[OVERVIEW]
With a massive base 125 Attack, a great offensive typing, a good ability, and powerful priority in Sucker Punch, Honchkrow is one of the strongest offensive Pokemon in the tier. It serves as a nice wallbreaker and late-game cleaner for offensive teams, as it can sweep weakened teams with a combination of Moxie and Sucker Punch, takes advantage of its huge Attack stat with its access to Brave Bird, and can even force mind games with Pursuit. However, Honchkrow has many flaws that hold it back. It has a mediocre defensive typing that leaves it weak to Stealth Rock, letting it get worn down by Life Orb recoil and recoil from Brave Bird more easily, even with access to Roost. It also has a somewhat shallow movepool. It also has poor defenses, making it extremely frail, and its Speed isn't so great either, making it reliant on Sucker Punch when up against faster offensive threats.
[SET]
set name: Murderkrow
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Pursuit / Roost
move 4: Superpower / Pursuit
item: Life Orb
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Brave Bird can 2HKO nearly anything that doesn't resist it. Sucker Punch slightly makes up for Honchkrow's middling Speed. Pursuit traps Psychic-type Pokemon such as Slowking and causes mind games with Sucker Punch, which can put a lot of pressure on the opponent, especially if Honchkrow has a Moxie boost. Roost mitigates the recoil caused by Brave Bird and Life Orb. Superpower hits Steel- and Dark-types such as Lucario, Aggron, Krookodile, Umbreon, and Hydreigon for super effective damage.
Set Details
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Attack and Speed are maximized so that Honchkrow is as fast and powerful as possible, with the Speed investment allowing it to outspeed uninvested Pokemon with a base Speed of 100. An Adamant nature is used to increase Honchkrow's damage output; however, Jolly can be used to outspeed maximum Speed base 70s if needed. Life Orb helps Honchkrow clean, and its recoil isn't too problematic thanks to Roost.
Usage Tips
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Honchkrow is usually used as a late-game cleaner and shouldn't be on the field much early-game; although it can punch holes in opposing teams, it's better off, in most cases, picking off weakened threats. Honchkrow should usually be trying to clean after faster Pokemon that resist Sucker Punch such as Hydreigon and Krookodile have been removed, as they are reliable bulky offense Pokemon that can take Honchkrow out.
Team Options
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Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Froslass, Roserade, and Mega Swampert makes it easier for Honchkrow to sweep with Moxie late-game, as this helps wear down some of its common threats. Pokemon that can check Dark-types such as Krookodile and Hydreigon make it easier for Honchkrow to clean, as they can tank Sucker Punches with little trouble; Whimsicott is an especially good partner, as it resists both of Krookodile's and Hydreigon's STAB attacks and can bring in Honchkrow safely with U-turn or support it with Tailwind, Memento, or Stun Spore. In the same token, pivots such as Forretress, Cobalion, and Mega Ampharos are good partners, as they can bring Honchkrow in safely, giving it opportunities to Pursuit trap or wallbreak with Brave Bird. Late-game cleaners that can take advantage of Honchkrow's wallbreaking prowess are also good teammates; Lucario and Cobalion in particular enjoy Honchkrow forcing out and trapping Chandelure and Psychic-types such as Slowking.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Substitute can block status and prevent Honchkrow from getting revenge killed by Pokemon such as Hydreigon. Heat Wave can remove Steel-types such as Mega Aggron and Forretress, but it doesn't have great coverage otherwise. Choice Scarf can boost Honchkrow's Speed, but Honchkrow has access to Sucker Punch anyway and doesn't have a great Speed tier. Taunt stops bulky Pokemon from setting up on Honchkrow, but it has little use over Honchkrow's coverage options. Tailwind can support Honchkrow and its teammates by patching up Honchkrow's middling Speed. Thunder Wave can cripple common checks to Honchkrow, such as Hydreigon. Choice Band can boost Honchkrow's Attack by a large margin, but Honchkrow appreciates having the ability to switch moves.
Checks & Counters
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**Faster Pokemon That Resist Dark**: Pokemon that resist Dark-type moves and can OHKO Honchkrow such as Hydreigon, Heracross, Cobalion, and Whimsicott are good answers to Honchkrow, as they can usually revenge kill Honchkrow after taking a boosted Sucker Punch. However, none of them can switch into Honchkrow's Brave Bird.
**Bulky Pokemon That Resist Flying**: Pokemon with high Defense, such as Mega Aggron, Mega Ampharos, and Rhyperior can all tank Honchkrow's Brave Bird with little trouble and can force it out. However, they all get worn down through repeated switching in. Mega Aerodactyl can also deal with Honchkrow reliably thanks to Roost, although it must be wary of Superpower.
**Intimidate Pokemon**: Bulky Intimidate users, such as Arcanine and defensive variants of Salamence, can take Honchkrow's attacks reliably and heal off any damage taken. Arcanine can burn Honchkrow with Will-O-Wisp and can wear it down quickly with Rocky Helmet if it gets hit.
**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-type Pokemon, such as Suicune and Alomomola, can deal with Honchkrow thanks to their great overall bulk and can cripple Honchkrow with Scald burns.
**Mega Aggron**: Mega Aggron can switch into most of Honchkrow's attacks with little trouble, thanks to its huge physical bulk. However, it doesn't like taking a boosted Superpower.
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