[OVERVIEW]
Froslass is one of RU's premier Spikers due to its high Speed and access to many support moves, which include Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, Destiny Bond, and Thunder Wave. Its typing allows it to beat most entry hazard removers such as Gligar and Dhelmise one-on-one. It has a situationally good ability in Cursed Body, which can disable a foe's move for several turns. Froslass also has a decent offensive movepool, but this is undermined by its poor offensive stats. It is fairly one-dimensional with the exception of slight variations of its moveset outside of Spikes and Taunt, especially as it usually functions as a dedicated lead on offensively oriented teams. Unfortunately, Froslass has a bit of four-moveslot syndrome due to the numerous status moves it has access to and two of the necessary moveslots being taken by Spikes and Taunt. It is very frail and has multiple weaknesses to common types in Fire, Rock, Ghost, Dark, and Steel. Additionally, its subpar bulk means that it cannot take too much of a beating unless it has crippled the foe with Will-O-Wisp.
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Icy Wind / Ice Beam
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Destiny Bond / Thunder Wave
item: Focus Sash
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is mandatory on Froslass, as its main role as a lead is to set up layers of Spikes in order to wear down foes for its teammates. Taunt prevents the opposing lead's usage of entry hazards and status moves. Icy Wind 2HKOes most Aerodactyl leads, as Froslass will be able to move first on the second turn due to the Speed drop, and is generally useful for its utility, whereas Ice Beam is a more powerful alternative. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers, Destiny Bond takes down the opposing Pokemon and is easy to set up with Taunt unless Froslass is slower, and Thunder Wave cripples any fast, offensive foes.
Set Details
========
Focus Sash is mandatory to at least get one layer of Spikes up unless Froslass is hit by Taunt. Cursed Body is the preferred ability because it is more useful than Snow Cloak due to how uncommon hail is. A Timid nature and maximum Special Attack and Speed investment allow Froslass to outspeed a large portion of the unboosted metagame thanks to its base 110 Speed. An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe along with Will-O-Wisp is viable for more survivability and possibly more layers of Spikes, but Froslass needs the Special Attack investment in order to land KOs, and its bulk is so mediocre that investing in it is usually pointless anyway.
Usage Tips
========
Froslass should usually be played as a dedicated lead and try to set up as many layers of Spikes as possible while potentially crippling the foe with status or taking out at least one foe with Destiny Bond. Taunt should be used to prevent entry hazards from going up and status moves from being used. Froslass's only attack should be used on relevant targets, such as Ice-weak Pokemon and faster Taunt users like Aerodactyl. Once Focus Sash is consumed, Froslass can be saved for fodder later on, as its main role is to set up Spikes and prevent entry hazards from going up. It can be difficult to decide whether to use Taunt or simply set up Spikes against slower Stealth Rock users like Bronzong, as they can either set up Stealth Rock or simply attack and bring Froslass to its Focus Sash while Froslass wastes its turn with Taunt. Taunt is usually the safer play if entry hazards are detrimental to your team, but if not, then setting up as many layers of Spikes as possible is a perfectly reasonable play. Additionally, using Taunt against foes like Bronzong forces them to attack or switch out, meaning that Destiny Bond is a guaranteed KO unless they switch out. Thunder Wave can sometimes be more useful than a layer of Spikes if Froslass manages to hit a fast threat on the opponent's team. Similarly, Will-O-Wisp can be useful to cripple a physical attacker that leads against Froslass.
Team Options
========
Because Froslass is usually a dedicated suicide lead, it doesn't require any specific teammates; rather, it supports its team by laying Spikes and potentially crippling the foe with status or taking something out with Destiny Bond. Late-game cleaners like Moxie Choice Scarf Heracross appreciate Spikes damage racking up on its foes, as it gains more KOs when the opposing team has been whittled down repeatedly. Powerful attackers that force switches often such as Pangoro, Honchkrow, Kommo-o, Swellow, and Shaymin all appreciate Spikes and crippled opposing sweepers, as they can then break through the opponent's team more easily. Additional Ghost-types that can help spinblock such as Dhelmise and Doublade can aid in keeping the layers of Spikes that Froslass puts up on the field. Stealth Rock users such as Nidoqueen, Aerodactyl, and Diancie are all useful teammates to stack entry hazards.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Froslass has access to a few coverage moves, including Thunderbolt, which hits Mantine, Shadow Ball, which hits Espeon, and Hidden Power Fire to smack Escavalier. Unfortunately, Froslass's pitiful base 80 Special Attack leaves it unable to do much damage without a boosting item. Pain Split can be used to restore some of Froslass's HP, but it is rather situational and inferior to any of its listed options. Toxic can be used to cripple bulky switch-ins, but most opponents will opt for a lead that can either KO Froslass outright or prevent it from setting up Spikes. Avalanche can be used in place of Icy Wind to guarantee the Destiny Bond KO on slower attackers that don't switch out, but it is a rather gimmicky option and is usually inferior to the utility of Icy Wind.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Magic Bounce**: Espeon is fairly annoying for Froslass, as it prevents Froslass from using non-attacking moves, including Spikes and Taunt. It is usually KOed by the combination of Icy Wind and Shadow Ball, but using Shadow Ball also gives up a secondary status move and is mostly a subpar option anyway. Xatu is a less common sight and takes a lot of damage from Icy Wind and Ice Beam, but it can still reflect Spikes onto Froslass's side of the field.
**Gigalith**: Gigalith can KO Froslass in one turn with either multiple hits of Rock Blast or Stone Edge plus residual sandstorm damage. However, it does have to watch out for Destiny Bond and Will-O-Wisp.
**Faster Attackers**: Faster attackers such as Jolteon, Salazzle, Sneasel, Swellow, Aerodactyl, and various Choice Scarf users can limit the amount of layers of Spikes Froslass can put up. Salazzle and Aerodactyl receive special mention for their access to Taunt. Swellow and Aerodactyl must be cautious of being 2HKOed by Icy Wind, however.
**Priority**: Doublade can 2HKO Froslass with Shadow Sneak and limit its layers of Spikes to one, but it must watch out for Will-O-Wisp and the rare Shadow Ball. Sucker Punch from Zoroark and Honchkrow, Aqua Jet from Bruxish, and Triage Draining Kiss from Comfey can all get rid of Froslass before it has the chance to do much. However, Froslass can play mind games by setting up Spikes or using a status move to avoid Sucker Punch.
**Rapid Spin and Defog**: Froslass's main role is to set up layers of Spikes. While spinners cannot spin away Spikes when Froslass is on the field, they can easily spin once Froslass is eliminated unless its team has a secondary spinblocker. Although Taunt prevents the use of Defog, Defoggers can otherwise get rid of Froslass's Spikes as well, and some, like Mantine, can take on Froslass lacking Toxic with ease.
Froslass is one of RU's premier Spikers due to its high Speed and access to many support moves, which include Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, Destiny Bond, and Thunder Wave. Its typing allows it to beat most entry hazard removers such as Gligar and Dhelmise one-on-one. It has a situationally good ability in Cursed Body, which can disable a foe's move for several turns. Froslass also has a decent offensive movepool, but this is undermined by its poor offensive stats. It is fairly one-dimensional with the exception of slight variations of its moveset outside of Spikes and Taunt, especially as it usually functions as a dedicated lead on offensively oriented teams. Unfortunately, Froslass has a bit of four-moveslot syndrome due to the numerous status moves it has access to and two of the necessary moveslots being taken by Spikes and Taunt. It is very frail and has multiple weaknesses to common types in Fire, Rock, Ghost, Dark, and Steel. Additionally, its subpar bulk means that it cannot take too much of a beating unless it has crippled the foe with Will-O-Wisp.
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Icy Wind / Ice Beam
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Destiny Bond / Thunder Wave
item: Focus Sash
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is mandatory on Froslass, as its main role as a lead is to set up layers of Spikes in order to wear down foes for its teammates. Taunt prevents the opposing lead's usage of entry hazards and status moves. Icy Wind 2HKOes most Aerodactyl leads, as Froslass will be able to move first on the second turn due to the Speed drop, and is generally useful for its utility, whereas Ice Beam is a more powerful alternative. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers, Destiny Bond takes down the opposing Pokemon and is easy to set up with Taunt unless Froslass is slower, and Thunder Wave cripples any fast, offensive foes.
Set Details
========
Focus Sash is mandatory to at least get one layer of Spikes up unless Froslass is hit by Taunt. Cursed Body is the preferred ability because it is more useful than Snow Cloak due to how uncommon hail is. A Timid nature and maximum Special Attack and Speed investment allow Froslass to outspeed a large portion of the unboosted metagame thanks to its base 110 Speed. An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe along with Will-O-Wisp is viable for more survivability and possibly more layers of Spikes, but Froslass needs the Special Attack investment in order to land KOs, and its bulk is so mediocre that investing in it is usually pointless anyway.
Usage Tips
========
Froslass should usually be played as a dedicated lead and try to set up as many layers of Spikes as possible while potentially crippling the foe with status or taking out at least one foe with Destiny Bond. Taunt should be used to prevent entry hazards from going up and status moves from being used. Froslass's only attack should be used on relevant targets, such as Ice-weak Pokemon and faster Taunt users like Aerodactyl. Once Focus Sash is consumed, Froslass can be saved for fodder later on, as its main role is to set up Spikes and prevent entry hazards from going up. It can be difficult to decide whether to use Taunt or simply set up Spikes against slower Stealth Rock users like Bronzong, as they can either set up Stealth Rock or simply attack and bring Froslass to its Focus Sash while Froslass wastes its turn with Taunt. Taunt is usually the safer play if entry hazards are detrimental to your team, but if not, then setting up as many layers of Spikes as possible is a perfectly reasonable play. Additionally, using Taunt against foes like Bronzong forces them to attack or switch out, meaning that Destiny Bond is a guaranteed KO unless they switch out. Thunder Wave can sometimes be more useful than a layer of Spikes if Froslass manages to hit a fast threat on the opponent's team. Similarly, Will-O-Wisp can be useful to cripple a physical attacker that leads against Froslass.
Team Options
========
Because Froslass is usually a dedicated suicide lead, it doesn't require any specific teammates; rather, it supports its team by laying Spikes and potentially crippling the foe with status or taking something out with Destiny Bond. Late-game cleaners like Moxie Choice Scarf Heracross appreciate Spikes damage racking up on its foes, as it gains more KOs when the opposing team has been whittled down repeatedly. Powerful attackers that force switches often such as Pangoro, Honchkrow, Kommo-o, Swellow, and Shaymin all appreciate Spikes and crippled opposing sweepers, as they can then break through the opponent's team more easily. Additional Ghost-types that can help spinblock such as Dhelmise and Doublade can aid in keeping the layers of Spikes that Froslass puts up on the field. Stealth Rock users such as Nidoqueen, Aerodactyl, and Diancie are all useful teammates to stack entry hazards.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Froslass has access to a few coverage moves, including Thunderbolt, which hits Mantine, Shadow Ball, which hits Espeon, and Hidden Power Fire to smack Escavalier. Unfortunately, Froslass's pitiful base 80 Special Attack leaves it unable to do much damage without a boosting item. Pain Split can be used to restore some of Froslass's HP, but it is rather situational and inferior to any of its listed options. Toxic can be used to cripple bulky switch-ins, but most opponents will opt for a lead that can either KO Froslass outright or prevent it from setting up Spikes. Avalanche can be used in place of Icy Wind to guarantee the Destiny Bond KO on slower attackers that don't switch out, but it is a rather gimmicky option and is usually inferior to the utility of Icy Wind.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Magic Bounce**: Espeon is fairly annoying for Froslass, as it prevents Froslass from using non-attacking moves, including Spikes and Taunt. It is usually KOed by the combination of Icy Wind and Shadow Ball, but using Shadow Ball also gives up a secondary status move and is mostly a subpar option anyway. Xatu is a less common sight and takes a lot of damage from Icy Wind and Ice Beam, but it can still reflect Spikes onto Froslass's side of the field.
**Gigalith**: Gigalith can KO Froslass in one turn with either multiple hits of Rock Blast or Stone Edge plus residual sandstorm damage. However, it does have to watch out for Destiny Bond and Will-O-Wisp.
**Faster Attackers**: Faster attackers such as Jolteon, Salazzle, Sneasel, Swellow, Aerodactyl, and various Choice Scarf users can limit the amount of layers of Spikes Froslass can put up. Salazzle and Aerodactyl receive special mention for their access to Taunt. Swellow and Aerodactyl must be cautious of being 2HKOed by Icy Wind, however.
**Priority**: Doublade can 2HKO Froslass with Shadow Sneak and limit its layers of Spikes to one, but it must watch out for Will-O-Wisp and the rare Shadow Ball. Sucker Punch from Zoroark and Honchkrow, Aqua Jet from Bruxish, and Triage Draining Kiss from Comfey can all get rid of Froslass before it has the chance to do much. However, Froslass can play mind games by setting up Spikes or using a status move to avoid Sucker Punch.
**Rapid Spin and Defog**: Froslass's main role is to set up layers of Spikes. While spinners cannot spin away Spikes when Froslass is on the field, they can easily spin once Froslass is eliminated unless its team has a secondary spinblocker. Although Taunt prevents the use of Defog, Defoggers can otherwise get rid of Froslass's Spikes as well, and some, like Mantine, can take on Froslass lacking Toxic with ease.
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