[OVERVIEW]
Snivy's niche comes from the ability Contrary and the move Leaf Storm, which paired together give Snivy a 130-Base Power move that gives a +2 boost to its Special Attack, making it one of the best wallbreakers and the best offensive Grass-type Pokemon in Little Cup. Contrary also has several other uses, including making Snivy one of the best Sticky Web checks in the metagame by giving it a +1 boost to Speed every time it comes in when the entry hazard is up. However, Snivy's poor offensive movepool forces it to rely on Hidden Power for coverage against the wide variety of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm. Additionally, Snivy hits 17 Speed, which, while decent, leaves it susceptible to being revenge killed by faster Pokemon; couple this with its mediocre defenses, and its sweeping potential becomes rather limited.
[SET]
name: Berry Juice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Substitute / Knock Off
move 3: Glare
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Berry Juice
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Substitute allows Snivy to take advantage of the switches it forces and to force Pawniard into 50/50 scenarios if it attempts to revenge kill Snivy with Sucker Punch. Substitute can also help Snivy avoid the occasional status condition, especially paralysis. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle or allowing Snivy to get a Substitute up. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because of its Speed IV drop it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.
Set Details
========
Snivy's EV spread is quite simple, maximizing Snivy's Special Attack to allow it to hit as hard as possible and maximizing Speed to allow it to outrun as much of the metagame as possible. With a Timid nature, Snivy hits 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and reliably outspeed Pawniard and fast Vullaby variants. With the Hidden Power Fire IV drop, Snivy can still outspeed most of the walls it aims to break, but it is more susceptible to being revenge killed by 17 Speed Pokemon, and Pawniard and Vullaby check it more reliably. If running Hidden Power Fire, Snivy should be given an EV spread of 76 HP / 236 SpA / 176 Spe to gain an HP point in exchange for the lost Speed point. Snivy is equipped with a Berry Juice to restore its health once during a match, which is often all it needs to break down opposing walls and clear the way for a sweeper. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other, more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare Memento users.
Usage Tips
========
Leaf Storm is a very easy move to spam thanks to its enormous power and its side effect of boosting Snivy's Special Attack every time it is used. Snivy's Hidden Power can be used in situations where its coverage is needed, but keep in mind that Snivy usually has to have used Leaf Storm to boost its Special Attack to do decent damage with a Hidden Power. As this Snivy set does not have much longevity after its Berry Juice is gone, avoid switching into attacks that Snivy does not resist, and even then, it should only switch in infrequently. Substitute should be used when it is predicted that an opponent will use a status move such as Thunder Wave, to activate Berry Juice and bring Snivy's HP to full, or on a switch to ease predictions. In a pinch, Snivy can set up a Substitute as a check enters the battlefield, use Glare to paralyze it, and continue to use Substitute until the foe is fully paralyzed for a turn, giving Snivy two free attacks. Glare and Knock Off can be used by themselves against switch-ins to make them easier for teammates to handle.
Team Options
========
Snivy's best partners are those that appreciate its wallbreaking capabilities and can check the Pokemon it cannot break past. Fire-type checks, such as Toxic Ponyta and Chinchou, make good partners. Flying-type checks, too, are important, with Onix, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Omanyte working well in this role. Snivy appreciates entry hazard support to break down opposing teams more efficiently, making Dwebble and Toxic Spikes Mareanie good partners. Sticky Web is an alternative entry hazard that slows down opposing teams, allowing Snivy to overcome its mediocre Speed to an extent. Ice-type Pokemon, such as Alolan Vulpix and Snover, also tend to bring in Steel-type Pokemon, so together with Snivy they can wear down these Pokemon to enable one of them to sweep.
[SET]
name: Eviolite Wallbreaker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Glare / Knock Off
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Eviolite
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
==========
Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them. Synthesis gives Eviolite Snivy a form of recovery, giving it longevity. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because of its Speed IV drop it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.
Set Details
==========
240 Special Attack EVs maximize Snivy's Special Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature bring Snivy to 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and outspeed Pawniard. If Hidden Power Fire is run, Snivy only can hit 16 Speed, but this lets it use a spread of 76 HP / 236 SpA / 176 Spe to gain a point of mixed bulk. An Eviolite gives Snivy the bulk to act as a more reliable answer to Ground-type Pokemon defensively, while still breaking down teams efficiently offensively. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare Memento users.
Usage Tips
=========
With an Eviolite, Snivy can take on more of a pivot role, being able to switch into Drilbur, Mudbray, and Chinchou reliably and immediately go on the offensive. Leaf Storm deals enormous amounts of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Snivy can use Glare and its Hidden Power to deal with the Grass-resistant foes that switch in to deal with it. Synthesis should be used periodically to allow Snivy to keep attacking, but it forfeits momentum when it is used. Despite having an Eviolite, Snivy should try not to switch into attacks it does not resist.
Team Options
============
This Snivy set works best on teams that need more defensive utility from a Grass-type but don't want to sacrifice momentum. Fire-type checks are helpful, such as Toxic Ponyta and Chinchou. Flying-type checks, too, are important, notably Omanyte, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Onix. Entry hazard support from the likes of Dwebble and Toxic Spikes Mareanie helps break down opposing teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Scarf set takes advantage of Snivy's offensive capabilities and neutralizes its issues with Speed ties, but Leaf Storm does not have wide enough coverage to sweep most teams, and Snivy is not powerful enough to sweep with a Hidden Power. Other Hidden Powers are a possibility on both sets if a team needs coverage for a specific Pokemon. Hidden Power Rock is a notable option that allows Snivy to lure in and dispatch Larvesta, but it requires that Snivy run 16 Speed. Snivy also has access to Taunt, but most Pokemon can't set up on Snivy anyway because of its ability to boost its stats while dealing damage. Giga Drain is an option as well as a secondary Grass-type STAB attack that provides recovery. Snivy also has access to Light Screen and Reflect, giving it potential as one of the more offensive screen setters in Little Cup, but dual screens tend not to be a good strategy in LC, and Snivy doesn't have the bulk to set them especially well. Lastly, Snivy's access to Aromatherapy lets it heal itself and its teammates, but it comes from an event that requires Snivy to run a Hardy nature.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-resistant Pokemon**: Due to Snivy's shallow coverage movepool, Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm can reliably check it so long as Snivy is not running the specific Hidden Power that deals with them. Poison-types, such as Croagunk and Mareanie, and Fire-types, such as Ponyta and Larvesta, deal with non-Hidden Power Ground variants well, although Ponyta fears Glare against other sets. Foongus and Flying-types such as Vullaby can deal with non-Hidden Power Ice variants. Lastly, Steel-types, such as Pawniard and Magnemite, check non-Hidden Power Ground or Hidden Power Fire variants effectively. Most of these Pokemon can check Snivy once even if it is running the appropriate Hidden Power, but they can quickly be worn down enough such that, if running the right coverage move, Snivy can take them out.
**Revenge Killers**: Snivy is extremely prone to being revenge killed. Doduo, Gastly, and Ponyta, which naturally outspeed it, and Choice Scarf users can all revenge kill Snivy.
Snivy's niche comes from the ability Contrary and the move Leaf Storm, which paired together give Snivy a 130-Base Power move that gives a +2 boost to its Special Attack, making it one of the best wallbreakers and the best offensive Grass-type Pokemon in Little Cup. Contrary also has several other uses, including making Snivy one of the best Sticky Web checks in the metagame by giving it a +1 boost to Speed every time it comes in when the entry hazard is up. However, Snivy's poor offensive movepool forces it to rely on Hidden Power for coverage against the wide variety of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm. Additionally, Snivy hits 17 Speed, which, while decent, leaves it susceptible to being revenge killed by faster Pokemon; couple this with its mediocre defenses, and its sweeping potential becomes rather limited.
[SET]
name: Berry Juice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Substitute / Knock Off
move 3: Glare
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Berry Juice
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Substitute allows Snivy to take advantage of the switches it forces and to force Pawniard into 50/50 scenarios if it attempts to revenge kill Snivy with Sucker Punch. Substitute can also help Snivy avoid the occasional status condition, especially paralysis. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle or allowing Snivy to get a Substitute up. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because of its Speed IV drop it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.
Set Details
========
Snivy's EV spread is quite simple, maximizing Snivy's Special Attack to allow it to hit as hard as possible and maximizing Speed to allow it to outrun as much of the metagame as possible. With a Timid nature, Snivy hits 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and reliably outspeed Pawniard and fast Vullaby variants. With the Hidden Power Fire IV drop, Snivy can still outspeed most of the walls it aims to break, but it is more susceptible to being revenge killed by 17 Speed Pokemon, and Pawniard and Vullaby check it more reliably. If running Hidden Power Fire, Snivy should be given an EV spread of 76 HP / 236 SpA / 176 Spe to gain an HP point in exchange for the lost Speed point. Snivy is equipped with a Berry Juice to restore its health once during a match, which is often all it needs to break down opposing walls and clear the way for a sweeper. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other, more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare Memento users.
Usage Tips
========
Leaf Storm is a very easy move to spam thanks to its enormous power and its side effect of boosting Snivy's Special Attack every time it is used. Snivy's Hidden Power can be used in situations where its coverage is needed, but keep in mind that Snivy usually has to have used Leaf Storm to boost its Special Attack to do decent damage with a Hidden Power. As this Snivy set does not have much longevity after its Berry Juice is gone, avoid switching into attacks that Snivy does not resist, and even then, it should only switch in infrequently. Substitute should be used when it is predicted that an opponent will use a status move such as Thunder Wave, to activate Berry Juice and bring Snivy's HP to full, or on a switch to ease predictions. In a pinch, Snivy can set up a Substitute as a check enters the battlefield, use Glare to paralyze it, and continue to use Substitute until the foe is fully paralyzed for a turn, giving Snivy two free attacks. Glare and Knock Off can be used by themselves against switch-ins to make them easier for teammates to handle.
Team Options
========
Snivy's best partners are those that appreciate its wallbreaking capabilities and can check the Pokemon it cannot break past. Fire-type checks, such as Toxic Ponyta and Chinchou, make good partners. Flying-type checks, too, are important, with Onix, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Omanyte working well in this role. Snivy appreciates entry hazard support to break down opposing teams more efficiently, making Dwebble and Toxic Spikes Mareanie good partners. Sticky Web is an alternative entry hazard that slows down opposing teams, allowing Snivy to overcome its mediocre Speed to an extent. Ice-type Pokemon, such as Alolan Vulpix and Snover, also tend to bring in Steel-type Pokemon, so together with Snivy they can wear down these Pokemon to enable one of them to sweep.
[SET]
name: Eviolite Wallbreaker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Glare / Knock Off
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Eviolite
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
==========
Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them. Synthesis gives Eviolite Snivy a form of recovery, giving it longevity. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because of its Speed IV drop it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.
Set Details
==========
240 Special Attack EVs maximize Snivy's Special Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature bring Snivy to 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and outspeed Pawniard. If Hidden Power Fire is run, Snivy only can hit 16 Speed, but this lets it use a spread of 76 HP / 236 SpA / 176 Spe to gain a point of mixed bulk. An Eviolite gives Snivy the bulk to act as a more reliable answer to Ground-type Pokemon defensively, while still breaking down teams efficiently offensively. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare Memento users.
Usage Tips
=========
With an Eviolite, Snivy can take on more of a pivot role, being able to switch into Drilbur, Mudbray, and Chinchou reliably and immediately go on the offensive. Leaf Storm deals enormous amounts of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Snivy can use Glare and its Hidden Power to deal with the Grass-resistant foes that switch in to deal with it. Synthesis should be used periodically to allow Snivy to keep attacking, but it forfeits momentum when it is used. Despite having an Eviolite, Snivy should try not to switch into attacks it does not resist.
Team Options
============
This Snivy set works best on teams that need more defensive utility from a Grass-type but don't want to sacrifice momentum. Fire-type checks are helpful, such as Toxic Ponyta and Chinchou. Flying-type checks, too, are important, notably Omanyte, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Onix. Entry hazard support from the likes of Dwebble and Toxic Spikes Mareanie helps break down opposing teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Scarf set takes advantage of Snivy's offensive capabilities and neutralizes its issues with Speed ties, but Leaf Storm does not have wide enough coverage to sweep most teams, and Snivy is not powerful enough to sweep with a Hidden Power. Other Hidden Powers are a possibility on both sets if a team needs coverage for a specific Pokemon. Hidden Power Rock is a notable option that allows Snivy to lure in and dispatch Larvesta, but it requires that Snivy run 16 Speed. Snivy also has access to Taunt, but most Pokemon can't set up on Snivy anyway because of its ability to boost its stats while dealing damage. Giga Drain is an option as well as a secondary Grass-type STAB attack that provides recovery. Snivy also has access to Light Screen and Reflect, giving it potential as one of the more offensive screen setters in Little Cup, but dual screens tend not to be a good strategy in LC, and Snivy doesn't have the bulk to set them especially well. Lastly, Snivy's access to Aromatherapy lets it heal itself and its teammates, but it comes from an event that requires Snivy to run a Hardy nature.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-resistant Pokemon**: Due to Snivy's shallow coverage movepool, Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm can reliably check it so long as Snivy is not running the specific Hidden Power that deals with them. Poison-types, such as Croagunk and Mareanie, and Fire-types, such as Ponyta and Larvesta, deal with non-Hidden Power Ground variants well, although Ponyta fears Glare against other sets. Foongus and Flying-types such as Vullaby can deal with non-Hidden Power Ice variants. Lastly, Steel-types, such as Pawniard and Magnemite, check non-Hidden Power Ground or Hidden Power Fire variants effectively. Most of these Pokemon can check Snivy once even if it is running the appropriate Hidden Power, but they can quickly be worn down enough such that, if running the right coverage move, Snivy can take them out.
**Revenge Killers**: Snivy is extremely prone to being revenge killed. Doduo, Gastly, and Ponyta, which naturally outspeed it, and Choice Scarf users can all revenge kill Snivy.
Last edited:
