Crawdaunt (NU Revamp) [GP 2/2]

Oglemi

Borf
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http://www.smogon.com/rs/pokemon/crawdaunt

[Overview]

Crawdaunt stands out in the tier for sporting amazing mixed attacking stats and featuring a decent typing to make use of them. Having no physical STAB move is a letdown though, especially considering its incredible base 120 Attack stat, but its base 90 Special Attack is still fantastic by NU standards. It also has great coverage, both physical and special, meaning that once Crawdaunt steps onto the battlefield, something's getting hurt. Unfortunately, getting Crawdaunt in is hard considering its subpar bulk, and its low Speed means it'll be unlikely to sweep the opponent's team anytime soon. Still, if it's an unpredictable wallbreaker you're looking for, Crawdaunt is a fine candidate for offensive teams.

[SET]
name: Mixed Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge / Return
move 2: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Band
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 132 SpA / 124 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A Choice Band set is probably the best way to make the best use of Crawdaunt's massive base 120 Attack stat, despite the lack of physical STAB moves. Double-Edge is Crawdaunt's strongest physical move and will hit like a truck, being only marginally weaker than Choice Band Raticate's own STAB-boosted Double-Edge. Return is a viable alternative if the recoil is unappealing and will still be Crawdaunt's strongest available physical move on the set. Hidden Power Ghost is used to annihilate Haunter and is Crawdaunt's best weapon against Chimecho, which Crawdaunt can generally switch into without much fear if it lacks Hidden Power Electric. Brick Break takes out Mawile, Lickitung, and Kecleon and will generally be used as a safety move. The last slot is saved for a special move to allow Crawdaunt to eliminate those targets that either resist its physical moves or just have substantially more Defense than Special Defense. Surf is boosted by STAB and is Crawdaunt's best weapon for Piloswine, physically defensive Sableye, Rock-types like Sudowoodo and Lairon, and Mawile, 2HKOing it after a layer of Spikes. Ice Beam can be used instead to take out Tangela, and it still hits some Rock-types harder than Crawdaunt's other moves, particularly Graveler. Finally, Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ghost to completely devastate Relicanth and Whiscash more than Crawdaunt's other options.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread maxes out Attack to give Crawdaunt's physical moves as much damage output as possible, and enough Speed is run to outspeed minimum Speed base 70s like Dewgong. The rest is dumped into Special Attack to beef up the power of Crawdaunt's special move of choice.

Crawdaunt's movepool is actually pretty extensive, and there are a few viable alternatives that can be run in the last slot. Going fully physical is definitely an option, with the Special Attack EVs then moved into Speed, which then ensures Crawdaunt can get the jump on maximum Speed Modest Bellossom and Huntail before they set up weather. If going fully physical, Sludge Bomb is probably the best option for the last slot, as it completely destroys Bellossom and even OHKOes uninvested Tangela. Hidden Power Rock is another great choice, as it has neutral coverage and is a good safety move to have, but nearly every target that it's super effective against takes about the same damage from Double-Edge anyway. Other special moves that can be run in the last slot include Crunch and Crabhammer, but they're generally less effective than the other options. Choice Band can be dropped in favor of Leftovers, which allows Crawdaunt the ability to switch moves and pummel the opposition with the correct move, but a lot of power is lost on its physical attacks if taking this route.

Crawdaunt's role on a team with this set is to open holes in the opposition for another physical sweeper to come in later in the match and clean up the remains. Good options to do so are those that enjoy having Rock-types weakened or out of the way like Pidgeot and Murkrow, as well as generally good physical sweepers like Raticate, Vigoroth, and Hitmonchan. There's little that can actually switch into Crawdaunt completely safely, though Relicanth stands out as the most prominent if Hidden Power Grass isn't run, so having a switch-in to it such as Hitmonchan or a Grass-type like Tangela is desirable. Sableye also doesn't fear much from this set, being immune to Double-Edge and Brick Break and taking little from Hidden Power Ghost or the special move. Bringing a strong special attacker like Bellossom or Flareon to smash it to pieces would be a good idea when using Crawdaunt. Torkoal also switches into this set quite easily, even if Crawdaunt has Surf, making a Rock-type of your own like Magcargo or Sudowoodo a good teammate to have.

Plusle and Grass-types cannot switch directly into Crawdaunt, but they do easily OHKO it once they get in, so having a teammate to tank their attacks and allow Crawdaunt to switch out is a good idea. Whiscash, Kecleon, and Swalot can all do this pretty well and mesh with Crawdaunt's typing pretty well too. Finally, Hitmonchan itself is pretty threatening for Crawdaunt, so having a teammate like Chimecho or Sableye is a good idea too.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Substitute / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A straight out-and-out special attacking set makes the best use of Crawdaunt's great base 90 Special Attack and special STAB moves, allowing it to surprise its normal switch-ins and deal a ton of damage to many targets in the tier in general. The main advantage Crawdaunt sports over the other special attacking Water-types in the tier is its access to STAB Crunch, which nearly OHKOes 252 HP Chimecho, and its surprise factor. Ice Beam pairs very nicely with Crawdaunt's STAB attacks and shreds Tangela apart while dealing a nice chunk of damage to Bellossom and Roselia. The last slot can go to Hidden Power Electric to get a super effective hit on Water-types like Pelipper and Huntail. However, Substitute can be used instead to protect Crawdaunt from revenge killers and status, and it allows Crawdaunt to more easily select the correct move for the situation. Another viable option for the last slot is Taunt, which is Crawdaunt's only real hope of being able to break past Sableye effectively and can trip up other defensive switch-ins like Dewgong, Swalot, and Wailord pretty nicely.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There isn't much point to running any HP investment, considering Crawdaunt's terrible overall bulk, so maximum Speed is run to give Crawdaunt the edge against Modest Bellossom and Huntail. A Timid nature is an option as well, but making full use of Crawdaunt's good Special Attack is recommended, despite Timid coming with the advantage of outspeeding Timid Bellossom and Huntail. Going mixed is not recommended either, as then you are playing with a slightly worse version of the Choice Band set, and the only physical move of note that's really missed with this set is Brick Break.

Toxic is a good move to run in the last slot as well, as it is Crawdaunt's best general weapon against special walls like Kecleon and Dewgong, both of which Crawdaunt has no real hope of breaking past otherwise. Hitmonchan makes a good partner to smash these as well as other special walls like Lickitung, and together Hitmonchan and Crawdaunt make a pretty fearsome offensive core, as Hitmonchan loves Crawdaunt's ability to remove Chimecho from the picture. Plusle and Grass-types have a really hard time switching into this set, but once in, they can obliterate Crawdaunt with their STAB move of choice. Because of this, Whiscash, Roselia, Swalot, and Flareon make good teammates to switch into them and force them out. Finally, Hitmonchan can switch into this set pretty easily, though it takes upwards of 50% from Surf, and it can OHKO Crawdaunt with Sky Uppercut; Chimecho and Sableye thus make good teammates.

[Other Options]

The only major moves not mentioned above that are done well by Crawdaunt are Endeavor and Counter. Counter is extremely hard to use due to Crawdaunt's frailty, but from behind a teammate's Reflect it can be used effectively. Endeavor could see use on a Salac Berry set, but it is also pretty hard to use. As for other move choices, Icy Wind is an interesting move to cripple a potential revenge killer and give Crawdaunt the opportunity to threaten a KO with an appropriate move. Knock Off is a great move in general to remove the longevity of certain walls likely to switch into Crawdaunt, like Sableye and Wailord.

Most other sets available to Crawdaunt are done better by Kingler, which sports slightly higher Attack, significantly higher Speed, a lack of a Fighting-type weakness, and better physical bulk. This includes, in particular, any Swords Dance or Salac Berry sets as well as any combination of the two.

[Checks and Counters]

Probably the best overall switch-in to Crawdaunt is Sableye, which really only fears Surf from the special attacking set or the rare Toxic or Taunt. Otherwise, it easily switches into most attacks from the Choice Band set and can outstall Crawdaunt with Toxic and Recover or use it as setup fodder for Calm Mind. Relicanth also switches into most attacks from the Choice Band set without fear, save for the uncommon Hidden Power Grass, and it can retaliate with its Rock-type STAB moves. However, Relicanth must be careful around the special attacking set. Tangela only fears Ice Beam and Sludge Bomb from the Choice Band set, but it cannot switch into anything very safely from the special attacking set. Rock-types and Mawile can easily tank Double-Edge or Return from the Choice Band set, but most of the other moves will leave a hefty dent or KO them if the opponent predicts wrong. In general, bulky Water-types like physically defensive Whiscash and Wailord can switch into most attacks from the Choice Band set, save for Double-Edge, and they fear little from the special attacking set.

Hitmonchan, Plusle, Haunter, and most strong special attackers with a super effective move can revenge kill Crawdaunt without much issue, but they really cannot switch into anything safely. Finally, most strong physical attackers like Choice Band Piloswine can tank a physical attack and OHKO in return.
 
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[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Surf
move 2: Crunch/Brick Break
move 3: Ice Beam/Sludge Bomb
move 4: Hidden Power Electric/Hidden Power Rock
item: Petaya/Liechi/Salac Berry
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Naughty/Rash
evs: 100 Atk / 252 SpA / 156 Spd
 

Oglemi

Borf
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amcheck incoming. This isn't official unless stamped by a member of the qc team. I know this is old, but I don't really care. (On mobile, so I can't figure out how to add colored words to the post, so I'll link to a doc with the amcheck. If this is a problem, tell me.)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17qP-FOMTR6QJLiw5UxPKQI5paOP-csvuowM5iL2ovbc
a) don't do GP checks on mobile. like ever

b) the google doc is telling me to request permission to see it, not gonna do that
 

fanyfan

i once put 42 mcdonalds chicken nuggets in my anus
Sorry about that. I got access to a computer, so I can actually post this now. Also, amcheck incoming. This isn't official unless stamped by a member of the qc team.
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[Overview]

Crawdaunt stands out in the tier for sporting amazing mixed attacking stats and featuring a decent typing to make use of it them. Having no physical STAB move blows though, especially considering its incredible base 120 Attack stat, but base 90 Special Attack is still fantastic by NU standards. It also has great coverage, both physical and special, meaning that once Crawdaunt steps onto the battlefield something's getting hurt. Unfortunately, getting onto the battlefield is hard considering Crawdaunt's subpar bulk, and its low Speed means it'll be unlikely to sweep the opponent anytime soon. Still, if it's an unpredictable wallbreaker you're looking for, Crawdaunt is a fine candidate for offensive teams.

[SET]
name: Mixed Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge / Return
move 2: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Band
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 132 SpA / 124 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A Choice Band set is probably the best way to make the best use of Crawdaunt's massive base 120 Attack stat, despite the lack of physical STAB moves. Even without it though, Double-Edge will hit like a truck, being only marginally weaker than Choice Band Raticate's own STAB-boosted Double-Edge. Return is a viable alternative if the recoil is unappealing, and will still be Crawdaunt's strongest available physical move on the set. Hidden Power Ghost is used to annihilate Haunter, and is Crawdaunt's best weapon against Chimecho whom Crawdaunt can generally switch into without much fear apart from Hidden Power Electric-carrying variants variants carrying Hidden Power Electric. Brick Break takes out Mawile, Lickitung, and Kecleon and will generally be used as a safety move.

The last slot is saved for a special move to allow Crawdaunt to eliminate those targets that either resist its physical moves or just feature substantially more Defense than Special Defense. Surf gets STAB and is Crawdaunt's best weapon for Piloswine, Rock-types like Sudowoodo and Lairon, and 2HKOes Mawile after a layer of Spikes. Ice Beam can be used instead to take out Tangela and it still hits some of the Rock-types stronger than Crawdaunt's other moves, particularly Graveler. Finally, Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ghost that completely devastates Relicanth and Whiscash more than Crawdaunt's other options.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread maxes out Attack to give Crawdaunt's physical moves as much damage output as possible, and enough Speed is run to outspeed minimum Speed base 70s like Dewgong. The rest is dumped into Special Attack to beef up the power of Crawdaunt's special move of choice.

Crawdaunt's movepool is actually pretty extensive, and there are a few viable alternatives that can be run in the last slot. Going fully physical is definitely an option, with the Special Attack EVs then moved into Speed, which then ensures Crawdaunt can get the jump on max Speed Modest Bellossom and Huntail before they set up weather. If going fully physical, Sludge Bomb is probably the best option for the last slot as it completely destroys Bellossom and even OHKOs OHKOes 4/0 Tangela. Hidden Power Rock is another great choice for having neutral coverage and is a good safety move to have, but nearly every target that it's super effective against takes about the same damage from Double-Edge anyway. Other special moves that can be run in the last slot include Crunch and Crabhammer, but they're generally less effective than the other options. Choice Band can be dropped in favor of Leftovers, which allows Crawdaunt the ability to switch moves and pummel the opposition with the correct move, but a lot of power is lost in its physical attacks if taking this route.

Crawdaunt's role on a team with this set is to open holes in the opposition for another physical sweeper to come in later in the match and clean up the remains. Good options to do so are those that enjoy having Rock-types out of the way or weakened like Pidgeot and Murkrow, as well as generally good physical sweepers like Raticate, Vigoroth, and Hitmonchan. There's little that can actually switch into Crawdaunt completely safely, though Relicanth stands out as the most prominent if Hidden Power Grass isn't run, so having a switch into it such as Hitmonchan or a Grass-type like Tangela is desirable. Sableye also doesn't fear much from this set, being immune to Double-Edge and Brick Break and taking little from Hidden Power Ghost or the special move. Bringing a strong special attacker like Bellossom or Flareon to smash it to pieces would be a good idea when using Crawdaunt. Torkoal also switches into this set quite easily, even if Crawdaunt has Surf, making a Rock-type of your own like Magcargo or Sudowoodo a good teammate to have.

Plusle and Grass-types cannot switch directly into Crawdaunt, but do easily OHKO once they get in, so having a teammate to tank their attacks and allow Crawdaunt to switch out is a good idea. Whiscash, Kecleon, and Swalot can all do this pretty well and mesh with Crawdaunt's typing pretty well too. Finally, Hitmonchan itself is pretty threatening for Crawdaunt, so having a teammate like Chimecho or Sableye is a good idea too.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Substitute / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A straight out-and-out special attacking set makes the best use of Crawdaunt's great base 90 Special Attack and special STABs, allowing it to surprise its normal switch-ins and dealing a ton of damage to many targets in the tier in general. The main advantage Crawdaunt sports over the other special attacking Water-types in the tier is its access to STAB Crunch, which nearly OHKOes 252 HP Chimecho, and its surprise factor. Ice Beam pairs very nicely with Crawdaunt's STABs and shreds Tangela apart while dealing a nice chunk of damage to Bellossom and Roselia. The last slot can go to Hidden Power Electric to get a super effective hit on Water-types like Pelipper and Huntail. However, Substitute can be used instead to protect Crawdaunt from revenge killers and status and allows Crawdaunt to more easily select the correct move for the situation. The last Another viable option for the last slot is Taunt, which is Crawdaunt's only real hope of being able to break past Sableye effectively, and can trip up other defensive switch-ins like Dewgong, Swalot, and Lickitung pretty nicely.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There isn't much point to running any HP considering Crawdaunt's terrible overall bulk, so max Speed is run to give Crawdaunt the edge against Modest Bellossom and Huntail. Timid is an option as well, but making full use of Crawdaunt's good Special Attack is recommended, despite coming with the advantage of outspeeding Timid Bellossom and Huntail. Going mixed is not recommended either, as then you are playing with a slightly worse version of the Choice Band set, and the only physical move of note that's really missed with this set is Brick Break.

Toxic is a good move to run in the last slot as well, as it is Crawdaunt's best general weapon against special walls like Kecleon and Dewgong, both of which Crawdaunt has no real hope of breaking past otherwise. Hitmonchan makes a good partner to smash these and other special walls like Lickitung as well, and together Hitmonchan and Crawdaunt make a pretty fearsome offensive core as Hitmonchan loves Crawdaunt's ability to remove Chimecho from the picture. Plusle and Grass-types have a really hard time switching into this set, but once in they can obliterate Crawdaunt with their STAB move of choice. Because of this, Whiscash, Roselia, Swalot, and Flareon make good teammates to switch into them and force them out. Finally, Hitmonchan can switch into this set pretty easily, though it takes upwards of 50% from Surf, and can OHKO Crawdaunt with Sky Uppercut. Chimecho and Sableye thus make good teammates to bring with Crawdaunt.

[Other Options]

The only major moves not mentioned above that's done well by Crawdaunt are Endeavor and Counter. Counter is extremely hard to use due to Crawdaunt's frailty, but from behind a teammate's Reflect it can be done. Endeavor could see use on a Salac Berry set, but it too is pretty hard to use.

Most other sets available to Crawdaunt are done better by Kingler, which sports slightly higher Attack, significantly higher Speed, a lack of a Fighting-type weakness, and better physical bulk. This includes, in particular, basically any set featuring Swords Dance or Salac Berry, or any combination of the two.

[Checks and Counters]

Probably the best overall switch-in to Crawdaunt is Sableye, which really only fears Surf from the special attacking set, or the rare Toxic or Taunt. Otherwise, it easily switches into most anything from the Choice Band set and can outstall Crawdaunt with Toxic and Recover, or use it as setup fodder for Calm Mind. Relicanth also switches into most anything from the Choice Band set without fear, save for the uncommon Hidden Power Grass, and can attack back with its STAB Rock moves. However, Relicanth must be careful around the special attacking set. Tangela only fears Ice Beam or Sludge Bomb from the Choice Band set, but it cannot switch into anything very safely from the special attacking set. Rock-types and Mawile can easily tank Double-Edge or Return from the Choice Band set, but most of the other moves will leave a hefty dent or KO if they predict wrong. In general, bulky Water-types like physically defensive Whiscash and Dewgong can switch into most attacks from the Choice Band set save for Double-Edge, and they fear little from the special attacking set.

Hitmonchan, Plusle, Haunter, and most strong special attackers with a super effective move can easily revenge kill Crawdaunt without much issue, but they really cannot switch into anything safely. Finally, most strong physical attackers like Choice Band Piloswine can tank a physical attack and OHKO in return.
 
Last edited:

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[Overview]

Crawdaunt stands out in the tier for sporting amazing mixed attacking stats and featuring a decent typing to make use of it them. Having no physical STAB move blows though, especially considering its incredible base 120 Attack stat, but its base 90 Special Attack is still fantastic by NU standards. It also has great coverage, both physical and special, meaning that once Crawdaunt steps onto the battlefield, (AC) something's getting hurt. Unfortunately, getting onto the battlefield Crawdaunt in (repetition) is hard considering its Crawdaunt's subpar bulk, and its low Speed means it'll be unlikely to sweep the opponent's team anytime soon. Still, if it's an unpredictable wallbreaker you're looking for, Crawdaunt is a fine candidate for offensive teams.

[SET]
name: Mixed Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge / Return
move 2: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Band
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 132 SpA / 124 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A Choice Band set is probably the best way to make the best use of Crawdaunt's massive base 120 Attack stat, despite the lack of physical STAB moves. Even without it though, (there isn't another item slashed, so I'm not really sure what else people would use, so maybe clarify if you want to keep this) Double-Edge will hits like a truck, being only marginally weaker than Choice Band Raticate's own STAB-boosted Double-Edge. Return is a viable alternative if the recoil is unappealing, (RC) and will still be Crawdaunt's strongest available physical move on the set. Hidden Power Ghost is used to annihilate Haunter, (RC) and is Crawdaunt's best weapon against Chimecho, (AC) which whom Crawdaunt can generally switch into without much fear apart from Hidden Power Electric-carrying variants variants carrying Hidden Power Electric. Brick Break takes out Mawile, Lickitung, and Kecleon and will generally be used as a safety move. (line break not needed) The last slot is saved for a special move to allow Crawdaunt to eliminate those targets that either resist its physical moves or just feature have substantially more Defense than Special Defense. Surf gets is boosted by STAB and is Crawdaunt's best weapon for Piloswine, Rock-types like Sudowoodo and Lairon, and 2HKOes Mawile, (AC) 2HKOing it after a layer of Spikes. Ice Beam can be used instead to take out Tangela, (AC) and it still hits some of the Rock-types stronger harder than Crawdaunt's other moves, particularly Graveler. Finally, Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ghost that to completely devastates Relicanth and Whiscash more than Crawdaunt's other options.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread maxes out Attack to give Crawdaunt's physical moves as much damage output as possible, and enough Speed is run to outspeed minimum Speed base 70s like Dewgong. The rest is dumped into Special Attack to beef up the power of Crawdaunt's special move of choice.

Crawdaunt's movepool is actually pretty extensive, and there are a few viable alternatives that can be run in the last slot. Going fully physical is definitely an option, with the Special Attack EVs then moved into Speed, which then ensures Crawdaunt can get the jump on maximum Speed Modest Bellossom and Huntail before they set up weather. If going fully physical, Sludge Bomb is probably the best option for the last slot, (AC) as it completely destroys Bellossom and even OHKOs OHKOes 4/0 Tangela. Hidden Power Rock is another great choice, (AC) for having as it has neutral coverage and is a good safety move to have, but nearly every target that it's super effective against takes about the same damage from Double-Edge anyway. Other special moves that can be run in the last slot include Crunch and Crabhammer, but they're generally less effective than the other options. Choice Band can be dropped in favor of Leftovers, which allows Crawdaunt the ability to switch moves and pummel the opposition with the correct move, but a lot of power is lost in its physical attacks if taking this route.

Crawdaunt's role on a team with this set is to open holes in the opposition for another physical sweeper to come in later in the match and clean up the remains. Good options to do so are those that enjoy having Rock-types weakened or out of the way or weakened like Pidgeot and Murkrow, as well as generally good physical sweepers like Raticate, Vigoroth, and Hitmonchan. There's little that can actually switch into Crawdaunt completely safely, though Relicanth stands out as the most prominent if Hidden Power Grass isn't run, so having a switch-in to into it such as Hitmonchan or a Grass-type like Tangela is desirable. Sableye also doesn't fear much from this set, being immune to Double-Edge and Brick Break and taking little from Hidden Power Ghost or the special move. Bringing a strong special attacker like Bellossom or Flareon to smash it to pieces would be a good idea when using Crawdaunt. Torkoal also switches into this set quite easily, even if Crawdaunt has Surf, making a Rock-type of your own like Magcargo or Sudowoodo a good teammate to have.

Plusle and Grass-types cannot switch directly into Crawdaunt, but they do easily OHKO it once they get in, so having a teammate to tank their attacks and allow Crawdaunt to switch out is a good idea. Whiscash, Kecleon, and Swalot can all do this pretty well and mesh with Crawdaunt's typing pretty well too. Finally, Hitmonchan itself is pretty threatening for Crawdaunt, so having a teammate like Chimecho or Sableye is a good idea too.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Substitute / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A straight out-and-out special attacking set makes the best use of Crawdaunt's great base 90 Special Attack and special STAB moves, allowing it to surprise its normal switch-ins and dealing a ton of damage to many targets in the tier in general. The main advantage Crawdaunt sports over the other special attacking Water-types in the tier is its access to STAB Crunch, which nearly OHKOes 252 HP Chimecho, and its surprise factor. Ice Beam pairs very nicely with Crawdaunt's STABs and shreds Tangela apart while dealing a nice chunk of damage to Bellossom and Roselia. The last slot can go to Hidden Power Electric to get a super effective hit on Water-types like Pelipper and Huntail. However, Substitute can be used instead to protect Crawdaunt from revenge killers and status, (AC) and it allows Crawdaunt to more easily select the correct move for the situation. The last Another viable option for the last slot is Taunt, which is Crawdaunt's only real hope of being able to break past Sableye effectively, and it can trip up other defensive switch-ins like Dewgong, Swalot, and Lickitung pretty nicely.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There isn't much point to running any HP investment, (AC) considering Crawdaunt's terrible overall bulk, so maximum Speed is run to give Crawdaunt the edge against Modest Bellossom and Huntail. A Timid nature is an option as well, but making full use of Crawdaunt's good Special Attack is recommended, despite Timid coming with the advantage of outspeeding Timid Bellossom and Huntail. Going mixed is not recommended either, as then you are playing with a slightly worse version of the Choice Band set, and the only physical move of note that's really missed with this set is Brick Break.

Toxic is a good move to run in the last slot as well, as it is Crawdaunt's best general weapon against special walls like Kecleon and Dewgong, both of which Crawdaunt has no real hope of breaking past otherwise. Hitmonchan makes a good partner to smash these and other special walls like Lickitung as well, and together Hitmonchan and Crawdaunt make a pretty fearsome offensive core, (AC) as Hitmonchan loves Crawdaunt's ability to remove Chimecho from the picture. Plusle and Grass-types have a really hard time switching into this set, but once in, (AC) they can obliterate Crawdaunt with their STAB move of choice. Because of this, Whiscash, Roselia, Swalot, and Flareon make good teammates to switch into them and force them out. Finally, Hitmonchan can switch into this set pretty easily, though it takes upwards of 50% from Surf, and it can OHKO Crawdaunt with Sky Uppercut. Chimecho and Sableye thus make good teammates to bring with Crawdaunt. (redundant)

[Other Options]

The only major moves not mentioned above that's that are done well by Crawdaunt are Endeavor and Counter. Counter is extremely hard to use due to Crawdaunt's frailty, but from behind a teammate's Reflect it can be done used effectively. Endeavor could see use on a Salac Berry set, but it too is also pretty hard to use.

Most other sets available to Crawdaunt are done better by Kingler, which sports slightly higher Attack, significantly higher Speed, a lack of a Fighting-type weakness, and better physical bulk. This includes, in particular, basically any set featuring Swords Dance or Salac Berry sets, (RC) or as well as any combination of the two.

[Checks and Counters]

Probably the best overall switch-in to Crawdaunt is Sableye, which really only fears Surf from the special attacking set, (RC) or the rare Toxic or Taunt. Otherwise, it easily switches into most attacks anything from the Choice Band set and can outstall Crawdaunt with Toxic and Recover, (RC) or use it as setup fodder for Calm Mind. Relicanth also switches into most attacks anything from the Choice Band set without fear, save for the uncommon Hidden Power Grass, and it can attack back retaliate (repetition) with its Rock-type STAB Rock moves. However, Relicanth must be careful around the special attacking set. Tangela only fears Ice Beam or and Sludge Bomb from the Choice Band set, but it cannot switch into anything very safely from the special attacking set. Rock-types and Mawile can easily tank Double-Edge or Return from the Choice Band set, but most of the other moves will leave a hefty dent or KO them if they opponent predicts wrong. In general, bulky Water-types like physically defensive Whiscash and Dewgong can switch into most attacks from the Choice Band set, (AC) save for Double-Edge, and they fear little from the special attacking set.

Hitmonchan, Plusle, Haunter, and most strong special attackers with a super effective move can easily revenge kill Crawdaunt without much issue, but they really cannot switch into anything safely. Finally, most strong physical attackers like Choice Band Piloswine can tank a physical attack and OHKO in return.
 

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Substitute/Endeavor/Crunch or Toxic/Surf with Salac Berry should be mentioned as the primary option, since even without Torrent Crawdaunt is comparatively far more powerful than Endeavor Swampert in its respective tier. Knock Off is worth a mention and so is Icy Wind because of its fairly low Speed.
 

Oglemi

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Jellicent SubEndeavor is probably worth a set but i've never used it or seen it used which is why I put it in OO when I wrote this up. If it's really worth a set someone else can write it up and add it to the analysis at another time. Knock Off is probably not worth using when you 2hko everything you'd knock off anyway in the tier with Crunch or Surf... Icy Wind can be mentioned in OO
 

Lumari

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remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[Overview]

Crawdaunt stands out in the tier for sporting amazing mixed attacking stats and featuring a decent typing to make use of them. Having no physical STAB move blows is a letdown, though, especially considering its incredible base 120 Attack stat, but its base 90 Special Attack is still fantastic by NU standards. It also has great coverage, both physical and special, meaning that once Crawdaunt steps onto the battlefield, something's getting hurt. Unfortunately, getting Crawdaunt in is hard considering its subpar bulk, and its low Speed means it'll be unlikely to sweep the opponent's team anytime soon. Still, if it's an unpredictable wallbreaker you're looking for, Crawdaunt is a fine candidate for offensive teams.

[SET]
name: Mixed Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge / Return
move 2: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Band
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 132 SpA / 124 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A Choice Band set is probably the best way to make the best use of Crawdaunt's massive base 120 Attack stat, despite the lack of physical STAB moves. Double-Edge is Crawdaunt's strongest physical move and will hit like a truck, being only marginally weaker than Choice Band Raticate's own STAB-boosted Double-Edge. Return is a viable alternative if the recoil is unappealing and will still be Crawdaunt's strongest available physical move on the set. Hidden Power Ghost is used to annihilate Haunter and is Crawdaunt's best weapon against Chimecho, which Crawdaunt can generally switch into without much fear if it lacks Hidden Power Electric. Brick Break takes out Mawile, Lickitung, and Kecleon and will generally be used as a safety move. The last slot is saved for a special move to allow Crawdaunt to eliminate those targets that either resist its physical moves or just have substantially more Defense than Special Defense. Surf is boosted by STAB and is Crawdaunt's best weapon for Piloswine, physically defensive Sableye, Rock-types like Sudowoodo and Lairon, and Mawile, 2HKOing it after a layer of Spikes. Ice Beam can be used instead to take out Tangela, and it still hits some Rock-types harder than Crawdaunt's other moves, particularly Graveler. Finally, Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ghost to completely devastate Relicanth and Whiscash more than Crawdaunt's other options.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread maxes out Attack to give Crawdaunt's physical moves as much damage output as possible, and enough Speed is run to outspeed minimum Speed base 70s like Dewgong. The rest is dumped into Special Attack to beef up the power of Crawdaunt's special move of choice.

Crawdaunt's movepool is actually pretty extensive, and there are a few viable alternatives that can be run in the last slot. Going fully physical is definitely an option, with the Special Attack EVs then moved into Speed, which then ensures Crawdaunt can get the jump on maximum Speed Modest Bellossom and Huntail before they set up weather. If going fully physical, Sludge Bomb is probably the best option for the last slot, (AC) as it completely destroys Bellossom and even OHKOes 4/0 uninvested Tangela. Hidden Power Rock is another great choice, as it has neutral coverage and is a good safety move to have, but nearly every target that it's super effective against takes about the same damage from Double-Edge anyway. Other special moves that can be run in the last slot include Crunch and Crabhammer, but they're generally less effective than the other options. Choice Band can be dropped in favor of Leftovers, which allows Crawdaunt the ability to switch moves and pummel the opposition with the correct move, but a lot of power is lost in on its physical attacks if taking this route.

Crawdaunt's role on a team with this set is to open holes in the opposition for another physical sweeper to come in later in the match and clean up the remains. Good options to do so are those that enjoy having Rock-types weakened or out of the way like Pidgeot and Murkrow, as well as generally good physical sweepers like Raticate, Vigoroth, and Hitmonchan. There's little that can actually switch into Crawdaunt completely safely, though Relicanth stands out as the most prominent if Hidden Power Grass isn't run, so having a switch-in to it such as Hitmonchan or a Grass-type like Tangela is desirable. Sableye also doesn't fear much from this set, being immune to Double-Edge and Brick Break and taking little from Hidden Power Ghost or the special move. Bringing a strong special attacker like Bellossom or Flareon to smash it to pieces would be a good idea when using Crawdaunt. Torkoal also switches into this set quite easily, even if Crawdaunt has Surf, making a Rock-type of your own like Magcargo or Sudowoodo a good teammate to have.

Plusle and Grass-types cannot switch directly into Crawdaunt, but they do easily OHKO it once they get in, so having a teammate to tank their attacks and allow Crawdaunt to switch out is a good idea. Whiscash, Kecleon, and Swalot can all do this pretty well and mesh with Crawdaunt's typing pretty well too. Finally, Hitmonchan itself is pretty threatening for Crawdaunt, so having a teammate like Chimecho or Sableye is a good idea too.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Substitute / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A straight out-and-out special attacking set makes the best use of Crawdaunt's great base 90 Special Attack and special STAB moves, allowing it to surprise its normal switch-ins and deal a ton of damage to many targets in the tier in general. The main advantage Crawdaunt sports over the other special attacking Water-types in the tier is its access to STAB Crunch, which nearly OHKOes 252 HP Chimecho, and its surprise factor. Ice Beam pairs very nicely with Crawdaunt's STAB attacks and shreds Tangela apart while dealing a nice chunk of damage to Bellossom and Roselia. The last slot can go to Hidden Power Electric to get a super effective hit on Water-types like Pelipper and Huntail. However, Substitute can be used instead to protect Crawdaunt from revenge killers and status, and it allows Crawdaunt to more easily select the correct move for the situation. Another viable option for the last slot is Taunt, which is Crawdaunt's only real hope of being able to break past Sableye effectively (RC) and can trip up other defensive switch-ins like Dewgong, Swalot, and Wailord pretty nicely.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There isn't much point to running any HP investment, considering Crawdaunt's terrible overall bulk, so maximum Speed is run to give Crawdaunt the edge against Modest Bellossom and Huntail. A Timid nature is an option as well, but making full use of Crawdaunt's good Special Attack is recommended, despite Timid coming with the advantage of outspeeding Timid Bellossom and Huntail. Going mixed is not recommended either, as then you are playing with a slightly worse version of the Choice Band set, and the only physical move of note that's really missed with this set is Brick Break.

Toxic is a good move to run in the last slot as well, as it is Crawdaunt's best general weapon against special walls like Kecleon and Dewgong, both of which Crawdaunt has no real hope of breaking past otherwise. Hitmonchan makes a good partner to smash these and as well as other special walls like Lickitung as well, and together Hitmonchan and Crawdaunt make a pretty fearsome offensive core, as Hitmonchan loves Crawdaunt's ability to remove Chimecho from the picture. Plusle and Grass-types have a really hard time switching into this set, but once in, they can obliterate Crawdaunt with their STAB move of choice. Because of this, Whiscash, Roselia, Swalot, and Flareon make good teammates to switch into them and force them out. Finally, Hitmonchan can switch into this set pretty easily, though it takes upwards of 50% from Surf, and it can OHKO Crawdaunt with Sky Uppercut; Chimecho and Sableye thus make good teammates.

[Other Options]

The only major moves not mentioned above that are done well by Crawdaunt are Endeavor and Counter. Counter is extremely hard to use due to Crawdaunt's frailty, but from behind a teammate's Reflect it can be used effectively. Endeavor could see use on a Salac Berry set, but it is also pretty hard to use. As for other move choices, Icy Wind is an interesting move to cripple a potential revenge killer and give Crawdaunt the opportunity to threaten a KO with an appropriate move. Knock Off is a great move in general to remove the longevity of certain walls likely to switch into Crawdaunt, like Sableye and Wailord.

Most other sets available to Crawdaunt are done better by Kingler, which sports slightly higher Attack, significantly higher Speed, a lack of a Fighting-type weakness, and better physical bulk. This includes, in particular, any Swords Dance or Salac Berry sets as well as any combination of the two.

[Checks and Counters]

Probably the best overall switch-in to Crawdaunt is Sableye, which really only fears Surf from the special attacking set or the rare Toxic or Taunt. Otherwise, it easily switches into most attacks from the Choice Band set and can outstall Crawdaunt with Toxic and Recover or use it as setup fodder for Calm Mind. Relicanth also switches into most attacks from the Choice Band set without fear, save for the uncommon Hidden Power Grass, and it can retaliate with its Rock-type STAB moves. However, Relicanth must be careful around the special attacking set. Tangela only fears Ice Beam and Sludge Bomb from the Choice Band set, but it cannot switch into anything very safely from the special attacking set. Rock-types and Mawile can easily tank Double-Edge or Return from the Choice Band set, but most of the other moves will leave a hefty dent or KO them if the opponent predicts wrong. In general, bulky Water-types like physically defensive Whiscash and Wailord can switch into most attacks from the Choice Band set, save for Double-Edge, and they fear little from the special attacking set.

Hitmonchan, Plusle, Haunter, and most strong special attackers with a super effective move can easily (redundant) revenge kill Crawdaunt without much issue, but they really cannot switch into anything safely. Finally, most strong physical attackers like Choice Band Piloswine can tank a physical attack and OHKO in return.
 
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