[OVERVIEW]
- Tapu Fini is a bulky Defogger that is able to blanket check a wide variety of Pokemon, such as Syclant, Ash-Greninja, and Volkraken.
- Its Water/Fairy typing is great in a metagame full of Dragon, Dark, Fighting, and Water types. This allows it to Defog reliably on a multitude of threats.
- Furthermore, its amazing bulk means that it can even live one strong super effective hit if it is at full health, which allows it to Defog in an emergency situation if needed.
- Its access to the combo Nature's Madness + Taunt means it can easily chip down the opposing team.
- This works especially well with Tapu Fini's relatively fast speed tier for a wall, being able to hit opposing walls with a Taunt before they can use their utility or recovery moves.
- Misty Surge is a great ability that can support your team and override opposing terrains, such as Psychic Surge.
- However it can also prevent your own teammates from throwing out their own status moves, especially if they are carrying Toxic Spikes.
- Tapu Fini is also easily worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery.
- Furthermore, it is relatively passive and has to rely on Nature's Madness to do any real chip damage.
- Often by the time it has done enough damage to the opponents it wants to target, it has already fainted or is in quick OHKO range.
- Tapu Fini as a hazard remover that is not immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes means that often when trying to remove these hazards, it will take a huge chunk of damage or be poisoned, respectively. Both of these cut into its longevity.
- It faces severe competition with other bulky waters, such as Arghonaut, Toxapex, and Mantine, since all these Pokemon sport reliably recovery and the ability to stack hazards (barring Mantine, which can Defog itself).
- Before using Tapu Fini, consider the other bulky waters (something like that)
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Nature's Madness
move 3: Defog/Scald
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm Nature
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Moonblast is mandatory on this set to hit the Dragon and Fighting type Pokemon it is supposed to check, such as Zygarde and Tomohawk. It is also used to secure the KO after Nature's Madness has significantly dented the opposing Pokemon.
- Nature's Madness is used as the main way to prevent Tapu Fini from being a deadweight; it halves the health of the opposing pokemon, allowing useful chip damage that can help pave the way for one of your sweepers later. This is the best move to use versus Steel and Fire types.
- Defog clears the field of entry hazards for your team.
- If you already have a defogger on your team, you can opt for Scald. Most notably it hits Lando-T for super effective damage.
- Taunt is needed to prevent opposing Pokemon from using their own utility moves, such as Stealth Rock or a form of recovery. It is useful for creating 50/50s with opposing utility Pokemon.
- Taunt in tandem with Nature's Madness is particularly disrupting for opposing walls that can't do much in return to Tapu Fini. Spamming Taunts followed up by Nature Madnesses, and finally securing the OHKO with Moonblast can easily pressure these walls.
- Whirlpool is another option over Scald or Defog if you want to trap toxapex. This allows Tapu Fini to 1v1 it, something Tapu Fini cannot do without the move. It is also prevents your opponent from doubling to another Pokemon.
- Protect can be used on Tapu Fini for getting more recovery from Leftovers, reducing damage from powerful Z Moves, and scouting Choice-locked moves. However, note that you will be stalling your own Misty Terrain turns as well.
Set Details
========
- Leftovers is mandatory on Tapu Fini since it gives it longevity on the field.
- Misty Surge prevents Tapu Fini from being badly poisoned and gives support to your entire team by making them immune to status moves for a few turns.
- 248 HP EVs combined with 44 Special Defense EVs and a Calm Nature allows Tapu Fini to switch into Scarf Volkraken's Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts at least 3 times a match, even after taking Stealth Rock the first time. It also avoids the 2HKO from Timid Life Orb Tomohawk's Hurricane, and avoids the 3HKO from Ash-Greninja's Specs-boosted Hydro Pumps.
- The rest of the EVs are dumped into defense to help it take physical attacks better. For example, it avoids the 2HKO from a Shadow Claw followed by a Triage Drain Punch from +1 Life Orb Revenakh after Stealth Rock, and also avoids the 2HKO from Banded Zygarde's Thousand Arrows. This allows it to 1v1 Revenakh when it switches in the turn Revenakh uses Bulk Up, and get one Moonblast off on Zygarde if it switches in on Thousand Arrows.
- If you want more EVs to put into other stats, you can use a spread of 248 HP / 160 Def. This gives you 56 extra EVs that you can put into Special Defense or Speed, while still being able to tank Life Orb Latio's Psyshocks. It is worth mentioning that those extra EVs put into Speed ensure you outpace uninvested Lando-T.
- An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature can be used if you want to outspeed Adamant Lando-T and Zygarde. This allows Tapu Fini to hit these two Pokemon before they can damage it back. It also allows it to hit Mew and Sticky Web Necturna with a Taunt before they can use their utility moves.
- However, note that this spread gives up a significant amount of defense, forgoing the ability to live the defensive benchmarks that the other spread does. For example, Life Orb Latios now has a good chance of 2HKOing Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
- Generally take advantage of Tapu Fini's resistances and switch into Pokemon it beats such as SubCoil Zygarde, Volkraken, Latios, and Ash-Greninja.
- However, avoid putting yourself into situations where you are overreliant on Tapu Fini's ability to check these pokemon, as it can very easily be worn down. For example, don't rely on Tapu Fini as your only check to all these Pokemon at once.
- Do not recklessly switch Tapu Fini into Zygarde or Greninja until you have confirmed their sets, as a Banded Thousand Arrows or Protean Gunk Shot can significantly dent it.
- Tapu Fini can be used as a pivot versus Scarf Tapu Lele, as it can scout what move is it locked into in order to prevent a Steel type teammate from taking significant damage from Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire. This is possible because Misty Surge overrides Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge.
- Once on the field, proceed to use Nature's Madness on the opposing team, as it is a very spammable move that chips pokemon, unless it is necessary to secure the OHKO on opposing Fighting, Dark, or Dragon types with Moonblast.
- Once opposing Pokemon are weakened enough, then it is safe to Moonblast on non-super effective targets, provided that they do not outspeed Tapu Fini and use a recovery move first.
- Use Taunt on slower Pokemon if you predict your opponent is going to go for Stealth Rock or a form of recovery.
- Use Defog if hazards are on your side of the field and you need to clear them for your team. However, avoid using the move on Stealth Rockers that beat Tapu Fini, such as Pyroak and Mollux.
- Usually Tapu Fini functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon; you use Nature's Madness on a predicted switch-in and then switch yourself to avoid any strong or super effective attacks.
Team Options
========
- Grass types such as Ferrothorn and Pyroak make great partners for Tapu Fini, because they can switch into the Electric type attacks aimed at it. Ferrothorn in particular synergizes well since it is immune to poison type attacks and can pass Leech Seed recovery to Tapu Fini.
- Ground types, such as Lando-T and Colossoil, serve as a way to beat Poison and Electric pokemon that threaten Tapu Fini. In return Fini resists Water and Ice type attacks for them.
- Pokemon that struggle with Steel types when sweeping make great partners, as Tapu Fini can easily chip them. Examples include Mega Crucibelle and Dragon Dance Naviathan.
- Pokemon that appreciate Tapu Fini's resists make great partners; examples include Lando-T, Heatran, and Tyranitar.
- Pokemon that appreciate hazard support, such as Mega Pinsir, Volcarona, and both mega formes of Charizard make great partners. In particular, Tapu Fini can beat Dragon types for Volcarona, while Volcarona can setup on the Pokemon that tend to take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness.
- Pokemon that appreciate status immunity such as Mega Crucibelle and Kitsunoh can take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to setup Misty Surge. In particular Mega Crucibelle can now switch in directly on Mollux and Pyroak without having to fear a Lava Plume burn.
- Wish passers such as Chansey and Kitsunoh make for good partners, as they can remedy Tapu Fini's tendency to get worn down over the duration of the match. Healing Wish Latias and Tomohawk can bring back Tapu Fini to full health at the cost of themselves.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Calm Mind with Hydro Pump and Moonblast is a plausible set for Tapu Fini if you want it to exert more offensive pressure. If you are running this set, the last moveslot should either be Taunt or Hidden Power Ground. The former prevents bulky Pokemon from using recovery moves, allowing for an easier time sweeping, while the latter is a coverage option for Mollux and Plasmanta, two hard walls to the set otherwise.
- If you are using Taunt with the Calm Mind set, it is advised you have a Ground type as a teammate to take care of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Electric types. Flame Orb Colossoil is a good partner, as it can Pursuit trap these threats too.
- Normalium Z with Heal Bell can be used on Tapu Fini for a one-time full recovery move; however this takes up a precious moveslot that cannot be afforded to be taken away. Plus, without Leftovers Tapu Fini is even more easily chipped down, cutting into its efficiency of switching into moves that it resists.
Checks and Counters
===================
Poison Types: Poison types such as Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Crucibelle also counter Tapu Fini with their STAB moves. In particular, the former two Pokemon are immune to Tapu Fini's Water type attacks and capitalize on it.
Electric Types: Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Mega Manectric can easily switch into Tapu Fini and proceed to gain momentum via Volt Switch or hit it with a STAB Thunderbolt.
Grass Types: Grass types such as Tangrowth, Power Whip Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can also switch into Tapu Fini with relative ease. From there they can force it out with a STAB Grass move. Specifically, Assault Vest Tangrowth is a hard counter, since it can gain back any HP lost from Nature's Madness via Regenerator.
Steel Types: Pokemon such as Magearna and Celesteela easily shrug off Moonblasts and Scalds from Tapu Fini. However they don't appreciate being chipped by Nature's Madness, and in the case of Celesteela, being hit with a Taunt.
Powerful Z-Moves: Powerful Z-Moves take advantage of Tapu Fini's lack of reliable recovery, since they can easily take down it to under half health. For example, Lando-T's and Salamence's Supersonic Strikes followed by their respective coverage move, Earthquake, will 2HKO it. Bloom Doom from Heatran and +3 Tectonic Rage from Tail Glow Syclant will OHKO Tapu Fini as well.
Fast Setup Sweepers: Most setup sweepers can take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness, often boosting on its inability to 2HKO them. Examples include Volcarona, Aurumoth, and Magearna.
- Tapu Fini is a bulky Defogger that is able to blanket check a wide variety of Pokemon, such as Syclant, Ash-Greninja, and Volkraken.
- Its Water/Fairy typing is great in a metagame full of Dragon, Dark, Fighting, and Water types. This allows it to Defog reliably on a multitude of threats.
- Furthermore, its amazing bulk means that it can even live one strong super effective hit if it is at full health, which allows it to Defog in an emergency situation if needed.
- Its access to the combo Nature's Madness + Taunt means it can easily chip down the opposing team.
- This works especially well with Tapu Fini's relatively fast speed tier for a wall, being able to hit opposing walls with a Taunt before they can use their utility or recovery moves.
- Misty Surge is a great ability that can support your team and override opposing terrains, such as Psychic Surge.
- However it can also prevent your own teammates from throwing out their own status moves, especially if they are carrying Toxic Spikes.
- Tapu Fini is also easily worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery.
- Furthermore, it is relatively passive and has to rely on Nature's Madness to do any real chip damage.
- Often by the time it has done enough damage to the opponents it wants to target, it has already fainted or is in quick OHKO range.
- Tapu Fini as a hazard remover that is not immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes means that often when trying to remove these hazards, it will take a huge chunk of damage or be poisoned, respectively. Both of these cut into its longevity.
- It faces severe competition with other bulky waters, such as Arghonaut, Toxapex, and Mantine, since all these Pokemon sport reliably recovery and the ability to stack hazards (barring Mantine, which can Defog itself).
- Before using Tapu Fini, consider the other bulky waters (something like that)
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Nature's Madness
move 3: Defog/Scald
move 4: Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Misty Surge
nature: Calm Nature
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Moonblast is mandatory on this set to hit the Dragon and Fighting type Pokemon it is supposed to check, such as Zygarde and Tomohawk. It is also used to secure the KO after Nature's Madness has significantly dented the opposing Pokemon.
- Nature's Madness is used as the main way to prevent Tapu Fini from being a deadweight; it halves the health of the opposing pokemon, allowing useful chip damage that can help pave the way for one of your sweepers later. This is the best move to use versus Steel and Fire types.
- Defog clears the field of entry hazards for your team.
- If you already have a defogger on your team, you can opt for Scald. Most notably it hits Lando-T for super effective damage.
- Taunt is needed to prevent opposing Pokemon from using their own utility moves, such as Stealth Rock or a form of recovery. It is useful for creating 50/50s with opposing utility Pokemon.
- Taunt in tandem with Nature's Madness is particularly disrupting for opposing walls that can't do much in return to Tapu Fini. Spamming Taunts followed up by Nature Madnesses, and finally securing the OHKO with Moonblast can easily pressure these walls.
- Whirlpool is another option over Scald or Defog if you want to trap toxapex. This allows Tapu Fini to 1v1 it, something Tapu Fini cannot do without the move. It is also prevents your opponent from doubling to another Pokemon.
- Protect can be used on Tapu Fini for getting more recovery from Leftovers, reducing damage from powerful Z Moves, and scouting Choice-locked moves. However, note that you will be stalling your own Misty Terrain turns as well.
Set Details
========
- Leftovers is mandatory on Tapu Fini since it gives it longevity on the field.
- Misty Surge prevents Tapu Fini from being badly poisoned and gives support to your entire team by making them immune to status moves for a few turns.
- 248 HP EVs combined with 44 Special Defense EVs and a Calm Nature allows Tapu Fini to switch into Scarf Volkraken's Analytic-boosted Fire Blasts at least 3 times a match, even after taking Stealth Rock the first time. It also avoids the 2HKO from Timid Life Orb Tomohawk's Hurricane, and avoids the 3HKO from Ash-Greninja's Specs-boosted Hydro Pumps.
- The rest of the EVs are dumped into defense to help it take physical attacks better. For example, it avoids the 2HKO from a Shadow Claw followed by a Triage Drain Punch from +1 Life Orb Revenakh after Stealth Rock, and also avoids the 2HKO from Banded Zygarde's Thousand Arrows. This allows it to 1v1 Revenakh when it switches in the turn Revenakh uses Bulk Up, and get one Moonblast off on Zygarde if it switches in on Thousand Arrows.
- If you want more EVs to put into other stats, you can use a spread of 248 HP / 160 Def. This gives you 56 extra EVs that you can put into Special Defense or Speed, while still being able to tank Life Orb Latio's Psyshocks. It is worth mentioning that those extra EVs put into Speed ensure you outpace uninvested Lando-T.
- An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature can be used if you want to outspeed Adamant Lando-T and Zygarde. This allows Tapu Fini to hit these two Pokemon before they can damage it back. It also allows it to hit Mew and Sticky Web Necturna with a Taunt before they can use their utility moves.
- However, note that this spread gives up a significant amount of defense, forgoing the ability to live the defensive benchmarks that the other spread does. For example, Life Orb Latios now has a good chance of 2HKOing Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
- Generally take advantage of Tapu Fini's resistances and switch into Pokemon it beats such as SubCoil Zygarde, Volkraken, Latios, and Ash-Greninja.
- However, avoid putting yourself into situations where you are overreliant on Tapu Fini's ability to check these pokemon, as it can very easily be worn down. For example, don't rely on Tapu Fini as your only check to all these Pokemon at once.
- Do not recklessly switch Tapu Fini into Zygarde or Greninja until you have confirmed their sets, as a Banded Thousand Arrows or Protean Gunk Shot can significantly dent it.
- Tapu Fini can be used as a pivot versus Scarf Tapu Lele, as it can scout what move is it locked into in order to prevent a Steel type teammate from taking significant damage from Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire. This is possible because Misty Surge overrides Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge.
- Once on the field, proceed to use Nature's Madness on the opposing team, as it is a very spammable move that chips pokemon, unless it is necessary to secure the OHKO on opposing Fighting, Dark, or Dragon types with Moonblast.
- Once opposing Pokemon are weakened enough, then it is safe to Moonblast on non-super effective targets, provided that they do not outspeed Tapu Fini and use a recovery move first.
- Use Taunt on slower Pokemon if you predict your opponent is going to go for Stealth Rock or a form of recovery.
- Use Defog if hazards are on your side of the field and you need to clear them for your team. However, avoid using the move on Stealth Rockers that beat Tapu Fini, such as Pyroak and Mollux.
- Usually Tapu Fini functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon; you use Nature's Madness on a predicted switch-in and then switch yourself to avoid any strong or super effective attacks.
Team Options
========
- Grass types such as Ferrothorn and Pyroak make great partners for Tapu Fini, because they can switch into the Electric type attacks aimed at it. Ferrothorn in particular synergizes well since it is immune to poison type attacks and can pass Leech Seed recovery to Tapu Fini.
- Ground types, such as Lando-T and Colossoil, serve as a way to beat Poison and Electric pokemon that threaten Tapu Fini. In return Fini resists Water and Ice type attacks for them.
- Pokemon that struggle with Steel types when sweeping make great partners, as Tapu Fini can easily chip them. Examples include Mega Crucibelle and Dragon Dance Naviathan.
- Pokemon that appreciate Tapu Fini's resists make great partners; examples include Lando-T, Heatran, and Tyranitar.
- Pokemon that appreciate hazard support, such as Mega Pinsir, Volcarona, and both mega formes of Charizard make great partners. In particular, Tapu Fini can beat Dragon types for Volcarona, while Volcarona can setup on the Pokemon that tend to take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness.
- Pokemon that appreciate status immunity such as Mega Crucibelle and Kitsunoh can take advantage of Tapu Fini's ability to setup Misty Surge. In particular Mega Crucibelle can now switch in directly on Mollux and Pyroak without having to fear a Lava Plume burn.
- Wish passers such as Chansey and Kitsunoh make for good partners, as they can remedy Tapu Fini's tendency to get worn down over the duration of the match. Healing Wish Latias and Tomohawk can bring back Tapu Fini to full health at the cost of themselves.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Calm Mind with Hydro Pump and Moonblast is a plausible set for Tapu Fini if you want it to exert more offensive pressure. If you are running this set, the last moveslot should either be Taunt or Hidden Power Ground. The former prevents bulky Pokemon from using recovery moves, allowing for an easier time sweeping, while the latter is a coverage option for Mollux and Plasmanta, two hard walls to the set otherwise.
- If you are using Taunt with the Calm Mind set, it is advised you have a Ground type as a teammate to take care of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Electric types. Flame Orb Colossoil is a good partner, as it can Pursuit trap these threats too.
- Normalium Z with Heal Bell can be used on Tapu Fini for a one-time full recovery move; however this takes up a precious moveslot that cannot be afforded to be taken away. Plus, without Leftovers Tapu Fini is even more easily chipped down, cutting into its efficiency of switching into moves that it resists.
Checks and Counters
===================
Poison Types: Poison types such as Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Crucibelle also counter Tapu Fini with their STAB moves. In particular, the former two Pokemon are immune to Tapu Fini's Water type attacks and capitalize on it.
Electric Types: Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Mega Manectric can easily switch into Tapu Fini and proceed to gain momentum via Volt Switch or hit it with a STAB Thunderbolt.
Grass Types: Grass types such as Tangrowth, Power Whip Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can also switch into Tapu Fini with relative ease. From there they can force it out with a STAB Grass move. Specifically, Assault Vest Tangrowth is a hard counter, since it can gain back any HP lost from Nature's Madness via Regenerator.
Steel Types: Pokemon such as Magearna and Celesteela easily shrug off Moonblasts and Scalds from Tapu Fini. However they don't appreciate being chipped by Nature's Madness, and in the case of Celesteela, being hit with a Taunt.
Powerful Z-Moves: Powerful Z-Moves take advantage of Tapu Fini's lack of reliable recovery, since they can easily take down it to under half health. For example, Lando-T's and Salamence's Supersonic Strikes followed by their respective coverage move, Earthquake, will 2HKO it. Bloom Doom from Heatran and +3 Tectonic Rage from Tail Glow Syclant will OHKO Tapu Fini as well.
Fast Setup Sweepers: Most setup sweepers can take advantage of Tapu Fini's passiveness, often boosting on its inability to 2HKO them. Examples include Volcarona, Aurumoth, and Magearna.
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