[OVERVIEW]
Seismitoad separates itself from other Ground-type Stealth Rock setters thanks to its additional Water typing and access to Water Absorb, which allows it to easily pivot into Pokemon such as Rotom-H, Rotom-W, and Assault Vest Galarian Slowbro. These qualities also let Seismitoad threaten other entry hazard setters such as Krookodile, Rhyperior, and Jirachi. Seismitoad has a positive matchup against some of the entry hazard removers of the tier such as the aforementioned Rotom formes and Tentacruel. Though the playstyle is niche, Seismitoad is a valuable asset on rain teams as a Stealth Rock setter and wallbreaker that does well against offensive threats such as Raikou and Lycanroc-D due to its defensive typing. However, Seismitoad's lack of reliable recovery outside of Leftovers makes it vulnerable to status effects and Knock Off from the likes of Mew. Seismitoad's crippling weakness to Grass-types gives Pokemon like Amoonguss and Zarude free entry and bad matchups against threats that carry Grass-type coverage moves such as Nihilego and Gyarados. Seismitoad also faces competition from Gastrodon, as it has access to Recover, though Seismitoad has important access to Stealth Rock and is less passive. Defensive Seismitoad also has to compete with other Stealth Rock setters such as Rhyperior and Krookodile, which offer greater offensive presence.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Seismitoad can use Stealth Rock after pivoting into Pokemon such as Lycanroc-D and Celesteela. Seismitoad walls Defog Rotom-W and Rotom-H lacking status moves, so it is able to consistently keep Stealth Rock in front of teams relying on them for entry hazard removal. Scald gives Seismitoad a chance to burn switch-ins such as Kommo-o and Tapu Bulu. It also provides long-term chip damage on Amoonguss so it does not get the most out of Regenerator. Earthquake gives Seismitoad a better matchup against Calm Mind users like Keldeo and Galarian Slowbro at the cost of reducing Scald's damage output. Earth Power is usable to hit targets like Kommo-o harder but is generally not worth it, as Seismitoad now becomes setup fodder for the aforementioned Keldeo and Galarian Slowbro, and Earth Power fails to OHKO Nihilego. Toxic makes Seismitoad less passive against the likes of Tangrowth and Gastrodon switching in. It also helps Seismitoad outlast other Defoggers such as Salamence and Rotom-W. Knock Off is another option for crippling other switch-ins such as Amoonguss and Chansey, but it makes Seismitoad more passive against other Water-types such as Primarina and Gastrodon. 64 Speed EVs enable Seismitoad to outspeed Adamant Azumarill.
Seismitoad fits best on bulky offense and balance teams that appreciate its defensive qualities and Stealth Rock support. Steel-types such as Scizor and Celesteela have excellent defensive type synergy with Seismitoad. Scizor provides a greater offensive presence that pressures Tangrowth better, whereas Celesteela is able to better handle Amoonguss and Hatterene. Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth are recommended because Seismitoad struggles to check Primarina, Keldeo, and Azumarill by itself, and they act as good Knock Off sponges for Seismitoad to maintain Leftovers. Wallbreakers that blow through Grass-types such as Salamence and Nasty Plot Rotom-H are appreciated. Defoggers such as Moltres and Rotom-H help keep entry hazards off the field to help maintain Seismitoad's longevity. Additionally, they help provide a stronger backbone against Scizor, and they also appreciate Seismitoad pressuring Rotom-H. Sylveon is also a good support teammate to keep Seismitoad healthy with Wish and Heal Bell while also checking Dragon-types like Kommo-o and Salamence that would otherwise give Seismitoad a more difficult time. The pair also provide a solid backbone against Keldeo. Togekiss can similarly play the role of a cleric and assist in pressuring Grass-types like Zarude and Tapu Bulu. In exchange, Seismitoad helps in wearing down Rotom-W, Rhyperior, and non-Grass Knot Nihilego.
[SET]
name: Rain Sweeper
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Weather Ball / Hydro Pump
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Wave
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Seismitoad has to be more cautious about finding opportunities to set up Stealth Rock, as it is no longer immune to Rotom-W's Hydro Pump, but it does help Seismitoad chip some other answers to rain teams like Amoonguss and Gastrodon. Under rain, Weather Ball comfortably OHKOes many neutral targets such as Conkeldurr and Thundurus-T and 2HKOes targets that resist it such as defensive Salamence after some chip damage. Hydro Pump is an alternative option to deal more damage against specially defensive Pokemon like Sylveon and Celesteela, but its accuracy makes it more unreliable overall. Earth Power 2HKOes threats such as Amoonguss and Gastrodon after some chip damage. Sludge Wave destroys Grass- and Fairy-types such as physically defensive Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Primarina while also finishing off a weakened Salamence or Noivern. A Modest nature maximizes Seismitoad's damage output. Timid can be used to outspeed Choice Scarf Zarude, though the drop in power is less than ideal.
This Seismitoad set fits only on rain teams, and its teammates should be able to help break through Pokemon it cannot such as Milotic and Chansey. Politoed switches into Pokemon that Seismitoad can have trouble breaking through like Gastrodon and cripples them with Toxic for residual damage or Hypnosis to give Seismitoad additional opportunities to set up Stealth Rock. Other Swift Swim users like Kingdra can help Seismitoad overwhelm aforementioned threats such as Amoonguss and Celesteela. Crawdaunt is an excellent partner that lures in and destroys bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth with a Swords Dance-boosted Knock Off, and it has priority in Aqua Jet to hit faster foes. Thundurus-T provides a good backup check to a weakened Raikou that also rips through Celesteela while potentially breaking through Chansey with a Nasty Plot-boosted Focus Blast. Offensive Salamence can act as a Defogger that keeps Seismitoad from being too worn down by entry hazards in conjunction with Life Orb. It is also decent at handling the Grass-types of the tier, namely Amoonguss and Choice Scarf Zarude.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Power Whip is usable on the rain set over Stealth Rock to muscle through other Water-types, but this is very difficult to fit, as the playstyle does not have room for other entry hazard setters. A physical Seismitoad can open the door for teammates like Kingdra by blowing through Chansey, Salamence, and Gastrodon with Earthquake, Ice Punch, and Power Whip, respectively, though this gives Seismitoad a worse matchup against Buzzwole. Seismitoad can run more offensive EV spreads on its traditional Stealth Rock set with good coverage options such as Sludge Wave. However, this considerably cuts into Seismitoad's bulk, which is often less than ideal.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-type Pokemon and Coverage Moves**: Seismitoad's defensive set often invites in Pokemon like Tangrowth and Amoonguss, which are more difficult to outlast due to Regenerator. Zarude has Jungle Healing to remove status, and the Choice Scarf variant outspeeds Modest Seismitoad in rain. This weakness to Grass also means that Pokemon such as Gyarados and Nihilego can threaten Seismitoad with coverage moves like Power Whip and Grass Knot, respectively. Gyarados can even use Seismitoad as an opportunity to set up if it is running Lum Berry.
**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Crawdaunt greatly hinder Seismitoad's ability to act as a pivot because of their powerful secondary STAB attacks, taking advantage of its passivity and lack of recovery. However, they do not appreciate switching into Seismitoad due to its STAB moves or fear of status.
**Setup Sweepers**: Pokemon such as Galarian Moltres and Kommo-o can force Seismitoad out or use it as setup fodder due to its relative passivity. However, they have to be weary of Toxic putting them on a timer or Scald crippling their offensive prowess.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mystras Leoxses, 530118]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [Hilomilo, 313384], [avarice, 346653]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594], [deetah, 297659]]
Seismitoad separates itself from other Ground-type Stealth Rock setters thanks to its additional Water typing and access to Water Absorb, which allows it to easily pivot into Pokemon such as Rotom-H, Rotom-W, and Assault Vest Galarian Slowbro. These qualities also let Seismitoad threaten other entry hazard setters such as Krookodile, Rhyperior, and Jirachi. Seismitoad has a positive matchup against some of the entry hazard removers of the tier such as the aforementioned Rotom formes and Tentacruel. Though the playstyle is niche, Seismitoad is a valuable asset on rain teams as a Stealth Rock setter and wallbreaker that does well against offensive threats such as Raikou and Lycanroc-D due to its defensive typing. However, Seismitoad's lack of reliable recovery outside of Leftovers makes it vulnerable to status effects and Knock Off from the likes of Mew. Seismitoad's crippling weakness to Grass-types gives Pokemon like Amoonguss and Zarude free entry and bad matchups against threats that carry Grass-type coverage moves such as Nihilego and Gyarados. Seismitoad also faces competition from Gastrodon, as it has access to Recover, though Seismitoad has important access to Stealth Rock and is less passive. Defensive Seismitoad also has to compete with other Stealth Rock setters such as Rhyperior and Krookodile, which offer greater offensive presence.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Seismitoad can use Stealth Rock after pivoting into Pokemon such as Lycanroc-D and Celesteela. Seismitoad walls Defog Rotom-W and Rotom-H lacking status moves, so it is able to consistently keep Stealth Rock in front of teams relying on them for entry hazard removal. Scald gives Seismitoad a chance to burn switch-ins such as Kommo-o and Tapu Bulu. It also provides long-term chip damage on Amoonguss so it does not get the most out of Regenerator. Earthquake gives Seismitoad a better matchup against Calm Mind users like Keldeo and Galarian Slowbro at the cost of reducing Scald's damage output. Earth Power is usable to hit targets like Kommo-o harder but is generally not worth it, as Seismitoad now becomes setup fodder for the aforementioned Keldeo and Galarian Slowbro, and Earth Power fails to OHKO Nihilego. Toxic makes Seismitoad less passive against the likes of Tangrowth and Gastrodon switching in. It also helps Seismitoad outlast other Defoggers such as Salamence and Rotom-W. Knock Off is another option for crippling other switch-ins such as Amoonguss and Chansey, but it makes Seismitoad more passive against other Water-types such as Primarina and Gastrodon. 64 Speed EVs enable Seismitoad to outspeed Adamant Azumarill.
Seismitoad fits best on bulky offense and balance teams that appreciate its defensive qualities and Stealth Rock support. Steel-types such as Scizor and Celesteela have excellent defensive type synergy with Seismitoad. Scizor provides a greater offensive presence that pressures Tangrowth better, whereas Celesteela is able to better handle Amoonguss and Hatterene. Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth are recommended because Seismitoad struggles to check Primarina, Keldeo, and Azumarill by itself, and they act as good Knock Off sponges for Seismitoad to maintain Leftovers. Wallbreakers that blow through Grass-types such as Salamence and Nasty Plot Rotom-H are appreciated. Defoggers such as Moltres and Rotom-H help keep entry hazards off the field to help maintain Seismitoad's longevity. Additionally, they help provide a stronger backbone against Scizor, and they also appreciate Seismitoad pressuring Rotom-H. Sylveon is also a good support teammate to keep Seismitoad healthy with Wish and Heal Bell while also checking Dragon-types like Kommo-o and Salamence that would otherwise give Seismitoad a more difficult time. The pair also provide a solid backbone against Keldeo. Togekiss can similarly play the role of a cleric and assist in pressuring Grass-types like Zarude and Tapu Bulu. In exchange, Seismitoad helps in wearing down Rotom-W, Rhyperior, and non-Grass Knot Nihilego.
[SET]
name: Rain Sweeper
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Weather Ball / Hydro Pump
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Wave
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Seismitoad has to be more cautious about finding opportunities to set up Stealth Rock, as it is no longer immune to Rotom-W's Hydro Pump, but it does help Seismitoad chip some other answers to rain teams like Amoonguss and Gastrodon. Under rain, Weather Ball comfortably OHKOes many neutral targets such as Conkeldurr and Thundurus-T and 2HKOes targets that resist it such as defensive Salamence after some chip damage. Hydro Pump is an alternative option to deal more damage against specially defensive Pokemon like Sylveon and Celesteela, but its accuracy makes it more unreliable overall. Earth Power 2HKOes threats such as Amoonguss and Gastrodon after some chip damage. Sludge Wave destroys Grass- and Fairy-types such as physically defensive Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Primarina while also finishing off a weakened Salamence or Noivern. A Modest nature maximizes Seismitoad's damage output. Timid can be used to outspeed Choice Scarf Zarude, though the drop in power is less than ideal.
This Seismitoad set fits only on rain teams, and its teammates should be able to help break through Pokemon it cannot such as Milotic and Chansey. Politoed switches into Pokemon that Seismitoad can have trouble breaking through like Gastrodon and cripples them with Toxic for residual damage or Hypnosis to give Seismitoad additional opportunities to set up Stealth Rock. Other Swift Swim users like Kingdra can help Seismitoad overwhelm aforementioned threats such as Amoonguss and Celesteela. Crawdaunt is an excellent partner that lures in and destroys bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth with a Swords Dance-boosted Knock Off, and it has priority in Aqua Jet to hit faster foes. Thundurus-T provides a good backup check to a weakened Raikou that also rips through Celesteela while potentially breaking through Chansey with a Nasty Plot-boosted Focus Blast. Offensive Salamence can act as a Defogger that keeps Seismitoad from being too worn down by entry hazards in conjunction with Life Orb. It is also decent at handling the Grass-types of the tier, namely Amoonguss and Choice Scarf Zarude.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Power Whip is usable on the rain set over Stealth Rock to muscle through other Water-types, but this is very difficult to fit, as the playstyle does not have room for other entry hazard setters. A physical Seismitoad can open the door for teammates like Kingdra by blowing through Chansey, Salamence, and Gastrodon with Earthquake, Ice Punch, and Power Whip, respectively, though this gives Seismitoad a worse matchup against Buzzwole. Seismitoad can run more offensive EV spreads on its traditional Stealth Rock set with good coverage options such as Sludge Wave. However, this considerably cuts into Seismitoad's bulk, which is often less than ideal.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-type Pokemon and Coverage Moves**: Seismitoad's defensive set often invites in Pokemon like Tangrowth and Amoonguss, which are more difficult to outlast due to Regenerator. Zarude has Jungle Healing to remove status, and the Choice Scarf variant outspeeds Modest Seismitoad in rain. This weakness to Grass also means that Pokemon such as Gyarados and Nihilego can threaten Seismitoad with coverage moves like Power Whip and Grass Knot, respectively. Gyarados can even use Seismitoad as an opportunity to set up if it is running Lum Berry.
**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Crawdaunt greatly hinder Seismitoad's ability to act as a pivot because of their powerful secondary STAB attacks, taking advantage of its passivity and lack of recovery. However, they do not appreciate switching into Seismitoad due to its STAB moves or fear of status.
**Setup Sweepers**: Pokemon such as Galarian Moltres and Kommo-o can force Seismitoad out or use it as setup fodder due to its relative passivity. However, they have to be weary of Toxic putting them on a timer or Scald crippling their offensive prowess.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mystras Leoxses, 530118]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [Hilomilo, 313384], [avarice, 346653]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594], [deetah, 297659]]
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