UU Cobalion

Eyan

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QC: Amaroq / BOUFF / Hilomilo
GP: CryoGyro / Fireflame479


[OVERVIEW]

Cobalion is a good late-game sweeper with its access to Swords Dance and great base Speed, allowing it to outspeed the majority of the tier. Cobalion is also a Fighting-type that has a STAB move to deal with Fairy-types. Its typing gives it a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock and an immunity to Toxic Spikes, making it easier to find multiple opportunities for it to switch in. Its typing also gives it resistances to Bug, Rock, Steel, and Dark; a Dark resistance combined with its ability Justified and high base Defense makes it a great switch-in to Knock Off. Unfortunately, Cobalion is weak to common offensive types in Fighting, Ground, and Fire. It is also held back by its average Attack, which results in a lack of immediate power and an inability to break through Pokemon like bulky Water-types. Finally, Cobalion's mediocre Special Defense limits its setup opportunities against special attackers.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Rock Polish / Substitute
item: Fightinium Z / Steelium Z / Shuca Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance allows Cobalion to sweep by boosting its mediocre Attack to respectable levels. Close Combat is Cobalion's strongest and most reliable Fighting-type STAB move. Iron Head gives Cobalion a secondary STAB move, which is handy for dealing with Fairy-types such as Togekiss. Rock Polish in the last slot forms a double dance set, increasing Cobalion's Speed to make it a lot harder to revenge kill after setting up. Substitute allows Cobalion to more comfortably set up against passive Pokemon that are incapable of breaking the Substitute in one hit, such as Alomomola. Stone Edge is an option in the last slot to hit Pokemon that are bulky or resist both of Cobalion's STAB moves, such as Mantine, Mandibuzz, and Chandelure, for super effective damage. X-Scissor is an option to hit Psychic-types harder, particularly Celebi, which has a chance to be OHKOed after Stealth Rock if it's an offensive variant. Slowbro doesn't take much from it, but it does more damage than either of Cobalion's STAB moves, netting a possible 2HKO at +2, while Reuniclus gets easily 2HKOed by it.

Set Details
========

Full investment in Speed and Attack with a Jolly nature maximizes Cobalion's sweeping potential. Justified makes Cobalion a good switch-in to Dark-type attacks, giving it a boost in Attack in the process. Fightinium Z turns Close Combat into a powerful 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling that is able to OHKO Pokemon such as Swampert at +2 after Stealth Rock. Steelium Z turns Iron Head into Corkscrew Crash, which deals massive damage to and potentially OHKOes Nidoqueen and Gliscor at +2. Corkscrew Crash also has a high chance of OHKOing Choice Specs Primarina after Stealth Rock damage. Shuca Berry allows Cobalion to better check Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl, Mamoswine, and Krookodile.

Usage Tips
========

This set can either be used early-game to punch holes into the opponent's team or saved until late-game for a sweep on its own. If the latter is chosen, ensure Cobalion's checks and counters such as Slowbro, Jellicent, and Doublade have been KOed or sufficiently weakened. If you are running Fightinium Z, use All-Out Pummeling wisely. It can be very useful to severely weaken or remove foes to support teammates, as well as break through Pokemon that would otherwise check Cobalion, such as Hippowdon. If you are running Steelium Z, set up with Swords Dance to lure in and KO Pokemon like Gliscor that would check Fightinium Z variants of Cobalion. Cobalion's resistances coupled with its natural bulk provide numerous setup opportunities, particularly against Dark-types such as non-Low Kick Weavile and Choice-locked Hydreigon. If you're not running Rock Polish, Cobalion is easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users, so KO them beforehand where possible. With Rock Polish, Cobalion can sometimes clean up late-game just with the boost in Speed, depending on how much the opposing team has been weakened.

Team Options
========

Cobalion is aiming to sweep late-game, so entry hazard setters such as Swampert, Hippowdon, Krookodile, Nidoqueen, Tentacruel, and Froslass tend to make for good partners. Hazards will weaken Cobalion's checks as they switch in, eventually putting them in the range of Cobalion's +2 attacks. Toxic Spikes is particularly good, as a lot of Water- and Ground-types that check Cobalion are vulnerable to it. Pokemon that can remove bulky Water-types, such as Celebi, Rotom-C, and Raikou, are useful to take on the likes of Suicune, Slowbro, and Alomomola. Dark-types like Weavile, Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Hydreigon pair well with Cobalion in order to deal with the numerous Ghost- and Psychic-types, such as Slowbro, Doublade, and Chandelure, that cause issues for it. The former three can also Pursuit trap the aforementioned Ghost- and Psychic-types. Strong special attackers are handy in aiding Cobalion, as they pressure the physical walls that cause issues for it and also lure in special walls such as Blissey, which tend to be setup fodder for Cobalion. Hydreigon and Latias, in particular, do this really well, with both having good type synergy with Cobalion. Hydreigon is able to check Ghost- and Psychic-types, while Latias encourages Choice Scarf users like Krookodile to lock itself into Knock Off or Pursuit, which serves as a setup opportunity for Cobalion.

[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Taunt / Volt Switch
item: Fightinium Z / Steelium Z / Shuca Berry / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Cobalion is one of the fastest users of Stealth Rock, making it an excellent choice for offensive teams. Close Combat is a powerful STAB move and Cobalion's best source of damage. Iron Head is a secondary STAB move that gives good neutral coverage alongside Close Combat and checks Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Togekiss. Swords Dance boosts Cobalion's Attack stat, giving it more offensive presence when pivoting into threats, especially after setting up Stealth Rock for the team. Taunt can be used to prevent opposing entry hazards from being set up, which is handy given Cobalion's good Speed. Volt Switch gains momentum for the team and builds up damage on some Pokemon that are able to switch into Cobalion such as Suicune and Tentacruel.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature enables Cobalion to act as a good support Pokemon while still being able to outspeed and check certain threats. Justified turns Cobalion into a very reliable Knock Off switch-in. The Z-Crystals are best used in conjunction with Swords Dance; with Fightinium Z, +2 Cobalion is able to OHKO or do a lot of damage to any Pokemon that doesn't resist All-Out Pummeling. With Steelium Z, Cobalion is able to lure and severely weaken its usual checks in Nidoqueen, Latias, and Gliscor, as well as OHKO Choice Specs Primarina after Stealth Rock. Shuca Berry is the preferred item if you're running Taunt or Volt Switch in the last moveslot, as Cobalion lacks the immediate power to utilize Fightinium Z or Steelium Z effectively without Swords Dance. It also allows Cobalion to better check Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl and more comfortably stay in against Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, Swampert, Mamoswine, and Gliscor to use Taunt on them, preventing them from setting up Stealth Rock of their own. However, note that suicide lead Mamoswine sets do run Oblivious at times to not be affected by Taunt. Leftovers provides Cobalion with some passive recovery, which is appreciated on an offensive pivot to increase its longevity and reliability in setting up Stealth Rock. This is mainly an option if you're running Volt Switch or Taunt in the last moveslot.

Usage Tips
========

Aim to set up Stealth Rock early-game, as that's Cobalion's main role with this set. Cobalion's natural bulk and resistances should grant it multiple opportunities to switch in throughout the match. Make use of its ability to check offensive Pokemon such as Mega Sharpedo, Krookodile, and Hydreigon when pivoting in. Its great Speed and decent Attack allow it to still function as a late-game cleaner, especially if you're running Swords Dance with Fightinium Z or Steelium Z. Do not stay in to use Taunt against Stealth Rock users such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen that would typically check Cobalion, unless it's absolutely necessary to keep Stealth Rock off your side of the field or if you are fairly certain of them going for a non-attacking move. Take note of whether you need Cobalion in particular to check something on the opponent's team. Running Volt Switch turns Cobalion into a hit-and-run Pokemon after setting up Stealth Rock, switching in on resisted hits and proceeding to Volt Switch out to gain momentum.

Team Options
========

Offensive Pokemon and sweepers, in general, work well with Cobalion, as they appreciate the entry hazard support and Cobalion's ability to remove walls such as Hippowdon and Swampert if it is running Fightinium Z or Gliscor if it's running Steelium Z. This makes Pokemon such as Raikou and Mega Absol good partners. Cobalion is able to reliably check Krookodile, Hydreigon, Alolan Muk, and non-Low Kick Weavile, so Pokemon that struggle with these, such as Latias and Celebi, make good partners for Cobalion. These two also help to take care of the bulky Poison-types that Cobalion tends to have trouble doing its job against, such as Nidoqueen and Tentacruel. Bulky Water- and Psychic-types do well in taking hits that would hit Cobalion super effectively, such as from Suicune, Primarina, Slowbro, and Reuniclus.

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

Zen Headbutt could be useful on the Swords Dance set to better deal with Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, if Cobalion is not running Steelium Z, and Tentacruel that would be able to take Cobalion's STAB moves decently well. Magnet Rise allows Cobalion to easily set up on Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen. However, Hippowdon may carry Whirlwind, and Nidoqueen may run a Fire-type attack. Toxic can be useful to catch walls that tend to switch into Cobalion, such as Alomomola, Slowbro, and Hippowdon, slowly wearing them down. Sacred Sword is an option on non-Swords Dance sets to better take on Curse Snorlax, but it suffers from a relatively low Base Power, and Snorlax is uncommon to begin with. A bulky spread for the offensive pivot set can be used to better pivot into certain attacks such as Draco Meteor from Hydreigon. This comes at the cost of missing out on certain OHKOs, though, such as on Hydreigon and Krookodile. Life Orb is a possible item on the Swords Dance set if you're running Rock Polish. This is handy in matchups where Cobalion is able to run through the opponent's team of Pokemon that are frail but would normally outspeed it. Iron Plate is an alternative that allows Cobalion to OHKO Sylveon after Stealth Rock damage and Mega Aerodactyl without taking any Life Orb recoil.

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

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Swampert, Nidoqueen, and Gliscor can all check Cobalion with relative ease, tanking hits from it and threatening it out with their Ground-type STAB moves, although the former two have to watch out for All-Out Pummeling, while the latter two have to watch out for Corkscrew Crash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Tentacruel, Slowbro, Jellicent, Suicune, and Alomomola are all possible checks to Cobalion due to their naturally high bulk and ability to threaten Cobalion with a Scald burn. Slowbro, Tentacruel, and Jellicent are noteworthy for resisting both of Cobalion's STAB moves.

**Psychic-types**: Slowbro and Reuniclus are pretty much impossible for Cobalion to break with just its STAB moves with the exception of +2 Corkscrew Crash on Reuniclus. Cobalion otherwise has to run X-Scissor with Swords Dance in order to be able to do so. That said, Slowbro has a chance to survive two +2 X-Scissors and threaten Cobalion with a burn, while Reuniclus usually carries Focus Blast, which does massive damage to Cobalion. Latias is faster than Cobalion and is able to 2HKO it with Psychic while being bulky enough to survive a +2 Iron Head or unboosted Corkscrew Crash.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-type Pokemon, namely Chandelure, Doublade, Cofagrigus, and Jellicent, are typically either hard counters or good checks to Cobalion. They can take both of Cobalion's STAB moves with ease, although Chandelure has to be careful about those running Stone Edge.

**Fire-types**: Certain Fire-types such as Chandelure and Infernape can cause Cobalion issues. Chandelure shrugs off both STAB moves with ease and can even be carrying a Choice Scarf to outspeed and OHKO Cobalion, whereas Infernape Speed ties with it, may carry a Choice Scarf, and has the option of running Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave. However, Chandelure has to be careful of getting hit by a super effective Stone Edge.

**Faster Pokemon**: Cobalion has a high Speed stat, but it is still easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users such as Hydreigon. Pokemon like Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl, Raikou, Latias, and Focus Blast Mega Sceptile that are naturally faster than Cobalion don't need much prior damage before revenge killing it.
 
Last edited:

Amaroq

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In the overview, mention something about the way its typing provides it with several useful resistances. In the first bullet point in Team Options for the Swords Dance set, include Toxic Spikes (a lot of bulky Water- and Ground-types that check Cobalion are vulnerable to them and Cobalion has decent synergy with most of the available setters), provide a few more examples of good Stealth Rock setters, and elaborate more on how they synergize with Cobalion.

QC 1/3.
 

Hilomilo

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Overview
* Maybe give some examples of common threats that Cobalion's Speed tier allows it to outrun.
* I'd also give some examples of Special Attacks that can overwhelm it due to its poor SpDef.
* Highlight a weakness to bulky Water-types here and state what exactly causes Cobalion to struggle breaking past them.

Set: Swords Dance

Moves
* Use Sylveon as a Fairy-type example alongside Togekiss.
* I think X-Scissor is good enough to move here from Other Options. It's Cobalion's best way of damaging Slowbro and does heavy damage to bulky Celebi and Latias without using Steelium Z, and for me has been about as consistently useful as Stone Edge, which is also listed here.

Usage Tips
* Give more examples of Cobalion checks than just Slowbro (Tentacruel, Jellicent, and Doublade all work).

Team Options
* I feel like you have a few too many examples of entry hazard setters, so consider removing Tentacruel and/or Froslass.
* Replace the Xurkitree mention with something like Rotom-C.
* Consider replacing the Mega Absol example with Weavile or Mega Sharpedo.
* Give examples of some of the scarfers that you say Latias can lure in for Cobalion.

Set: Offensive Pivot

Moves
* 'Taunt can be used to prevent opposing entry hazards from being set up' - give examples here.

Team Options
* Give a more relevant/viable example of a sweeper than Mega Absol.

Other Options
* Remove X-Scissor if you end up moving it to the moves section of SD.
* I'd add Sacred Sword here and say that it has use in breaking past Snorlax if it's boosted up enough with Curse. Say that Snorlax's general rarity is an obvious drawback, and that it generally isn't worth it due to the move's low power.

Checks and Counters
* What exactly allows Ghost-types to hard counter Cobalion? Elaborate a little. Also be sure to say that Jellicent in particular can threaten it with both Taunt to prevent setup or rocks and burns.

Implement this then give yourself 3/3. Overall really great work :) most of this check was just minor nitpicks.
 

Eyan

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Implemented most of it. I left out certain points asking for extra/replacement examples and elaboration, since they were either unnecessary or stuff I'd remove for fluff in GP.
 

GP 1/2
remove add comments

[OVERVIEW]

Cobalion is a good late-game sweeper with thanks to its access to Swords Dance granting it a setup move and its great base Speed, (comma) allowing it to outspeed the majority of the tier. Cobalion is also notable for being a Fighting-type that has a STAB move to deal with Fairy-types. Its typing gives it a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock and an immunity to Toxic Spikes, making it easier to find multiple opportunities for it to switch in. Its typing also gives it resistances to Bug, Rock, Steel, and Dark; the resistance to Dark, when a Dark resistance combined with its ability Justified and high base Defense, (comma) makes Cobalion it a great switch-in to Knock Off. Unfortunately, Cobalion is weak to common offensive types in Fighting, Ground, and Fire. It is also held back by its average Attack, which results in the a lack of immediate power and it being unable inability to break through Pokemom like bulky Water-types. Finally, Cobalion's mediocre Special Defense limits its setup opportunities against special attackers.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Rock Polish / Substitute
item: Fightinium Z / Steelium Z / Shuca Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance allows Cobalion to sweep, (comma) by boosting its mediocre Attack to respectable levels. Close Combat is Cobalion's strongest and most reliable Fighting-type STAB move. Iron Head gives Cobalion a secondary STAB move, which is handy to for dealing with Fairy-types such as Togekiss. Rock Polish in the last moveslot forms a Double Dance set, (comma) increasing and increases Cobalion's Speed to make it a lot harder to revenge kill after setting up. Substitute allows Cobalion to more comfortably set up against passive Pokemon that are incapable of breaking the Substitute in one hit, (comma) such as Alomomola. Stone Edge is an option in the last slot to hit Pokemon that are bulky or resist both of Cobalion's STAB moves for super effective damage, such as Mantine, Mandibuzz, and Chandelure for super effective damage. X-Scissor is an option to hit Psychic-types harder, particularly Celebi, which has a chance to be OHKOed after Stealth Rock if it's an offensive variant. Slowbro doesn't take too much from it, but it does more damage than both either of Cobalion's STAB moves, netting a possible 2HKO at +2, while Reuniclus gets easily 2HKOed by it.

Set Details
========

Full investment in Speed and Attack with a Jolly nature maximizes Cobalion's sweeping potential. Justified makes Cobalion a good switch-in to Dark-type attacks, (comma) by giving it a boost in Attack in the process when it does so. Fightinium Z turns Close Combat into a powerful 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling, (comma) being that is able to OHKO Pokemon such as Swampert at +2 after Stealth Rock. Steelium Z turns Iron Head into Corkscrew Crash, dealing which deals massive damage to and potentially OHKOing OHKOes Nidoqueen and Gliscor at +2. Corkscrew Crash also OHKOes Choice Specs Primarina after Stealth Rock damage. (boosted or not? unboosted isn't guaranteed) Shuca Berry allows Cobalion to better check Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl, Mamoswine, and Krookodile.

Usage Tips
========

This set can either be used early-game to punch holes into the opponent's team or be saved till until late-game for a sweep on its own. If the latter is chosen, ensure Cobalion's checks and counters such as Slowbro, Jellicent, and Doublade have been KOed or sufficiently weakened. If you are running Fightinium Z, use Cobalion's Z-Move wisely. It can be very useful to for severely weakening or remove removing foes to support teammates, (comma) as well as breaking through Pokemon that would otherwise check Cobalion, (comma) such as Hippowdon. If you are running Steelium Z, set up with Swords Dance to lure in and KO Pokemon like Gliscor, (comma) which that would check Fightinium Z variants of Cobalion. Cobalion's resistances coupled with its natural bulk provide numerous setup opportunities, particularly against Dark-types such as non-Low Kick Weavile and Hydreigon. (do you mean choice-locked hydreigon? they almost always run fire blast or focus blast) If you're not running Rock Polish, Cobalion is easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users, so KO them beforehand where possible. With Rock Polish, Cobalion can sometimes clean up late-game just with just the boost in Speed without setting up a Swords Dance, depending on how much the opposing team has been weakened.

Team Options
========

Cobalion is aiming to sweep late-game, so entry hazard setters, (comma) in general, tend to make for good partners, such as Swampert, Hippowdon, Krookodile, Nidoqueen, Tentacruel, and Froslass generally tend to make for good partners. These Hazards will weaken Cobalion's checks as they switch in, eventually putting them in the range of Cobalion's +2 attacks. Toxic Spikes is particularly good, as a lot of Water- and Ground-types that check Cobalion are vulnerable to it. Pokemon that can remove bulky Water-types, such as Celebi, Rotom-C, and Raikou, are useful to take for taking on the likes of Suicune, Slowbro, and Alomomola. Dark-types can pair well with Cobalion in order to deal with the numerous Ghost- and Psychic-types, (comma) such as Slowbro, Doublade, and Chandelure, that cause issues for it such as Slowbro, Doublade, and Chandelure. Examples of these would include Weavile, Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Hydreigon. The former three can also Pursuit trap the aforementioned Ghost- and Psychic-types. Strong special attackers are handy in aiding Cobalion, as they pressure the physical walls that cause issues for Cobalion and also lure in special walls such as Blissey, which tend to be setup fodder for Cobalion. Hydreigon and Latias, (comma) in particular, (comma) do this really well, with both having good type synergy with Cobalion. Hydreigon is able to check Ghost- and Psychic-types, while Latias lures in encourages Choice Scarf users like Krookodile Choice locked to lock into Knock Off or Pursuit, (comma) which serves as a setup opportunity that serve as setup opportunities for Cobalion.

[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Taunt / Volt Switch
item: Fightinium Z / Steelium Z / Shuca Berry / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Cobalion is one of the fastest users of Stealth Rock, making it an excellent choice for offensive teams. Close Combat is a high-powered powerful STAB move and Cobalion's best source of damage. Iron Head is a secondary STAB move that gives good neutral coverage alongside Close Combat and checks Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Togekiss. Swords Dance boosts Cobalion's Attack stat, giving it more offensive presence when pivoting into threats, especially after setting up Stealth Rock for the team. Taunt can be used to prevent opposing entry hazards from being set up, which is handy effective given Cobalion's good Speed. Volt Switch gains momentum for the team and builds up damage on some Pokemon that are able to switch into Cobalion such as Suicune and Tentacruel.

Set Details
========

252 Atk / 252 Spe Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature enables Cobalion to act as a good support Pokemon while that is still being able to outspeed and check certain threats. Justified as the ability turns Cobalion into a very reliable Knock Off switch-in. The Z-Crystals are best used in conjunction with Swords Dance; with Fightinium Z, +2 Cobalion is able to OHKO or do a lot of damage to any Pokemon that doesn't resist All-Out Pummeling. With Steelium Z, Cobalion is able to lure and severely weaken its usual checks in Nidoqueen, Latias, and Gliscor, (comma) as well as OHKO Choice Specs Primarina after Stealth Rock. Shuca Berry is the preferred item if you're running Taunt or Volt Switch in the last moveslot, as Cobalion lacks the immediate power to utilize Fightinium Z or Steelium Z effectively without Swords Dance. It also allows you Cobalion to better check Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl and more comfortably stay in against Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, Swampert, Mamoswine, and Gliscor to use Taunt on them, preventing them from setting up Stealth Rock of their own. However, note that suicide lead Mamoswine sets do run Oblivious at times to not be affected by Taunt. Leftovers provides Cobalion with some passive recovery, which is appreciated on an offensive pivot to increase its longevity and reliability in setting up Stealth Rock. This is mainly an option if you're running Volt Switch or Taunt on the last moveslot.

Usage Tips
========

Aim to set up Stealth Rock early-game, as that's Cobalion's main role with this set. Cobalion's natural bulk and resistances should grant it multiple opportunities to switch in throughout the match. Make use of its ability to check offensive Pokemon such as Mega Sharpedo, Krookodile, and Hydreigon when pivoting in. Its great Speed and decent Attack allow it to still function as a late-game cleaner, especially if you're running Swords Dance with Fightinium Z or Steelium Z. Do not stay in to use Taunt on Stealth Rock users such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen that would typically check Cobalion, (comma) such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen unless it's absolutely necessary to keep Stealth Rock off your side of the field or if you are fairly certain of them going for a non-attacking move. Take note of whether you need Cobalion in particular to check something on the opponent's team. Running Volt Switch would turns Cobalion into a hit-and-run Pokemon after setting up Stealth Rock, switching in on resisted hits and proceeding to Volt Switch out to gain momentum.

Team Options
========

Offensive Pokemon and sweepers, (comma) in general, generally work well with Cobalion, as they appreciate the entry hazard support and the ability to remove walls such as Hippowdon and Swampert if Cobalion is running Fightinium Z or Gliscor if it's running Steelium Z. This makes Pokemon such as Raikou and Mega Absol good partners. Cobalion is able to reliably check Krookodile, Hydreigon, Alolan Muk, and non-Low Kick Weavile, so Pokemon that struggle with these such as Latias and Celebi would make good partners for Cobalion, such as Latias and Celebi. These two also help to take care of the bulky Poison-types that Cobalion tends to have trouble doing its job against, (comma) such as Nidoqueen and Tentacruel. Bulky Water- and Psychic-types such as Suicune, Primarina, Slowbro, and Reuniclus do well in taking hits that would hit Cobalion super effectively, such as Suicune, Primarina, Slowbro, and Reuniclus.

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

Zen Headbutt could be useful on the Swords Dance set to better deal with Pokemon Poison-types that take Cobalion's STAB moves decently well such as Nidoqueen, if Cobalion is not running Steelium Z, and Tentacruel that would be able to take Cobalion's STAB moves decently well. Magnet Rise allows Cobalion to easily set up on Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen. However, Hippowdon may carry Whirlwind and Nidoqueen may run a Fire-type attack. Toxic can be useful to catch for catching walls that tend to switch into Cobalion, (comma) such as Alomomola, Slowbro, and Hippowdon, slowly wearing them down. Sacred Sword is an option on non-Swords Dance sets to better take on Curse Snorlax, but it suffers from a relatively low Base Power, and Snorlax is uncommon to begin with. A bulky spread for the offensive pivot set can be used to better pivot into certain attacks such as Draco Meteor from Hydreigon. This comes at the cost of missing out on certain OHKOs, though, such as on the aforementioned Hydreigon and Krookodile. Life Orb is a possible item on the Swords Dance set if you're running Rock Polish. This is handy in matchups where Cobalion is able to run through the opponent's team of Pokemon that are frail but would normally outspeed it. Iron Plate is an alternative that allows Cobalion to OHKO Sylveon after Stealth Rock damage and Mega Aerodactyl without taking any Life Orb recoil.

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

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Swampert, Nidoqueen, and Gliscor can all check Cobalion with relative ease, tanking hits from it and threatening it out with their Ground-type STAB moves, although the former two have to watch out for All-Out Pummeling, while the latter two have to watch out for Corkscrew Crash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Tentacruel, Slowbro, Jellicent, Suicune, and Alomomola are all possible checks to Cobalion due to their naturally high bulk and ability to threaten Cobalion with a Scald burn. Slowbro, Tentacruel, and Jellicent are noteworthy for resisting both of Cobalion's STAB moves.

**Psychic-types**: Slowbro and Reuniclus are pretty much impossible for Cobalion to break with just its STAB moves with the exception of +2 Corkscrew Crash on Reuniclus. It otherwise has to run X-Scissor with Swords Dance in order to be able to do so. +2 Corkscrew Crash would also do massive damage to Reuniclus, though. That said, Slowbro has a chance to survive two hits of +2 X-Scissor and threaten Cobalion with a burn, while Reuniclus usually carries Focus Blast, which does massive damage to Cobalion. Latias is faster than Cobalion and is able to 2HKO it with Psychic while being bulky enough to survive a +2 Iron Head or neutral unboosted Corkscrew Crash.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-type Pokemon, namely Chandelure, Doublade, Cofagrigus, and Jellicent, are typically either hard counters or good checks to Cobalion. They can take on both of Cobalion's STAB moves with ease, although Chandelure has to be careful about those running Stone Edge.

**Fire-types**: Certain Fire-types such as Chandelure and Infernape can cause Cobalion issues. Chandelure shrugs off both STAB moves with ease and can even be carrying a Choice Scarf to outspeed and OHKO Cobalion, whereas Infernape Speed ties with it, may carry a Choice Scarf as well, and has the option of running Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave. However, Chandelure has to be careful of getting hit by a super effective Stone Edge.

**Faster Pokemon**: Cobalion has a high Speed stat, but it is still easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users such as Hydreigon. Pokemon like Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl, Raikou, Latias, and Focus Blast Mega Sceptile that are naturally faster than Cobalion and don't need much prior damage before revenge killing it.
 
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Fireflame

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[OVERVIEW]

Cobalion is a good late-game sweeper with its access to Swords Dance and great base Speed, allowing it to outspeed the majority of the tier. Cobalion is also a Fighting-type that has a STAB move to deal with Fairy-types. Its typing gives it a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock and an immunity to Toxic Spikes, making it easier to find multiple opportunities for it to switch in. Its typing also gives it resistances to Bug, Rock, Steel, and Dark; a Dark resistance combined with its ability Justified and high base Defense makes it a great switch-in to Knock Off. Unfortunately, Cobalion is weak to common offensive types in Fighting, Ground, and Fire. It is also held back by its average Attack, which results in a lack of immediate power and an inability to break through Pokemom Pokemon like bulky Water-types. Finally, Cobalion's mediocre Special Defense limits its setup opportunities against special attackers.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Rock Polish / Substitute
item: Fightinium Z / Steelium Z / Shuca Berry
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance allows Cobalion to sweep by boosting its mediocre Attack to respectable levels. Close Combat is Cobalion's strongest and most reliable Fighting-type STAB move. Iron Head gives Cobalion a secondary STAB move, which is handy for dealing with Fairy-types such as Togekiss. Rock Polish in the last slot forms a double dance set, increasing Cobalion's Speed to make it a lot harder to revenge kill after setting up. Substitute allows Cobalion to more comfortably set up against passive Pokemon that are incapable of breaking the Substitute in one hit, such as Alomomola. Stone Edge is an option in the last slot to hit Pokemon that are bulky or resist both of Cobalion's STAB moves, such as Mantine, Mandibuzz, and Chandelure, for super effective damage. X-Scissor is an option to hit Psychic-types harder, particularly Celebi, which has a chance to be OHKOed after Stealth Rock if it's an offensive variant. Slowbro doesn't take much from it, but it does more damage than either of Cobalion's STAB moves, netting a possible 2HKO at +2, while Reuniclus gets easily 2HKOed by it.

Set Details
========

Full investment in Speed and Attack with a Jolly nature maximizes Cobalion's sweeping potential. Justified makes Cobalion a good switch-in to Dark-type attacks, giving it a boost in Attack in the process. Fightinium Z turns Close Combat into a powerful 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling that is able to OHKO Pokemon such as Swampert at +2 after Stealth Rock. Steelium Z turns Iron Head into Corkscrew Crash, which deals massive damage to and potentially OHKOes Nidoqueen and Gliscor at +2. Corkscrew Crash also has a high chance of OHKOing Choice Specs Primarina after Stealth Rock damage. Shuca Berry allows Cobalion to better check Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl, Mamoswine, and Krookodile.

Usage Tips
========

This set can either be used early-game to punch holes into the opponent's team or saved until late-game for a sweep on its own. If the latter is chosen, ensure Cobalion's checks and counters such as Slowbro, Jellicent, and Doublade have been KOed or sufficiently weakened. If you are running Fightinium Z, use Cobalion's Z-Move All-Out Pummeling wisely. It can be very useful to severely weaken or remove foes to support teammates, as well as breaking through Pokemon that would otherwise check Cobalion, such as Hippowdon. If you are running Steelium Z, set up with Swords Dance to lure in and KO Pokemon like Gliscor that would check Fightinium Z variants of Cobalion. Cobalion's resistances coupled with its natural bulk provide numerous setup opportunities, particularly against Dark-types such as non-Low Kick Weavile and Choice-locked Hydreigon. If you're not running Rock Polish, Cobalion is easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users, so KO them beforehand where possible. With Rock Polish, Cobalion can sometimes clean up late-game just with the boost in Speed, depending on how much the opposing team has been weakened.

Team Options
========

Cobalion is aiming to sweep late-game, so entry hazard setters, in general such as Swampert, Hippowdon, Krookodile, Nidoqueen, Tentacruel, and Froslass, tend to make for good partners,(RC) such as Swampert, Hippowdon, Krookodile, Nidoqueen, Tentacruel, and Froslass. Hazards will weaken Cobalion's checks as they switch in, eventually putting them in the range of Cobalion's +2 attacks. Toxic Spikes is particularly good, as a lot of Water- and Ground-types that check Cobalion are vulnerable to it. Pokemon that can remove bulky Water-types, such as Celebi, Rotom-C, and Raikou, are useful to take on the likes of Suicune, Slowbro, and Alomomola. Dark-types like Weavile, Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Hydreigon pair well with Cobalion in order to deal with the numerous Ghost- and Psychic-types, such as Slowbro, Doublade, and Chandelure, that cause issues for it. Examples of these include Weavile, Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Hydreigon. The former three can also Pursuit trap the aforementioned Ghost- and Psychic-types. Strong special attackers are handy in aiding Cobalion, as they pressure the physical walls that cause issues for Cobalion it and also lure in special walls such as Blissey, which tend to be setup fodder for Cobalion. Hydreigon and Latias, in particular, do this really well, with both having good type synergy with Cobalion. Hydreigon is able to check Ghost- and Psychic-types, while Latias encourages Choice Scarf users like Krookodile to lock itself into Knock Off or Pursuit, which serves as a setup opportunity for Cobalion.

[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Taunt / Volt Switch
item: Fightinium Z / Steelium Z / Shuca Berry / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Cobalion is one of the fastest users of Stealth Rock, making it an excellent choice for offensive teams. Close Combat is a powerful STAB move and Cobalion's best source of damage. Iron Head is a secondary STAB move that gives good neutral coverage alongside Close Combat and checks Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Togekiss. Swords Dance boosts Cobalion's Attack stat, giving it more offensive presence when pivoting into threats, especially after setting up Stealth Rock for the team. Taunt can be used to prevent opposing entry hazards from being set up, which is handy given Cobalion's good Speed. Volt Switch gains momentum for the team and builds up damage on some Pokemon that are able to switch into Cobalion such as Suicune and Tentacruel.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature enables Cobalion to act as a good support Pokemon while still being able to outspeed and check certain threats. Justified as the ability turns Cobalion into a very reliable Knock Off switch-in. The Z-Crystals are best used in conjunction with Swords Dance; with Fightinium Z, +2 Cobalion is able to OHKO or do a lot of damage to any Pokemon that doesn't resist All-Out Pummeling. With Steelium Z, Cobalion is able to lure and severely weaken its usual checks in Nidoqueen, Latias, and Gliscor, as well as OHKO Choice Specs Primarina after Stealth Rock. Shuca Berry is the preferred item if you're running Taunt or Volt Switch in the last moveslot, as Cobalion lacks the immediate power to utilize Fightinium Z or Steelium Z effectively without Swords Dance. It also allows Cobalion to better check Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl and more comfortably stay in against Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, Swampert, Mamoswine, and Gliscor to use Taunt on them, preventing them from setting up Stealth Rock of their own. However, note that suicide lead Mamoswine sets do run Oblivious at times to not be affected by Taunt. Leftovers provides Cobalion with some passive recovery, which is appreciated on an offensive pivot to increase its longevity and reliability in setting up Stealth Rock. This is mainly an option if you're running Volt Switch or Taunt on in the last moveslot.

Usage Tips
========

Aim to set up Stealth Rock early-game, as that's Cobalion's main role with this set. Cobalion's natural bulk and resistances should grant it multiple opportunities to switch in throughout the match. Make use of its ability to check offensive Pokemon such as Mega Sharpedo, Krookodile, and Hydreigon when pivoting in. Its great Speed and decent Attack allow it to still function as a late-game cleaner, especially if you're running Swords Dance with Fightinium Z or Steelium Z. Do not stay in to use Taunt against Stealth Rock users such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen that would typically check Cobalion,(RC) unless it's absolutely necessary to keep Stealth Rock off your side of the field or if you are fairly certain of them going for a non-attacking move. Take note of whether you need Cobalion in particular to check something on the opponent's team. Running Volt Switch turns Cobalion into a hit-and-run Pokemon after setting up Stealth Rock, switching in on resisted hits and proceeding to Volt Switch out to gain momentum.

Team Options
========

Offensive Pokemon and sweepers, in general, work well with Cobalion, as they appreciate the entry hazard support and the Cobalion's ability to remove walls such as Hippowdon and Swampert if Cobalion it is running Fightinium Z or Gliscor if it's running Steelium Z. This makes Pokemon such as Raikou and Mega Absol good partners. Cobalion is able to reliably check Krookodile, Hydreigon, Alolan Muk, and non-Low Kick Weavile, so Pokemon that struggle with these,(AC) such as Latias and Celebi,(AC) make good partners for Cobalion,(RC) such as Latias and Celebi. These two also help to take care of the bulky Poison-types that Cobalion tends to have trouble doing its job against, such as Nidoqueen and Tentacruel. Bulky Water- and Psychic-types do well in taking hits from Pokemon (Suicune etc. aren't hits) that would hit Cobalion super effectively, such as Suicune, Primarina, Slowbro, and Reuniclus.

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

Zen Headbutt could be useful on the Swords Dance set to better deal with Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, if Cobalion is not running Steelium Z, and Tentacruel that would be able to take Cobalion's STAB moves decently well. Magnet Rise allows Cobalion to easily set up on Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen. However, Hippowdon may carry Whirlwind,(AC) (independent clause) and Nidoqueen may run a Fire-type attack. Toxic can be useful to catch walls that tend to switch into Cobalion, such as Alomomola, Slowbro, and Hippowdon, slowly wearing them down. Sacred Sword is an option on non-Swords Dance sets to better take on Curse Snorlax, but it suffers from a relatively low Base Power, and Snorlax is uncommon to begin with. A bulky spread for the offensive pivot set can be used to better pivot into certain attacks such as Draco Meteor from Hydreigon. This comes at the cost of missing out on certain OHKOs, though, such as on Hydreigon and Krookodile. Life Orb is a possible item on the Swords Dance set if you're running Rock Polish. This is handy in matchups where Cobalion is able to run through the opponent's team of Pokemon that are frail but would normally outspeed it. Iron Plate is an alternative that allows Cobalion to OHKO Sylveon after Stealth Rock damage and Mega Aerodactyl without taking any Life Orb recoil.

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

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Swampert, Nidoqueen, and Gliscor can all check Cobalion with relative ease, tanking hits from it and threatening it out with their Ground-type STAB moves, although the former first two have to watch out for All-Out Pummeling, while the latter two have to watch out for Corkscrew Crash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Tentacruel, Slowbro, Jellicent, Suicune, and Alomomola are all possible checks to Cobalion due to their naturally high bulk and ability to threaten Cobalion with a Scald burn. Slowbro, Tentacruel, and Jellicent are noteworthy for resisting both of Cobalion's STAB moves.

**Psychic-types**: Slowbro and Reuniclus are pretty much impossible for Cobalion to break with just its STAB moves with the exception of +2 Corkscrew Crash on Reuniclus. It Cobalion otherwise has to run X-Scissor with Swords Dance in order to be able to do so. That said, Slowbro has a chance to survive two hits of +2 X-Scissors and threatens Cobalion with a burn, while Reuniclus usually carries Focus Blast, which does massive damage to Cobalion. Latias is faster than Cobalion and is able to 2HKO it with Psychic while being bulky enough to survive a +2 Iron Head or unboosted Corkscrew Crash.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-type Pokemon, namely Chandelure, Doublade, Cofagrigus, and Jellicent, are typically either hard counters or good checks to Cobalion. They can take both of Cobalion's STAB moves with ease, although Chandelure has to be careful about those running Stone Edge.

**Fire-types**: Certain Fire-types such as Chandelure and Infernape can cause Cobalion issues. Chandelure shrugs off both STAB moves with ease and can even be carrying a Choice Scarf to outspeed and OHKO Cobalion, whereas Infernape Speed ties with it, may carry a Choice Scarf, and has the option of running Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave. However, Chandelure has to be careful of getting hit by a super effective Stone Edge.

**Faster Pokemon**: Cobalion has a high Speed stat, but it is still easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users such as Hydreigon. Pokemon like Earthquake Mega Aerodactyl, Raikou, Latias, and Focus Blast Mega Sceptile that are naturally faster than Cobalion don't need much prior damage before revenge killing it.
GP 2/2
 
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