credit to nuked for part of this analysis
This analysis is cursed and nothing but harm has come to me in the duration of its existence. Get this thing away from me ASAP.
qc: Nuked, TSR, Kreme, Marthaa
GP:p,tdp
[OVERVIEW]
Serperior is an excellent offensive Pokemon because of its access to Contrary, which boosts its Special Attack by 2 stages every time it uses Leaf Storm and allows it to accrue boosts while chipping away at its checks, as well as its many utility options, such as Leech Seed and Glare, that let it circumvent some of its standard checks. Serperior can be a potent late-game threat due to its great base 113 Speed, which lets it outspeed many unboosted offensive threats such as Latias, Terrakion, and Cobalion. It also outspeeds bulkier Pokemon like Hippowdon and Alomomola, which makes it a formidable threat to most playstyles that tend to utilize multiple of these Pokemon, namely full stall. Decent bulk and a couple of useful resistances to Water and Ground also allow Serperior to check Pokemon such as Swampert and Belly Drum Azumarill. However, Serperior is initially very weak; when unboosted, it fails to reliably OHKO Pokemon such as Scizor. Serperior's coverage is also rather predictable, as it will almost always run Hidden Power Fire and commonly runs Breakneck Blitz. It can often struggle to find sufficient openings against more offensive archetypes due to its average bulk and poor defensive typing. While Serperior does tend to do well against more defensive teams, it is inherently weak to the common Toxic and struggles against a few common Pokemon on defensive teams such as Alolan Muk and Amoonguss.
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm boosts Serperior's Special Attack by 2 stages upon use and lets it heavily damage foes. Leech Seed allows Serperior to wear down its common checks like Alolan Muk and Latias while regaining health. Substitute lets Serperior scout for switch-ins, avoid status ailments, and whittle away at foes as much as possible with Leech Seed. Hidden Power Fire hits Steel-, Bug-, and Grass-types such as Doublade, Scizor, Heracross, and opposing Serperior super effectively. However, Serperior needs a boost from Leaf Storm to OHKO Scizor and 2HKO Doublade and Heracross.
Set Details
========
Maximum EVs in Special Attack and Speed maximize Serperior's offensive presence. A Timid nature allows Serperior to outspeed key threats such as Terrakion and Latias. Leftovers gives Serperior a form of passive recovery that stacks well with Leech Seed and helps to mitigate the health lost by Substitute. Contrary reverses any stat stage changes inflicted on Serperior, which lets it sharply boost its Special Attack stat using Leaf Storm, as well as boost its evasion when hit by Defog and boost its Speed when switching in while Sticky Web is on the field.
Usage Tips
========
Try to boost Serperior's Special Attack with Leaf Storm as quickly as possible so that Serperior can OHKO threats like Scizor in a pinch. Substitute should be used primarily on forced switches versus Pokemon like Terrakion and Swampert in order to gain the upper hand in battle. Substitute also lets Serperior beat Pokemon like Alolan Muk that attempt to switch in, as Serperior can whittle them down with Leech Seed while behind one. Against most defensive Pokemon, Substitute can be set up with relative ease thanks to Serperior's high Speed stat and its resistances to Scald and Earthquake. This is especially useful to avoid being inflicted with Toxic poison. Avoid letting Serperior take strong attacks as much as possible, as it particularly appreciates its longevity. Avoiding chip damage from switching into Spikes or from opposing U-turn and Volt Switch users like Gliscor and Rotom-C is recommended for the same reason.
Team Options
========
Serperior fits well on all offensive playstyles, as it is a late-game sweeper that is also proficient at whittling down the opposing team to pave the way for other sweepers like Latias and Scizor. Electric- and Poison-types can help to defeat opposing Sap Sipper variants of Azumarill, which stop Serperior hard in its tracks. Electric-types such as Raikou and Mega Manectric can also help to check the Flying-types like Mega Pidgeot and Crobat that give Serperior issues, and Serperior checks opposing Ground-types like Hippowdon and Swampert in return. Grounded Poison-types like Alolan Muk and Nidoking also help Serperior by removing Toxic Spikes from the field, which would otherwise cut down on Serperior's ability to whittle down foes with Leech Seed. Entry hazards from Pokemon such as Terrakion, Klefki, and Tentacruel are able to wear down Serperior's offensive and defensive checks. Pursuit trappers such as Scizor and Krookodile are able to remove Latias and Chandelure from the game so that Serperior has an easier time sweeping. Pokemon that can break Amoonguss, such as Mamoswine, Gliscor, Choice Band Ice Punch Azumarill, and Crobat, make good partners for Serperior.
[SET]
name: Offensive 3 Attacks
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Hyper Beam
move 4: Glare / Synthesis / Taunt
item: Normalium Z
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm is a strong STAB attack that boosts Serperior's Special Attack by two stages after use. Hidden Power Fire lets Serperior beat Steel-types like Scizor and Klefki after Serperior has boosted its Special Attack with Leaf Storm. Hyper Beam in conjunction with Normalium Z allows Serperior to use a 200-Base Power Breakneck Blitz. This gives Serperior a one-time tool to break past a Pokemon that would normally wall it after a Leaf Storm boost like Latias or a weakened Amoonguss. Glare lets Serperior punish faster threats like Mega Beedrill and Crobat by paralyzing them. Alternatively, Synthesis lets Serperior stay healthy throughout the match, and Taunt can be used in order to shut down defensive Pokemon like Blissey, Empoleon, and Gliscor, which is especially useful for preventing the foe from using Toxic.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature lets Serperior hit as hard as possible while outspeeding threats like Latias, Cobalion, and Terrakion. Contrary reverses all stat stage changes inflicted on Serperior, most importantly allowing it to boost its Special Attack with Leaf Storm. Normalium Z lets Serperior use Breakneck Blitz.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Serperior in on Pokemon that cannot do much to it like Swampert to give it an opportunity to freely boost with Leaf Storm. Serperior can also be brought in easily with pivoting methods like Volt Switch and U-turn from Pokemon like Scizor and Mega Manectric. Don't use Hidden Power Fire or Breakneck Blitz without first having a boost from Leaf Storm if it is avoidable, as Serperior needs a boost to reliably break past Pokemon like Scizor and Klefki. Save Breakneck Blitz for when it is most opportune to break past a threat that would otherwise force Serperior out such as Togekiss, non-Calm Mind Latias, or bulky variants of Mega Altaria. Amoonguss is also hit quite hard by a +2 Breakneck Blitz, but it needs a decent amount of chip damage to actually be KOed by it. Use Glare to cripple opposing offensive switch-ins like Crobat, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Choice Scarf Infernape. Glare can also be used to support your team by easing a teammate's ability to sweep.
Team Options
========
Serperior fits well on all types of offensive teams as a powerful setup sweeper, so common offensive staples like Cobalion and Mega Aerodactyl make solid partners. Poison- and Electric-types like Nidoking, Alolan Muk, and Mega Manectric can break past opposing Sap Sipper variants of Azumarill for Serperior. Volt Switch and U-turn users like Mega Manectric, Scizor, and Infernape can bring it in safely. Mega Manectric is also a good partner because it can break through Flying-types like Crobat and Mega Pidgeot. Entry hazard setters like Klefki, Cobalion, and Gliscor can assist in Serperior's attempts at sweeping by dealing chip damage to the opposing team. Hazard removers such as Mega Altaria, Gliscor, and Hydreigon are also good partners for Serperior, as the chip damage dealt to Serperior by hazards can easily put it into KO range of strong priority attacks. Strong physical wallbreakers like Mamoswine and Azumarill can help break past the special walls like Alolan Muk and Blissey that Serperior struggles with. Pursuit users like Alolan Muk and Krookodile can trap opposing Latias and Chandelure, which would otherwise give Serperior issues. Ground-types such as Mamoswine and Gliscor can help to break past Alolan Muk.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Defog is a usable fourth move on offensive 3 attacks Serperior that allows it to act as a form of offensive entry hazard removal. Giga Drain is another alternative fourth move that lets Serperior beat Suicune more reliably due to its higher PP compared to Leaf Storm. Giga Drain also assists Serperior against variants of Blissey without Toxic and against stall in general. A Life Orb or Meadow Plate set with Leaf Storm, Hidden Power Fire, Dragon Pulse, and Glare can be used if your team has a more crucial Z-Move user. Gastro Acid can be used in order to beat Sap Sipper Azumarill, but it is largely useless outside of this function.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot and Crobat can come in on Leaf Storm and threaten Serperior out with their strong STAB attacks. Crobat also is able to beat SubSeed sets thanks to Infiltrator. Mega Aerodactyl takes heavy damage from Leaf Storm, but it can revenge kill Serperior with Wing Attack. More defensive Flying-types like Moltres and Togekiss may not be able to directly switch into Serperior if Stealth Rock is set, but they can revenge kill it.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Hydreigon, Latias, Kyurem, and Haxorus can heavily pressure Serperior. Calm Mind Latias can beat Serperior in a one-on-one situation, Hydreigon and Haxorus can exert immense offensive pressure on it, and Kyurem is capable of quickly draining the PP of Leaf Storm and threatening Serperior with Ice Beam.
**Sap Sipper Azumarill**: Sap Sipper variants of Azumarill are able to reliably switch in on and completely wall all Serperior sets, and they are also immune to Leech Seed.
**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Alolan Muk, and Salazzle are capable of taking a Leaf Storm quite well and forcing Serperior out with the threat of a super effective STAB move. Alolan Muk and Amoonguss are notable for being specially bulky enough to not be OHKOed by +2 Breakneck Blitz, but SubSeed sets can whittle Alolan Muk down with relative ease.
**Revenge Killers**: Fast Pokemon such as Mega Manectric and Mega Pidgeot and Choice Scarf users like Infernape, Hydreigon, and Gengar are capable of outspeeding and heavily damaging or OHKOing Serperior with STAB or coverage moves. Crobat and Choice Scarf Chandelure are especially notable due to their Infiltrator ability, which lets them OHKO Serperior through Substitute, and also their typings, which let them come in with relative ease on Leaf Storm if Stealth Rock is not set. If it is weakened somewhat, Serperior is also revenge killed by priority users like Mamoswine, Scizor, and Breloom, even if they cannot switch in directly.
This analysis is cursed and nothing but harm has come to me in the duration of its existence. Get this thing away from me ASAP.
qc: Nuked, TSR, Kreme, Marthaa
GP:p,tdp
[OVERVIEW]
Serperior is an excellent offensive Pokemon because of its access to Contrary, which boosts its Special Attack by 2 stages every time it uses Leaf Storm and allows it to accrue boosts while chipping away at its checks, as well as its many utility options, such as Leech Seed and Glare, that let it circumvent some of its standard checks. Serperior can be a potent late-game threat due to its great base 113 Speed, which lets it outspeed many unboosted offensive threats such as Latias, Terrakion, and Cobalion. It also outspeeds bulkier Pokemon like Hippowdon and Alomomola, which makes it a formidable threat to most playstyles that tend to utilize multiple of these Pokemon, namely full stall. Decent bulk and a couple of useful resistances to Water and Ground also allow Serperior to check Pokemon such as Swampert and Belly Drum Azumarill. However, Serperior is initially very weak; when unboosted, it fails to reliably OHKO Pokemon such as Scizor. Serperior's coverage is also rather predictable, as it will almost always run Hidden Power Fire and commonly runs Breakneck Blitz. It can often struggle to find sufficient openings against more offensive archetypes due to its average bulk and poor defensive typing. While Serperior does tend to do well against more defensive teams, it is inherently weak to the common Toxic and struggles against a few common Pokemon on defensive teams such as Alolan Muk and Amoonguss.
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm boosts Serperior's Special Attack by 2 stages upon use and lets it heavily damage foes. Leech Seed allows Serperior to wear down its common checks like Alolan Muk and Latias while regaining health. Substitute lets Serperior scout for switch-ins, avoid status ailments, and whittle away at foes as much as possible with Leech Seed. Hidden Power Fire hits Steel-, Bug-, and Grass-types such as Doublade, Scizor, Heracross, and opposing Serperior super effectively. However, Serperior needs a boost from Leaf Storm to OHKO Scizor and 2HKO Doublade and Heracross.
Set Details
========
Maximum EVs in Special Attack and Speed maximize Serperior's offensive presence. A Timid nature allows Serperior to outspeed key threats such as Terrakion and Latias. Leftovers gives Serperior a form of passive recovery that stacks well with Leech Seed and helps to mitigate the health lost by Substitute. Contrary reverses any stat stage changes inflicted on Serperior, which lets it sharply boost its Special Attack stat using Leaf Storm, as well as boost its evasion when hit by Defog and boost its Speed when switching in while Sticky Web is on the field.
Usage Tips
========
Try to boost Serperior's Special Attack with Leaf Storm as quickly as possible so that Serperior can OHKO threats like Scizor in a pinch. Substitute should be used primarily on forced switches versus Pokemon like Terrakion and Swampert in order to gain the upper hand in battle. Substitute also lets Serperior beat Pokemon like Alolan Muk that attempt to switch in, as Serperior can whittle them down with Leech Seed while behind one. Against most defensive Pokemon, Substitute can be set up with relative ease thanks to Serperior's high Speed stat and its resistances to Scald and Earthquake. This is especially useful to avoid being inflicted with Toxic poison. Avoid letting Serperior take strong attacks as much as possible, as it particularly appreciates its longevity. Avoiding chip damage from switching into Spikes or from opposing U-turn and Volt Switch users like Gliscor and Rotom-C is recommended for the same reason.
Team Options
========
Serperior fits well on all offensive playstyles, as it is a late-game sweeper that is also proficient at whittling down the opposing team to pave the way for other sweepers like Latias and Scizor. Electric- and Poison-types can help to defeat opposing Sap Sipper variants of Azumarill, which stop Serperior hard in its tracks. Electric-types such as Raikou and Mega Manectric can also help to check the Flying-types like Mega Pidgeot and Crobat that give Serperior issues, and Serperior checks opposing Ground-types like Hippowdon and Swampert in return. Grounded Poison-types like Alolan Muk and Nidoking also help Serperior by removing Toxic Spikes from the field, which would otherwise cut down on Serperior's ability to whittle down foes with Leech Seed. Entry hazards from Pokemon such as Terrakion, Klefki, and Tentacruel are able to wear down Serperior's offensive and defensive checks. Pursuit trappers such as Scizor and Krookodile are able to remove Latias and Chandelure from the game so that Serperior has an easier time sweeping. Pokemon that can break Amoonguss, such as Mamoswine, Gliscor, Choice Band Ice Punch Azumarill, and Crobat, make good partners for Serperior.
[SET]
name: Offensive 3 Attacks
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Hyper Beam
move 4: Glare / Synthesis / Taunt
item: Normalium Z
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm is a strong STAB attack that boosts Serperior's Special Attack by two stages after use. Hidden Power Fire lets Serperior beat Steel-types like Scizor and Klefki after Serperior has boosted its Special Attack with Leaf Storm. Hyper Beam in conjunction with Normalium Z allows Serperior to use a 200-Base Power Breakneck Blitz. This gives Serperior a one-time tool to break past a Pokemon that would normally wall it after a Leaf Storm boost like Latias or a weakened Amoonguss. Glare lets Serperior punish faster threats like Mega Beedrill and Crobat by paralyzing them. Alternatively, Synthesis lets Serperior stay healthy throughout the match, and Taunt can be used in order to shut down defensive Pokemon like Blissey, Empoleon, and Gliscor, which is especially useful for preventing the foe from using Toxic.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature lets Serperior hit as hard as possible while outspeeding threats like Latias, Cobalion, and Terrakion. Contrary reverses all stat stage changes inflicted on Serperior, most importantly allowing it to boost its Special Attack with Leaf Storm. Normalium Z lets Serperior use Breakneck Blitz.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Serperior in on Pokemon that cannot do much to it like Swampert to give it an opportunity to freely boost with Leaf Storm. Serperior can also be brought in easily with pivoting methods like Volt Switch and U-turn from Pokemon like Scizor and Mega Manectric. Don't use Hidden Power Fire or Breakneck Blitz without first having a boost from Leaf Storm if it is avoidable, as Serperior needs a boost to reliably break past Pokemon like Scizor and Klefki. Save Breakneck Blitz for when it is most opportune to break past a threat that would otherwise force Serperior out such as Togekiss, non-Calm Mind Latias, or bulky variants of Mega Altaria. Amoonguss is also hit quite hard by a +2 Breakneck Blitz, but it needs a decent amount of chip damage to actually be KOed by it. Use Glare to cripple opposing offensive switch-ins like Crobat, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Choice Scarf Infernape. Glare can also be used to support your team by easing a teammate's ability to sweep.
Team Options
========
Serperior fits well on all types of offensive teams as a powerful setup sweeper, so common offensive staples like Cobalion and Mega Aerodactyl make solid partners. Poison- and Electric-types like Nidoking, Alolan Muk, and Mega Manectric can break past opposing Sap Sipper variants of Azumarill for Serperior. Volt Switch and U-turn users like Mega Manectric, Scizor, and Infernape can bring it in safely. Mega Manectric is also a good partner because it can break through Flying-types like Crobat and Mega Pidgeot. Entry hazard setters like Klefki, Cobalion, and Gliscor can assist in Serperior's attempts at sweeping by dealing chip damage to the opposing team. Hazard removers such as Mega Altaria, Gliscor, and Hydreigon are also good partners for Serperior, as the chip damage dealt to Serperior by hazards can easily put it into KO range of strong priority attacks. Strong physical wallbreakers like Mamoswine and Azumarill can help break past the special walls like Alolan Muk and Blissey that Serperior struggles with. Pursuit users like Alolan Muk and Krookodile can trap opposing Latias and Chandelure, which would otherwise give Serperior issues. Ground-types such as Mamoswine and Gliscor can help to break past Alolan Muk.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Defog is a usable fourth move on offensive 3 attacks Serperior that allows it to act as a form of offensive entry hazard removal. Giga Drain is another alternative fourth move that lets Serperior beat Suicune more reliably due to its higher PP compared to Leaf Storm. Giga Drain also assists Serperior against variants of Blissey without Toxic and against stall in general. A Life Orb or Meadow Plate set with Leaf Storm, Hidden Power Fire, Dragon Pulse, and Glare can be used if your team has a more crucial Z-Move user. Gastro Acid can be used in order to beat Sap Sipper Azumarill, but it is largely useless outside of this function.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot and Crobat can come in on Leaf Storm and threaten Serperior out with their strong STAB attacks. Crobat also is able to beat SubSeed sets thanks to Infiltrator. Mega Aerodactyl takes heavy damage from Leaf Storm, but it can revenge kill Serperior with Wing Attack. More defensive Flying-types like Moltres and Togekiss may not be able to directly switch into Serperior if Stealth Rock is set, but they can revenge kill it.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Hydreigon, Latias, Kyurem, and Haxorus can heavily pressure Serperior. Calm Mind Latias can beat Serperior in a one-on-one situation, Hydreigon and Haxorus can exert immense offensive pressure on it, and Kyurem is capable of quickly draining the PP of Leaf Storm and threatening Serperior with Ice Beam.
**Sap Sipper Azumarill**: Sap Sipper variants of Azumarill are able to reliably switch in on and completely wall all Serperior sets, and they are also immune to Leech Seed.
**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Alolan Muk, and Salazzle are capable of taking a Leaf Storm quite well and forcing Serperior out with the threat of a super effective STAB move. Alolan Muk and Amoonguss are notable for being specially bulky enough to not be OHKOed by +2 Breakneck Blitz, but SubSeed sets can whittle Alolan Muk down with relative ease.
**Revenge Killers**: Fast Pokemon such as Mega Manectric and Mega Pidgeot and Choice Scarf users like Infernape, Hydreigon, and Gengar are capable of outspeeding and heavily damaging or OHKOing Serperior with STAB or coverage moves. Crobat and Choice Scarf Chandelure are especially notable due to their Infiltrator ability, which lets them OHKO Serperior through Substitute, and also their typings, which let them come in with relative ease on Leaf Storm if Stealth Rock is not set. If it is weakened somewhat, Serperior is also revenge killed by priority users like Mamoswine, Scizor, and Breloom, even if they cannot switch in directly.
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