Grapploct, The Jujitsu Pokemon
Type(s) -
Base Stats - 80 HP /118 Atk /90 Def / 70 SAtk /80 SDef /42 Spe
Abilities:
Limber: The Pokémon cannot be Paralysed while having this ability.
Hidden Ability:
Technician: Moves with a base power of 60 or less are boosted in power by 50%
Moveset:
Notable Moves:
Pain Split
Drain Punch
Octolock
Taunt
Substitute
Liquidation
Ice Punch
Topsy-Turvy
Circle Throw
Sucker Punch
Soak
Notable Max Moves
Max Knuckle
Max Guard
New Moves:
Octolock
100% Accuracy
15 PP
Lowers target's Defense and Special Defense by 1 stage at the end of each turn. Prevents target from retreating
Grapploct's main gimmick is to trap Pokemon with Octolock and wear them down slowly as their defenses are being lowered every turn. Combined with Taunt allows it to cripple defensive mons with them having little to no answer back. With reliable, but not perfect recovery in the form of Pain Split and Drain Punch, Grapploct will seldom have trouble stalling for 3 or more turns against weaker Pokemon, while waiting for their defences to drop to low enough levels to be punished. Outside of this gimmick, Grapploct will struggle offensivly, as its speed leaves much to be desired and faces competition against other slower fighting types, such as the returning Conkledurr or Machamp and new additions, Falinks and Sirfetch'd.
Dynamaxing potential
Grapploct being a defensive Pokemon already hurts its Dynamax potential and to make matters worse, its shallow movepool of viable attacking moves doesn't give our friend much to work with. Max Knuckle is great, raising attack by one stage, but that's about it as far as Max Moves that benefit Grapploct. The other Max Moves don't benefit Grapploct outside of doing damage and Max Guard is just protect, which may or may not save you in a pinch. In reality, Grapploct shouldn't be the go-to Dynamax Pokemon on the team.
[PROS]
-Octolock+Taunt combo shuts down defensive mons and allows Grapploct to eventually KO after turns pass by
-Drain Punch and Pain Split allow for some recovery options, Drain Punch especially notable as their defenses slowly wear down
-Circle Throw being boosted by Technician means a Base 135 phasing move
-80/90/80 defences are passable and means Grapploct won't be taking too much from defensive mons
-Stealth Rock resistance is always appreciated
-Topsy-Turvy is a reverse Haze that can seriously turn the tides of a match-up in some situations
[CONS]
-MonoFighting leaves it little to switch into, being bug, rock and dark moves, with bug and dark not being common offensively thanks to the small pool of knockoff users
-Although its defenses aren't bad against defensive mons, it can't switch too reliably into offense, especially with its lackluster typing
-Base 42 speed is atrocious and prevents any sweeping potential
-Movepool is somewhat limited and reliable coverage is hard to find, which in turn hurts its Dynamax potential
-Although its gimmick is great, combined with MonoFighting and a shallow movepool leaves it open under fire by flying and fairy types
-Base 118 attack is overshadowed by similar slow fighting types, such as Conklederr, Machamp and Sirfetch'd
-Unaware users don't care about their stats being lowered and Grapploct can be phased out
Potential Movesets:
The Octolocker
Grapploct @ Leftovers/Big Root
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Octolock
- Taunt
- Drain Punch
- Pain Split/Substitute
This is the set that makes use of its gimmick. The set is fairly simple. Find a way to trap a defensive mon that relies on "other" moves for functionality. Taunt them, then play the waiting game as their defenses slowly drop to abysmal levels. Drain punch ensures that you keep yourself alive and every turn, it'll do more damage and you'll recover more health. Octolock can also be used as a way to halt momentum on switch-ins and in the event Grapploct can't stay in on a trapped opponent, the reduced defenses give teammates a chance to force a switch and regenerate momentum. As for the last slot, Pain Split is more recovery for longer survival and more opportunities to Octolock your opponent. Substitute is an alternate option that can wall certain mons that are very passive without their "other" moves, such as Toxapex, Galarian-Corsola and Mandibuzz. It should be noted that if you plan to go Substitute, you should omit the Atk EV's for Def/SpD to allow the substitute to be stronger and allow more switch ins. Soak is a tempting option, but Ghosts can't be trapped, so it would be useless with this set. Leftovers allows for constant recovery, while Big Root is a good option for getting more mileage out of Drain Punch and Limber is for paralysis immunity and also because technician is useless for set. This set mainly does well against defensive mons and stall playstyles, and fits well on defensive teams. For reference, a -6 Toxapex with max HP and DEF takes 44.4 - 52.3% from a max ATK Drain Punch, so defensive mons will eventually fold. How you reach those defences is dependent on your set.
Assault and Battery
Grapploct @ Assault Vest
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Circle Throw
- Drain Punch
- Sucker Punch
- Liquidation/Ice Punch
This set is pretty average and takes advantage of our friend's good defenses. Circle Throw, boosted by technician becomes a 135 phasing move. This is the move you'll be clicking a lot and combined with hazards and weather, can potentially wear down a team depending on what mons get thrown in. Drain Punch gives recovery that would otherwise be locked out of Assault Vest. Sucker Punch covers faster, offensive mons where a KO is needed to secure. Ice Punch hits flying types that otherwise resist its STAB, but liquidation can be used as a slightly stronger alternative to hit ground types, although ideally, you'd be using Circle Throw. This set really suffers from Grapploct's shallow movepool, as the last move will probably not be used at all. This set fits well into balanced teams and is applicable against any team, as long as hazards are set to maximize the potential of Circle Throw.
JUST THROW IT
Grapploct @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Circle Throw
- Pain Split
- Topsy-Turvy
- Soak
This set has one purpose and one purpose only. Phasing your opponent and racking up damage through hazards and chip. Pain Split keeps you healthy, Topsy-Turvy is there for last Pokemon situations where they cant be phased and Soak stops Ghost types from walling you. Pair this set with hazards and (potentially)watch the damage rack up.
Overall, Grapploct may find a niche in the meta as a reliable trapper against defensive teams, but will likely struggle to make its mark offensively, thanks to its small movepool and stats that are overshadowed by other slow, fighting type titans.
Type(s) -
Base Stats - 80 HP /118 Atk /90 Def / 70 SAtk /80 SDef /42 Spe
Abilities:
Limber: The Pokémon cannot be Paralysed while having this ability.
Hidden Ability:
Technician: Moves with a base power of 60 or less are boosted in power by 50%
Moveset:
- Level Up Moves:
- - [00] Octolock
- - [01] Octolock
- - [01] Octazooka
- - [01] Rock Smash
- - [01] Leer
- - [01] Feint
- - [01] Bind
- - [15] Detect
- - [20] Brick Break
- - [25] Bulk Up
- - [30] Submission
- - [35] Taunt
- - [40] Reversal
- - [45] Superpower
- - [50] Topsy-Turvy
- TMs:
- - [TM00] Mega Punch
- - [TM04] Ice Punch
- - [TM08] Hyper Beam
- - [TM09] Giga Impact
- - [TM15] Dig
- - [TM21] Rest
- - [TM24] Snore
- - [TM25] Protect
- - [TM26] Scary Face
- - [TM31] Attract
- - [TM36] Whirlpool
- - [TM39] Facade
- - [TM42] Revenge
- - [TM43] Brick Break
- - [TM45] Dive
- - [TM53] Mud Shot
- - [TM55] Brine
- - [TM57] Payback
- - [TM63] Drain Punch
- - [TM76] Round
- - [TM79] Retaliate
- - [TM97] Brutal Swing
- - [TM98] Stomping Tantrum
- TRs:
- - [TR01] Body Slam
- - [TR03] Hydro Pump
- - [TR04] Surf
- - [TR16] Waterfall
- - [TR20] Substitute
- - [TR21] Reversal
- - [TR26] Endure
- - [TR27] Sleep Talk
- - [TR37] Taunt
- - [TR39] Superpower
- - [TR45] Muddy Water
- - [TR48] Bulk Up
- - [TR53] Close Combat
- - [TR64] Focus Blast
- - [TR85] Work Up
- - [TR98] Liquidation
- Egg Moves:
- - Pain Split
- - Soak
- - Sucker Punch
- - Circle Throw
- - Seismic Toss
- - Power-Up Punch
Pain Split
Drain Punch
Octolock
Taunt
Substitute
Liquidation
Ice Punch
Topsy-Turvy
Circle Throw
Sucker Punch
Soak
Notable Max Moves
Max Knuckle
Max Guard
New Moves:
Octolock
100% Accuracy
15 PP
Lowers target's Defense and Special Defense by 1 stage at the end of each turn. Prevents target from retreating
Grapploct's main gimmick is to trap Pokemon with Octolock and wear them down slowly as their defenses are being lowered every turn. Combined with Taunt allows it to cripple defensive mons with them having little to no answer back. With reliable, but not perfect recovery in the form of Pain Split and Drain Punch, Grapploct will seldom have trouble stalling for 3 or more turns against weaker Pokemon, while waiting for their defences to drop to low enough levels to be punished. Outside of this gimmick, Grapploct will struggle offensivly, as its speed leaves much to be desired and faces competition against other slower fighting types, such as the returning Conkledurr or Machamp and new additions, Falinks and Sirfetch'd.
Dynamaxing potential
Grapploct being a defensive Pokemon already hurts its Dynamax potential and to make matters worse, its shallow movepool of viable attacking moves doesn't give our friend much to work with. Max Knuckle is great, raising attack by one stage, but that's about it as far as Max Moves that benefit Grapploct. The other Max Moves don't benefit Grapploct outside of doing damage and Max Guard is just protect, which may or may not save you in a pinch. In reality, Grapploct shouldn't be the go-to Dynamax Pokemon on the team.
[PROS]
-Octolock+Taunt combo shuts down defensive mons and allows Grapploct to eventually KO after turns pass by
-Drain Punch and Pain Split allow for some recovery options, Drain Punch especially notable as their defenses slowly wear down
-Circle Throw being boosted by Technician means a Base 135 phasing move
-80/90/80 defences are passable and means Grapploct won't be taking too much from defensive mons
-Stealth Rock resistance is always appreciated
-Topsy-Turvy is a reverse Haze that can seriously turn the tides of a match-up in some situations
[CONS]
-MonoFighting leaves it little to switch into, being bug, rock and dark moves, with bug and dark not being common offensively thanks to the small pool of knockoff users
-Although its defenses aren't bad against defensive mons, it can't switch too reliably into offense, especially with its lackluster typing
-Base 42 speed is atrocious and prevents any sweeping potential
-Movepool is somewhat limited and reliable coverage is hard to find, which in turn hurts its Dynamax potential
-Although its gimmick is great, combined with MonoFighting and a shallow movepool leaves it open under fire by flying and fairy types
-Base 118 attack is overshadowed by similar slow fighting types, such as Conklederr, Machamp and Sirfetch'd
-Unaware users don't care about their stats being lowered and Grapploct can be phased out
Potential Movesets:
The Octolocker
Grapploct @ Leftovers/Big Root
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Octolock
- Taunt
- Drain Punch
- Pain Split/Substitute
This is the set that makes use of its gimmick. The set is fairly simple. Find a way to trap a defensive mon that relies on "other" moves for functionality. Taunt them, then play the waiting game as their defenses slowly drop to abysmal levels. Drain punch ensures that you keep yourself alive and every turn, it'll do more damage and you'll recover more health. Octolock can also be used as a way to halt momentum on switch-ins and in the event Grapploct can't stay in on a trapped opponent, the reduced defenses give teammates a chance to force a switch and regenerate momentum. As for the last slot, Pain Split is more recovery for longer survival and more opportunities to Octolock your opponent. Substitute is an alternate option that can wall certain mons that are very passive without their "other" moves, such as Toxapex, Galarian-Corsola and Mandibuzz. It should be noted that if you plan to go Substitute, you should omit the Atk EV's for Def/SpD to allow the substitute to be stronger and allow more switch ins. Soak is a tempting option, but Ghosts can't be trapped, so it would be useless with this set. Leftovers allows for constant recovery, while Big Root is a good option for getting more mileage out of Drain Punch and Limber is for paralysis immunity and also because technician is useless for set. This set mainly does well against defensive mons and stall playstyles, and fits well on defensive teams. For reference, a -6 Toxapex with max HP and DEF takes 44.4 - 52.3% from a max ATK Drain Punch, so defensive mons will eventually fold. How you reach those defences is dependent on your set.
Assault and Battery
Grapploct @ Assault Vest
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Circle Throw
- Drain Punch
- Sucker Punch
- Liquidation/Ice Punch
This set is pretty average and takes advantage of our friend's good defenses. Circle Throw, boosted by technician becomes a 135 phasing move. This is the move you'll be clicking a lot and combined with hazards and weather, can potentially wear down a team depending on what mons get thrown in. Drain Punch gives recovery that would otherwise be locked out of Assault Vest. Sucker Punch covers faster, offensive mons where a KO is needed to secure. Ice Punch hits flying types that otherwise resist its STAB, but liquidation can be used as a slightly stronger alternative to hit ground types, although ideally, you'd be using Circle Throw. This set really suffers from Grapploct's shallow movepool, as the last move will probably not be used at all. This set fits well into balanced teams and is applicable against any team, as long as hazards are set to maximize the potential of Circle Throw.
JUST THROW IT
Grapploct @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Circle Throw
- Pain Split
- Topsy-Turvy
- Soak
This set has one purpose and one purpose only. Phasing your opponent and racking up damage through hazards and chip. Pain Split keeps you healthy, Topsy-Turvy is there for last Pokemon situations where they cant be phased and Soak stops Ghost types from walling you. Pair this set with hazards and (potentially)watch the damage rack up.
Overall, Grapploct may find a niche in the meta as a reliable trapper against defensive teams, but will likely struggle to make its mark offensively, thanks to its small movepool and stats that are overshadowed by other slow, fighting type titans.
