Little Cup Metagame Development

Counter should be mentioned in Other Options for Abra.

Almost all Murkrow are Physical from what I have seen.
Will comment on analysis tomorrow

Next, the MOST VICTORIOUS PLANTMONSTER

Tangela

Set 1: Storm-And-Run
- Leaf Storm
- Energy Ball
- Wring Out
- Hidden Power Fire
Item: Choice Specs
Nature: Modest/Timid
EVs: 76 HP/196 SpA/196 Spe

Comments:
Tangela can hit incredibly hard with 28/30 SpA and a STAB Leaf Storm. Wring Out hits Flyings that resist the Leaf Storm, Energy Ball provides reliable STAB, and HP Fire hits Steels. Abuse its ridiculous physical bulk to come in as often as possible and fire incredibly powerful attacks. A Choice Scarf COULD be used with this set, but isn't recommended.

Set 2: SubSeed
- Leech Seed
- Substitute
- Giga Drain
- Amnesia
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Lonely
EVs: 236 HP/236 Def/36 SpD

Comments:
This thing is pretty mean. It subseeds like a champ, forcing lots of switches (great with SR support), and taking hits like nobody's business. After an Amnesia, it's got ridiculous 26/22/22 defenses, which provides for absolutely absurd amounts of tanking when combined with Lefties, Leech Seed, and Giga Drain. Substitute is there for the standard SubSeed combination, but it's really superfluous.

Set 3: Sungela
- Sunny Day
- Solarbeam
- Hidden Power Fire
- Wring Out
Item: Life Orb/Hot Rock
Ability: Chlorophyll
Nature: Modest
EVs: 76 HP/196 SpA/196 Spe

Comments:
Tangrowth is absurd in Sun. It hits 30 Speed, outspeeding even max Speed Scarf Abra. Its 22 Special Attack with STAB Solarbeam hits damn hard. Wring Out and a boosted Hidden Power Fire cover what Solarbeam doesn't hit. Life Orb is for more damage, but Hot Rock is good if you intend to use the Sunny Day for others on your team.

Other Options:
A Swords Dance set is marginally usable with Power Whip, but the lack of anywhere near a decent physical movepool. Endure-Flail can be used with the Swords Dance set as well. Ancientpower is usable against Flying-types if you're a gambler. Knock Off can remove a troublesome item.

EVs:
Just match the EVs with the set. Defensive sets get defensive EVs (HP, Def, SpD), and offensive sets get Special Attack and Speed.

Opinion:
This plantmonster can provide some massive threats in Little Cup with amazing physical defense allowing it to SubSeed, and excellent Special Attack posing a huge threat on the offensive side. However, its less-than-stellar Special Defense is the only flaw in an otherwise absurdly good sweeper.

Counters:
Anything that hits hard with either Fire or Ice-type special attacks will make short work of Tangela. For the SubSeed set, Tentacool can come in and damage it with Liquid Ooze, take mediocre damage due to its amazing Special Defense, and ruin it with poison-type attacks. Snover counters the Chlorophyll set by coming in, resisting the Solarbeam (as well as nullifying the chargeless Solarbeam) and destroys it with Blizzard.

SDS, I see you beat me to Abra, but I've been working on it for a while, and I came up with two more sets. They're a bit on the gimmicky side, but here they are.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power [Fighting]
item: Life Orb
ability: Synchronize
nature: Timid
evs: 240 SpA/200 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Abra tends to force switches on many things, so while they switch, Calm Mind up and procede to sweep their entire team.

[SET]
name: lol wut?
move 1: Ice Punch
move 2: Thunderpunch
move 3: Focus Punch/Fire Punch
move 4: Psychic
item: Choice Band
ability: Synchronize
nature: Lonely
evs: 196 Atk/76 SpA/196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This is potentially the single most stupidest thing you could do, or that's what people you are playing against will think. After the surprise of a physical set is gone, they think they can switch in anything fairly safely, but that's what they think now, isn't it? This is all about prediction mind you, because you must be able to predict what they are switching in for this to be effective. Here are some calcs:

Focus Punch vs Aron: 166.67-200%
Fire Punch vs Bronzor: 60-72%
Ice Punch vs Diglett: 141.18-164.71%
Ice Punch vs Dratini: 100-120%
Psychic vs Gastly: 190-225%
Focus Punch vs Houndour: 186.36-218.18%
Psychic vs Machop: 145.83-170.83%
Focus Punch vs Munchlax: 103.03-121.21%
Ice Punch/Thunderpunch vs Taillow: 114.29-133.33%

Obviosuly, off of the highest Special Attack in Little Cup, Psychic will still be your best attack, but these physical attacks can score qute a few surprising hits and potentially get some KOs.

Psychic ohkos diglett, dratini, and taillow anyway though. I think the CB set is way too gimicky especially since you need monster prediction and it just fails in comparison of specs.

*Sad face*

I know, I just really wanted to do a physical set for some reason. Tribute to Adv 'Zam maybe?

For Bronzor, don't even use the first set listed, you'll get screwed over by any taunt starter and lose your ability to actually hit stuff.

It DOES get Gyro Ball via TM too.

I actually changed the hell out of the first set, but for whatever reason, it ate my post. Whatever, I'll re-update the Bronzor analysis.

For whatever reason, I didn't think Gyro Ball hit based on percentages, but just on floored speed difference, so GB is a lot better than I thought, which is why it's replacing Toxic in all instances.

Earthquake should also be mentioned on Bronzor and not just as an extra option as it can kill Ponyta, Growlithe, among other fire types. It actually gives pretty good coverage with Gyro Ball, and everyone who I have played who used bronzor had earthquake on it.

Bronzor and Gligar have been updated once again. Earthquake gets a mention in Other Options because Gyro Ball usually gives more utility, but if there's enough support I might move it to the main set as an alternative to Gyro Ball.

Recycle has officially been moved from Other Options to a part of the main set, as it gives Bronzor a semi-reliable form of healing.

Gligar has had Choice and Baton Pass sets added, and the SD set has been updated to include a possible Rock Polish set as well.

[SET]
name: Quick Feet sweep
move 1: Facade
move 2: Protect
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Crunch
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Quick Feet
nature: Jolly
evs: 116 Hp/ 196 Atk/ 196 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set makes a fantastic sweeper in Little Cup. It has unresisted type coverage along with great attack and speed. Protect is there to initially activate the toxic orb, but also is a good way to scout out for priority moves, such as Mach punch and Vacuum Wave. Jolly is preferred to Adamant to maximise the boost from Quick Feet.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Return
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Band
ability: Quick Feet
nature: Adamant
evs: 116 Hp/ 196 Atk/ 196 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is a powerhouse, fantastic offensive coverage backed up by strong attack. Adamant is the preferred nature in this case as the sets primary focus is pure power, rather than speed.</p>

[SET]
name: Sub Bulk Up
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Bulk Up
move 3: Brick Break/ Return
move 4: Crunch
item: Oran Berry/ Shed Shell
ability: Quick Feet
nature: Adamant
evs: 196 Hp/ 196 Atk/ 116 Def


[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A more defensive Teddiursa. After a Bulk Up this thing can take physical hits very well, as well as being able to deal out great damage. Oran berry only comes into effect if your opponent lowers your Hp, so it’s not optimal for this set. However it’s still a useful option. Brick Break and Night Slash is the more effective combination of attacks, but STAB Return is also a good option. </p>

[SET]
name: CounterSash
move 1: Return
move 2: Counter
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Crunch
item: Focus Sash
ability: Quick Feet
nature: Adamant
evs: 116 Hp/ 196 Atk/ 196 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

<p>More of a gimmick, as there are many other options that could achieve this set better. However can easily get surprise kills on opponents, and even after Sash has been used is still a good attacking threat. </p>
[Other Options]

<p>Swords Dance is the most notable option not listed here, it could be used on most of as a replacement for Close Combat on the Quick Feet set. It could also be used on the Sub BU set, but you’d have to add more offensive ev’s. SubPunch could work well, but Close Combat is generally a more reliable fighting move to use. </p>

[EVs]

<p>Maxing out Attack and Speed is the best option for the majority of sets to maximise the offensive potency of Teddiursa. However in the Sub Bulk Up set Hp is the priority as defensive capability is just as important as offensive to the strategy of the set.</p>

[Opinion]

<p>Teddiursa is a powerhouse of a sweeper. It has access to a fantastic array of attacks giving it very impressive offensive coverage, backed up by Quick Feet and a base attack of 80. Lack of priority attacks is something that hinders it’s sweeping potential.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Bronzor is the best counter to Teddiursa, as he can only be hit for neutral damage, and can OHKO the Quick Feet set with Gyro Ball after a Close Combat defence drop. ScarfGhastly can come in on any Normal/Fighting move and kill with STAB Sludge Bomb, as can the majority of scarfed ghosts. Diglett with Sucker Punch is a great way to revenge kill all but the Sub Bulk Up set.</p>

Tent, please post a complete analysis, that is just one set with comments.

I have updated the OP with an exiting new development, go there and look.

Registered on the forum. Will post my stuff in a bit.

Registered. Will post my analysis on Elekid there.

KinglerDude24 said:

Registered.

Click to expand...

Same... =o


It seems like a nice forum. Maybe ima gonna write an analysis soon but i am first checking out how LC actually works ._.

The Little Cup Forum is really taking off, please repost all Analysis and Guides you have written on this or the previous thread there.
We are working on several threat lists, a guide to team making and discussing various clauses and rules. There is a Post new interesting movesets thread, Tier discussion, RMT section and many other things.
If this thread seams inactive right now its because much of the activity has moved to the forum, but soon the improvements will start to show here with better Analysis, more Guides and a real Threat list.

Oh and one more thing KinglerDude24, Mr. Happy and Dixie (aka SkarmBlissCounter) are the new Moderators. Congrats!

I have registered for your LC Forum and will now be tearing it up with my awesomeness or w/e.

Stat--base min- min max max+
HP----95----N/A--26--29--N/A
Att----23----7-----8---12---13
Def---48----9-----11--14---15
Sp.A--23----7-----8---12---13
Sp.D--48----9----11---14--15
Spe---23----7-----8---12---13


[SET]
name: Wynaut
move 1: Counter
move 2: Mirror Coat
move 3: Encore
move 4: Charm/Safeguard
item: Oran Berry/Focus Sash
ability: Shadow Tag
nature: Bold
evs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 212 SDef


[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Wynaut's job is to trap Pokemon and encore them into support moves, such as Stealth Rock, allowing you to bring in a sweeper to set up for free. It is also used as a means to eliminate certain sweepers using Counter or Mirror Coat, this is especially effective on Choiced Pokemon. Safeguard is second choice behind Charm because the offensive style of Little Cup severely limits your opportunities to use Safeguard. Focus Sash is a very good way at stopping sweeping Pokemon, provided Stealth Rock isn't up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Destiny Bond is an option for Wynaut, it's a useful way of taking something very slow, for example Bronzor and Munchlax, down before you go, and could even be used in conjunction with Choice Scarf for a surprise kill. Tickle is another option, if you want to use the Tickle-Pursuit tactic, this is best used on defensive pokemon such as Bronzor who have weak means of attacking. Lum Berry can be used but the rarity of status in Little Cup makes it a bad option.</p>

[EVs]

<p> Maximising the defences, with 212 EVs apeice, gives all-round survivability and provides more durability than maximising its HP.</p>

[Opinion]

<p>The offensive style of the Little Cup metagame means that most teams won’t have a place for Wynaut. The abundance of Murkrow’s especially will probably keep Wynaut in BL. However with Choice Scarf being a fairly popular item Wynaut can easily revenge kill other Pokemon with Counter or Mirror Coat. </p>

[Counters]

<p>Strictly speaking, Wynaut is uncounterable as you can’t switch out against him. However nearly anything with STAB Pursuit can come in and kill Wynaut, Murkrow is a good option, as long as it is equipped with Choice Band and Wynaut is weakened, as Wynaut otherwise can survive a Pursuit and KO back with Counter. Murkrow can also utilise Taunt and render Wynaut useless and proceed to torment it with Pursuit. Misdreavus and Gastly are amongst the pokemon that can cripple it with Taunt also. Physical ghosts such as Shuppet and Duskull can easily kill Wynaut, being immune to counter. Houndour can also do a similar job with Dark Pulse, making use of its immunity to Mirror Coat. Finally, Diglett also deserves a mention, it can come in, trap and then proceed to kill with Earthquake or Sucker Punch if it is weakened.</p>

<p>Wynaut will have problems coming in on most decently powered sweepers, so keep throwing out attacks and it will not be able to do you much harm.</p>

Final Version



Zigzagoon Little Cup Analysis


[SET]
name: Belly Drum
move 1: Belly Drum
move 2: Return
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Surf / Rock Smash / Dig
item: Salac Berry
ability: Gluttony
nature: Jolly
evs: 196 Atk / 116 SAtk / 196 Spe
ivs:

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Zigzagoon has the potential to tear up the Little Cup Metagame with a combination of Belly Drum and a powerful STAB move. The idea is to get in a Belly Drum on an opponent that is incapable of dealing much damage to Zigzagoon and then to fire off Return at opponents, using the other two moves if needed.</p>

<p>After a Belly Drum, Pursuit will OHKO any Ghost-type pokemon trying to flaunt their immunity to Normal-type moves and the last slot is up to preference. Surf is the desired move, guaranteeing an OHKO on the trio of Rhyhorn, Geodude and Onix with the EVs shown assuming maximum HP and no investment in Special Defense. However, against both Aron and Shieldon, Surf is not guaranteed to 2HKO, accounting for the likely Oran Berry and if sandstorm is in effect, all of the mentioned pokemon will take 1.5x less damage due to their part-Rock typing. Rock Smash on the other hand will dispose of both Aron and Shieldon in one blow but the Rock and Ground type trio will live through a boosted hit. Dig is the last option and is a compromise between Surf and Rock Smash and has a chance of an OHKO on Onix, Geodude and Rhyhorn but gives the opponent the chance to switch out to a pokemon that is immune to it. Furthermore, all five of the aforementioned pokemon are likely to use Earthquake on Zigzagoon and thus kill it whilst it is underground.</p>

<p>Do not be tempted to use Life Orb, Silk Scarf or any other attack-boosting item on Zigzagoon. In the case of the former, the recoil means that Zigzagoon has reduced ability to sweep a team and as for other items, the increase in power isn't worth the trade for speed. A Speed stat of 16 is hardly fast in the Little Cup environment and allows Zigzagoon to be revenge-killed with ease.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Return / Double-Edge / ExtremeSpeed
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Iron Tail / Rock Smash
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
ability: Gluttony
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe
ivs:

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A simple Choice Scarf or Choice Band set, use an Adamant nature if you are planning to use ExtremeSpeed or Choice Scarf, otherwise stick to Jolly. For the main, you will attack with Return or Double-Edge depending on your preference of power to recoil damage. Pursuit, again, hits Ghost-types and Iron Tail is your most powerful non-STAB move and hits Rock-types hard whereas Rock Smash hits Steel-types harder and is more accurate. Trick is the final weapon in your arsenal, with the ability to cripple a pokemon and allow one of your own pokemon to take advantage and set up. Be careful however, of tricking Choice Band or Choice Scarf onto a Rhyhorn or another powerful attacker.</p>

[OTHER OPTIONS]
<p>ExtremeSpeed is illegal with Belly Drum unless you wish to play Level 100 Little Cup. Zigzagoon's physical movepool is rather lacking. Subsitute can be used on the Belly Drum set to block status and perhaps buy time for a Belly Drum but is largely redundant seeing as Zigzagoon gets Gluttony as a trait, meaning that the Salac Berry boost activates at half of its HP. Facade and Body Slam are alternative STAB moves with certain advantages but it is best to mostly stick to ExtremeSpeed or Return. Charm and Tickle are both good support moves, but Zigzagoon does not have the defences to take full advantage of them. It is worth noting that Zigzagoon can boost its Special Attack with Charge Beam and can sport Ice Beam and Shadow Ball beside it, but with no special STAB move, it is worth avoiding such a special-based set.</p>

[EVS]
<p>Always maximise Attack and Speed, with 196 EVs achieving this effect for both stats. Dump the leftovers into Special Attack, if you are using Surf. Always ensure that Zizagoon's HP is an even number for the Belly Drum set, so that Gluttony activates after one Belly Drum</p>

[OPINION]
<p>Zigzagoon is a potent attacker with the ability to tear through teams after just one turn of set up. However, in the fast and offensively orientated Little Cup metagame, Zigzagoon will find it hard to find the opportunity to get in a Belly Drum, especially with the lack of resistances and immunities that come with being a Normal-type. This, combined with a mere 30 base Attack and a poor physical movepool, prevent Zigzagoon from becoming a top-tier threat.</p>

[COUNTERS]
<p> Bronzor is the most reliable counter, resisting Return and being neutral to everything else Zigzagoon can muster. Bulky pokemon such as Tangela can live through a boosted Return, provided EV investment in defense, and KO it back. Depending on the moveset, Onix, Rhyhorn, Geodude, Aron and Shieldon can all counter the Belly Drum set and with prediction can counter the Choice set. Zigzagoon is vulnerable to being revenge-killed by pokemon with Choice Scarf, for example Gastly, Elekid, Diglett and Murkrow, with just half its life.</p>

<p>Not much can live through a boosted Return but provided each pokemon on your team has a means of inflicting a good amount of damage, Zigzagoon will find it very hard to find the time to Belly Drum</p>

Right our first two Analysis from the Forum are ready, I think see a definite improvement.

If ether of you make any further adjustments to your analysis make sure to change both the one here and the one on the forum.
If anyone wants to suggest improvements to these analysis they can be found in the Completed Analysis Subforum.

Updating OP.
Edit: Done.

On Bronzor, I don't think Recycle works on Shoddybattle right now (may've been fixed in the time I've first heard about it, though. Not sure.), so you've got a free moveslot for EQ anyhow. Fire types attempting to come in get hard, as KD said.

Final Version



Staryu Little Cup Analysis


[SET]
name: Late Game Sweeper
move 1: Surf
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power [Grass]
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 200 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs: 30 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Reaching a speed stat of 19 and possessing fantastic type coverage, Staryu is one of the major threats in the Little Cup metagame. Surf is Staryu's most powerful attack, factoring STAB, and hurts the majority of things that do not resist it. Thunderbolt and Ice Beam provide excellent coverage in tandem with Surf, and for the last slot, Hidden Power [Grass] is Staryu's best chance of getting past Chinchou.</p>

<p>It is possible to run a Choice Specs or Choice Scarf set with the same moves listed, but Staryu's strength lies in its versatility to change moves and ability to often hit opponents with Super Effective attacks. With that said, Staryu will hit 28 speed with Choice Scarf allowing it to tango with the fastest purveyors of the item and can make a fine revenge-killer with its great movepool.</p>

[SET]
name: SubPetaya Sweep
move 1: Surf
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Substitute
item: Petaya Berry
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 36 HP / 196 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs:

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set, is deceptively similar to the first but is played in a different manner. Substitute has its merits in that it eases prediction troubles and can help Staryu avoid being revenge-killed by the ever common Sucker Punch. Used in conjunction with the Petaya Berry, Staryu can sweep once activating the berry, hitting harder than the Life Orb set. With these EVs, the Petaya Berry activates after 3 uses of the Substitute, which gives Staryu a chance against unboosted Ice Shards and Bullet Punches.</p>

[OTHER OPTIONS]
<p>Other Special moves of note that Staryu learns include Thunder and Blizzard, should you want to forgo accuracy for power. In addition, it learns Psychic but does not gain STAB on it nor does it enhance Staryu's type coverage significantly. Staryu can also play a supporting role with Light Screen and Reflect. It can also utilize Rest with Natural Cure. However, these moves -- useful as they are -- do not take advantage of Staryu's speed nor wide type coverage and so it is best to avoid them.</p>

<p>It is worth noting that at Level 5, Staryu cannot learn Rapid Spin, Recover, Power Gem, Cosmic Power or Hydro Pump.</p>

[EVS]
<p>200 SpA EVs maxes out Staryu's Special Attack, taking into account the 30 SpA IV if using Hidden Power [Grass]. 236 Spe EVs max out Staryu's Speed and with a Timid nature, it reaches 19 speed which is faster than all but the fastest pokemon in Little Cup and Choice Scarfers. 36 HP EVs are important if using Substitute since it gives a HP stat of 20, which is divisible by 4 and so the Petaya Berry will activate at 25% of HP although you are restricted to 3 uses of the move. However, if you are using the Life Orb set, do not invest into HP as this minimises the damage taken from Life Orb recoil.</p>

[OPINION]
<p>Staryu is a menace to many teams, particularly because of its incredible type coverage, resulting in the majority of pokemon fearing at least one of its moves. To add insult to injury, Staryu is very difficult to revenge kill, boasting 85 base speed to make it one of the fastest in the metagame and resisting common priority moves such as Bullet Punch and Ice Shard. It is a pokemon that should very much be in your mind when making a Little Cup team.</p>

[COUNTERS]
<p> Chinchou is one of the best Staryu counters resisting its STAB move, as well as Ice Beam and healing 25% through Volt Absorb should it switch into Thunderbolt. Hidden Power [Grass] is a mere 3HKO with Oran Berry whilst Thunderbolt is a surefire OHKO from Chinchou. Munchlax also works well if you avoid Surf. Even so, it takes 3 of Staryu's Surfs, even 4 with help from an Oran Berry, to take Munchlax down. Snover is another fantastic counter, resisting all of Staryu's common moves bar Ice Beam and retaliating with a STAB Grass move.</p>

<p> Aside from the aforementioned pokemon, very few other pokemon can be considered a "counter" to Staryu, a tribute to its incredible versatility in this environment. Your best chance should you not have any of these pokemon to stand up to Staryu would be to try and get in a faster sweeper on a move it resists and even so, should it pack Substitute, Staryu will prevail.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Waterfall/Aqua Jet
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Flail/Return
item: Liechi Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Kabuto is a stunning Pokémon in the Rain. Its decent Defense should allow it to survive an attack so that it can set up Rain Dance, even better if it brings its HP down to 5 or below so that the Liechi Berry activates, boosting its Attack to a massive 27 with a Speed stat of 30. Waterfall or Aqua Jet will be your main attack here. Kabuto will outspeed most foes while Rain Dance is in effect and Waterfall will KO the majority of Pokémon. Aqua Jet, on the other hand, has far less power than Waterfall, but it allows Kabuto to hit the very prominent revenge-killers in the Little Cup Metagame.</p>
<p>Rock Slide is a good back-up move for Waterfall/Aqua Jet, as it gets STAB and, as a general rule, hits Pokémon that resist Water decently. And because of Kabuto's Speed, there's a good chance that it will cause the foe to Flinch, as well. The last moveslot is filled with a move that hits the two Pokémon in Little Cup that resist the Water/Rock Attack-Type combo: Wooper and Croagunk. Flail can be helpful if Kabuto's health gets dangerously low, but Return deals more consistent, if slightly less, damage.</p>

[SET]
name: Defensive Support
move 1: Aqua Jet
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Confuse Ray
item: Oran Berry
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Impish
evs: 196 HP / 196 Def

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With 22 HP and 19 Defense, Kabuto has some decent Physical walling potential. The most important types it resists are Normal and Flying, because they will typically be unleashed by a Pokémon with high Attack. However, it also resists Fire, Poison, and Ice. Of those three, Fire is the most important, as even the most powerful of Fire strikes is a 3HKO at best.</p>
<p>The chosen moves are there to help the team. Stealth Rock is always useful, as it ruins Pokémon with Focus Sash and weakens foes for the rest of the team. Confuse Ray is always annoying for the foe, and it works well with the Defensive mindset of Kabuto. Knock Off can prevent your foe from healing or soften blows from a Pokémon with a Choice Item. Aqua Jet may hit low-health foes for the KO.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Strike
move 1: Surf
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Giga Drain/Mud Shot/Wring Out/Ancientpower/Hidden Power [Dark/Bug/Electric]
move 4: Giga Drain/Mud Shot/Wring Out/Ancientpower/Hidden Power [Dark/Bug/Electric]
item: Choice Specs/Choice Scarf/Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest/Timid
evs: 36 HP / 236 Spe / 236 SpA ; 32 HP / 236 Spe / 240 SpA
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpD (if Hidden Power Bug); 30 SpA (if Hidden Power Electric

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although Kabuto's Special Attack is quite mediocre, its Special Movepool is fantastic. Surf and Ice Beam will be the main attacks for this set, as they nail most Pokémon that are likely to switch in to the shellfish. The last two moves are up to decision. Giga Drain hurts Wooper and other water Pokémon badly as well as providing a form of recovery. Mud Shot damages Electric Pokémon (and Croagunk); Wring Out really hurts Pokémon with high health. Ancientpower provides STAB and gives a slight chance to boost all stats. Finally, Hidden Power can hit Pokémon that may wall you.</p>

[OTHER OPTIONS]
<p>Kabuto can use Rapid Spin if one is really paranoid about Spikes and Stealth Rock. A Power Herb-backed Dig can really hurt Electric Pokémon that think they can switch in safely. Substitute for a bit more potential durability.</p>

[EVS]
<p>The first set definitely wants maximum Attack and Speed, with the remaining Effort Values going into the Defensive Stats as one wants. The second set wants maximum HP and Defense, with the remainder going into Attack, Speed, or Special Defense. The Special Set absolutely needs its Speed and Special Attack to be filled. HP should be where the remainder is placed.</p>

[OPINION]
<p>An awesome helmet from ages past, Kabuto is far more than a one-trick Pokémon. The Rain Dance Sweeper set is the most effective, but the others can also assist one's team. And while it doesn't have quite the same movepool as its evolved form, Kabuto can function quite similarly.</p>

[COUNTERS]
<p>Wooper is the most surefire counter, as it takes Kabuto's STAB moves with ease and can put the hurt on it with an Earthquake. Croagunk can also function similarly by switching in on the STAB moves and nailing it with a Fighting move. Any Pokémon with a Special Grass or Electric move will also inflict critical damage on the shellfish. The most important thing to know when dealing with Kabuto is that Special attacks, barring Fire, will hurt it.</p>

That Kabuto analysis looks pretty good at first glance (3rd set has to many slashes, CB is viable a few other things), but please post it Here where we are working on the Analysis right now.

Announcement!

Tangela has been banned from normal LC play following discussion on the forum. If you want to discuss this move please do so Here.