RU Feraligatr [QC: 3/3] [GP: 2/2]

Overview
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Feraligatr is a powerful setup sweeper, with Dragon Dance increasing the power of its moves to immense levels and boosting its Speed. Another option Feraligatr has is Swords Dance, which bolsters Feraligatr's Attack even more than Dragon Dance does. Feraligatr's STAB moves, Waterfall and Aqua Jet, are insanely powerful when Feraligatr dips into Torrent range as well. Its typing is good in general, giving it many resistances and only two weaknesses. Feraligatr's movepool is quite large, with access to moves such as Ice Punch and Earthquake; this adds a level of versatility and unpredictability to Feraligatr. Feraligatr really shines as a wallbreaker against stall teams thanks to its impressive power that enables it to break through many common defensive threats, such as Audino and Aromatisse. However, Feraligatr has a mediocre Speed stat which leaves a lot to be desired. Feraligatr's bulk is passable, but it really isn't that fantastic. Feraligatr tends to attract status, especially Will-O-Wisp, which completely cripples it, cutting its Attack stat in half. Sheer Force, Feraligatr's Hidden Ability, is still unreleased, forcing Feraligatr to run Torrent.

Dragon Dance
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name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Ice Punch / Crunch
move 4: Earthquake / Crunch
ability: Torrent
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack and Speed, transforming it into a powerful and fast threat. Waterfall is the STAB move of choice thanks to its reliability and power; it has great coverage all on its own and hits prominent stall threats such as Meloetta and Aromatisse quite hard. Both of these aforementioned Pokemon also have a lower Defense stat, which Feraligatr can prey on. Ice Punch hits Grass-types, such as Amoonguss and Virizion, which resist Feraligatr's STAB moves. Earthquake nets nice coverage, hitting Electric-type switch-ins, and is also a very reliable move with a high Base Power. Another viable option is Crunch, as it allows Feraligatr to break through Jellicent and Slowking, which otherwise wall Feraligatr. Finally, Return can be used, as it also hits Slowking, along with other bulky Water-types like Alomomola and Qwilfish, although the latter is hit hard by Earthquake anyway.

Set Details
========

The listed EVs aim to make Feraligatr as fast and as powerful as it can possibly be. A bulkier spread could be run to ease setup, but this is not recommended because Dragon Dance Feraligatr should focus more on power and Speed instead of bulk. 4 Defense EVs allow Feraligatr to take minimum entry hazard damage. A Jolly nature is used to outspeed Jolteon at +1, which Feraligatr fails to do if running an Adamant nature. An Adamant nature could be used if paired with Dugtrio to eliminate Jolteon, but it's generally advised to run Jolly for the extra Speed. Lum Berry is the preferred item, as it saves Feraligatr from a status affliction once. This is extremely useful against bulkier Pokemon that often spread status, such as Aromatisse, to enable Feraligatr to set up with ease. Lum Berry also shields Feraligatr from two common status moves, Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, which completely cripple Feraligatr otherwise. A Life Orb is also viable because of its increased damage output, but Lum Berry is often more beneficial in the long run.

Usage Tips
========

Feraligatr is best saved until later in the match when all possible revenge killers are taken out or weakened, or when Feraligatr has enough HP to stomach a hit from revenge killers. A general rule of thumb is to never set up until later in the match, as Feraligatr is quite strong even without boosts. Just attacking lets Feraligatr fake a Swords Dance set. Another thing to be careful about is the setting up itself. Setting up at inopportune times can create free turns for the opponent. Perhaps the most important thing when setting up is to never be greedy. Getting up one Dragon Dance is often enough, and while trying to set up more, Feraligatr could be KOed.

Team Options
========

Knock Off support is useful, as it removes Choice Scarf from any Pokemon that might be carrying it and weakens Pokemon in the process; it also remove Leftovers, many bulky Pokemon's form of recovery, making for an easier time for Feraligatr to sweep. Some Pokemon that can provide Knock Off support include Hitmonlee and Mega Banette. Rotom-C has nice synergy and cripples bulkier Pokemon by Tricking them a Choice Scarf and removing their Leftovers. Rotom-C is also a good partner because it can bring in Feraligatr with a safe Volt Switch, which also has an added benefit of hurting Water-types. Entry hazard support from Omastar is useful to wear down bulkier Pokemon as they switch in. Registeel is another hazard setter that works well, being able to spread Thunder Wave to slow down faster threats.

Bulky Swords Dance
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name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Aqua Jet
move 4: Return / Ice Punch
ability: Torrent
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry / Mystic Water
evs: 196 HP / 252 Atk / 60 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Feraligatr's Attack. With this boost, it can utilize Waterfall, a very powerful and reliable STAB move with a chance to flinch, to great effect. Aqua Jet is a priority move which allows Feraligatr to hit faster Pokemon and pick off weakened opponents. Return is a powerful and reliable move, and gets great coverage all around, hitting Water- and Grass-types that resist Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves. Ice Punch is another viable coverage option to hits Grass- and Dragon-types for super effective damage. Ice Punch does have a notable power difference from Return, however. Finally, Crunch is a viable option in the last moveslot, hitting Jellicent and Slowking especially hard and coming with a neat chance to lower Defense.

Set Details
========

This set takes a bulkier approach to Feraligatr to aid in setup and allows it to take some hits in the process. Running max Attack and an Adamant nature is necessary to increase Feraligatr's power. Running 60 Speed EVs enable Feraligatr to outspeed 0 Speed Gligar and hit it before Gligar can land a Toxic. From here, the rest of the EVs are invested into HP for greatest all-around bulk. There are many items that are viable and work well, but the one that stands out is Leftovers, as it provides passive healing which helps Feraligatr set up. It also allows Feraligatr to recover health from hits it might have previously taken in hopes of gaining another chance to set up. Lum Berry is also a viable option thanks to its ability to save Feraligatr from status, but it can only be used once. Finally, Mystic Water is a viable option, boosting Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves without causing recoil. Speaking of recoil, it is not advised to run Life Orb, which really compromises Feraligatr's bulk.

Usage Tips
========

This set is best used on bulky offense or stall teams, as Swords Dance provides sheer wallbreaking power. It allows Feraligatr to break down bulkier threats such as Aromatisse and Bronzong. When using Leftovers, try to avoid status as best you can. Toxic sets Feraligatr's lifespan on a timer, while Will-O-Wisp completely neuters its attacks; however, if Lum Berry is run, Feraligatr can be more lenient. Do keep in mind, however, that Lum Berry can only be used once, so do not waste it. One important thing that Feraligatr can set up on is Alomomola, which Feraligatr can break through at +4 with Return. It isn't exactly hard to get to +4 versus Alomomola, which is a neat thing that Feraligatr can boast about. Prediction is key when it comes to Aqua Jet. Some faster foes might expect Aqua Jet and try to tank it; using Waterfall in this situation is often more beneficial.

Team Options
========

Feraligatr works well with partners that appreciate its wallbreaking capacity; this includes Pokemon like Jolteon that are strong but just not quite strong enough to break through some bulkier Pokemon. Fletchinder has decent synergy with Feraligatr and also enjoys bulkier Pokemon being weakened a bit. Fletchinder also resists Grass-type attacks and beats all relevant Grass-types; however, Fletchinder and Feraligatr do share an Electric-type weakness. Amoonguss resists both of Feraligatr's weaknesses and also provides Spore support, which gives Feraligatr a much easier time in setting up. Entry hazards, further wear down bulkier Pokemon for Feraligatr and its teammates. Cobalion is a neat partner in this regard thanks to its ability to set Stealth Rock and also take advantage of bulkier Pokemon being worn down by Feraligatr. Spikes from Omastar is good as well, but it stacks weaknesses with Feraligatr.

Other Options
########

Agility could be used to patch up Feraligatr's subpar Speed stat, but it's not very strong or reliable, and Dragon Dance outclasses it for the most part. Superpower can be used to break through Lickilicky and Audino more easily, but coverage-wise, Earthquake hits most relevant threats harder and Waterfall breaks through Normal-types quite easily. Substitute is useful to block status and ease set up, but this limits coverage severely and Feraligatr will get worn down too quickly. Dragon Tail is a neat option to force switches, but Feraligatr cannot properly utilize it because it's not bulky enough. Dragon Tail does have a unique niche in that it forces any unfavorable switch-ins out, but it's not reliable. Iron Tail is an option to smack Granbull and Aromatisse, but its accuracy isn't great and Waterfall does well enough anyways. Block is a very interesting option to trap Pokemon that have an unfavorable matchup and set up in their face. Ice Beam could be used to smack physically defensive Grass-types, but it's fairly weak coming off Feraligatr's measly 79 Special Attack stat. Aerial Ace is an usable option thanks to its coverage against both Grass- and Fighting-types such as Virizion and Abomasnow; however, it's fairly weak otherwise. Finally, Toxic is neat to wear down Alomomola quickly and catch most things off guard.

Checks & Counters
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**Grass- & Electric-types**: Grass- and Electric-type Pokemon such as Virizion and Jolteon have super effective attacks to dispose of Feraligatr. The aforementioned Pokemon are both faster than Feraligatr as well, meaning they can revenge kill Feraligatr. Some frailer Electric-types do have to watch out for +2 Aqua Jet, such as Jolteon.

**Status**: All forms of status are a huge detriment to Feraligatr, especially Will-O-Wisp. Will-O-Wisp neuters Feraligatr's Attack stat, while Toxic halts Feraligatr's sweep by setting its life on a timer. Thunder Wave is a bother, as the paralysis chance can leave Feraligatr very vulnerable. Lum Berry is Feraligatr's one-time ticket to safety when hit from status, but it leaves Feraligatr without an item and can only be used once.

**Water-types**: Water-types resist Feraligatr's STAB attacks, and many have the bulk to sponge Feraligatr's coverage. Jellicent, in particular, is completely immune to Waterfall and is not hit hard by any of Feraligatr's coverage, bar Crunch. On top of this, Jellicent can burn Feraligatr, neutering its Attack. Some other bulky Water-types that trouble Feraligatr include Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Slowking, although the latter can also be handled through Crunch.

**Heliolisk**: Heliolisk gets a special mention because it's a great check to Swords Dance sets and unboosted Dragon Dance sets. Thanks to its ability, Dry Skin, Heliolisk is completely immune to Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves and can massively dent Feraligatr with Thunderbolt. Heliolisk can even use Feraligatr to gain momentum through Volt Switch, but bulky Feraligatr can live the hit.

Unreleased
########

Sadly, Feraligatr's Hidden Ability, Sheer Force, is unreleased. Sheer Force is a massive buff to Feraligatr, increasing the power of Waterfall, some of its coverage, and allowing for recoilless Life Orb on certain moves. It's not known when, or even if Sheer Force will be released, as Game Freak has given us no indication of releasing it any time soon. However, when it does happen to be released, you better use it while you can!
Overview
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Feraligatr is very powerful after a Dragon Dance boost, increasing the power of its Waterfall to immense levels and boosting its Speed on top of this; Feraligatr also has powerful STAB priority in Aqua Jet. Another option it can utilize to boost is Swords Dance, which bolsters Feraligatr's Attack to even more threatening levels. Both of these moves are insanely power when Feraligatr dips into Torrent range as well. Its typing is good in general, giving it many resistances and only two weaknesses. Feraligatr's movepool is quite large with moves such as Ice Punch and Earthquake as coverage. This coverage adds a level of versatility and unpredictability as well. Feraligatr really shines as a wallbreaker versus stall teams thanks to its impressive power that enables it to break through many common stall threats such as Audino and Aromatisse. However, Feraligatr has very average Speed which leaves a lot to be desired. Feraligatr's bulk is passable, but it really isn't that fantastic. Feraligatr tends to attract status, especially Will-O-Wisp, which completely cripples it by cutting its Attack stat in half. Sheer Force, Feraligatr's Hidden Ability, is still unreleased, forcing Feraligatr to run Torrent as well.

Dragon Dance
########
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Ice Punch / Crunch
move 4: Earthquake / Crunch
ability: Torrent
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========

Dragon Dance simultaneously boosts Feraligatr's Attack and Speed, transforming it into a very powerful and fast threat. Waterfall is the STAB move of choice thanks to its reliability and power. Waterfall has great coverage all on its own and hits prominent stall threats like Meloetta and Aromatisse quite hard. Both of these aforementioned Pokemon also have a lower Defense stat, which Feraligatr can pray on. Ice Punch hits Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Virizion that resist Feraligatr's STAB moves. Earthquake nets nice coverage all-around, hitting Electric-type switch ins. Earthquake is also a very reliable move with a high base power. Another viable option is Crunch. Crunch is a nice move in general because it allows Feraligatr to break through Jellicent and Slowking, the former of which completely walls Feraligatr otherwise. Finally, Return is always a great move thanks to its high power and reliability. Return is notable because it also hits Slowking, along with other bulky Water-types like Alomomola and Qwilfish, although the latter is hit hard by Earthquake anyways.

Set Details
========

The listed EVs aim to increase Feraligatr's Attack and Speed stats as much as possible to make it as fast and as powerful as it can possibly be. A bulkier spread could be run to ease setup, although this is not recommended because Dragon Dance Feraligatr should focus more on power and Speed versus bulk. Four Defense EVs is a very tiny change, but it allows Feraligatr to take minimum entry hazard damage versus running four HP EVs. A Jolly nature is specifically chosen to outspeed Jolteon at +1, which Feraligatr fails to do if running an Adamant nature. An Adamant nature could see use if paired with Dugtrio to eliminate Jolteon, but it's generally advised to run Jolly for the extra Speed. Lum Berry is the preferred item to use because it saves Feraligatr from a status affliction once. This is extremely useful versus bulkier Pokemon that often spread status like Aromatisse to enable Feraligatr to set up without fear. Lum Berry also shields Feraligatr from two important status move: Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, which completely cripple Feraligatr otherwise. A Life Orb is also viable because of its increased damage output, but Lum Berry is often more beneficial in the long run.

Usage Tips
========

Feraligatr is best saved until later in the match when all possible revenge killers are taken out or weakened, or where Feraligatr has enough HP to stomach a hit from supposed revenge killers. This basically means: do not set up if there is a potential Choice Scarf user, as these can revenge kill +1 Ferliagatr often, causing you to lose Feraligatr. A general rule of thumb is to never set up until later in the match, Feraligatr is still plenty strong as it is. Just because it has a set up move does not need you have to use it every time Feraligatr comes in, just attacking is often a great idea too. Attacking also means that Feraligatr can bluff a Swords Dance set as well, not revealing the setup option can create mind games as well. Another thing to be careful about is the setting up itself. Setting up at inopportune times can create free turns for the opponent where they can set up themselves or switch. Perhaps the most important thing when setting up is greed. Never be greedy with your set up. Getting up one Dragon Dance is often good, do not try and get up six, it's not going to work and Feraligatr will be lost in the process.

Team Options
========

Knock Off support is very beneficial to most Pokemon, but Feraligatr stands out of these Pokemon that enjoy the support it provides. This is because Knock Off removes Choice Scarf from any Pokemon that might be carrying it, while weakening Pokemon in the process. It's also important to note that Knock Off removes Leftovers, many bulkier Pokemon's form of passive recovery, allowing them to be worn down much quicker and easier; this makes for an easier time for Feraligatr to sweep. Some Pokemon that can provide this Knock Off support include Hitmonlee or Mega Banette. Rotom-Mow has nice synergy and cripples bulkier Pokemon by Tricking them a Choice Scarf and removing their Leftovers. Rotom-Mow is also a good partner because it can bring in Feraligatr with a safe Volt Switch, which also has an added benefit of hurting Water-types. Entry hazard support from Omastar is neat to wear down bulkier Pokemon as they switch in. Registeel is also another hazard setter that works well because it can spread Thunder Wave to slow down faster threats.

Bulky Swords Dance
########
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Aqua Jet
move 4: Return / Ice Punch
ability: Torrent
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry / Mystic Water
evs: 196 HP / 252 Atk / 60 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Swords Dance amps up Feraligatr's Attack to very threatening levels. With this boost, it can utilize Waterfall, a very powerful and reliable STAB move. A unique trait of Waterfall is its possibility to flinch, and although it shouldn't be counted on, is still a neat side effect. Aqua Jet seems a bit redundant with Waterfall because they're the same type, but Aqua Jet is very useful because it has priority. This allows Feraligatr to hit faster Pokemon and pick off weakened opponents. Return gets great coverage all around, hitting Water- and Grass-types that resist Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves. Return's power is also quite high and comes with reliability. Ice Punch is another viable coverage option to hits Grass- and Dragon-types. Ice Punch does have a notable power difference from Return, so keep this in mind. Finally, Crunch is a viable option in the last moveslot. Crunch hits Jellicent and Slowking especially hard and comes with a neat chance to lower Defense. The coverage Crunch provides is also quite nice; it really all depends on your teams specific needs.

Set Details
========

This set takes a bulkier approach to Feraligatr to aid in setup and allow it to take some hits in the process. Running max Attack is necessary to increase Feraligatr's power, this is also the reason why an Adamant nature is chosen. Running 60 Speed EVs enable Feraligatr to outspeed 0 Speed Gligar and hit it before Gligar can land a Toxic. From here, the rest is invested into HP for greatest all-around bulk. There are many items that are viable and work well, but the one that stands out is Leftovers. Leftovers provides passive healing which helps Feraligatr set up. Leftovers is nice as well because it slowly recovers health from hits it may have previously taken in hopes of gaining another chance to set up. Lum Berry is also quite as viable thanks to its ability to save Feraligatr from status, although it is a one-time thing; hopefully one time is enough. Finally, Mystic Water is a viable option because it boosts Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves without causing recoil. Speaking of recoil, it is not advised to run Life Orb because it really compromises Feraligatr's bulk.

Usage Tips
========

First and foremost, Feraligatr is best used bulky offense or stall teams because Swords Dance provides sheer wall breaking power. Swords Dance allows Feraligatr to break down bulkier threats such as Aromatisse and Bronzong which not many physical attackers care to boast. When using Leftovers, try to avoid status as best you can. Toxic sets Feraligatr's lifespan on a timer, while Will-O-Wisp completely neuters its attacks; however, if Lum Berry is being run, then Feraligatr can be a bit more lenient. Do keep in mind, however, that Lum Berry is a one-time thing so do not waste it. One important thing that Feraligatr can set up on is Alomomola. Alomomola claims to wall almost all physical attackers, but Feraligatr can actually break through at +4 with Return. It isn't exactly hard to get to +4 versus Alomomola, which is a neat thing that Feraligatr can boast about. Prediction is key when it comes to Aqua Jet. Some faster foes may suspect Aqua Jet and except to tank it, using Waterfall in this situation is often much more beneficial.

Team Options
========

Feraligatr works well with partners that appreciate its wall breaking capacity. This means any Pokemon such as Jolteon that are strong but just not quite strong enough to break through some bulkier Pokemon. Fletchinder has decent synergy with Feraligatr and also enjoys bulkier Pokemon being weakened a bit. Fletchinder also resists Grass-type attacks and beats all relevant Grass-types; however, Fletchinder and Feraligatr do share an Electric-type weakness. Amoonguss resists both of Feraligatr's weaknesses and also provides Sleep support, which gives Feraligatr a much easier time in setting up. A very important partner isn't a Pokemon itself, but support from other Pokemon. This support comes in the form of entry hazards, which further wear down bulkier Pokemon for Feraligatr and its teammates. Cobalion is a neat partner in this regard thanks to its ability to set Stealth Rock and also take advantage of bulkier Pokemon being worn down by Feraligatr. Spikes from Omastar is good as well, but do be warned that Omastar stacks weaknesses with Feraligatr.

Other Options
########

Agility could be used to patch up Feraligatr's not-so-great Speed stat, but it's not very strong or reliable and Dragon Dance outclasses it for the most part. Superpower can be used to break through Lickilicky and Audino easier, but coverage-wise Earthquake hits most relevant threats harder and Waterfall breaks through Normal-types quite well as it is. Substitute is neat to block status and ease set up, but this limits coverage severely and Feraligatr will get worn down too quickly. Dragon Tail is a neat option to force switches, but Feraligatr cannot properly utilize it because it's not exactly bulky. Dragon Tail does have a unique niche in that it forces any unfavorable switch ins out, but it's not reliable. Iron Tail is an option to smack Granbull and Aromatisse but its accuracy isn't great and Waterfall does well enough anyways. Block is a very interesting option to trap Pokemon that have an unfavorable matchup and set up in their face. Ice Beam could see use to smack physically defensive Grass-types, but its fairly weak coming off of Feraligatr's measly 79 Special Attack stat. Aerial Ace is an ok option thanks to its coverage against Fighting-types like Virizion, it also hits Mega Abomasnow; however, it's fairly weak otherwise. Finally, Toxic is neat to wear down Alomomola quickly and catch most things off guard.

Checks & Counters
########

**Grass- & Electric-types**: Grass- and Electric-type Pokemon such as Virizion and Jolteon have super effective attacks to dispose of Feraligatr with. Grass-type Pokemon also resist Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves. The aforementioned Pokemon are both faster than Feraligatr as well, meaning they can revenge kill +0 Feraligatr. Some frailer Electric-types do have to watch out for +2 Aqua Jet, like Jolteon for example.

**Status**: All forms of status are a huge detriment to Feraligatr, the worst being Will-O-Wisp. Will-O-Wisp from the likes of Mega Banette neuter Feraligatr's Attack stat, while Toxic from Alomomola halts Feraligatr's sweep by setting its life on a timer. Thunder Wave is a bother, really, as the paralysis chance can leave Feraligatr very vulnerable. Lum Berry is Feraligatr's one-time ticket to safety when hit from status, but it leaves Feraligatr without an item and can only be used once.

**Water-types**: Water-types resist Feraligatr's STAB attacks while many have the bulk to sponge Feraligatr's coverage. Jellicent stands out in particular because it is completely immune to Waterfall and is not hit hard by any of Feraligatr's coverage bar Crunch. On top of this, Jellicent threatens to burn Feraligatr. Some other bulky Water-types that trouble Feraligatr include Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Slowking, although the latter can also be handled through Crunch.

**Heliolisk**: Heliolisk gets a special mention because it's a great check to Swords Dance sets and unboosted Dragon Dance sets. Thanks to its ability, Water Absorb, Heliolisk is completely immune to Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves. In return, Heliolisk puts a massive dent into Feraligatr with Thunderbolt. Heliolisk can even use Feraligatr to gain up momentum through the use of Volt Switch, although it has a very tiny chance to not KO bulkier sets.

Unreleased
########

Sadly, Feraligatr's Hidden Ability, Sheer Force, is unreleased. Sheer Force is a massive buff to Feraligatr, increasing the power of Waterfall, some of its coverage, and allowing for recoilless Life Orb on certain moves. It's not known when, or even if Sheer Force will be released, as Game Freak has given us no indication of releasing it any time soon. However, when it does happen to be released, you better use it while you can!
Overview
########
  • Pros:
    • Swords Dance and STAB priority is really good.
    • Cool typing with nice resistances and only two weaknesses.
    • Somewhat wide movepool with coverage such as Ice Punch and Earthquake.
    • Does well against bulkier teams to punch holes with Waterfall.
  • Cons:
    • Not that amazing bulk.
    • Average Speed.
    • Prone to status, attracting Will-O-Wisp.
    • Sheer Force is unreleased (;;).
    • Torrent is fairly useless otherwise because of this.
Dragon Dance
########
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Ice Punch / Crunch
move 4: Earthquake / Crunch
ability: Torrent
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========
  • Dragon Dance patches up Feraligatr's Speed stat and also boosts its Attack stat to threatening levels.
  • Waterfall is a consistent STAB move.
  • Ice Punch gets nice coverage and nails Grass-types.
  • Crunch hits Jellicent and Slowking, which Feraligatr's other options don't.
  • Earthquake gets nice neutral coverage and hits Magneton and other Steel-types especially hard.
  • Return gets nice coverage as well.

Set Details
========
  • EVs give max Speed / Attack.
  • An Adamant nature is an ok idea to make Feraligatr more powerful, however, it misses out on outspeeding Jolteon with an Adamant nature, which is crucial.
  • Lum Berry allows for easier setup while Life Orb bolsters Feraligatr's power.

Usage Tips
========
  • Feraligatr should only attempt to set up should all Choice Scarf users be taken out / weakened.
  • If you know that the opponent carries a potential Choice Scarf user, do not set up.
  • Be careful when setting up in general, as Feraligatr isn't extremely powerful without Swords Dance.
  • The most important thing to remember is to not be greedy, as setting up at bad times could lead to losing Feraligatr.

Team Options
========
  • Knock Off support from Zoroark is cool to weaken bulkier Pokemon by removing their Leftovers and also removing Choice Scarfs.
  • Rotom-Mow cripples bulkier Pokemon with Trick, can bring in Feraligatr on a safe Volt Switch and can also break down bulky Water-types with either of its STAB moves.
  • Hazard support is nice to wear down bulkier Pokemon.
  • Registeel is good for this because it can set Stealth Rock and spread Thunder Wave, which is very beneficial.
Bulky Swords Dance
########
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Aqua Jet
move 4: Return / Ice Punch
ability: Torrent
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry / Mystic Water
evs: 196 HP / 252 Atk / 60 Spe
nature: Adamant

Moves
========
  • Swords Dance bolsters Feraligatr's Attack to threatening levels.
  • Waterfall is a powerful consistent STAB move.
  • Aqua Jet has priority, hitting faster Pokemon like Hitmonlee hard.
  • Return gets great neutral coverage alongside Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves.
  • Ice Punch also gets good coverage and hits Grass-types super effectively.
  • Crunch is great for Jellicent.

Set Details
========
  • Enough EVs to outspeed the standard 0 Spe Gligar.
  • The other EVs are allocated into Attack for maximum power, with the rest being put into HP for bulk.
  • Leftovers allow for constant recovery and aids in setting up at times.
  • Lum Berry cures Feraligatr from any crippling status, although it can be used only once; however, this is usually enough.
  • Adamant nature is chosen because it increases Feraligatr's damage output.

Usage Tips
========
  • Feraligatr is best used versus bulkier teams because it beats through common threats such as Aromatisse and Bronzong.
  • If Leftovers is used, avoid status as much as possible, as Toxic wears it down quickly and Will-O-Wisp flat out cripples it; however, if Lum Berry is chosen, this can become a bit more lenient, although it isn't recommended to just waste it.
  • Feraligatr can actually break down Alomomola, as +4 Return 2HKOes it, so don't forget this.
  • Against some faster threats expecting an Aqua Jet, it is better to flat out use Waterfall in these scenarios.

Team Options
========
  • Partners that appreciate the weakening of bulkier Pokemon like Jolteon enjoy being accompanied by Feraligatr.
  • Fletchinder enjoys the opposition being weakened and resists Grass-type attacks for Feraligatr, do be warned, however, as this stacks an Electric-type weakness.
  • Amoonguss resists both of Feraligatr's weaknesses and can put the opponent to Sleep to allow Feraligatr an easier time of setting up.
  • Hazards are greatly appreciated to help break down some bulkier threats such as the aforementioned Alomomola. Cobalion can set Stealth Rock and enjoys bulkier Pokemon being worn down.

Other Options
########
  • Aerial Ace nets nice coverage against Fighting-types like Gurdurr and also hits Mega Abomasnow, but it's fairly weak otherwise.
  • Agility can be used, but it's terribly weak.
  • Brick Break gets nice coverage, but is often outclassed by other coverage.
  • Substitute aids in setting up, but then coverage is limited.
  • Dragon Tail forces switches, but Feraligatr is not bulky enough to utilize it.
  • Iron Tail hits Fairy-types like Granbull and Aromatisse extremely hard, but its accuracy is shaky and the coverage sucks otherwise.
  • Block is cool to trap unfavorable matchups and set up.
  • Ice Beam catches physically defensive Grass-types off guard, but it's weak.
  • Finally, Toxic is kind of cool to wear down Alomomola quickly.

Checks & Counters
########
  • Grass- & Electric-types: Super effective attacks, ofc. Virizion, Tangrowth, Eelektross, etc.
  • Status: Cripples with burn / t-wave, etc.
  • Water-types: Alomomola and Gastrodon sponge its STAB moves while Jellicent flat out completely walls it.
  • Heliolisk: Great check to SD sets thanks to Water Absorb and KOes in return w/ Thunderbolt.
  • Jellicent: Immune / resistant to all of Feraligatr's attacks bar Crunch.
Unreleased
########
  • Sheer Force is godly
  • Unreleased sadly ;;
  • will make Feraligatr 2strong for RU
  • Recoilless Waterfall :D
  • Yeah, broken as hell
  • May never come out
Offensive Swords Dance
########
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Aqua Jet
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Ice Punch
ability: Torrent
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb / Mystic Water
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

Moves
========
  • Swords Dance makes Feraligatr very powerful after a boost.
  • Aqua Jet is very important to hit faster Pokemon hard and pick off weakened foes, it also out-prioritizes Fletchinder, which is important.
  • Waterfall is a consistent STAB move that hits very hard.
  • Ice Punch hits the Grass- and Dragon-types that resist Feraligatr's Water-type STAB moves.
  • Return can see of use to break through bulky Water-types.

Set Details
========
  • EVs maximize Feraligatr's offensive potential to make it as fast and powerful as possible.
  • Lum Berry ensures Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp do not cripple it, but be warned, however, that it is a one-time only thing.
  • Life Orb increases Feraligatr's damage output greatly.
  • Jolly is chosen over Adamant so Feraligatr can get the jump on slower Pokemon and offensive Pokemon that are not invested.

Usage Tips
========
  • This Feraligatr takes a more offensive approach and aims to set up late game and sweep quickly versus breaking early game.
  • Try to set up on Pokemon Feraligatr forces out like Rhyperior.
  • Aqua Jet is somewhat easy to predict, so sometimes just flat out using Waterfall can be much more beneficial.
  • Be cautious around status, even with Lum Berry, as it is a one-time thing.

Team Options
========
  • Rotom-Mow can bring in Feraligatr with Volt Switch and resists both of Feraligatr's weaknesses.
  • Choice Specs Delphox has nice synergy and can wall break early game for Feraligatr.
  • Hazard support from Rhyperior or Cobalion is helpful so Feraligatr can break through bulkier Pokemon.
  • Mega Abomasnow is a neat wallbreaker that has cool synergy with Feraligatr.
  • Hazard removal is very helpful should Life Orb be used, making Hitmonlee a good Rapid Spin partner or Defog from Gligar.
  • Similarly, keeping Feraligatr alive with Wish from the likes of Aromatisse can lengthen its life and allow it more times to try to sweep.
 
Last edited:

Molk

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alright, gonna drop by for a second.

Slash Mystic Water on both Swords Dance sets, Mystic Water gives a similar boost to Life Orb on both Waterfall and Aqua Jet, the two attacks that you'll be using most often, but unlike Life Orb doesn't give any recoil damage, which works much better with Gatr's good bulk, not to mention it keeps you in Torrent range instead of eventually making you kill yourself.

What do the HP EVs on Feraligatr's Dragon Dance set do .____. I know it might seem a little nitpicky but honestly i'm not really a big fan of adding more bulk to offensive Pokemon (especially ones holding Life Orb) unless the HP actually does anything. This was a big problem last generation where a ton of Pokemon had random bulk investment for absolutely no reason, in some cases actually hurting the mon instead of helping it (Magmortar had random hp evs that actually limited the amount of times it could switch into SR). Running max speed on DD Feraligatr means that you speed tie with other gatr at worst, and also means that you outrun Adamant Hitmonlee at +0 (important mon that you really dont want to be slower than).

On Feraligatr's DD set i'd also remove the Aqua Jet slash. You say that it's good for opposing priority, but in my personal opinion DD Feraligatr needs all the coverage it can get to make itself stand out from the SD set, and its more than bulky enough to take most priority moves anyway =/. Personally, the set that i'd put for DD Feraligatr is something along the lines of this.

Feraligatr @ Life Orb
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Ice Punch / Crunch
- Earthquake / Crunch

Remove Jolteon from checks and counters. The DD set outspeeds it at +1 and KOs it with Water STAB/EQ. While the SD set just OHKOs it with +2 Aqua Jet after Stealth Rock. Maybe replace it with Heliolisk which is a great check to the SD set and performs the same as Jolteon against the DD set.

TBH the fact that Crunch isn't mentioned at all in a single set is kinda strange. I'd add it to at least moves in all sets, given it hits Slowking quite hard and also hits Jellicent who flat out walls you otherwise.
 
Molk, I inputted all of that. My main issue with Crunch is that it hits really only Jellicent. Slowking, even 252/252+ variants, are 2HKOed by +2 Return making Crunch not as necessary.
 

Molk

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[21:06] <&MoIk> oh btw on gatr
[21:07] <&MoIk> thoughts on set order?
[21:07] <&MoIk> i need to post irc logs etc for this
[21:07] <&MoIk> i'm thinking DD first just because it has no competition there
[21:07] <%funbro> y
[21:07] <&MoIk> where with both SD sets rott and to an extent kabu overshadow it
[21:07] <%NEWBREED> dd first imo
[21:07] <%funbro> if ur going to use sd gatr
[21:08] <%funbro> then u should take advantage of bulk
[21:08] <%funbro> so only bulky sd should stay imo
[21:08] <%funbro> and ye dd first
 

atomicllamas

but then what's left of me?
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On Bulky SD you can't say enough speed for 8 EV x, as that is considered creep and not allowed in analyses, fortunately, 8 Spe Fletchinder is the same as 0 Spe Gligar, so just change your bench mark to that (same EV spread)

Remove EQ from OO, its on a set

QC approved 1/3
 
If you're going to mention sd in the overview and not dd, it's giving me the reader the idea that sd is the better set. But you have ddance as the first set, so idk which should be fixed
 
Aerial Ace is a very viable option thanks to its coverage against Fighting-types like Gurdurr
Except it sucks and Gurdurr is hit as hard by Waterfall
I'd mention Superpower over Brick Break too lol
 

EonX

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unfixable, sorry about the delay with this.

- Keep set order as is for now. The bulkier state of the meta certainly makes DD and SD nearly equally viable. If it's deemed later that it should be changed, we can do that via SCMS.
- Talk a little about Dragon Dance in the Overview since DD Gatr is a thing (obviously)
- 79 Special Attack, not 89 ;)

QC Approved 3/3
 

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