Xurkitree (Singles) (QC 0/2)

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[OVERVIEW]

* Xurkitree has the second highest base Special Attack of the entire metagame, which assists greatly in fulfilling its role as a Special sweeper / cleaner.

* Beast Boost is a great ability for Xurkitree, although its low speed tier makes it difficult to utilise beast boost without a +1 speed boost or scarf, otherwise it is slower than threats such as Garchomp / Tapu Lele / Tapu Bulu / Mimikyu.

* Mono Electric typing gives Xurkitree weakness to notable Ground-type Pokemon including Mamoswine and Garchomp, lack of common resistances, and only one STAB option.

* Xurkitree's lack of secondary STAB is compensated for to an extent by its huge Special Attack and coverage options including Hidden Power Ice / Energy Ball / Hidden Power Ground.

* Xurkitree's overall bulk is not impressive but is acceptable, as it is enough to withstand a few hits from common priority options including Shadow Sneak / Ice Shard / Aqua jet.

* Xurkitree has tough competition to take the teamslot of the offensive Electric-type over Tapu Koko, Thundurus-Therian and Thundurus-Incarnate.

[SET]
name: Cleaner
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Energy Ball / Dazzling Gleam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 Spa / 4 Spd / 252 Spe

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

* Thunderbolt remains as the staple STAB of choice.

* Volt Switch is an excellent choice in order to maintain momentum via pivot, whilst at the same maintaining offensive pressure.

* Hidden Power Ice is used to hit the usual Dragon-type / Ground-type threats whilst also hitting Flying-type Pokemon immune to Thunderbolt such as Landorus-T and Thundurus-T. Hidden Power Ground hits Mega Charizard X / Excadrill / Magnezone / Alolan Marowak.

* Energy Ball provides coverage against Ground threats which Hidden Power Ice cannot OHKO but Energy Ball can, notably Mamoswine (although Mamoswine does tend to have either Focus Sash or Assault Vest). It also provides a 2HKO on Excadrill, Hippowdon, and offensive Landorus-T that lacks assault vest. Dazzling Gleam is to hit Dragon-types if Hidden Power Ground is used.

* If you want extra coverage with Hidden Power Ground, you can replace Volt Switch with Dazzling Gleam, making Xurkitree harder to wall however at the cost of scouting.

Set Details
========

* Timid nature guarantees that Xurkitree is faster than any base 150 or below such as Tapu Koko and Mega-Gengar.

* Modest nature puts Xurkitree on par with base 150's but outpaces anything slower than that, whilst also providing a much better OHKO chance on threatening Mega Pokemon such as Mega-Lucario and Mega-Gyarados, although Modest does fail to outspeed +1 Mega-Gyarados.

* Choice Scarf gives Xurkitree enough speed to let it revenge kill slower threats such as non-scarf Garchomp and Mega-Gyarados at +1.

* 252 special attack maximises damage output to assist in sweeping and revenge killing.

* 252 Spe ensures that Xurkitree has enough speed to best abuse of Choice Scarf and actually outpace anything below base 150 speed, notably Mega-Gengar / Tapu Koko.

* 4 Spd is to avoid giving Download Porygon2 the Special Attack Boost.

Usage Tips
========

* Leading with Xurkitree is generally the best option as Volt Switch makes it easy to scout out what Pokemon your opponent has decided to bring, whilst also dealing chunks of damage to assist in maintaining offensive pressure. Be cautious if choosing to lead with Xurkitree however as Electric-type immunities including Garchomp / Mamoswine / Alolan-Marowak are common, which is very bad news as they can easily switch in while Xurkitree is locked into Electric STAB.

* Xurkitree can also function as a mid - late game sweeper. Given the Choice Scarf, Xurkitree needs not to worry about a lot of the tier's faster threats including Mega-Gengar and Tapu Koko. By checking Pokemon, Xurkitree can often get an easy kill if there is no reliable switch in, triggering Beast Boost and starting an otherwise difficult to control snowball effect with Beast Boost.

Team Options
========

* Physically Defensive Tapu Fini can serve as a hard check to Xurkitree's Ground-type threats including Garchomp / Mamoswine, as it can dent them with Nature's Madness, putting them within KO range for Xurkitree.

* Focus Sash Mamoswine is a great partner for Xurkitree, providing Stealth Rock support which puts Pokemon such as Mega-Gengar withing OHKO for Xurkitree, while also
providing a check to Dragon-type threats including Mega-Salamence if weakened and Choice Scarf Garchomp.

* Steel-type Pokemon such as Celesteela makes for a really nice partner, being able to switch-in against other common Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Garchomp / Tapu Lele and retaliate back with Leech Seed / Heavy Slam. Ferrothorn is also a great teammate, comfortably taking both Dragon / Ground-type hits while pressuring with leech seed + protect.

* Cloyster is a nice option as it tends to spook away Ground-types which can otherwise be a problem for Xurkitree.

[SET]
name: Sweeper
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Hypnosis / Energy Ball / Substitute
item: Electrium Z / Psychium Z / Focus Sash
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 Spa / 4 Spd / 252 Spe

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

* Tail Glow is used to grant Xurkitree with incredible wallbreaking potential, allowing it to 2HKO bulky threats such as Cresselia and Porygon2.

* Thunderbolt is the STAB option of choice, despite providing a weaker Z move than Thunder as the accuracy is much more preferred.

* Hidden Power Ice gives the best two-move coverage, able to hit all of Electric's resistances / immunities such as common Ground-type and Dragon-type Pokemon, while Energy Ball at +3 smashes through Garchomp, Excadrill, Hippowdon, non Assault Vest Mamoswine and non Assault Vest Landorus-T.

* Hypnosis is used in conjunction with Psychium Z, giving Xurkitree a +1 speed boost alongside a great opportunity to set up with Tail Glow, assuming that Hypnosis hits. Energy Ball can also be used instead of Hypnosis, giving Xurkitree near perfect coverage and allowing it to break the likes of Hippowdon and Excadrill, as HP Ice at +3 does not OHKO either. Substitute allows Xurkitree to setup with more freedom while also giving it a layer of protection against common threats such as Landorus-Therian and Tapu Bulu.

* A quiet nature with 252 hp / 252 spa is an option for Tail Glow + 3 attacks on Trick Room teams, as well as a Bold nature with 252 hp / 252 def and Shuca berry to tank powerful Earthquakes from the likes of Garchomp and Landorus-Therian, whilst hitting back hard with HP Ice.

Set Details
========

* Electrium Z gives Xurkitree an extremely powerful one off Thunderbolt, allowing it to deal heavy damage without a boost whilst hitting extremely hard at +3, even through protect.

* Psychium Z is used to allow the use of Z-Hypnosis, which has a 60% chance to put your opponent to sleep, while also patching up Xurkitree's average speed.

* Focus Sash allows Xurkitree to check the likes of Mega-Charizard Y and +1 Mega-Gyarados whilst also providing an opportunity to set up with Tail Glow.

* A Modest nature maximises Special Attack while still outspeeding base 130 Pokemon and below when at +1 including Mega-Gengar / Tapu Koko.

* A Timid nature ensures that at +1 Xurkitree can outspeed Pheromosa running a Mild / Naughty nature as well as Base 150's and below, but is still slower than Naive / Hasty Pheromosa by one point. Timid also ensures that Xurkitree can outspeed base 80 mons while unboosted, including Mamoswine.

Usage Tips
========

* Note what you can easily setup on / take a hit from. Water-type / Flying-types are obviously the primary examples as they are immediately threatened with the option of Thunderbolt. Xurkitree can also setup on slower threats including Aegislash, Mamoswine, Tapu Bulu and Mega-Sczior, but has to rely on Hypnosis hitting, otherwise they all OHKO.

* Depending on which Xurkitree set you use, take careful note of team preview. Tail Glow + 3 attacks excels against bulkier builds and especially stall, whilst Z Hypnosis is better against offensive teams with a less solid defensive backbone.

* Xurkitree best takes advantage of this late game, with the intention of cleaning up the remainder of the team. If Z Hypnosis hits, set up Tail Glow once and proceed to sweep. Two sets of Tail Glow is both too risky to set and a tad overkill. If Z Hypnosis misses, majority of the time it's still best to stay in with Xurkitree and output as much damage as possible.

* Since Z-Hypnosis is a one off situation, it's imperative that Z-Hypnosis is used at the right time. You can also opt to not Z-move against slower teams and just use regular Hypnosis if you've got another Z-move user.

Team Options
========

* A check to Alolan-Marowak is mandatory. Alolan-Marowak hard walls Xurkitree without Hidden Power Ground, which in itself is quite a sub-par option given the set. Mega-Gyarados fills this role, taking advantage of a free setup opportunity on the switch, although doesn't like Will-O-Wisp variants. Salamence also works as it can sponge 3 hits after intimidate and spam Roost + Dragon Dance, but also doesn't appreciate Will-O-Wisp. Mandibuzz works the best as a defensive check, able to pressure Alolan-Marowak with Roost + Toxic.

* Xurkitree benefits greatly from Tapu Bulu's Grassy Surge, letting Xurkitree have the opportunity to tank Ground-type moves, while also giving a sense of recovery. Tapu Bulu also overrides Tapu Fini's Misty Terrain and Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain, which otherwise renders Xurkitree's Z-Hypnosis useless for anything other than speed.

* Even with resistance to Steel / Flying / Electric-type, Xurkitree struggles to take hits given its mediocre bulk. Because of this, Xurkitree pairs well with generally bulk pokemon including Porygon2 and Celesteela, both of which give Xurkitree a reliable defensive fallback.

* Xurkitree needs answers to Ground-types, notably Garchomp and Mamoswine. Mega-Gyarados and Cloyster fit this roll, as they also appreciate it when Xurkitree lands a Hypnosis on the switch since they can switch in for free and set up.

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

* Z-Hypnosis can use Hidden Power Ground as a means of dealing with Alolan-Marowak which otherwise walls Xurkitree, but this is a very team-dependant decision as even at +3, Hidden Power Ground is unlikely to OHKO opposing Dragon-type threats.

* Dazzling Gleam is also an option over HP Ice to OHKO Hydreigon whilst still hitting Dragon-types, however Hidden Power Ice otherwise outclasses it due to how it maintains the same coverage which Dazzling Gleam has whilst still hitting Grass-types, and providing a OHKO on Garchomp and Landorus-Therian.

* Z-Rain Dance remains usable as it gives a speed boost and 100% accurate Thunder for 5 turns. Hidden Power Water is a great tech move with this set as it can hit both Non-Assault Vest Mamoswine and Alolan-Marowak. Tail Glow can be used to help break through slower defensive teams, while Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Garchomp

* Focus Sash is a niche option if you have a spare, as well as Air Balloon / Shuca Berry as both options allow Xurkitree to beat Mega-Salamence / Choice Scarf Garchomp without any prior setup or reliance on prediction. Timid Hidden Power Ice can OHKO both of these threats. Air Balloon also works in conjunction with Extreme Evoboost, giving Xurkitree temporary immunity to Ground and allowing it to sweep with x2 speed, Beast Boost, and free move selection.

* Z-Electric Terrain gives Xurkitree a boost to Electric STAB and speed by one stage, significantly powering up Thunderbolt. The Terrain can however be easily overridden by opposing Tapus, so it isn't all too good for anything other than speed.

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

**Offensive Ground-types**: Garchomp, Mamoswine, Excadrill and Landorus-Therian all outspeed +1 Xurkitree if holding a Choice Scarf and can OHKO in return. Focus Sash variants of these Pokemon are also huge threats, given that they can take a hit and OHKO with Earthquake. Assault Vest Excadrill also lives +3 Energy Ball and again, can OHKO.

**Mega-Venusar**: Thick Fat prevents Hidden Power Ice form doing any notable damage, while resisting every other coverage move which Xurkitree uses.

**Tyranitar**: Only gets OHKO'd by +3 Energy Ball. Assault Vest variants live this however. Tyranitar is also commonly partnered with Excadrill, a threatening Pokemon to Xurkitree in itself.

**Choice Scarf Tapu Lele**: Choice Scarf Tapu Lele outspeeds Xurkitree regardless of +1 / Choice Scarf, with Psychic providing an 81.3% chance to OHKO under Psychic Terrain.

**Tapu Bulu**: Beats any Xurkitree that lacks Hidden Power Ice or is choice locked into another move.
 
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One thing I've seen in place of hypnosis on the speed boosting set is Electric Terrain. You forgo the chance to cripple something with sleep but you do gain two advantages

1. Electric terrain boosted STAB without making yourself super ground weak by carrying support Koko alongside Xurkitree.
2. Carrying the electric Z-Crystal gives you the option to use a Gigavolt Havoc instead of going for a speed boost if the pace of the game necessitates it.

I've only seen it in 6v6 but the electric terrain actually does make a difference in 3v3 lv50, mostly turning low probability OHKOs/guaranteed 2HKOs into guaranteed OHKO.

+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 163-193 (85.3 - 101%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 246-289 (128.7 - 151.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Just as an example. I think hypnosis is probably better most of the time but this could be a viable alternative in some situations, depending on team comp.
 
One thing I've seen in place of hypnosis on the speed boosting set is Electric Terrain. You forgo the chance to cripple something with sleep but you do gain two advantages

1. Electric terrain boosted STAB without making yourself super ground weak by carrying support Koko alongside Xurkitree.
2. Carrying the electric Z-Crystal gives you the option to use a Gigavolt Havoc instead of going for a speed boost if the pace of the game necessitates it.

I've only seen it in 6v6 but the electric terrain actually does make a difference in 3v3 lv50, mostly turning low probability OHKOs/guaranteed 2HKOs into guaranteed OHKO.

+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 163-193 (85.3 - 101%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 246-289 (128.7 - 151.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Just as an example. I think hypnosis is probably better most of the time but this could be a viable alternative in some situations, depending on team comp.
I do see where you're coming from, but Z-electric terrain is, in my opinion, far too risky and doesn't offer all that much in return. Although the benefits of Electric Terrain are nice for Xurkitree to abuse, as well as the +1 speed, there are still 3 other Tapus running around which easily render the terrains effect as useless.

Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele would be extremely solid checks. Also, you're making the assumption that There's actually room to set up both Z-Electric Terrain and Tail Glow. The only way that Z-Hypnosis itself can set up Tail Glow is with the sleep, so I'm not entirely sure how you will manage to pull that off with Z-Electric Terrain.

Thank you for your input, but unless a QC member says otherwise and suggests adding it in, I'm not going to mention it at all for now, even in other options. Currently, all analysis' are being tailored towards the popular / common sets, which I'm working on with Z-Hypnosis and Choice Scarf. If Z-Electric terrain catches on in the future it might then deserve a mention, but for now, it unfortunately has no place that I can see
 
Maybe you could add why specificaly Xurkitree faces competition with Tapu Koko ; it's way faster, has an additional Fairy typing that grants it a way to deal with most Dragons, and has funnily the exact same damage output :

252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 66-78 (34.5 - 40.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2 under Electric Surge: 66-78 (34.5 - 40.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
 
Maybe you could add why specificaly Xurkitree faces competition with Tapu Koko ; it's way faster, has an additional Fairy typing that grants it a way to deal with most Dragons, and has funnily the exact same damage output :

252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 66-78 (34.5 - 40.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Eviolite Porygon2 under Electric Surge: 66-78 (34.5 - 40.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
It's a work in progress for a reason lol... there's a shit ton i haven't added in yet
 
Alright so this was a tough Pokemon to write about; very plain and quite bland, but i've tried to be detailed with what's available. Took longer than expected so sorry about that, but it's now ready for quality control checks!
 

cant say

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comments in bold


[OVERVIEW]

* Xurkitree has the second highest Special Attack of the entire metagame sitting at 173 base, only beaten by Mega-Alakazam which sits at 175 don't mention stat numbers, stats are shown at the top of the Dex entry. Just say that its stat is good/bad, huge/terrible etc

* Beast Boost is an amazing ability for Xurkitree, giving it the potential to abuse even more Special Attack, but struggles to make use of it with a low base speed of 83 same^ perhaps just say its speed isn't high enough to sweep without a scarf as it gets outsped by [metagame threat]

* Mono Electric typing gives Xurkitree a crippling Ground-type weakness, lack of common resistances, and only one STAB option ok it's weak to ground but why is that bad? are there any notable Ground types that makes this important? Or are there none/few which means it isn't so bad

* Xurkitree's lack of secondary STAB is compensated for to an extent by its huge Special Attack does it at least have good coverage options with high base power?

* 83 / 71 / 71 bulk is not impressive, but is enough to withstand a few hits from common priority options, including Shadow Sneak / Ice Shard / Aqua jet listing stats again, just say it's bulk is good/bad/mediocre etc and why it is good/bad/mediocre

* Xurkitree already faces a lot of competition in the current metagame against Tapu Koko, but will only face even more in post bank with Thundurus-Incarnate / Thundurs-Therian / Manectric against Koko sounds like it sucks in the matchup against it but I think you mean as it has competition for a teamslot as there are other better electric types to use

[SET]
name: Z-Hypnosis Special Sweeper
move 1: Hypnosis
move 2: Tail Glow
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Psychium-Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def 252 Spa 252 Spe make it 4 SpD for download porygon2. Also add slashes...

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

* Hypnosis is the core of this set, with the Z-variant giving Xurkitree a stage one speed boost regardless of whether or not it hits or misses

* Tail Glow is used to take advantage of Hypnosis, giving Xurkitree opportunity to setup need to stress how hard it hits with huge base SpA stat with +3 on top of it

* Thunderbolt is the STAB option of choice over Thunder as it is far more reliable and doesn't need that extra 20 base power don't need to talk about thunder

* Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon-type / Ground-type threats including Garchomp, Mega-Salamence, Hydreigon, and Mudsdale probably easier to say that HP Ice gives the best two-move coverage by hitting Electric resists such as [XYZ]

Set Details
========

* Psychium-z is the only item choice for this set why? What does it do?

* A Modest nature ensures that at +1, Xurkitree can hit as hard as possible while still outpacing base 130's at including Mega-Gengar and Tapu Koko and sitting equal with base 150's such as Mega-Alakazam and Mega-Aerodactyl better to say that modest is to maximise SpA and then list what you outspeed. Don't include speed ties

* A Timid nature ensures that at +1 Xurkitree can outspeed Pheromosa running a Mild / Naughty nature as well as Base 150's and below, but is still slower than Naive / Hasty Pheromosa by one point. Timid also ensures that Xurkitree can outspeed base 80 mons including Mamoswine just say "neutral nature Pheromosa" and also say that you outspeed Mamo unboosted

* 252 Spa is needed to best take advantage of both the Modest nature and Tail Glow, assisting in turning Xurkitree into a powerful sweeper "maximises damage output" or similar is so much more concise

* 252 Spe remains essential to ensure that Xurkitree best makes use of the Speed boost from Z-Hypnosis "maximises speed" is better too. Instead of stalking about EVs and natures separately maybe say "modest with max SpA and Spe is to hit as hard as possible and outspeed [XYZ], timid is an option to outspeed [ABC] but lowers damage as a result" as it shortens and simplifies everything and sends the same message.

Usage Tips
========

* Note what you can easily setup on / take a hit from. Water-type / Flying-types are obviously the primary examples as they are immediately threatened with the option of Thunderbolt. Xurkitree can also setup on slower threats including Aegislash, Mamoswine, Tapu Bulu and Mega-Sczior, but has to rely on Hypnosis hitting, otherwise they all OHKO

* Xurkitree best takes advantage of this late game, with the intention of cleaning up the remainder of the team. If Z-Hypnosis hits, set up Tail Glow once and proceed to sweep. Two sets of Tail Glow is both too risky to set and a tad overkill. If Z-Hypnosis misses, majority of the time it's still best to stay in with Xurkitree and output as much damage as possible

* Once switched after using Z-Hypnosis, Xurkitree loses its niche and can't do all to much later in the game. Because of this, it's essential that Z-Hypnosis is used at the perfect time, where Xurkitree can't be forced out easier to just say that you only get one use of Z-Hypnosis so choosing the right time to use it is crucial. You can also opt to not Z move against slower teams and just use regular hypnosis which lets something else Z move that match

Team Options
========

* A check to Alolan-Marowak is mandatory. Alolan-Marowak hard walls Xurkitree without Hidden Power Ground, which in itself is quite a sub-par option given the set. Mega-Gyarados fills this role, taking advantage of a free setup opportunity on the switch watch out for will-o-wisp tho

* Xurkitree benefits greatly from Tapu Bulu's Grassy Surge, letting Xurkitree have the opportunity to tank Ground-type moves, while also giving a sense of recovery. Tapu Bulu also overrides Tapu Fini's Misty Terrain, which otherwise renders Xurkitree's Z-Hypnosis useless for anything other than speed

* Even with resistance to Steel / Flying / Electric-type, Xurkitree struggles to take hits given its mediocre bulk. Because of this, Xurkitree pairs well with generally bulk pokemon including Porygon2 and Celesteela, both of which give Xurkitree a reliable defensive fallback

You've made no mention of answers to Ground types (Bulu doesn't count). You need to specifically mention answers to Garchomp and Mamoswine such as Gyarados and Cloyster. Both of these mons appreciate you landing a Hypnosis on the switch since they can switch in for free and set up.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf Cleaner
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Energy Ball / Dazzling Gleam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def 252 Spa 252 Spe make it 4 SpD for download p2. Also add slashes lol

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

* Thunderbolt remains as the staple STAB of choice due to its reliability over Thunder whilst still hitting with extreme power same as last set

* Volt Switch is an excellent choice in order to maintain momentum via pivot, whilst at the same maintaining offensive pressure

* Hidden Power Ice is used to hit the usual Dragon-type / Ground-type threats

* Energy Ball provides coverage against Ground threats which Hidden Power Ice cannot OHKO but Energy Ball can, including Krookodile and Mamoswine (although Mamoswine does tend to have either Focus Sash or Assault Vest) Mamo, Rhyperior, and Lanturn are the relevant ones to list. Perhaps also Gastrodon

I added HP Ground as a slash for hitting Marowak and Magnezone/ton and other Electrics like Koko / Electric Porygon-Z and Electric Silvally (Silv may not be relevant). I was tempted to add HP Water as well which still hits Marowak and Mamo which is amazing on Rain teams (use Thunder as well) but since it's team-dependant I left it out.

I also slashed Dazzling Gleam since if you drop HP Ice you need something to hit Dragons.


Set Details
========

* Timid nature guarantees that Xurkitree is faster than any base 150 or below, such as? as well as outpacing Mild / Naughty nature Pheromosa neutral nature

* Modest nature puts Xurkitree on par with base 150's but outpaces anything slower than that, whilst also providing a much better OHKO chance on threatening Mega Pokemon such as Mega-Gengar, Mega-Lucario and Mega-Gyarados

* Choice Scarf gives Xurkitree enough speed to let it revenge kill slower threats such as non-scarf Garchomp, Mega-Gyarados at +1, Shell Smash Cloyster and Mega-Aerodactyl remove Cloyster

* 252 Spa gives Xurkitree the power needed to be an effective Choice Scarf user

* 252 Spe ensures that Xurkitree has enough speed to let it make effective use of Choice Scarf and actually outpace anything below base 150 speed

Use my notes on explaining natures and EVs together from the set above

Usage Tips
========

* Leading with Xurkitree is generally the best option as Volt Switch makes it easy to scout out what Pokemon your opponent has decided to bring, whilst also dealing chunks of damage to assist in maintaining offensive pressure

* Xurkitree can also function as a mid - late game sweeper. Given the Choice Scarf, Xurkitree needs not to worry about a lot of the tier's faster threats including Mega-Gengar and Tapu Koko. By checking Pokemon, Xurkitree can often get an easy kill if there is no reliable switch in, triggering Beast Boost and starting an otherwise difficult to control snowball effect with Beast Boost

* Priority is something which Xurkitree doesn't struggle with all too much, with the main priority moves such as Ice Shard, Shadow Sneak and Aqua Jet only having a low base power of 40. Xurkitree's bulk is enough to generally withstand at least a few hits from these moves, making it reliable in checking threats such as Shell Smash Cloyster, Mamoswine, Primarina, Mega-Scizor, and to an extent, Mimikyu These are kinda shaky examples

Team Options
========

* Xurkitree can outspeed Mega-Gyarados at +1 and has a 43% chance to OHKO if Timid and 93.8% chance if Modest, making offensive Ghost-types such as Mimikyu and Aegislash great partners as they especially appreciated Mega-Gyarados out of the picture. They can also finish off Mega-Gyarados with Shadow Sneak if Xurkitree doesn't get the KO this doesn't make sense to me. This is meant to be "what makes a good teammate for Xurkitree" not "what Pokemon like having Xurkitree as a teammate". Like you can still include Pokemon that like having Xurk around but at least not at the start!

* Celesteela makes for a really nice partner, being able to switch-in against other common Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Garchomp / Tapu Lele and retaliate back with Leech Seed / Heavy Slam I agree that Cele is good but it's really not common at all alongside Xurk so I'd move it down below more common ones.

* Mamoswine can deal with opposing Ground-type threats and pressure bulky Pokemon via Fissure which Xurkitree can't break, such as Porygon-2. A Focus Sash Stealth Rock lead lets Xurkitree not have to worry about opposing Focus Sash Pokemon, which otherwise can bring Xurkitree to a grinding halt. Also becomes a soft-counter to Alolan-Marowak in the Post Pokebank metagame when Mamoswine will have access to Thick Fat, but currently remains as a check remove this whole paragraph, none of it is relevant / correct.

Same as I said in the team options above, you need to list a specific counter to Garchomp and Mamoswine, especially since if you're locked into T Bolt they get in for free and get scary.


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

* Z-Hypnosis can use Hidden Power Ground as a means of dealing with Alolan-Marowak which otherwise walls Xurkitree, but this is a very team-dependant decision as even at +3, Hidden Power Ground is unlikely to OHKO opposing Dragon-type threats

* Dazzling Gleam is also an option over HP Ice to OHKO Hydreigon whilst still hitting Dragon-types, however Hidden Power Ice otherwise outclasses it due to how it maintains the same coverage which Dazzling Gleam has whilst still hitting Grass-types, and providing a OHKO on Garchomp and soon to be Post Pokebank threat Landorus-Therian

If you include these as options on the scarf set then remove them here. You don't need to mention Z-hypnosis specifically in the HP ground section, and don't call Landorus-T "soon-to-be-post-PokeBank threat" just call it Landorus-T or leave it out.

* Z-Rain Dance is an option as it gives a speed boost and 100% accurate Thunder for 5 turns. Hidden Power Water is great here as it destroys Marowak-A and non-AV Mamo. The fourth move can be Dazzling Gleam for hitting Garchomp (Thunder hits Mence and stuff harder actually) or Tail Glow for breaking through slower defensive teams.

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

**Alolan-Marowak**: Hard walls non Hidden Power Ground and Water Xurkitree due to Lightning Rod and can proceed to OHKO with Flare Blitz / Earthquake

**Garchomp**: Scarf Garchomp is quicker than Scarf Xurkitree, making it a very threatening revenge killer / counter due to its immunity to Electric-type moves, but can still be hit by Hidden Power Ice on the switch mention Sash Chomp too as that doesn't outspeed but still ends the sweep. Sash + Scarf make up the huge majority of Chomp sets so Chomp is usually a guaranteed check.

**Mamoswine**: The Assault Vest set takes two Energy Ball hits from Scarf Xurkitree to which Mamoswine can then OHKO with Earthquake, whilst Focus Sash can take the hit and also OHKO with Earthquake Mamo survives ONE unboosted Energy Ball. Don't try to oversell it.

**Pheromosa**: Outspeeds +1 / Choice Scarf Timid Xurkitree if Naive / Hasty and can OHKO with High Jump Kick. Reword to say something like "max speed Pheromosa outspeeds boosted Xurkitree and OHKOes with High Jump Kick"

**Choice Scarf Tapu Lele / Garchomp**: Choice Scarf Tapu Lele outspeeds Xurkitree regardless of +1 / Choice Scarf, with Psychic providing an 81.3% chance to OHKO under Psychic Terrain, whilst Choice Scarf Garchomp is faster and has a guaranteed OHKO with earthquake you already wrote about Garchomp...
This wasn't too bad. Just a few newbie mistakes. You'll get there

QC approved 1/3
 

bobochan

slow mo my bobo
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OVERVIEW
Not too fancy with the stats again. Instead of comparing a stat to Mega Alakazam (which is pretty much useless), focus on the more important stuff, like the role of Xurkitree in the metagame (ie: sweeper/cleaner) due to its high SpA. Reorder coverage options to HP Ice (obvious reasons) -> Energy Ball (good) -> HP Ground (meh).

SET: Sweeper
Moves/Set Details (Interchangeable)
On the Hypnosis/Psychium Z part, instead of having both parts saying how it increases Speed by 1 without fail, also mention how it patches up Xurkitree's average Speed/OR gives it a much needed boost Speed. "A Modest nature maximises special atack while still outspeeding base 130 Pokemon and below" -> AT +1. The last two points on 252 SpA and Modest nature is a repeat of previous info. Either remove/edit or reformat, because currently it’s a mess. What I normally do for my analyses follows this format: Spread -> alternative nature/spread -> item -> minor mention on its Ability.

SET: Cleaner
Set Details
Remove mention of Mega Gengar in the Modest nature part. It takes like 95% max, unless you mean after SR damage of course, in which case you can put it in here or later on in Team Options.

Usage Tips
Also be careful on Volt Switch/leading when there were Ground-types/Maro present in the Team Preview, getting yourself locked into something the foe's immune to = bad news. Most definitely remove Cloyster here. Xurkitree is not a reliable check to it and Scarf is slower than +2 so you can't even revenge kill.

Team Options
The team options for previous set was much better, feel free to mention some here too. A SR user is particularly helpful for a cleaner set like this.

Other Options
As far as item options go, Focus Sash is cool if you have a spare and alternatively Air Balloon works nicely also. The main attraction with these two items is that they allow you to beat Garchomp/Mega Salamence without needing prior setup/reliant on prediction with Scarf, as HP Ice even from a Timid nature will OHKO both of these.

Checks and Counters
No need to mention Scarf Chomp TWICE. Remove one.

2/3
 

Theorymon

Have a wonderful day, wahoo!
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Once you implement these things, I'll give you your final QC check for this analysis!


[OVERVIEW]

* Xurkitree has the second highest base Special Attack of the entire metagame, which assists greatly in fulfilling its role as a Special sweeper / cleaner

* Beast Boost is a great ability for Xurkitree, although its low speed tier makes it difficult to utilise beast boost without a +1 speed boost or scarf, otherwise it is slower than threats such as Garchomp / Tapu Lele / Tapu Bulu / Mimikyu

* Mono Electric typing gives Xurkitree weakness to notable Ground-type Pokemon including Mamoswine and Garchomp, lack of common resistances, and only one STAB option

* Xurkitree's lack of secondary STAB is compensated for to an extent by its huge Special Attack and coverage options including Hidden Power Ice / Energy Ball / Hidden Power Ground

* Xurkitree's overall bulk is not impressive but is acceptable, as it is enough to withstand a few hits from common priority options including Shadow Sneak / Ice Shard / Aqua jet

* Xurkitree already has tough competition to take the teamslot of the offensive Electric-type over Tapu Koko, and will struggle even more post-bank with the introduction of Manectric, Thundurus-Therian and Thundurus-Incarnate

I'd mention somewhere that Tailgow and Z-Hypnosis are terrifying set up options. It isn't a reliable sweeper per say, but if it hits Hypnosis, a lot of teams can't handle it after that without some sort of Scarfer.

[SET]
name: Sweeper
move 1: Hypnosis
move 2: Tail Glow
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Psychium-Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 Spa / 4 Spd / 252 Spe

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

* Hypnosis is the core of this set, with the Z-variant giving Xurkitree a stage one speed boost regardless of whether or not it hits or misses

* Tail Glow is used to hit extremely hard along with the +1 speed boost, with Xurkitree at +3 being able to OHKO threats including Mega-Metagross / Mega-Salamence

* Thunderbolt is the STAB option of choice

* Hidden Power Ice gives the best two-move coverage, able to hit all of Electric's resistances / immunities, notably Tapu Bulu / Mamoswine / Grachomp / Krookodile

Set Details
========

* Psychium-z is used to allow the use of Z-Hypnosis, which has a 60% chance to put your opponent to sleep, while also patching up Xurkitree's average speed

* A Modest nature maximises Special Attack while still outspeeding base 130 Pokemon and below when at +1 including Mega-Gengar / Tapu Koko

* A Timid nature ensures that at +1 Xurkitree can outspeed Pheromosa running a Mild / Naughty nature as well as Base 150's and below, but is still slower than Naive / Hasty Pheromosa by one point. Timid also ensures that Xurkitree can outspeed base 80 mons while unboosted, including Mamoswine

Usage Tips
========

* Note what you can easily setup on / take a hit from. Water-type / Flying-types are obviously the primary examples as they are immediately threatened with the option of Thunderbolt. Xurkitree can also setup on slower threats including Aegislash, Mamoswine, Tapu Bulu and Mega-Sczior, but has to rely on Hypnosis hitting, otherwise they all OHKO

* Xurkitree best takes advantage of this late game, with the intention of cleaning up the remainder of the team. If Z-Hypnosis hits, set up Tail Glow once and proceed to sweep. Two sets of Tail Glow is both too risky to set and a tad overkill. If Z-Hypnosis misses, majority of the time it's still best to stay in with Xurkitree and output as much damage as possible

* Since Z-Hypnosis is a one off situation, it's imperative that Z-Hypnosis is used at the right time. You can also opt to not Z-move against slower teams and just use regular Hypnosis if you've got another Z-move user

Team Options
========

* A check to Alolan-Marowak is mandatory. Alolan-Marowak hard walls Xurkitree without Hidden Power Ground, which in itself is quite a sub-par option given the set. Mega-Gyarados fills this role, taking advantage of a free setup opportunity on the switch, although doesn't like Will-O-Wisp variants I'd mention Salamence because that can also work due to Intimidate. Mandibuzz works the best out of all of them as a defensive check as well.

* Xurkitree benefits greatly from Tapu Bulu's Grassy Surge, letting Xurkitree have the opportunity to tank Ground-type moves, while also giving a sense of recovery. Tapu Bulu also overrides Tapu Fini's Misty Terrain, which otherwise renders Xurkitree's Z-Hypnosis useless for anything other than speed Might want to mention getting rid of Electric Terrain too. Ironically, despite the power boost, that can handle Xurkitree set up lol.

* Even with resistance to Steel / Flying / Electric-type, Xurkitree struggles to take hits given its mediocre bulk. Because of this, Xurkitree pairs well with generally bulk pokemon including Porygon2 and Celesteela, both of which give Xurkitree a reliable defensive fallback

* Xurkitree needs answers to Ground-types, notably Garchomp and Mamoswine. Mega-Gyarados and Cloyster fit this roll, as they also appreciate it when Xurkitree lands a Hypnosis on the switch since they can switch in for free and set up

[SET]
name: Cleaner
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Energy Ball / Dazzling Gleam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 Spa / 4 Spd / 252 Spe

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

* Thunderbolt remains as the staple STAB of choice

* Volt Switch is an excellent choice in order to maintain momentum via pivot, whilst at the same maintaining offensive pressure

* Hidden Power Ice is used to hit the usual Dragon-type / Ground-type threats while Hidden Power Ground hits Magnezone / Alolan-Marowak / Electric Z-Conversion Porygon-Z

* Energy Ball provides coverage against Ground threats which Hidden Power Ice cannot OHKO but Energy Ball can, including Krookodile / Mamoswine / Rhyperior / Gastrodon (although Mamoswine does tend to have either Focus Sash or Assault Vest). Dazzling Gleam is to hit Dragon-types if Hidden Power Ground is used

Set Details
========

* Timid nature guarantees that Xurkitree is faster than any base 150 or below such as Mega-Alakazam / Mega-Aerodactly, as well as outpacing neutral nature Pheromosa

* Modest nature puts Xurkitree on par with base 150's but outpaces anything slower than that, whilst also providing a much better OHKO chance on threatening Mega Pokemon such as Mega-Lucario and Mega-Gyarados Mention that Modest fails to outspeed +1 Mega Gyarados however, which is a big problem.

* Choice Scarf gives Xurkitree enough speed to let it revenge kill slower threats such as non-scarf Garchomp, Mega-Gyarados at +1 and Mega-Aerodactyl

* 252 special attack maximises damage output to assist in sweeping and revenge killing

* 252 Spe ensures that Xurkitree has enough speed to best abuse of Choice Scarf and actually outpace anything below base 150 speed, notably Mega-Gengar / Tapu Koko

* 4 Spd is to avoid giving Download Porygon2 the Special Attack Boost

Usage Tips
========

* Leading with Xurkitree is generally the best option as Volt Switch makes it easy to scout out what Pokemon your opponent has decided to bring, whilst also dealing chunks of damage to assist in maintaining offensive pressure. Be cautious if choosing to lead with Xurkitree however as Electric-type immunities including Garchomp / Mamoswine / Alolan-Marowak are common, which is very bad news as they can easily switch in while Xurkitree is locked into Electric STAB

* Xurkitree can also function as a mid - late game sweeper. Given the Choice Scarf, Xurkitree needs not to worry about a lot of the tier's faster threats including Mega-Gengar and Tapu Koko. By checking Pokemon, Xurkitree can often get an easy kill if there is no reliable switch in, triggering Beast Boost and starting an otherwise difficult to control snowball effect with Beast Boost

* Priority is something which Xurkitree doesn't struggle with all too much, with the main priority moves such as Ice Shard, Shadow Sneak and Aqua Jet only having a low base power of 40. Xurkitree's bulk is enough to generally withstand at least a few hits from these moves, making it reliable in checking threats such as Shell Smash Cloyster, Mamoswine, Primarina, Mega-Scizor, and to an extent, Mimikyu I'm not sure I'd mention Cloyster, since that thing will win if it gets a Shell Smash up. Most Mamoswine aren't gonna lose to Energy Ball either due to Sash or Vest. Mega Scizor is fairly bulky as well and can survive 2 tbolts. I'd probably just remove this section tbh.

Team Options
========

* Physically Defensive Tapu Fini can serve as a hard check to Xurkitree's Ground-type threats including Garchomp / Mamoswine, as it can dent them with Nature's Madness, putting them within KO range for Xurkitree

* Focus Sash Mamoswine is a great partner for Xurkitree, providing Stealth Rock support which puts Pokemon such as Mega-Gengar withing OHKO for Xurkitree, while also
providing a check to Dragon-type threats including Mega-Salamence if weakened and Choice Scarf Garchomp

* Steel-type Pokemon such as Celesteela makes for a really nice partner, being able to switch-in against other common Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Garchomp / Tapu Lele and retaliate back with Leech Seed / Heavy Slam. Ferrothorn will also be a great Post Pokebank teammate, comfortably taking both Dragon / Ground-type hits while pressuring with leech seed + protect

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

* Z-Hypnosis can use Hidden Power Ground as a means of dealing with Alolan-Marowak which otherwise walls Xurkitree, but this is a very team-dependant decision as even at +3, Hidden Power Ground is unlikely to OHKO opposing Dragon-type threats

* Dazzling Gleam is also an option over HP Ice to OHKO Hydreigon whilst still hitting Dragon-types, however Hidden Power Ice otherwise outclasses it due to how it maintains the same coverage which Dazzling Gleam has whilst still hitting Grass-types, and providing a OHKO on Garchomp and soon to be Post Pokebank threat Landorus-Therian

* Z-Rain Dance remains usable as it gives a speed boost and 100% accurate Thunder for 5 turns. Hidden Power Water is a great tech move with this set as it can hit both Non-Assault Vest Mamoswine and Alolan-Marowak. Tail Glow can be used to help break through slower defensive teams, while Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Garchomp

* Focus sash is a niche option if you have a spare, as well as air balloon as both options allow Xurkitree to beat Mega-Salamence / Choice Scarf Garchomp without any prior setup or reliance on prediction. Timid Hidden Power Ice can OHKO both of these threats. Air Balloon also works in conjunction with Extreme Evoboost, giving Xurkitree temporary immunity to Ground and allowing it to sweep with x2 speed, Beast Boost, and free move selection

I'd mention Z-Electric Terrain, which gives Xurkitree a speed boost AND a power boost from Electric Terrain, and also gives you the option to make Thunderbolt a nuke instead. Of course, its big problem is that the terrain can just be overwritten by Tapus, so it isnt as good as other speed boosting options

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

**Alolan-Marowak**: Hard walls non Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Water Xurkitree due to Lightning Rod and can proceed to OHKO with Flare Blitz / Earthquake

**Garchomp**: Scarf Garchomp is quicker than Scarf Xurkitree, making it a very threatening revenge killer / counter due to its immunity to Electric-type moves, but can still be hit by Hidden Power Ice on the switch. Sash Garchomp can also stop Xurkitree's sweep at the cost of its sash.

**Mamoswine**: Assault Vest Mamoswine can counter if locked into Thunderbolt, and can also check Xurkitree if unboosted as Earthquake is a OHKO

**Pheromosa**: Max speed Pheromosa outspeeds boosted Xurkitree and OHKOes with High Jump Kick

**Choice Scarf Tapu Lele**: Choice Scarf Tapu Lele outspeeds Xurkitree regardless of +1 / Choice Scarf, with Psychic providing an 81.3% chance to OHKO under Psychic Terrain

I'd mention Tapu Bulu, who will beat any Xurkitree that lacks Hidden Power Ice or is locked into something else.

For post bank threats, Id mention the big increase in Ground-types (Excadrill and Landorus-T mainly), and Rotom-H (who resists most of Xurkitree's attacks so it has to rely on Hypnosis to hit).
 

Theorymon

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Apologies for this since you wrote a lot dogknees , but now that its postbank, I think it's probably best if we make some changes before this gets GP checked! I think Xurkitree has actually had quite a few changes for post bank, so I'd say we could use two checks here. Here are my post bank suggestions.

-I'd swap the placing of Scarf and Tail Glow. Scarf usage overtook Tail Glow by a bit, and its also the more reliable (if less dangerous) set.

Scarf

-For Hidden Power Ground, I'd mention these targets instead: Mega Charizard X / Excadrill / Magnezone. Alolan Marowak is still cool but its usage has taken a big hit, and Scarf Xurkitree loses to Z-Conversion Porygon-Z anyways. I'd mention that Hidden Power Ice hits Landorus-T and Thundurus-T as well.

-I'd leave this to set comments mention only, but you can mention that if you want extra coverage with Hidden Power Ground, you can replace Volt Switch with Dazzling Gleam, making Xurkitree harder to wall at the cost of scouting.

-For Energy Ball, I'd remove everything you mentioned except Mamoswine since none of those are very common. I'd also mention that Energy Ball 2HKOs Excadrill, Hippowdon, and offensive Landorus-T that lack Assault Vest.

-For team options, I'd mention Cloyster. While Cloyster isn't very easy to switch in since it relies on Focus Sash to set up often, it tends to spook Ground-types. Also, expand the Ground-types mention to Landorus-T, Excadrill, and Hippowdon.

Sweeper

-I would seriously consider slashing Energy Ball in as a better option against defensive Pokemon, and a more high risk, high reward option against offensive teams. It relies on Hypnosis hitting (so Xurkitree can use Tail Glow) more, but after a Tail Glow, in addition to still OHKOing Garchomp and non Assault Vest Landorus-T, , boosted Energy Ball will smash through: Excadrill, Hippowdon, Mamoswine, and non Assault Vest Tyranitar. However, this punishes you more if Hypnosis misses since you can't just OHKO Garchomp after its sash is gone, and Thundurus-T and Multiscale Dragonite will no longer be OHKOed after a boost (though they are still 2HKOed by boosted Energy Ball and Thunderbolt in that order)

-I'd make Timid the main slash over Modest now, since it ensures you outspeed Jolly Gyarados, which is nice since a lot of those carry Earthquake. The big selling point of Modest imo is that it has an 81% chance of OHKOing Mega Charizard X with +3 Thunderbolt.

-I'd actually still keep the talk about teammates to take care of Alolan Marowak, since while that isn't too common anymore, its argubly the best check to this set. Might want to move it down a bit though.

-I'd mention Tapu Lele as a teammate as well. It doesn't have as much direct synergy with Xurkitree as Tapu Bulu beyond blocking priority, but it might be a better fit for some teams, since getting rid of Misty Terrain (and ironically, Electric Terrain in some cases) is pretty important.

-As usual, add mentions of Excadrill and Landorus-T, especially since those two sometimes carry Choice Scarf.

-I'd mention Cresselia as a partner, it does well against most Ground-types and can use Lunar Dance to get Xurkitree healthy again.

-Buzzwole is a pretty interesting teammate, since it can take advantage of Choice Scarf Ground-types with its resistance, and it does very well against Tyranitar.

Other Options

-I'd mention a 3 Attacks Tail Glow set with Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice / Energy Ball. It does better against slower teams than the Z-Hypnosis set, but doesn't do very well against faster teams.

-You mention Chople Berry, but I think you mean Shuca, since that's the Ground-type resist one.

Checks and Counters

-Instead of listing Garchomp and Mamoswine separately, I'd have "offensive Ground-types". That'd be Garchomp, Mamoswine, Landorus-T, and Excadrill. Note that Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Excadrill can run Choice Scarf sets that outspeed the Hypnosis set.

-Tyranitar needs a special mention. It'll only get OHKOed by +3 Energy Ball (and even then, Assault Vest actually survives that believe it or not), and to make things worse, Excadrill is usually paired with Tyranitar.

-Thundurus-T will be a problem if Xurkitree is locked into a Electric-type move, and Scarf sets beat Tail Glow variants that lack Hidden Power Ice by 2HKOing with Sludge Wave.

-Mega Charizard X is a pretty risky bet against the Tail Glow variants, but it can set up on Scarf variants pretty easily.

-Mega Venusuar walls the hell out of the Scarf set, and can even use a specially defensive set to force the sweeper Xurkitree to use Hypnosis (since Thunderbolt only has a 18% chance to 2HKO it with Modest).

-For the Rotom-W mention, I'm not sure I'd use the word break, since +3 Thunderbolt does a ton of damage to it (even having a 37% chance to OHKO Scarf Rotom-H). It does win easily against Scarf though, and bulkier variants can OHKO Xurkitree with Z-Overheat.
 
My apologies as well; I completely forgot to change this to WIP again because of postbank (nor have i made any changes thus far). I will add those in tomorrow / later tonight and fix up any stuff which i see myself
 

Theorymon

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Yeah I know this is ancient (sorry I forgot to check this again lol), but I think this needs one more major change before going to GP

I think we need to get Tail Glow + 3 Attacks out of other options, and merge it with the Hypnosis set, since being a stall breaker has become one of Xurkitree's major niches over Tapu Koko.

Here's what I'm thinking.

- Make Hidden Power Ice on its own, and have the last slot be Energy Ball / Hypnosis. I think hitting Landorus-T and Garchomp is just too important for Xurkitree to miss out on now a days

-I'd make the Item slash ins: Electrium Z / Psychicum Z / Focus Sash in that order. Electrium Z is super powerful, you know what Psychium Z does, and Focus Sash gives Xurkitree a chance to do something against faster offensive Pokemon.

-You might want to mention Quiet in set comments for Trick Room teams, and Bold maximum HP / Defense with a Shuca Berry to tank powerful Earthquakes once (I'd argue this would almost be worth it's own set, but that can come later).

-In usage tips, I'd make a big focus that Xurkitree is mainly an anti-stall Pokemon. When you're facing an offensive team, if you feel like you can't reliably support Xurkitree to get over its Speed problem, then it's best to bench it unless you're willing to try your luck with Z-Hypnosis.

-While Alolan Marowak does own Xurkitree pretty hard, I'm not sure if it's important enough for a big bullet point over other Pokemon, since that thing's usage has taken a massive drop.
 
I actually meant to post this a few weeks ago.
Something I just wanted to quickly add, but in the last two seasons I've noticed Sub sets popping up more frequently.
Stats for S6 also show that it's used on about 32.5% of Xurk, which is more popular than Hypnosis (27%).
Luckily the sets used are usually just Tbolt, Ice, Tail Glow, Sub. Sometimes using Energy Ball over Glow. The item usually just being electrium, less common fiwam.
Adding it could be as simple as just slashing it onto the 4th slot of the Sweeper set.
And can we kill z-Rain Dance mention in OO? It was niche pre-bank and is 99.9% dead now we're further into the meta.
 
I actually meant to post this a few weeks ago.
Something I just wanted to quickly add, but in the last two seasons I've noticed Sub sets popping up more frequently.
Stats for S6 also show that it's used on about 32.5% of Xurk, which is more popular than Hypnosis (27%).
Luckily the sets used are usually just Tbolt, Ice, Tail Glow, Sub. Sometimes using Energy Ball over Glow. The item usually just being electrium, less common fiwam.
Adding it could be as simple as just slashing it onto the 4th slot of the Sweeper set.
And can we kill z-Rain Dance mention in OO? It was niche pre-bank and is 99.9% dead now we're further into the meta.
did this
 
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