[SET]
name: Sticky Web Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Thunder
move 3: Thunder Wave
move 4: Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Compound Eyes
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Galvantula is a niche Sticky Web setter that sets itself apart from other leads in AG due to its ability to pressure common Defoggers, such as Yveltal and Ho-Oh, with Thunder while spreading status. Sticky Web provides useful support for offensive teammates by slowing down offensive threats such as Calyrex-S, Choice Scarf Kyogre, and Zacian-C. Thunder Wave cripples fast foes that can immediately threaten Galvantula such as Calyrex-S, Eternatus, and Zacian-C while deterring setup from Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and Geomancy Xerneas. Toxic prevents Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Zekrom from setting up freely while also putting defensive Defog Lunala on a timer. Focus Sash lets Galvantula reliably set Sticky Web against faster foes like Calyrex-S and offensive Eternatus. Compound Eyes is the preferred ability, making Thunder a more reliable move by boosting its accuracy to 91% and boosting the accuracy of Thunder Wave and Toxic to 99%. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature lets Galvantula outspeed the likes of offensive Yveltal, Dragon Dance Zygarde-C, and Kyogre.
Galvantula only fits on hyper offense teams where slower setup sweepers and wallbreakers such as Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and Choice Specs Kyogre benefit from it setting Sticky Web. Calyrex-S is also useful to spinblock lead Excadrill, which is especially threatening as it is immune to all of Galvantula's moves. Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and specially offensive Yveltal are needed partners in order to check Zacian-C and Calyrex-S, respectively, which can otherwise be extremely threatening once Galvantula is removed from the match and Sticky Web is removed from the field. Choice Scarf Calyrex-S still outspeeds and threatens most Pokemon on hyper offense with Sticky Web up, so it must be accounted for when building. Galvantula should almost always be led with to immediately set Sticky Web and pressure Defoggers. Given that Galvantula fails to threaten entry hazard setters such as Toxic Spikes Eternatus, Ferrothorn, and Necrozma-DM, Toxic Spikes absorbers such as Eternatus and Rapid Spin users such as Cloyster and Regieleki are appreciated. Fast Taunt Yveltal is also a good way to deny opposing entry hazards.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
String Shot can be used over Thunder Wave to slow down Ground- and Electric-types such as Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Zekrom. However, String Shot is less effective than Thunder Wave outside of hitting Ground- and Electric-types, as it doesn't permanently slow down the foe.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-resistant Foes**: Because Thunder is Galvantula's only attacking move, Electric-resistant foes such as Groudon, Zygarde-C, Eternatus, and Ferrothorn can easily take advantage of it. Groudon and Zygarde-C can set up on Galvantula and force it out, Eternatus threatens to KO it with its coverage moves and can potentially set Toxic Spikes, and Ferrothorn can set Spikes in front of it. Thousand Waves Zygarde-C in particular can trap Galvantula and use it as setup fodder, while circumventing Toxic with Rest. Groudon and non-Rest Zygarde-C must beware of switching into Toxic, however, while Eternatus dislikes being crippled by Thunder Wave.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Although Galvantula can deal with the main Defoggers in Yveltal and Ho-Oh, they can attempt to remove Sticky Web once it is removed from a match. Defensive Xerneas, while uncommon, can also remove Sticky Web with Defog and tank a Thunder from Galvantula. It can also use Aromatherapy to neutralize Galvantula's attempts to spread status. However, Xerneas cannot keep Galvantula's Sticky Web off the field if it is against it. Excadrill is especially very threatening to Galvantula, as it is immune to all of its moves and can easily remove Sticky Web with Rapid Spin. However, offensive teammates such as Kyogre and Groudon can easily force out these Defoggers and spinners, potentially preventing them from removing Sticky Web. Calyrex-S also prevents Excadrill from removing Sticky Web by spinblocking it.
**Taunt**: Taunt users such as Grimmsnarl and the rare Taunt Calyrex-S jeopardize Galvantula by outspeeding and preventing it from setting Sticky Web, which is its main niche. Grimmsnarl can also set Light Screen, taking multiple hits from Thunder as a result.
**Entry Hazard Setters**: Ferrothorn, Toxic Spikes Eternatus, and Excadrill can freely set up entry hazards against Galvantula's team, with Galvantula being unable to do much against them.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster foes such as Calyrex-S, Choice Scarf Kyogre, and Zacian-C can threaten to KO Galvantula with their powerful STAB attacks. However, Galvantula can survive an attack with Focus Sash and cripple them with Thunder Wave. Pheromosa is particularly threatening to Galvantula, as Triple Axel can OHKO it through Focus Sash.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Rotten, 491896]]
- Quality checked by: [[Icemaster, 464176], [baconeatinassassin, 367227]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
Last edited:
