Komodo
Huff
Arbok
[Overview]
<p>Arbok has always been a disappointing Pokemon; its stats are poor, its typing leaves it vulnerable to common attacking types, and Poison-type STAB isn't great outside of Gunk Shot. Despite this, Arbok has two reedeeming features: its abilities, Intimidate and Shed Skin, and its access to Coil. Coil makes Arbok somewhat unique, and when combined with the shaky Gunk Shot and Intimidate, it gives Arbok potential as a sweeper. Furthermore, Arbok is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that absorbs Toxic Spikes—that's a reason to use it in itself. Arbok doesn't have a lot over its Poison-type comrades, and is a decidedly average Pokemon in general, but it's a fun change of pace if you're looking for something new.</p>
[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Seed Bomb
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set attempts to raise Arbok's stats with Coil and deal massive damage to the opponent. Thanks to Intimidate, Arbok has many opportunities to switch into physical attackers and set up. Thanks to the accuracy boost Coil provides, Gunk Shot receives a newfound glory. A boosted 120 Base Power STAB move coming off Arbok's average Attack will hurt, and its high chance to poison the opponent makes it a decent move to wear down bulky walls. Earthquake provides coverage against Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types that resist or are immune to Gunk Shot, greatly improving Arbok's coverage. In the last slot, the choice between Sucker Punch and Seed Bomb is down to personal preference; Sucker Punch helps Arbok overcome its average Speed to hit Ghost- and Psychic-types, while Seed Bomb deals massive damage to Quagsire and Carracosta.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are pretty straightforward; maximum Speed and Attack gives Arbok a higher chance of sweeping, while the remaining EVs are placed into HP. 216 Speed EVs still let Arbok outrun base 75 Speed Pokemon, such as Absol, 176 EVs let it outrun base 70 Speed Pokemon, such as Samurott, and a mear 64 EVs are required to outspeed Torterra. Any leftover EVs should be placed into HP or Special Defense for additional bulk. Maximum Special Defense can be used alongside Rest and Shed Skin, but it's pretty unreliable as you have no idea when Arbok will wake up. Aqua Tail has slightly more power than Seed Bomb and has perfect accuracy after a Coil boost. Leftovers helps Arbok obtain multiple boosts by providing steady recovery, while Life Orb boosts Arbok's sweeping potential.</p>
<p>If you opt for Sucker Punch in the last slot, a Pokemon to deal with Quagsire and Carracosta is recommended. Leavanny, Leafeon, and Tangela are good choices; the former two can set up with Swords Dance, while the latter has access to Sleep Powder and Leech Seed to incapacitate the opponent. If Seed Bomb is used in the last slot, a powerful Choice Scarf user, such as Braviary, can take out faster opponents that threaten Arbok. Paralysis support also helps Arbok overcome its average Speed; Audino, Lickilicky, and Probopass can cripple opponents with Thunder Wave and also have a variety of helpful support options. Trapping Psychic-types with Pursuit is another good option. Absol and Sneasel are good options as they can switch into Psychic-types, threaten them with powerful STAB moves, and proceed to KO them with Pursuit. Support from entry hazards weakens Arbok's common switch-ins, making Whirlipede, Mesprit, and Probopass excellent teammates.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Arbok can utilize Choice items along with Switcheroo, but its mediocre stats make it a poor choice. Arbok's physical movepool extends beyond the listed moves, including gems such as Crunch, Poison Jab, the elemental fangs, and Pursuit. Unfortunately, the aforementioned moves provide little in terms of coverage, and their lower Base Power makes them inferior to those listed. Haze, Stockpile, Toxic, and Dragon Tail can form a defensive set with Intimidate, but Arbok isn't the bulkiest Pokemon in the tier, and Poison isn't the best defensive typing considering Gardevoir and Duosion are so popular. Finally, Glare can be used to paralyze faster opponents, but Arbok suffers from the infamous four moveslot syndrome.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Thanks to its decent defenses, good typing, and access to Recover, Quagsire is an ideal counter to any Arbok that lacks Seed Bomb. Weezing can take anything Arbok can throw at it, burn it with Will-O-Wisp, and restore some of its health with Pain Split. Marowak resists Gunk Shot, and its high Defense stat lets it survive a hit and KO Arbok with one of its STAB moves. Miltank's massive Defense, reliable recovery in Milk Drink, and access to Thunder Wave let it take on Arbok with ease, only falling to poison damage and boosted attacks. Eviolite-holding Gurdurr can take on Arbok, but repeated hits will chip away at its health, killing it slowly and painfully. Bulky Psychic-types, such as Mesprit, Duosion, and Musharna, can survive a hit from Arbok and KO it with their STAB moves; just watch out for boosted Sucker Punch, because it'll hurt.</p>
[Overview]
<p>Arbok has always been a disappointing Pokemon; its stats are poor, its typing leaves it vulnerable to common attacking types, and Poison-type STAB isn't great outside of Gunk Shot. Despite this, Arbok has two reedeeming features: its abilities, Intimidate and Shed Skin, and its access to Coil. Coil makes Arbok somewhat unique, and when combined with the shaky Gunk Shot and Intimidate, it gives Arbok potential as a sweeper. Furthermore, Arbok is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that absorbs Toxic Spikes—that's a reason to use it in itself. Arbok doesn't have a lot over its Poison-type comrades, and is a decidedly average Pokemon in general, but it's a fun change of pace if you're looking for something new.</p>
[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Seed Bomb
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set attempts to raise Arbok's stats with Coil and deal massive damage to the opponent. Thanks to Intimidate, Arbok has many opportunities to switch into physical attackers and set up. Thanks to the accuracy boost Coil provides, Gunk Shot receives a newfound glory. A boosted 120 Base Power STAB move coming off Arbok's average Attack will hurt, and its high chance to poison the opponent makes it a decent move to wear down bulky walls. Earthquake provides coverage against Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types that resist or are immune to Gunk Shot, greatly improving Arbok's coverage. In the last slot, the choice between Sucker Punch and Seed Bomb is down to personal preference; Sucker Punch helps Arbok overcome its average Speed to hit Ghost- and Psychic-types, while Seed Bomb deals massive damage to Quagsire and Carracosta.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are pretty straightforward; maximum Speed and Attack gives Arbok a higher chance of sweeping, while the remaining EVs are placed into HP. 216 Speed EVs still let Arbok outrun base 75 Speed Pokemon, such as Absol, 176 EVs let it outrun base 70 Speed Pokemon, such as Samurott, and a mear 64 EVs are required to outspeed Torterra. Any leftover EVs should be placed into HP or Special Defense for additional bulk. Maximum Special Defense can be used alongside Rest and Shed Skin, but it's pretty unreliable as you have no idea when Arbok will wake up. Aqua Tail has slightly more power than Seed Bomb and has perfect accuracy after a Coil boost. Leftovers helps Arbok obtain multiple boosts by providing steady recovery, while Life Orb boosts Arbok's sweeping potential.</p>
<p>If you opt for Sucker Punch in the last slot, a Pokemon to deal with Quagsire and Carracosta is recommended. Leavanny, Leafeon, and Tangela are good choices; the former two can set up with Swords Dance, while the latter has access to Sleep Powder and Leech Seed to incapacitate the opponent. If Seed Bomb is used in the last slot, a powerful Choice Scarf user, such as Braviary, can take out faster opponents that threaten Arbok. Paralysis support also helps Arbok overcome its average Speed; Audino, Lickilicky, and Probopass can cripple opponents with Thunder Wave and also have a variety of helpful support options. Trapping Psychic-types with Pursuit is another good option. Absol and Sneasel are good options as they can switch into Psychic-types, threaten them with powerful STAB moves, and proceed to KO them with Pursuit. Support from entry hazards weakens Arbok's common switch-ins, making Whirlipede, Mesprit, and Probopass excellent teammates.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Arbok can utilize Choice items along with Switcheroo, but its mediocre stats make it a poor choice. Arbok's physical movepool extends beyond the listed moves, including gems such as Crunch, Poison Jab, the elemental fangs, and Pursuit. Unfortunately, the aforementioned moves provide little in terms of coverage, and their lower Base Power makes them inferior to those listed. Haze, Stockpile, Toxic, and Dragon Tail can form a defensive set with Intimidate, but Arbok isn't the bulkiest Pokemon in the tier, and Poison isn't the best defensive typing considering Gardevoir and Duosion are so popular. Finally, Glare can be used to paralyze faster opponents, but Arbok suffers from the infamous four moveslot syndrome.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Thanks to its decent defenses, good typing, and access to Recover, Quagsire is an ideal counter to any Arbok that lacks Seed Bomb. Weezing can take anything Arbok can throw at it, burn it with Will-O-Wisp, and restore some of its health with Pain Split. Marowak resists Gunk Shot, and its high Defense stat lets it survive a hit and KO Arbok with one of its STAB moves. Miltank's massive Defense, reliable recovery in Milk Drink, and access to Thunder Wave let it take on Arbok with ease, only falling to poison damage and boosted attacks. Eviolite-holding Gurdurr can take on Arbok, but repeated hits will chip away at its health, killing it slowly and painfully. Bulky Psychic-types, such as Mesprit, Duosion, and Musharna, can survive a hit from Arbok and KO it with their STAB moves; just watch out for boosted Sucker Punch, because it'll hurt.</p>