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Carracosta
[Overview]
<p>Carracosta is one of the most interesting Pokemon in NU, by virtue of being both a turtle and a fossil. It can fill a number of roles on teams, capable of pulling off Shell Smash in a manner similar to Gorebyss, or alternatively guaranteeing Stealth Rock with Sturdy. Despite an average defensive typing, Carracosta is a fantastic tank with Solid Rock, giving it a surprising amount of survivability, whereas Stealth Rock is an absolute blessing. A great offensive typing means it rarely has to use anything outside of its STAB moves, which is fantastic for sweeping with Shell Smash. On top of this, it possesses above average HP and Defense stats, with a solid Attack stat to boot. A terrible Speed stat is somewhat mitigated by Shell Smash and access to Aqua Jet, but can still hold Carracosta back in certain situations.</p>
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Finally being able to use Stealth Rock transforms Carracosta's usual role as a tank and makes it much more capable of supporting the team. Stealth Rock is one of the best moves in the game, and Carracosta gets many opportunities to set it up with the innate ability to check Flying- and Normal-types, courtesy of its Rock-typing. In a metagame where these types dominate, Carracosta really shines as a tank capable of checking Choice item-locked Cinccino locked into anything but Bullet Seed, Braviary, and Zangoose, among others. Waterfall is the standard STAB move, and still deals out decent damage with Carracosta's acceptable Attack stat. Stone Edge provides good coverage with Waterfall, as well as being a STAB move, and allows Carracosta to take on the many Flying-types in NU. Priority moves are always useful to have, particularly in NU where many fast and frail Pokemon such as Cinccino exist. Aqua Jet is not only a priority move but also gets STAB, and will hit with decent power off a solid base 108 Attack. Toxic can be very useful for wearing down sweepers such as Samurott, as well as catching some of the regular Carracosta checks such as Tangela off guard.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Functioning as an excellent tank, this set uses a defensive spread and is made to beat Flying- and Normal-types. 248 HP EVs maximizes bulk while ensuring Carracosta gets the most out of Leftovers, while maximum Defense allows it to take on Swellow and Braviary with ease, and even Cinccino if it can avoid Bullet Seed. Alternatively, it is possible to run more Attack EVs for a stronger Aqua Jet or to gain a specific KO, but Carracosta needs all the Defense it can get. 252 Attack EVs allows Carracosta to take on a much more offensive role, OHKOing the likes of Braviary with Stone Edge. Rather than tanking multiple hits this alternative spread focuses on beating the opponent before they can launch these attacks, and is still very effective. Carracosta has a decent movepool, and has a number of other options to use. Knock Off is another great option for the last slot, which can rid Tangela of Eviolite, as well as catch Alomomola and Amoonguss off guard, removing a possible Shed Shell which means that Gothitelle can trap and KO them. Rock Slide can also be used instead of Stone Edge for better accuracy, but the loss in power is noticeable.</p>
<p>Carracosta has a distinct lack of recovery, and as a result, is easily worn down by entry hazards and chip damage. It also has a poor Special Defense stat, so it requires good team support to be effective. Pokemon that can take Grass-type moves are among the best teammates, such as Amoonguss, in particular. Carracosta and Amoonguss share great synergy, as the latter can take both Grass- and Fighting-type attacks for the former, while Carracosta can easily switch in on the Ice- and Fire-type attacks aimed at Amoonguss. As for specific counters, this set does not pack much of a punch, and so is relatively easy to counter. Seismitoad easily beats it, as do almost all Tangela and Amoonguss. Most Special attackers such as Samurott will also easily break through it, as well as powerful Choice Band users with a super effective attack such as Golurk.</p>
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Solid Rock / Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Shell Smash is perhaps the ultimate setup move, capable of turning almost any Pokemon into a force to be reckoned with in a single turn. Carracosta is no exception, despite its terrible Speed stat its makes great use of the move. Waterfall is the reliable STAB move as always. Stone Edge provides good neutral coverage with Waterfall, missing out on only a few niche Pokemon. This combination will enable Carracosta to sweep in most cases, but it still gets outsped by a number of Pokemon even after a Shell Smash. Dangerous threats such as Swoobat, Cinccino, Swellow, Zebstrika, and Choice Scarf Rotom-S will still outspeed Carracosta, and because of this Aqua Jet makes a great last option to clean up when the opposing team is weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As Carracosta is very slow to begin with, maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature is almost essential. It is also required to outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon while at +2, such as Tauros. The rest of the EVs are invested into Attack in order to hit as hard as possible. The choice of item depends mainly on the ability. Sturdy with Lum Berry can be used to almost guarantee a successful turn of set up, provided there are no hazards on Carracosta's side. Solid Rock with Life Orb is much more powerful on the other hand, but is very vulnerable to being hit as it sets up, as well as in danger of being statused. Other offensive moves are also available to Carracosta; Rock Slide can be used over Stone Edge for more accuracy, while Aqua Tail can be used over Waterfall to deal slightly more damage. Ice Beam can be used (along with a Naive nature) in order to catch out unwary Tangela, which would normally wall Carracosta.</p>
<p>If Carracosta is using Sturdy, then keeping entry hazards off the field becomes essential. Therefore, Torkoal makes a very good partner as it can use Rapid Spin and has somewhat decent synergy with Carracosta. This set also has trouble beating Amoonguss and Tangela, something Torkoal can help with. Pokemon that can lure Tangela and Amoonguss are more effective, and both mixed Emboar and Specially-based Samurott are fantastic partners. Swords Dance Absol can also fulfill a similar role. After the boost from Shell Smash, Carracosta is exceptionally powerful and can break through many walls in NU. Fast, late-game sweepers such as Choice Scarf Braviary, Cinccino, or Zangoose, can make for good teammates as they can sweep once the opposing team has been weakened. Swoobat makes for another dangerous partner, but requires more setup time. The aforementioned Tangela and Amoonguss are good counters to this set. Cinccino, Zebstrika, and Electrode can all outspeed and KO Carracosta after a Shell Smash, but each will struggle to switch in on Waterfall and must beware of being beaten by Aqua Jet if they are on low HP. Seismitoad can easily wall this set and KO with Earth Power.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A Shell Smash set using only special attacks would be useful for luring Tangela, but is much weaker in general. Furthermore, Carracosta does get Hydro Pump and Ice Beam. The normal Shell Smash sets can also use Mystic Water as an item, powering up both Waterfall as well as Aqua Jet and still being able to make use of Sturdy. Low Kick and Superpower both provide decent coverage, and could possibly work on a Choice Band set, as could Earthquake. Icy Wind is an interesting move that could allow Carracosta to outspeed certain threats, but would be very situational. Curse is another interesting option as Carracosta has Aqua Jet to get around the Speed drop, but a lack of Special bulk and recovery really hinders it.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Amoonguss and Tangela are among the best counters, barring the rare Ice Beam. Even Vileplume or Meganium can beat Carracosta, as is the case for most Grass-types. Seismitoad's typing and ability allows it to counter any set not running Hidden Power Grass, which is essentially all of them. Alomomola is another great counter to any physical set. The bulky version of Carracosta does a decent job at checking the Shell Smash set, taking any hit while at full health and being able to retaliate with Waterfall or Earthquake. Gurdurr can easily take on the defensive set, and loves switching in on Toxic to activate Guts. Very fast Pokemon such as Cinccino, Zebstrika, and Electrode can all outspeed and OHKO Carracosta even after a Shell Smash. Alternatively, Carracosta can be dealt with by hitting it hard as it sets up; in fact, ensuring it has no chances to set up in a match is a very effective way to deal with it. Toxic Spikes also severely limit its effectiveness, as it will slowly drain Carracosta's health.</p>
[Overview]
name: Tank
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Solid Rock / Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
- Fossil Pokemon are awesome
- Average defensive typing, but very good offensively.
- Strong Physical stats, with a usable Special Attack
- Slow as balls, priority and Shell Smash can make up for that
- Two excellent abilities, being used on two very different sets
- Solid Rock is great for tanking most moves, while Sturday assits setting up Shell Smash
- Sort of a strange mix between Gorebyss and Golem, being able to go down the dangerous Shell Smash route, or the Sturdy Stealth Rock Pokemon.
- Stealth Rock from BW2 Tutors is amazing, as well as a number of other moves for it
name: Tank
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
- The addition of Stealth Rock transforms the tank set into a much more useful team supporter
- Stealth Rock is one of the best moves in the game, and Carracosta gets many opportunities to set it up with its inate ability to check Flying- and Normal-types
- Carracosta still has a solid Attack stat, makes good use of it with Waterfall
- Stone Edge provides decent neutral coverage as a secondary STAB move, and allows Carracosta to OHKO many Flying-types
- Priority is incredibly useful, especially with many fast and frail sweepers running around in NU. Aqua Jet is STAB as well as priority, and hits decently hard off 108 Attack.
- Toxic can be very useful for wearing down sweepers such as Samurrot, or catching the usual Carracosta checks like Tangela as they switch in.
- This is a defensive set, designed to beat Flying- and Normal-types. As such it uses a defensive spread. Maximum HP and maximum Defense allow it to take on Swellow, Braviary, and even Cinccino if it can avoid Bullet Seed.
- Possible to run more Attack if you desire a stronger Aqua Jet or are looking for a specific KO, but in general Carracosta should focus on defense
- 252 Attack takes on a much more offensive tank role.
- Impish nature to maximise defense
- Leftovers are the only recovery Carracosta can get. 248 HP EVs maximise Leftovers recovery as well.
- Knock Off can be used in the last slot, another option for disrupting Tangela etc.
- Rock Slide can be used over Stone Edge for accuracy
- Easy to wear down with hazard damage + chip damage.
- Good teammates are those that can take on Special attacks, specifically Grass-type moves. Amoonguss is a great teammate because of the excellent synergy they share, as it can also take Fighting-type attacks, and Carracosta 4x resists Fire.
- Countering this set is relatively easy, as it fails to pack much of a punch. Seismitoed does a good job of beating it, as do Tangela and Amoonguss.
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Solid Rock / Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
- Shell Smash is the ultimate set up move, and can still work even with Carracostas terrible Speed
- Waterfall is the main, reliable STAB move.
- Stone Edge provides good neutral coverage with Waterfall, missing out on only a few niche Pokemon
- Despite doubling its Speed, Carracosta is still outsped by postive natured base 114 Pokemon and above, which includes Swoobat, Cinccino, Swellow, Zebstrika. Faster Scarf Pokemon like Rotom-S will also outspeed. Because of this, Aqua Jet is a great option to clean up when the opposing team is weakened, and hits very hard after a boost.
- Maximum Speed with a Jolly Nature is necessary to outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon at +2, i.e. Tauros. Maximum Attack to hit hard etc
- The choice of item depnds on ability. Sturdy with Lum Berry can be used to guarantee a turn of setup without being harmed, provided you can keep hazards off the field.
- Solid Rock with Life Orb is much more powerful, but is more vulnerable to being hit while setting up, as well as status moves.
- Rock Slide over Stone Edge for reliability, can miss some KOs
- Aqua Tail for more power, less reliability.
- Ice Beam can be used with a Naive nature in order to catch out Tangela.
- If you are running Sturdy, keeping hazards off the field is essential. Because of this, Torkoal is a good partner.
- This set has trouble beating Tangela and Amoonguss. A partner that can lure and beat these is a good idea. Mixed Emboar or a Specially based Samurott can both lure out and then beat Tangela or Amoonguss. Similarly Swords Dance Absol
- After a Shell Smash Carracosta is exceptionally powerful, and can break through many walls in NU. Fast, late-game sweepers like Braviary, Cinccino or Zangoose can make for good teammates once the opposing team has been weakened.
- Swoobat is another dangerous late game Pokemon.
- As mentioned, Tangela and Amoonguss are good counters to this.
- Cinccino Zebstrika and Electrode can all outspeed and KO Carracosta after a Shell Smash.
- Seismitoed can wall it and KO with Earth Power.
- A full special Shell Smash set would be useful for luring Tangela, but is much weaker than the physical set in general.
- Mystic Water on the Shell Smash set, powering up water moves while still being able to make use of Sturdy
- Low Kick and Superpower are good tutor moves, could work on a Choice Band set
- Icy Wind could lower opponents Speed so that Carracosta can outspeed them
- Earthquake is an option on the Shell Smash set
- Curse could work, especially with Aqua Jet, but lack of recovery hinders it
- Choice Band set usable as Carracosta has a wide physical movepool.
- Amoonguss and Tangela, barring the rare Ice Beam. Even Vileplume does well. Meganium, any physically bulky Grass-type does well.
- Seismitoed counters any set not running Hp Grass, which is all of them.
- Alomomola is a great counter to any physical set.
- A bulky Carracosta does a good job of checking the Shell Smash set, being able to take a hit and hit back with Waterfall or even Earthquake.
- Very physically bulky Pokemon can take a boosted Waterfall or Stone Edge, and prey on Carracostas weaker defensive stat
- Carracosta is vulnerable to being hit on the turn it gets set up, particularly if it lacks Sturdy. Ensuring it has no chance to set up is a very effective method of dealing with it.
- Gurdurr is very bulky with Eviolite, and can easily set up on the defensive set. Dealing with the Shell Smash set is more troublesome, but it can still take one boosted attack if in good health
- Cinccino Zebstrika and Electrode can all outspeed and KO Carracosta after a Shell Smash.
- Toxic Spikes also seriously limits its survivability, particularly with a Life Orb.