[OVERVIEW]
Spinarak is blessed with access to the move Sticky Web, which means it can greatly support its teammates, especially offensive ones, by allowing them to outspeed foes they usually wouldn't. However, it is generally outclassed by Surskit, which is a much faster Sticky Web setter. Despite this, Spinarak has several niches that differentiate it from Surskit and allow it to perform effectively in its own right. For instance, it has a better defensive typing and superior bulk, which allows it to check and set up entry hazards against Snivy, a large threat to Sticky Web teams, along with common Fighting- and Fairy-types like Timburr and Spritzee. Insomnia means that Spinarak can switch in and set up hazards versus Foongus with ease. Spinarak has a passable Attack stat and can learn Megahorn, a powerful STAB move, and Leech Life, which provides recovery, and it can also use Toxic Spikes, furthering its supportive role by letting it wear down its foes so that its teammates can KO them more easily. Unfortunately, Spinarak also has significant downsides; its poor bulk combined with its low Speed stat means that it struggles to fulfill its role as a Sticky Web setter effectively. While its typing allows it to check some common Pokemon, it makes it weak to Stealth Rock and Flying-types, some of which can also remove its entry hazards using Defog. Spinarak also has extremely limited versatility, as its utility stems almost purely from its access to Sticky Web, making it very predictable. Sticky Web can be easily removed by Pokemon such as Staryu, Drilbur, Vullaby, and Archen using Rapid Spin or Defog, limiting Spinarak's contribution to the battle; Vullaby and Archen are the most notable because of their super effective STAB moves that they can use against Spinarak. Sticky Web is further flawed in that Pawniard and Snivy, two very common threats, can switch in and benefit from it via Defiant and Contrary, respectively.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Leech Life / Megahorn
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Toxic Spikes / Sucker Punch / Thief
item: Eviolite
ability: Insomnia
nature: Impish
evs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Sticky Web is Spinarak's most important move; it enables Spinarak to support its team by lowering the Speed stats of opposing grounded Pokemon, which is incredibly useful. Leech Life is a STAB move that has the added benefit of providing recovery, which works nicely alongside the extra bulk Spinarak receives from Eviolite. Megahorn is an alternative STAB move that lacks recovery but has much more power, letting Spinarak 2HKO Slowpoke and Life Orb Staryu. Poison Jab is Spinarak's secondary STAB attack and allows it to hit Fairy-types super effectively and Fighting-types neutrally. Toxic Spikes wears down the opposing team by poisoning Pokemon that switch in, allowing Spinarak's teammates, most notably powerful Pokemon that take advantage of Sticky Web, to KO them more easily. Sucker Punch can be used because it's a priority move that compensates for Spinarak's low Speed, and it can let Spinarak get an extra hit on the foe before it is KOed and can be used to stop a sweep in an emergency. It threatens Pokemon that would otherwise be able to revenge kill Spinarak without trouble, like Abra and Gastly. Spinarak will frequently be switching in on Knock Off users like Mienfoo and Timburr, so Thief is useful because it allows Spinarak to steal an item from its foe once its Eviolite has been removed, which can allow Spinarak's teammates to KO that foe more easily later in the game.
Set Details
========
The EV spread, nature, and Eviolite maximize Spinarak's bulk so that it can check Fairy- and Fighting-types with ease and survive hits such as a Brave Bird from offensive Vullaby and a Psychic from Life Orb Staryu. Insomnia is the best of Spinarak's ability options because it allows Spinarak to switch in on Morelull and Foongus without any trouble.
Usage Tips
========
Spinarak should switch in on Pokemon that cannot deal much damage to it, such as Fairy-types like Spritzee and Snubbull, Fighting-types like Timburr and Croagunk, and Pokemon that have poor offensive capabilities such as Foongus and Mareanie, for a safe opportunity to set up Sticky Web or Toxic Spikes. It is a good idea to set up Sticky Web as soon as possible, so leading with Spinarak is often ideal. However, you should not lead with Spinarak when the opponent has a threatening hazard setter like Onix or Dwebble that they will likely lead with. In almost all situations, Sticky Web should be set up before Toxic Spikes because it supports the team more. It is rarely worthwhile to set up two layers of Toxic Spikes because in an offensive metagame, the immediate poison damage from a single layer is more useful than the gradually increasing damage from Toxic poison. Beware of Rapid Spin and Defog users, because they can remove Spinarak's entry hazards. If your team lacks a spinblocker or Defiant user, you should usually wait until the opponent's entry hazard remover is KOed before setting up Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes, and you should attempt to keep Spinarak healthy throughout the game so that it can set up Sticky Web multiple times if necessary. You should only allow Spinarak to be KOed once Sticky Web is set up and the opponent has no entry hazard removers left, and you should also be careful when using Sticky Web if the opponent has a Pawniard, which can switch in and gain an instant Attack boost from Defiant. Likewise, Snivy receives a Speed boost from Contrary, although as long as Spinarak isn't weakened, it can deal with Snivy well. Sucker Punch can be used in desperate situations to attempt to stop a very weakened faster sweeper, or for Spinarak to attack the foe just before it is KOed.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Bunnelby, Archen, Mienfoo, Snivy, and Cranidos are fantastic teammates because they can outspeed all unboosted grounded Pokemon in the metagame if Sticky Web is on the field. When they are no longer limited by their Speed, they can be very powerful. Spinblockers like Frillish and Pumpkaboo-XL greatly support Spinarak and its team, as they keep Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes on the field for as long as possible. Pawniard is similarly a very effective partner because of Defiant, which discourages the foe from using Defog. It can use a Choice Scarf to trap Abra, a big threat to Spinarak, with Pursuit. Other Pokemon that can take out Psychic-types like Alolan Grimer and Munchlax are great teammates too. Pokemon that deal with Flying-types like Magnemite, Chinchou, and Onix are good teammate options because Flying-types can hit Spinarak super effectively, are immune to Sticky Web, and often have access to Defog. Pokemon that check Fire-types like Staryu and Slowpoke work well alongside Spinarak because of its weakness to Fire. Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr benefit from Spinarak's ability to check Fairy-types. Additionally, they deal with Rock-types and Pawniard, which receives an Attack boost from Sticky Web, for Spinarak. Other Pokemon that take out Pawniard include Diglett and Ponyta, and more Pokemon that take out Rock-types for Spinarak include Mudbray and the aforementioned Staryu. Staryu can also use Rapid Spin to remove Stealth Rock, increasing Spinarak's longevity; Drilbur is another example of a great Rapid Spin user. Snivy is a large threat to Sticky Web teams because it gets a Speed boost from Sticky Web, and while Spinarak checks Snivy itself already, it may not be reliable enough, and some Snivy sets use Hidden Power Fire. This means that Pokemon like Alolan Grimer and Ponyta make good teammates because they counter Hidden Power Fire Snivy.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Focus Sash, an EV spread of 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe, and an Adamant nature can be utilized to set up Sticky Web more reliably at the start of the battle, but this set does not make full use of Spinarak's defensive capabilities. It is especially outclassed by Surskit as a Sticky Web lead and also struggles to set up Sticky Web multiple times during the match. Additionally, Spinarak's Eviolite set can already survive most attacks anyway. Swarm means that Megahorn and Leech Life will deal more damage at times and is a nice option for the Focus Sash set, but without a Focus Sash, Swarm is very situational and not worthwhile. Shadow Sneak can be used instead of Sucker Punch because it is a more reliable priority move that doesn't require the foe to use an attacking move, but it has much less power, so it is usually not as useful. Pin Missile is a multi-hit STAB move that can be used because it sometimes deals more damage than Megahorn and can activate Vullaby's Weak Armor multiple times, crippling its Defense stat. Unfortunately, it is very inconsistent and doesn't provide recovery like Leech Life, so in most cases Leech Life and Megahorn are better choices. A specially offensive set could be used with Psychic so that Spinarak is able to check Fighting-types more effectively. If 196 EVs are invested into Special Attack, it is able to 2HKO most Mienfoo and 3HKO bulky Timburr, although this is generally not a good set because it has less bulk, so it cannot survive as many attacks and also takes up an extra moveslot. Spinarak could use Baton Pass to gain momentum and pivot, but once again, it uses a valuable moveslot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Flying-types like Vullaby and Archen are immune to Sticky Web and can hit Spinarak super effectively with their powerful STAB moves, and some can also use Defog to remove Spinarak's entry hazards. Natu, although uncommon, is particularly notable because of its ability Magic Bounce; it can bounce back Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes onto Spinarak's side of the field.
**Fire-type Pokemon**: Fire-type Pokemon like Ponyta and Larvesta can OHKO Spinarak with their STAB attacks. Ponyta is also fast enough to outspeed Spinarak after the Speed drop from Sticky Web.
**Rock-type Pokemon**: Rock-types such as Onix and Dwebble can deal super effective damage to Spinarak. They can even break through the Focus Sash set with Rock Blast, and Onix can use Taunt to prevent Spinarak from using Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes.
**Steel-type Pokemon**: Pokemon like Ferroseed and Magnemite can easily take both of Spinarak's STAB attacks thanks to their Steel typing.
**Pawniard**: Pawniard can switch in and gain a +2 Attack boost from Sticky Web via Defiant. This means it can quickly become a large problem, and Pawniard is not greatly affected by the Speed drop because it can use Sucker Punch. It also resists or is immune to Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, and Thief and takes little damage from Leech Life.
**Abra**: Abra can revenge kill Spinarak by OHKOing it with Psychic and is fast enough to outspeed Spinarak even after a Speed drop, but it should be wary of Sucker Punch.
**Taunt Users**: Pokemon with Taunt like Mienfoo and Onix can temporarily prevent Spinarak from being able to use Sticky Web, its most important move, along with Toxic Spikes.
Spinarak is blessed with access to the move Sticky Web, which means it can greatly support its teammates, especially offensive ones, by allowing them to outspeed foes they usually wouldn't. However, it is generally outclassed by Surskit, which is a much faster Sticky Web setter. Despite this, Spinarak has several niches that differentiate it from Surskit and allow it to perform effectively in its own right. For instance, it has a better defensive typing and superior bulk, which allows it to check and set up entry hazards against Snivy, a large threat to Sticky Web teams, along with common Fighting- and Fairy-types like Timburr and Spritzee. Insomnia means that Spinarak can switch in and set up hazards versus Foongus with ease. Spinarak has a passable Attack stat and can learn Megahorn, a powerful STAB move, and Leech Life, which provides recovery, and it can also use Toxic Spikes, furthering its supportive role by letting it wear down its foes so that its teammates can KO them more easily. Unfortunately, Spinarak also has significant downsides; its poor bulk combined with its low Speed stat means that it struggles to fulfill its role as a Sticky Web setter effectively. While its typing allows it to check some common Pokemon, it makes it weak to Stealth Rock and Flying-types, some of which can also remove its entry hazards using Defog. Spinarak also has extremely limited versatility, as its utility stems almost purely from its access to Sticky Web, making it very predictable. Sticky Web can be easily removed by Pokemon such as Staryu, Drilbur, Vullaby, and Archen using Rapid Spin or Defog, limiting Spinarak's contribution to the battle; Vullaby and Archen are the most notable because of their super effective STAB moves that they can use against Spinarak. Sticky Web is further flawed in that Pawniard and Snivy, two very common threats, can switch in and benefit from it via Defiant and Contrary, respectively.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Leech Life / Megahorn
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Toxic Spikes / Sucker Punch / Thief
item: Eviolite
ability: Insomnia
nature: Impish
evs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Sticky Web is Spinarak's most important move; it enables Spinarak to support its team by lowering the Speed stats of opposing grounded Pokemon, which is incredibly useful. Leech Life is a STAB move that has the added benefit of providing recovery, which works nicely alongside the extra bulk Spinarak receives from Eviolite. Megahorn is an alternative STAB move that lacks recovery but has much more power, letting Spinarak 2HKO Slowpoke and Life Orb Staryu. Poison Jab is Spinarak's secondary STAB attack and allows it to hit Fairy-types super effectively and Fighting-types neutrally. Toxic Spikes wears down the opposing team by poisoning Pokemon that switch in, allowing Spinarak's teammates, most notably powerful Pokemon that take advantage of Sticky Web, to KO them more easily. Sucker Punch can be used because it's a priority move that compensates for Spinarak's low Speed, and it can let Spinarak get an extra hit on the foe before it is KOed and can be used to stop a sweep in an emergency. It threatens Pokemon that would otherwise be able to revenge kill Spinarak without trouble, like Abra and Gastly. Spinarak will frequently be switching in on Knock Off users like Mienfoo and Timburr, so Thief is useful because it allows Spinarak to steal an item from its foe once its Eviolite has been removed, which can allow Spinarak's teammates to KO that foe more easily later in the game.
Set Details
========
The EV spread, nature, and Eviolite maximize Spinarak's bulk so that it can check Fairy- and Fighting-types with ease and survive hits such as a Brave Bird from offensive Vullaby and a Psychic from Life Orb Staryu. Insomnia is the best of Spinarak's ability options because it allows Spinarak to switch in on Morelull and Foongus without any trouble.
Usage Tips
========
Spinarak should switch in on Pokemon that cannot deal much damage to it, such as Fairy-types like Spritzee and Snubbull, Fighting-types like Timburr and Croagunk, and Pokemon that have poor offensive capabilities such as Foongus and Mareanie, for a safe opportunity to set up Sticky Web or Toxic Spikes. It is a good idea to set up Sticky Web as soon as possible, so leading with Spinarak is often ideal. However, you should not lead with Spinarak when the opponent has a threatening hazard setter like Onix or Dwebble that they will likely lead with. In almost all situations, Sticky Web should be set up before Toxic Spikes because it supports the team more. It is rarely worthwhile to set up two layers of Toxic Spikes because in an offensive metagame, the immediate poison damage from a single layer is more useful than the gradually increasing damage from Toxic poison. Beware of Rapid Spin and Defog users, because they can remove Spinarak's entry hazards. If your team lacks a spinblocker or Defiant user, you should usually wait until the opponent's entry hazard remover is KOed before setting up Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes, and you should attempt to keep Spinarak healthy throughout the game so that it can set up Sticky Web multiple times if necessary. You should only allow Spinarak to be KOed once Sticky Web is set up and the opponent has no entry hazard removers left, and you should also be careful when using Sticky Web if the opponent has a Pawniard, which can switch in and gain an instant Attack boost from Defiant. Likewise, Snivy receives a Speed boost from Contrary, although as long as Spinarak isn't weakened, it can deal with Snivy well. Sucker Punch can be used in desperate situations to attempt to stop a very weakened faster sweeper, or for Spinarak to attack the foe just before it is KOed.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Bunnelby, Archen, Mienfoo, Snivy, and Cranidos are fantastic teammates because they can outspeed all unboosted grounded Pokemon in the metagame if Sticky Web is on the field. When they are no longer limited by their Speed, they can be very powerful. Spinblockers like Frillish and Pumpkaboo-XL greatly support Spinarak and its team, as they keep Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes on the field for as long as possible. Pawniard is similarly a very effective partner because of Defiant, which discourages the foe from using Defog. It can use a Choice Scarf to trap Abra, a big threat to Spinarak, with Pursuit. Other Pokemon that can take out Psychic-types like Alolan Grimer and Munchlax are great teammates too. Pokemon that deal with Flying-types like Magnemite, Chinchou, and Onix are good teammate options because Flying-types can hit Spinarak super effectively, are immune to Sticky Web, and often have access to Defog. Pokemon that check Fire-types like Staryu and Slowpoke work well alongside Spinarak because of its weakness to Fire. Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr benefit from Spinarak's ability to check Fairy-types. Additionally, they deal with Rock-types and Pawniard, which receives an Attack boost from Sticky Web, for Spinarak. Other Pokemon that take out Pawniard include Diglett and Ponyta, and more Pokemon that take out Rock-types for Spinarak include Mudbray and the aforementioned Staryu. Staryu can also use Rapid Spin to remove Stealth Rock, increasing Spinarak's longevity; Drilbur is another example of a great Rapid Spin user. Snivy is a large threat to Sticky Web teams because it gets a Speed boost from Sticky Web, and while Spinarak checks Snivy itself already, it may not be reliable enough, and some Snivy sets use Hidden Power Fire. This means that Pokemon like Alolan Grimer and Ponyta make good teammates because they counter Hidden Power Fire Snivy.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Focus Sash, an EV spread of 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe, and an Adamant nature can be utilized to set up Sticky Web more reliably at the start of the battle, but this set does not make full use of Spinarak's defensive capabilities. It is especially outclassed by Surskit as a Sticky Web lead and also struggles to set up Sticky Web multiple times during the match. Additionally, Spinarak's Eviolite set can already survive most attacks anyway. Swarm means that Megahorn and Leech Life will deal more damage at times and is a nice option for the Focus Sash set, but without a Focus Sash, Swarm is very situational and not worthwhile. Shadow Sneak can be used instead of Sucker Punch because it is a more reliable priority move that doesn't require the foe to use an attacking move, but it has much less power, so it is usually not as useful. Pin Missile is a multi-hit STAB move that can be used because it sometimes deals more damage than Megahorn and can activate Vullaby's Weak Armor multiple times, crippling its Defense stat. Unfortunately, it is very inconsistent and doesn't provide recovery like Leech Life, so in most cases Leech Life and Megahorn are better choices. A specially offensive set could be used with Psychic so that Spinarak is able to check Fighting-types more effectively. If 196 EVs are invested into Special Attack, it is able to 2HKO most Mienfoo and 3HKO bulky Timburr, although this is generally not a good set because it has less bulk, so it cannot survive as many attacks and also takes up an extra moveslot. Spinarak could use Baton Pass to gain momentum and pivot, but once again, it uses a valuable moveslot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Flying-types like Vullaby and Archen are immune to Sticky Web and can hit Spinarak super effectively with their powerful STAB moves, and some can also use Defog to remove Spinarak's entry hazards. Natu, although uncommon, is particularly notable because of its ability Magic Bounce; it can bounce back Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes onto Spinarak's side of the field.
**Fire-type Pokemon**: Fire-type Pokemon like Ponyta and Larvesta can OHKO Spinarak with their STAB attacks. Ponyta is also fast enough to outspeed Spinarak after the Speed drop from Sticky Web.
**Rock-type Pokemon**: Rock-types such as Onix and Dwebble can deal super effective damage to Spinarak. They can even break through the Focus Sash set with Rock Blast, and Onix can use Taunt to prevent Spinarak from using Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes.
**Steel-type Pokemon**: Pokemon like Ferroseed and Magnemite can easily take both of Spinarak's STAB attacks thanks to their Steel typing.
**Pawniard**: Pawniard can switch in and gain a +2 Attack boost from Sticky Web via Defiant. This means it can quickly become a large problem, and Pawniard is not greatly affected by the Speed drop because it can use Sucker Punch. It also resists or is immune to Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, and Thief and takes little damage from Leech Life.
**Abra**: Abra can revenge kill Spinarak by OHKOing it with Psychic and is fast enough to outspeed Spinarak even after a Speed drop, but it should be wary of Sucker Punch.
**Taunt Users**: Pokemon with Taunt like Mienfoo and Onix can temporarily prevent Spinarak from being able to use Sticky Web, its most important move, along with Toxic Spikes.
Last edited:
