LC Shellder

Lord Alphose

Lord Alphose

All these squares make a circle
is a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
QC Checks: Goddess Briyella/Ray Jay/macle
Final QC Check: Rowan
GP Checks: Electrolyte/CalmPokemaster

Taken over from Heysup and Ssin (RIP) with permission of Goddess Briyella.

Overview
########
Despite its below average stats and a common typing, Shellder has managed to carve itself a notable niche in the metagame. Thanks to Skill Link, several of its moves have essentially 125 Base Power as they always hit five times. Also, its access to the coveted Shell Smash gives Shellder the ability to significantly boost in its Attack and Speed, allowing it to threaten a good portion of the metagame. However, several glaring weaknesses inhibit Shellder. It relies too much on boosts, meaning that it either has to use a turn to set up or run a Choice Scarf and lock itself into a move, both of which can be a detriment to Shellder's sweep. Also, Shell Smash lowers Shellder's defenses, leaving it even more vulnerable to priority attacks. Its typing and horrible Special Defense stat also leave it vulnerable to most Electric-type Pokemon, like Magnemite and Chinchou.

Shell Smash Sweeper
########
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell / Icicle Spear
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Eviolite
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========
Shell Smash can be used to boost Shellder's offensive capabilities and bypass its would-be counters. Rock Blast benefits from Skill Link and deals with Flying and Fire-type threats, such as Archen and Wild Charge Ponyta, respectively, also landing a neutral hit on Water-type Pokemon so they don't wall it completely. Razor Shell has STAB and fantastic coverage. Icicle Spear can be used to utilize Skill Link, but using it instead of Razor Shell will make Steel-types more difficult to deal with. It does, however, give Shellder the ability to get through Grass-type Pokemon better. Ice Shard is necessary to hit Fletchling hard before it can hit Shellder with a priority Acrobatics and to hit Cottonee hard before it can inflict any damage or status. Also, with proper prediction, it causes Sucker Punch to fail.

Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs and an Adamant nature let Shellder hit as hard as possible. 196 Speed EVs are enough for Shellder to reach 26 Speed after Shell Smash, outspeeding the entire unboosted tier and most common Choice Scarf users. Skill Link is a must, as it causes Rock Blast and Icicle Spear to hit five times every time they're used, significantly increasing Shellder's damage output. Running a Jolly nature instead is an option to Speed tie with Choice Scarf Misdreavus, but it's generally a better option to run Adamant, as Shellder will have little trouble outspeeding everything else. Eviolite grants increased Defense and Special Defense before Shell Smash and nullifies the drops afterwards.

Usage Tips
========
Once Shellder's counters are weakened or removed, set up Shell Smash on a weaker opponent or a predicted switch. From there, it's only a matter of choosing the right move to dominate your enemy. Shellder can bypass Focus Sash users and some Sturdy users with its multiple-hit moves, making it an asset to teams that have trouble with Pokemon like Dwebble or Focus Sash Abra. Due to its outstanding physical defense, Shellder finds it easy to set up on many physical attackers such as Mienfoo, Drilbur, and Archen.

Team Options
========
If Shellder runs Icicle Spear instead of Razor Shell, Steel-types can be a problem. Magnemite and Diglett are good teamates for trapping and KOing these Pokemon. Knock Off support can aid Shellder in weakening bulky Fighting-types and other physical walls such as Spritzee. Hazard support is greatly appreciated to break Sturdy on the likes of Magnemite.

Revenge Killer
########
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Icicle Spear
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========
Icicle Spear and Rock Blast are both powerful moves that benefit from Skill Link and provide coverage against most of the metagame. Icicle Spear lets Shellder deal with Grass-type Pokemon that threaten it, while Rock Blast helps it beat Fire-types and land neutral hits against Water-types. Razor Shell is an important STAB move that can help Shellder get through Rock and Steel-types; Pokemon that would have completely walled it before. Ice Shard lets Shellder deal with Fletchling before it can seriously damage or KO Shellder. It also lets Shellder damage Cottonee before it becomes a serious threat.

Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs and a Jolly nature are required to hit 14 Speed and outspeed the rest of the metagame after the Choice Scarf boost. Some of the EVs can go into maximizing Attack, and the remaining EVs go into HP and Defense in order to increase bulk. Choice Scarf is a given, as it boosts Shellder's Speed and bolsters its sweeping potential.

Usage Tips
========
This Shellder should be used as a revenge killer, interrupting opposing momentum and shutting down opposing threats. Shellder can check offensive Pokemon and do so even with an opposing Substitute set up, making it an even more potent revenge killer. It can also operate as a fairly strong late-game cleaner, taking advantage of the fact that most of the opponent's Pokemon are weakened.

Team Options
========
Shellder fits in well with Pokemon that can take hits after revenge killing something else. Chinchou and Magnemite can easily survive Electric-type attacks. As a bonus, Magnemite can also take Grass-type attacks, making it an excellent partner. Fighting-types tend to be bulky enough to take Icicle Spear multiple times and can thus wall Shellder. As such, a Fighting-type counter such as Trubbish can be used to switch into them and bring them down.

Other Options
########
Shellder has access to Rapid Spin, but is greatly outclassed in the role by several other users. It can also run Substitute on the Shell Smash set to help it avoid the revenge kill, but suffers from the loss of a moveslot.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types have the bulk to survive a Icicle Spear or Rock Blast. They can then heal their HP back up with Drain Punch while dealing significant damage to Shellder in the process.

**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Magnemite and Chinchou resist Icicle Spear andthe former also resists Rock Blast. They can then OHKO back with a STAB Thunderbolt or Volt Switch.

**Steel-types**: Unless Shellder has Razor Shell, most Steel-type Pokemon will resist every one of its moves. Additionally, most Steel-types have high Defense, allowing them to wall Shellder even more effectively.

**Status moves**: Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave inhibit Shellder's sweeping ability by lowering its Attack and Speed, respectively. They can be used during Shellder's obligatory setup turn.

Overview
########

  • Average stats.
  • Selling point is Skill Link, giving it 125 Base Power multi-hit coverage moves.
  • Shell Smash.
SET NAME
########
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell / Icicle Spear
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Eviolite
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

  • Shell Smash can be used to monstrously boost Shellder's offensive capabilities and bypass its would-be counters.
  • Rock Blast / Razor Shell are the main attacking moves with the best coverage, however they do have shaky accuracy. Icicle Spear can be used but that means Steel-types are hard to bypass.
  • Ice Shard is necessary to hit Fletchling and Murkrow before they hit Shellder with priority. It also causes Sucker Punch to fail.
Set Details
========

  • Max Attack EVs and Adamant to hit as hard as possible.
  • Enough speed to reach 26 after Shell Smash, outspeeding most common scarfers.
  • Jolly is an option, to speed tie with Scarfed Murkrow and Misdreavus, but generally it prefers the power.
  • Eviolite to grant +1 defenses pre-boost and to nullify the defenses drop.
Usage Tips
========

  • Once counters are weakened, set up Shell Smash on a weaker opponent or on a switch. And proceed to sweep.
  • Shellder can bypass Focus Sashers and some Sturdy users with Rock Blast.
  • Due to its Physical defense, Shellder finds it easy to set up on many Physical attackers such as Mienfoo, Drilbur, Ponyta and Subtitute Murkrow.
Team Options
========

  • If you're not running Razor Shell, Magnemite and Diglett can be useful for trapping Steel-types.
  • Knock Off support can aid Shellder in weakening bulky Fighting-types and other physical walls such as Spritzee.
  • Hazard support is greatly appreciated to remove Sturdy from the likes of Magnemite.
SET NAME
########
name: Scarfed Revenge Killer
move 1: Icicle Spear
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

  • Icicle Spear and Rock Blast are powerful multi-hit revenge killing moves.
  • Ice Shard lets Shellder deal with Fletchling and Murkrow before they use their priority moves.
Set Details
========

  • Max Speed and Jolly are required to hit 14 speed and outpace the metagame after a Choice Scarf boost.
  • Rest of EVs go into Attack, and leftover EVs go into HP and Defense for bulk.
Usage Tips
========

  • Should be used as a revenge killer and check for offensive-based Pokemon even with a Substitute up.
  • Can be a fairly strong late-game cleaner of the opponent's Pokemon are weakened.
Team Options
========
  • Fits well with something that can take hits after it successfully revenge kills something. Chinchou can take the Electric-type attacks, Magnemite can as well and also take Grass-type attacks.
  • Fighting-types are bulky enough to take Icicle Spears, so a Fighting-type counter such as Trubbish can be used.
Other Options
########

  • Rapid Spin can be used as a filler move on a defensive set.
  • Surf can be used over Razor Shell for better accuracy.
Checks & Counters
########

*Fighting-types*: Bulky and can heal their HP back up with Drain Punch.
**Magnemite**: Avoids KOes with Sturdy and resists Icicle Spear and Rock Blast. Can KO back with Thunderbolt or Volt Switch.
 
Last edited:
Also, Shell Smash lowers Shellder's defenses, leaving it even more vulnerable to attack. change to: more vulnerable to priority attacks.
definitely mention neutral hit on water-types with rock blast.
you play down icicle spear's usefulness as well, it allows you to beat grass types easier.

mention ice shard hitting cottonee, an advantage over other smashers. i dunno if it KOs or not, but it means cottnoee doesn't just stop its sweep straight.

the rest is fine, QC 4/3
 
ADD
REMOVE
Capitalization
(COMMENTS)

Overview
########
Despite its below average stats and a common typing, Shellder has managed to carve itself a notable niche in the metagame. Due to Shellder's access to Skill Link, several of its moves have virtually 125 Base Power as they always hit five times. Also, its access to the coveted Shell Smash gives Shellder the ability to significantly boost a significant boost in its Attack and Speed,(AC) allowing that allows it to threaten a good portion of the metagame. However, several glaring weaknesses inhibit Shellder. It relies too much on boosts, requiring that it either use a turn to set up or use a Choice Scarf and lock itself into a move, It either requires a turn to set up or must avoid being locked into the wrong move with Choice Scarf, both of which can be a detriment to Shellder's sweep. Also, Shell Smash lowers Shellder's defenses, leaving it even more vulnerable to priority attacks. Its typing and horrible Special Defense stat also leave it vulnerable to most Electric-type Pokemon, like Magnemite and Chinchou.

Shell Smash Sweeper
########
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell / Icicle Spear
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Eviolite
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========
Shell Smash can be used to boost Shellder's offensive capabilities and bypass its would-be counters. Rock Blast benefits from Skill Link and allows Shellder to deal with Flying-type and Fire-type threats, like such as Archen and Wild Charge Ponyta, respectively, as well as landing a neutral hit on Water-type Pokemon, so they don't wall it completely. Razor Shell is an important move with STAB and fantastic coverage. However,both of these moves have poor accuracy. (I disagree; Rock Blast has 90% accuracy, which is not poor, and Razor Shell has 95% accuracy, which is pretty much 100%.) Icicle Spear can be used to benefit off of Skill Link, but that means using it instead of Razor Shell will make Steel-types will be more difficult to deal with. It does, however, give Shellder the ability to get through Grass-type Pokemon better. Ice Shard is necessary to hit Fletchling hard before Fletchling can hit Shellder with a priority Acrobatics and to hit Cottonee hard before it can inflict any damage or status. If predicted right, it also causes Sucker Punch to fail.

Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs and an Adamant nature help Shellder to hit as hard as possible. 196 Speed EVs is are enough to reach 26 Speed after Shell Smash, outspeeding the entire unboosted tier and most common Choice Scarf users. Skill Link is a must, as it causes Rock Blast and Icicle Spear to hit five times every time it's they're used, significantly increasing Shellder's potential damage output. Running a Jolly nature instead is an option to Speed tie with Choice Scarf Misdreavus, but it's generally a better option to run the increased attack, as it will have little trouble outspeeding everything else. Eviolite grants increased Defense and Special Defense before Shell Smash and nullifies the drops is Defense and Special Defense afterwards.

Usage Tips
========
Once Shellder's counters are weakened or gone removed, set up Shell Smash on a weaker opponent or on an expected switch. From there, it's only a matter of how choosing the right move to dominateing your enemy. Shellder can bypass Focus Sash users and some Sturdy users with its multiple-hit moves, making it an asset to teams that have trouble with Pokemon like Dwebble or Focus Sash Abra or Dwebble. Due to its outstanding physical defense, Shellder finds it easy to set up on many Physical attackers such as Mienfoo, Drilbur, and or Archen.

Team Options
========
If you're running Shellder runs Icicle Spear instead of Razor Shell, Steel-types can be a problem for Shellder. Magnemite and Diglett can be useful for trapping and KOing these Pokemon. Knock Off support can aid Shellder in weakening bulky Fighting-types and other physical walls such as Spritzee. Hazard support is greatly appreciated to break remove Sturdy from the likes of Magnemite.

Scarfed Revenge Killer
########
name: Scarfed Revenge Killer
move 1: Icicle Spear
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========
Icicle Spear and Rock Blast are both powerful moves that benefit from Skill Link and help provide coverage to against most of the metagame. Icicle Spear helps Shellder deal with Grass-type Pokemon that threaten it, while Rock Blast helps it beat to deal with Fire-types and lands a neutral hits against onto Water-types. Razor Shell is an important move with STAB that can help Shellder get through Rock-types and Steel-types, Pokemon that would have completely walled it before. Ice Shard lets Shellder deal with Fletchling before it can seriously damage or KO Shellder. It also lets Shellder damage Cottonee before it can be a serious threat.

Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs and a Jolly nature are required to hit 14 Speed and outspeed the rest of the metagame after , including the Choice Scarf boost. Some of EVs can go into maximizing Attack and the remaining EVs go into HP and Defense in order to increase bulk. Choice Scarf is a given, as it allows gives Shellder a monstrous increase in Speed and bolsters its sweeping potential.

Usage Tips
========
This Shellder should be used as a revenge killer, interrupting opposing momentum and shutting down opposing threats. Shellder helps to check offensive Pokemon and can do so even with an opposing Substitute set up, making it an even more potent revenge killer. It can also operate as a fairly strong late-game cleaner, taking advantage of the fact that most of the opponent's Pokemon are weakened.

Team Options
========
Shellder fits in well with Pokemon that can take hits after revenge killing something else. Chinchou and Magnemite can easily survive Electric-type attacks. However As a bonus, Magnemite can also take Grass-type attacks. Fighting-types are bulky enough to take Icicle Spears multiple times, allowing them to wall Shellder. As such, a Fighting-type counter such as Trubbish can be used to switch into them and bring them down.

Other Options
########
Shellder has access to Rapid Spin, but is greatly outclassed in the role by several other users. Surf can be used instead of Razor Shell for increased accuracy while still benefiting from Shell Smash, but doesn't have the same damage output potential. (Surf is literally 5% more accurate; don't think that's worth mentioning) Shellder can run Substitute on the Shell Smash set, helping it avoid the revenge kill, but suffers from the loss of a moveslot.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types have the bulk to survive an Icicle Spear or Rock Blast. They can then heal their HP back up with Drain Punch while dealing significant damage to Shellder in the process.

**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Magnemite and Chinchou resist Icicle Spear and some also resist Rock Blast, Shellder's moves of choice. They can then OHKO back with a STAB Thunderbolt or Volt Switch.

**Steel-types**: Unless Shellder has Razor Shell, most Steel-type Pokemon will resist every one of Shellder's moves. Additionally, most Steel-types have high Defense, allowing them to wall Shellder even more effectively.

**Status moves**: Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave inhibit Shellder's sweeping ability by lowering its Attack or and Speed, respectively. Theyis can be used set up during Shellder's obligatory set-(noHyphen, noSpace)up turn.
Alphose_Elric
GP 1/2

OdNHSPR.gif
 
Last edited:
ACTIVELY IN PROGRESS (like I am sitting at my laptop AMing this right now)

Add
Remove
Comments

Overview
########
Despite its below average stats and a common typing, Shellder has managed to carve itself a notable niche in the metagame. Due to Shellder's access to Skill Link, several of its moves have
virtually essentially 125 Base Power as they always hit five times. Also, its access to the coveted Shell Smash gives Shellder the ability to significantly boost in its Attack and Speed, allowing it to threaten a good portion of the metagame. However, several glaring weaknesses inhibit Shellder. It relies too much on boosts, requiring that it either use a turn to set up or use a Choice Scarf and lock itself into a move, both of which can be a detriment to Shellder's sweep. Also, Shell Smash lowers Shellder's defenses, leaving it even more vulnerable to priority attacks. Its typing and horrible Special Defense stat also leave it vulnerable to most Electric-type Pokemon, like Magnemite and Chinchou.

Shell Smash Sweeper
########
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell / Icicle Spear
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Eviolite
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========
Shell Smash can be used to boost Shellder's offensive capabilities and bypass its would-be counters. Rock Blast benefits receives the boost from Skill Link and allows Shellder to deal with Flying-type and Fire-type threats, such as Archen and Wild Charge Ponyta, respectively, as well as landing a neutral hit on Water-type Pokemon, so they don't wall it completely. Razor Shell is an important move with has if you're slashing it with something else, it can't be that important STAB and fantastic coverage. Icicle Spear can be used to benefit off of utilize Skill Link, but using it instead of Razor Shell will make Steel-types more difficult to deal with. It does, however, give Shellder the ability to get through Grass-type Pokemon better. Ice Shard is necessary to hit Fletchling hard before Fletchling can hit Shellder with a priority Acrobatics,(add comma) and to hits Cottonee hard before it can inflict any damage or status. If predicted right Also, with the proper prediction, it also causes Sucker Punch to fail.

Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs and an Adamant nature help let Shellder hit as hard as possible. 196 Speed EVs are enough to reach 26 Speed after Shell Smash, outspeeding the entire unboosted tier and most common Choice Scarf users. Skill Link is a must, as it causes Rock Blast and Icicle Spear to hit five times every time their they're used, significantly increasing Shellder's potential damage output. Running a Jolly nature instead is an option to Speed tie with Choice Scarf Misdreavus, but it's generally a better option to run the increased attack, as it will have little trouble outspeeding everything else. Eviolite grants increased Defense and Special Defense before Shell Smash and nullifies the drops afterwards.

Usage Tips
========
Once Shellder's counters are weakened or removed, set up Shell Smash on a weaker opponent or on an expected predicted switch. From there, it's only a matter of choosing the right move to dominate your enemy. Shellder can bypass Focus Sash users and some Sturdy users with its multiple-hit moves, making it an asset to teams that have trouble with Pokemon like Dwebble or Focus Sash Abra. Due to its outstanding physical defense, Shellder finds it easy to set up on many Physical attackers such as Mienfoo, Drilbur, and Archen.

Team Options
========
If Shellder runs Icicle Spear instead of Razor Shell, Steel-types can be a problem. Magnemite and Diglett can be useful for trapping and KOing these Pokemon. Knock Off support can aid Shellder in weakening bulky Fighting-types and other physical walls such as Spritzee. Hazard support is greatly appreciated to break Sturdy from the likes of Magnemite.

Scarfed Revenge Killer
########
name: Scarfed Revenge Killer
move 1: Icicle Spear
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========
Icicle Spear and Rock Blast are both powerful moves that benefit from Skill Link and help provide coverage against most of the metagame. Icicle Spear helps lets Shellder deal with Grass-type Pokemon that threaten it, while Rock Blast helps it beat with Fire-types and land neutral hits against Water-types. Razor Shell is an important move with STAB that can help Shellder get through Rock-types and Steel-types,; Pokemon that would have completely walled it before. Ice Shard lets Shellder deal with Fletchling before it can seriously damage or KO Shellder. It also lets Shellder damage Cottonee before it can becomes a serious threat.

Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs and a Jolly nature are required to hit 14 Speed and outspeed the rest of the metagame after the Choice Scarf boost. Some of the EVs can go into maximizing Attack and the remaining EVs go into HP and Defense in order to increase bulk. Choice Scarf is a given, as it gives Shellder a monstrous increase in Speed and bolsters its sweeping potential.

Usage Tips
========
This Shellder should be used as a revenge killer, interrupting opposing momentum and shutting down opposing threats. Shellder helps can check offensive Pokemon,(add comma) and can do so even with an opposing Substitute set up,; making it an even more potent revenge killer. It can also operate as a fairly strong late-game cleaner, taking advantage of the fact that most of the opponent's Pokemon are weakened.

Team Options
========
Shellder fits in well with Pokemon that can take hits after revenge killing something else. Chinchou and Magnemite can easily survive Electric-type attacks. As a bonus, Magnemite can also take Grass-type attacks, making it an excellent partner. Fighting-types that are bulky enough to take Icicle Spear multiple times, allowing them to can wall Shellder. As such, a Fighting-type counter such as Trubbish can be used to switch into them and bring them down.

Other Options
########
Shellder has access to Rapid Spin, but is greatly outclassed in the role by several other users. Shellder can run Substitute on the Shell Smash set,(RC) to helping it avoid the revenge kill, but suffers from the loss of a moveslot.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types have the bulk to survive a Icicle Spear or Rock Blast. They can then heal their HP back up with Drain Punch while dealing significant damage to Shellder in the process.

**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Magnemite and Chinchou resist Icicle Spear and some the former resists Rock Blast, Shellder's moves of choice. They can then OHKO back with a STAB Thunderbolt or Volt Switch.

**Steel-types**: Unless Shellder has Razor Shell, most Steel-type Pokemon will resist every one of Shellder's moves. Additionally, most Steel-types have high Defense, allowing them to wall Shellder even more effectively.

**Status moves**: Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave inhibit Shellder's sweeping ability by lowering its Attack and Speed,(RC) respectively. They can be used during Shellder's obligatory setup turn.
Nice job! You use the word and forms of "help" a lot so I changed some, though feel free to ignore those changes.

Remember, this does not count towards your GP status

EDIT: for some reason it keeps splitting my check into two parts, so please ignore that.
 
Last edited:
I went through and did most of those, except a couple that I wasn't sure about and am waiting for a legit check on.
 
Alphose_Elric

Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments

Overview
########
Despite its below average stats and a common typing, Shellder has managed to carve itself a notable niche in the metagame. Due to Shellder's access to Thanks to Skill Link, several of its moves have essentially 125 Base Power as they always hit five times. Also, its access to the coveted Shell Smash gives Shellder the ability to significantly boost in its Attack and Speed, allowing it to threaten a good portion of the metagame. However, several glaring weaknesses inhibit Shellder. It relies too much on boosts, requiring that meaning it either has to use a turn to set up or use run a Choice Scarf and lock itself into a move, both of which can be a detriment to Shellder's sweep. Also, Shell Smash lowers Shellder's defenses, leaving it even more vulnerable to priority attacks. Its typing and horrible Special Defense stat also leave it vulnerable to most Electric-type Pokemon, like Magnemite and Chinchou.

Shell Smash Sweeper
########
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell / Icicle Spear
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Eviolite
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========
Shell Smash can be used to boost Shellder's offensive capabilities and bypass its would-be counters. Rock Blast benefits from Skill Link and allows Shellder to deals with Flying-type and Fire-type threats, such as Archen and Wild Charge Ponyta, respectively, as well as also landing a neutral hit on Water-type Pokemon, (remove comma) so they don't wall it completely. Razor Shell has STAB and fantastic coverage. Icicle Spear can be used to utilize Skill Link, but using it instead of Razor Shell will make Steel-types more difficult to deal with. It does, however, give Shellder the ability to get through Grass-type Pokemon better. Ice Shard is necessary to hit Fletchling hard before Fletchling it can hit Shellder with a priority Acrobatics and to hit Cottonee hard before it can inflict any damage or status. Also, with proper prediction, it causes Sucker Punch to fail.

Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs and an Adamant nature let Shellder hit as hard as possible. 196 Speed EVs are enough for Shellder to reach 26 Speed after Shell Smash, outspeeding the entire unboosted tier and most common Choice Scarf users. Skill Link is a must, as it causes Rock Blast and Icicle Spear to hit five times every time they're (no curly apostrophes) used, significantly increasing Shellder's potential damage output. Running a Jolly nature instead is an option to Speed tie with Choice Scarf Misdreavus, but it's generally a better option to run the increased attack Adamant, as it Shellder will have little trouble outspeeding everything else. Eviolite grants increased Defense and Special Defense before Shell Smash and nullifies the drops afterwards.

Usage Tips
========
Once Shellder's counters are weakened or removed, set up Shell Smash on a weaker opponent or on a predicted switch. From there, it's only a matter of choosing the right move to dominate your enemy. Shellder can bypass Focus Sash users and some Sturdy users with its multiple-hit moves, making it an asset to teams that have trouble with Pokemon like Dwebble or Focus Sash Abra. Due to its outstanding physical defense, Shellder finds it easy to set up on many physical attackers such as Mienfoo, Drilbur, and Archen.

Team Options
========
If Shellder runs Icicle Spear instead of Razor Shell, Steel-types can be a problem. Magnemite and Diglett can be good teammates for trapping and KOing these Pokemon. Knock Off support can aid Shellder in weakening bulky Fighting-types and other physical walls such as Spritzee. Hazard support is greatly appreciated to break Sturdy from on the likes of Magnemite.

Scarfed Revenge Killer
########
name: Scarfed Revenge Killer
move 1: Icicle Spear
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Razor Shell
move 4: Ice Shard
ability: Skill Link
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========
Icicle Spear and Rock Blast are both powerful moves that benefit from Skill Link and provide coverage against most of the metagame. Icicle Spear lets Shellder deal with Grass-type Pokemon that threaten it, while Rock Blast helps it beat with Fire-types and land neutral hits against Water-types. Razor Shell is an important STAB move with STAB that can help Shellder get through Rock-types and Steel-types; Pokemon that would have completely walled it before. Ice Shard lets Shellder deal with Fletchling before it can seriously damage or KO Shellder. It also lets Shellder damage Cottonee before it becomes a serious threat.

Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs and a Jolly nature are required to hit 14 Speed and outspeed the rest of the metagame after the Choice Scarf boost. Some of the EVs can go into maximizing Attack, (add comma) and the remaining EVs go into HP and Defense in order to increase bulk. Choice Scarf is a given, as it gives boosts Shellder's a monstrous increase in Speed and bolsters its sweeping potential.

Usage Tips
========
This Shellder should be used as a revenge killer, interrupting opposing momentum and shutting down opposing threats. Shellder can check offensive Pokemon and can do so even with an opposing Substitute set up, making it an even more potent revenge killer. It can also operate as a fairly strong late-game cleaner, taking advantage of the fact that most of the opponent's Pokemon are weakened.

Team Options
========
Shellder fits in well with Pokemon that can take hits after revenge killing something else. Chinchou and Magnemite can easily survive Electric-type attacks. As a bonus, Magnemite can also take Grass-type attacks, making it an excellent partner. Fighting-types tend to be bulky enough to take Icicle Spear multiple times and can thus wall Shellder. As such, a Fighting-type counter such as Trubbish can be used to switch into them and bring them down.

Other Options
########
Shellder has access to Rapid Spin, but is greatly outclassed in the role by several other users. Shellder It can also run Substitute on the Shell Smash set to help it avoid the revenge kill, but suffers from the loss of a moveslot.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types have the bulk to survive a Icicle Spear or Rock Blast. They can then heal their HP back up with Drain Punch while dealing significant damage to Shellder in the process.

**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Magnemite and Chinchou resist Icicle Spear, (add comma) and the former also resists Rock Blast, Shellder's moves of choice. They can then OHKO back with a STAB Thunderbolt or Volt Switch.

**Steel-types**: Unless Shellder has Razor Shell, most Steel-type Pokemon will resist every one of Shellder's its moves. Additionally, most Steel-types have high Defense, allowing them to wall Shellder even more effectively.

**Status moves**: Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave inhibit Shellder's sweeping ability by lowering its Attack and Speed, respectively. They can be used during Shellder's obligatory setup turn.

contrib_gp.png


GP 2 / 2
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top