QC: jklioe / yogurtbear / Megazard
QP: The Dutch PlumberJack / A Cake Wearing A Hat
[OVERVIEW]
Froslass serves as a top Spikes setter thanks to its combination of high Speed and great utility options like Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, and Destiny Bond. On top of its near-unresisted STAB type combination, Froslass's typing makes it the only Spikes user able to simultaneously serve as a spinblocker and pressure many Defog users like Altaria and Silvally-Fairy offensively or with Taunt, making it the best entry hazard setter to threaten both forms of hazard removal. Between its bulky and offensive Spikes sets and its Choice Specs set, Froslass has a solid amount of versatility in terms of items and moves; this additionally makes it difficult for the opponent to know what set it's running, which it can use to its advantage to set up a layer of Spikes or lure in a threat such as Skuntank. However, bar Froslass's Speed, its stats are very mediocre, leaving it somewhat weak and frail at times. Its typing does not help much with this, making Froslass susceptible to foes that outspeed it like Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Togedemaru, Pursuit trappers like Skuntank, and various other potential threats like Stoutland. Froslass's typing also makes it struggle as a spinblocker due to its weakness to common coverage moves like Hitmonchan's Stone Edge and Alolan Sandslash's Knock Off, although moves like Will-O-Wisp can help make up for this somewhat. It is also weak to Stealth Rock and not immune to the other hazards, making it easily worn down, especially due to its lack of recovery outside of Leftovers on its bulky set. Finally, Froslass does have slight competition as a Spikes users with Qwilfish, which has a better defensive presence with its good defensive typing and Intimidate, as well as another utility option in Toxic Spikes.
[SET]
name: Bulky Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Hex
item: Leftovers / Colbur Berry
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes allows Froslass to support its teammates by wearing down foes while limiting their switches. Taunt disables various moves, most notably Defog from foes like Silvally-Water and Rotom-F, as well as entry hazards like Mesprit's Stealth Rock, healing like Audino's Wish, setup moves like Jynx's Nasty Plot, and other status moves like Weezing's Will-O-Wisp and Taunt. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers like Skuntank and Primeape and Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash while also providing residual damage and pairing well with Hex. Hex is Froslass's choice of attacking move, as the boost helps make up for its low Special Attack. Ice Beam is an alternate option with higher immediate damage output that also supplies coverage for Defog users such as Altaria and Shiftry and hits Normal-types such as Stoutland and Zangoose. However, even with its higher Base Power, Ice Beam still does little to even neutral foes, loses out on hitting Pokemon like Jellicent and Jynx, and does less than Hex after a Will-O-Wisp, making it often an inferior choice.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Speed with a Timid nature make Froslass outspeed various Pokemon such as Scyther and Swanna and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Dodrio and Alolan Raichu. This allows Froslass to utilize its high Speed to use Spikes and its other utility moves as soon as possible. 248 EVs in HP let Froslass take hits better, which furthers its ability to set up Spikes and check Pokemon, as well as switch into Stealth Rock four times if not running Leftovers. Cursed Body can stop foes from using an attack, which can help against foes like Choice Specs Aurorus locked into a non-super effective move and Pokemon with super effective coverage like Stone Edge Hitmonchan and Knock Off Alolan Sandslash. Alongside Taunt, Cursed Body can completely stop Pokemon with only one attacking move such Bellossom and Calm Mind Clefairy, which Froslass can then use to freely set Spikes. Leftovers provides a form of residual recovery, making Froslass harder to wear down. Colbur Berry can also be run, as it lets Froslass more easily switch in on foes with Dark-type coverage like Alolan Sandslash and makes Froslass harder to trap with Pursuit users like Skuntank.
Usage Tips
========
Froslass can be used as a lead due to its ability to set Spikes and its good matchup against other common leads like Qwilfish and Smeargle. It can use Will-O-Wisp to burn physical attackers like Scyther and Taunt to shut down bulky Pokemon like Clefairy and use them as fodder for setting Spikes. Taunt also should be used to stop Defog users like Swanna and Silvally-Fairy. Froslass can utilize its versatility early-game to threaten out foes like Lilligant in fear of its offensive sets, which it can use as another opportunity to set up Spikes. While Will-O-Wisp is mainly used to cripple physical attackers, it can still be used on special attackers and bulky foes like Abomasnow and Lanturn to increase Hex's damage output. However, watch out for Pokemon that can take advantage of being burned such as Stoutland and Gurdurr. Throughout the game, Froslass can switch into predicted status moves like Mesprit's Stealth Rock and resisted hits such as Drampa's Hyper Voice and Assault Vest Crabominable's Drain Punch and Ice Hammer, but it has to watch out for potential coverage from the latter two Pokemon. It should also switch into Rapid Spin from Pokemon like Choice Scarf Kabutops, although it similarly has to watch out for coverage. However, this risk will often be worth it if Froslass has done its job in setting up Spikes and potentially crippling a foe with Will-O-Wisp. Furthermore, if Froslass has fulfilled its roles, it's not the worst in many situations if it is KOed or worn down.
Team Options
========
Froslass is a solid choice for entry hazard stacking teams, as it both provides Spikes and is a spinblocker. These teams include other hazard setters such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Weezing, which can all additionally boost Froslass's Hex with their own status moves. Primeape provides Defiant support and, alongside Froslass, completes a core that can switch into and take advantage of both forms of hazard removal. Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Alolan Raticate benefit from Froslass's Spikes, as it gives them an easier time sweeping and breaking through bulky foes, while its Will-O-Wisp can give them potential setup opportunities. Wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor and Aggron also appreciate the trouble it gives their checks checks like Hitmonchan and Mudsdale to switch in. Bulky Pokemon like Tangela, Clefairy, and Type: Null can serve as switch-ins for fast Pokemon that can revenge kill Froslass such as Lycanroc, Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, and Choice Scarf Mesprit. Psychic-types like Mesprit and Flying-types like Scyther can serve as Gurdurr checks and fulfill other roles depending on their sets. Hazard removers can also help Froslass stay healthy, particularly Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan and Choice Scarf Kabutops, since Defog also removes Froslass's Spikes. Froslass can also help against opposing spinblockers like Golurk and Gourgeist-XL. Hitmonchan and other priority users like Poliwrath and Gurdurr can help against faster threats to Froslass such as Lycanroc and Togedemaru. All three can additionally serve as checks to Dark-types like Alolan Raticate and Absol.
[SET]
name: Offensive Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
item: Icium Z / Life Orb / Ghostium Z
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes whittles down the opposing team and restricts how much they can switch. Ice Beam serves as Froslass's main STAB move and supplies super effective coverage for Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Alolan Exeggutor, Lilligant, and Mudsdale. It also notably pressures many Defog users like Silvally-Dragon and Lurantis. Shadow Ball hits foes Mesprit and Silvally-Ghost super effectively and deals neutral damage to many Pokemon that resist Ice Beam like Poliwrath and Aggron, creating almost perfect neutral coverage bar on a few uncommon Pokemon like Munchlax and Pawniard. Taunt gives Froslass an even better matchup against opposing Spikes users like Qwilfish and can also stop moves like Clefairy's Soft-Boiled and Calm Mind, allowing Froslass to freely set Spikes. Taunt also stops Defog users such as Silvally-Fairy and Silvally-Water from removing Spikes. Will-O-Wisp takes advantage of Froslass's high Speed to cripple physically offensive foes like Kangaskhan and non-Choice Scarf Scyther and inflict chip damage. It can also greatly cripple Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan. Destiny Bond is another option for Froslass's last slot, allowing Froslass to further support its teammates by dealing with threats. Destiny Bond can notably take out entry hazard removers that do not mind Froslass's attacks like Rotom-F, serving as another way to maintain Spikes.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Special Attack and Speed alongside a Timid nature maximize Froslass's offensive presence. The Speed investment also allows Froslass to set up Spikes, use its utility moves as fast as possible, and serve as a revenge killer, outspeeding Pokemon like Qwilfish and non-Choice Scarf Scyther and Speed tying with other base 110 Speed Pokemon such as Dodrio. Cursed Body can disable a foe's attack, most notably from Choice-locked foes like Choice Scarf Swanna and foes with only one effective attack like Thunder Punch Hitmonchan. It pairs especially well with Taunt when facing Pokemon with only one attack like Qwilfish and Clefairy, letting Froslass take advantage of them to set up Spikes. Icium Z provides a one-time nuke, which can come in handy against Pokemon that Froslass can otherwise struggle against, notably OHKOing Skuntank after one layer of Spikes. Even if Skuntank manages to switch in and get Black Sludge recovery, Subzero Slammer still has a high chance to KO it. Life Orb helps make up for Froslass's mediocre Special Attack, ensuring the OHKO on bulky Oricorio-G and the 2HKO on Qwilfish. Ghostium Z allows Froslass to OHKO several Pokemon like Jellicent, Mesprit, and Aggron and gives it a solid chance to take out offensive Alolan Sandslash. Focus Sash can also be run, turning Froslass into a dedicated suicide lead. However, it has little use outside of that due to the commonness of chip damage and resulting inability to serve as a spinblocker.
Usage Tips
========
Froslass is a solid lead option, as it can set up Spikes as soon as possible and has a good matchup against many other common leads like Qwilfish and Mesprit. Even if used as a lead, Froslass should often be kept alive so it can be used as a spinblocker to maintain Spikes and other entry hazards throughout the match, as it pressures Rapid Spin users into constant mind games. It can also be utilized to simply weaken and cripple foes with its offensive and utility moves. However, if the opponent's hazard removers are KOed, weakened enough, or do not pose much of a threat, Froslass can just be used to set up Spikes and offensively pressure foes until it is taken out. Froslass can be brought onto the field against a predicted Rapid Spin from a Pokemon such as Hitmonchan or Choice Scarf Kabutops but has to watch out for coverage like Stone Edge from both. Double switches can also work but are similarly risky. Therefore, safer options to get Froslass onto the field are with a slow pivot or by utilizing its decent offensive presence to serve as a revenge killer. Additionally, Froslass can directly switch into slower setup users like Bellossom, which it can outspeed after one Quiver Dance but not two, so it can use Taunt on them before they can set up too much. When at low health, Froslass can simply spam Spikes until it is taken out or go for Destiny Bond or its Z-Move if facing a large threat to the rest of the team. Even if not at low health, Froslass can use Destiny Bond or its Z-Move to take out hazard removers like Skuntank or Will-O-Wisp to cripple them. Will-O-Wisp can also be used to cripple physical threats such as Kangaskhan and play around Sucker Punch or Pursuit users like Spiritomb.
Team Options
========
Offensive teams greatly appreciate Froslass's Spikes, as it allows their wallbreakers such as Kangaskhan and Aggron and sweepers such as Dodrio and Lycanroc to more easily break through threats. Thanks to both Pokemon's access to Taunt, Aggron has a great matchup against stall teams alongside Froslass, and it can also set Stealth Rock, which stacks with Spikes and benefits from Froslass's ability to spinblock. Something similar applies to other Stealth Rock setters such as Mesprit, which can also support Froslass with Healing Wish to help with Life Orb, hazards, and other forms of chip damage and can serve as a slow pivot with U-turn to bring Froslass onto the field safely. Other slow pivots such as Lanturn can additionally switch into threats to Froslass, with Lanturn switching into certain Fire- and Steel-types like Combusken and Togedemaru. Faster pivots such as Primeape can lure in Pokemon threatened by Froslass, such as Psychic-types like Mesprit, which Froslass can use to set up Spikes or simply KO. Primeape can also take advantage of Defog with Defiant, while Froslass serves as a spinblocker, allowing them to handle both forms of entry hazard removal. Lastly, Rapid Spin users such as Choice Scarf Kabutops can help with Froslass's weakness to Stealth Rock and other hazards without removing Froslass's Spikes.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Trick
move 4: Spikes
item: Choice Specs
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam and Shadow Ball is a nearly unresisted STAB combination. Trick cripples foes that can switch into Froslass's attacks such as Clefairy and Audino. It can also serve as a last-ditch effort to stop setup Pokemon like Life Orb Absol, potentially give Froslass a useful item like Leftovers, and scout for Z-Moves. Spikes helps supply constant chip damage to the opposing team, helping Froslass and its teammates more easily break through them while punishing their switches. Since it's not the best move to be locked into, Spikes pairs well with Trick. Destiny Bond can be run as a last-ditch effort to take down threats when Froslass is low on health, although it is another move that can be taken advantage of by the opponent when locked into.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Special Attack and Speed with a Timid nature allow Froslass to hit as hard and fast as it can. With said Speed investment, Froslass is able to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame while Speed tying with Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Alolan Dugtrio, which shares its base 110 Speed. Choice Specs furthers this offensive presence, somewhat making up for Froslass's mediocre Special Attack, although at the cost of locking Froslass into a single move. Cursed Body has a chance to disable a foe's attack and pairs especially well Trick, which locks the opponent into that disabled move, causing them to Struggle.
Usage Tips
========
Ice Beam is Froslass's most spammable move, with Shadow Ball only being used on predicted switch-ins such as Aurorus and Lanturn. However, when using Shadow Ball, watch out for Pursuit users such as Skuntank and Stoutland, which can easily switch into a Shadow Ball or revenge kill Froslass. Trick should be used on a predicted bulkier switch-in like Clefairy or Type: Null or to cripple a foe when Froslass is at low health late-game. Alternatively, when Froslass is at low health, it can set up Spikes until it is KOed. Froslass can also set up Spikes on Pokemon it forces out such as Lilligant and defensive Mesprit. However, Spikes isn't the best move to be locked into, and Pokemon like Jynx can take advantage of it to start setting up. Froslass can utilize its high Speed to serve as a revenge killer against foes like Aggron and non-Choice Scarf Scyther. It can also serve as a spinblocker or as a switch-in to other moves it is immune to such as Poliwrath's Focus Blast, but because of Froslass's poor bulk it has to watch out for even neutral moves like Hitmonchan's Thunder Punch. Less risky options are to bring it in are through a slow pivot such as Lanturn or by switching into a weak or status move from physically defensive foes like Weezing and Tangela, although it can be worn down easily. Finally, if Froslass has only used Spikes, it can disguise itself as a bulky set to lure in foes like Stoutland and pick up the 2HKO with Ice Beam.
Team Options
========
Physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland can help break through specially defensive threats to Froslass like Lanturn and Audino, while Froslass helps with their physically defensive threats like Gurdurr and Tangela. Something similar can be said about physical setup sweepers such as Scyther and Pinsir, which can also help with said specially defensive foes and have an easier time sweeping after Froslass weakens, KOes, or cripples certain threats like Mudsdale and Regirock. Both wallbreakers and setup sweepers also appreciate foes being weakened by Froslass's Spikes. Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and priority move users such as Kangaskhan can serve as revenge killers for foes weakened by Froslass while also helping with its faster threats like Floatzel. Togedemaru can additionally lure various Pokemon like Weezing before pivoting out to Froslass, while Kangaskhan takes advantage of Spikes. Since the Choice lock means that Froslass often has to switch, it is easily worn down by entry hazards, so Rapid Spin users such as Choice Scarf Kabutops good teammates. Defog users like Skuntank can also be used if need be, although they also remove Froslass's Spikes too. Slow pivots such as Eelektross and defensive Mesprit can take a hit before getting Froslass onto the field safely, while Froslass can help pressure certain Pokemon they struggle against like Alolan Exeggutor and Altaria. Eelektross can also support Froslass with Knock Off to help with Choice Scarf users like Primeape, while Mesprit can provide a form of recovery in Healing Wish and another way to wear down foes in Stealth Rock. Froslass's ability to spinblock benefits Mesprit's Stealth Rock and also makes it a good choice on Sticky Web teams, which include setters like Shuckle and Smeargle. Sticky Web allows Froslass to outspeed many otherwise faster threats, like Choice Scarf Togedemaru and Kabutops.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Scarf set similar to Froslass's Choice Specs set can help keep faster foes in check and serve as a lure for otherwise faster threats like Choice Scarf Togedemaru, but it can be very passive, requiring a good amount of previously acquired damage to pick up many KOs. Both of Froslass's Spikes sets can be somewhat customizable, although with generally inferior choices. Starting with Froslass's bulky Spikes set, it can run Protect alongside Leftovers to give Froslass a free turn of recovery, wear down burned foes, stall turns of Trick Room and weather, and scout moves, particularly those of Choice item users like Aurorus, but this comes at the loss of utility of another move. Pain Split is also an option to supply a form of recovery while also wearing the foe down, but it can be quite unreliable. Froslass's offensive Spikes set and Choice Specs set can run Hidden Power Fighting, which supplies coverage for some Pokemon that do not mind Froslass's STAB moves as much such as Aurorus, Probopass, and Pawniard, but it hits little outside of that. On both Froslass's offensive and bulky Spikes sets, Thunder Wave and Toxic are options over Will-O-Wisp to slow down fast foes such as Swanna or cripple bulkier foes such as Regirock, but being able to halve foes' Attack is more beneficial, as it gives Froslass an easier time setting up Spikes against them. Finally, Icy Wind is generally run on dedicated leads and can slow down foes and force switches, but it is notably weaker than Ice Beam, making Froslass struggle a lot more against various foes like Skuntank and Sableye.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Certain Pokemon that outspeed Froslass such as Choice Scarf Togedemaru and Choice Scarf Haunter OHKO its offensive sets but require some chip damage against its bulky set. Others like Floatzel, Alolan Persian, Choice Scarf Mesprit, and Choice Scarf Swanna can revenge kill Froslass but require it to have taken damage beforehand no matter its set. However, many of these Pokemon struggle to switch into Froslass's attacks and fear a potential Will-O-Wisp.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Certain bulky Pokemon like Eelektross and Assault Vest Crabominable can switch in against Froslass, although they can be worn down relatively easily and have to watch out for Destiny Bond, with the latter also fearing a potential Will-O-Wisp or Trick. Alolan Sandslash is a Rapid Spin user that Froslass struggles to spinblock, as it OHKOes it Froslass with Iron Head and can often take a hit, although it has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp, Trick, and Destiny Bond and offensive sets have a chance to be OHKOed by Never-Ending Nightmare. Various walls such as Lanturn, Audino, and Clefairy can serve as pivots to take a hit from Froslass, making certain moves less spammable, but they can often be used as fodder for Froslass to set up Spikes, and the latter two are greatly crippled by Taunt and Trick.
**Rock-types**: Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Kabutops both outspeed and OHKO Froslass; however, they can struggle to switch directly in, as they are crippled by Will-O-Wisp and 2HKOed by Shadow Ball. Aurorus, Probopass, and Regirock can take a couple hits and OHKO in return, but they fear Destiny Bond, and the latter additionally does not appreciate Will-O-Wisp or Trick. Aggron can take one hit bar Never-Ending Nightmare and OHKO Froslass, but it similarly has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp, Trick, and Destiny Bond.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UberSkitty, 355061]]
- Quality checked by: [[jklioe, 424692], [yogi, 252106], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
QP: The Dutch PlumberJack / A Cake Wearing A Hat
[OVERVIEW]
Froslass serves as a top Spikes setter thanks to its combination of high Speed and great utility options like Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, and Destiny Bond. On top of its near-unresisted STAB type combination, Froslass's typing makes it the only Spikes user able to simultaneously serve as a spinblocker and pressure many Defog users like Altaria and Silvally-Fairy offensively or with Taunt, making it the best entry hazard setter to threaten both forms of hazard removal. Between its bulky and offensive Spikes sets and its Choice Specs set, Froslass has a solid amount of versatility in terms of items and moves; this additionally makes it difficult for the opponent to know what set it's running, which it can use to its advantage to set up a layer of Spikes or lure in a threat such as Skuntank. However, bar Froslass's Speed, its stats are very mediocre, leaving it somewhat weak and frail at times. Its typing does not help much with this, making Froslass susceptible to foes that outspeed it like Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Togedemaru, Pursuit trappers like Skuntank, and various other potential threats like Stoutland. Froslass's typing also makes it struggle as a spinblocker due to its weakness to common coverage moves like Hitmonchan's Stone Edge and Alolan Sandslash's Knock Off, although moves like Will-O-Wisp can help make up for this somewhat. It is also weak to Stealth Rock and not immune to the other hazards, making it easily worn down, especially due to its lack of recovery outside of Leftovers on its bulky set. Finally, Froslass does have slight competition as a Spikes users with Qwilfish, which has a better defensive presence with its good defensive typing and Intimidate, as well as another utility option in Toxic Spikes.
[SET]
name: Bulky Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Hex
item: Leftovers / Colbur Berry
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes allows Froslass to support its teammates by wearing down foes while limiting their switches. Taunt disables various moves, most notably Defog from foes like Silvally-Water and Rotom-F, as well as entry hazards like Mesprit's Stealth Rock, healing like Audino's Wish, setup moves like Jynx's Nasty Plot, and other status moves like Weezing's Will-O-Wisp and Taunt. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers like Skuntank and Primeape and Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash while also providing residual damage and pairing well with Hex. Hex is Froslass's choice of attacking move, as the boost helps make up for its low Special Attack. Ice Beam is an alternate option with higher immediate damage output that also supplies coverage for Defog users such as Altaria and Shiftry and hits Normal-types such as Stoutland and Zangoose. However, even with its higher Base Power, Ice Beam still does little to even neutral foes, loses out on hitting Pokemon like Jellicent and Jynx, and does less than Hex after a Will-O-Wisp, making it often an inferior choice.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Speed with a Timid nature make Froslass outspeed various Pokemon such as Scyther and Swanna and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Dodrio and Alolan Raichu. This allows Froslass to utilize its high Speed to use Spikes and its other utility moves as soon as possible. 248 EVs in HP let Froslass take hits better, which furthers its ability to set up Spikes and check Pokemon, as well as switch into Stealth Rock four times if not running Leftovers. Cursed Body can stop foes from using an attack, which can help against foes like Choice Specs Aurorus locked into a non-super effective move and Pokemon with super effective coverage like Stone Edge Hitmonchan and Knock Off Alolan Sandslash. Alongside Taunt, Cursed Body can completely stop Pokemon with only one attacking move such Bellossom and Calm Mind Clefairy, which Froslass can then use to freely set Spikes. Leftovers provides a form of residual recovery, making Froslass harder to wear down. Colbur Berry can also be run, as it lets Froslass more easily switch in on foes with Dark-type coverage like Alolan Sandslash and makes Froslass harder to trap with Pursuit users like Skuntank.
Usage Tips
========
Froslass can be used as a lead due to its ability to set Spikes and its good matchup against other common leads like Qwilfish and Smeargle. It can use Will-O-Wisp to burn physical attackers like Scyther and Taunt to shut down bulky Pokemon like Clefairy and use them as fodder for setting Spikes. Taunt also should be used to stop Defog users like Swanna and Silvally-Fairy. Froslass can utilize its versatility early-game to threaten out foes like Lilligant in fear of its offensive sets, which it can use as another opportunity to set up Spikes. While Will-O-Wisp is mainly used to cripple physical attackers, it can still be used on special attackers and bulky foes like Abomasnow and Lanturn to increase Hex's damage output. However, watch out for Pokemon that can take advantage of being burned such as Stoutland and Gurdurr. Throughout the game, Froslass can switch into predicted status moves like Mesprit's Stealth Rock and resisted hits such as Drampa's Hyper Voice and Assault Vest Crabominable's Drain Punch and Ice Hammer, but it has to watch out for potential coverage from the latter two Pokemon. It should also switch into Rapid Spin from Pokemon like Choice Scarf Kabutops, although it similarly has to watch out for coverage. However, this risk will often be worth it if Froslass has done its job in setting up Spikes and potentially crippling a foe with Will-O-Wisp. Furthermore, if Froslass has fulfilled its roles, it's not the worst in many situations if it is KOed or worn down.
Team Options
========
Froslass is a solid choice for entry hazard stacking teams, as it both provides Spikes and is a spinblocker. These teams include other hazard setters such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Weezing, which can all additionally boost Froslass's Hex with their own status moves. Primeape provides Defiant support and, alongside Froslass, completes a core that can switch into and take advantage of both forms of hazard removal. Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Alolan Raticate benefit from Froslass's Spikes, as it gives them an easier time sweeping and breaking through bulky foes, while its Will-O-Wisp can give them potential setup opportunities. Wallbreakers such as Alolan Exeggutor and Aggron also appreciate the trouble it gives their checks checks like Hitmonchan and Mudsdale to switch in. Bulky Pokemon like Tangela, Clefairy, and Type: Null can serve as switch-ins for fast Pokemon that can revenge kill Froslass such as Lycanroc, Choice Scarf Oricorio-G, and Choice Scarf Mesprit. Psychic-types like Mesprit and Flying-types like Scyther can serve as Gurdurr checks and fulfill other roles depending on their sets. Hazard removers can also help Froslass stay healthy, particularly Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan and Choice Scarf Kabutops, since Defog also removes Froslass's Spikes. Froslass can also help against opposing spinblockers like Golurk and Gourgeist-XL. Hitmonchan and other priority users like Poliwrath and Gurdurr can help against faster threats to Froslass such as Lycanroc and Togedemaru. All three can additionally serve as checks to Dark-types like Alolan Raticate and Absol.
[SET]
name: Offensive Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
item: Icium Z / Life Orb / Ghostium Z
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes whittles down the opposing team and restricts how much they can switch. Ice Beam serves as Froslass's main STAB move and supplies super effective coverage for Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Alolan Exeggutor, Lilligant, and Mudsdale. It also notably pressures many Defog users like Silvally-Dragon and Lurantis. Shadow Ball hits foes Mesprit and Silvally-Ghost super effectively and deals neutral damage to many Pokemon that resist Ice Beam like Poliwrath and Aggron, creating almost perfect neutral coverage bar on a few uncommon Pokemon like Munchlax and Pawniard. Taunt gives Froslass an even better matchup against opposing Spikes users like Qwilfish and can also stop moves like Clefairy's Soft-Boiled and Calm Mind, allowing Froslass to freely set Spikes. Taunt also stops Defog users such as Silvally-Fairy and Silvally-Water from removing Spikes. Will-O-Wisp takes advantage of Froslass's high Speed to cripple physically offensive foes like Kangaskhan and non-Choice Scarf Scyther and inflict chip damage. It can also greatly cripple Rapid Spin users like Hitmonchan. Destiny Bond is another option for Froslass's last slot, allowing Froslass to further support its teammates by dealing with threats. Destiny Bond can notably take out entry hazard removers that do not mind Froslass's attacks like Rotom-F, serving as another way to maintain Spikes.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Special Attack and Speed alongside a Timid nature maximize Froslass's offensive presence. The Speed investment also allows Froslass to set up Spikes, use its utility moves as fast as possible, and serve as a revenge killer, outspeeding Pokemon like Qwilfish and non-Choice Scarf Scyther and Speed tying with other base 110 Speed Pokemon such as Dodrio. Cursed Body can disable a foe's attack, most notably from Choice-locked foes like Choice Scarf Swanna and foes with only one effective attack like Thunder Punch Hitmonchan. It pairs especially well with Taunt when facing Pokemon with only one attack like Qwilfish and Clefairy, letting Froslass take advantage of them to set up Spikes. Icium Z provides a one-time nuke, which can come in handy against Pokemon that Froslass can otherwise struggle against, notably OHKOing Skuntank after one layer of Spikes. Even if Skuntank manages to switch in and get Black Sludge recovery, Subzero Slammer still has a high chance to KO it. Life Orb helps make up for Froslass's mediocre Special Attack, ensuring the OHKO on bulky Oricorio-G and the 2HKO on Qwilfish. Ghostium Z allows Froslass to OHKO several Pokemon like Jellicent, Mesprit, and Aggron and gives it a solid chance to take out offensive Alolan Sandslash. Focus Sash can also be run, turning Froslass into a dedicated suicide lead. However, it has little use outside of that due to the commonness of chip damage and resulting inability to serve as a spinblocker.
Usage Tips
========
Froslass is a solid lead option, as it can set up Spikes as soon as possible and has a good matchup against many other common leads like Qwilfish and Mesprit. Even if used as a lead, Froslass should often be kept alive so it can be used as a spinblocker to maintain Spikes and other entry hazards throughout the match, as it pressures Rapid Spin users into constant mind games. It can also be utilized to simply weaken and cripple foes with its offensive and utility moves. However, if the opponent's hazard removers are KOed, weakened enough, or do not pose much of a threat, Froslass can just be used to set up Spikes and offensively pressure foes until it is taken out. Froslass can be brought onto the field against a predicted Rapid Spin from a Pokemon such as Hitmonchan or Choice Scarf Kabutops but has to watch out for coverage like Stone Edge from both. Double switches can also work but are similarly risky. Therefore, safer options to get Froslass onto the field are with a slow pivot or by utilizing its decent offensive presence to serve as a revenge killer. Additionally, Froslass can directly switch into slower setup users like Bellossom, which it can outspeed after one Quiver Dance but not two, so it can use Taunt on them before they can set up too much. When at low health, Froslass can simply spam Spikes until it is taken out or go for Destiny Bond or its Z-Move if facing a large threat to the rest of the team. Even if not at low health, Froslass can use Destiny Bond or its Z-Move to take out hazard removers like Skuntank or Will-O-Wisp to cripple them. Will-O-Wisp can also be used to cripple physical threats such as Kangaskhan and play around Sucker Punch or Pursuit users like Spiritomb.
Team Options
========
Offensive teams greatly appreciate Froslass's Spikes, as it allows their wallbreakers such as Kangaskhan and Aggron and sweepers such as Dodrio and Lycanroc to more easily break through threats. Thanks to both Pokemon's access to Taunt, Aggron has a great matchup against stall teams alongside Froslass, and it can also set Stealth Rock, which stacks with Spikes and benefits from Froslass's ability to spinblock. Something similar applies to other Stealth Rock setters such as Mesprit, which can also support Froslass with Healing Wish to help with Life Orb, hazards, and other forms of chip damage and can serve as a slow pivot with U-turn to bring Froslass onto the field safely. Other slow pivots such as Lanturn can additionally switch into threats to Froslass, with Lanturn switching into certain Fire- and Steel-types like Combusken and Togedemaru. Faster pivots such as Primeape can lure in Pokemon threatened by Froslass, such as Psychic-types like Mesprit, which Froslass can use to set up Spikes or simply KO. Primeape can also take advantage of Defog with Defiant, while Froslass serves as a spinblocker, allowing them to handle both forms of entry hazard removal. Lastly, Rapid Spin users such as Choice Scarf Kabutops can help with Froslass's weakness to Stealth Rock and other hazards without removing Froslass's Spikes.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Trick
move 4: Spikes
item: Choice Specs
ability: Cursed Body
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam and Shadow Ball is a nearly unresisted STAB combination. Trick cripples foes that can switch into Froslass's attacks such as Clefairy and Audino. It can also serve as a last-ditch effort to stop setup Pokemon like Life Orb Absol, potentially give Froslass a useful item like Leftovers, and scout for Z-Moves. Spikes helps supply constant chip damage to the opposing team, helping Froslass and its teammates more easily break through them while punishing their switches. Since it's not the best move to be locked into, Spikes pairs well with Trick. Destiny Bond can be run as a last-ditch effort to take down threats when Froslass is low on health, although it is another move that can be taken advantage of by the opponent when locked into.
Set Details
========
252 EVs in Special Attack and Speed with a Timid nature allow Froslass to hit as hard and fast as it can. With said Speed investment, Froslass is able to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame while Speed tying with Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Alolan Dugtrio, which shares its base 110 Speed. Choice Specs furthers this offensive presence, somewhat making up for Froslass's mediocre Special Attack, although at the cost of locking Froslass into a single move. Cursed Body has a chance to disable a foe's attack and pairs especially well Trick, which locks the opponent into that disabled move, causing them to Struggle.
Usage Tips
========
Ice Beam is Froslass's most spammable move, with Shadow Ball only being used on predicted switch-ins such as Aurorus and Lanturn. However, when using Shadow Ball, watch out for Pursuit users such as Skuntank and Stoutland, which can easily switch into a Shadow Ball or revenge kill Froslass. Trick should be used on a predicted bulkier switch-in like Clefairy or Type: Null or to cripple a foe when Froslass is at low health late-game. Alternatively, when Froslass is at low health, it can set up Spikes until it is KOed. Froslass can also set up Spikes on Pokemon it forces out such as Lilligant and defensive Mesprit. However, Spikes isn't the best move to be locked into, and Pokemon like Jynx can take advantage of it to start setting up. Froslass can utilize its high Speed to serve as a revenge killer against foes like Aggron and non-Choice Scarf Scyther. It can also serve as a spinblocker or as a switch-in to other moves it is immune to such as Poliwrath's Focus Blast, but because of Froslass's poor bulk it has to watch out for even neutral moves like Hitmonchan's Thunder Punch. Less risky options are to bring it in are through a slow pivot such as Lanturn or by switching into a weak or status move from physically defensive foes like Weezing and Tangela, although it can be worn down easily. Finally, if Froslass has only used Spikes, it can disguise itself as a bulky set to lure in foes like Stoutland and pick up the 2HKO with Ice Beam.
Team Options
========
Physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland can help break through specially defensive threats to Froslass like Lanturn and Audino, while Froslass helps with their physically defensive threats like Gurdurr and Tangela. Something similar can be said about physical setup sweepers such as Scyther and Pinsir, which can also help with said specially defensive foes and have an easier time sweeping after Froslass weakens, KOes, or cripples certain threats like Mudsdale and Regirock. Both wallbreakers and setup sweepers also appreciate foes being weakened by Froslass's Spikes. Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and priority move users such as Kangaskhan can serve as revenge killers for foes weakened by Froslass while also helping with its faster threats like Floatzel. Togedemaru can additionally lure various Pokemon like Weezing before pivoting out to Froslass, while Kangaskhan takes advantage of Spikes. Since the Choice lock means that Froslass often has to switch, it is easily worn down by entry hazards, so Rapid Spin users such as Choice Scarf Kabutops good teammates. Defog users like Skuntank can also be used if need be, although they also remove Froslass's Spikes too. Slow pivots such as Eelektross and defensive Mesprit can take a hit before getting Froslass onto the field safely, while Froslass can help pressure certain Pokemon they struggle against like Alolan Exeggutor and Altaria. Eelektross can also support Froslass with Knock Off to help with Choice Scarf users like Primeape, while Mesprit can provide a form of recovery in Healing Wish and another way to wear down foes in Stealth Rock. Froslass's ability to spinblock benefits Mesprit's Stealth Rock and also makes it a good choice on Sticky Web teams, which include setters like Shuckle and Smeargle. Sticky Web allows Froslass to outspeed many otherwise faster threats, like Choice Scarf Togedemaru and Kabutops.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Scarf set similar to Froslass's Choice Specs set can help keep faster foes in check and serve as a lure for otherwise faster threats like Choice Scarf Togedemaru, but it can be very passive, requiring a good amount of previously acquired damage to pick up many KOs. Both of Froslass's Spikes sets can be somewhat customizable, although with generally inferior choices. Starting with Froslass's bulky Spikes set, it can run Protect alongside Leftovers to give Froslass a free turn of recovery, wear down burned foes, stall turns of Trick Room and weather, and scout moves, particularly those of Choice item users like Aurorus, but this comes at the loss of utility of another move. Pain Split is also an option to supply a form of recovery while also wearing the foe down, but it can be quite unreliable. Froslass's offensive Spikes set and Choice Specs set can run Hidden Power Fighting, which supplies coverage for some Pokemon that do not mind Froslass's STAB moves as much such as Aurorus, Probopass, and Pawniard, but it hits little outside of that. On both Froslass's offensive and bulky Spikes sets, Thunder Wave and Toxic are options over Will-O-Wisp to slow down fast foes such as Swanna or cripple bulkier foes such as Regirock, but being able to halve foes' Attack is more beneficial, as it gives Froslass an easier time setting up Spikes against them. Finally, Icy Wind is generally run on dedicated leads and can slow down foes and force switches, but it is notably weaker than Ice Beam, making Froslass struggle a lot more against various foes like Skuntank and Sableye.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Certain Pokemon that outspeed Froslass such as Choice Scarf Togedemaru and Choice Scarf Haunter OHKO its offensive sets but require some chip damage against its bulky set. Others like Floatzel, Alolan Persian, Choice Scarf Mesprit, and Choice Scarf Swanna can revenge kill Froslass but require it to have taken damage beforehand no matter its set. However, many of these Pokemon struggle to switch into Froslass's attacks and fear a potential Will-O-Wisp.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Certain bulky Pokemon like Eelektross and Assault Vest Crabominable can switch in against Froslass, although they can be worn down relatively easily and have to watch out for Destiny Bond, with the latter also fearing a potential Will-O-Wisp or Trick. Alolan Sandslash is a Rapid Spin user that Froslass struggles to spinblock, as it OHKOes it Froslass with Iron Head and can often take a hit, although it has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp, Trick, and Destiny Bond and offensive sets have a chance to be OHKOed by Never-Ending Nightmare. Various walls such as Lanturn, Audino, and Clefairy can serve as pivots to take a hit from Froslass, making certain moves less spammable, but they can often be used as fodder for Froslass to set up Spikes, and the latter two are greatly crippled by Taunt and Trick.
**Rock-types**: Lycanroc and Choice Scarf Kabutops both outspeed and OHKO Froslass; however, they can struggle to switch directly in, as they are crippled by Will-O-Wisp and 2HKOed by Shadow Ball. Aurorus, Probopass, and Regirock can take a couple hits and OHKO in return, but they fear Destiny Bond, and the latter additionally does not appreciate Will-O-Wisp or Trick. Aggron can take one hit bar Never-Ending Nightmare and OHKO Froslass, but it similarly has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp, Trick, and Destiny Bond.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[UberSkitty, 355061]]
- Quality checked by: [[jklioe, 424692], [yogi, 252106], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
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