Amateur GP check, take what you want from it.
Additions in Blue
Subtractions in Red
Comments in Purple
Additions in Blue
Subtractions in Red
Comments in Purple
Garbodor
[Overview]
<p>Garbodor is the Trash Bag Pokemon, and at first glance most people assume that it IS trash. It has a small support movepool, and most of its offensive movepool is based around its horrible Special Attack stat (I don't think this is actually true; while admittedly a lot of its moves on both side of the spectrum aren't competitively viable, doing a quick check of Bulbapedia shows 17 Special Attacks and 20 Physical ones). Additionally, Poison is often (I think 'often' (or possibly another adjective) makes a good addition as it clarifies that Poison isn't always a bad typing to have, as you discuss late) not a good typing to have with all the Psychic-types roaming around NU, especially Shadow Tag Gothitelle. For those who look closer, however, it Garbodor (unclear antecedent) turns from one person's trash into another's treasure, for Garbodor has a couple of surprises (I wouldn't exactly call things like it's resistance to fighting-types surprising, and I don't think you need that clause to get your point across). For example, its Poison typing, while leaving it weak to Psychic (I could go either way on this one, but you might want to remove 'while leaving it weak to psychic', because you already mentioned that above), works well with its good bulk by allowing it to check common Fighting-types, such as Gurdurr. Furthermore, its support movepool includes Spikes and Toxic Spikes, while and its access to Clear Smog allows it to counter stat-boosters. Finally, it isn't a sitting duck, as it possesses a nice base 95 Attack stat, allowing it to hit hard with STAB Gunk Shot. If you use it right, Garbodor can turn out to be a nice addition to your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Defensive Spikes (might want to change either this to Defensive Spiker or the second set to Offensive Spikes to avoid inconsistent terminology)
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Drain Punch / Toxic Spikes
move 3: Gunk Shot / Rock Blast
move 4: Clear Smog / Giga Drain
item: Leftovers
ability: Aftermath
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With access to Spikes, decent defensive typing, and good bulk, Garbodor makes a great supporter for its teammates. Spikes is essential, as it allows Garbodor's teammates to sweep weakened opponents. Drain Punch is a useful move in general to provide semi-reliable recovery while also threatening opponents such as Skuntank and (Skuntank is hit harder by Gunk Shot as 180/2 = 90 > 75) Probopass, who would otherwise set up all over Garbodor. Gunk Shot allows Garbodor to hit hard off of its good base 95 Attack stat, preventing the likes of Exeggutor from switching in at will. Finally, Clear Smog counters stat-boosting foes such as Bulk Up Gurdurr, who would otherwise be able to threaten Garbodor's and its teammates after several boosts.</p>
<p>There are a couple of other options for Garbodor. Toxic Spikes can be used over Drain Punch to provide another entry hazard, but with all the Poison-types running around NU, this is usually an inferior option. Likewise, Rock Blast can be used to deal with Substitute users such as Haunter, but is otherwise less useful than STAB Gunk Shot. Finally, Giga Drain can threaten Golem and Seismitoad, who would otherwise beat Garbodor, but the loss of Clear Smog can be painful when dealing with stat-boosters.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(space)
<p>The given EVs maximize Garbodor's HP, while 16 Speed EVs allow Garbodor to outspeed maximum Speed Golem. The rest is dumped into Defense, hitting an EV jump point. A specially defensive spread —shifting the EVs from Defense to Special Defense—lets Garbodor better tank hits from special attackers such as Specs Exeggutor and Seismitoad, but note that this lowers Garbodor's ability to wall Fighting-type Pokemon. Shed Shell can replace Leftovers to escape Shadow Tag Gothitelle, but this lowers Garbodor's survivability. (This could be changed to a mention of Shadow Tag Gothorita, but I'm not sure that he is common enough to merit that) Haze can be used over Clear Smog to deal with stat-boosters that either possess a Steel typing, such as Klang, or hide behind Substitutes, such as some Calm Mind Misdreavus. However, this is not recommended as it is illegal with Spikes, access to which is Garbodor's main niche in NU. Pain Split is another option for recovery, (you don't need a comma between two verb clauses) and allows it to heal off of high HP walls such as Lickilicky.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Garbodor has quite a number of problems in NU. First and foremost, Shadow Tag Gothitelle can trap Garbodor and destroy it with STAB Psychic. Other bBulky Psychic- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Musharna and Seismitoad can also threaten Garbodor with STAB attacks or set up as it switches out. Exeggutor can switch into anything bar Gunk Shot and threaten to OHKO with STAB Psychic, while Probopass can switch into any set that lacks Drain Punch and proceed to set up entry hazards, paralyze Garbodor, or threaten it with STAB Earth Power. Additionally, Garbodor fears Rapid Spin users, such as Armaldo, that can tank its hits and remove entry hazards. Dark-types such as Absol and Skuntank are great teammates, as they can trap Psychic-types by threatening with STAB Pursuit. Furthermore, spinblockers such as Golurk help out a ton by preventing the removal of entry hazards, while also maintaining offensive presence and utilizing Spikes to take down weakened enemies.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive Spiker
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Toxic Spikes / Drain Punch
move 3: Gunk Shot
move 4: Seed Bomb
item: Air Balloon / Leftovers
ability: Aftermath
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While the previous set concentrates on Garbodor's utility value and bulk, this set focuses more on Garbodor's offensive potential and base 95 Attack stat. Spikes is once again the entry hazard of choice, and allows its allowing Garbodor's teammates to take advantage of weakened opponents. Toxic Spikes is also used on this set as it can cripple Pokemon such as Alomomola, while also luring in Poison-types for a teammate such as Shadow Tag Gothitelle to switch in on. However, Drain Punch can be used if Pokemon such as Probopass are problematic. Gunk Shot is Garbodor's STAB move and hits Grass-types such as Exeggutor hard, while also having a slight chance to cause poison. Finally, Seed Bomb dents Ground-types such as Seismitoad and Golem, who would otherwise cause problems for Garbodor.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EVs maximize power and Speed, allowing Garbodor to set up hazards more quickly while maintaining offensive presence. The choice between Air Balloon and Leftovers is up to choice personal preference, as between Air Balloon's gives Garbodor a temporary immunity to hazards and Ground-type moves, while and Leftovers's (I think this is the correct possessive form of Leftovers but I could be wrong about that) provides constant recovery. An alternate option is to use a combination of Focus Sash and Weak Armor to boost Garbodor's Speed; however, this is usually only suited for teams that can afford the loss of Garbodor in exchange for fast Spikes. Another option is to choose between natures. If one wants to 2HKO Golurk with Seed Bomb, then Adamant is the best option; however, Jolly allows Garbodor to outspeed and OHKO Absol with Drain Punch (might want to mention something to acknowledge Absol will still be able to get a hit in if it has Sucker Punch).</p>
<p>Offensive teams will appreciate this set more than balanced teams will, so Pokemon such as Zangoose and Cinccino are great options for teammates. Additionally, Pokemon that get rid of Psychic-types, such as Skuntank, are also good teammates for Garbodor.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>With Rain Dance or Sunny Day , (remove the space before this comma) Garbodor can set up both weather and entry hazards, and fit onto weather teams effectively. Pain Split is another option, as it provides a semi-stable recovery option that also weakens the opponent. Haze is also a possibility, as it is a better version of Clear Smog that hits Steel-types as well as through and bypasses Substitutes. However, it is illegal with Spikes, access to which is Garbodor's main niche in NU, and is hence an inferior choice. Curse is an option for boosting Garbodor's Attack and Defense, but Garbodor's typing makes it vulnerable weakness to Psychic-types, which can threaten its unboosted Special Defense, hinders such a set's effectiveness. Stockpile is another way to boost Garbodor's defenses, but Stockpile is an inferior option as it can only boost to three levels. A specially attacking set is theoretically possible, but Garbodor's horrible Special Attack stat discourages this idea.</p>
<p>A special mention goes to a Life Orb attacking set with Gunk Shot, Seed Bomb, Drain Punch, and Rock Polish. Rock Polish allows Garbodor to outspeed many major threats, such as Exeggutor, and threaten some of its usual counters. Additionally, Garbodor's surprisingly good coverage, along with a Life Orb boost and its solid Attack stat, allows it to hit a number of threats, such as Probopass, while its bulk allows it to survive hits. However, note that Garbodor's Attack stat, while good, is usually not enough to sweep an opponent. In addition, Garbodor is usually more useful as a supporter (there are two spaces here; there should be only one) than as an attacking threat. Use the offensive set at your own risk.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Despite Garbodor's good power and bulk, there are a number of Pokemon that can deal with it easily. Bulky Psychic- and Ground-types threaten Garbodor, as they can threaten to take it out before it has fully set up Spikes. Additionally, powerful special attackers can blast Garbodor hard, as it is almost always uninvested in Special Defense. Shadow Tag Gothitelle is a prime example, as it can trap Garbodor and KO it easily with STAB Psychic. Musharna is very bulky and has Heal Bell to get rid of poison, while Duosion is immune to poison; both can set up in Garbodor's face with Calm Mind. Exeggutor also threatens Garbodor, although it must beware a STAB Gunk Shot to the face. (this probably doesn't matter, but Exeggutor has multiple faces, so it might take STAB Gunk Shots to 'a face' or 'the faces'; 'the face' is probably fine though) </p>
<p>Probopass can easily switch into any Garbodor lacking Drain Punch, set up entry hazards, and either cripple Garbodor with Thunder Wave or KO it with Earth Power. Rotom-S is immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes and can cripple Garbodor with Trick, while Rampardos can hurt hit Garbodor hard with STAB Head Smash or Earthquake while not worrying too much about entry hazards.</p>
[Overview]
<p>Garbodor is the Trash Bag Pokemon, and at first glance most people assume that it IS trash. It has a small support movepool, and most of its offensive movepool is based around its horrible Special Attack stat (I don't think this is actually true; while admittedly a lot of its moves on both side of the spectrum aren't competitively viable, doing a quick check of Bulbapedia shows 17 Special Attacks and 20 Physical ones). Additionally, Poison is often (I think 'often' (or possibly another adjective) makes a good addition as it clarifies that Poison isn't always a bad typing to have, as you discuss late) not a good typing to have with all the Psychic-types roaming around NU, especially Shadow Tag Gothitelle. For those who look closer, however, it Garbodor (unclear antecedent) turns from one person's trash into another's treasure, for Garbodor has a couple of surprises (I wouldn't exactly call things like it's resistance to fighting-types surprising, and I don't think you need that clause to get your point across). For example, its Poison typing, while leaving it weak to Psychic (I could go either way on this one, but you might want to remove 'while leaving it weak to psychic', because you already mentioned that above), works well with its good bulk by allowing it to check common Fighting-types, such as Gurdurr. Furthermore, its support movepool includes Spikes and Toxic Spikes, while and its access to Clear Smog allows it to counter stat-boosters. Finally, it isn't a sitting duck, as it possesses a nice base 95 Attack stat, allowing it to hit hard with STAB Gunk Shot. If you use it right, Garbodor can turn out to be a nice addition to your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Defensive Spikes (might want to change either this to Defensive Spiker or the second set to Offensive Spikes to avoid inconsistent terminology)
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Drain Punch / Toxic Spikes
move 3: Gunk Shot / Rock Blast
move 4: Clear Smog / Giga Drain
item: Leftovers
ability: Aftermath
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With access to Spikes, decent defensive typing, and good bulk, Garbodor makes a great supporter for its teammates. Spikes is essential, as it allows Garbodor's teammates to sweep weakened opponents. Drain Punch is a useful move in general to provide semi-reliable recovery while also threatening opponents such as Skuntank and (Skuntank is hit harder by Gunk Shot as 180/2 = 90 > 75) Probopass, who would otherwise set up all over Garbodor. Gunk Shot allows Garbodor to hit hard off of its good base 95 Attack stat, preventing the likes of Exeggutor from switching in at will. Finally, Clear Smog counters stat-boosting foes such as Bulk Up Gurdurr, who would otherwise be able to threaten Garbodor's and its teammates after several boosts.</p>
<p>There are a couple of other options for Garbodor. Toxic Spikes can be used over Drain Punch to provide another entry hazard, but with all the Poison-types running around NU, this is usually an inferior option. Likewise, Rock Blast can be used to deal with Substitute users such as Haunter, but is otherwise less useful than STAB Gunk Shot. Finally, Giga Drain can threaten Golem and Seismitoad, who would otherwise beat Garbodor, but the loss of Clear Smog can be painful when dealing with stat-boosters.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
(space)
<p>The given EVs maximize Garbodor's HP, while 16 Speed EVs allow Garbodor to outspeed maximum Speed Golem. The rest is dumped into Defense, hitting an EV jump point. A specially defensive spread —shifting the EVs from Defense to Special Defense—lets Garbodor better tank hits from special attackers such as Specs Exeggutor and Seismitoad, but note that this lowers Garbodor's ability to wall Fighting-type Pokemon. Shed Shell can replace Leftovers to escape Shadow Tag Gothitelle, but this lowers Garbodor's survivability. (This could be changed to a mention of Shadow Tag Gothorita, but I'm not sure that he is common enough to merit that) Haze can be used over Clear Smog to deal with stat-boosters that either possess a Steel typing, such as Klang, or hide behind Substitutes, such as some Calm Mind Misdreavus. However, this is not recommended as it is illegal with Spikes, access to which is Garbodor's main niche in NU. Pain Split is another option for recovery, (you don't need a comma between two verb clauses) and allows it to heal off of high HP walls such as Lickilicky.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Garbodor has quite a number of problems in NU. First and foremost, Shadow Tag Gothitelle can trap Garbodor and destroy it with STAB Psychic. Other bBulky Psychic- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Musharna and Seismitoad can also threaten Garbodor with STAB attacks or set up as it switches out. Exeggutor can switch into anything bar Gunk Shot and threaten to OHKO with STAB Psychic, while Probopass can switch into any set that lacks Drain Punch and proceed to set up entry hazards, paralyze Garbodor, or threaten it with STAB Earth Power. Additionally, Garbodor fears Rapid Spin users, such as Armaldo, that can tank its hits and remove entry hazards. Dark-types such as Absol and Skuntank are great teammates, as they can trap Psychic-types by threatening with STAB Pursuit. Furthermore, spinblockers such as Golurk help out a ton by preventing the removal of entry hazards, while also maintaining offensive presence and utilizing Spikes to take down weakened enemies.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive Spiker
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Toxic Spikes / Drain Punch
move 3: Gunk Shot
move 4: Seed Bomb
item: Air Balloon / Leftovers
ability: Aftermath
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While the previous set concentrates on Garbodor's utility value and bulk, this set focuses more on Garbodor's offensive potential and base 95 Attack stat. Spikes is once again the entry hazard of choice, and allows its allowing Garbodor's teammates to take advantage of weakened opponents. Toxic Spikes is also used on this set as it can cripple Pokemon such as Alomomola, while also luring in Poison-types for a teammate such as Shadow Tag Gothitelle to switch in on. However, Drain Punch can be used if Pokemon such as Probopass are problematic. Gunk Shot is Garbodor's STAB move and hits Grass-types such as Exeggutor hard, while also having a slight chance to cause poison. Finally, Seed Bomb dents Ground-types such as Seismitoad and Golem, who would otherwise cause problems for Garbodor.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EVs maximize power and Speed, allowing Garbodor to set up hazards more quickly while maintaining offensive presence. The choice between Air Balloon and Leftovers is up to choice personal preference, as between Air Balloon's gives Garbodor a temporary immunity to hazards and Ground-type moves, while and Leftovers's (I think this is the correct possessive form of Leftovers but I could be wrong about that) provides constant recovery. An alternate option is to use a combination of Focus Sash and Weak Armor to boost Garbodor's Speed; however, this is usually only suited for teams that can afford the loss of Garbodor in exchange for fast Spikes. Another option is to choose between natures. If one wants to 2HKO Golurk with Seed Bomb, then Adamant is the best option; however, Jolly allows Garbodor to outspeed and OHKO Absol with Drain Punch (might want to mention something to acknowledge Absol will still be able to get a hit in if it has Sucker Punch).</p>
<p>Offensive teams will appreciate this set more than balanced teams will, so Pokemon such as Zangoose and Cinccino are great options for teammates. Additionally, Pokemon that get rid of Psychic-types, such as Skuntank, are also good teammates for Garbodor.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>With Rain Dance or Sunny Day , (remove the space before this comma) Garbodor can set up both weather and entry hazards, and fit onto weather teams effectively. Pain Split is another option, as it provides a semi-stable recovery option that also weakens the opponent. Haze is also a possibility, as it is a better version of Clear Smog that hits Steel-types as well as through and bypasses Substitutes. However, it is illegal with Spikes, access to which is Garbodor's main niche in NU, and is hence an inferior choice. Curse is an option for boosting Garbodor's Attack and Defense, but Garbodor's typing makes it vulnerable weakness to Psychic-types, which can threaten its unboosted Special Defense, hinders such a set's effectiveness. Stockpile is another way to boost Garbodor's defenses, but Stockpile is an inferior option as it can only boost to three levels. A specially attacking set is theoretically possible, but Garbodor's horrible Special Attack stat discourages this idea.</p>
<p>A special mention goes to a Life Orb attacking set with Gunk Shot, Seed Bomb, Drain Punch, and Rock Polish. Rock Polish allows Garbodor to outspeed many major threats, such as Exeggutor, and threaten some of its usual counters. Additionally, Garbodor's surprisingly good coverage, along with a Life Orb boost and its solid Attack stat, allows it to hit a number of threats, such as Probopass, while its bulk allows it to survive hits. However, note that Garbodor's Attack stat, while good, is usually not enough to sweep an opponent. In addition, Garbodor is usually more useful as a supporter (there are two spaces here; there should be only one) than as an attacking threat. Use the offensive set at your own risk.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Despite Garbodor's good power and bulk, there are a number of Pokemon that can deal with it easily. Bulky Psychic- and Ground-types threaten Garbodor, as they can threaten to take it out before it has fully set up Spikes. Additionally, powerful special attackers can blast Garbodor hard, as it is almost always uninvested in Special Defense. Shadow Tag Gothitelle is a prime example, as it can trap Garbodor and KO it easily with STAB Psychic. Musharna is very bulky and has Heal Bell to get rid of poison, while Duosion is immune to poison; both can set up in Garbodor's face with Calm Mind. Exeggutor also threatens Garbodor, although it must beware a STAB Gunk Shot to the face. (this probably doesn't matter, but Exeggutor has multiple faces, so it might take STAB Gunk Shots to 'a face' or 'the faces'; 'the face' is probably fine though) </p>
<p>Probopass can easily switch into any Garbodor lacking Drain Punch, set up entry hazards, and either cripple Garbodor with Thunder Wave or KO it with Earth Power. Rotom-S is immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes and can cripple Garbodor with Trick, while Rampardos can hurt hit Garbodor hard with STAB Head Smash or Earthquake while not worrying too much about entry hazards.</p>
