Overview
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With a hefty 19 Attack, Carvanha can be one of the most powerful Pokemon in the Little Cup tier, only being beaten out by things like max Attack Archen and Cranidos. Carvanha's Speed Boost ability combined with a base Speed that outspeeds a large part of the tier allows Carvanha to perform as one of the best revenge killers and cleaners. Its access to Destiny Bond combined with Speed Boost means that it can guarantee at least one or two Pokemon fainting every time it is used. Its typing gives it access to two strong STABs, Water-type and Dark-type, which are only resisted by a handful of Pokemon. However, its defenses leave a lot to be desired, so if it is hit by even resisted moves it will take a good chunk of its health. Its poor defenses also mean that it is hard to switch in safely, without coming in off of sacking a Pokemon. It is often forced to run Protect in order to get a safe Speed boost, as although it reaches a good number a large part of the tier can still outspeed it. Carvanha also doesn't do well against teams that are extremely bulky, as if it cannot OHKO or 2HKO a Pokemon then it is largely useless.
GOTTA GO FAST
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name: GOTTA GO FAST
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Aqua Jet / Zen Headbutt / Destiny Bond
move 4: Protect / Zen Headbutt / Destiny Bond
ability: Speed Boost
item: Life Orb
evs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
ivs: 0 HP
nature: Adamant
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Waterfall is its most powerful STAB move. The ability to flinch-hax is also incredibly useful as you almost always outspeed Pokemon at +1. Crunch is the second STAB move, and Carvanha's most powerful Dark-type move. The Defensive drops can be useful, however Carvanha will undoubtedly die to a gust of wind, so you can't capitalize on them in a sustained battle. Aqua Jet can be chosen over Zen Headbutt if the extra priority is needed, as it can help pick off things like a weakened Fletchling, however it is generally too weak to be useful that a Protect+Waterfall can't do better. Aqua Jet should be chosen in the third slot if Carvanha's main role is to sweep late game, and act as the team's primary cleaner. Zen Headbutt lets Carvanha mainly kill Croagunk on the switch, while also having the benefit of killing Mienfoo and Foongus after a Knock Off, allowing Carvanha to function even better as one of the few Pokemon that can break through Regenerator cores. Zen Headbutt should be chosen as the third slot if Carvanha's primary role is to break through certain Pokemon, opening up the way for a teammate to sweep. Protect lets Carvanha stop Fake Out spam, as well as allowing it to safely set up to +1 Speed. Protect can also let it scout for moves from Choice Scarf users, or scout out some sets. Destiny Bond can be chosen over Protect if one is confident about being able to set up, as this can allow you to take out at least 1-2 Pokemon per match if played right, and can be used to set up for a main sweeper.
Set Details
========
An EV spread of 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe allows Carvanha to reach 16 Speed, allowing it to outspeed all 15 Speed Pokemon, such as Scraggy, as well as hitting 24 Speed at +1, putting it 2 points above a Shell Smashed Tirtouga. Since no further Speed is necessary (the only thing of note that Carvanha would outspeed is other Carvanha, but it would tie with Mienfoo, Drilbur, and Archen), an Adamant nature is chosen to increase power as much as possible, putting Carvanha at a godly 19 Attack. A Life Orb is used to make Carvanha as best of a wallbreaker as possible, allowing it to net 2hkos on some of the tier's bulkiest Pokemon. As Carvanha is using a Life Orb, minimizing Carvanha's HP IVs to zero is best as it puts it at 19 HP, meaning that Life Orb recoil is only 1 HP. Speed Boost is always the preferred ability, as Carvanha is not bulky enough to utilize a pivoting Rough Skin set. Its typing is also not the best defensively, meaning that even with full defensive investment and an Eviolite, it struggles to find safe things to switch in on. Speed Boost allows it to clean up late game and quickly snowball into becoming a threat.
Usage Tips
========
As Carvanha is not bulky at all, it is usually best to leave it in reserve until the opponent's team has been weakened. Even weak, resisted attacks can cause upwards of 40% of Carvanha's health, which severely cuts into the amount of turns Carvanha can spam Life Orb-boosted attacks. Carvanha can also be used as a wallbreaker, coming into battle early to spam Life Orb-boosted Waterfalls to break through common walls like Porygon or Vullaby. If carrying Aqua Jet, it can be used to pick off low HP Pokemon, such as an Abra without its Focus Sash, or a Tirtouga that has been reduced to Sturdy. If Carvanha carries Destiny Bond, it is expected to be more of a teammate for another, main sweeping Pokemon. If that is the case then it should come in early and lure in a common check / counter, and eliminate it for its teammate.
Team Options
========
Carvanha lures in Pokemon like Ferroseed and Foongus often, so a Pokemon that can eliminate those is heavily recommended. Ponyta and Larvesta are two good teammates that can apply pressure to the enemy team, while also covering some weaknesses. They both have the benefit of stopping Ferroseed and Larvesta, while also acting as a switchin to Fighting-types that might try and kill Carvanha. If Carvanha carries Destiny Bond and is acting as a wallbreaker for a teammate, then one should choose a teammate that benefits from Pokemon Carvanha lures in. Examples include Abra, who benefits from really bulky Pokemon like Spritzee, Vullaby, and Porygon removed. Fletchling is another that can be a good teammate, as Carvanha removes bulky Defensive walls, such as Hippopotas, while also breaking through common Fire-type Pokemon such as Ponyta and Larvesta. In return, Fletching can lure in Ferroseed and set up on it or eliminate it with Overheat. Carvanha appreciates Knock Off support, which allows it to further break through the enemy team, especially Regenerator cores. Pawniard and Mienfoo are two safe Pokemon that can be paired with it, as they both have many switch-in opportunities throught out a match to spread Knock Off. Mienfoo has the benefit of stopping Porygon, while Pawniard can eliminate Spritzee with an Iron Head. Running another Dark-type alongside Carvanha can be very oppresive to teams, as the opponent's Dark-type resists can be easily worn down. Pawniard is a great teammate for this, as mentioned previously, as it can also eliminate Fariy-types with Iron Head. Similar to running two or more Dark-types, Water-type spam can also work effectively, with running Pokemon such as Chinchou or Staryu. The high power and utility of their common moves (Hydro Pump and Scald) allow Carvanha to break through previous counters, such as a burned, weakened Ferroseed. Other Water-types, such as Corphish and Tirtouga, can abuse Carvanha's Waterfall to smash through Grass-types as well. Getting rid of Pokemon like Cottonee and Ferroseed through brute force can help a Corphish or Tirtouga sweep. Grass-types present a problem to Carvanha and other Water-types, so the ability to Destiny Bond and remove them is great to further a sweep. Hazard setters greatly help Carvanha sweep. A layer of Spikes and Stealth Rock is enough to turn some 2hkoes into OHKOes, and allow Carvanha to 2hko Pokemon that it normally is countered by, such as Spritzee. Pokemon such as Dwebble or Ferroseed can almost always guarantee Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, and are useful for this role. Slow Baton Passers also are excellent teammates, with Carvanha intended as a potential receiver. Pokemon such as Mienfoo or Aipom can pass Attack Boosts to Carvanha, while also stomaching one or two hits. Once Carvanha gets a boost or two, it can easily sweep through teams. If Carvanha is used as a Baton Pass receiver, then it should carry a sweeping set, usually with Waterfall, Crunch, Aqua Jet, and either Zen Headbutt or Protect.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
########
Thief is a decent alternative to Crunch as it allows Carvanha to be a one-time Knock Off absorber. However, this severely cuts down on its power. A stallbreaking set of Substitute / Destiny Bond / Thief with defensive EVs and a Berry Juice can be effective as well. An Eviolite set can also work as Carvanha is able to live some priority, allowing it to lure in Pokemon such as Timburr and Croagunk. However, the lack of power is noticeable, being unable to 2hko Timburr without prior damage or some form of entry hazards. A mixed attacking set of Hydro Pump and Ice Beam can be used to lure in Mienfoo and other normal checks by KOing them with 2 Life Orb-boosted Hydro Pumps. It also hits Timburr and Snubbull harder than any of its other moves. Poison Fang can be used to lure in Cottonee but the slot for it is generally hard to find, especially since Cottonee is free switch in bait for many of Carvanha's teammates.
Checks & Counters
########
**Timburr**: Timburr can switch in to any of Carvanha's moves and reply with a Mach Punch. However, it has to be careful of switching in more than once, as Zen Headbutt is a 2hko, so if predicted wrong Timburr can lose. Mienfoo is similar to Timburr in that it can switch in on some moves, however it risks being 2hkoed by some sets, especially if it runs minimal bulk.
**Croagunk**: Croagunk fears nothing but Zen Headbutt, being immune to Waterfall and resisting Crunch. It also carries its own priority in Vaccuum Wave, meaning that it can OHKO Carvanha.
**Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types such as Spritzee and Snubbull are generally good checks to Carvanha. Spritzee has good all around bulk and can OHKO Carvanha with Moonblast, while healing up with Wish. Snubbull can put Carvanha at -1 Atk, allowing it to freely switch in with psuedo-enhanced bulk. It also OHKOes with Play Rough. Cottonee can resist both STABs and hit the switch in with a status move or with a Giga Drain / Dazzling Gleam.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Chespin, Foongus, and Ferroseed all safely beat Carvanha. With proper Knock Off support, Foongus fears a OHKO from Zen Headbutt, but otherwise is free to pivot in and out of the match and put Pokemon to sleep with Spore or outright OHKO with Giga Drain. Ferroseed and Chespin are bulky enough that they can set up hazards on Carvanha.
**Sturdy**: Pokemon that cannot be killed in one hit can threaten Carvanha, due to its minimal bulk. While not having Sturdy, Sash Abra functions in the same way meaning that it can be a good check to Carvanha unless a lucky Waterfall flinch happens along.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Vullaby, Lileep, and Porygon all make good checks due to their bulk. However, they can be lured in and lose to Destiny Bond or other stallbreaking sets. Lileep especially has nothing to fear due to it being immune to Water-type moves and having massive Defense.
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With a hefty 19 Attack, Carvanha can be one of the most powerful Pokemon in the Little Cup tier, only being beaten out by things like max Attack Archen and Cranidos. Carvanha's Speed Boost ability combined with a base Speed that outspeeds a large part of the tier allows Carvanha to perform as one of the best revenge killers and cleaners. Its access to Destiny Bond combined with Speed Boost means that it can guarantee at least one or two Pokemon fainting every time it is used. Its typing gives it access to two strong STABs, Water-type and Dark-type, which are only resisted by a handful of Pokemon. However, its defenses leave a lot to be desired, so if it is hit by even resisted moves it will take a good chunk of its health. Its poor defenses also mean that it is hard to switch in safely, without coming in off of sacking a Pokemon. It is often forced to run Protect in order to get a safe Speed boost, as although it reaches a good number a large part of the tier can still outspeed it. Carvanha also doesn't do well against teams that are extremely bulky, as if it cannot OHKO or 2HKO a Pokemon then it is largely useless.
GOTTA GO FAST
########
name: GOTTA GO FAST
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Aqua Jet / Zen Headbutt / Destiny Bond
move 4: Protect / Zen Headbutt / Destiny Bond
ability: Speed Boost
item: Life Orb
evs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
ivs: 0 HP
nature: Adamant
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Waterfall is its most powerful STAB move. The ability to flinch-hax is also incredibly useful as you almost always outspeed Pokemon at +1. Crunch is the second STAB move, and Carvanha's most powerful Dark-type move. The Defensive drops can be useful, however Carvanha will undoubtedly die to a gust of wind, so you can't capitalize on them in a sustained battle. Aqua Jet can be chosen over Zen Headbutt if the extra priority is needed, as it can help pick off things like a weakened Fletchling, however it is generally too weak to be useful that a Protect+Waterfall can't do better. Aqua Jet should be chosen in the third slot if Carvanha's main role is to sweep late game, and act as the team's primary cleaner. Zen Headbutt lets Carvanha mainly kill Croagunk on the switch, while also having the benefit of killing Mienfoo and Foongus after a Knock Off, allowing Carvanha to function even better as one of the few Pokemon that can break through Regenerator cores. Zen Headbutt should be chosen as the third slot if Carvanha's primary role is to break through certain Pokemon, opening up the way for a teammate to sweep. Protect lets Carvanha stop Fake Out spam, as well as allowing it to safely set up to +1 Speed. Protect can also let it scout for moves from Choice Scarf users, or scout out some sets. Destiny Bond can be chosen over Protect if one is confident about being able to set up, as this can allow you to take out at least 1-2 Pokemon per match if played right, and can be used to set up for a main sweeper.
Set Details
========
An EV spread of 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe allows Carvanha to reach 16 Speed, allowing it to outspeed all 15 Speed Pokemon, such as Scraggy, as well as hitting 24 Speed at +1, putting it 2 points above a Shell Smashed Tirtouga. Since no further Speed is necessary (the only thing of note that Carvanha would outspeed is other Carvanha, but it would tie with Mienfoo, Drilbur, and Archen), an Adamant nature is chosen to increase power as much as possible, putting Carvanha at a godly 19 Attack. A Life Orb is used to make Carvanha as best of a wallbreaker as possible, allowing it to net 2hkos on some of the tier's bulkiest Pokemon. As Carvanha is using a Life Orb, minimizing Carvanha's HP IVs to zero is best as it puts it at 19 HP, meaning that Life Orb recoil is only 1 HP. Speed Boost is always the preferred ability, as Carvanha is not bulky enough to utilize a pivoting Rough Skin set. Its typing is also not the best defensively, meaning that even with full defensive investment and an Eviolite, it struggles to find safe things to switch in on. Speed Boost allows it to clean up late game and quickly snowball into becoming a threat.
Usage Tips
========
As Carvanha is not bulky at all, it is usually best to leave it in reserve until the opponent's team has been weakened. Even weak, resisted attacks can cause upwards of 40% of Carvanha's health, which severely cuts into the amount of turns Carvanha can spam Life Orb-boosted attacks. Carvanha can also be used as a wallbreaker, coming into battle early to spam Life Orb-boosted Waterfalls to break through common walls like Porygon or Vullaby. If carrying Aqua Jet, it can be used to pick off low HP Pokemon, such as an Abra without its Focus Sash, or a Tirtouga that has been reduced to Sturdy. If Carvanha carries Destiny Bond, it is expected to be more of a teammate for another, main sweeping Pokemon. If that is the case then it should come in early and lure in a common check / counter, and eliminate it for its teammate.
Team Options
========
Carvanha lures in Pokemon like Ferroseed and Foongus often, so a Pokemon that can eliminate those is heavily recommended. Ponyta and Larvesta are two good teammates that can apply pressure to the enemy team, while also covering some weaknesses. They both have the benefit of stopping Ferroseed and Larvesta, while also acting as a switchin to Fighting-types that might try and kill Carvanha. If Carvanha carries Destiny Bond and is acting as a wallbreaker for a teammate, then one should choose a teammate that benefits from Pokemon Carvanha lures in. Examples include Abra, who benefits from really bulky Pokemon like Spritzee, Vullaby, and Porygon removed. Fletchling is another that can be a good teammate, as Carvanha removes bulky Defensive walls, such as Hippopotas, while also breaking through common Fire-type Pokemon such as Ponyta and Larvesta. In return, Fletching can lure in Ferroseed and set up on it or eliminate it with Overheat. Carvanha appreciates Knock Off support, which allows it to further break through the enemy team, especially Regenerator cores. Pawniard and Mienfoo are two safe Pokemon that can be paired with it, as they both have many switch-in opportunities throught out a match to spread Knock Off. Mienfoo has the benefit of stopping Porygon, while Pawniard can eliminate Spritzee with an Iron Head. Running another Dark-type alongside Carvanha can be very oppresive to teams, as the opponent's Dark-type resists can be easily worn down. Pawniard is a great teammate for this, as mentioned previously, as it can also eliminate Fariy-types with Iron Head. Similar to running two or more Dark-types, Water-type spam can also work effectively, with running Pokemon such as Chinchou or Staryu. The high power and utility of their common moves (Hydro Pump and Scald) allow Carvanha to break through previous counters, such as a burned, weakened Ferroseed. Other Water-types, such as Corphish and Tirtouga, can abuse Carvanha's Waterfall to smash through Grass-types as well. Getting rid of Pokemon like Cottonee and Ferroseed through brute force can help a Corphish or Tirtouga sweep. Grass-types present a problem to Carvanha and other Water-types, so the ability to Destiny Bond and remove them is great to further a sweep. Hazard setters greatly help Carvanha sweep. A layer of Spikes and Stealth Rock is enough to turn some 2hkoes into OHKOes, and allow Carvanha to 2hko Pokemon that it normally is countered by, such as Spritzee. Pokemon such as Dwebble or Ferroseed can almost always guarantee Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, and are useful for this role. Slow Baton Passers also are excellent teammates, with Carvanha intended as a potential receiver. Pokemon such as Mienfoo or Aipom can pass Attack Boosts to Carvanha, while also stomaching one or two hits. Once Carvanha gets a boost or two, it can easily sweep through teams. If Carvanha is used as a Baton Pass receiver, then it should carry a sweeping set, usually with Waterfall, Crunch, Aqua Jet, and either Zen Headbutt or Protect.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
########
Thief is a decent alternative to Crunch as it allows Carvanha to be a one-time Knock Off absorber. However, this severely cuts down on its power. A stallbreaking set of Substitute / Destiny Bond / Thief with defensive EVs and a Berry Juice can be effective as well. An Eviolite set can also work as Carvanha is able to live some priority, allowing it to lure in Pokemon such as Timburr and Croagunk. However, the lack of power is noticeable, being unable to 2hko Timburr without prior damage or some form of entry hazards. A mixed attacking set of Hydro Pump and Ice Beam can be used to lure in Mienfoo and other normal checks by KOing them with 2 Life Orb-boosted Hydro Pumps. It also hits Timburr and Snubbull harder than any of its other moves. Poison Fang can be used to lure in Cottonee but the slot for it is generally hard to find, especially since Cottonee is free switch in bait for many of Carvanha's teammates.
Checks & Counters
########
**Timburr**: Timburr can switch in to any of Carvanha's moves and reply with a Mach Punch. However, it has to be careful of switching in more than once, as Zen Headbutt is a 2hko, so if predicted wrong Timburr can lose. Mienfoo is similar to Timburr in that it can switch in on some moves, however it risks being 2hkoed by some sets, especially if it runs minimal bulk.
**Croagunk**: Croagunk fears nothing but Zen Headbutt, being immune to Waterfall and resisting Crunch. It also carries its own priority in Vaccuum Wave, meaning that it can OHKO Carvanha.
**Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types such as Spritzee and Snubbull are generally good checks to Carvanha. Spritzee has good all around bulk and can OHKO Carvanha with Moonblast, while healing up with Wish. Snubbull can put Carvanha at -1 Atk, allowing it to freely switch in with psuedo-enhanced bulk. It also OHKOes with Play Rough. Cottonee can resist both STABs and hit the switch in with a status move or with a Giga Drain / Dazzling Gleam.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Chespin, Foongus, and Ferroseed all safely beat Carvanha. With proper Knock Off support, Foongus fears a OHKO from Zen Headbutt, but otherwise is free to pivot in and out of the match and put Pokemon to sleep with Spore or outright OHKO with Giga Drain. Ferroseed and Chespin are bulky enough that they can set up hazards on Carvanha.
**Sturdy**: Pokemon that cannot be killed in one hit can threaten Carvanha, due to its minimal bulk. While not having Sturdy, Sash Abra functions in the same way meaning that it can be a good check to Carvanha unless a lucky Waterfall flinch happens along.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Vullaby, Lileep, and Porygon all make good checks due to their bulk. However, they can be lured in and lose to Destiny Bond or other stallbreaking sets. Lileep especially has nothing to fear due to it being immune to Water-type moves and having massive Defense.
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