Ludicolo Analysis for VGC 2020

“When it hears festive music, all the cells in its body become stimulated, and it begins moving in rhythm. It does not quail even when it faces a tough opponent.”

 

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

Strengths

• Unique Type Combination
• High Speed (Under Rain w/ Swift Swim)
• Decent Move Coverage
• Flexible Hold Item Choice

Weaknesses

• Average Base Stats
• Lacklustre compatibility with Max Moves
• Dependant on Rain
• Max Hailstorm overrides Rain

 

 

 

ABILITY

 

• Swift Swim – Raises SPEED in rain.
  • Absolute must have for offensive purposes.
• Rain Dish – Slight HP recovery in rain.
  • Too passive and slow to be useful.
• Own Tempo – Prevents confusion.
  • Useless on Ludicolo.

 

 

 

ITEM

 

• Mystic Water / Sea Incense / Wave Incense – A hold item that raises the power of WATER type moves (20%).
  • Decent option to buff the damage of the Ludicolo’s Rain boosted STAB without revealing Hold Item choice or be conditional.
• Life Orb – An item to be held by a Pokémon. It boosts the power of moves, but at the cost of some HP on each hit.
  • Great balanced option to buff the damage of all moves.
  • Preferrably reserved for a stronger teammate with higher Max Move compatibility.
• Weakness Policy – An item to be held by a Pokémon. ATTACK and SP. ATK sharply increase if the holder is hit with a move it’s weak to.
  • Decent option for Ludicolo to get a significant power boost. Best used in tandem with Dynamax.

 

 

 

STATS

 

80 70 70 90 100 70

 

 

 

MOVES

 

1. WATER Type STAB – Hydro Pump / Scald / Muddy Water / Surf / Weather Ball
   • Hydro Pump hits harder at the cost of accuracy, Scald hits less hard but is more accurate.
   • Muddy Water hits both opponents to avoid Storm Drain, at the cost of spread damage reduction and accuracy.
   • Surf hits both opponents to avoid Storm Drain, at the cost of spread damage reduction and hitting Ludicolo’s ally.
   • Weather Ball functions as the Weather dependent compromise between Hydro Pump and Scald.
2. GRASS Type STAB – Leaf Storm / Energy Ball / Giga Drain
   • Leaf Storm hits harder at the cost of accuracy as well as SPECIAL ATTACK dropping after each use.
   • Energy Ball hits less hard but is more accurate.
   • Giga Drain hits for the least amount of damage but provides recovery.
3. Coverage – Ice Beam / Focus Blast / Weather Ball
   • Ice Beam is the standard fare, allowing Ludicolo to hit DRAGON Type foes like Dracozolt and Dragapult.
   • Focus Blast allows Ludicolo to hit Ferrothorn and Duraludon at the cost of accuracy.
   • Weather Ball can be used with Weather play to neuter different threats.
4. Filler – Fake Out / Protect
   • Fake Out brings with it Flinch to allow an ally to set up Tailwind. While opponents can bypass the flinch through Dynamax, it forces them to activate early.
   • Protect works on Ludicolo variants that do not run the Assault Vest to provide some breathing space and scout for the opponent’s intentions.

 

 

 

SAMPLE SET

 

Ludicolo @ Sea Incense / Life Orb / Weakness Policy
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 50
Modest Nature
– Fake Out / Protect
– Ice Beam / Focus Blast
– Leaf Storm / Energy Ball
– Muddy Water / Hydro Pump

 

Speed Benchmarks:

132 Speed EVs -> Outspeed Dragapult

244 Speed EVs -> Outspeed Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan under Rain

 

Damage Benchmarks:

12+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 312-368 (101.2 – 119.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

60+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 244 HP / 156+ SpD Incineroar in Rain: 204-242 (101.4 – 120.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

76+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 312-368 (100 – 117.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

124+ SpA Ludicolo Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Ferrothorn: 92-110 (50.8 – 60.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

148+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 372-440 (100 – 118.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

228+ SpA Ludicolo Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 116 SpD Rotom-W: 158-188 (100.6 – 119.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

228+ SpA Ludicolo Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Rindo Berry Gastrodon: 218-258 (100 – 118.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

236+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Muddy Water vs. 220 HP / 68 SpD Arcanine in Rain: 198-234 (102.5 – 121.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Solid Rock Rhyperior in Sand: 216-255 (97.2 – 114.8%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Rapid Strike Urshifu: 200-236 (96.6 – 114%) — 75% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Leaf Storm vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 156-186 (79.5 – 94.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

252+ SpA Ludicolo Energy Ball vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 110-132 (56.1 – 67.3%) — 32.4% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

 

84+ SpA Ludicolo Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 196+ SpD Rillaboom: 104-124 (50.2 – 59.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

124+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Conkeldurr in Rain: 213-252 (100.4 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

196+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 220 HP / 68 SpD Arcanine (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 390-458 (101 – 118.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

220+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 244 HP / 156+ SpD Incineroar: 204-240 (101.4 – 119.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

228+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 396-468 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

228+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Corviknight in Rain: 204-240 (100 – 117.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

236+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Togekiss in Rain: 163-193 (101.2 – 119.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 220 HP / 68 SpD Arcanine (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 380-450 (98.4 – 116.5%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult: 160-190 (97.5 – 115.8%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primarina: 182-216 (97.3 – 115.5%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 156+ SpD Incineroar: 192-228 (95.5 – 113.4%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primarina: 168-200 (89.8 – 106.9%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Sea Incense Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 44+ SpD Indeedee-F in Rain: 156-184 (88.1 – 103.9%) — 31.3% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (140 BP) vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 168-200 (85.7 – 102%) — 12.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 156-186 (79.5 – 94.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Figy Berry recovery

---

108+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Focus Blast vs. 236 HP / 172 SpD Duraludon: 177-208 (101.1 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

188+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 196+ SpD Rillaboom: 104-125 (50.2 – 60.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

212+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Leaf Storm vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 198-234 (101 – 119.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

220+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Rapid Strike Urshifu: 211-250 (101.9 – 120.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Scald vs. 244 HP / 156+ SpD Incineroar in Rain: 198-234 (98.5 – 116.4%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Grimmsnarl in Rain: 199-234 (98.5 – 115.8%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Scald vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 289-343 (92.6 – 109.9%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult: 146-174 (89 – 106%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Togekiss in Rain: 140-165 (86.9 – 102.4%) — 18.8% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Giga Drain vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 120-143 (61.2 – 72.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Amoonguss: 96-114 (43.4 – 51.5%) — 9.8% chance to 2HKO after Figy Berry recovery

 

4+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult: 164-195 (100 – 118.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

44+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Conkeldurr in Rain: 212-251 (100 – 118.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

76+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primarina: 187-221 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

132+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (140 BP) vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 198-234 (101 – 119.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

148+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Togekiss in Rain: 164-192 (101.8 – 119.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

156+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Rotom-W: 159-190 (101.2 – 121%) — guaranteed OHKO

172+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame (DYNAMAX): 312-369 (101.2 – 119.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

212+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 198-234 (101 – 119.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

212+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 156+ SpD Incineroar: 203-242 (100.9 – 120.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

212+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion (DYNAMAX) in Rain: 398-468 (100.5 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

228+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Corviknight in Rain: 204-242 (100 – 118.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Torkoal in Sun: 174-205 (98.3 – 115.8%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 44+ SpD Indeedee-F in Rain: 168-199 (94.9 – 112.4%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 228 HP / 12 SpD Togekiss in Rain: 177-211 (93.6 – 111.6%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 164 SpD Corviknight in Rain: 192-227 (93.6 – 110.7%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Torkoal in Sun: 164-195 (92.6 – 110.1%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Overgrowth (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dracovish: 149-177 (89.7 – 106.6%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 179-213 (86.4 – 102.8%) — 12.5% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Ludicolo Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 196+ SpD Rillaboom: 159-187 (76.8 – 90.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

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+2 108+ SpA Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 44+ SpD Indeedee-F in Rain: 177-208 (100 – 117.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 156+ SpA Ludicolo Energy Ball vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 200-236 (102 – 120.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252+ SpA Ludicolo Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Togekiss: 158-186 (98.1 – 115.5%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ SpA Ludicolo Scald vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Togekiss in Rain: 157-186 (97.5 – 115.5%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ SpA Ludicolo Giga Drain vs. 244 HP / 108+ SpD Politoed: 182-216 (92.8 – 110.2%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

 

+2 76+ SpA Ludicolo Max Geyser (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult in Rain: 165-194 (100.6 – 118.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 76+ SpA Ludicolo Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 228 HP / 12 SpD Togekiss: 190-224 (100.5 – 118.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 92+ SpA Ludicolo Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 196+ SpD Rillaboom: 208-246 (100.4 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 156+ SpA Ludicolo Max Geyser (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult in Rain: 165-195 (100.6 – 118.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252+ SpA Ludicolo Max Hailstorm (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Amoonguss: 212-250 (95.9 – 113.1%) — 75% chance to OHKO

 

 

 

TEAMMATES

 

Pelipper / Sableye / Politoed

 

Pokemon that can set up Rain, whether it be through Drizzle or Prankster elevated Rain Dance, serve as great partners to Ludicolo, as they help activate the latter’s Swift Swim. Both Pelipper and the newly available Politoed offer Drizzle support. The former provides Tailwind and additional coverage in Hurricane, while the latter has better bulk and support options like Perish Song. On the Prankster end, Sableye is a great shout, owing to its immunity to both Fake Out (unless Scrappy) and opposing Prankster shenanigans.

 

Toxtricity

 

Toxtricity resists all of the moves that hit Ludicolo for super effective damage, and almost vice versa (the only exception being the popular Psychic Type Expanding Force). In addition to beating the commonly seen Max Airstream foes like Gyarados, Togekiss, Braviary, and Corviknight, Toxtricity is also fantastic at dealing with most opposing Grass Type Pokemon.

 

Rapid Strike Urshifu

 

Newly introduced in the Isle of Armor DLC, Rapid Strike Urshifu provides dedicated Rain teams, which Ludicolo often appear on, one of the best answers to popular counters in Ferrothorn and Duraludon. As a Fighting Type Pokemon, it can also work against Sand cores like Tyranitar and Excadrill, or Trick Room cores revolving around Snorlax and Rhyperior. The capability to hit fully through Protect is no small feat, especially against the aforementioned Steel Type foes. Players do have to note that both Ludicolo and Rapid Strike Urshifu are susceptible to Flying Type moves.

 

 

 

CHECKS AND COUNTERS

 

Gyarados / Togekiss / Braviary / Corviknight

 

The Max Airstream quartet are largely able to deal comfortably with Ludicolo’s attacks and OHKO in return with their namesake claim to fame. While Ludicolo might be able to outrun them initially through Swift Swim, its firepower is just too mediocre to deal with their Dynamax bulk.

 

Kingdra / Ferrothorn / Duraludon

 

Kingdra, newly available through the Isle of Armor DLC, join the latter two in serving as the bane of any Rain core, owing to their well placed Type resistances to Rain’s common damage Type. As an key member of the Rain core, Ludicolo is no exception. Kingdra itself benefits from Rain through Swift Swim, and can deal massive damage to Ludicolo with its newfound access to Hurricane. Ferrothorn and Duraludon, on the other hand, are nearly untouchable without using the notoriously unreliable Focus Blast, and can usually reliably outdamage the Carefree Pokemon.

 

Trick Room

 

Ludicolo’s reliance on the Speed advantage afforded by Swift Swim sees it struggle to perform when Trick Room is active. Unfortunately for the Carefree Pokemon, it lacks the means to prevent Trick Room from being set up, or a solid way to beat the common Trick Room sweepers in unfavorable Weather, despite the apparent Type advantage.

Cursola Pre-Vis for VGC 2020

“Be cautious of the ectoplasmic body surrounding its soul. You’ll become stiff as stone if you touch it.”

 

OVERVIEW

 

Cursola was a somewhat surprise addition to the Generation VIII roster, as a member of the regional evolution family. Shedding the defensive shell of its pre-evolution, Cursola is now, stat wise, a very solid Trick Room attacker. Its new STAB also gives it a nice role in dealing with opposing Trick Room setters like Gothitelle and Hatterene.

Yet, Cursola is not without its shortcomings. While it may have an impressive Base Special Attack of 145, it is burdened by low Base Defense and rather ineffective Abilities. A Trick Room attacker that is Physically frail is not going to benefit from Weak Armor. Perish Body, on the other hand, not only requires Cursola to survive a contact move with its pitiful Base Defense, but also be able to trap the foe for three turns to actually have a use. While Perish Trap is an interesting strategy, Perish Body is a lot harder to pull off due to its restrictive mechanism.

 

SET

 

Cursola @ Room Service / Life Orb
Ability: Perish Body
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
– Calm Mind
– Earth Power
– Protect
– Shadow Ball

 

A standard Trick Room attacker set. Room Service, newly introduced in Generation VIII, lowers Cursola’s Speed by 1 when Trick Room is activated, granting the holder a Speed advantage. It also triggers when switching into Trick Room.

Calm Mind is there to bridge the gap between a 2HKO and a OHKO, since Cursola not only lacks STAB coverage but also viable moves with high Base Power. Earth Power, on the other hand, serves as coverage against the likes of Galarian Weezing, Toxtricity, as well as Normal Type foes like Oranguru and Indeedee. If players are more concerned with keeping Cursola alive, players can opt to drop Calm Mind and Earth Power for Strength Sap and Giga Drain respectively. Strength Sap is slightly useful at weakening Physical foes, while Giga Drain serves as a surprise check against Gastrodon and Seismitoad.

Because of Cursola’s limited move pool and low compatibility with Max Moves, players are not really recommended to Dynamax their Cursola. In Cursola’s case, the traditional methods like Calm Mind and/or Life Orb are better suited to improve its damage output.

 

EV BENCHMARKS

 

Offensive

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult: 206-246 (125.6 – 150%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mr. Rime: 164-194 (105.1 – 124.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Hatterene: 158-188 (96.3 – 114.6%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mr. Rime: 164-194 (87.7 – 103.7%) — 25% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Jellicent: 156-186 (75.3 – 89.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 244 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 108-128 (62.4 – 73.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gothitelle: 110-132 (62.1 – 74.5%) — 98.4% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 76 HP / 12 SpD Arcanine: 96-114 (54.8 – 65.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Figy Berry recovery

 

+1 252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Jellicent: 236-278 (114 – 134.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gothitelle: 168-198 (94.9 – 111.8%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

+1 252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dragapult (DYNAMAX): 308-366 (93.9 – 111.5%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

+1 252+ SpA Cursola Shadow Ball vs. 244 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 158-188 (91.3 – 108.6%) — 50% chance to OHKO

 

Defensive

252 Atk Obstagoon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Colbur Berry Cursola: 111-132 (82.2 – 97.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Tyranitar Crunch vs. 12 HP / 20 Def Colbur Berry Cursola: 115-136 (83.9 – 99.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage

252 Atk Dragapult Phantom Force vs. 12 HP / 44 Def Kasib Berry Cursola: 115-136 (83.9 – 99.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

252 SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 28 SpD Cursola: 114-134 (84.4 – 99.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 44 SpD Cursola: 114-134 (84.4 – 99.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

TEAMMATES

 

Torkoal

 

Cursola, while a solid attacker under Trick Room, is just short of being a true dominating sweeper. As such, players are highly recommended to insert another Trick Room striker, preferably one that has higher firepower. Enter Torkoal, one of the stronger options since it received Drought in Generation VII. It has high Base Defense, and better compatibility with Max Moves. Max Flare helps wrestle control in a Weather War, buffing Torkoal’s own Fire Type moves, while Max Ooze buffs both Torkoal and Cursola’s Special Attack to deal even more damage.

Scrafty

 

Scrafty’s STAB combination covers both of Cursola’s Type Weaknesses – Knock Off punishes Ghost Type foes and individuals like Oranguru and Indeedee, while Drain Punch devastates Dark Type foes like Obstagoon. With Intimidate, it helps reduce the damage Cursola takes from Physical moves. Lastly, Fake Out helps buy the team’s Trick Room setter the breathing space it needs to do its job.

 

Aromatisse

 

Aromatisse serves as one of the few Trick Room setters in the Galar Dex that is not weak to either Dark Type or Ghost Type moves. Aside from Trick Room, Aromatisse also carries moves like Ally Switch, Heal Pulse, and Helping Hand, all useful at either improving Cursola’s longevity or damage output.

 

COUNTERS & CHECKS

 

Obstagoon

 

Physical Dark Type STAB to chunk Cursola, and even more powerful Normal Type STAB to punish Dark resistant switch ins. The biggest problem lies with its highly viable pool of Abilities. Bring Scrafty? You’d walk right into Defiant’s trap. Catch it on the switch in with Will O Wisp? You just wasted a move to enable a Guts variant.

 

Ferrothorn

 

The early metagame has seen Ferrothorn rise once again as a counter to both Rain and Sand archetypes. It can comfortably operate in the Trick Room that Cursola is usually found with, but the latter often lacks the tools to threaten the Thorn Pod Pokemon. While Ferrothorn might not like triggering Perish Body with an accidental Gyro Ball, it can easily maneuver around the condition through Leech Seed stall or Max Overgrowth.

 

Dragapult

 

Generation VIII’s pseudo Legendary Pokemon is fast, powerful, and can OHKO Cursola through Intimidate (with Phantom Force) unless the latter is holding the Kasib Berry. Cursola maybe able to do massive damage, but odds aren’t in its favor, since it is heavily dependent on Trick Room being active to be able to outspeed its foe. In addition, it is unable to KO Dynamax Dragapult without Dynamaxing itself, which can prove problematic considering its frail Physical Defense and weak coverage options to truly maximize the efficiency of Dynamax.

 

 

 

 

Obstagoon Pre-Vis for VGC 2020

“It evolved after experiencing numerous fights. While crossing its arms, it lets out a shout that would make any opponent flinch.”

 

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

Obstagoon’s introduction in Generation VIII elevated the Zigzagoon line out of obscurity, now that it has a comparable power and evolution curve to that of the Starter Pokemon formula. Despite a glaring 4x Weakness to Fighting Type moves, Obstagoon’s set, Base Stats, as well as metagame shifts in the Galar Dex has made it a very powerful fighter in its own right. There are two huge contributors to this phenomenon: Obstruct, and Knock Off.

 

 

 

SETS

 

Defiant

 

Obstagoon @ Life Orb / Assault Vest
Ability: Defiant
Level: 50
Adamant Nature
– Double Edge / Body Slam
– Close Combat / Fire Punch
– Knock Off
– Obstruct / Fire Punch

 

Calculations

252 Atk Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 200-236 (113.6 – 134%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Obstagoon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Indeedee-F: 186-218 (105 – 123.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Obstagoon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 164-194 (100 – 118.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Scrafty: 187-221 (109.3 – 129.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Arcanine: 187-220 (94.9 – 111.6%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Obstagoon Max Flare (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ferrothorn: 184-220 (101.6 – 121.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gyarados: 169-201 (98.8 – 117.5%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Obstagoon Max Flare (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Corviknight: 112-132 (54.6 – 64.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Knuckle (95 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 203-244 (115.3 – 138.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

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252+ Atk Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Excadrill: 176-208 (94.6 – 111.8%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Scrafty: 158-186 (92.3 – 108.7%) — 50% chance to OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Arcanine: 204-242 (103.5 – 122.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 166-198 (98.8 – 117.8%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Rotom-H: 109-129 (69.4 – 82.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 44 Def Rotom-W: 103-122 (65.6 – 77.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

+1 252+ Atk Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gyarados: 186-220 (108.7 – 128.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Obstagoon Max Knuckle (95 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 176-208 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Obstagoon Max Darkness (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dragapult (DYNAMAX): 336-396 (102.4 – 120.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Indeedee-F: 188-224 (106.2 – 126.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Braviary: 169-200 (96 – 113.6%) — 75% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Sylveon: 188-224 (93.5 – 111.4%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Grimmsnarl: 188-224 (93 – 110.8%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Hatterene: 138-164 (84.1 – 100%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Rotom-H: 126-149 (80.2 – 94.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Strike (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 44 Def Rotom-W: 121-144 (77 – 91.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Max Darkness (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Corviknight: 109-130 (53.1 – 63.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

The definining Obstagoon set. Defiant allows Obstagoon to take advantage of the foe’s Intimidate, Icy Wind, and stat dropping Max Moves to turn the Blocking Pokemon into a powerful behemoth. Players can choose to either Dynamax the ally and have Obstagoon take a cleaning up role, or flip the dynamic and let it go all guns blazing.

The loss of Return and Frustration has meant that Obstagoon can only use Double Edge, which incurs hefty recoil over time, or the significantly less powerful Body Slam. This can be mitigated through Dynamax, turning Double Edge into a powerful Max Strike. Max Strike does not come with recoil, and has the added benefit of lowering the opposing field’s Speed by 1 per use. As a result, players can afford to run Adamant Nature on this Obstagoon for more immediate damage.

Obstruct, Obstagoon’s signature move, replaces Protect. It functions as an offensive version of King’s Shield, but much better. Not only does it protect against all moves (bar Max Moves), it lowers the Defense of foes who make direct contact by 2 stages. This works exceptionally well against the Fighting Type Pokemon looking to capitalize on the Blocking Pokemon’s biggest Type weakness, since their arsenal comprises mostly contact moves.

 

Reckless

 

Obstagoon @ Choice Band / Figy Berry
Ability: Reckless
Level: 50
Adamant Nature / Jolly Nature
– Double-Edge
– Knock Off
– Obstruct
– Reversal / Seed Bomb

 

Calculations

252+ Atk Life Orb Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Darmanitan-Galar: 220-259 (121.5 – 143%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Ludicolo: 183-216 (117.3 – 138.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Reversal (80 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 192-229 (109 – 130.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Obstagoon Reversal (100 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Excadrill: 190-226 (102.1 – 121.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Braviary: 175-207 (99.4 – 117.6%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Sylveon: 195-230 (97 – 114.4%) — 75% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Grimmsnarl: 195-230 (96.5 – 113.8%) — 75% chance to OHKO

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252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Sylveon: 223-264 (110.9 – 131.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Grimmsnarl: 223-264 (110.3 – 130.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 172-204 (102.3 – 121.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dracovish: 159-187 (95.7 – 112.6%) — 75% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Rotom-W: 148-175 (94.2 – 111.4%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Obstagoon Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Hatterene: 163-193 (99.3 – 117.6%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

 

Reckless increases the power of Double Edge, Obstagoon’s most powerful Normal Type STAB option. Reversal is the Fighting Type coverage of choice since it synergizes well with this recoil centric strategy. Players can opt to either supplement Obstagoon’s damage output with Choice Band or Life Orb, or extend its limited longevity through Hold Items like Figy Berry. Players aren’t really recommended to Dynamax this Obstagoon variant, simply because no Max Moves benefit from Reckless.

 

Guts

 

Obstagoon @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
Level: 50
Adamant Nature / Jolly Nature
– Facade
– Knock Off
– Obstruct
– Reversal / Close Combat / Fire Punch

 

Calculations

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 296-352 (168.1 – 200%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 246-290 (150 – 176.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Excadrill: 240-284 (129 – 152.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 176-208 (104.7 – 123.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Facade (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Braviary: 178-210 (101.1 – 119.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Facade (140 BP) vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Sylveon: 198-234 (98.5 – 116.4%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Rotom-W: 132-156 (84 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ferrothorn: 128-152 (70.7 – 83.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Arcanine: 109-130 (55.3 – 65.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Figy Berry recovery

252 Atk Guts Obstagoon Max Flare (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ferrothorn: 276-328 (152.4 – 181.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

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252+ Atk Guts Obstagoon Max Darkness (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dragapult (DYNAMAX): 336-396 (102.4 – 120.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

This set is largely the same as the previous one, though Facade replaces Double Edge as Obstagoon’s Normal STAB option. Flame Orb plus Guts is a tried and tested combination, so that needs no further explanation. However, since the Flame Orb needs 1 turn to trigger, players are more or less forced to either Knock Off or Obstruct for the first Turn to set up.

 

 

 

TEAMMATES

 

Arcanine

 

Arcanine returns from VGC 2017 as one of the now famous poster boys of the Intimidate + Snarl combination. With Dynamax this generation’s metagame defining mechanic, being able to consistently weaken the foe’s damage output is very useful when it comes to damage control. In addition, Arcanine boasts resistances to Bug Type and Fairy Type moves, both smaller Type Weaknesses that plague Obstagoon. In return, Obstagoon can make use of Obstruct and Max Knuckle to improve Arcanine’s offensive capabilities, particularly if the latter is used in a supportive role.

 

Corviknight

 

Generation VIII’s regional bird has a STAB combination that covers all three of Obstagoon’s Type Weaknesses. Like Arcanine before it, Obstagoon returns the favor through Max Knuckle, which goes a long way in patching up the shortcoming brought by Corviknight’s lacklustre Base Attack. On the flip side, Corviknight’s Mirror Armor helps weaken foes like Hitmontop and Scrafty, while Max Airstream buffs Obstagoon’s Speed and reduces its need to run Jolly Nature in order to outrun certain foes.

 

Indeedee

 

Obstagoon’s 4x Weakness to Fighting Type moves means that a stray Mach Punch or a fast Fighting Type move can KO the Blocking Pokemon before it can strike. As a result, Obstagoon appreciates support against such foes, whether it be through priority nullification or Super Effective damage against Fighting Type foes. Enter Indeedee. The discount Tapu Lele has Psychic Surge as its Hidden Ability, which effectively blocks moves like Fake Out and other revenge kill options like Mach Punch and ExtremeSpeed. The Female variant of the Emotion Pokemon has access to supportive moves like Ally Switch, Fake Out, Follow Me, Heal Pulse, and Helping Hand, all highly useful tools to either protect Obstagoon or buff its damage output. Players do need to note that this combination increases one’s vulnerability to Bug Type moves like Max Flutterby.

 

 

 

COUNTERS & CHECKS

 

Galarian Weezing

 

Galarian Weezing’s call to fame in Neutralizing Gas forces Obstagoon to rely on its raw Base Attack to deal damage, which can be problematic since the Blocking Pokemon’s Ability constitutes a hefty portion of its damage output. In addition to resisting Obstagoon’s Dark Type STAB and Fighting Type coverage, it has high Base Defense to take a regular hit, as well as Fairy Type STAB that hits Obstagoon’s weaker Special Defense. Guts variants have to stay away from Galarian Weezing, since the Burn they inflict on themselves is now a detriment when the latter is on the field.

 

Mimikyu

 

Mimikyu is straight up immune to Double Edge, Facade, or Obstagoon’s other Normal Type STAB options. It does so without exposing itself to Knock Off or Night Slash, and has Disguise to fend off a hit while it either sets up or KOs directly with STAB Play Rough. Unfortunately for Obstagoon, Mimikyu is naturally faster than it, so it will generally lose in a straight match up, especially since the latter is immune to Fake Out.

 

Hawlucha

 

Hawlucha stands apart from its Fighting Type brethren as the only member of the family to be able to naturally outspeed Obstagoon, which is a huge cause of concern for the Blocking Pokemon. Hawlucha can either use Flying Press for super effective damage, or set up Tailwind in anticipation of a switch out from Obstagoon.