Surgeon
venice bitch
[OVERVIEW]
Seismitoad's niche over other Ground-type Stealth Rock setters in the metagame lies in its access to Water Absorb, which allows it to threaten common Water-type Pokemon like Slowbro, Tentacruel, and Empoleon more easily. Its above average Speed also allows it to fill a more offensive role on some teams while also providing some defensive utility by offensively checking Pokemon like Scizor, Crawdaunt, Choice Specs Primarina, and Volcanion. Furthermore, Seismitoad fares well against some of the tier's most common threats, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Rotom-H, thanks to its solid defensive typing. Despite not having the greatest offensive stats, Seismitoad can also be somewhat difficult to switch into due to its decent offensive typing and coverage moves such as Hidden Power Fire and Sludge Wave. However, Seismitoad can be easily worn down, as it doesn't have access to reliable recovery, relying on Leftovers to stay healthy. This is aggravated by its vulnerability to status-inducing moves, specifically Toxic, which hinders Seismitoad's ability to check the Pokemon it's supposed to in the long run. Its 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks also holds it back defensively, making it harder for it to check Pokemon like Infernape, Zeraora, and Mega Manectric due to their access to coverage moves like Grass Knot and Hidden Power Grass. Seismitoad also faces heavy competition from other Ground-types as a Stealth Rock setter. Hippowdon's better overall bulk and access to more utility options such as Whirlwind and Slack Off make it the preferred option as a defensive Stealth Rock setter most of the time, as it's capable of keeping a much wider array of threats in check reliably. Seismitoad must also compete with other offensive Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile and Mamoswine, which have far superior offensive capabilities.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is preferred over any other Ground-type STAB moves because it allows Seismitoad to hit certain Pokemon harder, notably 2HKOing Empoleon and OHKOing Nihilego. However, Earth Power can be used instead to hit Pokemon like Cobalion and Crawdaunt harder. Toxic is used to cripple Pokemon that would otherwise wall Seismitoad, such as Slowbro and Latias.
Set Details
========
Water Absorb grants Seismitoad an immunity to Water-type attacks, allowing it to take advantage of Pokemon like Choice Specs Primarina and Volcanion.
Usage Tips
========
The point of this set is to make use of Seismitoad's immunity to Water-type attacks to threaten bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Alomomola with Toxic, something Pokemon like Swampert and Hippowdon have a hard time doing. Seismitoad is a relatively straightforward Pokemon to use: it should attempt to switch into Pokemon that it can check like Mega Aerodactyl and Slowbro in order to find an opportunity to set up Stealth Rock. Even though Water Absorb grants Seismitoad an immunity to Water-type attacks, it should not be recklessly switching into any Water-type Pokemon, as they can still hit it very hard with a different move. It's safe to switch into a Water-type attack from a Choice-locked Pokemon like Primarina or Volcanion, however, or when it's certain that the foe will use said move. Since it doesn't have access to reliable recovery, Seismitoad can be easily worn down. As such, it should try to avoid tanking hits unnecessarily, as that would hinder its ability to check what it's intended to. It should also avoid switching into a potential Knock Off, Toxic, or Will-O-Wisp for the same reason, as it heavily relies on Leftovers as its main form of recovery. Be wary of Grass-type coverage such as Mega Manectric's Hidden Power Grass and Infernape's Grass Knot, as they can easily OHKO Seismitoad.
Team Options
========
Seismitoad fits best on balance or bulky offense builds that appreciate its ability to set up Stealth Rock and wear down bulky Water-types with Toxic. The best partners for Seismitoad are Pokemon that can sponge Grass-type attacks like Moltres, Latias, and Hydreigon, as Seismitoad is very threatened by them. Latias and Hydreigon are exceptionally good partners because they're also able to provide a secondary check to Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora, Pokemon that Seismitoad has trouble dealing with on its own. Wish support from Pokemon like Alomomola and Florges is appreciated, as Seismitoad is prone to being worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery. Cleric support from Pokemon like Togekiss and Blissey is also very useful, since Seismitoad is heavily crippled by status. Dragon-type Pokemon like Mega Sceptile and Kommo-o can easily switch into Seismitoad and take advantage of its passive nature, so Pokemon that can check them, such as the aforementioned Togekiss and Florges, make good teammates. Pokemon that appreciate bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Alomomola being worn down like to be partnered with Seismitoad. Examples include Cobalion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Infernape. Entry hazards are another way to wear down Seismitoad, so Pokemon that can remove them from the field like Defog Rotom-H and Hydreigon pair well with it.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers / Expert Belt
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power is notable for OHKOing Pokemon like Volcanion and Cobalion when holding an Expert Belt, and it is integral in letting Seismitoad pressure Empoleon and Tentacruel. Hidden Power Fire allows Seismitoad to revenge kill offensive Scizor, which other moves fail to do. Sludge Wave can also be used, allowing Seismitoad to hit Pokemon like Primarina, Rotom-C, and Celebi super effectively.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Seismitoad to outspeed maximum Speed Scizor while also retaining some bulk. Water Absorb grants Seismitoad an immunity to Water-type attacks, allowing it to take advantage of Pokemon like Starmie, Choice Specs Primarina, and Volcanion. Leftovers is the item of choice, as it provides Seismitoad with a form of passive recovery, allowing it to be more durable and tank certain hits more easily, such as Mega Aerodactyl's Wing Attack. Expert Belt is also an option, as it allows Seismitoad to secure the OHKO on offensive Scizor and Volcanion while also giving it a chance to OHKO Hippowdon without hindering its longevity too much. 228 Speed EVs should be used with Expert Belt to outspeed Volcanion, one of its main targets. It also allows Seismitoad to outspeed base 60s like Primarina and Bewear.
Usage Tips
========
Seismitoad should be brought in via double switching or on a U-turn or Volt Switch, as it's not bulky enough to switch directly into attacks. However, it can attempt to switch into Pokemon like Rotom-H or moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch. Once it's brought onto the field, Seismitoad should attempt to set up Stealth Rock on a free turn due to its ability to force switches. However, if there's a Pokemon on the opposing team that could remove Stealth Rock from the field like Rotom-C or Hydreigon, Seismitoad should either attack accordingly or switch out. After setting up Stealth Rock, Seismitoad should focus on wallbreaking and weakening the opposing team by using its STAB and coverage moves appropriately. Sludge Wave should be used on a predicted switch to Pokemon like Celebi and the aforementioned Rotom-C, while Hidden Power Fire should only be used against Scizor, as it's too weak to be useful in any other scenario. Although it's immune to Water-type attacks thanks to Water Absorb, Seismitoad should not be recklessly switching into every potential attack, as most Water-type Pokemon can hit it very hard with a different move and bulky Water-types can cripple it with Toxic. As such, it should only switch into a Water-type attack if it's certain that the opponent will use one or from a Choice-locked Pokemon like Primarina or Volcanion. Seismitoad should be wary of Grass-type coverage such as Mega Manectric's Hidden Power Grass and Infernape's Grass Knot, as they can easily OHKO it. Avoid switching into a potential Knock Off, Toxic, or Will-O-Wisp because Seismitoad can be easily worn down, especially without its Leftovers, meaning sets utilizing Expert Belt have to be particularly cautious.
Team Options
========
Seismitoad fits best on offensive builds that benefit from its ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock without giving up momentum and keep threatening Pokemon like Swords Dance Scizor in check. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Mega Beedrill and Rotom-C pair well with Seismitoad for their ability to bring it safely onto the field. Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Kyurem have good synergy with Seismitoad, since they're able to check Grass-types like Celebi and provide a secondary check to Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora, which Seismitoad usually struggles to deal with on its own. In return, Seismitoad is able to pressure Steel-types like Empoleon and Mega Aggron while also being able to revenge kill Scizor. Pokemon that can sponge Grass-type attacks such as Rotom-H and Moltres make good teammates for Seismitoad as well, as it's heavily threatened by them. Dragon-type Pokemon like Latias and Mega Sceptile can switch into Seismitoad with ease and hit it hard with one of their STAB moves. As such Dragon-type checks such as Togekiss and Klefki pair well with Seismitoad. Wallbreakers such as Kommo-o and Heracross are able to threaten the special walls that try to tank Seismitoad's attacks, thus making them good partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Refresh is a viable option on Seismitoad's defensive set that allows it to cure itself from status conditions, which makes it easier for it to check Pokemon that rely on status to cripple it, such as Empoleon and Rotom-H. However, it forces Seismitoad to give up Toxic, which means it has a much harder time pressuring bulky Water-types like Slowbro while also allowing Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon to freely switch into it without any difficulty.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types and Grass-type Coverage**: Amoonguss is one of Seismitoad's biggest counters, as it's able to comfortably switch into any of its moves and OHKO it with its Grass-type STAB move. Although Pokemon like Rotom-C and Tsareena take a lot from an Expert Belt-boosted Hidden Power Fire or Sludge Wave, they can also threaten Seismitoad heavily, as they're also able to remove Seismitoad's Stealth Rock from the field with Defog and Rapid Spin, respectively. Additionally, Pokemon that usually carry Grass-type coverage such as Hidden Power Grass Mega Manectric and Grass Knot Nihilego can pressure Seismitoad, but they can't switch in.
**Dragon-types**: Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon take little to no damage from Seismitoad's STAB moves, being immune to Ground-type attacks and resisting Water-type attacks, and can either threaten it with a strong hit or Defog its Stealth Rock away from the field. They must be wary of being hit by Toxic, however.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Articuno can easily switch into Seismitoad's attacks without having to fear anything from it. Articuno can also clear Seismitoad's Stealth Rock away from the field and threaten Seismitoad with Freeze-Dry, and it doesn't mind being hit with a Toxic, as it runs Heal Bell.
**Strong Attackers**: Seismitoad's suboptimal bulk leaves it susceptible to strong attackers like Terrakion and Mamoswine that can easily break through it.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Surgeon, 347604]]
- Quality checked by: [[ACakeWearingAHat, 388157], [martha, 384270], [Nuked, 382658]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
Seismitoad's niche over other Ground-type Stealth Rock setters in the metagame lies in its access to Water Absorb, which allows it to threaten common Water-type Pokemon like Slowbro, Tentacruel, and Empoleon more easily. Its above average Speed also allows it to fill a more offensive role on some teams while also providing some defensive utility by offensively checking Pokemon like Scizor, Crawdaunt, Choice Specs Primarina, and Volcanion. Furthermore, Seismitoad fares well against some of the tier's most common threats, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Rotom-H, thanks to its solid defensive typing. Despite not having the greatest offensive stats, Seismitoad can also be somewhat difficult to switch into due to its decent offensive typing and coverage moves such as Hidden Power Fire and Sludge Wave. However, Seismitoad can be easily worn down, as it doesn't have access to reliable recovery, relying on Leftovers to stay healthy. This is aggravated by its vulnerability to status-inducing moves, specifically Toxic, which hinders Seismitoad's ability to check the Pokemon it's supposed to in the long run. Its 4x weakness to Grass-type attacks also holds it back defensively, making it harder for it to check Pokemon like Infernape, Zeraora, and Mega Manectric due to their access to coverage moves like Grass Knot and Hidden Power Grass. Seismitoad also faces heavy competition from other Ground-types as a Stealth Rock setter. Hippowdon's better overall bulk and access to more utility options such as Whirlwind and Slack Off make it the preferred option as a defensive Stealth Rock setter most of the time, as it's capable of keeping a much wider array of threats in check reliably. Seismitoad must also compete with other offensive Stealth Rock setters like Krookodile and Mamoswine, which have far superior offensive capabilities.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is preferred over any other Ground-type STAB moves because it allows Seismitoad to hit certain Pokemon harder, notably 2HKOing Empoleon and OHKOing Nihilego. However, Earth Power can be used instead to hit Pokemon like Cobalion and Crawdaunt harder. Toxic is used to cripple Pokemon that would otherwise wall Seismitoad, such as Slowbro and Latias.
Set Details
========
Water Absorb grants Seismitoad an immunity to Water-type attacks, allowing it to take advantage of Pokemon like Choice Specs Primarina and Volcanion.
Usage Tips
========
The point of this set is to make use of Seismitoad's immunity to Water-type attacks to threaten bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Alomomola with Toxic, something Pokemon like Swampert and Hippowdon have a hard time doing. Seismitoad is a relatively straightforward Pokemon to use: it should attempt to switch into Pokemon that it can check like Mega Aerodactyl and Slowbro in order to find an opportunity to set up Stealth Rock. Even though Water Absorb grants Seismitoad an immunity to Water-type attacks, it should not be recklessly switching into any Water-type Pokemon, as they can still hit it very hard with a different move. It's safe to switch into a Water-type attack from a Choice-locked Pokemon like Primarina or Volcanion, however, or when it's certain that the foe will use said move. Since it doesn't have access to reliable recovery, Seismitoad can be easily worn down. As such, it should try to avoid tanking hits unnecessarily, as that would hinder its ability to check what it's intended to. It should also avoid switching into a potential Knock Off, Toxic, or Will-O-Wisp for the same reason, as it heavily relies on Leftovers as its main form of recovery. Be wary of Grass-type coverage such as Mega Manectric's Hidden Power Grass and Infernape's Grass Knot, as they can easily OHKO Seismitoad.
Team Options
========
Seismitoad fits best on balance or bulky offense builds that appreciate its ability to set up Stealth Rock and wear down bulky Water-types with Toxic. The best partners for Seismitoad are Pokemon that can sponge Grass-type attacks like Moltres, Latias, and Hydreigon, as Seismitoad is very threatened by them. Latias and Hydreigon are exceptionally good partners because they're also able to provide a secondary check to Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora, Pokemon that Seismitoad has trouble dealing with on its own. Wish support from Pokemon like Alomomola and Florges is appreciated, as Seismitoad is prone to being worn down due to its lack of reliable recovery. Cleric support from Pokemon like Togekiss and Blissey is also very useful, since Seismitoad is heavily crippled by status. Dragon-type Pokemon like Mega Sceptile and Kommo-o can easily switch into Seismitoad and take advantage of its passive nature, so Pokemon that can check them, such as the aforementioned Togekiss and Florges, make good teammates. Pokemon that appreciate bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Alomomola being worn down like to be partnered with Seismitoad. Examples include Cobalion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Infernape. Entry hazards are another way to wear down Seismitoad, so Pokemon that can remove them from the field like Defog Rotom-H and Hydreigon pair well with it.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers / Expert Belt
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power is notable for OHKOing Pokemon like Volcanion and Cobalion when holding an Expert Belt, and it is integral in letting Seismitoad pressure Empoleon and Tentacruel. Hidden Power Fire allows Seismitoad to revenge kill offensive Scizor, which other moves fail to do. Sludge Wave can also be used, allowing Seismitoad to hit Pokemon like Primarina, Rotom-C, and Celebi super effectively.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Seismitoad to outspeed maximum Speed Scizor while also retaining some bulk. Water Absorb grants Seismitoad an immunity to Water-type attacks, allowing it to take advantage of Pokemon like Starmie, Choice Specs Primarina, and Volcanion. Leftovers is the item of choice, as it provides Seismitoad with a form of passive recovery, allowing it to be more durable and tank certain hits more easily, such as Mega Aerodactyl's Wing Attack. Expert Belt is also an option, as it allows Seismitoad to secure the OHKO on offensive Scizor and Volcanion while also giving it a chance to OHKO Hippowdon without hindering its longevity too much. 228 Speed EVs should be used with Expert Belt to outspeed Volcanion, one of its main targets. It also allows Seismitoad to outspeed base 60s like Primarina and Bewear.
Usage Tips
========
Seismitoad should be brought in via double switching or on a U-turn or Volt Switch, as it's not bulky enough to switch directly into attacks. However, it can attempt to switch into Pokemon like Rotom-H or moves like Scizor's Bullet Punch. Once it's brought onto the field, Seismitoad should attempt to set up Stealth Rock on a free turn due to its ability to force switches. However, if there's a Pokemon on the opposing team that could remove Stealth Rock from the field like Rotom-C or Hydreigon, Seismitoad should either attack accordingly or switch out. After setting up Stealth Rock, Seismitoad should focus on wallbreaking and weakening the opposing team by using its STAB and coverage moves appropriately. Sludge Wave should be used on a predicted switch to Pokemon like Celebi and the aforementioned Rotom-C, while Hidden Power Fire should only be used against Scizor, as it's too weak to be useful in any other scenario. Although it's immune to Water-type attacks thanks to Water Absorb, Seismitoad should not be recklessly switching into every potential attack, as most Water-type Pokemon can hit it very hard with a different move and bulky Water-types can cripple it with Toxic. As such, it should only switch into a Water-type attack if it's certain that the opponent will use one or from a Choice-locked Pokemon like Primarina or Volcanion. Seismitoad should be wary of Grass-type coverage such as Mega Manectric's Hidden Power Grass and Infernape's Grass Knot, as they can easily OHKO it. Avoid switching into a potential Knock Off, Toxic, or Will-O-Wisp because Seismitoad can be easily worn down, especially without its Leftovers, meaning sets utilizing Expert Belt have to be particularly cautious.
Team Options
========
Seismitoad fits best on offensive builds that benefit from its ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock without giving up momentum and keep threatening Pokemon like Swords Dance Scizor in check. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Mega Beedrill and Rotom-C pair well with Seismitoad for their ability to bring it safely onto the field. Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Kyurem have good synergy with Seismitoad, since they're able to check Grass-types like Celebi and provide a secondary check to Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora, which Seismitoad usually struggles to deal with on its own. In return, Seismitoad is able to pressure Steel-types like Empoleon and Mega Aggron while also being able to revenge kill Scizor. Pokemon that can sponge Grass-type attacks such as Rotom-H and Moltres make good teammates for Seismitoad as well, as it's heavily threatened by them. Dragon-type Pokemon like Latias and Mega Sceptile can switch into Seismitoad with ease and hit it hard with one of their STAB moves. As such Dragon-type checks such as Togekiss and Klefki pair well with Seismitoad. Wallbreakers such as Kommo-o and Heracross are able to threaten the special walls that try to tank Seismitoad's attacks, thus making them good partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Refresh is a viable option on Seismitoad's defensive set that allows it to cure itself from status conditions, which makes it easier for it to check Pokemon that rely on status to cripple it, such as Empoleon and Rotom-H. However, it forces Seismitoad to give up Toxic, which means it has a much harder time pressuring bulky Water-types like Slowbro while also allowing Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon to freely switch into it without any difficulty.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types and Grass-type Coverage**: Amoonguss is one of Seismitoad's biggest counters, as it's able to comfortably switch into any of its moves and OHKO it with its Grass-type STAB move. Although Pokemon like Rotom-C and Tsareena take a lot from an Expert Belt-boosted Hidden Power Fire or Sludge Wave, they can also threaten Seismitoad heavily, as they're also able to remove Seismitoad's Stealth Rock from the field with Defog and Rapid Spin, respectively. Additionally, Pokemon that usually carry Grass-type coverage such as Hidden Power Grass Mega Manectric and Grass Knot Nihilego can pressure Seismitoad, but they can't switch in.
**Dragon-types**: Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon take little to no damage from Seismitoad's STAB moves, being immune to Ground-type attacks and resisting Water-type attacks, and can either threaten it with a strong hit or Defog its Stealth Rock away from the field. They must be wary of being hit by Toxic, however.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Articuno can easily switch into Seismitoad's attacks without having to fear anything from it. Articuno can also clear Seismitoad's Stealth Rock away from the field and threaten Seismitoad with Freeze-Dry, and it doesn't mind being hit with a Toxic, as it runs Heal Bell.
**Strong Attackers**: Seismitoad's suboptimal bulk leaves it susceptible to strong attackers like Terrakion and Mamoswine that can easily break through it.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Surgeon, 347604]]
- Quality checked by: [[ACakeWearingAHat, 388157], [martha, 384270], [Nuked, 382658]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
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