Monotype Alolan Sandslash (Ice) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

[smub]

[OVERVIEW]

Ice
========

With its ability Slush Rush, Alolan Sandslash is one of Ice teams' best options for keeping faster foes in check. Under hail, Alolan Sandslash is capable of outspeeding and threatening Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Victini and Landorus-T as well as +1 Mega Charizard X. Access to Rapid Spin along with its solid offensive presence also makes Alolan Sandslash an effective entry hazard remover due to forcing switches against Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Excadrill under hail. Its Steel typing grants it a neutrality to Stealth Rock, allowing it to switch in more often when entry hazards are up, and an immunity to Toxic Spikes, improving its effectiveness as an entry hazard remover. Additionally, this secondary typing also grants it a neutrality to Steel-type moves, which, when paired with its decent Defense, allows it to take Steel-type attacks from Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Jirachi. However, Alolan Sandslash has terrible Speed outside of hail, leaving it very easily revenge killed, and a poor Attack stat makes it incapable of OHKOing Pokémon like Victini, Jirachi, and Kyurem-B without prior damage. It can't utilize an Adamant nature due to needing a Jolly nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokémon like Victini and Landorus-T under hail. Furthermore, its Steel typing grants it a 4x weakness to Fire- and Fighting-type moves, leaving it much more susceptible to Pokemon like Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Keldeo. Even under hail, Alolan Sandslash is outsped and OHKOed by select Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Gengar. Alolan Sandslash also finds itself very easily walled by physically defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory and Mega Venusaur without Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Hail Sweeper (Ice)
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rapid Spin / Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Icicle Crash is Alolan Sandslash's strongest STAB move, able to hit Ground- and Dragon-types like Landorus, Garchomp, and Dragonite. Iron Head is its strongest Steel-type STAB move and is used to hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Diancie. Earthquake is essential coverage in order to hit Fire- and Steel-types like Victini, Heatran, and Jirachi. Rapid Spin is used for removing entry hazards such as Stealth Rock, which is very important for Ice teams. Swords Dance is another option if the Ice team already has another hazard remover, bolstering Alolan Sandslash's effectiveness as a sweeper and allowing it to beat defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Skarmory.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Speed is used to make Alolan Sandslash as strong and fast as possible. A Jolly nature is important for outspeeding Choice Scarf Victini, Jirachi, and +1 Mega Charizard X under hail as well as Timid Magnezone and Adamant Bisharp outside of hail. A Life Orb is used to further increase Alolan Sandslash's damage output while also giving it the freedom of switching between its moves. The ability Slush Rush doubles Alolan Sandslash's Speed under hail, allowing it to serve as an effective sweeper and revenge killer.

Usage Tips
========

If Rapid Spin is used, try predicting when Pokemon such as Victini, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill will switch out in order to remove entry hazards for free. In a similar sense, if Swords Dance is used, try to predict your opponent to switch out in order to set up for free. This can allow Alolan Sandslash to break past defensive answers like Ferrothorn and Torkoal. Since Alolan Sandslash has awful special bulk, it's best to keep it away from special attacks, even resisted ones. In most situations, try setting up Swords Dance against passive Pokemon like Chansey and Cradily. However, if Aurora Veil is up, Alolan Sandslash can use the opportunity to set up against Pokemon like Armaldo and Latios. Make sure to keep Alolan Sandslash away from status conditions, since paralysis will nullify Slush Rush and burn will render it useless as a sweeper. Alolan Sandslash can find opportunities to sweep late-game once defensive checks such as Klefki and Rotom-W are removed on Fairy and Electric teams. Outside of hail, Alolan Sandslash is very slow and cannot be an effective sweeper, so in most instances, it's best to switch it out outside of hail.

Team Options
========

Alolan Ninetales can check Fighting-types like Keldeo and Buzzwole for Alolan Sandslash, as well as set up Aurora Veil to allow Alolan Sandslash to switch in or set up with Swords Dance more easily. Kyurem-B can break through physical walls like Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, and Slowbro for Alolan Sandslash and offer a Fire neutrality. Weavile can trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Mew and Gengar with Pursuit, as well as remove items with Knock Off to make Normal's Eviolite core easier for Alolan Sandslash to deal with. Mamoswine can put up Stealth Rock for Alolan Sandslash, allowing it to sweep more effectively. Mamoswine can also blanket check threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gallade, and Mega Scizor with Endeavor + Ice Shard, all of which can severely threaten Alolan Sandslash. Piloswine can switch into Fire-type attacks for Alolan Sandslash due to its ability Thick Fat, as well as set up Stealth Rock to let Alolan Sandslash sweep more easily. Avalugg and Rotom-F can fill the role of entry hazard removers, allowing Alolan Sandslash to freely run Swords Dance as its last move. Avalugg can also switch into Choice Scarf Pokemon like Infernape and Terrakion that outspeed Alolan Sandslash even in hail, while Rotom-F can switch into Ground-type moves and utilize Volt Switch to let Alolan Sandslash in safely. Lapras and Walrein are both capable of checking defensive Mega Scizor for Alolan Sandslash with Hidden Power Fire, and they offer a neutrality to Steel as well. Lapras can break past bulky Water-types like Toxapex and Swampert with Freeze-Dry, while Walrein offers a Fire resistance with Thick Fat in order to switch into Fire-type attacks from Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Infernape, both of which outspeed Alolan Sandslash in hail. Cloyster is a powerful setup sweeper that can sweep Fire teams for Alolan Sandslash. In return, Alolan Sandslash checks Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Magnezone and can clear entry hazards to keep Cloyster healthy as it sets up.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice
--------
Rock Slide can be used in order to check Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona from full health without relying on Stealth Rock to guarantee a KO. However, Rapid Spin and Swords Dance are generally more useful moves. A Choice Band can be used as a means of always KOing Victini and Volcanion after Stealth Rock. However, Alolan Sandslash relies on being able to switch between its moves. Icium Z is an option for Swords Dance sets in order to break past defensive checks like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Sableye. However, in situations where it's unable to set up, Life Orb's general power increase is preferred.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ice
--------
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Keldeo and Heracross can survive a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO it with their STAB moves. Fighting-types with priority like Breloom can easily pick it off as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Torkoal and Air Balloon Heatran can take a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO back with their STAB moves. Torkoal can even remove its hail thanks to Drought.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Celesteela don't care about Earthquake and can proceed to wear Alolan Sandslash down. Celesteela even has access to Flamethrower to quickly dispose of Alolan Sandslash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Suicune, Rotom-W, and Mega Swampert don't take much damage from Alolan Sandslash's STAB moves and can wear it down easily with Scald or, in Mega Swampert's case, Earthquake.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Skarmory, Mega Sableye, and Mega Slowbro aren't threatened by any of Alolan Sandslash's attacks and can slowly wear it down. Mega Sableye deserves a special mention due to being immune to Rapid Spin and being able to deter Alolan Sandslash from setting up with Foul Play.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Choice Scarf Pokemon like Terrakion, Blacephalon, and Gengar can outspeed Alolan Sandslash under hail and threaten to KO it. Gengar and Blacephalon can even switch into a Rapid Spin if Alolan Sandslash attempts to remove entry hazards.

**Residual Damage**: Alolan Sandslash is very quickly worn down between hazard damage, Life Orb recoil, and status conditions like burn, making it rather difficult to preserve.

 

[smub]

Ready for QC

 

[Tyke]

AM Check, keep the changes you agree with.

[OVERVIEW]

Ice
========

* With its ability Slush Rush, Alolan Sandslash is one of the best speed control options for Ice teams.
* Under hail, Alolan Sandslash is capable of outspeeding Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Victini, as well as +1 Mega Charizard X and Volcarona.
* Access to Rapid Spin along with its solid offensive presence make it an effective hazard remover due to forcing switches against Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Excadrill.
* Its Steel typing grants it a neutrality to Stealth Rock, allowing it to switch in more often when entry hazards are up. It also provides Alolan Sandslash with an immunity to Toxic Spikes, improving its effectiveness as an entry hazard remover.
* Great natural physical bulk and a wide range of resistances means that Alolan Sandslash can usually rely on surviving a physical hit.
* Alolan Sandslash has terrible Speed outside of hail, leaving it very easily revenge killed.
* With a lacking Attack stat, Alolan Sandslash will fail to OHKO Pokemon like Victini, Kyurem-Black, and Jirachi without prior damage.
* Even under hail, Alolan Sandslash is outsped and OHKOed by Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Gengar.
* Alolan Sandslash finds itself very easily walled by physically defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory and Mega Venusaur without Swords Dance.

You don't talk about Sandslash's capacity as an attacker much in the overview. You could amend this rather easily by saying "capable of outspeeding Pokemon such as.... and checking with Earthquake." or just calling it a Physical Attacker somewhere. As it stands someone could mistake this overview for that of a utility pokemon.

[SET]
name: Hail Sweeper (Ice)
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rapid Spin / Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Icicle Crash is its strongest STAB move, used to hit Ground- and Dragon-types like Landorus, Garchomp, and Dragonite. Icicle Crash isn't used specifically to hit Ground / Dragon type pokemon, which this phrasing implies. Changing it to "...strongest STAB move, and can hit Ground- and Dragon-types..." would sound better. To keep this bullet from being stumpy, you could also mention Ice's good offensive coverage.
* Iron Head is its strongest Steel STAB move used to hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Diancie.
* Earthquake is essential coverage in order to hit Fire- and Steel-types like Victini, Heatran, and Jirachi.
* Rapid Spin is used for removing hazards such as Stealth Rock, which is very important for Ice teams.
* Swords Dance is another option if the Ice team already has another hazard remover, bolstering its effectiveness as a sweeper. Mention a few specific threats Swords Dance is necessary for breaking.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in Attack and Speed is used to make Alolan Sandslash as strong and fast as possible.
* A Jolly nature is important for outspeeding Choice Scarf Victini, Jirachi, and +1 Mega Charizard X under hail, as well as outspeeding Timid Magnezone and Adamant Bisharp outside of hail.
* A Life Orb is used to further increase its damage output while also giving it the freedom of switching up between its moves.
* The ability Slush Rush doubles Alolan Sandslash’s Speed under hail, allowing it to serve as an effective sweeper and revenge killer.

Usage Tips
========

* If Rapid Spin is used, try predicting when Pokemon such as Victini, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill will switch out in order to Rapid Spin and remove hazards for free.
* In a similar sense, if Swords Dance is used, try to predict your opponent to switch out in order to set up for free. Mention that pulling off this swords dance can let Sandslash break through a defensive switch-in that would otherwise wall it.
* Since Alolan Sandslash has awful special bulk, it’s best to keep it away from special attacks, even resisted ones.
* In most situations, try setting up Swords Dance against passive Pokemon like Chansey and Cradily. However, if Aurora Veil is up, Alolan Sandslash can use the opportunity to set up against Pokemon like Armaldo and Latios.
* Keep hazards off the field as much as possible, since Alolan Sandslash will get worn down even faster than it already does with its Life Orb.
* Make sure to keep Alolan Sandslash away from status conditions, since paralysis will mitigate Slush Rush and burn will render it useless as a sweeper.

Team Options
========

* Kyurem-Black can break through physical walls like Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, and Slowbro for Alolan Sandslash, as well as offer a Fire neutrality. In return, Alolan Sandslash can deal with Choice Scarf Victini and Hydreigon.
* Alolan Ninetales can check Fighting-types like Keldeo and Buzzwole for Alolan Sandslash, as well as set up Aurora Veil to allow Alolan Sandslash to switch in easier. In return, Alolan Sandslash checks Fire- and Poison-types like Victini, Heatran, Alolan Muk, and Nihilego, as well as removes hazards with Rapid Spin.
* Avalugg can fill the role of a Rapid Spinner, allowing Alolan Sandslash to freely run Swords Dance as its last move. It can also switch into Choice Scarf Pokemon like Infernape and Terrakion that outspeed Alolan Sandslash even in hail.
*Mamoswine can put up Stealth Rock for Alolan Sandslash, allowing it to sweep more effectively. Mamoswine can also blanket check threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gallade, and Mega Scizor with Endeavor+Ice Shard, all of which can severely threaten Alolan Sandslash.
* Lapras offers a Fire neutrality for Alolan Sandslash, while also being able to check setup sweepers like bulky Mega Scizor and Azumarill, as well as physical walls like Skarmory and Mega Slowbro.
* Walrein can also check bulky Mega Scizor, while also possessing a Fire resistance with Thick Fat in order to come in on Fire-type attacks from Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Infernape, both of which outspeed Alolan Sandslash in hail.
* Weavile can trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Latios and Gengar with Pursuit, as well as remove items with Knock Off to make Normal’s Eviolite core easier for Alolan Sandslash to deal with. In return, Alolan Sandslash can check Fairy-types like Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie for Weavile.
* Piloswine can switch into Fire-type attacks for Alolan Sandslash due to its ability Thick Fat, as well as set up Stealth Rock to let Alolan Sandslash sweep easier. In return, Alolan Sandslash can check powerful wallbreakers like Kyurem-Black and Victini.
* Cloyster is a powerful setup sweeper that can sweep Fire teams for Alolan Sandslash. In return, Alolan Sandslash checks Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Magnezone, while also Rapid Spinning to keep Cloyster healthy as it sets up.
* Rotom-Frost can also perform the role as a hazard remover to allow Alolan Sandslash to run Swords Dance. Additionally, it can switch into Ground-type moves and utilize Volt Switch to let Alolan Sandslash in safely.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice
--------
* Rock Slide can be used in order to check Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona from full health without relying on Stealth Rock to guarantee a KO. However, Rapid Spin and Swords Dance are generally better moves.
* An Adamant nature can be ran in order to have a chance of KOing Alolan Muk after Stealth Rock, as well as generally increasing its offensive presence. However, without a Jolly nature, it won’t be able to outspeed Choice Scarf Victini and +1 Mega Charizard X. Why is KOing Alola-Muk valuable? Is there not a better example of a KO Adamant Nature gets?
* A Choice Band can be used as a means of always KOing Victini and Volcanion after Stealth Rock. However, Alolan Sandslash relies on being able to switch up between its moves.
* Icium Z is an option for Swords Dance sets in order to break past defensive checks like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Sableye. However, in situations where it’s unable to set up, Life Orb’s general power increase is preferred.
* Stealth Rock can be ran to allow Mamoswine to run a different set such as Choice Scarf or Life Orb. However, this would come at the cost of Icicle Crash, which it needs to threaten entry hazard removers like Zapdos and Mandibuzz. This is not worth mentioning.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ice
--------
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Keldeo and Heracross can survive a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO it with their STAB moves. Fighting-types with priority like Breloom can easily pick it off as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Torkoal and Air Balloon Heatran can survive a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO back with their STAB moves. Torkoal can even remove its hail thanks to Drought.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Celesteela don’t care about Earthquake and can proceed to wear it down. Celesteela even has access to Flamethrower to quickly dispose of Alolan Sandslash.

**Rotom-Wash**: Rotom-Wash is the perfect counter to Alolan Sandslash, resisting both of its STAB moves, being immune to Earthquake, and being able to cripple it with Will-O-Wisp.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Skarmory, Mega Sableye, and Mega Slowbro aren’t threatened by any of Alolan Sandslash’s attacks and can slowly wear it down. Mega Sableye deserves a special mention due to being immune to Rapid Spin and being able to Foul Play if Alolan Sandslash tries to set up with Swords Dance.

**Revenge killers**: Choice Scarf Pokemon like Terrakion, Blacephalon, and Gengar can outspeed Alolan Sandslash under hail and threaten to KO it. Gengar and Blacephalon can even switch into a Rapid Spin if Alolan Sandslash attempts to remove entry hazards.

**Residual damage**: Alolan Sandslash is very quickly worn down between hazard damage, Life Orb recoil, and status conditions like burn, making it rather difficult to preserve.

**Add a bullet for bulky Water-types, which resist both of Sandslash's STABs and often scare it out with scald (Keldeo, Suicune, Swampert, etc).

 

[Tyke]

Implement my check and it's QC 1/3

 

[smub]

Implemented ready for 2nd check

 

[Moosical]

[OVERVIEW]

Ice
========

* With its ability Slush Rush, Alolan Sandslash is one of the best speed control options for Ice teams.
* Under hail, Alolan Sandslash is capable of outspeeding and threatening Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Victini, as well as +1 Mega Charizard X and Volcarona with Earthquake, although Volcarona does need to take Stealth Rock damage first. I would change the Volcarona example to something that isn't Fire, maybe something weak to Steel that it outspeeds under hail. (The readability of "although Volcarona does need..." isn't very good)
* Access to Rapid Spin along with its solid offensive presence make it an effective hazard remover due to forcing switches against Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Excadrill. You need to either specify "under Hail" or mention other things it forces to switch out, as without hail both of these threaten Sandslash.
* Its Steel typing grants it a neutrality to Stealth Rock, allowing it to switch in more often when entry hazards are up. It also provides Alolan Sandslash with an immunity to Toxic Spikes, improving its effectiveness as an entry hazard remover.
*Mention more about its typing (weaknesses and resistances and how it may harm itself / benefit Ice)
* Great natural physical bulk and a wide range of resistances means that Alolan Sandslash can usually rely on surviving a physical hit.
* Alolan Sandslash has terrible Speed outside of hail, leaving it very easily revenge killed.
* With a lacking Attack stat, Alolan Sandslash will fail to OHKO Pokemon like Victini, Kyurem-Black, and Jirachi without prior damage. Mention its inability to utilize an Adamant nature as it is unable to outspeed many important Choice Scarf Pokemon under Hail with Adamant (how this even further lessens its Attack stat).
* Even under hail, Alolan Sandslash is outsped and OHKOed by Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Gengar.
* Alolan Sandslash finds itself very easily walled by physically defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory and Mega Venusaur without Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Hail Sweeper (Ice)
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rapid Spin / Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Icicle Crash is its strongest STAB move, and can hit Ground- and Dragon-types like Landorus, Garchomp, and Dragonite.
* Iron Head is its strongest Steel STAB move used to hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Diancie.
* Earthquake is essential coverage in order to hit Fire- and Steel-types like Victini, Heatran, and Jirachi.
* Rapid Spin is used for removing hazards such as Stealth Rock, which is very important for Ice teams.
* Swords Dance is another option if the Ice team already has another hazard remover, bolstering its effectiveness as a sweeper and allowing it to beat defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Skarmory.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in Attack and Speed is used to make Alolan Sandslash as strong and fast as possible.
* A Jolly nature is important for outspeeding Choice Scarf Victini, Jirachi, and +1 Mega Charizard X under hail, as well as outspeeding Timid Magnezone and Adamant Bisharp outside of hail.
* A Life Orb is used to further increase its damage output while also giving it the freedom of switching up between its moves.
* The ability Slush Rush doubles Alolan Sandslash’s Speed under hail, allowing it to serve as an effective sweeper and revenge killer.

Usage Tips
========

* If Rapid Spin is used, try predicting when Pokemon such as Victini, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill will switch out in order to Rapid Spin and remove hazards for free.
* In a similar sense, if Swords Dance is used, try to predict your opponent to switch out in order to set up for free. This can allow Alolan Sandslash to break past defensive answers like Ferrothorn and Torkoal.
* Since Alolan Sandslash has awful special bulk, it’s best to keep it away from special attacks, even resisted ones.
* In most situations, try setting up Swords Dance against passive Pokemon like Chansey and Cradily. However, if Aurora Veil is up, Alolan Sandslash can use the opportunity to set up against Pokemon like Armaldo and Latios.
* Keep hazards off the field as much as possible, since Alolan Sandslash will get worn down even faster than it already does with its Life Orb. How does this bullet apply here? If A-Slash is your hazard removal, you're using it to keep hazards away for itself? Not to mention you'd be taking LO damage from Rapid Spin, further wearing itself down. Unless you mean for the SD set, which you'd need to specify. I think it's better to remove this bullet.
* Make sure to keep Alolan Sandslash away from status conditions, since paralysis will mitigate Slush Rush and burn will render it useless as a sweeper.
*Talk about looking for setup/sweeping opportunities late game.

Team Options
========

* Kyurem-Black can break through physical walls like Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, and Slowbro for Alolan Sandslash, as well as offer a Fire neutrality. In return, Alolan Sandslash can deal with Choice Scarf Victini and Hydreigon.
* Alolan Ninetales can check Fighting-types like Keldeo and Buzzwole for Alolan Sandslash, as well as set up Aurora Veil to allow Alolan Sandslash to switch in or set up Swords Dance easier. In return, Alolan Sandslash checks Fire- and Poison-types like Victini, Heatran, Alolan Muk, and Nihilego, as well as removes hazards with Rapid Spin.
* Avalugg can fill the role of a Rapid Spinner, allowing Alolan Sandslash to freely run Swords Dance as its last move. It can also switch into Choice Scarf Pokemon like Infernape and Terrakion that outspeed Alolan Sandslash even in hail.
*Mamoswine can put up Stealth Rock for Alolan Sandslash, allowing it to sweep more effectively. Mamoswine can also blanket check threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gallade, and Mega Scizor with Endeavor+Ice Shard, all of which can severely threaten Alolan Sandslash.
* Lapras offers a Fire neutrality for Alolan Sandslash, while also being able to check setup sweepers like bulky Mega Scizor and Azumarill, as well as physical walls like Skarmory and Mega Slowbro.
* Walrein can also check bulky Mega Scizor, while also possessing a Fire resistance with Thick Fat in order to come in on Fire-type attacks from Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Infernape, both of which outspeed Alolan Sandslash in hail.
* Weavile can trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Latios and Gengar with Pursuit, as well as remove items with Knock Off to make Normal’s Eviolite core easier for Alolan Sandslash to deal with. In return, Alolan Sandslash can check Fairy-types like Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie for Weavile.
* Piloswine can switch into Fire-type attacks for Alolan Sandslash due to its ability Thick Fat, as well as set up Stealth Rock to let Alolan Sandslash sweep easier. In return, Alolan Sandslash can check powerful wallbreakers like Kyurem-Black and Victini.
* Cloyster is a powerful setup sweeper that can sweep Fire teams for Alolan Sandslash. In return, Alolan Sandslash checks Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Magnezone, while also Rapid Spinning to keep Cloyster healthy as it sets up.
* Rotom-Frost can also perform the role as a hazard remover to allow Alolan Sandslash to run Swords Dance. Additionally, it can switch into Ground-type moves and utilize Volt Switch to let Alolan Sandslash in safely.

This is way too many team options, you can consolidate roles and just mention their differences briefly. Combine Rotom-F and Avalugg (both remove hazards, rotom-f is a pivot and ground immunity, avalugg absorbs physical hits); combine Walrein and Lapras. Make A-Ninetales the first teammate. Reorder to put Mamoswine and Piloswine one after the other (both set SR, but differently enough to warrant separate bullets). Also, you don't need the "in return" statement for every single Pokemon, as it ends up being extremely repetitive for a lot of bullets. Read through it an make changes as you see appropriate.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice
--------
* Rock Slide can be used in order to check Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona from full health without relying on Stealth Rock to guarantee a KO. However, Rapid Spin and Swords Dance are generally better moves.
* An Adamant nature can be ran in order to always KO Kyurem-Black after Stealth Rock, as well as generally increasing its offensive presence. However, without a Jolly nature, it won’t be able to outspeed Choice Scarf Victini and +1 Mega Charizard X.
* A Choice Band can be used as a means of always KOing Victini and Volcanion after Stealth Rock. However, Alolan Sandslash relies on being able to switch up between its moves.
* Icium Z is an option for Swords Dance sets in order to break past defensive checks like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Sableye. However, in situations where it’s unable to set up, Life Orb’s general power increase is preferred.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ice
--------
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Keldeo and Heracross can survive a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO it with their STAB moves. Fighting-types with priority like Breloom can easily pick it off as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Torkoal and Air Balloon Heatran can survive a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO back with their STAB moves. Torkoal can even remove its hail thanks to Drought.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Celesteela don’t care about Earthquake and can proceed to wear it down. Celesteela even has access to Flamethrower to quickly dispose of Alolan Sandslash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Suicune, Rotom-Wash, and Mega Swampert don't take much damage from its STAB moves and can wear it down easily with Scald, or in Mega Swampert's case, Earthquake.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Skarmory, Mega Sableye, and Mega Slowbro aren’t threatened by any of Alolan Sandslash’s attacks and can slowly wear it down. Mega Sableye deserves a special mention due to being immune to Rapid Spin and being able to Foul Play if Alolan Sandslash tries to set up with Swords Dance.

**Revenge killers**: Choice Scarf Pokemon like Terrakion, Blacephalon, and Gengar can outspeed Alolan Sandslash under hail and threaten to KO it. Gengar and Blacephalon can even switch into a Rapid Spin if Alolan Sandslash attempts to remove entry hazards.

**Residual damage**: Alolan Sandslash is very quickly worn down between hazard damage, Life Orb recoil, and status conditions like burn, making it rather difficult to preserve.

Please implement the changes and then retag me. I'm asking for a lot of changes in the team options section, so I just want to recheck that specifically before giving the 2/3.

 

[smub]

Moosical implemented changes

 

[Moosical]

Reorder the team options to the following:

hide

* Alolan Ninetales
* Kyurem-Black
* Weavile
*Mamoswine
* Piloswine
* Avalugg and Rotom-F
* Lapras and Walrein
* Cloyster

Overview - talk about how the steel typing is also beneficial (resistances/neutralities)

Otherwise, QC 2/3 ready for write up.

 

[smub]

Implemented and written, ready for 3rd check

 

[Eien]

Overview:
- Excadrill's a pretty bad example of a Steel-type that Alolan Sandslash's Steel typing help against, since Excadrill literally has STAB Earthquake to hit that very Steel typing super effectively.
- Compress the two lines that talk about how underwhelming its base Speed and Attack stats are. The overview is really long and I'd look to try to shorten it. Short and sweet is important here.
- Couple other redundant lines can probably be cut such as:
"Great natural physical bulk and a wide range of resistances means that Alolan Sandslash can usually rely on surviving a physical hit."
Since you literally just said that in the previous sentence.

Usage Tips:
- Discuss usage in/out of hail. Important to note that it should very rarely be used outside of hail because it's awfully slow.

Team Options:
- Couple examples I don't think are too useful. For example, Weavile trapping Latios is true, but why does Alolan Sandslash, which resists both of Latios's STAB attacks and can OHKO it with Icicle Crash, care about that?

Other Options:
- Adamant is unviable. The Speed loss drops it below base 100s at +1, as you note. That's simply not usable.

QC 3/3

 

[smub]

Implemented ready for GP

 

[lotiasite]

GP 1/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Ice
========

With its ability Slush Rush, Alolan Sandslash is one of the best speed control options for Ice teams. Under hail, Alolan Sandslash is capable of outspeeding and threatening Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Victini and Landorus-T, as well as +1 Mega Charizard X. Access to Rapid Spin along with its solid offensive presence make its Alolan Sandslash an effective entry hazard remover due to forcing switches against Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Excadrill under hail. Its Steel typing grants it a neutrality to Stealth Rock, allowing it to switch in more often when entry hazards are up. It also provides Alolan Sandslash with, and an immunity to Toxic Spikes, improving its effectiveness as an entry hazard remover. Additionally, this secondary typing also grants it a neutrality to Steel-type moves, which, (AC) when paired with its decent Physical Defense, (AC) allows it to take Steel-type attacks from Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Jirachi. However, Alolan Sandslash has terrible Speed outside of hail, leaving it very easily revenge killed, and a poor Attack stat makes it incapable of OHKOing Pokémon like Victini, Jirachi, and Kyurem-Black without prior damage. It can't utilize an Adamant nature due to needing Aa Jolly nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokémon like Victini and Landorus-T under hail. IFurthermore, its Steel typing grants it with a 4x weakness to Fire- and Fighting-type moves, leaving it much more susceptible to Pokemon like Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Keldeo. Even under hail, Alolan Sandslash is outsped and OHKOed by select Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Gengar. Alolan Sandslash finds itself very easily walled by physically defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory and Mega Venusaur without Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Hail Sweeper (Ice)
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rapid Spin / Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Icicle Crash is itAlolan Sandslash's strongest STAB move, and can hit Ground- and Dragon-types like Landorus, Garchomp, and Dragonite. Iron Head is its strongest Steel-type STAB move and is used to hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Diancie. Earthquake is essential coverage in order to hit Fire- and Steel-types like Victini, Heatran, and Jirachi. Rapid Spin is used for removing entry hazards such as Stealth Rock, which is very important for Ice teams. Swords Dance is another option if the Ice team already has another hazard remover, bolstering its effectiveness as a sweeper and allowing it to beat defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Skarmory.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Speed is used to make Alolan Sandslash as strong and fast as possible. A Jolly nature is important for outspeeding Choice Scarf Victini, Jirachi, and +1 Mega Charizard X under hail, as well as outspeeding Timid Magnezone and Adamant Bisharp outside of hail. A Life Orb is used to further increase itAlolan Sandslash's damage output while also giving it the freedom of switching up between its moves. The ability Slush Rush doubles Alolan Sandslash’'(apo)s Speed under hail, allowing it to serve as an effective sweeper and revenge killer.

Usage Tips
========

If Rapid Spin is used, try predicting when Pokemon such as Victini, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill will switch out in order to Rapid Spin and remove entry hazards for free. In a similar sense, if Swords Dance is used, try to predict your opponent to switch out in order to set up for free. This can allow Alolan Sandslash to break past defensive answers like Ferrothorn and Torkoal. Since Alolan Sandslash has awful special bulk, it’'(apostrophe)s best to keep it away from special attacks, even resisted ones. In most situations, try setting up Swords Dance against passive Pokemon like Chansey and Cradily. However, if Aurora Veil is up, Alolan Sandslash can use the opportunity to set up against Pokemon like Armaldo and Latios. Make sure to keep Alolan Sandslash away from status conditions, since paralysis will mitigate Slush Rush and burn will render it useless as a sweeper. Alolan Sandslash can find opportunities to sweep late-game once defensive checks such as Klefki and Rotom-Wash are removed on Fairy and Electric teams, (AC) respectively. Outside of hail, Alolan Sandslash is very slow and cannot be an effective sweeper, so in most instances, (AC) it's best to switch it out outside of hail.

Team Options
========

Alolan Ninetales can check Fighting-types like Keldeo and Buzzwole for Alolan Sandslash, as well as set up Aurora Veil to allow Alolan Sandslash to switch in or set up with Swords Dance easiermore easily. Kyurem-Black can break through physical walls like Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, and Slowbro for Alolan Sandslash, as well as and offer a Fire neutrality.(repetition) Weavile can trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Mew and Gengar with Pursuit, as well as remove items with Knock Off to make Normal’'(apo)s Eviolite core easier for Alolan Sandslash to deal with. Mamoswine can put up Stealth Rock for Alolan Sandslash, allowing it to sweep more effectively. Mamoswine can also blanket check threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gallade, and Mega Scizor with Endeavor + Ice Shard (spaces), all of which can severely threaten Alolan Sandslash. Piloswine can switch into Fire-type attacks for Alolan Sandslash due to its ability Thick Fat, as well as set up Stealth Rock to let Alolan Sandslash sweep easier. Avalugg and Rotom-F can fill the role of entry hazard removers, allowing Alolan Sandslash to freely run Swords Dance as its last move. Avalugg can also switch into Choice Scarf Pokemon like Infernape and Terrakion that outspeed Alolan Sandslash even in hail, while Rotom-F can switch into Ground-type moves and utilize Volt Switch to let Alolan Sandslash in safely. Lapras and Walrein are both capable of checking defensive Mega Scizor for Alolan Sandslash with Hidden Power Fire, as well as their Steel neutralitiesnd they offer a neutrality to Steel as well. Lapras can break past bulky Water-types like Toxapex and Swampert with Freeze-Dry, while Walrein offers a Fire resistance with Thick Fat in order to switch into Fire-type attacks from Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Infernape, both of which outspeed Alolan Sandslash in hail. Cloyster is a powerful setup sweeper that can sweep Fire teams for Alolan Sandslash. In return, Alolan Sandslash checks Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Magnezone, while also Rapid Spinningand can clear hazards to keep Cloyster healthy as it sets up.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice
--------
Rock Slide can be used in order to check Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona from full health without relying on Stealth Rock to guarantee a KO. However, Rapid Spin and Swords Dance are generally bettermore useful (very unspecific; i.e in what way) moves. A Choice Band can be used as a means of always KOing Victini and Volcanion after Stealth Rock. However, Alolan Sandslash relies on being able to switch up between its moves. Icium Z is an option for Swords Dance sets in order to break past defensive checks like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Sableye. However, in situations where it’'(apo)s unable to set up, Life Orb’'(apo)s general power increase is preferred.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ice
--------
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Keldeo and Heracross can survive a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO it with their STAB moves. Fighting-types with priority like Breloom can easily pick it off as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Torkoal and Air Balloon Heatran can survivtake a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO back with their STAB moves. Torkoal can even remove its hail thanks to Drought.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Celesteela don’'(apo)t care about Earthquake and can proceed to wear itAlolan Sandslash down. Celesteela even has access to Flamethrower to quickly dispose of Alolan Sandslash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Suicune, Rotom-Wash, and Mega Swampert don't take much damage from itAlolan Sandslash's STAB moves and can wear it down easily with Scald,(RC) or, (AC) in Mega Swampert's case, Earthquake.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Skarmory, Mega Sableye, and Mega Slowbro aren’'(apo)t threatened by any of Alolan Sandslash’(apo)s attacks and can slowly wear it down. Mega Sableye deserves a special mention due to being immune to Rapid Spin and being able to use Foul Play if Alolan Sandslash tries to set up with Swords Dance.

**Revenge kKillers**: Fast Choice Scarf Pokemon like Terrakion, Blacephalon, and Gengar can outspeed Alolan Sandslash under hail and threaten to KO it. Gengar and Blacephalon can even switch into a Rapid Spin if Alolan Sandslash attempts to remove entry hazards.

**Residual dDamage**: Alolan Sandslash is very quickly worn down between hazard damage, Life Orb recoil, and status conditions like burn, making it rather difficult to preserve.

sorry this took 2 months. you have good writing, just remember to use straight quotes ' and not curly ones. biggest issue i see with your writing is repetition; a lot of sentences in a row use the same structure, so work on every sentence not sounding the exact same. nice otherwise

 

[smub]

Implemented ready for final check

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Ice
========

With its ability Slush Rush, Alolan Sandslash is one of the best speed control options for Ice teams' best options for keeping faster foes in check. Under hail, Alolan Sandslash is capable of outspeeding and threatening Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Victini and Landorus-T (RC) as well as +1 Mega Charizard X. Access to Rapid Spin along with its solid offensive presence also makes Alolan Sandslash an effective entry hazard remover due to forcing switches against Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Excadrill under hail. Its Steel typing grants it a neutrality to Stealth Rock, allowing it to switch in more often when entry hazards are up, and an immunity to Toxic Spikes, improving its effectiveness as an entry hazard remover. Additionally, this secondary typing also grants it a neutrality to Steel-type moves, which, when paired with its decent Defense, allows it to take Steel-type attacks from Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Jirachi. However, Alolan Sandslash has terrible Speed outside of hail, leaving it very easily revenge killed, and a poor Attack stat makes it incapable of OHKOing Pokémon like Victini, Jirachi, and Kyurem-B without prior damage. It can't utilize an Adamant nature due to needing a Jolly nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokémon like Victini and Landorus-T under hail. Furthermore, its Steel typing grants it with a 4x weakness to Fire- and Fighting-type moves, leaving it much more susceptible to Pokemon like Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Keldeo. Even under hail, Alolan Sandslash is outsped and OHKOed by select Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Infernape, Terrakion, and Gengar. Alolan Sandslash also finds itself very easily walled by physically defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory and Mega Venusaur without Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Hail Sweeper (Ice)
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rapid Spin / Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Icicle Crash is Alolan Sandslash's strongest STAB move, and can able to hit Ground- and Dragon-types like Landorus, Garchomp, and Dragonite. Iron Head is its strongest Steel-type STAB move and is used to hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Diancie. Earthquake is essential coverage in order to hit Fire- and Steel-types like Victini, Heatran, and Jirachi. Rapid Spin is used for removing entry hazards such as Stealth Rock, which is very important for Ice teams. Swords Dance is another option if the Ice team already has another hazard remover, bolstering its Alolan Sandslash's effectiveness as a sweeper and allowing it to beat defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Skarmory.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Speed is used to make Alolan Sandslash as strong and fast as possible. A Jolly nature is important for outspeeding Choice Scarf Victini, Jirachi, and +1 Mega Charizard X under hail (RC) as well as outspeeding Timid Magnezone and Adamant Bisharp outside of hail. A Life Orb is used to further increase Alolan Sandslash's damage output while also giving it the freedom of switching between its moves. The ability Slush Rush doubles Alolan Sandslash's Speed under hail, allowing it to serve as an effective sweeper and revenge killer.

Usage Tips
========

If Rapid Spin is used, try predicting when Pokemon such as Victini, Tapu Koko, and Excadrill will switch out in order to Rapid Spin and remove entry hazards for free. In a similar sense, if Swords Dance is used, try to predict your opponent to switch out in order to set up for free. This can allow Alolan Sandslash to break past defensive answers like Ferrothorn and Torkoal. Since Alolan Sandslash has awful special bulk, it's best to keep it away from special attacks, even resisted ones. In most situations, try setting up Swords Dance against passive Pokemon like Chansey and Cradily. However, if Aurora Veil is up, Alolan Sandslash can use the opportunity to set up against Pokemon like Armaldo and Latios. Make sure to keep Alolan Sandslash away from status conditions, since paralysis will mitigate nullify Slush Rush and burn will render it useless as a sweeper. Alolan Sandslash can find opportunities to sweep late-game once defensive checks such as Klefki and Rotom-W are removed on Fairy and Electric teams, respectively. Outside of hail, Alolan Sandslash is very slow and cannot be an effective sweeper, so in most instances, it's best to switch it out outside of hail.

Team Options
========

Alolan Ninetales can check Fighting-types like Keldeo and Buzzwole for Alolan Sandslash, as well as set up Aurora Veil to allow Alolan Sandslash to switch in or set up with Swords Dance more easily. Kyurem-B can break through physical walls like Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, and Slowbro for Alolan Sandslash and offer a Fire neutrality. Weavile can trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Mew and Gengar with Pursuit, as well as remove items with Knock Off to make Normal's Eviolite core easier for Alolan Sandslash to deal with. Mamoswine can put up Stealth Rock for Alolan Sandslash, allowing it to sweep more effectively. Mamoswine can also blanket check threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gallade, and Mega Scizor with Endeavor + Ice Shard, all of which can severely threaten Alolan Sandslash. Piloswine can switch into Fire-type attacks for Alolan Sandslash due to its ability Thick Fat, as well as set up Stealth Rock to let Alolan Sandslash sweep easier more easily. Avalugg and Rotom-F can fill the role of entry hazard removers, allowing Alolan Sandslash to freely run Swords Dance as its last move. Avalugg can also switch into Choice Scarf Pokemon like Infernape and Terrakion that outspeed Alolan Sandslash even in hail, while Rotom-F can switch into Ground-type moves and utilize Volt Switch to let Alolan Sandslash in safely. Lapras and Walrein are both capable of checking defensive Mega Scizor for Alolan Sandslash with Hidden Power Fire, and they offer a neutrality to Steel as well. Lapras can break past bulky Water-types like Toxapex and Swampert with Freeze-Dry, while Walrein offers a Fire resistance with Thick Fat in order to switch into Fire-type attacks from Choice Scarf Blacephalon and Infernape, both of which outspeed Alolan Sandslash in hail. Cloyster is a powerful setup sweeper that can sweep Fire teams for Alolan Sandslash. In return, Alolan Sandslash checks Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Magnezone and can clear entry hazards to keep Cloyster healthy as it sets up.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice
--------
Rock Slide can be used in order to check Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona from full health without relying on Stealth Rock to guarantee a KO. However, Rapid Spin and Swords Dance are generally more useful moves. A Choice Band can be used as a means of always KOing Victini and Volcanion after Stealth Rock. However, Alolan Sandslash relies on being able to switch between its moves. Icium Z is an option for Swords Dance sets in order to break past defensive checks like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Sableye. However, in situations where it's unable to set up, Life Orb's general power increase is preferred.

Checks and Counters
===================

Ice
--------
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Keldeo and Heracross can survive a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO it with their STAB moves. Fighting-types with priority like Breloom can easily pick it off as well.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Torkoal and Air Balloon Heatran can take a hit from Alolan Sandslash and KO back with their STAB moves. Torkoal can even remove its hail thanks to Drought.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Celesteela don't care about Earthquake and can proceed to wear Alolan Sandslash down. Celesteela even has access to Flamethrower to quickly dispose of Alolan Sandslash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Suicune, Rotom-W, and Mega Swampert don't take much damage from Alolan Sandslash's STAB moves and can wear it down easily with Scald or, in Mega Swampert's case, Earthquake.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Skarmory, Mega Sableye, and Mega Slowbro aren't threatened by any of Alolan Sandslash's attacks and can slowly wear it down. Mega Sableye deserves a special mention due to being immune to Rapid Spin and being able to use deter Alolan Sandslash from setting up with Foul Play if Alolan Sandslash tries to set up with Swords Dance.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Choice Scarf Pokemon like Terrakion, Blacephalon, and Gengar can outspeed Alolan Sandslash under hail and threaten to KO it. Gengar and Blacephalon can even switch into a Rapid Spin if Alolan Sandslash attempts to remove entry hazards.

**Residual Damage**: Alolan Sandslash is very quickly worn down between hazard damage, Life Orb recoil, and status conditions like burn, making it rather difficult to preserve.

 

[smub]

Implemented ready for upload

 

[Vid]

Uploaded