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Sticky Hold
- This Pokémon's item cannot be removed. Increases chance of encountering Pokémon while fishing.
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Storm Drain
- All Water-type attacks hit this Pokémon.
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Statistics
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
111
|
- |
363 |
426 |
- |
| Atk |
83
|
181 |
202 |
265 |
291 |
| Def |
68
|
154 |
172 |
235 |
258 |
| SpA |
92
|
198 |
220 |
283 |
311 |
| SpD |
82
|
180 |
200 |
263 |
289 |
| Spe |
39
|
102 |
114 |
177 |
194 |
Look familiar? Yep, this is essentially a Swampert with Recover. Gastrodon gets good type coverage with this set, and with instant recovery, you can expect the sea slug to hang around a turn or two. Toxic is great on Gastrodon as it scares off most Steels and Poisons with Earthquake, so it can really help wear down opponents.
Look familiar? Yep, this is essentially a Swam...oh, I did that already. Boost Gastrodon's physical stats with Curse, and Recover off the damage. Then, attack with a pumped up Earthquake. Both Ice Beam and Stone Edge are good for type coverage, although the former won't benefit from Curse—it does help to wear down Grass-types. Ice Beam also stops Claydol walling your attacks. Waterfall is Gastrodon's most reliable Water-type STAB move.
The 8 Def EVs give Gastrodon an even Defense stat, making sure you don't waste any points when you Curse. If your IV isn't 31 (or any other odd number), just put 4 Def EVs and max HP.
Thankfully, I can't use the same opening line here. This is something Swampert can't do. Stockpile boosts both of Gastrodon's defensive stats, which can make it tough to take down, especially when it can Recover at will. This is a more effective staller than the Curse set, so Toxic is your primary option. Earthquake hits Steels and Poisons, since they're immune to Toxic. Surf hits most Steel-types in UU hard enough to at least 2HKO, and also hits a few Poisons, like Nidoqueen. Water Pulse is a reasonable consideration too. Although it has rather weak base power, the confusion rate can further help to wear down opponents. Bear in mind that without Earthquake, Toxicroak and Qwilfish will be a problem to take down.
The idea of this set is to lure in physical attackers and reflect their moves right back at them. Amnesia should lure in physical attacks, which can then be Countered.
Stockpile can be used over Amnesia if you want to help with Defense as well. Mirror Coat is usable also for reflecting back some Special Attackers. However, it should be noted that Counter, Mirror Coat, and Stockpile cannot be used on the same set.
Other Options
Yawn is a good option to phaze opponents or induce sleep. Rest and Sleep Talk if you need something to absorb status. Memento can help a team member set up if you're willing to sacrifice Gastrodon. Mirror Coat can catch some special attackers off guard, particularly some weaker Hidden Power Grass users. Hidden Power Electric hurts Gyarados and Mantine, while Hidden Power Grass hits Quagsire and other Gastrodon.
EVs
Plenty of HP and Defense is best for most Gastrodon. If you're using Curse, focus more on Special Defense. Stockpile sets should split defensive EVs, with a slight bias towards Defense.
Opinion
Gastrodon has great typing, a good movepool and fairly decent stats. Access to Recover is a huge plus, and is something big brother Swampert would kill for. Unfortunately, it is lacking in a very important stat for its role: Defense. Even though it has high HP, this makes it difficult for Gastrodon to take hits in the same way Swampert does. Being unable to learn Stealth Rock and Roar means it can't offer as much support either. Nevertheless, it can still compete in OU, although those few flaws mean that Swampert is preferred by most battlers in standard competition.
Down in UU, Gastrodon is a very fine tank, and it can be tough to shift if your opponent is out of Grass attacks. It may not have Water Absorb like Quagsire, but it has plenty of advantages to make it an excellent choice to include in any UU team.
Counters
Meganium does well, but can't afford to take too many hits from Ice Beam. Grumpig and Hypno both do a good job of sponging the special attacks, and that rather weak Earthquake is not much of a threat to either of them. They will lose to the Curse set though. Water-types like Mantine (beware of Stone Edge) and Blastoise can take him on if they carry Toxic.
