[COMPLETED] Forretress

Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
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Burmy ain't got nothing on me.


[Pros]

<ul>
<li>Forretress has great overall utility thanks to Rapid Spin and entry hazards.</li>
<li>It has access to most forms of entry hazards: Spikes, Stealth Rock, and Toxic Spikes.</li>
<li>Bug/Steel is a great defensive typing, having only one weakness to the Fire-type and a lot of useful resistances.</li>
<li>It possesses a very high Defense stat.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>It has very poor Special Defense and is extremely slow.</li>
<li>It is 4x weak to the Fire-type.</li>
<li>Unfortunately, it lacks reliable recovery, making it easy to wear to down.</li>
<li>Its lack of an offensive presence makes it helpless against many offensive Pokemon, making it easy set up fodder.</p>
<li>Defog makes it harder for Forretress to keep entry hazards on the field.</li>
<li>Forretress is extremely vulnerable to Taunt.</li>
<li>It can't beat any of the common OU spinblockers, especially Aegislash.</li>
</ul>

[Set Recommendations]

<p>name: Rapid Spin<br />
move 1: Rapid Spin<br />
move 2: Stealth Rock / Spikes<br />
move 3: Earthquake / Volt Switch<br />
move 4: Gyro Ball / Volt Switch<br />
ability: Sturdy<br />
item: Leftovers<br />
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD<br />
ivs: 0 Spe<br />
nature: Relaxed</p>

<p>Forretress brings a lot of utility to the table in the form of entry hazards, defensive support, and most importantly: Rapid Spin. With these very important traits, Forretress can function as a great addition to a variety of teams that need all of the mentioned support without the need of multiple Pokemon, which is huge. Keep in mind that Forretress should really only be used on teams for its ability to Rapid Spin on top of laying entry hazards, or else otherwise Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn heavily outclass it. Stealth Rock is currently the preferred entry hazard of choice because of the lack of Pokemon that get the move, while there are plenty of Spikes users out there that can do an all-around better job than Forretress. Spikes is still an option if you already have something on your team with Stealth Rock. Earthquake is the best option for the third moveslot to keep Aegislash and Excadrill from setting up all over Forretress, while also dealing heavy damage to predicted Magnezone switch-ins before it tries to trap Forretress. Volt Switch is still an option because it allows for Forretress to act as a defensive pivot and gain momentum on predicted switch-ins, while also escaping the clutches of Magnezone and Gothitelle. Gyro Ball gives Forretress some form of offensive presence to keep sweepers from setting up all over it, while also hitting Fairy-types like Sylveon, Florges, and Togekiss hard.</p>

<p>A Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to obtain the maximum amount of damage possible with Gyro Ball. If Gyro Ball is not chosen, then an Impish nature is a fine alternative. If for some reason Spikes and Stealth Rock just aren't enough, Toxic Spikes can be used if your team is more stall oriented, but with the massive amount of Pokemon in OU that don't really mind them, Forretress is better off just running Spikes or Stealth Rock. Sadly, Forretress has a terrible offensive movepool, so there aren't many other viable options to choose from. Hidden Power Ice is an option to keep Gliscor, Dragonite, and Salamence from setting up, but with Hidden Power's recent nerf, it only hits them slightly harder than Gyro Ball, and it really isn't worth it anymore. In order for Forretress to shine, it needs a lot of team support, which is why it appreciates Pokemon that can beat spinblockers, Rapid Spinners, and sweepers that would normally try to take advantage of Forretress. Tyranitar and Weavile are very powerful Dark-types that can OHKO a majority of the Ghost-types in the tier with their respective Dark-type move. Bulky Water-types such as Rotom-W can deal with the Fire-type Pokemon that threaten Forretress, as well as get Forretress in safely with Volt Switch. Choice Scarf Garchomp and Salamence are useful because they can come into sweepers that might attempt to set up on Forretress after it has Volt Switched into them. Forretress has a tendency to lure Fire-type moves, so Chandelure is a great partner for its ability to soak up these attacks with its Flash Fire ability.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Forretress really isn't all that threatening, so it's mostly just a matter of getting rid of it quickly before it sets up too many hazards or Rapid Spins. Fire-types are the bane of Forretress's existence, as they can either set up all over it or just OHKO it with any Fire-type move. Volcarona and Talonflame are among the many Fire-types in OU that just completely maul Forretress, and it can't really do anything about it. Magnezone can trap Forretress and KO it before it can do anything back. Because of Forretress's lack of offensive presence, pretty much every spinblocker is successful at keeping it from spinning; Trevanent, Gourgeist, and Gengar are just a few examples. Aegislash not only spinblocks it, but also sets up all over Forretress if it lacks Earthquake. Powerful special attackers such as Starmie, Goodra, Greninja, and Rotom-W can take advantage of Forretress's poor special bulk. Many set up sweepers can set up against Forretress, such as Mega Garchomp, Zygarde, Dragonite, and Talonflame. To top it all off, Forretress is completely shutdown by Taunt, so pretty much anything with Taunt can keep Forretress from setting up hazards.</p>
 
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Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
QC needs to discuss whether or not Stealth Rock deserves a slash over Spikes. Personally in the current metagame, I think so, because a lot of the common users of SR can't get it right now or just aren't available, while there are a ton of Pokemon that can use Spikes, and Forretress isn't the best Spiker out there anyway. I talked it over with ShootingStarmie, and he agreed with me, but I'd like some more input on it. Thanks.
 

Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
I agree too. Also, make a suicide lead set.
What item should it run? Custap Berry isn't available right now, or so I've heard from many different sources (I could be wrong). Not sure what would be a good item replacement for it.
 

alexwolf

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What item should it run? Custap Berry isn't available right now, or so I've heard from many different sources (I could be wrong). Not sure what would be a good item replacement for it.
Fuck, forgot about the lack of Custap. Never mind then, it's not good without Custap.
 
IMO Earthquake should take precedence over Volt Switch and is a must on the set. If you don't run Earthquake, you basically leave yourself unable to spin against a huge amount of teams because they run Aegislash. It isn't the most accurate indication of the metagame, but Aegislash was the Pokemon at the top of the usage stats at 40%. Don't forget that Earthquake hits everyone's second favorite ghost-type, Mega-Gengar.

Volt Switch and EQ require the same level of prediction to prevent trapping. You have to hit the opponent on the switch to get the trappers. The two most popular trappers right now are Magnezone and Mega-Gengar, which get hit super-effectively by EQ. So that is one of Volt Switch's main niches thrown out the window when comparing it to EQ. Gaining momentum is nice and all with Volt Switch, but if taking one your moveslots prevents you from doing your main job of spinning against the two most popular spinblockers in the metagame, then Forretress is just a lame duck on your team. So EQ is definitely the better choice is that slot over Volt Switch.
 

Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
IMO Earthquake should take precedence over Volt Switch and is a must on the set. If you don't run Earthquake, you basically leave yourself unable to spin against a huge amount of teams because they run Aegislash. It isn't the most accurate indication of the metagame, but Aegislash was the Pokemon at the top of the usage stats at 40%. Don't forget that Earthquake hits everyone's second favorite ghost-type, Mega-Gengar.

Volt Switch and EQ require the same level of prediction to prevent trapping. You have to hit the opponent on the switch to get the trappers. The two most popular trappers right now are Magnezone and Mega-Gengar, which get hit super-effectively by EQ. So that is one of Volt Switch's main niches thrown out the window when comparing it to EQ. Gaining momentum is nice and all with Volt Switch, but if taking one your moveslots prevents you from doing your main job of spinning against the two most popular spinblockers in the metagame, then Forretress is just a lame duck on your team. So EQ is definitely the better choice is that slot over Volt Switch.
I actually agree with this wholeheartedly to be honest. I've never been a fan of Volt Switch that much this generation, and I always missed having the ability to smack frail sweepers hard with Gyro Ball while also being able to run EQ to beat Aegislash and Excadrill. It keeps it from being nearly as big of a liability against sweepers, which is definitely something to keep in mind when running something like Forretress that is pretty much a Steel bulls-eye waiting to be setup on. The only reason I kept it was because I talked to SS about Volt Switch in general, and he thought that Volt Switch was still a must on Forretress because it's really nice for gaining momentum on predicted switch-ins. However, in the current Aegislash/Excadrill/sweeper invested metagame, Forretress is better off running two attacking moves IMO. I'll change it for now, but I definitely want to hear what QC has to say.
 

Alter

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Wish Passers like Chansey and Blissey can make up for Forretress's lack of recovery, making it a much more reliable support Pokemon in general
Neither of these Pokemon currently have access to Wish as it is an event move, making it unavailable until PokeTransfer comes.
 

alexwolf

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Remove Pain Split, it's a tutor move and not yet available. Slash Volt Switch after both Gyro Ball and Earthquake.



QC APPROVED 1/3
 

ShootingStarmie

Bulletproof
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This looks great man. I've had my doubts about Gyro Ball + Earthquake, but there is solid reasoning behind it. Good job

QC APPROVED 3/3
 
Additions
Deletions
Comments

[Pros]

<ul>
<li>Forretress has great overall utility thanks to Rapid Spin and entry hazards.</li>
<li>It has access to most forms of entry hazards: Spikes, Stealth Rock, and Toxic Spikes.</li>
<li>Bug/Steel is a great defensive typing, having only one lone [Redundant.] weakness to the Fire-type and a lot of useful resistances.</li>
<li>It possesses a very high Defense stat.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>It has very poor Special Defense and is extremely slow.</li>
<li>It is 4x weak to the ever so [Fire isn't really that common.] common Fire-type.</li>
<li>Unfortunately, it lacks reliable recovery, making it easy to wear to down.</li>
<li>Its lack of an offensive presence makes it helpless against many offensive Pokemon, making it easy set up fodder.</p>
<li>Defog makes it harder for Forretress to keep entry hazards on the field.</li>
<li>Forretress is extremely vulnerable to Taunt.</li>
<li>It can't beat any of the common OU spinblockers, especially Aegislash [I think it's worthwhile to mention it.].</li>
</ul>

[Set Recommendations]

<p>name: Rapid Spin<br />
move 1: Rapid Spin<br />
move 2: Stealth Rock / Spikes<br />
move 3: Earthquake / Volt Switch<br />
move 4: Gyro Ball / Volt Switch<br />
ability: Sturdy<br />
item: Leftovers<br />
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD<br />
ivs: 0 Spe<br />
nature: Relaxed</p>

<p>Forretress brings a lot of utility to the table in the form of entry hazards, defensive support, and most importantly: Rapid Spin. With these very important traits, Forretress can function as a great addition to a variety of teams that need all of the mentioned support without the need of multiple Pokemon, which is huge. Keep in mind that Forretress should really only be used on teams for its ability to Rapid Spin on top of laying entry hazards, or else other otherwise Steel-types like such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn heavily outclass it heavily. Stealth Rock is currently the preferred entry hazard of choice of entry hazards right now because of the lack of Pokemon that get the move, while there are plenty of Spikes users out there that can do an all-around better job than Forretress. Spikes is still an option if you already have something on your team with Stealth Rock. Earthquake is the best option for the third moveslot to keep Aegislash and Excadrill from setting up all over Forretress, while also dealing heavy damage to predicted Magnezone switch-ins before it tries to trap Forretress. Volt Switch is still an option because it allows for Forretress to act as a defensive pivot and gain momentum on predicted switch-ins, while also escaping the clutches of Magnezone and Mega Gengar. Gyro Ball gives Forretress some form of offensive presence to keep sweepers from setting up all over it, while also hitting Fairy-types like Sylveon, Florges, and Togekiss hard.</p>

<p>A Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to obtain the maximum amount of damage possible with Gyro Ball. If Gyro Ball is not chosen choosing not to run Gyro Ball, then an Impish nature is a fine alternative. If for some reason Spikes and Stealth Rock just aren't enough, Toxic Spikes can be used if your team is more stall oriented, but with the massive amount of Pokemon in OU that don't really mind them, Forretress is better off just running Spikes or Stealth Rock. Sadly, Forretress has a terrible offensive movepool, so there aren't many other viable options to choose from. Hidden Power Ice is an option to keep Gliscor, Dragonite, and Salamence from setting up all over it [You keep saying that, heh.], but with Hidden Power's recent nerf, it only hits them slightly harder than Gyro Ball, and it really isn't worth it anymore. In order for Forretress to shine, it needs a lot of team support, which is why it appreciates Pokemon that can beat spinblockers, Rapid Spinners, and sweepers that would normally try to set up all over take advantage of Forretress [Just using different wording.]. Mega Gengar comes to mind for its ability to trap very specific Pokemon that bother Forretress, like such as Starmie, Excadrill, and a wide majority of the setup sweepers in OU. Bulky Water-types like such as Rotom-W can deal with the Fire-type Pokemon that threaten Forretress, as well as get it Forretress in safely with Volt Switch. Choice Scarf Pokemon like in Garchomp and Salamence are useful because they can come into sweepers that may might attempt to set up on Forretress after it has Volt Switched into them. Forretress has a tendency to lure Fire-type moves, so Chandelure is a great partner for its ability to soak up these attacks with its Flash Fire ability.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Forretress really isn't all that threatening, so it's mostly just a matter of getting rid of it quickly before it sets up too many hazards or Rapid Spins. Fire-types are the bane of Forretress's existence, as they can either set up all over it or just OHKO it with any Fire-type move. Volcarona and Talonflame are among the many Fire-types in OU that just completely maul Forretress, and it can't really do anything about it. Magnezone and Mega Gengar can both trap poor Forretress and KO it before it can do anything back; Mega Gengar's having the advantage of keeping it from Rapid Spinning with its Ghost typing. Because of Forretress's lack of an offensive presence, pretty much every spinblocker is successful at keeping it from spinning; Trevanent, Gourgeist, and Gengar are just a few examples, the former two crippling it with Will-O-Wisp while the latter can trap it if it has Mega evolved. Aegislash not only spinblocks it, but also sets up all over Forretress if it lacks Earthquake. Powerful special attackers such as Starmie, Goodra, Greninja, and Rotom-W can take advantage of Forretress's poor special bulk. Many set up sweepers can set up all over against Forretress, such as Mega Garchomp, Zygarde, Dragonite, Excadrill, [You mention it already at the end.] Talonflame, Blaziken, [It's banned.] and Excadrill. To top it all off, Forretress is completely shutdown by Taunt, so pretty much anything with Taunt can keep Forretress from setting up hazards.</p>
GP 1/1
 
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