Togekiss
QC:[3/3] - BOUFF / Amaroq / Pak
GP:[2/2] -The Dutch Plumberjack / marthaa
[OVERVIEW]
Togekiss finds itself a comfortable place among UU's top threats, as it has solidified its role as one of the premier stallbreakers in the tier. Togekiss's Fairy / Flying typing comes with useful tools such as an immunity to Ground, a resistance to Pursuit, and the ability to stop many common threats such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and most variants of Gliscor. Despite being primarily known for its ability to easily power through many defensive cores, Togekiss can bring a wide array of supportive options such as Heal Bell, Defog, and Thunder Wave to a team. Togekiss's ability Serene Grace boosts its Air Slash flinch rate to a whopping 60 percent, meaning just about any Pokemon slower than it is at risk of being broken through, leaving very little true defensive counterplay to Togekiss. In addition to Air Slash, Togekiss possesses powerful coverage moves such as Fire Blast, Dazzling Gleam, and Aura Sphere. Backed by its high base 125 Special Attack, it can bypass many of its conventional checks with the appropriate move. While Togekiss may seem extremely powerful, it has many weaknesses to common Pokemon that hold it back greatly; it is vulnerable to many top threats in the tier such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Beedrill, Mega Manectric, Scizor, Nidoking, and Cobalion. In addition, Togekiss only boasts a middling base 80 Speed, meaning many of UU's best sweepers and cleaners can easily outpace it. Togekiss also finds it difficult to make itself a quickly threatening offensive presence due to its lack of immediate power or high-powered STAB moves. Combined with a troublesome weakness to common sights such as Stealth Rock, Volt Switch, and Scizor's Bullet Punch, Togekiss is far from impossible to take down.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Heal Bell / Thunder Wave
move 3: Air Slash
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot is Togekiss's main tool for breaking down bulky Pokemon and teams, as instantly doubling its Special Attack gives it considerable offensive presence. Heal Bell is an effective tool as well, as it prevents Pokemon such as Blissey and Alomomola from wearing Togekiss down with status conditions. Air Slash is Togekiss's go-to STAB move, as Serene Grace boosts the flinch rate to 60 percent. Roost is a necessity for any Togekiss seeking to break stall teams in order to recover any HP that is lost while boosting with Nasty Plot. Roost also allows Togekiss to check threats such as Krookodile and Hydreigon multiple times throughout the duration of a game. Thunder Wave is a secondary option that Togekiss can employ to bother many of its would-be checks such as Nihilego and Mega Aerodactyl. With the chance of full paralysis and the Serene Grace-boosted flinch chance of Air Slash, Togekiss often has a fair chance to beat these threats in a pinch. Lastly, Togekiss can opt to run Fire Blast as additional coverage to power through Steel-type checks like Metagross and Scizor.
Set Details
========
Serene Grace is Togekiss's preferred ability, as it doubles the chance of moves' secondary effects occuring, giving its Air Slash a 60 percent flinch chance. Maximum investment in both HP and Speed gives Togekiss an acceptable amount of bulk while letting it outpace any Pokemon under base 80 Speed. Leftovers allows Togekiss to gain small portions of its health back when not using Roost. If necessary, Togekiss can use a more defensive spread of 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe with a Bold nature or 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe with a Calm nature to better counter threats like Krookodile while still outspeeding Modest Primarina and a paralyzed Mega Aerodactyl.
Usage Tips
========
While Togekiss sports a great typing and above average bulk, it should often avoid switching directly into heavy hitters like Flame Orb Heracross and Calm Mind Latias, as Togekiss gets most of its setup opportunities from passive Pokemon like Blissey, Alomomola, and Mandibuzz. In addition to breaking defensive cores, Togekiss's Heal Bell is often extremely useful support for many teams. Togekiss should also aim to have checks like Nihilego and Raikou worn down or removed before it comes in to sweep. The option of Thunder Wave is often more threatening to offensive builds, as Togekiss can threaten to muscle past offensive checks like Cobalion and Mega Aerodactyl with the combination of Thunder Wave paralysis and Air Slash flinches.
Team Options
========
As Nasty Plot variants of Togekiss do not have room to carry Defog, Togekiss will always appreciate a partner that can remove Stealth Rock to assist in its longevity such as Starmie, Tentacruel, and Empoleon. Toxic Spikes users such as Nihilego, Nidoking, and Tentacruel can also assist Togekiss by pressuring Electric-types such as Raikou and Mega Manectric. Bulky Ground- and Dragon-types such as Seismitoad, Swampert, and Latias similarly can prove to be useful partners for Togekiss, as Electric-types such as Rotom-W and Mega Manectric are typically the most consistently threatening Pokemon to Togekiss. Seismitoad and Swampert can also generate free turns against bulky Steel-types to set Stealth Rock or spam Scald. In return, Togekiss can check threatening Dragon-types like Mega Sceptile and Hydreigon for Swampert and Seismitoad. Steel-types such as Bronzong, Scizor, and Empoleon also make good partners for Togekiss, as they can pivot in to take Poison-, Ice-, and Rock-type moves aimed at it. Pokemon that can check various Steel-types, such as Infernape and Chandelure, also are imperative for effective use of Togekiss. Magneton can be especially useful, as it can trap and eliminate the likes of Empoleon and Scizor. Togekiss often works as a catch-all check to various strong Dark-type attackers as well, so teammates like Latias and Chandelure will appreciate Togekiss being able to pivot into these. Finally, other special attackers can often cleave through defensive cores once Togekiss has broken them down, so Togekiss often makes an effective teammate for Pokemon like Nidoking and Latias.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Air Slash
move 2: Heal Bell / Thunder Wave
move 3: Roost
move 4: Defog / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Air Slash is Togekiss's best STAB option, as it provides a decently powerful move that comes with a 60 percent flinch chance. Roost is necessary for Togekiss, as it needs a form of recovery to sustain itself throughout a match. Heal Bell is a useful option to support Togekiss's team, as partners like Cobalion and Swampert appreciate status conditions being healed. Thunder Wave can also be utilized to cripple many offensive threats like Nihilego, Cobalion, and Mega Aerodactyl. Togekiss can also remove hazards via Defog, as its unique typing gives it a good matchup against common Stealth Rock setters like Swampert and Gliscor.
Set Details
========
This set trades Togekiss's stallbreaking ability for a sizeable boost to its defensive prowess. When not focused on sweeping with Nasty Plot, Togekiss can do a much better job of supporting its teammates with Thunder Wave, Defog, and Heal Bell. Serene Grace should always be used on Togekiss, as the 60 percent chance of an Air Slash flinch is nearly always more useful than Hustle or Super Luck. Leftovers is the item of choice for Togekiss, as it allows Togekiss to gain passive recovery when not using Roost. 96 Speed EVs allow Togekiss to outspeed Modest Primarina and paralyzed Mega Aerodactyl. The remaining EVs are dumped into Defense to maximize Togekiss's physical bulk. If you would prefer Togekiss to make more use of its special bulk for threats such as Latias and Celebi, an EV spread of 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe with a Calm nature is useable.
Usage Tips
========
With Togekiss's increased bulk, it can more reliably switch into Hydreigon, Latias, and Krookodile. Be wary of switching Togekiss in repeatedly with Stealth Rock up, though, as it often dampers Togekiss's defensive capability; it is important to have Stealth Rock removed as often as possible. Togekiss also makes good use of Heal Bell, which can allow it to cure teammates when they are inflicted with troublesome status conditions. Togekiss lacking Nasty Plot is also significantly more passive than its boosting counterparts, so threats like Raikou and Mega Aerodactyl switching in freely should be accounted for accordingly.
Team Options
========
Dragon- and Ground-types like Hydreigon, Seismitoad, and Latias all make good teammate options, as they are typically the most reliable checks to Electric-types like Raikou and and Rotom-W, which can take advantage of Togekiss with little effort. Bulky Water- and Ground-type Pokemon capable of taking on Mega Aerodactyl such as Swampert and Mega Steelix are also helpful. Various Steel-types such as Doublade and Scizor can also reliably check offensive Poison-types like Nihilego and Mega Beedrill that threaten Togekiss. Togekiss also requires the support of teammates that are capable of beating troublesome Steel-type Pokemon. Magneton, Infernape, Chandelure, and Cobalion are all capable of performing this task for Togekiss. Many offensive sweepers and wallbreakers like Haxorus, Latias, and Cobalion appreciate Togekiss providing support via Heal Bell to ward off crippling status conditions. Lastly, Stealth Rock-weak teammates like Mega Beedrill and Aerodactyl appreciate Togekiss's ability to reliably remove entry hazards via Defog.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Air Slash
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 4: Trick / Aura Sphere
item: Choice Specs
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Togekiss will always use Air Slash, as a decently powerful STAB move with a 60% flinch chance is much too good to pass up. Choice Specs Togekiss also employs Dazzling Gleam as a secondary STAB attack to more quickly threaten Dragon-type Pokemon such as Latias and Hydreigon as well as punch holes in its more conventional checks like Mega Aerodactyl and Rotom-W. Fire Blast is necessary coverage for Togekiss, as it allows it to punch through Steel-types that resist its STAB moves. Flamethrower can be used to mend Fire Blast's accuracy issues while still being able to KO Scizor, but it does not do as much damage to other Steel-types like Bronzong and Metagross. Without Nasty Plot and Heal Bell, many conventional special walls like Blissey and Empoleon can check Togekiss, so Trick is used in the last moveslot to cripple them. Aura Sphere can be used to heavily damage Empoleon but has little use outside of this.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs Togekiss trades investing into its defensive utility in exchange for taking better advantage of its extremely high base 125 Special Attack stat and a wide array of coverage moves. Thus, maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Togekiss to maximize its offensive presence. A Timid nature with maximum Speed investment also ensures that Togekiss outspeeds as many threats as possible, such as non-Choice Scarf Magneton and Metagross.
Usage Tips
========
Togekiss is far easier to wear down when lacking Roost, so be cautious of switching it into strong attacks, especially with Stealth Rock on your side of the field. Choice Specs variants of Togekiss often can deal a large amount of damage to its conventional checks due to its surprise factor, so aim Dazzling Gleam at checks like Rotom-W and Mega Aerodactyl. Hitting its usual switch-ins requires moderately aggressive play, so some prediction is required. Also take into account that, while it's extremely strong, the lock-in can put Togekiss in a variety of unfavorable situations; be wary of allotting free turns to threats like Scizor, Nihilego, Rotom-W, Calm Mind Latias, and Mega Manectric.
Team Options
========
Pokemon with similar checks to Togekiss's Nasty Plot sets such as Latias and Mega Pidgeot will appreciate Togekiss's ability to lure in and heavily damage their usual defensive answers. Togekiss still has the capability to soft check threats like Hydreigon and Krookodile, which Electric-types like Rotom-W and Mega Manectric all appreciate. Conversely, Dragon- and Ground-types like Latias, Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Seismitoad can check Electric-types that threaten Togekiss. Without Roost, Togekiss is even more susceptible to Stealth Rock damage, so Tentacruel, Empoleon, and other entry hazard removers are good teammates for it. Teammates that can account for Togekiss's vulnerability while locked into moves should also be used; examples include Pokemon like Infernape and Magneton that can threaten various Steel-types. Bulky Water-type teammates like Swampert, Jellicent and Suicune can also tank hits from threats to Togekiss such as Cobalion and Mega Aerodactyl.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Togekiss can utilize several options in its expansive movepool including Aura Sphere, Dazzling Gleam, and Fire Blast. Aura Sphere gives Togekiss a useful move to hit targets like Empoleon and Terrakion as they switch in, while Dazzling Gleam can be used as a strong secondary STAB move to punish threats such as Hydreigon and Krookodile more quickly than Air Slash would. Togekiss can boost most of its coverage moves with Z-Crystals, making it more effective at muscling through some of its softer checks such as Cobalion and Rotom-W. Fightinium Z-boosted Aura Sphere or Firium Z-boosted Fire Blast allows Togekiss to break past checks like Mega Steelix and Aggron as well, while boosting Dazzling Gleam via Fairium Z allows Togekiss to punch through Latias and defensive variants of Rotom-W with ease. Togekiss can also utilize many more niche support options including Encore, Tailwind, and Wish, though it is usually pressed to find room in its moveset for these. Togekiss can potentially run a Choice Scarf set, but it is very often outclassed by more common Choice Scarf users like Infernape and Rotom-W, as they can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Beedrill. Togekiss also has the option of running more offensive variants of its Nasty Plot set, forgoing moves such as Heal Bell and potentially even Roost in favor of additional coverage. In this case, Togekiss should invest its EVs into Special Attack and Speed to maximize its offensive presence. Because of Togekiss's great coverage options and passable bulk, it can also employ a variety of resist Berries to lure in and take out its usual checks. Charti Berry with Thunder Wave can easily cripple Mega Aerodactyl for its teammates, while Babiri Berry with a Fire-type move can let it lure and KO Scizor as well as heavily damage Cobalion. Finally, Yache Berry with Aura Sphere can be used to lure and deal heavy damage to Mamoswine or Kyurem in a pinch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Rotom-W is capable of outspeeding Togekiss with maximum Speed investment and threatening it easily with Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, though defensive sets should be wary of boosted Dazzling Gleams. Raikou has the natural special bulk to take very little damage from all of Togekiss's attacks, is resistant to Flying and immune to paralysis from Thunder Wave, and can threaten Togekiss with super effective Electric-type STAB attacks. Magneton also 4x resists Air Slash and is immune to Thunder Wave, but it must be wary of a potential Fire Blast or Aura Sphere.
**Rock-types**: Rock-type threats are extremely threatening to Togekiss, as Mega Aerodactyl and Nihilego can switch fairly safely into most of its moves, bar Twinkle Tackle and Thunder Wave. Terrakion is a softer check than Nihilego and Mega Aerodactyl due to its neutrality to Flying-type moves and weakness to Fairy-type moves, but it can still easily scare Togekiss away.
**Poison-types**: Nidoking, Mega Beedrill, and Tentacruel can all potentially outspeed Togekiss and threaten to hit it with super effective Poison-type STAB attacks, while Crobat can also shut down Togekiss's attempt to set up or spread paralysis using Taunt. Assault Vest Alolan Muk can OHKO Togekiss with Gunk Shot, since it's very unlikely that it will go down through flinches completely with its extremely high special bulk.
**Steel-types**: Scizor and Metagross can switch into Togekiss that lack Fire-type moves and attack with super effective Bullet Punch before Togekiss has a chance to make them flinch with Air Slash. Specially defensive Empoleon, Mega Aggron, and Mega Steelix take little damage from even boosted Air Slashes and can phaze Togekiss with Roar or KO it with Heavy Slam in Steelix and Aggron's case. Cobalion is not as sturdy a switch-in as other Steel-types but can outspeed Togekiss by a fair margin and threaten it with Iron Head.
**Ice-types**: Ice-types such as Kyurem and Mamoswine threaten to KO Togekiss with powerful super effective STAB moves. Kyurem must be wary of switching into a Thunder Wave, though, as this can give Togekiss a fair chance to beat it in a one-on-one scenario, while Mamoswine typically fears switching directly into most Togekiss sets.
**Status**: While Togekiss can typically freely use Heal Bell against more passive Pokemon like Blissey, threats such as Mega Aerodactyl and Scizor can potentially switch in freely. Sets without Heal Bell must be wary of status, as paralysis or poison leaves Togekiss heavily crippled with no way to cure itself.
QC:[3/3] - BOUFF / Amaroq / Pak
GP:[2/2] -The Dutch Plumberjack / marthaa
[OVERVIEW]
Togekiss finds itself a comfortable place among UU's top threats, as it has solidified its role as one of the premier stallbreakers in the tier. Togekiss's Fairy / Flying typing comes with useful tools such as an immunity to Ground, a resistance to Pursuit, and the ability to stop many common threats such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and most variants of Gliscor. Despite being primarily known for its ability to easily power through many defensive cores, Togekiss can bring a wide array of supportive options such as Heal Bell, Defog, and Thunder Wave to a team. Togekiss's ability Serene Grace boosts its Air Slash flinch rate to a whopping 60 percent, meaning just about any Pokemon slower than it is at risk of being broken through, leaving very little true defensive counterplay to Togekiss. In addition to Air Slash, Togekiss possesses powerful coverage moves such as Fire Blast, Dazzling Gleam, and Aura Sphere. Backed by its high base 125 Special Attack, it can bypass many of its conventional checks with the appropriate move. While Togekiss may seem extremely powerful, it has many weaknesses to common Pokemon that hold it back greatly; it is vulnerable to many top threats in the tier such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Beedrill, Mega Manectric, Scizor, Nidoking, and Cobalion. In addition, Togekiss only boasts a middling base 80 Speed, meaning many of UU's best sweepers and cleaners can easily outpace it. Togekiss also finds it difficult to make itself a quickly threatening offensive presence due to its lack of immediate power or high-powered STAB moves. Combined with a troublesome weakness to common sights such as Stealth Rock, Volt Switch, and Scizor's Bullet Punch, Togekiss is far from impossible to take down.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Heal Bell / Thunder Wave
move 3: Air Slash
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot is Togekiss's main tool for breaking down bulky Pokemon and teams, as instantly doubling its Special Attack gives it considerable offensive presence. Heal Bell is an effective tool as well, as it prevents Pokemon such as Blissey and Alomomola from wearing Togekiss down with status conditions. Air Slash is Togekiss's go-to STAB move, as Serene Grace boosts the flinch rate to 60 percent. Roost is a necessity for any Togekiss seeking to break stall teams in order to recover any HP that is lost while boosting with Nasty Plot. Roost also allows Togekiss to check threats such as Krookodile and Hydreigon multiple times throughout the duration of a game. Thunder Wave is a secondary option that Togekiss can employ to bother many of its would-be checks such as Nihilego and Mega Aerodactyl. With the chance of full paralysis and the Serene Grace-boosted flinch chance of Air Slash, Togekiss often has a fair chance to beat these threats in a pinch. Lastly, Togekiss can opt to run Fire Blast as additional coverage to power through Steel-type checks like Metagross and Scizor.
Set Details
========
Serene Grace is Togekiss's preferred ability, as it doubles the chance of moves' secondary effects occuring, giving its Air Slash a 60 percent flinch chance. Maximum investment in both HP and Speed gives Togekiss an acceptable amount of bulk while letting it outpace any Pokemon under base 80 Speed. Leftovers allows Togekiss to gain small portions of its health back when not using Roost. If necessary, Togekiss can use a more defensive spread of 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe with a Bold nature or 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe with a Calm nature to better counter threats like Krookodile while still outspeeding Modest Primarina and a paralyzed Mega Aerodactyl.
Usage Tips
========
While Togekiss sports a great typing and above average bulk, it should often avoid switching directly into heavy hitters like Flame Orb Heracross and Calm Mind Latias, as Togekiss gets most of its setup opportunities from passive Pokemon like Blissey, Alomomola, and Mandibuzz. In addition to breaking defensive cores, Togekiss's Heal Bell is often extremely useful support for many teams. Togekiss should also aim to have checks like Nihilego and Raikou worn down or removed before it comes in to sweep. The option of Thunder Wave is often more threatening to offensive builds, as Togekiss can threaten to muscle past offensive checks like Cobalion and Mega Aerodactyl with the combination of Thunder Wave paralysis and Air Slash flinches.
Team Options
========
As Nasty Plot variants of Togekiss do not have room to carry Defog, Togekiss will always appreciate a partner that can remove Stealth Rock to assist in its longevity such as Starmie, Tentacruel, and Empoleon. Toxic Spikes users such as Nihilego, Nidoking, and Tentacruel can also assist Togekiss by pressuring Electric-types such as Raikou and Mega Manectric. Bulky Ground- and Dragon-types such as Seismitoad, Swampert, and Latias similarly can prove to be useful partners for Togekiss, as Electric-types such as Rotom-W and Mega Manectric are typically the most consistently threatening Pokemon to Togekiss. Seismitoad and Swampert can also generate free turns against bulky Steel-types to set Stealth Rock or spam Scald. In return, Togekiss can check threatening Dragon-types like Mega Sceptile and Hydreigon for Swampert and Seismitoad. Steel-types such as Bronzong, Scizor, and Empoleon also make good partners for Togekiss, as they can pivot in to take Poison-, Ice-, and Rock-type moves aimed at it. Pokemon that can check various Steel-types, such as Infernape and Chandelure, also are imperative for effective use of Togekiss. Magneton can be especially useful, as it can trap and eliminate the likes of Empoleon and Scizor. Togekiss often works as a catch-all check to various strong Dark-type attackers as well, so teammates like Latias and Chandelure will appreciate Togekiss being able to pivot into these. Finally, other special attackers can often cleave through defensive cores once Togekiss has broken them down, so Togekiss often makes an effective teammate for Pokemon like Nidoking and Latias.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Air Slash
move 2: Heal Bell / Thunder Wave
move 3: Roost
move 4: Defog / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Air Slash is Togekiss's best STAB option, as it provides a decently powerful move that comes with a 60 percent flinch chance. Roost is necessary for Togekiss, as it needs a form of recovery to sustain itself throughout a match. Heal Bell is a useful option to support Togekiss's team, as partners like Cobalion and Swampert appreciate status conditions being healed. Thunder Wave can also be utilized to cripple many offensive threats like Nihilego, Cobalion, and Mega Aerodactyl. Togekiss can also remove hazards via Defog, as its unique typing gives it a good matchup against common Stealth Rock setters like Swampert and Gliscor.
Set Details
========
This set trades Togekiss's stallbreaking ability for a sizeable boost to its defensive prowess. When not focused on sweeping with Nasty Plot, Togekiss can do a much better job of supporting its teammates with Thunder Wave, Defog, and Heal Bell. Serene Grace should always be used on Togekiss, as the 60 percent chance of an Air Slash flinch is nearly always more useful than Hustle or Super Luck. Leftovers is the item of choice for Togekiss, as it allows Togekiss to gain passive recovery when not using Roost. 96 Speed EVs allow Togekiss to outspeed Modest Primarina and paralyzed Mega Aerodactyl. The remaining EVs are dumped into Defense to maximize Togekiss's physical bulk. If you would prefer Togekiss to make more use of its special bulk for threats such as Latias and Celebi, an EV spread of 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe with a Calm nature is useable.
Usage Tips
========
With Togekiss's increased bulk, it can more reliably switch into Hydreigon, Latias, and Krookodile. Be wary of switching Togekiss in repeatedly with Stealth Rock up, though, as it often dampers Togekiss's defensive capability; it is important to have Stealth Rock removed as often as possible. Togekiss also makes good use of Heal Bell, which can allow it to cure teammates when they are inflicted with troublesome status conditions. Togekiss lacking Nasty Plot is also significantly more passive than its boosting counterparts, so threats like Raikou and Mega Aerodactyl switching in freely should be accounted for accordingly.
Team Options
========
Dragon- and Ground-types like Hydreigon, Seismitoad, and Latias all make good teammate options, as they are typically the most reliable checks to Electric-types like Raikou and and Rotom-W, which can take advantage of Togekiss with little effort. Bulky Water- and Ground-type Pokemon capable of taking on Mega Aerodactyl such as Swampert and Mega Steelix are also helpful. Various Steel-types such as Doublade and Scizor can also reliably check offensive Poison-types like Nihilego and Mega Beedrill that threaten Togekiss. Togekiss also requires the support of teammates that are capable of beating troublesome Steel-type Pokemon. Magneton, Infernape, Chandelure, and Cobalion are all capable of performing this task for Togekiss. Many offensive sweepers and wallbreakers like Haxorus, Latias, and Cobalion appreciate Togekiss providing support via Heal Bell to ward off crippling status conditions. Lastly, Stealth Rock-weak teammates like Mega Beedrill and Aerodactyl appreciate Togekiss's ability to reliably remove entry hazards via Defog.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Air Slash
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 4: Trick / Aura Sphere
item: Choice Specs
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Togekiss will always use Air Slash, as a decently powerful STAB move with a 60% flinch chance is much too good to pass up. Choice Specs Togekiss also employs Dazzling Gleam as a secondary STAB attack to more quickly threaten Dragon-type Pokemon such as Latias and Hydreigon as well as punch holes in its more conventional checks like Mega Aerodactyl and Rotom-W. Fire Blast is necessary coverage for Togekiss, as it allows it to punch through Steel-types that resist its STAB moves. Flamethrower can be used to mend Fire Blast's accuracy issues while still being able to KO Scizor, but it does not do as much damage to other Steel-types like Bronzong and Metagross. Without Nasty Plot and Heal Bell, many conventional special walls like Blissey and Empoleon can check Togekiss, so Trick is used in the last moveslot to cripple them. Aura Sphere can be used to heavily damage Empoleon but has little use outside of this.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs Togekiss trades investing into its defensive utility in exchange for taking better advantage of its extremely high base 125 Special Attack stat and a wide array of coverage moves. Thus, maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Togekiss to maximize its offensive presence. A Timid nature with maximum Speed investment also ensures that Togekiss outspeeds as many threats as possible, such as non-Choice Scarf Magneton and Metagross.
Usage Tips
========
Togekiss is far easier to wear down when lacking Roost, so be cautious of switching it into strong attacks, especially with Stealth Rock on your side of the field. Choice Specs variants of Togekiss often can deal a large amount of damage to its conventional checks due to its surprise factor, so aim Dazzling Gleam at checks like Rotom-W and Mega Aerodactyl. Hitting its usual switch-ins requires moderately aggressive play, so some prediction is required. Also take into account that, while it's extremely strong, the lock-in can put Togekiss in a variety of unfavorable situations; be wary of allotting free turns to threats like Scizor, Nihilego, Rotom-W, Calm Mind Latias, and Mega Manectric.
Team Options
========
Pokemon with similar checks to Togekiss's Nasty Plot sets such as Latias and Mega Pidgeot will appreciate Togekiss's ability to lure in and heavily damage their usual defensive answers. Togekiss still has the capability to soft check threats like Hydreigon and Krookodile, which Electric-types like Rotom-W and Mega Manectric all appreciate. Conversely, Dragon- and Ground-types like Latias, Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Seismitoad can check Electric-types that threaten Togekiss. Without Roost, Togekiss is even more susceptible to Stealth Rock damage, so Tentacruel, Empoleon, and other entry hazard removers are good teammates for it. Teammates that can account for Togekiss's vulnerability while locked into moves should also be used; examples include Pokemon like Infernape and Magneton that can threaten various Steel-types. Bulky Water-type teammates like Swampert, Jellicent and Suicune can also tank hits from threats to Togekiss such as Cobalion and Mega Aerodactyl.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Togekiss can utilize several options in its expansive movepool including Aura Sphere, Dazzling Gleam, and Fire Blast. Aura Sphere gives Togekiss a useful move to hit targets like Empoleon and Terrakion as they switch in, while Dazzling Gleam can be used as a strong secondary STAB move to punish threats such as Hydreigon and Krookodile more quickly than Air Slash would. Togekiss can boost most of its coverage moves with Z-Crystals, making it more effective at muscling through some of its softer checks such as Cobalion and Rotom-W. Fightinium Z-boosted Aura Sphere or Firium Z-boosted Fire Blast allows Togekiss to break past checks like Mega Steelix and Aggron as well, while boosting Dazzling Gleam via Fairium Z allows Togekiss to punch through Latias and defensive variants of Rotom-W with ease. Togekiss can also utilize many more niche support options including Encore, Tailwind, and Wish, though it is usually pressed to find room in its moveset for these. Togekiss can potentially run a Choice Scarf set, but it is very often outclassed by more common Choice Scarf users like Infernape and Rotom-W, as they can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Beedrill. Togekiss also has the option of running more offensive variants of its Nasty Plot set, forgoing moves such as Heal Bell and potentially even Roost in favor of additional coverage. In this case, Togekiss should invest its EVs into Special Attack and Speed to maximize its offensive presence. Because of Togekiss's great coverage options and passable bulk, it can also employ a variety of resist Berries to lure in and take out its usual checks. Charti Berry with Thunder Wave can easily cripple Mega Aerodactyl for its teammates, while Babiri Berry with a Fire-type move can let it lure and KO Scizor as well as heavily damage Cobalion. Finally, Yache Berry with Aura Sphere can be used to lure and deal heavy damage to Mamoswine or Kyurem in a pinch.
Checks and Counters
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**Electric-types**: Rotom-W is capable of outspeeding Togekiss with maximum Speed investment and threatening it easily with Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, though defensive sets should be wary of boosted Dazzling Gleams. Raikou has the natural special bulk to take very little damage from all of Togekiss's attacks, is resistant to Flying and immune to paralysis from Thunder Wave, and can threaten Togekiss with super effective Electric-type STAB attacks. Magneton also 4x resists Air Slash and is immune to Thunder Wave, but it must be wary of a potential Fire Blast or Aura Sphere.
**Rock-types**: Rock-type threats are extremely threatening to Togekiss, as Mega Aerodactyl and Nihilego can switch fairly safely into most of its moves, bar Twinkle Tackle and Thunder Wave. Terrakion is a softer check than Nihilego and Mega Aerodactyl due to its neutrality to Flying-type moves and weakness to Fairy-type moves, but it can still easily scare Togekiss away.
**Poison-types**: Nidoking, Mega Beedrill, and Tentacruel can all potentially outspeed Togekiss and threaten to hit it with super effective Poison-type STAB attacks, while Crobat can also shut down Togekiss's attempt to set up or spread paralysis using Taunt. Assault Vest Alolan Muk can OHKO Togekiss with Gunk Shot, since it's very unlikely that it will go down through flinches completely with its extremely high special bulk.
**Steel-types**: Scizor and Metagross can switch into Togekiss that lack Fire-type moves and attack with super effective Bullet Punch before Togekiss has a chance to make them flinch with Air Slash. Specially defensive Empoleon, Mega Aggron, and Mega Steelix take little damage from even boosted Air Slashes and can phaze Togekiss with Roar or KO it with Heavy Slam in Steelix and Aggron's case. Cobalion is not as sturdy a switch-in as other Steel-types but can outspeed Togekiss by a fair margin and threaten it with Iron Head.
**Ice-types**: Ice-types such as Kyurem and Mamoswine threaten to KO Togekiss with powerful super effective STAB moves. Kyurem must be wary of switching into a Thunder Wave, though, as this can give Togekiss a fair chance to beat it in a one-on-one scenario, while Mamoswine typically fears switching directly into most Togekiss sets.
**Status**: While Togekiss can typically freely use Heal Bell against more passive Pokemon like Blissey, threats such as Mega Aerodactyl and Scizor can potentially switch in freely. Sets without Heal Bell must be wary of status, as paralysis or poison leaves Togekiss heavily crippled with no way to cure itself.
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