RU Cacturne

[boltsandbombers]

Taken over from user Cacturne

QC: EonX, Silentverse, Molk
GP: fleurdyleurse, GatoDelFuego

slurping up yo scalds

Overview
########

In addition to a useful ability in Water Absorb, Cacturne has many resistances and an immunity to Psychic, allowing it to set up Swords Dance and Spikes on a variety of bulky Pokemon, including Water-types such as Slowking, Gastrodon, and Alomomola. Cacturne also has very respectable Attack and Special Attack stats, both at 115, and access to Sucker Punch to mitigate its pitiful Speed, one of its main drawbacks. Unfortunately, Cacturne is very frail and weak to common attacking types, including Bug, Flying, Ice, and Fire. It also faces serious competition from Accelgor, which is a faster Spikes user, and Shifty, which shares its typing but has higher Speed and access to Defog. Lastly, Cacturne is fairly weak without a Swords Dance boost.

Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Drain Punch / Low Kick
ability: Water Absorb
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Cacturne to break through bulky walls and punch holes in the opposing team. Seed Bomb is a Grass-type STAB move that hits fairly hard, and Sucker Punch is a Dark-type move that has good Base Power and makes up for Cacturne's poor Speed, though opponents can take advantage of Sucker Punch's low PP. Drain Punch allows Cacturne to regain HP as well as hit Steel-types for super effective damage. However, Low Kick is an option that deals more damage to heavier Steel-types such as Registeel. Substitute can be used to block status from the likes of Alomomola, ease setup opportunities, and protect Cacturne from revenge killers and priority.

Set Details
========

An Adamant nature and max Speed and Attack investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard and fast as possible. An Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly nature because the latter does not allow Cacturne to outspeed anything significant, and the former gives a significant boost in power. Life Orb gives Cacturne an easier time breaking through walls, but a Focus Sash can allow Cacturne to set up more easily against offensive teams. If Substitute is chosen, then Leftovers should be used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is used mainly as a wallbreaker due to its ability to take advantage of the many bulky Water-types in the tier, such as Slowking lacking Fire Blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent with Water Absorb. Many of those Pokemon carry status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, so Substitute definitely helps Cacturne to break them down. Unlike other Swords Dance users, such as Drapion and Virizion, Cacturne must rely on Sucker Punch to mitigate its low Speed, so it will often not be able to fully sweep. Cacturne should be brought in on double switches or on predicted Water- or Psychic-type attacks. In addition, you should be wary of super effective moves that defensive Pokemon carry, such as Slowking's Fire Blast and Gligar's U-turn. Also, faster Substitute users such as Braviary can take advantage of Sucker Punch and shut down Cacturne.

Team Options
========

Good teammates for Cacturne are Fire-types that appreciate bulky Water-types broken down, such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox. Also, Cacturne appreciates entry hazard support from partners such as Accelgor, Rhyperior, and Cobalion to aid in breaking down walls. However, if you would prefer Cacturne to act as a full sweeper, then a bulky Water-type of your own will help handle Fletchinder and Hitmonlee, as both of them can revenge kill Cacturne no matter what due to their higher Speed and priority. Lastly, Cacturne is crippled by many forms of status, so a cleric such as Aromatisse can be used to help remedy that issue.

Spikes
########
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Bullet Seed / Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Destiny Bond
ability: Water Absorb
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Spikes wears down the opposing team's grounded Pokemon very quickly. Bullet Seed is a Grass-type STAB that allows Cacturne to beat other Focus Sash users such as Omastar, but Seed Bomb is more reliable. Sucker Punch serves as priority and a Dark-type STAB move, and Destiny Bond is a disrupting move that allows Cacturne to take out an opposing Pokemon if they KO Cacturne, or set up more entry hazards while threatening to take the opponent down with it. Encore is another option that can lock defensive Pokemon into moves such as Wish and Stealth Rock, allowing Cacturne to get up more hazards. However, it is illegal alongside Water Absorb.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Cacturne to hit as hard and be as fast as possible. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, Cacturne Speed ties with lead Omastar, which gives Cacturne a 50% chance of stopping it from setting up any entry hazards by using Bullet Seed.

Usage Tips
========

This Cacturne set is best used as a lead in order to get up as many layers of Spikes as possible. If the opponent has a possible Taunt lead, such as Cobalion or Drapion, lead with something to handle that Pokemon. You should use Bullet Seed on turn one if your opponent leads with another Focus Sash user, such as Omastar or Dugtrio, in order to limit the entry hazards they can set up. Due to Cacturne's typing and ability, it can create free switches mid- or late-game, so it might not always be wise to use Cacturne as a suicide lead.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, and Sharpedo that appreciate their checks and counters, namely Slowking or Rhyperior, being weakened, make for good partners. In addition, a Stealth Rock user such as Rhyperior or Druddigon is a good partner in order to pressure opposing Flying- and Fire-types. Lastly, a spinblocker such as Doublade and Spiritomb should be used to keep your entry hazards up. Also, a Defiant user such as Braviary can discourage the use of Defog.

Other Options
########

Cacturne can utilize a special or mixed attacking set with Giga Drain, Dark Pulse, and Growth, but a set of this nature is usually outclassed by the faster Shifty. In addition, a mixed Cacturne set is forced to use a Defense-lowering nature, amplifying its frailty, and splitting its EVs, making its attacks relatively weak. Cacturne can also use a set with Substitute and Leech Seed, but Cacturne is too slow to use it well.

Checks & Counters
########

**Status**: Unless Cacturne is using Substitute, it is vulnerable to all forms of status. Burn halves its Attack and renders it nearly useless, paralysis slows it down greatly, and poison puts a timer on its longevity.

**Gligar**: Even if Cacturne is at +2, Gligar can stomach a Seed Bomb and either Toxic Cacturne or deal massive damage to it and gain momentum with U-turn. However, if it attempts to Roost stall out Cacturne's Life Orb recoil, it will be 2HKOed by a +2 Seed Bomb.

**Faster Priority Users**: Hitmonlee and Fletchinder can all out-prioritize Cacturne's Sucker Punch and KO it easily with Mach Punch and Acrobatics respectively.

**Bulky Grass Resistances**: Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Drapion, Amoonguss, Virizion, and others can use their type advantage to pressure Cacturne. Virizion does not appreciate switching in on a +2 Drain Punch, though it can use its ability Justified and Dark-type resistance to take advantage of Sucker Punch.

**Substitute Users**: Pokemon that set up Substitutes, such as Bulk Up Braviary, can avoid Sucker Punch and are able to set up alongside Cacturne.

**Bug-types**: Because most Bug-types carry U-turn, they can either KO Cacturne that lack a Focus Sash or force it out and gain momentum.

**Multi-Hit move users**: Five hits from a Life Orb or Choice Band Cinccino's Tail Slap can easily KO Focus Sash Cacturne.

 

[boltsandbombers]

This is written and ready for the 3rd check :]

 

[Molk]

Mention Encore as an option over Destiny Bond on the Spikes set, possibly with Leftovers slashed as well. Encore can be quite useful for cacturne, especially since it's often unexpected. You can lock things like Alomomola into Wish, Registeel into Stealth Rock quite easily to get up an extra layer. Once the opponent knows you have Encore, the mere threat of it can force switches, granting you even more layers of hazards. Only problem is that it's illegal with Water Absorb...

Try and extend the set details section of the spikes set a little bit, looks a little bit skimpy atm. One thing you could mention is that the EV investment forces a speed tie with Omastar, giving you a 50/50 shot of stopping it from setting hazards at all.

Alomomola should definitely be mentioned whenever Cacturne's ability to take advantage of bulky waters is mentioned. It's a very relevant defensive threat and the fact that Cacturne can take advantage of it so easily (especially with Substitute to evade Toxic) is a big selling point.

I'd try and fix some capitalization issues before this gets to GP. Reading over this i noticed a few (Pokemon, move, and item names should always be capitalized, etc)

QC Approved 3/3

 

[frenzyplant]

amcheck :)

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Overview
########

Cacturne is a very unique pokemon in RU that has access to a useful ability in Water Absorb. (period) This, alongside its many resistances and Psychic immunity, (comma) and resistances, which allows it to set up moves such as Swords Dance and Spikes on a variety of bulky Water-type (dash) Pokemon such as throughout the tier. These include Slowking, Gastrodon, and Alomomola, and a few others. In addition, it Cacturne also has very respectable attacking stats, with both at 115. Cacturne has access to Sucker Punch to mitigate its pitiful Speed, which is one of its flaws. Unfortunately, Cacturne has some hindering flaws such as how it is very frail and is weak to common attacking types, including such as Bug, Flying, Ice, and Fire, and others. Also, it faces serious competition from other pokemon that perform its role in different ways such as Accelgor, which in that it is a faster Spikes user, (comma) and Shifty, (comma) which shares its typing but has higher Speed and access to Defog and higher speed. Lastly, Cacturne is fairly weak without a Swords Dance boost Cacturne is fairly weak.

Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Sucker Punch
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Drain Punch / Low Kick
move 4: Swords Dance
ability: Water Absorb
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========
(could you change the order of the moves on the set to the order they're discussed here, i.e. Swords Dance, Seed Bomb, Sucker Punch, Drain Punch / Low Kick? Or is there a specific reason they're out of order?)
Swords Dance allows Cacturne to break through bulky walls and punch holes in the opposing team. Seed Bomb is the preferred Grass-type STAB move of choice, as it hits fairly hard with an adamant nature and a Life Orb if chosen. Sucker Punch is the Cacturne's Dark-type (dash) STAB move, as it has good Base Power and somewhat makes up for its Cacturne's poor Speed, though opponents can take advantage of Sucker Punch's. However, its low PP can be taken advantage of. Drain Punch allows Cacturne to gain back regain HP as well as hit bulky Steel-types (dash) super effectively for super effective damage. However, Low Kick is another viable option to hit the deal more damage to heavier Steel-types (dash) in the tier such as Registeel. Lastly, Substitute is good choice can be used to block status such as Toxic from the likes of Alomomola, (comma) and ease setup opportunities, as well as and protecting you Cacturne from revenge killers and priority revenge killing provided you keep the Substitute intact.

Set Details
========

An Adamant nature, (remove comma) and max Speed and Attack investment allows Cacturne to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Also, aAn Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly nature because the latter does not allow Cacturne to outspeed anything significant, and an Adamant nature provides a boost in power. A Life Orb will gives Cacturne an easier time breaking through walls, but a Focus Sash can allow Cacturne to set up easier more easily against offensive teams. If Substitute is chosen, then Leftovers should be used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is used mainly as a wallbreaker (remove space) (remove comma) due to the amount of many bulky Water-types (dash) in the tier, including Slowking lacking Fire Blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent, that it can take advantage of with Water Absorb. These include Slowking lacking fire blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, Jellicent, and others. However, most of the aforementioned pokempon many of those Pokemon carry status moves such as Will-O-Wisp or and Toxic, so using Substitute will greatly helps Cacturne to breaking them down. Unlike other Swords Dance users (examples?), (comma) Cacturne must rely on Sucker Punch to mitigate its low Speed, therefore it cannot so it will not be able to fully sweep. Cacturne should be brought in on double switches or on predicted switches into Water- (dash) or Psychic-type (dash) attacks or on double switches. In addition, you should be wary of coverage super effective (I wouldn't classify U-turn as coverage) moves on that defensive Pokemon carry, such as Slowking's Fire Blast and Gligar's on Slowking or U-turn on Gligar. Also, faster Substitute users such as Braviary can greatly take advantage of Sucker Punch, as that will to shut down Cacturne.

Team Options
========

Pokemon Good teammates for Cacturne are Fire-types such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox that appreciate bulky Water-types (dash) broken down such as Fetchinder, Moltres, Delphox, and other fire types. Also, Cacturne appreciates entry hazards support from partners such as Accelgor, Rhypherior, and Cobalion to aid in breaking down walls from partners such as Accelgor, Rhyperior, and Cobalion. However, if you would prefer Cacturne to act as a full sweeper, then a bulky Water-type (dash) of your own will help handle other powerful priority users such as Fletchinder and Hitmonlee, both of whom which can revenge kill Cacturne no matter what how many Swords Dance boosts it has up due to their greater higher Speed. Lastly, Cacturne is crippled by many forms of status, therefore so a cleric such as Aromatisse can be used to help remedy that issue if need be.

Spikes
########
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Bullet Seed / Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Destiny Bond
ability: Water Absorb
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Spikes is the main move of this set, as it wears down the opposing team's grounded Pokemon very quickly. Seed Bomb is the preferred Grass-type STAB move of choice, as without an adamant nature or Life Orb Cacturne is fairly weak. (how does this relate to Seed Bomb being preferred over [insert Grass-type move here]) However, Bullet Seed is a viable option to hit opposing Focus Sash users such as Omastar. Sucker Punch serves as priority and the Dark-type (dash) STAB move of choice. Destiny Bond is a disrupting move that can possibly allow Cacturne to get up more hazards. (Destiny Bond requires Cacturne to die, though? Could you rephrase this?) Encore is another option that can lock defensive Pokemon into defensive pokemon to moves such as Wish and or Stealth Rock, allowing Cacturne to get up more hazards. However, this Encore is illegal alongside Water Absorb.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Cacturne to hit as hard as possible and be able to get up as many hazards as fast as possible. In addition, With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, it forces a Cacturne speed ties with lead Omastar, (comma) which gives you a 50/50 chance of stopping it from setting up its any entry hazards by using in the case you choose Bullet Seed.

Usage Tips
========

This Cacturne set is best used mainly as a lead, (remove comma) in order to get up as many Spikes as possible to support its teammates. In the event that If the opponent has a possible Taunt lead, such as Cobalion or and Drapion, (comma) it is advised to lead with something to handle that Pokemon. Also, You should use Bullet Seed turn one if your opponent leads with another Focus Sash user such as Omastar or Dugtrio in order to limit their entry hazards they can set up. Due to Cacturne's (apostrophe) typing and ability, it can create free switches mid- or to late-game (dash), so therefore it may not always be necessary wise to use Cacturne as a suicide lead.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, and Sharpedo that appreciate their checks and counters (examples?) being weakened are good partners such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, Sharpedo, and many others. In addition, a Stealth Rock user such as Rhyperior or and Druddigon is advised to good partner with this set to pressure the various opposing Flying- and Fire-(remove space)types in the tier. Lastly, a spinblocker such as Doublade or and Spiritomb should be used to keep your entry hazards up on the opponents side of the field. Alternatively, a Defiant user such as Braviary can discourage the use of Defog.

Other Options
########

Cacturne can utilize a special or mixed attacking set with moves such as Giga Drain, Dark Pulse, or and Growth, (comma) but a set of this nature is usually outclassed by Shifty, which is faster as a mixed attacker due to its higher speed. In addition, a mixed Cacturne set with a combination of special moves as well as Sucker Punch would force it is forced to use a Defense-lowering (dash) nature, amplifying its frailty. (period) as well as Also, splitting the Cacturne's offensive EVs will make its attacks relatively weak. Cacturne can also use a set with Substitute and Leech Seed, but it is too slow to use it well.

Checks & Counters
########

**Status**: Unless Cacturne is using Substitute, it is vulnerable to all forms of status except for sleep. Burn will half halves its Attack, thus rendering it nearly useless, paralysis will slow slows it down greatly, and Toxic will puts a timer on its longevity survivability.

**Gligar**: Even if Cacturne is at +2 after a Swords Dance boost, Gligar can stomach a boosted Seed Bomb and either Toxic Cacturne or deal massive damage and gain momentum with U-turn. However, if it Gligar attempts to Roost stall out Cacturne with Life Orb recoil, it will be 2HKOed by a +2 Seed Bomb. (what about this causes Roost stall to fail?)

**Faster Priority Users**: These include but are not limited to Hitmonlee, Fletchinder, and Abomasnow. These pokemon can all out-prioritize Cacturne's Sucker Punch and KO it with ease from moves such as with Mach Punch, Acrobatics, and Ice Shard, respectively.

**Bulky Grass Resists**: Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Drapion, Amoonguss, and Virizion, and others can use their type advantage to pressure Cacturne. However, Virizion does not appreciate switching in on a +2 Drain Punch, though but it can use its ability and Dark resist and ability to take advantage of Sucker Punch.

**Substitute Users**: Pokemon that set up Substitutes such as Bulk Up Braviary can avoid Sucker Punch mind games as well as being and are able to set up alongside Cacturne such as bulk up Braviary.

**Bug-types (dash)**: Due to the fact that Because most Bug-types (dash) carry U-turn, they can either KO Cacturne that lacks an intact Focus Sash provided it does not have a focus sash intact or force it out and gain momentum.

**Multi-hit moves users**: Cinccino is the only relevant pokemon with reliable multi hit attacks, and Five hits from a Life Orb or Choice Banded Cinccino's Tail Slap will easily KO Focus Sash Cacturne.

 

[Winry]

hi, I come with an amcheck!

check

Overview
########

Cacturne has accessIn addition to a useful ability in Water Absorb. This, alongside itCacturne has many resistances and Psychic immunity, allowsing it to set up moves such as Swords Dance and Spikes on a variety of bulky water type pPokemon throughout the tier. These include, including Water-types such as Slowking, Gastrodon, and Alomomola. (I changed it from just bulky Water-types because you mentioned "many resistances" and Psychic-type immunity which isn't all too relevant against only Water-types) Cacturne also has very respectable Attack and Special Attacking stats, with both at 115. Cacturne has, and access to Sucker Punch to mitigate its pitiful Speed, which is one of its flmain drawbacks. Unfortunately, Cacturne is very frail and is weak to common attacking types, including Bug, Flying, Ice, Fire. AIt also, it faces serious competition from Accelgor, which is a faster Spikes user, and Shifty, which shares its typing but has higher Speed and access to Defog. Lastly, Cacturne is fairly weak without a Swords Dance boost.

Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Drain Punch / Low Kick
ability: Water Absorb
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Cacturne to break through bulky walls and punch holes in the opposing team. Seed Bomb is the preferred Grass-type STAB move as it hits fairly hard. Sucker Punch is Cacturne's Dark-type STAB move, as it has good Base Power and makes up for Cacturne's poor Speed, though opponents can take advantage of Sucker Punch's low PP. Drain Punch allows Cacturne to regain HP as well as hit Steel-types for super effectively damage. However, Low Kick is an option tohat deals more damage to heavier Steel-types such as Registeel. Substitute can be used to block status from the likes of Alomomola, ease setup opportunities, and protect Cacturne from revenge killers and priority.

Set Details
========

An Adamant nature and max Speed and Attack investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard and as fast as possible. An Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly nature because the latter does not allow Cacturne to outspeed anything significant, and an Adamant nature or provides a it the significant boost in power that Adamant does. Life Orb gives Cacturne an easier time breaking through walls, but a Focus Sash can allow Cacturne to set up more easily against offensive teams. If Substitute is chosen, then Leftovers should be used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is used mainly as a wall breaker (remove space) due to its ability to take advantage of the many bulky Water-types in the tier, includingsuch as Slowking lacking Fire Blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent that it can take advantage of, with Water Absorb. Many of those Pokemon carry status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, so Substitute greatly helps Cacturne to break them down. Unlike other Swords Dance users, such as Drapion and Virizion, Cacturne must rely on Sucker Punch to mitigate its low Speed, so it will not be able to fully sweep. Cacturne should be brought in on double switches or on predicted Water- or Psychic-type attacks. In addition, you should be wary of super effective moves that defensive Pokemon carry, such as Slowking's Fire Blast and Gligar's U-turn. Also, faster Substitute users such as Braviary can take advantage of Sucker Punch, to and shut down Cacturne.

Team Options
========

Good teammates for Cacturne are Fire-types such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox that appreciate bulky Water-types broken down. Also, Cacturne appreciates entry hazard support from partners such as Accelgor, Rhyperior, and Cobalion to aid in breaking down walls. However, if you would prefer Cacturne to act as a full sweeper, then a bulky Water-type of your own will help handle Fletchinder and Hitmonlee, since both of whichthem can revenge kill Cacturne no matter what due to their higher speed. Lastly, Cacturne is crippled by many forms of status, so a cleric such as Aromatisse can be used help remedy that issue.

Spikes
########
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Bullet Seed / Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Destiny Bond
ability: Water Absorb
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Spikes wears down the opposing team's grounded Pokemon very quickly. Bullet Seed is the preferred Grass-type STAB move of choice, as it allows Cacturne to beat other Focus Sash users such as Omastar. Seed Bomb is a viable option due to its more reliable power over Bullet Seed. Sucker Punch serves as priority and the Dark-type STAB move of choice., and Destiny Bond is a disrupting move that can possibly allow Cacturne to get up more hazards by threatening to take out one of the opposing Pokemon if they attack and KO Cacturne. Encore is another option that can lock defensive Pokemon into moves such as Wish and Stealth Rock, allowing Cacturne to get up more hazards. However, Encore is illegal alongside Water Absorb.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard as possible and be as fast as possible. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, Cacturne speed ties with lead Omastar, which gives you a 50/50 chance of stopping it from setting up any entry hazards by using Bullet Seed.

Usage Tips
========

This Cacturne set is best used as a lead in order to get up as many Spikes as possible. If the opponent has a possible taunt lead, such as Cobalion and Drapion, lead with something to handle that Pokemon. You should use Bullet Seed on turn one if your opponent leads with another Focus Sash user, such as Omastar or Dugtrio, in order to limit the entry hazards they can set up. Due to Cacturne's typing and ability, it can create free switches mid- or late-game, so it may not always be wise to use Cacturne as a suicide lead.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, and Sharpedo that appreciate their checks and counters being weakened such as, namely Slowking or Rhyperior, being weakened. In addition, a Stealth Rock user such as Rhyperior andor Druddigon is a good partner in order to pressure opposing Flying- and Fire-types. Lastly, a spinblocker such as Doublade and Spiritomb should be used to keep your entry hazards up. Alternatively, a Defiant user such as Braviary can discourage the use of Defog.

Other Options
########

Cacturne can utilize a special or mixed attacking set with Giga Drain, Dark Pulse, and Growth, but a set of this nature is usually outclassed by Shifty, which isthe faster Shifty. In addition, a mixed Cacturne set is forced to use a Defense-lowering nature, amplifying its frailty. Also, splitting Cacturne's offensive EVs will make its attacks relatively weak. Cacturne can also use a set with Substitute and Leech Seed, but it is too slow to use it well.

Checks & Counters
########

**Status**: Unless Cacturne is using Substitute, it is vulnerable to all forms of status. Burn halves its Attack, and rendering sit nearly useless, paralysis slows it down greatly, and Toxic puts a timer on its longevity.

**Gligar**: Even if Cacturne is at +2, Gligar can stomach a Seed Bomb and either Toxic Cacturne or deal massive damage and gain momentum with U-turn. However, if it attempts to Roost stall out its Life Orb recoil, it will be 2HKOed by a +2 Seed Bomb.

**Faster Priority Users**: Hitmonlee, Fletchinder, and Abomasnow can all out-prioritize Cacturne's Sucker Punch and KO it with easeily with Mach Punch, Acrobatics, and Ice Shard, respectively.

**Bulky Grass Resists**: Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Drapion, Amoonguss, and Virizion, and others can use their type advantage to pressure Cacturne. Virizion does not appreciate switching in on a +2 Drain Punch, though it can use its ability and Dark-type resist to take advantage of Sucker Punch.

**Substitute Users**: Pokemon that set up Substitutes, such as Bulk Up Braviary, can avoid Sucker Punch mind games and are able to set up alongside Cacturne.

**Bug-Types**: Because most bug Bug-types carry U-turn, they can either KO Cacturne that lacks a Focus Sash or force it out and gain momentum.

**Multi-hit users**: Five hits from a Life Orb or Choice Band Tail Slap can easily KO Focus Sash Cacturne.

c/p

Overview
########

In addition to a useful ability in Water Absorb, Cacturne has many resistances and Psychic immunity, allowing it to set up Swords Dance and Spikes on a variety of bulky Pokemon, including Water-types such as Slowking, Gastrodon, and Alomomola. Cacturne also has very respectable Attack and Special Attack stats, with both at 115, and access to Sucker Punch to mitigate its pitiful Speed, one of its main drawbacks. Unfortunately, Cacturne is very frail and weak to common attacking types, including Bug, Flying, Ice, Fire. It also faces serious competition from Accelgor, which is a faster Spikes user, and Shifty, which shares its typing but has higher Speed and access to Defog. Lastly, Cacturne is fairly weak without a Swords Dance boost.

Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Drain Punch / Low Kick
ability: Water Absorb
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Cacturne to break through bulky walls and punch holes in the opposing team. Seed Bomb is the preferred Grass-type STAB move as it hits fairly hard. Sucker Punch is Cacturne's Dark-type STAB move, as it has good Base Power and makes up for Cacturne's poor Speed, though opponents can take advantage of Sucker Punch's low PP. Drain Punch allows Cacturne to regain HP as well as hit Steel-types for super effective damage. However, Low Kick is an option that deals more damage to heavier Steel-types such as Registeel. Substitute can be used to block status from the likes of Alomomola, ease setup opportunities, and protect Cacturne from revenge killers and priority.

Set Details
========

An Adamant nature and max Speed and Attack investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard and fast as possible. An Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly nature because the latter does not allow Cacturne to outspeed anything significant or provide it the significant boost in power that Adamant does. Life Orb gives Cacturne an easier time breaking through walls, but a Focus Sash can allow Cacturne to set up more easily against offensive teams. If Substitute is chosen, then Leftovers should be used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is used mainly as a wallbreaker due to its ability to take advantage of the many bulky Water-types in the tier, such as Slowking lacking Fire Blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent, with Water Absorb. Many of those Pokemon carry status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, so Substitute greatly helps Cacturne to break them down. Unlike other Swords Dance users, such as Drapion and Virizion, Cacturne must rely on Sucker Punch to mitigate its low Speed, so it will not be able to fully sweep. Cacturne should be brought in on double switches or on predicted Water- or Psychic-type attacks. In addition, you should be wary of super effective moves that defensive Pokemon carry, such as Slowking's Fire Blast and Gligar's U-turn. Also, faster Substitute users such as Braviary can take advantage of Sucker Punch and shut down Cacturne.

Team Options
========

Good teammates for Cacturne are Fire-types such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox that appreciate bulky Water-types broken down. Also, Cacturne appreciates entry hazard support from partners such as Accelgor, Rhyperior, and Cobalion to aid in breaking down walls. However, if you would prefer Cacturne to act as a full sweeper, then a bulky Water-type of your own will help handle Fletchinder and Hitmonlee, since both of them can revenge kill Cacturne no matter what due to their higher speed. Lastly, Cacturne is crippled by many forms of status, so a cleric such as Aromatisse can be used help remedy that issue.

Spikes
########
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Bullet Seed / Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Destiny Bond
ability: Water Absorb
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Spikes wear down the opposing team's grounded Pokemon very quickly. Bullet Seed is the preferred Grass-type STAB move of choice, as it allows Cacturne to beat other Focus Sash users such as Omastar. Seed Bomb is a viable option due to its more reliable power over Bullet Seed. Sucker Punch serves as priority and the Dark-type STAB, and Destiny Bond is a disrupting move that can possibly allow Cacturne to get up more hazards by threatening to take out one of the opposing Pokemon if they attack and KO Cacturne. Encore is another option that can lock defensive Pokemon into moves such as Wish and Stealth Rock, allowing Cacturne to get up more hazards. However, Encore is illegal alongside Water Absorb.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard and be as fast as possible. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, Cacturne speed ties with lead Omastar, which gives you a 50/50 chance of stopping it from setting up any entry hazards by using Bullet Seed.

Usage Tips
========

This Cacturne set is best used as a lead in order to get up as many Spikes as possible. If the opponent has a possible taunt lead, such as Cobalion and Drapion, lead with something to handle that Pokemon. You should use Bullet Seed on turn one if your opponent leads with another Focus Sash user, such as Omastar or Dugtrio, in order to limit the entry hazards they can set up. Due to Cacturne's typing and ability, it can create free switches mid- or late-game, so it may not always be wise to use Cacturne as a suicide lead.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, and Sharpedo that appreciate their checks and counters, namely Slowking or Rhyperior, being weakened. In addition, a Stealth Rock user such as Rhyperior or Druddigon is a good partner in order to pressure opposing Flying- and Fire-types. Lastly, a spinblocker such as Doublade and Spiritomb should be used to keep your entry hazards up. Alternatively, a Defiant user such as Braviary can discourage the use of Defog.

Other Options
########

Cacturne can utilize a special or mixed attacking set with Giga Drain, Dark Pulse, and Growth, but a set of this nature is usually outclassed by the faster Shifty. In addition, a mixed Cacturne set is forced to use a Defense-lowering nature, amplifying its frailty. Also, splitting Cacturne's offensive EVs will make its attacks relatively weak. Cacturne can also use a set with Substitute and Leech Seed, but it is too slow to use it well.

Checks & Counters
########

**Status**: Unless Cacturne is using Substitute, it is vulnerable to all forms of status. Burn halves its Attack and rendersit nearly useless, paralysis slows it down greatly, and Toxic puts a timer on its longevity.

**Gligar**: Even if Cacturne is at +2, Gligar can stomach a Seed Bomb and either Toxic Cacturne or deal massive damage and gain momentum with U-turn. However, if it attempts to Roost stall out its Life Orb recoil, it will be 2HKOed by a +2 Seed Bomb.

**Faster Priority Users**: Hitmonlee, Fletchinder, and Abomasnow can all out-prioritize Cacturne's Sucker Punch and KO it easily with Mach Punch, Acrobatics, and Ice Shard, respectively.

**Bulky Grass Resists**: Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Drapion, Amoonguss, Virizion, and others can use their type advantage to pressure Cacturne. Virizion does not appreciate switching in on a +2 Drain Punch, though it can use its ability and Dark-type resist to take advantage of Sucker Punch.

**Substitute Users**: Pokemon that set up Substitutes, such as Bulk Up Braviary, can avoid Sucker Punch mind games and are able to set up alongside Cacturne.

**Bug-Types**: Because most Bug-types carry U-turn, they can either KO Cacturne that lack a Focus Sash or force it out and gain momentum.

**Multi-hit users**: Five hits from a Life Orb or Choice Band Tail Slap can easily KO Focus Sash Cacturne.

 

[fleurdyleurse]

hi

check

Overview
########

In addition to a useful ability in Water Absorb, Cacturne has many resistances and Psychican immunity to Psychic, allowing it to set up Swords Dance and Spikes on a variety of bulky Pokemon, including Water-types such as Slowking, Gastrodon, and Alomomola. Cacturne also has very respectable Attack and Special Attack stats, with both at 115, and access to Sucker Punch to mitigate its pitiful Speed, one of its main drawbacks. Unfortunately, Cacturne is very frail and weak to common attacking types, including Bug, Flying, Ice, and Fire. It also faces serious competition from Accelgor, which is a faster Spikes user, and Shifty, which shares its typing but has higher Speed and access to Defog. Lastly, Cacturne is fairly weak without a Swords Dance boost.

Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Drain Punch / Low Kick
ability: Water Absorb
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Cacturne to break through bulky walls and punch holes in the opposing team. Seed Bomb is the preferred Grass-type STAB move, as it hits fairly hard. Sucker Punch is Cacturne's Dark-type STAB move, as it has good Base Power and makes up for Cacturne's poor Speed, though opponents can take advantage of Sucker Punch's low PP. Drain Punch allows Cacturne to regain HP as well as hit Steel-types for super effective damage. However, Low Kick is an option that deals more damage to heavier Steel-types such as Registeel. Substitute can be used to block status from the likes of Alomomola, ease setup opportunities, and protect Cacturne from revenge killers and priority.

Set Details
========

An Adamant nature and max Speed and Attack investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard and fast as possible. An Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly nature because the latter does not allow Cacturne to outspeed anything significant or provide it the significant boost in power that Adamant does. Life Orb gives Cacturne an easier time breaking through walls, but a Focus Sash can allow Cacturne to set up more easily against offensive teams. If Substitute is chosen, then Leftovers should be used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is used mainly as a wallbreaker due to its ability to take advantage of the many bulky Water-types in the tier, such as Slowking lacking Fire Blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent, with Water Absorb. Many of those Pokemon carry status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, so Substitute greatly helps Cacturne to break them down. Unlike other Swords Dance users, such as Drapion and Virizion, Cacturne must rely on Sucker Punch to mitigate its low Speed, so it will not be able to fully sweep. Cacturne should be brought in on double switches or on predicted Water- or Psychic-type attacks. In addition, you should be wary of super effective moves that defensive Pokemon carry, such as Slowking's Fire Blast and Gligar's U-turn. Also, faster Substitute users such as Braviary can take advantage of Sucker Punch and shut down Cacturne.

Team Options
========

Good teammates for Cacturne are Fire-types such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox that appreciate bulky Water-types broken down. Also, Cacturne appreciates entry hazard support from partners such as Accelgor, Rhyperior, and Cobalion to aid in breaking down walls. However, if you would prefer Cacturne to act as a full sweeper, then a bulky Water-type of your own will help handle Fletchinder and Hitmonlee, asince both of them can revenge kill Cacturne no matter what due to their higher sSpeed. Lastly, Cacturne is crippled by many forms of status, so a cleric such as Aromatisse can be used help remedy that issue.

Spikes
########
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Bullet Seed / Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Destiny Bond
ability: Water Absorb
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Spikes wears down the opposing team's grounded Pokemon very quickly. Bullet Seed is the preferred Grass-type STAB move of choice, as it allows Cacturne to beat other Focus Sash users such as Omastar. Seed Bomb is a viable option due to its more reliable power over Bullet Seed. Sucker Punch serves as priority and thea Dark-type STAB move, and Destiny Bond is a disrupting move that can possibly allows Cacturne to get up more hazards by threatening to take out one of the opposing Pokemon if they attack and KO Cacturne. Encore is another option that can lock defensive Pokemon into moves such as Wish and Stealth Rock, allowing Cacturne to get up more hazards. However, Encore is illegal alongside Water Absorb.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Cacturne to hit as hard and be as fast as possible. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, Cacturne speed ties with lead Omastar, which gives you a 50/50 chance of stopping it from setting up any entry hazards by using Bullet Seed.

Usage Tips
========

This Cacturne set is best used as a lead in order to get up as many Spikes as possible. If the opponent has a possible tTaunt lead, such as Cobalion andor Drapion, lead with something to handle that Pokemon. You should use Bullet Seed on turn one if your opponent leads with another Focus Sash user, such as Omastar or Dugtrio, in order to limit the entry hazards they can set up. Due to Cacturne's typing and ability, it can create free switches mid- or late-game, so it may not always be wise to use Cacturne as a suicide lead.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, and Sharpedo that appreciate their checks and counters, namely Slowking or Rhyperior, being weakened make for good partners. In addition, a Stealth Rock user such as Rhyperior or Druddigon is a good partner in order to pressure opposing Flying- and Fire-types. Lastly, a spinblocker such as Doublade and Spiritomb should be used to keep your entry hazards up. Alternatively, a Defiant user such as Braviary can discourage the use of Defog.

Other Options
########

Cacturne can utilize a special or mixed attacking set with Giga Drain, Dark Pulse, and Growth, but a set of this nature is usually outclassed by the faster Shifty. In addition, a mixed Cacturne set is forced to use a Defense-lowering nature, amplifying its frailty. Also, splitting Cacturne's offensive EVs will make its attacks relatively weak. Cacturne can also use a set with Substitute and Leech Seed, but it is too slow to use it well.

Checks & Counters
########

**Status**: Unless Cacturne is using Substitute, it is vulnerable to all forms of status. Burn halves its Attack and renders it nearly useless, paralysis slows it down greatly, and Toxicpoison puts a timer on its longevity.

**Gligar**: Even if Cacturne is at +2, Gligar can stomach a Seed Bomb and either Toxic Cacturne or deal massive damage and gain momentum with U-turn. However, if it attempts to Roost stall out itCacturne's Life Orb recoil, it will be 2HKOed by a +2 Seed Bomb.

**Faster Priority Users**: Hitmonlee, Fletchinder, and Abomasnow can all out-prioritize Cacturne's Sucker Punch and KO it easily with Mach Punch, Acrobatics, and Ice Shard, respectively.

**Bulky Grass Resists**: Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Drapion, Amoonguss, Virizion, and others can use their type advantage to pressure Cacturne. Virizion does not appreciate switching in on a +2 Drain Punch, though it can use its ability and Dark-type resist to take advantage of Sucker Punch.

**Substitute Users**: Pokemon that set up Substitutes, such as Bulk Up Braviary, can avoid Sucker Punch mind games and are able to set up alongside Cacturne.

**Bug-Types**: Because most Bug-types carry U-turn, they can either KO Cacturne that lack a Focus Sash or force it out and gain momentum.

**Multi-hit users**: Five hits from a Life Orb or Choice Band Tail Slap can easily KO Focus Sash Cacturne.

gp 1/2

 

[tehy]

Amcheck

amcheck

Overview
########

In addition to a useful ability in Water Absorb, Cacturne has many resistances and an immunity to Psychic, allowing it to set up Swords Dance and Spikes on a variety of bulky Pokemon, including Water-types such as Slowking, Gastrodon, and Alomomola. Cacturne also has very respectable Attack and Special Attack stats, with both at 115, and access to Sucker Punch to mitigate its pitiful Speed, one of its main drawbacks. Unfortunately, Cacturne is very frail and weak to common attacking types, including Bug, Flying, Ice, and Fire. It also faces serious competition from Accelgor, which is a faster Spikes user, and Shifty, which shares its typing but has higher Speed and access to Defog. Lastly, Cacturne is fairly weak without a Swords Dance boost.

Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Drain Punch / Low Kick
ability: Water Absorb
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Cacturne to break through bulky walls and punch holes in the opposing team. Seed Bomb is the preferreda Grass-type STAB move thas it hits fairly hard., and Sucker Punch is Cacturne's Dark-type STAB move, thas it has good Base Power and makes up for Cacturne's poor Speed, though opponents can take advantage of Sucker Punch's low PP. Drain Punch allows Cacturne to regain HP as well as hit Steel-types for super effective damage. However, Low Kick is an option that deals more damage to heavier Steel-types such as Registeel. Substitute can be used to block status from the likes of Alomomola, ease setup opportunities, and protect Cacturne from revenge killers and priority.

Set Details
========

An Adamant nature and max Speed and Attack investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard and fast as possible. An Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly nature because the latter does not allow Cacturne to outspeed anything significant, and the for provide it themer gives a significant boost in power that Adamant does. Life Orb gives Cacturne an easier time breaking through walls, but a Focus Sash can allow Cacturne to set up more easily against offensive teams. If Substitute is chosen, then Leftovers should be used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is used mainly as a wallbreaker due to its ability to take advantage of the many bulky Water-types in the tier, such as Slowking lacking Fire Blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent, with Water Absorb. Many of those Pokemon carry status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, so Substitute greatdefinitely helps Cacturne to break them down. Unlike other Swords Dance users, such as Drapion and Virizion, Cacturne must rely on Sucker Punch to mitigate its low Speed, so it will often not be able to fully sweep. Cacturne should be brought in on double switches or on predicted Water- or Psychic-type attacks. In addition, you should be wary of super effective moves that defensive Pokemon carry, such as Slowking's Fire Blast and Gligar's U-turn. Also, faster Substitute users such as Braviary can take advantage of Sucker Punch and shut down Cacturne.

Team Options
========

Good teammates for Cacturne are Fire-types such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox that appreciate bulky Water-types broken down, such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox. Also, Cacturne appreciates entry hazard support from partners such as Accelgor, Rhyperior, and Cobalion to aid in breaking down walls. However, if you would prefer Cacturne to act as a full sweeper, then a bulky Water-type of your own will help handle Fletchinder and Hitmonlee, as both of them can revenge kill Cacturne no matter what due to their higher speed and priority. Lastly, Cacturne is crippled by many forms of status, so a cleric such as Aromatisse can be used to help remedy that issue.




Spikes
########
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Bullet Seed / Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Destiny Bond
ability: Water Absorb
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Spikes wears down the opposing team's grounded Pokemon very quickly. Bullet Seed is the preferreda Grass-type STAB move of choice, as ithat allows Cacturne to beat other Focus Sash users, such as Omastar., but Seed Bomb is a viable option due to its more reliable power over Bullet SeedGrass-type STAB. Sucker Punch serves as priority and a Dark-type STAB, and Destiny Bond is a disrupting move that allows Cacturne to get up more hazards by threatening to take out one of thean opposing Pokemon if they attack and KO CacturnKO Cacturne, or set up more hazards via the threat of this outcome. Encore is another option that can lock defensive Pokemon into moves such as Wish and Stealth Rock, allowing Cacturne to get up more hazards. However, Encoreit is illegal alongside Water Absorb.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Cacturne to hit as hard and be as fast as possible. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, Cacturne speed ties with lead Omastar, which gives you a 50/50% chance of stopping it from setting up any entry hazards by using Bullet Seed.

Usage Tips
========

This Cacturne set is best used as a lead in order to get up as many Spikes as possible. If the opponent has a possible Taunt lead, such as Cobalion or Drapion, lead with something to handle that Pokemon. You should use Bullet Seed on turn one if your opponent leads with another Focus Sash user, such as Omastar or Dugtrio, in order to limit the entry hazards they can set up. Due to Cacturne's typing and ability, it can create free switches mid- or late-game, so it may not always be wise to use Cacturne as a suicide lead.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, and Sharpedo that appreciate their checks and counters, namely Slowking or Rhyperior, being weakened, make for good partners. In addition, a Stealth Rock user such as Rhyperior or Druddigon is a good partner in order to pressure opposing Flying- and Fire-types. Lastly, a spinblocker such as Doublade and Spiritomb should be used to keep your entry hazards up. Alternativelyso, a Defiant user such as Braviary can discourage the use of Defog.

Other Options
########

Cacturne can utilize a special or mixed attacking set with Giga Drain, Dark Pulse, and Growth, but a set of this nature is usually outclassed by the faster Shifty. In addition, a mixed Cacturne set is forced to use a Defense-lowering nature, amplifying its frailty. Also, and splitting Cacturne's offensive its EVs will, makeing its attacks relatively weak. Cacturne can also use a set with Substitute and Leech Seed, but it is too slow to use it well.

Checks & Counters
########

**Status**: Unless Cacturne is using Substitute, it is vulnerable to all forms of status. Burn halves its Attack and renders it nearly useless, paralysis slows it down greatly, and even poison puts a timer on its longevity.

**Gligar**: Even if Cacturne is at +2, Gligar can stomach a Seed Bomb and either Toxic Cacturne or deal massive damage to it and gain momentum with U-turn. However, if it attempts to Roost stall out Cacturne's Life Orb recoil, it will be 2HKOed by a +2 Seed Bomb.

**Faster Priority Users**: Hitmonlee, Fletchinder, and Abomasnow can all out-prioritize Cacturne's Sucker Punch and KO it easily with Mach Punch, Acrobatics, and Ice Shard, respectively.

**Bulky Grass Resists**: Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Drapion, Amoonguss, Virizion, and others can use their type advantage to pressure Cacturne. Virizion does not appreciate switching in on a +2 Drain Punch, though it can use its ability Justified and Dark-type resistance to take advantage of Sucker Punch.

**Substitute Users**: Pokemon that set up Substitutes, such as Bulk Up Braviary, can avoid Sucker Punch mind games and are able to set up alongside Cacturne.

**Bug-Types**: Because most Bug-types carry U-turn, they can either KO Cacturne that lack a Focus Sash or force it out and gain momentum.

**Multi-hit move users**: Five hits from a Life Orb or Choice Band Cinccino's Tail Slap can easily KO Focus Sash Cacturne.

comments

Comments:

Generally people take advantage of sucker punch's nonactivation on setup more than its low pp, though they do that too.

Well, hitmonlee and fletchling ruin cacturne, but abomasnow-especially as a mega-is slower, and:

+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Cacturne Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Abomasnow: 329-387 (85.6 - 100.7%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

Always dies after rocks.

Also, gligar can roost-stall +2 seed bomb, he just can't handle +4 ones, so you can sd again.

Worth noting cinccino hates sucker punch.

 

[GatoDelFuego]

boltsandbombers

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

Hide

Overview
########

In addition to a useful ability in Water Absorb, Cacturne has many resistances and an immunity to Psychic, allowing it to set up Swords Dance and Spikes on a variety of bulky Pokemon, including Water-types such as Slowking, Gastrodon, and Alomomola. Cacturne also has very respectable Attack and Special Attack stats, with both at 115, and access to Sucker Punch to mitigate its pitiful Speed, one of its main drawbacks. Unfortunately, Cacturne is very frail and weak to common attacking types, including Bug, Flying, Ice, and Fire. It also faces serious competition from Accelgor, which is a faster Spikes user, and Shifty, which shares its typing but has higher Speed and access to Defog. Lastly, Cacturne is fairly weak without a Swords Dance boost.

Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Drain Punch / Low Kick
ability: Water Absorb
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Cacturne to break through bulky walls and punch holes in the opposing team. Seed Bomb is a Grass-type STAB move that hits fairly hard, and Sucker Punch is a Dark-type move that has good Base Power and makes up for Cacturne's poor Speed, though opponents can take advantage of Sucker Punch's low PP. Drain Punch allows Cacturne to regain HP as well as hit Steel-types for super effective damage. However, Low Kick is an option that deals more damage to heavier Steel-types such as Registeel. Substitute can be used to block status from the likes of Alomomola, ease setup opportunities, and protect Cacturne from revenge killers and priority.

Set Details
========

An Adamant nature and max Speed and Attack investment allow Cacturne to hit as hard and fast as possible. An Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly nature because the latter does not allow Cacturne to outspeed anything significant, and the former gives a significant boost in power that Adamant does. Life Orb gives Cacturne an easier time breaking through walls, but a Focus Sash can allow Cacturne to set up more easily against offensive teams. If Substitute is chosen, then Leftovers should be used.

Usage Tips
========

This set is used mainly as a wallbreaker due to its ability to take advantage of the many bulky Water-types in the tier, such as Slowking lacking Fire Blast, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent, (RC) with Water Absorb. Many of those Pokemon carry status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, so Substitute definitely helps Cacturne to break them down. Unlike other Swords Dance users, such as Drapion and Virizion, Cacturne must rely on Sucker Punch to mitigate its low Speed, so it will often not be able to fully sweep. Cacturne should be brought in on double switches or on predicted Water- or Psychic-type attacks. In addition, you should be wary of super effective moves that defensive Pokemon carry, such as Slowking's Fire Blast and Gligar's U-turn. Also, faster Substitute users such as Braviary can take advantage of Sucker Punch and shut down Cacturne.

Team Options
========

Good teammates for Cacturne are Fire-types that appreciate bulky Water-types broken down, such as Fletchinder, Moltres, and Delphox. Also, Cacturne appreciates entry hazard support from partners such as Accelgor, Rhyperior, and Cobalion to aid in breaking down walls. However, if you would prefer Cacturne to act as a full sweeper, then a bulky Water-type of your own will help handle Fletchinder and Hitmonlee, as both of them can revenge kill Cacturne no matter what due to their higher Speed and priority. Lastly, Cacturne is crippled by many forms of status, so a cleric such as Aromatisse can be used to help remedy that issue.

Spikes
########
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Bullet Seed / Seed Bomb
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Destiny Bond
ability: Water Absorb
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Spikes wears down the opposing team's grounded Pokemon very quickly. Bullet Seed is a Grass-type STAB move that allows Cacturne to beat other Focus Sash users such as Omastar, but Seed Bomb is a more reliable Grass-type STAB. Sucker Punch serves as priority and a Dark-type STAB move, and Destiny Bond is a disrupting move that allows Cacturne to take out an opposing Pokemon if they KO Cacturne, or set up more entry hazards while threatening to take the opponent down with it using the threat of this outcome. Encore is another option that can lock defensive Pokemon into moves such as Wish and Stealth Rock, allowing Cacturne to get up more hazards. However, it is illegal alongside Water Absorb.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Cacturne to hit as hard and be as fast as possible. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, Cacturne Speed ties with lead Omastar, which gives you Cacturne a 50% chance of stopping it from setting up any entry hazards by using Bullet Seed.

Usage Tips
========

This Cacturne set is best used as a lead in order to get up as many layers of Spikes as possible. If the opponent has a possible Taunt lead, such as Cobalion or Drapion, lead with something to handle that Pokemon. You should use Bullet Seed on turn one if your opponent leads with another Focus Sash user, such as Omastar or Dugtrio, in order to limit the entry hazards they can set up. Due to Cacturne's typing and ability, it can create free switches mid- or late-game, so it may might not always be wise to use Cacturne as a suicide lead.

Team Options
========

Pokemon such as Jolteon, Fletchinder, Hitmonlee, and Sharpedo that appreciate their checks and counters, namely Slowking or Rhyperior, being weakened, make for good partners. In addition, a Stealth Rock user such as Rhyperior or Druddigon is a good partner in order to pressure opposing Flying- and Fire-types. Lastly, a spinblocker such as Doublade and Spiritomb should be used to keep your entry hazards up. Also, a Defiant user such as Braviary can discourage the use of Defog.

Other Options
########

Cacturne can utilize a special or mixed attacking set with Giga Drain, Dark Pulse, and Growth, but a set of this nature is usually outclassed by the faster Shifty. In addition, a mixed Cacturne set is forced to use a Defense-lowering nature, amplifying its frailty, and splitting its EVs, (AC) making its attacks relatively weak. Cacturne can also use a set with Substitute and Leech Seed, but it Cacturne is too slow to use it well.

Checks & Counters
########

**Status**: Unless Cacturne is using Substitute, it is vulnerable to all forms of status. Burn halves its Attack and renders it nearly useless, paralysis slows it down greatly, and even poison puts a timer on its longevity.

**Gligar**: Even if Cacturne is at +2, Gligar can stomach a Seed Bomb and either Toxic Cacturne or deal massive damage to it and gain momentum with U-turn. However, if it attempts to Roost stall out Cacturne's Life Orb recoil, it will be 2HKOed by a +2 Seed Bomb.

**Faster Priority Users**: Hitmonlee and Fletchinder can all out-prioritize Cacturne's Sucker Punch and KO it easily with Mach Punch and Acrobatics respectively.

**Bulky Grass Resistances**: Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Drapion, Amoonguss, Virizion, and others can use their type advantage to pressure Cacturne. Virizion does not appreciate switching in on a +2 Drain Punch, though it can use its ability Justified and Dark-type resistance to take advantage of Sucker Punch.

**Substitute Users**: Pokemon that set up Substitutes, such as Bulk Up Braviary, can avoid Sucker Punch and are able to set up alongside Cacturne.

**Bug-types**: Because most Bug-types carry U-turn, they can either KO Cacturne that lack a Focus Sash or force it out and gain momentum.

**Multi-Hit Move Users**: Five hits from a Life Orb or Choice Band Cinccino's Tail Slap can easily KO Focus Sash Cacturne.

2/2

 

[Molk]

This has been uploaded!