NU Type: Null

asa

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PU Leader
[QC Checks: quziel / Eternally / Disjunction]
[GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack / Fireflame479]

typenull.gif

[OVERVIEW]

Due to its impressive Eviolite-augmented bulk, Type: Null is one of the bulkiest Pokemon in NU and is capable of serving as an effective blanket check to some of the tier's most threatening special wallbreakers in Heliolisk and Vanilluxe. Type: Null's decent Attack stat coupled with Swords Dance prevents it from being passive and allows it to pose a threat to offensive and defensive teams alike, and access to Iron Defense allows Type: Null to set up on and shut down physical attackers like Braviary, which makes it annoying to stop late-game. Type: Null is also capable of acting as a bulky pivot due to its access to U-turn, allowing it to get threatening wallbreakers in on the Pokemon that it tends to bait in. However, Type: Null is reliant on Rest for recovery, which can be taken advantage of by setup sweepers like Klinklang, and it is forced out by both Fighting- and Ghost-types due to the former threatening it with super effective STAB moves and the latter walling it completely due to their immunity to Return. Finally, Type: Null is unable to consistently check stronger special attackers if it loses its Eviolite.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Return
move 3: Rest
move 4: Iron Defense / Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Swords Dance increases Type: Null's Attack, which makes its Return harder to switch into. Return is Type: Null's main and only STAB move and is rather reliable due to it being decently powerful, having high PP, and its lack of drawbacks. Rest gives Type: Null a method of recovery at the cost of incapacitating it for a few turns, allowing it to regain any lost HP and absorb status. Iron Defense increases Type: Null's Defense, making it even more annoying for teams to deal with after it obtains enough boosts, though it does leave it unable to do anything while asleep. Sleep Talk is an alternative that uses one of Type: Null's moves when it is asleep, preventing Type: Null from being completely helpless.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both HP and Special Defense in combination with a Careful nature makes Type: Null as specially bulky as it can be, which allows it to take on special attackers as well as it does. Eviolite is the preferred item due to it further increasing Type: Null's bulk and allowing it to better take on special attackers as well as physical attackers if it runs Iron Defense. Battle Armor is Type: Null's only ability, and it means that there's no way around any potential Defense boosts it may obtain.

Usage Tips
========

Type: Null should primarily switch in on strong special attackers such as Whimsicott, Venusaur, and Vikavolt. Type: Null should also pivot in on sleep-inducing moves from Pokemon such as Smeargle and Vivillon, allowing it to absorb status for its team. Use Rest once Type: Null falls to about half of its health so it can continue to check special attackers throughout the course of the match. Type: Null should try to burn its sleep turns whenever possible so it can come in on special attacks more often later on and use Rest again when needed. Type: Null should refrain from setting up until all Ghost-types have been removed, as they will almost always force it out due to its inability to touch them. Waiting until Fighting-types have been removed is smart too, since they are capable of muscling through Type: Null if it lacks Iron Defense and can take advantage of its helplessness if it lacks Sleep Talk.

Team Options
========

Type: Null can fit on a fairly wide range of playstyles ranging from bulky offense to stall due to its ability to keep problematic special attackers in check. Type: Null appreciates having teammates that can check Fighting-types due to its weakness to their STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Delphox and Slowbro pair well with it. Vileplume can also check Fighting-types and serve as a cleric due to its access to Aromatherapy, which saves Type: Null the trouble of having to burn sleep turns on its own. Vileplume also appreciates having Type: Null to fall back on against stronger special attackers like Vanilluxe. Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel and Skuntank are capable of removing Ghost-types that would otherwise impede Type: Null's sweep, with the former providing useful Knock Off support and the latter also offering Defog support. Wallbreakers such as Magmortar, Medicham, and Vanilluxe that place pressure on Normal-resistant foes are appreciated, since they are the hardest stops to Type: Null barring Ghost-types.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Return
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

U-turn gives Type: Null the ability to pivot out of unfavorable matchups while also generating momentum. Return gives Type: Null a decently powerful STAB move. Rest is Type: Null's only method of recovery, and it also cures Type: Null of any status that may be plaguing it beforehand. Sleep Talk prevents Type: Null from being completely helpless while asleep, giving it the ability to potentially pivot out if anything switches in on it to capitalize on it being asleep.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both HP and Special Defense in conjunction with a Careful nature makes Type: Null as specially bulky as it can be, which allows it to take on special attackers as well as it does. Eviolite is the preferred item due to it further increasing Type: Null's bulk and allowing it to better take on special attackers. Battle Armor, Type: Null's only ability, prevents it from being struck by a critical hit, which gives stronger attackers a harder time breaking through it.

Usage Tips
========

Type: Null should switch in on strong special attackers and sleep-inducing moves such as Sleep Powder in order to serve as a status absorber for the team. Type: Null should use U-turn on predicted switches to Pokemon that it can't touch such as Gigalith, Steelix, Rotom, and Rhydon as well as on predicted switches to Fighting-types in order to get in a wallbreaker that can threaten them out. Use Rest once Type: Null begins taking notable damage, as this will give it the ability to check as many special attackers and pivot as much as it can. Burning sleep turns whenever Type: Null gets the chance is smart, as it is almost completely helpless while sleeping and this means that it can use Rest again when necessary.

Team Options
========

Pokemon that can check Fighting-types such as Delphox, Slowbro, and Golbat are appreciated, since Fighting-types can deal heavy amounts of damage to Type: Null with their super effective STAB moves. Pursuit trappers like Skuntank and Sneasel pair well with Type: Null due to their ability to remove Ghost-types for it, with the former also providing Defog support, which prevents Type: Null from being pressured by entry hazards and lessens the need to use Rest. Wallbreakers that can heavily pressure Rock- and Steel-types such as Fightinium Z Magmortar, Heliolisk, and Medicham are appreciated, since Type: Null is incapable of doing much to them. In return, Type: Null can come aid them against faster special attackers such as Sceptile and opposing Heliolisk and get them in safely against its checks with U-turn. Physically defensive Pokemon that falter against strong special attackers such as Granbull and Pyukumuku appreciate having Type: Null to fall back on, with the former offering useful Heal Bell support while also switching into Knock Off comfortably and the later keeping setup sweepers like Klinklang in check due to Unaware.

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

Toxic punishes Pokemon like Rhydon as well as Ghost-types on the switch, but Type: Null struggles finding a slot for it. Roar phazes set-up sweepers like Delphox and can be annoying for teams to deal with if entry hazards end up on the opposing side of the field, but Iron Defense and Sleep Talk are much more consistent. Type: Null has access to options that help it against Ghost-types like Pursuit and Shadow Claw, with the former also chipping away at special attackers as they switch out, but it has trouble finding room for these options as well.

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

**Ghost-types**: Type: Null is completely walled by Ghost-types such as Mismagius, Palossand, and Rotom due to them fearing nothing that it can use. Furthermore, Mismagius can prevent Type: Null from using Rest with Taunt, while Rotom can potentially cripple it with Trick if it is running Choice Scarf.

**Normal-resistant Foes**: Bulky Normal-resistant Pokemon such as Steelix, Diancie, Rhydon, and Klinklang are capable of taking Return rather well, even if Type: Null has used Swords Dance, and can take advantage of Type: Null by laying Stealth Rock or setting up on it, though they may face issues with breaking it if it has Iron Defense. Steelix is particularly noteworthy, as it can use Roar to phaze Type: Null or even set up alongside Type: Null with Curse.

**Fighting-types**: While they don't appreciate switching in on Return, Fighting-types such as Passimian, Medicham, and Toxicroak can force Type: Null out with their respective STAB moves. Medicham and Toxicroak are also capable of setting up on Type: Null should it lack Sleep Talk.

**Loss of Eviolite**: Without its Eviolite, Type: Null cannot reliably check stronger special attackers such as Choice Specs Vanilluxe, meaning that it is susceptible to Knock Off from Pokemon such as Mega Audino and Venusaur and Trick from Pokemon such as Delphox, Haunter, and Rotom.
 
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asa

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i believe this is ready for qc

e: nvm, currently revising
e2: ok, should be good again
 
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quziel

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Sorry this has been neglected:

Imo set should be:
-Frustration
-Rest
-Sleep Talk or Iron Defense
-U-turn or Swords Dance

U-turn pivot has shown itself to be very potent on a lot of recent balance and stall squads in SPL, and definitely deserves a mention, perhaps as main set. Iron Defense remains the ULTIMATE WIN CONDITION, and is notable for letting you do ridiculously dumb stuff like set up on scarf emboar, which is just really stupid.

Add in more usage tips around the Pivot set, as its a huge part of the mon.

Add in something about wallbreakers that pressure Rock/Steel types, ex. god set Fight-Z mortar, or more realistically stuff like Vanilluxe.

Mention Pursuit in OOs, as its a fun set and lets you sorta annoy the everliving fuck out of rotom (it legit can't touch you with a scarf set, and you trivially remove it after).

Mention Spikes in checks and counters (sounds weird), as they force null to rest so much more often, making it so much less of a threat, and they essentially cripple the pivot set.

QC 1/3 after this
 

etern

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NU Leader
Disjunction and I were discussing this earlier, and we've decided that we want two seperate sets.

The first set should be Swords Dance, and it'll be the following:

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Frustration
move 3: Rest
move 4: Iron Defense / Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

The second set should be Pivot, and it'll be this:

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Frustration
move 2: Rest
move 3: U-Turn
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

Tag me once you've made the appropriate changes and I'll give you the second check.
 
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asa

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Disjunction and I were discussing this earlier, and we've decided that we want two seperate sets.

The first set should be Swords Dance, and it'll be the following:

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Frustration
move 3: Rest
move 4: Iron Defense / Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

The second set should be Pivot, and it'll be this:

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Frustration
move 2: Rest
move 3: U-Turn
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

Tag me once you've made the appropriate changes and I'll give you the second check.
should be ready now.
 
Hi, not qc but probs mention zangoose somewhere in the pivot sets team options as null can force in ghosts and uturn out to remove them w the suit trapper of choice, which is great for zangoose.
 
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etern

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NU Leader
Overview:
  • More emphasis on SD letting Type: Null break through balance teams.
  • Talk about Iron Defence and how it can completely shut down physical attackers, which makes it even harder to deal with.
Moves:
  • Move the Iron Defence line over Sleep Talk
Checks & Counters:
  • Don't talk about Shadow Claw or Pursuit, they aren't on any of the main sets.
  • Include Haunter in that list, SubSplit can beat it 1v1 while Scarf completely walls it and can cripple it with Trick.
  • Add Klinklang to Pokemon that resist Normal, and specify that Rhydon can break through Type: Null with Swords Dance.
  • Remove the residual damage section and the taunt / encore section.
  • Not sure if I really like Pyukumuku being listed, but I'll let other QC members weigh in on that.
  • Remove Hariyama and Sawk from the Knock Off section, they'd just click Close Combat anyway. Use Mega Audino and Venusaur instead.
Sprinkle some mentions of Venusaur and Heliolisk throughout, you could also mention that Type: Null can pivot into Smeargle and other Sleep inducing Pokemon to absorb status for the team.

QC 2/3
 
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Sprinkle some mentions of Venusaur and Heliolisk throughout, you could also mention that Type: Null can pivot into Smeargle and other Sleep inducing Pokemon to absorb status for the team.
I think u definitely should mention that it can pivot into Heliolisk and potentially set up on it depending on Heliolisk's coverage moves. Im not QC though so its really for them to decide if this should be added or not.
 
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Disjunction

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Type: Null should primarily switch in on strong special attackers such as Whimsicott.
maybe list a few more examples here

Mega Audino stands out as an amazing partner due to it being able to check Fighting-types, sponge Knock Off and switch into Trick and Switcheroo from the likes of Choice Scarf Haunter and Choice Specs Whimsicott for Type: Null, and provide Wish + Heal Bell support to consistently keep Type: Null as healthy as possible.
I actually dislike maud as a partner for it since they cover a lot of the same niche as normal type special sponges. if you're looking for a fighter check that can provide cleric shit, I'd recommend vileplume with aromatherapy or just remove this point entirely.

Entry hazard removal from the likes of Altaria on more defensive teams or Hitmonlee and Whimsicott on more bulky offensive teams is appreciated since entry hazards chip away at Type: Null and force it to use Rest more often. Entry hazard support is also appreciated since entry hazards wear down Type: Null's switch-ins, so Pokemon such as Garbodor, Rhydon, and Steelix are good partners.
entry hazard removal and setting aren't really things type: null NEEDS to function and it's something every pokemon appreciates. gonna say these are a little redundant and you should remove them.

Team Options
========

Fighting-type checks such as Delphox, Mega Audino, and Slowbro make for good partners, as they can switch into Fighting-type moves and can either deal with or cripple them. Mega Audino, in particular, is a good partner as it can absorb Knock Off for Type: Null, pass Wishes to it, and provide Heal Bell support to keep it awake. maud isn't really a fighter check and isn't as practical of a partner for the same reason I mentioned earlie.

Physically defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro can take stronger physical attacks for Type: Null while it sponges stronger special attacks. maybe mention more specific stuff than just slowbro or just remove this point since you've already detailed why slowbro is a good partner in the previous point.

Entry hazard removal is important, as Type: Null doesn't like being worn down faster and using Rest often when it would rather pivot out, so Pokemon such as Hitmonlee, Skuntank, and Whimsicott are good partners. Skuntank can remove Ghost-types with Pursuit, while Hitmonlee and Whimsicott can weaken a lot of Normal-resistant foes. Type: Null appreciates entry hazards being up on the opposing side as well, as they chip away at a lot of its defensive switch-ins, so Pokemon such as Rhydon and Qwilfish are good partners.
like I said before, hazard mentions are redundant unless they do something specific for the mon. the skunk mention is cool because it compresses the nice pursuit niche and hazard control niche, but I wouldn't mention any of the other things. probably just retool the mention you have of skunk below to include pursuit

Wallbreakers that can pressure Rock- and Steel-types such as Heliolisk, Fightinium Z Magmortar, Medicham, and Samurott make for good partners, as Type: Null is incapable of doing much to them. Type: Null gets these Pokemon in for free with U-turn. Pursuit trappers such as Skuntank and Sneasel trap and remove Ghost-types that tend to switch in on Type: Null. Belly Drum Zangoose absolutely adores how Type: Null can pivot out of the Ghost-types it tends to force in and into a Pursuit trapper to remove them from the battle, as this gives it an easier time with setting up and cleaning.
I get the idea here, but I really don't see null fitting on most teams zang wants to go on.

try and flesh out this section a little more. I'd like to see more of what pokemon appreciate null as a defensive partner as opposed to what pokemon null appreciates.
This is for the pivot set. I made comments in the quote just to make it easier.

Double-Edge hits harder than Frustration does, but it chips away at Type: Null's health, which is counterproductive and tends to be annoying if it's forced to switch and hazards are up, and has less PP than Frustration does.
A more offensive spread with maximum investment in both Speed and Attack makes its Frustration hit even harder, standing apart from other Normal-types like Dodrio or Alolan Raticate as a more bulky setup sweeper, but this means that stronger special attackers have an easier time muscling through it.
remove these from oo they aren't worth mentioning

qc 3/3
 

Lumari

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GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Due to its impressive Eviolite-augmented bulk, Type: Null is one of the bulkiest Pokemon in NU and is capable of serving as an effective blanket check to some of the tier's most threatening special wallbreakers in Heliolisk and Vanilluxe because of this. Type: Null's decent Attack stat coupled with Swords Dance prevent prevents it from being passive and allow allows it to pose a threat to offensive and defensive teams alike, and access to Iron Defense allows Type: Null to set up on and shut down physical attackers like Braviary, which makes it annoying to stop late-game. Type: Null is also capable of acting as a bulky pivot due to its access to U-turn, allowing it to get threatening wallbreakers in on the Pokemon that it tends to bait in. However, Type: Null is reliant on Rest for recovery, which can be taken advantage of by setup sweepers like Klinklang, (comma) Type: Null and it is forced out by both Fighting- and Ghost-types due to the former threatening it with super effective STAB moves and the latter walling it completely due to their immunity to Frustration Return. Finally, Type: Null is unable to consistently check stronger special attackers if it loses its Eviolite.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Return
move 3: Rest
move 4: Iron Defense / Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Swords Dance increases Type: Null's Attack, which make's makes its Return harder to switch in on. Return is Type: Null's main and only STAB move and is rather reliable due to it being its decently powerful, having high PP, and its lack of drawbacks. Rest gives Type: Null a method of recovery at the cost of incapacitating it for a few turns, allowing it to regain any lost HP and absorb status. Iron Defense increases Type: Null's Defense, making it even more annoying for teams to deal with after it obtains enough boosts, though it does leave it unable to do anything while asleep. Sleep Talk is an alternative that draws from and uses one of Type: Null's moves when it is asleep, preventing Type: Null from then being completely helpless.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both HP and Special Defense in combination with a Careful nature make makes Type: Null as specially bulky as it can be, which allows it to take on special attackers as well as it does. Eviolite is the preferred item due to it further increasing Type: Null’s Null's bulk and allowing it to better take on special attackers, as well as physical attackers if it runs Iron Defense. Battle Armor is its Type Null's only ability, and it prevents Type: Null from being struck by a critical hit, which means that there's no way around any potential Defense boosts in it may obtain.

Usage Tips
========

Type: Null should primarily switch in on strong special attackers such as Whimsicott, Venusaur, and Vikavolt. Type: Null should also pivot in on sleep-inducing moves from Pokemon such as Smeargle and Vivillon, allowing it to absorb status for its team. Use Rest once Type: Null falls to about half of its health so that it can continue to check special attackers throughout the course of the match. Type: Null should try to burn its sleep turns whenever possible so that it can it can come in on special attacks more often later on and Rest again when needed. Type: Null should refrain from setting up until all Ghost-types have been removed, as they will almost always force it out due to Type: Null being unable its inability to touch them. Waiting until Fighting-types have been removed is smart too, since they are capable of muscling through it Type: Null if it lacks Iron Defense and can take advantage of its helplessness if it lacks Sleep Talk.

Team Options
========

Type: Null can fit on a fairly wide range of playstyles ranging from bulky offense to stall due to its ability to keep problematic special attackers in check. Type: Null appreciates having teammates that can check Fighting-types due to its weakness to their STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Delphox and Slowbro pair well with it. Vileplume can also check Fighting-types and also serve as a cleric due to its access to Aromatherapy, which saves Type: Null the trouble of having the burn sleep turns on its own. Vileplume also appreciates having Type: Null to fall back on against stronger special attackers like Vanilluxe. Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel and Skuntank are capable of removing Ghost-types that would otherwise impede Type: Null's sweep, with the former providing useful Knock Off support and the latter also offering Defog support. Wallbreakers such as Magmortar, Medicham, Samurott, and Vanilluxe that place pressure on Normal-resistant foes are appreciated, since they are the hardest stops to Type: Null barring Ghost-types.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Return
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

U-turn gives Type: Null the ability to pivot out of unfavorable matchups while also generating momentum. Return gives Type: Null a decently powerful STAB move. Rest is Type: Null's only method of recovery, (AC) and it also cures Type: Null of any status that may be plaguing it beforehand. Sleep Talk prevents Type: Null from being completely helpless while asleep, giving it the ability to potentially pivot out if anything switches in on it to capitalize on it being asleep.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both HP and Special Defense in conjunction with a Careful nature make makes Type: Null as specially bulky as it can be, which allows it to take on special attackers as well as it does. Eviolite is the preferred item due to it further increasing Type: Null’s Null's bulk and allowing it to better take on special attackers. Battle Armor, Type: Null's only ability, prevents it from being struck by a critical hit, which gives stronger attackers a harder time with breaking through it.

Usage Tips
========

Although this set is played in a different manner than the other set, Type: Null should still switch in on strong special attackers and on sleep-inducing moves such as Sleep Powder in order to serve as a status absorber for the team. Type: Null should use U-turn on predicted switches to Pokemon that it can't touch such as Rhydon, Rotom, and Steelix as well as on predicted switches to Fighting-types in order to get in a wallbreaker that can threaten them out. Use Rest once Type: Null begins taking notable damage, as this will give it the ability to check as many special attackers and pivot as much as it can. Burning sleep turns whenever Type: Null gets the chance is smart, as it is near completely helpless while sleeping and this means that it can Rest again when necessary.

Team Options
========

Pokemon that can check Fighting-types such as Delphox, Slowbro, and Golbat are appreciated, since they those can deal heavy amounts of damage to Type: Null with their super effective STAB moves. Pursuit trappers like Skuntank and Sneasel pair well with Type: Null due to their ability to remove Ghost-types for it, with the former also providing Defog support, (AC) which can prove useful, since it prevents Type: Null from being pressured by entry hazards and lessens the need to use Rest. Wallbreakers that can heavily pressure Rock- and Steel-types such as Fightinium Z Magmortar, Heliolisk, and Medicham are appreciated, since Type: Null is incapable of doing much to them. In return, Type: Null can come their aid against faster special attackers such as Sceptile and opposing Heliolisk and get them in safely against its checks with U-turn. Physically defensive Pokemon that falter against strong special attackers such as Granbull and Pyukumuku appreciate having Type: Null to fall back on, with the former offering useful Heal Bell support while also switching into Knock Off comfortably and the later keeping setup sweepers like Klinklang in check due to Unaware.

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

Toxic punishes Pokemon like Rhydon as well as Ghost-types on the switch, but Type: Null struggles with finding a slot for it. Roar phazes out set-up sweepers like Delphox (RC) and can be annoying for teams to deal with if entry hazards end up on the opposing side of the field, but Iron Defense and Sleep Talk are much more consistent. Type: Null has access to options that help it against Ghost-types like Pursuit and Shadow Claw, with the former also chipping away at special attackers as they switch out, but it has trouble finding room for these options as well.

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

**Ghost-types**: Type: Null is completely walled by Ghost-types such as Mismagius, Palossand, and Rotom due to them fearing nothing that it can use. Furthermore, Mismagius can prevent Type: Null from using Rest with Taunt, while Rotom can potentially cripple it with Trick if it is running Choice Scarf.

**Normal-resistant Foes**: Bulky Normal-resistant Pokemon such as Steelix, Rhydon, and Klinklang are capable of taking Return rather well, even if Type: Null has used Swords Dance, and can take advantage of Type: Null by laying Stealth Rock or setting up on it, though they may face issues with breaking it if it has Iron Defense. Steelix is particularly noteworthy, as it can use Roar to phaze Type: Null out, or even set up alongside Type: Null with Curse.

**Fighting-types**: While they don't appreciate switching in on Return, Fighting-types such as Passimian, Medicham, and Toxicroak can force Type: Null out with their respective Fighting-type STAB moves. Medicham and Toxicroak are also capable of setting up on Type: Null should it lack Sleep Talk.

**Loss of Eviolite**: Without its Eviolite, Type: Null cannot reliably check stronger special attackers such as Choice Specs Vanilluxe, meaning that it is susceptible to Knock Off from Pokemon such as Mega Audino and Venusaur and Trick from Pokemon such as Delphox, Haunter, and Rotom.
 
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Fireflame

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[OVERVIEW]

Due to its impressive Eviolite-augmented bulk, Type: Null is one of the bulkiest Pokemon in NU and is capable of serving as an effective blanket check to some of the tier's most threatening special wallbreakers in Heliolisk and Vanilluxe. Type: Null's decent Attack stat coupled with Swords Dance prevents it from being passive and allows it to pose a threat to offensive and defensive teams alike, and access to Iron Defense allows Type: Null to set up on and shut down physical attackers like Braviary, which makes it annoying to stop late-game. Type: Null is also capable of acting as a bulky pivot due to its access to U-turn, allowing it to get threatening wallbreakers in on the Pokemon that it tends to bait in. However, Type: Null is reliant on Rest for recovery, which can be taken advantage of by setup sweepers like Klinklang, and it is forced out by both Fighting- and Ghost-types due to the former threatening it with super effective STAB moves and the latter walling it completely due to their immunity to Return. Finally, Type: Null is unable to consistently check stronger special attackers if it loses its Eviolite.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Return
move 3: Rest
move 4: Iron Defense / Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Swords Dance increases Type: Null's Attack, which makes its Return harder to switch in on into. Return is Type: Null's main and only STAB move and is rather reliable due to it being decently powerful, having high PP, and its lack of drawbacks. Rest gives Type: Null a method of recovery at the cost of incapacitating it for a few turns, allowing it to regain any lost HP and absorb status. Iron Defense increases Type: Null's Defense, making it even more annoying for teams to deal with after it obtains enough boosts, though it does leave it unable to do anything while asleep. Sleep Talk is an alternative that draws from and uses one of Type: Null's moves when it is asleep, preventing Type: Null from being completely helpless.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both HP and Special Defense in combination with a Careful nature makes Type: Null as specially bulky as it can be, which allows it to take on special attackers as well as it does. Eviolite is the preferred item due to it further increasing Type: Null's bulk and allowing it to better take on special attackers,(RC) as well as physical attackers if it runs Iron Defense. Battle Armor is Type: Null's only ability, and it means that there's no way around any potential Defense boosts it may obtain.

Usage Tips
========

Type: Null should primarily switch in on strong special attackers such as Whimsicott, Venusaur, and Vikavolt. Type: Null should also pivot in on sleep-inducing moves from Pokemon such as Smeargle and Vivillon, allowing it to absorb status for its team. Use Rest once Type: Null falls to about half of its health so that it can continue to check special attackers throughout the course of the match. Type: Null should try to burn its sleep turns whenever possible so that it can it can come in on special attacks more often later on and use Rest again when needed. Type: Null should refrain from setting up until all Ghost-types have been removed, as they will almost always force it out due to its inability to touch them. Waiting until Fighting-types have been removed is smart too, since they are capable of muscling through Type: Null if it lacks Iron Defense and can take advantage of its helplessness if it lacks Sleep Talk.

Team Options
========

Type: Null can fit on a fairly wide range of playstyles ranging from bulky offense to stall due to its ability to keep problematic special attackers in check. Type: Null appreciates having teammates that can check Fighting-types due to its weakness to their STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Delphox and Slowbro pair well with it. Vileplume can also check Fighting-types and serve as a cleric due to its access to Aromatherapy, which saves Type: Null the trouble of having the to burn sleep turns on its own. Vileplume also appreciates having Type: Null to fall back on against stronger special attackers like Vanilluxe. Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel and Skuntank are capable of removing Ghost-types that would otherwise impede Type: Null's sweep, with the former providing useful Knock Off support and the latter also offering Defog support. Wallbreakers such as Magmortar, Medicham, Samurott, and Vanilluxe that place pressure on Normal-resistant foes are appreciated, since they are the hardest stops to Type: Null barring Ghost-types.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Return
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

U-turn gives Type: Null the ability to pivot out of unfavorable matchups while also generating momentum. Return gives Type: Null a decently powerful STAB move. Rest is Type: Null's only method of recovery, and it also cures Type: Null of any status that may be plaguing it beforehand. Sleep Talk prevents Type: Null from being completely helpless while asleep, giving it the ability to potentially pivot out if anything switches in on it to capitalize on it being asleep.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both HP and Special Defense in conjunction with a Careful nature makes Type: Null as specially bulky as it can be, which allows it to take on special attackers as well as it does. Eviolite is the preferred item due to it further increasing Type: Null's bulk and allowing it to better take on special attackers. Battle Armor, Type: Null's only ability, prevents it from being struck by a critical hit, which gives stronger attackers a harder time breaking through it.

Usage Tips
========

Type: Null should switch in on strong special attackers and on sleep-inducing moves such as Sleep Powder in order to serve as a status absorber for the team. Type: Null should use U-turn on predicted switches to Pokemon that it can't touch such as Rhydon, Rotom, and Steelix as well as on predicted switches to Fighting-types in order to get in a wallbreaker that can threaten them out. Use Rest once Type: Null begins taking notable damage, as this will give it the ability to check as many special attackers and pivot as much as it can. Burning sleep turns whenever Type: Null gets the chance is smart, as it is near almost completely helpless while sleeping and this means that it can use Rest again when necessary.

Team Options
========

Pokemon that can check Fighting-types such as Delphox, Slowbro, and Golbat are appreciated, since those Fighting-types can deal heavy amounts of damage to Type: Null with their super effective STAB moves. Pursuit trappers like Skuntank and Sneasel pair well with Type: Null due to their ability to remove Ghost-types for it, with the former also providing Defog support, which prevents Type: Null from being pressured by entry hazards and lessens the need to use Rest. Wallbreakers that can heavily pressure Rock- and Steel-types such as Fightinium Z Magmortar, Heliolisk, and Medicham are appreciated, since Type: Null is incapable of doing much to them. In return, Type: Null can come their aid them against faster special attackers such as Sceptile and opposing Heliolisk and get them in safely against its checks with U-turn. Physically defensive Pokemon that falter against strong special attackers such as Granbull and Pyukumuku appreciate having Type: Null to fall back on, with the former offering useful Heal Bell support while also switching into Knock Off comfortably and the later keeping setup sweepers like Klinklang in check due to Unaware.

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

Toxic punishes Pokemon like Rhydon as well as Ghost-types on the switch, but Type: Null struggles with finding a slot for it. Roar phazes set-up sweepers like Delphox and can be annoying for teams to deal with if entry hazards end up on the opposing side of the field, but Iron Defense and Sleep Talk are much more consistent. Type: Null has access to options that help it against Ghost-types like Pursuit and Shadow Claw, with the former also chipping away at special attackers as they switch out, but it has trouble finding room for these options as well.

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

**Ghost-types**: Type: Null is completely walled by Ghost-types such as Mismagius, Palossand, and Rotom due to them fearing nothing that it can use. Furthermore, Mismagius can prevent Type: Null from using Rest with Taunt, while Rotom can potentially cripple it with Trick if it is running Choice Scarf.

**Normal-resistant Foes**: Bulky Normal-resistant Pokemon such as Steelix, Rhydon, and Klinklang are capable of taking Return rather well, even if Type: Null has used Swords Dance, and can take advantage of Type: Null by laying Stealth Rock or setting up on it, though they may face issues with breaking it if it has Iron Defense. Steelix is particularly noteworthy, as it can use Roar to phaze Type: Null,(RC) or even set up alongside Type: Null with Curse.

**Fighting-types**: While they don't appreciate switching in on Return, Fighting-types such as Passimian, Medicham, and Toxicroak can force Type: Null out with their respective STAB moves. Medicham and Toxicroak are also capable of setting up on Type: Null should it lack Sleep Talk.

**Loss of Eviolite**: Without its Eviolite, Type: Null cannot reliably check stronger special attackers such as Choice Specs Vanilluxe, meaning that it is susceptible to Knock Off from Pokemon such as Mega Audino and Venusaur and Trick from Pokemon such as Delphox, Haunter, and Rotom.
GP 2/2
 
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