[OVERVIEW]
Seismitoad stands out as a reliable Stealth Rock setter thanks to its fantastic defensive typing and ability in Water Absorb, allowing it to take on common Stealth Rock leads like Diancie and Steelix as well as check prominent Pokemon such as Incineroar and Slowbro. This is further bolstered by Seismitoad's solid natural bulk and expansive movepool, allowing it to function as either a defensive tank or an offensive lure to switch-ins such as Xatu and Whimsicott. However, Seismitoad is held back by its lack of reliable recovery, making it easy to wear down, and thus receives competition from Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon as a bulky Water-type. Defensive sets are very passive, meaning they struggle to set up Stealth Rock versus Xatu and can be used as setup fodder for Pokemon like Braviary and Type: Null. More offense-oriented sets sacrifice the bulk to avoid being 2HKOed by Pokemon such as Rhydon and additionally lack the power and appropriate coverage to threaten bulky Pokemon such as Slowking, Vaporeon, and Defensive Torterra. Despite having a solid defensive typing, Seismitoad's 4x weakness is commonplace in NU, with Grass-types like Sceptile and Whimsicott able to easily pressure it, as well as Freeze-Dry users such as Vanilluxe. Certain Pokemon Seismitoad intends to check may also carry Grass-type coverage such as Slowbro and Delphox.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Toxic / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Seismitoad excels at setting Stealth Rock due to its good defensive typing and ability to check opposing leads such as Steelix and Palossand. Scald serves as Seismitoad's Water-type STAB attack with a high chance to burn, potentially letting it cripple switch-ins like Torterra and Golbat. Earthquake is Seismitoad's secondary STAB move, nailing Pokemon such as Garbodor and Magmortar while also scoring an OHKO on Heliolisk. Protect provides use in racking up damage with Toxic, gaining health with Leftovers, and scouting for Grass-type coverage and Choice-locked Pokemon. Toxic gives Seismitoad the ability to cripple bulky Pokemon like Slowbro and opposing Seismitoad by putting them on a timer. Knock Off can be run in the last slot in order to cripple Pokemon like Golbat and Alolan Exeggutor by stripping them of their item.
Set Details
========
64 Speed EVs enable Seismitoad to outpace maximum Speed Modest Diancie while also getting the jump on uninvested Pokemon like Garbodor. The remaining EVs are dedicated to maximizing Seismitoad's physical bulk alongside a Bold nature, which lets it check attackers such as Klinklang and defensive Incineroar as well as possible. Water Absorb allows Seismitoad to switch into moves such as Slowbro's Scald. Leftovers provides Seismitoad with a passive source of recovery. 144 Speed alongside a Timid nature can be run instead to outspeed Incineroar and Xatu, though this forfeits a considerable amount of bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Seismitoad functions well early-game, as it can set up Stealth Rock against a multitude of leads such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Palossand. Seismitoad can be switched into attackers such as Klinklang and Choice-locked Passimian. This is a good opportunity to set Stealth Rock or to use Scald or Toxic and potentially cripple a foe. Be cautious of Grass-type coverage from the likes of Slowbro and Delphox, which can be scouted through using Protect or a double switch. Keep away from Toxic as well as Knock Off, as Seismitoad lacks reliable recovery.
Team Options
========
Poison-types like Vileplume, Garbodor, and Golbat are excellent switch-ins to Grass-type attacks from Sceptile and Decidueye, as well as to Toxic. Vanilluxe and Cryogonal can pressure Grass-types offensively as well and can switch into Freeze-Dry. Cryogonal can also remove entry hazards that can wear down Seismitoad, and both are fantastic answers to Xatu. Fire-types like Incineroar, Magmortar, and Houndoom threaten the various Grass- and Ice-types that can pressure Seismitoad while also appreciating its ability to switch into Rock- and Water-type attacks. Bulky variants of Incineroar are also able to switch into threatening attackers like Choice Specs Vanilluxe and Whimsicott. Delphox is additionally able to provide Wish support to Seismitoad. Offensive Pokemon like Passimian, Sneasel, and Alolan Exeggutor greatly appreciate the chip damage provided by Stealth Rock and Toxic. Pokemon like Klinklang and Houndoom can set up on the Grass- and Ice-types that threaten Seismitoad.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Wave / Toxic
item: Life Orb / Waterium Z
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock wears down the opposing team, and Seismitoad has an easy time setting it up thanks to its ability to threaten Xatu. Hydro Pump deals immense amounts of damage to Fire- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Incineroar and Palossand and most importantly 2HKOes Xatu. Earth Power is Seismitoad's best neutral attack against Water-resistant Pokemon like Druddigon and Guzzlord. Sludge Wave rounds off Seismitoad's coverage, allowing it to lure and heavily damage Alolan Exeggutor and Mega Abomasnow and even OHKO Pokemon like Whimsicott and Sceptile. Toxic can be used instead to cripple Pokemon this set struggles to break through, such as Torterra and Assault Vest Slowking and Torterra. Grass Knot is a viable coverage option that hits opposing Seismitoad and deals more damage to Slowbro, though this misses out on the appeal of luring in Grass-types like Alolan Exeggutor.
Set Details
========
Full investment in Special Attack and Speed alongside Life Orb maximizes Seismitoad's offensive power. Waterium Z gives Seismitoad a one-time nuke and doesn't inflict recoil. A Modest nature gives Seismitoad as much power as possible, scoring an OHKO on Xatu and Alolan Exeggutor after Stealth Rock damage. Using a Timid nature on the other hand lets Seismitoad outspeed maximum Speed Decidueye and Samurott, as well as neutral-natured Vanilluxe and Magmortar, but notably misses out on OHKOs on Pokemon like Alolan Exeggutor and Medicham if lacking Waterium Z. Water Absorb provides Seismitoad with an immunity to Water-type attacks such as Slowbro's Scald and Samurott's Hydro Pump.
Usage Tips
========
Seismitoad functions best early-game, as it can find ample opportunities to set up Stealth Rock against Pokemon like Rhydon and Steelix. Offensive Seismitoad can put its heightened power to use by scoring high amounts of damage on switch-ins such as Xatu and Whimsicott, so attempt to lead off with Seismitoad in order to bluff its defensive set as effectively as possible. Be wary of Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Slowbro and Delphox, as they threaten to OHKO Seismitoad. While lacking substantial amounts of bulk without investment, offensive Seismitoad can still pivot into attackers like bulky Incineroar and and Klinklang and take advantage of them. However, take note that Pokemon such as Rhydon and Passimian are able to 2HKO Seismitoad without defensive investment.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that benefit from Seismitoad luring in and taking out Xatu include Garbodor, which can freely set Spikes, and Passimian, which is able to more liberally use its STAB move with Xatu removed. Pokemon such as Dhelmise and Guzzlord additionally thrive on the surprise removal of Grass-types like Mega Abomasnow and Alolan Exeggutor. Vileplume, Golbat, and Incineroar are all excellent switch-ins to Grass-type attacks, with the former two able pivot into Toxic while the latter can switch into Freeze-Dry as well. Slow pivots like Xatu and Incineroar can bait in Pokemon like opposing Incineroar and Rhydon for Seismitoad to take advantage of. Fire- and Grass-types such as Magmortar and Sceptile appreciate not only the residual damage provided by Stealth Rock but also Seismitoad's ability to dispatch Pokemon such as Diancie and Garbodor, and in return these Pokemon can take on Grass- and Water-types. Sceptile in particular can more freely spam its STAB moves with the surprise removal of Pokemon like Xatu and Whimsicott. Late-game sweepers such as Vivillon, Braviary, and Comfey appreciate Seismitoad's ability to set up Stealth Rock and dispatch the likes of Rotom and Steelix.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Refresh gives Seismitoad the ability to heal off status conditions and lets it win Toxic stall wars against Pokemon like Slowbro. This can also be used in conjunction with Normalium Z to give Seismitoad a one-time full heal, though more offensive teammates may prefer the Z-Crystal slot more. Substitute + Toxic sets work well against bulkier teams, as they're able to take advantage of walls like Vaporeon and Slowbro. Offensive sets can run Hidden Power Ice to hit Torterra and OHKO Alolan Exeggutor without prior chip damage, but it is significantly weaker than Sludge Wave versus targets like Whimsicott and Sceptile. A rain set with Swift Swim allows Seismitoad to become a potent late-game sweeper, but it struggles to break through Pokemon such as Slowbro and Slowking. Physically oriented Stealth Rock sets have the added advantage of higher overall power and can make use of coverage moves such as Ice Punch, but they have a tougher time breaking through Pokemon like Palossand and are susceptible to Rocky Helmet chip damage from Xatu.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-type Attacks**: Sceptile, Whimsicott, and Decidueye all boast a resistance to Seismitoad's STAB moves and threaten to OHKO it in return, though they do not like switching into a potential Sludge Wave from the offensive set. Vileplume in particular is immune to Toxic and takes very little from Earth Power. Pokemon such as Slowbro, Slowking, and Delphox may also run Grass Knot to dissuade Seismitoad from switching in.
**Ice-types**: Vanilluxe and Cryogonal are both very threatening to Seismitoad with their access to Freeze-Dry and can target its 4x weakness. Cryogonal is also immune to Earthquake and can remove Seismitoad's entry hazards with Rapid Spin, though it does not like being hit with a potential Toxic.
**Setup Sweepers**: Defensive Seismitoad is rather passive in nature, making it setup bait for bulky Pokemon like Substitute Braviary and Comfey.
**Powerful Special Attackers**: Without the proper investment, Pokemon such as Vikavolt and Guzzlord can easily pressure Seismitoad with their powerful special attacks.
**Status**: Without a reliable form of recovery, Seismitoad is prone to getting worn by Toxic from Pokemon like Slowbro and Xatu.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Earlier versions by: [[Bouff, 121672]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [quziel, 297859] [banks, 379208]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
Seismitoad stands out as a reliable Stealth Rock setter thanks to its fantastic defensive typing and ability in Water Absorb, allowing it to take on common Stealth Rock leads like Diancie and Steelix as well as check prominent Pokemon such as Incineroar and Slowbro. This is further bolstered by Seismitoad's solid natural bulk and expansive movepool, allowing it to function as either a defensive tank or an offensive lure to switch-ins such as Xatu and Whimsicott. However, Seismitoad is held back by its lack of reliable recovery, making it easy to wear down, and thus receives competition from Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon as a bulky Water-type. Defensive sets are very passive, meaning they struggle to set up Stealth Rock versus Xatu and can be used as setup fodder for Pokemon like Braviary and Type: Null. More offense-oriented sets sacrifice the bulk to avoid being 2HKOed by Pokemon such as Rhydon and additionally lack the power and appropriate coverage to threaten bulky Pokemon such as Slowking, Vaporeon, and Defensive Torterra. Despite having a solid defensive typing, Seismitoad's 4x weakness is commonplace in NU, with Grass-types like Sceptile and Whimsicott able to easily pressure it, as well as Freeze-Dry users such as Vanilluxe. Certain Pokemon Seismitoad intends to check may also carry Grass-type coverage such as Slowbro and Delphox.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Toxic / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Seismitoad excels at setting Stealth Rock due to its good defensive typing and ability to check opposing leads such as Steelix and Palossand. Scald serves as Seismitoad's Water-type STAB attack with a high chance to burn, potentially letting it cripple switch-ins like Torterra and Golbat. Earthquake is Seismitoad's secondary STAB move, nailing Pokemon such as Garbodor and Magmortar while also scoring an OHKO on Heliolisk. Protect provides use in racking up damage with Toxic, gaining health with Leftovers, and scouting for Grass-type coverage and Choice-locked Pokemon. Toxic gives Seismitoad the ability to cripple bulky Pokemon like Slowbro and opposing Seismitoad by putting them on a timer. Knock Off can be run in the last slot in order to cripple Pokemon like Golbat and Alolan Exeggutor by stripping them of their item.
Set Details
========
64 Speed EVs enable Seismitoad to outpace maximum Speed Modest Diancie while also getting the jump on uninvested Pokemon like Garbodor. The remaining EVs are dedicated to maximizing Seismitoad's physical bulk alongside a Bold nature, which lets it check attackers such as Klinklang and defensive Incineroar as well as possible. Water Absorb allows Seismitoad to switch into moves such as Slowbro's Scald. Leftovers provides Seismitoad with a passive source of recovery. 144 Speed alongside a Timid nature can be run instead to outspeed Incineroar and Xatu, though this forfeits a considerable amount of bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Seismitoad functions well early-game, as it can set up Stealth Rock against a multitude of leads such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Palossand. Seismitoad can be switched into attackers such as Klinklang and Choice-locked Passimian. This is a good opportunity to set Stealth Rock or to use Scald or Toxic and potentially cripple a foe. Be cautious of Grass-type coverage from the likes of Slowbro and Delphox, which can be scouted through using Protect or a double switch. Keep away from Toxic as well as Knock Off, as Seismitoad lacks reliable recovery.
Team Options
========
Poison-types like Vileplume, Garbodor, and Golbat are excellent switch-ins to Grass-type attacks from Sceptile and Decidueye, as well as to Toxic. Vanilluxe and Cryogonal can pressure Grass-types offensively as well and can switch into Freeze-Dry. Cryogonal can also remove entry hazards that can wear down Seismitoad, and both are fantastic answers to Xatu. Fire-types like Incineroar, Magmortar, and Houndoom threaten the various Grass- and Ice-types that can pressure Seismitoad while also appreciating its ability to switch into Rock- and Water-type attacks. Bulky variants of Incineroar are also able to switch into threatening attackers like Choice Specs Vanilluxe and Whimsicott. Delphox is additionally able to provide Wish support to Seismitoad. Offensive Pokemon like Passimian, Sneasel, and Alolan Exeggutor greatly appreciate the chip damage provided by Stealth Rock and Toxic. Pokemon like Klinklang and Houndoom can set up on the Grass- and Ice-types that threaten Seismitoad.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Wave / Toxic
item: Life Orb / Waterium Z
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock wears down the opposing team, and Seismitoad has an easy time setting it up thanks to its ability to threaten Xatu. Hydro Pump deals immense amounts of damage to Fire- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Incineroar and Palossand and most importantly 2HKOes Xatu. Earth Power is Seismitoad's best neutral attack against Water-resistant Pokemon like Druddigon and Guzzlord. Sludge Wave rounds off Seismitoad's coverage, allowing it to lure and heavily damage Alolan Exeggutor and Mega Abomasnow and even OHKO Pokemon like Whimsicott and Sceptile. Toxic can be used instead to cripple Pokemon this set struggles to break through, such as Torterra and Assault Vest Slowking and Torterra. Grass Knot is a viable coverage option that hits opposing Seismitoad and deals more damage to Slowbro, though this misses out on the appeal of luring in Grass-types like Alolan Exeggutor.
Set Details
========
Full investment in Special Attack and Speed alongside Life Orb maximizes Seismitoad's offensive power. Waterium Z gives Seismitoad a one-time nuke and doesn't inflict recoil. A Modest nature gives Seismitoad as much power as possible, scoring an OHKO on Xatu and Alolan Exeggutor after Stealth Rock damage. Using a Timid nature on the other hand lets Seismitoad outspeed maximum Speed Decidueye and Samurott, as well as neutral-natured Vanilluxe and Magmortar, but notably misses out on OHKOs on Pokemon like Alolan Exeggutor and Medicham if lacking Waterium Z. Water Absorb provides Seismitoad with an immunity to Water-type attacks such as Slowbro's Scald and Samurott's Hydro Pump.
Usage Tips
========
Seismitoad functions best early-game, as it can find ample opportunities to set up Stealth Rock against Pokemon like Rhydon and Steelix. Offensive Seismitoad can put its heightened power to use by scoring high amounts of damage on switch-ins such as Xatu and Whimsicott, so attempt to lead off with Seismitoad in order to bluff its defensive set as effectively as possible. Be wary of Grass-type coverage from Pokemon such as Slowbro and Delphox, as they threaten to OHKO Seismitoad. While lacking substantial amounts of bulk without investment, offensive Seismitoad can still pivot into attackers like bulky Incineroar and and Klinklang and take advantage of them. However, take note that Pokemon such as Rhydon and Passimian are able to 2HKO Seismitoad without defensive investment.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that benefit from Seismitoad luring in and taking out Xatu include Garbodor, which can freely set Spikes, and Passimian, which is able to more liberally use its STAB move with Xatu removed. Pokemon such as Dhelmise and Guzzlord additionally thrive on the surprise removal of Grass-types like Mega Abomasnow and Alolan Exeggutor. Vileplume, Golbat, and Incineroar are all excellent switch-ins to Grass-type attacks, with the former two able pivot into Toxic while the latter can switch into Freeze-Dry as well. Slow pivots like Xatu and Incineroar can bait in Pokemon like opposing Incineroar and Rhydon for Seismitoad to take advantage of. Fire- and Grass-types such as Magmortar and Sceptile appreciate not only the residual damage provided by Stealth Rock but also Seismitoad's ability to dispatch Pokemon such as Diancie and Garbodor, and in return these Pokemon can take on Grass- and Water-types. Sceptile in particular can more freely spam its STAB moves with the surprise removal of Pokemon like Xatu and Whimsicott. Late-game sweepers such as Vivillon, Braviary, and Comfey appreciate Seismitoad's ability to set up Stealth Rock and dispatch the likes of Rotom and Steelix.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Refresh gives Seismitoad the ability to heal off status conditions and lets it win Toxic stall wars against Pokemon like Slowbro. This can also be used in conjunction with Normalium Z to give Seismitoad a one-time full heal, though more offensive teammates may prefer the Z-Crystal slot more. Substitute + Toxic sets work well against bulkier teams, as they're able to take advantage of walls like Vaporeon and Slowbro. Offensive sets can run Hidden Power Ice to hit Torterra and OHKO Alolan Exeggutor without prior chip damage, but it is significantly weaker than Sludge Wave versus targets like Whimsicott and Sceptile. A rain set with Swift Swim allows Seismitoad to become a potent late-game sweeper, but it struggles to break through Pokemon such as Slowbro and Slowking. Physically oriented Stealth Rock sets have the added advantage of higher overall power and can make use of coverage moves such as Ice Punch, but they have a tougher time breaking through Pokemon like Palossand and are susceptible to Rocky Helmet chip damage from Xatu.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-type Attacks**: Sceptile, Whimsicott, and Decidueye all boast a resistance to Seismitoad's STAB moves and threaten to OHKO it in return, though they do not like switching into a potential Sludge Wave from the offensive set. Vileplume in particular is immune to Toxic and takes very little from Earth Power. Pokemon such as Slowbro, Slowking, and Delphox may also run Grass Knot to dissuade Seismitoad from switching in.
**Ice-types**: Vanilluxe and Cryogonal are both very threatening to Seismitoad with their access to Freeze-Dry and can target its 4x weakness. Cryogonal is also immune to Earthquake and can remove Seismitoad's entry hazards with Rapid Spin, though it does not like being hit with a potential Toxic.
**Setup Sweepers**: Defensive Seismitoad is rather passive in nature, making it setup bait for bulky Pokemon like Substitute Braviary and Comfey.
**Powerful Special Attackers**: Without the proper investment, Pokemon such as Vikavolt and Guzzlord can easily pressure Seismitoad with their powerful special attacks.
**Status**: Without a reliable form of recovery, Seismitoad is prone to getting worn by Toxic from Pokemon like Slowbro and Xatu.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Earlier versions by: [[Bouff, 121672]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [quziel, 297859] [banks, 379208]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
Last edited:
