Harptera

[Matt]

 

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.