Samurott (GP: 0/2)

gorex

penguin council
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LCPL Champion
QC: 49 / Arikado / atomicllamas
GP: ? / ?




[OVERVIEW]
Samurott is a somewhat underrated Water-type in RU, but it has quite a few things going for it. The most notable would be its mixed offensive stats, which are the best of any Water-type legal in RU. Access to Hydro Pump and Waterfall as STAB moves back up these offensive stats to allow Samurott to go physical or special. Its access to Swords Dance and Megahorn is also unique for a Water-type, allowing it to plow through most defensive Grass- and Water-types in the tier. Samurott also has pretty decent bulk for an offensive Pokemon along with the typing to back it up. With access to strong coverage options in Ice Beam, Grass Knot, and Knock Off, Samurott will almost always have a move for a defensive response. Special sets are capable of using Taunt to break past most defensive cores while physical sets can utilize Aqua Jet to shield against revenge killers. Samurott isn't without its flaws though, and these can be difficult to deal with at times. The most controversial flaw would be Samurott's Speed. While Samurott sits at a really good speed tier for a wallbreaker in RU, it is certainly not high for a sweeper, which holds back Swords Dance sets at times. Special sets face stiff competition from Clawitzer, another Water-type wallbreaker with higher Special Attack and stronger coverage thanks to Mega Launcher. Samurott also falls one point short of outspeeding Tyrantrum, a very significant threat in RU that can easily tank Aqua Jets and KO Samurott back. Samurott is a solid Pokemon, but you'll want to use its access to Swords Dance, or Taunt and high speed tier as a wallbreaker to get the most out of it.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Megahorn / Knock Off
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Torrent
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
======
Samurott's access to Swords Dance, decent bulk, and unique coverage allow it to pull off the physical sweeper role rather effectively. Swords Dance is necessary to boost Samurott's solid base 100 Attack to very high levels. Waterfall is the most reliable physical STAB move Samurott gets and it comes with a neat 20% flinch chance that can sometimes get Samurott out of a jam. The next slot is for coverage. Megahorn is generally preferred for pushing past Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad reliably, while also getting the OHKO on offensive Tangrowth. If Samurott's team needs a more reliable way around Jellicent and Qwilfish, Knock Off is a viable option. Its ability to remove items in general can help Samurott or a teammate later on. Aqua Jet is required in the last slot as Samurott doesn't have a high Speed stat for a sweeper. With Aqua Jet, Samurott is able to pick off weakened Pokemon that are trying to revenge kill it. Razor Shell deserves a mention for its 50% chance to lower Defense, which can allow Samurott to push past Quagsire, a rare feat for any physical sweeper lacking Grass-type moves. Waterfall is better in virtually every other situation, however.

Set Details
======
The EVs simply maximize Samurott's offensive presence so it can hit as hard and as fast as possible. Adamant is the preferred nature for the power boost and Samurott still gets the jump on important wallbreakers, such as Exploud, Scrafty, Adamant Emboar, and Clawitzer. However, Jolly nature is an option if you need Samurott to outspeed and deal serious damage to Tyrantrum. Lum Berry is the preferred item on Samurott thanks to the flexibility it grants Samurott when it comes to setting up a Swords Dance. Life Orb is a viable option for the increase in damage output, and the recoil can just slowly ease Samurott into Torrent range for even stronger Waterfalls and Aqua Jets. A bulkier spread of 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used if you want to give Samurott some extra bulk while still outspeeding defensive variants of Qwilfish. With this spread, Mystic Water is advised over Life Orb if you want the power boost as Samurott will dislike any passive damage it takes with this spread. Finally, Samurott can make use of a Rindo or Wacan Berry. These berries reduce damage taken from Grass- and Electric-type moves respectively, which can allow Samurott to potentially get past the likes of Virizion or Jolteon in a pinch. These are especially useful with the bulkier spread as Samurott has more HP to work with.

Usage Tips
======
Samurott typically wants to force out Pokemon weak to Water-types, such as Rhyperior and Mega Camerupt, and use the opportunity to set up a Swords Dance on the forced switch. Thanks to the heavy Attack investment and Aqua Jet, Samurott can also pick off weakened Pokemon if the opportunity presents itself. When equipped with a Lum Berry, Samurott doesn't fear status ailments as much. Using defensive Pokemon, such as Alomomola and Uxie, that depend on status to slow down Samurott is highly advised. With Life Orb, Samurott wants to preserve as much of its HP as possible to handle Life Orb recoil and assorted priority attacks that may be used in an attempt to pick it off. Samurott can take some neutral physical attacks during setup with the bulkier spread if it has to, so use this to your advantage when you see fit. When using a Rindo or Wacan Berry, make sure Samurott is kept in relatively good health so it can make use of them against Virizion and Jolteon at the right moment. As is the case with most other setup sweepers, you will generally want to avoid using Swords Dance until Samurott's checks and counters are removed or sufficiently weakened. Make especially sure that faster Pokemon that can handle Aqua Jet are in range of Aqua Jet or removed entirely before trying to sweep.

Team Options
======
Samurott loves having support from wallbreakers and Pokemon capable of providing Speed control. Tyrantrum, Emboar, Meloetta, and Flygon are all capable of providing powerful wallbreaking support and most can provide some defensive synergy for Samurott as well. Uxie, defensive Druddigon, and some Togetic variants are able to provide paralysis support reliably. Druddigon is the most notable thanks not only to its Grass and Electric resistances, but also its tendency to lure in bulky Water-types, especially Alomomola, for Samurott to set up on. If paralysis support isn't your thing, you can turn to the likes of Leavanny and Kricketune for Sticky Web support. Without Knock Off, Samurott appreciates teammates that can handle Jellicent, and Qwilfish to a lesser extent. Pursuit support from Pokemon such as Drapion, Spiritomb, and Houndoom can remove Jellicent in fairly short order. Most special attackers have little to fear from Qwilfish and can 2HKO it reliably due to its low special bulk. If Samurott doesn't have Megahorn, answers to Tangrowth and Alomomola are appreciated. Fire- and Flying-types, such as Emboar, Delphox, and Braviary generally force out Tangrowth. Grass- and Electric-types, such as Jolteon, Virizion, and Tangrowth generally handle Alomomola nicely. Rotom-C and Virizion are two notable faster Pokemon thanks to their resistance to Aqua Jet. If Samurott is using a Rindo Berry, it can potentially get past these two threats. However, a check is still appreciated. Rotom-C is usually handled by Grass-types of your own, such as Tangrowth and Virizion. Opposing Virizion can generally be handled by Sigilyph, Choice Scarf Delphox, and Durant due to its weaknesses and decidedly average Defense stat. Finally, Samurott appreciates a check to Tyrantrum as it's a powerful threat that can outspeed Samurott and tank a +2 Aqua Jet comfortably. Mega Steelix and Rhyperior are the most notable Tyrantrum checks due to their ability to switch into most Electric-types and set Stealth Rock, which can help Samurott get a near-guaranteed OHKO on Jolteon with +2 Life Orb Aqua Jet.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet
ability: Torrent
item: Life Orb
nature: Modest / Rash
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
======
This set utilizes Samurott's access to Taunt, great coverage, and great base 108 Special Attack stat to become a powerful wallbreaker. While one may question the use of this Samurott over Clawitzer, the otter has a higher Speed tier, stronger Water-type STAB for neutral targets, and key access to Taunt and Aqua Jet for utility over Clawitzer. Hydro Pump is Samurott's best STAB move for this set. The move is so powerful that it will do 50.7% minimum to 252 HP / 4 SDef Uxie. Generally, it's very safe to throw out as most resistances and immunities risk coverage from this set. Ice Beam allows Samurott to crush the likes of Tangrowth, Druddigon, and Flygon without a second thought. Faster Grass- and Dragon-types, such as Virizion, Tyrantrum, and Rotom-C will need to be caught on the switch though. Grass Knot handles every common Water-type immunity without a sweat, OHKOing Seismitoad 100% of the time, OHKOing Gastrodon 87.5% of the time after Stealth Rock, and 2HKOing Jellicent regardless of the spread it uses. It's also nice to have a 100% accurate move on Rhyperior as a miss can cause heavy or fatal damage. Samurott's final moveslot gives it some extra utility. Taunt is generally preferred as Samurott sits at an amazing Speed tier for a wallbreaker and it can shut down the likes of Bronzong and Registeel, neither of which Samurott can get past immediately. Aqua Jet is a little weak without investment, but it can allow Samurott to pick off a weakened threat that is trying to revenge kill it, thus possibly forcing the opponent to take a heavy hit to remove Samurott. While Knock Off, Megahorn, and Superpower seem like intriguing options to use, they are simply not worth it. The primary targets of Knock Off and Megahorn are already 2HKOed by one of Samurott's moves while Registeel is better handled by Taunt anyway.

Set Details
======
As Samurott is a special attacking wallbreaker, Special Attack is maximized. Speed is also maximized as that is one of Samurott's biggest advantages over Clawitzer. With maximum Speed and a Modest nature, Samurott is still able to outspeed Exploud, Scrafty, Clawitzer, and Adamant Emboar. These are threats Clawitzer can't outspeed without the use of a Timid nature. Samurott should use a Rash nature if Aqua Jet is used and the 4 Defense EVs should be shifted to Attack. While it may be tempting to use Timid or Naive to get the jump on Tyrantrum, this is generally not worth it. Not only does it cause a major drop in power, but Samurott also works well with most of Tyrantrum's checks anyway. Life Orb is used for the boost in power to Samurott's move and should be the only item even considered for this set due to Samurott's reliance on coverage moves and Hydro Pump's raw power to get around its checks.

Usage Tips
======
Samurott wants to be able to wail on walls whenever it has a chance, so actively seek out chances to bring it in against passive Pokemon it forces out. Rhyperior, Alomomola, and Jellicent are some key bulky Pokemon that Samurott easily takes out and doesn't fear much from. If you're in doubt, Hydro Pump is Samurott's safest move. Every common Pokemon immune to Water in RU is promptly beaten by Grass Knot, so Hydro Pump is generally a very safe move to throw out. Ice Beam gets the most mileage when Samurott can catch the likes of Amoonguss and Virizion on the switch, as both can stomach a hit and retaliate. Catching Rotom-C and Tangrowth isn't as necessary due to their lower special bulk, but it is still nice to spare Samurott from Life Orb recoil. Grass Knot should only really be used against Pokemon immune to Water, such as Jellicent and Seismitoad. It also has use against Rhyperior by being a 100% accurate move that still OHKOes it. When Samurott has Taunt, make sure you use it to shut down defensive Pokemon Samurott can't immediately break through, such as Bronzong and Registeel. Without the ability to use Toxic and Thunder Wave respectively, Samurott can either choose to push past them on its own or bring in a teammate with relatively no risk to possibly sweep. Aqua Jet shouldn't be used until Samurott enters Torrent range unless it's absolutely necessary to use to remove a threat. It's somewhat weak without investment and so the Torrent boost can alleviate this issue. Speaking of Torrent, this ability makes Hydro Pump obscenely powerful. After dropping into Torrent range, Samurott does over 40% damage to the standard Amoonguss, which is one of, if not the bulkiest, Water resistances in the tier. So more than ever, just use Hydro Pump whenever Samurott drops into Torrent range and outspeeds the opponent.

Team Options
======
Samurott is an ideal wallbreaker of Ground-, Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, so teammates that favor the removal of these types are ideal. Rock Polish and Choice Scarf variants of Tyrantrum can be extremely threatening if Samurott removes Mega Steelix, Rhyperior and Alomomola from play. Choice Scarf Delphox enjoys having Rhyperior and Jellicent dealt with and Samurott can even Taunt slower hazard users while Delphox checks Virizion with a Choice Scarf. Jolteon and Rotom-C are notable Electric-types that enjoy the removal of bulky Ground- and Grass-types and both can switch into Electric-type moves aimed at Samurott. Taunted defensive walls are prime setup bait for powerful sweepers. For example, a Taunted Hex Jellicent can do nothing to prevent Calm Mind variants of Meloetta from setting up. Other setup sweepers to consider for taking advantage of such circumstances include Nasty Plot Houndoom, Fletchinder and Virizion. Tyrantrum is a threatening wallbreaker that outspeeds Samurott, preferably you would want to have a check to it. Mega Steelix and Rhyperior are good options for a Tyrantrum check on bulkier teams while also providing Stealth Rock to weaken checks. While not mandatory, Speed control allows Samurott to perform better against offensive teams. Uxie, defensive Druddigon and certain Togetic variants can provide paralysis support while Samurott can Taunt clerics, with the exception of Aromatisse, to prevent them from healing their team. Sticky Web support from Kricketune and Leavanny is also viable and Samurott can Taunt slower Defog users, such as Golbat, Togetic, and Pelipper.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
============
Samurott has a pretty neat movepool, but generally not the stats to effectively use it. Substitute is usable on the special set in conjunction with a Salac Berry to surprise offensive teams. However, Samurott would need to give up coverage and would absolutely need Toxic Spikes support to make it work reliably. Samurott can utilize Substitute + Dragon Tail in conjunction with Scald and Taunt for a more defensive set, but there are better defensive bulky Water-types in RU and Samurott lacks reliable recovery options. Surf can be used on the special attacker set, but the power reduction from Hydro Pump is severe and generally never worth it. Aqua Tail is stronger, but less accurate than Waterfall. Shell Armor can prevent Samurott from being ruined by an untimely critical hit, but Torrent generally has better niche use by powering up Samurott's STAB moves. Choice Band and Choice Specs are options that Samurott can use. However, the Choice Band set suffers from a somewhat low BP STAB while a Choice Specs set hurts Samurott as it cannot utilize its coverage. Encore or Taunt can be used on the Swords Dance set, but Samurott doesn't really have the room to fit either move on the set. Finally, Hidden Power Fire can be used on the special set if getting past Assault Vest Escavalier is an absolute must for Samurott's team. However, it offers nothing useful outside of this.

Checks and Counters
============
Outside of a few Pokemon, outright countering Samurott is very difficult until you figure out the set its running. Checks and counters to the Swords Dance set tend to lose to the special set and vica versa. However, both sets are perfectly manageable once they're revealed.


**Amoonguss**: The best universal counter to Samurott. It stops the Swords Dance set cold, can tank an Ice Beam from the special set, and retaliate with Spore or STAB Giga Drain

**Virizion**: Virizion only fears Ice Beam from the special set and a possible boosted Megahorn from physical sets. It outspeeds and threatens heavy damage or a KO with its Grass-type STAB moves

**Quagsire**: As with any physical setup sweeper lacking Grass-type moves, Quagsire stops Swords Dance Samurott cold thanks to Unaware. It's completely useless against the special set though, being OHKOed by Grass Knot.

**Specially bulky Pokemon**: These are generally the safest initial switch-ins as the Swords Dance set needs a turn to get going. Mega Audino, Aromatisse, Bronzong, and Registeel are among the specially bulkiest Pokemon in RU. However, all of them bar Aromatisse can be shut down by Taunt and all of them are forced back out if Samurott reveals Swords Dance on the switch

**Faster Pokemon**: Base 70 Speed is nothing to write home about, so anything faster capable of tanking an Aqua Jet can easily revenge kill Samurott. Rotom-C, Tyrantrum, Meloetta, and Durant are notable examples. However, only the strongest of neutral physical attacks will OHKO Samurott with no prior damage as it has respectable physical bulk
 
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Are you sure Hydro Pump OHKOes Quagsire? Also I think bulkier Tangrowth is an ok pivot since it lives any hit i guess
 

atomicllamas

but then what's left of me?
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For OO, I wouldn't say specs is outclassed by clawitzer (which also prefers LO), but that not being able to utilize its coverage diminishes rott's viability.

QC approved 3/3
 

fleurdyleurse

nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands
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hi

[OVERVIEW]
Samurott is a somewhat underrated Water-type in RU, but it has quite a few things going for it. The most notable would be its mixed offensive stats, which are the best of any Water-type legal in RU. Access to Hydro Pump and Waterfall as STAB moves back up these offensive stats to allow Samurott to go physical or special. Its access to Swords Dance and Megahorn is also unique for a Water-type, allowing it to plow through most defensive Grass- and Water-types in the tier. Samurott also has pretty decent bulk for an offensive Pokemon along with the typing to back it up. With access to strong coverage options in, such as its great offensive stats and access to both physical and special STAB moves, allowing it to use physical and special sets. Its large movepool also includes Swords Dance, Megahorn, Ice Beam, Grass Knot, and Knock Off, Samurott will almost always have a move for a defensive response.which let it deal with most defensive Pokemon. Special sets are capable of using Taunt to break pasthrough most defensive cores, while physical sets can utilize Aqua Jet to shield against revenge killers. Samurott isn't without its flaws though, and these can be difficult to deal with at times. The most controversial flaw would be Samurott's Speed. While Samurott sits at a really good speed tier for a wallbreaker in RU, it is certainly not high for a sweeper, which holdsdefeat revenge killers. Also, Samurott's decent bulk and Water typing are both useful defensively. However, Samurott's Speed is quite low for a sweeper, holding back Swords Dance sets at times. Special sets face stiff competition from Clawitzer, another Water-type wallbreaker with higher Special Attack and stronger coverage thanks to Mega Launcher. Samurott also falls one point short of outspeeding Tyrantrum, a very significant threat in RU that can easily tank Aqua Jets and KO Samurott back. Samurott is a solid Pokemon, but you'll want to use its access to Swords Dance, or Taunt and high speed tier as a wallbreaker to get the most out of it., though Samurott boasts a higher Speed tier, stronger Water-type STAB move for neutral targets, and key access to Taunt and Aqua Jet for utility over Clawitzer. Samurott also falls one point short of outspeeding Tyrantrum, a very significant threat in RU that can easily survive an Aqua Jet and KO Samurott.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Megahorn / Knock Off
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Torrent
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
======
Samurott's access to Swords Dance, decent bulk, and unique coverage allow it to pull off the physical sweeper role rather effectively. Swords Dance is necessary to boost Samurott's solid base 100 Attack to vextremely high levels. Waterfall is the most reliable physical STAB move Samurott gets, and it comes with a neat 20% flinch chance that can sometimes get Samurott out of a jam. The next slot is for coverage, which can prove useful at times. Megahorn is generally preferred for coverage, allowing Samurott to pushing past Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad reliably, while also getting the OHKO on offensive Tangrowth. If Samurott's team needs a more reliable way around Jellicent and Qwilfish, Knock Off is a viable option. IHowever, Knock Off also is a viable option if a more reliable way to deal with Jellicent and Qwilfish is needed; its ability to remove items in general can help Samurott or a teammate later on. Aqua Jet is required in the last slot as Samurott doesn't have a high Speed stat for a sweeperdue to Samurott's mediocre Speed. With Aqua Jet, Samurott is able to pick off weakened Pokemon that are trying to revenge kill itrevenge killers. Razor Shell deserves a mention for its 50% chance to lower the foe's Defense, which can allow Samurott to push past Quagsire, a rare feat for any physical sweeper lacking Grass-type moves. Waterfallwhich can be difficult otherwise. Waterfall, however, is better in virtually every other situation, however.

Set Details
======
The EVs simply maximize Samurott's offensive presence so it canallow Samurott to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Adamant is the preferred nature for the power boost and Samurott still gets the jump onn Adamant nature is preferred for the power boost; with it, Samurott still outspeeds important wallbreakers, such as Exploud, Scrafty, Adamant Emboar, and Clawitzer. However, a Jolly nature is an option if you need Samurott to outspeed and deal serious damage to Tyrantrum. Lum Berry is the preferred item on Samurott thanks to the flexibility it grants Samurott when it comes to setting up a Swords Dance. Life Orb is a viable option for the increase in damage output, and the recoil can just slowlys well as being able to ease Samurott into Torrent range for even stronger Waterfalls and Aqua JetsSTAB moves with the recoil damage. A bulkier spread of 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used if you want to give Samurott some extra bulk while still outspeeding defensive variants of Qwilfish. With this spread, Mystic Water is advised over Life Orb if you want the power boost, as Samurott will dislike any passive damage it takes with this spreadwould be detrimental to such a set. Finally, Samurott can make use of a Rindo or Wacan Berry. These berries, which reduce damage taken from Grass- and Electric-type moves, respectively, which can allowing Samurott to potentially get past the likes of Virizion or Jolteon in a pinch. These are especially useful with the bulkier spread, as Samurott has more HP to work with.

Usage Tips
======
Samurott typically wants to force out Pokemon weak to Water-types, such as Rhyperior and Mega Camerupt, and use the opportunity to set up a Swords Dance on the forced switch. Thanks to the heavy Attack investment and Aqua Jetits high Attack, Samurott can also pick off weakened Pokemon if the opportunity presents itself. When equipped with a Lum Berry, Samurott doesn't fear status ailments as much. Usingwith Aqua Jet if needed. As Samurott is not affected by status thanks to Lum Berry, setting up on defensive Pokemon, such as Alomomola and Uxie, that depend on status to slow downtop Samurott is highly advised. With Life Orb, Samurott wants to preserve as much of its HP as possible to handle Life Orb recoil and assorted priority attacks that may be used in an attempt to pick it offKO it. Samurott can take some neutral physical attacks during setup with the bulkier spread if it has to, so use this to your advantage when you see fit. When using a Rindo or Wacan Berry, make sure Samurott is kept in relatively good health so that it can make use of them against Virizion and Jolteon at the right moment. As is the case with most other setup sweepers, you will generally want to avoid using Swords Dance until Samurott's checks and counters are removed or sufficiently weakened. Make especially sure that faster Pokemon that can handle Aqua Jet are in range of Aqua Jeusually survive Aqua Jet can be KOed by it or removed entirely before trying to sweep.

Team Options
======
Samurott lovappreciates having support from wallbreakers and Pokemon capable of providing Speed control., such as Tyrantrum, Emboar, Meloetta, and Flygon are all capable of providing powerful wallbreaking support and most can provid, most of which also have some defensive synergy for Samurott as well. Pokemon capable of providing paralysis support are also useful, such as Uxie, defensive Druddigon, and some Togetic variants are able to provide paralysis support reliably. Druddigon is the most notable thanks not only to its Grass and Electric resistances, but also its and tendency to lure in bulky Water-types, especially Alomomola, for Samurott to set up on. If paralysis support isn't your thing, you can turn to the likes of Leavanny and Kricketune for Sticky Web supportHowever, Sticky Web support can also be used in place of paralysis support, so Sticky Web users such as Leavanny and Kricketune also can make for good partners. Without Knock Off, Samurott appreciates teammates that can handle Jellicent, ands well as Qwilfish to a lesser extent. Pursuit support from Pokemonusers, such as Drapion, Spiritomb, and Houndoom, make for great partners, as they can remove Jellicent in fairly short orderwith ease. Most special attackers have little to fear from Qwilfish and can 2HKO it reliably due to its low special bulk, so they also are useful partners. If Samurott doesn't havecarry Megahorn, answers to Tangrowth and Alomomola are appreciated.; Fire- and Flying-types, such as Emboar, Delphox, and Braviary, generally force out Tangrowth., while Grass- and Electric-types, such as Jolteon, Virizion, and Tangrowth, generally handle Alomomola nicely. Rotom-C and Virizion are two notable faster Pokemon thanks to their resistance to Aqua Jet. If Samurott is using a Rindo Berry, it can potentially get past these two threats. However, a checkwell. Though Samurott can handle Grass-types with a Rindo Berry, a check to fast Grass-types such as Rotom-C and Virizion is still appreciated. Rotom-C is usually handled by Grass-types of your own, such as Tangrowth and Virizion. Opposing, whilst Virizion can generally be handled by Sigilyph, Choice Scarf Delphox, and Durant due to its weaknesses and decidedly average Defense stat. Finally, Samurott appreciates a check to Tyrantrum, as it's a powerful threat that can outspeed Samurott and tank a +2 Aqua Jet comfortably. Mega Steelix and Rhyperior are the most notable Tyrantrum checks due to their ability totherefore make for great partners, being able to reliably check Tyrantrum and switch into most Electric-types and set up Stealth Rock, which can help Samurott get a near-guaranteed OHKO on Jolteon with +2 Life Orb Aqua Jet.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet
ability: Torrent
item: Life Orb
nature: Modest / Rash
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
======
This set utilizes Samurott's access to Taunt, great coverage, and great base 108 Special Attack stat to become a powerful wallbreaker. While one may question the use of this Samurott over Clawitzer, the otter has a higher Speed tier, stronger Water-type STAB for neutral targets, and key access to Taunt and Aqua Jet for utility over Clawitzer. Hydro Pump is Samurott's best STAB move for this set. The move is so powerful that it will do 50.7% minimum to 252 HP / 4 SDef Uxie. Generally, it's very safe to throw out as most resistances and immunities risk coverage from this set. Ice Beam allows Samurott to crush the likes ofHydro Pump is used as a STAB move, as it is extremely powerful. Ice Beam allows Samurott to KO common checks to Samurott, such as Tangrowth, Druddigon, and Flygon without a second thought. F, easily; faster Grass- and Dragon-types, such as Virizion, Tyrantrum, and Rotom-C will need to be caught on the switch though, however. Grass Knot handles every common Water-type immunity without a sweat, OHKOing Seismitoad 100% of the time, OHKOing Gastrodon 87.5% of the time after Stealth Rock, and 2HKOing Jellicent regardless of the spread it uses. It's also nice to have a 100% accurate move on Rhyperior as a miss can cause heavy or fatal damage. Samurott's final moveslot gives it some extra utilityand Gastrodon, as well as 2HKOing Jellicent, while also providing a reliable move to handle Rhyperior with. Taunt is generally preferred as Samurott sits at an amazing Speed tier for a wallbreaker andfor the final slot, as it can shut down the likes of Bronzong and Registeel, neither of which Samurott can get past immediately. Aqua Jet is a littlnot get past easily, as well as being effectively used thanks to Samurott's great Speed stat as a wallbreaker. Aqua Jet is quite weak without investment, but it can allows Samurott to pick off a weakened threat that is trying to revenge kill it, thusrevenge killer, possibly forcing the opponent to take a heavy hit to removeKO Samurott. While Knock Off, Megahorn, and Superpower seem like intriguing options to useeresting options, they are simply not worth it. T, as the primary targets of Knock Off and Megahorn are already 2HKOed by one of Samurott's moves whileand Registeel is better handled by Taunt anyway.

Set Details
======
As Samurott is a special attacking wallbreaker, Special Attack is maximized. Speed is also maximized as that is one of Samurott's biggest advantages over Clawitzer. With maximum Speed and a Modest nature, Samurott is still able
than Superpower.

Set Details
======
252 Special Attack EVs are used to make Samurott an effective special wallbreaker. 252 Speed EVs are also used, allowing Samurott
to outspeed Exploud, Scrafty, Clawitzer, and Adamant Emboar. These are threats Clawitzer can't outspeed without the use of a Timid with a Modest nature. Samurott should use a Rash nature if Aqua Jet is used and the 4 Defense EVs should be shifted to Attack. While it may be tempting to use a Timid or Naive to get the jump onnature to outspeed Tyrantrum, this is generally not worth it. Not only does it cause a major drop in power, but Samurott also works well with most of Tyrantrum's checks anyway, as it causes a major drop in power and is redundant with Samurott's teammates, which will be able to check Tyrantrum. Life Orb is used for the boost in power to Samurott's move and should be the only item even considereddamage output and is the best item for this set due to Samurott's reliance on its coverage moves and Hydro Pump's raw power to get around its checks.

Usage Tips
======
Samurott wants to be able to wail on walls whenever it has a chancshould heavily damage walls whenever possible, so actively seek out chances to bring it in against passive Pokemon it forces out., such as Rhyperior, Alomomola, and Jellicent are some key bulky Pokemon that Samurott easily takes out and doesn't fear much from. If you're in doubt, Hydro Pump is Samurott's safest move. E to use, as every common Pokemon immune to Water-type moves in RU is promptly beaten by Grass Knot, so Hydro Pump is generally a very safe move to throw out. Ice Beam gets the most mileage when Samurott can catch the likes of. Ice Beam can catch Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Virizion on the switch, as both can stomach a hit and retaliate. Catchwhich otherwise can survive a hit and KO Samurott. Hitting Rotom-C and Tangrowth on the switch isn't as necessary due to their lower special bulk, but it is still nice to spare Samurott from Life Orb recoiluseful to take less recoil damage from having to hit twice. Grass Knot should only really be used against Pokemon immune to Water-type moves, such as Jellicent and Seismitoad. It also has use against Rhyperior by, as well as against Rhyperior, being a 100% accurate move that still OHKOes it. When Samurott has Taunt, make sure you use itTaunt should be used to shut down defensive Pokemon Samurott can't immediately break through, such as Bronzong and Registeel. Without the ability to use Toxic and Thunder Wave, respectively, Samurott can either choose to push past them on its own or bring in a teammate with relatively no risk to possibly sweep. Aqua Jet shouldn't be used until Samurott enters Torrent range unless it's absolutely necessary to use to remove a threat. It', as it is somewhat weak without investment and so the Torrent boost can alleviate this issue. Speaking of Torrent, this ability makes Hydro Pump obscenely powerful. After dropping into Torrent range, Samurott does over 40% damage to the standard, which Torrent can alleviate. Torrent also makes Hydro Pump extremely powerful, 3HKOing Amoonguss, which is one of, if not the bulkiest, Water resistances in the tier. So more than ever, just use Hydro Pump whenever Samurott drops into Torrent range and outspeeds the opponent, so Hydro Pump can be spammed with greater ease.

Team Options
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Samurott is an ideal wallbreaker ofcan easily KO Ground-, Water- and Grass-type Pokemon, so teammates that favorappreciate the removal of these types are ideal. Rock Polish and Choice Scarf variants of Tyrantrum can be extremely threatening if Samurott removes Mega Steelix, Rhyperior and Alomomola from play., while Choice Scarf Delphox enjoys having Rhyperior and Jellicent dealt with and; Samurott can even Taunt slower hazard users while Delphox checks Virizion with a Choice Scarf. Jolteon and Rotom-C are notable Electric-types that enjoy the removal of bulky Ground- and Grass-types and; they both can switch into Electric-type moves aimed at Samurott. Taunted defensive walls are primendered setup bait for powerful sweepers. For example, a Taunted Hex Jellicent can do nothing to prevent Calm Mind variants of Meloetta from setting up. Other setup sweepers to consider for taking advantage of such circumstances include Nasty Plot Houndoom, Fletchinder, and Virizion. Tyrantrum is a threatening wallbreaker that outspeeds Samurott, preferably you would want to have a check to itso a check for it is useful. Mega Steelix and Rhyperior are good options for a Tyrantrum check on bulkier teams while also providing Stealth Rock to weaken checks. While not mandatory, Speed control, and they can provide Stealth Rock to weaken foes. While not mandatory, paralysis support allows Samurott to perform better against offensive teams. Uxie, defensive Druddigon, and certain Togetic variants can provide paralysis support while Samurott can Taunt clerics, with the exception of Aromatisse, to prevent them from healing their team. Sticky Web support from Kricketune and Leavanny is also viable and Samurott can Taunt slower Defog users, such as Golbat, Togetic, and Pelipper, preventing the removal of Sticky Web.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
============
Samurott has a pretty neat movepool, but generally not the stats to effectively use it. Substitute is usable on the special set in conjunction with a Salac Berry to surprise offensive teams. However, Samurott would need to give up coverage and would absolutely need Toxic Spikes support to make it work reliably. Samurott can utilize Substitute + Dragon Tail in conjunction with Scald and Taunt for a more defensive set, but there are better defensive bulky Water-types in RU and Samurott lacks reliable recovery options. Surf can be used on the special attacker set, but the large power reduction from Hydro Pump is severe and generally never worth it. Aqua Tail is stronger, but less accurate than Waterfall. Shell Armor can prevent Samurott from being ruinKOed by an untimely critical hit, but Torrent generally has better niche use by, powering up Samurott's STAB moves. Choice Band and Choice Specs are options that Samurott can use. However, the Choice Band set suffers from a STAB move with a somewhat low BP STABase Power, while a Choice Specs set hurts Samurott, as it cannot utilize its coverage moves. Encore or Taunt can be used on the Swords Dance set, but Samurott doesn't really have the room to fit either move on the set. Finally, Hidden Power Fire can be used on the special set if getting past Assault Vest Escavalier is an absolute must for Samurott's team. H; however, it offers nothing useful outside of this.

Checks and Counters
============
Outside of a few Pokemon, outright countering Samurott is very difficult until you figure out the set its running. Checks and counters to the Swords Dance set tend to lose to the special set and vicae versa. However, both sets are perfectly manageable once they're revealed.


**Amoonguss**: The best universal counter to Samurott. It stopAmoonguss is the best counter to Samurott. It complete counters the Swords Dance set cold, can tank an Ice Beam from the special set, and retaliateretaliating with Spore or STAB Giga Drain.

**Virizion**: Virizion only fears Ice Beam from the special set and a possible boosted Megahorn from physical sets. It outspeeds and threatens heavy damage or a KO with its Grass-type STAB moves.

**Quagsire**: As with any physical setup sweeper lacking Grass-type moves, Quagsire stops Swords Dance Samurott cold thanks to Unaware, due to the latter's lack of a physical Grass-type move. It's completely useless against the special set though, however, being OHKOed by Grass Knot.

**Specially bulky Pokemon**: TheseSpecially bulky Pokemon are generally the safest initial switch-ins, as the Swords Dance set needs a turn to get goingset up. Mega Audino, Aromatisse, Bronzong, and Registeel are among the specially bulkiest Pokemon in RU. However, all of them barexcept Aromatisse can be shut down by Taunt and all of them are forced back out if Samurott reveals Swords Dance on the switch.

**Faster Pokemon**: Base 70 Speed is nothing to write home about, so anything faster capable of tanking an Aqua Jet can easily revenge kill Samurott.Due to Samurott's average base 70 Speed, faster foes that can survive an Aqua Jet, such as Rotom-C, Tyrantrum, Meloetta, and Durant are notable examples, can easily revenge kill Samurott. However, only the strongest of neutral physical attacks will OHKO Samurott with no prior damage as it hathanks to its respectable physical bulk.



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