Gastrodon

QC: Fuzznip, ShootingStarmie, Super Mario Bro
GP: melvni, Wyvern56



Overview
########
On paper, Gastrodon appears decidedly unremarkable. Its mediocre offensive stats and only decent bulk mean that it is generally outclassed by other defensive Water-types such as Rotom-W and Quagsire, which have superior defensive niches thanks to Will-O-Wisp and Unaware, respectively. This is compounded by a 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks and a sluggish base 39 Speed stat. Gastrodon is also completely crippled by Toxic and is setup bait for many dangerous threats. However, these flaws are somewhat offset by Gastrodon's good Water / Ground defensive typing, which leaves it susceptible only to Grass-type attacks. It also makes Gastrodon a fine check to common VoltTurn cores, particularly those using Rotom-W, Mega Manectric, and Landorus-T. Storm Drain is an excellent ability that gives Gastrodon an immunity to Water-type moves as well as a Special Attack boost when struck by one. When fully invested, Gastrodon can take physical attacks surprisingly well thanks in part to its high base HP stat, and access to recovery in the form of Recover allows Gastrodon to survive for extended periods of time.


Physically Defensive
########
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earth Power / Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam / Toxic
move 4: Recover
ability: Storm Drain
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold / Relaxed

Moves
========
Scald is the Water-type STAB move of choice for its important 30% burn chance, which can aid Gastrodon in walling physical attackers. Earth Power is a good secondary STAB move that hits the likes of Aegislash, Magnezone, and Lucario super effectively with the added benefit of potentially being boosted by Storm Drain, though Earthquake is also viable to hit Tyranitar and rare Assault Vest users harder than Earth Power while ensuring that Calm Mind users such as Keldeo and Jirachi cannot set up easily. Grass-types such as Celebi, which resist Gastrodon's STAB moves, are targeted by Ice Beam. More importantly though, Ice Beam hits Dragons like Garchomp and Dragonite hard, allowing Gastrodon to better fulfill its role as a physical wall. Toxic is an option to cripple common switch-ins such as Latias and Gourgeist, though the loss of coverage is significant. In the final slot, Recover is vital for longevity throughout the match, preventing Gastrodon from being worn down and allowing it to repeatedly check physical threats.


Set Details
========
The given EVs and Bold nature emphasize physical bulk in order to take hits from physical attackers as well as possible. If Earthquake is used, Relaxed should be the chosen nature. Leftovers is the obvious choice, gradually restoring Gastrodon's health at the end of each turn. Storm Drain is similarly vital for the handy Water-type immunity and Special Attack boost.

Damage Calculations
========
The following damage calculations demonstrate Gastrodon's defensive abilities against common physical attackers:
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 42.2 - 50% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
<li>252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 43.8 - 52.1% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
<li>252+ Atk Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 39.6 - 46.7% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
</ul>

Usage Tips
========
Gastrodon should be used to wall physical attackers and spread burns with Scald. Be cautious about certain strong threats however, as Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can still 2HKO with Play Rough and Outrage, respectively, and similar Pokemon can do the same. Whenever possible, Recover should be used to keep Gastrodon healthy throughout the match. Ideally, Gastrodon should be switched into an expected Water-type attack in order to achieve a Special Attack boost via Storm Drain - Keldeo and Rotom-W are suitable targets here. By virtue of its typing, Gastrodon can be used to check some special attackers, notably Electric-types such as Thundurus and Magnezone that do not carry a Grass-type coverage move; though the former can break through Gastrodon with a +2 Focus Blast. If running Ice Beam, be aware that it should only be used to try to hit Grass-types such as Celebi as they switch in, as Gastrodon has no business staying in against these Pokemon. Physical Dragons such as Dragonite and Salamence are the main targets, as Gastrodon can survive any single attack from them and retaliate. The same philosophy applies with Toxic; it should nearly always be used to target incoming checks, such as Latias and Gourgeist, as Gastrodon can not afford to stay in against them. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that Gastrodon is very weak without any investment in Special Attack; it requires some prior damage or a Storm Drain boost to guarantee that Ice Beam KOes Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Dragonite.


Team Options
========
Gastrodon is most suited as a physical wall on defensively inclined or stall-based teams. As Grass-types are its bane, Celebi is a good partner to reliably counter Breloom. Similarly, Ferrothorn can switch into most Grass-types comfortably and set up entry hazards. As Gastrodon is susceptible to strong special attacks, pairing it with a specially bulky partner is wise. Heatran is therefore a nice teammate, as it can check the likes of Choice Specs Latios and Noivern, as well as defeating Ferrothorn. In return, Gastrodon can switch into Water-type attacks aimed at Heatran. Skarmory and Forretress make for decent partners due to their ability to set up entry hazards to wear down the opposing team. They can easily take Grass-type attacks, while Gastrodon can take Fire-type moves aimed at them and Electric-type moves too in Skarmory's case. Opposing entry hazards severely limit Gastrodon's walling capabilities, especially Toxic Spikes. As such, a Rapid Spin or Defog user makes for a useful partner. Tentacruel can remove Spikes with Rapid Spin and absorb Toxic Spikes, and Latias can remove hazards with Defog. Latias is also a nice check to Grass-types and special attackers in general, which give Gastrodon trouble.


Other Options
########
A specially defensive or mixed defensive set allows Gastrodon to take special attacks more easily, but it spreads Gastrodon's already only passable bulk very thin, leaving it unable to reliably check physical threats such as Talonflame and Garchomp. An all-out attacker set with Special Attack investment is an option, but with rain-based teams being relatively uncommon, this set is less effective. Gastrodon has a wide array of support moves;
Yawn can force switches, but generally Toxic is better. Likewise, Clear Smog prevents sweepers from setting up, but again Toxic is almost always the superior option. Acid Armor and Stockpile can be used to bolster Gastrodon's defenses, but these are very situational and would require Gastrodon to sacrifice one of its coverage moves, which is unwise.


Checks & Counters
########
**Grass-types**: These Pokemon can exploit Gastrodon's 4x weakness. Mega Venusaur can easily take an Ice Beam thanks to Thick Fat, is immune to Toxic, and can OHKO with Giga Drain. Breloom can OHKO with Bullet Seed or cripple something with Spore; however, it is 2HKOed by Ice Beam. Celebi and Ferrothorn can switch in with impunity and KO with Grass STAB, or in Ferrothorn's case, set up entry hazards. They are also unconcerned by Toxic by virtue of Ferrothorn's Steel typing and Celebi's Natural Cure. Gourgeist can stomach an Ice Beam fairly easily, however it is crippled by Toxic.

**Special Walls**: Latias takes very little from any of Gastrodon's moves and can retaliate with a powerful Draco Meteor. It must be wary of switching into Toxic, though. Chansey can comfortably switch into any attack and heal status with Natural Cure. Goodra shrugs off even a super effective Ice Beam with ease and retaliate with powerful Dragon-type attacks.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Strong special attackers such as Latios and Mega Charizard Y can prey on Gastrodon's uninvested special bulk. Thundurus can lure Gastrodon in on an expected Electric-type attack and OHKO with Grass Knot.

**Strong Physical Threats**: Very powerful physical attackers can break through Gastrodon. Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can 2HKO with their strong STAB attacks, though they are crippled by a potential burn from Scald. Mega Gyarados ignores Gastrodon's Storm Drain thanks to Mold Breaker and can easily set up, fearing only a possible Scald burn.

**Toxic**: Toxic completely cripples Gastrodon. Chansey is a good user of the move, taking very little from any of Gastrodon's attacks and healing off any status with Natural Cure. Other defensive Pokemon such as Politoed can also use Toxic effectively.

**Bulky Substitute Users**: Pokemon that can set up a Substitute that Gastrodon cannot break make for good checks. Defensive Gyarados and Kyurem-B are good examples.

**Bulky Sweepers Unconcerned by Toxic**: Sweepers, particularly specially based ones that don't fear Toxic, are good checks. Calm Mind Reuniclus and Clefable take no damage from status due to Magic Guard and can set up easily.
 
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Overview

Mention why Gastrodon is outclassed by other bulky Water-types.

Set Details

I would probably suggest Earthquake as an option over Earth Power to deal more damage to Tyranitar/Calm Mind Jirachi & Keldeo/Assault Vest users/etc. It has some use and it's not like Gastrodon cares about running Relaxed.

Other Options

I'd rather you not mention Counter and Mirror Coat.

Checks and Counters

Most Trevenant actually use Rest/Natural Cure, so I wouldn't say they are entirely crippled by Toxic.

I would bring up certain Substitute users that don't get their Subs broken by Gastrodon's attacks. For example, Gyarados and Kyurem-B are fully capable of securing their Substitute as Gastrodon helplessly tries to break it.

Good work!

QC 1/3
 
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ShootingStarmie

Bulletproof
is a Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
You mention that Toxic cripples Trevenent, but it does actually have Natural Cure as an ability, so I'd instead just mention Gourgiest.

In the team options section I'd mention Skarmory and Forretress being great partners, for their ability to set up hazards, and their great defensive synergy together.

In the Other Options section I'd mention a specially defensive set, as it generally seems a lot more viable than an all out attacking set.

In the checks and counters section I'd mntion bulky set up sweepers that aren't crippled by Toxic. So CM Clefable and CM Reuniclus are all options.

Other than that, I think this is a really good analysis.

QC APPROVED 2/3
 
You mention that Toxic cripples Trevenent, but it does actually have Natural Cure as an ability, so I'd instead just mention Gourgiest.

In the team options section I'd mention Skarmory and Forretress being great partners, for their ability to set up hazards, and their great defensive synergy together.

In the Other Options section I'd mention a specially defensive set, as it generally seems a lot more viable than an all out attacking set.

In the checks and counters section I'd mntion bulky set up sweepers that aren't crippled by Toxic. So CM Clefable and CM Reuniclus are all options.

Other than that, I think this is a really good analysis.

QC APPROVED 2/3
Thanks ShootingStarmie! i've added the changes.

I'll have this written up soon
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Mention Acid Armor (and Stockpile) in OO? Though definitely address 4 MSS Gastrodon has with it (would have to sacrifice Toxic and Ice Beam).
 

Super Mario Bro

All we ever look for
I like this, but you should mention somewhere that Gastrodon is a fantastic counter to "Voltturn" cores, especially ones using Genesect and Rotom-W. You should also emphasize that he is a solid check to Thundurus-I that lack Grass Knot. However, he is shaky against Life Orb variants, as +2 Focus Blast has a rather high chance of OHKO'ing him if he does not invest in any Special Defense.

QC APPROVED 3/3
 
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I like this, but you should mention somewhere that Gastrodon is a fantastic counter to "Voltturn" cores, especially ones using Genesect and Rotom-W. You should also emphasize that he is a solid check to Thundurus-I that lack Grass Knot. However, he is shaky against Life Orb variants, as +2 Focus Blast has a rather high chance of OHKO'ing him if he does not invest in any Special Defense.

QC APPROVED 3/3
Done, thanks! This is ready for GP
 
Additions in Blue
Subtractions in Red
Comments in Purple
Overview
########
On paper, Gastrodon appears decidedly unremarkable. Its mediocre offensive stats and only decent bulk mean that it is generally outclassed by other defensive Water-types such as Rotom-W and Jellicent, who which have superior defensive typing and access to Will-O-Wisp. This is compounded by a 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks and a sluggish base 39 Speed stat. Gastrodon is also completely crippled by Toxic, (remove comma) and can be set up is setup bait for many dangerous threats. However, these flaws are somewhat offset by Gastrodon's good Water + Ground Water / Ground defensive typing, which while it leaves Gastrodon susceptible to Grass-type attacks, has gives it no other weaknesses. It also makes Gastrodon a fine check to common "Voltturn" VoltTurn cores, particularly those using Rotom-W and Genesect. Storm Drain is an excellent ability that gives Gastrodon an immunity to Water-type moves as well as a Special Attack boost when struck by one. When fully invested, Gastrodon can take physical attacks surprisingly well, (remove comma) thanks in part to its high base HP stat, and access to reliable Recovery recovery in the form of Recover allows Gastrodon to survive for extended periods of time.


PHYSICALLY DEFENSIVE Physically Defensive
########
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earth Power / Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam / Toxic
move 4: Recover
ability: Storm Drain
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold / Relaxed

Moves
========
Scald is the Water-type STAB move of choice for its important 30% burn chance, which can aid Gastrodon in walling physical attackers. Earth Power is a good secondary STAB move that hits the likes of Aegislash, Magnezone, and Lucario super effectively with the added benefit of potentially being boosted by Storm Drain, though Earthquake is also viable to hit Tyranitar and rare Assault Vest users harder than Earth Power while ensuring that Calm Mind users such as Keldeo and Jirachi cannot set up easily. Grass-types such as Celebi (add comma) who which resist Gastrodon's STAB moves (add comma) are targeted by Ice Beam. Importantly, Ice Beam has excellent coverage to hit hits Dragons like such as Garchomp and Dragonite hard, allowing Gastrodon to better fulfill its role as a physical wall. Toxic is an option to cripple common switch-ins such as Jellicent and Gourgeist, though the loss of coverage that Ice Beam provides is significant. In the final slot, Recover is vital for longevity throughout the match, preventing Gastrodon from being worn down and allowing it to repeatedly check physical threats.


Set Details
========
This set is by far the most viable one that Gastrodon can run in OU. (should be clear because this is the only set) The given EVs and Bold nature emphasize physical bulk in order to take hits from physical attackers as best as possible. If Earthquake is used, Relaxed should be the chosen nature. The following damage calculations demonstrate Gastrodon's defensive abilities against common physical attackers:



    • 252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 180-213 (42.2 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
    • 252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 187-222 (43.8 - 52.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
    • 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 169-199 (39.6 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Leftovers is the obvious choice, gradually restoring Gastrodon's health at the end of each turn. Storm Drain is similarly vital for the handy Water-type immunity and Special Attack boost.

Damage Calculations
========
The following damage calculations demonstrate Gastrodon's defensive abilities against common physical attackers:
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 42.2 - 50% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
<li>252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 43.8 - 52.1% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
<li>252+ Atk Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 39.6 - 46.7% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
</ul>
(this format with ul and li is the format for damage calcs in the old Smogon analysis format; it might have changed but I haven't heard anything saying it has)

Usage Tips
========
Gastrodon should be used to wall physical attackers and spread burns with Scald. Be cautious about certain strong threats however, as Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can still 2HKO with Play Rough and Outrage, respectively (add comma) and similar Pokemon can do the same (I'm assuming these aren't the only threats you're referring to; if I'm wrong, do not make this change; you are also free to use different phrasing if you want to here). Whenever possible, Recover should be used to keep Gastrodon healthy throughout the match. Ideally, Gastrodon should be switched into an expected Water-type attack in order to achieve a Special Attack boost via Storm Drain - (change to semicolon; or make this a new sentence) Keldeo and Rotom-W are suitable targets here. By virtue of its typing, Gastrodon can be used to check some special attackers, notably Electric-types such as Thundurus or and Magnezone that do not carry a Grass-type coverage move; (change to comma) though Nasty Plot Thundurus the former can break through Gastrodon with a +2 Focus Blast. If running Ice Beam, be aware that it should only be used to try and to hit Grass-types such as Celebi as they switch in, as Gastrodon has no business staying in against these Pokemon. Physical Dragons such as Dragonite and Salamence are the main targets, as Gastrodon can survive any single attack from them and retaliate with a 4x super effective Ice Beam. The same philosophy applies with Toxic; it should nearly always be used to target incoming checks, such as Jellicent or and Gourgeist, as Gastrodon can not afford to stay in against them. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that Gastrodon is very weak without any investment in Special Attack; it requires some prior damage or a Storm Drain boost to guarantee that Ice Beam KO's KOes Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Dragonite.


Team Options
========
Gastrodon is most suited as a physical wall on defensively inclined or stall-based teams. As Grass-types are its bane, Celebi is a good partner to reliably counter Breloom. Similarly, Ferrothorn can switch into most Grass-types comfortably, (remove comma) and set up entry hazards. As Gastrodon is susceptible to strong Special Attacks special attacks, pairing it with a Specially specially bulky partner is wise. Heatran is therefore a nice teammate, as it can check the likes of Choice Specs Latios and Noivern, as well as defeat defeating Ferrothorn. In return, Gastrodon can switch into Water-type attacks aimed at Heatran. Skarmory and Forretress make for decent partners due to their ability to set up entry hazards to wear down the opposing team. They can easily take Grass-type attacks, while Gastrodon can take Fire-type moves aimed at them, (remove comma) and Electric-type moves in Skarmory's case. Opposing entry hazards severely limit Gastrodon's walling capabilities, especially Toxic Spikes. As such, a Rapid Spin user or Defogger Defog user makes for a useful partner. Tentacruel can remove Spikes with Rapid Spin and absorb Toxic Spikes, and Latias can remove hazards with Defog. Latias is also a nice check to Grass-types and Special Attackers special attackers in general such as Landorus, who which give Gastrodon trouble.


Other Options
########
A Specially Defensive specially defensive or mixed defensive set allows Gastrodon to take Special Attacks easier special attacks more easily, though but it spreads Gastrodon's already only passable bulk very thin, leaving it unable to reliably check Physical physical threats such as Talonflame and Garchomp. An all-out attacker set with Special Attack investment could be is an option, but the reduction of with rain-based teams means that being relatively uncommon, this set is less effective. Gastrodon has a wide array of support moves; (start new sentence) Yawn can force switches, but generally Toxic is better. Likewise, Clear Smog prevents sweepers from setting up, but again Toxic is almost always the superior option. Acid Amour Armor and Stockpile can be used to bolster Gastrodon's defenses, but these are very situational and would require Gastrodon to sacrifice one of its coverage moves, which is unwise.


Checks & Counters
########
**Grass-types**: These Pokemon can exploit Gastrodon's 4x weakness. Breloom can OHKO with Bullet Seed or cripple something with Spore, (change to semicolon) however (add comma) it is 2HKO'd 2HKOed by Ice Beam. Celebi and Ferrothorn can switch in with impunity and KO with Grass STAB, or in Ferrothorn's case, set up entry hazards. They are also unconcerned by Toxic by virtue of Ferrothorn's Steel typing and Celebi's Natural Cure. Trevenant and Gourgeist can stomach an Ice Beam fairly easily, and Trevenant can also have Natural Cure to heal Toxic (is Harvest + Lum also worth mentioning here, or is that not good enough to be worth it?). Gourgiest Gourgeist, however, is crippled by Toxic. Mega-Venusaur Mega Venusaur can easily take an Ice Beam thanks to Thick Fat, is immune to Toxic, and can OHKO with Giga Drain.

**Special Walls**: Jellicent takes very little from any all of Gastrodon's moves, (remove comma) and can use Taunt to prevent Toxic. It must be wary of switching into a Toxic, though. Chansey and Blissey can comfortably switch into any attack, (remove comma) and can heal status with Natural Cure. Goodra can shrug off even a super effective Ice Beam with ease and retaliate with powerful Dragon-type attacks.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Strong Special Attackers special attackers such as Latios and Reuniclus can prey on Gastrodon's uninvested special bulk, for example Latios and Reuniclus. Thundurus can lure Gastrodon in on an expected Electric-type attack and OHKO with Grass Knot.

**Strong Physical Threats**: Very powerful physical attackers can break through Gastrodon. Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can 2HKO with their strong STAB attacks, though they are crippled by a potential burn from Scald.

**Toxic**: Toxic completely cripples Gastrodon. Chansey and Blissey are good exponents users of the move, taking very little from any of Gastrodon's attacks and healing off any status with Natural Cure. Other defensive Pokemon such as Politoed can also use Toxic effectively.

**Bulky Substitute Users**: Pokemon who that can set up a Substitute that Gastrodon cannot break make for good checks. Defensive Gyarados and Kyurem-B are good examples here.

**Bulky Sweepers Unconcerned by Toxic**: Sweepers, particularly specially based ones that don't fear Toxic, are good checks. Calm Mind Reuniclus and Clefable take no damage from status due to Magic Guard, (remove comma) and can set up easily.


GP: 1/2
 
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Amcheck

Insertions
Deletions
Comments

Overview
########
On paper, Gastrodon appears decidedly unremarkable. Its mediocre offensive stats and only decent bulk mean that it is generally outclassed by other defensive Water-types such as Rotom-W and Jellicent, who have superior defensive typing and access to Will-O-Wisp. This is compounded by a 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks and a sluggish base 39 Speed stat. Gastrodon is also completely crippled by Toxic, and can be set up bait for many dangerous threats. However, these flaws are somewhat offset by Gastrodon's good Water + Ground defensive typing, which while it leaves Gastrodon susceptible to Grass-type attacks, has no other weaknesses. It also makes Gastrodon a fine check to common "Voltturn" cores, particularly those using Rotom-W and Genesect. Storm Drain is an excellent ability that gives Gastrodon an immunity to Water-type moves as well as a Special Attack boost when struck by one. When fully invested, Gastrodon can take physical attacks surprisingly well, thanks in part to its high base HP stat, and access to
reliable Recovery in the form of Recover allows Gastrodon to survive for extended periods of time.


PHYSICALLY DEFENSIVEPhysically Defensive
########
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earth Power / Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam / Toxic
move 4: Recover
ability: Storm Drain
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold / Relaxed


Moves
========
Scald is the Water-type STAB move of choice
fordue to its important 30% burn chance, which can aid Gastrodon in walling physical attackers. Earth Power is a good secondary STAB move that hits the likes of Aegislash, Magnezone, and Lucario super effectively with the added benefit of potentially being boosted by Storm Drain., though Earthquake is also viable to hit Tyranitar and rare Assault Vest users harder than Earth Power, while ensuring that Calm Mind users such as Keldeo and Jirachi cannot set up on Gastrodon easily. Grass-types such as Celebi who resist Gastrodon's STAB moves are targetedhit by Ice Beam. Importantly, Ice Beam has excellent coverage to hiton Dragons like Garchomp and Dragonite, allowing Gastrodon to better fulfill its role as a physical wall. Toxic is an option to cripple common switch-ins such as Jellicent and Gourgeist, though the loss of coverage that Ice Beam provides is significant. In the final slot, Recover is vital for longevity throughout the match, preventing Gastrodon from being worn down and allowing it to repeatedly check physical threats.


Set Details
========
This set is by far
the most viable one that Gastrodon's most viable can run in OU. The given EVs and Bold nature emphasizemaximize physical bulk in order to take hits from physical attackersphysical hits as bestwell as possible. If Earthquake is used, Relaxed should be the chosen nature. The following damage calculations demonstrate Gastrodon's defensive abilities against common physical attackers:
  • 252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 180-213 (42.2 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 187-222 (43.8 - 52.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 169-199 (39.6 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Leftovers is the obvious choiceitem, gradually restoring Gastrodon's health at the end of each turn. Storm Drain is similarly vital for the handy Water-type immunity and Special Attack boost.

Usage Tips
========
Gastrodon should be used to wall physical attackers and spread burns with Scald. Be cautious about certain strong threats however, as Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can still 2HKO with Play Rough and Outrage, respectively. Whenever possible, Recover should be used to keep Gastrodon healthy throughout the match. Ideally, Gastrodon should be switched into
an expecteda predicted Water-type attack in order to achieve a Special Attack boost via Storm Drain - Keldeo and Rotom-W are suitable targets here. By virtue of its typing, Gastrodon can be used to check some special attackers, notably Electric-types such as Thundurus or Magnezone, that do not carry a Grass-type coverage move;, though Nasty Plot Thundurus can break through Gastrodon with a +2 Focus Blast. If running Ice Beam, be aware that it should only be used to try and hit Grass-types such as Celebi as they switch inon the switch, as Gastrodon has no business staying in against these Pokemonthem. Physical Dragons such as Dragonite and Salamence are the main targets, as Gastrodon can survive any single attack from them and retaliate with a 4x super effective Ice Beam. The same philosophy applies with Toxic; it should nearly always be used to target incoming checks, such as Jellicent orand Gourgeist, as Gastrodon can not afford to stay in against them either. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that Gastrodon is very weak without any investment in Special Attack; it requires some prior damage or a Storm Drain boost to guarantee that Ice Beam KO'sOHKO Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Dragonite.


Team Options
========
Gastrodon is most suited as a physical wall on defensively
-inclined or stall-based teams. As Grass-types are its bane, Celebi is a good partner to reliably counter Breloom. Similarly, Ferrothorn can switch into most Grass-types comfortably, and set up entry hazards. As Gastrodon is susceptible to strong Sspecial Aattacks, pairing it with a Sspecially bulky partner is wise. Heatran is therefore a nicegood teammate, as it can check the likes of Choice Specs Latios and Noivern, as well as defeat Ferrothorn. In return, Gastrodon can switch into Water-type attacks aimed at Heatran. Skarmory and Forretress make for decent partners due to their ability to set up entry hazards to wear down the opposing team. They can easily take Grass-type attacks, while Gastrodon can take Fire-type moves aimed at them, and Electric-type moves in Skarmory's case. Opposing entry hazards severely limit Gastrodon's walling capabilities, especially Toxic Spikes. As such, a Rapid Spin user or Defogger makes for a useful partner. Tentacruel can remove Spikes with Rapid Spin and absorb Toxic Spikes, and Latias can remove hazards with Defog. Latias is also a nice check to Grass-types and Special Attackers in general such as Landorus, who give Gastrodon trouble.


Other Options
########
A Specially Defensive or mixed defensive set
(not sure if "mixed defensive" is correct terminology) allows Gastrodon to take Special Attacks easiermore easily, though it spreads Gastrodon's already only passable bulk very thin, leaving it unable to reliably check Physical threats such as Talonflame and Garchomp. An all-out attacker with Special Attack investment could be an option, but the reduction of rain-based teams means that this set is less effective. Gastrodon has a wide array of support moves;. Yawn can force switches, but generally Toxic is better. Likewise, Clear Smog prevents sweepers from setting up, but again Toxic is almost always the superior option. Acid AmourArmor and Stockpile can be used to bolster Gastrodon's defenses, but these are very situational and would require Gastrodon to sacrifice one of its coverage moves, which is unwise.


Checks & Counters
########
**Grass-types**: These Pokemon can exploit Gastrodon's 4x weakness. Breloom can OHKO with Bullet Seed or cripple
somethinga teammate with Spore, however it is 2HKO'ded by Ice Beam. Celebi and Ferrothorn can switch in with impunity and KO with Grass STAB, or in Ferrothorn's case, set up entry hazards. They are also unconcerned by Toxic by virtue of Ferrothorn's Steel typing and Celebi's Natural Cure. Trevenant and Gourgeist can stomach an Ice Beam fairly easily, and Trevenant can also have Natural Cure to heal Toxic. GourgiestGourgeist, however, is crippled by Toxic. Mega-Venusaur can easily take an Ice Beam thanks to Thick Fat, is immune to Toxic, and can OHKO with Giga Drain.

**Special Walls**: Jellicent takes very little from any of Gastrodon's moves, and can use Taunt to prevent Toxic. It must be wary of switching into a Toxic, though. Chansey and Blissey can comfortably switch into any attack, and can heal status with Natural Cure. Goodra can shrug off even a super effective Ice Beam with ease and retaliate with powerful Dragon-type attacks, but must beware of Toxic.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Strong Special Attackers can prey on Gastrodon's uninvested special bulk, for example Latios and Reuniclus. Thundurus can lure Gastrodon in on an expected Electric-type attack and OHKO with Grass Knot.

**Strong Physical Threats**: Very powerful physical attackers can break through Gastrodon. Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can 2HKO with their strong STAB attacks, though they are crippled by a potential burn from Scald.

**Toxic**: Toxic completely cripples Gastrodon. Chansey and Blissey are good exponents of the move, taking very little from any of Gastrodon's attacks and healing off any status with Natural Cure. Other defensive Pokemon such as Politoed can also use Toxic effectively.

**Bulky Substitute Users**: Pokemon who can set up a Substitute that Gastrodon cannot break make for good checks. Defensive Gyarados and Kyurem-B are good examples here.

**Bulky Sweepers Unconcerned by Toxic**(Potentially rephrase as "Magic Guard sweepers"?): Sweepers, particularly specially based ones that don't fear Toxic, are good checks. Calm Mind Reuniclus and Clefable take no damage from status due to Magic Guard, and can set up easily.

EDIT: Got sniped.
 

Minus

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Overview
########
On paper, Gastrodon appears decidedly unremarkable. Its mediocre offensive stats and only decent bulk mean that it is generally outclassed by other defensive Water-types such as Rotom-W and Jellicent, which have superior defensive typing and access to Will-O-Wisp. This is compounded by a 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks and a sluggish base 39 Speed stat. Gastrodon is also completely crippled by Toxic and is setup bait for many dangerous threats. However, these flaws are somewhat offset by Gastrodon's good Water / Ground defensive typing, which while it leaves Gastrodon it susceptible only to Grass-type attacks, gives it no other weaknesses. It also makes Gastrodon a fine check to common VoltTurn cores, particularly those using Rotom-W and Genesect. Storm Drain is an excellent ability that gives Gastrodon an immunity to Water-type moves as well as a Special Attack boost when struck by one. When fully invested, Gastrodon can take physical attacks surprisingly well thanks in part to its high base HP stat, and access to recovery in the form of Recover allows Gastrodon to survive for extended periods of time.


Physically Defensive
########
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earth Power / Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam / Toxic
move 4: Recover
ability: Storm Drain
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold / Relaxed

Moves
========
Scald is the Water-type STAB move of choice for its important 30% burn chance, which can aid Gastrodon in walling physical attackers. Earth Power is a good secondary STAB move that hits the likes of Aegislash, Magnezone, and Lucario super effectively with the added benefit of potentially being boosted by Storm Drain, though Earthquake is also viable to hit Tyranitar and rare Assault Vest users harder than Earth Power while ensuring that Calm Mind users such as Keldeo and Jirachi cannot set up easily. Grass-types such as Celebi, which resist Gastrodon's STAB moves, are targeted by Ice Beam. More Iimportantly though, Ice Beam hits Dragons like Garchomp and Dragonite hard, allowing Gastrodon to better fulfill its role as a physical wall. Toxic is an option to cripple common switch-ins such as Jellicent and Gourgeist, though the loss of coverage is significant. In the final slot is Recover, Recover which is vital for longevity throughout the match, and preventings Gastrodon from being worn down and allowings it to repeatedly check physical threats.

(delete the extra "enter" here)
Set Details
========
The given EVs and Bold nature emphasize physical bulk in order to take hits from physical attackers as best well as possible. If Earthquake is used, Relaxed should be the chosen nature. Leftovers is the obvious choice, gradually restoring Gastrodon's health at the end of each turn. Storm Drain is similarly vital for the handy Water-type immunity and Special Attack boost.

Damage Calculations
========
The following damage calculations demonstrate Gastrodon's defensive abilities against common physical attackers:
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 42.2 - 50% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
<li>252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 43.8 - 52.1% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
<li>252+ Atk Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252/252+ Gastrodon: 39.6 - 46.7% &mdash; guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery</li>
</ul>

Usage Tips
========
Gastrodon should be used to wall physical attackers and spread burns with Scald. Be cautious about certain strong threats however, as Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can still 2HKO with Play Rough and Outrage, respectively, and similar Pokemon can do the same. Whenever possible, Recover should be used to keep Gastrodon healthy throughout the match. Ideally, Gastrodon should be switched into an expected Water-type attack in order to achieve a Special Attack boost via Storm Drain - Keldeo and Rotom-W are suitable targets here. By virtue of its typing, Gastrodon can be used to check some special attackers, notably Electric-types such as Thundurus and Magnezone that do not carry a Grass-type coverage move; though the former can break through Gastrodon with a +2 Focus Blast. If running Ice Beam, be aware that it should only be used to try to hit Grass-types such as Celebi as they switch in, as Gastrodon has no business staying in against these Pokemon. Physical Dragons such as Dragonite and Salamence are the main targets, as Gastrodon can survive any single attack from them and retaliate. The same philosophy applies with Toxic; it should nearly always be used to target incoming checks, such as Jellicent and Gourgeist, as Gastrodon can not afford to stay in against them. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that Gastrodon is very weak without any investment in Special Attack; it requires some prior damage or a Storm Drain boost to guarantee that Ice Beam KOes Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Dragonite.


Team Options
========
Gastrodon is most suited as a physical wall on defensively inclined or stall-based teams. As Grass-types are its bane, Celebi is a good partner to reliably counter Breloom. Similarly, Ferrothorn can switch into most Grass-types comfortably and set up entry hazards. As Gastrodon is susceptible to strong special attacks, pairing it with a specially bulky partner is wise. Heatran is therefore a nice teammate, as it can check the likes of Choice Specs Latios and Noivern, as well as defeating Ferrothorn. In return, Gastrodon can switch into Water-type attacks aimed at Heatran. Skarmory and Forretress make for decent partners due to their ability to set up entry hazards to wear down the opposing team. They can easily take Grass-type attacks, while Gastrodon can take Fire-type moves aimed at them and Electric-type moves too in Skarmory's case. Opposing entry hazards severely limit Gastrodon's walling capabilities, especially Toxic Spikes. As such, a Rapid Spin or Defog user makes for a useful partner. Tentacruel can remove Spikes with Rapid Spin and absorb Toxic Spikes, and Latias can remove hazards with Defog. Latias is also a nice check to Grass-types and special attackers in general, which give Gastrodon trouble.


Other Options
########
A specially defensive or mixed defensive set allows Gastrodon to take special attacks more easily, but it spreads Gastrodon's already only passable bulk very thin, leaving it unable to reliably check physical threats such as Talonflame and Garchomp. An all-out attacker set with Special Attack investment is an option, but with rain-based teams being relatively uncommon, this set is less effective. Gastrodon has a wide array of support moves;
Yawn can force switches, but generally Toxic is better. Likewise, Clear Smog prevents sweepers from setting up, but again Toxic is almost always the superior option. Acid Armor and Stockpile can be used to bolster Gastrodon's defenses, but these are very situational and would require Gastrodon to sacrifice one of its coverage moves, which is unwise.


Checks & Counters
########
**Grass-types**: These Pokemon can exploit Gastrodon's 4x weakness. Breloom can OHKO with Bullet Seed or cripple something with Spore; however, it is 2HKOed by Ice Beam. Celebi and Ferrothorn can switch in with impunity and KO with Grass STAB, or in Ferrothorn's case, set up entry hazards. They are also unconcerned by Toxic by virtue of Ferrothorn's Steel typing and Celebi's Natural Cure. Trevenant and Gourgeist can stomach an Ice Beam fairly easily, and Trevenant can also have Natural Cure or a Lum Berry to heal Toxic. Gourgeist, however, is crippled by Toxic. Mega Venusaur can easily take an Ice Beam thanks to Thick Fat, is immune to Toxic, and can OHKO with Giga Drain and heal of lots of damage due to Gastrodon's high HP stat. (Just my two cents lol. Don't add it if you don't want to :P)

**Special Walls**: Jellicent takes very little from all of Gastrodon's moves and can use Taunt to prevent Toxic. It must be wary of switching into a Toxic, though. Chansey and Blissey can comfortably switch into any attack and can heal status with Natural Cure. Goodra can shrug off even a super effective Ice Beam with ease and retaliate with powerful Dragon-type attacks.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Strong special attackers such as Latios and Reuniclus can prey on Gastrodon's uninvested special bulk. Thundurus can lure Gastrodon in on an expected Electric-type attack and OHKO with Grass Knot.

**Strong Physical Threats**: Very powerful physical attackers can break through Gastrodon. Choice Band Azumarill and Dragonite can 2HKO with their strong STAB attacks, though they are crippled by a potential burn from Scald.

**Toxic**: Toxic completely cripples Gastrodon. Chansey and Blissey are good users of the move, taking very little from any of Gastrodon's attacks and healing off any status with Natural Cure. Other defensive Pokemon such as Politoed can also use Toxic effectively.

**Bulky Substitute Users**: Pokemon that can set up a Substitute that Gastrodon cannot break make for good checks. Defensive Gyarados and Kyurem-B are good examples here.

**Bulky Sweepers Unconcerned by Toxic**: Sweepers, particularly specially based ones that don't fear Toxic, are good checks. Calm Mind Reuniclus and Clefable take no damage from status due to Magic Guard and can set up easily.


GP 2/2 Sturdynips
 
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Small critique of but one phrase. In Overview, you want to move that comma in
Gastrodon is also completely crippled by Toxic and is setup bait for many dangerous threats. However, these flaws are somewhat offset by Gastrodon's good Water / Ground defensive typing, which while it leaves Gastrodon susceptible to Grass-type attacks, gives it no other weaknesses.
to after the 'which.' To be super technical, there could be one before AND after, but that wouldn't parse well. Alternatively, you can move the modifying clause around, so it reads "These are offset by its typing, which leaves it with no weaknesses outside of a x4 weakness to Grass moves." (the more I think on this, the more I like my second option).

As always, I'm clearly not GP so feel free to disregard!
 

Minus

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Small critique of but one phrase. In Overview, you want to move that comma in to after the 'which.' To be super technical, there could be one before AND after, but that wouldn't parse well. Alternatively, you can move the modifying clause around, so it reads "These are offset by its typing, which leaves it with no weaknesses outside of a x4 weakness to Grass moves." (the more I think on this, the more I like my second option).

As always, I'm clearly not GP so feel free to disregard!
StViers
I like the second option too, but the repetition with "weakness" sounds weird. It think the change in my GP will suffice, especially because "no weaknesses outside of grass yada yada" is implied
 
Wyvern56 thanks for the check, implemented!
StViers nice catch, though as Wyvern said, he has improved that part in his check. It now reads more or less how you suggested.

This is done, thanks all!
 
Great pokemon with great ability Storm Drain seperates itself from Quagsire because Gastrodon can be very useful in singles, doubles and even in triples.

Based from what I observed, as long as Rotom-W is in OU, Gastrodon will always have a chance to stay in OU. There isn't really too many grass types in OU. Plus, gastrodon can somehow counter Azumarill to a certain extent.

And yes, getting poison and burn limits its niche BUT thanks to recover it can stall and support the team a little longer.
 

Aragorn the King

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Just some thoughts, three months later:
Its mediocre offensive stats and only decent bulk mean that it is generally outclassed by other defensive Water-types such as Rotom-W and Jellicent,
Jellicent was rejected for an analysis. Gastrodon is certainly better than it, and this should be replaced with Quagsire, Suicune, Slowking, and/or Slowbro
to common VoltTurn cores, particularly those using Rotom-W and Landorus-T
The most common core uses Mega Manectric and Landorus-T, and Gastrodon handles them even better. I think Manectric is certainly worth mentioning.
Toxic is an option to cripple common switch-ins such as Jellicent
The same philosophy applies with Toxic; it should nearly always be used to target incoming checks, such as Jellicent and Gourgeist
**Toxic**: Toxic completely cripples Gastrodon. Chansey and Blissey are good users of the move, taking very little from any of Gastrodon's attacks and healing off any status with Natural Cure. Other defensive Pokemon such as Politoed can also use Toxic effectively.
**Special Walls**: Jellicent takes very little from all of Gastrodon's moves and can use Taunt to prevent Toxic. It must be wary of switching into a Toxic, though. Chansey and Blissey can comfortably switch into any attack and heal status with Natural Cure. Goodra can shrug off even a super effective Ice Beam with ease and retaliate with powerful Dragon-type attacks.
Jellicent again. Replace with some other common switch in. Blissey is also unviable; just stress Chansey.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Strong special attackers such as Latios and Reuniclus can prey
It's not that Reuniclus is bad, it's totally viable. It's just that it's not a stable Special Attacker anymore. It'd be better to mention more relevant special attackers, like Latios, which you already mentioned.
 

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