QC Stamps: 1[ShinyAzelf]/2[Heysup]
GP Stamps: 0/2
GP Stamps: 0/2
Karrablast
[Overview]
<p>Karrablast is an atypical physical sweeper in every regard. It has a good Attack stat backed up by the incredibly deadly Megahorn and a powerful boosting move in Swords Dance, but it is slightly betrayed by its shallow movepool and unimpressive Speed stat. Although it technically has trouble hitting Steel-types, the most notable ones, Ferroseed, Bronzor, and Pawniard, are all hit for neutral by Megahorn, so Rock-types are the real threats to Karrablast. It has a rather passively helpful ability in Shed Skin, but in most cases, it's a better ability than the situational Swarm. Overall, Karrablast can be a helpful addition to your team if you are aware of and cover its weaknesses and build on its strengths.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Double Edge / Return
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb / Oran Berry
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Jolly / Hasty
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe / 36 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Karrablast reaches a staggering 34 Attack after a Swords Dance, enough to OHKO most Pokemon when utilizing its powerful Megahorn. With its Base 120 Double-Edge or Base 102 Return it can hit most Pokemon who resist Megahorn hard. Hidden Power Ice seems like an odd choice, but it ruins Gligar, even OHKOing some variants on the switch without Stealth Rock. Life Orb or Oran Berry really depends on what you're using Karrablast for; a suicidal death machine or a powerful Pokemon that can take a hit. Keep in mind that at max 16 Speed, this Pokemon cannot outspeed some of the quicker LC Pokemon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Life Orb should be used for maximum power after a Swords Dance, but an Oran Berry will allow Karrablast to set up Swords Dance more easily. An Adamant nature can be used over Jolly or Hasty if you want pure power instead of the extra Speed. Double Edge and Return are interchangeable; again, depending on what you're using Karrablast for.</p>
<p>Gligar's huge defenses and resistance to Bug-type moves makes it seem like a perfect counter to Karrablast, but Hidden Power Ice will make it think again. Instead, unorthodox steel types like Aron and Magnemite fare well to this lack of coverage, and anything fairly quick can make short work of Karrablast with its mediocre speed.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Double Edge / Return
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Toxic / Rest
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set depends largely on how Karrablast fits your team, as a physical sweeper or a revenge killer; it can suit both roles well. Megahorn is a strong STAB as usual, while Double Edge or Return and Aerial Ace are for coverage and shouldn't be used unless Megahorn is resisted. The last move is up to preference.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>You can use either Choice Band or Choice Scarf depending on the role you want Karrablast to play. Double Edge is preferable on the Choice Scarf Set, as Karrablast needs as much power as possible, but Return is better on the Choice Band Set, so the recoil doesn't ruin a potential sweep. The last two moves are mostly filler. Aerial Ace can finish off something like a Sand Veil Cacnea in Sandstorm or Snow Cloak Cubchoo in Hail at low health, and Toxic can be used to somewhat counteract Frillish. Rest, however, can be used for a 30% chance of waking up immediately with Shed Skin, and being at full health and status free. Jolly nature is recommended for the Choice Band set, while an Adamant nature works best with the Choice Scarf set.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSalac
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Flail / Protect
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Substitute
item: Salac Berry
ability: Swarm
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
ivs: 0 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The way this set works is simple. The idea is to switch into a Pokemon slower than Karrablast, such as Ferroseed or Slowpoke. It's best to use Substitute, then continue to use the move until Karrablast hits 1 Hit Point, where the Salac Berry will activate. Keep in mind Swarm activates after only three Substitutes, though. With Swarm and STAB, Megahorn becomes a ridiculous 270 Base Power move coming off an impressive 18 Attack. Flail hits 200 base power as well, perfect for attacking anything that resists Megahorn.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Protect can be used over Flail for Fake Out users, who will ruin this set. Other than that, this set works best as is.</p>
<p>It's good to try and get your foe's quicker opponents (i.e. Scarfed most things, Diglett) out of the way before bringing this beast out, because being outsped is the absolute worst thing that can happen.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Karrablast gets Counter, which could be used for a surprise KO, but isn't too worthwhile. X-Scissor is a more accurate option over Megahorn but hits for less damage on average, and Pursuit can be used for hitting Ghost-types, as well as Psychic-types afraid of staying in and eating a Megahorn. Finally, a utility set with Evolution Stone, Shed Skin, and Knock Off, may seem decent, but Karrablast has pretty mediocre defenses, so use at your own risk.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Defensively, many Steel- and Rock-types can easily take Karrablast's moves. Gligar is a perfect counter unless Karrablast is packing Hidden Power Ice. Offensively, any fast, hard-hitting Fire- or Flying-types can ruin Karrablast's day by hitting its mediocre defenses with powerful STAB moves. Having a strong Rock type of your own helps against these offenders.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>If you don't have Dream World, use Shed Skin. Swarm isn't as good of an option bar the SubSalac set. If you do have Dream World, No Guard is great with Megahorn, nullifying its imperfect accuracy. Keep in mind that other than Megahorn, Karrablast learns nothing worthwhile that has accuracy under 100.</p>
