets priority, allowing Talonflame to soften the blow from faster Pokemon that use Rock or Electric moves if the need arises. Will-O-Wisp pressures Talonflame's checks and counters by slowly wearing them down, while also limiting the offensive presence of some of those Pokemon, such as Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T. Taunt prevents the use of phazing moves, entry hazards, and status, from Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Ferrothorn, Deoxys-D, and Heatran, practically allowgranting Talonflame the ability to beat some of its most common checks, namely Hippowdon and Heatran.
Substitute helps Talonflame stall out the PP of Stone Edge users, such as Tyranitar and Landorus-T, and also helps stall out Rotom-W's Hydro Pump, allowing sometimes Talonflame to use them as set up bait after successfully removing all the PPs fr, som thetir dangerous moves. Flare Blitz can be used onfor the last slot for a way to deal immediately with threatening Steel-types, such as Aegislash and Excadrill, and Thundurus, but it leaves Talonflame very prone to its usual checks and counters, unlike the other options on the set.
Set Details
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The set uses enough Speed to outrun Timid Deoxys-D and Taunt it before it can use Thunder Wave or set up entry hazards, while the rest of the EVs go to special bulk, to help Talonflame cover it's weaker special side. If Talonflame is not running Taunt, it can use a simple 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD spread with a Careful nature. didn't notice this before, but maybe this means the main ev spread should be changed ?_?
Usage Tips
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If the opponent lacks Fire-types, send Talonflame in as early as possible when the game starts, to cripples its checks with Will-O-Wisp as early as possible, and makeing them easier to wear down throughout the course of the game. With Taunt, this set stops many of the universal Talonflame checks, such as Whirlwind Hippowdon and specially defensive Heatran, so use this to your advantage; send out Talonflame when it can threaten everything on the opposing team other than said mons, and as they come in, either grab a second Bulk Up boost as they switch out (realizing they sent in the wrong Pokemon), or Taunt them and then grab a second Bulk Up boost. Also, take advantage of Talonflame's fast Taunt to handicap Pokemon that rely a lot on non-attacking moves, such as Deoxys-D, Defog Mandibuzz, and Hippowdon. Be aware what attacks Talonflame can and can't take ion both sides, so you can decide whether you should stay in and boost more or switch out.
Team Options
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Anti-Stealth Rock support is a must, even more so than on other sets, as Bulk Up Talonflame likes to switch in and out a lot, to take advantage of its defensive investment coupled with nice typing and Roost to check multiple Pokemon, ability to cripple its checks with Will-O-Wisp, and lack of immediate power which makes straight up walling it easier. Defog Mega Scizor and Defog Skarmory are the most sturdy Pokemon for this job, though more offensive choices such as Latios, Latias, and Excadrill are still good choicescan work depending on the team. All of those Pokemon have at least decent defensive synergy with Talonflame, being able to check or wall some of the Pokemon that Talonflame struggles against, such as Rotom-W, Heatran, Tyranitar, Thundurus, and Landorus-T. Mega Venusaur can check most Water and Electric-types that threaten Talonflame, while alsin addition to handling decertaintly physically defensive Pokemon that wall Talonflame, such as Hippowdon and Tyranitar. Choice Band Staratpor can wear down Talonflame's checks and counters so that Talonflameit has an easier time sweeping late-game, making for a great partner. S; the same goes for Mega Pinsir.
Swords Dance
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name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Roost
ability: Gale Wings
item: Sharp Beak / Life Orb
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Moves
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With Swords Dance and priority Brave Bird, Talonflame can take the role of a sweeper. Brave Bird is fairly powerful after a boost and OHKOes most offensive Pokemon. Flare Blitz takes care of Steel-types that resist Brave Bird, while Roost gives some use to Talonflame in the early- and mid-game, as it can throw a couple of attacks, recover off the passive damage and the recoil, and set up later to attempt a sweep. Roost also makes Talonflame able to deal with the Pokemon it checks for an extended period of time, such as Scizor, Clefable, Mega Venusaur, and Volcarona.
U-turn can be used on the last slot, as Talonflame fits nicely inonto Volt-tTurn chains, and cafter a boost, U-turn is a good way to wear down Talonflame'certain of its checks and counters, such as Rotom-W and Tyranitar. Taunt shuts down Hippowdon and defensive Heatran, allowing Talonflame to boost enough to get past them eventuallyand weep.
Set Details
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Maximum Speed is used to speed tie opposing Talonflame and OHKO Mega Pinsir with Brave Bird before it manages to land a Quick Attack. Sharp Beak is the best item option to power up Brave Bird, as after a boost, Flare Blitz has enough power to KO its targets, and with Life Orb, Talonflame will get KOed by recoil really fast. However, Life Orb is useful to get some crucial OHKOes with Brave Bird, namely a 43.8% chance to OHKO Thundurus, a 25% chance to OHKO Choice Scarf Excadrill or Sand Rush Excadrill in sand after Stealth Rock, a 50% chance to OHKO Choice Scarf Rotom-W after Stealth Rock, and a 75% chance to OHKO specially defensive Hippowdon after one layer of Spikes. Life Orb also gives to Talonflame more immediate power, which is useful for revenge killing purposes. A Jolly nature with an EV spread of 120 HP / 252 Atk / 136 Spe can be used, if Thundurus is particularly problematic, allowings it lets Talonflame to outspeed Thundurus and OHKO it with Flare Blitz.
Usage Tips
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This set can be very flexible in terms of playstyle. It can take the role of an all -out attacker, revenge killer, pivot, hole puncher, and late-game cleaner, so; choose what it is more appropriate for after seeing your opponent's team. As long as there are hard counters to Talonflame, it's better to double switch out or heal with Roost. Also, if you want to clean up with Talonflame, make sure you have enough health to do so, as many teams rely on recoil damage to check Talonflame. that is kind of a poor way to handle the bird -- you're screwed if that's all you can do against talonflame -- valid point on the health, but 'many teams' would be shitty if this was the case
Team Options
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As usually, Excadrill, Latios, and Latias are the best partners to Talonflame, as they are effective at getting rid of Stealth Rock, have good offensive presence, and cover Talonflame's weaknesses. Strong physical wallbreakers to weaken down the physically bulky Pokemon that Talonflame can't OHKO, such as Hippowdon and Landorus-T, work well with Talonflame. Such Pokemon arinclude Swords Dance Garchomp, Choice Band Terrakion, and Swords Dance Aegislash, with Garchomp also being able to set up Stealth Rock, further assisting Talonflame. Rotom-W can deal with most physical walls orand tanks that check Talonflame, while also being ablein addition to bringing Talonflame in unharmed with Volt Switch, making for a very effective teammate. Lastly, Staraptor forms a very effective offensive core with Talonflame, as both Pokemon have similar checks and counters, so either of them can weaken the opposing team so that the other one can clean up later. If Staraptor holds Choice Band, Staraptor is usually the one who weakens the opposing team and Talonflame the one who sweeps, while if Staraptor holds Choice Scarf the opposite happens. Mega Pinsir wears down Talonflame's checks and counters in a similar fashion, so it's another good teammate for Talonflameit.
Other Options
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A set with Brave Bird, Roost, Taunt, and Will-O-Wisp can be used, which allows Talonflame to stallbreak, revenge kill, and cripple some of its counters all in one set,; however, it excels in none of those roles and loses out on a lot of power, making revenge killing with Brave Bird a lot hardermuch more difficult. Natural Gift with Salac or Liechi Berry can be used on the Swords Dance set; Salac Berry gives Talonflame a 100 BP Fighting move, which it can use to get past Tyranitar and Heatran, while Liechi Berry gives it a 100 BP Grass move, which it can use to get past Rotom-W and Tyranitar. Finally, a mixed set with max Special Attack, Fire Blast, and Hidden Power Ice or Ground can be used, allowing Talonflame to get past some of its usualt checks and counters such as Hippowdon, Landorus-T, and Heatran, and to avoid recoil when using its Fire STAB.quagsire? i can't believe i missed this; i just talked to a bunch of qc members, there is no way this is getting an oo mention
Checks & Counters
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**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Some of the best ways to deal with Talonflame is through sheer physical bulk, as Talonflame is not very powerfull. Physically defensive Gyarados, Slowbro, Zygarde, Hippowdon, Landorus-T, Gliscor, Mandibuzz, Vaporeon, and Krookodile all have excellent physical bulk and are neutral to Talonflame's STABs, and thus can wall it, while slowly wearing it down with its own recoil (and sandstorm in Hippowdon's case), and some of them can even OHKO it back, namely Rock Slide Hippowdon, Gyarados, and Landorus-T. Keep in mind that any of those Pokemon that can't immediately threaten Talonfllame will to lose the Bulk Up set with Taunt, and some of them are heavily crippled by Will-O-Wisp, a common move on the Bulk Up set. Basically, any physical attacker or Pokemon that lack reliable recovery are very prone to getting worn down if Talonflame has Will-O-Wisp. Also, U-turn is another thing to keep in mind, as it can wear down many of those Pokemon, especially those weak to it or those that lack recovery, especially when combined with Stealth Rock damage.
**Pokemon that resist Talonflame's STABs**: Almost every Pokemon that resists Talonflame's STABs and has passable physical bulk is at least a good check to it, with the exception of Thundurus, which can't switch into Talonflame at all but can revenge kill it, as it can take even one Choice Band-boosted Brave Bird after Stealth Rock damage and OHKO back. Such Pokemon are Tyranitar, Rotom-W, Heatran, Rotom-H, Zapdos, Zapdos, and Mega Aerodactyl, with Rotom-W and specially defensive Heatran straight up countering most of Talonflame's sets. However, Heatran loses to the Bulk up set with Taunt and might fail to beat the Swords Dance set too, but it can carry a Rock move to beat those sets. Also, while Zapdos doesn't resist Talonflame's Fire STAB, it can still avoid the 2HKO from it without Stealth Rock up thanks to its good bulk, so it makes for a good check as long as Stealth Rock is off the field. Out of all the Tyranitar sets, only the tank set can repeatedly switch into Talonflame, as all other variants are worn down very fast by U-turn, and if it lacks a rRock-type move it loses to the Bulk Up set, while getting crippled heavily by Will-O-Wisp from Bulk Up sets. Keep in mind that even though Choice Band Tyranitar can't switch into Talonflame easily in fear of U-turn, it can easily Pursuit trap it after Talonflame KOes something with Brave Bird or Flare Blitz. In general, any Pokemon that is weak to U-turn or lacks reliable recovery might fail to deal with Talonflame after repeated U-turn hits, and any physical attacker is heavily crippled by Will-O-Wisp.
**Passive Damage**: Stealth Rock is Talonflame's biggest enemy. As long as you manage to keep Stealth Rock on the field, you have managed to keep Talonflame in check. Alsodditionally, because both of Talonflame's STABs induce recoil, forcing Talonflame to KO or weaken itself is another way to deal with it. The best way to this is with Rocky Helmet Garchomp, which not only has a bbetween a high HP stat to cause Talonflame a lot of recoil from Brave Bird and Flare Blitz, it also has Rough Skin, and Rocky Helmet to stack 29% more dcauses Talonflamage onto take topns of thisrecoil. The fact that Garchomp has enough bulk to take a couple of hits from Talonflame helps too. Ferrothorn, especially with Rocky Helmet, is another Pokemon that can almost KO Talonflame through passive damage alone, but unfortunatelythough it must sacrifice itself to do so.
