Lapras (Update)

Komodo · Feb 15, 2010

http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/lapras

[Overview]
At first glance, Lapras seems inferior to the UU Water-types due to its Ice typing, but it has a couple of useful traits that it can utilize well. Its high HP and Special Defense make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types such as Milotic and Omastar. Lapras's Stealth Rock weakness may seem disappointing, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb, which allows Lapras to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health. Due to Lapras's wide movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or as a supporter. This versatility gives the opponent a tough time at predicting what role Lapras plays on its team. These traits also make Lapras a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, access to Thunderbolt, and its mammoth HP stat. All in all, Lapras should not be underestimated.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set focuses on Lapras's excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt together hit every Pokemon in the UU tier for neutral damage (barring Lanturn and Shedinja). The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to heal its team or cripple an opponent.

The choice between Surf and Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively. For example, with Life Orb equipped, Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on both Nidoqueen and Absol, which Surf cannot do. In the second slot, Ice Beam strikes Pokemon such as Venusaur and Altaria for major damage. To round off the coverage, Thunderbolt hits helpless Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise for super effective damage. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey; Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when it is faced with an unfavorable match up; and Heal Bell allows it to support its teammates by removing crippling status.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power and type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and have Lapras hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any special sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but by then, Chansey will have crippled Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave. Powerful physical attackers, such as Hitmonlee and Hitmontop, are excellent choices to deal with Chansey; both Pokemon are able to batter it with super effective STAB Fighting-type moves. Hitmontop is also an effective Rapid Spin user, which is helpful due to Lapras's Ice typing. Dugtrio is another option, as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken prior damage to ensure this.

Venusaur causes problems for this set as it can switch in on any move (barring Ice Beam) and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type move or Sleep Powder. RestTalk Arcanine makes an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status, while also hitting Venusaur super effectively with Flare Blitz. Altaria with RestTalk is another option who is capable of switching into all of Venusaur's moves. Sleep Talk allows it to set up Dragon Dance boosts or hit Venusaur with a powerful Outrage.

[SET]
name: LapDance (Dragon Dance)
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Return / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Substitute / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Adamant
evs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
On this set, Dragon Dance is used in order to raise Lapras's average Attack and Speed stats into much higher degrees. Lapras makes an excellent Dragon Dance user thanks to its respectable defenses and Water Absorb ability, giving it numerous opportunities to switch in and boost its stats.

A combination of Waterfall and Return provides near-perfect type coverage in UU, with Shedinja being the only Pokemon who is immune to both moves. Zen Headbutt is an option if you need Lapras to hit Weezing and Fighting-types such as Poliwrath or Toxicroak harder. However, if you leave out Return, Slowbro will cause problems. Substitute grants Lapras safety from crippling status moves, but Ice Beam, although being a special attack, will hit Grass-types for more damage than any of Lapras's other physical options.

[Additional Comments]
224 Speed EVs give Lapras 212 Speed, which allows it to outrun base 95 Pokemon with a positive nature, such as Drapion and Houndoom, after a single Dragon Dance boost. Maximum Attack EVs allow it to deal as much damage as possible. The remaining EVs are placed into HP, giving Lapras more bulk while also allowing Lapras to create Substitutes bigger than 101 HP. This requires Chansey to use Seismic Toss twice before Lapras's Substitute breaks.

Bulky Water-types cause this set problems as Lapras is unable to hit them super effectively. Grass-types, most notably Venusaur, are good teammates as they can hit Water-type Pokemon for super effective damage with their STAB Grass-type attacks or cripple them with status or Leech Seed. Venusaur is an outstanding candidate because of its great bulk and versatile movepool.

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wallbreaker; with Lapras's above-average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set also utilizes Dragon Dance, which boosts Lapras's Speed and Attack, and turns it into a powerful sweeper.

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power and the Speed to outrun common UU threats such as Drapion and Houndoom. The choice of which physical move to pick depends on your personal preference: use Waterfall for flinch rate and power, or use Return to damage Water-types. With 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb, Hydro Pump gives Lapras a chance to OHKO the most defensive Steelix with Spikes support, while also dealing huge damage to Donphan and Weezing. The final slot depends on whether you wish to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you want Lapras to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump and Spikes support. 224 Speed EVs allow Lapras to outrun positive nature base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, including Leafeon and Houndoom, who are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump, respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% = 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% = 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Bold Weezing = 63.2% - 74.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% = 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% = 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% = 81.1%</li>
</ul>

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two; however, bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for this set if Lapras lacks Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defense stats. Venusaur comes in handy here as it can hit them super effectively with Grass-type moves or Sleep Powder. Lanturn is one of Lapras's biggest problems thanks to its mammoth HP stat and ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn as it lacks a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch in on Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

If Lapras lacks Ice Beam, Venusaur can switch in on Hydro Pump or Return and threaten Lapras with Sleep Powder or a super effective Grass-type move. RestTalk Arcanine is an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status while also dishing out huge damage with Flare Blitz. Altaria also makes a fine RestTalk user due to its high defensive stats and great typing. Natural Cure also helps Altaria remove its own status upon switching out.

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras's huge HP and respectable Special Defense stats make it an ideal Curse user. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats at the cost of lowering its Speed, which turns it into a monstrous tank who is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works great with Curse as its priority will negate the drop in Speed. Avalanche is another option, as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will almost always be doing after a Speed drop. Waterfall is a strong STAB attack that will deal huge damage to any Pokemon without a resistance or immunity after a few boosts from Curse. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful status. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes Lapras up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
An alternative set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable, as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status effectively. Sleep Talk is helpful to ensure that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, and instead use them as an opportunity to raise its stats further with Curse or attack with a boosted Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives Lapras a Leftovers number. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful specially-based hits, even those that are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving Lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended, as it allows Lapras to stall opponents, such as Lanturn, who it cannot damage sufficiently. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to various support moves such as Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option if you'd like an offensively-oriented Pokemon to block Rapid Spin.

Critical hits are a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armor, which protects Lapras from any critical hits, comes in handy. However, Water Absorb is usually the preferred ability, allowing Lapras to restore 25% of its health and come in freely on Water-type attacks, which can sometimes be a more reliable form of healing than Rest.

Lapras has major problems when faced with a Fighting-type opponent such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop. Spiritomb is an ideal partner for Lapras as it can switch into a predicted Close Combat and threaten physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Uxie is another option as it takes little damage from physical attacks and can cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave or Yawn.

[Team Options]
Drapion is an excellent partner all around, as it has access to an amazing support movepool, which includes Toxic Spikes. Toxic Spikes is helpful as it allows Lapras to defeat bulky Water-types who it cannot deal significant damage to, such as Slowbro and Milotic.

Dugtrio is an excellent offensive partner as it can switch in on Chansey and Clefable with ease and threaten them with Earthquake. It also helps take out Pokemon such as Lanturn and Registeel, who Lapras is unable to deal significant damage to.

A Rapid Spinner is helpful due to Lapras's Ice typing, which makes it lose 25% of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Hitmontop is the best option as it has access to Foresight, which allows it to hit Ghost-types with Rapid Spin. Hitmontop is also helpful as it can take out Chansey with Close Combat. Donphan is another fine option as it can switch into Rock- and Electric-type moves, which Lapras would otherwise take large amounts of damage from.

Chansey is a great partner as it is able to switch in on special Electric- and Grass-type moves with little trouble. It also has access to Thunder Wave, which allows it to cripple incoming sweepers and also help overcome Lapras's average Speed stat. Aromatherapy is also helpful to rid your team of status if Lapras does not use Heal Bell.

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to the lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to its higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option, but deals huge damage to an incoming Choice Band user if it hits itself. Icy Wind is an option for overcoming Lapras's average Speed, though the low Base Power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras. It can also support other teammates who have abilities that benefit from the rain, Water-type attacks, and Thunder. With Rain Dance, a Damp Rock can be used to prolong the rain, or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire, who is immune to Thunderbolt and Water-type moves due to its Water Absorb ability.

[Counters]
Lanturn is the best all-around counter to Lapras, as it can switch in on Thunderbolt thanks to Volt Absorb and takes little damage from either of Lapras's STAB attacks. It can then proceed to hit Lapras with an STAB Thunderbolt or cripple it with Toxic.

Chansey can counter the Special Attacker set with ease, though it should beware of any physical or mixed sets due to its lower Defense stat. Natural Cure lets Chansey laugh at Lapras's Toxic all day. It can then cripple Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave and attempt to weaken Lapras with Seismic Toss.

Clefable makes an excellent counter with Encore, which allows it to foil Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. With its high defensive stats, Clefable can switch in on unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent poison damage.

Venusaur can easily switch in on any move barring Ice Beam or Avalanche and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type attack or Sleep Powder. It also benefits from Lapras's huge HP stat, as it will recover more health with Leech Seed. Venusaur's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes is useful as well.

Fuzznip · Feb 15, 2010

Lapras the best!

September said:
[Overview]
Lapras' high HP and Special Defense stats make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types like Gorebyss and Omastar. Water Absorb allows it to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health, while threatening the Water-type user with Thunderbolt. A weakness to Stealth Rock is a disappointment, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb. Due to Lapras' mixed movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or a supporter, giving the opponent a tough time predicting what role it plays on the team. Lapras also makes a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, which gives it an immunity to Water-type moves, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, and its mammoth HP stat. This allows Lapras to survive powerful hits and KO most Rain Dance abusers with Thunderbolt.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set is focussed on Lapras' excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hits everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Shedinja due to Wonder Guard. The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to support its team or cripple an opponent.

Surf, Hydro Pump, and Ice Beam all receive a boost from STAB, while they are able to hit many threats super effectively, which include Blaziken and Venusaur. The choice of Surf or Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively and holding a Life Orb. Thunderbolt hits Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise super effectively, while they are unable to do much in return. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fufill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey, Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when faced with an unfavourable matchup, and Heal Bell allows it to support teammates and remove crippling status ailments.

You could probably mention some advantages Hydro Pump has over Surf. For example, does Hydro Pump score any notable OHKOes/2HKOes that Surf can't? Those might be helpful.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power along with its great type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and choose to hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any special-based sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but Chansey would have crippled you with Toxic or Thunder Wave. A powerful physical attacker, such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop, are excellent choices; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey with super effective STABed Fighting-type moves and remove her quickly.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Return / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Substitute / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Adamant
evs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
Dragon Dance is used on this set to raise Lapras' average Attack and Speed stats. Lapras makes an excellent user of Dragon Dance thanks to its respectable defenses and Water Absorb ability, giving it numerous opportunities to switch in and boosts its stats.

A combination of Waterfall and Return provide near-perfect type coverage in UU, Shedinja being the only Pokemon being immune to both moves. Zen Headbutt is an option if you wish to hit Weezing [Weezing is more appropriate due to its increases Defense. and Fighting-types such as Poliwrath or the Hitmon family harder [Maybe mention Toxicroak here. It's probably the biggest threat to Lapras]. If you wish to leave out Return, Slowbro will cause problems, however. Substitute grants Lapras safety from crippling status moves, but Ice Beam, although being a special attack, will hit Grass-types for more damage than Ice Shard and doesn't have negative priority like Avalanche does.

[Additional Comments]
224 Speed EVs give Lapras 212 Speed, which allows it to outrun base 95 Pokemon with a positive nature after a single Dragon Dance boost, such as Drapion and Houndoom. Maximum Attack EVs allow it to deal as much damage as possible. The remaining EVs are placed into HP, giving Lapras more bulk, while it also allows Lapras to create Substitutes bigger than 101 HP. This would require Chansey to use Seismic Toss twice before the Substitute breaks.

Bulky Water-types cause this set problems as Lapras is unable to hit them super effectively. Grass-types are a good option as they can hit Water Pokemon super effectively or cripple them with Toxic or Leech Seed. Venusaur is an outstanding candidate as it is able to hit Water-types super effectively with Power Whip or Leaf Storm. Venusaur can also fill a defensive role and stall these Pokemon with status moves and Leech Seed.

Weezing and Spiritomb both cause this set problems due to their high Defense stats and access to Will-O-Wisp. Weezing should watch out for boosted Zen Headbutt, however. Houndoom is an option as it can switch into Will-O-Wisp, thanks to Flash Fire, and threaten to OHKO Weezing with Fire Blast. Another way to deal with this problem is to carry a status absorber or RestTalker such as Arcanine, who will take little damage from any of the previously mentioned Pokemon's moves.

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return [In the comments, you mention Waterfall first.]
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wall breaker; with Lapras' above average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set also utilizes Dragon Dance, which boosts Lapras' Speed and Attack, turning it into a powerful sweeper.

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power and gives it the Speed to outrun common UU threats like Drapion and Hountoom. The choice of physical move depends if you wish to use Lapras' STAB Waterfall or if you wish to damage Water-types with Return. Hydro Pump along with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb gives you the chance to OHKO the most defensive Steelix, while it also deals huge damage to Donphan and Claydol [What about Weezing?]. The final slot depends on whether you wish to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you wish to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump, which isachieved with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb. 224 EVs in Speed allow Lapras to outrun positive natured base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, which includes Leafeon and Houndoom, both of which are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump, respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% - 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% - 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% - 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% - 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% - 81.1%</li>
</ul>

You need a Weezing calculation.

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two; however, bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for any set without Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defensive stats. Lanturn is one of Lapras' biggest problems, thanks to its mammoth HP and the ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn as it is without a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch into Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras' huge HP and respectable Special Defense make it an excellent special tank. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats which turns it into a monstrous tank, which is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works great with Curse as its priority will negate the drop in Speed. After a few boosts, this move becomes deadly. Avalanche is another option as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will be doing a lot after a Speed drop. Waterfall is a powerful STAB move which will deal huge damage to anything after a few boosts from Curse, barring those with a resistance or immunity. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful stats. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
As an alternative, a set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status. Sleep Talk is also helpful as it ensures that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, while it can raise its stats further with Curse or attack with Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives a reliable number for Leftovers recovery. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful special-based hits, even those which are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended as it allows Lapras to stall opponents it is unable to damage greatly. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time.

When using entry hazards, a Pokemon to block Rapid Spin is recommended. Spiritomb is excellent if you wish to play defensively, due to many support options and nice typing, while Mismagius can be played more offensively with Nasty Plot or Calm Mind.

Critical hits may be a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armour comes in handy, protecting Lapras from any critical hits. However, Water Absorb is the preferred ability as it allows Lapras to restore 25% of its health, which is more reliable than Rest in some cases.

[Team Options]
Lapras has major problems when faced with a Fighting-type opponent such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop. Spiritomb is an ideal partner for Lapras as it can switch into a predicted Close Combat and threaten physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Uxie is another option as it takes little damage from physical attacks and is able to cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave or Yawn.

As previously mentioned in the above sets, Drapion is an excellent partner all round, as it has access to an amazing support movepool, which includes Toxic Spikes. Toxic Spikes are helpful as they allow Lapras to defeat bulky Water-types which it cannot deal significant damage to, such as Slowbro and Milotic.

A Pokemon with Rapid Spin is helpful due to Lapras' Ice typing, making it lose 25% upon switching into Stealth Rock. Hitmontop is the best option as it has access to Foresight, allowing it to hit Ghost-types with Rapid Spin. Hitmontop is also helpful as it can remove Chansey with Close Combat. Donphan is another fine option as it can switch into Rock- and Electric-type moves, which Lapras would take large damage from.

Chansey is a great partner as she is able to switch in on specially-based Electric- and Grass-type moves with little trouble. Chansey also has access to Thunder Wave, which allows her to cripple oncoming sweepers and also helps overcome Lapras' average Speed stat. Aromatherapy is also helpful to rid your team of status if Lapras decides not to use Heal Bell.

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to a lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to a higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option but it would deal huge damage to an oncoming Choice Bander. Icy Wind is an option to overcome Lapras' average Speed, though the low Base Power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras, while it may also support other teammates. A Damp Rock can be used in tandem with Rain Dance to prolong the rain or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire who resists Thunderbolt and is immune to Water-type moves with its Water Absorb ability.

[Counters]
Lanturn is the best all round counter to Lapras as it can switch in on Thunderbolt with an immunity and it takes little damage from either of Lapras' STAB moves. Lanturn can then proceed to hit Lapras with a STABed Thunderbolt or cripple it with Toxic. Lanturn should beware of boosted Returns, however.

Chansey can counter the Special Attacker set with ease, though she should beware of any physical or mixed sets due to her lower Defense stat. Natural Cure will make Toxic a smaller problem while she can cripple Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave, and she can then attempt to weaken Lapras with Seismic Toss.

Clefable makes an excellent counter as it has access to Encore, allowing it to cripple Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. High defensive stats allow Clefable to switch in on unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent crippling status like poison or sleep.

Good work September!

Komodo · Feb 15, 2010

Thanks Fuzznip, I changed the mistakes and added the calculation for Weezing.

franky · Feb 15, 2010

[Overview]
Lapras' high HP and Special Defense stats make it an excellent to some Water-types like Gorebyss and Omastar. Water Absorb allows it to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health, while threatening the Water-type users with Thunderbolt. A weakness to Stealth Rock is a disappointment, but this is somewhat compensated with the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb. Due to Lapras' mixed movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or a supporter, giving the opponent a tough time predicting what role it plays on the team. Lapras also makes a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb and 4x resistance to Ice-type moves.[removed 'immunity to Water-types and mammoth HP' to cut out redundancy]. This allows Lapras to survive powerful hits and KO most Rain Dance abusers with Thunderbolt.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set is focused on Lapras' excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hits everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Shedinja due to Wonder Guard. The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to support its team or cripple an opponent.

<p.Lapras is able to hit many threats super effectively with its dual STAB moves. The choice of Surf or Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively, and with Life Orb equipped, Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on Nidoqueen and Absol. Thunderbolt hits Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise super effectively, while they are unable to do much in return. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey, Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when faced with an unfavourable matchup, and Heal Bell allows it to support teammates by removing crippling status ailments.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power along with its great type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and choose to hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any special-based sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but Chansey would have crippled you with Toxic or Thunder Wave. A powerful physical attacker, such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop, are excellent choices; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey with super effective STABed Fighting-type moves and remove her quickly.
---

Good job so far, I did the first set but I had to stop because I have a few comments before I grammar check the rest. Team Options need expanding.

-Dugtrio makes a pretty good partner with Lapras since it can switch in on Chansey with impunity and can 2HKO her back with Earthquake. And since most Chansey's tend to carry Leftovers, Dugtrio can get itself a free kill. You might want to mention Clefable along with Chansey while your at it since Clefable walls this set to no ends.

-Your in the right direction with Hitmontop, but I would like to see you mention and emphasize Rapid Spin. Hitmontop not only keeps Chansey and Clefable at bay, but it also gets rid of those rocks, so definitely add that in the set comments.

-I want to see you throw around a couple of Venusaur comments as well as a possible check to this set. Venusaur only fears Ice Beam on this set and it can easily switch in on the other moves. Even if you hit it with Ice Beam, Synthesis versions can easily heal it off after placing you to sleep. I'd like to see RestTalk Altaria or RestTalk Arcanine as possible partners to the set since they check Venusaur to a good extent.

Xia · Feb 15, 2010

To try and move away from the one to two sentence paragraphs, I've combined two of the additional comments for the Curse Set. Feel free to rewrite it to match your style if you feel it's necessary.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended as it allows Lapras to stall opponents it is unable to damage greatly. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option is you'd like an offensive-oriented Rapid Spin blocker.

Also, be sure to use American spellings. This means Shell Armour should be spelled "Shell Armor" (its in there at least once ;]).

Scoopapa · Feb 15, 2010

For the Dragon Dance set, I think you should mention Venasuar as something that is hit by Zen Headbutt. It is much more common than the other things you mention.

The 1 and Only Lady Gaga · Feb 15, 2010

"Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hits everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Shedinja due to Wonder Guard."

Um, forgot Lanturn? He has Volt Absorb so he is also supposed to be there.

Komodo · Feb 16, 2010

j. franky said:
---

Good job so far, I did the first set but I had to stop because I have a few comments before I grammar check the rest. Team Options need expanding.

-Dugtrio makes a pretty good partner with Lapras since it can switch in on Chansey with impunity and can 2HKO her back with Earthquake. And since most Chansey's tend to carry Leftovers, Dugtrio can get itself a free kill. You might want to mention Clefable along with Chansey while your at it since Clefable walls this set to no ends.

-Your in the right direction with Hitmontop, but I would like to see you mention and emphasize Rapid Spin. Hitmontop not only keeps Chansey and Clefable at bay, but it also gets rid of those rocks, so definitely add that in the set comments.

-I want to see you throw around a couple of Venusaur comments as well as a possible check to this set. Venusaur only fears Ice Beam on this set and it can easily switch in on the other moves. Even if you hit it with Ice Beam, Synthesis versions can easily heal it off after placing you to sleep. I'd like to see RestTalk Altaria or RestTalk Arcanine as possible partners to the set since they check Venusaur to a good extent.

Will do. Thanks.

Xia said:
To try and move away from the one to two sentence paragraphs, I've combined two of the additional comments for the Curse Set. Feel free to rewrite it to match your style if you feel it's necessary.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended as it allows Lapras to stall opponents it is unable to damage greatly. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option is you'd like an offensive-oriented Rapid Spin blocker.

Also, be sure to use American spellings. This means Shell Armour should be spelled "Shell Armor" (its in there at least once ;]).

I have a habit of doing that, I'll work on it. And the American spellings, I'm not american so I'm not used to it xD

Scoopapa said:
For the Dragon Dance set, I think you should mention Venasuar as something that is hit by Zen Headbutt. It is much more common than the other things you mention.

I already mentioned this but Fuzznip said to change it. I'll work it in.

Lady Gaga said:
"Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hits everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Shedinja due to Wonder Guard."

Um, forgot Lanturn? He has Volt Absorb so he is also supposed to be there.

Yes.

macle · Mar 4, 2010

September said:
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set is focused on Lapras' excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hits everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Lanturn and Shedinja. The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to support its team or cripple an opponent.

Lapras is able to hit many threats super effectively with its dual STAB moves. The choice of Surf or Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively, and with Life Orb equipped, Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on Nidoqueen and Absol. Thunderbolt hits Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise super effectively, while they are unable to do much in return. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey, Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when faced with an unfavorable match up, and Heal Bell allows it to support teammates by removing crippling status ailments.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power along with its great type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and choose to hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any special-based sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but Chansey would have crippled you with Toxic or Thunder Wave. A powerful physical attacker, such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop, are excellent choices; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey with super effective STABed Fighting-type moves and remove her quickly. Hitmontop is also an effective user of Rapid Spin, which is helpful due to Lapras' Ice typing. Dugtrio is another option as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap, and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken damage previously to ensure this.

Venusaur will cause problems for this set as can to switch into any move barring Ice Beam, and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass move or can cripple it with Sleep Powder. RestTalk Arcanine makes an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status, while it can also hit Venusaur super effectively with Flare Blitz. RestTalk Altaria is another option as it can switch in on any of Venusaur's moves while Sleep Talk allows it to set up Dragon Dance boosts or hit Venusaur with a powerful Outrage or Earthquke.

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wall breaker; with Lapras' above average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set also utilizes Dragon Dance, which boosts Lapras' Speed and Attack, turning it into a powerful sweeper.

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power and gives it the Speed to outrun common UU threats like Drapion and Houndoom. The choice of physical move depends if you wish to use Lapras' STAB Waterfall or if you wish to damage Water-types with Return. Hydro Pump along with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb gives you the chance to OHKO the most defensive Steelix, while it also deals huge damage to Donphan and Weezing. The final slot depends on whether you wish to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you wish to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump, which is achieved with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb. 224 EVs in Speed allow Lapras to outrun positive natured base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, which includes Leafeon and Houndoom, both of which are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump, respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% = 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% = 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Bold Weezing = 63.2% - 74.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% = 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% = 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% = 81.1%</li>
</ul>

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two; however, bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for any set without Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defensive stats. Lanturn is one of Lapras' biggest problems, thanks to its mammoth HP and the ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn as it is without a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch into Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

If Lapras lacks Ice Beam, Venusaur can switch in on Hydro Pump or Return and threaten Lapras with Sleep Powder or a super effective Grass-type move. RestTalk Arcanine is an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status while dishing out huge damage with Flare Blitz. Altaria also makes a fine user of RestTalk due to its high defensive stats and great typing in UU. Natural Cure also helps Altaria remove its own status upon switching out/

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras' huge HP and respectable Special Defense make it an excellent special tank. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats which turns it into a monstrous tank, which is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works great with Curse as its priority will negate the drop in Speed. After a few boosts, this move becomes deadly. Avalanche is another option as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will be doing a lot after a Speed drop. Waterfall is a powerful STAB move which will deal huge damage to anything after a few boosts from Curse, barring those with a resistance or immunity. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful stats. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
As an alternative, a set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status effectively. Sleep Talk is also helpful as it ensures that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, while it can raise its stats further with Curse or attack with boosted Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives Lapras a reliable number for Leftovers recovery. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful special-based hits, even those which are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving Lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended as it allows Lapras to stall opponents it is unable to damage greatly. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option is you'd like an offensive-oriented Rapid Spin blocker.

Critical hits may be a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armor comes in handy, protecting Lapras from any critical hits. However, Water Absorb is the preferred ability as it allows Lapras to restore 25% of its health, which is more reliable than Rest in some cases.

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to a lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to a higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option but it would deal huge damage to an oncoming Choice Band user. Icy Wind is an option to overcome Lapras' average Speed, though the low Base Power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras, while it may also support other teammates. A Damp Rock can be used in tandem with Rain Dance to prolong the rain or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire who resists Thunderbolt and is immune to Water-type moves with its Water Absorb ability.

Snorlaxe · Mar 7, 2010

Lapras is such a cutie pie<3

Changes in blue
Removals in red

[Overview]
Lapras's high HP and Special Defense make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types like Gorebyss and Omastar. Water Absorb allows it to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health, while threatening opposing Water-types with Thunderbolt. A weakness to Stealth Rock is a disappointment, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb. Due to Lapras' mixed movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or a supporter, giving the opponent a tough time predicting what role it plays on the team. Lapras also makes a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, which gives it an immunity to Water-type moves, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, and its mammoth HP stat. This allows Lapras to survive powerful hits and KO most Rain Dance abusers with Thunderbolt.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set is focused on Lapras's excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hit everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Lanturn and Shedinja. The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to support its team or cripple an opponent.

Lapras is able to hit many threats super effectively with its dual STAB moves. The choice between Surf and Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively, and with Life Orb equipped, Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on Nidoqueen and Absol. Thunderbolt hits Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise super effectively, while they are unable to do much in return. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey, Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when faced with an unfavorable match up, and Heal Bell allows it to support teammates by removing crippling status ailments.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power along with its great type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and choose to hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any specially-based sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but Chansey will have crippled Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave. A powerful physical attacker, such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop, are excellent choices; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey with super effective STAB Fighting-type moves and remove her quickly. Hitmontop is also an effective user of Rapid Spin, which is helpful due to Lapras' Ice typing. Dugtrio is another option as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap, and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken damage previously to ensure this.

Venusaur will cause problems for this set as it can switch in on any move barring Ice Beam, and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type move or can cripple it with Sleep Powder. RestTalk Arcanine makes an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status, while it can also hit Venusaur super effectively with Flare Blitz. RestTalk Altaria is another option as it can switch in on any of Venusaur's moves, while Sleep Talk allows it to set up Dragon Dance boosts or hit Venusaur with a powerful Outrage or Earthquke.

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wall breaker; with Lapras's above average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set also utilizes Dragon Dance, which boosts Lapras's Speed and Attack and turns it into a powerful sweeper.

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power and gives it the Speed to outrun common UU threats like Drapion and Houndoom. The choice of physical move depends if you wish to use Lapras's STAB Waterfall or if you wish to damage Water-types with Return. Hydro Pump along with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb gives Lapras the chance to OHKO the most defensive Steelix, while it also deals huge damage to Donphan and Weezing. The final slot depends on whether you wish to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you wish to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump, which is achieved with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb. 224 EVs in Speed allow Lapras to outrun positive natured base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, which includes Leafeon and Houndoom; both of which are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump, respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% = 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% = 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Bold Weezing = 63.2% - 74.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% = 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% = 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% = 81.1%</li>
</ul>

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two; however, bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for any set without Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defensive stats. Lanturn is one of Lapras's biggest problems, thanks to its mammoth HP and the ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn as it lacks a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch in on Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

If Lapras lacks Ice Beam, Venusaur can switch in on Hydro Pump or Return and threaten Lapras with Sleep Powder or a super effective Grass-type move. RestTalk Arcanine is an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status while dishing out huge damage with Flare Blitz. Altaria also makes a fine user of RestTalk due to its high defensive stats and great typing in UU. Natural Cure also helps Altaria remove its own status upon switching out.

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras's huge HP and respectable Special Defense make it an excellent special tank. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats, which turns it into a monstrous tank that is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works great with Curse as its priority will negate the drop in Speed. After a few boosts, this move becomes deadly. Avalanche is another option as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will be doing a lot after a Speed drop. Waterfall is a powerful STAB move which will deal huge damage to anything after a few boosts from Curse, barring Pokemon with a resistance or immunity. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful stats. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes Lapras up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
As an alternative, a set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status effectively. Sleep Talk is also helpful as it ensures that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, while it can raise its stats further with Curse or attack with a boosted Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives Lapras a Leftovers number. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful specially-based hits, even those which are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving Lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended as they allow Lapras to stall opponents it is unable to greatly damage. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option if you'd like an offensively-oriented Rapid Spin blocker.

Critical hits may be a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armor comes in handy, protecting Lapras from any critical hits. However, Water Absorb is the preferred ability as it allows Lapras to restore 25% of its health, which is more reliable than Rest in some cases.

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to a lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to a higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option but deals huge damage to an oncoming Choice Band user. Icy Wind is an option for overcoming Lapras's average Speed, though the low base power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras, while it can also support other teammates. A Damp Rock can be used in tandem with Rain Dance to prolong the rain or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire, who resists Thunderbolt and is immune to Water-type moves with its Water Absorb ability.

[Counters]
Lanturn is the best all-around counter to Lapras as it can switch in on Thunderbolt with an immunity and it takes little damage from either of Lapras's STAB moves. Lanturn can then proceed to hit Lapras with an STAB Thunderbolt or cripple it with Toxic. Lanturn should beware of boosted Returns, however.

Chansey can counter the Special Attacker set with ease, though she should beware of any physical or mixed sets due to her lower Defense stat. Natural Cure will make Toxic a smaller problem, while she can cripple Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave; she can then attempt to weaken Lapras with Seismic Toss.

Clefable makes an excellent counter as it has access to Encore, allowing it to cripple Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. High defensive stats allow Clefable to switch in on unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent crippling status like poison or sleep.

Venusaur can easily switch in on any move barring Ice Beam or Avalanche and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type attack or it can cripple Lapras with Sleep Power. Venusaur also benefits from Lapras's huge HP stat as it will recover more health with Leech Seed. Venusaur is also helpful as it can remove any Toxic Spikes the opponent may have set up.

breh · Mar 7, 2010

September said:
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/lapras

[Overview]
Lapras's high HP and Special Defense make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types like Gorebyss and Omastar. Water Absorb allows it to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health, while threatening opposing Water-types with Thunderbolt. A weakness to Stealth Rock is a disappointment, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb. Due to Lapras' mixed movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or a supporter, giving the opponent a tough time predicting what role it will play on the team. Lapras also makes a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, and its mammoth HP stat. This allows Lapras to survive powerful hits and KO most Rain Dance abusers with Thunderbolt.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set is focused on Lapras's excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hit everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Lanturn and Shedinja. The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to support its team or cripple an opponent.

Lapras is able to hit many threats super effectively with its dual STAB moves. The choice between Surf or Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively; with Life Orb equipped Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on Nidoqueen and Absol. Thunderbolt hits Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise super effectively, while they are unable to do much in return. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey, Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when faced with an unfavorable match up, and Heal Bell allows it to support teammates by removing crippling status.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power along with great type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any specially-based sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but Chansey will have crippled Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave. Powerful physical attackers, such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop, are excellent choices to take out Chansey; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey with super effective STAB Fighting-type moves and remove her quickly. Hitmontop is also an effective user of Rapid Spin, which is helpful due to Lapras' Ice typing. Dugtrio is another option as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken damage previously to ensure this.

Venusaur will cause problems for this set as it can to switch in on any move barring Ice Beam, and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type move or cripple it with Sleep Powder. RestTalk Arcanine makes an excellent check to Venusaur, absorbing status moves used on it and hitting Venusaur super effectively with Flare Blitz. RestTalk Altaria is another option as it can switch in on any of SD (or possibly "physical"; also should be noted it doesn't like leech seed, although this is only a problem when going against rare special venusaur) Venusaur's moves, while Sleep Talk allows it to set up Dragon Dance boosts or hit Venusaur with a powerful Outrage or Earthquke.

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wall breaker; with Lapras's above average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set utilizes Dragon Dance to boost Lapras's Speed and Attack, turning it into a powerful sweeper.

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power, granting it the Speed to outrun common UU threats like Drapion and Houndoom. The physical move you choose depends on what you want to use it for; Waterfall is a powerful STAB after a few Dragon Dances, while Return is a secondary way to damage Water-types, particularly Lanturn. Hydro Pump along with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb gives Lapras the chance to OHKO (why is portion needed? if it needs max damage to OHKO, it's a near gauranteed 2HKO...) the most defensive Steelix, while it also deals huge damage to Donphan and Weezing. The final slot depends on whether you wish to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you wish to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump, which is achieved with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb. 224 EVs in Speed allow Lapras to outrun positive natured base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, which includes Leafeon and Houndoom; both of which are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump, respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% = 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% = 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Bold Weezing = 63.2% - 74.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% = 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% = 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% = 81.1%</li>
</ul>

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two, though bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for any set without Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defensive stats. Lanturn is one of Lapras's biggest problems, thanks to its mammoth HP and the ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn, as it lacks a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch in on Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

If Lapras lacks Ice Beam, Venusaur can switch in on Hydro Pump or Return and threaten Lapras with Sleep Powder or a super effective Grass-type move. RestTalk Arcanine is an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status while dishing out huge damage with Flare Blitz. Altaria also makes a fine user of RestTalk due to its high defensive stats and great typing. Natural Cure also helps Altaria remove its own status upon switching out.

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras's huge HP and respectable Special Defense make it an excellent special tank. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats, which turns it into a monstrous tank that is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works well with Curse, its priority negating the drop in Speed. Avalanche is another option as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will be doing a lot after a Speed drop (avalanche=/=payback; it doubles only if attacked first and ALWAYS moves last (unless a faster pokemon uses a -4 priority move)). Waterfall is a powerful STAB move which will deal huge damage to anything after a few boosts from Curse, barring Pokemon with a resistance or immunity. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful status. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes Lapras up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
Alternatively, a set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status effectively. Sleep Talk is also helpful as it ensures that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, while it can raise its stats further with Curse or attack with a boosted Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives Lapras a Leftovers number. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful specially-based hits, even those which are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving Lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended. They allow Lapras to stall opponents it cannot damage sufficiently, like Lanturn. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option if you'd like an offensively-oriented pokemon to block Rapid Spin.

Critical hits may be a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armor comes in handy, protecting Lapras from any critical hits. However, Water Absorb is the preferred ability, allowing Lapras to restore 25% of its health from Water-type attacks, as well as come in freely on them, which can sometimes be a more reliable form of healing than Rest. (omit random "rapid spin blocker")

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to a lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to a higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option but can deal huge damage to an oncoming Choice Band user. Icy Wind is an option for overcoming Lapras's average Speed, though the low base power can be a turn-off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras, while it can also support other teammates. A Damp Rock can be used in tandem with Rain Dance to prolong the rain or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire, who resists Thunderbolt and is immune to Water-type moves with its Water Absorb ability.

[Counters]
Lanturn is the best all-around counter to Lapras as it can switch in on Thunderbolt with an immunity and it takes little damage from either of Lapras's STAB moves. Lanturn can then proceed to hit Lapras with a STAB Thunderbolt or cripple it with Toxic.

Chansey can counter the Special Attacker set with ease, though she should beware of any physical or mixed sets due to her lower Defense stat. Natural Cure will make Toxic a smaller problem, while she can cripple Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave; she can then attempt to weaken Lapras with Seismic Toss.

Clefable makes an excellent counter as it has access to Encore, allowing it to cripple Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. High defensive stats allow Clefable to switch in on unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent crippling status like poison or sleep.

Venusaur can easily switch in on any move barring Ice Beam or Avalanche and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type attack or cripple Lapras with Sleep Power. Venusaur also benefits from Lapras's huge HP stat as it will recover more health with Leech Seed. Venusaur is also helpful as it can absorb Toxic Spikes.

Pretty good. Edits in bold, random comments I had in red and bold.

diinbong · Mar 7, 2010

I've personally tried Hydro Pump Life Orb Lapras bulky Lapras and found it to be pretty bad. It really doesn't like the Life Orb recoil considering it's already losing 25% from Stealth Rock, so I think Life Orb shouldn't be slashed and should only be in set comments. Hydro Pump is also not as good an option as Surf imo and I would personally remove it too but if you think it's worth it you can keep it I guess.

Also the overview is pretty repetitive so it'd be nice if you could edit it a bit.

Diesel · Mar 8, 2010

Why was regular Dragon Dance removed? Did that happen on IRC or something?

jumpluff · Mar 8, 2010

September said:
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/lapras

[Overview]
Lapras's high HP and Special Defense make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types like Gorebyss and Omastar. A weakness to Stealth Rock is a disappointment, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb. (flows better) Water Absorb allows it to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health, while threatening opposing Water-types with Thunderbolt. Due to Lapras' mixed movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or a supporter, giving the opponent a tough time predicting what role it plays on the team. Lapras also makes a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, Thunderbolt, , and its mammoth HP stat.

might be worth just rephrasing the last sentence (redundant): these traits make lapras a reliable check...

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set is focused on Lapras's excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt hit everything in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Lanturn and Shedinja. The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to support its team or cripple an opponent.

Lapras is able to hit many threats super effectively with its dual STAB moves. The choice of Surf and Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively, and with Life Orb equipped, Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on Nidoqueen and Absol. Thunderbolt hits Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise super effectively, while they are unable to do much in return. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey, Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when faced with an unfavorable match up, and Heal Bell allows it to support teammates by removing crippling status.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power along with great type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any special sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but Chansey will have crippled Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave. A powerful physical attacker, such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop, are excellent choices; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey with super effective STAB Fighting-type moves. Hitmontop is also an effective user of Rapid Spin, which is helpful due to Lapras' Ice-typing. Dugtrio is another option, as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken damage previously to ensure this.

Venusaur will cause problems for this set, as it can to switch in on any move, barring Ice Beam, and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type move or cripple it with Sleep Powder. RestTalk Arcanine makes an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status, while it can also hit Venusaur super effectively with Flare Blitz. RestTalk Altaria is another option, being able to switch in on all of Venusaur's moves, while Sleep Talk allows it to set up Dragon Dance boosts or hit Venusaur with a powerful Outrage or Earthquke.

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wall breaker; with Lapras's above average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set also utilizes Dragon Dance, which boosts Lapras's Speed and Attack, and turns it into a powerful sweeper.

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power and gives it the Speed to outrun common UU threats like Drapion and Houndoom. The choice of physical move depends if you wish to use Lapras's STAB Waterfall or if you wish to damage Water-types with Return. Hydro Pump along with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb gives Lapras the chance to OHKO the most defensive Steelix, while it also deals huge damage to Donphan and Weezing. The final slot depends on whether you wish to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you wish to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump. 224 EVs in Speed allow Lapras to outrun positive natured base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, which includes Leafeon and Houndoom,oth of which are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% = 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% = 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Bold Weezing = 63.2% - 74.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% = 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% = 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% = 81.1%</li>
</ul>

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two; however, bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for any set without Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defensive stats. Lanturn is one of Lapras's biggest problems, thanks to its mammoth HP and the ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn as it lacks a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch in on Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

If Lapras lacks Ice Beam, Venusaur can switch in on Hydro Pump or Return and threaten Lapras with Sleep Powder or a super effective Grass-type move. RestTalk Arcanine is an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status while dishing out huge damage with Flare Blitz. Altaria also makes a fine user of RestTalk due to its high defensive stats and great typing. Natural Cure also helps Altaria remove its own status upon switching out.

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras's huge HP and respectable Special Defense make it an excellent special tank. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats, which turns it into a monstrous tank that is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works great with Curse as its priority will negate the drop in Speed. Avalanche is another option, as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will be doing a lot after a Speed drop. Waterfall is a powerful STAB move which will deal huge damage to anything after a few boosts from Curse, barring Pokemon with a resistance or immunity. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful stats. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes Lapras up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
As an alternative, a set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable, as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status effectively. Sleep Talk is helpful to ensure that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, while it can raise its stats further with Curse or attack with a boosted Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives Lapras a Leftovers number. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful specially-based hits, even those which are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving Lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended as they allow Lapras to stall opponents it is unable to greatly damage. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option if you'd like an offensively-oriented finish? 

Critical hits may be a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armor comes in handy, protecting Lapras from any critical hits. However, Water Absorb is the preferred ability as it allows Lapras to restore 25% of its health, which is more reliable than Rest in some cases. Rapid Spin blocker.

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to a lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to a higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option but deals huge damage to an incoming Choice Band user if they hit themselves. Icy Wind is an option for overcoming Lapras's average Speed, though the low Base Power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras, while it can also support other teammates. A Damp Rock can be used in tandem with Rain Dance to prolong the rain, or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire, who resists Thunderbolt and is immune to Water-type moves with its Water Absorb ability.

[Counters]
Lanturn is the best all-around counter to Lapras, as it can switch in on Thunderbolt with an immunity and it takes little damage from either of Lapras's STAB moves. Lanturn can then proceed to hit Lapras with a STAB Thunderbolt or cripple it with Toxic.

Chansey can counter the Special Attacker set with ease, though she should beware of any physical or mixed sets due to her lower Defense stat. Natural Cure will make Toxic a smaller problem, while she can cripple Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave; she can then attempt to weaken Lapras with Seismic Toss.

Clefable makes an excellent counter with to Encore, allowing it to cripple Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. High defensive stats allow Clefable to switch in on unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent poison damage

magic guard doesnt block sleep :x

Venusaur can easily switch in on any move barring Ice Beam or Avalanche and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type attack or cripple it with Sleep Power. Venusaur also benefits from Lapras's huge HP stat, as it will recover more health with Leech Seed. Venusaur's Toxic Spikes absorption is useful too.

Erazor · Mar 8, 2010

How about adding a Sub/ DD set? It's quite good when it's been used against me.

Komodo · Mar 8, 2010

Uh, The Dragon Dance set (which did include Substitute) disappeared somehow while I was editing it (now that I notice, the Team Options went too ?_?). Not sure, good thing I kept a copy of it. I'll fix the rest later, though this wasn't even finished, I'm wondering why people started checking it...

Edit - I don't understand, a lot of the stuff people mention was already done. It seems to have gone...(Dragon Dance set, Roar+Block WAS here)... I'd appreciate it if you gave me some time to fix everything that was lost somehow =/

Sir Azelf · Mar 8, 2010

Just a few other options i can spot.

Roar (Could be made into a Rest Talk shuffle set too, since Lapras definitely has the bulk to pull it off)

Block + Perish Song (+ Sing) works actually pretty darn well too on this thing.

Looks good though, nice job. ^^

Diesel · Mar 8, 2010

Yea I noticed DD got lost somewhere along the line, that's why I asked if IRC was the cause of its deletion. Definitely a good set.

Komodo · Mar 11, 2010

Okay guys, most of the stuff has been fixed and I only need checks on the Dragon Dance set and Team Options :)

Flora · Mar 13, 2010

Sorry that I disappeared from C&C. I was thinking on how I can improve my edits and to avoid my own mistakes and styles interfering with other people's writing.

Overview said:
Lapras's high HP and Special Defense make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types like Gorebyss and Omastar. A weakness to Stealth Rock is a disappointment, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb. (flows better) (this seems to have forgotten to be deleted) Water Absorb allows it to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health, while threatening opposing Water-types with Thunderbolt. Due to Lapras' mixed movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or a supporter, giving the opponent a tough time predicting what role it plays on the team. These traits make Lapras a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, access to Thunderbolt, and its mammoth HP stat.

For the Lapras parts, they seem to be in the same idea, but they're different. I'm guessing in the second part with Lapras', an s needs to be added at the end. All of the Lapras' I see are of belonging to so I don't see why they need to be different.

Special Attacker said:
As with any special sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but Chansey will have crippled Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave. A powerful physical attacker, such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop, are excellent choices; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey with super effective STAB Fighting-type moves. Hitmontop is also an effective user of Rapid Spin, which is helpful due to Lapras's Ice-typing. Dugtrio is another option, as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken damage previously to ensure this.

Dragon Dance said:
Dragon Dance is used on this set to raise Lapras's average Attack and Speed stats. Lapras makes an excellent user of Dragon Dance thanks to its respectable defenses and Water Absorb ability, giving it numerous opportunities to switch in and boosts its stats.

Mixed Dragon Dance said:
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump. 224 EVs in Speed allow Lapras to outrun positive natured base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, which includes Leafeon and Houndoom, (space) both of which are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump respectively.

Curse said:
As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended. It allow Lapras to stall opponents it cannot damage sufficiently, like Lanturn. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to support moves like Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option if you'd like an offensively-oriented Pokemon to block Rapid Spin.

I'm not sure if "Toxic Spikes" counts as multiples. Visually, yes, there are layers of spikes laid down, especially by using two layers of TS. But, it's one move so I think it needs to be changed.

Team Options said:
As previously mentioned in the above sets, Drapion is an excellent partner all round, as it has access to an amazing support movepool, which includes Toxic Spikes. Toxic Spikes is helpful as it allow Lapras to defeat bulky Water-types which it cannot deal significant damage to, such as Slowbro and Milotic.

Team Options said:
A Pokemon with Rapid Spin is helpful due to Lapras's Ice typing, making it lose 25% upon switching into Stealth Rock. Hitmontop is the best option as it has access to Foresight, allowing it to hit Ghost-types with Rapid Spin. Hitmontop is also helpful as it can take out Chansey with Close Combat. Donphan is another fine option as it can switch into Rock- and Electric-type moves, which Lapras would take large damage from.

Team Options said:
Chansey is a great partner as she is able to switch in on specially-based Electric- and Grass-type moves with little trouble. Chansey also has access to Thunder Wave, which allows her to cripple oncoming sweepers and also helps overcome Lapras's average Speed stat. Aromatherapy is also helpful to rid your team of status if Lapras decides not to use Heal Bell.

Optional Changes said:
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to a lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to a higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option but deals huge damage to an incoming Choice Band user if it hits itself. Icy Wind is an option for overcoming Lapras's average Speed, though the low Base Power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras, while it can also support other teammates. A Damp Rock can be used in tandem with Rain Dance to prolong the rain, or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire, who is immune to Thunderbolt and is immune to (remove) Water-type moves with its Water Absorb ability.

Counters said:
Clefable makes an excellent counter with to (remove) Encore, allowing it to cripple Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. High defensive stats allow Clefable to switch in on unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent poison damage

Counters said:
Venusaur can easily switch in on any move barring Ice Beam or Avalanche and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type attack or cripple it with Sleep Powder. Venusaur also benefits from Lapras's huge HP stat, as it will recover more health with Leech Seed. Venusaur's Toxic Spikes absorption is useful too.

Komodo · Sep 27, 2010

Hey, this has been doing nothing for over 6 months, could people (possible a moderator?) take a look at this and see if it's worth keeping, or just worth locking :)

Flora · Oct 13, 2010

GP Check 1/2:
additions/changes/comments in blue
removals in red

[Overview]
At first glance, Lapras seems inferior compared to the UU Water-types due to its Ice typing, but it has a couple of useful traits that it can utilize well. Its high HP and Special Defense make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types like such as Gorebyss Milotic and Omastar. A weakness to Lapras's Stealth Rock weakness is may seem a disappointment disappointing, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb. Water Absorb allows it Lapras to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health, while threatening opposing Water-types with Thunderbolt. (nothing to do with water absorb and introductions) Due to Lapras's mixed wide movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or as a supporter. (period) This versatility gives the opponent a tough time at predicting what role it Lapras plays on the its team. These traits also make Lapras a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, access to Thunderbolt, and its mammoth HP stat. All in all, Lapras should, by all means, not be underestimated.

(i didn't like how it just went straight into the meat. i'm sure an introductory sentence would do well. aaand, i added a wrap up sentence.)

(on the like vs such as, there was an announcement that's gone now that said "like" is used for what's similar and "such as" is used for listing examples. jake is like jack while examples such as jake and jack.)

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set is focused focuses on Lapras's excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt together hit everything Pokemon in the UU tier for neutral damage barring Lanturn and Shedinja. The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to support its team or cripple an opponent.

Lapras is able to hit many threats super effectively with its dual STAB moves. (above said some of this and i'd rather keep it like that overall; also, water hits ground/rock/fire and ice hits ground/flying/dragon/grass so you got 7/17 so that sentence basically failed and it's out of place) The choice of between Surf and Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively. (period) and For example, with Life Orb equipped, Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on both Nidoqueen and Absol, which Surf cannot do. On the second slot, Ice Beam strikes Grass-type Pokemon such as Venusaur and Altaria for major damage. To round off the coverage, Thunderbolt hits helpless Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise super effectively, while they are unable to do much in return. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey; (semi-colon) Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when it is faced with an unfavorable match up; (semi-colon) and Heal Bell allows it to support its teammates by removing crippling status.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power along with great type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any special sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but by then, Chansey will have crippled Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave. A Powerful physical attackers, such as Hitmonlee or and Hitmontop, are excellent choices against Chansey; both Pokemon are able to batter Chansey it with super effective STAB Fighting-type moves. Hitmontop is also an effective Rapid Spin user of Rapid Spin, which is helpful due to Lapras's Ice typing. Dugtrio is another option, as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken damage previously to ensure this.

(i called chansey "it" instead of "she" because of new conventions. i commented on this a little more at the bottom.)

Venusaur will causes problems for this set (removed comma) as it can to switch in on any move, barring Ice Beam, and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type move or cripple it with Sleep Powder. RestTalk Arcanine makes an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status, while it can also hitting Venusaur super effectively with Flare Blitz. RestTalk Altaria with RestTalk is another option (removed comma) who is being capable of able to switching into on all of Venusaur's moves. (period) while Sleep Talk allows it to set up Dragon Dance boosts or hit Venusaur with a powerful Outrage or Earthquke (this is typoed but, i would remove it as restalk altaria doesn't use earthquake).

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Return / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Substitute / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Adamant
evs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
Dragon Dance is the purpose used on of this set to in order to raise Lapras's average Attack and Speed stats into much higher degrees. Lapras makes an excellent Dragon Dance user of Dragon Dance thanks to its respectable defenses and Water Absorb ability, giving it numerous opportunities to switch in and boosts its stats.

A combination of Waterfall and Return provide near-perfect type coverage in UU, with Shedinja being the only Pokemon being immune to both moves. Zen Headbutt is an option if you wish need Lapras to hit Weezing and Fighting-types such as Poliwrath or Toxicroak harder. However, if you wish to leave out Return, Slowbro will cause problems, however. Substitute grants Lapras safety from crippling status moves, but Ice Beam, although being a special attack, will hit Grass-types for more damage than Ice Shard Return and doesn't have negative priority like Avalanche does. (don't see ice shard or avalanche anywhere)

[Additional Comments]
224 Speed EVs give Lapras 212 Speed, which allows it to outrun base 95 Pokemon with a positive nature after a single Dragon Dance boost, such as Drapion and Houndoom. Maximum Attack EVs allow it to deal as much damage as possible. The remaining EVs are placed into HP, giving Lapras more bulk (removed comma) while it also allowing Lapras to create Substitutes bigger than 101 HP. This would requires Chansey to use Seismic Toss twice before the Substitute breaks.

Bulky Water-types cause this set problems as Lapras is unable to hit them super effectively. Grass-types, most notably Venusaur, are a good option teammates as they can hit Water-type Pokemon super effectively with their STAB Grass-type attacks or cripple them with Toxic status or Leech Seed. Venusaur is an outstanding candidate because of its great bulk and versatile movepool. as it is able to hit Water-types super effectively with Power Whip or Leaf Storm. Venusaur can also fill a defensive role and stall these Pokemon with status moves and Leech Seed.

Weezing and Spiritomb both cause this set problems due to their high Defense stat and access to Will-O-Wisp. Weezing should watch out for boosted Zen Headbutt, however. Houndoom is an option as it can switch into Will-O-Wisp, thanks to Flash Fire, and threaten to OHKO Weezing with Fire Blast. Another way to deal with this problem is to carry a status absorber or RestTalker such as Arcanine, who will take little damage from any of the previously mentioned Pokemon's moves.

(uh, truthfully, these guys are set-up bait because substitute is the main option. spiritomb can't do a single thing to lapras while weezing has to carry thunderbolt to deal 31% - 36.9%, and not much weezing carry it. sludge bomb, which is becoming more popular i think, does 22.1% - 26%. either way, i would personally remove this paragraph.)

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wallbreaker; with Lapras's above-average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set also utilizes Dragon Dance, which boosts Lapras's Speed and Attack, and turns it into a powerful sweeper.

(wallbreaker is coined now so you don't need to space it.)

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power and gives it the Speed to outrun common UU threats like such as Drapion and Houndoom. The choice of which physical move to pick depends on your personal preference: if you wish to use Lapras's STAB Waterfall for flinch and power or if you wish to use Return to damage Water-types with Return. Hydro Pump, (comma) along with 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb, (comma) gives Lapras the chance to OHKO the most defensive Steelix (does 84.7% - 100%, so it's really not set in stone and unreliable. maybe add "with Spikes support".), while it also dealing huge damage to Donphan and Weezing. The final slot depends on whether you wish want Lapras to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you wish want Lapras to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump (see above). 224 Speed EVs in Speed allow Lapras to outrun positive natured base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, which including Leafeon and Houndoom, both of which who are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% = 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% = 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Bold Weezing = 63.2% - 74.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% = 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% = 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% = 81.1%</li>
</ul>

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two; however, bulky Water-types like such as Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for any this set without if it lacks Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defensive stats. (so what do i do against slowbro and milotic? i guess you can add in that venusaur also do well against these guys) Lanturn is one of Lapras's biggest problems, thanks to its mammoth HP and the ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn as it lacks a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch in on Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

If Lapras lacks Ice Beam, Venusaur can switch in on Hydro Pump or Return and threaten Lapras with Sleep Powder or a super effective Grass-type move. RestTalk Arcanine is an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status while also dishing out huge damage with Flare Blitz. Altaria also makes a fine RestTalk user of RestTalk due to its high defensive stats and great typing. Natural Cure also helps Altaria remove its own status upon switching out.

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras's huge HP and respectable Special Defense make it an ideal Curse user excellent special tank. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats at the cost of lowering its Speed, which turns it into a monstrous tank that who is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works great with Curse as its priority will negate the drop in Speed. Avalanche is another option, as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will usually be doing a lot after a Speed drop. Waterfall is a powerful strong (80 definitely isn't powerful) STAB move attack which that will deal huge damage to anything Pokemon without a resistance or immunity after a few boosts from Curse, barring Pokemon with a resistance or immunity. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful status. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes Lapras up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
As an alternative, a set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable, as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status effectively. Sleep Talk is helpful to ensure that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, and instead use them as an opportunity to while it can raise its stats further with Curse or attack with a boosted Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives Lapras a Leftovers number. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful specially-based hits, even those which that are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving Lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended. It allows Lapras to stall opponents, such as Lanturn, who it cannot damage sufficiently, like Lanturn. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to various support moves like such as Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off, which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option if you'd like an offensively-oriented Pokemon to block Rapid Spin.

Critical hits may be are a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armor, which protects Lapras from any critical hits, comes in handy, protecting Lapras from any critical hits. However, Water Absorb is usually the preferred ability, allowing Lapras to restore 25% of its health and come in freely from Water-type attacks, as well as come in freely on them, which can sometimes be a more reliable form of healing than Rest.

Lapras has major problems when faced with a Fighting-type opponent such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop. Spiritomb is an ideal partner for Lapras as it can switch into a predicted Close Combat and threaten physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Uxie is another option as it takes little damage from physical attacks and is able to can cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave or Yawn.

[Team Options]
As previously mentioned in the above sets, Drapion is an excellent partner all round, as it has access to an amazing support movepool, which includes Toxic Spikes. Toxic Spikes is helpful as it allows Lapras to defeat bulky Water-types which who it cannot deal significant damage to, such as Slowbro and Milotic.

Dugtrio is an excellent offensive partner as it can switch in on Chansey and Clefable with ease and threaten them with Earthquake. Dugtrio It also helps take out Pokemon like such as Lanturn and Registeel, who Lapras is unable to deal significant damage to.

A Pokemon with Rapid Spinner is helpful due to Lapras's Ice typing (removed comma) making it lose 25% of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Hitmontop is the best option as it has access to Foresight, which allows it to hit Ghost-types with Rapid Spin. Hitmontop It is also helpful as it can take out Chansey with Close Combat. Donphan is another fine option as it can switch into Rock- and Electric-type moves, which Lapras would take large amounts of damage from.

Chansey is a great partner as she is able to switch in on specially-based special Electric- and Grass-type moves with little trouble. Chansey It also has access to Thunder Wave, which allows her it to cripple incoming sweepers and also help overcome Lapras's average Speed stat. Aromatherapy is also helpful to rid your team of status if Lapras decides not to use Heal Bell.

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to a the lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to a higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option but deals huge damage to an incoming Choice Band user if it hits itself. Icy Wind is an option for overcoming Lapras's average Speed, though the low Base Power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras. (period) while It can also support other teammates who have abilities that benefit from the rain, Water-type attacks, and Thunder. With Rain Dance, a Damp Rock can be used in tandem with Rain Dance to prolong the rain, or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire, who is immune to Thunderbolt and Water-type moves with due to its Water Absorb ability.

[Counters]
Lanturn is the best all-around counter to Lapras, as it can switch in on Thunderbolt thanks to Volt Absorb with an immunity and it take little damage from either of Lapras's STAB moves attacks. Lanturn It can then proceed to hit Lapras with a STAB Thunderbolt or cripple it with Toxic.

Chansey can counter the Special Attacker set with ease, though she it should beware of any physical or mixed sets due to her its lower Defense stat. Natural Cure will lets Chansey laugh at Lapras's Toxic all day. (period) a smaller problem while she It can then cripple Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave (removed semi-colon) and she can then attempt to weaken Lapras with Seismic Toss.

(i know it's weird, but we like to keep changing stuff around. if you use "it", you need to stick with "it", even on only female/male pokemon because the pokedex uses "it" on them too. but, you can also write about a genderless pokemon and use "he/she" throughout the analysis.)

(and, just trying to put some more personality. it's a rule now. i'm bad at it though)

Clefable makes an excellent counter with Encore, which allows it to cripple foil (not really a life threatening cripple) Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. With high defensive stats, (comma) allow Clefable to can switch in on any unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent poison damage. (period)

Venusaur can easily switch in on any move barring Ice Beam or Avalanche and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type attack or cripple it with Sleep Powder. Venusaur It also benefits from Lapras's huge HP stat, as it will recover more health with Leech Seed. Venusaur's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes absorption is useful too as well.

(oh, and if you're wondering why i change those stuff to "it", it's to prevent repetition from the last sentence to the sentence i corrected. venusaur this. venusaur that. yeah.)

I did mainly prose, which I mostly neglected to do in the past (and there were still some spelling errors, but only a few). There was actually a lot of changes that I made (awkward sentences, changes that I felt would make a sentence sound out better, sentences that were good but could be better), but some were personal preference. I'm sure this analysis will read better though!

Nice job!

Komodo · Oct 13, 2010

all done :) thanks Flora

Snorlaxe · Oct 18, 2010

GP CHECK 2/2

pink is grammar edits
blue is prose edits

[Overview]
At first glance, Lapras seems inferior to the UU Water-types due to its Ice typing, but it has a couple of useful traits that it can utilize well. Its high HP and Special Defense make it an excellent counter to common UU Water-types such as Milotic and Omastar. Lapras's Stealth Rock weakness may seem disappointing, but this is balanced by the ability to heal itself with Water Absorb, which allows Lapras to switch into any Water-type move and heal a quarter of its health. Due to Lapras's wide movepool, it can be used as a sweeper or as a supporter. This versatility gives the opponent a tough time at predicting what role Lapras plays on its team. These traits also make Lapras a reliable check to common Rain Dance teams thanks to Water Absorb, its 4x resistance to Ice-type moves, access to Thunderbolt, and its mammoth HP stat. All in all, Lapras should not be underestimated.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Perish Song / Heal Bell
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpA / 56 SpD

[Set Comments]
This set focuses on Lapras's excellent defensive stats and the ability to hit many UU threats with its great type coverage. Surf, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt together hit every Pokemon in the UU tier for neutral damage (barring Lanturn and Shedinja). The final slot brings a support move to the set, allowing Lapras to heal its team or cripple an opponent.

The choice between Surf and Hydro Pump depends on whether you prefer power or accuracy. Hydro Pump is recommended if you wish to play more offensively. For example, with Life Orb equipped, Hydro Pump scores OHKOs on both Nidoqueen and Absol, which Surf cannot do. In the second slot, Ice Beam strikes Pokemon such as Venusaur and Altaria for major damage. To round off the coverage, Thunderbolt hits helpless Water-types such as Milotic and Blastoise for super effective damage. Finally, the last slot depends on what role you wish Lapras to fulfill. Toxic allows it to wear down walls such as Lanturn and Chansey; Perish Song allows Lapras to force switches when it is faced with an unfavorable match up; and Heal Bell allows it to support its teammates by removing crippling status.

[Additional Comments]
252 HP and 56 Special Defense EVs ensure that Lapras will never be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Grass or Electric from Gorebyss and Omastar, even if they hold a Life Orb. The remaining EVs give Lapras great offensive power and type coverage. If you wish to play more offensively, you may move 52 EVs from HP into Special Attack and have Lapras hold a Life Orb, though this carries the risk of being 2HKOed by the previously mentioned Gorebyss and Omastar.

As with any special sweeper, Lapras has trouble with Chansey. Toxic and Perish Song may work for a limited time, but by then, Chansey will have crippled Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave. Powerful physical attackers, such as Hitmonlee and Hitmontop, are excellent choices to deal with Chansey; both Pokemon are able to batter it with super effective STAB Fighting-type moves. Hitmontop is also an effective Rapid Spin user, which is helpful due to Lapras's Ice typing. Dugtrio is another option, as it can trap both Chansey and Clefable with Arena Trap and 2HKO them with Earthquake, though Clefable needs to have taken prior damage to ensure this.

Venusaur causes problems for this set as it can switch in on any move (barring Ice Beam) and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type move or Sleep Powder. RestTalk Arcanine makes an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status, while also hitting Venusaur super effectively with Flare Blitz. Altaria with RestTalk is another option who is capable of switching into all of Venusaur's moves. Sleep Talk allows it to set up Dragon Dance boosts or hit Venusaur with a powerful Outrage.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Return / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Substitute / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Adamant
evs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
On this set, Dragon Dance is used in order to raise Lapras's average Attack and Speed stats into much higher degrees. Lapras makes an excellent Dragon Dance user thanks to its respectable defenses and Water Absorb ability, giving it numerous opportunities to switch in and boost its stats.

A combination of Waterfall and Return provides near-perfect type coverage in UU, with Shedinja being the only Pokemon who is immune to both moves. Zen Headbutt is an option if you need Lapras to hit Weezing and Fighting-types such as Poliwrath or Toxicroak harder. However, if you leave out Return, Slowbro will cause problems. Substitute grants Lapras safety from crippling status moves, but Ice Beam, although being a special attack, will hit Grass-types for more damage than any of Lapras's other physical options.

[Additional Comments]
224 Speed EVs give Lapras 212 Speed, which allows it to outrun base 95 Pokemon with a positive nature, such as Drapion and Houndoom, after a single Dragon Dance boost. Maximum Attack EVs allow it to deal as much damage as possible. The remaining EVs are placed into HP, giving Lapras more bulk while also allowing Lapras to create Substitutes bigger than 101 HP. This requires Chansey to use Seismic Toss twice before Lapras's Substitute breaks.

Bulky Water-types cause this set problems as Lapras is unable to hit them super effectively. Grass-types, most notably Venusaur, are good teammates as they can hit Water-type Pokemon for super effective damage with their STAB Grass-type attacks or cripple them with status or Leech Seed. Venusaur is an outstanding candidate because of its great bulk and versatile movepool.

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Return
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Naughty / Lonely
evs: 220 Atk / 64 SpA / 224 Spe

[Set Comments]
This set functions as a wallbreaker; with Lapras's above-average offensive stats and great type coverage, it is capable of removing some of UU's most troublesome walls, including Steelix and Chansey. This set also utilizes Dragon Dance, which boosts Lapras's Speed and Attack, and turns it into a powerful sweeper.

Dragon Dance gives Lapras a great boost in power and the Speed to outrun common UU threats such as Drapion and Houndoom. The choice of which physical move to pick depends on your personal preference: use Waterfall for flinch rate and power, or use Return to damage Water-types. With 64 Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb, Hydro Pump gives Lapras a chance to OHKO the most defensive Steelix with Spikes support, while also dealing huge damage to Donphan and Weezing. The final slot depends on whether you wish to hit Grass-types super effectively with Ice Beam, or if you want Lapras to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is recommended if you use Waterfall as your physical option.

[Additional Comments]
The EVs on this set ensure that Lapras is able to OHKO most defensive Steelix with Hydro Pump and Spikes support. 224 Speed EVs allow Lapras to outrun positive nature base 95 Pokemon after a single Dragon Dance, including Leafeon and Houndoom, who are OHKOed by Ice Beam and Hydro Pump, respectively.

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Steelix = 84.7% = 100%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Impish Arcanine = 99% = 117.2%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 52 HP / 0 SpD Adamant Donphan = 142.5% - 168.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Hydro Pump vs 252 HP / 0 SpD Bold Weezing = 63.2% - 74.9%</li>
<li>64 SpA Naughty Lapras + Life Orb Ice Beam vs 0 HP / 0 SpD Jolly Venusaur = 84.4% = 99.7%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Return vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 58.5% = 69%</li>
<li>220 Atk Naughty Lapras + Life Orb +1 Waterfall vs 0 HP / 252 Def Calm Chansey = 68.8% = 81.1%</li>
</ul>

This set isn't easy to counter after a Dragon Dance or two; however, bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Milotic cause trouble for this set if Lapras lacks Thunderbolt, due to their massive physical defense stats. Venusaur comes in handy here as it can hit them super effectively with Grass-type moves or Sleep Powder. Lanturn is one of Lapras's biggest problems thanks to its mammoth HP stat and ability to switch in on any Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves. Support from Toxic Spikes can cripple Lanturn as it lacks a reliable recovery move. Drapion is an option as it can prevent Lanturn's Thunder Wave by using Taunt, and can set up Toxic Spikes or phaze the opponent's team with Whirlwind. For a more offensive approach, Venusaur can hit Lanturn with STAB Leaf Storm or Power Whip, while Dugtrio can switch in on Thunderbolt and trap Lanturn with Arena Trap.

If Lapras lacks Ice Beam, Venusaur can switch in on Hydro Pump or Return and threaten Lapras with Sleep Powder or a super effective Grass-type move. RestTalk Arcanine is an excellent check to Venusaur as it can absorb status while also dishing out huge damage with Flare Blitz. Altaria also makes a fine RestTalk user due to its high defensive stats and great typing. Natural Cure also helps Altaria remove its own status upon switching out.

[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Ice Shard / Avalanche
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Rest
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]
Lapras's huge HP and respectable Special Defense stats make it an ideal Curse user. Curse allows Lapras to boost its Attack and Defense stats at the cost of lowering its Speed, which turns it into a monstrous tank who is difficult to remove without landing a critical hit or leeching its health with Toxic or a burn.

Ice Shard works great with Curse as its priority will negate the drop in Speed. Avalanche is another option, as it doubles in power by moving last, which Lapras will almost always be doing after a Speed drop. Waterfall is a strong STAB attack that will deal huge damage to any Pokemon without a resistance or immunity after a few boosts from Curse. Return provides excellent type coverage alongside Waterfall, while Rest allows Lapras to fully restore its health and remove harmful status. Using a Chesto Berry with Rest is a good option as it wakes Lapras up instantly.

[Additional Comments]
An alternative set of Avalanche, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk is viable, as it gives Lapras the ability to recover its health and absorb status effectively. Sleep Talk is helpful to ensure that Lapras isn't wasting the two turns of sleep, and instead use them as an opportunity to raise its stats further with Curse or attack with a boosted Avalanche.

The EVs on this set give Lapras the highest possible special bulk. Maximum HP also gives Lapras a Leftovers number. 252 Special Defense EVs allow Lapras to withstand powerful specially-based hits, even those that are super effective. The remaining EVs are placed into Attack, giving Lapras a little more offensive power.

As this set is designed to stick around as long as possible, support from Toxic Spikes is recommended, as it allows Lapras to stall opponents, such as Lanturn, who it cannot damage sufficiently. Drapion is an excellent option as it has access to various support moves such as Taunt, Whirlwind, and Knock Off which allow it to cripple the opponent's team and set up for Lapras at the same time. To keep these hazards on the field, a way to block Rapid Spin is necessary; Spiritomb is a great defensive option, while Calm Mind or Nasty Plot Mismagius is the preferred option if you'd like an offensively-oriented Pokemon to block Rapid Spin.

Critical hits are a problem to this set as they will overcome any boosts from Curse and deal huge damage to Lapras. This is where Shell Armor, which protects Lapras from any critical hits, comes in handy. However, Water Absorb is usually the preferred ability, allowing Lapras to restore 25% of its health and come in freely on Water-type attacks, which can sometimes be a more reliable form of healing than Rest.

Lapras has major problems when faced with a Fighting-type opponent such as Hitmonlee or Hitmontop. Spiritomb is an ideal partner for Lapras as it can switch into a predicted Close Combat and threaten physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Uxie is another option as it takes little damage from physical attacks and can cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave or Yawn.

[Team Options]
Drapion is an excellent partner all around, as it has access to an amazing support movepool, which includes Toxic Spikes. Toxic Spikes is helpful as it allows Lapras to defeat bulky Water-types who it cannot deal significant damage to, such as Slowbro and Milotic.

Dugtrio is an excellent offensive partner as it can switch in on Chansey and Clefable with ease and threaten them with Earthquake. It also helps take out Pokemon such as Lanturn and Registeel, who Lapras is unable to deal significant damage to.

A Rapid Spinner is helpful due to Lapras's Ice typing, which makes it lose 25% of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Hitmontop is the best option as it has access to Foresight, which allows it to hit Ghost-types with Rapid Spin. Hitmontop is also helpful as it can take out Chansey with Close Combat. Donphan is another fine option as it can switch into Rock- and Electric-type moves, which Lapras would otherwise take large amounts of damage from.

Chansey is a great partner as it is able to switch in on special Electric- and Grass-type moves with little trouble. It also has access to Thunder Wave, which allows it to cripple incoming sweepers and also help overcome Lapras's average Speed stat. Aromatherapy is also helpful to rid your team of status if Lapras does not use Heal Bell.

[Optional Changes]
Lapras has a great variety of moves not listed on the above sets due to the lack of moveslots. Body Slam can be used on the Dragon Dance set if you wish to abuse the 30% paralysis rate, though Return is probably better due to its higher Base Power. Confuse Ray is a risky option, but deals huge damage to an incoming Choice Band user if it hits itself. Icy Wind is an option for overcoming Lapras's average Speed, though the low Base Power can be a turn off. Rain Dance alongside Thunder and Hydro Pump is an excellent offensive option for Lapras. It can also support other teammates who have abilities that benefit from the rain, Water-type attacks, and Thunder. With Rain Dance, a Damp Rock can be used to prolong the rain, or a Life Orb can be used to deal more damage. Sing is an option on the Special Attacker set, though the low accuracy makes it unreliable. Finally, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Quagsire, who is immune to Thunderbolt and Water-type moves due to its Water Absorb ability.

[Counters]
Lanturn is the best all-around counter to Lapras, as it can switch in on Thunderbolt thanks to Volt Absorb and takes little damage from either of Lapras's STAB attacks. It can then proceed to hit Lapras with an STAB Thunderbolt or cripple it with Toxic.

Chansey can counter the Special Attacker set with ease, though it should beware of any physical or mixed sets due to its lower Defense stat. Natural Cure lets Chansey laugh at Lapras's Toxic all day. It can then cripple Lapras with Toxic or Thunder Wave and attempt to weaken Lapras with Seismic Toss.

Clefable makes an excellent counter with Encore, which allows it to foil Lapras if it decides to set up with Dragon Dance or Curse. With its high defensive stats, Clefable can switch in on unboosted attacks with little trouble, while Magic Guard will prevent poison damage.

Venusaur can easily switch in on any move barring Ice Beam or Avalanche and threaten Lapras with a super effective Grass-type attack or Sleep Powder. It also benefits from Lapras's huge HP stat, as it will recover more health with Leech Seed. Venusaur's ability to absorb Toxic Spikes is useful as well.

nice job overall, sorry for not doing this earlier :/

Rising_Dusk · Oct 18, 2010

Before this gets uploaded, I am checking with UU QC to verify that all of these sets are indeed good enough to go on-site. This post is just to inform you that if this isn't uploaded right away, it's not because it's being ignored.

Lapras (Update)

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aka pimpdaddyfranky, aka frankydelaghetto, aka F, aka ef

On porpoise

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sup geodudes

2 kawaii 4 u

強いだね

✓ Just Doug It

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Yep, that tasted purple!

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Yep, that tasted purple!

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2 kawaii 4 u