Tapu Fini [QC:1/3]

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[OVERVIEW]

- Tapu Fini is a bulky Defogger that is able to blanket check a wide variety of Pokemon, such as Syclant, Ash-Greninja, and Volkraken.
- Its Water/Fairy typing is great in a metagame full of Dragon, Dark, Fighting, and Water types. This allows it to Defog reliably on a multitude of threats.
- Furthermore, its amazing bulk means that it can even live one strong super effective hit if it is at full health, which allows it to Defog in an emergency situation if needed.
- Its access to the combo Nature's Madness + Taunt means it can easily chip down the opposing team.
- This works especially well with Tapu Fini's relatively fast speed tier for a wall, being able to hit opposing walls with a Taunt before they can use their utility or recovery moves.
- Misty Surge is a great ability that can support your team and override opposing terrains, such as Psychic Surge.

- However it can also prevent your own teammates from throwing out their own status moves, especially if they are carrying Toxic Spikes.
- Tapu Fini is also easily worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery.
- Furthermore, it is relatively passive and has to rely on Nature's Madness to do any real chip damage.
- Often by the time it has done enough damage to the opponents it wants to target, it has already fainted or is in quick OHKO range.
- Tapu Fini as a hazard remover that is not immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes means that often when trying to remove these hazards, it will take a huge chunk of damage or be poisoned, respectively. Both of these cut into its longevity.
- It faces severe competition with other bulky waters, such as Arghonaut, Toxapex, and Mantine, since all these Pokemon sport reliably recovery and the ability to stack hazards (barring Mantine, which can Defog itself).

- Before using Tapu Fini, consider the other bulky waters (something like that)

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Nature's Madness
move 3: Defog/Scald
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm Nature
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD

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

- Moonblast is mandatory on this set to hit the Dragon and Fighting type Pokemon it is supposed to check, such as Zygarde and Tomohawk. It is also used to secure the KO after Nature's Madness has significantly dented the opposing Pokemon.
- Nature's Madness is used as the main way to prevent Tapu Fini from being a deadweight; it halves the health of the opposing pokemon, allowing useful chip damage that can help pave the way for one of your sweepers later. This is the best move to use versus Steel and Fire types.
- Defog clears the field of entry hazards for your team.
- If you already have a defogger on your team, you can opt for Scald. Most notably it hits Lando-T for super effective damage.
- Taunt is needed to prevent opposing Pokemon from using their own utility moves, such as Stealth Rock or a form of recovery. It is useful for creating 50/50s with opposing utility Pokemon.
- Taunt in tandem with Nature's Madness is particularly disrupting for opposing walls that can't do much in return to Tapu Fini. Spamming Taunts followed up by Nature Madnesses, and finally securing the OHKO with Moonblast can easily pressure these walls.
- Whirlpool is another option over Scald or Defog if you want to trap toxapex. This allows Tapu Fini to 1v1 it, something Tapu Fini cannot do without the move. It is also prevents your opponent from doubling to another Pokemon.
- Protect can be used on Tapu Fini for getting more recovery from Leftovers, reducing damage from powerful Z Moves, and scouting Choice-locked moves. However, note that you will be stalling your own Misty Terrain turns as well.

Set Details
========

- Leftovers is mandatory on Tapu Fini since it gives it longevity on the field.
- Misty Surge prevents Tapu Fini from being badly poisoned and gives support to your entire team by making them immune to status moves for a few turns.
- 248 HP EVs combined with 44 Special Defense EVs and a Calm Nature allows Tapu Fini to switch into Scarf Volkraken's Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts at least 3 times a match, even after taking Stealth Rock the first time. It also avoids the 2HKO from Timid Life Orb Tomohawk's Hurricane, and avoids the 3HKO from Ash-Greninja's Specs-boosted Hydro Pumps.
- The rest of the EVs are dumped into defense to help it take physical attacks better. For example, it avoids the 2HKO from a Shadow Claw followed by a Triage Drain Punch from +1 Life Orb Revenakh after Stealth Rock, and also avoids the 2HKO from Banded Zygarde's Thousand Arrows. This allows it to 1v1 Revenakh when it switches in the turn Revenakh uses Bulk Up, and get one Moonblast off on Zygarde if it switches in on Thousand Arrows.
- If you want more EVs to put into other stats, you can use a spread of 248 HP / 160 Def. This gives you 56 extra EVs that you can put into Special Defense or Speed, while still being able to tank Life Orb Latio's Psyshocks. It is worth mentioning that those extra EVs put into Speed ensure you outpace uninvested Lando-T.
- An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature can be used if you want to outspeed Adamant Lando-T and Zygarde. This allows Tapu Fini to hit these two Pokemon before they can damage it back. It also allows it to hit Mew and Sticky Web Necturna with a Taunt before they can use their utility moves.
- However, note that this spread gives up a significant amount of defense, forgoing the ability to live the defensive benchmarks that the other spread does. For example, Life Orb Latios now has a good chance of 2HKOing Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock.


Usage Tips
========

- Generally take advantage of Tapu Fini's resistances and switch into Pokemon it beats such as SubCoil Zygarde, Volkraken, Latios, and Ash-Greninja.
- However, avoid putting yourself into situations where you are overreliant on Tapu Fini's ability to check these pokemon, as it can very easily be worn down. For example, don't rely on Tapu Fini as your only check to all these Pokemon at once.
- Do not recklessly switch Tapu Fini into Zygarde or Greninja until you have confirmed their sets, as a Banded Thousand Arrows or Protean Gunk Shot can significantly dent it.
- Tapu Fini can be used as a pivot versus Scarf Tapu Lele, as it can scout what move is it locked into in order to prevent a Steel type teammate from taking significant damage from Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire. This is possible because Misty Surge overrides Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge.
- Once on the field, proceed to use Nature's Madness on the opposing team, as it is a very spammable move that chips pokemon, unless it is necessary to secure the OHKO on opposing Fighting, Dark, or Dragon types with Moonblast.
- Once opposing Pokemon are weakened enough, then it is safe to Moonblast on non-super effective targets, provided that they do not outspeed Tapu Fini and use a recovery move first.
- Use Taunt on slower Pokemon if you predict your opponent is going to go for Stealth Rock or a form of recovery.
- Use Defog if hazards are on your side of the field and you need to clear them for your team. However, avoid using the move on Stealth Rockers that beat Tapu Fini, such as Pyroak and Mollux.
- Usually Tapu Fini functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon; you use Nature's Madness on a predicted switch-in and then switch yourself to avoid any strong or super effective attacks.

Team Options
========

- Grass types such as Ferrothorn and Pyroak make great partners for Tapu Fini, because they can switch into the Electric type attacks aimed at it. Ferrothorn in particular synergizes well since it is immune to poison type attacks and can pass Leech Seed recovery to Tapu Fini.
- Ground types, such as Lando-T and Colossoil, serve as a way to beat Poison and Electric pokemon that threaten Tapu Fini. In return Fini resists Water and Ice type attacks for them.
- Pokemon that struggle with Steel types when sweeping make great partners, as Tapu Fini can easily chip them. Examples include Mega Crucibelle and Dragon Dance Naviathan.
- Pokemon that appreciate Tapu Fini's resists make great partners; examples include Lando-T, Heatran, and Tyranitar.
- Pokemon that appreciate hazard support, such as Mega Pinsir, Volcarona, and both mega formes of Charizard make great partners. In particular, Tapu Fini can beat Dragon types for Volcarona, while Volcarona can setup on the Pokemon that tend to take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness.
- Pokemon that appreciate status immunity such as Mega Crucibelle and Kitsunoh can take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to setup Misty Surge. In particular Mega Crucibelle can now switch in directly on Mollux and Pyroak without having to fear a Lava Plume burn.
- Wish passers such as Chansey and Kitsunoh make for good partners, as they can remedy Tapu Fini's tendency to get worn down over the duration of the match. Healing Wish Latias and Tomohawk can bring back Tapu Fini to full health at the cost of themselves.

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

- Calm Mind with Hydro Pump and Moonblast is a plausible set for Tapu Fini if you want it to exert more offensive pressure. If you are running this set, the last moveslot should either be Taunt or Hidden Power Ground. The former prevents bulky Pokemon from using recovery moves, allowing for an easier time sweeping, while the latter is a coverage option for Mollux and Plasmanta, two hard walls to the set otherwise.
- If you are using Taunt with the Calm Mind set, it is advised you have a Ground type as a teammate to take care of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Electric types. Flame Orb Colossoil is a good partner, as it can Pursuit trap these threats too.
- Normalium Z with Heal Bell can be used on Tapu Fini for a one-time full recovery move; however this takes up a precious moveslot that cannot be afforded to be taken away. Plus, without Leftovers Tapu Fini is even more easily chipped down, cutting into its efficiency of switching into moves that it resists.

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

Poison Types: Poison types such as Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Crucibelle also counter Tapu Fini with their STAB moves. In particular, the former two Pokemon are immune to Tapu Fini's Water type attacks and capitalize on it.

Electric Types: Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Mega Manectric can easily switch into Tapu Fini and proceed to gain momentum via Volt Switch or hit it with a STAB Thunderbolt.

Grass Types: Grass types such as Tangrowth, Power Whip Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can also switch into Tapu Fini with relative ease. From there they can force it out with a STAB Grass move. Specifically, Assault Vest Tangrowth is a hard counter, since it can gain back any HP lost from Nature's Madness via Regenerator.

Steel Types: Pokemon such as Magearna and Celesteela easily shrug off Moonblasts and Scalds from Tapu Fini. However they don't appreciate being chipped by Nature's Madness, and in the case of Celesteela, being hit with a Taunt.

Powerful Z-Moves: Powerful Z-Moves take advantage of Tapu Fini's lack of reliable recovery, since they can easily take down it to under half health. For example, Lando-T's and Salamence's Supersonic Strikes followed by their respective coverage move, Earthquake, will 2HKO it. Bloom Doom from Heatran and +3 Tectonic Rage from Tail Glow Syclant will OHKO Tapu Fini as well.

Fast Setup Sweepers: Most setup sweepers can take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness, often boosting on its inability to 2HKO them. Examples include Volcarona, Aurumoth, and Magearna.
 
Last edited:

HeaLnDeaL

Let's Keep Fighting
is an Artistis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a CAP Contributor Alumnus
Comments in bold. Again, not going to flat out give QC stamps quite yet. To my fellow QCers, snake_rattler and cbrevan I would like opinions on the EVs listed in particular.

[OVERVIEW]

- Tapu Fini places its hold on the CAP metagame as a bulky Defogger with a good typing that has many useful resists. This allows it to blanket check many common threats.
- Its Water/Fairy typing is great in a metagame full of Dragon, Dark, Fighting, and Water types.
- However, its typing is a double-edged sword; Electric, Poison, and Grass type Pokemon are commonly placed on teams. Err are you sure this is true? they might not be uncommon, but these don't scream as among the most common types I see and I have a fair number of teams with none of these as offensive STABs. I don't disagree that it has weaknesses, but as weaknesses go these aren't bad weaknesses imo.
- It is also easily worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery.
- Furthermore, Tapu Fini is relatively passive and has to rely on Nature's Madness to do any real chip damage.
- Often by the time it has done enough damage to the opponents it wants to target, it has already fainted or is in quick OHKO range.
- Tapu Fini as a hazard remover that is not immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes means that often when trying to remove these hazards, it will take a huge chunk of damage or be poisoned, respectively. Both of these cut into its longevity.
- Misty Surge is a great ability that can support your team; however it can also prevent your own teammates from throwing out their own status moves.
- Overall Tapu Fini can be a great addition to your team, but only with proper play and team support.
- Has the ability to end the other, more offensive terrains

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Nature's Madness
move 3: Defog/Scald
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm Nature
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD

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

- Moonblast is mandatory on this set to hit the Dragon and Fighting type Pokemon it is supposed to check, such as Zygarde and Tomohawk. It is also used to secure the KO after Nature's Madness has significantly dented the opposing Pokemon.
- Nature's Madness is used as the main way to prevent Tapu Fini from being a deadweight; it halves the health of the opposing pokemon, allowing useful chip damage that can help pave the way for one of your sweepers later.
- Defog is one of the main reasons to use Tapu Fini, as it can clear hazards reliably due to its ability to switch into many threats, unlike other water type hazard removers.
- If you already have a defogger on your team, you can opt for Scald, a super effective move on Ground types, Fire types, and Rock types.You don't need to explain type charts in an analysis Most notably it hits Lando-T for super effective damage.
- Scald is used over Surf for a potential burn on Flying type Pokemon or a burn on the other island guardians, bar opposing Tapu Fini, should they try to switch in.
- Taunt is needed to prevent opposing Pokemon from using their own utility moves, such as Stealth Rock or a form of recovery. It is useful for creating 50/50s with opposing utility Pokemon.
- Whirlpool is another option if you want to trap toxapex. This allows Tapu Fini to 1v1 it, something Tapu Fini cannot do without the move. It is also prevents your opponent from doubling to another Pokemon.

Set Details
========

- Leftovers is mandatory on Tapu Fini since it gives it longevity on the field.
- Misty Surge is the only legal ability, and it both prevents Tapu Fini from being Toxic'd and gives support to your entire team.
- 248 HP combined with 44 SpD EVs and a Calm Nature allows Tapu Fini to switch into Scarf Volkraken's Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts at least 3 times a match, even after taking Stealth Rock the first time. It also avoids the 2HKO from Timid Life Orb Tomohawk's Hurricane, and avoids the 3HKO from Ash-Greninja's Specs-boosted Hydro Pumps.
- The rest of the EVs are dumped into defense to help it take physical attacks better. Anything they help Fini survive in particular?
- An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature can be used if you want to outspeed Adamant Lando-T and Zygarde. This allows Tapu Fini to hit these two Pokemon before they can damage it back.
- However, note that this spread gives up a significant amount of defense. For example, Life Orb Latios now has a good chance of 2HKOing Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock.


Usage Tips
========

- Generally take advantage of Tapu Fini's resistances and switch into Pokemon it beats such as SubCoil Zygarde, Volkraken, and Latios.
- However, avoid putting yourself into situations where you are overreliant on Tapu Fini's ability to check these pokemon, as it can very easily be worn down.
- Once on the field, proceed to use Nature's Madness on the opposing team, as it is a very spammable move that chips pokemon, unless it is necessary to secure the OHKO on opposing Fighting, Dark, or Dragon types with Moonblast.
- Once opposing Pokemon are weakened enough, then it is safe to Moonblast on non-super effective targets.
- Use Taunt on slower Pokemon if you predict your opponent is going to go for Stealth Rock or a form of recovery.
- Use Defog if hazards are on your side of the field and you need to clear them for your team. However, avoid using the move on Stealth Rockers that beat Tapu Fini, such as Pyroak and Mollux.
- Usually Tapu Fini functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon; you use Nature's Madness on a predicted switch-in and then switch yourself to avoid any strong or super effective attacks.

Team Options
========

- Grass types such as Ferrothorn and Pyroak make great partners for Tapu Fini, because they can switch into the Electric type attacks aimed at it. Ferrothorn in particular synergizes well since it is immune to poison type attacks and can pass Leech Seed recovery to Tapu Fini.
- Ground types serve as a way to beat Poison and Electric pokemon that threaten Tapu Fini. In return Fini resists Water type attacks for them.
- Pokemon that struggle with Steel types when sweeping make great partners, as Tapu Fini can easily chip them. Such examples include Mega Crucibelle.
- Pokemon that appreciate Tapu Fini's resists make great partners; examples include Lando-T, Heatran, and Tyranitar.
- Pokemon that appreciate hazard support, such as Mega Pinsir, Volcarona, and both mega formes of Charizard make great partners. In particular, Tapu Fini can beat Dragon types for Volcarona, while Volcarona can setup on the Pokemon that tend to take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness.
- Pokemon that appreciate status immunity such as Mega Crucibelle and Kitsunoh can take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to setup Misty Surge. In particular Mega Crucibelle can now switch in directly on Mollux and Pyroak without having to fear a Lava Plume burn.

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

- Calm Mind with Hydro Pump and Moonblast is a plausible set for Tapu Fini if you want it to exert more offensive pressure. However in the CAP metagame it has too many counters, such as Mollux, Plasmanta, and Ferrothorn blocking its way from sweeping.
- Normalium Z with Heal Bell can be used on Tapu Fini for a one-time full recovery move; however this takes up a precious moveslot that cannot be afforded to be taken away. Plus, without Leftovers Tapu Fini is even more easily chipped down, cutting into its efficiency of switching into moves it resists.
- Protect can be used on Tapu Fini for more recovery from Leftovers and scouting Choice-locked moves; however as stated earlier this takes away a precious moveslot that prevents it from doing what its supposed to do in the first place.

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

Electric Types: Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Mega Manectric can easily switch into Tapu Fini and proceed to gain momentum via Volt Switch or hit it with a STAB Thunderbolt.

Grass Types: Grass types such as Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can also switch into Tapu Fini with relative ease. From there they can force it out with a STAB Grass move. Specifically, Assault Vest Tangrowth is a hard counter, since it can gain back any HP lost from Nature's Madness via Regenerator.

Poison Types: Poison types such as Mollux and Plasmanta also counter Tapu Fini. In particular, these two Pokemon are immune to Scald and Hydro Pump and take advantage of it. IMO move this up to the top, since Mollux and Tapu Fini dick Tapu Fini harder than anything else.

Steel Types: Pokemon such as Magearna and Celesteela easily shrug off Hydro Pumps Don't you mean Scalds? and Moonblasts from Tapu Fini. However they don't appreciate being chipped by Nature's Madness and/or Taunt.

Powerful Z-Moves: Powerful Z-Moves just take advantage of Tapu Fini's lack of reliable recovery, since they can easily take down it to under half health. For example, Lando-T's and Dragonite's Z-Fly followed by their respective coverage moves will 2HKO it.

Fast Setup Sweepers: Most setup sweepers can take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness, often boosting on its inability to 2HKO them. Examples include Volcarona, Mega Pinsir, and Necturna. Mega Pinsir (and to a lesser extent Necturna) has to watch out for scald. QD Aurumoth does well since it can get the +1 spdef boost before being hit and LO Thunder variants can OHKO at +1 :s

Specific Lures: Lures such as Heatran's Z-Solar Beam and Tail Glow Syclant's +3 Z-Earth Power can kill Tapu Fini in one shot, effectively removing it from the match.

Reckless Chip Damage: Reckless chip damage can severely dent the longevity of Tapu Fini, as then it cannot stay long for the duration of the match to continuously chip the opposing team and Defog away hazards. For example, avoid switching into Zygarde and Greninja until you have scouted their sets because an unexpected Choice Band Thousand Arrows or Protean Gunk Shot can do massive damage respectively. Not sure if this really belongs in checks and counters and is more of a usage tips thing
 

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader
EVs look fine to me. I would like to see a defensive benchmark though and then an alternate spread that hits the defense benchmark and dumps into special bulk too. Other than that...

The CM set could run HP Fire or HP Ground to work past those counters and a trapper (Dugtrio or Magnezone) to get rid of whatever's left.

I might mention that it has some competition with Arghonaut in terms of what it checks (Clant, Volk, Ash-Gren, etc.) by typing. Argho is a much stronger check to these Pokemon and has reliable recovery. ik Argho and Fini do different things, but maybe it's worth mentioning.
 

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader
[OVERVIEW]

- Tapu Fini places its hold on the CAP metagame as a bulky Defogger with a good typing that has many useful resists. This allows it to blanket check many common threats. like what? be sure to mention especially syclant, ashgren, and volkraken especially
- Its Water/Fairy typing is great in a metagame full of Dragon, Dark, Fighting, and Water types.
- However, it is also easily worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery.
- Furthermore, Tapu Fini is relatively passive and has to rely on Nature's Madness to do any real chip damage.
- Often by the time it has done enough damage to the opponents it wants to target, it has already fainted or is in quick OHKO range.
- Tapu Fini as a hazard remover that is not immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes means that often when trying to remove these hazards, it will take a huge chunk of damage or be poisoned, respectively. Both of these cut into its longevity.
- It faces some competition with Arghonaut, since the latter counters a lot of the same Pokemon that Tapu Fini does, and sports reliable recovery and Spikes on top of that.
- Misty Surge is a great ability that can support your team and override opposing terrains, such as Psychic Surge. However it can also prevent your own teammates from throwing out their own status moves.
- Overall Tapu Fini can be a great addition to your team, but only with proper play and team support. this kind of sentence is generally frowned upon for being fluffy

Most analyses have a paragraph of positives and a paragraph of negatives.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Nature's Madness
move 3: Defog/Scald
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm Nature
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD

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

- Moonblast is mandatory on this set to hit the Dragon and Fighting type Pokemon it is supposed to check, such as Zygarde and Tomohawk. It is also used to secure the KO after Nature's Madness has significantly dented the opposing Pokemon.
- Nature's Madness is used as the main way to prevent Tapu Fini from being a deadweight; it halves the health of the opposing pokemon, allowing useful chip damage that can help pave the way for one of your sweepers later. mention that it's the best move to use against bulky steel-types, for example
- Defog is one of the main reasons to use Tapu Fini, as it can clear hazards reliably due to its ability to switch into many threats, unlike other water type hazard removers.imo is a little fluff, just play up its usefulness and say what it does rather than say "this is why you use this mon" - you can elaborate more on this kind of thing in the overview
- If you already have a defogger on your team, you can opt for Scald. Most notably it hits Lando-T for super effective damage.
- Scald is used over Surf for a potential burn on Flying type Pokemon or a burn on the other island guardians, bar opposing Tapu Fini, should they try to switch in. I'd just explain how Scald can burn non-grounded Pokemon / other tapus, no need to mention Surf. Maybe in OO?
- Taunt is needed to prevent opposing Pokemon from using their own utility moves, such as Stealth Rock or a form of recovery. It is useful for creating 50/50s with opposing utility Pokemon. what's most useful is that you can use taunt, nature's madness twice, taunt again and then finish with moonblast. at least mention why taunt + nature's madness is really potent
- Whirlpool is another option if you want to trap toxapex. This allows Tapu Fini to 1v1 it, something Tapu Fini cannot do without the move. It is also prevents your opponent from doubling to another Pokemon. what would you use this over? sounds like defog / water-type stab
- Protect can be used on Tapu Fini for more recovery from Leftovers, reducing damage from powerful Z Moves, and scouting Choice-locked moves. However, note that you will be stalling your own Misty Terrain turns as well.

Set Details
========

- Leftovers is mandatory on Tapu Fini since it gives it longevity on the field.
- Misty Surge is the only legal ability this is fluff, and it both prevents Tapu Fini from being Toxic'd the term is "badly poisoned" (yeah ik it sounds stupid) and gives support to your entire team its obvious what misty terrain does, but make sure you explicitly say it rather than make a vague remark.
- 248 HP EVs combined with 44 SpD spell out Special Defense EVs and a Calm Nature allows Tapu Fini to switch into Scarf Volkraken's Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts at least 3 times a match, even after taking Stealth Rock the first time. It also avoids the 2HKO from Timid Life Orb Tomohawk's Hurricane, and avoids the 3HKO from Ash-Greninja's Specs-boosted Hydro Pumps.
- The rest of the EVs are dumped into defense to help it take physical attacks better. For example, it avoids the 2HKO from a Shadow Claw followed by a Triage Drain Punch from +1 Life Orb Revenakh after Stealth Rock. This allows it to 1v1 Revenakh when it switches in the turn Revenakh uses Bulk Up. ik we talked about this, but mention that it tanks a hit from CB Zygarde. even if running speed is more useful if you want to do it, at least you can still tackle the mon
- If you want more EVs to put into other stats, you can use a spread of 248 HP / 160 Def. This gives you 56 extra EVs that you can put into Special Defense or Speed, while still being able to tank Life Orb Latios's Psyshocks. It is worth mentioning that those extra EVs put into Speed ensure you outpace uninvested Lando-T.
- An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature can be used if you want to outspeed Adamant Lando-T and Zygarde. This allows Tapu Fini to hit these two Pokemon before they can damage it back. It also allows it to hit Mew and Smeargle replace with Necturna, the more relevant webs setter with a Taunt before they can use their utility moves.
- However, note that this spread gives up a significant amount of defense. For example, Life Orb Latios now has a good chance of 2HKOing Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock. just mention that all of the relevant benchmarks you've mentioned before don't hold up anymore


Usage Tips
========

- Generally take advantage of Tapu Fini's resistances and switch into Pokemon it beats such as SubCoil Zygarde, Volkraken, and Latios. ash gren / syclant
- However, avoid putting yourself into situations where you are overreliant on Tapu Fini's ability to check these pokemon, as it can very easily be worn down. how would you avoid this
- Do not recklessly switch Tapu Fini into Zygarde or Greninja until you have scouted their sets, as a Banded Thousand Arrows or Protean Gunk Shot can significantly dent it.
- Tapu Fini can be used as a pivot versus Scarf Tapu Lele, as it can scout what move is it locked into in order to prevent a Steel type teammate from taking significant damage from Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire. This is possible because Misty Surge overrides Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge.
- Once on the field, proceed to use Nature's Madness on the opposing team, as it is a very spammable move that chips pokemon, unless it is necessary to secure the OHKO on opposing Fighting, Dark, or Dragon types with Moonblast.
- Once opposing Pokemon are weakened enough, then it is safe to Moonblast on non-super effective targets. unless they have recovery
- Use Taunt on slower Pokemon if you predict your opponent is going to go for Stealth Rock or a form of recovery.
- Use Defog if hazards are on your side of the field and you need to clear them for your team. However, avoid using the move on Stealth Rockers that beat Tapu Fini, such as Pyroak and Mollux.
- Usually Tapu Fini functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon; you use Nature's Madness on a predicted switch-in and then switch yourself to avoid any strong or super effective attacks.

Team Options
========

- Grass types such as Ferrothorn and Pyroak make great partners for Tapu Fini, because they can switch into the Electric type attacks aimed at it. Ferrothorn in particular synergizes well since it is immune to poison type attacks and can pass Leech Seed recovery to Tapu Fini. make sure to emphasize that SR ferro is usually better with a defogger
- Ground types like what serve as a way to beat Poison and Electric pokemon that threaten Tapu Fini. In return Fini resists Water and ice type attacks for them.
- Pokemon that struggle with Steel types when sweeping make great partners, as Tapu Fini can easily chip them. Such examples include Mega Crucibelle examples plural :p.
- Pokemon that appreciate Tapu Fini's resists make great partners; examples include Lando-T, Heatran, and Tyranitar.
- Pokemon that appreciate hazard support, such as Mega Pinsir, Volcarona, and both mega formes of Charizard make great partners. In particular, Tapu Fini can beat Dragon types for Volcarona, while Volcarona can setup on the Pokemon that tend to take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness.
- Pokemon that appreciate status immunity such as Mega Crucibelle and Kitsunoh can take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to setup Misty Surge. In particular Mega Crucibelle can now switch in directly on Mollux and Pyroak without having to fear a Lava Plume burn.

wish passers should be good teammates right?
this section is important. you get to talk about building cores and stuff. examples are key.


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

- Calm Mind with Hydro Pump and Moonblast is a plausible set for Tapu Fini if you want it to exert more offensive pressure. If you are running this set, the last moveslot should either be Taunt or Hidden Power Ground. The former prevents bulky Pokemon from using recovery moves, allowing for an easier time sweeping, while the latter is a coverage option for Mollux and Plasmanta, two hard walls to the set otherwise.
- If you are using Taunt with the Calm Mind set, it is advised you have Dugtrio as a teammate to take care of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Electric types.
- Normalium Z with Heal Bell can be used on Tapu Fini for a one-time full recovery move; however this takes up a precious moveslot that cannot be afforded to be taken away its more that you take away your Z-move for a one-time recovery move. Plus, without Leftovers Tapu Fini is even more easily chipped down, cutting into its efficiency of switching into moves it resists.

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

Poison Types: Poison types such as Mollux and Plasmanta also counter Tapu Fini with their STAB moves. In particular, these two Pokemon are immune to Scald and Hydro Pump and take advantage of it. Mega Crucibelle checks it too, name more examples if applicable

Electric Types: Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Mega Manectric can easily switch into Tapu Fini and proceed to gain momentum via Volt Switch or hit it with a STAB Thunderbolt.

Grass Types: Grass types such as Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can also switch into Tapu Fini with relative ease. From there they can force it out with a STAB Grass move. Specifically, Assault Vest Tangrowth is a hard counter, since it can gain back any HP lost from Nature's Madness via Regenerator.

Steel Types: Pokemon such as Magearna and Celesteela easily shrug off Scalds and Moonblasts swap these two moves, Moonblast is more important from Tapu Fini. However they don't appreciate being chipped by Nature's Madness and/or Taunt taunt doesn't chip them down.

Powerful Z-Moves: Powerful Z-Moves just take advantage of Tapu Fini's lack of reliable recovery, since they can easily take down it to under half health. For example, Lando-T's and Dragonite's Z-Fly Supersonic Skystrike* also put down Salamence over Dragonite, or one of Magearna's Z moves followed by their respective coverage moves will 2HKO it.

Fast Setup Sweepers: Most setup sweepers can take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness, often boosting on its inability to 2HKO them. Examples include Volcarona, Aurumoth, and Magearna.

Specific Lures: Lures such as Heatran's Z-Solar Beam and Tail Glow Syclant's +3 Z-Earth Power can kill Tapu Fini in one shot, effectively removing it from the match. since these are both Z-Moves, should they go in that section instead?
Looking good so far!
 

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader
[OVERVIEW]

- Tapu Fini places its role on balance teams as a bulky Defogger that is able to blanket check a wide variety of Pokemon. For example, its Water/Fairy typing allows it to beat many common threats, such as Syclant, Ash-Greninja, and Volkraken. fluff
- Its Water/Fairy typing is great in a metagame full of Dragon, Dark, Fighting, and Water types. This allows it to outperform other Water type hazard removers, such as Starmie and Tentacruel, when clearing the field. neither of these two are that prominent in the meta, idk if i like this point
- Furthermore, its amazing bulk means that it can even live one strong super effective hit if it is at full health, which allows it to Defog in an emergency situation if needed.
- Its access to the combo Nature's Madness + Taunt means it can easily chip down the opposing team elaborate on this, maybe say its pretty tough on defensive mons.
- This works especially well with Tapu Fini's relatively fast speed tier for a wall, being able to hit opposing walls with a Taunt before they can use their utility or recovery moves.
- Misty Surge is a great ability that can support your team how? and override opposing terrains, such as Psychic Surge i'd say "which can disrupt the opposing team's strategy".

- However it can also prevent your own teammates from throwing out their own status moves. i'd say its pretty bad to use alongside toxic spikes
- Tapu Fini is also easily worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery.
- Furthermore, it is relatively passive and has to rely on Nature's Madness to do any real chip damage. i'd say "significant damage"
- Often by the time it has done enough damage to the opponents it wants to target, it has already fainted or is in quick OHKO range. i'm a little confused by this point
- Tapu Fini as a hazard remover that is not immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes means that often when trying to remove these hazards, it will take a huge chunk of damage or be poisoned, respectively. Both of these cut into its longevity.
- It faces some competition with Arghonaut, since the latter counters a lot of the same Pokemon that Tapu Fini does, and sports reliable recovery and Spikes on top of that. make sure to distinguish how argho doesn't have hazard removal tho, spikes means it plays the same role compression card

- Despite its flaws, Tapu Fini is still a great role compressor for balance teams due to its ability to check a wide variety of the metagame as well as being able to remove entry hazards.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Nature's Madness
move 3: Defog/Scald -> Defog / Scald
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm Nature
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD

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

- Moonblast is mandatory on this set to hit the Dragon and Fighting type Pokemon it is supposed to check, such as Zygarde and Tomohawk. It is also used to secure the KO after Nature's Madness has significantly dented the opposing Pokemon. say that it has no immunities, reliable, and has decent BP
- Nature's Madness is used as the main way to prevent Tapu Fini from being a deadweight; it halves the health of the opposing pokemon, allowing useful chip damage that can help pave the way for one of your sweepers later. This is the best move to use versus Steel and Fire types. <- sounds like a usage tip, just say that it's good against Fire- and Steel-type switch-ins
- Defog clears the field of entry hazards for your team.
- If you already have a defogger on your team, you can opt for Scald. Most notably it hits Lando-T for super effective damage. spreads burns
- Taunt is needed to prevent opposing Pokemon from using their own utility moves, such as Stealth Rock or a form of recovery. It is useful for creating 50/50s with opposing utility Pokemon.
- Taunt in tandem with Nature's Madness is particularly disrupting for opposing walls that can't do much in return to Tapu Fini. Spamming Taunts spam implies you use Taunt lots in a row, dun do that followed up by Nature Madnesses, and finally securing the OHKO with Moonblast can easily pressure these walls.
- Whirlpool is another option over Scald or Defog if you want to trap toxapex. This allows Tapu Fini to 1v1 it, something Tapu Fini cannot do without the move. It is also prevents your opponent from doubling to another Pokemon.Toxapex runs shed shell a ton so it needs to be knocked off
- Protect can be used on Tapu Fini for getting more recovery from Leftovers, reducing damage from powerful Z Moves, and scouting Choice-locked moves. However, note that you will be stalling your own Misty Terrain turns as well.

Set Details
========

- Leftovers is mandatory on Tapu Fini since it gives it longevity on the field.
- Misty Surge prevents Tapu Fini from being badly poisoned a little misleading bc toxic spikes work and gives support to your entire team by making them immune to status moves for a few turns.
- 248 HP EVs combined with 44 Special Defense EVs and a Calm Nature allows Tapu Fini to switch into Scarf Volkraken's Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts I'd say "Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts from Choice Scarf Volkraken" at least 3 times a match, even after taking Stealth Rock the first time. It also avoids the 2HKO from Timid Life Orb Tomohawk's Hurricane, and avoids the 3HKO from Ash-Greninja's Specs-boosted Hydro Pumps. same here as volk
- The rest of the EVs are dumped into defense to help it take physical attacks better. For example, it avoids the 2HKO from a Shadow Claw followed by a Triage Drain Punch from +1 Life Orb Revenakh after Stealth Rock, and also avoids the 2HKO from Banded Zygarde's Thousand Arrows. This allows it to 1v1 Revenakh when it switches in the turn Revenakh uses Bulk Up, and get one Moonblast off on Zygarde if it switches in on Thousand Arrows.
- If you want more EVs to put into other stats, you can use a spread of 248 HP / 160 Def. This gives you 56 extra EVs that you can put into Special Defense or Speed, while still being able to tank Life Orb Latio's Psyshocks. It is worth mentioning that those extra EVs put into Speed ensure you outpace uninvested Lando-T. what does the SpD do? also "it is worth mentioning" is fluff
- An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature can be used if you want to outspeed Adamant Lando-T and Zygarde. This allows Tapu Fini to hit these two Pokemon before they can damage it back. It also allows it to hit Mew and Sticky Web Necturna with a Taunt before they can use their utility moves.
- However, note that this spread gives up a significant amount of defense, forgoing the ability to live the defensive benchmarks that the other spread does. For example, Life Orb Latios now has a good chance of 2HKOing Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock.


Usage Tips
========

- Generally take advantage of Tapu Fini's resistances and switch into Pokemon it beats such as SubCoil Zygarde, Volkraken, Latios, and Ash-Greninja.
- However, avoid putting yourself into situations where you are overreliant on Tapu Fini's ability to check these pokemon, as it can very easily be worn down. For example, don't rely on Tapu Fini as your only check to all these Pokemon at once.this is more of a teambuilding issue than a usage issue. how do you avoid putting yourself in those situations through skillful play?
- Do not recklessly switch Tapu Fini into Zygarde or Greninja until you have confirmed their sets, as a Banded Thousand Arrows or Protean Gunk Shot can significantly dent it.
- Tapu Fini can be used as a pivot versus Choice Scarf Tapu Lele, as it can scout what move is it locked into in order to prevent a Steel type teammate from taking significant damage from Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire. This is possible because Misty Surge overrides Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge.
- Once on the field, proceed to use Nature's Madness on the opposing team, as it is a very spammable move that chips pokemon, unless it is necessary to secure the OHKO on opposing Fighting, Dark, or Dragon types with Moonblast.
- Once opposing Pokemon are weakened enough, then it is safe to Moonblast on non-super effective targets, provided that they do not outspeed Tapu Fini and use a recovery move first.
- Use Taunt on slower Pokemon if you predict your opponent is going to go for Stealth Rock or a form of recovery.
- Use Defog if hazards are on your side of the field and you need to clear them for your team. However, avoid using the move on Stealth Rockers that beat Tapu Fini, such as Pyroak and Mollux.
- Usually Tapu Fini functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon; you use Nature's Madness on a predicted switch-in and then switch yourself to avoid any strong or super effective attacks.

Team Options
========

- Grass types such as Ferrothorn and Pyroak make great partners for Tapu Fini, because they can switch into the Electric type attacks aimed at it. Ferrothorn in particular synergizes well since it is immune to poison type attacks and can pass Leech Seed recovery to Tapu Fini.
- Ground types, such as Lando-T and Colossoil, serve as a way to beat Poison and Electric pokemon that threaten Tapu Fini. In return Fini resists Water and Ice type attacks for them.
- Pokemon that struggle with Steel types when sweeping make great partners, as Tapu Fini can easily chip them down to 50%. Examples include Mega Crucibelle and Dragon Dance Naviathan.
- Pokemon that appreciate Tapu Fini's resists make great partners; examples include Lando-T, Heatran, and Tyranitar. why? makes a defensive core? what do they do for fini?
- Pokemon that appreciate hazard support, such as Mega Pinsir, Volcarona, and both mega formes of Charizard Mega Charizard X, and Mega Charizard Y make great partners. In particular, Tapu Fini can beat Dragon types like what for Volcarona, while Volcarona can setup on the Pokemon that tend to take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness like what.
- Pokemon that appreciate status immunity such as Mega Crucibelle and Kitsunoh can take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to setup Misty Surge. In particular Mega Crucibelle can now switch in directly on Mollux and Pyroak without having to fear a Lava Plume burn.
- Wish passers such as Chansey and Kitsunoh make for good partners, as they can remedy Tapu Fini's tendency to get worn down over the duration of the match. Healing Wish Latias and Tomohawk can bring back Tapu Fini to full health at the cost of themselves.

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

- Calm Mind with Hydro Pump and Moonblast is a plausible set for Tapu Fini if you want it to exert more offensive pressure. If you are running this set, the last moveslot should either be Taunt or Hidden Power Ground. The former prevents bulky Pokemon from using recovery moves, allowing for an easier time sweeping, while the latter is a coverage option for Mollux and Plasmanta, two hard walls to the set otherwise.
- If you are using Taunt with the Calm Mind set, it is advised you have Dugtrio as a teammate to take care of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Electric types.
- Surf can be used on the defensive set over Scald, but note that the damage output hardly makes a difference, and it doesn't have the ability to burn Flying types or other island guardians should they attempt to switch in.surf is just bad, delete
- Normalium Z with Heal Bell can be used on Tapu Fini for a one-time full recovery move; however this takes up a precious moveslot that cannot be afforded to be taken away. Plus, without Leftovers Tapu Fini is even more easily chipped down, cutting into its efficiency of switching into moves that it resists. i really don't like this one, there's no reason why you should give up your z crystal to fini. if you want fini to last longer, wish pass

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

Poison Types: Poison types such as Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Crucibelle also counter Tapu Fini with their STAB moves. In particular, the former two Pokemon are immune to Tapu Fini's Water type attacks and capitalize on it how? with their abilities?. cruci can stay in base forme to recover off n's m damage

Electric Types: Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Mega Manectric can easily switch into Tapu Fini and proceed to gain momentum via Volt Switch or hit it with a STAB Thunderbolt. offensive clohm can check, magnezone can check

Grass Types: Grass types such as Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can also switch into Tapu Fini with relative ease. From there they can force it out with a STAB Grass move. Specifically, Assault Vest Tangrowth is a hard counter, since it can gain back any HP lost from Nature's Madness via Regenerator. bulu does a pretty good job too with horn leech, ferro has to be power whip

Steel Types: Pokemon such as Magearna and Celesteela easily shrug off Moonblasts and Scalds from Tapu Fini. However they don't appreciate being chipped by Nature's Madness, and in the case of Celesteela, being hit with a Taunt.what do they do back?

Powerful Z-Moves: Powerful Z-Moves just take advantage of Tapu Fini's lack of reliable recovery, since they can easily take down it to under half health. For example, Lando-T's and Salamence's Supersonic Strikes Supersonic Skystrike from Landorus-T and Salamence followed by their respective coverage moves aren't these both Earthquake? will 2HKO it.

Fast Setup Sweepers: Most setup sweepers can take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness, often boosting on its inability to 2HKO them. Examples include Volcarona, Aurumoth, and Magearna. what does fini do? lets them boost once, can chip

Specific Lures: Lures such as Heatran's Z-Solar Beam and Tail Glow Syclant's +3 Z-Earth Power can kill Tapu Fini in one shot, effectively removing it from the match. i'd still put these in powerful z moves, even if they are lures
Looks good, I'll stamp it because I can't speak very much for Fini. Work on getting rid of "it is worth mentioning" and try to combine sentences, especially where you start back with "this is because."

 

HeaLnDeaL

Let's Keep Fighting
is an Artistis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a CAP Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

- Tapu Fini places its role on balance teams as is a bulky Defogger that is able to blanket check a wide variety of Pokemon, such as Syclant, Ash-Greninja, and Volkraken.
- Its Water/Fairy typing is great in a metagame full of Dragon, Dark, Fighting, and Water types. This allows it to Defog reliably on a multitude of threats.
- Furthermore, its amazing bulk means that it can even live one strong super effective hit if it is at full health, which allows it to Defog in an emergency situation if needed.
- Its access to the combo Nature's Madness + Taunt means it can easily chip down the opposing team.
- This works especially well with Tapu Fini's relatively fast speed tier for a wall, being able to hit opposing walls with a Taunt before they can use their utility or recovery moves.
- Misty Surge is a great ability that can support your team and override opposing terrains, such as Psychic Surge.

- However it can also prevent your own teammates from throwing out their own status moves, especially if they are carrying Toxic Spikes.
- Tapu Fini is also easily worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery.
- Furthermore, it is relatively passive and has to rely on Nature's Madness to do any real chip damage.
- Often by the time it has done enough damage to the opponents it wants to target, it has already fainted or is in quick OHKO range.
- Tapu Fini as a hazard remover that is not immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes means that often when trying to remove these hazards, it will take a huge chunk of damage or be poisoned, respectively. Both of these cut into its longevity.
- It faces some competition with Arghonaut, since the latter counters a lot of the same Pokemon that Tapu Fini does, and sports reliable recovery and Spikes on top of that.

- Despite its flaws, Tapu Fini is still a great role compressor for balance teams due to its ability to check a wide variety of the metagame as well as being able to remove entry hazards.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Nature's Madness
move 3: Defog/Scald
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm Nature
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD

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

- Moonblast is mandatory on this set to hit the Dragon and Fighting type Pokemon it is supposed to check, such as Zygarde and Tomohawk. It is also used to secure the KO after Nature's Madness has significantly dented the opposing Pokemon.
- Nature's Madness is used as the main way to prevent Tapu Fini from being a deadweight; it halves the health of the opposing pokemon, allowing useful chip damage that can help pave the way for one of your sweepers later. This is the best move to use versus Steel and Fire types.
- Defog clears the field of entry hazards for your team.
- If you already have a defogger on your team, you can opt for Scald. Most notably it hits Lando-T for super effective damage.
- Taunt is needed to prevent opposing Pokemon from using their own utility moves, such as Stealth Rock or a form of recovery. It is useful for creating 50/50s with opposing utility Pokemon.
- Taunt in tandem with Nature's Madness is particularly disrupting for opposing walls that can't do much in return to Tapu Fini. Spamming Taunts followed up by Nature Madnesses, and finally securing the OHKO with Moonblast can easily pressure these walls.
- Whirlpool is another option over Scald or Defog if you want to trap toxapex. This allows Tapu Fini to 1v1 it, something Tapu Fini cannot do without the move. It is also prevents your opponent from doubling to another Pokemon.
- Protect can be used on Tapu Fini for getting more recovery from Leftovers, reducing damage from powerful Z Moves, and scouting Choice-locked moves. However, note that you will be stalling your own Misty Terrain turns as well.

Set Details
========

- Leftovers is mandatory on Tapu Fini since it gives it longevity on the field.
- Misty Surge prevents Tapu Fini from being badly poisoned and gives support to your entire team by making them immune to status moves for a few turns.
- 248 HP EVs combined with 44 Special Defense EVs and a Calm Nature allows Tapu Fini to switch into Scarf Volkraken's Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts at least 3 times a match, even after taking Stealth Rock the first time. It also avoids the 2HKO from Timid Life Orb Tomohawk's Hurricane, and avoids the 3HKO from Ash-Greninja's Specs-boosted Hydro Pumps. I'm just not buying the spread. Avoiding a 3HKO from Fire Blast after only taking one turn of SR damage is so insanely niche that it doesn't matter. What else does the spread do. If it doesn't do anything else then you need a new spread that does something that is more likely to actually matter.
- The rest of the EVs are dumped into defense to help it take physical attacks better. For example, it avoids the 2HKO from a Shadow Claw followed by a Triage Drain Punch from +1 Life Orb Revenakh after Stealth Rock, and also avoids the 2HKO from Banded Zygarde's Thousand Arrows. This allows it to 1v1 Revenakh when it switches in the turn Revenakh uses Bulk Up, and get one Moonblast off on Zygarde if it switches in on Thousand Arrows.
- If you want more EVs to put into other stats, you can use a spread of 248 HP / 160 Def What does 248 HP / 160 Def let you do?. This gives you 56 extra EVs that you can put into Special Defense or Speed, while still being able to tank Life Orb Latio's Psyshocks. It is worth mentioning that those extra EVs put into Speed ensure you outpace uninvested Lando-T.
- An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature can be used if you want to outspeed Adamant Lando-T and Zygarde. This allows Tapu Fini to hit these two Pokemon before they can damage it back. It also allows it to hit Mew and Sticky Web Necturna with a Taunt before they can use their utility moves.
- However, note that this spread gives up a significant amount of defense, forgoing the ability to live the defensive benchmarks that the other spread does. For example, Life Orb Latios now has a good chance of 2HKOing Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock.


Usage Tips
========

- Generally take advantage of Tapu Fini's resistances and switch into Pokemon it beats such as SubCoil Zygarde, Volkraken, Latios, and Ash-Greninja.
- However, avoid putting yourself into situations where you are overreliant on Tapu Fini's ability to check these pokemon, as it can very easily be worn down. For example, don't rely on Tapu Fini as your only check to all these Pokemon at once.
- Do not recklessly switch Tapu Fini into Zygarde or Greninja until you have confirmed their sets, as a Banded Thousand Arrows or Protean Gunk Shot can significantly dent it. Reword this to make it seem like these powerful moves are a risk but don't try to say Fini shouldn't ever take that risk... probably more often than not it can get away with it since ban arrows and protean gunk shot are rarish.
- Tapu Fini can be used as a pivot versus Scarf Tapu Lele, as it can scout what move is it locked into in order to prevent a Steel type teammate from taking significant damage from Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire. This is possible because Misty Surge overrides Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge.
- Once on the field, proceed to use Nature's Madness on the opposing team, as it is a very spammable move that chips pokemon, unless it is necessary to secure the OHKO on opposing Fighting, Dark, or Dragon types with Moonblast.
- Once opposing Pokemon are weakened enough, then it is safe to Moonblast on non-super effective targets, provided that they do not outspeed Tapu Fini and use a recovery move first.
- Use Taunt on slower Pokemon if you predict your opponent is going to go for Stealth Rock or a form of recovery.
- Use Defog if hazards are on your side of the field and you need to clear them for your team. However, avoid using the move on Stealth Rockers that beat Tapu Fini, such as Pyroak and Mollux.
- Usually Tapu Fini functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon; you use Nature's Madness on a predicted switch-in and then switch yourself to avoid any strong or super effective attacks.

Team Options
========

- Grass types such as Ferrothorn and Pyroak make great partners for Tapu Fini, because they can switch into the Electric type attacks aimed at it. Ferrothorn in particular synergizes well since it is immune to poison type attacks and can pass Leech Seed recovery to Tapu Fini.
- Ground types, such as Lando-T and Colossoil, serve as a way to beat Poison and Electric pokemon that threaten Tapu Fini. In return Fini resists Water and Ice type attacks for them.
- Pokemon that struggle with Steel types when sweeping make great partners, as Tapu Fini can easily chip them. Examples include Mega Crucibelle and Dragon Dance Naviathan. Omit this line. It's fluff and borderline inaccurate. Cruci and Navi are not overly steal weak, Fini can't chip steal types more than the average CAP meta mon.
- Pokemon that appreciate Tapu Fini's resists make great partners; examples include Lando-T, Heatran, and Tyranitar.
- Pokemon that appreciate hazard support, such as Mega Pinsir, Volcarona, and both mega formes of Charizard make great partners. In particular, Tapu Fini can beat Dragon types for Volcarona, while Volcarona can setup on the Pokemon such as?that tend to take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness.
- Pokemon that appreciate status immunity such as Mega Crucibelle and Kitsunoh can take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to setup Misty Surge. In particular Mega Crucibelle can now switch in directly on Mollux and Pyroak without having to fear a Lava Plume burn.
- Wish passers such as Chansey and Kitsunoh make for good partners, as they can remedy Tapu Fini's tendency to get worn down over the duration of the match. Healing Wish Latias and Tomohawk can bring back Tapu Fini to full health at the cost of themselves.

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

- Calm Mind with Hydro Pump and Moonblast is a plausible set for Tapu Fini if you want it to exert more offensive pressure. If you are running this set, the last moveslot should either be Taunt or Hidden Power Ground. The former prevents bulky Pokemon from using recovery moves, allowing for an easier time sweeping, while the latter is a coverage option for Mollux and Plasmanta, two hard walls to the set otherwise.
- If you are using Taunt with the Calm Mind set, it is advised you have Dugtrio as a teammate to take care of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Electric types. Really, you could probably move Dugtrio to Team Options above for the same reasons (and then take it out here)
- Surf can be used on the defensive set over Scald, but note that the damage output hardly makes a difference, and it doesn't have the ability to burn Flying types or other island guardians should they attempt to switch in. Why is Scald all of a sudden only burning Flying Types?
- Normalium Z with Heal Bell can be used on Tapu Fini for a one-time full recovery move; however this takes up a precious moveslot that cannot be afforded to be taken away. Plus, without Leftovers Tapu Fini is even more easily chipped down, cutting into its efficiency of switching into moves that it resists.

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

Poison Types: Poison types such as Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Crucibelle also counter Tapu Fini with their STAB moves. In particular, the former two Pokemon are immune to Tapu Fini's Water type attacks and capitalize on it.

Electric Types: Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Mega Manectric can easily switch into Tapu Fini and proceed to gain momentum via Volt Switch or hit it with a STAB Thunderbolt.

Grass Types: Grass types such as Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can also switch into Tapu Fini with relative ease. From there they can force it out with a STAB Grass move. Specifically, Assault Vest Tangrowth is a hard counter, since it can gain back any HP lost from Nature's Madness via Regenerator.

Steel Types: Pokemon such as Magearna and Celesteela easily shrug off Moonblasts and Scalds from Tapu Fini. However they don't appreciate being chipped by Nature's Madness, and in the case of Celesteela, being hit with a Taunt. Again, you're listing Fini as being weak to steels here and yet earlier yo said it helped X partner bet steels. Omit that earlier line.

Powerful Z-Moves: Powerful Z-Moves just take advantage of Tapu Fini's lack of reliable recovery, since they can easily take down it to under half health. For example, Lando-T's and Salamence's Supersonic Strikes followed by their respective coverage moves will 2HKO it.

Fast Setup Sweepers: Most setup sweepers can take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness, often boosting on its inability to 2HKO them. Examples include Volcarona, Aurumoth, and Magearna.

Specific Lures: Lures such as Heatran's Z-Solar Beam and Tail Glow Syclant's +3 Z-Earth Power can kill Tapu Fini in one shot, effectively removing it from the match. Tail Glow Syclant with EP is not a lure, it's the norm. Lures as a catch all category does not belong in Analyses. Move Lure Z Heatran to the Z moves section and delete this section. Move Tail Glow Syclant to Faster Set Up Sweepers if you want but it can't stay here.
Comments in bold. Mostly looks okay but there are a few rather big things that need to be addressed. Not giving QC yet since snek just gave it and because the flaws are a bit larger than I'd want them to be after first QC.
 

cbrevan

spin, spin, spin
is a CAP Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Hey Rage.Spam.Quit.

How're you doing, RSQ? With USUM out, we need to shift our priorities to the current metagame. We would have to revert this back to QC 0/3 to ensure it's up to date. Would you be willing to update and finish Tapu Fini for USUM CAP?
 
Last edited:
Hey Rage.Spam.Quit.

How're you doing, RSQ? With USUM out, we need to shift our priorities to the current metagame. We would have to revert this back to QC 0/3 to ensure it's up to date. Would you be willing to update and finish Tapu Fini for USUM CAP?
I’m not sure if I would have time to finish the Tapu Fini analysis without taking way too long, considering I have tons of schoolwork, which kind of limit my dedication to this analysis. So the QC team should probably hand this analysis over to someone who has more time and dedication than me, as I can’t have both time for schoolwork and mons usually
 
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