GASTRODON
QC Checks: Fireburn, Sweep, Edgar
GP Checks: Redew, The Dutch Plumberjack
Overview
#########
Don't let Gastrodon's size fool you; it has one of the best abilities for Ubers. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon the ability to switch into any Water-type attack, take no damage, and get a Special Attack boost. While its main role is countering Kyogre, Gastrodon can function in other ways too. It can scare Kyogre out and use Toxic on the Pokemon that switches in, and it can use Mirror Coat to bounce back special attacks for huge amounts of damage. Due to Gastrodon's Water / Ground typing, it boasts only one weakness in Grass-type attacks, and an immunity to Electric-type attacks. While its offensive stats are quite tame, once it gets a +1 Special Attack boost it can hit surprisingly hard. Gastrodon is mainly used on stall teams that require a check to Kyogre, although it is also viable on balanced teams as a wall.
Special Wall
#########
name: Special Wall
move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Clear Smog / Mirror Coat
move 4: Recover
ability: Storm Drain
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
nature: Calm
Moves
========
Scald is a mandatory STAB move that hits quite hard with a +1 Special Attack boost. The chance of burn is also very nice, considering the amount of physical attackers that switch in on Gastrodon. Scald can also defrost Gastrodon if it gets frozen by Kyogre's Ice Beam, which would otherwise render it helpless. Toxic is great for annoying and hindering Pokemon that try to come in or set up on Gastrodon; it is also especially good at crippling and pressuring Calm Mind Arceus variants that aren't carrying Refresh. Clear Smog is used to deal with Calm Mind Kyogre sets and other setup sweepers. Mirror Coat can be used as an alternative to Clear Smog as it bounces back huge amounts of damage to most special attackers that hardly inflict any damage to Gastrodon, such as Kyogre, Palkia, and some Calm Mind Arceus formes. Recover is Gastrodon's most reliable recovery move and can be used on the turn Kyogre switches out to maximize your chances of walling special attackers. Most of these moves punish the opponent for using Kyogre recklessly and will help with crippling and punching a hole in the opposing team.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP EVs should always be used to take advantage of Gastrodon's large bulk and maximize the amount of damage it can take. 120 Defense EVs allow Gastrodon to avoid the 2HKO from support Groudon and Low Kick Blaziken as well as the OHKO from +2 Life Orb Jolly Extreme Speed Arceus. 136 Special Defense EVs still allow Gastrodon to check Choice Specs Ice Beam Kyogre and wall other special attackers. A Calm nature is used to further increase Gastrodon's Special Defense. Storm Drain is the obvious choice of ability, as it provides a Water-type immunity and raises Gastrodon's Special Attack by one stage if hit by a Water-type attack. An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD can also be used, as it allows Gastrodon to take even less damage from special attacks and maximizes its walling capacity of Gastrodon, although this also renders it highly prone to Mega Mewtwo Y's Psystrike and physical attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Switch in on Kyogre's attacks if you don't want serious damage done to your team. Gastrodon is extremely predictable, so change your switch-ins to Water-type attacks to keep your opponent from predicting you and outplaying you. Gastrodon is a Pokemon that absolutely hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes. Try to keep hazards off your side of the field as much as you can to prevent Gastrodon from being worn down. Scout for any Grass-type moves you think the opponent might have, as Grass-type attacks are Gastrodon's only weakness.
Team Options
========
Cleric support is highly appreciated by Gastrodon, as status can severely hinder its walling ability. Xerneas is a good cleric that works well with Gastrodon. Fire- or Flying-type Pokemon such as Ho-Oh are good teammates, as they cover Gastrodon's Grass-type weakness. Defoggers are also highly appreciated, as they remove entry hazards so Gastrodon can switch into Water- and Electric-type attacks freely without cost. Giratina formes are very good partners, as Giratina can wall physical attackers that Gastrodon doesn't like. If Gastrodon isn't running Clear Smog, Zekrom should be considered to handle Calm Mind RestTalk Kyogre, as Gastrodon cannot reliably PP stall them. Ferrothorn, Dialga, Grass Arceus, and physically bulky Fairies work well checking opposing Zekrom, as one wrong prediction could be costly.
Other Options
########
Earth Power can be used as an alternative to Scald, as it hits surprisingly hard with a boost from Storm Drain. Earthquake is also an option, as a Storm Drain boost is never guaranteed. Ice Beam can be used to hit Shaymin-S on the switch, as well as making other switch-ins such as Rayquaza think twice about switching in or setting up on Gastrodon. Yawn can also be considered for forcing switches.
Checks and Counters
########
**Grass Arceus**: Grass Arceus is a perfect counter to Gastrodon, as all run either Judgment or Grass Knot, both of which Gastrodon hates. The only thing Gastrodon can do to Grass Arceus is Toxic it on the switch-in.
**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S is also a great counter to Gastrodon if it isn't carrying Ice Beam. Although it hates Toxic, Shaymin-S can easily use Seed Flare to either OHKO Gastrodon or hit something that switches into it for lots of damage.
**Ferrothorn**: Gastrodon is completely walled by Ferrothorn, as Toxic does not affect it; moreover some Ferrothorn also carry Power Whip.
**Toxic Palkia**: Only Palkia that carry Toxic are a threat to Gastrodon, as any other move can be reflected with Mirror Coat to usually OHKO Palkia. Toxic is useless against Toxic Palkia, as they always carry Rest and sometimes Sleep Talk.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh does not care about Toxic due to Regenerator, and Gastrodon's Scald only does up to 30% on the 248 HP variants, while Ho-Oh can OHKO with Brave Bird.
**Groudon**: Groudon brings in the sun, which Gastrodon hates, as it weakens Scald. The most you can hope for is burning or poisoning it on the switch with Scald or Toxic.
**Clerics**: Gastrodon's Toxic and Scald burns can be made completely irrelevant due to cleric Pokemon healing their teammates; this proves annoying as one of Gastrodon's secondary roles is to spread status and cripple teams with Toxic and burn respectively.
**Gothitelle**: Gothitelle can trap Gastrodon using Shadow Tag and set up on it if Gastrodon doesn't run Clear Smog, which will eventually lead to Gothitelle taking out more Pokemon. Gothitelle is unaffected by Toxic due to it carrying Rest.
Overview
#########
-Very specialized mon, main job is to check Kyogre
-Good Sp Def/HP
-Electric immunity due to ground typing
-Water immunity due to storm drain
-Only one weakness which is 4X Grass
-Great for forcing switches on Water/Electric types
-Poor attack stats
-Best used as a wall
-Only useful on stall teams with a CM/Specs Ogre weakness
-Good at status spreading via Scald and Toxic
Set 1
#########
Name: Special Wall
Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Nature: Calm
- Scald
- Toxic
- Mirror Coat/Clear Smog
- Recover
Moves
========
-Scald for STAB and thawing if haxed by ice beam. Works well with the Sp Atk boost from Storm Drain. Also good for possible burn chance
-Recover for longevity
-Toxic for stalling out mons
-Mirror coat for dealing with Sp Attking mons Eg. Kyogre, MM2, MGar, Palkia, Some CM Arceus variants/
-Clear Smog for CM Restalk Ogre's / Other CM users
Set Details
========
-120 Def allows gastrodon to avoid the 2HKO from Support Don, Low Kick Blaziken and the OHKO from +2 LO Jolly Extreme Killer
-136 SpD still allows it to check Specs Icebeam Ogre and wall other special attackers IF it has to
-Max HP to make it as bulky as possible
-Calm nature as Gastro doesnt need ATK stat
-Storm Drain to provide Water Immunity
Usage Tips
========
-Switch in on Kyogre
-Try to keep hazards off field to minimise damage and maximise defensive capability
-Scout for Toxic and Grass moves on pokemon you are walling/checking
-Gastrodon is extremely predictable so mix it up by switching to other Kyogre checks occasionally i.e Palkia, Grassceus, Kyogre
-You can Scald Kyogre to death if it isnt specs as long as you arent reckless and recover right
Team Options
========
-Cleric so as to remove Toxic/Burn/Sleep status
-Fire/Flying types to remove threats to Gastro. Ho-Oh works wonders here. Rayquaza? Reshiram?
-Defoggers are a must so Gastrodon can switch into Water/Electric attacks freely
-Zekrom should be considered for CM RestTalk Ogre's which Gastro can't PP stall
Other Options
########
-Earth Power can receive a boost from Storm Drain, but Earthquake hits all of its targets more reliably not to mention that a Storm Drain boost is never guaranteed
-Ice Beam hits Shaymin-S on the switch as well as making Rayquaza think twice about setting up on Gastro
-Yawn is good for forcing switches/crippling mon
Checks and Counters
########
-Grassceus, Skymin, Groudon, Landorous, MMY with Psystrike, Ho-Oh
QC Checks: Fireburn, Sweep, Edgar
GP Checks: Redew, The Dutch Plumberjack
Overview
#########
Don't let Gastrodon's size fool you; it has one of the best abilities for Ubers. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon the ability to switch into any Water-type attack, take no damage, and get a Special Attack boost. While its main role is countering Kyogre, Gastrodon can function in other ways too. It can scare Kyogre out and use Toxic on the Pokemon that switches in, and it can use Mirror Coat to bounce back special attacks for huge amounts of damage. Due to Gastrodon's Water / Ground typing, it boasts only one weakness in Grass-type attacks, and an immunity to Electric-type attacks. While its offensive stats are quite tame, once it gets a +1 Special Attack boost it can hit surprisingly hard. Gastrodon is mainly used on stall teams that require a check to Kyogre, although it is also viable on balanced teams as a wall.
Special Wall
#########
name: Special Wall
move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Clear Smog / Mirror Coat
move 4: Recover
ability: Storm Drain
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
nature: Calm
Moves
========
Scald is a mandatory STAB move that hits quite hard with a +1 Special Attack boost. The chance of burn is also very nice, considering the amount of physical attackers that switch in on Gastrodon. Scald can also defrost Gastrodon if it gets frozen by Kyogre's Ice Beam, which would otherwise render it helpless. Toxic is great for annoying and hindering Pokemon that try to come in or set up on Gastrodon; it is also especially good at crippling and pressuring Calm Mind Arceus variants that aren't carrying Refresh. Clear Smog is used to deal with Calm Mind Kyogre sets and other setup sweepers. Mirror Coat can be used as an alternative to Clear Smog as it bounces back huge amounts of damage to most special attackers that hardly inflict any damage to Gastrodon, such as Kyogre, Palkia, and some Calm Mind Arceus formes. Recover is Gastrodon's most reliable recovery move and can be used on the turn Kyogre switches out to maximize your chances of walling special attackers. Most of these moves punish the opponent for using Kyogre recklessly and will help with crippling and punching a hole in the opposing team.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP EVs should always be used to take advantage of Gastrodon's large bulk and maximize the amount of damage it can take. 120 Defense EVs allow Gastrodon to avoid the 2HKO from support Groudon and Low Kick Blaziken as well as the OHKO from +2 Life Orb Jolly Extreme Speed Arceus. 136 Special Defense EVs still allow Gastrodon to check Choice Specs Ice Beam Kyogre and wall other special attackers. A Calm nature is used to further increase Gastrodon's Special Defense. Storm Drain is the obvious choice of ability, as it provides a Water-type immunity and raises Gastrodon's Special Attack by one stage if hit by a Water-type attack. An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD can also be used, as it allows Gastrodon to take even less damage from special attacks and maximizes its walling capacity of Gastrodon, although this also renders it highly prone to Mega Mewtwo Y's Psystrike and physical attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Switch in on Kyogre's attacks if you don't want serious damage done to your team. Gastrodon is extremely predictable, so change your switch-ins to Water-type attacks to keep your opponent from predicting you and outplaying you. Gastrodon is a Pokemon that absolutely hates hazards, especially Toxic Spikes. Try to keep hazards off your side of the field as much as you can to prevent Gastrodon from being worn down. Scout for any Grass-type moves you think the opponent might have, as Grass-type attacks are Gastrodon's only weakness.
Team Options
========
Cleric support is highly appreciated by Gastrodon, as status can severely hinder its walling ability. Xerneas is a good cleric that works well with Gastrodon. Fire- or Flying-type Pokemon such as Ho-Oh are good teammates, as they cover Gastrodon's Grass-type weakness. Defoggers are also highly appreciated, as they remove entry hazards so Gastrodon can switch into Water- and Electric-type attacks freely without cost. Giratina formes are very good partners, as Giratina can wall physical attackers that Gastrodon doesn't like. If Gastrodon isn't running Clear Smog, Zekrom should be considered to handle Calm Mind RestTalk Kyogre, as Gastrodon cannot reliably PP stall them. Ferrothorn, Dialga, Grass Arceus, and physically bulky Fairies work well checking opposing Zekrom, as one wrong prediction could be costly.
Other Options
########
Earth Power can be used as an alternative to Scald, as it hits surprisingly hard with a boost from Storm Drain. Earthquake is also an option, as a Storm Drain boost is never guaranteed. Ice Beam can be used to hit Shaymin-S on the switch, as well as making other switch-ins such as Rayquaza think twice about switching in or setting up on Gastrodon. Yawn can also be considered for forcing switches.
Checks and Counters
########
**Grass Arceus**: Grass Arceus is a perfect counter to Gastrodon, as all run either Judgment or Grass Knot, both of which Gastrodon hates. The only thing Gastrodon can do to Grass Arceus is Toxic it on the switch-in.
**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S is also a great counter to Gastrodon if it isn't carrying Ice Beam. Although it hates Toxic, Shaymin-S can easily use Seed Flare to either OHKO Gastrodon or hit something that switches into it for lots of damage.
**Ferrothorn**: Gastrodon is completely walled by Ferrothorn, as Toxic does not affect it; moreover some Ferrothorn also carry Power Whip.
**Toxic Palkia**: Only Palkia that carry Toxic are a threat to Gastrodon, as any other move can be reflected with Mirror Coat to usually OHKO Palkia. Toxic is useless against Toxic Palkia, as they always carry Rest and sometimes Sleep Talk.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh does not care about Toxic due to Regenerator, and Gastrodon's Scald only does up to 30% on the 248 HP variants, while Ho-Oh can OHKO with Brave Bird.
**Groudon**: Groudon brings in the sun, which Gastrodon hates, as it weakens Scald. The most you can hope for is burning or poisoning it on the switch with Scald or Toxic.
**Clerics**: Gastrodon's Toxic and Scald burns can be made completely irrelevant due to cleric Pokemon healing their teammates; this proves annoying as one of Gastrodon's secondary roles is to spread status and cripple teams with Toxic and burn respectively.
**Gothitelle**: Gothitelle can trap Gastrodon using Shadow Tag and set up on it if Gastrodon doesn't run Clear Smog, which will eventually lead to Gothitelle taking out more Pokemon. Gothitelle is unaffected by Toxic due to it carrying Rest.
-252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 171-202 (40.1 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
-+2 252+ SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 375-442 (88 - 103.7%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
-+6 252 SpA Kyogre Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 356-419 (83.5 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-252 SpA Mega Gengar Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 132-156 (30.9 - 36.6%) -- 61.2% chance to 3HKO
-252+ SpA Mega Mewtwo Y Psystrike vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Gastrodon: 334-394 (78.4 - 92.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-+1 252+ SpA Spooky Plate Arceus-Ghost Judgment vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 249-294 (58.4 - 69%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-252+ SpA Dialga Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 211-250 (49.5 - 58.6%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO
-252+ SpA Lustrous Orb Palkia Spacial Rend vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 195-231 (45.7 - 54.2%) -- 50% chance to 2HKO
-+6 252+ SpA Iron Plate Arceus-Steel Judgment vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 331-390 (77.6 - 91.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-+2 252+ SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 375-442 (88 - 103.7%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
-+6 252 SpA Kyogre Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 356-419 (83.5 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-252 SpA Mega Gengar Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 132-156 (30.9 - 36.6%) -- 61.2% chance to 3HKO
-252+ SpA Mega Mewtwo Y Psystrike vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Gastrodon: 334-394 (78.4 - 92.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-+1 252+ SpA Spooky Plate Arceus-Ghost Judgment vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 249-294 (58.4 - 69%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-252+ SpA Dialga Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 211-250 (49.5 - 58.6%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO
-252+ SpA Lustrous Orb Palkia Spacial Rend vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 195-231 (45.7 - 54.2%) -- 50% chance to 2HKO
-+6 252+ SpA Iron Plate Arceus-Steel Judgment vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 331-390 (77.6 - 91.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Overview
#########
-Very specialized mon, main job is to check Kyogre
-Good Sp Def/HP
-Electric immunity due to ground typing
-Water immunity due to storm drain
-Only one weakness which is 4X Grass
-Great for forcing switches on Water/Electric types
-Poor attack stats
-Best used as a wall
-Only useful on stall teams with a CM/Specs Ogre weakness
-Good at status spreading via Scald and Toxic
Set 1
#########
Name: Special Wall
Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Nature: Calm
- Scald
- Toxic
- Mirror Coat/Clear Smog
- Recover
Moves
========
-Scald for STAB and thawing if haxed by ice beam. Works well with the Sp Atk boost from Storm Drain. Also good for possible burn chance
-Recover for longevity
-Toxic for stalling out mons
-Mirror coat for dealing with Sp Attking mons Eg. Kyogre, MM2, MGar, Palkia, Some CM Arceus variants/
-Clear Smog for CM Restalk Ogre's / Other CM users
Set Details
========
-120 Def allows gastrodon to avoid the 2HKO from Support Don, Low Kick Blaziken and the OHKO from +2 LO Jolly Extreme Killer
-136 SpD still allows it to check Specs Icebeam Ogre and wall other special attackers IF it has to
-Max HP to make it as bulky as possible
-Calm nature as Gastro doesnt need ATK stat
-Storm Drain to provide Water Immunity
Usage Tips
========
-Switch in on Kyogre
-Try to keep hazards off field to minimise damage and maximise defensive capability
-Scout for Toxic and Grass moves on pokemon you are walling/checking
-Gastrodon is extremely predictable so mix it up by switching to other Kyogre checks occasionally i.e Palkia, Grassceus, Kyogre
-You can Scald Kyogre to death if it isnt specs as long as you arent reckless and recover right
Team Options
========
-Cleric so as to remove Toxic/Burn/Sleep status
-Fire/Flying types to remove threats to Gastro. Ho-Oh works wonders here. Rayquaza? Reshiram?
-Defoggers are a must so Gastrodon can switch into Water/Electric attacks freely
-Zekrom should be considered for CM RestTalk Ogre's which Gastro can't PP stall
Other Options
########
-Earth Power can receive a boost from Storm Drain, but Earthquake hits all of its targets more reliably not to mention that a Storm Drain boost is never guaranteed
-Ice Beam hits Shaymin-S on the switch as well as making Rayquaza think twice about setting up on Gastro
-Yawn is good for forcing switches/crippling mon
Checks and Counters
########
-Grassceus, Skymin, Groudon, Landorous, MMY with Psystrike, Ho-Oh
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