jake
underdog of the year
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>