ZU Floatzel [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2] (DONE)

[Oathkeeper]

[OVERVIEW]
Floatzel establishes itself as one of the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its great attacking stats, excellent Speed tier, two decent abilities, access to wide coverage with Ice- and Fighting-type moves, and ability to run physical, special, and mixed sets effectively. Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature, outspeeding most of the unboosted metagame. This trait also cements it as a niche revenge killer for Pokemon like Komala and Golem. Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that can outspeed it like +2 Combusken. Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna, which can avoid grounded entry hazards, clear them away with Defog at the same time, and deal with Poliwrath and Gourgeist-XL with its secondary STAB move. While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. With a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is vulnerable to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch. Spamming its STAB moves is not easy to do given how many checks there are to Water-type moves like Shiftry, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Dragon. While it may be fast, Floatzel is outsped by Choice Scarf Electivire and Silvally, which are able to OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. It even gets outsped and OHKOed by fast unboosted Pokemon like Zebstrika and Electrode.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim / Water Veil
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Floatzel's strongest special STAB move that allows it to OHKO threats such as Pinsir. Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Poliwrath, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, and Kecleon, all of which can easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them. With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Combusken and Ninjask.

Set Details
========
A Naive nature combined with an EV spread of 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe allows Floatzel to outspeed Raichu, Zebstrika, and Jumpluff and hit hard. Swift Swim is preferred over Water Veil, since it gives Floatzel a better matchup against Z-Rain Dance Swanna, whereas Water Veil is useless on a set based around mostly special attacks.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and it can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea. Furthermore, Floatzel must be wary of getting chipped down over time from entry hazards. Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not only can it revenge kill faster Pokemon, but it can also take out some setup sweepers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Simisear. Utilizing Floatzel's great Speed tier to take down Pokemon like Rapidash, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour with its coverage moves is also a good idea. Floatzel can also beat Pokemon that have poor Special Defense stats such as Granbull, Mawile, and Avalugg.

Team Options
========
Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear is beneficial. As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and leaves it susceptible to being OHKOed by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. Thus, it appreciates having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, or Machoke. Coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes can wear Floatzel down quickly, so entry hazard control from a teammate such as Komala, Altaria, or Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. Having entry hazards of your own is also a good idea, since Floatzel's Special Attack is not the best. Great entry hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile. Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky and Mr. Mime can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping. Pokemon faster than Floatzel like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika can ruin its chances of doing serious damage, so teammates like Golem, Sandslash, and Silvally-Dragon can help by dealing with these threats for Floatzel. Pokemon such as Rapidash and Gourgeist-XL appreciate Floatzel dealing with Ground- and Fire-types, so they make for good teammates and can even form a nice Grass / Fire / Water core.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up lets Floatzel hit harder and take one or two more hits than it normally could. Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time attack on Pokemon that would survive Ice Punch such as Rotom-S and Leafeon. Taunt can be used to prevent other potential Taunt users from stopping Floatzel from setting up as well as block Toxic and Thunder Wave that would otherwise cripple Floatzel. Aqua Jet helps to revenge kill threats faster than Floatzel such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika after some chip damage. It also can knock out Choice Scarf Rapidash if it's near half of its HP. Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala and Lickilicky a very hard time, especially after a Bulk Up boost or two.

Set Details
========
Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is important considering this set is a physical wallbreaker. Floatzel's EVs and a Jolly nature maximize its Speed and allow it to hit as hard as possible physically. Ice Punch becomes Subzero Slammer with Icium Z, and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon. Alternatively, Fightinium Z can be used to turn Low Kick into All-Out Pummeling, which at +1 lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, and Bouffalant while also acting as nice coverage for Silvally-Water.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel is frail, switching it into any attack is not wise; therefore, it should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. This provides Floatzel with momentum, allowing it to set up Bulk Up or attack for free as well as boost on Pokemon that it forces out such as Golem and Altaria. Floatzel is also a great revenge killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt. If running Taunt, Floatzel has a better matchup against stall teams. Floatzel can handle physically frail Pokemon with this set and should capitalize on this. Such targets include Komala, Life Orb Kadabra, Simisear, and Kecleon. Given that Water Veil prevents burns, this set is an ideal counter to most Mareanie, with Taunt being able to cripple it and force it to use Scald.

Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S can bring Floatzel in safely. Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of them such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, or Sandslash works well here. Conversely, having entry hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Entry hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Crustle, and Mareanie. While burns won't be an issue for Floatzel, paralysis and poison cripple it. Thus, having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea. Faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika derail any chance Floatzel has of being a threat. Therefore, having a partner like Choice Scarf Rapidash or physically defensive Golem certainly helps it out. Gourgeist-XL is also a problem for Floatzel, even with Icium Z. Combusken or Simisear can form a Water / Fire core with Floatzel and help it deal with this particular threat. Opposing Water-types like Swanna and Silvally-Water wall this set completely, so Electric- or Grass-types such as Electivire and Leafeon can help in this regard.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o that Hydro Pump can't hit well. Focus Blast hits Pokemon like Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water. Switcheroo allows Floatzel to cripple an unsuspecting physical attacker or passive foe such as Komala or Bronzor.

Set Details
========
The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature utilize Floatzel's great Speed tier while maximizing its special attacking power. Water Veil is the default ability here, but Swift Swim could be better if used under rain, in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed.

Usage Tips
========
Floatzel is very frail and needs to be brought in safely in order for it to inflict a large amount of damage, preferably through a teammate's U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot. Floatzel should be looking to use Hydro Pump as often as possible. However, it should nail incoming Grass- and Dragon-types with Ice Beam and use Focus Blast on specially bulky switch-ins such as Lickilicky. Switcheroo is a great tool for crippling bulky Water-type attackers, particularly Mareanie, which Floatzel can't break through it normally. Being Choice-locked into the wrong move can be bad, as it allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon such as Shiftry or Huntail to set up with moves such as Swords Dance and Shell Smash. Due to this, using a super effective or neutral move is best. Being Choice-locked also makes Floatzel a lot easier to play around and forces it to switch out, so making predictions or double switching into a teammate can be necessary.

Team Options
========
Since Floatzel hates Electric-type moves from the likes of Electivire and Zebstrika, having a check to them like Golem helps it out. Like all Choice item users, this Floatzel does not appreciate entry hazards, so removers such as Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon are strongly recommended. Entry hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to let Floatzel sweep more easily. Good entry hazard setters for Floatzel include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor. If Floatzel becomes paralyzed or poisoned, its chances of doing serious damage take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely helps. It is also a good idea to have a partner to absorb status moves such as Machoke or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Machoke can also deal with Bronzor and remove Mareanie's Eviolite with Knock Off, while Muk checks Grass-types such as Shiinotic. Pivots like Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, Zebstrika, and Electivire that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. Setup sweepers like Shiftry and Crustle that appreciate Floatzel's ability to revenge kill and wear down the opposing team pair nicely with it.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Similarly to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could work, especially considering Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is not effective or common, and Floatzel is already fast enough naturally. Running a Modest Choice Scarf set could also work, but it's not necessary, since Floatzel will not hit hard enough and already outspeeds the Pokemon it wants to anyway.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are nightmares for Floatzel regardless of its set and can easily come in on it.

**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Electivire, Choice Scarf Sawsbuck, Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika can all OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. However, they all need to be wary of Aqua Jet should they be weak enough to go down to one.

**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of its HP and reduce its lifespan.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Threats such as Gourgeist-XL, Lickilicky, and Muk can wall particular Floatzel sets.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [BloodAce0107, 435539]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Empress, 175616]]

 

[Oathkeeper]

This weasel is ready for QC!

 

[BP]

Bold = Comment Strikethrough = Remove
AM Check
Implement whatever wets your whistle

I know this isn't a GP check but one thing my English teacher taught me was to omit needless words. This means get rid of small words that don't contribute anything to the sentence.

[OVERVIEW]

• Floatzel easily establishes itself as arguably the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its good great Attack, excellent Speed tier, two great decent abilities, be able to run a mixed access to a multitude of attacking sets, and access to priority. Instead of arguably say "Floatzel Establishes itself as one of the Best Water-types in the ZU metagame ..." You want to be blunt, get right to the point here as its the Overview.
• With a base 105 Attack, it can easily stand out as a physical wallbreaker. The fact that it has great coverage options reinforces this fact. Stat these coverage options so we know what you're talking about
• Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature. Boasting a base 115 Speed lets it outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. I would mention that this trait helps it cement a niche as a revenge killer
• Both of its abilities are win-win abilities. One prevents burns while the other doubles Floatzel's Speed in the rain. I'd argue that this is unimportant in the overview since you already kind of mention the abilities in the first sentence. Or at the very least I'd reword it so it fits into 1 sentence.
• Given that Floatzel's Special Attack is decent, it is able to take advantage of its special movepool which includes Hydro Pump, Ice Beam and Focus Blast. Because of this, it can function as a mixed attacker. Fluff. this is implied since you've talked about mixed attacking in the first sentence.
• Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that outspeed it like Zebstrika.
• Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna and Silvally-Water. Swanna and Silvally-Water are both able to function as hazard control with Defog. Not to mention that Swanna can avoid ground hazards and Silvally-Water is bulkier.
• While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. At a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is prone to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim / Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
I'd put Water Veil first as Swift Swim is essentially not needed unless Float has a partner that sets rain or your team is weak to rain. Not to mention its the only ability you mention in Set Details.
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
I'd briefly mention Hydro Pump but it doesn't have to be mentioned too in-depth as the other moves

• Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Choice Scarf Leafeon, Simisage, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. I'd mention Shiftry and Gourgeist-XL over Simisage and Choice Scarf Leafeon. Choice Scarf Leaf outspeeds Float anywho.
• Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour.
• Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, Abomasnow, and Kecleon. All of which easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them.
• With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Zebstrika, Electrode, and Ninjask.

Set Details
========

• A Timid nature, combined with its EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, allows Floatzel to go its fastest and hit its hardest with its Special Attack.
• Water Veil lets Floatzel come in on a potential Will-O-Wisp and retaliate right back with a move of its own.

Usage Tips
========

• Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea.
• Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not just the unboosted faster Pokemon, but also on some set up sweepers Shell Smashers and Quiver Dancers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Butterfree. I'd remove butterfree and add another more prominent set up sweeper in
• Floatzel is also best used to take down Pokemon that are rather weak on the have poor Special Defense such as Granbull, Mawile, Metang, and Avalugg.
• With Life Orb being a double-edged sword for it, using Floatzel's moves should be done carefully so as to get more bang for its buck.

Mention that Floatzel hates taking unnecessary damage so it should refrain from taking hazard damage.
I would mention that on top of Revenge killing, Float can function as a late game cleaner as well.
Team Options
========

• Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear certainly wouldn't hurt. Be blunt and instead say "is beneficial"
• As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and is susceptible to being OHKO'd by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. Having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, and Machoke surely would give it a hand. again be blunt and say "Floatzel appreciates.... and machoke."
• Since Life Orb is its item, Floatzel is losing HP every turn it attacks and coming in on Toxic Spikes and becoming poisoned is just going to cause problems for it. Not to mention coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes. Having hazard control such as Komala, Altaria, and Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. You can shorten this up by simply stating that Floatzel hates taking unnecessary damage so it would appreciate hazard removal. or something to that effect
• Having hazards of its own is also a good idea since its Special Attack is not the best and it they can wear down the opposing team. Great hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile.
• Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky or Mr. Mime respectively can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

• Bulk Up increases Floatzel's Attack and Defense and thereby letting it hit harder and live an extra hit or two than it normally could.
• Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time nuke on Pokemon that would otherwise survive just a standard Ice Punch such as Gourgeist-XL and Leafeon.
• Taunt is here to prevent other potential taunters from stopping Floatzel setting up and from using support moves such as Toxic or Thunder Wave.
• Aqua Jet is there to revenge kill threats faster than it such as Zebstrika. Mention Choice Scarf Electivire as well
• Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala, Lickilicky, and Abomasnow a very hard time. Especially after a Bulk Up or two.

Set Details
========

• Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is nice important considering this set is based around being a physical wallbreaker.
• Floatzel's EVs and nature are optimized for going fast and hitting hard, which makes sense because once again, the set is meant for wallbreaking. If its previously stated then it really doesn't need to be stated again. I'd reword this
• Ice Punch can become Subzero Slammer with Icium Z and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon.
• The same can be said for Low Kick with Fightinium Z which turns it into All-Out Pummeling and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, Bouffalant, and it's nice coverage for Silvally-Water.

Usage Tips
========

• Since Floatzel is frail, switching it in on any old attack is not wise and therefore should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch.
• By coming in safely via the U-turn or Volt Switch, it allows Floatzel to use Bulk Up quicker and get ahead of its opponent. This is just a personal change "it provides Floatzel with momentum allowing it to Bulk Up or Attack for free."
• With its immunity to burns, Floatzel can come in a potential Will-O-Wisp or Scald, but there's the risk of getting hit instead so this should be taken with a grain of salt.
• Floatzel is also used greatly as a revenge-killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt.
• If running Taunt, it gives Floatzel a better matchup against stall teams. This is because it prevents the use of moves such as Toxic, Substitute, Rest, and Sleep Talk. make this one sentence "...stall teams due to it preventing the use of non-attacking moves"
• Floatzel can handle physically-frail Pokemon with this set and should be used as such. These targets include Komala, Mr.Mime, Simisear, and Raichu.

Team Options
========

• U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S help out Floatzel greatly to bring it in safely.
• Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of hazards such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, and Sandslash work out here.
• On the other side of the coin, having hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Hazard-setting partners include the likes of Golem, Bronzor, Crustly, and Mareanie.
• While burns won't be an issue for it, paralysis and poison potentially can be one for Floatzel. Having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o, that Hydro Pump can't hit well.
• Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon like Abomasnow, Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water.
• Switcheroo is a fantastic utility move that allows Floatzel to swap items with an unsuspecting opponent. This is a double-edged sword, however. Floatzel no longer becomes locked into a move, but it deals less damage now with the Specs gone.

Set Details
========

• The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and Timid nature utilizes Floatzel's great Speed tier while at the same time maximizing its special attacking power.
• Water Veil is the default ability here, but Swift Swim could be better used in the case of rain in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed.

Usage Tips
========

• Frailty is how Floatzel is and if huge damage is what it wants to deal, bringing it in safely is the key. This can be done with a U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot user.
• Should Floatzel want move freedom, it's going to want to use Switcheroo on a physical attacker or something that would rather not be locked into a move like Pyukumuku or Lickilicky.
• Floatzel is also best used on offensive teams due its lack of bulk and its good movepool.
• Being choice-locked into a move can be bad. It allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon to set up with moves such as Swords Dance or Shell Smash. Because of this, using a move that hits either super-effectively or neutrally is best.

Team Options
========

• Entry hazards do not go hand-in-hand with a choice-locked Pokemon like Floatzel as they wear it down. Removers of such hazards are strongly recommended. These partners include Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon.
• Hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to make Floatzel's job easier at sweeping. Entry hazard partners include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor.
• If Floatzel became paralyzed or poisoned, it's chances of doing serious damage would take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely help.
• It could also be a good idea to have a partner to absorb status a Thunder Wave or Toxic such as Machoke Electivire or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Electivire does not absorb status very well
• Pivots are that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. These partners include Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, or Zebstrika.

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

• Similar to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could be viable enough to work especially since Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. However, the Bulk Up set is just better and it increases Defense in addition to Attack.
• A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is just not common in the ZU tier and Floatzel is already fast enough with its Speed tier and outspeeding most of the tier.

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

**Bulky Water-Types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are just a nightmare for Floatzel regardless of set, and can easily come in on it.

**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, there are naturally faster Pokemon than Floatzel such as Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika who all can OHKO their respective STAB moves. Mention Electivire here indefinitely

**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, a simple Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of Floatzel's HP and reduce its lifespan.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Oathkeeper]

Implemented

Officially ready for QC now!

 

[5gen]

comments in bold

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

• Floatzel establishes itself as one of the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its great Attack, excellent Speed tier, two decent abilities, access to a multitude of attacking sets, and priority.
• With a base 105 Attack, it can easily stand out as a physical wallbreaker. The fact that it has great coverage options like Focus Blast, Ice Beam, Ice Punch, and Low Kick reinforces this fact. Should be reworded from physical wallbreaker to something like "a versatile attacker able to run physical, special, and mixed sets"
• Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature. Boasting a base 115 Speed lets it outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. This trait also cements a niche as revenge-killer. Provide some examples of prominent stuff Float revenge kills
• Given that Floatzel's Special Attack is decent, it is able to take advantage of its special movepool which includes Hydro Pump, Ice Beam and Focus Blast. This point has been said kind of already, so it should be combined with the second point
• Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that outspeed it like Zebstrika. Put Combusken here instead
• Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna and Silvally-Water. Swanna and Silvally-Water are both able to function as hazard control with Defog. Not to mention that Swanna can avoid ground hazards and Silvally-Water is bulkier. I see how Silv-Water gives it competition offensively, but it'd be more accurate to simply state Swanna because Silv-Water plays as a pivot and Floatzel mainly as revenge killing support
• While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. At a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is prone to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch.

More negatives that should be mentioned: The amount of Water-type checks in the meta, popularity of Choice Scarf users such as Electivire and Silvally, and how Floatzel relies on having the right set to be effective.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Water Veil / Swift Swim Swift Swim / Water Veil (Swift Swim allows it to reliably check Z-Rain Dance Swanna)
nature: Timid Naive
evs: 4 Def Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk

No reason to decrease Attack when Jet is used

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

• Hydro Pump is Floatzel's strongest special attacking STAB move. Fluff
• Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon.
• Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour.
• Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, Abomasnow, and Kecleon. All of which easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them.
• With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Zebstrika, Electrode, and Ninjask. Mention Combusken here, that's the biggest one. Zeb and Electrode need lots of chip to die to jet, so they should just be removed.

Set Details
========

• A Timid nature, combined with its EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, allows Floatzel to go its fastest and hit its hardest with its Special Attack. Naive over Timid and 4 Atk over 4 Def
• Water Veil lets Floatzel come in on a potential Will-O-Wisp and retaliate right back with a move of its own. Adjust with the set changes and explain why Water Veil is inferior (Z-Rain Dance Swanna>avoiding burn)

Usage Tips
========

• Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea.
• In addition to it being brought in via pivot, entry hazards can just end up being a problem for it over time. Therefore, switching in Floatzel must be handled with caution. Can just say be wary of getting chipped down from entry hazards instead of that last line which is too vague
• Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not just the unboosted faster Pokemon, but also on some set up sweepers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Simisear. Need an extra point explaining how Floatzel is able to revenge kill other things such as Rapidash, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour with coverage.
• Floatzel is also best used to take down Pokemon that have poor Special Defense such as Granbull, Mawile, Metang, and Avalugg.
• With Life Orb being a double-edged sword for it, using Floatzel's moves should be done carefully so as to get more bang for its buck. Again, try to be more direct with the wording and less colloquial. Can say something like "the opponent try to switch around to Life Orb stall, so Floatzel should either predict and attack or double switch into a teammate"

Team Options
========

• Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear is beneficial.
• As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and is susceptible to being OHKO'd by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. It appreciates having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, and Machoke.
• Not to mention coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes. Having hazard control such as Komala, Altaria, and Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. Not to mention that Floatzel hates taking unnecessary damage. Fluff
• Having hazards of its own is also a good idea since its Special Attack is not the best. Great hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile.
• Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky or Mr. Mime respectively can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping.

Mention partners that can deal with Choice Scarf users or faster Pokemon (i.e Evire and Zeb). Can also mention breakers that appreciate Floatzel checking faster stuff+Ground- and Fire-types.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

• Bulk Up increases Floatzel's Attack and Defense thereby letting it hit harder and live an extra hit or two than it normally could.
• Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time nuke on Pokemon that would otherwise survive just a standard Ice Punch such as Gourgeist-XL and Leafeon. Gourg-XL lives +1 Subzero Slammer comfortably +1 252 Atk Floatzel Subzero Slammer (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gourgeist-Super: 248-292 (66.3 - 78%) -- guaranteed 2HKO, so mention something else like Rotom-S
• Taunt is here to prevent other potential taunters from stopping Floatzel setting up and from using support moves such as Toxic or Thunder Wave. Give examples (i.e Scald Mareanie)
• Aqua Jet is there to revenge kill threats faster than it such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika. Specify that they need to be weakened, mention Scarf Rapidash here as well.
• Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala, Lickilicky, and Abomasnow a very hard time. Especially after a Bulk Up or two.

Set Details
========

• Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is important considering this set is a physical wallbreaker.
• Floatzel's EVs and nature are optimized for going its fastest and hitting its hardest physically.
• Ice Punch can become Subzero Slammer with Icium Z and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon.
• The same can be said for Low Kick with Fightinium Z which turns it into All-Out Pummeling and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, Bouffalant, and it's nice coverage for Silvally-Water.

Usage Tips
========

• Since Floatzel is frail, switching it in on any attack is not wise and therefore should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch.
• By coming in safely via the U-turn or Volt Switch, it provides Floatzel with momentum allowing it to Bulk Up or attack for free. Specify that it boosts on Pokemon it forces out
• With its immunity to burns, Floatzel can come in a potential Will-O-Wisp or Scald, but there's the risk of getting hit instead so this should be taken with a grain of salt. Would remove this point because it's not beating Gourg-XL/Rotom-S off the switch and Mareanie would chip it down and switch into a teammate on the Taunt.
• Floatzel is also used greatly as a revenge-killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt.
• If running Taunt, it gives Floatzel a better matchup against stall teams due to it preventing the use of non-attacking moves.
• Floatzel can handle physically-frail Pokemon with this set and should be used as such. These targets include Komala, Mr.Mime, Simisear, and Raichu. Would put different examples over mime and raichu (mime commonly runs scarf and raichu can tank an unboosted hit) such as LO Kadabra

Team Options
========

• U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S help out Floatzel greatly to bring it in safely.
• Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of hazards such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, and Sandslash work out here.
• On the other side of the coin, having hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Hazard-setting partners include the likes of Golem, Bronzor, Crustly, and Mareanie.
• While burns won't be an issue for it, paralysis and poison potentially can be one for Floatzel. Having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea.

Mention partners that take care of faster threats and ones that can beat Gourg-XL and Water-types such as Silvally-Water and Swanna.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o, that Hydro Pump can't hit well.
• Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon like Abomasnow, Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water.
• Switcheroo is a fantastic utility move that allows Floatzel to swap items with an unsuspecting opponent. This is a double-edged sword, however. Floatzel no longer becomes locked into a move, but it deals less damage now with the Specs gone. More of a usage tips comment so you should move it to there or condense the point. Also state the Switcheroo targets.

Set Details
========

• The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and Timid nature utilizes Floatzel's great Speed tier while at the same time maximizing its special attacking power.
• Water Veil is the default ability here, but Swift Swim could be better used in the case of rain in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed. As well as Z-Rain Dance Swanna -- 252 SpA Choice Specs Floatzel Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Swanna in Rain: 219-258 (75.2 - 88.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Usage Tips
========

• Frailty is how Floatzel is and if huge damage is what it wants to deal, bringing it in safely is the key. This can be done with a U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot user. As well as aggressive doubles
• Should Floatzel want move freedom, it's going to want to use Switcheroo on a physical attacker or something that would rather not be locked into a move like Pyukumuku or Lickilicky. Pyukumuku commonly runs a Z-crystal so put Mareanie instead.
• Floatzel is also best used on offensive teams due its lack of bulk and its good movepool. This is for team options
• Being choice-locked into a move can be bad. It allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon to set up with moves such as Swords Dance or Shell Smash. Because of this, using a move that hits either super-effectively or neutrally is best. Give examples. In a separate point, you should also state that being choice-locked makes Floatzel a lot easier to play around and forces it to switch out, so it should make predictions when necessary or double into a teammate.

Usage tips should emphasize that Floatzel should be played aggressively and apply as much pressure as possible thanks to its Speed and Specs boosted attacks. As such, go into details about prediction and what Floatzel should try to revenge kill and when it should try to wear down its switch-ins vs double into a teammate.

Team Options
========

• Entry hazards do not go hand-in-hand with a choice-locked Pokemon like Floatzel as they wear it down. Removers of such hazards are strongly recommended. These partners include Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon.
• Hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to make Floatzel's job easier at sweeping. Entry hazard partners include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor.
• If Floatzel became paralyzed or poisoned, it's chances of doing serious damage would take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely help.
• It could also be a good idea to have a partner to absorb status such as Machoke or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Mention what else they do for Float (Machoke can check Bronzor and Knock Off Mareanie while Muk checks Grass-types)
• Pivots are that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. These partners include Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, or Zebstrika.

Mention some set up sweepers or cleaners that appreciate Floatzel's ability to revenge kill and wear down the opposing team.

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

• Similar to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could be viable enough to work especially since Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. However, the Bulk Up set is just better and it increases Defense in addition to Attack. Fluff, you need to provide logical reasoning why. I.e more consistent at breaking and less prediction reliant
• A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is just not common in the ZU tier and Floatzel is already fast enough with its Speed tier

Modest Scarf is worth mentioning here.

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

**Bulky Water-Types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are just a nightmare for Floatzel regardless of set, and can easily come in on it.

**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, there are naturally faster Pokemon than Floatzel such as Choice Scarf Electivire, Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika who all can OHKO with their respective STAB moves. They should be wary of Aqua Jet if weakened

**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, a simple Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of Floatzel's HP and reduce its lifespan.

Mention bulky Pokemon as Gourg-XL, Lickilicky, and Muk can wall different sets. Generally speaking, Floatzel needs the right set to break through certain checks such as these.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

qc 1/3 once implemented

 

[Oathkeeper]

Ready for QC #2

 

[DurzaOffTopic]

• There are a lot of strange grammatical quirks in your writing, but I think that will be taken care of in GP so don't worry about it right now. Starting sentences with phrases like "Not to mention" and "Especially after" is poor wordingI and makes things difficult to understand.
• In the first set, make a bullet for Hydro Pump just to show that its Floatzels strongest Water-type attack and maybe mention a KO that it gets over something like, say, Surf.
• Add Poliwrath as a target for HP Electric.
• remove the following bullet in usage tips, its not necessary:
  • Since Floatzel is using a Life Orb here, the opponent may end up switching around to stall out its HP so Floatzel should either predict and attack or double switch into a teammate.
• In usage tips of the Bulk Up set, mention that Water Veil prevents it from getting burned by scald, making it an ideal counter to most Mareanie with Taunt.
• Remove all mentions of Abomasnow from your analysis.
• In Usage tips of the choice specs set, remove the bullet about "wanting move freedom". If Floatzel wants move freedom, it should be running life orb. Instead, describe the use of Switcheroo as a tool for crippling bulky Water-type attackers, like Mareanie, which it cant break through normally.
• Specify Golem in Team Options, as it provides a good check to Electric-types like Electivire and Zebstrika while blocking Volt Switch and can also set hazards to chip down on the opposing team.

QC 2/3 once implemented. I really think Modest Scarf is a terrible set and shouldn't be mentioned but 5gen said to add it so leave it in for now.

 

[Oathkeeper]

Ready for final QC check so I can move onto another analysis!

 

[BloodAce]

[OVERVIEW]
Floatzel establishes itself as one of the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its great attacking stats, excellent Speed tier, two decent abilities, access to a multitude of attacking sets, and priority. Floatzel is a versatile attacker able to run physical, special, or mixed sets. Its coverage move selection that's available to it consists of Ice Punch, Low Kick, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Focus Blast. Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature. Boasting a base 115 Speed lets it outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. This trait also cements it as a niche as revenge-killer by revenge-killing stuff like Komala and Golem. Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that can outspeed it like +2 Combusken. Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna since Swanna can avoid ground hazards and can Defog them away at the same time. secondary stab helping it deal with pokemon like Poliwrath and grass types like Gourgest-XL shiinotic, etc is huge too. While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. At a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is prone to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch. Spamming its STAB Water-type moves is not easy to come by given how many checks there are to Water-type moves like Shiftry, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Dragon.
It may be fast, but Floatzel is still outsped by Choice Scarf users in Electivire and Silvally; allowing them to OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. Not to mention it gets outsped and OHKOed by non-scarfers like Zebstrika and Electrode.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim / Water Veil
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Floatzel's strongest special attacking STAB move that allows it OHKO threats that Surf normally can't such as Pinsir. Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Poliwrath, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, and Kecleon. All of which easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them. With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Combusken and Ninjask.

Set Details
========
A Naive nature, combined with its EV spread of 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, allows Floatzel to go its fastest and hit its hardest with its Special Attack. Swift Swim is preferred over Water Veil since it gives Floatzel a better matchup against Z-Rain Dance Swanna, whereas Water Veil prevents burns and this is useless on a set based around mostly special attacks.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea. In addition to it being brought in via pivot, entry hazards can just end up being a problem for it over time. Therefore, Floatzel must be wary of getting chipped down from entry hazards. Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not just the unboosted faster Pokemon, but also on some set up sweepers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Simisear. Utilizing Floatzel's great Speed tier in taking down Pokemon like Rapidash, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour with its coverage moves is also liked. Floatzel is also best used to take down Pokemon that have poor Special Defense such as Granbull, Mawile, Metang, and Avalugg. metangs spdef isnt that bad compared to the others.

Team Options
========
Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear is beneficial. As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and is susceptible to being OHKO'd by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. It appreciates having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, and Machoke. Not to mention coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes. Having hazard control such as Komala, Altaria, and Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. Having hazards of its own is also a good idea since its Special Attack is not the best. Great hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile. Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky or Mr. Mime respectively can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping. Pokemon faster than Floatzel like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika can ruin its chances of doing serious damage, so having a partner to deal with these threats like Golem, Sandslash, or Silvally-Dragon help it out. Floatzel can deal with Ground-, and Fire-types so pairing it with teammates that appreciate them being gone include Rapidash and Gourgeist-XL, respectively.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up increases Floatzel's Attack and Defense thereby letting it hit harder and live an extra hit or two than it normally could. Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time nuke on Pokemon that would otherwise survive just a standard Ice Punch such as Rotom-S and Leafeon. Taunt is here to prevent other potential taunters from stopping Floatzel setting up and from using support moves such as Toxic or Thunder Wave such as Scald Mareanie or Bronzor. Aqua Jet is there to revenge kill threats faster than it such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika after some chip damage. It also can knock out Choice Scarf Rapidash if it's near half of its HP. Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala and Lickilicky a very hard time. Especially after a Bulk Up or two.

Set Details
========
Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is important considering this set is a physical wallbreaker. Floatzel's EVs and nature are optimized for going its fastest and hitting its hardest physically. Ice Punch can become Subzero Slammer with Icium Z and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon. The same can be said for Low Kick with Fightinium Z which turns it into All-Out Pummeling and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, Bouffalant, and it's nice coverage for Silvally-Water.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel is frail, switching it in on any attack is not wise and therefore should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. By coming in safely via the U-turn or Volt Switch, it provides Floatzel with momentum allowing it to Bulk Up or attack for free as well as boost on Pokemon that it forces out such as Golem and Altaria. Floatzel is also used greatly as a revenge-killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt. If running Taunt, it gives Floatzel a better matchup against stall teams due to it preventing the use of non-attacking moves. Floatzel can handle physically-frail Pokemon with this set and should be used as such. These targets include Komala, Life Orb Kadabra, Simisear, and Kecleon. Given that Water Veil prevents burns, this set is an ideal counter to most Mareanie with Taunt being able to cripple it and leaving it to only to use Scald.

Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S help out Floatzel greatly to bring it in safely. Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of hazards such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, and Sandslash work out here. On the other side of the coin, having hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Hazard-setting partners include the likes of Golem, Bronzor, Crustly, and Mareanie. While burns won't be an issue for it, paralysis and poison potentially can be one for Floatzel. Having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea. Speedier Pokemon like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika derail any chance Floatzel has of being a threat. Therefore, having a partner like Choice Scarf Rapidash or Physically Defensive Golem certainly helps it out. Gourgeist-XL is also a problem for Floatzel, even with Icium Z. Combusken or Simisear form a Water-Fire core with Floatzel and help it deal with this particular threat. Opposing Water-types like Swanna and Silvally-Water wall this set completely. Electric-, or Grass-types such as Electivire or Leafeon can help in this department.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o, that Hydro Pump can't hit well. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon like Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water. Switcheroo is a fantastic utility move that allows Floatzel to swap items with an unsuspecting physical attacker or passive opponent such as Komala or Bronzor.

Set Details
========
The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and Timid nature utilizes Floatzel's great Speed tier while at the same time maximizing its special attacking power. Water Veil is the default ability here, but Swift Swim could be better used in the case of rain in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed.

Usage Tips
========
Frailty is how Floatzel is and if huge damage is what it wants to deal, bringing it in safely is the key. This can be done with a U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot user. Floatzel should always be looking to use Hydro Pump. This means that Floatzel should nail incoming Grass-, and Dragon-types with Ice Beam and use Focus Blast on specially bulky switchins such as Lickilicky. Switcheroo is a great tool for crippling bulky Water-type attackers such as Mareanie since Floatzel can't break through it normally and it leaves Pokemon like Mareanie in a position where its role has been reduced. Being choice-locked into a move can be bad. It allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon such as Shiftry or Huntail to set up with moves such as Swords Dance or Shell Smash, respectively. Because of this, using a move that hits either super-effectively or neutrally is best. Another nice thing is that Floatzel no longer becomes locked into a move, but it deals less damage now with the Specs gone. As a side note to it being choice-locked into a move, it makes Floatzel a lot easier to play around and forcing it to switch out, so making predictions where necessary or double switching into a teammate must be a taken into account.

Team Options
========
Since Floatzel hates Electric-type moves from the likes of Electivire or Zebstrika, having a check to them helps it out. Golem is a prime example here. Entry hazards do not go hand-in-hand with a choice-locked Pokemon like Floatzel as they wear it down. Removers of such hazards are strongly recommended. These partners include Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to make Floatzel's job easier at sweeping. Entry hazard partners include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor. If Floatzel became paralyzed or poisoned, it's chances of doing serious damage would take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely help. It could also be a good idea to have a partner to absorb status such as Machoke or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Machoke can also deal with Bronzor plus Knock Off Mareanie's Eviolite while Muk checks Grass-types such a Shiinotic. Pivots are that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. These partners include Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, or Zebstrika. also evire Setup sweepers that appreciate Floatzel's ability to revenge kill and wear down the opposing team pair nicely with it. Examples of sweepers include Shiftry and Crustle.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Similar to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could be viable enough to work especially since Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is just not common more so not especially effective as opposed to not common in the ZU tier and Floatzel is already fast enough with its Speed tier. Running a Modest nature Choice Scarf set could also work also as it allows Floatzel to hit a little harder with its Special Attack at the cost of some Speed, but the cost is too high since Floatzel is already hitting the stuff it wants to anyway with its already good Speed tier. it also simply doesnt hit hard enough since floatzel's attack stats are mediocre.

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

**Bulky Water-Types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are just a nightmare for Floatzel regardless of set, and can easily come in on it. poliwrath

**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, there are naturally faster Pokemon than Floatzel such as Choice Scarf Electivire, Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika who all can OHKO with their respective STAB moves. Although, these all need to be wary of Aqua Jet should they be weak enough to go down to one. choice scarf evire isnt "naturally faster", reword this. also mention scarf sawsbuck with evire.

**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, a simple Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of Floatzel's HP and reduce its lifespan.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Threats such as Gourgeist-XL, Lickilicky, and Muk can wall particular sets of Floatzel's. It needs the right set to break through certain checks such as these.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

qc 3/3

 

[Oathkeeper]

GP team, take it away!

 

[Dawn of Ares]

amcheck
Additions
Removals
Comments

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[OVERVIEW]
Floatzel establishes itself as one of the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its great attacking stats, excellent Speed tier, two decent abilities, access to a multitude of attacking sets, and priority. Floatzel is a versatile attacker able to run physical, special, or mixed sets. Its coverage move selection that's available to it consists of Ice Punch, Low Kick, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Focus Blast. Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature. Boasting a base 115 Speed lets it outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. This trait also cements it as a niche as revenge-killer revenge killer by revenge-killing revenge killing stuff like Komala and Golem. Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that can outspeed it like +2 Combusken. Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna since Swanna can avoid ground hazards and can Defog them away at the same time, (addcomma) and its secondary STAB move can help it deal with Poliwrath and Gourgeist-XL,. Gourgeist-XL While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. At a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is prone to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch. Spamming its STAB Water-type moves is not easy to come by, (addcomma) given how many checks there are to Water-type moves like Shiftry, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Dragon.
It may be fast, but Floatzel is still outsped by Choice Scarf users in Electivire and Silvally; Silvally, who are able allowing them to OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. Not to mention it gets outsped and OHKOed by non-scarfers like Zebstrika and Electrode.
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim / Water Veil
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Floatzel's strongest special attacking STAB move that allows it to OHKO threats that Surf normally can't such as Pinsir. Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Poliwrath, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, and Kecleon. Kecleon, All all of which easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them. With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Combusken and Ninjask.
Set Details
========
A Naive nature, combined with its EV spread of 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, allows Floatzel to go its fastest and hit its hardest with its Special Attack. Swift Swim is preferred over Water Veil since it gives Floatzel a better matchup against Z-Rain Dance Swanna, whereas Water Veil prevents burns and this is useless on a set based around mostly special attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and it can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea. In addition to it being brought in via pivot, entry hazards can just end up being a problem for it over time. Therefore, Floatzel must be wary of getting chipped down from entry hazards. Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not just the Not only can it revenge kill unboosted faster Pokemon, but it can also revenge kill but also on some set up setup sweepers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Simisear. Utilizing Floatzel's great Speed tier in taking down Pokemon like Rapidash, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour with its coverage moves is also liked. Floatzel is also best used to take down Pokemon that have poor Special Defense such as Granbull, Mawile, and Avalugg.
Team Options
========
Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear is beneficial. As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and is susceptible to being OHKO'd OHKOed by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. It appreciates having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, and Machoke. Not to mention coming Coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes. Spikes can wear it down quickly, so Having having hazard control such as Komala, Altaria, and Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. Having hazards of its own is also a good idea since its Special Attack is not the best. Great hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile. Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky or Mr. Mime respectively can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping. Pokemon faster than Floatzel like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika can ruin its chances of doing serious damage, so having a partner to deal with these threats like teammates like Golem, Sandslash, or Silvally-Dragon can help by dealing with these threats for Floatzel. help it out. Floatzel can deal with Ground-, and Fire-types so pairing it with teammates that appreciate them being gone include Rapidash and Gourgeist-XL, respectively. Pokemon such as Rapidash and Gourgeist-XL appreciate Floatzel dealing with ground and fire types respectively, so they make good teammates.
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up increases Floatzel's Attack and Defense, thereby letting it hit harder and live an extra hit or two than it normally could. Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time nuke on Pokemon that would otherwise survive just a standard Ice Punch such as Rotom-S and Leafeon. Taunt is here to prevent other potential taunters such as Scald Mareanie or Bronzor from stopping Floatzel from setting up and from using support moves such as Toxic or Thunder Wave such as Scald Mareanie or Bronzor. Aqua Jet is there to revenge kill threats faster than it such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika after some chip damage. It also can knock out Choice Scarf Rapidash if it's near half of its HP. Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala and Lickilicky a very hard time, especially time. Especially after a Bulk Up or two.
Set Details
========
Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is important considering this set is a physical wallbreaker. Floatzel's EVs and nature are optimized for going its fastest and hitting its hardest physically. Ice Punch can become Subzero Slammer with Icium Z, and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon. The same can be said for Low Kick with Fightinium Z Alternatively, Fightinium Z can be used, which turns it Low Kick into All-Out Pummeling and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, and Bouffalant, while also being Bouffalant, and it's nice coverage for Silvally-Water.
Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel is frail, switching it in on any attack is not wise and therefore should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. By coming in safely via the U-turn or Volt Switch, it provides Floatzel with momentum, allowing it to Bulk Up or attack for free as well as boost on Pokemon that it forces out such as Golem and Altaria. Floatzel is also used greatly as a revenge-killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt. If running Taunt, it gives Floatzel has a better matchup against stall teams due to it preventing the use of non-attacking moves. Floatzel can handle physically-frail Pokemon with this set and should be used as such. These targets include Komala, Life Orb Kadabra, Simisear, and Kecleon. Given that Water Veil prevents burns, this set is an ideal counter to most Mareanie with Taunt being able to cripple it and leaving it to only be able to use Scald.
Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S help out Floatzel greatly to bring it in safely. Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of hazards such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, and Sandslash work out here. On the other side of the coin, having hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Hazard-setting partners include the likes of Golem, Bronzor, Crustly, Crustle, and Mareanie. While burns won't be an issue for it, paralysis and poison potentially can potentially be one for Floatzel. Having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea. Speedier Pokemon like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika derail any chance Floatzel has of being a threat. Therefore, having a partner like Choice Scarf Rapidash or Physically Defensive Golem certainly helps it out. Gourgeist-XL is also a problem for Floatzel, even with Icium Z. Combusken or Simisear form a Water-Fire core with Floatzel and help it deal with this particular threat. Opposing Water-types like Swanna and Silvally-Water wall this set completely. completely, so Electric-, Electric- or Grass-types such as Electivire or Leafeon can help in this department.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o, that Hydro Pump can't hit well. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon like Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water. Switcheroo is a fantastic utility move that allows Floatzel to swap items with an unsuspecting physical attacker or passive opponent such as Komala or Bronzor.
Set Details
========
The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and Timid nature utilizes Floatzel's great Speed tier while at the same time maximizing its special attacking power. Water Veil is the default ability here, but Swift Swim could be better used in the case of rain in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed.
Usage Tips
========
Frailty is how Floatzel is and if huge damage is what it wants to deal, bringing it in safely is the key. This can be done with a U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot user. Floatzel should always be looking to use Hydro Pump. This means that Floatzel should nail incoming Grass-, and Dragon-types with Ice Beam and use Focus Blast on specially bulky switchins switch-ins such as Lickilicky. Switcheroo is a great tool for crippling bulky Water-type attackers such as Mareanie since Floatzel can't break through it normally and it leaves Pokemon like Mareanie in a position where its role has been reduced. Being choice-locked into a move can be bad. bad, as it It allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon such as Shiftry or Huntail to set up with moves such as Swords Dance or Shell Smash, respectively. Because of this, using a move that hits either super-effectively or neutrally is best. Another nice thing is that Floatzel no longer becomes locked into a move, but it deals less damage now with the Specs gone. As a side note to it being choice-locked into a move, it makes Floatzel a lot easier to play around and forcing forces it to switch out, so making predictions where necessary or double switching into a teammate must be a taken into account.
Team Options
========
Since Floatzel hates Electric-type moves from the likes of Electivire or Zebstrika, having a check to them helps it out. Golem is a prime example here. Entry hazards do not go hand-in-hand with a choice-locked Pokemon like Floatzel as they wear it down. down, so Removers of such hazards are strongly recommended. These partners include Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to make Floatzel's job easier at sweeping. Entry hazard partners include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor. If Floatzel became paralyzed or poisoned, it's its chances of doing serious damage would take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely helps. It could also be a good idea to have a partner to absorb status statuses, such as Machoke or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Machoke can also deal with Bronzor plus and Knock Off Mareanie's Eviolite while Muk checks Grass-types such as Shiinotic. Pivots are that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. These partners include Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, or Zebstrika, and Electivire. Setup sweepers that appreciate Floatzel's ability to revenge kill and wear down the opposing team pair nicely with it. Examples of sweepers include Shiftry and Crustle.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Similar to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could be viable enough to work, (addcomma) especially since Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is just not effective or common in the ZU tier and Floatzel is already fast enough with its Speed tier. Running a Modest nature Choice Scarf set could also work also as it allows Floatzel to hit a little harder with its Special Attack at the cost of some Speed, but the cost is too high since Floatzel is already hitting the stuff it wants to anyway with its already good Speed tier. It also doesn't hit hard enough since Floatzel's stats are mediocre.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Water-Types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are just a nightmare for Floatzel regardless of set, set and can easily come in on it.
**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, there are faster Pokemon than Floatzel such as Choice Scarf Electivire, Choice Scarf Sawsbuck, Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika who all can all OHKO with their respective STAB moves. Although, However, these all need to be wary of Aqua Jet should they be weak enough to go down to one.
**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, a simple Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of Floatzel's HP and reduce its lifespan.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Threats such as Gourgeist-XL, Lickilicky, and Muk can wall particular sets of Floatzel's. It needs the right set to break through certain checks such as these.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [BloodAce0107, 435539]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Oathkeeper]

Implemented! Ready for GP checks now! Again, this is a high priority mon GP TEAM!

 

[deetah]

Amcheck, feel free to implement what you want from this. Add Remove Comments (RP) = Remove Period (AC) = Add Comma (RC) = Remove Comma (SC) = Semicolon (AH) = Add Hyphen

amcheck

[OVERVIEW]
Floatzel establishes itself as one of the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its great attacking stats, excellent Speed tier, two decent abilities, access to a multitude of attacking sets, and priority. Floatzel is a versatile attacker able to run physical, special, or mixed sets. Its coverage move selection that's available to it consists of Ice Punch, Low Kick, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Focus Blast. Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature. (RP) (AC), boasting a base 115 Speed lets letting it outspeed most of the unboosted metagame. This trait also cements it as a niche revenge killer by revenge killing stuff Pokemon like Komala and Golem. Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that can outspeed it like +2 Combusken. Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna, (AC) since Swanna it can avoid ground hazards and can Defog them away at the same time, and its secondary STAB move can help it deal with Poliwrath and Gourgeist-XL. While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. At a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is prone to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch. Spamming its STAB Water-type moves is not easy to come by, given how many checks there are to Water-type moves like Shiftry, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Dragon. It may be fast, but Floatzel is still outsped by Choice Scarf users in Electivire and Silvally, who are able to OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. Not to mention it gets outsped and OHKOed by non-scarfers non-Choice Scarf users like Zebstrika and Electrode.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim / Water Veil
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Floatzel's strongest special attacking STAB move that allows it to OHKO threats that Surf normally can't such as Pinsir. Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Poliwrath, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, and Kecleon, all of which easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them. With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Combusken and Ninjask.

Set Details
========
A Naive nature, (RC) combined with its an EV spread of 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, (RC) allows Floatzel to go its fastest (I'd probably name a few Pokemon that this spread allows Floatzel to outspeed. "allows Floatzel to outspeed...") and hit its hardest with its Special Attack hard. Swift Swim is preferred over Water Veil, (AC) since it gives Floatzel a better matchup against Z-Rain Dance Swanna, whereas Water Veil prevents burns, (AC) and this is making it useless on a set based around mostly special attacks.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and it can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea. In addition to it being brought in via pivot, entry hazards can just end up being a problem for it over time. Therefore, Floatzel must be wary of getting chipped down from entry hazards. Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not only can it revenge kill unboosted faster Pokemon, but it can also revenge kill some setup sweepers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Simisear. Utilizing Floatzel's great Speed tier in taking down Pokemon like Rapidash, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour with its coverage moves is also liked. Floatzel is also best used to take down Pokemon that have poor Special Defense such as Granbull, Mawile, and Avalugg.

Team Options
========
Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear is beneficial. As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and is susceptible to being OHKOed by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. It appreciates having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, and Machoke. Coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes can wear it Floatzel down quickly, so having hazard control from a teammate such as Komala, Altaria, and Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. Having hazards of its own is also a good idea since its Special Attack is not the best. Great hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile. Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky or Mr. Mime respectively can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping. Pokemon faster than Floatzel like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika can ruin its chances of doing serious damage, so teammates like Golem, Sandslash, or Silvally-Dragon can help by dealing with these threats for Floatzel. Pokemon such as Rapidash and Gourgeist-XL appreciate Floatzel dealing with Ground- and Fire-types respectively, so they make good teammates as well as form a nice Grass-Fire-Water Grass / Fire / Water core.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up increases Floatzel's Attack and Defense thereby letting it hit harder and live an extra hit or two than it normally could. Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time nuke on Pokemon that would otherwise survive just a standard Ice Punch such as Rotom-S and Leafeon. Taunt is here can be used to prevent other potential taunters from Taunt users stopping Floatzel from setting up and from using support moves from such as Toxic or Thunder Wave such as Scald Mareanie or Bronzor as well as Toxic and Thunder Wave that would otherwise cripple Floatzel. Aqua Jet is there to revenge kill threats faster than it such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika after some chip damage. It also can knock out Choice Scarf Rapidash if it's near half of its HP. Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala and Lickilicky a very hard time, especially after a Bulk Up or two.

Set Details
========
Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is important considering this set is a physical wallbreaker. Floatzel's EVs and Jolly nature are optimized for going its fastest and hitting its hardest physically. Ice Punch can become Subzero Slammer with Icium Z and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon. Alternatively, Fightinium Z can be used, which turns Low Kick into All-Out Pummeling and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, and Bouffalant, (RC) while also being nice acting as coverage for Silvally-Water.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel is frail, switching it in on into any attack is not wise and; (SC) therefore, (AC) should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. By coming in safely via the U-turn or Volt Switch, it provides Floatzel with momentum allowing it to Bulk Up or attack for free as well as boost on Pokemon that it forces out such as Golem and Altaria. Floatzel is also used greatly as a revenge-killer revenge killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt. If running Taunt, Floatzel has a better matchup against stall teams due to it preventing the use of non-attacking moves. Floatzel can handle physically-frail Pokemon with this set and should be used as such. These targets include Komala, Life Orb Kadabra, Simisear, and Kecleon. Given that Water Veil prevents burns, this set is an ideal counter to most Mareanie with Taunt being able to cripple it and leaving it to only be able to use Scald.

Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S help out Floatzel greatly to bring it in safely. Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of entry hazards such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, and Sandslash work out here. On the other side of the coin, having hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Hazard-setting partners include the likes of Golem, Bronzor, Crustle, and Mareanie. While burns won't be an issue for it, paralysis and poison can potentially can be one for cripple Floatzel. Having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea. Speedier Faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika derail any chance Floatzel has of being a threat. Therefore, having a partner like Choice Scarf Rapidash or Physically Defensive physically defensive Golem certainly helps it out. Gourgeist-XL is also a problem for Floatzel, even with Icium Z. Combusken or Simisear form a Water-Fire Water / Fire core with Floatzel and help it deal with this particular threat. Opposing Water-types like Swanna and Silvally-Water wall this set completely, so Electric-, (RC) or Grass-types such as Electivire or Leafeon can help in this department.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o, (RC) that Hydro Pump can't hit well. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon like Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water. Switcheroo is a fantastic utility move that allows Floatzel to swap items with an unsuspecting physical attacker or passive opponent foe such as Komala or Bronzor.

Set Details
========
The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature utilizes Floatzel's great Speed tier while at the same time maximizing its special attacking power. Water Veil is the default ability here, but Swift Swim could be better used in the case of rain in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed.

Usage Tips
========
Frailty is how Floatzel is and if huge damage is what it wants to deal, bringing it in safely is the key Floatzel is very frail and needs to be brought in safely in order for it to provide a large amount of damage. This can be done with It can be brought in safely through a U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot user. Floatzel should always be looking to use Hydro Pump. This means that Floatzel should nail incoming Grass-, (RC) and Dragon-types with Ice Beam and use Focus Blast on specially-bulky (AH) switch-ins such as Lickilicky. Switcheroo is a great tool for crippling bulky Water-type attackers such as Mareanie, (AC) since Floatzel can't break through it normally and it leaves Pokemon like Mareanie in a position where its role has been reduced. Being Choice-locked into a move can be bad, as it allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon such as Shiftry or Huntail to set up with moves such as Swords Dance or Shell Smash, respectively. Because of Due to this, using a super effective or neutral move that hits either super-effectively or neutrally is best. Another nice thing is that Floatzel no longer becomes locked into a move, but it deals less damage now with the Specs gone without Choice Specs. As a side note to it being Choice-locked into a move, it makes Floatzel a lot easier to play around and forces it to switch out, so making predictions where necessary or double switching into a teammate must be a taken into account.

Team Options
========
Since Floatzel hates Electric-type moves from the likes of Electivire or Zebstrika, having a check to them like Golem helps it out. Golem is a prime example here. Entry hazards do not go hand-in-hand with a Choice-locked Pokemon like Floatzel, (AC) as they wear it down, so removers of such hazards are strongly recommended. These partners include Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to make Floatzel's job easier at sweeping. Entry hazard partners include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor. If Floatzel became paralyzed or poisoned, its chances of doing serious damage would take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely helps. It could also be a good idea to have a partner to absorb statuses status moves such as Machoke or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Machoke can also deal with Bronzor and Knock Off Mareanie's Eviolite, (AC) while Muk checks Grass-types such as Shiinotic. Pivots are teammates like Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, Zebstrika, or Electivire that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. These partners include Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, or Zebstrika, and Electivire. Setup sweepers like Shiftry and Crustle that appreciate Floatzel's ability to revenge kill and wear down the opposing team pair nicely with it. Examples of sweepers include Shiftry and Crustle.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Similar to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could be viable enough to work, especially since Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is just not effective or common in the ZU tier and Floatzel is already fast enough with its Speed tier. Running a Modest nature Choice Scarf set could also work also, (AC) as it allows Floatzel to hit a little harder with its Special Attack at the cost of some Speed, but the cost is too high, (AC) since Floatzel is already hitting the stuff Pokemon it wants to anyway with its already good Speed tier. It also doesn't hit hard enough, (AC) since Floatzel's stats are mediocre.

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

**Bulky Water-Types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are just a nightmare for Floatzel regardless of set and can easily come in on it.

**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, there are faster Pokemon than Floatzel such as Choice Scarf Electivire, Choice Scarf Sawsbuck, Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika who can all OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. However, these they all need to be wary of Aqua Jet should they be weak enough to go down to one.

**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, a simple Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of Floatzel's HP and reduce its lifespan.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Threats such as Gourgeist-XL, Lickilicky, and Muk can wall particular sets of Floatzel's Floatzel sets. It needs the right set to break through certain checks such as these.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [BloodAce0107, 435539]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Lumari]

deetah: Add Remove Comments (RP) = Remove Period (AC) = Add Comma (RC) = Remove Comma (SC) = Semicolon (AH) = Add Hyphen
tdp: add / fix remove (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=seiicolon)
GP 1/2

amcheck with comments and additions

[OVERVIEW]
Floatzel establishes itself as one of the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its great attacking stats, excellent Speed tier, two decent abilities, access to a multitude of attacking sets including physical, special, and mixed, and priority. Floatzel is a versatile attacker able to run physical, special, or mixed sets. Its coverage move selection that's available to it consists of includes Ice Punch, Low Kick, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Focus Blast. Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature. (RP) (AC), boasting a base 115 Speed lets letting it outspeeding most of the unboosted metagame. This trait also cements it as a niche revenge killer by revenge killing stuff Pokemon like Komala and Golem. Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that can outspeed it like +2 Combusken. Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna, (AC) since Swanna it ("which") can avoid grounded entry hazards, (AC) and can Defog them away at the same time, and its secondary STAB move can help it deal with Poliwrath and Gourgeist-XL with its secondary STAB move. While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. At a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is prone to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch. Spamming its STAB Water-type moves is not easy to come by do, given how many checks there are to Water-type moves like Shiftry, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Dragon. While it may be fast, but Floatzel is still outsped by Choice Scarf users in Electivire and Silvally, who which are able to OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. Not to mention It even gets outsped and OHKOed by fast non-scarfers non-Choice Scarf users like Zebstrika and Electrode.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim / Water Veil
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Floatzel's strongest special attacking STAB move that allows it to OHKO threats that Surf normally can't such as Pinsir. Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Poliwrath, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, and Kecleon, all of which easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them. With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Combusken and Ninjask.

Set Details
========
A Naive nature, (RC) combined with its an EV spread of 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, (RC) allows Floatzel to go its fastest (I'd probably name a few Pokemon that this spread allows Floatzel to outspeed. "allows Floatzel to outspeed...") (yes) and hit its hardest with its Special Attack hard. Swift Swim is preferred over Water Veil, (AC) since it gives Floatzel a better matchup against Z-Rain Dance Swanna, whereas Water Veil prevents burns, (AC) and this is making it is useless on a set based around mostly special attacks.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and it can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea. In addition to it being brought in via pivot, entry hazards can just end up being a problem for it over time. Therefore, Furthermore, Floatzel must be wary of getting chipped down over time from entry hazards. Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not only can it revenge kill unboosted faster Pokemon, but it can also revenge kill take out some setup sweepers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Simisear. Utilizing Floatzel's great Speed tier in taking down Pokemon like Rapidash, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour with its coverage moves is also liked a good idea. Floatzel is also best used to take down Pokemon that have poor Special Defense stats such as Granbull, Mawile, and Avalugg.

Team Options
========
Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear is beneficial. As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and is leaves it susceptible to being OHKOed by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. Thus, it appreciates having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, and Machoke. Coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes can wear it Floatzel down quickly, so having entry hazard control from a teammate (teammates, given following "and") such as Komala, Altaria, and Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. Having hazards of its your own is also a good idea, (AC) since its Floatzel's Special Attack is not the best. Great hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile. Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky or and Mr. Mime respectively can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping. Pokemon faster than Floatzel like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika can ruin its chances of doing serious damage, so teammates like Golem, Sandslash, or Silvally-Dragon can help by dealing with these threats for Floatzel. Pokemon such as Rapidash and Gourgeist-XL appreciate Floatzel dealing with Ground- and Fire-types respectively, so they make good teammates as well as forming a nice Grass-Fire-Water Grass / Fire / Water core.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up increases Floatzel's Attack and Defense thereby letting it lets Floatzel hit harder and live take an extra hit one hit or two more than it normally could. Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time nuke on Pokemon that would otherwise survive just a standard Ice Punch such as Rotom-S and Leafeon. Taunt is here can be used to prevent other potential taunters from Taunt users from stopping Floatzel from setting up and from using support moves from such as Toxic or Thunder Wave such as Scald Mareanie or Bronzor as well as blocking Toxic and Thunder Wave that (which not that) would otherwise cripple Floatzel. Aqua Jet is there to revenge kill threats faster than it such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika after some chip damage. It also can knock out Choice Scarf Rapidash if it's near half of its HP. Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala and Lickilicky a very hard time, especially after a Bulk Up or two.

Set Details
========
Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is important considering this set is a physical wallbreaker. Floatzel's EVs and Jolly nature are optimized for going its fastest and hitting its hardest allow it to go as fast and hit as hard as possible physically. Ice Punch can become Subzero Slammer with Icium Z, (AC) and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon. (Ice Punch or Subzero Slammer?) Alternatively, Fightinium Z can be used, which turns to turn Low Kick into All-Out Pummeling, (AC) which and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, and Bouffalant, (RC) while also being nice acting as coverage for Silvally-Water.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel is frail, switching it in on into (meh) any attack is not wise and; (SC) therefore, (AC) it should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. By coming in safely via the U-turn or Volt Switch, it This provides Floatzel with momentum, (AC) allowing it to set up Bulk Up or attack for free as well as boost on Pokemon that it forces out such as Golem and Altaria. Floatzel is also used greatly as a revenge-killer revenge killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt. If running Taunt, Floatzel has a better matchup against stall teams due to it preventing the use of non-attacking moves. Floatzel can handle physically frail (RH) Pokemon with this set and should be used as such capitalize on this. These Such targets include Komala, Life Orb Kadabra, Simisear, and Kecleon. Given that Water Veil prevents burns, this set is an ideal counter to most Mareanie, (AC) with Taunt being able to cripple it and leaving it to only be able to use Scald.

Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S help out Floatzel greatly to can bring it Floatzel in safely. Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of entry hazards them such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, and or Sandslash works out here. On the other side of the coin, having hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Hazard-setting partners include the likes of Golem, Bronzor, Crustle, and Mareanie. While burns won't be an issue for it, paralysis and poison can potentially can be one for cripple Floatzel. Thus, Having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea. Speedier Faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika derail any chance Floatzel has of being a threat. Therefore, having a partner like Choice Scarf Rapidash or Physically Defensive physically defensive Golem certainly helps it out. Gourgeist-XL is also a problem for Floatzel, even with Icium Z. Combusken or and Simisear form a Water-Fire Water / Fire core with Floatzel and help it deal with this particular threat. Opposing Water-types like Swanna and Silvally-Water wall this set completely, so Electric-, (RC) or Grass-types such as Electivire or and Leafeon can help in this department.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o, (RC) that Hydro Pump can't hit well. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon like Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water. Switcheroo is a fantastic utility move that allows Floatzel to swap items with cripple an unsuspecting physical attacker or passive opponent foe such as Komala or Bronzor.

Set Details
========
The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a (no) Timid nature utilizes utilize Floatzel's great Speed tier while at the same time maximizing its special attacking power. Water Veil is the default ability here, but Swift Swim could be better used in the case of rain, (AC) in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed.

Usage Tips
========
Frailty is how Floatzel is and if huge damage is what it wants to deal, bringing it in safely is the key Floatzel is very frail and needs to be brought in safely in order for it to provide (inflict) a large amount of damage. This can be done with It can be brought in safely through a U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot user. Floatzel should always be looking to use Hydro Pump as often as possible. This means that Floatzel However, it (this doesn't make sense otherwise) should nail incoming Grass-, (RC) and Dragon-types with Ice Beam and use Focus Blast on specially-bulky (AH) (no hyphen) switch-ins such as Lickilicky. Switcheroo is a great tool for crippling bulky Water-type attackers such as Mareanie, (AC) since Floatzel can't break through it normally, (AC) and it leaves Pokemon like Mareanie in a position where its role has been reduced. Being Choice-locked into a move can be bad, as it allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon such as Shiftry or Huntail to set up with moves such as Swords Dance or Shell Smash, respectively. Because of Due to this, using a super effective or neutral move that hits either super-effectively or neutrally is best. (i'm not following this, do you mean don't click hydro pump ever as long as either of those two are alive?) Another nice thing is that Floatzel no longer becomes locked into a move, but it deals less damage now with the Specs gone without Choice Specs. (this doesn't fit in context + it's not a usage tip) As a side note to it being Choice-locked into a move, it makes Floatzel a lot easier to play around and forces it to switch out, so making predictions where necessary or double switching into a teammate must be a taken into account.

Team Options
========
Since Floatzel hates Electric-type moves from the likes of Electivire or and Zebstrika, having a check to them like Golem helps it out. Golem is a prime example here. Entry hazards do not go hand-in-hand with A Choice-locked Pokemon like Floatzel does not appreciate entry hazards, (AC) as they wear it down, so removers of such hazards such as Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon are strongly recommended. These partners include Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to make let Floatzel's job easier at sweeping more easily. Entry hazard partners setters include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor. If Floatzel became paralyzed or poisoned, its chances of doing serious damage would take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely helps. It could is also be a good idea to have a partner to absorb statuses status moves such as Machoke or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Machoke can also deal with Bronzor and Knock Off Mareanie's Eviolite, (AC) while Muk checks Grass-types such as Shiinotic. Pivots are teammates like Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, Zebstrika, or and Electivire that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. These partners include Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, or Zebstrika, and Electivire. Setup sweepers like Shiftry and Crustle that appreciate Floatzel's ability to revenge kill and wear down the opposing team pair nicely with it. Examples of sweepers include Shiftry and Crustle.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Similarly to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could be viable enough to work, especially since Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is just not effective or common in the ZU tier, (AC) and Floatzel is already fast enough with its Speed tier. Running a Modest nature Choice Scarf set could also work also, (AC) as it allows Floatzel to hit a little harder with its Special Attack at the cost of some Speed, but the cost is too high, (AC) since Floatzel is already hitting the stuff Pokemon it wants to anyway with its already good Speed tier. It also doesn't hit hard enough, (AC) since Floatzel's stats are mediocre.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are just a nightmare for Floatzel regardless of set and can easily come in on it.

**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, there are faster Pokemon than Floatzel such as Choice Scarf Electivire, Choice Scarf Sawsbuck, Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika who can all OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. However, these they all need to be wary of Aqua Jet should they be weak enough to go down to one.

**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, a simple Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of Floatzel's its HP and reduce its lifespan.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Threats such as Gourgeist-XL, Lickilicky, and Muk can wall particular sets of Floatzel's Floatzel sets. It needs the right set to break through certain checks such as these.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Oathkeepre, 83980]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [BloodAce0107, 435539]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Oathkeeper]

Ready for final GP check!

I'D LIKE TO STRESS THAT THIS IS A HIGH PRIORITY MON!

 

[Empress]

add remove comment

Here ya go

[OVERVIEW]
Floatzel establishes itself as one of the best Water-types in the ZU metagame due to its great attacking stats, excellent Speed tier, two decent abilities, access to wide coverage with Ice- and Fighting-type moves, and a multitude of attacking sets including ability to run physical, special, and mixed, and priority sets effectively. Its coverage move selection includes Ice Punch, Low Kick, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Focus Blast. (phrasing and wordiness; you also mention its priority later) Floatzel's Speed is easily its best feature, outspeeding most of the unboosted metagame. This trait also cements it as a niche revenge killer by revenge killing for Pokemon like Komala and Golem. Floatzel also gets blessed with a STAB priority move in Aqua Jet. This allows it to potentially revenge kill Pokemon that can outspeed it like +2 Combusken. Floatzel does see some competition from other offensive Water-types in the tier such as Swanna, since it which (The changes in this sentence make it clear that these traits apply to Swanna and not Floatzel) can avoid grounded entry hazards, can Defog clear them away with Defog at the same time, and can deal with Poliwrath and Gourgeist-XL with its secondary STAB move. While Floatzel's HP is decent, its overall bulk is not. At With a measly base 55 Defense and 50 Special Defense, it is prone vulnerable to getting knocked out by priority moves like Sucker Punch. Spamming its STAB Water-type (redundant given that it is mentioned later) moves is not easy to do, (RC) given how many checks there are to Water-type moves like Shiftry, Gourgeist-XL, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Dragon. While it may be fast, Floatzel is outsped by Choice Scarf users in Electivire and Silvally, which are able to OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. It even gets outsped and OHKOed by fast non-Choice Scarf users unboosted Pokemon (phrasing) like Zebstrika and Electrode.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Focus Blast
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim / Water Veil
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Floatzel's strongest special attacking STAB move that allows it to OHKO threats that Surf normally can't (Unless Surf is viable, do you really need to mention this?) such as Pinsir. Ice Beam is Floatzel's best way to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types in the tier such as Gourgeist-XL, Shiftry, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon. Hidden Power Electric lets Floatzel hit its biggest competition in Swanna while also hitting the other Water-types in the tier such as opposing Floatzel, Poliwrath, Mareanie, Silvally-Water, and Simipour. Focus Blast is a great coverage move that hits Pokemon such as Assault Vest Komala, Lickilicky, and Kecleon, all of which can easily tank whatever else Floatzel throws at them. With Aqua Jet, Floatzel can revenge kill Pokemon faster than it such as Combusken and Ninjask.

Set Details
========
A Naive nature combined with an EV spread of 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe allows Floatzel to outspeed Raichu, Zebstrika, and Jumpluff and hit hard. Swift Swim is preferred over Water Veil, since it gives Floatzel a better matchup against Z-Rain Dance Swanna, whereas Water Veil is useless on a set based around mostly special attacks.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel's bulk is not the best and it can easily be worn down, bringing it in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is a smart idea. Furthermore, Floatzel must be wary of getting chipped down over time from entry hazards. Thanks to Aqua Jet, revenge killing is also a great use of Floatzel's skills. Not only can it revenge kill unboosted (it can revenge kill boosted faster ones too) faster Pokemon, but it can also take out some setup sweepers such as Combusken, Crustle, and Simisear. Utilizing Floatzel's great Speed tier in taking to take down Pokemon like Rapidash, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour with its coverage moves is also a good idea. Floatzel is also used to take down can also beat (phrasing; repetition) Pokemon that have poor Special Defense stats such as Granbull, Mawile, and Avalugg.

Team Options
========
Since this set can easily have trouble with Bronzor, having an answer to it such as Choice Band Komala, Shiftry, or Simisear is beneficial. As mentioned before, Floatzel's bulk is less than ideal and leaves it susceptible to being OHKOed by Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry, Golem, Kecleon, and even Pawniard. Thus, it appreciates having a partner to deal with them like Silvally-Fighting, Combusken, and or Machoke. Coming in on Stealth Rock and Spikes can wear Floatzel down quickly, so entry hazard control from a teammate such as Komala, Altaria, and or Rotom-S will be essential to keep it going. Having entry hazards of your own is also a good idea, since its Floatzel's Special Attack is not the best. Great entry hazard-setting partners include Golem, Bronzor, Sandslash, and Mawile. Wish or Healing Wish support from the likes of Lickilicky and Mr. Mime can give Floatzel a second chance at potentially sweeping. Pokemon faster than Floatzel like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika can ruin its chances of doing serious damage, so teammates like Golem, Sandslash, or and Silvally-Dragon can help by dealing with these threats for Floatzel. Pokemon such as Rapidash and Gourgeist-XL appreciate Floatzel dealing with Ground- and Fire-types, so they make for good teammates as well as forming and can even form a nice Grass / Fire / Water core.

[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Taunt / Aqua Jet / Low Kick
item: Icium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Water Veil
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up lets Floatzel hit harder and take one hit or two more hits than it normally could. Ice Punch in tandem with Icium Z allows Floatzel to use a one-time nuke attack ("Nuke" might be a banned phrase; if it's not, then I'll allow this) on Pokemon that would survive Ice Punch such as Rotom-S and Leafeon. Taunt can be used to prevent other potential Taunt users from stopping Floatzel from setting up as well as blocking Toxic and Thunder Wave that would otherwise cripple Floatzel. Aqua Jet is there helps to revenge kill threats faster than it Floatzel such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika after some chip damage. It also can knock out Choice Scarf Rapidash if it's near half of its HP. Low Kick is a great coverage option over Taunt that gives Pokemon such as Komala and Lickilicky a very hard time, especially after a Bulk Up boost or two.

Set Details
========
Water Veil grants Floatzel immunity from burns, which is important considering this set is a physical wallbreaker. Floatzel's EVs and a Jolly nature maximize its Speed and allow it to go as fast and hit as hard as possible physically. Ice Punch becomes Subzero Slammer with Icium Z, and at +1, it lets Floatzel OHKO Silvally-Dragon and Leafeon. Alternatively, Fightinium Z can be used to turn Low Kick into All-Out Pummeling, which at +1 lets Floatzel OHKO Komala, Lickilicky, and Bouffalant while also acting as nice coverage for Silvally-Water.

Usage Tips
========
Since Floatzel is frail, switching it into any attack is not wise and; therefore, it should normally be brought in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. This provides Floatzel with momentum, allowing it to set up Bulk Up or attack for free as well as boost on Pokemon that it forces out such as Golem and Altaria. Floatzel is also used greatly as a great (phrasing) revenge killer if Aqua Jet is chosen over Low Kick or Taunt. If running Taunt, Floatzel has a better matchup against stall teams. Floatzel can handle physically frail Pokemon with this set and should capitalize on this. Such targets include Komala, Life Orb Kadabra, Simisear, and Kecleon. Given that Water Veil prevents burns, this set is an ideal counter to most Mareanie, with Taunt being able to cripple it and leaving force it only (phrasing) to use Scald.

Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Komala, Silvally-Fighting, Electivire, and Rotom-S can bring Floatzel in safely. Entry hazards end up being a problem in addition to Floatzel's less-than-ideal bulk. A partner that can get rid of them such as Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, or Sandslash works out well here. On the other side of the coin Conversely, (I'd allow this in a Flying Press article), having entry hazards on the opposing side is also helpful to give Floatzel an easier time dealing with the opposition. Hazard-setting Entry hazard-setting partners include the likes of Golem, Bronzor, Crustle, and Mareanie. While burns won't be an issue for it Floatzel, paralysis and poison cripple Floatzel it. Thus, having a cleric on the team such as Granbull or Lickilicky certainly would be a good idea. Faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Electivire and Zebstrika derail any chance Floatzel has of being a threat. Therefore, having a partner like Choice Scarf Rapidash or physically defensive Golem certainly helps it out. Gourgeist-XL is also a problem for Floatzel, even with Icium Z. Combusken and or Simisear can form a Water / Fire core with Floatzel and help it deal with this particular threat. Opposing Water-types like Swanna and Silvally-Water wall this set completely, so Electric- or Grass-types such as Electivire and Leafeon can help in this department regard (subjective change; word choice).

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Veil
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Floatzel to hit the Grass- and Dragon-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Bellossom, Silvally-Dragon, and Hakamo-o, (RC) that Hydro Pump can't hit well. Focus Blast hits Pokemon like Lickilicky, Kecleon, Bouffalant, and Silvally-Water. Switcheroo allows Floatzel to cripple an unsuspecting physical attacker or passive opponent foe such as Komala or Bronzor.

Set Details
========
The EV spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature utilize Floatzel's great Speed tier while maximizing its special attacking power. Water Veil is the default ability here (Why?), but Swift Swim could be better if used in the case of under rain, in which case Floatzel is going to be hard to outspeed.

Usage Tips
========
Floatzel is very frail and needs to be brought in safely in order for it to inflict a large amount of damage. It can be brought in safely damage, preferably (repetition) through a teammate's U-turn, Volt Switch, or Parting Shot user. Floatzel should be looking to use Hydro Pump as often as possible. However, it should nail incoming Grass- and Dragon-types with Ice Beam and use Focus Blast on specially bulky switch-ins such as Lickilicky. Switcheroo is a great tool for crippling bulky Water-type attackers, particularly such as Mareanie, since which Floatzel can't break through it normally, and it leaves Pokemon like Mareanie in a position where its role has been reduced. (You imply this when you state that Switcheroo cripples such Pokemon) Being Choice-locked into a the wrong move can be bad, as it allows the opponent to bring in a Pokemon such as Shiftry or Huntail to set up with moves such as Swords Dance or and Shell Smash. Due to this, using a super-(RH)effective or neutral move is best. As a side note to it being Being Choice-locked into a move, it also makes Floatzel a lot easier to play around and forces it to switch out, so making predictions where necessary or double switching into a teammate must be a taken into account can be necessary (phrasing, wordiness).

Team Options
========
Since Floatzel hates Electric-type moves from the likes of Electivire and Zebstrika, having a check to them like Golem helps it out. A Choice-locked Pokemon like Like all Choice item users, this (phrasing; not all Floatzel run Choice Specs) Floatzel does not appreciate entry hazards, as they wear it down, so removers such as Komala, Sandslash, Altaria, and Silvally-Dragon are strongly recommended. Hazards Entry hazards on the opponent's side, however, are much appreciated so as to let Floatzel's Floatzel sweep more easily. Entry Good entry hazard setters for Floatzel include Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor. If Floatzel became becomes paralyzed or poisoned, its chances of doing serious damage take a blow. Therefore, having a cleric like Granbull or Lickilicky definitely helps. It is also a good idea to have a partner to absorb status moves such as Machoke or Muk. The latter can also absorb Toxic Spikes should they be on the field. Machoke can also deal with Bronzor and remove Knock Off Mareanie's Eviolite with Knock Off, while Muk checks Grass-types such as Shiinotic. Pivots like Silvally-Fighting, Rotom-S, Zebstrika, and Electivire that can bring in Floatzel safely are greatly appreciated. Setup sweepers like Shiftry and Crustle that appreciate Floatzel's ability to revenge kill and wear down the opposing team pair nicely with it.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Similarly to the Choice Specs set, a Choice Band set could be viable enough to (While I don't think this is needed, you can keep it in if you'd like) work, especially since considering (subjective change) Floatzel is immune to burns and its Attack is better than its Special Attack. A rain sweeper set could also work, but rain is just not effective or common, and Floatzel is already fast enough with its Speed tier naturally (wordiness). Running a Modest Choice Scarf set could work also work, as it allows Floatzel to hit a little harder with its Special Attack at the cost of some Speed, (What are you comparing this set to? It has lower special attacking power and higher Speed than either of Floatzel's special sets.) but the cost is too high it's not necessary, since Floatzel will not hit hard enough and is already hitting outspeeds the Pokemon it wants to anyway with its already good Speed tier. It also doesn't hit hard enough, since Floatzel's stats are mediocre. (phrasing; wordiness)

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon like Mareanie, Poliwrath, Silvally-Water, Pyukumuku, and Wishiwashi are a nightmare nightmares for Floatzel regardless of its set and can easily come in on it.

**Faster Pokemon**: While they're in short supply, (as in "there are few in the tier" or "they are not used commonly"?) faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Electivire, Choice Scarf Sawsbuck, Electrode, Ninjask, and Zebstrika can all OHKO Floatzel with their respective STAB moves. However, they all need to be wary of Aqua Jet should they be weak enough to go down to one.

**Priority Moves**: Due to Floatzel's poor bulk, a simple (This would probably be fine in a Flying Press article) Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry or Pawniard can take a big chunk of its HP and reduce its lifespan.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Threats such as Gourgeist-XL, Lickilicky, and Muk can wall particular Floatzel sets. It needs the right set to break through certain checks such as these. (You already imply this)

Looked it over a few times and eliminated a few unnecessary changes. This should be good to go! GP 2/2

 

[Oathkeeper]

Funbot28 this is ready for upload!

 

[Funbot28]

Uploaded!