QC: Raiza, Scorpdestroyer, GrimoireGod
GP: Snobalt, P Squared
[Overview]
Gourgeist-XL is a defensive staple in the PU metagame thanks to its excellent typing, movepool, and stats. It can check or counter many of the metagame's premier offensive Pokemon such as Golem, Carracosta, and Torterra, and it has the added benefit of Ghost typing, which allows it to work as a spinblocker. However, Gourgeist-XL is fairly slow and faces competition from fellow defensive Grass-types including Torterra, Tangela, and Quilladin, especially due to its lack of access to entry hazards, and its unique Ghost / Grass typing leaves it weak to the common Dark-, Fire- and Ice-type attacks in the tier. Nevertheless, Gourgeist-XL has a solid niche as an easy catch-all on balanced and defensive teams due to its higher mixed bulk than other Grass-types and access to Will-O-Wisp and Foul Play.
[set]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Foul Play
item: Leftovers
ability: Frisk
nature: Impish
evs: EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[Set Comments]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp can spread burns around to cripple opposing teams. Synthesis is a reliable recovery move that keeps Gourgeist-XL healthy throughout the game. Seed Bomb serves as Gourgeist-XL's main STAB move and allows it to check Water-types such as Poliwrath more consistently, while Foul Play punishes physical attackers and allows Gourgeist to hit foes that resist Seed Bomb, such as Rapidash, for neutral damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Defense EVs with an Impish nature are used to make Gourgeist-XL as physically bulky as possible. Gourgeist-XL holds Leftovers to give it extra passive recovery, while Frisk is used to scout out the opposing team's items.
Usage Tips
========
While Gourgeist-XL is capable of countering many of the metagame's premier attackers, its defensive prowess makes it an obvious switch-in, so be careful of constantly bringing Gourgeist-XL into the same situations in case of a double switch to a Pokemon that can take Gourgeist-XL on more effectively. Gourgeist-XL should spread burns as much as possible, but it should also be careful of Pokemon with Guts and Flash Fire, which can get a free switch in and hit hard with their boosted attacks. Gourgeist-XL can also block Rapid Spin due to its Ghost typing, so bringing it in on common spinners such as Armaldo can keep entry hazards on the field. Make sure that Gourgeist-XL stays healthy throughout the match by using Synthesis, as it needs to stay at higher health to take strong physical attacks such as a +2 Life Orb Stone Edge from Carracosta. In addition, beware of switching it into common Water-types simply due to type advantage, as nearly all offensive Water-types carry Ice Beam and can do significant damage to Gourgeist-XL on the switch. Make sure to scout out sets before blindly switching in Gourgeist-XL, as some Pokemon can carry moves that can cripple it on the switch in, such as defensive Carracosta with Toxic.
Team Options
========
Gourgeist-XL's unique Ghost / Grass typing gives it incredible synergy with most of PU's non-Grass-type defensive staples. Poliwrath can take on Dark- and Fire-types such as Pawniard and Rapidash, while Gourgeist-XL can take the Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Poliwrath, although they're both weak to Flying-type moves. Probopass can cover Flying-types such as Dodrio as well as check Fire-types and trap Pawniard with Magnet Pull, while Gourgeist-XL can cover Probopass's Ground and Fighting weaknesses. Grumpig is a useful teammate for Gourgeist-XL, as it can counter the metagame's most threatening Ice-types and give Gourgeist-XL Heal Bell support in case of stray status, though running Grumpig comes at the cost of adding on a second Dark-type weakness. Gourgeist-XL also works well with common entry hazard setters such as Piloswine and Stunfisk, as it can cover their weaknesses to Grass- and Water-type moves as well as keep their Stealth Rock on the field by spinblocking. Gourgeist-XL also appreciates entry hazard removal by Pokemon such as Togetic and Pelipper, as a lack of entry hazards makes it much easier for Gourgeist-XL to constantly switch into strong physical attackers and the removal of Toxic Spikes can prevent Gourgeist-XL from being crippled by status.
[Strategy Comments]
Other Options
=============
Gourgeist-XL can run offensive sets such as Choice Band with Trick due to its solid Attack and good physical movepool. It also has the option of running Leech Seed and Protect over Seed Bomb and Synthesis as well as Rocky Helmet over Leftovers to rack up more residual damage and passive recovery, though this set loses offensive presence, is easily walled, and is set up on by more Pokemon depending on which move it uses. Rock Slide can also be used to hit most of Gourgeist-XL's common Ice- and Fire-type switch-ins for super effective damage. Phantom Force can be used as a stronger STAB move, although it can also be easily taken advantage of on the charging turn, while Shadow Sneak gives Gourgeist-XL priority to pick off weakened threats but is very weak. Toxic is an option over Will-O-Wisp, although burns are generally more useful for Gourgeist-XL to neuter physical attackers. Magic Coat is also a surprise option to reflect back entry hazards and status, but Gourgeist-XL generally misses the lost moveslot. Gourgeist-XL is also an effective Trick Room setter due to its low Speed and high bulk. An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD and a Careful nature can also be used but is not as effective due to Gourgeist-XL's low Special Defense and competition from Roselia.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Rapidash, Ninetales, and Torkoal are immune to Gourgeist-XL's Will-O-Wisp and take little damage from Seed Bomb, although Rapidash has to be careful about switching into Foul Play. Torkoal and Ninetales can use Gourgeist-XL for setup fodder and can threaten to OHKO or 2HKO it with their super effective STAB moves.
**Ice-types**: PU's special Ice-types such as Rotom-F and Regice are able to switch in freely on Gourgeist-XL to threaten it out and are not crippled offensively by burns, although Aurorus should be wary of switching in on Seed Bomb. While physical Ice-types such as Beartic are threatening to Gourgeist when given a free switch in, they can be crippled by burns and take much more from Foul Play.
**Status**: Burn and poison constantly wear down Gourgeist, making it much more difficult for it to effectively wall Pokemon and recover lost health.
**Roselia**: Roselia takes little damage from either of Gourgeist-XL's offensive moves and has Natural Cure, which can heal burns and stop it from being permanently crippled. It can use Gourgeist-XL as a free setup opportunity to lay Spikes or Toxic Spikes, which also hinder Gourgeist-XL's effectiveness by making it more difficult for Gourgeist-XL to switch into strong physical attackers and poisoning it.
**Pokemon with Guts or Flash Fire**: Guts and Flash Fire users such as Machoke and Rapidash can take advantage of Gourgeist-XL's use of Will-O-Wisp to potentially get a boost on the switch. However, Rapidash has to be careful about switching into a Foul Play and Machoke has trouble beating Gourgeist-XL without the Guts boost, especially if it gets hit by Leech Seed.
**Taunt, Substitute, and Encore**: These three moves can hinder Gourgeist-XL by stopping it from using its support moves, taking advantage of its non-damaging moves to get up a free Substitute, or locking it into an ineffective move. Common Pokemon such as Grumpig and Chatot can take advantage of Gourgeist-XL's reliance on non-attacking moves.
**Magic Guard**: Pokemon with Magic Guard such as Duosion and Clefairy can use Gourgeist-XL as a free opportunity to set up Calm Mind and Stealth Rock, respectively, because of their immunity to burn damage and high enough bulk to easily take any of Gourgeist-XL's offensive moves.
GP: Snobalt, P Squared
[Overview]
Gourgeist-XL is a defensive staple in the PU metagame thanks to its excellent typing, movepool, and stats. It can check or counter many of the metagame's premier offensive Pokemon such as Golem, Carracosta, and Torterra, and it has the added benefit of Ghost typing, which allows it to work as a spinblocker. However, Gourgeist-XL is fairly slow and faces competition from fellow defensive Grass-types including Torterra, Tangela, and Quilladin, especially due to its lack of access to entry hazards, and its unique Ghost / Grass typing leaves it weak to the common Dark-, Fire- and Ice-type attacks in the tier. Nevertheless, Gourgeist-XL has a solid niche as an easy catch-all on balanced and defensive teams due to its higher mixed bulk than other Grass-types and access to Will-O-Wisp and Foul Play.
[set]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Seed Bomb
move 4: Foul Play
item: Leftovers
ability: Frisk
nature: Impish
evs: EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[Set Comments]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp can spread burns around to cripple opposing teams. Synthesis is a reliable recovery move that keeps Gourgeist-XL healthy throughout the game. Seed Bomb serves as Gourgeist-XL's main STAB move and allows it to check Water-types such as Poliwrath more consistently, while Foul Play punishes physical attackers and allows Gourgeist to hit foes that resist Seed Bomb, such as Rapidash, for neutral damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Defense EVs with an Impish nature are used to make Gourgeist-XL as physically bulky as possible. Gourgeist-XL holds Leftovers to give it extra passive recovery, while Frisk is used to scout out the opposing team's items.
Usage Tips
========
While Gourgeist-XL is capable of countering many of the metagame's premier attackers, its defensive prowess makes it an obvious switch-in, so be careful of constantly bringing Gourgeist-XL into the same situations in case of a double switch to a Pokemon that can take Gourgeist-XL on more effectively. Gourgeist-XL should spread burns as much as possible, but it should also be careful of Pokemon with Guts and Flash Fire, which can get a free switch in and hit hard with their boosted attacks. Gourgeist-XL can also block Rapid Spin due to its Ghost typing, so bringing it in on common spinners such as Armaldo can keep entry hazards on the field. Make sure that Gourgeist-XL stays healthy throughout the match by using Synthesis, as it needs to stay at higher health to take strong physical attacks such as a +2 Life Orb Stone Edge from Carracosta. In addition, beware of switching it into common Water-types simply due to type advantage, as nearly all offensive Water-types carry Ice Beam and can do significant damage to Gourgeist-XL on the switch. Make sure to scout out sets before blindly switching in Gourgeist-XL, as some Pokemon can carry moves that can cripple it on the switch in, such as defensive Carracosta with Toxic.
Team Options
========
Gourgeist-XL's unique Ghost / Grass typing gives it incredible synergy with most of PU's non-Grass-type defensive staples. Poliwrath can take on Dark- and Fire-types such as Pawniard and Rapidash, while Gourgeist-XL can take the Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Poliwrath, although they're both weak to Flying-type moves. Probopass can cover Flying-types such as Dodrio as well as check Fire-types and trap Pawniard with Magnet Pull, while Gourgeist-XL can cover Probopass's Ground and Fighting weaknesses. Grumpig is a useful teammate for Gourgeist-XL, as it can counter the metagame's most threatening Ice-types and give Gourgeist-XL Heal Bell support in case of stray status, though running Grumpig comes at the cost of adding on a second Dark-type weakness. Gourgeist-XL also works well with common entry hazard setters such as Piloswine and Stunfisk, as it can cover their weaknesses to Grass- and Water-type moves as well as keep their Stealth Rock on the field by spinblocking. Gourgeist-XL also appreciates entry hazard removal by Pokemon such as Togetic and Pelipper, as a lack of entry hazards makes it much easier for Gourgeist-XL to constantly switch into strong physical attackers and the removal of Toxic Spikes can prevent Gourgeist-XL from being crippled by status.
[Strategy Comments]
Other Options
=============
Gourgeist-XL can run offensive sets such as Choice Band with Trick due to its solid Attack and good physical movepool. It also has the option of running Leech Seed and Protect over Seed Bomb and Synthesis as well as Rocky Helmet over Leftovers to rack up more residual damage and passive recovery, though this set loses offensive presence, is easily walled, and is set up on by more Pokemon depending on which move it uses. Rock Slide can also be used to hit most of Gourgeist-XL's common Ice- and Fire-type switch-ins for super effective damage. Phantom Force can be used as a stronger STAB move, although it can also be easily taken advantage of on the charging turn, while Shadow Sneak gives Gourgeist-XL priority to pick off weakened threats but is very weak. Toxic is an option over Will-O-Wisp, although burns are generally more useful for Gourgeist-XL to neuter physical attackers. Magic Coat is also a surprise option to reflect back entry hazards and status, but Gourgeist-XL generally misses the lost moveslot. Gourgeist-XL is also an effective Trick Room setter due to its low Speed and high bulk. An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD and a Careful nature can also be used but is not as effective due to Gourgeist-XL's low Special Defense and competition from Roselia.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Rapidash, Ninetales, and Torkoal are immune to Gourgeist-XL's Will-O-Wisp and take little damage from Seed Bomb, although Rapidash has to be careful about switching into Foul Play. Torkoal and Ninetales can use Gourgeist-XL for setup fodder and can threaten to OHKO or 2HKO it with their super effective STAB moves.
**Ice-types**: PU's special Ice-types such as Rotom-F and Regice are able to switch in freely on Gourgeist-XL to threaten it out and are not crippled offensively by burns, although Aurorus should be wary of switching in on Seed Bomb. While physical Ice-types such as Beartic are threatening to Gourgeist when given a free switch in, they can be crippled by burns and take much more from Foul Play.
**Status**: Burn and poison constantly wear down Gourgeist, making it much more difficult for it to effectively wall Pokemon and recover lost health.
**Roselia**: Roselia takes little damage from either of Gourgeist-XL's offensive moves and has Natural Cure, which can heal burns and stop it from being permanently crippled. It can use Gourgeist-XL as a free setup opportunity to lay Spikes or Toxic Spikes, which also hinder Gourgeist-XL's effectiveness by making it more difficult for Gourgeist-XL to switch into strong physical attackers and poisoning it.
**Pokemon with Guts or Flash Fire**: Guts and Flash Fire users such as Machoke and Rapidash can take advantage of Gourgeist-XL's use of Will-O-Wisp to potentially get a boost on the switch. However, Rapidash has to be careful about switching into a Foul Play and Machoke has trouble beating Gourgeist-XL without the Guts boost, especially if it gets hit by Leech Seed.
**Taunt, Substitute, and Encore**: These three moves can hinder Gourgeist-XL by stopping it from using its support moves, taking advantage of its non-damaging moves to get up a free Substitute, or locking it into an ineffective move. Common Pokemon such as Grumpig and Chatot can take advantage of Gourgeist-XL's reliance on non-attacking moves.
**Magic Guard**: Pokemon with Magic Guard such as Duosion and Clefairy can use Gourgeist-XL as a free opportunity to set up Calm Mind and Stealth Rock, respectively, because of their immunity to burn damage and high enough bulk to easily take any of Gourgeist-XL's offensive moves.
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