What is a good moveset for Zebstrika?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Zebstrika, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for its pre-evolutions, if any, can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some detail, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Zebstrika Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Answer 1

Zebstrika (M) @ Choice Specs
Trait: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Volt Switch

Pretty standard moveset. Choice Specs give a much needed power boost to his average 80 special attack. Although I would like to run Modest, Timid allows him to outspeed Swellow, Cinccino, and Tauros, which is really helpful. Lightningrod is preferred over Motor Drive and Sap Sipper as it's a special set, and he has high enough speed already. Thunderbolt is high accuracy, high power STAB. Overheat is what really sets him apart from other Electrics in NU. It's an amazingly powerful Fire type move that decimates Grass types like Amoonguss. The special attack drop doesn't really matter, as he'll be switching in and out a lot anyway. Hidden Power [Grass] hits Ground types that resist both the aforementioned moves for a lot of damage. Volt Switch allows you to scout, and does a lot of damage while you can safely bring in another bulkier Pokemon to tank the attack.

Comments

Overheat has normal-effectiveness against Ground types.

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Now THIS is what I've been waiting for. An actually quite useful Zebstrika with way higher power. Boss NU sweeper/scout.

Well Done Spoink! Accept my upvote ;)

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JCM, I meant "Ground types that resist both the aforementioned moves" not just ground types. So Seismitoad, Golem etc. :P

Answer 2

Zebstrika (M) @ Life Orb

Trait: Sap Sipper

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd

Lonely Nature (+Atk, -Def)

• Overheat
• Wild Charge
• Double Kick
• Pursuit

Answer 3

Zebstrika (M) @ Shell Bell
Trait: Sap Sipper
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Flame Charge
- Wild Charge
- Substitute
- Double Kick

This striped boss is a personal favorite of mine.

substitute protects you from general priority. sap sipper gets you an immunity, and... well, switching into +1 attack is awesome to do. plus, most opponents fear the Overheat.

Well, the substitute is more important. then you can start setting up flame charge. Wild Charge is STAB and won't do too much to you with shell bell.

double kick breaks down subs and things that heavily resist wild charge. ( like ground )

Answer 4

Zebstrika @ Life Orb
Adamant Nature
Trait: Sap Sipper
EV's 252. Spd. 252 Atk. 4SDef.
Moveset
Wild Charge
Pursuit
Double Kick
Flame Charge

Meh, fairly average set. Pursuit will be a K.O. when someone is about to switch, being boosted by the dark gem, Wild Charge STAB, Double Kick is a move that works well with Zebstrika and Flame Charge to get his speed up. I would suggest a Charge Beam/Flame Charge set, but WIld Charge will do a lot more, even with boosted SAtk.

Comments

I think a Choice Band would be better here. We all know that Gems are not that great, being a one-use item.

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I don't agree. If you were trying to Pursuit someone, you would be stuck using that until you switched out. And if your opponent had SR up, you would have to keep switching in and out, in and out etc.

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You changed the item to life orb, but the description still says dark gem

Answer 5

Zebstrika(Choice Specs)

Trait: Motor Drive

EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spe / 4 Def

Timid Nature

• Volt Swich

• Overheat

• Thunderbolt

• Hidden Power Ice

Answer 6

Zebstrika (M) @ Choice Specs

Trait: Motor Drive

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd

Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)

• Overheat
• Volt Switch
• Thunderbolt
• Hidden Power Ice

Comments

What's the point of having two electric type moves. Choice specs will force you to use only one move so it's either Thunderbolt or Volt switch. You're prolly' gonna wanna use Volt switch because you won't be able to switch with Thunderbolt - because of Choice specs -, and will make switching to a tank or wall easier.

Answer 7

Gen 7 ZU

Zebstrika @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wild Charge
- Return
- Low Kick
- Volt Switch

Switch into a grass type move to get an attack boost. Wild Chare is STAB. Return is for nuetral hits. Low Kick provides coverage. Volt Switch is for pivoting.