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Foul Play allows Mandibuzz to hit Excadrill and Gyarados for big damage and discourage them from using their setup moves in front of it. Knock Off punishes switch-ins like Primarina and Nihilego by removing their items. Defog can also be used due to its good matchup against certain entry hazard setters such as Excadrill and Jirachi, but Mandibuzz can't beat other setters like Nihilego or Hippowdon, and struggles longer term versus Skarmory, especially Toxic variants, so it should only be run if absolutely necessary. Taunt can shut down defensive Pokemon such as Chansey and Celesteela that rely on passive damage to break through Mandibuzz, and prevent Skarmory from setting Spikes up against it as well as Toxic from Hippowdon. Brave Bird lets it hit Conkeldurr, Tapu Bulu, and Keldeo super effectively. U-turn lets Mandibuzz pivot out of unfavorable matchups such as Nihilego and Nidoking and bring in a teammate that can threaten them. Overcoat lets Mandibuzz pivot in on Spore from Amoonguss and ignore damage from Hippowdon's Sand Stream, though it must be wary of Sludge Bomb poisons. 96 Speed EVs let Mandibuzz outspeed Modest Primarina, with the remaining EVs invested in physical bulk to maximize its ability to take on wallbreakers like Zygarde-10% and Dragon Dance Salamence. Mandibuzz is found on bulky offense and balance teams as a solid glue, combining the roles of pivot, mixed wall, and Ghost resist into one teammate. Amoonguss is a great partner that absorbs Knock Off and covers Mandibuzz's matchups against Azumarill and Primarina, while Mandibuzz checks threats such as Salamence. Together they can limit Scizor throughout a game as well. Excadrill can provide Rapid Spin support to free Mandibuzz from running Defog while checking Hatterene and Nihilego. Colbur Berry Slowking and Swampert check threats such as Conkeldurr, Nihilego, and Cobalion, and they appreciate Mandibuzz's ability to check Gyarados and Zarude. In addition, Mandibuzz forms a pivot core with both. Hippowdon and Nihilego appreciate Mandibuzz checking Excadrill and Zarude. Their good special bulk lets them pivot into Thundurus-T and Hydreigon. Frail wallbreakers such as Zygarde-10% and Nidoking struggle to switch in, so they appreciate the slow U-turn Mandibuzz provides. Keldeo and Scizor can remove threats to Mandibuzz like Hippowdon and Nihilego and form momentum cores with it.

Sporting great bulk and key utility moves, Mandibuzz has carved a niche for itself as a defensive pivot and Defogger, preventing entry hazards like Stealth Rock and Sticky Web from harming teammates such as Weavile. In addition, it provides a valuable neutrality to Fighting, taking pressure off of Sableye. Foul Play punishes physical setup sweepers such as Dragapult and Dragonite, and it also deters threats such as Victini and Excadrill from staying in. U-turn allows Mandibuzz to act as a slow pivot, safely bringing in teammates such as Weavile and Hydreigon to take advantage of Pokemon such as Kyurem and Toxapex, which come in on it. Toxic debilitates opposing walls such as Swampert and Hippowdon. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Mandibuzz to switch in freely without fear of taking Stealth Rock damage. 16 Speed EVs allow Mandibuzz to outspeed Belly Drum Azumarill and heavily damage it with Foul Play. All of Mandibuzz's teammates appreciate it bringing them in safely and preventing entry hazards like Stealth Rock from wearing them down. As a result of its part-Flying type, Mandibuzz offers a neutrality to Bug and Fighting, which teammates such as Hydreigon, Zarude, and Tyranitar appreciate. Weavile appreciates Mandibuzz removing Stealth Rock, allowing it to come in more frequently. In return, Weavile can take care of foes such as Galarian Moltres, which would otherwise use Mandibuzz as setup fodder. Hydreigon and Zarude can take care of Steel- and Water-types for Mandibuzz, notably Ferrothorn and Urshifu-R, respectively. Specially defensive Tyranitar can take on special attackers like Tapu Lele, Hatterene, and Choice Specs Zapdos that threaten Mandibuzz. Bisharp forces progress against the opposing team by removing items, checks Fairy-types like Hatterene, and appreciates Mandibuzz's ability to pivot it in safely. Drapion deals with Tapu Lele and provides Toxic Spikes, which synergizes with Mandibuzz's ability to force switches. In return, Mandibuzz checks Ground-types like Excadrill and Garchomp, which helps the aforementioned Tyranitar, Bisharp, and Drapion. Another good teammate can be found in Sableye, as it not only takes pressure off of Mandibuzz as a Fighting-type switch-in, but it can deal with Iron Defense Kommo-o and Body Press Corviknight too. All of these Pokemon can also absorb Knock Off for Mandibuzz, lest it loses its Heavy-Duty Boots.

Thanks to its great bulk, reliable recovery, good defensive typing, and STAB Foul Play, Mandibuzz is a premier physical wall in AAA. Mandibuzz can check a wide range of physical attackers including Zarude, Zygarde-10%, and Talonflame; even the setup variants cannot overwhelm Unaware varients. Dauntless Shield provides significantly more physical bulk on switch in, especially allowing it to check Zygarde-10%, and still usually check opposing setup. It is also one of the few reliable checks to Dhelmise, one of the hardest wallbreakers to account for defensively. Foul Play lets the weak Mandibuzz deal significant damage, especially if foes attempt to set up. Roost keeps Mandibuzz healthy throughout the match, and U-turn lets it function as a slow pivot and generate momentum against foes it forces out. Mandibuzz is a solid Defogger as well, which gives it solid utility even when it's not needed to check a setup sweeper. Brave Bird is another option if a teammate is already providing entry hazard removal, and it hits targets like Zarude and Volcarona harder than Foul Play does, while Toxic punishes opposing walls and beats Togekiss without Life Orb. Heavy-Duty Boots is the preferred item to negate Stealth Rock damage, especially if Mandibuzz is the Defogger. Mandibuzz strongly dislikes Toxic and Knock Off, as they severely cut into its longevity, so it must be careful switching into defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Toxapex that often carry them. Lastly, due to how ubiquitous Mandibuzz is as a physical setup check, lure sets like Galvanize Landorus-T are sometimes run to eliminate it; Mandibuzz should be careful about switching into attackers with unrevealed abilities, especially since Unaware allows it to safely come in even after the standard sets have set up. Mandibuzz fits best on balance and bulky offense teams due to its fantastic role compression; in a single teamslot it provides physical bulk, setup deterrence, entry hazard removal, and slow pivoting. Mandibuzz is a great teammate to frail-but-dangerous wallbreakers such as Terrakion, Tapu Lele, and Azelf; Mandibuzz can bring them onto the field safely with a slow U-turn and switch into physical attackers that could revenge kill them. Mandibuzz struggles to check physical attackers that can hit it hard without needing to set up, like Terrakion and Cinderace, so strong checks to those like Dauntless Shield Mew make great partners. Mandibuzz is also usually unable to check special setup sweepers like Tapu Lele, so specially bulky teammates like RegenVest Jirachi are recommended.

Thanks to its good defensive stats, neutrality against Fighting- and Bug-type attacks, and good utility moves, Mandibuzz performs the role of a premiere utility support Pokemon for Dark-type teams, making it usable even on hyper offense archetypes. Foul Play lets Mandibuzz greatly damage physical attackers like Mega Gallade, Dragonite, and Victini while also punishing setup sweepers like Mega Scizor, Mega Charizard X, and Excadrill. Roost allows Mandibuzz to keep itself healthy, giving it longevity and thus allowing it to be an effective defensive pivot throughout the game. Defog is a good utility move that is greatly appreciated by teammates of Mandibuzz, as it keeps them safe from entry hazards like Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes that may plague the entire team. Lastly, U-turn lets Mandibuzz gain momentum on a predicted switch-in against it and bring in an appropriate teammate in the battle safely. 16 Speed EVs let it outspeed Adamant Belly Drum Azumarill and check it with Foul Play. The rest of the EVs are invested into HP and Defense to optimize its overall bulk. Heavy-Duty Boots is used as an item so that Mandibuzz can freely switch in without getting chipped down by Stealth Rock, making it harder for the opposing team to wear it down. Overcoat makes Mandibuzz immune to Spore from Breloom and Amoonguss while also keeping it safe from sand and hail damage. Teammates like Weavile and Greninja like Mandibuzz switching in against physical attacks aimed at them from Pokemon like Excadrill and it creating momentum with U-turn to bring them in safely as well as clearing entry hazards away and allowing them to wallbreak foes much more effectively. Specially defensive Tyranitar can form a defensive core with Mandibuzz, since it can take on special attacks aimed at Mandibuzz while also providing Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave support. Mega Sableye takes the pressure off of Mandibuzz and can check threats like Mega Gallade that can otherwise break apart Dark-type teams, additionally bouncing back any status move aimed at Mandibuzz from Pokemon like Gastrodon and Swampert. It also does great against opposing entry hazard setters like Tyranitar, Blissey, and Ferrothorn. Hydreigon can take care of walls like Toxapex and Hippowdon that Mandibuzz can struggle against. Alolan Muk and Bisharp can cover Fairy-types like Clefable. The former can also absorb special attacks aimed at Mandibuzz well and act as a good wincon when running Curse, while the latter is a good setup sweeper and wallbreaker against defensive types like Poison. Zarude can cover Water-type teams and beat threatening Pokemon like Urshifu-R.

Moves Foul Play is Mandibuzz's primary means of dealing damage and punishes strong physical attackers such as Crawdaunt as well as Dark-weak offensive Pokemon such as Gengar, Latias, and Celebi. It also allows Mandibuzz to punish slower physical setup Pokemon such as Scizor. Taunt is key to Mandibuzz's success, as it prevents slower Pokemon from using status moves, allowing it to stop Toxic from Pokemon such as Alomomola and Blissey as well as prevent them from healing. Toxic helps mitigate Mandibuzz's passivity by crippling foes. It is crucial to Mandibuzz's role as a stallbreaker, as it allows Mandibuzz to beat Pokemon such as Alomomola, Slowbro, and Hippowdon one-on-one. Knock Off can be run over Foul Play to cripple foes by removing their items, but it generally does much less damage due to Mandibuzz's miserable offensive stats and should really only be considered if you intend to dedicate Mandibuzz to crippling slower teams. This makes it much more passive, and it becomes setup fodder for much more of the tier. Set Details 248 HP and 124 Special Defense EVs with a Careful ensure Mandibuzz is never OHKOed by +1 Devastating Drake from Latias or Thunderbolt from Mega Manectric, and never 2HKOed by Choice Specs Draco Meteor from Hydreigon or Life Orb Ice Beam from Starmie. 136 Speed EVs give Mandibuzz the jump on maximum Speed Adamant Scizor as well as Jolly Crawdaunt, allowing it to fire off a Foul Play or Toxic before they can go for a strong attack. Overcoat gives it the unique defensive perk of being immune to Amoonguss's Spore as well as sand damage from Hippowdon. Usage Tips Be careful to account for Mandibuzz's extreme passivity in offensive matchups, as giving free turns to Pokemon such as Mega Manectric, Cobalion, Primarina, and Togekiss can prove extremely costly to a balance team. Do not carelessly toss it in versus a Scizor with Stealth Rock up, for example. It can come in, however, on a resisted attack from a Pokemon such as Celebi or Krookodile and take that as an opportunity to fire off Toxic or Foul Play. Mandibuzz must be careful to avoid being crippled by Knock Off, too, as losing its Leftovers means it will be 2HKOed by far more threats later on. Due to this passivity, you shouldn't always wait until it is at low HP to use Roost, as this will often lead to it getting KOed before it can move. You should therefore predict when the opponent will attack and use Roost proactively. Thanks to the combination of Taunt, Toxic, and its high Speed for a defensive Pokemon, Mandibuzz can prove a massive headache for defensive teams. Be careful switching it in, though, as it can only do its job with any sort of consistency if it is not statused. Alomomola and Blissey, for example, both almost always carry Toxic, meaning Mandibuzz cannot safely switch in despite beating them one-on-one. Pokemon such as Slowbro, Hippowdon, and Amoonguss are generally safer bets for bringing Mandibuzz in. If the opposing team has any of Swords Dance Lucario, Cobalion, or Terrakion, be cautious when going for Foul Play, as giving them a free Attack boost with Justified would be extremely dangerous. Team Options Mandibuzz fits best on bulkier balance, stall, and semi-stall teams in need of a defensive check to offensive Grass-, Ghost-, Dark-, and Psychic-types, as well as a means of pressuring opposing bulky teams. Mega and non-Mega Slowbro both do an excellent job of shutting down most Fighting-types that would otherwise make Mandibuzz a liability thanks to Regenerator and their high Defense. They also provide an effective win condition with Calm Mind to make your team less passive. Hippowdon and Empoleon make for a very potent balance core that shuts down most offensive threats that could take advantage of Mandibuzz such as Primarina and Mega Manectric. This pairing greatly appreciates Mandibuzz's ability to break stall teams and keep Pokemon such as Gengar and Celebi at bay. Clerics are crucial for Mandibuzz to keep up the pressure versus stall and not be crippled by status. Blissey, Florges, and defensive Mega Altaria are all very capable clerics that also have good type synergy with Mandibuzz and the aforementioned Hippowdon + Empoleon core. Hazard removers are a must-have on any bulky team, but this is especially true for teams carrying Mandibuzz due to its Stealth Rock weakness. Empoleon, Tentacruel, Hydreigon, and defensive Mega Altaria are very proficient hazard removers that are generally capable of beating most hazard setters. Bulky Stealth Rock setters such as Mega Aggron, Mega Steelix, and Empoleon are necessary on balance teams to consistently rack up chip damage on Pokemon forced to come in against Mandibuzz on top of being worn down by Taunt and Toxic. These examples also make for excellent answers to Fairy-types, compensating for one of Mandibuzz's biggest defensive shortcomings. Similarly, Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Klefki turn the matchup versus stall teams further in Mandibuzz's favor by increasing the pressure from entry hazard damage. Chesnaught can also take on select Pokemon that attempt to set up on Mandibuzz, such as Cobalion and Zeraora, while Klefki's defensive typing allows it to check opposing Fairy-types.

Moves Tailwind is a great Speed control option, as it doubles Mandibuzz's and its ally's Speed. This is useful for checking faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Garchomp, and Kartana. Roost allows Mandibuzz to stay on the field long enough to set up more than one Tailwind per match. Taunt prevents Trick Room, which would counteract Tailwind, and it prevents stalling options such as Celesteela's Substitute and Leech Seed, Porygon2's Recover, and Toxic. It can also be used to stop the opponent from using Protect or boosting moves such as Calm Mind. Bear in mind that this does not stop Z-Moves such as Extreme Evoboost. Foul Play threatens physically offensive Pokemon such as Metagross, Kartana, and Garchomp, and in general, it is the most offensive move Mandibuzz should be using. Note that against Alolan Marowak, Foul Play is a 3HKO because its damage is unaffected by Thick Club. Snarl augments Mandibuzz's Special Defense and cripples special attackers such as Tapu Lele and Tapu Koko. It also helps limit Porygon2's damage output. Knock Off helps check Figy Berry Snorlax and Alolan Muk and cripples Alolan Marowak and Porygon2. It also provides valuable information as to what Pokemon holds what item, which is important for best-of-three environments. Set Details Mandibuzz can work with several different items. Sitrus Berry is for general health recovery and helps it survive being double targeted. Misty Seed can be replaced by the other Terrain seeds depending on which guardian deity is on your team. Misty Seed and Psychic Seed are recommended, as they boost Mandibuzz's Special Defense, allowing it to take 3 Life Orb Thunderbolts from Tapu Koko outside of Electric Terrain, and they make Modest Tapu Lele's Moonblast a 2HKO. The EV spread maximizes Mandibuzz's Special Defense, and allows it to outspeed Adamant Pheromosa under Tailwind. Be sure to use a Careful nature when using Knock Off. Use a Calm nature when using either Snarl or Foul Play to reduce the damage of other Foul Play and confusion damage. Overcoat allows Mandibuzz to tank Gigalith's Stone Edge 88% of the time without being KO'd by Sandstorm damage afterwards. To survive Gigalith's Stone Edge 100% of the time, use at least 20 Defense EVs. Electric Seed and Grassy Seed could be used instead of Misty Seed and Psychic Seed when using Tapu Koko or Tapu Bulu, respectively. However, the Special Defense boost is often more useful because many of Mandibuzz's weaknesses are against special moves such as Ice Beam and Moonblast. When using Sitrus Berry, use an EV spread of 244 HP / 252 SpD / 12 Spe to make an even HP number to avoid surprise Nature's Madness or Super Fang KOs. Usage Tips Mandibuzz makes an excellent switch-in against Shattered Psyche and Tectonic Rage, so not leading with Mandibuzz when Krookodile, Garchomp, or Tapu Lele is on the opponent's team is often a good idea. Because Mandibuzz essentially gets a free Special Defense boost when paired up with Tapu Lele or Tapu Fini when using the respective Seeds, it may be tempting to keep Mandibuzz in to retain that boost. However, once Mandibuzz has successfully used Taunt and Tailwind, it lacks offensive pressure and can become dead weight. Take into account how well you're using your Tailwind turns and switch or stay in accordingly, and don't become overly concerned with the Seed boosts. When not using a recovery item such as Sitrus Berry, look for opportunities to use Roost in order to keep Mandibuzz healthy. You may predict a foe's double Protect to stall out Tailwind turns, for example, which is an excellent opportunity to regain health. Mandibuzz can take down Porygon2 and some Celesteela sets in a late-game one-on-one with a combination of Taunt, Foul Play, and Roost, especially if Download gives Porygon2 an Attack boost, so this is a possible win condition to play into. Note that Porygon2 can easily freeze Mandibuzz if it is allowed to fire off too many Ice Beams. Mandibuzz's Snarl and Overcoat also help check the Torkoal and Lilligant lead combination, given Mandibuzz's immunity to Sleep Powder, Tailwind to match Lilligant's Chlorophyll, and Snarl to weaken Eruption. Team Options Tapu Fini and Tapu Lele are excellent partners, mostly because of their Terrains activating Misty Seed and Psychic Seed, respectively. They also appreciate Tailwind to help them outspeed Pokemon such as Garchomp and Kartana. Garchomp and Mudsdale can use Earthquake freely alongside Mandibuzz, which is a relatively rare quality to have in VGC17. Mudsdale doesn't make as much use of Tailwind as Garchomp does, but it can outspeed troublesome Pokemon such as defensive Arcanine with some minor Speed investment. Krookodile is another prominent Earthquake user and offers Intimidate support, but it shares many weaknesses with Mandibuzz. Offensive Arcanine offers Intimidate support and loves being able to outspeed and OHKO the likes of Tapu Koko, Choice Scarf Tapu Lele, and Pheromosa with Inferno Overdrive or Flare Blitz. Defensive Flamethrower Arcanine also enjoys being able to outspeed Kartana under Tailwind, but it does not apply as much offensive pressure. Kartana and Alolan Ninetales appreciate the fact that Tailwind allows them to bypass awkward Speed ties. Alolan Ninetales in particular offers Aurora Veil support to make Mandibuzz even more defensive, and Overcoat negates hail damage. Nihilego always appreciates an Earthquake and Psychic switch-in, and Tailwind allows it to outspeed and OHKO Tapu Koko and helps Nihilego deal with Garchomp and Kartana depending on the type of Hidden Power it's using. Metagross, like Nihilego, enjoys an Earthquake switch-in as well as a good Ghost- and Dark-type switch-in. Metagross is also a prominent Earthquake user, so Mandibuzz allows some freedom of movement as well as Tailwind support. Alolan Muk enjoys a switch-in to Tectonic Rage given that it is the most common move used to OHKO it because of its bulk and Gluttony recovery. It can also outspeed Modest Tapu Lele under Tailwind with some minor Speed investment, which helps Mandibuzz avoid deadly Moonblasts. Alolan Marowak offers Mandibuzz protection from Tapu Koko and other Electric-types thanks to Lighting Rod, and can OHKO various threats to Mandibuzz such as Vikavolt, Tapu Lele, and Alolan Ninetales. In general, when using Mandibuzz, it is important to note your team's Speed stats and tweak their Speed accordingly to get the most out of Tailwind. Hitting a raw Speed stat of 116 outspeeds Adamant Choice Scarf Garchomp and Modest Choice Scarf Tapu Lele. 102 Speed outpaces neutral-natured Pheromosa and Tapu Koko. 89 Speed outspeeds Kartana and Alolan Ninetales. Finally, 86 Speed outspeeds Timid Nihilego and Jolly Garchomp. These are examples of useful Speed numbers to hit, but you should evaluate your team's weaknesses to determine what Pokemon needs to hit what Speed stat. Additionally, you should try not to go too far out of your way to hit certain Speed stats if it compromises too much of that Pokemon's offensive or defensive stats.

Moves Roost gives Mandibuzz a reliable way to heal so that it can more consistently check Pokemon like Heracross thoughout games. Defog lets Mandibuzz clear troublesome entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rock for its teammates. Foul Play lets Mandibuzz punish and beat physical setup sweepers like Mega Scizor and Azumarill. U-turn lets Mandibuzz capitalize on the momentum it gains when forcing physical attackers out by bringing in wallbreakers like Hydreigon. Taunt gives Mandibuzz a way to punish passive Pokemon like Chansey and Mantine that might try to gain an advantage by setting Stealth Rock or using Defog. Overcoat synergizes with teammates like Tyranitar well and improves Mandibuzz's matchup against sleep inducers like Breloom. Set Details Rocky Helmet allows Mandibuzz to more easily punish attackers like Mega Lopunny and chip them into a range where teammates like Choice Scarf Hydreigon and Greninja can succesfully revenge kill them. Leftovers can be used instead to help mitigate Mandibuzz's Stealth Rock weakness. 248 HP EVs, 244 Defense EVs, and an Impish nature improve Mandibuzz's physical bulk. 16 Speed EVs let Mandibuzz outpace 252 Speed Adamant Azumarill. However, Mandibuzz can run 96 Speed EVs allowing it to outpace Jolly Azumarill. Usage Tips Play conservatively against types like Bug and Fighting where Mandibuzz is very useful in checking massive threats like Mega Pinsir and Heracross late-game. However, if you need it to check said threats early-game, play very conservatively, using Roost to heal off any damage taken so that it can more reliably check them late-game. If Mandibuzz has Taunt, try to keep it hidden until an opportune moment. For example, instead of using Taunt against walls like Chansey early-game, chip them down and surprise them with Taunt later on when they're more susceptible. Play wisely against dangerous setup sweepers like Swords Dance Mega Scizor and Dragon Dance Dragonite by switching Mandibuzz in and forcing them out with Foul Play. However, play cautiously against a potential Z-Move from setup sweepers like Dragonite by sacrificing a useless teammate so that Mandibuzz can come back in after and successfully stop the threat. To add to the above point, make sure to keep entry hazards off your side of the field at all times so that Mandibuzz can more easily check some of the aforementioned threats. Capitalize on Mandibuzz's weakness to some walls like Porygon2 and Zapdos by using U-turn on the switch in and going to a wallbreaker like Hydreigon that can take advantage of them. You can also use U-turn to pivot out of physical attackers that can't beat Mandibuzz to gain momentum. U-turn also improves Mandibuzz's matchup against stallbreakers and setup sweepers like Gliscor and Calm Mind Mega Diancie, as it can use U-turn to safely bring in a wallbreaker or revenge killer after they use Taunt on it. Don't sacrifice Mandibuzz for momentum against Fairy teams. It is imperative to keep Mandibuzz healthy against Fairy-type teams, as you'll always need it to revenge kill Belly Drum Azumarill late-game. If utilizing Toxic, cripple Pokemon that beat Mandibuzz, like Zapdos, on the switch in. Team Options Mega Sableye, when used with Mandibuzz, provides a very strong anti-entry hazard core. In fact, the two of them beat every Stealth Rock user except for Clefable and Mega Diancie. Mega Sableye also absorbs status for Mandibuzz so that the latter can avoid being crippled by Toxic poison. Mega Sableye also beats Pokemon like Mega Gallade that Mandibuzz could potentially struggle against. Alolan Muk provides a switch-in to special attackers like Tapu Koko that Mandibuzz struggles against. It's noticeably helpful against Fairy, where its typing and super effective STAB Poison Jab are useful. Tyranitar provides Stealth Rock support for Mandibuzz so that it can more easily check Pokemon like Mega Pinsir. They synergize especially well thanks to Tyranitar's Thunder Wave, which slows down Pokemon for Mandibuzz's Taunt, and Mandibuzz's Overcoat, which works well with Sand Stream. They also synergize well as far as typing goes, too, as Mandibuzz can help against the Fighting- and Ground-types that Tyranitar is weak to. Mega Tyranitar capitalizes on Mandibuzz's ability to remove entry hazards like Toxic Spikes that trouble it. It also appreciates Mandibuzz's ability to switch into and beat Fighting-types like Heracross. A Life Orb Hydreigon set with Taunt and Roost can take out scary Water-types like Suicune and revenge kill big threats to Mandibuzz like Nidoking and Magnezone. Choice Scarf Hydreigon can be used instead, as it forces out threatening physical attackers like Mega Lopunny. Choice Scarf Greninja can revenge kill wallbreakers like Swords Dance Garchomp that Mandibuzz struggles with. It also appreciates Mandibuzz's Taunt support, which helps it keep its Spikes or even Toxic Spikes up. Mega Sharpedo can be used to beat the Fighting-types like Keldeo and Terrakion that can break past Mandibuzz. Bisharp sets up on walls like Chansey and Skarmory that variants of Mandibuzz lacking Taunt struggle heavily against.

Moves Foul Play avoids passivity against physical attackers, OHKOing +2 Kartana and dealing heavy damage to Swords Dance Primal Groudon. It can also hit some specially offensive targets for heavy damage, such as Lunala and Diancite Tapu Lele. The latter is severely chipped and even has a chance to be OHKOed after the Defense drops from its Mega Evolution. Roost provides reliable recovery; the loss of the Flying type is hardly ever detrimental, as Ground-type attackers are usually faster than Mandibuzz and thus cannot take advantage of it. U-turn grants Mandibuzz the ability to perform as a slow pivot that can’t be restrained by a Ground-type switch-in, giving it the edge over Volt Switch users in generating momentum. Defog is run as an entry hazard countermeasure. Toxic could work as a means to pressure offensive Mandibuzz switch-ins as well as Arceus formes if the team already has another Defogger. However, extreme care should be taken in using this move to avoid it being bounced back by an opposing Magic Bounce user. Set Details 248 HP EVs combined with 252 Special Defense EVs turn Mandibuzz into a sturdy special wall, maximizing its ability to take special attacks like Overheat from Primal Groudon and Moonblast from Lunala. The HP EVs maximize the number of times Mandibuzz can switch into Stealth Rock. A Sassy nature and 0 Speed IVs give Mandibuzz its slowest possible U-Turn, letting a teammate switch in more safely. Big Pecks is run to avoid the occasional Defense drop from moves like Golisopod's Liquidation. An alternative set with a spread of 248 HP / 100 Def / 160 SpD and a Relaxed nature can also be run as a way to better check physical attackers like Kartana and Stone Edge Primal Groudon. The drop in special bulk does, however, cause Mandibuzz to be 2HKOed by +1 Moonblast from Lunala. Usage Tips Mega Evolving Mandibuzz early is important to increase its overall bulk, gain Magic Bounce to block status moves, and properly avoid opposing entry hazards. Foul Play should be used as the primary offensive move. It heavily pressures Lunala, Ho-Oh, most Diancite users, and relevant Necrozma formes. Additionally, it deals significant damage to physical attackers on the switch, as long as they don’t resist the move. Foul Play can also be used to punish foes that boosted their Attack, like Shift Gear Pinsirite Magearna, Swords Dance Metagrossite Kartana, and Swords Dance Primal Groudon. However, the damage received by a boosted physical move from these threats will invalidate Mandibuzz's ability to properly check other breakers. Thus, it is imperative to understand which Pokemon among the aforementioned poses the biggest threat to the rest of the team in order to choose which wallbreaker Mandibuzz ought to check. If a non-Mega Evolved Terrakion is found on the opposing team, it is important to be wary of using Foul Play, as it has very few switch-ins after a Justified boost. U-turn should be used as a means to punish predicted switches and generate momentum. It can also be utilized against passive foes to gain a free switch for a wallbreaker. However, switching is preferred to using U-turn if the opponent has the potential to deal heavy damage to Mandibuzz in a situation where the latter’s health should be preserved, such as against Altarianite users, Terrakion, and Zeraora. Roost should be used copiously to keep Mandibuzz healthy throughout the game and allow it to consistently check opposing threats. However, Roost may give threatening Pokemon like Nasty Plot Darkrai a free setup turn. In such cases, the recovery may have to be delayed in favor of U-turn. In situations where Mandibuzz is weakened while claiming momentum with U-turn, finding an opportunity to get it back in on a predicted switch to a Pokemon that doesn't pressure it can let it safely use Roost. Defog is to be used according to the entry hazard matchup on both sides. Beware, however, that if Mandibuzz is the only Defogger on the team, switching out without clearing Stealth Rock may deprive it of a quarter of its HP. Team Options Primal Groudon is a good partner for Mandibuzz, as it can switch in on Fairy-types like Magearna, Xerneas, and Altarianite Entei as well as Primal Kyogre and Zeraora, all of which pressure Mandibuzz. In exchange, Mandibuzz can take on Lunala and Darkrai as well as serve as a pivot against Arceus-Ground and Manectite Mew, thus taking pressure off Primal Groudon. Manectite Mew forms a functional defensive core with Mandibuzz, as it covers three of the most dangerous threats to it in Altarianite Zygarde, Altarianite Entei, and Terrakion. Alternatively, Aggronite Mew worsens the Entei and Terrakion matchup but does a better job at checking Pinsirite users like Magearna and Kartana, which heavily threaten Mandibuzz. It returns the favor by checking Lunala and Darkrai, both of which otherwise dismantle Mew. Will-O-Wisp Arceus-Ground has good synergy with Mandibuzz, checking the most prominent Altarianite users in the tier in Zygarde and Entei, while the latter is able to check Kartana and Lunala. Terrakion punishes other Sablenite users like Blissey and Zapdos, against which Mandibuzz is relatively powerless. In addition, Terrakion really capitalizes on the free switches Mandibuzz provides it with, as it is otherwise very difficult to bring it safely on the field. Still, it should be noted that both Pokemon are particularly weak to Fairy-types like Altarianite users and Arceus-Fairy. Altarianite Entei works as an offensive check to Altarianite Zygarde and Terrakion and is able to punish boosted Darkrai. Mandibuzz synergizes well with it, with its Ground immunity allowing it to take on Primal Groudon, a Pokemon that greatly hinders Entei, and the ability to help it switch in freely. Arceus-Fairy is another solid check to both Altarianite Zygarde and non-Pinsirite Terrakion, and in return appreciates Mandibuzz checking Lunala, Necrozma-DM, and Kartana to an extent. However, both are noticeably weak to non-Pinsirite Magearna variants. Finally, Kartana pairs well with Mandibuzz, as it takes advantage of Altarianite Zygarde and Arceus-Fairy. In return, Mandibuzz provides extra opportunities for Kartana to come in safely and break down teams with its slow U-turn.

Moves Foul Play is one of the most important moves Mandibuzz needs to fulfill its role as a physical wall. With it, Mandibuzz is able to stop physical setup sweepers and attackers in general, allowing it to check a lot of threats such as Mega Scizor, Mega Gallade, Mega Swampert, and Gyarados, all of which can otherwise easily punch holes in Dark teams. Roost allows Mandibuzz to replenish its health, increasing its longevity on the field. Thanks to Defog, Mandibuzz is the only viable hazard remover on Dark teams. Brave Bird deals super effective damage to Fighting- and Bug-types, most notably Breloom and Mega Lopunny, all of which are huge threats to Dark teams. Taunt is another good move for Mandibuzz, which, combined with its great Speed stat for a defensive Pokemon, lets it stop slower, bulkier Pokemon from using a status move, healing, or setting entry hazards. Toxic is another alternative that allows Mandibuzz to deal more damage to specially defensive Pokemon that Foul Play doesn't hurt, as well as making Mandibuzz annoying for bulkier types such as Water. Set Details 248 HP and 244 Defense EVs as well as a Bold nature maximize Mandibuzz's bulk, enabling it to check physical Pokemon better, while 16 EVs in Speed allow it to check maximum Speed Belly Drum Azumarill and 2HKO it with Foul Play. Rocky Helmet punishes Pokemon that use a contact move such as Mega Lopunny and Heracross, both of which are big threats to Dark teams, easing its job in checking them. Leftovers can be used instead of Rocky Helmet if you wish to opt for passive recovery and not residual damage on contact move users. Overcoat blocks weather damage, allowing Mandibuzz to be a great partner for Tyranitar. Overcoat also blocks powder moves, most notably Spore from Breloom, one of the most threatening Pokemon for Dark teams. Usage Tips Mandibuzz's primary role is to sponge physical attacks, so switch it in on physical attackers often trying to boost. Don't recklessly use it when in the presence of Bug- and Fighting-type threats, such as Heracross, Mega Scizor, Mega Pinsir, and Breloom, because Mandibuzz is one of the only ways of checking them. Play carefully around entry hazards, since Mandibuzz is weak to Stealth Rock, which hinders its capabilities if it is constantly switching in and out. It also hates status conditions, so avoid them at all costs, since they cripple Mandibuzz. Team Options Mandibuzz's high physically defensive capabilities can fall short against specially offensive Pokemon; this is why Tyranitar is a great partner, as it is able to sponge special attacks directed towards Mandibuzz and can set Stealth Rock, pressuring opposing Pokemon. Mandibuzz is weak to Ice-, Rock-, and Fairy-types, so Bisharp can be paired with it, as it can effectively take on such Pokemon. Hoopa-U is another Pokemon that fits well with Mandibuzz, as thanks to Hoopa-U's good Special Defense, it can take some special attacks but shouldn't be switched often into them. It is also capable of defeating Fighting- and Fairy-types, which eases Mandibuzz's job.

Moves Roost is Mandibuzz's fantastic and reliable recovery move. Knock Off is the preferred option due to this set focusing on Special Defense, but Foul Play is still a good option if you want to nail physical attackers harder. Taunt stops recovery and boosting moves, giving Mandibuzz the edge over walls and setup sweepers. Whirlwind is a good option to accumulate entry hazard damage and check setup sweepers. Defog is a great move to remove hazards if your team needs them off the field, while Toxic is a must-have to slowly beats walls if your team already has ways around hazards. Set Details Delta Stream is the preferred option in order to mitigate Mandibuzz weaknesses, while Volt Absorb is great for teams that want to deter Volt Switch and Thunder Wave. Volt Absorb also is useful if Stealth Rock is on the field. Prankster is also an option because it gives priority to all of Mandibuzz's non-attacking moves. The given EVs focus on Special Defense because Delta Stream cancels out three of Mandibuzz's weaknesses, two of which are mostly specially oriented, namely Electric and Ice. The Speed EVs allow Mandibuzz to outspeed Suicune and possibly phaze it before it can Roar out Mandibuzz. A Careful nature is preferred to use alongside Knock Off, while a Calm nature is better when you're using Foul Play. Usage Tips Mandibuzz has three fewer weaknesses with Delta Stream so it doesn't need to fear common STAB moves such as Thunderbolt. Note that Delta Stream does not mitigate the Stealth Rock weakness, as entry hazard damage goes before ability activation. If your Mandibuzz wields Volt Absorb, try to switch it in on an opposing Volt Switch, as gaining momentum is valuable. Watch out for Defiant or Competitive users, as they can be quite a pain if you allow them to get +2 off a Defog. Team Options Teams lacking a Thunder Wave and Volt Switch immunity would find it good to run Mandibuzz. Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock such as Zapdos, Staraptor, and Braviary are good teammates, as they appreciate Stealth Rock gone. Fighting-types Pokemon give this set more trouble due to its lack of physically defensive investment, so Cresselia, Doublade, and Aegislash are fantastic teammates in order to patch up this weakness. Pokemon running Unaware such as Suicune are great options to deal with Pokemon that get a boost from the Defog Evasion drop with Defiant and Competitive.

Moves Roost is an obligatory recovery move to keep walling Pokemon that can only 3HKO Mandibuzz. Foul Play is the optimal choice for an attacking move on a physically defensive Mandibuzz; with it, Mandibuzz is guaranteed to beat a good number of physical attackers in the metagame. Knock Off is another fantastic option and a good way to cripple both special and physical attackers. Do not run Foul Play in conjunction with Intimidate, though, as it's counterproductive. Taunt is the preferred option due to its several uses, including preventing boosting and recovery, allowing Mandibuzz to slowly taking down its foes. Whirlwind is a good alternative if Mandibuzz is running Knock Off; this way, Mandibuzz will be able to still force out physical sweepers. Defog removes entry hazards from both sides of the fields, benefiting both Mandibuzz's teammates and itself with absence of Stealth Rock. Toxic is a way to slowly beat several walls or special attackers that take little damage from any of Mandibuzz attacking moves, such as Cresselia. Toxic is a generally inferior choice, however, because of the omnipresence of Poison Heal among the walls of this metagame. Set Details Mandibuzz's Defense EVs allow it to maximize its overall physical bulk to take physical attackers better. 248 HP allows Mandibuzz to switch into Stealth Rock five times, and 44 Speed EVs allow Mandibuzz to outspeed uninvested Suicune, Taunt it, and eventually win beat it one-on-one with Knock Off. They also allow Mandibuzz to phaze a Suicune using Roar with Whirlwind as well as outspeeding neutral-natured Cresselia. If you are not interested in outspeeding these two Pokemon, just move the Speed EVs to Defense while investing the leftover EVs into Special Defense. A balanced spread with investment in both defenses is not good; Pokemon just hit too hard in AAA, and a mixed EV spread will leave Mandibuzz unable to switch in on anything important. Poison Heal is the ability of choice so that Mandibuzz exploits its amazing recovery every turn and also makes it immune to other statuses once the Toxic Orb activates. Magic Bounce is an alternative ability that still allows Mandibuzz to avoid status, Taunt, and entry hazards at the same time, sending all of these back to the opponent. Intimidate is another great ability for being a better switch-in to physical attackers, although Mandibuzz misses recovery from Poison Heal, which is generally better to have. Prankster is also an option, as it gives priority to all of Mandibuzz's non-attacking moves. A Bold nature is supposed to be used alongside Foul Play, while an Impish one should be run along with Knock Off. Toxic Orb activates Poison Heal, but Leftovers can be used to provide valuable passive recovery if Mandibuzz is running Intimidate or Prankster. Usage Tips Pokemon that Mandibuzz can easily switch in on and later force out or KO with the suggested spread include Aegislash, Doublade, Skarmory, Snorlax, Mega Metagross, non-Choice Band Genesect, Suicune, and Mega Gyarados. Avoid Knock Off before getting poisoned when running Poison Heal. On the other hand, Mandibuzz should absorb Knock Off after acquiring its status, as it will take little damage from it and Toxic Orb will no longer be needed. However, do note this is not recommended if you are planning to use moves such as Aromatherapy and Heal Bell later in a game. Taunt and Defog shut down any chances of setting up entry hazards again, while Taunt and Toxic beat defensive Pokemon without Poison Heal. If it can switch in on the turn the foe sets up Stealth Rock with Magic Bounce, thus without taking damage, Mandibuzz will be able to avoid several 2HKOs later on the match. Try the best you can to switch in Mandibuzz on minimally threatening attacks so that it can start to wear down the opposing team. While Magic Bounce can be used to reflect back both enemy hazards and status moves, be on the lookout for the common Mold Breaker is common. Defiant and Competitive wielders are rather uncommon, but most of them are Pokemon with a Mega Evolution, such as Metagross and Ampharos, so think twice about Defogging when you see one of them. An Intimidate set can be used to switch in on a predicted Swords Dance or Dragon Dance to mitigate the boost, giving the foe a hard time having a solid damage output. However, Mandibuzz running Intimidate is vulnerable to all forms of status, so try to prevent them with Taunt whenever its possible. On the other hand, feel free to switch in on physical attacks even when Mandibuzz has been worn down a bit when running Intimidate. Team Options Balanced teams appreciate Mandibuzz's ease on dealing with setup sweepers. Stall teams also like Mandibuzz's entry hazard removal and support moves such as Knock Off and Taunt. These teams really appreciate Magic Bounce's capability of sending Taunt, status moves, and hazards back to the foe. This set is quite vulnerable to Fairies, so Pokemon such as Heatran that have good defensive synergy with Mandibuzz are appreciated. If not using Defog, always pair Mandibuzz with a Pokemon that can remove hazards, such as Skarmory or Mew. Special walls such as Chansey are Mandibuzz's best friends. Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock such as Staraptor and Braviary would make good use of Mandibuzz's hazard removal capabilities. Clerics such as Chansey and Umbreon are crucial teammates, especially paired with the Intimidate set, when Mandibuzz can't avoid status moves; however, note that a cleric is not as needed when running Poison Heal. Unaware Pokemon such as Cresselia are great options to deal with Defog and Competitive users that take advantage of Defog's evasion drop. Specially defensive Pokemon that struggle to deal with physical attackers such as Chansey form a great core with Intimidate Mandibuzz.

Despite being a Flying-type and consequently weak to Stealth Rock, Mandibuzz can still wall a select few threats. Specially defensive Mandibuzz is in fact a counter to some of the most common special attackers in the tier: Slowking, Sceptile, Lilligant, and Accelgor. Taunt is a great move that prevents Slowking and Accelgor from setting up Nasty Plot and Spikes, respectively. It is also an answer to opposing stall teams, as Mandibuzz's base 80 Speed lets her outrun most walls in RU and prevent them from healing or spreading status. While the opponent is prohibited from healing, Mandibuzz can heal herself with Roost, which is especially helpful to mitigate Stealth Rock damage. In addition, Roost removes her Flying typing, allowing the vulture to take Rock-, Ice-, and Electric-type attacks more easily. Be careful, though, as this makes her more susceptible to Ground-, Bug-, and Fighting-type attacks. All in all, Taunt, Roost, and her two immunities--namely to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks--make Mandibuzz hard to take down. Despite the emphasis on her Special Defense, Mandibuzz is also able to take on physical attackers due to her high base Defense. This is especially useful as Whirlwind can force out set-up Feraligatr, Crawdaunt, Scyther, and Drapion, as well as special sweepers such as Omastar and Sigilyph, but note that Mandibuzz will take a lot of damage in the process. Brave Bird or Foul Play are the preferred moves in the last slot, as Mandibuzz will otherwise become useless if Taunted. Brave Bird hits surprisingly hard even off Mandibuzz's base 65 Attack, OHKOing Sceptile and Lilligant after Stealth Rock damage. Brave Bird also lets Mandibuzz damage Pokemon that can heal or are immune to Toxic, such as Roselia, Clefable, Poliwrath, and Qwilfish. As Taunt will prevent these Pokemon from healing, Brave Bird will eventually wear them down, allowing Mandibuzz to beat them one-on-one. Foul Play is useful for hitting physical attackers, such as Kabutops, Druddigon, and Entei, harder than Brave Bird. Alternatively, Toxic can be used to cripple walls such as opposing Mandibuzz, Slowking, and Cryogonal. 248 HP EVs are used to minimize Stealth Rock damage and possibly give Mandibuzz one more switch-in, while 252 Special Defense EVs make the vulture as bulky as possible on the special side. The remaining EVs are put into Defense to help buffer hits against Feraligatr, Scyther, Drapion, and other physical threats. An alternative EV spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD can be used to let Mandibuzz play the role of a physical wall, countering Drapion, Crawdaunt, Scyther, Golurk, and Fighting-types. As far as teammates go, a spinner is appreciated as Mandibuzz's Stealth Rock weakness hinders her ability to switch in multiple times. Cryogonal is an especially good partner; the two cover almost every special attacker in the tier bar Moltres. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Uxie and Roselia is also welcome, as Mandibuzz's ability to wall after becoming poisoned or burned is greatly hindered. Pokemon which can set up Spikes or Toxic Spikes are helpful, because Whirlwind enables Mandibuzz to force switches that rack up entry hazard damage on the opponent. Other useful partners include Fighting- and Water-types, such as Hitmonchan and Feraligatr, respectively, as Mandibuzz removes Spiritomb for Fighting-types and gets rid of the Grass-types that trouble her Water-type teammates.

Due to its typing, Mandibuzz is better suited to being a special wall than a physical wall. It can switch in on a variety of special sweepers such as Mismagius and wall them thanks to recovery in Roost. This, together with Toxic, allows Mandibuzz to outstall many opposing Pokemon. It can even use Taunt to force those Pokemon to switch. Whirlwind is used to phaze set-up sweepers away. Brave Bird is an option though if you don't want Mandibuzz to be Taunt bait. U-turn is an option as well, to bring in a safe switch-in, but you will need Rapid Spin support. Knock Off is an option, since it cripples most walls and Eviolite users. You can use Torment as well, so opponents can't 2HKO Mandibuzz with their strongest attacks. A Dark-type STAB attack can be used, but it provides less coverage than Brave Bird. The HP EVs give an odd HP stat, which ensures that you can switch in four times with Stealth Rock up. Special Defense is maxed out and the remaining EVs are put into Defense. You can use Mandibuzz as a mixed wall with the following spread: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 SpD, which enables Mandibuzz to function as an emergency check to any out-of-hand threats. The Specially Defensive set outclasses this set though, because of Mandibuzz's typing. Rapid Spin support is welcome from Pokemon such as Hitmontop, otherwise Mandibuzz will lose a quarter of its health every time it switches in. Heal Bell support is recommended, as Mandibuzz doesn't appreciate status. While Registeel can be kept in check with Taunt, most Steel-types such as Cobalion and Escavalier are problematic as they don't mind Mandibuzz's STAB attacks and are immune to Toxic. Bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Suicune are capable of handling most Steel- and Rock-type Pokemon. Fighting-type Pokemon can also take on the aforementioned Steel-types thanks to their STAB attacks. With Taunt and Roost, Mandibuzz is capable of stalling out certain dedicated walls such as Slowbro. Pokemon that struggle against these Pokemon partner well with Mandibuzz for this reason. Faster users of Taunt are also troublesome for Mandibuzz.