Community POTW #49

[Cometk]

Erm, I don't really get what point you're making. We aren't trying to convince you it's OU material, just prepare it's sets and point out it's niches....

its niche is a mixed wallbreaker in nu

no other good reason to use it

[Piplupstars]

For partners if it's running a special set and has lightning rod it can do basically what Manectric does and partner it with a water type to get rid of its pesky ground weakness. Starmie is an excellent option due to it being fast and hitting hard or Gyrados to save it from its 4x weakness.

[jesusfreak94]

I've already listed this, and HP grass is an option for hitting Gastrodon.

Oh well, tl;dr the whole thread. Besides, someone's probably going to mention that set again in a few pages. It's not like Zebstrika has many options. :\

[Kraleck]

Oh well, tl;dr the whole thread. Besides, someone's probably going to mention that set again in a few pages. It's not like Zebstrika has many options. :\

Aside from everything mentioned already, only Toxic and Light Screen stand out as other potential options. Debuffs (aside from Screech) are only worth 1 stage, other attack Moves are weak-sauce, and other support Moves aren't too viable with Zeb's inherent frailty.

At least you aren't going to be too confused by so many options like some of the weaker Pokemon...

[Ilan]

He specifically called it gimmicky, pointed out the gimmick, and subsequently debunked that it would actually come off the ground as a 'real'-move.. Especially on Espeon...

As for Zebstrika, oh lord, now I'll have to convince my girlfriend that the zebra isn't really what it's cracked up to be.. Same with the leopard, anybody know of a decent moveset for that thing?

1.There are only 2 good users of stored power: clefable and sygiliph both have magic guard to stay enough to use a boosting move like 6 times

2. zebras are awesome

3.liepard have a fine set with prankster other sets are for NU.. but prankster fits to UU

IDK why people keep posting the same sets again and again anyway most pokemons don't have more than 5 usable sets maximum and 3 useful ones..

I bet no one gonna use a special zebriska (cause matrike is much better on than) so banded or mixed... that's all it got

[Zachmac]

its niche is a mixed wallbreaker in nu

no other good reason to use it

You're probably right, actually. Not very many sets have been posted, most look the same.

We could still try side sets, but the mixed attacker should be the main set, with specs and band afterwards.

1.There are only 2 good users of stored power: clefable and sygiliph both have magic guard to stay enough to use a boosting move like 6 times

Baton Pass chains and Espeon are so annoying....

[Kraleck]

You're probably right, actually. Not very many sets have been posted, most look the same.

We could still try side sets, but the mixed attacker should be the main set, with specs and band afterwards.

Agreed. Seeing as most Pokemon weak to Flame Charge would only enter into Zeb if they have high enough Defense to shrug it off anyway, that Base 80 Sp.Atk isn't so bad with Overheat to teach them a thing or two.

That said, few options for a mixed attacker mean your pony has one trick only. At least some of the others get either more variety with their Speed (i.e. Accelgor, Crobat, Weavile, Alakazam) or more reliability with their Move-Types (i.e. Aerodactyl, Dugtrio, Sceptile). Zeb's main Moves activate too many Abilities and/or have too many immunities to them.

As an Electric Type, though, it places 4th in Attack (7th if you count legendary Pokemon) and 3rd in Speed. None of the other 3 non-legendary Electric Types with high Attack can boast the same Speed advantage. Compared to the 2 Speedsters, Electrode has far too few offensive Move-Types to really compare to Zeb, so Jolteon is probably the best yardstick, despite being Special oriented.

Despite the superior Speed and Sp.Atk, Jolteon has only one true inferiority to Zeb - it can't go mixed attacker as well as Zeb. Only Raichu, 'tross, and Galv' can even come close to Zeb's potential to mix attack. However, 'tross can't outspeed much without Trick Room.

A one-trick pony? Sure, Zeb is. But it's trick is a rather complex one anyway. I'm not going to complain about it as much as I would with any other Electric Type...

[Fast_shoesXx]

OU Zebstrika @Life Orb [Sap Sipper]
252 Att/252 Spd [Naive/Hasty]
Wild Charge
Overheat
Hidden Power [Ice]/Thunder Wave
Double Kick/Pursuit

The idea is to switch into things that Spore/Leech Seed/use grass moves (Breloom, Celebii, etc.) and get a +1 to attack. As Zeb is faster that these grass types, you can Overheat, or, predicting a switch, Pursuit. Hidden Power [ice] is for Gliscor, Double Kick is for steels like Heatran or Cobalion, and Wild Charge is your go-to STAB attack. Thunder Wave is for more support.

^Max attack EVs, an ability that boost attack, then a -Attack nature and not many physical moves?

Cabolion is rare anyway, I'd give it double edge or return. On top of that, Cabolion won't like an Overheat too much.This is so true it's not even funny. It's a shame to, I like Zebstrika...

Oh, I guess Charge Beam can go to the special attack sets.

Oops. I don't know what I was thinking when I typed timid. I made some changes.

Cobolion may be rare, but Heatran is rampant. Not to mention Tyranitar.

It doesn't need four physical moves, as it's physical coverage is at it's best (considering it's limited movepool) with two, three moves tops. Gliscor will take a beating from a x4 hidden power weakness; at least it's somewhat unexpected from Zeb, unlike overheat.

[Sound]

Support Nonstrika @ Light clay
252 SpDef/252 Spd [Calm]
Light Screen
Discharge
Toxic
Charge

While his Special defense may not be the best, Light Screen+charge really... well, it doesn't hurt it. This set can work as a half special wall half support. Light screen lets it take more special hits. Discharge for attack and para chance. Toxic for electric types that try to stay in. Charge for a Spdef boost and can boost discharge's power if you're expecting a switch out.

If it got calm mind, this set wouldn't be too bad. Sadly, no such luck. Either way, this is in my opinion one of the better support sets Zebstrika can use.

[Zachmac]

^If you're using it as a wall, you're using it wrong. It's like sending Ferrothorn in on Heatran, or using a Choice Scarfed Blissy.

[SwiftGrovyle]

I know that's not what this thread is about, but is there something wrong with a Zebra? Then there should be something wrong with a lizard, a turtle, a plant bulb, and a mouse.

Yeah, it's only going to be stopped by Mewtwo, Kyogre, Reshiram, Zekrom, Ferrothorn, Blaziken, Excadril, Groudon, Arceus, Raquaza with EQ, Dialga, Palkia, Ho-oh, Skymin, Lugia, Garchomp, Giratina-o, Giratina-a, Doexys, Deoxys-attack, Deoxys-S, Blissy, Chansy, Swift Swimmers, and maybe a few others.

............................

Leave Me First to mewtwo, if you want to do it at all. I've already listed this, and HP grass is an option for hitting Gastrodon.

Ok, I got the point. But the power can be intense sometimes. And no, Lucario and Xatu can use this move well too. It really matters on prediction, which, once again, may not be a good thing sometimes.

And I admit, this zebra is unique. Three immunity abilities, that can take status moves as well. Awesome. Not to mention, probably the only electric type that can seriously counter grass types, not just because of ability, but it's capable of fire type moves.

Counters
Ground types from all generations can tear it out with earthquake, no need to mention names. If running a physical set, almost any serious physical wall can stop it, even skarmory gives it trouble, just don't switch in to a super effective move and you'll be fine. Special? Even Audino and Mandibuzz can leave it one down. The defenses are so low that any good hit will buckle it like a gazelle.

[Sound]

^If you're using it as a wall, you're using it wrong. It's like sending Ferrothorn in on Heatran, or using a Choice Scarfed Blissy.

I was mainly going the support route. The only reason I called it a wall is because it's EVs are like one, which is the only way it's going to survive more than one hit. The idea of the set was support, and as it only gets light screen, I was going for late game support. Basically, get lightscreen up, fire off a discharge or use toxic based on which one would be more beneficial. Charge is there for lack of a better move.

[PardonMyHarden]

Zebstrika (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Lightningrod
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SAtk / 4 Spd
Naughty Nature (+Atk, -SDef)
- Substitute
- Me First
- Overheat
- Wild Charge

Yeah really! This is a very gimmicky but hilarious set to run on a Zebstrika. You switch into an electric move to get the motor drive boost. On the predicted switch you can put up your substitute. The switch into a Zebstrika will most likely be a ground type wall capable of taking the electric or fire move. Then the fun starts. You use Me First on the earthquake or whatever move they choose and then you have them just eating out of your hands. If the gimmick fails at least you know your opponent will probably cower in fear, because you brought a Zebstrika with Me First. Who knows, maybe he will drop his DS and it will freeze. A forfeit is every bit of a win in my books. The other moves are pretty standard on a Zebstrika and are for actual damage.

[Blue Harvest]

Zebstrika (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Lightningrod
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SAtk / 4 Spd
Naughty Nature (+Atk, -SDef)
- Substitute
- Me First
- Overheat
- Wild Charge

Yeah really! This is a very gimmicky but hilarious set to run on a Zebstrika. You switch into an electric move to get the motor drive boost. On the predicted switch you can put up your substitute. The switch into a Zebstrika will most likely be a ground type wall capable of taking the electric or fire move. Then the fun starts. You use Me First on the earthquake or whatever move they choose and then you have them just eating out of your hands. If the gimmick fails at least you know your opponent will probably cower in fear, because you brought a Zebstrika with Me First. Who knows, maybe he will drop his DS and it will freeze. A forfeit is every bit of a win in my books. The other moves are pretty standard on a Zebstrika and are for actual damage.

You might as well run HP Grass > Substitute. Me First can be use to instantly destroy stuff like Lati@s / Hydreigon (Draco Meteor) but HP Grass lets you take down Gastrodon. Also max Speed lol. Naive or Hasty.

[PardonMyHarden]

Yeah just kinda threw something together. I would never expect a Zebstrika to take down a Gastrodon anyways so I didn't really worry about it. I like substitute because it gives you a little security and the enemy will probably think you are attempting to set up a sweep, while instead you are just trying to take out your main counters for a latter sweep by Zebstrika or a teamate.

[dragon zero]

phsyical

Wild Charge/Spark
Flame Charge
Thrash/Double Edge
Quick Attack
Ability: Sap Sipper/Motor Drive
Nature: Adamant
EV's:252 ATK, 252 Speed, 4 Def

Wild Charge for power and Spark is there if the recoil bothers you plus has a nice para chance. flame charge for coverage and speed bonus. thrash or double edge for big power hindered by only rock,steel and ghost. quick attack for priority.

special

Thunder(bolt)
Over Heat
Volt Switch
Hidden Power(any type thats gives good coverage)
Ability: Lightning Rod
Nature: Modest
EV's: 252 Sp.Atk, 252 Speed, 4 HP

thunder(bolt) for STAB. OverHeat not only cos its its only special fire move outside of Hidden Power but also hits hard especially after lightning rod boost. volt switch to scout and hidden power for extra coverage.

Other Options:

Double Kick can break subs and hit again if lucky, rock smash just for the 50% Def drop, thunder wave for support for team mates

Zebstrika looks cool in appearance but personally i think eelektross outclasses him in all stats(except Speed of course)and has a bigger move pool

[sbktdreed]

Personal Moveset
Ability: Motor Drive/Sap Sipper
Item: Shuca Berry/Muscle Band/Damp Rock
Wild Charge/Thunder
Flame Charge
Double Kick
Pursuit/Toxic/Rain Dance/Rock Smash

If Wild Charge, Muscle Band is recommended. If Rain Dance, Damp Rock is recommended.

Partners:
Discharge-users (Porygon-Z/Probopass/Frost or Wash Rotom) if Motor Drive is used.
Water/Grass/Ice/Flying-type and/or Levitate pokemon

Countering:
Defensive and Speedy Ground/Dragon/Electric-types that does Ground-type moves like Gliscor, Electrivire, Hydregion. If a Trick Room strategy is used, Golem, Swampert, Garchomp, Cradily can also be used.

[Rotomknight]

me first... brilliant. No im not from britan. The idea of countering a counter clever...
dude i'll make a zebstrika like that when im in competetive one day.

[PhilosophicalPsychologica]

Zebbie is an interesting mon for what it can do, but must be played carefully as to not to be overshadowed by other Electrics.

It is notable for having its Speed outpace nearly all Pokemon; it combines the Speed that Electrode/Jolteon has with the type coverage Electivire/Luxray/Manectric has to offer. Also, like Evire or Manec, Zebstrika has interesting defensive Abilities, most notably Sap Sipper. What Zebbie fails in, however, is competing with good offensive Stats compared to all these guys. Zebstrika has better Attack than the Specially-oriented Electric attackers, but that's pretty much it.

Zebstrika does have interesting moves, but sadly the one that stands out the most is Flame Charge. That and Pursuit.
One other interesting tidbit is Zebstrika is the only Electric Pokemon that gets Me First and the third fastest Me Firster behind Accelgor and Mewtwo. Unless you Flame Charge a Terrakion on the switch and blast it with its own EQ or Sacred Sword, however, you will find opportunities to abuse this trait sparingly. It's still powerful, though.

If you're using Zebbie, you will want to capitalize it on having more Base Speed than the other Electric brethen while focusing on its Attack power (and its modest SpAtk).
For comparison, Electrode's SpAtk matches Zebstrika's, and Jolteon's main downfall is lack of Fire attacks (Zebstrika's Attack < Jolteon's Special Attack < the other guys' Attack).

[MetalCrow]

Uber Disrupter
-----------------------
Zebstrika @Focus Sash
EV - 252/252 att/sp. att +4 speed
Hasty nature + Sap Sipper
-Toxic
-Thunder Wave
-Volt Switch
-Me First