[OVERVIEW]
Vullaby is incredibly dominant and versatile in the LC metagame thanks to good stats, a wide movepool, and a fantastic typing, which allow it to perform many roles on a team. Offensively, Vullaby's typing gives it close to unresisted dual STAB moves, with the only LC Pokemon not hit at least neutrally by one of Vullaby's STAB moves being Pawniard. On top of this, Vullaby has access to powerful and useful moves in Brave Bird, Knock Off, Air Slash, and Dark Pulse to take advantage of this. It can also boost its stats with Nasty Plot, Z-Mirror Move, and Weak Armor, allowing it to function as a potent sweeper.
Vullaby is no slouch defensively either, with good mixed defensive stats and access to Roost to restore its HP. Two different abilities can be run, which help it in different ways. The aforementioned Weak Armor doubles its Speed when it is hit by attacks, and Overcoat allows it to check key Pokemon in the metagame, including most Grass-types. Vullaby suffers, however, from a Stealth Rock weakness and middling Speed before a boost, which leave it prone to getting outsped and worn down throughout a match. Despite this, because of its versatility and myriad of positive traits, Vullaby is one of the defining Pokemon of the LC metagame.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Roost
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Overcoat
nature: Jolly
evs: 116 HP / 156 Atk / 76 SpD / 116 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is a powerful STAB attack that allows Vullaby to deal significant damage against a large chunk of the metagame despite its middling base Attack due to its high Base Power. Knock Off works with Brave Bird to get at least neutral coverage on nearly all of the metagame and allows Vullaby to support itself and its team by crippling Flying-type checks and bulky Pokemon. Roost allows Vullaby to keep itself healthy throughout the match. U-turn allows Vullaby to keep offensive momentum for its team by escaping from dangerous situations.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread gives Vullaby a mix of offensive power and bulk. 116 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Vullaby to reach 15 Speed, outspeeding a plethora of defensive Pokemon that tend to run 14, including defensive Chinchou and slow Mienfoo. The remaining EVs are split between HP, Special Defense, and Attack; the HP and Special Defense investments provide enough bulk for Vullaby to take on many attackers in the metagame, and the Attack investment boosts the power of its attacks. Vullaby's EV spread on this set is very customizable, with another option being 236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe with an Adamant nature, which maximizes Vullaby's offensive potential and allows it to OHKO Timburr at the expense of some bulk. Eviolite is the preferred item to boost Vullaby's already high defensive stats, giving it longevity in conjunction with Roost. Overcoat is the best ability on this set, allowing Vullaby to act as a counter to Foongus and other Pokemon that rely on powder moves.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Vullaby is very easy to use. In general, Vullaby can take advantage of its good bulk and many resistances to come in and immediately put pressure on the other team by using strong attacks with a broad range of coverage and Roosting when its health gets low. U-turn can be used on predicted switches to keep the momentum for Vullaby's teammates. This set can bluff one of the Weak Armor sets if it is given a free switch in, which will often give it an opportunity to use Knock Off against a foe wary of attacking it and giving it a free Speed boost. Keep in mind that, despite Roost, this Vullaby set is prone to getting worn down, as it will often repeatedly switch in and out of Stealth Rock and will often get poisoned by Foongus's Sludge Bomb over the course of a match.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can remove entry hazards support this Vullaby variant well. Drilbur and Staryu both can use Rapid Spin and appreciate Vullaby's ability to check Grass-types. Any Pokemon that appreciate Knock Off support appreciate this Vullaby as a partner, as it is one of the most consistent Knock Off users in the metagame. Pokemon that benefit from Vullaby's ability to check Foongus, such as Fighting-types and Chinchou, enjoy having this set as a partner. Other Flying-types, including Rufflet and Doduo, especially appreciate Vullaby's ability to lure in Flying-type checks and use Knock Off to cripple them. Pawniard switch-ins are useful, as Vullaby will frequently U-turn or switch out against it, making Ponyta, Mienfoo, and Timburr good partners. Finally, Diglett works well with Vullaby because it is able to trap and remove the Rock-types, Steel-types, and some Electric-types that give it trouble.
[SET]
name: Mirror Move
move 1: Mirror Move
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Rock Smash / Roost
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Adamant
evs: 116 HP / 236 Atk / 116 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Mirror Move with a Flyinium Z gives Vullaby access to Z-Mirror Move, which doubles Vullaby's Attack stat while dealing significant damage through copying the target's last used move in Z-form. Brave Bird and Knock Off are high-powered STAB moves with fantastic neutral coverage, and after a Z-Mirror Move, they hit the entire metagame extremely hard. Rock Smash hits the only Pokemon that resists Vullaby's STAB attacks, Pawniard, for an OHKO. Alternately, Roost can be run to allow Vullaby to regain its HP while going for a sweep.
Set Details
========
236 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature maximize Vullaby's Attack stat so that it can hit as hard as possible after a Z-Mirror Move boost. 116 Speed EVs give Vullaby 14 Speed, which is key to outspeed most Choice Scarf users in the metagame and tie with weather sweepers such as Bellsprout and Alolan Sandshrew after a Weak Armor boost. The remaining EVs are invested in HP to better Vullaby's mixed bulk and give it setup opportunities, though this Vullaby set is still not particularly bulky. Flyinium Z allows Vullaby to boost its Attack stat with Mirror Move, which works well with a Weak Armor Speed boost.
Usage Tips
========
This is the only standard Vullaby set that cannot run an Eviolite, which means it has worse bulk than most Vullaby sets. For this reason, setup opportunities should be chosen carefully, and Vullaby should be preserved until its checks and counters have been weakened due to its tendency to get worn down. Specifically, Vullaby should almost never be switched into an attack, as it most likely will not have enough HP remaining to set up a Mirror Move and sweep. The best opportunities for Vullaby to boost are against weakened Pokemon so that Z-Mirror Move will KO them as Vullaby boosts its stats. Setting up late in the game is optimal so that Vullaby doesn't KO itself with Brave Bird recoil damage. Vullaby relies on taking a hit to get a Weak Armor boost to be able to sweep, however, so Pokemon that are faster than Vullaby but do not KO it make the absolute best setup opportunities. After Vullaby has doubled its Attack with Z-Mirror Move and its Speed with Weak Armor, it can proceed to break down opposing teams with its insanely powerful attacks.
Team Options
========
This is among the most offensive Vullaby sets, which means it appreciates Pokemon that put pressure on the opposing team to wear down its checks and counters. Other Flying-type Pokemon, such as Doduo, do this well, as do Normal-type attackers such as Aipom and Bunnelby. Entry hazard control is important as well; Pokemon such as Dwebble and Onix can set Stealth Rock and Spikes to weaken switch-ins and help Vullaby get KOs it would not get otherwise. These Pokemon also tend to bring in Fighting-type Pokemon Vullaby can set up on. Hazard removal in the form of Rapid Spin helps neutralize Vullaby's Stealth Rock weakness, which makes Staryu and Drilbur good partners as well. Snubbull is one of the most consistent checks to this set, so Snubbull lures make good partners. Fighting-types with Poison Jab, especially Timburr, can bring in Snubbull and weaken it with Knock Off and Poison Jab. Destiny Bond Carvanha, though niche, also lures in Snubbull, and it forms a DarkSpam core with Vullaby. Memento users can give Vullaby opportunities to set up. Diglett makes an especially good partner in this role, as it can trap a Rock- or Electric-type for Vullaby, remove it from the match, and proceed to use Memento to bring Vullaby in for a safe setup opportunity.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Heat Wave
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 116 HP / 236 SpA / 116 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot patches up Vullaby's middling Special Attack stat, allowing it to function as a potent special sweeper in conjunction with Weak Armor. Air Slash functions as a STAB attack that hits the common Fighting-types for super effective damage. Dark Pulse is a secondary STAB attack with fantastic neutral coverage alongside Air Slash. Heat Wave hits most Steel-types, including Magnemite and Ferroseed, for solid damage, especially after Nasty Plot.
Set Details
========
Vullaby maximizes its Special Attack with 236 EVs and a Modest nature to hit as hard as possible after a Nasty Plot boost. With 116 Speed EVs, Vullaby hits 14 Speed, and 28 after a Weak Armor boost, allowing it to tie with Bellsprout in sun and Alolan Sandshrew in hail, as well as outspeed practically every Choice Scarf user in the metagame to avoid being easily revenge killed. The remaining EVs go into HP to improve Vullaby's mixed bulk and allow it to switch into Stealth Rock as many times as possible. Eviolite is the primary item choice because it increases Vullaby's opportunities to set up. However, if Vullaby has the support to secure setup opportunities without Eviolite, Berry Juice can be run to bring Vullaby's HP to full after setting up, making it less susceptible to opposing priority moves. If Berry Juice is run, an EV spread of 116 HP / 240 SpA / 120 Spe should be used to better maximize Vullaby's mixed bulk. Flyinium Z and Darknium Z are also options to lure in and surprise Pokemon such as Spritzee and Mareanie that would normally check this set, but not running a defensive item makes it harder for Vullaby to find setup opportunities. Weak Armor allows Vullaby to outspeed the entire metagame after taking a single hit and is what allows this set to function as an effective sweeper.
Usage Tips
========
Vullaby can relatively easily find an opportunity to set up due to its solid Defense stat and plethora of resistances. Setting up against a physical sweeper is nearly always essential, as physical attacks are the only ones that activate Weak Armor and give Vullaby a boost in Speed. Obviously, Vullaby's checks should be weakened before it attempts to sweep. Keep in mind that if the opponent knows that Vullaby is a Weak Armor set, they may avoid attacking it to prevent the Speed Boost, which leaves Vullaby open to a revenge kill from a super effective attack. However, due to the plethora of sets Vullaby can run, it won't be immediately obvious what ability it is running.
Team Options
========
Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciates Pokemon that can weaken special walls, specifically Pawniard, which can use Knock Off to remove their items and ensure a sweep later in the game. Other Knock Off users synergize well with Vullaby, especially Timburr, which wears down bulky Pokemon with Knock Off and Bulk Up for a Vullaby sweep later in the match and can take on some Pokemon like Chinchou and Ice-types that Vullaby would rather not face. Other Flying-types, including Doduo and Rufflet, can form a Flying spam core with Vullaby due to its ability to bring in Flying-type checks, but generally other Vullaby sets perform this role better because they run Knock Off. Entry hazard control is important as well; Pokemon such as Dwebble and Onix can set Stealth Rock and Spikes to weaken switch-ins and help Vullaby get KOs it would not get otherwise. These Pokemon also tend to bring in Fighting-type Pokemon Vullaby can set up on. Entry hazard removal in the form of Rapid Spin helps neutralize Vullaby's Stealth Rock weakness, which makes Staryu a good partner as well. Lastly, Pokemon immune to Electric, including Diglett, Mudbray, and Chinchou, work well with this Vullaby set, as they can scare Choice Scarf Electric-types that aim to take out Vullaby before it sets up.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Rock Smash / Defog
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Overcoat
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is a reliable STAB move for Vullaby that hits anything that doesn't resist it extremely hard. Knock Off hits most of what resists Brave Bird for at least neutral damage and can soften up Vullaby's checks by removing defensive items, including Eviolite and Berry Juice. U-turn allows Vullaby to chip away at an incoming check or counter and bring in a teammate to preserve momentum. Running Rock Smash in the final moveslot gives Vullaby a way to damage Pawniard. However, Defog can be run instead; while Choice-locking Vullaby into a non-offensive move may seem suboptimal, Defog allows Vullaby to bluff a defensive set and to remove entry hazards quickly with Choice Scarf-boosted Speed late in a match.
Set Details
========
This Vullaby runs maximum Attack investment of 236 EVs to be able to hit opposing teams as hard as possible. 196 Speed EVs coupled with a Jolly nature give Vullaby 16 Speed, which when coupled with a Choice Scarf allows Vullaby to outspeed many prominent Choice Scarf users, including Gothita and Magnemite, and outspeed Scraggy after a Dragon Dance. An Adamant nature is also a possibility, giving Vullaby the power to guarantee a KO on Pokemon such as Timburr and Mienfoo after Stealth Rock, but this comes at the expense of Speed tying with the Pokemon listed above. Overcoat is used to allow Vullaby to freely switch in on powder moves from the likes of Foongus. Big Pecks can be run to stop Attack drops from Intimidate, which helps with Snubbull switch-ins, especially Eviolite variants, but is less generally useful.
Usage Tips
========
This Vullaby set has significantly less bulk than any other and does not have an Eviolite, so much more caution needs to be taken when switching in. Vullaby should avoid most powerful neutral hits and all super effective attacks. However, Choice Scarf Vullaby has a powerful surprise factor, which should be taken advantage of to take out weakened faster Pokemon. Early in the game, Vullaby should use Knock Off and U-turn to chip away at the checks that come into it, without revealing that it is a Choice Scarf set if possible. Once checks have been worn down late in the game, Vullaby can lock itself into Brave Bird to take out the opponent's team. Vullaby should take care when locking itself into the final move on its moveset, as Rock Smash does little damage against anything except Pawniard, and locking Vullaby into Defog can give opposing Pokemon setup opportunities.
Team Options
========
Diglett synergizes especially well with Choice Scarf Vullaby because it can remove the Rock-, Steel- and Electric-types that prevent it from spamming Brave Bird with its Choice Scarf-boosted Speed. Other Flying-types work well with Choice Scarf Vullaby to form a Flying spam core, especially Pokemon such as Doduo and Rufflet, which appreciate Vullaby's ability to use Knock Off on Flying-type checks and unexpectedly outspeed them. Because of its lack of recovery, Choice Scarf Vullaby tends to get worn down especially quickly by Stealth Rock and Brave Bird recoil. For this reason, Rapid Spin support is necessary. Drilbur makes a good partner for its ability to check Electric-types, and Tentacool has good type synergy with Vullaby. Pokemon such as Omanyte and Pawniard can set Stealth Rock to help Vullaby secure KOs, with the former able to lure in Grass-types that Vullaby can take out while doing so, and the latter able to form a powerful Dark spam core with Vullaby. Slow pivots, especially Mienfoo and Chinchou, can lure in Pokemon such as Foongus that Vullaby deals well with and pivot out to bring in Vullaby for free. Lastly, Pokemon that appreciate Vullaby's ability to lure and weaken Rock- and Steel-types, including Normal-types such as Aipom, and Gastly, which appreciates Vullaby luring and weakening Pawniard, make good partners.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Brave Bird
move 4: Defog / U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Overcoat
nature: Impish
evs: 116 HP / 76 Atk / 236 Def / 76 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Roost is a reliable recovery option that gives Vullaby the longevity a defensive Pokemon needs. Knock Off is a fantastic support move, and even with less Attack investment than the offensive sets, Vullaby hits quite hard with it thanks to STAB. Brave Bird keeps Vullaby from being overly passive and allows Vullaby to KO the Fighting- and Grass-types it aims to check. Defog is the preferred move in the last slot, as defensive Vullaby is one of the most reliable Defog users in the metagame. On teams with some other form of entry hazard control, however, U-turn is an option to help Vullaby preserve momentum even as a defensive Pokemon.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread gives Vullaby the optimal HP to switch in and out of Stealth Rock as many times as possible during a match, and maximizes its Defense while investing somewhat in Special Defense. With the Defense investment and an Impish nature, Vullaby becomes one of the more physically bulky Pokemon in the metagame, which assists it in checking Fighting-types. Eviolite maximizes Vullaby's defenses. Overcoat helps Vullaby defensively by allowing it to safely switch into Foongus's Spore and Bellsprout's Sleep Powder, making it one of their most reliable counters in the metagame.
Usage Tips
========
Defensive Vullaby is primarily used on slower-paced teams as a reliable Grass- and Fighting-type check and Defog user that doesn't lose much momentum. Vullaby should pivot in and out of a game and use Defog as needed while crippling foes with Knock Off. Be cautious when using Defog against a team with Pawniard, which can switch in and get a +2 Attack boost thanks to Defiant. As this is the bulkiest Vullaby set, sometimes you will be able to bluff a Weak Armor set, which allows you to survive an attack unexpectedly and KO back. However, when most opponents see Defog, they will know that Vullaby is the bulky set. This set is one of the most reliable Bellsprout counters in the metagame, able to take it out even when it has a Chlorophyll boost. However, Vullaby does need to be wary of Z-move variants of Bellsprout, which can lure it in and KO it.
Team Options
========
This Vullaby set has no way to hit Pawniard and actually risks giving it an Attack boost when it uses Defog. Thus, Pawniard checks are essential, with Fire-types such as Ponyta and Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Timburr working well. Otherwise, Pokemon that benefit from entry hazard removal make the most obvious partners to this set. Pokemon that appreciate an intact Sturdy, such as Magnemite and Onix, are prime examples, and Vullaby also checks Fighting-types for both. This Vullaby set can form solid defensive cores as well. Croagunk makes a very good partner, which acts as a check to most Fairy-type Pokemon and has fantastic type synergy with Vullaby. Hippopotas, too, makes a good defensive partner despite the shared Ice-type weakness, thanks to its ability to counter Magnemite and set Stealth Rock to help Vullaby wear down teams. Heal Bell and Aromatherapy users can support Vullaby defensively as well because it is vulnerable to status, especially poison from Foongus's Sludge Bomb, with Chinchou and Spritzee working well because of their ability to take the special hits that are super effective against Vullaby.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Vullaby has access to Whirlwind, which allows it to act as a phazer, but most of the Pokemon it can force out can significantly damage Vullaby or cripple it with status moves. Hidden Power Fighting is an option over Heat Wave on the Nasty Plot set, which hits Pawniard harder at the expense of hitting every other Steel-type less hard. Rock Tomb can lower the Speed of switch-ins, but it causes Vullaby to miss out on important coverage to hit Pawniard, especially since using Rock Tomb against Pawniard raises its Attack thanks to Defiant. Tailwind is an option on an offensive set, but it is usually outclassed by Weak Armor for Vullaby to boost its own Speed, making it only useful as a team support move. Vullaby can use Taunt to prevent opposing setup on sets that invest less in attacking stats, but Vullaby doesn't get set up on easily by most Pokemon anyway.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Super Effective Special Attacks**: Strong special attacks from the likes of Amaura, Magnemite, and Elekid are the best way to handle Vullaby offensively. However, these Pokemon can only deal with Vullaby if its Speed hasn't been boosted by Weak Armor.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types can check most variants of Vullaby. Snubbull is more useful against physical variants of Vullaby thanks to Intimidate, while Spritzee is more effective against the Nasty Plot set. However, neither Pokemon likes being deprived of an item with Knock Off, and Vullaby's Flying-type STAB moves can still deal significant damage to both.
**Rock-types**: Rock-types are among the most consistent counters to Vullaby's physical sets, especially Archen and Onix, which outspeed the Weak Armor sets before they boost and can easily come in on Brave Bird. Onix is an especially good check to the Weak Armor sets due to its access to Rock Blast, which is a guaranteed KO thanks to Weak Armor's Defense drop. Neither Onix nor Archen likes being hit by Knock Off, however.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Specially bulky Pokemon, such as Munchlax and Spritzee, consistently check the Nasty Plot set but fear Vullaby otherwise.
**Priority Users**: Priority users, including Ice Shard Shellder and Mach Punch Timburr, can revenge kill Weak Armor sets after they have taken drops to Defense.
Vullaby is incredibly dominant and versatile in the LC metagame thanks to good stats, a wide movepool, and a fantastic typing, which allow it to perform many roles on a team. Offensively, Vullaby's typing gives it close to unresisted dual STAB moves, with the only LC Pokemon not hit at least neutrally by one of Vullaby's STAB moves being Pawniard. On top of this, Vullaby has access to powerful and useful moves in Brave Bird, Knock Off, Air Slash, and Dark Pulse to take advantage of this. It can also boost its stats with Nasty Plot, Z-Mirror Move, and Weak Armor, allowing it to function as a potent sweeper.
Vullaby is no slouch defensively either, with good mixed defensive stats and access to Roost to restore its HP. Two different abilities can be run, which help it in different ways. The aforementioned Weak Armor doubles its Speed when it is hit by attacks, and Overcoat allows it to check key Pokemon in the metagame, including most Grass-types. Vullaby suffers, however, from a Stealth Rock weakness and middling Speed before a boost, which leave it prone to getting outsped and worn down throughout a match. Despite this, because of its versatility and myriad of positive traits, Vullaby is one of the defining Pokemon of the LC metagame.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Roost
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Overcoat
nature: Jolly
evs: 116 HP / 156 Atk / 76 SpD / 116 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is a powerful STAB attack that allows Vullaby to deal significant damage against a large chunk of the metagame despite its middling base Attack due to its high Base Power. Knock Off works with Brave Bird to get at least neutral coverage on nearly all of the metagame and allows Vullaby to support itself and its team by crippling Flying-type checks and bulky Pokemon. Roost allows Vullaby to keep itself healthy throughout the match. U-turn allows Vullaby to keep offensive momentum for its team by escaping from dangerous situations.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread gives Vullaby a mix of offensive power and bulk. 116 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Vullaby to reach 15 Speed, outspeeding a plethora of defensive Pokemon that tend to run 14, including defensive Chinchou and slow Mienfoo. The remaining EVs are split between HP, Special Defense, and Attack; the HP and Special Defense investments provide enough bulk for Vullaby to take on many attackers in the metagame, and the Attack investment boosts the power of its attacks. Vullaby's EV spread on this set is very customizable, with another option being 236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe with an Adamant nature, which maximizes Vullaby's offensive potential and allows it to OHKO Timburr at the expense of some bulk. Eviolite is the preferred item to boost Vullaby's already high defensive stats, giving it longevity in conjunction with Roost. Overcoat is the best ability on this set, allowing Vullaby to act as a counter to Foongus and other Pokemon that rely on powder moves.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Vullaby is very easy to use. In general, Vullaby can take advantage of its good bulk and many resistances to come in and immediately put pressure on the other team by using strong attacks with a broad range of coverage and Roosting when its health gets low. U-turn can be used on predicted switches to keep the momentum for Vullaby's teammates. This set can bluff one of the Weak Armor sets if it is given a free switch in, which will often give it an opportunity to use Knock Off against a foe wary of attacking it and giving it a free Speed boost. Keep in mind that, despite Roost, this Vullaby set is prone to getting worn down, as it will often repeatedly switch in and out of Stealth Rock and will often get poisoned by Foongus's Sludge Bomb over the course of a match.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can remove entry hazards support this Vullaby variant well. Drilbur and Staryu both can use Rapid Spin and appreciate Vullaby's ability to check Grass-types. Any Pokemon that appreciate Knock Off support appreciate this Vullaby as a partner, as it is one of the most consistent Knock Off users in the metagame. Pokemon that benefit from Vullaby's ability to check Foongus, such as Fighting-types and Chinchou, enjoy having this set as a partner. Other Flying-types, including Rufflet and Doduo, especially appreciate Vullaby's ability to lure in Flying-type checks and use Knock Off to cripple them. Pawniard switch-ins are useful, as Vullaby will frequently U-turn or switch out against it, making Ponyta, Mienfoo, and Timburr good partners. Finally, Diglett works well with Vullaby because it is able to trap and remove the Rock-types, Steel-types, and some Electric-types that give it trouble.
[SET]
name: Mirror Move
move 1: Mirror Move
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Rock Smash / Roost
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Adamant
evs: 116 HP / 236 Atk / 116 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Mirror Move with a Flyinium Z gives Vullaby access to Z-Mirror Move, which doubles Vullaby's Attack stat while dealing significant damage through copying the target's last used move in Z-form. Brave Bird and Knock Off are high-powered STAB moves with fantastic neutral coverage, and after a Z-Mirror Move, they hit the entire metagame extremely hard. Rock Smash hits the only Pokemon that resists Vullaby's STAB attacks, Pawniard, for an OHKO. Alternately, Roost can be run to allow Vullaby to regain its HP while going for a sweep.
Set Details
========
236 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature maximize Vullaby's Attack stat so that it can hit as hard as possible after a Z-Mirror Move boost. 116 Speed EVs give Vullaby 14 Speed, which is key to outspeed most Choice Scarf users in the metagame and tie with weather sweepers such as Bellsprout and Alolan Sandshrew after a Weak Armor boost. The remaining EVs are invested in HP to better Vullaby's mixed bulk and give it setup opportunities, though this Vullaby set is still not particularly bulky. Flyinium Z allows Vullaby to boost its Attack stat with Mirror Move, which works well with a Weak Armor Speed boost.
Usage Tips
========
This is the only standard Vullaby set that cannot run an Eviolite, which means it has worse bulk than most Vullaby sets. For this reason, setup opportunities should be chosen carefully, and Vullaby should be preserved until its checks and counters have been weakened due to its tendency to get worn down. Specifically, Vullaby should almost never be switched into an attack, as it most likely will not have enough HP remaining to set up a Mirror Move and sweep. The best opportunities for Vullaby to boost are against weakened Pokemon so that Z-Mirror Move will KO them as Vullaby boosts its stats. Setting up late in the game is optimal so that Vullaby doesn't KO itself with Brave Bird recoil damage. Vullaby relies on taking a hit to get a Weak Armor boost to be able to sweep, however, so Pokemon that are faster than Vullaby but do not KO it make the absolute best setup opportunities. After Vullaby has doubled its Attack with Z-Mirror Move and its Speed with Weak Armor, it can proceed to break down opposing teams with its insanely powerful attacks.
Team Options
========
This is among the most offensive Vullaby sets, which means it appreciates Pokemon that put pressure on the opposing team to wear down its checks and counters. Other Flying-type Pokemon, such as Doduo, do this well, as do Normal-type attackers such as Aipom and Bunnelby. Entry hazard control is important as well; Pokemon such as Dwebble and Onix can set Stealth Rock and Spikes to weaken switch-ins and help Vullaby get KOs it would not get otherwise. These Pokemon also tend to bring in Fighting-type Pokemon Vullaby can set up on. Hazard removal in the form of Rapid Spin helps neutralize Vullaby's Stealth Rock weakness, which makes Staryu and Drilbur good partners as well. Snubbull is one of the most consistent checks to this set, so Snubbull lures make good partners. Fighting-types with Poison Jab, especially Timburr, can bring in Snubbull and weaken it with Knock Off and Poison Jab. Destiny Bond Carvanha, though niche, also lures in Snubbull, and it forms a DarkSpam core with Vullaby. Memento users can give Vullaby opportunities to set up. Diglett makes an especially good partner in this role, as it can trap a Rock- or Electric-type for Vullaby, remove it from the match, and proceed to use Memento to bring Vullaby in for a safe setup opportunity.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Air Slash
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Heat Wave
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 116 HP / 236 SpA / 116 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot patches up Vullaby's middling Special Attack stat, allowing it to function as a potent special sweeper in conjunction with Weak Armor. Air Slash functions as a STAB attack that hits the common Fighting-types for super effective damage. Dark Pulse is a secondary STAB attack with fantastic neutral coverage alongside Air Slash. Heat Wave hits most Steel-types, including Magnemite and Ferroseed, for solid damage, especially after Nasty Plot.
Set Details
========
Vullaby maximizes its Special Attack with 236 EVs and a Modest nature to hit as hard as possible after a Nasty Plot boost. With 116 Speed EVs, Vullaby hits 14 Speed, and 28 after a Weak Armor boost, allowing it to tie with Bellsprout in sun and Alolan Sandshrew in hail, as well as outspeed practically every Choice Scarf user in the metagame to avoid being easily revenge killed. The remaining EVs go into HP to improve Vullaby's mixed bulk and allow it to switch into Stealth Rock as many times as possible. Eviolite is the primary item choice because it increases Vullaby's opportunities to set up. However, if Vullaby has the support to secure setup opportunities without Eviolite, Berry Juice can be run to bring Vullaby's HP to full after setting up, making it less susceptible to opposing priority moves. If Berry Juice is run, an EV spread of 116 HP / 240 SpA / 120 Spe should be used to better maximize Vullaby's mixed bulk. Flyinium Z and Darknium Z are also options to lure in and surprise Pokemon such as Spritzee and Mareanie that would normally check this set, but not running a defensive item makes it harder for Vullaby to find setup opportunities. Weak Armor allows Vullaby to outspeed the entire metagame after taking a single hit and is what allows this set to function as an effective sweeper.
Usage Tips
========
Vullaby can relatively easily find an opportunity to set up due to its solid Defense stat and plethora of resistances. Setting up against a physical sweeper is nearly always essential, as physical attacks are the only ones that activate Weak Armor and give Vullaby a boost in Speed. Obviously, Vullaby's checks should be weakened before it attempts to sweep. Keep in mind that if the opponent knows that Vullaby is a Weak Armor set, they may avoid attacking it to prevent the Speed Boost, which leaves Vullaby open to a revenge kill from a super effective attack. However, due to the plethora of sets Vullaby can run, it won't be immediately obvious what ability it is running.
Team Options
========
Nasty Plot Vullaby appreciates Pokemon that can weaken special walls, specifically Pawniard, which can use Knock Off to remove their items and ensure a sweep later in the game. Other Knock Off users synergize well with Vullaby, especially Timburr, which wears down bulky Pokemon with Knock Off and Bulk Up for a Vullaby sweep later in the match and can take on some Pokemon like Chinchou and Ice-types that Vullaby would rather not face. Other Flying-types, including Doduo and Rufflet, can form a Flying spam core with Vullaby due to its ability to bring in Flying-type checks, but generally other Vullaby sets perform this role better because they run Knock Off. Entry hazard control is important as well; Pokemon such as Dwebble and Onix can set Stealth Rock and Spikes to weaken switch-ins and help Vullaby get KOs it would not get otherwise. These Pokemon also tend to bring in Fighting-type Pokemon Vullaby can set up on. Entry hazard removal in the form of Rapid Spin helps neutralize Vullaby's Stealth Rock weakness, which makes Staryu a good partner as well. Lastly, Pokemon immune to Electric, including Diglett, Mudbray, and Chinchou, work well with this Vullaby set, as they can scare Choice Scarf Electric-types that aim to take out Vullaby before it sets up.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Rock Smash / Defog
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Overcoat
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is a reliable STAB move for Vullaby that hits anything that doesn't resist it extremely hard. Knock Off hits most of what resists Brave Bird for at least neutral damage and can soften up Vullaby's checks by removing defensive items, including Eviolite and Berry Juice. U-turn allows Vullaby to chip away at an incoming check or counter and bring in a teammate to preserve momentum. Running Rock Smash in the final moveslot gives Vullaby a way to damage Pawniard. However, Defog can be run instead; while Choice-locking Vullaby into a non-offensive move may seem suboptimal, Defog allows Vullaby to bluff a defensive set and to remove entry hazards quickly with Choice Scarf-boosted Speed late in a match.
Set Details
========
This Vullaby runs maximum Attack investment of 236 EVs to be able to hit opposing teams as hard as possible. 196 Speed EVs coupled with a Jolly nature give Vullaby 16 Speed, which when coupled with a Choice Scarf allows Vullaby to outspeed many prominent Choice Scarf users, including Gothita and Magnemite, and outspeed Scraggy after a Dragon Dance. An Adamant nature is also a possibility, giving Vullaby the power to guarantee a KO on Pokemon such as Timburr and Mienfoo after Stealth Rock, but this comes at the expense of Speed tying with the Pokemon listed above. Overcoat is used to allow Vullaby to freely switch in on powder moves from the likes of Foongus. Big Pecks can be run to stop Attack drops from Intimidate, which helps with Snubbull switch-ins, especially Eviolite variants, but is less generally useful.
Usage Tips
========
This Vullaby set has significantly less bulk than any other and does not have an Eviolite, so much more caution needs to be taken when switching in. Vullaby should avoid most powerful neutral hits and all super effective attacks. However, Choice Scarf Vullaby has a powerful surprise factor, which should be taken advantage of to take out weakened faster Pokemon. Early in the game, Vullaby should use Knock Off and U-turn to chip away at the checks that come into it, without revealing that it is a Choice Scarf set if possible. Once checks have been worn down late in the game, Vullaby can lock itself into Brave Bird to take out the opponent's team. Vullaby should take care when locking itself into the final move on its moveset, as Rock Smash does little damage against anything except Pawniard, and locking Vullaby into Defog can give opposing Pokemon setup opportunities.
Team Options
========
Diglett synergizes especially well with Choice Scarf Vullaby because it can remove the Rock-, Steel- and Electric-types that prevent it from spamming Brave Bird with its Choice Scarf-boosted Speed. Other Flying-types work well with Choice Scarf Vullaby to form a Flying spam core, especially Pokemon such as Doduo and Rufflet, which appreciate Vullaby's ability to use Knock Off on Flying-type checks and unexpectedly outspeed them. Because of its lack of recovery, Choice Scarf Vullaby tends to get worn down especially quickly by Stealth Rock and Brave Bird recoil. For this reason, Rapid Spin support is necessary. Drilbur makes a good partner for its ability to check Electric-types, and Tentacool has good type synergy with Vullaby. Pokemon such as Omanyte and Pawniard can set Stealth Rock to help Vullaby secure KOs, with the former able to lure in Grass-types that Vullaby can take out while doing so, and the latter able to form a powerful Dark spam core with Vullaby. Slow pivots, especially Mienfoo and Chinchou, can lure in Pokemon such as Foongus that Vullaby deals well with and pivot out to bring in Vullaby for free. Lastly, Pokemon that appreciate Vullaby's ability to lure and weaken Rock- and Steel-types, including Normal-types such as Aipom, and Gastly, which appreciates Vullaby luring and weakening Pawniard, make good partners.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Brave Bird
move 4: Defog / U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Overcoat
nature: Impish
evs: 116 HP / 76 Atk / 236 Def / 76 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Roost is a reliable recovery option that gives Vullaby the longevity a defensive Pokemon needs. Knock Off is a fantastic support move, and even with less Attack investment than the offensive sets, Vullaby hits quite hard with it thanks to STAB. Brave Bird keeps Vullaby from being overly passive and allows Vullaby to KO the Fighting- and Grass-types it aims to check. Defog is the preferred move in the last slot, as defensive Vullaby is one of the most reliable Defog users in the metagame. On teams with some other form of entry hazard control, however, U-turn is an option to help Vullaby preserve momentum even as a defensive Pokemon.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread gives Vullaby the optimal HP to switch in and out of Stealth Rock as many times as possible during a match, and maximizes its Defense while investing somewhat in Special Defense. With the Defense investment and an Impish nature, Vullaby becomes one of the more physically bulky Pokemon in the metagame, which assists it in checking Fighting-types. Eviolite maximizes Vullaby's defenses. Overcoat helps Vullaby defensively by allowing it to safely switch into Foongus's Spore and Bellsprout's Sleep Powder, making it one of their most reliable counters in the metagame.
Usage Tips
========
Defensive Vullaby is primarily used on slower-paced teams as a reliable Grass- and Fighting-type check and Defog user that doesn't lose much momentum. Vullaby should pivot in and out of a game and use Defog as needed while crippling foes with Knock Off. Be cautious when using Defog against a team with Pawniard, which can switch in and get a +2 Attack boost thanks to Defiant. As this is the bulkiest Vullaby set, sometimes you will be able to bluff a Weak Armor set, which allows you to survive an attack unexpectedly and KO back. However, when most opponents see Defog, they will know that Vullaby is the bulky set. This set is one of the most reliable Bellsprout counters in the metagame, able to take it out even when it has a Chlorophyll boost. However, Vullaby does need to be wary of Z-move variants of Bellsprout, which can lure it in and KO it.
Team Options
========
This Vullaby set has no way to hit Pawniard and actually risks giving it an Attack boost when it uses Defog. Thus, Pawniard checks are essential, with Fire-types such as Ponyta and Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Timburr working well. Otherwise, Pokemon that benefit from entry hazard removal make the most obvious partners to this set. Pokemon that appreciate an intact Sturdy, such as Magnemite and Onix, are prime examples, and Vullaby also checks Fighting-types for both. This Vullaby set can form solid defensive cores as well. Croagunk makes a very good partner, which acts as a check to most Fairy-type Pokemon and has fantastic type synergy with Vullaby. Hippopotas, too, makes a good defensive partner despite the shared Ice-type weakness, thanks to its ability to counter Magnemite and set Stealth Rock to help Vullaby wear down teams. Heal Bell and Aromatherapy users can support Vullaby defensively as well because it is vulnerable to status, especially poison from Foongus's Sludge Bomb, with Chinchou and Spritzee working well because of their ability to take the special hits that are super effective against Vullaby.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Vullaby has access to Whirlwind, which allows it to act as a phazer, but most of the Pokemon it can force out can significantly damage Vullaby or cripple it with status moves. Hidden Power Fighting is an option over Heat Wave on the Nasty Plot set, which hits Pawniard harder at the expense of hitting every other Steel-type less hard. Rock Tomb can lower the Speed of switch-ins, but it causes Vullaby to miss out on important coverage to hit Pawniard, especially since using Rock Tomb against Pawniard raises its Attack thanks to Defiant. Tailwind is an option on an offensive set, but it is usually outclassed by Weak Armor for Vullaby to boost its own Speed, making it only useful as a team support move. Vullaby can use Taunt to prevent opposing setup on sets that invest less in attacking stats, but Vullaby doesn't get set up on easily by most Pokemon anyway.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Super Effective Special Attacks**: Strong special attacks from the likes of Amaura, Magnemite, and Elekid are the best way to handle Vullaby offensively. However, these Pokemon can only deal with Vullaby if its Speed hasn't been boosted by Weak Armor.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types can check most variants of Vullaby. Snubbull is more useful against physical variants of Vullaby thanks to Intimidate, while Spritzee is more effective against the Nasty Plot set. However, neither Pokemon likes being deprived of an item with Knock Off, and Vullaby's Flying-type STAB moves can still deal significant damage to both.
**Rock-types**: Rock-types are among the most consistent counters to Vullaby's physical sets, especially Archen and Onix, which outspeed the Weak Armor sets before they boost and can easily come in on Brave Bird. Onix is an especially good check to the Weak Armor sets due to its access to Rock Blast, which is a guaranteed KO thanks to Weak Armor's Defense drop. Neither Onix nor Archen likes being hit by Knock Off, however.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Specially bulky Pokemon, such as Munchlax and Spritzee, consistently check the Nasty Plot set but fear Vullaby otherwise.
**Priority Users**: Priority users, including Ice Shard Shellder and Mach Punch Timburr, can revenge kill Weak Armor sets after they have taken drops to Defense.
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