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Discussion Thread for the Freedom Cup Metagame and Ladder Tour
Feel free to discuss the tournament, strategies you've had success with, anything relevant to the metagame belongs here!
Sample Teams: thanks to Clas for posting them Offense - That One Glimmora Stack HO by Swiping Cards - Glimmora Stack + Lando-I HO by Coach Jones 6fifth - Baton Pass Screens HO by Sylveon is so cute
Balance - AV Goodra-H + Alomomola Balance By Nerds of a Feather - CB Chien-Pao Balance by SkipTheDripBayless
Stall - SlowSpam Stall by OnArceus - Talonflame Hard Stall by SkipTheDripBayless - Dugtrio + Hawlucha Hard Stall by Juliusfunnel
BSS is different from vgc, we don’t have OTS, and this tournament is just 6v6 BSS
I do kinda wish the “playing as tpc intended” line was removed or re worded tbh. It really feels like a slap in the face as a BSS main to see that. I know it’s probably not your intention but it just doesn’t sit quite right with me. I know you know BSS exists because I helped you test teams in the beginning of SV, so I can’t help but feel a little bitter since to me, it just looks like BSS mains are yet again getting ignored by the western community.
I don’t know if my comment(s) had anything to do with it but I wanted to say thank you for wording the title of the commencement post better.
I do apologize if I came off as a bit harsh, it wasn’t my intent, and I do admit I over reacted a bit to what was just simple semantics. Still, thank you for hearing me out.
Baton Pass is inherently a cheese strategy, aiming to stack boosts to the point of becoming unkillable. Then the chain passes off the boosts to a designated sweeper that cleans everything's clock. While this is very much a cheese strategy, the player can optimize it to make it as effective as possible. This is an attempt to try and make a comprehensive guide to Baton Pass. Feedback is much appreciated.
The Pokemon That Should Be On Every Serious Baton Pass Team
This Pokemon is absolutely a must on any baton pass team. Not only possessing the Baton Pass defining ability, Speed Boost but also having access to Calm Mind to boot. Espathra is already an amazing Pokemon in its own right, and baton pass would be much worse off without its support. Here is an example of a set.
Magic Bounce is crucial to the function of Baton Pass. Being able to block Taunt/Whirlwind and other status of that nature is absolutely incredible. Espeon can serve as a very potent Baton Pass sweeper with Stored Power and Dazzling Gleam coverage.
Screens Lead
Baton Pass Chains are at their most vulnerable starting out. This is why a dedicated screens setter is commonplace on these teams. There are a variety of options for screen setters to use. : Dragapult, the premier screens lead, is a versatile Pokemon, able to utilize baton pass to pass double teams, and dragon dances as well. : The fastest screen leads in the game. Regieleki cannot do much else after setting screens, usually exploding. Not much to be said. : Grimmsnarl's main niche is priority screens. Grimmsnarl also has access to Prankster Taunt, potentially denying the opponents hazards early game. With Item Clause preventing the widespread use of Heavy-Duty Boots, it could be valuable for Baton Pass teams. /: Both have niches as screen setters with Magic Bounce, which also serves the niche of not only blocking but reflecting hazards. I would suggest Hatterene for this role because of its better bulk, access to Healing Wish, and the fact Espeon is probably better utilized in the chain.
Baton Pass Chain
The baton pass chain is the real bread and butter of the team style. The chain is the most crucial part of the process. If for whatever reason the chain is broken, there is only one thing you can do View attachment 526757.
it is self-evident that preserving the chain is important, and one of the best ways to keep to chain intact is by raising evasion.
The only Pokemon to learn both Minimize and Baton Pass. As it turns out, not getting hit is a good way to win the game, as a result, Baton Pass is banned in standard play. Drifblim gets access to unburden, which can be activated to boost its speed. It can also boost with Calm Mind to help aid a special sweeper. Here is a set below.
: Dragapult can learn and abuse both Double Team and Baton Pass and is, in general, better than Drifblim, however, it can take time to stack up Double Team boosts, time which your opponent can potentially use to shut down the chain with a few lucky hits. However, Dragapult's teammates can fix this issue with the help of screens. Here is a Dragapult set below.
: Espathra is generally what the chain starts with. Espathra uses the set below to stall out as many turns to set up speed boosts for its teammate. It also uses Calm Mind to help make the chain unbreakable on the special side.
: Scizor is amazing for Baton Pass teams, getting Iron Defense, Swords Dance, and Agility. Its steel typing can help out Baton Pass chains defensively when dealing with certain Pokemon. Here is a set for Scizor to run below.
Scizor @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots / Mental Herb
Ability: Light Metal
Level: 50
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Swords Dance
- Iron Defense
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
: Espeon can also use a utility set, taking advantage of Magic Bounce to support its teammates.
Espeon @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Magic Bounce
Level: 50
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Stored Power
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
: Polteageist has access to the now infamous strategy of Smash Pass. It is sure to see use as a quick way to end games, preferably with a stored power sweeper like Espeon. Polteageist can also function as an endgame sweeper, although not on Baton Pass.
Polteageist @ White Herb
Ability: Cursed Body
Level: 50
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shell Smash
- Baton Pass
- Shadow Ball
- Stored Power
Endgame Sweepers
These Pokemon are what the whole chain was leading up to. The choice of end-game sweeper doesn't matter as much as the stat boost should usually allow them to get the job done. However, with the right sweeper, you could cut some of the time needed to set up, leaving room for fewer things to go wrong, such as critical hits.
: Arguably the best late-game cleaner. Espeon can use the setup boosts in conjunction with Stored Power, which can become very, very powerful.
: Scovillian abuses Moody to replicate a fraction of 's power.
: Still the speed boosting menace is always was.
Boring Meta Threats
Any of the following Pokemon are perfectly potent sweepers, thanks to their general power. , , , , , ,
Baton Pass Counterplay
Pokemon like Toxapex and Clodsire can use haze to get rid of the boosts. The best way to deal with these tactics is to set up with a Pokemon that can learn taunt. Generally, it's possible to break through them with a strong Stored Power, but the possibility of Tera Dark Clodsire can shut down a player trying to beat it in this fashion.
The Unaware Musketeers
The three unaware mons can be a difficulty for Baton Pass teams to beat. Skeledirge can very quickly snowball with Torch Songs that can go through substitutes. Generally stored power sweepers can break through them, but there is always the possibility of getting ruined by tera dark, found mostly on closure as it has the bulk to take SE fairy moves. However, it can still be broken through.
252+ SpA Tera Fairy Espeon Dazzling Gleam vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Tera Dark Clodsire: 206-246 (44.4 - 53.1%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
While Espeon has impossibly slim chances to 2 hit KO, the offensive pressure it forces could easily allow it to run Clodsire out of recovers. It does need to sacrifice bulk and the tera to break through Clodsire, unfortunately, but should not be ignored. and have the ability Mold Breaker, allowing them to ignore unaware. As a result, they could break through The Unaware Musketeers.
Whirlwind, Taunt, and the Case of Dragon Tail
Whirlwind and Taunt work differently, but both have the same purpose, to disrupt the chain. It is not at all uncommon for a Pokemon in a Baton Pass chain to only carry status, making taunt potentially lethal even if you have built enough defenses to stall out the turns. The counterplay is the same, . Espeon can not freely switch in due to its poor bulk, even when EV'ed defensively. With Iron Defenses from and Calm Minds from, well everything, its poor bulk can be mitigated. doesn't work as well thanks to its terrible speed, causing it to still be out-sped by fast Pokemon. Mental Herb can also be used to deflect taunt (But not Whirlwind). Dragon Tail is a little weirder. It is not a status move, and as a result, cannot be countered by Magic Bounce. The counterplay is simpler here. Fairy types can outright block Dragon Tail while a Subsitute with enough Defense boosts could shake it off.
Critical Hits
Critical Hits very easily end a chain. With the number of high-powered threats running around, It is important to prepare for Crits. While you can use Battle Armor , The most common counterplay is to use Substitute.
The 's are very big problems for Baton Pass chains. Not only do their signature move ignore defense boosts, but they also hit like a . Dark is the most common Urshifu to prepare for, but water can be a problem as well. Is the Baton Pass chain's best answer to Urshifu-Dark not only resisting its stabs but also having reliable healing in Roost. can also threaten Urshifu back with both of its Stabs.
252+ Atk Choice Band Urshifu Wicked Blow vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hawlucha on a critical hit: 131-155 (36.3 - 43%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
has access to Mold Breaker, you can use whatever tech you want with that, though I wouldn't let it get in the way of checking Urshifu.
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Is a bit trickier as there is no Pokemon that can handle both of its stabs. Your best chance at winning is trying to position a Water Absorb and the many bulky Psychics to attempt to take it down with a boosted SE move. However, if you are running , it can serve as a check to , but it is by no means reliable.
Honorable Mentions Can use Prankster Taunt to shut down the chain, as it will outspeed Baton Pass, meaning countermeasures can't reliably take it on. The best counterplay is to hold Mental Herb on a Pokemon, and Baton Pass to a dark type. cannot handle reliably handle because of parting shot, which is reflected by Espeon, forcing it to switch. If you switched on a predicted taunt, Grimmsnarl is forced to switch out.
. I have seen a set on the ladder in which tricks a scarf onto a Pokemon, locking it into a status move, then sets up with the use of Shadow Tag. It is a pretty funny set, though all you really need to do is to make sure to use Baton Pass when it Tricks your Pokemon. If your Baton Pass goes first, pick a Pokemon with Baton Pass to render useless. And DO NOT SWITCH into .
Baton Pass is inherently a cheese strategy, aiming to stack boosts to the point of becoming unkillable. Then the chain passes off the boosts to a designated sweeper that cleans everything's clock. While this is very much a cheese strategy, the player can optimize it to make it as effective as possible. This is an attempt to try and make a comprehensive guide to Baton Pass. Feedback is much appreciated.
The Pokemon That Should Be On Every Serious Baton Pass Team
This Pokemon is absolutely a must on any baton pass team. Not only possessing the Baton Pass defining ability, Speed Boost but also having access to Calm Mind to boot. Espathra is already an amazing Pokemon in its own right, and baton pass would be much worse off without its support. Here is an example of a set.
Magic Bounce is crucial to the function of Baton Pass. Being able to block Taunt/Whirlwind and other status of that nature is absolutely incredible. Espeon can serve as a very potent Baton Pass sweeper with Stored Power and Dazzling Gleam coverage.
Screens Lead
Baton Pass Chains are at their most vulnerable starting out. This is why a dedicated screens setter is commonplace on these teams. There are a variety of options for screen setters to use. : Dragapult, the premier screens lead, is a versatile Pokemon, able to utilize baton pass to pass double teams, and dragon dances as well. : The fastest screen leads in the game. Regieleki cannot do much else after setting screens, usually exploding. Not much to be said. : Grimmsnarl's main niche is priority screens. Grimmsnarl also has access to Prankster Taunt, potentially denying the opponents hazards early game. With Item Clause preventing the widespread use of Heavy-Duty Boots, it could be valuable for Baton Pass teams. /: Both have niches as screen setters with Magic Bounce, which also serves the niche of not only blocking but reflecting hazards. I would suggest Hatterene for this role because of its better bulk, access to Healing Wish, and the fact Espeon is probably better utilized in the chain.
Baton Pass Chain
The baton pass chain is the real bread and butter of the team style. The chain is the most crucial part of the process. If for whatever reason the chain is broken, there is only one thing you can do View attachment 526757.
it is self-evident that preserving the chain is important, and one of the best ways to keep to chain intact is by raising evasion.
The only Pokemon to learn both Minimize and Baton Pass. As it turns out, not getting hit is a good way to win the game, as a result, Baton Pass is banned in standard play. Drifblim gets access to unburden, which can be activated to boost its speed. It can also boost with Calm Mind to help aid a special sweeper. Here is a set below.
: Dragapult can learn and abuse both Double Team and Baton Pass and is, in general, better than Drifblim, however, it can take time to stack up Double Team boosts, time which your opponent can potentially use to shut down the chain with a few lucky hits. However, Dragapult's teammates can fix this issue with the help of screens. Here is a Dragapult set below.
: Espathra is generally what the chain starts with. Espathra uses the set below to stall out as many turns to set up speed boosts for its teammate. It also uses Calm Mind to help make the chain unbreakable on the special side.
: Scizor is amazing for Baton Pass teams, getting Iron Defense, Swords Dance, and Agility. Its steel typing can help out Baton Pass chains defensively when dealing with certain Pokemon. Here is a set for Scizor to run below.
Scizor @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots / Mental Herb
Ability: Light Metal
Level: 50
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Swords Dance
- Iron Defense
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
: Espeon can also use a utility set, taking advantage of Magic Bounce to support its teammates.
Espeon @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Magic Bounce
Level: 50
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Stored Power
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
: Polteageist has access to the now infamous strategy of Smash Pass. It is sure to see use as a quick way to end games, preferably with a stored power sweeper like Espeon. Polteageist can also function as an endgame sweeper, although not on Baton Pass.
Polteageist @ White Herb
Ability: Cursed Body
Level: 50
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shell Smash
- Baton Pass
- Shadow Ball
- Stored Power
Endgame Sweepers
These Pokemon are what the whole chain was leading up to. The choice of end-game sweeper doesn't matter as much as the stat boost should usually allow them to get the job done. However, with the right sweeper, you could cut some of the time needed to set up, leaving room for fewer things to go wrong, such as critical hits.
: Arguably the best late-game cleaner. Espeon can use the setup boosts in conjunction with Stored Power, which can become very, very powerful.
: Scovillian abuses Moody to replicate a fraction of 's power.
: Still the speed boosting menace is always was.
Boring Meta Threats
Any of the following Pokemon are perfectly potent sweepers, thanks to their general power. , , , , , ,
Baton Pass Counterplay
Pokemon like Toxapex and Clodsire can use haze to get rid of the boosts. The best way to deal with these tactics is to set up with a Pokemon that can learn taunt. Generally, it's possible to break through them with a strong Stored Power, but the possibility of Tera Dark Clodsire can shut down a player trying to beat it in this fashion.
The Unaware Musketeers
The three unaware mons can be a difficulty for Baton Pass teams to beat. Skeledirge can very quickly snowball with Torch Songs that can go through substitutes. Generally stored power sweepers can break through them, but there is always the possibility of getting ruined by tera dark, found mostly on closure as it has the bulk to take SE fairy moves. However, it can still be broken through.
252+ SpA Tera Fairy Espeon Dazzling Gleam vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Tera Dark Clodsire: 206-246 (44.4 - 53.1%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
While Espeon has impossibly slim chances to 2 hit KO, the offensive pressure it forces could easily allow it to run Clodsire out of recovers. It does need to sacrifice bulk and the tera to break through Clodsire, unfortunately, but should not be ignored. and have the ability Mold Breaker, allowing them to ignore unaware. As a result, they could break through The Unaware Musketeers.
Whirlwind, Taunt, and the Case of Dragon Tail
Whirlwind and Taunt work differently, but both have the same purpose, to disrupt the chain. It is not at all uncommon for a Pokemon in a Baton Pass chain to only carry status, making taunt potentially lethal even if you have built enough defenses to stall out the turns. The counterplay is the same, . Espeon can not freely switch in due to its poor bulk, even when EV'ed defensively. With Iron Defenses from and Calm Minds from, well everything, its poor bulk can be mitigated. doesn't work as well thanks to its terrible speed, causing it to still be out-sped by fast Pokemon. Mental Herb can also be used to deflect taunt (But not Whirlwind). Dragon Tail is a little weirder. It is not a status move, and as a result, cannot be countered by Magic Bounce. The counterplay is simpler here. Fairy types can outright block Dragon Tail while a Subsitute with enough Defense boosts could shake it off.
Critical Hits
Critical Hits very easily end a chain. With the number of high-powered threats running around, It is important to prepare for Crits. While you can use Battle Armor , The most common counterplay is to use Substitute.
The 's are very big problems for Baton Pass chains. Not only do their signature move ignore defense boosts, but they also hit like a . Dark is the most common Urshifu to prepare for, but water can be a problem as well. Is the Baton Pass chain's best answer to Urshifu-Dark not only resisting its stabs but also having reliable healing in Roost. can also threaten Urshifu back with both of its Stabs.
252+ Atk Choice Band Urshifu Wicked Blow vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hawlucha on a critical hit: 131-155 (36.3 - 43%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
has access to Mold Breaker, you can use whatever tech you want with that, though I wouldn't let it get in the way of checking Urshifu.
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Is a bit trickier as there is no Pokemon that can handle both of its stabs. Your best chance at winning is trying to position a Water Absorb and the many bulky Psychics to attempt to take it down with a boosted SE move. However, if you are running , it can serve as a check to , but it is by no means reliable.
Honorable Mentions Can use Prankster Taunt to shut down the chain, as it will outspeed Baton Pass, meaning countermeasures can't reliably take it on. The best counterplay is to hold Mental Herb on a Pokemon, and Baton Pass to a dark type. cannot handle reliably handle because of parting shot, which is reflected by Espeon, forcing it to switch. If you switched on a predicted taunt, Grimmsnarl is forced to switch out.
. I have seen a set on the ladder in which tricks a scarf onto a Pokemon, locking it into a status move, then sets up with the use of Shadow Tag. It is a pretty funny set, though all you really need to do is to make sure to use Baton Pass when it Tricks your Pokemon. If your Baton Pass goes first, pick a Pokemon with Baton Pass to render useless. And DO NOT SWITCH into .
alright so, as everyone above me has mentioned, this meta is probably going to be baton pass focused, so i present:
Thundurus (M) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
Tera Type: Electric
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunder Wave
- Taunt
- Filler
- Volt Switch
any prankster mon that learns taunt will work, but thundurus is my personal favorite for this.
rain teams are honestly really cool with last respects being unbanned, ghost fishy is gonna be insane here.
evasion moves are gonna be broken, reminds me of when natdex ag was a thing and people spammed smeargle with a sash, spore, and moody.
with that being said, moves that don't check for accuracy, such as aerial ace, and moves like hurricane and thunder in the rain will be really good.
It is pretty annoying for sure, but it's workable. A screen setter uses an item like light clay. a setup sweeper may use a boosting item. Finding uses for niche items can help the chain. I tend to use my leftovers on so it has more room to setup. I'd generally use boots on Espeon and Mental-Herb on one other filler mon. My Unburden Drifblim Set could also help use up an item in Sitrus berry. A focus sash on something else could be mildly useful.
Baton Pass is inherently a cheese strategy, aiming to stack boosts to the point of becoming unkillable. Then the chain passes off the boosts to a designated sweeper that cleans everything's clock. While this is very much a cheese strategy, the player can optimize it to make it as effective as possible. This is an attempt to try and make a comprehensive guide to Baton Pass. Feedback is much appreciated.
The Pokemon That Should Be On Every Serious Baton Pass Team
This Pokemon is absolutely a must on any baton pass team. Not only possessing the Baton Pass defining ability, Speed Boost but also having access to Calm Mind to boot. Espathra is already an amazing Pokemon in its own right, and baton pass would be much worse off without its support. Here is an example of a set.
Magic Bounce is crucial to the function of Baton Pass. Being able to block Taunt/Whirlwind and other status of that nature is absolutely incredible. Espeon can serve as a very potent Baton Pass sweeper with Stored Power and Dazzling Gleam coverage.
Screens Lead
Baton Pass Chains are at their most vulnerable starting out. This is why a dedicated screens setter is commonplace on these teams. There are a variety of options for screen setters to use. : Dragapult, the premier screens lead, is a versatile Pokemon, able to utilize baton pass to pass double teams, and dragon dances as well. : The fastest screen leads in the game. Regieleki cannot do much else after setting screens, usually exploding. Not much to be said. : Grimmsnarl's main niche is priority screens. Grimmsnarl also has access to Prankster Taunt, potentially denying the opponents hazards early game. With Item Clause preventing the widespread use of Heavy-Duty Boots, it could be valuable for Baton Pass teams. /: Both have niches as screen setters with Magic Bounce, which also serves the niche of not only blocking but reflecting hazards. I would suggest Hatterene for this role because of its better bulk, access to Healing Wish, and the fact Espeon is probably better utilized in the chain.
Baton Pass Chain
The baton pass chain is the real bread and butter of the team style. The chain is the most crucial part of the process. If for whatever reason the chain is broken, there is only one thing you can do View attachment 526757.
it is self-evident that preserving the chain is important, and one of the best ways to keep to chain intact is by raising evasion.
The only Pokemon to learn both Minimize and Baton Pass. As it turns out, not getting hit is a good way to win the game, as a result, Baton Pass is banned in standard play. Drifblim gets access to unburden, which can be activated to boost its speed. It can also boost with Calm Mind to help aid a special sweeper. Here is a set below.
: Dragapult can learn and abuse both Double Team and Baton Pass and is, in general, better than Drifblim, however, it can take time to stack up Double Team boosts, time which your opponent can potentially use to shut down the chain with a few lucky hits. However, Dragapult's teammates can fix this issue with the help of screens. Here is a Dragapult set below.
: Espathra is generally what the chain starts with. Espathra uses the set below to stall out as many turns to set up speed boosts for its teammate. It also uses Calm Mind to help make the chain unbreakable on the special side.
: Scizor is amazing for Baton Pass teams, getting Iron Defense, Swords Dance, and Agility. Its steel typing can help out Baton Pass chains defensively when dealing with certain Pokemon. Here is a set for Scizor to run below.
Scizor @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots / Mental Herb
Ability: Light Metal
Level: 50
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Swords Dance
- Iron Defense
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
: Espeon can also use a utility set, taking advantage of Magic Bounce to support its teammates.
Espeon @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Magic Bounce
Level: 50
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Stored Power
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
: Polteageist has access to the now infamous strategy of Smash Pass. It is sure to see use as a quick way to end games, preferably with a stored power sweeper like Espeon. Polteageist can also function as an endgame sweeper, although not on Baton Pass.
Polteageist @ White Herb
Ability: Cursed Body
Level: 50
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shell Smash
- Baton Pass
- Shadow Ball
- Stored Power
Endgame Sweepers
These Pokemon are what the whole chain was leading up to. The choice of end-game sweeper doesn't matter as much as the stat boost should usually allow them to get the job done. However, with the right sweeper, you could cut some of the time needed to set up, leaving room for fewer things to go wrong, such as critical hits.
: Arguably the best late-game cleaner. Espeon can use the setup boosts in conjunction with Stored Power, which can become very, very powerful.
: Scovillian abuses Moody to replicate a fraction of 's power.
: Still the speed boosting menace is always was.
Boring Meta Threats
Any of the following Pokemon are perfectly potent sweepers, thanks to their general power. , , , , , ,
Baton Pass Counterplay
Pokemon like Toxapex and Clodsire can use haze to get rid of the boosts. The best way to deal with these tactics is to set up with a Pokemon that can learn taunt. Generally, it's possible to break through them with a strong Stored Power, but the possibility of Tera Dark Clodsire can shut down a player trying to beat it in this fashion.
The Unaware Musketeers
The three unaware mons can be a difficulty for Baton Pass teams to beat. Skeledirge can very quickly snowball with Torch Songs that can go through substitutes. Generally stored power sweepers can break through them, but there is always the possibility of getting ruined by tera dark, found mostly on closure as it has the bulk to take SE fairy moves. However, it can still be broken through.
252+ SpA Tera Fairy Espeon Dazzling Gleam vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Tera Dark Clodsire: 206-246 (44.4 - 53.1%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
While Espeon has impossibly slim chances to 2 hit KO, the offensive pressure it forces could easily allow it to run Clodsire out of recovers. It does need to sacrifice bulk and the tera to break through Clodsire, unfortunately, but should not be ignored. and have the ability Mold Breaker, allowing them to ignore unaware. As a result, they could break through The Unaware Musketeers.
Whirlwind, Taunt, and the Case of Dragon Tail
Whirlwind and Taunt work differently, but both have the same purpose, to disrupt the chain. It is not at all uncommon for a Pokemon in a Baton Pass chain to only carry status, making taunt potentially lethal even if you have built enough defenses to stall out the turns. The counterplay is the same, . Espeon can not freely switch in due to its poor bulk, even when EV'ed defensively. With Iron Defenses from and Calm Minds from, well everything, its poor bulk can be mitigated. doesn't work as well thanks to its terrible speed, causing it to still be out-sped by fast Pokemon. Mental Herb can also be used to deflect taunt (But not Whirlwind). Dragon Tail is a little weirder. It is not a status move, and as a result, cannot be countered by Magic Bounce. The counterplay is simpler here. Fairy types can outright block Dragon Tail while a Subsitute with enough Defense boosts could shake it off.
Critical Hits
Critical Hits very easily end a chain. With the number of high-powered threats running around, It is important to prepare for Crits. While you can use Battle Armor , The most common counterplay is to use Substitute.
The 's are very big problems for Baton Pass chains. Not only do their signature move ignore defense boosts, but they also hit like a . Dark is the most common Urshifu to prepare for, but water can be a problem as well. Is the Baton Pass chain's best answer to Urshifu-Dark not only resisting its stabs but also having reliable healing in Roost. can also threaten Urshifu back with both of its Stabs.
252+ Atk Choice Band Urshifu Wicked Blow vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hawlucha on a critical hit: 131-155 (36.3 - 43%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
has access to Mold Breaker, you can use whatever tech you want with that, though I wouldn't let it get in the way of checking Urshifu.
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Is a bit trickier as there is no Pokemon that can handle both of its stabs. Your best chance at winning is trying to position a Water Absorb and the many bulky Psychics to attempt to take it down with a boosted SE move. However, if you are running , it can serve as a check to , but it is by no means reliable.
Honorable Mentions Can use Prankster Taunt to shut down the chain, as it will outspeed Baton Pass, meaning countermeasures can't reliably take it on. The best counterplay is to hold Mental Herb on a Pokemon, and Baton Pass to a dark type. cannot handle reliably handle because of parting shot, which is reflected by Espeon, forcing it to switch. If you switched on a predicted taunt, Grimmsnarl is forced to switch out.
. I have seen a set on the ladder in which tricks a scarf onto a Pokemon, locking it into a status move, then sets up with the use of Shadow Tag. It is a pretty funny set, though all you really need to do is to make sure to use Baton Pass when it Tricks your Pokemon. If your Baton Pass goes first, pick a Pokemon with Baton Pass to render useless. And DO NOT SWITCH into .
I don't mean any disrespect on this thread but it's funny that you said that baton pass would be dominant in this meta but yet the top 20 teams don't utilize baton pass and also I watch your team only hit a 37% win rate. I have played BSS since generation 6 and all these Smogon bans are not a problem in the 3v3 singles I am not taking up Verlis I can't stand him myself but he is correct the Japanese players have adapted to evasion, baton pass, etc. Also since this format uses the official rules in which you can't use the same item on multiple Pokemon, team building is a lot different so therefore the cheeky plays like baton pass, evasion, and spore can be stopped easily. I remember back in Gen 6 Smogon banned Blaziken (Speed Boost) from OU but in Battle Spot Singles He wasn't even in the top 10 most used Pokemon on the ladder. BSS and OU are so different in Team building that it's like they are not from the same game. This Freedom Cup was fun in theory.
- That One Glimmora Stack HO by Swiping Cards
![:Espathra]:](/forums/media/minisprites/espathra.png.m.1706070908)
- AV Goodra-H + Alomomola Balance By Nerds of a Feather
- CB Chien-Pao Balance by SkipTheDripBayless
- SlowSpam Stall by OnArceus
- Talonflame Hard Stall by SkipTheDripBayless
- Dugtrio + Hawlucha Hard Stall by Juliusfunnel
: Dragapult, the premier screens lead, is a versatile Pokemon, able to utilize baton pass to pass double teams, and dragon dances as well.
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: Both have niches as screen setters with Magic Bounce, which also serves the niche of not only blocking but reflecting hazards. I would suggest Hatterene for this role because of its better bulk, access to Healing Wish, and the fact Espeon is probably better utilized in the chain.
: Scizor is amazing for Baton Pass teams, getting Iron Defense, Swords Dance, and Agility. Its steel typing can help out Baton Pass chains defensively when dealing with certain Pokemon. Here is a set for Scizor to run below.
: Polteageist has access to the now infamous strategy of Smash Pass. It is sure to see use as a quick way to end games, preferably with a stored power sweeper like Espeon. Polteageist can also function as an endgame sweeper, although not on Baton Pass.
: Scovillian abuses Moody to replicate a fraction of 
's power.
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have the ability Mold Breaker, allowing them to ignore unaware. As a result, they could break through The Unaware Musketeers.
, The most common counterplay is to use Substitute.
. Dark is the most common Urshifu to prepare for, but water can be a problem as well. 
and the many bulky Psychics to attempt to take it down with a boosted SE move. However, if you are running 
, but it is by no means reliable.
. I have seen a set on the ladder in which 
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