Tentacruel
[SET]
name: SubToxic
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Rain Dish
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Unlike Tentacruel's classic Rapid Spin set, this set surrenders Toxic Spikes, to beat its usual counters and function as a good wallbreaker. It also takes full advantage of its ability Rain Dish, with Substitute, and status-spreading moves. Substitute is the main move in this set, abusing Rain Dish's 12.5% recovery in rain. It prevents opposing status, while helping the jellyfish spread its own. Toxic pairs well with Substitute, as it allows Tentacruel to get past Jellicent and prevents opposing Pokemon from setting up. With Rain Dish activated, Toxic helps it stall its enemies out effectively. Due to the prevalence of hazards in the metagame, Rapid Spin is also a must. Scald is its only attacking move, but is very useful. It burns Ferrothorn and other Pokemon immune to Toxic, making Substitute shine even more.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>By reaching 264 Speed, Tentacruel can Toxic Pokemon, such as Substitute Gyarados and Dragonite before they even set up. It also helps it set up Substitute against defensive Pokemon, such as Specially Defensive Jirachi and other Tentacruel. 252 HP EVs are allotted for maximum recovery and what's left is added to Defense for the bulk. Sludge Bomb can be used over Toxic for as a second STAB, but while it hurts Grass-types, the lack of Toxic impairs this set. Toxic Spikes can also be used over Toxic, but the same problem applies.</p>
<p>Politoed is without a doubt the most appreciated teammate, with Drizzle enabling Tentacruel to abuse Rain Dish. Teammates with Pursuit really help Tentacruel, since they can KO Substitute Latias. Pokemon with Natural Cure and Heal Bell users, such as Blissey, Chansey, and Celebi, which don't mind status are also decent teammates. Dugtrio is useful as well, ensuring the rain lasts forever by trapping Tyranitar and Ninetales, as well as trapping Blissey and Chansey. With prediction, Dugtrio can also defeat Toxicroak, something very important, since otherwise it can just switch in on Tentacruel and use it as a set up bait. Other obvious partners are those with a weakness to Stealth Rock; there are many choices for these. Tentacruel has good synergy with Pokemon resisting its weaknesses and vice versa, such as Terrakion, Ferrothorn, and Landorus. Lastly, Heal Bell support is ideal, since a random Thunder Wave, or burn destroys the set.</p>