Gyarados (QC 3/3, GP 2/2)

[noobcubed]

Taken over from BlankZero

[Overview]

<p>Gyarados is one of those badass Kanto Pokemon that captured the hearts and minds of a generation of kids in the mid-nineties. However, unlike Charizard, it's actually competitively useful. Gyarados is almost unique in the Doubles metagame for its ability to function equally well in the vastly differing roles of bulky supporter and setup sweeper. For each role it has a tailor-made ability: Intimidate allows it and its teammates to take physical hits so much better, and Moxie means that, if offensive Gyarados gets a kill, the opponent is often on the back foot. 95 / 79 / 100 bulk is decent, but with Intimidate it is very good, and it comes with sweet resistances that allow it to stop common physical attackers like Scizor and Hitmontop in their tracks. These resistances also include common spread moves like Surf, Muddy Water, Heat Wave, and Earthquake. However, its Electric-type weakness is something of an Achilles' heel, as is a weakness to the ever-present Rock Slide. Nevertheless, these flaws do not stop it from being a top-tier threat that can rip gaping holes in a team or happily spread crippling Thunder Waves throughout the enemy ranks.</p>

[SET]
name: Intimidate Support
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Thunder Wave / Icy Wind
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Wacan Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 60 Atk / 148 Def / 16 SpD / 36 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although Gyarados's stat distribution may suggest otherwise, Gyarados's most common and most effective role is as a supporter designed to cripple opponents in various ways. The most obvious way in which it does this is just by switching in and activating Intimidate, which is anathema to the vast majority of physical attackers. It can also slow opponents down with its choice of Speed control. Thunder Wave has the advantages of being permanent, reducing Speed by a much larger factor, and additionally having a chance to stop opponents moving altogether; whilst Icy Wind hits both opponents, isn't prevented by Taunt, and can hit Ground-types. Thunder Wave is generally a little better as Waterfall hurts Ground-types anyway, and Icy Wind makes Gyarados even more of a liability against Defiant users. Waterfall does decent damage, Taunt prevents opposing Speed control and other forms of support, and Protect is, as always, recommended for scouting and for blocking dangerous attacks. With a Wacan Berry, Gyarados is difficult to OHKO even with Electric-type attacks, so it is the item of choice.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EV's are largely customizable, as evidenced by the complicated spread shown above. For the record, it survives Modest Thundurus-T's Thunderbolt, Modest Hydreigon's Draco Meteor, and Jolly Terrakion's Rock Gem-boosted Stone Edge after Intimidate, and outruns uninvested Cresselia. Any remaining EVs are dumped into boosting the power of Waterfall. Several attacks can be run in the third slot instead of Taunt. For example, Stone Edge can be used to hit Abomasnow and Ice Fang can be used against Salamence and Shaymin-S, but secondary attacks are generally less useful than Taunt. Sitrus Berry and Lum Berry are also usable over Wacan Berry, but Gyarados is likely to be targeted by Electric-type attacks. Mental Herb prevents it being shut down by Taunt, but, like Wacan Berry, it only works once.</p>

<p>However tempting it is to partner this Gyarados set with a Lightningrod user to shield it from Electric-type attacks, it must be remembered that doing so takes away your ability to use Thunder Wave. Lightningrod redirects allies' attacks, too! Thus doing so is not recommended unless you pick Icy Wind. Rather, you should just switch out of Electric-type attacks into something that can take the hit&mdash;Gyarados should be doing this anyway to get the most out of Intimidate. As for partners, Politoed can bring rain, but Gyarados can still do its job in or out of any weather. If run in sand or hail, Leftovers is a solid item choice to negate the passive damage. Earthquake users, particularly slow ones such as Solid Rock Rhyperior or Mold Breaker Excadrill, can really benefit from Gyarados slowing the opponents down, and Gyarados is immune to their Earthquake. Conversely, fast, frail teammates will love Gyarados's ability to prevent Trick Room with Taunt and the effect of Intimidate turning opponents' OHKOs into 2HKOs. Tyranitar is another Pokemon that loves Gyarados's presence on a team, as Gyarados resists five of Tyranitar's six weaknesses, making it an ideal switch-in much of the time.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Return / Ice Fang / Earthquake
move 4: Protect
item: Water Gem / Wacan Berry
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 112 Atk / 208 SpD / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>In this set, Gyarados again relies on its bulk, but this time takes a more offensive approach. Dragon Dance gives Gyarados frightening power and Speed in just one turn, and is capable of cleaning up weakened teams or decimating them early on. Waterfall is the obvious STAB attack, and will maim anything that doesn't resist it, whilst additionally having a nice 20% flinch chance. The third moveslot depends on what you want to hit: Return has the best neutral coverage, Ice Fang hits Grass- and Dragon-types but leaves you walled by Water-types, and Earthquake is the best spread move available, and can be used to pick up more Moxie boosts, potentially even when Gyarados KOes a partner. Protect is even more important on this set, as, in stark contrast to the support set, Gyarados doesn't have the luxury of switching out. Moxie is the ability of choice here, as it makes a sweep a lot harder to stop once it gets going. However, Intimidate is still highly usable and gives it more physical bulk to set up with. Even opposing Intimidate users struggle to check it, as common Intimidate users such as Hitmontop lack the means to hit it for significant damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Again, the EVs are not set in stone. This particular spread survives Timid Latios's Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor and outpaces Choice Scarf Tyranitar after a Dragon Dance boost. The third move can be replaced by other options: Thunder Fang nails bulky Water-types, principally opposing Gyarados, and Double-Edge is more powerful than Return and can help Gyarados muscle past counters like Rotom-W, but comes at the cost of recoil damage and is incompatible with Moxie. Water Gem is the preferred item as it can help grab more KOs, and therefore potentially an extra Attack boost.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, rain support is important to boost the power of Waterfall: Politoed brings rain and can boost Gyarados's power further with Helping Hand. Follow Me or Rage Powder support is almost essential to set up successfully, and the best candidate for the job is Amoonguss due to its appreciation of rain and ability to take Thunderbolts without blinking, as well as take a counter out of the game with Spore. Dual screens from the likes of Latias or Cresselia can also help in this respect. Gyarados's teammates should also be able to deal with opponents Gyarados cannot break through, which largely depends on Gyarados's coverage move. For example, if Gyarados runs Ice Fang, a Pokemon such as Shaymin-S that can smash through bulky Water-types will be very much appreciated. A Taunt user is also advisable as otherwise Cresselia can ruin Gyarados's day with Trick Room and Sunny Day. Finally, as Thunder Wave is absent from this set, Lightningrod support from Rhyperior or Manectric is more useful and can definitely help Gyarados in setting up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Gyarados is a Pokemon that has all the tools it needs&mdash;but little more. As for entirely different sets, a Choice Band set with Intimidate hits like a truck and can combine the best of both worlds&mdash;big power and the freedom to switch in and out&mdash;but the loss of Protect hurts it, and support will have to be provided in the form of Speed control. Bounce is Gyarados's only Flying STAB, but with everything running Protect in Doubles it is the easiest thing in the world to stop. A two attacks + Substitute, or even a Waterfall + Dragon Dance + Substitute set, is plausible, but these also require unreasonable levels of support. The support set could run Rain Dance to support a team heavily dependent on rain. Gyarados's extensive special movepool, spanning the likes of Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse, and Fire Blast, is utterly wasted on a Pokemon with a base 60 Special Attack.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Although the support and Dragon Dance sets have somewhat different counters, a common theme is Electric-types. Rotom-W stands out as the best, able to take anything Gyarados can throw at it and smack it with Electric-type STAB. When carrying a Choice Scarf, it can also outrun Gyarados after a Dragon Dance. Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Zapdos, Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom-F do a good job too, all OHKOing if Gyarados lacks a Wacan Berry&mdash;Thundurus gets a special mention for Taunting partners with Follow Me or Rage Powder which would otherwise enable Gyarados to set up. Most of these are also immune to Earthquake should Gyarados be running it. Rock Slide users such as Tyranitar, Terrakion, Excadrill, and Kabutops also deal heavy damage, but none of them appreciates a rain-boosted Waterfall to the face. Sableye checks both sets by Taunting the support set and burning the offensive one&mdash;Sableye can also Taunt Follow Me users like Thundurus can.</p>

<p>The support set is rendered ineffective by anything with Taunt, which will normally force Gyarados out. Particular mentions go to Prankster users and other faster users of the move, such as Mew and Hydreigon. Manaphy cannot be touched as long as it is raining, as Hydration heals paralysis, and it can get in a Tail Glow before it is Taunted. Gastrodon is likewise unhurt by both Waterfall and Thunder Wave. Defiant users such as Bisharp and Tornadus will keep Gyarados off the field altogether, and Icy Wind only exacerbates this problem.</p>

<p>The Dragon Dance set will be walled by something, regardless of what Gyarados runs. Jellicent and Ferrothorn are the most consistent bets as they resist its Water- and Normal-type coverage&mdash;Jellicent is completely immune. Jellicent can burn it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald and Ferrothorn can hit hard with Power Whip or paralyze it with Thunder Wave. However, Amoonguss will merrily spam Rage Powder against both as Gyarados continues to boost. This set also loathes Trick Room, which turns the Speed tiers upside down, so bulky setters like Cresselia put in work, especially since Cresselia can run Sunny Day, too. In general, the best way to beat it is to stop it setting up by clever use of disruptive moves like Fake Out and Taunt, which can come from a wide variety of sources.</p>

Skeleton

[Overview]

• Badass
• Intimidate/Moxie choice
• Super powerful
• Bulky and Fighting resist
• Resist/Immune to Surf/EQ, weak to Discharge/Rock Slide, BlizzSpam neutral
• Electricity scares it off easily, Lightningrod mons are a good partner.

[Set]
Name: Intimidate Support
Move 1: Waterfall
Move 2: Thunder Wave / Icy Wind
Move 3: Taunt
Move 4: Protect
Item: Wacan Berry / Sitrus Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 208 HP / 92 Atk / 112 Def / 56 SpD / 40 Spe

[Set Comments]

• Arguably its best set in Doubles
• Intimidate is an excellent ability
• Waterfall STAB
• TWave or Icy Wind, depending on what you want to check
• Taunt blocks set up and status moves
• Wacan Berry stops lots of Electric attacks

[Additional Comments]

• EVs are crazy but work
• HP is the highest Sandstorm number possible on Gyarados, but Rain is its favorite weather
• HP + SpD + Wacan = Timid Thundy-T can't OHKO with TBolt
• HP + SpD = Timid Latios Gem DM won't OHKO
• HP + Def + Intim = Adamant SF LO Rampardos can't OHKO with Rock Slide
• Spe to Outspeed and Taunt 4 Spe Cress
• Nature and Remaining EVs into Attack for power
• Possible to run Stone Miss overTaunt to hit things like Abomasnow who resist Water STAB
• Sitrus Berry is an option if you can dodge or kill all electric users easily, while a Lum Berry can be used against Rotom-W, Breloom, or Sableye trying to Burn or Sleep it.

[Set]
Name: Dragon Dance
Move 1: Dragon Dance
Move 2: Waterfall
Move 3: Return / Ice Fang / Earthquake
Move 4: Protect
Item: Water Gem / Wacan Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 208 HP / 60 Atk / 56 SpD / 184 Spe

[Set Comments]

• DDance boosts Gyara to great levels quickly without a ton of power investment
• Waterfall + Ice Fang = great coverage
• Waterfall + Return = Also good coverage and can hit Rotom and Bulky Waters for at least Neutral
• EQ optional to hit grounded Electric threats (uncommon since Thundy/Zapdos)
• Water gem +1 Waterfall OHKOs 4/0 TTar most of the time, and hits Genies hard
• Intimidate gives you more pseudo-bulk to Defense, while Moxie can get you a serious sweep going
• Intimidate bait, but can boost around it, as Top/Lando-T can't do much against Gyara

[Additional Comments]

• EVs ensure an OHKO on bulky Thundurus at +1 with a Water Gem
• Outspeeds Scarfed TTar (at +1) and base 111's
• Lives Latios Gem DM
• Sandstorm number HP, but works best on Rain teams
• Like Choice Band, but not completely reliant on speed control
• Could run Bounce for STAB, but easily predicted and TTar is ubiquitous
• RP support is pretty much a must, because set up in doubles is very tricky
• Completely screwed over by Trick Room
• Moxie is a nice alternate ability for adding extra boosts and making Gyara more threatening against weakened foes
• Normal Gem Double Edge + 252 Attack = very dead bulky Rotom-W. Also helps with Lati@s where Ice Fang isn't a sure bet.

[Other Options]

• Choice Band set plausible with Speed control support
• Bounce as physical Flying STAB
• Aqua Tail over Waterfall for power increase, but less accurate
• Access to EQ/Surf for spread
• Substitute/DTail set?
• learns 3 different weather setting moves (Rain/Hail/Sand)
• Learns Thunder(bolt), Flamethrower, Fire Blast, but base 60 SpA holds it back

[Checks and Counters]

• Zapdos/Thundy
• Rock Slide spam
• Gastrodon
• Excadrill in Sand
• Terrakion
• Kingdra
• Ludicolo
• Rotom-W
• Abomasnow (without Stone Miss)
• Opposing Intimidate spam

 

[Nix_Hex]

[Overview]
[I'm just gonna say right now that I love this Overview. This is what I'm envisioning for the future of C&C. Concise, informative, and instructive.]
<p>Gyarados is one of those badass first-generation Pokemon that I thought was the best thing ever in about 1997. Unlike Charizard, however, I was right about this one. [First person is not allowed. Most people, me included, are lenient on opinion, but just don't use 'me', 'my', 'I', etc. Just reword this sentence.] Gyarados is almost unique in the Doubles metagame for its ability to function equally well in the vastly differing roles of bulky supporter and set-up sweeper. For each role it has a tailor-made ability - Intimidate allows it and its teammates to take physical hits so much better, and Moxie means that, if offensive Gyarados gets a kill, the opponent is often on the back foot. 95/79/100 bulk is decent, but with Intimidate it is very good, and it comes with sweet resistances that allow it to stop common physical attackers like Scizor and Fighting-types like Hitmontop in their tracks. These resistances also include common spread moves like Surf, Muddy Water, Heat Wave and Earthquake. However, its Electric-type weakness is something of an Achilles' heel, as is a weakness to the ever-present Rock Slide. But these flaws do not stop it from being a top tier threat that can rip gaping holes in a team, or happily spread crippling Thunder Waves throughout the enemy ranks.</p>

[SET]

Name: Intimidate Support
Move 1: Waterfall
Move 2: Thunder Wave / Icy Wind
Move 3: Taunt
Move 4: Protect
Item: Wacan Berry / Sitrus Berry
Ability: Intimidate
evs: 248 HP / 60 Atk / 148 Def / 16 SpD / 36 Spe
[12 HP / 252 SpD makes it as specially bulky as possible but don't change the spread if you want to maximize your Defense.]
Nature: Careful

[SET COMMENTS]
Good.
<p>Although Gyarados's stat distribution may suggest otherwise, Gyarados's most common and most effective role is as a supporter designed to cripple opponents in various ways. The most obvious way in which it does this is just by switching in and activating Intimidate, which is anathema to the vast majority of physical attackers. It can also slow opponents down with its choice of speed control. Thunder Wave has the advantages of being permanent, reducing speed by a much larger factor, and additionally having a chance to stop opponents moving altogether; whilst Icy Wind hits both opponents, isn't prevented by Taunt, and can hit Ground-types. Thunder Wave is generally a little better as Waterfall hurts Ground types anyway, and Icy Wind makes Gyarados even more of a liability against Defiant users. Waterfall does decent damage, Taunt prevents opposing speed control and other forms of support, and Protect is, as always, recommended for scouting and for blocking dangerous attacks. With a Wacan Berry, Gyarados is difficult to OHKO even with Electric-type attacks, so it is the item of choice.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
Good explanation of EVs as well as partners.
<p>This set's EV's are largely customisable, as evidenced by the complicated spread shown above. For the record, it survives Modest Thundurus-T's Thunderbolt, Modest Hydreigon's Draco Meteor and Jolly Terrakion's Rock Gem Stone Edge after Intimidate, and outruns uninvested Cresselia. Any remaining EVs are dumped into boosting the power of Waterfall. Several attacks can be run in the third slot instead of Taunt (for example, Stone Edge can be used to hit Abomasnow, and Ice Fang can be used against Salamence and Shaymin-S), but in each case the number of opponents it would hurt is less than the number hurt by Taunt. Sitrus Berry and Lum Berry are also usable over Wacan Berry but Gyarados is likely to be targeted by Electricity. Mental Herb will stop it being shut down by Taunt, but, like Wacan Berry, it only works once.</p>
Stone Edge > Taunt to hit Rock weaks but is pretty unnecessary outside of that (use a partner for that) and Taunt is one of the main tools.
<p>However tempting it is to partner this Gyarados set with a Lightningrod user to shield it from Electric-type attacks, it must be remembered that doing so takes away your ability to use Thunder Wave (Lightningrod redirects allies' attacks too!) so it is not recommended. Rather, you should just switch out of Electric-type attacks into something that can take the hit - Gyarados should be doing this anyway to get the most out of Intimidate. As for partners, Politoed can bring rain, but Gyarados can still do its job in any weather or none at all. If run in sand or hail, Leftovers is a solid item choice to negate the passive damage. Earthquake users, particularly slow ones like Rhyperior, can really benefit from Gyarados slowing the opponents down, and Gyarados is immune to their Earthquake. Conversely, fast, frail teammates will love Gyarados's ability to prevent Trick Room with Taunt, and the effect of Intimidate turning opponents' OHKOs into 2HKOs. Tyranitar is another Pokemon who loves Gyarados's presence on a team, as Gyarados resists every one of Tyranitar's five weaknesses, making it an ideal switch-in in many situations.</p>

[SET]

Name: Dragon Dance
Move 1: Dragon Dance
Move 2: Waterfall
Move 3: Return / Ice Fang / Earthquake
Move 4: Protect
Item: Water Gem / Wacan Berry
Ability: Moxie
evs: 4 HP / 112 Atk / 208 SpD / 184 Spe
Nature: Adamant

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>In this set, Gyarados again relies on its bulk but this time takes a more offensive approach. Dragon Dance is a move, that, in just one turn, gives Gyarados frightening power and speed, and is capable of cleaning up weakened teams or decimating them early on. Waterfall is the obvious STAB and will maim anything that doesn't resist it, as well as having a nice 20% flinch chance. The third moveslot depends on what you want to hit - Return has the best neutral coverage; Ice Fang hits Grass- and Dragon-types but leaves you walled by Water-types; Earthquake is the best spread move available, and can be used to pick up more Moxie boosts (Moxie grabs an attack boost even when Gyarados kills its own partner). [You could also mention Stone Edge here, but Return 2HKOes Abomasnow anyway. Also Double-Edge for Rotom-W.] Protect is even more important on this set, as, in stark contrast to the support set, Gyarados doesn't have the luxury of switching out. Moxie is the ability of choice here, as it makes a sweep a lot harder to stop once it gets going; however, Intimidate is still highly usable and gives it more physical bulk to set up with. Even opposing Intimidate users struggle to check it, as common Intimidate users like Hitmontop lack the means to hit it for significant damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
Good job here.
<p>Again, the EVs are not set in stone. This particular spread survives Timid Latios's Dragon Gem Draco Meteor and outpaces Choice Scarf Tyranitar after a Dragon Dance boost. The third move can be replaced by other options: Thunder Fang nails bulky Water-types, principally opposing Gyarados, and Double-Edge is more powerful than Return and can help Gyarados muscle past counters like Rotom-W but comes at the cost of recoil damage and is incompatible with Moxie. Water Gem is the preferred item as it can help grab more KOs, and therefore potentially an extra attack boost.</p>
Mention that Trick Room is devastating against DD Dos, so partner with a Taunt user or anti-Trick Room mon like Cresselia.
<p>As far as teammates go, rain support is important to boost the power of Waterfall: Politoed brings rain and can boost Gyarados's power further with Helping Hand. Follow Me or Rage Power support is almost essential to set up successfully, and the best candidate for the job is Amoonguss, due to its appreciation of rain and ability to take Thunderbolts without blinking, as well as taking a counter out of the game with Spore. Dual Screens from the likes of Latias or Cresselia can also help in this respect. Gyarados's teammates should also be able to deal with opponents Gyarados cannot break through, which largely depends on Gyarados's coverage move. For example, if Gyarados runs Ice Fang, a Pokemon such as Shaymin-S that can smash through bulky Water-types will be very much appreciated. Finally, as Thunder Wave is absent from this set, Lightningrod support from Rhyperior or Manectric is more useful and can definitely help Gyarados to set up.</p>

[Other Options]
Good.
<p>Gyarados is a Pokemon that has all the tools it needs - but little more. As for entirely different sets, a Choice Band/Intimidate set hits like a truck and can combine the best of both worlds - big power and the freedom to switch in and out - but the loss of Protect hurts it, and support will have to be provided in the form of speed control. Bounce is Gyarados's only Flying STAB, but with everything running Protect in Doubles it is the easiest thing in the world to stop. A two attacks + Substitute, or even a Waterfall + Dragon Dance + Substitute set, is plausible, but these also require unreasonable levels of support. Gyarados. The support set could run Rain Dance to support a team heavily dependent on rain, although Sandstorm and Hail are not really workable due to the fact that these weathers have less powerful effects. Gyarados's great special movepool, spanning the likes of Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse and Fire Blast, is utterly wasted on a Pokemon with 60 special attack.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
Very thorough here, good job.
<p>Although the support and Dragon Dance sets have somewhat different counters, a common theme is Electric-types. Rotom-W stands out as the best, able to take anything Gyarados can throw at it and smack it with Electric STAB. When carrying a Choice Scarf, it can also outrun Gyarados after a Dragon Dance. Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Zapdos, Manectric, Raikou and Rotom-F do a good job too, all OHKOing if Gyarados lacks a Wacan Berry - Thundurus gets a special mention for Taunting Follow Me/Rage Powder partners who are attempting to let Gyarados set up. Most of these are also immune to Earthquake should Gyarados be running it. Rock Slide users like Tyranitar, Terrakion, Excadrill and Kabutops also deal heavy damage, but none appreciates a Rain-boosted Waterall to the face. Sableye checks both sets by Taunting the support set and burning the offensive one - Sableye can also Taunt Follow Me users like Thundurus can.</p>

<p>The support set is rendered ineffective by anything with Taunt, which will normally force Gyarados out. Particular mentions go to Prankster users and other faster users of the move such as Mew and Hydreigon. If Gyarados is running Thunder Wave, then it can't paralyse Ground-types, but these will be hit hard by Waterfall. Manaphy in rain cannot be touched as Hydration heals paralysis, and it can get in a Tail Glow before it is Taunted. Gastrodon is likewise unhurt by both Waterfall and Thunder Wave. Defiant users like Bisharp and Tornadus will keep Gyarados off the field altogether - if Gyarados runs Icy Wind this problem is exacerbated.</p>

<p>The Dragon Dance set will be walled by something, regardless of what Gyarados runs. Jellicent and Ferrothorn are the most consistent bets as they resist Water/Normal coverage - indeed, Jellicent is completely immune. Jellicent can burn it with Will-o-Wisp or Scald and Ferrothorn can hit hard with Power Whip or paralyse it with Thunder Wave. However, Amoonguss will merrily spam Rage Powder against both as Gyarados continues to boost. This set also loathes Trick Room, which turns the speed tiers upside down, so bulky setters like Cresselia put in work, especially since Cresselia can run Sunny Day too. In general, the best way to beat it is to stop it setting up by using disruptive moves like Fake Out and Taunt, which can come from a wide variety of sources.</p>

Good analysis here man. Just what I'm looking for!

Pudding 3/3

 

[noobcubed]

Changes made, pleased I had to make so few. Credit to BlankZero for the awesome skelly.

Next up: Toxicroak.

 

[piikachuu]

amcheck
Additions
Removals
Comments

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[Overview]

<p>Gyarados is one of those badass Kanto Pokemon that captured the hearts and minds of a generation of kids in the mid-nineties. However, unlike Charizard, it's actually competitively useful. Gyarados is almost unique in the Doubles metagame for its ability to function equally well in the vastly differing roles of bulky supporter and set-(remove hyphen)up sweeper. For each role it has a tailor-made ability -(remove hyphen) :(colon) Intimidate allows it and its teammates to take physical hits so much better, and Moxie means that, if offensive Gyarados gets a kill, the opponent is often on the back foot. 95/79/100 (it should be stat SPACE / SPACE stat SPACE / SPACE stat) bulk is decent, but with Intimidate it is very good, and it comes with sweet resistances that allow it to stop common physical attackers like Scizor and Hitmontop in their tracks. These resistances also include common spread moves like Surf, Muddy Water, Heat Wave,(AC) and Earthquake. However, its Electric-type weakness is something of an Achilles' heel, as is a weakness to the ever-present Rock Slide. But t These flaws do not stop it from being a top tier threat that can rip gaping holes in a team, or happily spread crippling Thunder Waves throughout the enemy ranks.</p>

[SET]
(remove space)
Nname: Intimidate Support
Mmove 1: Waterfall
Mmove 2: Thunder Wave / Icy Wind
Mmove 3: Taunt
Mmove 4: Protect
Iitem: Wacan Berry / Sitrus Berry
Aability: Intimidate
evs: 248 HP / 60 Atk / 148 Def / 16 SpD / 36 Spe
Nnature: Careful (move before evs)

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although Gyarados's stat distribution may suggest otherwise, Gyarados's most common and most effective role is as a supporter designed to cripple opponents in various ways. The most obvious way in which it does this is just by switching in and activating Intimidate, which is anathema to the vast majority of physical attackers. It can also slow opponents down with its choice of speed control. Thunder Wave has the advantages of being permanent, reducing speed by a much larger factor, and additionally having a chance to stop opponents moving altogether; whilst Icy Wind hits both opponents, isn't prevented by Taunt, and can hit Ground-types. Thunder Wave is generally a little better as Waterfall hurts Ground-(hyphen)types anyway, and Icy Wind makes Gyarados even more of a liability against Defiant users. Waterfall does decent damage, Taunt prevents opposing speed control and other forms of support, and Protect is, as always, recommended for scouting and for blocking dangerous attacks. With a Wacan Berry, Gyarados is difficult to OHKO even with Electric-type attacks, so it is the item of choice.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EV's are largely customiszable (American English), as evidenced by the complicated spread shown above. For the record, it survives Modest Thundurus-T's Thunderbolt, Modest Hydreigon's Draco Meteor,(AC) and Jolly Terrakion's Rock Gem Stone Edge after Intimidate, and outruns uninvested Cresselia. Any remaining EVs are dumped into boosting the power of Waterfall. Several attacks can be run in the third slot instead of Taunt (for example, Stone Edge can be used to hit Abomasnow, and Ice Fang can be used against Salamence and Shaymin-S), but in each case the number of opponents it would hurt is less than the number hurt by Taunt. Sitrus Berry and Lum Berry are also usable over Wacan Berry but Gyarados is likely to be targeted by Electricity Electric-type attacks. Mental Herb will stop it from being shut down by Taunt, but, like Wacan Berry, it only works once.</p>

<p>However tempting it is to partner this Gyarados set with a Lightningrod user to shield it from Electric-type attacks, it must be remembered that doing so takes away your ability to use Thunder Wave (Lightningrod redirects allies' attacks,(AC) too!) so it is not recommended unless you pick Icy Wind. Rather, you should just switch out of Electric-type attacks into something that can take the hit -(remove colon) &mdash; Gyarados should be doing this anyway to get the most out of Intimidate. As for partners, Politoed can bring rain, but Gyarados can still do its job in any weather or none at all. If run in sand or hail, Leftovers is a solid item choice to negate the passive damage. Earthquake users, particularly slow ones like Solid Rock Rhyperior or Mold Breaker Excadrill, can really benefit from Gyarados slowing the opponents down, and Gyarados is immune to their Earthquake. Conversely, fast, frail teammates will love Gyarados's ability to prevent Trick Room with Taunt, and the effect of Intimidate turning opponents' OHKOs into 2HKOs. Tyranitar is another Pokemon who loves Gyarados's presence on a team, as Gyarados resists every one of Tyranitar's five weaknesses, making it an ideal switch-in in many situations.</p>

[SET]
(remove space)
Nname: Dragon Dance
Mmove 1: Dragon Dance
Mmove 2: Waterfall
Mmove 3: Return / Ice Fang / Earthquake
Mmove 4: Protect
Iitem: Water Gem / Wacan Berry
Aability: Moxie
evs: 4 HP / 112 Atk / 208 SpD / 184 Spe
Nnature: Adamant (move before evs)

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>In this set, Gyarados again relies on its bulk but this time takes a more offensive approach. Dragon Dance is a move,(RC) that, in just one turn,(RC) gives Gyarados frightening power and speed in just one turn, and is capable of cleaning up weakened teams or decimating them early on. Waterfall is the obvious STAB attack and will maim anything that doesn't resist it, as well as having a nice 20% flinch chance. The third moveslot depends on what you want to hit -(remove hyphen) :(colon) Return has the best neutral coverage;,(AC) Ice Fang hits Grass- and Dragon-types but leaves you walled by Water-types;,(AC) and Earthquake is the best spread move available, and can be used especially to pick up more Moxie boosts (Moxie grabs an attack boost even when Gyarados kills its own partner). Protect is even more important on this set, as,(RC) in stark contrast to the support set, Gyarados doesn't have the luxury of switching out. Moxie is the ability of choice here, as it makes a sweep a lot harder to stop once it gets going; however, Intimidate is still highly usable and gives it more physical bulk to set up with. Even opposing Intimidate users struggle to check it, as common Intimidate users like Hitmontop lack the means to hit it for significant damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Again, the EVs are not set in stone. This particular spread survives Timid Latios's Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor and outpaces Choice Scarf Tyranitar after a Dragon Dance boost. The third move can be replaced by other options: Thunder Fang nails bulky Water-types, principally opposing Gyarados, and Double-Edge is more powerful than Return and can help Gyarados muscle past counters like Rotom-W,(AC) but comes at the cost of recoil damage and is incompatible with Moxie. Water Gem is the preferred item as it can help grab more KOs, and therefore potentially an extra attack boost.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, rain support is important to boost the power of Waterfall: Politoed brings rain and can boost Gyarados's power further with Helping Hand. Follow Me or Rage Powder support is almost essential to set up successfully, and the best candidate for the job is Amoonguss,(RC) due to its appreciation of rain and ability to take Thunderbolts without blinking, as well as taking a counter out of the game with Spore. Dual Sscreens from the likes of Latias or Cresselia can also help in this respect. Gyarados's teammates should also be able to deal with opponents Gyarados cannot break through, which largely depends on Gyarados's coverage move. For example, if Gyarados runs Ice Fang, a Pokemon such as Shaymin-S that can smash through bulky Water-types will be very much appreciated. A Taunt user is also advisable as otherwise Cresselia can ruin Gyarados's day with Trick Room and Sunny Day. Finally, as Thunder Wave is absent from this set, Lightningrod support from Rhyperior or Manectric is more useful and can definitely help Gyarados to set up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Gyarados is a Pokemon that has all the tools it needs -(remove hyphen) &mdash; but little more. As for entirely different sets, a Choice Band(space)/(space)Intimidate set hits like a truck and can combine the best of both worlds -(remove hyphen) &mdash; big power and the freedom to switch in and out -(remove hyphen) &mdash; but the loss of Protect hurts it, and support will have to be provided in the form of speed control. Bounce is Gyarados's only Flying-type STAB, but with everything running Protect in Doubles it is the easiest thing in the world to stop. A two attacks + Substitute, or even a Waterfall + Dragon Dance + Substitute set, is plausible, but these also require unreasonable levels of support. Gyarados. The support set could run Rain Dance to support a team heavily dependent on rain, although Sandstorm and Hail are not really workable due to the fact that these weathers have less powerful effects. Gyarados's great special movepool, spanning the likes of Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse,(AC) and Fire Blast, is utterly wasted on a Pokemon with 60 special attack a base 60 Special Attack.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Although the support and Dragon Dance sets have somewhat different counters, a common theme is Electric-types. Rotom-W stands out as the best, able to take anything Gyarados can throw at it and smack it with Electric-type STAB. When carrying a Choice Scarf, it can also outrun Gyarados after a Dragon Dance. Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Zapdos, Manectric, Raikou,(AC) and Rotom-F do a good job too, all OHKOing if Gyarados lacks a Wacan Berry -(remove hyphen) &mdash; Thundurus gets a special mention for Taunting Follow Me(space)/(space)Rage Powder partners who are attempting to let whom attempt to help Gyarados set up. Most of these are also immune to Earthquake,(AC) should Gyarados be running it. Rock Slide users like Tyranitar, Terrakion, Excadrill,(AC) and Kabutops also deal heavy damage, but none appreciates a Rrain-boosted Waterfall to the face. Sableye checks both sets by Taunting the support set and burning the offensive one -(remove hyphen) &mdash; Sableye can also Taunt Follow Me users like Thundurus can.</p>

<p>The support set is rendered ineffective by anything with Taunt, which will normally force Gyarados out. Particular mentions go to Prankster users and other faster users of the move such as Mew and Hydreigon. If Gyarados is running Thunder Wave, then it can't paralysze Ground-types, but these will be hit hard by Waterfall. Manaphy in rain cannot be touched as Hydration heals paralysis, and it can get in a Tail Glow before it is Taunted. Gastrodon is likewise unhurt by both Waterfall and Thunder Wave. Defiant users like such as Bisharp and Tornadus will keep Gyarados off the field altogether -(remove hyphen) &mdash; if Gyarados runs Icy Wind this problem is exacerbated.</p>

<p>The Dragon Dance set will be walled by something, regardless of what Gyarados runs. Jellicent and Ferrothorn are the most consistent bets as they resist Water/Normal the Water- and Normal-type coverage -(remove hyphen) &mdash; indeed, Jellicent is completely immune. Jellicent can burn it with Will-oO-Wisp or Scald and Ferrothorn can hit hard with Power Whip or paralysze it with Thunder Wave. However, Amoonguss will merrily spam Rage Powder against both as Gyarados continues to boost. This set also loathes Trick Room, which turns the speed tiers upside down, so bulky setters like Cresselia put in work, especially since Cresselia can run Sunny Day,(AC) too. In general, the best way to beat it is to stop it setting up by using disruptive moves like Fake Out and Taunt, which can come from a wide variety of sources.</p>

 

[noobcubed]

Made those changes. Come on, we're nearly there on this one.

 

[BlankZero]

Changes made, pleased I had to make so few. Credit to BlankZero for the awesome skelly.

Next up: Toxicroak.

No problem bud. Glad to see it finally getting done. My new job is killing my time.

 

[noobcubed]

No problem bud. Glad to see it finally getting done. My new job is killing my time.

Glad to be of help. It's annoying when real life has to screw stuff up.

 

[Nix_Hex]

Remember to remove the spaces around &mdash; in all cases. Also, don't put GP 1/2 until an official GPer does a check or stamps an ammy check. Which I am doing now so feel free to keep GP 1/2 :p

GP 1/2

 

[noobcubed]

Sorry, wasn't paying attention. Also, &mdash; issue sorted.

 

[piikachuu]

mname: Intimidate Support

best of both worlds&mdash;big power and the freedom to switch in and out - but the loss of Protect hurts it,

change it to an &mdash;

and an afterthought

Jolly Terrakion's Rock Gem-boosted Stone Edge after Intimidate, and outruns uninvested Cresselia.

 

[Kingler]

Additions
Subtractions
Comments
Amcheck

Hide

[Overview]

<p>Gyarados is one of those badass Kanto Pokemon that captured the hearts and minds of a generation of kids in the mid-nineties. However, unlike Charizard, it's actually competitively useful. Gyarados is almost unique in the Doubles metagame for its ability to function equally well in the vastly differing roles of bulky supporter and set-up sweeper. For each role it has a tailor-made ability: Intimidate allows it and its teammates to take physical hits so much better, and Moxie means that, if offensive Gyarados gets a kill, the opponent is often on the back foot. 95 / 79 / 100 bulk is decent, but with Intimidate it is very good, and it comes with sweet resistances that allow it to stop common physical attackers like Scizor and Hitmontop in their tracks. These resistances also include common spread moves like Surf, Muddy Water, Heat Wave, and Earthquake. However, its Electric-type weakness is something of an Achilles' heel, as is a weakness to the ever-present Rock Slide. Nevertheless, these flaws do not stop it from being a top tier threat that can rip gaping holes in a team, or happily spread crippling Thunder Waves throughout the enemy ranks.</p>

[SET]
name: Intimidate Support
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Thunder Wave / Icy Wind
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Wacan Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: cCareful
evs: 248 HP / 60 Atk / 148 Def / 16 SpD / 36 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although Gyarados's stat distribution may suggest otherwise, Gyarados's most common and most effective role is as a supporter designed to cripple opponents in various ways. The most obvious way in which it does this is just by switching in and activating Intimidate, which is anathema to the vast majority of physical attackers. It can also slow opponents down with its choice of sSpeed control. Thunder Wave has the advantages of being permanent, reducing sSpeed by a much larger factor, and additionally having a chance to stop opponents moving altogether; whilst Icy Wind hits both opponents, isn't prevented by Taunt, and can hit Ground-types. Thunder Wave is generally a little better as Waterfall hurts Ground-types anyway, and Icy Wind makes Gyarados even more of a liability against Defiant users. Waterfall does decent damage, Taunt prevents opposing sSpeed control and other forms of support, and Protect is, as always, recommended for scouting and for blocking dangerous attacks. With a Wacan Berry, Gyarados is difficult to OHKO even with Electric-type attacks, so it is the item of choice.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EV's are largely customizable, as evidenced by the complicated spread shown above. For the record, it survives Modest Thundurus-T's Thunderbolt, Modest Hydreigon's Draco Meteor, and Jolly Terrakion's Rock Gem-boosted Stone Edge after Intimidate, and outruns uninvested Cresselia. Any remaining EVs are dumped into boosting the power of Waterfall. Several attacks can be run in the third slot instead of Taunt.(add period) (fFor example, Stone Edge can be used to hit Abomasnow, and Ice Fang can be used against Salamence and Shaymin-S), but in each case the number of opponents it would hurt is less than the number hurt by Taunt(personally i'd reword to 'less effective overall than taunt'). Sitrus Berry and Lum Berry are also usable over Wacan Berry but Gyarados is likely to be targeted by Electric-type attacks. Mental Herb will stop prevents it from being shut down by Taunt, but, like Wacan Berry, it only works once.</p>

<p>However tempting it is to partner this Gyarados set with a Lightningrod user to shield it from Electric-type attacks, it must be remembered that doing so takes away your ability to use Thunder Wave, (AC) (Lightningrod redirects allies' attacks, too!) (preferably not too many bracket comments, merge it if you like)so it is not recommended unless you pick Icy Wind. Rather, you should just switch out of Electric-type attacks into something that can take the hit&mdash;Gyarados should be doing this anyway to get the most out of Intimidate. As for partners, Politoed can bring rain, but Gyarados can still do its job in any weather or none at all. If run in sand or hail, Leftovers is a solid item choice to negate the passive damage. Earthquake users, particularly slow ones like such as Solid Rock Rhyperior or Mold Breaker Excadrill, can really benefit from Gyarados's slowing the opponents down, and Gyarados is immune to their Earthquake. Conversely, fast, frail teammates will love Gyarados's ability to prevent Trick Room with Taunt, and the effect of Intimidate turning opponents' OHKOs into 2HKOs. Tyranitar is another Pokemon who loves Gyarados's presence on a team, as Gyarados resists five of Tyranitar's six weaknesses, making it an ideal switch-in in during many situations.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Return / Ice Fang / Earthquake
move 4: Protect
item: Water Gem / Wacan Berry
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 112 Atk / 208 SpD / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>In this set, Gyarados again relies on its bulk, (AC) but this time takes a more offensive approach. Dragon Dance is a move, (RC) that gives Gyarados frightening power and sSpeed in just one turn, and is capable of cleaning up weakened teams or decimating them early on. Waterfall is the obvious STAB attack, (AC) and will maim anything that doesn't resist it, as well as while having a nice 20% flinch chance. The third moveslot depends on what you want to hit: Return has the best neutral coverage, Ice Fang hits Grass- and Dragon-types but leaves you walled by Water-types, and Earthquake is the best spread move available, and can be used to pick up more Moxie boosts (note that Moxie grabs an attack boost even when Gyarados kills its own partner)(moar less comments c:). Protect is even more important on this set, as, in stark contrast to the support set, Gyarados doesn't have the luxury of switching out. Moxie is the ability of choice here, as it makes a sweep a lot harder to stop once it gets going; however, Intimidate is still highly usable and gives it more physical bulk to set up with. Even opposing Intimidate users struggle to check it, as common Intimidate users like such as Hitmontop lack the means to hit it for significant damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Again, the EVs are not set in stone. This particular spread survives Timid Latios's Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor and outpaces Choice Scarf Tyranitar after a Dragon Dance boost. The third move can be replaced by other options: Thunder Fang nails bulky Water-types, principally opposing Gyarados, and Double-Edge is more powerful than Return and can help Gyarados muscle past counters like Rotom-W, but comes at the cost of recoil damage, (AC) and is incompatible with Moxie. Water Gem is the preferred item as it can help grab more KOs, and therefore potentially an extra aAttack boost.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, rain support is important to boost the power of Waterfall;: Politoed brings rain and can boost Gyarados's power further with Helping Hand. Follow Me or Rage Powder support is almost essential to set up successfully, and the best candidate for the job is Amoonguss due to its appreciation of rain and ability to take Thunderbolts without blinking, as well as take a counter out of the game with Spore. Dual screens from the likes of Latias or Cresselia can also help in this respect. Gyarados's teammates should also be able to deal with opponents Gyarados cannot break through, which largely depends on Gyarados's coverage move. For example, if Gyarados runs Ice Fang, a Pokemon such as Shaymin-S that can smash through bulky Water-types will be very much appreciated. A Taunt user is also advisable as otherwise Cresselia can ruin Gyarados's day with Trick Room and Sunny Day. Finally, as Thunder Wave is absent from this set, Lightningrod support from Rhyperior or Manectric is more useful and can definitely help Gyarados in setting up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Gyarados is a Pokemon that has all the tools it needs&mdash;but little more. As for entirely different sets, a Choice Band / Intimidate set with Intimidate hits like a truck, (AC) and can combine the best of both worlds&mdash;big power and the freedom to switch in and out&mdash;but the loss of Protect hurts it, and support will have to be provided in the form of speed control. Bounce is Gyarados's only Flying STAB, but with everything running Protect in Doubles it is the easiest thing in the world to stop. A two attacks + Substitute, or even a Waterfall + Dragon Dance + Substitute set, is plausible, but these also require unreasonable levels of support. The support set could run Rain Dance to support a team heavily dependent on rain, although Sandstorm and Hail are not really workable due to the fact that these weathers have less powerful effects(doesn't seem relevant). Gyarados's extensive special movepool, spanning the likes of Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse, and Fire Blast, is utterly wasted on a Pokemon with a base 60 sSpecial aAttack.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Although the support and Dragon Dance sets have somewhat different counters, a common theme is Electric-types. Rotom-W stands out as the best, able to take anything Gyarados can throw at it and smack it with Electric-type STAB. When carrying a Choice Scarf, it can also outrun Gyarados after a Dragon Dance. Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Zapdos, Manectric, Raikou and Rotom-F do a good job too, all OHKOing if Gyarados lacks a Wacan Berry&mdash;Thundurus gets a special mention for Taunting Follow Me / Rage Powder partners with Follow Me or Fake Out which would otherwise enable Gyarados to set up. Most of these are also immune to Earthquake should Gyarados be running it. Rock Slide users like such as Tyranitar, Terrakion, Excadrill, (AC) and Kabutops also deal heavy damage, but none of them appreciates a rain-boosted Waterfall to the face. Sableye checks both sets by Taunting the support set and burning the offensive one&mdash;Sableye can also Taunt Follow Me users like Thundurus can.</p>

<p>The support set is rendered ineffective by anything with Taunt, which will normally force Gyarados out. Particular mentions go to Prankster users and other faster users of the move, (AC) such as Mew and Hydreigon. If Gyarados is running Thunder Wave, then it can't paralyze Ground-types, but these will be hit hard by Waterfall(seems weird in c and c text, you could rephrase though). Manaphy cannot be touched as long as it is raining, as Hydration heals paralysis, and it can get in a Tail Glow before it is Taunted. Gastrodon is likewise unhurt by both Waterfall and Thunder Wave. Defiant users such as Bisharp and Tornadus will keep Gyarados off the field altogether, and Icy Wind only exacerbates this problem.</p>

<p>The Dragon Dance set will be walled by something,(RC) regardless of what Gyarados runs. Jellicent and Ferrothorn are the most consistent bets as they resist its Water- and Normal-type coverage&mdash;indeed, Jellicent is completely immune. Jellicent can burn it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald and Ferrothorn can hit hard with Power Whip or paralysze it with Thunder Wave. However, Amoonguss will merrily spam Rage Powder against both as Gyarados continues to boost. This set also loathes Trick Room, which turns the speed Speed tiers upside down, so bulky setters like Cresselia put in work, especially since Cresselia can run Sunny Day, too. In general, the best way to beat it is to stop it setting up by clever use of disruptive moves like Fake Out and Taunt, which can come from a wide variety of sources.</p>

Last part is kinda weird, i'd recommend looking it over. But then again this is just an amcheck.

 

[noobcubed]

All suggested changes made, thanks for the amcheck. Requesting an official GP stamp.

 

[Kingler]

Didnt know how i was dumb enough to overlook this, but it is EVs and not EV's
I suck etc etc

 

[GatoDelFuego]

noobcubed

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

Hide

[Overview]

<p>Gyarados is one of those badass Kanto Pokemon that captured the hearts and minds of a generation of kids in the mid-nineties. However, unlike Charizard, it's actually competitively useful. Gyarados is almost unique in the Doubles metagame for its ability to function equally well in the vastly differing roles of bulky supporter and setup sweeper. For each role it has a tailor-made ability: Intimidate allows it and its teammates to take physical hits so much better, and Moxie means that, if offensive Gyarados gets a kill, the opponent is often on the back foot. 95 / 79 / 100 bulk is decent, but with Intimidate it is very good, and it comes with sweet resistances that allow it to stop common physical attackers like Scizor and Hitmontop in their tracks. These resistances also include common spread moves like Surf, Muddy Water, Heat Wave, and Earthquake. However, its Electric-type weakness is something of an Achilles' heel, as is a weakness to the ever-present Rock Slide. Nevertheless, these flaws do not stop it from being a top-tier threat that can rip gaping holes in a team, (RC) or happily spread crippling Thunder Waves throughout the enemy ranks.</p>

[SET]
name: Intimidate Support
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Thunder Wave / Icy Wind
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Wacan Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 60 Atk / 148 Def / 16 SpD / 36 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although Gyarados's stat distribution may suggest otherwise, Gyarados's most common and most effective role is as a supporter designed to cripple opponents in various ways. The most obvious way in which it does this is just by switching in and activating Intimidate, which is anathema to the vast majority of physical attackers. It can also slow opponents down with its choice of Speed control. Thunder Wave has the advantages of being permanent, reducing Speed by a much larger factor, and additionally having a chance to stop opponents moving altogether; whilst Icy Wind hits both opponents, isn't prevented by Taunt, and can hit Ground-types. Thunder Wave is generally a little better as Waterfall hurts Ground-types anyway, and Icy Wind makes Gyarados even more of a liability against Defiant users. Waterfall does decent damage, Taunt prevents opposing Speed control and other forms of support, and Protect is, as always, recommended for scouting and for blocking dangerous attacks. With a Wacan Berry, Gyarados is difficult to OHKO even with Electric-type attacks, so it is the item of choice.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EV's are largely customizable, as evidenced by the complicated spread shown above. For the record, it survives Modest Thundurus-T's Thunderbolt, Modest Hydreigon's Draco Meteor, and Jolly Terrakion's Rock Gem-boosted Stone Edge after Intimidate, and outruns uninvested Cresselia. Any remaining EVs are dumped into boosting the power of Waterfall. Several attacks can be run in the third slot instead of Taunt. For example, Stone Edge can be used to hit Abomasnow, (RC) and Ice Fang can be used against Salamence and Shaymin-S, but secondary attacks are generally less useful than Taunt. Sitrus Berry and Lum Berry are also usable over Wacan Berry, (AC) but Gyarados is likely to be targeted by Electric-type attacks. Mental Herb prevents it being shut down by Taunt, but, like Wacan Berry, it only works once.</p>

<p>However tempting it is to partner this Gyarados set with a Lightningrod user to shield it from Electric-type attacks, it must be remembered that doing so takes away your ability to use Thunder Wave. Lightningrod redirects allies' attacks, too! Thus doing so is not recommended unless you pick Icy Wind. Rather, you should just switch out of Electric-type attacks into something that can take the hit&mdash;Gyarados should be doing this anyway to get the most out of Intimidate. As for partners, Politoed can bring rain, but Gyarados can still do its job in or out of any weather or none at all. If run in sand or hail, Leftovers is a solid item choice to negate the passive damage. Earthquake users, particularly slow ones such as Solid Rock Rhyperior or Mold Breaker Excadrill, can really benefit from Gyarados slowing the opponents down, and Gyarados is immune to their Earthquake. Conversely, fast, frail teammates will love Gyarados's ability to prevent Trick Room with Taunt, (RC) and the effect of Intimidate turning opponents' OHKOs into 2HKOs. Tyranitar is another Pokemon who that loves Gyarados's presence on a team, as Gyarados resists five of Tyranitar's six weaknesses, making it an ideal switch-in much of the time.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Return / Ice Fang / Earthquake
move 4: Protect
item: Water Gem / Wacan Berry
ability: Moxie
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 112 Atk / 208 SpD / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>In this set, Gyarados again relies on its bulk, but this time takes a more offensive approach. Dragon Dance is a move that gives Gyarados frightening power and Speed in just one turn, and is capable of cleaning up weakened teams or decimating them early on. Waterfall is the obvious STAB attack, and will maim anything that doesn't resist it, whilst additionally having a nice 20% flinch chance. The third moveslot depends on what you want to hit: Return has the best neutral coverage, Ice Fang hits Grass- and Dragon-types but leaves you walled by Water-types, and Earthquake is the best spread move available, and can be used to pick up more Moxie boosts, potentially even when Gyarados KOes a partner. Protect is even more important on this set, as, in stark contrast to the support set, Gyarados doesn't have the luxury of switching out. Moxie is the ability of choice here, as it makes a sweep a lot harder to stop once it gets going. However, Intimidate is still highly usable and gives it more physical bulk to set up with. Even opposing Intimidate users struggle to check it, as common Intimidate users such as Hitmontop lack the means to hit it for significant damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Again, the EVs are not set in stone. This particular spread survives Timid Latios's Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor and outpaces Choice Scarf Tyranitar after a Dragon Dance boost. The third move can be replaced by other options: Thunder Fang nails bulky Water-types, principally opposing Gyarados, and Double-Edge is more powerful than Return and can help Gyarados muscle past counters like Rotom-W, but comes at the cost of recoil damage, (RC) and is incompatible with Moxie. Water Gem is the preferred item as it can help grab more KOs, and therefore potentially an extra Attack boost.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, rain support is important to boost the power of Waterfall: Politoed brings rain and can boost Gyarados's power further with Helping Hand. Follow Me or Rage Powder support is almost essential to set up successfully, and the best candidate for the job is Amoonguss due to its appreciation of rain and ability to take Thunderbolts without blinking, as well as take a counter out of the game with Spore. Dual screens from the likes of Latias or Cresselia can also help in this respect. Gyarados's teammates should also be able to deal with opponents Gyarados cannot break through, which largely depends on Gyarados's coverage move. For example, if Gyarados runs Ice Fang, a Pokemon such as Shaymin-S that can smash through bulky Water-types will be very much appreciated. A Taunt user is also advisable as otherwise Cresselia can ruin Gyarados's day with Trick Room and Sunny Day. Finally, as Thunder Wave is absent from this set, Lightningrod support from Rhyperior or Manectric is more useful and can definitely help Gyarados in setting up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Gyarados is a Pokemon that has all the tools it needs&mdash;but little more. As for entirely different sets, a Choice Band set with Intimidate hits like a truck and can combine the best of both worlds&mdash;big power and the freedom to switch in and out&mdash;but the loss of Protect hurts it, and support will have to be provided in the form of Speed control. Bounce is Gyarados's only Flying STAB, but with everything running Protect in Doubles it is the easiest thing in the world to stop. A two attacks + Substitute, or even a Waterfall + Dragon Dance + Substitute set, is plausible, but these also require unreasonable levels of support. The support set could run Rain Dance to support a team heavily dependent on rain. Gyarados's extensive special movepool, spanning the likes of Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse, and Fire Blast, is utterly wasted on a Pokemon with a base 60 Special Attack.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Although the support and Dragon Dance sets have somewhat different counters, a common theme is Electric-types. Rotom-W stands out as the best, able to take anything Gyarados can throw at it and smack it with Electric-type STAB. When carrying a Choice Scarf, it can also outrun Gyarados after a Dragon Dance. Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Zapdos, Manectric, Raikou, (AC) and Rotom-F do a good job too, all OHKOing if Gyarados lacks a Wacan Berry&mdash;Thundurus gets a special mention for Taunting partners with Follow Me or Rage Powder which would otherwise enable Gyarados to set up. Most of these are also immune to Earthquake should Gyarados be running it. Rock Slide users such as Tyranitar, Terrakion, Excadrill, and Kabutops also deal heavy damage, but none of them appreciates a rain-boosted Waterfall to the face. Sableye checks both sets by Taunting the support set and burning the offensive one&mdash;Sableye can also Taunt Follow Me users like Thundurus can.</p>

<p>The support set is rendered ineffective by anything with Taunt, which will normally force Gyarados out. Particular mentions go to Prankster users and other faster users of the move, such as Mew and Hydreigon. Manaphy cannot be touched as long as it is raining, as Hydration heals paralysis, and it can get in a Tail Glow before it is Taunted. Gastrodon is likewise unhurt by both Waterfall and Thunder Wave. Defiant users such as Bisharp and Tornadus will keep Gyarados off the field altogether, and Icy Wind only exacerbates this problem.</p>

<p>The Dragon Dance set will be walled by something, regardless of what Gyarados runs. Jellicent and Ferrothorn are the most consistent bets as they resist its Water- and Normal-type coverage&mdash;indeed, Jellicent is completely immune. Jellicent can burn it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald and Ferrothorn can hit hard with Power Whip or paralyze it with Thunder Wave. However, Amoonguss will merrily spam Rage Powder against both as Gyarados continues to boost. This set also loathes Trick Room, which turns the Speed tiers upside down, so bulky setters like Cresselia put in work, especially since Cresselia can run Sunny Day, too. In general, the best way to beat it is to stop it setting up by clever use of disruptive moves like Fake Out and Taunt, which can come from a wide variety of sources.</p>

Stamping kingler's check for 2/2

 

[noobcubed]

Changes made. This is ready for upload. A few shout-outs since this is my first analysis:

BlankZero for a comprehensive skeleton that comprised most of the work
NixHex Mizuhime and Pocket for being incredibly patient and persuasive about making changes, even when I initially complain about their suggestions
The GP team for caring about commas far more than is objectively reasonable

 

[Nix_Hex]

Grats on your first uploaded analysis. Here's to more in the future!