Community POTW #073

[Serebii]

Time for the next Pokémon of the Week and we see another which has seen a lot of increased usage of late

It's Bisharp, the Dark/Steel-type Pokémon. It has beastly Attack and can be quite capable

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-xy/625.shtml

Go nuts

 

[darkumbreon11]

Love using this pokemon. I use a different set to most people

Defiant Ability - This messes Intimidaters and stat droppers up as the attack goes up 2 stages each time its stats go down
252 Att 252 DEf 4 HP
Assault Vest - This will make it an attacking wall as its not so good special defence will be more passable

Knock Off (STAB and gets rid of items)
Iron Head (STAB)
Poison Jab
Brick Break (gets rid of screens and kills steel types)

Loads of coverage, needs a pokemon like Chandelure as back up for the fighting and fire type moves, as well as a flying type. I like using Bisharp, Chandelure and Togekiss in super singles.

I need to use him more cause i love using him,

 

[ClefairyRox]

Whoa, we've been getting a lot of good Pokemon lately. Way to go, RNG.

Bisharp was a pretty good Pokemon in Gen 5. High Attack, decent movepool, awesome Ability, but hindered by its so-so Speed (though this can be mitigated with Sucker Punch), general frailty, and a poor offensive STAB type in Steel. Gen 6 comes around and gives Knock Off and Defog massive boosts, nerfed the Steel type, and let Fairies wreak havoc, and Bisharp happily benefited from all three. From the perspective of a Dark-type, it benefits greatly from the boosted Knock Off, is no longer walled by opposing Steel-types, and isn't as vulnerable to Fairies as other Dark-types. From the perspective of a Steel-type, the nerf didn't hurt it as much as other Steels (it still resists Dark and Ghost) and it can now abuse its Steel-type STAB to wreck the common Fairies. It is bar none the best abuser of Defiant out there as well, and with Intimidate being a very common ability (especially in Doubles) Bisharp has rocketed in use. It's definitely a threat to watch out for.

Recommended tier: OU-Uber

Defiant is the ability you always want to go for when using Bisharp. Any stat drop the opponent inflicts on Bisharp gives it a +2 boost to Attack. Generally, this means that when an opponent tries to Intimidate you, you end up at +1 rather than -1. Even better, if you time your switch well into an opponent using Defog, you get a free Swords Dance boost. This lessens the need for Bisharp to have a Swords Dance of its own, freeing up space on its moveset.
Inner Focus prevents flinches. This deters Paraflinchers, but is generally situational.
Pressure (Hidden, Available) increases the foe's PP usage by one when they use a move that targets Bisharp. Bisharp is much too frail to abuse this ability, so just stick with Defiant.

You standard Bisharp set will always be packing Sucker Punch and Iron Head. The former enables Bisharp to bypass its so-so Speed and nail a faster opponent that dares to try to attack it. Since Bisharp is on the frail side (65/100/70 defenses are decent, but won't win any awards) opponents usually attack it directly, enabling Bisharp to abuse Sucker Punch quite well. Iron Head on the other hand serves as a more reliable move and keeps the Fairies away. From there, you have a few options. Bisharp is excellent at abusing Gen 6's improved Knock Off thanks to its high Attack and STAB. It is also an excellent Pursuit user for the same reasons as above and from the fact that it often forces switches. Low Kick is an option in Doubles for a few select threats, like Mega Kangaskhan and Heatran. Swords Dance can still be run on Bisharp and makes it very threatening, especially if it gets a Defiant boost on top of that.

Countering Bisharp:
Bisharp loathes burns, being so physically oriented. Will-O-Wisp will absolutely cripple it and protect you from Sucker Punch being a non-offensive move. Do note that some Bisharp carry a Lum Berry for this very issue however. Additionally, Bisharp is very frail and will often drop in a hit or two, especially from the Special side. Bulky Water Pokemon can soak up Bisharp's damage well and can Burn it with Scald, but watch out if Bisharp decides to set up with Swords Dance! Walls in general will have to beware of Knock-Off; none of them will like their Leftovers removed.

 

[Chinonso]

Bisharp's nice, but I don't like it.

Positives:
+ Base 125 Attack allows it to hit like a truck, along with good STAB attacking moves such as Iron Head and Night Slash.
+ Sucker Punch is an awesome attack (both in what it does and design).
+ Base 100 Defence allows it to take some hits well (especially resisted ones).
+ Surprisingly, it can learn Stealth Rock. Defensive Bisharp? Why not?
+ Rock Polish turns it into a sweeper.
+ When I first saw this guy, I almost fainted as that was how excited I was. ITS DESIGN IS AMAZING!
+ Immune to Psychic, which is always helpful.
+ Defiant is an amazing ability in standard tier play. If played right, you won't need Swords Dance on your moveset.

Negatives:
- Its typing also leaves it 4x weak to fighting. It will never be able to live a Fighting-type attack.
- With the exception of Attack and Defence, the rest of his stats are OK at best.
- Physical bulk hindered by a somewhat poor base 65 HP.
- Dislikes Scald, Blaziken, Infernape and Emboar.

Abilities:
Defiant: Attack is raised by two stages when the Pokemon has its stats lowered. Doesn't work on self inflicted stat drops or drops from allies. This ability is very, very good as it allows Bisharp to turn into a sweeper simply by (potentially) switching in/ forcing an Intimidater onto the field.
Inner Focus: This Pokemon will not flinch with the exception of Focus Punch. This ability is alright, but not that good as flinching will be the last thing on Bisharp's mind. Rock Slide isn't very effective on it, and neither is Fake Out.
Hidden Ability (Available):
Pressure: When the opponent uses a move, they lose 2 PP instead of 1. Again, situational but it can work with moves of 5 PP. Just go for Defiant.

Moveset:
Stealth Rock
Iron Head
Night Slash/Sucker Punch
Knock Off

EV's: 252 HP, 84 Atk, 176 Def
Adamant Nature
Item: ........ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Defiant.

Who'd have thought you would see Stealth Rock on a Bisharp? It would completely throw the opponent off thinking what your Bisharp can do. I also like Rock Polish, which you can use to replace Stealth Rock, and then just have 252 Atk EV's and have the remaining 4 on Def.

 

[Kitt Geekazaru]

Bisharp is surprisingly good with it's ability, Defiant. Any Intimidate or even the rare Defog or Icy Wind will give it a Swords Dance boost. It's quite good in doubles, as Intimidate is everywhere.

Sucker Punch is a must for Bisharp as at 70 speed, it isn't going anywhere fast. Iron Head provides Fairy coverage. Besides that, you can run whatever you want. Knock off and Swords Dance are popular choices, but there is also Thunder Wave, Stealth Rocks, and Quick Guard to take into consideration. Finally, it can extend it's coverage with Psycho Cut, Dual Chop, Stone Edge, and Low Kick.

 

[Shaymin is God]

I, myself, have never, ever, used Bisharp, so this moveset probably sucks.

I can't find a weird moveset name so...
Bisharp @ Focus Sash/Life Orb
Defiant
-Sucker Punch
-Swords Dance
-Knock Off
-Iron Head
252Atk 252Spd 4Def
Best that I could come up with on the fly. All attacking moves have STAB and are pretty nice for Bisharp. Swords Dance just makes it even more dangerous. Life Orb just goes by the same description as Swords Dance. Focus Sash lets you live through a fighting type attack and use Swords Dance to set up for a second turn Sucker Punch when you know your opponet will try to finish you. That's really all that I can get out of it.
You know what? I'm gonna go make an OU team with OU Pokemon that I don't normally use, including Bisharp.

 

[Kraleck]

Bisharp. A nasty customer in the right hands.

Stats:
-HP - Slightly-Below Average - Base 65 isn't the best start, but it could've been worse.
-Attack - Incredible - Base 125 is huge. With a lot of Physical Moves and Defiant, you'd be hard-pressed to find something that can resist hits for very long.
-Defense - Great - Base 100 is pretty solid, despite that nasty Fighting Weakness...
-Sp.Atk - Mediocre - Skip this Base 60. Period.
-Sp.Def - Below Average - Base 70 is not a good thing, but you have ways of getting around it like Assault Vest.
-Speed - Dead Zone - Unfortunately, Base 70 means things will easily outrun you in- and outside of Trick Room. Considering you can't use Rock Polish while holding an Assault Vest, this is always Bisharp's personal Catch-22 -- Sp.Def or Speed.

Abilities:
-Defiant - Whenever you're inflicted with a Stat Debuff, Attack is buffed by 2 Stages. You're not going to find too many faults with this.
-Inner Focus - Immunity to Flinching. Meh.
-Pressure (Hidden, Available) - Doubles PP usage of Pokémon targeting you. Not so good with that 65/100/70 defensive spread, but a fun Ability otherwise.

Overall, Bisharp is as deadly as the cutlery its body is made of. Unfortunately, its blades are vulnerable, too. Less of a glass cannon and more of a set of glass knives. Bisharp has many tricks to hack and slash the opposition, but not much staying power.

 

[Missingno. Master]

Check And Mate
Bisharp@Muscle Band/Focus Sash
Adamant nature
Defiant
252 Attack/252 Speed/4 HP
~Knock Off
~Iron Head
~Brick Break
~Rock Polish

Bisharp is just really, really cool. Knock Off is your main STAB move, it does excellent damage to anything that's got an item (which is basically everything). Iron Head is for additional STAB, and also to deal with those pesky Fairy-types which would otherwise wall this. Brick Break is for additional coverage, and also ensures that Reflect is not a problem. Finally, Rock Polish deals with Bisharp's Speed.

Item is for boosting Bisharp's Attack or letting it survive a setup turn, whichever you deem more necessary. Ability is the best it gets.


A Sucker For Chess Puns
Bisharp@Leftovers
Adamant nature
Defiant
252 Attack/252 Speed/4 HP
~Sucker Punch
~Iron Head
~Swords Dance
~Stealth Rock

This one's less about outright sweeping. Stealth Rock, well, we're all familiar with that one by now. Swords Dance boosts Bisharp's already serviceable Attack stat to godlike levels. Iron Head is STAB, and Sucker Punch is STAB and priority, helps make up for the lack of a speed-boosting move.

Item is for helping to keep Bisharp alive. Ability, again, is the best it gets. Helps with the Attack stat.


Metal Burstsharp
Bisharp@Focus Sash
Lonely nature
Inner Focus
252 Attack/252 HP
~Metal Burst
~Sucker Punch
~Quick Guard
~Pursuit

This one is out-and-out gimmicky. Metal Burst is the main move here- an opponent deals a heavy blow, activates the Focus Sash, and then Metal Burst turns it back on them for 1.5x the damage it dealt. Beautiful. Sucker Punch is to deal a little more damage before you then get KO'd. Quick Guard and Pursuit are mainly filler, but they do allow you to do something should you predict a priority move or a switch.

Item is for helping to keep Bisharp alive so it can do a Metal Burst. Ability prevents an untimely flinch interfering with Metal Burst, since you only get one shot at it.


Other options:
*Bisharp can run Low Kick over Brick Break to deal more damage to the heavier foes, and considering it's mostly Steel-types this move is for, it's not that bad an option. Steel-types tend to be heavy, after all.
*Foul Play sounds like an attractive option, but for that, you'd want an opponent with higher Attack than Bisharp, the likes of which are in rather short supply.
*If Rock Polish doesn't catch your eye, then maybe Thunder Wave is more your style. Rock Polish only requires one turn of setup, though.

Abilities:
*Defiant: Whenever Bisharp's stats are lowered, its Attack goes up two stages. Self-inflicted stat drops won't activate this. A popular way to combat Intimidate, which easily makes it Bisharp's best Ability.
*Inner Focus: Bisharp can't flinch. Useful when paired with Metal Burst, but otherwise, stick with Defiant..
*Pressure: Bisharp's Hidden Ability. When a move is used against Bisharp, it loses 2 PP instead of 1. Yeah... stick with Defiant. Bisharp doesn't have the bulk to pull this one off.

Partners:
You can't go wrong with Smashpassing. Or really, any Baton Passer with a Speed-increasing move. Hell, even Sticky Web support is useful. And maybe Rapid Spin to keep the Sticky Web off your end (though it would activate Defiant...).

Counters:
Fighting moves. Bisharp has decent Defense, but it doesn't matter much to something whose type combination lets it die to Rock Smash. As such, beware of priority moves- Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave in particular.

Opinion:
Cool. Just, cool. There's no other word for it.

Prediction for next week:
Slurpuff.

 

[Psynergy]

Bisharp is a jerk.

I don't want to say too much that's already been said since there's honestly not a lot of moves it has to run, and overall those stats look very average overall. What it does get is amazing though. Knock Off, Iron Head, Sucker Punch, Pursuit, Swords Dance, it doesn't really need much else to function. Those moves along with Defiant scare off so many Pokemon it's insane, and even in Doubles where something like Bisharp might look awful, it's a massive threat that you need to be prepared for. Life Orb is the item of choice, but Black Glasses is a pretty cool item that prevents it from being worn down at the cost of a slight power drop and boost for Iron Head. I know Assault Vest has been mentioned as an option but I've not often run into that so I can't say much there. Meanwhile in Doubles, Bisharp loves Focus Sash though the power drop from Life Orb can be a bit of a letdown at times.

As for other moves that could potentially be useful, Stealth Rock is one of few I can think of that can find a way to work given how easily it forces switches and prevents Defog. But Bisharp is usually better off Pursuit trapping or filling the late-game sweeper role, so Stealth Rock isn't easily going to find its way on Bisharp's sets. Low Kick is an option (more so in Doubles) to hit Heatran harder but doesn't have much else going for it. Thunder Wave is also a jerk move and I would hate to run into a Bisharp with it for multiple reasons but I'm more confused at why Bisharp gets it at all.

 

[Deltadromeus]

Okay, I have swept many a team with this guy. Once I get set up, there is almost no stopping me. I mean, just look at that attack. Base 125? I'll take it! Anyways, my Bisharp isn't much different from other Bisharps, so here is my set.

Arm the Nuke
Bisharp @ Life Orb/Lum Berry
Defiant
252 Hp, 252 Atk, 4 Spd
Adament (+Atk, -SpA)
-Sucker Punch
-Knock Off
-Swords Dance
-Iron Head

This set is simple. Set up 1-2 Swords Dance, and sweep with Sucker Punch from there. Life orb is an option, but I prefer Lum Berry, just to counteract the random Scald burn. Plus, after taking a hit that 10% chip damage could be enough to kill you. Bisharp isn't the tankyest pokemon around. I do have a more unorthodox strategy.

SUCKER PUNCH 'TILL WE WIN!!
Bisharp @ Choice Band
Defiant
252 Hp, 252 Atk, 4 Def
Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
-Sucker Punch
-Iron Head
-Knock Off
-Low Kick

The title says it all. Keep using Sucker Punch until everything is dead. Expect 1-2 KO's with this set.

 

[KillerDraco]

SUCKER PUNCH 'TILL WE WIN!!
Bisharp @ Choice Band
Defiant
252 Hp, 252 Atk, 4 Def
Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
-Sucker Punch
-Iron Head
-Knock Off
-Low Kick

The title says it all. Keep using Sucker Punch until everything is dead. Expect 1-2 KO's with this set.

Don't do this. Sucker Punch and Choice Band are an awful combination; getting locked into Sucker Punch is one of the worst things you can do, and makes Bisharp total setup/phase/burn bait, and allows free switches. Part of what makes Bisharp so dangerous is the mind-games involved. You could attack it and eat the Sucker Punch, but if you try to switch or use a non-attacking move, you might find yourself eating Pursuit or Knock Off instead. There's a lot of Pokemon who can make good use of a Choice Band, but Bisharp really needs the freedom to be able to switch attacks.

 

[Karxrida]

Did somebody say Assault Vest?

Bisharp @ Assault Vest
Defiant
Nature: Adamant
192 HP / 220 Attack / 96 Speed
-Knock Off
-Iron Head
-Sucker Punch
-Pursuit

This set is designed to be a more consistent Pursuit Trapper, with the investment preventing a 2HKO from LO Latios' Draco Meteor and outspeeds max Azumarill.

Also as a general note, Aerial Ace is a good Other Option since it hits Keldeo and Chesnaught, two otherwise solid counters. You could also run Psycho Cut if you want to hit Keldeo a bit harder, but Aerial Ace is preferred since it will do way more to Chesnaught. Low Kick is also useful for other Bisharp, making it one of the best counters for itself.

 

[Razor Shiftry]

Bisharp @ Assault Vest
Defiant
Nature: Adamant
192 HP / 220 Attack / 96 Speed
-Knock Off
-Iron Head
-Sucker Punch
-Pursuit

This set is designed to be a more consistent Pursuit Trapper, with the investment preventing a 2HKO from LO Latios' Draco Meteor and outspeeds max Azumarill.

On the flipside, Bisharp is one of the few poeks that could actually get away with running Blackglasses, since it can run three offensive dark typed moves - all of which have different purposes. Knock off to get rid of an opponent's item, sucker punch for priority, pursuit to get a jump on running enemies.

oh, and Bisharp has no business with Azumarill. Bisharp is pretty physically bulky but its only neutral to Play Rough and Azumarill is only takes Neutral damage from Iron Head and with base 100 HP and resistance to dark typed attacks...yeah.

 

[Deltadromeus]

Don't do this. Sucker Punch and Choice Band are an awful combination; getting locked into Sucker Punch is one of the worst things you can do, and makes Bisharp total setup/phase/burn bait, and allows free switches. Part of what makes Bisharp so dangerous is the mind-games involved. You could attack it and eat the Sucker Punch, but if you try to switch or use a non-attacking move, you might find yourself eating Pursuit or Knock Off instead. There's a lot of Pokemon who can make good use of a Choice Band, but Bisharp really needs the freedom to be able to switch attacks.

I've actually found it quite useful! I don't always like it, but I stil find it can secure a few KO's, even from full health. Its not the best set out there, but it is a possible one.

 

[Karxrida]

On the flipside, Bisharp is one of the few poeks that could actually get away with running Blackglasses, since it can run three offensive dark typed moves - all of which have different purposes. Knock off to get rid of an opponent's item, sucker punch for priority, pursuit to get a jump on running enemies.

oh, and Bisharp has no business with Azumarill. Bisharp is pretty physically bulky but its only neutral to Play Rough and Azumarill is only takes Neutral damage from Iron Head and with base 100 HP and resistance to dark typed attacks...yeah.

I never said it was an Azumarill answer, just that the spread lets it outspeed. It's useful for finishing it off or being an emergency check.

 

[ampfire101]

Bisharp has poor HP, bad Sp Def, has a 4x weakness to Fighting moves, and poor speed. So what's the answer to that? Vacuum Wave. Even if it tries to use Sucker Punch, if your Vacuum Waver is faster (which it probably is), it can land the hit with ease. Probably the most nefarious of all would be that of Mega Lucario. With Adaptability, it can bypass Bisharp's speed priority from Sucker Punch with its own priority. If Bisharp doesn't have Sucker Punch, there a few more options open to you. Again, Mega Lucario could use Aura Sphere instead, and speedy attackers like Alakazam and Infernape could use Focus Blast for massive damage.

If walling it is your strategy, then several things can work. Status, by far, is the best way to go, as Bisharp DOES have Metal Burst, which may lead to some problems if you choose to attack it. Burns are the worst status for Bisharp because it bypasses Defiant and chips away at Bisharp's already low health. Mega Banette gets some degree of praise for its Prankster Will-o-Wisps, and can even use Spite to limit the potential threats it may have to face! Paralysis isn't exactly the most useful status, as Bisharp is already slow (although a 25% chance it won't be able to move is pretty nice). Prankster Thundrus Thunder Wave can aid in that situation, but generally, Bisharp hates a burn far more. Just be cautious, as Bisharp has access to Taunt as well as a powerful STAB Sucker Punch, and walling can be impossible if that happens.

Some offensive Pokémon can be interesting checks Bisharp as well, aside from speedy attackers. Bisharp really relies on Sucker Punch for speed and STAB power, but luckily, it's a Dark-Type move, meaning several attackers can use it. Cobalion can use Justified to up its attack stat for an even more powerful Sacred Sword to finish it off. Garchomp can run Rough Skin to eliminate any chance of Bisharp slipping away via Focus Sash, and can Earthquake it to oblivion. A less seen but still viable check to Bisharp is Steadfast Gallade. While it doesn't really like to eat a Sucker Punch, a Gallade at +1 speed is pretty scary, and Close Combat will decimate Bisharp. Just be wary, with Rock Polish, Bisharp is a real threat, so hit hard, wall it well, or use its moves to your advantage to win.

 

[Karxrida]

Bisharp has poor HP, bad Sp Def, has a 4x weakness to Fighting moves, and poor speed. So what's the answer to that? Vacuum Wave. Even if it tries to use Sucker Punch, if your Vacuum Waver is faster (which it probably is), it can land the hit with ease. Probably the most nefarious of all would be that of Mega Lucario. With Adaptability, it can bypass Bisharp's speed priority from Sucker Punch with its own priority. If Bisharp doesn't have Sucker Punch, there a few more options open to you. Again, Mega Lucario could use Aura Sphere instead, and speedy attackers like Alakazam and Infernape could use Focus Blast for massive damage.

If walling it is your strategy, then several things can work. Status, by far, is the best way to go, as Bisharp DOES have Metal Burst, which may lead to some problems if you choose to attack it. Burns are the worst status for Bisharp because it bypasses Defiant and chips away at Bisharp's already low health. Mega Banette gets some degree of praise for its Prankster Will-o-Wisps, and can even use Spite to limit the potential threats it may have to face! Paralysis isn't exactly the most useful status, as Bisharp is already slow (although a 25% chance it won't be able to move is pretty nice). Prankster Thundrus Thunder Wave can aid in that situation, but generally, Bisharp hates a burn far more. Just be cautious, as Bisharp has access to Taunt as well as a powerful STAB Sucker Punch, and walling can be impossible if that happens.

Some offensive Pokémon can be interesting checks Bisharp as well, aside from speedy attackers. Bisharp really relies on Sucker Punch for speed and STAB power, but luckily, it's a Dark-Type move, meaning several attackers can use it. Cobalion can use Justified to up its attack stat for an even more powerful Sacred Sword to finish it off. Garchomp can run Rough Skin to eliminate any chance of Bisharp slipping away via Focus Sash, and can Earthquake it to oblivion. A less seen but still viable check to Bisharp is Steadfast Gallade. While it doesn't really like to eat a Sucker Punch, a Gallade at +1 speed is pretty scary, and Close Combat will decimate Bisharp. Just be wary, with Rock Polish, Bisharp is a real threat, so hit hard, wall it well, or use its moves to your advantage to win.

1.) Bisharp is never seen without Sucker Punch EVER, so Mega Alakazam is not a reliable check unless it has Substitute.
2.) Mega Banette is bad.
3.) Garchomp can lose to a boosted Bisharp unless it's the bulky set.
4.) Gallade is an not a reliable answer, period. Knock Off/Iron Head + Sucker Punch will always kill it, and all bets are of if Bisharp has any boosts. Also Steadfast doesn't boost from Dark moves, Justified does.
5.) Rock Polish Bisharp is not a thing.

 

[ger9119]

Blackglasses deserves a mention for an item, since you're most likely going to be using it's dark stabs (Sucker Punch/Knock Off/Pursuit) and you don't get hit with recoil damage.

 

[Rocxidi]

People should slash Assault Vest to all the offensive sets. Bisharp doesn't need EVs for it to take special hits now. With full attack and speed investment it lives an unboosted Mega Diancie Earth Power amongst other things.

Can i see more power up punch / sd tho

 

[ger9119]

People should slash Assault Vest to all the offensive sets. Bisharp doesn't need EVs for it to take special hits now. With full attack and speed investment it lives an unboosted Mega Diancie Earth Power amongst other things.

Can i see more power up punch / sd tho

Is AV even good? Compared to Life Orb or Blackglasses I don't see much use for it honestly.