[OVERVIEW]
Bug
* Galvantula's Speed tier and access to Sticky Web make it a very easy pokemon to fit on all bug teams. It ties or outspeeds most lead Pokemon allowing it to easily get up the hazard early-game.
* Galvantula's secondary Electric typing can improve its matchup against Flying-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y.
* Galvantula's access to Compound Eyes allows it to spam Thunder, otherwise a low-accuracy move.
* Galvantula has access to decent coverage moves such as Energy Ball to hit Pokemon that resist or are immune to Thunder such as Ground-types; however, its low Special Attack prevents them from doing much damage.
* Galvantula is the most offensive of the two Sticky Web setters bug has access to, with the other being Shuckle.
* Sticky Web allows strong wallbreakers to more easily clean through the opposing teams and slow down potential Pokemon that can remove hazards from the field.
* Galvantula's poor bulk means it is easily revenge killed by priority users and faster Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web Setter (Bug)
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Thunder
move 3: Hidden Power [Ice]
move 4: Energy Ball / Bug Buzz
item: Focus Sash
ability: Compound Eyes
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Sticky Web lowers foes speed by 1 stage, allowing teammates like Volcarona to outspeed Choice Scarf Excadrill without a boost.
* Thunder is a powerful STAB move and works well with Compound Eyes boosting its accuracy, allowing Galvantula to check Flying- and Water-types such as Skarmory, Charizard Y, Pelipper, Gyarados, and Azumarill.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Galvantula to help severely weaken threats to Bug such as Landorus, Gliscor, and Garchomp.
* Energy Ball allows Galvantula to hit bulkier Ground-Type Pokemon such as Swampert and Seimsitoad, which are immune to Thunder and are barely phazed by Hidden Power Ice.
* Bug Buzz allows Galvantula to hit annoying Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Mew, and Latios.
Set Details
========
* 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Galvantula to act as a fast Sticky Web setter and Speed tie with Pokemon such as Cobalion and Infernape while also being able to outspeed threats to Bug such as Landorus and Charizard Y.
* 252 Special Attack allows Galvantula to maximize its damage output.
* Focus Sash allows Galvantula to always survive an attack, giving it more reliability and somewhat lessening the problem of its horrible bulk.
* Compound Eyes in tandem with Thunder provides Galvantula a very reliable Stab option, and its high Base Power somewhat makes for Galvantula's mediocre Special Attack.
* 4 Special Defense EVs makes it so that Download users such as Porygon-Z do not get a boost in Special Attack.
Usage Tips
========
* Thunder can be readily spammed against the opposing team if Sticky Web is not valuable, such as against Flying teams, if it has been already set up, or against slower teams such as Water Stall in combination with Energy Ball.
* Galvantula should be preserved for as long as possible against a team with hazard control.
* Galvantula is usually a suicide lead, so get up Sticky Web up as soon as possible.
* Against pokemon that usually carry Taunt and are faster or have the same Speed as Galvantula such as Infernape, Cobalion, and Deoxys-Speed it is best to not lead with Galvantula and set up Sticky Web later on.
* Be careful with setting Sticky Web against teams that have Bisharp, as the Attack boost from Defiant will make it a very potent cleaner even after the drop in Speed.
* Galvantula does not appreciate its Focus Sash being broken, so it's best to have one of its teammates remove hazards before switching in.
* When Galvantula isn't used as a lead, it likes to switch in safely against slower foes that barely touch it like Ferrothorn, so that it can safely get up Sticky Web later in the match. Galvantula also can help break down more annoying Pokemon to Bug teams such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Mantine, and Toxapex with its coverage and STAB moves.
Team Options
========
* Armaldo and Forretress are great teammates for Galvantula, as they can clear hazards, but they also can set up hazards of their own. Forretress can provide a slow Volt Switch to bring Galvantula in safely, while Armaldo can help Galvantula pressure Flying-types with strong Rock STAB moves.
* Heracross benefits from both the Sticky Web, as it with Choice Scarf and Moxie becomes a dangerous late-game sweeper especially against weakened Steel and Rock teams, and Galvantula's ability to severely weaken Flying-types such as Skarmory and Landorus-T.
* Mega Pinsir greatly appreciates Sticky Web support, as it is able to outspeed threatening base 100 Speed Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf such as Victini or threats that naturally outspeed it such as Greninja and Shift Gear Magearna, which can otherwise be painful for Bug teams to try and handle.
* Volcarona outspeeds most grounded Pokemon including Choice Scarf Excadrill, after the drop from Sticky Web while also being able to pick off Steel-, Ground-, and Water-types for the team. Galvantula also picks off Pokemon that Volcarona has a harder time dealing with such as Toxapex and Mantine.
* Buzzwole appreciates Sticky Web support because its Speed is lackluster, allowing it to become a more effective sweeper because of its naturally high Attack and ability to clean through weakened Steel teams.
* Scizor can find good opportunities to safely bring in Galvantula with U-turn while also being able to pick off annoying Rock-types. Scizor can run a Choice Band or Swords Dance to better clean through opposing teams late-game, which is only further aided by the Speed support Galvantula provides in Sticky Web.
* Araquanid is a very nice defensive pivot for Galvantula because of Water Bubble, which allows it to check Fire-types.
*Yanmega appreciates Sticky Web, as it allows it to run a Modest nature, making its attacks more powerful while also providing a way to significantly damage annoying Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Bug
--------
* Giga Drain allows Galvantula to recover off a bit of damage against bulkier Water- or Ground-types such as Swampert or Hippowdon. However, its lackluster bulk prevents it from taking advantage of the recovery. Giga Drain also misses some of the power that Energy Ball provides, being a weaker Grass attack.
* Life Orb makes Galvantula's much stronger; however, it makes setting up Sticky Web much more difficult for Galvantula, which is its main niche.
* Due to Galvantula's high speed tier using Volt Switch doesn't allow it to bring a sweeper in safely; however, it can switch into walls better such as Armaldo, or Forretress.
Checks and Counters
===================
Bug
--------
**Zapdos** Zapdos can Roost off any damage taken from Galvantula, clear Sticky Web with Defog, spread status, or threaten it with Heat Wave. Galvantula's most powerful attack in Thunder doesnt even 3HKO Zapdos after Leftovers recovery.
**Leads with Taunt**: Aerodactyl and Tapu Koko can prevent Galvantula from setting up Sticky Web by virtue of being faster and using Taunt. Other leads such as Infernape and Cobalion force mind games with Galvantula with Taunt and Sticky Web.
**Entry Hazard Removal**: Since setting Sticky Web is Galvantula's main use on a Bug team it doesn't appreciate Pokemon that can easily remove the hazard such as Excadrill and Latios when lacking Bug Buzz.
**Entry Hazards**: Galvantula doesn't appreciate coming in on hazards, as they break it Focus Sash making it harder to keep up Sticky Web.
**Special Walls**: Specially defensive Pokemon that can clear hazards, spread status, set their own hazards, or easily shrug off Galvantula's attacks are problematic. Ferrothorn and Cradily can set hazards up, making it harder for Galvantula to keep up Sticky Web. Lanturn is immune to Thunder and can status Galvantula with Toxic or break its Focus Sash wtih Volt Switch. Since Chansey walls Galvantula thanks to its bulk and can easily break it down with a combination of Seismic Toss and Toxic. Mega Venusaur simply just 2HKOs Galvantula with Sludge Bomb and can recover off damage with Synthesis.
** Revenge Killers **: If Galvantula's Focus Sash is broken, it easily goes down to an attack from strong revenge killers such as Latios, Choice Scarf Victini or Choice Scarf Terrakion due to its pitful defenses.
**Rock Types**: Rock-types can consistently set up Stealth Rock against Galvantula and threaten to OHKO it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Shuckle can reliably continue setting Stealth Rock and take little to no damage from Galvantula. Faster Rock-types such as Choice Scarf Nihilego and Choice Scarfed Terrakion can easily threaten Galvantula with their powerful Rock-type STAB attacks.
** Bisharp**: Bisharp's ability allows it to take advantage of Sticky Web by raising its Attack stat by two stages after its Speed has dropped and can potientally sweep the rest of the team with Sucker Punch.
** Ground Types **: Bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Swampert can easily check Galvantula lacking Energy Ball and threaten to cripple it with Toxic or setting up Stealth Rock, crippling its ability to set up Sticky Web again later in the match.
Bug
* Galvantula's Speed tier and access to Sticky Web make it a very easy pokemon to fit on all bug teams. It ties or outspeeds most lead Pokemon allowing it to easily get up the hazard early-game.
* Galvantula's secondary Electric typing can improve its matchup against Flying-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y.
* Galvantula's access to Compound Eyes allows it to spam Thunder, otherwise a low-accuracy move.
* Galvantula has access to decent coverage moves such as Energy Ball to hit Pokemon that resist or are immune to Thunder such as Ground-types; however, its low Special Attack prevents them from doing much damage.
* Galvantula is the most offensive of the two Sticky Web setters bug has access to, with the other being Shuckle.
* Sticky Web allows strong wallbreakers to more easily clean through the opposing teams and slow down potential Pokemon that can remove hazards from the field.
* Galvantula's poor bulk means it is easily revenge killed by priority users and faster Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web Setter (Bug)
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Thunder
move 3: Hidden Power [Ice]
move 4: Energy Ball / Bug Buzz
item: Focus Sash
ability: Compound Eyes
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Sticky Web lowers foes speed by 1 stage, allowing teammates like Volcarona to outspeed Choice Scarf Excadrill without a boost.
* Thunder is a powerful STAB move and works well with Compound Eyes boosting its accuracy, allowing Galvantula to check Flying- and Water-types such as Skarmory, Charizard Y, Pelipper, Gyarados, and Azumarill.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Galvantula to help severely weaken threats to Bug such as Landorus, Gliscor, and Garchomp.
* Energy Ball allows Galvantula to hit bulkier Ground-Type Pokemon such as Swampert and Seimsitoad, which are immune to Thunder and are barely phazed by Hidden Power Ice.
* Bug Buzz allows Galvantula to hit annoying Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Mew, and Latios.
Set Details
========
* 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Galvantula to act as a fast Sticky Web setter and Speed tie with Pokemon such as Cobalion and Infernape while also being able to outspeed threats to Bug such as Landorus and Charizard Y.
* 252 Special Attack allows Galvantula to maximize its damage output.
* Focus Sash allows Galvantula to always survive an attack, giving it more reliability and somewhat lessening the problem of its horrible bulk.
* Compound Eyes in tandem with Thunder provides Galvantula a very reliable Stab option, and its high Base Power somewhat makes for Galvantula's mediocre Special Attack.
* 4 Special Defense EVs makes it so that Download users such as Porygon-Z do not get a boost in Special Attack.
Usage Tips
========
* Thunder can be readily spammed against the opposing team if Sticky Web is not valuable, such as against Flying teams, if it has been already set up, or against slower teams such as Water Stall in combination with Energy Ball.
* Galvantula should be preserved for as long as possible against a team with hazard control.
* Galvantula is usually a suicide lead, so get up Sticky Web up as soon as possible.
* Against pokemon that usually carry Taunt and are faster or have the same Speed as Galvantula such as Infernape, Cobalion, and Deoxys-Speed it is best to not lead with Galvantula and set up Sticky Web later on.
* Be careful with setting Sticky Web against teams that have Bisharp, as the Attack boost from Defiant will make it a very potent cleaner even after the drop in Speed.
* Galvantula does not appreciate its Focus Sash being broken, so it's best to have one of its teammates remove hazards before switching in.
* When Galvantula isn't used as a lead, it likes to switch in safely against slower foes that barely touch it like Ferrothorn, so that it can safely get up Sticky Web later in the match. Galvantula also can help break down more annoying Pokemon to Bug teams such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Mantine, and Toxapex with its coverage and STAB moves.
Team Options
========
* Armaldo and Forretress are great teammates for Galvantula, as they can clear hazards, but they also can set up hazards of their own. Forretress can provide a slow Volt Switch to bring Galvantula in safely, while Armaldo can help Galvantula pressure Flying-types with strong Rock STAB moves.
* Heracross benefits from both the Sticky Web, as it with Choice Scarf and Moxie becomes a dangerous late-game sweeper especially against weakened Steel and Rock teams, and Galvantula's ability to severely weaken Flying-types such as Skarmory and Landorus-T.
* Mega Pinsir greatly appreciates Sticky Web support, as it is able to outspeed threatening base 100 Speed Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf such as Victini or threats that naturally outspeed it such as Greninja and Shift Gear Magearna, which can otherwise be painful for Bug teams to try and handle.
* Volcarona outspeeds most grounded Pokemon including Choice Scarf Excadrill, after the drop from Sticky Web while also being able to pick off Steel-, Ground-, and Water-types for the team. Galvantula also picks off Pokemon that Volcarona has a harder time dealing with such as Toxapex and Mantine.
* Buzzwole appreciates Sticky Web support because its Speed is lackluster, allowing it to become a more effective sweeper because of its naturally high Attack and ability to clean through weakened Steel teams.
* Scizor can find good opportunities to safely bring in Galvantula with U-turn while also being able to pick off annoying Rock-types. Scizor can run a Choice Band or Swords Dance to better clean through opposing teams late-game, which is only further aided by the Speed support Galvantula provides in Sticky Web.
* Araquanid is a very nice defensive pivot for Galvantula because of Water Bubble, which allows it to check Fire-types.
*Yanmega appreciates Sticky Web, as it allows it to run a Modest nature, making its attacks more powerful while also providing a way to significantly damage annoying Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Bug
--------
* Giga Drain allows Galvantula to recover off a bit of damage against bulkier Water- or Ground-types such as Swampert or Hippowdon. However, its lackluster bulk prevents it from taking advantage of the recovery. Giga Drain also misses some of the power that Energy Ball provides, being a weaker Grass attack.
* Life Orb makes Galvantula's much stronger; however, it makes setting up Sticky Web much more difficult for Galvantula, which is its main niche.
* Due to Galvantula's high speed tier using Volt Switch doesn't allow it to bring a sweeper in safely; however, it can switch into walls better such as Armaldo, or Forretress.
Checks and Counters
===================
Bug
--------
**Zapdos** Zapdos can Roost off any damage taken from Galvantula, clear Sticky Web with Defog, spread status, or threaten it with Heat Wave. Galvantula's most powerful attack in Thunder doesnt even 3HKO Zapdos after Leftovers recovery.
**Leads with Taunt**: Aerodactyl and Tapu Koko can prevent Galvantula from setting up Sticky Web by virtue of being faster and using Taunt. Other leads such as Infernape and Cobalion force mind games with Galvantula with Taunt and Sticky Web.
**Entry Hazard Removal**: Since setting Sticky Web is Galvantula's main use on a Bug team it doesn't appreciate Pokemon that can easily remove the hazard such as Excadrill and Latios when lacking Bug Buzz.
**Entry Hazards**: Galvantula doesn't appreciate coming in on hazards, as they break it Focus Sash making it harder to keep up Sticky Web.
**Special Walls**: Specially defensive Pokemon that can clear hazards, spread status, set their own hazards, or easily shrug off Galvantula's attacks are problematic. Ferrothorn and Cradily can set hazards up, making it harder for Galvantula to keep up Sticky Web. Lanturn is immune to Thunder and can status Galvantula with Toxic or break its Focus Sash wtih Volt Switch. Since Chansey walls Galvantula thanks to its bulk and can easily break it down with a combination of Seismic Toss and Toxic. Mega Venusaur simply just 2HKOs Galvantula with Sludge Bomb and can recover off damage with Synthesis.
** Revenge Killers **: If Galvantula's Focus Sash is broken, it easily goes down to an attack from strong revenge killers such as Latios, Choice Scarf Victini or Choice Scarf Terrakion due to its pitful defenses.
**Rock Types**: Rock-types can consistently set up Stealth Rock against Galvantula and threaten to OHKO it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Shuckle can reliably continue setting Stealth Rock and take little to no damage from Galvantula. Faster Rock-types such as Choice Scarf Nihilego and Choice Scarfed Terrakion can easily threaten Galvantula with their powerful Rock-type STAB attacks.
** Bisharp**: Bisharp's ability allows it to take advantage of Sticky Web by raising its Attack stat by two stages after its Speed has dropped and can potientally sweep the rest of the team with Sucker Punch.
** Ground Types **: Bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Swampert can easily check Galvantula lacking Energy Ball and threaten to cripple it with Toxic or setting up Stealth Rock, crippling its ability to set up Sticky Web again later in the match.
Last edited: