QC: 49, Hootie, fleggumfl
GP: Snobalt, The Dutch Plumberjack
[SET]
name: Curse
move 1: Curse
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Recover
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Curse boosts Gastrodon's Attack and Defense, allowing it to become a threatening setup sweeper. Curse is used over Toxic to allow Gastrodon to act as a bulky wincon that is capable of handling threats such as Calm Mind Slowbro and Suicune, as well as preventing Clefable from coming in freely. Scald is used over Waterfall, as the ability to burn specific checks, such as Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, and Mega Scizor, further improves Gastrodon's chances of sweeping. Waterfall is a viable option should your team struggle with Gliscor or Nasty Plot Thundurus. Recover heals off damage that Gastrodon has taken throughout the battle.
Set Details
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The given EV spread allows Gastrodon to switch into Life Orb Alakazam, Mega Diancie, and Life Orb Thundurus without Grass Knot or Nasty Plot, while the rest of the EVs are placed into Defense to help Gastrodon shrug off physical attacks more easily. An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Relaxed nature is a viable option should your team struggle with Keldeo, as this spread has a good chance to avoid the 2HKO from a boosted Keldeo's Secret Sword after Stealth Rock. This EV spread, however, makes Gastrodon a poor switch-in to powerful special attackers such as Alakazam and Mega Diancie. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon an immunity to Water-type attacks, notably Scald. Leftovers is the item of choice, as this gives Gastrodon passive recovery.
Usage Tips
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Using Scald early and often is a good strategy should Gastrodon be at a good health. Burning potential threats and switch-ins not only eases Gastrodon's time sweeping later in the game but also helps it wear down the opposing team. If the opponent has a Grass-type with Natural Cure or Regenerator, Scald might not be your best bet, as the foe can shrug off a burn and force Gastrodon out. Keep Gastrodon at a high health whenever possible to allow it to continuously switch into opposing Pokemon. If the opponent doesn't have a Pokemon that requires Gastrodon to set upto beat, such as Clefable or Suicune, then it might be wise to wait and reveal Curse later in the game when the opponent might not expect it. Be careful not to let Gastrodon get statused, as this not only eliminates Gastrodon's chances of sweeping but also prevents it from checking a lot of Pokemon it could otherwise.
Team Options
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Fire- and Flying-types, such as Heatran, Talonflame, Tornadus-T, Skarmory, and both Mega Charizard formes, are viable options alongside Gastrodon, as they are capable of reliably switching into Grass-types that can scare Gastrodon out. Latios can switch into some Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, and check Keldeo, which will allow Gastrodon to run its usual EV spread over one to check Keldeo. Fairy- and Steel-types such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor are good options, as Recover Latios is a problem no matter what Gastrodon's EV spread is. Clerics and status absorbers, such as Clefable and Mega Altaria, can absorb status ailments that would otherwise cripple Gastrodon. Mega Sableye is another good teammate, as it can neutralize Ferrothorn and reliably switch into it. Mega Sableye also struggles against Pokemon such as Keldeo and Mega Diancie, both of which Gastrodon can handle depending on its EV spread.
