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Harptera - Matt - 09-12-2016
![[Image: latest?cb=20160816040006]](http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/pokemon-uranium/images/5/55/108.png/revision/latest?cb=20160816040006)
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Overview
Harptera is a dangerous offensive threat that should not be overlooked, despite its predictability. Boasting the most powerful priority attack in the game in Gale Wings Acrobatics alongside a high Attack stat, Harptera is capable of both sweeping and punching holes in teams. However, Harptera is very one-dimensional, and its poor bulk and defensive typing give it almost no defensive utility. It also has a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, further reducing its ability to withstand any attacks. In addition, Harptera's limited STAB options force it to hold no item in order to utilize Acrobatics, and although Acrobatics is strong off of base 130 Attack, Harptera's lack of a boosting item causes it to be a bit weaker than desired. Finally, due to Harptera's terrible defensive capabilities, it should only be used on very offensive teams.
Despite Harptera having lackluster coverage options, its ability to spam powerful priority attacks gives it an important niche. It is one of the greatest offensive partners to Inflagetah, one of the best Pokémon in Uranium. While strong, Inflagetah does not have enough immediate power to be able to outright OKHO most opposing Pokémon. However, similarly to how Excadrill is paired with a Pokémon like Mega Lopunny on Sand Offense builds in Smogon OU in order to wear down each others' similar switch-ins (such as Landorus-T and Rotom-W), the combined offensive presence of Harptera and Inflagetah often overwhelms opposing teams. Therefore, Harptera's power comes not only in its ability to sweep weakened teams, but also to break down physical walls in order to allow a teammate to sweep.
Offensive
Harptera
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- U-turn
- Brick Break
- Pursuit / Tailwind
As stated, Harptera's only niche is to be a purely offensive Pokémon which serves to overwhelm the opponent with offensive pressure. Acrobatics is Harptera's best Flying-type STAB move, which is given priority by Gale Wings. U-turn is a secondary STAB move which has the primary purpose of gaining momentum, a key element for offensive teams. Brick Break, while not very strong, is Harptera's most reliable coverage option to hit Rock- and Steel-type Pokémon. Finally, Pursuit is useful for trapping weakened foes that teammates want removed, and can be effective due to the switches Harptera forces, though it is very weak. Alternatively, Tailwind can be used to support Harptera's teammates and also has priority thanks to Gale Wings.
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs are used to hit as hard and as fast as possible. 4 EVs are put into Defense rather than HP in order for Harptera to switch into Stealth Rock twice. An Adamant nature is preferred, as Harptera's main attacking move has priority, but a Jolly nature has merit if there are several Pokémon Harptera needs to outspeed. Harptera cannot hold an item, as it must rely on Acrobatics due to its limited movepool. Crunch and Dig might seem appealing, but both are inferior - a super-effective Crunch is weaker than a neutral Acrobatics, therefore Harptera would rather have the utility of Pursuit or Tailwind, and Dig is very unreliable and easy to play around, despite giving better coverage than Brick Break.
Bulk Up
Harptera
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Acrobatics
- Brick Break
- Bug Bite / U-turn
Bulk Up allows Harptera's Attack to reach frightening levels, magnifying its ability to sweep late-game. In certain situations, it also can potentially allow Harptera live a weaker Physical attack, but this is unlikely due to Harptera's poor typing. Acrobatics is by far Harptera's best Attack, even though it forces Harptera to not hold an item. Brick Break provides the best coverage, while Bug Bite is a secondary STAB move that doesn't force Harptera to switch out and lose its boosts. While strange, U-turn is a viable choice for the final moveslot due to Bug Bite's low power and lack of coverage. U-turn can be utilized mid-game, before Harptera begins setting up, in order to gain momentum due to the switches Harptera forces. This set is better off versus bulkier teams, as there are a handful of Pokemon who can wall Harptera if it's unable to boost its Attack.
Usage Tips and Team Options
Harptera is only effective on offensive teams and should be used either as a sweeper or a breaker, depending on the team matchup. Stealth Rock removal is mandatory, especially because Harptera will likely be paired with other powerful offensive threats such as Inflagetah and Nucleon, all of whom are weak to Rocks. On the other hand, Stealth Rock is very important to get up on the opposing side in order for Harptera to overpower the opposing team more easily.
Harptera should not be switched into attacks, as it will likely get OHKOd or become heavily crippled. Rather, it should be sent in on a free switch or a predicted double switch. U-turn should be used liberally - it is decently strong and so it should be used versus things Harptera threatens out, which is great for maintaining momentum early game. Finally, despite Acrobatics' priority, be mindful that opposing Jolly Harptera, Inflagetah, and physical Archilles will outspeed or outprioritize Harptera and OHKO it with their priority attacks.
RE: Harptera - CodySP - 09-12-2016
I had no idea competitve sets were so detailed, I've got a lot more reading to do.
RE: Harptera - tarutaru - 09-14-2016
Pokemon with great design, great stat, great ability, and terrible movepool.
Seriously, why this thing doesn't learn X-Scissor? or even Aerial Ace?
Anyways, Gale Wings is still Gale Wings. It's cool that it can overspeed Scarf Nucleons(if they didn't use quick attack) despite your EVs and nature.
With Choice Band, Wing Attack is enough to finish Nucleon in one hit, so maybe you should consider a Choice Band set based on spamming U-turn, instead of not holding anything and spam Acrobatics.
Forget Talonflame in original game. That bird is ridiculously strong (so ridiculous that I quit battling in original game) because that thing can use Brave Bird AND hold Choice Band/Life Orb/Rocky Helmet/etc.
This thing can't hold a thing if you want to use strong flying attacks, which hurts a lot.
Of course, Wing Attack heavily lacks in power. But think it as a priority move, and now it has 50% more power than Ice Shard/Aqua Jet/Mach Punch!
So, my set would be like:
Harptera@Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Wing Attack
- Bug Bite
- Crunch/Brick Break
Make sure you have some good walls behind you:Using this set means many switches by U-turn!
Also another fast sweeper like Nucleon and Yatagaryu is good too, because you can send them in freely if your opponents decided to switch their Pokemon against Harptera, and you choosed U-turn.
RE: Harptera - poweroftibarn - 09-14-2016
Harptera is truly in an unfortunate position atm. Not only is it's movepool horrendously bad, but both Flying Gem and Rapid Spin, two things that are practically essential to Harptera's success, are not present in the game. Data mining reveals that Snopach can learn Rapid Spin from breeding, but there aren't any mons who actually learn the move to breed it on to Snopach. Right now, the best hazard clearer atm is probably Rafitti with Defog, which is still pretty bad...
RE: Harptera - poweroftibarn - 09-14-2016
(09-14-2016, 08:33 AM)tarutaru Wrote: Pokemon with great design, great stat, great ability, and terrible movepool.Choice Band is pointless on Harptera. Acrobatics with no item will deal more damage than Banded Wing Attack. You are much better off just going itemless to increase your power and options.
Seriously, why this thing doesn't learn X-Scissor? or even Aerial Ace?
Anyways, Gale Wings is still Gale Wings. It's cool that it can overspeed Scarf Nucleons(if they didn't use quick attack) despite your EVs and nature.
With Choice Band, Wing Attack is enough to finish Nucleon in one hit, so maybe you should consider a Choice Band set based on spamming U-turn, instead of not holding anything and spam Acrobatics.
Forget Talonflame in original game. That bird is ridiculously strong (so ridiculous that I quit battling in original game) because that thing can use Brave Bird AND hold Choice Band/Life Orb/Rocky Helmet/etc.
This thing can't hold a thing if you want to use strong flying attacks, which hurts a lot.
Of course, Wing Attack heavily lacks in power. But think it as a priority move, and now it has 50% more power than Ice Shard/Aqua Jet/Mach Punch!
So, my set would be like:
Harptera@Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Wing Attack
- Bug Bite
- Crunch/Brick Break
Make sure you have some good walls behind you:Using this set means many switches by U-turn!
Also another fast sweeper like Nucleon and Yatagaryu is good too, because you can send them in freely if your opponents decided to switch their Pokemon against Harptera, and you choosed U-turn.
RE: Harptera - Lord Windos - 09-14-2016
Kinda sucks for the bug, huh? No matter how good its stats are, if it movepool is limited, its limited. Its typing is also nothing to write home about, as any of the pesudo legendarys in the game can quite easily squish this bug before it can even began. Two of them even get Stealth rocks, and Beliaddon can learn Torment, making life very difficult for the little guy...
There is also the fact that Burn or Paralysis will basically cripple the guy, as those two status hit them where it hurt. A bulky Dunesereph could easily paralyze it, and at least survive one hit if HP and DEF IV are maxed out, and a choice band Dramsama can trick it into staying and quickly burn it with Will-lo-Wisp.
Anything with Trick is bad news as well, since if It gains a Item, Acrobatics goes from powerful to lackluster... Priority screws it too, and there are plenty of pokemon that can take advantage of those moves.
Its a glass cannon, and with some set up, a good one even. It can be far to easily countered, though.
RE: Harptera - tarutaru - 09-14-2016
(09-14-2016, 01:47 PM)poweroftibarn Wrote:That doesn't matter, because this Choice Band set focuses on U-turn, not flying attacks. Just use Wing Attack when you are facing Nucleons or in latter of battle where Wing Attack can sweep opponent. For other cases, basically use U-turn.(09-14-2016, 08:33 AM)tarutaru Wrote: Pokemon with great design, great stat, great ability, and terrible movepool.Choice Band is pointless on Harptera. Acrobatics with no item will deal more damage than Banded Wing Attack. You are much better off just going itemless to increase your power and options.
Seriously, why this thing doesn't learn X-Scissor? or even Aerial Ace?
Anyways, Gale Wings is still Gale Wings. It's cool that it can overspeed Scarf Nucleons(if they didn't use quick attack) despite your EVs and nature.
With Choice Band, Wing Attack is enough to finish Nucleon in one hit, so maybe you should consider a Choice Band set based on spamming U-turn, instead of not holding anything and spam Acrobatics.
Forget Talonflame in original game. That bird is ridiculously strong (so ridiculous that I quit battling in original game) because that thing can use Brave Bird AND hold Choice Band/Life Orb/Rocky Helmet/etc.
This thing can't hold a thing if you want to use strong flying attacks, which hurts a lot.
Of course, Wing Attack heavily lacks in power. But think it as a priority move, and now it has 50% more power than Ice Shard/Aqua Jet/Mach Punch!
So, my set would be like:
Harptera@Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Wing Attack
- Bug Bite
- Crunch/Brick Break
Make sure you have some good walls behind you:Using this set means many switches by U-turn!
Also another fast sweeper like Nucleon and Yatagaryu is good too, because you can send them in freely if your opponents decided to switch their Pokemon against Harptera, and you choosed U-turn.
I know this set doesn't fully use Gale Wings, but actually Acrobatics set doesn't fully use it's high base speed. It can move fast enough without Gale Wings, especially when you run in Jolly and full invest in Speed.
Choice Band set is just a choice when you want to mainly use U-turn. I think it's a great move that you can get a free-switch if your opponent switch at the same turn. And there's a high chance of your opponent switching, when it's Pokemon is weak to flying, scared of taking flying attacks with Gale Wings.
Of course I'm not saying Acrobatics sets are bad, just wanted to tell that there's choice to give item to this Pokemon.
(Not considering damage-increase-when-held-items-glitch, I'm not sure whether it's fixed or not, and after all it's just a glitch.)
RE: Harptera - ggmonx - 09-27-2016
(09-14-2016, 08:26 PM)tarutaru Wrote:(09-14-2016, 01:47 PM)poweroftibarn Wrote:That doesn't matter, because this Choice Band set focuses on U-turn, not flying attacks. Just use Wing Attack when you are facing Nucleons or in latter of battle where Wing Attack can sweep opponent. For other cases, basically use U-turn.(09-14-2016, 08:33 AM)tarutaru Wrote: Pokemon with great design, great stat, great ability, and terrible movepool.Choice Band is pointless on Harptera. Acrobatics with no item will deal more damage than Banded Wing Attack. You are much better off just going itemless to increase your power and options.
Seriously, why this thing doesn't learn X-Scissor? or even Aerial Ace?
Anyways, Gale Wings is still Gale Wings. It's cool that it can overspeed Scarf Nucleons(if they didn't use quick attack) despite your EVs and nature.
With Choice Band, Wing Attack is enough to finish Nucleon in one hit, so maybe you should consider a Choice Band set based on spamming U-turn, instead of not holding anything and spam Acrobatics.
Forget Talonflame in original game. That bird is ridiculously strong (so ridiculous that I quit battling in original game) because that thing can use Brave Bird AND hold Choice Band/Life Orb/Rocky Helmet/etc.
This thing can't hold a thing if you want to use strong flying attacks, which hurts a lot.
Of course, Wing Attack heavily lacks in power. But think it as a priority move, and now it has 50% more power than Ice Shard/Aqua Jet/Mach Punch!
So, my set would be like:
Harptera@Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Wing Attack
- Bug Bite
- Crunch/Brick Break
Make sure you have some good walls behind you:Using this set means many switches by U-turn!
Also another fast sweeper like Nucleon and Yatagaryu is good too, because you can send them in freely if your opponents decided to switch their Pokemon against Harptera, and you choosed U-turn.
I know this set doesn't fully use Gale Wings, but actually Acrobatics set doesn't fully use it's high base speed. It can move fast enough without Gale Wings, especially when you run in Jolly and full invest in Speed.
Choice Band set is just a choice when you want to mainly use U-turn. I think it's a great move that you can get a free-switch if your opponent switch at the same turn. And there's a high chance of your opponent switching, when it's Pokemon is weak to flying, scared of taking flying attacks with Gale Wings.
Of course I'm not saying Acrobatics sets are bad, just wanted to tell that there's choice to give item to this Pokemon.
(Not considering damage-increase-when-held-items-glitch, I'm not sure whether it's fixed or not, and after all it's just a glitch.)
So pursui/tailwind the only viable fourth moves on offensive harptera? Also it does get aerial ace and roost so are those useful? @Matt
RE: Harptera - Matt - 09-28-2016
(09-27-2016, 04:27 PM)ggmonx Wrote: So pursui/tailwind the only viable fourth moves on offensive harptera? Also it does get aerial ace and roost so are those useful? @Matt
There are other viable moves, but they're just worse. Return could be used for extra coverage. I don't think Facade will be useful because there are few defensive Pokemon in Uranium - most Pokemon are offensive and thus capable of one-shotting Harptera, so it's unlikely Harptera will get inflicted by Status. Aerial Ace is very weak - accuracy and evasion modifications are nearly nonexistent in competitive play and therefore Aerial Ace has almost no utility, especially because Choice Band Aerial Ace is still quite a bit weaker than no-item Acrobatics. Roost isn't good because Harptera is so frail and it has a poor defensive typing. Again, most things in this game OHKO Harptera so Roost is pointless. It's the same reason why running Recover on Alakazam is pointless - it's not like Alakazam or Harptera are really tanking any attacks. If a Pokemon is so weak that Harptera can Roost on it and not lose in the long run, then that Pokemon is completely unviable competitively.
RE: Harptera - Lord Windos - 09-28-2016
(09-28-2016, 06:59 PM)Matt Wrote:(09-27-2016, 04:27 PM)ggmonx Wrote: So pursui/tailwind the only viable fourth moves on offensive harptera? Also it does get aerial ace and roost so are those useful? @Matt
There are other viable moves, but they're just worse. Return could be used for extra coverage. I don't think Facade will be useful because there are few defensive Pokemon in Uranium - most Pokemon are offensive and thus capable of one-shotting Harptera, so it's unlikely Harptera will get inflicted by Status. Aerial Ace is very weak - accuracy and evasion modifications are nearly nonexistent in competitive play and therefore Aerial Ace has almost no utility, especially because Choice Band Aerial Ace is still quite a bit weaker than no-item Acrobatics. Roost isn't good because Harptera is so frail and it has a poor defensive typing. Again, most things in this game OHKO Harptera so Roost is pointless. It's the same reason why running Recover on Alakazam is pointless - it's not like Alakazam or Harptera are really tanking any attacks. If a Pokemon is so weak that Harptera can Roost on it and not lose in the long run, then that Pokemon is completely unviable competitively.
Still, those few defensive Pokémon are the ones you have to watch out for. Metalynx and Lathan both can take a acrobatic hit, then retialiate with either a STAB or some status (Like Toxic or Paralysis!). M-Syrentide can out tank it as well, as can Beliaddon and Dunsereph. The later two can even status it and STAB it to death, so beware. Also, while there are not a lot of truly defensive Pokémon, there are a heck of a lot of Tormenters, Status users, and Stealth Rock users. All this thing will end Harptera's life prematurely, leaving whatever team that runs it into a 5 V 6....