PU Dodrio [High Priority]

[tondas]

[OVERVIEW]

Dodrio's fantastic offensive stats, near-unresisted coverage, and access to Swords Dance solidify it as a top offensive threat in PU that's able to blitz through Pokemon found on offensive and defensive teams alike. It can run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure: Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unrivaled Speed tier. Since all of Dodrio's sets fit on offensive teams, deciphering what set it's running from Team Preview is nearly impossible, giving Dodrio the upper hand in many situations. However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limit what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and it is easily worn down by Brave Bird's high recoil. Dodrio's matchups are also highly set dependent, as wallbreaking sets are prone to being revenge killed, while Choice Scarf lacks the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock, Quagsire, and Weezing.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Return / Quick Attack
item: Flyinium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Jump Kick enables Dodrio to hit Rock- and Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Regirock, Aggron, and Aurorus. Return is a safe STAB option with no recoil; this is also Dodrio's strongest move against Electric-types like Oricorio-E and Lanturn. Quick Attack gives Dodrio a form of priority and does a solid amount to would-be revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Jynx, OHKOing the latter at +2.

Set Details
========

Flyinium Z turns Brave Bird into Supersonic Skystrike, negating Brave Bird's hefty recoil and enabling Dodrio to OHKO targets such as Mudsdale and Weezing at +2 and Pokemon like Gurdurr and Golurk without any boosts. Fightinium Z converts Jump Kick into All-Out Pummeling, allowing Dodrio to whistle past checks like Regirock and Carracosta, OHKOing both of them at +2 after Stealth Rock damage. This is also the item of choice when using Quick Attack over Return as to maximize damage against Electric-types such as Eelektross and Oricorio-E.

Usage Tips
========

Dodrio should mainly be brought in through slow pivots or double switches to minimize chances of Dodrio getting chipped and generate good matchups. Dodrio can also switch into Ghost- and Ground-type attacks thanks to its immunities, though this is a risky endeavor due to its lousy defenses. Setting up with Swords Dance safely can be achieved against Pokemon that are forced out like Poliwrath and Lurantis, passive walls like Audino and Clefairy, and Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent. Avoid late-game setup if Dodrio lacks Quick Attack for faster revenge killers or if Pokemon that resist or are immune to Quick Attack such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Haunter are still around. Swords Dance doesn't necessarily have to be used in order for Dodrio to wallbreak; Dodrio's respective Z-Move can be thrown right off the bat to ensure that Pokemon like Gurdurr and Aggron drop. This is also effective at punishing Pokemon that may stay in predicting a Swords Dance. Outside of Swords Dance, Dodrio can be used as a revenge killer against slower Pokemon such as Scyther and unboosted Lilligant. Dodrio's revenge killing capabilities are further bolstered against bulkier foes like Articuno and Stoutland through the use of Z-Crystals.

Team Options
========

Bulky pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian are able to bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and lure in Pokemon such as Tangela and Poliwrath for Dodrio to take advantage of. Lanturn and Alolan Persian are also solid switch-ins to moves such as Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Lycanroc's Stone Edge, respectively. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr have amazing offensive synergy with Dodrio, as they can pressure Rock- and Ice-types such as Lycanroc and Abomasnow, while Dodrio can dispatch Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Scyther in return. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus. Mudsdale, Poliwrath, and other Pokemon that are able to switch in on Rock-types can stomach hits from the likes of Lycanroc, which may attempt to revenge kill Dodrio. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Alolan Sandslash and Shiftry keep Stealth Rock off of Dodrio's side, keeping it healthy and giving it more chances to set up or attack. Sponges to attacks such as Tangela, Weezing, and Probopass are able to switch into Choice Scarf users that can revenge kill Dodrio like Togedemaru, Primeape, and Jynx. Weezing can also wear down opposing Pokemon with Toxic Spikes and weaken physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Additional team support can be used to give Dodrio as many setup opportunities as possible. Weezing and Spiritomb can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, allowing Dodrio to set on weakened Pokemon like Scyther and Type: Null. Skuntank's Memento reduces the amount of damage Dodrio takes and provides momentum.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Jump Kick
move 3: Return
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off provides Dodrio with unresisted coverage and can be used to weaken item-dependent Pokemon such as Regirock and Type: Null. Pursuit enables Dodrio to trap weakened offensive foes such as Alolan Raichu and Haunter, further solidifying this set's ability to revenge kill. Toxic allows Dodrio to cripple walls that it otherwise couldn't touch such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku.

Set Details
========

Choice Scarf grants Dodrio the ability to outspeed every other relevant Choice Scarf user. Choice Scarf Dodrio can also outspeed weather-reliant Pokemon such as Victreebel, Alolan Sandslash, and Ludicolo in addition to setup sweepers like +2 Omastar and +1 Lilligant. Early Bird further improves this set's ability to check Lilligant.

Usage Tips
========

Use Pursuit in order to trap weakened threats or Pokemon weak to Pursuit such as Oricorio-G and Haunter. This works out especially well if one decides to not reveal Choice Scarf until mid or late-game when Dodrio's checks are weakened, as this allows Dodrio to get the jump on foes like Alolan Raichu, Floatzel, and opposing Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape. Knock Off and Toxic can be used to weaken defensive checks early-game; however, avoid reckless use of such moves, as Pokemon like Weezing and Qwilfish can switch into these moves easily. Prediction plays an important role when using this set, as Dodrio is incredibly frail and will not be able to do much to targets if it isn't locked into the best move. Late-game, Dodrio can liberally spam its STAB moves for optimal damage output once Rock- and Steel-type checks such as Omastar and Togedemaru are removed.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Hitmonchan act as solid answers to Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron and Aurorus, and their removal allows Dodrio to use its STAB moves far more freely. Dodrio greatly appreciates specially offensive wallbreakers such as Aurorus, Jellicent, and Alolan Exeggutor to punch holes through physically defensive walls like Weezing, Mudsdale, and Quagsire. Entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish are pivotal to Choice Scarf Dodrio's role as a revenge killer, as they're able to wear down the opposing team to help Dodrio secure KOs. Clefairy and Qwilfish are also able to cripple the opposing team with moves like Toxic and Scald. Since Dodrio will be coming in and out to pick off weakened threats, entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash is important so as to not let Dodrio be worn down. Lurantis can breeze past checks to Dodrio such as Sableye, Mudsdale, and Carracosta, while Silvally-Dragon can chip at physical walls with a powerful Draco Meteor and provide momentum for Dodrio through Parting Shot.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off gives Dodrio the ability to chip at and weaken switch-ins like Regirock and Weezing by removing their items. Pursuit allows Dodrio to trap slower, weakened foes like Oricorio-G and offensive Jellicent. With a Choice Band, Dodrio is notably able to do around 70% to bulky Oricorio-G, securing an OHKO after Stealth Rock and slight residual damage. Quick Attack picks off weakened Pokemon that can otherwise outspeed Dodrio such as Choice Scarf Swanna and Primeape.

Set Details
========

Choice Band allows Dodrio to immediately wallbreak, 2HKOing Pokemon like Quagsire and OHKOing the likes of Gurdurr and Aggron right off the bat.

Usage Tips
========

Given how most players maneuver around Dodrio's other sets, Choice Band's increase in power can be utilized to grab KOs on bulky Pokemon such as Stoutland and Spiritomb far more easily, as they may stay in fearing the possibility of Swords Dance. Pursuit should be used on predicted switches; for instance, Dodrio can OHKO Pokemon like Haunter and offensive Oricorio-G courtesy of Choice Band. If necessary, Dodrio can occasionally switch into moves like Golurk's Earthquake and Oricorio-G's Revelation Dance, but you must exercise caution when doing so because of Dodrio's poor bulk. Brave Bird's recoil can be put to use late-game by allowing Dodrio to KO itself, creating momentum for its team.

Team Options
========

Pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian can generate momentum for Dodrio and are able to bait in Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Gurdurr. Choice Band Dodrio can form an offensive core with specially offensive wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor, Jellicent, and Rotom-F, as these Pokemon target physically defensive walls like Regirock and Weezing, while Dodrio can break through Pokemon like Audino, Lurantis, and Hitmonchan in return. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash keeps Stealth Rock off the field, increasing the number of times Dodrio can switch in. Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan are able to dispatch Steel- and Rock-types early on, allowing Dodrio to use its STAB moves more frequently. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Pivots like Lanturn and Silvally-Dragon bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can lure in Pokemon such as Lurantis and Clefairy. These two Pokemon can also weaken bulky walls like Regirock and Mudsdale. Late-game sweepers such as Lycanroc and Lilligant greatly appreciate Dodrio's wallbreaking and the removal or weakening of Pokemon like Gurdurr and Scyther.

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

Taunt + Roost can be used to give Dodrio the functionality of a stallbreaker, but such a set falls flat due to its shortage of attacking options. Moreover, this competes heavily with other stallbreakers such as Oricorio-E due to its superior defensive capabilities. Life Orb gives Dodrio freedom to switch between its moves and is not one-time use like Z-Crystals are, but Dodrio already struggles with being worn down from Stealth Rock damage and Brave Bird recoil.

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

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Regirock and Carracosta possess enough physical bulk to can switch into Dodrio lacking Fightinium Z and threaten it with their STAB moves. Regirock in particular has the most consistency when it comes to checking all of Dodrio's sets; it can easily switch into Choice-locked variants of Dodrio and OHKO it with Stone Edge, and it can viably run Chople Berry or Protect to sponge an All-Out Pummeling. Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Kabutops outspeed Dodrio lacking a Choice Scarf, and the former can use Dodrio as setup fodder if it's Choice-locked into Pursuit or Quick Attack. All of these Pokemon must be wary of taking a boosted All-Out Pummeling, however.

**Set-dependent Switch-ins**: Physically defensive walls such as Weezing, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku are able to switch into Dodrio lacking Flyinium Z and take very little from Choice Scarf Dodrio. They can then proceed to stall it out or cripple it with a burn in the former two's case. These Pokemon must be cautious of directly switching into Choice Band Dodrio, however. Oricorio-E, Aggron, and Aurorus can come in on Choice-locked Dodrio depending on what it's locked into and threaten it with their respective super effective moves.

**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru outspeed variants of Dodrio lacking Choice Scarf and obliterate it with their moves. Floatzel and Alolan Persian are naturally faster than Dodrio and can do serious damage to it with Ice Beam and Foul Play, respectively. Togedemaru and Alolan Persian can also comfortably take Quick Attack thanks to the former's resistance and the latter's Fur Coat. All variants of Dodrio are outsped by priority moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Abomasnow's Ice Shard, both of which do serious damage to it. Additionally, without Quick Attack, Choice item Dodrio has little to no way of playing around Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Absol.

**Residual Damage**: Dodrio gets worn very easily by Brave Bird and has a weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits how many times it can come in or set up.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[allstarapology, 400292], [jklioe, 424692], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [CryoGyro, 331519]]

 

[asa]

[OVERVIEW]

• Thanks to its fantastic offensive stats, remarkable coverage moves, and access to Swords Dance, Dodrio solidifies itself as a premier offensive threat in the PU metagame.
• Dodrio's access to Brave Bird and Jump Kick enables it to threaten prevalent Pokemon like Gurdurr, Lilligant, Scyther, and Aurorus, in addition to covering for checks like Aggron and giving Dodrio near-unresisted coverage.
• Dodrio is able to blitz though both offensive and defensive teams alike, able to run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure; Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, allowing Dodrio to plow through bulkier teams and even break through defensive checks like Regirock, Weezing, and Mudsdale with the proper Z-Crystal, whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unmatched Speed tier, and is an effective revenge killer to opposing Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Scyther, in addition to weather sweepers like Ludicolo and Alolan Sandslash. (a bit early for stuff like this, but there has to be a way to simplify this, it feels just a bit too wordy in its current state.) (you should probably also mention that the large number of switches it can force sometimes allows it to easily use swords dance.)
• However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limits what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and in general is easy to wear down in tandem with Brave Bird's high recoil.
• Lacking a Choice Scarf, Dodrio is able to be revenged killed by faster offensive threats such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape, with the former two additionally sporting a resistance to Quick Attack.
• Choice Scarf sets also lack the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock and Mudsdale, meaning a large selection of Dodrio's positive matchups are set-dependent.
• Nevertheless, Dodrio is able to become a terrifying presence across multiple team archetypes, and should always be accounted for when building a team. (ik you're trying not to end on a negative note, but these kinds of closing statements aren't really necessary.)
• A point about how all of its sets more or less fit on very similar builds meaning that it can be hard to immediately figure out its set should be made if possible. It plays a part in making Dodrio so deadly imo.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Return / Quick Attack
item: Fightinium Z / Flyinium Z
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

• Swords Dance boosts Dodrio's Attack to near-unwallable levels, enabling it to OHKO or 2HKO the vast majority of the tier after one use.
• Brave Bird is an incredibly powerful STAB move which enables Dodrio to deal high damage to Grass- and Fighting-types such as Alolan Exeggutor and Poliwrath, in addition to physically frail Pokemon like Clefairy. Its high recoil makes it difficult to use repeatedly without a Z-Crystal, however. (sorta falls under the overly obvious stuff the new standards are trying to avoid imo.)
• Jump Kick enables Dodrio to hit Rock- and Steel- types which resist its other moves such as Regirock, Aggron, and Aurorus.
• Return is Dodrio's safest STAB option, having no recoil while still sporting a high Base Power; this is also Dodrio's strongest move against Electric-types like Oricorio-E and Lanturn.
• Quick Attack gives Dodrio a form of priority, able to do a solid amount to would-be revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Jynx, OHKOing the former at +2. (+2 252 Atk Dodrio Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Primeape: 175-207 (64.5 - 76.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock) (jynx also isn't the most relevant example, though ig it's fine bc not too many other scarfers get picked off by qa without a lot of chip.) This also allows Dodrio to engage in Sucker Punch coinflips against Pokemon such as Alolan Raticate and Absol. (go into some detail about what you're giving up by running qa instead of return, which would be a stronger STAB move in exchange for a better mu against offense and revenge killers.)

Set Details
========

• Fightinium Z converts Jump Kick into All-Out Pummeling, allowing Dodrio to chew through checks like Regirock and Carracosta, able to OHKO both of them at +2 after Stealth Rock damage.
• Flyinium Z turns Brave Bird into Supersonic Skystrike, negating Brave Bird's hefty recoil and enabling Dodrio to OHKO targets such as Mudsdale and Weezing at +2, and Pokemon like Gurdurr and Golurk without any boosts.
• Early Bird reduces the amount of turns Dodrio is put to sleep, further solidifying its ability to check Grass-types such as Lilligant and Tangela. (axe this bit, early bird really only helps against lilligant if you're scarf bc at least then you outspeed if it boosts.)

Usage Tips
========

• Find safe opportunities to set up Swords Dance. This can be achieved through forced switches against Pokemon like Poliwrath and Lurantis. Passive walls like Audino and Clefairy as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent can be taken advantage of in these regards as well.
• Dodrio should mainly be brought in through slow pivots, as this minimizes chances of Dodrio getting chipped and can be used to generate good matchups. Dodrio can also switch into Ghost- and Ground-type attacks thanks to its set of immunities, though this is a risky endeavor. (make this point first, actually getting the mon in is more important than determining if and when it should set up imo, especially considering that it can't exactly switch in on much.)
• Avoid late-game setup if Dodrio either lacks Quick Attack for faster revenge killers, or that Pokemon that resist/are immune to Quick Attack such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Haunter are still alive.
• Swords Dance doesn't necessarily have to be used in order for Dodrio to wallbreak. Dodrio's respective Z-Move can be thrown right off the bat in order to ensure that Pokemon like Gurdurr or Aggron drop, as well as to nullify Brave Bird's recoil one time in Flyinium Z's case.
• Outside of Swords Dance, Dodrio can be used as a revenge killer against Pokemon slower Pokemon such as Scyther and unboosted Lilligant. Dodrio's revenge killing capabilities are further bolstered against bulkier foes like Articuno and Stoutland through the use of Z-Crystals.

(spacing)
Team Options
========

• Bulky pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian are able to bring Dodrio in as safely as possible, and can additionally lure in Pokemon for Dodrio to take advantage of such as Tangela and Poliwrath. These Pokemon are also solid switch-ins to moves such as Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Regirock's Stone Edge, respectively. (the way this is worded sort of makes it seem like you mean that tangela and poliwrath can handle zing zap and stone edge.)
• Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr have amazing offensive synergy with Dodrio, as they can pressure Rock- and Ice-types such as Lycanroc and Abomasnow, while Dodrio can dispatch Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Scyther in return. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and can switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus.
• Entry hazard setters like Mudsdale and Golurk greatly enhance Dodrio's offensive prowess. This ensures that Regirock's sturdy is broken for +2 All-Out Pummeling, for instance. Such Pokemon are also solid (make this say 'good' rather than solid, golurk isn't a solid aggron switch-in.) switch-ins to attackers such as Lycanroc and Aggron. Mesprit in particular is a fantastic entry hazard setter and partner for Dodrio, as it's able to provide momentum with U-Turn, bring Dodrio up to full health with Healing Wish, and can switch into faster attackers such as Choice Scarf Primeape.
• On the other hand, entry hazard removal from the likes of Alolan Sandslash and Shiftry keep Stealth Rock off of Dodrio's side, keeping it healthy and giving it more chances to set up or Attack.
• Sponges to attacks such as Tangela, Weezing, and Probopass are able to switch into Dodrio's Choice Scarf revenge killers such Choice Scarf Togedemaru, Primeape, and Jynx. Weezing can also wear down opponents with Toxic Spikes and weaken physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp.
• Additional team support can be used to give Dodrio as many setup opportunities as possible. Silvally's Parting Shot (this example seems a bit redundant given that you've already mentioned alolan persian before.) and Skuntank's Memento reduces the amount of damage Dodrio takes, whereas Healing Wish Mesprit can bring Dodrio back up to full health. (you also mention this earlier on, too.) All of these moves additionally provide momentum.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Jump Kick
move 3: Return
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

• The combination of Brave Bird and Jump Kick enables Dodrio to revenge kill a multitude of fast, prominent Pokemon, which includes Choice Scarf users like Primeape and Togedemaru, as well as weather sweepers such as Ludicolo, Victreebel, and Alolan Sandslash. (you mention this last bit later on in set details, where it's more appropriate, so you don't need to go into this much detail here.)
• Knock Off provides Dodrio with unresisted coverage, and can be used to weaken item-dependent Pokemon such as Clefairy (clefairy seems like a weird example, since you would normally just bb / return it unless you predict a switch. replace it with smth like defensive carracosta.) and Type: Null.
• Pursuit enables Dodrio to trap in weakened offensive foes such as Alolan Raichu and Haunter, further solidifying this set's ability to revenge kill.
• Toxic allows Dodrio to cripple walls that it otherwise couldn't touch such as Regirock, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku.

Set Details
========

• Choice Scarf grants Dodrio the ability to outspeed every other relevant Choice Scarf user bar opposing Dodrio. Choice Scarf Dodrio can also outspeed important weather-reliant Pokemon such as Victreebel, Alolan Sandslash, and Ludicolo, in addition to setup sweepers such as Omastar at +2 and Lilligant at +1.
• Early Bird mention here.

Usage Tips
========

• Choice Scarf Dodrio's primary role is to revenge kill weakened threats, which include the aforementioned weather sweepers and opposing Choice Scarf users.
• Use Pursuit in order to trap in weakened threats such as Oricorio-G and Haunter. This works out especially well if one decides to not reveal Choice Scarf until mid to late-game where Dodrio's checks are weakened, as this allows Dodrio to get the jump on foes like Alolan Raichu, Floatzel, and opposing Choice Scarf users like Primeape and Togedemaru. (switch the order of these two, bit of a relevance thing.)
• Knock Off and Toxic can be used to weaken defensive checks early-game; however, avoid reckless use of such moves, as they are easily exploitable by Pokemon such as Weezing and Qwilfish. (well, losing your recovery sorta blows, so it's not 'easily' exploitable by either.)
• To reiterate, prediction plays an important role when using this set, as Dodrio is incredibly frail and will not be able to do much to targets if it isn't locked into the best move. Late-game, Dodrio can liberally spam its STAB moves for optimal damage output once Rock- and Steel-type checks such as Togedemaru and Omastar (switch the order here too, parallelism.) are removed.

Team Options
========

• Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Hitmonchan act as solid answers to Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron and Aurorus, allowing Dodrio to use its STAB moves far more freely.
• Dodrio greatly appreciates specially offensive wallbreakers such as Aurorus, Jellicent, and Alolan Exeggutor are able to punch holes through physically defensive walls like Weezing, Mudsdale, and Pyukumuku.
• Support through entry hazards can wear down at switch-ins more easily, making Pokemon like Mesprit and Golurk ideal teammates for chipping away at targets like Weezing and Lanturn. Other entry hazard setters such as Aggron and Regirock appreciate Dodrio's ability to threaten Grass- and Fighting-types such as Combusken and Alolan Exeggutor.
• Since Dodrio will be coming in and out to pick off weakened threats, entry hazard removal is important as to not wear Dodrio down. Lurantis can breeze past checks to Dodrio such as Sableye, Mudsdale, and Carracosta, while Silvally-Dragon can chip at physical walls with a powerful Draco Meteor and provide momentum for Dodrio through Parting Shot.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

• When equipped with a Choice Band, Dodrio is able to immediately 2HKO bulky Pokemon such as Lanturn, (2HKOed regardless of the set, unless you mean defensive, but that set is sorta uncommon in comparison to av atm.) Mesprit, and Quagsire as well as OHKO Pokemon such as Aggron and Gurdurr right off the bat. (this sorta borderlines on being set details. either )
• Knock Off gives Dodrio the ability to chip at and weaken switchins like Regirock and Type: Null by removing their items. (ik you mentioned what pursuit and qa do before, but you may as well do it again here.)

Set Details
========

• Choice Band boosts Dodrio's Attack by 50%, allowing it to immediately wallbreak. (mentioning quag and other targets cb allows you to 2HKO would be more appropriate here. be sure to emphasize quag, it's probs the most notable 2HKO you couldn't otherwise achieve.)

Usage Tips
========

• Dodrio can be brought in through bulkier teams in order to weaken bulky Pokemon like Mesprit and Silvally-Fairy early to mid-game.
• Dodrio can also put its heightened power to use to revenge kill bulkier Pokemon like Stoutland, Jellicent, and Spiritomb
• Pursuit should be used on predicted switches, can ohko things like ori-g courtesy of Choice Band
• Bring it in through pivots in order to maximise matchup potential. Things like Lanturn can bait in Eggy-a, Alolapersian brings in Gurdurr, etc. (make this the first point bc i didn't even immediately notice it and getting in is important to explain as i mentioned before.)
• Can periodically switch into things like Golurk's Earthquake or Oricorio-G's Revelation Dance, but you must exercise caution when doing so (should only do so if 100% necessary.)
• Prediction also plays a key role when using Choice Band Dodrio. Using Return on a predicted Lanturn or Eelektross can 2HKO them, as with Pokemon like Quagsire with Brave Bird
• One can also not reveal Choice Band Dodrio until mid to late-game to grab surprise 2HKOs on bulky Pokemon like Quagsire, Pyukumuku and Mesprit
• BB's recoil can be useful for generating momentum for a teammate if it KOes itself, and that's especially important considering that this set spams BB more than the other ones. (s/o jklioe for this point)

Team Options
========

• Choice Band Dodrio can form an offensive core with specially offensive wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor, Jellicent, and Rotom-Frost
• Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan are able to dispatch Steel- and Rock-types early on, allowing Dodrio to click its STAB moves more frequently. Hitmonchan can also spin rocks away
• Pivots like Lanturn and Silvally-Dragon bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can lure in Pokemon such as Lurantis and Clefairy. These two can also weaken mons like Regirock and Mudsdale
• Hazard setters like Mesprit and Regirock chip at the opposing team, fueling Dodrio's wallbreaking prowess
• Late-game sweepers such as Lycanroc and Lilligant heavily appreciate Dodrio's wallbreaking and the removal or weakening of Pokemon like Gurdurr and Scyther
• I think removal warrants its own point here rather being briefly mentioned when you talk about Hitmonchan, especially since CB uses BB more often.

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

• Taunt in conjunction with Roost can be used to give Dodrio the functionality of a stallbreaker, but such a set falls flat due to its shortage of attacking options. Moreover, this competes heavily with other stallbreakers such as Oricorio-E due to its superior defensive capabilities.
• Facade enables Dodrio to take advantage of being afflicted with status, such as Scald burns. This is less practical than Return, however, as it's weaker against targets such as Eelektross and Lanturn when healthy.
• Life Orb gives Dodrio freedom between choosing moves and is not one-time use like Z-Crystals are, but Dodrio already struggles with being worn down from Stealth Rock damage and Brave Bird recoil.
• Normalium Z with Breakneck Blitz gives Dodrio the ability to break through Pokemon such as Lanturn and Eelektross after one Swords Dance boost, but sorely misses out on the power provided by Supersonic Skystrike off of Brave Bird versus neutral targets.
• Make the order Taunt, Normalium Z, Life Orb, Facade. I just don't like Facade on it all that much bc in comparison to like Stout and Kanga, you don't exactly have the bulk to risk taking Scald unless you have to.

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

**Regirock**: (make this section about rock-types in general. costa and defensive oma are p much the same as regi in this regard, ik some people use carbink for this thing, and more offensive ones like lycanroc keep you in check.) Regirock has the most consistency when it comes to checking all of Dodrio's sets; it can easily switch into Choice-locked variants and OHKO Dodrio with Stone Edge. Regirock can capitalize on Protect in order to soften the blow on All-Out Pummeling or otherwise cause Dodrio to take 50% in recoil from Jump Kick, or to scout for what move choiced variants lock themselves into. Finally, Regirock can viably run Chople Berry, meaning it can take on a +2 All-Out Pummeling and retaliate back. Other variants must watch out for a boosted All-Out Pummeling, however, as Regirock can be OHKOed after slight prior damage.

**Set-Dependent Switch-ins**: Physically defensive walls such as Mudsdale, Weezing, and Quagsire are able to switch into Dodrio lacking Flyinium Z and take very little from Choice Scarf Dodrio. (they all get boned by choice band dodrio, though.) They can then proceed to stall it out or cripple it with a burn in the former two's case. Oricorio-E, Aggron, and Aurorus can come in on Choice-locked Dodrio depending on what it's locked into and proceed to threaten it with their respective super effective moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Lycanroc and Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and Primeape can outspeed non-Choice Scarf Dodrio and target its paltry defenses. Togedemaru and Lycanroc additionally possess a resistance to Quick Attack. (mention persian-a here 100%, probably over lycan if you make the change above regarding rock-types.)

**Residual Damage**: Dodrio gets worn very easily by Brave Bird and has a weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits how many times it can come in or set up.

**Priority**: Dodrio is outsped by moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Abomasnow's Ice Shard, both of which do serious damage to it. Additionally, without Quick Attack, Choiced Dodrio has little to no way of playing around Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Absol. (doesn't this sort of fall under revenge killing too?)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[, ]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

bop, qc 1/3. jklioe helped with a few things, so props to him /o/

 

[tondas]

ka-chow

 

[jklioe]

[OVERVIEW]

• Thanks to its fantastic offensive stats, remarkable coverage moves, and access to Swords Dance, Dodrio solidifies itself as a premier offensive threat in the PU metagame.
• Dodrio's access to Brave Bird and Jump Kick enables it to threaten prevalent Pokemon like Gurdurr, Lilligant, Scyther, and Aurorus, in addition to covering for checks like Aggron and giving Dodrio near-unresisted coverage. this can definitely be merged w/ the first point too
• Dodrio is able to blitz though both offensive and defensive teams alike, able to run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure; both Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, with opportunities to set up Swords Dance through forced switches which even allow Dodrio to break through defensive checks such as Weezing and Quagsire with the right item (you aleady state the specifics of what and how it wallbreaks the relevant threats in the respective sets and in c&c section, so i'm not seeing the need to drag it out here yet again), whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unrivaled Speed tier. Since all of Dodrio's sets fit on offensive teams, deciphering what set it's running from Team Preview is near impossible, giving Dodrio the upper hand in many situations. it really shouldn't take 5 lines to get the point across here, it's counterproductive to the new writing standards.
• However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limits what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and in general is easy to wear down in tandem with Brave Bird's high recoil.
• Lacking a Choice Scarf, Dodrio is able to be revenged killed by faster offensive threats such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape, with the former two additionally sporting a resistance to Quick Attack.
• Choice Scarf sets also lack the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock and Mudsdale, meaning a large selection of Dodrio's positive matchups are set-dependent. Just merge these two points. going into a large amount of detail is not necessary to the overview and is only just stacking up the word count (and tbh a lot of what is said kind of just makes me go "no shit"), all that's needed to clarify is that its matchups are set dependent, with a more brief explanation as to why and be done with it from there.

My ideal end result of the Overview would be something like:
Dodrio's fantastic offensive stats, near-unresisted coverage, and access to Swords Dance solidify itself as a premier hole-puncher in the PU metagame, threatening many prevalent Pokemon found in offensive and defensive teams alike. It can run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure; both Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unrivaled Speed tier. Since all of Dodrio's sets fit on offensive teams, deciphering what set it's running from Team Preview is near impossible, giving Dodrio the upper hand in many situations. However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limits what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and is easily worn down in tandem with Brave Bird's high recoil. Dodrio's matchups are also highly set-dependent, as wallbreaking sets can be prone to be revenge killed while Choice Scarf lacks the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock and defensive Carracosta/Quagsire [i replaced Mudsdale with Carracosta/Quagsire as while Mudsdale is tanky, I generally prefer bb-resistant examples and/or ones with recovery].

Basically, you really should stop making the mistake of:
1. Rehashing points that are already covered on other parts of the analysis.
2. Going overly specific in detail on targets it threatens. If it threats a lot of relevant offensive targets, then at that point you may as well briefly specify that it can threaten Pokemon found in offensive teams with its STAB, coverage, and Speed as I've done on the first sentence for you.

If you constantly do this then you basically miss the point of what the Overview is for, which is to provide the reader a general summation of its niches, pros and cons within said niches, and how it correlates to its relevance in the metagame. This is all without going into specifics that can already be covered in other parts of the analysis. If I wanna know how to set up SD then I'd go to the Usage Tips on the Swords Dance set.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Return / Quick Attack
item: Fightinium Z / Flyinium Z
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

• Jump Kick enables Dodrio to hit Rock- and Steel- types which resist its other moves such as Regirock, Aggron, and Aurorus.
• Return is a safer STAB option, having no recoil while still sporting a high Base Power no shit; this is also Dodrio's strongest move against Electric-types like Oricorio-E and Lanturn. specify v briefly that brave bird is still its main wallbreaking tool, the way this is written makes it sound like dodrio should opt to find more opportunities to use return than to use brave bird if it can help it, which is disingenuous
• Quick Attack gives Dodrio a form of priority, able to do a solid amount to would-be revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Jynx, OHKOing the latter at +2. This also allows Dodrio to engage in Sucker Punch coinflips against Pokemon such as Alolan Raticate and Absol. Note that this gives up Dodrio's ability to deal the most neutral damage to Pokemon like Eelektross and Oricorio-E, however. Idk why you were told to add this last sentence; we know the trade-off. That's the point of the slash; you pick one option over the other. At that point you may as well talk about how lacking priority would make it easier to revenge kill on Return's bullet point (don't actually do that lol). Just remove it, I'll talk to asa about it.

Set Details
========

• Fightinium Z converts Jump Kick into All-Out Pummeling, allowing Dodrio to chew through checks like Regirock and Carracosta, able to OHKO both of them at +2 after Stealth Rock damage.
• Flyinium Z turns Brave Bird into Supersonic Skystrike, negating Brave Bird's hefty recoil and enabling Dodrio to OHKO targets such as Mudsdale and Weezing at +2, and Pokemon like Gurdurr and Golurk without any boosts.

Usage Tips
========

• Dodrio should mainly be brought in through slow pivots, as this minimizes chances of Dodrio getting chipped and can be used to generate good matchups. Dodrio can also switch into Ghost- and Ground-type attacks thanks to its set of immunities, though this is a risky endeavor.
• Find safe opportunities to set up Swords Dance. This can be achieved through forced switches against Pokemon like Poliwrath and Lurantis. Passive walls like Audino and Clefairy as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent can be taken advantage of in these regards as well.
• Avoid late-game setup if Dodrio either lacks Quick Attack for faster revenge killers, or that Pokemon that resist/are immune to Quick Attack such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Haunter are still alive.
• Swords Dance doesn't necessarily have to be used in order for Dodrio to wallbreak. Dodrio's respective Z-Move can be thrown right off the bat in order to ensure that Pokemon like Gurdurr or Aggron drop, as well as to nullify Brave Bird's recoil one time in Flyinium Z's case. this was already pointed out. anyway, throwing out attacks/z move can also punish ppl trying to stay in predicting sd
• Outside of Swords Dance, Dodrio can be used as a revenge killer against Pokemon slower Pokemon such as Scyther and unboosted Lilligant. Dodrio's revenge killing capabilities are further bolstered against bulkier foes like Articuno and Stoutland through the use of Z-Crystals.

Team Options
========

• Bulky pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian are able to bring Dodrio in as safely as possible, and can additionally lure in Pokemon for Dodrio to take advantage of such as Tangela and Poliwrath. Lanturn and Alolan Persian are also solid switch-ins to moves such as Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Lycanroc's Stone Edge, respectively.
• Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr have amazing offensive synergy with Dodrio, as they can pressure Rock- and Ice-types such as Lycanroc and Abomasnow, while Dodrio can dispatch Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Scyther in return. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and can switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus.
• Entry hazard setters like Mudsdale and Golurk greatly enhance Dodrio's offensive prowess. This ensures that Regirock's sturdy who the hell is running sturdy nowadays lol is broken for +2 All-Out Pummeling, for instance. Such Pokemon are also good switch-ins to attackers such as Lycanroc and Aggron. Mesprit in particular is a fantastic entry hazard setter and partner for Dodrio, as it's able to provide momentum with U-Turn, bring Dodrio up to full health with Healing Wish, and can switch into faster attackers such as Choice Scarf Primeape. why is this even a bullet point? hazards help almost everything, this is bland af and shouldn't warrant a specific bullet point unless it's absolutely pivotal to its role (think like Throh and the like). otherwise, the fact that hazards can be set is usually just a secondary reference at best, esp since there are no Spikes users being mentioned and Rocks will be on any team anyway. i'd just move Mesprit to bulky pivots and change this bullet point to "Rock-type switch-ins" (which is important for dodrio in general given Lycanroc's pressure and pokemon like aggron that can situationally gain a free opportunity against other sets)
• On the other hand, entry hazard removal from the likes of Alolan Sandslash and Shiftry keep Stealth Rock off of Dodrio's side, keeping it healthy and giving it more chances to set up or Attack.
• Sponges to attacks such as Tangela, Weezing, and Probopass are able to switch into Dodrio's Choice Scarf revenge killers such Choice Scarf Togedemaru, Primeape, and Jynx. Weezing can also wear down opponents with Toxic Spikes and weaken physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp.
• Additional team support can be used to give Dodrio as many setup opportunities as possible. Weezing and Spiritomb can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, allowing Dodrio to set on weakened Pokemon like Scyther and Type: Null. Skuntank's Memento reduces the amount of damage Dodrio takes, and additionally provides momentum.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Jump Kick
move 3: Return
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

• Knock Off provides Dodrio with unresisted coverage, and can be used to weaken item-dependent Pokemon such as Regirock and Type: Null.
• Pursuit enables Dodrio to trap in weakened offensive foes such as Alolan Raichu and Haunter, further solidifying this set's ability to revenge kill.
• Toxic allows Dodrio to cripple walls that it otherwise couldn't touch such as Regirock you already mentioned this, either pick one or the other or mention another good toxic > knock off target, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku.

Set Details
========

• Choice Scarf grants Dodrio the ability to outspeed every other relevant Choice Scarf user bar opposing Dodrio. Choice Scarf Dodrio can also outspeed important weather-reliant Pokemon such as Victreebel, Alolan Sandslash, and Ludicolo, in addition to setup sweepers such as Omastar at +2 and Lilligant at +1.
• Early Bird reduces the number of turns Dodrio is asleep, improving this set's ability to check boosted Lilligant.

Usage Tips
========

• Choice Scarf Dodrio's primary role is to revenge kill weakened threats, which include the aforementioned weather sweepers and opposing Choice Scarf users. i too love reading basically the same thing as a previously mentioned sentence. really tho, keep the point about revenge killing but also merge with the point about how it needs to sometimes predict since falling back to a switch-in is sometimes how scarfers are responded to.
• Use Pursuit in order to trap in weakened threats such as Oricorio-G and Haunter. This works out especially well if one decides to not reveal Choice Scarf until mid to late-game where Dodrio's checks are weakened, as this allows Dodrio to get the jump on foes like Alolan Raichu, Floatzel, and opposing Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape.
• Knock Off and Toxic can be used to weaken defensive checks early-game; however, avoid reckless use of such moves, as Pokemon like Rocky Helmet Weezing and Qwilfish can switch into these moves easily.
• To reiterate, prediction plays an important role when using this set, as Dodrio is incredibly frail and will not be able to do much to targets if it isn't locked into the best move. Late-game, Dodrio can liberally spam its STAB moves for optimal damage output once Rock- and Steel-type checks such as Omastar and Togedemaru are removed.

Team Options
========

• Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Hitmonchan act as solid answers to Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron and Aurorus, allowing Dodrio to use its STAB moves far more freely.
• Dodrio greatly appreciates specially offensive wallbreakers such as Aurorus, Jellicent, and Alolan Exeggutor are able to punch holes through physically defensive walls like Weezing, Mudsdale, and Pyukumuku.
• Support through entry hazards can wear down at switch-ins more easily, making Pokemon like Mesprit and Golurk ideal teammates for chipping away at targets like Weezing and Lanturn. Other entry hazard setters such as Aggron and Regirock appreciate Dodrio's ability to threaten Grass- and Fighting-types such as Combusken and Alolan Exeggutor. ref to sd's bullet point on team options similar to this
• Since Dodrio will be coming in and out to pick off weakened threats, entry hazard removal is important as to not wear Dodrio down. Lurantis can breeze past checks to Dodrio such as Sableye, Mudsdale, and Carracosta, while Silvally-Dragon can chip at physical walls with a powerful Draco Meteor and provide momentum for Dodrio through Parting Shot.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

• Knock Off gives Dodrio the ability to chip at and weaken switchins like Regirock and Weezing by removing their items.
• Pursuit allows Dodrio to trap in slower, weakened foes like Oricorio-G and Mesprit. With a Choice Band, Dodrio is notably able to around 70% to bulky Oricorio-G, securing an OHKO after Stealth Rock and slight residual damage. (I'd like a specs jelli example as opposed to mesprit, esp since mesprit is a bit of a more complex case when it comes to pursuit)
• Quick Attack picks off weakened Pokemon that can otherwise outspeed Dodrio such as Choice Scarf Swanna and Primeape. no specific target really, just faster pokemon/scarfers is the relevant niche for it

Set Details
========

• Choice Band boosts Dodrio's Attack by 50%, allowing it to immediately wallbreak, 2HKOing Pokemon like Mesprit and Quagsire and OHKOing the likes of Gurdurr and Aggron right off the bat. realistically the only mon you'd really need to cover is like quag, other sets usually don't struggle a great deal to break through the others

Usage Tips
========

• Bring it in through pivots in order to maximise matchup potential (weird way to put it). Things like Lanturn can bait in Eggy-a, Alolapersian brings in Gurdurr, etc. keep this stuff in team options (you also never mentioned persian-a fwr) also, instead of dedicating an entire bpoint to telling me that prediction is important, why not instead just put it on the same sentence here while saying "catch potential switch-ins with the appropriate coverage if necessary"
• Dodrio can be brought in through bulkier teams in order to weaken bulky Pokemon like Mesprit and Silvally-Fairy early to mid-game.
• Dodrio can also put its heightened power to use to revenge kill bulkier Pokemon like Stoutland, Jellicent, and Spiritomb i mean you're basically saying the same thing w/ random examples. it's fine to talk about its defensive team v. offensive team mu in a merged bullet point tho
• Pursuit should be used on predicted switches, can ohko things like non-bulky oricorio-g courtesy of Choice Band
• If necessary, Dodrio can periodically switch into things like Golurk's Earthquake or Oricorio-G's Revelation Dance, but you must exercise caution when doing so
• Prediction also plays a key role when using Choice Band Dodrio. Using Return on a predicted Lanturn or Eelektross can 2HKO them, as with Pokemon like Quagsire with Brave Bird
• One can also not reveal Choice Band Dodrio until mid to late-game to grab surprise 2HKOs on bulky Pokemon like Quagsire, Pyukumuku and Mesprit wat. this bullet point makes no sense. doesn't matter "when" it's brought in as long as an opportunity to wallbreak/get a kill is present.
• Brave Bird's recoil can be put to use late-game by allowing Dodrio to KO itself, creating momentum for its team.
• despite my last strikethrough, ambiguity is advantageous, but that should be more emphasized towards how band can capitalize on how ppl play around dodrio in general. ppl like to stay in sometimes in fear of giving Dodrio a free SD, which can nab clutch kills.

Team Options
========

• Choice Band Dodrio can form an offensive core with specially offensive wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor, Jellicent, and Rotom-Frost
• Entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash keeps Stealth Rock off the field, increasing the number of times Dodrio can switch in
• Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan are able to dispatch Steel- and Rock-types early on, allowing Dodrio to click its STAB moves more frequently. Hitmonchan can also spin rocks away
• Pivots like Lanturn and Silvally-Dragon bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can lure in Pokemon such as Lurantis and Clefairy. These two can also weaken mons like Regirock and Mudsdale
• Hazard setters like Mesprit and Regirock chip at the opposing team, fueling Dodrio's wallbreaking prowess ref to sd's bullet point on team options similar to this
• Late-game sweepers such as Lycanroc and Lilligant heavily appreciate Dodrio's wallbreaking and the removal or weakening of Pokemon like Gurdurr and Scyther

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

• Taunt in conjunction with Roost can be used to give Dodrio the functionality of a stallbreaker, but such a set falls flat due to its shortage of attacking options. Moreover, this competes heavily with other stallbreakers such as Oricorio-E due to its superior defensive capabilities.
• Normalium Z gives Dodrio the ability to break through Pokemon such as Lanturn and Eelektross after one Swords Dance boost, but sorely misses out on the power provided by Supersonic Skystrike off of Brave Bird versus neutral targets. but SD+Return already does this? speak more about how it can bop them without a boost after a little prior damage. +2 z return smashes stunfisk too, which sounds like a more productive use. z-d edge allows for more secure calcs but unfort it's incompatible w/ brave bird, so i prob wouldn't even talk about that one
• Life Orb gives Dodrio freedom between choosing moves and is not one-time use like Z-Crystals are, but Dodrio already struggles with being worn down from Stealth Rock damage and Brave Bird recoil.
• Facade enables Dodrio to take advantage of being afflicted with status, such as Scald burns. This is less practical than Return, however, as it's weaker against targets such as Eelektross and Lanturn when healthy. dunno why it's here in the first place given how impractical it is compared to stout/kanga's use

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

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Regirock and Carracosta possess high physical bulk and can switch into Dodrio lacking Fightinium Z and threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Regirock in particular has the most consistency when it comes to checking all of Dodrio's sets; it can easily switch into Choice-locked variants of Dodrio and OHKO it with Stone Edge, and can viably run either Chople Berry or Protect to sponge an All-Out Pummeling. Lycanroc and boosted Omastar outspeed Dodrio lacking a Choice Scarf (lol why are you talking about boosted oma as if it's checking/countering an unscarf dodrio? no dude, it's just sweeping past it like any other mon it can outspeed and ko after a boost), and can use Choiced Dodrio as setup fodder if it's locked into Pursuit or Quick Attack. All of these Pokemon must be wary of taking a boosted All-Out Pummeling, however.

**Set-Dependent Switch-ins**: Physically defensive walls such as Mudsdale, Weezing, and Quagsire are able to switch into Dodrio lacking Flyinium Z and take very little from Choice Scarf Dodrio. They can then proceed to stall it out muds can't really stall it out, it kind of just wants to rock slide it or else dod can just keep boosting or cripple it with a burn in the former two's case. These Pokemon must be cautious of directly switching into Choice Band Dodrio, however. Oricorio-E, Aggron, and Aurorus can come in on Choice-locked Dodrio depending on what it's locked into and proceed to threaten it with their respective super effective moves.

**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru outspeed variants of Dodrio lacking Choice Scarf and obliterate it with their moves. Floatzel and Alolan Persian are naturally faster than Dodrio and can do serious damage to it with Ice Beam and Foul Play, respectively. Togedemaru and Alolan Persian can also comfortably take Quick Attack thanks to the former's resistance and the latter's ability in Fur Coat. All variants of Dodrio are outsped by moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Abomasnow's Ice Shard, both of which do serious damage to it. Additionally, without Quick Attack, Choiced Dodrio has little to no way of playing around Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Absol.

**Residual Damage**: Dodrio gets worn very easily by Brave Bird and has a weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits how many times it can come in or set up.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[allstarapology, 400292], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

Apart from correcting things this has a lot to do with how you should learn to summarize a bit more and remove the constant redundancies found in your writing. Transitioning from passive voice to active voice in parts of your writing is valuable and much more conducive to the new writing standards, as your preference towards the former is largely of why parts are often wordy. You're a good writer that gives out lots of nice information, it's just that lots of things need to be trimmed down for the write-up. I'm sure you'll adapt just fine once you get used to it.

2/3, gonna look back @ this tho to see how you handle this

 

[yogi]

How's this coming along?

 

[tondas]

yeah hmu if i fucked up majorly. rly sorry that i let this sit for this long but that's just how it is i suppose

 

[MZ]

[OVERVIEW]

Dodrio's fantastic offensive stats, near-unresisted coverage, and access to Swords Dance solidify itself as a top offensive threat in PU, able to blitz through Pokemon found on both offensive and defensive teams alike. It can run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure; both Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unrivaled Speed tier. Since all of Dodrio's sets fit on offensive teams, deciphering what set it's running from Team Preview is near impossible, giving Dodrio the upper hand in many situations. However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limits what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and is easily worn down in tandem with Brave Bird's high recoil. Dodrio's matchups are also highly set-dependent, as wallbreaking sets can be prone to be revenge killed while Choice Scarf lacks the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock, Quagsire, and Weezing.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Return / Quick Attack
item: Fightinium Z / Flyinium Z swap the slashes here, fly z absolutely needs to go ahead of fight z. very important dont forget
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Jump Kick enables Dodrio to hit Rock- and Steel- types which resist its other moves such as Regirock, Aggron, and Aurorus. Return is a safer STAB option with no recoil; this is also Dodrio's strongest move against Electric-types like Oricorio-E and Lanturn. Quick Attack gives Dodrio a form of priority, able to do a solid amount to would-be revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Jynx, OHKOing the latter at +2.

Set Details
========

Fightinium Z converts Jump Kick into All-Out Pummeling, allowing Dodrio to chew through checks like Regirock and Carracosta, able to OHKO both of them at +2 after Stealth Rock damage. if ur running quick attack, fight z is also best vs elecs and a few other fat things iirc, definitely lanturn and eel tho Flyinium Z turns Brave Bird into Supersonic Skystrike, negating Brave Bird's hefty recoil and enabling Dodrio to OHKO targets such as Mudsdale and Weezing at +2, and Pokemon like Gurdurr and Golurk without any boosts. swap the order tho, fly > fite

Usage Tips
========

Dodrio should mainly be brought in through slow pivots or double switches, as this minimizes chances of Dodrio getting chipped and can be used to generate good matchups. Dodrio can also switch into Ghost- and Ground-type attacks thanks to its set of immunities, though this is a risky endeavor. Find safe opportunities to set up Swords Dance. This can be achieved through forced switches against Pokemon like Poliwrath and Lurantis. Passive walls like Audino and Clefairy as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent can be taken advantage of in these regards as well. Avoid late-game setup if Dodrio either lacks Quick Attack for faster revenge killers, or that Pokemon that resist/are immune to Quick Attack such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Haunter are still alive. Swords Dance doesn't necessarily have to be used in order for Dodrio to wallbreak. Dodrio's respective Z-Move can be thrown right off the bat in order to ensure that Pokemon like Gurdurr or Aggron drop, as well as to nullify Brave Bird's recoil one time in Flyinium Z's case. This is also effective at punishing Pokemon that may stay in predicting a Swords Dance. Outside of Swords Dance, Dodrio can be used as a revenge killer against Pokemon slower Pokemon such as Scyther and unboosted Lilligant. Dodrio's revenge killing capabilities are further bolstered against bulkier foes like Articuno and Stoutland through the use of Z-Crystals.

Team Options
========

Bulky pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian are able to bring Dodrio in as safely as possible, and can additionally lure in Pokemon for Dodrio to take advantage of such as Tangela and Poliwrath. Lanturn and Alolan Persian are also solid switch-ins to moves such as Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Lycanroc's Stone Edge, respectively. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr have amazing offensive synergy with Dodrio, as they can pressure Rock- and Ice-types such as Lycanroc and Abomasnow, while Dodrio can dispatch Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Scyther in return. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and can switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus. Switch-ins to Rock-types such as Mudsdale and Poliwrath are able to stomach hits from the likes of Lycanroc, which may attempt to revenge kill Dodrio. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Alolan Sandslash and Shiftry keep Stealth Rock off of Dodrio's side, keeping it healthy and giving it more chances to set up or attack. Sponges to attacks such as Tangela, Weezing, and Probopass are able to switch into Dodrio's Choice Scarf revenge killers such Choice Scarf Togedemaru, Primeape, and Jynx. Weezing can also wear down opponents with Toxic Spikes and weaken physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Additional team support can be used to give Dodrio as many setup opportunities as possible. Weezing and Spiritomb can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, allowing Dodrio to set on weakened Pokemon like Scyther and Type: Null. Skuntank's Memento reduces the amount of damage Dodrio takes, and additionally provides momentum.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Jump Kick
move 3: Return
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off provides Dodrio with unresisted coverage, and can be used to weaken item-dependent Pokemon such as Regirock and Type: Null. Pursuit enables Dodrio to trap in weakened offensive foes such as Alolan Raichu and Haunter, further solidifying this set's ability to revenge kill. Toxic allows Dodrio to cripple walls that it otherwise couldn't touch such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku.

Set Details
========

Choice Scarf grants Dodrio the ability to outspeed every other relevant Choice Scarf user bar opposing Dodrio. Choice Scarf Dodrio can also outspeed weather-reliant Pokemon such as Victreebel, Alolan Sandslash, and Ludicolo, in addition to setup sweepers such as Omastar at +2 and Lilligant at +1. Early Bird reduces the number of turns Dodrio is asleep, improving this set's ability to check boosted Lilligant. dont see why boosted needs to be specified, early bird helps vs unboosted because they're the ones clicking sleep, boosted prolly thinks they're faster and is gonna click z-hyper or somth

Usage Tips
========

Use Pursuit in order to trap in weakened threats such as Oricorio-G and Haunter these are ghost types, not weakened threats. This works out especially well if one decides to not reveal Choice Scarf until mid to late-game where Dodrio's checks are weakened, as this allows Dodrio to get the jump on foes like Alolan Raichu, Floatzel, and opposing Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape. Knock Off and Toxic can be used to weaken defensive checks early-game; however, avoid reckless use of such moves, as Pokemon like Weezing and Qwilfish can switch into these moves easily. To reiterate, prediction plays an important role when using this set, as Dodrio is incredibly frail and will not be able to do much to targets if it isn't locked into the best move. Late-game, Dodrio can liberally spam its STAB moves for optimal damage output once Rock- and Steel-type checks such as Omastar and Togedemaru are removed.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Hitmonchan act as solid answers to Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron and Aurorus, and their removal allows Dodrio to use its STAB moves far more freely. Dodrio greatly appreciates specially offensive wallbreakers such as Aurorus, Jellicent, and Alolan Exeggutor are able to punch holes through physically defensive walls like Weezing, Mudsdale, and Quagsire. Entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish are pivotal to Choice Scarf Dodrio's role as a revenge killer, as they're able to wear down the opposing team and secure KOs. Clefairy and Qwilfish are also able to cripple the opposing team with moves like Toxic and Scald, respectively. Since Dodrio will be coming in and out to pick off weakened threats, entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash is important as to not wear Dodrio down. Lurantis can breeze past checks to Dodrio such as Sableye, Mudsdale, and Carracosta, while Silvally-Dragon can chip at physical walls with a powerful Draco Meteor and provide momentum for Dodrio through Parting Shot.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off gives Dodrio the ability to chip at and weaken switchins like Regirock and Weezing by removing their items. Pursuit allows Dodrio to trap in slower, weakened foes like Oricorio-G and offensive Jellicent. With a Choice Band, Dodrio is notably able to around 70% to bulky Oricorio-G, securing an OHKO after Stealth Rock and slight residual damage. Quick Attack picks off weakened Pokemon that can otherwise outspeed Dodrio such as Choice Scarf Swanna and Primeape.

Set Details
========

Choice Band boosts Dodrio's Attack by 50%, allowing it to immediately wallbreak, 2HKOing Pokemon like Quagsire and OHKOing the likes of Gurdurr and Aggron right off the bat.

Usage Tips
========

Given how most players maneuver around Dodrio's other sets, Choice Band's increase in power can be utilized to grab KOes on bulky Pokemon such as Stoutland and Spiritomb far more easily, as they may stay in fearing the possibility of Swords Dance. Pursuit should be used on predicted switches; for instance, Dodrio can OHKO Pokemon like Haunter, as well as Offensive Oricorio-G courtesy of Choice Band. If necessary, Dodrio can periodically switch into moves like Golurk's Earthquake or Oricorio-G's Revelation Dance, but you must exercise caution when doing so. Brave Bird's recoil can be put to use late-game by allowing Dodrio to KO itself, creating momentum for its team.


Team Options
========

Pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian can generate momentum for Dodrio, and are able to bait in Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Gurdurr. Choice Band Dodrio can form an offensive core with specially offensive wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor, Jellicent, and Rotom-Frost, as these Pokemon target physically defensive walls like Regirock and Weezing, while Dodrio can break through Pokemon like Audino, Lurantis, and Hitmonchan in return. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash keeps Stealth Rock off the field, increasing the number of times Dodrio can switch in. Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan are able to dispatch Steel- and Rock-types early on, allowing Dodrio to use its STAB moves more frequently. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Pivots like Lanturn and Silvally-Dragon bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can lure in Pokemon such as Lurantis and Clefairy. These two Pokemon can also weaken bulky walls like Regirock and Mudsdale. Late-game sweepers such as Lycanroc and Lilligant heavily appreciate Dodrio's wallbreaking and the removal or weakening of Pokemon like Gurdurr and Scyther.

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

Taunt in conjunction with Roost can be used to give Dodrio the functionality of a stallbreaker, but such a set falls flat due to its shortage of attacking options. Moreover, this competes heavily with other stallbreakers such as Oricorio-E due to its superior defensive capabilities. Life Orb gives Dodrio freedom between choosing moves and is not one-time use like Z-Crystals are, but Dodrio already struggles with being worn down from Stealth Rock damage and Brave Bird recoil.

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

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Regirock and Carracosta possess high physical bulk and can switch into Dodrio lacking Fightinium Z and threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Regirock in particular has the most consistency when it comes to checking all of Dodrio's sets; it can easily switch into Choice-locked variants of Dodrio and OHKO it with Stone Edge, and can viably run either Chople Berry or Protect to sponge an All-Out Pummeling. Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Kabutops outspeed Dodrio lacking a Choice Scarf , and can use Choiced Dodrio as setup fodder if it's locked into Pursuit or Quick Attack. All of these Pokemon must be wary of taking a boosted All-Out Pummeling, however.

**Set-Dependent Switch-ins**: Physically defensive walls such as Weezing, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku are able to switch into Dodrio lacking Flyinium Z and take very little from Choice Scarf Dodrio. They can then proceed to stall it out or cripple it with a burn in the former two's case. These Pokemon must be cautious of directly switching into Choice Band Dodrio, however. Oricorio-E, Aggron, and Aurorus can come in on Choice-locked Dodrio depending on what it's locked into and proceed to threaten it with their respective super effective moves.

**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru outspeed variants of Dodrio lacking Choice Scarf and obliterate it with their moves. Floatzel and Alolan Persian are naturally faster than Dodrio and can do serious damage to it with Ice Beam and Foul Play, respectively. Togedemaru and Alolan Persian can also comfortably take Quick Attack thanks to the former's resistance and the latter's ability in Fur Coat. All variants of Dodrio are outsped by moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Abomasnow's Ice Shard, both of which do serious damage to it. Additionally, without Quick Attack, Choiced Dodrio has little to no way of playing around Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Absol.

**Residual Damage**: Dodrio gets worn very easily by Brave Bird and has a weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits how many times it can come in or set up.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[allstarapology, 400292], [jklioe, 424692], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

3/3

 

[pilica12]

Greetings, AM check.
Additions, Removals, Comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Dodrio's fantastic offensive stats, near-unresisted coverage, and access to Swords Dance solidify itself as a top offensive threat in PU, able to blitz through Pokemon found on both offensive and defensive teams alike. It can run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure power (One applies pressure to the opponent('s team) but to say it "offers" pressure implies you are pressuring yourself, which is obviously quite odd; the word "power" is a bit banal, though, so feel free to replace it with a stronger word) ;: (Semicolon --> colon; both are possible I believe, but given that you are giving a list of sets, colon seems more appropriate) both (The "both" creates an odd ambiguity, as it could imply two SD and two CB sets; given that the word itself isn't necessary, it's probably best to just remove it) Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unrivaled Speed tier. Since all of Dodrio's sets fit on offensive teams, deciphering what set it's running from Team Preview is nearly impossible, giving Dodrio the upper hand in many situations. However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limits what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and it is easily worn down in tandem with Brave Bird's high recoil. Dodrio's matchups are also highly set-dependent, as wallbreaking sets can be are prone to being revenge killed, (AC) while Choice Scarf lacks the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock, Quagsire, and Weezing.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Return / Quick Attack
item: Flyinium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Jump Kick enables Dodrio to hit Rock- and Steel-types (removed space) which resist its other moves such as Regirock, Aggron, and Aurorus. Return is a safer ("Safer" implies a comparison, but given that you don't explicitly mention Brave Bird anywhere here, using it can be a bit confusing, as there is nothing being actually compared) STAB option with no recoil; this is also Dodrio's strongest move against Electric-types like Oricorio-E and Lanturn. Quick Attack gives Dodrio a form of priority, able to and does a solid amount to would-be revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Jynx, OHKOing the latter at +2.

Set Details
========

Flyinium Z turns Brave Bird into Supersonic Skystrike, negating Brave Bird's hefty recoil and enabling Dodrio to OHKO targets such as Mudsdale and Weezing at +2, and Pokemon like Gurdurr and Golurk without any boosts. Fightinium Z converts Jump Kick into All-Out Pummeling, allowing Dodrio to chew (Probably the only thing funnier is if you had said "peck" here) through checks like Regirock and Carracosta, able to OHKOing both of them at +2 after Stealth Rock damage. This is also the item of choice when using Quick Attack over Return, (AC) so as to maximize damage against Electric-types such as Eelektross and Oricorio-E.

Usage Tips
========

Dodrio should mainly be brought in through slow pivots or double switches, as this minimizes chances of Dodrio getting chipped and can be used to generate good matchups. Dodrio can also switch into Ghost- and Ground-type attacks thanks to its set of immunities, though this is a risky endeavor (Might it be worth it to add a bit on why it is risky?). Find safe opportunities to set up Swords Dance. (Perhaps consider replacing this period with a semicolon, as the two parts are nicely related) This can be achieved through forced switches against Pokemon like Poliwrath and Lurantis. Passive walls like Audino and Clefairy, (AC) as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent, (AC) can likewise be taken advantage of to set up Swords Dance in these regards as well. Avoid late-game setup if Dodrio either lacks Quick Attack for faster revenge killers, or that if Pokemon that resist/are immune to (I don't know if slashes like this are permitted, would recommend a change of "that resist/are immune to" --> "that are immune to or resist", with the flipped order because "resist or are immune to" sounds weird to me, although it should work too) Quick Attack such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Haunter are still alive. Swords Dance doesn't necessarily have to be used in order for Dodrio to wallbreak. Dodrio's respective Z-Move can be thrown right off the bat in order to ensure that Pokemon like Gurdurr or and Aggron drop, as well as to nullify Brave Bird's recoil one time in Flyinium Z's case. This is also effective at for punishing Pokemon that may stay in predicting a Swords Dance. Outside of Swords Dance, Dodrio can be used as a revenge killer against Pokemon slower Pokemon such as Scyther and unboosted Lilligant. Dodrio's revenge killing capabilities are further bolstered against bulkier foes like Articuno and Stoutland through the use of Z-Crystals.

Team Options
========

Bulky pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian are able to bring Dodrio in as safely as possible, and can additionally lure in Pokemon such as Tangela and Poliwrath for Dodrio to take advantage of such as Tangela and Poliwrath. Lanturn and Alolan Persian are also solid switch-ins to moves such as Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Lycanroc's Stone Edge, respectively. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr have amazing offensive synergy with Dodrio, as they can pressure Rock- and Ice-types such as Lycanroc and Abomasnow, while Dodrio can dispatch Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Scyther in return. Hitmonchan can also ("Also" implies that you're continuing to expound on Hitmonchan, which you aren't) remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and can switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus. Switch-ins to Rock-types such as Mudsdale and Poliwrath Mudsdale, Poliwrath, and other Pokemon that are able to switch in on Rock-types can are able to stomach hits from the likes of Lycanroc, which may attempt to revenge kill Dodrio (This is a bit of an odd gyration, but this is the only satisfactory way I can find to resolve the ambiguity, as the phrase "switch-ins to Rock-types" taken by itself on the merit of the sentence alone leaves it ambiguous whether the listed Pokemon are the switch-ins or the Rock-types). Entry hazard removal from the likes of Alolan Sandslash and Shiftry keep Stealth Rock off of Dodrio's side, keeping it healthy and giving it more chances to set up or attack. Sponges to attacks such as Tangela, Weezing, and Probopass are able to switch into Dodrio's Choice Scarf revenge killers such like (Avoiding double "such as") Choice Scarf Togedemaru, Primeape, and Jynx. Weezing can also wear down opponents with Toxic Spikes and weaken physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Additional team support can be used to give Dodrio as many setup opportunities as possible. Weezing and Spiritomb can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, allowing Dodrio to set on weakened Pokemon like Scyther and Type: Null. Skuntank's Memento reduces the amount of damage Dodrio takes, (RC) and additionally provides momentum.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Jump Kick
move 3: Return
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off provides Dodrio with unresisted coverage, (RC) and can be used to weaken item-dependent Pokemon such as Regirock and Type: Null. Pursuit enables Dodrio to trap in weakened offensive foes such as Alolan Raichu and Haunter, further solidifying this set's ability to revenge kill. Toxic allows Dodrio to cripple walls such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku that it otherwise couldn't touch such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku.

Set Details
========

Choice Scarf grants Dodrio the ability to outspeed every other relevant Choice Scarf user bar opposing Dodrio. Choice Scarf Dodrio can also outspeed weather-reliant Pokemon such as Victreebel, Alolan Sandslash, and Ludicolo, in addition to setup sweepers such as like (Avoiding double "such as") Omastar at +2 and Lilligant at +1. Early Bird reduces the number of turns Dodrio is asleep, improving this set's ability to check Lilligant.

Usage Tips
========

Use Pursuit in order to trap in weakened threats or Pokemon weak to Pursuit such as Oricorio-G and Haunter. This works out especially well if one decides to not reveal Choice Scarf until mid to late-game where when Dodrio's checks are weakened, as this allows Dodrio to get the jump on foes like Alolan Raichu, Floatzel, and opposing Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape. Knock Off and Toxic can be used to weaken defensive checks early-game; however, avoid reckless use of such moves, as Pokemon like Weezing and Qwilfish can switch into these moves easily. To reiterate, prediction plays an important role when using this set, as Dodrio is incredibly frail and will not be able to do much to targets if it isn't locked into the best move. Late-game, Dodrio can liberally spam its STAB moves for optimal damage output once Rock- and Steel-type checks such as Omastar and Togedemaru are removed.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Hitmonchan act as solid answers to Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron and Aurorus, and their removal allows Dodrio to use its STAB moves far more freely. Dodrio greatly appreciates specially offensive wallbreakers such as Aurorus, Jellicent, and Alolan Exeggutor are able to punch holes through physically defensive walls like Weezing, Mudsdale, and Quagsire. Entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish are pivotal to Choice Scarf Dodrio's role as a revenge killer, as they're able to wear down the opposing team and secure KOs to help Dodrio secure KOs (I don't know if this is 100% necessary, but I felt it was good to be 100% clear). Clefairy and Qwilfish are also able to cripple the opposing team with moves like Toxic and Scald, respectively. Since Dodrio will be coming in and out to pick off weakened threats, entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash is important so as to not let wear Dodrio be worn down. Lurantis can breeze past checks to Dodrio such as Sableye, Mudsdale, and Carracosta, while Silvally-Dragon can chip at physical walls with a powerful Draco Meteor and provide momentum for Dodrio through Parting Shot.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off gives Dodrio the ability to chip at and weaken switch-ins (Added hyphen) like Regirock and Weezing by removing their items. Pursuit allows Dodrio to trap in slower, weakened foes like Oricorio-G and offensive Jellicent. With a Choice Band, Dodrio is notably able to do around 70% to bulky Oricorio-G, securing an OHKO after Stealth Rock and slight residual damage. Quick Attack picks off weakened Pokemon that can otherwise outspeed Dodrio such as Choice Scarf Swanna and Primeape.

Set Details
========

Choice Band boosts Dodrio's Attack by 50%, allowing it to immediately wallbreak, 2HKOing Pokemon like Quagsire and OHKOing the likes of Gurdurr and Aggron right off the bat.

Usage Tips
========

Given how most players maneuver around Dodrio's other sets, Choice Band's increase in power can be utilized to grab KOes on bulky Pokemon such as Stoutland and Spiritomb far more easily, as they may stay in fearing the possibility of Swords Dance. Pursuit should be used on predicted switches; for instance, Dodrio can OHKO Pokemon like Haunter, as well as Offensive Oricorio-G, (AC) courtesy of Choice Band. If necessary, Dodrio can periodically switch into moves like Golurk's Earthquake or Oricorio-G's Revelation Dance, but you must exercise caution when doing so. Brave Bird's recoil can be put to use late-game by allowing Dodrio to KO itself (This is a very cute utility, never even thought of it before ^_^), creating momentum for its team.

Team Options
========

Pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian can generate momentum for Dodrio, and are able to bait in Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Gurdurr. Choice Band Dodrio can form an offensive core with specially offensive wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor, Jellicent, and Rotom-Frost, as these Pokemon target physically defensive walls like Regirock and Weezing, while Dodrio can break through Pokemon like Audino, Lurantis, and Hitmonchan in return. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash keeps Stealth Rock off the field, increasing the number of times Dodrio can switch in. Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan are able to dispatch Steel- and Rock-types early on, allowing Dodrio to use its STAB moves more frequently. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Pivots like Lanturn and Silvally-Dragon bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can lure in Pokemon such as Lurantis and Clefairy. (You mention pivots twice, although for different reasons - might it be worthwhile putting them together, though?) These two Pokemon can also weaken bulky walls like Regirock and Mudsdale. Late-game sweepers such as Lycanroc and Lilligant heavily greatly (A bit of a nitpick, but I'm a bit iffy on whether "heavily appreciate" strictly makes sense) appreciate Dodrio's wallbreaking and the removal or weakening of Pokemon like Gurdurr and Scyther.

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

Taunt in conjunction with Roost can be used to give Dodrio the functionality of a stallbreaker, but such a set falls flat due to its shortage of attacking options. Moreover, this competes heavily with other stallbreakers such as Oricorio-E due to its superior defensive capabilities. Life Orb gives Dodrio freedom between choosing to switch between its moves and is not one-time use like Z-Crystals are, but Dodrio already struggles with being worn down from Stealth Rock damage and Brave Bird recoil.

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

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Regirock and Carracosta possess high physical bulk and can switch into Dodrio lacking Fightinium Z and threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Regirock in particular has the most consistency when it comes to checking all of Dodrio's sets; it can easily switch into Choice-locked variants of Dodrio and OHKO it with Stone Edge, and can viably run either Chople Berry or Protect to sponge an All-Out Pummeling. Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Kabutops outspeed Dodrio lacking a Choice Scarf, and the former can use Choiced Dodrio as setup fodder if it's locked into Pursuit or Quick Attack. All of these Pokemon must be wary of taking a boosted All-Out Pummeling, however.

**Set-Dependent Switch-ins**: Physically defensive walls such as Weezing, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku are able to switch into Dodrio lacking Flyinium Z and take very little from Choice Scarf Dodrio. They can then proceed to stall it out or cripple it with a burn in the former two's case. These Pokemon must be cautious of directly switching into Choice Band Dodrio, however. Oricorio-E, Aggron, and Aurorus can come in on Choice-locked Dodrio depending on what it's locked into and proceed to threaten it with their respective super effective moves.

**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru outspeed variants of Dodrio lacking Choice Scarf and obliterate it with their moves. Floatzel and Alolan Persian are naturally faster than Dodrio and can do serious damage to it with Ice Beam and Foul Play, respectively. Togedemaru and Alolan Persian can also comfortably take Quick Attack thanks to the former's resistance and the latter's ability in Fur Coat. All variants of Dodrio are outsped by priority moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Abomasnow's Ice Shard, both of which do serious damage to it. Additionally, without Quick Attack, Choiced Dodrio has little to no way of playing around Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Absol.

**Residual Damage**: Dodrio gets worn very easily by Brave Bird and has a weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits how many times it can come in or set up.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[allstarapology, 400292], [jklioe, 424692], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

A very nice analysis ^_^

 

[Lumari]

not bad but try not to be paranoid about ambiguity, it exists in the perception of the reader only

pilica12: Additions, Removals, Comments
tdp: add / fix remove (comments)
GP 1/2

amcheck with comments and additions

[OVERVIEW]

Dodrio's fantastic offensive stats, near-unresisted coverage, and access to Swords Dance solidify itself as a top offensive threat in PU, able to blitz through Pokemon found on both offensive and defensive teams alike. It can run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure power (One applies pressure to the opponent('s team) but to say it "offers" pressure implies you are pressuring yourself, which is obviously quite odd; the word "power" is a bit banal, though, so feel free to replace it with a stronger word) ;: (am fine with pressure tbh, you can change offer to exert / apply but "offensive power" is a textbook redundancy error) (Semicolon --> colon; both are possible I believe, but given that you are giving a list of sets, colon seems more appropriate) (ok) both (The "both" creates an odd ambiguity, as it could imply two SD and two CB sets; given that the word itself isn't necessary, it's probably best to just remove it) (i don't think anyone will really read it as such, and then there's no ambiguity to address either) Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unrivaled Speed tier. Since all of Dodrio's sets fit on offensive teams, deciphering what set it's running from Team Preview is nearly (both are fine) impossible, giving Dodrio the upper hand in many situations. However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limits limit what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and it is easily worn down in tandem with Brave Bird's high recoil. Dodrio's matchups are also highly set dependent, (RH) as wallbreaking sets can be are prone to being revenge killed, (AC) while Choice Scarf lacks the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock, Quagsire, and Weezing.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Return / Quick Attack
item: Flyinium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Jump Kick enables Dodrio to hit Rock- and Steel-types (removed space) which that resist its other moves such as Regirock, Aggron, and Aurorus. Return is a safer ("Safer" implies a comparison, but given that you don't explicitly mention Brave Bird anywhere here, using it can be a bit confusing, as there is nothing being actually compared) (absolute comparatives are fine, just means "comparatively safe", doesn't need a direct complement) STAB option with no recoil; this is also Dodrio's strongest move against Electric-types like Oricorio-E and Lanturn. Quick Attack gives Dodrio a form of priority, able to and does (if you do this then make sure to also remove the comma, comma should be removed either way honestly but otherwise i think either works) a solid amount to would-be revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Jynx, OHKOing the latter at +2.

Set Details
========

Flyinium Z turns Brave Bird into Supersonic Skystrike, negating Brave Bird's hefty recoil and enabling Dodrio to OHKO targets such as Mudsdale and Weezing at +2 (RC) and Pokemon like Gurdurr and Golurk without any boosts. Fightinium Z converts Jump Kick into All-Out Pummeling, allowing Dodrio to chew (Probably the only thing funnier is if you had said "peck" here) through checks like Regirock and Carracosta, able to OHKOing both of them at +2 after Stealth Rock damage. This is also the item of choice when using Quick Attack over Return, (AC) so (don't add the comma) as to maximize damage against Electric-types such as Eelektross and Oricorio-E.

Usage Tips
========

Dodrio should mainly be brought in through slow pivots or double switches, as this minimizes chances of Dodrio getting chipped and can be used to generate good matchups. Dodrio can also switch into Ghost- and Ground-type attacks thanks to its set of immunities, though this is a risky endeavor (Might it be worth it to add a bit on why it is risky?). Find safe opportunities to set up Swords Dance. (Perhaps consider replacing this period with a semicolon, as the two parts are nicely related) (ya) This can be achieved through forced switches against Pokemon like Poliwrath and Lurantis. Passive walls like Audino and Clefairy, (AC) as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent, (AC) (these aren't too needed) can likewise be taken advantage of to set up Swords Dance in these regards as well. Avoid late-game setup if Dodrio either lacks Quick Attack for faster revenge killers (RC) or that if Pokemon that resist/are immune to (I don't know if slashes like this are permitted, would recommend a change of "that resist/are immune to" --> "that are immune to or resist", with the flipped order because "resist or are immune to" sounds weird to me, although it should work too) (do this minus the flipped order) Quick Attack such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Haunter are still alive. Swords Dance doesn't necessarily have to be used in order for Dodrio to wallbreak; (SC) Dodrio's respective Z-Move can be thrown right off the bat in order to ensure that Pokemon like Gurdurr or and Aggron drop, as well as to nullify Brave Bird's recoil one time in Flyinium Z's case. This is also effective at for (unneeded) punishing Pokemon that may stay in predicting a Swords Dance. Outside of Swords Dance, Dodrio can be used as a revenge killer against Pokemon slower Pokemon such as Scyther and unboosted Lilligant. Dodrio's revenge killing capabilities are further bolstered against bulkier foes like Articuno and Stoutland through the use of Z-Crystals.

Team Options
========

Bulky pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian are able to bring Dodrio in as safely as possible (optional, also RC) and can additionally lure in Pokemon such as Tangela and Poliwrath for Dodrio to take advantage of such as Tangela and Poliwrath. Lanturn and Alolan Persian are also solid switch-ins to moves such as Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Lycanroc's Stone Edge, respectively. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr have amazing offensive synergy with Dodrio, as they can pressure Rock- and Ice-types such as Lycanroc and Abomasnow, while Dodrio can dispatch Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Scyther in return. Hitmonchan can also ("Also" implies that you're continuing to expound on Hitmonchan, which you aren't) (it's fine, he's expanding on Fighting-types) remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and can switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus. Switch-ins to Rock-types such as Mudsdale and Poliwrath Mudsdale, Poliwrath, and other Pokemon that are able to switch in on Rock-types can are able to stomach hits from the likes of Lycanroc, which may attempt to revenge kill Dodrio (This is a bit of an odd gyration, but this is the only satisfactory way I can find to resolve the ambiguity, as the phrase "switch-ins to Rock-types" taken by itself on the merit of the sentence alone leaves it ambiguous whether the listed Pokemon are the switch-ins or the Rock-types). (again not a big deal because no one will think that Mudsdale / Poliwrath are Rock-types and it doesn't read particularly disruptive, but if writers prefers feel free to change) Entry hazard removal from the likes of Alolan Sandslash and Shiftry keep Stealth Rock off of Dodrio's side, keeping it healthy and giving it more chances to set up or attack. Sponges to attacks such as Tangela, Weezing, and Probopass are able to switch into Dodrio's Choice Scarf revenge killers users that can revenge kill Dodrio (reads less confusingly) such like (Avoiding double "such as") Choice Scarf Togedemaru, Primeape, and Jynx. Weezing can also wear down opponents opposing Pokemon with Toxic Spikes and weaken physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Additional team support can be used to give Dodrio as many setup opportunities as possible. Weezing and Spiritomb can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, allowing Dodrio to set on weakened Pokemon like Scyther and Type: Null. Skuntank's Memento reduces the amount of damage Dodrio takes, (RC) and additionally provides momentum.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Jump Kick
move 3: Return
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off provides Dodrio with unresisted coverage, (RC) and can be used to weaken item-dependent Pokemon such as Regirock and Type: Null. Pursuit enables Dodrio to trap in weakened offensive foes such as Alolan Raichu and Haunter, further solidifying this set's ability to revenge kill. Toxic allows Dodrio to cripple walls such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku that it otherwise couldn't touch such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku. (either works)

Set Details
========

Choice Scarf grants Dodrio the ability to outspeed every other relevant Choice Scarf user bar opposing Dodrio. Choice Scarf Dodrio can also outspeed weather-reliant Pokemon such as Victreebel, Alolan Sandslash, and Ludicolo, in addition to setup sweepers such as like (Avoiding double "such as") (okay but don't treat them as entirely interchangeable pls) Omastar at +2 and Lilligant at +1. Early Bird reduces the number of turns Dodrio is asleep, improving this set's ability to check Lilligant.

Usage Tips
========

Use Pursuit in order to trap in weakened threats or Pokemon weak to Pursuit such as Oricorio-G and Haunter. This works out especially well if one decides to not reveal Choice Scarf until mid- (AH) to or late-game where when Dodrio's checks are weakened, as this allows Dodrio to get the jump on foes like Alolan Raichu, Floatzel, and opposing Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape. Knock Off and Toxic can be used to weaken defensive checks early-game; however, avoid reckless use of such moves, as Pokemon like Weezing and Qwilfish can switch into these moves easily. To reiterate, prediction plays an important role when using this set, as Dodrio is incredibly frail and will not be able to do much to targets if it isn't locked into the best move. Late-game, Dodrio can liberally spam its STAB moves for optimal damage output once Rock- and Steel-type checks such as Omastar and Togedemaru are removed.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Hitmonchan act as solid answers to Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron and Aurorus, and their removal allows Dodrio to use its STAB moves far more freely. Dodrio greatly appreciates specially offensive wallbreakers such as Aurorus, Jellicent, and Alolan Exeggutor are able to punch holes through physically defensive walls like Weezing, Mudsdale, and Quagsire. Entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish are pivotal to Choice Scarf Dodrio's role as a revenge killer, as they're able to wear down the opposing team and secure KOs to help Dodrio secure KOs (I don't know if this is 100% necessary, but I felt it was good to be 100% clear). ("and" help Dodrio secure KOs, but yes) Clefairy and Qwilfish are also able to cripple the opposing team with moves like Toxic and Scald, respectively. Since Dodrio will be coming in and out to pick off weakened threats, entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash is important so as to not let wear Dodrio be worn down. Lurantis can breeze past checks to Dodrio such as Sableye, Mudsdale, and Carracosta, while Silvally-Dragon can chip at physical walls with a powerful Draco Meteor and provide momentum for Dodrio through Parting Shot.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off gives Dodrio the ability to chip at and weaken switch-ins (Added hyphen) like Regirock and Weezing by removing their items. Pursuit allows Dodrio to trap in slower, weakened foes like Oricorio-G and offensive Jellicent. With a Choice Band, Dodrio is notably able to do around 70% to bulky Oricorio-G, securing an OHKO after Stealth Rock and slight residual damage. Quick Attack picks off weakened Pokemon that can otherwise outspeed Dodrio such as Choice Scarf Swanna and Primeape.

Set Details
========

Choice Band boosts Dodrio's Attack by 50%, allowing it to immediately wallbreak, 2HKOing Pokemon like Quagsire and OHKOing the likes of Gurdurr and Aggron right off the bat.

Usage Tips
========

Given how most players maneuver around Dodrio's other sets, Choice Band's increase in power can be utilized to grab KOes on bulky Pokemon such as Stoutland and Spiritomb far more easily, as they may stay in fearing the possibility of Swords Dance. Pursuit should be used on predicted switches; for instance, Dodrio can OHKO Pokemon like Haunter, as well as offensive Oricorio-G, (AC) (no commas honestly) courtesy of Choice Band. If necessary, Dodrio can periodically switch into moves like Golurk's Earthquake or and Oricorio-G's Revelation Dance, but you must exercise caution when doing so. Brave Bird's recoil can be put to use late-game by allowing Dodrio to KO itself (This is a very cute utility, never even thought of it before ^_^), creating momentum for its team.

Team Options
========

Pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian can generate momentum for Dodrio (RC) and are able to bait in Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Gurdurr. Choice Band Dodrio can form an offensive core with specially offensive wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor, Jellicent, and Rotom-Frost, as these Pokemon target physically defensive walls like Regirock and Weezing, while Dodrio can break through Pokemon like Audino, Lurantis, and Hitmonchan in return. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash keeps Stealth Rock off the field, increasing the number of times Dodrio can switch in. Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan are able to dispatch Steel- and Rock-types early on, allowing Dodrio to use its STAB moves more frequently. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Pivots like Lanturn and Silvally-Dragon bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can lure in Pokemon such as Lurantis and Clefairy. (You mention pivots twice, although for different reasons - might it be worthwhile putting them together, though?) (yes) These two Pokemon can also weaken bulky walls like Regirock and Mudsdale. Late-game sweepers such as Lycanroc and Lilligant heavily greatly (A bit of a nitpick, but I'm a bit iffy on whether "heavily appreciate" strictly makes sense) (maybe i'm too foreign but i don't see an issue) appreciate Dodrio's wallbreaking and the removal or weakening of Pokemon like Gurdurr and Scyther.

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

Taunt in conjunction with Roost can be used to give Dodrio the functionality of a stallbreaker, but such a set falls flat due to its shortage of attacking options. Moreover, this competes heavily with other stallbreakers such as Oricorio-E due to its superior defensive capabilities. Life Orb gives Dodrio freedom between choosing to switch between its moves and is not one-time use like Z-Crystals are, but Dodrio already struggles with being worn down from Stealth Rock damage and Brave Bird recoil.

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

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Regirock and Carracosta possess high physical bulk and can switch into Dodrio lacking Fightinium Z and threaten it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Regirock in particular has the most consistency when it comes to checking all of Dodrio's sets; it can easily switch into Choice-locked variants of Dodrio and OHKO it with Stone Edge, and it can viably run either Chople Berry or Protect (unless it doesn't run both on the same set) to sponge an All-Out Pummeling. Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Kabutops outspeed Dodrio lacking a Choice Scarf, and the former can use Choiced Dodrio as setup fodder if it's Choice-locked into Pursuit or Quick Attack. All of these Pokemon must be wary of taking a boosted All-Out Pummeling, however.

**Set-dependent Switch-ins**: Physically defensive walls such as Weezing, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku are able to switch into Dodrio lacking Flyinium Z and take very little from Choice Scarf Dodrio. They can then proceed to stall it out or cripple it with a burn in the former two's case. These Pokemon must be cautious of directly switching into Choice Band Dodrio, however. Oricorio-E, Aggron, and Aurorus can come in on Choice-locked Dodrio depending on what it's locked into and proceed to threaten it with their respective super effective moves.

**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru outspeed variants of Dodrio lacking Choice Scarf and obliterate it with their moves. Floatzel and Alolan Persian are naturally faster than Dodrio and can do serious damage to it with Ice Beam and Foul Play, respectively. Togedemaru and Alolan Persian can also comfortably take Quick Attack thanks to the former's resistance and the latter's ability in Fur Coat. All variants of Dodrio are outsped by priority moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Abomasnow's Ice Shard, both of which do serious damage to it. Additionally, without Quick Attack, Choiced Dodrio has little to no way of playing around Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Absol.

**Residual Damage**: Dodrio gets worn very easily by Brave Bird and has a weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits how many times it can come in or set up.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[allstarapology, 400292], [jklioe, 424692], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[tondas]

thank you gents, this is ready for gp 2

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 2/2

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[OVERVIEW]

Dodrio's fantastic offensive stats, near-unresisted coverage, and access to Swords Dance solidify itself as a top offensive threat in PU, (comma) that's able to blitz through Pokemon found on both offensive and defensive teams alike. It can run a variety of sets that each offer immense amounts of offensive pressure: Swords Dance and Choice Band sets excel at wallbreaking, whereas Choice Scarf sets boast a near-unrivaled Speed tier. Since all of Dodrio's sets fit on offensive teams, deciphering what set it's running from Team Preview is nearly impossible, giving Dodrio the upper hand in many situations. However, Dodrio's lackluster bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock limit what it can safely switch into or use Swords Dance on, and it is easily worn down in tandem with by Brave Bird's high recoil. Dodrio's matchups are also highly set dependent, as wallbreaking sets are prone to being revenge killed, while Choice Scarf lacks the power to break through bulky walls like Regirock, Quagsire, and Weezing.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Return / Quick Attack
item: Flyinium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Jump Kick enables Dodrio to hit Rock- and Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Regirock, Aggron, and Aurorus. Return is a safe STAB option with no recoil; this is also Dodrio's strongest move against Electric-types like Oricorio-E and Lanturn. Quick Attack gives Dodrio a form of priority and does a solid amount to would-be revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Jynx, OHKOing the latter at +2.

Set Details
========

Flyinium Z turns Brave Bird into Supersonic Skystrike, negating Brave Bird's hefty recoil and enabling Dodrio to OHKO targets such as Mudsdale and Weezing at +2 and Pokemon like Gurdurr and Golurk without any boosts. Fightinium Z converts Jump Kick into All-Out Pummeling, allowing Dodrio to whistle past checks like Regirock and Carracosta, OHKOing both of them at +2 after Stealth Rock damage. This is also the item of choice when using Quick Attack over Return as to maximize damage against Electric-types such as Eelektross and Oricorio-E.

Usage Tips
========

Dodrio should mainly be brought in through slow pivots or double switches, (comma) as this to minimizes chances of Dodrio getting chipped and can be used to generate good matchups. Dodrio can also switch into Ghost- and Ground-type attacks thanks to its set of immunities, though this is a risky endeavor due to its lousy defenses. Find safe opportunities to set up Swords Dance; This Setting up with Swords Dance safely can be achieved through forced switches against Pokemon that are forced out like Poliwrath and Lurantis., (comma) passive walls like Audino and Clefairy, and Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent. Passive walls like Audino and Clefairy, as well as Choice-locked Pokemon like Jellicent can likewise be taken advantage of to set up Swords Dance. Avoid late-game setup if Dodrio lacks Quick Attack for faster revenge killers or if Pokemon that resist or are immune to Quick Attack such as Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Haunter are still alive around. Swords Dance doesn't necessarily have to be used in order for Dodrio to wallbreak; Dodrio's respective Z-Move can be thrown right off the bat to ensure that Pokemon like Gurdurr and Aggron drop, as well as to nullify Brave Bird's recoil one time in Flyinium Z's case. This is also effective at punishing Pokemon that may stay in predicting a Swords Dance. Outside of Swords Dance, Dodrio can be used as a revenge killer against slower Pokemon such as Scyther and unboosted Lilligant. Dodrio's revenge killing capabilities are further bolstered against bulkier foes like Articuno and Stoutland through the use of Z-Crystals.

Team Options
========

Bulky pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian are able to bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can additionally lure in Pokemon such as Tangela and Poliwrath for Dodrio to take advantage of. Lanturn and Alolan Persian are also solid switch-ins to moves such as Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Lycanroc's Stone Edge, respectively. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr have amazing offensive synergy with Dodrio, as they can pressure Rock- and Ice-types such as Lycanroc and Abomasnow, while Dodrio can dispatch Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Scyther in return. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and can switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus. Mudsdale, Poliwrath, and other Pokemon that are able to switch in on Rock-types can stomach hits from the likes of Lycanroc, which may attempt to revenge kill Dodrio. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Alolan Sandslash and Shiftry keep Stealth Rock off of Dodrio's side, keeping it healthy and giving it more chances to set up or attack. Sponges to attacks such as Tangela, Weezing, and Probopass are able to switch into Choice Scarf users that can revenge kill Dodrio like Togedemaru, Primeape, and Jynx. Weezing can also wear down opposing Pokemon with Toxic Spikes and weaken physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Additional team support can be used to give Dodrio as many setup opportunities as possible. Weezing and Spiritomb can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, allowing Dodrio to set on weakened Pokemon like Scyther and Type: Null. Skuntank's Memento reduces the amount of damage Dodrio takes and additionally provides momentum.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Jump Kick
move 3: Return
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off provides Dodrio with unresisted coverage and can be used to weaken item-dependent Pokemon such as Regirock and Type: Null. Pursuit enables Dodrio to trap weakened offensive foes such as Alolan Raichu and Haunter, further solidifying this set's ability to revenge kill. Toxic allows Dodrio to cripple walls such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku that it otherwise couldn't touch such as Quagsire and Pyukumuku.

Set Details
========

Choice Scarf grants Dodrio the ability to outspeed every other relevant Choice Scarf user bar opposing Dodrio. Choice Scarf Dodrio can also outspeed weather-reliant Pokemon such as Victreebel, Alolan Sandslash, and Ludicolo, (comma) in addition to setup sweepers like +2 Omastar at +2 and +1 Lilligant at +1. Early Bird reduces the number of turns Dodrio is asleep, improving further improves this set's ability to check Lilligant.

Usage Tips
========

Use Pursuit in order to trap weakened threats or Pokemon weak to Pursuit such as Oricorio-G and Haunter. This works out especially well if one decides to not reveal Choice Scarf until mid or late-game when Dodrio's checks are weakened, as this allows Dodrio to get the jump on foes like Alolan Raichu, Floatzel, and opposing Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Primeape. Knock Off and Toxic can be used to weaken defensive checks early-game; however, avoid reckless use of such moves, as Pokemon like Weezing and Qwilfish can switch into these moves easily. To reiterate, Prediction plays an important role when using this set, as Dodrio is incredibly frail and will not be able to do much to targets if it isn't locked into the best move. Late-game, Dodrio can liberally spam its STAB moves for optimal damage output once Rock- and Steel-type checks such as Omastar and Togedemaru are removed.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Hitmonchan act as solid answers to Steel- and Rock-types like Aggron and Aurorus, and their removal allows Dodrio to use its STAB moves far more freely. Dodrio greatly appreciates specially offensive wallbreakers such as Aurorus, Jellicent, and Alolan Exeggutor to punch holes through physically defensive walls like Weezing, Mudsdale, and Quagsire. Entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish are pivotal to Choice Scarf Dodrio's role as a revenge killer, as they're able to wear down the opposing team to help Dodrio secure KOs. (per) Clefairy and Qwilfish are also able to cripple the opposing team with moves like Toxic and Scald. Since Dodrio will be coming in and out to pick off weakened threats, entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash is important so as to not let Dodrio be worn down. Lurantis can breeze past checks to Dodrio such as Sableye, Mudsdale, and Carracosta, while Silvally-Dragon can chip at physical walls with a powerful Draco Meteor and provide momentum for Dodrio through Parting Shot.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Jump Kick
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Knock Off gives Dodrio the ability to chip at and weaken switch-ins like Regirock and Weezing by removing their items. Pursuit allows Dodrio to trap slower, weakened foes like Oricorio-G and offensive Jellicent. With a Choice Band, Dodrio is notably able to do around 70% to bulky Oricorio-G, securing an OHKO after Stealth Rock and slight residual damage. Quick Attack picks off weakened Pokemon that can otherwise outspeed Dodrio such as Choice Scarf Swanna and Primeape.

Set Details
========

Choice Band boosts Dodrio's Attack by 50%, allowing it allows Dodrio to immediately wallbreak, 2HKOing Pokemon like Quagsire and OHKOing the likes of Gurdurr and Aggron right off the bat.

Usage Tips
========

Given how most players maneuver around Dodrio's other sets, Choice Band's increase in power can be utilized to grab KOs on bulky Pokemon such as Stoutland and Spiritomb far more easily, as they may stay in fearing the possibility of Swords Dance. Pursuit should be used on predicted switches; for instance, Dodrio can OHKO Pokemon like Haunter, (comma) as well as and offensive Oricorio-G courtesy of Choice Band. If necessary, Dodrio can periodically occasionally switch into moves like Golurk's Earthquake and Oricorio-G's Revelation Dance, but you must exercise caution when doing so because of Dodrio's poor bulk. Brave Bird's recoil can be put to use late-game by allowing Dodrio to KO itself, creating momentum for its team.

Team Options
========

Pivots such as Lanturn and Alolan Persian can generate momentum for Dodrio and are able to bait in Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Gurdurr. Choice Band Dodrio can form an offensive core with specially offensive wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor, Jellicent, and Rotom-F, as these Pokemon target physically defensive walls like Regirock and Weezing, while Dodrio can break through Pokemon like Audino, Lurantis, and Hitmonchan in return. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash keeps Stealth Rock off the field, increasing the number of times Dodrio can switch in. Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Hitmonchan are able to dispatch Steel- and Rock-types early on, allowing Dodrio to use its STAB moves more frequently. Hitmonchan can also remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Pivots like Lanturn and Silvally-Dragon bring Dodrio in as safely as possible and can lure in Pokemon such as Lurantis and Clefairy. These two Pokemon can also weaken bulky walls like Regirock and Mudsdale. Late-game sweepers such as Lycanroc and Lilligant greatly appreciate Dodrio's wallbreaking and the removal or weakening of Pokemon like Gurdurr and Scyther.

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

Taunt in conjunction with + Roost can be used to give Dodrio the functionality of a stallbreaker, but such a set falls flat due to its shortage of attacking options. Moreover, this competes heavily with other stallbreakers such as Oricorio-E due to its superior defensive capabilities. Life Orb gives Dodrio freedom to switch between its moves and is not one-time use like Z-Crystals are, but Dodrio already struggles with being worn down from Stealth Rock damage and Brave Bird recoil.

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

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Regirock and Carracosta possess high enough physical bulk and to can switch into Dodrio lacking Fightinium Z and threaten it with their STAB moves. Regirock in particular has the most consistency when it comes to checking all of Dodrio's sets; it can easily switch into Choice-locked variants of Dodrio and OHKO it with Stone Edge, and it can viably run Chople Berry or Protect to sponge an All-Out Pummeling. Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Kabutops outspeed Dodrio lacking a Choice Scarf, and the former can use Dodrio as setup fodder if it's Choice-locked into Pursuit or Quick Attack. All of these Pokemon must be wary of taking a boosted All-Out Pummeling, however.

**Set-dependent Switch-ins**: Physically defensive walls such as Weezing, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku are able to switch into Dodrio lacking Flyinium Z and take very little from Choice Scarf Dodrio. They can then proceed to stall it out or cripple it with a burn in the former two's case. These Pokemon must be cautious of directly switching into Choice Band Dodrio, however. Oricorio-E, Aggron, and Aurorus can come in on Choice-locked Dodrio depending on what it's locked into and proceed to threaten it with their respective super effective moves.

**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru outspeed variants of Dodrio lacking Choice Scarf and obliterate it with their moves. Floatzel and Alolan Persian are naturally faster than Dodrio and can do serious damage to it with Ice Beam and Foul Play, respectively. Togedemaru and Alolan Persian can also comfortably take Quick Attack thanks to the former's resistance and the latter's ability in Fur Coat. All variants of Dodrio are outsped by priority moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Abomasnow's Ice Shard, both of which do serious damage to it. Additionally, without Quick Attack, Choiced item Dodrio has little to no way of playing around Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Absol.

**Residual Damage**: Dodrio gets worn very easily by Brave Bird and has a weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits how many times it can come in or set up.

 

[tondas]

my biggest project yet, so thank you to everyone who helped!