Arbok (GP 2/2)

Yonko7

Guns make you stupid. Duct tape makes you smart.
is a Contributor Alumnus

Arbok
~Credit to Cherub Agent for the first analysis~

[Overview]

<p>The king cobra is new and improved and ready to show RU its power. Arbok is not the fastest or strongest sweeper, but that is not an issue thanks to Coil, which lets it slowly boost and not care about opposing physical attacks. Intimidate is the icing on the cake for Arbok, because it allows Arbok to switch into physical attacks and take advantage of its of resistances to Grass-, Fighting-, Poison-, and Bug-type attacks. By virtue of its Poison typing, Arbok is able to absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry, which saves its partners from a debilitating affliction. Arbok has Aqua Tail and Seed Bomb to widen its coverage, so Pokemon that thought they could avoid being poisoned are in trouble. Unfortunately, a lackluster Special Defense and a weakness to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks leads to its downfall. However, if these weakness can be circumvented, watch as the king cobra slowly poisons the opposing team.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Aqua Tail
item: Life Orb
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Arbok's best chance at sweeping with Intimidate, Coil, and decent physical bulk. Life Orb helps further Arbok's power and ensures the OHKO on Nidoqueen after Stealth Rock with a +1 Earthquake. Gunk Shot is Arbok's Poison-type move of choice, as its 120 Base Power combined with Coil's power and accuracy boost helps it melt the opponent's hide. Earthquake complements Gunk Shot's coverage, as it hits Rock-, Steel-, and Poison-type Pokemon such as Aggron, Klinklang, and Nidoqueen. Sucker Punch is a great choice to make up for Arbok's less than stellar Speed and provides your team with useful priority. In addition, Sucker Punch hits Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Sigilyph, which can hit Arbok super effectively with their STAB. Aqua Tail is another option predominately to hit Ground-type Pokemon that aren't hit by Arbok's moveset such as Sandslash.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature listed are the usual fare in that they maximize Arbok's offensive potential; practically speaking, Nidoqueen is OHKOed by a +1 Earthquake after Stealth Rock. Arbok also has the potential to run a bulky spread of 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def with Black Sludge, which gets maximum mileage out of Intimidate. Arbok prefers to switch into Fighting-type attacks thanks to Intimidate and its Poison typing. Arbok also hates status afflictions, especially burn, so a cleric is very helpful to support it. Clefable is an awesome partner for Arbok as they match well type-wise and Clefable can keep Arbok healthy with Heal Bell. To make the match sweeter, Clefable can pass Wishes to Arbok to keep it in tip-top shape. Arbok's weakness to Psychic-type attacks makes Dark-type Pokemon really attractive. Spiritomb is an excellent choice to trap opposing Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, which both prove difficult for Arbok to take down. Similarly, Drapion can trap Psychic-type Pokemon with the combination of Crunch and Pursuit, although it and Arbok share a common Ground-type weakness. Arbok has a hard time weakening dedicated walls, so a wallbreaker, such as Nidoqueen, is very much needed. Uxie is another great partner in crime for Arbok, as it can lay down Stealth Rock and switch into opposing Ground- and Psychic-type attacks. In a similar vain, Mesprit is also a great partner, swapping some defensive potential for some offense. Arbok's other ability&mdash;Shed Skin&mdash;is a good option against defensive teams, but this switch means Arbok has a challenging time setting up against offensive teams.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok has the chance to take advantage of Rest with its Shed Skin ability, but it is simply too unreliable to be utilized fully. Furthermore, Arbok isn't the bulkiest Pokemon around, so it can't spend extra turns snoozing. Glare is a unique attack that can paralyze everything&mdash;even Ground-type Pokemon&mdash;and helps cripple the opponent's counter to Arbok; Arbok's Speed issues are also mitigated with the paralysis from Glare, but its accuracy and Arbok's lack of moveslots means it isn't an optimal choice. Poison Jab is another STAB option that has lower Base Power, but higher PP, which is useful for a more defensive Arbok. Crunch can hit Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, but Sucker Punch achieves the same goal with added priority. Seed Bomb is useful for hitting Water-types, notably Quagsire, which easily shrugs off Arbok's attacks. Dragon Tail is available to phaze the opposition, but Arbok has neither the bulk nor recovery needed to phaze effectively. Fire Fang can see circumstantial use to hit Ferroseed and Escavalier, but lacks any other use due to its paltry Base Power.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Ghost-type Pokemon, such as Spiritomb and Misdreavus, are great stops to Arbok and thanks to their high defenses, they take little damage even from a +1 Arbok, and can then proceed to burn Arbok with Will-O-Wisp. Bulky Rotom can outspeed Arbok and use Will-O-Wisp, rendering it helpless. Psychic-types are also great, as they can prey on Arbok's Poison typing and low Special Defense, but they do need to keep an eye out for Sucker Punch. Musharna can take a +1 Gunk Shot, retaliate back with Psychic, and remain healthy with Moonlight. Sigilyph gets special mention, as it can avoid Sucker Punch with Calm Mind or Cosmic Power, burn Arbok, and KO with its Psychic STAB. Nidoqueen can switch into a predicted Gunk Shot and KO with Earth Power; however, only Timid Nidoqueen can outspeed Arbok, and Arbok will simply KO with Earthquake otherwise. Quagsire can take Arbok on any day thanks to Unaware, but has to watch out for the rare Seed Bomb. Steelix and Rhydon can take a +1 Earthquake and return the volley with their own Earthquake. In the end, strong powerhouses like Entei, Moltres, and Galvantula can overpower Arbok, but they have to watch out for Sucker Punch.</p>
 
Lol this was my first RU analysis... funny that it's not been updated until now.
Yeah I made the Overiew sound way too enthusiastic tbh, while it's good, it's not as good as i made it sound.

However, to make this post worthwhile, I really think that Arbok needs to run max speed (but can still use Adamant). The reason is simple enough: Nidoqueen. Arbok really wants to be able to outspeed it and hit it with a +1 Earthquake. For this reason, I think that Life Orb should also be the primary nature, as, very conveniently, a LO +1 Earthquake does 93.8% - 110.6% to the standard 4 HP Nidoqueen, a practically guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock. While the bulky booster way is nice, I've always used Arbok in a more agressive manner, and it really pays off. The bulky booster needs like 3 coils to be a threat, at which point Arbok will probably already be dead. So yeah, basically use Adamant, max speed and LO imo.

Spiritomb is imo a better partner for Arbok than Drapion, since Drapion and Arbok kinda overlap. It's good that you mentioned Mandibuzz, as it's immune to both of Arbok's resistances, but doesn't really help Arbok out much apart from that. Fire Fang, though damn weak, probably needs to be OO for Escavalier and Ferroseed I guess.
 

august

you’re a voice that never sings
is a Community Leaderis a Tiering Contributoris a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis the 8th Smogon Classic Winnerwon the 5th Official Smogon Tournamentis a Five-Time Past WCoP Champion
OGC Leader
Uxie is a good partner because it can set up Stealth Rock and come in on Psychic / Ground attacks that tend to force Arbok out. Mention that Mesprit can do the same thing but takes a more offensive approach.

Definitely put Gothitelle in checks and counters for now. It can Trick Arbok a Choice Item if it tries to Sucker Punch and then just switch out to something else, or the bulky Calm Mind set survives +1 Sucker Punch and smacks Arbok with Psychic. Bulky Rotom can burn Arbok and proceed to switch out to something that can handle burned Arbok pretty easily. Steelix and Rhydon should go in checks and counters as they both do a pretty good job. Circle Throw Wrath does pretty well too

Mention Glare in OO imo. Coil + Glare seems pretty cool especially due to Arboks semi mediocre defenses. You can paralyze something on the switch in with Glare to scout their initial switch ins and then switch out!

Gothitelle is a cool team mate cause it traps shit that counters Arbok, enough said
 
Man I'm really getting back inot Arbok.

I'm just posting to say that Gothitelle sounds threatening on paper, but it really isn't. Take a look:

This is against the standard Specs set (the most common, viable Gothitele in the tier)
252 Atk Adamant LO +1 Gunk Shot (Arbok) vs 4/0 (Gothitelle) = 117.08 - 137.72%

So Arbok outruns the most common one and easily OHKOs without SR (seeing as Gunk shot is more powerful than Sucker Punch against it). And for the record, Sukcer Punch does this much to the same set: 104.62 - 123.13%. So both are OHKOs without Stealth Rock.

Now lets calc against the rare (and imho bad) max HP max defense gothitelle: 68.02 - 80.52%. Goth will be unable to Sub on Arbok, and will be unable to CM. Psyshock won't KO Arbok due to Gothitelle's lack of offense and Coil's defense boost.

As we can see, the only way Gothitelle can "beat" Arbok is by Tricking it with the Scarf set. Scarf isn't the most common set, and Tricking offensive Pokemon generally isn't the best solution. So, in my opinion, Gothitelle shouldn't be in checks and counters
 

august

you’re a voice that never sings
is a Community Leaderis a Tiering Contributoris a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis the 8th Smogon Classic Winnerwon the 5th Official Smogon Tournamentis a Five-Time Past WCoP Champion
OGC Leader
Bulky CM Goth doesn't run Psyshock and still beats it after a boost, and without a Coil boost it still beats Arbok. Its a check at the very least

musharna checks it too btw
 

Yonko7

Guns make you stupid. Duct tape makes you smart.
is a Contributor Alumnus
  • Mentioned that Goth is a check.
  • Mentioned Musharana

Anything else? =]
 

Oglemi

Borf
is a Top Contributoris a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Top Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnus
yeah this looks fine

[qc]1/3[/qc]

Omi edit: sorry to edit post instead of posting (goddamn 3k)

But mention that Seed Bomb also hits Omastar and Kabutops for much greater damage than Earthquake. Mesprit is also a great offensive teammate as it can both set up Stealth Rock and dish out some serious damage, not to mention resisting Psychic and being immune to Ground. You also might want to mention that Arbok can absorb Toxic Spikes, although they're relatively uncommon.

That's all I can think of for now, I might comment some more later, but consider this

[qc]2/3[/qc]
 

Redew

κακκῶ σεαυτόν
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
calm your tits

[Overview]

<p>The king cobra is new and improved and ready to show RU its power. Arbok is not the fastest or the strongest sweeper, but that is not an issue thanks to Coil, which lets it slowly boost and not care about opposing physical attacks. Intimidate is the Rattata for Arbok, because then Arbok can switch into physical attacks, and take advantage of its modest amount of resistances to Grass-, Fighting-, Poison-, and Bug-type attacks. By virtue of its Poison typing, Arbok is able to absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry, which saves its partners from a debilitating affliction. Arbok has Aqua Tail and Seed Bomb to widen its coverage, so Pokemon that thought they could avoid thebeing poisoned are in trouble. Unfortunately, all is not well for Arbok. A lackluster Special Defense and a weakness to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks leads to its downfall. If these weakness can be circumvented, then watch as the king cobra slowly poisons the opposing team.</p>

[SET]
name: Coiling Kobra
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Aqua Tail
item: Life Orb
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Arbok's best chance at sweeping with Intimidate, Coil, and decent bulk. Life Orb helps further Arbok's power and ensures the OHKO on Nidoqueen after Stealth Rock with a +1 Earthquake. Gunk Shot is Arbok's poison move of choice, as its 120 Base Power combined with Coil's power and accuracy boost helps it melt the opponent's hide. Earthquake complements Gunk Shot by completing the coverage, as it hits Rock-, Steel-, and Poison-type Pokemon, such as Aggron, KlingKlang, and Nidoqueen. Sucker Punch is a great choice to make up for Arbok's less than stellar Speed, and can providing the your team with useful priority. In addition, Sucker Punch is there to hit Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Sigilyph, which can hit Arbok with their STAB. Aqua Tail is another option to hit predominately Ground-type Pokemon that aren't hit by Arbok's moveset, such as Sandslash.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature listed are the usual fare, in that they maximize Arbok's offensive potential; practically speaking, Nidoqueen is OHKOed by a +1 Earthquake after Stealth Rock. Arbok also has the potential to run a bulky spread that consists of 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def with Black Sludge, which receives the maximum mileage out of Intimidate. Arbok prefers to switch into Fighting-type attacks thanks to Intimidate and its Poison- typing. Arbok also hates status afflictions, especially burn, so a cleric would helps support Arbok the best. Clefable is an awesome partner for Arbok, as they match well type-wise and Clefable can take care of this with Heal Bell. To make the match sweeter, Clefable can pass Wishes to Arbok to keep the cobra in tip-top shape. Arbok's weakness to Psychic-type attacks makes Dark-type Pokemon really attractive. Spiritomb is an excellent choice to trap opposing Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, which both prove to be difficult for Arbok to take down. Similarly, Drapion can also trap Psychic-type Pokemon with the combination of Crunch and Pursuit, although both share a common Ground-type weakness. Arbok has a hard time weakening dedicated walls, so a wallbreaker, such as Nidoqueen, is highly needed. Uxie is another great partner in crime for Arbok, as it can lay down Stealth Rock and switch into opposing Ground- and Psychic-type attacks. In a similar vain, Mesprit is also a great partner that swaps some defensive potential for some offense. Arbok's other ability&mdash;Shed Skin&mdash;is a good option against defensive teams, but this switch means Arbok has a challenging time setting up against offensive teams.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok has the chance to take advantage of Rest with its Shed Skin ability, but it is simply too unreliable to be utilized fully. Furthermore, Arbok isn't the bulkiest Pokemon around, so it can't spend extra turns snoozing. Glare is a unique attack that can paralyze everything, &mdash;even Ground-type Pokemon, &mdash;and helps cripple the opponent's counter to Arbok; Arbok's Speed is also mitigated with the paralysis from Glare, but the accuracy and lack of moveslots means it isn't an optimal choice. Poison Jab is another STAB option that has lower Base Power, but higher PP, which is useful for a more defensive Arbok. Crunch can hit Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, but the added priority from Sucker Punch achieves the same goal. Seed Bomb is useful for hitting Water-types, noteably, Quagsire, which easily shrugs Arbok's attacks off. Dragon Tail is available to phaze the opposition, but the cobra has neither the bulk or recovery needed to phaze effectively. Fire Fang can see circumstantial use to hit Ferroseed and Escavalier, but lacks any other use due to its paltry Base Power.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Ghost-type Pokemon, such as Spiritomb and Misdreavus, are great stops to Arbok because, thanks to their high defenses, they takinge little damage even from a +1 Arbok, then can proceed to burn Arbok with Will-O-Wisp. Bulky Rotom can outspeed Arbok and use Will-O-Wisp, rendering the cobra helpless. Psychic-types are also great, as they can prey on Arbok's Poison typing and low Special Defense, but they do need to keep an eye out for Sucker Punch. Musharna can take a +1 Gunk Shot and retaliate back with Psychic and remain healthy with Moonlight. Sigilyph gets special mention, as it can avoid Sucker Punch with Calm Mind or Cosmic Power, burn Arbok, and KO with its Psychic STAB. Nidoqueen can switch into a predicted Gunk Shot and KO with Earth Power,; however, only Timid Nidoqueen can outspeed Arbok, otherwise Arbok will simply KO with Earthquake. Quagsire can take Arbok on any day, thanks to Unaware, but it has to watch out for the rare Seed Bomb. Steelix and Rhydon can take a +1 Earthquake, and return to volley with their own Earthquake. In the end, strong powerhouses like Entei, Moltres, and Galvantula can overpower Arbok, but they hasve to watch out for Sucker Punch.</p>


[Overview]

<p>The king cobra is new and improved and ready to show RU its power. Arbok is not the fastest or strongest sweeper, but that is not an issue thanks to Coil, which lets it slowly boost and not care about opposing physical attacks. Intimidate is the Rattata for Arbok, because then Arbok can switch into physical attacks and take advantage of its modest amount of resistances to Grass-, Fighting-, Poison-, and Bug-type attacks. By virtue of its Poison typing, Arbok is able to absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry, which saves its partners from a debilitating affliction. Arbok has Aqua Tail and Seed Bomb to widen its coverage, so Pokemon that thought they could avoid being poisoned are in trouble. Unfortunately, all is not well for Arbok. A lackluster Special Defense and a weakness to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks leads to its downfall. If these weakness can be circumvented, then watch as the king cobra slowly poisons the opposing team.</p>

[SET]
name: Coiling Kobra
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Aqua Tail
item: Life Orb
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Arbok's best chance at sweeping with Intimidate, Coil, and decent bulk. Life Orb helps further Arbok's power and ensures the OHKO on Nidoqueen after Stealth Rock with a +1 Earthquake. Gunk Shot is Arbok's poison move of choice, as its 120 Base Power combined with Coil's power and accuracy boost helps it melt the opponent's hide. Earthquake complements Gunk Shot by completing the coverage, as it hits Rock-, Steel-, and Poison-type Pokemon, such as Aggron, KlingKlang, and Nidoqueen. Sucker Punch is a great choice to make up for Arbok's less than stellar Speed, and can provide your team with useful priority. In addition, Sucker Punch is there to hit Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Sigilyph, which can hit Arbok with their STAB. Aqua Tail is another option to hit predominately Ground-type Pokemon that aren't hit by Arbok's moveset, such as Sandslash.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature listed are the usual fare, in that they maximize Arbok's offensive potential; practically speaking, Nidoqueen is OHKOed by a +1 Earthquake after Stealth Rock. Arbok also has the potential to run a bulky spread that consists of 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def with Black Sludge, which receives the maximum mileage out of Intimidate. Arbok prefers to switch into Fighting-type attacks thanks to Intimidate and its Poison typing. Arbok also hates status afflictions, especially burn, so a cleric would help support Arbok the best. Clefable is an awesome partner for Arbok, as they match well type-wise and Clefable can take care of this with Heal Bell. To make the match sweeter, Clefable can pass Wishes to Arbok to keep the cobra in tip-top shape. Arbok's weakness to Psychic-type attacks makes Dark-type Pokemon really attractive. Spiritomb is an excellent choice to trap opposing Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, which both prove to be difficult for Arbok to take down. Similarly, Drapion can also trap Psychic-type Pokemon with the combination of Crunch and Pursuit, although both share a common Ground-type weakness. Arbok has a hard time weakening dedicated walls, so a wallbreaker, such as Nidoqueen, is highly needed. Uxie is another great partner in crime for Arbok, as it can lay down Stealth Rock and switch into opposing Ground- and Psychic-type attacks. In a similar vain, Mesprit is also a great partner that swaps some defensive potential for some offense. Arbok's other ability&mdash;Shed Skin&mdash;is a good option against defensive teams, but this switch means Arbok has a challenging time setting up against offensive teams.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok has the chance to take advantage of Rest with its Shed Skin ability, but it is simply too unreliable to be utilized fully. Furthermore, Arbok isn't the bulkiest Pokemon around, so it can't spend extra turns snoozing. Glare is a unique attack that can paralyze everything&mdash;even Ground-type Pokemon&mdash;and helps cripple the opponent's counter to Arbok; Arbok's Speed is also mitigated with the paralysis from Glare, but the accuracy and lack of moveslots means it isn't an optimal choice. Poison Jab is another STAB option that has lower Base Power, but higher PP, which is useful for a more defensive Arbok. Crunch can hit Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, but the added priority from Sucker Punch achieves the same goal. Seed Bomb is useful for hitting Water-types, noteably Quagsire, which easily shrugs Arbok's attacks off. Dragon Tail is available to phaze the opposition, but the cobra has neither the bulk or recovery needed to phaze effectively. Fire Fang can see circumstantial use to hit Ferroseed and Escavalier, but lacks any other use due to its paltry Base Power.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Ghost-type Pokemon, such as Spiritomb and Misdreavus, are great stops to Arbok because, thanks to their high defenses, they take little damage even from a +1 Arbok, then can proceed to burn Arbok with Will-O-Wisp. Bulky Rotom can outspeed Arbok and use Will-O-Wisp, rendering the cobra helpless. Psychic-types are also great, as they can prey on Arbok's Poison typing and low Special Defense, but they do need to keep an eye out for Sucker Punch. Musharna can take a +1 Gunk Shot and retaliate back with Psychic and remain healthy with Moonlight. Sigilyph gets special mention, as it can avoid Sucker Punch with Calm Mind or Cosmic Power, burn Arbok, and KO with its Psychic STAB. Nidoqueen can switch into a predicted Gunk Shot and KO with Earth Power; however, only Timid Nidoqueen can outspeed Arbok, otherwise Arbok will simply KO with Earthquake. Quagsire can take Arbok on any day thanks to Unaware, but it has to watch out for the rare Seed Bomb. Steelix and Rhydon can take a +1 Earthquake and return to volley with their own Earthquake. In the end, strong powerhouses like Entei, Moltres, and Galvantula can overpower Arbok, but they have to watch out for Sucker Punch.</p>


[gp]1/2[/gp]
 
GP check. Good job on writing this.
Additions in Blue
Subtractions in Red
Comments in Purple

[Overview]

<p>The king cobra is new and improved and ready to show RU its power. Arbok is not the fastest or strongest sweeper, but that is not an issue thanks to Coil, which lets it slowly boost and not care about opposing physical attacks. Intimidate is the Rattata for Arbok, because then Arbok can switch into physical attacks and take advantage of its modest amount of resistances to Grass-, Fighting-, Poison-, and Bug-type attacks (change to either "modest amount of resistances" or "resistances to Grass-, Fighting-, Poison-, and Bug-type attacks" or a rephrasing you prefer; I don't think this works the way you have it since Arbok has a modest amount of resistances, not a modest amount of resistances to these types of attacks). By virtue of its Poison typing, Arbok is able to absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry, which saves its partners from a debilitating affliction. Arbok has Aqua Tail and Seed Bomb to widen its coverage, so Pokemon that thought they could avoid being poisoned are in trouble. Unfortunately, all is not well for Arbok. A lackluster Special Defense and a weakness to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks leads to its downfall. If However, if these weakness can be circumvented, then watch as the king cobra slowly poisons the opposing team.</p>

[SET]
name: Coiling Kobra
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Aqua Tail
item: Life Orb
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Arbok's best chance at sweeping with Intimidate, Coil, and decent bulk. Life Orb helps further Arbok's power and ensures the OHKO on Nidoqueen after Stealth Rock with a +1 Earthquake. Gunk Shot is Arbok's poison Poison-type move of choice, as its 120 Base Power combined with Coil's power and accuracy boost helps it melt the opponent's hide. Earthquake complements Gunk Shot by completing the Gunk Shot's coverage, as it hits Rock-, Steel-, and Poison-type Pokemon, such as Aggron, KlingKlang Klingklang, and Nidoqueen. Sucker Punch is a great choice to make up for Arbok's less than stellar Speed, (remove comma) and cane provide the provides your team with useful priority. In addition, Sucker Punch is there to hit hits Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Sigilyph, which can hit Arbok super effectively with their STAB. Aqua Tail is another option predominately to hit predominately Ground-type Pokemon that aren't hit by Arbok's moveset, such as Sandslash.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature listed are the usual fare, (remove comma) in that they maximize Arbok's offensive potential; practically speaking, Nidoqueen is OHKOed by a +1 Earthquake after Stealth Rock. Arbok also has the potential to run a bulky spread that consists of 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def with Black Sludge, which receives the gets maximum mileage out of Intimidate. Arbok prefers to switch into Fighting-type attacks thanks to Intimidate and its Poison-typing (remove hyphen). Arbok also hates status afflictions, especially burn, so a cleric would help is very helpful to support Arbok the best it. Clefable is an awesome partner for Arbok as they match well type-wise and Clefable can take care of this keep Arbok healthy with Heal Bell. To make the match sweeter, Clefable can pass Wishes to Arbok to keep the cobra it in tip-top shape. Arbok's weakness to Psychic-type attacks makes Dark-type Pokemon really attractive. Spiritomb is an excellent choice to trap opposing Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, which both prove to be difficult for Arbok to take down. Similarly, Drapion can also trap Psychic-type Pokemon with the combination of Crunch and Pursuit, although both it and Arbok share a common Ground-type weakness. Arbok has a hard time weakening dedicated walls, so a wallbreaker, such as Nidoqueen, is highly very needed. Uxie is another great partner in crime for Arbok, as it can lay down Stealth Rock and switch into opposing Ground- and Psychic-type attacks. In a similar vain, Mesprit is also a great partner (add comma) that swaps swapping some defensive potential for some offense. Arbok's other ability&mdash;Shed Skin&mdash;is a good option against defensive teams, but this switch means Arbok has a challenging time setting up against offensive teams.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok has the chance to take advantage of Rest with its Shed Skin ability, but it is simply too unreliable to be utilized fully. Furthermore, Arbok isn't the bulkiest Pokemon around, so it can't spend extra turns snoozing. Glare is a unique attack that can paralyze everything&mdash;even Ground-type Pokemon&mdash;and helps cripple the opponent's counter to Arbok; Arbok's Speed is issues are also mitigated with the paralysis from Glare, but the its accuracy and Arbok's lack of moveslots means it isn't an optimal choice. Poison Jab is another STAB option that has lower Base Power, but higher PP, which is useful for a more defensive Arbok. Crunch can hit Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, but the added priority from Sucker Punch achieves the same goal with added priority. Seed Bomb is useful for hitting Water-types, notably Quagsire, which easily shrugs Arbok's attacks off. Dragon Tail is available to phaze the opposition, but the cobra Arbok has neither the bulk or recovery needed to phaze effectively. Fire Fang can see circumstantial use to hit Ferroseed and Escavalier, but lacks any other use due to its paltry Base Power.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Ghost-type Pokemon, such as Spiritomb and Misdreavus, are great stops to Arbok because (add comma) thanks to their high defenses (add comma) they take little damage even from a +1 Arbok, then can proceed to burn Arbok with Will-O-Wisp. Bulky Rotom can outspeed Arbok and use Will-O-Wisp, rendering the cobra it helpless. Psychic-types are also great, as they can prey on Arbok's Poison typing and low Special Defense, but they do need to keep an eye out for Sucker Punch. Musharna can take a +1 Gunk Shot (add comma) and retaliate back with Psychic (add comma) and remain healthy with Moonlight. Sigilyph gets special mention, as it can avoid Sucker Punch with Calm Mind or Cosmic Power, burn Arbok, and KO with its Psychic STAB. Nidoqueen can switch into a predicted Gunk Shot and KO with Earth Power; however, only Timid Nidoqueen can outspeed Arbok, otherwise and Arbok will simply KO with Earthquake otherwise. Quagsire can take Arbok on any day thanks to Unaware, but has to watch out for the rare Seed Bomb. Steelix and Rhydon can take a +1 Earthquake and return the volley with their own Earthquake. In the end, strong powerhouses like Entei, Moltres, and Galvantula can overpower Arbok, but they have to watch out for Sucker Punch.</p>


[gp]2/2[/gp]
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top