[Final] Sceptile

Discussion in 'Gen 5 LU Analyses' started by Epikhairz, Jun 8, 2013.

  1. Epikhairz

    Epikhairz Delta Stream

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    Wiki Format (complete):
    {{pokeheader
    |gen=5
    }}
    {{TOC}}
    ==General==
    Enter Sceptile, one of the premier offensive threats of the [[LU]] tier, thanks to its excellent Speed and decent Special Attack. It has access to great coverage moves, such as [[Focus Blast]]. Its average Attack is easily reciprocated with the excellent boosting move [[Swords Dance]]. It is one of the most versatile Pokemon in the tier, being able to attack both physically and specially, and even being able to run a decent SubSeed set. However, despite it being one of the best Pokemon in the tier offensively, it is quite mediocre defensively. Poor 70/65/85 defenses will ensure that it goes down if it gets hit. Because of this, Sceptile is extremely vulnerable to priority. However, if used right, Sceptile has the potential to rip through teams as if they were leaves.

    ==Special Attacker==
    {{set
    |name=Special Attacker
    |pkmn=Sceptile
    |item=Life Orb
    |item2=Choice Specs
    |ability=Overgrow
    |nature=Timid
    |ev=4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
    |move1=Giga Drain
    |move12=Leaf Storm
    |move2=Hidden Power Rock
    |move22=Hidden Power Fire
    |move23=Hidden Power Ice
    |move3=Focus Blast
    |move4=Substitute
    |move42=Giga Drain
    |move43=Synthesis
    }}
    This set takes advantage of Sceptile's excellent specially oriented offensive stats and coverage moves and use them as an excellent special attacker. Leaf Storm allows Sceptile to hit hard right off the bat, but the stat drops won't let Sceptile stay in for very long. Giga Drain, on the other hand, doesn't hit nearly as hard as Leaf Storm, but will heal it, increasing its longevity on the battlefield. Hidden Power provides extra coverage, though the type you use depends on what your team needs to cover, with Hidden Power Ice not being listed due to the 2 option limit. Focus Blast is able to hit [[Steel]]-types and [[Normal]]-types with [[Sap Sipper]] supereffectively. If you are using Choice Specs, use Giga Drain for the final moveslot, and Leaf Storm for the first one. If not, you have two other choices for the final moveslot. Synthesis is a reliable recovery option that can be used to keep Sceptile on the battlefield, while Substitute allows Sceptile to avoid status and the dreaded priority move from a revenge killer. Substitute can also be used to activate Overgrow and then use powered-up STAB attacks for heavy hits. If you are using this tactic, Giga Drain should be used on the first moveslot for reliable recovery once you're down on low HP.

    ==Swords Dance Sweeper==
    {{set
    |name=Swords Dance Sweeper
    |pkmn=Sceptile
    |item=Flying Gem
    |item2=Life Orb
    |ability=Unburden
    |ability2=Overgrow
    |nature=Adamant
    |nature2=Jolly
    |ev=4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
    |move1=Swords Dance
    |move2=Leaf Blade
    |move3=Drain Punch
    |move32=Earthquake
    |move4=Acrobatics
    |move42=Rock Slide
    }}
    This set allows Sceptile to take advantage of its physical movepool, which is arguably better than its special movepool! Because most people facing off against Sceptile are expecting the special variant, this set might just throw your opponent off completely. A single Swords Dance boost allows Sceptile to just about double its attack and begin sweeping. Leaf Blade's STAB 90 Base Power makes it quite respectable in terms of power. For the third moveslot, both Drain Punch and Earthquake are good options. They both hit Steel-types supereffectively, but have a few individual differences. Drain Punch covers Normal-types with Sap Sipper, while Earthquake hits Steel a lot harder. For the final moveslot, if you are using Unburden with Flying Gem, have Acrobatics as the final move, as it will activate Unburden. However, if using Overgrow with Life Orb, use Rock Slide, as it covers most of the same things as Acrobatics, as well as [[Fire]] and [[Ice]].

    ==SubSeed==
    {{set
    |name=SubSeed
    |pkmn=Sceptile
    |item=Leftovers
    |ability=Overgrow
    |nature=Timid
    |ev=4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
    |move1=Substitute
    |move2=Leech Seed
    |move3=Giga Drain
    |move32=Leaf Storm
    |move4=Hidden Power Fire
    |move42=Focus Blast
    }}
    Sceptile also has the movepool to run a SubSeed set, if you wish to ignore its amazing offensive stats and go for a stall-type set. However, unlike {{5glu|Whimsicott}}, Sceptile can attack directly rather than rely on passive damage completely. To use this set effectively, Sceptile should be switched into a Pokemon who it checks or counters, then set up Leech Seed. It should then proceed to set up a Substitute to sponge status and attacks. Giga Drain is the STAB move of choice, as it helps Sceptile recover more HP, but it's less powerful than the alternative option Leaf Storm. However, Leaf Storm drops Sceptile's Special Attack significantly, causing it to switch out after a few turns. For the final moveslot, Hidden Power Fire allows Sceptile to hit Grass-types who would otherwise wall this set completely, as well as Steel-types. Focus Blast is able to cover Normal-types with Sap Sipper, but so few are used that Hidden Power Fire is almost always the move of choice.

    ==Checks and Counters==
    Sceptile is nearly impossible to counter due to its vast versatility. However, it does have many checks. It is very weak to priority due to its bad defenses and is vulnerable to all hazards. {{5glu|Moltres}} can take on any Sceptile set unless it packs a x4 supereffective Rock-type move. Normal-types with Sap Sipper can take on any Sceptile that doesn't have a [[Fighting]]-type move, which most sets do in fact have. Faster Pokemon such as {{5glu|Aerodactyl}} and {{5glu|Accelgor}}, as well as [[Choice Scarf]] users, can outpace Sceptile and quickly finish it off unless Unburden has been activated. {{5glu|Ferroseed}} can take on any set without Hidden Power Fire and hit back with a STAB [[Gyro Ball]], which does a lot due to their Speed differences. {{5glu|Tangrowth}}'s physical bulk allows it to wall the Swords Dance set, even being able to take a hit from Acrobatics, and can retaliate with Hidden Power Fire. Cryogonal can counter the special sets and retaliate with a STAB supereffective [[Ice Beam]]. {{5glu|Druddigon}} checks all sets and may set up [[Stealth Rock]] if it wishes to do so. {{5glu|Entei}} is capable of destroying Sceptile either with priority [[ExtremeSpeed]] or with a STAB supereffective [[Flare Blitz]]. {{5glu|Golbat}} and {{5glu|Roselia}} are unorthodox but effective checks, though Roselia needs to watch out for Acrobatics and Golbat needs to look out for Rock-type moves. Finally, {{5glu|Weezing}}, though uncommon, can wall Sceptile completely and can either cripple it with status or hit it with a STAB supereffective [[Poison]]-type move.
    ==Other Options==
    Sceptile has many other options it can choose from, though these are arguably gimmicky, inferior, or outdated. [[GrassWhistle]] can be used to put an opposing Pokemon to sleep, but the low accuracy makes it an unreliable choice. A [[Focus Sash]] and [[Endeavor]] set could also be run as a last ditch attempt to take out an opposing Pokemon with its amazing Speed, but this is quite gimmicky, as any priority move or outpacing would ruin it completely. A [[Sunny Day]] and [[SolarBeam]] set is also viable, but SolarBeam doesn't provide the raw power of Leaf Storm or the recovery of Giga Drain, and also allows Fire-types to take it out easier, so it should only ever be used in a dedicated Sun team. Sceptile could use a [[White Herb]] to recover its stat drops from Leaf Storm, as well as activate Unburden, but Sceptile's going to miss its Life Orb or Choice item's stat boosts. A mixed set could be considered, but Sceptile will have to split EVs, which isn't something Sceptile would like to do. A [[Grass Gem]] and Unburden set is also something to think about, but like the White Herb, Sceptile's going to want the long term boosting item, and Sceptile is fast enough as is. If you really want to go old-school, you could run a SubPetaya set like in the ADV days, but any priority move or faster Pokemon could possibly ruin this set.

    [/HIDE]

    Skeleton:
    ==General==:
    *One of the best offensive Pokemon in LU
    *Has excellent Speed and decent Special Attack
    *Has great coverage in moves such as Focus Blast
    *OK Attack is reciprocated with the excellent Swords Dance
    *One of the most versatile Pokemon in the tier, being able to attack both physically and specially, and even being able to run SubSeed.
    *Poor 70/65/85 defenses will ensure that it goes down quickly if hit
    *Priority will easily defeat Sceptile because of its poor defenses and lack of its own reliable priority move.

    ==Special Attacker==:
    Sceptile (M) @ Life Orb / Choice Specs
    Trait: Overgrow
    EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def
    Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
    - Giga Drain / Leaf Storm
    - Hidden Power (Rock) / Hidden Power (Fire) / Hidden Power (Ice)
    - Focus Blast
    - Substitute / Giga Drain / Synthesis

    Set Comments:
    *This set takes advantage of Sceptile's excellent stats and has great coverage
    *Leaf Storm hits hard right off the bat, but the stat drops won't let it stay in
    *Giga Drain doesn't hit as hard as Leaf Storm but will heal it, increasing its longevity on the battlefield
    *Hidden Power gives Sceptile extra coverage, though the type you use depends on what your team needs to cover
    *Focus Blast is able to hit Steel-types and Normal-types with Sap Sipper supereffectively
    *If you are using Specs, use Giga Drain for the last slot (and Leaf Storm for first slot).
    *Synthesis gives Sceptile a recovery move and allows it to stay in longer
    *Substitute allows Sceptile to block status and take strong hits from switch-ins
    *Substitute can also be used to get Sceptile to activate Overgrow then use boosted STAB attacks for hard hits (Giga Drain is good for this tactic as it allows Sceptile to heal off its lost HP)

    ==Swords Dance Sweeper==
    Sceptile (M) @ Flying Gem / Life Orb
    Trait: Unburden / Overgrow
    EVs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
    Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) / Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
    - Swords Dance
    - Leaf Blade
    - Drain Punch / Earthquake
    - Acrobatics / Rock Slide

    Set Comments:
    *Allows Sceptile to take advantage of its excellent physical movepool
    *Throws opponents who expect the special variant off guard
    *Swords Dance allows Sceptile to just about double its Attack stat and begin sweeping
    *Leaf Blade's STAB 90 Base Power makes it quite respectable in terms of power
    *Both Drain Punch and Earthquake hit Steel supereffectively
    *Drain Punch covers Normal-types while Earthquake covers Steel-types
    *If using Unburden with Flying Gem, Acrobatics should be used as the final move as a way of activating Unburden and dramatically increasing Sceptile's Speed, as well as hitting other Grass-types and Bug-types
    *If using Overgrow, Rock Slide should be used as the final move as it also covers Grass- and Bug-types, but also covers Fire- and Ice-types

    ==SubSeed==:
    Sceptile (M) @ Leftovers
    Trait: Overgrow
    EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd / 4 Def
    Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
    - Substitute
    - Leech Seed
    - Giga Drain / Leaf Storm
    - Hidden Power (Fire) / Focus Blast

    Set Comments:
    *Unlike Whimsicott, Sceptile has good offensive stats to attack directly instead of trying to stall out Pokemon with passive damage.
    *Sceptile should be switched into a Pokemon who it checks or counters, and use Leech Seed as they attempt to switch.
    *Next, Substitute should be used to protect Sceptile from status and to sponge attacks
    *Leaf Storm can be used to fire off hard hits right off the bat, but stat drops mean that Sceptile will not be able to hit as hard later down the road
    *Giga Drain isn't as powerful, but doesn't drop stats and allows Sceptile to recover more HP than it already does with Leech Seed and Leftovers
    *Sceptile can run Substitute until it reaches Overgrow area and hit extremely hard.
    *Hidden Power Fire allows Sceptile to hit Grass-types who would otherwise wall this set completely, as well as Steel-types.
    *Focus Blast allows Sceptile to cover Normal-types with Sap Sipper, but there are so few of these Pokemon that Hidden Power Fire is almost always preferred.

    ==Checks & Counters==

    *Sceptile is nearly impossible to counter effectively due to its vast versatility
    *Moltres can take on Sceptile quite well, unless it packs a x4 supereffective Rock-type move
    *Sap Sipper Normal-types can take on a Sceptile that lacks a Fighting-type move, although most sets have a Fighting-type move.
    *Faster Pokemon such as Aerodactyl and Accelgor or Choice Scarf users outpace Sceptile unless Unburden has been activated
    *Ferroseed is able to take on any Sceptile set without Hidden Power Fire and hit hard with Gyro Ball
    *Tangrowth walls the Swords Dance set quite well and can even take a hit from Acrobatics and may retaliate with Hidden Power Fire
    *Cryogonal can counter Special sets and hit with STAB supereffective Ice Beam
    *Druddigon counters any set and may proceed to set up Stealth Rock.
    *Entei can destroy Sceptile with priority and/or STAB supereffective Flare Blitz and has the bulk to take it on.
    *Very weak to priority due to poor defenses.
    *Affected by all hazards
    *Golbat and Roselia are unorthodox but amazing counters, though Roselia needs to watch out for Acrobatics.
    *Weezing walls it quite well, although it is uncommon, and can easily cripple it with status or a supereffective STAB move

    ==Other Options==

    *GrassWhistle can be used to put an opposing Pokemon to sleep, but low accuracy makes it an unreliable choice
    *A Sash+Endeavor set could be used to take out a Pokemon right before they go down with its amazing Speed stat, but this is more of a gimmick, as any priority move would ruin it.
    *Sunny Day + SolarBeam set could be used, but it doesn't provide the raw power of Leaf Storm, nor the recovery of Giga Drain, and also allows Fire-type moves to take it out even more easily. Should only be used on a dedicated Sun team.
    *White Herb could be used to recover one Leaf Storm stat drop, but Sceptile will want the Life Orb, or whatever item it's using to boost its stats. The White Herb is also able to activate Unburden.
    *Sceptile could run a mixed set, but EVs will have to be split between the two offenses
    *Sceptile could run a Grass Gem + Unburden Set, but Life Orb is usually preferred and Sceptile is fast enough as is.
    *A SubPetaya set could be run, much like the old ADV days, but priority moves and Choice Scarf users could throw this set off
    [/HIDE]
    [/HIDE]
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2013
  2. Tyki

    Tyki Change

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    Your general needs more work. Talk about stats, abilities, niches, weaknesses etc.

    Amoongus is UU.
    Talk about weakness to priority.

    wut

    Cryogonal is a pretty good counter to the special set. Tangrowth takes the physical set. Druddigon is just good against it.

    Mention HP Fire and HP Ice in the special set.

    Giga Drain over Leaf Storm on sub seed.
     
  3. Epikhairz

    Epikhairz Delta Stream

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    Whoops. I was rushing this one. Dactyl and accelgor outspeed in general unles unburden activates is what I wanted to say. Will add stuff when I get home

    EDIT: Changes made
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2013
  4. Scene

    Scene reverie

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    The sets look fine, the rest can be touched up.

    C&C

    Druddigon does not get Dragon Dance (you mean Hone Claws?)
    Drudd takes barely anything more from HP Ice than FB - it needs to be defensive on the right side to counter
    Ferroseed can hardly set up on Focus Blast or Drain Punch
    Similarly Sap Sippers need to be very wary since most sets have a Fighting move
    No mention of Entei? Destroys with priority or STAB and has bulk
    On that topic, general priority weakness.
    Affected by all hazards
    Golbat and Roselia (except Acrobatics) are unorthodox but wonderful counters.

    OO

    There's no damaging weather in LU
    Sunnybeam set not worth a mention unless on a dedicated sun team
    Add that White Herb can activate Unburden
     
  5. Epikhairz

    Epikhairz Delta Stream

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    Changes made. I think it looks quite solid by now but I probably need a second opinion
     
  6. Epikhairz

    Epikhairz Delta Stream

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    If no one has anything to say about this, I'm just going to wikify it. I'll edit this post when it's been put on the wiki unless someone else has something to say
     
  7. Spoovo The Pirate

    Spoovo The Pirate Meep! Article Contributor Article Contributor

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    Give Tyki a chance to respond. He be the bawss guy, so it's a good idea. If it went for a few days without any QC interaction, then I'd see the merit in just straight uploading it, but that's a rare occurrence.
     
  8. Tyki

    Tyki Change

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    Go for it. It has everything it needs, and more. We can always edit some more stuff later if we need to.

    There isn't anything that is missing that is very important.
     
  9. Xdevo

    Xdevo Phrasing Super Moderator Tour Director Super Moderator Tour Director

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    I'd suggest adding Weezing, even though it isn't LU it is one of the better counters to Sceptile's sets.
     
  10. Epikhairz

    Epikhairz Delta Stream

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    Added to the skeleton...still working on the Wiki formatting
     
  11. Cobalt

    Cobalt Embrace the Cold

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    Roselia is a counter to Sceptile; also SubPetaya and White Herb is perfectly viable... Maybe put that in the OO list?
     
  12. Scene

    Scene reverie

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    I'll approve the skeleton - VM or PM me when you've finished the writeup so I can check content and formatting if you want. Looks solid though.
     
  13. Epikhairz

    Epikhairz Delta Stream

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    Already there, added, and already there

    Time to continue working on the writeup! I'm only committed to like...5 analyses at the moment!
     
  14. Spoovo The Pirate

    Spoovo The Pirate Meep! Article Contributor Article Contributor

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