[Overview]
<p>With an excellent typing that makes it one of the three Pokemon resistant to the BoltBeam combination in ADV (and the only one that can be called bulky by any stretch of the word), good special bulk, excellent type synergy with Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gyarados, and the ability to spread paralysis around the opposing team, Lanturn is a decent choice for standard teams. It is also one of the few Pokemon that can effectively stop offensive Calm Mind Suicune, a huge threat which many teams have difficulty dealing with. However, Lanturn lacks firepower without large investment in Special Attack, suffers a crippling weakness to very common Ground-type attacks, and cannot phaze, and as such is setup fodder for Pokemon such as Calm Mind Celebi and Curse Snorlax. It is also vulnerable to all forms of passive damage and hates poison unless it uses a RestTalk set. Nonetheless, its glut of resistances and immunities to common attacks and good bulk make it a worthwhile addition to most teams needing a bulky Water-type.</p>
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Surf / Ice Beam
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This Lanturn acts as a status absorber and check to Water-types bar Swampert, also walling Electric-types to a certain extent. It is also very durable, with reliable recovery in Rest and Volt Absorb constantly bringing it back up to high health. Sleep Talk stops it from being dead weight when asleep and also means that Lanturn does not require cleric support. Thunderbolt is a powerful STAB move that provides decent coverage alongside Surf. However, Ice Beam provides better coverage in general, allows Lanturn to hit Zapdos harder, and also puts a large dent into Grass- and Dragon-types that love to switch in on it, such as Venusaur and Flygon, respectively. Celebi, however, shrugs off Ice Beam damage and can Recover any lost health. This set is easily trapped and killed by Dugtrio as it has to Rest at some point, which allows Dugtrio to switch in freely; Dugtrio can alternatively come in on a predicted Thunderbolt.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given spread here allows Lanturn to reach 401 HP, which means that it can survive five Seismic Tosses with Leftovers recovery, switch into three layers of Spikes four times, and also survive eight turns of Leech Seed damage. Maximum Special Attack and a Modest nature allow it to deal decent damage. The rest of the EVs are placed in Special Defense to maximize Lanturn's special bulk. Skarmory is an awesome partner for this set because of its Ground-type immunity, 4x resistance to Grass-type attacks, and ability to check physical threats to Lanturn, such as Snorlax and Salamence. In return, Lanturn can switch into Electric- and Fire-types attacks while beating counters to Skarmory, such as Starmie, one-on-one. When using this set, make sure that you attack first with Surf or Ice Beam as opposed to Thunderbolt so that Dugtrio cannot freely switch in. Be careful about when you Rest as well.</p>
[SET]
name: Parafusion
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Surf / Ice Beam
move 3: Thunder Wave
move 4: Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set, as opposed to absorbing status like the RestTalk set, aims to spread status of its own around the opponent's team. It is best utilized alongside Spikes support, as Spikes puts opponents in a catch-22 situation when switching: they are forced to make the difficult decision between staying in on Lanturn while confused and possibly taking confusion damage or switching out and taking Spikes damage. Parafusion is also an excellent method to allow your hard-hitting Pokemon to switch in with more ease. Thunder Wave and Confuse Ray are the two most important moves on this set as they form the parafusion combination, while Thunderbolt is an obligatory STAB. There are two choices for the last slot—Surf provides another reliable STAB and Ice Beam is an option for better type coverage, especially on the Grass-types that Lanturn despises. The issues with this set are its lack of reliable recovery aside from Volt Absorb and its vulnerability to being stalled and/or poisoned, because, despite the fact that it can switch into Electric-type attacks with impunity and gain health back from them, a good opponent will predict Lanturn switch-ins once he has seen it, and the benevolent anglerfish will soon be worn down, be it by Spikes, sandstorm, status, or simply prediction.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set synergizes excellently with all three of OU's premier Spikes users—Cloyster, Forretress, and Skarmory—not only type-wise, but also by forcing switches through inflicting confusion. Cloyster is also a large help for Lanturn in that it spins away the Spikes that this Lanturn dislikes. This set also works well alongside sweepers and hard hitters such as Gyarados and Aerodactyl. Not only does Lanturn make it easier for them to switch in and hit hard or set up by paralyzing and confusing the opponent's Pokemon, the two aforementioned hard-hitters also bait Electric-type moves for Lanturn to switch into and recover from. A large issue with this set is that many Electric-types have now decided to favor Hidden Power Grass or Toxic over Hidden Power Ice to hit Swampert, and this indirectly reduces Lanturn's effectiveness when switching into them. This set is easily worn down by status, and as such, clerics in general make good partners. When using this set, like the RestTalk set, attack first up with Surf or Ice Beam so Dugtrio can't just freely switch in and dispatch Lanturn.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A set with Substitute and three attacks works well on Lanturn, in that it will prove to be a thorn in the side of typical stall teams that use a combination of Suicune, Zapdos, and Skarmory once Blissey and Celebi are removed. Therefore, Dugtrio makes a good partner for the aforementioned set due to its ability to remove its counters. However, this set is both setup fodder for Pokemon such as Curse Snorlax and unable to recover efficiently. Toxic is an interesting option to use over either Confuse Ray on the parafusion set or even Surf on the RestTalk set (although the latter is not recommended as it allows Dugtrio to get in freely) so that it can wear down counters such as Swampert. Hydro Pump is an alternative STAB option, but its low PP is an issue in drawn-out games, and it does not give enough extra power over Surf to merit its use. Thunder is actually a viable option on the RestTalk set if you want Lanturn to deal out status. However, its low accuracy is a major turn-off, because even though Lanturn is bulky enough to miss a few Thunders, it could miss a crucial KO on a threat such as a Cloyster that is Exploding.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Celebi is the best Lanturn counter in the game, resisting both its STAB moves, not fearing paralysis, and being able to Leech Seed the anglerfish and chip away at its HP. It can also set up Calm Mind on Lanturn with impunity. Swampert is immune to Electric-type attacks, takes little from Surf, and does heavy damage with Earthquake or sets up on it with Curse; it needs to watch out for Toxic, however. Snorlax has an awesome Special Defense stat, can take any hit that Lanturn dishes out, and sets up Curse on it fearlessly. Blissey stops Lanturn cold, but it can't really hurt it back. It will always win a stall war between the two, however. Metagross can take anything that Lanturn throws at it and can OHKO it with Earthquake. Venusaur resists both of Lanturn's STAB moves and can wear away at it with Leech Seed or hit it hard with Razor Leaf. It can even set up a Swords Dance on it. However, Venusaur needs to avoid paralysis and Ice Beam. Exeggutor is in the same boat as Venusaur, but it also needs to watch out for paralysis and Ice Beam if attempting to sweep. Dugtrio can trap and revenge kill Lanturn, but can't switch in on Surf or Ice Beam.</p>
<p>With an excellent typing that makes it one of the three Pokemon resistant to the BoltBeam combination in ADV (and the only one that can be called bulky by any stretch of the word), good special bulk, excellent type synergy with Pokemon such as Skarmory and Gyarados, and the ability to spread paralysis around the opposing team, Lanturn is a decent choice for standard teams. It is also one of the few Pokemon that can effectively stop offensive Calm Mind Suicune, a huge threat which many teams have difficulty dealing with. However, Lanturn lacks firepower without large investment in Special Attack, suffers a crippling weakness to very common Ground-type attacks, and cannot phaze, and as such is setup fodder for Pokemon such as Calm Mind Celebi and Curse Snorlax. It is also vulnerable to all forms of passive damage and hates poison unless it uses a RestTalk set. Nonetheless, its glut of resistances and immunities to common attacks and good bulk make it a worthwhile addition to most teams needing a bulky Water-type.</p>
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Surf / Ice Beam
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This Lanturn acts as a status absorber and check to Water-types bar Swampert, also walling Electric-types to a certain extent. It is also very durable, with reliable recovery in Rest and Volt Absorb constantly bringing it back up to high health. Sleep Talk stops it from being dead weight when asleep and also means that Lanturn does not require cleric support. Thunderbolt is a powerful STAB move that provides decent coverage alongside Surf. However, Ice Beam provides better coverage in general, allows Lanturn to hit Zapdos harder, and also puts a large dent into Grass- and Dragon-types that love to switch in on it, such as Venusaur and Flygon, respectively. Celebi, however, shrugs off Ice Beam damage and can Recover any lost health. This set is easily trapped and killed by Dugtrio as it has to Rest at some point, which allows Dugtrio to switch in freely; Dugtrio can alternatively come in on a predicted Thunderbolt.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given spread here allows Lanturn to reach 401 HP, which means that it can survive five Seismic Tosses with Leftovers recovery, switch into three layers of Spikes four times, and also survive eight turns of Leech Seed damage. Maximum Special Attack and a Modest nature allow it to deal decent damage. The rest of the EVs are placed in Special Defense to maximize Lanturn's special bulk. Skarmory is an awesome partner for this set because of its Ground-type immunity, 4x resistance to Grass-type attacks, and ability to check physical threats to Lanturn, such as Snorlax and Salamence. In return, Lanturn can switch into Electric- and Fire-types attacks while beating counters to Skarmory, such as Starmie, one-on-one. When using this set, make sure that you attack first with Surf or Ice Beam as opposed to Thunderbolt so that Dugtrio cannot freely switch in. Be careful about when you Rest as well.</p>
[SET]
name: Parafusion
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Surf / Ice Beam
move 3: Thunder Wave
move 4: Confuse Ray
item: Leftovers
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set, as opposed to absorbing status like the RestTalk set, aims to spread status of its own around the opponent's team. It is best utilized alongside Spikes support, as Spikes puts opponents in a catch-22 situation when switching: they are forced to make the difficult decision between staying in on Lanturn while confused and possibly taking confusion damage or switching out and taking Spikes damage. Parafusion is also an excellent method to allow your hard-hitting Pokemon to switch in with more ease. Thunder Wave and Confuse Ray are the two most important moves on this set as they form the parafusion combination, while Thunderbolt is an obligatory STAB. There are two choices for the last slot—Surf provides another reliable STAB and Ice Beam is an option for better type coverage, especially on the Grass-types that Lanturn despises. The issues with this set are its lack of reliable recovery aside from Volt Absorb and its vulnerability to being stalled and/or poisoned, because, despite the fact that it can switch into Electric-type attacks with impunity and gain health back from them, a good opponent will predict Lanturn switch-ins once he has seen it, and the benevolent anglerfish will soon be worn down, be it by Spikes, sandstorm, status, or simply prediction.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set synergizes excellently with all three of OU's premier Spikes users—Cloyster, Forretress, and Skarmory—not only type-wise, but also by forcing switches through inflicting confusion. Cloyster is also a large help for Lanturn in that it spins away the Spikes that this Lanturn dislikes. This set also works well alongside sweepers and hard hitters such as Gyarados and Aerodactyl. Not only does Lanturn make it easier for them to switch in and hit hard or set up by paralyzing and confusing the opponent's Pokemon, the two aforementioned hard-hitters also bait Electric-type moves for Lanturn to switch into and recover from. A large issue with this set is that many Electric-types have now decided to favor Hidden Power Grass or Toxic over Hidden Power Ice to hit Swampert, and this indirectly reduces Lanturn's effectiveness when switching into them. This set is easily worn down by status, and as such, clerics in general make good partners. When using this set, like the RestTalk set, attack first up with Surf or Ice Beam so Dugtrio can't just freely switch in and dispatch Lanturn.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A set with Substitute and three attacks works well on Lanturn, in that it will prove to be a thorn in the side of typical stall teams that use a combination of Suicune, Zapdos, and Skarmory once Blissey and Celebi are removed. Therefore, Dugtrio makes a good partner for the aforementioned set due to its ability to remove its counters. However, this set is both setup fodder for Pokemon such as Curse Snorlax and unable to recover efficiently. Toxic is an interesting option to use over either Confuse Ray on the parafusion set or even Surf on the RestTalk set (although the latter is not recommended as it allows Dugtrio to get in freely) so that it can wear down counters such as Swampert. Hydro Pump is an alternative STAB option, but its low PP is an issue in drawn-out games, and it does not give enough extra power over Surf to merit its use. Thunder is actually a viable option on the RestTalk set if you want Lanturn to deal out status. However, its low accuracy is a major turn-off, because even though Lanturn is bulky enough to miss a few Thunders, it could miss a crucial KO on a threat such as a Cloyster that is Exploding.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Celebi is the best Lanturn counter in the game, resisting both its STAB moves, not fearing paralysis, and being able to Leech Seed the anglerfish and chip away at its HP. It can also set up Calm Mind on Lanturn with impunity. Swampert is immune to Electric-type attacks, takes little from Surf, and does heavy damage with Earthquake or sets up on it with Curse; it needs to watch out for Toxic, however. Snorlax has an awesome Special Defense stat, can take any hit that Lanturn dishes out, and sets up Curse on it fearlessly. Blissey stops Lanturn cold, but it can't really hurt it back. It will always win a stall war between the two, however. Metagross can take anything that Lanturn throws at it and can OHKO it with Earthquake. Venusaur resists both of Lanturn's STAB moves and can wear away at it with Leech Seed or hit it hard with Razor Leaf. It can even set up a Swords Dance on it. However, Venusaur needs to avoid paralysis and Ice Beam. Exeggutor is in the same boat as Venusaur, but it also needs to watch out for paralysis and Ice Beam if attempting to sweep. Dugtrio can trap and revenge kill Lanturn, but can't switch in on Surf or Ice Beam.</p>
