LC Alolan Diglett

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

QC Checks: Fiend/OP/AD Thunderboy
GP Checks: CryoGyro/The Dutch Plumberjack

[OVERVIEW]

Alolan Diglett has some perks that make it worth using as a sand sweeper. While it is slower than its regular forme, it's still fast enough to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. It also has a decent offensive typing, letting it check opposing weather teams and other threats to sand teams. In addition, it boasts great coverage between its STAB moves and Rock Slide, all of which are also boosted by Sand Force.

However, Alolan Diglett is not really a good Pokemon overall. First off, despite its base Defense being 10 points higher than that of its regular forme, it's still incredibly frail. This leaves it weak to many different priority moves, such as Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, making it easy to pick off. In addition, it faces competition from other Ground-types such as regular Diglett, which is faster and can trap; Mudbray, which is stronger and bulkier; and Drilbur, which has Rapid Spin and Mold Breaker. Alolan Diglett has a niche as a sand sweeper thanks to Sand Force and STAB Iron Head, but it struggles outside of sand teams and this niche.

[SET]
name: Sand Sweeper
move 1: Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Sand Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP/ 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Earthquake and Iron Head are the obligatory STAB attacks, and both also receive a boost from Sand Force. Alolan Diglett usually cannot take advantage of Iron Head's chance to flinch due to its frailty, as if it doesn't get the foe to flinch it will usually be OHKOed in return. Rock Slide hits Flying- and Bug-types harder, Vullaby and Larvesta being common targets, and is also boosted by Sand Force. Substitute can let Alolan Diglett actually take a hit, allowing it to attack safely. Substitute also lets it dodge Sucker Punch and helps on a predicted switch. Finally, Sucker Punch can be used for priority, but it is rather weak due to not being boosted by Sand Force.

Set Details
========

Life Orb is the preferred item on this set, letting Alolan Diglett hit very hard when combined with Sand Force. Maximum Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature lets Alolan Diglett hit as hard as possible while outspeeding the majority of the unboosted metagame. The remaining EVs allows it to take physical attacks better. In terms of the ability, Sand Force powers up Alolan Diglett's STAB attacks and Rock Slide by 30% in a sandstorm, letting it do serious damage.

Usage Tips
========

Send Alolan Diglett in mid- or late-game after softening up its counters, and proceed to sweep with its STAB attacks and Rock Slide. It's not really a good idea to use Alolan Diglett without sand up, as this decreases its damage output. Alolan Diglett can OHKO opposing weather setters with the exception of Eviolite Snover, but you might want to switch out afterwards to get the sandstorm back up. Finally, you may not want to switch in directly; instead, bring it in with a slow U-turn or Volt Switch, or to revenge kill after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
========

Since Alolan Diglett functions best in a sandstorm, it's a good idea to have Hippopotas for setting it up. Alolan Diglett can check Ice-types such as Snover that threaten Hippopotas. Lileep is a good defensive teammate, as it can take any Water-type attacks aimed at Alolan Diglett due to its typing and Storm Drain. It also gets a Special Defense boost from the sandstorm, increasing its overall longevity. However, where Alolan Diglett really shines is on sand offense. Abra can check the Fighting-types that threaten Alolan Diglett and, thanks to Magic Guard, is not hurt by the sandstorm. Magnemite works as both an offensive and defensive teammate, and can easily take care of bulky Water-types such as Shellder. It also can bring Alolan Diglett in unharmed with a slow Volt Switch. Finally, Knock Off users like Pawniard and Mienfoo can remove Eviolites from troublesome Pokemon so that Alolan Diglett can come in and OHKO them. Vullaby is an excellent Knock Off user, but it can also bring Diglett in with U-turn and has Overcoat to avoid sandstorm damage.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Alolan Diglett has plenty of other options for items; Focus Sash usually allows it to take at least one hit before fainting, while running both Rockinium Z and Sandstorm allows it to set up its own sandstorm and grab a free Speed boost. Darkinium Z with Memento is also a good option, allowing Alolan Diglett to cripple a foe while giving its teammate a free switch and a chance to set up. However, Alolan Diglett will deal far less damage without a Life Orb. Tangling Hair provides a way to slow down physical attackers, which could be useful, but it is unviable because it requires Alolan Diglett to take a hit. This will likely result in Alolan Diglett getting OHKOed, and the opponent can get rid of the Speed drop by switching out.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Priority**: Any Pokemon with access to priority moves (barring Extreme Speed and Fake Out) can revenge kill Alolan Diglett before it can attack. Examples include Mach Punch from Timburr and Aqua Jet from Carvanha.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Even in a sandstorm, Alolan Diglett can't OHKO everything. This means Pokemon that can take a hit, like Eviolite Mienfoo and Staryu, will beat Alolan Diglett one-on-one.

**Faster Pokemon**: Regular Diglett and Choice Scarf users such as Mienfoo can outspeed and OHKO Alolan Diglett due to how frail it is.

**Bronzor**: Bronzor is a nightmare for Alolan Diglett to face, as it completely walls all of its main attacks and can OHKO back with Earthquake. Sucker Punch does quite a bit to it if predicted correctly, but Alolan Diglett should otherwise switched out of it immediately.

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

Just a reminder I am open for some constructive criticism before QC, so if anyone has any tips, that would be appreciated.

 

[Corporal Levi]

I think the Sand Force set should be the only set here - a speed control set just doesn't seem worth using. Speed is important but you're essentially giving up an entire Pokemon for non-permanent effects here.

Your EVs are a little bit off. The first set should have an EV spread of 36 HP/236 Atk/36 Def/196 Spe. Keep in mind that EV spreads are quite specific at level 5; not every EV point gives a stat point, so you don't want to put unnecessary EVs in a stat when they won't make a difference.

Also, Diglett-Alola doesn't learn Stone Edge.

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

I think this is ready for QC now.

 

[Fiend]

QC Checks: --/--/--

[OVERVIEW]

it isn't directly outclassed, so say
"Alolan Diglett suffers from immense competition as a Ground type, with Diglett being faster and able to trap while Mudbray is stronger and bulkier while Drilbur is stronger, has Rapid Spin, and Mold Breaker. Alolan Diglett does edge out the competition as a Sand sweeper however, ..... "
this gives an idea of why a-dig isn't great but that it can be used somewhat well and pivots into your other points. make sure you keep it struggles outside if sand at the end too though!

[SET]
name: Sand Sweeper
move 1: Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Sand Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP/ 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

talk about substitute here

Set Details
========

remove memento mentions

Usage Tips
========

remove memento mentions
mention subbing to dodge sucker punch and helping on a predicted switch

Team Options
========

pawniard to pursuit trap hail setters
knock off support makes diglett able to ohko more stuff

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

mention z memento here and say how the lack of lo makes a-diglett far weaker

Checks and Counters
===================

bronzor needs a specific mention

mention how diglett cannot OHKO many things, making eviolite mienfoo or Staryu great checks

QC: 1/3

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

Implemented.

 

[sam-testings]

amcheck

Overview: mention its weak to most priority here.

Moves: if snover lives then alolan diglett can't OHKO weather setters, change wording here a bit.

Lileep doesnt take special attacks aimed at ADiglett, just water type attacks really.

Pawniard doesn't pursuit trap opposing weather setters, id just delete this.

OO: diglett doesnt outclass aDiglett completely, sand force set is better because of STAB Iron Head. I'd delete this set

consider putting in Z Rockium, Sand Storm.

 

[OP]

Overview:
- Mention its really bad bulk
- I wouldn't even say it edges out the competition as a sand sweeper, Drilburs probably better in most situations

Moves:
- Rock Slide doesn't really provide amazing coverage. It hits like some bug-types and flying types a tiny bit harder, so I'd word this a bit differently

Usage Tips:
- Remove the second point, it's fine to use Diglett when sand isn't up. You can say something about being wary that diglett will be weaker without it though.
- Reword the point about OHKOing opposing weather setters to just say most weather setters. Getting into the specifics of a small damage roll on a niche set for a niche pokemon isn't worth it.
- Move the part about Substitute to just be the move description.

Team Options:
- Alolan Diglett can function outside of sand fine, rephrase the first sentence.
- Remove the third point, nothing tanks its coverage very well, apart from Bronzor, especially in sand, and Archen isn't a good example of a wallbreaker.

Other Options:
- Remove Berry Juice, it's just not very viable.
- Remove the last point

Checks and Counters:
- Put a space between each one

Sorry it took the QC team awhile to get to this, QC 2/3!

Sam's comments are good

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

Almost forgot to write this up, whoops.

Corporal Levi, I think it's time we finished up the QC process. Ready when you are, dude.

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

OK, Levi isn't around, so someone else please QC this.

 

[Xayah]

OK, I'm starting to get really impatient. If this isn't QC'd in a week, I'm dropping it.

Many QC members are playing in SPL, so they have that to do in addition to their real life duties. As such it might take a long time before it things get checked. You are allowed to reserve an extra analysis right now.

 

[Xayah]

Well in the time in between making the above comment and now, I joined the QC team, so I'll give you the final check you've been waiting for.

[OVERVIEW]

• Sand Force should be the first thing mentioned after you say it has perks as a sand sweeper, as that is the reason it can fulfill that role
• Mention some examples of priority moves it is weak to (Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, Aqua Jet)

[SET]
name: Sand Sweeper
move 1: Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Sand Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP/ 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Mention that Alolan Diglett has a hard time abusing Iron Head's chance to flinch, as it can usually not risk not getting the flinch and getting the hit (usually getting OHKOed)
• Mention examples of Flying- and Bug-types that are hit by Rock Slide (Vullaby is 2HKOed, Larvesta is OHKOed in Sand)

Set Details
========

• Don't say 'Sand Force is a no-brainer here'. All kinds of people will be reading analyses, including people who have never played competitive Pokemon before. As such, just say that Sand Force is used to boost all of Aloland Diglett's attacks.
• Mention examples of Pokemon Diglett-A outspeeds with Jolly but not with Adamant (Gastly, Doduo) and make the choice of nature a specific point

Usage Tips
========

• Mention that, because of its frailty, Diglett-A shouldn't be switched into attacks. In stead, mention that it can be brought in after a teammate has gone down or via a slow Volt Switch/U-turn

Team Options
========

• Mention specifically that Lileep appreciates the Special Defense buff from sand
• Mention Overcoat Vullaby as a good teammate that is immune to sand, is a Knock Off user, and can bring Diglett in safely with a slow U-turn
• Mention other examples of Knock Off users (Mienfoo, Pawniard)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Say that Focus Sash usually allows Alolan Diglett to take at least one hit. Hazards can break it, and multi hit moves exist.
• Mention that Z-Memento can give a teammate a set up opportunity
• Also mention that Tangling Hair is bad because it only has a use if Diglett-A gets hit, and that hit will usually take it out because of its frailty.

Checks and Counters
===================

good

QC 3/3, onward to TDP's goons!

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

Thanks, dude. This is ready for GP!

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 1/2
remove add comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]
(You incorrectly capitalize "sand". If "Sand" is bolded, I want you to decapitalize it.)
Alolan Diglett has some perks that make it worth using as a Sand sweeper. While it is slower than its Kantonian counterpart regular forme, (non-Alolan Diglett is found in more regions than Kanto, so this is more fitting) it's still fast enough to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. It also has a decent offensive typing, letting it check opposing weather teams and other threats to Sand teams. In addition, it boasts great coverage between its STABs STAB moves (STAB is always an adjective) and Rock Slide, all of which are also boosted by Sand Force.

However, Alolan Diglett is not really a good Pokemon overall. (It's just been established that it can be useful on sand teams) First off, despite having 10 more base Defense than Kantonian Diglett its base Defense being 10 points higher than regular Diglett, it's still incredibly frail. This of course leaves it weak to many different kinds of priority moves, such as Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, making it easy to pick off. In addition, it faces competition from other Ground-types such as Kantonian regular Diglett, which is faster and can trap,; (comma) (semicolon) Mudbray, which is stronger and bulkier,; (comma) (semicolon) and Drilbur, which has Rapid Spin and Mold Breaker. It Alolan Diglett has a niche as a Sand sweeper thanks to Sand Force and STAB Iron Head, however it struggles outside of Sand but struggles outside of sand and said niche.

[SET]
name: Sand Sweeper
move 1: Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Sand Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP/ 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Earthquake and Iron Head are the obligatory STAB attacks and receive boosts a boost from Sand Force. Alolan Diglett usually cannot abuse take advantage of (avoid using "abuse" like this) Iron Head's chance to flinch due to its frailty, as if it doesn't get the flinch hax it will usually be OHKO'd OHKOed in return. Rock Slide hits Flying- and Bug-types harder, Vullaby and Larvesta being common targets, and is also boosted by Sand Force. Substitute can let Alolan Diglett actually take a hit, letting allowing it to attack safely. It Substitute also lets it dodge Sucker Punch and helps on a predicted switch. Finally, Sucker Punch can be used for priority, but it is rather weak as it is due to not being boosted by Sand Force.

Set Details
========

Life Orb is the preferred item on this set, letting Alolan Diglett hit very hard when combined with Sand Force. Maximum Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature lets Alolan Diglett hit as hard as possible while outspeeding the majority of the unboosted metagame. The remaining EVs allows it to take physical attacks better. In terms of the Ability, Sand Force powers up Alolan Diglett's STABs STAB moves and Rock Slide by 50 30% in sand, so it can allowing it to do serious damage in the sand.

Usage Tips
========

Send Alolan Diglett in mid-to-late-game mid- or late-game after softening up its counters, then proceed to sweep with its STAB attacks and Rock Slide. It's not really a good idea to use Alolan Diglett without Sand, as this decreases its damage output. Alolan Diglett can in fact OHKO opposing weather setters with the exception of Eviolite Snover, but you might want to switch out afterwards to get the sand back up. Finally, you may not want to switch in directly; instead, bring it in with a slow U-Turn turn or Volt Switch, or to revenge-(hyphen)kill after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
========

Since Alolan Diglett functions best in the sand, it's a good idea to have Hippopotas for setting it up Sand. Alolan Diglett can check Ice-types such as Snover that threaten Hippopotas. Lileep is a good defensive teammate, as it can take any Water-type attacks aimed at Alolan Diglett due to its typing and Storm Drain. (period) It also gets a Special Defense boost from Sandstorm, increasing its overall longevity. However, where this Pokemon Alolan Diglett really shines is on Sand offense. Abra can check the Fighting-types that threaten Alolan Diglett and, thanks to Magic Guard, is not hurt by the Sandstorm. Magnemite works as both an offensive and defensive teammate, and can easily take care of bulky Water-types such as Shellder. It also can bring Alolan Diglett in unharmed with a slow Volt Switch. Finally, Knock Off users like Pawniard and Mienfoo can remove Eviolites from troublesome Pokemon so that Alolan Diglett can come in and OHKO them. Vullaby is an excellent Knock Off user, but it can also bring Diglett in with U-Turn turn and has Overcoat to avoid Sandstorm sand damage.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Alolan Diglett has plenty of other options for items:; (colon) (semicolon) For example, Focus Sash usually allows Alolan Diglett to take at least one hit before death fainting, while Sandstorm with Rockinium Rockium Z running both Rockium Z and Sandstorm allows it to set up its own Sand and grab a free Speed boost. Darkinium Z and with Memento is also a good option, allowing Alolan Diglett to cripple an opponent while giving you its teammates a free switch and a chance to set up. However, Alolan Diglett will deal far less damage without a Life Orb. Tangling Hair provides a way to slow down physical attackers, which could be useful, but is unviable as because it requires Alolan Diglett to take a hit. This will likely result in Alolan Diglett getting OHKO'd OHKOed, and the opponent can get rid of the Speed drop by switching out.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Priority**: Any Pokemon with access to priority moves (barring Extreme Speed or and Fake Out) can revenge kill Alolan Diglett before it can lay a hair on them attack. Examples include Mach Punch from Timburr or and Aqua Jet from Carvanha.

**Pokemon that can take Take a hit Hit**: Even in the Sand, Alolan Diglett can't OHKO everything. This means Pokemon like Eviolite Mienfoo and Staryu that can take a hit, (comma) like Eviolite Mienfoo and Staryu, will beat Alolan Diglett 1v1 one-on-one.

**Faster Pokemon**: Kantonian Regular Diglett and Choice Scarf users such as Mienfoo can outspeed and OHKO Alolan Diglett due to how frail it is.

**Bronzor**: Bronzor is a nightmare for Alolan Diglett to face, as it completely walls all of its main attacks and can OHKO back with Earthquake. Sucker Punch does quite a bit to it if predicted correctly, but otherwise you should switch out of this thing Alolan Diglett should otherwise be switched out of it immediately.

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

Fixed.

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Alolan Diglett has some perks that make it worth using as a sand sweeper. While it is slower than its regular forme, it's still fast enough to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. It also has a decent offensive typing, letting it check opposing weather teams and other threats to sand teams. In addition, it boasts great coverage between its STAB moves and Rock Slide, all of which are also boosted by Sand Force.

However, Alolan Diglett is not really a good Pokemon overall. First off, despite its base Defense being 10 points higher than that of its regular forme, it's still incredibly frail. This leaves it weak to many different priority moves, such as Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, making it easy to pick off. In addition, it faces competition from other Ground-types such as regular Diglett, which is faster and can trap; Mudbray, which is stronger and bulkier; and Drilbur, which has Rapid Spin and Mold Breaker. Alolan Diglett has a niche as a sand sweeper thanks to Sand Force and STAB Iron Head, but it struggles outside of sand teams and this niche.

[SET]
name: Sand Sweeper
move 1: Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Sand Force
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP/ 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Earthquake and Iron Head are the obligatory STAB attacks, and both also receive a boost from Sand Force. Alolan Diglett usually cannot take advantage of Iron Head's chance to flinch due to its frailty, as if it doesn't get to the foe to flinch it will usually be OHKOed in return. Rock Slide hits Flying- and Bug-types harder, Vullaby and Larvesta being common targets, and is also boosted by Sand Force. Substitute can let Alolan Diglett actually take a hit, allowing it to attack safely. Substitute also lets it dodge Sucker Punch and helps on a predicted switch. Finally, Sucker Punch can be used for priority, but it is rather weak due to not being boosted by Sand Force.

Set Details
========

Life Orb is the preferred item on this set, letting Alolan Diglett hit very hard when combined with Sand Force. Maximum Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature lets Alolan Diglett hit as hard as possible while outspeeding the majority of the unboosted metagame. The remaining EVs allows it to take physical attacks better. In terms of the ability, Sand Force powers up Alolan Diglett's STAB attacks and Rock Slide by 30% in a sandstorm, letting it do serious damage.

Usage Tips
========

Send Alolan Diglett in mid- or late-game after softening up its counters, then and proceed to sweep with its STAB attacks and Rock Slide. It's not really a good idea to use Alolan Diglett without a sandstorm up, as this decreases its damage output. Alolan Diglett can OHKO opposing weather setters with the exception of Eviolite Snover, but you might want to switch out afterwards to get the sandstorm back up. Finally, you may not want to switch in directly; instead, bring it in with a slow U-turn or Volt Switch, or to revenge kill (RH) after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
========

Since Alolan Diglett functions best in a sandstorm, it's a good idea to have Hippopotas for setting it up. Alolan Diglett can check Ice-types such as Snover that threaten Hippopotas. Lileep is a good defensive teammate, as it can take any Water-type attacks aimed at Alolan Diglett due to its typing and Storm Drain. It also gets a Special Defense boost from the sandstorm, increasing its overall longevity. However, where Alolan Diglett really shines is on sand offense. Abra can check the Fighting-types that threaten Alolan Diglett and, thanks to Magic Guard, is not hurt by the sandstorm. Magnemite works as both an offensive and defensive teammate, and can easily take care of bulky Water-types such as Shellder. It also can bring Alolan Diglett in unharmed with a slow Volt Switch. Finally, Knock Off users like Pawniard and Mienfoo can remove Eviolites from troublesome Pokemon so that Alolan Diglett can come in and OHKO them. Vullaby is an excellent Knock Off user, but it can also bring Diglett in with U-turn and has Overcoat to avoid sandstorm damage.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Alolan Diglett has plenty of other options for items; Focus Sash usually allows Alolan Diglett it to take at least one hit before fainting, while running both Rockinium Z and Sandstorm allows it to set up its own sandstorm and grab a free Speed boost. Darkinium Z with Memento is also a good option, allowing Alolan Diglett to cripple an opponent foe while giving it teammates its teammate a free switch and a chance to set up. However, Alolan Diglett will deal far less damage without a Life Orb. Tangling Hair provides a way to slow down physical attackers, which could be useful, but it is unviable because it requires Alolan Diglett to take a hit. This will likely result in Alolan Diglett getting OHKOed, and the opponent can get rid of the Speed drop by switching out.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Priority**: Any Pokemon with access to priority moves (barring Extreme Speed and Fake Out) can revenge kill Alolan Diglett before it can attack. Examples include Mach Punch from Timburr and Aqua Jet from Carvanha.

**Bulky Pokemon that can Take a Hit**: Even in a sandstorm, Alolan Diglett can't OHKO everything. This means Pokemon that can take a hit, like Eviolite Mienfoo and Staryu, will beat Alolan Diglett 1v1 one-on-one.

**Faster Pokemon**: Regular Diglett and Choice Scarf users such as Mienfoo can outspeed and OHKO Alolan Diglett due to how frail it is.

**Bronzor**: Bronzor is a nightmare for Alolan Diglett to face, as it completely walls all of its main attacks and can OHKO back with Earthquake. Sucker Punch does quite a bit to it if predicted correctly, but Alolan Diglett should otherwise switched out of it immediately.

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

WE DID IT BOIS

 

[OP]

Uploaded

Nice work with this, thanks for your patience