OU Gastrodon

[airfare]

[OVERVIEW]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult and is notably one of the best checks to Heatran. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt. Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water-resistant Pokemon, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it often invites in threatening Grass-types like Kartana and Rillaboom on a predicted Recover or Earthquake, requiring teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. Offensive pivots that Gastrodon checks, like Dragapult, can also gain momentum and steady chip damage on it with U-turn, making them much more difficult to check long-term. It is also incredibly vulnerable to status from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-O-Wisp. Gastrodon faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock, like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, and its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight with a burn. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip damage. Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona. Toxic can alternatively be used for more pressure on defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever, making it less vulnerable to chip damage from entry hazards and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks, such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic and Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water-resistant Pokemon, Storm Drain can be used for a better matchup against rain teams, as well as providing a rare immunity to Scald to block progress from common users like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Leftovers, typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense lets it survive a Choice Specs-boosted Psyshock from Modest Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO from defensive Landorus-T's Earthquake on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance and stall teams because of its passiveness and vulnerability to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. It is also an incredibly effective check to Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off. Gastrodon's defensive typing and Sticky Hold additionally help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, and Buzzwole help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while also pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting Spikes, and gaining a wallbreaking opportunity with its powerful STAB and coverage moves, respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey, which also appreciate Gastrodon's support as a solid Heatran check.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Earth Power can be used to hit Bulk Up Zeraora harder, neutering a typical threat to the defensive cores Gastrodon usually fits on. Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game wincon, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem and status from Skarmory, Zapdos, and Toxapex make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in against Gastrodon with little risk, forcing it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute Kyurem variants can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of Toxic or Scald burn upon switching in.

**Status Conditions**: Status inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, and Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to use Recover more often. Heatran can also use Toxic and Taunt to stop Gastrodon from healing, but this is risky because of the chance Heatran is OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[Stareal, 481219], [ausma, 360720], [Gomi, 516245]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [DC, 449990]]

 

[Stareal]

comment
add
remove

[Overview]

• Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame.
• It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, and is notably one of the best checks to Heatran in OU.
• Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Tornadus-T.
• Its ability Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Toxapex, Zeraora, and pivot Tornadus-T. On teams lacking solid Water resistances, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. or Urshifu-R.
• However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invite in threatening Grass-types like Kartana or Rillaboom on predicted Recover or Earthquake, and therefore requires teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats.
• It is also incredibly prone to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-o-Wisp.
• It faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are either less passive,the ability to stealth rocks, like Landorus-T, Swampert, or defensive Garchomp, or have access to Stealth Rock, like Hippowdon, which is its main alternative on defensive teams. I think this sentence should be rephrased, as you say ''or have access to Stealth Rock, like Hippowdon'' when all the Pokemon you mentioned before Hippowdon has access to Stealth Rocks.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

• Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins with a Burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it.
• Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip. Earthquake also hits specially defensive walls like Toxapex, Slowking, and Blissey harder than Earth Power would be able to, limiting their switch-ins more. unnecessary
• Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game.
• Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona. Toxic can alternatively be used for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking, if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers.
• Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever, making it less vulnerable to chip from entry hazards and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks, such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic or Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water resistances, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against Urshifu-R and rain teams.
• Leftovers, typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense let it survive a Modest Choice Specs Psyshock from Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO by Earthquake from defensive Landorus-T, on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

• Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance or stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem.
• These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. It is also an incredibly effective check to Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off, status, and pivoting. Gastrodon's defensive typing and immunity to Knock Off with Sticky Hold can help limit their pivoting.
• Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, or Tangrowth can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting up Spikes, or crippling an opposing Pokemon with Sleep Powder or Knock Off respectively.
• Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well.
• Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

• Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a lategame win condition, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem, and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, or Toxapex, make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk, forcing it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute Kyurem variants can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of a Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, or Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to Recover more often. Heatran can also use Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon from recovering, but this is risky because of the chance Heatran is OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

qc 1/2

 

[ausma]

i will squish this stupid slug with my leather boots

comments in orange
additions/changes in purple
removals will be striked

[Overview]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, and is notably one of the best checks to Heatran in OU. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt. Its ability Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water resistances, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invite in threatening Grass-types like Kartana or Rillaboom on predicted Recover or Earthquake and therefore requires teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. It is also incredibly prone to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-o-Wisp. It faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock, like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, or its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon. One extra downside is that it can be really easily overwhelmed by offensive cores due to its passivity and proneness to status, which can give it an incredibly hard time keeping some targets like Dragapult in check in the long term.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins with a burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip. Earthquake also hits specially defensive walls like Toxapex, Slowking, and Blissey harder. Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona. Toxic can alternatively be used for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking, if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever, making it less vulnerable to chip from entry hazards and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks, such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic or Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water resistances, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against Urshifu-R and rain teams. Urshifu is honestly kind of a poor example. The most Gastrodon does against Urshifu-R specifically is block Surging Strikes, either forcing 50/50s against Close Combat or just getting majorly pelted by U-turn which is typically a very safe, low-risk alternative against most Gastrodon teams. Maybe it'd be better to say providing a much more reliable Scald switch-in instead, which has more overall application as it's a common move which is blocked otherwise, also mitigating the gamble of having to stomach burn chip, in addition to checking most Rain cores. Leftovers, typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense let it survive a Modest Choice Specs Psyshock from Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO by Earthquake from defensive Landorus-T, on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance or stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. It is also an incredibly effective check to Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off, status, and pivoting. Gastrodon's defensive typing and immunity to Knock Off with Sticky Hold can help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, or Tangrowth can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting up Spikes, or crippling an opposing Pokemon with Sleep Powder or Knock Off respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey. Blissey and Clefable also love having a Heatran switch-in to reinforce their shenanigans.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game win condition, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem, and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, or Toxapex, make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk, forcing it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute Kyurem variants can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of a Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, or Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to Recover more often. Heatran can also use Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon from recovering, but this is risky because of the chance Heatran is OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

incredibly great write-up, qc 2/2 my man

 

[Sk3no]

Hello, reviving this thread with a GP AM check, so implement what you like.
You don't have to implement anything if you don't want to.

Add
Remove
Comments (AC, RC etc.)

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[Overview]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. Gastrodon finds it's place in the metagame as a specially defensive wall having access to a defensive typing in Water / Ground, two great abilities, and reliable recovery makes it unique compared to other Ground-types. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, and is most notably one of the best checks to Heatran in OU. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt. One of Iits ability Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water resistances, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invite in threatening Grass-types like Kartana or Rillaboom on predicted Recover or Earthquake, requiring teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. Offensive pivots that Gastrodon checks,(RC) like Dragapult,(RC) can also gain momentum and steady chip damage on it with U-turn, making it much more difficult to check long-term. It is also incredibly prone to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-o-Wisp. It faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock,(RC) like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, or its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that can wall it with a burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip damage. Earthquake also hits specially defensive walls like Toxapex, Slowking, and Blissey harder. Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona Volcarona and Calm Mind Clefable. Toxic can alternatively be used over Clear Smog for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking,(RC) if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever,(RC) making it less vulnerable to chip from entry hazards,(AC) and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks,(RC) such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic or Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water resistances, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against rain teams, as well as providing a rare immunity to Scald, blocking progress from common users like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Leftovers,(RC) is typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are it is used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense let it survive a Modest Choice Specs Psyshock from Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO by Earthquake from defensive Landorus-T, on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance or stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. With it on teams they greatly appreciate Gastrodon ability to check wallbreakers, as it can be a struggle to deal with on defensive cores. It is also an incredibly effective check onto offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off, status, and pivoting. Gastrodon's defensive typing and immunity to Knock Off with Sticky Hold can help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, or Tangrowth can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting up Spikes, or crippling an opposing Pokemon with Sleep Powder or Knock Off respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey, who also appreciate Gastrodon's support as a solid Heatran check.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game win condition, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem, and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, or Toxapex,(RC) make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk,(RC) and forcing force it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, that which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute of Kyurem's variants sets can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of a Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, or Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to Recover more often. Heatran can also pressure Gastrodon by useing Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon it from recovering, but this is risky for Heatran because of the chance Heatran is to get OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[Stareal, 481219], [ausma, 360720]] (You haven't added the quality checkers here yet so i added them for you)
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[Plushietran]

AM Check ready

Comments will be in Purple
Removals will be in Red
Additions will be in Blue

Slug (ausma noooo)

[Overview]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, and is notably one of the best checks to Heatran in OU. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt saying nidoking and dracozolt is misleading here, i would like to see other special attackers like tapu fini or cm clef mentioned here. Its ability Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water resistances, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invite in threatening Grass-types like Kartana or Rillaboom on predicted Recover or Earthquake, requiring teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. Offensive pivots that Gastrodon checks, like Dragapult, can also gain momentum and steady chip damage on it with U-turn, making it much more difficult to check long-term. It is also incredibly prone to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-o-Wisp Mention how these factors make it hard for gastrodon to check the things its supposed to long term, since thats really important to keep in mind when using gastrodon. It faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock, like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, or its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins with a burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip. Earthquake also hits specially defensive walls like Toxapex, Slowking, and Blissey harder. Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona. Toxic can alternatively be used for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking, if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever, making it less vulnerable to chip from entry hazards and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks, such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic or Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water resistances, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against rain teams, as well as providing a rare immunity to Scald, blocking progress from common users like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Leftovers, typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense let it survive a Modest Choice Specs Psyshock from Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO by Earthquake from defensive Landorus-T, on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance or stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. It is also an incredibly effective check to Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off, status, and pivoting. Gastrodon's defensive typing and immunity to Knock Off with Sticky Hold can help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, or Tangrowth can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting up Spikes, or crippling an opposing Pokemon with Sleep Powder or Knock Off respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey, who also appreciate Gastrodon's support as a solid Heatran check.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game win condition, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem, and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, or Toxapex, make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk, forcing it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute Kyurem variants can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of a Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, or Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to Recover more often. Heatran can also use Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon from recovering, but this is risky because of the chance Heatran is OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Good job on this one

 

[Sk3no]

Hello, reviving this thread with a GP AM check, so implement what you like.
You don't have to implement anything if you don't want to.

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Comments (AC, RC etc.)

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[Overview]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. Gastrodon finds it's place in the metagame as a specially defensive wall having access to a defensive typing in Water / Ground, two great abilities, and reliable recovery makes it unique compared to other Ground-types. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, and is most notably one of the best checks to Heatran in OU. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt. One of Iits ability Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water resistances, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invite in threatening Grass-types like Kartana or Rillaboom on predicted Recover or Earthquake, requiring teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. Offensive pivots that Gastrodon checks,(RC) like Dragapult,(RC) can also gain momentum and steady chip damage on it with U-turn, making it much more difficult to check long-term. It is also incredibly prone to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-o-Wisp. It faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock,(RC) like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, or its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that can wall it with a burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip damage. Earthquake also hits specially defensive walls like Toxapex, Slowking, and Blissey harder. Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona Volcarona and Calm Mind Clefable. Toxic can alternatively be used over Clear Smog for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking,(RC) if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever,(RC) making it less vulnerable to chip from entry hazards,(AC) and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks,(RC) such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic or Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water resistances, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against rain teams, as well as providing a rare immunity to Scald, blocking progress from common users like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Leftovers,(RC) is typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are it is used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense let it survive a Modest Choice Specs Psyshock from Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO by Earthquake from defensive Landorus-T, on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance or stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. With it on teams they greatly appreciate Gastrodon ability to check wallbreakers, as it can be a struggle to deal with on defensive cores. It is also an incredibly effective check onto offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off, status, and pivoting. Gastrodon's defensive typing and immunity to Knock Off with Sticky Hold can help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, or Tangrowth can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting up Spikes, or crippling an opposing Pokemon with Sleep Powder or Knock Off respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey, who also appreciate Gastrodon's support as a solid Heatran check.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game win condition, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem, and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, or Toxapex,(RC) make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk,(RC) and forcing force it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, that which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute of Kyurem's variants sets can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of a Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, or Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to Recover more often. Heatran can also pressure Gastrodon by useing Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon it from recovering, but this is risky for Heatran because of the chance Heatran is to get OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[Stareal, 481219], [ausma, 360720]] (You haven't added the quality checkers here yet so i added them for you)
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

You can ignore my GP AM check above since it's now 2/3 instead of 2/2

 

[Gomi]

3/3
add
comment
remove

[Overview]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, and is notably one of the best checks to Heatran in OU. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt. Its ability Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water resistances, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invite in threatening Grass-types like Kartana or Rillaboom on predicted Recover or Earthquake, requiring teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. Offensive pivots that Gastrodon checks, like Dragapult, can also gain momentum and steady chip damage on it with U-turn, making it much more difficult to check long-term. It is also incredibly prone to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-o-Wisp. It faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock, like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, or its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins with a burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip. Earthquake also hits specially defensive walls like Toxapex, Slowking, and Blissey harder. it does no damage regardless i don't see how this matters enough to mention Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona. Toxic can alternatively be used for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking, if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever, making it less vulnerable to chip from entry hazards and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks, such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic or Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water resistances, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against rain teams, as well as providing a rare immunity to Scald, blocking progress from common users like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Leftovers, typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense let it survive a Modest Choice Specs Psyshock from Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO by Earthquake from defensive Landorus-T, on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance or stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. It is also an incredibly effective check to Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off, status, and pivoting. Status heavily annoys Gastrodon so i'd probably retract that bit Gastrodon's defensive typing and immunity to Knock Off with Sticky Hold can help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, or Tangrowth Buzzwole i genuinely have not seen gastro tang in like 2 months can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting up Spikes, or crippling an opposing Pokemon with Sleep Powder or Knock Off respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey, who also appreciate Gastrodon's support as a solid Heatran check.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game win condition, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem, and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, or Toxapex, make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran. mention earth power in here imo, its a legit option for beating zeraora more consistently since gastro teams tend to struggle to check BU zera late game given their only ground is both 2hko'd and cannot OHKO in return w/ eq,

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk, forcing it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute Kyurem variants can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of a Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, or Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to Recover more often. Heatran can also use Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon from recovering, but this is risky because of the chance Heatran is OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[Astra]

add remove (comments)

Hide

[Overview]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, (RC) and is notably one of the best checks to Heatran in OU. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt. Its ability Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water resistances Water-resistant Pokemon, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invite in threatening Grass-types like Kartana or and Rillaboom on a predicted Recover or Earthquake, requiring teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. Offensive pivots that Gastrodon checks, like Dragapult, can also gain momentum and steady chip damage on it with U-turn, making it much more difficult to check long-term. It is also incredibly prone to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-O-Wisp. It faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock, like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, or and its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins with a burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip. Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona. Toxic can alternatively be used for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking, (RC) if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever, making it less vulnerable to chip from entry hazards and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks, such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic or and Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water resistances Water-resistant Pokemon, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against rain teams, as well as providing a rare immunity to Scald, (RC) blocking to block progress from common users like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Leftovers, typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense lets it survive a Modest Choice Specs-boosted Psyshock from Modest Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO by Earthquake from defensive Landorus-T, (RC) Landorus-T's Earthquake on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance or and stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. It is also an incredibly effective check to Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off, (RC) and pivoting. Gastrodon's defensive typing and immunity to Knock Off with (not really an immunity, mentioning just sticky hold should imply enough that its item can't be removed) Sticky Hold can additionally help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, or and Buzzwole can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting up Spikes, or and crippling an opposing Pokemon with Sleep Powder or Knock Off (buzzwole doesn't learn these moves so please change this to reflect what buzzwole can do), (AC) respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey, who which also appreciate Gastrodon's support as a solid Heatran check.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Earth Power can be used to hit Bulk Up Zeraora harder, neutering a typical threat to the defensive cores Gastrodon usually fits on. It can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game win condition wincon, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem, (RC) and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, or and Toxapex, (RC) make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk, forcing it out easily. Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute Kyurem variants can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of a Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, or and Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to use Recover more often. Heatran can also use Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon from recovering healing, but this is risky because of the chance Heatran is OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]] (remember to fill this out)
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

1/2

 

[DC]

Remove Add Comments
AC = Add Comma, RC = Remove Comma, AH = Add Hyphen, RH = Remove Hyphen

Slug

[Overview]

Gastrodon is an amazing specially defensive wall because of its defensive typing, ability, and access to reliable recovery that differentiate it from the other Ground-types in the metagame. It remains one of the only consistent checks to offensive pivots like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult and is notably one of the best checks to Heatran. Gastrodon can also serve as an all-purpose wall against common special attackers like Volcarona, Nidoking, and Dracozolt. Sticky Hold lets it become a counter to most Pokemon using Knock Off and Trick to force progress, like Zeraora, pivot Tornadus-T, and Clefable. On teams lacking solid Water-resistant Pokemon, Storm Drain gives it an edge in matchups against rain teams. However, its passiveness usually relegates it to more defensive teams that can afford its loss in momentum and staying power. For example, it can often invites in threatening Grass-types like Kartana and Rillaboom on a predicted Recover or Earthquake, requiring teammates to handle these polarizing offensive threats. Offensive pivots that Gastrodon checks, like Dragapult, can also gain momentum and steady chip damage on it with U-turn, making it them much more difficult to check long-term.(plural cuz you referred to offensive pivots) It is also incredibly prone vulnerable to status conditions from some of the threats it checks, like Heatran's and Zeraora's Toxic and Dragapult's Will-O-Wisp. It Gastrodon faces competition from other defensive Ground-types that are less passive or have the ability to set Stealth Rock, like Landorus-T, Swampert, defensive Garchomp, and its main alternative on defensive teams, Hippowdon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Recover
move 4: Clear Smog / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Sticky Hold / Storm Drain
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Scald gives Gastrodon some offensive pressure by letting it punish common Grass- and Steel-type switch-ins with a burn like Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, and Corviknight that would otherwise wall it with a burn. Gastrodon uses Earthquake primarily because of its ability to OHKO specially defensive Heatran after minor chip damage. Recover gives it a reliable way to check offensive threats like Heatran, Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Dragapult over the course of a game. Clear Smog lets Gastrodon sit on many different specially attacking setup sweepers, including Calm Mind Clefable and Volcarona. Toxic can alternatively be used for more pressure on other defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Slowking if Gastrodon's teammates can adequately handle the aforementioned sweepers. Sticky Hold gives Gastrodon the ability to keep its Heavy-Duty Boots forever, making it less vulnerable to chip damage from entry hazards and being gradually worn down by offensive pivots that it checks, such as Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Sticky Hold also lets it counter defensive Pokemon using Knock Off to force progress, like Toxapex lacking Toxic and Clefable. For teams lacking concrete Water-resistant Pokemon, Storm Drain can optionally be used for a better matchup against rain teams, as well as providing a rare immunity to Scald to block progress from common users like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Leftovers, typically used on teams with better entry hazard control, are used to give Gastrodon more longevity at the cost of increased vulnerability to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A more physically defensive spread with 48 EVs in Defense and 208 EVs in Special Defense lets it survive a Choice Specs-boosted Psyshock from Modest Tapu Lele and guarantee a 3HKO from defensive Landorus-T's Earthquake on Leftovers Gastrodon sets.

Gastrodon primarily fits on more defensive balance and stall teams because of its passiveness and proneness vulnerability to being taken advantage of by offensive threats like Rillaboom and Kyurem. These teams greatly appreciate its ability to check Heatran and Dracozolt, wallbreakers that their defensive cores typically struggle with. It is also an incredibly effective check to Tapu Koko, Zeraora, and Dragapult, offensive pivots that are usually able to annoy defensive teams with Knock Off. Gastrodon's defensive typing and Sticky Hold can additionally help limit their pivoting. Physically defensive teammates like Corviknight, Skarmory, and Buzzwole can help patch up Gastrodon's weakness to Rillaboom and Kartana while also pushing their advantage on a forced switch by pivoting with U-turn, setting Spikes, and gaining a wallbreaking opportunity with its powerful STAB and coverage moves, respectively. Because Gastrodon can often give free switches to special attackers that threaten it, like Tapu Lele and Kyurem, other specially defensive teammates like Blissey and Heatran make solid teammates as well. Gastrodon's vulnerability to status conditions can be alleviated by Aromatherapy support from clerics like Clefable and Blissey, which also appreciate Gastrodon's support as a solid Heatran check.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Earth Power can be used to hit Bulk Up Zeraora harder, neutering a typical threat to the defensive cores Gastrodon usually fits on. It Gastrodon can run Curse with Waterfall over Scald to act as a late-game wincon, but its vulnerability to incredibly common revenge killers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Kyurem and status conditions inflicted from Skarmory, Zapdos, and Toxapex make this a niche and unreliable team option without extensive team support from partners like Magnezone and Heatran.

Checks and Counters
====

**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth can often come in for free against Gastrodon with little risk, forcing it out easily. ("for free" and "with little risk" is redundant; keep only one of the phrases) Offensive threats like Kartana and Rillaboom, which can either be pivoted in by a teammate like Slowking or switched directly in on a prediction, are also able to force Gastrodon to switch and use it as an opportunity to set up with Swords Dance, force progress with Knock Off, or pivot with U-turn.

**Kyurem**: Both Choice Specs and Substitute Kyurem variants can switch into Gastrodon extremely easily because of their solid natural defenses. However, they must be careful of Toxic or Scald burn upon switch-in switching in.

**Status Conditions**: Status conditions inflicted by Zeraora, Dragapult, and Zapdos can make Gastrodon's job as a specially defensive wall much more difficult because of its need to use Recover more often. Heatran can also use Toxic and Taunt predictions to stop Gastrodon from healing, but this is risky because of the chance Heatran is OHKOed by Earthquake on an incorrect prediction.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[airfare, 513717]]
- Quality checked by: [[Stareal, 481219], [ausma, 360720], [Gomi, 516245]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [username2, userid2]]

GP 2/2. [DC, 449990]

 

[airfare]

https://www.smogon.com/dex/ss/pokemon/gastrodon/ou/ we sluggin