[OVERVIEW]
Like many other Ultra Beasts, Kartana boasts a significantly skewed stat distribution that lends itself to all-out offense. Kartana's sky-high Attack stat is matched by none, making it one of the most potent attackers in the tier. A go-to combination of Grass- and Fighting-type attacks provides Kartana with surprisingly comprehensive coverage in Doubles, only being resisted by generally uncommon types such as Flying, Poison, and Bug. Kartana's access to Tailwind further allows it to effectively bridge the gap between support and offense. Thanks to its viability as an offensive Grass-type, Kartana forms a very effective Fire / Water / Grass core with Incineroar and Tapu Fini. However, Kartana's defensive stats sadly betray its defensive typing, so its defensive capabilities are mainly limited to neutral physical attacks or resisted special attacks at best. As long as its paper-thin defenses are not tested, Kartana can snowball its way to a clean-cut victory.
[SET]
name: All-out Offense
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sacred Sword
move 3: Substitute / Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Grassium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 64 SpD / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Blade is Kartana's best attack, boasting consistently reliable damage output against common Pokemon like Tapu Fini and an increased critical hit chance to boot. Sacred Sword combines with Leaf Blade for sufficiently wide-ranging coverage and provides Kartana with a way to hit Steel-types and a common would-be counter, Incineroar, for significant damage. Substitute is great at taking advantage of the switches and Protects that Kartana tends to force with its monstrous offensive presence and can buy Kartana an extra turn if executed correctly. Substitute also comes with the bonus of blocking detrimental Intimidates that would otherwise lower Kartana's damage output. Tailwind can be used over Substitute if an element of team support is desired, but offensive sets tend to prefer the safety net of Substitute, especially on teams with another Tailwind setter. Protect is preferred over Detect due to its higher PP, but Detect can be used in its stead if Fightinium Z is chosen to provide Kartana with a last-ditch evasion boost via Z-Detect.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature and 192 EVs in Speed allow Kartana to outspeed all Landorus and anything slower. 252 Attack EVs are used to maximize damage output and also happen to be the exact investment required to OHKO the standard 252 HP / 44 Def Landorus-T with Bloom Doom. The remaining EVs are simply funneled into Kartana's weakest stat—Special Defense. Grassium Z is the best option for Kartana overall, as Bloom Doom is able to OHKO a large number of targets, including Tapu Koko, Hoopa-U, and the aforementioned bulky Landorus-T at neutral, as well as Tapu Fini at -1 Attack. However, Fightinium Z can be useful if Kartana needs the capability to knock out certain targets while sacrificing wider applicability of its Z-Move. All-Out Pummeling will always OHKO opposing Kartana, Incineroar, and offensive Kyurem-B at neutral, and even has a chance to OHKO standard Incineroar at -1 and Assault Vest Kyurem-B at neutral. If using Fightinium Z, an EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe can be used to give yourself the best chance to outspeed other Kartana.
Usage Tips
========
Kartana is best used to blow a hole in an opposing team with its Z-Move or clean up later in a game with its snowball-inducing Beast Boost. Making aggressive use of Substitute can result in Kartana finding itself with a free turn or two, which increases its capability to run away with a game. At the risk of sounding too obvious, Fire-type attacks should be avoided at all costs or else Kartana might find itself quickly incinerated. Even resisted yet strong special attacks like Tapu Lele's Psychic should be avoided; do not overestimate the value of a resistance on a Pokemon as frail as Kartana. Offensive Kartana is best treated as a Pokemon that appreciates free switches and not as a Pokemon that can switch in to take a hit and then attack; its poor defenses with little investment and no means of healing mean that Kartana can't comfortably take many attacks and still find itself in a position to sweep. If Tailwind is chosen over Substitute, it is important to note that this Kartana set cannot function like other Tailwind setters. It still must be treated as an offensive Pokemon that happens to have the option to support itself and its teammates if the opportunity presents itself.
Team Options
========
As previously mentioned, any Kartana set pairs well with Incineroar and Tapu Fini—the former for its ability to buy Kartana free turns with Fake Out and protect it with Intimidate, and the latter for its ability to keep Kartana healthy with Heal Pulse and ensure it attacks first with Icy Wind. Additionally, Tapu Fini is one of the best checks to the Fire-types that heavily threaten Kartana, while Kartana and Incineroar can check Grass-types that threaten Tapu Fini. Additional checks to Fire-types such as Zygarde are also appreciated, especially since Zygarde thrives with a partner like Bloom Doom Kartana that can threaten Tapu Fini. If not running Tailwind itself, Kartana appreciates teammates that provide speed control, such as Mega Charizard Y or Zapdos, so it does not have to rely on surviving an attack to dish out big damage. Speaking of Zapdos, Kartana quite desperately needs teammates that can take care of Zapdos, which resists any attack Kartana throws its way while threatening to match its Tailwind, paralyze it with Static, or OHKO it with Heat Wave. Such teammates include Kyurem-B or Tyranitar, both of which threaten Zapdos with their powerful STAB attacks.
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sacred Sword
move 3: Tailwind / Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Mago Berry
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 128 HP / 8 Atk / 248 SpD / 124 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Blade and Sacred Sword are staples on Kartana because the coverage provided by these two moves is the best Kartana can achieve with just two attacks, making them worth using on any Kartana set. Tailwind is typically the reason a bulkier Kartana set is chosen, as it turns Kartana from a one-dimensional powerhouse into a slightly more defensive utility Pokemon. However, if the team around Kartana is built such that Tailwind is unnecessary, Substitute can still be used to protect Kartana from damage and possibly buy free turns, though it should be noted that bulky Kartana sets take less advantage of Substitutes due to their less offensive nature. Protect is used in order to keep Kartana safe from strong attacks and preferred over Detect due to its higher PP.
Set Details
========
The gratuitous investment in HP and Special Defense allows Kartana to survive a surprising number of attacks that would otherwise knock it out, such as Ice Beam from standard Life Orb Kyurem-B and both Superpower and Psycho Boost outside of Psychic Terrain from 4 Atk / 252 SpA Deoxys-A. Investing 124 EVs in Speed allows Kartana to outspeed positive-natured Hoopa-U and neutral-natured Landorus-T. The remaining 8 EVs are placed in Attack and combine with an Adamant nature to retain some of the damage output for which Kartana is so well known. A pinch Berry is the item of choice and provides Kartana with a means of healing itself. Realistically, any of the Berries not named Wiki could be used, but Mago is typically chosen due to its ability to confuse Trick Room Hoopa-U and Araquanid if they steal Kartana's Berry.
Usage Tips
========
Unlike its offensive counterpart, bulky Kartana is capable of switching into some specific Pokemon, such as Tapu Fini or Mega Metagross, and absorbing their attacks well. It can typically set Tailwind for its team and then threaten some solid damage output with either of its attacks. This set is much more forgiving when used as a switch-in thanks to its increased defenses and employment of a pinch Berry. Finding ways to activate its Berry when its health is low, such as switching out and back in if Stealth Rock is up or baiting a weak attack, can pay dividends by allowing Kartana more turns on the field. However, it is important to remain vigilant and not be careless. Bulky Kartana is still a Kartana, complete with the same set of weaknesses and pitfalls.
Team Options
========
The more defensive nature of this set allows Kartana to play a more defensive role in the Fire / Water / Grass core it forms with Tapu Fini and Incineroar. Bulky Kartana can more freely be used as a pivot to absorb Water-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks aimed at Incineroar, Tapu Fini, or any of its teammates. This set is far more effective on teams that require speed control, as this Kartana is a much more reliable Tailwind setter than its offensive counterpart. Additionally, teams that need their Steel-type or Grass-type to perform a more defensive role will appreciate the bulkier Kartana set. The most beneficial partners for bulky Kartana are those that can take advantage of its Tailwind while threatening opposing Fire-types, such as Zygarde, Life Orb Earth Power Kyurem-B, or offensive Landorus-T.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Smart Strike
move 3: Sacred Sword
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 72 SpD / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Blade and Smart Strike are Kartana's STAB options. The former is considerably stronger than the latter, however, so locking into Smart Strike must be done with the knowledge that the potential damage output is significantly lower. Sacred Sword is quite useful thanks to its coverage against Steel-types and Incineroar. Knock Off rounds out this set and provides Choice Scarf Kartana with a bit of utility, allowing it to remove items from bulkier Pokemon like Zapdos or Chansey. Knock Off is also Kartana's strongest option against Mega Metagross and Victini, the latter of which otherwise hard walls Kartana.
Set Details
========
Since Kartana is naturally faster than most other Choice Scarf users in the tier, a Jolly nature and 184 EVs are all it needs to employ to ensure it remains the fastest thing on the field; more specifically, this Kartana will outspeed Choice Scarf Victini and everything slower than it. Maximum Attack is used so that Kartana can deal as much damage as possible, while the remainder is dumped into Special Defense. Choice Scarf is the pièce de résistance of this set, increasing Kartana's Speed to nearly unmatched levels to allow it to attack first in most situations.
Usage Tips
========
Because it outspeeds all relevant Choice Scarf users in the tier, Choice Scarf Kartana can be used to eliminate Pokemon like Choice Scarf Tapu Lele or Choice Scarf Genesect if weakened. Otherwise, Choice Scarf Kartana works best as a late-game cleaner, picking off Pokemon that have been weakened by its teammates. Additionally, it can use its increased Speed to its advantage and score a surprise KO against faster, weakened Pokemon before its Choice Scarf is revealed. This set can be even more offensively threatening than other sets under certain circumstances because Kartana's checks sometimes rely on being faster. For example, if Choice Scarf Kartana can claim one knockout, the opponent suddenly has to worry about a +1 Attack Kartana that is likely faster than everything on their side of the field. This lends Scarf Kartana to more of a snowball-like tempo, as one knockout can greatly increase its capacity to score another.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Kartana works well with Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain, which greatly boosts the damage of its Leaf Blade and allows it to OHKO would-be threats such as Tapu Koko before they can attack. This combination must be even more wary of Fire-types, especially Incineroar and its Intimidate, since doubling up on Grass-types leaves the team somewhat vulnerable. Otherwise, this set largely works with the same partners as other sets since they generally have the same checks and counters. Teammates like Tapu Fini and Incineroar can once again patch these holes defensively thanks to the near-impeccable defensive synergy these two Pokemon provide. Choice Scarf Kartana also excels on teams that are consistently able to put opposing Pokemon in range of one attack from Kartana so it can come in and clean up near the end of a game. Such teams can consist of Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Mega Charizard Y, Zygarde, or any of the tier's powerful spread attackers.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Focus Sash can be used if one desires to run a fast and offensive Kartana a bit more brazenly, as it can lean on its Focus Sash to either fire off a powerful attack or set Tailwind without fear. Flyinium Z can be used in conjunction with Tailwind to not only put Kartana's team at a Speed advantage, but to also guarantee critical hits with Leaf Blade. Night Slash is often used over Sacred Sword on such a set, as it is also guaranteed to score a critical hit after the Z-Tailwind boost. Smart Strike can realistically be used in place of Tailwind or Substitute on either the Offensive or Bulky sets if the extra coverage for Tapu Bulu is desired, but it often is not worth the loss of a utility option. The Offensive set can make use of Swords Dance to further boost Kartana's Attack, but such a set requires slightly more team support in order to make the best use of the boost. When Choice Scarf Kartana is used with Pokemon that need to avoid Stealth Rock like Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona, Defog can replace either Smart Strike or Knock Off. Finally, Normalium Z and Giga Impact can be used on offensive sets to score a surprise KO against frailer Fire-types that otherwise threaten Kartana like Mega Charizard Y or Volcarona, as well as Zapdos after some prior damage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: A double weakness to Fire and notably bad HP and Special Defense stats mean that Kartana must avoid Fire-type attacks at all costs; you would be hard-pressed to find a Fire-type attack that fails to OHKO Kartana. This includes coverage moves from the likes of Genesect, Zapdos, and Mega Manectric, which commonly run Flamethrower, Heat Wave, and Overheat, respectively. Incineroar deserves a special mention as a Fire-type with Intimidate, which checks Kartana both offensively and defensively.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types generally resist both of Kartana's common attacks in Leaf Blade and Sacred Sword and can match Kartana's Tailwind while threatening with either a powerful STAB attack or Fire-type coverage. A prime example is Zapdos, which easily switches into Kartana and has the added bonus of a chance to paralyze it with Static.
**Intimidate**: Intimidate is a semi-reliable way to mitigate Kartana's damage output, only failing to be effective if Kartana is behind a Substitute. Too many Intimidates can turn Kartana into deadweight, as its only non-damaging options are generally unable to make up for an inability to do damage. Landorus-T and Incineroar are the main users of Intimidate, and both can greatly aid teammates in checking Kartana. Mega Salamence is also a very effective check to Kartana thanks to its access to Intimidate in regular forme and ability to take any attack from Kartana with ease while threatening with a powerful Hyper Voice or Fire-type attack.
**Zapdos**: While mentioned in other sections, it bears repeating that Zapdos is Kartana's best counter in the tier. Zapdos resists both of Kartana's STAB moves and its best coverage option in Sacred Sword while usually taking insignificant damage from Knock Off due to its tendency to use items that consume themselves such as Seeds or Berries. Zapdos very regularly carries Heat Wave to OHKO Kartana, but still comprehensively beats Kartana if lacking Heat Wave due to its ability to stomach any attack Kartana can throw at it and Roost off the damage. Finally, Static means that Kartana has to be careful about contacting Zapdos lest it be paralyzed and therefore neutralized.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Even when its Special Defense is bolstered with EV investment, Kartana does not take strong special attacks well, especially when they are boosted in some way. For example, Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele both deal heavy damage with their Terrain-boosted STAB attacks and can even knock it out in one hit with a Z-Move. Deoxys-A also outspeeds and knocks out all but Choice Scarf Kartana with Psycho Boost when Psychic Terrain is active.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[MajorBowman, 188164]]
- Earlier versions by: [[miltankmilk, 224087]]
- Quality checked by: [[talkingtree, 232101], [Level 51, 118474]]
- Grammar checked by: [[talkingtree, 232101], [Electrolyte, 148071]]
Like many other Ultra Beasts, Kartana boasts a significantly skewed stat distribution that lends itself to all-out offense. Kartana's sky-high Attack stat is matched by none, making it one of the most potent attackers in the tier. A go-to combination of Grass- and Fighting-type attacks provides Kartana with surprisingly comprehensive coverage in Doubles, only being resisted by generally uncommon types such as Flying, Poison, and Bug. Kartana's access to Tailwind further allows it to effectively bridge the gap between support and offense. Thanks to its viability as an offensive Grass-type, Kartana forms a very effective Fire / Water / Grass core with Incineroar and Tapu Fini. However, Kartana's defensive stats sadly betray its defensive typing, so its defensive capabilities are mainly limited to neutral physical attacks or resisted special attacks at best. As long as its paper-thin defenses are not tested, Kartana can snowball its way to a clean-cut victory.
[SET]
name: All-out Offense
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sacred Sword
move 3: Substitute / Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Grassium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 64 SpD / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Blade is Kartana's best attack, boasting consistently reliable damage output against common Pokemon like Tapu Fini and an increased critical hit chance to boot. Sacred Sword combines with Leaf Blade for sufficiently wide-ranging coverage and provides Kartana with a way to hit Steel-types and a common would-be counter, Incineroar, for significant damage. Substitute is great at taking advantage of the switches and Protects that Kartana tends to force with its monstrous offensive presence and can buy Kartana an extra turn if executed correctly. Substitute also comes with the bonus of blocking detrimental Intimidates that would otherwise lower Kartana's damage output. Tailwind can be used over Substitute if an element of team support is desired, but offensive sets tend to prefer the safety net of Substitute, especially on teams with another Tailwind setter. Protect is preferred over Detect due to its higher PP, but Detect can be used in its stead if Fightinium Z is chosen to provide Kartana with a last-ditch evasion boost via Z-Detect.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature and 192 EVs in Speed allow Kartana to outspeed all Landorus and anything slower. 252 Attack EVs are used to maximize damage output and also happen to be the exact investment required to OHKO the standard 252 HP / 44 Def Landorus-T with Bloom Doom. The remaining EVs are simply funneled into Kartana's weakest stat—Special Defense. Grassium Z is the best option for Kartana overall, as Bloom Doom is able to OHKO a large number of targets, including Tapu Koko, Hoopa-U, and the aforementioned bulky Landorus-T at neutral, as well as Tapu Fini at -1 Attack. However, Fightinium Z can be useful if Kartana needs the capability to knock out certain targets while sacrificing wider applicability of its Z-Move. All-Out Pummeling will always OHKO opposing Kartana, Incineroar, and offensive Kyurem-B at neutral, and even has a chance to OHKO standard Incineroar at -1 and Assault Vest Kyurem-B at neutral. If using Fightinium Z, an EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe can be used to give yourself the best chance to outspeed other Kartana.
Usage Tips
========
Kartana is best used to blow a hole in an opposing team with its Z-Move or clean up later in a game with its snowball-inducing Beast Boost. Making aggressive use of Substitute can result in Kartana finding itself with a free turn or two, which increases its capability to run away with a game. At the risk of sounding too obvious, Fire-type attacks should be avoided at all costs or else Kartana might find itself quickly incinerated. Even resisted yet strong special attacks like Tapu Lele's Psychic should be avoided; do not overestimate the value of a resistance on a Pokemon as frail as Kartana. Offensive Kartana is best treated as a Pokemon that appreciates free switches and not as a Pokemon that can switch in to take a hit and then attack; its poor defenses with little investment and no means of healing mean that Kartana can't comfortably take many attacks and still find itself in a position to sweep. If Tailwind is chosen over Substitute, it is important to note that this Kartana set cannot function like other Tailwind setters. It still must be treated as an offensive Pokemon that happens to have the option to support itself and its teammates if the opportunity presents itself.
Team Options
========
As previously mentioned, any Kartana set pairs well with Incineroar and Tapu Fini—the former for its ability to buy Kartana free turns with Fake Out and protect it with Intimidate, and the latter for its ability to keep Kartana healthy with Heal Pulse and ensure it attacks first with Icy Wind. Additionally, Tapu Fini is one of the best checks to the Fire-types that heavily threaten Kartana, while Kartana and Incineroar can check Grass-types that threaten Tapu Fini. Additional checks to Fire-types such as Zygarde are also appreciated, especially since Zygarde thrives with a partner like Bloom Doom Kartana that can threaten Tapu Fini. If not running Tailwind itself, Kartana appreciates teammates that provide speed control, such as Mega Charizard Y or Zapdos, so it does not have to rely on surviving an attack to dish out big damage. Speaking of Zapdos, Kartana quite desperately needs teammates that can take care of Zapdos, which resists any attack Kartana throws its way while threatening to match its Tailwind, paralyze it with Static, or OHKO it with Heat Wave. Such teammates include Kyurem-B or Tyranitar, both of which threaten Zapdos with their powerful STAB attacks.
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sacred Sword
move 3: Tailwind / Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Mago Berry
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 128 HP / 8 Atk / 248 SpD / 124 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Blade and Sacred Sword are staples on Kartana because the coverage provided by these two moves is the best Kartana can achieve with just two attacks, making them worth using on any Kartana set. Tailwind is typically the reason a bulkier Kartana set is chosen, as it turns Kartana from a one-dimensional powerhouse into a slightly more defensive utility Pokemon. However, if the team around Kartana is built such that Tailwind is unnecessary, Substitute can still be used to protect Kartana from damage and possibly buy free turns, though it should be noted that bulky Kartana sets take less advantage of Substitutes due to their less offensive nature. Protect is used in order to keep Kartana safe from strong attacks and preferred over Detect due to its higher PP.
Set Details
========
The gratuitous investment in HP and Special Defense allows Kartana to survive a surprising number of attacks that would otherwise knock it out, such as Ice Beam from standard Life Orb Kyurem-B and both Superpower and Psycho Boost outside of Psychic Terrain from 4 Atk / 252 SpA Deoxys-A. Investing 124 EVs in Speed allows Kartana to outspeed positive-natured Hoopa-U and neutral-natured Landorus-T. The remaining 8 EVs are placed in Attack and combine with an Adamant nature to retain some of the damage output for which Kartana is so well known. A pinch Berry is the item of choice and provides Kartana with a means of healing itself. Realistically, any of the Berries not named Wiki could be used, but Mago is typically chosen due to its ability to confuse Trick Room Hoopa-U and Araquanid if they steal Kartana's Berry.
Usage Tips
========
Unlike its offensive counterpart, bulky Kartana is capable of switching into some specific Pokemon, such as Tapu Fini or Mega Metagross, and absorbing their attacks well. It can typically set Tailwind for its team and then threaten some solid damage output with either of its attacks. This set is much more forgiving when used as a switch-in thanks to its increased defenses and employment of a pinch Berry. Finding ways to activate its Berry when its health is low, such as switching out and back in if Stealth Rock is up or baiting a weak attack, can pay dividends by allowing Kartana more turns on the field. However, it is important to remain vigilant and not be careless. Bulky Kartana is still a Kartana, complete with the same set of weaknesses and pitfalls.
Team Options
========
The more defensive nature of this set allows Kartana to play a more defensive role in the Fire / Water / Grass core it forms with Tapu Fini and Incineroar. Bulky Kartana can more freely be used as a pivot to absorb Water-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks aimed at Incineroar, Tapu Fini, or any of its teammates. This set is far more effective on teams that require speed control, as this Kartana is a much more reliable Tailwind setter than its offensive counterpart. Additionally, teams that need their Steel-type or Grass-type to perform a more defensive role will appreciate the bulkier Kartana set. The most beneficial partners for bulky Kartana are those that can take advantage of its Tailwind while threatening opposing Fire-types, such as Zygarde, Life Orb Earth Power Kyurem-B, or offensive Landorus-T.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Smart Strike
move 3: Sacred Sword
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 72 SpD / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Blade and Smart Strike are Kartana's STAB options. The former is considerably stronger than the latter, however, so locking into Smart Strike must be done with the knowledge that the potential damage output is significantly lower. Sacred Sword is quite useful thanks to its coverage against Steel-types and Incineroar. Knock Off rounds out this set and provides Choice Scarf Kartana with a bit of utility, allowing it to remove items from bulkier Pokemon like Zapdos or Chansey. Knock Off is also Kartana's strongest option against Mega Metagross and Victini, the latter of which otherwise hard walls Kartana.
Set Details
========
Since Kartana is naturally faster than most other Choice Scarf users in the tier, a Jolly nature and 184 EVs are all it needs to employ to ensure it remains the fastest thing on the field; more specifically, this Kartana will outspeed Choice Scarf Victini and everything slower than it. Maximum Attack is used so that Kartana can deal as much damage as possible, while the remainder is dumped into Special Defense. Choice Scarf is the pièce de résistance of this set, increasing Kartana's Speed to nearly unmatched levels to allow it to attack first in most situations.
Usage Tips
========
Because it outspeeds all relevant Choice Scarf users in the tier, Choice Scarf Kartana can be used to eliminate Pokemon like Choice Scarf Tapu Lele or Choice Scarf Genesect if weakened. Otherwise, Choice Scarf Kartana works best as a late-game cleaner, picking off Pokemon that have been weakened by its teammates. Additionally, it can use its increased Speed to its advantage and score a surprise KO against faster, weakened Pokemon before its Choice Scarf is revealed. This set can be even more offensively threatening than other sets under certain circumstances because Kartana's checks sometimes rely on being faster. For example, if Choice Scarf Kartana can claim one knockout, the opponent suddenly has to worry about a +1 Attack Kartana that is likely faster than everything on their side of the field. This lends Scarf Kartana to more of a snowball-like tempo, as one knockout can greatly increase its capacity to score another.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Kartana works well with Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain, which greatly boosts the damage of its Leaf Blade and allows it to OHKO would-be threats such as Tapu Koko before they can attack. This combination must be even more wary of Fire-types, especially Incineroar and its Intimidate, since doubling up on Grass-types leaves the team somewhat vulnerable. Otherwise, this set largely works with the same partners as other sets since they generally have the same checks and counters. Teammates like Tapu Fini and Incineroar can once again patch these holes defensively thanks to the near-impeccable defensive synergy these two Pokemon provide. Choice Scarf Kartana also excels on teams that are consistently able to put opposing Pokemon in range of one attack from Kartana so it can come in and clean up near the end of a game. Such teams can consist of Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Mega Charizard Y, Zygarde, or any of the tier's powerful spread attackers.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Focus Sash can be used if one desires to run a fast and offensive Kartana a bit more brazenly, as it can lean on its Focus Sash to either fire off a powerful attack or set Tailwind without fear. Flyinium Z can be used in conjunction with Tailwind to not only put Kartana's team at a Speed advantage, but to also guarantee critical hits with Leaf Blade. Night Slash is often used over Sacred Sword on such a set, as it is also guaranteed to score a critical hit after the Z-Tailwind boost. Smart Strike can realistically be used in place of Tailwind or Substitute on either the Offensive or Bulky sets if the extra coverage for Tapu Bulu is desired, but it often is not worth the loss of a utility option. The Offensive set can make use of Swords Dance to further boost Kartana's Attack, but such a set requires slightly more team support in order to make the best use of the boost. When Choice Scarf Kartana is used with Pokemon that need to avoid Stealth Rock like Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona, Defog can replace either Smart Strike or Knock Off. Finally, Normalium Z and Giga Impact can be used on offensive sets to score a surprise KO against frailer Fire-types that otherwise threaten Kartana like Mega Charizard Y or Volcarona, as well as Zapdos after some prior damage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: A double weakness to Fire and notably bad HP and Special Defense stats mean that Kartana must avoid Fire-type attacks at all costs; you would be hard-pressed to find a Fire-type attack that fails to OHKO Kartana. This includes coverage moves from the likes of Genesect, Zapdos, and Mega Manectric, which commonly run Flamethrower, Heat Wave, and Overheat, respectively. Incineroar deserves a special mention as a Fire-type with Intimidate, which checks Kartana both offensively and defensively.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types generally resist both of Kartana's common attacks in Leaf Blade and Sacred Sword and can match Kartana's Tailwind while threatening with either a powerful STAB attack or Fire-type coverage. A prime example is Zapdos, which easily switches into Kartana and has the added bonus of a chance to paralyze it with Static.
**Intimidate**: Intimidate is a semi-reliable way to mitigate Kartana's damage output, only failing to be effective if Kartana is behind a Substitute. Too many Intimidates can turn Kartana into deadweight, as its only non-damaging options are generally unable to make up for an inability to do damage. Landorus-T and Incineroar are the main users of Intimidate, and both can greatly aid teammates in checking Kartana. Mega Salamence is also a very effective check to Kartana thanks to its access to Intimidate in regular forme and ability to take any attack from Kartana with ease while threatening with a powerful Hyper Voice or Fire-type attack.
**Zapdos**: While mentioned in other sections, it bears repeating that Zapdos is Kartana's best counter in the tier. Zapdos resists both of Kartana's STAB moves and its best coverage option in Sacred Sword while usually taking insignificant damage from Knock Off due to its tendency to use items that consume themselves such as Seeds or Berries. Zapdos very regularly carries Heat Wave to OHKO Kartana, but still comprehensively beats Kartana if lacking Heat Wave due to its ability to stomach any attack Kartana can throw at it and Roost off the damage. Finally, Static means that Kartana has to be careful about contacting Zapdos lest it be paralyzed and therefore neutralized.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Even when its Special Defense is bolstered with EV investment, Kartana does not take strong special attacks well, especially when they are boosted in some way. For example, Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele both deal heavy damage with their Terrain-boosted STAB attacks and can even knock it out in one hit with a Z-Move. Deoxys-A also outspeeds and knocks out all but Choice Scarf Kartana with Psycho Boost when Psychic Terrain is active.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[MajorBowman, 188164]]
- Earlier versions by: [[miltankmilk, 224087]]
- Quality checked by: [[talkingtree, 232101], [Level 51, 118474]]
- Grammar checked by: [[talkingtree, 232101], [Electrolyte, 148071]]
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