#351: Castform, the Weather Pokemon
(I apologize if there is another Castform thread, I did not see one. This is a discussion on Castform himself and not whether or not he'll be banned. This is also my first analysis so please be kind. Thanks!)
TYPE: NORMAL
HP: 70 / ATK: 70 / DEF: 70 / SP.ATK: 70 / SP.DEF: 70 / SPE: 70
ABILITY: Forecast
[During weather conditions, Forecast will change the type of the Pokémon with this ability. In the effects of Sunny Day, Castform will become a Fire Type. During a Rain Dance, Castform will become a water type. And finally when it is Hailing out, Castform will become an ice type. Castform does not transform during a Sandstorm but its move Weather Ball will become a Rock type attack.]
(I apologize if there is another Castform thread, I did not see one. This is a discussion on Castform himself and not whether or not he'll be banned. This is also my first analysis so please be kind. Thanks!)

TYPE: NORMAL
HP: 70 / ATK: 70 / DEF: 70 / SP.ATK: 70 / SP.DEF: 70 / SPE: 70
ABILITY: Forecast
[During weather conditions, Forecast will change the type of the Pokémon with this ability. In the effects of Sunny Day, Castform will become a Fire Type. During a Rain Dance, Castform will become a water type. And finally when it is Hailing out, Castform will become an ice type. Castform does not transform during a Sandstorm but its move Weather Ball will become a Rock type attack.]



Castform has always been one of my favorite Pokemon but that doesn't necessarily mean its of any use. However due to the prevalence of weather teams I have encountered on P.O., Castform is a decent choice and can even (sorta) counter rival weather teams as well as due to the Dream World abilities of both Ninetails and Politoed be a very interesting special sweeper with attack combination's not on anything barring Smeragle. Due to its lackluster stats sadly, Castform will most likely remain in UU/NU, but he's still still a very fun Pokemon to try especially with the new weather inducers in the lower tiers.
Level Up Moves & (bolded moves are noteworthy):
Code:
Start: Tackle
Lv. 10: Ember
Lv. 10: Water Gun
Lv. 10: Powder Snow
Lv. 20: Headbutt
Lv. 30: Rain Dance
Lv. 30: Sunny Day
Lv. 30: Hail
Lv. 40: [B]Weather Ball[/B]
Lv. 50: [B]Hydro Pump[/B]
Lv. 50: [B]Fire Blast[/B]
Lv. 50: [B]Blizzard[/B]
TMs
Move Tutors/Older Gen Move Tutor Moves/Old TMs/Etc.
Code:
TM06 [B]Toxic[/B]
TM07 Hail
TM10 [B]Hidden Power[/B]
TM11 Sunny Day
TM13 [B]Ice Beam[/B]
TM14 [B]Blizzard[/B]
TM17 Protect
TM18 Rain Dance
TM21 Frustration
TM22 [B]SolarBeam[/B]
TM24 [B]Thunderbolt[/B]
TM25 [B]Thunder[/B]
TM27 Return
TM30 [B]Shadow Ball[/B]
TM32 Double Team
TM35 [B]Flamethrower[/B]
TM37 Sandstorm
TM38 [B]Fire Blast[/B]
TM42 Facade
TM44 Rest
TM45 Attract
TM46 Thief
TM48 Canon
TM53 [B]Energy Ball[/B]
TM55 [B]Boiling Water[/B]
TM59 Devastate
TM67 Retaliation
TM70 Flash
TM73 [B]Thunder Wave[/B]
TM77 Psych Up
TM83 [B]Cheer Up[/B]
TM87 Swagger
TM90 Substitute
Move Tutors/Older Gen Move Tutor Moves/Old TMs/Etc.
Code:
[B]Evil Eye[/B]
[B]Clear Smog[/B]
Amnesia
Lucky Chant
Tailwind
Mimic
Future Sight
Psych Up
Snore
[B]Icy Wind[/B]
Endure
Swagger
Sleep Talk
Swift
Defense Curl
Ominous Wind
Last Resort
Water Pulse
Shock Wave
Secret Power
Avalanche
Captivate
Natural Gift
Sets (bare with me I'm not very good with them)
Castform @ Life Orb
Nature: Modest (+SP.ATK, -ATK)
EVs: 252 SP.ATK, 252 SPE, 4 HP)
Moves:
- Weather Ball
- Energy Ball/Solarbeam
- Thunder/Thunderbolt
- Cheer Up
This set is mainly for use on Sun Teams. Fire, Grass and Electric has pretty good synergy. Also, this set takes care of Politoed should he ruin your fun by changing the weather. Castform will immediately gain a water typing and can attempt to KO the opposing teams weather inducer with Energy Ball and Thunder/Thunderbolt. Thunder may be preferred if you're facing a rain team, but thats not always the case so Thunderbolt is still a good option. Cheer Up is there to hopefully find a place to gain a boost in your SP.ATK if you force a switch.
As I said, I'm fairly mediocre with sets, but would like to hear what everyone else thinks. Please go easy on me. T__T
Nature: Modest (+SP.ATK, -ATK)
EVs: 252 SP.ATK, 252 SPE, 4 HP)
Moves:
- Weather Ball
- Energy Ball/Solarbeam
- Thunder/Thunderbolt
- Cheer Up
This set is mainly for use on Sun Teams. Fire, Grass and Electric has pretty good synergy. Also, this set takes care of Politoed should he ruin your fun by changing the weather. Castform will immediately gain a water typing and can attempt to KO the opposing teams weather inducer with Energy Ball and Thunder/Thunderbolt. Thunder may be preferred if you're facing a rain team, but thats not always the case so Thunderbolt is still a good option. Cheer Up is there to hopefully find a place to gain a boost in your SP.ATK if you force a switch.
As I said, I'm fairly mediocre with sets, but would like to hear what everyone else thinks. Please go easy on me. T__T