Status: Proofreading Stage
If I'm doing something wrong with the format, someone please let me know
Do I need to do anything to the counters section?
Overview: done
Toxic Spiker: done
Sleep Talk Support: done
Swords Dancer: done
Optional Changes: done
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/tentacruel
[OVERVIEW]
<p>A Toxic Spiker, spinner, and Mixape counter all in one, Tentacruel is a useful tool for stall teams. While its typing prevents it from being a successful special wall, Tentacruel occupies a niche in the OU metagame that cannot be filled by any other Pokemon. With plenty of opportunities to switch into ubiquitous Fighting-, Ice-, and Fire-type attacks, Tentacruel will have many opportunities to spin away entry hazards and just as easily set up its own. On a proper team, Tentacruel can be an amazing useful asset.</p>
[SET]
name: Toxic Spiker
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Electric
move 4: Surf
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tentacruel's typing and Special Defense allow it to easily absorb opposing Toxic Spikes and set up its own. Rapid Spin allows it to get rid of any enemy entry hazard that it does not absorb while Sludge Bomb and Surf give it powerful STABs. Hidden Power Electric can be used over Sludge Bomb in order to prevent Tentacruel from becoming Gyarados fodder, though the 30% chance of poison Sludge Bomb provides can be useful in crippling Pokemon such as Latias, Salamence, and Zapdos who are immune to Toxic Spikes. A Calm nature and the defensive EV spread allow Tentacruel to take on threats such as Infernape, who's Close Combat will always be a 2HKO, and Heatran, who fails to 2HKO Tentaacruel without a Life Orb.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Tentacruel's most common counters tend to prey on its weaker defense stat and weakness to Earthquake. Skarmory is an excellent parter for Tentacruel due to its ability to wall Metagross, Swampert, and Taunt-less Gyarados while also setting up its own entry hazards. Skarmory's weakness to Fire-type attacks and special attacks are covered by Tentacruel; just beware the mutual weakness to electricity. Swampert and Hippowdon can easily take Electric-type attacks for this duo while Roaring away threats such as Salamence and setting up Stealth Rock. Abomasnow's typing works well with Tentacruel and the everlasting hail it brings enables Tentacruel to use Blizzard if you wish. Gliscor has excellent type synergy with Tentacruel, being immune to Ground- and Electric-type attacks whilst having its weaknesses covered by Tentacruel.</p>
<p>Wish is a necessity alongside Tentacruel due to its lack of a recovery move. Blissey is an excellent choice, especially on a stall oriented team where a Pokemon to take tremendously powerful special attacks is needed. On other teams, Vaporeon can easily pass Wishes to it while countering Gyarados and Flygon, though both Pokemon are again weak to Electric-type attacks. Finally, Latias has superb type synergy with Tentacruel and also can easily pass Wishes and dual screens to help ensure its longevity.</p>
<p>Rotom-A is a great Pokemon to use alongside Tentacruel not only for its ability to block Rapid Spin, but also because it can handily take on Gyarados and Metagross. It is also immune to Earthquake and resistant to Thunderbolt. Pokemon with Perish Song such as Celebi are useful to handle Calm Minders who Tentacruel struggles against.</p>
[SET]
name: Sleep Talk Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Surf
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 56 Def / 200 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Because Tentacruel's lack of a recovery move usually hinders its staying power, Rest and Sleep Talk provide a way to keep it alive. Tentacruel should come in on something that doesn't threaten it and start setting up Toxic Spikes, Resting when necessary. Surf provides Tentacruel with reliable STAB and prevents it from becoming Taunt bait. If Toxic Spikes are not necessary for your team, Tentacruel has plenty of other offensive options: Hidden Power Electric allows it to beat Gyarados, Ice Beam hits Salamence and Celebi, and Sludge Bomb has a 30% chance to poison while being boosted by STAB. Rapid Spin as another option, though Tentacruel is helpless against most spin blockers such as Dusknoir and Rotom-A. When combined with the fact that Tentacruel already absorbs Toxic Spikes, Rapid Spin seems to be an inferior option. It can still work, however, if your team desperately requires a spinner.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Tentacruel appreciates Rotom-A and Blissey for the same reasons mentioned in the previous set, though Wish support is not necessary when running Rest. A specially defensive Forretress is a good partner due to its ability to remove opposing entry hazards and use Payback to 2HKO Latias who attempt to set up on Tentacruel. Skarmory and Gliscor can also make excellent teammates, though you must watch out for Skarmory's weakness to Thunderbolt. Latias covers Tentacruel's weaknesses and can revenge kill Salamence and Gyarados who decide to set up.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dancer
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Surf / Hydro Pump
item: Life Orb
ability: Clear Body
nature: Lonely / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 80 SpA / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although possessing a mediocre Attack stat, Tentacruel can utilize Swords Dance to become an effective mixed attacker. One Swords Dance gives Tentacruel enough Attack to net key 2HKOs on Blissey, Celebi, Vaporeon, and Suicune if Stealth Rock or Spikes are in play. The combination of Waterfall and Poison Jab is resisted only by Empoleon and Tentacruel in OU, while Hydro Pump and Surf hit Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Forretress for more damage than any of the physical attacks. </p>
<p>The EVs allow Tentacruel to outspeed Timid Heatran and Adamant Lucario. If an Adamant nature is used, Hydro Pump is the ideal move for the last slot because it can still 2HKO the aforementioned physical walls, but a Lonely nature and Surf accomplish the same thing if the 80% accuracy is troubling. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Salamence outspeeds and OHKOs Tentacruel with Earthquake and Empoleon can easily set up on this set. A Choice Scarf Flygon can force a Speed tie with a +1 Salamence and revenge kill a +2 Empoleon. It also has useful immunities to Ground- and Electric-type attacks. Metagross and Swampert cause trouble for Tentacruel because they can take a boosted Waterfall and retaliate with Earthquake, but Rotom-C can stop both of these two behemoths in their tracks.</p>
[OPTIONAL CHANGES]
<p>Tentacruel has several other options to work with. Giga Drain hits Swampert hard and provides a way to replenish HP. Ice Beam can be used to take on Salamence, though it is exceedingly difficult for Tentacruel to survive the encounter. Blizzard is an excellent option of Tentacruel is being used on a hail team. Knock Off can be used over a second attack, but sometimes knocking off an item such as a Life Orb can be detrimental to the Toxic Spikes stalling strategy. Haze, Mirror Coat, and Safeguard all provide support options, though Tentacruel usually has better moves to work with. </p>
<p>Although the EVs listed are generally the most effective, Tentacruel has a plethora of other spreads available to it. Calm nature with 204 HP / 96 SpA / 172 SpD / 36 Spe gives it some extra speed while preventing Choice Scarf Heatran's Earth Power and Choice Specs Latias's Dragon Pulse from 2HKOing. Timid with 204 HP / 156 SpA / 148 Spe allows Tentacruel to survive a Choice Specs Draco Meteor from Salamence or Latias and OHKO the former with Ice Beam.</p>
<p>Tentacruel has several Speed numbers it should aim for. 319 allows Tentacruel to outspeed Gliscor, 308 outspeeds Jolly Lucario, and 300 beats Adamant Salamence. Neutral natured Tentacruel should aim for 285 to beat Jolly Mamoswine or 280 to outspeed Adamant Lucario and Timid Heatran. Offensive Tentacruel should generally run higher speed numbers in order to get the edge over slower, but still lethal Pokemon. </p>
If I'm doing something wrong with the format, someone please let me know
Do I need to do anything to the counters section?
Overview: done
Toxic Spiker: done
Sleep Talk Support: done
Swords Dancer: done
Optional Changes: done
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/tentacruel
[OVERVIEW]
<p>A Toxic Spiker, spinner, and Mixape counter all in one, Tentacruel is a useful tool for stall teams. While its typing prevents it from being a successful special wall, Tentacruel occupies a niche in the OU metagame that cannot be filled by any other Pokemon. With plenty of opportunities to switch into ubiquitous Fighting-, Ice-, and Fire-type attacks, Tentacruel will have many opportunities to spin away entry hazards and just as easily set up its own. On a proper team, Tentacruel can be an amazing useful asset.</p>
[SET]
name: Toxic Spiker
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Electric
move 4: Surf
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tentacruel's typing and Special Defense allow it to easily absorb opposing Toxic Spikes and set up its own. Rapid Spin allows it to get rid of any enemy entry hazard that it does not absorb while Sludge Bomb and Surf give it powerful STABs. Hidden Power Electric can be used over Sludge Bomb in order to prevent Tentacruel from becoming Gyarados fodder, though the 30% chance of poison Sludge Bomb provides can be useful in crippling Pokemon such as Latias, Salamence, and Zapdos who are immune to Toxic Spikes. A Calm nature and the defensive EV spread allow Tentacruel to take on threats such as Infernape, who's Close Combat will always be a 2HKO, and Heatran, who fails to 2HKO Tentaacruel without a Life Orb.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Tentacruel's most common counters tend to prey on its weaker defense stat and weakness to Earthquake. Skarmory is an excellent parter for Tentacruel due to its ability to wall Metagross, Swampert, and Taunt-less Gyarados while also setting up its own entry hazards. Skarmory's weakness to Fire-type attacks and special attacks are covered by Tentacruel; just beware the mutual weakness to electricity. Swampert and Hippowdon can easily take Electric-type attacks for this duo while Roaring away threats such as Salamence and setting up Stealth Rock. Abomasnow's typing works well with Tentacruel and the everlasting hail it brings enables Tentacruel to use Blizzard if you wish. Gliscor has excellent type synergy with Tentacruel, being immune to Ground- and Electric-type attacks whilst having its weaknesses covered by Tentacruel.</p>
<p>Wish is a necessity alongside Tentacruel due to its lack of a recovery move. Blissey is an excellent choice, especially on a stall oriented team where a Pokemon to take tremendously powerful special attacks is needed. On other teams, Vaporeon can easily pass Wishes to it while countering Gyarados and Flygon, though both Pokemon are again weak to Electric-type attacks. Finally, Latias has superb type synergy with Tentacruel and also can easily pass Wishes and dual screens to help ensure its longevity.</p>
<p>Rotom-A is a great Pokemon to use alongside Tentacruel not only for its ability to block Rapid Spin, but also because it can handily take on Gyarados and Metagross. It is also immune to Earthquake and resistant to Thunderbolt. Pokemon with Perish Song such as Celebi are useful to handle Calm Minders who Tentacruel struggles against.</p>
[SET]
name: Sleep Talk Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Surf
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 56 Def / 200 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Because Tentacruel's lack of a recovery move usually hinders its staying power, Rest and Sleep Talk provide a way to keep it alive. Tentacruel should come in on something that doesn't threaten it and start setting up Toxic Spikes, Resting when necessary. Surf provides Tentacruel with reliable STAB and prevents it from becoming Taunt bait. If Toxic Spikes are not necessary for your team, Tentacruel has plenty of other offensive options: Hidden Power Electric allows it to beat Gyarados, Ice Beam hits Salamence and Celebi, and Sludge Bomb has a 30% chance to poison while being boosted by STAB. Rapid Spin as another option, though Tentacruel is helpless against most spin blockers such as Dusknoir and Rotom-A. When combined with the fact that Tentacruel already absorbs Toxic Spikes, Rapid Spin seems to be an inferior option. It can still work, however, if your team desperately requires a spinner.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Tentacruel appreciates Rotom-A and Blissey for the same reasons mentioned in the previous set, though Wish support is not necessary when running Rest. A specially defensive Forretress is a good partner due to its ability to remove opposing entry hazards and use Payback to 2HKO Latias who attempt to set up on Tentacruel. Skarmory and Gliscor can also make excellent teammates, though you must watch out for Skarmory's weakness to Thunderbolt. Latias covers Tentacruel's weaknesses and can revenge kill Salamence and Gyarados who decide to set up.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dancer
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Surf / Hydro Pump
item: Life Orb
ability: Clear Body
nature: Lonely / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 80 SpA / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although possessing a mediocre Attack stat, Tentacruel can utilize Swords Dance to become an effective mixed attacker. One Swords Dance gives Tentacruel enough Attack to net key 2HKOs on Blissey, Celebi, Vaporeon, and Suicune if Stealth Rock or Spikes are in play. The combination of Waterfall and Poison Jab is resisted only by Empoleon and Tentacruel in OU, while Hydro Pump and Surf hit Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Forretress for more damage than any of the physical attacks. </p>
<p>The EVs allow Tentacruel to outspeed Timid Heatran and Adamant Lucario. If an Adamant nature is used, Hydro Pump is the ideal move for the last slot because it can still 2HKO the aforementioned physical walls, but a Lonely nature and Surf accomplish the same thing if the 80% accuracy is troubling. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Salamence outspeeds and OHKOs Tentacruel with Earthquake and Empoleon can easily set up on this set. A Choice Scarf Flygon can force a Speed tie with a +1 Salamence and revenge kill a +2 Empoleon. It also has useful immunities to Ground- and Electric-type attacks. Metagross and Swampert cause trouble for Tentacruel because they can take a boosted Waterfall and retaliate with Earthquake, but Rotom-C can stop both of these two behemoths in their tracks.</p>
[OPTIONAL CHANGES]
<p>Tentacruel has several other options to work with. Giga Drain hits Swampert hard and provides a way to replenish HP. Ice Beam can be used to take on Salamence, though it is exceedingly difficult for Tentacruel to survive the encounter. Blizzard is an excellent option of Tentacruel is being used on a hail team. Knock Off can be used over a second attack, but sometimes knocking off an item such as a Life Orb can be detrimental to the Toxic Spikes stalling strategy. Haze, Mirror Coat, and Safeguard all provide support options, though Tentacruel usually has better moves to work with. </p>
<p>Although the EVs listed are generally the most effective, Tentacruel has a plethora of other spreads available to it. Calm nature with 204 HP / 96 SpA / 172 SpD / 36 Spe gives it some extra speed while preventing Choice Scarf Heatran's Earth Power and Choice Specs Latias's Dragon Pulse from 2HKOing. Timid with 204 HP / 156 SpA / 148 Spe allows Tentacruel to survive a Choice Specs Draco Meteor from Salamence or Latias and OHKO the former with Ice Beam.</p>
<p>Tentacruel has several Speed numbers it should aim for. 319 allows Tentacruel to outspeed Gliscor, 308 outspeeds Jolly Lucario, and 300 beats Adamant Salamence. Neutral natured Tentacruel should aim for 285 to beat Jolly Mamoswine or 280 to outspeed Adamant Lucario and Timid Heatran. Offensive Tentacruel should generally run higher speed numbers in order to get the edge over slower, but still lethal Pokemon. </p>