[OVERVIEW]
Oshawott finds its niche as the only Water-type special attacker with access to non-STAB Air Slash, which allows it to lure in and remove Croagunk without having to run Hidden Power. Oshawott really does have some power behind it; its Hydro Pump 2HKOes Porygon, and it hits the same benchmarks as special Carvanha. Unfortunately, Oshawott is slow. An overreliance on Life Orb means Oshawott lacks bulk for the most part; if it does not OHKO or 2HKO its switch-ins, it will likely be either severely crippled or forced to switch out. It also struggles to take on users of strong priority attacks, such as Pawniard and Fletchling. Additionally, Oshawott has to compete with almost every other Water-type attacker, such as the aforementioned Carvanha, many of which are better in every aspect outside of Croagunk luring.
[SET]
name: Croagunk Lure
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Air Slash
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Torrent
nature: Rash
evs: 252 SpA / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Hydro Pump is a very strong STAB attack with the potential to 2HKO many neutral targets, such as Porygon and Spritzee. Ice Beam provides coverage against the Grass-type Pokemon that resist Hydro Pump and is strong enough to 2HKO Foongus, the most relevant defensive Grass-type. Air Slash also provides coverage against Grass-type Pokemon; however, it is specifically used to guarantee the ability to lure in and remove Croagunk, which is KOed by a combination of Ice Beam and Air Slash. Aqua Jet allows Oshawott to pick off weakened foes; this generally comes into play when Pokemon that take neutral damage from Water-type attacks attempt to switch into Hydro Pump, such as Mienfoo.
Set Details
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The given EV spread maximizes Oshawott's Special Attack and Speed in order to maximize its ability to wallbreak; it also Speed creeps the 13 Speed tier, in which only the fastest defensive Pokemon reside. Using a Rash nature boosts Oshawott's Special Attack without negatively affecting its Attack and Speed. Running a Life Orb allows Oshawott to secure a 2HKO against Croagunk with Air Slash and to boost its power in general. Torrent helps boost Oshawott's damage output as it gets worn down.
Usage Tips
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Oshawott thrives on forced switches, so send it in on free turns against slower Pokemon it forces out such as Hippopotas. Using Oshawott is all about taking out Croagunk, so try to predict the switch and hit it with Air Slash! However, try not to hit the opponent's Croagunk with Hydro Pump, as that will heal its HP and significantly decrease your chance of KOing it. Outside of luring in Croagunk, Oshawott can also break through weakened defensive Pokemon; for example, its Hydro Pump 2HKOes Spritzee even if it still has its Eviolite! Essentially, if your opponent lacks Pokemon immune to Water-type attacks, the general game plan is to repeatedly click Hydro Pump. Lastly, don't go switching Oshawott into things willy-nilly; its bulk is respectable, but it lacks Eviolite.
Team Options
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Since Oshawott's niche is luring Croagunk, pair Oshawott with Pokemon that want Croagunk gone! These include Corphish, Spritzee, and Scraggy, among other Water-, Fairy-, and Fighting-type Pokemon. Pokemon like Mienfoo and Chinchou bring Croagunk in like a moth to the flame, and they can pivot out into Oshawott for a surprise Air Slash KO. Chinchou itself is a particularly good teammate, as it checks opposing Water-type Pokemon for Oshawott while enjoying Oshawott's ability to break through several of its checks. Also, you'll need to add Pokemon that can switch into the fast Pokemon that threaten Oshawott; you're looking for checks to Pokemon like Snivy and Elekid, such as Foongus.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Oshawott could opt to run Hidden Power Fire in order to remove Ferroseed; this would make it the ultimate lure partner for Skrelp, which is only truly walled by Croagunk and Ferroseed. One could also opt for Icy Wind in an attempt to slow Oshawott's faster switch-ins; however, this makes Oshawott even more of a dead weight in the face of Snivy. Oshawott can also run a Swords Dance set made unique by its access to X-Scissor, but it would be difficult to set up and would be largely outclassed by Corphish.
Checks and Counters
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**Bulky Water-type Pokemon**: Bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Chinchou and Slowpoke don't take much damage from any of Oshawott's attacks; Chinchou is a particularly notable threat for its ability to OHKO Oshawott with its Electric-type STAB attacks.
**Faster Attackers**: Oshawott does not have the benefits of Eviolite, so it struggles taking even neutral hits from faster attackers such as Mienfoo and Archen. In general, anything moderately powerful with 15 Speed or higher is a threat, provided the foe is not in the KO range of Aqua Jet.
**Bulky Attackers Not Caught on the Switch**: Pokemon such as Munchlax and Spritzee are 2HKOed by Hydro Pump; however, if they come in on one of Oshawott's coverage moves, they can threaten it out with their STAB attacks.
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