Moves
Flare Blitz is a powerful STAB move that can 2HKO notably bulky Pokemon like Mienfoo and Spritzee once they've lost their Eviolite. Morning Sun provides reliable recovery that keeps Larvesta healthy during the match. U-turn is another strong STAB move and allows Larvesta to switch out while doing damage, making it a good pivot. Will-O-Wisp is a more reliable way to get burns over Flame Body, while Wild Charge hits Water-types like Tirtouga and Skrelp so Larvesta isn't completely walled by them.
Set Details
An Eviolite increases Larvesta's bulk, letting it take key hits like Diglett's Rock Slide and Staryu's Scald. 76 HP EVs allow it to switch into Stealth Rock twice and survive. An alternative EV spread of 76 HP / 236 Def / 196 Spe with a Jolly nature allows Larvesta to reach 16 Speed, outspeeding Adamant Pawniard and most Vullaby. However, the bulk is generally better on this set, as it can take a Scald from Staryu, and Larvesta doesn't particularly need to outspeed these Pokemon.
Usage Tips
Try not to switch Larvesta in on Stealth Rock; even with Morning Sun, it struggles to stay alive for prolonged periods of time when Stealth Rock is up. Do your best to keep entry hazards out in general, as Larvesta hates stacked hazards. Larvesta switches in on physical attackers like Pawniard and Mienfoo, but be aware that this is generally a predictable move, so plan accordingly. For example, using Will-O-Wisp can catch threats like Onix and Dwebble on the switch in. Another option is to use U-turn on a predicted switch to keep the momentum on your side. Use Morning Sun to keep Larvesta healthy and get more burns spread around the opposing team, but be aware that Morning Sun has low PP. Timburr may be a physical Fighting-type, but keep Larvesta away from it, as many Timburr carry Guts, so a burn will have the opposite effect on it. Don't be afraid to hard switch instead of using U-turn, especially if you're up against a faster Flying-, Water-, or Rock-type like Staryu, Doduo, or Onix. Also, while Larvesta can easily switch in on most Fighting-types, be wary, since most of them carry Knock Off, and Larvesta really needs its Eviolite. Be careful when facing hail and sand teams, as Morning Sun will heal less.
Team Options
Any and all entry hazard removal is appreciated for Larvesta. Defoggers like Archen and Vullaby help out, as well as spinners like Drilbur. Staryu, in particular, can not only spin away hazards but also beat many Fire-types and Rock-types. Since Larvesta is a slow pivot, frail offensive Pokemon like Abra, Snivy, and Gastly appreciate its U-turn. Choice Scarf users like Bunnelby, which is frail and unable to switch in on most attacks on its own, can utilize Larvesta's U-turn as well. Chinchou and Magnemite are great partners, as they not only form a VoltTurn core with Larvesta but also switch in on Flying-, Water-, and Rock-types. Rock-type switch-ins like Mudbray and Mienfoo are extremely helpful to patch up Larvesta's quadruple weakness. Onix is a great teammate, as it can switch in on Flying-types, Taunt Stealth Rock users, and set up its own hazards. Water-type switch-ins like Ferroseed and Mareanie are also helpful. Diglett can trap and revenge kill many threats, including Chinchou, Ponyta, Mareanie, Skrelp, and Salandit, which otherwise wall Larvesta.
