Buzzwole Movesets & Competitive Sets

This set focuses exclusively on checking dangerous physical wallbreakers and setup sweepers. Bulk Up lets Buzzwole set up alongside sweepers like Groudon, Zygarde, and Zekrom while giving it some extra firepower as well. Ice Punch hits Zygarde particularly hard, crucial for checking Coil sets more reliably, while also nailing the aforementioned Groudon and Zekrom. It's also a solid damaging move against Marshadow, letting Buzzwole slowly chip it down. Drain Punch and Leech Life both provide healing and are decently strong STAB moves, and they are the main way Buzzwole can pressure a lot of Pokemon. Drain Punch threatens Pokemon like Ferrothorn, while Leech Life strengthens its matchup against Calyrex-I, having a chance to OHKO it after two Bulk Ups. Roost, combined with Heavy-Duty Boots, gives Buzzwole the longevity it needs, with Heavy-Duty Boots importantly protecting against Toxic Spikes. Rocky Helmet is especially helpful for chipping threats like Zekrom, Marshadow, and Necrozma-DM. The Speed EVs let Buzzwole outspeed both paralyzed Calyrex-S and maximum Speed Calyrex-I. An alternative EV spread with maximum HP and Defense helps on teams that are weak to Zekrom, improving the matchup against it once it has boosted. With Buzzwole being able to check a ton of threats such as Groudon, Marshadow, Zygarde, and Urshifu-S, defensive cores that are unable to beat those Pokemon greatly appreciate it. These physical wallbreakers heavily dent the core of Yveltal + Necrozma-DM + Eternatus or Blissey; Buzzwole can be the defensive pivot they need to beat those Pokemon. Meanwhile, they check the strong special attackers in the metagame for it, such as Kyogre by Blissey or Eternatus, Calyrex-S by Yveltal, and Xerneas by Necrozma-DM. Life Orb Eternatus commonly has to switch into unwanted Knock Offs from Yveltal, so having Buzzwole to absorb Knock Off gives it more freedom to offensively pressure teams without worrying about losing its item. Groudon and Haban Berry Zekrom can check and bait in opposing Zekrom, respectively, removing one of the few physical attackers that can slowly overwhelm Buzzwole given the right circumstances. Due to Buzzwole's susceptibility to status, clerics like Blissey and Choice item Calyrex-S with Aromatherapy are good teammates for helping it stick around and check foes like Toxic Zygarde more reliably.

Bulky attacker Buzzwole uses its massive Attack stat and strong coverage options to wallbreak while still having the bulk to soft check physical threats. Close Combat deals the most damage, 2HKOing even bulky neutral targets like specially defensive Necrozma-DM with a Choice Band, and sometimes even without it. Ice Punch catches Eternatus and Landorus-T while also pressuring targets like Groudon and Zekrom without lowering its Defense. Rock Slide is good for heavily damaging or OHKOing Ho-Oh, which can switch into Buzzwole's other options easily and force it out with Sacred Fire. Roost is required for longevity, even finding a use with Choice Band due to Buzzwole's tendency to switch into Yveltal's Knock Off. Heavy-Duty Boots gives Buzzwole a bit more staying power in long games, as well as freedom of move choice, which is especially helpful for Roost, while Choice Band's power is incredible, allowing for a guaranteed OHKO on targets like Ho-Oh and physically defensive Ferrothorn. The given EV spread allows Buzzwole to outspeed a paralyzed Calyrex-S and maximum Speed Calyrex-I. The defensive investment allows it to survive two Adamant Choice Band Spectral Thiefs from Marshadow. A maximum Attack spread that forgoes the Defense investment can also be used to improve damage rolls against Pokemon like Necrozma-DM and Groudon, but the chance to be 2HKOed by Marshadow is a big tradeoff. With minimal bulk investment and no way to boost its Defense, this set requires defensive support against offensive threats that it soft checks. Zekrom and Marshadow are two important threats that have the power to break through offensive Buzzwole, so partners like Xerneas and Haban Berry Eternatus can lift some of the pressure off Buzzwole and form a core that has multiple offensive soft checks to these Pokemon. Pokemon that can force damage onto opposing Buzzwole are greatly appreciated, as Buzzwole is a very solid answer to itself, making Groudon with Fire-type coverage and Draco Meteor Zekrom good partners also. Choice Band Rock Slide is a good surprise for Ho-Oh, which teammates like Xerneas and Calyrex-S appreciate being eliminated.

Close Combat hits Rock- and Steel-types such as Tyranitar and Heatran super hard while also dealing heavy damage to neutral defensive checks like Swampert and Mandibuzz. Stone Edge deals with Fire- and Flying-types such as Cinderace, Rotom-H, Volcarona, and Zapdos, which are otherwise hard for Bug-type teams to deal with. Earthquake lets Buzzwole deal with Poison- and Electric-types such as Nidoking and Tapu Koko. Ice Punch nails Ground- and Dragon-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Dragonite. Maximum Speed investment along with a Jolly nature and a Choice Scarf makes Buzzwole as fast as possible, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Victini, and Nidoking. Volcarona appreciates Buzzwole dealing with troublesome specially defensive Pokemon such as Blissey and Heatran; in return, Volcarona takes care of physical walls and Steel-types like Hippowdon, Corviknight, and Celesteela for Buzzwole. Scizor likes Buzzwole removing faster Pokemon such as Victini and Nidoking; in return, Scizor can weaken shared checks like Toxapex and Amoonguss, provide U-turn support to bring Buzzwole in safely, and beat Fairy-types such as Azumarill, Togekiss, and Tapu Bulu with Bullet Punch. Buzzwole loves Sticky Web support from Galvantula, Shuckle, and Araquanid. Galvantula can check bulky Water-types like Toxapex and Swampert for Buzzwole with Thunder and Energy Ball, while Shuckle provides Stealth Rock support and creates momentum with Encore. Araquanid can act as a sponge for Fire-type attacks aimed at Buzzwole and reflect entry hazards and Taunt with Magic Coat. Buzzwole benefits from physical setup sweepers such as Guts Heracross and Swords Dance Scolipede, as their wallbreaking makes it easier for Buzzwole revenge kill effectively.

Close Combat can be spammed against weakened neutral targets like Cinderace and Drapion, and it is useful in matchups against Steel-, Rock-, and Normal-types like Heatran, Tyranitar, and Blissey to get some KOs, allowing Buzzwole to boost its Attack with Beast Boost and become a deadly sweeper. Leech Life is mandatory to deal with Psychic- and Grass-types like Alakazam, Celebi, and Rillaboom and is also a way to provide passive recovery during the match. Ice Punch hits Flying- and Dragon-types like Landorus-T, Zapdos, Dragonite, and Garchomp. Earthquake can be used in the fourth moveslot to not be completely walled by Poison- and Steel-types that resist Buzzwole's STAB moves, like Toxapex and Aegislash. 252 EVs in Speed alongside a Jolly nature and Choice Scarf allow it to outpace threats like Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu, Tapu Koko, and Alakazam. Cobalion is a great partner for Buzzwole, as it is one of the best Stealth Rock setters for Fighting teams. Stealth Rock can weaken foes and break Focus Sash from Pokemon like Krookodile and Cloyster, giving Buzzwole more opportunities to get some KOs. Cobalion also helps against Fairy-types like Tapu Lele and Mimikyu and can paralyze faster threats like Choice Scarf Latias for Buzzwole. Keldeo handles physically defensive Pokemon like Skarmory, Mandibuzz, and Hippowdon. Terrakion is a powerful setup sweeper and great teammate for Buzzwole, as Buzzwole appreciates its ability to weaken opposing teams so that it can act as a deadly sweeper late-game. They can also deal with shared checks like Celesteela, Mandibuzz, and Landorus-T. Terrakion is also a great answer against Flying-types like Zapdos. Choice Band Galarian Zapdos is a good partner for Buzzwole, as it acts as a powerful wallbreaker early- and mid-game while also being able to bring in Buzzwole safely with U-turn. It can also overpower defensive walls like Hippowdon, Celesteela, and Skarmory, allowing Buzzwole to sweep. Toxicroak is a good partner to improve the matchup against Fairy and Water teams, which can be a big problem to deal with for Fighting teams. Lastly, Swords Dance Guts Heracross can act as a wallbreaker and deal with defensive walls like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Amoonguss. Furthermore, it can also switch into status moves directed at Buzzwole.

No Retreat Buzzwole is an incredibly dangerous sweeper on hyper offense, using its solid defensive typing to switch in on Pokemon like Rillaboom and Tyranitar and set up with ease. Close Combat hits incredibly hard at +1, OHKOing Pokemon like Rotom-W, Seismitoad, and Toxapex after minor chip damage. Earthquake allows Buzzwole to beat Toxapex and Galarian Slowking reliably while letting it KO weakened Pokemon without dropping stats, and Ice Punch makes Tornadus-T and Zapdos less safe as checks. Even when boosted, Buzzwole is entirely helpless against Pokemon like Clefable and opposing physically defensive Buzzwole. Therefore, Pokemon like Gengar, Heatran, and Zeraora make for solid partners, with Zeraora in particular overwhelming physical walls for Buzzwole and teammates like Gyarados, Mimikyu, and Scizor. Rotom-W pivots out on walls like Blissey and Ferrothorn, giving Buzzwole more chances to set up freely.

Choice Band gives Buzzwole an immediate power boost, allowing it to break through bulky walls like Seismitoad, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn. First Impression provides Buzzwole with valuable revenge killing capabilities, KOing frail, faster threats like Zeraora, Latios, and Aerodactyl. Thunder Punch hits bulky Water- and Flying-types like Tornadus-T, Toxapex, and Gyarados, notably 2HKOing physically defensive Toxapex. U-turn lets Buzzwole pivot out on switch-ins like Clefable and Zapdos, letting a teammate like Gengar, Melmetal, or Heatran take advantage of them. Rotom-W forms a solid VoltTurn core with Buzzwole, with Rotom-W forcing in the likes of Ferrothorn and Blissey to pivot Buzzwole in on them, as well as pressuring physically defensive Toxapex. Future Sight and Doom Desire users like Galarian Slowking and Heatran are solid partners to dissuade Pokemon resistant to Fighting, like Toxapex and Tornadus-T, from switching in on Buzzwole. Future Sight's damage also lets Buzzwole break through Clefable. Spikes is incredibly useful for taking advantage of the switches that Buzzwole forces. Mudsdale and Seismitoad provide Spikes support, with Seismitoad even able to bring Buzzwole in through Flip Turn.

Defensive Buzzwole can switch in on a bevy of Pokemon, including Mudsdale, Tyranitar, Terrakion, and even opposing Buzzwole. It can then use U-turn to bring in a teammate or a defensive partner, or Toxic to punish switch-ins like Tornadus-T and Seismitoad. Roost allows Buzzwole to stay healthy and check threats long-term. Rocky Helmet with the aforementioned Toxic allows Buzzwole to spread enormous chip damage, wearing down walls to pave the way for Pokemon like Cinderace and Aerodactyl to clean up. This set has no way of beating Tornadus-T and Clefable, so Pokemon that can deal with them like Aerodactyl, Melmetal, and Tyranitar are incredibly solid partners. Specially defensive pivots like Slowking and Assault Vest Toxapex cover Buzzwole's weakness to special attackers like Keldeo and Latios, and they form a pivot core with it, making it easier to bring in wallbreakers like Aerodactyl, Tyranitar, and Gengar. Buzzwole checks Tyranitar and deals with Ferrothorn in return.

With a high Speed stat, Buzzwole is an offensive monster, especially with Beast Boost letting it snowball through opposing teams. Choice Band-boosted Close Combat OHKOes Steel-types like Ferrothorn and ravages all neutral targets. Ice Punch hits Flying-types that resist Close Combat like Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, and Rayquaza. Earthquake allows Buzzwole to take out Heatran and hit other Fire-types like Blacephelon and Victini hard. Leech Life is a decent Bug-type STAB move that restores HP and lets Buzzwole stay healthy throughout the match, as well as 2HKOing potential checks in Slowking and Slowbro. Choice Band is preferred, but Choice Scarf can be used to outspeed opposing Speed receivers, or if receiving Speed from a slower god. Buzzwole demands a high—or at least solid—Speed stat from gods like Zamazenta and Mewtwo; it is important to note that with base 130 Speed or higher, Beast Boost will raise Speed on each KO. For slower gods like Yveltal and Lunala, it will boost Attack, which makes Buzzwole very hard to defend against. When paired with powerful wallbreakers like Tapu Koko, Weavile, and Galarian Moltres, Buzzwole can quickly tear apart defensive cores. Buzzwole can consistently take out Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Heatran, which greatly helps Pokemon like Rillaboom and Tapu Koko. Buzzwole is weak to Flying-types, so Pokemon that can take them out like Tapu Koko and Zeraora, or check them like Heatran and Skarmory, are good to have around. Buzzwole needs to conserve its HP in order to sweep, so pivots like Slowking, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T are good to get it in safely. Buzzwole also appreciates entry hazards from the likes of Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Ferrothorn to put many foes into KO range.

With a Special Defense donation and Bulk Up, Buzzwole possesses immense bulk and wallbreaking power. Drain Punch is the go-to STAB move, giving Buzzwole even more longevity, while Close Combat has much higher damage output but lowers its defensive stats. Bulk Up allows Buzzwole to set up on passive threats like Body Press Corviknight, while Toxic can debilitate switch-ins like Slowking and opposing Buzzwole. Roost gives Buzzwole more staying power. Finally, Ice Punch hits Pokemon that resist Fighting like Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, and Zapdos, as does Thunder Punch, which targets Ho-Oh, Slowking, and Slowbro. Rocky Helmet takes advantage of Buzzwole's bulk to continuously chip foes, especially pivots like Landorus-T, but Leftovers is viable too. Buzzwole likes receiving a high Special Defense stat from gods like Ho-Oh and Necrozma-DM. Ho-Oh pairs particularly well with it, as it can switch into Fire-types like Heatran and Victini locked into V-create, as well as providing Defog. Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Rillaboom appreciate Buzzwole's ability to take out Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Kartana. Buzzwole is vulnerable to Flying-types like Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Tornadus-T, so Pokemon that threaten them like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Weavile are appreciated. Pokemon like Necrozma-DM and Slowking-G can take out Fairy-types like Clefable that wall Buzzwole. Buzzwole also likes having entry hazard support from Pokemon like Landorus-T and Ferrothorn, as they chip down foes alongside Rocky Helmet and Toxic. Buzzwole is one of the few relevant Pokemon to resist Thousand Arrows and have reliable recovery, making it one of the best Zygarde-10% checks in the metagame. This greatly helps partners like Heatran.

Due to its stellar Defense stat, Buzzwole is an excellent physical wall that checks a plethora of common physical attackers such as Weavile, Gliscor, Rillaboom, and Garchomp, resisting common offensive types such as Dark, Ground, and Grass. Its high Attack also gives it a great offensive presence with its nearly perfect coverage. Close Combat has the power to vaporize nearly every non-resistant Pokemon. Ice Punch allows Buzzwole to efficiently check Ground-types like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor while threatening possible switch-ins such as Flyinium-Z Landorus-T, Zapdos, and Mega Latios. Meanwhile, Thunder Punch is able to pressure bulky Water-types, such as Slowbro, Tapu Fini, and Toxapex. The given EV spread lets Buzzwole tank some notable physical hits like +2 boosted Z-moves from Kartana and Weavile, while outspeeding Adamant Tyranitar. Teammates that appreciate Buzzwole's ability to check Dark-, Grass- and Ground-types such as Weavile, Bisharp, Kartana, and Gliscor, such as Mega Latias, Tyranitar, Tapu Koko, and Heatran, make for stellar teammates. Faster teammates such as Weavile, Tapu Koko, and Mega Lopunny help Buzzwole overwhelm mutual checks such as Toxapex, Tangrowth, and Slowbro. Specially defensive Pokemon such as Blissey, Toxapex, Tapu Fini, and Slowking are able to handle the likes of Ash-Greninja, Kyurem, and Heatran, which Buzzwole struggles with due to its poor Special Defense. In return, it's able to handle physical attackers such as Kartana, Gliscor, and Zeraora for these Pokemon, creating a potent defensive core. Tapu Fini makes for a particularly fantastic partner, as its Misty Terrain also helps Buzzwole switch into moves that can status it like Scald from Toxapex and Slowbro. Slowbro's and Slowking's Future Sight heightens Buzzwole's offensive capabilities, discouraging the likes of Toxapex, Zapdos, and Clefable from switching into it Fire-resistant Pokemon such as Mega Latias and Gastrodon are able to handle the likes of Mega Charizard Y and Heatran. Psychic-resistant Pokemon like Heatran, Corviknight, and Slowbro can handle the likes of Reuniclus, Tapu Lele, and Mega Medicham, and Fairy-resistant Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Galarian Slowking are good for Tapu Koko, Mega Diancie, and Clefable. Flying-resistant teammates are especially good, as any Flying-type move will threaten to KO Buzzwole. The likes of Tapu Koko, Heatran, Corviknight, and Mega Tyranitar are able to handle opposing Corviknight, Hawlucha, Flyinum-Z Landorus-T, and Zapdos for Buzzwole.

Beast Boost, amazing physical bulk, and a wide range of coverage options make Buzzwole a potent revenge killer for Bug teams. Close Combat deals with threats to Bug teams such as Heatran, Dragon Dance Mega Tyranitar, Mega Lopunny, Terrakion, and Kyurem. Stone Edge is primarily used to nail threatening Flying- and Fire-types in the form of Mantine, Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Cinderace. Ice Punch helps against Ground- and Dragon-types like Landorus, Gliscor, Garchomp, and Dragonite. Leech Life is a secondary STAB option that aids greatly against threatening Psychic-types such as Celebi while also providing a form of passive recovery. Earthquake can be used instead of Leech Life for further coverage against Rock-, Steel-, and Poison-types like Mega Diancie, Aegislash, and Gengar and can force Toxapex out, especially specially defensive variants. Buzzwole synergizes well with Volcarona. Buzzwole takes care of Volcarona's checks like Blissey and Tyranitar, while Volcarona in return deals with physically defensive walls like Celesteela and Mega Sableye. They also form a great core against Steel as Buzzwole deals with Heatran, allowing Volcarona to sweep through the rest of the team. Mega Scizor and Scizor pair up well with Buzzwole because they deal with faster threats like Choice Scarf Nihilego and Galarian Darmanitan with Bullet Punch. Particularly, Mega Scizor is able to break through certain physical walls such as Mega Venusaur and Clefable, while Choice Band Scizor can Pursuit trap faster threats to Buzzwole like Choice Scarf Latios and Latias. Armaldo and Forretress provide reliable entry hazard control for Buzzwole while also setting up their own Stealth Rock and provide a neutrality against Flying-type attacks. Armaldo also takes neutral damage from Fire-type attacks and has Knock Off, while Forretress provides Spikes support and can safely bring Buzzwole into the field thanks to Volt Switch. Galvantula is able to provide Sticky Web support, allowing Buzzwole to outspeed threats it otherwise wouldn't like Zeraora and Choice Scarf Blacephalon. Galvantula also helps greatly against Water and Flying. Swords Dance Mega Pinsir acts as a reliable wallbreaker, weakening walls like Hippowdon and Mandibuzz for Buzzwole to clean up late-game. Araquanid reliably switches into Fire-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y, Blacephalon, and Volcarona and is able to set Sticky Web as well. Scolipede pairs well with Buzzwole because it aids greatly in matchups like Fairy and Psychic. Shuckle can be used as a reliable setter of Sticky Web and Stealth Rock on more offensive teams thanks to Sturdy.

Moves Bulk Up helps set up against physically offensive Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, non-Zen Headbutt Mega Metagross, Zygarde, and Garchomp so it can survive the next attack and retaliate. Lunge is used for reducing the Attack of Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and inflicting not very effective or neutral damage against Sturdy Pokemon that use Counter or Metal Burst such as Aggron, Donphan, and Crustle. Lunge also helps KO slow Grass- and Psychic-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Hoopa-U, or knock Pokemon out with a Savage Spin-Out, like Meloetta. Roost heals the damage taken from Pokemon such as non-Zen Headbutt Mega Metagross, Zygarde, and Excadrill. Taunt can be run in order to shut down stall and setup Pokemon that can contest Buzzwole's offensive presence, such as Jumpluff, Stored Power Necrozma, Mega Gyarados, and Zygarde-C. Superpower can be run in order to beat Heatran, usually over Taunt. Set Details 92 HP EVs and 192 Defense EVs allow Buzzwole to tank a Choice Band Garchomp's Outrage twice after Bulk Up, as well as hits from physical threats such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, and Zygarde. 180 Speed EVs coupled with an Jolly nature assist Buzzwole in defeating Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, allowing Buzzwole to use Taunt before a potential opposing Taunt from an Adamant Gyarados, the only variant that Gyarados can threaten its natural bulk with Waterfall flinches. This also allows Buzzwole to outspeed Pokemon such as bulky Meloetta and offensive Mega Venusaur, after Bulk Up, which would beat Buzzwole if they could go first. The 44 EVs in Attack are leftovers. Buginium Z is used in order to OHKO threats such as Meloetta, bulky Hoopa-U, and Mega Venusaur. Alternatively, Buzzwole can run the spread of 216 HP / 112 SpD / 180 Spe with a Jolly nature in order to get the best odds against mixed Zeraora, as well as a simple 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe spread that retains the positive Mega Gyarados matchup while gaining the ability to OHKO Pokemon like Choice Band Haxorus, Necrozma, and Deoxys-S after Iron Defense. These EVs should be used when running Superpower, in order to beat bulky Heatran. Usage Tips Against bulky Incineroar, feel free to simply spam Lunge, as you will never be able to be 2HKOed by Flare Blitz after a Lunge, letting you safely heal off the damage dealt by Incineroar, and having Incineroar damage itself through recoil. Against Garchomp, do not go for Lunge, instead use Bulk Up in order to prevent Rough Skin recoil damage from affecting you. If you're running the anti-Zeraora spread, simply use Savage Spin-Out as soon as possible, to OHKO Zeraora, who could OHKO Buzzwole if it bothers to use setup with a Charge-boosted Gigavolt Havoc. Team Options Since Buzzwole has very average special bulk and struggles to take on Fire- and Flying-type Pokemon, Mega Charizard X, Nihilego and Chansey are good teammates. Both of them also appreciate Buzzwole's ability to beat the physical attackers that would otherwise threaten them. Because most of the Ground-type Pokemon that Nihilego has difficulties against are physical attackers, Buzzwole can take them out. Other specially defensive Pokemon such as Meloetta and Hoopa-U can be used as teammates, since Buzzwole struggles against Pokemon such as Aegislash, and it does not have the bulk or Speed to take out Tapu Lele and Mega Gardevoir. Also, because Buzzwole is not very fast, some fast Pokemon such as Mega Blaziken and Zeraora can be used to make up for its not-so-high Speed, aiding against Pokemon like Naganadel and Greninja. Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Blastoise and Mega Swampert are good teammates because they can deal with the Fire-types that give Buzzwole issues, and Buzzwole can check several Grass-types for them in return. Magnezone with Electroweb can also be used alongside Buzzwole since it also learns Mirror Coat to KO special attackers.

Moves Hammer Arm is Buzzwole's main attacking move, dealing decent damage to most Pokemon that do not resist it. It OHKOes Mega Lucario and 2HKOes Extreme Killer Arceus, letting Buzzwole check both threats with ease. It also breaks Swords Dance Arceus-Ground's Substitute. Toxic allows Buzzwole to damage Marshadow, sets most Swords Dance Arceus formes on a timer, and is Buzzwole's best method of damaging bulkier threats, letting it check special variants of Arceus-Ground while annoying many common switch-ins, such as Primal Groudon and Xerneas. Reliable recovery in Roost keeps Buzzwole from being worn down and allows it to easily stall out the threats it checks with Toxic damage. Earthquake OHKOes Mega Gengar, which otherwise easily switches in and traps Buzzwole. Taunt prevents Gothitelle from trapping and PP stalling Buzzwole, shuts down slower passive walls like Celesteela that depend on status, and forces predictable plays from many of Buzzwole's switch-ins. Stone Edge hits Flying-types on the switch super effectively, heavily damaging them or forcing them to recover health. Stone Edge notably OHKOes offensive Ho-Oh and KOes defensive Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock damage. Set Details 248 HP EVs and 76 Special Defense EVs allow Buzzwole to avoid the 2HKO from +1 Arceus-Dark after Stealth Rock damage and Leftovers recovery, as well as softening attacks from special variants of Arceus-Ground. The remaining EVs are invested in Defense, giving Buzzwole enough bulk to survive a boosted Iron Tail from Mega Lucario after Stealth Rock, as well as completely Roost off damage from Stone Edge from +2 Primal Groudon and +4 Arceus-Ground. An EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD is an option if Calm Mind Arceus-Dark is not a concern. Notably, this guarantees that Buzzwole survives a +2 Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike from Marshadow at full health. Usage Tips Switch Buzzwole into threats that it checks such as Marshadow, Mega Lucario, and Swords Dance Arceus formes, as it can easily heal off any damage they deal to avoid getting worn down. Many powerful special or Flying-type attackers can easily come into Buzzwole as it switches in or uses Roost or Hammer Arm, and they can proceed to wear down Buzzwole's teammates that have less longevity. Sometimes, predicting the double switch by not switching in Buzzwole against what it checks, predicting one of Buzzwole's checks switching in and using the appropriate move to cripple the switch-in, or making a double switch may be necessary to avoid being too predictable and letting your team get too worn down. Try to avoid taking status, as Toxic poison and paralysis cripple Buzzwole's ability to consistently wall threats, while getting burned lowers its damage output and leaves it unable to take out Mega Lucario and Extreme Killer Arceus with Hammer Arm. Because of this, scout Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C to see if they are defensive variants or have status moves before recklessly switching Buzzwole in, as they could carry Toxic or Glare. Only take on Primal Groudon if you know for certain that it doesn't have a Fire-type attack. Team Options Arceus-Water and Arceus-Dragon can take on Primal Groudon sets with Fire-type attacks, while Buzzwole deals with certain Swords Dance Primal Groudon sets. Arceus-Water and Arceus-Dragon can also check physically offensive Flying-types such as Mega Salamence and Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon switches into specially offensive Primal Kyogre and Fairy-types and appreciates Buzzwole taking care of its Ground-type weakness. It can also set Stealth Rock to punish Flying-types looking to switch into Buzzwole. Specially defensive Steel-types like Necrozma-DM and Magearna, as well as special walls like Chansey and Blissey, can take on special attackers looking to exploit Buzzwole's lower Special Defense, particularly Fairy- and Psychic-types. Magearna, Chansey, and Blissey can also provide cleric support. In return, Buzzwole takes on Ground-types and Fighting-types for them. Dark-types like Yveltal and Arceus-Dark also help against Psychic- and Ghost-types, while Buzzwole covers Fighting-types for Arceus-Dark. Wallbreakers like Primal Kyogre and Shadow Tag trappers such as Mega Gengar and Gothitelle break down defensive teams, which Buzzwole has trouble dealing with. Rock- and Electric-types like Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Electric can check Flying-types for Buzzwole, while Buzzwole covers Ground- and Fighting-types for them.

Moves Superpower is Buzzwole's primary means of offense, boasting 120 Base Power. This allows it to dent Porygon2 and OHKO Snorlax and Gigalith easily. Superpower-based All-Out Pummeling can OHKO Alolan Muk, Porygon2, and Arcanine and heavily dents bulky Celesteela. As Buzzwole is weak to Fairy-types, Poison Jab is usually used to damage them super effectively. At +1, Poison Jab has the capability to OHKO most of the Tapu group and Grass-types like Lilligant. Ice Punch is Buzzwole's most preferred coverage move, easily OHKOing popular Dragon-types like Garchomp and Salamence. Leech Life can be used over Poison Jab or Ice Punch to increase Buzzwole's longevity. This, however, makes Buzzwole unable to damage Fairy- or Dragon-type Pokemon effectively. Protect is used to scout for lures and Z-Moves and keeps Buzzwole safe while its partner addresses threats to it. Set Details The set runs Fightinium Z as its held item to unleash the devastating Z-Move All-Out Pummeling, which is strong enough to OHKO a large portion of the metagame. Buzzwole's ability, Beast Boost, makes it stronger after each KO, making it difficult to stop once it gets going. The EVs are designed to allow Buzzwole retain its offensive capabilities while being able to survive some of the common attacks in VGC 2017. 44 HP and 4 Def EVs ensure that Adamant Arcanine's Flare Blitz is a guaranteed 2HKO, with enough HP remaining to survive in Hail or Sandstorm. 44 HP and 140 SpDef EVs allow Buzzwole to survive Life Orb Tapu Koko's Dazzling Gleam and have a 93.7% chance to survive its Thunderbolt in Electric Terrain. 100 Speed EVs ensure Buzzwole outspeeds Timid Pheromosa with speed control like paralysis or Tailwind. The rest of the EVs are dumped in Attack and an Adamant nature is chosen to maximize Buzzwole's offense. Usage Tips Buzzwole is a physical tank, so it can be used to switch into powerful physical attacks like Garchomp's Tectonic Rage and Kartana's Leaf Blade. Buzzwole completely walls Garchomp, so it is considered a solid Garchomp check. However, beware of the Fairy-types that usually accompany Garchomp, as they can quickly take care of Buzzwole. Even though Buzzwole is a physical tank, it can still be OHKOed by strong super effective moves like Talonflame's Brave Bird and Arcanine's Inferno Overdrive, so users of such moves should be handled with caution. Its abysmal Special Defense makes it an easy target for the likes of Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini, meaning it shouldn't be kept on the field when facing the duo. Like most physical attackers, Buzzwole is hindered by Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp, and players should hold out using its Z-Move until they can ensure it connects, as using it on to a Protect severely hurts your momentum. Buzzwole serves as a perfect Snorlax and Porygon2 counter, being able to easily OHKO them with its Z-Move, though you should keep an eye out for the occasional Protect. Team Options Most Flying-type attacks are capable of OHKOing Buzzwole. Hence, Rock-type Pokemon like Nihilego form a solid defensive core with Buzzwole, and Nihilego in particular also takes down the guardian deities with STAB Sludge Bomb. Poison-type Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Nihilego help Buzzwole by dealing with Fairy-type Pokemon like the guardian deities, some of which are capable of OHKOing Buzzwole with their STAB Fairy-type attacks. As Buzzwole is weak to Fire-type moves, a Ground-type Pokemon like Garchomp works well with it. Rain setters like Pelipper can be used to mitigate its Fire weakness as well, with Pelipper having the added benefit of supporting Buzzwole by providing speed control. Like most physical attackers, Buzzwole is crippled by burns and Intimidate, and hence appreciates the help of Tapu Fini and its Misty Terrain. Due to Buzzwole's mediocre Speed tier, it often appreciates some form of speed control like Tailwind to outspeed and KO opposing threats. Setters like Talonflame, Pelipper, and Drifblim go well with it, being able to provide guaranteed Tailwind while exerting some form of offensive pressure.

Moves Superpower is the strongest STAB move on the set, severely denting neutral targets and dealing with the problematic Steel- and Rock-types for Bug teams. Ice Punch allows Buzzwole to pressure Dragon-type teams, as Bug otherwise lacks access to Ice-type moves and struggles to deal with Dragon-type teams offensively. Ice Punch, when combined with Superpower, allows Buzzwole to threaten Dragon, as Kyurem-B fears Superpower, which makes the rest of the team vulnerable to Ice Punch. It can also deal with Ground-types, such as Landorus and Gliscor. Stone Edge is important in order to deal with Flying- and Fire-type threats, such as Mega Charizard Y, Mantine, and Volcarona, all of which are huge threats to Bug-type teams. Earthquake allows Buzzwole to deal with Rock- and Poison-types like Mega Diancie and Toxapex. It also has amazing coverage with Stone Edge, forming the EdgeQuake combination that hits a lot of types for super effective damage. Leech Life gives Buzzwole some recovery and a reliable Bug-type STAB move that can pressure opposing Psychic-type teams; however, Buzzwole has to forgo important offensive coverage. Set Details Maximum Attack investment optimizes Buzzwole's overall damage output. Maximum Speed investment, along with a Jolly nature and a Choice Scarf, allows Buzzwole to deal with threats such as Mega Charizard Y, Tapu Koko, and Mega Diancie, be an effective revenge killer and check to threats to Bug-type teams. Its ability Beast Boost allows it to get an Attack boost after each Pokemon it KOes. This not only makes Buzzwole difficult to stop defensively, but it is especially helpful when using Superpower, as Beast Boost negates the drop in Attack after it manages to get a KO. Usage Tips Due to its typing, Buzzwole has key resistances to Ground-, Dark-, and Fighting-type attacks, which grants it some opportunities to switch in. Smart double switches and U-turn pivots from the likes of Scizor allow Buzzwole to come in safely to revenge kill threats without taking unnecessary damage. Proper predictions should be made, as locking Buzzwole into a certain move can allow opposing Pokemon to set up freely; for example, Ground teams can predict Ice Punch, switching into Seismitoad or Mamoswine and sacrificing Buzzwole’s momentum. Status moves, such as moves that inflict paralysis and burns, should be avoided at all costs, as they make Buzzwole unable to revenge kill threats that it is supposed to. Due to its low special bulk, Buzzwole should not be switched in on special moves, as even weak special attacks can easily 2HKO it. Even though Buzzwole has good physical bulk, it shouldn't switch into physical attacks often to remain healthy, especially if it is needed to revenge kill a certain threat for the team. Superpower lowers Buzzwole's Attack and Defense stats by one stage, so it should be used cautiously, because it forces Buzzwole out and can let a foe set up; the lowered Defense also makes Buzzwole more prone to being revenge killed. However, its ability Beast Boost negates the Attack drop after it knocks out a Pokemon. One should be cautious of switching Buzzwole into certain Pokemon like Garchomp, which potentially carry a coverage move such as Fire Blast, weakening Buzzwole. As Buzzwole is an asset against Dragon-type teams, it should be preserved to revenge kill threats such as Dragonite, Garchomp, and Kyurem-B. Buzzwole can easily tank Extreme Speed from Choice Band Dragonite due to its high physical bulk, and it can also score an OHKO with Ice Punch if Multiscale is no longer in effect. Scizor should be preserved, as it can Pursuit trap Choice Scarf Latios. Team Options Galvantula makes for a fantastic teammate, as it not only provides Sticky Web support for Buzzwole but also deals with bulky Water-types that trouble it, since Galvantula has access to Thunder and Energy Ball. Choice Band Scizor is a good teammate, bringing Buzzwole in safely with U-turn while also providing the team with priority Bullet Punch to deal with threats like Mega Diancie, Nihilego, and Terrakion. Scizor can also provide Pursuit support to trap and take out troublesome Pokemon for Buzzwole, such as Latios and Victini. Mega Scizor is another good teammate for Buzzwole, as it appreciates Buzzwole covering threats for it, such as Mega Charizard Y. Mega Scizor can pressure and break down common checks as well as act as a sweeper by setting up Swords Dance. Volcarona deals with physical walls that Buzzwole has a hard time breaking, such as Celesteela and Skarmory, while Buzzwole takes care of special walls like Chansey for Volcarona to sweep more easily. Armaldo and Forretress are good teammates because both provide Rapid Spin support, since Buzzwole is susceptible to all forms of entry hazards. They also provide Buzzwole with Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes, which makes cleaning teams easier for Buzzwole. Armaldo also provides Buzzwole with Knock Off support, which allows Buzzwole to deal with Pokemon such as defensive Staraptor and Toxapex much more easily. Mega Pinsir is another good teammate, as it can wallbreak with Swords Dance, which pressures common checks and opens up walls for Buzzwole. Araquanid provides Buzzwole with good defensive support with Assault Vest to sponge strong special attacks, such as Fire Blast from Mega Charizard Y, which threaten Buzzwole. It is also a good status absorber for Buzzwole, as Water Bubble makes it immune to burns. Due to its ability Speed Boost, Scolipede can function quite effectively even without Sticky Web support, outspeeding threatening Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Victini, which Choice Scarf Buzzwole cannot outspeed. Scolipede also puts in a lot of work against Psychic-type teams with Megahorn.

Moves Leech Life is Buzzwole's most consistent STAB attack and allows it to hit Psychic- and Grass-types like Latias and Serperior for good damage. Leech Life also provides Buzzwole with a minor form of recovery. Superpower is Buzzwole's most powerful STAB attack and allows it to hit Normal- and Steel-types like Porygon2 and Excadrill. Ice Punch allows Buzzwole to hit defensive Ground- and Flying-types such as Gliscor and Landorus-T that would otherwise wall the other physical attackers on the team. It is also useful coverage, as it hits Dragon-types like Dragonite and Garchomp very hard. Poison Jab allows Buzzwole to check Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu and Azumarill, which otherwise threaten the rest of the team. Earthquake can be used over Poison Jab to revenge kill Victini after a V-create as well as KO Mega Diancie after Stealth Rock damage. Set Details Maximum Attack investment allows Buzzwole to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment paired with a Jolly nature and further augmented by a Choice Scarf allows Buzzwole to outspeed threats such as Latios and Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. Beast Boost enables Buzzwole to break down teams by getting an Attack boost after KOing a Pokemon, which can be useful for evening out Superpower's Attack drop when sweeping. Usage Tips Buzzwole is used best as a revenge killer, so switching it into Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Latios after a teammate has fallen allows Buzzwole to force them out or KO them. Buzzwole can also sweep teams effectively if opposing walls like Toxapex and Mega Sableye are gone, with Beast Boost making this easier by increasing Buzzwole's Attack after every consecutive KO. Buzzwole should avoid staying in on fast or bulky special attackers, as its low Special Defense leaves it open to many special revenge killers like Mega Diancie and Mega Slowbro. Buzzwole must be cautious about not getting Choice-locked into an unfavorable move, since Pokemon like Dragonite and Mega Altaria will take advantage of this and try to set up on Buzzwole as a result. Be wary of using Superpower continuously, as it can lead to Buzzwole becoming less and less effective due to the move lowering Buzzwole's Attack and Defense and leaving it more easily revenge killed or set up on. Buzzwole should avoid staying in on walls or any status inducers like Klefki, as they will hamper Buzzwole's effectiveness with their status moves. Team Options Cobalion provides Buzzwole with Stealth Rock support, which allows Buzzwole to get KOs on Focus Sash users such as Garchomp and Breloom, as well as make use of Thunder Wave to slow down fast threats like Choice Scarf Latios and Choice Scarf Greninja. Terrakion uses a Choice Scarf to act as a way to check faster threats to Fighting teams like Choice Scarf Victini and Choice Scarf Hydreigon. In return, Buzzwole can handle Terrakion's checks like Azumarill and Gliscor. Keldeo threatens physically defensive tanks that Buzzwole cannot handle like Mega Sableye and KOes them with Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump. Breloom uses Spore to put opposing Pokemon to sleep and can revenge kill faster threats to Buzzwole like Choice Scarf Greninja with Mach Punch. Breloom also uses Bullet Seed to take down bulky Water-types such as Swampert and Suicune who that also wear down Buzzwole. Hawlucha can remove hazards like Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web, preventing Buzzwole from being worn down or slowed down when it switches in. Kommo-o appreciates Buzzwole eliminating Fairy-types like Azumarill and Tapu Bulu that block its Z-Move prior to setting up. Additionally, it can take on Pokemon that wall Buzzwole such as Toxapex and Mega Venusaur with Clangorous Soulblaze and use Taunt to prevent them from healing. Mega Gallade breaks though bulky Pokemon after a Swords Dance boost with its powerful STAB moves in Zen Headbutt and Close Combat. Buzzwole appreciates its ability to eliminate Poison-types, as Buzzwole struggles to KO them.

Moves Roost provides reliable recovery, allowing Buzzwole to stay healthy through the match and continue to check what it needs to check. Bulk Up lets Buzzwole increases its Defense, helping it take physical hits much better, and its Attack, forcing out Pokemon that don't threaten it like Altarianite Zygarde and Blue Orb Golisopod. Lunge decreases the foe's Attack, making it useful for weakening Pokemon that Buzzwole checks. Iron Head gives Buzzwole a STAB move that hits Fairy-types super effectively, notably beating Z-Geomancy Xerneas, although Lunge’s Attack drop is usually more appreciated. Earthquake makes Buzzwole able to hit Red Orb users such as Victini and Azelf on the switch and threaten Steel-types. Drain Punch provides semi-reliable recovery and pressures Blissey. Set Details Aggronite changes Buzzwole's Fighting typing to Steel, allowing Buzzwole to better check many physical threats and lose many of its former weaknesses. Filter is helpful when fighting defensive Pokemon, as many of them cannot successfully force it out even with Fire-types attacks. The EVs used and an Impish nature maximize physical bulk, allowing Buzzwole to do its job better. An alternative spread of 248 HP / 116 Atk / 144 Def with an Impish nature allows Buzzwole to 2HKO Metagrossite Kartana with Drain Punch, 2HKO other defensive Pokemon like Sablenite Mew with Lunge, and have increased general offensive presence. The loss in bulk might not be worth it, however. Usage Tips Buzzwole should be used to take physical hits, so switch it into threatening physical attackers. However, be careful of mixed attackers and foes with Fire coverage. Buzzwole should use Bulk Up when it’s safe to do so, such as against a Lucarionite Zygarde without Dragon Tail, as Bulk Up will aid it in its job to wall threats. Lunge helps Buzzwole set up, and should be used often when faced with physical threats. Lunge also gives Buzzwole the ability to take on setup sweepers and weakens incoming switch-ins, which could make them easier to deal with for Buzzwole. Buzzwole needs to be healthy to keep checking many different physical threats like Kartana and Lucarionite Zygarde, so using Roost often isn't a bad idea. Buzzwole can easily check several different -ate users, although it has an unfortunate neutrality to Flying. As such, be careful around Aerilate users, as they may be able to break through Buzzwole eventually. Taunt can shut down Buzzwole very easily, so be careful around users of it like Cobalion and Terrakion, as Buzzwole may require Roost or Bulk Up to safely beat those users. Buzzwole has a Bug / Fighting typing before Mega Evolution, which changes what it can switch into safely. For example, Altarianite users are obviously dangerous to switch into while Fighting-type. Team Options Buzzwole dislikes having to take special attacks, so partners like Blissey and Magearna help it a lot. Blissey deserves a special mention, as it forms a great core with Buzzwole, easily taking any special attacks while Buzzwole takes physical attacks for Blissey. Red Orb users inherently force out Buzzwole, so partners that can do likewise to Red Orb users, like Golisopod and Primal Kyogre, are appreciated. Lucarionite Zygarde also pairs well with Buzzwole for this purpose, and Buzzwole is able to serve as a way to Imposter-proof Zygarde when facing a Ditto. Clerics are appreciated, as burns and paralysis really hurt Buzzwole's offensive presence. Blissey is a notable partner for this purpose. Buzzwole really dislikes being chipped every time it comes in, so Defog users are nice partners. Mega Salamence, Arceus-Fairy, and Gliscor are possible partners for this purpose. Terrakion can easily break through Mega-Evolved Buzzwole, so teammates that can handle it are highly appreciated. Giratina and Arceus-Fairy are excellent checks. Buzzwole does not appreciate Fire-type moves at all, so switch-ins to those are wanted. Dragon-types like Arceus-Dragon and Mega Salamence are usable, but Blue Orb users like Golisopod and Magearna are particularity helpful.

Buzzwole has just enough Speed to outspeed Tapu Koko and Mega Gengar with a Jolly nature and a Choice Scarf, making it a decent revenge killer. Leech Life is useful for restoring some health, but Lunge's Attack drop can soften the blow after mispredicting certain physical attackers switching in, such as Mega Salamence and Landorus-T. Note that Buzzwole usually won't sweep even with Beast Boost, due to Superpower lowering its Attack stat.

While Mega Heracross is usually the better choice for a bulky attacker, Buzzwole doesn't use up a Mega slot, and it can use Assault Vest to surprise certain specially attacking threats such as Tapu Koko. If you're not using Assault Vest, Fightinium Z can be used to get one powerful attack out of Superpower or Hammer Arm. This also allows Buzzwole to use Roost against more defensive threats, something Mega Heracross can't do. If your team doesn't absolutely require a non-Mega Pokemon in this slot, however, make sure Mega Heracross doesn't suit your team better.

Buzzwole's good physical bulk, access to Roost, and important resistances to Ground and Fighting make it a reasonable defensive Pokemon, giving it a niche over Mega Heracross. However, it does a poor job taking special attacks.