[OVERVIEW]
Accelgor is a great Spikes lead that can efficiently accomplish a couple of jobs for its team, including setting up Spikes, taking out Pokemon with Final Gambit, or encoring Pokemon into setup or status moves. It also is able to outspeed the entire metagame bar Mega Aerodactyl, thus guaranteeing entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field. Accelgor also has access to a plethora of support moves, including Spikes, Final Gambit, Rain Dance, and Encore. Accelgor, unlike Froslass, is not hindered by Magic Bounce, as it can outspeed and OHKO Espeon and Xatu, as well as Mega Absol, whose Sucker Punch it can endure. Accelgor can also hit relatively hard with its base 100 Special Attack; however, it is extremely frail and has trouble surviving neutral and even resisted hits. Accelgor has a hard time shining in the UU metagame, as Frosslass partially outclasses it as a Spikes lead due to the fact that it is immune to Rapid Spin, has a better ability in Cursed Body, and has a wider supportive movepool.
[SET]
name: Spikes Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Encore / Focus Blast
move 3: Final Gambit / Focus Blast
move 4: Bug Buzz
item: Focus Sash
ability: Unburden
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is the only reason to use Accelgor as a lead or an occasional mid-game entry hazard stacker. Encore deters setup sweepers from setting up on Accelgor and opposing leads from setting up their own entry hazards or even paralyzing it. Final Gambit allows Accelgor to take out the opposing spinner before it removes its Spikes. Accelgor can also use Final Gambit after it has done its job, weakening many Pokemon thanks to its relatively high base 80 HP. Focus Blast can be used instead if stronger coverage against Steel- and Rock-types is needed, but Final Gambit is usually more useful to take out spinners and defoggers that could get rid of the spikes Accelgor has laid down or Pokemon that are threatening to your team. If Accelgor runs Focus Blast, an alternative EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe is highly recommended so that it can hit much harder. Lastly, Bug Buzz is Accelgor's hardest-hitting STAB move and can take down many of its counters, such as Espeon.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs and a Timid nature make Accelgor as fast as possible, allowing it to Speed tie with Mega Sceptile and Mega Beedrill and outspeed up to base 80 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Chandelure, Mamoswine, and Nidoqueen. Maximum HP investment is needed to deal as much damage as possible with Final Gambit, as it can take out Pokemon such as Forretress, which is a popular counter to Accelgor. It also allows Accelgor to tank some resisted hits and set up more layers of Spikes. Focus Sash allows Accelgor to survive a hit and set up at least two layer of Spikes or 2HKO the foe. Unburden doubles Accelgor's Speed, allowing it to outspeed the entire metagame and possibly OHKO Choice Scarf users that could have outsped it before, such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Hydreigon.
Usage Tips
========
Accelgor should mostly be used on offensive teams, specifically hazard stacking or hyper offense teams. It is best used as a Spikes lead, and it matches up well against other common leads such as Krookodile, Espeon, and Azelf. Accelgor should be used to set up as many layers of Spikes as possible, and then it dish out damage with Final Gambit, Focus Blast, or Bug Buzz. Accelgor is also used well mid-game as an entry hazard stacker and offensive threat that can cause many switches and gain momentum.
Team Options
========
Accelgor is best used with spinblockers such as Doublade, Jellicent, and Chandelure, as, unlike Froslass, it is not immune to Rapid Spin; Chandelure in particular complements Accelgor very well, as it is immune to Fire, can wallbreak better with Spikes on the field, and can take out many of Accelgor's counters, such as Forretress and Defoggers such as Crobat and Zapdos. Being fast, having offensive presence, and being able to set up entry hazards, Accelgor can help many late-game sweepers such as Mega Sceptile, Mega Sharpedo, Salamence, Slurpuff, and Choice Scarf Krookodile. Setters of Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes such as Krookodile, Swampert, Druddigon, Empoleon, Dragalge, and Tentacruel also pair well with Accelgor to accumulate multiple entry hazards on the opposing side of the field to wear down Pokemon when they switch in. Accelgor works well with phazers that can force switches and rack up entry hazard damage such as Swampert, Suicune, Dragalge, Mega Steelix, Mega Aggron, and Rhyperior. Dragalge has particularly great defensive synergy with Accelgor and can set up Toxic Spikes, wallbreak effectively, and phaze foes with Dragon Tail. Lastly, other wallbreakers such as Hydreigon, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Beedrill, Heracross, Infernape, and Cobalion also appreciate entry hazards and can break down teams well with Accelgor's support.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Accelgor can successfully run an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs because of its high Speed and Special Attack; however, this set is outclassed by Yanmega because Yanmega is faster after a speed boost and has more coverage options as well. Accelgor can also make use of Yawn, as it can force switches and set up even more layers of Spikes if it puts the foe to sleep. Accelgor can run U-turn as well to become an offensive pivot, but this is usually better done by many other Pokemon such as Azelf, Darmanitan, and Crobat. Accelgor can rely on its high Speed to use Me First, which can provide some surprise KOs on Draco Meteor users and other Pokemon that are weak to their own STAB moves, such as Ghost-types. Hidden Power Fire can be run to take down lead Forretress and other leads that are weak to it, such as Froslass. Accelgor can run a niche rain setter set relatively well, as it is the most viable Spikes lead for rain teams. This rain-based set also makes use of Hydration, which cures Accelgor of status conditions. This set uses Spikes, Rain Dance, Bug Buzz, and either Focus Blast or Encore, with an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe, a Timid nature, and Damp Rock. While this set is mostly outclassed by Azelf and Tornadus, neither of them can set up Spikes, which gives Accelgor a reason to be used over them.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Forretress**: Forretress can wall Accelgor pretty well and remove its Spikes; however, it must be wary of Hidden Power Fire.
**Priority Attackers**: Accelgor may have high Speed, but it always moves after priority moves, many of which deal lots of damage to it due to its low Defense. This is can be critical when Accelgor is down to its Focus Sash.
**Multi-Hit Moves**: Moves such as Tail Slap, Icicle Spear, and especially Rock Blast can break Accelgor's Focus Sash and OHKO it.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Accelgor is not immune to Rapid Spin like Frosslass is and cannot prevent Defoggers from removing its Spikes. However, all entry hazard removers must be wary of Final Gambit.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Faster Choice Scarf users such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Salamence can be brought in from pivoting moves and allow Accelgor to only set up one layer of Spikes. This is especially true for Choice Scarf revenge killers, as a teammate's Volt Switch or U-turn can bring them in to KO Accelgor.
Accelgor is a great Spikes lead that can efficiently accomplish a couple of jobs for its team, including setting up Spikes, taking out Pokemon with Final Gambit, or encoring Pokemon into setup or status moves. It also is able to outspeed the entire metagame bar Mega Aerodactyl, thus guaranteeing entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field. Accelgor also has access to a plethora of support moves, including Spikes, Final Gambit, Rain Dance, and Encore. Accelgor, unlike Froslass, is not hindered by Magic Bounce, as it can outspeed and OHKO Espeon and Xatu, as well as Mega Absol, whose Sucker Punch it can endure. Accelgor can also hit relatively hard with its base 100 Special Attack; however, it is extremely frail and has trouble surviving neutral and even resisted hits. Accelgor has a hard time shining in the UU metagame, as Frosslass partially outclasses it as a Spikes lead due to the fact that it is immune to Rapid Spin, has a better ability in Cursed Body, and has a wider supportive movepool.
[SET]
name: Spikes Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Encore / Focus Blast
move 3: Final Gambit / Focus Blast
move 4: Bug Buzz
item: Focus Sash
ability: Unburden
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes is the only reason to use Accelgor as a lead or an occasional mid-game entry hazard stacker. Encore deters setup sweepers from setting up on Accelgor and opposing leads from setting up their own entry hazards or even paralyzing it. Final Gambit allows Accelgor to take out the opposing spinner before it removes its Spikes. Accelgor can also use Final Gambit after it has done its job, weakening many Pokemon thanks to its relatively high base 80 HP. Focus Blast can be used instead if stronger coverage against Steel- and Rock-types is needed, but Final Gambit is usually more useful to take out spinners and defoggers that could get rid of the spikes Accelgor has laid down or Pokemon that are threatening to your team. If Accelgor runs Focus Blast, an alternative EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe is highly recommended so that it can hit much harder. Lastly, Bug Buzz is Accelgor's hardest-hitting STAB move and can take down many of its counters, such as Espeon.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs and a Timid nature make Accelgor as fast as possible, allowing it to Speed tie with Mega Sceptile and Mega Beedrill and outspeed up to base 80 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Chandelure, Mamoswine, and Nidoqueen. Maximum HP investment is needed to deal as much damage as possible with Final Gambit, as it can take out Pokemon such as Forretress, which is a popular counter to Accelgor. It also allows Accelgor to tank some resisted hits and set up more layers of Spikes. Focus Sash allows Accelgor to survive a hit and set up at least two layer of Spikes or 2HKO the foe. Unburden doubles Accelgor's Speed, allowing it to outspeed the entire metagame and possibly OHKO Choice Scarf users that could have outsped it before, such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Hydreigon.
Usage Tips
========
Accelgor should mostly be used on offensive teams, specifically hazard stacking or hyper offense teams. It is best used as a Spikes lead, and it matches up well against other common leads such as Krookodile, Espeon, and Azelf. Accelgor should be used to set up as many layers of Spikes as possible, and then it dish out damage with Final Gambit, Focus Blast, or Bug Buzz. Accelgor is also used well mid-game as an entry hazard stacker and offensive threat that can cause many switches and gain momentum.
Team Options
========
Accelgor is best used with spinblockers such as Doublade, Jellicent, and Chandelure, as, unlike Froslass, it is not immune to Rapid Spin; Chandelure in particular complements Accelgor very well, as it is immune to Fire, can wallbreak better with Spikes on the field, and can take out many of Accelgor's counters, such as Forretress and Defoggers such as Crobat and Zapdos. Being fast, having offensive presence, and being able to set up entry hazards, Accelgor can help many late-game sweepers such as Mega Sceptile, Mega Sharpedo, Salamence, Slurpuff, and Choice Scarf Krookodile. Setters of Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes such as Krookodile, Swampert, Druddigon, Empoleon, Dragalge, and Tentacruel also pair well with Accelgor to accumulate multiple entry hazards on the opposing side of the field to wear down Pokemon when they switch in. Accelgor works well with phazers that can force switches and rack up entry hazard damage such as Swampert, Suicune, Dragalge, Mega Steelix, Mega Aggron, and Rhyperior. Dragalge has particularly great defensive synergy with Accelgor and can set up Toxic Spikes, wallbreak effectively, and phaze foes with Dragon Tail. Lastly, other wallbreakers such as Hydreigon, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Beedrill, Heracross, Infernape, and Cobalion also appreciate entry hazards and can break down teams well with Accelgor's support.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Accelgor can successfully run an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs because of its high Speed and Special Attack; however, this set is outclassed by Yanmega because Yanmega is faster after a speed boost and has more coverage options as well. Accelgor can also make use of Yawn, as it can force switches and set up even more layers of Spikes if it puts the foe to sleep. Accelgor can run U-turn as well to become an offensive pivot, but this is usually better done by many other Pokemon such as Azelf, Darmanitan, and Crobat. Accelgor can rely on its high Speed to use Me First, which can provide some surprise KOs on Draco Meteor users and other Pokemon that are weak to their own STAB moves, such as Ghost-types. Hidden Power Fire can be run to take down lead Forretress and other leads that are weak to it, such as Froslass. Accelgor can run a niche rain setter set relatively well, as it is the most viable Spikes lead for rain teams. This rain-based set also makes use of Hydration, which cures Accelgor of status conditions. This set uses Spikes, Rain Dance, Bug Buzz, and either Focus Blast or Encore, with an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe, a Timid nature, and Damp Rock. While this set is mostly outclassed by Azelf and Tornadus, neither of them can set up Spikes, which gives Accelgor a reason to be used over them.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Forretress**: Forretress can wall Accelgor pretty well and remove its Spikes; however, it must be wary of Hidden Power Fire.
**Priority Attackers**: Accelgor may have high Speed, but it always moves after priority moves, many of which deal lots of damage to it due to its low Defense. This is can be critical when Accelgor is down to its Focus Sash.
**Multi-Hit Moves**: Moves such as Tail Slap, Icicle Spear, and especially Rock Blast can break Accelgor's Focus Sash and OHKO it.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Accelgor is not immune to Rapid Spin like Frosslass is and cannot prevent Defoggers from removing its Spikes. However, all entry hazard removers must be wary of Final Gambit.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Faster Choice Scarf users such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Salamence can be brought in from pivoting moves and allow Accelgor to only set up one layer of Spikes. This is especially true for Choice Scarf revenge killers, as a teammate's Volt Switch or U-turn can bring them in to KO Accelgor.
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