UU Hoopa

sanguine

friendly fire
is a Tiering Contributor
[OVERVIEW]

Hoopa's good offensive typing, ability to outspeed most defensive Pokemon, and massive Special Attack stat give it the tools to seriously bust holes in opposing teams. This is bolstered by its access to Nasty Plot and All-Out Pummeling, which further increases Hoopa's wallbreaking potential and allows it to muscle past would-be checks such as Alolan Muk and Blissey with ease after some mild chip damage. Hoopa also boasts impressive 80 / 130 special bulk, allowing it to take on the likes of Latias and Suicune. However, Hoopa's greatest strength, its Ghost / Psychic typing, is also its greatest weakness, giving it a 4x weakness to Pursuit, thus limiting its matchup versus offensively inclined teams. In addition, Hoopa's poor Speed and Defense stats leave it forced out by common physical attackers, such as Cobalion and Infernape. Finally, Hoopa faces stiff competition as an offensive Ghost-type from the likes of Chandelure and Gengar, which offer better Speed and utility than Hoopa. Other Psychic-types like Celebi, Latias, and Starmie also offer better Speed and utility and less vulnerability to Pursuit trapping. Hoopa's ability, Magician, also is useless in every situation.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Focus Blast / Substitute
move 4: Substitute / Psyshock
item: Fightinium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Nasty Plot boosts Hoopa's Special Attack, allowing it to break common cores. Shadow Ball is its main attack, hitting most of the tier for neutral damage, as well as becoming immensely powerful when used with Ghostium Z. Focus Blast has great neutral coverage in conjunction with Shadow Ball, hitting frailer Ghost-type resists for large amounts of damage, and with Fightinium Z, Hoopa can break defensive Dark-types such as Alolan Muk and Umbreon after minimal prior damage, as well as Blissey. Substitute gives safer setup opportunities and prevents Hoopa from being worn down by status conditions, and it can be used on a free turn or on a forced switch. Alternatively, Psyshock is Hoopa's best Psychic-type STAB attack, hitting threats with moderate special bulk such as Sylveon and Tentacruel harder than any other attack.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and a Modest nature give Hoopa as much power and breaking potential as possible. 252 Speed EVs let Hoopa outspeed threats such as Scizor, Crawdaunt, and most defensive Pokemon such as Mantine and defensive Togekiss. 4 Special Defense EVs are used so unboosted Suicune never breaks Hoopa's Substitute. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Primarina and Breloom, but since at +2, Modest Hoopa has a 50% chance to OHKO Alolan Muk after Stealth Rock and a Nasty Plot boost, Modest is the preferred option. Fightinium Z is the more viable item option, allowing Hoopa to muscle past common checks to Psychic-types such as Alolan Muk and Blissey. Ghostium Z allows Hoopa to severely dent neutral switch-ins with its excellent power and break defensive cores more readily at the cost of being unable to KO Alolan Muk and Blissey reliably.

Usage Tips
========

Do not try to set up until Pursuit trappers like Choice Band Scizor are have been weakened and faster Pokemon like Hydreigon have been KOed. Take advantage of Hoopa's good special bulk by using Pokemon such as -2 Latias, bulky Water-types, and resisted attackers as setup fodder. Additionally, forcing switches also gives free setup opportunities. Use Hoopa's Ghost typing to block Rapid Spin from weaker spinners such as Tentacruel, but not offensive ones like Mega Blastoise and Starmie, which can overpower Hoopa quite easily, and use Substitute on weaker or resisted special attackers like Suicune, as this can help alleviate pressure from incoming Pursuit trappers, as well as avoid being hit by a potentially damaging status effect. Try to keep Hoopa healthy versus bulkier teams, as its power to break through walls such as Mega Aggron, Alomomola, and Blissey is extremely useful. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Scizor also are good targets of the Z-Move if opposing Dark-types have been chipped down or KOed. Never-Ending Nightmare should be used as soon as opposing Dark-types are heavily damaged, as most teams do not have switch-ins to it. Due to Hoopa's lack of recovery and need to set Substitute, try to pivot into it in via U-turn, Volt Switch, or a sacrifice.

Team Options
========

Hoopa fares well on offensive builds that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity. Klefki makes an excellent partner, as it can set entry hazards to weaken checks, as well as slow down faster teams with Thunder Wave to ease a sweep, and in return, Hoopa can block Rapid Spin. Stealth Rock setters such as Nihilego, Krookodile, and Gliscor also weaken checks and appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Other powerful special attackers like Latias, Mega Manectric, and Serperior enjoy Hoopa's ability to break past common checks such as Blissey and Alolan Muk. Checks to Dark-types, such as Swampert, and Cobalion, help Hoopa by alleviating offensive pressure on it, provided you play aggressively. Fast Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon can help make up for Hoopa's lack of Speed. Hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Gliscor, and Crobat are good teammates because Hoopa is less effective once it has taken residual damage. Wallbreakers such as Infernape and Scizor appreciate Hoopa's ability to weaken defensive Pokemon that they struggle with. Pokemon that resist Dark- or Ghost-type attacks such as Krookodile and Bewear make good teammates due to their ability to take hits such as Knock Off from Gliscor and Shadow Ball from Gengar.

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

Taunt can be used over Substitute or Psyshock to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Alomomola and Blissey, but Hoopa can already set Substitute on most of these anyway, so it's generally not worth it. A spread with 252 HP and 252 Special Attack with a Quiet nature can be used on Trick Room teams, but Cofagrigus is generally better due to its superior bulk. Hoopa has wide coverage options, such as Grass Knot and Thunderbolt, but Ghost / Fighting / Psychic coverage hits the whole metagame for neutral damage already.

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

**Pursuit**: Hoopa's 4x weakness to Pursuit leaves it easily revenge killed by Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Aerodactyl, but they cannot switch directly into Hoopa.

**Physical Attackers**: Hoopa's low physical bulk leaves it KOed by stronger threats such as Choice Band Infernape and Terrakion, though they cannot switch in.

**Dark-types**: Hoopa's 4x weakness to Dark-type moves such as Knock Off and Dark Pulse leave it easily picked off by the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo, though they can't come in directly.

**Ghost-types**: Hoopa is easily revenge killed by Ghost-types such as Gengar, Chandelure, and Shadow Sneak Doublade, as well as Alolan Marowak if Trick Room is up. None of these can directly switch in, however.
 
Last edited:

Eyan

sleep is the cousin of death
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You're gonna need to finish this up soon or I'm reassigning. Also write up Crawdaunt
 

autumn

only i will remain
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C&C Leader
amcheck, feel free to wait for qc input before implementing

[OVERVIEW]

  • Good offensive typing, ability to outspeed most defensive Pokemon, and a massive Special Attack stat give Hoopa the tools to to seriously bust holes in opposing teams.
  • This is bolstered by its acess to Nasty Plot, and Z-Moves, which further increases Hoopa’s wallbreaking potential, and allows it to muscle past would-be checks such as Alolan Muk and Blissey with ease after some mild chip. (not really sure about "mild chip" because it does 40-49 to standard av alolan muk)
  • Hoopa also boasts impressive 80/130 special bulk, allowing it to take on the likes of Latias and Rotom-W. (maybe replace with something like mega manectric)
  • However, its greatest strength, the unique Ghost/Psychic typing, is also Hoopa’s greatest weakness, giving it 4x weakness to Pursuit, thus limiting its matchup versus offensively inclined teams.
  • In addition, poor Speed and Defense stats leave Hoopa forced out by common physical Attackers, such as Mega Altaria and Infernape. (I would replace the mega alt example for something like scizor here because alt can run special)
  • Finally, Hoopa faces stiff competition as an offensive Ghost-type with the likes of Chandelure and Cofagrigus, where the latter offers better bulk, the former offers better speed than Hoopa. Other Psychic-types Celebi, Latias, and Starmie also offer better speed, utility, and less vulnerability to Pursuit-trapping.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Focus Blast / Substitute
move 4: Substitute / Psyshock
item: Fightinium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

  • Nasty Plot boosts Hoopa’s Special Attack, allowing it to break common cores. (give an example of a defensive mon it can break such as alomomola because shadow ball ohkoes at +2)
  • Focus Blast in conjunction with Fightinium Z break defensive Dark-types such as Alolan Muk, Umbreon, and Mandibuzz after mild chip damage. (would also mention its the only way to hit blissey too)
  • Substitute gives Hoopa safer setup opportunities, and prevent it from being worn down by status conditions. (mention some key ones like toxic from blissey + twave from klefki)
  • Psyshock is Hoopa’s main Psychic-type STAB, hitting threats such as Sylveon and Tentacruel harder. (I wouldn't say main psychic stab move here because it makes it seem more important when it's not even the first slash)
you're missing a shadow ball point between nasty plot and focus blast

Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in Special Attack and a Modest Nature allow Hoopa as much power and breaking potential as possible.
  • 252 Speed EVs on Hoopa have it outspeed threats such as Scizor, Crawdaunt, and most defensive Pokémon such as Mandibuzz. (give a more viable defensive mon and one that it breaks more easily like alomomola)
  • Timid can be used to outspeed Timid Primarina, neutral natured Mega Blastoise, and speed tie Volcanion, but the extra power of Modest is preferred. (any notable kos?)
  • Fightinium Z is the preferred option, allowing to you to muscle past common checks to Psychic-types such as Alolan Muk after mild damage applied beforehand, as well as Blissey.
  • Ghostium Z allows Hoopa to severely dent neutral switch-ins with its excellent power. (mention why it's not as good as fightinium, so say something about how it has less bp and doesn't really hit any major targets that shadow ball wouldn't be fine against)

Usage Tips
========

  • Do not try to setup until Pursuit trappers are weakened and faster Pokemon are KOed. (give examples here, alolan muk and cb scizor for pursuit trappers and mega aero and hydreigon for faster pokemon)
  • Take advantage of Hoopa’s good special bulk by using Pokémon such as -2 Latias as setup fodder. (also mention how it can set up on weak scalds from bulky waters and how it can set up on forced switches)
  • Use Hoopa’s Ghost-type to block Rapid Spin and get a free chance to get a hit on something. (not really sure how the last part comes in here because it would only block spin on the switch because people don't spin when it's out, remove that and also give tentacruel as an example)
  • Try to keep Hoopa healthy versus fatter teams, as it’s power is extremely useful. (elaborate on this by saying that it can break through their physical walls like alo and mega aggron)
add a point about bringing it in on a free volt switch/u-turn or when a teammate has fainted to preserve its health because setting up subs with no recovery really hurts it, but also say how you can bring it in on weak resisted hits if need be
add a point about when to use the zmove (against mons that are weak to it/resistant to shadow ball) and mention some steels like coba as well if alolan muk or any of the other darks aren't important targets
add a point about when to set up sub on weaker attacks/forced switches, as it eases prediction against pursuit users when sub is up


Team Options
========

  • Hoopa fares well on offensive builds that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity.
  • Klefki makes an excellent partner as it can set entry hazards to weaken checks, as well as Thunder Wave faster teams to slow them down to ease a sweep, and in return, Hoopa can block Rapid Spin. (would add to this point with sr setters too)
  • Checks to Pursuit trappers, such as Swampert or Cobalion, help Hoopa by alleviating offensive pressure on it, provided you play aggressively. (would edit this to give checks to dark-types in general because of the 4x weakness and add azu)
  • Fast Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon can help make up for Hoopa’s lack of speed.
  • Wallbreakers such as Entei and Scizor appreciate Hoopa’s ability to weaken fatter teams. (not sure what you mean here because wallbreakers essentially weaken fatter teams, maybe edit this to say how they can break special walls that hoopa struggles with?)
add a point about rapid spin/defog support because hoopa doesn't like taking residual damage at all
add a point about pokemon that can switch in on dark/ghost attacks that aren't pursuit (so knock off+shadow ball)


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

  • Taunt on the Nasty Plot set over Substitute or Psyshock can be used to cripple defensive Pokemon (no need for "on the nasty plot set" because it's the only one and give examples of defensive mons)
  • A spread with 252 HP / 252 Special Attack and a Quiet Nature can be used, but Cofagrigus is generally better due to its superior bulk. (specify if this is with tr because what you have here gives no reason as to why you would lose speed)
  • Hoopa has wide coverage options, such as Grass Knot, Thunderbolt, and Dark Pulse, but Ghost / Fighting / Psychic coverage hits the whole metagame for neutral damage already.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Pursuit**: Hoopa’s 4x weakness to Pursuit leaves it easily revenge killed. (mention common users including cb scizor and how it can't switch in)

**Physical Attackers**: Hoopa’s low physical bulk leaves it KOed by stronger threats such as Choice Band Infernape and Terrakion. (they also can't switch in especially if psyshock)

**Dark and Ghost types**: Hoopa’s weakness to common Dark-type moves such as Knock Off, as well as Ghost-type moves such as Chandelure Shadow Ball, leave it easily revenge killed.

edit: apparently quote tags suck
 
Last edited:
my comments are in red, marthaa's in black

amcheck, feel free to wait for qc input before implementing

[OVERVIEW]

  • Good offensive typing, ability to outspeed most defensive Pokemon, and a massive Special Attack stat give Hoopa the tools to to seriously bust holes in opposing teams. there's two to(s) here, fix that
  • This is bolstered by its acess to Nasty Plot, and Z-Moves, which further increases Hoopa’s wallbreaking potential, and allows it to muscle past would-be checks such as Alolan Muk and Blissey with ease after some mild chip. (not really sure about "mild chip" because it does 40-49 to standard av alolan muk)
  • Hoopa also boasts impressive 80/130 special bulk, allowing it to take on the likes of Latias and Rotom-W. (maybe replace with something like mega manectric)
  • However, its greatest strength, the unique Ghost/Psychic typing, is also Hoopa’s greatest weakness, giving it 4x weakness to Pursuit, thus limiting its matchup versus offensively inclined teams.
  • In addition, poor Speed and Defense stats leave Hoopa forced out by common physical Attackers, such as Mega Altaria and Infernape. (I would replace the mega alt example for something like scizor here because alt can run special)
  • Finally, Hoopa faces stiff competition as an offensive Ghost-type with the likes of Chandelure and Cofagrigus, where the latter offers better bulk, the former offers better speed than Hoopa. Other Psychic-types Celebi, Latias, and Starmie also offer better speed, utility, and less vulnerability to Pursuit-trapping.
  • mention its useless ability

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Focus Blast / Substitute
move 4: Substitute / Psyshock
item: Fightinium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

  • Nasty Plot boosts Hoopa’s Special Attack, allowing it to break common cores. (give an example of a defensive mon it can break such as alomomola because shadow ball ohkoes at +2)
  • Focus Blast in conjunction with Fightinium Z break defensive Dark-types such as Alolan Muk, Umbreon, and Mandibuzz after mild chip damage. (would also mention its the only way to hit blissey too)
  • Substitute gives Hoopa safer setup opportunities, and prevent it from being worn down by status conditions. (mention some key ones like toxic from blissey + twave from klefki) not klefki, prankster just goes before sub. you could mention something like suicune's toxic instead
  • Psyshock is Hoopa’s main Psychic-type STAB, hitting threats such as Sylveon and Tentacruel harder. (I wouldn't say main psychic stab move here because it makes it seem more important when it's not even the first slash)
you're missing a shadow ball point between nasty plot and focus blast

Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in Special Attack and a Modest Nature allow Hoopa as much power and breaking potential as possible.
  • 252 Speed EVs on Hoopa have it outspeed threats such as Scizor, Crawdaunt, and most defensive Pokémon such as Mandibuzz. (give a more viable defensive mon and one that it breaks more easily like alomomola)
  • Timid can be used to outspeed Timid Primarina, neutral natured Mega Blastoise, and speed tie Volcanion, but the extra power of Modest is preferred. (any notable kos?)
  • Fightinium Z is the preferred option, allowing to you to muscle past common checks to Psychic-types such as Alolan Muk after mild damage applied beforehand, as well as Blissey.
  • Ghostium Z allows Hoopa to severely dent neutral switch-ins with its excellent power. (mention why it's not as good as fightinium, so say something about how it has less bp and doesn't really hit any major targets that shadow ball wouldn't be fine against)
  • mention its ability here

Usage Tips
========

  • Do not try to setup until Pursuit trappers are weakened and faster Pokemon are KOed. (give examples here, alolan muk and cb scizor for pursuit trappers and mega aero and hydreigon for faster pokemon)
  • Take advantage of Hoopa’s good special bulk by using Pokémon such as -2 Latias as setup fodder. (also mention how it can set up on weak scalds from bulky waters and how it can set up on forced switches)
  • Use Hoopa’s Ghost-type to block Rapid Spin and get a free chance to get a hit on something. (not really sure how the last part comes in here because it would only block spin on the switch because people don't spin when it's out, remove that and also give tentacruel as an example)
  • Try to keep Hoopa healthy versus fatter teams, as it’s power is extremely useful. (elaborate on this by saying that it can break through their physical walls like alo and mega aggron)
add a point about bringing it in on a free volt switch/u-turn or when a teammate has fainted to preserve its health because setting up subs with no recovery really hurts it, but also say how you can bring it in on weak resisted hits if need be
add a point about when to use the zmove (against mons that are weak to it/resistant to shadow ball) and mention some steels like coba as well if alolan muk or any of the other darks aren't important targets
add a point about when to set up sub on weaker attacks/forced switches, as it eases prediction against pursuit users when sub is up


Team Options
========

  • Hoopa fares well on offensive builds that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity.
  • Klefki makes an excellent partner as it can set entry hazards to weaken checks, as well as Thunder Wave faster teams to slow them down to ease a sweep, and in return, Hoopa can block Rapid Spin. (would add to this point with sr setters too)
  • Checks to Pursuit trappers, such as Swampert or Cobalion, help Hoopa by alleviating offensive pressure on it, provided you play aggressively. (would edit this to give checks to dark-types in general because of the 4x weakness and add azu)
  • Fast Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon can help make up for Hoopa’s lack of speed.
  • Wallbreakers such as Entei and Scizor appreciate Hoopa’s ability to weaken fatter teams. (not sure what you mean here because wallbreakers essentially weaken fatter teams, maybe edit this to say how they can break special walls that hoopa struggles with?)
add a point about rapid spin/defog support because hoopa doesn't like taking residual damage at all
add a point about pokemon that can switch in on dark/ghost attacks that aren't pursuit (so knock off+shadow ball)


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

  • Taunt on the Nasty Plot set over Substitute or Psyshock can be used to cripple defensive Pokemon (no need for "on the nasty plot set" because it's the only one and give examples of defensive mons)
  • A spread with 252 HP / 252 Special Attack and a Quiet Nature can be used, but Cofagrigus is generally better due to its superior bulk. (specify if this is with tr because what you have here gives no reason as to why you would lose speed)
  • Hoopa has wide coverage options, such as Grass Knot, Thunderbolt, and Dark Pulse, but Ghost / Fighting / Psychic coverage hits the whole metagame for neutral damage already.
  • if you want, you can mention hyperspace hole here
Checks and Counters
===================

**Pursuit**: Hoopa’s 4x weakness to Pursuit leaves it easily revenge killed. (mention common users including cb scizor and how it can't switch in)

**Physical Attackers**: Hoopa’s low physical bulk leaves it KOed by stronger threats such as Choice Band Infernape and Terrakion. (they also can't switch in especially if psyshock)

**Dark and Ghost types**: Hoopa’s weakness to common Dark-type moves such as Knock Off, as well as Ghost-type moves such as Chandelure Shadow Ball, leave it easily revenge killed (by?).

edit: apparently quote tags suck
QC 1/3
 

Hilomilo

High-low My-low
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Overview
* Replace your Rotom-W example with another Pokemon Hoopa can decently take hits from.
* I feel weird listing Gliscor as a physical attacker. Not that it isn't, but its primary role is as a utility mon rather than something that offensively pressures foes, so maybe change the example, idk i'm weird.
* Add in Gengar when talking about Ghost-types it competes with.

Set/Moves
* This section needs a Shadow Ball line, so be sure to add one in there while also touching on the use of Ghostium Z.
* Talk about what Focus Blast can do for Hoopa on its own and without the Z-Move before you elaborate as to what All-Out Pummeling does for it (specifically list targets that are broken past without need for the Z-Move). Blissey should also absolutely be listed as an AOP target.
* Say that Substitute can be used on free turns or as Hoopa forces switches.
* In the Psyshock line, add 'with moderate special bulk' after the word threats to give readers a general idea of what the move looks to hit.

Set Details
* Give another example of a defensive Pokemon Hoopa can outrun with the Modest nature.
* Add another example of a Psychic-type check that Fightinium Z can allow it to muscle past. Blissey's probably the best option, though Snorlax or Umbreon also works.
* Right now you're making it sound like Ghostium Z has little incentive to be used over Fightinium Z, despite it being slashed, so elaborate a little more as to why it can be useful over its main item competition or modify the wording to make it sound less suboptimal.

Usage Tips
* Specify that Hoopa should only be used as a spin blocker if the opposing spinner can't adequately damage it, meaning it shouldn't try blocking Rapid Spin from Mega Blastoise or Starmie (Life Orb-boosted Hydro does over half).
* Give examples of Pokemon that Substitute can be used on. Suicune, Amoonguss, and Alomomola are all options.
* Maybe here you could elaborate on when and how to use Ghostium Z if running it. If you find that it's too often suboptimal, just consider going up to the set and removing it entirely, instead just giving it a mention only in Set Details.

Team Options
* Replace the Mamoswine example.
* Specify that physical wallbreakers primarily help weaken special walls, and also give a more viable example of one than Entei.
* Give some examples of specially offensive Pokemon that Hoopa can open the door for in the late-game by luring in and removing things like Alolan Muk and Blissey. Latias, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Nihilego all work as examples.

Other Options
* Say in your Taunt line that it usually will be put to less consistent use than either Substitute or Psyshock, due to Hoopa's ability to already set Substitute on most defensive Pokemon it would try crippling with the move.

Checks and Counters
* Mega Aerodactyl shouldn't be your only Pursuit example. Krookodile and Alolan Muk both work too, just specify they need to be careful working around Fightinium Z and Focus Blast in general.
* There should probably be separate sections for Dark- and Ghost-types, so please make those and be sure to give each section plenty of substance (meaning a decent amount of examples for each).

This looked good overall! Nice work, QC 2/3 when all of this has been implemented.
 

sanguine

friendly fire
is a Tiering Contributor
Overview
* Replace your Rotom-W example with another Pokemon Hoopa can decently take hits from.
* I feel weird listing Gliscor as a physical attacker. Not that it isn't, but its primary role is as a utility mon rather than something that offensively pressures foes, so maybe change the example, idk i'm weird.
* Add in Gengar when talking about Ghost-types it competes with.

Set/Moves
* This section needs a Shadow Ball line, so be sure to add one in there while also touching on the use of Ghostium Z.
* Talk about what Focus Blast can do for Hoopa on its own and without the Z-Move before you elaborate as to what All-Out Pummeling does for it (specifically list targets that are broken past without need for the Z-Move). Blissey should also absolutely be listed as an AOP target.
* Say that Substitute can be used on free turns or as Hoopa forces switches.
* In the Psyshock line, add 'with moderate special bulk' after the word threats to give readers a general idea of what the move looks to hit.

Set Details
* Give another example of a defensive Pokemon Hoopa can outrun with the Modest nature.
* Add another example of a Psychic-type check that Fightinium Z can allow it to muscle past. Blissey's probably the best option, though Snorlax or Umbreon also works.
* Right now you're making it sound like Ghostium Z has little incentive to be used over Fightinium Z, despite it being slashed, so elaborate a little more as to why it can be useful over its main item competition or modify the wording to make it sound less suboptimal.

Usage Tips
* Specify that Hoopa should only be used as a spin blocker if the opposing spinner can't adequately damage it, meaning it shouldn't try blocking Rapid Spin from Mega Blastoise or Starmie (Life Orb-boosted Hydro does over half).
* Give examples of Pokemon that Substitute can be used on. Suicune, Amoonguss, and Alomomola are all options.
* Maybe here you could elaborate on when and how to use Ghostium Z if running it. If you find that it's too often suboptimal, just consider going up to the set and removing it entirely, instead just giving it a mention only in Set Details.

Team Options
* Replace the Mamoswine example.
* Specify that physical wallbreakers primarily help weaken special walls, and also give a more viable example of one than Entei.
* Give some examples of specially offensive Pokemon that Hoopa can open the door for in the late-game by luring in and removing things like Alolan Muk and Blissey. Latias, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Nihilego all work as examples.

Other Options
* Say in your Taunt line that it usually will be put to less consistent use than either Substitute or Psyshock, due to Hoopa's ability to already set Substitute on most defensive Pokemon it would try crippling with the move.

Checks and Counters
* Mega Aerodactyl shouldn't be your only Pursuit example. Krookodile and Alolan Muk both work too, just specify they need to be careful working around Fightinium Z and Focus Blast in general.
* There should probably be separate sections for Dark- and Ghost-types, so please make those and be sure to give each section plenty of substance (meaning a decent amount of examples for each).

This looked good overall! Nice work, QC 2/3 when all of this has been implemented.
done.
 

Eyan

sleep is the cousin of death
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Not gonna be too nitpicky, since the mon is frankly mediocre as hell in a tier where Chandelure is the king Ghost-type. 3/3
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader


remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Good offensive typing, the ability to outspeed most defensive Pokemon, and a massive Special Attack stat give Hoopa the tools to seriously bust holes in opposing teams. This is bolstered by its access to Nasty Plot (RC) and Z-Focus Blast, which further increases Hoopa’s wallbreaking potential (RC) and allows it to muscle past would-be checks such as Alolan Muk and Blissey with ease after some mild chip damage. Hoopa also boasts impressive 80/130 special bulk, allowing it to take on the likes of Latias and Suicune. However, its greatest strength, the unique Ghost/Psychic typing, is also Hoopa’s Hoopa's greatest weakness, giving it a 4x weakness to Pursuit, thus limiting its matchup versus offensively inclined teams. In addition, poor Speed and Defense stats leave Hoopa forced out by common physical Attackers, such as Cobalion or and Infernape. Finally, Hoopa faces stiff competition as an offensive Ghost-type with from the likes of Chandelure and Gengar, who which offer better speed and utility than Hoopa. Other Psychic-types Celebi, Latias, and Starmie also offer better speed (RC) and utility (RC) and less vulnerability to Pursuit trapping. (RH) Hoopa’s Hoopa's ability, (AC) Magician, also is useless in every situation.


[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Focus Blast / Substitute
move 4: Substitute / Psyshock
item: Fightinium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Nasty Plot boosts Hoopa’s Hoopa's Special Attack, allowing it to break common cores. Shadow Ball is your its main attack, hitting most of the tier for neutral damage, as well as becoming immensely powerful when used with Ghostium Z. Focus Blast has great neutral coverage in conjunction with Shadow Ball, hitting frailer Ghost-type resists for large amounts of damage, and with Fightinium Z, Hoopa can break defensive Dark-types such as Alolan Muk and Umbreon (RC) after minimal prior damage, as well as through Blissey. Substitute gives Hoopa safer setup opportunities (RC) and prevent prevents it from being worn down by status conditions, and it can be used on a free turn or on a forced switch forced by Hoopa. Alternatively, Psyshock is Hoopa’s Hoopa's best Psychic-type STAB attack, hitting threats with moderate special bulk such as Sylveon and Tentacruel harder than any other attack.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and a Modest nature allow give Hoopa as much power and breaking potential as possible. 252 Speed EVs on Hoopa have let it outspeed threats such as Scizor, Crawdaunt, and most defensive Pokémon such as Mantine and defensive Togekiss. 4 Special Defense EVs are used so unboosted Suicune never breaks Hoopa’s Hoopa's Substitute. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Primarina and Breloom, but since at +2, Modest Hoopa has a 50% chance to OHKO Alolan Muk (RH) after Stealth Rock and a Nasty Plot boost, it Modest is the preferred option. Fightinium Z is the more viable item option, allowing to you Hoopa to muscle past common checks to Psychic-types such as Alolan Muk and Blissey. Ghostium Z allows Hoopa to severely dent neutral switch-ins with its excellent power (RC) and break defensive cores more readily, at the cost of being unable to KO Alolan Muk and Blissey reliably. Magician, while having no utility, is Hoopa’s only ability. (no point in covering if it doesn't do anything)

Usage Tips
========

Do not try to setup set up until Pursuit trappers like Choice Band Scizor are have been weakened and faster Pokemon like Hydreigon are KOed. Take advantage of Hoopa’s Hoopa's good special bulk by using Pokémon Pokemon such as -2 Latias, a bulky Water-type’s scald, or and a resisted hit attacker as setup fodder. Additionally, forcing switches also gives free setup opportunities. Use Hoopa’s Hoopa's Ghost-type Ghost typing to block Rapid Spin from weaker spinners such as Tentacruel, but not offensive ones like Mega Blastoise ori and Starmie, who which can overpower Hoopa quite easily, and use Substitute on weaker or resisted special attackers like Suicune, as this can help alleviate pressure from incoming Pursuit trappers, (RH) as well as avoid being hit by a potentially damaging status effect. Try to keep Hoopa healthy versus fatter bulkier teams, as its power to break through walls such as Mega Aggron, Alomomola, and Blissey is extremely useful. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Scizor also are good targets of the Z move Z-Move if the opposing Dark-type has been chipped down or KOed. Ghostium Z Never-Ending Nightmare should be used as soon as the opposing Dark-type (AH) is heavily damaged, as most teams do not have switch-ins to it. Due to Hoopa’s lack of recovery and need to set Substitute, try to pivot into it in via U-turn, Volt Switch, or a sack sacrifice.

Team Options
========

Hoopa fares well on offensive builds that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity. Klefki makes an excellent partner, (AC) as it can set entry hazards to weaken checks, as well as Thunder Wave slow down faster teams to slow them down with Thunder Wave to ease a sweep, and in return, Hoopa can block Rapid Spin. Stealth Rock setters such as Nihilego, Krookodile, and Gliscor also weaken checks and appreciate Hoopa’s Hoopa's spinblocking. These include Pokemon such as Nihilego, Krookodile, and Gliscor. Other powerful special attackers like Latias, Mega Manectric, and Serperior enjoy Hoopa’s Hoopa's ability to break past common checks such as Blissey or and Alolan Muk. Checks to Dark-types, such as Swampert, Azumarill, or and Cobalion, help Hoopa by alleviating offensive pressure on it, provided you play aggressively. Fast Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon can help make up for Hoopa’s Hoopa's lack of speed. Hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Gliscor, and Crobat are good teammates because Hoopa is less effective once it has taken residual damage. (AP) Wallbreakers such as Infernape and Scizor appreciate Hoopa’s Hoopa's ability to weaken defensive Pokemon that they struggle with. Pokemon that resist Dark- or Ghost-type attacks such as Krookodile and Bewear make good teammates due to their ability to take hits such as Knock Off from Gliscor or and Shadow Ball from Gengar.

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

Taunt can be used over Substitute or Psyshock can be used to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Alomomola or and Blissey, but Hoopa can already set Substitute on most of these anyway, so it’s generally not worth it. A spread with 252 HP and 252 Special Attack and a Quiet nature on Trick Room teams can be used on Trick Room teams, but Cofagrigus is generally better due to its superior bulk. Hoopa has wide coverage options, such as Grass Knot, Thunderbolt, and Dark Pulse, but Ghost / Fighting / Psychic coverage hits the whole metagame for neutral damage already.

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

**Pursuit**: Hoopa’s Hoopa's 4x weakness to Pursuit leaves it easily revenge killed by Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Aerodactyl, but they cannot switch directly into Hoopa.

**Physical Attackers**: Hoopa’s low physical bulk leaves it KOed by stronger threats such as Choice Band Infernape and Terrakion, but though they cannot switch-in, however in.

**Dark-types**: Hoopa’s Hoopa's 4x weakness to Dark-type moves such as Knock Off or and Dark Pulse leave it easily picked off by the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo, but though they can’t can't come in directly.

**Ghost-types**: Hoopa is easily revenge killed by Ghost-types such as Gengar, Chandelure, and Shadow Sneak Doublade, as well as Alolan Marowak if Trick Room is up. None of these can directly switch in, (RH) however.
 
Last edited:

A Cake Wearing A Hat

moist and crusty
is a Community Leaderis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Battle Simulator Moderatoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Community Leader
implement this check very carefully and make sure you don't miss anything or leave double spaces; you missed a good few things and left a good few double spaces from check 1.
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]
(removed line break)
Good Hoopa's good offensive typing, the ability to outspeed most defensive Pokemon, and a massive Special Attack stat give Hoopa it the tools to seriously bust holes in opposing teams. This is bolstered by its access to Nasty Plot and Z-Focus Blast All-Out Pummeling, which further increases Hoopa’s Hoopa's wallbreaking potential and allows it to muscle past would-be checks such as Alolan Muk and Blissey with ease after some mild chip damage. Hoopa also boasts impressive 80/130 80 / 130 special bulk, allowing it to take on the likes of Latias and Suicune. However, its Hoopa's greatest strength, the unique its Ghost/Psychic typing, is also Hoopa's its greatest weakness, giving it a 4x weakness to Pursuit, thus limiting its matchup versus offensively inclined teams. In addition, Hoopa's poor Speed and Defense stats leave Hoopa it forced out by common physical Attackers attackers, such as Cobalion and Infernape. Finally, Hoopa faces stiff competition as an offensive Ghost-type from the likes of Chandelure and Gengar, which offer better speed Speed and utility than Hoopa. Other Psychic-types like Celebi, Latias, and Starmie also offer better speed Speed and utility and less vulnerability to Pursuit trapping. Hoopa's ability, Magician, also is useless in every situation.
(removed line break)
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Focus Blast / Substitute
move 4: Substitute / Psyshock
item: Fightinium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
(removed line break)
Nasty Plot boosts Hoopa's Special Attack, allowing it to break common cores. Shadow Ball is your its main attack, hitting most of the tier for neutral damage, as well as becoming immensely powerful when used with Ghostium Z. Focus Blast has great neutral coverage in conjunction with Shadow Ball, hitting frailer Ghost-type resists for large amounts of damage, and with Fightinium Z, Hoopa can break defensive Dark-types such as Alolan Muk and Umbreon after minimal prior damage, as well as through Blissey. Substitute gives safer setup opportunities and prevents it Hoopa from being worn down by status conditions, and it can be used on a free turn or on a forced switch. Alternatively, Psyshock is Hoopa's best Psychic-type STAB attack, hitting threats with moderate special bulk such as Sylveon and Tentacruel harder than any other attack.
(removed line break)
Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and a Modest nature give Hoopa as much power and breaking potential as possible. 252 Speed EVs on Hoopa let it let Hoopa outspeed threats such as Scizor, Crawdaunt, and most defensive Pokémon Pokemon such as Mantine and defensive Togekiss. 4 Special Defense EVs are used so unboosted Suicune never breaks Hoopa's Substitute. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Primarina and Breloom, but since at +2, Modest Hoopa has a 50% chance to OHKO Alolan Muk after Stealth Rock and a Nasty Plot boost, Modest boost, Modest is the preferred option. Fightinium Z is the more viable item option, allowing Hoopa to muscle past common checks to Psychic-types such as Alolan Muk and Blissey. Ghostium Z allows Hoopa to severely dent neutral switch-ins with its excellent power and break defensive cores more readily, (RC) at the cost of being unable to KO Alolan Muk and Blissey reliably.
(removed 2 line breaks)
Usage Tips
========
(removed line break)
Do not try to set up until Pursuit trappers like Choice Band Scizor are have been weakened and faster Pokemon like Hydreigon are have been KOed. Take advantage of Hoopa's of Hoopa's good special bulk by using Pokemon such as -2 Latias, a bulky Water-type’s scald, and a resisted attacker bulky Water-types, and resisted attackers as setup fodder. Additionally, forcing switches also gives free setup opportunities. Use Hoopa's Ghost Hoopa's Ghost typing to block Rapid Spin from weaker spinners such as Tentacruel, but not offensive ones like Mega Blastoise and Starmie, who which can overpower Hoopa quite easily, and use Substitute on weaker or resisted special attackers like Suicune, as this can help alleviate pressure from incoming Pursuit trappers, as well as avoid being hit by a potentially damaging status effect. Try to keep Hoopa healthy versus bulkier teams, as its power to break through walls such as Mega Aggron, Alomomola, and Blissey is extremely useful. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Scizor also are good targets of the Z-Move if the opposing Dark-type has opposing Dark-types have been chipped down or KOed. Never-Ending Nightmare should be used as soon as the opposing Dark-type is opposing Dark-types are heavily damaged, as most teams do not have switch-ins to it. Due to Hoopa’s Hoopa's lack of recovery and need to set Substitute, try to pivot into it in via U-turn, Volt Switch, or a sacrifice.

Team Options
========
(removed line break)
Hoopa fares well on offensive builds that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity. Klefki makes an excellent partner, as partner, as it can set entry hazards to weaken checks, as well as slow down faster teams with Thunder Wave to ease a sweep, and in return, Hoopa can block Rapid Spin. Stealth Rock setters such as Nihilego, Krookodile, and Gliscor also weaken checks and appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Other powerful special attackers like Latias, Mega Manectric, and Serperior enjoy Hoopa’s Hoopa's ability to break past common checks such as Blissey and Alolan Muk. Checks to Dark-types, such as Swampert, and Cobalion, help Hoopa by alleviating offensive pressure on it, provided you play aggressively. Fast Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon can help make up for Hoopa's lack of speed Speed. Hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Gliscor, and Crobat are good teammates because Hoopa is less effective once it has taken residual damage. Wallbreakers such as Infernape and Scizor appreciate Hoopa's ability to weaken defensive Pokemon that they struggle with. Pokemon that resist Dark- or Ghost-type attacks such as Krookodile and Bewear make good teammates due to their ability to take hits such as Knock Off from Gliscor and Shadow Ball from Gengar.
(removed line break)
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
(removed a linebreak)
Taunt can be used over Substitute or Psyshock to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Alomomola and Blissey, but Hoopa can already set Substitute on most of these anyway, so it’s it's generally not worth it. A spread with 252 HP and 252 Special Attack and with a Quiet nature on Trick Room teams can be used on Trick Room teams, but Cofagrigus is generally better due to its superior bulk. Hoopa has wide coverage options, such as Grass Knot, Thunderbolt, and Dark Pulse Grass Knot and Thunderbolt, but Ghost / Fighting / Psychic coverage hits the whole metagame for neutral damage already. (Approved by hilomilo; dark pulse provides literally zero coverage that shadow ball doesn't already provide)
(added a linebreak)
Checks and Counters
===================

**Pursuit**: Hoopa's 4x weakness to Pursuit leaves it easily revenge killed by Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Aerodactyl, but they cannot switch directly into Hoopa.

**Physical Attackers**: Hoopa’s Hoopa's low physical bulk leaves it KOed by stronger threats such as Choice Band Infernape and Terrakion, though they cannot switch in.

**Dark-types**: Hoopa’s Hoopa's 4x weakness to Dark-type moves such as Knock Off and Dark Pulse leave it easily picked off by the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo, though they can't come in directly.

**Ghost-types**: Hoopa is easily revenge killed by Ghost-types such as Gengar, Chandelure, and Shadow Sneak Doublade, as well as Alolan Marowak if Trick Room is up. None of these can directly switch in, however.

tell me when this is done and i'll stamp if you implemented everything right
 

sanguine

friendly fire
is a Tiering Contributor
implement this check very carefully and make sure you don't miss anything or leave double spaces; you missed a good few things and left a good few double spaces from check 1.
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]
(removed line break)
Good Hoopa's good offensive typing, the ability to outspeed most defensive Pokemon, and a massive Special Attack stat give Hoopa it the tools to seriously bust holes in opposing teams. This is bolstered by its access to Nasty Plot and Z-Focus Blast All-Out Pummeling, which further increases Hoopa’s Hoopa's wallbreaking potential and allows it to muscle past would-be checks such as Alolan Muk and Blissey with ease after some mild chip damage. Hoopa also boasts impressive 80/130 80 / 130 special bulk, allowing it to take on the likes of Latias and Suicune. However, its Hoopa's greatest strength, the unique its Ghost/Psychic typing, is also Hoopa's its greatest weakness, giving it a 4x weakness to Pursuit, thus limiting its matchup versus offensively inclined teams. In addition, Hoopa's poor Speed and Defense stats leave Hoopa it forced out by common physical Attackers attackers, such as Cobalion and Infernape. Finally, Hoopa faces stiff competition as an offensive Ghost-type from the likes of Chandelure and Gengar, which offer better speed Speed and utility than Hoopa. Other Psychic-types like Celebi, Latias, and Starmie also offer better speed Speed and utility and less vulnerability to Pursuit trapping. Hoopa's ability, Magician, also is useless in every situation.
(removed line break)
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Focus Blast / Substitute
move 4: Substitute / Psyshock
item: Fightinium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
(removed line break)
Nasty Plot boosts Hoopa's Special Attack, allowing it to break common cores. Shadow Ball is your its main attack, hitting most of the tier for neutral damage, as well as becoming immensely powerful when used with Ghostium Z. Focus Blast has great neutral coverage in conjunction with Shadow Ball, hitting frailer Ghost-type resists for large amounts of damage, and with Fightinium Z, Hoopa can break defensive Dark-types such as Alolan Muk and Umbreon after minimal prior damage, as well as through Blissey. Substitute gives safer setup opportunities and prevents it Hoopa from being worn down by status conditions, and it can be used on a free turn or on a forced switch. Alternatively, Psyshock is Hoopa's best Psychic-type STAB attack, hitting threats with moderate special bulk such as Sylveon and Tentacruel harder than any other attack.
(removed line break)
Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and a Modest nature give Hoopa as much power and breaking potential as possible. 252 Speed EVs on Hoopa let it let Hoopa outspeed threats such as Scizor, Crawdaunt, and most defensive Pokémon Pokemon such as Mantine and defensive Togekiss. 4 Special Defense EVs are used so unboosted Suicune never breaks Hoopa's Substitute. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Primarina and Breloom, but since at +2, Modest Hoopa has a 50% chance to OHKO Alolan Muk after Stealth Rock and a Nasty Plot boost, Modest boost, Modest is the preferred option. Fightinium Z is the more viable item option, allowing Hoopa to muscle past common checks to Psychic-types such as Alolan Muk and Blissey. Ghostium Z allows Hoopa to severely dent neutral switch-ins with its excellent power and break defensive cores more readily, (RC) at the cost of being unable to KO Alolan Muk and Blissey reliably.
(removed 2 line breaks)
Usage Tips
========
(removed line break)
Do not try to set up until Pursuit trappers like Choice Band Scizor are have been weakened and faster Pokemon like Hydreigon are have been KOed. Take advantage of Hoopa's of Hoopa's good special bulk by using Pokemon such as -2 Latias, a bulky Water-type’s scald, and a resisted attacker bulky Water-types, and resisted attackers as setup fodder. Additionally, forcing switches also gives free setup opportunities. Use Hoopa's Ghost Hoopa's Ghost typing to block Rapid Spin from weaker spinners such as Tentacruel, but not offensive ones like Mega Blastoise and Starmie, who which can overpower Hoopa quite easily, and use Substitute on weaker or resisted special attackers like Suicune, as this can help alleviate pressure from incoming Pursuit trappers, as well as avoid being hit by a potentially damaging status effect. Try to keep Hoopa healthy versus bulkier teams, as its power to break through walls such as Mega Aggron, Alomomola, and Blissey is extremely useful. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Scizor also are good targets of the Z-Move if the opposing Dark-type has opposing Dark-types have been chipped down or KOed. Never-Ending Nightmare should be used as soon as the opposing Dark-type is opposing Dark-types are heavily damaged, as most teams do not have switch-ins to it. Due to Hoopa’s Hoopa's lack of recovery and need to set Substitute, try to pivot into it in via U-turn, Volt Switch, or a sacrifice.

Team Options
========
(removed line break)
Hoopa fares well on offensive builds that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity. Klefki makes an excellent partner, as partner, as it can set entry hazards to weaken checks, as well as slow down faster teams with Thunder Wave to ease a sweep, and in return, Hoopa can block Rapid Spin. Stealth Rock setters such as Nihilego, Krookodile, and Gliscor also weaken checks and appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Other powerful special attackers like Latias, Mega Manectric, and Serperior enjoy Hoopa’s Hoopa's ability to break past common checks such as Blissey and Alolan Muk. Checks to Dark-types, such as Swampert, and Cobalion, help Hoopa by alleviating offensive pressure on it, provided you play aggressively. Fast Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon can help make up for Hoopa's lack of speed Speed. Hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Gliscor, and Crobat are good teammates because Hoopa is less effective once it has taken residual damage. Wallbreakers such as Infernape and Scizor appreciate Hoopa's ability to weaken defensive Pokemon that they struggle with. Pokemon that resist Dark- or Ghost-type attacks such as Krookodile and Bewear make good teammates due to their ability to take hits such as Knock Off from Gliscor and Shadow Ball from Gengar.
(removed line break)
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
(removed a linebreak)
Taunt can be used over Substitute or Psyshock to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Alomomola and Blissey, but Hoopa can already set Substitute on most of these anyway, so it’s it's generally not worth it. A spread with 252 HP and 252 Special Attack and with a Quiet nature on Trick Room teams can be used on Trick Room teams, but Cofagrigus is generally better due to its superior bulk. Hoopa has wide coverage options, such as Grass Knot, Thunderbolt, and Dark Pulse Grass Knot and Thunderbolt, but Ghost / Fighting / Psychic coverage hits the whole metagame for neutral damage already. (Approved by hilomilo; dark pulse provides literally zero coverage that shadow ball doesn't already provide)
(added a linebreak)
Checks and Counters
===================

**Pursuit**: Hoopa's 4x weakness to Pursuit leaves it easily revenge killed by Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Aerodactyl, but they cannot switch directly into Hoopa.

**Physical Attackers**: Hoopa’s Hoopa's low physical bulk leaves it KOed by stronger threats such as Choice Band Infernape and Terrakion, though they cannot switch in.

**Dark-types**: Hoopa’s Hoopa's 4x weakness to Dark-type moves such as Knock Off and Dark Pulse leave it easily picked off by the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo, though they can't come in directly.

**Ghost-types**: Hoopa is easily revenge killed by Ghost-types such as Gengar, Chandelure, and Shadow Sneak Doublade, as well as Alolan Marowak if Trick Room is up. None of these can directly switch in, however.

tell me when this is done and i'll stamp if you implemented everything right
done
 

A Cake Wearing A Hat

moist and crusty
is a Community Leaderis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Battle Simulator Moderatoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Community Leader
removed various double spacing/line issues/other spacing stuff. Please just click "reply" to this and copy+paste over your current version, like you would any other gp check. 2/2.
[OVERVIEW]

Hoopa's good offensive typing, ability to outspeed most defensive Pokemon, and massive Special Attack stat give it the tools to seriously bust holes in opposing teams. This is bolstered by its access to Nasty Plot and All-Out Pummeling, which further increases Hoopa's wallbreaking potential and allows it to muscle past would-be checks such as Alolan Muk and Blissey with ease after some mild chip damage. Hoopa also boasts impressive 80 / 130 special bulk, allowing it to take on the likes of Latias and Suicune. However, Hoopa's greatest strength, its Ghost / Psychic typing, is also its greatest weakness, giving it a 4x weakness to Pursuit, thus limiting its matchup versus offensively inclined teams. In addition, Hoopa's poor Speed and Defense stats leave it forced out by common physical attackers, such as Cobalion and Infernape. Finally, Hoopa faces stiff competition as an offensive Ghost-type from the likes of Chandelure and Gengar, which offer better Speed and utility than Hoopa. Other Psychic-types like Celebi, Latias, and Starmie also offer better Speed and utility and less vulnerability to Pursuit trapping. Hoopa's ability, Magician, also is useless in every situation.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Focus Blast / Substitute
move 4: Substitute / Psyshock
item: Fightinium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Magician
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Nasty Plot boosts Hoopa's Special Attack, allowing it to break common cores. Shadow Ball is its main attack, hitting most of the tier for neutral damage, as well as becoming immensely powerful when used with Ghostium Z. Focus Blast has great neutral coverage in conjunction with Shadow Ball, hitting frailer Ghost-type resists for large amounts of damage, and with Fightinium Z, Hoopa can break defensive Dark-types such as Alolan Muk and Umbreon after minimal prior damage, as well as Blissey. Substitute gives safer setup opportunities and prevents Hoopa from being worn down by status conditions, and it can be used on a free turn or on a forced switch. Alternatively, Psyshock is Hoopa's best Psychic-type STAB attack, hitting threats with moderate special bulk such as Sylveon and Tentacruel harder than any other attack.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and a Modest nature give Hoopa as much power and breaking potential as possible. 252 Speed EVs let Hoopa outspeed threats such as Scizor, Crawdaunt, and most defensive Pokemon such as Mantine and defensive Togekiss. 4 Special Defense EVs are used so unboosted Suicune never breaks Hoopa's Substitute. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Primarina and Breloom, but since at +2, Modest Hoopa has a 50% chance to OHKO Alolan Muk after Stealth Rock and a Nasty Plot boost, Modest is the preferred option. Fightinium Z is the more viable item option, allowing Hoopa to muscle past common checks to Psychic-types such as Alolan Muk and Blissey. Ghostium Z allows Hoopa to severely dent neutral switch-ins with its excellent power and break defensive cores more readily at the cost of being unable to KO Alolan Muk and Blissey reliably.

Usage Tips
========

Do not try to set up until Pursuit trappers like Choice Band Scizor are have been weakened and faster Pokemon like Hydreigon have been KOed. Take advantage of Hoopa's good special bulk by using Pokemon such as -2 Latias, bulky Water-types, and resisted attackers as setup fodder. Additionally, forcing switches also gives free setup opportunities. Use Hoopa's Ghost typing to block Rapid Spin from weaker spinners such as Tentacruel, but not offensive ones like Mega Blastoise and Starmie, which can overpower Hoopa quite easily, and use Substitute on weaker or resisted special attackers like Suicune, as this can help alleviate pressure from incoming Pursuit trappers, as well as avoid being hit by a potentially damaging status effect. Try to keep Hoopa healthy versus bulkier teams, as its power to break through walls such as Mega Aggron, Alomomola, and Blissey is extremely useful. Steel-types such as Cobalion and Scizor also are good targets of the Z-Move if opposing Dark-types have been chipped down or KOed. Never-Ending Nightmare should be used as soon as opposing Dark-types are heavily damaged, as most teams do not have switch-ins to it. Due to Hoopa's lack of recovery and need to set Substitute, try to pivot into it in via U-turn, Volt Switch, or a sacrifice.

Team Options
========

Hoopa fares well on offensive builds that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity. Klefki makes an excellent partner, as it can set entry hazards to weaken checks, as well as slow down faster teams with Thunder Wave to ease a sweep, and in return, Hoopa can block Rapid Spin. Stealth Rock setters such as Nihilego, Krookodile, and Gliscor also weaken checks and appreciate Hoopa's spinblocking. Other powerful special attackers like Latias, Mega Manectric, and Serperior enjoy Hoopa's ability to break past common checks such as Blissey and Alolan Muk. Checks to Dark-types, such as Swampert, and Cobalion, help Hoopa by alleviating offensive pressure on it, provided you play aggressively. Fast Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon can help make up for Hoopa's lack of Speed. Hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Gliscor, and Crobat are good teammates because Hoopa is less effective once it has taken residual damage. Wallbreakers such as Infernape and Scizor appreciate Hoopa's ability to weaken defensive Pokemon that they struggle with. Pokemon that resist Dark- or Ghost-type attacks such as Krookodile and Bewear make good teammates due to their ability to take hits such as Knock Off from Gliscor and Shadow Ball from Gengar.

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

Taunt can be used over Substitute or Psyshock to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Alomomola and Blissey, but Hoopa can already set Substitute on most of these anyway, so it's generally not worth it. A spread with 252 HP and 252 Special Attack with a Quiet nature can be used on Trick Room teams, but Cofagrigus is generally better due to its superior bulk. Hoopa has wide coverage options, such as Grass Knot and Thunderbolt, but Ghost / Fighting / Psychic coverage hits the whole metagame for neutral damage already.

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

**Pursuit**: Hoopa's 4x weakness to Pursuit leaves it easily revenge killed by Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Aerodactyl, but they cannot switch directly into Hoopa.

**Physical Attackers**: Hoopa's low physical bulk leaves it KOed by stronger threats such as Choice Band Infernape and Terrakion, though they cannot switch in.

**Dark-types**: Hoopa's 4x weakness to Dark-type moves such as Knock Off and Dark Pulse leave it easily picked off by the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo, though they can't come in directly.

**Ghost-types**: Hoopa is easily revenge killed by Ghost-types such as Gengar, Chandelure, and Shadow Sneak Doublade, as well as Alolan Marowak if Trick Room is up. None of these can directly switch in, however.
 
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