Cloyster
Base Stats: 50 / 95 / 180 / 85 / 45 / 70
Abilities:
Shell Armor: Opponent’s moves cannot Critical Hit.
Skill Link: Moves that attack 2-5 times always hit 5 times.
Overcoat (HA): Immune to residual weather damage and powder moves.
Notable Movepool:
Icicle Spear
Hydro Pump
Spikes
Rapid Spin
Toxic Spikes
Substitute
Rock Blast
Shell Smash
Razor Shell
Explosion
Ice Shard
The biggest reason why anyone would consider using Cloyster for an offensive team is all because of one move. The thing is, Shell Smash is one heck of a move. Boosting every offensive stat by +2 for the small price of a -1 in both defenses is a bargain anyone would take if it means sweeping whole teams. He also has highly powerful moves in STAB Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, both guaranteed to have 125 BP because of it's ability, Skill Link. His base 180 Defense also helps in finding set-up chances. However, he's very frail in the special side, meaning even weak Special moves can dent it heavily. Also consider that he has weaknesses to Electric, Fighting, Rock, and Grass, the former two extremely common. While unboosted, he is quite slow and quite underwhelming in terms of power. However, give it the right support, and surely he would be an asset to any team.
Possible Set
Cloyster @ Life Orb / White Herb / King's Rock
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naughty / Adamant
- Shell Smash
- Icicle Spear
- Rock Blast
- Hydro Pump / Razor Shell
This is probably the most common set anyone would find on a Cloyster. The basic strategy is to set-up Shell Smash then sweep if possible. Life Orb is the preferred item, providing Cloyster some wanted power. White Herb is usable if the defense reduction is not desired, though it's one-time use. King's Rock lets Cloyster have a 41% flinch chance for every hit, though it is unreliable. Icicle Spear is the move to spam, as it is basically a 125 BP move NOT factoring STAB. Rock Blast provides coverage, hitting Talonflame, Volcarona, Charizard forms, and Gyarados. The last slot is up to preference; Hydro Pump is there to hit physically defensive mons that may come in on Cloyster such as Skarmory, Scizor, and Aegislash. On the other hand, Razor Shell blasts through Heatran, which usually runs SpDef investment. Ice Shard can find it's uses when in want for priority, though the extra coverage is always better. It is recommended to use Naughty when running Hydro Pump; otherwise Adamant is preferred.
However, our oyster friend does have its problems. For one, if it doesn't run Hydro Pump, it usually has a hard time getting past through Defensive behemoths Skarmory and Scizor. Aegislash and Ferrothorn also stop it completely; they can shrug of most of Cloyster's hits and KO back with a Shadow Ball or Power Whip respectively. Priority can pick him off during a sweep, as having a lowered Defense stat (and a weakness to Mach Punch) shortens his staying power. Stealth Rocks also pose a problem to him, limiting his lifespan. Most notable of all is his very exploitable SpDef stat. All it takes is a simple gust to fold him. However, give him the support he needs, and he will surely prove its worth.
Personal Opinion:
I used him in the past, and I have to say he is quite usable. He can easily pressure teams by just showing him in Team Preview. However, I did find it somewhat difficult to set-up safely since he has somewhat low HP paired with a weak SpDef (his Def is nice). However, give him the chance, and he will go play hard. I recommend everyone to try him ;0
That's all, discuss.
(Pardon if there's already a thread. I did make sure by searching it manually and by using the engine. PM me if there's a problem.)
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