LC Snivy (Revamp)

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Merritt

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[OVERVIEW]

Snivy's niche comes from the ability Contrary and the move Leaf Storm, which when paired together give Snivy a 130-Base Power move that also provides a +2 boost to its Special Attack, making it one of the best wallbreakers and the best offensive Grass-type Pokemon in Little Cup. Contrary also has several other uses, including making Snivy one of the best Sticky Web checks in the metagame by giving it a +1 boost to Speed every time it comes in when the entry hazard is up. In addition, Defog lets it support its teammates by clearing entry hazards. However, Snivy's poor offensive movepool forces it to rely on Hidden Power for coverage against the wide variety of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm. Additionally, Snivy hits 17 Speed, which, while decent, leaves it susceptible to being revenge killed by faster Pokemon; couple this with its mediocre defenses, and its sweeping potential becomes rather limited.

[SET]
name: Eviolite Wallbreaker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog / Glare / Knock Off
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Eviolite
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
==========

Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Defog allows Snivy to support its teammates by clearing entry hazards. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to break through them. Synthesis increases Eviolite Snivy's longevity by giving it a form of recovery. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for hitting Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because of the required Speed IV drop, it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.

Set Details
==========

240 Special Attack EVs maximize Snivy's Special Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature bring Snivy to 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and outspeed Pawniard. If Hidden Power Fire is run, Snivy only can hit 16 Speed, but this lets it use a spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe to gain a point of mixed bulk. An Eviolite gives Snivy the bulk to act as a more reliable answer to Ground-type Pokemon defensively while still breaking down teams efficiently offensively. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and deter Memento users.

Usage Tips
=========

With an Eviolite, Snivy can take on more of a pivot role, being able to switch into Drilbur, Mudbray, and Chinchou reliably and immediately go on the offensive. Leaf Storm deals enormous amounts of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Snivy can use its Hidden Power to deal with the Grass-resistant foes that switch in to deal with it, as well as paralyze switch-ins with Glare if the move is run. Defog should be used to clear entry hazards as necessary to support its team. Synthesis should be used periodically to allow Snivy to keep attacking, but it forfeits momentum when it is used. Despite having an Eviolite, Snivy should try not to switch into attacks it does not resist.

Team Options
============

This Snivy set works best on teams that need more defensive utility from a Grass-type but don't want to sacrifice momentum. Fire-type checks are helpful to Snivy, such as Ponyta and Chinchou. Flying-type checks, too, are important, notably Omanyte, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Onix. Entry hazard support from the likes of Dwebble and Mudbray helps break down opposing teams. Snivy also works well as a teammate with Pokemon that need entry hazards such as Stealth Rock cleared, such as offensive Vullaby and Doduo.

[SET]
name: Berry Juice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog / Substitute / Knock Off
move 3: Glare / Defog
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Berry Juice
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Substitute allows Snivy to take advantage of the switches it forces and to force Pawniard into mind games if it attempts to revenge kill Snivy with Sucker Punch. Substitute can also help Snivy avoid the occasional status condition, particularly paralysis. Defog allows Snivy to support its team by clearing entry hazards. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to break through them later. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle or allowing Snivy to get a Substitute up. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for hitting Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because the move requires a Speed IV drop, running it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.

Set Details
========

Maximizing Snivy's Special Attack and Speed allows it to hit as hard and outrun as much of the metagame as possible. With a Timid nature, Snivy hits 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and reliably outspeed Pawniard and fast Vullaby variants. With the Hidden Power Fire Speed IV drop, Snivy can still outspeed most of the walls it aims to break, but it is more susceptible to being revenge killed by 17 Speed Pokemon, and Pawniard and Vullaby check it more reliably. If running Hidden Power Fire, Snivy should be given an EV spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe to gain an HP point in exchange for the lost Speed point. Snivy is equipped with a Berry Juice to restore its health once during a match, which is often all it needs to break down opposing walls and clear the way for a sweeper. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other, more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and deter Memento users.

Usage Tips
========

Leaf Storm is a very easy move to spam thanks to its enormous power and its side effect of boosting Snivy's Special Attack every time it is used. Snivy's Hidden Power can be used in situations where its coverage is needed, but keep in mind that Snivy usually has to have used Leaf Storm to boost its Special Attack to do decent damage with a Hidden Power. As this Snivy set does not have much longevity after its Berry Juice is gone, avoid switching into attacks that Snivy does not resist, and even then, it should only switch in infrequently. As such, Defog should be used only when necessary so that Snivy does not lose too many turns. If Substitute is chosen, it should be used when it is predicted that a foe will use a status move such as Thunder Wave, to activate Berry Juice and bring Snivy's HP to full, or on a switch to ease predictions. In a pinch, Snivy can set up a Substitute as a check enters the battlefield, use Glare to paralyze it, and continue to use Substitute until the foe is fully paralyzed for a turn in order to give Snivy two free attacks. Glare is also useful on its own to slow down faster checks such as Ponyta to allow Snivy to deal with it more easily later in the game.

Team Options
========

Snivy's best partners are those that appreciate its wallbreaking capabilities and can check the Pokemon it cannot break past. Fire-type checks, such as Ponyta and Chinchou, make good partners. Flying-type checks, too, are important, with Onix, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Omanyte working well in this role. Snivy also pairs well with Pokemon vulnerable to entry hazards such as Stealth Rock or Sticky Web due to its ability to remove them with Defog. Snivy appreciates entry hazard support to break down opposing teams more efficiently, making Dwebble and Mudbray useful partners. Sticky Web is an alternative entry hazard that slows down opposing teams, allowing Snivy to overcome its mediocre Speed to an extent. Pokemon that lure in Poison- and Steel-types such as Snubbull and Spritzee are also useful for chipping them enough for Snivy to break through later on.

[SET]
name: Normalium Z
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Wring Out
move 3: Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Glare / Substitute
item: Normalium Z
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 SpD

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

Leaf Storm is a powerful STAB attack that boosts Snivy's Special Attack by two stages each time it is used thanks to Contrary. Wring Out has great neutral coverage with Leaf Storm and can be turned into a 190-Base Power Breakneck Blitz, OHKOing common Snivy checks such as Croagunk and Foongus that's lost its Eviolite after a Special Attack boost from Leaf Storm. Hidden Power Ground hits Steel-types such as Pawniard, which otherwise wall this set completely, as well as Fire- and Poison-types such as Ponyta and Croagunk while allowing Snivy to reach 17 Speed. Hidden Power Fire is also an option, OHKOing Ferroseed and 2HKOing Pumpkaboo-XL at +2, but it only allows Snivy to reach 16 Speed. Glare paralyzes common Snivy switch-ins such as Ponyta, while Substitute eases prediction and punishes forced switches.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread with a Timid nature maximizes Snivy's offensive stats and takes the IV drops from Hidden Power Ground into account. If using Hidden Power Fire, use an EV spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe. Contrary has fantastic synergy with Leaf Storm, boosting Snivy's Special Attack by two stages each time the move is used. Normalium Z is necessary to turn Wring Out into an extremely powerful Breakneck Blitz.

Usage Tips
========

Unlike other Snivy sets, this Snivy is very frail; it should only be used once it can successfully sweep or to wallbreak. Bring Snivy into play against Pokemon it forces out, such as Chinchou. Use Leaf Storm as your opponent switches in a Snivy counter such as Foongus, and then use Breakneck Blitz to eliminate that counter. This set functions best as a lure, so don't reveal Wring Out until it can be used to eliminate a counter. In addition, this Snivy set can also clean late-game. Use Glare or Substitute on a predicted switch to either cripple a check or get off an attack for free, respectively. Finally, faster Pokemon such as Gastly and Doduo as well as any Choice Scarf users should be paralyzed or KOed before you attempt a sweep.


Team Options
========

Slow pivots such as Mienfoo allow Snivy to get into battle safely. Trappers such as Diglett and Alolan Grimer can remove faster threats like Ponyta, Abra, and Gastly, as well as Steel-types that resist Snivy's attacks such as Pawniard. Rock-types such as Onix can set Stealth Rock and remove Doduo and Choice Scarf Flying-types. Offensive threats such as Choice Scarf Mienfoo and Abra that appreciate Pokemon such as Foongus, Vullaby, and Alolan Grimer being lured and eliminated make excellent teammates. If Snivy is not running Hidden Power Fire, Fighting- or Fire-types such as Timburr and Ponyta should be used to eliminate or sufficiently weaken Ferroseed. Keep in mind that other checks to Sticky Web teams such as Gastly should be used, as this set's frailty, along with the fact that it is walled by Pumpkaboo-XL, makes it a poor choice for the sole answer for Sticky Web teams. Similarly, Snivy should be run alongside other answers to Ground-types, as it is too frail to function as the sole Ground-type check on a team.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain / Defog
move 3: Knock Off / Defog
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm is an extremely powerful STAB move that boosts Snivy's Special Attack instead of lowering it due to Contrary, helping Snivy set up while attacking. Giga Drain is an alternate STAB move that lets Snivy safely clean up due to its 100% accuracy or slightly heal itself, although it is quite weak unboosted. Knock Off can catch and cripple bulky Pokemon switching in, such as Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, and Foongus. It can also hit certain Ghost-types decently hard, such as Gastly and Pumpkaboo-XL. Defog can alternatively be run if entry hazard removal is necessary. Hidden Power Ground hits Magnemite extremely hard, as well as hitting Alolan Grimer, Croagunk, and Pawniard. Hidden Power Fire is an alternative to hit Grass- and Steel-types, mainly Ferroseed. Hidden Power Ice is an option to hit opposing Grass- and Flying-types such as Foongus and Vullaby, but since it doesn't hit any viable Pokemon in Little Cup for 4x super effective damage and Choice Scarf Snivy can only use one move after it switches in, it can't power through very much. Hidden Power Psychic and Hidden Power Fighting can be used to defeat Croagunk and Pawniard, respectively, but both can be easily powered through if weakened as is. Glare can be run over Knock Off, as it is more useful for crippling offensive checks and setup sweepers, as well as being a last-ditch effort to stop sweepers.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf, a Timid nature, and 252 Speed EVs are used to maximize Snivy's Speed, letting it sweep even more effectively by outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon in Little Cup and even many boosted Pokemon, such as +1 Corphish, +2 Tirtouga, and all 16 Speed Choice Scarf users. However, running Hidden Power Fire leaves Snivy Speed tying with many of these threats. The rest of Snivy's EVs are put into Special Attack to help it deal maximum damage. If Snivy is using Hidden Power Fire, it cannot reach 17 Speed, so the EVs that would go there should be invested into HP instead, making Snivy's EV spread 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe. Contrary allows Snivy to utilize Leaf Storm to set up.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Snivy's main purpose is as a late-game cleaner and situational sweeper, so be sure to remove Snivy's checks before it tries to sweep or clean. Important checks include Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, Foongus, and most of all Ferroseed. Snivy isn't that strong on its own, so it should usually be using Leaf Storm. Using Knock Off or Glare when you predict troublesome Pokemon to switch in can cripple Snivy's biggest foes. Since it's relatively uncommon, Choice Scarf Snivy can bluff being a slower variant and surprise faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Chinchou and Abra that would otherwise revenge kill it. Due to Choice Scarf Snivy's recovery being limited to Giga Drain, it must be kept as healthy as possible, and it should usually only be brought on a free switch. Prediction is important with Choice Scarf Pokemon, and Snivy is no exception. Be sure to use your Hidden Power of choice when you predict Pokemon weak to it to switch in. Snivy's coverage is also quite weak, so unless you're trying to score some surprise damage on a switch-in, these threats should be left to its teammates to deal with. Defog should be used sparingly due to being locked into the non-damaging move after use but can be very useful for supporting a teammate before Snivy faints. Due to this set's lack of a defensive item, it can't be switched in well on threats like Mudbray that it would otherwise be able to.

Team Options
========

U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Mienfoo, Chinchou, and Vullaby can help Snivy get in without taking damage. Diglett can trap and remove Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-types, and certain sets can also set Stealth Rock up. Tectonic Rage Diglett paired with Knock Off users can eliminate some of Snivy's best checks, namely Foongus, Alolan Grimer, and Ponyta. Drilbur can do this as well, but since it doesn't trap these Pokemon, it has a bit less synergy. Entry hazard setters in general, such as Ferroseed, Dwebble, and Pawniard, can set up hazards to break Sturdy on opposing Pokemon, mainly Onix and Dwebble. Many of these Pokemon can also wear down and check Flying-types like Vullaby and Rufflet for Snivy. Doduo and Torchic can break through Grass- and Steel-types for Snivy, while Snivy in return can remove Rock- and Water-types. Checks to Flying-types such as Kabuto, Onix, and Chinchou are near essential, as Choice Scarf Flying-types like Doduo and Rufflet can revenge kill Snivy, while bulkier Flying-types like Vullaby completely wall it. Kabuto and Onix can also set Stealth Rock, with the former even providing Knock Off support. Lures to Snivy's checks, such as Destiny Bond Gastly taking Vullaby with it and Superpower Cophish taking down Ferroseed, can help remove troublesome Pokemon. Knock Off support from Alolan Grimer, Mienfoo, or Pawniard can cripple defensive threats for Snivy. Abra and Gastly can help bait in and wear down Vullaby and Alolan Grimer, making them useful to Snivy. Finally, as Snivy can't function as a proper check to Ground-types, pairing it with Pumpkaboo-XL or Foongus can cover up this weakness.

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

Other Hidden Power types are a possibility on any set if a team needs coverage for a specific Pokemon. Hidden Power Rock is a notable option that allows Snivy to lure in and dispatch Larvesta as well as being able to hit both other Fire-types and Flying-types fairly hard, but it requires that Snivy run 16 Speed. Snivy also has access to Taunt, but most Pokemon can't set up on it anyway because of its ability to boost its stats while dealing damage. Giga Drain is an option as a secondary Grass-type STAB attack that provides recovery but is usually less useful than Snivy's other options. Snivy also has access to Light Screen and Reflect, giving it potential as one of the more offensively powerful screen setters in Little Cup, but dual screens tends not to be a particularly useful strategy in LC, and Snivy doesn't have the bulk to set them especially well. Lastly, Snivy's access to Aromatherapy lets it heal status ailments of itself and its teammates, but it comes from an event that requires Snivy to run a Hardy nature.

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

**Grass-resistant Pokemon**: Due to Snivy's shallow coverage movepool, Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm can reliably check it so long as Snivy is not running the specific Hidden Power that deals with them. Poison-types, such as Croagunk and Alolan Grimer, as well as Fire-types, such as Ponyta and Larvesta, deal with non-Hidden Power Ground variants well, although Ponyta fears Glare against other sets. Foongus and Flying-types such as Vullaby can deal with non-Hidden Power Ice variants. Lastly, Steel-types, such as Pawniard and Magnemite, check non-Hidden Power Ground or Hidden Power Fire variants effectively. Pawniard is especially notable, since it also punishes Snivy's use of Defog with its ability Defiant. Most of these Pokemon can check Snivy once even if it is running the appropriate Hidden Power, but they can quickly be worn down enough such that, if running the right coverage move, Snivy can take them out.

**Revenge Killers**: Snivy is extremely prone to being revenge killed. Doduo, Gastly, and Ponyta, which naturally outspeed it, and Choice Scarf users can all revenge kill Snivy.
 
Last edited:

Nineage

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This is a pretty minor revamp, but because it had small changes in a bunch of places and its a super relevant Pokemon we didn't want to do it directly via CMS.
Because of this, this analysis only needs 1 QC and 1 GP check (confirmed with TDP on the GP check).

I've looked this over and it looks good, so if a GPer could check this it will go on-site soon!
 

Eyan

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[OVERVIEW]

Snivy's niche comes from the ability Contrary and the move Leaf Storm, which when paired together give Snivy a 130-Base Power move that also provides a +2 boost to its Special Attack, making it one of the best wallbreakers and the best offensive Grass-type Pokemon in Little Cup. Contrary also has several other uses, including making Snivy one of the best Sticky Web checks in the metagame by giving it a +1 boost to Speed every time it comes in when the entry hazard is up. In addition, Snivy recieved Defog as a tutor move in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, giving it the ability to Defog lets it (just talk about current things instead of changes) support its teammates by clearing entry hazards. However, Snivy's poor offensive movepool forces it to rely on Hidden Power for coverage against the wide variety of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm. Additionally, Snivy hits 17 Speed, which, while decent, leaves it susceptible to being revenge killed by faster Pokemon; couple this with its mediocre defenses, and its sweeping potential becomes rather limited.

[SET]
name: Eviolite Wallbreaker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog / Glare / Knock Off
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Eviolite
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
==========

Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Defog allows Snivy to support its teammates by clearing entry hazards. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them (would it be more accurate to just say that it's easier for teammates to break through them? Facing them doesn't tell me too much about dealing with defensive switch-ins). Synthesis gives increases Eviolite Snivy's longevity by giving it a form of recovery, (rc) giving it longevity. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for hitting Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because of its the required Speed IV drop, (ac) it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.

Set Details
==========

240 Special Attack EVs maximize Snivy's Special Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature bring Snivy to 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and outspeed Pawniard. If Hidden Power Fire is run, Snivy only can hit 16 Speed, but this lets it use a spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe to gain a point of mixed bulk. An Eviolite gives Snivy the bulk to act as a more reliable answer to Ground-type Pokemon defensively, (rc) while still breaking down teams efficiently offensively. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare deter Memento users.

Usage Tips
=========

With an Eviolite, Snivy can take on more of a pivot role, being able to switch into Drilbur, Mudbray, and Chinchou reliably and immediately go on the offensive. Leaf Storm deals enormous amounts of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Snivy can use its Hidden Power to deal with the Grass-resistant foes that switch in to deal with it, as well as paralyze switch-ins (add hyphen) with Glare if the move is run. Defog should be used to clear entry hazards as necessary to support its team. Synthesis should be used periodically to allow Snivy to keep attacking, but it forfeits momentum when it is used. Despite having an Eviolite, Snivy should try not to switch into attacks it does not resist.

Team Options
============

This Snivy set works best on teams that need more defensive utility from a Grass-type but don't want to sacrifice momentum. Fire-type checks are helpful to Snivy, such as Ponyta and Chinchou. Flying-type checks, too, are important, notably Omanyte, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Onix. Entry hazard support from the likes of Dwebble and Mudbray helps break down opposing teams. Snivy also works well as a teammate with Pokemon who that (don't use who to refer to Pokemon) need entry hazards such as Stealth Rock cleared, such as offensive Vullaby and Doduo.

[SET]
name: Berry Juice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog / Substitute / Knock Off
move 3: Glare / Defog
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Berry Juice
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Substitute allows Snivy to take advantage of the switches it forces and to force Pawniard into 50/50 scenarios mind games if it attempts to revenge kill Snivy with Sucker Punch. Defog allows Snivy to support its team by clearing entry hazards. Substitute can also help Snivy avoid the occasional status condition, particularly paralysis (shift this sentence to be next to the other Substitute line). Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them (same as previous set). Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle or allowing Snivy to get a Substitute up. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for hitting Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because the move requires a Speed IV drop, running it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.

Set Details
========

Snivy's EV spread is quite simple, Maximizing Snivy's Special Attack and Speed to allows it to hit as hard as possible and maximizing Speed to allow it to outrun as much of the metagame as possible. With a Timid nature, Snivy hits 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and reliably outspeed Pawniard and fast Vullaby variants. With the Hidden Power Fire Speed IV drop, Snivy can still outspeed most of the walls it aims to break, but it is more susceptible to being revenge killed by 17 Speed Pokemon, and Pawniard and Vullaby check it more reliably. If running Hidden Power Fire, Snivy should be given an EV spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe to gain an HP point in exchange for the lost Speed point. Snivy is equipped with a Berry Juice to restore its health once during a match, which is often all it needs to break down opposing walls and clear the way for a sweeper. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other, more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare deter Memento users.

Usage Tips
========

Leaf Storm is a very easy move to spam thanks to its enormous power and its side effect of boosting Snivy's Special Attack every time it is used. Snivy's Hidden Power can be used in situations where its coverage is needed, but keep in mind that Snivy usually has to have used Leaf Storm to boost its Special Attack to do decent damage with a Hidden Power. As this Snivy set does not have much longevity after its Berry Juice is gone, avoid switching into attacks that Snivy does not resist, and even then, it should only switch in infrequently. As such, Defog should be used only when necessary so that Snivy does not lose too many turns. If Substitute is chosen, it should be used when it is predicted that an opponent foe will use a status move such as Thunder Wave, to activate Berry Juice and bring Snivy's HP to full, or on a switch to ease predictions. In a pinch, Snivy can set up a Substitute as a check enters the battlefield, use Glare to paralyze it, and continue to use Substitute until the foe is fully paralyzed for a turn in order to give Snivy two free attacks. Glare is also useful on its own to slow down faster checks such as Ponyta to allow Snivy to deal with it more easily later in the game.

Team Options
========

Snivy's best partners are those that appreciate its wallbreaking capabilities and can check the Pokemon it cannot break past. Fire-type checks, such as Ponyta and Chinchou, make good partners. Flying-type checks, too, are important, with Onix, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Omanyte working well in this role. Snivy also pairs well with Pokemon vulnerable to entry hazards such as Stealth Rock or Sticky Web due to its ability to remove them with Defog. Snivy appreciates entry hazard support to break down opposing teams more efficiently, making Dwebble and Mudbray useful partners. Sticky Web is an alternative entry hazard that slows down opposing teams, allowing Snivy to overcome its mediocre Speed to an extent. Pokemon who that lure in Poison- and Steel-types such as Snubbull and Spritzee are also useful for chipping them enough for Snivy to break through later on.

[SET]
name: Normalium Z
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Wring Out
move 3: Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Glare / Substitute
item: Normalium Z
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 SpD

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

Leaf Storm is a powerful STAB attack that boosts Snivy's Special Attack by 2 two stages each time it is used thanks to Contrary. Wring Out has great neutral coverage with Leaf Storm and can be turned into a 190-Base Power Breakneck Blitz, OHKOing common Snivy checks such as Croagunk and Eviolite-less Foongus that's lost its Eviolite after a Special Attack boost from Leaf Storm. Hidden Power Ground hits Steel-types such as Pawniard, which otherwise wall this set completely, as well as Fire- and Poison-types such as Ponyta and Croagunk while allowing Snivy to reach 17 Speed. Hidden Power Fire can also be used is also an option (in general, the term "use" relates more to an in-battle scenario as opposed to a teambuilding selection), OHKOing Ferroseed and 2HKOing Pumpkaboo-XL at +2, but it only allows Snivy to reach 16 Speed. Glare paralyzes common Snivy switch-ins such as Ponyta, while Substitute eases prediction and punishes forced switches.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread with a Timid nature maximizes Snivy's offensive stats and takes the IV drops from Hidden Power Ground into account. If using Hidden Power Fire, use an EV spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe. Contrary has fantastic synergy with Leaf Storm, boosting Snivy's Special Attack by 2 two stages each time the move is used. Normalium Z is necessary to turns Wring Out into an extremely powerful Breakneck Blitz, allowing Snivy to muscle past Pokemon that would otherwise wall it such as Foongus, Vullaby, and Alolan Grimer.(you can mention these examples in Moves, but all you need in set details is what the item is for)

Usage Tips
========

Unlike other Snivy sets, this Snivy is very frail; it should only be used once it can successfully sweep or to wallbreak. Bring Snivy into play against Pokemon it forces out, such as Chinchou. Use Leaf Storm as your opponent switches in a Snivy counter such as Foongus, and then use Breakneck Blitz to eliminate that counter. This set functions best as a lure, so don't reveal Wring Out until it can be used to eliminate a counter. In addition to serving as a lure, this Snivy set can also clean late-game like other Snivy sets. Use Glare or Substitute on a predicted switch to either cripple a check or get off an attack for free, respectively. Finally, faster Pokemon such as Gastly and Doduo as well as any Choice Scarf users should be paralyzed or KOed before you attempt a sweep.


Team Options
========

Slow pivots such as Mienfoo allow Snivy to get into battle safely. Trappers such as Diglett and Alolan Grimer can remove faster threats like Ponyta, Abra, and Gastly, as well as Steel-types that resist Snivy's attacks such as Pawniard. Rock-types such as Onix can set Stealth Rock and remove Doduo and Choice Scarf Flying-types. Offensive threats such as Choice Scarf Mienfoo and Abra that appreciate Pokemon such as Foongus, Vullaby, and Alolan Grimer being lured and eliminated make excellent teammates. If Snivy is not running Hidden Power Fire, Fighting- or Fire-types such as Timburr and Ponyta should be used to eliminate or sufficiently weaken Ferroseed. Keep in mind that other checks to Sticky Web teams such as Gastly should be used, as this set's frailty, along with the fact that it is walled by Pumpkaboo-XL, makes it a poor choice for the sole answer for Sticky Web teams. Similarly, Snivy should be run alongside other answers to Ground-types, as it is too frail to function as the sole Ground-type check on a team.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain / Defog
move 3: Knock Off / Defog
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm is an extremely powerful STAB move that boosts Snivy's Special Attack instead of lowering it due to Contrary, helping Snivy set up while attacking. Giga Drain is an alternate STAB move that lets Snivy safely clean up due to its 100% accuracy or slightly heal itself, although it is quite weak unboosted. Knock Off can catch and cripple bulky Pokemon switching in, such as Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, and Foongus. It can also hit certain Ghost-types decently hard, such as Gastly and Pumpkaboo-XL. Defog can alternatively be run if entry hazard removal is necessary. Hidden Power Ground hits Magnemite extremely hard, as well as hitting Alolan Grimer, Croagunk, and Pawniard. Hidden Power Fire is an alternative to hit Grass- and Steel-types, mainly Ferroseed. Hidden Power Ice can be used is an option to hit opposing Grass- and Flying-types such as Foongus and Vullaby, but since it doesn't hit any viable Pokemon in Little Cup for 4x super effective damage and Choice Scarf Snivy can only use one move after it switches in, it can't power through very much. Hidden Power Psychic and Hidden Power Fighting can be used to defeat Croagunk and Pawniard, respectively, but both can be easily powered through if weakened as is. Glare can be used run over Knock Off, as it is more useful for crippling offensive checks and setup sweepers, as well as being a last-ditch effort to stop sweepers.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf, a Timid nature, and 252 Speed EVs are used to maximize Snivy's Speed, letting it sweep even more effectively by outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon in Little Cup and even many boosted Pokemon, such as +1 Corphish, +2 Tirtouga, and all 16 Speed Choice Scarf users. However, using running Hidden Power Fire leaves Snivy Speed tying with many of these threats. The rest of Snivy's EVs are put into Special Attack to help it deal maximum damage. If Snivy is using Hidden Power Fire, it cannot reach 17 Speed, so the EVs that would go there should be invested into HP instead, making Snivy's EV spread 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe. Contrary allows Snivy to utilize Leaf Storm to set up.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Snivy's main purpose is as a late-game cleaner and situational sweeper, so be sure to remove Snivy's checks before it tries to sweep or clean. Important checks include Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, Foongus, and most of all Ferroseed. Snivy isn't that strong on its own, so it should usually be using Leaf Storm. Using Knock Off or Glare when you predict troublesome Pokemon to switch in can cripple Snivy's biggest foes. Since it's relatively uncommon, Choice Scarf Snivy can bluff being a slower variant and surprise faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Chinchou and Abra that would otherwise revenge kill it. Due to Choice Scarf Snivy's recovery being limited to Giga Drain, it must be kept as healthy as possible, and it should usually only be brought on a free switch. Prediction is important with Choice Scarf Pokemon, and Snivy is no exception. Be sure to use your Hidden Power of choice when you predict Pokemon weak to it to switch in. Snivy's coverage is also quite weak, so unless you're trying to score some surprise damage on a switch-in, these threats should be left to its teammates to deal with (dangling modifier without the "you're" that tells me the threats are trying to score surprise damage). Defog should be used sparingly, (rc) due to being locked into the non-damaging move after use, (rc) but can be very useful for supporting a teammate before Snivy faints. Due to this set's lack of a defensive item, it can't be switched in well on threats like Mudbray that it would otherwise be able to.

Team Options
========

U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Mienfoo, Chinchou, and Vullaby can help Snivy get in without taking damage. Diglett can trap and remove Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-types, and certain sets can also set Stealth Rock up. Tectonic Rage Diglett paired with Knock Off users can eliminate some of Snivy's best checks, namely Foongus, Alolan Grimer, and Ponyta. Drilbur can do this as well, but since it doesn't trap these Pokemon, it has a bit less synergy. Entry hazard setters in general, such as Ferroseed, Dwebble, and Pawniard, can set up hazards to break Sturdy on opposing Pokemon, mainly Onix and Dwebble. Many of these Pokemon can also wear down and check Flying-types like Vullaby and Rufflet for Snivy. Doduo and Torchic can break through Grass- and Steel-types for Snivy, while Snivy in return can remove Rock- and Water-types. Checks to Flying-types such as Kabuto, Onix, and Chinchou are near essential, as Choice Scarf Flying-types like Doduo and Rufflet can revenge kill Snivy, while bulkier Flying-types like Vullaby completely wall it. Kabuto and Onix can also set Stealth Rock, (ac) with the former and Kabuto can even provide providing Knock Off support. Lures to Snivy's checks, such as Destiny Bond Gastly taking Vullaby with it and Superpower Cophish taking down Ferroseed, can help remove troublesome Pokemon. Knock Off support from Alolan Grimer, Mienfoo, or Pawniard can cripple defensive threats for Snivy. Abra and Gastly can help bait in and wear down Vullaby and Alolan Grimer, making them useful to Snivy. Finally, as Snivy can't function as a proper check to Ground-types, pairing it with Pumpkaboo-XL or Foongus can cover up this weakness.

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

Other Hidden Powers types are a possibility on any set if a team needs coverage for a specific Pokemon. Hidden Power Rock is a notable option that allows Snivy to lure in and dispatch Larvesta as well as being able to hit both other Fire-types and Flying-types fairly hard, but it requires that Snivy run 16 Speed. Snivy also has access to Taunt, but most Pokemon can't set up on Snivy it anyway because of its ability to boost its stats while dealing damage. Giga Drain is an option as a secondary Grass-type STAB attack that provides recovery, (rc) but is usually less useful than Snivy's other options. Snivy also has access to Light Screen and Reflect, giving it potential as one of the more offensively powerful screen setters in Little Cup, but dual screens tends not to be a particularly useful strategy (two screens, but a single strategy, so singular "tends") in LC, (ac) and Snivy doesn't have the bulk to set them especially well. Lastly, Snivy's access to Aromatherapy lets it heal status ailments of itself and its teammates, but it comes from an event that requires Snivy to run a Hardy nature.

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

**Grass-resistant Pokemon**: Due to Snivy's shallow coverage movepool, Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm can reliably check it so long as Snivy is not running the specific Hidden Power that deals with them. Poison-types, such as Croagunk and Alolan Grimer, as well as Fire-types, such as Ponyta and Larvesta, deal with non-Hidden Power Ground variants well, although Ponyta fears Glare against other sets. Foongus and Flying-types such as Vullaby can deal with non-Hidden Power Ice variants. Lastly, Steel-types, such as Pawniard and Magnemite, check non-Hidden Power Ground or Hidden Power Fire variants effectively. Pawniard is especially notable, (ac) since it also punishes Snivy's use of Defog with its ability Defiant. Most of these Pokemon can check Snivy once even if it is running the appropriate Hidden Power, but they can quickly be worn down enough such that, if running the right coverage move, Snivy can take them out.

**Revenge Killers**: Snivy is extremely prone to being revenge killed. Doduo, Gastly, and Ponyta, which naturally outspeed it, and Choice Scarf users can all revenge kill Snivy.

Hopefully I didn't take too long after you asked me. 4 sets though, phew x_x
 

Merritt

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[OVERVIEW]

Snivy's niche comes from the ability Contrary and the move Leaf Storm, which when paired together give Snivy a 130-Base Power move that also provides a +2 boost to its Special Attack, making it one of the best wallbreakers and the best offensive Grass-type Pokemon in Little Cup. Contrary also has several other uses, including making Snivy one of the best Sticky Web checks in the metagame by giving it a +1 boost to Speed every time it comes in when the entry hazard is up. In addition, Snivy recieved Defog as a tutor move in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, giving it the ability to Defog lets it (just talk about current things instead of changes) support its teammates by clearing entry hazards. However, Snivy's poor offensive movepool forces it to rely on Hidden Power for coverage against the wide variety of Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm. Additionally, Snivy hits 17 Speed, which, while decent, leaves it susceptible to being revenge killed by faster Pokemon; couple this with its mediocre defenses, and its sweeping potential becomes rather limited.

[SET]
name: Eviolite Wallbreaker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog / Glare / Knock Off
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Eviolite
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
==========

Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Defog allows Snivy to support its teammates by clearing entry hazards. Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle. Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them (would it be more accurate to just say that it's easier for teammates to break through them? Facing them doesn't tell me too much about dealing with defensive switch-ins). Synthesis gives increases Eviolite Snivy's longevity by giving it a form of recovery, (rc) giving it longevity. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for hitting Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because of its the required Speed IV drop, (ac) it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.

Set Details
==========

240 Special Attack EVs maximize Snivy's Special Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature bring Snivy to 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and outspeed Pawniard. If Hidden Power Fire is run, Snivy only can hit 16 Speed, but this lets it use a spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe to gain a point of mixed bulk. An Eviolite gives Snivy the bulk to act as a more reliable answer to Ground-type Pokemon defensively, (rc) while still breaking down teams efficiently offensively. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare deter Memento users.

Usage Tips
=========

With an Eviolite, Snivy can take on more of a pivot role, being able to switch into Drilbur, Mudbray, and Chinchou reliably and immediately go on the offensive. Leaf Storm deals enormous amounts of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Snivy can use its Hidden Power to deal with the Grass-resistant foes that switch in to deal with it, as well as paralyze switch-ins (add hyphen) with Glare if the move is run. Defog should be used to clear entry hazards as necessary to support its team. Synthesis should be used periodically to allow Snivy to keep attacking, but it forfeits momentum when it is used. Despite having an Eviolite, Snivy should try not to switch into attacks it does not resist.

Team Options
============

This Snivy set works best on teams that need more defensive utility from a Grass-type but don't want to sacrifice momentum. Fire-type checks are helpful to Snivy, such as Ponyta and Chinchou. Flying-type checks, too, are important, notably Omanyte, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Onix. Entry hazard support from the likes of Dwebble and Mudbray helps break down opposing teams. Snivy also works well as a teammate with Pokemon who that (don't use who to refer to Pokemon) need entry hazards such as Stealth Rock cleared, such as offensive Vullaby and Doduo.

[SET]
name: Berry Juice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Defog / Substitute / Knock Off
move 3: Glare / Defog
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Berry Juice
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm hits anything that doesn't resist it hard and boosts Snivy's Special Attack. Substitute allows Snivy to take advantage of the switches it forces and to force Pawniard into 50/50 scenarios mind games if it attempts to revenge kill Snivy with Sucker Punch. Defog allows Snivy to support its team by clearing entry hazards. Substitute can also help Snivy avoid the occasional status condition, particularly paralysis (shift this sentence to be next to the other Substitute line). Knock Off is an alternative that cripples defensive switch-ins to make it easier for teammates to face them (same as previous set). Glare paralyzes switch-ins to Snivy, slowing them down for Snivy or a teammate to more easily handle or allowing Snivy to get a Substitute up. The final slot goes to the Hidden Power that gives Snivy the best coverage given what its team needs. Hidden Power Ice is the most generally useful option, allowing Snivy to take care of Vullaby and Foongus. Hidden Power Ground is useful for hitting Fire-types, Steel-types, and Poison-types. Hidden Power Fire allows Snivy to hit Steel- and Grass-types, but because the move requires a Speed IV drop, running it only allows Snivy to hit 16 Speed.

Set Details
========

Snivy's EV spread is quite simple, Maximizing Snivy's Special Attack and Speed to allows it to hit as hard as possible and maximizing Speed to allow it to outrun as much of the metagame as possible. With a Timid nature, Snivy hits 17 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with Drilbur and Archen and reliably outspeed Pawniard and fast Vullaby variants. With the Hidden Power Fire Speed IV drop, Snivy can still outspeed most of the walls it aims to break, but it is more susceptible to being revenge killed by 17 Speed Pokemon, and Pawniard and Vullaby check it more reliably. If running Hidden Power Fire, Snivy should be given an EV spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe to gain an HP point in exchange for the lost Speed point. Snivy is equipped with a Berry Juice to restore its health once during a match, which is often all it needs to break down opposing walls and clear the way for a sweeper. Contrary gives Snivy a +2 Special Attack boost every time it uses Leaf Storm and has other, more niche uses, such as allowing Snivy to gain Speed against Sticky Web teams and scare deter Memento users.

Usage Tips
========

Leaf Storm is a very easy move to spam thanks to its enormous power and its side effect of boosting Snivy's Special Attack every time it is used. Snivy's Hidden Power can be used in situations where its coverage is needed, but keep in mind that Snivy usually has to have used Leaf Storm to boost its Special Attack to do decent damage with a Hidden Power. As this Snivy set does not have much longevity after its Berry Juice is gone, avoid switching into attacks that Snivy does not resist, and even then, it should only switch in infrequently. As such, Defog should be used only when necessary so that Snivy does not lose too many turns. If Substitute is chosen, it should be used when it is predicted that an opponent foe will use a status move such as Thunder Wave, to activate Berry Juice and bring Snivy's HP to full, or on a switch to ease predictions. In a pinch, Snivy can set up a Substitute as a check enters the battlefield, use Glare to paralyze it, and continue to use Substitute until the foe is fully paralyzed for a turn in order to give Snivy two free attacks. Glare is also useful on its own to slow down faster checks such as Ponyta to allow Snivy to deal with it more easily later in the game.

Team Options
========

Snivy's best partners are those that appreciate its wallbreaking capabilities and can check the Pokemon it cannot break past. Fire-type checks, such as Ponyta and Chinchou, make good partners. Flying-type checks, too, are important, with Onix, Chinchou, Tirtouga, and Omanyte working well in this role. Snivy also pairs well with Pokemon vulnerable to entry hazards such as Stealth Rock or Sticky Web due to its ability to remove them with Defog. Snivy appreciates entry hazard support to break down opposing teams more efficiently, making Dwebble and Mudbray useful partners. Sticky Web is an alternative entry hazard that slows down opposing teams, allowing Snivy to overcome its mediocre Speed to an extent. Pokemon who that lure in Poison- and Steel-types such as Snubbull and Spritzee are also useful for chipping them enough for Snivy to break through later on.

[SET]
name: Normalium Z
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Wring Out
move 3: Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Glare / Substitute
item: Normalium Z
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 SpD

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

Leaf Storm is a powerful STAB attack that boosts Snivy's Special Attack by 2 two stages each time it is used thanks to Contrary. Wring Out has great neutral coverage with Leaf Storm and can be turned into a 190-Base Power Breakneck Blitz, OHKOing common Snivy checks such as Croagunk and Eviolite-less Foongus that's lost its Eviolite after a Special Attack boost from Leaf Storm. Hidden Power Ground hits Steel-types such as Pawniard, which otherwise wall this set completely, as well as Fire- and Poison-types such as Ponyta and Croagunk while allowing Snivy to reach 17 Speed. Hidden Power Fire can also be used is also an option (in general, the term "use" relates more to an in-battle scenario as opposed to a teambuilding selection), OHKOing Ferroseed and 2HKOing Pumpkaboo-XL at +2, but it only allows Snivy to reach 16 Speed. Glare paralyzes common Snivy switch-ins such as Ponyta, while Substitute eases prediction and punishes forced switches.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread with a Timid nature maximizes Snivy's offensive stats and takes the IV drops from Hidden Power Ground into account. If using Hidden Power Fire, use an EV spread of 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe. Contrary has fantastic synergy with Leaf Storm, boosting Snivy's Special Attack by 2 two stages each time the move is used. Normalium Z is necessary to turns Wring Out into an extremely powerful Breakneck Blitz, allowing Snivy to muscle past Pokemon that would otherwise wall it such as Foongus, Vullaby, and Alolan Grimer.(you can mention these examples in Moves, but all you need in set details is what the item is for)

Usage Tips
========

Unlike other Snivy sets, this Snivy is very frail; it should only be used once it can successfully sweep or to wallbreak. Bring Snivy into play against Pokemon it forces out, such as Chinchou. Use Leaf Storm as your opponent switches in a Snivy counter such as Foongus, and then use Breakneck Blitz to eliminate that counter. This set functions best as a lure, so don't reveal Wring Out until it can be used to eliminate a counter. In addition to serving as a lure, this Snivy set can also clean late-game like other Snivy sets. Use Glare or Substitute on a predicted switch to either cripple a check or get off an attack for free, respectively. Finally, faster Pokemon such as Gastly and Doduo as well as any Choice Scarf users should be paralyzed or KOed before you attempt a sweep.


Team Options
========

Slow pivots such as Mienfoo allow Snivy to get into battle safely. Trappers such as Diglett and Alolan Grimer can remove faster threats like Ponyta, Abra, and Gastly, as well as Steel-types that resist Snivy's attacks such as Pawniard. Rock-types such as Onix can set Stealth Rock and remove Doduo and Choice Scarf Flying-types. Offensive threats such as Choice Scarf Mienfoo and Abra that appreciate Pokemon such as Foongus, Vullaby, and Alolan Grimer being lured and eliminated make excellent teammates. If Snivy is not running Hidden Power Fire, Fighting- or Fire-types such as Timburr and Ponyta should be used to eliminate or sufficiently weaken Ferroseed. Keep in mind that other checks to Sticky Web teams such as Gastly should be used, as this set's frailty, along with the fact that it is walled by Pumpkaboo-XL, makes it a poor choice for the sole answer for Sticky Web teams. Similarly, Snivy should be run alongside other answers to Ground-types, as it is too frail to function as the sole Ground-type check on a team.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain / Defog
move 3: Knock Off / Defog
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Contrary
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Leaf Storm is an extremely powerful STAB move that boosts Snivy's Special Attack instead of lowering it due to Contrary, helping Snivy set up while attacking. Giga Drain is an alternate STAB move that lets Snivy safely clean up due to its 100% accuracy or slightly heal itself, although it is quite weak unboosted. Knock Off can catch and cripple bulky Pokemon switching in, such as Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, and Foongus. It can also hit certain Ghost-types decently hard, such as Gastly and Pumpkaboo-XL. Defog can alternatively be run if entry hazard removal is necessary. Hidden Power Ground hits Magnemite extremely hard, as well as hitting Alolan Grimer, Croagunk, and Pawniard. Hidden Power Fire is an alternative to hit Grass- and Steel-types, mainly Ferroseed. Hidden Power Ice can be used is an option to hit opposing Grass- and Flying-types such as Foongus and Vullaby, but since it doesn't hit any viable Pokemon in Little Cup for 4x super effective damage and Choice Scarf Snivy can only use one move after it switches in, it can't power through very much. Hidden Power Psychic and Hidden Power Fighting can be used to defeat Croagunk and Pawniard, respectively, but both can be easily powered through if weakened as is. Glare can be used run over Knock Off, as it is more useful for crippling offensive checks and setup sweepers, as well as being a last-ditch effort to stop sweepers.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf, a Timid nature, and 252 Speed EVs are used to maximize Snivy's Speed, letting it sweep even more effectively by outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon in Little Cup and even many boosted Pokemon, such as +1 Corphish, +2 Tirtouga, and all 16 Speed Choice Scarf users. However, using running Hidden Power Fire leaves Snivy Speed tying with many of these threats. The rest of Snivy's EVs are put into Special Attack to help it deal maximum damage. If Snivy is using Hidden Power Fire, it cannot reach 17 Speed, so the EVs that would go there should be invested into HP instead, making Snivy's EV spread 76 HP / 240 SpA / 176 Spe. Contrary allows Snivy to utilize Leaf Storm to set up.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Snivy's main purpose is as a late-game cleaner and situational sweeper, so be sure to remove Snivy's checks before it tries to sweep or clean. Important checks include Alolan Grimer, Vullaby, Foongus, and most of all Ferroseed. Snivy isn't that strong on its own, so it should usually be using Leaf Storm. Using Knock Off or Glare when you predict troublesome Pokemon to switch in can cripple Snivy's biggest foes. Since it's relatively uncommon, Choice Scarf Snivy can bluff being a slower variant and surprise faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Chinchou and Abra that would otherwise revenge kill it. Due to Choice Scarf Snivy's recovery being limited to Giga Drain, it must be kept as healthy as possible, and it should usually only be brought on a free switch. Prediction is important with Choice Scarf Pokemon, and Snivy is no exception. Be sure to use your Hidden Power of choice when you predict Pokemon weak to it to switch in. Snivy's coverage is also quite weak, so unless you're trying to score some surprise damage on a switch-in, these threats should be left to its teammates to deal with (dangling modifier without the "you're" that tells me the threats are trying to score surprise damage). Defog should be used sparingly, (rc) due to being locked into the non-damaging move after use, (rc) but can be very useful for supporting a teammate before Snivy faints. Due to this set's lack of a defensive item, it can't be switched in well on threats like Mudbray that it would otherwise be able to.

Team Options
========

U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Mienfoo, Chinchou, and Vullaby can help Snivy get in without taking damage. Diglett can trap and remove Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-types, and certain sets can also set Stealth Rock up. Tectonic Rage Diglett paired with Knock Off users can eliminate some of Snivy's best checks, namely Foongus, Alolan Grimer, and Ponyta. Drilbur can do this as well, but since it doesn't trap these Pokemon, it has a bit less synergy. Entry hazard setters in general, such as Ferroseed, Dwebble, and Pawniard, can set up hazards to break Sturdy on opposing Pokemon, mainly Onix and Dwebble. Many of these Pokemon can also wear down and check Flying-types like Vullaby and Rufflet for Snivy. Doduo and Torchic can break through Grass- and Steel-types for Snivy, while Snivy in return can remove Rock- and Water-types. Checks to Flying-types such as Kabuto, Onix, and Chinchou are near essential, as Choice Scarf Flying-types like Doduo and Rufflet can revenge kill Snivy, while bulkier Flying-types like Vullaby completely wall it. Kabuto and Onix can also set Stealth Rock, (ac) with the former and Kabuto can even provide providing Knock Off support. Lures to Snivy's checks, such as Destiny Bond Gastly taking Vullaby with it and Superpower Cophish taking down Ferroseed, can help remove troublesome Pokemon. Knock Off support from Alolan Grimer, Mienfoo, or Pawniard can cripple defensive threats for Snivy. Abra and Gastly can help bait in and wear down Vullaby and Alolan Grimer, making them useful to Snivy. Finally, as Snivy can't function as a proper check to Ground-types, pairing it with Pumpkaboo-XL or Foongus can cover up this weakness.

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

Other Hidden Powers types are a possibility on any set if a team needs coverage for a specific Pokemon. Hidden Power Rock is a notable option that allows Snivy to lure in and dispatch Larvesta as well as being able to hit both other Fire-types and Flying-types fairly hard, but it requires that Snivy run 16 Speed. Snivy also has access to Taunt, but most Pokemon can't set up on Snivy it anyway because of its ability to boost its stats while dealing damage. Giga Drain is an option as a secondary Grass-type STAB attack that provides recovery, (rc) but is usually less useful than Snivy's other options. Snivy also has access to Light Screen and Reflect, giving it potential as one of the more offensively powerful screen setters in Little Cup, but dual screens tends not to be a particularly useful strategy (two screens, but a single strategy, so singular "tends") in LC, (ac) and Snivy doesn't have the bulk to set them especially well. Lastly, Snivy's access to Aromatherapy lets it heal status ailments of itself and its teammates, but it comes from an event that requires Snivy to run a Hardy nature.

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

**Grass-resistant Pokemon**: Due to Snivy's shallow coverage movepool, Pokemon that resist Leaf Storm can reliably check it so long as Snivy is not running the specific Hidden Power that deals with them. Poison-types, such as Croagunk and Alolan Grimer, as well as Fire-types, such as Ponyta and Larvesta, deal with non-Hidden Power Ground variants well, although Ponyta fears Glare against other sets. Foongus and Flying-types such as Vullaby can deal with non-Hidden Power Ice variants. Lastly, Steel-types, such as Pawniard and Magnemite, check non-Hidden Power Ground or Hidden Power Fire variants effectively. Pawniard is especially notable, (ac) since it also punishes Snivy's use of Defog with its ability Defiant. Most of these Pokemon can check Snivy once even if it is running the appropriate Hidden Power, but they can quickly be worn down enough such that, if running the right coverage move, Snivy can take them out.

**Revenge Killers**: Snivy is extremely prone to being revenge killed. Doduo, Gastly, and Ponyta, which naturally outspeed it, and Choice Scarf users can all revenge kill Snivy.

Hopefully I didn't take too long after you asked me. 4 sets though, phew x_x
You're a prince among men.

This is done OP.
 
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