PU Mesprit

yogi

I did not succumb...
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This better not move up by usage or I'll actually cry... well it did :( -gum

uploaded -zard
[OVERVIEW]

Mesprit is the most versatile Pokemon in PU, with a wide movepool that gives it several viable sets such as Choice Specs and defensive Stealth Rock and a great stat distribution that gives it both bulk and power. Mesprit notably has access to one of the best moves in the game in Stealth Rock, and it is undeniably the best setter in the tier thanks to great defensive stats and Levitate, which allow it to set with relative ease. It also has a fantastic matchup versus the best Rapid Spin user in the tier, Hitmonchan. Levitate also gives Mesprit immunity to all entry hazards except for Stealth Rock, preventing it from being worn down over repeated switches. Mesprit has access to a myriad of useful support moves such as Healing Wish, Thunder Wave, U-turn, and Trick, all allowing it to fulfill support roles. Healing Wish is one of the most notable ones, letting a weakened Mesprit sacrifice itself to fully restore the HP of a teammate. Mesprit also boasts a great offensive presence thanks to a solid base 105 Special Attack stat along with several offensive sets like Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, and (Substitute +) Calm Mind, which are capable of either wallbreaking or setting up on weaker, more passive Pokemon. The Choice sets offer either an immediately powerful special attacker or a decent revenge killer, while the Calm Mind sets offer a reliable sweeper. A Psychic typing along with Levitate allows Mesprit to check common Fighting-, Ground-, and Poison-types effectively, but it also leaves it vulnerable to Pursuit users such as Absol and Skuntank, with more offensive sets being more proneto Sucker Punch users like Shiftry and the aforementioned Skuntank. Depending on the item Mesprit is holding, however, it is able to potentially beat these checks. Even though Mesprit has good stat distribution, its Speed is rather lacking, meaning that against more offensively based teams it can struggle, especially if it's running an offensive set. Bulkier sets also have no way of restoring HP outside of Leftovers, meaning they can be worn down throughout the course of the game.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is the strongest Psychic-type move that Mesprit has at its disposal, with the ability to OHKO or 2HKO most neutral targets, even specially defensive tanks like Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar after some prior damage. Psyshock is an option to hit more specially defensive targets such as Clefairy and Audino, which Psychic fails to beat. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Pokemon that resist or are immune to its main STAB option such as Sableye and Ferroseed for good damage, picking up a 2HKO and 3HKO, respectively, while offering a fantastic neutral coverage option. Signal Beam gives Mesprit super effective coverage against Psychic- and Dark-types, which are usually able to come in on its STAB Psychic-type move and force it out. Signal Beam allows Mesprit to hit every Dark-type aside from Skuntank and Sableye for super effective damage. Healing Wish is usually used in the last slot because it gives a weakened Mesprit the chance to heal a teammate back to full if Mesprit's no longer needed. Hidden Power Fire is a niche option that lets Mesprit hit Ferroseed and Mawile super effectively, but it is generally pushed aside for a better coverage move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, with a Modest nature further boosting its offensive prowess and allowing it to gain crucial 2HKOs against Pokemon such as Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar. Choice Specs further boosts Mesprit's offensive capabilities and along with a Modest nature allows it to break opposing teams extremely effectively. Levitate gives Mesprit a nice immunity to Ground-type moves along with an immunity to all forms of entry hazards except Stealth Rock. Maximum Speed investment allows Mesprit to be a reasonably quick wallbreaker, being naturally faster than Pokemon like Assault Vest Magmortar and Adamant Absol. A Timid nature is an option, as it allows Mesprit to outspeed foes like Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank, along with Jolly Absol; it leaves Mesprit noticeably weaker, however, and unable to get some 2HKOs and 3HKOs that it does with Modest.

Usage Tips
========

Due to Mesprit's great wallbreaking capabilities, it should be used early- or mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB and coverage moves. It can be brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type Pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan or on weaker, more passive Pokemon like Qwilfish and Weezing. When Pokemon resistant or immune to Mesprit's Psychic-type STAB attack are still present, it should be wary of locking itself into Psychic or Psyshock and instead use coverage when appropriate, like on a predicted switch-in. This is an especially notable tactic against Pokemon like Skuntank and Absol, which are able to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Ice Beam is also a very spammable move. If the opponent has no Pokemon resistant or immune to Psychic or if it has fainted, Mesprit should focus on spamming its Psychic-type STAB attacks in an effort to break the opposing team. Mesprit can also use Healing Wish once it is weakened too much or isn't needed anymore to give a teammate another chance. Due to how many sets Mesprit has, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what set Mesprit is, which you can use to your advantage in certain situations, especially if the opponent believes it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========

Even though most Dark-types are unable to switch directly into Mesprit when it isn't locked into Psychic, Mesprit still appreciates support to check and beat them, as it doesn't want to get caught in prediction games versus Pokemon with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Teammates like Weezing and Gurdurr are useful in these situations because they pressure Dark-types such as Skuntank and Shiftry. Alolan Persian is another notable partner because Parting Shot helps get Mesprit in more easily. Mesprit loves support from entry hazard stacking Pokemon such as Weezing, Qwilfish, and Piloswine, as they help it break down the opposing team far more efficiently while also providing Mesprit with soft checks to Dark-types, with Piloswine being the most notable because it pressures Shiftry with Ice Shard and Skuntank with Earthquake. Sweepers and breakers such as Lilligant and Aggron benefit from Mesprit as a teammate, as Mesprit is able to break common checks for them and support them late-game with a Healing Wish, giving them another opportunity to sweep or break. In return, Aggron and Lilligant help pressure troublesome foes like Dark-types and special walls. Mesprit also enjoys a teammate that can provide speed control to keep faster foes in check due to Mesprit having a lackluster Speed stat itself, with Primeape being the most notable example of this. Primeape is able to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, offer U-turn support, and force out specially defensive walls that Mesprit struggles with, such as Type: Null and Audino. Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Lycanroc and Absol are also able to set up on these Pokemon. Pursuit trappers are appreciated by Mesprit because it struggles versus Ghost-types that naturally outspeed it, like Oricorio-G and Haunter. Skuntank is a good example, as it resists both of Haunter's STAB attacks and can pressure Oricorio-G. Liepard is another notable trapper, as it outspeeds Oricorio-G and Haunter that lack Choice Scarf.

[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Healing Wish / Thunder Wave
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

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

Stealth Rock helps support teammates by whittling opposing Pokemon down with residual damage as they switch in, and Mesprit is the best setter in the tier thanks to its good typing and defensive stats. Psychic gives Mesprit a powerful STAB option that allows it to deal super effective damage against Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr and Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish. U-turn offers a pivoting move to allow Mesprit to help slow teammates get in safely while also allowing it to switch out versus Dark-types switching in like Shiftry, Absol, and Skuntank. U-turn especially helps versus the latter two, as they usually attempt to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give a teammate such as Lilligant or Drampa another chance at sweeping or wallbreaking. Healing Wish also gives the teammate a free switch in, so it does not have to worry about taking a hit. Thunder Wave is another option for crippling potential switch-ins like Dark- and Steel-types and setup sweepers like Carracosta, which are able to boost on Healing Wish variants of Mesprit. Thunder Wave also provides soft speed control against more offensive teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP EVs along with almost maximum Defense EVs give Mesprit the bulk it requires to take on most physical attackers, with a Bold nature further increasing its longevity. Even though Mesprit runs U-turn, an Attack-lowering nature is preferred because it's only using U-turn as a pivoting move, not for damage. U-turn is also able to almost always OHKO Shiftry even with an Attack-lowering nature. Colbur Berry is the optimal item for Mesprit, as it helps versus Dark-types that are usually able to Pursuit trap it, such as Skuntank and Absol. 16 Speed EVs allow Mesprit to outspeed maximum Speed neutral-natured base 50s such as Aggron, allowing it to pivot more safely without taking an unwanted hit. Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every entry hazard bar Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Thanks to maximum defensive investment, Mesprit is able to effectively switch into physical attacksthat aren't super effective. It should especially aim to switch into Fighting- and Ground-types due to its resistance and immunity to their STAB attacks. Mesprit is also one of the few users of Stealth Rock that are able to beat Hitmonchan, the most common user of Rapid Spin in the tier. Mesprit should attempt to use U-turn on a predicted switch to or directly pivot out on Pokemon that it can't hit, such as Steel- and Dark-types like Ferroseed and Skuntank, and other switch-ins like Magmortar and Oricorio-G, which can take a hit and either set up on it or force it out. Using U-turn against Dark-types also allows Mesprit to avoid extra damage from faster Pursuit users. Mesprit should try to set up Stealth Rock against foes that it isn't directly threatened by, such as Piloswine and Regirock, or Pokemon that it forces out with the threat of its STAB move, like Weezing, Gurdurr, and Hitmonchan. Mesprit should aim to use Healing Wish later in the game once it and the rest of its team are weakened, and once it's no longer needed, to restore the HP of a more useful teammate. Thunder Wave is to be used as a form of pseudo-speed control, crippling faster targets like Skuntank or setup sweepers such as Carracosta and making them more susceptible to revenge killing. It is worth noting that once Mesprit's Colbur Berry has been consumed, Mesprit finds it a lot harder to switch in and out when the opponent has a Dark-type Pokemon, because Mesprit is Pursuit trapped a lot more easily. During the late-game Mesprit is generally not very useful, unless it's still required to check Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, so it should set up Stealth Rock, pivot, and even use Healing Wish earlier on.

Team Options
========

Mesprit works well with a VoltTurn core, so pivots like Primeape, Lanturn, and Eelektross are all notable partners. Primeape provides a fast U-turn and the ability to check most Dark-types, while the latter two are good specially defensive pivots offering a slow Volt Switch. Alolan Persian is notable because it provides a good fast Parting Shot to complement Mesprit's slow U-turn. Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it usually brings them in for free with a slow U-turn along with resisting Fighting-type moves from the likes of Hitmonchan and checking Ground-types like Piloswine; it's also able to offer late-game Healing Wish support. Due to how passive this Mesprit set is, it often draws in bulky setup Pokemon like Musharna and Type: Null, so strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Pyroar and Swords Dance Absol are useful for taking on these foes. Mesprit can be also be used in a similar vein as mentioned above with setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Shiftry. Team support to deal with Dark-types is appreciated, so Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan make good partners for Mesprit. Skuntank and Absol can use either Pursuit or Sucker Punch to pressure foes that would usually switch in and set up on Mesprit like Musharna and Oricorio-G or directly force it out like Haunter. Due to a complete lack of recovery and a vulnerability to status, especially Toxic, Mesprit appreciates cleric support from the likes of Miltank and Audino, with the latter also being able to provide it with decently sized Wishes.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Healing Wish
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is Mesprit's strongest STAB option, allowing it to deal super effective damage against Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish and Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Due to a naturally high Special Attack stat, Mesprit can potentially sweep teams late-game with STAB Psychic. U-turn allows Choice Scarf Mesprit to act as a fast pivot and helps ease prediction, especially against incoming checks such as Skuntank and Ferroseed, though Mesprit does take residual damage from the latter. Mesprit is also able to outspeed Jynx and almost OHKO it with U-turn. Healing Wish gives Mesprit the chance to heal a weakened teammate to full once Mesprit isn't needed anymore or has taken too much damage, with the benefit of also generating momentum. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit foes such as Oricorio-G and Lilligant for super effective damage, as well as Dark-types for neutral damage if they switch into Mesprit predicting a Psychic-type move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment alongside a Choice Scarf allows Mesprit to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, barring Ninjask and Electrode, and outspeed any Choice Scarf user below base 65 Speed, such as Abomasnow. A Modest nature coupled with maximum Special Attack EVs allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, so Modest is the preferred nature. Timid is a niche option that does allow Mesprit to outspeed a few additional foes such as +2 Adamant Torterra and Gorebyss. Levitate allows Mesprit to be brought in against Ground-types like Piloswine and gives it an immunity to all forms of entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Mesprit appreciates being brought in after something has fainted or by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn user, such as Lanturn, to try to either force out the opposing Pokemon or revenge kill it. It's also able to pivot in on Fighting- and Ground-types. Early- and mid-game, Mesprit shouldn't be played aggressively if the opponent has checks such as Skuntank or Ferroseed and should instead opt to gain momentum by using U-turn on these switch-ins. Mesprit can also use coverage moves versus them if they're sufficiently weakened, but it has to be wary of Sucker Punch from Dark-types. Mesprit can be used late-game as a sweeper, as it can clean weakened teams lacking checks to it with STAB Psychic. If Mesprit is no longer needed or is weakened, it can also choose to heal a teammate to full with Healing Wish while also giving that teammate a free switch-in and generating momentum. Since it can be hard to identify what set Mesprit is running from Team Preview, try to use thisto your advantage by catching your opponent off guard.

Team Options
========

Mesprit is a good fit on offense teams that need a soft check to both Fighting- and Ground-types but also require a good way to keep faster foes in check. Due to a relative lack of power and bulk investment, Mesprit appreciates having a solid Dark-type check or counter. Pokemon such as Gurdurr, Weezing, and Ferroseed are fantastic partners, with the latter two being able to set entry hazards to weaken the opposing team for Mesprit, while Weezing also acts as a solid Fighting switch-in. Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Abomasnow and Pyroarthat it can rely on to break teams.Mesprit is able to bring them both in with U-turn, can switch in on Fighting-types like Hitmonchan along with checking Ground-types like Piloswine, and offers late-game Healing Wish support to these wallbreakers once it's weakened or isn't needed. Archeops forms a potent U-turn core with Mesprit, with the two pressuring each other's checks, Dark-types in Mesprit's case and physical walls in Archeops's case. Archeops also appreciates Healing Wish support especially if its Defeatist ability is activated. Defensive pivots also benefit Mesprit due to it not wanting to take hits. Pokemon like Miltank and Audino fit the role while also being able to heal Mesprit of status, with the former also setting up Stealth Rock for Mesprit and the latter able to pass Wishes to it. Alolan Persian and Liepard are also fantastic pivots to pair with Mesprit.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind + 3 Attacks
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Colbur Berry / Icium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defense stats while facing Pokemon that either hit it for resisted damage or are unable to threaten it, such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker. Psyshock is the preferred Psychic-type STAB move for Calm Mind Mesprit because it lets it deal with special walls such as Clefairy and Type: Null while also still hitting physical walls such as Gurdurr and Qwilfish for substantial damage. Psychic is an alternative option instead of Psyshock, as it can hit most neutral targets, most notably Piloswine, Regirock, and Aggron, harder along with letting an unboosted Mesprit take on Gurdurr better. It does make beating special walls harder, however, which can hinder Mesprit's ability to break. Ice Beam is Mesprit's best coverage move, hitting everything that its Psychic-type STAB attacks can't for neutral damage, barring Steel-types like Togedemaru, and allowing Mesprit to hit Oricorio-G and Lilligant for super effective damage. It also provides a decent middle-ground option to hit Dark-types. Signal Beam is Mesprit's best way to hit both Psychic- and Dark-types in one slot, allowing it to punish these common switch-ins with a super effective hit or, in Skuntank's case, a neutral hit. Hidden Power Ground can be run as a coverage option to hit Skuntank and Steel-types like Aggron and Mawile for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire is another niche option capable of dealing with Ferroseed.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack EVs coupled with maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allows Mesprit to be as fast as possible while also hitting as hard as possible. A Modest nature is usable, but not letting Mesprit outspeed the likes of Adamant Skuntank and Jolly Absol makes it overall a worse option. Mesprit's only ability is Levitate, which gives it an immunity to all entry hazards outside of Stealth Rock and also an immunity to Ground-type attacks. Colbur Berry helps Mesprit tackle Dark-types like Shiftry, Liepard, and Absol, which are usually checks to more offensive sets, and allows it to OHKO all of them at +1. Alternatively, Icium Z gives Mesprit access to a nuke in Subzero Slammer that helps break past checks, most notably OHKOing Skuntank at +1, but leaves it noticeably weaker to Dark-types and being Pursuit trapped.

Usage Tips
========

Once Mesprit has set up a Calm Mind, it becomes a strong mid-game wallbreaker able to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage; bring it in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type Pokemon like Piloswine and Poliwrathin order for it to set up. Mesprit can also be brought in on weaker, more passive foes like Qwilfish and defensive Carracosta. Mesprit should try to use its Psychic-type STAB move as much as possible if nothing resistant or immune to Psychic is present on your opponent's team, but it should be wary of doing so if Pokemon like Aggron and Skuntank are still around. If Dark-types are present, Mesprit should attempt to use its coverage moves so that they don't get a free switch into its STAB attack. Subzero Slammer should be used as a one-time nuke to remove or weaken a check to Mesprit like the previously mentioned Skuntank or Aggron, OHKOing or heavily damaging them. Mesprit should avoid setting up on Pokemon with potential status moves, like Regirock and Clefairy, because being paralyzed or badly poisoned makes it more vulnerable to revenge killing or prevents it from wallbreaking effectively. Due to how many sets Mesprit can run, the opponent may have difficulty determining what set Mesprit is, which you can use to your advantage, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========

Due to this set's offensive nature, Qwilfish and Weezing are good partners, because they function as more reliable Fighting-type checks that help punish constant switching on the opponent's part with Toxic Spikes in Weezing's case or both Spikes and Toxic Spikes in Qwilfish's case. Slow pivots like Volt Switch Lanturn and Eelektross allow Mesprit to come in for free without taking damage, enabling it to set up Calm Mind more effectively. Even though Mesprit can OHKO every relevant Dark-type at +1 with Signal Beam except Skuntank, which is OHKOed by a +1 Subzero Slammer, it still appreciates checks to them. Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr work well, as they make it easier for Mesprit to set up by baiting in common foes that resist their attacks. Mesprit also weakens both Psychic- and Poison-type checks to Fighting-types. Special sweepers like Lilligant and Ludicolo appreciate special walls either weakened or dealt with, which Mesprit can take care of thanks to Psyshock hitting foes like Audino and Munchlax for decent damage when boosted. Alolan Raichu also enjoys Dark-types being weakened, even though it's able to deal with special walls by itself. Cleric support from Clefairy and Miltank, which also offer Stealth Rock support, and Wish support from Audino benefit Mesprit, as status can severely reduce its ability to break teams, while Wish support increases its longevity. Support from Pursuit users such as Liepard and Skuntank helps Mesprit, as they're able to trap Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G, which naturally outspeed Mesprit and force it out; although these Ghost-types cannot beat it one-on-one if they're holding a Choice Scarf or aren't boosted, Mesprit takes serious damage from both.

[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam / Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish / U-turn
item: Colbur Berry / Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock allows Mesprit to fulfill the role of an entry hazard setter on more offensive teams, allowing it to chip down switch-ins. Psychic is its strongest STAB option and allows it to sufficiently check Fighting- and Poison-types. Psyshock is an option, but it only hits a few foes harder, like Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Magmortaralong with pivot Lanturn. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Dark-types such as Skuntank and Absol for neutral damage while also giving it a fantastic coverage move to hit common Grass-, Ground-, and Flying-types for super effective damage. Signal Beam is a decent alternative that allows Mesprit to hit every Dark-type bar Skuntank for super effective damage but doesn't quite have the same coverage Ice Beam does. Healing Wish is another momentum move that helps offensive teams that usually rely on powerful sweepers and breakers, which appreciate a second chance. U-turn is a great move on offensive Mesprit, as most of the teams that use it rely on momentum generated by forcing switches. It also gives Mesprit a way of pivoting on incoming Dark-types that are usually able to trap the offensive set with relative ease. Hidden Power Fire can be used if your team is weak to Ferroseed, but apart from that, more coverage is usually preferred.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment allows Mesprit to retain the role of a Stealth Rock user while letting it fit on more offensive teams due to it being a lot less passive. A Timid nature allows Mesprit to outspeed threats such as Adamant Skuntank and Kangaskhan along with Jolly Absol. A Modest nature is also usable, but the loss in Speed means Mesprit struggles more versus Dark-types and the aforementioned Pokemon that the Timid set is able to outspeed. Levitate gives Mesprit immunity to both Ground-type attacks and every entry hazard apart from Stealth Rock, granting it increased longevity. Colbur Berry is the item of choice, giving Mesprit a way of dealing with Dark-types and Knock Off users without being crippled or taking serious damage. Life Orb is an alternative that gives Mesprit a greater offensive presence, but it decreases its longevity and leaves it more open to being Pursuit trapped.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit is often an offensive team's choice for a Stealth Rock user and should be played aggressively, as it's able to pressure every defensive Stealth Rock setter in the tier apart from Ferroseed. Thanks to its offensive set, Mesprit can act as a wallbreaker, especially if it's using a Life Orb over Colbur Berry, allowing it to soften opposing Pokemon for teammates early- and mid-game. Mesprit should be played cautiously if the opponent has a Pursuit trapper because it lacks the bulk to take them on, especially if it opts for Life Orb as its item. It should also be played carefully if it's the team's only Fighting-type check. With U-turn, Mesprit is able to pivot on the switches that it can force, gaining momentum and bringing in teammates potentially for free. You should be wary of spamming U-turn when using Life Orb, however, as Mesprit becomes easily chipped down throughout the match. Offensive Stealth Rock Mesprit can be a hard set for the opponent to pin down because it's rather uncommon, meaning you can use this to your advantage. This is especially noteworthy considering how hard the more offensive sets, outside of Choice Specs, are to tell apart thanks to them having the same damage output, unless this set is using Life Orb. Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate a shot at sweeping or breaking, which is extremely useful late-game for offensive teams. It can also be used to block both Defog and Rapid Spin early- or mid-game if needed.

Team Options
========

Primeape is a great partner for Mesprit because it provides a check to every Dark-type apart from Sableye, offering a dual U-turn core that keeps momentum for offensive teams. Archeops fulfills a similar role, acting as a fast U-turn user that is able to check most of the Pokemon that threaten Mesprit. Mesprit appreciates entry hazard support from Qwilfish because it functions as a more reliable Fighting-type check that helps punish constant switching on the opponent's part with both Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Powerful sweepers and cleaners like Zangoose and Lilligant act as good partners because they benefit from getting free switches from U-turn and are capable of breaking Steel- and Dark-types, respectively. They both like the Healing Wish support from Mesprit, especially Zangoose, which is worn down incredibly easily throughout the match. Due to Mesprit's difficulty dealing with both Ghost- and Psychic-types, which threaten Mesprit and force it out, it appreciates support from Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank to help check them. In turn, Mesprit is able to break Fighting-types like Gurdurr and physical walls such as Weezing. Strong wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Abomasnow are able to weaken teams and gain momentum from Mesprit's U-turn while also appreciating the Healing Wish support it provides.

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to set up Calm Mind in front of walls that rely on status in order to cripple setup sweepers, like Gastrodon and cleric Lanturn. It also allows Mesprit to not be Pursuit trapped by Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank, which are extremely threatening for this set. Calm Mind coupled with Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defense stats against Pokemon that are unable to threaten it, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker. Psyshock is the preferred STAB move for Mesprit, giving it the ability to break through special walls like Clefairy and tanks like Magmortar. Psychic can be used over Psyshock to hit Pokemon like Aggron and Gurdurr harder, which Psyshock struggles against, but overall Psyshock is the more consistent option because Psychic struggles against most special walls and tanks. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit everything that its Psychic-type STAB attack cannot, apart from Steel-types, 2HKOing standard switch-ins like Absol and Skuntank at +1. Ice Beam also gives Mesprit super effective coverage against common Grass-, Flying-, and Ground-types like Lilligant, Oricorio-G, and Golurk. Signal Beam is an option that lets Mesprit tackle Psychic- and Dark-types, like other Mesprit and Absol, in the same slotand far more easily compared to Ice Beam, but Mesprit loses out on overall coverage.

Set Details
========

208 HP EVs give Mesprit the highest Leftovers recovery possible and give it a good form of passive recovery, allowing it to set up a higher number of Substitutes. The investment also makes Mesprit a lot bulkier, making it harder for more defensive Pokemon to break its Substitute. Maximum Speed investment along with a Timid nature lets Mesprit Speed tie withother positive-natured base 80s like Shiftry while also letting it outspeed foes like Jolly Absol and Kangaskhan. 48 Special Attack EVs mean that Mesprit can almost always OHKO Shiftry with Ice Beam at +1 while 2HKOing other Dark-types such as Liepard and Skuntank. Leftovers is basically required for this set to function, as it gives Mesprit the passive recovery it needs to constantly set up Substitutes. Levitate gives Mesprit an immunity to all entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock along with an immunity to Ground-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit should aim to pivot into many of the more defensive Pokemon in the tier, such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, to set up with Substitute and Calm Mind, forcing them out. You should be aware that a lot of the defensive Pokemon in the tier carry some form of status, however, which can cripple Mesprit if it directly switches in. Switching into Fighting-types like Hitmonchan also gives Mesprit almost free setup, but it should be wary of Knock Off or U-turn from Gurdurr and Primeape.Substitute + Calm Mind Mesprit is noticeably weaker in comparison to other offensive sets and as such has trouble dealing with opposing Pokemon when unboosted and even when at +1, but it is able to set up on a considerable number of passive bulky Pokemon such as Lanturn and Audino. Due to this, it should be used towards the late-game when the opponent's team has already been weakened by teammates. This Mesprit set struggles with Dark-types the most, as it doesn't have the offensive presence to pressure them or access to Colbur Berry to mitigate damage, meaning it should be used carefully when the opponent still has a Dark-type around. Substitute is able to slightly mitigate this weakness, as it stops Pokemon like Liepard and Skuntank from Pursuit trapping Mesprit while also giving it a way to force mind games versus Sucker Punch users.

Team Options
========

First and foremost, Substitute + Calm Mind Mesprit requires a good check to Dark-types, as it's extremely weak to Pokemon like Shiftry and Skuntank; Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr help mitigate this weakness. Mesprit also benefits from these teammates because they draw in Psychic- and Poison-types, which it can switch into and set up on. Entry hazard support from the likes of Qwilfish and Weezing helps Mesprit break through teams late-game, as it can rely on the residual damage that Spikes and Toxic Spikes offer to wear down opposing Pokemon. Granbull and Weezing also offer a secondary resistance to Fighting-types and a check to Dark-types, along with blanket checking most fast physical attackers. Piloswine and Miltank are notable Stealth Rock users that offer both hazard support and a way of checking strong physical attackers like Archeops and Kangaskhan, with Mesprit also giving them a check to Fighting-types. Miltank can act as a cleric with Heal Bell in case Mesprit gets afflicted with status. Pursuit trappers such as Absol and Skuntank pair well with Mesprit, as it struggles against offensive Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which are able to OHKO or 2HKO Mesprit. Powerful wallbreakers like Magmortar and Zangoose are able to break Mesprit's checks, such as Aggron, Ferroseed, and Skuntank, giving Mesprit an easier time setting up and cleaning late-game. Choice Scarf Primeape benefits from Mesprit breaking down teams, as it's able to clean far more easily late-game, while also providing U-turn support to bring Mesprit in on Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Weezing and Qwilfish.

[SET]
name: Weather Setter
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Psychic
move 4: U-turn
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe

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

Depending on what weather archetype you're using, you'll either be using Rain Dance or Sunny Day to assist the rest of your team, doubling the Speed of Swift Swim or Chlorophyll users and increasing the power of their Water- or Fire-type attacks, respectively. Stealth Rock breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy and chips targets that switch in, giving Mesprit's teammates an easier time sweeping, as they don't need to waste weather turns and take unnecessary damage. It also stops opposing Pokemon from being able to constantly switch in order to wait out the remaining weather turns. Psychic helps Mesprit not be completely passive and stops it from being set up onwhile also making Mesprit a good check to both Poison- and Fighting-type Pokemon. This is especially important against Pokemon like Qwilfish, as most weather teams don't have a way to remove entry hazards. U-turn provides Mesprit with a slow momentum move that lets it get a teammate in once it has set up both its weather and Stealth Rock.

Set Details
========

Near-maximum HP and Defense investment allow Mesprit to set both its weather and Stealth Rock more than once a game, making it a useful bulky pivot versus Fighting-, Ground-, and Poison-types. 16 Speed EVs mean that it can outspeed Adamant Aggron and any other neutral base 50s. Levitate gives Mesprit an immunity to Ground-type attacks and to every entry hazard except Stealth Rock. Heat Rock or Damp Rock is required, as they increase the number of turns weather is on the field from five to eight, with Heat Rock increasing the duration of sun and Damp Rock increasing the duration of rain.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit provides excellent role compression for weather teams, as it can set both weather and Stealth Rock along with having access to a momentum move in U-turn. Thanks to its high defensive stats it's also able to take multiple hits throughout the course of the battle, meaning it can set multiple times. Generally when you're using Mesprit it should aim to set up Stealth Rock before setting up weather, because it doesn't want to waste its weather turns for no reason, especially as it's used on such an offensive playstyle. However, some situations may arise where it is only able to use one, and then it should only focus on getting up weather because it's more beneficial for its team. Against Taunt users such as Skuntank and Qwilfish, it should be wary of trying to set up. Because it's not carrying a Colbur Berry, Mesprit has to be cautious of opposing Dark-types and may have to make a choice between setting up weather and getting knocked out or not setting up weather so it can be used later on. You should attempt to predict Dark-types coming in and use U-turn to pivot out. On rain teams Mesprit is often the best Fighting-type resistant Pokemon available, so it should be preserved if the opponent still has a Fighting-type like Gurdurr or Assault Vest Hitmonchan.

Team Options
========

This Mesprit set should only ever be considered on full rain and sun teams. Rain sweepers like Ludicolo, Kabutops, and Gorebyss are great partners for Rain Dance Mesprit, as they all benefit from rain boosting their STAB moves along with doubling their Speed thanks to Swift Swim. Similarly, sun sweepers like Victreebel, Sawsbuck, Shiftry, and Exeggutor are ideal teammates for Sunny Day Mesprit, as they receive a Speed boost thanks to Chlorophyll when sun is up, with Victreebel also getting access to a Fire-type, boosted Weather Ball. On rain, Qwilfish is a fantastic partner because rain teams have no other way to remove or absorb Toxic Spikes,which cripples every sweeper on the team, unlike with Victreebel on sun. Qwilfish is also able to set its own hazards and Taunt opposing setup Pokemon. On sun teams, fast Pokemon like Pyroar are ideal because of how slow the rest of the team is when outside of sun, and they also give their teams a powerful breaker when sun is up. Magmortar is another powerful breaker that's also able to boost its Speed with Flame Charge. Other weather setters such as Liepard, Regirock, and Volbeat also benefit weather teams.

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

Choice Band is an option on Mesprit thanks to its decent physical movepool including options like Fire Punch, Knock Off, Zen Headbutt, and U-turn as well as a high base 105 Attack stat. However, physical walls are far more prominent in comparison to special walls, making physical Mesprit a lackluster set. Future Sight gives Mesprit a powerful Psychic-type move that can help force switches after it pivots out and works well with U-turn, but it is too inconsistent and requires Mesprit to drop a coverage or utility move. Magic Coat allows Mesprit to bounce status and entry hazards back at the opposing Pokemon and can be a unique move on the defensive Stealth Rock set. A dual screens set, with Reflect and Light Screen, can be used, but Meowstic-M totally outclasses it thanks to a better Speed tier and Prankster. Imprison allows Mesprit to prevent either opposing Stealth Rock on hazard sets or opposing Calm Mind on setup Mesprit. Energy Ball can be used on the Stealth Rock sets to hit almost every opposing Stealth Rock setter, most notably Piloswine, for super effective damage, but means Mesprit has to give up Healing Wish. Trick can be used on the Choice Scarf and Choice Specs sets to cripple defensive Pokemon on the opponent's team. Knock Off can be used on defensive sets to cripple standard switch-ins such as Clefairy and Type: Null. Toxic has a similar effect, but instead it is able to cripple specially defensive foes like Musharna and Gastrodon. Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Thunderbolt may all seem like decent coverage moves, but they hit a very small range of targets and aren't worth using over Mesprit's standard coverage. Trick Room Mesprit is another semi-viable option if you want a Trick Room user that can also set Stealth Rock, but it is often overshadowed by either Musharna or Carbink. Generally, if Mesprit is to drop a move on one of its sets, it will opt to drop Healing Wish.

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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Shiftry, Liepard, and Absol are Mesprit's main checks, as they are immune to its STAB moves and threaten it with a super effective Dark-type move; however, they all struggle to switch in to the offensive sets and must be wary of Colbur Berry weakening their Dark-type attacks. Sucker Punch also helps these Pokemon to check the more offensive sets. Skuntank is the most notable, as the only coverage move Mesprit has to hit it for super effective damage is Hidden Power Ground, but often the offensive sets are able to 2HKO it.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed, Probopass, and Aggron resist all of Mesprit's standard coverage options and can set up entry hazards on it, with Probopass being able to pivot against any switch-in with Volt Switch and Aggron threatening a powerful Head Smash or Heavy Slam. The latter two have to be wary of the uncommon Hidden Power Ground, however, while the first has to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, and Aggron is unable to directly switch in on Mesprit when it has a Calm Mind boost or is holding Choice Specs. Bronzor is especially notable, as due to its typing and ability it's able to wall every Mesprit set.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls like Munchlax, Clefairy, Audino, and Type: Null are capable of checking every set Mesprit uses, including the Calm Mind sets if they're unboosted.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G are capable of offensively checking Mesprit with their powerful STAB attacks, but they are unable to directly switch into Mesprit. Choice Scarf Mesprit is also able to check them if they lack the same item, and without a boost or Life Orb they're unable to OHKO the offensive sets.

**Strong Attackers**: Strong attackers such as Ursaring and Drampa are usually able to take any hit from Mesprit and either OHKO it, or 2HKO it in the case of more defensive sets, or force it out. However, they both are unable to directly switch in on Mesprit, and Drampa struggles against Subzero Slammer and Choice Specs Ice Beam. Zangoose is also worth mentioning because it OHKOes every fully offensive Mesprit set with Facade, when Toxic Boost is activated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
This better not move up by usage or I'll actually cry...
[OVERVIEW]
  • Currently, Mesprit is the most versatile pokemon in PU with access to a wide movepool, meaning that it has several viable sets, and a great stat distribution that gives it both bulk and power.
  • Mesprit has access to one of the best moves in the game in Stealth Rock, and is undeniably the best setter in the tier thanks to great defensive stats and Levitate, allowing it to set with relative ease. (mention it also has good matchup against the best rapid spin user)
  • Levitate also gives Mesprit immunity to all hazards except for Stealth Rock, preventing it from being worn down over repeated switches.
  • Mesprit has access to a myriad of useful support moves such as Healing Wish, Thunder Wave, U-Turn and Trick; all allowing it to fulfil different support roles. Healing Wish is one of the most notable ones with it meaning a weakened Mesprit can fully restore the HP of a teammate.
  • A Psychic-typing along with Levitate allows it Mesprit check common Fighting-, Ground- and Poison-types effectively, but due to being a Psychic-type it's weak to Pursuit users such as Absol and Skuntank, with more offensive sets being weaker to Sucker Punch users like Shiftry and the aforementioned Skuntank.
  • Even though Mesprit has good stat distribution, its speed is rather lacking meaning that against more offensively based teams it can struggle, especially if it's an offensive set. (you can mention it has no way to recover health on bulky sets)

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Psychic is the strongest Psychic-type move that Mesprit has at its disposal, with the ability to OHKO and 2HKO most neutral targets, even specially defensive tanks like Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar after some prior damage.
  • Psyshock is an option on Mesprit to hit more special defensively inclined mons such as Clefairy and Type:Null which Psychic fails to beat, because it hits the defence rather than special defence. (never used this, is it worth a slash? i think there are more phis bulky mons in the tier and psychic has more bp too)
  • Ice beam allows Mesprit to hit mons that resist its main STAB option such as Sableye and Ferroseed for neutral picking up a 2HKO and 3HKO, respectively.
  • Signal Beam gives it super effective coverage against Psychic- and Dark-types, which are usually able to come in on Mesprits STAB Psychic move and force it out. It allows it to hit every Dark-type aside from Skuntank for super effective damage.
  • Healing Wish is usually used as the last slot on Mesprit because it gives a weakened Mesprit the chance to heal a teammate back to full if it's no longer needed.
  • hidden power mention? fire is pretty good for ferroseed weak teams and also gets the odd mawile

Set Details
========
  • Max Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, with a Modest Nature further boosting its offensive prowess and allowing it to gain crucial 2HKO's against mons such as AV Lanturn and Magmortar.
  • Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, giving it a nice immunity to Ground-type moves along with an immunity to all forms of hazards except from Stealth Rocks.
  • Choice Specs further boosts Mesprits offensive capabilities and along with a Modest Nature allows it break extremely effectively.
  • Max Speed allows it to be a reasonably quick wall breaker, being naturally faster than pokemon like Assault Vest Magmortar and Adamant Absol.
  • Timid is an option on Mesprit, as it allows it to outspeed things like Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank, along with Jolly Absol; it is noticeably weaker however and fails to get some 2HKO's and 3HKO's that Modest does.

Usage Tips
========
  • Due to Mesprits powerful wall breaking capabilities it should be used early to mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage, being brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan, respectively. It can also be brought in on weaker, more passive mons like Qwilfish and Weezing.
  • When mons still resistant or immune to Mesprits Psychic STAB are still present it should be wary of locking itself into Psychic or Psyshock, and instead use coverage when appropriate, like predicting a switch in. This is especially notable against Pokémon like Skuntank and Absol, which are able to Pursuit trap Mesprit. (you could mention ice beam is pretty spammable in the tier, i guess)
  • If the opponent either has no Psychic resist or immunity, or it has fainted, then Mesprit should focus on spamming its Psychic STAB in an effort to break the opposing team.
  • Mesprit can also use Healing Wish once it is either weakened too much or isn't needed anymore to give another teammate another chance.
  • Due to how many sets Mesprit has, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what set Mesprit is and you can use that to your advantage in certain situations, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========
  • Even though most Dark-types are unable to switch in directly to Mesprit, unless locked into Psychic, Mesprit still appreciates support to check and beat them as it doesn't want to force predictions versus mons with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Teammates like Weezing and Gurdurr are useful in these situations because they pressure Dark-types such as Skuntank and Shiftry. persian-a is decent too
  • Mesprit loves support from hazard stacking mons such as Weezing, Qwilfish and Piloswine, as it helps it break far more efficiently while also providing Mesprit with soft checks to Dark-types, with Piloswine being the most notable as it pressures Shiftry with Ice Shard and Skuntank with Earthquake.
  • Sweepers and breakers such as Lilligant and Aggron benefit from Mesprit as a teammate, as Mesprit is able to break common checks for them (you could mention more stuff that likes a heavily weakened skuntank that has switched into an ice beam like sensu/abomasnow) and support them late-game with a Healing Wish, giving them another opportunity to sweep and break. In return, Aggron and Lilligant help pressure things like Dark-types and special walls.
  • Mesprit also enjoys a teammate with speed control due to having a lacklustre speed stat itself, with Primape being the most notable example of this. Primeape is able to outspeed the entire unboosted meta, offer U-turn support and break (i would say force out is the better word, especially since they are never staying in and the latter can scout, you could mention stuff like lycanroc/absol as breakers that can set up by forcing out those special mons but you can find other examples too) specially defensive walls that Mesprit struggles with, such as Type:Null and Audino.
  • Pursuit trappers are appreciated by Mesprit because it struggles versus Ghost-types that naturally outspeed it, like Oricorio-G and Haunter. Skuntank is a good example as it resists both of Haunters STABs and pressure Oricorio-G. (liepard works too and can beat oricorio more reliably)

[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic / Psyshock
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Healing Wish / Thunder Wave
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth rock is what makes this set and Mesprit is currently the best setter in the tier thanks to its good typing and defensive stats. Stealth Rock helps support teammates by whittling opposing mons down with residual damage upon switching in.
  • Psychic gives it a powerful STAB option which allows it to deal super effective damage against both Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr and Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish.
  • Psyshock is an option to hit Lanturn and Assault Vest Hitmonchan, but loses out on a lot of other targets like Gurdurr and Weezing, so Psychic is usually the preferred option. this is even weaker on this set so i'll oppose to the slash at all)
  • U-turn allows Mesprit to offer teammates a slow pivoting move to get in safely whilst also allowing it to switch out versus Dark-types like Shiftry, Absol and Skuntank. It also helps versus the latter two as they usually attempt to Pursuit trap Mesprit. gleam/signal arent that bad on this set if your team is weak to shiftry/absol tbh so they could be put in moves
  • Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate another chance, such as a sweeper like Lilligant or breaker like Drampa. Healing Wish also gives its target a free switch in without worrying about taking a hit.
  • Thunder Wave is another option Mesprit has for crippling potential switchins like Dark- or Steel-types, and even crippling setup sweepers like Carracosta who are able to boost on Healing Wish variants. Thunder Wave also allows for soft speed control against more offensive teams.

Set Details
========
  • Maximum HP EVs along with almost maximum Def EVs gives Mesprit the bulk it requires to take on most physical attackers, with a Bold Nature further increasing its bulkiness. Even though it runs U-turn, a minus attack nature is preferred because it's only using U-turn as a pivoting move.
  • Colbur Berry is the optimal item for Mesprit, as it helps versus Dark-types that are usually able to Pursuit trap it such as Skuntank and Absol, doing super effective damage to the latter. It's also able to almost always OHKO Shiftry even with a minus attack nature with U-turn.
  • 16 Speed allows Mesprit to outspeed max speed neutral base 50's such as Aggron, allowing it to pivot more safely without taking an unwanted hit.
  • Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every hazard bar Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========
  • Thanks to maximum defensive investment, Mesprit is able to switch into physical attacks, assuming they aren't super effective. It should especially aim to switch into Fighting- and Ground-types due to resistance and immunity, respectively. Mesprit is also one of the few users of Stealth Rock which is able to beat Hitmonchan, the most common user of Rapid Spin in the tier.
  • Mesprit should attempt to U-turn predicting a switch or directly pivot out on Pokemon that it cant hit such as Steel- and Dark-types like Ferroseed and Skuntank, respectively. U-turning against Dark-types also allows it to avoid extra damage from faster Pursuit users.
  • Mesprit should try to set up Stealth Rock against things that it isn't directly threatened by such as Piloswine and Regirock, or pokemon that it forces out with the threat of its STAB move like Weezing, Gurdurr and Hitmonchan.
  • Mesprit should aim to use Healing Wish later in the game once it and the rest of its team is weakened, and once it isn't needed, to restore the HP of another useful teammate.
  • Thunder Wave is able to be used as a form of pseudo speed control, crippling faster targets like Skuntank or setup mons such as Carracosta, making them more susceptible to revenge killing.
  • It is worth noting that once its Colbur Berry has been consumed, Mesprit finds it a lot harder to switch in and out when the opponent has a Dark-type mon, because Mesprit is Pursuit trapped a lot easier.

Team Options
========
  • Mesprit works well with a Volt Switch U-turn core, so pivots like Primeape, Lanturn and Eelektross are all notable. The former allows for a fast U-turn and the ability to check most Dark-types with the latter two being good specially defensive pivots offering a slow Volt Switch.
  • Mesprit also pairs well with strong breakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it usually brings them in for free with a slow U-turn along with resisting Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and checking Ground-types like Piloswine; it's also able to offer late game Healing Wish support to them.
  • Mesprit can be also be used in a similar vain as mentioned above with set up sweepers such as Lilligant and Shiftry.
  • Support to deal with Dark-types is appreciated so Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan make good partners for Mesprit.
  • Teammates with Pursuit trap are also ideal for Mesprit as it deal with things that would usually switch in and setup on it like Musharna or Oricorio-G, or directly force it out like Haunter. Skuntank and Absol pressure all of these pokemon with either Pursuit or Sucker punch.
  • Due to not having any form of recovery and being prone to status, especially Toxic, Mesprit appreciates cleric support from the likes of Miltank and Audino, with the latter also able to pass it decently sized Wish's.
  • persian still good, qwilfish too ig
  • strong mons that can force out bulky setup sweepers since this set draws passive stuff in like crazy
  • some stuff i said about the set above works as well

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Healing Wish
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Psychic is Mesprits strongest STAB option, allowing it to deal super effective damage against Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish and Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Due to a naturally high special attack stat, Mesprit can potentially sweep teams late-game with STAB Psychic.
  • U-turn allows Choice Scarf Mesprit to act as a fast pivot and helps ease prediction, especially against incoming checks such as Skuntank and Ferroseed, though it does take residual damage from the latter. you can mention it does a lot to jynx which you outspeed
  • Healing Wish gives Mesprit the chance to heal a weakened teammate to full once Mesprit isn't needed anymore or has taken too much damage, with the benefit of also generating momentum.
  • Ice beam allows Mesprit to hit opponents such as Oricorio-G and Lilligant for Super-Effective damage, as well as dark types for neutral damage if they switch into Mesprit predicting a Psychic Move.
Set Details
========
  • Max Speed alongside holding a Choice Scarf allows Mesprit to outspeed the entire unboosted meta, barring Ninjask and Electrode, and outspeed any Choice Scarf user below base 65 speed, such as Abomasnow.
  • A Modest nature coupled with Max Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, and is the preferred nature on it. Timid is a niche nature that does allow it to outspeed a few things such as +2 Adamant Torterra and Huntail.
  • Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every hazard bar Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
  • Choice Scarf Mesprit appreciates being brought in after something has fainted or by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn user, such as Lanturn, to try and either force out the opposing pokemon or revenge kill it. It's also able to pivot in on Fighting- and Ground-types, but needs to be wary as the former carry Knock Off.
  • Early to mid-game, Mesprit shouldn't be played aggressively if the opponent has checks such as Skuntank or Ferroseed and should instead opt to gain momentum by U-turning on these switchins. It can also use coverage versus them if they're sufficiently weakened, but has to be wary of Sucker Punch from Dark-types.
  • Mesprit can be used late-game as a sweeper due to Choice Scarf boosting its speed, meaning weakened teams lacking checks can be cleaned with STAB Psychic.
  • If Mesprit is no longer needed or is weakened it can also choose to heal a teammate to full with Healing Wish, whilst also giving that teammate a free switchin and generating momentum.
  • Similarly to the Choice Specs set, it can be hard to identify what set Mesprit is running from team preview, allowing you to catch your opponent off guard.

Team Options
========
  • Mesprit is a good fit on offense teams that need a soft check to both Fighting- and Ground-types but also require good speed control.
  • Due to being weaker than the Choice Specs and not being defensively invested like the Stealth Rock set Mesprit appreciates having a solid Dark-type resist even more. Pokemon such as Gurdurr, Weezing and Ferroseed are fantastic partners, with the latter two being able to set hazards to weaken the opposing team for Scarf Mesprit, while Weezing also acts as a solid Fighting resist.
  • Mesprit also pairs well with strong breakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it's able to rely on them to break teams. Mesprit is able to bring them both in with U-turn and also provides a Fighting resist versus mons like Hitmonchan along with checking Ground-types like Piloswine. It's also able to offer late game Healing Wish support to them once it's weakened or isn't needed.
  • Archeops forms a potent U-turn core with Mesprit, with the two pressuring each others checks, with Archeops pressuring Dark-types and Mesprit pressuring physical walls. Archeops also appreciates Healing Wish support especially if it's in range of its Defeatist ability.
  • Defensive pivots also benefit Mesprit due to it not wanting to take hits, so things like Miltank and Audino fit the role while also being clerics to heal Mesprit of status, with the former being able to set Stealth Rocks for Mesprit and the latter able to pass Wishes to it.
  • you can work some of my prev. suggestion in this too

[SET]
name: CM 3 Attacks is this better than subcm?
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Colbur Berry / Icium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Calm Mind gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence stats against Pokémon that it resists such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker.
  • Psyshock is the preferred Psychic STAB for Calm Mind Mesprit because it lets it deal with special walls such as Clefairy and Type:Null, while also still hitting physical walls such as Gurdurr and Qwilfish for substantial damage.
  • Psychic is an option of Psyshock as it can hit a few targets like Piloswine, Regirock and Aggron harder along with being able to fare with Gurdurr better if unboosted. It does lose out on beating special walls however, which can hinder its ability to break.
  • Ice Beam is Mesprit's best coverage move hitting everything that its Psychic STAB can't for neutral, barring Steel, and allows Mesprit to Oricorio-G and Lilligant for super effective damage. It also allows for a decent middle-ground option to hit Dark-types.
  • i think hidden power ground/fire might deserve a slash especially if you run psyshock
  • Signal Beam is Mesprit's best way to hit both Psychic- and Dark-types in one slot, allowing Mesprit to punish these common switchins with a super effective hit, or in Skuntanks case a neutral hit.

Set Details
========
  • A max Special Attack stat coupled with max Speed and a Timid Nature allows Mesprit to be as fast as possible while also hitting as hard as possible. A Modest Nature is usable, but not outspeeding the likes of Adamant Skuntank and Jolly Absol makes it overall a worse option.
  • Mesprit's only ability is Levitate which gives it an immunity to all entry hazards outside of Stealth Rock and also an immunity to Ground-type attacks.
  • Colbur Berry helps Mesprit tackle Dark-types like Shiftry, Liepard and Absol which are usually checks to more offensive sets, and allows you to OHKO all of them at +1.
  • Icium-Z gives Mesprit access to a nuke that helps break past checks, most notably OHKOing Skuntank at +1, but leaves you noticeably weaker to Dark-types and being Pursuit trapped. free z blizzard

Usage Tips
========
  • Once Mesprit has set up a Calm Mind it becomes a strong wall breaker used mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage, being brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan, respectively, in order for it to set up. It can also be brought in on weaker, more passive mons like Qwilfish and Weezing.
  • Mesprit should try to use its Psychic STAB as much as possible if no resists or immunities are present on your opponents team, but should be wary of doing so if mons like Aggron or Skuntank are still around. In the case of Dark-types being present it should attempt to use its coverage moves so that they don't get a free switchin on its Psychic STAB.
  • Icium Z should be used as a one-time nuke to remove or weaken a check to Mesprit like the previously mentioned Skuntank and Aggron as it either OHKO's or heavily damages them.
  • Mesprit should avoid setting up on mons with potential status moves, like Regirock or Clefairy, because being Paralysed or Toxic'd makes it either more vulnerable to revenge killing and/or prevents it from breaking effectively.
  • Due to how many sets Mesprit has the opponent may have difficulty determining what set Mesprit is which you can use that to your advantage, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========
  • Due to Mesprit using an offensive set Qwilfish or Weezing are good partners because they functions as more reliable Fighting resists that help pressure constant switching on the opponents part with Toxic Spikes, or Spikes and Toxic Spikes in Qwilfish's case.
  • Slow pivots like Volt Switch Lanturn or Eelektross allow Mesprit to come in for free without taking damage, meaning it's able to set up Calm Mind more effectively.
  • Even though Mesprit can OHKO every relevant Dark-type at +1 with Signal Beam except Skuntank, which drops to a +1 Subzero Slammer, it still appreciates checks to them Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr as they make it easier for Mesprit to set up if no Dark- and Steel-types are around. Mesprit also weakens both Psychic- and Poison-type checks for Fighting-types.
  • Special sweepers like Lilligant and Ludicolo appreciate special walls either weakened of dealt with, so Mesprit makes a great partner thanks to its access to Psyshock hitting mons like Type:Null and Clefairy for decent damage when boosted. id rather mention raichu than ludicolo especially if you lure dark types on this set, ludicolo is also quite odd outside of rain
  • Cleric support from Clefairy and Miltank, which also offer Stealth Rock support, or Wish support from Audino benefit Mesprit as status can severely cripple its ability to break team, while Wish support increases its longevity.
  • Support from Pursuit users such as Liepard and Skuntank help Mesprit as they're able to trap Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G which naturally outspeed and force Mesprit out; they however cannot beat it one-on-one if they're Choice Scarfed or not boosted, but Mesprit takes serious damage from both.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam / Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish / U-turn
item: Colbur Berry / Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth Rock is the crux of this set and allows Mesprit to fulfil the role of an entry hazard setter on more offensive teams, with Stealth Rocks allowing it to chip switchins.
  • Psychic is its strongest STAB option that allows it to sufficiently check Fighting- and Poison-types, albeit less effectively in comparison to the Defensive Stealth Rock set. Psyshock is an option, but only hits a few opposing mons harder like Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Magmortar, along with pivot Lanturn.
  • Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Dark-types such a Skuntank and Absol for neutral damage while also giving it a fantastic coverage move hitting common Grass-, Ground- and Flying-types for super effective damage.
  • Signal Beam on Mesprit is an option to hit every Dark-type bar Skuntank for super effective damage, but loses out slightly on the coverage and damage that Ice Beam offers.
  • Healing Wish is another momentum move that Mesprit can use as it helps offensive teams that usually rely on powerful sweepers and breakers, which appreciate a second chance.
  • U-turn is a great move on offensive Mesprit as most of the teams that use it rely on momentum generated by forcing switches. It also gives Mesprit a way of pivoting on incoming Dark-types that are usually able to trap the offensive set with relative ease. not sure about it on this set
  • Hidden Power Ground is a niche option that allows Mesprit to hit the premier Pursuit trapper, Skuntank, for super effective damage but is generally not worth dropping coverage moves for. yeah i would drop since its good only with lo against aggron
  • i like energy ball/hidden power fire on this set for the lead/ early game hazards matchup especially with lo

Set Details
========
  • Max speed along with max special attack allows Mesprit to still retain the role of a Stealth Rock user but means it can fit on more offensive teams. A Timid Nature allows Mesprit to outspeed threats such as Adamant Skuntank and Kangaskhan along with Jolly Absol.
  • A Modest Nature is also usable, but the loss in speed means it struggles more versus Dark-types that the Timid Set is able to outspeed.
  • Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, but gives it immunity to both Ground-type attacks and every entry hazard apart from Stealth Rock, allowing it increased longevity.
  • Colbur Berry is the primary item of choice, giving Mesprit a way of dealing with Dark-types and Knock Off users without being crippled or taking serious damage. Life Orb is an alternative that makes Mesprit a stronger offensive presence, but decreases its longevity and leaves it more open to being Pursuit-trapped.

Usage Tips
========
  • Mesprit is often an offensive team's choice for a Stealth Rock user and should be played more aggressively than the defensive set, as it's able to pressure every defensive Stealth Rocker in the tier apart from Ferroseed.
  • Thanks to being an offensive set Mesprit can act as a pseudo breaker especially if it's using a Life Orb over Colbur Berry, along it to soften opposing mons for teammates early- and mid-game.
  • Mesprit should be played extremely cautiously if the opponent has a Pursuit trapper because it lacks the bulk to take them on, especially if it opts for Life Orb as its item.
  • With U-turn Mesprit is able to pivot on the switches that it can force, gaining momentum and bringing in teammates potentially for free. It should be wary of spamming it when using Life Orb however, as it becomes easily chipped throughout the match.
  • Offensive Stealth Rock Mesprit can be a hard set for the opponent to pin down because it's rather uncommon, meaning you can use this to your advantage.
  • Healing Wish allows for a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate a shot at sweeping or breaking, which is extremely useful late-game for offensive teams. can be used early game too to stop a defog/spin too

Team Options
========
  • Primeape is a great partner for Mesprit because it provides a check to every Dark-type apart from Sableye, offering a dual U-turn core that keeps momentum for offensive teams. Archeops also fulfils a similar role, acting as a fast U-turner that is able to check most of the mons that threaten Mesprit.
  • Mesprit appreciates entry hazard support from Qwilfish because it functions as a more reliable Fighting resist that helps pressure constant switching on the opponents part with both Spikes and Toxic Spikes.
  • Powerful sweepers and cleaners like Zangoose and Lilligant act as good partners because they benefit from getting free switches with U-turn and are capable of breaking Steel- and Dark-types, respectively. They both like the Healing Wish support from Mesprit, especially Zangoose which is worn down incredibly easily throughout the match.
  • Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank help check and trap both Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Oricorio-G and Musharna, respectively, which threaten Mesprit and force it out. In turn Mesprit is able to break Fighting-types like Gurdurr and physical walls such as Weezing.
  • Strong wall breakers such as Magmortar and Abomasnow are able to weaken teams and gain momentum from Mesprit's U-turn, while also appreciating the Healing Wish support.
  • oricorio-g likes skuntank/regirock an the like weakened too
[SET]
name: Sub CM
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to set up Calm Mind in front of defensive walls that rely on status in order to cripple set up sweepers, like Gastrodon and Cleric Lanturn. It also allows Mesprit to not be Pursuit trapped by Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank, which are extremely threatening for this set.
  • Calm Mind coupled with Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence stats against Pokémon that are unable to threaten it such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker.
  • Psyshock is the preferred STAB move for Mesprit giving it the ability to hit the opponents defence stat rather than their special defence stat, meaning it's able to break through special walls like Clefairy and tanks like Magmortar.
  • Psychic can be used over Psyshock to hit mons like Aggron and Gurdurr harder, which Psyshock struggles against, but overall Psyshock is the more consistent option because Psychic struggles against most special walls and tanks.
  • Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit everything that its Psychic STAB cant, apart from Steel-types, meaning that standard switchins like Absol and Skuntank are 2HKO'd at +1. Ice Beam also gives super effective coverage against common Grass-, Flying- and Ground-types like Lilligant, Oricorio-G and Golurk, respectively. signal beam lets you beat musharna/opp mesprit/darks a bit more easily so it could be worth a mention, was decent for me

Set Details
========
  • 208 HP allows Mesprit to hit a Leftovers number which gives it the highest recovery possible and gives it a good form of passive recovery, allowing it to set a higher amount of Substitutes. It also makes Mesprit a lot bulkier, making it harder for more defensive mons to break its Sub.
  • Max speed along with a Timid Nature lets Mesprit speed tier with other postive base 80's like Shiftry, while also meaning it can outspeed mons like Jolly Absol and Kangaskhan.
  • 48 special attack means that Mesprit can almost always OHKO Shiftry at +1 while 2HKOing other Dark-types such as Liepard and Skuntank.
  • a max spa spread probably has some merit but not sure
  • Leftovers is basically required for this set to function as it gives Mesprit the passive recovery it needs to constantly set up Substitutes.
  • Levitate is the only ability it has but it gives it an immunity to all entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock along with an immunity to Ground-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========
  • Mesprit should aim to pivot into many of the more defensive mons in the tier, such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, to set up with Substitute and Calm Mind, forcing them out. It should be aware that a lot of the defensive mons in the tier carry some form of status however. Switching into Fighting-types like Hitmonchan also allows Mesprit almost free setup, but should be wary of Knock Off or U-turn. i would mention not to switch directly in since a scald burn/toxic is very bad
  • Sub CM Mesprit is noticeably weaker in comparison to other offensive sets and as such has trouble dealing with opposing mons when unboosted, and even when at +1. Due to this it should be used towards the late-game when the opponents team has already been weakened by teammates.
  • This Mesprit set struggles with Dark-types the most as it doesn't have the offensive presence or access to Colbur Berry to pressure them or mitigate damage, meaning it should be used carefully when the opponent still has a Dark-type around. Substitute is able to slightly mitigate this weakness as it stops mons like Liepard and Skuntank from Pursuit trapping it while also giving it a way of forcing 50/50s versus Sucker Punch users.

Team Options
========
  • First and foremost Calm Mind Mesprit requires a good check to Dark-types as it's extremely weak to mons like Shiftry (is it?) and Skuntank, so Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr help mitigate this weakness. Mesprit also benefits from these teammates as they draw in Psychic- and Poison-types which it can switch into and set up on.
  • Hazard support from the likes of Qwilfish and Weezing helps Mesprit break late-game as it can rely on the residual damage that (Toxic) Spikes offer. Qwilfish and Weezing also offer a solid resist to Fighting-types and a check to Dark-types.
  • Piloswine and Miltank are noticeable Stealth Rock users that offer both hazard support and a way of checking strong physical attackers like Archeops and Kangaskhan, with Mesprit also giving them a check to Fighting-types. Miltank can act as a Cleric with Heal Bell in case Mesprit gets status'd.
  • Pursuit trappers such as Liepard and Skuntank aid Mesprit as it struggles against offensive Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which are able to either OHKO or 2HKO Mesprit.
  • Powerful breakers like Magmortar and Zangoose are able to break Mesprit's checks, such as Aggron, Ferroseed and Skuntank, meaning that Mesprit has an easier time setting up and cleaning late-game

[SET]
name: Daylight Sucks
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Psychic
move 4: U-turn
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Depending on what weather archetype you're using, you'll either be using Rain Dance or Sunny Day to assist the rest of your team, doubling the speed of Swift Swim and Chlorophyll users and increasing their Water and Fire attacks, respectively.
  • Stealth Rock allows Mesprit to break Focus Sash and Sturdy mons and chipping targets that switch in, meaning that its teammates have an easier time sweeping as they don't need to waste weather turns and take unnecessary damage. It also stops the opponents being able to constantly switch in order to wait out the remaining weather turns.
  • Psychic helps Mesprit not be completely passive and so it isn't able to be set up on, while also providing a good check versus both Poison- and Fighting-type Pokémon. This is especially important against mons like Qwilfish as most weather teams don't have a way to remove hazards.
  • U-turn provides Mesprit with a slow momentum move that lets it get in its teammates once it has set up both its weather and Stealth Rock.
  • healing wish? magic coat? no idea

Set Details
========
  • Max HP and almost max defence allow Mesprit to set more than once a game, making a useful bulky pivot versus Fighting-, Ground- and Poison-types.
  • 16 Speed means that it can outspeed Adamant Aggron and any other neutral base 50's.
  • Levitate is its only ability, but still gives it an immunity to Ground-type attacks along with being immune to every entry hazard except from Stealth Rock.
  • Heat Rock and Damp Rock are required as they increase the amount of turns weather is on the field from 5 to 8. do you need to mention which goes with which move?

Usage Tips
========
  • Mesprit provides excellent role compression for weather teams as it can set both weather and hazards, along with having access to a momentum move in U-turn. Thanks to its high defensive stats it's also able to take multiple hits throughout the course of the battle, meaning it can set multiple times.
  • Generally when using Mesprit it should aim to set Stealth Rock before setting weather, because it doesn't want to burn its weather turns for no reason. However, some situations may arise where it is only able to use one, it should only focus on getting up weather because it's more beneficial for its team.
  • Against mons like Skuntank and Qwilfish, it should be wary of try to set up as both of the previously mentioned carry Taunt, which can stop it dead in its tracks. Mesprit is able to hit Qwilfish super effectively with Psychic.
  • Because of not carry a Colbur Berry, Mesprit has to be cautious of opposing Dark-types and may have to make a choice between setting and getting knocked out or not setting and being used later on. It should attempt to predict Dark-types coming in and use U-turn to pivot out.
  • On rain teams Mesprit is often the most reliable Fighting resist (off qwilfish >:[), so should be preserved if the opponent still has a Fighting-type like Gurdurr or Assault Vest Hitmonchan.

Team Options
========
  • Rain sweepers like Ludicolo, Kabutops and Gorebyss are great partners for Rain Dance Mesprit as they all benefit from rain-boosted moves along with having their speed boosted thanks to Swift Swim. Similarly, sun sweepers like Victreebel, Shiftry and Exeggutor (sawsbuck) are ideal teammates for Sunny Day Mesprit as they receive a speed boost thanks to Chlorophyll when sun is up, with Victreebel also getting access to a Fire-boosted Weather Ball.
  • On rain Qwilfish is a fantastic partner because they have no natural way to remove Toxic Spikes, unlike with Victreebel on sun, which cripples every sweeper on rain. Qwilfish is also able to set its own hazards and Taunt opposing set up mons.
  • On sun teams fast mons like Pyroar are ideal because of how slow the rest of the team is when outside of sun, while also giving a powerful breaker when sun is up. magmortar too with flame charge/z sday but idk if they are onsite

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Choice Band is an option on Mesprit thanks to it having access to a decent physical movepool including things like Fire Punch, Knock Off, Zen Headbutt and U-turn while also has a high base 105 attack stat too. However, physical walls are far more prominent in comparison to special walls, making it a lacklustre set.
  • Future Sight gives Mesprit a powerful Psychic move that can help force switches after it pivots out, but is too inconsistent and requires Mesprit to drop a crucial coverage move. this is worse than tbolt smh
  • Magic Coat allows it to bounce status and hazards back at the opponent and can be a unique move on the defensive Stealth Rock set.
  • A dual screens set, with Reflect and Light Screen, can be used, but other setters such as Meowstic do it better thanks to a better speed tier and Prankster.
  • legend imprison, energy ball if you dont put it in move, dazzling gleam for sab, hp fire, TRICK,


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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Shiftry, Liepard and Absol are Mesprit's main check as they are immune to it's STAB and threaten it with a super effective Dark-type move, however they both struggle to switch in to the offensive sets and must be wary of Colbur Berry weakening their attacks. Skuntank is the most notable as the only coverage move Mesprit has to hit it is Hidden Power Ground., persian is relevant

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed, Probopass and Aggron resist all of Mesprit's standard coverage options and can set up hazards on it, with Probopass being able to pivot on any switchin with Volt Switch and Aggron threatening a powerful Head Smash of Heavy Slam. The latter two have to be wary of the uncommon Hidden Power Ground however.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls like Munchlax and Type:Null are capable of checking basically every set Mesprit uses, even the Calm Mind sets if they're unboosted.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G are capable of offensively checking Mesprit with their powerful Ghost STAB, but are unable to directly switchin to Mesprit. Choice Scarf Mesprit is also able to check them if they lack the same item and without a boost or Life Orb they're unable to OHKO the offensive sets.

**Shedinja**: doesn't take any dmg from deh sets and walls lul

strong attackers that can tank a hit and hit back like ursaring/drampa maybe? theres quite a number
1/3 good job
 
the issue i have with some of this information is the way you talk about skuntank in general, especially in specs and checks and counters sections, implying as if mesprit would need hidden power ground to do anything to it, which is rather misleading. i think you should make note of exceptional cases where it wouldn't need hp ground, notably how specs ice beam 2hkos skuntank (not sure why that was not mentioned when writing about specs, as that's pretty relevant info) and how offensive cm can either 2hko with boosted ice beam or ohko with z-ice beam after a boost.

also when talking about aggron in checks and counters in steel-type section, it's worth emphasizing that aggron is the only one out of that section that actually has trouble switching in on some sets due to its terrible spdef, and not just about the possibility of hp ground (specs easily 2hkos with psychic, life orb sets the same after rocks, etc.). it can't freely come in as aggressively nor actively as your other mentions.

also kind of feel like musharna could be briefly mentioned somewhere as it circumstantially beats/sets up on a majority of mesprit sets lacking coverage in lo/specs/cm sets.

shedinja isn't considered viable in pu, so i'd remove that lol.

other than that, agreed with galb's check
 

ManOfMany

I can make anything real
is a Tiering Contributor
This better not move up by usage or I'll actually cry...
[OVERVIEW]
  • Currently, Mesprit is the most versatile pokemon in PU with access to a wide movepool, meaning that it has several viable sets, and a great stat distribution that gives it both bulk and power. I'd expand a little more here, you kind of cramped a ton of Mesprit's great traits into one sentence
  • Mesprit has access to one of the best moves in the game in Stealth Rock, and is undeniably the best setter in the tier thanks to great defensive stats and Levitate, allowing it to set with relative ease. It also has a fantastic match up versus the best Rapid Spinner in the tier, Hitmonchan.
  • Levitate also gives Mesprit immunity to all hazards except for Stealth Rock, preventing it from being worn down over repeated switches.
  • Mesprit has access to a myriad of useful support moves such as Healing Wish, Thunder Wave, U-Turn and Trick; all allowing it to fulfil different support roles. Healing Wish is one of the most notable ones with it meaning a weakened Mesprit can fully restore the HP of a teammate.
  • A Psychic-typing along with Levitate allows it Mesprit check common Fighting-, Ground- and Poison-types effectively, but due to being a Psychic-type it's weak to Pursuit users such as Absol and Skuntank, with more offensive sets being weaker to Sucker Punch users like Shiftry and the aforementioned Skuntank. although mention it can get around these pokemon due to its coverage and depending on item
  • Even though Mesprit has good stat distribution, its speed is rather lacking meaning that against more offensively based teams it can struggle, especially if it's an offensive set. Bulkier sets also have no way of restoring HP, outside of the Substitute Calm Mind set. None of the sets really has ways of recovering HP (leftovers barely counts).

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Psychic is the strongest Psychic-type move that Mesprit has at its disposal, with the ability to OHKO and 2HKO most neutral targets, even specially defensive tanks like Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar after some prior damage.
  • Psyshock is an option on Mesprit to hit more special defensively inclined mons such as Clefairy and Type:Null which Psychic fails to beat, because it hits the defence rather than special defence.
  • Ice beam allows Mesprit to hit mons that resist its main STAB option such as Sableye and Ferroseed for neutral picking up a 2HKO and 3HKO, respectively. mention that it provides great neutral coverage in general
  • Signal Beam gives it super effective coverage against Psychic- and Dark-types, which are usually able to come in on Mesprits STAB Psychic move and force it out. It allows it to hit every Dark-type aside from Skuntank for super effective damage.
  • Healing Wish is usually used as the last slot on Mesprit because it gives a weakened Mesprit the chance to heal a teammate back to full if it's no longer needed.
  • Hidden Power Fire is a niche move that lets Mesprit hit Ferroseed and Mawile super effectively, but is generally pushed aside for a better coverage move.
  • thoughts on U-turn? I feel like it does have some merit on Specs over either Signal Beam or Healing Wish
Set Details
========
  • Max Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, with a Modest Nature further boosting its offensive prowess and allowing it to gain crucial 2HKO's against mons such as AV Lanturn and Magmortar.
  • Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, giving it a nice immunity to Ground-type moves along with an immunity to all forms of hazards except from Stealth Rocks.
  • Choice Specs further boosts Mesprits offensive capabilities and along with a Modest Nature allows it break extremely effectively.
  • Max Speed allows it to be a reasonably quick wall breaker, being naturally faster than pokemon like Assault Vest Magmortar and Adamant Absol.
  • Timid is an option on Mesprit, as it allows it to outspeed things like Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank, along with Jolly Absol; it is noticeably weaker however and fails to get some 2HKO's and 3HKO's that Modest does. give example

Usage Tips
========
  • Due to Mesprits powerful wall breaking capabilities it should be used early to mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage, being brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan, respectively. It can also be brought in on weaker, more passive mons like Qwilfish and Weezing.
  • When mons still resistant or immune to Mesprits Psychic STAB are still present it should be wary of locking itself into Psychic or Psyshock, and instead use coverage when appropriate, like predicting a switch in. This is especially notable against Pokémon like Skuntank and Absol, which are able to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Ice Beam is also currently a very spammable move in the current meta.
  • If the opponent either has no Psychic resist or immunity, or it has fainted, then Mesprit should focus on spamming its Psychic STAB in an effort to break the opposing team.
  • Mesprit can also use Healing Wish once it is either weakened too much or isn't needed anymore to give another teammate another chance.
  • Due to how many sets Mesprit has, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what set Mesprit is and you can use that to your advantage in certain situations, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set.
Team Options
========
  • Even though most Dark-types are unable to switch in directly to Mesprit, unless locked into Psychic, Mesprit still appreciates support to check and beat them as it doesn't want to force predictions versus mons with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Teammates like Weezing and Gurdurr are useful in these situations because they pressure Dark-types such as Skuntank and Shiftry. Persian-Alola is another notable partner because thanks to Parting Shot it helps get Mesprit in easier.
  • Mesprit loves support from hazard stacking mons such as Weezing, Qwilfish and Piloswine, as it helps it break far more efficiently while also providing Mesprit with soft checks to Dark-types, with Piloswine being the most notable as it pressures Shiftry with Ice Shard and Skuntank with Earthquake.
  • Sweepers and breakers such as Lilligant and Aggron benefit from Mesprit as a teammate, as Mesprit is able to break common checks for them and support them late-game with a Healing Wish, giving them another opportunity to sweep and break. In return, Aggron and Lilligant help pressure things like Dark-types and special walls.
  • Mesprit also enjoys a teammate with speed control due to having a lacklustre speed stat itself, with Primape being the most notable example of this. Primeape is able to outspeed the entire unboosted meta, offer U-turn support and force out specially defensive walls that Mesprit struggles with, such as Type:Null and Audino. Breakers such as Swords Dance Lycanroc and Absol are also able to set up on these mons too.
  • Pursuit trappers are appreciated by Mesprit because it struggles versus Ghost-types that naturally outspeed it, like Oricorio-G and Haunter. Skuntank is a good example as it resists both of Haunters STABs and pressure Oricorio-G. Liepard is another notable trapper as it outspeeds Oricorio-G and Haunter that lack Choice Scarf.

[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Healing Wish / Thunder Wave
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth rock is what makes this set and Mesprit is currently the best setter in the tier thanks to its good typing and defensive stats. Stealth Rock helps support teammates by whittling opposing mons down with residual damage upon switching in.
  • Psychic gives it a powerful STAB option which allows it to deal super effective damage against both Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr and Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish.
  • U-turn allows Mesprit to offer teammates a slow pivoting move to get in safely whilst also allowing it to switch out versus Dark-types like Shiftry, Absol and Skuntank. It also helps versus the latter two as they usually attempt to Pursuit trap Mesprit.
  • Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate another chance, such as a sweeper like Lilligant or breaker like Drampa. Healing Wish also gives its target a free switch in without worrying about taking a hit.
  • Thunder Wave is another option Mesprit has for crippling potential switchins like Dark- or Steel-types, and even crippling setup sweepers like Carracosta who are able to boost on Healing Wish variants. Thunder Wave also allows for soft speed control against more offensive teams.

Set Details
========
  • Maximum HP EVs along with almost maximum Def EVs gives Mesprit the bulk it requires to take on most physical attackers, with a Bold Nature further increasing its bulkiness. Even though it runs U-turn, a minus attack nature is preferred because it's only using U-turn as a pivoting move.
  • Colbur Berry is the optimal item for Mesprit, as it helps versus Dark-types that are usually able to Pursuit trap it such as Skuntank and Absol, doing super effective damage to the latter. It's also able to almost always OHKO Shiftry even with a minus attack nature with U-turn.
  • 16 Speed allows Mesprit to outspeed max speed neutral base 50's such as Aggron, allowing it to pivot more safely without taking an unwanted hit.
  • Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every hazard bar Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========
  • Thanks to maximum defensive investment, Mesprit is able to switch into physical attacks, assuming they aren't super effective. It should especially aim to switch into Fighting- and Ground-types due to resistance and immunity, respectively. Mesprit is also one of the few users of Stealth Rock which is able to beat Hitmonchan, the most common user of Rapid Spin in the tier.
  • Mesprit should attempt to U-turn predicting a switch or directly pivot out on Pokemon that it cant hit such as Steel- and Dark-types like Ferroseed and Skuntank, respectively. U-turning against Dark-types also allows it to avoid extra damage from faster Pursuit users. or just to bring in
  • Mesprit should try to set up Stealth Rock against things that it isn't directly threatened by such as Piloswine and Regirock, or pokemon that it forces out with the threat of its STAB move like Weezing, Gurdurr and Hitmonchan.
  • Mesprit should aim to use Healing Wish later in the game once it and the rest of its team is weakened, and once it isn't needed, to restore the HP of another useful teammate.
  • Thunder Wave is able to be used as a form of pseudo speed control, crippling faster targets like Skuntank or setup mons such as Carracosta, making them more susceptible to revenge killing.
  • It is worth noting that once its Colbur Berry has been consumed, Mesprit finds it a lot harder to switch in and out when the opponent has a Dark-type mon, because Mesprit is Pursuit trapped a lot easier.

Team Options
========
  • Mesprit works well with a Volt Switch U-turn core, so pivots like Primeape, Lanturn and Eelektross are all notable. The former allows for a fast U-turn and the ability to check most Dark-types with the latter two being good specially defensive pivots offering a slow Volt Switch. Persian-Alola is notable because it creates a good fast-slow Voltturn core.
  • Mesprit also pairs well with strong breakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it usually brings them in for free with a slow U-turn along with resisting Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and checking Ground-types like Piloswine; it's also able to offer late game Healing Wish support to them.
  • Mesprit can be also be used in a similar vain as mentioned above with set up sweepers such as Lilligant and Shiftry. huh? are you saying that defensive mesprit breaks stuff for them to sweep? cause i don't really see it
  • Support to deal with Dark-types is appreciated so Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan make good partners for Mesprit.
  • Teammates with Pursuit trap are also ideal for Mesprit as it deal with things that would usually switch in and setup on it like Musharna or Oricorio-G, or directly force it out like Haunter. Skuntank and Absol pressure all of these pokemon with either Pursuit or Sucker punch.
  • Due to not having any form of recovery and being prone to status, especially Toxic, Mesprit appreciates cleric support from the likes of Miltank and Audino, with the latter also able to pass it decently sized Wish's.
  • Due to how passive this Mesprit set is it often draws in bulky set up mons like Musharna and Type:Null, so strong breakers like Choice Specs Pyroar and Swords Dance Absol are useful for breaking these mons. combine this with the 2nd bullet
  • Fighting-weak mons are a huge thing, you mention some of them but this should get its own bullet

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Healing Wish
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Psychic is Mesprits strongest STAB option, allowing it to deal super effective damage against Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish and Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Due to a naturally high special attack stat, Mesprit can potentially sweep teams late-game with STAB Psychic.
  • U-turn allows Choice Scarf Mesprit to act as a fast pivot and helps ease prediction, especially against incoming checks such as Skuntank and Ferroseed, though it does take residual damage from the latter. Mesprit is also able to outspeed Jynx and almost OHKO it with U-turn.
  • Healing Wish gives Mesprit the chance to heal a weakened teammate to full once Mesprit isn't needed anymore or has taken too much damage, with the benefit of also generating momentum.
  • Ice beam allows Mesprit to hit opponents such as Oricorio-G and Lilligant for Super-Effective damage, as well as dark types for neutral damage if they switch into Mesprit predicting a Psychic Move.
  • You sure about no other moves mentioned here?
Set Details
========
  • Max Speed alongside holding a Choice Scarf allows Mesprit to outspeed the entire unboosted meta, barring Ninjask and Electrode, and outspeed any Choice Scarf user below base 65 speed, such as Abomasnow.
  • A Modest nature coupled with Max Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, and is the preferred nature on it. Timid is a niche nature that does allow it to outspeed a few things such as +2 Adamant Torterra and Huntail.
  • Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every hazard bar Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
  • Choice Scarf Mesprit appreciates being brought in after something has fainted or by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn user, such as Lanturn, to try and either force out the opposing pokemon or revenge kill it. It's also able to pivot in on Fighting- and Ground-types, but needs to be wary as the former carry Knock Off. only gurdurr carries Knock, probably just remove the 'needs to be wary part' since you cover that in the next bullet
  • Early to mid-game, Mesprit shouldn't be played aggressively if the opponent has checks such as Skuntank or Ferroseed and should instead opt to gain momentum by U-turning on these switchins. It can also use coverage versus them if they're sufficiently weakened, but has to be wary of Sucker Punch from Dark-types. Or if they have a setup sweeper like Carracosta you play it safe too
  • Mesprit can be used late-game as a sweeper due to Choice Scarf boosting its speed, meaning weakened teams lacking checks can be cleaned with STAB Psychic.
  • If Mesprit is no longer needed or is weakened it can also choose to heal a teammate to full with Healing Wish, whilst also giving that teammate a free switchin and generating momentum.
  • Similarly to the Choice Specs set, it can be hard to identify what set Mesprit is running from team preview, allowing you to catch your opponent off guard.

Team Options
========
  • Mesprit is a good fit on offense teams that need a soft check to both Fighting- and Ground-types but also require good speed control.
  • Due to being weaker than the Choice Specs and not being defensively invested like the Stealth Rock set Mesprit appreciates having a solid Dark-type resist even more. Pokemon such as Gurdurr, Weezing and Ferroseed are fantastic partners, with the latter two being able to set hazards to weaken the opposing team for Scarf Mesprit, while Weezing also acts as a solid Fighting resist.
  • Mesprit also pairs well with strong breakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it's able to rely on them to break teams. Mesprit is able to bring them both in with U-turn and also provides a Fighting resist versus mons like Hitmonchan along with checking Ground-types like Piloswine. It's also able to offer late game Healing Wish support to them once it's weakened or isn't needed.
  • Archeops forms a potent U-turn core with Mesprit, with the two pressuring each others checks, with Archeops pressuring Dark-types and Mesprit pressuring physical walls. Archeops also appreciates Healing Wish support especially if it's in range of its Defeatist ability.
  • Defensive pivots also benefit Mesprit due to it not wanting to take hits, so things like Miltank and Audino fit the role while also being clerics to heal Mesprit of status, with the former being able to set Stealth Rocks for Mesprit and the latter able to pass Wishes to it.
  • Persian-Alola and Liepard are also fantastic partners thanks to them also being fast pivot mons.

[SET]
name: CM 3 Attacks
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Colbur Berry / Icium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Calm Mind gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence stats against Pokémon that it resists such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker.
  • Psyshock is the preferred Psychic STAB for Calm Mind Mesprit because it lets it deal with special walls such as Clefairy and Type:Null, while also still hitting physical walls such as Gurdurr and Qwilfish for substantial damage.
  • Psychic is an option of Psyshock as it can hit a few targets like Piloswine, Regirock and Aggron harder along with being able to fare with Gurdurr better if unboosted. It does lose out on make it harder to beating special walls however, which can hinder its ability to break. Psychic also hits most neutral targets harder, not just a few specific mons
  • Ice Beam is Mesprit's best coverage move hitting everything that its Psychic STAB can't for neutral, barring Steel, and allows Mesprit to Oricorio-G and Lilligant for super effective damage. It also allows for a decent middle-ground option to hit Dark-types.
  • Signal Beam is Mesprit's best way to hit both Psychic- and Dark-types in one slot, allowing Mesprit to punish these common switchins with a super effective hit, or in Skuntanks case a neutral hit.
  • Hidden Power Ground can be ran as a coverage option to hit Steel-types, like Aggron and Mawile, and Skuntank for super effective damage. I would mention HP Fire here too, hits Ferro and the other steels, although not Skunk

Set Details
========
  • A max Special Attack stat coupled with max Speed and a Timid Nature allows Mesprit to be as fast as possible while also hitting as hard as possible. A Modest Nature is usable, but not outspeeding the likes of Adamant Skuntank and Jolly Absol makes it overall a worse option.
  • Mesprit's only ability is Levitate which gives it an immunity to all entry hazards outside of Stealth Rock and also an immunity to Ground-type attacks.
  • Colbur Berry helps Mesprit tackle Dark-types like Shiftry, Liepard and Absol which are usually checks to more offensive sets, and allows you to OHKO all of them at +1.
  • Icium-Z gives Mesprit access to a nuke that helps break past checks, most notably OHKOing Skuntank at +1, but leaves you noticeably weaker to Dark-types and being Pursuit trapped.
  • Galbia said I should "free Z Blizzard" so use that if you want a slightly stronger Ice Beam that misses every time you try to use it outside of z move.

Usage Tips
========
  • Once Mesprit has set up a Calm Mind it becomes a strong wall breaker used mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage, being brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan, respectively, in order for it to set up. It can also be brought in on weaker, more passive mons like Qwilfish and Weezing.
  • Mesprit should try to use its Psychic STAB as much as possible if no resists or immunities are present on your opponents team, but should be wary of doing so if mons like Aggron or Skuntank are still around. In the case of Dark-types being present it should attempt to use its coverage moves so that they don't get a free switchin on its Psychic STAB.
  • Icium Z should be used as a one-time nuke to remove or weaken a check to Mesprit like the previously mentioned Skuntank and Aggron as it either OHKO's or heavily damages them.
  • Mesprit should avoid setting up on mons with potential status moves, like Regirock or Clefairy, because being Paralysed or Toxic'd makes it either more vulnerable to revenge killing and/or prevents it from breaking effectively.
  • Due to how many sets Mesprit has the opponent may have difficulty determining what set Mesprit is which you can use that to your advantage, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set. specify a little, give an example of setting CM on the switch

Team Options
========
  • Due to Mesprit using an offensive set Qwilfish or Weezing are good partners because they functions as more reliable Fighting resists that help pressure constant switching on the opponents part with Toxic Spikes, or Spikes and Toxic Spikes in Qwilfish's case.
  • Slow pivots like Volt Switch Lanturn or Eelektross allow Mesprit to come in for free without taking damage, meaning it's able to set up Calm Mind more effectively.
  • Even though Mesprit can OHKO every relevant Dark-type at +1 with Signal Beam except Skuntank, which drops to a +1 Subzero Slammer, it still appreciates checks to them Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr as they make it easier for Mesprit to set up if no Dark- and Steel-types are around. Mesprit also weakens both Psychic- and Poison-type checks for Fighting-types.
  • Special sweepers like Lilligant and Ludicolo appreciate special walls either weakened of dealt with, so Mesprit makes a great partner thanks to its access to Psyshock hitting mons like Type:Null and Clefairy for decent damage when boosted. Raichu-Alola also enjoys Dark-types being weakened, even though it's able to deal with special walls by itself.
  • Cleric support from Clefairy and Miltank, which also offer Stealth Rock support, or Wish support from Audino benefit Mesprit as status can severely cripple its ability to break team, while Wish support increases its longevity. too much clefairy mentions ;_; try lanturn here maybe
  • Support from Pursuit users such as Liepard and Skuntank help Mesprit as they're able to trap Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G which naturally outspeed and force Mesprit out; they however cannot beat it one-on-one if they're Choice Scarfed or not boosted, but Mesprit takes serious damage from both.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam / Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish / U-turn
item: Colbur Berry / Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth Rock is the crux of this set and allows Mesprit to fulfil the role of an entry hazard setter on more offensive teams, with Stealth Rocks allowing it to chip switchins.
  • Psychic is its strongest STAB option that allows it to sufficiently check Fighting- and Poison-types, albeit less effectively in comparison to the Defensive Stealth Rock set. Psyshock is an option, but only hits a few opposing mons harder like Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Magmortar, along with pivot Lanturn.
  • Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Dark-types such a Skuntank and Absol for neutral damage while also giving it a fantastic coverage move hitting common Grass-, Ground- and Flying-types for super effective damage.
  • Signal Beam on Mesprit is an option to hit every Dark-type bar Skuntank for super effective damage, but loses out slightly on the coverage and damage that Ice Beam offers.
  • Healing Wish is another momentum move that Mesprit can use as it helps offensive teams that usually rely on powerful sweepers and breakers, which appreciate a second chance.
  • U-turn is a great move on offensive Mesprit as most of the teams that use it rely on momentum generated by forcing switches. It also gives Mesprit a way of pivoting on incoming Dark-types that are usually able to trap the offensive set with relative ease.
  • Hidden Power Fire is a niche option that allows Mesprit to hit Ferroseed and Mawile for super effective damage, but is generally not worth dropping coverage moves for.

Set Details
========
  • Max speed along with max special attack allows Mesprit to still retain the role of a Stealth Rock user but means it can fit on more offensive teams. A Timid Nature allows Mesprit to outspeed threats such as Adamant Skuntank and Kangaskhan along with Jolly Absol.
  • A Modest Nature is also usable, but the loss in speed means it struggles more versus Dark-types that the Timid Set is able to outspeed. not just the Dark-types, you can just say the aforementioned pokemon
  • Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, but gives it immunity to both Ground-type attacks and every entry hazard apart from Stealth Rock, allowing it increased longevity.
  • Colbur Berry is the primary item of choice, giving Mesprit a way of dealing with Dark-types and Knock Off users without being crippled or taking serious damage. Life Orb is an alternative that makes Mesprit a stronger offensive presence, but decreases its longevity and leaves it more open to being Pursuit-trapped. I don't agree with Life Orb being slashed here, I think some coverage Z-move would be better for smashing Defog Skunk, see what qc team says

Usage Tips
========
  • Mesprit is often an offensive team's choice for a Stealth Rock user and should be played more aggressively than the defensive set, as it's able to pressure every defensive Stealth Rocker in the tier apart from Ferroseed.
  • Thanks to being an offensive set Mesprit can act as a pseudo breaker especially if it's using a Life Orb over Colbur Berry, along it to soften opposing mons for teammates early- and mid-game.
  • Mesprit should be played extremely cautiously if the opponent has a Pursuit trapper because it lacks the bulk to take them on, especially if it opts for Life Orb as its item. defenitely wouldn't say extremely cautiously for offensive rocks mesprit, but you can mention to be aware if mesprit is needed for checking pokemon like Gurdurr not to play too aggressively with its health
  • With U-turn Mesprit is able to pivot on the switches that it can force, gaining momentum and bringing in teammates potentially for free. It should be wary of spamming it when using Life Orb however, as it becomes easily chipped throughout the match.
  • Offensive Stealth Rock Mesprit can be a hard set for the opponent to pin down because it's rather uncommon, meaning you can use this to your advantage. give an example of how you would use prediction of other sets to your advantage
  • Healing Wish allows for a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate a shot at sweeping or breaking, which is extremely useful late-game for offensive teams. It can also be used to block both Defog and Rapid Spin early- to mid-game if needed. This is less usage tips than moves

Team Options
========
  • Primeape is a great partner for Mesprit because it provides a check to every Dark-type apart from Sableye, offering a dual U-turn core that keeps momentum for offensive teams. Archeops also fulfils a similar role, acting as a fast U-turner that is able to check most of the mons that threaten Mesprit.
  • Mesprit appreciates entry hazard support from Qwilfish because it functions as a more reliable Fighting resist that helps pressure constant switching on the opponents part with both Spikes and Toxic Spikes. or weezing
  • Powerful sweepers and cleaners like Zangoose and Lilligant act as good partners because they benefit from getting free switches with U-turn and are capable of breaking Steel- and Dark-types, respectively. They both like the Healing Wish support from Mesprit, especially Zangoose which is worn down incredibly easily throughout the match.
  • Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank help check and trap both Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Oricorio-G and Musharna, respectively, which threaten Mesprit and force it out. In turn Mesprit is able to break Fighting-types like Gurdurr and physical walls such as Weezing.
  • Strong wall breakers such as Magmortar and Abomasnow are able to weaken teams and gain momentum from Mesprit's U-turn, while also appreciating the Healing Wish support.
  • mention some defensive pokemon, maybe dark and ghost checks,
[SET]
name: Sub CM
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to set up Calm Mind in front of defensive walls that rely on status in order to cripple set up sweepers, like Gastrodon and Cleric Lanturn. It also allows Mesprit to not be Pursuit trapped by Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank, which are extremely threatening for this set.
  • Calm Mind coupled with Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence stats against Pokémon that are unable to threaten it such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker.
  • Psyshock is the preferred STAB move for Mesprit giving it the ability to hit the opponents defence stat rather than their special defence stat, meaning it's able to break through special walls like Clefairy and tanks like Magmortar.
  • Psychic can be used over Psyshock to hit mons like Aggron and Gurdurr harder, which Psyshock struggles against, but overall Psyshock is the more consistent option because Psychic struggles against most special walls and tanks.
  • Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit everything that its Psychic STAB cant, apart from Steel-types, meaning that standard switchins like Absol and Skuntank are 2HKO'd at +1. Ice Beam also gives super effective coverage against common Grass-, Flying- and Ground-types like Lilligant, Oricorio-G and Golurk, respectively.
  • Signal Beam is an option that lets Mesprit tackle Psychic- and Dark-types in the same slot, like other Mesprits and Absol far easier compared to Ice Beam, but loses out on coverage.

Set Details
========
  • 208 HP allows Mesprit to hit a Leftovers number which gives it the highest recovery possible and gives it a good form of passive recovery, allowing it to set a higher amount of Substitutes. It also makes Mesprit a lot bulkier, making it harder for more defensive mons to break its Sub.
  • Max speed along with a Timid Nature lets Mesprit speed tier with other postive base 80's like Shiftry, while also meaning it can outspeed mons like Jolly Absol and Kangaskhan.
  • 48 special attack means that Mesprit can almost always OHKO Shiftry at +1 while 2HKOing other Dark-types such as Liepard and Skuntank.
  • Leftovers is basically required for this set to function as it gives Mesprit the passive recovery it needs to constantly set up Substitutes.
  • Levitate is the only ability it has but it gives it an immunity to all entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock along with an immunity to Ground-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========
  • Mesprit should aim to pivot into many of the more defensive mons in the tier, such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, to set up with Substitute and Calm Mind, forcing them out. It should be aware that a lot of the defensive mons in the tier carry some form of status however, which can cripple it if it directly switches in. Switching into Fighting-types like Hitmonchan also allows Mesprit almost free setup, but should be wary of Knock Off or U-turn.
  • Sub CM Mesprit is noticeably weaker in comparison to other offensive sets and as such has trouble dealing with opposing mons when unboosted, and even when at +1. Due to this it should be used towards the late-game when the opponents team has already been weakened by teammates.
  • This Mesprit set struggles with Dark-types the most as it doesn't have the offensive presence or access to Colbur Berry to pressure them or mitigate damage, meaning it should be used carefully when the opponent still has a Dark-type around. Substitute is able to slightly mitigate this weakness as it stops mons like Liepard and Skuntank from Pursuit trapping it while also giving it a way of forcing 50/50s versus Sucker Punch users.

Team Options
========
  • First and foremost Calm Mind Mesprit requires a good check to Dark-types as it's extremely weak to mons like Shiftry and Skuntank, so Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr help mitigate this weakness. Mesprit also benefits from these teammates as they draw in Psychic- and Poison-types which it can switch into and set up on. you can maybe also mention a mon that lures Skuntank
  • Hazard support from the likes of Qwilfish and Weezing helps Mesprit break late-game as it can rely on the residual damage that (Toxic) Spikes offer. Qwilfish and Weezing also offer a solid secondary resist to Fighting-types and a check to Dark-types. and faster physical attackers that can revenge kill this set
  • Piloswine and Miltank are noticeable Stealth Rock users that offer both hazard support and a way of checking strong physical attackers like Archeops and Kangaskhan, with Mesprit also giving them a check to Fighting-types. Miltank can act as a Cleric with Heal Bell in case Mesprit gets status'd.
  • Pursuit trappers such as Liepard and Skuntank aid Mesprit as it struggles against offensive Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which are able to either OHKO or 2HKO Mesprit.
  • Powerful breakers like Magmortar and Zangoose are able to break Mesprit's checks, such as Aggron, Ferroseed and Skuntank, meaning that Mesprit has an easier time setting up and cleaning late-game
  • mention some fast cleaner pokemon that can take advantage of mesprit setting up on mons like weezing/gastrodon (Scarf Primeape for example

[SET]
name: Daylight Sucks
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Psychic
move 4: U-turn
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Depending on what weather archetype you're using, you'll either be using Rain Dance or Sunny Day to assist the rest of your team, doubling the speed of Swift Swim and Chlorophyll users and increasing their Water and Fire attacks, respectively.
  • Stealth Rock allows Mesprit to break Focus Sash and Sturdy mons and chipping targets that switch in, meaning that its teammates have an easier time sweeping as they don't need to waste weather turns and take unnecessary damage. It also stops the opponents being able to constantly switch in order to wait out the remaining weather turns.
  • Psychic helps Mesprit not be completely passive and so it isn't able to be set up on, while also providing a good check versus both Poison- and Fighting-type Pokémon. This is especially important against mons like Qwilfish as most weather teams don't have a way to remove hazards.
  • U-turn provides Mesprit with a slow momentum move that lets it get in its teammates once it has set up both its weather and Stealth Rock.

Set Details
========
  • Max HP and almost max defence allow Mesprit to set more than once a game, making a useful bulky pivot versus Fighting-, Ground- and Poison-types.
  • 16 Speed means that it can outspeed Adamant Aggron and any other neutral base 50's.
  • Levitate is its only ability, but still gives it an immunity to Ground-type attacks along with being immune to every entry hazard except from Stealth Rock.
  • Heat Rock and Damp Rock are required as they increase the amount of turns weather is on the field from 5 to 8, with Heat Rock increasing the duration of Sunny Day and Damp Rock increasing the duration of Rain Dance.

Usage Tips
========
  • Mesprit provides excellent role compression for weather teams as it can set both weather and hazards, along with having access to a momentum move in U-turn. Thanks to its high defensive stats it's also able to take multiple hits throughout the course of the battle, meaning it can set multiple times.
  • Generally when using Mesprit it should aim to set Stealth Rock before setting weather, because it doesn't want to burn its weather turns for no reason. However, some situations may arise where it is only able to use one, it should only focus on getting up weather because it's more beneficial for its team.
  • Against mons like Skuntank and Qwilfish, it should be wary of try to set up as both of the previously mentioned carry Taunt, which can stop it dead in its tracks. Mesprit is able to hit Qwilfish super effectively with Psychic. Skuntank doesn't even use Taunt that much, and who even stays in with Qwilfish on mesprit? remove this point or restructure it completely
  • Because of not carry a Colbur Berry, Mesprit has to be cautious of opposing Dark-types and may have to make a choice between setting and getting knocked out or not setting and being used later on. It should attempt to predict Dark-types coming in and use U-turn to pivot out.
  • On rain teams Mesprit is often the most reliable Fighting resist, so should be preserved if the opponent still has a Fighting-type like Gurdurr or Assault Vest Hitmonchan. (who can threaten the rain sweepers with their priority/bulk)
  • I'd mention how in most cases Mesprit does not need its health preserved and would likely be sent out early to get hazards and weather up, while other weather setters like Volbeat would be saved more late-game usually because of Prankster and not having hazards to set

Team Options
========
  • Rain sweepers like Ludicolo, Kabutops and Gorebyss are great partners for Rain Dance Mesprit as they all benefit from rain-boosted moves along with having their speed boosted thanks to Swift Swim. Similarly, sun sweepers like Victreebel, Sawsbuck, Shiftry and Exeggutor are ideal teammates for Sunny Day Mesprit as they receive a speed boost thanks to Chlorophyll when sun is up, with Victreebel also getting access to a Fire-boosted Weather Ball.
  • On rain Qwilfish is a fantastic partner because they have no natural way to remove Toxic Spikes, unlike with Victreebel on sun, which cripples every sweeper on rain. Qwilfish is also able to set its own hazards and Taunt opposing set up mons.
  • On sun teams fast mons like Pyroar are ideal because of how slow the rest of the team is when outside of sun, while also giving a powerful breaker when sun is up. Magmortar is another powerful breaker that's able to also boost its speed with Flame Charge.
  • Mention the other weather setters Volbeat/Liepard/Regirock/etc

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Choice Band is an option on Mesprit thanks to it having access to a decent physical movepool including things like Fire Punch, Knock Off, Zen Headbutt and U-turn while also has a high base 105 attack stat too. However, physical walls are far more prominent in comparison to special walls, making it a lacklustre set.
  • Future Sight gives Mesprit a powerful Psychic move that can help force switches after it pivots out and works especially well with U-turn, but is too inconsistent and requires Mesprit to drop a crucial coverage move. the move it drops really wouldn't be "crucial" given that you'd be running Future Sight / U-turn / Psychic / Ice Beam or whatever. You can edit this to say Mesprit would usually prefer running an additional coverage move or utility move
  • Magic Coat allows it to bounce status and hazards back at the opponent and can be a unique move on the defensive Stealth Rock set.
  • A dual screens set, with Reflect and Light Screen, can be used, but other setters such as Meowstic do it better thanks to a better speed tier and Prankster.
  • Imprison on Mesprit allows it to prevent either opposing Stealth Rocks on hazard sets or Calm Mind on setup Mesprit.
  • Energy Ball can be used on the Stealth Rock sets to hit almost every setter, most notably Piloswine, for super effective damage. and hit gastrodon
  • Trick can be used on the Choice Scarf or Choice Specs sets to cripple defensive mons on the opponents team.
  • mention running Knock off on defensive SR sets to cripple assorted passive threats like Clefairy and Ferroseed
  • mention running Toxic on defensive SR set for Musharna/Gastrodon/Sableye/etc
  • Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Thunderbolt are coverage moves I see newer players use on Mesprit A LOT. So I would mention why they are usually bad picks
  • mention Normalium Z Hyper Beam on offensive sets to OHKO Skuntank
  • Psychium Z is another Z-move worth mentioning, it has slight merit on the offensive CM set as a way to bop special tanks/walls really hard
  • Z-Psych Up to heal all its health
  • Trick Room Mesprit is actually viable if you want to be able to set TR + Rocks + Healing Wish in one pokemon


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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Shiftry, Liepard and Absol are Mesprit's main check as they are immune to it's STAB and threaten it with a super effective Dark-type move, however they both struggle to switch in to the offensive sets and must be wary of Colbur Berry weakening their attacks. mention Sucker Punch. Skuntank is the most notable as the only coverage move Mesprit has to hit it is Hidden Power Ground. eh HP Ground is not really seen, just say that it has no super-effective coverage to hit it with so it can't be OHKOd

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed, Probopass and Aggron resist all of Mesprit's standard coverage options and can set up hazards on it, with Probopass being able to pivot on any switchin with Volt Switch and Aggron threatening a powerful Head Smash of Heavy Slam. The latter two have to be wary of the uncommon Hidden Power Ground however and Aggron is unable to directly switch in on either a +1 or Choice Specs Mesprit. wouldn't give such a strong mention to HP ground and not cover HP fire... also mention bronzor as even though it's niche it hardwalls mesprit

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls like Munchlax and Type:Null are capable of checking basically every set Mesprit uses, even the Calm Mind sets if they're unboosted. instead of saying "even the CM sets", say the CM sets can sometimes overwhelm them

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G are capable of offensively checking Mesprit with their powerful Ghost STAB, but are unable to directly switchin to Mesprit. Choice Scarf Mesprit is also able to check them if they lack the same item and without a boost or Life Orb they're unable to OHKO the offensive sets.

**Strong Attackers**: Strong attackers, such as Ursaring and Drampa, are usually able to take any hit from Mesprit and either OHKO, or 2HKO in the case of more defensive sets, or force it out. They both, however, are unable to directly switch in on Mesprit and Drampa struggles against Z Ice Beam and Choice Specs Ice Beam. Zangoose is also worth mentioning because it OHKO's every fully offensive Mesprit set with Façade. mention some more faster strong attackers, like Kangaskhan. Tbh this is the most tricky part of the analysis, since the remaining mons that check mesprit are faster attackers like Archeops that revenge kill the offensive sets after some damage, and then strong tanks that can take a hit. Maybe try checking with QC team here

**Shedinja**: doesn't take any dmg from deh sets and walls lul

pretty sure Sheddy isn't mentioned generally in C&C
whew

2/3 well done yogi :afrostar:
 

MZ

And now for something completely different
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
This better not move up by usage or I'll actually cry...
[OVERVIEW]

Currently, Mesprit is the most versatile pokemon in PU with access to a wide movepool, meaning that it has several viable sets such as Choice Specs and Defensive Stealth Rock, and a great stat distribution that gives it both bulk and power. Mesprit has access to one of the best moves in the game in Stealth Rock, and is undeniably the best setter in the tier thanks to great defensive stats and Levitate, allowing it to set with relative ease. It also has a fantastic match up versus the best Rapid Spinner in the tier, Hitmonchan. Levitate also gives Mesprit immunity to all hazards except for Stealth Rock, preventing it from being worn down over repeated switches. Mesprit has access to a myriad of useful support moves such as Healing Wish, Thunder Wave, U-Turn and Trick; all allowing it to fulfil different support roles. Healing Wish is one of the most notable ones with it meaning a weakened Mesprit can fully restore the HP of a teammate. A Psychic-typing along with Levitate allows it Mesprit check common Fighting-, Ground- and Poison-types effectively, but due to being a Psychic-type it's weak to Pursuit users such as Absol and Skuntank, with more offensive sets being weaker to Sucker Punch users like Shiftry and the aforementioned Skuntank. Depending on the item Mesprit is holding however, it is able potentially beat these checks. Even though Mesprit has good stat distribution, its speed is rather lacking meaning that against more offensively based teams it can struggle, especially if it's an offensive set. Bulkier sets also have no way of restoring HP, outside of the passive recovery the Substitute Calm Mind set gets, meaning it can be worn down throughout the course of the game.

i just don't get why this is so focused on defensive mesprit. u barely touch on offensive sets, which is like 5/7 of the mon, its very first set, and 3/4 of the actually common sets. things like matching up well vs hitmonchan and access to twave/trick don't need to be here, or simply make the overview longer because it has to cover so much. But u only mention offensive sets to say they're weaker to shiftry, which is such as weird oversight

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is the strongest Psychic-type move that Mesprit has at its disposal, with the ability to OHKO and 2HKO most neutral targets, even specially defensive tanks like Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar after some prior damage. Psyshock is an option on Mesprit to hit more special defensively inclined mons such as Clefairy and Type:Null idk about null, it's always mixed bulk. could mention dino or somth which Psychic fails to beat, because it hits the defence rather than special defence. Ice beam allows Mesprit to hit mons use pokemon not mons that resist its main STAB option such as Sableye and Ferroseed for neutral picking up a 2HKO and 3HKO, respectively, while offering a fantastic neutral coverage option. Signal Beam gives it super effective coverage against Psychic- and Dark-types, which are usually able to come in on Mesprits STAB Psychic move and force it out. It allows it to hit every Dark-type aside from Skuntank for super effective damage. Healing Wish is usually used as the last slot on Mesprit because it gives a weakened Mesprit the chance to heal a teammate back to full if it's no longer needed. Hidden Power Fire is a niche move that lets Mesprit hit Ferroseed and Mawile super effectively, but is generally pushed aside for a better coverage move.

Set Details
========

Max Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, with a Modest Nature further boosting its offensive prowess and allowing it to gain crucial 2HKO's against mons such as AV Lanturn and Magmortar. Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, giving it a nice immunity to Ground-type moves along with an immunity to all forms of hazards except from Stealth Rocks. Choice Specs further boosts Mesprits offensive capabilities and along with a Modest Nature allows it break extremely effectively. Max Speed allows it to be a reasonably quick wall breaker, being naturally faster than pokemon like Assault Vest Magmortar and Adamant Absol. Timid is an option on Mesprit, as it allows it to outspeed things like Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank, along with Jolly Absol; it is noticeably weaker however and fails to get some 2HKO's and 3HKO's that Modest does.

Usage Tips
========

Due to Mesprits powerful wall breaking capabilities it should be used early to mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage, being brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan, respectively. It can also be brought in on weaker, more passive not gonna do this every time but using pokemon instead of mons helps GPers mons like Qwilfish and Weezing. When mons still resistant or immune to Mesprits Psychic STAB are still present it should be wary of locking itself into Psychic or Psyshock, and instead use coverage when appropriate, like predicting a switch in. This is especially notable against Pokémon like Skuntank and Absol, which are able to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Ice Beam is also currently a very spammable move in the current meta. If the opponent either has no Psychic resist or immunity, or it has fainted, then Mesprit should focus on spamming its Psychic STAB in an effort to break the opposing team. Mesprit can also use Healing Wish once it is either weakened too much or isn't needed anymore to give another teammate another chance. Due to how many sets Mesprit has, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what set Mesprit is and you can use that to your advantage in certain situations, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========

Even though most Dark-types are unable to switch in directly to Mesprit, unless locked into Psychic, Mesprit still appreciates support to check and beat them as it doesn't want to force predictions versus mons with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Teammates like Weezing and Gurdurr are useful in these situations because they pressure Dark-types such as Skuntank and Shiftry. Persian-Alola is another notable partner because thanks to Parting Shot it helps get Mesprit in easier. Mesprit loves support from hazard stacking mons such as Weezing, Qwilfish and Piloswine, as it helps it break far more efficiently while also providing Mesprit with soft checks to Dark-types, with Piloswine being the most notable as it pressures Shiftry with Ice Shard and Skuntank with Earthquake. Sweepers and breakers sweepers sure, breakers though? does aggron need wallbreaking support or healing wish? don't rly get this, aggron likes the fighting check aspect but not so much the hw such as Lilligant and Aggron benefit from Mesprit as a teammate, as Mesprit is able to break common checks for them and support them late-game with a Healing Wish, giving them another opportunity to sweep and break. In return, Aggron and Lilligant help pressure things like Dark-types and special walls. Mesprit also enjoys a teammate with speed control due to having a lacklustre speed stat itself, with Primeape being the most notable example of this. Primeape is able to outspeed the entire unboosted meta, offer U-turn support and force out specially defensive walls that Mesprit struggles with, such as Type:Null and Audino. Breakers breakers is also a vague term, setup sweepers would be better such as Swords Dance Lycanroc and Absol are also able to set up on these mons too. Pursuit trappers are appreciated by Mesprit because it struggles versus Ghost-types that naturally outspeed it, like Oricorio-G and Haunter. Skuntank is a good example as it resists both of Haunters STABs and pressure Oricorio-G. Liepard is another notable trapper as it outspeeds Oricorio-G and Haunter that lack Choice Scarf.

[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Healing Wish / Thunder Wave
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

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

Stealth rock is what makes this set and Mesprit is currently the best setter in the tier thanks to its good typing and defensive stats. Stealth Rock helps support teammates by whittling opposing mons down with residual damage upon switching in. Psychic gives it a powerful STAB option which allows it to deal super effective damage against both Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr and Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish. U-turn allows Mesprit to offer teammates a slow pivoting move to get in safely whilst also allowing it to switch out versus Dark-types like Shiftry, Absol and Skuntank. It also helps versus the latter two as they usually attempt to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate another chance, such as a sweeper like Lilligant or also using this nonexistent term an awful lot, it should be wallbreaker like Drampa. Healing Wish also gives its target a free switch in without worrying about taking a hit. Thunder Wave is another option Mesprit has for crippling potential switchins like Dark- or Steel-types, and even crippling setup sweepers like Carracosta who are able to boost on Healing Wish variants. Thunder Wave also allows for soft speed control against more offensive teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP EVs along with almost maximum Defense EVs gives Mesprit the bulk it requires to take on most physical attackers, with a Bold Nature further increasing its bulkiness. Even though it runs U-turn, a minus attack nature is preferred because it's only using U-turn as a pivoting move. Colbur Berry is the optimal item for Mesprit, as it helps versus Dark-types that are usually able to Pursuit trap it such as Skuntank and Absol, doing super effective damage to the latter. It's also able to almost always OHKO Shiftry even with a minus attack nature with U-turn. 16 Speed allows Mesprit to outspeed max speed neutral base 50's such as Aggron, allowing it to pivot more safely without taking an unwanted hit. Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every hazard bar Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Thanks to maximum defensive investment, Mesprit is able to switch into physical attacks, assuming they aren't super effective. It should especially aim to switch into Fighting- and Ground-types due to resistance and immunity, respectively. Mesprit is also one of the few users of Stealth Rock which is able to beat Hitmonchan, the most common user of Rapid Spin in the tier. Mesprit should attempt to U-turn predicting a switch or directly pivot out on Pokemon that it cant hit such as Steel- and Dark-types like Ferroseed and Skuntank, respectively. U-turning against Dark-types also allows it to avoid extra damage from faster Pursuit users. Mesprit should try to set up Stealth Rock against things that it isn't directly threatened by such as Piloswine and Regirock, or pokemon that it forces out with the threat of its STAB move like Weezing, Gurdurr and Hitmonchan. Mesprit should aim to use Healing Wish later in the game once it and the rest of its team is weakened, and once it isn't needed, to restore the HP of another useful teammate. Thunder Wave is able to be used as a form of pseudo speed control, crippling faster targets like Skuntank or setup mons such as Carracosta, making them more susceptible to revenge killing. It is worth noting that once its Colbur Berry has been consumed, Mesprit finds it a lot harder to switch in and out when the opponent has a Dark-type mon, because Mesprit is Pursuit trapped a lot easier.

def mesprit isn't much of a late game presence, ur definitely gonna wanna rock, pivot, and HW earlier cuz late game doesn't do v much. also u can u-turn on more things than darks, its definitely an easy switchin for strong special breakers like mag or sensu (esp if rocks arent up, might be good to delay setting if ur sure they'll predict and get something spooky in for free)

Team Options
========

Mesprit works well with a Volt Switch U-turn Volt-Turn is an acceptable phrase, but volt turn generally applies to more offensive things and i don't see how mesp makes them much better other than keeping AV chan in check core, so pivots like Primeape, Lanturn and Eelektross are all notable. The former allows for a fast U-turn and the ability to check most Dark-types with the latter two being good specially defensive pivots offering a slow Volt Switch. Persian-Alola is notable because it creates a good fast-slow Voltturn core. Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it usually brings them in for free with a slow U-turn along with resisting Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and checking Ground-types like Piloswine; it's also able to offer late game Healing Wish support to them. Due to how passive this Mesprit set is it often draws in bulky set up mons like Musharna and Type:Null, so strong breakers like Choice Specs Pyroar and Swords Dance Absol are useful for breaking these mons. Mesprit can be also be used in a similar vain as mentioned above with set up sweepers such as Lilligant and Shiftry. Team support to deal with Dark-types is appreciated so Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan make good partners for Mesprit. Teammates with Pursuit trap are also ideal for Mesprit as it deal with things that would usually switch in and setup on it like Musharna or Oricorio-G, or directly force it out like Haunter. Skuntank and Absol pressure all of these pokemon with either Pursuit or Sucker punch. Due to not having any form of recovery and being prone to status, especially Toxic, Mesprit appreciates cleric support from the likes of Miltank and Audino, with the latter also able to pass it decently sized Wish's.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Healing Wish
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is Mesprit's strongest STAB option, allowing it to deal super effective damage against Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish and Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Due to a naturally high special attack stat, Mesprit can potentially sweep teams late-game with STAB Psychic. U-turn allows Choice Scarf Mesprit to act as a fast pivot and helps ease prediction, especially against incoming checks such as Skuntank and Ferroseed, though it does take residual damage from the latter. Mesprit is also able to outspeed Jynx and almost OHKO it with U-turn. Healing Wish gives Mesprit the chance to heal a weakened teammate to full once Mesprit isn't needed anymore or has taken too much damage, with the benefit of also generating momentum. Ice beam allows Mesprit to hit opponents such as Oricorio-G and Lilligant for Super-Effective damage, as well as dark types for neutral damage if they switch into Mesprit predicting a Psychic Move.

Set Details
========

Max Speed alongside holding a Choice Scarf allows Mesprit to outspeed the entire unboosted meta, barring Ninjask and Electrode, and outspeed any Choice Scarf user below base 65 speed, such as Abomasnow. A Modest nature coupled with Max Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, and is the preferred nature on it. Timid is a niche nature that does allow it to outspeed a few things such as +2 Adamant Torterra and Huntail but nothing relevant is the point ur trying to get across. also gore is a better example, huntail gonna sucker u anyway. Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every hazard bar Stealth Rock. ...you cant just copy the exact same sentence from last time. ik it's hard to vary this when there's 7 sets, but having the exact same sentence between sets is never ok. u can even vary based on the set, like here it allows mesprit to offensively pivot into somth like piloswine whereas for def u just better take on grounds like golem and mudsdale cuz they lose their best way to hit u

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Mesprit appreciates not exactly the right word, it doesn't like switching into stuff directly but totally can being brought in after something has fainted or by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn user, such as Lanturn, to try and either force out the opposing pokemon or revenge kill it. It's also able to pivot in on Fighting- and Ground-types. Early to mid-game, Mesprit shouldn't be played aggressively if the opponent has checks such as Skuntank or Ferroseed and should instead opt to gain momentum by U-turning on these switchins. It can also use coverage versus them if they're sufficiently weakened, but has to be wary of Sucker Punch from Dark-types. Mesprit can be used late-game as a sweeper due to Choice Scarf boosting its speed, meaning weakened teams lacking checks can be cleaned with STAB Psychic. If Mesprit is no longer needed or is weakened it can also choose to heal a teammate to full with Healing Wish, whilst also giving that teammate a free switchin and generating momentum. Similarly to the Choice Specs set, it can be hard to identify what set Mesprit is running from team preview, allowing you to catch your opponent off guard.

Team Options
========

Mesprit is a good fit on offense teams that need a soft check to both Fighting- and Ground-types but also require good speed control. Due to being weaker than the Choice Specs and not being defensively invested like the Stealth Rock set Mesprit appreciates having a solid Dark-type resist even more. Pokemon such as Gurdurr, Weezing and Ferroseed are fantastic partners, with the latter two being able to set hazards to weaken the opposing team for Scarf Mesprit, while Weezing also acts as a solid Fighting resist. Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Aggron and Magmortar i would vary ur examples a bit, u been using those over and over and there's plenty of stuff like pyroar or aboma or w/e. plus this is also reading p similar, as it's able to rely on them to break teams. Mesprit is able to bring them both in with U-turn and also provides a Fighting resist versus mons like Hitmonchan along with checking Ground-types like Piloswine. It's also able to offer late game Healing Wish support to them once it's weakened or isn't needed. Archeops forms a potent U-turn core with Mesprit, with the two pressuring each others checks, with Archeops pressuring Dark-types and Mesprit pressuring physical walls. Archeops also appreciates Healing Wish support especially if it's in range of its Defeatist ability. Defensive pivots also benefit Mesprit due to it not wanting to take hits, so things like Miltank and Audino fit the role while also being clerics to heal Mesprit of status, with the former being able to set Stealth Rocks for Mesprit and the latter able to pass Wishes to it. Persian-Alola and Liepard are also fantastic partners thanks to them also being fast pivot mons.

[SET]
name: CM Calm Mind not CM 3 Attacks
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Colbur Berry / Icium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence stats against while facing? maybe it's just me but against sounds weird, as if u physically cant CM when facing pokemon u don't resist Pokémon that it resists such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful wallbreaker. Psyshock is the preferred Psychic STAB for Calm Mind Mesprit because it lets it deal with special walls such as Clefairy and Type:Null, while also still hitting physical walls such as Gurdurr and Qwilfish for substantial damage. Psychic is an option of Psyshock as it can most neutral targets , most notably Piloswine, Regirock and Aggron, harder along with being able to fare with Gurdurr better if unboosted. It does make it harder beating special walls however, which can hinder its ability to break. Ice Beam is Mesprit's best coverage move hitting everything that its Psychic STAB can't for neutral, barring Steel-types like Togedemaru, and allows Mesprit to Oricorio-G and Lilligant again with the reusing the exact same examples when there's plenty of other stuff that could go here for super effective damage. It also allows for a decent middle-ground option to hit Dark-types. Signal Beam is Mesprit's best way to hit both Psychic- and Dark-types in one slot, allowing Mesprit to punish these common switchins with a super effective hit, or in Skuntanks case a neutral hit. Hidden Power Ground can be ran as a coverage option to hit Steel-types, like Aggron and Mawile, and Skuntank for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire is another niche option capable of dealing with Steel-types like Ferroseed and Mawile. again same thing, plus a +1 psychic 2hkos mawile so just ferro rly

Set Details
========

A max Special Attack stat EVs, not stats coupled with maximum Speed investment and a Timid Nature allows Mesprit to be as fast as possible while also hitting as hard as possible. A Modest Nature is usable, but not outspeeding the likes of Adamant Skuntank and Jolly Absol makes it overall a worse option. Mesprit's only ability is Levitate which gives it an immunity to all entry hazards outside of Stealth Rock and also an immunity to Ground-type attacks. Colbur Berry helps Mesprit tackle Dark-types like Shiftry, Liepard and Absol which are usually checks to more offensive sets, and allows you to OHKO all of them at +1. Icium-Z gives Mesprit access to a nuke that helps break past checks, most notably OHKOing Skuntank at +1, but leaves you noticeably weaker to Dark-types and being Pursuit trapped. Galbia said I should "free Z Blizzard" ok but write this fr now so use that if you want a slightly stronger Ice Beam that misses every time you try to use it outside of z move.

Usage Tips
========

Once Mesprit has set up a Calm Mind it becomes a strong wall breaker used mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage, being brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan, respectively, in order for it to set up write it as an active usage tip, "bring it in" rather than "being brought in". It can also be brought in on weaker, more passive mons like Qwilfish and Weezing. you've overused these examples as well, mesp can set up on other weak stuff so yeah just a little bit of variety would be wonderful even if it's just poliwrath over hitmonchan Mesprit should try to use its Psychic STAB as much as possible if no resists or immunities are present on your opponents team, but should be wary of doing so if mons like Aggron or Skuntank are still around. In the case of Dark-types being present it should attempt to use its coverage moves so that they don't get a free switchin on its Psychic STAB. Icium Z should be used as a one-time nuke to remove or weaken a check to Mesprit like the previously mentioned Skuntank and Aggron as it either OHKO's or heavily damages them. Mesprit should avoid setting up on Pokemon mons with potential status moves, like Regirock or Clefairy, because being Paralysed or Toxic'd makes it either more vulnerable to revenge killing and/or prevents it from breaking effectively. Due to how many sets Mesprit has the opponent may have difficulty determining what set Mesprit is which you can use that to your advantage, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set. An example is how hard it is to distinguish between the Offensive Stealth Rock-, Calm Mind- and Choice Scarf-sets when basing it purely on damage output, unless the former is using Life Orb.

Team Options
========

Due to Mesprit using an offensive set Qwilfish or Weezing are good partners because they functions as more reliable Fighting resists that help pressure constant switching on the opponents part with Toxic Spikes, or Spikes and Toxic Spikes in Qwilfish's case. Slow pivots like Volt Switch Lanturn or Eelektross allow Mesprit to come in for free without taking damage, meaning it's able to set up Calm Mind more effectively. Even though Mesprit can OHKO every relevant Dark-type at +1 with Signal Beam except Skuntank, which drops to is KOed by a +1 Subzero Slammer, it still appreciates checks to them i think ur missing a period here? Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr as they make it easier for Mesprit to set up if no Dark- and Steel-types are around i mean those mons will still be around, just forced to switch out. the best thing fighters do are bait in setup opportunities. Mesprit also weakens both Psychic- and Poison-type checks for Fighting-types. Special sweepers like Lilligant and Ludicolo appreciate special walls either weakened of dealt with, so Mesprit makes a great partner thanks to its access to Psyshock hitting mons like Type:Null calc psyshock vs type null and tell me this is right. also this is the danger of reusing the exact same examples, not only is it poor in general but in this instance type null is just wrong so yea and Clefairy for decent damage when boosted. Raichu-Alola also enjoys Dark-types being weakened, even though it's able to deal with special walls by itself. Cleric support from Clefairy and Miltank, which also offer Stealth Rock support, or Wish support from Audino benefit Mesprit as status can severely cripple its ability to break team, while Wish support increases its longevity. Support from Pursuit users such as Liepard and Skuntank help Mesprit as they're able to trap Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G which naturally outspeed and force Mesprit out; they however cannot beat it one-on-one if they're Choice Scarfed or not boosted, but Mesprit takes serious damage from both. i feel like I've seen this exact sentence before, if i have then change it pls!

[SET]
name: Offensive Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam / Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish / U-turn
item: Colbur Berry / Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is the crux of this set and allows Mesprit to fulfil the role of an entry hazard setter on more offensive teams, with Stealth Rocks allowing it to chip switchins. Psychic is its strongest STAB option that allows it to sufficiently check Fighting- and Poison-types, albeit less effectively in comparison to the Defensive Stealth Rock set. Psyshock is an option, but only hits a few opposing mons harder like Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Magmortar, along with pivot Lanturn. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Dark-types such a Skuntank and Absol for neutral damage while also giving it a fantastic coverage move hitting common Grass-, Ground- and Flying-types for super effective damage. Signal Beam on Mesprit is an option to hit every Dark-type bar Skuntank for super effective damage, but loses out slightly on the coverage and damage that Ice Beam offers i also feel like I've seen this exact sentence before. not good!. Healing Wish is another momentum move that Mesprit can use as it helps offensive teams that usually rely on powerful sweepers and breakers, which appreciate a second chance. U-turn is a great move on offensive Mesprit as most of the teams that use it rely on momentum generated by forcing switches. It also gives Mesprit a way of pivoting on incoming Dark-types that are usually able to trap the offensive set with relative ease. Hidden Power Fire is a niche option that allows Mesprit to hit Ferroseed and Mawile for super effective damage, but is generally not worth dropping coverage moves for. this one is definitely copied, and still wrong since it's rly only for ferro. mawile does not take LO psychics well

Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment
Max speed along with max special attack allows Mesprit to still retain the role of a Stealth Rock user but means it can fit on more offensive teams ye but that's not quite explaining what it does, almost there. A Timid Nature allows Mesprit to outspeed threats such as Adamant Skuntank and Kangaskhan along with Jolly Absol. A Modest Nature is also usable, but the loss in speed means it struggles more versus Dark-types, and the aforementioned Pokemon mons, that the Timid Set is able to outspeed. Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, but gives it immunity to both Ground-type attacks and every entry hazard apart from Stealth Rock, allowing it increased longevity. Colbur Berry is the primary item of choice, giving Mesprit a way of dealing with Dark-types and Knock Off users without being crippled or taking serious damage feels familiar. Life Orb is an alternative that makes Mesprit a stronger offensive presence, but decreases its longevity and leaves it more open to being Pursuit-trapped.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit is often an offensive team's choice for a Stealth Rock user and should be played more aggressively than the defensive set, as it's able to pressure every defensive Stealth Rocker in the tier apart from Ferroseed. Thanks to being an offensive set Mesprit can act as a pseudoi don't think the pseudo is needed here wallbreaker especially if it's using a Life Orb over Colbur Berry, along allowing? it to soften opposing mons for teammates early- and mid-game. Mesprit should be played cautiously if the opponent has a Pursuit trapper because it lacks the bulk to take them on, especially if it opts for Life Orb as its item. It should also be played carefully is it's the team's only Fighting-type check. With U-turn Mesprit is able to pivot on the switches that it can force, gaining momentum and bringing in teammates potentially for free. It should be wary of spamming it when using Life Orb however, as it becomes easily chipped throughout the match. Offensive Stealth Rock Mesprit can be a hard set for the opponent to pin down because it's rather uncommon, meaning you can use this to your advantage. This is especially noteworthy considering how hard the more offensive sets, outside of Choice Specs, are to tell apart thanks to the same damage output, unless this set is using Life Orb. Healing Wish allows for a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate a shot at sweeping or breaking, which is extremely useful late-game for offensive teams. It can also be used to block both Defog and Rapid Spin early- to mid-game if needed.

Team Options
========

Primeape is a great partner for Mesprit because it provides a check to every Dark-type apart from Sableye, offering a dual U-turn core that keeps momentum for offensive teams. Archeops also fulfils a similar role, acting as a fast U-turner U-Turn user that is able to check most of the mons that threaten Mesprit. Mesprit appreciates entry hazard support from Qwilfish because it functions as a more reliable Fighting resist that helps pressure constant switching on the opponents part with both Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Powerful sweepers and cleaners like Zangoose and Lilligant act as good partners because they benefit from getting free switches with U-turn and are capable of breaking Steel- and Dark-types, respectively. They both like the Healing Wish support from Mesprit, especially Zangoose which is worn down incredibly easily throughout the match. Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank help check and trap both Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Oricorio-G and Musharna, respectively, which threaten Mesprit and force it out seems familiar. In turn Mesprit is able to break Fighting-types like Gurdurr and physical walls such as Weezing. Strong wall almost got it right, but it's just 1 word breakers such as Magmortar and Abomasnow are able to weaken teams and gain momentum from Mesprit's U-turn, while also appreciating the Healing Wish support.

[SET]
name: Sub CM Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to set up Calm Mind in front of defensive walls that rely on status in order to cripple set up sweepers, like Gastrodon and Cleric Lanturn. It also allows Mesprit to not be Pursuit trapped by Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank, which are extremely threatening for this set i mean they still can, it just makes it harder. Calm Mind coupled with Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence stats against Pokémon that are unable to threaten it such as Hitmonchan and Weezing you've used these examples for the last 5 sets, here u could at least talk about status reliant mons that mesp can now set up on with sub like lanturn or somth, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker. Psyshock is the preferred STAB move for Mesprit giving it the ability to hit the opponents defence stat rather than their special defence stat, meaning it's able to break through special walls like Clefairy and tanks like Magmortar. Psychic can be used over Psyshock to hit mons like Aggron and Gurdurr harder, which Psyshock struggles against, but overall Psyshock is the more consistent option because Psychic struggles against most special walls and tanks. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit everything that its Psychic STAB cant, apart from Steel-types, meaning that standard switchins like Absol and Skuntank are 2HKO'd at +1. Ice Beam also gives super effective coverage against common Grass-, Flying- and Ground-types like Lilligant, Oricorio-G and Golurk, respectively. Signal Beam is an option that lets Mesprit tackle Psychic- and Dark-types in the same slot, like other Mesprits and Absol far easier compared to Ice Beam, but loses out on coverage.

Set Details
========

208 HP allows Mesprit to hit a Leftovers number which gives it the highest recovery possible and gives it a good form of passive recovery, allowing it to set a higher amount of Substitutes. It also makes Mesprit a lot bulkier, making it harder for more defensive mons to break its Sub. Max speed Maximum Speed investment along with a Timid Nature lets Mesprit speed tier with other postive base 80's like Shiftry, while also meaning it can outspeed mons like Jolly Absol and Kangaskhan. 48 special attack means that Mesprit can almost always OHKO Shiftry at +1 with Ice Beam while 2HKOing other Dark-types such as Liepard and Skuntank. Leftovers is basically required for this set to function as it gives Mesprit the passive recovery it needs to constantly set up Substitutes. Levitate is the only ability it has but it gives it an immunity to all entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock along with an immunity to Ground-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit should aim to pivot into many of the more defensive mons in the tier, such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, to set up with Substitute and Calm Mind, forcing them out. It should be aware that a lot of the defensive mons in the tier carry some form of status however, which can cripple it if it directly switches in. Switching into Fighting-types like Hitmonchan also allows Mesprit almost free setup, but should be wary of Knock Off or U-turn. Sub CM Substitute + Calm Mind Mesprit is noticeably weaker in comparison to other offensive sets and as such has trouble dealing with opposing mons when unboosted, and even when at +1. Due to this it should be used towards the late-game when the opponents team has already been weakened by teammates. This Mesprit set struggles with Dark-types the most as it doesn't have the offensive presence or access to Colbur Berry to pressure them or mitigate damage, meaning it should be used carefully when the opponent still has a Dark-type around. Substitute is able to slightly mitigate this weakness as it stops mons like Liepard and Skuntank from Pursuit trapping it while also giving it a way of forcing 50/50s versus Sucker Punch users.

i don't think this quite gets across the point that all this set does is come in on bulky status reliant things and try to do as much damage as possible, u got the first point but then u kinda move on to other things

Team Options
========

First and foremost Calm Mind Mesprit requires a good check to Dark-types as it's extremely weak to mons like Shiftry and Skuntank, so Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr help mitigate this weakness. Mesprit also benefits from these teammates as they draw in Psychic- and Poison-types which it can switch into and set up on. Hazard support from the likes of Qwilfish and Weezing helps Mesprit break late-game as it can rely on the residual damage that (Toxic) Spikes or Toxic Spikes offer. Qwilfish and Weezing also offer a secondary resist to Fighting-types and a check to Dark-types, along with blanket checking most fast physical attackers. Piloswine and Miltank are noticeable Stealth Rock users that offer both hazard support and a way of checking strong physical attackers like Archeops and Kangaskhan, with Mesprit also giving them a check to Fighting-types. Miltank can act as a Cleric with Heal Bell in case Mesprit gets status'd. Pursuit trappers such as Liepard and Skuntank aid Mesprit as it struggles against offensive Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which are able to either OHKO or 2HKO Mesprit feels extremely familiar. Powerful breakers like Magmortar and Zangoose are able to break Mesprit's checks, such as Aggron, Ferroseed and Skuntank, meaning that Mesprit has an easier time setting up and cleaning late-game. Choice Scarf Primeape benefits from Mesprit breaking down teams as it's able to clean far easier late-game, while also providing U-turn support to bring it in on resists such as Weezing and Qwilfish.

[SET]
name: Daylight Sucks u only get special names in specific circumstances, but this isn't commonly known or funny so just go with "Weather Setter"
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Psychic
move 4: U-turn
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe 248 / 244 / 16 should be the spread, ur taking more from rocks here. in fact why would u want to outspeed aggron, that way slow u-turn doesn't work and something does. honestly id go fully minimum speed

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

Depending on what weather archetype you're using, you'll either be using Rain Dance or Sunny Day to assist the rest of your team, doubling the speed of Swift Swim and Chlorophyll users and increasing their Water and Fire attacks, respectively. Stealth Rock allows Mesprit to break Focus Sash and Sturdy mons and chipping targets that switch in, meaning that its teammates have an easier time sweeping as they don't need to waste weather turns and take unnecessary damage. It also stops the opponents being able to constantly switch in order to wait out the remaining weather turns. Psychic helps Mesprit not be completely passive and so it isn't able to be set up on, while also providing a good check versus both Poison- and Fighting-type Pokémon. This is especially important against mons like Qwilfish as most weather teams don't have a way to remove hazards. U-turn provides Mesprit with a slow momentum move that lets it get in its teammates once it has set up both its weather and Stealth Rock.

Set Details
========
Near maximum HP and defense investment
Max HP and almost max defence allow Mesprit to set define set? is it weather? or does rocks count to? or is it both of those? more than once a game, making a useful bulky pivot versus Fighting-, Ground- and Poison-types. 16 Speed means that it can outspeed Adamant Aggron and any other neutral base 50's. Levitate is its only ability, but still gives it an immunity to Ground-type attacks along with being immune to every entry hazard except from Stealth Rock. Heat Rock and Damp Rock are required as they increase the amount of turns weather is on the field from 5 to 8, with Heat Rock increasing the duration of Sunny Day and Damp Rock increasing the duration of Rain Dance.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit provides excellent role compression for weather teams as it can set both weather and hazards, along with having access to a momentum move in U-turn. Thanks to its high defensive stats it's also able to take multiple hits throughout the course of the battle, meaning it can set multiple times. Generally when using Mesprit it should aim to set Stealth Rock before setting weather, because it doesn't want to burn its waste weather turns for no reason maybe explain this a little better. However, some situations may arise where it is only able to use one, it should only focus on getting up weather because it's more beneficial for its team. Against Taunt users such as mons like Skuntank and Qwilfish, it should be wary of try to set up as both of the previously mentioned carry Taunt, which can stop it dead in its tracks. Mesprit is able to hit Qwilfish super effectively with Psychic id just delete this sentence, adds nothing really. Because of not carry a Colbur Berry, Mesprit has to be cautious of opposing Dark-types and may have to make a choice between setting and getting knocked out or not setting and being used later on. It should attempt to predict Dark-types coming in and use U-turn to pivot out. On rain teams Mesprit is often the most reliable Fighting resist, so should be preserved if the opponent still has a Fighting-type like Gurdurr or Assault Vest Hitmonchan.

Team Options
========
just put a sentence at the beginning saying only run this on dedicated rain/sun teams, making that clear right up front before u try specifics is the most important thing
Rain sweepers like Ludicolo, Kabutops and Gorebyss are great partners for Rain Dance Mesprit as they all benefit from rain-boosted moves along with having their speed boosted thanks to Swift Swim. Similarly, sun sweepers like Victreebel, Sawsbuck, Shiftry and Exeggutor are ideal teammates for Sunny Day Mesprit as they receive a speed boost thanks to Chlorophyll when sun is up, with Victreebel also getting access to a Fire-boosted Weather Ball. On rain Qwilfish is a fantastic partner because they have no natural way to remove Toxic Spikes, unlike with Victreebel on sun, which cripples every sweeper on rain. Qwilfish is also able to set its own hazards and Taunt opposing set up mons. On sun teams fast mons like Pyroar are ideal because of how slow the rest of the team is when outside of sun, while also giving a powerful breaker when sun is up. Magmortar is another powerful breaker that's able to also boost its speed with Flame Charge. Other weather setters such as Liepard, Regirock and Volbeat also benefit weather teams.

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

Choice Band is an option on Mesprit thanks to it having access to a decent physical movepool including things like Fire Punch, Knock Off, Zen Headbutt and U-turn while also has a high base 105 attack stat too. However, physical walls are far more prominent in comparison to special walls, making it a lacklustre set. Future Sight gives Mesprit a powerful Psychic move that can help force switches after it pivots out and works well with U-turn, but is too inconsistent and requires Mesprit to drop a coverage or utility move. Magic Coat allows it to bounce status and hazards back at the opponent and can be a unique move on the defensive Stealth Rock set. A dual screens set, with Reflect and Light Screen, can be used, but other setters such as what other setters? meowstic is the only better one rly, it just happens that it also totally outclasses Meowstic do it better thanks to a better speed tier and Prankster. Imprison on Mesprit allows it to prevent either opposing Stealth Rocks on hazard sets or Calm Mind on setup Mesprit. Energy Ball can be used on the Stealth Rock sets to hit almost every opposing Stealth Rock setter, most notably Piloswine, for super effective damage. Trick can be used on the Choice Scarf or Choice Specs sets to cripple defensive mons on the opponents team especially don't see why u mention trick in the intro if it's down here. Knock Off can be used on defensive sets to cripple standard switchins such as Clefairy and Type:Null. Toxic has a similar effect, but instead is able to cripple things like Musharna and Gastrodon. Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam and Thunderbolt may all seem like decent coverage moves, but hit a very small amount of mons and aren't worth using over its standard coverage. Trick Room Mesprit is another semi-viable option if you want something that can also set Stealth Rock, but is often overshadowed by either Musharna or Carbink.

u could say that any one of mesprit's HW sets can drop the move for more coverage if nothing rly benefits from it or ur already running persian or somth, it's definitely replaceable

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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Shiftry, Liepard and Absol are Mesprit's main check as they are immune to it's STAB and threaten it with a super effective Dark-type move, however they both both? there's more than 2 dark types struggle to switch in to the offensive sets and must be wary of Colbur Berry weakening their attacks. Sucker Punch on these Pokemon mons also helps them to check the more offensive sets. Skuntank is the most notable as the only coverage move Mesprit has to hit it for super effective damage is Hidden Power Ground, but often the offensive sets are able to 2HKO it.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed, Probopass and Aggron resist all of Mesprit's standard coverage options and can set up hazards on it, with Probopass being able to pivot on any switchin with Volt Switch and Aggron threatening a powerful Head Smash of Heavy Slam. The latter two have to be wary of the uncommon Hidden Power Ground however while the former has to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, and Aggron is unable to directly switch in on either a +1 or Choice Specs Mesprit. Bronzor is especially notable as due to its typing and ability it's able to wall basically every Mesprit set. every, not basically every

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls like Munchlax and Type:Null are capable of checking basically every set Mesprit uses, even the Calm Mind sets if they're unboosted. stop using rly vague shit like basically, ur overcomplicating things. also for all the times u mention them elsewhere i have no idea why u don't have more examples like audino and clefairy

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G are capable of offensively checking Mesprit with their powerful Ghost STAB, but are unable to directly switchin to Mesprit. Choice Scarf Mesprit is also able to check them if they lack the same item and without a boost or Life Orb they're unable to OHKO the offensive sets.

**Strong Attackers**: Strong attackers, such as Ursaring and Drampa, are usually able to take any hit from Mesprit and either OHKO, or 2HKO in the case of more defensive sets, or force it out. They both, however, are unable to directly switch in on Mesprit and Drampa struggles against Z Ice Beam and Choice Specs Ice Beam. Zangoose is also worth mentioning because it OHKO's every fully offensive Mesprit set with Façade.

**Shedinja**: doesn't take any dmg from deh sets and walls lul yeah remove the sheddy mention, idk why u didn't when many told u to
I tried to do a lot of cleaning up before GP because u definitely got tired in places, but this is otherwise quite a monumental piece. 3/3
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Lumari

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add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Currently, (no references to time) Mesprit is the most versatile Pokemon in PU with access to a wide movepool (RC) meaning that gives it has several viable sets such as Choice Specs and defensive Stealth Rock (RC) and a great stat distribution that gives it both bulk and power. Mesprit notably has access to one of the best moves in the game in Stealth Rock, and it is undeniably the best setter in the tier thanks to great defensive stats and Levitate, allowing it to set with relative ease. It also has a fantastic match up matchup versus the best Rapid Spinner Spin user in the tier, Hitmonchan. Levitate also gives Mesprit immunity to all hazards except for Stealth Rock, preventing it from being worn down over repeated switches. Mesprit has access to a myriad of useful support moves such as Healing Wish, Thunder Wave, U-turn, (AC) and Trick, (comma) all allowing it to fulfil different support roles. Healing Wish is one of the most notable ones, (AC) with it meaning letting a weakened Mesprit can fully restore the HP of a teammate. Mesprit also boasts a great offensive presence thanks to a solid base 105 Special Attack stat along with several offensive sets like Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, (AC) and (Substitute) Calm Mind, which are capable of either wallbreaking or setting up on weaker, more passive Pokémon Pokemon. The Choice sets offer either an immediately powerful special attacker or a decent revenge killer, in respect to Choice Specs and Choice Scarf, while the Calm Mind sets offer a reliable win condition sweeper. A Psychic typing (RH) along with Levitate allows it Mesprit check common Fighting-, Ground-, (AC) and Poison-types effectively, but due to being a Psychic-type it's it also leaves it weak to Pursuit users such as Absol and Skuntank, with more offensive sets being weaker to Sucker Punch users like Shiftry and the aforementioned Skuntank. Depending on the item Mesprit is holding, (AC) however, it is able to potentially beat these checks. Even though Mesprit has good stat distribution, its Speed is rather lacking, (AC) meaning that against more offensively based teams it can struggle, especially if it's running an offensive set. Bulkier sets also have no way of restoring HP (RC) outside of the passive recovery the Substitute Calm Mind set gets Leftovers, (keep the direct mention of SubCM if it's relevant) meaning it can be worn down throughout the course of the game.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is the strongest Psychic-type move that Mesprit has at its disposal, with the ability to OHKO and 2HKO most neutral targets, even specially defensive tanks like Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar after some prior damage. Psyshock is an option on Mesprit to hit more specially defensively inclined mons targets such as Clefairy and Audino, (AC) which Psychic fails to beat, because it hits the defence rather than special defence. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Pokemon that resist or are immune to its main STAB option such as Sableye and Ferroseed for neutral good damage, (repetition) picking up a 2HKO and 3HKO, respectively, while offering a fantastic neutral coverage option. Signal Beam gives it Mesprit super effective coverage against Psychic- and Dark-types, which are usually able to come in on Mesprits its STAB Psychic move and force it out. It allows it to hit every Dark-type aside from Skuntank (and Sableye, apparently) for super effective damage. Healing Wish is usually used as in the last slot on Mesprit because it gives a weakened Mesprit the chance to heal a teammate back to full if it's no longer needed. Hidden Power Fire is a niche move option that lets Mesprit hit Ferroseed and Mawile super effectively, but it is generally pushed aside for a better coverage move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, with a Modest nature further boosting its offensive prowess and allowing it to gain crucial 2HKO's 2HKOs against Pokemon such as AV Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar. Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, giving it (not relevant honestly, and you're making it sound like a bad thing) gives Mesprti a nice immunity to Ground-type moves along with an immunity to all forms of entry hazards except from Stealth Rocks Rock. Choice Specs further boosts Mesprits offensive capabilities and along with a Modest Nature allows it break opposing teams (or wallbreak) extremely effectively. Maximum Speed allows it Mesprit to be a reasonably quick wall breaker wallbreaker, being naturally faster than Pokemon like Assault Vest Magmortar and Adamant Absol. A Timid nature is an option on Mesprit, as it allows it Mesprit to outspeed things foes like Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank, along with Jolly Absol; it is leaves Mesprit noticeably weaker, (AC) however, (AC) and fails unable to get some 2HKO's 2HKOes and 3HKO's 3HKOs that it does with Modest does.

Usage Tips
========

Due to Mesprits powerful wall breaking Mesprit's great wallbreaking capabilities, (AC) it should be used early- (AH) to mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage moves. (AP) It can be being brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type Pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan, respectively. It can also be brought in or on weaker, more passive Pokémon Pokemon like Qwilfish and Weezing. When mons still Pokemon resistant or immune to Mesprits Mesprit's Psychic STAB attack are still present, (AC) it should be wary of locking itself into Psychic or Psyshock (RC) and instead use coverage when appropriate, like predicting on a predicted switch-in. (AH) This is especially notable against Pokémon Pokemon like Skuntank and Absol, which are able to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Ice Beam is also currently a very spammable move in the current meta. (no time-related stuff) If the opponent either has no Pokemon resistant or immune to Psychic resist or immunity, or if it has fainted, then Mesprit should focus on spamming its Psychic STAB attacks in an effort to break the opposing team. Mesprit can also use Healing Wish once it is either weakened too much or isn't needed anymore to give another teammate another chance. Due to how many sets Mesprit has, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what set Mesprit is, (AC) and which you can use that to your advantage in certain situations, especially if they believe the opponent believes it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========

Even though most Dark-types are unable to switch directly in directly to into Mesprit (RC) unless when it isn't locked into Psychic, Mesprit still appreciates support to check and beat them, (AC) as it doesn't want to force predictions get caught in prediction games versus mons Pokemon with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Teammates like Weezing and Gurdurr are useful in these situations because they pressure Dark-types such as Skuntank and Shiftry. Alolan Persian-Alola is another notable partner because thanks to Parting Shot it helps get Mesprit in easier more easily. Mesprit loves support from hazard stacking mons Pokemon such as Weezing, Qwilfish, (AC) and Piloswine, as it they helps help it break down the opposing team far more efficiently while also providing Mesprit with soft checks to Dark-types, with Piloswine being the most notable, (AC) as it pressures Shiftry with Ice Shard and Skuntank with Earthquake. Sweepers and breakers such as Lilligant and Aggron benefit from Mesprit as a teammate, as Mesprit is able to break common checks for them and support them late-game with a Healing Wish, giving them another opportunity to sweep and break. In return, Aggron and Lilligant help pressure things foes like Dark-types and special walls. Mesprit also enjoys a teammate with that can provide speed control ("that can keep faster foes in check" if you're talking about e.g. Choice Scarf users rather than Icy Wind / TWave / Trick Room / Tailwind) due to having a lacklustre lackluster Speed stat itself, with Primape Primeape being the most notable example of this. Primeape is able to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, offer U-turn support, (AC) and force out specially defensive walls that Mesprit struggles with, such as Type:Null Type: Null and Audino. Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Lycanroc and Absol are also able to set up on these mons too Pokemon. Pursuit trappers are appreciated by Mesprit because it struggles versus Ghost-types that naturally outspeed it, like Oricorio-G and Haunter. Skuntank is a good example, (AC) as it resists both of Haunters Haunter's STAB attacks and can pressure Oricorio-G. Liepard is another notable trapper, (AC) as it outspeeds Oricorio-G and Haunter that lack Choice Scarf.

[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rocks Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Healing Wish / Thunder Wave
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

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

Stealth rock is what makes this set and Mesprit is currently the best setter in the tier thanks to its good typing and defensive stats. Stealth Rock helps support teammates by whittling opposing mons Pokemon down with residual damage upon switching as they switch in, and Mesprit is the best setter in the tier thanks to its good typing and defensive stats. Psychic gives it Mesprit a powerful STAB option which that allows it to deal super effective damage against both Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr and Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish. U-turn allows Mesprit to offer teammates offers a slow pivoting move to allow Mesprit to help slow teammates get in safely whilst while also allowing it to switch out versus Dark-types (or Dark-type switch-ins? since it doesn't bypass Pursuit) like Shiftry, Absol, (AC) and Skuntank. It also helps versus the latter two, (AC) as they usually attempt to Pursuit trap Mesprit. (yeah assuming you should change it to switch-ins) Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate such as Lilligant or Drampa another chance, such as a sweeper like Lilligant or wallbreaker like Drampa at sweeping or wallbreaking. Healing Wish It also gives its target teammate a free switch in without worrying about taking a hit. Thunder Wave is another option Mesprit has for crippling potential switchins switch-ins like Dark- or Steel-types (RC) and even crippling setup sweepers like Carracosta, (AC) who which are able to boost on Healing Wish variants. Thunder Wave also allows for provides soft speed control against more offensive teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP EVs along with almost maximum Defense EVs gives give Mesprit the bulk it requires to take on most physical attackers, with a Bold nature further increasing its bulkiness longevity. (or w/e but less repetitive) Even though it Mesprit runs U-turn, a minus attack an Attack-lowering nature is preferred because it's only using U-turn as a pivoting move. Colbur Berry is the optimal item for Mesprit, as it helps versus Dark-types that are usually able to Pursuit trap it, (AC) such as Skuntank and Absol, doing super effective damage to the latter. (trimming error? not sure what this is doing here) It's U-turn is also able to almost always OHKO Shiftry even with a minus attack an Attack-lowering nature with U-turn. (move this after the U-turn sentence) 16 Speed allows EVs allow Mesprit to outspeed maximum Speed neutral-natured base 50's 50s such as Aggron, allowing it to pivot more safely without taking an unwanted hit. Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every entry hazard bar Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Thanks to maximum defensive investment, Mesprit is able to effectively switch into physical attacks, assuming they aren't super effective. It should especially aim to switch into Fighting- and Ground-types due to its resistance and immunity, respectively to their STAB attacks. Mesprit is also one of the few users of Stealth Rock which is that are able to beat Hitmonchan, the most common user of Rapid Spin in the tier. Mesprit should attempt to use U-turn predicting on a predicted switch to or directly pivot out on Pokemon that it cant can't hit, (AC) such as Steel- and Dark-types like Ferroseed and Skuntank, respectively, and other switchins switch-ins such as like Magmortar and Oricorio-G, (AC) which can take a hit and either setup set up on it or force it out. Using U-turning against Dark-types also allows it Mesprit to avoid extra damage from faster Pursuit users. Mesprit should try to set up Stealth Rock against things foes that it isn't directly threatened by, (AC) such as Piloswine and Regirock, or Pokemon that it forces out with the threat of its STAB move, (AC) like Weezing, Gurdurr, (AC) and Hitmonchan. Mesprit should aim to use Healing Wish later in the game once it and the rest of its team is are weakened, and once it isn't it's no longer needed, to restore the HP of another a more useful teammate. Thunder Wave is able to be used as a form of pseudo-speed (AH) control, crippling faster targets like Skuntank or setup mons sweepers such as Carracosta, making them more susceptible to revenge killing. It is worth noting that once its Colbur Berry has been consumed, Mesprit finds it a lot harder to switch in and out when the opponent has a Dark-type Pokemon, because Mesprit is Pursuit trapped a lot easier more easily. During the late-game Mesprit is generally not very useful, unless it's still required to check Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, so it should set up Stealth Rock, pivot, (AC) and even use Healing Wish earlier on.

Team Options
========

Mesprit works well with a Volt-turn VoltTurn core, so pivots like Primeape, Lanturn, (AC) and Eelektross are all notable. The former allows for Primeape provides a fast U-turn and the ability to check most Dark-types, (AC) with while the latter two being are good specially defensive pivots offering a slow Volt Switch. Alolan Persian-Alola is notable because it creates a good fast-slow Voltturn core provides a good fast U-turn to complement Mesprit's slow U-turn. Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it usually brings them in for free with a slow U-turn along with resisting Fighting-type moves from the likes of Hitmonchan and checking Ground-types like Piloswine; it's also able to offer late-game (AH) Healing Wish support to them. Due to how passive this Mesprit set is, (AC) it often draws in bulky set up mons setup Pokemon like Musharna and Type:Null Type: Null, so strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Pyroar and Swords Dance Absol are useful for breaking taking on these mons foes. Mesprit can be also be used in a similar vain vein as mentioned above with set up setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Shiftry. Team support to deal with Dark-types is appreciated, (AC) so Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan make good partners for Mesprit. Teammates with Pursuit trappers are also ideal for Mesprit, (AC) as it they deal with things foes that would usually switch in and setup set up on it like Musharna or and Oricorio-G (RC) or directly force it out like Haunter. Skuntank and Absol pressure all of these Pokemon with either Pursuit or Sucker Punch. Due to not having any form a complete lack of recovery and being prone a vulnerability to status, especially Toxic, Mesprit appreciates cleric support from the likes of Miltank and Audino, with the latter also being able to pass provide it with decently sized Wish's Wishes.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Healing Wish
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 Spa / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is Mesprits strongest STAB option, allowing it to deal super effective damage against Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish and Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Due to a naturally high Special Attack stat, Mesprit can potentially sweep teams late-game with STAB Psychic. U-turn allows Choice Scarf Mesprit to act as a fast pivot and helps ease prediction, especially against incoming checks such as Skuntank and Ferroseed, though it does take residual damage from the latter. Mesprit is also able to outspeed Jynx and almost OHKO it with U-turn. Healing Wish gives Mesprit the chance to heal a weakened teammate to full once Mesprit isn't needed anymore or has taken too much damage, with the benefit of also generating momentum. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit opponents foes such as Oricorio-G and Lilligant for Super-Effective super effective damage, as well as dark types Dark-types for neutral damage if they switch into Mesprit predicting a Psychic-type move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed alongside holding a Choice Scarf allows Mesprit to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, barring Ninjask and Electrode, and outspeed any Choice Scarf user below base 65 Speed, such as Abomasnow. A Modest nature coupled with Max maximum Special Attack allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible (RC) and is the preferred nature on it. Timid is a niche nature option that does allow it to outspeed a few things additional foes such as +2 Adamant Torterra and Gorebyss, [but both are uncommon in the current meta.] (no time-related stuff; either remove "in the current meta" or axe this bit entirely) Thanks to access to Levitate allows Mesprit can to be brought in Ground-types like Piloswine (RC) while also giving and gives it an immunity to all forms of entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Mesprit appreciates being brought in after something has fainted or by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn user, such as Lanturn, to try and to either force out the opposing Pokemon or revenge kill it. It's also able to pivot in on Fighting- and Ground-types. Early- (AH) to mid-game, Mesprit shouldn't be played aggressively if the opponent has checks such as Skuntank or Ferroseed and should instead opt to gain momentum by using U-turning on these switchins switch-ins. It can also use coverage moves versus them if they're sufficiently weakened, but it has to be wary of Sucker Punch from Dark-types. Mesprit can be used late-game as a sweeper due to Choice Scarf boosting its speed, meaning as weakened teams lacking checks can be cleaned with STAB Psychic. If Mesprit is no longer needed or is weakened, (AC) it can also choose to heal a teammate to full with Healing Wish (RC) whilst also giving that teammate a free switch(space)in and generating momentum. Similarly to the Choice Specs set, Since (no cross-set referencing) it can be hard to identify what set Mesprit is running from Team Preview, allowing you to try to your this to your advantage by catching your opponent off guard.

Team Options
========

Mesprit is a good fit on offense teams that need a soft check to both Fighting- and Ground-types but also require a good speed control way to keep faster foes in check. Due to being weaker than the Choice Specs and not being defensively invested like the Stealth Rock set a relative lack of power and bulk investment, Mesprit appreciates having a solid Dark-type resist even more check or counter. Pokemon such as Gurdurr, Weezing, (AC) and Ferroseed are fantastic partners, with the latter two being able to set entry hazards to weaken the opposing team for Choice Scarf Mesprit, while Weezing also acts as a solid Fighting resist check / counter / switch-in / whatever works and is not "resist". Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Abomasnow and Pyroar, as it's able to rely on them to break teams. Mesprit is able to bring them both in with U-turn and also provides a Fighting resist versus mons can switch in on Fighting-types (same here, anything works if you get rid of "resist") like Hitmonchan along with checking Ground-types like Piloswine. It's also able to offer late-game (AH) Healing Wish support to them once it's weakened or isn't needed. Archeops forms a potent U-turn core with Mesprit, with the two pressuring each others other's checks, with Archeops pressuring Dark-types in Mesprit's case and Mesprit pressuring physical walls in Archeops's case. Archeops also appreciates Healing Wish support especially if it's in range of its Defeatist ability. Defensive pivots also benefit Mesprit due to it not wanting to take hits, so things Pokemon like Miltank and Audino fit the role while also being clerics able to heal Mesprit of status, with the former being able to set also setting up Stealth Rocks for Mesprit and the latter able to pass Wishes to it. Alolan Persian-Alola and Liepard are also fantastic partners thanks to them also being fast pivot mons pivots to pair with Mesprit.
 
Last edited:

Lumari

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is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
second half because this breaks the character limit, implement via the method in this video please if you're not familiar with that one yet :0

[SET]
name: Calm Mind + 3 Attacks REFERENCE POINT
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Colbur Berry / Icium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence Defense stats while facing Pokémon Pokemon that it either resists hit it for resisted damage or are unable to threaten it, (AC) such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker. Psyshock is the preferred Psychic STAB move for Calm Mind Mesprit because it lets it deal with special walls such as Clefairy and Type:Null, Type: Null while also still hitting physical walls such as Gurdurr and Qwilfish for substantial damage. Psychic is an option of Psyshock, (AC) as it can most neutral targets, most notably Piloswine, Regirock, (AC) and Aggron, harder along with being able to fare with take on Gurdurr better if unboosted. It does make it harder beating special walls harder, however, which can hinder its Mesprit's ability to break. Ice Beam is Mesprit's best coverage move, (AC) hitting everything that its Psychic STAB attacks can't for neutral damage, barring Steel-types like Togedemaru, and allows allowing Mesprit to hit Oricorio-G and Lilligant for super effective damage. It also allows for provides a decent middle-ground option to hit Dark-types. Signal Beam is Mesprit's best way to hit both Psychic- and Dark-types in one slot, allowing Mesprit it to punish these common switchins switch-ins with a super effective hit (RC) or, (AC) in Skuntanks Skuntank's case, (AC) a neutral hit. Hidden Power Ground can be ran run as a coverage option to hit Steel-types (RC) like Aggron and Mawile (RC) and Skuntank for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire is another niche option capable of dealing with Ferroseed.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack EVs coupled with maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allows Mesprit to be as fast as possible while also hitting as hard as possible. A Modest nature is usable, but not outspeeding the likes of Adamant Skuntank and Jolly Absol makes it overall a worse option. Mesprit's only ability is Levitate, (AC) which gives it an immunity to all entry hazards outside of Stealth Rock and also an immunity to Ground-type attacks. Colbur Berry helps Mesprit tackle Dark-types like Shiftry, Liepard, (AC) and Absol, (AC) which are usually checks to more offensive sets, and allows you it to OHKO all of them at +1. Alternatively, Icium Z (RH) gives Mesprit access to a nuke that helps break past checks, most notably OHKOing Skuntank at +1, but leaves you it noticeably weaker to Dark-types and being Pursuit trapped.

Usage Tips
========

Once Mesprit has set up a Calm Mind, (AC) it becomes a strong wall breaker mid-game wallbreaker used mid-game able to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage; (SC) bring it in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type Pokemon like Piloswine and Poliwrath, respectively, in order for it to set up. It can also be brought in on weaker, more passive mons foes like Qwilfish and defensive Carracosta. Mesprit should try to use its Psychic STAB move as much as possible if no resists or immunities are nothing resistant or immune to it is present on your opponent's team, but it should be wary of doing so if mons Pokemon like Aggron or and Skuntank are still around. In the case of If Dark-types being are present, (AC) it should attempt to use its coverage moves so that they don't get a free switchin on into its Psychic STAB attack. Icium Z Subzero Slammer should be used as a one-time nuke to remove or weaken a check to Mesprit like the previously mentioned Skuntank and or Aggron, (AC) as it either OHKO's OHKOing or heavily damages damaging them. Mesprit should avoid setting up on Pokemon with potential status moves, like Regirock or and Clefairy, because being Paralysed or Toxic'd paralyzed or badly poisoned makes it either more vulnerable to revenge killing and/or prevents it from wallbreaking effectively. Due to how many sets Mesprit has, (AC) the opponent may have difficulty determining what set Mesprit is, (AC) which you can use that to your advantage, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set. An example is how hard it is to distinguish between the Offensive Stealth Rock-, Calm Mind- and Choice Scarf-sets when basing it purely on damage output, unless the former is using Life Orb. (would just remove this sentence, no way to do this without cross-set referencing and it's void as soon as only 1 of these sets drops in viability)

Team Options
========

Due to Mesprit using an this set's offensive nature, (AC) set Qwilfish or and Weezing are good partners, (AC) because they function as more reliable Fighting resists (same) that help pressure punish constant switching on the opponents’ opponent's part with Toxic Spikes (RC) in Weezing's case or both Spikes and Toxic Spikes in Qwilfish's case. Slow pivots like Volt Switch Lanturn or and Eelektross allow Mesprit to come in for free without taking damage, meaning it's able enabling it to set up Calm Mind more effectively. Even though Mesprit can OHKO every relevant Dark-type at +1 with Signal Beam except Skuntank, which is OKed OHKOed by a +1 Subzero Slammer, it still appreciates checks to them. Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr work well, as they make it easier for Mesprit to set up by baiting common resists to them foes that resist their attacks. Mesprit also weakens both Psychic- and Poison-type checks for Fighting-types. Special sweepers like Lilligant and Ludicolo appreciate special walls either weakened of dealt with, so Mesprit makes a great partner which Mesprit can take care of thanks to its access to Psyshock hitting mons foes like Audino and Munchlax for decent damage when boosted. Alolan Raichu-Alola also enjoys Dark-types being weakened, even though it's able to deal with special walls by itself. Cleric support from Clefairy and Miltank, which also offer Stealth Rock support, or Wish support from Audino benefit Mesprit, (AC) as status can severely cripple reduce its ability to break teams, while Wish support increases its longevity. Support from Pursuit users such as Liepard and Skuntank help Mesprit, (AC) as they're able to trap Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G, (AC) which naturally outspeed and force Mesprit out; they however cannot beat it one-on-one if they're holding a Choice Scarfed or not aren't boosted, however, but Mesprit takes serious damage from both.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rocks Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam / Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish / U-turn
item: Colbur Berry / Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is the crux of this set and allows Mesprit to fulfil the role of an entry hazard setter on more offensive teams, with Stealth Rocks allowing it to chip down switchins switch-ins. Psychic is its strongest STAB option that and allows it to sufficiently check Fighting- and Poison-types, [albeit less effectively in comparison to the Defensive Stealth Rock set.] (either generalise this to defensive sets or remove it outright) Psyshock is an option, but it only hits a few opposing mons foes harder, (AC) like Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Magmortar, along with pivot Lanturn. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Dark-types such as Skuntank and Absol for neutral damage while also giving it a fantastic coverage move hitting to hit common Grass-, Ground- and Flying-types for super effective damage. Signal Beam is a decent coverage move on Mesprit as it alternative that allows it Mesprit to hit every Dark-type bar Skuntank for super effective damage (RC) but doesn’t doesn't quite have the same coverage Ice Beam does. Healing Wish is another momentum move that Mesprit can use as it helps offensive teams that usually rely on powerful sweepers and breakers, which appreciate a second chance. U-turn is a great move on offensive Mesprit, (AC) as most of the teams that use it rely on momentum generated by forcing switches. It also gives Mesprit a way of pivoting on incoming Dark-types that are usually able to trap the offensive set with relative ease. Hidden Power Fire can be used if your team is weak to Ferroseed, but apart from that, (AC) over more coverage is usally usually preferred.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment(space)allows Mesprit to still retain the role of a Stealth Rock user but means it can while letting it fit on more offensive teams (RC) due to it being a lot less passive in comparison to the defensive set. A Timid nature allows Mesprit to outspeed threats such as Adamant Skuntank and Kangaskhan along with Jolly Absol. A Modest nature is also usable, but the loss in Speed means it Mesprit struggles more versus Dark-types (RC) and the aforementioned Pokemon (RC) that the Timid set is able to outspeed. Levitate is Mesprit's only ability, but gives it Mesprit immunity to both Ground-type attacks and every entry hazard apart from Stealth Rock, allowing granting it increased longevity. Colbur Berry is the primary item of choice, giving Mesprit a way of dealing with Dark-types and Knock Off users without being crippled or taking serious damage. Life Orb is an alternative that makes gives Mesprit a stronger greater offensive presence, but it decreases its longevity and leaves it more open to being Pursuit trapped. (RH)

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit is often an offensive team's choice for a Stealth Rock user and should be played more aggressively than the defensive set, as it's able to pressure every defensive Stealth Rock setter in the tier apart from Ferroseed. Thanks to being an offensive set, (AC) Mesprit can act as a wallbreaker, (AC) especially if it's using a Life Orb over Colbur Berry, allowing it to soften opposing mons Pokemon for teammates early- and mid-game. Mesprit should be played cautiously if the opponent has a Pursuit trapper because it lacks the bulk to take them on, especially if it opts for Life Orb as its item. It should also be played carefully is it's the team's only Fighting-type check. With U-turn, (AC) Mesprit is able to pivot on the switches that it can force, gaining momentum and bringing in teammates potentially for free. It should be wary of spamming it when using Life Orb, (AC) however, as it becomes easily chipped throughout the match. Offensive Stealth Rock Mesprit can be a hard set for the opponent to pin down because it's rather uncommon, meaning you can use this to your advantage. This is especially noteworthy considering how hard the more offensive sets, outside of Choice Specs, are to tell apart thanks to them having the same damage output, unless this set is using Life Orb. Healing Wish allows for a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate a shot at sweeping or breaking, which is extremely useful late-game for offensive teams. It can also be used to block both Defog and Rapid Spin early- to mid-game if needed.

Team Options
========

Primeape is a great partner for Mesprit because it provides a check to every Dark-type apart from Sableye, offering a dual U-turn core that keeps momentum for offensive teams. Archeops also fulfils a similar role, acting as a fast U-turn user that is able to check most of the mons Pokemon that threaten Mesprit. Mesprit appreciates entry hazard support from Qwilfish because it functions as a more reliable Fighting resist (same as with the other cases of resist) that helps pressure punish (I think?) constant switching on the opponents’ opponent's part with both Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Powerful sweepers and cleaners like Zangoose and Lilligant act as good partners because they benefit from getting free switches with U-turn and are capable of breaking Steel- and Dark-types, respectively. They both like the Healing Wish support from Mesprit, especially Zangoose, (AC) which is worn down incredibly easily throughout the match. Due to Mesprits Mesprit's difficulty in dealing with both Ghost- and Psychic-types, which threaten Mesprit and force it out (AC) it appreciates support from Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank to help check them, as they threaten Mesprit and force it out. In turn, (AC) Mesprit is able to break Fighting-types like Gurdurr and physical walls such as Weezing. Strong wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Abomasnow are able to weaken teams and gain momentum from Mesprit's U-turn (RC) while also appreciating the Healing Wish support.

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to set up Calm Mind in front of defensive walls that rely on status in order to cripple set up setup sweepers, like Gastrodon and cleric Lanturn. It also allows Mesprit to not be Pursuit trapped by Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank, which are extremely threatening for this set. Calm Mind coupled with Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defence stats against Pokémon that are unable to threaten it, (AC) such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, which are unable to do much in return, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker. Psyshock is the preferred STAB move for Mesprit, (AC) giving it the ability to hit the opponents defence stat rather than their special defence stat, meaning it's able to break through special walls like Clefairy and tanks like Magmortar. Psychic can be used over Psyshock to hit mons Pokemon like Aggron and Gurdurr harder, which Psyshock struggles against, but overall Psyshock is the more consistent option because Psychic struggles against most special walls and tanks. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit everything that its Psychic STAB attack cannot, apart from Steel-types, meaning that 2HKOing standard switchins switch-ins like Absol and Skuntank are 2HKO'd at +1. Ice Beam also gives super effective coverage against common Grass-, Flying-, (AC) and Ground-types like Lilligant, Oricorio-G and Golurk, respectively. Signal Beam is an option that lets Mesprit tackle Psychic- and Dark-types in the same slot, like other Mesprits Mesprit and Absol, (AC) far easier more easily compared to Ice Beam, but it loses out on overall coverage.

Set Details
========

208 HP allows EVs give Mesprit to hit a Leftovers number which gives it the highest Leftovers recovery possible and gives give it a good form of passive recovery, allowing it to set a higher amount number of Substitutes. It also makes Mesprit a lot bulkier, making it harder for more defensive mons to break its Substitute. Maximum Speed investment along with a Timid nature lets Mesprit Speed tier with other postive positive-natured base 80's 80s like Shiftry (RC) while also meaning it can letting it outspeed mons foes like Jolly Absol and Kangaskhan. 48 Special Attack EVs means that Mesprit can almost always OHKO Shiftry at with Ice Beam at +1 while 2HKOing other Dark-types such as Liepard and Skuntank. Leftovers is basically required for this set to function, (AC) as it gives Mesprit the passive recovery it needs to constantly set up Substitutes. Levitate is the only ability it has but it gives it Mesprit an immunity to all entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock along with an immunity to Ground-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit should aim to pivot into many of the more defensive mons in the tier, such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, to set up with Substitute and Calm Mind, forcing them out. It should be aware that a lot of the defensive mons in the tier carry some form of status, (AC) however, which can cripple it if it directly switches in. Switching into Fighting-types like Hitmonchan also allows gives Mesprit almost free setup, but it should be wary of Knock Off or U-turn. Substitute Calm Mind Mesprit is noticeably weaker in comparison to other offensive sets and as such has trouble dealing with opposing mons Pokemon when unboosted (RC) and even when at +1, but it is able to setup set up on a considerable amount number of passive bulky Pokemon such as Lanturn and Audino. Due to this it should be used towards the late-game when the opponents opponent's team has already been weakened by teammates. This Mesprit set struggles with Dark-types the most, (AC) as it doesn't have the offensive presence to pressure them or access to Colbur Berry to pressure them or mitigate damage, meaning it should be used carefully when the opponent still has a Dark-type around. Substitute is able to slightly mitigate this weakness, (AC) as it stops mons Pokemon like Liepard and Skuntank from Pursuit trapping it while also giving it a way of forcing 50/50s mind games versus Sucker Punch users.

Team Options
========

First and foremost, (AC) Calm Mind Mesprit requires a good check to Dark-types, (AC) as it's extremely weak to mons Pokemon like Shiftry and Skuntank; (SC) so Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr help mitigate this weakness. Mesprit also benefits from these teammates, (AC) as they draw in Psychic- and Poison-types, (AC) which it can switch into and set up on. Entry hazard support from the likes of Qwilfish and Weezing helps Mesprit break through teams late-game, (AC) as it can rely on the residual damage that Spikes and Toxic Spikes offer. Qwilfish and Weezing also offer a secondary resist (same) to Fighting-types and a check to Dark-types, along with blanket checking most fast physical attackers. Piloswine and Miltank are noticeable Stealth Rock users that offer both hazard support and a way of checking strong physical attackers like Archeops and Kangaskhan, with Mesprit also giving them a check to Fighting-types. Miltank can act as a cleric with Heal Bell in case Mesprit gets status'd statused. Pursuit trappers such as Absol and Skuntank aid pair well with Mesprit, (AC) as it struggles against offensive Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which are able to either OHKO or 2HKO Mesprit. Powerful wallbreakers like Magmortar and Zangoose are able to break Mesprit's checks, such as Aggron, Ferroseed, (AC) and Skuntank, meaning that giving Mesprit has an easier time setting up and cleaning late-game. Choice Scarf Primeape benefits from Mesprit breaking down teams, (AC) as it's able to clean far easier more easily late-game, while also providing U-turn support to bring it Mesprit in on resists Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Weezing and Qwilfish.

[SET]
name: Weather Setter
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Psychic
move 4: U-turn
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe

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

Depending on what weather archetype you're using, you'll either be using Rain Dance or Sunny Day to assist the rest of your team, doubling the speed of Swift Swim and Chlorophyll users and increasing their Water and Fire attacks, respectively. Stealth Rock allows Mesprit to break Focus Sash and Sturdy mons and chipping chip targets that switch in, meaning giving that its teammates have an easier time sweeping, (AC) as they don't need to waste weather turns and take unnecessary damage. It also stops the opponents opposing Pokemon from being able to constantly switch in order to wait out the remaining weather turns. Psychic helps Mesprit not be completely passive and so it isn't able to be stops it from being set up on, while also providing making Mesprit a good check versus both Poison- and Fighting-type Pokémon Pokemon. This is especially important against mons Pokemon like Qwilfish, (AC) as most weather teams don't have a way to remove entry hazards. U-turn provides Mesprit with a slow momentum move that lets it get in its teammates once it has set up both its weather and Stealth Rock.

Set Details
========

Near-maximum (AH) HP and Defense investment allow Mesprit to set both its weather and Stealth Rocks Rock more than once a game, making a useful bulky pivot versus Fighting-, Ground-, (AC) and Poison-types. 16 Speed means EVs mean that it can outspeed Adamant Aggron and any other neutral base 50's 50s. Levitate is its only ability, but still gives it Mesprit an immunity to Ground-type attacks along with being immuneand to every entry hazard except from Stealth Rock. Heat Rock and Damp Rock are required, (AC) as they increase the amount number of turns weather is on the field from five to eight, with Heat Rock increasing the duration of Sunny Day sun and Damp Rock increasing the duration of Rain Dance rain.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit provides excellent role compression for weather teams, (AC) as it can set both weather and hazards, along with having access to a momentum move in U-turn. Thanks to its high defensive stats it's also able to take multiple hits throughout the course of the battle, meaning it can set multiple times. Generally when you're using Mesprit it should aim to set Stealth Rock before setting weather, because it doesn't want to waste its weather turns for no reason, especially as it’sit's used on such an offensive playstyle. However, some situations may arise where it is only able to use one, and then it should only focus on getting up weather because it's more beneficial for its team. Against Taunt users such as Skuntank and Qwilfish, it should be wary of trying to set up. Because of it's not carrying a Colbur Berry, Mesprit has to be cautious of opposing Dark-types and may have to make a choice between setting and getting knocked out or not setting and being used later on. It should attempt to predict Dark-types coming in and use U-turn to pivot out. On rain teams Mesprit is often the most reliable Fighting resist, (same) so it should be preserved if the opponent still has a Fighting-type like Gurdurr or Assault Vest Hitmonchan.

Team Options
========
This Mesprit set should only ever be considered on full rain and sun teams.(remove line break) Rain sweepers like Ludicolo, Kabutops,(AC) and Gorebyss are great partners for Rain Dance Mesprit, (AC) as they all benefit from rain-boosted boosting their STAB moves along with having their Speed boosted thanks to Swift Swim. Similarly, sun sweepers like Victreebel, Sawsbuck, Shiftry, (AC) and Exeggutor are ideal teammates for Sunny Day Mesprit, (AC) as they receive a Speed boost thanks to Chlorophyll when sun is up, with Victreebel also getting access to a Fire-boosted Weather Ball. On rain, (AC) Qwilfish is a fantastic partner because they rain teams have no natural way to remove Toxic Spikes, unlike with Victreebel on sun, which cripples every sweeper on rain the team, unlike with Victreevel on sun. Qwilfish is also able to set its own hazards and Taunt opposing set up setup Pokemon mons. On sun teams, (AC) fast mons Pokemon like Pyroar are ideal because of how slow the rest of the team is when outside of sun, while also giving and they also give a powerful breaker when sun is up. Magmortar is another powerful breaker that's able to also boost its Speed with Flame Charge. Other weather setters such as Liepard, Regirock, (AC) and Volbeat also benefit weather teams.

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

Choice Band is an option on Mesprit thanks to it having access to a its decent physical movepool including things options like Fire Punch, Knock Off, Zen Headbutt, (AC) and U-turn while also has as well as a high base 105 Attack stat too. However, physical walls are far more prominent in comparison to special walls, making it a lacklustre lackluster set. Future Sight gives Mesprit a powerful Psychic-type move that can help force switches after it pivots out and works well with U-turn, but it is too inconsistent and requires Mesprit to drop a coverage or utility move. Magic Coat allows it Mesprit to bounce status and entry hazards back at the opponent opposing Pokemon and can be a unique move on the defensive Stealth Rock set. A dual screens set, with Reflect and Light Screen, can be used, but Meowstic-M totally outclasses it thanks to a better Speed tier and Prankster. Imprison on Mesprit allows it Mesprit to prevent either opposing Stealth Rocks Rock on hazard sets or Calm Mind on setup Mesprit. Energy Ball can be used on the Stealth Rock sets to hit almost every opposing Stealth Rock setter, most notably Piloswine, for super effective damage. Trick can be used on the Choice Scarf or Choice Specs sets to cripple defensive mons Pokemon on the opponents opponent's team. Knock Off can be used on defensive sets to cripple standard switchins switch-ins such as Clefairy and Type:Null Type: Null. Toxic has a similar effect, but instead it is able to cripple things foes like Musharna and Gastrodon. Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, (AC) and Thunderbolt may all seem like decent coverage moves, but they hit a very small amount range of mons targets and aren't worth using over its Mesprit's standard coverage. Trick Room Mesprit is another semi-viable option if you want something a user that can also set Stealth Rock, but it is often overshadowed by either Musharna or Carbink. Generally, (AC) if Mesprit is to drop a move on one of its sets, it will opt to drop Healing Wish.


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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Shiftry, Liepard, (AC) and Absol are Mesprit's main checks, (AC) as they are immune to its STAB moves and threaten it with a super effective Dark-type move; (SC) however, (AC) they all struggle to switch in to the offensive sets and must be wary of Colbur Berry weakening their attacks. Sucker Punch on these Pokemon also helps them these Pokemon to check the more offensive sets. Skuntank is the most notable, (AC) as the only coverage move Mesprit has to hit it for super effective damage is Hidden Power Ground, but often the offensive sets are able to 2HKO it.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed, Probopass, (AC) and Aggron resist all of Mesprit's standard coverage options and can set up entry hazards on it, with Probopass being able to pivot on any switchin switch-in with Volt Switch and Aggron threatening a powerful Head Smash of Heavy Slam. The latter two have to be wary of the uncommon Hidden Power Ground, (AC) however, (AC) while the former has to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, and Aggron is unable to directly switch in on either a +1 or Choice Specs Mesprit when it has a Calm Mind boost or is holding Choice Specs. Bronzor is especially notable, (AC) as due to its typing and ability it's able to wall every Mesprit set.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls like Munchlax, Clefairy, Audino, (AC) and Type:Null Type: Null are capable of checking every set Mesprit uses, including the Calm Mind sets if they're unboosted.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G are capable of offensively checking Mesprit with their powerful Ghost STAB attacks, but they are unable to directly switchin to switch into Mesprit. Choice Scarf Mesprit is also able to check them if they lack the same item, (AC) and without a boost or Life Orb they're unable to OHKO the offensive sets.

**Strong Attackers**: Strong attackers, such as Ursaring and Drampa, are usually able to take any hit from Mesprit and either OHKO, or 2HKO in the case of more defensive sets, or force it out. However, they both, however, (or move it after unable, after Mesprit, or to the end of the sentence) are unable to directly switch in on Mesprit, (AC) and Drampa struggles against Z Ice Beam Subzero Slammer and Choice Specs Ice Beam. Zangoose is also worth mentioning because it OHKO's OHKOes every fully offensive Mesprit set with Façade Facade.
 

frenzyplant

Inertia is a property of matter.
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add remove (comments)

[OVERVIEW]

Mesprit is the most versatile Pokemon in PU, (comma) with a wide movepool that gives it several viable sets such as Choice Specs and defensive Stealth Rock and a great stat distribution that gives it both bulk and power. Mesprit notably has access to one of the best moves in the game in Stealth Rock, and it is undeniably the best setter in the tier thanks to great defensive stats and Levitate, allowing which allow it to set with relative ease. It also has a fantastic matchup versus the best Rapid Spin user in the tier, Hitmonchan. Levitate also gives Mesprit immunity to all entry hazards except for Stealth Rock, preventing it from being worn down over repeated switches. Mesprit has access to a myriad of useful support moves such as Healing Wish, Thunder Wave, U-turn, and Trick, all allowing it to fulfil fulfill (American spelling) different support roles. Healing Wish is one of the most notable ones, letting a weakened Mesprit (sacrifice itself to?) fully restore the HP of a teammate. Mesprit also boasts a great offensive presence thanks to a solid base 105 Special Attack stat along with several offensive sets like Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, and (Substitute +) Calm Mind, which are capable of either wallbreaking or setting up on weaker, more passive Pokemon. The Choice sets offer either an immediately powerful special attacker or a decent revenge killer, while the Calm Mind sets offer a reliable sweeper. A Psychic typing along with Levitate allows it Mesprit to check common Fighting-, Ground-, and Poison-types effectively, but it also leaves it weak vulnerable (optional, to distinguish it from type weakness) to Pursuit users such as Absol and Skuntank, with more offensive sets being weaker (again, change to "more vulnerable" or "more prone"?) to Sucker Punch users like Shiftry and the aforementioned Skuntank. Depending on the item Mesprit is holding, however, it is able to potentially beat these checks. Even though Mesprit has good stat distribution, its Speed is rather lacking, meaning that against more offensively based teams it can struggle, especially if it's running an offensive set. Bulkier sets also have no way of restoring HP outside of Leftovers, meaning it they can be worn down throughout the course of the game.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is the strongest Psychic-type move that Mesprit has at its disposal, with the ability to OHKO and or 2HKO most neutral targets, even specially defensive tanks like Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar after some prior damage. Psyshock is an option to hit more specially defensively inclined targets such as Clefairy and Audino, which Psychic fails to beat. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Pokemon that resist or are immune to its main STAB option such as Sableye and Ferroseed for good damage, picking up a 2HKO and 3HKO, respectively, while offering a fantastic neutral coverage option. Signal Beam gives Mesprit super effective coverage against Psychic- and Dark-types, which are usually able to come in on its STAB Psychic-type move and force it out. It allows it Signal Beam allows Mesprit to hit every Dark-type aside from Skuntank and Sableye for super effective damage. Healing Wish is usually used in the last slot because it gives a weakened Mesprit the chance to heal a teammate back to full if it's Mesprit's no longer needed. Hidden Power Fire is a niche option that lets Mesprit hit Ferroseed and Mawile super effectively, but it is generally pushed aside for a better coverage move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, with a Modest nature further boosting its offensive prowess and allowing it to gain crucial 2HKOs against Pokemon such as Assault Vest Lanturn and Magmortar. Levitate gives Mesprti Mesprit a nice immunity to Ground-type moves along with an immunity to all forms of entry hazards except Stealth Rock. Choice Specs further boosts Mesprit's offensive capabilities and along with a Modest nature allows it to break opposing teams extremely effectively. (move this up a sentence to join with the other segment about 2HKOs) Maximum Speed investment allows Mesprit to be a reasonably quick wallbreaker, being naturally faster than Pokemon like Assault Vest Magmortar and Adamant Absol. A Timid nature is an option, as it allows Mesprit to outspeed foes like Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank, along with Jolly Absol; it leaves Mesprit noticeably weaker, however, and unable to get some 2HKOs and 3HKOs that it does with Modest.

Usage Tips
========

Due to Mesprit's great wallbreaking capabilities, it should be used early- to or mid-game to break teams down with its powerful STAB and coverage moves. It can be brought in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type Pokemon like Piloswine and Hitmonchan or on weaker, more passive Pokemon like Qwilfish and Weezing. When Pokemon resistant or immune to Mesprit's Psychic-type STAB attack are still present, it should be wary of locking itself into Psychic or Psyshock and instead use coverage when appropriate, like on a predicted switch-in. This is an especially notable tactic against Pokemon like Skuntank and Absol, which are able to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Ice Beam is also a very spammable move. If the opponent has no Pokemon resistant or immune to Psychic or if it has fainted, Mesprit should focus on spamming its Psychic-type STAB attacks in an effort to break the opposing team. Mesprit can also use Healing Wish once it is weakened too much or isn't needed anymore to give another a teammate another chance. Due to how many sets Mesprit has, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what set Mesprit is, which you can use to your advantage in certain situations, especially if the opponent believes it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========

Even though most Dark-types are unable to switch directly into Mesprit when it isn't locked into Psychic, Mesprit still appreciates support to check and beat them, as it doesn't want to get caught in prediction games versus Pokemon with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Teammates like Weezing and Gurdurr are useful in these situations because they pressure Dark-types such as Skuntank and Shiftry. Alolan Persian is another notable partner because Parting Shot helps get Mesprit in more easily. Mesprit loves support from entry hazard stacking Pokemon such as Weezing, Qwilfish, and Piloswine, as they help it break down the opposing team far more efficiently while also providing Mesprit with soft checks to Dark-types, with Piloswine being the most notable, as because it pressures Shiftry with Ice Shard and Skuntank with Earthquake. Sweepers and breakers such as Lilligant and Aggron benefit from Mesprit as a teammate, as Mesprit is able to break common checks for them and support them late-game with a Healing Wish, giving them another opportunity to sweep and or break. In return, Aggron and Lilligant help pressure troublesome foes like Dark-types and special walls. Mesprit also enjoys a teammate that can provide speed control that can to keep faster foes in check due to Mesprit having a lackluster Speed stat itself, with Primeape being the most notable example of this. Primeape is able to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, offer U-turn support, and force out specially defensive walls that Mesprit struggles with, such as Type: Null and Audino. Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Lycanroc and Absol are also able to set up on these Pokemon. Pursuit trappers are appreciated by Mesprit because it struggles versus Ghost-types that naturally outspeed it, like Oricorio-G and Haunter. Skuntank is a good example, as it resists both of Haunter's STAB attacks and can pressure Oricorio-G. Liepard is another notable trapper, as it outspeeds Oricorio-G and Haunter that lack Choice Scarf.

[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Healing Wish / Thunder Wave
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

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

Stealth Rock helps support teammates by whittling opposing Pokemon down with residual damage as they switch in, and Mesprit is the best setter in the tier thanks to its good typing and defensive stats. Psychic gives Mesprit a powerful STAB option that allows it to deal super effective damage against Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr and Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish. U-turn offers a slow pivoting move to allow Mesprit to help slow teammates get in safely while also allowing it to switch out versus Dark-types switching in like Shiftry, Absol, and Skuntank. U-turn especially It also helps versus the latter two, as they usually attempt to Pursuit trap Mesprit. Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give a teammate such as Lilligant or Drampa another chance at sweeping or wallbreaking. It Healing Wish also gives its the teammate a free switch in, so it does not have to worry without worrying about taking a hit. (the teammate isn't really worrying) Thunder Wave is another option for crippling potential switch-ins like Dark- or and Steel-types and setup sweepers like Carracosta, which are able to boost on Healing Wish variants of Mesprit. Thunder Wave also provides soft speed control against more offensive teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP EVs along with almost maximum Defense EVs give Mesprit the bulk it requires to take on most physical attackers, with a Bold nature further increasing its longevity. Even though Mesprit runs U-turn, an Attack-lowering nature is preferred because it's only using U-turn as a pivoting move, not for damage. (optional, clarity) U-turn is also able to almost always OHKO Shiftry even with an Attack-lowering nature. (period) with U-turn Colbur Berry is the optimal item for Mesprit, as it helps versus Dark-types that are usually able to Pursuit trap it, such as Skuntank and Absol, doing super effective damage to the latter. (not sure what the subject of this clause is, since Colbur Berry doesn't damage anything) 16 Speed EVs allow Mesprit to outspeed maximum Speed neutral-natured base 50s such as Aggron, allowing it to pivot more safely without taking an unwanted hit. Levitate is the only ability Mesprit has access to, but it gives it a decent Ground immunity along with an immunity to every entry hazard bar Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Thanks to maximum defensive investment, Mesprit is able to effectively switch into physical attacks, assuming they that aren't super effective. It should especially aim to switch into Fighting- and Ground-types due to its resistance and immunity to their STAB attacks. Mesprit is also one of the few users of Stealth Rock that are able to beat Hitmonchan, the most common user of Rapid Spin in the tier. Mesprit should attempt to use U-turn on a predicted switch to or directly pivot out on Pokemon that it can't hit, such as Steel- and Dark-types like Ferroseed and Skuntank, and other switch-ins like Magmortar and Oricorio-G, which can take a hit and either set up on it or force it out. Using U-turn against Dark-types also allows Mesprit to avoid extra damage from faster Pursuit users. Mesprit should try to set up Stealth Rock against foes that it isn't directly threatened by, such as Piloswine and Regirock, or Pokemon that it forces out with the threat of its STAB move, like Weezing, Gurdurr, and Hitmonchan. Mesprit should aim to use Healing Wish later in the game once it and the rest of its team are weakened, and once it's no longer needed, to restore the HP of a more useful teammate. Thunder Wave is to be used as a form of pseudo-speed control, crippling faster targets like Skuntank or setup sweepers such as Carracosta, making and making them more susceptible to revenge killing. It is worth noting that once its Mesprit's Colbur Berry has been consumed, Mesprit finds it a lot harder to switch in and out when the opponent has a Dark-type Pokemon, because Mesprit is Pursuit trapped a lot more easily. During the late-game Mesprit is generally not very useful, unless it's still required to check Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan, so it should set up Stealth Rock, pivot, and even use Healing Wish earlier on.

Team Options
========

Mesprit works well with a VoltTurn core, so pivots like Primeape, Lanturn, and Eelektross are all notable partners. Primeape provides a fast U-turn and the ability to check most Dark-types, while the latter two are good specially defensive pivots offering a slow Volt Switch. Alolan Persian is notable because it provides a good fast Parting Shot to complement Mesprit's slow U-turn. Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Aggron and Magmortar, as it usually brings them in for free with a slow U-turn along with resisting Fighting-type moves from the likes of Hitmonchan and checking Ground-types like Piloswine; it's also able to offer late-game Healing Wish support. Due to how passive this Mesprit set is, it often draws in bulky setup Pokemon like Musharna and Type: Null, so strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Pyroar and Swords Dance Absol are useful for taking on these foes. Mesprit can be also be used in a similar vein as mentioned above with setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Shiftry. Team support to deal with Dark-types is appreciated, so Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan make good partners for Mesprit. Pursuit trappers are also ideal for Mesprit, as they deal with Skuntank and Absol can use either Pursuit or Sucker Punch to pressure foes that would usually switch in and set up on it Mesprit like Musharna and Oricorio-G or directly force it out like Haunter. Skuntank and Absol pressure all of these Pokemon with either Pursuit or Sucker Punch. (a little repetitive to say they deal with them, and then they pressure them) Due to a complete lack of recovery and a vulnerability to status, especially Toxic, Mesprit appreciates cleric support from the likes of Miltank and Audino, with the latter also being able to provide it with decently sized Wishes.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Healing Wish
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is Mesprit's strongest STAB option, allowing it to deal super effective damage against Poison-types such as Weezing and Qwilfish and Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Due to a naturally high Special Attack stat, Mesprit can potentially sweep teams late-game with STAB Psychic. U-turn allows Choice Scarf Mesprit to act as a fast pivot and helps ease prediction, especially against incoming checks such as Skuntank and Ferroseed, though it Mesprit does take residual damage from the latter. Mesprit is also able to outspeed Jynx and almost OHKO it with U-turn. Healing Wish gives Mesprit the chance to heal a weakened teammate to full once Mesprit isn't needed anymore or has taken too much damage, with the benefit of also generating momentum. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit foes such as Oricorio-G and Lilligant for super effective damage, as well as Dark-types for neutral damage if they switch into Mesprit predicting a Psychic-type move.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment alongside a Choice Scarf allows Mesprit to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, barring Ninjask and Electrode, and outspeed any Choice Scarf user below base 65 Speed, such as Abomasnow. A Modest nature coupled with maximum Special Attack EVs allows Mesprit to hit as hard as possible, so Modest and is the preferred nature on it. (doesn't make sense to say "Modest coupled with maximum Special Attack is the preferred nature") Timid is a niche option that does allow Mesprit to outspeed a few additional foes such as +2 Adamant Torterra and Gorebyss. Levitate allows Mesprit to be brought in against Ground-types like Piloswine and gives it an immunity to all forms of entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Mesprit appreciates being brought in after something has fainted or by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn user, such as Lanturn, to try to either force out the opposing Pokemon or revenge kill it. It's also able to pivot in on Fighting- and Ground-types. Early- to and mid-game, Mesprit shouldn't be played aggressively if the opponent has checks such as Skuntank or Ferroseed and should instead opt to gain momentum by using U-turn on these switch-ins. It Mesprit can also use coverage moves versus them if they're sufficiently weakened, but it has to be wary of Sucker Punch from Dark-types. Mesprit can be used late-game as a sweeper, (comma) as it can clean weakened teams lacking checks to it can be cleaned with STAB Psychic. If Mesprit is no longer needed or is weakened, it can also choose to heal a teammate to full with Healing Wish whilst while also giving that teammate a free switch-in and generating momentum. Since it can be hard to identify what set Mesprit is running from Team Preview, try to your use this (is this what you mean?) to your advantage by catching your opponent off guard.

Team Options
========

Mesprit is a good fit on offense teams that need a soft check to both Fighting- and Ground-types but also require a good way to keep faster foes in check. Due to a relative lack of power and bulk investment, Mesprit appreciates having a solid Dark-type check or counter. Pokemon such as Gurdurr, Weezing, and Ferroseed are fantastic partners, with the latter two being able to set entry hazards to weaken the opposing team for Choice Scarf Mesprit, (unsure why the set name is here in specific?) while Weezing also acts as a solid Fighting check / counter / switch-in / whatever works and is not "resist". (pick one of these) Mesprit also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Abomasnow and Pyroar, as it's able to rely on them that it can rely on to break teams. (for repetition of "is able to") Mesprit is able to bring them both in with U-turn, and also can switch in on Fighting-types like Hitmonchan along with checking Ground-types like Piloswine, and It's also able to offers late-game Healing Wish support to them these wallbreakers once it's weakened or isn't needed. Archeops forms a potent U-turn core with Mesprit, with the two pressuring each other's checks, Dark-types in Mesprit's case and physical walls in Archeops's case. Archeops also appreciates Healing Wish support especially if it's in range of its Defeatist ability is activated. (to clarify) Defensive pivots also benefit Mesprit due to it not wanting to take hits. (comma to period, quite long sentence) so Pokemon like Miltank and Audino fit the role while also being able to heal Mesprit of status, with the former also setting up Stealth Rock for Mesprit and the latter able to pass Wishes to it. Alolan Persian (remove hyphen) and Liepard are also fantastic pivots to pair with Mesprit.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind + 3 Attacks
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Colbur Berry / Icium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defense stats while facing Pokemon that either hit it for resisted damage or are unable to threaten it, such as Hitmonchan and Weezing, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker. Psyshock is the preferred Psychic-type STAB move for Calm Mind Mesprit because it lets it deal with special walls such as Clefairy and Type: Null while also still hitting physical walls such as Gurdurr and Qwilfish for substantial damage. Psychic is an alternative option instead of Psyshock, as it can hit most neutral targets, most notably Piloswine, Regirock, and Aggron, harder along with being able to letting an unboosted Mesprit take on Gurdurr better if unboosted. It does make beating special walls harder, however, which can hinder Mesprit's ability to break. Ice Beam is Mesprit's best coverage move, hitting everything that its Psychic-type STAB attacks can't for neutral damage, barring Steel-types like Togedemaru, and allowing Mesprit to hit Oricorio-G and Lilligant for super effective damage. It also provides a decent middle-ground option to hit Dark-types. Signal Beam is Mesprit's best way to hit both Psychic- and Dark-types in one slot, allowing it to punish these common switch-ins with a super effective hit or, in Skuntank's case, a neutral hit. Hidden Power Ground can be run as a coverage option to hit Skuntank and Steel-types like Aggron and Mawile and Skuntank for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire is another niche option capable of dealing with Ferroseed.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack EVs coupled with maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allows Mesprit to be as fast as possible while also hitting as hard as possible. A Modest nature is usable, but not outspeeding letting Mesprit outspeed the likes of Adamant Skuntank and Jolly Absol makes it overall a worse option. Mesprit's only ability is Levitate, which gives it an immunity to all entry hazards outside of Stealth Rock and also an immunity to Ground-type attacks. Colbur Berry helps Mesprit tackle Dark-types like Shiftry, Liepard, and Absol, which are usually checks to more offensive sets, and allows it to OHKO all of them at +1. Alternatively, Icium Z gives Mesprit access to a nuke in Subzero Slammer (just for clarity) that helps break past checks, most notably OHKOing Skuntank at +1, but leaves it noticeably weaker to Dark-types and being Pursuit trapped.

Usage Tips
========

Once Mesprit has set up a Calm Mind, it becomes a strong mid-game wallbreaker able to break teams down with its powerful STAB moves and coverage; bring it in on resisted hits from Ground- and Fighting-type Pokemon like Piloswine and Poliwrath, (remove comma) in order for it to set up. It Mesprit can also be brought in on weaker, more passive foes like Qwilfish and defensive Carracosta. Mesprit should try to use its Psychic-type STAB move as much as possible if nothing resistant or immune to it Psychic is present on your opponent's team, but it should be wary of doing so if Pokemon like Aggron and Skuntank are still around. If Dark-types are present, it Mesprit should attempt to use its coverage moves so that they don't get a free switch into its Psychic STAB attack. Subzero Slammer should be used as a one-time nuke to remove or weaken a check to Mesprit like the previously mentioned Skuntank or Aggron, OHKOing or heavily damaging them. Mesprit should avoid setting up on Pokemon with potential status moves, like Regirock and Clefairy, because being paralyzed or badly poisoned makes it more vulnerable to revenge killing or prevents it from wallbreaking effectively. Due to how many sets Mesprit can run, has, the opponent may have difficulty determining what set Mesprit is, which you can use to your advantage, especially if they believe it to be a more defensive set.

Team Options
========

Due to this set's offensive nature, Qwilfish and Weezing are good partners, because they function as more reliable Fighting-type checks resists (or "counters" etc) that help punish constant switching on the opponent's part with Toxic Spikes in Weezing's case or both Spikes and Toxic Spikes in Qwilfish's case. Slow pivots like Volt Switch Lanturn and Eelektross allow Mesprit to come in for free without taking damage, enabling it to set up Calm Mind more effectively. Even though Mesprit can OHKO every relevant Dark-type at +1 with Signal Beam except Skuntank, which is OHKOed by a +1 Subzero Slammer, it still appreciates checks to them. Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr work well, as they make it easier for Mesprit to set up by baiting in common foes that resist their attacks. Mesprit also weakens both Psychic- and Poison-type checks for to Fighting-types. Special sweepers like Lilligant and Ludicolo appreciate special walls either weakened of or dealt with, which Mesprit can take care of thanks to Psyshock hitting foes like Audino and Munchlax for decent damage when boosted. Alolan Raichu also enjoys Dark-types being weakened, even though it's able to deal with special walls by itself. Cleric support from Clefairy and Miltank, which also offer Stealth Rock support, or and Wish support from Audino benefit Mesprit, as status can severely reduce its ability to break teams, while Wish support increases its longevity. Support from Pursuit users such as Liepard and Skuntank help helps Mesprit, as they're able to trap Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G, which naturally outspeed Mesprit and force Mesprit it out; although they these Ghost-types cannot beat it one-on-one if they're holding a Choice Scarf or aren't boosted, however, but Mesprit takes serious damage from both. (two "but" equivalents in a row can be confusing)

[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Ice Beam / Signal Beam
move 4: Healing Wish / U-turn
item: Colbur Berry / Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock allows Mesprit to fulfill the role of an entry hazard setter on more offensive teams, allowing it to chip down switch-ins. Psychic is its strongest STAB option and allows it to sufficiently check Fighting- and Poison-types. Psyshock is an option, but it only hits a few foes harder, like Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Magmortar, (remove comma) along with pivot Lanturn. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit Dark-types such as Skuntank and Absol for neutral damage while also giving it a fantastic coverage move to hit common Grass-, Ground-, (serial comma) and Flying-types for super effective damage. Signal Beam is a decent alternative that allows Mesprit to hit every Dark-type bar Skuntank for super effective damage but doesn't quite have the same coverage Ice Beam does. Healing Wish is another momentum move that helps offensive teams that usually rely on powerful sweepers and breakers, which appreciate a second chance. U-turn is a great move on offensive Mesprit, as most of the teams that use it rely on momentum generated by forcing switches. It also gives Mesprit a way of pivoting on incoming Dark-types that are usually able to trap the offensive set with relative ease. Hidden Power Fire can be used if your team is weak to Ferroseed, but apart from that, more coverage is usually preferred.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment allows Mesprit to retain the role of a Stealth Rock user while letting it fit on more offensive teams due to it being a lot less passive. A Timid nature allows Mesprit to outspeed threats such as Adamant Skuntank and Kangaskhan along with Jolly Absol. A Modest nature is also usable, but the loss in Speed means Mesprit struggles more versus Dark-types and the aforementioned Pokemon that the Timid set is able to outspeed. Levitate gives Mesprit immunity to both Ground-type attacks and every entry hazard apart from Stealth Rock, granting it increased longevity. Colbur Berry is the item of choice, giving Mesprit a way of dealing with Dark-types and Knock Off users without being crippled or taking serious damage. Life Orb is an alternative that gives Mesprit a greater offensive presence, but it decreases its longevity and leaves it more open to being Pursuit trapped.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit is often an offensive team's choice for a Stealth Rock user and should be played aggressively, as it's able to pressure every defensive Stealth Rock setter in the tier apart from Ferroseed. Thanks to being an its offensive set, Mesprit can act as a wallbreaker, especially if it's using a Life Orb over Colbur Berry, allowing it to soften opposing Pokemon for teammates early- and mid-game. Mesprit should be played cautiously if the opponent has a Pursuit trapper because it lacks the bulk to take them on, especially if it opts for Life Orb as its item. It should also be played carefully is if it's the team's only Fighting-type check. With U-turn, Mesprit is able to pivot on the switches that it can force, gaining momentum and bringing in teammates potentially for free. It You should be wary of spamming it U-turn when using Life Orb, however, as Mesprit becomes easily chipped down throughout the match. Offensive Stealth Rock Mesprit can be a hard set for the opponent to pin down because it's rather uncommon, meaning you can use this to your advantage. This is especially noteworthy considering how hard the more offensive sets, outside of Choice Specs, are to tell apart thanks to them having the same damage output, unless this set is using Life Orb. Healing Wish allows a weakened Mesprit to give another teammate a shot at sweeping or breaking, which is extremely useful late-game for offensive teams. It can also be used to block both Defog and Rapid Spin early- to or mid-game if needed.

Team Options
========

Primeape is a great partner for Mesprit because it provides a check to every Dark-type apart from Sableye, offering a dual U-turn core that keeps momentum for offensive teams. Archeops fulfills a similar role, acting as a fast U-turn user that is able to check most of the Pokemon that threaten Mesprit. Mesprit appreciates entry hazard support from Qwilfish because it functions as a more reliable Fighting-type resist check that helps punish constant switching on the opponent's part with both Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Powerful sweepers and cleaners like Zangoose and Lilligant act as good partners because they benefit from getting free switches with from U-turn and are capable of breaking Steel- and Dark-types, respectively. They both like the Healing Wish support from Mesprit, especially Zangoose, which is worn down incredibly easily throughout the match. Due to Mesprit's difficulty dealing with both Ghost- and Psychic-types, which threaten Mesprit and force it out, (comma) it appreciates support from Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank to help check them. In turn, Mesprit is able to break Fighting-types like Gurdurr and physical walls such as Weezing. Strong wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Abomasnow are able to weaken teams and gain momentum from Mesprit's U-turn while also appreciating the Healing Wish support it provides.

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to set up Calm Mind in front of defensive walls that rely on status in order to cripple setup sweepers, like Gastrodon and cleric Lanturn. It also allows Mesprit to not be Pursuit trapped by Dark-types like Liepard and Skuntank, which are extremely threatening for this set. Calm Mind coupled with Substitute gives Mesprit the ability to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defense stats against Pokemon that are unable to threaten it, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, allowing Mesprit to become a powerful breaker. Psyshock is the preferred STAB move for Mesprit, giving it the ability to break through special walls like Clefairy and tanks like Magmortar. Psychic can be used over Psyshock to hit Pokemon like Aggron and Gurdurr harder, which Psyshock struggles against, but overall Psyshock is the more consistent option because Psychic struggles against most special walls and tanks. Ice Beam allows Mesprit to hit everything that its Psychic-type STAB attack cannot, apart from Steel-types, 2HKOing standard switch-ins like Absol and Skuntank at +1. Ice Beam also gives Mesprit super effective coverage against common Grass-, Flying-, and Ground-types like Lilligant, Oricorio-G, (comma) and Golurk. Signal Beam is an option that lets Mesprit tackle Psychic- and Dark-types, like other Mesprit and Absol, in the same slot, like other Mesprit and Absol, and far more easily compared to Ice Beam, but Mesprit loses out on overall coverage.

Set Details
========

208 HP EVs give Mesprit the highest Leftovers recovery possible and give it a good form of passive recovery, allowing it to set up a higher number of Substitutes. It The investment also makes Mesprit a lot bulkier, making it harder for more defensive mons Pokemon to break its Substitute. Maximum Speed investment along with a Timid nature lets Mesprit Speed tier tie with (is this what you mean?) other positive-natured base 80s like Shiftry while also letting it outspeed foes like Jolly Absol and Kangaskhan. 48 Special Attack EVs mean that Mesprit can almost always OHKO Shiftry with Ice Beam at +1 while 2HKOing other Dark-types such as Liepard and Skuntank. Leftovers is basically required for this set to function, as it gives Mesprit the passive recovery it needs to constantly set up Substitutes. Levitate gives Mesprit an immunity to all entry hazards apart from Stealth Rock along with an immunity to Ground-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit should aim to pivot into many of the more defensive mons Pokemon in the tier, such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, to set up with Substitute and Calm Mind, forcing them out. It You should be aware that a lot of the defensive mons Pokemon in the tier carry some form of status, however, which can cripple Mesprit if it directly switches in. Switching into Fighting-types like Hitmonchan also gives Mesprit almost free setup, but it should be wary of Knock Off or U-turn. (maybe give examples of Fighting-type users of these moves?) Substitute + Calm Mind Mesprit is noticeably weaker in comparison to other offensive sets and as such has trouble dealing with opposing Pokemon when unboosted and even when at +1, but it is able to set up on a considerable number of passive bulky Pokemon such as Lanturn and Audino. Due to this, (comma) it should be used towards the late-game when the opponent's team has already been weakened by teammates. This Mesprit set struggles with Dark-types the most, as it doesn't have the offensive presence to pressure them or access to Colbur Berry to mitigate damage, meaning it should be used carefully when the opponent still has a Dark-type around. Substitute is able to slightly mitigate this weakness, as it stops Pokemon like Liepard and Skuntank from Pursuit trapping Mesprit while also giving it a way of forcing to force mind games versus Sucker Punch users.

Team Options
========

First and foremost, (Substitute +?) Calm Mind Mesprit requires a good check to Dark-types, as it's extremely weak to Pokemon like Shiftry and Skuntank; Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr help mitigate this weakness. Mesprit also benefits from these teammates, as because they draw in Psychic- and Poison-types, which it can switch into and set up on. Entry hazard support from the likes of Qwilfish and Weezing helps Mesprit break through teams late-game, as it can rely on the residual damage that Spikes and Toxic Spikes offer to wear down opposing Pokemon. Granbull and Weezing also offer a secondary resistance to Fighting-types and a check to Dark-types, along with blanket checking most fast physical attackers. Piloswine and Miltank are noticeable notable Stealth Rock users that offer both hazard support and a way of checking strong physical attackers like Archeops and Kangaskhan, with Mesprit also giving them a check to Fighting-types. Miltank can act as a cleric with Heal Bell in case Mesprit gets afflicted with status. statused. Pursuit trappers such as Absol and Skuntank pair well with Mesprit, as it struggles against offensive Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which are able to OHKO or 2HKO Mesprit. Powerful wallbreakers like Magmortar and Zangoose are able to break Mesprit's checks, such as Aggron, Ferroseed, and Skuntank, giving Mesprit an easier time setting up and cleaning late-game. Choice Scarf Primeape benefits from Mesprit breaking down teams, as it's able to clean far more easily late-game, while also providing U-turn support to bring Mesprit in on Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Weezing and Qwilfish.

[SET]
name: Weather Setter
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Psychic
move 4: U-turn
item: Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe

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

Depending on what weather archetype you're using, you'll either be using Rain Dance or Sunny Day to assist the rest of your team, doubling the Speed of Swift Swim and or Chlorophyll users and increasing the power of their Water- and or Fire-type attacks, respectively. Stealth Rock allows Mesprit to breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy and chips targets that switch in, giving its Mesprit's teammates an easier time sweeping, as they don't need to waste weather turns and take unnecessary damage. It also stops the opposing Pokemon from being able to constantly switch in order to wait out the remaining weather turns. Psychic helps Mesprit not be completely passive and stops it from being set up on, (remove comma) while also making Mesprit a good check versus to both Poison- and Fighting-type Pokemon. This is especially important against Pokemon like Qwilfish, as most weather teams don't have a way to remove entry hazards. U-turn provides Mesprit with a slow momentum move that lets it get a teammate in get in its teammates once it has set up both its weather and Stealth Rock.

Set Details
========

Near-maximum HP and Defense investment allow Mesprit to set both its weather and Stealth Rock more than once a game, making it a useful bulky pivot versus Fighting-, Ground-, and Poison-types. 16 Speed EVs mean that it can outspeed Adamant Aggron and any other neutral base 50s. Levitate gives Mesprit an immunity to Ground-type attacks and to every entry hazard except Stealth Rock. Heat Rock and or Damp Rock are is required, as they increase the number of turns weather is on the field from five to eight, with Heat Rock increasing the duration of sun and Damp Rock increasing the duration of rain.

Usage Tips
========

Mesprit provides excellent role compression for weather teams, as it can set both weather and Stealth Rock hazards, along with having access to a momentum move in U-turn. Thanks to its high defensive stats it's also able to take multiple hits throughout the course of the battle, meaning it can set multiple times. Generally when you're using Mesprit it should aim to set up Stealth Rock before setting up weather, because it doesn't want to waste its weather turns for no reason, especially as it's used on such an offensive playstyle. However, some situations may arise where it is only able to use one, and then it should only focus on getting up weather because it's more beneficial for its team. Against Taunt users such as Skuntank and Qwilfish, it should be wary of trying to set up. Because it's not carrying a Colbur Berry, Mesprit has to be cautious of opposing Dark-types and may have to make a choice between setting up weather and getting knocked out or not setting up weather so it can be and being used later on. It You should attempt to predict Dark-types coming in and use U-turn to pivot out. On rain teams Mesprit is often the best Fighting-type resistant Pokemon available, so it should be preserved if the opponent still has a Fighting-type like Gurdurr or Assault Vest Hitmonchan.

Team Options
========

This Mesprit set should only ever be considered on full rain and sun teams. Rain sweepers like Ludicolo, Kabutops, and Gorebyss are great partners for Rain Dance Mesprit, as they all benefit from rain boosting their STAB moves along with having doubling their Speed boosted thanks to Swift Swim. Similarly, sun sweepers like Victreebel, Sawsbuck, Shiftry, and Exeggutor are ideal teammates for Sunny Day Mesprit, as they receive a Speed boost thanks to Chlorophyll when sun is up, with Victreebel also getting access to a Fire-boosted Fire-type, boosted Weather Ball. On rain, Qwilfish is a fantastic partner because rain teams have no natural other way to remove Toxic Spikes, (what is a natural way to remove hazards?) which cripples every sweeper on the team, unlike with Victreebel on sun. Qwilfish is also able to set its own hazards and Taunt opposing setup Pokemon. On sun teams, fast Pokemon like Pyroar are ideal because of how slow the rest of the team is when outside of sun, and they also give their teams a powerful breaker when sun is up. Magmortar is another powerful breaker that's also able to also boost its Speed with Flame Charge. Other weather setters such as Liepard, Regirock, and Volbeat also benefit weather teams.

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

Choice Band is an option on Mesprit thanks to its decent physical movepool including options like Fire Punch, Knock Off, Zen Headbutt, and U-turn as well as a high base 105 Attack stat. However, physical walls are far more prominent in comparison to special walls, making physical Mesprit a lackluster set. Future Sight gives Mesprit a powerful Psychic-type move that can help force switches after it pivots out and works well with U-turn, but it is too inconsistent and requires Mesprit to drop a coverage or utility move. Magic Coat allows Mesprit to bounce status and entry hazards back at the opposing Pokemon and can be a unique move on the defensive Stealth Rock set. A dual screens set, with Reflect and Light Screen, can be used, but Meowstic-M totally outclasses it thanks to a better Speed tier and Prankster. Imprison allows Mesprit to prevent either opposing Stealth Rock on hazard sets or opposing Calm Mind on setup Mesprit. Energy Ball can be used on the Stealth Rock sets to hit almost every opposing Stealth Rock setter, most notably Piloswine, for super effective damage. Trick can be used on the Choice Scarf or and Choice Specs sets to cripple defensive Pokemon on the opponent's team. Knock Off can be used on defensive sets to cripple standard switch-ins such as Clefairy and Type: Null. Toxic has a similar effect, but instead it is able to cripple specially defensive foes like Musharna and Gastrodon. Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Thunderbolt may all seem like decent coverage moves, but they hit a very small range of targets and aren't worth using over Mesprit's standard coverage. Trick Room Mesprit is another semi-viable option if you want a Trick Room user that can also set Stealth Rock, but it is often overshadowed by either Musharna or Carbink. Generally, if Mesprit is to drop a move on one of its sets, it will opt to drop Healing Wish. (some of these (Magic Coat, Imprison, Energy Ball, Trick, Toxic) don't have downsides listed, but that could be worth consideration for consistency?)

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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Shiftry, Liepard, and Absol are Mesprit's main checks, (AC) as they are immune to its STAB moves and threaten it with a super effective Dark-type move; however, they all struggle to switch in to the offensive sets and must be wary of Colbur Berry weakening their Dark-type attacks. Sucker Punch also helps these Pokemon to check the more offensive sets. Skuntank is the most notable, as the only coverage move Mesprit has to hit it for super effective damage is Hidden Power Ground, but often the offensive sets are able to 2HKO it.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed, Probopass, and Aggron resist all of Mesprit's standard coverage options and can set up entry hazards on it, with Probopass being able to pivot on against any switch-in with Volt Switch and Aggron threatening a powerful Head Smash of or Heavy Slam. The latter two have to be wary of the uncommon Hidden Power Ground, however, while the former first has to be wary of Hidden Power Fire, and Aggron is unable to directly switch in on Mesprit when it has a Calm Mind boost or is holding Choice Specs. Bronzor is especially notable, as due to its typing and ability it's able to wall every Mesprit set.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially defensive walls like Munchlax, Clefairy, Audino, and Type: Null are capable of checking every set Mesprit uses, including the Calm Mind sets if they're unboosted.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G are capable of offensively checking Mesprit with their powerful STAB attacks, but they are unable to directly switch into Mesprit. Choice Scarf Mesprit is also able to check them if they lack the same item, and without a boost or Life Orb they're unable to OHKO the offensive sets.

**Strong Attackers**: Strong attackers such as Ursaring and Drampa (remove commas) are usually able to take any hit from Mesprit and either OHKO it, or 2HKO it in the case of more defensive sets, or force it out. However, they both are unable to directly switch in on Mesprit, and Drampa struggles against Subzero Slammer and Choice Specs Ice Beam. Zangoose is also worth mentioning because it OHKOes every fully offensive Mesprit set with Facade. (when Toxic Boost is activated?)
 
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