QC: 3/3
GP: 2/2
Tentacruel's niches in the Ubers metagame include providing entry hazard control with Rapid Spin and access to Toxic Spikes, which is especially good against offensive teams. Tentacruel counters leads such as Deoxys-S, Scolipede, and Greninja, as well as Klefki, Water Arceus, Lugia, Skarmory, and Aegislash. It also checks Dialga, Ferrothorn, and Mega Gengar. A very important advantage Tentacruel also has is its ability to beat common Magic Bounce users with Scald, which is super effective against Mega Diancie and can cripple Mega Sableye with a burn.
However, Tentacruel is setup bait for dangerous Pokemon such as Mega Salamence and Primal Groudon. Additionally, Tentacruel's mediocre offenses make it easy for Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Mewtwo, and Ho-Oh to switch in and retaliate with powerful attacks. Finally, Tentacruel faces fierce competition from Water Arceus and Primal Kyogre, which are both bulkier and stronger offensively but lack Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin.
[SET]
name: Spin Spikes
move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Black Sludge
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is used for STAB and a very useful burn chance. Toxic Spikes punishes many teams, especially offensive teams lacking entry hazard removal. Rapid Spin is useful for removing hazards, especially against opposing leads. Toxic cripples common switch-ins to Tentacruel, such as Latias, Latios, Ho-Oh, and Primal Groudon. Knock Off is an option for hitting Latias, Latios, and Ho-Oh, although it gives Primal Groudon a free switch in.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm nature minimizes the damage that Tentacruel takes from special attacks, particularly from Dialga's Draco Meteor so that Tentacruel is able to Rapid Spin away its Stealth Rock. Black Sludge offers passive recovery and punishes opposing Pokemon using Trick. Liquid Ooze punishes Ferrothorn and Shaymin-S if they use Leech Seed.
Usage Tips
========
If the opponent has Deoxys-S, Scolipede, or Greninja, lead with Tentacruel or switch it into them to remove their entry hazards by using Rapid Spin. Tentacruel can attempt to set up Toxic Spikes against those leads too. If you expect Latias to switch in, use Knock Off or Toxic, as Latias can pressure Tentacruel out and use Defog against it, so you need to cripple it early on. The same thing goes for Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon if Tentacruel has Toxic, because they can come in and KO Tentacruel, so it's better to cripple them early on. It's important to always switch Tentacruel in on the Pokemon it counters and try to cripple switch-ins, remove hazards, or get Toxic Spikes up. In addition, Scald should be used repeatedly when the opponent has Mega Sableye in order to cripple it with a burn, as it blocks Rapid Spin and bounces back Toxic Spikes.
Team Options
========
Tentacruel is good on bulky playstyles, such as balance and bulky offense, but it doesn't work well on hyper offense. To support Tentacruel, you need solid checks to Primal Groudon, Mega Salamence, and Ho-Oh, as they seriously threaten Tentacruel. Klefki is a useful partner because of Prankster Thunder Wave, which helps Tentacruel fight offensive teams, while Wish support from Blissey or Alomomola is great for replenishing Tentacruel's health. Finally, pair Tentacruel with a Defogger that can beat Primal Groudon to have good entry hazard control between the two.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Confuse Ray can be used to annoy Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, Mega Salamence, and other possible switch-ins. Ice Beam and Blizzard deal decent damage to Giratina-O, Latias, Latios, and Salamence on the switch in. Magic Coat is a nice option against offense to surprise Darkrai, which might lead against Tentacruel if the opponent anticipates it. Rest is an option if you have a cleric, but it makes Tentacruel even easier for foes to switch in on. Protect can be used to scout Choice-locked foes, but all the other moves have better utility. Haze is an option for stopping Baton Pass chains.
Checks and Counters
==============
**Physically Offensive Pokemon That Don't Fear a Scald Burn**: Primal Groudon, Refresh Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, and Refresh or Lum Berry Arceus can freely switch into Tentacruel and either fire off strong attacks or set up on it.
**Calm Mind Rest Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre with Calm Mind and Rest can set up on Tentacruel and use Rest to heal any damage and status conditions taken.
**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye blocks Rapid Spin and bounces back status moves by virtue of its Ghost typing and ability, Magic Bounce.
**Psychic-types **: Latias, Latios, and Mewtwo take minimal damage from Scald and Knock Off and can OHKO Tentacruel in return.
**Physically Offensive Pokemon That Fear a Scald Burn**: Rayquaza, Mega Kangaskhan, Life Orb Arceus, offensive Ghost Arceus, and Ground Arceus can OHKO Tentacruel, but they must avoid being burned when switching in.
Last edited: