Status: Complete
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/walrein
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[OVERVIEW]
<p>As usual, Ice typing is very much a mixed blessing. Ice attacks are always useful on a team, but the tradeoff for gaining a STAB boost on them is an unfortunate list of defensive weaknesses. Stealth Rock can hinder its ability to function as a tank somewhat, as taking 25% each time it comes in will wear it down a little faster than is preferable. Even with those drawbacks considered, Walrein is a fine tank in UU play, sporting handy resistances to Ice and Water, and while its offensive stats are nothing special, they are more than adequate for a predominantly defensive Pokemon.</p>
<p>Back in ADV, the sight of Walrein in OU matches was rare to say the least. However, with its cool new Ice Body ability it can be a very useful—often integral—part of a hail-based team when it receives support from Abomasnow. Its stalling abilities with hail support are impressive, and with Toxic and/or Toxic Spikes flying around, Walrein can be surprisingly difficult to take down.</p>
<p>Overall, Walrein got some very useful boosts in the transition from ADV to DP. Whether it is tanking in UU or stalling on hail teams, the sturdy walrus can prove to be a difficult opponent to beat.</p>
[SET]
name: Stallrein
move 1: Protect
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Super Fang / Roar
move 4: Surf / Blizzard
item: Leftovers
ability: Ice Body
nature: Bold
evs: 220 HP / 246 Def / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set performs best with Snover because it allows Walrein to activate its near exclusive ability, Ice Body. This specific set shines well in conjunction with Toxic Spikes, increasing poison damage by alternating between Protect and Substitute. Surf or Blizzard ensures Walrein has an attacking move should it be Taunted by something. Super Fang is a cool move for halfing the opponent's health. With Ice Body and Leftovers, coupled with its 110/90/90 defensive stats, Walrein becomes incredibly durable despite its terrible defensive typing. It is worth noting that this set requires heavy support to function to its full extent.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMETS]
<p>Selecting the move for the third slot totally relies on what Walrein plans to do. Super Fang makes the stalling process much faster by slicing the opponent’s health in half. Ultimately, Walrein with Super Fang can literally bring an opponent down in only a matter of turns with Toxic Spikes on the field. Roar makes an excellent alternative in order to spread poison damage around the opponent’s team. The final choice is a toss up between Blizzard and Surf. Surf is probably the best option because it has the ability to hit Steel-types neutrally,who are immune to poison damage. On the other hand, Blizzard provides more power to make the stalling process much faster. However, the main concern with Blizzard is its meager PP. Walrein becomes vulnerable when facing Taunt users late game once Blizzard’s PP is completely drained.</p>
<p>For Stallrein, 220 HP EVs puts its stat at 416, which is divisible by 16. This is of great importance as with its max HP of 424, Walrein's Substitutes would require 106 HP to make, but over the two turns it spends stalling with Substitute and Protect it would only recover back 104 HP. A HP stat that is divisible by 16 is necessary to allow Walrein to stall indefinitely (or at least until its PP runs out). The 48 Speed EVs give Walrein the jump on neutral natured base 70s, most notably Hitmontop. This allows Walrein to poison stall it by alternating between Substitute and Protect without getting hit by Close Combat.</p>
<p>Nidoqueen is excellent when paired alongside Walrein for several reasons. Nidoqueen provides Toxic Spikes support and can reliablyplace two layers thanks to its bulk. Not only that, Nidoqueen covers Walrein’s weaknesses by taking Electric-, Rock-,and Fighting-type hits. Last but not least, poison will severely hinder Walrein’s chances of stalling,and Nidoqueen can easily absorb Toxic Spikes for Walrein. As an added bonus, Nidoqueen also provides Stealth Rock for Walrein to help deal with Flying-types.</p>
<p>Walrein will appreciate Spin blocking support because it generally needs entry hazards to stay on the field. Froslass is an ideal partner because its Ghost-typing allows it to block Rapid Spin and switch in on Fighting-type attacks directed at Walrein. Furthermore, Froslass benefits from hail because its ability is activated under hail. If Walrein is using Roar on the second slot, Froslass canprovide Spike support as well to rack up residual damage.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>For starters, Snover is absolutely mandatory on any team that includes Walrein. Walrein needshail in play in order to perform the stalling procedure. Poison stalling is vital toWalrein’s strategy, and it simply can’t accomplish this task without the right support. Nidoqueen makes an excellent partner thanks to its convenient resistances to Fighting-, Rock-,and Electric-type hits. Furthermore, Nidoqueen has both Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rock in its arsenal to help Walrein run circles aroundteams with Roar. There are several candidates for Toxic Spikes, but most of them share the same weaknessesas Walrein, which makes it hard to set up more than one layer.</p>
<p>It is quite evident that Walrein needs Spin blocking in order to keep entry hazards on the field. Spin blockers also provide a valuable resistance to Fighting-type hits dished at Walrein. Froslass seems to fit the bill in terms of Spin blocking due to its ability to fit on hail teams. Not only that, Froslass canprovide Spikes for Walrein in order to shuffle through teams and rack up entry hazard damage sufficiently better. With all three entry hazards on the field, it becomes extremely hard for the opponent to take down Walrein. As for other Spin blocking candidates, Mismagius makes an exceptional partner due to its ability to threaten common Rapid Spin like Donphan, Hitmontop, and Blastoise. Furthermore, Mismagius has Taunt to prevent Hitmontop or Blastoise from using Foresight to bypass its Ghost-typing.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>There were many possible sets left out in the main options due to Walrein’s poor defensive typing. Walrein can run a set with Curse / Avalanche / Earthquake / Rest, but itspoor defensive typing along with unreliable healing move makes the set’s effectiveness questionable. Walrein can run a decent RestTalk set, but don’t expect itto stick around for a long time. Walrein can also run an Encore set that helps set up its teammates.</p>
<p>A Choice Band set is plausible, but it is better off stalling rather than attacking. If you want a Choice Band set then Crunch, Body Slam, Rock Slide, Ice Fang, and Waterfall are available for physical attacks. A Choice Specs set could also work, especially with hail on your side to provide 100% accuracy for Blizzard.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Your best bet of taking on Walrein is preventing Toxic Spikes from being dropped onto the field. If Toxic Spikes has not been dropped yet, then Poliwrath does well thanks to its decent defenses, Ice resistance, STAB Fighting attacks, and ability to score some free healing from Surf with his Water Absorb ability. Toxicroak also work in the similar fashion as Poliwrath, but it doesn’t boast the Ice-type resistance; however, it does have immunity to Toxic, which prevents Walrein from poison stalling it. Lapras is also blessed with Water Absorb and a 4x Ice resistance and can wear down Walrein with Thunderbolts. Lanturn can beat it unless it carries Earthquake, too. Qwilfish can set up Swords Dances against it if Walreindoesn't have Earthquake to 2HKO it. Qwilfish has the added advantage of being immune to Toxic and isalso capable of absorbing any Toxic Spikes laid out on the field.</p>
<p>From a defensive standpoint, Clefable does well thanks to its convenient ability, Magic Guard. Clefable can prevent Walrein it from stalling by using Encore to limit its options. Walrein can’t do anything back to Clefable thanks to its high Special Defense stat. If Walrein has Blizzard, Registeel can come in and PP stall out Blizzard, forcing it to switch out most of the time. Milotic does well with Walrein if Toxic Spikes is not dropped on the field yet.</p>
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/walrein
________________________________________________________________
[OVERVIEW]
<p>As usual, Ice typing is very much a mixed blessing. Ice attacks are always useful on a team, but the tradeoff for gaining a STAB boost on them is an unfortunate list of defensive weaknesses. Stealth Rock can hinder its ability to function as a tank somewhat, as taking 25% each time it comes in will wear it down a little faster than is preferable. Even with those drawbacks considered, Walrein is a fine tank in UU play, sporting handy resistances to Ice and Water, and while its offensive stats are nothing special, they are more than adequate for a predominantly defensive Pokemon.</p>
<p>Back in ADV, the sight of Walrein in OU matches was rare to say the least. However, with its cool new Ice Body ability it can be a very useful—often integral—part of a hail-based team when it receives support from Abomasnow. Its stalling abilities with hail support are impressive, and with Toxic and/or Toxic Spikes flying around, Walrein can be surprisingly difficult to take down.</p>
<p>Overall, Walrein got some very useful boosts in the transition from ADV to DP. Whether it is tanking in UU or stalling on hail teams, the sturdy walrus can prove to be a difficult opponent to beat.</p>
[SET]
name: Stallrein
move 1: Protect
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Super Fang / Roar
move 4: Surf / Blizzard
item: Leftovers
ability: Ice Body
nature: Bold
evs: 220 HP / 246 Def / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set performs best with Snover because it allows Walrein to activate its near exclusive ability, Ice Body. This specific set shines well in conjunction with Toxic Spikes, increasing poison damage by alternating between Protect and Substitute. Surf or Blizzard ensures Walrein has an attacking move should it be Taunted by something. Super Fang is a cool move for halfing the opponent's health. With Ice Body and Leftovers, coupled with its 110/90/90 defensive stats, Walrein becomes incredibly durable despite its terrible defensive typing. It is worth noting that this set requires heavy support to function to its full extent.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMETS]
<p>Selecting the move for the third slot totally relies on what Walrein plans to do. Super Fang makes the stalling process much faster by slicing the opponent’s health in half. Ultimately, Walrein with Super Fang can literally bring an opponent down in only a matter of turns with Toxic Spikes on the field. Roar makes an excellent alternative in order to spread poison damage around the opponent’s team. The final choice is a toss up between Blizzard and Surf. Surf is probably the best option because it has the ability to hit Steel-types neutrally,who are immune to poison damage. On the other hand, Blizzard provides more power to make the stalling process much faster. However, the main concern with Blizzard is its meager PP. Walrein becomes vulnerable when facing Taunt users late game once Blizzard’s PP is completely drained.</p>
<p>For Stallrein, 220 HP EVs puts its stat at 416, which is divisible by 16. This is of great importance as with its max HP of 424, Walrein's Substitutes would require 106 HP to make, but over the two turns it spends stalling with Substitute and Protect it would only recover back 104 HP. A HP stat that is divisible by 16 is necessary to allow Walrein to stall indefinitely (or at least until its PP runs out). The 48 Speed EVs give Walrein the jump on neutral natured base 70s, most notably Hitmontop. This allows Walrein to poison stall it by alternating between Substitute and Protect without getting hit by Close Combat.</p>
<p>Nidoqueen is excellent when paired alongside Walrein for several reasons. Nidoqueen provides Toxic Spikes support and can reliablyplace two layers thanks to its bulk. Not only that, Nidoqueen covers Walrein’s weaknesses by taking Electric-, Rock-,and Fighting-type hits. Last but not least, poison will severely hinder Walrein’s chances of stalling,and Nidoqueen can easily absorb Toxic Spikes for Walrein. As an added bonus, Nidoqueen also provides Stealth Rock for Walrein to help deal with Flying-types.</p>
<p>Walrein will appreciate Spin blocking support because it generally needs entry hazards to stay on the field. Froslass is an ideal partner because its Ghost-typing allows it to block Rapid Spin and switch in on Fighting-type attacks directed at Walrein. Furthermore, Froslass benefits from hail because its ability is activated under hail. If Walrein is using Roar on the second slot, Froslass canprovide Spike support as well to rack up residual damage.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>For starters, Snover is absolutely mandatory on any team that includes Walrein. Walrein needshail in play in order to perform the stalling procedure. Poison stalling is vital toWalrein’s strategy, and it simply can’t accomplish this task without the right support. Nidoqueen makes an excellent partner thanks to its convenient resistances to Fighting-, Rock-,and Electric-type hits. Furthermore, Nidoqueen has both Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rock in its arsenal to help Walrein run circles aroundteams with Roar. There are several candidates for Toxic Spikes, but most of them share the same weaknessesas Walrein, which makes it hard to set up more than one layer.</p>
<p>It is quite evident that Walrein needs Spin blocking in order to keep entry hazards on the field. Spin blockers also provide a valuable resistance to Fighting-type hits dished at Walrein. Froslass seems to fit the bill in terms of Spin blocking due to its ability to fit on hail teams. Not only that, Froslass canprovide Spikes for Walrein in order to shuffle through teams and rack up entry hazard damage sufficiently better. With all three entry hazards on the field, it becomes extremely hard for the opponent to take down Walrein. As for other Spin blocking candidates, Mismagius makes an exceptional partner due to its ability to threaten common Rapid Spin like Donphan, Hitmontop, and Blastoise. Furthermore, Mismagius has Taunt to prevent Hitmontop or Blastoise from using Foresight to bypass its Ghost-typing.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>There were many possible sets left out in the main options due to Walrein’s poor defensive typing. Walrein can run a set with Curse / Avalanche / Earthquake / Rest, but itspoor defensive typing along with unreliable healing move makes the set’s effectiveness questionable. Walrein can run a decent RestTalk set, but don’t expect itto stick around for a long time. Walrein can also run an Encore set that helps set up its teammates.</p>
<p>A Choice Band set is plausible, but it is better off stalling rather than attacking. If you want a Choice Band set then Crunch, Body Slam, Rock Slide, Ice Fang, and Waterfall are available for physical attacks. A Choice Specs set could also work, especially with hail on your side to provide 100% accuracy for Blizzard.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Your best bet of taking on Walrein is preventing Toxic Spikes from being dropped onto the field. If Toxic Spikes has not been dropped yet, then Poliwrath does well thanks to its decent defenses, Ice resistance, STAB Fighting attacks, and ability to score some free healing from Surf with his Water Absorb ability. Toxicroak also work in the similar fashion as Poliwrath, but it doesn’t boast the Ice-type resistance; however, it does have immunity to Toxic, which prevents Walrein from poison stalling it. Lapras is also blessed with Water Absorb and a 4x Ice resistance and can wear down Walrein with Thunderbolts. Lanturn can beat it unless it carries Earthquake, too. Qwilfish can set up Swords Dances against it if Walreindoesn't have Earthquake to 2HKO it. Qwilfish has the added advantage of being immune to Toxic and isalso capable of absorbing any Toxic Spikes laid out on the field.</p>
<p>From a defensive standpoint, Clefable does well thanks to its convenient ability, Magic Guard. Clefable can prevent Walrein it from stalling by using Encore to limit its options. Walrein can’t do anything back to Clefable thanks to its high Special Defense stat. If Walrein has Blizzard, Registeel can come in and PP stall out Blizzard, forcing it to switch out most of the time. Milotic does well with Walrein if Toxic Spikes is not dropped on the field yet.</p>
