When two people love each other very much legend says that they will receive a visit from the Stork who will deliver them…..rocks, at least in the Pokémon world. According to the pokedex it does this for fun. It is appropriate though that we now cover this Pokémon in the run up to Valentine’s Day though if this is the Pokémon that visits you on valentines it might be a good idea to question your relationship as lots of rocks being lobbed at you or dropped on you is seldom the best sign. It’s dark flying typing is ok and can prove useful with dark rendering immunity to psychic (and prankster) and Flying giving immunity to ground. It does come with 4 weaknesses namely electric, rock, ice and fairy but only 2x so it could be a lot worse (though is weak to stealth rock which is less than ideal). It does have a great ability in Rocky Payload (which is very similar to steelworker but for rock) which should be notable as rock coverage on flying types tends to be limited, its other abilities big pecks and keen eye are situationally useful but aren’t exactly the most impactful but useable if not running rocks. The biggest issue it has its stats that really underwhelm. Its speed is slow given modern power creep but not really slow enough for something like trick room leaving it in a middling position, which wouldn’t be so bad if it had decent bulk but there it is again underwhelming. Its special attack is pretty bad as well which shouldn’t be an issue however for a physical attacker if only its total base stats are 485, it probably would be better to lose some points from special attack. Its other problem is its move options, being a physical dark type is ok with moves like knock off and sucker punch though it probably would appreciate something a bit more powerful given its attack, it flying options are also ok as it has brave bird or dual wingbeat but then again has power vs recoil issues, and interesting rock coverage (with he obvious downside that most rock moves have accuracy issues) which aren’t the most powerful. None of the move options mean its bad but coming of 103 attack means it can’t just overwhelm with raw power. In all honesty I suspect the reason Bombirdier is the way it is mainly so its not too brutal of a boss fight, but when it comes to competitive it leaves a lot to be desired it hasn’t had much success but with its coverage options you’d have to be stork raving mad to disregard it completely.
Doubles set
This set reached apparently 27th place in a regional in Vancouver. But I find it fascinating as it uses an item I’ve never considered before- Room Service which when held If Trick Room takes effect (or if in effect when this Pokémon switches in), this item will lower the holder's Speed stat. This sets up an interesting option
Special Delivery
Room Service-the crux of the set meaning Bombirdier can now move slow enough to take advantage of trick room (notably the item is consumed)
Ability: Rocky Payload
Tera Type: Rock- to hit more powerful rock slides
Acrobatics- as room service is consumed this suddenly hits very hard and avoids brave bird’s recoil
Knock Off- Depriving the right foe of an item is great and means dark weak foes can’t avoid damage by using status moves (unless they are moves like protect)
Sucker Punch- Good STAB priority but does rely on opponents attacking
Rock Slide- A very good move in doubles with the flinch chance for both foes.
Other options
Brave Bird- More outright power but does do recoil
Dual Wingbeat- hits twice so could be useful against substitute or sturdy
Lash Out- If stats are lowered this becomes 150 BP, could be a brutal combo, however it is less reliable as other factors have to be in play for its stats to be lowered (e.g hit by screech, lowered by room service after trick room etc). Intimidate would also work but then your attack would be lower
Parting shot- good way of pivoting when its not the right time for trick room
U-turn- Similar to Parting shot but does damage instead of lowering stats. Bug coverage can be useful against other dark types.
Stone Edge- more rock damage but less accuracy and only hits one target.
Drill run- Could really mess with an electric or rock expecting you to switch out while they set up.
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