(Taken over from Aaron's Aron)
[OVERVIEW]
Cranidos has the highest Attack stat in LC, along with good offensive abilities that make it into an extremely powerful wallbreaker. Cranidos is capable of 2HKOing nearly everything in the metagame thanks to its colossal Attack and wide range of coverage moves. Despite its offensive capabilities, its low defensive stats and Rock typing leave it vulnerable to priority attacks such as Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, and Aqua Jet. Cranidos's low Speed gives it trouble against offensive teams, as there are few Pokemon that Cranidos can outspeed and capitalize on.
[SET]
name: Life Orb Attacker
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Crunch
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
STAB Rock Slide hits extremely hard and is super effective on the metagame's prominent Flying- and Fire-types. Sheer Force makes Rock Slide just as powerful as Stone Edge but more accurate. Superpower provides great coverage, hitting Steel-types that resist Cranidos's Rock Slide as well as Porygon. However, it is not boosted by Sheer Force, so Cranidos will still take Life Orb recoil in addition to having its Attack and Defense lowered. Earthquake can be used to hit Steel-types in addition to Stunky and Eviolite Chinchou, but hitting Porygon and Ferroseed is generally preferred. Zen Headbutt can be used to hit Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Croagunk. It also hits Poison-types such as Foongus and Skrelp that would otherwise trouble Cranidos. Crunch is used to hit Slowpoke and Pumpkaboo-XL for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
The given EVs let Cranidos reach a massive Attack stat of 22, which reaches maximum power when backed by Sheer Force and holding a Life Orb. A Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment push Cranidos to 16 Speed, allowing it to outspeed Scraggy and Speed tie with Pawniard. If hitting 16 Speed is not necessary, such as when given Sticky Web support, Cranidos can run an Adamant nature to guarantee an OHKO on Ferroseed and Porygon with Superpower after Stealth Rock. The leftover EVs go into Defense to help Cranidos take priority attacks, which are usually physical attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Manually switching in Cranidos is a big risk because of its poor bulk. However, it can switch in on weaker resisted attacks. Only switch Cranidos in if it is faster than the foe, can take a hit on the switch, and can KO without being KOed in return. It is generally much safer to bring Cranidos in on a slow U-turn or after one of your own Pokemon is KOed so that it can attack without taking strong attacks. Be wary of priority moves such as Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, as they can OHKO Cranidos after prior damage.
Team Options
========
Sticky Web users such as Surskit and Spinarak allow Cranidos to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame. Cranidos also destroys all users of Defog besides Stunky, so once Sticky Web is laid down, Cranidos does a good job of making sure that it stays on the field. However, Cranidos already hits a solid 16 Speed, so Sticky Web is not required to make Cranidos work. Cranidos struggles against Pokemon with priority moves such as Timburr and Carvanha because their moves are super effective and allow them to out-prioritize Cranidos. As such, Croagunk is a stellar teammate for Cranidos, as it resists Fighting type attacks and absorbs Water-type attacks thanks to Dry Skin. Skrelp also has good synergy with Cranidos, as Skrelp can take Fighting- and Water-type attacks while hitting hard thanks to Adaptability, aiding Cranidos in breaking down walls. They share a Ground weakness, so other Pokemon should help cover that. Acrobatics Mienfoo is a good partner for Cranidos because it lures Fighting-types and Cottonee, hitting them for good damage after being hit with Knock Off. Mienfoo also lures out Fletchling, which Cranidos can switch in on and hit the opponent's switch-in. Slow U-turn, Volt Switch, and Parting Shot users such as Mienfoo and Chinchou can help get Cranidos in safely against Pokemon that it threatens out. Entry hazard setters such as Dwebble help Cranidos in securing KOs, such as against Porygon and Pancham.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Mold Breaker / Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stone Edge and Rock Slide both receive STAB boosts, so either one is acceptable. Stone Edge has more power and less accuracy, whereas Rock Slide is slightly weaker but a bit more reliable. If Sheer Force is used, then Rock Slide is preferred because hits as hard as Stone Edge while being more accurate. Earthquake is a reliable Ground-type attack that can severely damage Pokemon that wall Cranidos's Rock-type STAB move, such as Magnemite and Pawniard. Superpower is an effective move for taking out bulky Normal-types such as Porygon and Munchlax, in addition to hitting Ferroseed. It also hits Steel-types and Rock-types harder than Earthquake, but the Attack and Defense drops should be taken into consideration. Zen Headbutt is useful for taking out the Fighting-types that would otherwise be able to switch in on Cranidos and its Rock-type STAB attack.
Set Details
========
The given Attack EVs and an Adamant nature give Cranidos a devastating 24 Attack. Choice Scarf and given EVs allow Cranidos to outspeed the many 14 Speed Pokemon that carry Choice Scarf. The remaining EVs go into Defense to help Cranidos survive physical priority attacks more easily. Mold Breaker is the preferred ability so that Cranidos can break through Pokemon with Sturdy and get the KO. However, if a slight increase in power on Rock Slide and Zen Headbutt is preferred to breaking Sturdy, Sheer Force is also a viable option.
Usage Tips
========
Cranidos can perform a cleaning role and finish off the opponent's weakened team, but it can also serve a wallbreaking role early on and gain a KO or two because no Pokemon can switch in on it. Cranidos has virtually no bulk, so it can generally only take one attack at most, meaning any Pokemon that has priority must be taken out before it can do its job. Timburr and Croagunk especially threaten Cranidos because of its weakness to Fighting-type attacks, so taking them out before trying to sweep is advised.
Team Options
========
Entry hazards setters such as Dwebble are helpful because the extra damage can allow Cranidos to get some extra KOs, such as against Mienfoo and Eviolite Chinchou. Pokemon such as Acrobatics Mienfoo and Thief Snubbull that can handle Knock Off users make good teammates for Cranidos because it does not want to lose its Choice Scarf; if it can't outspeed the foe it is useless. Pokemon such as Croagunk that can handle priority users also make good teammates for Cranidos so it can sweep or clean. Skrelp can take priority moves and can handle Fighting- and Water-types while also breaking walls so that Cranidos can clean up. Pokemon that like having Rock- and Steel-types removed, such as Fletchling and Zigzagoon, appreciate Cranidos.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rock Polish is a viable option because it will let Cranidos outspeed the entire unboosted metagame while still allowing Cranidos to switch moves and hit as hard as possible. However, Cranidos isn't bulky, so Rock Polish can be tough to set up at times, and most priority is super effective against it, so it can easily be revenge killed. Cranidos has access to Fire Punch and Thunder Punch, but the coverage they provide is often overshadowed by its other moves. Iron Head is an option to hit Fairy-types harder, but none of the Fairy-types in the metagame resist Cranidos's STAB moves. As with Fire Punch and Thunder Punch, it provides no real additional coverage. Head Smash is an extreme option that can be used late-game on the Choice Scarf set for obscene power. However, the subpar accuracy and the immense recoil make this move unfavorable in most circumstances. The recoil also means that Cranidos will certainly be KOed by any priority attack. Ice Beam, though it comes off of Cranidos's weaker Special Attack, hits bulky Ground-types on the switch, most notably 2HKOing Hippototas. This lets Cranidos get past its number one counter, though it loses coverage against other Pokemon.
Checks & Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Diglett and Drilbur can outspeed Life Orb Cranidos and KO with their STAB Earthquake. Diglett with Focus Sash also survives any hit from Choice Scarf Cranidos and can KO back while trapping it. Hippototas, thanks to its gargantuan bulk and resistance to Rock, can switch in to Cranidos and beat it with Earthquake.
**Priority Users**: Priority users, particularly Croagunk, Timburr, and Carvanha, give Cranidos problems due to its low bulk.
**Fighting-types**: Although it can not switch into Zen Headbutt, Eviolite Mienfoo outspeeds Cranidos and can OHKO it with Drain Punch. Timburr and Croagunk have Fighting-type priority to force Cranidos out, while Pancham survives Zen Headbutt and can KO back with Drain Punch.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Slowpoke, Porygon, and Spritzee can survive Cranidos's attacks and cripple it with status ailment or KO it with a strong attack.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users such as Mienfoo and Chinchou outspeed Cranidos and can KO it with strong attacks. Weather sweepers such as Bellsprout can outspeed and KO it with their attacks as well.
[OVERVIEW]
Cranidos has the highest Attack stat in LC, along with good offensive abilities that make it into an extremely powerful wallbreaker. Cranidos is capable of 2HKOing nearly everything in the metagame thanks to its colossal Attack and wide range of coverage moves. Despite its offensive capabilities, its low defensive stats and Rock typing leave it vulnerable to priority attacks such as Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, and Aqua Jet. Cranidos's low Speed gives it trouble against offensive teams, as there are few Pokemon that Cranidos can outspeed and capitalize on.
[SET]
name: Life Orb Attacker
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Crunch
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
STAB Rock Slide hits extremely hard and is super effective on the metagame's prominent Flying- and Fire-types. Sheer Force makes Rock Slide just as powerful as Stone Edge but more accurate. Superpower provides great coverage, hitting Steel-types that resist Cranidos's Rock Slide as well as Porygon. However, it is not boosted by Sheer Force, so Cranidos will still take Life Orb recoil in addition to having its Attack and Defense lowered. Earthquake can be used to hit Steel-types in addition to Stunky and Eviolite Chinchou, but hitting Porygon and Ferroseed is generally preferred. Zen Headbutt can be used to hit Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Croagunk. It also hits Poison-types such as Foongus and Skrelp that would otherwise trouble Cranidos. Crunch is used to hit Slowpoke and Pumpkaboo-XL for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
The given EVs let Cranidos reach a massive Attack stat of 22, which reaches maximum power when backed by Sheer Force and holding a Life Orb. A Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment push Cranidos to 16 Speed, allowing it to outspeed Scraggy and Speed tie with Pawniard. If hitting 16 Speed is not necessary, such as when given Sticky Web support, Cranidos can run an Adamant nature to guarantee an OHKO on Ferroseed and Porygon with Superpower after Stealth Rock. The leftover EVs go into Defense to help Cranidos take priority attacks, which are usually physical attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Manually switching in Cranidos is a big risk because of its poor bulk. However, it can switch in on weaker resisted attacks. Only switch Cranidos in if it is faster than the foe, can take a hit on the switch, and can KO without being KOed in return. It is generally much safer to bring Cranidos in on a slow U-turn or after one of your own Pokemon is KOed so that it can attack without taking strong attacks. Be wary of priority moves such as Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, as they can OHKO Cranidos after prior damage.
Team Options
========
Sticky Web users such as Surskit and Spinarak allow Cranidos to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame. Cranidos also destroys all users of Defog besides Stunky, so once Sticky Web is laid down, Cranidos does a good job of making sure that it stays on the field. However, Cranidos already hits a solid 16 Speed, so Sticky Web is not required to make Cranidos work. Cranidos struggles against Pokemon with priority moves such as Timburr and Carvanha because their moves are super effective and allow them to out-prioritize Cranidos. As such, Croagunk is a stellar teammate for Cranidos, as it resists Fighting type attacks and absorbs Water-type attacks thanks to Dry Skin. Skrelp also has good synergy with Cranidos, as Skrelp can take Fighting- and Water-type attacks while hitting hard thanks to Adaptability, aiding Cranidos in breaking down walls. They share a Ground weakness, so other Pokemon should help cover that. Acrobatics Mienfoo is a good partner for Cranidos because it lures Fighting-types and Cottonee, hitting them for good damage after being hit with Knock Off. Mienfoo also lures out Fletchling, which Cranidos can switch in on and hit the opponent's switch-in. Slow U-turn, Volt Switch, and Parting Shot users such as Mienfoo and Chinchou can help get Cranidos in safely against Pokemon that it threatens out. Entry hazard setters such as Dwebble help Cranidos in securing KOs, such as against Porygon and Pancham.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Mold Breaker / Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stone Edge and Rock Slide both receive STAB boosts, so either one is acceptable. Stone Edge has more power and less accuracy, whereas Rock Slide is slightly weaker but a bit more reliable. If Sheer Force is used, then Rock Slide is preferred because hits as hard as Stone Edge while being more accurate. Earthquake is a reliable Ground-type attack that can severely damage Pokemon that wall Cranidos's Rock-type STAB move, such as Magnemite and Pawniard. Superpower is an effective move for taking out bulky Normal-types such as Porygon and Munchlax, in addition to hitting Ferroseed. It also hits Steel-types and Rock-types harder than Earthquake, but the Attack and Defense drops should be taken into consideration. Zen Headbutt is useful for taking out the Fighting-types that would otherwise be able to switch in on Cranidos and its Rock-type STAB attack.
Set Details
========
The given Attack EVs and an Adamant nature give Cranidos a devastating 24 Attack. Choice Scarf and given EVs allow Cranidos to outspeed the many 14 Speed Pokemon that carry Choice Scarf. The remaining EVs go into Defense to help Cranidos survive physical priority attacks more easily. Mold Breaker is the preferred ability so that Cranidos can break through Pokemon with Sturdy and get the KO. However, if a slight increase in power on Rock Slide and Zen Headbutt is preferred to breaking Sturdy, Sheer Force is also a viable option.
Usage Tips
========
Cranidos can perform a cleaning role and finish off the opponent's weakened team, but it can also serve a wallbreaking role early on and gain a KO or two because no Pokemon can switch in on it. Cranidos has virtually no bulk, so it can generally only take one attack at most, meaning any Pokemon that has priority must be taken out before it can do its job. Timburr and Croagunk especially threaten Cranidos because of its weakness to Fighting-type attacks, so taking them out before trying to sweep is advised.
Team Options
========
Entry hazards setters such as Dwebble are helpful because the extra damage can allow Cranidos to get some extra KOs, such as against Mienfoo and Eviolite Chinchou. Pokemon such as Acrobatics Mienfoo and Thief Snubbull that can handle Knock Off users make good teammates for Cranidos because it does not want to lose its Choice Scarf; if it can't outspeed the foe it is useless. Pokemon such as Croagunk that can handle priority users also make good teammates for Cranidos so it can sweep or clean. Skrelp can take priority moves and can handle Fighting- and Water-types while also breaking walls so that Cranidos can clean up. Pokemon that like having Rock- and Steel-types removed, such as Fletchling and Zigzagoon, appreciate Cranidos.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rock Polish is a viable option because it will let Cranidos outspeed the entire unboosted metagame while still allowing Cranidos to switch moves and hit as hard as possible. However, Cranidos isn't bulky, so Rock Polish can be tough to set up at times, and most priority is super effective against it, so it can easily be revenge killed. Cranidos has access to Fire Punch and Thunder Punch, but the coverage they provide is often overshadowed by its other moves. Iron Head is an option to hit Fairy-types harder, but none of the Fairy-types in the metagame resist Cranidos's STAB moves. As with Fire Punch and Thunder Punch, it provides no real additional coverage. Head Smash is an extreme option that can be used late-game on the Choice Scarf set for obscene power. However, the subpar accuracy and the immense recoil make this move unfavorable in most circumstances. The recoil also means that Cranidos will certainly be KOed by any priority attack. Ice Beam, though it comes off of Cranidos's weaker Special Attack, hits bulky Ground-types on the switch, most notably 2HKOing Hippototas. This lets Cranidos get past its number one counter, though it loses coverage against other Pokemon.
Checks & Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Diglett and Drilbur can outspeed Life Orb Cranidos and KO with their STAB Earthquake. Diglett with Focus Sash also survives any hit from Choice Scarf Cranidos and can KO back while trapping it. Hippototas, thanks to its gargantuan bulk and resistance to Rock, can switch in to Cranidos and beat it with Earthquake.
**Priority Users**: Priority users, particularly Croagunk, Timburr, and Carvanha, give Cranidos problems due to its low bulk.
**Fighting-types**: Although it can not switch into Zen Headbutt, Eviolite Mienfoo outspeeds Cranidos and can OHKO it with Drain Punch. Timburr and Croagunk have Fighting-type priority to force Cranidos out, while Pancham survives Zen Headbutt and can KO back with Drain Punch.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Slowpoke, Porygon, and Spritzee can survive Cranidos's attacks and cripple it with status ailment or KO it with a strong attack.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users such as Mienfoo and Chinchou outspeed Cranidos and can KO it with strong attacks. Weather sweepers such as Bellsprout can outspeed and KO it with their attacks as well.
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