Harpp
No rain, no flowers.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper [Water]
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Superpower
item: Focus Sash
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Barbaracle is a deadly setup sweeper and cleaner for hyper offensive Water-type teams with its Shell Smash set. Its above-average Attack stat combined with its passable bulk lets it become an offensive juggernaut quickly with a boost. Liquidation is its most reliable STAB move, which is also boosted by Tough Claws, allowing it to deal heavy damage to neutral targets such as Aegislash and Galarian Corsola after setup. Stone Edge takes care of Ice-, Flying-, and Bug-type Pokemon like Galarian Darmanitan, Mandibuzz, and Araquanid. Superpower rounds off its coverage by hitting Pokemon like Ferrothorn that resist its STAB moves. Superpower also hits Kyurem more reliably than Stone Edge and is able to OHKO Ferrothorn and Kyurem after a Shell Smash boost. Barbaracle should attempt to set up only once its checks and counters like Toxapex, Celebi, and Vilepume are weakened or taken out by teammates. However, Barbaracle can use Focus Sash to set up against Pokemon that would otherwise OHKO it, such as Gardevoir and Mamoswine; additionally, its Focus Sash can be used to allow it to serve as an emergency check against Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Kyurem. Maximum Attack investment with a Jolly nature makes Barbaracle as fast as possible, allowing it to outspeed Pokemon like Choice Scarf Duraludon. A Focus Sash is used to ensure that Barbaracle can take any hit and set up Shell Smash at least once during the battle.
Araquanid is a great teammate, as it can make Barbaracle even more threatening with Sticky Web, allowing it to outspeed Alolan Raichu under Electric Terrain and fast Choice Scarf users like Gengar and Dragapult. Other Shell Smash users like Cloyster and Blastoise are good teammates, as they can deal with each other's checks and counters, beating Pokemon such as Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Mimikyu. Keldeo, Dracovish, and Crawdaunt can wallbreak and weaken Pokemon like Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Galarian Corsola. Keldeo can also keep entry hazards off the field with Taunt. Pelipper provides rain support for Barbaracle to power up Liquidation even further after Shell Smash, allowing it to beat Pokemon such as Aegislash and unboosted Bulk Up Corviknight. Additionally, Pelipper can wallbreak with a Choice Specs set, taking on Pokemon such as Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Toxapex for the team, and provide emergency Defog support to keep Barbaracle's Focus Sash intact. Seismitoad provides Barbaracle with an essential immunity to Electric-type attacks and Stealth Rock support to score easier KOs and help against Pokemon like Cloyster, Dugtrio, and Polteageist.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Harpp, 3201110]]
- <Water> analysis by: [[Harpp, 320110]]
- Quality checked by: [[Decem, 362454], [Conflux, 408641]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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