[OVERVIEW]
- Frail due to its terrible defence stats and typing
- Can do very little until a Quiver Dance boost
- Even after that, it still lacks any real niché to sweep, being outclassed by the likes of Butterfree
- Only viability is in its decent 60/70/90 defensive stats
- Access to Iron Defense and Roost plus the Special Defense
- Amazing Compound Eyes ability, but horrible movepool makes no use of it
[SET]
name: Quiver Dance + Iron Defense Sweeper
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Iron Defense
move 3: Bug Buzz
move 4: Roost
item: Black Sludge
ability: Shield Dust
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 188 SpD / 68 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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- Quiver Dance is staple move, letting Dustox get a bit more out of its lackluster base stats
- +1 SpAtk, SpDef and Spe can OHKO to 2HKO many Pokémon weak to Dustox’s STABs, including Kadabra, Leafeon, Torterra and Jynx.
- Iron Defense allows Dustox to set up easily without being revengekilled, providing a much-needed bulk.
- Bug Buzz is the main STAB, hitting Psychic and Dark types hard.
- Roost for standard reliable recovery after setting up 2 Quiver Dances and an Iron Defense, giving Dustox an easier time to sweep.
Set Details
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- Full HP EV investment to get the best survivability for Dustox
- 188 Special Defense EV investment lets Dustox wall Special Attackers without much worry, provided Dustox manages to pull off 2 Quiver Dances
- 68 Speed EV investment allows Dustox to outspeed Pokemon such as Zebstrika, Floatzel, and QF Ursaring at +2 Speed
Usage Tips
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- Get up Quiver Dance twice and then Iron Defense, or alternate the boosts between turns should the opponent bring in a physical attacker
- Roost any damage sustained in the following turn
- The +2 SpAtk boost should suffice Bug Buzz 2HKOing anything that lacks SpDef investment or resisted typing.
- Dustox is not expected to wall too effectively without all its boosts up, so staying in for a free switch next turn may be more worth it than saving Dustox.
- A Dustox that has at least 2 Quiver Dances up is generally safe from non-scarf Psychics and Dark types, Bug Buzz OHKOing most of such special sweepers.
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- If Dustox can outspeed/survive attacks by Psychic types like Jynx or Kadabra, teammates like Poliwrath or Machoke checked by them will have an easier time switching in
- On the other hand, the Psychic types aforementioned also appreciate a check/wall for Mightyena or Pawniard.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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- Though an alternative is an offensive set with more coverage such as Giga Drain for Carracosta or Shadow Ball for Misdreavus, Dustox is usually outclassed in that department because of its frailty, and is outclassed by most special sweepers.
- Assault Vest is also not viable due to getting rid of Quiver Dance, Iron Defense and Roost, Dustox’s staples.
Checks and Counters
===================
- **Fire types**: Flareon, Heatmor, Rapidash and other Fire types generally have no issue with OHKOing even a +2 Defense and Special Defense Dustox.
- **Psychic types**: Especially their Scarf variations, Psychic types could easily 2HKO Dustox if both Special Defense boosts are not fully up.
- **Flying types**: Dustox is generally checked by Flying types like Articuno and Chatot.
- **Rock types**: Even with the Quiver Dance and Iron Defense boosts, Dustox cannot effectively wear down the likes of Barbaracle, Carracosta and Probopass.
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