Chien-Pao Movesets & Competitive Sets

Choice Band gives Chien-Pao the best chance to 2HKO walls like Necrozma-DM and revenge kill Miraidon and Koraidon after moderate chip. Icicle Crash is the main STAB option thanks to its flinch chance and better Base Power while also avoiding Rocky Helmet, while Ice Spinner doesn't miss and can reset Miraidon's Electric Terrain. Crunch is its most reliable Dark-type STAB move, hitting Arceus-Water, Kyogre, and Necrozma-DM. Double priority in Sucker Punch and Ice Shard lets it pack both power and coverage, nailing anything that might be faster including Iron Bundle, Miraidon, and even Calyrex-I in Trick Room. Tera Dark and Ice can both be used to power up Chien-Pao's STAB attacks; Tera Ice has a chance to OHKO both Miraidon and Koraidon with Ice Shard, while Tera Dark secures the 2HKO against Ho-Oh and has a high chance to 2HKO Arceus-Water. Choice Band Chien-Pao is a useful revenge killer and wallbreaker for offensive teams. Since it forgoes Heavy-Duty Boots and would love to switch in multiple times to mitigate the effect of Choice-lock, it pairs well with Iron Treads, which can clear entry hazards and even pivot Chien-Pao in. Zacian-C can easily revenge kill Chien-Pao and even grab a Swords Dance if locked into Sucker Punch or Ice Shard, making strong counterplay like Landorus-T and defensive Arceus-Ground or revenge killers like Choice Scarf Koraidon mandatory teammates. Physically offensive teammates like Koraidon and Necrozma-DM appreciate being able to clean teams Chien-Pao has weakened; alternatively, they can punch holes for Chien-Pao to clean up. Extreme Killer Arceus is an excellent teammate, as it forms a powerful priority core with Chien-Pao and can draw out Tera Ghost for it.

Swords Dance Chien-Pao is a threatening late-game cleaner once Arceus formes that are not weak to Chien-Pao's STAB moves have been chipped sufficiently. Icicle Crash is Chien-Pao's strongest STAB move, provides key coverage against the plethora of Ground-types, and can provide a flinch in a pinch all while dodging Rocky Helmet. Crunch is Chien-Pao's most reliable secondary STAB move, hitting Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Water, and Kyogre, while Sucker Punch is its strongest priority move by far against neutral targets. Ice Shard is notable to revenge kill Koraidon and Miraidon while also not failing against setup moves and can be run over either Dark STAB move. Life Orb is the preferred item to secure the OHKO against defensive Necrozma-DM and 2HKO against Arceus-Water after Swords Dance, and given Chien-Pao’s frailty, the recoil is often insignificant. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Chien-Pao to be played aggressively in the early-to-mid-game to help break down the opposing core itself and pick off weakened targets, while Black Glasses still secures key KOs like Necrozma-DM without recoil. Jolly is the preferred nature to Speed tie Koraidon, Miraidon, and opposing Chien-Pao while outspeeding Arceus, Mewtwo, and +1 Necrozma-DM and Iron Treads, but Adamant is an option, especially on double priority sets that care less about the Speed tier. Chien-Pao thrives best when it is tasked with cleaning up a weakened team. As such, powerful physical wallbreakers like Koraidon and Arceus-Ground that can lure in and weaken their shared checks like Arceus-Fairy are excellent teammates. Chien-Pao also loves entry hazards being up on the opposing side, making teammates like Gliscor and Ting-Lu wonderful partners. Chien-Pao is helpless against Zacian-C, making a strong answer to it like Ho-Oh a great teammate. Additionally, strong opposing priority users like Arceus offset Chien-Pao's biggest advantage, so a reliable answer to it like defensive Arceus-Ground is recommended. Especially if running Life Orb, Chien-Pao struggles to get onto the field without taking tremendous chip damage, making pivoting teammates like Gliscor, Koraidon, and Miraidon valuable partners; Miraidon especially draws in the Ground-types like Ting-Lu and Gliscor that Chien-Pao feasts on. Extreme Killer Arceus is an excellent teammate, as they form a strong priority core together; Arceus also often forces Tera Ghost on opposing setup sweepers, making them weaker to Chien-Pao's Sucker Punch. Glimmora is a useful partner especially on hyper offense teams to provide entry hazard support and clear Stealth Rock with Mortal Spin.

Chien-Pao is a fast physical attacker that uses its good Speed tier and strong STAB attacks to threaten popular Pokemon like Koraidon, Miraidon, and Calyrex-S. Ice Spinner is used as a consistent Ice-type STAB move that can remove Terrains that Pokemon like Indeedee-F, Miraidon, and Rillaboom set up. Removing Psychic Terrain can allow Chien-Pao to threaten Calyrex-S with a super effective Sucker Punch. Alternatively, Icicle Crash hits less consistently, but it avoids Rocky Helmet damage, can cause foes to flinch, and keeps up Terrains that would benefit Chien-Pao. Sucker Punch gives Chien-Pao a priority option that can KO faster Pokemon such as Speed Booster Energy Flutter Mane and Iron Bundle. Sacred Sword allows Chien-Pao to hit Pokemon that resist its STAB moves like Incineroar and Zamazenta-C. Chien-Pao can run Throat Chop as a consistent Dark-type STAB attack that can hit Lunala and Calyrex-S even if they didn't use an attacking move. Throat Chop also prevents Incineroar from using Parting Shot. Focus Sash allows Chien-Pao to survive at least one attack and to give it the opportunity to use another move due to its high Speed. Chien-Pao can use Tera Ghost to become immune to Fighting while also avoiding priority attacks like Fake Out and Extreme Speed that would otherwise break its Focus Sash. Tera Stellar is a more offensive option that allows Chien-Pao to pick up KOs that it would otherwise miss out on like bulky Flutter Mane. The best check for Chien-Pao is Incineroar, as it resists both STAB types and packs Intimidate. Zacian-C also resists Chien-Pao's STAB moves and threatens it with all of its attacks. Choice Scarf Urshifu-R and Flutter Mane can threaten to bring Chien-Pao down to Focus Sash or OHKO it, with the former resisting Chien-Pao's STAB combination and the latter also threatening to slow it down with Icy Wind. Chien-Pao pairs well with physical attackers like Zacian-C and Rillaboom, as Sword of Ruin makes them even more potent threats and they can handle Urshifu-R and Flutter Mane for Chien-Pao. However, they also struggle against Incineroar and opposing Zacian-C. This makes Urshifu-R and Zamazenta-C also good options for Chien-Pao, since they can threaten Incineroar and Zacian-C while taking advantage of Sword of Ruin. Chien-Pao can threaten Grass- and Dragon-types that resist Urshifu-R's Surging Strikes such as Rillaboom and Raging Bolt, as well as making quick work of Ghost-types that are immune to Body Press such as Calyrex-S.

Set Details Chien-Pao uses its high Speed and Ice- and Dark-type STAB attacks to threaten foes like Miraidon and Calyrex-S. Sword of Ruin bolsters its already high Attack stat, elevating the damage it can deal. Sword of Ruin additionally increases the damage its partners can deal, notably allowing Zamazenta-C to achieve more KOs with Body Press. Sucker Punch is used to threaten foes naturally faster than Chien-Pao such as Calyrex-S, while Crunch is used when Chien-Pao moves before its foe like when it is up against Lunala. Taunt is used to disrupt supportive foes such as Lunala and Amoonguss, preventing them from using Trick Room and Spore, respectively. Icicle Crash deals more damage and doesn't make contact, keeping Chien-Pao's Focus Sash intact against Rocky Helmet users like Amoonguss, with the downside of having the potential to miss. While Ice Spinner deals less damage, it won't miss and has the benefit of removing Terrain, weakening the damage dealt by Miraidon and its partners. Focus Sash guarantees Chien-Pao can survive at least one hit so it can revenge kill faster foes and be positioned flexibly. Life Orb increases the damage Chien-Pao deals, guaranteeing it can OHKO bulky Miraidon variants with Ice Spinner. The defensive investment allows Chien-Pao to survive Surging Strikes from Choice Scarf Urshifu-R. A Jolly nature allows Chien-Pao to outrun non-maximum Speed Miraidon, whereas an Adamant nature lets Chien-Pao OHKO Rillaboom with Icicle Crash. Tera Stellar boosts Chien-Pao's damage to greater heights, allowing it to OHKO Ursaluna with Icicle Crash and Tera Grass Ho-Oh with Ice Spinner. Tera Ghost, meanwhile, prevents Fake Out disruption while keeping Focus Sash intact and provides Chien-Pao with an immunity to Close Combat from Koraidon and Body Press from Zamazenta-C. Teambuilding Bulky Restricted Pokemon like Zamazenta-C, Ho-Oh, and Kyogre are problematic for Chien-Pao. They threaten Chien-Pao, and it can't sufficiently damage them if they haven't Terastallized. Chien-Pao struggles to damage Dark-types like Incineroar and Grimmsnarl. They can also reduce Chien-Pao's damage with Intimidate, Will-O-Wisp, and Parting Shot from Incineroar and Reflect from Grimmsnarl. A partner Zamazenta-C synergizes well with Chien-Pao. Zamazenta-C threatens opposing Zamazenta-C, Incineroar, and Grimmsnarl, while Chien-Pao provides Sword of Ruin, letting Zamazenta-C OHKO Ogerpon-H with Body Press. Zamazenta-C also protects Chien-Pao from Kyogre's Water Spout and Origin Pulse with Wide Guard, forcing them to deal little damage with Ice Beam against Chien-Pao. Miraidon works well with Chien-Pao, KOing Ho-Oh and Kyogre while Chien-Pao threatens Rillaboom, which Miraidon struggles to damage. Urshifu-R appreciates Sword of Ruin letting it OHKO Ho-Oh with Surging Strikes; it also threatens Incineroar and Grimmsnarl while Chien-Pao removes Grass-types like Rillaboom and Amoonguss.

Icy Wind Chien-Pao is able to provide excellent speed control for its teammates such as Landorus, Ogerpon-H, and Ogerpon-W, allowing them to outspeed and OHKO threats like opposing Chien-Pao, Tornadus, and opposing Ogerpon formes. Chien-Pao's primary Ice-type STAB move is largely determined by its partners; Ice Spinner for its ability to clear Grassy and Psychic Terrain, while Icicle Crash is chosen for its increased power, ability to avoid Rocky Helmet chip damage that would break its Focus Sash, and inability to clear your own Terrain when run with Indeedee-F or Rillaboom. Sucker Punch is chosen to give Chien-Pao a priority option, allowing it to pick off weakened threats or squeeze off an extra hit after being brought down to its Focus Sash. Throat Chop gives Chien-Pao a way of hitting Pokemon like Farigiraf and Indeedee-F super effectively while also allowing it to attack Gholdengo and Terastallized Ogerpon-H without having to risk Sucker Punch failing. Icy Wind Chien-Pao is notable for its ability to function as the primary mode of speed control for priority-spam teams while also being able to excel in conjunction with Tailwind-setting teammates like Roaring Moon and Tornadus. Icy Wind allows Chien-Pao to aid its partners in preventing Toxic Debris or Aurora Veil from Glimmora and Alolan Ninetales, respectively. Icy Wind can break a possible Focus Sash on either Pokemon and enables Chien-Pao's slower partners like Gholdengo, Landorus, and Glimmora to outspeed and OHKO either Pokemon after Icy Wind chip damage. The Naive nature is chosen to allow Chien-Pao to guarantee the 2HKO against bulky Landorus with Icy Wind. Tera Ghost grants a crucial immunity to Fake Out, opposing Chien-Pao's Sacred Sword, Dragonite's Extreme Speed, and Iron Hands's Fighting-type attacks. Dragonite is one of Chien-Pao's premier partners, with Icy Wind support allowing Dragonite to more effectively use its non-priority options, allowing for more versatile Dragonite sets like Loaded Dice. The Ogerpon formes are another of Chien-Pao's preferred partners, with Icy Wind and Sword of Ruin support allowing the Ogerpon formes to eliminate key threats to themselves like Focus Sash Tornadus and opposing Ogerpon formes before they're able to retaliate. Chien-Pao also works extremely well alongside Landorus because Landorus pressures Chien-Pao's common checks like Incineroar and Iron Hands, and additionally, Chien-Pao is able to slow down Landorus's most common check, Ogerpon-W.

Ice Spinner can threaten to OHKO Tornadus and Landorus while also removing Rillaboom's Grassy Terrain and Indeedee-F's Psychic Terrain, allowing Chien-Pao to use Sucker Punch, while Icicle Crash has a decent chance to make foes flinch and avoids contact damage from Spiky Shield and Rocky Helmet, keeping Focus Sash intact against Ogerpon and Rocky Helmet Amoonguss. Sucker Punch can pick off targets that are on low HP and faster threats such as opposing Chien-Pao and Pokemon benefitting from Trick Room or Tailwind. Throat Chop can be used over Sucker Punch for a reliable Dark-type STAB move, since it is not negated by Follow Me from Ogerpon-W and Indeedee-F and can hit Pokemon setting up like Gholdengo while also preventing Ursaluna-B from using Hyper Voice and Incineroar from using Parting Shot. Sacred Sword is great coverage against Pokemon that resist or tank Chien-Pao's STAB combination such as Incineroar, Kyurem under snow, and opposing Chien-Pao. Throat Chop can be used over Sacred Sword for a better matchup against Nasty Plot Gholdengo and redirection users in exchange for a worse matchup against Kingambit, Incineroar, and opposing Chien-Pao. Tera Ghost makes Chien-Pao immune to Fake Out, dodging the flinch effect and preventing Fake Out from breaking the Focus Sash, while also becoming immune to Fighting-type attacks from Iron Hands and opposing Chien-Pao. Tera Stellar provides a helpful power boost and can let it generally OHKO Amoonguss, Ursaluna-B, and most Raging Bolt with Ice Spinner or Icicle Crash. Teams that have Chien-Pao have a lot of offensive pieces that benefit from Sword of Ruin lowering the Defense of opposing Pokemon, increasing the chances of OHKOs from offensive threats such as Ogerpon-W, Ogerpon-H, Iron Hands, and priority users such as Choice Band Dragonite packing Extreme Speed. Chien-Pao appreciates Pokemon like Landorus, Landorus-T, and Ogerpon-W that offensively threaten Fire-types like Gouging Fire and Incineroar, among other key problems for Chien-Pao such as Diancie and Iron Hands. Gouging Fire can be a good partner, supporting Chien-Pao with Howl to negate Intimidate while accentuating the physically focused offense already passively bolstered by Sword of Ruin.

Chien-Pao is undoubtedly the best naturally offensive Pokemon in Partners in Crime thanks to its amazing Speed, good Attack, and Sword of Ruin. The last of these is appreciated by every Pokemon in the metagame due to Pokemon with Sword of Ruin not being affected by the ability. In particular, physical attackers take the best advantage of the ability, as their own damage output is boosted. Ice Spinner is Chien-Pao's preferred Ice-type STAB move thanks to its consistency over Icicle Crash and the ability to disrupt Indeedee-F's Psychic Terrain. Icicle Crash is a marginally stronger option that can be used if the team features a Terrain it wishes to preserve, which also comes with a flinch chance that is often felt due to Chien-Pao's high Speed. Sucker Punch is a must-have on Chien-Pao, as it allows it a form of damage even when playing against opposing Tailwind or Trick Room teams, notably pressuring the likes of Gholdengo effectively. Sacred Sword is generally preferred as a means to hit Pokemon that resist its STAB moves such as Incineroar and Heatran while also ignoring defensive boosts from the likes of IronPress Kommo-o. Haze is a great alternative to shut down opposing setup such as Gholdengo's Nasty Plot and Rillaboom's Swords Dance. Throat Chop is a stronger Dark-type option that also shuts down moves such as Incineroar's Parting Shot. Focus Sash is Chien-Pao's best item, as it helps patch up its otherwise mediocre bulk; meanwhile, Clear Amulet helps to staveoff Intimidate from Incineroar and Landorus-T. Tera Ghost is Chien-Pao's preferred Tera type, turning its Fighting weakness into an immunity while granting it a Fake Out immunity to help preserve its Focus Sash. Tera Stellar is a more offensive option that takes advantage of the plethora of uniquely typed moves that can be shared with Chien-Pao. Notable Partners ================ Strong Priority Users: Extreme Speed users such as Dragonite and Entei make for great partners with Chien-Pao thanks to Sword of Ruin raising their Extreme Speeds' damage to exorbitant heights. Other priority moves such as Rillaboom's Grassy Glide are also good, while all of the aforementioned Pokemon appreciate Ice Spinner from Chien-Pao to clear Psychic Terrain. Bulky Setup Pokemon: As Sword of Ruin grants the user immunity to the ability, bulky setup Pokemon such as Nasty Plot Gholdengo and Dragon Dance Dragonite appreciate the presence of Chien-Pao.

Thanks to its high Attack boosted further by Sword of Ruin, strong STAB combination, and access to priority moves, Choice Band Chien-Pao is one of the metagame's deadliest wallbreakers and revenge killers. On top of a valuable Speed tier to threaten and chase out common tier staples like Roaring Moon, Cinderace, and Iron Boulder, it has the immediate power to 2HKO walls like physically defensive Manaphy as well as Fluffy Corviknight and Skarmory after Stealth Rock. Sacred Sword immediately threatens Steel-type foes such as Kingambit, Cobalion, Heatran, and Iron Treads. Either priority move allows Chien-Pao to revenge kill faster threats like Hisuian Electrode and Choice Scarf Latios; Sucker Punch is more punishable but targets non-Psychic Surge Deoxys-S, Choice Scarf Gholdengo, and Agility Iron Crown hard, while Ice Shard handles foes like Choice Scarf Roaring Moon, Meowscarada, and weakened Zamazenta. Though it can function on a wide range of team styles, Chien-Pao fits best on fast-paced offensive teams that can best take advantage of its wallbreaking prowess while mitigating its lack of defensive utility. Powerful special wallbreakers like Deoxys-S, Gholdengo, and Primarine stand out as star teammates for their ability to immediately threaten physical walls like physically defensive Manaphy, Skarmory, and Iron Hands that can give Chien-Pao trouble. Also notable are Latios, Iron Moth, and Iron Crown, which are powerful special pivots able to bring Chien-Pao in to threaten their switch-ins like Swampert, Ting-Lu, and Roaring Moon. Chien-Pao also works well in tandem with other powerful wallbreakers like Roaring Moon, Zamazenta, and Iron Boulder, with Chien-Pao wearing down their checks like non-Intimidate Corviknight, Landorus, and Pecharunt, while its teammates pressure Manaphy, Iron Hands, and defensive Primarina. Bulky pivots like Pecharunt, Swampert, and Corviknight can also make good teammates, tanking hits and allowing the frail Chien-Pao to more easily get on the field against foes like Roaring Moon, Zapdos, and Scream Tail; Pecharunt is especially notable for its ability to wall Zamazenta, which is otherwise a great check to Chien-Pao, while Corviknight alongside Great Tusk and Iron Treads are noteworthy for their entry hazard removing capabilities, making it far easier for Chien-Pao to repeatedly hit the field.

Chien-Pao's incredible Speed and excellent offensive STAB combination let it function as threatening setup sweeper and late-game cleaner. Magic Guard protects Chien-Pao from Life Orb recoil and nullifies passive damage from Stealth Rock, Rocky Helmet, and poison from Pecharunt. Heavy-Duty Boots is another option to circumvent Chien-Pao's Stealth Rock weakness, along with making it immune to Sticky Web and letting it run Sword of Ruin for a similar power boost to Life Orb. Throat Chop shuts down Boomburst Scream Tail and denies Parting Shot from Pecharunt. Sucker Punch threatens Deoxys-S, Choice Scarf Gholdengo, and Surge Surfer Manaphy, although Ice Shard is usually the preferred option to hit Zamazenta as well as Choice Scarf Roaring Moon and Meowscarada. Chien-Pao fits well on offense and hyper offense teams, where its checks can be worn down with the help of other offensive teammates, letting Chien-Pao sweep or clean up. Partners such as Kingambit, Roaring Moon, and the Ogerpon formes can help weaken physically defensive walls such as Corviknight, Iron Hands, and Primarina, as well as putting Zamazenta in KO range of a Swords Dance-boosted Ice Shard. Chien-Pao is threatened by Kingambit and the aforementioned Zamazenta and Iron Hands, so it needs physically defensive walls such as Great Tusk and Pecharunt. Faster Psychic Surge users like Deoxys-S and Choice Scarf Azelf can threaten Chien-Pao without fear of its priority moves; therefore, specially defensive walls such as Manaphy, Swampert, and Iron Treads are appreciated.

Holding a nearly unresisted STAB combination, Chien-Pao is a potent wallbreaker and revenge killer that outspeeds most of the metagame, notably including Ultra Necrozma, Eternatus, and Marshadow; however, its minimal defensive utility, weakness to Stealth Rock, and vulnerability to Zacian-C limit its viability to dedicated balance teams. Ice Spinner is a reliable STAB option that can remove Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain, hindering the momentum of teams reliant on the field effect. While Icicle Crash is less accurate, it's an alternative that hits slightly harder, always OHKOes defensive Eternatus and 2HKOes defensive Ho-Oh, and avoids making contact with Ferrothorn. Ice Shard and Sucker Punch can be run at the same time to minimize mind games when revenge killing setup sweepers, with the former OHKOing Mega Salamence and Rayquaza and the latter OHKOing Mewtwo and Ultra Necrozma. Sacred Sword ensures a 2HKO on Arceus-Dark and Zacian-C. The given EV spread outspeeds Eternatus and avoids an OHKO from +1 Adamant Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt, Jolly Zekrom's Outrage, Calyrex-I's Glacial Lance after a layer of Spikes, Life Orb Tera Normal Rayquaza's Extreme Speed, uninvested Primal Groudon's Precipide Blades, and Silk Scarf Tera Normal Arceus's Extreme Speed while also avoiding a 2HKO from Life Orb Tera Dark Yveltal's Sucker Punch, and Galarian Darmanitan's Icicle Crash, with the rest going to Attack to maximize damage output, notably ensuring an OHKO on Galarian Darmanitan with Sucker Punch. Tera Dark removes Chien-Pao's weakness to Stealth Rock; prevents physical Ultra Necrozma at +1 from OHKOing with any attack but the uncommon Outrage; and lets Crunch OHKO wallbreaker Primal Kyogre, defensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock, and Rayquaza, as well as letting Sucker Punch OHKO Marshadow and offensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock. Tera Ice is an alternative to 2HKO defensive Arceus-Fairy and OHKO defensive Arceus-Ground with either Ice Spinner or Icicle Crash, as well as OHKO Ultra Necrozma with Ice Shard after a layer of Spikes. It's not recommended to immediately try to OHKO Zygarde with an Ice-type STAB move, as it will often Terastallize and flip its matchup against Chien-Pao. Unless another Pokemon on the opposing team has already Terastallized, it's best to try to bait it into Terastallizing by positioning Chien-Pao as if it could just attack Zygarde, then hard switch to a more defensive check such as Arceus-Fairy or Alomomola. Chien-Pao's typing has the minimal defensive utility of resisting Marshadow's Shadow Sneak and Yveltal's Sucker Punch; therefore, it's desirable to preserve its health so it can revenge kill them. As Chien-Pao is setup fodder for Zacian-C, dedicated checks such as Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Necrozma-DM are solid allies, with Chien-Pao in exchange acting as an offensive check to foes such as Arceus-Ground, Rayquaza, and Marshadow. Chien-Pao struggles to come into the field, as it has minimal defensive utility, so defensive pivots such as Alomomola, Landorus-T, and Yveltal can provide the momentum that Chien-Pao requires to switch in safely and minimize the risk of being KOed on the switch. Chien-Pao is weak to Stealth Rock and can have longevity issues because of this; therefore, Defoggers such as Yveltal, Ho-Oh, and Giratina-O are formidable partners that can remove entry hazards for it, with Yveltal in particular also compressing pivoting and solidifying the matchup against Ultra Necrozma.

A Naive nature is used alongside Icy Wind in order to 2HKO Landorus

With its high Attack and Speed, and incredible ability in Sword of Ruin, Chien-Pao is one of the strongest physical attackers in the game. Icicle Crash: While Ice Spinner is perfectly accurate, Icicle Crash's higher power and flinch chance makes it the preferred attack. Additionally, not being a contact move allows Chien-Pao to avoid unnecessary chip damage from Rocky Helmet users. Sucker Punch: Sucker Punch offers priority with a strong base power. While it comes with the cost of necessitating prediction, it is effectively mandatory for putting extreme pressure on Calyrex-S. Sacred Sword: Sacred Sword provides coverage for Pokemon that resist one or both of Chien-Pao's STAB attacks, like Chi-Yu and other Chien-Pao. Additionally, ignoring defense boosts allows Chien-Pao to deal more consistent damage to foes who boost their Defense like Archaludon and Garganacl. Tera Blast: With Chien-Pao's incredible power, Tera Blast can be used to surprise would-be checks with powerful super-effective attacks! Crunch: Crunch is a more standard Dark-type attack that can pressure switch-ins as well as passive targets like Skeledirge. Brick Break: While Brick Break isn't as powerful as Sacred Sword, it does break dual screens and still provides excellent damage against opposing Chien-Pao. Swords Dance: Swords Dance boosts Chien-Pao's Attack to unwallable levels, making it an even more potent sweeper. Sheer Cold: While an OHKO move may look out of place on Chien-Pao and ultimately rely on luck, it cannot be understated how powerful it is to flip a matchup like Dondozo or Ho-oh on its head. Ice Shard: Ice Shard is a more consistent albeit weaker priority move compared to Sucker Punch that doesn't require attack prediction. Adamant versus Jolly: Adamant gives Chien-Pao a significant power boost for sniping Pokemon with Sucker Punch, but Jolly is important for Speed tying with Flutter Mane and opposing Chien-Pao. 0-1 SpA IV: If using Tera Blast on Jolly Chien-Pao, make sure to use a SpA IV that's 0-1. This is because if Flutter Mane uses Charm, any SpA IV that's higher will result in Tera Blast becoming a Special Attack. Other Options Psychic Fangs: Psychic Fangs is an alternative to Brick Break for dealing with dual screens while also dealing good damage to Urshifu-R. Lash Out: Lash Out is a situational but powerful response to Charm Flutter Mane thanks to the doubled BP on the turn Chien-Pao's Attack is lowered. Items Focus Sash: This is the most reliable item for Chien-Pao, almost always guaranteeing Chien-Pao at least one attack and flipping many potential match-ups such as offensive Flutter Mane. Life Orb: Life Orb makes Chien-Pao a terrifying sweeper and wall-breaker in one! Sitrus Berry: While Sitrus Berry may seem strange on such an offensive Pokemon, it can save Tera Electric Chien-Pao from being OHKOed by Adamant Choice Scarf Urshifu-R's Surging Strikes. 36 HP and 36 Defense EVs can be used to guarantee this, but even without investment, Chien-Pao has around a 93% chance of surviving. Tera Types Tera Dependency - Low / Medium: Chien-Pao offers power in spades without needing to Terastallize, but it ultimately comes down to how much Chien-Pao relies on Tera Blast for coverage. Electric: Tera Electric can be used in tandem with Tera Blast to improve Chien-Pao's matchup against key threats such as Urshifu-R, Kyogre, and Primarina, while also making it immune to paralysis. Stellar: Stellar's one-time boost per attacking type can open up new sweeping opportunities for Chien-Pao. Maintaining its Dark typing is also strong in consideration of the Calyrex-S matchup. Dark: Tera Dark boosts Sucker Punch to extreme power levels while making Crunch difficult to switch into without a resistance. Fire: Tera Fire provides Chien-Pao with a host of new resistances against Flutter Mane's Moonblast, Ogerpon-H's Ivy Cudgel, and Scizor's Bullet Punch. These surprise resistances work particularly well with finding a turn to use Swords Dance. Ghost: Tera Ghost doesn't offer much offensive benefit, but it allows Chien-Pao to dodge Normal-type priority from Dragonite and the Ogerpon formes, which can be particularly useful if using Swords Dance. Ice: Tera Ice can allow Chien-Pao to finish foes off with Ice Shard from higher ranges and makes Icicle Crash an even more formidable tool. If combined with Life Orb, even offensive Urshifu-R can be 2HKOed!

Choice Band transforms Chien-Pao into one of the most bloodthirsty wall-breakers in the metagame! Ice Shard versus Sucker Punch: Ice Shard is the weaker but more reliable priority move for cleaning late-game. Sucker Punch is one of the most powerful priority moves in the metagame, but falters against support moves like Substitute and Thunder Wave. Thanks to Choice Band Chien-Pao's insane power, it is entirely possible to sacrifice coverage and run both if desired. Sacred Sword versus Brick Break: Sacred Sword gives Chien-Pao useful coverage against bulky foes like Archaludon, as well as opposing Chien-Pao. Brick Break is less powerful but the utility of breaking dual screens can be worth it for some teams. Other Options Tera Blast: Chien-Pao can still opt for extra coverage to pressure would-be checks. However, this can require prediction because of the move lock, and often Chien-Pao will do more than enough damage hammering targets with Tera-boosted STAB attacks. Tera Types Tera Dependency - Medium: While Chien-Pao is already plenty powerful, Choice Band combined with Tera can make some of the strongest walls in the game fold before Chien-Pao. Dark: Tera Dark turns Choice Band Crunch into a devastating wallbreaker move that few can withstand, OHKOing checks like Scizor if using an Adamant nature. Neutralizing Chien-Pao's Steel-type weakness also makes it less vulnerable to Scizor's Bullet Punch. Ice: Tera Ice gives Choice Band Icicle Crash enough power to challenge even physically defensive Ting-Lu, having approximately a 69% chance to OHKO if using an Adamant nature; be warned, however, that Ting-Lu often Terastallizes in front of Chien-Pao, making this inconsistent. The extra power behind Ice Shard is also a welcome boost.