How to Utilize Revenge Killers to Break Momentum

Revenge killers are a cornerstone of competitive Cobblemon strategies, offering a reliable way to regain control of the battlefield by taking down opponents that threaten to sweep or build momentum. By understanding how to effectively use revenge killers, you can disrupt your opponent’s plans, reset the pace of the match, and create opportunities for your team to capitalize. This guide explains the role of revenge killers and provides tips on how to integrate them into your Cobblemon battles.

What is a Revenge Killer?

A revenge killer is a Cobblemon specifically designed to eliminate an opposing Cobblemon after it has taken down one of your own. Revenge killers excel in speed or priority and often leverage strong offensive capabilities to neutralize threats before they cause further damage.

• Characteristics of Revenge Killers:
  • High Speed or access to priority moves.
  • Strong offensive stats or reliable coverage.
  • Often equipped with Choice Scarf, priority moves, or powerful STAB attacks.

When to Use a Revenge Killer

Revenge killers are most effective in the following scenarios:

1. Stopping a Sweep: Neutralizing Cobblemon that have boosted stats (e.g., Dragon Dance or Swords Dance users).
2. Breaking Momentum: Slowing down offensive teams by removing key attackers.
3. Cleaning Up: Finishing weakened opponents in the late game to secure a win.

Types of Revenge Killers

1. Choice Scarf Users

• How They Work: A Choice Scarf boosts Speed by 50%, allowing these Cobblemon to outspeed even the fastest threats.
• Examples:
  • Garchomp: Outpaces threats with powerful moves like Outrage and Earthquake.
  • Hydreigon: Uses Draco Meteor to handle bulky opponents.
  • Excadrill: Combines Choice Scarf with Iron Head or Earthquake for reliable damage.

2. Priority Move Users

• How They Work: Priority moves like Ice Shard or Extreme Speed let these Cobblemon strike first regardless of Speed tiers.
• Examples:
  • Weavile: Uses Ice Shard to counter Dragon- and Flying-types.
  • Dragonite: Extreme Speed deals high damage to weakened foes.
  • Mimikyu: Shadow Sneak provides Ghost-type priority for finishing opponents.

3. Natural Speedsters

• How They Work: Cobblemon with inherently high Speed can act as revenge killers without relying on items.
• Examples:
  • Dragapult: Outspeeds most threats and strikes hard with Draco Meteor or Shadow Ball.
  • Infernape: Combines blazing Speed with versatile coverage like Close Combat and Fire Blast.
  • Zeraora: Electric-type Speedster with Plasma Fists for offensive pressure.

4. Bulkier Revenge Killers

• How They Work: These Cobblemon can survive a hit before retaliating with powerful moves.
• Examples:
  • Togekiss: Uses Thunder Wave and Air Slash to neutralize threats with flinches.
  • Conkeldurr: Survives hits with its bulk and retaliates using Guts-boosted attacks.

Key Strategies for Effective Revenge Killing

1. Identify Priority Targets

• Recognize Cobblemon on your opponent’s team that pose the greatest threat to your strategy.
• Example: A boosted Salamence or Garchomp should be your top priority to eliminate.

2. Leverage Coverage Moves

• Revenge killers often rely on strong coverage moves to handle diverse threats.
• Example: Use Ice Beam on a Choice Scarf Hydreigon to counter Flying- or Dragon-types.

3. Play Around Stat Boosts

• Many sweepers rely on boosts like Dragon Dance or Swords Dance. Revenge killers can often bypass these threats by outspeeding them or using priority.
• Example: Use Ice Shard on Weavile to handle a Dragon Dance Salamence.

4. Punish Weaknesses

• Exploit the vulnerabilities of your opponent’s Cobblemon to ensure a swift KO.
• Example: Plasma Fists from Zeraora can punish bulky Water-types.

Integrating Revenge Killers Into Your Team

1. Build Around Your Playstyle

• Offensive teams can benefit from faster revenge killers to maintain momentum.
• Balanced or defensive teams might prefer bulkier revenge killers that provide additional utility.

2. Pair with Entry Hazards

• Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes can chip away at opponents, making it easier for revenge killers to finish them off.

3. Include Hazard Removal

• Revenge killers often require safe switching. Use hazard removers like Defog or Rapid Spin to protect them from unnecessary damage.

4. Provide Pivot Support

• Moves like U-turn, Volt Switch, or Flip Turn can safely bring revenge killers into battle.
• Example: Rotom-Wash pivots into a Choice Scarf Garchomp for a decisive strike.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Overcommitting

• Sending in a revenge killer too early can leave you vulnerable later.
• Solution: Reserve revenge killers for critical threats or late-game cleanup.

2. Ignoring Coverage

• A revenge killer with poor coverage can be countered easily.
• Solution: Ensure your moves cover the most common threats in the meta.

3. Forgetting Speed Control

• Even a revenge killer can fail against faster threats or priority users.
• Solution: Include Speed control strategies like Thunder Wave or Tailwind to support your team.

Sample Team Featuring Revenge Killers

1. Garchomp (Choice Scarf User)

• Moves: Earthquake, Outrage, Stone Edge, Fire Fang
• Role: Outspeeds and eliminates fast threats.

2. Weavile (Priority User)

• Moves: Ice Shard, Knock Off, Icicle Crash, Swords Dance
• Role: Handles Dragons and frail sweepers.

3. Dragapult (Natural Speedster)

• Moves: Draco Meteor, Shadow Ball, U-turn, Thunderbolt
• Role: Fast revenge killer with pivoting utility.

4. Rotom-Wash (Pivot Support)

• Moves: Volt Switch, Hydro Pump, Will-O-Wisp, Pain Split
• Role: Safely brings in revenge killers while spreading status.

5. Toxapex (Defensive Core)

• Moves: Toxic, Scald, Recover, Haze
• Role: Neutralizes setup sweepers and stalls threats.

6. Ferrothorn (Hazard Setter)

• Moves: Stealth Rock, Leech Seed, Gyro Ball, Protect
• Role: Provides chip damage for revenge killers to clean up.

Conclusion

Revenge killers are essential tools for breaking your opponent’s momentum and regaining control of the battlefield. By understanding their roles, choosing the right moves, and integrating them into your team effectively, you can dismantle even the most threatening strategies. Experiment with different revenge killers and strategies to find what works best for your playstyle.