Analysis
Thievul is a surprisingly effective and influential Pokemon in March 2025. Its primary roles are that of a revenge killer, ghost counter, pivot, and sweeper. At first glance, its average stats and mono-Dark typing don't look very intimidating, but this is all part of the fox's deceit; with the Stakeout ability, momentum in Parting Shot/U-turn, Nasty Plot, specially-oriented Dark STAB in Dark Pulse, decent coverage in Burning Jealously and a metagame with extremely scarce Dark resists, where few mons can afford the luxury of either staying in or switching in on Thievul, the fox successfully carves itself a solid standing. Thievul's passable special bulk, special attack and speed allow it to switch in against the overwhelming majority of conventional Drifblim and Gourgeist sets, shrugging off their attacks and status conditions, forcing them to either switch out (and have whoever enters take Stakeout-boosted damage) or accept defeat, which Thievul and it's team can take great advantage of.
Thievul fits well on balanced and offensively-oriented teams that appreciate the fox's ability to deal with opposing Ghost types and Wyrdeers, as well as its specially-oriented prowess, switch-in punishment and sweeping capabilities.
Despite it's capabilites, Thievul is not without flaws. Being among the physically frailest mons of March, every health point it has matters - even more so considering it's not-so-great Speed Tier, which allow many Pokemon that can outspeed it either normally or by way of Choice Scarf to offensively check and revenge-kill it, such as Scolipede, Unfezant, Scarf Medicham and other Scarfers, as well as facing unfavourable speed ties with Lucario and Revavroom. It also can be defensively checked by Mantine with Haze and Roost, bulky Assault Vest users and in general fears Priority attacks such as Lucario's Extreme Speed and Mach Punch, emphasizing the importance of keeping it healthy before it either sweeps or takes out a Ghost type.
Thievul combines/cores well with Physically offensive mons that appreciate Ghost (and, consequently Will-o-Wisp) removal such as Lucario, Medicham, Scolipede, Kingler, Luxray, Kabutops, Revavroom, Unfezant and more, as well as greatly appreciating hazards on the enemy field and hazard control on it's own field.
Specs Thievul is more immediately threatening but with less damage potential than Nasty Plot Thievul, which can be an opressive win condition given the right opportunity.
Written by Beps