Huntail (Analysis)

AccidentalGreed

Sweet and bitter as chocolate.
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Status: Quality Control

QC Approvals (3/3): (tennisace) (Omicron) (Zurich)

GP Approvals (2/2): (ShakeItUp) (Steven Snype)

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Well...It's not like I wanted to get into UU with Gorebyss! BAKA

[Overview]

<p>Two generations later, Huntail stills finds itself dwelling in the deep, dark depths of NU, grabbing a few kills every now and then to survive. The generation shift, however, generously gave Huntail the tool it needs to be a top-tier threat: Shell Smash. Unfortunately, sweeping with Shell Smash boosts is the main reason for using Huntail, and sure enough, there are some Pokemon that may seem to outclass it in this regard. For instance, Gorebyss is more often seen than Huntail due to having a higher Special Attack stat, and Carracosta boasts dual STAB and a higher Defense stat, making it easier to set up a sweep.</p>

<p>Despite having competition with these threats, Huntail is nothing short a threat once it sets up. To add to its ability to break through many types of teams, Huntail boasts several advantages over its fellow Shell Smash users, mainly its higher Speed and the ability to use physical attacks effectively. Think of Huntail as a hybrid; it is able to use both physical and special attacks (albeit out of necessity) while being less susceptible to the revenge killers that plague Carracosta. As a Shell Smash user, Huntail should definitely not be ignored as a prime threat in the dark chasm known as NU.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Beam / Hidden Power Fire
item: Life Orb / White Herb
nature: Naive / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Since Huntail's options are quite restricted due to its small movepool and the existence of Gorebyss and Carracosta (both of whom specialize in pure special and physical sweeping, respectively), a mixed Shell Smash set is the best way to utilize its great offensive capabilities. With the boosts that Shell Smash provides, neutral-speed natured Huntail outruns just about every unboosted threat in NU with the exception of Electrode. With the provided attacks, Huntail also achieves great coverage and power, able to slice through offensive and most defensive teams alike. Attaining the boosts is a fairly easy task thanks to Huntail's decent physical bulk, though it is advised to switch it in after a teammate has fainted to increase its chances of surviving attacks and boosting.</p>

<p>Between a boosted Crunch and STAB Waterfall, little besides dedicated walls are able to resist, let alone survive, this combination of attacks. Most physical walls and other defensive Pokemon (Grass-types in particular) are taken care of by Huntail's chosen special move. The choice between Ice Beam and Hidden Power Fire depends on which targets are more important to KO for your team; Ice Beam is generally a more powerful option due to its base power, whereas Hidden Power Fire hits the occasional bulky Steel-type super effectively. </p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Because of Huntail's low base Speed and need for power, its Speed and Attack are maximized so it is less prone to revenge killing and is as powerful as possible. The choice between the two listed natures is a debate between speed and power; whereas Naive nature allows Huntail to outrun everything up to +1 positive-natured base 85s, Naughty nature gives a boost in Attack while allowing Huntail to retain some Speed. Life Orb is superior when using Naive Huntail, since the boost compensates for the loss in power. This, however, compromises Huntail's life since it might take damage the turn it sets up, defense decreases notwithstanding. This problem can be avoided somewhat with White Herb, which is recommended with the Naughty nature. Either one of Huntail's abilities can work on this set, although Water Veil is recommended over Swift Swim because of the former's more useful effect (preventing inconvenient burns) and the latter's conditional use.</p>

<p>Huntail does not require much dedicated support since Shell Smash gives it the boosts it needs in the right stats. The support it does need includes defensive synergy; in order to minimize the damage Huntail may take while setting up, a teammate with access to dual screens, a switching move, or even both is recommended. The likes of Swoobat, Mesprit, and Audino fit the bill sufficiently in their own ways. In the event Huntail is walled or cannot KO a threat in time, offensive support is also optimal to fend off bulkier threats. Attackers with access to strong Fighting- and Fire-type moves, such as Magmortar and Sawk, respectively, appreciate Huntail's ability to break through offensive and defensive teams alike while breaking down the occasional wall with their own attacks. Generally, stacking fast and hard-hitting attackers with Huntail are the way to go when considering offensive support, so be sure to use each Pokemon smartly so they encounter as few counters as possible.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Huntail has many options, but other Pokemon happen to outclass several of its potential sets. The existence of Gorebyss, who sports a larger Special Attack stat, rules out any reason to use Huntail for dedicated special sweeping. A purely physical set is also limited by a small selection of physical moves, only two of which are worth using with Shell Smash. Bounce, Return, and Ice Fang are practically the only other usable physical moves because of their decent coverage with Waterfall. Since the combination of Shell Smash and Baton Pass is banned, Huntail can opt to use other boosting moves for a Baton Pass set. At this point, however, you might be better off searching for a more capable Baton Pass user.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Any status easily cripples Huntail; paralysis and burn lower the Deep Sea Pokemon's attacking capabilities, while poison cuts its lifespan, which is already short due to Life Orb recoil. Additionally, if Huntail cannot KO a threat in time, that threat has an opportunity to respond through either attacking or using status-inducing moves. The most reliable Pokemon that can do this are Pokemon with a high Defense stat and no exploitable weaknesses such as Quagsire, Carracosta, Alomomola, and Weezing. If Huntail lacks the appropriate special coverage move, it will find itself unable to OHKO dedicated defensive Steel-types if it lacks Hidden Power Fire, or specially-defensive Grass-types if it is missing Ice Beam. On the offensive side of things, any positive-natured Choice Scarf user with a base Speed stat of at least 87 is able to outspeed and possibly KO Huntail. A Huntail with lowered defenses can also be finished off with non-Water-type priority moves.</p>
 
Any mentions of HP Grass to put some hurt into that Quag / Rhydon? Though Waterfall takes care of Rhydon.
 

AccidentalGreed

Sweet and bitter as chocolate.
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Hidden Power Grass is a pretty niche option just for hitting Quagsire, which could probably be handled by something more suited to counter it. Huntail, on the other hand, can't really risk the free opportunity for coverage in the last slot (the reason why HP Fire is there is because it KOes Snover amongst other targets, while HP Grass doesn't offer much uninvested).
 

tennisace

not quite too old for this, apparently
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Unslash Aqua Tail, the extra 10 bp isn't ever worth it really. Mention HP Grass in AC (idk how much crunch does to lanturn)



other than that its good
 

AccidentalGreed

Sweet and bitter as chocolate.
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Thanks for the stamp. I think I'll wait out on the Special set later once tier changes regarding Gorebyss are in place.
 

jrrrrrrr

wubwubwub
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How did this get stamped with no counters listed? Gotta mention things like Tangela, Lanturn, Snover, Throh (who takes a hit and throh's you out), Altaria, Roselia, Quagsire, other Huntail....
 

MMF

Give me the strength to part this sea
Well after a Shell Smash that list becomes very much shorter. +2 LO Icebeam says goodbye to Altaria and Tangela(after prior damage for Tangela) and +2 Crunch says goodbye to Roselia and does a huge chunk to Lanturn and other Huntail. Quag and Throh on the other hand are different stories.
 

jrrrrrrr

wubwubwub
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Obviously it becomes shorter if you use Shell Smash when they switch in. I'm not sure if your post was meant to argue against mine or w/e, but it definitely has counters depending on the moveset and there are none listed. Anything would be better than what is there now.
 

MMF

Give me the strength to part this sea
Nah it wasn't meant to argue. Just to point out that after a Shell Smash a lot of those either quit being counters or become shaky checks. I agree that some counters need to be listed but maybe a mention that after a Shell Smash a lot of the aforementioned counters can be muscled through.
 

AccidentalGreed

Sweet and bitter as chocolate.
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Updated with QC Checks and a list of Checks and Counters. I personally have a tendency to skip out on these kinds of things (I find it easier to stomach by writing it firsthand) unless it's a priority, so I apologize for the absence of counters.
 

AccidentalGreed

Sweet and bitter as chocolate.
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Alright, I got this done in one-fell swoop in culture class, so I hope there's few mistakes when editing this. Do your magic, GP!
 
[Overview]

<p>Two generations onwardlater, Huntail stills finds itself diving in the deep, dark depths of NU, grabbing a few kills every now and then to survive. The generation shift, however, was generous in giving Huntail the tool it needs to be a top-tier threat: Shell Smash. Unfortunately, sweeping with Shell Smash boosts is the main reason for using Huntail, and sure enough, there are some Pokemon that may seem to outclass it in this regard. For instance, Gorebyss is more often seen than Huntail due to having a higher Special Attack stat, whileand Carracosta boasts dual STAB and a higher dDefense stat for setting, (comma) making it easier to set up a sweep.</p>

<p>Despite having competition with these threats, however, Huntail is nothing short of becoming threatening like them when it gets a sweep going. To add to its ability to break through many types of teams, Huntail boasts several advantages over its fellow Shell Smash users, mainly high sSpeed and ability to use physical attacks effectively. Think of Huntail as a hybrid; it is able to use both physical and special attacks (out of necessity) while being less susceptible to the revenge killers that plague Carracosta. As a Shell Smash user, Huntail should definitely not be ignored as a prime threat in the deepest of the deep.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Beam / Hidden Power Fire
item: Life Orb / White Herb
nature: Naive / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Since Huntail's options isare quite restricted due to its small movepool and the existence of Gorebyss and Carracosta (both of whom specialize in pure special and physical sweeping, respectively), a mixed Shell Smash set is the best way to utilize its great offensive capabilities. With the boosts provided by theShell Smash, Huntail (assuming it runs a neutral nature) outruns just about every unboosted threat in NU with the exception of Electrode. With the provided attacks, Huntail also achieves great coverage and power, being able to slice through offensive and most defensive teams alike. Attaining the boosts is a fairly easy task thanks to Huntail's decent physical bulk, though it is advised to switch int in after a teammate has fainted to increase its chances of surviving attacks and boosting.</p>

<p>Between a boosted Crunch and STAB Waterfall, little besides dedicated walls are able to resist, let alone survive, this combination of attacks. Most physical walls and other defensive Pokemon (Grass-types in particular) are taken care of by Huntail's chosen special move. The choice between Ice Beam and Hidden Power Fire depends on which targets are more important to KO for your team; whereas Ice Beam is generally a more powerful option due to its base power, Hidden Power Fire hits the occasional bulky Steel-type super effectively. </p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Because of Huntail's low base Speed and necessity for power, its Speed and aAttack are maximized so it is less prone to revenge killing and is as powerful as possible. The choice between the two listed natures is a debate between speed versus power; whereas the Naive nature allows Huntail to outrun everything up to +1 positive-natured base 85s, the Naughty nature gives a boost in attack while allowing Huntail to retaining some Speed. Life Orb is superior when using Naive Huntail, since the boost compensates for the loss in power. This, however, compromises Huntail's health since it might take damage the turn it sets up, defense decreases notwithstanding. This problem can somewhat be avoided somewhat with White Herb, which is recommended with the Naughty nature. Either one of Huntail's abilities can work on this set, although Water Veil is recommended over Swift Swim because of the former's more useful effect (preventing inconvenient burns) and the latter's conditional use.</p>

<p>Huntail does not require much dedicated support since Shell Smash gives it the boosts it needs in the right stats. The support it does need includes defensive synergy; in order to minimize the damage Huntail may take while setting up, a teammate with access to dual screens, a switching move, or even both is recommended. The likes of Swoobat, Mesprit, and Audino fit the bill sufficiently in their own ways. In the event Huntail is walled or cannot KO a threat in time, offensive support is also optimal to fend off bulkier threats. Attackers with access to strong Fighting- and Fire-type moves, such as Magmortar and Sawk, respectively, (comma) appreciate Huntail's ability to break through offensive and defensive teams alike, while breaking down the occasional wall with their own attacks. Generally, stacking fast and hard-hitting attackers with Huntail are the way to go when considering offensive support, so be sure to use each Pokemon smartly so they encounter as lessfew counters as possible.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Huntail has many options, but is limited in the fact that other Pokemon happen to outclass several potential sets. The existence of Gorebyss, who sports a larger Special Attack stat, rules out any reason to use Huntail for dedicated special sweeping. A pure physical set is also limited by a small selection of physical moves, only two of which isare worth using with Shell Smash. Bounce, Return, and Ice Fang are practically the only other usable physical moves to use because of their decent coverage with Waterfall. Since the combination of Shell Smash and Baton Pass is banned, Huntail can opt to use other boosting moves for a Baton Pass set. At this point, however, you might be better off searching for a more capable Baton Pass user.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Any type of status easily cripples Huntail, whether the Deep Sea Pokemon's attacking capabilities are lowered with paralysis or burn, or lifespan lowered with poison (in combination with Life Orb recoil). Additionally, if Huntail cannot KO a threat in time, that threat has an opportunity to respond through either attacking or using status-inducing moves. The most reliable Pokemon that can do this are Pokemon with a high Defense stat and no exploitable weaknesses (to Huntail's Shell Smash set), such as Quagsire, Carracosta, Alomomola, and Weezing. If Huntail lacks the appropriate special coverage move, it will find itself unable to OHKO dedicated defensive Steel-types if it is running Ice Beam (for Ice Beam), (comma) or specially-defensive Grass-types if it is running Hidden Power Fire (for Hidden Power Fire). On the offensive side of things, any positive-natured Choice Scarf user with a base Speed stat of at least 87 areis able to outspeed and possibly KO Huntail. A Huntail with lowered defenses can also be finished off with non-resistantWater-(hyphen)type priority moves.</p>



GP Approved 1/2
 

Andy Snype

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[Overview]

<p>Two generations later, Huntail stills finds itself dwelling in the deep, dark depths of NU, grabbing a few kills every now and then to survive. The generation shift, however, generously gave Huntail the tool it needs to be a top-tier threat: Shell Smash. Unfortunately, sweeping with Shell Smash boosts is the main reason for using Huntail, and sure enough, there are some Pokemon that may seem to outclass it in this regard. For instance, Gorebyss is more often seen than Huntail due to having a higher Special Attack stat, and Carracosta boasts dual STAB and a higher Defense stat, making it easier to set up a sweep.</p>

<p>Despite having competition with these threats, however, Huntail is nothing short of a threatening like them when once it sets up. To add to its ability to break through many types of teams, Huntail boasts several advantages over its fellow Shell Smash users, mainly its higher Speed and the ability to use physical attacks effectively. Think of Huntail as a hybrid; it is able to use both physical and special attacks (albeit out of necessity) while being less susceptible to the revenge killers that plague Carracosta. As a Shell Smash user, Huntail should definitely not be ignored as a prime threat in the chasm known as NU.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Beam / Hidden Power Fire
item: Life Orb / White Herb
nature: Naive / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Since Huntail's options are quite restricted due to its small movepool and the existence of Gorebyss and Carracosta (both of whom specialize in pure special and physical sweeping, respectively), a mixed Shell Smash set is the best way to utilize its great offensive capabilities. With the boosts that Shell Smash provides, neutral-Speed nature Huntail (assuming it runs a neutral nature) outruns just about every unboosted threat in NU with the exception of Electrode. With the provided attacks, Huntail also achieves great coverage and power, being able to slice through offensive and most defensive teams alike. Attaining the boosts is a fairly easy task thanks to Huntail's decent physical bulk, though it is advised to switch it in after a teammate has fainted to increase its chances of surviving attacks and boosting.</p>

<p>Between a boosted Crunch and STAB Waterfall, little besides dedicated walls are able to resist, let alone survive, this combination of attacks. Most physical walls and other defensive Pokemon (Grass-types in particular) are taken care of by Huntail's chosen special move. The choice between Ice Beam and Hidden Power Fire depends on which targets are more important to KO for your team; whereas Ice Beam is generally a more powerful option due to its base power, whereas Hidden Power Fire hits the occasional bulky Steel-type super effectively. </p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Because of Huntail's low base Speed and need for power, its Speed and Attack are maximized so it is less prone to revenge killing and is as powerful as possible. The choice between the two listed natures is a debate between speed and power; whereas the Naive nature allows Huntail to outrun everything up to +1 positive-natured base 85s, the Naughty nature gives a boost in Attack while allowing Huntail to retain some Speed. Life Orb is superior when using Naive Huntail, since the boost compensates for the loss in power. This, however, compromises Huntail's life since it might take damage the turn it sets up, defense decreases notwithstanding. This problem can be avoided somewhat with White Herb, which is recommended with the Naughty nature. Either one of Huntail's abilities can work on this set, although Water Veil is recommended over Swift Swim because of the former's more useful effect (preventing inconvenient burns) and the latter's conditional use.</p>

<p>Huntail does not require much dedicated support since Shell Smash gives it the boosts it needs in the right stats. The support it does need includes defensive synergy; in order to minimize the damage Huntail may take while setting up, a teammate with access to dual screens, a switching move, or even both is recommended. The likes of Swoobat, Mesprit, and Audino fit the bill sufficiently in their own ways. In the event Huntail is walled or cannot KO a threat in time, offensive support is also optimal to fend off bulkier threats. Attackers with access to strong Fighting- and Fire-type moves, such as Magmortar and Sawk, respectively, appreciate Huntail's ability to break through offensive and defensive teams alike while breaking down the occasional wall with their own attacks. Generally, stacking fast and hard-hitting attackers with Huntail are the way to go when considering offensive support, so be sure to use each Pokemon smartly so they encounter as few counters as possible.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Huntail has many options, but is limited in the fact that other Pokemon happen to outclass several of its potential sets. The existence of Gorebyss, who sports a larger Special Attack stat, rules out any reason to use Huntail for dedicated special sweeping. A purely physical set is also limited by a small selection of physical moves, only two of which are worth using with Shell Smash. Bounce, Return, and Ice Fang are practically the only other usable physical moves because of their decent coverage with Waterfall. Since the combination of Shell Smash and Baton Pass is banned, Huntail can opt to use other boosting moves for a Baton Pass set. At this point, however, you might be better off searching for a more capable Baton Pass user.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Any type of status easily cripples Huntail; paralysis and burn lower the Deep Sea Pokemon's attacking capabilities are lowered with paralysis or burn, or while poison cuts its lifespan, which is already short due to Life Orb recoil. Additionally, if Huntail cannot KO a threat in time, that threat has an opportunity to respond through either attacking or using status-inducing moves. The most reliable Pokemon that can do this are Pokemon with a high Defense stat and no exploitable weaknesses (to Huntail's Shell Smash set), such as Quagsire, Carracosta, Alomomola, and Weezing. If Huntail lacks the appropriate special coverage move, it will find itself unable to OHKO dedicated defensive Steel-types if it lacks Hidden Power Fire or specially-defensive Grass-types if it is missing Ice Beam. On the offensive side of things, any positive-natured Choice Scarf user with a base Speed stat of at least 87 is able to outspeed and possibly KO Huntail. A Huntail with lowered defenses can also be finished off with non-Water-type priority moves.</p>



GP Approved (2/2)
 

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