Shadow Absol
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Fast
Best Movesets
Analysis
A high-damage DPS Dark attacker, Shadow Absol provides some value with mono-dark typing, resisting common coverage moves like Shadow Ball and Psychic. It's a good DPS option for Dark Type damage output, but its low general bulk leaves it a bit lacking frequently.
Offense
- Snarl is superior to Psycho Cut due to having STAB and more relevant coverage.
- Brutal Swing is superior to Dark Pulse.
- Megahorn and Thunder don't offer much utility to Shadow Absol.
- Payback is a step down.
Defense
- Snarl is superior to Psycho Cut due to its significantly higher base damage.
- Brutal Swing* is superior to Megahorn due to having STAB, an earlier dodge window, slightly better coverage, and a lower energy cost.
- Dark Pulse is pretty much just Brutal Swing, but worse.
- Payback is a downgrade due to it being a 1-bar move.
- Thunder also has an early dodge window, but is underwhelming in every aspect.
Snarl falls behind Psycho Cut slightly in energy gains, but offers significantly more damage output thanks to STAB. The latter can be chosen if that slightly extra energy generation is needed.
Brutal Swing* costs the least amount of energy and benefits from STAB to provide Dark-type coverage. Payback is less desirable due to its greater energy cost. Megahorn provides Bug-type coverage and costs slightly less energy than Thunder, while the latter offers Electric-type coverage. Either can be chosen depending on what coverage would be more preferable.
Absol is the definition of "glass cannon" in PvP, with extremely fragile bulk almost identical to that of Gengar's. Since Absol can't tank damage very well (if at all), Absol demands shields to perform well, though shields won't save it from Pokemon with strong fast move damage output like Deoxys Defense Forme or Altaria. Pokemon with emphasis on charge moves instead of fast move damage tend to be better matchups for Absol, though Absol tends to lose more often than not due to its poor bulk. Overall Absol shouldn't be used for PvP, and if it intends to compete then specific PvP formats that limit its weaknesses would be more ideal.
