uploaded -zard
[OVERVIEW]
Zangoose is a very powerful Normal-type wallbreaker. STAB Facade along with its other attacks hits extremely hard when combined with Toxic Orb and Toxic Boost. Zangoose also boasts excellent coverage options in Knock Off and Close Combat that allow it to hit Ghost-, Rock-, and Steel-types. Its middling Speed stat is somewhat nullified by Zangoose's access to Quick Attack, which lets it hit faster threats and take out weakened foes. However, although it has great offensive capability, Zangoose is hindered a lot by its subpar defensive stats and Toxic damage, which ultimately means it can be easily revenge killed. Zangoose also faces competition from other Normal-types in the tier such as Kangaskhan and Stoutland, which, although not hitting as hard, can usually be more reliable, as they don't have Toxic damage wearing them down each turn.
[SET]
name: Toxic Orb Wallbreaker
move 1: Facade
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Close Combat / Swords Dance
move 4: Quick Attack
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Toxic Boost
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Facade is Zangoose's strongest move that can reach insane amounts of damage in conjunction with STAB and Toxic Boost. Knock Off allows Zangoose to hit Ghost-types such as Golurk, Gourgeist-XL, and Palossand that like to switch in. Close Combat is used to get the super effective hit on Rock- and Steel-types such as Regirock, Probopass, and Ferroseed, which would otherwise wall Zangoose. Quick Attack is good for cleaning up weakened Pokemon, which is also a good way to activate Zangoose's Toxic Orb in the process. Swords Dance is an option to boost Zangoose's Attack to tremendous levels, helping it muscle past pokemon such as Sableye and turning it into a fearsome sweeper with Quick Attack. However, the lack of Close Combat coverage means that Zangoose finds it a lot harder to break past Normal-resistant Pokemon like Regirock, Probopass, and Carracosta.
Set Details
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Maximum Attack and Speed EVs allow Zangoose to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Toxic Orb is necessary to activate Zangoose's Toxic Boost ability and power up its Facade. An Adamant nature makes Zangoose slightly better at wallbreaking, while a Jolly nature is an option to outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon such as Passimian, Shiftry, and Mespirit as well as outpacing Adamant Kangaskhan and Pinsir.
Usage Tips
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Zangoose should be used as a wallbreaker, breaking down the opposing team's defensive core so that a partner can clean up later on. Free switches from a slow U-turn or Volt Switch are vital for Zangoose to function well because it does not like taking hits and it needs its Toxic Orb to activate so that it can deal the maximum amount of damage. Bringing Zangoose in against a very low HP Pokemon and knocking them out with an attack is another good way to activate Toxic Orb. Make sure to be wary of double switches from your opponent's Ghost-, Rock- and Steel-types, as those can rack up Toxic damage and limits the number of turns Zangoose can stay in. If you are using Swords Dance, setting up can be quite hard due to Zangoose's terrible bulk. Try to set up on predicted switches, Choice-locked Ghost-types, or very passive Pokemon like Togetic.
Team Options
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Primeape is a good partner, not only because of its access to U-turn, but also because Zangoose breaks down physical walls such as Weezing and Musharna really well, allowing Primeape to use Close Combat freely. Fire-types like Pyroar and Magmortar are great partners, as they can take on Sableye and Gourgeist-XL, which wall Zangoose. Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Qwilfish, Weezing, and Mesprit can stop Pokemon like Gurdurr and Primeape that try to revenge kill Zangoose. Zangoose also appreciates the hazard support from Toxic Spikes to break walls like Sableye and Gourgeist-XL more easily. Healing Wish support from Pokemon like Mesprit and Mr. Mime is appreciated, as Zangoose is often worn down a lot by its Toxic Orb. Mesprit in particular is a great partner, as it can come in on Fighting-type attacks and U-turn out, giving Zangoose a free switch in. Entry hazard removal can be crucial, since Zangoose has limited health already and hates to be worn down more by Stealth Rock and Spikes. Some options include Hitmonchan and Swanna, as they can threaten defensive answers to Zangoose like Regirock and Qwilfish, respectively.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Protect can be used to ensure the Toxic Orb activates, but this means Zangoose lose out on valuable coverage. A Choice Scarf set with Double Edge, Knock Off, Close Combat, and Final Gambit or Return is an option that improves Zangoose's Speed and changes its role to more of a revenge killer rather than a wallbreaker.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: Gurdurr, defensive Poliwrath, and Throh can all take a Facade and knock out or phaze Zangoose with their super effective STAB moves. Hitmonchan and offensive Poliwrath threaten Zangoose with priority Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave, while Primeape can naturally outspeed Zangoose, take a Quick Attack, and reply with a Close Combat.
**Ghost-types**: Sableye and other Ghost-types with a Colbur Berry like Gourgeist-XL and Palossand are immune to Zangoose's Facade, don't take enough damage from Knock Off, and are able to deal a lot of damage back with Foul Play or Earth Power. Offensive Ghost-types such as Oricorio-G and Haunter outspeed Zangoose and can hit it hard with their respective STAB moves, not having to worry about Quick Attack because they are immune to it.
**Rock-types**: Regirock and defensive Carracosta are able to take Facade really well and both can survive a Close Combat too. Offensive Rock-types like Archeops and Lycanroc check Zangoose too, as they resist Quick Attack and threaten Zangoose with their respective STAB moves.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon that aren't that frail such as Pyroar, Floatzel, and Alolan Persian are able to outspeed and revenge kill Zangoose without taking too much damage from Quick Attack.
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