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QC Approvals: panamaxis, Iconic and Delta 2777
GP Approvals: jc104 and Fatecrashers
[Overview]
<p>Accelgor is a Pokemon that has many characteristics that set it apart from others. First of all, it's a ninja bug! That alone would make it cool, but it also has some competitive advantages to go with its look. It's the second fastest Pokemon with access to Spikes - base 145 Speed - outsped only by Deoxys-S. It also has a respectable base 100 Special Attack which, when coupled with STAB Bug-type attacks, lets it make a significant dent in the plethora of Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon in OU. It also has some good coverage moves which make a sweeper set viable.</p>
<p>However, Accelgor also has some flaws that need to be considered. It has poor base defenses - 80 HP / 40 Def / 60 SpD - meaning it will often be KOed in one or two hits. This, coupled with a Stealth Rock weakness due to its Bug typing and vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, means that if one wants it to stay around for more than one or two turns, support from its teammates is a must. But what really matters is that it has more advantages than flaws; so, if you need a Spikes user or a special sweeper, you should definitely consider the ninja bug Accelgor!</p>
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Bug Buzz
move 4: Focus Blast / Yawn
nature: Hasty
item: Focus Sash
ability: Sticky Hold
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes advantage of Accelgor's biggest asset - its Speed - to set up Spikes that support its teammates. U-turn is a good move as it allows Accelgor to maintain momentum when it is forced to switch out, and permits Accelgor to come back later in the match to set up even more Spikes. Bug Buzz is a powerful and reliable STAB attack that, when coming off a base 100 Special Attack stat, will dent the myriad Psychic-type Pokemon in OU, such as Starmie, Reuniclus, Latios, and Latias. In the last slot, Focus Blast is a good option due to its chance to OHKO Tyranitar and 2HKO Heatran.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Hasty nature with max Speed EVs lets Accelgor outspeed the entire metagame, barring Deoxys-S and the rare Ninjask, whilst maintaining U-turn's power. The 252 Special Attack EVs maximize the damage output of Bug Buzz and Focus Blast. Sticky Hold is the ability of choice because it blocks Trick, thus protecting the ninja bug from being crippled by Choice items. Yawn is a great move because it forces the opponent to either switch out or have a Pokemon disabled for a few turns. Both of these scenarios can give Accelgor an extra turn to set up more entry hazards. After the setup is complete, Yawn works wonders with U-turn to maintain momentum; one can switch Accelgor in on a Pokemon it threatens, use Yawn on the switch-in, and U-turn to an appropriate counter, all the while racking up additional Spikes damage. An alternative EV spread of 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe can also be used to provide Accelgor with some much needed bulk, while still letting it outspeed base 130 Speed Pokemon such as Jolteon and Aerodactyl.</p>
<p>Prankster and Magic Bounce Pokemon are good checks as they prevent Accelgor from laying down Spikes. For example, Thundurus or Tornadus can come in, Taunt Accelgor while resisting its attacks, and fire off STAB Hurricane or Thunderbolt to destroy it. Espeon and Xatu are even more dangerous as they not only prevent the appearance of Spikes on their side of the field, but also reflect them back to Accelgor's side. Thankfully, Espeon, the more common of the two, takes huge damage from STAB Bug Buzz. One must watch out for Xatu, however, as it is neutral to Bug Buzz, forcing Accelgor to switch as it Roosts off damage.<p>
<p>Since Accelgor's main job with this set is to set up Spikes, a Ghost-type Pokemon is a good teammate to block Rapid Spin. Jellicent works wonders due to its bulk and access to Taunt, as well as status-inflicting moves like Will-O-Wisp, which can shut down common Rapid Spinners, such as Forretress and Excadrill. For more offensive teams, Gengar is an alternative, being able to destroy stall with its SubSplit set and the entry hazards Accelgor lays down. As for dealing with common Prankster and Magic Bounce Pokemon, Tyranitar is a good partner as it can switch in and threaten to OHKO them with STAB Stone Edge or Crunch, opening the way for free setups.</p>
[SET]
name: Ninja Sweeper
move 1: Bug Buzz
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Giga Drain
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Recover
nature: Timid
item: Life Orb
ability: Sticky Hold
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Accelgor's huge Speed and base 100 Special Attack allow it to be a viable special sweeper when equipped with a Life Orb. Bug Buzz is a powerful and reliable STAB attack that lets the ninja bug inflict huge damage on the many Psychic-type Pokemon in OU, such as Starmie, Latias, Latios, and Reuniclus. Focus Blast is crucial on this set to damage the Steel-types that would otherwise laugh at Accelgor. Giga Drain is a good move to hit bulky Ground- and Water-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Jellicent, and Vaporeon, and is also a good way to recover some of the health lost from entry hazards or Life Orb recoil. In the last slot, Hidden Power Ice gives Accelgor a weapon against Flying-, and more importantly, Dragon-type Pokemon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Timid nature with the standard special sweeper EV spread lets Accelgor outspeed the majority of the metagame while maximizing the damage output of its attacks. Stealth Rock, Spikes, Sandstorm (all common in OU), and Life Orb damage can wear Accelgor down really fast, so to ensure that Accelgor can do its job properly, it's best to weaken the opponent's team first or carry a Rapid Spinner, allowing the ninja bug to switch in safely. Recover can be used in the last slot to help with longevity problems, but one has to take into account two facts when using it: Accelgor will be walled by Flying- and Dragon-type Pokemon such as the genies, Dragonite, and Salamence; and, due to Accelgor's low defenses, some good prediction is required in order to use Recover, as most hits will do more than 50% damage.</p>
<p>As a special sweeper especially designed to clean up later on the game, Accelgor doesn't need much specific team support. However, as with every sweeper, it does enjoy entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field. Tyranitar is an excellent choice to set up Stealth Rock as it has great synergy with Accelgor, despite adding residual damage with Sand Stream, and can eliminate annoying Flying-types with STAB Stone Edge. To make sure the ninja bug switches in safely, Starmie is a good teammate because of its access to Rapid Spin and good offensive synergy.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Accelgor has some good options outside of the ones listed. With its astounding Speed, it can run a Final Gambit set, making it able to OHKO dangerous Pokemon to your team as long as they have lower HP than Accelgor. A Timid nature with an EV spread of 252 HP / 120 SpA / 136 Spe is optimal to go with a moveset of Final Gambit / Bug Buzz / Spikes / Recover.</p>
<p>Despite its frailty, with some team support, Accelgor can be used on a Baton Pass team as it has access to some wonderful boosting moves, such as Acid Armor and Agility, whilst also being able to pass Substitute. Encore is illegal with Spikes, but when used on a Baton Pass set, it can create an opportunity to gain some free boosts.</p>
<p>Toxic can be used to cripple some walls the ninja bug can't touch, but its subpar defenses mean that even those walls can inflict serious damage to it. Finally, Accelgor has access to Rain Dance; it is the second fastest user in OU and can use Hydration to protect itself from status. Rest is useful for recovery should you choose to go the Hydration route.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Accelgor relies on its Speed to perform. Anything that can bypass its Speed has the potential to ruin the ninja bug. Strong unresisted priority moves will tear through its low defenses, so Scizor, Metagross, Azumarill, Toxicroak, and Machamp are all Pokemon that mean big trouble for Accelgor. Prankster Pokemon can use their ability to move first and Taunt, Thunder Wave, or Encore to render Accelgor's efforts useless. Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf with good offenses can often outspeed and OHKO Accelgor; Hydreigon, Landorus, and Starmie are examples of such Pokemon. For the same reason, Pokemon with Chlorophyll, Swift Swim, or Sand Rush are also trouble for the ninja bug. Specially bulky Pokemon not weak to Accelgor's STAB attacks can often wall and cripple it. Chansey, Blissey, and Cofagrigus are the most prominent examples.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Accelgor gets Unburden as its Dream World ability, which doubles Accelgor's Speed when it consumes or loses an item. This ability shouldn't be used on the Spikes set as Accelgor will be crippled by Trick without Sticky Hold. However, if one chooses to use the ninja bug as a Baton Passer, then a set with a pinch Berry such as Petaya or Liechi can be used in conjunction with Acid Armor to get +1 Atk / SpA and +2 Def, using the Speed boost from Unburden to outspeed every Pokemon in the game and Baton Pass. Take into account though that this is a high-risk, high-reward strategy, because to consume the berry, Accelgor has to be at 33% health or less, and with its low defenses, at that point it is easily finished.</p>
