[OVERVIEW]
Misdreavus is the most versatile Pokemon in the meta game, being able to fill many different roles such as speed control, bulky support, and setup sweeper. With no competing Ghost-types, Misdreavus becomes the only spinblocker and immunity to moves like Purugly's Fake Out, Machoke's Dynamic Punch and Glalie's Explosion. When combined with Levitate, Misdreavus is able to punish choice-item users like Zangoose and Relicanth from locking into Double-Edge, Close Combat, or Earthquake. Levitate also makes Misdreavus immune to Spikes, easing its switching capabilities. Misdreavus's above-average Speed makes it easier to cripple a threat with Will-O-Wisp to help make up for its low Defense, use Taunt to stop foes like Glalie from setting up Spikes, or setting up and sweeping. However, if not running Choice Scarf, Misdreavus is still outsped by common threats such as Electabuzz, Murkrow, and Kadabra. Misdreavus being a staple in the meta has led various Pokemon to run coverage such as Zangoose's Shadow Claw and Machoke's Payback. Overall, Misdreavus's movepool, relatively unique typing and ability, and solid stats make it versatile and easy to fit onto many teams to fill any role missing.
[SET]
name: Substitute Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spd
[SET COMMENTS]
Misdreavus can utilize Substitute to get more chances to set up Calm Mind, being especially useful for blocking status conditions like Bellossom's Sleep Powder and Mantine's Toxic. Substitute can also be set up when forcing a switch against Pokemon like Purugly. Calm Mind makes it even more difficult for special attackers like Victreebel and Camerupt to break through the Substitute with one shot, eventually allowing Misdreavus to switch between Calm Mind and Substitute and use them as setup fodder. If possible, try to keep the substitute up before sweeping, as it makes Misdreavus harder to revenge kill. Status spreaders like Trokoal and Ampharos can also help to cripple revenge killers or create setup fodder for Misdreavus. Glalie's access to Spikes makes it a good teammate, and can also take out a potential threat with Explosion, while Misdreavus can spinblock.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Trick
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting / Destiny Bond
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spd
[SET COMMENTS]
With a Choice Scarf, Misdreavus can outspeed common fast threats like Electabuzz and Rapidash and setup sweepers like Rock Polish and Rhydon at +2. Misdreavus's advantage over faster Choice Scarf users such as Zangoose and Xatu is its typing and ability giving it a defensive presence without investment in bulk that makes it safer to switch in and cannot be revenge killed by Purugly's Fake Out, albeit does fear Sucker Punch. Misdreavus can also come in as a revenge killer or be brought out through pivots such as Monferno and Purugly. It is recommended to attack less earlier on in the match, in which the opponent could have a threat such as Pursuit Sneasel unrevealed. Trick is good for crippling bulky foes like Quagsire and Gastrodon, but stay wary of Sticky Hold Muk. Will-O-Wisp is another way to hinder switchins, Hidden Power Fighting provides coverage for Normal-types, and Destiny Bond can be used to stop potential sweeps. Do note that running Hidden Power Fighting lowers Misdreavus's Speed IV to 30, making it outsped by other base 85 Speed Choice Scarf users like Golduck, Pinsir, and opposing Misdreavus.
[SET]
name: Defensive Support
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Thunderbolt / Taunt
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 204 Def / 52 Spd
[SET COMMENTS]
The Speed investment allows Misdreavus to outspeed neutral nature base 70 Speed Pokemon such as Victreebel and Mantine. Misdreavus invests into Defense to more reliably check physical attackers such as Zangoose and Machoke. Will-O-Wisp furthers this, expanding its good matchup to otherwise threatening physical wallbreakers such as Rhydon and Victreebel. Thunderbolt allows Misdreavus to hit Normal-types such as Purugly and Zangoose outside of Will-O-Wisp while also providing coverage for Pokemon such as Mantine and Relicanth. However, Taunt is also an option for stopping moves like Glalie's Spikes, Bellossom's Sleep Powder and Synthesis, and Muk's Curse, Rest and Sleep Talk. Albeit somewhat unreliable, Pain Split is Misdreavus's best form of recovery, and alongside Leftovers, helps with its longevity. Misdreavus should be expected to switch into a lot of attacks throughout a match, firing off Will-O-Wisp and recovering health with Pain Split most of the time. Due to being physically defensive, it pairs well with special walls such as Bellossom and Gastrodon.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spd
[SET COMMENTS]
Maximum HP and Will-O-Wisp make it easier for Misdreavus to take hits while setting up Nasty Plot and harder to revenge kill. This is furthered by its typing and ability, giving Misdreavus and even easier time setting up against foes like Machoke and Gabite, although both can run Lum Berry for Will-O-Wisp. Since maximum HP is run with the expectation of Nasty Plot supplying the needed power, maximum Special Attack can be run instead. This set can be used as a lead, with the intent of crippling foes and setting up as quickly as possible to get a quick head start. However stay wary that these turns can be abused by hazard setters such as Glalie and Relicanth. With Misdreavus wallbreaking at the start of a match, it pairs well with setup sweepers in the back such as Rock Polish Rhydon and Swords Dance Zangoose.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Taunt
move 2: Destiny Bond
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
item: Custap Berry / Leftovers / Focus Sash
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Misdreavus's unique typing gives it a good matchup against common leads such as Purugly and Explosion Glalie. Taunt alongside max Speed allows Misdreavus to stop common lead hazard setters such as Glalie, Metang and Rhydon, as well as status-inflicting moves such as Victreebel's Sleep Powder. Destiny Bond pairs well with Custap Berry and Focus Sash, as both items make Destiny Bond more easy and reliable to successfully pull off, although the passive recovery from Leftovers is always appreciated. Being less offensively invested makes Misdreavus appreciate Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave to cripple physical foes like Relicanth or faster foes like Rapidash, respectively. Furthermore, with Misdreavus forcing switches against many leads, it can punish the switch by inflicting status on the incomming foe. Misdreavus should watch out for faster Taunt users, with Purugly and Sneasel being especially notable for not minding Shadow Ball. Hazard setters such as Rhydon and Rampardos can predict Misdreavus's Taunt and simply attack to take advantage of its relative frailty.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UberSkitty, 355061]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
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