Karrablast (Analysis)

[Overview]

<p>Karrablast is an atypical physical sweeper in every regard. It has a good Attack stat backed up by the incredibly deadly Megahorn and a powerful boosting move in Swords Dance, but it is let down by its shallow movepool and unimpressive Speed stat. Although it technically has trouble hitting its moves offer poor coverage against Steel-types, the most notable ones, Ferroseed, Bronzor, and Pawniard, are all hit neutrally for neutral by Megahorn, so Rock-types are the real threats to Karrablast. Its ability, Shed Skin, though passively helpful, is usually better has a rather passively helpful ability in Shed Skin, but in most cases, it's a better ability than the situational Swarm. Overall, Karrablast can be a helpful addition to your team if you are aware of and cover its weaknesses and build on its strengths.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Double Edge / Return
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb / Oran Berry
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Jolly / Hasty
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe / 36 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Karrablast reaches a staggering 34 Attack after a Swords Dance, enough to OHKO most Pokemon with its powerful Megahorn. Return hits many Pokemon who resist Megahorn hard, though Double Edge can be used for more power. Hidden Power Ice seems like an odd choice, but it ruins Gligar, even OHKOing some variants on the switch without Stealth Rock. The choice between Life Orb and Oran Berry really depends on what you're using Karrablast for; a suicidal death machine or a powerful Pokemon that can take a hit. Keep in mind that with a maximum of 16 Speed, Karrablast cannot outrun some of the quicker LC Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb can be used for maximum power after a Swords Dance, but an Oran Berry will allow Karrablast to set up Swords Dance more easily. An Adamant nature can be used over Jolly or Hasty if you want pure power instead of the extra Speed. Using Adamant or Jolly However, this will weaken Hidden Power Ice significantly. Double Edge and Return are interchangeable; again, this depends depending on what you're using Karrablast for.</p>

<p>Gligar's huge defenses and resistance to Bug-type moves make it seem like a perfect counter to Karrablast, but Hidden Power Ice will make it think again. Instead, unorthodox Steel-types such as Aron and Magnemite can exploit Karrablast's lack of coverage, and anything fairly quick can make short work of Karrablast with its mediocre Speed.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Double Edge / Return
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Toxic / Rest
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set The choice of item depends largely on whether Karrablast fits your team, best as a physical sweeper or a revenge killer; it can suit both roles well. Megahorn is a strong STAB as usual, while Double Edge or Return and Aerial Ace are for coverage and shouldn't be used unless Megahorn is resisted. The last move is up to preference.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Double Edge is preferable on the Choice Scarf set, as Karrablast needs as much power as possible, but Return is better on the Choice Band set, so the recoil doesn't cause Karrablast's early demise. The last two moves are mostly filler. With its perfect accuracy, Aerial Ace can also KO Sand Veil Cacnea in a sandstorm and finish off a weakened Cubchoo in hail. There are two options for the last moveslot. Toxic can be used to cripple Frillish, who doesn't take much damage from Karrablast's other moves. Rest, however, can be used to completely heal Karrablast, Shed Skin giving also gives it a 30% chance of waking up early. Jolly nature is recommended for the Choice Band set, while an Adamant nature works best with the Choice Scarf set.</p>

[SET]
name: SubSalac
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Flail / Protect
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Substitute
item: Salac Berry
ability: Swarm
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
ivs: 0 HP

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Karrablast can also run an effective SubSalac set to boost both its Attack and Speed and then sweep. The idea is to switch into a Pokemon slower than Karrablast, such as Ferroseed or Slowpoke, and keep using Substitute till until the Salac Berry activates. Keep in mind Swarm activates after only three Substitutes, though. With Swarm and STAB, Megahorn becomes a ridiculous 270 Base Power move coming off an impressive 18 Attack. Flail hits 200 Base Power as well, perfect for attacking anything that resists Megahorn.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Protect can be used over Flail for Fake Out users, who will ruin this set. Other than that, this set works best as it is. For Karrablast to sweep, faster opponents need to be out of the way, making a fast Scarf user of your own a great teammate for it.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Counter can be used for a surprise KO, but is unreliable. X-Scissor is a more accurate option over Megahorn, but hits for less damage on average. Pursuit can be used for hitting Ghost-types, as well as Psychic-types afraid of staying in and eating a Megahorn. Finally, a utility set with Evolution Stone, Shed Skin, and Knock Off may seem decent, but Karrablast has pretty mediocre defenses, making it a bad choice.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Defensively, many Steel- and Rock-types can easily take Karrablast's moves. Gligar is a perfect counter unless Karrablast is packing Hidden Power Ice. Offensively, any fast, hard-hitting Fire- or Flying-types can ruin Karrablast's day by hitting its mediocre defenses with powerful STAB moves.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Karrablast gets No Guard from the Dream World. It benefits immensely from this ability, as it can spam Megahorn without any fear of missing.</p>

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