Swampert Analysis [GP 0/2] CHECK ME

danilo · Feb 25, 2012

CherubAgent said I could take this over so...

[Overview]

 The BW OU metagame has proven too difficult for Swampert to keep up with. With Team Preview, the Mud Fish Pokemon lost its main niche in the DPP OU metagame, as a dedicated lead. In the Fifth Generation, Swampert faces tough competition from Quagsire, who boast a reliable recovery move. But don't let Swampert's flaws prevent you from using him. Swampert is blessed with great typing, great bulk, a great Attack stat, and an excellent movepool. Additionally, Swampert makes a great counter to Rotom-H, and fills Donphan's role as a bulky Ground-type. Although Swampert's flaws, if you can use his strengths well, he will prove to be a valuable addition to your team.

[SET]
name: Tank
move1: Waterfall
move2: Earthquake
move3: Ice Punch / Roar
move4: Stealth Rock / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Torrent
nature: Adamant
evs: 240 HP / 252 Att / 16 Def

[SET COMMENTS]

This set utilizes Swampert's excellent defensive stats, and it's enormous base 110 Attack stat. Waterfall is Swampert's STAB move of choice, hitting anything that doesn't resist it hard, as well as having a significant chance of flinching the opposing Pokemon.Earthquake is Swampert's secondary STAB move, which makes for decent type coverage in conjunction with Waterfall. Ice Punch is useful hitting in common Swampert switch ins like Shaymin, who losses about half of its HP from Swampert's Ice Punch. Roar is useful for phazing many of Swampert's counters, like Shaymin and Roserade. Stealth Rock is utilized has Swampert is able to find many opportunities to set up Stealth Rock with its excellent defensive stats. If Stealth Rock is already being utilized by another member of your team, you can run Toxic over Stealth Rock to cripple some of Swampert's switch ins.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EVs are fairly simple. 240 HP EVs allows Swampert to gain as much HP as possible with Leftovers. 252 Attack EVs ensure that Swampert will be able to do significant damage to anything that may switch in, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Defense to allow Swampert to take physical hits a little better. Ice Beam can be used to hit things like Gligar and Tangrowth, but they're not too common in UU. A bulkier EV spread can be used, but the lack of power will be missed. Teammates that can beat bulky Water-types and Grass-types are some of Swampert's best friends. Roserade is a great partner, as it can use Leaf Storm to finish off Water-types and Sludge Bomb for Grass-types. Additionally, Roserade can provide entry hazard support for Swampert, which allows him to snag more kills than he would normally get.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move1: Earthquake
move2: Waterfall
move3: Ice Punch
move4: Stone Edge / Superpower
item: Choice Band
Ability: Torrent
nature: Adamant
evs: 80 HP / 252 Att / 176 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set utilizes Swampert's excellent base 110 Attack, while still retaining Swampert's excellent bulk. In addition to excellent bulk and putting dents in anything with a Choice Band, this set has perfect type coverage, allowing you to hit everything in sight hard. Earthquake is the most powerful attack on the set, which hits everything that doesn't resist it for some serious damage. Waterfall is the secondary STAB attack on this set, allowing Swampert to hit things like Flygon, who are able to dodge Swampert's Earthquake. Ice Punch lets you hit Grass-types like Shaymin who resist Swampert's STAB moves. Stone Edge lets you hit Zapdos hard, while Superpower is your best bet at taking down Snorlax.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EVs are rather simple. Maximum Attack investment is necessary to hit everything as hard as possible. The Speed EVs allow Swampert to out speed Milotic with minimum Speed investment. The rest of the EVs are then dumped into HP, to allow Swampert to take hits a little better. 208 Speed EVs can be used if you would like to out speed things like minimum speed Suicune, or you can remove all Speed EVs and move them into HP. Pokemon that can provide Swampert with entry hazard support are excellent teammates. Roserade stands out as one of the best Swampert partners because Roserade has a 4x resistance to Grass-type moves, and can set up the entry hazards that Swampert loves. If you're looking for more offensive teammates, Weavile can take care of the Grass-types that plague Swampert's existence. Finally, Snorlax can deal with special attacking Grass-types, while Swampert can deal with things like Darmanitan and Hitmontop, whom Snorlax has trouble dealing with.
[Other Options]

Swampert has an excellent special move pool, with access to gems like Hydro Pump, Surf, Scald, Earth Power, Ice Beam and Focus Blast. It's usually better to focus more on Swampert's excellent base Attack stat, though. Swampert can make use of Counter and Mirror Coat, do to his excellent bulk. Yawn is useful for phazing, and works well with entry hazard support. A RestTalk set with Curse and Waterfall can be used, but it's very vulnerable to Grass-types. Refresh is useful for curing status, which Swampert hates.

[Checks and Counters]

Swampert's incredibly bulky, so the only thing that can really take him out in one hit are Grass-type Pokemon, or random Grass-type Hidden Powers. Shaymin, Tangrowth and Roserade can all take out Swampert with their Grass-type moves. Luckily for Swampert, not even Grass-types can switch in safely, for fear of Ice Punch.

danilo · Feb 27, 2012

WRITTEN

Cherub Agent · Feb 27, 2012

placeholder

Cherub Agent · Feb 27, 2012

Sir said:
CherubAgent said I could take this over so...

[Overview]

 The BW OU metagame has proven too difficult for Swampert to keep up with. With Team Preview, the Mud Fish Pokemon lost its main niche in the DPP OU metagame, as a dedicated lead. In the Fifth Generation, Swampert faces tough competition from Quagsire, who boast boasts a reliable recovery move. But don't let Swampert's flaws prevent you from using him. Swampert is blessed with great typing, great bulk, a great Attack stat, and an excellent movepool. Additionally, Swampert makes a great counter to Rotom-H, and fills Donphan's role as a bulky Ground-type. Although Swampert's Swampert has his flaws, if you can use his strengths well, he will prove to be a valuable addition to your team.

[SET]
name: Tank
move1: Waterfall
move2: Earthquake
move3: Ice Punch / Roar
move4: Stealth Rock / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Torrent
nature: Adamant
evs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 Def

[SET COMMENTS]

This set utilizes Swampert's excellent defensive stats, and it's enormous base 110 Attack stat. Waterfall is Swampert's STAB move of choice, hitting anything that doesn't resist it hard, as well as having a significant chance of flinching the opposing Pokemon (mabye add: "should Swampert be able to outspeed the opponent", which is rare). (Space)Earthquake is Swampert's secondary STAB move, which makes for decent type coverage in conjunction with Waterfall. Ice Punch is useful for hitting in common Swampert switch ins like Shaymin, who losses loses about half of its HP from Swampert's Ice Punch. Roar is useful for phazing many of used to phaze out Swampert's counters, like such as Shaymin and Roserade, and to rack up entry hazard damage. Stealth Rock is utilized has as Swampert is able to find many opportunities to set it up Stealth Rock with its excellent defensive stats. If Stealth Rock is already being utilized by another member of your team, you can run Toxic over Stealth Rock to cripple some of Swampert's switch(remove space)ins.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EVs are fairly simple. 240 HP EVs allows Swampert to gain as much HP as possible with Leftovers. 252 Attack EVs ensure that Swampert will be able to do significant damage to anything that may switch in, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Defense to allow Swampert to take physical hits a little better. Ice Beam can be used to hit things like Gligar and Tangrowth, but they're not too common in UU. A bulkier EV spread can be used, but the lack of power will be missed noticeable. However, it allows Swampert to fare better against offensive juggernauts such as Darmanitan and Victini. Teammates that can beat bulky Water-types and Grass-types are some of Swampert's best friends. Roserade is a great partner, as it can use Leaf Storm to finish off Water-types and Sludge Bomb for Grass-types. Additionally, Roserade can provide additional entry hazard support for Swampert, which allows him to snag more kills than he would normally get.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move1: Earthquake
move2: Waterfall
move3: Ice Punch
move4: Stone Edge / Superpower
item: Choice Band
Ability: Torrent
nature: Adamant
evs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set utilizes Swampert's excellent base 110 Attack, while still retaining Swampert's excellent bulk. In addition to excellent this bulk and putting the ability to put dents in anything with a Choice Band, this set has perfect type coverage, allowing you to hit everything in sight hard. Earthquake is the most powerful attack on the set, which hits everything that doesn't resist it for some serious damage. Waterfall is the secondary STAB attack on this set, allowing Swampert to hit things like Flygon, who are which is able to dodge Swampert's Earthquake. Ice Punch lets you hit Grass-types like such as Shaymin who resist Swampert's STAB moves. Stone Edge lets you hit Zapdos hard, while Superpower is your best bet at taking down Snorlax.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EVs are rather simple. Maximum Attack investment is necessary to hit everything as hard as possible. The Speed EVs allow Swampert to out(remove space)speed Milotic with minimum Speed investment. The rest of the EVs are then dumped into HP, to allow Swampert to take hits a little better. 208 Speed EVs can be used if you would like to out speed things like such as minimum speed Suicune, or you can remove all Speed EVs and move them into HP. Pokemon that can provide Swampert with entry hazard support are excellent teammates. Roserade stands out as one of the best Swampert partners because Roserade it has a 4x resistance to Grass-type moves, and can set up the entry hazards that Swampert loves. If you're looking for more offensive teammates (sounds strange; Roserade IS offensive), Weavile can take care of the Grass-types that plague Swampert's existence. Finally, Snorlax can deal with special attacking Grass-types, while Swampert can deal with things like Darmanitan and Hitmontop, whom Snorlax has trouble dealing with.

(insert space)
[Other Options]

Swampert has an excellent special move(remove space)pool, with access to gems like including Hydro Pump, Surf, Scald, Earth Power, Ice Beam, Hidden Power and Focus Blast. It's usually better to focus more on Swampert's excellent base Attack stat, though. Swampert can make use of Counter and Mirror Coat, do due to his excellent bulk. Yawn is useful for phazing, and works well with entry hazard support. A RestTalk set with Curse and Waterfall can be used, but it's very vulnerable to Grass-types. Refresh is useful for curing status, which Swampert hates.

[Checks and Counters]

Swampert's incredibly bulky, so the only thing that can really take him out in one hit are Grass-type Pokemon, or random Grass-type Hidden Powers. Shaymin, Tangrowth and Roserade can all take out Swampert with their Grass-type moves. Luckily for Swampert, not even Grass-types can switch in safely, for fear of Ice Punch.

Couple of things. I'm not sure if you should refer to the reader as "you". Since I'm unsure on that, I left it out. Second, the analysis seemed a little "gung-ho" in places. Like, you seem to really emphasize how powerful Swampert is. I got the impression that it was one of the top dog powerhouses in UU, when it's really just a solid tank :/. I left all that out though since it's your writing style. I can only recommend to possibly tone it done a tad in the future? Anyway, good work.

SOMALIA · Feb 28, 2012

You got Earthquake to smash Roserade and Waterfall 2HKOes Flygon so I don't see the point of Ice Punch being the main slash in the third slot. In p[ractise Roar is moree efficient and should be the primary slash. In addition to that, most targets that Ice Punch huirts are Pokemon that Swamperet would not like to stay in on (ie. Shaymin., Perhaps Roar as the main move.

danilo · Feb 28, 2012

Ask UU QC if i should change the order of the slashes

Oglemi · Mar 2, 2012

Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself

add/edit
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[Overview]

(backspace)The BW OU metagame has proven too difficult for Swampert to keep up with. With Team Preview, the Mud Fish Pokemon lost its main niche in the DPP OU metagame, as a dedicated lead. In BW, Swampert faces tough competition from Quagsire, who boasts a reliable recovery move. But don't let Swampert's flaws prevent you from using him. Swampert is blessed with a great typing, great bulk, a great Attack stat, and an excellent movepool. Additionally, Swampert makes a great counter to Rotom-H, and fills the role of a bulky Ground-type quite nicely. Although Swampert's flaws, if you can use his strengths well, he will prove to be a valuable addition to your team.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Roar
move 4: Stealth Rock / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Torrent
nature: Adamant
evs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 Def

[SET COMMENTS]

This set utilizes Swampert's excellent defensive stats and its enormous base 110 Attack stat. Waterfall is Swampert's STAB move of choice, hitting anything that doesn't resist it hard, as well as having a significant chance of flinching the opposing Pokemon. (space) Earthquake is Swampert's secondary STAB move, which has decent type coverage in conjunction with Waterfall. Ice Punch is useful for hitting in common Swampert switch ins like Shaymin, who loses about half of its HP from Swampert's Ice Punch. Roar is useful for phazing many of Swampert's counters, like Shaymin and Roserade. Since Swampert's excellent typing causes a lot of switching, Swampert should find many opportunities to set up Stealth Rock. If Stealth Rock is already being utilized by another member of your team, you can run Toxic over it to cripple some of Swampert's switch-ins.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EVs are fairly simple. 240 HP EVs allows Swampert to gain as much HP as possible with Leftovers. 252 Attack EVs ensure that Swampert will be able to do significant damage to anything that may switch in, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Defense to allow Swampert to take physical hits a little better. Ice Beam can be used to hit things like Gligar and Tangrowth, but they're not too common in UU. A bulkier EV spread can be used, but the lack of power will be missed. Teammates that can beat bulky Water-types and Grass-types are some of Swampert's best friends. Roserade is a great partner, as it can use Leaf Storm to finish off Water-types and Sludge Bomb for Grass-types. Additionally, Roserade can provide entry hazard support for Swampert, which allows him to snag more kills than he would normally get.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move1: Earthquake
move2: Waterfall
move3: Ice Punch
move4: Stone Edge / Superpower
item: Choice Band
Ability: Torrent
nature: Adamant
evs: 80 HP / 252 Att / 176 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set utilizes Swampert's excellent base 110 Attack, while still retaining Swampert's excellent bulk. In addition to excellent bulk and putting dents in anything with a Choice Band, this set has perfect type coverage, allowing you to hit everything in sight hard. Earthquake is the most powerful attack on the set, which hits everything that doesn't resist it for some serious damage. Waterfall is the secondary STAB attack on this set, allowing Swampert to hit things like Flygon, who are able to dodge Swampert's Earthquake. Ice Punch lets you hit Grass-types like Shaymin who resist Swampert's STAB moves. Stone Edge lets you hit Zapdos hard, while Superpower is your best bet at taking down Snorlax.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EVs are rather simple. Maximum Attack investment is necessary to hit everything as hard as possible. The Speed EVs allow Swampert to out speed Milotic with minimum Speed investment. The rest of the EVs are then dumped into HP, to allow Swampert to take hits a little better. 208 Speed EVs can be used if you would like to out speed things like minimum speed Suicune, or you can remove all Speed EVs and move them into HP. Pokemon that can provide Swampert with entry hazard support are excellent teammates. Roserade stands out as one of the best Swampert partners because Roserade has a 4x resistance to Grass-type moves, and can set up the entry hazards that Swampert loves. If you're looking for more offensive teammates, Weavile can take care of the Grass-types that plague Swampert's existence. Finally, Snorlax can deal with special attacking Grass-types, while Swampert can deal with things like Darmanitan and Hitmontop, whom Snorlax has trouble dealing with.

[Other Options]

Swampert has an excellent special move pool, with access to gems like Hydro Pump, Surf, Scald, Earth Power, Ice Beam and Focus Blast. It's usually better to focus more on Swampert's excellent base Attack stat, though. Swampert can make use of Counter and Mirror Coat, do to his excellent bulk. Yawn is useful for phazing, and works well with entry hazard support. A RestTalk set with Curse and Waterfall can be used, but it's very vulnerable to Grass-types. Refresh is useful for curing status, which Swampert hates.

[Checks and Counters]

Swampert's incredibly bulky, so the only thing that can really take him out in one hit are Grass-type Pokemon, or random Grass-type Hidden Powers. Shaymin, Tangrowth and Roserade can all take out Swampert with their Grass-type moves. Luckily for Swampert, not even Grass-types can switch in safely, for fear of Ice Punch.

OK I'm going to stop checking this. There are a lot of things wrong with this analysis, bad writing aside:

I strongly question your knowledge of the metagame when the only other Pokemon mentioned in the first set, as both counters and teammates, is Roserade, Shaymin, Gligar, and Tangrowth. Your Checks and Counters section is also extremely lacking, last time I checked Grass-types aren't the only mons that can beat a Swampert. How about the fact that Swampert has no reliable recovery? He's vulnerable to all entry hazards, Toxic Spikes (and Toxic in general) especially if he's not running Rest. Beyond that, he has good defenses, but they are far from godly, so he's limited to only a few switch ins in an entire match, especially when trying to tank attacks from the likes of Darmanitan, Victini, Flygon, and Rhyperior. In fact, you really fail to mention just how a good of a switch-in Swampert is to Electric-types that lack HP Grass, particularly Zapdos and Raikou.

I'm going to leave this open to give you a chance to improve the analysis, but I think it may be better to leave this to someone with a deeper knowledge of the metagame.

Snunch · Mar 2, 2012

Thanks for bringing this to my attention before this got through GP, Oglemi.

This is a really poor writeup. Your knowledge of Swampert and the UU metagame in general seems to be limited to stats and typing. Nobody with a basic understanding of the UU metagame would learn anything from reading this analysis. I'm going to reassign this and keep an eye on any future analyses you write.

Swampert Analysis [GP 0/2] CHECK ME

I am but a flea