[OVERVIEW]
Excadrill's unique typing, stat distribution, access to both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, and abilities in Sand Rush and Mold Breaker make it a significant offensive threat in the OU tier. Its typing allows it to check Electric- and Fairy-types consistently. Excadrill is one of the most consistent answers to Clefable, thanks to resisting Moonblast, being immune to Thunder Wave, and hitting back hard with STAB Iron Head. Excadrill is also one of the best spinners in the tier, able to threaten common Stealth Rock users like Heatran, Clefable, and Tyranitar. With Leftovers and double resistance to Stealth Rocks, Excadrill becomes one of the best and most consistent Rapid Spin users in the metagame. Thanks to Mold Breaker, Excadrill can threaten Levitate Pokemon with Earthquake, get Stealth Rock up against Mega Diancie, and get past Unaware Pokemon with Swords Dance. If Sand Rush is used, Excadrill becomes an incredible offensive threat, outspeeding the majority of the meta under sand and being able to revenge kill many threats such as +1 Volcarona and Dragonite. Excadrill's main weaknesses are Pokemon that can outspeed and OHKO it, such as Keldeo or Mega Lopunny; Rocky Helmet users, such as Landorus-T and Slowbro; and Cofagrigus, as it can spinblock against Excadrill effectively.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Toxic / Swords Dance / Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 32 HP / 56 Def / 168 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Rapid Spin is the main reason to use utility Excadrill, removing Stealth Rock for the team multiple times in a game. Earthquake and Iron Head are stable STAB options that make Excadrill hit decently hard. Toxic can be used for defensive walls that Excadrill struggles with, such as Zapdos, Cofagrigus, Slowbro, and Cresselia. On the other hand, Swords Dance combined with Mold Breaker makes Excadrill a fantastic stallbreaker. Stealth Rock is used for maximum utility; however, this makes Excadrill struggle to spin versus Cofagrigus, as it doesn't have Toxic or Swords Dance to slowly break it. Rock Slide and Toxic over Iron Head are potential options Excadrill can run for better matchups into Zapdos and Thundurus; however, it is not recommended, as Excadrill's main objective is checking Fairy-types like Clefable.
Set Details
========
Leftovers is used to prolong Excadrill's longevity as much as possible, allowing it to recover HP on every switch even with Stealth Rock on the field, thanks to Excadrill's unique typing. The EV spread maximizes Excadrill's defenses while maintaining maximum Speed. Maximum Speed with a Jolly nature is important to outspeed Adamant Mega Medicham, tank Garchomp, and Mild Kyurem-Black, making Excadrill a versatile pivot. It also helps against opposing Excadrill. 32 HP EVs maximizes Leftovers recovery while minimizing HP investment, as Excadrill's massive HP stat means that investing in its defenses yields better defensive calcs. The given physical bulk investment lets Excadrill live Choice Band Weavile's Knock Off from full. The rest of the EVs is put in Special Defense to minimize damage from Tornadus-T, Zapdos, and Clefable. Alternatively, 32 HP / 60 Atk / 52 Def / 108 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature can be used for more breaking power while still living non-Life Orb Thundurus's Focus Blast from full HP.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a fast, defensive pivot against special attackers like Clefable, Magnezone, and Latios. Use these timely pivots to spin hazards away or get Stealth Rock up. With Toxic, Excadrill can be used to lure defensive targets like Zapdos and Cresselia to open up for the rest of the team, while Swords Dance allows Excadrill to be a surprise wallbreaker.
Team Options
========
Fast utility Excadrill thrives with fast-paced teammates such as Tornadus-T and Rotom-W that can alleviate Excadrill's weaknesses and complement its utility. Other options like Zapdos, Slowbro, Clefable, and Cresselia are excellent switch-ins to Fighting- and Ground-type attacks that Excadrill can struggle against. Zapdos in particular deserves a special mention, since with Excadrill around, it can afford to drop Defog and run Static. Pokemon that can switch onto Water-type attacks, especially Scald, are also appreciated. Those include Volcanion, Serperior, Amoonguss, Ferrothorn, and other previously mentioned Pokemon such as Rotom-Wash, Clefable, and Slowbro.
[SET]
name: Sand Rush
move 1: Swords Dance / Rock Slide / Substitute / Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers / Air Balloon
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake and Iron Head are stable STAB options that make Excadrill hit quite hard with maximum Attack investment. Rapid Spin allows Excadrill to fill another role of removing entry hazards, especially versus fast-paced offense teams that rely on their speed to deny Rapid Spin. Swords Dance can be used to make Excadrill an excellent wallbreaker that is almost impossible to revenge kill under sand. Rock Slide can be used to make Excadrill more of an immediate threat, especially to common switch-ins like Rotom-W, Zapdos, and Thundurus. Substitute can be used to help Excadrill spin against Cofagrigus while also aiding in dealing with difficult scenarios Sand Rush Excadrill often finds itself in. Finally, Stealth Rock, especially with Air Balloon, can be used to make Excadrill a lightning-fast utility Pokemon that is always guaranteed to get up Stealth Rock versus offense teams.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is generally preferred, as Excadrill is already lightning-fast under sand, and the nature can make a huge difference in its damage output. However, a Jolly nature can still be used for purposes outside of sand or to outspeed +2 Jolly Dragonite, +2 Jolly Mega Gyarados, and +2 Modest Volcarona under sand. Alternatively, a spread of 176 Atk / 80 SpD / 252 Spe with an Adamant nature preserves much of Excadrill's wallbreaking power but makes it a better pivot into Clefable, maximizing its chances to live 2 Flamethrowers after Stealth Rock damage. Thanks to Excadrill's unique typing giving it double resistance to Stealth Rock, leftovers is the preferred item to gain back HP with every switch provided Spikes are not up. Alternatively, Air Balloon allows Excadrill to pivot into Ground-types such as Hippowdon and opposing Excadrill, enabling it to get a timely Rapid Spin or forcing them out.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as an offensive threat that punches holes in enemy defenses or a late-game cleaner that can sweep the opposing team once it has been weakened enough. Alternatively, and especially with an Air Balloon, it can be used as a fast utility Pokemon that is guaranteed to set Stealth Rock, use Rapid Spin, or both.
Team Options
========
An automatic sand setter, such as Tyranitar or Hippowdon, is a must with this set. Other teammates that can mitigate Excadrill's weakness to Rotom-W, such as Amoonguss and Clefable, are also greatly appreciated. Pokemon that can grab momentum with Volt Switch or U-turn, such as Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, and Zapdos, allow Excadrill to come in multiple times during the game, which can come in very handy in certain matchups.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Toxic / Stealth Rock / Substitute
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Careful
evs: 172 HP / 44 Atk / 252 SpD / 40 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Rapid Spin is the main selling point of utility Excadrill. Being able to remove entry hazards multiple times in a game and against common Stealth Rock setters like Clefable is very helpful for the team. Earthquake and Iron Head are stable STAB options that make Excadrill hit decently hard. Toxic, alongside Excadrill's bulk, can be a great tool to alleviate Excadrill's passivity and cripple common switch-ins such as Zapdos, Cresselia, and Slowbro. Although it makes Excadrill weak to Cofagrigus, Stealth Rock is a valid option, as this Excadrill set is very reliable at getting them up. With the given HP investment, Excadrill can make 101 HP Substitutes, allowing it to put more pressure on Chansey and Night Shade Cofagrigus. Swords Dance can still be used, but the lack of Speed makes it far less effective than fast utility variants.
Set Details
========
40 Speed EVs let Excadrill outspeed Adamant Choice Band Tyranitar, defensive Landorus-T, and most Rotom-W. 44 Attack EVs allow Excadrill to OHKO bulky Mega Gardevoir with Iron Head, a staple in modern ORAS. Maximum Special Defense with a Careful nature allows Excadrill to live very strong special hits such as Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast. The rest of the EVs is put into HP, allowing Excadrill to live Choice Band Weavile's Knock Off from full HP and pivot into Chansey better. Alternatively, a spread of 56 HP / 44 Atk / 44 Def / 252 SpD / 112 Spe can be used for more Speed at the cost of bulk. This enables Excadrill to stand a better chance versus Bisharp, faster Rotom-W, and Modest Volcanion. Leftovers is the preferred item of choice as it synergizes well with Excadrill's typing and bulk, minimizing the damage it takes from Stealth Rock and weak moves such as Clefable's Moonblast throughout the game.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used a defensive pivot into special attackers like Mega Diancie, Zapdos, and Mega Alakazam. Be sure to make use of these pivots to get Stealth Rock off the field or set up your own. Toxic can be used to cripple Pokemon trying to take advantage of Excadrill's low damage output, such as Calm Mind Slowbro or Nasty Plot Thundurus. Substitute can be used to apply more pressure on Chansey and Cofagrigus teams. Be sure to preserve Leftovers on Excadrill to maintain its longevity.
Team Options
========
Specially defensive Excadrill thrives on slower-paced teams like balance, bulky offense, and even semi-stall. Teams that use Spikes setters like Skarmory and Ferrothorn can benefit greatly from Excadrill's ability to keep entry hazards off while also complementing its defenses. Bulky offense teams, especially those that include Cresselia, Volcanion, or Zapdos, can also appreciate Excadrill's consistent ability to pivot on special threats like Mega Gardevoir and Clefable and keep hazards off.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Toxic / Stealth Rock / Substitute
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Impish
evs: 40 HP / 252 Def / 88 SpD / 128 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake is an important STAB move that KOs Bisharp and opposing Excadrill, while Iron Head hits Pokemon such as Dragonite and Weavile harder. Rapid Spin is crucial, as it allows Excadrill to be used as the team's main hazard removal. Stealth Rock gives Excadrill further utility to the team, fulfilling two roles in one slot. Toxic is a great way to punish Pokemon attempting to take advantage of Excadrill's low damage output, such as Landorus-T and Hippowdon. Substitute is also worth a mention on this set in particular, as it can aid in making physically defensive Excadrill an even better Bisharp check.
Set Details
========
The EV spread allows Excadrill to take maximum Attack Adamant Mega Scizor's Superpower from full HP. The special bulk investment allows Excadrill to take Rotom-W's Hydro Pump from full HP and minimize the chance of getting KOed after Stealth Rock chip. 128 Speed EVs are enough to outspeed Adamant Bisharp and Jolly Tyranitar. 40 HP EVs maximize Leftovers recovery. Alternatively, a spread of 40 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpD / 204 Spe can be used to outspeed Jolly Bisharp at the cost of getting OHKO'ed by Rotom-W's Hydro Pump.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a defensive pivot against physical attackers like Weavile, Bisharp, opposing Excadril, and Choice Band Tyranitar. It is important to take advantage of these opportunities to remove Stealth Rock from the field or set up your own. Toxic is great at poisoning bulky Ground-type Pokemon that often switch into Excadrill such as tank Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T. Substitute can be used for extra insurance versus Bisharp, avoiding Sucker Punch.
Team Options
========
Physically defensive Excadrill thrives on bulky offense teams that struggle against strong physical attackers such as Weavile and Bisharp. This set is particularly great on Cresselia teams that usually struggle versus Weavile, Bisharp, and opposing Excadrill, all of which Excadrill can help with or lure in.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Rock Slide / Toxic
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake allows Excadrill to be a great late-game cleaner once Flying-types have been eliminated. With Mold Breaker, it can hit Levitate Pokemon such as Rotom-W. Iron Head, combined with Excadrill's Speed, is another great tool for late-game cleaning, especially when some lucky flinches are needed. Rapid Spin, especially with Choice Scarf, can be used to remove entry hazards once or twice per game. Rock Slide can be used to revenge kill fast Flying-types such as Mega Pinsir, Mega Charizard Y, and Thundurus. Alternatively, Toxic or Stealth Rock can be used for more utility.
Set Details
========
The EV spread with a Jolly nature maximizes Excadrill's Speed to outspeed fast threats as Mega Alakazam and setup Pokemon such as Jolly Gyarados, Jolly Dragonite, and Modest Volcarona at +1.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a late-game sweeper and a revenge killer. Once any opposing Flying-types have fainted, Excadrill can spam Earthquake freely, especially when bulky threats such as Slowbro are also KOed or weakened. Rapid Spin is only supposed to be used once or twice per game, as it is a huge momentum killer.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can lure or reliably eliminate Flying-types and physically defensive walls make the best of teammates. Pokemon such as Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Pinsir are some examples that can do both.
[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
With access to both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, lead Excadrill is a fantastic option for hyper offense teams. With Focus Sash, it is often guaranteed to both set up and remove Stealth Rock. Rock Tomb is used to allow Excadrill to guarantee Stealth Rock is set the next turn versus faster threats while also threatening Thundurus. Earthquake is Excadrill's main way of dishing out damage.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature with maximum Speed is preferred to increase the chances of Excadrill setting up Stealth Rock as much as possible. Maximum Attack is used to threaten common Rapid Spin and Defog users such as Excadrill and Zapdos. Mold Breaker allows it to set up Stealth Rocks against Mega Diancie and lower the Speed of Serperior with Rock Tomb. Other options include Chople Berry to get past Mega Lopunny.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a lead in the majority of matchups. Avoid leading with Excadrill versus fast Fake Out users such as Mega Lopunny and Jolly Mega Medicham, as they can prevent Excadrill from doing anything one-on-one. Be sure to use Rock Tomb versus faster threats, especially if Focus Sash is still intact.
Team Options
========
Fast Pokemon with immediately threatening power or a one-turn setup are the preferred teammates for this Excadrill set, as they can maintain the pressure to prevent the opposing team from removing Stealth Rock. Examples of such are Choice Band Weavile, Life Orb or Nasty Plot Thundurus, Quiver Dance Volcarona, and Tail Glow Manaphy. Additionally, at least one teammate that can pivot into Mega Lopunny, such as Rocky Helmet Thundurus or Choice Scarf Latias, is highly recommended.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Sitrus Berry and resistance Berries such as Shuca Berry can often prolong Excadrill's life by one turn versus fast-paced teams. Soft Sand and Life Orb are other options that can improve Excadrill's offensive power, especially on the Sand Rush set, at the cost of longevity. Air Balloon can be used on the fast utility set as well. Finally, a mixed defensive set can also see occasional viability; an EV spread of 192 HP / 24 Def / 252 SpD / 40 Spe with a Jolly nature lets Excadrill outspeed Jolly Tyranitar and Adamant Bisharp while also surviving both Mega Metagross's Earthquake and Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast from full HP.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Flying-types**: Pokemon such as Zapdos, bulky Thundurus, Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Gliscor can pivot on Excadrill almost endlessly. Defog Zapdos and Defog Skarmory can also nullify the progress Excadrill can make with Stealth Rock, while Gliscor and Skarmory are immune to Toxic, which makes them even more consistent at countering Excadrill. With Rock Slide or Swords Dance, Excadrill can overcome some of these walls, so be careful.
**Physically Bulky Walls**: Aside from previously mentioned Pokemon such as Skarmory and Zapdos, Pokemon like Slowbro, Hippowdon, physically defensive Garchomp, Mega Scizor, Tangrowth, and Cofagrigus are particularly great at putting a hard stop to Excadrill. Hippowdon and Garchomp are especially useful, as they can renew Stealth Rock every time Excadrill is on the field. Cofagrigus is great at stopping Excadrill from doing what it wants, as it can both spinblock and burn it. Mega Scizor can use the free turn Excadrill gives it to use Defog or set up Swords Dance. Slowbro and Tangrowth can continuously check Excadrill thanks to Regenerator.
**Contact Damage**: Rocky Helmet users such as Garchomp, Skarmory, Zapdos, and Ferrothorn are great at punishing Excadrill by switching into Iron Head and Rapid Spin, two of Excadrill's most commonly used moves. Over the long course of the battle, they can whittle down Excadrill and prevent it from spinning long-term.
**Offensive Threats**: Fast Pokemon such as Keldeo, Mega Lopunny, and offensive Garchomp can both outspeed and OHKO Excadrill. Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Dragonite, Nasty Plot Thundurus, and Swords Dance Gliscor can set up on Excadrill by virtue of their typing, ability, or natural bulk, and proceed to threaten the rest of the team.
**Knock Off**: Excadrill thrives on its longevity thanks to Leftovers and double resistance to Stealth Rock. In the same vein, removing Excadrill's Leftovers with Knock Off puts a limit on the amount of time it can spin.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/noname6293.604378/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sunny004.197240/
Excadrill's unique typing, stat distribution, access to both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, and abilities in Sand Rush and Mold Breaker make it a significant offensive threat in the OU tier. Its typing allows it to check Electric- and Fairy-types consistently. Excadrill is one of the most consistent answers to Clefable, thanks to resisting Moonblast, being immune to Thunder Wave, and hitting back hard with STAB Iron Head. Excadrill is also one of the best spinners in the tier, able to threaten common Stealth Rock users like Heatran, Clefable, and Tyranitar. With Leftovers and double resistance to Stealth Rocks, Excadrill becomes one of the best and most consistent Rapid Spin users in the metagame. Thanks to Mold Breaker, Excadrill can threaten Levitate Pokemon with Earthquake, get Stealth Rock up against Mega Diancie, and get past Unaware Pokemon with Swords Dance. If Sand Rush is used, Excadrill becomes an incredible offensive threat, outspeeding the majority of the meta under sand and being able to revenge kill many threats such as +1 Volcarona and Dragonite. Excadrill's main weaknesses are Pokemon that can outspeed and OHKO it, such as Keldeo or Mega Lopunny; Rocky Helmet users, such as Landorus-T and Slowbro; and Cofagrigus, as it can spinblock against Excadrill effectively.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Toxic / Swords Dance / Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 32 HP / 56 Def / 168 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Rapid Spin is the main reason to use utility Excadrill, removing Stealth Rock for the team multiple times in a game. Earthquake and Iron Head are stable STAB options that make Excadrill hit decently hard. Toxic can be used for defensive walls that Excadrill struggles with, such as Zapdos, Cofagrigus, Slowbro, and Cresselia. On the other hand, Swords Dance combined with Mold Breaker makes Excadrill a fantastic stallbreaker. Stealth Rock is used for maximum utility; however, this makes Excadrill struggle to spin versus Cofagrigus, as it doesn't have Toxic or Swords Dance to slowly break it. Rock Slide and Toxic over Iron Head are potential options Excadrill can run for better matchups into Zapdos and Thundurus; however, it is not recommended, as Excadrill's main objective is checking Fairy-types like Clefable.
Set Details
========
Leftovers is used to prolong Excadrill's longevity as much as possible, allowing it to recover HP on every switch even with Stealth Rock on the field, thanks to Excadrill's unique typing. The EV spread maximizes Excadrill's defenses while maintaining maximum Speed. Maximum Speed with a Jolly nature is important to outspeed Adamant Mega Medicham, tank Garchomp, and Mild Kyurem-Black, making Excadrill a versatile pivot. It also helps against opposing Excadrill. 32 HP EVs maximizes Leftovers recovery while minimizing HP investment, as Excadrill's massive HP stat means that investing in its defenses yields better defensive calcs. The given physical bulk investment lets Excadrill live Choice Band Weavile's Knock Off from full. The rest of the EVs is put in Special Defense to minimize damage from Tornadus-T, Zapdos, and Clefable. Alternatively, 32 HP / 60 Atk / 52 Def / 108 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature can be used for more breaking power while still living non-Life Orb Thundurus's Focus Blast from full HP.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a fast, defensive pivot against special attackers like Clefable, Magnezone, and Latios. Use these timely pivots to spin hazards away or get Stealth Rock up. With Toxic, Excadrill can be used to lure defensive targets like Zapdos and Cresselia to open up for the rest of the team, while Swords Dance allows Excadrill to be a surprise wallbreaker.
Team Options
========
Fast utility Excadrill thrives with fast-paced teammates such as Tornadus-T and Rotom-W that can alleviate Excadrill's weaknesses and complement its utility. Other options like Zapdos, Slowbro, Clefable, and Cresselia are excellent switch-ins to Fighting- and Ground-type attacks that Excadrill can struggle against. Zapdos in particular deserves a special mention, since with Excadrill around, it can afford to drop Defog and run Static. Pokemon that can switch onto Water-type attacks, especially Scald, are also appreciated. Those include Volcanion, Serperior, Amoonguss, Ferrothorn, and other previously mentioned Pokemon such as Rotom-Wash, Clefable, and Slowbro.
[SET]
name: Sand Rush
move 1: Swords Dance / Rock Slide / Substitute / Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers / Air Balloon
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake and Iron Head are stable STAB options that make Excadrill hit quite hard with maximum Attack investment. Rapid Spin allows Excadrill to fill another role of removing entry hazards, especially versus fast-paced offense teams that rely on their speed to deny Rapid Spin. Swords Dance can be used to make Excadrill an excellent wallbreaker that is almost impossible to revenge kill under sand. Rock Slide can be used to make Excadrill more of an immediate threat, especially to common switch-ins like Rotom-W, Zapdos, and Thundurus. Substitute can be used to help Excadrill spin against Cofagrigus while also aiding in dealing with difficult scenarios Sand Rush Excadrill often finds itself in. Finally, Stealth Rock, especially with Air Balloon, can be used to make Excadrill a lightning-fast utility Pokemon that is always guaranteed to get up Stealth Rock versus offense teams.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is generally preferred, as Excadrill is already lightning-fast under sand, and the nature can make a huge difference in its damage output. However, a Jolly nature can still be used for purposes outside of sand or to outspeed +2 Jolly Dragonite, +2 Jolly Mega Gyarados, and +2 Modest Volcarona under sand. Alternatively, a spread of 176 Atk / 80 SpD / 252 Spe with an Adamant nature preserves much of Excadrill's wallbreaking power but makes it a better pivot into Clefable, maximizing its chances to live 2 Flamethrowers after Stealth Rock damage. Thanks to Excadrill's unique typing giving it double resistance to Stealth Rock, leftovers is the preferred item to gain back HP with every switch provided Spikes are not up. Alternatively, Air Balloon allows Excadrill to pivot into Ground-types such as Hippowdon and opposing Excadrill, enabling it to get a timely Rapid Spin or forcing them out.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as an offensive threat that punches holes in enemy defenses or a late-game cleaner that can sweep the opposing team once it has been weakened enough. Alternatively, and especially with an Air Balloon, it can be used as a fast utility Pokemon that is guaranteed to set Stealth Rock, use Rapid Spin, or both.
Team Options
========
An automatic sand setter, such as Tyranitar or Hippowdon, is a must with this set. Other teammates that can mitigate Excadrill's weakness to Rotom-W, such as Amoonguss and Clefable, are also greatly appreciated. Pokemon that can grab momentum with Volt Switch or U-turn, such as Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, and Zapdos, allow Excadrill to come in multiple times during the game, which can come in very handy in certain matchups.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Toxic / Stealth Rock / Substitute
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Careful
evs: 172 HP / 44 Atk / 252 SpD / 40 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Rapid Spin is the main selling point of utility Excadrill. Being able to remove entry hazards multiple times in a game and against common Stealth Rock setters like Clefable is very helpful for the team. Earthquake and Iron Head are stable STAB options that make Excadrill hit decently hard. Toxic, alongside Excadrill's bulk, can be a great tool to alleviate Excadrill's passivity and cripple common switch-ins such as Zapdos, Cresselia, and Slowbro. Although it makes Excadrill weak to Cofagrigus, Stealth Rock is a valid option, as this Excadrill set is very reliable at getting them up. With the given HP investment, Excadrill can make 101 HP Substitutes, allowing it to put more pressure on Chansey and Night Shade Cofagrigus. Swords Dance can still be used, but the lack of Speed makes it far less effective than fast utility variants.
Set Details
========
40 Speed EVs let Excadrill outspeed Adamant Choice Band Tyranitar, defensive Landorus-T, and most Rotom-W. 44 Attack EVs allow Excadrill to OHKO bulky Mega Gardevoir with Iron Head, a staple in modern ORAS. Maximum Special Defense with a Careful nature allows Excadrill to live very strong special hits such as Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast. The rest of the EVs is put into HP, allowing Excadrill to live Choice Band Weavile's Knock Off from full HP and pivot into Chansey better. Alternatively, a spread of 56 HP / 44 Atk / 44 Def / 252 SpD / 112 Spe can be used for more Speed at the cost of bulk. This enables Excadrill to stand a better chance versus Bisharp, faster Rotom-W, and Modest Volcanion. Leftovers is the preferred item of choice as it synergizes well with Excadrill's typing and bulk, minimizing the damage it takes from Stealth Rock and weak moves such as Clefable's Moonblast throughout the game.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used a defensive pivot into special attackers like Mega Diancie, Zapdos, and Mega Alakazam. Be sure to make use of these pivots to get Stealth Rock off the field or set up your own. Toxic can be used to cripple Pokemon trying to take advantage of Excadrill's low damage output, such as Calm Mind Slowbro or Nasty Plot Thundurus. Substitute can be used to apply more pressure on Chansey and Cofagrigus teams. Be sure to preserve Leftovers on Excadrill to maintain its longevity.
Team Options
========
Specially defensive Excadrill thrives on slower-paced teams like balance, bulky offense, and even semi-stall. Teams that use Spikes setters like Skarmory and Ferrothorn can benefit greatly from Excadrill's ability to keep entry hazards off while also complementing its defenses. Bulky offense teams, especially those that include Cresselia, Volcanion, or Zapdos, can also appreciate Excadrill's consistent ability to pivot on special threats like Mega Gardevoir and Clefable and keep hazards off.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Toxic / Stealth Rock / Substitute
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Leftovers
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Impish
evs: 40 HP / 252 Def / 88 SpD / 128 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake is an important STAB move that KOs Bisharp and opposing Excadrill, while Iron Head hits Pokemon such as Dragonite and Weavile harder. Rapid Spin is crucial, as it allows Excadrill to be used as the team's main hazard removal. Stealth Rock gives Excadrill further utility to the team, fulfilling two roles in one slot. Toxic is a great way to punish Pokemon attempting to take advantage of Excadrill's low damage output, such as Landorus-T and Hippowdon. Substitute is also worth a mention on this set in particular, as it can aid in making physically defensive Excadrill an even better Bisharp check.
Set Details
========
The EV spread allows Excadrill to take maximum Attack Adamant Mega Scizor's Superpower from full HP. The special bulk investment allows Excadrill to take Rotom-W's Hydro Pump from full HP and minimize the chance of getting KOed after Stealth Rock chip. 128 Speed EVs are enough to outspeed Adamant Bisharp and Jolly Tyranitar. 40 HP EVs maximize Leftovers recovery. Alternatively, a spread of 40 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpD / 204 Spe can be used to outspeed Jolly Bisharp at the cost of getting OHKO'ed by Rotom-W's Hydro Pump.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a defensive pivot against physical attackers like Weavile, Bisharp, opposing Excadril, and Choice Band Tyranitar. It is important to take advantage of these opportunities to remove Stealth Rock from the field or set up your own. Toxic is great at poisoning bulky Ground-type Pokemon that often switch into Excadrill such as tank Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T. Substitute can be used for extra insurance versus Bisharp, avoiding Sucker Punch.
Team Options
========
Physically defensive Excadrill thrives on bulky offense teams that struggle against strong physical attackers such as Weavile and Bisharp. This set is particularly great on Cresselia teams that usually struggle versus Weavile, Bisharp, and opposing Excadrill, all of which Excadrill can help with or lure in.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Rock Slide / Toxic
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Earthquake allows Excadrill to be a great late-game cleaner once Flying-types have been eliminated. With Mold Breaker, it can hit Levitate Pokemon such as Rotom-W. Iron Head, combined with Excadrill's Speed, is another great tool for late-game cleaning, especially when some lucky flinches are needed. Rapid Spin, especially with Choice Scarf, can be used to remove entry hazards once or twice per game. Rock Slide can be used to revenge kill fast Flying-types such as Mega Pinsir, Mega Charizard Y, and Thundurus. Alternatively, Toxic or Stealth Rock can be used for more utility.
Set Details
========
The EV spread with a Jolly nature maximizes Excadrill's Speed to outspeed fast threats as Mega Alakazam and setup Pokemon such as Jolly Gyarados, Jolly Dragonite, and Modest Volcarona at +1.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a late-game sweeper and a revenge killer. Once any opposing Flying-types have fainted, Excadrill can spam Earthquake freely, especially when bulky threats such as Slowbro are also KOed or weakened. Rapid Spin is only supposed to be used once or twice per game, as it is a huge momentum killer.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can lure or reliably eliminate Flying-types and physically defensive walls make the best of teammates. Pokemon such as Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Pinsir are some examples that can do both.
[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
With access to both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, lead Excadrill is a fantastic option for hyper offense teams. With Focus Sash, it is often guaranteed to both set up and remove Stealth Rock. Rock Tomb is used to allow Excadrill to guarantee Stealth Rock is set the next turn versus faster threats while also threatening Thundurus. Earthquake is Excadrill's main way of dishing out damage.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature with maximum Speed is preferred to increase the chances of Excadrill setting up Stealth Rock as much as possible. Maximum Attack is used to threaten common Rapid Spin and Defog users such as Excadrill and Zapdos. Mold Breaker allows it to set up Stealth Rocks against Mega Diancie and lower the Speed of Serperior with Rock Tomb. Other options include Chople Berry to get past Mega Lopunny.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a lead in the majority of matchups. Avoid leading with Excadrill versus fast Fake Out users such as Mega Lopunny and Jolly Mega Medicham, as they can prevent Excadrill from doing anything one-on-one. Be sure to use Rock Tomb versus faster threats, especially if Focus Sash is still intact.
Team Options
========
Fast Pokemon with immediately threatening power or a one-turn setup are the preferred teammates for this Excadrill set, as they can maintain the pressure to prevent the opposing team from removing Stealth Rock. Examples of such are Choice Band Weavile, Life Orb or Nasty Plot Thundurus, Quiver Dance Volcarona, and Tail Glow Manaphy. Additionally, at least one teammate that can pivot into Mega Lopunny, such as Rocky Helmet Thundurus or Choice Scarf Latias, is highly recommended.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Sitrus Berry and resistance Berries such as Shuca Berry can often prolong Excadrill's life by one turn versus fast-paced teams. Soft Sand and Life Orb are other options that can improve Excadrill's offensive power, especially on the Sand Rush set, at the cost of longevity. Air Balloon can be used on the fast utility set as well. Finally, a mixed defensive set can also see occasional viability; an EV spread of 192 HP / 24 Def / 252 SpD / 40 Spe with a Jolly nature lets Excadrill outspeed Jolly Tyranitar and Adamant Bisharp while also surviving both Mega Metagross's Earthquake and Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast from full HP.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Flying-types**: Pokemon such as Zapdos, bulky Thundurus, Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Gliscor can pivot on Excadrill almost endlessly. Defog Zapdos and Defog Skarmory can also nullify the progress Excadrill can make with Stealth Rock, while Gliscor and Skarmory are immune to Toxic, which makes them even more consistent at countering Excadrill. With Rock Slide or Swords Dance, Excadrill can overcome some of these walls, so be careful.
**Physically Bulky Walls**: Aside from previously mentioned Pokemon such as Skarmory and Zapdos, Pokemon like Slowbro, Hippowdon, physically defensive Garchomp, Mega Scizor, Tangrowth, and Cofagrigus are particularly great at putting a hard stop to Excadrill. Hippowdon and Garchomp are especially useful, as they can renew Stealth Rock every time Excadrill is on the field. Cofagrigus is great at stopping Excadrill from doing what it wants, as it can both spinblock and burn it. Mega Scizor can use the free turn Excadrill gives it to use Defog or set up Swords Dance. Slowbro and Tangrowth can continuously check Excadrill thanks to Regenerator.
**Contact Damage**: Rocky Helmet users such as Garchomp, Skarmory, Zapdos, and Ferrothorn are great at punishing Excadrill by switching into Iron Head and Rapid Spin, two of Excadrill's most commonly used moves. Over the long course of the battle, they can whittle down Excadrill and prevent it from spinning long-term.
**Offensive Threats**: Fast Pokemon such as Keldeo, Mega Lopunny, and offensive Garchomp can both outspeed and OHKO Excadrill. Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Dragonite, Nasty Plot Thundurus, and Swords Dance Gliscor can set up on Excadrill by virtue of their typing, ability, or natural bulk, and proceed to threaten the rest of the team.
**Knock Off**: Excadrill thrives on its longevity thanks to Leftovers and double resistance to Stealth Rock. In the same vein, removing Excadrill's Leftovers with Knock Off puts a limit on the amount of time it can spin.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/noname6293.604378/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sunny004.197240/
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