Arbok(Revamp)[QC 3/3][GP 2/2]

Taking this over from Alfalfa etc etc



QC Approvals: WhiteDMist, tennisace, DAT BLAST(whoooosh)
[Overview]

- Faces trouble with everpresent Psychic-type Pokemon
- Access to Coil + Gunk Shot allows it to hit hard, despite average attack. Also, Coil increases defense, making it harder to revenge kill.
- Has coverage moves like Aqua Tail, Earthquake, and Sucker Punch to boot
- Two excellent abilities in Intimidate and Shed Skin
- A bit lacking in power; 85 base attack, and Coil only boosts you to +1
- Lacks good HP and special bulk, and can easily be beaten by Ground-type or Psychic-type Pokemon, including Jynx if it carries Substitute

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Aqua Tail / Seed Bomb
item: Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate / Shed Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- This is Arbok's best set. With the ability to boost both Attack, Defense, and Accuracy all at once, Arbok can prove to be annoying.
- Intimidate can be used to set up on offensive Pokemon that cannot touch Arbok, such as Choice Band Sawk.
- Shed Skin allows Arbok to recover from random burns, paralysis, and other status conditions, though it is already immune to Toxic.
- Coil's accuracy boost makes Gunk Shot rather lethal, and can hit pokemon that don't resist it or are not immune to it hard.
- Sucker Punch helps Arbok to avoid getting picked off by revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Jynx and also is Arbok's main option against Golurk
- The next move is a coverage move. Earthquake hits Steels, especially Metang, while still hitting Regirock and Golem super effectively. Howevever, Aqua Tail hits Ground types like Golem and Golurk harder, and keeps neutral coverage on steels. Seed Bomb hits Grounds, especially Seismitoad, but leaves you walled by Steels.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

- Black Sludge is the preferred item on the set as it grants Arbok longevity
- Rest can be used as a form of recovery if using Shed Skin, as there will be a 30% chance to wake up each turn. However, Arbok loses out on an attack, and it is not always going to wake up Arbok.
- Ghost and Psychic removal is appreciated; Liepard can Pursuit trap Ghosts and Psychics while having good synergy with Arbok
- If Aqua Tail is chosen, Steels like Metang and Mawile will be a problem; Golurk and Seismitoad can dispatch of them, and lay down Stealth Rock to wear down the opponent, especially Choice Scarf users like Jynx and Sawk. Misdreavus is still 4HKOd by Aqua Tail after +1
- If Earthquake is chosen, then Ground types will become a bigger issue. Pokemon that can deal with them, such as Ludicolo and Seismitoad, hence make for good partners
- Normal-type Pokemon such as Lickilicky and Audino can take on Psychic-type Pokemon, while appreciating its ability to check Fighting-type Pokemon such as Primeape
- Stealth Rock support is important to secure 2HKOs such as on Mandibuzz with a +1 Gunk Shot. Miltank and Regirock can provide Stealth Rock, and can paralyze faster opponents and help prevent them from revenging Arbok.

[Other Options]

- A bulky Coil set can be used, but the defense EVs do not allow Arbok to set up on any additional threats
- The elemental fangs and Rock Slide are usable, but provide redundant coverage.
- Arbok can use a Choice set, but Coil is Arbok's biggest niche.
- Arbok also has access to support moves like Dragon Tail, Glare, Sunny Day, Rain Dance, and Haze, but the snake is not bulky enough to use them
- Arbok has access to Pursuit but being a Poison-type means that it loses to virtually every Psychic/Ghost type mon

[Checks and Counters]

- Musharna is easily Arbok's best counter as it can take a boosted Gunk Shot or Sucker Punch and deal huge amounts of damage with STAB Psychic
- Misdreavus and Frillish wall Arbok hard, and can use Will-O-Wisp and Taunt to shut it down, though Shed Skin variants can get past them.
- Steels like Mawile, Probopass, and Metang need towatch for Earthquake, but they are immune to Gunk Shot, and can really put Arbok in a pickle.
- Ground types like Golurk and Seismitoad can tank Arbok's attacks and respond back with a super effective Earthquake / Earth Power, though most should watch for Aqua Tail
- Special Choice Scarf users, such as Jynx and Electabuzz, need to watch for Sucker Punch, but can do hefty amounts of damage to it.
- Psychic types such as Musharna and Gardevoir need to watch for Sucker Punch, but can easily dispatch of it.

[Overview]
<p>In a tier filled to the brim with Psychic- and Ground-type Pokemon, it is no wonder that Arbok has difficulty performing well in the NU tier. In addition to Arbok's subpar offensive stats, it is rather frail, which means that just about any super effective&mdash;or even a strong neutral attack&mdash;will OHKO it. However, it is a good setup sweeper due to its access to Coil, and while it isn't inherently bulky, it has a good defensive typing&mdash; while its Poison typing gives it weaknesses to two common offensive types, it also gives Arbok important resistances to Fighting-, Grass-, Bug-, and Poison-type attacks, allowing it to set up on the likes of Scolipede, Roselia, and Primeape.</p>

<p>Arbok also gets access to two great abilities in Intimidate and Shed Skin, with the former allowing it to set up in the face of most physical attackers and the latter letting it set up without any fear of status. It also becomes an excellent stallbreaker due to absorbing Toxic Spikes, as well as immunity to status and Toxic. Overall, Arbok is a worthy candidate for a team, but it requires some support.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Seed Bomb
item: Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate / Shed Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With access to a move that boosts Attack, Defense, and accuracy, as well as a high-powered STAB move, this set can become very threatening after a single boost. In this set, Arbok utilizes its good defensive typing as well as Coil to set up on prominent threats such as Fighting-type Pokemon, boosting its Attack while simultaneously making it harder to revenge kill. Gunk Shot is the main STAB move, and it hits most Pokemon hard. Sucker Punch gives Arbok a way of defeating the faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it. In the last slot, Earthquake gets coverage on Steel-types while Seed Bomb hits most Ground-type Pokemon for super effective damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Intimidate is the preferred ability as it lets Arbok come in on most Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Primeape, Sawk, and Gurdurr, and use them as setup bait. Aside from the moves listed above, Rest is a usable option for Arbok to use in conjunction with Shed Skin, which lets it absorb status, making Arbok a great stallbreaker. However, it loses out on a lot of coverage. Aqua Tail is a usable move in the fourth slot to hit Ground-types while still retaining coverage on Steel-types, but it doesn't hit Steel-types hard enough and it misses out on Seismitoad. The given EV spread gives Arbok maximum power while allowing to outspeed Adamant Braviary and Modest Altaria as well as Speed tie with Timid Gardevoir.</p>

<p>While this set is powerful, it faces a lot of trouble with Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, making partners that can get rid of these great. Liepard makes for an exceptional teammate, being able to Pursuit trap these Pokemon and even being able to Encore setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Musharna that would normally set up on Arbok. Arbok returns the favor by defeating the Fighting-types that plague Liepard. If Seed Bomb is used, Steel-type Pokemon such as Metang, Klang, and Bastiodon will be problematic&mdash;Klang can even set up alongside it. Therefore, Pokemon that can get rid of them, such as Golurk and Seismitoad, make for good partners. However, if Earthquake is chosen, Ground-types such as Piloswine and Golurk become an issue, so checks to these Pokemon, such as Ludicolo and Seismitoad, are good partners.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok can use a bulkier Coil spread to set up on powerful attackers more easily. However, it requires both the Attack and Speed to sweep, which it lacks. Arbok has a few other moves it can utilize. Out of these, Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, and Fire Fang seem like good options, but they do not provide much coverage and have very low Base Power. Rock Slide is in the same boat, as it has low Base Power and provides redundant coverage. Arbok also gains access to moves like Rain Dance, Sunny Day, Dragon Tail, and Glare, but it is better off attacking. Rather funnily, Arbok has access to Pursuit; however, being a Poison-type Pokemon, it cannot force Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon out, making it a rather poor user of this move. Disable is a rather gimmicky option, but a lack of immunities to efficiently take advantage of it deems it unworthy. Arbok can use a Choice Band to hit hard right off the bat, but Poison STAB is rather mediocre and Coil is Arbok's biggest niche. Similarly, it can also use Choice Scarf, but its base Speed is rather decent anyway and it is very weak without a boost.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While Arbok is powerful when it has set up, it is relatively frail and will not be able to set up easily, so offensive pressure is the single best way to deal with Arbok. This is not to say that counters do not exist. Bulky variants of Musharna can easily OHKO Arbok with Psychic, while Arbok cannot 2HKO even after a Coil boost. Ground-type Pokemon such as Golurk and Piloswine can easily stomach even boosted hits and OHKO Arbok. Seismitoad must watch out for Seed Bomb, but bulkier variants can even live a +1 Seed Bomb, making it a decent check. Steel-type Pokemon such as Bastiodon, Probopass, and Metang can easily deal with variants lacking Earthquake, with Bastiodon being able to phaze Arbok out as well. Klang gets a special mention as it can set up alongside Arbok and eventually KO it. Misdreavus and Frillish also wall Intimidate variants hard and cripple it, but Shed Skin variants can actually set up on them. Mandibuzz can check Arbok as well, as even though it is 2HKOed by a +1 Gunk Shot after Stealth Rock, it can phaze Arbok out with Whirlwind or attack it with a STAB Foul Play. Finally, revenge killing Arbok is a good way to deal with it. Pokemon such as Jynx and Gardevoir can set up Substitute to avoid Sucker Punch and OHKO, but the latter only Speed ties and a +1 Gunk Shot OHKOes in return.</p>
 
Last edited:

Blast

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Not QC, but here's my two cents. :)

[Overview]
  • Cut the first point. Jynx was unbanned months ago and it's not really relevant to the Overview itself. You should probably still mention how Psychics give it a hard time, but cut the mention of Jynx's unbanning.
  • In the last point, add more things that can kill it. There's more than just Jynx and if it has to run Substitute to reliably check Arbok it's not the best check. Mention stuff like Mushy or something.
[SET COMMENTS]
  • First off, rename the set to just "Coil." The "bulky" one (if you can even call it that :P) was rejected a while ago and since this is the only set left it should be named as such.
  • In the point about Sucker Punch, again mention more things it can pick off. I get Jynx is a big threat, but it's not the only one and Arbok doesn't even 100% check it because Sucker can be played around with Trick/Kiss/etc. Either that or just mention how it picks off weakened threats in general.
  • Tbh, I don't really like LO. It detracts from Arbok's bulk which limits its setup opportunities. 2HKOing Mola w/ +1 Gunk Shot isn't relevant since Arbok sets up all over it anyway.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
  • Don't mention how Skunk isn't the best partner. Just mention how Liepard IS a good partner.
  • Mention Substitute and how it shields Arbok from status/revenge killing. But loss of coverage sucks and stuff.
[Other Options]
  • Mention Pursuit and Disable here. Pursuit itself is a good move, it's just not good on Arbok since most Psychics/Ghosts won't switch out on you. Disable is cool, but the lack of immunities hurts Arbok.
  • When mentioning Choice items, mention specifically that it can use Switcheroo which is the only reason you'd ever even consider Choice Arbok.
[Checks and Counters]
  • When talking about Missy/Frillish, mention how Shed Skin variants actually set up all over them.
  • Give a bigger mention to Mushy. Mushy can easily live a +1 Sucker Punch/Gunk Shot and kill back with Psychic.
 

Celever

i am town
is a Community Contributor
Not QC and just glanced but:

Mention Pursuit support in Checks And Counters when you talk about the Psychic-Type Pokemon, like seriously Arbok loves being on the same team as Pursuit Trapper Murkrow or Liepard.
 
Not QC and just glanced but:

Mention Pursuit support in Checks And Counters when you talk about the Psychic-Type Pokemon, like seriously Arbok loves being on the same team as Pursuit Trapper Murkrow or Liepard.
That's not what you mention in c&c, it's what you mention in AC. What counters it is what you mention in C&C. I'll add that they hate being Pursuit trapped or something like that, but pursuit SUPPORT should be in AC.
 
[Overview]

"While a Poison-typing leaves it with only two weaknesses, it does not have any notable resistances."
  • Fighting, Grass, Bug, and Poison (in congruence with Grass, at least) are all nice resistances to have—especially Fighting. This gives Arbok a chance to set up on Choice-locked Fighting attacks, particularly Primeape's Close Combat, as well as Scolipede, Roselia, Vileplume, most Garbodor, and more, and its immunity to Toxic keeps it from being Toxic-stalled. Plus, its Poison typing lets it absorb Toxic Spikes, which most teams need. In fact, I would argue that Arbok's typing is one of the only reasons why it's viable (that and Coil, but its typing helps it use Coil effectively).
  • Right now, the Overview is pretty much "Arbok's typing sucks, and it gets a few cool moves that you most likely already knew about." Expand more on its role as a bulky boosting sweeper/stallbreaker with an immunity to Toxic and Shed Skin to heal burns. Mention that it absorbs Toxic Spikes. Talk about how it's pretty frail, even after a boost. Mention Sucker Punch to help it beat revenge killers. There are a lot of things that could be brought up, and the Overview needs totally redone.
[SET]
  • I'd like to see the last moveslot as Seed Bomb / Earthquake. The only thing that Aqua Tail has over Seed Bomb really is hitting Metang without losing coverage against Ground-types. Bastiodon and Probopass fuck you up anyways, and Klang can set up alongside you. Mention Aqua Tail in AC.
  • I'd also like the ability order to be Shed Skin / Intimidate. Arbok has troubles setting up against a lot of offensive teams, but it can do a lot of work to more defensive ones. Shed Skin helps it out more against the teams it has a better chance of harming.
[SET COMMENTS]
  • Cut the first sentence. The fact that it's the only set on the analysis tells you that it's Arbok's best set.
  • When you talk about Sucker Punch, just state, "Sucker Punch gives Arbok a way of defeating the faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it." Seed Bomb is better against Golurk anyways because it hits just as hard and keeps it from setting up Stealth Rock on a predicted Sucker Punch.
  • Move the mention of Aqua Tail to AC, and just state that Seed Bomb can be used for Ground-types, while Earthquake can be used for Steel-types.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
  • When you bring up max Speed, say that it allows Arbok to outspeed Adamant Braviary and Modest Altaria and speed tie with Timid Gardevoir. Timid/Jolly Altaria is pretty much not a thing, and the same can pretty much be said about Braviary.
  • You mentioned Shed Skin + Rest twice. Cut the second mention.
  • Don't for god's sakes please don't mention Mawile as a problem for Arbok. It's not even relevant in NU. Talk about Bastiodon, which can Roar it out, or Klang, which can set up alongside it and eventually win.
  • Cut the very last sentence here. Neither Musharna nor Golurk will want to take a hit from Arbok in order to kill it.
[Other Options]
  • When you talk about Pursuit, cut the point about it losing to every Ghost- and Psychic-type in the tier. Very few of them, especially the Psychic-types, will want to switch into a boosted Gunk Shot.
[Checks and Counters]

"Seismitoad must watch out for Seed Bomb, though bulkier variants can even live a +1 Seed Bomb, making it an excellent counter."
  • Change "excellent counter" to "decent check." The fact that physically defensive Seismitoad can tank one Seed Bomb doesn't make it an excellent counter, especially considering it usually runs Earthquake>Earth Power, meaning that it's not going to hit it super hard after a Coil boost. Basically, physically defensive Seismitoad will almost always lost to Seed Bomb variants, and even when it manages to get by, it will be severely damaged.
  • Cut Mawile again because it's bad.
"Mandibuzz is another great counter, as even though it is 2HKOed by a +1 Gunk Shot after Stealth Rock, it can phaze it out with Whirlwind or attack it with STAB Foul Play."
  • Again, being 2HKO'd does not make something a "great counter."
I'll look at this again when you've made these changes.
 
Treecko
I changed up the overview and made the changes, except Shed Skin as the main ability. Imo it loses to most Psychic- and Ghost-types in the OO thing, especially since mush and golurk can easily survive +1 hits, missy and frillish will-o(but might lose to ss variants) and jynx subs and then OHKOes. Nevertheless, it can beat some of them, so changed that up. Thanks!
 

Blast

Member of the Alien Nation
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Kingler12345 got your VM, so ya. :)

[Overview]
  • In the first paragraph, you talk about Arbok's frailty, but then you say Coil makes it a good "bulky" setup sweeper. Arbok isn't inherently bulky, but it can set up nicely thanks to its typing and abilities. Merge the first few sentences of the second paragraph together to just talk about how its typing and Coil's Defense boosts make it surprisingly easy to boost.
[SET COMMENTS]
  • I don't really get the first paragraph. You basically say, "Arbok can boost to hit hard, but it struggles against Mush/Golurk. It can hit them with its coverage moves, but it still can't OHKO them." Rewrite it to talk about how Arbok can nab a few boosts and threaten opposing teams, but it needs more than one boost to sweep.
  • In the second paragraph, pleeease remove "the crux of the set." It's super annoying in analyses.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
  • Cut the mention of CB Ape and just talk about Fightings in general (ie. Sawk, Primeape, Gurdurr.)
  • When mentioning Rest, mention why it's not a listed option (loses out on coverage).
  • Cut the mention of the bulkier spread. It's basically already mentioned in OO and all it does it give Arbok 20 extra HP, which I really don't think is enough for an AC mention.
[Checks and Counters]
  • Cut Mawile and mention Bastiodon b/c of what Treecko said.
  • Mention specifically that Missy/Frillish wall Intimidate variants, but get set up on by Shed Skin. Basically just change the sentence to "Misdreavus and Frillish also wall variants running Intimidate hard and cripple it, however, Shed Skin variants can actually set up on them."

Implement this, and I'll check later.
 

Blast

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In the Overview, you still say it's a good "bulky" setup sweeper thanks to Coil, so just remove the word "bulky." Also, cut the sentence about Coil's accuracy boost; while it's nice, it's more of a side benefit than anything. Just talk about how Coil is a really good boosting move for Arbok because it can break stall and patch up its low bulk.

In the first sentence of SC, take out the word "inaccurate." Also, I'd like the two paragraphs to merged into something like this:
<p>With access to a move that boosts Attack, Defense and Accuracy all in one, as well as a high-powered inaccurate STAB move, this set can hit very hard become very threatening after a boost. In this set, Arbok utilizes its good offensive defensive typing as well as Coil to set up on prominent threats such as Fighting-type Pokemon, boosting its Attack while simultaneously making it harder to revenge kill. Coil is what makes this set so effective, as not only does Arbok hit harder after a boost, but it is also harder to revenge kill. Gunk Shot is the main STAB move and it hits most Pokemon hard. With a Coil boost, its accuracy is also increased to 91%, making it that much more effective. Sucker Punch gives Arbok a way of defeating the faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it. In the last slot, Earthquake gets coverage on Steel-types and Seed Bomb hits most Ground-type Pokemon for super-effective damage.</p>
It's basically the same thing, just with a few things switched around and fixed up a bit. I removed one of the sentences since it basically said the same thing as the ones before it.

Mention in AC how Intimidate works better vs. offensive teams, while Shed Skin is better vs. stall. Then mention Aqua Tail and consider this

QC Approved 3/3
 

GatoDelFuego

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Kingler12345

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[Overview]
<p>In a tier filled to the brim with Psychic- and Ground-type Pokemon, it is no wonder that Arbok has difficulty performing well in the NU tier. Subpar stats make Arbok's job even harder. In addition, it is rather frail, which means that just about any super effective or even a strong neutral attack will OHKO it. However, it is a good setup sweeper due to its access to Coil and while it isn't inherently bulky, it has a good defensive typing. Its Poison typing, while giving it weaknesses to two common offensive types, also gives it important resistances to Fighting-, Grass-, Bug-, (AC) and Poison-type attacks, allowing it to set up on the likes of Scolipede, Roselia, (AC) and Primeape.</p>

<p>It also gets access to two great abilities in Intimidate and Shed Skin, the former allowing it to set up in the face of most physical attackers, (RC) and the latter letting it set up without any fear of status. It also becomes an excellent stallbreaker due to absorbing Toxic Spikes, as well as immunity to status and Toxic. Overall, Arbok is a worthy candidate for a team, though it requires some team support.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Seed Bomb
item: Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate / Shed Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With access to a move that boosts Attack and Defense, as well as a high-powered STAB move, this set can become very threatening after a boost. In this set, Arbok utilizes its good defensive typing as well as Coil to set up on prominent threats such as Fighting-type Pokemon, boosting its Attack while simultaneously making it harder to revenge kill. Gunk Shot is the main STAB move and it hits most Pokemon hard. Sucker Punch gives Arbok a way of defeating the faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it. In the last slot, Earthquake gets coverage on Steel-types and Seed Bomb hits most Ground-type Pokemon for super effective damage. Gunk Shot is the main STAB move and it hits most Pokemon hard. Sucker Punch gives Arbok a way of defeating the faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it. In the last slot, Earthquake gets coverage on Steel-types and Seed Bomb hits most Ground-type Pokemon for super-effective damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Intimidate is preferred ability as it lets it Arbok come in on most Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Primeape, Sawk, (AC) and Gurdurr, and use them as setup bait, making it a useful tool against offence. Aside from the moves listed above, Rest is a usable option for Arbok to use in conjunction with Shed Skin, which lets it absorb status, making Arbok a great stallbreaker. However, it loses out on a lot of too much coverage. Aqua Tail is a usable move in the fourth slot as it hits to hit Ground-types while still retaining coverage on Steel-types, however, (RC) it doesn't hit Steel-types hard enough and it misses out on Seismitoad. The given EV spread gives Arbok maximum power while allowing to outspeed Adamant Braviary and Modest Altaria, (RC) as well as Speed tie with Timid Gardevoir.</p>

<p>While this set is powerful, it faces a lot of trouble with Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, making partners that can get rid of these great partners. Liepard makes for an exceptional teammate, being able to Pursuit trap these Pokemon and even being able to Encore setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Musharna that would normally set up on Arbok. Arbok returns the favor by defeating the Fighting-types that plague Liepard. If Seed Bomb is run, Steel-type Pokemon such as Metang, Klang, (AC) and Bastiodon will be problematic&mdash;Klang can even set up alongside it. Hence Pokemon that can get rid of them, such as Golurk and Seismitoad, (AC) make for good partners. However, if Earthquake is chosen, Ground-types such as Piloswine and Golurk become an issue, so checks to these Pokemon, such as Ludicolo and Seismitoad, are good partners.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok can use a bulkier Coil spread to set up on powerful attackers more easily. However, it requires both the Attack and Speed to sweep. Arbok has a few other moves it can utilize. Out of these, Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, (AC) and Fire Fang seem like good options, but they do not provide much coverage and have very low Base Power. Rock Slide is in the same boat, as it has low Base Power and provides redundant coverage. It Arbok also gains access to moves like Rain Dance, Sunny Day, Dragon Tail, (AC) and Glare, but it is better off attacking. Rather funnily, Arbok has access to Pursuit, however, being a Poison-type Pokemon, it cannot force Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon out, making it a rather poor user of this move. Disable is a rather gimmicky option, but a lack of immunities to efficiently abuse it hurts. Arbok can use a Choice Band to hit hard right off the bat, but Poison STAB is rather mediocre and Coil is Arbok's biggest niche. Similarly, it can also use Choice Scarf, but its base Speed is rather decent anyway and it is very weak without a boost.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While Arbok is powerful when set up, it is relatively frail and will not be able to set up easily. Hence offensive pressure is the single best way to deal with Arbok. This is not to say that counters do not exist. Bulky variants of Musharna can easily OHKO Arbok with Psychic, while Arbok cannot 2HKO even after a Coil boost. Ground-type Pokemon like such as Golurk and Piloswine can easily stomach even boosted hits and OHKO. Seismitoad must watch out for Seed Bomb, though bulkier variants can even live a +1 Seed Bomb, making it a decent check. Steel-type Pokemon like such as Bastiodon, Probopass, (AC) and Metang can easily deal with variants lacking Earthquake, with Bastiodon being able to phaze Arbok out as well. Klang gets a special mention as it can set up alongside Arbok and eventually KO it. Misdreavus and Frillish also wall Intimidate variants hard and cripple it, however, but Shed Skin variants can actually set up on them. Mandibuzz can check it Arbok as well, as even though it is 2HKOed by a +1 Gunk Shot after Stealth Rock, it can phaze it Arbok out with Whirlwind or attack it with a STAB Foul Play.</p>

<p>Finally, revenge killing Arbok is a good way to deal with it. Pokemon such as Jynx and Gardevoir can set up Substitute to avoid Sucker Punch and OHKO, though the latter only Speed ties and a +1 Gunk Shot OHKOes in return.</p>

Remember those serial commas

1/2
 
Last edited:
requested amcheck
additions - blue
removals - red
comments - green

[Overview]
<p>In a tier filled to the brim with Psychic- and Ground-type Pokemon, it is no wonder that Arbok has difficulty performing well in the NU tier. Subpar stats make Arbok's job even harder. In addition, it is rather frail, which means that just about any super effective or even a strong neutral attack will OHKO it. However, it is a good setup sweeper due to its access to Coil and while it isn't inherently bulky, it has a good defensive typing. Its Poison typing, while giving it weaknesses to two common offensive types, also gives it important resistances to Fighting-, Grass-, Bug-, and Poison-type attacks, allowing it to set up on the likes of Scolipede, Roselia, and Primeape.</p>

<p>It also gets access to two great abilities in Intimidate and Shed Skin, the former allowing it to set up in the face of most physical attackers and the latter letting it set up without any fear of status. It also becomes an excellent stallbreaker due to absorbing Toxic Spikes, as well as immunity to status and Toxic. Overall, Arbok is a worthy candidate for a team, though it requires some support.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Seed Bomb
item: Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate / Shed Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With access to a move that boosts Attack and Defense , Defense, and accuracy (accuracy is worth mentioning due to Gunk Shot's low accuracy), as well as a high-powered STAB move, this set can become very threatening after a single boost. In this set, Arbok utilizes its good defensive typing as well as Coil to set up on prominent threats such as Fighting-type Pokemon, boosting its Attack while simultaneously making it harder to revenge kill. Gunk Shot is the main STAB move and it hits most Pokemon hard. Sucker Punch gives Arbok a way of defeating the faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it. In the last slot, Earthquake gets coverage on Steel-types and Seed Bomb hits most Ground-type Pokemon for super effective damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Intimidate is the preferred ability as it lets Arbok come in on most Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Primeape, Sawk, and Gurdurr, and use them as setup bait. Aside from the moves listed above, Rest is a usable option for Arbok to use in conjunction with Shed Skin, which lets it absorb status, making Arbok a great stallbreaker. However, it loses out on a lot of coverage. Aqua Tail is a usable move in the fourth slot to hit Ground-types while still retaining coverage on Steel-types, however it doesn't hit Steel-types hard enough and it misses out on Seismitoad. The given EV spread gives Arbok maximum power while allowing to outspeed Adamant Braviary and Modest Altaria as well as Speed tie with Timid Gardevoir.</p>

<p>While this set is powerful, it faces a lot of trouble with Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, making partners that can get rid of these great. Liepard makes for an exceptional teammate, being able to Pursuit trap these Pokemon and even being able to Encore setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Musharna that would normally set up on Arbok. Arbok returns the favor by defeating the Fighting-types that plague Liepard. If Seed Bomb is run, Steel-type Pokemon such as Metang, Klang,and Bastiodon will be problematic&mdash; Klang can even set up alongside it. Hence Pokemon that can get rid of them, such as Golurk and Seismitoad, make for good partners. However, if Earthquake is chosen, Ground-types such as Piloswine and Golurk become an issue, so checks to these Pokemon, such as Ludicolo and Seismitoad, are good partners.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok can use a bulkier Coil spread to set up on powerful attackers more easily. However, it requires both the Attack and Speed to sweep. Arbok has a few other moves it can utilize. Out of these, Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, and Fire Fang seem like good options, but they do not provide much coverage and have very low Base Power. Rock Slide is in the same boat, as it has low Base Power and provides redundant coverage. Arbok also gains access to moves like Rain Dance, Sunny Day, Dragon Tail, and Glare, but it is better off attacking. Rather funnily, Arbok has access to Pursuit, however, being a Poison-type Pokemon, it cannot force Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon out, making it a rather poor user of this move. Disable is a rather gimmicky option, but a lack of immunities to efficiently abuse it hurts. Arbok can use a Choice Band to hit hard right off the bat, but Poison STAB is rather mediocre and Coil is Arbok's biggest niche. Similarly, it can also use Choice Scarf, but its base Speed is rather decent anyway and it is very weak without a boost.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While Arbok is powerful when set up, it is relatively frail and will not be able to set up easily. H , hence offensive pressure is the single best way to deal with Arbok. This is not to say that counters do not exist. Bulky variants of Musharna can easily OHKO Arbok with Psychic, while Arbok cannot 2HKO even after a Coil boost. Ground-type Pokemon such as Golurk and Piloswine can easily stomach even boosted hits and OHKO. Seismitoad must watch out for Seed Bomb, though bulkier variants can even live a +1 Seed Bomb, making it a decent check. Steel-type Pokemon such as Bastiodon, Probopass, and Metang can easily deal with variants lacking Earthquake, with Bastiodon being able to phaze Arbok out as well. Klang gets a special mention as it can set up alongside Arbok and eventually KO it. Misdreavus and Frillish also wall Intimidate variants hard and cripple it, but Shed Skin variants can actually set up on them. Mandibuzz can check Arbok as well, as even though it is 2HKOed by a +1 Gunk Shot after Stealth Rock, it can phaze Arbok out with Whirlwind or attack it with(space)a STAB Foul Play.</p>

<p>Finally, revenge killing Arbok is a good way to deal with it. Pokemon such as Jynx and Gardevoir can set up Substitute to avoid Sucker Punch and OHKO, though the latter only Speed ties and a +1 Gunk Shot OHKOes in return.</p>
 

Governess

A Beautiful Blossom Waiting to Bloom
is a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Going over pika's check; just too many stuff not addressed for me to stamp the amcheck, my apologies. :/

Additions / Changes
Removes
Comments


[Overview]
<p>In a tier filled to the brim with Psychic- and Ground-type Pokemon, it is no wonder that Arbok has difficulty performing well in the NU tier. (I really feel that this statement following this comment is really just fluff, so i reworded it to go with the other sentence) Subpar stats make Arbok's job even harder. In addition to Arbok's subpar offensive syats, it is rather frail, which means that just about any super effective&mdash;or even a strong neutral attack&mdashwill OHKO it. However, it is a good setup sweeper due to its access to Coil, (AC) and while it isn't inherently bulky, it has a good defensive typing.; while its Its Poison typing, (RC) while giving gives it weaknesses to two common offensive types (Please tell us what they are; pretend that I'm an NU beginner and I have no idea what the two common offensive types are .3.), it also gives it Arbok important resistances to Fighting-, Grass-, Bug-, and Poison-type attacks, allowing it to set up on the likes of Scolipede, Roselia, and Primeape.</p>

<p>It Arbok also gets access to two great abilities in Intimidate and Shed Skin, with the former allowing it to set up in the face of most physical attackers and the latter letting it set up without any fear of status. It also becomes an excellent stallbreaker due to absorbing Toxic Spikes, as well as immunity to status and Toxic. Overall, Arbok is a worthy candidate for a team, though but it requires some support.</p>

[SET]
name: Coil
move 1: Coil
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Seed Bomb
item: Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate / Shed Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With access to a move that boosts Attack and Defense , Defense, and accuracy (accuracy is worth mentioning due to Gunk Shot's low accuracy), as well as a high-powered STAB move, this set can become very threatening after a single boost. In this set, Arbok utilizes its good defensive typing as well as Coil to set up on prominent threats such as Fighting-type Pokemon, boosting its Attack while simultaneously making it harder to revenge kill. Gunk Shot is the main STAB move, (AC) and it hits most Pokemon hard. Sucker Punch gives Arbok a way of defeating the faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it. In the last slot, Earthquake gets coverage on Steel-types and while Seed Bomb hits most Ground-type Pokemon for super effective damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Intimidate is the preferred ability as it lets Arbok come in on most Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Primeape, Sawk, and Gurdurr, and use them as setup bait. Aside from the moves listed above, Rest is a usable option for Arbok to use in conjunction with Shed Skin, which lets it absorb status, making Arbok a great stallbreaker. However, it loses out on a lot of coverage. Aqua Tail is a usable move in the fourth slot to hit Ground-types while still retaining coverage on Steel-types, however but it doesn't hit Steel-types hard enough and it misses out on Seismitoad. The given EV spread gives Arbok maximum power while allowing to outspeed Adamant Braviary and Modest Altaria as well as Speed tie with Timid Gardevoir.</p>

<p>While this set is powerful, it faces a lot of trouble with Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, making partners that can get rid of these great. Liepard makes for an exceptional teammate, being able to Pursuit trap these Pokemon and even being able to Encore setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Musharna that would normally set up on Arbok. Arbok returns the favor by defeating the Fighting-types that plague Liepard. If Seed Bomb is run used, Steel-type Pokemon such as Metang, Klang, (space) and Bastiodon will be problematic&mdash;(no space)Klang can even set up alongside it. Hence Therefore, (AC) Pokemon that can get rid of them, such as Golurk and Seismitoad, make for good partners. However, if Earthquake is chosen, Ground-types such as Piloswine and Golurk become an issue, so checks to these Pokemon, such as Ludicolo and Seismitoad, are good partners.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Arbok can use a bulkier Coil spread to set up on powerful attackers more easily. However, it requires both the Attack and Speed to sweep, (AC) which it lacks. Arbok has a few other moves it can utilize. Out of these, Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, and Fire Fang seem like good options, but they do not provide much coverage and have very low Base Power. Rock Slide is in the same boat, as it has low Base Power and provides redundant coverage. Arbok also gains access to moves like Rain Dance, Sunny Day, Dragon Tail, and Glare, but it is better off attacking. Rather funnily, Arbok has access to Pursuit,; however, being a Poison-type Pokemon, it cannot force Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon out, making it a rather poor user of this move. Disable is a rather gimmicky option, but a lack of immunities to efficiently abuse take advantage of it hurts deems it unworthy. Arbok can use a Choice Band to hit hard right off the bat, but Poison STAB is rather mediocre and Coil is Arbok's biggest niche. Similarly, it can also use Choice Scarf, but its base Speed is rather decent anyway and it is very weak without a boost.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While Arbok is powerful when it has set up, it is relatively frail and will not be able to set up easily. H , hence so offensive pressure is the single best way to deal with Arbok. (You guys are using hence the wrong way in this sentence; it 'works', but it isn't the best word to use. :/) This is not to say that counters do not exist. Bulky variants of Musharna can easily OHKO Arbok with Psychic, while Arbok cannot 2HKO even after a Coil boost. Ground-type Pokemon such as Golurk and Piloswine can easily stomach even boosted hits and OHKO Arbok. Seismitoad must watch out for Seed Bomb, though but bulkier variants can even live a +1 Seed Bomb, making it a decent check. Steel-type Pokemon such as Bastiodon, Probopass, and Metang can easily deal with variants lacking Earthquake, with Bastiodon being able to phaze Arbok out as well. Klang gets a special mention as it can set up alongside Arbok and eventually KO it. Misdreavus and Frillish also wall Intimidate variants hard and cripple it, but Shed Skin variants can actually set up on them. Mandibuzz can check Arbok as well, as even though it is 2HKOed by a +1 Gunk Shot after Stealth Rock, it can phaze Arbok out with Whirlwind or attack it with(space)a STAB Foul Play.</p>

<p>Finally, revenge killing Arbok is a good way to deal with it. Pokemon such as Jynx and Gardevoir can set up Substitute to avoid Sucker Punch and OHKO, though but the latter only Speed ties and a +1 Gunk Shot OHKOes in return.</p>(Is there much reason to make this separate from the rest? Yes, it's a different way to deal with Arbok, but is it so important as to the rest of the options that it gets its own section? If not, you are better off (and probably should) just combining this with the rest.)

GP APPROVED 2/2
 
Governess
Shouldn't the reader have basic knowledge lol anyway i mentioned it in the first sentence.
Implementing atm wish everybody gave a c/p like sirn :(
 
Governess
Implemented
to Arbok's subpar offensive syats
y arbok have subpar offensive syats ;~;

EDIT- Wait. Dat Blast said that Intimidate being better against offense and Shed Skin being better against stall needed to be mentioned, so that needs to be added. If QC or GP could fit it in, would be appreciated.
 

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