Klefki Movesets & Competitive Sets

Klefki's ability to set up dual screens and Spikes enables sweepers such as Tapu Bulu, Azumarill, and Tapu Fini, and its Poison-type immunity lets it check Nihilego, making it an invaluable asset to Fairy-type teams. Foul Play prevents Klefki from being passive against setup sweepers such as Excadrill, Scizor, and Dragon Dance Kyurem. Thunder Wave hampers dangerous attackers, such as Choice Scarf Gengar, Galarian Darmanitan, and Nihilego. Maximum Defense and HP investment lets it take on Scizor better. Almost any setup sweeper is a good teammate for Klefki; however, Swords Dance Tapu Bulu is a particularly good teammate, as it deals with Ground-, Water-, and Steel-types such as Excadrill, Heatran, and Urshifu-R. Tapu Bulu also provides Grassy Terrain, which weakens Earthquake and gives Klefki recovery. In return, Klefki can take on and cripple Ice- and Poison-types such as Cloyster and Nihilego, set dual screens to help it set up and wear down the opposing team with Spikes. Clefable can stack entry hazards alongside Klefki with Stealth Rock and can make their entry hazards more impactful with Knock Off. Clefable can also utilize a Calm Mind set to break through walls such as Celesteela, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn, which can all take advantage of Klefki. Calm Mind Tapu Fini and Belly Drum Azumarill are excellent teammates, as they eliminate Fire-types such as Volcarona and Blacephalon. Tapu Lele is appreciated, as it offensively checks Poison- and Dragon-types such as Nidoking and Kyurem. Tapu Koko's Choice Specs and Three Attacks + Roost sets appreciate Klefki's Spikes support, as it allows them to 2HKO Nihilego and OHKO Toxapex, respectively, while Calm Mind sets appreciate the extra bulk under screens. Hatterene also appreciates the dual screens support, which lets it either set Trick Room or setup more easily. Its Magic Bounce also punishes opposing hazard setters such as Ferrothorn and Landorus-T, which would be able to set hazards on Klefki. Additionally, it can use Mystical Fire to deal with Magnezone, which could otherwise trap and set up on Klefki.

Klefki provides great support to Fairy teams with priority dual screens and Spikes thanks to its ability Prankster. Foul Play checks physical setup sweepers such as Mega Scizor, Dragonite, and Mimikyu. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple opposing threats such as Mega Charizard Y, Mega Aerodactyl, Nihilego, and Cinderace. Klefki's defensive typing is appreciated by Fairy teams, since it is immune to Poison-type attacks and can take on Steel-type attacks such as Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch comfortably. Maximum HP and Defense investment with a Bold nature ensures Klefki has as much physical bulk as possible. All of Klefki's teammates appreciate everything it provides, most notably setup sweepers. Azumarill is a good pairing, since it can take on Ground-types and safely set up with Belly Drum alongside Normalium Z or Sitrus Berry behind dual screens. Swords Dance Tapu Bulu is also able to take on Ground-types and appreciates dual screens as well, since it is easy for it to get off Substitute and set up. Mimikyu benefits from dual screens, as it can survive a few extra turns after setting up, even after its Disguise is broken. Mega Diancie makes for another great teammate to pair with Klefki because it can bounce back opposing entry hazards and has good coverage such as Mystical Fire to pick off Ferrothorn and other bulky Steel-types thanks to chip damage from Spikes. Wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Tapu Lele and Choice Band Tapu Bulu appreciate Klefki's ability to cripple threats that would normally outspeed them, such as Gengar and Mega Aerodactyl. Tapu Koko can be used as a pivot to get Klefki on the battlefield safely if switching in with it is not optimal. Clefable can also provide extra utility in the form of setting Stealth Rocks and item removal with Knock Off.

Moves Spikes allow Klefki to chip down the grounded members of the opposing team, racking up damage for teammates. Play Rough lets Klefki actually beat or at least weaken Yveltal, as Life Orb and Choice Specs variants tend to overpower Klefki in the long run. It also gives Klefki a way to chip Magic Bounce users. Thunder Wave is an emergency stop to fast offensive threats such as Double Dance Necrozma-DM, Ultra Necrozma, and Geomancy Xerneas. Toxic hits Ground-types and Defoggers such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh, putting them on a timer. Set Details Maximum HP and Special Defense EVs and a Careful nature help Klefki handle special attackers as effectively as possible. Leftovers gives Klefki passive recovery to attempt to heal off chip damage. Prankster is what gives Klefki its niche in the tier. Usage Tips Pivot Klefki into resisted attacks from Pokemon such as Magearna and Arceus-Fairy; from there, begin stacking Spikes or spreading status to soften the opposing team. If weakening grounded offensive threats such as Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre is important, prioritize setting up Spikes to limit their wallbreaking potential, especially if they lack recovery. Use Toxic on bulkier pivots with recovery such as Arceus-Ground and Ho-Oh as they come in so teammates can break past them more easily. Certain Speed-boosting threats such as Ultra Necrozma and Geomancy Xerneas should be hit with Thunder Wave, slowing them down for revenge killers. If your opponent has Defoggers that are vulnerable to status, such as Arceus-Ground and Ho-Oh, attempt to cripple them so they can be dealt with by teammates. When faced against deadly setup sweepers such as Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Double Dance Necrozma-DM, and Geomancy Xerneas, it can be important to sacrifice Klefki to status them in order to stop them from blowing holes into your team. In certain matchups, use Klefki sparingly, as keeping it alive to use Thunder Wave on a big threat to your team can be important to gaining the edge in a match. Conversely, if no other good switch-ins exist, pivot Klefki into strong wallbreakers such as offensive Yveltal and Deoxys-A to prevent them from heavily damaging teammates. When up against Life Orb or Choice Specs Yveltal, decide whether to prioritize Spikes or try to weaken it with Play Rough, as teammates might struggle to handle a healthy Yveltal, although this could lead to a loss of momentum if they switch Yveltal out. Take note that Prankster-boosted status moves don't affect Dark-types and grounded Pokemon in Psychic Terrain. Team Options Stealth Rock + Swords Dance Primal Groudon and Klefki form a formidable entry hazard stacking core, as this Primal Groudon set can put up Stealth Rock against Ho-Oh and pick off paralyzed threats such as Ultra Necrozma and Xerneas, while Klefki helps Groudon's matchup versus certain Defoggers such as Giratina-O and Lugia. Sweepers such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Necrozma-DM take advantage of Spikes and status crippling their checks such as Zygarde-C and support Arceus formes. Choice Scarf Yveltal and Xerneas provide additional insurance against faster foes, can check Marshadow, and are able to clean the opposing team more comfortably with Klefki's support. Xerneas also helps Klefki by being an additional check to opposing Yveltal, especially bulkier variants. Marshadow greatly benefits from Klefki's Spikes stacking, as support Arceus formes hit neutrally by Life Orb Close Combat are guaranteed to be 2HKOed after a single layer of Spikes. Z-Move variants also work well with Klefki, as +1 Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike OHKOes maximum HP support Arceus formes, including Arceus-Fairy, when met with the same conditions. Mega Salamence is an exceptional partner, as it can handle Ho-Oh and circumvent burns with Facade or Refresh sets. Klefki's Spikes also helps Mega Salamence by chipping support Arceus formes, Zygarde-C, and Necrozma-DM into range of its attacks. Mega Gengar and Giratina-O form a Hex spam core with Klefki, spreading status and allowing the Ghost-types to break down defensive cores. Additionally, Giratina-O can switch into Fire- and Ground-type attacks for Klefki. Dragon Dance Zygarde-C enjoys support Arceus formes, Necrozma-DM, and Giratina-O being paralyzed or badly poisoned, as it can find setup opportunities on a full paralysis or let Toxic damage rack up by using Substitute and Protect. Dragon Tail on Zygarde-C also helps rack up Spikes damage on all support Arceus formes barring Arceus-Fairy. Offensive variants of Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Fairy pair well with Klefki defensively while keeping up offensive pressure, and both are able to handle Zygarde-C. Arceus-Ground also handles certain Primal Groudon sets, while Arceus-Fairy more easily handles Yveltal.

Moves Reflect and Light Screen allow Klefki to provide itself and its teammates with a solid boost to their defenses, allowing teammates like Tapu Bulu to clean more easily and giving setup sweepers such as Azumarill an easier time setting up. Spikes is used to give setup sweepers such as Azumarill an easier time cleaning the opposing team. Importantly, it pressures Steel teams, which frequently lack entry hazard removal, and is almost necessary for turning the tables on that matchup. Foul Play in tandem with Reflect allows Klefki to actively check an abundance of physical setup sweepers, most importantly including offensive Mega Scizor, and having Foul Play prevents Klefki from becoming complete Taunt bait. However, Thunder Wave allows Klefki to check many threatening setup sweepers, including Mega Charizard X, Porygon-Z, and Mew outside of Psychic Terrain by slowing them down, making it a strong option for teams that already cover Mega Scizor. Set Details Light Clay allows Klefki to extend the length of screens' effects from five to eight turns, giving teammates more time to benefit from them. The EV spread and nature allows Klefki to maximize its physical bulk, letting it more easily take on physical threats such as Mega Scizor. Prankster causes Klefki's support moves to have priority, making up for Klefki's suboptimal Speed. Usage Tips Klefki can be used as a pivot into many attackers, including Nasty Plot-boosted Mew, due to its fantastic typing. If there are threatening setup sweepers on the opposing team, Klefki should be preserved for late-game, when it can set screens up again and cripple physical setup sweepers with Foul Play. Due to Klefki's passiveness, it should be switched out after screens are up when against sweepers that don't mind its status moves such as Xurkitree to not give them free turns. Despite having a fantastic typing, Klefki shouldn't be randomly switched into attacks due to its overall mediocre natural bulk and lack of recovery. You should try to keep Klefki healthy so it can set screens up through the entire game. Klefki should avoid using Thunder Wave when there are Dark-type Pokemon on the opposing team, as that allows them a free switch into Klefki. Spikes should be set up early-game to chip away at the opponent's Pokemon and pressure them to remove hazards from the field. Team Options Azumarill can take advantage of screens to easily set up Belly Drum with Sitrus Berry or Normalium Z, then proceed to clean weakened teams without a Water-resistant Pokemon. Azumarill also appreciates Klefki's ability to set Spikes up, as it allows Azumarill to KO bulky Pokemon that would normally take a +6 Aqua Jet such as bulky Mega Scizor. Azumarill can help pick off annoying Fire- and Ground-types such as Victini, Volcarona, and Excadrill for Klefki. Tapu Bulu can help check Ground- and Water-types that trouble Klefki such as Hippowdon, Tapu Fini, and Gliscor. Tapu Bulu also appreciates Thunder Wave support, as its Speed isn't the greatest, and Klefki's ability to set screens up, as it can take Mega Venusaur's Sludge Bomb after Stealth Rock damage. Mega Diancie loves Reflect, as it is able to survive a Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor with its support, and with Spikes, Mega Scizor can even be OHKOed by Hidden Power Fire. Tapu Koko can easily gain momentum with Volt Switch and benefits from Spikes damage, which allows it to clean opposing teams with more ease. Clefable can form a hazard stacking core with Klefki, heavily chipping away at the opposing team and allowing setup sweepers such as Azumarill to sweep, especially behind screens. Clefable and Togekiss can both use a Babiri Berry + Fire Blast set if Klefki is not running Foul Play to help check threats such as Mega Scizor, and the latter can also remove hazards with Defog. Screens can allow Togekiss to check threats like Mega Scizor even better. Togekiss also provides a switch-in to Ground-type attacks for Klefki. Tapu Fini can use screens to help check Fire- and Ground-type Pokemon like Infernape and Excadrill with a Calm Mind set while also being able to clear hazards with Defog. Note that Klefki should not run Spikes on teams with Defog users.

Moves Reflect and Light Screen allow Klefki to double its and its teammates' defenses, making it much easier for Pokemon like Mega Scizor to set up. Spikes helps pressure the opposing team with chip damage, which makes it easier for Klefki's teammates to sweep. Foul Play makes Klefki able to function when under the effect of Taunt. Along with the added bulk from Reflect, Foul Play can pressure Swords Dance users such as Mega Gallade. Thunder Wave is an option over Foul Play to cripple fast offensive Pokemon, especially special attackers like Porygon-Z and Heatran, that Foul Play can barely damage. Set Details Light Clay boosts the duration of screens from five turns to eight, allowing offensive Pokemon to take advantage of the screens for as long as possible. Maximum HP and Defense investment enables Klefki to most effectively check Swords Dance users, the main target of Foul Play, as well as take advantage of its useful neutrality to Fighting. Prankster gives all of Klefki's status moves priority and is crucial for Klefki to effectively and consistently set up screens and Spikes. Usage Tips Klefki should try to set up Reflect and Light Screen against Pokemon that cannot take advantage of it by boosting. However, because of Klefki's passive nature, it is usually unable to threaten the opposing Pokemon. Klefki should aim to put up Spikes along with screens if the opponent cannot pressure it enough to force it out. Other than that, Klefki should usually switch after setting up screens. Try to preserve Klefki throughout the game, as screens will often need to be set more than once, and Klefki lacks any form of reliable recovery. However, Klefki can also be used aggressively and let itself be KOed after setting screens if it allows a teammate to set up and win the game. Use Thunder Wave against fast offensive Pokemon that could be dangerous to the team, such as Victini and Mega Gallade. However, be wary that Electric-, Ground-, and Dark-types can easily switch into it. Foul Play should be used against foes trying to boost its Attack against Klefki, such as Mega Scizor and Mega Gallade. Spikes should be a priority early on to consistently chip away at the opposing team, but Reflect and Light Screen should be used mid- to late-game to allow a sweeper to set up and weaken or sweep the opposing team. Klefki is useful as a Scald switch-in because the burn does not affect it, and it can use most Scald users as fodder for setting screens. Make sure not to switch Klefki into a predicted Knock Off, however, as losing Light Clay weakens the effectiveness of dual screens support. When using Klefki, try to avoid trappers such as Magnezone and Dugtrio at all costs, because they can easily KO Klefki and stall out remaining screens turns, preventing teammates from using them. Team Options Klefki is a great partner for offensive setup sweepers, as its dual screens and Spikes support makes it much easier for them to use their boosting move and weaken or sweep the opposing team. Bisharp can switch into a predicted Defog used against Klefki and get a free +2 Attack bonus from Defiant as well as use Swords Dance to take advantage of dual screens support. Bisharp also appreciates Klefki's Spikes for chip damage and Thunder Wave to make up for its low Speed. Mega Scizor is another setup sweeper that appreciates the use of screens, as they boost its already appreciable bulk. Klefki’s Thunder Wave can also slow down Pokemon that Mega Scizor cannot KO with Bullet Punch, allowing it to use its stronger moves. A third Swords Dance user that can take advantage of dual screens is Lucario, which usually finds itself struggling to set up otherwise due to its middling bulk and lack of defensive utility. Choice Scarf Excadrill can pressure Electric-types such as Tapu Koko and Magnezone, and its Rapid Spin enables Steel teams to remove hazards without the use of Defog. Heatran is a mandatory Pokemon to use on Steel due to its immunity to Fire via Flash Fire, an ability that makes it a great switch-in to Fire-types for Klefki. Heatran also provides Stealth Rock, creating amazing entry hazard pressure on the opposing team alongside Klefki's Spikes. Autotomize Celesteela is an offensive sweeper that also benefits from Klefki's use of screens and especially Spikes to wear down and sweep the opposing team. Celesteela can also switch into Ground-types that could otherwise easily KO Klefki with their STAB moves. Jirachi is another setup sweeper that can utilize both Z-Happy Hour and Calm Mind sets. Z-Happy Hour Jirachi appreciates Klefki's dual screens and Spikes support to help wear down the opposing team on entry, while Calm Mind variants enjoy screens to help increase the longevity of its Substitutes and to boost its Defense, which cannot be boosted by Calm Mind.

Moves Light Screen and Reflect temporarily reduce all damage done to the user's team, giving sweepers in the back more opportunities to set up or attack. Spikes racks up damage on grounded foes, wearing them down for a potential sweep late-game. Fairy Lock prevents the target from switching for one turn, allowing an appropriate sweeper to set up in a favorable matchup behind screens after Klefki is KOed. Set Details The HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm nature allows Klefki to take hits as well as possible and aids it in setting up screens and entry hazards. Light Clay increases the duration of Light Screen and Reflect from five turns to eight, giving sweepers a larger window to set up or attack. Prankster gives priority to all of Klefki's non-damaging moves, letting it set up screens and entry hazards on faster Pokemon much more easily. Usage Tips This Klefki set should be used exclusively on hyper offense teams that appreciate screens and Spikes support. Klefki should set up screens early in the game in order for its teammates to take as little damage as possible as they either set up or exert offensive pressure. After setting up screens, Klefki should set up as many entry hazards as possible to whittle down opposing walls for offensive partners. Fairy Lock should only be used when the user expects Klefki to be KOed so that a teammate can take advantage of the trapped foe. Team Options Sweepers that appreciate screens support such as Belly Drum Slurpuff, Dragon Dance Haxorus, Nasty Plot Celebi, and Dragon Dance Gyarados make for good partners, as they have a much easier time setting up. Klefki also pairs well with Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Taunt Krookodile that threaten and pressure common Defog users such as Crobat and Mandibuzz.

Moves Spikes damage grounded opposing Pokemon in order to help pave the way for cleaners in the back. Thunder Wave provides a nice form of speed control and is especially useful against offensive Pokemon to essentially neuter them as threats. Dazzling Gleam is one of Klefki's main STAB moves and allows it to hit huge threats such as Hydreigon, Conkeldurr, Mega Sceptile, and Krookodile for super effective damage. Flash Cannon is the other STAB option and works best when paired with Heal Block, notably allowing it to beat Wish Sylveon one-on-one. Toxic is another useful option, letting Klefki act as a solid answer to bulky Pokemon such as Mandibuzz, Cresselia, and Slowking. Magnet Rise allows Klefki to avoid heavy damage from powerful Ground-types such as Krookodile, Nidoqueen, and Mamoswine and proceed to set up Spikes. Heal Block pairs nicely with Toxic and prevents Pokemon such as Sylveon, Snorlax, and Conkeldurr from using their respective recovery moves. Set Details Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm nature maximizes Klefki's special bulk and gives it the best possible matchup against special attackers such as Mega Sceptile and Hydreigon. Leftovers provides Klefki with a solid form of passive recovery from turn to turn. Prankster gives all of Klefki's non-damaging moves priority, letting it get up layers of Spikes more reliably and paralyze faster Pokemon with Thunder Wave. Usage Tips Klefki should set up Spikes early-game in order to whittle down grounded foes throughout the course of a match. Thunder Wave should be used to cripple fast threats and provide speed control for slower threats in the back. Toxic should be used to cripple bulky Pokemon such as Cresselia and Mandibuzz, severely limiting their longevity. Klefki should use Magnet Rise against Ground-types to essentially wall them and set up more layers of Spikes. Team Options Klefki fits best on bulky offense and balance teams that need a catch-all check to fast threats and appreciate its ability to stack entry hazards. Klefki prefers Rapid Spin support as opposed to Defog in order to keep as many entry hazards on the opponent's side as possible; Tentacruel is a solid example. Klefki also pairs nicely with offensive Pokemon that appreciate Spikes support such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Sharpedo, Mega Beedrill, Mega Sceptile, and Entei. Defensive Swampert and the aforementioned Tentacruel check some of the offensive Fire- and Steel-types that threaten Klefki and can set up their respective hazards alongside Klefki's Spikes. Roar Suicune also checks many of the Fire- and Steel-types that threaten Klefki and can phaze them to rack up residual damage on the opposing team. Especially if it's not running Magnet Rise, Klefki needs partners that can switch into powerful Ground-types like Krookodile and Nidoking, such as Mandibuzz and Hydreigon. Relatively slow wallbreakers such as Nidoqueen and Choice Specs Chandelure appreciate the speed control provided by Klefki's Thunder Wave. Pokemon that can block Rapid Spin and threaten the common users in Forretress and Tentacruel such as Chandelure, Hoopa, and Jellicent also pair brilliantly with Klefki.

Moves Spikes is an important asset for Klefki, as it punishes opposing switches and wears down bulky Pokemon for Klefki's teammates. Thunder Wave checks and cripples fast threats such as Xerneas and Mega Salamence. Play Rough deals respectable damage against some Dark- and Dragon-types while circumventing Taunt; it also breaks Xerneas's Substitutes so that Xerneas can be paralyzed. Toxic annoys Primal Groudon, Kyogre, Ho-Oh, almost all Arceus formes, Giratina-O, Latias, and Latios. Set Details 252 HP EVs maximize mixed bulk, while 252 Special Defense EVs and a Careful nature best take on special attackers, such as Xerneas, Yveltal, and various Arceus formes. 8 Attack EVs provide a minimal amount of additional power, though it can have a slight effect against certain bulky Substitute Geomancy Xerneas sets. Leftovers provides residual healing and is the only means of recovery that Klefki has access to. Usage Tips It is important to preserve Klefki if the opponent has a potentially threatening sweeper in reserve, as letting Klefki take too much damage early-game could make it unable to paralyze a potential sweeper. Use Klefki's many resistances to switch in on Pokemon that it checks, such as Xerneas, Yveltal, Latias, and Latios; the resulting free turn should be used to set Spikes up or Toxic an incoming Primal Groudon. If Klefki is not too important in a given matchup, it may be effective to sacrifice Klefki, or much of its HP, to get off a crippling Thunder Wave on a potential threat. Team Options Primal Groudon is a good partner for Klefki, as it sets Stealth Rock and also blanket checks a wide range of Pokemon, such as Kyogre, Steel-types, and Xerneas, the last of which is collaboratively checked by the pairing of Primal Groudon and Klefki. Latias and Latios both check Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre for Klefki while also benefiting from Klefki's Spikes, especially if they are Calm Mind variants. In general, offensive Pokemon that enjoy Spikes support and can prevent Defog through offensive pressure, such as Swords Dance Arceus, Xerneas, Mewtwo, Primal Groudon, Darkrai, and Mega Salamence, make for good teammates.

Moves Reflect and Light Screen boost both defenses of the entire team, which they can take advantage of by setting up or doing some serious damage to the opposing team while taking a hit they otherwise wouldn't be able to. Foul Play punishes physical setup sweepers such as Mega Scizor and prevents Klefki from being setup fodder. Thunder Wave can be used over one of Klefki's other utility options, as it has priority thanks to its Prankster ability and can paralyze a lot of fast threats, especially set-up sweepers, and make them easy to revenge kill. Setup sweepers become an issue if you choose to drop Foul Play, however. Spikes can help break Focus Sashes such as Breloom's and can also stack with other entry hazards, allowing your other Pokemon to have an easier time cleaning up. Set Details Full investment in HP is used to maximize Klefki's bulk, and the Defense investment with a Bold nature allow it to take on Mega Scizor better as well as other Steel-types, which are most often physical. Light Clay increases the duration of Reflect and Light Screen. Prankster gives Klefki's utility moves +1 priority, making them much more effective. Usage Tips Klefki is an amazing lead that's able to get up screens and stack Spikes early on. It can switch into many threats such as Scizor and Mega Gardevoir thanks to its great defensive typing. It can pivot into Poison-type attacks to give teammates a safe switch in as well. When on the field, its main job is to set up screens and paralyze the foe, which it can do against many Pokemon. Fairy-type teams are generally pretty slow, so spreading paralysis would alleviate the Speed woes. Klefki should be kept relatively healthy so it can set up screens if they're not up. Its health should mostly be preserved in matchups where there is a Mega Scizor so it can take it on with Foul Play. It can also be an emergency check to dangerous set-up sweepers by crippling them with Thunder Wave or setting up screens, allowing another Pokemon to survive an attack and take it out. It can't do its job as effectively against Pokemon it's weak to, as they're most often able to 2HKO it even through screens. The most it can do against Ground-type Pokemon is set up screens, as they're immune to Thunder Wave and therefore cannot be crippled by Klefki. Team Options Azumarill and Slurpuff are the Pokemon that can take advantage of Klefki's ability to set up screens the most, as they're both Belly Drum sweepers. Azumarill also threatens Ground-type Pokemon, which wall Klefki, and can check Fire-types including Heatran, which is very annoying for Fairy-types to face. If Klefki isn't running Foul Play, Pokemon that can check Mega Scizor such as Unaware Clefable with Flamethrower and Babiri Berry Togekiss are great partners. Togekiss appreciates Klefki's resistances to Ice and Rock, as well as its immunity to Poison and neutrality to Steel like all Fairy-types do, while Klefki takes advantage of Togekiss's Ground immunity. Clefable can reliably set up with Calm Mind under screens, as it's nearly impossible to 2HKO. Strong wallbreakers like Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, and Choice Specs Sylveon become dangerous with the screen support Klefki can provide. Mega Diancie also puts a lot of offensive pressure on Fire-types, which threaten Klefki.

Moves Spikes is Klefki's greatest asset and is a great form of support for its team because it chips away at the foe's health. Thunder Wave is also very important because it cripples faster Pokemon to help Klefki's slower teammates. The third slot is very team dependent. Magnet Rise is particularly useful to avoid Ground-type attacks from Landorus-T, which would otherwise hit Klefki for super effective damage. Meanwhile, Moonlight provides Klefki with a form of recovery outside of Leftovers, which allows Klefki to repeatedly set up Spikes and spread Thunder Wave throughout a match. King's Shield is a nice way to scare away physical attackers such as Terrakion. Flash Cannon is really useful to hit Mega Diancie, which can otherwise come in on any move Klefki throws out thanks to Magic Bounce and beat it. However, Moonblast holds merit for being able to hit Mega Sableye for the same reason, though it requires Special Attack investment to actually overwhelm Mega Sableye. Set Details Leftovers is Klefki's only form of recovery bar Moonlight, and the two in combination make Klefki hard to take down. If Moonlight is being run, however, Klefki can run Rocky Helmet to punish and wear down physical attackers. Shed Shell is another viable option to be able to switch out of Magnezone's Magnet Pull; however, if the opponent does not have Magnezone, Klefki has effectively wasted its item slot. Maximum Special Defense investment is preferred over full Defense investment to take on Thundurus, Gengar, and Keldeo a lot better than Klefki would with a physically defensive spread. However, if these threats are covered and your team desperately needs a physical wall, Klefki can run a spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Bold nature. Prankster is Klefki's only viable ability, granting it priority on its status moves. Usage Tips Klefki should never directly switch into a Ground-type attack; instead, it should be brought in with pivoting and then catch the foe off guard with Magnet Rise. Spikes is best used on predicted switches, but it shouldn't be used in many other situations because it can leave Klefki vulnerable. Thunder Wave should be used often, as there really isn't much of a drawback to using it, and Ground-types can be caught off guard with Magnet Rise if they do potentially come in. Because Klefki's bulk is somewhat average, it should avoid switching directly into powerful attacks; it just can't take the hits. However, resisted attacks are easy to switch into because of Klefki's numerous resistances. Save Klefki for late in the match to cripple a setup sweeper that could potentially break through your team. Sacrificing Klefki in these situations is the way to go, as you're losing one Pokemon as opposed to your entire team. Team Options Flying-types such as Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Thundurus all appreciate the Spikes support that Klefki provides to enable them to wear down the opposing team quicker, and they share good type synergy with Klefki. Pokemon that can prevent Rapid Spin or Defog from being used, such as Gengar and Bisharp, are great partners for Klefki; these two Pokemon in particular thrive off of the Spikes that Klefki can set to break down the opposing team. A lure set on Thundurus that utilizes Defiant could also be used to catch the foe off guard. However, Gengar can't block Scrappy Rapid Spin, so simple Fighting-type partners such as Terrakion are good to pressure the opponent's spinner and prevent them from having an opportunity to use the move. Slower offensive Pokemon, such as Azumarill, Choice Specs Heatran, and Mega Charizard Y, are great partners because they appreciate Thunder Wave slowing the opposing team down. In general, powerful offensive Pokemon like Weavile and Hoopa-U can really put in work against the opposing team, as Spikes wears foes down. Setup sweepers, namely Shift Gear Mega Scizor, can simply stomp opposing teams once they've been worn down by Spikes.

Moves Spikes quickly wears down the opposing team and helps Klefki's teammates net OHKOs and 2HKOs more easily. Magnet Rise allows Klefki to avoid Ground-type attacks from the likes of Arceus and Mega Rayquaza. Thunder Wave cripples Pokemon capable of using Defog such as Arceus formes, Latias, and Latios. Swagger is capable of creating free turns and has great synergy with Spikes, as it can force switches, and the free turns that Swagger creates allow for more opportunities to set up Spikes. Foul Play takes advantage of Swagger boosting the foe's Attack. Set Details Maximum HP and Special Defense investment allows Klefki to switch into the likes of Xerneas, Darkrai, Latias, and Latios easily. Prankster provides +1 priority to Spikes and Magnet Rise, allowing Klefki to avoid Ground-type moves from the likes of Arceus-Ground, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Groudon. Leftovers gives Klefki passive recovery that lets it stay on the field for longer and allows it to check threats such as Xerneas more reliably. Usage Tips Spikes should be used when Klefki has free opportunities to set it up; however, watch out for Magic Bounce users such as Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie because they can switch into the move and use it against Klefki. Use Thunder Wave to cripple setup sweepers and opposing users of Defog and the less common Rapid Spin. Magnet Rise should be used against Pokemon that have access to Ground-type moves that can easily OHKO or 2HKO Klefki, but be wary of Pokemon like Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon that often run Fire-type coverage moves. Swagger should be used on predicted Ground-type switch-ins in order to create more opportunities to use Spikes. Foul Play should be used after Swagger in order to maximize Klefki's damage output. Team Options Primal Groudon is capable of forming an entry hazard-stacking core with Klefki, utilizing Stealth Rock and Roar in order to deal more chip damage to the opponent's Pokemon. Sweepers such as Mega Rayquaza, Darkrai, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Xerneas appreciate Spikes support in order to net OHKOs and 2HKOs more easily. Darkrai threatens common Defoggers such as certain Arceus formes, Giratina-O, Latios, and Latias. Pokemon like Arceus-Ground, Primal Kyogre, Landorus, Yveltal, and Latios are good teammates for their ability to check and weaken Primal Groudon, giving Klefki more freedom to spread paralysis. Ho-Oh checks such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Arceus-Water, and Primal Kyogre are also good options, as Ho-Oh is also a very annoying Pokemon for Klefki to face. Arceus-Ground and Primal Kyogre are good teammates too for their ability to check Mega Diancie while Steel-types are capable of checking Mega Diancie and Fairy-types can handle Mega Sableye.

Moves Swagger turns Klefki into an extremely annoying Pokemon, having a 50% chance to create a free turn while also increasing the damage the foe takes from Foul Play. Substitute allows Klefki to capitalize on the free turns created by Swagger and makes Klefki harder to take down, as it also allows Klefki to avoid status moves such as Thunder Wave and Dark Void. Foul Play deals more damage after the foe has had their Attack boosted by Swagger, but this is noticeably less effective on special attackers such as Primal Kyogre. Thunder Wave creates even more opportunities for a free turn and slows down faster Pokemon such as Mewtwo and +2 Xerneas. Double Team adds onto this further, giving Klefki a chance to avoid threatening moves such as Precipice Blades, Earthquake, and Fire Blast and thus making it even harder to deal with. Magnet Rise can be used to set up against Arceus-Ground and Primal Groudon lacking Fire-type moves. Flash Cannon can also be used to hit Mega Diancie, which can otherwise wall Klefki with ease. Set Details Maximum Special Defense investment allows Klefki to consistently switch into special attackers such as Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, Darkrai, and special attacking Arceus-Ghost. Leftovers provides Klefki with passive recovery and prevents it from being worn down easily. Prankster makes Klefki very threatening, granting priority to Swagger and Thunder Wave. Klefki can also run a physically defensive set, but it checks less important threats at the cost of a better matchup against the likes of Arceus. Usage Tips Use Swagger as much as possible and create as many opportunities for free turns that can be used to set up Substitutes and spread paralysis with Thunder Wave. Once Klefki is behind a Substitute, it is usually safe to use Foul Play to weaken the opposing Pokemon after its Attack has been boosted by Swagger. Flash Cannon should be used to OHKO Mega Diancie before spamming Swagger, as Magic Bounce can shut down Klefki. Paralysis should be spread as much as possible with Thunder Wave, but be wary of opposing Ground-type switch-ins. Team Options Setup sweepers such as Xerneas, Arceus, Primal Groudon, and Mega Rayquaza all appreciate Klefki's ability to weaken the opposing team and create opportunities to sweep late-game. Other Pokemon like Substitute Darkrai also appreciate the potential free turns created by Swagger and Thunder Wave. Strong wallbreakers that lack Speed such as Primal Kyogre can take advantage of paralysis slowing down the opposing team. Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Mega Diancie, and Arceus-Fairy can threaten Mega Sableye, which completely walls Klefki, while Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel and Aegislash can threaten Mega Diancie if Klefki lacks Flash Cannon. Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Lugia can help in walling Primal Groudon, which walls Klefki completely unless it gets unlucky. Klefki can also be paired with other Klefki in order to wear down their checks and counters with ease. Choice Scarf Ditto also appreciates Klefki boosting the foe's Attack so that it can switch in and potentially sweep with a boosted copy of the opponent's Pokemon.

Moves Klefki's ability to set up Light Screen and Reflect with +1 priority makes it a very effective dual screens setter, providing easier setup opportunities for Klefki's teammates and allowing them to take very powerful hits more easily. Swagger wears down powerful Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, and Foul Play is a great follow-up option to deal more damage. Thunder Wave can also be used to provide even more support for the team by crippling offensive threats. Set Details Prankster ensures that Klefki can set up dual screens easily, only being outprioritized by Extreme Speed, which Klefki resists. Maximum HP investment along with maximum Special Defense investment allows Klefki to switch into and set up against the likes of Xerneas and Darkrai. Light Clay allows Klefki's screens to stay up for longer. Usage Tips Klefki should switch into Pokemon like Latios, Darkrai, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy and set up the appropriate screen to survive a hit from them with ease. Setting up Light Screen and Reflect as soon as possible provides early setup opportunities for Klefki's teammates. This set also functions as an anti-lead, potentially stopping the opposing lead with Swagger. Ensure that opposing Ditto are removed before bringing in your setup sweepers. Team Options Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Arceus-Ground, Mega Rayquaza, Arceus-Fairy, Xerneas, Darkrai, and Primal Groudon appreciate the extra bulk provided by Klefki's screens that makes it a lot easier for them to set up. Pokemon like Primal Groudon can also switch into threats such as Mega Rayquaza and Xerneas more effectively.

Moves Swagger, Klefki's main tool of annoyance, confuses the foe while doubling its Attack stat. This has perfect synergy with Foul Play, allowing Klefki to slam its foes hard after the boost! Foul Play also works well against Pokemon that may attempt to set up on Klefki if you are willing to make a risky prediction against foes such as Garchomp. Thunder Wave furthers aids Klefki's ability to cripple Pokemon, being an excellent tool to stop fast sweepers thanks to Prankster, pairing well with Swagger to further increase the chances of preventing your foes from moving! Substitute makes Klefki more difficult to KO and has great synergy with Swagger and Thunder Wave because Klefki often finds itself getting free turns to set it up. It also saves Klefki from Choice Scarf + Trick users such as Rotom-W. Magnet Rise is more situational than Substitute, but its ability to save Klefki from powerful Earthquake users such as Mega Kangaskhan and Garchomp can be very valuable. If you feel Klefki needs to do better against defensive Pokemon such as Cresselia, Porygon2, and Slowbro, Toxic can be used as a surprise move to cripple them. You can even get rid of Thunder Wave if your team needs Klefki to handle itself better against stall. If you choose Toxic over Thunder Wave, consider running Heal Block to prevent Pokemon such as Suicune from using Rest. Set Details Leftovers is a key item on this set, as the free turns Klefki often gets as a result of Swagger and paralysis give it ample time to restore much of its health; in addition, it pairs well with Substitute. A Calm nature with maximum investment in HP and Special Defense is preferred, as Klefki's Swagger shenanigans tend to work better on special attackers. Most importantly, this allows Klefki to avoid a 2HKO from all of Mega Gengar's attacks except for a status-boosted Hex. It also lets Klefki better handle Aegislash, which can be defeated by Foul Play if it hits itself in confusion! As an aside, a Bold nature with maximum HP and Defense investment is a reasonable option, as it allows Klefki to survive weaker boosted hits and an unboosted Earthquake from both Mega Kangaskhan and Garchomp when at full health. Usage Tips Try to use Substitute whenever possible against threats that can't do much to Klefki, such as Choice item users locked into resisted moves (common examples include Talonflame locked into Brave Bird and Garchomp locked into a Dragon-type attack), Greninja that lack Water-type moves, and Cresselia when Klefki is carrying Toxic. Then, Klefki should use either Swagger or Thunder Wave, depending on whether the opponent's team has a Ground- or Electric-type remaining. Paralysis and confusion together make it likely your opponent won't be able to attack! If Klefki is behind a Substitute or facing an offensive opponent that won't OHKO it after a Swagger boost, use Foul Play to deal serious damage against Pokemon that don't resist it. If your Klefki is running Thunder Wave, choosing whether to use Swagger or Thunder Wave first can be a bit tricky. Using Swagger and then Thunder Wave has a better chance of preventing the foe from moving and tends to work well against special attackers. However, Swagger is riskier against physical switch-ins and allows the foe to switch out without a permanent status effect like paralysis. Thunder Wave can therefore be used as a less risky option first if your opponent prefers to send in physical attackers against Klefki, though Ground- and Electric-type Pokemon can use it as a free switch in. Regardless of which move you choose to use first, use Substitute whenever Klefki gets a free turn from Swagger or paralysis, as this can set Klefki up to decimate offensive teams! Just try to avoid relying too much on the luck factor, because as tempting as it may be to crush an opponent with Klefki's coin flips, Swagger can backfire massively against physical threats if they don't hit themselves in confusion! If you opt to run Toxic Klefki, don't use Toxic the first chance you get. Instead, keep your opponent in the dark about the true nature of your Klefki. Because Klefki tends to attract defensive Pokemon such as Cresselia, Porygon2, and Slowbro, you will want to hit them with Toxic when they least expect it, potentially opening new holes for an offensive teammate to rip through. Finally, pay attention to the Team Preview, because Klefki tends to struggle against Ground-and Electric-types due to their Thunder Wave immunity. If you see Pokemon that Klefki has trouble with, such as Thundurus and Garchomp paired together, consider benching Klefki. Team Options A special teammate to consider for Klefki is Ditto. Because Ditto's Imposter copies the foe's stat boosts, you can potentially sweep your opponent with their own Pokemon by sacrificing Klefki against a Swagger-boosted physical attacker such as Garchomp! Just ensure that Ditto can OHKO the Pokemon so the strategy won't backfire. Thanks to Prankster and its habit of forcing switches, Klefki is excellent at spreading paralysis with Thunder Wave, making it a good idea to partner it with slower, more powerful Pokemon. Hydreigon and Dragonite are especially good examples due to to their good defensive synergy with Klefki, but other good teammates to consider include Azumarill, Mamoswine, and Conkeldurr. If you're willing to place further emphasis on luck, you can even try to take advantage of paralysis to get more boosts with Moody Glalie. Mega Kangaskhan and Ground-types are a huge problem, as their powerful Earthquakes easily take advantage of and smash Klefki and its Swaggers. Great defensive partners to consider include Cresselia, Porygon2, which also has access to Foul Play to take advantage of Swagger against special attackers, and Slowbro. Gliscor works against Ground-types as well, with the exception of Mamoswine, and Suicune and Rotom-W can work well too despite their lack of reliable recovery. Greninja, while very frail and hard to bring in, can hit Ground-types fairly hard thanks to a Protean-boosted Ice Beam and can hit Mega Kangaskhan hard with Low Kick as well. While Klefki is a great paralysis spreader itself, carrying some extra Pokemon with paralysis moves can be extremely useful, as they allow Klefki to dish out Swagger with less pressure. Great defensive examples include Cresselia, Porygon2, and Rotom-W, while more offensive examples include Thundurus and Serperior, which can actually paralyze Ground-types with Glare. If Klefki is only carrying Thunder Wave, defensive Pokemon such as Suicune, Cresselia, Porygon2, and Slowbro are able to easily stall it out. This makes stallbreakers a great addition to a Klefki core, with prominent examples being Mega Gengar, Swords Dance Mega Charizard X, and Toxic Mega Salamence. Conversely, if Klefki is carrying Toxic (and Heal Block for Suicune), it can turn the tables on its defensive checks and help support sweepers that have trouble against them; good partners for this include Garchomp, Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence, and Blaziken.

Moves With Reflect and Light Screen in tow, Klefki becomes an excellent support Pokemon for offensive teams! Klefki's main purpose is to set up screens to let your sweepers set up, but Foul Play is a good deterrent against Pokemon that may attempt to set up on Klefki. Thunder Wave further guards Klefki's team from sweepers by crippling them with paralysis, but Toxic can be used in its place. It might seem strange on a dual screens Pokemon, but Toxic allows Klefki to ruin the ability of walls such as Cresselia, Slowbro, and Porygon2 to last throughout the match. Safeguard can be used to protect your team from status, furthering your sweeper's ability to clean teams. Set Details A Bold nature with maximum HP and Defense EVs is recommended, as this allows Klefki to set up both Reflect and Light Screen against Choice Band Garchomp and lets it avoid a 2HKO from Mega Kangaskhan and Garchomp without offensive items under Reflect. Light Clay is usually the best item for Klefki, as it increases the duration of Reflect and Light Screen from five to eight turns. However, Eject Button is a reasonable option for more fast-paced teams, as it allows Klefki to switch as soon as it gets hit, allowing you to get a surprise set up with your sweeper at the cost of only having one screen up! Usage Tips Klefki can be used early in the game to surprise your opponent with Reflect and/or Light Screen (especially if carrying Eject Button), potentially allowing you to deal some serious damage with Klefki's offensive teammates. However, if you use it early-game to set up a sweeper with Klefki's support, make sure there aren't Pokemon on the opposing team that are still hard stops to your Pokemon of choice while it's under Reflect and Light Screen. Klefki can also be used later in the game when you know what Pokemon your opponent has chosen. While this can be a more reliable tactic for setting up a sweep, don't let Klefki linger too long, as this set is completely useless without offensive partners to back it up. Finally, when using Eject Button, make sure not to switch Klefki in on attacks, or you'll waste your surprise! Team Options The best Pokemon to pair with Klefki are strong, bulky sweepers that can fully take advantage of Reflect and Light Screen. Mega Charizard X is a particularly good example of this, as it can also use Swords Dance to break through powerful walls that can hinder this tactic such as Cresselia and Suicune. Other bulky sweepers to consider include Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence, Belly Drum Azumarill, and Dragonite. Frailer sweepers such as Blaziken, Talonflame, and Thundurus are also reasonable back up choices. Finally, while Mega Gengar isn't a sweeper, its ability to trap and defeat Cresselia and Slowbro makes it a great teammate for Klefki.