Crawdaunt (OU Analysis)

[SJCrew]

http://serebii.net/pokedex-bw/342.shtml

[Overview]

<p>After a long history of being relegated to the lower tiers due to its horrid Speed, paper-thin defenses, and lack of powerful STAB options, Crawdaunt once again appears unable to avoid its tiering fate in this generation of Pokemon. Though cursed with such dubious attributes, there is at least one good reason to use Crawdaunt in OU: Adaptability. This amazing ability from the Dream World gives it access to more power than it has ever had before, and with rain support, grants Crawdaunt plenty of opportunities to crush its enemies with its crustaceous claws. Once-feared tanks such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory crumble beneath its awesome might, and serve only as an example as to why one should not underestimate this unorthodox, albeit formidable foe.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Attacking is the one and only thing Crawdaunt is good at, so a Choice Band set is about as natural for it as scuttling across the sea floor and bullying enemy Kingler. 120 base Attack backed by peerless coverage may seem par for the course in the OU metagame, but the real meat of its power comes from Adaptability, giving it the boost needed to KO certain targets that even OU's best are troubled with. For example, nothing ruins a player's day quite like discovering that his Choice Band Tyranitar has failed to KO a full-health Reuniclus, and was promptly wasted by Focus Blast. Adaptability, on the other hand, increases Crunch's base power by a devastating 40 points after STAB, securing the KO even on the much more physically bulky Slowbro after Stealth Rock damage. Even Lugia lives on the prayer that few to none are brave enough to actually use this crab in Ubers.</p>

<p>As if more evidence was required that its pincers aren't for show, Crawdaunt's claws also make for a lethal bludgeoning tool on a rainy day, turning it into a nightmare to handle for even the bulkiest of Pokemon that don't resist its moves. Crabhammer OHKOes specially defensive Brozong and Skarmory wholesale and deals immense damage to potential switch-ins such as Latios, which is OHKOed with Stealth Rock damage, and bulky Latias, which is easily 2HKOed while only managing to blast away a chunk of its HP with Dragon Pulse. Breloom, Virizion, Dragonite, and Rotom-W suffer a similar fate, being OHKOed on average after Stealth Rock by the same attack. Even Celebi, one of the bulkiest Grass-types in OU, takes over 50% with maximum investment in HP, while the threat of its Superpower is enough to ward off any potential Ferrothorn switch-ins. Finally, Double-Edge punishes hasty Toxicroak users looking to soak up Crabhammer or Crunch on the switch. With proper prediction, Crawdaunt can prove to be a formidable foe to not only walls, but to just about anything.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>While not to be taken lightly under normal field conditions, this crab's true potential is unlocked with rain support, and having a Drizzle Politoed on the same team is highly recommended. Spikes support helps it get rid of even Ferrothorn even with a rain-boosted Crabhammer, mitigating the need to predict with Superpower. Waterfall is a safer option than Crabhammer due to its superior accuracy, but it misses the KO on important targets such as Rotom-W and Dragonite after Stealth Rock damage. Tailwind support from Tornadus or Whimsicott aids it in late-game cleaning, as does Thunder Wave support from Ferrothorn, a common ally on rain teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Adaptability
nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Surprisingly, Crawdaunt can be just as effective a wallbreaker in OU with a Dragon Dance set. While not a true sweeper per se, this set allows it to be an even greater nuisance to offensive and defensive teams alike with its ability to KO almost any wall, outspeed certain sweepers, and switch moves. One Speed boost and a Jolly nature allow it to outpace base 105 Speed Pokemon, such as Mienshao and Zoroark, without sacrificing too much of its heavyweight offense. For example, even without a boost or Stealth Rock support, Crawdaunt is capable of 2HKOing Skarmory under rain with Waterfall and has the roughly the same chance to OHKO Reuniclus with Crunch as Choice Band Tyranitar. Unfortunately, due to its low Speed and lack of defenses, Crawdaunt will find few opportunities to sweep and is only capable of clearing out the most defensive of teams. Most of its free turns will be best served attacking until all faster checks have been cleared out in preparation for the coup de grâce.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Watch out for Toxicroak. The only way to cover it with this set is by replacing Superpower with Return, which is not recommended due to the omnipresence of Ferrothorn. An Adamant nature generally isn't used on the dark lobster, as it only allows Crawdaunt to outpace up to Jolly Lucario after a boost, but it has some attractive perks as well. An unboosted Crunch scores a nigh-guaranteed OHKO on Reuniclus with an Adamant nature, and can also KO Rotom-W after Stealth Rock damage. Jolly is a great help against offense, but Adamant reduces Crawdaunt's dependency on Dragon Dance for important KOs.</p>

<p>Setting up a Dragon Dance will prove to be a task by itself with Crawdaunt's poor defenses, so ample team support is required. Politoed's Drizzle support is a given, but its access to support moves such as Scald, Encore, and Hypnosis also gives Crawdaunt more opportunities to switch in and set up. Dual Screen users also aid in this regard; Azelf and Uxie are especially recommended, with moves such as Explosion and Memento allowing Crawdaunt to switch in without suffering an attack. Tornadus and Dragonite are great offensive partners in the rain, and Tornadus's U-turn is helpful for safer switch-ins. Nidoqueen can handle the Electric-type attacks that fry Crawdaunt, not to mention counter Terrakion, who checks Crawdaunt even after a boost. Be sure to also pack a potent Steel-type such as Jirachi, in order to counter Latios and Latias, who outpace Crawdaunt after a Dragon Dance. Paralysis support from Whimsicott or Ferrothorn is also recommended to give Crawdaunt more opportunities to sweep, while Dugtrio can trap and KO both Terrakion and Toxicroak handily.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Forget about it. All of Crawdaunt's other boosting moves are thoroughly outclassed by Dragon Dance, and the sheer force of its Adaptability-boosted STABs reduce the need for additional coverage moves such as Rock Slide. Payback can be used in the blind faith that Crawdaunt might be able to survive a hit from something, but with Crunch available, it has virtually no utility.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Toxicroak is bad news for all Crawdaunt sets, walling everything but a boosted Double-Edge. Tangrowth is also a hard counter to Crawdaunt, only fearing the Defense drop from a Choice Band Crunch, while bulky Shaymin sets can avoid the OHKO from a Choice Band or Dragon Dance-boosted Crunch. Intimidate helps Salamence get in pretty easily, and it can avoid the KO most of the time from anything but a +1 Life Orb-boosted Crunch.</p>

<p>The list of true counters to Crawdaunt is quite small, due to the nature of a counter being required to switch in, but luckily, base 55 Speed does not go very far. Pokemon with base 108 Speed and higher, such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Latios can all handle Crawdaunt even after it has boosted, while Terrakion can even snag a Justified boost switching into Crunch. Certain types of priority also hinder it, such as Conkeldurr's Mach Punch, which could put an end to the crab after a round of Stealth Rock and Life Orb damage; a Life Orb-boosted Vacuum Wave from Lucario OHKOes even without prior damage. Heavy offensive teams negate Crawdaunt's one and only niche in wallbreaking and can easily defeat it by allowing no openings for setup or attack.</p>

<p>Another way to shut down Crawdaunt's offense is to maintain control over the weather. Removing the rain nerfs its strongest attack, Crabhammer, leaving it to fall short of OHKOing Pokemon that resist its STABs, such as Breloom and Virizion. In this light, sun teams should have an easier time against it, as it is restricted to Crunch in order to deal significant damage. This also reduces the risk of misprediction when switching a check in.</p>

 

[Bloo]

Powerful 'mon. Looks cool.

QC APPROVED (2/3)

 

[Iconic]

QC Approved 3/3

 

[SJCrew]

Written in full. Have at it, GP team.

 

[Calm Pokemaster]

Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments

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[OVERVIEW]

<p>After a long history of being relegated to the lower tiers due to its horrid Speed, paper-thin defenses, and lack of powerful STAB options, Crawdaunt once again appears unable to avoid its tiering fate in this generation of Pokemon. Though cursed with such dubious attributes, there is at least one good reason to use Crawdaunt in OU: Adaptability. This amazing ability from the Dream World gives it access to more power than it's ever had before, and with rain support, grants Crawdaunt plenty of opportunities to crush enemies with its crustaceous claws. Once feared tanks such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory merely crumble beneath its awesome might, and serve only as an example as to why one should not underestimate this unorthodox, but formidable foe.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Choice Band (we have metagame tabs now, so no need for the ''OU' prefix)
move 1: Crabhammer / Waterfall
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Double-Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Adaptability
nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Attacking is the one and only thing Crawdaunt is good at, so a Choice Band set is about as natural for it as scuttling across the sea floor and bullying enemy Kingler. 120 base attack backed by peerless coverage may seem par for the course in the OU metagame, but the real meat of its power comes from Adaptability, giving it the much needed boost to KO certain targets even OU's best are troubled with. For example, nothing ruins a player's day quite like discovering that a Reuniclus has survived his Choice Band Tyranitar's Crunch at full health and KOed back with Focus Blast (Do not switch between tenses in the same sentence. In your sentence, you started off in the past perfect - ''has failed'' - but switched to simple present - ''is promptly wasted by'') his Choice Band Tyranitar has failed to KO a full-health Reuniclus, and is promptly wasted by Focus Blast. Adaptability, on the other hand, increases Crunch's base power by a devastating 40 points after STAB, securing the KO even on the much more physically bulky Slowbro after Stealth Rock damage. Even Lugia lives on the prayer that few to none are brave enough to actually use this crab in Ubers.</p>

<p>As if more evidence were required that its pincers aren't for show, Crawdaunt's claws also make for a lethal bludgeoning tool on a rainy day, and turning it into a nightmare to handle for even the bulkiest of Pokemon that don't resist its moves. Crabhammer OHKOes specially defensive Brozong and Skarmory wholesale, while and deals immense damage to potential switch-ins such as Latios, which is OHKOed with Stealth Rock damage, and bulky Latias, which is easily being 2HKOed while only managing to blast away a chunk of its HP (while flavor is indeed nice, avoid excessively flowery prose like this) not dealing too much damage back with Dragon Pulse. Breloom, Virizion, Dragonite, and Rotom-W suffer a similar fate, being OHKOed on average after Stealth Rock rocks (When referring to Stealth Rock, don't use short forms such as ''SR'' or ''rocks'') by the same attack. Even Celebi, one of the bulkiest Grass-types in OU, takes over half of its HP in damage 50% with a bulky spread of 252 HP maximum investment in HP, while the intimidation of its the threat of an imminent 2HKO from Superpower is enough to ward off any potential Ferrothorn switch-ins with an imminent 2HKO. Finally, Double-Edge punishes hasty Toxicroak users looking to garner a free HP increase from Crabhammer or endure the nonetheless hard-hitting Crunch soak up Crunch or even heal off damage by switching into a predicted Crabhammer. With proper prediction, Crawdaunt can prove to be a formidable foe to not only walls, but just about anything.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>While not to be taken lightly under normal field conditions, this crab's Crawdaunt's true potential is unlocked with rain support, and having a Drizzle Politoed on the same team is highly recommended. Spikes support helps it get rid of even Ferrothorn even with a rain-boosted Crabhammer, mitigating the need to predict with Superpower. Waterfall is a safer option than Crabhammer due to its superior accuracy, but it misses quite a few necessary KOs. Tailwind support from Tornadus or Whimsicott aids it in late-game cleaning, as well as Thunder Wave support from Ferrothorn, a common ally on rain teams.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Crabhammer / Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Adaptability
nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Surprisingly, Crawdaunt can be just as effective a wallbreaker in OU with a Dragon Dance set. While not a true sweeper per se, the boost allows it to be an even greater nuisance to offensive and defensive teams alike, dreading withits ability to KO almost any wall, outspeed certain sweepers, and switch moves after the fact (after the ''fact''? What do you mean here?). One Speed boost and a Jolly nature allow it to outpace base 105 Speed Pokemon such as Mienshao and Zoroark without sacrificing too much of its heavyweight offense. For example, even without a boost or Stealth Rock support, it Crawdaunt is capable of 2HKOing Skarmory under rain with Waterfall and has the roughly the same chance to OHKO Reuniclus with Crunch as Choice Band Tyranitar. Unfortunately, due to its low Speed and lack of defenses, Crawdaunt will find few opportunities to sweep and is only capable of clearing out the most defensive of teams. Most of its free turns will be better served attacking until all faster checks have been cleared out in preparation for the coup de grâce.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Watch out for Toxicroak. The only way to cover it with this set is by replacing Superpower with Return, which is not recommended due to the omnipresence of Ferrothorn. Adamant is the less recommended nature, as it only allows Crawdaunt to outpace up to Jolly Lucario after a boost, but it has some attractive perks as well. Crunch scores a nigh-guaranteed OHKO on Reuniclus with an Adamant nature, and can also KO Rotom-W after Stealth Rock damage. Jolly is a great help against offense, but Adamant reduces Crawdaunt's dependency on Dragon Dance for important KOs.</p>

<p>Setting up a Dragon Dance will prove to be a task in and of byitself with Crawdaunt's poor defenses, so ample team support is required. Politoed's Drizzle support is a given, but its access to support moves such as Scald, Encore, and Hypnosis also allow give Crawdaunt more opportunities to switch in and set up through Scald burning, Hypnosis, and Encore. Tornadus and Dragonite are great offensive partners in the rain, and Tornadus's (this is a singular possessive noun, so affix that 's at the end) U-turn is helpful for safer switch-ins. Nidoqueen can handle the Electric-type attacks that fry Crawdaunt, not to mention counter Terrakion, whochecks him it even after a boost. Be sure to also pack a potent Steel-type, such as Jirachi, in order to counter both Latios and Latias, who also outpace Crawdaunt after a Dragon Dance. Paralysis support from Whimsicott or Ferrothorn is also recommended to allow it give Crawdaunt more opportunities to sweep, while Dugtrio can trap and KO both Terrakion and Toxicroak handily.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Payback can be used in blind faith that Crawdaunt might be able to survive a hit from something, but with Crunch available, it has virtually no utility. Crawdaunt's movepool, while not large, does hand it a few alternative options, but sadly, it is either incapable of using them with its poor Speed and below-par bulk or is outclassed completely by more potent threats. Boosting options such as Hone Claws and Swords Dance are for the most part unusable as Crawdaunt finds it exceedingly difficult to set up with its dreadful Speed. X-Scissor and Rock Slide provide redundant coverage with Crawdaunt's other moves, while Payback is completely outclassed by Crunch as Crawdaunt can't take too many hits with its awful defensive stats. Finally, access to special attacks such as Ice Beam, Surf, and Hidden Power might warrant the use of a special or even a mixed set, but with Crawdaunt's mediocre base 85 Special Attack, it won't be doing much damage.</p> (I agree that Crawdaunt doesn't have any other viable options, but you need to make it clear why they aren't viable. That is what OO is for; one sentence just doesn't cut it.)

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Toxicroak is bad news for all Crawdaunt sets, walling all but a Choice Band (avoid using ''Banded'' ; ''Scarfed'' etc) Double-Edge. Tangrowth is also a hard counter to Crawdaunt, only fearing the Defense drop from a Choice Band Crunch, while bulky Shaymin sets can avoid the OHKO from a Choice Band or Dragon Dance-boosted Crunch. Intimidate helps Salamence get in pretty easily, and it can avoid the KO most of the time from anything but a +1 Life Orb-boosted Crunch after Dragon Dance.</p>

<p>The list of true counters to Crawdaunt is quite small, due to the nature of a counter being required to switch in, but luckily, base 55 Speed does not go very far. Pokemon with 108 Base base 108 Speed and higher, such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Latios can all handle Crawdaunt even after it has boosted, while Terrakion can even snag a Justified boost switching into Crunch. Certain types of priority also hinder it, such as Conkeldurr's Mach Punch, which could put an end to the crab after a round of Stealth Rock and Life Orb damage; a Life Orb-boosted Vacuum Wave from Lucario OHKOes even without prior damage. Heavy offensive teams negate Crawdaunt's one and only niche in wallbreaking and can easily defeat it by allowing no openings for setup or attack.</p>

<p>Another way to shut down Crawdaunt's offense is to keep maintain control of over the weather. Removing the rain nerfs its strongest attack, Crabhammer, leaving it to fall short of OHKOing Pokemon that resist its STABs, such as Breloom and Virizion. In this light, sun teams should have an easier time against it, as it is restricted to Crunch in order to deal significant damage. This also reduces the risk of misprediction when switching a check in.</p>

There were quite a few instances of overly flowery prose that could have been avoided, but nice job otherwise.

GP 1 / 2

 

[Cherub Agent]

Perhaps expand a little on OO? Mabye mention that it has knock off, it can run a choice scarf set, etc? I don't think one sentence really cuts it tbh.

Although having said that, this is an excellent analysis. The ”flavour” is awesome, lol

 

[SJCrew]

You say that out of obligation rather than pragmatism. Judging by the options you actually listed, I think you came to roughly the same conclusion that I did upon looking at the rest of his viable movepool.

 

[sandshrewz]

I've looked at the other Crawdaunt analyses. Their OO were short too :x mention Swords Dance too. :)

 

[Calm Pokemaster]

All right, I am addressing this issue in a fresh post. A Pokemon might be incapable of using any moves apart from those listed on its set, but that doesn't mean you should leave the Other Options section empty. Mention the other moves - regardless of whether viable or not on the set - and explain exactly why the Pokemon is incapable of putting them to use. Accordingly, I have fleshed out the OO section.

Of course, that doesn't mean you have to go mentioning everything else in that Pokemon's movepool; troll stuff like Psycho Cut on Alakazam, for instance =]

 

[Lee]

might be worth mentioning screen support because as it stands Crawdaunt can't switch in for toffee and i've always found that to be a bigger problem than his Speed. Getting 2HKO'd by Skarmory's Brave Bird and CB Tyranitar's Crunch is a nuisance. That said, it might make him seem a little support heavy - Drizzle, Tailwind, paralysis and screens? Well, it is a Crawdaunt...

 

[SJCrew]

All right, I am addressing this issue in a fresh post. A Pokemon might be incapable of using any moves apart from those listed on its set, but that doesn't mean you should leave the Other Options section empty. Mention the other moves - regardless of whether viable or not on the set - and explain exactly why the Pokemon is incapable of putting them to use. Accordingly, I have fleshed out the OO section.

Of course, that doesn't mean you have to go mentioning everything else in that Pokemon's movepool; troll stuff like Psycho Cut on Alakazam, for instance =]

Just telling you now, I'm not adding that fluff of yours to OO. My primary concern in writing this analysis is to help the players that want to learn about Crawdaunt in OU, not meeting an artificial word count. The information you added is not helpful, it is more reading. I've written plenty of information in the rest of the analysis, that consummately explains why we are not here to use Taunt or Knock Off. All of his moveslots are vital for coverage and you cannot afford to get rid of a single one. Payback only got mentioned because it has the potential to be stronger than Crunch, but in non-ideal situations.

If the rest of his options don't even have the smallest potential to be competitive, then they don't belong in a competitive analysis. "Don't use Hone Claws on a slow and frail mon that has access to one of the best boosting moves in the game with a set devoted to it instead." "Don't use Rock Slide to upset its already perfect coverage when it's OHKOing Dragonite with Crabhammer" That's like telling us that Chansey doesn't need to be using Double-Edge; not even logically relevant.

@ Lee: Screens support sounds great for Dragon Dance. I'll put that in AC.

 

[sandshrewz]

Erm, what I think is, OO is where other competitively viable moves that are not mentioned in AC is to be mentioned there. What I mean is, maybe something that is not really good since the other sets are better but might prove to have some use. Ie Swords Dance etc etc. Just refer to format guide.

roughly means something that's good but not the best. Some teams prefer some pokemon to have some tweaking and not stick to the standard sets, so players can refer to OO for some other options. Not too much of don't use this because of something, but more of like something's better / it's harder to pull off etc. So OO is sort of additional reference to explain what other things are good but not good enough if you get what I mean :d

Afterall it's your choice to add it in or not. For me, I'll just add in what CP added to be on the safe side :x one line OO are generally discouraged, even if there isn't much to work with. If it has some use, just put it in as it might prove useful to some players. Sorry if I ramble too much :x

 

[Cherub Agent]

That "fluff" CP listed is useful. Crawdaunt CAN use Swords Dance, and go mixed. For example, by using Ice Beam Crawdaunt can get past Tangrowth. I agree that moves such as Rock Slide and X-Scissor are redundant, but the fact is that they're Crawdaunts other options, and should be listed as such. Knock Off is a great move that can easily be used over Double Edge on the Choice Band set. There are Pokemon with movepools poorer than Crawdaunts, and yet the analysis writer managed to throw out more than one sentence.

 

[sandshrewz]

Ok. Sorry for going off track >.> I don't want to sound harsh or anything, but I guess SJCrew knows what to do. Let's get back on track and get this wrapped up :)

omg I hope I didn't sound fierce :x

 

[Lee]

i understand sjcrew's concern - whatever he puts into OO is basically gonna look like 'Crawdaunt could use [move A] but [move B] will almost always be a better option.' the only things i'd really be on board with is a brief mention of Ice Beam even if it is a dismissive one and perhaps a slightly bulkier spread for the CB set...maybe enough to outrun the crew that hang around 180~ (Skarmory, Jellicent, Metagross, Scizor, Politoed, Tyranitar, some Breloom) with the rest in HP. Max Spe is really a situational advantage.

 

[Pocket]

Great analysis, SJCrew!

might be worth mentioning screen support because as it stands Crawdaunt can't switch in for toffee and i've always found that to be a bigger problem than his Speed. Getting 2HKO'd by Skarmory's Brave Bird and CB Tyranitar's Crunch is a nuisance. That said, it might make him seem a little support heavy - Drizzle, Tailwind, paralysis and screens? Well, it is a Crawdaunt...

Screens may benefit the Dragon Dancer, but the CB set would really appreciate Trick Room support. Pokemon like Celebi, Jirachi, Reuniclus, or Jellicent can set them up with ease and transform Crawdaunt into a speed demon packing the power of Deoxys-A lol. It's a superior option to Tailwind, imo, since there are handful of Scarfed mons that can outrun Crawdaunt even with double Speed, and TR's effect last for an extra turn longer. TR CB Crawdaunt would want a bulkier, slower spread.

I also agree that Ice Beam and Swords Dance at least deserves an OO mention. OO is a section where viable moves that are incompatible with the main sets are mentioned. Although, situational, Ice Beam and Swords Dance can come in handy. Ice Beam 2HKOs Tangrowth, who otherwise walls non-CB variants, and Swords Dance can always be used to more effectively break walls.

I wouldn't mention Rock Slide or X-Scissor, since they really offer nothing that his other main offense already provides. An Adaptability Crunch already does more than a SE Rock Slide. X-Scissor hits Grass-types, but again Crawdaunt has the adaptability Crunch. Virizion and Breloom resists it, but they're neutral to X-Scissor, so I'd rather go with a Rain-boosted Waterfall / Superpower / Body Slam anyways. Knock Off is certainly an annoying utility move, but I don't think it fits Crawdaunt's offensive nature. Knock Off is usually pulled off by tanky mons like Tangrowth, not Crawdaunt who wants to dish hard hits from the get-go; hits that most mons can't take very well.

 

[Bruno Magno]

I guess this should be mentioned, at least on Other Options

- Hone Claws
- Crabhammer
- Rock Slide
- Night Slash

Hone Claws boosts the quite good Attack and the Accuracy, meaning Rock Slide and Crabhammer will never fail. Night Slash, STAB, is preferable at Crunch for the parahax factor. Regardless of the spread, Crawdant is so slow that can work in a Trick Room team. However, due to its poor defences, and having 55 Speed (more than Trick Room sweepers, less than other ones), Dragon Dance is often better

 

[Calm Pokemaster]

I do not wish to stir up a controversy again. SJCrew, you have mentioned in many places in your analysis that Crawdaunt's best move options are the ones listed on the sets, agreed, but that doesn't mean you can have a one-line OO.

OO, as I mentioned in my earlier post, is where stuff which isn't viable on the set is mentioned - this isn't things like Double Edge on Chansey, even a moron can make that out for himself. Most people are not going to read the whole analysis - they will skim through the set, moves, EVs, and stuff. Other Options is where they will look to see what else the Pokemon can do - analyses might not be an ''Idiot's Guide to using X in Y tier'', but you need to mention one or two other moves / sets in OO and explain again in a nutshell why the Pokemon is incapable of using them. I agree that my earlier OO was too long, but I have cut it short and given you a concised version here -

Hide

As mentioned earlier, though Crawdaunt's movepool hands it a few other moves, its given attacks are its best options: the power of its Adaptability-boosted STAB neuters the need for much additional coverage, STAB Payback only outdamages Crunch in non-ideal situation, Hone Claws is completely outclassed by Dragon Dance, and Crawdaunt is plainly not built for running support options such as Knock Off. However, Ice Beam might be considered for its ability to 2HKO Tangrowth, which walls non-Choice Band variants, and a Swords Dance set can be lethal with Trick Room support.

 

[SJCrew]

Alright gentlemen, I believe we've wasted enough time here. While I was willing to maintain my position on the importance of OO being spared only for competitively viable options that don't deserve a set, which definitely does not extend to Swords Dance or Hones Claws, Bruno's post has convinced me that perhaps it is not as self-explanatory as I would like to believe. Instead of adding CP's prose (which is somewhat contradictory to mine, admittedly), I'm just going to write the content myself as though it should have been there in the first place.

All other important changes are implemented and I'm ready for the next check.

 

[Terrador]

Amateur GP Check

Additions/caps in blue
Deletions/uncaps in red
Comments in green

[OVERVIEW]

<p>After a long history of being relegated to the lower tiers due to its horrid Speed, paper-thin defenses, and lack of powerful STAB options, Crawdaunt once again appears unable to avoid its tiering fate in this generation of Pokemon. Though cursed with such dubious attributes, there is at least one good reason to use Crawdaunt in OU: Adaptability. This amazing ability from the Dream World gives it access to more power than it's has ever had before, and, with rain support, grants Crawdaunt plenty of opportunities to crush enemies with its crustaceous claws. Once-feared tanks such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory merely crumble beneath its awesome might, and serve only as an example as to why one should not underestimate this unorthodox, but albeit formidable, foe.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Attacking is the one and only thing Crawdaunt is good at, so a Choice Band set is about as natural for it as scuttling across the sea floor and bullying enemy Kingler. 120 base Attack backed by peerless coverage may seem par for the course in the OU metagame, but the real meat of its power comes from Adaptability, giving it the much needed boost needed to KO certain targets that even OU's best are troubled with. For example, nothing ruins a player's day quite like discovering that his Choice Band Tyranitar has failed to KO a full-health Reuniclus, and was promptly wasted by Focus Blast. Adaptability, on the other hand, increases Crunch's base power by a devastating 40 points after STAB, securing the KO even on the much more physically bulky Slowbro after Stealth Rock damage. Even Lugia lives on the prayer that few to none are brave enough to actually use this crab in Ubers.</p>

<p>As if more evidence were was required that its pincers aren't for show, Crawdaunt's claws also make for a lethal bludgeoning tool on a rainy day, turning it into a nightmare to handle for even the bulkiest of Pokemon that don't resist its moves. Crabhammer OHKOes specially defensive Brozong and Skarmory wholesale and deals immense damage to potential switch-ins such as Latios, which is OHKOed with Stealth Rock damage, and bulky Latias, which is easily 2HKOed while only managing to blast away a chunk of its HP with Dragon Pulse. Breloom, Virizion, Dragonite, and Rotom-W suffer a similar fate, being OHKOed on average after Stealth Rock by the same attack. Even Celebi, one of the bulkiest Grass-types in OU, takes over 50% with maximum investment in HP, while the threat of its Superpower is enough to ward off any potential Ferrothorn switch-ins. Finally, Double-Edge punishes hasty Toxicroak users looking to soak up Crabhammer or Crunch on the switch. With proper prediction, Crawdaunt can prove to be a formidable foe to not only walls, but to just about anything.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>While not to be taken lightly under normal field conditions, this crab's true potential is unlocked with rain support, and having a Drizzle Politoed on the same team is highly recommended. Spikes support helps it get rid of even Ferrothorn even with a rain-boosted Crabhammer, mitigating the need to predict with Superpower. Waterfall is a safer option than Crabhammer due to its superior accuracy, but it misses quite a few necessary KOs. On what? Come on, throw the user a line&mdash;perhaps their team doesn't need those KOs from Crawdaunt. Tailwind support from Tornadus or Whimsicott aids it in late-game cleaning, as does well as Thunder Wave support from Ferrothorn, a common ally on rain teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Crabhammer / Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Superpower
item: Life Orb
ability: Adaptability
nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Surprisingly, Crawdaunt can be just as effective a wallbreaker in OU with a Dragon Dance set. While not a true sweeper per se, the boost this set allows it to be an even greater nuisance to offensive and defensive teams alike with its ability to KO almost any wall, outspeed certain sweepers, and switch moves. One Speed boost and a Jolly nature allow it to outpace base 105 Speed Pokemon, such as Mienshao and Zoroark, without sacrificing too much of its heavyweight offense. For example, even without a boost or Stealth Rock support, Crawdaunt is capable of 2HKOing Skarmory under rain with Waterfall and has the roughly the same chance to OHKO Reuniclus with Crunch as Choice Band Tyranitar. Unfortunately, due to its low Speed and lack of defenses, Crawdaunt will find few opportunities to sweep and is only capable of clearing out the most defensive of teams. Most of its free turns will be better best served attacking until all faster checks have been cleared out in preparation for the coup de grâce.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Watch out for Toxicroak. The only way to cover it with this set is by replacing Superpower with Return, which is not recommended due to the omnipresence of Ferrothorn. Adamant is the less recommended nature An Adamant nature generally isn't used on the dark lobster, as it only allows Crawdaunt to outpace up to Jolly Lucario after a boost, but it has some attractive perks as well. Unboosted? Crunch scores a nigh-guaranteed OHKO on Reuniclus with an Adamant nature, and can also KO Rotom-W after Stealth Rock damage. Jolly is a great help against offense, but Adamant reduces Crawdaunt's dependency on Dragon Dance for important KOs.</p>

<p>Setting up a Dragon Dance will prove to be a task by itself with Crawdaunt's poor defenses, so ample team support is required. Politoed's Drizzle support is a given, but its access to support moves such as Scald, Encore, and Hypnosis also gives Crawdaunt more opportunities to switch in and set up. Dual Screen users also aid in this regard; Azelf and Uxie are especially recommended, with moves such as Explosion and Memento that allowing Crawdaunt to switch in without suffering an attack. Tornadus and Dragonite are great offensive partners in the rain, and Tornadus's U-turn is helpful for safer switch-ins. Nidoqueen can handle the Electric-type attacks that fry Crawdaunt, not to mention counter Terrakion, who *space* checks it Crawdaunt even after a boost. Be sure to also pack a potent Steel-type such as Jirachi, in order to counter both Latios and Latias, who outpace Crawdaunt after a Dragon Dance. Paralysis support from Whimsicott or Ferrothorn is also recommended to give Crawdaunt more opportunities to sweep, while Dugtrio can trap and KO both Terrakion and Toxicroak handily.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Forget about it. All of Crawdaunt's other boosting moves are thoroughly outclassed by Dragon Dance, and the sheer force of its Adaptability-boosted STABs reduce the need for additional coverage moves such as Rock Slide. Payback can be used in the blind faith that Crawdaunt might be able to survive a hit from something, but with Crunch available, it has virtually no utility.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Toxicroak is bad news for all Crawdaunt sets, walling all everything but a Choice Band boosted Double-Edge. Tangrowth is also a hard counter to Crawdaunt, only fearing the Defense drop from a Choice Band Crunch, while bulky Shaymin sets can avoid the OHKO from a Choice Band or Dragon Dance-boosted Crunch. Intimidate helps Salamence get in pretty easily, and it can avoid the KO most of the time from anything but a +1 Life Orb-boosted Crunch.</p>

<p>The list of true counters to Crawdaunt is quite small, due to the nature of a counter being required to switch in, but luckily, base 55 Speed does not go very far. Pokemon with base 108 Speed and higher, such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Latios can all handle Crawdaunt even after it has boosted, while Terrakion can even snag a Justified boost switching into Crunch. Certain types of priority also hinder it, such as Conkeldurr's Mach Punch, which could put an end to the crab after a round of Stealth Rock and Life Orb damage; a Life Orb-boosted Vacuum Wave from Lucario OHKOes even without prior damage. Heavy offensive teams negate Crawdaunt's one and only niche in wallbreaking and can easily defeat it by allowing no openings for setup or attack.</p>

<p>Another way to shut down Crawdaunt's offense is to maintain control over the weather. Removing the rain nerfs its strongest attack, Crabhammer, leaving it to fall short of OHKOing Pokemon that resist its STABs, such as Breloom and Virizion. In this light, sun teams should have an easier time against it, as it is restricted to Crunch in order to deal significant damage. This also reduces the risk of misprediction when switching a check in.</p>

 

[SJCrew]

Good stuff. Changes added.

 

[Rakan]

GP 2/2

 

[dragonboy52]

Oh, and [OVERVIEW] should be [Overview].

 

[SJCrew]

Marvelous. Good work, team.

 

[Komodo]

uploaded