Feraligatr

Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
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Taken over from the late Sparkl3y

Feraligatr
QC: 3/3 (KratosMana, Leftiez, Tokyo Tom)
GP: 2/2 (P Squared, GatoDelFuego)

[OVERVIEW]

With Sheer Force, Feraligatr becomes an offensive powerhouse in the OU metagame. Feraligatr possesses two equally viable boosting options in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, allowing it to perform well against bulky and fast teams alike. Pure Water typing and solid all-around bulk give Feraligatr plenty of setup opportunities. Unfortunately, Feraligatr's low Speed means that even its Dragon Dance set struggles against hyper offense teams. While Feraligatr has strong neutral coverage, it cannot hit a lot of Pokemon super effectively. Moreover, having a weakness to Electric-type attacks is detrimental in a metagame where Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric are common.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch / Ice Punch
move 4: Superpower / Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack and Speed, allowing it to hit harder and faster. Waterfall is a reliable STAB attack that receives a damage boost from Sheer Force and gets strong neutral coverage on much of the OU tier. Crunch is used to hit Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias for massive damage. Superpower's main purpose is to hit Ferrothorn and Kyurem-B, which otherwise wall Feraligatr completely. Ice Punch can be used in place of either Crunch or Superpower in order to hit Grass-types such as Serperior, Breloom, Chesnaught, and Mega Sceptile hard. The move also hits Mega Altaria, which resists all of Feraligatr's other attacks, super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Feraligatr as fast as possible, while 252 EVs in Attack allow it to hit extremely hard. Life Orb boosts the power of all of Feraligatr's attacks, maximizing its damage output. Sheer Force increases the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when Feraligatr uses such a move.

Usage Tips
========

Dragon Dance Feraligatr works best as a late-game cleaner on bulky or balanced offense, though it can be used on a hyper offense team if its raw power is a necessity. Keep in mind that Feraligatr needs a boost in order to break down opposing walls, so don't use it too early in the battle. Bring Feraligatr into the battlefield on a predicted attack that it resists, and then set up Dragon Dance as the foe switches out.

Team Options
========

Mega Altaria is Feraligatr's perfect teammate. Mega Altaria easily tanks the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while luring in and KOing some of Feraligatr's checks, including Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr takes on the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that Mega Altaria cannot survive. Dedicated wallbreakers such as Mega Gardevoir can wear down bulky Pokemon, paving the way for Feraligatr to come into the battle and clean up. Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters.

Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn are great switch-ins to Azumarill, which is one of Feraligatr's biggest counters. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can hit the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles against for massive damage. Grass-types such as Serperior and Mega Sceptile can take the Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Feraligatr; in particular, both Serperior and Mega Sceptile can easily beat Rotom-W. In return, Feraligatr can take on the Fire-types that force Grass-types out. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and hit it with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to set up on Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can force out.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Aqua Jet
move 3: Aqua Jet / Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack stat to high levels, turning it into a fearsome wallbreaker. Waterfall gets a damage boost from Sheer Force and is a reliable STAB attack in general, attaining neutral coverage on a large portion of the OU metagame. Aqua Jet can also be used to allow Feraligatr to pick off a weakened, faster foe. Ice Punch hits Mega Altaria and Grass-types such as Chesnaught, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile hard. Crunch allows Feraligatr to get past Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias, while Superpower hits Kyurem-B and Ferrothorn for massive damage.

Set Details
========

112 Speed EVs are necessary for Feraligatr to outspeed defensive Landorus-T. Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature ensures that Feraligatr will hit as hard as it possibly can. The remaining EVs are placed into HP to increase Feraligatr's bulk, giving it an easier time setting up a Swords Dance. Alternatively, maximum Speed investment can be used to outspeed threats such as Mega Scizor, Mega Heracross, and Tyrantrum. Life Orb increases the damage output of all of Feraligatr's attacks, while Sheer Force boosts the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when such a move is used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is great in the early- and mid-game as a dedicated physical wallbreaker. Switch into Pokemon that Feraligatr forces out, such as Heatran or Tyranitar, and then use Swords Dance as the foe switches. If the foe is faster than Feraligatr, bring it down to low health and pick it off with Aqua Jet should you be running it. After Feraligatr is KOed, send in your team's cleaner to finish off weakened foes.

Team Options
========

Mega Altaria can switch into the Grass- and Electric-type attacks that threaten Feraligatr while taking on some of Feraligatr's checks, such as Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr easily absorbs the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that threaten to KO Mega Altaria. Dedicated late-game cleaners such as Talonflame and Serperior appreciate Feraligatr's wallbreaking, allowing them to muscle past the opposing team. Ground-types such as Landorus and Diggersby can force out the Electric-types that threaten Feraligatr. Fire-types such as Volcarona and Heatran can easily eliminate Grass-types, which force Feraligatr out should it not be running Ice Punch. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can deal with the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles to break past.

Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters. Bulky Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur make for good dedicated switch-ins to Feraligatr's biggest counter, Azumarill. Kyurem-B can absorb the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while destroying Azumarill with Fusion Bolt. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and remove its item with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to threaten Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can set up on.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================

Substitute gives Feraligatr a shield against status moves and weaker attacks. Agility can be used instead of Dragon Dance to make the most of Feraligatr's cleaning capabilities. Iron Tail is an option to get past Mega Altaria, Unaware Clefable, and Azumarill. Rock Slide gets a boost from Sheer Force and can hit Mega Charizard Y, Kyurem-B, and Gyarados for good damage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, Celebi, Chesnaught, Ferrothorn, and Serperior, can hit Feraligatr hard with their STAB attacks. However, aside from Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, none of them can directly switch into Ice Punch; Ferrothorn fears Superpower as well.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric outspeed Feraligatr and force it out with the threat of their super effective STAB attacks. However, Feraligatr outspeeds all of them at +1 and none of them enjoy taking a +1 Waterfall.

**Priority Attackers**: Due to Feraligatr's low Speed, it can be brought down to low health by a hit from nearly any fast, offensive Pokemon. If Feraligatr is not running Aqua Jet, it becomes very vulnerable to revenge killing from the likes of Talonflame and Bisharp.

**Water-types**: Quagsire, Rotom-W, Azumarill, Keldeo, Mega Gyarados, Gastrodon, and Tentacruel can all take a +2 Waterfall. Quagsire can stall out Feraligatr with Toxic and Unaware, while Rotom-W can severely damage Feraligatr with its STAB Electric-type attacks.
 
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DarkNostalgia

Fading in, fading out, on the edge of paradise
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Mention Mega Altaria in Ice Punch target, it's a really big one considering it resists Waterfall + Crunch + Superpower. Ice Punch is really used for Altaria and Chesnaught, so it deserves a special mention imo. Also maybe a mention in C&C too?
 

bruno

is a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Championis a Past WCoP Champion
World Defender
Slash Aqua Jet after Waterfall at the SD set, as Fera can be used w/ sets such as sd jet ice punch superpower too, as Aqua Jet can be key on the SD set specialy versus hyper offensive teams. Add Serperior and Kyurem-B as great teammates for Fera because they cover some of his weakness and weaken his main checks(or even kill them, if you get enough offensive pressure so they can't switch), such as Azumarill, Rotom-W and Ferrothorn in case it doesn't have Superpower.
QC 1/3 after that
 

Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
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Slash Aqua Jet after Waterfall at the SD set, as Fera can be used w/ sets such as sd jet ice punch superpower too, as Aqua Jet can be key on the SD set specialy versus hyper offensive teams. Add Serperior and Kyurem-B as great teammates for Fera because they cover some of his weakness and weaken his main checks(or even kill them, if you get enough offensive pressure so they can't switch), such as Azumarill, Rotom-W and Ferrothorn in case it doesn't have Superpower.
QC 1/3 after that
Thank you! Ready for the second one.
 
Hey you should mention Bisharp as Team Option for both set, because he's a bait for keldeo and can weaken it for Feraligratr and then attract ground type that can be good bait for Feraligatr.
Same for Altaria mega since it has both defensive synergy and offensive synergy, altaria can check grass /elec while Fera can check ice and then Altaria can bait and kill/weaken some Feraligatr's check such as Tentacruel / Ferrothorn / Slowbro / Skarmory.

i'd suggest to put a Water-Types section instead of physical wall as check, many water/bulky water can deal with Feraligatr such as Quagsir / Rotom-W / Keldeo / Gyarados / Gastrodon / Tentacruel. Then you can move Venusaur in Grass types.
Conckeldurr has no reason to be here as check for obvious reason, mach punch does 0 since Fera has a good bulk and waterfall does a lot of damage.
 

Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
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Hey you should mention Bisharp as Team Option for both set, because he's a bait for keldeo and can weaken it for Feraligratr and then attract ground type that can be good bait for Feraligatr.
Same for Altaria mega since it has both defensive synergy and offensive synergy, altaria can check grass /elec while Fera can check ice and then Altaria can bait and kill/weaken some Feraligatr's check such as Tentacruel / Ferrothorn / Slowbro / Skarmory.

i'd suggest to put a Water-Types section instead of physical wall as check, many water/bulky water can deal with Feraligatr such as Quagsir / Rotom-W / Keldeo / Gyarados / Gastrodon / Tentacruel. Then you can move Venusaur in Grass types.
Conckeldurr has no reason to be here as check for obvious reason, mach punch does 0 since Fera has a good bulk and waterfall does a lot of damage.
Did all of this.
 

AM

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LCPL Champion
Mention Raikou, Thundurus, Mega Manectric under team options. Raikou can provide a pivoting tool to absorb Electric attacks while grabbing momentum through Volt Switch to get Feraligatr in easier. Thundurus provides Thunder Wave utility to break down faster threats that can hinder Feraligatrs performance in setting up or netting a hit especially for its SD set or in tandem with a Nasty Plot set to provide a wall-breaking duo, same thing Calm Mind Raikou. M-Manectric sort of the same deal with Raikou except it can benefit from its Lightningrod ability while one upping offense due to its high speed tier. These electrics are all assets in dismantling fat waters that Feraligatr will usually have issues in contending with or setting up on.

Dragons such as Garchomp, Dragalge, Dragonite, and Charizard-X need mentions as team options as well. Garchomp and Dragalage to provide resistances and entry hazard support, Dragonite circumvents Feraligatrs issue with priority users due to Extremespeed, and Charizard-X + Gatr make a very solid Dragon Dance duo in breaking down each others checks and counters especially with hazard support.

Please mention answers and or checks to Azumarill which is one of the better switch ins to Feraligatr due to its typing. M-Venusaur funnily enough is a solid partner for Feraligatr as well on fatter offensive teams for handling Azumarill along with various electrics under most circumstances. Ferrothorn as well to provide hazard support and to hinder Azumarill a bit.

Mention more speed on the SD set under set details. Speed > Bulk is sometimes a team option that may be necessary in handling a variety of threats that you would otherwise miss out on if going bulk.

Elaborate more in checks and counters as to why they would be legitimate checks and counters such as your water type section. Keldeo is taking a very hefty amount from +1 Superpower so some of these are really more so switch ins than actual checks and counters. Mega Sceptile in checks and counters under the Grass type section.
 

Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
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Mention Raikou, Thundurus, Mega Manectric under team options. Raikou can provide a pivoting tool to absorb Electric attacks while grabbing momentum through Volt Switch to get Feraligatr in easier. Thundurus provides Thunder Wave utility to break down faster threats that can hinder Feraligatrs performance in setting up or netting a hit especially for its SD set or in tandem with a Nasty Plot set to provide a wall-breaking duo, same thing Calm Mind Raikou. M-Manectric sort of the same deal with Raikou except it can benefit from its Lightningrod ability while one upping offense due to its high speed tier. These electrics are all assets in dismantling fat waters that Feraligatr will usually have issues in contending with or setting up on.

Dragons such as Garchomp, Dragalge, Dragonite, and Charizard-X need mentions as team options as well. Garchomp and Dragalage to provide resistances and entry hazard support, Dragonite circumvents Feraligatrs issue with priority users due to Extremespeed, and Charizard-X + Gatr make a very solid Dragon Dance duo in breaking down each others checks and counters especially with hazard support.

Please mention answers and or checks to Azumarill which is one of the better switch ins to Feraligatr due to its typing. M-Venusaur funnily enough is a solid partner for Feraligatr as well on fatter offensive teams for handling Azumarill along with various electrics under most circumstances. Ferrothorn as well to provide hazard support and to hinder Azumarill a bit.

Mention more speed on the SD set under set details. Speed > Bulk is sometimes a team option that may be necessary in handling a variety of threats that you would otherwise miss out on if going bulk.

Elaborate more in checks and counters as to why they would be legitimate checks and counters such as your water type section. Keldeo is taking a very hefty amount from +1 Superpower so some of these are really more so switch ins than actual checks and counters. Mega Sceptile in checks and counters under the Grass type section.
RIP for the GP guys when they get to Team Options :P
Changes implemented.
 

Tokyo Tom

Somewhere between psychotic and iconic
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Everything looks good for the most part. I just wanted to say I'm all for adding Iron Tail in OO, QC had a talk over this a while back and decided that it's a good blanket coverage move that retains coverage on stuff like Mega Altaria and other stuff but also does two important things, having a solid chance to OHKO Azumarill at +1 after SR damage (made even better since bulky variants of Azumarill are very prone to chip), and letting Gatr get past Phys. Def Unaware Clefable, which could otherwise wall it to no end if you're unlucky with the flinches (you'd need 2 in a row to break through, IIRC).

Earthquake gives Feraligatr a chance against Electric-types, but Feraligatr lacks room for the move. Moreover, Earthquake does not receive a damage boost from Sheer Force.
Eh, I just want to say that Sheer Force Life Orb Waterfall does more than a super effective Earthquake, so you can remove this. I'm not sure what the targets might be, I can't think of any off the top of my head that you'd rather have EQ for.

Also, just some nitpicks on the checks n' counters section -
**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, Celebi, Chesnaught, Ferrothorn, and Serperior, can hit Feraligatr hard with a Grass-type STAB attack. However, aside from Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, none of them can directly switch into Ice Punch; Ferrothorn fears Superpower as well.
Just a nitpick, but change the bolded to "with their STAB attacks". Don't need to use "Grass-type" so much :x

**Water-types**: Quagsire, Rotom-W, Azumarill, Keldeo, Mega Gyarados, Gastrodon, and Tentacruel can all switch into a +2 Waterfall with ease. Quagsire can stall out Feraligatr with Toxic and Unaware, while Rotom-W can severely damage Feraligatr with its STAB Electric-type attacks. However, Keldeo, Mega Gyarados, and Gastrodon dislike taking a +2 Superpower.
Remove the part where they can take a +2 Waterfall "with ease". Keldeo in fact has a very high chance of being KOed by a +2 Waterfall and a follow-up Aqua Jet, Azumarill is outsped and 2HKOed, and the best Tentacruel / Gastrodon can do is Haze or fish for a Scald burn. Quagsire n' Rotom-W are good, but you might want to remove a bunch of the other stuff here.

e: Also mention Kyurem-B as a big Superpower target.

e2: Slash Jet before Ice Punch and Crunch before Superpower on the SD set! Water / Dark gives near perfect coverage besides, say, Mega Altaria, while Jet is very important to make up for Feraligatr's low speed, even vs. other middling-speed attackers. The boost of Sheer Force + Life Orb + SD usually makes up for stuff like hits on Ferrothorn anyway, provided the team has worn it down adequately, unless you're using Feraligatr specifically to break Ferrothorn, which is still fine since Superpower would still be slashed.

Do all of this and QC 3/3
 
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Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
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Everything looks good for the most part. I just wanted to say I'm all for adding Iron Tail in OO, QC had a talk over this a while back and decided that it's a good blanket coverage move that retains coverage on stuff like Mega Altaria and other stuff but also does two important things, having a solid chance to OHKO Azumarill at +1 after SR damage (made even better since bulky variants of Azumarill are very prone to chip), and letting Gatr get past Phys. Def Unaware Clefable, which could otherwise wall it to no end if you're unlucky with the flinches (you'd need 2 in a row to break through, IIRC).


Eh, I just want to say that Sheer Force Life Orb Waterfall does more than a super effective Earthquake, so you can remove this. I'm not sure what the targets might be, I can't think of any off the top of my head that you'd rather have EQ for.

Also, just some nitpicks on the checks n' counters section -

Just a nitpick, but change the bolded to "with their STAB attacks". Don't need to use "Grass-type" so much :x


Remove the part where they can take a +2 Waterfall "with ease". Keldeo in fact has a very high chance of being KOed by a +2 Waterfall and a follow-up Aqua Jet, Azumarill is outsped and 2HKOed, and the best Tentacruel / Gastrodon can do is Haze or fish for a Scald burn. Quagsire n' Rotom-W are good, but you might want to remove a bunch of the other stuff here.

e: Also mention Kyurem-B as a big Superpower target.

e2: Slash Jet before Ice Punch and Crunch before Superpower on the SD set! Water / Dark gives near perfect coverage besides, say, Mega Altaria, while Jet is very important to make up for Feraligatr's low speed, even vs. other middling-speed attackers. The boost of Sheer Force + Life Orb + SD usually makes up for stuff like hits on Ferrothorn anyway, provided the team has worn it down adequately, unless you're using Feraligatr specifically to break Ferrothorn, which is still fine since Superpower would still be slashed.

Do all of this and QC 3/3
k
 

P Squared

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GP 1/2
add remove comment

[OVERVIEW]
With the release of Sheer Force, Feraligatr has becomes an offensive powerhouse in the OU metagame. (we're supposed to avoid time-y phrases like "with the rise/introduction/departure of x") Feraligatr possesses two equally viable boosting options in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, allowing it to perform well against bulky and fast teams alike. Water typing and solid all-around bulk give Feraligatr plenty of setup opportunities. Unfortunately, Feraligatr's low Speed means that even its Dragon Dance set struggles against hyper offense teams. While Feraligatr has strong neutral coverage, it cannot hit a lot of Pokemon super effectively. Moreover, having a weakness to Electric-type attacks is detrimental in a metagame where Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric are common. Nonetheless, whether your offensive team needs an early-game wallbreaker or a late-game cleaner, Feraligatr might be just what you're looking for.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch / Ice Punch
move 4: Superpower / Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack and Speed, allowing it to hit harder and faster. Waterfall is a reliable STAB attack that receives a damage boost from Sheer Force and gets strong neutral coverage on much of the OU tier. Crunch is used to hit Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias for massive damage. Superpower's main purpose is to hit Ferrothorn and Kyurem-B, which otherwise wall Feraligatr completely. Ice Punch can be used in place of either Crunch or Superpower in order to hit Grass-types such as Serperior, Breloom, Chesnaught, and Mega Sceptile hard. The move also hits Mega Altaria, which resists all of Feraligatr's other attacks, super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Feraligatr as fast as possible, while full EVs in Attack allow it to hit extremely hard. Life Orb boosts the power of all of Feraligatr's attacks, maximizing its damage output. Sheer Force increases the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when Feraligatr uses such a move.

Usage Tips
========

Dragon Dance Feraligatr works best as a late-game cleaner on bulky or balanced offense, though it can be used on a hyper offense team if its raw power is a necessity. Keep in mind that Feraligatr needs a boost in order to break down opposing walls, so don't use it too early in the battle. Bring Feraligatr into the battlefield on a predicted attack that it resists, and then (without the "and" this is a comma splice!) set up Dragon Dance as the foe switches out.

Team Options
========
(pretty long; maybe split into two paragraphs?)
Mega Altaria is Feraligatr's perfect teammate. Altaria easily tanks the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while luring in and KOing some of Feraligatr's checks, including Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. (just making sure - these four Pokemon tend to switch in on Altaria?) In return, Feraligatr takes on the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that Mega Altaria cannot survive. Dedicated wallbreakers such as Mega Gardevoir can wear down bulky Pokemon, paving the way for Feraligatr to come into the battle and clean up. Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters. Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn are great switch-ins to Azumarill, which is one of Feraligatr's biggest counters. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can hit the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles against for massive damage. Grass-types such as Serperior and Mega Sceptile can take the Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Feraligatr; in particular, both Serperior and Mega Sceptile can easily beat Rotom-W. In return, Feraligatr can take on the Fire-types that force Grass-types out. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and hit it with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to set up on Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can force out.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Aqua Jet
move 3: Aqua Jet / Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack stat to high levels, turning it into a fearsome wallbreaker. Waterfall gets a damage boost from Sheer Force and is a reliable STAB attack in general, attaining neutral coverage on a large portion of the OU metagame. Aqua Jet can also be used to allow Feraligatr to pick off a weakened, faster foe. Ice Punch hits Mega Altaria and Grass-types such as Chesnaught, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile hard. Crunch allows Feraligatr to get past Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias, while Superpower hits Kyurem-B and Ferrothorn for massive damage.

Set Details
========

112 Speed EVs are necessary to outspeed defensive Landorus-T. Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature ensures that Feraligatr will hit as hard as it possibly can. The remaining EVs are placed into HP to increase Feraligatr's bulk, giving it an easier time setting up a Swords Dance. Alternatively, maximum Speed investment can be used to outspeed threats such as Mega Scizor, Mega Heracross, and Tyrantrum. Life Orb increases the damage output of all of Feraligatr's attacks, while Sheer Force boosts the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when such a move is used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is great in the early- and mid-game as a dedicated physical wallbreaker. Set up on Pokemon that Feraligatr forces out, and then (comma splice. also btw you created a comma splice doing this in the Battle Spot Blaziken check :x) use Swords Dance as the foe switches. If the foe is faster than Feraligatr, bring it down to low health and pick it off with Aqua Jet should you be running it. After Feraligatr is KOed, send in your team's cleaner to finish off weakened foes.

Team Options
========
(pretty long; maybe split into two paragraphs?)
Mega Altaria can switch into the Grass- and Electric-type attacks that threaten Feraligatr while taking on some of Feraligatr's checks, such as Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr easily absorbs the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that threaten to KO Mega Altaria. Dedicated late-game cleaners such as Talonflame and Serperior appreciate Feraligatr's wallbreaking, allowing them to muscle past the opposing team. Ground-types such as Landorus and Diggersby can force out the Electric-types that threaten Feraligatr. Fire-types such as Volcarona and Heatran can easily eliminate Grass-types, which force Feraligatr out should it not be running Ice Punch. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can deal with the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles to break past. Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters. Bulky Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur make for good (or some adjective) dedicated switch-ins to Feraligatr's biggest counter, Azumarill. Kyurem-B can absorb the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while destroying Azumarill with Fusion Bolt. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and remove its item with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to threaten Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can set up on.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============


Substitute gives Feraligatr a shield against status moves and weaker attacks. Agility can be used instead of Dragon Dance to make the most of Feraligatr's cleaning capabilities. Iron Tail is an option to get past Mega Altaria, Unaware Clefable, and Azumarill. Rock Slide gets a boost from Sheer Force and can hit Mega Charizard Y, Kyurem-B, and Gyarados for good damage.

Checks and Counters
===================


**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, Celebi, Chesnaught, Ferrothorn, and Serperior, can hit Feraligatr hard with their STAB attacks. However, aside from Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, none of them can directly switch into Ice Punch; Ferrothorn fears Superpower as well.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric outspeed Feraligatr and force it out with the threat of their super effective STAB attacks. However, Feraligatr outspeeds all of them at +1 and none of them enjoy taking a +1 Waterfall.

**Priority Attackers**: Due to Feraligatr's low Speed, it can be brought down to low health by a hit from nearly any fast, offensive Pokemon. If Feraligatr is not running Aqua Jet, it becomes very vulnerable to revenge killing from the likes of Talonflame and Bisharp.

**Water-types**: Quagsire, Rotom-W, Azumarill, Keldeo, Mega Gyarados, Gastrodon, and Tentacruel can all take a +2 Waterfall. Quagsire can stall out Feraligatr with Toxic and Unaware, while Rotom-W can severely damage Feraligatr with its STAB Electric-type attacks.
 
Last edited:

Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
GP 1/2
add remove comment

[OVERVIEW]
With the release of Sheer Force, Feraligatr has becomes an offensive powerhouse in the OU metagame. (we're supposed to avoid time-y phrases like "with the rise/introduction/departure of x") Feraligatr possesses two equally viable boosting options in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, allowing it to perform well against bulky and fast teams alike. Water typing and solid all-around bulk give Feraligatr plenty of setup opportunities. Unfortunately, Feraligatr's low Speed means that even its Dragon Dance set struggles against hyper offense teams. While Feraligatr has strong neutral coverage, it cannot hit a lot of Pokemon super effectively. Moreover, having a weakness to Electric-type attacks is detrimental in a metagame where Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric are common. Nonetheless, whether your offensive team needs an early-game wallbreaker or a late-game cleaner, Feraligatr might be just what you're looking for.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch / Ice Punch
move 4: Superpower / Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack and Speed, allowing it to hit harder and faster. Waterfall is a reliable STAB attack that receives a damage boost from Sheer Force and gets strong neutral coverage on much of the OU tier. Crunch is used to hit Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias for massive damage. Superpower's main purpose is to hit Ferrothorn and Kyurem-B, which otherwise wall Feraligatr completely. Ice Punch can be used in place of either Crunch or Superpower in order to hit Grass-types such as Serperior, Breloom, Chesnaught, and Mega Sceptile hard. The move also hits Mega Altaria, which resists all of Feraligatr's other attacks, super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Feraligatr as fast as possible, while full EVs in Attack allow it to hit extremely hard. Life Orb boosts the power of all of Feraligatr's attacks, maximizing its damage output. Sheer Force increases the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when Feraligatr uses such a move.

Usage Tips
========

Dragon Dance Feraligatr works best as a late-game cleaner on bulky or balanced offense, though it can be used on a hyper offense team if its raw power is a necessity. Keep in mind that Feraligatr needs a boost in order to break down opposing walls, so don't use it too early in the battle. Bring Feraligatr into the battlefield on a predicted attack that it resists, and then (without the "and" this is a comma splice!) set up Dragon Dance as the foe switches out.

Team Options
========
(pretty long; maybe split into two paragraphs?)
Mega Altaria is Feraligatr's perfect teammate. Altaria easily tanks the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while luring in and KOing some of Feraligatr's checks, including Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. (just making sure - these four Pokemon tend to switch in on Altaria?) In return, Feraligatr takes on the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that Mega Altaria cannot survive. Dedicated wallbreakers such as Mega Gardevoir can wear down bulky Pokemon, paving the way for Feraligatr to come into the battle and clean up. Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters. Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn are great switch-ins to Azumarill, which is one of Feraligatr's biggest counters. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can hit the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles against for massive damage. Grass-types such as Serperior and Mega Sceptile can take the Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Feraligatr; in particular, both Serperior and Mega Sceptile can easily beat Rotom-W. In return, Feraligatr can take on the Fire-types that force Grass-types out. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and hit it with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to set up on Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can force out.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Aqua Jet
move 3: Aqua Jet / Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack stat to high levels, turning it into a fearsome wallbreaker. Waterfall gets a damage boost from Sheer Force and is a reliable STAB attack in general, attaining neutral coverage on a large portion of the OU metagame. Aqua Jet can also be used to allow Feraligatr to pick off a weakened, faster foe. Ice Punch hits Mega Altaria and Grass-types such as Chesnaught, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile hard. Crunch allows Feraligatr to get past Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias, while Superpower hits Kyurem-B and Ferrothorn for massive damage.

Set Details
========

112 Speed EVs are necessary to outspeed defensive Landorus-T. Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature ensures that Feraligatr will hit as hard as it possibly can. The remaining EVs are placed into HP to increase Feraligatr's bulk, giving it an easier time setting up a Swords Dance. Alternatively, maximum Speed investment can be used to outspeed threats such as Mega Scizor, Mega Heracross, and Tyrantrum. Life Orb increases the damage output of all of Feraligatr's attacks, while Sheer Force boosts the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when such a move is used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is great in the early- and mid-game as a dedicated physical wallbreaker. Set up on Pokemon that Feraligatr forces out, and then (comma splice. also btw you created a comma splice doing this in the Battle Spot Blaziken check :x) use Swords Dance as the foe switches. If the foe is faster than Feraligatr, bring it down to low health and pick it off with Aqua Jet should you be running it. After Feraligatr is KOed, send in your team's cleaner to finish off weakened foes.

Team Options
========
(pretty long; maybe split into two paragraphs?)
Mega Altaria can switch into the Grass- and Electric-type attacks that threaten Feraligatr while taking on some of Feraligatr's checks, such as Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr easily absorbs the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that threaten to KO Mega Altaria. Dedicated late-game cleaners such as Talonflame and Serperior appreciate Feraligatr's wallbreaking, allowing them to muscle past the opposing team. Ground-types such as Landorus and Diggersby can force out the Electric-types that threaten Feraligatr. Fire-types such as Volcarona and Heatran can easily eliminate Grass-types, which force Feraligatr out should it not be running Ice Punch. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can deal with the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles to break past. Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters. Bulky Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur make for good (or some adjective) dedicated switch-ins to Feraligatr's biggest counter, Azumarill. Kyurem-B can absorb the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while destroying Azumarill with Fusion Bolt. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and remove its item with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to threaten Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can set up on.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============


Substitute gives Feraligatr a shield against status moves and weaker attacks. Agility can be used instead of Dragon Dance to make the most of Feraligatr's cleaning capabilities. Iron Tail is an option to get past Mega Altaria, Unaware Clefable, and Azumarill. Rock Slide gets a boost from Sheer Force and can hit Mega Charizard Y, Kyurem-B, and Gyarados for good damage.

Checks and Counters
===================


**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, Celebi, Chesnaught, Ferrothorn, and Serperior, can hit Feraligatr hard with their STAB attacks. However, aside from Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, none of them can directly switch into Ice Punch; Ferrothorn fears Superpower as well.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric outspeed Feraligatr and force it out with the threat of their super effective STAB attacks. However, Feraligatr outspeeds all of them at +1 and none of them enjoy taking a +1 Waterfall.

**Priority Attackers**: Due to Feraligatr's low Speed, it can be brought down to low health by a hit from nearly any fast, offensive Pokemon. If Feraligatr is not running Aqua Jet, it becomes very vulnerable to revenge killing from the likes of Talonflame and Bisharp.

**Water-types**: Quagsire, Rotom-W, Azumarill, Keldeo, Mega Gyarados, Gastrodon, and Tentacruel can all take a +2 Waterfall. Quagsire can stall out Feraligatr with Toxic and Unaware, while Rotom-W can severely damage Feraligatr with its STAB Electric-type attacks.
That's a comma splice? Well, you learn something new every day. I did that because I hate following up a comma with "and" outside of a list. And yes, standard M-Altaria does lure in those 4 Pokemon (iirc). Thanks man- time for the second one.
 

GatoDelFuego

The Antimonymph of the Internet
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Snobalt

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[OVERVIEW]

With Sheer Force, Feraligatr becomes an offensive powerhouse in the OU metagame. Feraligatr possesses two equally viable boosting options in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, allowing it to perform well against bulky and fast teams alike. Pure Water typing and solid all-around bulk give Feraligatr plenty of setup opportunities. Unfortunately, Feraligatr's low Speed means that even its Dragon Dance set struggles against hyper offense teams. While Feraligatr has strong neutral coverage, it cannot hit a lot of Pokemon super effectively. Moreover, having a weakness to Electric-type attacks is detrimental in a metagame where Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric are common. Nonetheless, whether your offensive team needs an early-game wallbreaker or a late-game cleaner, Feraligatr might be just what you're looking for.
I'm not a fan of this sentence, because imo it's above most end-overview fluff, this was already covered by the second sentence

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch / Ice Punch
move 4: Superpower / Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack and Speed, allowing it to hit harder and faster. Waterfall is a reliable STAB attack that receives a damage boost from Sheer Force and gets strong neutral coverage on much of the OU tier. Crunch is used to hit Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias for massive damage. Superpower's main purpose is to hit Ferrothorn and Kyurem-B, which otherwise wall Feraligatr completely. Ice Punch can be used in place of either Crunch or Superpower in order to hit Grass-types such as Serperior, Breloom, Chesnaught, and Mega Sceptile hard. The move also hits Mega Altaria, which resists all of Feraligatr's other attacks, super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Feraligatr as fast as possible, while full 252 EVs 'full investment' or '252 EVs' imo :> in Attack allow it to hit extremely hard. Life Orb boosts the power of all of Feraligatr's attacks, maximizing its damage output. Sheer Force increases the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when Feraligatr uses such a move.

Usage Tips
========

Dragon Dance Feraligatr works best as a late-game cleaner on bulky or balanced offense, though it can be used on a hyper offense team if its raw power is a necessity. Keep in mind that Feraligatr needs a boost in order to break down opposing walls, so don't use it too early in the battle. Bring Feraligatr into the battlefield on a predicted attack that it resists, and then set up Dragon Dance as the foe switches out.

Team Options
========

Mega Altaria is Feraligatr's perfect teammate. Mega Altaria easily tanks the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while luring in and KOing some of Feraligatr's checks, including Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr takes on the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that Mega Altaria cannot survive. Dedicated wallbreakers such as Mega Gardevoir can wear down bulky Pokemon, paving the way for Feraligatr to come into the battle and clean up. Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters.

Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn are great switch-ins to Azumarill, which is one of Feraligatr's biggest counters. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can hit the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles against for massive damage. Grass-types such as Serperior and Mega Sceptile can take the Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Feraligatr; in particular, both Serperior and Mega Sceptile can easily beat Rotom-W. In return, Feraligatr can take on the Fire-types that force Grass-types out. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and hit it with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to set up on Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can force out.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Aqua Jet
move 3: Aqua Jet / Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack stat to high levels, turning it into a fearsome wallbreaker. Waterfall gets a damage boost from Sheer Force and is a reliable STAB attack in general, attaining neutral coverage on a large portion of the OU metagame. Aqua Jet can also be used to allow Feraligatr to pick off a weakened, faster foe. Ice Punch hits Mega Altaria and Grass-types such as Chesnaught, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile hard. Crunch allows Feraligatr to get past Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias, while Superpower hits Kyurem-B and Ferrothorn for massive damage.

Set Details
========

112 Speed EVs are necessary for Feraligatr to outspeed defensive Landorus-T. Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature ensures that Feraligatr will hit as hard as it possibly can. The remaining EVs are placed into HP to increase Feraligatr's bulk, giving it an easier time setting up a Swords Dance. Alternatively, maximum Speed investment can be used to outspeed threats such as Mega Scizor, Mega Heracross, and Tyrantrum. Life Orb increases the damage output of all of Feraligatr's attacks, while Sheer Force boosts the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when such a move is used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is great in the early- and mid-game as a dedicated physical wallbreaker. Set up on Pokemon that Feraligatr forces out, such as X, and then use Swords Dance as the foe switches. This sentence doesn't make sence. "Set up on foes, then use Swords dance as they switch"? Did you mean to say 'Switch in on Pokemon Feraligatr forces out"?If the foe is faster than Feraligatr, bring it down to low health and pick it off with Aqua Jet should you be running it. After Feraligatr is KOed, send in your team's cleaner to finish off weakened foes.

Team Options
========

Mega Altaria can switch into the Grass- and Electric-type attacks that threaten Feraligatr while taking on some of Feraligatr's checks, such as Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr easily absorbs the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that threaten to KO Mega Altaria. Dedicated late-game cleaners such as Talonflame and Serperior appreciate Feraligatr's wallbreaking, allowing them to muscle past the opposing team. Ground-types such as Landorus and Diggersby can force out the Electric-types that threaten Feraligatr. Fire-types such as Volcarona and Heatran can easily eliminate Grass-types, which force Feraligatr out should it not be running Ice Punch. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can deal with the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles to break past.

Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters. Bulky Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur make for good dedicated switch-ins to Feraligatr's biggest counter, Azumarill. Kyurem-B can absorb the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while destroying Azumarill with Fusion Bolt. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and remove its item with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to threaten Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can set up on.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================

Substitute gives Feraligatr a shield against status moves and weaker attacks. Agility can be used instead of Dragon Dance to make the most of Feraligatr's cleaning capabilities. Iron Tail is an option to get past Mega Altaria, Unaware Clefable, and Azumarill. Rock Slide gets a boost from Sheer Force and can hit Mega Charizard Y, Kyurem-B, and Gyarados for good damage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, Celebi, Chesnaught, Ferrothorn, and Serperior, can hit Feraligatr hard with their STAB attacks. However, aside from Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, none of them can directly switch into Ice Punch; Ferrothorn fears Superpower as well.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric outspeed Feraligatr and force it out with the threat of their super effective STAB attacks. However, Feraligatr outspeeds all of them at +1 and none of them enjoy taking a +1 Waterfall.

**Priority Attackers**: Due to Feraligatr's low Speed, it can be brought down to low health by a hit from nearly any fast, offensive Pokemon. If Feraligatr is not running Aqua Jet, it becomes very vulnerable to revenge killing from the likes of Talonflame and Bisharp.

**Water-types**: Quagsire, Rotom-W, Azumarill, Keldeo, Mega Gyarados, Gastrodon, and Tentacruel can all take a +2 Waterfall. Quagsire can stall out Feraligatr with Toxic and Unaware, while Rotom-W can severely damage Feraligatr with its STAB Electric-type attacks.

2/2

very informative!
 
Last edited:

Empress

Don't waffle or you'll get pancaked
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Snobalt

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[OVERVIEW]

With Sheer Force, Feraligatr becomes an offensive powerhouse in the OU metagame. Feraligatr possesses two equally viable boosting options in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, allowing it to perform well against bulky and fast teams alike. Pure Water typing and solid all-around bulk give Feraligatr plenty of setup opportunities. Unfortunately, Feraligatr's low Speed means that even its Dragon Dance set struggles against hyper offense teams. While Feraligatr has strong neutral coverage, it cannot hit a lot of Pokemon super effectively. Moreover, having a weakness to Electric-type attacks is detrimental in a metagame where Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric are common. Nonetheless, whether your offensive team needs an early-game wallbreaker or a late-game cleaner, Feraligatr might be just what you're looking for.
I'm not a fan of this sentence, because imo it's above most end-overview fluff, this was already covered by the second sentence

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch / Ice Punch
move 4: Superpower / Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack and Speed, allowing it to hit harder and faster. Waterfall is a reliable STAB attack that receives a damage boost from Sheer Force and gets strong neutral coverage on much of the OU tier. Crunch is used to hit Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias for massive damage. Superpower's main purpose is to hit Ferrothorn and Kyurem-B, which otherwise wall Feraligatr completely. Ice Punch can be used in place of either Crunch or Superpower in order to hit Grass-types such as Serperior, Breloom, Chesnaught, and Mega Sceptile hard. The move also hits Mega Altaria, which resists all of Feraligatr's other attacks, super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Feraligatr as fast as possible, while full 252 EVs 'full investment' or '252 EVs' imo :> in Attack allow it to hit extremely hard. Life Orb boosts the power of all of Feraligatr's attacks, maximizing its damage output. Sheer Force increases the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when Feraligatr uses such a move.

Usage Tips
========

Dragon Dance Feraligatr works best as a late-game cleaner on bulky or balanced offense, though it can be used on a hyper offense team if its raw power is a necessity. Keep in mind that Feraligatr needs a boost in order to break down opposing walls, so don't use it too early in the battle. Bring Feraligatr into the battlefield on a predicted attack that it resists, and then set up Dragon Dance as the foe switches out.

Team Options
========

Mega Altaria is Feraligatr's perfect teammate. Mega Altaria easily tanks the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while luring in and KOing some of Feraligatr's checks, including Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr takes on the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that Mega Altaria cannot survive. Dedicated wallbreakers such as Mega Gardevoir can wear down bulky Pokemon, paving the way for Feraligatr to come into the battle and clean up. Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters.

Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn are great switch-ins to Azumarill, which is one of Feraligatr's biggest counters. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can hit the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles against for massive damage. Grass-types such as Serperior and Mega Sceptile can take the Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Feraligatr; in particular, both Serperior and Mega Sceptile can easily beat Rotom-W. In return, Feraligatr can take on the Fire-types that force Grass-types out. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and hit it with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to set up on Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can force out.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Aqua Jet
move 3: Aqua Jet / Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack stat to high levels, turning it into a fearsome wallbreaker. Waterfall gets a damage boost from Sheer Force and is a reliable STAB attack in general, attaining neutral coverage on a large portion of the OU metagame. Aqua Jet can also be used to allow Feraligatr to pick off a weakened, faster foe. Ice Punch hits Mega Altaria and Grass-types such as Chesnaught, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile hard. Crunch allows Feraligatr to get past Psychic-types such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Metagross, Jirachi, Latios, and Latias, while Superpower hits Kyurem-B and Ferrothorn for massive damage.

Set Details
========

112 Speed EVs are necessary for Feraligatr to outspeed defensive Landorus-T. Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature ensures that Feraligatr will hit as hard as it possibly can. The remaining EVs are placed into HP to increase Feraligatr's bulk, giving it an easier time setting up a Swords Dance. Alternatively, maximum Speed investment can be used to outspeed threats such as Mega Scizor, Mega Heracross, and Tyrantrum. Life Orb increases the damage output of all of Feraligatr's attacks, while Sheer Force boosts the power of Feraligatr's moves with secondary effects and cancels Life Orb recoil when such a move is used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is great in the early- and mid-game as a dedicated physical wallbreaker. Set up on Pokemon that Feraligatr forces out, such as X, and then use Swords Dance as the foe switches. This sentence doesn't make sence. "Set up on foes, then use Swords dance as they switch"? Did you mean to say 'Switch in on Pokemon Feraligatr forces out"?If the foe is faster than Feraligatr, bring it down to low health and pick it off with Aqua Jet should you be running it. After Feraligatr is KOed, send in your team's cleaner to finish off weakened foes.

Team Options
========

Mega Altaria can switch into the Grass- and Electric-type attacks that threaten Feraligatr while taking on some of Feraligatr's checks, such as Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Skarmory. In return, Feraligatr easily absorbs the Ice- and Steel-type attacks that threaten to KO Mega Altaria. Dedicated late-game cleaners such as Talonflame and Serperior appreciate Feraligatr's wallbreaking, allowing them to muscle past the opposing team. Ground-types such as Landorus and Diggersby can force out the Electric-types that threaten Feraligatr. Fire-types such as Volcarona and Heatran can easily eliminate Grass-types, which force Feraligatr out should it not be running Ice Punch. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can deal with the bulky Water-types that Feraligatr struggles to break past.

Entry hazard support from Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragalge can inflict passive damage on foes to allow Feraligatr to finish them off. Dragon-types also have great synergy with Feraligatr; Feraligatr can take Ice-type attacks while Dragon-types can take Grass- and Electric-type moves. Dragonite is another great Dragon-type partner that can use Extreme Speed to deal with opposing priority users, while Mega Charizard X forms a great dual Dragon Dance core with Feraligatr due to each one beating the other's counters. Bulky Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur make for good dedicated switch-ins to Feraligatr's biggest counter, Azumarill. Kyurem-B can absorb the Electric- and Grass-type moves aimed at Feraligatr while destroying Azumarill with Fusion Bolt. Bisharp can lure in Keldeo and remove its item with Knock Off as it switches in, allowing Feraligatr to threaten Keldeo. Bisharp also lures in Ground-types that Feraligatr can set up on.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================

Substitute gives Feraligatr a shield against status moves and weaker attacks. Agility can be used instead of Dragon Dance to make the most of Feraligatr's cleaning capabilities. Iron Tail is an option to get past Mega Altaria, Unaware Clefable, and Azumarill. Rock Slide gets a boost from Sheer Force and can hit Mega Charizard Y, Kyurem-B, and Gyarados for good damage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, Celebi, Chesnaught, Ferrothorn, and Serperior, can hit Feraligatr hard with their STAB attacks. However, aside from Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn, none of them can directly switch into Ice Punch; Ferrothorn fears Superpower as well.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric outspeed Feraligatr and force it out with the threat of their super effective STAB attacks. However, Feraligatr outspeeds all of them at +1 and none of them enjoy taking a +1 Waterfall.

**Priority Attackers**: Due to Feraligatr's low Speed, it can be brought down to low health by a hit from nearly any fast, offensive Pokemon. If Feraligatr is not running Aqua Jet, it becomes very vulnerable to revenge killing from the likes of Talonflame and Bisharp.

**Water-types**: Quagsire, Rotom-W, Azumarill, Keldeo, Mega Gyarados, Gastrodon, and Tentacruel can all take a +2 Waterfall. Quagsire can stall out Feraligatr with Toxic and Unaware, while Rotom-W can severely damage Feraligatr with its STAB Electric-type attacks.

2/2

very informative!
Thanks man! And yeah I meant "switch in"- thanks for catching that. Ready for upload now ^_^
 

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