[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Virizion's unique typing and access to Swords Dance allow it to act as a setup sweeper that can threaten common defensive Pokemon such as Vaporeon, Gigalith, and Rhyperior. Unlike other Grass- and Fighting-types, it has the Speed tier to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame, making it harder to be revenge killed by Pokemon such as Ninetales. Good special bulk and a decent typing also allow it to find setup opportunities against Pokemon such as Heliolisk, Rotom-C, and Mantine. Stone Edge nails Centiskorch, Roserade, and Toxtricity after a Swords Dance boost. Zen Headbutt is an alternate option to hit Galarian Weezing; however, it misses out on hitting Noivern and Chandelure. Megahorn hits Celebi, Reuniclus, and Necrozma. However, it has little use compared to other coverage moves. Life Orb allows Virizion to nail Drapion at +2 with Close Combat, as well as break through Galarian Weezing with Zen Headbutt at +2. Alternatively, Lum Berry lets Virizion safely set up against Water-types such as Milotic and Vaporeon.
Virizion cannot touch Doublade, so teammates who that check it, such as Mantine and Incineroar, are important. Incineroar can also bring in Virizion safely against Ground- and Water-types, check Chandelure, wear down Galarian Weezing, and check Psychic-types such as Celebi and Necrozma. Pivots such as Inteleon and Flygon can ease setup against Water-types by bringing Virizion in safely. Noivern can lure in Pokemon such as Milotic, Gigalith, and Rhyperior for Virizion. Due to how weak Virizion is without a boost, wallbreakers such as Inteleon and Haxorus that can break down teams for it are good options. Haxorus can also pressure opposing sweepers with First Impression, as well as threatening out Celebi. Teammates that can handle Noivern are mandatory, as it can take an unboosted Stone Edge and threaten Virizion out with Hurricane. Bronzong and Gigalith are excellent teammates in this regard, as they not only checks Noivern and Poison-types, but can also provide Stealth Rock support to wear down Virizion's checks. The latter also checks Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Gardevoir and Chandelure that can revenge kill Virizion. Psychic-types such as Necrozma and Reuniclus make great partners for their ability to pressure and remove Galarian Weezing. Golisopod can provide Spikes support, check Mamoswine and Celebi, and cripple Noivern with Knock Off. In return, Virizion can exploit Water-types that give Golisopod trouble.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Juuno, 444224]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [Twilight, 344575]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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