Surgeon
venice bitch
Suicune
QC: [3/3]
GP: [2/2]
[OVERVIEW]
Suicune is a great setup sweeper thanks to its solid defensive typing and natural bulk, which also allows it to check prominent threats such as Scizor and Mega Aerodactyl. Furthermore, with access to both Rest and Calm Mind, Suicune can also function as a fairly sustainable bulky sweeper. Because of its ability, Pressure, and its potential to set up fairly easily, Suicune is able to threaten defensive teams a lot. Pressure also allows it to break through certain Pokemon that would normally check it, such as Volcanion. Suicune also has a very decent base Speed stat for a bulky Pokemon, allowing it to hit or set up against Pokemon like Mamoswine and Togekiss. However, since it doesn't have access to reliable recovery, Suicune is forced to rely on Leftovers or Rest in order to stay healthy. It's also held back by its weakness to Electric and Grass, which are common typings, making it easily exploitable by Pokemon like Mega Manectric and Mega Sceptile.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Protect
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Protect
move 3: Scald
move 4: Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 40 SpD / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Suicune's Special Attack and Special Defense, turning it into a threatening sweeper. Protect is primarily used to PP stall opposing Pokemon, although it also helps to keep Suicune healthy in conjunction with Leftovers. Additionally, it's also useful to scout for moves and Choice-locked Pokemon. Scald has a decent chance to burn foes. Substitute provides Suicune with a lot more opportunities to set up and PP stall slower and more defensive Pokemon, but it can also avoid status moves like Toxic from Pokemon such as Blissey and Alomomola. Additionally, the combination of Substitute and Calm Mind makes it a lot harder for special attackers to break its Substitute while also protecting Suicune from potential critical hits.
Set Details
========
216 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature allow Suicune to outspeed base 80s, like Togekiss and Mamoswine. Maximum HP investment gives Suicune 101 HP Substitutes, which prevents Seismic Toss from breaking them in one hit. With the given Special Defense, Amoonguss's Giga Drain and Rotom-W's Volt Switch can't break a Substitute when Suicune is at +1. Leftovers is the item of choice to provide Suicune a form of passive recovery. Pressure is used to PP stall and wear down bulky Pokemon like Blissey.
Usage Tips
========
This set is very effective against bulky teams. However, it should be played carefully. Suicune shouldn't be used to sponge hits throughout the match, as its effectiveness depends on how high its HP is. Against offensive teams, Suicune finds setup opportunities against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Hydreigon and non-Psyshock Latias, and it's able to PP stall them with ease. Avoid switching Suicune in on a potential Knock Off, Trick, or Switcheroo, because Leftovers is Suicune's main source of recovery, and it will get worn down very quickly once it loses it. It will also limit Suicune's ability to set up a Substitute and PP stall. Set up a Substitute against passive Pokemon such as Alomomola that rely on Toxic or other status moves to damage Suicune. Furthermore, once Suicune is behind a Substitute, it's safe to set up a Calm Mind against Pokemon like Blissey and non-Seed Bomb Amoonguss. However, avoid using Calm Mind against faster Pokemon like Mega Sceptile and Celebi, since they can easily force it out.
Team Options
========
Suicune can fit on bulky offense and balance teams that appreciate Suicune's ability to break through bulkier teams. Wish support from Pokemon like Sylveon and Alomomola helps Suicune by increasing its longevity, as it lacks reliable recovery. Cleric support from Pokemon like Togekiss and Blissey is also very useful, since Suicune is heavily crippled by status. Furthermore, Suicune hates switching in on hazards, as it gets easily worn down, so entry hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Latias, and Scizor are great partners for it. Toxic Spikes can wear down opposing Pokemon, which works well with Suicune's ability to PP stall. Thus, Toxic Spikes setters such as Tentacruel and Nihilego pair well with Suicune. Since some of Suicune's checks are grounded, Sticky Web pairs well with it, so Pokemon like Smeargle are good teammates. Ground-types such as Mega Steelix and Krookodile can easily check Electric-types such as Mega Manectric that normally force Suicune out. Steel-types such as Mega Aggron and Scizor have good synergy with Suicune, as they can sponge Grass-type attacks and check Pokemon like Latias, while Suicune checks the Fire-types that can threaten them. Pursuit traps problematic Pokemon like Latias and Celebi and is one of the ways to support this set, making it easier for Suicune to sweep. Thus, Pokemon like Alolan Muk make good teammates. Grounded Poison-types such as the aforementioned Tentacruel are able to absorb Toxic Spikes, which are extremely detrimental to Suicune's sweeping potential.
[SET]
name: CroCune
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Scald
item: Leftovers / Waterium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind turns Suicune into a threatening bulky sweeper, boosting both its Special Attack and Special Defense. Rest is Suicune's main form of recovery, healing it instantly in one turn. Rest is also able to cure Suicune of any inflicted status condition. Sleep Talk prevents Suicune from becoming overly passive when using Rest, providing it the chance to use any of its other moves while asleep. Scald is Suicune's only attacking move, being able to spread burns and weaken opposing Pokemon.
Set Details
========
The given Speed investment allows Suicune to outspeed Adamant Scizor and hit it before it can U-turn out. The rest of the EVs are placed in HP and Defense to maximize Suicune's defensive capabilities. Leftovers provides Suicune with a form of passive recovery, further increasing its longevity and ability to switch into opposing threats. Waterium Z can be used instead of Leftovers, providing Suicune with a strong attack that is able to OHKO Pokemon like Quagsire after some prior damage. Additionally, it prevents Suicune from being crippled by Trick or Switcheroo or having its item removed by Knock Off. With Pressure, Suicune is able to outstall Pokemon like Blissey and Alomomola with ease.
Usage Tips
========
This set can be used as a pivot throughout the battle due to its great defensive capabilities and access to recovery. Only start setting up with Suicune late-game once Pokemon that can check it, like Celebi and Mega Sceptile, are either weakened or removed. Furthermore, if it's carrying Leftovers, avoid switching Suicune in on a potential Knock Off, Trick, or Switcheroo, since it'll have a much harder time switching in if its Leftovers is removed. Use Rest carefully, since it gives up a lot of momentum, and the opponent can take advantage of that. Scald can be used early-game to wear down and weaken foes.
Team Options
========
Suicune fits best on bulky teams that appreciate Suicune's ability to switch into a number of threats. Since it forces a lot of switches, pairing Suicune with hazard setters is ideal. Therefore, Pokemon like Mega Steelix, Tentacruel, and Klefki make good partners. Pursuit trappers like Alolan Muk are also valuable partners, since they can trap Pokemon like Latias and Celebi. Furthermore, cleric support from Pokemon like Togekiss is appreciated, since it can heal Suicune from sleep. Steel-types like Mega Aggron and the aforementioned Klefki have good synergy with Suicune, as they can check Grass-types like Mega Sceptile and Celebi and Pokemon like Latias and Refresh Mega Altaria that normally force it out, while Suicune is able to check Fire-types like Infernape and Entei. Pokemon that can sponge Electric-type attacks such as Mega Sceptile and Hydreigon make good partners for Suicune, as Electric-types can force it out. Hazards can limit Suicune's ability to pivot around, so entry hazard removers like the aforementioned Tentacruel and Latias make for good teammates.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Roar that capitalizes on using Suicune as a dedicated phazer is an option, but it would be wasting Suicune's sweeping capabilities. Additionally, Roar is also an option on bulky Calm Mind variants of Suicune, allowing it to beat opposing setup sweepers like Latias more easily, although Suicune becomes overly passive and easily pressured by many other threats if it forgoes Sleep Talk. Suicune can run an offensive Calm Mind set with Hydro Pump / Ice Beam / Hidden Power Electric or Tailwind, and Waterium Z or Leftovers. This set is capable of bluffing one of the bulkier ones, especially if it's carrying Leftovers. Toxic is an option, which cripples Pokemon that are immune to Scald, such as Seismitoad, Mantine, and Jellicent. However, Suicune usually doesn't have room for Toxic on any of its sets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Pokemon like offensive Rotom-W and Mega Manectric can force Suicune out with their STAB moves. However, Mega Manectric dislikes switching on a direct hit.
**Grass-types**: Pokemon like Seed Bomb Amoonguss, Mega Sceptile, and Celebi don't fear much from Suicune and can threaten it with their STAB moves. However, a Scald burn can cripple Amoonguss a lot, since it can no longer break a Substitute with Seed Bomb.
**Phazers and Haze Users**: Pokemon with access to Roar, Haze, and Clear Smog such as Empoleon, Tentacruel, Mantine, and Amoonguss are able to prevent Suicune from setting up. However, if Suicune manages to set up a Substitute, Amoonguss is unable to effectively stop it, as it's forced to play mind games between Substitute and Calm Mind.
**Water-immune Pokemon**: Since Scald is Suicune's only attacking move, Pokemon that are immune to Water-type moves, such as Mantine and Jellicent, can wall Suicune with ease and take advantage of it. However, they must be wary of Toxic. Additionally, it's worth noting that certain Water-immune Pokemon, such as Seismitoad and Volcanion, are prone to being PP stalled.
**Opposing Calm Mind Users**: Opposing Calm Mind users such as Latias can set up alongside Suicune and beat it one-on-one. If Suicune has Roar, it can phaze and prevent them from setting up, however.
**Residual Damage**: With no proper form of recovery, any form of residual damage, such as poison and hazards, is able to wear down Suicune very quickly and can cripple its ability to either set up or pivot into opposing threats.
**Knock Off**: Knock Off users such as Krookodile and Alolan Muk can remove Suicune's Leftovers, which limits its ability to set up.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Strong wallbreakers such as Mamoswine and Choice Band Terrakion can overwhelm Suicune with offensive pressure, as it lacks reliable recovery.
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