Crustle [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

I'm taking over from Jubilee, who wrote the Skeleton for this analysis.

[Overview]

<p>Crustle is a crooked looking Pokemon, but don't let its looks deceive you. It's Its base Defense is one of the highest in the RU tier, and paired with Stealth Rock and Spikes, Crustle becomes an excellent team supporter. Crustle's Attack stat isn't too shabby either; its access to Shell Smash and a decent physical movepool only increases its sweeping potential. The downside to using Crustle is its poor typing. Crustle is weak to common Water- and Rock-type moves, while its STAB moves don't provide excellent type coverage. Crustle's Speed is nothing short of horrible, and this doesn't help its ability to set up entry hazards, or sweeping for that matter. By no means is Crustle a bad Pokemon though, it's an excellent Spiker and can greatly aids your team greatly.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: X-Scissor
move 4: Earthquake
item: White Herb / Life Orb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash is one of the most amazing stat boosting moves in the game. Unfortunately for Crustle, its Speed is still pretty low after a Shell Smash boost, and Choice Scarf users can still outrun it. Stone Edge and X-Scissor provide it with reliable STAB, though most Steel-types can still wall the combination. Luckily, Crustle has access to Earthquake to dispose of them, and while it also hits Fire- and Rock-types pretty hard as well (great words of wisdom passed down from the great NixHex: "also and as well in the same sentence is redundant"). Sturdy is the chosen ability; providing Crustle is at full health when it switches in, Sturdy ensures that it will always pull off a Shell Smash, surviving on with 1 HP. White Herb is used to restore Crustle's defensive stats after a Shell Smash, allowing it to survive priority moves such as Honchkrow's Sucker Punch, and Hitmonlee's Mach Punch. Life Orb can be used for more power, but it isn't recommended.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Rock Blast can be used over Stone Edge to hit Pokemon behind Subsitutes, however, it's very unreliable in the long run. A Jolly nature could be considered over an Adamant nature, but it's fairly pointless. At +2 with an Adamant nature, Crustle reaches 378 Speed, which is enough to outspeed base 120 Speed Pokemon such as Sceptile, one of the fastest Pokemon in the tier. A Lum Berry can be used to prevent any crippling status from ruining Crustle's sweep, though White Herb is superior in almost every instance.</p>

<p>Water-types cause this set problems, especially the bulkier ones such as Poliwrath and Feraligatr. Rotom-C and Tangrowth are great partners as they can switch into Water-types with little trouble, and their STAB moves will make short work of them. Tangrowth can also provide support in the form of Leech Seed and Sleep Powder, giving Crustle valuable time to set up, and a way to restore some of its health. Fire-types,[add comma] such as Entei and Charizard,[add comma] are also great partners as they have an immunity to Will-O-Wisp, and their STAB Fire-type moves will deal a lot of damage to opposing Steel-types,[add comma] such as Durant and Steelix. Because of this set's offensive nature, Crustle appreciates support in the form of entry hazards. Claydol can set up Stealth Rock, switch into Rock-type moves, and aid Crustle switching in with Rapid Spin,[add comma] making it easier for it to switch in. Uxie is another great choice thanks to its massive defenses, access to Stealth Rock, and its wide support movepool. Scrolipede can set up Toxic Spikes and Spikes (optional) for your team, which are very useful for wearing down bulky Pokemon such as Cofagrigus, while Scrolipede has the added benefit of absorbing them Toxic Spikes (optional as well) upon switching in.</p>

[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Toxic / X-Scissor
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Impish
EVs: 224 HP / 252 Def / 32 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set plays a little differently; instead of using Shell Smash, Crustle uses its base 125 Defense stat to abuse entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes. Crustle's base 70 HP isn't amazing, though it's just enough to handle some powerful, unboosted hits. Thankfully, Crustle only has two weaknesses, so it has plenty of time to switch in and set up entry hazards for your team. Stone Edge and X-Scissor are reliable STAB moves, and they ensure that Crustle isn't complete set up bait, and they also give it something to do should it get Taunted. Toxic is another viable option in the last slot,[add comma] as it cripples bulkier Pokemon such as Gligar, Poliwrath, and Dusknoir, Pokemon who Crustle can't break through with its STAB moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>In addition to the EVs listed above, Crustle can pull off an effective specially defensive spread. Using a spread of 224 HP / 32 Def / 252 SpD gives Crustle some well needed special bulk, and gives giving it the ability to take on weaker threats such as Rotom and Manectric. A Mental herb Herb can be used to provent prevent Crustle being Taunted for a turn, which allows him to set up Stealth Rock without worry. It's especially helpful as Crustle won't be OHKOed thanks to Sturdy, so guaranteed Stealth Rock is a major selling point to Mental Herb.</p>

<p>As this set relies heavily on entry hazards, a Ghost-type such as Rotom, Dusknoir, or Cofagrigus who can block Rapid Spin is recommended. Crustle also appreciated appreciates Pokemon who can switch into its Water- and Rock-type moves, covering its weaknesses weaknesses. Grass-types,[add comma] such as Tangrowth and Lilligant,[add comma] can switch into Water-type moves aimed at Crustle, and their powerful STAB moves will knock them out swiftly. Water Absorb Poliwrath can also benefit from Water-type moves,[add comma] as it can switch in and have 25% of its health restored. Steelix and Aggron can switch into Rock-type moves from the likes of Kabutops and Krookodile, and they can proceed with either Roar or Rock Polish, respectively.</p>

<p>Finally, a way to remedy Crustle's lack of recovery is recommended. Clefable and Leafeon can provide some well needed Wish support, and both of them have access to reliable support moves,[add comma] such as Heal Bell, should Crustle get statused, or Baton Pass, which aids in scouting the opposing team. Grass-types who can abuse Leech Seed are also helpful, these include Tangrowth, Lilligant, and Ludicolo. If you really want to go down the unreliable route of Rest, Crustle should be holding a Chesto Berry to wake it up immediately.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Crustle is effective at what it does, but other than the sets listed, it can use anything else as well. It has access to a variety of stat boosting moves such as Rock Polish, Curse, Hone Claws, and Swords Dance, but most of the time it's outclassed by another Pokemon in the tier. Block is viable option to use alongside Toxic and Spikes, though use it against the wrong Pokemon, Crustle is as good as dead. Counter is a rather gimmicky option to bounce back physical attacks, but it works pretty well with Crustle's decent HP and massive Defense stat (and Sturdy, add if you want to). Other physical options include Night Slash, Aerial Ace, Shadow Claw, and Smack Down, though most of them are poor in terms of coverage, and their Base Power isn't great either.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Steelix is probably the biggest counter to Crustle; it has massive Defense, it resists Crustle's STAB, and it has access to Roar to erase any stat boosts. Bulky Ghost-types such as Dusknoir and Cofagrigus are good choices too, as they have access to Will-O-Wisp to lower Crustle's Attack stat, while their typing means that its STAB moves won't be doing much to them. Gligar equipped with Eviolite (ok, this is mostly optional, but Gligar is always carrying Eviolite, which makes this redundant) can take on most Crustle as well. Gligar's massive Defense allows it to take hits from Crustle, while Gligar has access to Taunt to prevent it from setting up or using status moves. Sableye is another excellent partner as it has access to both Taunt and Will-O-Wisp, and its ability, Prankster, allows it to move before Crustle has chance to do anything. Lastly, Water-types who have a decent Defense stat,[add comma] such as Poliwrath and Feraligatr,[add comma] can switch into Crustle's STAB moves with little trouble, and begin firing off powerful STAB moves of their own. Trick users will generally screw up Crustle's strategy, so Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Rotom and Uxie are great choices. All in all, Crustle isn't difficult to counter, just beat it before it has chance to set up.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Crustle is a crooked looking Pokemon, but don't let its looks deceive you. Its base Defense is one of the highest in the RU tier, and paired with access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes, Crustle becomes an excellent team supporter. Crustle's Attack stat isn't too shabby either; its access to Shell Smash and a decent physical movepool only increases its sweeping potential. The downside to using Crustle is its poor typing. Crustle is weak to common Water- and Rock-type moves, and while its STAB moves don't provide excellent type coverage. Crustle's Speed is nothing short of horrible, and this doesn't help its ability to set up entry hazards, or sweeping its ability to sweep for that matter. By no means is Crustle a bad Pokemon though; (semicolon) , (comma) it's an excellent Spiker and can greatly aid your team.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: X-Scissor
move 4: Earthquake
item: White Herb / Life Orb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash is one of the most amazing stat boosting moves in the game. Unfortunately for Crustle, its Speed is still pretty low after a Shell Smash boost, and meaning that Choice Scarf users can still outrun it. Stone Edge and X-Scissor provide it with reliable STAB moves, but though most Steel-types still wall the combination. Luckily, Crustle can utilize has access to Earthquake to dispose of them; (semicolon) , (comma) while it Earthquake hits Fire- and Rock-types pretty hard as well. Sturdy is the chosen ability; providing Crustle is at full health when it switches in, Sturdy ensures that it will always be able to pull off a Shell Smash, surviving the opponent's attack with a minimum of 1 HP. White Herb is used to restore Crustle's defensive stats after a Shell Smash, allowing it to survive priority moves such as Honchkrow's Sucker Punch, (comma) and Hitmonlee's Mach Punch. Life Orb can be used for more power, but it isn't recommended due to the recoil.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Rock Blast can be used over Stone Edge to hit Pokemon behind Subsitutes, but however, (comma) it's very unreliable in the long run. A Jolly nature could be considered over an Adamant nature, but it's fairly pointless. At +2 with an Adamant nature, Crustle reaches 378 Speed, which is enough to outspeed base 120 Speed Pokemon such as Sceptile, one of the fastest Pokemon in the tier.(space)Lum Berry can be used to prevent any crippling status from ruining Crustle's sweep, though White Herb is superior in almost every instance.</p>

<p>Water-types cause this set problems, especially the bulkier ones such as Poliwrath and Feraligatr. Rotom-C and Tangrowth are great partners as they can switch into Water-types with little trouble, and their STAB moves will make short work of them. Tangrowth can also provide support in the form of Leech Seed and Sleep Powder, giving Crustle a way to restore some of its health and providing it with valuable time to set up, respectively and a way to restore some of its health. Fire-types , (comma) such as Entei and Charizard, (comma) are also great partners as not only do they have an immunity to Will-O-Wisp, and but their STAB Fire-type moves will deal a lot of damage to opposing Steel-types, such as Durant and Steelix. Because of this set's offensive nature, Crustle appreciates support in the form of entry hazards. Claydol can set up Stealth Rock, switch into Rock-type moves, and aid Crustle with Rapid Spin, making it easier for it to switch in. Uxie is another great choice thanks to its massive defenses, access to Stealth Rock, and its wide support movepool. Scrolipede can set up Toxic Spikes and Spikes for your team, which are very useful for wearing down bulky Pokemon such as Cofagrigus, while and Scrolipede has the added benefit of being able to absorbing Toxic Spikes upon switching in.</p>

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Toxic / X-Scissor
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Impish
EVs: 224 HP / 252 Def / 32 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set plays a little differently; instead of using Shell Smash, Crustle uses its base 125 Defense stat to abuse entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes. Crustle's base 70 HP isn't amazing, though it's just enough to handle some powerful, unboosted hits. Thankfully, Crustle only has two weaknesses, so it has plenty of time to switch in and set up entry hazards for your team. Stone Edge and X-Scissor are reliable STAB moves, and they ensure that Crustle isn't complete set up bait while , (comma) and they also givinge it something to do should it get Taunted. Toxic is another viable option in the last slot(space), as it cripples bulkier Pokemon who Crustle can't break through with its STAB moves, (comma) such as Gligar, Poliwrath, and Dusknoir, (comma) Pokemon who Crustle can't break through with its STAB moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>In addition to the EVs listed above, Crustle can pull off an effective specially defensive spread. Using a spread of 224 HP / 32 Def / 252 SpD gives Crustle some well needed special bulk, giving it the ability to take on weaker threats, (comma) such as Rotom and Manectric.(space)Mental Herb can be used to prevent Crustle being Taunted for a turn, which allows him to set up Stealth Rock without worry. It's especially helpful as Crustle won't be OHKOed thanks to Sturdy, so a guaranteed Stealth Rock is a major selling point to Mental Herb.</p>

<p>As this set relies heavily on entry hazards, a Ghost-type, (comma) such as Rotom, Dusknoir, or Cofagrigus, (comma) who can block Rapid Spin is recommended. Crustle also appreciates Pokemon who can switch into Water- and Rock-type moves, as they can covering its weaknesses. Grass-types, (comma) such as Tangrowth and Lilligant, (comma) can switch into Water-type moves aimed at Crustle, and their powerful STAB moves will knock them the users of these moves out swiftly. Water Absorb Poliwrath can also benefit from Water-type moves, as it can switch in and have 25% of its health restored. Steelix and Aggron can switch into Rock-type moves from the likes of Kabutops and Krookodile, (comma) and they can proceed with to either Roar or Rock Polish, respectively.</p>

<p>Finally, a way to remedy Crustle's lack of recovery is recommended. Clefable and Leafeon can provide some well much needed Wish support, and both of them have access to as well as other reliable support moves(space), such as Heal Bell, should Crustle get statused, or Baton Pass, which aids in scouting the opposing team. Grass-types who can abuse Leech Seed are also helpful, and these include Tangrowth, Lilligant, and Ludicolo. If you really want to go down the unreliable route of Rest, Crustle should be holding a Chesto Berry to wake up immediately.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Crustle is effective at what it does, but it also has a variety of other options than those in the sets listed , (comma) can use anything else as well. It has access to a variety of stat boosting moves, (comma) such as Rock Polish, Curse, Hone Claws, and Swords Dance, but most of the time it's outclassed by another Pokemon in the tier. Block is viable option to use alongside Toxic and Spikes, though if you use it against the wrong Pokemon, Crustle is as good as dead. Counter is a rather gimmicky option to bounce back physical attacks, but it works pretty well with Crustle's decent HP, (comma) and massive Defense stat, (comma) and Sturdy. Other physical options include Night Slash, Aerial Ace, Shadow Claw, and Smack Down, though most of them are poor in terms of coverage, and their Base Powers aren't isn't great either.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Steelix is probably the biggest counter to Crustle; it has massive Defense, it resists Crustle's STAB, and it has access to Roar to erase any stat boosts. Bulky Ghost-types such as Dusknoir and Cofagrigus are good choices too, as they have access to Will-O-Wisp to lower Crustle's Attack stat, while and their typing means that its Crustle's STAB moves won't be doing much to them. Gligar can take on most Crustle as well. Gligar's Its massive Defense allows it to take hits from Crustle, while Gligar and it has access to Taunt to prevent Crustle it from setting up or using status moves. Lastly, Water-types who have a decent Defense stat, such as Poliwrath and Feraligatr, can switch into Crustle's STAB moves with little trouble, and begin firing off powerful STAB moves of their own. Trick users will generally screw up Crustle's strategy, so Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Rotom and Uxie are great checks choices. All in all, Crustle isn't difficult to counter , (comma) just as long as you beat it before it has chance to set up.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Crustle receives Weak Armor as its Dream World ability. While it may seem beneficial to raise Crustle's Speed on an offensive set, the Defense drop isn't helpful, as it leaves Crustle vulnerable to priority moves. Not to mention Crustle's Speed is horrible already, so it won't make a lot of difference.</p>