Status: Posted / Comments and Checks needed
www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/gabite
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[OVERVIEW]
<p>It is often said that NFE Pokemon are not viable in the UU tier. However, Gabite is an exception to this statement due to its excellent typing and well-distributed stats. Its truly offensive nature makes it a safe pick for any offensive team. Gabite sports the second highest Attack among all Dragon-types in the UU tier, right behind Shelgon. Furthermore, Gabite has an immunity to Electric-type attacks, which can be troublesome for most offensive teams. Although you might find Gabite's power a bit mediocre at times, it can still pack a punch with the right support.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Dragon Claw
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Boasting high-powered and unresisted dual STABs coupled with a unique base Speed that puts it faster than the omnipresent base 80 group, Gabite can be a potent offensive force when used correctly. Since most offensive Dragon-types currently reside in the higher tiers, Gabite's only competition as an offensive Dragon-type in UU is Altaria. Gabite's resistance to Stealth Rock, higher Attack stat, and STAB Earthquake differentiate it from Altaria. Sadly, Gabite does not get Swords Dance or Dragon Dance, so wielding a Choice Band or Life Orb is its best option for inflicting damage. The need to go mixed with Fire Blast is unnecessary since all Steel-type Pokemon in UU are grounded and thus weak to Earthquake.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Outrage is the primary STAB move of this set since it is nearly unresisted, and it can pack quite a punch with Spikes support. It would be best to remove Steel-types beforehand by using Earthquake, which deals 45.8% - 54.2% to 252 HP / 0 Def Steelix and 57.7% - 68.1% to 252 HP / 0 Def Registeel. The final two slots of this moveset are fillers. Stone Edge deals with Flying-types like Moltres, while Dragon Claw is a weaker alternative if you’re afraid of getting locked into Outrage.</p>
<p>The choice of item ultimately comes down to personal preference. Choice Band packs more punch than Life Orb, pushing many near-2HKOes into actual 2HKOes with the aid of Stealth Rock (such as when Gabite uses Choice Band Outrage against Milotic). However, Life Orb prevents it from being locked into one attack, making it the better item to use against offensive teams. Although Gabite is in a unique Speed tier, maximizing Speed ensures you win the rare Speed tie since the benefit from an extra HP point is negligible.</p>
<p>Gabite shines best when the sturdiest physical walls are removed, as most semi-frail Pokemon are OHKOd by Outrage or Earthquake. Since most physical walls are weak to Grass-type attacks, Venusaur makes an ideal partner for Gabite. The two common walls not weak to Grass, Tangrowth and Leafeon, are maimed by Venusaur's Sludge Bomb. Furthermore, Venusaur can incapacitate the opponent with Sleep Powder, allowing Gabite to smack them while they are asleep. Thanks to Gabite’s Ground-typing, Pokemon like Registeel and Slowbro will have to think twice about using Thunder Wave, helping Venusaur switch in with impunity most of the time. Dugtrio also works well as an offensive partner as it can trap most Steel-types easily, allowing Gabite to use its primary STAB recklessly.</p>
<p>If you plan to combat physical walls with a more brute-force approach, Spikes and Stealth Rock support is needed to actually 2HKO the sturdiest of them. Omastar makes an ideal partner as it can deploy both Spikes and Stealth Rock at the start of the match. Qwilfish is another alternative for Spikes support, thanks to its high Speed stat and access to Taunt in order to shut down opposing entry hazard leads. Outside of Spikes, dual screen support is another option to consider in order to patch up Gabite's pathetic defensive stats. Uxie is an excellent choice because it can set up Stealth Rock in addition to both screens.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Unfortunately, Gabite has difficulties getting past sturdy physical walls without Spikes support. As mentioned previously, if you want to take on physical walls directly, Spikes and Stealth Rock support are necessary to score a possible 2HKO. Omastar fares well against opposing leads,allowing it to set up both Stealth Rock and Spikes most of the time. Most Taunt users are badly hurt by Surf or Hidden Power Rock. On the other hand, Froslass makes a good alternative if you want a fast Taunt and Spikes user.Outside of Spikes support, dual screens support is another option to look for in order to effectively promote a Gabite sweep. Uxie can dispatch Reflect and Light Screen quite easily when you consider its high Speed and high Defenses on both ends. As an added bonus, Uxie can set up Stealth Rock as well.</p>
<p>Venusaur makes a magnificent partner alongside Gabite if you’re not planning to combat physical walls head on. With access to Sleep Powder, Swords Dance, Power Whip, Earthquake, Leaf Storm, and Sludge Bomb, Venusaur can keep most physical walls at bay with super effective hits. Dugtrio can also remove bothersome Steel-types that would hinder Gabite.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Gabite has a pretty good special movepool: Fire Blast, Earth Power, Dragon Pulse, and Draco Meteor. However, Altaria generally outclasses it as a special attacker. It’s probably best if you focus on utilizing physically-based moves. Gabite also has access to Dragon Rush, but the lowered power and accuracy make it an inferior choice. Support-wise, Gabite has access to Stealth Rock, but it is generally more useful to utilize its offensive prowess.</p>
<p>A Choice Scarf set was left out in the main analysis due to Gabite having a weak defensive stat overall as well as an above-average Attack stat. Unfortunately, Gabite cannot play the same role as its bigger brother and it is ultimately better off dishing damage with a Choice Band or Life Orb equipped to it. [ok you lost me there... I think you might be going for "can't check sweepers with priority" here but it's really confusing and I don't think that's what Scarf Gabite is supposed to do anyways] A Substitute set could be used in conjunction with Sandstorm to take advantage of its ability, Sand Veil. You can use an Adamant nature with the same EVs to deal more damage to physical walls, but then Gabite won't be able to outpace positive natured base 80 Pokemon like Venusaur or Blaziken.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Like most Choiced users, you need a fair amount of prediction to get around it. Steelix and Registeel are usually the best switch-ins to Gabite because they resist its strongest attack. If Gabite decides to use Earthquake to hit your Steel-type, Levitators and Flying Pokemon get a free switch. Physically defensive Claydol is immune to Earthquake and Spikes, is not 2HKOd by Outrage, and can OHKO Gabite with Ice Beam or Explosion.</p>
<p>If Gabite has Life Orb, most physical walls fare well against it. Milotic and Slowbro can 2HKO with Surf while healing with Recover or Slack Off. Donphan has a chance to OHKO Gabite with Ice Shard or Earthquake. Tangrowth can 2HKO Gabite with Power Whip.</p>
www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/gabite
_________________________________________________________________________
[OVERVIEW]
<p>It is often said that NFE Pokemon are not viable in the UU tier. However, Gabite is an exception to this statement due to its excellent typing and well-distributed stats. Its truly offensive nature makes it a safe pick for any offensive team. Gabite sports the second highest Attack among all Dragon-types in the UU tier, right behind Shelgon. Furthermore, Gabite has an immunity to Electric-type attacks, which can be troublesome for most offensive teams. Although you might find Gabite's power a bit mediocre at times, it can still pack a punch with the right support.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Dragon Claw
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Boasting high-powered and unresisted dual STABs coupled with a unique base Speed that puts it faster than the omnipresent base 80 group, Gabite can be a potent offensive force when used correctly. Since most offensive Dragon-types currently reside in the higher tiers, Gabite's only competition as an offensive Dragon-type in UU is Altaria. Gabite's resistance to Stealth Rock, higher Attack stat, and STAB Earthquake differentiate it from Altaria. Sadly, Gabite does not get Swords Dance or Dragon Dance, so wielding a Choice Band or Life Orb is its best option for inflicting damage. The need to go mixed with Fire Blast is unnecessary since all Steel-type Pokemon in UU are grounded and thus weak to Earthquake.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Outrage is the primary STAB move of this set since it is nearly unresisted, and it can pack quite a punch with Spikes support. It would be best to remove Steel-types beforehand by using Earthquake, which deals 45.8% - 54.2% to 252 HP / 0 Def Steelix and 57.7% - 68.1% to 252 HP / 0 Def Registeel. The final two slots of this moveset are fillers. Stone Edge deals with Flying-types like Moltres, while Dragon Claw is a weaker alternative if you’re afraid of getting locked into Outrage.</p>
<p>The choice of item ultimately comes down to personal preference. Choice Band packs more punch than Life Orb, pushing many near-2HKOes into actual 2HKOes with the aid of Stealth Rock (such as when Gabite uses Choice Band Outrage against Milotic). However, Life Orb prevents it from being locked into one attack, making it the better item to use against offensive teams. Although Gabite is in a unique Speed tier, maximizing Speed ensures you win the rare Speed tie since the benefit from an extra HP point is negligible.</p>
<p>Gabite shines best when the sturdiest physical walls are removed, as most semi-frail Pokemon are OHKOd by Outrage or Earthquake. Since most physical walls are weak to Grass-type attacks, Venusaur makes an ideal partner for Gabite. The two common walls not weak to Grass, Tangrowth and Leafeon, are maimed by Venusaur's Sludge Bomb. Furthermore, Venusaur can incapacitate the opponent with Sleep Powder, allowing Gabite to smack them while they are asleep. Thanks to Gabite’s Ground-typing, Pokemon like Registeel and Slowbro will have to think twice about using Thunder Wave, helping Venusaur switch in with impunity most of the time. Dugtrio also works well as an offensive partner as it can trap most Steel-types easily, allowing Gabite to use its primary STAB recklessly.</p>
<p>If you plan to combat physical walls with a more brute-force approach, Spikes and Stealth Rock support is needed to actually 2HKO the sturdiest of them. Omastar makes an ideal partner as it can deploy both Spikes and Stealth Rock at the start of the match. Qwilfish is another alternative for Spikes support, thanks to its high Speed stat and access to Taunt in order to shut down opposing entry hazard leads. Outside of Spikes, dual screen support is another option to consider in order to patch up Gabite's pathetic defensive stats. Uxie is an excellent choice because it can set up Stealth Rock in addition to both screens.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Unfortunately, Gabite has difficulties getting past sturdy physical walls without Spikes support. As mentioned previously, if you want to take on physical walls directly, Spikes and Stealth Rock support are necessary to score a possible 2HKO. Omastar fares well against opposing leads,allowing it to set up both Stealth Rock and Spikes most of the time. Most Taunt users are badly hurt by Surf or Hidden Power Rock. On the other hand, Froslass makes a good alternative if you want a fast Taunt and Spikes user.Outside of Spikes support, dual screens support is another option to look for in order to effectively promote a Gabite sweep. Uxie can dispatch Reflect and Light Screen quite easily when you consider its high Speed and high Defenses on both ends. As an added bonus, Uxie can set up Stealth Rock as well.</p>
<p>Venusaur makes a magnificent partner alongside Gabite if you’re not planning to combat physical walls head on. With access to Sleep Powder, Swords Dance, Power Whip, Earthquake, Leaf Storm, and Sludge Bomb, Venusaur can keep most physical walls at bay with super effective hits. Dugtrio can also remove bothersome Steel-types that would hinder Gabite.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Gabite has a pretty good special movepool: Fire Blast, Earth Power, Dragon Pulse, and Draco Meteor. However, Altaria generally outclasses it as a special attacker. It’s probably best if you focus on utilizing physically-based moves. Gabite also has access to Dragon Rush, but the lowered power and accuracy make it an inferior choice. Support-wise, Gabite has access to Stealth Rock, but it is generally more useful to utilize its offensive prowess.</p>
<p>A Choice Scarf set was left out in the main analysis due to Gabite having a weak defensive stat overall as well as an above-average Attack stat. Unfortunately, Gabite cannot play the same role as its bigger brother and it is ultimately better off dishing damage with a Choice Band or Life Orb equipped to it. [ok you lost me there... I think you might be going for "can't check sweepers with priority" here but it's really confusing and I don't think that's what Scarf Gabite is supposed to do anyways] A Substitute set could be used in conjunction with Sandstorm to take advantage of its ability, Sand Veil. You can use an Adamant nature with the same EVs to deal more damage to physical walls, but then Gabite won't be able to outpace positive natured base 80 Pokemon like Venusaur or Blaziken.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Like most Choiced users, you need a fair amount of prediction to get around it. Steelix and Registeel are usually the best switch-ins to Gabite because they resist its strongest attack. If Gabite decides to use Earthquake to hit your Steel-type, Levitators and Flying Pokemon get a free switch. Physically defensive Claydol is immune to Earthquake and Spikes, is not 2HKOd by Outrage, and can OHKO Gabite with Ice Beam or Explosion.</p>
<p>If Gabite has Life Orb, most physical walls fare well against it. Milotic and Slowbro can 2HKO with Surf while healing with Recover or Slack Off. Donphan has a chance to OHKO Gabite with Ice Shard or Earthquake. Tangrowth can 2HKO Gabite with Power Whip.</p>
