Spice UUp Your Game 5

By GrilledClawitzer.
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Art

Art by anundeadboy.

A new generation is upon us, and so is a new UnderUsed. While there are many changes, old greats such as Mega Aerodactyl and Krookodile remain great. New blood such as Primarina and Zygarde-10% leave their impression on the tier. Last but not least, Pokémon like Starmie and Hippowdon return after a long stay in OU. Of course there weren't just drops, as Pokémon like Mamoswine rose to OU again. On top of all of this, mechanical changes occured, and Z-Moves were introduced. With such a large number of differences, Sun and Moon UU offers a variety of new facets, and today we will take a look at some of the more underutilized Pokémon and underrated movesets.

Gastrodon

Gastrodon

Seeing how it finished Generation 6 in NU, you may be wondering what changed in Gastrodon's favor. The sea slug returns, and it is as underrated as ever. It offers a great check to Pokémon such as non-Hidden Power Grass Raikou and Mega Aerodactyl while also being incredibly potent against rain teams. Mega Swampert is currently unreleased, so Gastrodon loses a competitor for its Curse set. Quagsire looks like it would be a superior choice at first glance, but its lower Special Defense means it performs a vastly different role. As Gastrodon will often act as a pivot, and will only act as a wincon in a select few games, a mixed set with Scald is preferred over a fully physically offensive set with Waterfall. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a useful immunity, and there aren't very many Pokémon that like switching into a +1 Scald despite the burn nerf. Toxic can be used over Curse to more reliably take on Pokémon such as Latias but leaves Gastrodon more open to threats such as Mega Sharpedo.

Choice Scarf Scizor

A throwback to the days of Generation 4, Choice Scarf Scizor is a good lure that can still perform its usual pivot role well thanks to its natural bulk and access to U-turn. Bullet Punch remains a potent tool that seriously dents Pokémon such as Mega Aerodactyl. Latias and Celebi will oftentimes try to use Hidden Power Fire as they face the Pincer Pokémon, and U-turn severely weakens or KOes them, giving Pokémon such as Infernape and Keldeo an opportunity to blow a hole into the opposing team. Keldeo itself is also one of the best Scizor checks, but Aerial Ace can deal heavy damage to it. Superpower hits other checks such as Empoleon and Cobalion, whereas Bug Bite nets the guaranteed KO on standard Latias and Starmie, even without Stealth Rock.

Tsareena

Despite Starmie dropping to UU, there is still a shortage of good Rapid Spin users. Tsareena happens to be one of those. The given EV spread allows it to outspeed Modest Primarina and Adamant Crawdaunt, while its bulk allows it to check threats such as Krookodile. Trop Kick is obnoxious to switch into, as a lot of Tsareena's checks such as Scizor and Cobalion do not want their Attack stat lowered. Of course, Grass being a bad offensive typing means there are also plenty of specially based checks, but U-turn is a great way of gaining momentum when you expect those. Queenly Majesty blocks priority moves, which is a great boon when dealing with Klefki and its status moves. While Tsareena is by no means flawless, it is above all else reliable at its job, making it a solid pick for balanced teams.

Supersonic Skystrike Crobat

Crobat has served in ORAS UU as a utility Pokémon, mostly. Its Defog sets were widely popular, whether it be the offensive variant or the Haze AcroBat used to beat Bulk Up Conkeldurr. However, Crobat has always been a bit on the weak side. This generation gave it a way to make up for it. Flyinium Z Brave Bird is a strong move that deals massive damage to its usual checks while also getting the OHKO on Pokémon such as Latias after Stealth Rock. On top of that, since Z-Crystals can't be knocked off, this version of Crobat functions as a Knock Off switch-in without having to resort to an itemless set. U-turn does the same it always does in gaining momentum, but the real kicker is Taunt: not only does it prevent setup from potentially dangerous Pokémon, but it can also break many standard balances well, as Hippowdon is ubiquitous on those right now, and most Hippowdon do not run Stone Edge and cannot touch Crobat as a result. The set also checks Fairy-types well, as Taunt can stop their healing, cleric functions, and setup rather easily. Crobat makes for a great balance breaker that definitely deserves it spot in the metagame.

What's next?

The metagame is still young and evolving, and as the more broken elements get banned, it is quick to change. In such a volatile environment, many discoveries are to be had, and some old strategies may fall out of favor. Meanwhile, new ones take their place and reign supreme and eventually evoke a response as counterplay is developed for them. If your desire is to be as creative as your mind permits you to be, now is a great time to delve into UU and explore its limits. Fortune favors the brave, so be as bold as you want and see where it takes you! Maybe your discoveries will revolutionize the metagame!

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