QC: dodmen / King UU / IronBullet93
GP: GatoDelFuego / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Granbull possesses the pure Fairy typing, allowing it to beat many of the tier's Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types. It also has decent Attack and Defense, which, along with Intimidate, make it a solid Pokemon both offensively and defensively. Granbull also has a good movepool, ranging from offensive moves in Earthquake and Play Rough to more supportive ones in Roar and Thunder Wave. However, its low Special Defense makes it vulnerable to many special attackers in the tier, particularly Poison-types such as Nidoqueen and Roserade. It's also very slow and unable to outspeed a number of walls, which sets it back quite a bit. Granbull does require quite a lot of team support and doesn't function well on all types of teams, but it can perform very well as a cleric and a check to many physical threats in the metagame.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Rest / Earthquake
move 4: Sleep Talk / Roar
ability: Intimidate
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
nature: Impish
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Play Rough is the best STAB move to run on Granbull, being hard hitting and fairly accurate. Heal Bell allows Granbull to cure itself and the rest of its team of status ailments. Earthquake provides good coverage alongside Play Rough to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Magneton and Entei, which resist Play Rough. Rest can be used as a source of recovery for Granbull, as it is easily worn down. Sleep Talk should be run together with Rest, keeping Granbull useful during the two turns of sleep. There's also the chance of Sleep Talk calling a Heal Bell, waking Granbull up prematurely. If you decide to not run Sleep Talk, Roar is a fine option to phaze opposing Pokemon out, especially those that try to use Granbull as setup fodder. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple Pokemon such as Entei that normally switch in to Granbull expecting a Play Rough.
Set Details
========
An Impish nature along with maximum EVs invested into HP and Defense maximizes Granbull's defensive capabilities. This is further supported by Intimidate. Leftovers is used to give Granbull a passive form of recovery each turn.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull can safely switch into many physical attackers such as Mienshao, not taking much damage as well as threatening them out with a Play Rough. It also switches well into Pokemon such as Hydreigon due to its pure Fairy typing, so take advantage of these to get a Heal Bell off should you need to. However, you should switch out when dealing with strong special attackers, as they target Granbull's lower Special Defense. Rest should only be used when Granbull is getting to low health, as it makes Granbull semi-vulnerable for two turns. Using Sleep Talk to burn sleep turns should only be done when the opposing Pokemon can't do much damage to Granbull. Using Thunder Wave on predicted switches into faster Pokemon is a good idea to cripple them, as is using Roar to prevent setup by bulkier sweepers. This set is best used on dedicated stall teams as a cleric, while being a solid counter to threats such as Mega Absol and Choice Band Heracross.
Team Options
========
Granbull is easily worn down, as its only form of recovery is Rest, so entry hazard removal is highly recommended. Donphan is a good partner, as it can not only Rapid Spin away opposing entry hazards, but also has good synergy in helping Granbull deal with Poison- and Steel-types. Ground-types in general such as Nidoking and Krookodile also have good synergy with Granbull. Psychic-type Pokemon such as Azelf make for great partners as well, punishing Poison-types such as Roserade. In return, Granbull can deal with Dark-types that threaten them. Because Granbull is easily worn down, Wish support is appreciated to keep it healthy and make it not too reliant on Rest. This is especially true if you choose to not run Rest. Some good options are Vaporeon, Blissey, and Umbreon, all of which can take the special hits that threaten Granbull.
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Thunder Wave
ability: Intimidate
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
nature: Adamant
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Play Rough is a solid STAB move, dealing major damage to all Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types in the tier such as Hydreigon, Machamp, Haxorus, and Honchkrow. Heal Bell provides good utility in curing Granbull or its teammates of any status ailments. Earthquake provides good coverage against Steel-, Fire-, and Poison-type Pokemon that resist Play Rough such as Empoleon, Entei, and Nidoqueen. Thunder Wave cripples switch-ins to Granbull, especially faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Pidgeot.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack and HP allows Granbull to hit as hard as possible while maintaining sufficient bulk to check Pokemon such as Haxorus and Hydreigon. An Adamant nature is used to boost its good Attack stat further. Granbull's defensive capabilities are supported by Intimidate, making physical attacks hit for much less damage than normal. Leftovers is used for a steady form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull easily switches into any Dark-, Fighting-, or Dragon-types and is capable of dealing large amounts of damage back to them. This is particularly true for more defensive Pokemon or physical attackers. Some examples include Umbreon, Mienshao, and Haxorus.
Special attackers are the bane of Granbull, putting a major dent in it, so it's always a good idea to switch Granbull out from them. Use Thunder Wave if you manage to predict a switch into a bigger threat, or to simply cripple the foe currently on the battlefield. Granbull should only use Heal Bell when it has a free turn against Pokemon it has a typing advantage against, such as Mienshao.
Team Options
========
Because this set doesn't carry Rest, it's worn down easily, so entry hazard removal is absolutely needed. Some good partners for the job are Gligar, Donphan, and Forretress, whch can set up entry hazards for your team as well. Ground-types partner well with Granbull, as they are able to deal with the Steel- and Poison-types that threaten it. Wish support from Umbreon and Blissey is much appreciated to keep Granbull healthy for as long as possible. They can also take strong special attacks targeted at Granbull. These two can pass Wishes while having Granbull take the Fighting-type attacks that threaten them.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Bulk Up can be used to boost Granbull's Attack and Defense, but its low Speed and Special Defense render this largely ineffective. Choice Band can be used for Granbull to hit much harder, but its coverage is limited outside of Play Rough and Earthquake. Fire Punch can be used specifically to deal with Forretress, which isn't bothered by any of Granbull's other moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Poison-types**: Poison-types aren't threatened by Granbull's STAB attacks and can threaten it out with their own STAB attacks. Nidoking and Nidoqueen have a special mention for being immune to Thunder Wave as well.
**Crobat**: Crobat can switch in on a Play Rough easily and is immune to Earthquake. Paralysis from Thunder Wave can be pain, but Granbull still can't do much when Crobat is paralyzed considering it can just Roost off the damage. Furthermore, Taunt from Crobat completely shuts Granbull down.
**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Aggron and Magneton threaten Granbull out with Heavy Slam and Flash Cannon, respectively. Magneton has to be wary of Earthquake, but Mega Aggron isn't too bothered by it nor by Thunder Wave because of its physical bulk and low speed.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types can switch into the RestTalk set with ease, but have to watch out for Earthquake from the bulky attacker set. However, airborne Fire-types such as Rotom-H and Moltres are immune to Earthquake and can easily wall Granbull.
**Hard-Hitting Special Attackers**: Pokemon such as Mega Pidgeot, Mega Blastoise, Shaymin, and Chandelure can all target Granbull's weak Special Defense and either OHKO it or deal major damage to it.
**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Granbull can used as easy setup fodder for Pokemon such as Suicune, Snorlax, and Subtitute + Calm Mind Cresselia. Granbull can't deal much damage to these Pokemon and they can shrug off paralysis. The best Granbull can do is phaze them out with Roar if it runs the move.
**Volt Switch Users**: Pokemon such as Forretress usually switch in easily or, in the case of Heliolisk, threaten Granbull out. They can often use Volt Switch expecting a potential switch, gaining offensive momentum for the opposing team.
GP: GatoDelFuego / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Granbull possesses the pure Fairy typing, allowing it to beat many of the tier's Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types. It also has decent Attack and Defense, which, along with Intimidate, make it a solid Pokemon both offensively and defensively. Granbull also has a good movepool, ranging from offensive moves in Earthquake and Play Rough to more supportive ones in Roar and Thunder Wave. However, its low Special Defense makes it vulnerable to many special attackers in the tier, particularly Poison-types such as Nidoqueen and Roserade. It's also very slow and unable to outspeed a number of walls, which sets it back quite a bit. Granbull does require quite a lot of team support and doesn't function well on all types of teams, but it can perform very well as a cleric and a check to many physical threats in the metagame.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Rest / Earthquake
move 4: Sleep Talk / Roar
ability: Intimidate
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
nature: Impish
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Play Rough is the best STAB move to run on Granbull, being hard hitting and fairly accurate. Heal Bell allows Granbull to cure itself and the rest of its team of status ailments. Earthquake provides good coverage alongside Play Rough to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Magneton and Entei, which resist Play Rough. Rest can be used as a source of recovery for Granbull, as it is easily worn down. Sleep Talk should be run together with Rest, keeping Granbull useful during the two turns of sleep. There's also the chance of Sleep Talk calling a Heal Bell, waking Granbull up prematurely. If you decide to not run Sleep Talk, Roar is a fine option to phaze opposing Pokemon out, especially those that try to use Granbull as setup fodder. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple Pokemon such as Entei that normally switch in to Granbull expecting a Play Rough.
Set Details
========
An Impish nature along with maximum EVs invested into HP and Defense maximizes Granbull's defensive capabilities. This is further supported by Intimidate. Leftovers is used to give Granbull a passive form of recovery each turn.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull can safely switch into many physical attackers such as Mienshao, not taking much damage as well as threatening them out with a Play Rough. It also switches well into Pokemon such as Hydreigon due to its pure Fairy typing, so take advantage of these to get a Heal Bell off should you need to. However, you should switch out when dealing with strong special attackers, as they target Granbull's lower Special Defense. Rest should only be used when Granbull is getting to low health, as it makes Granbull semi-vulnerable for two turns. Using Sleep Talk to burn sleep turns should only be done when the opposing Pokemon can't do much damage to Granbull. Using Thunder Wave on predicted switches into faster Pokemon is a good idea to cripple them, as is using Roar to prevent setup by bulkier sweepers. This set is best used on dedicated stall teams as a cleric, while being a solid counter to threats such as Mega Absol and Choice Band Heracross.
Team Options
========
Granbull is easily worn down, as its only form of recovery is Rest, so entry hazard removal is highly recommended. Donphan is a good partner, as it can not only Rapid Spin away opposing entry hazards, but also has good synergy in helping Granbull deal with Poison- and Steel-types. Ground-types in general such as Nidoking and Krookodile also have good synergy with Granbull. Psychic-type Pokemon such as Azelf make for great partners as well, punishing Poison-types such as Roserade. In return, Granbull can deal with Dark-types that threaten them. Because Granbull is easily worn down, Wish support is appreciated to keep it healthy and make it not too reliant on Rest. This is especially true if you choose to not run Rest. Some good options are Vaporeon, Blissey, and Umbreon, all of which can take the special hits that threaten Granbull.
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Thunder Wave
ability: Intimidate
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
nature: Adamant
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Play Rough is a solid STAB move, dealing major damage to all Fighting-, Dark-, and Dragon-types in the tier such as Hydreigon, Machamp, Haxorus, and Honchkrow. Heal Bell provides good utility in curing Granbull or its teammates of any status ailments. Earthquake provides good coverage against Steel-, Fire-, and Poison-type Pokemon that resist Play Rough such as Empoleon, Entei, and Nidoqueen. Thunder Wave cripples switch-ins to Granbull, especially faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Pidgeot.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack and HP allows Granbull to hit as hard as possible while maintaining sufficient bulk to check Pokemon such as Haxorus and Hydreigon. An Adamant nature is used to boost its good Attack stat further. Granbull's defensive capabilities are supported by Intimidate, making physical attacks hit for much less damage than normal. Leftovers is used for a steady form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull easily switches into any Dark-, Fighting-, or Dragon-types and is capable of dealing large amounts of damage back to them. This is particularly true for more defensive Pokemon or physical attackers. Some examples include Umbreon, Mienshao, and Haxorus.
Special attackers are the bane of Granbull, putting a major dent in it, so it's always a good idea to switch Granbull out from them. Use Thunder Wave if you manage to predict a switch into a bigger threat, or to simply cripple the foe currently on the battlefield. Granbull should only use Heal Bell when it has a free turn against Pokemon it has a typing advantage against, such as Mienshao.
Team Options
========
Because this set doesn't carry Rest, it's worn down easily, so entry hazard removal is absolutely needed. Some good partners for the job are Gligar, Donphan, and Forretress, whch can set up entry hazards for your team as well. Ground-types partner well with Granbull, as they are able to deal with the Steel- and Poison-types that threaten it. Wish support from Umbreon and Blissey is much appreciated to keep Granbull healthy for as long as possible. They can also take strong special attacks targeted at Granbull. These two can pass Wishes while having Granbull take the Fighting-type attacks that threaten them.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Bulk Up can be used to boost Granbull's Attack and Defense, but its low Speed and Special Defense render this largely ineffective. Choice Band can be used for Granbull to hit much harder, but its coverage is limited outside of Play Rough and Earthquake. Fire Punch can be used specifically to deal with Forretress, which isn't bothered by any of Granbull's other moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Poison-types**: Poison-types aren't threatened by Granbull's STAB attacks and can threaten it out with their own STAB attacks. Nidoking and Nidoqueen have a special mention for being immune to Thunder Wave as well.
**Crobat**: Crobat can switch in on a Play Rough easily and is immune to Earthquake. Paralysis from Thunder Wave can be pain, but Granbull still can't do much when Crobat is paralyzed considering it can just Roost off the damage. Furthermore, Taunt from Crobat completely shuts Granbull down.
**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Aggron and Magneton threaten Granbull out with Heavy Slam and Flash Cannon, respectively. Magneton has to be wary of Earthquake, but Mega Aggron isn't too bothered by it nor by Thunder Wave because of its physical bulk and low speed.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types can switch into the RestTalk set with ease, but have to watch out for Earthquake from the bulky attacker set. However, airborne Fire-types such as Rotom-H and Moltres are immune to Earthquake and can easily wall Granbull.
**Hard-Hitting Special Attackers**: Pokemon such as Mega Pidgeot, Mega Blastoise, Shaymin, and Chandelure can all target Granbull's weak Special Defense and either OHKO it or deal major damage to it.
**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Granbull can used as easy setup fodder for Pokemon such as Suicune, Snorlax, and Subtitute + Calm Mind Cresselia. Granbull can't deal much damage to these Pokemon and they can shrug off paralysis. The best Granbull can do is phaze them out with Roar if it runs the move.
**Volt Switch Users**: Pokemon such as Forretress usually switch in easily or, in the case of Heliolisk, threaten Granbull out. They can often use Volt Switch expecting a potential switch, gaining offensive momentum for the opposing team.
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