Electabuzz (GP 2/2)

[Overview]

<p>Electabuzz is one of many Pokemon from the first generation that was left in the wake of its successors and evolutions. However, as always, the NU tier provides a place for those fallen threats to shine, and Electabuzz remains a live(space)wire (most dictionaries seem to agree that this is two separate words) of an offensive Pokemon despite its somewhat lacklustre (lackluster) stats. Although its defenses are low, and its Special Attack stat is only above average, its good (versatile) offensive movepool and excellent Base (base) 105 Speed stat allow it to function well as a revenge killer, outspeeding most opponents and hitting them hard with a STAB Electric-type attack or (a) super effective coverage move. While Raichu gives it a lot of competition, due to its access to the excellent Lightningrod ability, and the moves Nasty Plot and Encore, (Raichu, given access to Nasty Plot, Encore, and the Lightningrod ability, gives Electabuzz some stiff competition, but) Electabuzz has several redeeming features that make it a viable choice. For instance, access to Vital Spirit allows it to switch directly into opponents such as Tangela and Jynx without consequence. Furthermore, Electabuzz can use Eviolite to become a fast, boosting tank that can both take hits and deal them out, while also being able (with the ability) to switch more easily into neutral attacks. Overall, while Raichu is often easier to use on teams as your offensive Electric-type, Electabuzz still has a lot of advantages that make it worth considering for certain roles. And he's obviously cooler, so he gets points for that too.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[Set Comments]

<p>One of Electabuzz's most viable sets is an all-out special attacker, taking advantage of its excellent Speed tier (stat) (threshold is also acceptable, depending on what you wanted to convey), good (worthwhile) attacking power and outstanding neutral coverage. Base 105 Speed, when fully invested, is more than enough to outspeed most of the unboosted Pokemon in the tier, such as Sawk, Jynx and Haunter. Speed tying with other Pokemon with Base 105 Speed, like (such as) Rapidash, can also be extremely useful, and is a good reason to use Electabuzz over Raichu if you lack other means to deal with these threats. Because Electabuzz has such impressive natural speed, this means it can afford to use a power-boosting item and still revenge kill effectively, which is fantastic considering it has somewhat lacklustre (lackluster) power otherwise. The (This) moveset is standard for most offensive Electric-types, and grants Electabuzz both power and versatility. Thunderbolt provides a good (reliable) STAB attack that hits most of the tier neutrally and allows Electabuzz to potentially sweep weakened teams that no longer have a Pokemon that resists Electric-type moves (an Electric resist). Hidden Power Ice provides almost perfect neutral coverage in the tier, and hits Ground-type Pokemon that would attempt to switch into Thunderbolt and Volt Switch hard. It also deals heavy damage to Altaria, who is otherwise a hard counter to Electabuzz. Focus Blast is another good coverage option, as it hits special walls such as Cryogonal and Probopass much harder than Electabuzz's other attacks. Finally, Volt Switch is used in the fourth moveslot to allow Electabuzz to steal momentum from opposing teams, while also dealing respectable damage to offensive Pokemon.</p>

<p>The EV spread is extremely straightforward; Electabuzz needs to run maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature to make the most of its rare Speed tier, while it needs full Special Attack investment to deal as much as damage as possible, and to make every hit count. Choice Specs is one of the best items available when using Electabuzz as a revenge killer, as it significantly increases its power output without restraining its options too much on the battlefield. (Specs locks him into a move, potentially requiring a switch?) In cases where you don't want to remain on the battlefield, should your opponent want to take advantage of your predictable moves, Volt Switch provides the perfect escape option, letting Electabuzz both hit extremely hard and steal momentum from the opponent. Overall, Electabuzz's stats and movepool make it an excellent Choice item user; (Period) Although a Choice Scarf set is somewhat weaker, it outspeeds almost every Pokemon in the tier, including common speed boosters, such as Gorebyss and Torterra, when they have a +2 boost under their scales. If you don't want Electabuzz to be locked into attacks, and would prefer it (Electabuzz) (simplified for redundancy) to be able to switch between its STABs and coverage moves at will, you can use a Life Orb to retain some of the Choice Specs set's power. An advantage of using a Life Orb is the ability to use Hidden Power on Ground-type Pokemon after they switch into Thunderbolt or Volt Change, often netting you a surprise kill. Likewise, an Expert Belt can be used to increase the power of super effective hits whilst not causing any recoil, but Electabuzz is frail regardless, and would prefer the extra offensive power to some extra health.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>If you decide to use a Life Orb, or simply want to increase the coverage of Electabuzz's choice-item (Choice) sets, then a fourth type of attack can be used over Volt Change (Switch) depending on the needs of your team. Psychic is an option for breaking through bulky Fighting- and Poison- type Pokemon, such as specially defensive Throh, (and) Muk, and other Pokemon with stupid names; both are 3HKOed by Specs Psychic even after Leftovers recovery, meaning they cannot stall it out with Rest. Signal Beam can be used to provide a stronger a(t)tack against Psychic-types such as Mesprit, but it isn't much more powerful against them than STAB Thunderbolt, and it's much easier for an opponent to switch into. Charge Beam can also be used to revenge-kill weakened opponents and possibly net Electabuzz a boost; (Period) h(H)owever, it's too inconsistent to be relied upon as a setup move, and Raichu does a better job as a Special Attack boosting Electric type anyways. Different types of Hidden Power can also be used to hit specific Ground-type Pokemon harder, with Hidden Power Grass destroying Quagsire, Hidden Power Water decimating Camerupt, and both of them annihilating Golem. However, Hidden Power Ice provides much better coverage overall as it hits the Grass-type Pokemon that can tank Thunderbolts harder, and it ravages Altaria, who can otherwise set up Dragon Dances with a bulky set. If you opt to use a different Hidden Power, Signal Beam becomes a more appealing coverage option, as it allows Electabuzz to still hit Grass-type Pokemon hard. Alternatively, Substitute can be used over an attacking option to deal with priority attackers more effectively, but the residual damage (sacrificed health) (Comma) when combined with Life Orb recoil (Comma) can limit Electabuzz's battery life (usefulness) over the course of a match.</p>

<p>Vital Spirit is the standard ability as it provides Electabuzz with more opportunities to switch into combat, and allows it to force out Tangela and Jynx without having to sacrifice a teammate to the Sleep status; (Period) this is a unique advantage that Electabuzz holds over its counterpart, Raichu. (Immunity to sleep is one of Electabuzz's biggest advantages over Raichu.) Static generally isn't useful on an all-out attacking set because Electabuzz will probably take a single hit before it short-circuits, and the overall chances of paralysing (paralyzing) an important opponent are slim. Although Electabuzz is an excellent special attacker, it cannot sweep through teams on its own, and appreciates teammates that are able to break through its checks. Powerful physical attackers such as Sawk, Swellow and Absol can defeat specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky and Regice easily, and will often dent opponents enough for Electabuzz to finish them off with a Volt Switch, conversing (conserving) momentum. In this sense, using powerful U-turn users alongside it (Electabuzz) can be a good tactic, forcing the opponent to constantly respond to new threats, all-the-while (hyphenated form of this is archaic) taking significant residual damage; (Period) Swellow and Braviary are good candidates for this (provided that Stealth Rock is not up), as Electabuzz can also switch into the Electric-type attacks that are targeted at them. Grass type attackers such as Torterra are also useful for dealing with the Ground-type Pokemon that can try and switch into Electabuzz's STAB moves. Finally, using a entry-hazards setter such as Mesprit or Garbodor can be (Pokemon who can set up entry hazards, such as Mesprit or Garbodor, are) helpful in providing the residual damage that Electabuzz needs to score KOs.</p>

[SET]
name: Sub-Charge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Thunderbolt
item: Eviolite
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
EVs: 252 HP / 152 SpA / 104 Spe

[Set Comments]

<p>Electabuzz is normally quite a frail sweeper, but its access to the Eviolite item allows it to shift roles effortlessly into a bulky, boosting tank, making the most of its respectable special bulk, excellent neutral coverage, and lack of defensive weaknesses. When taking Eviolite's boost and the HP investment into account, Electabuzz reaches defensive stats of 334 HP / 223 Def / 309 SpD; although they are not ridiculously good, they are more than (high) enough to ensure that weak Scalds from bulky Water-types and other similarly weak moves cannot break its Substitutes, letting it set up against defensive opponents much more easily. In addition to this, Electabuzz still has decent offenses for a sweeper, reaching a Special Attack stat of 396 after a single boost while also outspeeding Rotom-S, and by extension many other Pokemon in the tier (many Pokemon in the tier, including Rotom-S). With this set, Electabuzz aims to slowly boost its Special Attack stat over time, before crushing opponents with its boosted Thunderbolts and excellent neutral coverage. Although Rotom-S and Raichu can also pull off boosting sets, and have unique aspects that make them good users of the strategy, Electabuzz retains its niche due to its much better bulk and immunity to the Sleep status. Charge Beam can not only be used to revenge kill weakened opponents; it can also be used to (will not only revenge kill damaged opponents, but can)set up Special Attack boosts with impunity against Pokemon that cannot break its Substitutes, or don't present much of a threat in general. However, despite Electabuzz's respectable special bulk, it is by no means invincible. Physical attackers can break through it with their powerful STABs and Earthquakes, (Period) and as Electabuzz lacks a healing move or even Leftovers recovery, its batteries are sure to be drained quickly when under continuous assault. (The lack of a healing move and Leftovers recovery will spell the swift downfall of Electabuzz under physical assault.) Thus, when using this set, it is extremely important to only attempt to set up when all checks and counters have been removed. Use Electabuzz to revenge kill slower opponents with Thunderbolt until the time arises to pull off a sweep.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>Again, Vital Spirit is (Vital Spirit remains) the most useful ability for Electabuzz to use, as it can switch into Tangela and Jynx without fear and set up on them as they try and use weak Special Attacks. On the other hand, Calm Mind Jynx can set up on this Electabuzz set easily, so you should make sure you know what's under her dress (scout her set) before attempting to boost in front of her. However, Static can also be useful on this set, as Electabuzz will often be found behind a Substitute, and thus the ability has more opportunities to randomly paralyse (paralyze) opponents, stopping a faster offensive check such as Tauros in its tracks. Similarly, Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt on this set to help spread P(p)aralysis and provide team support; (Period) w(W)hile it (the drop in power) isn't as useful when attempting a straight-up sweep, it can allow Electabuzz to provide more team support when it's waiting in the wings for its checks and counters to be dealt with. Alternatively, you can choose to forego a powerful Electric-type attack altogether in favour of Focus Blast, which deals much more damage to special walls like Probopass, Lickilicky and Cryogonal at the expense of a powerful STAB option against most other opponents. However, this is often unnecessary, as you can deal with these Pokemon more effectively by switching in a powerful Fighting-type Pokemon like (such as) Sawk or Emboar; so long as Electabuzz is supported properly by its teammates, it should not need to deviate from Electric- and Ice-type coverage to remain an effective tank. Throh and Gurdurr are also useful on a bulky-offense team, as they can turn Electabuzz's insulators (counters) into set(hyphen)up fodder for themselves.</p>

<p>Using a Rapid Spinner or grounded Poison-type on your team is also highly recommended, as if Electabuzz is badly P(p)oisoned by Toxic Spikes, it will not be able to boost enough to sweep before it is killed by the Toxic damage. Cryogonal is a useful candidate as it generally has a good match(hyphen)up against the Ground types that ruin Electabuzz, and remains immune to Toxic Spikes itself, thus being able to switch into combat without risking its ability to take special hits later on. Vileplume is a good choice for your Poison type (Toxic Spikes absorber) as it can also take Ground-type attacks quite well, remove potential counters with Sleep Powder, and use Aromatherapy in case Electabuzz is inflicted with status regardless of your efforts. If you want to attempt multiple sweeps with Electabuzz, a Wish user can also be highly valuable; (Period) Alomomola is the best candidate as it can take physical attacks all day, and can also hit most Ground-types super effectively with Waterfall.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like many Pokemon from the older generations, Electabuzz has quite an expansive movepool, but can't really do much to abuse it. For example, it has access to several good physical attacks, such as Ice Punch, Fire Punch and Focus Punch, but it lacks the stats to use them effectively. With Electabuzz's average Base 83 Attack stat, a(n) uninvested Fire Punch is rarely more helpful than Hidden Power Fire, apart from (only stronger than Hidden Power Fire) against Jynx and Cryogonal. Likewise, Ice Punch isn't ever more useful than Hidden Power Ice within this tier, especially as many of the more prominent Grass-type Pokemon, such as Tangela and Leafeon, are extremely physically bulky. Focus Punch is an interesting possibility, especially when combined with Substitute, but it can be argued that Raichu pulls off a Sub-Punching set better due to its higher Attack stat, and unlike Focus Blast it cannot have its power boosted by Charge Beam. Electabuzz also has a range of support moves that it can use on defensive sets, such as Barrier, Light Screen(Comma) and Magnet Rise, but they lack overall purpose and can be hard to fit on the bulky set over Electabuzz's other attacking options. Rain Dance can be used alongside Damp Rock and Thunder, but Electrode is better at pulling this set off as it fares better against Swellow and slow Choice Scarf users, and can bring a sweeper into the battle for free with Explosion if necessary. Thunder Wave, Discharge or Static can be used alongside Electro Ball to deal massive damage, but the lack (inconsistency) of power against non-Paralysed (non-paralyzed) opponents is discomforting. Finally, Electabuzz can invest fully into its special bulk and run a set of Rest / Sleep Talk / Charge Beam / Hidden Power Ice. Although it does provide Electabuzz with reliable recovery, a good response to status, and the ability to avoid 2HKOs from powerful special STAB attacks, it lacks the power and speed to function effectively at all when not try(ing) to boost, giving it less overall utility for the team than the Sub-Charge set.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>On the offensive set, specific Ground-type Pokemon can counter Electabuzz depending on which type of Hidden Power it runs. Specially Defensive Quagsire can walk all over Electabuzz that lack Hidden Power Grass, and can proceed to either set up (boost with) Curses or use Toxic on a switch-in. On the other hand, if you lack Hidden Power Water, Specially Defensive Camerupt can switch into Electabuzz extremely easily (with impunity), and set up Stealth Rock for free or go straight for the kill with a respectably powerful (strong) Earth Power. (Disliked the "power" redundancy) Other Ground-type Pokemon such as Golem and Torterra can switch into an Electabuzz locked into Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, and can set up Rock Polish as it's forced to switch out; they can be played around easily through careful use of Hidden Power, however. Specially bulky opponents are as a good response(s) to Electabuzz in general, with Throh being one of the best candidates, (Period) (Throh can) setting up multiple Bulk Ups with ease before healing with Rest against offensive sets or phazing the Sub-Charge set out with Circle Throw pre-emptively. Specs Thunderbolt fails to even 3HKO Throh through Leftovers most of the time, meaning it has plenty of opportunities to switch in and force Electabuzz out even with significant residual damage. Other special walls such as Lickilicky, Cryogonal (Comma) and Probopass are also able to switch into Thunderbolts and fulfill their roles easily, although they must all watch out for Focus Blast. Finally, faster physical attackers can kill Electabuzz before it has a chance to strike; Swellow cannot switch into Electabuzz directly, but it can force it out immediately on the revenge-kill with both Facade and U-turn. Cincinno can break through Substitutes with ease thanks to a powerful Tail Slap, and Ninjask can stall for speed boosts before Baton Passing them to an opponent such as Eelektross, putting Electabuzz in a poor position. Sucker Punch users such as Cacturne and Absol can also severely damage Electabuzz if it tries to attack, although this strategy fails against any set that uses Substitute.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Electabuzz is one of many Pokemon from the first generation that was left in the wake of its successors and evolutions. However, as always, the NU tier provides a place for those fallen threats to shine, and Electabuzz remains a live wire of an offensive Pokemon despite its somewhat lackluster stats. Although its defenses are low, and its Special Attack stat is only above average, its versatile offensive movepool and excellent base 105 Speed stat allow it to function well as a revenge killer, outspeeding most opponents and hitting them hard with a STAB Electric-type attack or a super effective coverage move. Raichu, given access to Nasty Plot, Encore, and the Lightningrod ability, gives Electabuzz some stiff competition, but Electabuzz has several redeeming features that make it a viable choice. For instance, access to Vital Spirit allows it to switch directly into opponents such as Tangela and Jynx without consequence. Furthermore, Electabuzz can use Eviolite to become a fast, boosting tank that can both take hits and deal them out, with the ability to switch more easily into neutral attacks. Overall, while Raichu is often easier to use on teams as your offensive Electric-type, Electabuzz still has a lot of advantages that make it worth considering for certain roles. And he's obviously cooler, so he gets points for that too.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[Set Comments]

<p>One of Electabuzz's most viable sets is an all-out special attacker, taking advantage of its excellent Speed stat, worthwhile attacking power and outstanding neutral coverage. Base 105 Speed, when fully invested, is more than enough to outspeed most of the unboosted Pokemon in the tier, such as Sawk, Jynx and Haunter. Speed tying with other Pokemon with Base 105 Speed, such as Rapidash, can also be extremely useful, and is a good reason to use Electabuzz over Raichu if you lack other means to deal with these threats. Because Electabuzz has such impressive natural speed, it can afford to use a power-boosting item and still revenge kill effectively, which is fantastic considering it has somewhat lackluster power otherwise. This moveset is standard for most offensive Electric-types, and grants Electabuzz both power and versatility. Thunderbolt provides a reliable STAB attack that hits most of the tier neutrally and allows Electabuzz to potentially sweep weakened teams that no longer have an Electric resist. Hidden Power Ice provides almost perfect neutral coverage in the tier, and hits Ground-type Pokemon that would attempt to switch into Thunderbolt and Volt Switch hard. It also deals heavy damage to Altaria, who is otherwise a hard counter to Electabuzz. Focus Blast is another good coverage option, as it hits special walls such as Cryogonal and Probopass much harder than Electabuzz's other attacks. Finally, Volt Switch is usedto allow Electabuzz to steal momentum from opposing teams, while also dealing respectable damage to offensive Pokemon.</p>

<p>The EV spread is extremely straightforward; Electabuzz needs to run maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature to make the most of its rare Speed tier, while it needs full Special Attack investment to deal as much as damage as possible, and make every hit count. Choice Specs is one of the best items available when using Electabuzz as a revenge killer, as it significantly increases its power output. In cases where you don't want to remain on the battlefield, Volt Switch provides the perfect escape option, letting Electabuzz both hit extremely hard and steal momentum from the opponent. Overall, Electabuzz's stats and movepool make it an excellent Choice item user. Although a Choice Scarf set is somewhat weaker, it outspeeds almost every Pokemon in the tier, including common speed boosters, such as Gorebyss and Torterra, when they have a +2 boost. If you would prefer Electabuzz to be able to switch between its STABs and coverage moves at will, you can use a Life Orb to retain some of the Choice Specs set's power. An advantage of using a Life Orb is the ability to use Hidden Power on Ground-type Pokemon after they switch into Thunderbolt or Volt Change, often netting you a surprise kill. Likewise, an Expert Belt can be used to increase the power of super effective hits whilst not causing any recoil, but Electabuzz is frail regardless, and would prefer the extra offensive power to some extra health.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>If you decide to use a Life Orb, or simply want to increase the coverage of Electabuzz's Choice sets, then a fourth type of attack can be used over Volt Switch depending on the needs of your team. Psychic is an option for breaking through bulky Fighting- and Poison- type Pokemon, such as specially defensive Throh, Muk; both are 3HKOed by Specs Psychic even after Leftovers recovery, meaning they cannot stall it out with Rest. Signal Beam can be used to provide a stronger attack against Psychic-types such as Mesprit, but it isn't much more powerful against them than STAB Thunderbolt, and it's much easier for an opponent to switch into. Charge Beam can also be used to revenge-kill weakened opponents and possibly net Electabuzz a boost. However, it's too inconsistent to be relied upon as a setup move, and Raichu does a better job as a Special Attack boosting Electric type anyways. Different types of Hidden Power can also be used to hit specific Ground-type Pokemon harder, with Hidden Power Grass destroying Quagsire, Hidden Power Water decimating Camerupt, and both of them annihilating Golem. However, Hidden Power Ice provides much better coverage overall as it hits the Grass-type Pokemon that can tank Thunderbolts harder, and it ravages Altaria, who can otherwise set up Dragon Dances with a bulky set. If you opt to use a different Hidden Power, Signal Beam becomes more appealing, as it allows Electabuzz to still hit Grass-type Pokemon hard. Alternatively, Substitute can be used over an attacking option to deal with priority attackers more effectively, but the sacrificed health, when combined with Life Orb recoil, can limit Electabuzz's usefulness over the course of a match.</p>

<p>Vital Spirit is the standard ability as it provides Electabuzz with more opportunities to switch into combat, and allows it to force out Tangela and Jynx without having to sacrifice a teammate to the Sleep status. Immunity to sleep is one of Electabuzz's biggest advantages over Raichu. Static generally isn't useful on an all-out attacking set because Electabuzz will probably take a single hit before it short-circuits, and the overall chances of paralyzing an important opponent are slim. Although Electabuzz is an excellent special attacker, it cannot sweep through teams on its own, and appreciates teammates that are able to break through its checks. Powerful physical attackers such as Sawk, Swellow and Absol can defeat specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky and Regice easily, and will often dent opponents enough for Electabuzz to finish them off with a Volt Switch, conserving momentum. In this sense, using powerful U-turn users alongside Electabuzz can be a good tactic, forcing the opponent to constantly respond to new threats, all the while taking significant residual damage. Swellow and Braviary are good candidates for this provided that Stealth Rock is not up, as Electabuzz can also switch into the Electric-type attacks that are targeted at them. Grass type attackers such as Torterra are also useful for dealing with the Ground-type Pokemon that can try and switch into Electabuzz's STAB moves. Finally, Pokemon who can set up entry hazards, such as Mesprit or Garbodor, are helpful in providing the residual damage that Electabuzz needs to score KOs.</p>

[SET]
name: Sub-Charge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Thunderbolt
item: Eviolite
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
EVs: 252 HP / 152 SpA / 104 Spe

[Set Comments]

<p>Electabuzz is normally quite a frail sweeper, but its access to the Eviolite item allows it to shift roles effortlessly into a bulky, boosting tank, making the most of its respectable special bulk, excellent neutral coverage, and lack of defensive weaknesses. When taking Eviolite's boost and the HP investment into account, Electabuzz reaches defensive stats high enough to ensure that weak Scalds from bulky Water-types and other similarly weak moves cannot break its Substitutes, letting it set up against defensive opponents much more easily. In addition to this, Electabuzz still has decent offenses for a sweeper, reaching a Special Attack stat of 396 after a single boost while also outspeeding many Pokemon in the tier, including Rotom-S. With this set, Electabuzz aims to slowly boost its Special Attack stat over time, before crushing opponents with its boosted Thunderbolts and excellent neutral coverage. Although Rotom-S and Raichu can also pull off boosting sets, and have unique aspects that make them good users of the strategy, Electabuzz retains its niche due to its much better bulk and immunity to the Sleep status. Charge Beam will not only revenge kill damaged opponents, but can set up Special Attack boosts with impunity against Pokemon that cannot break its Substitutes, or don't present much of a threat in general. However, despite Electabuzz's respectable special bulk, it is by no means invincible. Physical attackers can break through it with their powerful STABs and Earthquakes. The lack of a healing move and Leftovers recovery will spell the swift downfall of Electabuzz under physical assault. Thus, when using this set, it is extremely important to only attempt to set up when all checks and counters have been removed. Use Electabuzz to revenge kill slower opponents with Thunderbolt until the time arises to pull off a sweep.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>Vital Spirit remains the most useful ability for Electabuzz, as it can switch into Tangela and Jynx without fear and set up on them as they try and use weak Special Attacks. On the other hand, Calm Mind Jynx can set up on this Electabuzz set easily, so you should scout her set before attempting to boost in front of her. However, Static can also be useful on this set, as Electabuzz will often be found behind a Substitute, and thus the ability has more opportunities to randomly paralyze opponents, stopping a faster offensive check such as Tauros in its tracks. Similarly, Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt on this set to help spread paralysis and provide team support. While the drop in power isn't as useful when attempting a straight-up sweep, it can allow Electabuzz to provide more team support when it's waiting in the wings for its checks and counters to be dealt with. Alternatively, you can choose to forego a powerful Electric-type attack altogether in favor of Focus Blast, which deals much more damage to special walls like Probopass, Lickilicky and Cryogonal at the expense of a powerful STAB option against most other opponents. However, this is often unnecessary, as you can deal with these Pokemon more effectively by switching in a powerful Fighting-type Pokemon such as Sawk or Emboar; so long as Electabuzz is supported properly by its teammates, it should not need to deviate from Electric- and Ice-type coverage to remain an effective tank. Throh and Gurdurr are also useful on a bulky-offense team, as they can turn Electabuzz's counters into set-up fodder for themselves.</p>

<p>Using a Rapid Spinner or grounded Poison-type on your team is also highly recommended, as if Electabuzz is badlypoisoned by Toxic Spikes, it will not be able to boost enough to sweep before it is killed by the Toxic damage. Cryogonal is a useful candidate as it generally has a good match-up against the Ground types that ruin Electabuzz, and remains immune to Toxic Spikes itself, thus being able to switch into combat without risking its ability to take special hits later on. Vileplume is a good choice for yourToxic Spikes absorber as it can also take Ground-type attacks quite well, remove potential counters with Sleep Powder, and use Aromatherapy in case Electabuzz is inflicted with status regardless of your efforts. If you want to attempt multiple sweeps with Electabuzz, a Wish user can also be highly valuable. Alomomola is the best candidate as it can take physical attacks all day, and can also hit most Ground-types super effectively with Waterfall.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like many Pokemon from the older generations, Electabuzz has quite an expansive movepool, but can't really do much to abuse it. For example, it has access to several good physical attacks, such as Ice Punch, Fire Punch and Focus Punch, but it lacks the stats to use them effectively. With Electabuzz's average Base 83 Attack stat, an uninvested Fire Punch is only stronger than Hidden Power Fire against Jynx and Cryogonal. Likewise, Ice Punch isn't ever more useful than Hidden Power Ice within this tier, especially as many of the more prominent Grass-type Pokemon, such as Tangela and Leafeon, are extremely physically bulky. Focus Punch is an interesting possibility, especially when combined with Substitute, but it can be argued that Raichu pulls off a Sub-Punching set better due to its higher Attack stat, and unlike Focus Blast it cannot have its power boosted by Charge Beam. Electabuzz also has a range of support moves that it can use on defensive sets, such as Barrier, Light Screen, and Magnet Rise, but they lack overall purpose and can be hard to fit on the bulky set over Electabuzz's other attacking options. Rain Dance can be used alongside Damp Rock and Thunder, but Electrode fares better against Swellow and slow Choice Scarf users, and can bring a sweeper into the battle for free with Explosion if necessary. Thunder Wave, Discharge or Static can be used alongside Electro Ball to deal massive damage, but the inconsistency of power against non-paralyzed opponents is discomforting. Finally, Electabuzz can invest fully into its special bulk and run a set of Rest / Sleep Talk / Charge Beam / Hidden Power Ice. Although it does provide Electabuzz with reliable recovery, a good response to status, and the ability to avoid 2HKOs from powerful special STAB attacks, it lacks the power and speed to function effectively at all when not trying to boost, giving it less overall utility for the team than the Sub-Charge set.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>On the offensive set, specific Ground-type Pokemon can counter Electabuzz depending on which type of Hidden Power it runs. Specially Defensive Quagsire can walk all over Electabuzz that lack Hidden Power Grass, and can proceed to either boost with Curse or use Toxic on a switch-in. On the other hand, if you lack Hidden Power Water, Specially Defensive Camerupt can switch into Electabuzz with impunity, and set up Stealth Rock for free or go straight for the kill with a strong Earth Power. Other Ground-type Pokemon such as Golem and Torterra can switch into an Electabuzz locked into Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, and can set up Rock Polish as it's forced to switch out; they can be played around easily through careful use of Hidden Power, however. Specially bulky opponents are good responses to Electabuzz in general, with Throh being one of the best candidates. Throh can set up multiple Bulk Ups with ease before healing with Rest against offensive sets or phazing the Sub-Charge set out with Circle Throw preemptively. Specs Thunderbolt fails to even 3HKO Throh through Leftovers most of the time, meaning it has plenty of opportunities to switch in and force Electabuzz out even with significant residual damage. Other special walls such as Lickilicky, Cryogonal, and Probopass are also able to switch into Thunderbolts and fulfill their roles easily, although they must all watch out for Focus Blast. Finally, faster physical attackers can kill Electabuzz before it has a chance to strike; Swellow cannot switch into Electabuzz directly, but it can force it out immediately on the revenge-kill with both Facade and U-turn. Cincinno can break through Substitutes with ease thanks to a powerful Tail Slap, and Ninjask can stall for speed boosts before Baton Passing them to an opponent such as Eelektross, putting Electabuzz in a poor position. Sucker Punch users such as Cacturne and Absol can also severely damage Electabuzz if it tries to attack, although this strategy fails against any set that uses Substitute.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Electabuzz is one of many Pokemon from the first generation that was left in the wake of its successors and evolutions. However, as always, the NU tier provides a place for those fallen threats to shine, and Electabuzz remains a live wire of an offensive Pokemon despite its somewhat lackluster stats. Although its defenses are low, and its Special Attack stat is only above average, its versatile offensive movepool and excellent base 105 Speed stat allow it to function well as a revenge killer, outspeeding almost all opponents when using a Choice Scarf and hitting them hard with a STAB Electric-type attack or a super effective coverage move. Raichu, givenwhich has access to Nasty Plot, Encore, and the Lightningrod ability, gives Electabuzz some stiff competition, but Electabuzz has several redeeming features that make it a viable choice. For instance, access to Vital Spirit allows it to switch directly into opponents such as Tangela and Jynx without consequence. Furthermore, Electabuzz can use Eviolite to become a fast, boosting tank that can both take hits and deal them out, with the ability to switch more easily into neutral attacks. Overall, while Raichu is often easier to use on teams as your offensive Electric-type, Electabuzz still has a lot of advantages that make it worth considering for certain roles. And he—and it's obviously cooler, so heit gets points for that too.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf / Life Orb
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>One of Electabuzz's most viable sets is an all-out special attacker, taking advantage of its excellent Speed threshold, worthwhile attacking power, and outstanding neutral coverage. With Bbase 105 Speed, maximum investment, and a Choice Scarf equipped, Electabuzz outspeeds almost every Pokemon in the tier, including most other Choice Scarf users, making it a reliable revenge killer against even boosted opponents. This moveset is standard for most offensive Electric-types, and grants Electabuzz both power and versatility. Thunderbolt provides a reliable STAB attack that hits most of the tier neutrally and allows Electabuzz to potentially sweep weakened teams that no longer have an Electric-type resistance. Hidden Power Ice provides almost perfect neutral coverage in the tier, and hits Ground-type Pokemon that would attempt to switch into Thunderbolt and Volt Switch hard. It also deals good damage to Altaria, who is otherwise a hard counter to Electabuzz. Focus Blast is another good coverage option, as it hits special walls such as Cryogonal and Probopass much harder than Electabuzz's other attacks. In cases where you don't want to remainkeep Electabuzz on the battlefield, Volt Switch provides the perfect escape option, letting Electabuzz both hit extremely hard and steal momentum from the opponent.</p>

<p>The EV spread is extremely straightforward; Electabuzz needs to run maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature to make the most of its rare Speed tier, while it needs full Special Attack investment to deal as much as damage as possible, considering its power isn't boosted by an item. (Life Orb is slashed so I'm not sure why this phrase is here?) While a Choice Scarf is generally the best item choice, to ensure tohat Electabuzz can revenge kill as many threats as possible, Choice Specs is also a good choiceoption as it significantly increases its power output, and aside from opposing Choice Scarf users, Swellow, and Cinccinno, it will still outspeed the majority of opponents. If you would prefer Electabuzz to be able to switch between its STABs and coverage moves at will, you can use a Life Orb to retain some of the Choice Specs set's power. An advantage of using a Life Orb is the ability to use Hidden Power on Ground-type Pokemon after they switch into Thunderbolt or Volt ChangeSwitch, often netting you a surprise killKO. Likewise, an Expert Belt can be used to increase the power of super effective hits whilst not causing any recoil, but Electabuzz is frail regardless, and would prefer the extra offensive power to some extra health.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>If you decide to use a Life Orb, or simply want to increase the coverage of Electabuzz's Choice sets, then a fourth type of attack can be used over Volt Switch depending on the needs of your team. Psychic is an option for breaking through bulky Fighting- and Poison- type Pokemon, such as specially defensive Throh, and Muk; both are 3HKOed by Choice Specs Psychic even after Leftovers recovery, meaning they cannot stall it out with Rest. Signal Beam can be used to provide a stronger attack against Psychic-types such as Mesprit, but it isn't much more powerful against them than STAB Thunderbolt, and it's much easier for an opponent to switch into. Additionally, these moves are too weak on the Choice Scarf set to have anything other than niche uses. Charge Beam can also be used to revenge-kill weakened opponents and possibly net Electabuzz a boost. However, it's too inconsistent to be relied upon as a setup move, and Raichu does a better job as a Special Attack-boosting Electric-type anyways. Different types of Hidden Power can also be used to hit specific Ground-type Pokemon harder, with Hidden Power Grass destroying Quagsire, Hidden Power Water decimating Camerupt, and both of them annihilating Golem. However, Hidden Power Ice provides much better coverage overall as it hits the Grass-type Pokemon that can tank Thunderbolts harder, and it ravages Altaria, who can otherwise set up Dragon Dances with a bulky set. If you opt to use a different Hidden Power type, Signal Beam becomes more appealing, as it still allows Electabuzz to still hit Grass-type Pokemon hard. Alternatively, Substitute can be used over an attacking option to deal with priority attackers more effectively, but the sacrificed health, when combined with Life Orb recoil, can limit Electabuzz's usefulness over the course of a match.</p>

<p>Vital Spirit is the standard ability as it provides Electabuzz with more opportunities to switch into combat, and allows it to force out Tangela and Jynx without having to sacrifice a teammate to the Sleep statussleep. Immunity to sleep is one of Electabuzz's biggest advantages over Raichu. Static generally isn't useful on an all-out attacking set because Electabuzz will probably take a single hit before it short-circuits, and the overall chances of paralyzing an important opponent are slim. Although Electabuzz is an excellent special attacker, it cannot sweep through teams on its own, and appreciates teammates that are able to break through its checks. Powerful physical attackers, such as Sawk, Swellow, and Absol, can defeat specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky and Regice easily, and will often dent opponents enough for Electabuzz to finish them off with a Volt Switch, conserving momentum. In this sense, using powerful U-turn users alongside Electabuzz can be a good tactic, forcing the opponent to constantly respond to new threats, all the while taking significant residual damage. Swellow and Braviary are good candidates for this provided that Stealth Rock is not up, as Electabuzz can also switch into the Electric-type attacks that are targeted at them. Grass type attackers such as Torterra are also useful for dealing with the Ground-type Pokemon that can try and switch into Electabuzz's STAB moves. Finally, Pokemon who can set up entry hazards, such as Mesprit or Garbodor, are helpful in providing the residual damage that Electabuzz needs to score KOs.</p>

[SET]
name: SubCharge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Thunderbolt
item: Eviolite
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 152 SpA / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Electabuzz is normally quite a frail sweeper, but its access to the Eviolite item allows it to shift roles effortlessly into a bulky, boosting tank, making the most of its respectable special bulk, excellent neutral coverage, and lack of defensive weaknesses. When taking Eviolite's boost and the HP investment into account, Electabuzz reaches defensive stats high enough to ensure that weak moves, such as Scalds from bulky Water-types and other similarly weak moves, cannot break its Substitutes, letting it set up against defensive opponents much more easily. In addition to this, Electabuzz still has decent offenses for a sweeper, reaching a Special Attack stat of 396 after a single boost while also outspeeding many Pokemon in the tier, including Rotom-S. With this set, Electabuzz aims to slowly boost its Special Attack stat over time, before crushing opponents with its boosted Thunderbolts and excellent neutral coverage. Although Rotom-S and Raichu can also pull off boosting sets, and have unique aspects that make them good users of the strategy, Electabuzz retains its niche due to its much better bulk and immunity to the Sleep statussleep. Charge Beam will not only revenge kill damaged opponents, but can set upalso let Electabuzz boost its Special Attack boosts with impunity against Pokemon that cannot break its Substitutes, or don't present much of a threat in general. However, despite Electabuzz's respectable special bulk, it is by no means invincible. Physical attackers can break through it with their powerful STAB attacks and Earthquakes. The lack of a healing move and Leftovers recovery will spell the swift downfall of Electabuzz under physical assault. T; thus, when using this set, it is extremely important to only attempt to set up when all checks and counters have been removed. Use Electabuzz to revenge kill slower opponents with Thunderbolt until the time arises to pull off a sweep.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Vital Spirit remains the most useful ability for Electabuzz, as it can switch into Tangela and Jynx without fear and set up on them as they try and use weak Sspecial Aattacks. (not capitalized because this isn't referring to the Special Attack stat) On the other hand, Calm Mind Jynx can set up on this Electabuzz set easily, so you should scout her set before attempting to boost in front of her. However, Static can also be useful on this set, as Electabuzz will often be found behind a Substitute, and thus the ability has more opportunities to randomly paralyze opponents, stopping a faster offensive check such as Tauros in its tracks. Similarly, Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt on this set to help spread paralysis and provide team support. While the drop in power isn't as useful when attempting a straight-up sweep, it can allow Electabuzz to provide more team support when it's waiting in the wings for its checks and counters to be dealt with. Alternatively, you can choose to forego a powerful Electric-type attack altogether in favor of Focus Blast, which deals much more damage to special walls likesuch as Probopass, Lickilicky, and Cryogonal at the expense of a powerful STAB option against most other opponents. However, this is often unnecessary, as you can deal with these Pokemon more effectively by switching in a powerful Fighting-type Pokemon such as Sawk or Emboar; so long as Electabuzz is supported properly by its teammates, it should not need to deviate from Electric- and Ice-type coverage to remain an effective tank. Throh and Gurdurr are also useful on a bulky-offense team, as they can turn Electabuzz's counters into set-up fodder for themselves.</p>

<p>Using aA Rapid Spinn user or a grounded Poison-type on your team is also highly recommended, as if Electabuzz is badly poisoned by Toxic Spikes, it will not be able to boost enough to sweep before it is killed by the Toxic damage KOes it. Cryogonal is a useful candidate as it generally has a good match-up against the Ground-types that ruin Electabuzz, and remains immune to Toxic Spikes itself, thus being able to switch into combat without risking its ability to take special hits later on. Vileplume is a good choice for your Toxic Spikes absorber as it can also take Ground-type attacks quite well, remove potential counters with Sleep Powder, and use Aromatherapy in case Electabuzz is inflicted with status regardless of your efforts. If you want to attempt multiple sweeps with Electabuzz, a Wish user can also be highly valuable. Alomomola is the best candidate as it can take physical attacks all day, and can also hit most Ground-types super effectively with Waterfall.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like many Pokemon from the older generations, Electabuzz has quite an expansive movepool, but can't really do much to abuse it. For example, it has access to several good physical attacks, such as Ice Punch, Fire Punch, and Focus Punch, but it lacks the stats to use them effectively. With Electabuzz's average Bbase 83 Attack stat, an uninvested Fire Punch is only stronger than Hidden Power Fire against Jynx and Cryogonal. Likewise, Ice Punch isn't ever more useful than Hidden Power Ice within thise tier, especially as many of the more prominent Grass-type Pokemon, such as Tangela and Leafeon, are extremely physically bulky. Focus Punch is an interesting possibility, especially when combined with Substitute, but it can be argued that Raichu pulls off a Sub-Punching set better due to its higher Attack stat, and unlike Focus Blast it cannot have its power boosted by Charge Beam. Electabuzz also has a range of support moves that it can use on defensive sets, such as Barrier, Light Screen, and Magnet Rise, but they lack overall purpose and can be hard to fit on the bulky set over Electabuzz's other attacking options. Rain Dance can be used alongside Damp Rock and Thunder, but Electrode fares better against Swellow and slow Choice Scarf users, and can bring a sweeper into the battle for free with Explosion if necessary. Thunder Wave, Discharge, or Static can be used alongside Electro Ball to deal massive damage, but the inconsistency of power against non-paralyzed opponents is discomforting. Finally, Electabuzz can invest fully into its special bulk and run a set of Rest /, Sleep Talk /, Charge Beam /, and Hidden Power Ice. A; although it does provide Electabuzz with reliable recovery, a good response to status, and the ability to avoid 2HKOs from powerful special STAB attacks, it lacks the power and sSpeed to function effectively at all when not trying to boost, giving it less overall utility for the team than the Sub-Charge set.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>On the offensive set, specific Ground-type Pokemon can counter Electabuzz depending on which type of Hidden Power it runs. Specially Ddefensive Quagsire can walk all over Electabuzz that lack Hidden Power Grass, and can proceed to either boost with Curse or use Toxic on a switch-in. On the other hand, if you lack Hidden Power Water, Sspecially Ddefensive Camerupt can switch into Electabuzz with impunity, and set up Stealth Rock for free or go straight for the kill with a strong Earth Power. Other Ground-type Pokemon such as Golem and Torterra can switch into an Electabuzz locked into Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, and can set up Rock Polish as it's forced to switch out; they can be played around easily through careful use of Hidden Power, however. Specially bulky opponents are good responses to Electabuzz in general, with Throh being one of the best candidates. Throh can set up multiple Bulk Ups with ease before healing with Rest against offensive sets or phazing the Sub-Charge set out with Circle Throw preemptively. Life Orb Thunderbolt fails to even 3HKO Throh through Leftovers, meaning it has plenty of opportunities to switch in and force Electabuzz out even with significant residual damage. Other special walls, such as Lickilicky, Cryogonal, and Probopass, are also able to switch into Thunderbolts and fulfill their roles easily, although they must all watch out for Focus Blast. Finally, if Electabuzz isn't using a Choice Scarf, faster physical attackers can killKO Electabuzz before it has a chance to strike; Swellow cannot switch into Electabuzz directly, but it can force it out immediately on the revenge-kill with both Facade and U-turn. Cinccinno can break through Substitutes with ease thanks to a powerful Tail Slap, and Ninjask can stall for sSpeed bBoosts before Baton Passing them to an opponent such as Eelektross, putting Electabuzz in a poor position. Sucker Punch users such as Cacturne and Absol can also severely damage Electabuzz if it tries to attack, although this strategy fails against any set that uses Substitute.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Electabuzz is one of many Pokemon from the first generation that was left in the wake of its successors and evolutions. However, as always, the NU tier provides a place for those fallen threats to shine, and Electabuzz remains a live wire of an offensive Pokemon despite its somewhat lackluster stats. Although its defenses are low and its Special Attack stat is only above average, its versatile offensive movepool and excellent base 105 Speed stat allow it to function well as a revenge killer, outspeeding almost all opponents when using a Choice Scarf and hitting them hard with a STAB Electric-type attack or a super effective coverage move. Raichu, which has access to Nasty Plot, Encore, and the Lightningrod ability, gives Electabuzz some stiff competition, but Electabuzz has several redeeming features that make it a viable choice. For instance, access to Vital Spirit allows it to switch directly into opponents such as Tangela and Jynx without consequence. Furthermore, Electabuzz can use Eviolite to become a fast, boosting tank that can both take hits and deal them out, with the ability to switch more easily into neutral attacks. Overall, while Raichu is often easier to use on teams as your offensive Electric-type, Electabuzz still has a lot of advantages that make it worth considering for certain roles—and it's obviously cooler, so it gets points for that too.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf / Life Orb
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>One of Electabuzz's most viable sets is an all-out special attacker, taking advantage of its excellent Speed threshold, worthwhile attacking power, and outstanding neutral coverage. With base 105 Speed, maximum investment, and a Choice Scarf equipped, Electabuzz outspeeds almost every Pokemon in the tier, including most other Choice Scarf users, making it a reliable revenge killer against even boosted opponents. This moveset is standard for most offensive Electric-types, and grants Electabuzz both power and versatility. Thunderbolt provides a reliable STAB attack that hits most of the tier neutrally and allows Electabuzz to potentially sweep weakened teams that no longer have an Electric-type resistance. Hidden Power Ice provides almost perfect neutral coverage in the tier, and hits Ground-type Pokemon that would attempt to switch into Thunderbolt and Volt Switch hard. It also deals good damage to Altaria, who is otherwise a hard counter to Electabuzz. Focus Blast is another good coverage option, as it hits special walls such as Cryogonal and Probopass much harder than Electabuzz's other attacks. In cases where you don't want to keep Electabuzz on the battlefield, Volt Switch provides the perfect escape option, letting Electabuzz both hit extremely hard and steal momentum from the opponent.</p>

<p>The EV spread is extremely straightforward; Electabuzz needs to run maximum Speed and a Timid nature to make the most of its rare Speed tier, while it needs full Special Attack investment to deal as much as damage as possible. While a Choice Scarf is generally the best item choice to ensure that Electabuzz can revenge kill as many threats as possible, Choice Specs is also a good option as it significantly increases its power output, and aside from opposing Choice Scarf users, Swellow, and Cinccino, it will still outspeed the majority of opponents. If you would prefer Electabuzz to be able to switch between its STABs and coverage moves at will, you can use a Life Orb to retain some of the Choice Specs set's power. An advantage of using a Life Orb is the ability to use Hidden Power on Ground-type Pokemon after they switch into Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, often netting you a surprise KO. Likewise, an Expert Belt can be used to increase the power of super effective hits whilst not causing any recoil, but Electabuzz is frail regardless, and would prefer the extra offensive power to some extra health.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>If you decide to use a Life Orb, or simply want to increase the coverage of Electabuzz's Choice sets, then a fourth type of attack can be used over Volt Switch depending on the needs of your team. Psychic is an option for breaking through bulky Fighting- and Poison- type Pokemon, such as specially defensive Throh and Muk; both are 3HKOed by Choice Specs Psychic even after Leftovers recovery, meaning they cannot stall it out with Rest. Signal Beam can be used to provide a stronger attack against Psychic-types such as Mesprit, but it isn't much more powerful against them than STAB Thunderbolt, and it's much easier for an opponent to switch into. Additionally, these moves are too weak on the Choice Scarf set to have anything other than niche uses. Charge Beam can also be used to revenge kill weakened opponents and possibly net Electabuzz a boost. However, it's too inconsistent to be relied upon as a setup move, and Raichu does a better job as a Special Attack-boosting Electric-type anyways. Different types of Hidden Power can also be used to hit specific Ground-type Pokemon harder, with Hidden Power Grass destroying Quagsire, Hidden Power Water decimating Camerupt, and both of them annihilating Golem. However, Hidden Power Ice provides much better coverage overall as it hits the Grass-type Pokemon that can tank Thunderbolts harder, and it ravages Altaria, who can otherwise set up Dragon Dances with a bulky set. If you opt to use a different Hidden Power type, Signal Beam becomes more appealing, as it still allows Electabuzz to hit Grass-type Pokemon hard. Alternatively, Substitute can be used over an attacking option to deal with priority attackers more effectively, but the sacrificed health, when combined with Life Orb recoil, can limit Electabuzz's usefulness over the course of a match.</p>

<p>Vital Spirit is the standard ability as it provides Electabuzz with more opportunities to switch into combat, and allows it to force out Tangela and Jynx without having to sacrifice a teammate to sleep. Immunity to sleep is one of Electabuzz's biggest advantages over Raichu. Static generally isn't useful on an all-out attacking set because Electabuzz will probably take a single hit before it short-circuits, and the overall chances of paralyzing an important opponent are slim. Although Electabuzz is an excellent special attacker, it cannot sweep through teams on its own, and appreciates teammates that are able to break through its checks. Powerful physical attackers, such as Sawk, Swellow, and Absol, can defeat specially defensive walls such as Lickilicky and Regice easily, and will often dent opponents enough for Electabuzz to finish them off with a Volt Switch, conserving momentum. In this sense, using powerful U-turn users alongside Electabuzz can be a good tactic, forcing the opponent to constantly respond to new threats, all the while taking significant residual damage. Swellow and Braviary are good candidates for this provided that Stealth Rock is not up, as Electabuzz can also switch into the Electric-type attacks that are targeted at them. Grass type attackers such as Torterra are also useful for dealing with the Ground-type Pokemon that can try and switch into Electabuzz's STAB moves. Finally, Pokemon who can set up entry hazards, such as Mesprit or Garbodor, are helpful in providing the residual damage that Electabuzz needs to score KOs.</p>

[SET]
name: SubCharge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Thunderbolt
item: Eviolite
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 152 SpA / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Electabuzz is normally quite a frail sweeper, but its access to Eviolite allows it to shift roles effortlessly into a bulky, boosting tank, making the most of its respectable special bulk, excellent neutral coverage, and lack of defensive weaknesses. When taking Eviolite's boost and the HP investment into account, Electabuzz reaches defensive stats high enough to ensure that weak moves, such as Scalds from bulky Water-types, cannot break its Substitutes, letting it set up against defensive opponents much more easily. In addition, Electabuzz still has decent offenses for a sweeper, reaching a Special Attack stat of 396 after a single boost while also outspeeding many Pokemon in the tier, including Rotom-S. With this set, Electabuzz aims to slowly boost its Special Attack stat over time before crushing opponents with its boosted Thunderbolts and excellent neutral coverage. Although Rotom-S and Raichu can also pull off boosting sets, and have unique aspects that make them good users of the strategy, Electabuzz retains its niche due to its much better bulk and immunity to sleep. Charge Beam will not only revenge kill damaged opponents, but also let Electabuzz boost its Special Attack with impunity against Pokemon that cannot break its Substitutes or don't present much of a threat in general. However, despite Electabuzz's respectable special bulk, it is by no means invincible. Physical attackers can break through it with their powerful STAB attacks and Earthquakes. The lack of a healing move and Leftovers recovery will spell the swift downfall of Electabuzz under physical assault; thus, when using this set, it is extremely important to only attempt to set up when all checks and counters have been removed. Use Electabuzz to revenge kill slower opponents with Thunderbolt until the time arises to pull off a sweep.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Vital Spirit remains the most useful ability for Electabuzz, as it can switch into Tangela and Jynx without fear and set up on them as they try and use weak special attacks. On the other hand, Calm Mind Jynx can set up on this Electabuzz set easily, so you should scout her set before attempting to boost in front of her. However, Static can also be useful on this set, as Electabuzz will often be found behind a Substitute, and thus the ability has more opportunities to randomly paralyze opponents, stopping a faster offensive check such as Tauros in its tracks. Similarly, Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt on this set to help spread paralysis and provide team support. While the drop in power isn't as useful when attempting a straight-up sweep, it can allow Electabuzz to provide more team support when it's waiting in the wings for its checks and counters to be dealt with. Alternatively, you can choose to forego a powerful Electric-type attack altogether in favor of Focus Blast, which deals much more damage to special walls such as Probopass, Lickilicky, and Cryogonal at the expense of a powerful STAB option against most other opponents. However, this is often unnecessary, as you can deal with these Pokemon more effectively by switching in a powerful Fighting-type Pokemon such as Sawk or Emboar; so long as Electabuzz is supported properly by its teammates, it should not need to deviate from Electric- and Ice-type coverage to remain an effective tank. Throh and Gurdurr are also useful on a bulky offense team, as they can turn Electabuzz's counters into setup fodder.</p>

<p>A Rapid Spin user or a grounded Poison-type on your team is also highly recommended, as if Electabuzz is badly poisoned by Toxic Spikes, it will not be able to boost enough to sweep the Toxic damage KOes it. Cryogonal is a useful candidate as it generally has a good match-up against the Ground-types that ruin Electabuzz, and remains immune to Toxic Spikes itself, thus being able to switch into combat without risking its ability to take special hits later on. Vileplume is a good choice for your Toxic Spikes absorber as it can also take Ground-type attacks quite well, remove potential counters with Sleep Powder, and use Aromatherapy in case Electabuzz is inflicted with status regardless of your efforts. If you want to attempt multiple sweeps with Electabuzz, a Wish user can also be highly valuable. Alomomola is the best candidate as it can take physical attacks all day, and can also hit most Ground-types super effectively with Waterfall.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Like many Pokemon from the older generations, Electabuzz has quite an expansive movepool, but can't really do much to abuse it. For example, it has access to several good physical attacks, such as Ice Punch, Fire Punch, and Focus Punch, but it lacks the stats to use them effectively. With Electabuzz's average base 83 Attack stat, an uninvested Fire Punch is only stronger than Hidden Power Fire against Jynx and Cryogonal. Likewise, Ice Punch isn't ever more useful than Hidden Power Ice within the tier, especially as many of the more prominent Grass-type Pokemon, such as Tangela and Leafeon, are extremely physically bulky. Focus Punch is an interesting possibility, especially when combined with Substitute, but it can be argued that Raichu pulls off a SubPunch set better due to its higher Attack stat, and unlike Focus Blast it cannot have its power boosted by Charge Beam. Electabuzz also has a range of support moves that it can use on defensive sets, such as Barrier, Light Screen, and Magnet Rise, but they lack overall purpose and can be hard to fit on the bulky set over Electabuzz's other attacking options. Rain Dance can be used alongside Damp Rock and Thunder, but Electrode fares better against Swellow and slow Choice Scarf users, and can bring a sweeper into the battle for free with Explosion if necessary. Thunder Wave, Discharge, or Static can be used alongside Electro Ball to deal massive damage, but the inconsistency of power against non-paralyzed opponents is discomforting. Finally, Electabuzz can invest fully into its special bulk and run a set of Rest, Sleep Talk, Charge Beam, and Hidden Power Ice; although it does provide Electabuzz with reliable recovery, a good response to status, and the ability to avoid 2HKOs from powerful special STAB attacks, it lacks the power and Speed to function effectively when not trying to boost, giving it less overall utility for the team than the SubCharge set.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>On the offensive set, specific Ground-type Pokemon can counter Electabuzz depending on which type of Hidden Power it runs. Specially defensive Quagsire can walk all over Electabuzz that lack Hidden Power Grass, and can proceed to either boost with Curse or use Toxic on a switch-in. On the other hand, if you lack Hidden Power Water, specially defensive Camerupt can switch into Electabuzz with impunity, and set up Stealth Rock for free or go straight for the kill with a strong Earth Power. Other Ground-type Pokemon such as Golem and Torterra can switch into an Electabuzz locked into Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, and can set up Rock Polish as it's forced to switch out; they can be played around easily through careful use of Hidden Power, however. Specially bulky opponents are good responses to Electabuzz in general, with Throh being one of the best candidates. Throh can set up multiple Bulk Ups with ease before healing with Rest against offensive sets or phazing the SubCharge set out with Circle Throw preemptively. Life Orb Thunderbolt fails to even 3HKO Throh through Leftovers, meaning it has plenty of opportunities to switch in and force Electabuzz out even with significant residual damage. Other special walls, such as Lickilicky, Cryogonal, and Probopass, are also able to switch into Thunderbolts and fulfill their roles easily, although they must all watch out for Focus Blast. Finally, if Electabuzz isn't using a Choice Scarf, faster physical attackers can KO Electabuzz before it has a chance to strike; Swellow cannot switch into Electabuzz directly, but it can force it out immediately on the revenge kill with both Facade and U-turn. Cinccino can break through Substitutes with ease thanks to a powerful Tail Slap, and Ninjask can stall for Speed Boosts before Baton Passing them to an opponent such as Eelektross, putting Electabuzz in a poor position. Sucker Punch users such as Cacturne and Absol can also severely damage Electabuzz if it tries to attack, although this strategy fails against any set that uses Substitute.</p>