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Seismitoad
[Overview]
<p>Seismitoad has always lurked in the shadows, outshined by its Water-type brethren. Thankfully, Seismitoad's Dream World ability, Water Absorb, along with the BW tutors gives it a new lease on life. Instead of resorting to Leftovers and RestTalk for recovery, Seismitoad can now use Water Absorb, granting it 25% recovery when hit by a Water-type attack. Notable attacks that have been given to Seismitoad include Stealth Rock, Ice Punch, Knock Off, and Drain Punch.</P>
<p>Seismitoad is a unique Swift Swim sweeper and bulky Water-type that occupies a niche which shared with only Cradily: an immunity to Water-type attacks as well as access to Stealth Rock. On a rain team, Seismitoad can be a support Pokemon with Stealth Rock and a sweeper with Swift Swim; in addition, Seismitoad can be an excellent pivot with its 105 / 75 / 75 defenses, Water Absorb, and Water / Ground typing. However, all is not well for Seismitoad; its 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks is exacerbated by the plethora of Grass-type Pokemon in NU, and it's not even the strongest Water-type sweeper; fFor example, Gorebyss and Ludicolo are more powerful standalone Swift Swim sweepers. However, play to Seismitoad's strengths, take advantage of its immunities, and you won't be disappointed.</p>
[SET]
name: Swift Swim Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Stealth Rock / Sludge Wave
item: Life Orb / Damp Rock
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 96 HP / 252 SpA / 160 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes advantage of Swift Swim and is Seismitoad's best chance to sweep. Courtesy of its typing, Seismitoad is immune to Electric-type attacks, notably Volt Switch and Thunder Wave, which gives it a niche as a Swift Swim sweeper; when used on a full rain team, this immunity becomes invaluable. Rain Dance doubles Seismitoad's Speed and powers up its STAB Water-type attacks, while the debate between Hydro Pump and Surf comes down to the age old question of power versus reliability; as Seismitoad lacks the sheer power of other Water-type sweepers, Hydro Pump allows it to hit as hard as it can but Surf can be used instead if accuracy is an issue. Earth Power serves as Seismitoad's other STAB and hits many of the Pokemon that resist its Water-type attacks hard, especially the plethora of NU Pokemon with a Grass / Poison typing. The last moveslot depends on your team's needs. Stealth Rock allows Seismitoad to fulfill its unique niche as both a sweeper and supporter, and helps break down common checks to rain teams such as Mantine. Be that as it may, if Stealth Rock is already set by another Pokemon, then Sludge Wave can be used, letting Seismitoad damage pure Grass-types more effectively.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given nature and EV spread allow Seismitoad to hit as hard as possible. With 160 Speed EVs, Seismitoad can outspeed Choice Scarf Rotom-S after Swift Swim. Life Orb is the preferred option because Seismitoad wants to do as much damage as it can, but Damp Rock is a viable choice to lengthen the duration of Rain Dance, which allows Seismitoad to be an excellent support sweeper. Seismitoad can also use Hidden Power Ice instead of another move to hit Altaria, which otherwise walls this set. Grass / Poison type Pokemon are the biggest counters to Seismitoad, as they aren't hit hard by either Earth Power or Sludge Wave. Amoonguss is a superb counter to Seismitoad, as it takes little damage from any of Seismitoad's attacks and has Giga Drain to OHKO Seismitoad; moreover, the prospect of Spore threatens Seismitoad and fellow teammates. Besides Grass-types, Seismitoad has a hard time taking down bulky Water-types as well as dedicated special walls that can tank Seismitoad’s onslaught and cripple it; Lickilicky easily absorbs attacks and can respond by setting up a Wish, phazing with Dragon Tail, or using Swords Dance, while Audino can switch into any attack, set a Wish up, or cripple Seismitoad with Toxic.</p>
<p>Articuno is an excellent partner for Seismitoad, as it resists Grass-types attacks and can wreak havoc with STAB Ice Beam and Hurricane, which has perfect accuracy in the rain. Ludicolo is a great rain partner for Seismitoad, capable of damaging the Grass-type Pokemon that spell trouble for Seismitoad. In general, Seismitoad has excellent synergy with Grass-types, since they resist Seismitoad’s only weakness. Amoonguss is an exceptional partner for Seismitoad, especially in the rain; its Fire-type weakness is neutralized under rain, STAB on Poison-type attacks helps it deal with troublesome Grass-type Pokemon, and, with Spore and Regenerator, Amoonguss can switch in many times. Fellow Water-type sweepers, such as Gorebyss and Samurott, also work well with Seismitoad, weakening the opponent's team for each other.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulky Toad
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Knock Off / Toxic
item: Leftovers / Rindo Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With both Water Absorb and Stealth Rock, Seismitoad can act as a decent tank, with its Water / Ground typing allowing it to take most special attacks well. Seismitoad can also be a good lead, thanks to its access to Stealth Rock and ability to attack opposing leads with Scald if needed. Earth Power takes advantage of STAB and allows Seismitoad to hit many of the Pokemon that resist Scald for more damage. Knock Off serves to destabilize opposing Pokemon, ridding them of essential items, such as Evolite, Leftovers, and Choice items. Seismitoad can also utilize Toxic to cripple bulky Pokemon; however, Pokemon with a Grass / Poison typing are immune to Toxic and will often be the ones that will switch in on Seismitoad.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Bold nature can be used for physically defensive variants. Leftovers is the recommended item because the passive recovery helps maintain Seismitoad’s bulk. However, Rindo Berry is also a viable option, allowing Seismitoad to survive most non-STAB Grass-type attacks, such as Grass Knot from Samurott and Eelektross as well as Hidden Power Grass from Charizard. Seismitoad is also a good check to opposing Water-type sweepers that lack a Grass-type attack; however, it cannot do much damage back. Thanks to its typing, Seismitoad is a good counter to Volt Switch users that lack a Grass-type attack, such as Zebstrika, Probopass, and Rotom-S. If using the physically defensive EV spread, then Seismitoad can check Samurott and Carracosta as long as they lack a Grass-type attack or it has a Rindo Berry equipped.</p>
<p>The preferred partners to Seismitoad should either resist or be immune to Grass-type attacks, especially if Seismitoad is using Leftovers rather than Rindo Berry. Articuno is a great partner creating excellent synergy with Seismitoad; it can take Grass-type attacks all day and threaten opposing Pokemon with both Ice Beam and Hurricane. Physically defensive Amoonguss has access to Spore and has exceptional synergy with Seismitoad as well. Pokemon with Sap Sipper are also great partners, due to their immunity to Grass-type attacks. On a more offensive team, Sawsbuck is an excellent choice, threatening the opponent's team after an Attack Boost, while Miltank is a great choice on a more defensive one; it can switch in and start attacking at +1, or cure status with Heal Bell. As Seismitoad has trouble with status—mainly poison—a cleric is very beneficial; the aforementioned Miltank works well, as does Vileplume with its 4x resistance to Grass-type attacks. Seismitoad lacks reliable recovery even with Water Absorb and Leftovers, so a Wish user is recommended; Flareon is an excellent partner in this regard as it also threatens every Grass-type Pokemon in the tier except Ludicolo.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Seismitoad can utilize RestTalk, but, due to the sleep mechanics, it is a risky choice. Seismitoad can use Poison Touch as its ability to give it a chance to poison the enemy on contact, but it is not as helpful as Swift Swim or Water Absorb. Grass Knot is available to hit opposing Water-types, but it won't see much use other than that. Seismitoad has an extensive physical movepool, but a physical set doesn't have many hard-hitting options and lacks Water-type attacks, while a mixed set doesn't hit hard enough, even with Earthquake. Alternatively, Seismitoad has Ice Punch to hit Altaria and opposing Grass-types hard. Drain Punch also deserves a mention, providing a way to hit the various Normal-type Pokemon in NU and restore health simultaneously.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>As mentioned previously, Grass-type Pokemon are excellent counters to Seismitoad because they resist Seismitoad’s STABs and can retaliate with a STAB Grass-type attack. Even with Rindo Berry, a STAB Grass-type attack will heavily damage Seismitoad, although pure Grass-types need to be wary of Sludge Wave. Amoonguss is the best counter to Seismitoad, because it can either incapacitate it with Spore or OHKO through Rindo Berry with Giga Drain, while Seismitoad’s attacks won't deal much at all. Despite the fact that Seismitoad can hit Ludicolo with Sludge Wave or Toxic, Ludicolo is an adept counter to Seismitoad, both in and out of rain; in rain, Ludicolo can outspeed and OHKO with a STAB Grass-type attack, while Ludicolo can switch in, set up a Substitute, and either use Leech Seed or simply OHKO with Giga Drain outside of it. If Cradily avoids Toxic, then it can boost its Special Attack with Storm Drain or KO Seismitoad with its STAB Grass-type attacks. With immunity to Water-type attacks, Dry Skin Parasect can switch in on Seismitoad and threaten it with Spore or a STAB Grass-type attack. Special walls, such as Lickilicky, Audino, and Musharna can come in on Seismitoad and tank its hits while wearing Seismitoad down. Altaria resists Seismitoad’s Water-type STAB and is immune to Earth Power, but has to watch out for Hidden Power Ice or Ice Punch. In a similar vein, Dragonair is a good counter because of its bulk and typing; even Hidden Power Ice and Ice Punch won’t be doing much damage because of Dragonair’s Eviolite-boosted defenses. Barring Knock Off, Seismitoad has no way to stop Dragonair. Faster Taunt users are a nuisance because they disrupt Seismitoad’s job—either setting up Rain Dance or Stealth Rock—but nothing with Taunt will appreciate taking a Hydro Pump to the face or getting burned by Scald.</p>
Seismitoad
[Overview]
<p>Seismitoad has always lurked in the shadows, outshined by its Water-type brethren. Thankfully, Seismitoad's Dream World ability, Water Absorb, along with the BW tutors gives it a new lease on life. Instead of resorting to Leftovers and RestTalk for recovery, Seismitoad can now use Water Absorb, granting it 25% recovery when hit by a Water-type attack. Notable attacks that have been given to Seismitoad include Stealth Rock, Ice Punch, Knock Off, and Drain Punch.</P>
<p>Seismitoad is a unique Swift Swim sweeper and bulky Water-type that occupies a niche which shared with only Cradily: an immunity to Water-type attacks as well as access to Stealth Rock. On a rain team, Seismitoad can be a support Pokemon with Stealth Rock and a sweeper with Swift Swim; in addition, Seismitoad can be an excellent pivot with its 105 / 75 / 75 defenses, Water Absorb, and Water / Ground typing. However, all is not well for Seismitoad; its 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks is exacerbated by the plethora of Grass-type Pokemon in NU, and it's not even the strongest Water-type sweeper; fFor example, Gorebyss and Ludicolo are more powerful standalone Swift Swim sweepers. However, play to Seismitoad's strengths, take advantage of its immunities, and you won't be disappointed.</p>
[SET]
name: Swift Swim Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Stealth Rock / Sludge Wave
item: Life Orb / Damp Rock
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 96 HP / 252 SpA / 160 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes advantage of Swift Swim and is Seismitoad's best chance to sweep. Courtesy of its typing, Seismitoad is immune to Electric-type attacks, notably Volt Switch and Thunder Wave, which gives it a niche as a Swift Swim sweeper; when used on a full rain team, this immunity becomes invaluable. Rain Dance doubles Seismitoad's Speed and powers up its STAB Water-type attacks, while the debate between Hydro Pump and Surf comes down to the age old question of power versus reliability; as Seismitoad lacks the sheer power of other Water-type sweepers, Hydro Pump allows it to hit as hard as it can but Surf can be used instead if accuracy is an issue. Earth Power serves as Seismitoad's other STAB and hits many of the Pokemon that resist its Water-type attacks hard, especially the plethora of NU Pokemon with a Grass / Poison typing. The last moveslot depends on your team's needs. Stealth Rock allows Seismitoad to fulfill its unique niche as both a sweeper and supporter, and helps break down common checks to rain teams such as Mantine. Be that as it may, if Stealth Rock is already set by another Pokemon, then Sludge Wave can be used, letting Seismitoad damage pure Grass-types more effectively.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given nature and EV spread allow Seismitoad to hit as hard as possible. With 160 Speed EVs, Seismitoad can outspeed Choice Scarf Rotom-S after Swift Swim. Life Orb is the preferred option because Seismitoad wants to do as much damage as it can, but Damp Rock is a viable choice to lengthen the duration of Rain Dance, which allows Seismitoad to be an excellent support sweeper. Seismitoad can also use Hidden Power Ice instead of another move to hit Altaria, which otherwise walls this set. Grass / Poison type Pokemon are the biggest counters to Seismitoad, as they aren't hit hard by either Earth Power or Sludge Wave. Amoonguss is a superb counter to Seismitoad, as it takes little damage from any of Seismitoad's attacks and has Giga Drain to OHKO Seismitoad; moreover, the prospect of Spore threatens Seismitoad and fellow teammates. Besides Grass-types, Seismitoad has a hard time taking down bulky Water-types as well as dedicated special walls that can tank Seismitoad’s onslaught and cripple it; Lickilicky easily absorbs attacks and can respond by setting up a Wish, phazing with Dragon Tail, or using Swords Dance, while Audino can switch into any attack, set a Wish up, or cripple Seismitoad with Toxic.</p>
<p>Articuno is an excellent partner for Seismitoad, as it resists Grass-types attacks and can wreak havoc with STAB Ice Beam and Hurricane, which has perfect accuracy in the rain. Ludicolo is a great rain partner for Seismitoad, capable of damaging the Grass-type Pokemon that spell trouble for Seismitoad. In general, Seismitoad has excellent synergy with Grass-types, since they resist Seismitoad’s only weakness. Amoonguss is an exceptional partner for Seismitoad, especially in the rain; its Fire-type weakness is neutralized under rain, STAB on Poison-type attacks helps it deal with troublesome Grass-type Pokemon, and, with Spore and Regenerator, Amoonguss can switch in many times. Fellow Water-type sweepers, such as Gorebyss and Samurott, also work well with Seismitoad, weakening the opponent's team for each other.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulky Toad
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Knock Off / Toxic
item: Leftovers / Rindo Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With both Water Absorb and Stealth Rock, Seismitoad can act as a decent tank, with its Water / Ground typing allowing it to take most special attacks well. Seismitoad can also be a good lead, thanks to its access to Stealth Rock and ability to attack opposing leads with Scald if needed. Earth Power takes advantage of STAB and allows Seismitoad to hit many of the Pokemon that resist Scald for more damage. Knock Off serves to destabilize opposing Pokemon, ridding them of essential items, such as Evolite, Leftovers, and Choice items. Seismitoad can also utilize Toxic to cripple bulky Pokemon; however, Pokemon with a Grass / Poison typing are immune to Toxic and will often be the ones that will switch in on Seismitoad.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Bold nature can be used for physically defensive variants. Leftovers is the recommended item because the passive recovery helps maintain Seismitoad’s bulk. However, Rindo Berry is also a viable option, allowing Seismitoad to survive most non-STAB Grass-type attacks, such as Grass Knot from Samurott and Eelektross as well as Hidden Power Grass from Charizard. Seismitoad is also a good check to opposing Water-type sweepers that lack a Grass-type attack; however, it cannot do much damage back. Thanks to its typing, Seismitoad is a good counter to Volt Switch users that lack a Grass-type attack, such as Zebstrika, Probopass, and Rotom-S. If using the physically defensive EV spread, then Seismitoad can check Samurott and Carracosta as long as they lack a Grass-type attack or it has a Rindo Berry equipped.</p>
<p>The preferred partners to Seismitoad should either resist or be immune to Grass-type attacks, especially if Seismitoad is using Leftovers rather than Rindo Berry. Articuno is a great partner creating excellent synergy with Seismitoad; it can take Grass-type attacks all day and threaten opposing Pokemon with both Ice Beam and Hurricane. Physically defensive Amoonguss has access to Spore and has exceptional synergy with Seismitoad as well. Pokemon with Sap Sipper are also great partners, due to their immunity to Grass-type attacks. On a more offensive team, Sawsbuck is an excellent choice, threatening the opponent's team after an Attack Boost, while Miltank is a great choice on a more defensive one; it can switch in and start attacking at +1, or cure status with Heal Bell. As Seismitoad has trouble with status—mainly poison—a cleric is very beneficial; the aforementioned Miltank works well, as does Vileplume with its 4x resistance to Grass-type attacks. Seismitoad lacks reliable recovery even with Water Absorb and Leftovers, so a Wish user is recommended; Flareon is an excellent partner in this regard as it also threatens every Grass-type Pokemon in the tier except Ludicolo.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Seismitoad can utilize RestTalk, but, due to the sleep mechanics, it is a risky choice. Seismitoad can use Poison Touch as its ability to give it a chance to poison the enemy on contact, but it is not as helpful as Swift Swim or Water Absorb. Grass Knot is available to hit opposing Water-types, but it won't see much use other than that. Seismitoad has an extensive physical movepool, but a physical set doesn't have many hard-hitting options and lacks Water-type attacks, while a mixed set doesn't hit hard enough, even with Earthquake. Alternatively, Seismitoad has Ice Punch to hit Altaria and opposing Grass-types hard. Drain Punch also deserves a mention, providing a way to hit the various Normal-type Pokemon in NU and restore health simultaneously.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>As mentioned previously, Grass-type Pokemon are excellent counters to Seismitoad because they resist Seismitoad’s STABs and can retaliate with a STAB Grass-type attack. Even with Rindo Berry, a STAB Grass-type attack will heavily damage Seismitoad, although pure Grass-types need to be wary of Sludge Wave. Amoonguss is the best counter to Seismitoad, because it can either incapacitate it with Spore or OHKO through Rindo Berry with Giga Drain, while Seismitoad’s attacks won't deal much at all. Despite the fact that Seismitoad can hit Ludicolo with Sludge Wave or Toxic, Ludicolo is an adept counter to Seismitoad, both in and out of rain; in rain, Ludicolo can outspeed and OHKO with a STAB Grass-type attack, while Ludicolo can switch in, set up a Substitute, and either use Leech Seed or simply OHKO with Giga Drain outside of it. If Cradily avoids Toxic, then it can boost its Special Attack with Storm Drain or KO Seismitoad with its STAB Grass-type attacks. With immunity to Water-type attacks, Dry Skin Parasect can switch in on Seismitoad and threaten it with Spore or a STAB Grass-type attack. Special walls, such as Lickilicky, Audino, and Musharna can come in on Seismitoad and tank its hits while wearing Seismitoad down. Altaria resists Seismitoad’s Water-type STAB and is immune to Earth Power, but has to watch out for Hidden Power Ice or Ice Punch. In a similar vein, Dragonair is a good counter because of its bulk and typing; even Hidden Power Ice and Ice Punch won’t be doing much damage because of Dragonair’s Eviolite-boosted defenses. Barring Knock Off, Seismitoad has no way to stop Dragonair. Faster Taunt users are a nuisance because they disrupt Seismitoad’s job—either setting up Rain Dance or Stealth Rock—but nothing with Taunt will appreciate taking a Hydro Pump to the face or getting burned by Scald.</p>
