[OVERVIEW]
Tapu Fini is a great support Pokemon and setup sweeper thanks to an amazing defensive typing, a great ability to complement it, access to Calm Mind, and a fantastic support movepool. Misty Terrain blocks status moves for Tapu Fini and its teammate, such as Bronzong's Hypnosis and Amoonguss's Spore, and weakens Dragon-type attacks, which makes it a wonderful partner for setup Pokemon, such as Zygarde and for bulky Misty Seed speed control users, such as Zapdos and Hoopa-U. This is further complemented by access to amazing support moves; Swagger under Misty Terrain gives Tapu Fini's partner a free +2 Attack boost, which turns its partner into a powerhouse quickly, Heal Pulse increases its partner's longevity, and Nature's Madness allows Tapu Fini to break down bulky Pokemon more easily, giving its partner an easier chance to sweep. Misty Terrain's status immunity also gives Tapu Fini an edge over other Calm Mind users, such as Necrozma and Cresselia, and its typing also allows it to set up on common Pokemon, such as Heatran and Hoopa-U. Tapu Fini, however, is very weak before a Calm Mind boost. Unlike other Calm Mind users, such as the aforementioned Necrozma and Cresselia, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, often forcing it to rely on passive options like Leftovers. Nevertheless, the ease with which Tapu Fini fits on teams and its amazing typing combined with Misty Terrain's great benefits make it a great choice for balance offense teams, especially since Zapdos and Hoopa-U greatly benefit from Misty Seed and thus give those teams an excellent speed control option.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Muddy Water
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 156 SpA / 28 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Muddy Water gives Tapu Fini a Water-type STAB attack while also having a substantial chance to lower one of the opposing Pokemon's accuracy. Scald is an option for more accuracy and the chance to burn if Misty Terrain is not active; however, Muddy Water is preferred, as it is a spread move. Moonblast gives Tapu Fini another STAB attack that pairs well with its Water-type STAB option, as it lets Tapu Fini hit Dragon-types super effectively. Calm Mind turns Tapu Fini from an average attacker to a threatening force and also boosts its Special Defense, thus making it more difficult to take out. Protect is important because once Tapu Fini starts setting up, your opponent will most likely target it to get it off the field. It also allows Tapu Fini to stall for Leftovers recovery, which can increase its longevity.
Set Details
========
252 HP and 28 Special Defense EVs let Tapu Fini take a Seed Flare from Shaymin-S without any Calm Mind boosts. In addition, 72 Defense EVs let Tapu Fini survive a Life Orb-boosted Fusion Bolt from Kyurem-B, tank Jolly Landorus-T's Tectonic Rage, and avoid the 2HKO from Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt after Leftovers recovery. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack, allowing Tapu Fini to OHKO Kingdra with Moonblast after one round of Life Orb recoil, 2HKO Heatran, and OHKO Landorus-T at +1 Special Attack. Tapu Fini can also run 56 Speed EVs, which allow it to outrun maximum Speed Naive Deoxys-A under Tailwind, or 152 Speed EVs, which let it outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, but Tapu Fini has to give up either defensive benchmarks or power. A slower Tapu Fini also makes it more likely for Misty Terrain to go up against Tapu Lele if both of them are sent out on the first turn. Leftovers gives Tapu Fini passive recovery, which is good for a Calm Mind user, since it will be on the field for a while. Sitrus Berry is an option, as it allows Tapu Fini to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Salamence's Double-Edge. Sitrus Berry can be better than Iapapa Berry at times, since there are a lot of Pokemon that can hit Tapu Fini for around 60% damage, such as the aforementioned Mega Salamence. Iapapa Berry is still an option to heal Tapu Fini's HP back by a larger amount.
Usage Tips
========
If you have a Misty Seed user, such as Zapdos or Hoopa-U, get Tapu Fini out as quick as possible to set Misty Terrain, but refrain from setting up Calm Minds too early, as Tapu Fini is much easier to deal with if the opponent's team is healthy. Until you start setting up, use Tapu Fini as a defensive switch-in to force Pokemon like Heatran and Hoopa-U out; however, don't switch it in too recklessly against teams which Tapu Fini can be a solid wincon, or else you will hamper its late-game cleaning abilities. Also try not to switch Tapu Fini in on Pokemon that can hit it for a lot of damage even if it does force said Pokemon out, such as Mega Salamence, since Tapu Fini takes a while to heal back up with Leftovers. Tapu Fini is best on bulky offense with Pokemon that can make use of Misty Terrain's benefits, such as alongside Misty Seed Zapdos.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that benefit from Misty Terrain, such as Misty Seed Zapdos and Hoopa-U, are great partners for Tapu Fini, with the latter being able to beat Amoonguss and break Wide Guard. Pokemon that dislike status, such as Zygarde, are good partners for Tapu Fini. Tapu Fini also threatens Salamence and Landorus-T, which gives Zygarde an easier time setting up, and its Misty Terrain also weakens Dragon-type damage, which helps out Zygarde. Intimidate users such as Mega Salamence and Landorus-T, though they don't gain any benefits from Misty Terrain, help Tapu Fini out by allowing Tapu Fini to set up against physical attackers more easily. The given examples also threaten Grass-types and Electric-types, respectively, which also helps Tapu Fini's setup.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Muddy Water
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Swagger
move 4: Heal Pulse
item: Mago Berry
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 128 Def / 100 SpA / 28 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set shines when it is paired with a setup sweeper. Swagger allows Tapu Fini to give its partner a free +2 Attack boost under Misty Terrain, which can quickly turn its partner into a threatening force, thus making up for Tapu Fini's lack of offensive presence. Heal Pulse allows Tapu Fini to increase its partner's longevity by healing it by half of its health. Most people will double target Tapu Fini's partner, as Tapu Fini is generally not very threatening, so Heal Pulse can waste their turn by healing back the damage Tapu Fini's partner receives, essentially giving the partner either a free attack or a turn to set up. Nature's Madness is an option to give Tapu Fini the ability to have some offensive presence as well as deal chip damage to bulkier Pokemon, such as Celesteela, for Tapu Fini's partner. Muddy Water gives Tapu Fini a spread Water-type STAB attack with a high chance of lowering one of the foes' accuracy, while Moonblast gives it a Fairy-type STAB move and works well with Muddy Water as it allows Tapu Fini to hit Dragon-types super effectively.
Set Details
========
252 HP and 28 Special Defense EVs let Tapu Fini take a Seed Flare from Shaymin-S without any Calm Mind boosts. In addition, 128 Defense EVs with a Bold nature let Tapu Fini take +1 Groundium Z Thousand Arrows from Zygarde. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack. Tapu Fini can also run 56 Speed EVs, which allow it to outrun maximum Speed Naive Deoxys-A under Tailwind, or 152 Speed EVs, which let it outrun Jolly Tyranitar, but it has to give up either defensive benchmarks or power. Mago Berry heals Tapu Fini's HP back by a large amount, which is why it is usually preferred over Sitrus Berry. This Tapu Fini set likes to switch into opposing Pokemon's attacks more, so the added recovery is much more preferred. Mago Berry is the preferred 50% Berry, since it can confuse Trick Room Hoopa-U if it steals Tapu Fini's item. Sitrus Berry is an option, as it allows Tapu Fini to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Salamence's Double-Edge, and it can be better than Mago Berry at times because there are a lot of Pokemon that can hit Tapu Fini for around 60% damage.
Usage Tips
========
This Tapu Fini set likes to switch into attacks, making good use of its great defensive typing. If you have a Misty Seed user, such as Zapdos or Hoopa-U, get Tapu Fini out as quick as possible to set Misty Terrain. This set lacks the offensive presence of the Calm Mind set, however, so be careful sending Tapu Fini out when there isn't anything it can pressure, or else it could be dead weight. Tapu Fini works best alongside a bulky setup Pokemon, such as Zygarde or Snorlax, due to its access to support moves such as Heal Pulse and Swagger on top of Misty Terrain preventing status. Swagger mitigates Intimidate drops, which is a common way to lessen the power of these two Pokemon, by giving an ally a free +2 Attack boost and turning it into a major force. When using Swagger on your own teammate, keep in mind that your opponent can switch in their own island guardian to change the Terrain, so only do it when it is not safe for your opponent to do so. Another important thing to note is that Heal Pulse can be redirected by your opponent even if you target your own Pokemon, so do not use it when you think your opponent will use a redirection move, such as Amoonguss's Rage Powder. Keep in mind that the status immunity from Misty Terrain only works on Pokemon that touch the ground, so if worse comes to worse, Tapu Fini can still Swagger an opposing Flying-type Pokemon or Levitate user.
Team Options
========
Bulky setup sweepers, most notably Snorlax and Zygarde, make amazing use of this set's support. Those two are already hard to knock out, but when combined with Tapu Fini's Heal Pulse and the status immunity from Misty Terrain, they become even harder to beat. Pokemon that benefit from Misty Terrain, such as Misty Seed Zapdos and Hoopa-U, are great partners for Tapu Fini, with the latter being able to beat Amoonguss and break Wide Guard. Pokemon that can cover Tapu Fini's weaknesses, such as Mega Salamence and Landorus-T, thought they don't gain any benefits from Misty Terrain, help it out by threatening Grass-types and Electric-types, respectively. Both Salamence and Landorus-T also have access to Intimidate, which can increase Tapu Fini's longevity by weakening physical attackers.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hydro Pump on the Calm Mind set gives Tapu Fini a more powerful Water-type STAB move, whereas Scald is more accurate and has the chance to burn outside of Misty Terrain. Ice Beam also gives Tapu Fini the ability to threaten Mega Salamence and Zygarde more effectively while also having the ability to hit Grass-types, such as Shaymin-S, for super effective damage. A different support set can be used with Haze or Taunt if Tapu Fini is not paired with a setup sweeper. An offensive set with either Choice Specs or Life Orb can work.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Common Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos threaten Tapu Fini. The latter also benefits greatly from even opposing Tapu Fini due to Misty Terrain activating its Misty Seed. Pokemon with Electric-type coverage attacks, such as Kyurem-B, also threaten Tapu Fini.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types, such as Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Tapu Bulu, also threaten Tapu Fini. Tapu Fini has no way of beating them reliably, with the last also being able to get rid of Misty Terrain.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Physical attackers bypass Calm Mind's Special Defense boosts and hit Tapu Fini for good damage. Common physical attackers include Mega Salamence and Snorlax.
**Taunt**: Taunt blocks Calm Mind or Tapu Fini's support moves, which hinders it greatly, as it is very weak without Calm Mind boosts. Support Tapu Fini lacks offensive presence, so Taunt usually forces it out. A common Taunt user is Tapu Lele.
Tapu Fini is a great support Pokemon and setup sweeper thanks to an amazing defensive typing, a great ability to complement it, access to Calm Mind, and a fantastic support movepool. Misty Terrain blocks status moves for Tapu Fini and its teammate, such as Bronzong's Hypnosis and Amoonguss's Spore, and weakens Dragon-type attacks, which makes it a wonderful partner for setup Pokemon, such as Zygarde and for bulky Misty Seed speed control users, such as Zapdos and Hoopa-U. This is further complemented by access to amazing support moves; Swagger under Misty Terrain gives Tapu Fini's partner a free +2 Attack boost, which turns its partner into a powerhouse quickly, Heal Pulse increases its partner's longevity, and Nature's Madness allows Tapu Fini to break down bulky Pokemon more easily, giving its partner an easier chance to sweep. Misty Terrain's status immunity also gives Tapu Fini an edge over other Calm Mind users, such as Necrozma and Cresselia, and its typing also allows it to set up on common Pokemon, such as Heatran and Hoopa-U. Tapu Fini, however, is very weak before a Calm Mind boost. Unlike other Calm Mind users, such as the aforementioned Necrozma and Cresselia, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery, often forcing it to rely on passive options like Leftovers. Nevertheless, the ease with which Tapu Fini fits on teams and its amazing typing combined with Misty Terrain's great benefits make it a great choice for balance offense teams, especially since Zapdos and Hoopa-U greatly benefit from Misty Seed and thus give those teams an excellent speed control option.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Muddy Water
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 156 SpA / 28 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Muddy Water gives Tapu Fini a Water-type STAB attack while also having a substantial chance to lower one of the opposing Pokemon's accuracy. Scald is an option for more accuracy and the chance to burn if Misty Terrain is not active; however, Muddy Water is preferred, as it is a spread move. Moonblast gives Tapu Fini another STAB attack that pairs well with its Water-type STAB option, as it lets Tapu Fini hit Dragon-types super effectively. Calm Mind turns Tapu Fini from an average attacker to a threatening force and also boosts its Special Defense, thus making it more difficult to take out. Protect is important because once Tapu Fini starts setting up, your opponent will most likely target it to get it off the field. It also allows Tapu Fini to stall for Leftovers recovery, which can increase its longevity.
Set Details
========
252 HP and 28 Special Defense EVs let Tapu Fini take a Seed Flare from Shaymin-S without any Calm Mind boosts. In addition, 72 Defense EVs let Tapu Fini survive a Life Orb-boosted Fusion Bolt from Kyurem-B, tank Jolly Landorus-T's Tectonic Rage, and avoid the 2HKO from Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt after Leftovers recovery. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack, allowing Tapu Fini to OHKO Kingdra with Moonblast after one round of Life Orb recoil, 2HKO Heatran, and OHKO Landorus-T at +1 Special Attack. Tapu Fini can also run 56 Speed EVs, which allow it to outrun maximum Speed Naive Deoxys-A under Tailwind, or 152 Speed EVs, which let it outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, but Tapu Fini has to give up either defensive benchmarks or power. A slower Tapu Fini also makes it more likely for Misty Terrain to go up against Tapu Lele if both of them are sent out on the first turn. Leftovers gives Tapu Fini passive recovery, which is good for a Calm Mind user, since it will be on the field for a while. Sitrus Berry is an option, as it allows Tapu Fini to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Salamence's Double-Edge. Sitrus Berry can be better than Iapapa Berry at times, since there are a lot of Pokemon that can hit Tapu Fini for around 60% damage, such as the aforementioned Mega Salamence. Iapapa Berry is still an option to heal Tapu Fini's HP back by a larger amount.
Usage Tips
========
If you have a Misty Seed user, such as Zapdos or Hoopa-U, get Tapu Fini out as quick as possible to set Misty Terrain, but refrain from setting up Calm Minds too early, as Tapu Fini is much easier to deal with if the opponent's team is healthy. Until you start setting up, use Tapu Fini as a defensive switch-in to force Pokemon like Heatran and Hoopa-U out; however, don't switch it in too recklessly against teams which Tapu Fini can be a solid wincon, or else you will hamper its late-game cleaning abilities. Also try not to switch Tapu Fini in on Pokemon that can hit it for a lot of damage even if it does force said Pokemon out, such as Mega Salamence, since Tapu Fini takes a while to heal back up with Leftovers. Tapu Fini is best on bulky offense with Pokemon that can make use of Misty Terrain's benefits, such as alongside Misty Seed Zapdos.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that benefit from Misty Terrain, such as Misty Seed Zapdos and Hoopa-U, are great partners for Tapu Fini, with the latter being able to beat Amoonguss and break Wide Guard. Pokemon that dislike status, such as Zygarde, are good partners for Tapu Fini. Tapu Fini also threatens Salamence and Landorus-T, which gives Zygarde an easier time setting up, and its Misty Terrain also weakens Dragon-type damage, which helps out Zygarde. Intimidate users such as Mega Salamence and Landorus-T, though they don't gain any benefits from Misty Terrain, help Tapu Fini out by allowing Tapu Fini to set up against physical attackers more easily. The given examples also threaten Grass-types and Electric-types, respectively, which also helps Tapu Fini's setup.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Muddy Water
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Swagger
move 4: Heal Pulse
item: Mago Berry
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 128 Def / 100 SpA / 28 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set shines when it is paired with a setup sweeper. Swagger allows Tapu Fini to give its partner a free +2 Attack boost under Misty Terrain, which can quickly turn its partner into a threatening force, thus making up for Tapu Fini's lack of offensive presence. Heal Pulse allows Tapu Fini to increase its partner's longevity by healing it by half of its health. Most people will double target Tapu Fini's partner, as Tapu Fini is generally not very threatening, so Heal Pulse can waste their turn by healing back the damage Tapu Fini's partner receives, essentially giving the partner either a free attack or a turn to set up. Nature's Madness is an option to give Tapu Fini the ability to have some offensive presence as well as deal chip damage to bulkier Pokemon, such as Celesteela, for Tapu Fini's partner. Muddy Water gives Tapu Fini a spread Water-type STAB attack with a high chance of lowering one of the foes' accuracy, while Moonblast gives it a Fairy-type STAB move and works well with Muddy Water as it allows Tapu Fini to hit Dragon-types super effectively.
Set Details
========
252 HP and 28 Special Defense EVs let Tapu Fini take a Seed Flare from Shaymin-S without any Calm Mind boosts. In addition, 128 Defense EVs with a Bold nature let Tapu Fini take +1 Groundium Z Thousand Arrows from Zygarde. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack. Tapu Fini can also run 56 Speed EVs, which allow it to outrun maximum Speed Naive Deoxys-A under Tailwind, or 152 Speed EVs, which let it outrun Jolly Tyranitar, but it has to give up either defensive benchmarks or power. Mago Berry heals Tapu Fini's HP back by a large amount, which is why it is usually preferred over Sitrus Berry. This Tapu Fini set likes to switch into opposing Pokemon's attacks more, so the added recovery is much more preferred. Mago Berry is the preferred 50% Berry, since it can confuse Trick Room Hoopa-U if it steals Tapu Fini's item. Sitrus Berry is an option, as it allows Tapu Fini to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Salamence's Double-Edge, and it can be better than Mago Berry at times because there are a lot of Pokemon that can hit Tapu Fini for around 60% damage.
Usage Tips
========
This Tapu Fini set likes to switch into attacks, making good use of its great defensive typing. If you have a Misty Seed user, such as Zapdos or Hoopa-U, get Tapu Fini out as quick as possible to set Misty Terrain. This set lacks the offensive presence of the Calm Mind set, however, so be careful sending Tapu Fini out when there isn't anything it can pressure, or else it could be dead weight. Tapu Fini works best alongside a bulky setup Pokemon, such as Zygarde or Snorlax, due to its access to support moves such as Heal Pulse and Swagger on top of Misty Terrain preventing status. Swagger mitigates Intimidate drops, which is a common way to lessen the power of these two Pokemon, by giving an ally a free +2 Attack boost and turning it into a major force. When using Swagger on your own teammate, keep in mind that your opponent can switch in their own island guardian to change the Terrain, so only do it when it is not safe for your opponent to do so. Another important thing to note is that Heal Pulse can be redirected by your opponent even if you target your own Pokemon, so do not use it when you think your opponent will use a redirection move, such as Amoonguss's Rage Powder. Keep in mind that the status immunity from Misty Terrain only works on Pokemon that touch the ground, so if worse comes to worse, Tapu Fini can still Swagger an opposing Flying-type Pokemon or Levitate user.
Team Options
========
Bulky setup sweepers, most notably Snorlax and Zygarde, make amazing use of this set's support. Those two are already hard to knock out, but when combined with Tapu Fini's Heal Pulse and the status immunity from Misty Terrain, they become even harder to beat. Pokemon that benefit from Misty Terrain, such as Misty Seed Zapdos and Hoopa-U, are great partners for Tapu Fini, with the latter being able to beat Amoonguss and break Wide Guard. Pokemon that can cover Tapu Fini's weaknesses, such as Mega Salamence and Landorus-T, thought they don't gain any benefits from Misty Terrain, help it out by threatening Grass-types and Electric-types, respectively. Both Salamence and Landorus-T also have access to Intimidate, which can increase Tapu Fini's longevity by weakening physical attackers.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hydro Pump on the Calm Mind set gives Tapu Fini a more powerful Water-type STAB move, whereas Scald is more accurate and has the chance to burn outside of Misty Terrain. Ice Beam also gives Tapu Fini the ability to threaten Mega Salamence and Zygarde more effectively while also having the ability to hit Grass-types, such as Shaymin-S, for super effective damage. A different support set can be used with Haze or Taunt if Tapu Fini is not paired with a setup sweeper. An offensive set with either Choice Specs or Life Orb can work.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Common Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos threaten Tapu Fini. The latter also benefits greatly from even opposing Tapu Fini due to Misty Terrain activating its Misty Seed. Pokemon with Electric-type coverage attacks, such as Kyurem-B, also threaten Tapu Fini.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types, such as Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Tapu Bulu, also threaten Tapu Fini. Tapu Fini has no way of beating them reliably, with the last also being able to get rid of Misty Terrain.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Physical attackers bypass Calm Mind's Special Defense boosts and hit Tapu Fini for good damage. Common physical attackers include Mega Salamence and Snorlax.
**Taunt**: Taunt blocks Calm Mind or Tapu Fini's support moves, which hinders it greatly, as it is very weak without Calm Mind boosts. Support Tapu Fini lacks offensive presence, so Taunt usually forces it out. A common Taunt user is Tapu Lele.
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