Sage
From the River To the Sea
[OVERVIEW]
Decidueye finds a unique place in the UU tier with its powerful Z-Move and useful secondary Ghost typing giving it some strengths over its main competition in Celebi. It is one of the best dedicated stallbreakers in the metagame, being able to take advantage of many common defensive Pokemon and become immediately threatening after a Swords Dance. Furthermore, its incredibly strong Z-Move lets it push through even Ghost-resistant Pokemon like Bisharp and Alolan Muk after some chip damage or at +2. However, Decidueye's weakness to Pursuit and Sucker Punch from threats like Krookodile and Bisharp forces it to rely on Substitute to avoid dangerous situations with trappers, especially with the prevalence of Dark-types in UU. Their prevalence also hinders it from breaking through non-defensive teams cleanly, though it can still deal some damage in such matchups with its powerful Z-Move. Decidueye's low base 70 Speed also is a huge disadvantage, making it prone to being revenge killed and preventing it from outspeeding many offensive Pokemon like Moltres, Kommo-o, Hydreigon, and Rotom-H, needing either a Substitute up or teammates to break these Pokemon. Lastly, Decidueye still faces strong competition from Celebi, which can deal with faster offensive threats significantly more easily because of its base 100 Speed, is more sustainable thanks to Giga Drain, and has a higher Speed tier, more natural bulk, and wider coverage.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Spirit Shackle
item: Decidium Z
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 32 HP / 224 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute is very useful for giving Decidueye more opportunities to either attack or boost safely while protecting it from some attacks like Bisharp's Sucker Punch and status from the Pokemon it sets up on. Decidueye can take advantage of passive Pokemon like Blissey, Alomomola, and Slowbro to find times to set up a Substitute. Leaf Blade threatens common Water- and Ground-type tanks like Slowbro, Alomomola, Suicune, and Hippowdon and is also useful for being able to break through the Unaware users in Quagsire and Pyukumuku. Sinister Arrow Raid lets Decidueye break through sturdy walls such as Chesnaught and Mega Altaria when boosted while even KOing some Ghost-resistant Pokemon like Bisharp and Hydreigon.
Set Details
========
32 HP EVs let Decidueye survive Choice Scarf Krookodile's Knock Off and Choice Scarf Hydreigon's Dark Pulse from full health. Both Jolly and Adamant natures are viable; Jolly helps Decidueye check slower offensive powerhouses like Primarina and Bewear and Speed tie Bisharp and Metagross, while Adamant gives it more power to break walls down and damage Ghost-resistant Pokemon like Hydreigon.
Usage Tips
========
Be careful when using Decidueye early-game if your opponent has a trapper such as Krookodile or Mega Aerodactyl. It's often good to use Substitute in order to scout these Pokemon and potentially hit them hard with Leaf Blade or Spirit Shackle. Decidueye should be brought in through pivoting moves and after fainted Pokemon most of the time, as even against the Pokemon it sets up on, it can risk being afflicted with Scald burns or Toxic poison, which greatly hinder or even ruin its chances to break through teams. When using Decidueye against stall, try to wear down the few Pokemon those teams carry that can potentially stop a Decidueye sweep like Moltres and Hydreigon. It is worth it to preserve Decidueye's health so it can find more opportunities to set up later in the game rather than blowing its chance early and being revenge killed. There are many Pokemon that can't touch Decidueye at all behind a Substitute, such as Blissey, Alomomola, Slowbro lacking Psyshock, Quagsire, Suicune, and non-Whirlwind Hippowdon. Use Substitute on these Pokemon to initiate a sweep. Against offensive teams, it is often wise to use Decidueye's Z-Move relatively early to take a huge hit out of a Pokemon that resists Decidueye's STAB moves and open paths for other Pokemon more geared to sweeping against faster teams to win.; Choice Scarf Hydreigon is a great target for this strategy. Decidueye often won't get chances to use Swords Dance against these teams. Instead, rely on using Substitute to force trades and attacking with your STAB moves.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard support helps Decidueye break down defensive cores more easily. Amongst Spikes users, Klefki and Froslass in particular have great synergy with Decidueye, with Klefki checking Dark-types for it directly and Froslass being able to lure some like Hydreigon and Krookodile in and weaken them for Decidueye to KO them. Offensive Stealth Rock users such as Terrakion, Cobalion, and Kommo-o are good choices to complement Decidueye, as they can wallbreak while laying down hazards. Decidueye also appreciates partners that can take advantage of Dark-types, which often come in to take its Ghost-type STAB moves or to attempt to revenge kill it. This can be done either defensively with Fairy-types like Togekiss and Mega Altaria or offensively with Justified users like Terrakion and Cobalion. However, to check faster opposing Ghost-types that may attempt to revenge kill it, Dark-types themselves work well as partners for Decidueye: Hydreigon stands out for having access to recovery while also potentially helping to remove hazards for Decidueye, while Krookodile and Alolan Muk can Pursuit trap many of Decidueye's potential revenge killers. VoltTurn users like Scizor, Rotom-H, and Mega Manectric are also heavily appreciated to safely get in Decidueye without having to hard switch. Additionally, entry hazard removal can be vital for Decidueye's ability to complete sweeps. Poison-types can be helpful to absorb Toxic Spikes, which is the most detrimental hazard for Decidueye, preventing it from performing its job. Examples include Tentacruel, which can remove other hazards; Nihilego, which can check most Flying-types; and Alolan Muk, which can use Pursuit on faster threats like Gengar, Chandelure, and Latias. Otherwise, Mega Blastoise, Starmie, and Mega Altaria all can be good partners both offensively and for their ability to Rapid Spin or Defog. Lastly, cleaners can take advantage of Decidueye's breaking power to burst through weakened teams. Mega Sharpedo is an excellent example of this, also setting up on some of Decidueye's revenge killers like Choice Scarf Hydreigon and Krookodile, as are Swords Dance Scizor and Bisharp.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Shadow Sneak is an option over Substitute, improving Decidueye's matchup against faster threats like Latias and Psychium Z or Ghostium Z Celebi, but it leaves much to be desired when fighting the slower teams Decidueye is used to take on. Low Sweep is usable as a way to hit Dark-types like Hydreigon and Bisharp unboosted, but Decidueye is strong enough to break through them with its STAB moves eventually, and it has to give up either Substitute or Shadow Sneak in order to find room for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Dark-types are amongst the harder Pokemon for Decidueye to break, resisting its Ghost-type STAB moves and usually outspeeding it. Hydreigon, especially with Roost, is very difficult for Decidueye to take down on its own because it resists both of Decidueye's STAB moves. Krookodile, Bisharp, and Mega Sharpedo can all revenge kill Decidueye as well, with Bisharp getting potential setup chances of its own.
**Flying-types**: While most don't like taking a Sinister Arrow Raid, Flying-types resist Decidueye's Grass-type STAB move and can usually outspeed and KO it. Moltres, Togekiss, and Crobat can all revenge kill Decidueye with their STAB attacks, while less common options like Mega Pidgeot and Mandibuzz completely wall it.
**Faster Offensive Threats**: Decidueye's lackluster Speed means that a number of offensive threats can revenge kill it even without a favorable type matchup. Infernape, Rotom-H, Jolly Mamoswine, Gengar, and Chandelure are all examples of Pokemon that can force Decidueye out if it's not behind a Substitute. Kommo-o is another threat to be careful around, as Clanging Scales can hit Decidueye behind its Substitute.
**Status**: Toxic poison and burns immediately remove a lot of Decidueye's presence as a sweeper, while even paralysis can be annoying to it, removing its ability to attack walls first and potentially lose its ability to easily set up a Substitute. Hence, either run Decidueye with a cleric or be careful when switching it in to situations it can be statused.
**Pursuit Users**: Once Decidueye has been weakened, Pursuit users are free to come in and safely remove it from the battle. Krookodile and Mega Aerodactyl both outspeed it and, as long as it is not behind a Substitute, are safe to come in and get the KO. Scizor and Alolan Muk also can attempt to trap it but must be more careful trying to tank Decidueye's Z-Move.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [Sage, 192227]
- Quality checked by: [martha, 384270], [Nuked, 382658], [Eyan, 226777]
- Grammar checked by: [fleurdyleurse, 195877], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]
Decidueye finds a unique place in the UU tier with its powerful Z-Move and useful secondary Ghost typing giving it some strengths over its main competition in Celebi. It is one of the best dedicated stallbreakers in the metagame, being able to take advantage of many common defensive Pokemon and become immediately threatening after a Swords Dance. Furthermore, its incredibly strong Z-Move lets it push through even Ghost-resistant Pokemon like Bisharp and Alolan Muk after some chip damage or at +2. However, Decidueye's weakness to Pursuit and Sucker Punch from threats like Krookodile and Bisharp forces it to rely on Substitute to avoid dangerous situations with trappers, especially with the prevalence of Dark-types in UU. Their prevalence also hinders it from breaking through non-defensive teams cleanly, though it can still deal some damage in such matchups with its powerful Z-Move. Decidueye's low base 70 Speed also is a huge disadvantage, making it prone to being revenge killed and preventing it from outspeeding many offensive Pokemon like Moltres, Kommo-o, Hydreigon, and Rotom-H, needing either a Substitute up or teammates to break these Pokemon. Lastly, Decidueye still faces strong competition from Celebi, which can deal with faster offensive threats significantly more easily because of its base 100 Speed, is more sustainable thanks to Giga Drain, and has a higher Speed tier, more natural bulk, and wider coverage.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Spirit Shackle
item: Decidium Z
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 32 HP / 224 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute is very useful for giving Decidueye more opportunities to either attack or boost safely while protecting it from some attacks like Bisharp's Sucker Punch and status from the Pokemon it sets up on. Decidueye can take advantage of passive Pokemon like Blissey, Alomomola, and Slowbro to find times to set up a Substitute. Leaf Blade threatens common Water- and Ground-type tanks like Slowbro, Alomomola, Suicune, and Hippowdon and is also useful for being able to break through the Unaware users in Quagsire and Pyukumuku. Sinister Arrow Raid lets Decidueye break through sturdy walls such as Chesnaught and Mega Altaria when boosted while even KOing some Ghost-resistant Pokemon like Bisharp and Hydreigon.
Set Details
========
32 HP EVs let Decidueye survive Choice Scarf Krookodile's Knock Off and Choice Scarf Hydreigon's Dark Pulse from full health. Both Jolly and Adamant natures are viable; Jolly helps Decidueye check slower offensive powerhouses like Primarina and Bewear and Speed tie Bisharp and Metagross, while Adamant gives it more power to break walls down and damage Ghost-resistant Pokemon like Hydreigon.
Usage Tips
========
Be careful when using Decidueye early-game if your opponent has a trapper such as Krookodile or Mega Aerodactyl. It's often good to use Substitute in order to scout these Pokemon and potentially hit them hard with Leaf Blade or Spirit Shackle. Decidueye should be brought in through pivoting moves and after fainted Pokemon most of the time, as even against the Pokemon it sets up on, it can risk being afflicted with Scald burns or Toxic poison, which greatly hinder or even ruin its chances to break through teams. When using Decidueye against stall, try to wear down the few Pokemon those teams carry that can potentially stop a Decidueye sweep like Moltres and Hydreigon. It is worth it to preserve Decidueye's health so it can find more opportunities to set up later in the game rather than blowing its chance early and being revenge killed. There are many Pokemon that can't touch Decidueye at all behind a Substitute, such as Blissey, Alomomola, Slowbro lacking Psyshock, Quagsire, Suicune, and non-Whirlwind Hippowdon. Use Substitute on these Pokemon to initiate a sweep. Against offensive teams, it is often wise to use Decidueye's Z-Move relatively early to take a huge hit out of a Pokemon that resists Decidueye's STAB moves and open paths for other Pokemon more geared to sweeping against faster teams to win
Team Options
========
Entry hazard support helps Decidueye break down defensive cores more easily. Amongst Spikes users, Klefki and Froslass in particular have great synergy with Decidueye, with Klefki checking Dark-types for it directly and Froslass being able to lure some like Hydreigon and Krookodile in and weaken them for Decidueye to KO them. Offensive Stealth Rock users such as Terrakion, Cobalion, and Kommo-o are good choices to complement Decidueye, as they can wallbreak while laying down hazards. Decidueye also appreciates partners that can take advantage of Dark-types, which often come in to take its Ghost-type STAB moves or to attempt to revenge kill it. This can be done either defensively with Fairy-types like Togekiss and Mega Altaria or offensively with Justified users like Terrakion and Cobalion. However, to check faster opposing Ghost-types that may attempt to revenge kill it, Dark-types themselves work well as partners for Decidueye: Hydreigon stands out for having access to recovery while also potentially helping to remove hazards for Decidueye, while Krookodile and Alolan Muk can Pursuit trap many of Decidueye's potential revenge killers. VoltTurn users like Scizor, Rotom-H, and Mega Manectric are also heavily appreciated to safely get in Decidueye without having to hard switch. Additionally, entry hazard removal can be vital for Decidueye's ability to complete sweeps. Poison-types can be helpful to absorb Toxic Spikes, which is the most detrimental hazard for Decidueye, preventing it from performing its job. Examples include Tentacruel, which can remove other hazards; Nihilego, which can check most Flying-types; and Alolan Muk, which can use Pursuit on faster threats like Gengar, Chandelure, and Latias. Otherwise, Mega Blastoise, Starmie, and Mega Altaria all can be good partners both offensively and for their ability to Rapid Spin or Defog. Lastly, cleaners can take advantage of Decidueye's breaking power to burst through weakened teams. Mega Sharpedo is an excellent example of this, also setting up on some of Decidueye's revenge killers like Choice Scarf Hydreigon and Krookodile, as are Swords Dance Scizor and Bisharp.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Shadow Sneak is an option over Substitute, improving Decidueye's matchup against faster threats like Latias and Psychium Z or Ghostium Z Celebi, but it leaves much to be desired when fighting the slower teams Decidueye is used to take on. Low Sweep is usable as a way to hit Dark-types like Hydreigon and Bisharp unboosted, but Decidueye is strong enough to break through them with its STAB moves eventually, and it has to give up either Substitute or Shadow Sneak in order to find room for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Dark-types are amongst the harder Pokemon for Decidueye to break, resisting its Ghost-type STAB moves and usually outspeeding it. Hydreigon, especially with Roost, is very difficult for Decidueye to take down on its own because it resists both of Decidueye's STAB moves. Krookodile, Bisharp, and Mega Sharpedo can all revenge kill Decidueye as well, with Bisharp getting potential setup chances of its own.
**Flying-types**: While most don't like taking a Sinister Arrow Raid, Flying-types resist Decidueye's Grass-type STAB move and can usually outspeed and KO it. Moltres, Togekiss, and Crobat can all revenge kill Decidueye with their STAB attacks, while less common options like Mega Pidgeot and Mandibuzz completely wall it.
**Faster Offensive Threats**: Decidueye's lackluster Speed means that a number of offensive threats can revenge kill it even without a favorable type matchup. Infernape, Rotom-H, Jolly Mamoswine, Gengar, and Chandelure are all examples of Pokemon that can force Decidueye out if it's not behind a Substitute. Kommo-o is another threat to be careful around, as Clanging Scales can hit Decidueye behind its Substitute.
**Status**: Toxic poison and burns immediately remove a lot of Decidueye's presence as a sweeper, while even paralysis can be annoying to it, removing its ability to attack walls first and potentially lose its ability to easily set up a Substitute. Hence, either run Decidueye with a cleric or be careful when switching it in to situations it can be statused.
**Pursuit Users**: Once Decidueye has been weakened, Pursuit users are free to come in and safely remove it from the battle. Krookodile and Mega Aerodactyl both outspeed it and, as long as it is not behind a Substitute, are safe to come in and get the KO. Scizor and Alolan Muk also can attempt to trap it but must be more careful trying to tank Decidueye's Z-Move.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [Sage, 192227]
- Quality checked by: [martha, 384270], [Nuked, 382658], [Eyan, 226777]
- Grammar checked by: [fleurdyleurse, 195877], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]
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