Arbok [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

Komodo

Huff
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis an Artist Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
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>
 

tennisace

not quite too old for this, apparently
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Top CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnus
Max speed is good to at least tie other neutral base 80s, there isn't much else you can do with it since either you drop it down to beat neutral base 75s (absol is the only relevant one and guess what, sucker punch), or drop it really low because once you get below base 70 there isnt much that runs speed. I might be forgetting something from a lower speed tier though so yeah.

Other than that, this looks pretty good?



i swear i feel like im forgetting something...
 

jake

underdog of the year
is a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
You can note a slower spread in AC, but otherwise I agree with tennis.



QC APPROVED (2/3)
 
Why not:
Impish 252 Hp / 252 Def / 4 SpDef
Dragon tail
Coil
Sleep talk
Rest
?

Or:
Adamant 252 Hp / the rest in Att and Def
Coil
Glare
Gunk shot
Dragon Tail / Aqua tail / Earthquake / Sucker punch / Haze
?

I run an Arbok as the only non dark type in my fun nearly mono dark team.
He's there just to counter/check Conkeldurr and Heracross and mainly for aesthetic purposes XD

Arbok
Adamant nature 252 Hp / 188 Def / 68 Att
Coil / Haze
Fire fang
Glare
Gunk shot
 

jake

underdog of the year
is a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
Why not:
Impish 252 Hp / 252 Def / 4 SpDef
Dragon tail
Coil
Sleep talk
Rest
?

Or:
Adamant 252 Hp / the rest in Att and Def
Coil
Glare
Gunk shot
Dragon Tail / Aqua tail / Earthquake / Sucker punch / Haze
?

I run an Arbok as the only non dark type in my fun nearly mono dark team.
He's there just to counter/check Conkeldurr and Heracross and mainly for aesthetic purposes XD

Arbok
Adamant nature 252 Hp / 188 Def / 68 Att
Coil / Haze
Fire fang
Glare
Gunk shot
there are no conkeldurr and heracross in NU (though there are gurdurr and pinsir). i'm not sure what a defensive arbok has over weezing/muk/other defensive poison-types, especially when you consider you're bypassing intimidate for shed skin.
 
Who said I was bypassing intimidate? Just because Arbok is NU doesn't mean he is illegal in an OU or UU team.
With max Hp and Def, and factoring in intimidate, Arbok takes physical hits better than a max def Weezing.
Wouldn't it be painful having your Conkeldurr/Virizion/Heracross beaten by an Arbok?
Using the same old pokemon is no fun.
 

jake

underdog of the year
is a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
Who said I was bypassing intimidate? Just because Arbok is NU doesn't mean he is illegal in an OU or UU team.
With max Hp and Def, and factoring in intimidate, Arbok takes physical hits better than a max def Weezing.
Wouldn't it be painful having your Conkeldurr/Virizion/Heracross beaten by an Arbok?
Using the same old pokemon is no fun.
a) this analysis is for NU and NU alone
b) weezing has will-o-wisp
c) i was referring to the poster above you as well
 

Ice-eyes

Simper Fi
The slow AC spread you want to mention is 192 HP / 252 Atk / 64 Spe - that gets you ahead of Adamant Torterra (which is obviously important for Arbok).
 

Andy Snype

Mr. Music
add/replace with
remove
comments

[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 factors: its abilities, Intimidate and Shed Skin, and its access to Coil. Coil makes Arbok somewhat unique in what it does, and when combined with the shaky Gunk Shot and Intimidate, Arbok has potential as a sweeper. Furthermore, Arbok is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that absorb Toxic Spikes—that's a reason to use it in itself. Arbok doesn't have a lot over its Poison-type allies, and it's 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 give Arbok a higher chance of sweeping, while the remaining EVs are placed into HP. 216 Speed EVs still outrun base 75 Speed Pokemon, such as Absol, while a meager 176 EVs outrun base 70 Speed Pokemon, such as Samurott. 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 provides slightly more power than Seed Bomb, and after a Coil boost, hasperfect accuracy with a Coil boost. Leftovers helps Arbok obtain multiple boosts by providing steady recovery, while Life Orb boosts Arbok's sweeping potential. after a single Coil.(still boosts it regardless)</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 aformentioned 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 be used to 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. Scolipede resists Gunk Shot, is only hit neutrally by Earthquake, and it can set up entry hazards while Arbok does little in return. Marowak resists Gunk Shot, and its high Defense stat means it can 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, provided it's holding Eviolite, 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, it'll hurt.</p>



GP Approved (1/2)
 

jc104

Humblest person ever
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
Placeholder for GP. Seems I can't really let go of an analysis entirely.

edit:

<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 redeeming features : its abilities, Intimidate and Shed Skin, and its access to Coil. Coil makes Arbok somewhat unique in what it does, and when combined with the shaky Gunk Shot and Intimidate, it gives Arbok has 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 allies (I think allies sounds odd here. How about comrades?), and it's 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 mere 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 (this is a grammar standard I believe) 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 (optional)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. Whirlipede resists Gunk Shot, is only hit neutrally by Earthquake, and can set up entry hazards while Arbok does little in return (sounds risky to me, letting Arbok set up like that; not really a check imo). Marowak resists Gunk Shot, and its high Defense stat means lets it can 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, (comma) killing it slowly and painfully. Bulky Psychic-types, such as Mesprit, Duosion, and Musharna, (comma) can survive a hit from Arbok and KO it with their STAB moves; just watch out for boosted Sucker Punch, because (without this you need another semicolon, which is not ideal) it'll hurt.</p>
GP 2/2

Good job by the way.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top