[OVERVIEW]
Passimian's fantastic base Attack and decent base Speed make it arguably the best Fighting-type wallbreaker in the tier. To further its wallbreaking prowess, Passimian has a powerful attack in STAB Close Combat; fantastic coverage moves like Knock Off and Earthquake; and U-turn to pivot out of unfavorable matchups. It also has great physical bulk for an offensive Pokemon, making it quite difficult to revenge kill physically and allowing it to sponge a few physical hits and retaliate back with a strong attack. However, Passimian has pretty average special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to strong special attackers like Lilligant and Pyroar. Base 80 Speed only goes so far as well, leaving it outsped and revenge killed by a handful of faster attackers such as Swanna and Zangoose. This also means that Primeape is more desirable in some situations, as it has Defiant to deter very common Defog and Intimidate users like Swanna, Granbull, and Qwilfish. Primeape can also run a Choice Scarf more effectively than Passimain due to having a much more valuable Speed tier that allows it to, for example, outspeed Lilligant at +1 Speed, which Passimian can't do. However, Passimian has much higher overall damage output than Primeape, far more reasonable bulk, and Knock Off to distinguish itself.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Receiver
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat is Passimian's strongest STAB move and has minimal drawbacks. Knock Off is a mandatory coverage move, as it hits Pokemon that would normally switch into Passimian quite well like Musharna and pressures defensive Pokemon like Weezing and Sableye from directly switching into Passimian, as they dislike having their items removed. U-turn allows Passimian to pivot out of a bad matchup, keeping momentum, and is useful to hit Psychic-types like Mesprit. Earthquake is used to hit Poison-types, in particular Qwilfish, and score a 2HKO on Pokemon that resist Passimian's main STAB move, such as specially defensive Clefairy and Golurk.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs along with a Choice Band allow Passimian to deal as much damage as possible and wallbreak as effectively as possible, while maximum Speed investment makes Passimian as fast as possible. A Jolly nature allows Passimian to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and positive-natured base 70 Speed Pokemon and up, such as Jolly Absol. An Adamant nature gives a marginally higher Attack boost from Choice Band than Jolly but sacrifices the ability to outspeed Kangaskhan, Stoutland, and Jolly Absol.
Usage Tips
========
Passimian's main priority should be to come into battle early- to mid-game and launch a powerful Close Combat to wallbreak. Its decent physical bulk helps with this, giving it opportunities to switch into weak or resisted attacks from Pokemon like Pinsir and Skuntank and, if needed, Aggron's Head Smash. While Close Combat is the main wallbreaking move, coverage moves like Knock Off and U-turn should be used if the opposition has solid checks to Passimian like Weezing and Sableye, with Knock Off ridding them of their item and U-turn allowing Passimian to pivot out and gain momentum. U-turn can also be used on Pokemon weak to it like Shiftry and Absol to safely bring in a teammate. Passimian should also use a coverage move when predicting a check to switch in, such as using Earthquake on a Qwilfish switch-in and Knock Off on a Mesprit switch-in. Be wary of what moves are used in a risky situation, as all of Passimian's moves can lead to possible setup for dangerous sweepers. For example, if Passimian uses Close Combat when the opponent has Oricorio-G, it becomes bait for Oricorio-G to use Calm Mind on, resulting in a potential sweep.
Team Options
========
Pursuit trappers like Absol and Skuntank help Passimian get rid of Pokemon like Haunter and Golurk, making it easier for it to spam Close Combat. Similarly, powerful special wallbreakers like Magmortar and Pyroar can push past Gourgeist XL, Weezing, and Sableye. These two help absorb Will-O-Wisp for Passimian as well. Sweepers like Lilligant, Kabutops, and Alolan Raticate appreciate Passimian's ability to weaken walls like Miltank and Gastrodon, opening a door for them to sweep. Fast cleaners like Floatzel and Archeops also appreciate Passimian's ability to weaken defensive Pokemon to help them finish off the opposition. Defensive Mesprit helps Passimian check Psychic-types while creating a U-turn core with it, as well as being able to get up Stealth Rock to help wear down checks to Passimian. For example, Passimian is able to KO Weezing after it switches in a few times into Stealth Rock. In return, Passimian offers a good check to Skuntank for Mesprit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf Passimian can work to a certain extent, although it is typically outclassed by Primeape, which trades bulk for a far more valuable Speed tier that allows it to outspeed +1 Lilligant as well as Defiant, which can lead to potential Attack boosts that facilitate late-game cleaning. Bulk Up is another solid option for Passimian, although Hitmonchan is more suited for this role due to STAB priority in Mach Punch and higher special bulk. Toxic can be used to catch Pokemon like Sableye on the switch, but it forces Passimian to switch out immediately after use if running a Choice item, draining momentum. Quick Attack is a decent option, as it helps Passimian pick off weakened faster Pokemon, though it is a huge momentum drain like Toxic due to its terrible Base Power. Gunk Shot or Iron Head dent Fairy-types like Granbull and Togetic, pressuring them from switching directly into Passimian. Rock Slide can be used to hit Flying- and Bug-types, but Pokemon with these types are already hit quite hard by Passimian's normal coverage. Facade can be used to take advantage of burn or poison from Will-O-Wisp or Toxic Spikes, though it is quite situational in the end and sacrifices a valuable coverage move. Taunt with Fist Plate and three attacks can be used to turn Passimian into more of a utility attacker, but this makes Passimian lose some of its wallbreaking prowess.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Poison-types**: Poison-types like Qwilfish resist Close Combat and are only hit by Earthquake, although; Weezing in particular is immune to it by virtue of Levitate. Qwilfish can also use Passimian a setup bait for Toxic Spikes. Neither of these Pokemon like losing their item to Knock Off, however.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Palossand, and Sableye are immune to Close Combat and avoid the 2HKO from Knock Off by virtue of the former two's high physical bulk and the latter's neutrality to it. All of these Pokemon also have reliable recovery to continually switch into Passimian and Gourgeist-XL and Sableye can also cripple Passimian with Will-O-Wisp.
**Psychic-types**: Most Psychic-types can switch into Close Combat and hit Passimian back with a STAB move, although most are also hit quite hard by Knock Off and U-turn. Musharna, however, typically uses a Z-Crystal and has reliable recovery as well as the bulk to continually take Close Combat, Knock Off, and U-turn.
**Fairy-types**: Granbull, Silvally-Fairy, and Togetic all take pitiful damage from Close Combat and can retaliate with a STAB move. They do have to watch out for the rare Gunk Shot or Iron Head, however.
**Fast Special Attackers**: Faster attackers like Oricorio-G, Swanna, and Pyroar can take advantage of Passimian's average special bulk and severely weaken or KO it.
Passimian's fantastic base Attack and decent base Speed make it arguably the best Fighting-type wallbreaker in the tier. To further its wallbreaking prowess, Passimian has a powerful attack in STAB Close Combat; fantastic coverage moves like Knock Off and Earthquake; and U-turn to pivot out of unfavorable matchups. It also has great physical bulk for an offensive Pokemon, making it quite difficult to revenge kill physically and allowing it to sponge a few physical hits and retaliate back with a strong attack. However, Passimian has pretty average special bulk, leaving it vulnerable to strong special attackers like Lilligant and Pyroar. Base 80 Speed only goes so far as well, leaving it outsped and revenge killed by a handful of faster attackers such as Swanna and Zangoose. This also means that Primeape is more desirable in some situations, as it has Defiant to deter very common Defog and Intimidate users like Swanna, Granbull, and Qwilfish. Primeape can also run a Choice Scarf more effectively than Passimain due to having a much more valuable Speed tier that allows it to, for example, outspeed Lilligant at +1 Speed, which Passimian can't do. However, Passimian has much higher overall damage output than Primeape, far more reasonable bulk, and Knock Off to distinguish itself.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Receiver
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat is Passimian's strongest STAB move and has minimal drawbacks. Knock Off is a mandatory coverage move, as it hits Pokemon that would normally switch into Passimian quite well like Musharna and pressures defensive Pokemon like Weezing and Sableye from directly switching into Passimian, as they dislike having their items removed. U-turn allows Passimian to pivot out of a bad matchup, keeping momentum, and is useful to hit Psychic-types like Mesprit. Earthquake is used to hit Poison-types, in particular Qwilfish, and score a 2HKO on Pokemon that resist Passimian's main STAB move, such as specially defensive Clefairy and Golurk.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs along with a Choice Band allow Passimian to deal as much damage as possible and wallbreak as effectively as possible, while maximum Speed investment makes Passimian as fast as possible. A Jolly nature allows Passimian to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and positive-natured base 70 Speed Pokemon and up, such as Jolly Absol. An Adamant nature gives a marginally higher Attack boost from Choice Band than Jolly but sacrifices the ability to outspeed Kangaskhan, Stoutland, and Jolly Absol.
Usage Tips
========
Passimian's main priority should be to come into battle early- to mid-game and launch a powerful Close Combat to wallbreak. Its decent physical bulk helps with this, giving it opportunities to switch into weak or resisted attacks from Pokemon like Pinsir and Skuntank and, if needed, Aggron's Head Smash. While Close Combat is the main wallbreaking move, coverage moves like Knock Off and U-turn should be used if the opposition has solid checks to Passimian like Weezing and Sableye, with Knock Off ridding them of their item and U-turn allowing Passimian to pivot out and gain momentum. U-turn can also be used on Pokemon weak to it like Shiftry and Absol to safely bring in a teammate. Passimian should also use a coverage move when predicting a check to switch in, such as using Earthquake on a Qwilfish switch-in and Knock Off on a Mesprit switch-in. Be wary of what moves are used in a risky situation, as all of Passimian's moves can lead to possible setup for dangerous sweepers. For example, if Passimian uses Close Combat when the opponent has Oricorio-G, it becomes bait for Oricorio-G to use Calm Mind on, resulting in a potential sweep.
Team Options
========
Pursuit trappers like Absol and Skuntank help Passimian get rid of Pokemon like Haunter and Golurk, making it easier for it to spam Close Combat. Similarly, powerful special wallbreakers like Magmortar and Pyroar can push past Gourgeist XL, Weezing, and Sableye. These two help absorb Will-O-Wisp for Passimian as well. Sweepers like Lilligant, Kabutops, and Alolan Raticate appreciate Passimian's ability to weaken walls like Miltank and Gastrodon, opening a door for them to sweep. Fast cleaners like Floatzel and Archeops also appreciate Passimian's ability to weaken defensive Pokemon to help them finish off the opposition. Defensive Mesprit helps Passimian check Psychic-types while creating a U-turn core with it, as well as being able to get up Stealth Rock to help wear down checks to Passimian. For example, Passimian is able to KO Weezing after it switches in a few times into Stealth Rock. In return, Passimian offers a good check to Skuntank for Mesprit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf Passimian can work to a certain extent, although it is typically outclassed by Primeape, which trades bulk for a far more valuable Speed tier that allows it to outspeed +1 Lilligant as well as Defiant, which can lead to potential Attack boosts that facilitate late-game cleaning. Bulk Up is another solid option for Passimian, although Hitmonchan is more suited for this role due to STAB priority in Mach Punch and higher special bulk. Toxic can be used to catch Pokemon like Sableye on the switch, but it forces Passimian to switch out immediately after use if running a Choice item, draining momentum. Quick Attack is a decent option, as it helps Passimian pick off weakened faster Pokemon, though it is a huge momentum drain like Toxic due to its terrible Base Power. Gunk Shot or Iron Head dent Fairy-types like Granbull and Togetic, pressuring them from switching directly into Passimian. Rock Slide can be used to hit Flying- and Bug-types, but Pokemon with these types are already hit quite hard by Passimian's normal coverage. Facade can be used to take advantage of burn or poison from Will-O-Wisp or Toxic Spikes, though it is quite situational in the end and sacrifices a valuable coverage move. Taunt with Fist Plate and three attacks can be used to turn Passimian into more of a utility attacker, but this makes Passimian lose some of its wallbreaking prowess.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Poison-types**: Poison-types like Qwilfish resist Close Combat and are only hit by Earthquake, although; Weezing in particular is immune to it by virtue of Levitate. Qwilfish can also use Passimian a setup bait for Toxic Spikes. Neither of these Pokemon like losing their item to Knock Off, however.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Palossand, and Sableye are immune to Close Combat and avoid the 2HKO from Knock Off by virtue of the former two's high physical bulk and the latter's neutrality to it. All of these Pokemon also have reliable recovery to continually switch into Passimian and Gourgeist-XL and Sableye can also cripple Passimian with Will-O-Wisp.
**Psychic-types**: Most Psychic-types can switch into Close Combat and hit Passimian back with a STAB move, although most are also hit quite hard by Knock Off and U-turn. Musharna, however, typically uses a Z-Crystal and has reliable recovery as well as the bulk to continually take Close Combat, Knock Off, and U-turn.
**Fairy-types**: Granbull, Silvally-Fairy, and Togetic all take pitiful damage from Close Combat and can retaliate with a STAB move. They do have to watch out for the rare Gunk Shot or Iron Head, however.
**Fast Special Attackers**: Faster attackers like Oricorio-G, Swanna, and Pyroar can take advantage of Passimian's average special bulk and severely weaken or KO it.
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