Kabuto (Analysis)

bugmaniacbob

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Status: Done; awaiting grammar checks, critiques, etc.

Apologies for not getting this up sooner, my internet was kaput for the last week owing to my clumsiness... still, don't cry over spilt milk.


Initial Changes:
  • Wrote Swift Swim, Choice Band and Utility set descriptions
  • Wrote Team Options
  • Wrote Other Options, EVs, Opinion, and Counters sections
Stamps:
(Heysup)
(Kannon)
(Snorlaxe)
(Fatecrashers)





http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/kabuto
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[Overview]

<p>In a metagame flooded with Water-types of infinite diversity, Kabuto stands out as one of the most notable. It is, simply put, a great sweeper with a solid Attack stat, reliable STAB moves, and an ability that remedies its otherwise horrible Speed stat; as such, Kabuto is one of the premier forces to watch out for in Little Cup. Many of the strongest physical walls in the metagame do not dare to approach it under the rain, and it can bypass its embarrassing weakness to priority with its own Aqua Jet. Although it has a lot of common weaknesses, its typing gives it a good offensive combination and a nice set of resistances. All in all, Kabuto is a Pokemon to watch out for, whatever the weather might be.</p>

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Aqua Jet
move 3: Rock Slide / Waterfall
move 4: Rapid Spin / Protect / Earth Power
item: Focus Sash
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 SpA / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto's ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock in combination with its offensive prowess means that it is one of the most popular support leads available. One of Kabuto's selling points as a lead is its resistance to Fake Out and its good Defense stat, making it a reliable answer to the common Meowth leads. Another advantage to Kabuto is its ability to beat a good number of the other popular leads one-on-one, leads such as Onix, Phanpy, and Houndour, thanks to its STAB moves.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is Kabuto's most useful support move, as already mentioned. Aqua Jet rectifies Kabuto's low Speed stat, and is incredibly useful to finish off other Focus Sash leads, as well as for getting the jump on weakened, faster Pokemon later in the game. Rock Slide is Kabuto's primary STAB option and takes care of Paras and Mantyke. For the last slot, Rapid Spin makes several strategies plausible; for example, against opposing Stealth Rock leads, using Rapid Spin while they are on low health means KOing them and removing Stealth Rock in one stroke. Protect can be useful for scouting purposes as well as blocking Fake Out from leads such as Meowth, allowing Kabuto to conserve its Focus Sash. Lastly, Earth Power is useful for coverage, not only for Croagunk but also for Chinchou and other Electric-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Waterfall is first among your other options, giving Kabuto a reliable Water-type attack to use against its foes, getting a stronger hit on Machop in exchange for the extra coverage of Rock Slide. Focus Sash is the advised item to compensate for the variety of weaknesses that Kabuto has, and also ensures that Kabuto will not die to Earthquake from leads that it otherwise beats. The EVs maximize Kabuto's Attack and Speed to allow maximum offensive prowess, hitting the magic 15 Speed stat and retaining a high Attack stat, while 76 Special Attack EVs are used to facilitate an OHKO on Croagunk with Earth Power, and also to boost the power of Surf. If you decide to run Rapid Spin over Earth Power, you can switch the Special Attack EVs to 36 HP and 36 Defense to grant an extra point in both stats.</p>

<p>As a lead, Kabuto's Rock- and Water-type STABs provide excellent coverage, hitting Onix, Diglett, Phanpy, Anorith, Hippopotas, Gligar, Houndour, Snover, Aron, and Drifloon for super effective damage; possesses neutral coverage on leads such as Voltorb and Meowth as well. Kabuto does, however, have trouble with leads such as Oran Berry Bronzor, who has the Defense to take four Waterfalls from Kabuto. A Fire-type such as Houndour makes a good partner in this situation, as it can destroy Bronzor with its STAB Fire-type moves (but must watch out for Earthquake). Another problem lead is Machop, who can only be 3HKOed by Waterfall if it holds an Oran Berry, while Machop can simply use DynamicPunch followed by Bullet Punch to pick Kabuto off. Thus, a Slowpoke can be a useful teammate, resisting DynamicPunch and Bullet Punch and being immune to confusion, as well as being able to eliminate Machop with STAB Zen Headbutt. Gastly works similarly but has to watch out for Bullet Punch.</p>

[SET]
name: Swift Swim
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earth Power / Aerial Ace
move 4: Aqua Jet / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb / Oran Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 156 SpA / 156 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto stands out as one of the best Swift Swim abusers in Little Cup, thanks to its decent Attack, defensive stats, and the ability to power through many of Little Cup's common walls with its rain-boosted Waterfalls. Since Buizel's extra Speed is no longer so great an advantage, Kabuto is perhaps the most powerful physical Swift Swimmer available.</p>

<p>Waterfall is Kabuto's main STAB move, and as its power is boosted by the rain, there are not many Pokemon that can survive it. Rock Slide is a reliable secondary STAB move, hitting Paras, Snover, and especially Mantyke super effectively. Both Rock Slide and Waterfall also have useful flinch potential. Earth Power is used mainly for its ability to OHKO Croagunk with the given EV spread, who walls both of Kabuto's STAB moves, but also to 2HKO dangerous Pokemon such as Chinchou and Tentacool. Aerial Ace also deals with Croagunk, but in addition deals good damage to Grass-types such as Shroomish and Oddish. The last slot really depends on how you intend to use Kabuto. Aqua Jet works as an insurance against priority-wielders, though sadly it is ineffective against Croagunk. If you intend to use this Kabuto as a solo sweeper, however, Kabuto can set up Rain Dance for itself, though be aware that the absence of Damp Rock means that your own Rain Dance will not last as long as one conjured up by a specialized Bronzor.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb grants Kabuto some extra power at the cost of losing HP every turn. Oran Berry aids defensively and can allow Kabuto an extra chance at survival, as well as being a great help if you want Kabuto to set up its own Rain Dance. Another Berry that could be of use to you is Chople Berry, which allows Kabuto to survive Croagunk's Vacuum Wave once, effectively turning Kabuto into a lure for Croagunk in addition to its usual sweeping role, which can give another Swift Swim sweeper free rein once Croagunk is gone. However, this does lower Kabuto's offensive power by a good amount due to the absence of Life Orb, so Aerial Ace is recommended as the OHKO on Croagunk with Earth Power is no longer guaranteed.</p>

<p>The EVs given generate the maximum possible Attack while also giving enough Special Attack to 2HKO Chinchou through Oran Berry with Earth Power. The rest is piled into Speed, allowing Kabuto to reach a stat of 28, sufficient to beat Timid Choice Scarf Gastly. If you do not intend to run Earth Power or any other special attacks, you can drop all the Special Attack EVs and run an EV spread of 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe, reaching the magic 30 Speed stat while gaining one extra point in Defense and HP. You can now also run an Adamant nature since Kabuto has no need for its Special Attack stat.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is a great help to this Kabuto, not only for the added residual damage but also for the ability to nullify opposing Focus Sash users. This means that Sash Diglett cannot simply come in and Earthquake Kabuto to death. In terms of resistances, Kabuto does not like bulky Water-types much, as they can wall its Water-type attacks with ease, and usually KO with their own STAB attacks. To deal with them, something with a strong Grass- or Electric-type attack is usually the best choice, as well as Pokemon with resistance or indifference to Water attacks, such as Chinchou, Paras, or Starmie. Revenge killing is the other common way of removing Kabuto, most commonly by using Croagunk, who can switch in on Rock Slide or Waterfall and OHKO with STAB Vacuum Wave. Focus Sash Diglett can remove Croagunk from the game before it can ruin Kabuto's sweep, assuming it has not used any boosting moves yet, while Gligar and Gastly can usually switch in and neuter it with little trouble. If Kabuto does not carry Rain Dance, you will require another Pokemon to set it up: Meowth and Voltorb are examples of extremely fast Pokemon that can set up Rain Dance before being struck down; Bronzor is more bulky and can use it multiple times.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Weather is a very important variable for all Kabuto. Rain support is very important should Kabuto not be running Rain Dance itself. Pokemon such as Bronzor can easily set up rain multiple times during a battle thanks to their bulk, while Meowth, Aipom, or Voltorb are all able to pull off a Rain Dance early on in the battle thanks to their impressive Speed. Sandstorm support from Hippopotas is available for defensive Kabuto that do not run Swift Swim, as it patches up its otherwise rather poor Special Defense stat. However, it can also have a negative effect on the rest of your team, so if you really must use sandstorm you should base most of your team around it. Stealth Rock support is also useful for Kabuto since it breaks Focus Sashes.</p>

<p>Kabuto suffers at the hands of bulky Water-types and others that resist its main STAB. Paras is an excellent partner to Kabuto since they cover each other's weaknesses almost perfectly; Paras resists Fighting-, Ground-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks, while Kabuto resists Paras's big Fire-, Ice-, Poison-, and Flying-type weaknesses. Furthermore, Paras is immune to the bulky Waters' STAB moves thanks to its ability, Dry Skin, and can switch in on Water-types all day (provided they lack an Ice-type attack). Once in play, it can either inflict status or kill them outright with Seed Bomb. It also benefits from the rain that usually accompanies Kabuto, which heals it every turn it stays it in, as well as weakening Fire-type moves. However, Paras can do nothing to Croagunk, who is Kabuto's biggest nemesis as far as revenge killing is concerned. Diglett is usually the best fail-safe option should you run into an unboosted Croagunk, though Gastly or Gligar are usually more reliable answers; Gastly can avoid Sucker Punch with Hypnosis or Substitute and both can kill Croagunk with their STAB moves. Gastly itself has good synergy with Kabuto, being resistant or immune to Fighting-, Ground-, and Grass-type attacks.</p>

<p>Within rain teams, a Pokemon such as Paras or Gastly who aids Kabuto specifically but does not really abuse the rain itself is advisable, but other rain sweepers can be used to maximize damage output. Kabuto's specially-inclined 'counterpart' Omanyte is generally considered one of the best of the special Swift Swimmers, with a great base 90 Special Attack stat and strong STAB Hydro Pump. Beware of similar weaknesses though, as Omanyte and Kabuto have exactly the same typing. You may wish to accommodate for an easier switch when choosing partners; for example, Lotad takes neutral damage from Grass- and Electric-type moves and resists Ground-type moves, while Surskit takes neutral damage from Grass-type moves and resists Fighting- and Ground-type moves, thereby somewhat negating a number of Kabuto's common weaknesses.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Kabuto shares a bunch of otherwise useful special moves with its special counterpart, Omanyte, such as Surf, Ice Beam, and AncientPower, but the two special STAB moves have less power against nearly all opponents than their physical counterparts Waterfall and Rock Slide, and Ice Beam has fairly redundant coverage. Other than this, Rock Polish provides the same Speed boost as Swift Swim, although it will only last for as long as Kabuto remains in play. Kabuto gets Flail and has a high enough Attack stat to use it with, though a neutral STAB Waterfall in the rain hits nearly as hard. Return gets more neutral coverage, but does not hit any Pokemon harder in particular. Kabuto reaches the magic 15 Speed stat, which means that when equipped with a Choice Scarf it can outrun all unboosted Pokemon in Little Cup as well as the plethora of 14 Speed Scarf Pokemon in the same role. Knock Off allows Kabuto to remove its opponent's precious Oran Berries and Choice Scarfs, and can be of use on the lead set. Lastly, Screech and Metal Sound are two moves that can be useful in the absence of Swords Dance and Nasty Plot, though the effects leave the field with the opponent.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Finding a true counter to the Swift Swim set, or something that can take even one Waterfall or Rock Slide in its stride, is a difficult feat indeed. The sheer power harnessed by Kabuto is boosted by the fact that many of the Pokemon with the highest Defense in Little Cup, namely Gligar, Aron, Shieldon, Rhyhorn, Geodude, Onix, and Hippopotas, are all weak to its STAB attacks. Psyduck is pretty much far and away the best check, since its Cloud Nine ability negates Kabuto's Swift Swim and also removes the boost to its Water-type attacks, allowing Psyduck to dispatch it with a STAB Surf or Hidden Power Electric. Croagunk, too, can switch in on Rock Slide or any of its Water moves and OHKO with Vacuum Wave, though it must watch out for Aerial Ace or Earth Power from Chople Berry Kabuto. Wooper has the same resistance to Rock and immunity to Water as Croagunk, but it is not weak to Aerial Ace or Earth Power and can attack back with its STAB Water-type moves. Oran Berry Chinchou cannot be 2HKOed by any set without Earth Power, while bulkier Grass-types can potentially survive a Rock Slide to OHKO using their STAB moves with ease. Snover can remove Kabuto's rain with Snow Warning and destroy it with its STAB Grass moves, but if it switches into Rock Slide it is doomed. Lastly, a faster Mantyke can use its own Swift Swim to outrun Kabuto, but this means forfeiting its valuable Water Absorb ability, and it can be taken out by Kabuto's Rock Slide.</p>

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Post-critique changes:
  • Grammar check 1, thanks to Dark Talon
  • Removed Utility set; Replaced with Lead set
  • Rain --> rain
  • Updated with format changes
  • Added Chople Berry to Swift Swim set
  • No more Misdreavus
  • QC: changed options on SR Lead
  • GP Grammar-Prose Check 1, thanks to Snorlaxe
  • GP Grammar-Prose Check 1, thanks to Fatecrashers
 
Only real thing I see is that you keep using "Defence" instead of the Americanized version "Defense." I would suggest just going throw the whole analysis using Ctrl+F, and replacing them.
 
Status: Done; awaiting grammar checks, critiques, etc.

Apologies for not getting this up sooner, my internet was kaput for the last week owing to my clumsiness... still, don't cry over spilt milk.

Initial Changes:
  • Wrote Swift Swim, Choice Band and Utility set descriptions
  • Wrote Team Options
  • Wrote Other Options, EVs, Opinion, and Counters sections

http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/kabuto
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[SET]
name: Swift Swim
move1: Waterfall
move2: Rock Slide
move3: Earth Power / Aerial Ace
move4: Aqua Jet / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 156 SpA / 156 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto stands out as one of the best Swift Swim abusers in Little Cup, thanks to its decent Attack, defensive stats, and the ability to power through many of the common walls of Little Cup with its rain-boosted Waterfalls. With Buizel rarely taking advantage of its trait thanks to its already formidable Speed stat, Kabuto is perhaps the most powerful physical Swift Swimmer in Little Cup, with the possible exception of Goldeen. With Rain Dance patching up its awkward Speed stat, Swift Swim Kabuto can be one of the most formidable late-game mixed sweepers not only for Rain teams, but also for many other teams. Kabuto can use its dual STAB very effectively, but Water/Rock is very poor defensive typing. It does not resolve any of Water's weaknesses, removes resistances to Aqua Jet and Bullet Punch, and adds weaknesses to Ground and Fighting as well as a 4x weakness to Grass. In spite of this, Kabuto’s defensive stats are usually good enough to let him survive most attacks, allowing him to tear apart any unprepared team.</p>

<p>Waterfall is your main STAB move, and with the power afforded to it under the rain, there are not many things that can survive it. Its sheer power when harnessed by Kabuto is boosted by the fact that many of the Pokemon with the highest Defense in Little Cup, such as Gligar, Aron, Shieldon, Rhyhorn, Geodude, Onix, and Hippopotas, are all weak to it. Rock Slide,since Kabuto unfortunately doesn’t get Stone Edge, backs up Waterfall by hitting almost everything it doesn’t, such as Paras, Snover, and especially Mantyke, who is a big problem for many other Rain sweepers thanks to Water Absorb or its own Swift Swim. Both Rock Slide and Waterfall also have useful flinch rates that can occasionally save you when activated at the right time. The third moveslot is used for coverage purposes, especially against Croagunk who walls both STAB moves. Earth Power is an interesting option for Kabuto; with the given EV spread, it easily crushes Croagunk while also 2HKOing the dangerous Chinchou and Tentacool, even factoring in Oran Berry. It also hits Omanyte and other Kabuto harder than Waterfall, given their lower Special Defense. Aerial Ace easily deals with Croagunk while also hitting Grass-types such as Shroomish and Oddish who may try to utilize Kabuto’s quad Grass weakness. The last slot really depends on how you intend to use Kabuto: Aqua Jet works as insurance against priority-wielders who may try to revenge-kill, such as Sucker Punch Diglett and Houndoom, though sadly it is ineffective against Vacuum Wave Croagunk. If you intend to use this Kabuto as a solo late-game sweeper, Kabuto can set up Rain Dance for itself, even on a rain team, though you lose the valuable priority afforded by Aqua Jet. Also, be aware that the absence of Damp Rock means that your own Rain Dance will not last as long as one conjured up by a specialised Bronzor. Life Orb grants you some extra power at the cost of losing HP every turn, thus leaving you susceptible to weaker revenging moves over time. Focus Sash can save your neck once, provided Stealth Rock is not around to ruin it, and also helps if you want to set up your own Rain Dance. Oran Berry is much the same idea, though it comes without the assurance of surviving any blow. The EVs given generate the maximum possible Attack while also giving enough Special Attack to 2HKO Chinchou through Oran Berry with Earth Power. The rest is piled into Speed, allowing it to reach a stat of 28, enough to beat Pokemon such as Timid Scarf Gastly and Scarf Abra. If you do not intend to run Earth Power or any other special attacks, you can drop all the Special Attack EVs and run the Choice Band EV spread: 236 Speed, reaching the magic 30 Speed stat, while placing the remaining 76 EVs into Defense for one extra point. You can now also run an Adamant nature since you have no need for your Special Attack stat.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is a great help to this Kabuto, not only for the added residual damage but also for the ability to crack the Focus Sash. This means that Sash Diglett cannot simply come in and Earthquake you to death, making another method of removing Kabuto less straightforward. Most of the very fast things that can outspeed Kabuto dislike Aqua Jet and many of the very defensive Pokemon are less than happy about taking boosted Waterfalls. In terms of resistances, Kabuto does not like bulky Water-types much, as they can wall his Water attacks with ease, and usually KO with their own STAB attacks. To deal with them, something with a strong Grass or Electric attack is usually the best choice, as well as resistance or neutrality to Water attacks, such as Chinchou, Paras, Starmie. Revenge-killing is the other common way of removing Kabuto, most commonly by using Croagunk, who can switch in on Rock Slide or Waterfall with ease and OHKO with STAB Vacuum Wave or Mach Punch, made easier by the fact that Croagunk is immune to Aqua Jet. Kabuto’s only real hope of beating it one-on-one is by firing off an Earth Power or Aerial Ace as soon as it comes into play and catching it on the switch. Focus Sash Diglett can remove Croagunk from the game before it can ruin your sweep, assuming it has not used any boosting moves yet, while Substitute Misdreavus and Hypnosis Gastly can usually switch in and neuter it with little trouble. If you do not carry Rain Dance, you will require another Pokemon to set it up for you: Meowth and Voltorb are examples of extremely fast Pokemon that can set up a Rain Dance without any hassle before being struck down; Bronzor is more bulky and can use it multiple times.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move1: Waterfall
move2: Aqua Jet
move3: Rock Slide
move4: Aerial Ace
item: Choice Band
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 Def / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Band Kabuto is another perfectly viable set to use in Little Cup, hitting just as hard with an all-physical set as it could with a mixed set. The advantages of using Choice Band over Rain are fairly obvious. All of your attacks get a boost, not just your Water moves, and there is no danger of running out of time during a sweep. On the downside, Kabuto becomes very slow if you neglect to provide Rain support, just reaching 16 Speed with a Jolly nature, and you do not have the luxury of switching attacks which lets Mantyke have free rein should it come in on a Waterfall. Not only that, but you must predict absolutely perfectly to catch Croagunk and Grass-types with an Aerial Ace. In short, Choice Band Kabuto is an excellent Pokemon for switching into physically inclined opponents and breaking stuff, not only on Rain teams but also on other teams as well, and is more than capable of aiding your sweeper with its ability to consistently harass the opponent.</p>

<p>Waterfall and Rock Slide together again make up your STAB combination, beating most opponents between them, though sadly an incorrect choice of move at the wrong time will leave you easy set-up bait for Nasty Plot Croagunk or similar. You will generally find yourself using Waterfall for its reliability and power compared to Rock Slide, gaining phenomenal power with both a Band and a Rain boost. However, this allows Pokemon such as Paras and Mantyke easy switch-ins for revenge after you have killed something, thus it is important to fully scout your opponent’s team before Kabuto has to choose a move. Aerial Ace, again, is there to deal with persistent Croagunk as well as Grass-types, and Aqua Jet allows Kabuto to function as a makeshift revenge-killer, while also being useful for sweeping purposes later in the game. Swift Swim is chosen over Battle Armour as the ability of choice, because even if you don't intend to use this on a Rain team Kabuto, can still benefit from the extra Rain stirred up by others, and on non-Rain teams Kabuto can act as an anti-Rain Pokemon to a certain extent, outrunning Pokemon such as Omanyte and beating down weakened ones with powerful Waterfalls. A Jolly nature grants you 16 Speed, allowing you to beat Gligar without any Speed investment, while Adamant nature grants you greater attacking power. The EVs are fairly straightforward; Attack and Speed are maximized, while the leftover EVs give you an extra Defense point.</p>

<p>Most of what stops the Swift Swimmer can stop the Choice Bander, if only because of the ease of taking advantage of Choice-locked moves. Chinchou and other bulky Water-types can switch in on Kabuto’s Waterfall and attack with their own Water attacks. Even if you manage to beat Croagunk with a surprise Aerial Ace, your opponent can still take advantage of the situation and send in a boosting sweeper. As previously mentioned, Starmie can be a useful partner to Kabuto, the Rain boosting its own Water-type moves and taking care of foes such as Krabby and Squirtle with Thunderbolt. On non-rain teams, Kabuto’s power and ability to decimate walls allows it to become an effective partner to faster, late-game cleaners such as Mismagius that can pick up where Kabuto leaves off, and even on Rain teams, Pokemon such as Mantyke appreciate prior destruction to aid in a sweeping attempt, as those that attempt to beat Kabuto initially are often similarly employed to deal with many other Pokemon on Rain teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Utility
move1: Stealth Rock
move2: Aqua Jet
move3: Earth Power
move4: Rock Slide / Rapid Spin
item: Oran Berry
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Brave
EVs: 196 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 76 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto gets a number of decent support moves and can function well as a utility Pokemon or support lead for your team. This Kabuto capitalizes on its good Defense stat, allowing it to survive most attacks from that side for long enough to do its job. In the lead position, Kabuto resists Fake Out and can set up a quick Stealth Rock or beat other Stealth Rock leads such as Diglett with Aqua Jet. This can also function as a makeshift revenge killer through STAB priority.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is Kabuto’s most useful support move, allowing you not only to chip off damage from opponents over time, but also to break the opponent’s Focus Sashes, rendering them useless and also preventing any Pokemon that have switched out after their Sash activated from being anything more than death fodder. Aqua Jet is Kabuto’s primary STAB move, and with the lack of Speed compared to the Swift Swim set, it is incredibly useful for getting the jump on weakened, faster Pokemon that may attempt to sweep your team such as Magby or Diglett. Not many other tanks use priority in this way, and Kabuto can abuse its bulk to take on the next Pokemon that comes in to revenge-kill it. For example, Kabuto can OHKO Jolly Choice Band Diglett with Aqua Jet before being touched, and even has a chance to survive an Earthquake, allowing it to act as a very effective lure for non-Sash Diglett. Kabuto survives Modest Life Orb Croagunk’s Vacuum Wave 100% of the time, thanks to Battle Armor, while it is able to easily OHKO with Earth Power. Earth Power is also useful for coverage, not only for Croagunk but also for Chinchou and other Electric-types. For the last slot, Rock Slide is the preferred option to make sure you are not complete set-up fodder for Paras and Mantyke, but Rapid Spin has its merits too, being able to remove entry hazards for your own team. For example, in the lead position against a Diglett lead, while the Diglett sets up Stealth Rock, Kabuto can attack with Aqua Jet, causing Diglett to hang on with its Focus Sash, then attack with Rapid Spin on the next turn, both removing Stealth Rock from the field and preventing any further chances to set it up again. An Oran Berry is advised as an item in keeping with the set’s defensive nature, though Focus Sash or Lum Berry are also noteworthy choices should you wish to use this set as a lead. The EVs maximize your Attack and HP to allow both offensive and defensive prowess, while 76 Special Attack is added to facilitate an OHKO on Croagunk with Earth Power. The leftover EVs are invested in an extra Defence point, allowing potential survival of Jolly Diglett’s Earthquake. The Brave nature lowers your less important Speed stat while keeping your defensive stats at the optimal level.</p>

<p>As previously mentioned, an ordinary Kabuto invites priority, and so can be very effectively deployed as a lure to remove the usual suspects from the game. Croagunk cannot OHKO a full health Kabuto with anything but Choice Specs Vacuum Wave, while Kabuto can easily OHKO back with its own Earth Power, then recover most of its health with its Oran Berry. Likewise, Kabuto can OHKO all but Focus Sash Diglett with Aqua Jet, and if it gets Stealth Rock down, even Focus Sash Diglett will fall. Stealth Rock is another useful team support ability for Kabuto, and usually it is best that your team, or at least your late-game sweeper, is tailored towards using this support to its full potential. For example, a Pokemon such as Bellsprout does not like to be faced with Fire, Flying, Bug, or Ice-type Pokemon to any great extent, all of whom can be weakened over time through liberal switches into Stealth Rock, thus making it easier to procure a sweep. Kabuto itself can easily revenge-kill Pokemon such as Houndour that threaten it thanks to its quad resistance to Fire and priority Aqua Jet.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kabuto shares a bunch of otherwise useful special moves with its special counterpart, Omanyte, such as Surf, Ice Beam, and Ancientpower, but they are generally inferior to the physical STAB that it already possesses. Kabuto is entirely outclassed by Omanyte in the special department, so it is often a lost cause. Rock Polish provides the same Speed bonus as Swift Swim, although it will last for as long as Kabuto remains in play. However, it does not provide any boost to Water attacks and a turn must be taken by Kabuto in order to set it up. Kabuto gets Flail and has a high enough Attack stat to use it with, though a neutral STAB Waterfall in the rain hits nearly as hard. Return gets more neutral coverage, but does not hit anything in particular, though it can be of use on the Choice Band set to avoid being locked into a not-very-effective move. Knock Off allows you to remove your opponent’s precious Oran Berries and Choice Scarfs and can be of use on the Utility set. Lastly, Screech and Metal Sound are two moves that can be useful in the absence of Swords Dance and Nasty Plot, though the effects leave the field with the opponent. It can also be of use in tandem with Stealth Rock to rack up residual damage, though generally just hitting things hard is a more productive way of doing the same thing.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Weather is a very important variable for all Kabuto, not just for the Swift Swim variant. Naturally Rain support is very important should you not be running Rain Dance yourself. Pokemon such as Bronzor can easily set up Rain multiple times during a battle thanks to their bulk, while Meowth, Aipom, or Voltorb are all able to set up Rain Dance early on in the battle before they are struck by any other move thanks to their impressive Speed. Sandstorm support is available for defensive Kabuto that do not run Swift Swim, as it patches up its otherwise rather poor Special Defense stat. Although it is easily set up by Hippopotas and also ruins Focus Sashes, it can also have a negative effect on the rest of your team, so prepare for that. Stealth Rock support is also useful for Kabuto, assuming it is not setting it up itself, by breaking Focus Sashes, particularly for foes such as Diglett, who can Earthquake you without fear of Aqua Jet otherwise.</p>

<p>Kabuto suffers at the hands of bulky Water-types and others that resist his main STAB. Paras is an excellent partner to Kabuto since they both compliment each other’s weaknesses almost perfectly; Paras resists Fighting-, Ground-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks, all of which Kabuto is weak to, and Kabuto resists Paras’s big Fire-, Ice-, Poison-, and Flying-type weaknesses. Furthermore, Paras is immune to the bulky Waters’ STAB moves thanks to its ability, Dry Skin, and can switch in Water attacks all day. Once in play, it can either inflict status or kill them outright with Seed Bomb. It also benefits from the Rain that usually accompanies Kabuto, healing it every turn it stays in and weakening Fire-type moves for it. However, Paras can do nothing to Croagunk, who is Kabuto’s biggest nemesis as far as revenge killing is concerned. Diglett is usually the best fail-safe option should you run into an unboosted Croagunk, easily dispatching it with its STAB Earthquake, though if Croagunk gets a Nasty Plot or Substitute then Diglett is doomed to fail. Gastly or Misdreavus make good partners to get rid of Croagunk; both can avoid Sucker Punch with Hypnosis or Substitute respectively, and kill Croagunk with their STAB moves. Gastly itself and Koffing both have good synergy with Kabuto, being resistant or immune to Fighting-, Grass- and Ground-type attacks.</p>

<p>Within Rain teams, allowing for Kabuto itself and two Pokemon to set up Rain Dance, there are three Pokemon left unaccounted for. A Pokemon such as Paras or Gastly who, as already described, aids Kabuto specifically but does not really abuse the Rain itself is advisable, but there is still at least one other Rain sweeper that can be used, if not more. Kabuto’s specially inclined ‘counterpart’ Omanyte is generally considered one of the best of the special Swift Swimmers, with a great base 90 Special Attack stat and strong STAB Hydro Pump. Between physical Kabuto and another special Rain sweeper, there is very little that can stand up to you, but beware of similar weaknesses – it is very likely you may be hurt on the switch, considering that Omanyte and Kabuto have exactly the same typing and therefore share common weaknesses. You may wish to accommodate for an easier switch when choosing partners; for example, Lotad takes neutral damage from Grass- and Electric-type moves and resists Ground-type moves while Surskit takes neutral damage from Grass-type moves and resists Fighting- and Ground-type moves, thereby negating a number of Kabuto’s common weaknesses.</p>

[EVs]

<p>Sweeping sets should always be running max Attack. They should also run max Speed, or else near-max Speed with some Special Attack if they are running Earth Power. The standard spread for mixed sweepers is 196 Atk EVs, 156 Special Attack EVs, and 156 Speed EVs. Pure physical sweepers should be running max Speed or Attack, with 76 EVs in Defense for extra bulk. On more support-orientated sets, you are advised to run a spread of 196 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 76 SpA which maximizes Kabuto's HP and Attack while also granting two Special Attack points to power up Earth Power and one extra Defence point.</p>

[Opinion]

<p>A great sweeper with a solid Attack stat, reliable STAB moves and a trait to boost its otherwise horrible Speed stat, Kabuto is one of the premier forces to watch out for in Little Cup. Many of the strongest physical walls in the metagame do not dare to approach it under the Rain, and it can get over its embarrassing weakness to priority with its own Aqua Jet. Although it has a lot of common weaknesses, its typing gives it a good offensive combination and a nice set of resistances. All in all, Kabuto is a Pokemon to watch out for, whatever the weather might be.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Finding a true counter to the Swift Swim set, or something that can take even one Waterfall or Rock Slide in its stride, is a difficult feat indeed, considering that most of the more defensive Pokemon in Little Cup are weak to Water attacks. Psyduck is pretty much far and away the best check with its Cloud Nine ability negating Kabuto’s Swift Swim and also removing the boost to its Water attacks, allowing Psyduck to dispatch it with a STAB Surf or Hidden Power Electric. Psyduck also resists Aqua Jet, and unless Kabuto can hit it on the switch with Rock Slide, it is almost certainly doomed. Croagunk can also switch in on Rock Slide or any of its Water moves and OHKO with Vacuum Wave, though it must watch out for Aerial Ace or Earth Power from bulkier Kabuto. Wooper has the same resistance to Rock and immunity to Water as Croagunk, but it is not weak to Aerial Ace or Earth Power and can attack back with its STAB Water-type moves. Oran Berry Chinchou cannot be 2HKOed by any set without Earth Power, and likewise bulkier Grass-types can potentially survive a Rock Slide to OHKO using their STAB moves with ease. Snover can remove its Rain with Snow Warning and destroy with its STAB Grass moves. While it resists Waterfall, if it switches into Rock Slide it is doomed. Lastly, a faster Mantyke can use its own Swift Swim to outrun Kabuto, but this means forfeiting its valuable Water Absorb ability and can be taken out by Kabuto’s Rock Slide.</p>

<p>Up against the Choice Band set, you should be okay so long as you switch into the right move. Bulky Water-types are among the best since they can handle Kabuto’s Water-type attacks best, which are the attacks Kabuto is most likely to be using. Examples of these include Slowpoke, Squirtle, and Tentacool, all of whom can also KO back with their own Water-type moves or Hidden Powers. Note that after Kabuto kills something, it is still susceptible to revenge-killing, especially since it is locked on one move. Diglett can come in on anything but Aqua Jet and OHKO with STAB Earthquake, as can other Pokemon that are faster with super effective moves, as Choice Kabuto is none too fast without Rain support.</p>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Post-critique changes: (none so far)

Oh my god wow. Ok, so I put ALL changes in bold. If I changed punctuation, the two adjacent words were bolded. Just pay attention to everything bolded and you should be fine.
 

eric the espeon

maybe I just misunderstood
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Competitive stuff:
Focus Sash should probably be moved to OO from the first set, Kabuto has pretty solid defences and if you want a set that will last longer Oran Berry would be a better option. It may be worth moving all of the SpA EVs into other stats, calcs for the main target of EP, Croagunk:
No SpA EVs: 76.19% - 95.24% without LO, 104.76% - 123.81% with.
With 156 SpA: 95.24% - 114.29% without LO, 114.29% - 142.86% with.
With LO it also still always 2KOes standard Chin.
Adding those EVs to defences and HP should help with more than that. For sure on the LO set anyway, with Oran its more debatable, but if you are using Oran you probably prioritise bulk anyway.

Choice Scarf could well get an OO mention, it can get over 14 speed and has decent offencive power/resistences+bulk to get in with.

Opinion seems a bit short to me.

Not convinced by the moves on supporter, why no strong Water STAB to take down Phan as an option? And is EP really worth it there?
 
I really think the lead set needs to be added to this analysis, it's by far the most popular set. If you want me to do the write up, I'd be glad too, so let me know. Anyway here is the set:

[SET]
name: Name
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Aqua Jet
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Earth Power / Waterfall / Surf
item: Focus Sash
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 SpA / 236 Spe

(Obviously if you use Waterfall, shift the SpA EVs into 36 HP and 36 Def)

Essentially, since this lead is now possibly more popular than Meowth, it is definitely something we want to have in the analysis.

Qualities that make it a good lead:

a) Amazingly reliable and getting SR up.
b) Often is able to get SR up and KO or almost KO the opponent.
c) If the opponent switches out, Kabuto is a useful mid-late game revenge killer.
d) Forks up Meowth.

So let me know if you want me to write it, but it definitely should be added either way.
 

bugmaniacbob

Was fun while it lasted
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Competitive stuff:
Focus Sash should probably be moved to OO from the first set, Kabuto has pretty solid defences and if you want a set that will last longer Oran Berry would be a better option.
Change noted.

It may be worth moving all of the SpA EVs into other stats, calcs for the main target of EP, Croagunk:
No SpA EVs: 76.19% - 95.24% without LO, 104.76% - 123.81% with.
With 156 SpA: 95.24% - 114.29% without LO, 114.29% - 142.86% with.
With LO it also still always 2KOes standard Chin.
Adding those EVs to defences and HP should help with more than that. For sure on the LO set anyway, with Oran its more debatable, but if you are using Oran you probably prioritise bulk anyway.
I'll make a note of it in the set comments.

Choice Scarf could well get an OO mention, it can get over 14 speed and has decent offensive power/resistences+bulk to get in with.
Added.

Not convinced by the moves on supporter, why no strong Water STAB to take down Phan as an option? And is EP really worth it there?
In my defence, when I wrote the set descriptions I didn't actually see that many Phanpy (or indeed much that necessitated anything more than RS). I'd agree that now it is more of a priority, though.

Oh, and congrats on the badge, btw.

I really think the lead set needs to be added to this analysis, it's by far the most popular set. If you want me to do the write up, I'd be glad too, so let me know. Anyway here is the set:

(lead set)

So let me know if you want me to write it, but it definitely should be added either way.
Utility is redundant with Lead (and utility is a shaky term in Little Cup anyway), so I'll exchange one for the other. At the moment I've put in a placeholder which is the Utility set, adapted slightly to reflect the lead spot. If you don't think it is good enough (I have my doubts personally) you're free to write up an alternative - I've got exams coming up and can't really afford to be writing much at the moment.
 

macle

sup geodudes
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in the swift swim set...

Revenge-killing is the other common way of removing Kabuto, most commonly by using Croagunk, who can switch in on Rock Slide or Waterfall with ease and OHKO with STAB Vacuum Wave or Mach Punch, made easier by the fact that Croagunk is immune to Aqua Jet

it doesn't get mach punch though it does get bullet punch. Also you could mention using chople berry on it so it can surive vacuum wave for Croagunk and then kill it which can help a different swift swimmer sweeep.
 
I'm going to agree with Macle that Chople should be mentioned somewhere. At the very least it acts as a great Croagunk lure, helping to remove it which helps out other Rain sweepers. I think it loses some OHKOes ("think"), so that should be mentioned too...
 

bugmaniacbob

Was fun while it lasted
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Bump.

I've updated the analysis a little bit, most notably adding in lead Machop to the comments for the SR Lead set, as well as correcting a few odd sentences here and there.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, I also tentatively removed the Choice Band set as I'm not convinced it works that well compared to the other sets, namely because I don't like being utter set-up bait for Mantine and Croagunk, plus because if I was going to run a CB Water I'd probably run Buizel for the extra Speed, even though Kabuto obviously has a higher Attack stat. It's not outclassed, just not very good. It's still there if anybody wants to add an opinion.
 
The removal of a set should be discussed and approved by the QC team. That will have to be done before this will get any GP checks.
 
on the stealth rock lead set I feel that surf is a terrible option and needs to be removed. In my opinion the last slot needs to be Rapid Spin/Protect/Earth Power, and EP is extremely situational. It hits exactly one pokemon, and even if that pokemon is still fairly common and walls your attacks, if you get sr up you can switch kabuto out and use it as a decent revenge killer with a strong stab aqua jet. Waterfall can be slashed in after the attack moves since they are all interchangeable for the most part.
 

bugmaniacbob

Was fun while it lasted
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on the stealth rock lead set I feel that surf is a terrible option and needs to be removed. In my opinion the last slot needs to be Rapid Spin/Protect/Earth Power, and EP is extremely situational. It hits exactly one pokemon, and even if that pokemon is still fairly common and walls your attacks, if you get sr up you can switch kabuto out and use it as a decent revenge killer with a strong stab aqua jet. Waterfall can be slashed in after the attack moves since they are all interchangeable for the most part.
Made the changes listed here.
 

Dubulous

I look just like Buddy Holly.
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It would be awesome if you could try to concise this a little bit more. Imagine if you had to grammar check this!
 
This is really, really, really long for just 2 sets and such. It needs to be shortened down a lot before I'll add it to the GP queue for checks. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
 

bugmaniacbob

Was fun while it lasted
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Why are all of my analyses always "too long"

Yeah I went through the whole thing again and concised it, I hope it's short enough now. Please add this to the queue if it is.
 
bugmaniacbob said:
Why are all of my analyses always "too long"
Because they are. It's a habit you seem to be in that results in you typing a lot. Not sure what else to say about it. Anyway, this looks good now; I'll add it to the queue.
 

Snorlaxe

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GP CHECK 1/2

pink is grammar edits
blue is prose edits

[Overview]

<p>In a metagame flooded with Water-types of infinite diversity, Kabuto stands out as one of the most notable. It is, simply put, a great sweeper with a solid Attack stat, reliable STAB moves, and a trait to boost its otherwise horrible Speed stat, and as such, Kabuto is one of the premier forces to watch out for in Little Cup. Many of the strongest physical walls in the metagame do not dare to approach it under the rain, and it can get over its embarrassing weakness to priority with its own Aqua Jet. Although it has a lot of common weaknesses, its typing gives it a good offensive combination and a nice set of resistances. All in all, Kabuto is a Pokemon to watch out for, whatever the weather might be.</p>

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Aqua Jet
move 3: Rock Slide / Waterfall
move 4: Rapid Spin / Protect / Earth Power
item: Focus Sash
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 SpA / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto's ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock in combination with its offensive prowess means that it is one of the most popular support leads available. One of Kabuto's selling points as a lead is its resistance to Fake Out and its good Defense stat, meaning it is as good an answer as any to the common Meowth leads. Another advantage to Kabuto is its ability to beat a good number of the other popular leads one-on-one, such as Onix, Phanpy, and Houndour, thanks to its STAB moves.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is Kabuto's most useful support move, as already mentioned. Aqua Jet rectifies Kabuto's low Speed stat, and is incredibly useful to finish off other Focus Sash leads as well as for getting the jump on weakened, faster Pokemon later in the game. Rock Slide is Kabuto's primary STAB option and takes care of Paras and Mantyke. For the last slot, Rapid Spin makes several strategies plausible; for example, against opposing Stealth Rock leads, using Rapid Spin while they are on low health means KOing them and removing Stealth Rock in one stroke. Protect can be useful for scouting purposes as well as blocking Fake Out from leads such as Meowth, allowing Kabuto to conserve its Focus Sash. Lastly, Earth Power is useful for coverage, not only for Croagunk but also for Chinchou and other Electric-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Waterfall is first among your other options, giving Kabuto a reliable Water-type attack to use against its foes, getting a stronger hit on Machop in exchange for the extra coverage of Rock Slide. Focus Sash is the advised item to compensate for the variety of weaknesses that Kabuto has, and also ensures that Kabuto will not die to Earthquake from leads that it usually beats. The EVs maximize Kabuto's Attack and Speed to allow maximum offensive prowess, hitting the magic 15 Speed stat and retaining a high Attack stat, while 76 Special Attack EVs are used to facilitate an OHKO on Croagunk with Earth Power, and also to boost the power of Surf. If you decide to run Rapid Spin over Earth Power, you can switch the Special Attack EVs to 36 HP and 36 Defense to grant an extra point in both stats.</p>

<p>As a lead, Kabuto's Rock- and Water-type STABs provide excellent coverage, hitting all of Onix, Diglett, Phanpy, Anorith, Hippopotas, Gligar, Houndour, Snover, Aron, and Drifloon for super effective damage, and have plenty of neutral coverage on leads such as Voltorb and Meowth as well. Kabuto does, however, have trouble with leads such as Oran Berry Bronzor, who has the Defense to take four Waterfalls from Kabuto. A Fire-type such as Houndour makes a good partner in this situation, as it can destroy Bronzor with its STAB Fire-type moves (but must watch out for Earthquake). Another problem lead is Machop, who can only be 3HKOed by Waterfall if it holds an Oran Berry, while Machop can simply use DynamicPunch followed by Bullet Punch to pick Kabuto off. Thus, a Slowpoke can be a useful teammate, resisting DynamicPunch and Bullet Punch and being immune to confusion, as well as being able to pick off Machop with STAB Zen Headbutt. Gastly works similarly but has to watch out for Bullet Punch.</p>

[SET]
name: Swift Swim
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earth Power / Aerial Ace
move 4: Aqua Jet / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb / Oran Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 156 SpA / 156 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto stands out as one of the best Swift Swim abusers in Little Cup, thanks to its decent Attack, defensive stats, and the ability to power through many of Little Cup's common walls with its rain-boosted Waterfalls. Since Buizel's extra Speed is no longer so great an advantage, Kabuto is perhaps the most powerful physical Swift Swimmer available.</p>

<p>Waterfall is Kabuto's main STAB move, and as its power is boosted by the rain, there are not many Pokemon that can survive it. Rock Slide is a reliable secondary STAB move, hitting Paras, Snover, and especially Mantyke. Both Rock Slide and Waterfall also have useful flinch potential. Earth Power is used mainly for its ability to OHKO Croagunk with the given EV spread, who walls both of Kabuto's STAB moves, but also to 2HKO dangerous Pokemon such as Chinchou and Tentacool. Aerial Ace also deals with Croagunk, but in addition hits Grass-types such as Shroomish and Oddish. The last slot really depends on how you intend to use Kabuto. Aqua Jet works as insurance against priority-wielders, though sadly it is ineffective against Croagunk. If you intend to use this Kabuto as a solo sweeper, however, Kabuto can set up Rain Dance for itself, though be aware that the absence of Damp Rock means that your own Rain Dance will not last as long as one conjured up by a specialized Bronzor.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb grants Kabuto some extra power at the cost of losing HP every turn. Oran Berry aids defensively and can allow Kabuto an extra chance at survival, and also helps if you want Kabuto to set up its own Rain Dance. Another Berry that could be of use to you is Chople Berry, which allows Kabuto to survive Croagunk's Vacuum Wave just once, effectively turning Kabuto into a lure for Croagunk in addition to its usual sweeping role, which can give another Swift Swim sweeper free rein once Croagunk is gone. However, this does lower Kabuto's offensive power by a good amount due to the absence of Life Orb, so Aerial Ace is recommended as the OHKO on Croagunk with Earth Power is no longer guaranteed.</p>

<p>The EVs given generate the maximum possible Attack while also giving enough Special Attack to 2HKO Chinchou through Oran Berry with Earth Power. The rest is piled into Speed, giving enough to reach a stat of 28, sufficient to beat Timid Choice Scarf Gastly. If you do not intend to run Earth Power or any other special attacks, you can drop all the Special Attack EVs and run an EV spread of 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe, reaching the magic 30 Speed stat while gaining one extra point in Defense and HP. You can now also run an Adamant nature since Kabuto has no need for its Special Attack stat.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is a great help to this Kabuto, not only for the added residual damage but also for the ability to crack opposing Focus Sash users. This means that Sash Diglett cannot simply come in and Earthquake Kabuto to death. In terms of resistances, Kabuto does not like bulky Water-types much, as they can wall its Water-type attacks with ease, and usually KO with their own STAB attacks. To deal with them, something with a strong Grass- or Electric-type attack is usually the best choice, as well as resistance or indifference to Water attacks, such as Chinchou, Paras, or Starmie. Revenge killing is the other common way of removing Kabuto, most commonly by using Croagunk, who can switch in on Rock Slide or Waterfall and OHKO with STAB Vacuum Wave. Focus Sash Diglett can remove Croagunk from the game before it can ruin Kabuto's sweep, assuming it has not used any boosting moves yet, while Gligar and Gastly can usually switch in and neuter it with little trouble. If Kabuto does not carry Rain Dance, you will require another Pokemon to set it up: Meowth and Voltorb are examples of extremely fast Pokemon that can set up Rain Dance before being struck down; Bronzor is more bulky and can use it multiple times.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Weather is a very important variable for all Kabuto. Rain support is very important should Kabuto not be running Rain Dance itself. Pokemon such as Bronzor can easily set up rain multiple times during a battle thanks to their bulk, while Meowth, Aipom, or Voltorb are all able to set up Rain Dance early on in the battle thanks to their impressive Speed. Sandstorm support from Hippopotas is available for defensive Kabuto that do not run Swift Swim, as it patches up its otherwise rather poor Special Defense stat. However, it can also have a negative effect on the rest of your team, so if you really must use sandstorm you should base most of your team around it. Stealth Rock support is also useful for Kabuto since it breaks Focus Sashes.</p>

<p>Kabuto suffers at the hands of bulky Water-types and others that resist its main STAB. Paras is an excellent partner to Kabuto since they both complement each other's weaknesses almost perfectly; Paras resists Fighting-, Ground-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks, while Kabuto resists Paras's big Fire-, Ice-, Poison-, and Flying-type weaknesses. Furthermore, Paras is immune to the bulky Waters' STAB moves thanks to its ability, Dry Skin, and can switch in on Water-types all day (provided they lack an Ice-type attack). Once in play, it can either inflict status or kill them outright with Seed Bomb. It also benefits from the rain that usually accompanies Kabuto, healing it every turn it stays in and weakening Fire-type moves for it. However, Paras can do nothing to Croagunk, who is Kabuto's biggest nemesis as far as revenge killing is concerned. Diglett is usually the best fail-safe option should you run into an unboosted Croagunk, though Gastly or Gligar are usually more reliable answers; Gastly can avoid Sucker Punch with Hypnosis or Substitute and both can kill Croagunk with their STAB moves. Gastly itself has good synergy with Kabuto, being resistant or immune to Fighting-, Ground-, and Grass-type attacks.</p>

<p>Within rain teams, a Pokemon such as Paras or Gastly who aids Kabuto specifically but does not really abuse the rain itself is advisable, but other rain sweepers can be used to maximize damage output. Kabuto's specially inclined 'counterpart' Omanyte is generally considered one of the best of the special Swift Swimmers, with a great base 90 Special Attack stat and strong STAB Hydro Pump. Beware of similar weaknesses, though, as Omanyte and Kabuto have exactly the same typing. You may wish to accommodate for an easier switch when choosing partners; for example, Lotad takes neutral damage from Grass- and Electric-type moves and resists Ground-type moves, while Surskit takes neutral damage from Grass-type moves and resists Fighting- and Ground-type moves, thereby somewhat negating a number of Kabuto's common weaknesses.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Kabuto shares a bunch of otherwise useful special moves with its special counterpart, Omanyte, such as Surf, Ice Beam, and AncientPower, but the two STAB moves have less power against nearly all opponents than Waterfall and Rock Slide, and Ice Beam has fairly redundant coverage alongside Waterfall and Rock Slide. Other than this, Rock Polish provides the same Speed boost as Swift Swim, although it will last for as long as Kabuto remains in play. Kabuto gets Flail and has a high enough Attack stat to use it with, though a neutral STAB Waterfall in the rain hits nearly as hard. Return gets more neutral coverage, but does not hit any Pokemon in particular. Kabuto reaches the magic 15 Speed stat, which means that when equipped with a Choice Scarf it can outrun all unboosted Pokemon in Little Cup as well as the plethora of 14 Speed Scarf Pokemon in the same role. Knock Off allows Kabuto to remove its opponent's precious Oran Berries and Choice Scarfs, and can be of use on the lead set. Lastly, Screech and Metal Sound are two moves that can be useful in the absence of Swords Dance and Nasty Plot, though the effects leave the field with the opponent.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Finding a true counter to the Swift Swim set, or something that can take even one Waterfall or Rock Slide in its stride, is a difficult feat indeed. The sheer power harnessed by Kabuto is boosted by the fact that many of the Pokemon with the highest Defense in Little Cup, namely Gligar, Aron, Shieldon, Rhyhorn, Geodude, Onix, and Hippopotas, are all weak to its STAB attacks. Psyduck is pretty much far and away the best check, since its Cloud Nine ability negates Kabuto's Swift Swim and also removes the boost to its Water-type attacks, allowing Psyduck to dispatch it with a STAB Surf or Hidden Power Electric. Croagunk, too, can switch in on Rock Slide or any of its Water moves and OHKO with Vacuum Wave, though it must watch out for Aerial Ace or Earth Power from Chople Berry Kabuto. Wooper has the same resistance to Rock and immunity to Water as Croagunk, but it is not weak to Aerial Ace or Earth Power and can attack back with its STAB Water-type moves. Oran Berry Chinchou cannot be 2HKOed by any set without Earth Power, while bulkier Grass-types can potentially survive a Rock Slide to OHKO using their STAB moves with ease. Snover can remove Kabuto's rain with Snow Warning and destroy it with its STAB Grass moves. While Snover resists Waterfall, if it switches into Rock Slide it is doomed. Lastly, a faster Mantyke can use its own Swift Swim to outrun Kabuto, but this means forfeiting its valuable Water Absorb ability and it can be taken out by Kabuto's Rock Slide.</p>
aside from some subject confusion (i.e. using "you" to refer to kabuto in some cases) this was a truly excellent analysis; nice job.

 

Fatecrashers

acta est fabula
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Waiter, check please.

GP CHECK 2/2

Deletion
Addition

[Overview]

<p>In a metagame flooded with Water-types of infinite diversity, Kabuto stands out as one of the most notable. It is, simply put, a great sweeper with a solid Attack stat, reliable STAB moves, and a trait to boost an ability that remedies its otherwise horrible Speed stat; and as such, Kabuto is one of the premier forces to watch out for in Little Cup. Many of the strongest physical walls in the metagame do not dare to approach it under the rain, and it can get over bypass its embarrassing weakness to priority with its own Aqua Jet. Although it has a lot of common weaknesses, its typing gives it a good offensive combination and a nice set of resistances. All in all, Kabuto is a Pokemon to watch out for, whatever the weather might be.</p>

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Aqua Jet
move 3: Rock Slide / Waterfall
move 4: Rapid Spin / Protect / Earth Power
item: Focus Sash
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 SpA / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto's ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock in combination with its offensive prowess means that it is one of the most popular support leads available. One of Kabuto's selling points as a lead is its resistance to Fake Out and its good Defense stat, meaning it is as good an answer as any making it a reliable answer to the common Meowth leads. Another advantage to Kabuto is its ability to beat a good number of the other popular leads one-on-one, leads such as Onix, Phanpy, and Houndour, thanks to its STAB moves.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is Kabuto's most useful support move, as already mentioned. Aqua Jet rectifies Kabuto's low Speed stat, and is incredibly useful to finish off other Focus Sash leads, as well as for getting the jump on weakened, faster Pokemon later in the game. Rock Slide is Kabuto's primary STAB option and takes care of Paras and Mantyke. For the last slot, Rapid Spin makes several strategies plausible; for example, against opposing Stealth Rock leads, using Rapid Spin while they are on low health means KOing them and removing Stealth Rock in one stroke. Protect can be useful for scouting purposes as well as blocking Fake Out from leads such as Meowth, allowing Kabuto to conserve its Focus Sash. Lastly, Earth Power is useful for coverage, not only for Croagunk but also for Chinchou and other Electric-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Waterfall is first among your other options, giving Kabuto a reliable Water-type attack to use against its foes, getting a stronger hit on Machop in exchange for the extra coverage of Rock Slide. Focus Sash is the advised item to compensate for the variety of weaknesses that Kabuto has, and also ensures that Kabuto will not die to Earthquake from leads that it usually otherwise beats. The EVs maximize Kabuto's Attack and Speed to allow maximum offensive prowess, hitting the magic 15 Speed stat and retaining a high Attack stat, while 76 Special Attack EVs are used to facilitate an OHKO on Croagunk with Earth Power, and also to boost the power of Surf. If you decide to run Rapid Spin over Earth Power, you can switch the Special Attack EVs to 36 HP and 36 Defense to grant an extra point in both stats.</p>

<p>As a lead, Kabuto's Rock- and Water-type STABs provide excellent coverage, hitting all of Onix, Diglett, Phanpy, Anorith, Hippopotas, Gligar, Houndour, Snover, Aron, and Drifloon for super effective damage; and have plenty of it possesses neutral coverage on leads such as Voltorb and Meowth as well. Kabuto does, however, have trouble with leads such as Oran Berry Bronzor, who has the Defense to take four Waterfalls from Kabuto. A Fire-type such as Houndour makes a good partner in this situation, as it can destroy Bronzor with its STAB Fire-type moves (but must watch out for Earthquake). Another problem lead is Machop, who can only be 3HKOed by Waterfall if it holds an Oran Berry, while Machop can simply use DynamicPunch followed by Bullet Punch to pick Kabuto off. Thus, a Slowpoke can be a useful teammate, resisting DynamicPunch and Bullet Punch and being immune to confusion, as well as being able to pick off eliminate Machop with STAB Zen Headbutt. Gastly works similarly but has to watch out for Bullet Punch.</p>

[SET]
name: Swift Swim
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earth Power / Aerial Ace
move 4: Aqua Jet / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb / Oran Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty / Adamant
EVs: 196 Atk / 156 SpA / 156 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kabuto stands out as one of the best Swift Swim abusers in Little Cup, thanks to its decent Attack, defensive stats, and the ability to power through many of Little Cup's common walls with its rain-boosted Waterfalls. Since Buizel's extra Speed is no longer so great an advantage, Kabuto is perhaps the most powerful physical Swift Swimmer available.</p>

<p>Waterfall is Kabuto's main STAB move, and as its power is boosted by the rain, there are not many Pokemon that can survive it. Rock Slide is a reliable secondary STAB move, hitting Paras, Snover, and especially Mantyke super effectively. Both Rock Slide and Waterfall also have useful flinch potential. Earth Power is used mainly for its ability to OHKO Croagunk with the given EV spread, who walls both of Kabuto's STAB moves, but also to 2HKO dangerous Pokemon such as Chinchou and Tentacool. Aerial Ace also deals with Croagunk, but in addition hits deals good damage to Grass-types such as Shroomish and Oddish. The last slot really depends on how you intend to use Kabuto. Aqua Jet works as an insurance against priority-wielders, though sadly it is ineffective against Croagunk. If you intend to use this Kabuto as a solo sweeper, however, Kabuto can set up Rain Dance for itself, though be aware that the absence of Damp Rock means that your own Rain Dance will not last as long as one conjured up by a specialized Bronzor.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb grants Kabuto some extra power at the cost of losing HP every turn. Oran Berry aids defensively and can allow Kabuto an extra chance at survival, and also helps as well as being a great help if you want Kabuto to set up its own Rain Dance. Another Berry that could be of use to you is Chople Berry, which allows Kabuto to survive Croagunk's Vacuum Wave just once, effectively turning Kabuto into a lure for Croagunk in addition to its usual sweeping role, which can give another Swift Swim sweeper free rein once Croagunk is gone. However, this does lower Kabuto's offensive power by a good amount due to the absence of Life Orb, so Aerial Ace is recommended as the OHKO on Croagunk with Earth Power is no longer guaranteed.</p>

<p>The EVs given generate the maximum possible Attack while also giving enough Special Attack to 2HKO Chinchou through Oran Berry with Earth Power. The rest is piled into Speed, giving enough allowing Kabuto to reach a stat of 28, sufficient to beat Timid Choice Scarf Gastly. If you do not intend to run Earth Power or any other special attacks, you can drop all the Special Attack EVs and run an EV spread of 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe, reaching the magic 30 Speed stat while gaining one extra point in Defense and HP. You can now also run an Adamant nature since Kabuto has no need for its Special Attack stat.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is a great help to this Kabuto, not only for the added residual damage but also for the ability to crack nullify opposing Focus Sash users. This means that Sash Diglett cannot simply come in and Earthquake Kabuto to death. In terms of resistances, Kabuto does not like bulky Water-types much, as they can wall its Water-type attacks with ease, and usually KO with their own STAB attacks. To deal with them, something with a strong Grass- or Electric-type attack is usually the best choice, as well as Pokemon with resistance or indifference to Water attacks, such as Chinchou, Paras, or Starmie. Revenge killing is the other common way of removing Kabuto, most commonly by using Croagunk, who can switch in on Rock Slide or Waterfall and OHKO with STAB Vacuum Wave. Focus Sash Diglett can remove Croagunk from the game before it can ruin Kabuto's sweep, assuming it has not used any boosting moves yet, while Gligar and Gastly can usually switch in and neuter it with little trouble. If Kabuto does not carry Rain Dance, you will require another Pokemon to set it up: Meowth and Voltorb are examples of extremely fast Pokemon that can set up Rain Dance before being struck down; Bronzor is more bulky and can use it multiple times.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Weather is a very important variable for all Kabuto. Rain support is very important should Kabuto not be running Rain Dance itself. Pokemon such as Bronzor can easily set up rain multiple times during a battle thanks to their bulk, while Meowth, Aipom, or Voltorb are all able to set up pull of a Rain Dance early on in the battle thanks to their impressive Speed. Sandstorm support from Hippopotas is available for defensive Kabuto that do not run Swift Swim, as it patches up its otherwise rather poor Special Defense stat. However, it can also have a negative effect on the rest of your team, so if you really must use Sandstorm you should base most of your team around it. Stealth Rock support is also useful for Kabuto since it breaks Focus Sashes.</p>

<p>Kabuto suffers at the hands of bulky Water-types and others that resist its main STAB. Paras is an excellent partner to Kabuto since they both complement cover each other's weaknesses almost perfectly; Paras resists Fighting-, Ground-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks, while Kabuto resists Paras's big Fire-, Ice-, Poison-, and Flying-type weaknesses. Furthermore, Paras is immune to the bulky Waters' STAB moves thanks to its ability, Dry Skin, and can switch in on Water-types all day (provided they lack an Ice-type attack). Once in play, it can either inflict status or kill them outright with Seed Bomb. It also benefits from the rain that usually accompanies Kabuto, healing it every turn it stays in and weakening Fire-type moves for it which heals it every turn it stays it in, as well as weakening Fire-type moves. However, Paras can do nothing to Croagunk, who is Kabuto's biggest nemesis as far as revenge killing is concerned. Diglett is usually the best fail-safe option should you run into an unboosted Croagunk, though Gastly or Gligar are usually more reliable answers; Gastly can avoid Sucker Punch with Hypnosis or Substitute and both can kill Croagunk with their STAB moves. Gastly itself has good synergy with Kabuto, being resistant or immune to Fighting-, Ground-, and Grass-type attacks.</p>

<p>Within rain teams, a Pokemon such as Paras or Gastly who aids Kabuto specifically but does not really abuse the rain itself is advisable, but other rain sweepers can be used to maximize damage output. Kabuto's specially-inclined 'counterpart' Omanyte is generally considered one of the best of the special Swift Swimmers, with a great base 90 Special Attack stat and strong STAB Hydro Pump. Beware of similar weaknesses though, as Omanyte and Kabuto have exactly the same typing. You may wish to accommodate for an easier switch when choosing partners; for example, Lotad takes neutral damage from Grass- and Electric-type moves and resists Ground-type moves, while Surskit takes neutral damage from Grass-type moves and resists Fighting- and Ground-type moves, thereby somewhat negating a number of Kabuto's common weaknesses.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Kabuto shares a bunch of otherwise useful special moves with its special counterpart, Omanyte, such as Surf, Ice Beam, and AncientPower, but the two special STAB moves have less power against nearly all opponents than their physical counterparts Waterfall and Rock Slide, and Ice Beam has fairly redundant coverage alongside Waterfall and Rock Slide. Other than this, Rock Polish provides the same Speed boost as Swift Swim, although it will only last for as long as Kabuto remains in play. Kabuto gets Flail and has a high enough Attack stat to use it with, though a neutral STAB Waterfall in the rain hits nearly as hard. Return gets more neutral coverage, but does not hit any Pokemon harder in particular. Kabuto reaches the magic 15 Speed stat, which means that when equipped with a Choice Scarf it can outrun all unboosted Pokemon in Little Cup as well as the plethora of 14 Speed Scarf Pokemon in the same role. Knock Off allows Kabuto to remove its opponent's precious Oran Berries and Choice Scarfs, and can be of use on the lead set. Lastly, Screech and Metal Sound are two moves that can be useful in the absence of Swords Dance and Nasty Plot, though the effects leave the field with the opponent.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Finding a true counter to the Swift Swim set, or something that can take even one Waterfall or Rock Slide in its stride, is a difficult feat indeed. The sheer power harnessed by Kabuto is boosted by the fact that many of the Pokemon with the highest Defense in Little Cup, namely Gligar, Aron, Shieldon, Rhyhorn, Geodude, Onix, and Hippopotas, are all weak to its STAB attacks. Psyduck is pretty much far and away the best check, since its Cloud Nine ability negates Kabuto's Swift Swim and also removes the boost to its Water-type attacks, allowing Psyduck to dispatch it with a STAB Surf or Hidden Power Electric. Croagunk, too, can switch in on Rock Slide or any of its Water moves and OHKO with Vacuum Wave, though it must watch out for Aerial Ace or Earth Power from Chople Berry Kabuto. Wooper has the same resistance to Rock and immunity to Water as Croagunk, but it is not weak to Aerial Ace or Earth Power and can attack back with its STAB Water-type moves. Oran Berry Chinchou cannot be 2HKOed by any set without Earth Power, while bulkier Grass-types can potentially survive a Rock Slide to OHKO using their STAB moves with ease. Snover can remove Kabuto's rain with Snow Warning and destroy it with its STAB Grass moves, . While Snover resists Waterfall, but if it switches into Rock Slide it is doomed. Lastly, a faster Mantyke can use its own Swift Swim to outrun Kabuto, but this means forfeiting its valuable Water Absorb ability, and it can be taken out by Kabuto's Rock Slide.</p>


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