wyc2333
A=X+Y+Z Y: Hard Work
[OVERVIEW]
Gyarados is a Pokemon with decent bulk that can function as both an early-game pivot with Intimidate and a late-game threat with Dragon Dance. Unlike other physical sweepers such as Tyranitar and Salamence, it has an immunity to Ground-type attacks and doesn't have much trouble with bulky Water-types. It can also destroy defensive Pokemon one-on-one with Rest.
However, it is countered by Zapdos, and its Attack stat can be underwhelming, preventing it from OHKOing bulky Gengar, Metagross, and Tyranitar after a Dragon Dance. It also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome because it needs different Hidden Power types to hit Aerodactyl and Celebi and Taunt to prevent status and phazers from ruining its sweep.
[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Hidden Power Flying / Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Double-Edge / Taunt / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 68 HP / 252 Atk / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Standard Gyarados can be sent out against foes that cannot threaten it very much like Swampert and Suicune. In addition, it is a good switch-in to Heracross thanks to Intimidate and a resistance to its STAB moves, but it must be careful, as it doesn't take even -1 Rock Slide well. Furthermore, Gyarados can be switched into Celebi on predicted Recover.
Dragon Dance is often used late-game when checks like Zapdos, bulky Gengar, and physical Salamence have been sufficiently weakened. Hidden Power Flying is generally superior to Hidden Power Rock because it not only receives STAB but also hits Pokemon such as Heracross, Celebi, Gengar, Claydol, Flygon, and Breloom. Hidden Power Rock deals heavy damage to Zapdos, which is one of Gyarados's main counters, as well as Aerodactyl, which usually walls Gyarados, though Hidden Power Rock variants must run a Jolly nature so that they outrun Aerodactyl after Dragon Dance. Earthquake is for Tyranitar, Metagross, and Jirachi, but at +1 it still doesn't OHKO them.
When it comes to the last slot, Double-Edge gives extra power needed to finish off Pokemon such as Zapdos (if using Hidden Power Flying) and Starmie. Alternatively, Taunt blocks phazing moves from Pokemon such as Swampert and Suicune, Toxic from Pokemon such as Milotic and Blissey, and Will-O-Wisp from Moltres. It also prevents offensive Pokemon, such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Substitute + Endeavor Swampert, from setting up on Gyarados. Lastly, Thunder Wave cripples switch-ins such as Zapdos, Gengar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl, which can be useful early-game.
With 188 Speed EVs, Gyarados outspeeds all unboosted Tyranitar, as well as offensive Starmie after a Dragon Dance. 208 Speed EVs let +1 Gyarados outrun Jolly Dugtrio. When a Jolly nature and Hidden Power Rock are chosen, 172 Speed EVs let Gyarados beat out Jolteon and Aerodactyl after a Dragon Dance, while 232 Speed EVs let Gyarados outpace Modest Moltres. However, Adamant is generally preferred, as the extra power is crucial in giving Gyarados a chance to sweep.
Team Options
========
Magneton traps Skarmory, which walls Gyarados and even wears Taunt variants down with Drill Peck. It also chips Metagross and defensive Jirachi, making it easier for Gyarados to sweep. Dragon Dance Tyranitar offers a secondary wincon and punishes Zapdos, which annoys Gyarados. In return, Gyarados deals with bulky Water-type Pokemon, Choice-locked Dugtrio, and Heracross. Dragon Dance Salamence has both offensive and defensive synergy with Gyarados: one acts as a wallbreaker, and the other acts as a sweeper, with the idea that many answers to Dragon Dance sweepers are only one-time checks. The double Intimidate combination on a frail hyper offense team also provides additional insurance against Tyranitar and Aerodactyl. Metagross not only can provide a resistance to Rock-type attacks but also can either soften Zapdos for Gyarados with Rock Slide or exploit Gyarados's chip damage to sweep with Agility and Meteor Mash. Special sponges such as Snorlax deal with special attackers like Zapdos, Starmie, Jolteon, and Porygon2, which Gyarados dislikes. With Earthquake, Snorlax helps to provide the chip damage needed to bring Tyranitar and Metagross into boosted Earthquake's KO range. Pursuit users trap Gengar most of the time, which helps Gyarados, especially if it chooses Hidden Power Rock. Pursuit Tyranitar also chips down Aerodactyl, Choice Band Salamence, and Zapdos, all of which are threats Gyarados wants weakened. Ground-type Pokemon such as Claydol and Swampert act as both Pokemon that resist Rock-type moves and pivots for Electric-type attacks. Swords Dance Celebi can Baton Pass its boosts to Gyarados, alleviating its lack of power.
If a Jolly set with Hidden Power Rock is used to lure Zapdos and Jolteon, Suicune is an ideal partner. If Thunder Wave is used for switch-ins such as Gengar, Zapdos, Salamence, and Aerodactyl, slow wallbreakers such as Heracross, Marowak, Machamp, and Rhydon can be considered.
[SET]
name: Rest
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Hidden Power Flying / Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 216 HP / 16 Atk / 88 SpD / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rest allows Gyarados to shrug off damage and status from Pokemon such as Blissey without Thunderbolt, Milotic, Refresh Claydol, defensive Jirachi, defensive Starmie without Thunderbolt, and defensive Swampert, which are commonly seen on defensive teams. However, after it uses Rest, it can lose momentum. A big negative is that setup sweepers can capitalize on Gyarados's sleep turns, so Rest is best used in the endgame so that Gyarados can beat non-Thunderbolt Blissey and Toxic-wielding bulky Water-types one-on-one.
The investment in special bulk lets Gyarados survive Thunderbolt from Pokemon such as offensive Starmie and bulky Gengar. It also tanks other special attacks such as Salamence's Dragon Claw well. However, it is also possible to use a bulkier spread. For example, 248 HP / 56 Def / 112 SpD / 92 Spe lets Gyarados soak up not only Rock Slide from Adamant Tyranitar and +1 Salamence but also Thunderbolt from offensive Starmie in sand while still letting it outrun Pokemon such as offensive Calm Mind Jirachi and Jolly Salamence after a boost.
Team Options
========
Magneton is nearly mandatory, as this set does nothing with Skarmory around. Steel-types such as Metagross and the rare Steelix take Rock Slide from Pokemon such as Aerodactyl. Gyarados and Steelix form an interesting synergistic combination in checking all common special threats bar Starmie. In return, Gyarados takes Ground- and Fire-type attacks from threats such as Swampert, Moltres, Claydol, and Flygon. Salamence provides a Gyarados team with another Intimidate Pokemon, providing more safety against physical attacks. Pursuit Tyranitar traps Gengar most of the time and chips down Zapdos, Aerodactyl, and Choice Band Salamence, of which Gyarados takes advantage. Pokemon such as Snorlax, Celebi, and Blissey deal with special attackers such as Zapdos and Jolteon, which Gyarados dislikes. As Rest Gyarados is prone to being exploited by Tyranitar or taken out by Metagross's Explosion while it is asleep, Curse + Self-Destruct Snorlax can be a great partner that baits and removes these powerful physical threats.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Substitute can be used against Pokemon such as Refresh Swampert, Milotic, Forretress, Claydol, Metagross, and Snorlax to block status, exploit the inaccuracy of moves such as Rock Slide, and scouts Explosion. Hidden Power Ghost lets Gyarados OHKO bulky Gengar and offensive Starmie after one Dragon Dance, but Hidden Power Flying or Hidden Power Rock is generally preferred. Choice Band can be considered, though such a set is generally outclassed by Choice Band Salamence because Salamence has Rock Slide for Zapdos and Aerodactyl, Brick Break for Tyranitar and Blissey, and a better Speed stat to outspeed Suicune, Moltres, Heracross, and Venusaur. Don't be tempted to use a special set to surprise usual Gyarados counters, as it is far too weak and is outclassed by other special attackers such as Starmie.
Checks and Counters
===================
Zapdos is the best counter because it resists Hidden Power Flying, is immune to Earthquake, and OHKOes Gyarados with Thunderbolt. It can also use Thunder Wave to spread paralysis against Gyarados teams and Agility to use Gyarados as setup fodder. Although Rest Gyarados tanks Thunderbolt from bulky Gengar and 2HKOes it with +1 Hidden Power Flying, bulky Gengar tanks +1 Hidden Power Flying from standard Gyarados and strikes back with Thunderbolt or Explosion. It can also use Will-O-Wisp to cripple Gyarados teams. Physical Salamence can outspeed Gyarados and set up with Dragon Dance or use Rock Slide. Aerodactyl and Jolteon are faster than Adamant Gyarados even after a Dragon Dance boost and revenge kill it with their STAB moves. However, these Pokemon don't enjoy taking Thunder Wave from Gyarados.
Skarmory beats Gyarados one-on-one with Drill Peck. If Gyarados lacks Taunt or Rest, Toxic and phazing moves, especially from Swampert, will prevent it from sweeping. Porygon2 shrugs off Gyarados's attacks with ease and threatens it with an Electric-type move and status. Starmie and Regice also survive Gyarados's attacks to counter with decently powerful Electric-type moves or Thunder Wave; however, with investment in special bulk, Gyarados tanks Thunderbolt from offensive Starmie and 2HKOes it with +1 Hidden Power Flying. Thanks to Taunt or Rest, it can also shrug off Thunder Wave from defensive Starmie. Pokemon such as Celebi can deal with Hidden Power Rock variants of Gyarados.
Weezing can use Will-O-Wisp to cripple Gyarados and can batter Gyarados down with Sludge Bomb. If needed, it can even pack an Electric-type move or Explosion to defeat Gyarados. Gyarados can also fall easily to a surprising coverage move, such as Zap Cannon from Forretress, Thunder Punch from Metagross, Hidden Power Electric from Pokemon such as Suicune, Thunderbolt from Pokemon such as Blissey, and Counter from Snorlax. Finally, Gyarados can't come into status moves well unless it can use Rest in a late-game one-on-one situation against Pokemon such as Blissey and bulky Water-types.
The number of Pokemon that reliably counter Gyarados may be quite limited, but there are plenty of Pokemon that can prevent Gyarados from sweeping by checking in a pinch. Snorlax, Metagross, and even Claydol can survive anything Gyarados throws at them and use Explosion to trade, while Tyranitar can survive boosted Earthquake to KO Gyarados with Rock Slide.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[wyc2333, 336830]]
- Quality checked by: [[Triangles, 118250], [vapicuno, 5454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [cryogyro, 331519]]
Gyarados is a Pokemon with decent bulk that can function as both an early-game pivot with Intimidate and a late-game threat with Dragon Dance. Unlike other physical sweepers such as Tyranitar and Salamence, it has an immunity to Ground-type attacks and doesn't have much trouble with bulky Water-types. It can also destroy defensive Pokemon one-on-one with Rest.
However, it is countered by Zapdos, and its Attack stat can be underwhelming, preventing it from OHKOing bulky Gengar, Metagross, and Tyranitar after a Dragon Dance. It also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome because it needs different Hidden Power types to hit Aerodactyl and Celebi and Taunt to prevent status and phazers from ruining its sweep.
[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Hidden Power Flying / Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Double-Edge / Taunt / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 68 HP / 252 Atk / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Standard Gyarados can be sent out against foes that cannot threaten it very much like Swampert and Suicune. In addition, it is a good switch-in to Heracross thanks to Intimidate and a resistance to its STAB moves, but it must be careful, as it doesn't take even -1 Rock Slide well. Furthermore, Gyarados can be switched into Celebi on predicted Recover.
Dragon Dance is often used late-game when checks like Zapdos, bulky Gengar, and physical Salamence have been sufficiently weakened. Hidden Power Flying is generally superior to Hidden Power Rock because it not only receives STAB but also hits Pokemon such as Heracross, Celebi, Gengar, Claydol, Flygon, and Breloom. Hidden Power Rock deals heavy damage to Zapdos, which is one of Gyarados's main counters, as well as Aerodactyl, which usually walls Gyarados, though Hidden Power Rock variants must run a Jolly nature so that they outrun Aerodactyl after Dragon Dance. Earthquake is for Tyranitar, Metagross, and Jirachi, but at +1 it still doesn't OHKO them.
When it comes to the last slot, Double-Edge gives extra power needed to finish off Pokemon such as Zapdos (if using Hidden Power Flying) and Starmie. Alternatively, Taunt blocks phazing moves from Pokemon such as Swampert and Suicune, Toxic from Pokemon such as Milotic and Blissey, and Will-O-Wisp from Moltres. It also prevents offensive Pokemon, such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Substitute + Endeavor Swampert, from setting up on Gyarados. Lastly, Thunder Wave cripples switch-ins such as Zapdos, Gengar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl, which can be useful early-game.
With 188 Speed EVs, Gyarados outspeeds all unboosted Tyranitar, as well as offensive Starmie after a Dragon Dance. 208 Speed EVs let +1 Gyarados outrun Jolly Dugtrio. When a Jolly nature and Hidden Power Rock are chosen, 172 Speed EVs let Gyarados beat out Jolteon and Aerodactyl after a Dragon Dance, while 232 Speed EVs let Gyarados outpace Modest Moltres. However, Adamant is generally preferred, as the extra power is crucial in giving Gyarados a chance to sweep.
Team Options
========
Magneton traps Skarmory, which walls Gyarados and even wears Taunt variants down with Drill Peck. It also chips Metagross and defensive Jirachi, making it easier for Gyarados to sweep. Dragon Dance Tyranitar offers a secondary wincon and punishes Zapdos, which annoys Gyarados. In return, Gyarados deals with bulky Water-type Pokemon, Choice-locked Dugtrio, and Heracross. Dragon Dance Salamence has both offensive and defensive synergy with Gyarados: one acts as a wallbreaker, and the other acts as a sweeper, with the idea that many answers to Dragon Dance sweepers are only one-time checks. The double Intimidate combination on a frail hyper offense team also provides additional insurance against Tyranitar and Aerodactyl. Metagross not only can provide a resistance to Rock-type attacks but also can either soften Zapdos for Gyarados with Rock Slide or exploit Gyarados's chip damage to sweep with Agility and Meteor Mash. Special sponges such as Snorlax deal with special attackers like Zapdos, Starmie, Jolteon, and Porygon2, which Gyarados dislikes. With Earthquake, Snorlax helps to provide the chip damage needed to bring Tyranitar and Metagross into boosted Earthquake's KO range. Pursuit users trap Gengar most of the time, which helps Gyarados, especially if it chooses Hidden Power Rock. Pursuit Tyranitar also chips down Aerodactyl, Choice Band Salamence, and Zapdos, all of which are threats Gyarados wants weakened. Ground-type Pokemon such as Claydol and Swampert act as both Pokemon that resist Rock-type moves and pivots for Electric-type attacks. Swords Dance Celebi can Baton Pass its boosts to Gyarados, alleviating its lack of power.
If a Jolly set with Hidden Power Rock is used to lure Zapdos and Jolteon, Suicune is an ideal partner. If Thunder Wave is used for switch-ins such as Gengar, Zapdos, Salamence, and Aerodactyl, slow wallbreakers such as Heracross, Marowak, Machamp, and Rhydon can be considered.
[SET]
name: Rest
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Hidden Power Flying / Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 216 HP / 16 Atk / 88 SpD / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rest allows Gyarados to shrug off damage and status from Pokemon such as Blissey without Thunderbolt, Milotic, Refresh Claydol, defensive Jirachi, defensive Starmie without Thunderbolt, and defensive Swampert, which are commonly seen on defensive teams. However, after it uses Rest, it can lose momentum. A big negative is that setup sweepers can capitalize on Gyarados's sleep turns, so Rest is best used in the endgame so that Gyarados can beat non-Thunderbolt Blissey and Toxic-wielding bulky Water-types one-on-one.
The investment in special bulk lets Gyarados survive Thunderbolt from Pokemon such as offensive Starmie and bulky Gengar. It also tanks other special attacks such as Salamence's Dragon Claw well. However, it is also possible to use a bulkier spread. For example, 248 HP / 56 Def / 112 SpD / 92 Spe lets Gyarados soak up not only Rock Slide from Adamant Tyranitar and +1 Salamence but also Thunderbolt from offensive Starmie in sand while still letting it outrun Pokemon such as offensive Calm Mind Jirachi and Jolly Salamence after a boost.
Team Options
========
Magneton is nearly mandatory, as this set does nothing with Skarmory around. Steel-types such as Metagross and the rare Steelix take Rock Slide from Pokemon such as Aerodactyl. Gyarados and Steelix form an interesting synergistic combination in checking all common special threats bar Starmie. In return, Gyarados takes Ground- and Fire-type attacks from threats such as Swampert, Moltres, Claydol, and Flygon. Salamence provides a Gyarados team with another Intimidate Pokemon, providing more safety against physical attacks. Pursuit Tyranitar traps Gengar most of the time and chips down Zapdos, Aerodactyl, and Choice Band Salamence, of which Gyarados takes advantage. Pokemon such as Snorlax, Celebi, and Blissey deal with special attackers such as Zapdos and Jolteon, which Gyarados dislikes. As Rest Gyarados is prone to being exploited by Tyranitar or taken out by Metagross's Explosion while it is asleep, Curse + Self-Destruct Snorlax can be a great partner that baits and removes these powerful physical threats.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Substitute can be used against Pokemon such as Refresh Swampert, Milotic, Forretress, Claydol, Metagross, and Snorlax to block status, exploit the inaccuracy of moves such as Rock Slide, and scouts Explosion. Hidden Power Ghost lets Gyarados OHKO bulky Gengar and offensive Starmie after one Dragon Dance, but Hidden Power Flying or Hidden Power Rock is generally preferred. Choice Band can be considered, though such a set is generally outclassed by Choice Band Salamence because Salamence has Rock Slide for Zapdos and Aerodactyl, Brick Break for Tyranitar and Blissey, and a better Speed stat to outspeed Suicune, Moltres, Heracross, and Venusaur. Don't be tempted to use a special set to surprise usual Gyarados counters, as it is far too weak and is outclassed by other special attackers such as Starmie.
Checks and Counters
===================
Zapdos is the best counter because it resists Hidden Power Flying, is immune to Earthquake, and OHKOes Gyarados with Thunderbolt. It can also use Thunder Wave to spread paralysis against Gyarados teams and Agility to use Gyarados as setup fodder. Although Rest Gyarados tanks Thunderbolt from bulky Gengar and 2HKOes it with +1 Hidden Power Flying, bulky Gengar tanks +1 Hidden Power Flying from standard Gyarados and strikes back with Thunderbolt or Explosion. It can also use Will-O-Wisp to cripple Gyarados teams. Physical Salamence can outspeed Gyarados and set up with Dragon Dance or use Rock Slide. Aerodactyl and Jolteon are faster than Adamant Gyarados even after a Dragon Dance boost and revenge kill it with their STAB moves. However, these Pokemon don't enjoy taking Thunder Wave from Gyarados.
Skarmory beats Gyarados one-on-one with Drill Peck. If Gyarados lacks Taunt or Rest, Toxic and phazing moves, especially from Swampert, will prevent it from sweeping. Porygon2 shrugs off Gyarados's attacks with ease and threatens it with an Electric-type move and status. Starmie and Regice also survive Gyarados's attacks to counter with decently powerful Electric-type moves or Thunder Wave; however, with investment in special bulk, Gyarados tanks Thunderbolt from offensive Starmie and 2HKOes it with +1 Hidden Power Flying. Thanks to Taunt or Rest, it can also shrug off Thunder Wave from defensive Starmie. Pokemon such as Celebi can deal with Hidden Power Rock variants of Gyarados.
Weezing can use Will-O-Wisp to cripple Gyarados and can batter Gyarados down with Sludge Bomb. If needed, it can even pack an Electric-type move or Explosion to defeat Gyarados. Gyarados can also fall easily to a surprising coverage move, such as Zap Cannon from Forretress, Thunder Punch from Metagross, Hidden Power Electric from Pokemon such as Suicune, Thunderbolt from Pokemon such as Blissey, and Counter from Snorlax. Finally, Gyarados can't come into status moves well unless it can use Rest in a late-game one-on-one situation against Pokemon such as Blissey and bulky Water-types.
The number of Pokemon that reliably counter Gyarados may be quite limited, but there are plenty of Pokemon that can prevent Gyarados from sweeping by checking in a pinch. Snorlax, Metagross, and even Claydol can survive anything Gyarados throws at them and use Explosion to trade, while Tyranitar can survive boosted Earthquake to KO Gyarados with Rock Slide.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[wyc2333, 336830]]
- Quality checked by: [[Triangles, 118250], [vapicuno, 5454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [cryogyro, 331519]]
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