BT89
go on, take everything
bombs have feelings too...
[OVERVIEW]
Electrode finds a role in UU as a solid support Pokemon. Its distinguishing attributes are its uncontested Speed tier and access to Explosion, an uncommon and valuable move. It can set up screens to help offensive Pokemon and then use Explosion to deal heavy damage and maintain momentum. Explosion is further complemented by its Electric-type attacks, which scare off most Pokemon that resist Explosion and draw in useful targets such as Hypno, Nidoqueen, and Ampharos. However, Electrode's offensive stats are rather poor, meaning that it generally has to use Explosion to do any major damage, and even Explosion fails to KO bulkier foes. Given that it usually uses Explosion early on to give its teammates as many turns behind its dual screens as possible, it is fairly predictable, so opponents may be able to anticipate when it will use Explosion and switch to Haunter or Omastar to negate it.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Explosion
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Reflect / Hidden Power Ice / Thunder Wave
move 4: Thunderbolt / Thunder / Thunder Wave
item: Miracle Berry
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
This set's main goal is to support its teammates by setting up dual screens and doing massive damage with Explosion. It can hit many notable targets, such as Nidoqueen, Hypno, and Ampharos. Removing or crippling these foes enables fast attackers such as Scyther, Mr. Mime, and Electabuzz. It also immediately ends the turn, allowing free entry for a teammate with a favorable matchup. Electrode can force its way to a good position by outspeeding the foe, setting up the appropriate screen, surviving an attack or two, and, finally, using Explosion. Hidden Power Ice lets Electrode hit Ground-type Pokemon without needing to use Explosion. It is also useful for chipping Nidoqueen into range of an Explosion KO. Thunder Wave is a generally solid option, as it allows Electrode to further cripple the foe, making it even harder for them to respond when its teammate comes in to set up. Electric STAB in Thunderbolt or Thunder allows Electrode to act as a somewhat reliable check to Scyther and hit Haunter and Omastar, which may try to absorb its Explosion. Electrode can also go without any STAB moves, as Thunder Wave is a sufficient deterrent for Haunter and Scyther. However, this leaves Electrode more vulnerable to Omastar.
Team Options
========
Electrode best fits on more offensively oriented teams. Baton Pass users such as Girafarig and Ariados appreciate Electrode's dual screens support in helping them set up Agility boosts or Spider Web. Setup sweepers such as Scyther, Quagsire, and Pinsir also make good use of screens support. A secondary Electric-type such as Electabuzz or Pikachu can take advantage of Electrode's Explosion weakening checks such as Ampharos, Hypno, and Nidoqueen. Psychic-types such as Mr. Mime and Hypno appreciate Electrode's Explosion taking out Pokemon that would otherwise threaten them such as Ampharos and opposing Hypno.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Screech can be used to boost the power of Explosion. A different Hidden Power type such as Grass, Water, or Ground can be used to target Omastar, Graveler, or Magneton, respectively. Pink Bow can be used over Miracle Berry for a stronger Explosion on Pokemon such as Hypno and Nidoqueen.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Magneton**: Magneton is one of the best counters to Electrode, as it resists both Explosion and Electric-type moves, leaving Electrode completely walled. It can also deal with Electrode’s common teammates such as Girafarig reasonably well.
**Grass-types**: Vileplume and Victreebel can put Electrode to sleep if it has already used its Miracle Berry, which is essentially a death sentence for such a flimsy Pokemon. Electrode can deal massive damage to them with Explosion before they can put it to sleep, but they have the bulk to survive and can threaten Electrode's teammates with status afterwards.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types can take advantage of Electrode if it lacks Hidden Power Ice. Sandslash can set up Substitute to block Explosion and use Electrode as setup fodder. Sandslash's use of Substitute also dissuades screens, something few other Pokemon are capable of. Nidoqueen, Piloswine, and Gligar dislike taking Explosion, but they can threaten Electrode heavily with Earthquake.
**Other Normal-resistant Pokemon**: Haunter's unique Ghost typing lets it punish Electrode’s Explosion. Omastar takes very little from Explosion and can use Rest to heal any damage taken. Electrode can use Thunder Wave or Thunder to threaten them, so they should only be brought in on a predicted Explosion. Graveler is immune to Electrode's STAB attacks, resists Explosion, and comes close to OHKOing it with Earthquake.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[BT89, 487308]]
- Quality checked by: [[HSA, 34051], [Earthworm, 15210]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [dex, 277988]]
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