Basculin (Analysis)

[muffinhead]

CB AQUA JET


[Overview]
<p>Basculin's deceivingly small stature is by no means representative of how well it performs in VGC. While its defenses are lacking, Basculin makes up for this with a large Base Attack stat and priority in the form of Aqua Jet. Unfortunately, it is often outclassed by faster or bulkier Pokemon. Nevertheless, Basculin should not be underestimated.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Aqua Jet
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Double-Edge
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
ability: Adaptability
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[Set Comments]
<p>Choice Band, Adaptability, and STAB work together to boost Basculin's primary attacks to incredible levels. Aqua Jet is very useful priority. It hits the genie Pokemon for neutral damage, giving it an edge up on Conkeldurr. Waterfall is a stronger attack when going against slower teams. Most Pokemon that resist Water-type attacks can be hit hard by Double-Edge, such as Hydreigon or Haxorus. Crunch provides coverage against Jellicent, who would otherwise wall Basculin completely.</p>

[Additional Comments]
<p>Maximum Speed EVs allow Basculin to outspeed Adamant 252 Speed Haxorus. Basculin is too frail to make use of any defense or HP investment. With 252 Attack EVs, Basculin nets a OHKO on Chandelure.</p>

team options / specific counters
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[Other Options]
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[Checks and Counters]
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[DeagleBeagle]

dont forget the special set with muddy water ice beam etc, take advantage of its movepool, one of the only muddy water users in the game.

 

[Tomahawk]

Muddy Water sucks. Surf is better.

 

[NC]

Muddy Water sucks. Surf is better.

Unless your team is built completely around surf, the opposite is true.

Also, it's probably worth a mention in OO that basculin is one of only two pokemon to get soak, and it is by far the fastest user of the move.

 

[cosmicexplorer]

What is Soak good for, though?

 

[Husky]

you can pair it up with any grass or electric type and abuse the type change. Galvantula and Eelektross come into my mind for this at first place.

 

[locopoke]

Double-Edge not Double Edge.

 

[Wobb]

I did some calculations and here are the results

Adamant choice band Basculin with Adaptability using Waterfall VS.

252/252 Heatran does 81.87% - 96.37%
252/252 Skarmory does 38.92% - 46.11%
252/252 Cofagrigus does 39.38% - 46.88%

It could OKHO 252/0 Heatran with waterfall and 2KHO mixed wall Cofagrigus

 

[pressureflood]

I did some calculations and here are the results

Adamant choice band Basculin with Adaptability using Waterfall VS.

252/252 Heatran does 81.87% - 96.37%
252/252 Skarmory does 38.92% - 46.11%
252/252 Cofagrigus does 39.38% - 46.88%

It could OKHO 252/0 Heatran with waterfall and 2KHO mixed wall Cofagrigus

Heatran and Skarmory aren't allowed in VGC play...