Steelix OP
I got permission from the OP here. RD also told me I could post this straight into Copywriting since this set was posted and approved only a month ago.
Status: Done.
I think the content is fine (might even be a bit too much because the OP had a good amount of information) so this analysis mostly wants better flow from one idea to another and prose. I also had trouble mentioning sandstorm support so I kinda stuffed it into a "random" paragraph.
From the OP, I left out mentions of Spiritomb being a partner because it doesn't deal with Substitute Poliwrath well and Hariyama can deal with both Poliwrath and Mismagius alright (both get burned anyways if Mismagius has Will-O-Wisp). Spiritomb also doesn't do much to Clefable and Moltres. I also left out mentions of Fighting-types luring Flying-types because Swellow (and maybe Scyther) is not switching in and both the Fighter (unless using a Rock-type move) and Steelix can barely touch Moltres (but Toxic from Steelix does fine).
I've added in mentions of walls who wall this set and Taunt users and Pokemon to help counter them.
And... I've mentioned Roar from the last post of the OP thread.
[SET]
name: Torment
move 1: Torment
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Earthquake / Gyro Ball
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful / Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 124 Atk / 132 SDef
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is a rather unique Steelix set that utilizes Torment in conjunction with Substitute to halt the enemy's attacks. By doing this, Steelix can stall the foe with Toxic or attack freely with Earthquake or Gyro Ball.</p>
<p>Steelix should first use Substitute to scout the switch-in; beware of overusing Substitute, however, since Steelix's HP stat is fairly low. If the switch-in is a Pokemon who carries only one super effective attack or you know is Choiced, use Torment, which allows Steelix to stop foes from using the same move twice in a row. This is especially useful if the foe has only one super effective attack or is Choiced because it is forced to use an ineffective move or Struggle. Afterward, if Steelix's Substitute has been broken, set up another one while the foe either stays in and uses an ineffective attack or switches out. Depending on the switch-in, use Toxic if the foe can take Steelix's attacks relatively well, or Earthquake or Gyro Ball if it will devastate the opposing Pokemon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The choice between Earthquake and Gyro Ball depends on what your team can handle. Earthquake is preferred since it can strike Poison- and Steel-types who are immune to Toxic. However, if your team employs Toxic Spikes from supporters such as Omastar, Drapion, and Cloyster, it may be better to attack Flying-types and Levitators, such as Swellow, Mismagius, and Scyther, with Gyro Ball.</p>
<p>Some other options to use on this set are Protect and Roar. Protect helps Steelix stall the opponent with Torment, gain HP from Leftovers, and increase the damage Toxic inflicts upon the foe. Roar can shuffle the opponent's team around so you can identify key threats and take them out beforehand. However, Steelix is strapped for moveslots as it is; it needs all of the listed moves to work as effectively as possible.</p>
<p>The nature and defensive EVs allow Steelix to take less than 25% damage from 0 Special Attack Milotic's Ice Beam, which means Steelix's Substitute will never break. The remaining EVs are placed in Attack to deal as much damage as possible with Earthquake or Gyro Ball. Note that if you're using Gyro Ball, you should choose Sassy over Careful and set the Speed IVs to 0 to increase Gyro Ball's damage output. Also, with Gyro Ball, you can use an alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 48 Atk / 208 SpD so Houndoom's Dark Pulse doesn't break Steelix's Substitute since Steelix lacks a way to OHKO Houndoom. Sandstorm support from Hippopotas is welcome to increase the damage done to the opponent over time.</p>
<p>Walls who are immune to or take little damage from Earthquake and Gyro Ball, and are also immune to poison or carry Rest, such as Milotic and Weezing, are huge threats to this Steelix. Against these Pokemon, Electric-type special attackers, such as Manectric and Rotom, can switch in on a light attack, such as Ice Beam or Flamethrower, and then strike back with STAB Thunderbolt. Watch out, however, as repeated attacks from these walls will eventually KO these fragile Electric-types. As such, Wish support may be appreciated from Chansey and Leafeon. Wish can also help Steelix regenerate more HP if Substitute is taking too much.</p>
<p>Moltres, Taunt users such as Mismagius, and Encore users such as Clefable and Poliwrath are major pains to this set. Using specially defensive Hariyama can help remove Clefable and Mismagius with Close Combat and Payback, respectively. Against Poliwrath and Moltres, Rotom can use Thunderbolt, but beware of switching into both Waterfall and Fire Blast. Alternatively, Lanturn is a much safer option due to its Water-typing and bulk; however, using Lanturn comes at the cost of less immunities and mediocre offenses.</p>
