Analysis
Sableye is one of the premier Ghost-types this month thanks to its ability Prankster, which allows it to use priority Will-o-Wisp and Encore to disrupt physical attackers such as Scizor, Chesnaught and Maushold. Sableye is also uniquely the only Ghost-type in the metagame that is not weak to Dark, freeing up its item slot to run Leftovers and Heavy-Duty Boots rather than Colbur Berry.
Will-o-Wisp is used to burn physical attackers like Scizor and Mamoswine before they are able to attack Sableye, reducing their damage output significantly. Knock Off allows Sableye to remove essential items from its common switchins like Alolan Muk and Lanturn, getting rid of their Leftovers. Recover improves Sableye's longevity and keeps it in the game longer. Encore disrupts setup sweepers like Iron Defense Chesnaught and Swords Dance Heracross and also locks in hazard setters like the aforementioned Chesnaught, which lets Sableye's teammates come in freely. Alternatively, Night Shade can be used over Knock Off to deal consistent damage to Pokemon that resist Knock Off like Mandibuzz, Heracross and Chesnaught. However, being unable to hit opposing Normal-types like Maushold and Blissey is detrimental and missing out on Knock Off's item removal is not ideal. Taunt is also an option over Encore but Encore is preferred.
Some of Sableye's shortcomings are its low special bulk and inability to threaten opposing Dark-types with status moves such as Alolan Muk and Mandibuzz but despite this. Clicking Will-o-Wisp is also not risk free, as Heracross can switch into the burn and activate its ability Guts. Despite these shortcomings, Sableye is one of the most consistent physically defensive Pokemon in the tier.
Written by Toy Time King