Statistics
|
Stat |
| HP |
95
|
393 |
| Atk |
85
|
268 |
| Def |
85
|
268 |
| SpA |
65
|
228 |
| SpD |
65
|
228 |
| Spe |
35
|
168 |
Curse works quite well with Quagsire, since it learns some good moves to support it and Quagsire's defense stat can use a little improvement. Its major STAB move, Earthquake, even as good as it is before using Curse, just gets better all because of the move's STAB. Now, it's up to you to choose Ancientpower or Sludge Bomb. Ancientpower is the strongest Rock-type move Quagsire can learn, and if you aren't PP conscious, you can hope for the best: a mass stat-up. Sludge Bomb is a great choice too since it has a good base power and a nice amount of PP. If Skarmory comes into the picture though, then Quagsire is done for. Even using Ancientpower, Skarmory won't take much damage from it. That is, if you don't put many Curses into it. Ancientpower hits Fliers like Zapdos better, but Sludge Bomb will cover the Grass foes. Quagsire can use Rest pretty effectively since it has a good amount of HP to work with.
Other Options
Surf gets STAB and can hit Skarmory, but you're screwed against Exeggutor and Zapdos. Quagsire is probably the best Hazer since he isn't weak to any of the common Cursing attacks. Ice Beam will hit Grass-types and Zapdos, though not really hard. Belly Drum is pretty surprising and nasty with the Earthquake STAB. Body Slam is a decent option since Quagsire's isn't the fastest Pokémon out there (but it does outspeed Snorlax and Steelix).
Opinion
Quagsire is an awesome underused Pokémon, and it can even be used in the overused environment too. While its only above-average stat is HP, Quagsire is decently well-rounded and does learn a few useful moves. It shuts down a LOT of common things in both the standard and underused metagames. It also has potential to hurt a lot of stuff, but only with Curse / Belly Drum. Without them, Quagsire can't touch a lot of stuff due to the average stats.
Counters
Exeggutor resists everything Quagsire can throw at it (unless you're packing Sludge Bomb or Ice Beam). Skarmory is immune to the physical attacks, but gets some damage from STAB Surf. Really, if it's a Grass-type that's faster than Quagsire, then Quagsire should just dig its own grave. Water-types like Starmie with reasonably high Special Attack can take on Quagsire.
