Moves
Thunderbolt is a great STAB move that can hit most types for neutral damage as well as 2HKO Pokemon such as Cobalion, Sableye, and specially defensive Drapion. Thunderbolt also has a chance to OHKO Mandibuzz and Bisharp. Volt Switch allows Heliolisk to deal damage before switching out to a more reasonable counter to the opposing threat, gaining momentum for its team. Grass Knot is Heliolisk's way of checking Ground-types, as the move OHKOes Mega Swampert, Mamoswine, and Gastrodon. Focus Blast hits Dark-, Ice-, and Steel-types such as Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Avalugg, and Magnezone. Hidden Power Ice can be used instead of Focus Blast, as it allows Heliolisk to hit Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Latios super effectively, as well as hitting Landorus-T and Gliscor.
Set Details
Maximum Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Heliolisk to be as fast as possible, allowing it to outspeed Pokemon such as Mega Pinsir, Garchomp, and Landorus. Maximum Special Attack increases Heliolisk's damage output. Dry Skin is preferred, as the ability grants Heliolisk immunity to Water-type moves. Choice Specs is preferred over Life Orb for more power but locks Heliolisk into a move. It notably allows Heliolisk to OHKO Mega Gyarados after Stealth Rock damage. Life Orb can be used instead of Choice Specs to have more freedom in using any move; however, after each successful attack, Heliolisk loses a bit of health.
Usage Tips
Heliolisk can function well as a dedicated lead due to its Speed and access to Volt Switch, which allow it to pivot in and out against powerful threats that could otherwise easily eliminate it. Despite being fast, Heliolisk should be wary of potential Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Kyurem-B, Gardevoir, Excadrill, and Terrakion. Depending on which Pokemon carries a Choice Scarf, switch out to Porygon2, Chansey, or defensive Staraptor. Due to its frailty, Heliolisk should come in after a fallen teammate or on a U-turn. Heliolisk should always use Volt Switch in matchups that are unfavorable to switch out to a more threatening Pokemon against the foe. For example, use Volt Switch on Mega Venusaur and switch into Staraptor. Heliolisk shouldn't attempt to stay in on specially defensive Pokemon that it can't beat, such as Zapdos, Mew, and Clefable, because Heliolisk won't be able to deal much damage. Heliolisk can take advantage of incoming Water-type attacks to get a safe switch thanks to Dry Skin. It's a great pivot early-game, but late-game, it can transition into being a cleaner once its checks are suitably weakened, thanks to its good Speed and Special Attack. Heliolisk needs to avoid status effects such as burn and poison, as these along with Life Orb damage can wear down Heliolisk very easily, making it even more vulnerable to priority moves.
Team Options
Physical attackers such as Mega Lopunny, Staraptor, and Diggersby can apply pressure on Pokemon such as Chansey, Mega Venusaur, and Zapdos, respectively. Mega Lopunny can clear the field of Steel-types such as Bisharp and Doublade while Staraptor can take on Bug-, Fighting-, and Grass-types such as Volcarona, Heracross, and Breloom. Staraptor deserves a special mention because it can be a reliable entry hazard remover with Defog, soften attacks for Heliolisk with Intimidate, and provide a neutrality to Fighting-type attacks thanks to its Flying typing. Porygon2 can switch into physical attacks aimed at Heliolisk. It can inflict status such as Toxic and Thunder Wave and check Swords Dance users such as Mega Scizor with Foul Play. It can also check Dragon-types very well, making it an incredibly important teammate for Heliolisk that lack Hidden Power Ice.
Entry hazard setters such as Chansey and Smeargle can set up Stealth Rock, which makes it easier for Heliolisk to KO other Pokemon and apply pressure with Volt Switch. Smeargle can also set up Sticky Web for Heliolisk to gain the Speed advantage over opposing Pokemon, especially Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion, Heracross, Victini, Gardevoir, and Kyurem-B, along with Mega Swampert in the rain. Chansey is able to sponge special attacks for Heliolisk and is a great status absorber thanks to Natural Cure. It also has access to Heal Bell in case Heliolisk does get poisoned, burned, or frozen, and just like Porygon2, it can use Toxic and Thunder Wave on other foes. Other special attackers such as Mega Pidgeot, Meloetta, and Porygon-Z are all great partners for Heliolisk, as they can help in dealing with physical walls such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Porygon2, and Armaldo. Specifically, Meloetta can take on Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Gengar, Doublade, and Mew. Porygon-Z has access to a plethora of coverage moves that allow it to check several types. Heliolisk has trouble against Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn, but Mega Pidgeot can eliminate both of these Pokemon with Heat Wave.
