Gen 5 [BW] Offensive Pivot Persian [DONE]

[Monai]

[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Taunt / Knock Off / Bite
item: Silk Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Flaunting the highest Speed stat in the tier, a deep movepool, and decent offensive stats paired with the incredible ability Technician, Persian takes its place at the top of the metagame as an incredible revenge killer and wallbreaker. Technician-boosted Fake Out is the lynchpin of this Persian set, giving it a strong priority attack that racks up damage with its guaranteed flinch as well as allowing Persian to pick off weakened Speed-boosted Pokemon like Shelgon or Choice Scarf users. The choice of STAB move between Return and Double-Edge comes down to the pacing of the team, as more aggressive teams might need the improved damage of Double-Edge, while more balanced teams can afford to let Persian play more conservatively with its HP. U-turn allows Persian to keep momentum on predicted switches as well as chip important targets like Solrock and Lairon with the help of Stealth Rock. Taunt is an overall good utility move that lets Persian deny status moves such as Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp as well as prevent recovery moves from Pokemon that Persian needs to keep at low HP. Knock Off is another good option that lets Persian ruin unevolved walls like Clefairy and Hippopotas while being generally difficult to switch in against. The final common option that Persian makes use of is Bite, which lets Persian muscle through a relatively hard counter in Frillish, while still outputting good damage against Solrock. Despite no other Pokemon in BW ZU approaching Persian's Speed tier, maximum Speed investment is used in order to outspeed Jolly Whiscash after a boost as well as to tie with other Persian.

This Persian set fits best on balance and offensive teams. Balance appreciates Persian's ability to revenge kill and force out a variety of attackers as well as wear down other balance and defensive teams through attacks, U-turn, and its disruption moves. Mienfoo is a stellar partner as its Regenerator and U-turn form a solid pivot core; Persian appreciates such a reliable answer to Lairon, while Mienfoo can cripple Eviolite-reliant walls such as Hippopotas, as well as pivot Persian in for opportunities to throw out attacks. Persian really appreciates Stealth Rock in order to make the constant switches it forces more painful, and Pokemon like Solrock, Wormadam-S, Clefairy, and Lairon are all excellent setters. Persian is also a great facilitator of powerful wallbreakers like Simisear and Glaceon, which lack opportunities to directly switch in. If Persian is being used on a more offensive team, Persian is great at baiting in Pokemon that resist Double-Edge like Solrock and Lairon for certain setup sweepers such as Substitute Leafeon and Dragon Dance Whiscash, respectively.

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

Persian has an enormous suite of tools, but many of its other options are not worthwhile. Persian could opt for Leftovers over Silk Scarf to remain healthy in the face of Stealth Rock and Rocky Helmet, but it appreciates the power boost from Silk Scarf a lot. Persian could make use of Choice Band to immediately threaten OHKOs with its Double-Edge, but Silk Scarf has higher damage, if the foe takes a Fake Out and Double-Edge, and Slaking effectively outclasses it. Nasty Plot seems appealing to turn the fastest Pokemon in the tier into a setup threat, but Persian lacks reliable setup opportunities and is completely stuffed by common specially defensive Pokemon like Clefairy and Muk. Substitute on a predicted sacrificial switch Pokemon could potentially be very rewarding, but Persian appreciates all of its moveslots, and it still gets walled easily based on its coverage. Sun is a notably less consistent option than Rain, but on Sun teams, Persian is invaluable support for its speedy Sunny Day and U-turn.

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

**Rock and Steel-types**: Persian is checked very reliably by Rock- or Steel-types like Lairon, Solrock, and Graveler. However, all 3 take significant damage from Water Pulse, and Lairon is terrified of Hidden Power Ground. Wormadam-S is an excellent counter that is only afraid of Hidden Power Fire. Even if it is running its wallbreaking set, it cannot threaten to immediately knock them out if they switch into a Normal-type attack or are healthy.

**Physical Walls**: Physically bulky Pokemon can tank its attacks and fire back against the frail Persian. Leafeon, Shelgon, and defensive Mienfoo can easily threaten to KO Persian, while walls like Hippopotas and Ivysaur are only afraid of Knock Off on the switch.

**Choice Scarf Users**: While most Choice Scarf users can't switch into Persian's powerful attacks, they can use the Speed boost to threaten Persian out. Persian's tendency to use Fake Out and Taunt frequently might invite a risky switch from the opponent looking to take momentum back. Slaking deserves special mention thanks to being able to tank Persian's attacks and threaten it with either a STAB attack or Pursuit.

**Priority**: While Fake Out almost always goes first in the priority bracket, Pokemon that are able to tank a Fake Out and threaten back with powerful priority deny Persian its goal of revenge killing. Arbok with a Coil or two of boosts can comfortably tank Fake Out and do huge damage back with Sucker Punch. Pikachu's Extreme Speed turns the tables on a Persian that has just gotten a KO, and its gigantic attacking stats mean that it is very difficult to switch into. In endgame situations, other Persian are able to use their Fake Out to potentially force a KO on Persian or its teammates.

**Residual Damage**: Persian's tendency to throw out many "free" attacks leads to Rocky Helmet Solrock being its most common check, which is able to damage Persian even if it switches out with U-turn. Persian also weaves in and out of battle to make the most out of Fake Out and U-turn, which accumulates a lot of chip damage from Stealth Rock.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/monai.482455/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gangsta-spongebob.535530/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/btboy.528652/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/

 

[Gangsta Spongebob]

Excellently done, QC 1/2 when implemented

QC 1/2

Add Remove Comments

[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Taunt / Knock Off / Bite
item: Silk Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Flaunting the highest Speed stat in the tier, a deep movepool, and decent offensive stats paired with the incredible ability Technician; Persian takes its place at the top of the metagame as an incredible revenge killer and wallbreaker. Technician-boosted Fake Out is the lynchpin of this Persian set, giving it a strong priority attack that racks up damage with its guaranteed flinch, as well as allowing Persian to pick off weakened Speed boosted Pokemon like Shelgon or Choice Scarf Pokemon. The choice of STAB between Return and Double-Edge comes down to the pacing of the team, as more aggressive teams might need the improved damage of Double-Edge, while more balanced teams can afford to let Persian play more conservatively with its HP. U-Turn allows Persian to keep momentum on predicted switches, as well as chipping important targets like Solrock and Lairon with the help of Stealth Rock. Taunt is an overall good utility move that lets Persian deny status moves such as Thunder Wave and Will-o Wisp, as well as preventing recovery moves from Pokemon that Persian needs to keep damaged. Knock Off is another good option that lets Persian ruin unevolved walls like Clefairy and Hippopotas, while being generally difficult to switch in against. The final common option that Persian makes use of is Bite, which lets Persian muscle through a relatively hard counter in Frillish, while maintaining a relatively strong hit against Solrock. Despite no other Pokemon in BW ZU approaching Persian's Speed tier, Max Speed investment is used in order to outspeed Jolly Whiscash after a boost, as well as to tie with other Persian.

This Persian set fits best on balance and offensive teams. Balance appreciates Persian's ability to revenge kill and force out a variety of attackers, as well as wear down other balance and defensive teams through attacks, U-turn, and its disruption moves. Mienfoo is a stellar partner, as its Regenerator and U-turn form a solid pivot core and Persian appreciates such a reliable answer to Lairon, while Mienfoo can cripple Eviolite-reliant walls such as Hippopotas, as well as pivot Persian in for opportunities to throw out attacks. Persian really appreciates Stealth Rock setters in order to make the constant switches it forces more painful, and Pokemon like Solrock, Wormadam-T, Clefairy, and Lairon are all excellent users. Persian is also a great facilitator of powerful wallbreakers like Simisear and Glaceon, who lack opportunities to directly switch in. If Persian is being used on a more offensive team, Persian is great at baiting in Normal-resists "resists" cannot be used as a noun like Solrock and Lairon for certain Pokemon to set up on, such as Substitute Leafeon and Whiscash respectively.

[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Water Pulse / U-turn
move 4: Knock Off / Fake Out / Taunt
item: Expert Belt
ability: Technician
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 76 SpA / 180 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 28 SpA / 30 Spe

Persian is able to make use of Technician and its acceptable Special Attack to don a lure set. Persian's tendency to force Normal-resists Same as before in lets it snipe Pokemon like Lairon, Wormadam-T, and Solrock with a coverage move. Double-Edge is the preferred STAB-move on this Persian, as this set cannot afford Silk Scarf, and thus needs the power of Double-Edge. Hidden Power Fire is used to dispose of Wormadam-T, which is an incredibly reliable counter otherwise, but Hidden Power Ground can be used alongside U-turn to run a hybrid of the Offensive Pivot and Mixed Wallbreaker sets. You should emphasize what these 2 moves do for Persian on this specific set. Water Pulse is used to hit Rock and Ground-types like Lairon, Solrock, and Hippopotas. The last move is open to Persian's usual grab bag of options. You don't need a full sentence to explain Persian has numerous options for its last move, integrate that into one of the 2 sentences. Knock Off allows Persian to cripple Pokemon that would have little issue of walling a Persian without Silk Scarf, such as Clefairy or defensive Leafeon. Fake Out lets Persian retain its priority, although it's a notably weaker option without Silk Scarf.

This Persian pairs best with teammates who appreciate its ability to lure regular checks to Persian. Emolga is an incredible abuser of weakened Lairon and Solrock, as it opens the opposing team to its powerful Acrobatics. Dragon Dance Shelgon also abuses the absence of Steel-types, as it can click Outrage and Dragon Claw without worry. Pikachu and Raichu appreciate that bulky Grass-types are often used to check Persian after the set has been revealed, allowing them more opportunities once Meganium or Ivysaur have been crippled. Stealth Rock users that are offensive in nature pair well with this aggressive Persian set, so Pokemon like Lairon, Solrock, and Graveler are good partners.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Bite / Knock Off
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

While equipping the fastest Pokemon in the tier with a Choice Scarf sounds like a joke, Choice Scarf Persian holds the unique distinction of being able to outrun Pokemon even after they have doubled their Speed, as well as revenge kill Pokemon reliant on Endure to ignore Fake Out. After the choice of requisite Normal-STAB, U-turn is a great pivoting tool to take advantage of predicted switches, but also grants Persian to attack while switching out in order to avoid being locked into an unideal move. Bite grants Persian a stronger hit on Solrock and allows it to damage Ghost-types like Frillish heavily, but Knock Off is an alternative if crippling Eviolite switch-ins is considered more important. Persian's ability to disrupt almost any Speed-boosting Pokemon is a very valuable trait, but Persian also has the ability to force its Choice Scarf on an opposing wall with Switcheroo, ensuring that it will also have utility into defensive teams. You already mention that Persian disrupts speed boosting Pokemon, just state that Switcheroo cripples walls.

Choice Scarf Persian fits well on teams that appreciate Persian's ability to blanket check many setup sweepers that other common Choice Scarf users get outrun by, like Agility Kingler, Salac Berry Raichu, and Salac Berry Simisear. Defensive staples like Meganium lacking Dragon Tail, Staryu, and Solrock are liable to being set up on, and Choice Scarf Persian helps ensure that teams are secure versus threats like Raichu. However, teams with this Persian set must have reliable answers to Lairon and other Physically bulky setup threats like Shelgon, which Persian has a poor matchup into. Choice Scarf Persian is also one of the best tools for a defensive team against other defensive teams, as Switcheroo can ruin regular Persian checks like Solrock and Wormadam-T.

[SET]
name: Weather Setter
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 4: Taunt
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

This Persian set forgoes its usual roles as a revenge killer and wallbreaker, and instead focuses on Persian's ability to support weather-based strategies. Persian is the fastest Pokemon with access to all of a weather-setting move, U-turn, and Taunt, which lets it set ideal conditions for Pokemon reliant on weather. Return is the necessary Normal-STAB that allows Persian to threaten damage on its own, but Double-Edge is an alternative to pressure non-Steel and Rock-types harder. Say Double-Edge hits harder, there are plenty of non Rock- and Steel-types that don't mind Persian's attacks that much. Rain is the overall more reliable weather, so Rain Dance and a Damp Rock are preferred, but if Sun is the goal, then they should be swapped out for Sunny Day and a Heat Rock. While Rain may be more reliable, which weather is more viable is irrelevant here, given that both are still viable options.

The Pokemon this Persian set should find itself with are common weather abusers and support Pokemon. On Rain teams, Agility Pelipper and Beartic are excellent wallbreakers, and can clean through weakened teams with their incredible power and Speed under rain. Raichu can make use of a perfectly accurate Thunder under Rain, and can assist in wearing down Grass-types like Meganium and Ivysaur for teammates that might be walled otherwise. How? Kingler and Walrein under Rain are terrifying threats, using the boost to destroy all but the bulkiest of checks. Persian cannot keep up weather all on its own though, and should be paired with other Rain Dance users for consistency. Phione has the best defensive profile of the Rain Dance users, and utilizes Hydration and Water-STAB to be surprisingly difficult to handle. Illumise is another option, able to use a slow U-turn while maintaining priority Rain Dance for endgames against fast cleaners. Sun is a less consistent style than Rain, but it has some undeniable payoff. Same as before. On Sun teams Simisear is impossible to switch into under Sun, whose Fire Blast can 2HKO even Frillish after Stealth Rock. Leafeon can potentially end games on the spot with Chlorophyll and Swords Dance, whose Speed is matched only by another Chlorophyll Leafeon. Mention alternative Sun setters such as Illumise. You mention that Sun is much less viable than Rain, consider making it an oo if it's that bad.

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

Persian has an enormous suite of tools, but many of its other options are not very worthwhile. Persian could opt for Leftovers over Silk Scarf to remain healthy in the face of Stealth Rock and Rocky Helmet, but it appreciates the power boost from Silk Scarf a lot. Persian could make use of Choice Band to immediately threaten OHKO's with its Double-Edge, but Silk Scarf has higher damage if the opponent takes a Fake Out and Double-Edge, and Slaking effectively outclasses it. Nasty Plot seems appealing to turn the fastest Pokemon in the tier into a setup threat, but Persian lacks reliable setup opportunities, and is completely stuffed by common Specially Defensive Pokemon like Clefairy and Muk. Emphasize Persian's lack of power. Substitute on a predicted sacrificed Pokemon could potentially be very rewarding, but Persian appreciates all of its moveslots, and it still gets walled easily based on its coverage.

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

**Rock and Steel-types**: If using its standard pivot set, it is checked very reliably by Rock or Steel-types like Lairon, Wormadam-T, Solrock, and Graveler. Even if it is running its wallbreaking set, Mention the specific moves that threaten them. It might be better to reword this paragraph along the lines of "If Persian isn't running ... it is checked by Rock and Steel-types like..." it cannot threaten to immediately knock them out if they switch into a Normal-type attack or are healthy.

**Physical Walls**: Physically bulky Pokemon without a resist can tank its attacks and fire back against the frail Persian. Leafeon, Shelgon, and defensive Mienfoo can easily threaten to KO Persian, while walls like Hippopotas and Ivysaur are only afraid of Knock Off on the switch.

**Choice Scarf Users**: While most Choice Scarf users can't switch into Persian's powerful attacks, they can use the Speed boost to threaten Persian out. Persian's tendency to use Fake Out and Taunt frequently might invite a risky switch from the opponent looking to take momentum back. Slaking deserves special mention, thanks to being able to tank Persian's attacks, and threaten it with either a STAB attack or Pursuit.

**Priority**: While Fake Out almost always goes first in the priority bracket, Pokemon who are able to tank a Fake Out and threaten back with powerful priority deny Persian its goal of revenge killing. Arbok with a Coil or two of boosts can comfortably tank Fake Out, and do huge damage back with Sucker Punch. Pikachu's Extreme Speed turns the tables on a Persian that has just gotten a kill, and its gigantic attacking stats means that it is very difficult to switch into. In endgame situations, other Persian are able to use their Fake Out to potentially force a KO on Persian or its teammates.

**Residual Damage**: Persian's tendency to throw out many "free" attacks leads to Rocky Helmet Solrock being its most common check, who is able to damage Persian even if it switches out with U-turn. Persian also weaves in and out of battle to make the most out of Fake Out and U-turn, which accumulates a lot of chip damage from Stealth Rock.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monai, 482455]]
- Quality checked by: [[Gangsta Spongebob, 535530], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

 

[Monai]

implemented, ready for qc 2

 

[btboy]

Good work Monai. QC 2/2 when implemented.

QC 2/2

Add Remove Comments
[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Taunt / Knock Off / Bite
item: Silk Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Flaunting the highest Speed stat in the tier, a deep movepool, and decent offensive stats paired with the incredible ability Technician;, Persian takes its place at the top of the metagame as an incredible revenge killer and wallbreaker. Technician-boosted Fake Out is the lynchpin of this Persian set, giving it a strong priority attack that racks up damage with its guaranteed flinch, as well as allowing Persian to pick off weakened Speed boosted Pokemon like Shelgon or Choice Scarf PokemonI would replace the second instance of 'Pokemon' with 'users' to diversify the vocab, but it's up to you. The choice of STAB between Return and Double-Edge comes down to the pacing of the team, as more aggressive teams might need the improved damage of Double-Edge, while more balanced teams can afford to let Persian play more conservatively with its HP. U-Turn allows Persian to keep momentum on predicted switches, as well as chipping important targets like Solrock and Lairon with the help of Stealth Rock. Taunt is an overall good utility move that lets Persian deny status moves such as Thunder Wave and Will-o Wisp, as well as preventing recovery moves from Pokemon that Persian needs to keep damagedat low HP. Knock Off is another good option that lets Persian ruin unevolved walls like Clefairy and Hippopotas, while being generally difficult to switch in against. The final common option that Persian makes use of is Bite, which lets Persian muscle through a relatively hard counter in Frillish, while maintaining a relatively strong hit still outputting good damage against Solrock. Despite no other Pokemon in BW ZU approaching Persian's Speed tier, Max Speed investment is used in order to outspeed Jolly Whiscash after a boost, as well as to tie with other Persian.

This Persian set fits best on balance and offensive teams. Balance appreciates Persian's ability to revenge kill and force out a variety of attackers, as well as wear down other balance and defensive teams through attacks, U-turn, and its disruption moves. Mienfoo is a stellar partner, as its Regenerator and U-turn form a solid pivot core; and Persian appreciates such a reliable answer to Lairon, while Mienfoo can cripple Eviolite-reliant walls such as Hippopotas, as well as pivot Persian in for opportunities to throw out attacks.This sentence is a bit long. Might be worth breaking it up. Persian really appreciates Stealth Rock setters in order to make the constant switches it forces more painful, and Pokemon like Solrock, Wormadam-T, Clefairy, and Lairon are all excellent userssetters. Persian is also a great facilitator of powerful wallbreakers like Simisear and Glaceon, who lack opportunities to directly switch in. If Persian is being used on a more offensive team, Persian is great at baiting in Pokemon that resist Double-Edge like Solrock and Lairon for certain setup sweepers, such as Substitute Leafeon and Dragon Dance Whiscash, respectively.

[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Water Pulse / U-turn
move 4: Knock Off / Fake Out / Taunt I think Nasty Plot merits inclusion as an option in here somewhere.
item: Expert Belt
ability: Technician
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 76 SpA / 180 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 28 SpA / 30 Spe make sure to clarify which IVs are used for the appropriate Technician HP. I think these IVs are wrong, as well. See: https://www.smogon.com/bw/articles/technician_hidden_powers

Persian is able to make use of Technician and its acceptable Special Attack to don a lure set. Persian's tendency to force physical walls in lets it snipe Pokemon like Lairon, Wormadam-T, and Solrock with a coverage move. Double-Edge is the preferred STAB-move on this Persian, as this set cannot afford Silk Scarf, and thus needs the power of Double-Edge. Hidden Power Fire is used to dispose of Wormadam-T, which is an incredibly reliable counter otherwise, but Hidden Power Ground can be used alongside U-turn to run a hybrid of the Offensive Pivot and Mixed Wallbreaker sets. These moves allow Persian to still lure Lairon and other Steel-types, while pivoting out of poor matchups like Wormadam-T and Solrock. Water Pulse is used to hit Rock and Ground-types like Lairon, Solrock, and Hippopotas. Knock Off allows Persian to cripple Pokemon that would have little issue of walling a Persian without Silk Scarf, such as Clefairy or defensive Leafeon. Fake Out lets Persian retain its priority, although it's a notably weaker option without Silk Scarf.

This Persian pairs best with teammates who appreciate its ability to lure regular checks to Persian. Emolga is an incredible abuser of weakened Lairon and Solrock, as it opens the opposing team to its powerful Acrobatics. Dragon Dance Shelgon also abuses the absence of Steel-types, as it can click Outrage and Dragon Claw without worry. Pikachu and Raichu appreciate that bulky Grass-types are often used to check Persian after the set has been revealed, allowing them more opportunities once Meganium or Ivysaur have been crippledweakened. Stealth Rock users that are offensive in nature pair well with this aggressive Persian set, so Pokemon like Lairon, Solrock, and Graveler are good partners.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Bite / Knock Off I would add Fake Out as an option here. It's a valid option and it's good for the surprise factor.
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

While equipping the fastest Pokemon in the tier with a Choice Scarf sounds like a joke, Choice Scarf Persian holds the unique distinction of being able to outrun Pokemon even after they have doubled their Speed, as well as revenge kill Pokemon reliant on Endure to ignore Fake Out. After the choice of requisite Normal-STAB, U-turn is a great pivoting tool to take advantage of predicted switches, but also grantsallows Persian to attack while switching out in order to avoid being locked into an unidealsuboptimal move. Bite grants Persian a stronger hit on Solrock and allows it to damage Ghost-types like Frillish heavily, but Knock Off is an alternative if crippling Eviolite switchins is considered more important.I think you'd rather just have Bite since you can already Switcheroo the scarf. Switcheroo allows Persian to force its Choice Scarf on an opposing wall, ensuring that it will also have utility into defensive teams.

Choice Scarf Persian fits well on teams that appreciate Persian's ability to blanket check many setup sweepers that other common Choice Scarf users get outrun by, like Agility Kingler, Salac Berry Raichu, and Salac Berry Simisear. Defensive staples like Meganium lacking Dragon Tail, Staryu, and Solrock are liable to being set up on, and Choice Scarf Persian helps ensure that teams are secure versus threats like Raichu. However, teams with this Persian set must have reliable answers to Lairon and other Physically bulky setup threats like Shelgon, which Persian has a poor matchup into. Choice Scarf Persian is also one of the best tools for a defensive team against other defensive teams, as Switcheroo can ruin regular Persian checks like Solrock and Wormadam-T.

[SET]
name: Weather Setter
move 1: Return / Double-Edge
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Rain Dance
move 4: Taunt
item: Damp Rock
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

This Persian set forgoes its usual roles as a revenge killer and wallbreaker, and instead focuses on Persian's ability to support weather-based strategies. Persian is the fastest Pokemon with access to all of a weather-setting move, U-turn, and Taunt, which lets it set ideal conditions for Pokemon reliant on weather. Return is the necessary Normal-STAB that allows Persian to threaten damage on its own, but Double-Edge is an alternative to apply more pressure.

This Persian set should find itself with weather abusers and support Pokemon. On Rain teams, Agility Pelipper and Beartic are excellent wallbreakers, and can clean through weakened teams with their incredible power and Speed under rain. Raichu can make use of a perfectly accurate Thunder under Rain, and its boosted Hidden Power Ice assists in wearing down Grass-types like Meganium and Ivysaur for teammates that might be walled otherwise. Kingler and Walrein under Rain are terrifying threats, using the boost to destroy all but the bulkiest of checks. Persian cannot keep up weather all on its own though, and should be paired with other Rain Dance users for consistency. Phione has the best defensive profile of the Rain Dance users, and utilizes Hydration and Water-STAB to be surprisingly difficult to handle. Illumise is another option, able to use a slow U-turn while maintaining priority Rain Dance for endgames against fast cleaners.

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

Persian has an enormous suite of tools, but many of its other options are not very worthwhile. Persian could opt for Leftovers over Silk Scarf to remain healthy in the face of Stealth Rock and Rocky Helmet, but it appreciates the power boost from Silk Scarf a lot. Persian could make use of Choice Band to immediately threaten OHKO's with its Double-Edge, but Silk Scarf has higher damage if the opponent takes a Fake Out and Double-Edge, and Slaking effectively outclasses it. Nasty Plot seems appealing to turn the fastest Pokemon in the tier into a setup threat, but Persian lacks reliable setup opportunities, and is completely stuffed by common Specially Defensive Pokemon like Clefairy and Muk. Substitute on a predicted sacrificed Pokemon could potentially be very rewarding, but Persian appreciates all of its moveslots, and it still gets walled easily based on its coverage. Sun is a notably less consistent option than Rain, but on those Sun teams, Persian is invaluable support for its speedy Sunny Day and U-turn.

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

**Rock and Steel-types**: Persian is checked very reliably by Rock or Steel-types like Lairon, Solrock, and Graveler, who are only afraid of Water Pulse. Lairon also fears HP Ground, might be worth mentioning. Wormadam-T is an excellent counter who is only afraid of the specific Hidden Power Fire. Even if it is running its wallbreaking set, it cannot threaten to immediately knock them out if they switch into a Normal-type attack or are healthy.

**Physical Walls**: Physically bulky Pokemon can tank its attacks and fire back against the frail Persian. Leafeon, Shelgon, and defensive Mienfoo can easily threaten to KO Persian, while walls like Hippopotas and Ivysaur are only afraid of Knock Off on the switch.

**Choice Scarf Users**: While most Choice Scarf users can't switch into Persian's powerful attacks, they can use the Speed boost to threaten Persian out. Persian's tendency to use Fake Out and Taunt frequently might invite a risky switch from the opponent looking to take momentum back. Slaking deserves special mention, thanks to being able to tank Persian's attacks, and threaten it with either a STAB attack or Pursuit.

**Priority**: While Fake Out almost always goes first in the priority bracket, Pokemon who are able to tank a Fake Out and threaten back with powerful priority deny Persian its goal of revenge killing. Arbok with a Coil or two of boosts can comfortably tank Fake Out, and do huge damage back with Sucker Punch. Pikachu's Extreme Speed turns the tables on a Persian that has just gotten a kill, and its gigantic attacking stats means that it is very difficult to switch into. In endgame situations, other Persian are able to use their Fake Out to potentially force a KO on Persian or its teammates.

**Residual Damage**: Persian's tendency to throw out many "free" attacks leads to Rocky Helmet Solrock being its most common check, who is able to damage Persian even if it switches out with U-turn. Persian also weaves in and out of battle to make the most out of Fake Out and U-turn, which accumulates a lot of chip damage from Stealth Rock.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monai, 482455]]
- Quality checked by: [[Gangsta Spongebob, 535530], [btboy, 528652]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

 

[Monai]

Implemented, tagging GP Team

Last 4 parter lol this was done before the change

 

[ken]

1/1 GP Team done
add remove comment

persian

[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: Return / Double-Edge
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Taunt / Knock Off / Bite
item: Silk Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Flaunting the highest Speed stat in the tier, a deep movepool, and decent offensive stats paired with the incredible ability Technician (remove semicolon, ac) Persian takes its place at the top of the metagame as an incredible revenge killer and wallbreaker. Technician-boosted Fake Out is the lynchpin of this Persian set, giving it a strong priority attack that racks up damage with its guaranteed flinch (rc) as well as allowing Persian to pick off weakened Speed boosted Speed-boosted Pokemon like Shelgon or Choice Scarf users. The choice of STAB move between Return and Double-Edge comes down to the pacing of the team, as more aggressive teams might need the improved damage of Double-Edge, while more balanced teams can afford to let Persian play more conservatively with its HP. U-Turn U-turn allows Persian to keep momentum on predicted switches (rc) as well as chipping chip important targets like Solrock and Lairon with the help of Stealth Rock. Taunt is an overall good utility move that lets Persian deny status moves such as Thunder Wave and Will-o Wisp Will-O-Wisp (rc) as well as preventing prevent recovery moves from Pokemon that Persian needs to keep at low HP. Knock Off is another good option that lets Persian ruin unevolved walls like Clefairy and Hippopotas (rc) while being generally difficult to switch in against. The final common option that Persian makes use of is Bite, which lets Persian muscle through a relatively hard counter in Frillish, while still outputting good damage against Solrock. Despite no other Pokemon in BW ZU approaching Persian's Speed tier, Max maximum Speed investment is used in order to outspeed Jolly Whiscash after a boost (rc) as well as to tie with other Persian.

This Persian set fits best on balance and offensive teams. Balance appreciates Persian's ability to revenge kill and force out a variety of attackers (rc) as well as wear down other balance and defensive teams through attacks, U-turn, and its disruption moves. Mienfoo is a stellar partner, as its Regenerator and U-turn form a solid pivot core; Persian appreciates such a reliable answer to Lairon, while Mienfoo can cripple Eviolite-reliant walls, (ac) such as Hippopotas, as well as pivot Persian in for opportunities to throw out attacks. Persian really appreciates Stealth Rock in order to make the constant switches it forces more painful, and Pokemon like Solrock, Wormadam-T Wormadam-S assuming you mean trash; -S for steel/trash & -G for ground/sandy, Clefairy, and Lairon are all excellent setters. Persian is also a great facilitator of powerful wallbreakers like Simisear and Glaceon, who which lack opportunities to directly switch in. If Persian is being used on a more offensive team, Persian is great at baiting in Pokemon that resist Double-Edge like Solrock and Lairon for certain setup sweepers (rc) such as Substitute Leafeon and Dragon Dance Whiscash, (ac) respectively.

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

Persian has an enormous suite of tools, but many of its other options are not worthwhile. Persian could opt for Leftovers over Silk Scarf to remain healthy in the face of Stealth Rock and Rocky Helmet, but it appreciates the power boost from Silk Scarf a lot. Persian could make use of Choice Band to immediately threaten OHKO's OHKOs with its Double-Edge, but Silk Scarf has higher damage, (ac) if the opponent foe takes a Fake Out and Double-Edge, and Slaking effectively outclasses it. Nasty Plot seems appealing to turn the fastest Pokemon in the tier into a setup threat, but Persian lacks reliable setup opportunities (rc) and is completely stuffed by common Specially Defensive specially defensive Pokemon like Clefairy and Muk. Substitute on a predicted sacrificed Pokemon sacrificial switch assuming you mean this could potentially be very rewarding, but Persian appreciates all of its moveslots, and it still gets walled easily based on its coverage. Sun is a notably less consistent option than Rain, but on those Sun teams, Persian is invaluable support for its speedy Sunny Day and U-turn.

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

**Rock and Steel-types**: Persian is checked very reliably by Rock- (ah) or Steel-types like Lairon, Solrock, and Graveler. However, all 3 take significant damage from Water Pulse, (ac) and Lairon is terrified of Hidden Power Ground. Wormadam-T Wormadam-S is an excellent counter who that is only afraid of Hidden Power Fire. Even if it is running its wallbreaking set, it cannot threaten to immediately knock them out if they switch into a Normal-type attack or are healthy.

**Physical Walls**: Physically bulky Pokemon can tank its attacks and fire back against the frail Persian. Leafeon, Shelgon, and defensive Mienfoo can easily threaten to KO Persian, while walls like Hippopotas and Ivysaur are only afraid of Knock Off on the switch.

**Choice Scarf Users**: While most Choice Scarf users can't switch into Persian's powerful attacks, they can use the Speed boost to threaten Persian out. Persian's tendency to use Fake Out and Taunt frequently might invite a risky switch from the opponent looking to take momentum back. Slaking deserves special mention (rc) thanks to being able to tank Persian's attacks (rc) and threaten it with either a STAB attack or Pursuit.

**Priority**: While Fake Out almost always goes first in the priority bracket, Pokemon who that are able to tank a Fake Out and threaten back with powerful priority deny Persian its goal of revenge killing. Arbok with a Coil or two of boosts can comfortably tank Fake Out (rc) and do huge damage back with Sucker Punch. Pikachu's Extreme Speed turns the tables on a Persian that has just gotten a kill KO, and its gigantic attacking stats means remove s that it is very difficult to switch into. In endgame situations, other Persian are able to use their Fake Out to potentially force a KO on Persian or its teammates.

**Residual Damage**: Persian's tendency to throw out many "free" attacks leads to Rocky Helmet Solrock being its most common check, who which is able to damage Persian even if it switches out with U-turn. Persian also weaves in and out of battle to make the most out of Fake Out and U-turn, which accumulates a lot of chip damage from Stealth Rock.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/monai.482455/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gangsta-spongebob.535530/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/btboy.528652/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/

 

[Monai]

implemented, tagging Gangsta Spongebob and Tuthur