Nincada (LC analysis)

Additions on blue
Removals in red
Comments in green

[OVERVIEW]

<p>Nincada is, in a nutshell, an outclassed Pokémon. Its offensive stats and Special Defense are weak, and its movepool is very, very shallow, and its moves are quite weak. (redundant) It doesn't even get Earthquake, a move that would've improved it exponentially. What it does have, however, is a great Defense stat, in addition to resistances to Ground and Fighting, two very common physical attacking types. Even so, Nincada wishes it could be an Anorith, but in reality, it doesn't even come close.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Bug Bite / X-Scissor
move 2: Night Slash
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Metal Claw
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Naïve
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpA / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Nincada can reaches 21 Speed at +1, with maximum Speed EVs and a positive nature, and the coverage it gets with its movepool is just enough to warrant a Choice Scarf set. Bug Bite allows Nincada to eat Oran Berries off of opposing walls, but X-Scissor is Nincada's strongest STAB attack (actually, Bug Buzz is =P). Night Slash hits all Ghost- and Psychic-types hard, and Aerial Ace hits Fighting-types. Hidden Power Ice is actually a very viable option on Nincada, as it allows it to OHKO Gligar 40% of the time without Stealth Rock, and 100% of the time with it. However, Metal Claw can hits Ice- and Rock-types for super effective damage. A Naïve nature and 196 Speed EVs are essential for Nincada to hit 21 Speed with a Choice Scarf. 236 Attack EVs maximize Nincada's Attack, and 36 Special Attack EVs give Hidden Power Ice extra power. The remaining EVs are put into its Defense.</p>

<p>Though Nincada's attacks are quite weak, it actually does more damage than one might expect. Here are a list of damage calculations showing off Nincada's unexpected power:

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li> Nincada Bug Bite vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Snover: 75% - 100% (OHKO after SR)
<li> Nincada X-Scissor vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Snover: 96% - 120% (86% chance to OHKO)
<li> Nincada Night Slash vs. 36 HP / 0 Def Gastly: 80% - 100% (25% chance to OHKO)
<li> Nincada Night Slash vs. 196 HP / 36 Def Duskull: 47.6% - 57.1% (possible chance to 2HKO if it rolls minimum damage then maximum damage)
<li> Nincada Night Slash vs. 116 HP / 8 Def Drifloon: 51.9% - 66.7% (3HKO with Oran)
<li> Nincada Aerial Ace vs. 36 HP / 36 Def Machop: 41.7% - 58.3% (84% chance to 2HKO)
<li> Nincada Aerial Ace vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Mankey: 54.5% - 72.7% (guaranteed 2HKO)
<li> Nincada HP Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gligar: 87% - 104.3% (OHKO after SR)
</ul>

<p>Unfortunately, this set cannot touch Bronzor at all. Even X-Scissor, Nincada's most powerful attack, can only do a maximum of 32% damage. Also, without any decent Ground-type attack, every Fire-type Pokémon can switch in and threaten Nincada with their STAB a Fire-type attack.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As previously mentioned, this set is endlessly walled by Bronzor. Fire-type Pokémon and Magnemite can take care of Bronzor. Pokémon with the ability Flash Fire ability, namely Houndour and Growlithe, easily beat any Fire-type switching into Nincada, and also form good synergy with it. Dig is Nincada's only Ground-type attack, and has decent Base Power, but doesn't warrant even a mention on this set because the one turn it has to wait before attacking will allow Flying-types and Pokémon with Levitate free switch-ins. This set also likes Stealth Rock support, allowing it to net a couple of KOs it normally wouldn't be able to get. Piplup is a decent lead that can do this, as it pairs well forms good synergy with Nincada.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Tank
move 1: Bug Bite
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
item: Oran Berry
nature: Relaxed
evs: 188 HP / 80 Atk / 200 Def / 36 SpD
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 Def

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Nincada's typing and superb Base 90 Defense stat allows it to sponge physical attacks from a variety of Pokémon. Bug Bite is Nincada's primary means of attacking, allowing it to deal damage and possibly restore its health simultaneously. Toxic has the ability to cripple many Pokémon that this Nincada will switch in(backspace, one word)to. Aerial Ace hits Fighting-types pretty hard, and the last slot boils down to preference. Hidden Power Ice is primarily for Gligar and Hippopotas, though it should be noted that they will not enjoy taking a Toxic. Hidden Power Ground can potentially hit Croagunk for an OHKO, whereas Croagunk cannot KO back. Also, Croagunk can only muster a 2HKO with Ice Punch, but only 20% of the time. If using Hidden Power Ground, throw in an extra 4 EVs into Nincada's Special Defense so as to compensate for the IV loss.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Because this set is supposed to stop physical attackers cold, it need does not invest in Special Defense much at all. Munchlax makes a good partner for this set, as it can take any special attack aimed at Nincada. In addition, Nincada has synergy with Munchlax, as it can take most Fighting-type attacks launched at Munchlax. Speaking of Specially Defensive partners, Mantyke has the highest Special Defense stat in the metagame, at a whopping Base 120. Mantyke can sponge Fire-type attacks with ease, and can even restore its health when hit by a Water-type attack. Also, Nincada takes nothing from Electric-type attacks, and won't be taking much from Rock-type attacks either.</p>

[TEAM OPTIONS]

<p>The best Pokémon that work with Nincada are ones that have good synergy with it, as Nincada won't be netting you many OHKOs anytime soon (huh?). The aforementioned Munchlax and Mantyke both have good synergy with Nincada, and can both tank most special attacks. Magnemite is a good partner on the first set, as it can trap and kill Bronzor, but it shares a Fire-type weakness with Nincada. Pokémon with Flash Fire are also good teammates with Nincada, as they can absorb any Fire-type attack directed at Nincada. Also, tThey can also threaten most likely OHKO Levitate Bronzor with their STAB Fire Blast, Flamethrower, or other Fire-type attacks.</p>

[OPTIONAL CHANGES]

<p>Because Nincada's movepool is so limited, there really aren’t many other options for it. It has Return, its most powerful attack outside of X-Scissor, but using it over any other attack would lose a lot of coverage if used over any other attack. Hidden Power Fire can be used on the first set over Hidden Power Ice if you want to do more damage to Bronzor, but Nincada still won't be able to muster a 3HKO (factoring in Oran Berry).

[COUNTERS]

<p>Bronzor is a surefire counter to Nincada. It takes nothing from anything Nincada can throw at it, and can hit back with Psychic or Hidden Power Ice. Mantyke resists Bug-type attacks, and threatens Nincada with a STAB super(space)effective Hydro Pump or Surf. Tentacool is in the same boat as Mantyke, but also sports an immunity to Toxic. Nincada also hates Toxic, as it so a Pokémon with that can effectively puts a timer on Nincada's life. Finally, most Choice Scarf Pokemon that run special attacks, such as Chinchou, beat Nincada with ease.</p>

[OVERVIEW]

<p>Nincada is, in a nutshell, completely outclassed. Its offensive stats and Special Defense are weak, and its movepool is very, very shallow. It Despite its Ground typing, it doesn't even get Earthquake, a move that would've improved would improve it exponentially. What it does have, however, is a great Defense stat, in addition to resistances to Ground and Fighting, two very common physical attacking types. Even so, Nincada wishes it could be an another Anorith, but it doesn't even come close.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Bug Bite / X-Scissor
move 2: Night Slash
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Metal Claw
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Naive
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpA / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Nincada can reach 21 Speed at +1,(remove) with maximum Speed EVs and a positive nature, and the coverage it gets is just enough to warrant merit a Choice Scarf set. Bug Bite allows Nincada to eat Oran Berries off of held by opposing walls Pokemon, but X-Scissor is Nincada's strongest physical STAB attack. Night Slash hits all Ghost- and Psychic-types hard [Psychic-types being hit hard is irrelevant since they take greater damage from Bug Bite anyway], and Aerial Ace hits Fighting-types. Hidden Power Ice is actually a very viable option on Nincada, as it allows it to OHKO Gligar 40% of the time without with Stealth Rock, and 100% of the time with it. However, Metal Claw can hit Ice- and Rock-types for super effective damage. A Naive nature and 196 Speed EVs are essential for Nincada to hit 21 Speed with a Choice Scarf. 236 Attack EVs maximize Nincada's Attack, and 36 Special Attack EVs give Hidden Power Ice extra power. The remaining EVs are put into its Defense.</p>

<p>Though Nincada's attacks are quite weak, it actually does more damage than one might expect. Here are a list of damage calculations showing off Nincada's unexpected power:

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li> Nincada Bug Bite vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Snover: 75% - 100% (OHKO after SR)
<li> Nincada X-Scissor vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Snover: 96% - 120% (86% chance to OHKO)
<li> Nincada Night Slash vs. 36 HP / 0 Def Gastly: 80% - 100% (25% chance to OHKO)
<li> Nincada Night Slash vs. 196 HP / 36 Def Duskull: 47.6% - 57.1% (possible chance to 2HKO if it rolls minimum damage then maximum damage)
<li> Nincada Night Slash vs. 116 HP / 8 Def Drifloon: 51.9% - 66.7% (3HKO with Oran)
<li> Nincada Aerial Ace vs. 36 HP / 36 Def Machop: 41.7% - 58.3% (84% chance to 2HKO)
<li> Nincada Aerial Ace vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Mankey: 54.5% - 72.7% (guaranteed 2HKO)
<li> Nincada HP Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gligar: 87% - 104.3% (OHKO after SR)
</ul>

[Personally I think these damage calcs are kind of unnecessary, since you'd generally expect Nincada to OHKO Snover with X-Scissor and 2HKO Machop with Aerial Ace, so all of these are really just self-explanatory. Certainly, these don't really prove an 'unexpected' damage output at all, and make the analysis more difficult to read, so if you could cut some of these out or something that would be great]

<p>Unfortunately, this set cannot touch Bronzor at all. Even X-Scissor, Nincada's most powerful attack, can only do a maximum of 32%. Also, without a decent Ground-type attack, every Fire-type Pokémon can switch in and threaten Nincada with their STAB attacks.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As previously mentioned, this set is endlessly walled by Bronzor. Fire-type Pokémon and Magnemite can are therefore advised to take care of Bronzor. Pokémon with the ability Flash Fire, namely Houndour and Growlithe, easily beat any Fire-type switching into Nincada, and also form good synergy with it. Dig is Nincada's only Ground-type attack, and has decent Base Power, but doesn't warrant even a mention on this set because the one turn it has to wait before attacking will allow Flying-types and Pokémon with Levitate free switch-ins. This set also likes Stealth Rock support, allowing it to net a couple of KOs it normally wouldn't be able to get. Piplup is a decent lead that can do this set it up, as it pairs well with Nincada [I'd prefer Kabuto presonally but that's just my opinion].</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Tank
move 1: Bug Bite
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
item: Oran Berry
nature: Relaxed
evs: 188 HP / 80 Atk / 200 Def / 36 SpD
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 Def

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Nincada's typing and superb Base 90 Defense stat allows it to sponge physical attacks from a variety of Pokémon. Bug Bite is Nincada's primary means of attacking, allowing it to deal damage and possibly restore its health simultaneously. Toxic has the ability to cripple many Pokémon that this Nincada will switch into [really? in Little Cup? maybe 'cripple' is a bit too strong a word - can we change it to 'hinder' or something?]. Aerial Ace hits Fighting-types pretty hard, and the last slot boils down to preference. Hidden Power Ice is primarily for Gligar and Hippopotas, though it should be noted that they will not enjoy taking a Toxic. Hidden Power Ground can potentially hit Croagunk for an OHKO, whereas while Croagunk cannot KO back. Croagunk can only muster a 2HKO with Ice Punch, but only 20% of the time. If using Hidden Power Ground, throw in an extra 4 EVs into Nincada's Special Defense so as to compensate for the IV loss.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Because this set is supposed to stop physical attackers cold, it need not invest in Special Defense much. Munchlax makes a good partner for this set, as it can take any special attack aimed at Nincada. In addition, Nincada has synergy with Munchlax, as it can take most Fighting-type attacks launched at Munchlax. Speaking of Specially Defensive specially defensive partners, Mantyke has the highest Special Defense stat in the metagame, at a whopping Base 120. Mantyke can sponge Fire-type attacks with ease, and can even restore its health when hit by a Water-type attack. Also, Nincada takes nothing from Electric-type attacks, and won't be taking much from Rock-type attacks either [wait what, Nincada is taking over 60% from most strong Stone Edges, that's hardly 'nothing'. It doesn't resist Rock, so this is a bad thing to advise.].</p>

[TEAM OPTIONS]

<p>The best Pokémon that work with Nincada are ones those that have good synergy with it [Um, this is sort-of obvious... can we take this sentence out unless you add some more to it?]. The aforementioned Munchlax and Mantyke both have good synergy with Nincada, and can both tank most special attacks. Magnemite is a good partner on for the first set, as it can trap and kill Bronzor, but it shares a Fire-type weakness with Nincada. Pokémon with Flash Fire are also good teammates with Nincada, as they can absorb any Fire-type attack directed at Nincada it. They can also threaten Levitate Bronzor with their STAB attacks.</p>

[OPTIONAL CHANGES]

<p>Because Nincada's movepool is so limited, there really aren’t many other options for it. It has Return, its most powerful attack outside of X-Scissor, but using it over any other attack would lose a lot of coverage. Hidden Power Fire can be used on the first set over Hidden Power Ice if you want to do more damage to Bronzor, but Nincada still won't be able to even muster a 3HKO (factoring in Oran Berry).

[COUNTERS]

<p>Bronzor is a surefire counter to Nincada. It takes nothing from anything Nincada can throw at it, and can hit back with Psychic or Hidden Power Ice. Mantyke resists Bug-type attacks, and threatens Nincada with a STAB super effective Hydro Pump or Surf. Tentacool is in the same boat as Mantyke, but also sports an immunity to Toxic. Nincada hates Toxic, as it effectively put a timers on Nincada's life. Finally, most Choice Scarf Pokemon that run special attacks, such as Chinchou, beat Nincada with ease.</p>

[OVERVIEW]

<p>Nincada is, in a nutshell, completely outclassed. Its offensive stats and Special Defense are weak, and its movepool is very, very shallow. Despite its Although it possesses a Ground typing, it doesn't even get Earthquake, a move that would improve it exponentially. What it does have, however, is a great Defense stat, in addition to resistances to Ground and Fighting, two very common attacking types. Even so, Nincada wishes it could be another Anorith, but the sad truth is, it doesn't even come close.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Tank
move 1: Bug Bite
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
item: Oran Berry
nature: Relaxed
evs: 188 HP / 80 Atk / 200 Def / 36 SpD
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 Def

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Nincada's typing and superb Base 90 Defense stat allows it to sponge physical attacks from a variety of Pokémon. Bug Bite is Nincada's primary means of attacking, allowing it to deal damage and possibly restore its health simultaneously. Toxic has the ability to hinder many Pokémon that this Nincada will switch into. Aerial Ace hits Fighting-types pretty hard, and the last slot boils down to preference; Hidden Power Ice is primarily for Gligar and Hippopotas, though it should be noted that they will also not enjoy Toxic, Hidden Power Ground can potentially hit Croagunk for an OHKO, while Croagunk can only muster a 2HKO with Ice Punch in return. If using Hidden Power Ground, throw in an extra 4 EVs into Nincada's Special Defense so as to compensate for the IV loss.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Because this set is supposed to stop physical attackers cold, it need not invest in Special Defense much major Special Defense investment is not necessary. Munchlax makes a good partner for this set, as it can easily take any special attack that are aimed at Nincada. In addition, Nincada has defensive synergy with Munchlax, as it can take most Fighting-type attacks that are launched at Munchlax. Speaking of specially defensive partners, Mantyke has the highest Special Defense stat in the metagame, at a whopping base 120. Mantyke can sponge Fire-type attacks with ease, and, thanks to its Water Absorb ability, can even restore its own health when hit by a Water-type attack. In addition Also, Nincada takes nothing from the Electric-type attacks that threaten Mantyke.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Bug Bite / X-Scissor
move 2: Night Slash
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Metal Claw
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Naïve
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpA / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Nincada can reach 21 Speed at +1 with maximum Speed EVs and a positive nature, and the coverage it gets is just enough to merit a Choice Scarf set. Bug Bite allows Nincada to eat Oran Berries held by opposing Pokemon, but X-Scissor is Nincada's strongest physical STAB attack. Night Slash hits all Ghost-types hard, and Aerial Ace hits Fighting-types. Hidden Power Ice is actually a very viable option on Nincada, as it allows it to OHKOes Gligar with after Stealth Rock. However, Metal Claw can hit Ice- and Rock-types for super effective damage. A Naïve nature and 196 Speed EVs are essential for Nincada to hit 21 Speed with a Choice Scarf. 236 Attack EVs maximize Nincada's Attack, and 36 Special Attack EVs give Hidden Power Ice extra power. The remaining EVs are put into its Defense.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, this set cannot touch Bronzor at all. Even X-Scissor, Nincada's most powerful attack, can only do a maximum of 32%. Also, without a decent Ground-type attack, every Fire-type Pokémon can switch in and threaten Nincada with their STAB attacks.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As previously mentioned, this set is endlessly walled by Bronzor. Having Fire-type Pokémon and or Magnemite are on your team is therefore advised in order to take care of Bronzor. Pokémon with the ability Flash Fire, namely Houndour and Growlithe, easily beat any Fire-types switching that have switched into Nincada, and also form good synergy with it. Dig is Nincada's only Ground-type attack, and has decent Base Power, but doesn't warrant even a mention on this set because the one turn it has to wait before attacking will allow as it guarantees opposing Flying-types and Levitators Pokémon with Levitate free switch ins. This set also likes Stealth Rock support, which allows allowing Nincada it to net a couple of KOs it normally otherwise wouldn't be able to get. Piplup is a decent lead that can set it up, as and it pairs well with Nincada.</p>

[TEAM OPTIONS]

<p>The aforementioned Munchlax and Mantyke both have good synergy with Nincada, and can both being able to tank most special attacks. Magnemite is a good partner on for the first set, as it can trap and kill Bronzor, but it shares a Fire-type weakness with Nincada. Pokémon with Flash Fire are also good teammates with for Nincada, as they can absorb any Fire-type attack directed at Nincada. They can also threaten Levitate Bronzor with their STAB attacks.</p>

[OPTIONAL CHANGES]

<p>Because Nincada's movepool is so limited, there really aren’t many other options for it. It has There's Return, its Nincada's most powerful attack outside of X-Scissor, but using it over any other attack would lose Nincada a lot of coverage. Hidden Power Fire can be used on the first set over Hidden Power Ice if you want to do more damage to Bronzor, but Nincada still won't be able to even muster a 3HKO (factoring in Oran Berry).

[COUNTERS]

<p>Bronzor is a surefire counter to Nincada. It takes nothing pitiful damage from anything that Nincada can throw at it, and can hit back with Psychic or Hidden Power Ice. Mantyke resists Bug-type attacks, and threatens Nincada with a STAB super effective Hydro Pump or Surf. Tentacool is in the same boat as Mantyke, but also sports an immunity to Toxic. Finally, most Choice Scarf Pokemon that run special attacks, such as Chinchou, beat Nincada with ease.</p>