gum
for the better
[OVERVIEW]
Omastar's vast movepool, high Special Attack, and access to Shell Smash make it a threatening setup sweeper able to muscle through common special walls like Cryogonal and Audino and Water-type checks such as Lanturn and Jellicent depending on its Z-Crystal. Its decently high Defense and typing give it plenty of setup opportunities against threats like Silvally-Fairy, Alolan Sandslash, and Skuntank. This allows it to take full advantage of its ability Weak Armor, which allows it to outspeed common revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Primeape. Omastar's typing also allows it to force out defensive Pokemon like Regirock, giving it more setup opportunities. Moreover, its access to both Spikes and Stealth Rock makes it a potent lead on more offensive teams, which is further enhanced by its ability to threaten most Defoggers and spinners such as Lurantis, Articuno, and Cryogonal depending on what it decides to run. However, Omastar's typing grants it weaknesses to common typings like Fighting, Ground, and Grass, which, when combined with its atrocious special bulk, give it a harder time setting up and make it easy to revenge kill with moves like Mach Punch. Due to its poor Speed, it remains slower than Choice Scarf users like Primeape even after a Shell Smash, meaning it often can be reliant on triggering Weak Armor and left easier to pick off with a priority move like Sucker Punch. Omastar's Speed also hinders its job as a lead, as most Defoggers and spinners outspeed it and threaten it if it isn't running the right coverage. Lastly, Omastar suffers from competition with Carracosta and Ludicolo as sweepers, with the former carrying Aqua Jet and having better bulk, making it harder to revenge kill, and the latter having a superior Speed tier, typing, and movepool. As a lead, Lycanroc is considerably faster and has access to Taunt and Endeavor, while Qwilfish is also faster and has a superior typing along with Intimidate.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Grass / Endure
item: Waterium Z / Groundium Z / White Herb
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam hits Grass- and Dragon-types like Leafeon, Torterra, and Drampa and is Omastar's best option to hit Ludicolo. Earth Power hits Lanturn and Steel-types like Alolan Sandslash for super effective damage, while Hidden Power Grass is a weaker option that forgoes OHKOing pivot Lanturn after Stealth Rock for pressuring Jellicent and Gastrodon more effectively, OHKOing the latter. Endure's an option, as it allows Omastar to survive a hit from faster Choice Scarf users that trigger Weak Armor, like Primeape and Dodrio.
Set Details
========
A Modest nature allows Omastar to always OHKO specially defensive Articuno and Assault Vest Crabominable with Hydro Vortex after using Shell Smash. A Modest nature also allows it to 2HKO Assault Vest Lanturn with Hidden Power Grass. However, a Timid nature sacrifices some of Omastar's power in exchange for some Speed, which makes it faster than Choice Scarf Kabutops and Skuntank after a Shell Smash. Groundium Z allows Omastar to get past Water-types like Jellicent and Lanturn with a boosted Tectonic Rage, which is also its best option against Ferroseed. However, this leaves Omastar unable to get past Pokemon like Articuno. White Herb resets Omastar's Defense and Special Defense after using Shell Smash or after a Weak Armor boost, making it harder to revenge kill.
Usage Tips
========
Omastar can be brought in early- to mid-game via U-turn or Volt Switch on Pokemon like Skuntank and Regirock to punch holes in the opposing team or set up, making it easier for a teammate to clean late-game when its switch-ins, like Lanturn, are weakened. If Omastar is not running Endure, it should aim to set up when faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Primeape and Dodrio have been KOed if it's needed to clean. However, if running Endure, it should wait until its switch-ins like Lanturn and Jellicent are in range of its attacks due its lack of appropriate coverage. Omastar should aim to set up against Pokemon it forces out like Skuntank, Regirock, and Mudsdale and Choice-locked threats like Stoutland, Primeape, and Dodrio. Omastar's respectable physical bulk allows it to switch into weaker, resisted physical attacks like Skuntank's Poison Jab and Alolan Sandslash's Icicle Crash to take advantage of Weak Armor, although doing so too often leaves Omastar in range of priority moves like Choice Band Absol's Sucker Punch and Gurdurr's Mach Punch.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers like Stoutland, Absol, and Victreebel pressure common answers to Omastar like Gastrodon, Ferroseed, and Lanturn, with the former two Pursuit trapping them and the latter inviting in Flying-types like Dodrio and Oricorio-G for Omastar to take advantage of. Musharna also works, as it can force Pokemon out with Future Sight and support Omastar with Healing Wish, giving it more setup opportunities and allowing it to set up Shell Smash multiple times to wallbreak itself. Wallbreakers are especially important if Omastar is running Endure, as it struggles to break through Lanturn and Jellicent. In return, Omastar deals with physically bulky Pokemon like Regirock and Tangela that answer Stoutland and Absol. If not running Endure, Omastar appreciates Pokemon able to deal with revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Dodrio. Skuntank is a good option, as it can effectively KO them with Sucker Punch and Aftermath as well as Pursuit trap the aforementioned Jellicent and Cryogonal. In exchange, Omastar deals with Regirock and Mudsdale. Substitute Haunter and Swords Dance Silvally-Fairy take advantage of them if they're locked into a Fighting-type move and can make them wary about using it. Omastar greatly appreciates Spikes, as they put Pokemon like Lanturn and Roselia in range of moves like Earth Power and Ice Beam after it has used Shell Smash. They also chip its offensive answers like Kangaskhan and Choice Scarf Skuntank. Ferroseed is a solid partner, chipping Omastar's answers even further thanks to Iron Barbs. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Silvally-Fairy and Eelektross can bring Omastar in against defensive behemoths like Regirock and non-Toxic Audino they struggle against, giving Omastar more setup opportunities. Parting Shot and Memento support from the likes of Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Skuntank is also appreciated, giving Omastar an easier time setting up. However, Alolan Persian and Omastar do compete for the Z-Crystal. Finally, other cleaners like Combusken and Calm Mind Oricorio-E can wear down shared checks like Jellicent and Articuno with Omastar, giving one or the other a considerably easier time cleaning. Combusken also pressures bulky Ice-types that threaten non-Waterium Z Omastar, like Crabominable, while Oricorio-E can pivot into Fighting- and Grass-types like Hitmonchan and Victreebel before Omastar has used Shell Smash. In return, Omastar takes advantage of some Fairy- and Rock-types like Carbink and Regirock that switch into Combusken and Oricorio-E.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Scald
move 4: Ice Beam / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam threatens Grass- and Dragon-types like Leafeon and Drampa. It also pressures Lurantis and Altaria, which are important targets because they would otherwise freely get rid of Omastar's entry hazards with Defog. Rock Tomb is an alternative that hits Ice- and Flying-types like Cryogonal, Articuno, and Swanna, which otherwise don't have much difficulty shrugging off Omastar's attacks and get rid of its entry hazards. It's run over Stone Edge because its Speed drop allows Omastar to outspeed the aforementioned Pokemon and effectively 2HKO them, force them out, or set another layer of entry hazards.
Set Details
========
A Focus Sash is used to allow Omastar to set at least one layer of entry hazards and trigger Weak Armor, allowing it to potentially set two layers. It also allows Omastar to come in later during the game to revenge kill a threat like Lycanroc. A Timid nature makes Omastar faster than Aggron and Modest Aurorus, allowing it to pressure them offensively.
Usage Tips
========
Omastar should either be led with or be brought in early-game to set entry hazards, as this allows it to take advantage of its Focus Sash when entry hazards still haven't been set by the opponent to withstand hits like Eelektross's Giga Drain and Rotom-F's Thunderbolt. Depending on its coverage, it struggles against some Pokemon and Defoggers and spinners; without Ice Beam, Grass- and Dragon-types like Lurantis and Altaria can come in and remove Omastar's entry hazards with Defog, while if lacking Rock Tomb, it can't keep its own entry hazards on the field against Cryogonal and Articuno. This means it should either switch to a partner that can take advantage of them or keep on setting entry hazards. Omastar can be kept for later on in the game to switch into Pokemon like Kangaskhan once. Alolan Sandslash is another example, as it often tries to get rid of Omastar's entry hazards with Rapid Spin. This allows Omastar to take advantage of Weak Armor to set more entry hazards, revenge kill the opponent's Pokemon, or deter Alolan Sandslash from using Rapid Spin in the first place. This is especially true if its Focus Sash was kept intact.
Team Options
========
This set mainly fits on hyper offense teams. Wallbreakers and cleaners like Dodrio and Silvally-Fairy greatly appreciate the entry hazards Omastar sets to wear down their switch-ins like Regirock. Omastar also invites in Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Primeape for Silvally-Fairy to take advantage of and can pressure Pokemon like Mudsdale and the aforementioned Regirock Dodrio and Silvally-Fairy struggle against. Volt Switch and U-turn users like Eelektross and Silvally-Fairy make for incredible partners, as they appreciate Spikes weakening the opponent's team further. They also give Omastar more opportunities to come in and set entry hazards, while it weakens some of their mutual switch-ins like Cryogonal and Ferroseed. Primeape deters the usage of Defog thanks to Defiant and also appreciates the entry hazards Omastar sets, allowing it to weaken switch-ins like Jellicent and Mudsdale faster. Spinblockers make for good partners, as they can come in on Pokemon like Hitmonchan that force Omastar out to try to get rid of the entry hazards it sets. Oricorio-G is a prime example, as it can also use Taunt against Defoggers like Altaria. It also greatly appreciates Omastar setting entry hazards up, weakening its switch-ins like Lanturn and Regirock, and dealing with spinners it struggles against like Alolan Sandslash. Offensive Cryogonal appreciates Omastar's entry hazards, as they allow it to get past Regirock, Ferroseed, and Eelektross more quickly. In return, it pressures the Grass- and Water-types that threaten Omastar, like Victreebel and Lanturn, and can get rid of the opponent's entry hazards with Rapid Spin, keeping Omastar's Focus Sash intact.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Specs set is a potent option thanks to Omastar's incredibly large movepool, high Special Attack, and Weak Armor, making it very hard to switch into and potentially hard to revenge kill. It can also make use of Omastar's access to Spikes in the last moveslot to eventually overwhelm answers like Jellicent and Ferroseed. Chople Berry allows Omastar to withstand Primeape's Close Combat, Dodrio's Jump Kick, and Hitmonchan's and Gurdurr's Mach Punch, making it considerably harder to revenge kill. However, it does miss out on some firepower when not holding a Z-Crystal and is easier to revenge kill with other Pokemon when not holding a White Herb. If Omastar is holding Groundium Z, Stone Edge is an option over Ice Beam on the Shell Smash set that targets Flying- and Ice-types like Articuno, Swanna, and Cryogonal. However, this leaves Omastar unable to hit Grass-types like Leafeon and a healthy Torterra, and a boosted Hydro Pump has a very solid chance to OHKO Cryogonal after Stealth Rock. A physically defensive set with both Stealth Rock and Spikes is an option, although it suffers from immense competition from other Water- and Rock-types like Qwilfish and Regirock, which are faster and bulkier, respectively. Omastar's poor Special Defense also makes it a pretty mediocre switch-in to Flying-types like Oricorio-G compared to Regirock. Ferroseed is another entry hazard setter Omastar has to compete against, as it also has access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes. Its typing, overall bulk, and ability make it the superior choice on most teams, making this Omastar set very hard to justify. Lastly, Hidden Power Fire is a very niche option over Ice Beam or Rock Tomb on the lead set, allowing Omastar to hit Ferroseed at the cost of struggling more against Dragon-, Grass-, and Ice-types like Altaria, Torterra, and Cryogonal.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Jellicent, Gastrodon, and a healthy Lanturn can shrug off Omastar's moves and easily KO it back in Lanturn's case or 2HKO it in Jellicent's case. Assault Vest Lanturn also outspeeds Modest Omastar pre-setup and OHKOes it with Volt Switch after it has taken some minor chip damage. However, both Jellicent and Lanturn struggle against Tectonic Rage variants, and Gastrodon struggles against Hidden Power Grass ones. Offensive Water-types like offensive Trick Room Jellicent and Floatzel can threaten Omastar pre-setup, with the former even using it as setup fodder because it tanks a boosted Earth Power pretty comfortably.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Articuno, Cryogonal, Toxic Audino, and Crabominable all pose an issue to Omastar if it has already used its Z-Move or lacks Waterium Z. However, if it does have Waterium Z, Omastar doesn't struggle to get past any of them, and Articuno and a slightly chipped Cryogonal both fall to a boosted Hydro Pump after Stealth Rock. Ferroseed, on the other hand, doesn't really struggle against non-Tectonic Rage set and can cripple Omastar with Leech Seed or Toxic. Roselia is another issue, although it's not very common and usually finds itself in range of a boosted Ice Beam.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users like Primeape and Punishment Skuntank can revenge kill Omastar with almost no difficulties, although the latter struggles against White Herb variants and is slower than Timid Omastar. Moreover, they both can't deal with Endure Omastar, as they end up triggering Weak Armor. Choice Scarf Rotom-F doesn't trigger Weak Armor and is largely unaffected by Endure. Pokemon like Victreebel and Simisear that outspeed Omastar before it has used Shell Smash can also effectively deal with it. However, none of these examples can reliably switch into Omastar, and they're all slower than it if Weak Armor got triggered.
**Priority Moves**: Pokemon like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Choice Band Absol can all revenge kill Omastar after it has taken some chip damage with their respective priority moves. However, outside of Hitmonchan, none of them can switch into Omastar. Absol is also reliant on Sucker Punch, meaning Omastar can take advantage of that by using Shell Smash again.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[gum, 434150]]
- Earlier versions by: [[jklioe, 424692]]
- Quality checked by: [[MZ, 202117], [royesk, 474994], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Omastar's vast movepool, high Special Attack, and access to Shell Smash make it a threatening setup sweeper able to muscle through common special walls like Cryogonal and Audino and Water-type checks such as Lanturn and Jellicent depending on its Z-Crystal. Its decently high Defense and typing give it plenty of setup opportunities against threats like Silvally-Fairy, Alolan Sandslash, and Skuntank. This allows it to take full advantage of its ability Weak Armor, which allows it to outspeed common revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Primeape. Omastar's typing also allows it to force out defensive Pokemon like Regirock, giving it more setup opportunities. Moreover, its access to both Spikes and Stealth Rock makes it a potent lead on more offensive teams, which is further enhanced by its ability to threaten most Defoggers and spinners such as Lurantis, Articuno, and Cryogonal depending on what it decides to run. However, Omastar's typing grants it weaknesses to common typings like Fighting, Ground, and Grass, which, when combined with its atrocious special bulk, give it a harder time setting up and make it easy to revenge kill with moves like Mach Punch. Due to its poor Speed, it remains slower than Choice Scarf users like Primeape even after a Shell Smash, meaning it often can be reliant on triggering Weak Armor and left easier to pick off with a priority move like Sucker Punch. Omastar's Speed also hinders its job as a lead, as most Defoggers and spinners outspeed it and threaten it if it isn't running the right coverage. Lastly, Omastar suffers from competition with Carracosta and Ludicolo as sweepers, with the former carrying Aqua Jet and having better bulk, making it harder to revenge kill, and the latter having a superior Speed tier, typing, and movepool. As a lead, Lycanroc is considerably faster and has access to Taunt and Endeavor, while Qwilfish is also faster and has a superior typing along with Intimidate.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Grass / Endure
item: Waterium Z / Groundium Z / White Herb
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam hits Grass- and Dragon-types like Leafeon, Torterra, and Drampa and is Omastar's best option to hit Ludicolo. Earth Power hits Lanturn and Steel-types like Alolan Sandslash for super effective damage, while Hidden Power Grass is a weaker option that forgoes OHKOing pivot Lanturn after Stealth Rock for pressuring Jellicent and Gastrodon more effectively, OHKOing the latter. Endure's an option, as it allows Omastar to survive a hit from faster Choice Scarf users that trigger Weak Armor, like Primeape and Dodrio.
Set Details
========
A Modest nature allows Omastar to always OHKO specially defensive Articuno and Assault Vest Crabominable with Hydro Vortex after using Shell Smash. A Modest nature also allows it to 2HKO Assault Vest Lanturn with Hidden Power Grass. However, a Timid nature sacrifices some of Omastar's power in exchange for some Speed, which makes it faster than Choice Scarf Kabutops and Skuntank after a Shell Smash. Groundium Z allows Omastar to get past Water-types like Jellicent and Lanturn with a boosted Tectonic Rage, which is also its best option against Ferroseed. However, this leaves Omastar unable to get past Pokemon like Articuno. White Herb resets Omastar's Defense and Special Defense after using Shell Smash or after a Weak Armor boost, making it harder to revenge kill.
Usage Tips
========
Omastar can be brought in early- to mid-game via U-turn or Volt Switch on Pokemon like Skuntank and Regirock to punch holes in the opposing team or set up, making it easier for a teammate to clean late-game when its switch-ins, like Lanturn, are weakened. If Omastar is not running Endure, it should aim to set up when faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Primeape and Dodrio have been KOed if it's needed to clean. However, if running Endure, it should wait until its switch-ins like Lanturn and Jellicent are in range of its attacks due its lack of appropriate coverage. Omastar should aim to set up against Pokemon it forces out like Skuntank, Regirock, and Mudsdale and Choice-locked threats like Stoutland, Primeape, and Dodrio. Omastar's respectable physical bulk allows it to switch into weaker, resisted physical attacks like Skuntank's Poison Jab and Alolan Sandslash's Icicle Crash to take advantage of Weak Armor, although doing so too often leaves Omastar in range of priority moves like Choice Band Absol's Sucker Punch and Gurdurr's Mach Punch.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers like Stoutland, Absol, and Victreebel pressure common answers to Omastar like Gastrodon, Ferroseed, and Lanturn, with the former two Pursuit trapping them and the latter inviting in Flying-types like Dodrio and Oricorio-G for Omastar to take advantage of. Musharna also works, as it can force Pokemon out with Future Sight and support Omastar with Healing Wish, giving it more setup opportunities and allowing it to set up Shell Smash multiple times to wallbreak itself. Wallbreakers are especially important if Omastar is running Endure, as it struggles to break through Lanturn and Jellicent. In return, Omastar deals with physically bulky Pokemon like Regirock and Tangela that answer Stoutland and Absol. If not running Endure, Omastar appreciates Pokemon able to deal with revenge killers like Choice Scarf Primeape and Dodrio. Skuntank is a good option, as it can effectively KO them with Sucker Punch and Aftermath as well as Pursuit trap the aforementioned Jellicent and Cryogonal. In exchange, Omastar deals with Regirock and Mudsdale. Substitute Haunter and Swords Dance Silvally-Fairy take advantage of them if they're locked into a Fighting-type move and can make them wary about using it. Omastar greatly appreciates Spikes, as they put Pokemon like Lanturn and Roselia in range of moves like Earth Power and Ice Beam after it has used Shell Smash. They also chip its offensive answers like Kangaskhan and Choice Scarf Skuntank. Ferroseed is a solid partner, chipping Omastar's answers even further thanks to Iron Barbs. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Silvally-Fairy and Eelektross can bring Omastar in against defensive behemoths like Regirock and non-Toxic Audino they struggle against, giving Omastar more setup opportunities. Parting Shot and Memento support from the likes of Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Skuntank is also appreciated, giving Omastar an easier time setting up. However, Alolan Persian and Omastar do compete for the Z-Crystal. Finally, other cleaners like Combusken and Calm Mind Oricorio-E can wear down shared checks like Jellicent and Articuno with Omastar, giving one or the other a considerably easier time cleaning. Combusken also pressures bulky Ice-types that threaten non-Waterium Z Omastar, like Crabominable, while Oricorio-E can pivot into Fighting- and Grass-types like Hitmonchan and Victreebel before Omastar has used Shell Smash. In return, Omastar takes advantage of some Fairy- and Rock-types like Carbink and Regirock that switch into Combusken and Oricorio-E.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Scald
move 4: Ice Beam / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Weak Armor
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam threatens Grass- and Dragon-types like Leafeon and Drampa. It also pressures Lurantis and Altaria, which are important targets because they would otherwise freely get rid of Omastar's entry hazards with Defog. Rock Tomb is an alternative that hits Ice- and Flying-types like Cryogonal, Articuno, and Swanna, which otherwise don't have much difficulty shrugging off Omastar's attacks and get rid of its entry hazards. It's run over Stone Edge because its Speed drop allows Omastar to outspeed the aforementioned Pokemon and effectively 2HKO them, force them out, or set another layer of entry hazards.
Set Details
========
A Focus Sash is used to allow Omastar to set at least one layer of entry hazards and trigger Weak Armor, allowing it to potentially set two layers. It also allows Omastar to come in later during the game to revenge kill a threat like Lycanroc. A Timid nature makes Omastar faster than Aggron and Modest Aurorus, allowing it to pressure them offensively.
Usage Tips
========
Omastar should either be led with or be brought in early-game to set entry hazards, as this allows it to take advantage of its Focus Sash when entry hazards still haven't been set by the opponent to withstand hits like Eelektross's Giga Drain and Rotom-F's Thunderbolt. Depending on its coverage, it struggles against some Pokemon and Defoggers and spinners; without Ice Beam, Grass- and Dragon-types like Lurantis and Altaria can come in and remove Omastar's entry hazards with Defog, while if lacking Rock Tomb, it can't keep its own entry hazards on the field against Cryogonal and Articuno. This means it should either switch to a partner that can take advantage of them or keep on setting entry hazards. Omastar can be kept for later on in the game to switch into Pokemon like Kangaskhan once. Alolan Sandslash is another example, as it often tries to get rid of Omastar's entry hazards with Rapid Spin. This allows Omastar to take advantage of Weak Armor to set more entry hazards, revenge kill the opponent's Pokemon, or deter Alolan Sandslash from using Rapid Spin in the first place. This is especially true if its Focus Sash was kept intact.
Team Options
========
This set mainly fits on hyper offense teams. Wallbreakers and cleaners like Dodrio and Silvally-Fairy greatly appreciate the entry hazards Omastar sets to wear down their switch-ins like Regirock. Omastar also invites in Fighting-types like Hitmonchan and Primeape for Silvally-Fairy to take advantage of and can pressure Pokemon like Mudsdale and the aforementioned Regirock Dodrio and Silvally-Fairy struggle against. Volt Switch and U-turn users like Eelektross and Silvally-Fairy make for incredible partners, as they appreciate Spikes weakening the opponent's team further. They also give Omastar more opportunities to come in and set entry hazards, while it weakens some of their mutual switch-ins like Cryogonal and Ferroseed. Primeape deters the usage of Defog thanks to Defiant and also appreciates the entry hazards Omastar sets, allowing it to weaken switch-ins like Jellicent and Mudsdale faster. Spinblockers make for good partners, as they can come in on Pokemon like Hitmonchan that force Omastar out to try to get rid of the entry hazards it sets. Oricorio-G is a prime example, as it can also use Taunt against Defoggers like Altaria. It also greatly appreciates Omastar setting entry hazards up, weakening its switch-ins like Lanturn and Regirock, and dealing with spinners it struggles against like Alolan Sandslash. Offensive Cryogonal appreciates Omastar's entry hazards, as they allow it to get past Regirock, Ferroseed, and Eelektross more quickly. In return, it pressures the Grass- and Water-types that threaten Omastar, like Victreebel and Lanturn, and can get rid of the opponent's entry hazards with Rapid Spin, keeping Omastar's Focus Sash intact.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Specs set is a potent option thanks to Omastar's incredibly large movepool, high Special Attack, and Weak Armor, making it very hard to switch into and potentially hard to revenge kill. It can also make use of Omastar's access to Spikes in the last moveslot to eventually overwhelm answers like Jellicent and Ferroseed. Chople Berry allows Omastar to withstand Primeape's Close Combat, Dodrio's Jump Kick, and Hitmonchan's and Gurdurr's Mach Punch, making it considerably harder to revenge kill. However, it does miss out on some firepower when not holding a Z-Crystal and is easier to revenge kill with other Pokemon when not holding a White Herb. If Omastar is holding Groundium Z, Stone Edge is an option over Ice Beam on the Shell Smash set that targets Flying- and Ice-types like Articuno, Swanna, and Cryogonal. However, this leaves Omastar unable to hit Grass-types like Leafeon and a healthy Torterra, and a boosted Hydro Pump has a very solid chance to OHKO Cryogonal after Stealth Rock. A physically defensive set with both Stealth Rock and Spikes is an option, although it suffers from immense competition from other Water- and Rock-types like Qwilfish and Regirock, which are faster and bulkier, respectively. Omastar's poor Special Defense also makes it a pretty mediocre switch-in to Flying-types like Oricorio-G compared to Regirock. Ferroseed is another entry hazard setter Omastar has to compete against, as it also has access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes. Its typing, overall bulk, and ability make it the superior choice on most teams, making this Omastar set very hard to justify. Lastly, Hidden Power Fire is a very niche option over Ice Beam or Rock Tomb on the lead set, allowing Omastar to hit Ferroseed at the cost of struggling more against Dragon-, Grass-, and Ice-types like Altaria, Torterra, and Cryogonal.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Jellicent, Gastrodon, and a healthy Lanturn can shrug off Omastar's moves and easily KO it back in Lanturn's case or 2HKO it in Jellicent's case. Assault Vest Lanturn also outspeeds Modest Omastar pre-setup and OHKOes it with Volt Switch after it has taken some minor chip damage. However, both Jellicent and Lanturn struggle against Tectonic Rage variants, and Gastrodon struggles against Hidden Power Grass ones. Offensive Water-types like offensive Trick Room Jellicent and Floatzel can threaten Omastar pre-setup, with the former even using it as setup fodder because it tanks a boosted Earth Power pretty comfortably.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Articuno, Cryogonal, Toxic Audino, and Crabominable all pose an issue to Omastar if it has already used its Z-Move or lacks Waterium Z. However, if it does have Waterium Z, Omastar doesn't struggle to get past any of them, and Articuno and a slightly chipped Cryogonal both fall to a boosted Hydro Pump after Stealth Rock. Ferroseed, on the other hand, doesn't really struggle against non-Tectonic Rage set and can cripple Omastar with Leech Seed or Toxic. Roselia is another issue, although it's not very common and usually finds itself in range of a boosted Ice Beam.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users like Primeape and Punishment Skuntank can revenge kill Omastar with almost no difficulties, although the latter struggles against White Herb variants and is slower than Timid Omastar. Moreover, they both can't deal with Endure Omastar, as they end up triggering Weak Armor. Choice Scarf Rotom-F doesn't trigger Weak Armor and is largely unaffected by Endure. Pokemon like Victreebel and Simisear that outspeed Omastar before it has used Shell Smash can also effectively deal with it. However, none of these examples can reliably switch into Omastar, and they're all slower than it if Weak Armor got triggered.
**Priority Moves**: Pokemon like Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Choice Band Absol can all revenge kill Omastar after it has taken some chip damage with their respective priority moves. However, outside of Hitmonchan, none of them can switch into Omastar. Absol is also reliant on Sucker Punch, meaning Omastar can take advantage of that by using Shell Smash again.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[gum, 434150]]
- Earlier versions by: [[jklioe, 424692]]
- Quality checked by: [[MZ, 202117], [royesk, 474994], [Estarossa, 461329]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited: