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DPP Heracross (Bulk Up)*

RaikouLover

is a Contributor Alumnus
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/heracross

Okay this is a set I have been testing recently that had overwhelmingly good results. I usually use Bulk Up Machamp but I wanted to try a standard Bulk Up Heracross as it possesess similar bulk, decent type coverage, but more speed. So I gave this a whirl. I recommend changing the other bulk up set on the analysis to Bulk Up + SleepTalk. Much of the first paragraph from the Bulk Up + Sleep Talk set should be redone because they actually would fit this set more appropriately.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Leftovers
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 208 HP / 104 Atk / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Heracross has another stat-up option available to it in the form of Bulk Up. Bulk Up is far less used as a boosting option since Heracross may appear to lack the bulk required to be truly effective, and many reject it in favor of Swords Dance or a Choice item. Although Bulk Up Heracross is not as immediately threatening as the Sword Dance or Choice Band varieties, in the proper hands it can be a powerful sweeper that is difficult to stop.</p>

<p>This spread complements Heracross's respectable HP and Special Defense stats by using Bulk Up to augment its rather mediocre physical defense while simultaneously boosting its Attack. The idea is to Bulk Up on one of the many Pokemon that are immediately threatened by Heracross because they will most likely switch out. After just one Bulk Up, Heracross will be boasting 468 Attack and 279 Defense while retaining the freedom to switch attacks. Megahorn is the primary STAB move because it has high Base Power and no negative side effects other than imperfect accuracy. A Fighting attack in the second slot and Stone Edge round out the set by offering perfect type coverage.</p>

<p>One of the advantages Bulk Up Heracross has over other users of Bulk Up and Calm Mind is that it does not have to utilize Rest and Sleep Talk to be protected from status. Thanks to Guts, your opponent will have to think twice about inflicting Heracross with status effects as they will make it 50% more powerful. With Leftovers aiding in recovery, Heracross will only lose 6% health per turn if you happen to switch him in on the first layer of Toxic Spikes or absorb a Will-O-Wisp from typical would-be counters Rotom-A and Dusknoir. However, do not become overzealous when switching Heracross into status, especially in Sandstorm, as it will still hinder its overall longevity.</p>

<p>The EVs on this set offer Heracross its highest Leftovers threshold and enough Speed to outrun Adamant Lucario and non-Scarf Heatran. The remaining EVs were placed into Attack for higher damage output. An Adamant nature can be used with less Speed, but being able to outspeed Heatran means one less counter to eliminate before attempting a sweep.</p>

<p>Many of Heracross's common counters are defeated by this set because of its ability to switch moves and power up its defenses. Gyarados, Zapdos, and Gliscor are among the most common switch-ins, and are unable to defeat this set (the latter must have Aerial Ace to do so) because Bulk Up and Stone Edge will break through their defenses. Rotom-A is defeated as well, provided it does not carry Overheat, as it will be unable to dispatch Heracross before it gets too many Bulk Ups. Scizor will also have more trouble revenging killing Heracross with the added Defense. However, this set has problems with faster sweepers that have super effective special attacks, such as Infernape, Azelf, and Salamence. Therefore, it is helpful to carry pokemon to absorb them. Latias makes a fine partner for Heracross, as it defeats all three and draws out Dark attacks for Heracross to set up on. Breloom commonly lures out these pokemon from behind a Substitute and can put them to sleep or paralyze them with Stun Spore on a double status set. However, be sure to carry a sturdy Fire-resist if using Breloom. In general, like most slower sturdier sweepers, paralysis support and residual damage are both highly recommended.</p>
 
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RaikouLover said:
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/heracross
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Leftovers
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 208 HP / 104 Atk / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Heracross has another stat-up option available to it in the form of Bulk Up. Bulk Up is far less used as a boosting option since Heracross may appear, at first, (less clunky) to lack the bulk required to be truly effective, and many reject it in favor of Swords Dance should they want a more offensively-orientated boosting move or Choice sets should they want a more offensively-orientated Pokemon. Although Bulk Up Heracross is not as immediately threatening as the Sword Dance or Choice Band varieties, in the proper hands it can be a powerful sweeper that is difficult to stop.</p>

Not sure if I should make this into a partial edit to differentiate the changes between this and the other Bulk Up set.

<p>This spread compliments Heracross's respectable HP and Special Defense stats by using Bulk Up to augment its rather mediocre physical defense while simultaneously boosting its Attack. (remove space) The idea is to Bulk Up on one of the many Pokemon that are immediately threaten Heracross as they will most likely switch out. (remove space) After just one Bulk Up, Heracross will be boasting 468 Attack and 279 Defense while retaining the freedom to switch attacks. (remove space) Megahorn is the primary STAB move because if its high base power and no negative side effects o,ther than imperfect accuracy. (remove space) A fighting attack in the second slot and Stone Edge round out the set by offering perfect type coverage.</p>

<p>One of the advantages Bulk Up Heracross has over other users of Bulk Up and Calm Mind is that it does not have to utilize Rest and Sleep Talk to be protected by status. (remove space) Thanks to Guts, your opponent will have to think twice about inflicting Heracross with a status effect as they will make him 50% more powerful. (remove space) With Leftovers aiding in recovery, Heracross will only lose 6% health per turn if you happen to switch him in on the first layer of Toxic Spikes, or absorb a Will-O-Wisp from typical would-be counters Rotom-A and Dusknoir. (remove space) However, not become overzealous when switching Heracross into status especially in Sandstorm, as it will still hinder his overall longevity.</p>

<p>The EVs on this set offer Heracross its highest Leftovers threshold and enough Speed to outrun Adamant Lucario and non-Scarf Heatran. (remove space) The remaining EVs were placed into Attack for higher damage output. (remove space) An Adamant nature can be used with less Speed, but being able to outspeed Heatran meanss one less counter to eliminate before attempting a sweep.</p>

<p>Many of Heracross's common counters are defeated by this set because of its ability to switch moves and power up its defenses. (remove space) Gyarados, Zapdos, (Zapdos can outspeed and has Heat Wave, or STAB Thunderbolt which hurts a lot) and Gliscor are among the most common switch-ins, and are unable to defeat this set (the latter must have Aerial Ace to do so) because Bulk Up and Stone Edge will break through their defenses. (remove space) Rotom-A is defeated as well provided it does not carry Overheat, as it will be unable to dispatch Heracross before it gets too many Bulk Ups. (remove space) Scizor will also have more trouble revenging killing Heracross with the added defense. However, this set has problems with faster sweepers that have super effective special attacks, such as Infernape, Azelf, and Salamence. (remove space) Therefore it is helpful to carry pokemon to absorb their attacks. (remove space) Latias makes a fine partner for Heracross, as it defeats all three and draws out dark attacks for Heracross to set up on. Breloom can also get behind a Substitute and put one of the faster sweepers to Sleep, or paralyze them with a Stun Spore on a double status set. However, be sure to carry a sturdy Fire-resist if using Breloom. In general, as with most slower, sturdier sweepers, paralysis support and residual damage are both highly recommended. (Specify? Who has access to T-Wave and makes a good partner for Heracross?)

[Brick Break vs. Low Kick]

<p>Due to the set focusing on Heracross's bulk to sweep, it is counterproductive to use Close Combat. Therefore, Brick Break and Low Kick are both alternatives for Fighting type STAB. Low Kick hits many of the heavier targets in OU for greater power than Brick Break, while retaining higher PP and perfect accuracy. However, with the prominence of Dual Screen teams in the current Metagame, Brick Break is a fine choice for shattering Reflect and Light Screen, as well as consistent damage.</p> Needs more substance. In what situations / against what opponents Low Kick superior to Brick Break and vise versa)
Click to expand...

Hope I helped. Not sure if 'remove space' is needed...
 
I'm just thinking, a Gyarados with T-Wave could work as a partner, as it takes down and counters a lot of Pokemon that can kill Heracross, based on the advice I have been given on my RMT.
 
why run 280 speed and not 246 speed, most pokemons run 244 or 245, and pople uses 306 lucario jolly not adamant, the evd for me must be 244 Hp 104 Atk 160 Spe adamant nature
 
C_13 said:
why run 280 speed and not 246 speed, most pokemons run 244 or 245, and pople uses 306 lucario jolly not adamant, the evd for me must be 244 Hp 104 Atk 160 Spe adamant nature
Click to expand...

Code: 
| Lucario    | Nature       | Adamant          |    54.6 |

Code: 
| Lucario    | Move         | Stone Edge       |     9.2 |

Over half of all Lucario run Adamant, and less than 10% run Stone Edge, Lucario's strongest attack against Heracross, I believe. Although I guess you could run less speed for more bulk. Regardless, 246 spe fails to outspeed Heatran...
 
However, this set has problems with faster sweepers that have super effective special attacks such as Infernape, Azelf, and Salamence. Therefore it is helpful to carry pokemon to absorb their attacks. Latias makes a fine partner for Heracross, as it defeats all three and draws out dark attacks for Heracross to set up on. Breloom can also get behind a Substitute and put one of the faster sweepers to Sleep, or paralyze them with a Stun Spore on a double status set. However, be sure to carry a sturdy Fire-resist if using Breloom. In general, like most slower sturdier sweepers, paralysis support and residual damage are both highly recommended.
Click to expand...

Latias is not a reliable switch in to Salamence and Azelf; Salamence OHKOs Latias with its STAB, or can DD and then outspeed Latias, whilst Azelf is faster and can explode. Breloom is a horrible switch in to Infernape, Azelf, and Salamence and has no hope of checking them.

Brick Break only deserves a mention in set comments and not a slash, because dual screens are not common, and Low Kick will hit harder against every Pokemon you are likely to use it against except Blissey (whom this Heracross easily beats).
 
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Low Kick / Brick Break
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Leftovers
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 208 HP / 104 Atk / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Heracross has another stat-up option available to it in the form of Bulk Up, which is far less used as a boosting option since Heracross would appear, at first, to lack the bulk required to be truly effective, and many reject it in favor of Swords Dance, should they want an[omit more as "should they want" is contrasting Swords Dance with Choice sets, not Bulk Up] offensively-orientated boosting move,[clarity] or Choice sets, as Heracross is generally not fast enough to even use Swords Dance effectively. Although Bulk Up Heracross is not as immediately threatening as the Sword Dance or Choice Band varieties, in the proper hands, it can be a powerful sweeper that is difficult to stop.</p><p>This spread complements Heracross's respectable HP and Special Defense stats by using Bulk Up to augment its rather mediocre physical defense while simultaneously boosting its Attack. The idea is to Bulk Up on one of the many Pokemon that immediately threaten Heracross, as they will most likely switch out. After just one Bulk Up, Heracross will be boasting 468 Attack and 279 Defense while retaining the freedom to switch attacks. Megahorn is the primary STAB move because it has high Base Power and no negative side effects other than imperfect accuracy. A Fighting attack in the second slot and Stone Edge round out the set by offering perfect type coverage.</p>

<p>One of the advantages Bulk Up Heracross has over other users of Bulk Up and Calm Mind is that it does not have to utilize Rest and Sleep Talk to be protected from status. Thanks to Guts, your opponent will have to think twice about inflicting Heracross with status effects[plurality agreement] as they will make it[gender consistency] 50% more powerful. With Leftovers aiding in recovery, Heracross will only lose 6% health per turn if you happen to switch it in on the first layer of Toxic Spikes or absorb a Will-O-Wisp from typical would-be counters Rotom-A and Dusknoir. However, do not become overzealous when switching Heracross into status, especially in Sandstorm, as it will still hinder its overall longevity.</p>

<p>The EVs on this set offer Heracross its highest Leftovers threshold and enough Speed to outrun Adamant Lucario and non-Scarf Heatran. The remaining EVs were placed into Attack for higher damage output. An Adamant nature can be used with less Speed, but being able to outspeed Heatran means one less counter to eliminate before attempting a sweep.</p>

<p>Many of Heracross's common counters are defeated by this set because of its ability to switch moves and power up its defenses. Gyarados, Zapdos, and Gliscor are among the most common switch-ins and are unable to defeat this set (the latter must have Aerial Ace to do so) because Bulk Up and Stone Edge will break through their defenses. Rotom-A is defeated as well, provided it does not carry Overheat, as it will be unable to dispatch Heracross before it gets too many Bulk Ups. Scizor will also have more trouble revenging killing Heracross with the added Defense. However, this set has problems with faster sweepers that have super effective special attacks, such as Infernape, Azelf, and Salamence. Therefore, it is helpful to carry Pokemon to absorb their attacks. Latias makes a fine partner for Heracross, as it defeats all three and draws out Dark attacks for Heracross to set up on. Breloom can also get behind a Substitute and put one of the faster sweepers to sleep or paralyze them with a Stun Spore on a double status set. However, be sure to carry a sturdy Fire-resist if using Breloom. In general, like most slower sturdier sweepers, paralysis support and residual damage are both highly recommended.

[Brick Break vs. Low Kick]

<p>Due to the set focusing on Heracross's bulk to sweep, it is counterproductive to use Close Combat. [Brick Break and Low Kick are alternatives, but the reason why they are is not because it is counterproductive to use Close Combat, but because Heracross learns them.] Brick Break and Low Kick are both alternatives for Fighting type STAB. Low Kick hits many of the heavier targets in OU for greater power than Brick Break, while retaining higher PP[Brick Break has perfect accuracy]. However, with the prominence of Dual Screen teams in the current metagame, Brick Break is a fine choice for shattering Reflect and Light Screen, as well as consistent damage.</p>
Click to expand...
 
I'd just get rid of the Low Kick vs. Brick Break tag and put it in the analysis somewhere, probably before the EV options. I also think that Low Kick is superior 99% of the time, but feel free to keep Brick Break slashed if you feel it is necessary.
 
Latias is not a reliable switch in to Salamence and Azelf; Salamence OHKOs Latias with its STAB, or can DD and then outspeed Latias, whilst Azelf is faster and can explode. Breloom is a horrible switch in to Infernape, Azelf, and Salamence and has no hope of checking them.
Click to expand...

Yes, I guess I should figure out how to reword the Latias part. Mixmence is the mence that threatens Salamence, because a Life Orb Fire Blast can KO (Draco Meteor surprisingly doesn't if Heracross has good health). But Dragon Dancing mences are beaten by Stone Edge. Bulky Spreads won't have the offense to beat a +1 or +2 Defense Heracross before he downs them with Stone Edge, and offensive varients are OHKOed by Stone Edge after Stealth Rock factoring in Intimidate (hence, cross at +0).

But after the long delay I edited in the changes.
 
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