Since Hariyama's analysis is taking me an ungodly amount of time to write up (yes, I decided to write it up before submitting it to QC. it gives me more time to make potential changes to my writing and more leeway for editors to notice errors), I decided to just move on to Gorebyss for the time being. Don't nag me about Hariyama, I'm working on it >_<
Changes to Revamp:
- Added Overview
- Updated Swift Swim Sweeper, changed it to a mixed set.
- Updated Baton Pass. (Should I keep this?)
- Update Team Options, Optional Changes, and Counters
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/gorebyss
[Overview]
<p>Rain teams are a powerful force in 4th Gen UU, and Gorebyss is a common feature on them for good reason. Its monstrous Special Attack, combined with the ability outspeed the entire tier while Rain Dance is in play, makes it a dangerous foe to face. Even outside of the rain, it can function as a useful Baton Passer. Despite pitiful HP and low Speed outside of the Rain limiting its usefulness, Gorebyss remains a serious threat for an unprepared team.</p>
[SET]
name: Swift Swim Sweeper
move 1: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Aqua Tail / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb
nature: Rash
evs: 36 Atk / 252 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a brusingly powerful Base 114 Special Attack stat and enough speed to outpace any UU Pokemon with Swift Swim activated, Gorebyss makes an excellent Rain Sweeper. Hydro Pump is Gorebyss' most powerful STAB attack; capable of OHKOing or 2HKOing almost anything that lacks a resistance or immunity to it. Surf is also an option for more accuracy, though it lacks the raw power of a Rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Ice Beam compliments Gorebyss' STAB nicely, landing Super-Effective hits on omnipresent Grass-types. Hidden Power Grass allows you to cut through opposing water types as well, creating unresisted coverage in UU. In the last slot, Rain-boosted Aqua Tail assures a 2HKO on the standard Chansey after Stealth Rock damage, while Rain Dance allows Gorebyss to continue sweeping even if the weather's timer runs dry.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The current EV spread maximizes Gorebyss' potent Special Attack, while ensuring that Gorebyss will always outspeed Jolly Swellow and anything slower with Rain Dance in play. The 36 Attack EV's combined with the neutral nature allow Gorebyss to use Rain-boosted Aqua Tail to 2HKO Chansey with Stealth Rock support. The Rash nature was chosen as it limits the damage that Priority attacks would do to Gorebyss, since Priority abuse is one common way to defeat a weakened Rain team.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Gorebyss' movepool is extremely shallow, which leaves this fish high and dry with few remaining options. Psychic is notable as it hits Toxicroak, a common check for Rain teams. Choice Specs could be used in place of a Life Orb, since Rain-boosted STAB Hydro Pump can 2HKO literally anything but the most hardcore Rain checks. This also opens up the possibility of Baton Pass in the last slot, which would allow Gorebyss to scout for the opposing team's Rain checks. However, this also means that Gorebyss becomes highly predictable, mere bait for Pokemon with a Water-type immunity, such as Toxicroak or Poliwrath.</p>
<p>Despite its many strengths, Gorebyss simply has no way to defeat Defensive Milotic, since none of its attacks can gross a 2HKO, even with Stealth Rock support. Thus, having a counter for Milotic is required when using Gorebyss. Ludicolo is an excellent choice for variants that lack Toxic, since its Grass-type STAB allows it to easily 2HKO Milotic. Variants with Toxic are trickier, but Toxicroak can use it as setup fodder, and Defensive Venusaur can wear it down. Stealth Rock support is absolutely vital, as the number of OHKO's and 2HKO's it assures makes Gorebyss even more deadly.</p>
[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Agility
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Baton Pass
move 4: Surf
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 Hp / 36 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Despite Gorebyss' potential as a Sweeper, this set lets it take a supporting role as a Baton Passer. Although Gorebyss has a plethora of moves it could pass, Agility is the most effective, allowing a teammate to reach blistering levels of speed for a lightning-fast sweep. Substitute keeps status off of Gorebyss and the potential recipient of its Agility boosts, in addition to providing cover from damage. Finally, Surf ensures that Gorebyss isn't rendered a complete deadweight by Taunt, since even with only a meager investment in Special Attack it still hits decently hard.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Gorebyss' EV spread allows it to outpace Base Speed 80 Pokemon bearing a Choice Scarf and a boosting nature after an Agility. This ensures that it can create a Substitute or Baton Pass against Scarfed Venusaur without worry of being hit by Sleep Powder.</p>
<p>In addition to Agility, Gorebyss could potentially pass Iron Defense, Amnesia, or Aqua Ring to a suitable recipient. The latter is worth noting because Gorebyss is the only Pokemon in UU capable of Baton Passing Aqua Ring. Pinch Berries, such as the Leichi or Petaya Berry, could also be used to send offensive boosts along with Agility.</p>
<p>In terms of partners, Venusaur is of considerable note, as it resists Gorebyss' weaknesses to Electric- and Grass-type attacks and appreciates the speed Gorebyss can pass. Magneton is another interesting option, as Gorebyss discourages the Fire- and Ground-type Pokemon the floating magnet hates, while Magneton resists all of Gorebyss’ weaknesses in turn. Other Baton Pass users, such as Gligar or Ambipom, can also create a Baton Pass chain for Gorebyss to fit into.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Sweeper Gorebyss almost requires the use of entry hazzards, particularly Stealth Rock, to function at maximum capacity. Uxie and Mesprit can both set up Stealth Rock and provide Rain Dance support as well, making them excellent teammates. Registeel can do the same, while Gorebyss scares away the Ground- and Fire-type Pokemon that are the bane of Registeel's existence. Other Rain sweepers as also excellent teammates. Ludicolo deserves a special mention because it can defeat Milotic, the most troublesome Rain check in UU.</p>
<p>In the Baton Passing capability, Gorebyss requires two things: lures so it can switch in and set up, and partners to pass its boosts to. Grass-types such as Venusaur and Tangrowth can fulfill both roles, since they draw in Fire- and Ice-type attacks for Gorebyss to switch into, and also resist Gorebyss' Electric- and Grass-type weaknesses. Leafeon is also notable because it is also a Baton Passer, allowing you to send more than one type of boost to a recipient.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Gorebyss has very few options outside of these specific niches. Psychic is another attacking option on the Swift Swim sweeper set, but it doesn't fit into the set very well. Turning Gorebyss into an Agility sweeper is possible, but it lacks the raw power of the Rain sweeper, and will still fail to outpace Scarf Rotom. A Choice Specs set could potentially work, but it is too easily walled and is extremely slow. On the Baton Pass set, passing Aqua Ring, Iron Defense, or Amnesia instead of Substitute in conjunction with Agility is possible, but it is unlikely to work.<p>
[Counters]
<p>When utilizing the Swift Swim Sweeper set, Gorebyss' true counters are sparse. Defensive Milotic is the most notable, since Gorebyss has no way to 2HKO it and Milotic can cripple Gorebyss with Toxic or KO it with HP Grass while healing off damage with Recover. Toxicroak also poses a problem, since it is immune to Gorebyss' STABs and can KO a weakened Gorebyss with Sucker Punch. Ludicolo is also a threat, since Gorebyss has nothing that can even hit Ludicolo for Super-effective damage while Ludicolo will always OHKO back with Energy Ball. Priority moves can also wear Gorebyss down to KO range. Scarf Rotom, the most common UU Scarfer, is also one of Gorebyss' most common checks, since it will always outspeed Gorebyss with a Timid nature. On the Baton Pass set, the counters list is much less specific. Phazers can cause problems, as they mess up the Baton Pass chain and negate Gorebyss' boosts. Haze Milotic or Weezing also stop Gorebyss from doing anything. Taunt prevents Gorebyss from passing on its boosts or setting up, leaving it easy to KO.</p>
Changes to Revamp:
- Added Overview
- Updated Swift Swim Sweeper, changed it to a mixed set.
- Updated Baton Pass. (Should I keep this?)
- Update Team Options, Optional Changes, and Counters
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/gorebyss
[Overview]
<p>Rain teams are a powerful force in 4th Gen UU, and Gorebyss is a common feature on them for good reason. Its monstrous Special Attack, combined with the ability outspeed the entire tier while Rain Dance is in play, makes it a dangerous foe to face. Even outside of the rain, it can function as a useful Baton Passer. Despite pitiful HP and low Speed outside of the Rain limiting its usefulness, Gorebyss remains a serious threat for an unprepared team.</p>
[SET]
name: Swift Swim Sweeper
move 1: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Aqua Tail / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb
nature: Rash
evs: 36 Atk / 252 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a brusingly powerful Base 114 Special Attack stat and enough speed to outpace any UU Pokemon with Swift Swim activated, Gorebyss makes an excellent Rain Sweeper. Hydro Pump is Gorebyss' most powerful STAB attack; capable of OHKOing or 2HKOing almost anything that lacks a resistance or immunity to it. Surf is also an option for more accuracy, though it lacks the raw power of a Rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Ice Beam compliments Gorebyss' STAB nicely, landing Super-Effective hits on omnipresent Grass-types. Hidden Power Grass allows you to cut through opposing water types as well, creating unresisted coverage in UU. In the last slot, Rain-boosted Aqua Tail assures a 2HKO on the standard Chansey after Stealth Rock damage, while Rain Dance allows Gorebyss to continue sweeping even if the weather's timer runs dry.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The current EV spread maximizes Gorebyss' potent Special Attack, while ensuring that Gorebyss will always outspeed Jolly Swellow and anything slower with Rain Dance in play. The 36 Attack EV's combined with the neutral nature allow Gorebyss to use Rain-boosted Aqua Tail to 2HKO Chansey with Stealth Rock support. The Rash nature was chosen as it limits the damage that Priority attacks would do to Gorebyss, since Priority abuse is one common way to defeat a weakened Rain team.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Gorebyss' movepool is extremely shallow, which leaves this fish high and dry with few remaining options. Psychic is notable as it hits Toxicroak, a common check for Rain teams. Choice Specs could be used in place of a Life Orb, since Rain-boosted STAB Hydro Pump can 2HKO literally anything but the most hardcore Rain checks. This also opens up the possibility of Baton Pass in the last slot, which would allow Gorebyss to scout for the opposing team's Rain checks. However, this also means that Gorebyss becomes highly predictable, mere bait for Pokemon with a Water-type immunity, such as Toxicroak or Poliwrath.</p>
<p>Despite its many strengths, Gorebyss simply has no way to defeat Defensive Milotic, since none of its attacks can gross a 2HKO, even with Stealth Rock support. Thus, having a counter for Milotic is required when using Gorebyss. Ludicolo is an excellent choice for variants that lack Toxic, since its Grass-type STAB allows it to easily 2HKO Milotic. Variants with Toxic are trickier, but Toxicroak can use it as setup fodder, and Defensive Venusaur can wear it down. Stealth Rock support is absolutely vital, as the number of OHKO's and 2HKO's it assures makes Gorebyss even more deadly.</p>
[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Agility
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Baton Pass
move 4: Surf
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 Hp / 36 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Despite Gorebyss' potential as a Sweeper, this set lets it take a supporting role as a Baton Passer. Although Gorebyss has a plethora of moves it could pass, Agility is the most effective, allowing a teammate to reach blistering levels of speed for a lightning-fast sweep. Substitute keeps status off of Gorebyss and the potential recipient of its Agility boosts, in addition to providing cover from damage. Finally, Surf ensures that Gorebyss isn't rendered a complete deadweight by Taunt, since even with only a meager investment in Special Attack it still hits decently hard.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Gorebyss' EV spread allows it to outpace Base Speed 80 Pokemon bearing a Choice Scarf and a boosting nature after an Agility. This ensures that it can create a Substitute or Baton Pass against Scarfed Venusaur without worry of being hit by Sleep Powder.</p>
<p>In addition to Agility, Gorebyss could potentially pass Iron Defense, Amnesia, or Aqua Ring to a suitable recipient. The latter is worth noting because Gorebyss is the only Pokemon in UU capable of Baton Passing Aqua Ring. Pinch Berries, such as the Leichi or Petaya Berry, could also be used to send offensive boosts along with Agility.</p>
<p>In terms of partners, Venusaur is of considerable note, as it resists Gorebyss' weaknesses to Electric- and Grass-type attacks and appreciates the speed Gorebyss can pass. Magneton is another interesting option, as Gorebyss discourages the Fire- and Ground-type Pokemon the floating magnet hates, while Magneton resists all of Gorebyss’ weaknesses in turn. Other Baton Pass users, such as Gligar or Ambipom, can also create a Baton Pass chain for Gorebyss to fit into.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Sweeper Gorebyss almost requires the use of entry hazzards, particularly Stealth Rock, to function at maximum capacity. Uxie and Mesprit can both set up Stealth Rock and provide Rain Dance support as well, making them excellent teammates. Registeel can do the same, while Gorebyss scares away the Ground- and Fire-type Pokemon that are the bane of Registeel's existence. Other Rain sweepers as also excellent teammates. Ludicolo deserves a special mention because it can defeat Milotic, the most troublesome Rain check in UU.</p>
<p>In the Baton Passing capability, Gorebyss requires two things: lures so it can switch in and set up, and partners to pass its boosts to. Grass-types such as Venusaur and Tangrowth can fulfill both roles, since they draw in Fire- and Ice-type attacks for Gorebyss to switch into, and also resist Gorebyss' Electric- and Grass-type weaknesses. Leafeon is also notable because it is also a Baton Passer, allowing you to send more than one type of boost to a recipient.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Gorebyss has very few options outside of these specific niches. Psychic is another attacking option on the Swift Swim sweeper set, but it doesn't fit into the set very well. Turning Gorebyss into an Agility sweeper is possible, but it lacks the raw power of the Rain sweeper, and will still fail to outpace Scarf Rotom. A Choice Specs set could potentially work, but it is too easily walled and is extremely slow. On the Baton Pass set, passing Aqua Ring, Iron Defense, or Amnesia instead of Substitute in conjunction with Agility is possible, but it is unlikely to work.<p>
[Counters]
<p>When utilizing the Swift Swim Sweeper set, Gorebyss' true counters are sparse. Defensive Milotic is the most notable, since Gorebyss has no way to 2HKO it and Milotic can cripple Gorebyss with Toxic or KO it with HP Grass while healing off damage with Recover. Toxicroak also poses a problem, since it is immune to Gorebyss' STABs and can KO a weakened Gorebyss with Sucker Punch. Ludicolo is also a threat, since Gorebyss has nothing that can even hit Ludicolo for Super-effective damage while Ludicolo will always OHKO back with Energy Ball. Priority moves can also wear Gorebyss down to KO range. Scarf Rotom, the most common UU Scarfer, is also one of Gorebyss' most common checks, since it will always outspeed Gorebyss with a Timid nature. On the Baton Pass set, the counters list is much less specific. Phazers can cause problems, as they mess up the Baton Pass chain and negate Gorebyss' boosts. Haze Milotic or Weezing also stop Gorebyss from doing anything. Taunt prevents Gorebyss from passing on its boosts or setting up, leaving it easy to KO.</p>
