Sawsbuck

Sawsbuck buffs
Following my previous festive upload, we’re keeping it seasonal with this video all about the season Pokemon, Sawsbuck! This Pokemon has some really nice mechanics to play with and I can’t wait to show you this old deer’s new tricks.
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First, let’s consider what Sawsbuck did before gen 7.
Unique Normal/Grass typing introduced in gen 5 with 4 forms, one for each of the seasons. I actually really like the winter form – which is your favourite?
The normal typing is actually really nice. Doesn’t do much defensively, but adds another STAB typing which compliments grass nicely. Stats are ok too – decent speed and a usable attack stat with mediocre bulk. For a time it had a signature move in Horn Leech, which is now shared by a bunch of Pokemon. Other notable moves are Return/Double Edge and Jump Kick giving it near perfect coverage and importantly SD to boost the attack.
Abilities are decent too – Sap Sipper gives immunity + attack boost, used on sub SD sets. Chlorophyll means a sun sweeping set is very viable with either CB or SD, which was probably the most common and viable use for Sawsbuck. It’s final ability is Serene Grace, which is usually a fantastic ability but Sawsbuck never had the movepool to abuse it.
On to the buffs…
But first a huge nerf – Sawsbuck’s form no longer changes! Sawsbuck defaults to the Spring form unless you import it from a previous game. If you breed it, it keeps the mother’s form. Such a shame because that’s one of the funnest things about the mon!
1.  Headbutt
Definitely the biggest and most obvious buff. Though Sawsbuck has more powerful normal type moves, Hedabutt has the secondary effect of a 30% flinch chance. Combine this with Sawsbuck’s currently unused Serene Grace ability, you then have a 60% chance to flinch opponents hit with Headbutt, which is crazy! Sawsbuck already gets the reliable paralysis inducing Thunder Wave which could create a disgusting yet effective paraflinch set… It also means a Choice Scarf Sawsbuck set is more viable.
2.  Stomping Tantrum
Now a tutor move which gives Sawsbuck much appreciate ground type coverage. Though the more powerful Jump Kick is already there to hit steel types that would otherwise resist its STABs, Stomping Tantrum handily also hits poison types that Sawsbuck may otherwise struggle with, and it doesn’t come with the risk of taking 50% recoil damage if you miss or your opponent switches in their ghost type. Back in generation 5, Sawsbuck used to run Nature power in wifi battles which turned into EQ. This is no longer the case (it turns into Tri Attack instead) but my experiences playing with Sawsbuck back then show me that ground type coverage is very threatening on this Pokemon!
3.  Z-Moves
Sawsbuck does not have many useful status Z-Moves that provide it with anything it does not already have with either SD or Agility (though a Z-Grasswhistle set can be attempted to set up and induce sleep for an SD the next turn…). However, I thought it would be worth highlighting that Sawsbuck’s most effective set takes advantage of its incredibly powerful z-move options – Breakneck Blitz based off Double Edge becomes a whopping base 190 power with no recoil, meaning grass types that may want to try to wall this pokemon will need to think again! After an SD this pokemon has amazing wallbreaking power, and any recoil it does get from Double Edge can be recovered off with that lovely STAB Horn Leech.
4. Tapu Bulu/Grassy Terrain
Now this one is a little tangential, but I know you guys like the gimmicks so I thought I would share this sneaky set with you. Sawsbuck is a Pokemon that gets one of the biggest boosts in Grassy Terrain. Not only are its Horn Leeches much more powerful, therefore providing more recovery on top of the passive recovery granted by the terrain, but also its STAB Secret Power gets a tasty twist. The secondary effect of Secret power in Grassy Terrain is a 30% chance to induce sleep. With Sawsbuck’s Serene Grace ability, this becomes a 60% chance, while dealing decent damage at the same time and with no way for your opponent to shut this down with Taunt. This set option has been available since Grassy Terrain was introduced in gen 6, however gen 7 made this set a lot more viable with the addition of Tapu Bulu and its ability Grassy Surge, allowing for easy set up of the terrain, and also with the addition of terrain extender meaning the beneficial effects stick around for as long as possible. So enjoy sending your opponents to their drowsy doom.
All in all, Sawsbuck now has a ton of moveset options, from sun sweeper, to SD threat, budget paraflinch Jirachi to grassy terrain giant. If you want an offensive grass type, try the dearest deer.
Let me know which set you like the best and if you’ve had any success using Sawsbuck. I’d also be interested to know which form is your fave. But that’s all for today – if you enjoyed the video please consider liking, subscribing and dinging the notification bell. All that’s left to be said is I’ve been…