
[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper (Ice)
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Rock Blast
move 4: Liquidation
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With a sky-high Defense stat, Cloyster is able to function as a Shell Smash sweeper on Ice teams. Icicle Spear can threaten Pokemon such as Mandibuzz, Togekiss, and Dragapult on Dark, Flying, and Dragon teams. Utilizing Rock Blast, Cloyster is able to sweep Fire teams fairly easily, providing Ice teams with a win condition versus them. It is also able to sweep opposing Ice teams, thus aiding in the mirror matchups. Liquidation prevents Cloyster from being walled by Steel-types such as Bisharp, Bronzong, and Aegislash, as well as aiding in sweeping Rock teams. Skill Link allows both Icicle Spear and Rock Blast to always hit five times for maximum damage output. Focus Sash allows Cloyster to set up with Shell Smash guaranteed and is crucial against special attackers such as Indeedee and Gardevoir in order to set up in a pinch. Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allow Cloyster to be as strong and as fast as possible, as at +2 only base 110 Speed Choice Scarf Pokemon or higher can revenge kill it.
Cloyster is used as a late-game sweeper when all its checks and counters are either eliminated or have been worn down, and it is best to set up in front of a physical attacker or when Aurora Veil is up. It can also be used to set up early to break holes for its teammates. Wallbreakers such as Weavile and Galarian Darmanitan are amazing teammates for Cloyster, as they are able to punch holes through teams, allowing Cloyster to sweep more easily. Galarian Darmanitan can notably wear down Steel teams easily to the point of where Cloyster can sweep. Kyurem-B can be used in conjunction with Cloyster, as they are both setup sweepers that can overwhelm their checks. Choice Scarf Weavile is able to check Choice Scarf Jirachi, which is a huge threat to Ice teams. Alolan Ninetales is a fantastic partner for Cloyster, as it is able to use Aurora Veil to allow it to set up more easily, as well as threatening Toxapex, which Cloyster struggles to break, with Freeze-Dry; in addition, it can threaten Swift Swim Water teams with Snow Warning. Mamoswine, Piloswine, and Froslass provide entry hazard support with Stealth Rock and Spikes to wear down foes, allowing Cloyster to sweep more easily. Galarian Mr. Mime and Avalugg are good teammates that provide Rapid Spin support to ensure that Cloyster's Focus Sash remains intact. In addition, Froslass has access to Taunt to deny entry hazards from the opposing team, making sure that Cloyster's Focus Sash is intact. Galarian Mr. Mime can also cripple Pokemon with Trick, potentially giving Cloyster a free setup opportunity.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Splash, 437289]]
- <Ice> analysis by: [[Splash, 437289]]
- Quality checked by: [Decem, 326454], [Confluxx, 408641]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Martha, 384270]]
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