LC Purrloin

Gummy

...three, smiles go for miles!
qc: hilo / xayah / op
gp: deathbywobbufett / fireflame

[OVERVIEW]

Purrloin finds a niche in the LC metagame because of its great support movepool with moves like Thunder Wave, Encore, Knock Off, Taunt, and U-turn. In combination with its ability, Prankster, this allows Purrloin to act as a disruptive pivot with good utility. However, Purrloin is heavily restricted by its mediocre bulk, even when invested, giving it few opportunities to utilize its movepool. It also has low offensive presence, restricting it to a support set. Prankster's inability to hit Dark-types also reduces Purrloin's niche significantly, making it unable to paralyze or use Encore on common Dark-type setup sweepers like Scraggy and Vullaby. A poor defensive typing makes Purrloin susceptible to extremely common Fighting-type priority like Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave. Purrloin faces heavy competition from Cottonee, another Prankster user with access to Memento, better bulk, and a better defensive typing, as well as from Alolan Meowth, a Dark-type pivot with better Speed and access to Parting Shot. However, Purrloin's ability to use both U-turn and Prankster gives it a small niche over these two Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Encore
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Thunder Wave / Taunt
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 188 HP / 36 Atk / 140 Def / 60 SpD / 68 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Encore can create an opportunity for a teammate to switch in by forcing a foe to use a move like Stealth Rock or Rapid Spin repeatedly. It's also helpful for locking setup sweepers like Shellder into boosting moves. U-turn creates momentum and takes advantage of the free switches Purrloin sets up. Knock Off can soften up foes for the rest of Purrloin's team by removing items, allowing a teammate to sweep, as well as being its main STAB attack. Thunder Wave can cripple faster threats like Ponyta and Mienfoo, but its accuracy means that it isn't 100% reliable. Another option is Taunt, which can stop Stealth Rock from being set up, but Thunder Wave is usually a more helpful and permanent method for shutting down setup sweepers.

Set Details
========

Eviolite boosts Purrloin's mediocre bulk, allowing it to survive a +2 Vacuum Wave from Croagunk, while Berry Juice gives it a form of recovery and increases its longevity. Prankster is by far Purrloin's most useful ability, giving all of its status moves +1 priority. A Careful nature and 140 Defense EVs let Purrloin hit even numbers. This is important, since Eviolite rounds down when applying the boost; combined with 188 HP EVs, this gives it its maximum bulk at 23 / 12 / 12. 68 Speed EVs net Purrloin an extra Speed point, allowing it to Speed tie with Pokemon like Kabuto and Chinchou. The extra EVs are invested into Attack to slightly increase the power of Knock Off and U-turn. An alternative spread of 108 HP / 36 Atk / 60 Def / 60 SpD / 228 Spe allows Purrloin to hit its maximum Speed at 17, outspeeding Vullaby and Pawniard while Speed tying with Pokemon like Snivy, fast Mienfoo, and Berry Juice Chinchou. However, this makes Purrloin even frailer and more susceptible to Fighting-type priority, so it isn't the preferable EV spread.

Usage Tips
========

Using Encore on a foe to lock it into a status move or weak attack and then following up with U-turn can keep momentum on your side. Thunder Wave can be used freely once Ground- and Dark-types are eliminated, and it can help if your team is on the slow side. Remember that Dark-types are unaffected by Prankster, so resort to U-turn or Knock Off instead of using a utility move on Pokemon like Vullaby, Scraggy, and Pawniard. Thanks to Prankster, Purrloin can switch into moves like Shell Smash and Stealth Rock and use Encore without trouble. Finally, watch out for Pokemon like Croagunk and Timburr, which have access to Fighting-type priority. Timburr especially can use paralysis from Purrloin's Thunder Wave to gain a Guts boost or attack with a strong Mach Punch thanks to Iron Fist.

Team Options
========

Purrloin is a great partner for setup sweepers like Omanyte, Shellder, Scraggy, and Vullaby, greatly aiding their ability to set up by locking foes into status or boosting moves with Encore or removing items with Knock Off. Teams that lack priority or ways to deal with setup sweepers also appreciate Purrloin. Fighting-types like Mienfoo, Timburr, and Croagunk can threaten Dark-types, which prevent Purrloin from using its utility moves. Fairy-types like Spritzee and Snubbull can also help check Dark- and Fighting-types that Purrloin struggles with. Poison-type teammates like Foongus, Alolan Grimer, and Croagunk cover all of Purrloin's weaknesses, taking care of Fighting-, Bug-, and Fairy-types. Slow Volt Switch and U-turn users like Chinchou and Larvesta allow Purrloin to get in easier, disrupt the opposing team, and form a VoltTurn core.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Copycat receives priority thanks to Prankster, but Purrloin struggles to find room for it and is outclassed by Riolu as a Prankster Copycat user. Play Rough hits Fighting-types super effectively, and Gunk Shot hits Fairy-types, but due to Purrloin's low offensive presence they will rarely do enough to matter. Sucker Punch can be used to have a priority attack to hit Pokemon like Gastly but is also generally weak. Trick can be used with an item like Choice Specs or Choice Band to disrupt the opponent by forcing them to be locked into whatever move they use, but then Purrloin misses out on bulk or recovery without Eviolite or Berry Juice right off the bat. Sunny Day and Rain Dance get priority from Prankster, but teams based around these types of weather are gimmicky at best.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Dark-types**: Pawniard, Vullaby, and Scraggy can all safely switch in on a status move and resisted Knock Off. Most only take neutral damage from U-turn as well. Scraggy in particular can hit back hard with a STAB Fighting-type move.

**Fighting-types**: Pokemon like Scraggy, Mienfoo, and Croagunk can hit Purrloin super effectively with their STAB moves. They resist both U-turn and Knock Off as well. They have to watch out for Thunder Wave, however. Timburr is especially threatening thanks to Mach Punch, Drain Punch, and Guts, allowing it to deal heavy damage to Purrloin and benefit from paralysis.

**Fairy-types**: Spritzee and Snubbull can easily take all of Purrloin's attacks and heal off paralysis with Aromatherapy or Heal Bell. They can hit hard with their STAB attacks in return. They both fear losing their item from Knock Off, however.
 
Last edited:

Hilomilo

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Overview
* You shouldn't mention anything regarding Purrloin's ability to hit 17 Speed here, considering it isn't investing too heavily in Speed. As such I'd just remove the entire line.
* Specify that even when invested Purrloin's bulk is still fairly mediocre.
* Reword the line about being unable to hit Dark-types, since you shouldn't be referencing specific generations. Just say that it isn't able to hit the tier's common Dark-type setup sweepers with status attacks, and give some examples.
* Talking about its really poor defensive typing alongside its bulk is important to mention here, since Fighting-types are so prevalent. Do this and also say that Purrloin is weak to common priority attacks in Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave.
* Also add that Cottonee has a better defensive typing.
* Say here that as a Dark-type utility pivot, it faces competition from Alolan Meowth, which has the utility of Z-Parting Shot and more versatility.

Set
name: Utility
move 1: Encore / Taunt
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Thunder Wave / Taunt
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 188 HP / 180 Def / 60 SpD / 68 Spe

Encore is pretty mandatory on Purrloin, since most of the setup sweepers that it would prevent from boosting with Taunt can still apply heavy pressure, keeping Taunt slashed with Thunder Wave is fine though.

Moves
* Add in your Encore line that it's useful for locking setup sweepers onto boosting moves, and give some examples of setup sweepers.
* Add in your Taunt line that it prevents foes from setting entry hazards and setting up at all, which differentiates it from Encore. Also move the Taunt line to the bottom of this section to reflect the current set.
* Say something here about Thunder Wave's shaky accuracy.

Set Details
* Don't say that its utility moves 'go first' - refer to them as status moves instead and also say that they are provided with a +1 boost in priority, since they won't always go first.
* Specify that Purrloin ties with Berry Juice Chinchou.
* Say in your line about an alternative spread that it leaves Purrloin even more susceptible to priority and powerful attacks due to the worse bulk, and is thus not preferred.

Usage Tips
* Removing 'Taunting' from your first line, since foes aren't locked into single moves by Taunt. Also change 'useless moves' to 'status attacks or weak resisted hits' since it's more thorough that way.
* 'Thanks to Prankster, Purrloin can switch into moves like Shell Smash and Nasty Plot and Encore without trouble' - this is some funky wording. Do you mean it can switch into Encore or use Encore? Clean it up a bit in just saying that it can switch into setup moves or status attacks, and also say that upon using Encore, it can use either Knock Off or U-turn to punish likely switches.
* I'd also say in your last line that Timburr can switch into Thunder Wave to receive an Attack boost by virtue of its Guts ability.

Team Options
* How exactly can Purrloin help sweepers to set up? Explain (provides setup opportunities with Encore and pivot and Knock Off support).
* Also say in your last line that Purrloin can form a VoltTurn core with other pivots as teammates.

Other Options
* I wouldn't argue that Copycat shouldn't be used due to Purrloin's lack of attacks to abuse it with. Instead say that this is better done by Riolu anyway and that Purrloin has trouble finding room for the move.

Checks and Counters
* Give Timburr a specific mention in Fighting-types in saying that it can use Drain Punch to recover any damage taken, as well as receive an Attack boost in being hit with Thunder Wave thanks to Guts. You should also replace Timburr with Scraggy as your example in the first sentence since it'd be weird to mention it then give it another mention later on.
* Say in your Fairy-type line that both Spritzee and Snubbull fear Knock Off.

This is a lot, so make sure to implement all of it and give yourself 1/3 afterward.
 

Xayah

San Bwanna
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[OVERVIEW]
  • Mention what Purrloin does have over its competition: U-turn over Cotton, Prankster over ACat
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Encore
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Thunder Wave / Taunt
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 188 HP / 36 Atk / 140 Def / 60 SpD / 68 Spe
  • No idea why you had 180 Defense investment, but 140 is enough for 12 Def, so I'd rather run 36 Atk to get a slightly stronger U-turn/Knock Off than 40 completely useless EVs. This is why we check EV spreads Hilomilo :D

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Mention in your Taunt line that Thunder Wave is often a better and more permanent way of crippling sweepers.
Set Details
========
  • Any notable hits Eviolite lets Purrloin live (I'm thinking like Mach/VWave maybe?)? If yes mention those, then say that Berry Juice increases Purrloin's longevity somewhat.
Team Options
========
  • Mentions Fighting-types, as they threaten the Dark-types that prevent Purrloin from doing... well anything
  • Fairy-types for the same reason and for Fighting-types too
QC 2/3, write me up Scotty
 
Moves:
- Encore is not useful against Zigzagoon, extreme speed is +2 priority. Can't think of any other set-up sweepers that'd be good examples, might be best to combine this sentence with the previous one. Maybe bulk up rufflet
- taunt's main purpose would be to stop hazards, mention that first. sweepers that aren't zigzagoon arent setting up on the mon with priority encore anyway, i'd remove that point

Set Details:
- specify bulky chinchou when you mention it the first time because some variants use 17 speed
- bj chou isn't the best example of a 17 speed mon because slow bj chou is fine too. i'd probably use onix

Usage Tips:
- Wouldn't say thunder wave can be used liberally when every ground and dark-type is immune to it and some switchins like spritzee don't particularly care.
- Remove belly drum mention because purrlion is destroyed by the relevant user of it. SR fits well as a replacement

Team Options:
- gunk and timburr having priority isn't relevant for purrloin.
- teams that lack priority or other ways of dealing with sweepers appreciate purrloin

qc 3/3!!!
 
Gummysaur
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Purrloin finds a niche in the LC metagame by having a because of its great support movepool with moves like Thunder Wave, Encore, Knock Off, Taunt, and U-turn. Combining this In combination with its ability, (RC) Prankster, (you can't have that comma here because prankster isnt purrloin's sole ability) Purrloin can this allows Purrloin to act as a disruptive pivot with good utility. However, Purrloin is heavily restricted by its mediocre bulk, even when invested, giving it few opportunities to utilize this its movepool. It also has low offensive presence, restricting it into to a support set. Prankster's inability to hit Dark-types also seriously harms Purrloin, as it reduces its Purrloin's niche significantly, making it unable to paralyze or use Encore on common set-up (set-up = adjective) Dark-type setup sweepers like Scraggy and Vullaby. A poor defensive typing makes it susceptible to extremely common Fighting-type priority like Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave. With all these negative traits combined, (fluff / doesn't really add anything to the sentence, it's already implied) Purrloin faces heavy competition from Cottonee, another Prankster user with access to Memento, better bulk, and a better defensive typing, as well as from Alolan Meowth, a Dark-type pivot with better Speed and access to Parting Shot. However, Purrloin's ability to use both U-turn and Prankster give it a small niche over these two Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Encore
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Thunder Wave / Taunt
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 188 HP / 36 Atk / 140 Def / 60 SpD / 68 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Encore can create an opportunity for a switch teammate to switch in (or did you mean for the foe to switch out? specify) by forcing an opponent a foe to use a move like Stealth Rock or Rapid Spin repeatedly. It's also helpful for locking set-up setup sweepers like Shellder into boosting moves. U-turn creates momentum and takes advantage of the free switches Purrloin sets up. Knock Off can soften up foes for the rest of Purrloin's team by removing items, allowing for a teammate to sweep, as well as being its main STAB attack. Thunder Wave can cripple faster threats like Ponyta and Mienfoo, but its accuracy isn't 100% reliable. Another option for the fourth slot is Taunt, which can stop Stealth Rock from being set up, but Thunder Wave is usually a more helpful and permanent method to for (or change shutting to shut) shutting down set-up setup sweepers.

Set Details
========

An Eviolite boosts Purrloin's mediocre bulk, allowing it to survive a +2 Vacuum Wave from Croagunk, while Berry Juice gives it a form of recovery and increases its longevity. Prankster is by far Purrloin's most useful ability, allowing all its status moves to get giving all of its status moves +1 priority. A Careful nature and 140 Defense EVs let Purrloin hit even Eviolite numbers (explain what this means); combined with 188 HP EVs, this gives it its maximum bulk at 23/12/12 23 / 12 / 12. 68 Speed nets Purrloin an extra Speed point, allowing it to Speed tie with Pokemon like Kabuto and Chinchou. The extra EVs are invested into Attack to slightly increase the power of Knock Off and U-turn. An alternative spread of 108 HP / 36 Atk / 60 Def / 60 SpD / 228 Spe allows Purrloin to hit its max maximum Speed at 17, outspeeding Vullaby and Pawniard while tying with Pokemon like Snivy, fast Mienfoo, and Berry Juice Chinchou. However, this makes Purrloin even frailer and more susceptible to Fighting-type priority, so it isn't the preferable spread.

Usage Tips
========

Encoring Using Encore on a foe to lock it into a status move or weak attack and then following up with U-turn can keep momentum on your side. Thunder Wave can be used freely once Ground- and Dark-types are eliminated, and it can help if your team is on the slow side. Make sure to remember Remember that Dark-types are unaffected by Prankster, so resort to U-turn or Knock Off instead of using a utility move on Pokemon like Vullaby, Scraggy, and Pawniard. Thanks to Prankster, Purrloin can switch into moves like Shell Smash and Stealth Rock and use Encore without trouble. Finally, watch out for Pokemon like Croagunk and Timburr, which have access to Fighting-type priority. Timburr, (RC) especially, (RC) can use paralysis from Purrloin's Thunder Wave to gain a Guts boost, (RC) or attack with a strong Mach Punch thanks to Iron Fist.

Team Options
========

Purrloin is a great partner for set-up setup sweepers, greatly aiding their ability to set up by locking foes into status or boosting moves with Encore, (RC) or removing items with Knock Off. Pokemon like this Setup sweepers that appreciate this include Omanyte, Shellder, Scraggy, and Vullaby. Fighting-types like Mienfoo, Timburr, and Croagunk can threaten Dark-types, which that (all dark-types prevent it from using its utility moves) prevent Purrloin from using its utility moves. Fairy-types like Spritzee and Snubbull can also help check Dark-types, also they and in return, Purrloin can stop setup sweepers, which is useful because these Pokemon don't get STAB priority and have no way of dealing with setup sweepers. Teams that lack priority or ways to deal with set-up sweepers appreciate Purrloin. Poison-type teammates like Foongus, Alolan Grimer, and Croagunk, (RC) cover all of Purrloin's weaknesses, taking care of Fighting-, Bug-, and Fairy-types. Slow Volt Switch and U-turn users like Chinchou and Larvesta, respectively, allow Purrloin to get in easier, harass the opposing team, and form a VoltTurn core.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Copycat receives priority thanks to Prankster, but Purrloin struggles to find room for it and is outclassed by Riolu as a Prankster Copycat user. Play Rough can hit Fighting-types supereffectively super effectively, but due to Purrloin's low offensive presence it will rarely do enough to matter. Gunk Shot is in a similar situation but it hits Fairy-types instead. Sucker Punch can be used to have a priority attack to hit Pokemon like Gastly, but is again generally weak. Trick can be used with an item like Choice Specs or Choice Band to disrupt the opponent ("disrupt the opponent" is vague and doesn't really explain what these items do, elaborate), but then Purrloin misses out on bulk or recovery without Eviolite or Berry Juice right off the bat. Sunny Day and Rain Dance get priority from Prankster, but teams based around these types of weather are gimmicky at best.

Checks and Counters
===================
(add break)
**Dark-types**: Pawniard, Vullaby, and Scraggy can all safely switch in on a Prankster-affected status move or resisted Knock Off. Most only take neutral damage from U-turn as well. Scraggy, (RC) in particular, (RC) can hit back hard with a STAB Fighting-type moves move.

**Fighting-types**: Pokemon like Scraggy, Mienfoo, and Croagunk can damage hit Purrloin super effectively (any non ghost-type attack will damage purrloin, I think this is better) with their STAB moves. They resist both of U-turn and Knock Off Purrloin's main methods of attacking as well. They have to watch out for Thunder Wave, however. Timburr is especially threatening thanks to Mach Punch, Drain Punch, and Guts, allowing it to deal heavy damage to Purrloin and benefit from paralysis.

**Fairy-types**: Spritzee and Snubbull can easily take all of Purrloin's attacks and heal off paralysis with Aromatherapy or Heal Bell. They can hit hard with their STAB attacks in turn return. They both fear Knock Off, however.

GP 1/2
 

Gummy

...three, smiles go for miles!
Implemented and ready for the final GP. I didn't exactly follow the Team Options corrections, since some of the fixes there didn't quite make sense (Snubbull is pretty good at handling setup sweepers with Intimidate + Twave), so I just changed the order around w/ the help of the lc discord to make it flow better!
 
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Fireflame

Silksong when
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Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Purrloin finds a niche in the LC metagame because of its great support movepool with moves like Thunder Wave, Encore, Knock Off, Taunt, and U-turn. In combination with its ability,(AC) Prankster, this allows Purrloin to act as a disruptive pivot with good utility. However, Purrloin is heavily restricted by its mediocre bulk, even when invested, giving it few opportunities to utilize its movepool. It also has low offensive presence, restricting it to a support set. Prankster's inability to hit Dark-types also reduces Purrloin's niche significantly, making it unable to paralyze or use Encore on common Dark-type setup sweepers like Scraggy and Vullaby. A poor defensive typing makes it Purrloin susceptible to extremely common Fighting-type priority like Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave. Purrloin faces heavy competition from Cottonee, another Prankster user with access to Memento, better bulk, and a better defensive typing, as well as from Alolan Meowth, a Dark-type pivot with better Speed and access to Parting Shot. However, Purrloin's ability to use both U-turn and Prankster gives (its ability to = singular) it a small niche over these two Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Encore
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Thunder Wave / Taunt
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Prankster
nature: Careful
evs: 188 HP / 36 Atk / 140 Def / 60 SpD / 68 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Encore can create an opportunity for a teammate to switch in by forcing a foe to use a move like Stealth Rock or Rapid Spin repeatedly. It's also helpful for locking setup sweepers like Shellder into boosting moves. U-turn creates momentum and takes advantage of the free switches Purrloin sets up. Knock Off can soften up foes for the rest of Purrloin's team by removing items, allowing for a teammate to sweep, as well as being its main STAB attack. Thunder Wave can cripple faster threats like Ponyta and Mienfoo, but its accuracy means that it isn't 100% reliable. Another option for the fourth slot is Taunt, which can stop Stealth Rock from being set up, but Thunder Wave is usually a more helpful and permanent method for shutting down setup sweepers.

Set Details
========

Eviolite boosts Purrloin's mediocre bulk, allowing it to survive a +2 Vacuum Wave from Croagunk, while Berry Juice gives it a form of recovery and increases its longevity. Prankster is by far Purrloin's most useful ability, giving all of its status moves +1 priority. A Careful nature and 140 Defense EVs let Purrloin hit even numbers. This is important,(AC) since Eviolite rounds down when applying the boost,(RC) so hitting an even number like 12/14/16 provides a more significant boost than an odd number like 11/13/15 (no need to explain this in this much detail); combined with 188 HP EVs, this gives it its maximum bulk at 23 / 12 / 12. 68 Speed nets EVs net Purrloin an extra Speed point, allowing it to Speed tie with Pokemon like Kabuto and Chinchou. The extra EVs are invested into Attack to slightly increase the power of Knock Off and U-turn. An alternative spread of 108 HP / 36 Atk / 60 Def / 60 SpD / 228 Spe allows Purrloin to hit its maximum Speed at 17, outspeeding Vullaby and Pawniard while Speed tying with Pokemon like Snivy, fast Mienfoo, and Berry Juice Chinchou. However, this makes Purrloin even frailer and more susceptible to Fighting-type priority, so it isn't the preferable EV spread.

Usage Tips
========

Using Encore on a foe to lock it into a status move or weak attack and then following up with U-turn can keep momentum on your side. Thunder Wave can be used freely once Ground- and Dark-types are eliminated, and it can help if your team is on the slow side. Remember that Dark-types are unaffected by Prankster, so resort to U-turn or Knock Off instead of using a utility move on Pokemon like Vullaby, Scraggy, and Pawniard. Thanks to Prankster, Purrloin can switch into moves like Shell Smash and Stealth Rock and use Encore without trouble. Finally, watch out for Pokemon like Croagunk and Timburr, which have access to Fighting-type priority. Timburr especially can use paralysis from Purrloin's Thunder Wave to gain a Guts boost or attack with a strong Mach Punch thanks to Iron Fist.

Team Options
========

Purrloin is a great partner for set-up setup sweepers like Omanyte,(AC) Shellder,(AC) Scraggy,(AC) and Vullaby, greatly aiding their ability to set up by locking foes into status or boosting moves with Encore,(RC) or removing items with Knock Off. Setup sweepers that appreciate this include Omanyte, Shellder, Scraggy, and Vullaby. Teams that lack priority or ways to deal with set-up setup sweepers also appreciate Purrloin. Fighting-types like Mienfoo, Timburr, and Croagunk can threaten Dark-types, which prevent Purrloin from using its utility moves. Fairy-types like Spritzee and Snubbull can also help check Dark- and Fighting-types that Purrloin struggles with. Poison-type teammates like Foongus, Alolan Grimer, and Croagunk cover all of Purrloin's weaknesses, taking care of Fighting-, Bug-, and Fairy-types. Slow Volt Switch and U-turn users like Chinchou and Larvesta,(RC) respectively,(RC) (not necessary) allow Purrloin to get in easier, harass disrupt the opposing team, and form a VoltTurn core.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Copycat receives priority thanks to Prankster, but Purrloin struggles to find room for it and is outclassed by Riolu as a Prankster Copycat user. Play Rough can hits Fighting-types super effectively, and Gunk Shot hits Fairy-types,(AC) but due to Purrloin's low offensive presence it they will rarely do enough to matter. Gunk Shot is in a similar situation but hits Fairy-types instead. Sucker Punch can be used to have a priority attack to hit Pokemon like Gastly,(RC) (independent clause) but is again also generally weak. Trick can be used with an item like Choice Specs or Choice Band to disrupt the opponent by forcing them to be locked into whatever move they use, but then Purrloin misses out on bulk or recovery without Eviolite or Berry Juice right off the bat. Sunny Day and Rain Dance get priority from Prankster, but teams based around these types of weather are gimmicky at best.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Dark-types**: Pawniard, Vullaby, and Scraggy can all safely switch in on a status move or and resisted Knock Off. Most only take neutral damage from U-turn as well. Scraggy in particular can hit back hard with a STAB Fighting-type move.

**Fighting-types**: Pokemon like Scraggy, Mienfoo, and Croagunk can hit Purrloin super effectively with their STAB moves. They resist both U-turn and Knock Off as well. They have to watch out for Thunder Wave, however. Timburr is especially threatening thanks to Mach Punch, Drain Punch, and Guts, allowing it to deal heavy damage to Purrloin and benefit from paralysis.

**Fairy-types**: Spritzee and Snubbull can easily take all of Purrloin's attacks and heal off paralysis with Aromatherapy or Heal Bell. They can hit hard with their STAB attacks in return. They both fear losing their item from Knock Off (They resist Knock Off, so they don't "fear" the attack and its damage, but just the side effect of losing their items), however.
GP 2/2
 

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