Tentacool (QC 3/3) (GP 2/2)

jake

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Tentacoolhttp://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/tentacool

taken over from jc104; original thread

gp'd: Engineer Pikachu, TrollFreak, Steven Snype

[Overview]

<p>Despite a rather horrid stat distribution, Tentacool has a unique niche in NU. It is the only Pokemon with access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin, two rare but incredibly useful moves. Moreover, Tentacool is blessed with the fact that it is a grounded Poison-type, because it becomes one of only two available Rapid Spin users that are immune to Toxic Spikes, and it is the only one who can remove them entirely by switching in—this is a blessing for stall teams, as Toxic Spikes can quickly devastate such a team. Eviolite amplifies both of Tentacool's defenses, improving its defensive capabilities. Although its Defense remains subpar even after the Eviolite boost, Tentacool's Special Defense becomes spectacular, allowing it to tank some hits from even the more powerful special attackers in NU; however, many of the said specially-oriented Pokemon have super effective moves, rendering Tentacool's superior special bulk mostly worthless. Tentacool also has no reliable recovery and lacks offensive capabilities. Regardless, no other Pokemon can do what Tentacool does, and it can perform excellently when coupled with the right team.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Eviolite
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Using Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin together is the only reason that Tentacool should be used in the first place, and as such, both moves should be on any set that Tentacool runs. Toxic Spikes are incredibly effective in NU, wearing down nearly all common Pokemon, such as Magmortar, Sawk, and Alomomola. However, beware of opposing Poison-types before setting them up, as one switch in will remove Toxic Spikes and undo all of Tentacool's hard work. Tentacool is one of very few spinners available in NU and is largely untouched by Misdreavus, Frillish, and Haunter—common spinblockers—allowing it to use Toxic on the former two and proceed to set up Toxic Spikes. Giga Drain is purely for Gorebyss, as Tentacool will not even be 3HKOed by a +2 Timid Life Orb Surf, and Giga Drain will OHKO a -1 Gorebyss in return. The fourth moveslot is largely filler, but Toxic provides Tentacool with its best way to damage non-grounded Pokemon such as Misdreavus, while Knock Off cuts into the effectiveness of opposing Pokemon by removing important items, such as Eviolite, Leftovers, and Life Orb.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature maximize Tentacool's specially defensive capabilities, allowing it to tank quite a few special attackers. Scald is an option for the fourth moveslot if neither of the listed moves appeal to you; Scald-inflicted burns are often helpful, and can bolster Tentacool's ability to take physical attacks. All three of Tentacool's abilities have rather niche uses in NU. Rain Dish is useful when facing Rain Dance teams but useless otherwise; Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed and Giga Drain users; and Clear Body prevents stat drops. Of the three, Liquid Ooze and Clear Body are the most useful in common situations, but generally you should pick whichever fits your team best.</p>

<p>Wish support is vital if Tentacool is expected to last throughout a match. Lickilicky and Flareon are two of the best Wish passing teammates, as the former passes monstrous Wishes, while the latter appreciates Tentacool's ability to handle Gorebyss. Both can also utilize Heal Bell, curing Tentacool of any unwelcome status effects. Tentacool is very susceptible to physical attacks thanks to its poor base 35 Defense, so teammates that can handle them are a must. Tangela resists Ground-type attacks directed at Tentacool and tanks nearly all physical attacks in the metagame; it also welcomes Tentacool's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes, which can take a heavy toll on Tangela. Likewise, Leafeon sports excellent synergy with Tentacool and can pass Wishes to it. A spinblocker is a good idea as well; Misdreavus and Frillish are two of the best available options, although Frillish shares a similar typing with Tentacool. Because Poison-types can so readily absorb Tentacool's hazards, a Pokemon who can reliably deal with them, such as Torterra, Mesprit, or Duosion, would make for an excellent teammate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tentacool has very few other options outside of those listed. Haze is an interesting option, but is illegal with Rapid Spin and thus should never be used. Anything other than a fully defensive set with Eviolite is suicidal, as Tentacool's base stats are awful and it will be difficult to accomplish anything. Sludge Bomb has respectable power and is Tentacool's strongest available move, but it still doesn't do enough damage to warrant its usage. Ice Beam can be used to nail Grass-types and Altaria, but it has minimal use outside of that. Mirror Coat is an interesting option, but Tentacool is largely targeted by physical attackers, so it will see minimal use.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Tentacool is neither very threatening nor difficult to take out. Many special attackers in NU, such as Mesprit, Magmortar, and Jynx, can 2HKO Tentacool with their respective super effective attacks. Any physical attacker can readily 2HKO Tentacool with a neutral move, and many can OHKO it, although they must beware of Scald burns. Grounded Poison-types such as Muk or Skuntank can render Tentacool's Toxic Spikes useless, and Ghost-types such as Misdreavus, Drifblim, and Haunter are immune to Rapid Spin.</p>
 

jc104

Humblest person ever
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
If you're going to put Giga drain in, may I suggest slashing Scald in somewhere as well? Giga drain is just hilariously weak against anything not weak to it, and that burn chance is still nice.

Oh and thanks for writing this. Funnily enough I now have time to write stuff, but taking it at such a late stage was nice of you.

edit: about that legality thing. Does that not make Giga Drain kind of usesless, since now you can't stop Gorebyss anyway? And Tentacool without rapid spin is seriously pointless, so Haze should be totally removed.
 

Molk

Godlike Usmash
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i said it in the original thread, and ill say it again, RAPID SPIN AND HAZE ARE ILLEGAL TOGETHER ON TENTACOOL -_- so the set should look like this imo


[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin / Haze
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Knock Off / Scald
item: Eviolite
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

now there are no issues with illegal move combinations while still having the same utility
 

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
Okay, I'll change the set. Haze will not be slashed at all because Rapid Spin is obviously the main reason you're going to use Tenta, and rather mentioned in OO instead. Will slash Scald in behind Knock Off, as well.
 

Engineer Pikachu

Good morning, you bastards!
is a Contributor Alumnus
MINE
[Overview]

<p>Despite a generallyrather horrid base stat distribution, Tentacool has a very unique niche in NU. It is the only Pokemon with access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin, two rare but incredibly useful and important moves. Moreover, Tentacool is blessed with the fact that it is a grounded Poison-type, because it becomes one of justonly two available Rapid Spin users that are immune to Toxic Spikes, and the only one who can remove them entirely by switching in—this is a blessing for stall teams, as Toxic Spikes can quickly devastate such a team. Eviolite amplifies both of Tentacool's defenses, which greatly improves its defensive capabilities. Although its Defense remains sub-par even after the Eviolite boost, Tentacool's Special Defense becomes spectacular, allowing it to tank some hits from even more powerful special attackers in NU. H; however, many of the said specially-oriented Pokemon have super effective moves, rendering Tentacool's superior special bulk worthless. Tentacool also has no recovery whatsoever, and entirely lacks offensive capabilities. Regardless, no other Pokemon can do what Tentacool does, and it can perform excellently when coupled with the right team.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Eviolite
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Using Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin together areis the only two reasons that Tentacool should be used in the first place, and neitheras such, both moves should be absent on any set that Tentacool runs. Toxic Spikes are incredibly effective in NU, wearing down nearly all common Pokemon, from Magmortar to Sawk to Alomomola. However, beware of opposing Poison-types before setting them up, as one switch-in will remove Toxic Spikes and undo all of Tentacool's hard work. Tentacool is one of very few spinnRapid Spin users available in NU, and is largely untouched by Misdreavus, Frillish, and Haunter, —common spinblockers—allowing it to use Toxic on the former two, and proceed to set up Toxic Spikes. Giga Drain is purely for Gorebyss, as Tentacool will not even be 3HKOed by a +2 Timid Life Orb Surf, and Giga Drain will OHKO a -1 Gorebyss in return. The fourth moveslot is largely filler, but Toxic provides Tentacool with its best way to damage Ghost-types such as Misdreavus, while Knock Off cuts into the effectiveness of opposing Pokemon by removing important items, such as Eviolite, Leftovers, and Life Orb.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature maximize Tentacool's specially defensive capabilities, allowing it to tank quite a few special attackers. Scald is an option for the fourth moveslot if neither of the listed moves appeal to you.; Scald-inflicted burns are rarely unhelpful, and can bolster Tentacool's ability to take physical attacks. All three of Tentacool's abilities have rather niche uses in NU:. Rain Dish is useful when facing Rain Dance teams, but useless otherwise; Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed or Giga Drain users; and Clear Body prevents stat drops. Of the three, Liquid Ooze or Clear Body are the most useful in common situations, but generally you should pick whichever fits your team best.</p>

<p>Wish support is vital if Tentacool is expected to last throughout a match. Lickilicky and Flareon are two of the best teammates in this regard, as the former passes monstrous Wishes, andwhile the latter appreciates Tentacool's ability to handle Gorebyss. Both can also utilize Heal Bell, curing Tentacool of any unwelcome status effects. Tentacool is very susceptible to physical attacks thanks to its poor base 35 Defense, so teammates who can handle them are a must. Tangela resists Ground-type attacks directed at Tentacool and tanks nearly all physical attacks in the metagame. I; it also welcomes Tentacool's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes, which can take a heavy toll on Tangela. Likewise, Leafeon sports excellent synergy with Tentacool, and can pass Wishes to it. A Ghost-type to prevent opposing teams from spinning away Toxic Spikes would beis a good idea. as well; Misdreavus and Frillish are two of the best available options, although Frillish shares a similar typing with Tentacool. Because Poison-types can so readily pick upabsorb Tentacool's hazards, a Pokemon who can reliably deal with them, such as Torterra, Mesprit, or Duosion, would make for an excellent teammate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tentacool has very few other options outside of those listed. Haze is an interesting option, but is illegal with Rapid Spin and thus should never be used. Anything other than a fully defensive set with Eviolite is suicideal, as Tentacool's base stats are awful and it will be difficult to accomplish anything. Sludge Bomb has respectable power and is Tentacool's strongest available move, but it still doesn't do enough damage to warrant its usage. Ice Beam can be used to nail Grass-types and Altaria, but has minimal use outside of that. Mirror Coat is an interesting option, but Tentacool is largely targeted by physical attackers, andso it will see minimal use.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Tentacool isn't neither very threatening, nor is it very difficult to take out. Many special attackers in NU, such as Mesprit, Magmortar, and Jynx, can 2HKO Tentacool with their respective super effective attacks. Any physical attacker can readily 2HKO Tentacool with a neutral move, and many can OHKO it, although they must beware Scald burns. Grounded Poison-types such as Muk or Skuntank can render Tentacool's Toxic Spikes useless, and Ghost-types such as Misdreavus, Drifblim, and Haunter are immune to Rapid Spin.</p>
[Overview]

<p>Despite a rather horrid stat distribution, Tentacool has a unique niche in NU. It is the only Pokemon with access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin, two rare but incredibly useful and important moves. Moreover, Tentacool is blessed with the fact that it is a grounded Poison-type, because it becomes one of only two available Rapid Spin users that are immune to Toxic Spikes, and the only one who can remove them entirely by switching in—this is a blessing for stall teams, as Toxic Spikes can quickly devastate such a team. Eviolite amplifies both of Tentacool's defenses, which greatly improves its defensive capabilities. Although its Defense remains sub-par even after the Eviolite boost, Tentacool's Special Defense becomes spectacular, allowing it to tank some hits from even more powerful special attackers in NU; however, many of the said specially-oriented Pokemon have super effective moves, rendering Tentacool's superior special bulk worthless. Tentacool also has no recovery whatsoever and entirely lacks offensive capabilities. Regardless, no other Pokemon can do what Tentacool does, and it can perform excellently when coupled with the right team.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Eviolite
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Using Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin together is the only reason that Tentacool should be used in the first place, and as such, both moves should be on any set that Tentacool runs. Toxic Spikes are incredibly effective in NU, wearing down nearly all common Pokemon, from Magmortar to Sawk to Alomomola. However, beware of opposing Poison-types before setting them up, as one switch-in will remove Toxic Spikes and undo all of Tentacool's hard work. Tentacool is one of very few Rapid Spin users available in NU, and is largely untouched by Misdreavus, Frillish, and Haunter—common spinblockers—allowing it to use Toxic on the former two and proceed to set up Toxic Spikes. Giga Drain is purely for Gorebyss, as Tentacool will not even be 3HKOed by a +2 Timid Life Orb Surf, and Giga Drain will OHKO a -1 Gorebyss in return. The fourth moveslot is largely filler, but Toxic provides Tentacool with its best way to damage Ghost-types such as Misdreavus, while Knock Off cuts into the effectiveness of opposing Pokemon by removing important items, such as Eviolite, Leftovers, and Life Orb.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature maximize Tentacool's specially defensive capabilities, allowing it to tank quite a few special attackers. Scald is an option for the fourth moveslot if neither of the listed moves appeal to you; Scald-inflicted burns are rarely unhelpful, and can bolster Tentacool's ability to take physical attacks. All three of Tentacool's abilities have rather niche uses in NU. Rain Dish is useful when facing Rain Dance teams, but useless otherwise; Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed or Giga Drain users; and Clear Body prevents stat drops. Of the three, Liquid Ooze or Clear Body are the most useful in common situations, but generally you should pick whichever fits your team best.</p>

<p>Wish support is vital if Tentacool is expected to last throughout a match. Lickilicky and Flareon are two of the best teammates in this regard, as the former passes monstrous Wishes, while the latter appreciates Tentacool's ability to handle Gorebyss. Both can also utilize Heal Bell, curing Tentacool of any unwelcome status effects. Tentacool is very susceptible to physical attacks thanks to its poor base 35 Defense, so teammates who can handle them are a must. Tangela resists Ground-type attacks directed at Tentacool and tanks nearly all physical attacks in the metagame; it also welcomes Tentacool's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes, which can take a heavy toll on Tangela. Likewise, Leafeon sports excellent synergy with Tentacool, and can pass Wishes to it. A Ghost-type to prevent opposing teams from spinning away Toxic Spikes is a good idea as well; Misdreavus and Frillish are two of the best available options, although Frillish shares a similar typing with Tentacool. Because Poison-types can so readily absorb Tentacool's hazards, a Pokemon who can reliably deal with them, such as Torterra, Mesprit, or Duosion, would make for an excellent teammate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tentacool has very few other options outside of those listed. Haze is an interesting option, but is illegal with Rapid Spin and thus should never be used. Anything other than a fully defensive set with Eviolite is suicidal, as Tentacool's base stats are awful and it will be difficult to accomplish anything. Sludge Bomb has respectable power and is Tentacool's strongest available move, but it still doesn't do enough damage to warrant its usage. Ice Beam can be used to nail Grass-types and Altaria, but has minimal use outside of that. Mirror Coat is an interesting option, but Tentacool is largely targeted by physical attackers, so it will see minimal use.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Tentacool is neither very threatening nor difficult to take out. Many special attackers in NU, such as Mesprit, Magmortar, and Jynx, can 2HKO Tentacool with their respective super effective attacks. Any physical attacker can readily 2HKO Tentacool with a neutral move, and many can OHKO it, although they must beware Scald burns. Grounded Poison-types such as Muk or Skuntank can render Tentacool's Toxic Spikes useless, and Ghost-types such as Misdreavus, Drifblim, and Haunter are immune to Rapid Spin.</p>



GP [1/2]
 

TrollFreak

(╮°-°)╮┳━┳ (╯°□°)╯ ┻━┻
is a Contributor Alumnus
I hated facing this in Ruby D:<

checking

[Overview]

<p>Despite a rather horrid stat distribution, Tentacool has a unique niche in NU. It is the only Pokemon with access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin, two rare but incredibly useful and important moves. Moreover, Tentacool is blessed with the fact that it is a grounded Poison-type, because it becomes one of only two available Rapid Spin users that are immune to Toxic Spikes, and the only one who can remove them entirely by switching in—this is a blessing for stall teams, as Toxic Spikes can quickly devastate such a team. Eviolite amplifies both of Tentacool's defenses, which greatly improves its defensive capabilities. Although its Defense remains sub-par even after the Eviolite boost, Tentacool's Special Defense becomes spectacular, allowing it to tank some hits from even the more powerful special attackers in NU; however, many of the said specially-oriented Pokemon have super effective moves, rendering Tentacool's superior special bulk worthless. Tentacool also has no recovery whatsoever and entirely lacks offensive capabilities. Regardless, no other Pokemon can do what Tentacool does, and it can perform excellently when coupled with the right team.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Eviolite
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Using Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin together is the only reason that Tentacool should be used in the first place, and as such, both moves should be on any set that Tentacool runs. Toxic Spikes are incredibly effective in NU, wearing down nearly all common Pokemon, from Magmortar to Sawk to Alomomola. However, beware of opposing Poison-types before setting them up, as one switch-in will remove Toxic Spikes and undo all of Tentacool's hard work. Tentacool is one of very few Rapid Spin users available in NU, and is largely untouched by Misdreavus, Frillish, and Haunter—common spinblockers—allowing it to use Toxic on the former two and proceed to set up Toxic Spikes. Giga Drain is purely for Gorebyss, as Tentacool will not even be 3HKOed by a +2 Timid Life Orb Surf, and Giga Drain will OHKO a -1 Gorebyss in return. The fourth moveslot is largely filler, but Toxic provides Tentacool with its best way to damage Ghost-types Levitate Pokemon such as Misdreavus, while Knock Off cuts into the effectiveness of opposing Pokemon by removing important items, such as Eviolite, Leftovers, and Life Orb.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature maximize Tentacool's specially defensive capabilities, allowing it to tank quite a few special attackers. Scald is an option for the fourth moveslot if neither of the listed moves appeal to you; Scald-inflicted burns are rarely unhelpful, and can bolster Tentacool's ability to take physical attacks. All three of Tentacool's abilities have rather niche uses in NU. Rain Dish is useful when facing Rain Dance teams, but useless otherwise; Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed or Giga Drain users; and Clear Body prevents stat drops. Of the three, Liquid Ooze or Clear Body are the most useful in common situations, but generally you should pick whichever fits your team best.</p>

<p>Wish support is vital if Tentacool is expected to last throughout a match. Lickilicky and Flareon are two of the best teammates in this regard, as the former passes monstrous Wishes, while the latter appreciates Tentacool's ability to handle Gorebyss. Both can also utilize Heal Bell, curing Tentacool of any unwelcome status effects. Tentacool is very susceptible to physical attacks thanks to its poor base 35 Defense, so teammates who can handle them are a must. Tangela resists Ground-type attacks directed at Tentacool and tanks nearly all physical attacks in the metagame; it also welcomes Tentacool's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes, which can take a heavy toll on Tangela. Likewise, Leafeon sports excellent synergy with Tentacool, and can pass Wishes to it. A Ghost-type to prevent opposing teams from spinning away Toxic Spikes is a good idea as well; Misdreavus and Frillish are two of the best available options, although Frillish shares a similar typing with Tentacool. Because Poison-types can so readily absorb Tentacool's hazards, a Pokemon who can reliably deal with them, such as Torterra, Mesprit, or Duosion, would make for an excellent teammate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tentacool has very few other options outside of those listed. Haze is an interesting option, but is illegal with Rapid Spin and thus should never be used. Anything other than a fully defensive set with Eviolite is suicidal, as Tentacool's base stats are awful and it will be difficult to accomplish anything. Sludge Bomb has respectable power and is Tentacool's strongest available move, but it still doesn't do enough damage to warrant its usage. Ice Beam can be used to nail Grass-types and Altaria, but has minimal use outside of that. Mirror Coat is an interesting option, but Tentacool is largely targeted by physical attackers, so it will see minimal use.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Tentacool is neither very threatening nor difficult to take out. Many special attackers in NU, such as Mesprit, Magmortar, and Jynx, can 2HKO Tentacool with their respective super effective attacks. Any physical attacker can readily 2HKO Tentacool with a neutral move, and many can OHKO it, although they must beware Scald burns. Grounded Poison-types such as Muk or Skuntank can render Tentacool's Toxic Spikes useless, and Ghost-types such as Misdreavus, Drifblim, and Haunter are immune to Rapid Spin.</p>
 

Andy Snype

Mr. Music
my changes are in bold. his aren't.

add/replace with
remove
comments


I hated facing this in Ruby D:<

checking

[Overview]

<p>Despite a rather horrid stat distribution, Tentacool has a unique niche in NU. It is the only Pokemon with access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin, two rare but incredibly useful and important moves. Moreover, Tentacool is blessed with the fact that it is a grounded Poison-type, because it becomes one of only two available Rapid Spin users that are immune to Toxic Spikes, and it is the only one who can remove them entirely by switching in—this is a blessing for stall teams, as Toxic Spikes can quickly devastate such a team. Eviolite amplifies both of Tentacool's defenses, improving its defensive capabilities. Although its Defense remains subpar even after the Eviolite boost, Tentacool's Special Defense becomes spectacular, allowing it to tank some hits from even the more powerful special attackers in NU; however, many of the said specially-oriented Pokemon have super effective moves, rendering Tentacool's superior special bulk worthless. Tentacool also has no recovery whatsoever and entirely lacks offensive capabilities. Regardless, no other Pokemon can do what Tentacool does, and it can perform excellently when coupled with the right team.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Eviolite
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Using Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin together is the only reason that Tentacool should be used in the first place, and as such, both moves should be on any set that Tentacool runs. Toxic Spikes are incredibly effective in NU, wearing down nearly all common Pokemon such as Magmoratar, Sawk, and Alomomola. Magmortar to Sawk to Alomomola. However, beware of opposing Poison-types before setting them up, as one switch-in will remove Toxic Spikes and undo all of Tentacool's hard work. Tentacool is one of very few spinners available in NU, and is largely untouched by Misdreavus, Frillish, and Haunter—common spinblockers—allowing it to use Toxic on the former two and proceed to set up Toxic Spikes. Giga Drain is purely for Gorebyss, as Tentacool will not even be 3HKOed by a +2 Timid Life Orb Surf, and Giga Drain will OHKO a -1 Gorebyss in return. The fourth moveslot is largely filler, but Toxic provides Tentacool with its best way to damage Ghost-types non-grounded Pokemon such as Misdreavus, while Knock Off cuts into the effectiveness of opposing Pokemon by removing important items, such as Eviolite, Leftovers, and Life Orb.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature maximize Tentacool's specially defensive capabilities, allowing it to tank quite a few special attackers. Scald is an option for the fourth moveslot if neither of the listed moves appeal to you; Scald-inflicted burns are often helpful and can bolster Tentacool's ability to take physical attacks. All three of Tentacool's abilities have rather niche uses in NU. Rain Dish is useful when facing Rain Dance teams, but useless otherwise; Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed and Giga Drain users; and Clear Body prevents stat drops. Of the three, Liquid Ooze and Clear Body are the most useful in common situations, but generally you should pick whichever fits your team best.</p>

<p>Wish support is vital if Tentacool is expected to last throughout a match. Lickilicky and Flareon are two of the best Wish-passing teammates, as the former passes monstrous Wishes, while the latter appreciates Tentacool's ability to handle Gorebyss. Both can also utilize Heal Bell, curing Tentacool of any unwelcome status effects. Tentacool is very susceptible to physical attacks thanks to its poor base 35 Defense, so teammates that can handle them are a must. Tangela resists Ground-type attacks directed at Tentacool and tanks nearly all physical attacks in the metagame; it also welcomes Tentacool's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes, which can take a heavy toll on Tangela. Likewise, Leafeon sports excellent synergy with Tentacool,[/B] and can pass Wishes to it. A spinblocker Ghost-type to prevent opposing teams from spinning away Toxic Spikes is a good idea as well; Misdreavus and Frillish are two of the best available options, although Frillish shares a similar typing with Tentacool. Because Poison-types can so readily absorb Tentacool's hazards, a Pokemon who can reliably deal with them, such as Torterra, Mesprit, or Duosion, would make for an excellent teammate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tentacool has very few other options outside of those listed. Haze is an interesting option, but is illegal with Rapid Spin and thus should never be used. Anything other than a fully defensive set with Eviolite is suicidal, as Tentacool's base stats are awful and it will be difficult to accomplish anything. Sludge Bomb has respectable power and is Tentacool's strongest available move, but it still doesn't do enough damage to warrant its usage. Ice Beam can be used to nail Grass-types and Altaria, but it has minimal use outside of that. Mirror Coat is an interesting option, but Tentacool is largely targeted by physical attackers, so it will see minimal use.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Tentacool is neither very threatening nor difficult to take out. Many special attackers in NU, such as Mesprit, Magmortar, and Jynx, can 2HKO Tentacool with their respective super effective attacks. Any physical attacker can readily 2HKO Tentacool with a neutral move, and many can OHKO it, although they must beware of Scald burns. Grounded Poison-types such as Muk or Skuntank can render Tentacool's Toxic Spikes useless, and Ghost-types such as Misdreavus, Drifblim, and Haunter are immune to Rapid Spin.</p>



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