One day, I hope Dugtrio can evolve into Dugquintet.
PROSE IS COMPLETED. AWAITING GP CHECKS.
QC Checks [3/3] – PK Gaming, Bloo, Iconic
GP Checks [2/2] - bugmaniacbob, NixHex (Stamped by Ray Jay)
WORK IN PROGRESS SO SHUT UP. Actually, help is still appreciated, but it’s likely I’m just not there yet in the analysis. Just look at my to-do list. If it's not there, you're free to post. I’d prefer help via message for things I'm likely going to get to, if you wouldn’t mind, since I don’t want this thread flooded with comments just because I’m still working on it and it’s really damned shitty right now because I’m tired.
TO DO :Test Life Orb (does that even deserve its own set? Idk.), see if Hone Claws is usable in OU (doubt it), test if Scarf is still valuable (to kill scarf Terrakion and other shitty shit piles of shit that stupidly fast), merge to-be-tested sets if possible ‘cause I don’t wanna make another set because set comments are gonna be redundant with choice band but I’ll probably have to ‘cause they play differently guhhhhh, try Shadow Claw over Sucker Punch (Why the hell did the Gen IV analysis prefer Night Slash? Shadow Claw gets better neutral coverage…), find an animated gif for Dugtrio, do calculations for Adamant and Jolly (decided not to because it misses out on too many threats... not even worth it), and what attacks Dugtrio can actually survive (like nothing. lol. screw that.), provide a damage calculations list so it may successfully revenge kill stuff (know what big-time threats in the metagame you can faint at what percent HP, reflect significance of Spikes and/or Stealth Rock), learn how to calculate probability for being KO’d, get some shitty coffee, wake the fuck up, fix “but I am le tired” errors (shit [concepts and ideas] that don’t make sense), make the bullets flow (paragraph preparation), get laid, smoke a cigarette, come back and be miserable again. And maybe make this list a little bit smaller.
* * * * *
Dugtrio
[Overview]
<p>Dugtrio has always been an unorthodox choice for an OU team. As the only fully-evolved user of Arena Trap, Dugtrio is a fantastic revenge killer. Dugtrio also has blazing Speed and a passable offensive movepool. However, while its lackluster base Attack can be improved by Choice Band and Life Orb, it still lacks enough muscle to push through most healthy enemies. Furthermore, its defenses are certainly not capable of handling much more than a weak priority attack, and its high Speed can be overcome by opposing Choice Scarf users. In addition, Dugtrio is almost begging to be trapped by Pursuit. In this generation, Dugtrio welcomes the coming of many grounded competitive threats. Unfortunately, it quickly realizes that their defenses are higher, as well. It also finds that a Ground-type STAB is less reliable than ever due to the introduction of Air Balloon. Luckily, with the introduction of valuable sandstorm sweepers, the ubiquitous Tyranitar becomes more and more important to remove – a task which Dugtrio is eager to fulfill.</p>
[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Shadow Claw / Substitute
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Arena Trap
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 32 Def / 224 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>Earthquake serves as a powerful STAB move, while Stone Edge completes the notorious "EdgeQuake" combination, offering fantastic coverage on both grounded and airborne foes. While many may be able to switch out due to Levitate, Sucker Punch is a potent weapon against enemy Ghost- and Psychic-types like Gengar, Azelf, Latios, and Latias if they decide to stay in the fray. Its priority is also useful in case the opponent is clearly faster than Dugtrio. However, Shadow Claw is a more reliable, weaker alternative to Sucker Punch, which will cause damage even if the foe attempts to use Substitute, Calm Mind, Nasty Plot, Will-O-Wisp, and so on. While Dugtrio is extremely speedy, the priority is also valuable for its ability to strike Choice Scarf Gengar and Latios first.</p>
<p>Choice Band is a great idea on Dugtrio, as it helps it become as threatening as possible right off the bat. Arena Trap also significantly reduces the need for prediction on grounded enemies, which makes Choice Band the preferred item. However, choosing a Life Orb can expand Dugtrio's capabilities, and also makes Dugtrio more difficult to set up on once it has performed a revenge kill. It also allows Dugtrio to revenge kill foes with Air Balloon, as it can pop the item with Shadow Claw and then switch to Earthquake to finish the opponent off.</p>
<p>If holding Life Orb rather than Choice Band, Substitute becomes an additional option. Substitute allows Dugtrio to ease prediction when attempting to revenge kill a Levitating or Flying-type foe who is likely to switch. But, most importantly, it also defends Dugtrio from Pursuit and Sucker Punch. While the only common Choice-locked Electric-type attacks come from the levitating Rotom-A, Substitute can help by scouting the switch-in, possibly creating an opportunity for a 2HKO.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>While Dugtrio is begging for all the power it can get, a Jolly nature is required to outspeed threats like Timid Starmie, Raikou, and Azelf, along with other threats such as +1 Speed Tyranitar and Magnezone. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, also allows Dugtrio to outspeed common and threatening 108 base Speed threats, including Terrakion, Virizion, and Infernape. The EVs maximize Dugtrio's damage output, while allowing it to outpace opponents with up to 115 base Speed. The rest are invested into Defense, in order to hopefully survive weak priority attacks, or a Pursuit Dugtrio decides not to flee from.</p>
<p>As for teammates, ask not what you can do for Dugtrio, but what Dugtrio can do for you! One of the most indispensable talents that Dugtrio offers is its ability to reliably eliminate a Tyranitar with a little previous damage from entry hazards or Life Orb. As such, teammates such as Latios, Deoxys-S, Espeon, or Gengar who fear of the stone dinosaur greatly benefit from Dugtrio. Teammates with significant weaknesses to Electric- or Rock-type Pokemon or attacks are also likely to benefit from Dugtrio. Some examples include Gyarados, Volcarona, Tornadus, and Thundurus. Dugtrio can also work well on Drought and Drizzle teams as a reliable way to remove the most common Sand Stream user from the match. As a bonus, Drought teams also rid Dugtrio of its Water-type weakness.</p>
<p>If there's one thing the team can do for Dugtrio, it's providing Stealth Rock. Stealth Rock support is especially important to Dugtrio, as it helps deter Flying-types from switching in during the match. On the other hand, Spikes support brings many grounded enemies into KO range. As such, Deoxys-S, Forretress, and Ferrothorn are all great teammates, as they can effectively provide both. In return, Dugtrio can destroy Tyranitar, who loves to switch in on supportive Deoxys-S variants. While not critically detrimental to its duties, Dugtrio also hates Spikes on its side of the battlefield, as it prevents it from surviving weak priority attacks and Pursuit. As such, a Magic Bounce Xatu is a great idea for a partner, and it additionally draws in Electric- and Rock-type attacks while keeping entry hazards off of the field. Magic Bounce Espeon may be used instead if it meshes better with the remainder of the team. Conveniently, both Xatu and Espeon greatly appreciate the removal of Tyranitar, which can allow them to run Hidden Power Fire over Hidden Power Fighting. Both Magic Bounce Xatu and Espeon are conveniently capable of reliably setting up dual screens, which can allow Dugtrio to handle a hit and successfully carry out 2HKOs. Rapid Spin support may be used instead, and Starmie, who can attract Electric-type attacks and handle many Levitating and Flying-type Pokemon, fits the role very well.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Memento is an interesting and rather exclusive option, if using a Life Orb. Thanks to team preview, Dugtrio often realizes when it has successfully done its job for the team. Afterwards, Dugtrio can often become dead weight compared to set-up sweepers. Conveniently, Memento allows a teammate to set up and sweep once Dugtrio has assassinated a certain threat. If using Memento, teammates such as Shell Smash Cloyster, Nasty Plot Thundurus, and Swords Dance Terrakion are grateful of the safe opportunity to set up.</p>
<p>Aerial Ace is also useful as the last move, as it can remove a team's weakness to Heracross, Breloom, or Virizion. Unfortunately, it has little utility outside of these threats. Rock Slide is an option over Stone Edge for higher accuracy and a useful flinch chance, but is strongly discouraged due to its weak Base Power uncomplimentary to Dugtrio’s modest Attack stat. As an illustration of its lesser Base Power, Rock Slide has the same Base Power as a resisted STAB Earthquake on Grass-type foes. Night Slash can easily replace Shadow Claw, as they have almost identical type coverage. However, while no Pokemon is immune to Night Slash, it is weak against the Fighting-types that plague the metagame. Chansey and Blissey are the only common Normal-types in the metagame, and a Choice Band Night Slash does not have the power to handle them, anyways. Night Slash also triggers the ability Justified, while Shadow Claw does not.</p>
<p>Hone Claws is Dugtrio's only Attack boosting move, and a set consisting of Hone Claws, Substitute, Earthquake, and Stone Edge can be used. Still, team preview will remind the opponent to remove Dugtrio before using a Choice-locked Electric-type attack. Encore support from a teammate such as Whimsicott can open opportunities to boost up, but lasts too few turns for Dugtrio to gain enough boosts to efficiently sweep. Air Balloon is also a surprising option on a Hone Claws set, in order to unexpectedly sneak into the fray on choice locked Ground-type attacks and easily boost to +6. Unfortunately, there are stronger, more reliable Ground-type sweepers, such as Excadrill and Landorus.</p>
<p>As previously described, an Adamant nature is tempting for Dugtrio, who is itching for any additional strength, but will unfortunately bring Dugtrio's maximum possible Speed down to that of a 105 base Speed Pokemon. This means that Dugtrio will now be outsped by any faster opponent (most notably Terrakion, Virizion, Starmie, Gengar, Raikou, +1 Speed Jolly Tyranitar, and so on), along with being forced to a Speed tie with Mienshao and Zoroark. If one opts to use an Adamant nature, a spread of 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe is best. However, it is greatly encouraged to select a Jolly nature.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf Dugtrio can overcome enemy Choice Scarf users and other +1 Speed enemies, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion or Choice Scarf Heatran. However, without Life Orb or Choice Band, it will lack the strength to KO many relevant enemies; in fact, Choice Scarf Dugtrio is unlikely to OHKO any opponent who does not receive super effective damage from Earthquake or Stone Edge. Additionally, Choice Scarf Dugtrio is still unable to use an Adamant nature, as Choice Scarf bearing threats such as Terrakion and Mienshao will still give it Speed troubles. For most teams, Wobbuffet is usually a better choice to reliably eliminate Choice Scarf threats.</p>
[Checks & Counters]
<p>By definition, Dugtrio does not essentially have any counters if it is revenge killing grounded enemies. However, it does have many opponents and obstacles to be wary of. As such, it is discouraged to employ Dugtrio as a revenge killer against Flying-type or Levitating Pokemon, who may freely switch out. Beware of the following confrontations…</p>
<p>Azumarill can effortlessly destroy Dugtrio with Aqua Jet. Skarmory can come in with its near impenetrable Defense and throw down Spikes as Dugtrio flees. An Ice Shard from Mamoswine and Weavile can slaughter Dugtrio, while the latter often wields a powerful Pursuit as well. Dragonite's Life Orb ExtremeSpeed has an 87.17% chance to KO a full-health Dugtrio, and is also immune to Ground-type attacks and Arena Trap. Bronzong is immune to Earthquake and Arena Trap, resistant to Stone Edge, and its high Defense stat lets it handle Sucker Punch, Pursuit, and Shadow Claw while it flattens Dugtrio with Gyro Ball. Dugtrio is not going to defeat Hippowdon or Gliscor anytime soon, due to their reliable recovery and high Defense. Porygon2 can use Trace to copy Arena Trap, and utilize its great bulk and reliable recovery to fire an Ice Beam and take Dugtrio down. Without Aerial Ace, Breloom and Virizion are resistant to most of its attacks.</p>
<p>Anything faster than Dugtrio can generally kill it with a neutral STAB attack. A common mistake that can spell death for Dugtrio is switching into an opponent which is unexpectedly Scarfed. It is vital to watch for the presence of Life Orb damage or Leftovers recovery when using Dugtrio. As such, sandstorm support from Tyranitar can also cause Leftovers to reveal itself, in case Stealth Rock is not on the field.</p>
<p>More so for Choice Band Dugtrio than for Life Orb Dugtrio, Air Balloon dramatically hinders Dugtrio's presence, as the common Air Balloon users (such as Excadrill, Heatran, and other Steel-type Pokemon) may easily endure any of Dugtrio's other moves, and faint Dugtrio with a STAB attack.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Dugtrio gains Sand Force as its ability through the Dream World. While this is a fantastic ability for a Ground-type Pokemon, Dugtrio loses its niche as an amazing abuser of Arena Trap. Switching to Sand Force would also cause Excadrill and Landorus to utterly outclass Dugtrio as a sandstorm sweeper.</p>
PROSE IS COMPLETED. AWAITING GP CHECKS.
QC Checks [3/3] – PK Gaming, Bloo, Iconic
GP Checks [2/2] - bugmaniacbob, NixHex (Stamped by Ray Jay)
TO DO :
* * * * *
Dugtrio
[Overview]
<p>Dugtrio has always been an unorthodox choice for an OU team. As the only fully-evolved user of Arena Trap, Dugtrio is a fantastic revenge killer. Dugtrio also has blazing Speed and a passable offensive movepool. However, while its lackluster base Attack can be improved by Choice Band and Life Orb, it still lacks enough muscle to push through most healthy enemies. Furthermore, its defenses are certainly not capable of handling much more than a weak priority attack, and its high Speed can be overcome by opposing Choice Scarf users. In addition, Dugtrio is almost begging to be trapped by Pursuit. In this generation, Dugtrio welcomes the coming of many grounded competitive threats. Unfortunately, it quickly realizes that their defenses are higher, as well. It also finds that a Ground-type STAB is less reliable than ever due to the introduction of Air Balloon. Luckily, with the introduction of valuable sandstorm sweepers, the ubiquitous Tyranitar becomes more and more important to remove – a task which Dugtrio is eager to fulfill.</p>
[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Shadow Claw / Substitute
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Arena Trap
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 32 Def / 224 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>Earthquake serves as a powerful STAB move, while Stone Edge completes the notorious "EdgeQuake" combination, offering fantastic coverage on both grounded and airborne foes. While many may be able to switch out due to Levitate, Sucker Punch is a potent weapon against enemy Ghost- and Psychic-types like Gengar, Azelf, Latios, and Latias if they decide to stay in the fray. Its priority is also useful in case the opponent is clearly faster than Dugtrio. However, Shadow Claw is a more reliable, weaker alternative to Sucker Punch, which will cause damage even if the foe attempts to use Substitute, Calm Mind, Nasty Plot, Will-O-Wisp, and so on. While Dugtrio is extremely speedy, the priority is also valuable for its ability to strike Choice Scarf Gengar and Latios first.</p>
<p>Choice Band is a great idea on Dugtrio, as it helps it become as threatening as possible right off the bat. Arena Trap also significantly reduces the need for prediction on grounded enemies, which makes Choice Band the preferred item. However, choosing a Life Orb can expand Dugtrio's capabilities, and also makes Dugtrio more difficult to set up on once it has performed a revenge kill. It also allows Dugtrio to revenge kill foes with Air Balloon, as it can pop the item with Shadow Claw and then switch to Earthquake to finish the opponent off.</p>
<p>If holding Life Orb rather than Choice Band, Substitute becomes an additional option. Substitute allows Dugtrio to ease prediction when attempting to revenge kill a Levitating or Flying-type foe who is likely to switch. But, most importantly, it also defends Dugtrio from Pursuit and Sucker Punch. While the only common Choice-locked Electric-type attacks come from the levitating Rotom-A, Substitute can help by scouting the switch-in, possibly creating an opportunity for a 2HKO.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>While Dugtrio is begging for all the power it can get, a Jolly nature is required to outspeed threats like Timid Starmie, Raikou, and Azelf, along with other threats such as +1 Speed Tyranitar and Magnezone. A Jolly nature, as opposed to an Adamant nature, also allows Dugtrio to outspeed common and threatening 108 base Speed threats, including Terrakion, Virizion, and Infernape. The EVs maximize Dugtrio's damage output, while allowing it to outpace opponents with up to 115 base Speed. The rest are invested into Defense, in order to hopefully survive weak priority attacks, or a Pursuit Dugtrio decides not to flee from.</p>
<p>As for teammates, ask not what you can do for Dugtrio, but what Dugtrio can do for you! One of the most indispensable talents that Dugtrio offers is its ability to reliably eliminate a Tyranitar with a little previous damage from entry hazards or Life Orb. As such, teammates such as Latios, Deoxys-S, Espeon, or Gengar who fear of the stone dinosaur greatly benefit from Dugtrio. Teammates with significant weaknesses to Electric- or Rock-type Pokemon or attacks are also likely to benefit from Dugtrio. Some examples include Gyarados, Volcarona, Tornadus, and Thundurus. Dugtrio can also work well on Drought and Drizzle teams as a reliable way to remove the most common Sand Stream user from the match. As a bonus, Drought teams also rid Dugtrio of its Water-type weakness.</p>
<p>If there's one thing the team can do for Dugtrio, it's providing Stealth Rock. Stealth Rock support is especially important to Dugtrio, as it helps deter Flying-types from switching in during the match. On the other hand, Spikes support brings many grounded enemies into KO range. As such, Deoxys-S, Forretress, and Ferrothorn are all great teammates, as they can effectively provide both. In return, Dugtrio can destroy Tyranitar, who loves to switch in on supportive Deoxys-S variants. While not critically detrimental to its duties, Dugtrio also hates Spikes on its side of the battlefield, as it prevents it from surviving weak priority attacks and Pursuit. As such, a Magic Bounce Xatu is a great idea for a partner, and it additionally draws in Electric- and Rock-type attacks while keeping entry hazards off of the field. Magic Bounce Espeon may be used instead if it meshes better with the remainder of the team. Conveniently, both Xatu and Espeon greatly appreciate the removal of Tyranitar, which can allow them to run Hidden Power Fire over Hidden Power Fighting. Both Magic Bounce Xatu and Espeon are conveniently capable of reliably setting up dual screens, which can allow Dugtrio to handle a hit and successfully carry out 2HKOs. Rapid Spin support may be used instead, and Starmie, who can attract Electric-type attacks and handle many Levitating and Flying-type Pokemon, fits the role very well.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Memento is an interesting and rather exclusive option, if using a Life Orb. Thanks to team preview, Dugtrio often realizes when it has successfully done its job for the team. Afterwards, Dugtrio can often become dead weight compared to set-up sweepers. Conveniently, Memento allows a teammate to set up and sweep once Dugtrio has assassinated a certain threat. If using Memento, teammates such as Shell Smash Cloyster, Nasty Plot Thundurus, and Swords Dance Terrakion are grateful of the safe opportunity to set up.</p>
<p>Aerial Ace is also useful as the last move, as it can remove a team's weakness to Heracross, Breloom, or Virizion. Unfortunately, it has little utility outside of these threats. Rock Slide is an option over Stone Edge for higher accuracy and a useful flinch chance, but is strongly discouraged due to its weak Base Power uncomplimentary to Dugtrio’s modest Attack stat. As an illustration of its lesser Base Power, Rock Slide has the same Base Power as a resisted STAB Earthquake on Grass-type foes. Night Slash can easily replace Shadow Claw, as they have almost identical type coverage. However, while no Pokemon is immune to Night Slash, it is weak against the Fighting-types that plague the metagame. Chansey and Blissey are the only common Normal-types in the metagame, and a Choice Band Night Slash does not have the power to handle them, anyways. Night Slash also triggers the ability Justified, while Shadow Claw does not.</p>
<p>Hone Claws is Dugtrio's only Attack boosting move, and a set consisting of Hone Claws, Substitute, Earthquake, and Stone Edge can be used. Still, team preview will remind the opponent to remove Dugtrio before using a Choice-locked Electric-type attack. Encore support from a teammate such as Whimsicott can open opportunities to boost up, but lasts too few turns for Dugtrio to gain enough boosts to efficiently sweep. Air Balloon is also a surprising option on a Hone Claws set, in order to unexpectedly sneak into the fray on choice locked Ground-type attacks and easily boost to +6. Unfortunately, there are stronger, more reliable Ground-type sweepers, such as Excadrill and Landorus.</p>
<p>As previously described, an Adamant nature is tempting for Dugtrio, who is itching for any additional strength, but will unfortunately bring Dugtrio's maximum possible Speed down to that of a 105 base Speed Pokemon. This means that Dugtrio will now be outsped by any faster opponent (most notably Terrakion, Virizion, Starmie, Gengar, Raikou, +1 Speed Jolly Tyranitar, and so on), along with being forced to a Speed tie with Mienshao and Zoroark. If one opts to use an Adamant nature, a spread of 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe is best. However, it is greatly encouraged to select a Jolly nature.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf Dugtrio can overcome enemy Choice Scarf users and other +1 Speed enemies, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion or Choice Scarf Heatran. However, without Life Orb or Choice Band, it will lack the strength to KO many relevant enemies; in fact, Choice Scarf Dugtrio is unlikely to OHKO any opponent who does not receive super effective damage from Earthquake or Stone Edge. Additionally, Choice Scarf Dugtrio is still unable to use an Adamant nature, as Choice Scarf bearing threats such as Terrakion and Mienshao will still give it Speed troubles. For most teams, Wobbuffet is usually a better choice to reliably eliminate Choice Scarf threats.</p>
[Checks & Counters]
<p>By definition, Dugtrio does not essentially have any counters if it is revenge killing grounded enemies. However, it does have many opponents and obstacles to be wary of. As such, it is discouraged to employ Dugtrio as a revenge killer against Flying-type or Levitating Pokemon, who may freely switch out. Beware of the following confrontations…</p>
<p>Azumarill can effortlessly destroy Dugtrio with Aqua Jet. Skarmory can come in with its near impenetrable Defense and throw down Spikes as Dugtrio flees. An Ice Shard from Mamoswine and Weavile can slaughter Dugtrio, while the latter often wields a powerful Pursuit as well. Dragonite's Life Orb ExtremeSpeed has an 87.17% chance to KO a full-health Dugtrio, and is also immune to Ground-type attacks and Arena Trap. Bronzong is immune to Earthquake and Arena Trap, resistant to Stone Edge, and its high Defense stat lets it handle Sucker Punch, Pursuit, and Shadow Claw while it flattens Dugtrio with Gyro Ball. Dugtrio is not going to defeat Hippowdon or Gliscor anytime soon, due to their reliable recovery and high Defense. Porygon2 can use Trace to copy Arena Trap, and utilize its great bulk and reliable recovery to fire an Ice Beam and take Dugtrio down. Without Aerial Ace, Breloom and Virizion are resistant to most of its attacks.</p>
<p>Anything faster than Dugtrio can generally kill it with a neutral STAB attack. A common mistake that can spell death for Dugtrio is switching into an opponent which is unexpectedly Scarfed. It is vital to watch for the presence of Life Orb damage or Leftovers recovery when using Dugtrio. As such, sandstorm support from Tyranitar can also cause Leftovers to reveal itself, in case Stealth Rock is not on the field.</p>
<p>More so for Choice Band Dugtrio than for Life Orb Dugtrio, Air Balloon dramatically hinders Dugtrio's presence, as the common Air Balloon users (such as Excadrill, Heatran, and other Steel-type Pokemon) may easily endure any of Dugtrio's other moves, and faint Dugtrio with a STAB attack.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Dugtrio gains Sand Force as its ability through the Dream World. While this is a fantastic ability for a Ground-type Pokemon, Dugtrio loses its niche as an amazing abuser of Arena Trap. Switching to Sand Force would also cause Excadrill and Landorus to utterly outclass Dugtrio as a sandstorm sweeper.</p>
