I know you've all seen an Electrode explode in your face. Now, the only attacking that Electrode ever does (that does damage, anyways) is Explosion, with maybe a Thunder with Rain Dance out. Otherwise, that's it. Now, what if we used that to have our opponent predict Explosion/Thunder, and cripple them instead?
Double Status 'Trode @Focus Sash/Damp Rock(?)
Hasty: 252 SpAtk / 252 Speed / 6 HP
Ability: Doesn't matter, both will work.
- Toxic
- Thunder
- Rain Dance
- Thunder Wave
Why I made this set. While chaining Voltorb, and once I reached my final shiny with the best IVs, I came up with this set, since my shiny only had an IV of 13 in Attack. I bet you're thinking: "Electrode without Explosion?!?!?? OMGWTF." Well, no. Without 31 in Attack, he doesn't OHKO much. Maybe he does. But that's not the point. The main point is using his higher attacking stat, Special Attack, along with some of the moves he learns, and his OMGWTF speed stat.
The EVs. 252 Special Attack EVs since he's only attacking with Thunder, and Focus Sash makes it so EVs in Def/SpDef aren't needed. 252 in Speed since the EVs don't need to go anywhere else, and 6 in HP just to use all the EVs.
The strategy. Mainly a lead, or switch him in when you can. Setup Rain Dance, and in most cases, get attacked with Focus Sash leaving you at 1 HP. Now, most likely they will switch to something bulky to take the Explosion, right? Well, now you Thunder Wave/Toxic them, and you can switch out after to save him for later, since the opponent switched. With 1 HP he's not that useful, but he can be used for
death fodder. :D Or, to maybe inflict status on a free switch-in.
The items. Focus Sash is the main here, keeping him alive, which he needs. I'd suggest having a second Pokemon with Rain Dance for a team with this, as Damp Rock seems like a waste to me.
So, it sounds good. But the problems I see are if the opponent switches to something with Rest, or something that can take status. But, otherwise, it needs some testing.
...And some
opinions! :D
Some
other possible moves:
- Charge Beam. Not as powerful as Thunder, but with Rain out, it's still decent. That Special Attack boost could help, too. It's still risky to use, though.
- Magnet Rise. This could take out counters, but Electrode dies to anything, so wasting a turn probably isn't a good idea.
It's 2AM. I have time.
Counters:
Well, nothing outspeeds him with max Speed, except Scarfers, but in UU, he's safe. Anything that's bulky and resists Electric screws him over, like Camerupt, Golem, Aerodactyl, or steels. Also, things that resist his status moves, which are mainly ground and steel. Which sucks, since those are bulky, and wouldn't mind switching in on Electrode. Also,
Stealth Rock. He is a lead, but if you plan on saving him for later, Stealth Rocks screw him up just like any other Focus Sasher, whether he's at 1 HP or not.
Since Electrode is a starter, let's look at anything in UU with a decent speed stat. (Other Starters) Swellow. 125 Base Speed, 60 Base Attack. He's only used decently with Facade/Flame Orb, so on that first turn he'll either protect, or quick attack, but probably protect. Setup that Rain Dance. Thunder'd Swellow = Ash on the floor.
Persian. Agh. Fake-Out. He owns Electrode.
Final Thoughts: This set is mainly set-up, not to inflict damage, but an attacking move is still wanted, just in case. Rain Dance, and get your Swift Swim sweeper in. Cripple a few things with status, but otherwise, mainly setup for the bigger boys of the team. And,
it's something unexpected, so I can see it working.
Hopefully this hasn't been thought of before... *spent 30 minutes on this*
