[17:43:55] +Dracoyoshi8: "Flying-types imbue great terror in Budew" imo
[17:44:07] +H&MBerkeley: lol i like that
[17:44:19] +H&MBerkeley: i'm gonna put it in just to see if it gets taken out
[OVERVIEW]
Budew is an entirely unique entry hazard setter, as it the only Pokemon in Little Cup with access to both Natural Cure and an entry hazard. Natural Cure is a particularly great asset, as it allows Budew to make use of Rest for reliable recovery while also functioning as an effective status absorber. When combined with its nifty defensive typing—which offers it notable resistances to Fighting, Fairy, and Water—Budew's ability to absorb status ailments turns it into a particularly useful pivot.
Unfortunately, Budew faces heavy competition from other defensive Grass-types, such as Foongus and Chespin, with the former having better bulk and utility and the latter being a bulkier entry hazard setter. Budew is also quite weak, making it setup bait for a number of powerful setup sweepers, such as Timburr. It is also troubled by typical stallbreakers, such as Substitute Gastly and Gothita.
[SET]
name: Sweet Spiker
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Synthesis / Rest
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Giga Drain / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Eviolite
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Bold
evs: 36 HP / 236 Def / 36 Spa / 196 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Budew is all about utilizing Spikes to support its team, as it breaks Sturdy and Focus Sash and provides general residual damage. Synthesis is a good recovery option, as it does not put Budew to sleep, making it more consistent; however, it only recovers 50% of Budew's HP. Rest, on the other hand, recovers all of Budew's HP, but it forces Budew to switch out in order to activate Natural Cure and be ready to lay more Spikes. Sludge Bomb is Budew's main attacking option, as it has a good neutral coverage, provides super effective coverage on dangerous Fairy- and Grass-type Pokemon, and has a nifty 30% chance to poison the foe. Giga Drain is Budew's best option for a Grass-type STAB attack, and it also helps restore Budew's HP. However, Budew becomes complete setup bait for Steel-type Pokemon if it chooses to run Giga Drain. To remedy that unfortunate situation, Budew can run Hidden Power Fighting in the last slot, providing super effective coverage against dangerous setup sweepers such as Pawniard.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread and nature maximize Budew's bulk, allowing it to make good use of its ability and resistances to set up Spikes throughout the match. Note, however, that if Budew is running Hidden Power Fighting, the EV spread should be changed to 36 HP / 240 Def / 200 SpD to accommodate for the IV drops. Eviolite bolsters Budew's bulk even further, helping it make great use of its recovery options. Natural Cure is Budew's niche, allowing it to reliably absorb status ailments and utilize Rest.
Usage Tips
========
The goal of using Budew is to support teammates by laying Spikes. This is best done against foes that do not threaten Budew, such as defensive Pokemon and Pokemon against which Budew has a good type matchup. In general, Budew thrives against defensive teams, as it does not fear status conditions or residual damage too much. You should switch Budew in on status inducers such as Pumpkaboo in order to heal up and lay Spikes. Lastly, Budew's typing and ability let it perform well as a pivot, especially against Water-types such as Chinchou.
Team Options
========
Budew appreciates answers to Psychic- and Fire-type Pokemon, so a teammate such as Slowpoke or Flash Fire Houndour is an excellent choice. Budew also enjoys being part of a Fire / Water / Grass core, and the two Pokemon just mentioned happen to form one with Budew. Flying-types imbue great terror in Budew as well, so an Electric- or Rock-type teammate such as Tirtouga or Shinx can make for a great partner. Pokemon that deter or prevent entry hazard removal, such as Pawniard and Frillish, do a good job of keeping Budew's Spikes up. In general, setup sweepers enjoy Budew's Spikes support, as it can facilitate a sweep by removing Sturdy and Focus Sash.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Sleep Powder is an interesting option, as it allows Budew to put a foe to sleep and proceed to set up Spikes. Extrasensory and Hidden Power Fire are both alternative options for coverage moves, as Extrasensory hits Fighting- and Poison-types, whereas Hidden Power Fire hits Ferroseed particularly hard. As opposed to the suggested entry hazard setting set, Budew can opt to run an offensive set. This set would consist of Leaf Storm / Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Fighting / Rest with an EV spread of 160 Def / 120 SpA / 40 SpD / 160 Spe, Eviolite, and a Modest nature.
Checks & Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Flying-type Pokemon such as Archen and Vullaby can threaten Budew with super effective STAB attacks, and they often carry Defog, which removes Budew's Spikes. Vullaby is particularly threatening, as it is also immune to Sleep Powder.
**Taunt users**: Taunt users such as Stunky and Mienfoo can stop Budew from setting Spikes or using its recovery moves.
**Psychic-types**: Gothita can trap and eliminate Budew, while other Psychic-types threaten Budew with their powerful STAB attacks.
**Steel-types**: Ferroseed and Pawniard wall Budew if it lacks Hidden Power Fighting or Hidden Power Fire. Ferroseed can lay entry hazards alongside Budew or Knock Off its Eviolite, and Pawniard can Knock Off Budew's Eviolite and set up with Swords Dance.
**Fire-types**: Pokemon such as Ponyta and Larvesta don't mind Budew's Sludge Bomb too much, and they threaten it with strong super effective STAB attacks.
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