GOLBAT IS HERE - SORRY ABOUT DELAYS. I HAD SCHOOL, SANDY, AND A HDD CRASH AND HAD TO RE-WRITE THIS......:| But it's here now :D
[Overview]
<p>During the transition to BW2, Golbat didn't change a lot, unlike other threats in the tier. With decent stats for an NFE Pokemon backed up by Eviolite and a good defensive typing, Golbat is a wall that can be a nightmare to take down. Its movepool is great for a defensive Pokemon, containing support, attacks, and even reliable recovery with Roost. Golbat also boasts Brave Bird and a passable Attack stat, preventing it from being complete setup bait, and with a base Speed of 90, Golbat can outspeed most walls and even some offensive Pokemon.</p>
<p>However, while effective, Golbat does have its faults. Its typing is a double-edged sword; while giving it an immunity to Toxic and some nice 4x resistances to Fighting, Bug, Grass, not to mention an immunity to Ground, it also gives Golbat a weakness to Stealth Rock. Also, Golbat is weak to Psychic-, Rock-, Electric- and Ice-type attacks, and most of which are common offensive types; however, Roost can nullify some of these weaknesses for a turn. Furthermore, Golbat has no way to boost its stats outside the useless Nasty Plot and the undesirable Curse. Golbat also struggles with Steel-types; however, on a switch, Golbat can at least put a dent in them with Super Fang.</p>
[SET]
name: Batman
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Roost
move 3: Taunt / U-turn
move 4: Super Fang / Toxic
item: Eviolite
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is the best defensive set Golbat can run. It can take physical hits well, and is a perfect check to Sawsbuck, Gurdurr, Pinsir, and Golurk that lack Stone Edge. For moves, nothing screams Batman quite like a Brave Bird that hits pretty hard, even without investment. Roost is obvious for reliable recovery, especially because Golbat should not run Leftovers. Roost also nullifies Golbat's weakness to Electric-, Rock-, and Ice-type moves for a turn, but watch out for Earthquake! Because Golbat is pretty fast, especially with a little investment, it can shut down many walls with Taunt, which can force some switches. Golbat could also use U-turn to keep switch advantage, despite the pitiful damage it deals to opposing Pokemon. Next, Super Fang is a great move that no Pokemon wants to switch into, particularly Steel- or Rock-type counters, and Golbat can use it well. Should you want more consistent damage, however, Toxic can do better at breaking through walls in the long run. If you use Toxic Spikes anywhere on your team, it's better to use Super Fang. Remember, if you're looking for something offensive, Braviary and Swellow are generally better picks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread above provides some physical bulk and allows Golbat to outspeed base 70 Speed Pokemon such as Ludicolo, Jolly Torterra, and Timid Gorebyss. If these Pokemon do not concern you, you can also use the spread 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD, which allows Golbat to take physical hits even better. You could invest in more Special Defense; however, most of Golbat's weaknesses generally consist of special moves, which it would never want to take. In regards to team support, Golbat benefits greatly from the Rapid Spin support of Pokemon such as Torkoal, Wartortle, and Armaldo. Golbat also likes being paired with Dark-types such as Absol and Normal-types such as Audino, Lickilicky, Kangaskhan, and Cinccino, due to Golbat's 4x resistance to Fighting- and Bug-type attacks. Specially defensive Audino and specially defensive Lickilicky have great synergy with physically defensive Golbat, as they create a good defensive core. Lastly, Golbat has great synergy with Piloswine, as Piloswine can hit Golbat's checks such as Ampharos and Electabuzz, while Golbat can take on Fighting-types that threaten Piloswine.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Haze is a decent move to remove stat boosts, and with Golbat's Speed, it could run it effectively. Golbat could also run Whirlwind to phaze out a dangerous threat or something setting up. With Hypnosis, Golbat could become a sleep inducer, but the accuracy is a bit of a turn off. However, if Hypnosis does hit, an opponent's Pokemon is likely crippled for the match. To provide more team support, Golbat could also use Tailwind to speed up your team for three turns. Golbat could also use the ability Infiltrator, but it doesn't have much use, and Inner Focus allows Golbat to take a Fake Out without flinching. As for boosting moves, Golbat has access to Curse and Nasty Plot, but neither are good for Golbat. Golbat's Special Attack is still low even after a Nasty Plot and it usually doesn't want to lower its Speed with Curse.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Golbat is actually quite difficult to take on in NU, as it can hurt many major threats that lack Prankster or Taunt. Only Ghost-types like switching into Super Fang, so switching into a bulky or faster one will keep Golbat in check. Haunter is a good check because of its Speed and access to hard-hitting special moves, but it must watch out for Brave Bird. Drifblim is a great check to Golbat, as it can take both Super Fang and Brave Bird, while it can send a burn back with Will-O-Wisp. Golurk also can be a decent check; it is immune to Super Fang, takes little damage from Brave Bird, and Stone Edge variants can hit Golbat hard.</p>
<p>Despite possible Super Fang damage, any fast special attacker can hit Golbat before it can Roost to negate some of its weaknesses. Generally, Psychic-, Electric-, and Ice-types counter Golbat the best. Both Rotom-S and Rotom-F can counter Golbat, as both take pitiful damage from Brave Bird and force it to switch. Psychic-types, namely Gardevoir, Kadabra, and Duosion, can really hurt Golbat because it cannot remove its Psychic-type weakness with Roost. Duosion is immune to Toxic, thanks to Magic Guard, has Recover to counter Super Fang, and can KO Golbat with Psychic. Electric- and Ice-types such as Raichu, Ampharos, Electabuzz, Regice, and Articuno outspeed Golbat and can KO it with their respective STAB attacks. Piloswine also is effective because it is can use a STAB Ice-type attack or use Earthquake when Golbat uses Roost. Finally, Golbat lacks Leftovers, so any form of residual damage is recommended. Stealth Rock will chip off 25% of its health on a switch and Will-O-Wisp will lessen Golbat's playing time.</p>
______________________
skeleton v
name: Batman
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Roost
move 3: Taunt / U-Turn
move 4: Super Fang / Toxic
item: Eviolite
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
[Other Options]
• Haze
• Whirlwind
• Hypnosis
• Nasty Plot set but it is weak..
• Curse set with 252HP/252SpD/4Def but generally a selling point of Golbat is it's speed as a wall
• Infiltrator bypasses screens, but Golbat is using Super Fang most of the time for damage anyways
• Tailwind is interesting but generally has a hard time finding a slot
[Checks and Counters]
Going to write this up soon :D
[Overview]
<p>During the transition to BW2, Golbat didn't change a lot, unlike other threats in the tier. With decent stats for an NFE Pokemon backed up by Eviolite and a good defensive typing, Golbat is a wall that can be a nightmare to take down. Its movepool is great for a defensive Pokemon, containing support, attacks, and even reliable recovery with Roost. Golbat also boasts Brave Bird and a passable Attack stat, preventing it from being complete setup bait, and with a base Speed of 90, Golbat can outspeed most walls and even some offensive Pokemon.</p>
<p>However, while effective, Golbat does have its faults. Its typing is a double-edged sword; while giving it an immunity to Toxic and some nice 4x resistances to Fighting, Bug, Grass, not to mention an immunity to Ground, it also gives Golbat a weakness to Stealth Rock. Also, Golbat is weak to Psychic-, Rock-, Electric- and Ice-type attacks, and most of which are common offensive types; however, Roost can nullify some of these weaknesses for a turn. Furthermore, Golbat has no way to boost its stats outside the useless Nasty Plot and the undesirable Curse. Golbat also struggles with Steel-types; however, on a switch, Golbat can at least put a dent in them with Super Fang.</p>
[SET]
name: Batman
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Roost
move 3: Taunt / U-turn
move 4: Super Fang / Toxic
item: Eviolite
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is the best defensive set Golbat can run. It can take physical hits well, and is a perfect check to Sawsbuck, Gurdurr, Pinsir, and Golurk that lack Stone Edge. For moves, nothing screams Batman quite like a Brave Bird that hits pretty hard, even without investment. Roost is obvious for reliable recovery, especially because Golbat should not run Leftovers. Roost also nullifies Golbat's weakness to Electric-, Rock-, and Ice-type moves for a turn, but watch out for Earthquake! Because Golbat is pretty fast, especially with a little investment, it can shut down many walls with Taunt, which can force some switches. Golbat could also use U-turn to keep switch advantage, despite the pitiful damage it deals to opposing Pokemon. Next, Super Fang is a great move that no Pokemon wants to switch into, particularly Steel- or Rock-type counters, and Golbat can use it well. Should you want more consistent damage, however, Toxic can do better at breaking through walls in the long run. If you use Toxic Spikes anywhere on your team, it's better to use Super Fang. Remember, if you're looking for something offensive, Braviary and Swellow are generally better picks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread above provides some physical bulk and allows Golbat to outspeed base 70 Speed Pokemon such as Ludicolo, Jolly Torterra, and Timid Gorebyss. If these Pokemon do not concern you, you can also use the spread 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD, which allows Golbat to take physical hits even better. You could invest in more Special Defense; however, most of Golbat's weaknesses generally consist of special moves, which it would never want to take. In regards to team support, Golbat benefits greatly from the Rapid Spin support of Pokemon such as Torkoal, Wartortle, and Armaldo. Golbat also likes being paired with Dark-types such as Absol and Normal-types such as Audino, Lickilicky, Kangaskhan, and Cinccino, due to Golbat's 4x resistance to Fighting- and Bug-type attacks. Specially defensive Audino and specially defensive Lickilicky have great synergy with physically defensive Golbat, as they create a good defensive core. Lastly, Golbat has great synergy with Piloswine, as Piloswine can hit Golbat's checks such as Ampharos and Electabuzz, while Golbat can take on Fighting-types that threaten Piloswine.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Haze is a decent move to remove stat boosts, and with Golbat's Speed, it could run it effectively. Golbat could also run Whirlwind to phaze out a dangerous threat or something setting up. With Hypnosis, Golbat could become a sleep inducer, but the accuracy is a bit of a turn off. However, if Hypnosis does hit, an opponent's Pokemon is likely crippled for the match. To provide more team support, Golbat could also use Tailwind to speed up your team for three turns. Golbat could also use the ability Infiltrator, but it doesn't have much use, and Inner Focus allows Golbat to take a Fake Out without flinching. As for boosting moves, Golbat has access to Curse and Nasty Plot, but neither are good for Golbat. Golbat's Special Attack is still low even after a Nasty Plot and it usually doesn't want to lower its Speed with Curse.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Golbat is actually quite difficult to take on in NU, as it can hurt many major threats that lack Prankster or Taunt. Only Ghost-types like switching into Super Fang, so switching into a bulky or faster one will keep Golbat in check. Haunter is a good check because of its Speed and access to hard-hitting special moves, but it must watch out for Brave Bird. Drifblim is a great check to Golbat, as it can take both Super Fang and Brave Bird, while it can send a burn back with Will-O-Wisp. Golurk also can be a decent check; it is immune to Super Fang, takes little damage from Brave Bird, and Stone Edge variants can hit Golbat hard.</p>
<p>Despite possible Super Fang damage, any fast special attacker can hit Golbat before it can Roost to negate some of its weaknesses. Generally, Psychic-, Electric-, and Ice-types counter Golbat the best. Both Rotom-S and Rotom-F can counter Golbat, as both take pitiful damage from Brave Bird and force it to switch. Psychic-types, namely Gardevoir, Kadabra, and Duosion, can really hurt Golbat because it cannot remove its Psychic-type weakness with Roost. Duosion is immune to Toxic, thanks to Magic Guard, has Recover to counter Super Fang, and can KO Golbat with Psychic. Electric- and Ice-types such as Raichu, Ampharos, Electabuzz, Regice, and Articuno outspeed Golbat and can KO it with their respective STAB attacks. Piloswine also is effective because it is can use a STAB Ice-type attack or use Earthquake when Golbat uses Roost. Finally, Golbat lacks Leftovers, so any form of residual damage is recommended. Stealth Rock will chip off 25% of its health on a switch and Will-O-Wisp will lessen Golbat's playing time.</p>
______________________
skeleton v
• Golbat didn't change a lot, mostly it's scenery in NU did
• Decent stats for an NFE Pokemon, mostly defenses which are great with the Eviolite
• Passable Attack of 80
• Good Speed of 90
• Good movepool, including reliable recovery in roost, taunt, super fang, brave bird, among others
• Typing is a double edge sword giving a weakness to SR, but also immunity to Toxic and some 4x resistances (Fighting, Bug, Grass, and an immunity to Ground)... being weak to Psychic, Rock, Electric and Ice-type moves is also not great, as these are all common attacking types (However, all but Psychic-type can be negated by roost)
• Has no way of boosting offensive stats outside of Nasty Plot or Curse, which won't be that powerful off 65 SpA and generally Golbat doesn't want to lower speed
• Struggles with Steels, but on a switch, Super Fang can put a dent in all of them
[SET]• Decent stats for an NFE Pokemon, mostly defenses which are great with the Eviolite
• Passable Attack of 80
• Good Speed of 90
• Good movepool, including reliable recovery in roost, taunt, super fang, brave bird, among others
• Typing is a double edge sword giving a weakness to SR, but also immunity to Toxic and some 4x resistances (Fighting, Bug, Grass, and an immunity to Ground)... being weak to Psychic, Rock, Electric and Ice-type moves is also not great, as these are all common attacking types (However, all but Psychic-type can be negated by roost)
• Has no way of boosting offensive stats outside of Nasty Plot or Curse, which won't be that powerful off 65 SpA and generally Golbat doesn't want to lower speed
• Struggles with Steels, but on a switch, Super Fang can put a dent in all of them
name: Batman
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Roost
move 3: Taunt / U-Turn
move 4: Super Fang / Toxic
item: Eviolite
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
• Takes Physical Hits well; perfect check to Sawksbuck, Gurdurr, Pinsir, and Golurk
• With minimal investment, Golbat is still pretty fast when compared to other walls and squeaks by base 70s
• Brave Bird is a powerful enough move to hurt even when coming off an average base 80 Attack without investment
• Roost gives Golbat reliable recovery, and of course, it removes Ice, Electric, and Rock
-type weaknesses (watch out for Earthquake!)
• Golbat is pretty fast and can shut down walls with Taunt or use U-Turn to switch into something else- it won't do much but switching advantage is always good
• Super Fang is a great move that no Pokemon want to switch into, particularly Steel-type or Rock-type counters, but Toxic can to break through walls in the long run
• With minimal investment, Golbat is still pretty fast when compared to other walls and squeaks by base 70s
• Brave Bird is a powerful enough move to hurt even when coming off an average base 80 Attack without investment
• Roost gives Golbat reliable recovery, and of course, it removes Ice, Electric, and Rock
-type weaknesses (watch out for Earthquake!)
• Golbat is pretty fast and can shut down walls with Taunt or use U-Turn to switch into something else- it won't do much but switching advantage is always good
• Super Fang is a great move that no Pokemon want to switch into, particularly Steel-type or Rock-type counters, but Toxic can to break through walls in the long run
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
• The EV spread provides some physical bulk and allows you to outspeed base 70 speed Pokemon such as Ludicolo, and others like Jolly Toreterra and Timid Gorebyss; if this doesn't concern you, go with 248 HP / 252Def / 8SpD, this allows you to take phyisical hits even better
• You could invest in more Special defense; remember most of Golbat's weaknesses are generally consisting of Special moves which it would never want to take
• Golbat benefits from the rapid spin support of Torkoal, Wartotle, and Armaldo
• Golbat likes being paired with Dark-types like Absol or Normal-types such as Audino, Lickylicky, Kanghaskhan, or Cinccino (oh by the way PinkBat [SpD Audino and Def Golabt] core is AMAZING. All of these are due to Golbat's x4 resistance to Fighting and Bug accordingly. This also is true for Lickylick which has good special bulk.)
• Golbat has great synergy with Piloswine... Piloswine can hit Golbat's checks such as Electric-types and Golbat can take on Fighting-types that threaten Piloswine
• Toxic Spikes allow you to forgo Toxic for certain
• If you're looking for something offensive, Braviary is generally better
• You could invest in more Special defense; remember most of Golbat's weaknesses are generally consisting of Special moves which it would never want to take
• Golbat benefits from the rapid spin support of Torkoal, Wartotle, and Armaldo
• Golbat likes being paired with Dark-types like Absol or Normal-types such as Audino, Lickylicky, Kanghaskhan, or Cinccino (oh by the way PinkBat [SpD Audino and Def Golabt] core is AMAZING. All of these are due to Golbat's x4 resistance to Fighting and Bug accordingly. This also is true for Lickylick which has good special bulk.)
• Golbat has great synergy with Piloswine... Piloswine can hit Golbat's checks such as Electric-types and Golbat can take on Fighting-types that threaten Piloswine
• Toxic Spikes allow you to forgo Toxic for certain
• If you're looking for something offensive, Braviary is generally better
[Other Options]
• Haze
• Whirlwind
• Hypnosis
• Nasty Plot set but it is weak..
• Curse set with 252HP/252SpD/4Def but generally a selling point of Golbat is it's speed as a wall
• Infiltrator bypasses screens, but Golbat is using Super Fang most of the time for damage anyways
• Tailwind is interesting but generally has a hard time finding a slot
[Checks and Counters]
• Remember, (except Ghosts) nothing likes switching into Super Fang, especially things without reliable recovery
• Rotom-S or Rotom-F are decent counters, they resist Brave Bird and has electric STAB to scare Golbat's (generally) less SpD
• Gardevoir, Kadabra, Duosion, and other Psychic-types, can hit it pretty hard
• Murkrow has Prankster and can Taunt / Roost stall, but can't damage Golbat much
• Golurk isn't hit by Super Fang and can threaten Golbat with Stone Edge
• Golbat doesn't like Ghosts, particularly Drifblim, due to their immunity to Super Fang and burn Golbat back; Haunter, however, must also watch out for Brave Bird due to it's horrible bulk
• In general, not just from Ghost-types, Golbats hate being burned due to resisdual damage and a weaker Brave Bird... clerics such as Audino are recommended
• Golbat also struggles with Electric-types and Ice-types, particularly Ampharos, Electabuzz, Regice, Articuno
• Golbat lacks Leftovers, so it is susceptible to being worn down a bit despite recovery
• Rotom-S or Rotom-F are decent counters, they resist Brave Bird and has electric STAB to scare Golbat's (generally) less SpD
• Gardevoir, Kadabra, Duosion, and other Psychic-types, can hit it pretty hard
• Murkrow has Prankster and can Taunt / Roost stall, but can't damage Golbat much
• Golurk isn't hit by Super Fang and can threaten Golbat with Stone Edge
• Golbat doesn't like Ghosts, particularly Drifblim, due to their immunity to Super Fang and burn Golbat back; Haunter, however, must also watch out for Brave Bird due to it's horrible bulk
• In general, not just from Ghost-types, Golbats hate being burned due to resisdual damage and a weaker Brave Bird... clerics such as Audino are recommended
• Golbat also struggles with Electric-types and Ice-types, particularly Ampharos, Electabuzz, Regice, Articuno
• Golbat lacks Leftovers, so it is susceptible to being worn down a bit despite recovery
Going to write this up soon :D