RU Gastrodon

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
170537

**artwork is mine**
[OVERVIEW]

With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RU's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Mega Blastoise, Metagross, and Noivern. Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing it to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle. While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RU, meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out. Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed. In fact, most of the Water-types Gastrodon would like to check like Milotic and Slowbro often carry Toxic to cripple it. Gastrodon is also rather passive, since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Machamp and Drapion can easily threaten it out of battle. Its main competition comes from Slowbro, which is less passive passive, has a Fighting resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Careful
evs: 56 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Def / 184 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match. Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Salazzle, and Dragalge very hard. Ice Beam can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern after Stealth Rock damage, and a weakened Flygon, as well as dealing important chip damage to a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin. Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Goodra, and Florges. Scald is a decent option that can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Metagross and Tyrantrum.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread and a Careful nature, Gastrodon is 4HKOed by Mega Blastoise's Dark Pulse and only 2HKOed by +2 Barbaracle's Continental Crush and Choice Band Zygarde-10%'s Outrage and Thousand Arrows after Stealth Rock. 16 Attack EVs guarantee that Barbaracle will be OHKOed after Spikes or Stealth Rock damage and a Shell Smash Defense drop. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water immunity and a Special Attack boost if it is hit by a Water-type move.

Usage Tips
========

Gastrodon should aim to use its resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Mega Blastoise, Metagross, Barbaracle, Arcanine, Raikou, and Noivern so it gets an opportunity to use Toxic, an attack, or Recover. Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine; however, be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them. Gastrodon should use Toxic on bulky switch-ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, and Florges. If running Scald, use it to potentially burn any physical attackers like Metagross, Barbaracle, and Tyrantrum if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with using Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use its Guts ability to gain a boost in power from a Scald burn. Gastrodon should also be cautious of using Scald against bulky Pokemon like Slowbro, Milotic, and Porygon2, since Gastrodon would rather poison these targets than accidentally burn them. Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Salazzle or Raikou. Be aware of any Grass-types the opponent may have on their team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales and Yanmega as well as Hidden Power Grass from Raikou and Salazzle. These Pokemon do need to be cautious of switching into Ice Beam or Earthquake, however. If threatened with Toxic, pivot Gastodon out and replace it with a status-immune Pokemon.

Team Options
========

Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. Its Water immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D. A check to Grass-types is mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic and absorb Toxic Spikes for Gastrodon. Although niche, Golbat makes a decent partner for Gastrodon, since it can remove entry hazards with Defog and switch into Grass-type attacks for Gastrodon. Other hazard removers like Forretress, Tsareena, and Mega Blastoise appreciate Gastrodon checking Pokemon that threaten them out such as Salazzle, Raikou, and Arcanine. A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help cure Gastrodon of status and recover its HP. Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STAB moves. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Yawn can be used to force switches against setup sweepers like Barbaracle. Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers such as Raikou and Barbaracle. Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool, only adequate offenses, and poor speed. Rindo Berry is another option to allow Gastrodon to deal with Hidden Power Grass variants of Salazzle and Raikou much better, as well as potentially KOing a Grass-type like Mega Sceptile with Ice Beam.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to their Poison typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Grass-types also need to be cautious about switching into Ice Beam. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Hidden Power Grass Salazzle, and Yanmega.

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can wear it down to where it can be KOed before it can use Recover.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: Powerful wallbreakers such as Machamp, Curse Snorlax, and Goodra can easily overwhelm Gastrodon with their powerful offenses. Machamp, in particular, can use status conditions from Gastrodon to activate its Guts. Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald because it can stomach any hit Gastrodon goes for and proceed to set up or use Rest in front of it.

**Status-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon that can deal with status conditions such as Taunt Mandibuzz, Refresh Milotic, and Registeel can easily pivot into Toxic and force Gastrodon out of battle with Taunt or their own Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[zizalith, 410251], [phantom, 1800300], [MrAldo, 227521]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
 
Last edited:
As someone that has used gastrodon a ton I think there needs to be a few things mentioned.

1. If any move ice beam would replace its toxic imo. Gastro needs its stabs and ice beam to cover the Pokemon it wants to deal with. Without ground stab for example you don't beat raikou which gastro would otherwise easily shut down, and without scald it can't discourage some prominent physical attackers from coming in.

2. For the ground stab I believe earthquake is a lot better because it hits key targets a lot harder than earth power(quake lands a 2hko on roserade, demolishes raikou a Pokemon gastrodon aims to deal with otherwise cm variants can boost on it easier if you run earth power).

3. A specially defensive spread should be mentioned in set details instead of oo because it lets gastro take on salazzle, blastoise, noivern, raikou, and mega ampharos to a small extent all of which gastrodomln is a good answer too. Lycanroc still can't break through specially defensive gastrodon unless it's a z move variant.
 
View attachment 170537
**artwork is mine**
[OVERVIEW]
  • With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RarelyUsed's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Raikou.
  • Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing Gastrodon to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle, Feraligatr, and Golisopod.
  • While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RarelyUsed meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out.
  • Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed.
  • Gastrodon is also rather passive since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Substitute Raikou, Drapion, and Machamp can easily threaten it out of battle.
  • It's main competition comes from Slowbro, which is not as passive as Gastrodon is, has a Fighting-resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.
mention its natural bulk kinda sucks so it needs heavy investment to deal with the threats it wants to eg physdef cant deal with stuff like amphy or fight z kou and spdef loses to like barb if weakened

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earth Power / Earthquake
move 4: Recover
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 244 Def / 12 Spe

make eq the only slash, ep to moves and slash ice beam with tox

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Virizion, Slowbro, and Goodra, and is Gastrodon's main source of damage output.
  • Scald, meanwhile, can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Tyrantrum.
  • Earth Power can severely dent Pokemon like Barbaracle, Toxicroak, and Salazzle, while Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Goodra, and Dragalge much harder. move ep down and mention specific targets for it instead of just mentioning ground weak mons
  • Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match.
  • Ice Beam can be used instead of Toxic so that Gastrodon can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern, and Flygon, as well as catch a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin off guard.
Set Details
========
  • With the given EV spread and a Bold Nature, Gastrodon is as physically bulky as possible while still being able to outspeed uninvested Rhyperior and Scald it before it can retaliate.
  • Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water-immunity, making it a fantastic switch in to incoming Scald users. mention golisopod and araq, also mention the +1 spa which can be useful sometimes.
  • A specially defensive set with a Calm Nature can also work so that Gastrodon can check Mega Blastoise, Salazzle, Raikou, Noivern, and Mega Ampharos much better.
Usage Tips
========
  • Gastrodon should aim to use its defensive resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, Barbaracle, Raikou, or Arcanine so that it gets an opportunity to either use Toxic, an attack, or Recover.
  • Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine. Be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them.
  • Gadtrodon should also use Toxic on bulky switch ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, or Florges.
  • Use Scald to cripple any physical attacker like Metagross, Golisopod, or Tyrantrum to potentially burn them if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use Guts to gain a boost from a Scald burn.
  • Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Metagross or Raikou.
  • Be aware of any Grass-type the foe may have on thier team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales, Linoone, and Yanmega. mention these should be wary of ice beam o add a bullet on it. also mention hp grass lazzle/raikou over linoone
  • Do not let Gastrodon be afflicted with status conditions, as the residual damage from poison takes away from its bulk.
Team Options
========
  • Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. It's Water-immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D.
  • A check to Grass-types is also mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle, as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic for Gastrodon.
  • A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help Gastrodon cure its poisoning or help recover its HP.
  • Specially defensive Pokemon such as Bronzong, Snorlax, or Goodra can help Gastrodon take special attacks for Gastrodon.
  • Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STABS. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Yawn can be used to force switches against set up sweepers like Barbaracle.
  • Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers. examples
  • Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool and poor speed.
  • rindo berry checks stuff with grass coverage like lazzle kou tales better and can probably kill some grasses if its running ib
Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass-types, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to thier Poison-typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Linoone, and Yanmega. mention these should be wary of ib and replace linoone example

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can all wear it down to where it can be KO'd before it can Recover.

**Strong Attackers**: Powerful special attackers such as +2 Fightinium Z Raikou, Goodra, and Gardevoir can OHKO it or severely dent it by attacking its uninvested Special Defense. Curse Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald as much because it can set up and Rest in front of it. mention spdef variants eat most of these

**Status Absorbers** Machamp does not care about Scald burns or Toxic because it can use status conditions to activate Guts and can 2HKO it with Close Combat after Stealth Rock. Other Pokemon immune to Scald or Toxic such as Mantine, Toxicroak, and Bronzong can potentially force it out of battle. Mantine does need to worry about Toxic and Toxicroak does not fare well against Gastrodon's Ground-type STABs.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[ , ], [ , ], [ , ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[ , ], [ , ]]

qc 1/3
 

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
View attachment 170537
**artwork is mine**
[OVERVIEW]
  • With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RarelyUsed's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Raikou.
  • Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing Gastrodon to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle, Feraligatr, and Golisopod.
  • While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RarelyUsed meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out.
  • Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed.
  • Gastrodon is also rather passive since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Substitute Raikou, Drapion, and Machamp can easily threaten it out of battle.
  • It's main competition comes from Slowbro, which is not as passive as Gastrodon is, has a Fighting-resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.
mention its natural bulk kinda sucks so it needs heavy investment to deal with the threats it wants to eg physdef cant deal with stuff like amphy or fight z kou and spdef loses to like barb if weakened

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earth Power / Earthquake
move 4: Recover
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 244 Def / 12 Spe

make eq the only slash, ep to moves and slash ice beam with tox

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Virizion, Slowbro, and Goodra, and is Gastrodon's main source of damage output.
  • Scald, meanwhile, can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Tyrantrum.
  • Earth Power can severely dent Pokemon like Barbaracle, Toxicroak, and Salazzle, while Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Goodra, and Dragalge much harder. move ep down and mention specific targets for it instead of just mentioning ground weak mons
  • Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match.
  • Ice Beam can be used instead of Toxic so that Gastrodon can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern, and Flygon, as well as catch a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin off guard.
Set Details
========
  • With the given EV spread and a Bold Nature, Gastrodon is as physically bulky as possible while still being able to outspeed uninvested Rhyperior and Scald it before it can retaliate.
  • Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water-immunity, making it a fantastic switch in to incoming Scald users. mention golisopod and araq, also mention the +1 spa which can be useful sometimes.
  • A specially defensive set with a Calm Nature can also work so that Gastrodon can check Mega Blastoise, Salazzle, Raikou, Noivern, and Mega Ampharos much better.
Usage Tips
========
  • Gastrodon should aim to use its defensive resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Metagross, Salazzle, Barbaracle, Raikou, or Arcanine so that it gets an opportunity to either use Toxic, an attack, or Recover.
  • Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine. Be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them.
  • Gadtrodon should also use Toxic on bulky switch ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, or Florges.
  • Use Scald to cripple any physical attacker like Metagross, Golisopod, or Tyrantrum to potentially burn them if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use Guts to gain a boost from a Scald burn.
  • Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Metagross or Raikou.
  • Be aware of any Grass-type the foe may have on thier team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales, Linoone, and Yanmega. mention these should be wary of ice beam o add a bullet on it. also mention hp grass lazzle/raikou over linoone
  • Do not let Gastrodon be afflicted with status conditions, as the residual damage from poison takes away from its bulk.
Team Options
========
  • Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. It's Water-immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D.
  • A check to Grass-types is also mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle, as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic for Gastrodon.
  • A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help Gastrodon cure its poisoning or help recover its HP.
  • Specially defensive Pokemon such as Bronzong, Snorlax, or Goodra can help Gastrodon take special attacks for Gastrodon.
  • Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STABS. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Yawn can be used to force switches against set up sweepers like Barbaracle.
  • Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers. examples
  • Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool and poor speed.
  • rindo berry checks stuff with grass coverage like lazzle kou tales better and can probably kill some grasses if its running ib
Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass-types, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to thier Poison-typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Linoone, and Yanmega. mention these should be wary of ib and replace linoone example

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can all wear it down to where it can be KO'd before it can Recover.

**Strong Attackers**: Powerful special attackers such as +2 Fightinium Z Raikou, Goodra, and Gardevoir can OHKO it or severely dent it by attacking its uninvested Special Defense. Curse Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald as much because it can set up and Rest in front of it. mention spdef variants eat most of these

**Status Absorbers** Machamp does not care about Scald burns or Toxic because it can use status conditions to activate Guts and can 2HKO it with Close Combat after Stealth Rock. Other Pokemon immune to Scald or Toxic such as Mantine, Toxicroak, and Bronzong can potentially force it out of battle. Mantine does need to worry about Toxic and Toxicroak does not fare well against Gastrodon's Ground-type STABs.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[ , ], [ , ], [ , ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[ , ], [ , ]]

qc 1/3
Thanks, man! Updated and ready for the next check!
 
View attachment 170537
**artwork is mine**
[OVERVIEW]

With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RarelyUsed's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Mega Blastoise, Metagross, and Noivern. Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing Gastrodon to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle and Feraligatr. While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RarelyUsed meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out. Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed(might be worth mentioning that a lot of the water-type Pokemon it would like to check with its ability carry status moves). Gastrodon is also rather passive since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Substitute Raikou, Drapion, and Machamp can easily threaten it out of battle(Sub Raikou can never beat Gastrodon:
16 Atk Gastrodon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 240-284 (74.7 - 88.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 56 HP / 184+ SpD Gastrodon: 53-63 (14 - 16.7%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery)
. It's main competition comes from Slowbro, which is not as passive as Gastrodon is, has a Fighting-resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Careful
evs: 56 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Def / 184 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match. Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Salazzle, and Dragalge very hard. Ice Beam can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern(after rocks), and Flygon(12.5% of the time), as well as catch a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin off guard (mention grass types arent the main target (does not ever do close to 50 to shaymin and viriz while barely getting close to 50 with roserade all which can use recovery moves) but the dmg is neat sometimes ). Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Goodra, and Florges. Scald is a decent option that can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Metagross and Tyrantrum.

Set Details
========

With the given spread and a Careful Nature, Gastrodon is 4HKO'd by Mega Blastoise's Dark Pulse and is only 2HKO'd by +2 Barbaracle's Continental Crush. 16 Attack EVs guarantees that Barbaracle will be OHKO'd after Spikes or Stealth Rock damage and if it sets up Shell Smash. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water-immunity and a boost if it is hit by a Water-type move.

Usage Tips
========

Gastrodon should aim to use its defensive resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Mega Blastoise, Metagross, Barbaracle, Arcanine, Raikou, and Noivern so that it gets an opportunity to either use Toxic, an attack, or Recover. Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine. Be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them. Gastrodon should also use Toxic on bulky switch ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, or Florges. If running Scald, use it to cripple any physical attacker like Metagross, Barbaracle, or Tyrantrum to potentially burn them if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use Guts to gain a boost from a Scald burn(mention how Scald can be detrimental versus bulkier Pokemon that you would want other teammates to be able to Toxic e.g Slowbro, Milotic, Porygon2). Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Salazzle or Raikou. Be aware of any Grass-type the foe may have on their team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales and Yanmega, as well as Hidden Power Grass from Raikou or Salazzle. These Pokemon do need to be cautious of switching into Ice Beam or Earthquake, however. Do not let Gastrodon be afflicted with status conditions, as the residual damage from poison takes away from its bulk.(Gastrodon can pivot into water attacks and then pivot out into status immune Pokemon after versus bulkier waters that rely on status)

Team Options
========

Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. It's Water-immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D. A check to Grass-types is also mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle, as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic for Gastrodon(mention how they can absorb tspikes). A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help Gastrodon cure its poisoning or help recover its HP. Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STABS. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon. (mention hazard removal like other tspike absorbers, Golbat to defog and resist grass as well as other removers that work well with gastro)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Yawn can be used to force switches against set up sweepers like Barbaracle. Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers such as Raikou or Barbaracle. Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool, only adequate offenses, and poor speed. Rindo Berry is another option to allow Gastrodon to deal with Hidden Power Grass variants of Salazzle and Raikou much better, as well as potentially KO a Grass-type like Shaymin with Ice Beam(Modest Specs Gastrodon doesn't even OHKO an offensive Shaymin so a Rindo Berry set definitely would not).

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass-types, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to thier Poison-typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Grass-types (with no recovery) also need to be cautious about switching into Ice Beam. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Hidden Power Grass Salazzle, and Yanmega.

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can all wear it down to where it can be KO'd before it can Recover.

**Strong Attackers**: Powerful wallbreakers such as Machamp, Curse Snorlax, and Goodra can easily overwhelm Gastrodon with their powerful offenses. Machamp, in particular, can use status conditions from Gastrodon to activate its Guts. Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald as much because it can set up and Rest in front of it. (I would put this into two sections of Stall breakers and Wall breakers)

(bulky Pokemon that can deal with Status need a mention like Refresh/Toxic Milotic, Taunt Mandibuzz, Bronzong etc with bronzong and mandibuzz not liking to take multiple Scalds and burns)


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[zizalith, 410251], [phantom, 1800300], [ , ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[ , ], [ , ]]

AMCheck :>
 
Last edited:

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
View attachment 170537
**artwork is mine**
[OVERVIEW]

With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RarelyUsed's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Mega Blastoise, Metagross, and Noivern. Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing Gastrodon to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle and Feraligatr. While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RarelyUsed meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out. Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed(might be worth mentioning that a lot of the water-type Pokemon it would like to check with its ability carry status moves). Gastrodon is also rather passive since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Substitute Raikou, Drapion, and Machamp can easily threaten it out of battle(Sub Raikou can never beat Gastrodon:
16 Atk Gastrodon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 240-284 (74.7 - 88.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 56 HP / 184+ SpD Gastrodon: 53-63 (14 - 16.7%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery)
. It's main competition comes from Slowbro, which is not as passive as Gastrodon is, has a Fighting-resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Careful
evs: 56 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Def / 184 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match. Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Salazzle, and Dragalge very hard. Ice Beam can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern(after rocks), and Flygon(12.5% of the time), as well as catch a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin off guard (mention grass types arent the main target (does not ever do close to 50 to shaymin and viriz while barely getting close to 50 with roserade all which can use recovery moves) but the dmg is neat sometimes ). Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Goodra, and Florges. Scald is a decent option that can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Metagross and Tyrantrum.

Set Details
========

With the given spread and a Careful Nature, Gastrodon is 4HKO'd by Mega Blastoise's Dark Pulse and is only 2HKO'd by +2 Barbaracle's Continental Crush. 16 Attack EVs guarantees that Barbaracle will be OHKO'd after Spikes or Stealth Rock damage and if it sets up Shell Smash. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water-immunity and a boost if it is hit by a Water-type move.

Usage Tips
========

Gastrodon should aim to use its defensive resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Mega Blastoise, Metagross, Barbaracle, Arcanine, Raikou, and Noivern so that it gets an opportunity to either use Toxic, an attack, or Recover. Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine. Be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them. Gastrodon should also use Toxic on bulky switch ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, or Florges. If running Scald, use it to cripple any physical attacker like Metagross, Barbaracle, or Tyrantrum to potentially burn them if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use Guts to gain a boost from a Scald burn(mention how Scald can be detrimental versus bulkier Pokemon that you would want other teammates to be able to Toxic e.g Slowbro, Milotic, Porygon2). Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Salazzle or Raikou. Be aware of any Grass-type the foe may have on their team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales and Yanmega, as well as Hidden Power Grass from Raikou or Salazzle. These Pokemon do need to be cautious of switching into Ice Beam or Earthquake, however. Do not let Gastrodon be afflicted with status conditions, as the residual damage from poison takes away from its bulk.(Gastrodon can pivot into water attacks and then pivot out into status immune Pokemon after versus bulkier waters that rely on status)

Team Options
========

Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. It's Water-immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D. A check to Grass-types is also mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle, as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic for Gastrodon(mention how they can absorb tspikes). A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help Gastrodon cure its poisoning or help recover its HP. Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STABS. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon. (mention hazard removal like other tspike absorbers, Golbat to defog and resist grass as well as other removers that work well with gastro)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Yawn can be used to force switches against set up sweepers like Barbaracle. Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers such as Raikou or Barbaracle. Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool, only adequate offenses, and poor speed. Rindo Berry is another option to allow Gastrodon to deal with Hidden Power Grass variants of Salazzle and Raikou much better, as well as potentially KO a Grass-type like Shaymin with Ice Beam(Modest Specs Gastrodon doesn't even OHKO an offensive Shaymin so a Rindo Berry set definitely would not).

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass-types, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to thier Poison-typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Grass-types (with no recovery) also need to be cautious about switching into Ice Beam. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Hidden Power Grass Salazzle, and Yanmega.

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can all wear it down to where it can be KO'd before it can Recover.

**Strong Attackers**: Powerful wallbreakers such as Machamp, Curse Snorlax, and Goodra can easily overwhelm Gastrodon with their powerful offenses. Machamp, in particular, can use status conditions from Gastrodon to activate its Guts. Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald as much because it can set up and Rest in front of it. (I would put this into two sections of Stall breakers and Wall breakers)

(bulky Pokemon that can deal with Status need a mention like Refresh/Toxic Milotic, Taunt Mandibuzz, Bronzong etc with bronzong and mandibuzz not liking to take multiple Scalds and burns)


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[zizalith, 410251], [phantom, 1800300], [ , ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[ , ], [ , ]]

AMCheck :>
Sorry this took so long, but I implemented most of this. Thanks, DBW!
 

MrAldo

Hey
is a Social Media Contributoris a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Godly spread. Very nicely written but I would emphasize how much it takes from zydog on Set Details, like how much it takes from CB Thousand Arrows at least, and Outrage preferably.

Good stuff overall. QC 3/3 when applied
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RarelyUsed's RU's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Mega Blastoise, Metagross, and Noivern. Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing Gastrodon it to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle. While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RarelyUsed RU,(AC) meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out. Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed. In fact, most of the Water-types Gastrodon would like to check like Milotic and Slowbro often carry Toxic to cripple it. Gastrodon is also rather passive,(AC) since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Machamp and Drapion can easily threaten it out of battle. It's main competition comes from Slowbro, which is not as passive as Gastrodon is, has a Fighting-(RH)resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Careful
evs: 56 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Def / 184 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match. Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Salazzle, and Dragalge very hard. Ice Beam can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern after Stealth Rock damage, and a weakened Flygon, as well as dealing important chip damage to a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin. Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Goodra, and Florges. Scald is a decent option that can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Metagross and Tyrantrum.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread and a Careful nature, Gastrodon is 4HKOed by Mega Blastoise's Dark Pulse and is only 2HKOed by +2 Barbaracle's Continental Crush and Choice Band Zygarde-10%'s Outrage and Thousand Arrows after Stealth Rock. 16 Attack EVs guarantees guarantee that Barbaracle will be OHKOed after Spikes or Stealth Rock damage and if it sets up Shell Smash. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water-(RH)immunity and a Special Attack boost if it is hit by a Water-type move.

Usage Tips
========

Gastrodon should aim to use its defensive resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Mega Blastoise, Metagross, Barbaracle, Arcanine, Raikou, and Noivern so that it gets an opportunity to either use Toxic, an attack, or Recover. Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine.(period);(SC) however,(AC) be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them. Gastrodon should also use Toxic on bulky switch-(AH)ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, or and Florges. If running Scald, use it to cripple any physical attackers like Metagross, Barbaracle, or and Tyrantrum to potentially burn them if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with using Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use its Guts ability to gain a boost in power from a Scald burn. Gastrodon should also be cautious of using Scald against bulky Pokemon like Slowbro, Milotic, and Porygon2,(AC) since Gastrodon would rather poison these targets than accidentally burn them. Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Salazzle or Raikou. Be aware of any Grass-type the foe may have on their team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales and Yanmega,(RC) as well as Hidden Power Grass from Raikou or and Salazzle. These Pokemon do need to be cautious of switching into Ice Beam or Earthquake, however. If threatened with Toxic, pivot Gastodon out and replace it with a status-(AH)immune Pokemon.

Team Options
========

Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. It's Water-(RH)immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D. A check to Grass-types is also mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle,(RC) as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic and absorb Toxic Spikes for Gastrodon. Although niche, Golbat makes a decent partner for Gastrodon,(AC) since it can remove entry hazards with Defog and resist Grass-type attacks for Gastrodon. Other hazard removers like Forretress, Tsareena, and Mega Blastoise appreciate Gastrodon checking Pokemon that threaten them out such as Salazzle, Raikou, and Arcanine. A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help Gastrodon cure its poisoning or help Gastrodon of status and recover its HP. Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STABS STAB moves. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Yawn can be used to force switches against set up setup sweepers like Barbaracle. Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers such as Raikou or and Barbaracle. Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool, only adequate offenses, and poor speed. Rindo Berry is another option to allow Gastrodon to deal with Hidden Power Grass variants of Salazzle and Raikou much better, as well as potentially KOing a Grass-type like Mega Sceptile with Ice Beam.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass-types Grass (it has a 4x weakness to the type itself, not the Pokemon), Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to thier their Poison-(RH)typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Grass-types also need to be cautious about switching into Ice Beam. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Hidden Power Grass Salazzle, and Yanmega.

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can all wear it down to where it can be KOed before it can use Recover.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: Powerful wallbreakers such as Machamp, Curse Snorlax, and Goodra can easily overwhelm Gastrodon with their powerful offenses. Machamp, in particular, can use status conditions from Gastrodon to activate its Guts. Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald as much because it can stomach any hit Gastrodon goes for and proceeds proceed to set up or use Rest in front of it.

**Status-(AH)resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon that can deal with status conditions such as Taunt Mandibuzz, Refresh Milotic, and Registeel can easily pivot into Toxic and can force Gastrodon out of battle with Taunt or their own Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[zizalith, 410251], [phantom, 1800300], [MrAldo, 227521]]
- Grammar checked by: [[ , ], [ , ]]
GP 1/2
 

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RU's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Mega Blastoise, Metagross, and Noivern. Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing it to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle. While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RU, meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out. Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed. In fact, most of the Water-types Gastrodon would like to check like Milotic and Slowbro often carry Toxic to cripple it. Gastrodon is also rather passive, since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Machamp and Drapion can easily threaten it out of battle. It's main competition comes from Slowbro, which is not as passive as Gastrodon is, has a Fighting resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Careful
evs: 56 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Def / 184 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match. Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Salazzle, and Dragalge very hard. Ice Beam can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern after Stealth Rock damage, and a weakened Flygon, as well as dealing important chip damage to a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin. Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Goodra, and Florges. Scald is a decent option that can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Metagross and Tyrantrum.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread and a Careful nature, Gastrodon is 4HKOed by Mega Blastoise's Dark Pulse and is only 2HKOed by +2 Barbaracle's Continental Crush and Choice Band Zygarde-10%'s Outrage and Thousand Arrows after Stealth Rock. 16 Attack EVs guarantee that Barbaracle will be OHKOed after Spikes or Stealth Rock damage and if it sets up Shell Smash. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water immunity and a Special Attack boost if it is hit by a Water-type move.

Usage Tips
========

Gastrodon should aim to use its resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Mega Blastoise, Metagross, Barbaracle, Arcanine, Raikou, and Noivern so it gets an opportunity to use Toxic, an attack, or Recover. Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine; however, be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them. Gastrodon should use Toxic on bulky switch-ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, and Florges. If running Scald, use it to cripple any physical attackers like Metagross, Barbaracle, and Tyrantrum to potentially burn them if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with using Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use its Guts ability to gain a boost in power from a Scald burn. Gastrodon should also be cautious of using Scald against bulky Pokemon like Slowbro, Milotic, and Porygon2, since Gastrodon would rather poison these targets than accidentally burn them. Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Salazzle or Raikou. Be aware of any Grass-type the foe may have on their team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales and Yanmega as well as Hidden Power Grass from Raikou and Salazzle. These Pokemon do need to be cautious of switching into Ice Beam or Earthquake, however. If threatened with Toxic, pivot Gastodon out and replace it with a status-immune Pokemon.

Team Options
========

Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. It's Water immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D. A check to Grass-types is mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic and absorb Toxic Spikes for Gastrodon. Although niche, Golbat makes a decent partner for Gastrodon, since it can remove entry hazards with Defog and resist Grass-type attacks for Gastrodon. Other hazard removers like Forretress, Tsareena, and Mega Blastoise appreciate Gastrodon checking Pokemon that threaten them out such as Salazzle, Raikou, and Arcanine. A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help cure Gastrodon of status and recover its HP. Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STAB moves. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Yawn can be used to force switches against setup sweepers like Barbaracle. Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers such as Raikou and Barbaracle. Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool, only adequate offenses, and poor speed. Rindo Berry is another option to allow Gastrodon to deal with Hidden Power Grass variants of Salazzle and Raikou much better, as well as potentially KOing a Grass-type like Mega Sceptile with Ice Beam.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to their Poison typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Grass-types also need to be cautious about switching into Ice Beam. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Hidden Power Grass Salazzle, and Yanmega.

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can wear it down to where it can be KOed before it can use Recover.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: Powerful wallbreakers such as Machamp, Curse Snorlax, and Goodra can easily overwhelm Gastrodon with their powerful offenses. Machamp, in particular, can use status conditions from Gastrodon to activate its Guts. Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald because it can stomach any hit Gastrodon goes for and proceed to set up or use Rest in front of it.

**Status-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon that can deal with status conditions such as Taunt Mandibuzz, Refresh Milotic, and Registeel can easily pivot into Toxic and force Gastrodon out of battle with Taunt or their own Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[zizalith, 410251], [phantom, 1800300], [MrAldo, 227521]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [ , ]]
GP 1/2
Implemented. Thanks, my man. :)
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RU's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Mega Blastoise, Metagross, and Noivern. Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing it to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle. While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RU, meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out. Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed. In fact, most of the Water-types Gastrodon would like to check like Milotic and Slowbro often carry Toxic to cripple it. Gastrodon is also rather passive, since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Machamp and Drapion can easily threaten it out of battle. It's Its main competition comes from Slowbro, which is not as less passive passive as Gastrodon is, has a Fighting resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Careful
evs: 56 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Def / 184 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match. Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Salazzle, and Dragalge very hard. Ice Beam can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern after Stealth Rock damage, and a weakened Flygon, as well as dealing important chip damage to a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin. Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Goodra, and Florges. Scald is a decent option that can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Metagross and Tyrantrum.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread and a Careful nature, Gastrodon is 4HKOed by Mega Blastoise's Dark Pulse and is only 2HKOed by +2 Barbaracle's Continental Crush and Choice Band Zygarde-10%'s Outrage and Thousand Arrows after Stealth Rock. 16 Attack EVs guarantee that Barbaracle will be OHKOed after Spikes or Stealth Rock damage and if it sets up a Shell Smash Defense drop. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water immunity and a Special Attack boost if it is hit by a Water-type move.

Usage Tips
========

Gastrodon should aim to use its resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Mega Blastoise, Metagross, Barbaracle, Arcanine, Raikou, and Noivern so it gets an opportunity to use Toxic, an attack, or Recover. Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine; however, be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them. Gastrodon should use Toxic on bulky switch-ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, and Florges. If running Scald, use it to cripple potentially burn any physical attackers like Metagross, Barbaracle, and Tyrantrum to potentially burn them if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with using Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use its Guts ability to gain a boost in power from a Scald burn. Gastrodon should also be cautious of using Scald against bulky Pokemon like Slowbro, Milotic, and Porygon2, since Gastrodon would rather poison these targets than accidentally burn them. Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Salazzle or Raikou. Be aware of any Grass-types the foe opponent may have on their team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales and Yanmega as well as Hidden Power Grass from Raikou and Salazzle. These Pokemon do need to be cautious of switching into Ice Beam or Earthquake, however. If threatened with Toxic, pivot Gastodon out and replace it with a status-immune Pokemon.

Team Options
========

Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. It's Its Water immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D. A check to Grass-types is mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic and absorb Toxic Spikes for Gastrodon. Although niche, Golbat makes a decent partner for Gastrodon, since it can remove entry hazards with Defog and resist switch into Grass-type attacks for Gastrodon. Other hazard removers like Forretress, Tsareena, and Mega Blastoise appreciate Gastrodon checking Pokemon that threaten them out such as Salazzle, Raikou, and Arcanine. A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help cure Gastrodon of status and recover its HP. Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STAB moves. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Yawn can be used to force switches against setup sweepers like Barbaracle. Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers such as Raikou and Barbaracle. Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool, only adequate offenses, and poor speed. Rindo Berry is another option to allow Gastrodon to deal with Hidden Power Grass variants of Salazzle and Raikou much better, as well as potentially KOing a Grass-type like Mega Sceptile with Ice Beam.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to their Poison typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Grass-types also need to be cautious about switching into Ice Beam. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Hidden Power Grass Salazzle, and Yanmega.

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can wear it down to where it can be KOed before it can use Recover.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: Powerful wallbreakers such as Machamp, Curse Snorlax, and Goodra can easily overwhelm Gastrodon with their powerful offenses. Machamp, in particular, can use status conditions from Gastrodon to activate its Guts. Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald because it can stomach any hit Gastrodon goes for and proceed to set up or use Rest in front of it.

**Status-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon that can deal with status conditions such as Taunt Mandibuzz, Refresh Milotic, and Registeel can easily pivot into Toxic and force Gastrodon out of battle with Taunt or their own Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[zizalith, 410251], [phantom, 1800300], [MrAldo, 227521]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [ , ]]
 

JustoonSmitts

I draw stuff for a living
is a Top Artistis a Contributor to Smogon
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

With its decent defensive typing, good mixed bulk, and access to Recover, Gastrodon is a good defensive Pokemon that can check some of RU's most prominent offensive threats such as Zygarde-10%, Mega Blastoise, Metagross, and Noivern. Gastrodon's Storm Drain ability also gives it even more defensive presence, allowing it to come in against Water-type moves like Scald and check offensive Water-types like Barbaracle. While Gastrodon's defensive typing leaves it with only one weakness, Grass is an omnipresent offensive type in RU, meaning Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, and Shaymin can easily take it out. Its inability to deal with status conditions and vulnerability to all forms of entry hazards mean that Gastrodon can be easily overwhelmed. In fact, most of the Water-types Gastrodon would like to check like Milotic and Slowbro often carry Toxic to cripple it. Gastrodon is also rather passive, since it usually relies on Toxic for most of its damage output, meaning common wallbreakers like Machamp and Drapion can easily threaten it out of battle. Its main competition comes from Slowbro, which is less passive passive, has a Fighting resistance, and has arguably a better defensive ability in Regenerator.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Recover
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Storm Drain
nature: Careful
evs: 56 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Def / 184 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover allows Gastrodon to stay healthy throughout the match. Earthquake allows Gastrodon to hit Raikou, Salazzle, and Dragalge very hard. Ice Beam can OHKO Zygarde-10%, Noivern after Stealth Rock damage, and a weakened Flygon, as well as dealing important chip damage to a potential Grass-type that attempts to switch into it such as Virizion, Roserade, or Shaymin. Toxic can cripple common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Goodra, and Florges. Scald is a decent option that can spread burns to physically offensive Pokemon like Metagross and Tyrantrum.

Set Details
========

With the given EV spread and a Careful nature, Gastrodon is 4HKOed by Mega Blastoise's Dark Pulse and only 2HKOed by +2 Barbaracle's Continental Crush and Choice Band Zygarde-10%'s Outrage and Thousand Arrows after Stealth Rock. 16 Attack EVs guarantee that Barbaracle will be OHKOed after Spikes or Stealth Rock damage and a Shell Smash Defense drop. Storm Drain gives Gastrodon a Water immunity and a Special Attack boost if it is hit by a Water-type move.

Usage Tips
========

Gastrodon should aim to use its resistances and immunities to pivot into Pokemon like Mega Blastoise, Metagross, Barbaracle, Arcanine, Raikou, and Noivern so it gets an opportunity to use Toxic, an attack, or Recover. Thanks to Storm Drain, Gastrodon can easily take a Scald from Milotic, Slowbro, and Mantine; however, be cautious about these Pokemon going for Toxic if they expect Gastrodon to directly switch into them. Gastrodon should use Toxic on bulky switch-ins like Mega Blastoise, Goodra, and Florges. If running Scald, use it to potentially burn any physical attackers like Metagross, Barbaracle, and Tyrantrum if they decide to stay in on Gastrodon. Be careful with using Scald if the opposing team has Machamp, as it can use its Guts ability to gain a boost in power from a Scald burn. Gastrodon should also be cautious of using Scald against bulky Pokemon like Slowbro, Milotic, and Porygon2, since Gastrodon would rather poison these targets than accidentally burn them. Gastrodon should use Recover whenever it can, ideally by forcing a switch against a Pokemon like Salazzle or Raikou. Be aware of any Grass-types the opponent may have on their team, as they can easily pivot into any of Gastrodon's STAB moves and proceed to threaten it out. Roserade is noteworthy, as it is immune to Toxic. Gastrodon also has to worry about Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Ninetales and Yanmega as well as Hidden Power Grass from Raikou and Salazzle. These Pokemon do need to be cautious of switching into Ice Beam or Earthquake, however. If threatened with Toxic, pivot Gastodon out and replace it with a status-immune Pokemon.

Team Options
========

Gastrodon's immunity to Scald is a big sigh of relief for physically offensive Pokemon like Zygarde-10%, Metagross, and Flygon. Its Water immunity in general can be beneficial to Pokemon like Rhyperior, Arcanine, and Lycanroc-D. A check to Grass-types is mandatory when using Gastrodon, so offensive checks like Noivern, Ninetales, and Salazzle as well as defensive checks like Registeel, Goodra, and Dragalge synergize extremely well with it. Salazzle and Dragalge can also directly switch into Toxic and absorb Toxic Spikes for Gastrodon. Although niche, Golbat makes a decent partner for Gastrodon, since it can remove entry hazards with Defog and switch into Grass-type attacks for Gastrodon. Other hazard removers like Forretress, Tsareena, and Mega Blastoise appreciate Gastrodon checking Pokemon that threaten them out such as Salazzle, Raikou, and Arcanine. A cleric or Healing Wish user such as Florges or Shaymin can help cure Gastrodon of status and recover its HP. Pokemon like Noivern, Gardevoir, and Swellow appreciate Gastrodon's ability to soft check Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon that resist their STAB moves. In return, all of these Pokemon can threaten out status absorbers like Machamp for Gastrodon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Yawn can be used to force switches against setup sweepers like Barbaracle. Clear Smog could also be useful for combating setup sweepers such as Raikou and Barbaracle. Gastrodon can potentially pull off an offensive set with Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it fails to take out common defensive cores with its poor offensive movepool, only adequate offenses, and poor speed. Rindo Berry is another option to allow Gastrodon to deal with Hidden Power Grass variants of Salazzle and Raikou much better, as well as potentially KOing a Grass-type like Mega Sceptile with Ice Beam.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Grass-types**: Because of its nasty 4x weakness to Grass, Gastrodon is forced out of battle by Pokemon like Virizion, Roserade, Shaymin, and Mega Sceptile. Roserade and Shaymin are not thwarted by Toxic thanks to their Poison typing and Natural Cure, respectively. Virizion does need to be cautious about directly switching into Toxic or Scald, however. Grass-types also need to be cautious about switching into Ice Beam. Gastrodon also needs to worry about foes with Grass-type coverage like Ninetales, Hidden Power Grass Salazzle, and Yanmega.

**Residual Damage**: Gastrodon takes damage from all entry hazards and is especially vulnerable to Toxic, which can wear it down to where it can be KOed before it can use Recover.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: Powerful wallbreakers such as Machamp, Curse Snorlax, and Goodra can easily overwhelm Gastrodon with their powerful offenses. Machamp, in particular, can use status conditions from Gastrodon to activate its Guts. Snorlax also doesn't mind Toxic or Scald because it can stomach any hit Gastrodon goes for and proceed to set up or use Rest in front of it.

**Status-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon that can deal with status conditions such as Taunt Mandibuzz, Refresh Milotic, and Registeel can easily pivot into Toxic and force Gastrodon out of battle with Taunt or their own Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[zizalith, 410251], [phantom, 1800300], [MrAldo, 227521]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
A big thank you for everyone's help. This is done and ready to upload.
 

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