[OVERVIEW]
Registeel has amazing bulk and a great pure Steel typing, which together allow it to check Dragon-types such as Latias and Hydreigon and Flying-types such as Togekiss and Crobat. It can also support its team in various ways by setting Stealth Rock to damage foes as they switch in and by crippling opposing Pokemon with Toxic. However, Registeel is very passive, relying on moves like Toxic and Seismic Toss to do any significant damage to foes, which means that it can be easily taken advantage of and thus only fits on defensive teams. Registeel also faces competition from other Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix, which are way less passive than it. Unlike them, however, Registeel can hold Leftovers and, more importantly, doesn't take up a Mega slot, meaning there's a lot less opportunity cost when using it. Registeel also sports a higher Special Defense stat than both Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix, letting it more easily switch into Pokemon like Primarina. It also faces competition from Bronzong, but having access to Counter and not being weak to Pursuit gives it a slight edge over Bronzong. Furthermore, Registeel's weakness to common typings such as Ground, Fighting, and Fire also hold it back, as it can be easily exploited by Pokemon like Nidoking, Cobalion, and Infernape. It also lacks reliable recovery and is forced to rely on Leftovers to remain healthy, so it can be worn down rather quickly.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Seismic Toss
move 4: Protect / Counter
item: Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock damages foes when they switch in, and Registeel is a very reliable setter thanks to its great bulk. Toxic is used to weaken the opposing team by crippling bulky Pokemon such as Alomomola and Hippowdon. Seismic Toss deals consistent damage to foes, somewhat making up for Registeel's lack of offensive presence. Protect allows Registeel to scout for Choice-locked Pokemon and gain an extra turn of Leftovers recovery every time the move is used, which mitigates the fact that it can be chipped down very quickly. Protect also works well with Toxic, as it causes opposing Pokemon to take additional damage. Alternatively, Counter can be used to deal heavy damage back to physical attackers that usually threaten and try to exploit Registeel's uninvested Defense stat, such as Krookodile and Dragon Dance Mega Altaria. Using Counter can leave Registeel too weak to check what it's supposed to, however.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Defense investment and a Calm nature maximize Registeel's special bulk, allowing it to better switch into Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon. Leftovers provides Registeel with a form of passive recovery, increasing its longevity. An alternative physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Bold nature is an option, as it allows Registeel to switch into Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo more easily. However, it still falls short against most physical attackers. Clear Body is the ability of choice, as it allows Registeel to avoid Special Defense and Defense drops, further improving Registeel's durability.
Usage Tips
========
Registeel is a very straightforward Pokemon to use; it should be switched into Pokemon that it can wall, such as Latias and Nihilego, and proceed to set up Stealth Rock and weaken the opposing team with Toxic. Be wary of Pokemon that can take advantage of Registeel's passivity, such as Swords Dance Scizor and Dragon Dance Kommo-o. Staying in to set up Stealth Rock or use Seismic Toss in these situations may give the opponent an advantage. Since it lacks reliable recovery, Registeel shouldn't be taking unnecessary chip damage by trying to sponge physical hits, since it's whittled down very quickly. It should be preserved so it can check what it's intended to check. However, if Registeel is paired with a Wish passer like Alomomola and if it's likely that it'll receive Wish recovery, it can be used more freely. Use Protect to rack up more turns of Toxic damage on foes and to keep Registeel as healthy as possible with additional turns of Leftovers recovery. Protect should also be used to scout for Choice-locked Pokemon, such as Choice Band Scizor and Choice Specs Hydreigon. Counter should be used against physical threats such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Band Scizor that try to take advantage of Registeel's passivity. However, keep in mind that Registeel would be much weaker and potentially incapable of checking Pokemon like Calm Mind Latias after using Counter effectively. Additionally, Counter and Protect should be used carefully, as they can give the opponent free turns and thus the possibility of gaining an advantage. Registeel shouldn't try to use Counter or Protect against setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Dragon Dance Kommo-o.
Team Options
========
Registeel should only be used on bulkier builds that can take advantage of its resistances and access to Stealth Rock, and it should only be used if the Mega slot is already taken, as it's too passive to be used on more offensive ones. Wish support is one of the best ways to support Registeel, as it can increase Registeel's longevity. As such, Pokemon like Alomomola and Sylveon make for good partners. Alomomola is a particularly good teammate, as it also has amazing synergy with Registeel; Alomomola can sponge Ground- and Fire-type attacks that are aimed at Registeel, and Registeel can switch into special attackers such as Hydreigon and Primarina and block Toxic. Ground-types like Krookodile and Nidoking are able to threaten Registeel with their STAB moves, so Ground-immune Pokemon such as Mantine and Moltres pair well with it. Pokemon that can sponge the Fighting-type attacks that are aimed at Registeel, such as Mega Altaria and Slowbro, are also good teammates for it. Bulky Water-types like Tentacruel and the aforementioned Alomomola also pair well with Registeel for their ability to switch into Fire-types such as Infernape and Moltres, as Registeel is easily forced out by them. Blissey is a great partner for Registeel, as it can reliably switch into Pokemon like Volcanion and Moltres and appreciates Registeel's ability to set up Stealth Rock, which allows it to run Heal Bell. Entry hazard removers such as Defog Moltres and Mantine are able to easily remove Spikes from the field, which can wear Registeel down very quickly. Pursuit users provide valuable support for Registeel, as they can trap Ghost-types such as Gengar and Chandelure, which can usually take advantage of Registeel due to their immunity to Seismic Toss. Thus, Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Krookodile make good partners. Unaware Pokemon like Quagsire and Pyukumuku pair well with Registeel, as they're able to check a lot of the setup sweepers that try to take advantage of Registeel's passive nature, such as Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thunder Wave allows Registeel to cripple faster threats that try to take advantage of it, such as Gengar and Infernape. Registeel becomes even more passive without Toxic, however. A Curse set with Rest + Sleep Talk might seem like an appealing option, but Registeel would still be too weak even after multiple boosts and could still be easily forced out. Earthquake is an option, as it hits Gengar and Fire-types such as Chandelure and Infernape for super effective damage, but Seismic Toss is still the preferred attacking move most of the time, since it hits a wider array of Pokemon for a consistent amount of damage. Iron Head can also be used to hit Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl for a higher amount of damage than with Seismic Toss, but it's still not worth using most of the time due to Registeel's poor Attack stat.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Toxic-Immune Pokemon**: Registeel heavily relies on Toxic to do any significant damage to foes, so Pokemon that are immune to it such as Scizor, Gengar, and Doublade can easily take advantage of it. Substitute users such as Suicune and Kyurem are also able to block Toxic.
**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Scizor, Swords Dance Cobalion, and Nasty Plot Togekiss are able to take advantage of Registeel's passivity, as they don't take much damage from it.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Krookodile and Nidoking are able to threaten Registeel with their super effective STAB moves. Bulkier Ground-types such as Mega Steelix, Hippowdon, and Swampert can also force it out, but Hippowdon and Swampert must be wary of Toxic.
**Fighting-types**: Pokemon like Heracross, Terrakion, and Cobalion can hit Registeel and heavily damage or outright OHKO it with their super effective Fighting-type STAB moves. The given examples can also set up almost for free on Registeel.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Infernape, Volcanion, and Moltres can threaten Registeel with their STAB moves. However, they have trouble directly switching in, as they do not appreciate being hit by Toxic or Seismic Toss after taking Stealth Rock damage.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Gengar, Doublade, and Chandelure are immune to Registeel's only attacking move, Seismic Toss, and can proceed to set up on it or hit it with their STAB moves. The former two are also unaffected by Toxic.
Registeel has amazing bulk and a great pure Steel typing, which together allow it to check Dragon-types such as Latias and Hydreigon and Flying-types such as Togekiss and Crobat. It can also support its team in various ways by setting Stealth Rock to damage foes as they switch in and by crippling opposing Pokemon with Toxic. However, Registeel is very passive, relying on moves like Toxic and Seismic Toss to do any significant damage to foes, which means that it can be easily taken advantage of and thus only fits on defensive teams. Registeel also faces competition from other Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix, which are way less passive than it. Unlike them, however, Registeel can hold Leftovers and, more importantly, doesn't take up a Mega slot, meaning there's a lot less opportunity cost when using it. Registeel also sports a higher Special Defense stat than both Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix, letting it more easily switch into Pokemon like Primarina. It also faces competition from Bronzong, but having access to Counter and not being weak to Pursuit gives it a slight edge over Bronzong. Furthermore, Registeel's weakness to common typings such as Ground, Fighting, and Fire also hold it back, as it can be easily exploited by Pokemon like Nidoking, Cobalion, and Infernape. It also lacks reliable recovery and is forced to rely on Leftovers to remain healthy, so it can be worn down rather quickly.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Seismic Toss
move 4: Protect / Counter
item: Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock damages foes when they switch in, and Registeel is a very reliable setter thanks to its great bulk. Toxic is used to weaken the opposing team by crippling bulky Pokemon such as Alomomola and Hippowdon. Seismic Toss deals consistent damage to foes, somewhat making up for Registeel's lack of offensive presence. Protect allows Registeel to scout for Choice-locked Pokemon and gain an extra turn of Leftovers recovery every time the move is used, which mitigates the fact that it can be chipped down very quickly. Protect also works well with Toxic, as it causes opposing Pokemon to take additional damage. Alternatively, Counter can be used to deal heavy damage back to physical attackers that usually threaten and try to exploit Registeel's uninvested Defense stat, such as Krookodile and Dragon Dance Mega Altaria. Using Counter can leave Registeel too weak to check what it's supposed to, however.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Defense investment and a Calm nature maximize Registeel's special bulk, allowing it to better switch into Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon. Leftovers provides Registeel with a form of passive recovery, increasing its longevity. An alternative physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Bold nature is an option, as it allows Registeel to switch into Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo more easily. However, it still falls short against most physical attackers. Clear Body is the ability of choice, as it allows Registeel to avoid Special Defense and Defense drops, further improving Registeel's durability.
Usage Tips
========
Registeel is a very straightforward Pokemon to use; it should be switched into Pokemon that it can wall, such as Latias and Nihilego, and proceed to set up Stealth Rock and weaken the opposing team with Toxic. Be wary of Pokemon that can take advantage of Registeel's passivity, such as Swords Dance Scizor and Dragon Dance Kommo-o. Staying in to set up Stealth Rock or use Seismic Toss in these situations may give the opponent an advantage. Since it lacks reliable recovery, Registeel shouldn't be taking unnecessary chip damage by trying to sponge physical hits, since it's whittled down very quickly. It should be preserved so it can check what it's intended to check. However, if Registeel is paired with a Wish passer like Alomomola and if it's likely that it'll receive Wish recovery, it can be used more freely. Use Protect to rack up more turns of Toxic damage on foes and to keep Registeel as healthy as possible with additional turns of Leftovers recovery. Protect should also be used to scout for Choice-locked Pokemon, such as Choice Band Scizor and Choice Specs Hydreigon. Counter should be used against physical threats such as Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Band Scizor that try to take advantage of Registeel's passivity. However, keep in mind that Registeel would be much weaker and potentially incapable of checking Pokemon like Calm Mind Latias after using Counter effectively. Additionally, Counter and Protect should be used carefully, as they can give the opponent free turns and thus the possibility of gaining an advantage. Registeel shouldn't try to use Counter or Protect against setup sweepers like Swords Dance Scizor and Dragon Dance Kommo-o.
Team Options
========
Registeel should only be used on bulkier builds that can take advantage of its resistances and access to Stealth Rock, and it should only be used if the Mega slot is already taken, as it's too passive to be used on more offensive ones. Wish support is one of the best ways to support Registeel, as it can increase Registeel's longevity. As such, Pokemon like Alomomola and Sylveon make for good partners. Alomomola is a particularly good teammate, as it also has amazing synergy with Registeel; Alomomola can sponge Ground- and Fire-type attacks that are aimed at Registeel, and Registeel can switch into special attackers such as Hydreigon and Primarina and block Toxic. Ground-types like Krookodile and Nidoking are able to threaten Registeel with their STAB moves, so Ground-immune Pokemon such as Mantine and Moltres pair well with it. Pokemon that can sponge the Fighting-type attacks that are aimed at Registeel, such as Mega Altaria and Slowbro, are also good teammates for it. Bulky Water-types like Tentacruel and the aforementioned Alomomola also pair well with Registeel for their ability to switch into Fire-types such as Infernape and Moltres, as Registeel is easily forced out by them. Blissey is a great partner for Registeel, as it can reliably switch into Pokemon like Volcanion and Moltres and appreciates Registeel's ability to set up Stealth Rock, which allows it to run Heal Bell. Entry hazard removers such as Defog Moltres and Mantine are able to easily remove Spikes from the field, which can wear Registeel down very quickly. Pursuit users provide valuable support for Registeel, as they can trap Ghost-types such as Gengar and Chandelure, which can usually take advantage of Registeel due to their immunity to Seismic Toss. Thus, Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Krookodile make good partners. Unaware Pokemon like Quagsire and Pyukumuku pair well with Registeel, as they're able to check a lot of the setup sweepers that try to take advantage of Registeel's passive nature, such as Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thunder Wave allows Registeel to cripple faster threats that try to take advantage of it, such as Gengar and Infernape. Registeel becomes even more passive without Toxic, however. A Curse set with Rest + Sleep Talk might seem like an appealing option, but Registeel would still be too weak even after multiple boosts and could still be easily forced out. Earthquake is an option, as it hits Gengar and Fire-types such as Chandelure and Infernape for super effective damage, but Seismic Toss is still the preferred attacking move most of the time, since it hits a wider array of Pokemon for a consistent amount of damage. Iron Head can also be used to hit Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl for a higher amount of damage than with Seismic Toss, but it's still not worth using most of the time due to Registeel's poor Attack stat.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Toxic-Immune Pokemon**: Registeel heavily relies on Toxic to do any significant damage to foes, so Pokemon that are immune to it such as Scizor, Gengar, and Doublade can easily take advantage of it. Substitute users such as Suicune and Kyurem are also able to block Toxic.
**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Scizor, Swords Dance Cobalion, and Nasty Plot Togekiss are able to take advantage of Registeel's passivity, as they don't take much damage from it.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Krookodile and Nidoking are able to threaten Registeel with their super effective STAB moves. Bulkier Ground-types such as Mega Steelix, Hippowdon, and Swampert can also force it out, but Hippowdon and Swampert must be wary of Toxic.
**Fighting-types**: Pokemon like Heracross, Terrakion, and Cobalion can hit Registeel and heavily damage or outright OHKO it with their super effective Fighting-type STAB moves. The given examples can also set up almost for free on Registeel.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Infernape, Volcanion, and Moltres can threaten Registeel with their STAB moves. However, they have trouble directly switching in, as they do not appreciate being hit by Toxic or Seismic Toss after taking Stealth Rock damage.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Gengar, Doublade, and Chandelure are immune to Registeel's only attacking move, Seismic Toss, and can proceed to set up on it or hit it with their STAB moves. The former two are also unaffected by Toxic.
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