Galvantula
[Overview]
<p>At first glance, Galvantula looks like a frail Bug-type. However, it gets two abilities that work well in VGC 2012. One of them is Unnerve, which makes the opponent's type resist Berries and status Berries useless; and if that wasn't good enough, Galvantula also receives Compoundeyes, which makes the accuracy of Thunder become a usable 91%. That, and a great STAB combination of Bug and Electric means Galvantula can hit Pokemon, such as Tyranitar and Latios, with Bug Buzz, whereas other Electric-type Pokemon have to rely on Hidden Power Grass or Ice. However, that's just about all it gets; 70/60/60 defenses means Galvantula is really frail, and97 base Special Attack means its attacks aren't as powerful as one would think. To make matters worse, Galvantula's movepool is quite limited, necessitating the use of low-power moves, such as Energy Ball and Hidden Power, for coverage. However, the little spider is a force to be reckoned with, but don't expect it to take your opponents by storm.</p>
[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 2: Bug Buzz
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb / Electric Gem
ability: Unnerve / Compoundeyes
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With its two STAB moves, Galvantula has nearly all the coverage it needs. Bug Buzz is great as it hits Pokemon such as Latios, Latias, Cresselia, and Tyranitar for super effective damage, as well as the Grass-type Pokemon that resist Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt then hits Pokemon such as Politoed, Jellicent, and Gyarados for super effective damage. Hidden Power Ice hits Pokemon such as Gliscor and Landorus, who would resist the combination of STABs, and since Unnerve takes care of their Yache Berries, you have a chance to OHKO them. Protect is there to prevent unnecessary damage, as well as give it time so it's partner can take out a threat to Galvantula.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Timid nature allows Galvantula to Speed tie with the musketeer trio. Focus Sash lets Galvantula take a hit and attempt to KO back, which is especially useful against Tornadus, Latios, and Latias. Life Orb gives Galvantula a much needed power boost; however, it's incredibly frail, so a Focus Sash is usually the best item to use. Electric Gem also works well, giving Thunderbolt a chance to OHKO 252 / 252 Politoed or Jellicent, since their Wacan berries don't come into play thanks to Unnerve. When using Unnerve, Thunderbolt must be used, as it will be much more accurate then Thunder. Something that can take care of Terrakion make great partners for Galvantula. Cresselia work well, as Cresselia can give Helping Hand boosts, use Icy Wind or Thunder Wave to deal with the likes of Tornadus and Latios, and takes care of Terrakion with Psychic. A Pokemon that can stop Trick Room, such as Imprsion Chandelure, works well with Galvantula; Chandelure can also take Heat Wave from the opponent thanks to Flash Fire. However, both of these Pokemon are weak to Rock Slide.</p>
<p>The choice of ability is up to what the team needs to accomplish. Compoundeyes means you get more accurate Thunders, and also allows Galvantula to hit Pokemon such as Sand Veil Garchomp in the sand more accurately. Using Unnerve means you can beat the likes of Wacan Berry Gyarados and Politoed, as well as a chance to OHKO Yache Berry Garchomp and Landorus with Hidden Power Ice. It also provides team support, as now your allies can beat Chople Berry Tyranitar or Rindo Berry Gastrodon. Finally, Galvantula really appreciates rain support, as it makes Fire-type attacks weaker, as well as giving Galvantula an accurate Thunder, meaning he can keep Unnerve.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Sadly, Galvantula has a shallow movepool, so there isn't much else it can pull off without it being outclassed. Electroweb and Thunder Wave allows Galvantula to support the rest of its team by lowering the foe's Speed stat; however, this is better done by a bulky Pokemon, such as Cresselia. Discharge could be utilized along with a Ground-type Pokemon to hit both targets, but Thunder has more power and the same paralysis rate, and can be used even if a Ground-type isn't on the field.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Terrakion 2HKOes Galvantula with Rock Slide (and OHKOes without Focus Sash). Same thing with Tyranitar, as it can take a Bug Buzz in sand and OHKO Galvantula with Rock Slide (even with Focus Sash, as the sand damage will finish the job). Zapdos and Volcarona can also take a Thunder, resist Bug Buzz, and OHKO with Heat Wave. Zapdos, however, must be wary of Hidden Power Ice. Trick Room is also a good way to deal with Galvantula, which means it will probably be moving last. Therefore, a Pokemon with Thunder Wave, such as Cresselia, can use Thunder Wave as a way to cripple Galvantula. Lastly, Pokemon that outspeed Galvantula, such as Tornadus, can just OHKO Galvantula with Acrobactics. However, most faster Pokemon, such as Weavile and Latios, must be wary of Galvantula's coverage.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Galvantula gets Swarm as it's Dream World ability. Even with Swarm, however, you still cannot 2HKO Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Cresselia, therefore , Compoundeyes and Unnerve are usually better. Swarm can be used if you're feeling lucky.</p>
