Blacephalon @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 232 HP / 4 Def / 20 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
Despite the initial hype after the release of USM, Blacephalon didn't get to shine until the first couple of OLT cycles, where it stood out as one of the most threatening setup sweepers on the ladder due to its Calm Mind set. Calm Mind allows it to boost its Special Attack and Special Defense, which powers up its STAB moves and makes it a pain to deal with for passive teams. What really makes this set threatening, however, is the combination of low Special Attack EVs and a Timid nature, which makes Beast Boost increase Blacephalon's Speed after a KO, thus allowing it to outpace most Choice Scarf users such as Landorus-T and be extremely difficult to revenge kill for offensive teams. Blacephalon fits best on hyper offense teams that complement its offensive pressure with entry hazards and is often paired with the likes of Zygarde and Magearna, which can overwhelm the opposing team and set up on one of Blacephalon's few reliable switch-ins in Tyranitar.
Here's a replay where Blacephalon gets a free oportunity to set up and ends up picking up every single KO: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-779605227
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 232 HP / 4 Def / 20 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
Despite the initial hype after the release of USM, Blacephalon didn't get to shine until the first couple of OLT cycles, where it stood out as one of the most threatening setup sweepers on the ladder due to its Calm Mind set. Calm Mind allows it to boost its Special Attack and Special Defense, which powers up its STAB moves and makes it a pain to deal with for passive teams. What really makes this set threatening, however, is the combination of low Special Attack EVs and a Timid nature, which makes Beast Boost increase Blacephalon's Speed after a KO, thus allowing it to outpace most Choice Scarf users such as Landorus-T and be extremely difficult to revenge kill for offensive teams. Blacephalon fits best on hyper offense teams that complement its offensive pressure with entry hazards and is often paired with the likes of Zygarde and Magearna, which can overwhelm the opposing team and set up on one of Blacephalon's few reliable switch-ins in Tyranitar.
Here's a replay where Blacephalon gets a free oportunity to set up and ends up picking up every single KO: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-779605227
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