[OVERVIEW]
Crustle's access to the combination of Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Shell Smash along with its good Attack and two useful abilities allows it to function as both a Shell Smash sweeper and a suicide lead. Shell Smash turns Crustle into a offensive threat, as it can boost its already decent attack to very high levels while also allowing it to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. In addition, Crustle's naturally high Defense allows it to set up on tier staples such as Komala, Bouffalant, and Muk. STAB Stone Edge and X-Scissor along with options such as Earthquake and Knock Off allow Crustle to hit the entire tier for at least neutral damage. Crustle's access to both Spikes and Stealth Rock along with its two best abilities in Sturdy and Weak Armor allow lead sets to often get up multiple layers of entry hazards. Unfortunately, Crustle's impressive physical bulk is somewhat offset by a vulnerability to all entry hazards, as well as by its poor defensive typing and Special Defense. Thus, Crustle is not as bulky in practice as it may seem, and it struggles to set up if offensive threats such as Golem, Swanna, and Pawniard are present. Crustle also struggles with a mediocre Speed stat, as it is quite slow unboosted and will still be outrun by the tier's most common Choice Scarf users, such as Electivire, Rapidash, Swanna, and Mr. Mime even at +2, although it can generally tank a hit if they lack super effective coverage. The lead set also fails to threaten several of the tier's most common entry hazard removers, and Pokemon such as Silvally-Water and Sandslash can come in without much trouble and remove its entry hazards.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off / X-Scissor
item: White Herb / Rockium Z
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
The combination of Stone Edge and Earthquake allows Crustle to hit almost every Pokemon in the tier for at least neutral damage, with one very notable exception in Bronzor, which the last move allows it to hit hard. Knock Off gives Crustle a way to 2HKO all variants of Bronzor, as well as giving Crustle a way to rid the many Eviolite users in the tier of their needed item, with targets including Mareanie, Metang, and Dusclops. X-Scissor is another option that allows Crustle to still hit Bronzor reasonably hard while also allowing it to hit bulkier Grass-types such as Quilladin and Leafeon for super effective damage. However, this option loses out on the ability to OHKO specially defensive variants of Bronzor.
Set Details
=========
White Herb allows Crustle to keep its high Defense stat intact after using Shell Smash, which notably allows it to comfortably take a hit from Choice Scarf users such as Electivire and Rapidash as well as common priority users such as Shiftry and Purugly before OHKOing them in return. This also can potentially give Crustle an opportunity to set up Shell Smash again, jacking up both its power and speed to breathtaking levels. Another option is Rockium Z, which gives Crustle a one-time nuke that circumvents Stone Edge's meager accuracy and OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after Stealth Rock damage, a Pokemon that otherwise gives Crustle issues. However, such a set must be played with more caution, as Crustle immediately becomes much more vulnerable to Choice Scarf and priority users. Sturdy is the preferred ability here, as it guarantees that Crustle will be able to set up Shell Smash as long as entry hazards are kept off the field. Using Weak Armor is an option that can potentially make Crustle extremely fast at the cost of some bulk, but the prevalence of priority users such as Shiftry as well as the fact that the White Herb could be used up before Crustle actually uses Shell Smash make this a risky option at best.
Usage Tips
=========
Shell Smash Crustle is best saved for the mid-or late-game, when it will have an easier time sweeping through teams. It is a good idea to remove at least some of its offensive and defensive checks before sending Crustle out. Defensive checks to watch out for include Gourgeist-XL and Pyukumuku, while offensive ones include potential Choice Scarf users like Electivire and Mr. Mime as well as priority users such as Shiftry and Swanna. Crustle can also operate as an excellent wallbreaker if it is unable to sweep, with defensive Pokemon including Mawile and Bronzor being prime targets. Avoid switching Crustle in directly, as it cannot afford to take much damage if it is aiming to be out of range of the common Choice Scarf threats and priority users. Pivoting Crustle in through a slow U-turn or Volt Switch or after one of your Pokemon has fainted is generally a better option. Removing entry hazards before Crustle comes in is an excellent idea, as it is weak to Stealth Rock and will take damage from Spikes and Toxic Spikes as well. Crustle cannot afford to take much damage before it gets in range of some of the tier's Choice Scarf users and priority users. Crustle should ideally attempt to set up on physical attackers that don't immediately threaten it or foes that it can force out thanks to its decent base Attack that threatens a good amount of the tier. Prime points of entry include Kecleon, Purugly, and Choice Band Komala. Attempting to set up on some of the more passive Pokemon in the tier is an option as well, but Crustle must be extremely careful of status, which most of the passive Pokemon in the tier can spread. As such, setting up against Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL, Mareanie, and Dusclops should be avoided, as they threaten to burn Crustle. Bulky Water-types are a big problem for Crustle, as most of them will OHKO it if they aren't eliminated or brought into KO range the first turn you see them. A specific mention goes to Pyukumuku, which isn't bothered by what Crustle does and will wall it out. Such Pokemon should absolutely be removed before Crustle attempts to sweep.
Team Options
=========
Entry hazard removal is much appreciated, as Crustle is weak to Stealth Rock and will take hefty damage if it switches in with it on the field. This is especially imperative with the Rockium Z set, as Crustle will be in range of an OHKO from Choice Scarf users such as Pinsir and Rapidash after Stealth Rock damage and the Defense drop. All entry hazards will also break Sturdy. Thus, Defog or Rapid Spin support from teammates such as Swanna, Altaria, Komala, and Sandslash is very helpful. Crustle greatly appreciates entry hazards from teammates such as Quilladin, Mawile, and Bronzor on the opposing side of the field, as they let it more easily punch through the opponent's team. Crustle is vulnerable to special attackers, so having a way of dealing with them is imperative. Choice Scarf Electivire takes out threats such as Swanna, Kadabra, and Mr. Mime, while Assault Vest Komala can tank many hits from special attackers thanks to its naturally decent bulk before threatening them with its powerful attacks. Ways of crippling or removing Choice Scarf and priority users are very helpful for Crustle, with revenge killing them with your own Choice Scarf users such as Electivire and Pinsir being a good option. Another option is checking them defensively; Sandslash, for example, can tank anything Electivire or Rapidash throws at it before OHKOing them with Earthquake. In addition to the aforementioned bulky Water-types, Crustle will struggle to break certain physical walls, such as Colbur Berry Gourgeist-XL and physically defensive Golem. As such, having a wallbreaker as a teammate is appreciated. Exeggutor, Shiftry, Servine, and Beheeyem are potential options here.
[Set]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Stone Edge / Rock Blast
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
Moves
==========
Crustle's access to Spikes and Knock Off is largely the only reason to use it over lead Golem. As such, they should absolutely be used on every lead Crustle. Spikes and Stealth Rock combine for a choking entry hazard stack that can wear down opposing teams very quickly, while Knock Off allows Crustle to potentially annoy other leads that appreciate having their item, such as the aforementioned Golem, as well as giving it a good way to fight against Pokemon that rely on Eviolite and Leftovers, such as Bronzor, Mareanie, and Lickilicky. The last move slot is largely filler. Stone Edge is a nice, powerful STAB move that can dissuade some of the tier's most notable Defoggers such as Rotom-S and Swanna from switching into Crustle, while Rock Blast allows Crustle to greatly threaten Focus Sash-reliant Pokemon like Masquerain, Kadabra, and Leavanny while also neutering enemy lead Crustle.
Set Details
==========
Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Crustle to at worst Speed tie with the ever-present lead Golem, as well as with opposing lead Crustle, while maximum Attack investment allows Crustle to hit as hard as possible. Using Custap Berry with Sturdy allows Crustle to ensure it can almost always get at least Stealth Rock up and one layer of Spikes up before fainting. An alternative to the above set is running Focus Sash along with the ability Weak Armor. This ensures that Crustle will be able to tank a hit at least once while also gaining a large Speed boost if said hit is physical. This also has the added benefit of lowering Crustle's Defense, which is ironically useful in this case, as Crustle's goal is to get out of the way for the next teammate. Ideally this allows Crustle to at least get up Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes, but it is inconsistent compared to the other set, as it relies on Crustle facing a physical attacker.
Usage Tips
==========
Crustle should almost always be the lead, unless the opponent has a very obvious Taunt user such as Misdreavus that threatens Crustle's ability to get up entry hazards. It can still be worth it to send Crustle in on certain physically based Taunt users, as the combination of Knock Off and either Stone Edge or Rock Blast is nothing to sneeze at offensively. Crustle should be wary of leading against hazard removers such as Silvally-Fighting, Sandslash, Avalugg, and Silvally-Water, which wall it and are able to cleanly keep its hazards off the field. It should also be somewhat careful of leading off against Golem and opposing Crustle, which oftentimes carry Rock Blast. Crustle can potentially be saved for later if these threats are present so that it can put its hazards up once they have been effectively dealt with. Stealth Rock should generally be used first, as it is the more overall useful entry hazard. The next step should be to set up as many layers of Spikes as possible in order to threaten chip damage on Stealth Rock-resistant Pokemon such as Sandslash, Mawile, and Machoke. Using Knock Off on opposing leads is oftentimes a good option. Lead Golem, for example, greatly relies on its Weakness Policy or its Custap Berry to effectively do its job. This also has the added benefit of breaking Sturdy. This Crustle should only be switched out against hazard removers that is has no way of dealing with, such as Silvally-Water and Sandslash. Outside of those situations it is usually better to let Crustle get KOed and let a more overall useful Pokemon take the reins. Custap Berry allows Crustle to set a hazard while sacrificing itself, which is great for keeping momentum and letting offensive teammates such as Purugly or Pawniard take center stage.
Team Options
==========
Lead Crustle works best on hyper offense teams that appreciate multiple layers of entry hazards. Finding a way to beat Defoggers and spinners that threaten to remove all of Crustle's hard work is generally a very good idea. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Purugly can force Defoggers into a very uncomfortable situation, with Contrary Servine being another option. Spinblocking using Silvally-Ghost or Taunt Misdreavus is an option to give insurance against spinners, although finding another way to deal with common spinners is an option as well, such as Fighting-type coverage for taking on Komala and Water- or Grass-type coverage for Sandslash. Many of the tier's offensive threats appreciate the offensive pressure that hazards give, as it makes it harder to switch into them. Combusken, Shiftry, Pinsir, Z-Rain Dance Swanna, and mixed Electivire are all offensive powerhouses that appreciate hazard stacking, as it aids them in their efforts to break down and/or sweep the opposing team.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
==============
Rock Tomb can be used on the lead set in order to slow down the opposing lead and potentially make it very easy for the next Pokemon in line to do its job. However, this is generally inferior to the options provided. Crustle can use Shell Smash and Stealth Rock on the same set if role compression is needed. This particular set has the added benefit of working as both a lead and a sweeper, and using Stealth Rock to bluff an entry hazard set before boosting with Shell Smash can put the opponent into an extremely uncomfortable situation. This set also has the added benefit of greatly threatening some of the tier's most common Defoggers, such as Swanna and Altaria. However, this set lacks Spikes, making it a somewhat inferior lead to Golem, and as a sweeper it will lack the coverage needed to sweep many teams. Substitute can also be used on Shell Smash Crustle to set up on certain threats it would otherwise be hesitant to take on, such as Gourgeist and Bronzor, as well as giving it insurance against Sucker Punch users such as Shiftry. However, the aforementioned coverage issues hold this option back a bit. An EV spread of 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spe with Leftovers or Iapapa Berry turns Crustle into a decently bulky defensive wall capable of setting hazards for the team. While this uses the same set as the suicide lead, the gameplan changes to wanting to keep Crustle alive, as it can come in multiple times per game to set hazards against teams; however, often you only need to set hazards once for teams to function. Using Rock Wrecker with Rockium Z is an option to give Crustle a monstrously powerful Continental Crush and allow it to land a guaranteed OHKO onto Gourgeist-XL without Stealth Rock, something the other sets are incapable of doing. However, Rock Wrecker’s downsides outside of the Z-Move make Stone Edge a generally better option.
Checks and Counters
==================
**Water-types**: Many Water-types have a surplus of ways to deal with Crustle, exploiting its pathetic special bulk to quickly KO it with moves such as Silvally-Water's Surf, Swanna's Scald, and Floatzel's Hydro Pump. Silvally-Water and Swanna can also proceed to Defog away any hazards that Crustle puts down. However, they must be mindful of Sturdy, since if Crustle is at full health, they will not be able to OHKO it. In addition, none of them can safely switch into a set up Shell Smash variant, and Swanna and Floatzel have to be cautious of switching in even if Crustle hasn't set up.
**Fast Special Attackers**: Special attackers that are faster than Crustle such as Kadabra and Exeggutor as well as certain specially based Choice Scarf users such as Swanna, Floatzel, and Mr. Mime can come in on Crustle, sometimes even after a Shell Smash, and proceed to obliterate it due to its putrid Special Defense stat. None of them can safely switch in on Crustle, however.
**Physical Walls**: Many of the tier's physical walls can stop Crustle in its tracks even after a Shell Smash. Physically defensive Machoke does an admirable job of walling Crustle, although it dislikes losing its Eviolite. Gourgeist-XL can burn Crustle and threaten it with Foul Play, but it must watch out for Continental Crush. Physically defensive Golem can tank anything that Crustle throws at it before heavily damaging it with Stone Edge or badly poisoning it. Neither Gourgeist-XL nor Golem can confidently switch in, however.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users such as Electivire, Pinsir, and Rapidash as well as priority users such as Aqua Jet Swanna and Sucker Punch Shiftry can come in on and threaten a set-up Crustle. Most of them will not KO without prior chip damage, however.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Defoggers such as Swanna and Silvally-Water as well as spinners such as Avalugg and Sandslash threaten to remove lead Crustle's hard work, with Silvally-Water and Sandslash even being able to switch into lead Crustle and dispose of its hazards right in its face.
**Pyukumuku**: Even though it is a Water-type, Pyukumuku gets a special mention, as it can hard counter the Shell Smash set with its amazing bulk and ability in Unaware. It must be somewhat wary of switching into the Rockium Z set, as Continental Crush followed up by a normal Stone Edge will finish it off if entry hazards are up, but outside of that, Pyukumuku completely walls Crustle.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[SputnikGT, 475916],[SBPC, 468904]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [Aaronboyer, 239454], [Funbot28, 255984]]
- Grammar checked by: [[deetah, 297659], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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