[Overview]
<p>It's a hard knock life for Beartic. With his pure Ice typing, he is often found victim to the various Fire-, Fighting-, and Rock-type attacks of very common Pokemon in NU, in addition to living in constant fear of the ever-present Stealth Rock. To compile upon his woes, Beartic has trouble distinguishing himself from the slew of other Ice-type Pokemon in the tier. However, don't let this deter you from taking this bearded giant under your wing. His Ice typing, while rather subpar defensively, is extremely threatening offensively, and can attain perfect neutral coverage with ease. Moreover, Beartic's above average Attack, complemented by his brawny 95 / 80 / 80 defenses, make him a dangerous foe if left unchecked.</p>
[SET]
name: SubPunch
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Focus Punch
move 3: Icicle Crash
move 4: Night Slash / Toxic
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With his sizable bulk, large attack, and access to excellent coverage moves, Beartic makes an excellent user of Focus Punch. Substitute not only allows him to abuse Focus Punch without fear of interruption, but also protects Beartic from status ailments that may otherwise cripple him. Icicle Crash not only offers him a powerful STAB move, but also hits nearly every Pokemon in the tier for neutral damage or better. The only three Pokemon that resist these two moves, Frillish, Lampent, and Thick Fat Grumpig, are hit hard by Night Slash. However, certain Pokemon, such as Alomomola and Torkoal, can muscle through any attacks Beartic can muster, making Toxic a suitable option as well.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Though his bulk is invaluable, Beartic needs to invest in Speed to some degree. 84 Speed EVs allow Beartic to outspeed uninvested base 60 Speed Pokemon, allowing him to set up a Substitute before threats such as Weezing and Tangela can cripple him with Will-O-Wisp or Sleep Powder, respectively. The remaining EVs are used to maximize Attack, with the rest put into HP for bulk. As far as move choice is concerned, Avalanche can hit harder than Icicle Crash due to Beartic's lower Speed, though consistency is more important than anything else.</p>
<p>Due to Beartic's irritating weakness to Stealth Rock, a Rapid Spin user is an invaluable partner to him. Torkoal is a prime example, who can, in addition to spinning entry hazards away, also provide Stealth Rock support of his own. Grumpig is also a solid partner for Beartic, but for different reasons. Grumpig resists Fire- and Fighting-type attacks aimed at Beartic, and can offer support in the form of Heal Bell, Thunder Wave, and dual screens. Similarly, other Pokemon, such as Regirock, Volbeat, and Amoonguss, that can offer paralysis support are invaluable to remedy his subpar Speed. Musharna and Probopass can either Baton Pass or Volt Switch, respectively, extremely slowly, allowing Beartic a safer switch-in. Additionally, Pokemon like Torterra and Leafeon both appreciate Beartic's ability to dispatch bulky Grass-types, and can breeze through the Water-types that give him trouble.</p>
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Night Slash
move 4: Stone Edge / Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Though Beartic is usually seen taking advantage of his respectable bulk to slowly wear down the opposition, he is more than capable of attacking much more directly. With a Life Orb in hand, Beartic can be extremely tricky to switch into, especially considering his exquisite coverage moves. Icicle Crash is Beartic's primary STAB move, and puts large holes in any Pokemon that doesn't resist it. Superpower provides excellent neutral coverage with Icicle Crash, in addition to hitting opposing Ice- and Steel-types especially hard. However, certain Pokemon, namely Frillish, Lampent, and Thick Fat Grumpig, resist this combination; that's where Night Slash comes in, dispatching all three with ease. Lastly, Stone Edge is Beartic's best bet against Fire-type Pokemon, such as Torkoal and Magmortar. However, Swords Dance is an excellent choice against slower teams, which are destroyed by the vicious attacks of an angry Beartic at +2 Attack.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EVs maximize Beartic's offensive capabilities, with the remaining 4 EVs tossed into Special Defense to prevent the occasional Download Porygon from receiving a beneficial boost upon switching in. Though an Adamant nature allows him to hit as hard as possible, a Jolly nature allows Beartic to outspeed Adamant Torterra. Choice Band is also a viable item choice. However, considering the fact that Stealth Rock already hinders the chances Beartic has to switch in, Life Orb is often the more pragmatic choice.</p>
<p>As with his fellow Ice types, Beartic appreciates a field clear of Stealth Rock. Thus, Armaldo makes a useful partner, who is also capable of laying his own Stealth Rock to support Beartic. Additionally, Pokemon like Musharna, who are capable of Baton Passing massive Substitutes, are also excellent teammates, as he often has difficulty switching in successfully. Pokemon such as Eelektross and Ampharos can run through Water-types with ease, while still maintaining the momentum for Beartic via Volt Switch. Also, Quagsire makes an excellent defensive pivot for Beartic, being able to shrug off several Fire- and Rock-type attacks and Recover off the damage.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Beartic possesses very few alternative moves to choose from. Bulk Up and Hone Claws are reasonable alternatives to Swords Dance, increasing either physical bulk or accuracy, respectively, at the loss of more direct power. He also is one of the few Pokemon introduced this generation to possess Sleep Talk, making a RestTalk set possible. Beartic also receives Roar, though his lack of useful resistances prevent him from being a particularly effective phazer. In a similar vein, Beartic receives Taunt and Encore, and though these moves are excellent support options for faster Pokemon, they possess very little value on a slowpoke like him.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>As with his fellow Ice-types, perhaps the most effective counter to Beartic is Stealth Rock, which severely restricts his longevity. Pokemon such as Golem are especially dangerous to Beartic, as they are not only capable of laying Stealth Rock, but can also utilize Rock Blast to break through Beartic's Substitutes. Similarly, several faster Pokemon, such as Sawk and Magmortar, can promptly KO him with their powerful STAB moves, should he not be sheltered behind a Substitute. While behind a Substitute, Beartic's biggest threat is VoltTurn. Since Focus Punch warns the opponent of its use before the attack, it is fairly simple to maneuver around his attacks and best him. Bulky Water-types such as Alomomola are also capable of withstanding Beartic's attacks, though they must be wary of Toxic.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Beartic's Dream World Ability is Swift Swim. This ability does show promise, and may allow him to be of use to Rain Dance teams in the future.</p>
<p>It's a hard knock life for Beartic. With his pure Ice typing, he is often found victim to the various Fire-, Fighting-, and Rock-type attacks of very common Pokemon in NU, in addition to living in constant fear of the ever-present Stealth Rock. To compile upon his woes, Beartic has trouble distinguishing himself from the slew of other Ice-type Pokemon in the tier. However, don't let this deter you from taking this bearded giant under your wing. His Ice typing, while rather subpar defensively, is extremely threatening offensively, and can attain perfect neutral coverage with ease. Moreover, Beartic's above average Attack, complemented by his brawny 95 / 80 / 80 defenses, make him a dangerous foe if left unchecked.</p>
[SET]
name: SubPunch
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Focus Punch
move 3: Icicle Crash
move 4: Night Slash / Toxic
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With his sizable bulk, large attack, and access to excellent coverage moves, Beartic makes an excellent user of Focus Punch. Substitute not only allows him to abuse Focus Punch without fear of interruption, but also protects Beartic from status ailments that may otherwise cripple him. Icicle Crash not only offers him a powerful STAB move, but also hits nearly every Pokemon in the tier for neutral damage or better. The only three Pokemon that resist these two moves, Frillish, Lampent, and Thick Fat Grumpig, are hit hard by Night Slash. However, certain Pokemon, such as Alomomola and Torkoal, can muscle through any attacks Beartic can muster, making Toxic a suitable option as well.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Though his bulk is invaluable, Beartic needs to invest in Speed to some degree. 84 Speed EVs allow Beartic to outspeed uninvested base 60 Speed Pokemon, allowing him to set up a Substitute before threats such as Weezing and Tangela can cripple him with Will-O-Wisp or Sleep Powder, respectively. The remaining EVs are used to maximize Attack, with the rest put into HP for bulk. As far as move choice is concerned, Avalanche can hit harder than Icicle Crash due to Beartic's lower Speed, though consistency is more important than anything else.</p>
<p>Due to Beartic's irritating weakness to Stealth Rock, a Rapid Spin user is an invaluable partner to him. Torkoal is a prime example, who can, in addition to spinning entry hazards away, also provide Stealth Rock support of his own. Grumpig is also a solid partner for Beartic, but for different reasons. Grumpig resists Fire- and Fighting-type attacks aimed at Beartic, and can offer support in the form of Heal Bell, Thunder Wave, and dual screens. Similarly, other Pokemon, such as Regirock, Volbeat, and Amoonguss, that can offer paralysis support are invaluable to remedy his subpar Speed. Musharna and Probopass can either Baton Pass or Volt Switch, respectively, extremely slowly, allowing Beartic a safer switch-in. Additionally, Pokemon like Torterra and Leafeon both appreciate Beartic's ability to dispatch bulky Grass-types, and can breeze through the Water-types that give him trouble.</p>
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Night Slash
move 4: Stone Edge / Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Though Beartic is usually seen taking advantage of his respectable bulk to slowly wear down the opposition, he is more than capable of attacking much more directly. With a Life Orb in hand, Beartic can be extremely tricky to switch into, especially considering his exquisite coverage moves. Icicle Crash is Beartic's primary STAB move, and puts large holes in any Pokemon that doesn't resist it. Superpower provides excellent neutral coverage with Icicle Crash, in addition to hitting opposing Ice- and Steel-types especially hard. However, certain Pokemon, namely Frillish, Lampent, and Thick Fat Grumpig, resist this combination; that's where Night Slash comes in, dispatching all three with ease. Lastly, Stone Edge is Beartic's best bet against Fire-type Pokemon, such as Torkoal and Magmortar. However, Swords Dance is an excellent choice against slower teams, which are destroyed by the vicious attacks of an angry Beartic at +2 Attack.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EVs maximize Beartic's offensive capabilities, with the remaining 4 EVs tossed into Special Defense to prevent the occasional Download Porygon from receiving a beneficial boost upon switching in. Though an Adamant nature allows him to hit as hard as possible, a Jolly nature allows Beartic to outspeed Adamant Torterra. Choice Band is also a viable item choice. However, considering the fact that Stealth Rock already hinders the chances Beartic has to switch in, Life Orb is often the more pragmatic choice.</p>
<p>As with his fellow Ice types, Beartic appreciates a field clear of Stealth Rock. Thus, Armaldo makes a useful partner, who is also capable of laying his own Stealth Rock to support Beartic. Additionally, Pokemon like Musharna, who are capable of Baton Passing massive Substitutes, are also excellent teammates, as he often has difficulty switching in successfully. Pokemon such as Eelektross and Ampharos can run through Water-types with ease, while still maintaining the momentum for Beartic via Volt Switch. Also, Quagsire makes an excellent defensive pivot for Beartic, being able to shrug off several Fire- and Rock-type attacks and Recover off the damage.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Beartic possesses very few alternative moves to choose from. Bulk Up and Hone Claws are reasonable alternatives to Swords Dance, increasing either physical bulk or accuracy, respectively, at the loss of more direct power. He also is one of the few Pokemon introduced this generation to possess Sleep Talk, making a RestTalk set possible. Beartic also receives Roar, though his lack of useful resistances prevent him from being a particularly effective phazer. In a similar vein, Beartic receives Taunt and Encore, and though these moves are excellent support options for faster Pokemon, they possess very little value on a slowpoke like him.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>As with his fellow Ice-types, perhaps the most effective counter to Beartic is Stealth Rock, which severely restricts his longevity. Pokemon such as Golem are especially dangerous to Beartic, as they are not only capable of laying Stealth Rock, but can also utilize Rock Blast to break through Beartic's Substitutes. Similarly, several faster Pokemon, such as Sawk and Magmortar, can promptly KO him with their powerful STAB moves, should he not be sheltered behind a Substitute. While behind a Substitute, Beartic's biggest threat is VoltTurn. Since Focus Punch warns the opponent of its use before the attack, it is fairly simple to maneuver around his attacks and best him. Bulky Water-types such as Alomomola are also capable of withstanding Beartic's attacks, though they must be wary of Toxic.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Beartic's Dream World Ability is Swift Swim. This ability does show promise, and may allow him to be of use to Rain Dance teams in the future.</p>
