Monotype Cloyster (Ice) [QC: 3/3] [GP: 2/2]

[OVERVIEW]

Cloyster is one of the most threatening Ice-type sweepers due to its Water typing and access to Shell Smash, which allows it to sweep types such as Fire and Rock if given the chance to set up. A neutrality to both Fire- and Steel-type moves allows Cloyster to heavily influence these matchups with Rock Blast and Hydro Vortex, being able to set up on Pokemon such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz and Excadrill with ease. Furthermore, Cloyster's good offensive ability in Skill Link allows it to make good use of moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, enabling it to break through Focus Sash from Pokemon such as Breloom, Alakazam, and Araquanid. A gargantuan Defense stat means it can set up in front of many physical attackers such as Excadrill and Mega Swampert easily. However, an abysmal Special Defense leaves Cloyster vulnerable to any decently strong special hit and diminishes its ability to set up as easily. Even resisted special hits, such as Scald from Keldeo, will dent Cloyster. Low offensive stats mean it is further dependent on a Shell Smash boost to pose as an offensive threat, since it doesn't hit very hard unboosted. Cloyster's mediocre Speed stat makes it somewhat easy to revenge kill, since it cannot outspeed key threats such as Choice Scarf Latios, and due to its vulnerability to entry hazards and Shell Smash's defense-lowering effect, it's easy to chip it down, possibly leaving it vulnerable to opposing priority moves such as Dragonite's Extreme Speed and Breloom's Mach Punch.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Rock Blast
item: Waterium Z
ability: Skill Link
nature: Naive
evs: 112 Atk / 144 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Shell Smash is an amazing setup move that enables Cloyster to sweep unprepared teams. Icicle Spear is Cloyster's main STAB attack, and coupled with Skill Link, it essentially reaches 125 Base Power. Hydro Pump, coupled with Waterium Z, enables Cloyster to bypass many of its would-be checks and counters such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor once it has set up. Regular Hydro Pump hits Steel-types for neutral damage, which otherwise would be able to wall Cloyster completely. Rock Blast is extremely useful to hit Fire-types that Hydro Pump can't hit super effectively such as Mega Charizard X and Torkoal, and it also comes in handy in the Bug and mirror Ice matchup, all of which are much harder without Cloyster. It can also hit Water-types that resist its STAB moves, but it doesn't hit particularly hard because of a lack of type advantage.

Set Details
========

Waterium Z enables Cloyster to use Hydro Vortex, which, with 144 Special Attack EVs, secures an OHKO on Mega Scizor at +2 after Stealth Rock. These EVs also ensure Cloyster OHKOes Skarmory with Hydro Pump when at +2. 252 Speed EVs and a Naive nature are necessary to avoid being outsped by common Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion and Infernape. The remaining EVs are poured into Attack to power up Icicle Spear and Rock Blast. Skill Link is the ability of choice due to it allowing Icicle Spear and Rock Blast to always hit five times, making them very reliable attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Due to its monstrous physical defense, Cloyster is able to easily set up on most non-super effective physical hits such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz. Setting Aurora Veil with Alolan Ninetales helps Cloyster tremendously while setting up, allowing it to set up on even strong super effective moves like Horn Leech from Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and on some weak special attackers it otherwise wouldn't be able to, such as Clefable. Make sure to clear Stealth Rock and other entry hazards when attempting a sweep with Cloyster; the chip damage taken from them can be extremely detrimental when trying to set up. This is especially important versus Pokemon that can hit Cloyster super effectively such as offensive Scizor and versus specially offensive Pokemon like Choice Scarf Keldeo, which OHKO it if any hazard is up. Weakening Water-types with Pokemon like Kyurem-B and Alolan Ninetales is necessary due to them resisting both of Cloyster's STAB attacks and taking little damage from Rock Blast, which allows Pokemon such as Slowbro and Toxapex to completely wall it. Ideally, you should save Cloyster for late-game once its checks and counters have been removed from the game, though it could be used to occasionally switch into a physical attack for its teammates, especially versus types like Flying, which don't tend to carry priority or fast Choice Scarf users. However, be extremely careful of switching Cloyster into attacks, since it may compromise its ability to set up later. Cloyster should not attempt to set up on Pokemon that can status it with moves like Scald, Will-O-Wisp, and Thunder Wave, such as Toxapex, Mega Sableye, and Klefki.

Team Options
========

Alolan Ninetales is an excellent partner for Cloyster, since it can set up Aurora Veil for it, which can help immensely while setting up, and check Fighting-type Pokemon, which can check Cloyster themselves. It can also use Encore on passive foes such as Celesteela to create setup opportunities and deal with bulky Water-types for Cloyster with Freeze-Dry. Kyurem-B is a terrifying wallbreaker for Ice teams that can pave the way for a Cloyster sweep due to its ability to heavily damage Pokemon like Toxapex and Mega Venusaur for it. Mamoswine and Piloswine can both set up Stealth Rock for Cloyster and its other teammates, which is a consistent way of dealing chip damage to Pokemon like Mega Venusaur. In addition, running Piloswine means Mamoswine is free to run a wallbreaking set, which can help break down Pokemon such as Porygon2 for Cloyster. Its access to Ice Shard can heavily damage Latios, which is a Choice Scarf user that can outpace Cloyster even at +2. Avalugg can use Rapid Spin to further support Cloyster when setting up, allowing it to stay at full health and helping it take decently strong super effective hits from the likes of Armaldo. Alolan Sandslash can run utility options; either Rapid Spin or Swords Dance are useful for Cloyster, since the former allows it to provide hazard removal support to its teammates and the latter lets it break through troublesome walls such as Toxapex with a boosted Earthquake. Rotom-F can provide useful Defog support and beat several Water- and Steel-types such as Toxapex and Scizor with its STAB Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Fire. Weavile is able to Pursuit trap troublesome Pokemon for Ice teams such as Victini and Latios with ease. Its access to priority in Ice Shard also allows it to pick off weakened foes such as Gengar, which Cloyster appreciates.

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

Ice
--------

A Naughty nature can be used, but the loss in Speed isn't worth it, as Cloyster would be outsped by several Choice Scarf users such as Infernape, Blacephalon, and Terrakion. However, it does let Cloyster secure a 2HKO on Mega Swampert after very slight chip damage, as well as giving it more power before setting up Shell Smash, which it slightly lacks with a Naive nature. White Herb can be used to make Cloyster less vulnerable to priority and revenge killing; however, it sorely misses the one time nuke Waterium Z provides.

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

Ice
--------

**Water-types**: Water-types resist both of Cloysters STAB moves and are mostly unaffected by Rock Blast, which can give free turns to several key threats to Ice teams such as Keldeo, which can launch a powerful attack, and Toxapex, which can freely set up Toxic Spikes.

**Special Attackers**: Due to its pathetic Special Defense stat, Cloyster will easily crumble to even relatively weak or resisted special attacks. While this is mitigated if Aurora Veil has been set up beforehand, it is still quite disappointing—for example, it won't even be able to take any attack from Choice Scarf Latios if it has taken Stealth Rock damage.

**Faster Choice Scarf users**: Any Choice Scarf user with base 110 Speed or higher will be able to outspeed Cloyster even after it has set up a Shell Smash, meaning Pokemon like Gengar, Greninja, and Latios can easily revenge kill it, especially after prior chip damage.

**Entry Hazards**: Cloyster absolutely hates having to take unnecessary damage, since it heavily relies on its natural bulk, further supported by Aurora Veil, to set up and endure priority attacks. This means the extra damage taken from entry hazards, Stealth Rock in particular, can mean the difference between sweeping a team and being taken out either while setting up or versus a faster foe.

**Phazers and Haze Users**: Pokemon such as Avalugg, Swampert, and Toxapex can stop a Cloyster sweep cold due to their ability to erase its stat boosts through Roar or Haze.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Very physically bulky Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Porygon2, and Quagsire are able to take Cloyster's attacks and retaliate, beating it one-on-one.

**Status**: Status moves are heavily detrimental to Cloyster, since it relies on all of its speed, power, and longevity, which paralysis, burns, and bad poison severely reduce.
 
Last edited:
not sure what spread to use on the main set and the usage tips is kinda barebones, but otherwise finally ready for qc!
 
[OVERVIEW]

  • Cloyster is one of the most threatening Ice-type sweepers due to its access to Shell Smash and water typing, which allows it to easily sweep types such as Fire, and Rock if give the chance to set up. I wouldn’t say it “easily” sweeps these types since it has to find the right opportunity to set up and avoid getting revenge killed.
  • Furthermore, Cloyster's good offensive ability in Skill Link allows it to make good use of moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, enabling it to break through Focus Sashes and Sturdy Pokemon such as Breloom and Shuckle.
  • A gargantuan defense stat means it can set up in front of many physical attackers such as Excadrill and Mega-Swampert easily, and with Aurora Veil support from Alolan-Ninetales it can even set up on very powerful wallbreakers such as Choice Band Victini.
  • A neutrality to both Fire- and Steel-type moves allows Cloyster to heavily influence these match-ups with Rock Blast and Hydro Vortex respectively, being able to set up on Pokemon such as Marowak-Alola and Bisharp with ease. I’d move this point right below the first one since you’re going in detail about typing. Marowak isn’t the most relevant threat either so I’d replace it with something else.
  • However, an abysmal special defense leaves Cloyster vulnerable to any decently strong special hit, and diminishes its ability to set up as easily. Even resisted special hits will dent Cloyster, and possibly leave it vulnerable to opposing priority. I’d mention examples of both of these.
  • Low offensive stats mean it is completely dependent on a Shell Smash boost to pose an offensive threat, since unboosted, it doesnt hit very hard.
  • Cloysters mediocre speed stat make it somewhat easy to revenge kill, since it cannot outspeed key threats such as scarf Latios, and due to its vulnerability to hazards and Shell Smash's defense lowering effect, its easy to chip it down to the point where it can get kod by a priority attack such as Dragonites Extreme Speed. Mention how this makes it hard to set up with Shell Smash in certain scenarios.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Rock Blast
item: Waterium Z
ability: Skill Link
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Spa / 252 Spe

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

  • Shell Smash is an amazing set up move that enables Cloyster to sweep unprepared teams.
  • Icicle Spear is Cloysters main STAB, and coupled with Skill Link, it essentially becomes 125 Base Power, hitting extremely hard at +2.
  • Hydro Pump, coupled with Waterium Z, enables Cloyster to bypass many of its would-be checks or counters such as Skarmory and Mega-Scizor once it has set up. Regular Hydro Pump hits Steel-types for neutral damage, which otherwise would be able to wall Cloyster completely.
  • Rock Blast is extremely useful to hit Fire-types under sun, where Hydro Pump is weakened, and it also comes in handy in the Bug and mirror Ice match up, all of which are much harder match ups without Cloyster. I’d drop the thing about Sun and simply mention how it can hit things that Hydro Pump cannot, like Charizard X and Charizard Y.

Set Details
========

  • A very simple EV spread maximizes Cloysters offensive presence. Mention what each EV does individually. I also think Cloyster should run a more mixed EV spread to take advantage of Hydro Vortex.
  • A Naive nature is necessary to avoid being outsped by common scarfers such as Terrakion and Infernape.
  • Skill Link is the ability of choice due to its ability to break through Focus Sash and the increase in power compared to other physical Ice and Rock moves.
  • Waterium Z is necessary to hit Steel-types such as Scizor hard, since it could get walled by several steels otherwise. You’ve mentioned Steel-types a lot. I’d mention other specific Pokemon that the Z-Move nails that it’s other coverage can’t.
  • An alternate spread with a 204 EVs investment on special attack can allow Cloyster to always OHKO Scarf Magnezone after Stealth Rock damage, allowing it to save its Z crystal for another target, which is especially important in the Steel match up where it needs its Z crystal for Mega-Scizor.

Usage Tips
========

  • Setting Aurora Veil with Alolan Ninetales helps Cloyster tremendously while setting up. It allows Cloyster to set up on even strong super-effective moves like Wood Hammer from Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. It also allows it to set up on some weak special attackers it otherwise wouldn't be able to, such as Clefables Moonblast. I‘d use Horn Leech as an example over Wood Hammer since it gets OHKOed after a round of Stealth Rock
  • Make sure to clear Stealth Rock and other hazards when about to attempt a sweep with Cloyster; the chip damage taken from them can be extremely detrimental when trying to set up. This is especially important versus Pokemon that can hit it super-effectively, such as offensive Scizor or versus specially offensive Pokemon like Choice Scarf Keldeo, where it would be OHKOd if any hazard was set up.
  • Weakening Water-types with Pokemon like Kyurem-Black and Alolan Ninetales is necessary due to them resisting both of Cloysters STABS and taking little damage from Rock Blast, which allows Pokemon such as Slowbro and Toxapex to completely wall it.
  • Ideally you should save Cloyster for the late game once its checks and counters have been removed from the game, though it could be used to occasionally switch into a physical attack for its teammates, especially versus types like Fairy and Flying, which dont tend to carry priority or fast Choice Scarf users. Fairy does have Aqua Jet Azumarill on just about any team so I’d change this.

Team Options
========

  • Alolan Ninetales is an excellent partner for Cloyster, since it can set up Aurora Veil for it, which can help immensely while setting up, and check Fighting-type Pokemon, which can check Cloyster themselves. It can also use Encore on passive opponents examples? to create set-up opportunities, and deal with bulky Water-types that can wall Cloyster with Freeze-Dry. In return, Cloyster can switch into certain Physical Fire- and Steel-types for it, and use them as set-up fodder.
  • Kyurem-Black is a staple on any Ice team and a terrifying wallbreaker which can pave the way for a Cloyster sweep due to its ability to weaken Pokemon like Toxapex and Celesteela for it.
  • Mamoswine and Piloswine can both set up Stealth Rock for Cloyster and its other teammates, which is a consistent way of dealing chip damage to Pokemon like Magnezone. You already mentioned Magnezone. Can you give another example? In addition, running Piloswine means Mamoswine is free to run a wallbreaking set, which can help break down walls for Cloyster. Its access to Ice Shard can heavily damage Latios, a common scarfer, which can outpace Cloyster even at +2.
  • Alolan Sandslash and Avalugg can both use Rapid Spin to further support Cloyster when setting up. This allows it to live decently strong super-effective hits from full health from the likes of Armaldo. Since Cloyster relies on its naturally high bulk to survive common priority attacks from the likes of Mega-Pinsir and Bisharp, keeping it at close as possible to full health should be a priority.
  • Add Rotom-Frost and mention how it can clear hazards as well as beat the aforementioned Toxapex and Celesteela with its STAB Electric coverage.

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

  • An Adamant nature can be used, but the loss in speed isn't usually worth it, as it would be outsped by several Choice Scarf users such as Infernape, Blacephalon and Terrakion it wouldn't be outsped by otherwise.
  • White Herb can be used to make it less vulnerable to Priority and revenge killing, however it sorely misses the one time nuke Waterium Z provides.
  • Normalium Z with Explosion over Rock Blast is an option to deal with bulky Water-types, however, this set is walled by most Steel-types, which Waterium Z is able to break through, and losing out on Rock Blast severely affects its performance in the Fire match-up, where its most useful. I don’t think this is viable. You’re walled by way too much and it’s better to run Z-Hydro Pump if you’re gonna have Cloyster as your Z-Move user. Ice has more than enough options against bulky Water types.

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

**Water-types**: Water-types resist both of Cloysters STAB moves and are mostly unaffected by Rock Blast, which can give free turns to several key threats to ice teams such as Keldeo and Toxapex, which can gain a free turn to attack or freely set up Toxic Spikes, respectively.

**Special attackers**: Due to its pathetic special defense stat, Cloyster will easily crumble to even relatively weak or resisted special attacks. While this is mitigated if Aurora Veil has been set up beforehand, it is still quite disappointing - for example, it wont even be able to take any attack from Choice Scarf Latios if it has taken Stealth Rock damage.

*Faster scarf users**: Any Choice Scarf user with 110 base speed or higher will be able to outspeed Cloyster even after it has set up a Shell Smash, meaning Pokemon like Gengar and Greninja can easily revenge kill it, especially after prior chip damage. Mention Latios as well.

**Entry Hazards**: Cloyster absolutely hates having to take unnecessary damage since it heavily relies on its natural bulk, further supported by Aurora Veil, to set up and endure priority attacks. This means the extra damage taken from entry hazards, Stealth Rock in particular, can mean the difference between sweeping a team and being taken out either while setting up or versus a faster opponent.

**Status**: Status moves are heavily detrimental to Cloyster, since it relies on both its speed, attack and longevity, which paralysis, burns and toxic respectively, severely reduce.
AM check, implement what you agree with
 
[OVERVIEW]

  • Cloyster is one of the most threatening Ice-type sweepers due to its access to Shell Smash and water typing, which allows it to easily sweep types such as Fire, and Rock if give the chance to set up.
  • Furthermore, Cloyster's good offensive ability in Skill Link allows it to make good use of moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, enabling it to break through Focus Sashes and Sturdy Pokemon such as Breloom and Shuckle.
  • A gargantuan defense stat means it can set up in front of many physical attackers such as Excadrill and Mega-Swampert easily, and with Aurora Veil support from Alolan-Ninetales it can even set up on very powerful wallbreakers such as Choice Band Victini. Drop the second line. You talk about Aurora Veil support a bit too much for an analysis on Cloyster, and it's not something Cloyster can rely on so consistently.
  • A neutrality to both Fire- and Steel-type moves allows Cloyster to heavily influence these match-ups with Rock Blast and Hydro Vortex respectively, being able to set up on Pokemon such as Marowak-Alola and Bisharp with ease.
  • However, an abysmal special defense leaves Cloyster vulnerable to any decently strong special hit, and diminishes its ability to set up as easily. Even resisted special hits will dent Cloyster, and possibly leave it vulnerable to opposing priority.
  • Low offensive stats mean it is completely dependent on a Shell Smash boost to pose an offensive threat, since unboosted, it doesnt hit very hard.
  • Cloysters mediocre speed stat make it somewhat easy to revenge kill, since it cannot outspeed key threats such as scarf Latios, and due to its vulnerability to hazards and Shell Smash's defense lowering effect, its easy to chip it down to the point where it can get kod by a priority attack such as Dragonites Extreme Speed.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Rock Blast
item: Waterium Z
ability: Skill Link
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Spa / 252 Spe

This spread isn't optimal for Cloyster. You should be running about 164 SpA EVs which guarantees a OHKO on Mega Scizor with Hydro Vortex after rocks and the OHKO on Skarmory with Hydro Pump after Rocks.

EVs: 92 Atk / 164 SpA / 252 Spe


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

  • Shell Smash is an amazing set up move that enables Cloyster to sweep unprepared teams.
  • Icicle Spear is Cloysters main STAB, and coupled with Skill Link, it essentially becomes 125 Base Power, hitting extremely hard at +2. Drop the last "hitting extremely hard at +2"
  • Hydro Pump, coupled with Waterium Z, enables Cloyster to bypass many of its checks or counters such as Skarmory and Mega-Scizor once it has set up. Regular Hydro Pump hits Steel-types for neutral damage, which otherwise would be able to wall Cloyster completely.
  • Rock Blast is extremely useful to hit Fire-types under sun, where Hydro Pump is weakened, and it also comes in handy in the Bug and mirror Ice match up, all of which are much harder match ups without Cloyster.

Set Details
========

  • A very simple EV spread maximizes Cloysters offensive presence.
  • A Naive nature is necessary to avoid being outsped by common scarfers such as Terrakion and Infernape.
  • Skill Link is the ability of choice due to its ability to break through Focus Sash and the increase in power compared to other physical Ice and Rock moves.
  • Waterium Z is necessary to hit Steel-types such as Scizor hard, since it could get walled by several steels otherwise.
  • An alternate spread with a 204 EVs investment on special attack can allow Cloyster to always OHKO Scarf Magnezone after Stealth Rock damage, allowing it to save its Z crystal for another target, which is especially important in the Steel match up where it needs its Z crystal for Mega-Scizor. You do not need this much Special Attack investment to OHKO scarf Magnezone after Stealth Rock damage.
    +2 164 SpA Cloyster Hydro Pump vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 271-319 (96 - 113.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
Usage Tips
========

  • Setting Aurora Veil with Alolan Ninetales helps Cloyster tremendously while setting up. It allows Cloyster to set up on even strong super-effective moves like Wood Hammer from Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. It also allows it to set up on some weak special attackers it otherwise wouldn't be able to, such as Clefables Moonblast. This should not be the first bullet; since Aurora Veil isn't consistent enough. Add a bullet before this talking about the set up opportunities it has without Aurora Veil active.
  • Make sure to clear Stealth Rock and other hazards when about to attempt a sweep with Cloyster; the chip damage taken from them can be extremely detrimental when trying to set up. This is especially important versus Pokemon that can hit it super-effectively, such as offensive Scizor or versus specially offensive Pokemon like Choice Scarf Keldeo, where it would be OHKOd if any hazard was set up.
  • Weakening Water-types with Pokemon like Kyurem-Black and Alolan Ninetales is necessary due to them resisting both of Cloysters STABS and taking little damage from Rock Blast, which allows Pokemon such as Slowbro and Toxapex to completely wall it.
  • Ideally you should save Cloyster for the late game once its checks and counters have been removed from the game, though it could be used to occasionally switch into a physical attack for its teammates, especially versus types like Fairy and Flying, which dont tend to carry priority or fast Choice Scarf users. Be very specific regarding the kinds of physical attacks Cloyster can switch into without compromising its ability to set up later.

Team Options
========

  • Alolan Ninetales is an excellent partner for Cloyster, since it can set up Aurora Veil for it, which can help immensely while setting up, and check Fighting-type Pokemon, which can check Cloyster themselves. It can also use Encore on passive opponents to create set-up opportunities, and deal with bulky Water-types that can wall Cloyster with Freeze-Dry. In return, Cloyster can switch into Physical Fire- and Steel-types for it, and use them as set-up fodder. Cloyster shouldn't switch into these kinds of attacks unless Aurora Veil has been set, and even then it's an unnecessary risk.
  • Kyurem-Black is a staple on any Ice team and a terrifying wallbreaker which can pave the way for a Cloyster sweep due to its ability to weaken Pokemon like Toxapex and Celesteela for it. Mention what makes it a terrifying wallbreaker, such as being able to break down checks to Cloyster such as Toxapex, Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, etc.
  • Mamoswine and Piloswine can both set up Stealth Rock for Cloyster and its other teammates, which is a consistent way of dealing chip damage to Pokemon like Magnezone. In addition, running Piloswine means Mamoswine is free to run a wallbreaking set, which can help break down walls for Cloyster. Its access to Ice Shard can heavily damage Latios, a common scarfer, which can outpace Cloyster even at +2. Why is dealing chip damage to Magnezone helpful to Cloyster?
  • Alolan Sandslash and Avalugg can both use Rapid Spin to further support Cloyster when setting up. This allows it to live decently strong super-effective hits from full health from the likes of Armaldo. Since Cloyster relies on its naturally high bulk to survive common priority attacks from the likes of Mega-Pinsir and Bisharp, keeping it at close as possible to full health should be a priority. I would make Alola Sandslash it's own bullet, since it performs a largely different role from Avalugg. The last line should be cut.
*Add a bullet for Weavile

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

  • An Adamant nature can be used, but the loss in speed isn't worth it, as it would be outsped by several Choice Scarf users such as Infernape, Blacephalon and Terrakion it wouldn't be outsped by otherwise. Mention what running Adamant does for Cloyster; does it need adamant to get specific KOs?
  • White Herb can be used to make it less vulnerable to Priority, however it sorely misses the one time nuke Waterium Z provides.
  • Normalium Z with Explosion over Rock Blast is an option to deal with bulky Water-types, however, this set is walled by most Steel-types, which Waterium Z is able to break through, and losing out on Rock Blast severely affects its performance in the Fire match-up, where its most useful. Drop this; it's not remotely viable in Monotype

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

**Water-types**: Water-types resist both of Cloysters STAB moves and are mostly unaffected by Rock Blast, which can give free turns to several key threats to ice teams such as Keldeo and Toxapex, which can gain a free turn to attack or freely set up Toxic Spikes, respectively.

**Special attackers**: Due to its pathetic special defense stat, Cloyster will easily crumble to even relatively weak or resisted special attacks. While this is mitigated if Aurora Veil has been set up beforehand, it is still quite disappointing - for example, it wont even be able to take any attack from Choice Scarf Latios if it has taken Stealth Rock damage.

*Faster scarf users**: Any Choice Scarf user with 110 base speed or higher will be able to outspeed Cloyster even after it has set up a Shell Smash, meaning Pokemon like Gengar and Greninja can easily revenge kill it, especially after prior chip damage.

**Entry Hazards**: Cloyster absolutely hates having to take unnecessary damage since it heavily relies on its natural bulk, further supported by Aurora Veil, to set up and endure priority attacks. This means the extra damage taken from entry hazards, Stealth Rock in particular, can mean the difference between sweeping a team and being taken out either while setting up or versus a faster opponent.

**Status**: Status moves are heavily detrimental to Cloyster, since it relies on both its speed, attack and longevity, which paralysis, burns and toxic respectively, severely reduce.
Implement Haaku's AM Check, as well as the above changes (there might be some overlap), and this is QC 1/3!

 
This isn't really a formal AMcheck, but the spread should be changed to the following:

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Rock Blast
item: Waterium Z
ability: Skill Link
nature: Naive
evs: 112 Atk / 144 SpA / 252 Spe

This spread guarantees a OHKO against Choice Scarf Magnezone with +2 Hydro Pump after Stealth Rock, and gains all the KOs mentioned in Tyke's check:

+2 144 SpA Cloyster Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Magnezone: 264-312 (93.9 - 111%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 144 SpA Cloyster Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Scizor-Mega: 304-358 (88.6 - 104.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 144 SpA Cloyster Hydro Pump vs. 224 HP / 32 SpD Skarmory: 312-367 (95.4 - 112.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery


As far as I know, there aren't any other relevant KOs received with extra Special Attack investment. If there is, then feel free to ignore this entirely.
 

Moosical

big yikes
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[OVERVIEW]

  • Cloyster is one of the most threatening Ice-type sweepers due to its access to Shell Smash and water typing, which allows it to sweep types such as Fire and Rock if given the chance to set up.
  • A neutrality to both Fire- and Steel-type moves allows Cloyster to heavily influence these match-ups with Rock Blast and Hydro Vortex respectively, being able to set up on Pokemon such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz and Bisharp with ease. Bisharp is a bad example here as Iron Head -> Sucker Punch KOs Cloyster
  • Furthermore, Cloyster's good offensive ability in Skill Link allows it to make good use of moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, enabling it to break through Focus Sashes and Sturdy Pokemon such as Breloom and Shuckle. Again, bad example with Shuckle as +2 Rock Blast doesn't KO Shuckle.
  • A gargantuan defense stat means it can set up in front of many physical attackers such as Excadrill and Mega-Swampert easily.
  • However, an abysmal special defense leaves Cloyster vulnerable to any decently strong special hit, and diminishes its ability to set up as easily. Even resisted special hits, such as Ice Beam from Greninja, will dent Cloyster, and possibly leave it vulnerable to opposing priority such as Mach Punch from Breloom. Ice Beam Greninja is a bad example as a resisted hit that does good damage since Scarf Ice Beam does like 28% (4x resist), I'd also remove the bit about leaving it vulnerable to opposing priority, its a very specific example that doesn't work in this case.
  • Low offensive stats mean it is completely dependent on a Shell Smash boost to pose an offensive threat, since unboosted, it doesnt hit very hard.
  • Cloysters mediocre speed stat make it somewhat easy to revenge kill, since it cannot outspeed key threats such as scarf Latios, and due to its vulnerability to hazards and Shell Smash's defense lowering effect, its easy to chip it down to the point where it can get kod by a priority attack such as Dragonites Extreme Speed. This can make it hard to set up in certain scenarios. The priority revenge killing it makes more sense here than it did in the previous bullet that I told you to remove it from.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Rock Blast
item: Waterium Z
ability: Skill Link
nature: Naive
evs: 112 Atk / 144 SpA / 252 Spe

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

  • Shell Smash is an amazing set up move that enables Cloyster to sweep unprepared teams.
  • Icicle Spear is Cloysters main STAB, and coupled with Skill Link, it essentially becomes 125 Base Power.
  • Hydro Pump, coupled with Waterium Z, enables Cloyster to bypass many of its would-be checks or counters such as Skarmory and Mega-Scizor once it has set up. Regular Hydro Pump hits Steel-types for neutral damage, which otherwise would be able to wall Cloyster completely.
  • Rock Blast is extremely useful to hit Fire-types that Hydro Pump cant hit super-effectively such as Mega-Charizard-X and Torkoal, and it also comes in handy in the Bug and mirror Ice match up, all of which are much harder match ups without Cloyster. It also hits Water-types as they resist Cloyster's STAB.

Set Details
========

  • 164 special attack EVs secure a OHKO on Mega-Scizor after Stealth Rock damage with Hydro Vortex and a OHKO on Skarmory with regular Hydro Pump. Make sure to fix the EVs here to match the set
  • 252 speed EVs and a Naive nature is necessary to avoid being outsped by common scarfers such as Terrakion and Infernape.
  • The remaining EVs are poured into attack to power up Icicle Spear and Rock Blast.
  • Skill Link is the ability of choice due to its ability to break through Focus Sash and the increase in power compared to other physical Ice and Rock moves. Rewrite this entire line focusing on how it makes Icicle Spear and Rock Blast hit 5 times always, you don't need to talk about breaking Sash since that's implied by using a multi-hit move at all (as previous stated in the moves section)
  • Waterium Z is necessary to hit Steel-types such as Mega-Scizor hard. You can just blend this into the first bullet "Waterium Z enables Cloyster to use Hydro Vortex which, with 144 Special Attack, secures Cloyster an OHKO on Mega Scizor at +2 after Stealth Rock. These EVs also ensure Cloyster OHKOs Skarmory with Hydro Pump when at +2.

Usage Tips
========

  • Due to its monstrous physical defense, its able to easily set up on most non super-effective physical hits such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz.
  • Setting Aurora Veil with Alolan Ninetales helps Cloyster tremendously while setting up. It allows Cloyster to set up on even strong super-effective moves like Horn Leech from Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. It also allows it to set up on some weak special attackers it otherwise wouldn't be able to, such as Clefable.
  • Make sure to clear Stealth Rock and other hazards when about to attempt a sweep with Cloyster; the chip damage taken from them can be extremely detrimental when trying to set up. This is especially important versus Pokemon that can hit it super-effectively, such as offensive Scizor or versus specially offensive Pokemon like Choice Scarf Keldeo, where it would be OHKOd if any hazard was set up.
  • Weakening Water-types with Pokemon like Kyurem-Black and Alolan Ninetales is necessary due to them resisting both of Cloysters STABS and taking little damage from Rock Blast, which allows Pokemon such as Slowbro and Toxapex to completely wall it.
  • Ideally you should save Cloyster for the late game once its checks and counters have been removed from the game, though it could be used to occasionally switch into a physical attack for its teammates, especially versus types like Flying, which don't tend to carry priority or fast Choice Scarf users. However, be extremely careful of switching Cloyster into attacks since it may compromise its ability to set up later.
  • Talk about paralysis and burns.

Team Options
========

  • Alolan Ninetales is an excellent partner for Cloyster, since it can set up Aurora Veil for it, which can help immensely while setting up, and check Fighting-type Pokemon, which can check Cloyster themselves. It can also use Encore on passive opponents such as Celesteela to create set-up opportunities, and deal with bulky Water-types that can wall Cloyster with Freeze-Dry.
  • Kyurem-Black is a staple on any Ice team and a terrifying wallbreaker which can pave the way for a Cloyster sweep due to its ability to heavily damage Pokemon like Toxapex and Mega-Venusaur for it. I wouldn't open with "is a staple on any ice team" as you're supposed to be explaining why it's a good partner (which you did). You wouldn't say "use this bc it's on every team" if you were teaching someone about mono ice
  • Mamoswine and Piloswine can both set up Stealth Rock for Cloyster and its other teammates, which is a consistent way of dealing chip damage to Pokemon like Mega-Venusaur. In addition, running Piloswine means Mamoswine is free to run a wallbreaking set, which can help break down walls for Cloyster. Its access to Ice Shard can heavily damage Latios, a common scarfer, which can outpace Cloyster even at +2.
  • Avalugg can use Rapid Spin to further support Cloyster when setting up. This allows it to live decently strong super-effective hits from full health from the likes of Armaldo.
  • Alolan Sandslash can also utilize Rapid Spin or Swords Dance, which allows it to either support its teammates or break through troublesome walls such as Celesteela respectively. I don't think Celesteela is a good example of something A-Slash beats.
  • Rotom-Frost can provide useful Defog support and beat several Water- and Steel-types such as Toxapex and Scizor with its STAB Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Fire.
  • Weavile is able to pursuit trap troublesome Pokemon for Ice teams such as Victini and Latios with ease and hits very hard with a Choice Band. It can also heavily damage frailer targets such as Gengar with Ice Shard, which Cloyster appreciates. This last bit about Ice Shard isn't explained well. Just mention its priority used to eliminate weakened foes.

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

  • An Naughty nature can be used, but the loss in speed isn't worth it, as it would be outsped by several Choice Scarf users such as Infernape, Blacephalon and Terrakion it wouldn't be outsped by otherwise. However, it does let it secure a 2HKO on Mega-Swampert after very slight chip damage, as well as having more initial power before setting up Shell Smash.
  • White Herb can be used to make it less vulnerable to priority and revenge killing, however it sorely misses the one time nuke Waterium Z provides.

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

**Water-types**: Water-types resist both of Cloysters STAB moves and are mostly unaffected by Rock Blast, which can give free turns to several key threats to ice teams such as Keldeo and Toxapex, which can gain a free turn to attack or freely set up Toxic Spikes, respectively.

**Special attackers**: Due to its pathetic special defense stat, Cloyster will easily crumble to even relatively weak or resisted special attacks. While this is mitigated if Aurora Veil has been set up beforehand, it is still quite disappointing - for example, it wont even be able to take any attack from Choice Scarf Latios if it has taken Stealth Rock damage.

*Faster scarf users**: Any Choice Scarf user with 110 base speed or higher will be able to outspeed Cloyster even after it has set up a Shell Smash, meaning Pokemon like Gengar, Greninja and Latios can easily revenge kill it, especially after prior chip damage.

**Entry Hazards**: Cloyster absolutely hates having to take unnecessary damage since it heavily relies on its natural bulk, further supported by Aurora Veil, to set up and endure priority attacks. This means the extra damage taken from entry hazards, Stealth Rock in particular, can mean the difference between sweeping a team and being taken out either while setting up or versus a faster opponent.

**Haze and Phaze**: haze, roar (toxapex, swampert)

**Physically Defense Pokemon**: P2 and Ferrothorn, for example

**Status**: Status moves are heavily detrimental to Cloyster, since it relies on both its speed, attack and longevity, which paralysis, burns and toxic respectively, severely reduce.
Implement the above and it's QC 2/3, you can go ahead and change it to paragraph form afterwards. For the future, you're not supposed to use true bullets when in the initial phase of an analysis, only asterisks (*).
 

iLlama

Nothing personal, I protect my people
[OVERVIEW]

Furthermore, Cloyster's good offensive ability in Skill Link allows it to make good use of moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, enabling it to break through Focus Sashes and Sturdy Pokemon such as Breloom, Alakazam and Araquanid.
- You need to list a Sturdy Pokemon as an example if you're going to mention Sturdy Pokemon as something that Skill Link + Icicle Spear or Rock Blast breaks. Unfortunately +2 on either of these moves cannot OHKO any notable Sturdy Pokemon so just remove the mention of the ability.

Usage Tips
========

Cloyster should not attempt to set up on Pokemon that carry Status moves, such as Will-o-Wisp from Torkoal or Thunder Wave from Clefable, because it greatly cripples Cloyster since it relies on both its speed and its attack greatly.
- Torkoal and Clefable are both pretty poor examples and this bullet should be rewritten. It should revolve around Cloyster being careful when facing foes that can status it, such as with Scald, Thunder Wave, or Will-O-Wisp.

Team Options
========

Alolan Sandslash can also utilize Rapid Spin or Swords Dance, which allows it to either support its teammates or break through troublesome walls such as Toxapex respectively.
- The problem with this bullet is your telling the reader that Rapid Spin and Swords Dance need to be on the set in the second portion, if you want to beat Toxapex specifically you need to run SD + Earthquake and Life Orb and then have +2. At +2 this isn't an OHKO but you are enough of a threat to Toxapex that you could force it out or at best take it a large chunk of its HP, hopefully allowing +2 Cloyster to KO it later on with Rock Blast if it hasn't healed enough through Regenerator. What I would say in this point instead is that Sandslash can utilize utility options such as Rapid Spin or Swords Dance, the latter of which lets Alolan Sandslash force out walls such as Toxapex with a +2 Life Orb boosted Earthquake.

QC 3/3
oie_rounded_corners (1).gif
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader


remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Cloyster is one of the most threatening Ice-type sweepers due to its access to Shell Smash and Water typing, which allows it to sweep types such as Fire and Rock if given the chance to set up. A neutrality to both Fire- and Steel-type moves allows Cloyster to heavily influence (weird word choice, "dictate"? not sold on that either though) these match-ups matchups with Rock Blast and Hydro Vortex respectively, being able to set up on Pokemon such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz and Excadrill with ease. Furthermore, Cloyster's good offensive ability in Skill Link allows it to make good use of moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, enabling it to break through Focus Sashes from Pokemon such as Breloom, Alakazam and Araquanid. A gargantuan Defense stat means it can set up in front of many physical attackers such as Excadrill and Mega Swampert (RH) easily. However, an abysmal Special Defense leaves Cloyster vulnerable to any decently strong special hit and diminishes its ability to set up as easily. Even resisted special hits, such as Scald from Keldeo, will dent Cloyster. Low offensive stats further mean it is completely dependent on a Shell Smash boost to pose an offensive threat, since unboosted, it doesn't hit very hard. Cloysters Cloyster's mediocre Speed stat make makes it somewhat easy to revenge kill, since it cannot outspeed key threats such as Choice Scarf Latios, and due to its vulnerability to entry hazards and Shell Smash's defense lowering effect, its it's easy to chip it down, possibly leaving it vulnerable to opposing priority moves such as Dragonites Dragonite's Extreme Speed or Brelooms and Breloom's Mach Punch.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Rock Blast
item: Waterium Z
ability: Skill Link
nature: Naive
evs: 112 Atk / 144 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Shell Smash is an amazing set up setup move that enables Cloyster to sweep unprepared teams. Icicle Spear is Cloysters Cloyster's main STAB attack, and coupled with Skill Link, it essentially becomes reaches 125 Base Power. Hydro Pump, coupled with Waterium Z, enables Cloyster to bypass many of its would-be checks or counters such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor (RH) once it has set up. Regular Hydro Pump hits Steel-types for neutral damage, which otherwise would be able to wall Cloyster completely. Rock Blast is extremely useful to hit Fire-types that Hydro Pump cant can't hit super effectively (RH) such as Mega Charizard X (RH) and Torkoal, and it also comes in handy in the Bug and mirror Ice matchup, all of which are much harder match ups without Cloyster. It can also hit Water-types which that resist its Cloyster's STAB attacks, but it doesn't hit particularly hard because of a lack of type advantage.

Set Details
========

Waterium Z enables Cloyster to use Hydro Vortex, (AC) which, with 144 Special Attack EVs, secures Cloyster an OHKO on Mega Scizor at +2 after Stealth Rock. These EVs also ensure Cloyster OHKOs OHKOes Skarmory with Hydro Pump when at +2. 252 Speed EVs and a Naive nature is are necessary to avoid being outsped by common scarfers Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion and Infernape. The remaining EVs are poured into Attack to power up Icicle Spear and Rock Blast. Skill Link is the ability of choice due to it allowing Icicle Spear and Rock Blast to always hit five times, making them very reliable attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Due to its monstrous physical defense, its Cloyster is able to easily set up on most non-super (AH) effective (RH) physical hits such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz. Setting Aurora Veil with Alolan Ninetales helps Cloyster tremendously while setting up, (comma) It allows Cloyster allowing it to set up on even strong super effective (RH) moves like Horn Leech from Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. It also allows it to set up and on some weak special attackers it otherwise wouldn't be able to, such as Clefable. Make sure to clear Stealth Rock and other entry hazards when about to attempt a sweep with Cloyster; the chip damage taken from them can be extremely detrimental when trying to set up. This is especially important versus Pokemon that can hit it Cloyster super effectively (RH, RC) such as offensive Scizor or versus specially offensive Pokemon like Choice Scarf Keldeo, where it would be OHKOd which OHKO it if any hazard was set is up. Weakening Water-types with Pokemon like Kyurem-Black and Alolan Ninetales is necessary due to them resisting both of Cloysters STABS STAB attacks and taking little damage from Rock Blast, which allows Pokemon such as Slowbro and Toxapex to completely wall it. Ideally, you should save Cloyster for the late-game (AH) once its checks and counters have been removed from the game, though it could be used to occasionally switch into a physical attack for its teammates, especially versus types like Flying, which don't tend to carry priority or fast Choice Scarf users. However, be extremely careful of switching Cloyster into attacks, (AC) since it may compromise its ability to set up later. Cloyster should not attempt to set up on Pokemon that can status it wit with moves like Scald, Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, (AC) from such as Toxapex, Mega Sableye, (AC, RH) and Klefki respectively.

Team Options
========

Alolan Ninetales is an excellent partner for Cloyster, since it can set up Aurora Veil for it, which can help immensely while setting up, and check Fighting-type Pokemon, which can check Cloyster themselves. It can also use Encore on passive opponents foes such as Celesteela to create set-up setup opportunities (RC) and deal with bulky Water-types Cloyster with Freeze-Dry. Kyurem-Black is a terrifying wallbreaker for Ice teams, who that can pave the way for a Cloyster sweep due to its ability to heavily damage Pokemon like Toxapex and Mega Venusaur (RH) for it. Mamoswine and Piloswine can both set up Stealth Rock for Cloyster and its other teammates, which is a consistent way of dealing chip damage to Pokemon like Mega Venusaur. (RH) In addition, running Piloswine means Mamoswine is free to run a wallbreaking set, which can help break down walls ("wallbreaker that can break down walls", prob just mention a few specific Pokemon that it can break down) for Cloyster. Its access to Ice Shard can heavily damage Latios, a common scarfer, which Choice Scarf user that can outpace Cloyster even at +2. Avalugg can use Rapid Spin to further support Cloyster when setting up, (comma) This allows it to live helping it stay at full health and helping it take decently strong super effective (RH) hits from full health from the likes of Armaldo. Alolan Sandslash can run utility options; either Rapid Spin or Swords Dance are useful for Cloyster, since it the former allows it to provide hazard removal support to its teammates or and the latter lets it break through troublesome walls such as Toxapex with Swords Dance a boosted Earthquake respectively. Rotom-Frost can provide useful Defog support and beat several Water- and Steel-types such as Toxapex and Scizor with its STAB Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Fire. Weavile is able to Pursuit trap troublesome Pokemon for Ice teams such as Victini and Latios with ease. Its access to priority in Ice Shard also allows it to pick off weakened foes such as Gengar with Ice Shard, which Cloyster appreciates.

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

A Naughty nature can be used, but the loss in Speed isn't worth it, as it Cloyster would be outsped by several Choice Scarf users such as Infernape, Blacephalon, (AC) and Terrakion it wouldn't be outsped by otherwise. However, it does let it Cloyster secure a 2HKO on Mega Swampert (RH) after very slight chip damage, as well as having giving it more initial power before setting up Shell Smash, which it slightly lacks with a Naive nature. White Herb can be used to make it Cloyster less vulnerable to priority and revenge killing; (SC) however, it sorely misses the one time nuke Waterium Z provides.

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

**Water-types**: Water-types resist both of Cloysters STAB moves and are mostly unaffected by Rock Blast, which can give free turns to several key threats to Ice teams such as Keldeo, which can launch a powerful attack, and Toxapex, which can gain a free turn to attack or freely set up Toxic Spikes, respectively.

**Special Attackers**: Due to its pathetic Special Defense stat, Cloyster will easily crumble to even relatively weak or resisted special attacks. While this is mitigated if Aurora Veil has been set up beforehand, it is still quite disappointing—for example, it won't even be able to take any attack from Choice Scarf Latios if it has taken Stealth Rock damage.

*Faster Choice Scarf users**: Any Choice Scarf user with base 110 base Speed or higher will be able to outspeed Cloyster even after it has set up a Shell Smash, meaning Pokemon like Gengar, Greninja, (AC) and Latios can easily revenge kill it, especially after prior chip damage.

**Entry Hazards**: Cloyster absolutely hates having to take unnecessary damage, (AC) since it heavily relies on its natural bulk, further supported by Aurora Veil, to set up and endure priority attacks. This means the extra damage taken from entry hazards, Stealth Rock in particular, can mean the difference between sweeping a team and being taken out either while setting up or versus a faster opponent foe.

**Phazers and Haze Users**: Pokemon such as Avalugg, Swampert, (AC) and Toxapex can stop a Cloyster sweep cold due to them being able their ability to erase its stat boosts through Roar or Haze respectively.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Very physically bulky Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Porygon2 and Quagsire are able to live take Cloysters Cloyster's attacks and retaliate with an attack, beating it one-versus-one one-on-one.

**Status**: Status moves are heavily detrimental to Cloyster since it relies on both all of its speed, attack power, and longevity, which paralysis, burns and toxic respectively, bad poison severely reduce.
 
Last edited:

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Ice
========


Cloyster is one of the most threatening Ice-type sweepers due to its access to Shell Smash and Water typing and access to Shell Smash (less awkward), which allows it to sweep types such as Fire and Rock if given the chance to set up. A neutrality to both Fire- and Steel-type moves allows Cloyster to heavily influence these matchups with Rock Blast and Hydro Vortex, being able to set up on Pokemon such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz and Excadrill with ease. Furthermore, Cloyster's good offensive ability in Skill Link allows it to make good use of moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast, enabling it to break through Focus Sashes Sash from Pokemon such as Breloom, Alakazam,(AC) and Araquanid. A gargantuan Defense stat means it can set up in front of many physical attackers such as Excadrill and Mega Swampert easily. However, an abysmal Special Defense leaves Cloyster vulnerable to any decently strong special hit and diminishes its ability to set up as easily. Even resisted special hits, such as Scald from Keldeo, will dent Cloyster. Low offensive stats mean it is further dependent on a Shell Smash boost to pose as an offensive threat, since unboosted,(RC) it doesn't hit very hard unboosted. Cloyster's mediocre Speed stat makes it somewhat easy to revenge kill, since it cannot outspeed key threats such as Choice Scarf Latios, and due to its vulnerability to entry hazards and Shell Smash's defense-(AH)lowering effect, it's easy to chip it down, possibly leaving it vulnerable to opposing priority moves such as Dragonite's Extreme Speed and Breloom's Mach Punch.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Icicle Spear
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Rock Blast
item: Waterium Z
ability: Skill Link
nature: Naive
evs: 112 Atk / 144 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Shell Smash is an amazing setup move that enables Cloyster to sweep unprepared teams. Icicle Spear is Cloyster's main STAB attack, and coupled with Skill Link, it essentially reaches 125 Base Power. Hydro Pump, coupled with Waterium Z, enables Cloyster to bypass many of its would-be checks or and counters such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor once it has set up. Regular Hydro Pump hits Steel-types for neutral damage, which otherwise would be able to wall Cloyster completely. Rock Blast is extremely useful to hit Fire-types that Hydro Pump can't hit super-(RH)effectively such as Mega Charizard X and Torkoal, and it also comes in handy in the Bug and mirror Ice matchup, all of which are much harder without Cloyster. It can also hit Water-types which that resist its STABs STAB moves, but it doesn't hit particularly hard because of a lack of type advantage.

Set Details
========

Waterium Z enables Cloyster to use Hydro Vortex, which, with 144 Special Attack EVs, secures an OHKO on Mega Scizor at +2 after Stealth Rock. These EVs also ensure Cloyster OHKOes Skarmory with Hydro Pump when at +2. 252 Speed EVs and a Naive nature are necessary to avoid being outsped by common Choice Scarfer Scarf users such as Terrakion and Infernape. The remaining EVs are poured into Attack to power up Icicle Spear and Rock Blast. Skill Link is the ability of choice due to it allowing Icicle Spear and Rock Blast to always hit five times, making them very reliable attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Due to its monstrous physical defense, Cloyster is able to easily set up on most non-super effective physical hits such as Infernape locked into Flare Blitz. Setting Aurora Veil with Alolan Ninetales helps Cloyster tremendously while setting up, allowing it to set up on even strong super effective moves like Horn Leech from Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and on some weak special attackers it otherwise wouldn't be able to, such as Clefable. Make sure to clear Stealth Rock and other entry hazards when about to attempting a sweep with Cloyster; the chip damage taken from them can be extremely detrimental when trying to set up. This is especially important versus Pokemon that can hit Cloyster super effectively such as offensive Scizor or and versus specially offensive Pokemon like Choice Scarf Keldeo, which OHKOs OHKO it if any hazard is up. Weakening Water-types with Pokemon like Kyurem-B and Alolan Ninetales is necessary due to them resisting both of Cloysters Cloyster's STAB attacks and taking little damage from Rock Blast, which allows Pokemon such as Slowbro and Toxapex to completely wall it. Ideally, you should save Cloyster for late-game once its checks and counters have been removed from the game, though it could be used to occasionally switch into a physical attack for its teammates, especially versus types like Flying, which don't tend to carry priority or fast Choice Scarf users. However, be extremely careful of switching Cloyster into attacks, since it may compromise its ability to set up later. Cloyster should not attempt to set up on Pokemon that can status it with moves like Scald, Will-O-Wisp,(AC) and Thunder Wave, such as Toxapex, Mega Sableye, and Klefki.

Team Options
========

Alolan Ninetales is an excellent partner for Cloyster, since it can set up Aurora Veil for it, which can help immensely while setting up, and check Fighting-type Pokemon, which can check Cloyster themselves. It can also use Encore on passive foes such as Celesteela to create setup opportunities and deal with bulky Water-types for Cloyster with Freeze-Dry. Kyurem-B is a terrifying wallbreaker for Ice teams,(RC) who that can pave the way for a Cloyster sweep due to its ability to heavily damage Pokemon like Toxapex and Mega Venusaur for it. Mamoswine and Piloswine can both set up Stealth Rock for Cloyster and its other teammates, which is a consistent way of dealing chip damage to Pokemon like Mega Venusaur. In addition, running Piloswine means Mamoswine is free to run a wallbreaking set, which can help break down Pokemon such as Porygon2 for Cloyster. Its access to Ice Shard can heavily damage Latios, which is a Choice Scarf user that can outpace Cloyster even at +2. Avalugg can use Rapid Spin to further support Cloyster when setting up, helping it stay at full health and helping it take decently strong super effective hits from the likes of Armaldo. Alolan Sandslash can run utility options; either Rapid Spin or Swords Dance are useful for Cloyster, since the former allows it to provide hazard removal support to its teammates and the latter lets it break through troublesome walls such as Toxapex with a boosted Earthquake. Rotom-F can provide useful Defog support and beat several Water- and Steel-types such as Toxapex and Scizor with its STAB Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Fire. Weavile is able to Pursuit trap troublesome Pokemon for Ice teams such as Victini and Latios with ease. Its access to priority in Ice Shard also allows it to pick off weakened foes such as Gengar, which Cloyster appreciates.

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

Ice
--------


A Naughty nature can be used, but the loss in Speed isn't worth it, as Cloyster would be outsped by several Choice Scarf users such as Infernape, Blacephalon, and Terrakion. However, it does let Cloyster secure a 2HKO on Mega Swampert after very slight chip damage, as well as giving it more power before setting up Shell Smash, which it slightly lacks with a Naive nature. White Herb can be used to make Cloyster less vulnerable to priority and revenge killing; however, it sorely misses the one time nuke Waterium Z provides.

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

Ice
--------

**Water-types**: Water-types resist both of Cloysters STAB moves and are mostly unaffected by Rock Blast, which can give free turns to several key threats to Ice teams such as Keldeo, which can launch a powerful attack, and Toxapex, which can freely set up Toxic Spikes.

**Special Attackers**: Due to its pathetic Special Defense stat, Cloyster will easily crumble to even relatively weak or resisted special attacks. While this is mitigated if Aurora Veil has been set up beforehand, it is still quite disappointing—for example, it won't even be able to take any attack from Choice Scarf Latios if it has taken Stealth Rock damage.

**Faster Choice Scarf users**: Any Choice Scarf user with base 110 base Speed or higher will be able to outspeed Cloyster even after it has set up a Shell Smash, meaning Pokemon like Gengar, Greninja, and Latios can easily revenge kill it, especially after prior chip damage.

**Entry Hazards**: Cloyster absolutely hates having to take unnecessary damage, since it heavily relies on its natural bulk, further supported by Aurora Veil, to set up and endure priority attacks. This means the extra damage taken from entry hazards, Stealth Rock in particular, can mean the difference between sweeping a team and being taken out either while setting up or versus a faster foe.

**Phazers and Haze Users**: Pokemon such as Avalugg, Swampert, and Toxapex can stop a Cloyster sweep cold due to their ability to erase its stat boosts through Roar or Haze.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Very physically bulky Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Porygon2, and Quagsire are able to take Cloyster's attacks and retaliate with an attack, beating it one-on-one.

**Status**: Status moves are heavily detrimental to Cloyster,(AC) since it relies on all of its speed, power, and longevity, which paralysis, burns,(AC) and bad poison severely reduce.
GP 2/2
 

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